Text - Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth

Preparations made, the group of six sleeps well that night in the cabin of the old storyteller.

In the morning, Eles provides and Aashera prepares a bountiful breakfast of eggs, fried pork strips, fruits, milk, water, bread rolls, and butter. Eles explains that only he and Aashera ever use the cabin and he needs to use up the perishable foods. His daughter-in-law will come in a couple of days to collect anything left and take it back to Nost.

Wagon loaded, horses hitched, the group sets out. Eles appears in the door wearing functional but well-crafted leather armor. There is a touch of flair to the outfit and he is dressed well enough to appear in court, complete with feathered hat. His limp seems to have vanished and he has no trouble keeping up.

Aashera spends her days away from the wagon, scouting and hunting. She is silent among the trees where she is most at home. Whether fish or rabbit, the group never wants for fresh meat to supplement their dried rations. She even downs a deer, and though it takes her a day to clean and dress the meat, it provides enough to last a week.

Travel is slow and steady to the west toward the turtle forest. The villages here are filled with a content people who are willing to trade. This duchy is north of Therions and ruled by one of his allies. Dutchess Stharane is well liked, an heiress to an agricultural domain who happens to be skilled in both warfare and governance. Eles claims the woman is more of a steward than a ruler and lets his people govern themselves for the most part. This is a welcome change from her ancestors who tended to be a bit on the eccentric side.

With the friendly old man as the face of the group, the townsfolk open up easily and are happy to sell whatever the group needs in the way of goods.

Two weeks in brings the group to the southern tip of the most eastern edge of the forest. It is technically outside of Stharane's province, but marks her western border. There is a sizable town nestled up against the trees at the bottom of a range of small hills. The town seems to bustle with activity at first, but upon further inspection, something is wrong. This message was last edited by the GM at 14:04, Tue 24 Jan 2017. player, 24 posts Tue 12 Aug 2014 at 07:40 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" As they travel, Phineas makes a point of watching Aashera at her work, trying to mimic her stealthy gait through the wildlands. He eventually starts a conversation:
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"My lady Aashera, I am thoroughly impressed with your acumen in this arboreal environment. While I know all there is to know about making one's way among the streets of a city, I can see that you have craft here in this sylvan setting that I lack. You had alluded earlier to teaching us some of what you know. Might this be a meet time to share some of your skills with me? Of course, I shan't begin to approach your mastery, but if you'd deign to indulge a dabbler, I'd certainly be grateful." player, 72 posts Human Scholar Tue 12 Aug 2014 at 08:42 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" When he is not doing his part to help the group with their travels, Toben spends his time with his nose buried in his work. Between scribbling out new designs and hypothesizing new theories, he was quite content with his journey and his companions. The stop in Duchess Stharane's territory was a welcomed stop as he was able to partially refresh his supplies of parchment, inks, and other essentials.
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After a couple weeks of travel, his supplies we again starting to run low. Seeing another town on the horizon was again a welcomed sight. The activity he noted from afar seemed normal at first, until they got a little closer. "Strange... does anything about this town strike you folks as odd? Something just doesn't feel right."

[Private to GM: Toben will make the appropriate spot/listen/gather info skill as necessary.] This message was last edited by the GM at 14:05, Tue 24 Jan 2017. NPC, 12 posts Human Ranger Tue 12 Aug 2014 at 10:06 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "I'll make you a deal, kid.  You stop trying to impress me with all those big words and I'll teach you a thing or two."
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[Private to Phineas Highwood: Survival - +1 RANK Stealth - 3 xp Knowledge (Nature) - +2 RANKS Profession (Hunting) - +1 RANK]

Kade Rystalmane (talk) 13:40, April 26, 2019 (UTC)

On the hill overlooking the town, Aashera stares down at it, trying to make out what Toben is talking about. "I don't see anything." NPC, 15 posts Human Bard Tue 12 Aug 2014 at 10:07 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "No, no.  Toben is right.  Something is amiss here." He looks over at Phineas. "I suggest we send the boy in to have a little look around.  You can do that without being discovered?" player, 47 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Tue 12 Aug 2014 at 10:31 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano travelled silently for the most part,  listening to the others talking. Whenever he had free time away from his regular duties, he would practice the four door flow, exercise, or meditate. He did not need much in the towns that they stopped in, and spent most of his time there watching the horses and the wagon.
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The journey seemed to be taking them a long time, and every day Ano worries that the stars would be discovered. After a few more weeks of traveling they came upon the next village on their planned route. Ano looked up quickly at Toben's mention of possible trouble. Ano looks long at the town to see if he can discern the confusion.

[Private to Eru:  Ano takes 10 on a spot and listen check to see if he can determine what is happening in the town.] This message was last edited by the player at 11:18, Tue 12 Aug 2014. player, 59 posts Human Fighter Tue 12 Aug 2014 at 14:27 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale makes sure the horses are seen to, and he's willing to spend a day at a village to help out with any blacksmithing.
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Regarding the loot, he suggests/does

1 simple short bow and 30 arrows 1 punch dagger 7 daggers, 1 balanced well enough for throwing 3 short swords 4 suits of piecemeal leather armor 3 short swords Does anybody want any of these things? If not, let's sell them as we go. [Sell for half the PHB, would net maybe 75 GP (selling for half price; could be better if anybody has charisma or merchant skill)]

2 scythes 1 farm implement that looks like it was hastily hammered to emulate a glaive Klale suggests that the group work with these to improve the "glaive" and to start making rings for a chain shirt for Klale.

15 coppers Let's use them to start a party treasury.

14 water skins, 5 filled with an almost undrinkable alcoholic beverage Let's get rid of the swill. I wouldn't want to try to sell it. At least average quality is what I want to aim for. The skins...I think we should keep. If we're going from well-watered country to dry country, we'll be glad to have them.

Each day he joins Ano in his exercises. Ano calls the set "the four door flow." Klale finds some of it not too hard, but parts are difficult. He comments This is quite a discipline, but it may not fit the way my body is. Regardless, I'm grateful. It's a good way to stay in shape using muscles I've not done much with before. When he gets out of Ano what's worrying him, Klale says to the group We don't know if getting there in the area will be good or bad. As for competition, we're traveling, practicing a trade. We may not be perceived as competition unless we make ourselves so. Besides, some others may be allies rather than foes if it comes to that. ... Good idea. The rest of us can tend to the horses. Aashera, you might want to go with Phineas. A couple, perhaps looking like brother and sister, is less apt to raise concern. He looks at Phineas. I might be wrong, but you've impressed me as having twitchy hands. I'd hope you're just looking around while the rest of us are tending the horses...and while all the folks down there are looking you over. player, 73 posts Human Scholar Tue 12 Aug 2014 at 14:42 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben pulls back from the overlook. "I can't tell exactly what is going on down there, but that mass of people in the center of town makes me think something is up."
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He glances over at Phineas, "Maybe it's a carnival of some kind... you should check it out.", he says with a smile.

Toben makes his way back to the wagon where he sees Klale taking inventory. "I agree, a party fund would probably a good idea. It'll help take care of things like room, board, and travel expense when needed." He rummages through some of the acquired gear, "I don't see anything here that would be of use to me. We can sell it, as far as I'm concerned." player, 48 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Tue 12 Aug 2014 at 14:43 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" After a long look at the town Ano feels like has seen all he can. He turns to the others,  "There is definitely something wrong, I can see a large number of people gathered in the center of town, and I do not think they are there by their own free will.  It sounds like there is some fighting happening down there as well." As much as Ano would like to just move on and not have to deal with another reason to slow their progress, he did not think they could continue with out fresh supplies. "Those that are going there best be very careful, I think the rest of us should move closer.  If they get into trouble they are going to need help quickly. " player, 74 posts Human Scholar Tue 12 Aug 2014 at 14:56 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Wow, you could hear all that Ano? That's impressive... if your assessment is correct, then we should definitely investigate."
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Toben steps away from the wagon and joins Ano. player, 61 posts Human Fighter Tue 12 Aug 2014 at 15:16 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Maybe some sort of execution or punishment? Klale looks at the scene. Anybody armed keeping the crowd there? This message was last edited by the player at 15:16, Tue 12 Aug 2014. player, 75 posts Human Scholar Tue 12 Aug 2014 at 16:04 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben shrugs, "Hard to say. My eyes aren't as sharp as Ano's are. Just looks like a large mob to me. I think we ought to get a closer look, and maybe send Aashera and Phin ahead to scout." player, 62 posts Human Fighter Tue 12 Aug 2014 at 16:21 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" I'm beginning to change my mind. Travelers might naturally be curious...or scared, but a couple taking a look, leaving, and returning might arouse suspicions. Ano, you might be the best judge...or you Toben. Or Eles...age brings wisdom, and you're a survivor. NPC, 16 posts Human Bard Tue 12 Aug 2014 at 18:50 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "I suppose I could put on my robes and wander my way down there.  Aashera wouldn't be comfortable down there.  An old story teller would not arouse suspicion." He looks at Phineas. "I'd like to take the boy with me.  My grandson.  He'll stay out of trouble because he knows the stakes are higher getting caught if there really is something going on down there." He looks at Phineas. "Right?" player, 76 posts Human Scholar Tue 12 Aug 2014 at 19:05 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben nods, "Ok, I can hang back... but not too far. I don't want you two getting waylaid without proper back up." player, 25 posts Tue 12 Aug 2014 at 21:54 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "I'd like these" says Phineas, picking out the punch dagger and the throwing dagger. With a deft twist of his wrist, they are suddenly out of sight, secreted somewhere on his person. [Private to GM: Phineas tucks the punch dagger into his boot and the throwing dagger up a sleeve for easy access.]
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"And of course I'll stay out of trouble!" reassures Phineas with a huge grin that the others find anything but reassuring. "Lead the charge, Mister Eles. I shall just be your extremely wide-eyed innocent grandson, perhaps a bit simple, who his keeping his beloved elder company." He gets to work undoing his usual fastidious appearance, quickly taking on the look of a ragamuffin, completing it with a guileless, slack-jawed, wide-eyed gaze. This message was last edited by the player at 21:55, Tue 12 Aug 2014. NPC, 13 posts Human Ranger Wed 13 Aug 2014 at 23:41 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "This is taking too long.  Something-" GM, 71 posts Wed 13 Aug 2014 at 23:44 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" A group of people emerge from the town. Two masked men with bare chests, an array of weapons strapped to their bodies, and masks lead what looks like a single family. The man and woman have loops of rope tight around their necks. The rope loops are at the end of long poles. Five children, including an infant in the arms of a girl about Phin's age, are being herded along with their parents. The woman and the children are all crying. The father is struggling to no avail against the pole leash. player, 77 posts Human Scholar Thu 14 Aug 2014 at 07:07 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "What the f-", Toben's hands immediately clench up as the scene unfolds before him. "It's time to go..."
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Something down there must have struck a nerve. Within what seemed like a few seconds, Toben had grabbed his crossbow, unhitched a horse, and was starting to ride towards the town.

[Private to GM: This probably seems impulsive and reackless, but it's something that strikes a chord back to Toben's own childhood. Not much will stop him from confronting the bandits. If there is anything I need to know, please do so.] This message was last edited by the player at 11:10, Thu 14 Aug 2014. NPC, 14 posts Human Ranger Thu 14 Aug 2014 at 10:00 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" With a grim look, Aashera races ahead of Toben on foot while he unhitches the horse. It will be a toss-up to see which reaches the masked men first, Toben or Aashera's arrows. player, 49 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Thu 14 Aug 2014 at 11:33 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" As Ano watched the two men leading the family, he began to start to form a plan to get past these two men. That is when he saw Aashera rush past him closely followed by Toben on a horse. Ano let out a big sigh, knowing there was nothing more to be done, so he took of after the two of them at full speed. There were just going to have to improvise. He disliked to improvise. player, 63 posts Human Fighter Thu 14 Aug 2014 at 13:06 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale watches agape as three of his companions rush to do who knows what. Earth and skky! What do they think they're about? Or think at all? GM, 72 posts Thu 14 Aug 2014 at 13:16 Profile | Info | Rolls Masked Men Combat Round 1{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" With the thunder of a horse to alert them, the two masked men look up and see the attackers. They look at each other and one draws a knife. He hands his pole, the one with the man, to the other masked man. Before the second masked man can get a good grip, the captive whirls about and rips the pole from his hand. Then the captive slams into the second man holding the wife.
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The first masked man lets out a curse and lunges for the escaped captive with his knife.

GM: You have initiatives based on the following order:

Toben Aashera Ano Klale This message was last edited by the GM at 11:48, Fri 15 Aug 2014. player, 26 posts Thu 14 Aug 2014 at 13:36 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Masked Men Combat Round 1{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Phineas rushes to the edge of town and sees the masked men. He looks for ways to keep out of sight as much as possible, seeking an opening to help. He knows he was too slight to be able to hold his own directly against the masked brutes. This message was last edited by the GM at 11:47, Fri 15 Aug 2014. player, 79 posts Human Scholar Thu 14 Aug 2014 at 16:28 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Masked Men Combat Round 1{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Seeing the captives struggle only infuriates Toben more. He raises his crossbow to fire at the one wielding the knife and takes aim. The rocking of the horse throws him off entirely, and lets loose a wild shot into the air.
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In a blind rage, he bears down harder.

16:23, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 10 using 1d20+2. Ride check. 16:23, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 2 using 1d20-4. crossbow attack from horseback.

[Private to GM: How many rounds before Toben reaches the bandits?] This message was last updated by the GM at 11:47, Fri 15 Aug 2014. NPC, 15 posts Human Ranger Thu 14 Aug 2014 at 18:40 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Masked Men Combat Round 1{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Aashera stops, plants, and lets fly with practiced ease. Her arrow catches the man wielding the dagger with a glancing blow (2 dmg). It is enough to draw his attention from his victim for a moment.
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19:37, Today: Aashera Elend rolled 21 using 1d20+4. attack vs. masked man with dagger. 19:38, Today: Aashera Elend rolled 2 using 1d6. dmg vs. masked man.

This message was last updated by the player at 11:47, Fri 15 Aug 2014. player, 65 posts Human Fighter Thu 14 Aug 2014 at 19:45 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Masked Men Combat Round 1{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Fire's breath! Klale exclaims, he mounts the wagon, takes up the reins, and directs the team at a walk toward the incident. As he does so, he looks also toward the townspeople for any movements. This message was last updated by the GM at 11:47, Fri 15 Aug 2014. player, 51 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Thu 14 Aug 2014 at 20:15 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Masked Men Combat Round 1{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano charges to a full run, closing in on the small group of people a head of him. He knows he is going to have to move fast to be able to make it in time to help the captives. The arrows would keep the men distracted for a while but they needed some one closer. So he keeps running, breathing hard, hoping he is fast enough.
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Ano moves his full speed (160 feet), trying to close the distance. This message was last edited by the GM at 11:47, Fri 15 Aug 2014. player, 30 posts Fri 15 Aug 2014 at 11:12 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Masked Men Combat Round 1{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Phineas decides to protect the family. He pulls both the throwing dagger and his military-issue dagger from his clothing and leaps between the soldiers and the family, doing his best to look imposing and fierce while taking pains to keep a distance from both the soldier's weapons and the flailing pole from the freed captive.
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"Pick on someone your own size, you filthy blackguards!" he yells angrily. It doesn't make a lot of sense coming from him, but he's clearly caught up in the moment. This message was last edited by the GM at 11:47, Fri 15 Aug 2014. Fri 15 Aug 2014 at 11:46 Re: Masked Men Combat Round 1{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The man wielding the dagger looks at Phineas and grins. "What's this?  You looking to join this family on the gallows, so to speak?" He lunges for Phineas with his free hand attempting to grab him. Phineas is far to quick for him. As the youth darts out of reach, the man overreaches and trips. This message was last edited by the GM at 14:56, Fri 15 Aug 2014. Fri 15 Aug 2014 at 14:50 Re: Masked Men Combat Round 1{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" See his companion trip and fall and the approaching would be saviors, the second masked man pulls his dagger and stabs at the woman's waist. She twists and avoids death, but the knife still stabs her side. "Hold still you-  AAAARGGH!"
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It seems that while the two men were distracted, the oldest child positioned herself to help her parents. She bit hard into the arm holding her mother's pole causing him to release it.

In anger, the captor backhanded the young girl and sent her sprawling. This message was last edited by the GM at 14:50, Fri 15 Aug 2014. player, 31 posts Fri 15 Aug 2014 at 14:55 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Masked Men Combat Round 2{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Wasting no time, Phineas pounced on the prone captor. The violence nauseated him, but he could not let these men kill this family. The punch dagger slammed down into the man's back. Though not particularly strong, Phin's position gave him decent leverage.
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Blood welled from the wound caused by the dagger.

15:53, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 19 using 1d20+5. Attack vs. prone masked man. 15:54, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 4 using 1d6. dmg vs. masked man. 20:01, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 3 using 1d6. Sneak Attack Damage.

This message was last edited by the GM at 19:02, Fri 15 Aug 2014. player, 82 posts Human Scholar Fri 15 Aug 2014 at 15:14 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Masked Men Combat Round 2{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Rather than fumble with trying to reload the crossbow, Toben tosses it aside and slows his gait with the horse. With the children in close proximity he decides to try and engage instead of just bowling him over.
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"RELEASE THEM!", Toben commands.

He pulls back on the reigns hard, the horse rears up to bring its hooves down upon the masked man holding the knife. A stutter in the horses step jars Toben and his seat falters bringing him crashing to the ground.

The horse, free of it's enraged rider, turns and seeks refuge from the combat. Toben rolls to avoid being trampled by the horse, but remains prone. <p title="Message information.">This message was last updated by the GM at 18:56, Fri 15 Aug 2014. player, 66 posts Human Fighter Fri 15 Aug 2014 at 17:02 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Masked Men Combat Round 2{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale nears. <p title="Message information.">This message was last updated by the GM at 18:56, Fri 15 Aug 2014. NPC, 16 posts Human Ranger Fri 15 Aug 2014 at 19:01 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Masked Men Combat Round 2{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Just after the man backhands the girl, Aashera's arrow finds his chest just under the clavicle (6 dmg). It spins him about 90 degrees, but does not bring him down.
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19:58, Today: Aashera Elend rolled 23 using 1d20+4. attack vs. masked man 2. 19:59, Today: Aashera Elend rolled 6 using 1d6. Damage vs. Masked Man 2. player, 55 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Sat 16 Aug 2014 at 07:10 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Masked Men Combat Round 2{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" As Ano charged forward he knew they needed to end this fight quickly if they wanted to save the life of the woman who had been stabbed. The man he was running at had been hit by an arrow moments before and was just turning to face him. Ano put his weight on his forward foot sliding slightly to slow himself, spinning his body 360 degrees, and bringing his other leg around in a vicious round house kick. He caught the man on the side of the head, feeling his foot connect with his temple.
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07:56, Today: Ano rolled 22 using 1d20+4. Attack on the second masked man.

08:03, Today: Ano rolled 6 using 1d6+3. Damage roll on second masked man. GM, 78 posts Sat 16 Aug 2014 at 11:21 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The man Ano kicks drops and is unable to rise.
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Phineas is nearly bucked off of the other man, but the father of the family slams a rock into his head, stilling him. The father rushes to the woman, ostensibly the mother, and checks her wound.

"I'll live, Saed.  It's not bad.  I..." she winces as she tries to sit up. "I just need to clean it and get a bandage on it.  Where are the children?"

Saed pulls torn scraps of cloth away from his wife's wound. "Dirina is watching them, Loren.  She's a tough girl.  Nobie is holding the baby." He looks around at his captors to make sure they aren't getting up. Then he looks at Ano and Phineas. "Thank you for saving us.  Do either of you know anything about cleaning and bandaging a wound?" <p title="Message information.">This message was last updated by the GM at 11:22, Sat 16 Aug 2014. player, 83 posts Human Scholar Sat 16 Aug 2014 at 11:46 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben picks himself up off the ground and knocks the dust from his clothes. He looks over to the wife, who is holding her side "I'm afraid I'll do more harm than good." He scans the area for the horse he rode in on, "Much like what I may have already done", he says sheepishly.
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Rubbing what is most likely a bruised tailbone, "Ano - er, the bald one there - has proven himself to be somewhat skilled at tending to wounds. Is anyone else hurt?"

Toben will take a quick look at the unconscious men to see if there are any identifying markings on their bodies or armor. Perhaps some sort fo gang or faction? Is there a particular skill you'd want him to roll if anything out of the ordinary is found?

Hearing the wagon creaking in the distance, he looks to Phineas. "Hey Phin, you want to help me grab some rope from the cart? We'll want to make sure these two are bound before they come to." He turns and starts walking towards the wagon, and tries to preserve the pride that wasn't left lying in the dirt. <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 11:58, Sat 16 Aug 2014. player, 56 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Sat 16 Aug 2014 at 11:51 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano silently steps forward towards the woman and bends down to examine the wound. It was not quite as bad as he had expected but it need to be treated quickly. He unbound the cloth wrappings that were tied around his hands and fore arms, and use them as make shift bandages. He wrapped them around the wound with the help of her husband, said "She will need rest". He then turned to his companions "Who are these men, why masks?"
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Ano takes 10 on a Heal check player, 32 posts Sun 17 Aug 2014 at 05:17 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Now that the heat of the moment is fading, Phineas looks shaken, but trails after Toben to gather up some rope to bind the men. NPC, 17 posts Human Ranger Sun 17 Aug 2014 at 07:40 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Aashera rounds up the children and does her best to console and distract them. She engages the eldest, Dirina, as a helper. Without asking about the men, Aashera does her best to illicit information about the town, its layout, who their friends are, who the leader of the town is, and similar pieces of information. Within moments, she has the children chatting away like nothing bad has happened. player, 84 posts Human Scholar Sun 17 Aug 2014 at 08:01 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The wagon arrives slowly, but surely. Toben avoid eye contact with Klale, as  he can feel the eyes of a disapproving father upon him. He quickly grabs the rope and a roll to Phineas.
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On the way back to the beaten, masked men he asks Phineas "You mind showing me a thing or two with these? I'll help you tie these guys up." He helps Phineas as best he can, but the boy does most of the work as Toben tries not to get himself tangled up.

He watches, impressed, as Aashera deftly handles the children and distracts them from what just happened.

Once the married coupled are cared for by Ano, Toben addresses the husband to try to pull him out of ear-shot from the children "Saed, was is? You want to give me a hand with these two?"

"I apologize for putting your family in danger charging in like that. I don't know what came over me." he says as he begins to drag the bound men off to the side. "What do you know of these bandits? Are there more of them? Is this sort of kidnapping a common occurrence?" <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the GM at 13:53, Sun 17 Aug 2014. player, 33 posts Sun 17 Aug 2014 at 08:35 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" As the shock of the violence begins to wear off, Phineas begins to tell the others of what he saw in the city:
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"There were a dozen men in town, all as well-armed as these. They said something about expecting a tribute from the town, but since the townspeople weren't cooperating, a family a day would be executed, starting with this one. We should be careful in case the other men in town heard the ruckus and send more men to investigate."

"Eles is still back there; he sent me on ahead to warn you, but we need to be sure he's OK as well." player, 85 posts Human Scholar Sun 17 Aug 2014 at 09:50 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben looks to Saed for confirmation. As he nods at the boys statements, Tobin can feel the rage building up again
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He takes a couple long deep breaths to control himself. He says, "charging in there isn't going to work this time, it'll just get us all killed. We will need a real plan at this time."

He pauses for a moment, looks at the two unconscious men, and then says "I think I got it. Their clothes ought to match at least two of us. We could disguise ourselves and try to rally the troops from within." player, 67 posts Human Fighter Sun 17 Aug 2014 at 13:58 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale pulls up, sets the brake, and alights. He looks at Ano's bandages with approval [Klale has some healing skill.]. When he catches up on the situation, he opines I like the idea of the masks. He looks around for the gallows on which two bodies should be seen as hung. [They should be in sight of the village square, I guess.] Sun 17 Aug 2014 at 18:40 Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" After being assured his wife is okay, Saed comes to help hold the captors down. "Thank you for interfering.  Had you not come, we would be dead by now." He gives Phineas a nod. "The boy is right.  This gang comes every three months or so and collects a huge portion of our goods as 'tribute'.  This year, many of us had had enough and refused.  They gathered us into the square and made their threat.  We were to be the first example.  They were going to kill us all.  My kids.  My baby.  These bandits have no souls." <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the GM at 18:41, Sun 17 Aug 2014. GM, 79 posts Sun 17 Aug 2014 at 18:46 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The men are trussed up like solstice pigs. How good the ropes will hold is anyone's guess.
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If you are going to try and disguise two of you as these guys, you will need to roll Disguise checks for those who will be wearing the disguise. I also need each of you to roll a WIS check (d20+WIS Mod).

[Private to Phineas Highwood; Toben Ironsprings: Use Rope: +1xp] [Private to Ano; Klale Tsolo: Heal +1xp] <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the GM at 21:44, Sun 17 Aug 2014. player, 57 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Sun 17 Aug 2014 at 20:49 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano finished bandaging the woman, and making sure that there was no excess bleeding. As the others discussed their next plan of action, he listened carefully watching the edge of the city for any movement. When they discussed sending people in disguised Ano spoke up "If there are as many of them as Phineas says, it might be dangerous to divide ourselves.  The rest of us should go in with them, perhaps as captives."
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21:48, Today: Ano rolled 19 using 1d20+3. Wisdom check. player, 86 posts Human Scholar Sun 17 Aug 2014 at 22:47 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "If I may make a recommendation. I feel like one of the people that gets disguised should be Saed. If we pull it off, when he approaches the townspeople to rally them, he will automatically have their trust. I would suggest Ano as the other. He is tough, light on his feet, and can hold his own if things get ugly. Long enough for us to jump in at least."
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He smiles at Klale, "The bit about the rest of us being captives is nice, it keeps us all close. However, we need to make sure the children and Saed's wife are not visible. Theoretically, they are all supposed to be dead. Perhaps they can keep Eles company?"

"Phin looks to be quite the trickster. I bet he would do great trying to help disguise them."

22:47, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 15 using 1d20+1. Wisdom check. player, 58 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Sun 17 Aug 2014 at 23:20 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" As Ano listened to the plans being made, he spent some time looking over the unconscious masked men, and it dawned on him. He turned to his companions "The disguise won't work.  With only twelve of them they are likely to know each other very well.  Klale is to large and the rest of us far to small to pass for either of these men.  Ano took some time, thinking about their opinions,  then an idea came to him.
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He turned to Phineas and said "can you get safety back to Eles? Get him to rally the people to fight?" He turned back to the others "We have the one thing the villagers need to help themselves" he walked over to the wagon and pulled a cover of the arms they had taken from the bandits "weapons". player, 68 posts Human Fighter Mon 18 Aug 2014 at 01:13 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" I think kill these two, hanging or otherwise. Then we go into town as we purposed if you're doubtful about the masks. There are possibilities when we get there. Saed, were the children to be hanged also?
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23:12, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 3 using 1d20. Wisdom. player, 87 posts Human Scholar Mon 18 Aug 2014 at 06:57 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben thinks a moment on Ano's rebuttal. "To a degree, I believe you are right. Disguises won't last long with the other bandits, but at least very least it might get us close enough to award is the element of surprise."
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He looks to Phineas. "Phin is young enough to look harmless, so the bandits might discount him. We could send him ahead to mingle with the townspeople to assure them that Saed and his family are safe, and that we have a plan to rid the town of these men. Maybe that would get some folks willing to take arms against them."

"Worst case scenario, we are no worse off than without the disguises." NPC, 18 posts Human Ranger Mon 18 Aug 2014 at 07:10 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "I don't like the idea of the disguises either.  But if we are going with it, Phineas could slip into the crowd -- as one of the new 'prisoners' -- with a few extra knives and distribute them to the townsfolk." She looked at each of the men taking their measure. "I like the idea of Klale and Saed in disguise.  The rest of you are too...scrawny.    Saed should lead the prisoners back as he is closest to the size of thes dogs." player, 88 posts Human Scholar Mon 18 Aug 2014 at 07:34 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben shrugs, "It is but one idea. I am certainly open to others. We could all hide under the coveted wagon and approach as a merchant caravan. When we get close enough, pop out. However, I still like the idea of Phin passing out weapons within the town regardless which plan we use." <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 10:12, Mon 18 Aug 2014. player, 34 posts Mon 18 Aug 2014 at 14:18 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Mr. Saed, do you think that would help? Do the villagers need weapons? Would they rise up against their oppressors if better equipped, or are they too cowed already?" Mon 18 Aug 2014 at 21:09 Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Saed considered for a moment the plan, then nods. "The people will fight if they have weapons and see an armed force of trained people aiding them.  If the boy here could slip them knives to fight with, the element of surprise might win the day.  We will never be rid of them unless we stand up to them.  Some might die this day, but it will brighten our future."
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He unbuttons his shirt and removes the mask from the smaller of the two men. Aashera takes the wife and children to a house and has them hide inside. By the time she returns, Saed has slipped the man's pants over his own and donned his boots. The pants are baggy, but the right length. From a distance, with distraction, his disguise might work for a few minutes.

He finishes the disguise by strapping on the host of weapons worn by the smaller captor. "I can get some of these to my people and they will be better armed.  There are only ten left.  Three have bows.  One is dressed in heavy armor, their leader,  Pauric .  The rest are only armed with melee weapons and lighter armor." player, 89 posts Human Scholar Mon 18 Aug 2014 at 22:48 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben nods, "This may just come together after all. We should identify the ones with bows as quickly as possible, and neutralize them first."
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He glances at Phineas, "You've been really good at sneaking up on people pretty good so far. I think you'd be good for dealing with one of the bowman. If we're lucky, we may have some of the townsfolk occupy the other two."

"Klale, you're our biggest power house. If we could get you to charge or engage this Pauric quicky and take him down. His followers might crumble quickly. Ano, you're probably the best backup for Klale. With the two of you on him, I doubt he'd last long. Aashera is great at range, and I'll try to do my best to assist her."

"How do we want to go about the approach?" NPC, 19 posts Human Ranger Mon 18 Aug 2014 at 22:54 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "I will handle two of the bowmen.  If we time it right.  My arrows can signal the beginning of the fight." She bit her bottom lip. "Only thing is, we don't know how skilled these men are at arms.  Klale, are you up to taking on a fully armored warrior?" player, 90 posts Human Scholar Mon 18 Aug 2014 at 23:04 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "How do you need the cadence of the battle to flow in order to get your timing correct?" player, 69 posts Human Fighter Mon 18 Aug 2014 at 23:27 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" I ride in with hammer and sword, and I will boast. When I see this  Pauric, I'll brag that I can make armor as good as his. Then I get close, and we shall see. Which hand of his holds what weapon? Ano, one possibility is getting inside that weapon. Then I may be able to grapple if he lacks a dagger. Another chance is that my hammer will make a bid dent or make a bell around his head. player, 59 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Tue 19 Aug 2014 at 03:59 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano looked from Klale to Toben and nodded "We can handle him.  We will sneak in and wait for Aashera's arrow as the signal four us to attack their leader.  Hopefully by then the villagers will be ready to fight or we will be quickly over run. Tue 19 Aug 2014 at 05:54 Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "So am I the only one going in, in disguise? Taking this boy, Phineas is it, as a prisoner? What do I tell them happened to the other man?" player, 91 posts Human Scholar Tue 19 Aug 2014 at 09:58 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "I think it would be better for two of us to go into disguise. I'll do it, if needs be, but we need to be unified on our approach."
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Toben thinks about the current suggestions so far, "If we go with the 'Klale blacksmith challenge' then the prisoner approach probably won't be very effective, but that will give Phin some lead time to distribute weapons."

He pauses for a moment, "If we go with the prisoner idea, then I think we'd need to pick someone else as prisoner. If we use Phin as the prisoner, he won't have any time to pass out the weapons. I would recommend Klale as the prisoner in that case, it would get him close enough to the leader and if we gave Phin enough time to do his thing, we would have the townspeople armed. Besides, Klale could still do his boasting as a prisoner too."

"Either way, I don't mind trying the disguise with Saed. I wouldn't mind getting my hands on these cretins."

Toben looks to the rest of the group, "What do you all think? Any other ideas?" player, 35 posts Tue 19 Aug 2014 at 11:14 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Well, I, for one, *love* the idea of arming these good folk, and giving them a chance to fight back themselves against these brigands. I'm not sure how much weaponry I can tote with me, but with a bit of padding, I should be able to hide quite a few knives among my ersatz flab. And once I've divested myself of the arms, I could certainly thump one of the bowmen on the head when Lady…err, Miss Asheera lets fly with her bow." NPC, 20 posts Human Ranger Tue 19 Aug 2014 at 11:55 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Aashera." player, 70 posts Human Fighter Tue 19 Aug 2014 at 12:13 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Then go, as far as I'm concerned. I can be seen to check the horses and ride in slowly. Then...I know my objective. Ano, maybe you can ride with me and hold the glaive upright, butt on the floor, as we near. That will attract eyes. GM, 80 posts Tue 19 Aug 2014 at 19:18 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" A plan decided upon (more or less), Toben quickly dons his disguise.
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Aashera disappears into the village.

The fourth horse found and re-hitched to the wagon, Klale signals ready. Ano positions the glaive as requested.

Phineas takes a deep breath for confidence, then plasters his face with dirt, even rubbing a tiny bit in his eyes till they are puffy. Once they are clear again, he nods his ready.

Toben and Saed lead the youth through the town back to the square. Saed is in front with Toben right behind Phineas, using him as a partial shield for his disguise.

In the center of the town square, the townsfolk have been gathered into a tight circle and forced to kneel. Surrounding them are ten men who seem to be alert and waiting, probably for their comrades to return.

There are:

5 men in light armor, 3 of those with bows at the ready. 4 men in medium armor, 2 with shields, 2 with two handed weapons. 1 man in heavy armor with a shield and bastard sword strapped to his back. This last man is obviously the leader.

When the trio breaks into the open where the townsfolk are corralled, one of the bowmen glances at the masked men's return, gives a nod, then turns his attention back to the towns folk. A commotion across the way -- loud, off-key...drunken singing -- draws the attention of all the bandits. Whomever it is, they have given the opening needed to get Phineas into the center of the prisoners without incident.

Saed takes up a place around the townsfolk near one of the men in medium armor without a bow. He has a sword unsheathed, but at rest as if intimidating the townsfolk. He is not bad as an actor, especially with the distraction across the square.

The distraction turns out to be a drunk old man who wandered into town. (It's Eles, of course.)  Two of the men in medium armor, those with the 2H weapons, leave the circle to apprehend the newcomer.

GM: This is the set up. If I got something wrong, or stepped on toes, please let me know what I need to change and I will. I do not intend to take control of anyone's character. I am just moving things forward.

Please indicate your  intended  action in the OOC thread as this is a complicated situation. player, 72 posts Human Fighter Wed 20 Aug 2014 at 15:10 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" At this moment, a wagon draws near with two men on its seat. One holds a staff weapon. The other—a big man—stands on the footboard and brandishes a large hammer. He calls out
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'''HO! BRAVE ADVENTURERS! TAKING CHARGE WITH HANDS SWIFT AND SURE! I'M KLALE THE BLACKSMITH, CRAFTER OF WEAPONS, SHIELDS, ARMOR WITH MY TRUSTY HAMMER! SEE THE GLAIVE I'VE IMPROVED, HELD BY MY TRUSTY APPRENTICE! FOR A FEW GOLD...Klale leers...AND A SHARE OF THE WOMEN, YOU CAN BE EVEN DEADLIER THAN EVER!''' player, 93 posts Human Scholar Wed 20 Aug 2014 at 15:29 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Once Klale makes his announcement and gets the bandits attention, Toben will draw his crossbow and aim it at the approaching wagon.
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Amidst the confusion, he will try to position himself about 20-25 feet from the nearest lightly armored man. GM, 82 posts Wed 20 Aug 2014 at 22:04 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Chapter 1: The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" By now the bandits are well beyond confused at all the outside events breaking in on their supposedly isolated party. The man in heavy armor, Pauric, whips his head toward Klale as the blacksmith begins his boast. When his bowmen draw, Pauric orders them to lower their weapons.
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No one is paying attention to the two men who returned with a boy, masked more by the assumptions of their faux-peers than the actual masks they wear.

The armored men escorting Eles,  stop moving toward the crowd to see the newest newcomer to the party. Eles obliges them by leaning against one as if the bandit is a buddy helping him home after closing the bar for the night. The man shoves Eles to the dirt and promptly forgets about him.

Pauric takes a few steps toward the wagon and holds up a hand. "Ho there, blacksmith.  We might be interested to see if you live up to your boasts, but we have business to attend to here, first.  We have no intention of rapine...yet.  These folk simply owe us tribute.  Wait on the edge of town and we will talk arms before sundown." He stands at parade rest, a position that looks like he could quickly draw his weapon and engage. <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the GM at 06:06, Thu 21 Aug 2014. GM, 83 posts Thu 21 Aug 2014 at 06:55 Profile | Info | Rolls Against Bandits: Round 1{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" You have the element of surprise. Klale has control and initiative once Aashera fires. _________________________________________________________________________ BBBBBBBB         BBBBBBBBB        BBBBBB     BBBBBB    BBBBBB    BBBBBBB       BBBBBBB BBBBBBBB         BBBBBBBBB        BBBBBB     BBBBBB    BBBBBB    BBBBBBB       BBBBBBB BBBBB BBB                  BBB BB    BB BBB                  BBBBBBB BBBBBBBB                                                                             BBBBB BBBBBBBB                                                                             BBBBB BBBBBBB                                                                               BBBB BBBBBBBB                                                                             BBBBB BBBBBBBB                                                                             BBBBB E                                           2 2 BBBBBB                                                                              BBBBBB BBBBB                                                                              BBBBBBB BBBBBB                                                                             BBBBBBB BBBBBB                                                                             BBBBBBB BBBBBB m                                     b BBBBBBBB BBBBBBBB                                 t  t  tt   tt  t BBBBBBB                               t  t t  t      t  t BBBBBBBB                               t   t   t    t  t   t                                 t  t  tt   t    t   t    ttt       l                                    t ttt tt  tt FFF tt ttt  t t                       BBBBB BBBBBBBB                             tt   ttt  FFF  ttt t t  tt                     BBBBBB BBBBBBBB                 l        t  t   tt tt t tt  t t t t                         BBBBB BBBBBBB                   s           t    t    t   t tt tt  t                      BBBBBB BBBBBBBB                           t    t     t t ttt   t   P                        BBBBB t   tt    t   t          b                                      T   b            m BBBBBBBBB BBBBBBBB BBBBBBBBB BBBBBBBBB BBBBBBBBB p BBBBBBBB BBBBBBB BBBBBBBB                                          HH BBBBBBBB                                          HH KW                                                   WA BBBBBB        BBBB BBBB               BBBB BBBB                            BBB BBB BBBBBB       BBBBBBBBB               BBBBBBBBB            BBBBBB          BBBBBBB BBBBBB       BBBBBBBBB               BBBBBBBBB            BBBBBB          BBBBBBB _______________________________________________________________________________________
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*Name                 Init   AC/DR     HP/HP    Notes                                                    * Aashera                20    16/--     18/18 Eres                   19    ??/--     ??/?? Klale                  19    11/--     28/28 Toben                  18    12/--     12/12 Ano                    18    15/--     22/22 Phineas                18    13/--     12/12

Pauric  (p)            10    ??/?? ??/?? Light Armor (l)        10    ??/?? ??/?? Light Armor (l)        10    ??/?? ??/?? Medium Armor (m)       10    ??/?? ??/?? Medium Armor (m)       10    ??/?? ??/?? Medium Armor (2)       10    ??/?? ??/?? Medium Armor (2)       10    ??/?? ??/?? Bowman (b)             10    ??/?? ??/?? Bowman (b)             10    ??/?? ??/?? Bowman (b)             10    ??/?? ??/??

<p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the GM at 19:42, Thu 21 Aug 2014. NPC, 21 posts Human Ranger Thu 21 Aug 2014 at 06:59 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits: Round 1{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Aashera fires from out of her hiding place, striking the bowman closest to Eles (5 dmg). The arrow lodges deep in his arm, though he might still be able to fire his bow.
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07:56, Today: Aashera Elend rolled 12 using 1d20+4. Attack vs. Bowman. 07:57, Today: Aashera Elend rolled 5 using 1d6. Damage vs. Bowman. NPC, 17 posts Human Bard Thu 21 Aug 2014 at 07:02 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits: Round 1{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" In the confusion, having been forgotten, Eles draws two daggers hidden within his disguise. In a blur, Eles attacks one of the men (2) 'escorting' him. The man drops to the ground, dead before he hits. player, 73 posts Human Fighter Thu 21 Aug 2014 at 12:46 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits: Round 1{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" '''HOW ABOUT A COUPLE OF WENCHES THEN? THEY'RE SO MANY, AND YOU'RE SO FEW.... When the attack starts, Klale sits back and YE-HAW!''' urges the horses to gallop forward with a slap of the reins—right toward the leader. Ano, get my sword close to hand. Then do what you think best...glaive or just you. player, 38 posts Thu 21 Aug 2014 at 20:02 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits: Round 1{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" After quietly passing out as many knives as he could to the villagers without drawing the guards' attention, Phineas springs into action as soon as he sees Klale begin his shenanigans.
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Dropping his military dagger from his sleeve to his palm, he stabs at the bowman he has "idly" wandered next to, aiming to incapacitate, rather than kill.

20:01, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 2 using 1d20. to hit.

Unfortunately, in his attempt to be stealthy, fast, and non-fatal, he completely bungles the attempt. player, 62 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Thu 21 Aug 2014 at 21:26 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits: Round 1{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" As Klale moved the wagon forward, Ano dropped the glaive and set Klale's sword on the seat beside him. When the wagon nears the heavily armoured leader Ano leaps from the wagon, attempting to bring his elbow down on the man's head as he lands in front of him. His strike was slightly off and his elbow came down on the hard armour of the Pauric's shoulder.
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22:20, Today: Ano rolled 15 using 1d20+4. Stunning fist attack on Pauric. <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 21:42, Thu 21 Aug 2014. player, 94 posts Human Scholar Thu 21 Aug 2014 at 22:01 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits: Round 1{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben takes a step back from the bowman nearest him to try and get more in his blindspot. He quickly switches his aim from the wagon to the bowman and fires off a shot. The bolt whizzes off wildly, missing its intended target. With any luck the bowman won't realize it was meant for him.
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20:33, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 4 using 1d20+3. crossbow attack on bowman. GM, 85 posts Thu 21 Aug 2014 at 23:36 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" With a look of contempt, Pauric slams his pommel down on Ano's shoulder (9 dmg) and shoves him toward a comrade. However, he was so focused on the immediate attack that he failed to recognize the danger of the horse-drawn wagon in time. The first horse slams into him as the armored man tries to dodge out of the way. The blow throws him to the ground and rolls him several times (14 dmg).
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The townsfolk bolt into action when Pauric goes down and swarm their guards. Several are dealt minor wounds and one woman accidentally stabs herself with a knife passed to her from Phineas. However, they are able to overwhelm their captors and strip them of their weapons.

Only Pauric and the other bandit by Eles remain far enough from the crowd to remain free. NPC, 18 posts Human Bard Thu 21 Aug 2014 at 23:38 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Eles taps his second guard on the shoulder with a knife. He nods his head to the side toward the dead bandit. In a cold, sober voice he says, "Think long and hard about how much you want to live, boy, before you reach for that blade of yours."
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The guard shakes his head rapidly and lays down on the ground, face down. player, 74 posts Human Fighter Fri 22 Aug 2014 at 00:32 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale drops the reins, picks up the sword, and alights to run after Pauric. Once there, he whacks whatever part of Pauric's armor is handy with his hammer.
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Taking a 15, assuming it's sufficient. It not.... 22:29, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 10 using 1d8+4. Damage. Fri 22 Aug 2014 at 06:25 Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale's blow slams the struggling fighter back into the ground. He rolls over, gasping for breath. "I yield!  I...yield!" He holds his hand up to forestall further blows, wincing in pain. player, 95 posts Human Scholar Fri 22 Aug 2014 at 09:28 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben nods towards Klale, "Excellent job Klale. Let's get these fools rounded up before they get anymore ideas."
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He flips off his mask and starts corralling the bandits into one contained group. "Alright, masks off and everyone into a nice tight group." Fri 22 Aug 2014 at 10:23 Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "You're the only one wearing a mask." The statement is half-mocking, half-confused sounding. player, 97 posts Human Scholar Fri 22 Aug 2014 at 10:48 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" I was under the impression that all the bandits were wearing masks based on the description of the first 2 we defeated. Poor assumption, but I'll roll with it.
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"You're in no position to be making smart-ass remarks. Now get over there before I cauterize your mouth shut.", Toben spits back in response to the bandit. player, 75 posts Human Fighter Fri 22 Aug 2014 at 13:58 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" On your belly, then. Arms and legs spread.* Klale tells this to Pauric as he kicks the leader's sword away. Klale looks around to spot a villager who looks self-possessed. He points to one with his sword. Let's have a couple of you folks fetch some rope (with a grin) please.
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GM, 86 posts Fri 22 Aug 2014 at 21:31 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Pauric grumbles, but does what he's told. It is obvious he is in some serious pain, but will likely live.
 * If Pauric fails to obey, Klale is ready to take severe action.
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Some of the villagers bring back rope enough to tie up the whole bandit gang, those still living anyway.

An older man in rumpled, but otherwise fine clothing for a small town, comes up to Klale. "We are grateful for your kindness, friends.  In these strange times, those who would risk themselves for others are a rare find.  I am Yern, the governor of this town.  What...what will happen now?" player, 99 posts Human Scholar Fri 22 Aug 2014 at 21:54 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben snorts, "I have a particular sense of disgust for men of their ilk. It was a pleasure dealing with them." He helps the rest of the villagers bind up the bandits. "If it were up to me, I would have all these men handled with extreme prejudice. However, these men have wronged the whole of this town and not me, per se. How would you have them dealt with?" player, 76 posts Human Fighter Fri 22 Aug 2014 at 22:34 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" You're welcome, but getting these criminals out of our way benefited us also. Still...we're traveling and need the means to keep on traveling. We'll want some tokens of your gratitude...food and such...nothing you can't easily afford. Now, first is to care for the wounded, your folk and my friend Ano here. There would-be tyrants or worse...all were subdued or killed except Pauric. I suggest this: Put the group somewhere. Let each come forth...in order from who seems youngest to who seems oldest...to say why he should live and to be questioned. Then stow that person out of earshot of the remaining defendants. If we detect any lies, the liar automatically is put to death...that we'll know after each is questioned. We may have to cal them back for further questioning. When the questioning is all done, we vote but show of hands about death or life...if life, under what conditions. player, 64 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP13/22 Fri 22 Aug 2014 at 22:38 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano stands up from his kneeling position to help keep the bandits in line. His shoulder aches from where it was struck but he shows no outward signs of physical pain. He was going to have to tend to himself later and test his shoulder for the extent of the damage.
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When all the bandits were tied up the people turned their discussion to what should be done with them. Ano steps up beside Toben and says "I am with Toben, we have no authority of law here, our place is not to pass judgement.  The fate of these men belong to the people they have wronged". <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 22:41, Fri 22 Aug 2014. player, 39 posts Sat 23 Aug 2014 at 06:27 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Phineas, with a foot propped on one of the trussed and prone soldiers, nods along as Klale makes his suggestions. For once, he seems happy to listen, instead of contributing his own $0.16 on the subject. His weapons have vanished up his sleeves again, and he strips out the padding and other elements of his disguise as he listens. player, 100 posts Human Scholar Sat 23 Aug 2014 at 14:48 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Yern, what do you want to do with these men? How does your town wish to deliver justice to them?" Sat 23 Aug 2014 at 20:30 Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "We certainly offer whatever foodstuffs you require for your journey.  I also suggest you relieve these ruffians of whatever they have of value as part of the payment for having to subdue them." He glances down at Pauric. "He meant to kill us a family at a time.  He would have ordered our women and our children to be slaughtered.  This man will receive trial and probably execution.  The others, they will receive trial as well.  The two men who took Saed's family to be executed will likely also be executed.  As for the others, I cannot say.  We will decide as a community."
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He holds out a hand to Klale. "Your method for questioning them before the trial is sound.  We will implement it, though sentencing will have to come later." He points toward a large building on the square. "I own the inn here.  Meals and rooms are on me this evening.  We will see to your horses, as well.  I know you are anxious to continue your journey." The last is said with hopeful caution, as if he is frightened he could have replaced one set of ruffians for another. player, 77 posts Human Fighter Sat 23 Aug 2014 at 23:39 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Thank you. If you have no blacksmith, or a backlog, I think we can stay a day or two. It'll give us time to figure out about the weapons and give the horses a rest. Toben, would you put a knife to Pauric's throat to keep him well-behaved while I relieve him of his armor? <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 17:33, Sun 24 Aug 2014. player, 65 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP13/22 Sun 24 Aug 2014 at 07:20 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano gave Yern a grateful bow "We thank you for your kindness, we shant impose ourselves on you, we have pressing buissness.   He then looked around at some of the villagers and said "does this town have a healer, we need to fer some of these peoples wounds tended to." player, 101 posts Human Scholar Sun 24 Aug 2014 at 08:07 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben nods, "I'll make sure he plays nice." He pulls his dagger and awaits Klale's command.
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[Private to GM: Anyone paying attention may notice that his dagger looks to be modified to some extent. To this point, no one has seen his use it] <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 18:59, Sun 24 Aug 2014. player, 78 posts Human Fighter Sun 24 Aug 2014 at 17:43 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale says Pauric, let's make this as easy as possible. You do what I say, I'll try not to make you hurt worse. Assuming all goes well, Klale removes the armor. He than takes bastard sword in hand and says Thanks, Toben. Please truss him up. Tie his wrists behind him and wrap him in rope up until you go around his neck. Then tie a pretty bow on his back. Then he can walk to where the village wants him. player, 102 posts Human Scholar Sun 24 Aug 2014 at 19:07 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben stows his dagger and binds Pauric up. Wrists first behind the back, then loops one around his neck. He ties the two together in a firm knot.
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[Private to GM: Taking a 10 on use rope. All knots used are nothing fancy, but should qualify as a 'firm knot']

"Here you go Klale, take him away."

He turns to Yern, "I wouldn't take it easy on these guys. Bands like this need to be stopped, and it's about time some of them are made an example of. Aside from that, what you decide as a town is up to you all." GM, 87 posts Sun 24 Aug 2014 at 20:44 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Pauric offers no resistance. He is still in too much pain from the horse slamming into him followed by the beatdown from Klale.
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One by one the bandits are stripped of their armor, weapons, and things of value and led away.

Yern once again offers his hotel and says he'll talk more about blacksmithing or whatever services the group would offer if they stay that evening over drinks and supper. For the moment, he wants to see that the bandits are securely locked away.

Many of the townsfolk approach the four of you and Saed. They shake hands and express gratitude for saving them. Many are elderly or at least past their prime. Those that are not have not yet reached adulthood or are female. It is easy to see why this town fell victim to only a dozen bandits. There are too few adult males Saed's age, those capable of fighting back, left in the town.

Once the crowd disperses, a stable boy comes to draw the wagon over to the stable across from the inn. He promises to take good care of the horses and feed them the best grains they have.

GM:  Up to you what you do next. player, 79 posts Human Fighter Sun 24 Aug 2014 at 21:13 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale, relaxing his mouth in what serves for a smile, thanks the stableboy. He looks over the villagers. Looks to me as if some menfolk have been conscripted so something. Hard times, hard times.
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He takes up his hammer and sheath, into which he puts his bastard sword, or Pauric's...whichever seems of better quality.

When he enters the inn, he jovially apologizes in advance. Hope I don't eat out the kitchen. Got a big appetite, I do, and I'm hungry...and thirsty. Wine if you have it...well watered I guess. Gonna' be a busy day tomorrow.

Whe only his companions are in earshot, Klale says Early to bed and I think it best we keep a watch. Treachery is unlikely but possible. Ano, maybe you should sleep the night through...help you heal. player, 40 posts Mon 25 Aug 2014 at 06:54 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" As evening approaches, Phineas wanders about town wearing his "innocent boy" face to see what he can overhear. He wonders if the bandits were simply opportunists who saw a village that could be taken easy advantage of, or if they were part of something bigger. He also keeps his ears open for any mention of the stars. player, 80 posts Human Fighter Mon 25 Aug 2014 at 10:33 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale ponders and adds Wouldn't hurt to make sure those baddies are being watched. Wouldn't do to have any escape. player, 67 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP13/22 Tue 26 Aug 2014 at 08:52 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" While the others are talking Ano goes to the wagon and retrieves his bag. Taking out some material he begins to tightly bind his shoulder and testing it for range of movement. Hopping that it will heal quickly, and taking it easy on his arm is all he can really do for now.
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That night before sleep took him, he spent a long time troubled by the thoughts of the last few encounters he had been involved in. He had trained hard all his life at the monastery,  but his training seemed insufficient against these people who encased themselves in metal. If he wanted to survive in this new an strange world he was going to have to increase his training. player, 82 posts Human Fighter Tue 26 Aug 2014 at 12:10 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Assuming Klale observes Ano with eyes open too long before sleep and is willing to converse, Klale sits by him and says. Thanks for distracting Pauric long enough for Bartran to hit him. Would have been a tough go otherwise.
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...

Yeah, hard on the body to punch or kick metal. ... Well, the heavier the armor, the more top-heavy the wearers. Maybe they go down if pushed on the butt or grappled and thrown. If Pauric's armor can be made to fit somebody, maybe you could practice when your shoulder gets better. player, 41 posts Tue 26 Aug 2014 at 12:26 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" After rooting around in the bandits' effects for a bit, Phineas bounds up to the rest of the group.
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"Gentlemen, I think it meet that we avail ourselves of these scurrilous knaves' bounty. I have picked out a few things for myself: any objections?"

He displays the items he selected from the loot pile:

Leather Armor, Torso Leather Boots Combat Knife Backpack Hooded Lantern Spelunking Kit Thieves Picks

The adult armor hangs ridiculously from his diminutive frame. After a thoughtful moment, he discards the armor with a disappointed look, but hangs on to the other supplies.

"In addition, there is a handsome spyglass that looks like a very finely made piece of work. I propose that I retain it for scouting purposes, but will be happy to surrender it to whomever has need." <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 12:38, Tue 26 Aug 2014. player, 83 posts Human Fighter Tue 26 Aug 2014 at 18:30 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Best we take the armor and some or all the stuff with steel. It'll let me fix the plate so it'll fit me or maybe one of you...think on it. This keeps up, we'll need a second cart. Probably we leave some for the villagers; they helped too. player, 69 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP13/22 Tue 26 Aug 2014 at 19:09 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" In the morning Ano woke early and practiced the four door flow by the inn's stables. He took his time, making sure not to agitate his shoulder, which had developed a large black bruise. As he stretched his joints he be game to feel much better and decided to move on to his new training. He went to their wagon and removed the chain shirt they had taken from the bandits,  and walked to the woods on the edge of town.
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In the silence of the morning Ano stood before a large tree with a chain mail shirt pinned to it. He takes a deep breath as he assumes his combat stance and centers his mind. With lightning speed he strikes the chain twice, feeling the sting on his knuckles. After another deep breath he resumes switching between strikes with fists, feet, knees, and elbows.

He returns to the in an hour later for a simple breakfast and his hands once again wrapped in cloth.

[Private to Eru: How much Hp did I gain back from the one night of sleep and providing my self with first aid?] player, 105 posts Human Scholar Tue 26 Aug 2014 at 20:29 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben rummages through the loot picked off the bandits. He sees very little of interest to him. You can see him pocket a vial of anti-venom and a handful of copper signets rings (about 4), and then sifts through the remaining items. He rolls up the map and tucks it under his arm, picks up a mirror in one hand, and grabs the winged idol with the other.
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He smiles gently, "Anyone going to miss these if I take them?"

[Private to GM: Toben will take a 20 on knowledge (whichever is relevent) on the rings and idol. He'll take a 20 on decipher script on the map.]

On the eve of the first night, he takes up first watch of the prisoners to get it over with early so that he can study his newly acquired baubles. After several hours of study he finally goes to bed.

In the morning, he tries to catch Eles after breakfast. "Have you seen this map. It would be a great addition to your collection. It looks like just where we are headed, but there is a lot of writing I haven't been able to figure out. Can you make anything of it?" NPC, 19 posts Human Bard Tue 26 Aug 2014 at 20:57 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Eles gently takes the map and spreads it over a dry table. He mutters and runs his fingers over text here and there. "This is a copy, for sure.  The parchment is too new to be otherwise." He rubs the edges which are in good condition as if to prove the point. "I can't make anything out of the text.  It's unlike any language I've encountered, and that's saying something."
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He scratches the back of his head, points to the mountain in the middle of Mordun. "This map is all wrong.  They have this mountain as an active volcano.  The land around it is mostly wasteland, rather than the fertile fields I saw with my own eyes.  This," he points to a strange set of gates in the northwest corner of the mountains surrounding Mordun. "doesn't exist.  It's an open gap with a miniature canyon running through it.  Grass and trees have grown up all over."

Without warning, he turns and trots over to the door to his room at the back of the primary hall. He returns with his own map of Mordûn and spreads it out on another table. He points out some faint markings on both maps. Some glyphs, a very few, match. "I, might be wrong here, but this map doesn't call it Mordûn."

He sits heavily in a chair, thinking. "Their map calls it...Mordor." player, 106 posts Human Scholar Tue 26 Aug 2014 at 21:22 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben shrugs, "Hmf, doesn't ring a bell. Then again, I am not as well travelled as you." He takes a step back to compare Eles' map with the one taken from the bandits. "You're right, these two maps are totally different, but the similarities are more than can be ignored." He cocks his head to the side."I wonder..."
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Toben grabs a couple candles and places then on the edge of the table. "Hey Phin, can you come here for a second. Humor me a moment, and hold this map up close to the candles." He hands the bandit's map over to Phineas. "But not too close", he cautions.

"Watch this..." As the light penetrates the parchment of the first map, he places Eles' map directly in front, and the two maps slowly begin to blend into one. "See, some of the landmarks from the first map almost line up perfectly with yours. However, this other stuff just doesn't add up. I mean... where did all this stuff go?"

He turns to look at Eles, "How old do you think the representation is? Assuming it's correct, how long would it take a wasteland like that to become the lush fields you know them to be? Ages, I would imagine." player, 84 posts Human Fighter Tue 26 Aug 2014 at 22:22 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale is present when the prisoners are being questioned, one by one. He says Please tel us about the rings and idol. You know, with the images of what looks like a demon ans so on. NPC, 20 posts Human Bard Wed 27 Aug 2014 at 06:21 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "At least an age." Wed 27 Aug 2014 at 06:29 Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" One young bandit, one of the bowmen, is more cooperative than the others. Where they even refuse to speak and show disdain for the townsfolk questioning them, this young man is actually nervous. He may be a newer recruit, someone who got in over his head.
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"They don't mean anything, really.  Pauric gave 'em to us when he recruited us.  Said it was to identify us to one another should the need come.  He said, 'the Valaraukar is a symbol of our power and the fear others should have for us.'  I think he just thought it looked intimidating and saw that in himself." player, 107 posts Human Scholar Wed 27 Aug 2014 at 06:51 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Tobens, "Hmm, perhaps we can get some useful information from Pauric or one of his lackeys."
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He walks over to where the prisoners are being kept and sees Klale already questioning some of them. "Any luck", he says. "I am curious to see what they know about this map as well." He holds up the map to the one Klale is speaking with. "What do you know about this map? Where did it come from? Who made it?" Wed 27 Aug 2014 at 18:36 Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "I don't know anything about that map.  It was Pauric's.  He said something about heading there once we had enough supplies from this village.  Something about chasing one of those fallen stars." player, 108 posts Human Scholar Wed 27 Aug 2014 at 19:00 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Is that what their tribute was supposed to be? Supplies? If your group was searching for these 'stars', then where did you all come from?"
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Toben waits a moment for a reply, and turns to Klale. "We're going to have to get a little more serious with Pauric. We need to know what he knows." <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 19:32, Wed 27 Aug 2014. player, 85 posts Human Fighter Wed 27 Aug 2014 at 22:20 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" What inducement could we offer him? I'd be worried that torture before death wouldn't sit well with the villagers...and it might be sour in our stomachs as well. I'm ather of the opiion that Pauric meets a quick death unless he talks fast...even then. After that...from oldest to the youngest...him I think we could take along unless the village wants him. Any of the others loosen their tongues...we'll see. Thu 28 Aug 2014 at 06:55 Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Pauric recruited us out of the duchies to the east.  I'm from Acharnim.  A couple of the others are, too.  Some of the men are tight-lipped and were with Pauric when he recruited me a few weeks back.  Like those two who were going to kill the family." He frowns when he speaks of the family being killed. There is a hint of fear in his eyes at the mention of the two masked men who were to do the deed. "I-I don't know where they are from.  The rest all come from one of the duchies, I think.  Kragorim, Brackard, Wraifhelm." player, 109 posts Human Scholar Thu 28 Aug 2014 at 07:54 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" [Private to GM: Going to do a sense motive check on this guy, just in case. He seems scared, but ya never know...]
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Toben nods, "Thank you for being cooperative. I'm sure that will earn you some leniency with the town."

He turns to Klale and lowers his voice. "Yeah, I don't have the stomach for torturing any of these men, but I am sure there is something they are more afraid of than us. If we push the right buttons, he might give us something useful other than a lie." <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 07:56, Thu 28 Aug 2014. player, 86 posts Human Fighter Thu 28 Aug 2014 at 14:52 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" We can wait until the villagers deal with them; we can put in a good word for [name of young bandit (assume party member will/has asked?)]. Changed my mind; it'll take five days to adapt Pauric's armor to fit me. Then there's dealing with the chain shirts and doing useful stuff for the villagers. Could be here a week. Think that'll be okay if we make ourselves useful. We'd better get to work. That'll give Ano a chance to heal too. Don't know about his trying to toughen up his hands and feet, but that's his business.
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By the way, let's make sure none of us get drunk and that any women who find us interesting are unattached.

At some time, Klale approaches Aashera. Please, make nice with the women here. Will help ease our stay...something else...who knows what other baddies may come? Can you help give the women some gumption so they can resist?

So Klale, with Toben's help, sets up shop...outdoors of in a suitable building...or under a spreading chestnut tree.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. 1807–1882

The Village Blacksmith

UNDER a spreading chestnut tree The village smithy stands; The smith, a mighty man is he, With large and sinewy hands; And the muscles of his brawny arms          5 Are strong as iron bands.

His hair is crisp, and black, and long, His face is like the tan; His brow is wet with honest sweat, He earns whate'er he can,   10 And looks the whole world in the face, For he owes not any man.

Week in, week out, from morn till night, You can hear his bellows blow; You can hear him swing his heavy sledge   15 With measured beat and slow, Like a sexton ringing the village bell, When the evening sun is low.

And children coming home from school Look in at the open door;   20 They love to see the flaming forge, And hear the bellows roar, And watch the burning sparks that fly Like chaff from a threshing-floor.

He goes on Sunday to the church,   25 And sits among his boys; He hears the parson pray and preach, He hears his daughter's voice, Singing in the village choir, And it makes his heart rejoice. 30

It sounds to him like her mother's voice, Singing in Paradise! He needs must think of her once more, How in the grave she lies; And with his hard, rough hand he wipes   35 A tear out of his eyes.

Toiling,—rejoicing,—sorrowing, Onward through life he goes; Each morning sees some task begin, Each evening sees it close;   40 Something attempted, something done, Has earned a night's repose.

Thanks, thanks to thee, my worthy friend, For the lesson thou hast taught! Thus at the flaming forge of life   45 Our fortunes must be wrought; Thus on its sounding anvil shaped Each burning deed and thought! player, 111 posts Human Scholar Thu 28 Aug 2014 at 17:42 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "I am comfortable with staying here long enough to refit the armor for you, but we shouldn't dawdle too long. The more time we waste, the more chance others have to find what we are after. I'll help you set up the forge, and assist with whatever the towns folk need. If you think the refit will go faster with me helping you, I will be happy to lend a hand." NPC, 22 posts Human Ranger Thu 28 Aug 2014 at 18:07 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Aashera looks uncomfortable with the request concerning the women, but nods. "I'll do what I can." player, 88 posts Human Fighter Thu 28 Aug 2014 at 19:29 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale smiles. Thank you. Even attentive listening will help, I think...I don't know women very well. Anyway, we're likely to meet similar people as we go along. player, 43 posts Fri 29 Aug 2014 at 06:58 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Phineas uses the time in the village to befriend the villagers (especially the children). "Good friends, it seems we will have a few days together while Klale plies his manly trade! Now that the bandit's pall is dispersed, how may we enjoy this time?" He plays games with and teaches the children a few of the songs he learned in his youth, along with a couple of his own devising, incorporating the childrens' names into them whenever possible.
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The rest of time he spends practicing throwing the combat knife, helping Klale and Toben with their work whenever he has knowledge and strength to do so, and practicing looking intimidating at the bound bandits. player, 113 posts Human Scholar Fri 29 Aug 2014 at 08:57 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben waits until the next before Pauric is set to go on trial for his crimes against the town, before approaching him. He let's the others know of his plan, and they are welcome to join the last ditch effort to interrogate the man.
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He walks up to the bruised and beaten man and sighs heavily. "It's not looking good for you, Pauric. I've been listening to the folks around town about your trial, and they are out for blood and vengeance." Toben tries to look as grim as possible, "There may still be a version where you get to walk away from this in one piece. That, of course, implies cooperation." He presents a signet ring and the idol. "I need you to tell me about the Valaraukar."

[Private to GM: Can Toben take a 20 on an intimidate check (mainly about the town being out for his head), even though it seems most of what he is currently saying is likely true? He will also actively sense motive on Pauric, if he talks.]

[Private to GM: 14:20, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 13 using 1d20+1. Intimidation check. 14:22, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 3 using 1d20+2. Sense motive check.] <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 14:22, Fri 29 Aug 2014. Fri 29 Aug 2014 at 18:25 Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Valaraukar?  Oh, that's my da.  He's a bit of pushover, really.  A right down lovable kind of guy.  Watch, out, though. He's a hugger!" Pauric gives Toben a wink and a leering grin.
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"Tell you what, little girl.  You let me out of these chains and we'll have us a dance and a romp, then I'll be on my way." Then the faux jovial attitude evaporates. "Or leave me locked up and find out how expendable this town is."

His laugh is chilling in that there is no madness and no bravado in it, only pure certainty. player, 73 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP20/22 Fri 29 Aug 2014 at 22:29 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano spends most of his time in the town training, and keeping mostly to himself. His new routine of strengthening himself against attacking metal seems to be going very slowly as he finds himself sore at the end of each day.
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When Toben enters the room with Pauric Ano follows behind him. He stands silently behind Toben and watches Pauric as he boasts. Ano studies his face and actions, he seemed to be quite confident even while being held captive, but it could all be just for show he thought to himself.

OCC: Ano will take 10 on a sense motive check, to see if he thinks Pauric truly believes what he is saying. GM, 94 posts Sun 31 Aug 2014 at 20:17 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale and Toben work solid hours for the five days the group stays in town. The manage to successfully convert Pauric's armor to fit Klale, but only as a breastplate, rather than a full suit such as Pauric wore. The other work they do is gratefully received and earns them 87 silver to boot. Additionally, the work is backlog from the missing men, and so completing it opens up opportunities to converse about the situation.
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After much careful prodding, snooping (Phineas), and careful cajoling (Eres), the story comes out. When the stars fell, the townsfolk awoke to a kind of renaissance like many others. Their crops began to do exceeding well and fortune seemed to favor the town. However, many in the town grew fearful that if the stars fell into the wrong hands, fortune would turn to curse. The young mayor of the town rallied the able-bodies men to trek southwest to find the closest star. Yern had been mayor before, and was ousted by the new young man,  Wexis. Yern had been mayor for a long time, and was selected to step back in during Wexis' hiatus.

Five days after the men left, Pauric showed up, demanding a tribute to his organization. The town was given a week to comply. Your group happened upon the town on day 8 after Pauric.

The mayor, Yern, is wary of trying the bandits while only being a stand-in. At the urging of the town, three separate groups are tried. The first is the young bandit, Cace, along with two others he names as those in similar situations to his own. The second group will be the rest of the surviving bandits, who all seem to be more hardened and longer members of their organization. The last group will be Pauric and the two masked men, who will all be tried for the attempted murder of Saed's family.

As it stands now, there is no thought given to a jury or representation for the bandits. Yern will bring them before his bench, hear any testimony for or against the accused, then pass judgment. He seems...highly uncomfortable with this role. The trial is planned for the last day your group intends to be in town.

The town is actually small enough, and the situation with the strangers (bandits and rescuers both being violent men...and a boy) that none of the single women are brave enough or lonely enough to make any passes. The townsfolk travel in groups of no less than three. They are friendly, but in a stand-offish kind of way.

Weapons and armor from the bandits not kept by the group can be distributed to the villagers, but there are few here with enough strength/training/bravery to use them. There is also a sturdy two-wheel cart and an older, but still healthy horse to pull it. The horse is a titan of an animal standing at least a cubit, maybe two, above the stoutest warhorse. It dwarfs the horses pulling your wagons. Apparently, Wexis rode it into town ten years ago when he first settled here. Yern will let you have the horse and cart if you say you will let them return with  Wexis  or negotiate just recompense if you find him and the men. The cart is loaded with provisions for the horses,

Aashera takes up training some of the women and older children in the bow and arrow and by the 5th day, raw fingers and one gashed cheek notwithstanding, they are actually passable defenders.

Eles spends his time telling stories and prying information out of the townsfolk. The only added piece of information he gleans is that the town is afraid that Pauric is part of a much larger organization that might be hunting the fallen stars.

The prisoners have not tried to escape and it does not look like they could all things being normal. Three older men and one younger woman guard them at all times taking eight hour shifts. They are kept in an old dungeon in some ruins in the forest. The dungeon is secured having only one exit, large enough to hold each man in his own cell, and close enough to town to yell for help. A system of runners and watch-posts are set up between the ruins and the town to inform if there is any attempted breakout. However, the manacles chaining each man to the wall of his cell are of superior quality even after centuries of disuse. Whoever made the dungeon was not someone to trifle with. The men are going nowhere. Pauric even seems to want the trial to happen and keeps taunting the guards to get on with it.

It is the evening before the trials. Yern's tavern is abuzz with conversation and tension. The owner sits at his customary table near the bar while his staff serves mostly alcohol.

GM:  If I missed anything specific, let me know IC here or OOC in the other thread. player, 45 posts Wed 3 Sep 2014 at 07:06 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Phineas works the tavern, using the fact that he has mugs full of things he probably shouldn't be drinking to distract people from the fact that he's listening to conversations he almost certainly shouldn't be listening to. He slurs his speech, plays up his inebriatedness, tries starting a minor argument about the fate of the prisoners ("We oughta make 'em into sausage and give 'em to the families as reparations"), and even feigns dozing in a corner for a bit. player, 116 posts Human Scholar Wed 3 Sep 2014 at 08:58 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben focuses the remainder of his time refitting Klale's armor up until the time of the trials. As he starts to see the light at the end of the tunnel with the armor, he works through the first trial in order to be present at the last two.
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When the time arrives, he takes his place in the crowd and watches what unfolds. player, 90 posts Human Fighter Wed 3 Sep 2014 at 21:15 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale is uneasy. He's accepted the cart with thanks and seen to it that everything is as ready to go as can be. He talks with the party. The trial has been, I fear, too long delayed. I'm inclined to leave now, this very evincing. Maybe take the one who talked with us...save his life. If we stay, we be prepared to fight...that's my advice. player, 77 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP20/22 Wed 3 Sep 2014 at 21:40 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano sits quietly at one of the tables in the inn. Having finishes supper he sat and watched the villagers mill about. He agreed with Klale, that something did not feel right. Something in the way that Pauric had spoken seemed off, but Ano could not imagine what a man locked away in a prison might have planned. Maybe there were more of the bandits then they had originality thought, and the rest were set to return soon.
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Ano stood and left the inn to check their supplies one last time, and then walked to the edge of town, and looked out into the darkness. He found that the quiet out here helped him think. If they left now, would the town be all right? Could they afford to put of their quest any longer? These were questions that constantly plagued Ano's mind. NPC, 23 posts Human Ranger Thu 4 Sep 2014 at 06:14 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Aashera plops down at the table with Klale. She is restless to be sure. "What if all these rumors...no, that's not the right word.  What if all of these fears of a larger group are true.  Can we six stand against something like that?  I've trained some of the women and older children for five days.  That's enough to get them killed for standing up against an invading patrol.  If Pauric is to be executed tomorrow, the army will likely eradicate this town, and us with it." She leaned to emphasize her next point. "I've seen tracks in the woods the last couple of days.  Someone is scouting the town.  The trial is tomorrow and it is possible that so will Pauric's rescue.  I am not against admitting that I am afraid." NPC, 21 posts Human Bard Thu 4 Sep 2014 at 06:15 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "If Aashera has seen tracks not made by the townsfolk, that's enough for me.  If we are going to take that boy with us, let's tell Yern and go.  Tonight." player, 117 posts Human Scholar Thu 4 Sep 2014 at 06:44 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben nods, "That settles it for me. We can leave when we are all ready." He glances around for a moment. "Eles is right, we should at least warn the others. I don't mind bringing the boy with us, but we need to keep a close eye on him. I don't quite trust him yet." <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 09:36, Thu 04 Sept 2014. player, 91 posts Human Fighter Thu 4 Sep 2014 at 15:37 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" I'd say that it would have been better to have not interfered...except...they would have murdered anyway...who knows how many. I now think we should take Pauric with us too. Maybe that will make things easier for the villagers.
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Let's go tell Yern.

[Possible statement] Yern, we're leaving. We're taking Pauric and the kid with us. We expect a force will be coming here. If we're here too, many of you might die. I think you'd better keep the rest of them in bonds but alive. Please do not think too harshly of us. If we'd not acted, you plight may now be worse. player, 118 posts Human Scholar Thu 4 Sep 2014 at 21:24 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Thats a good suggestion, Klale. If a force comes here looking for Pauric, they may leave the town alone and come looking for him. We could easily lead them astray, buy us some time, and maybe even save this town from more hardship." Fri 5 Sep 2014 at 05:58 Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The mayor pro-temp seems agitated at the request to take Pauric. "We appreciate what you have done for us, but there is no need to do this.  Taking him along with you will give him the opportunity to escape and return to accost us again.  Here we can keep him locked up.  Tomorrow is his trial." He waves a dismissive hand. "All this talk of a larger threat is just bluster on his part.  The last, desperate ravings of a wild animal before it is put down."
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He drinks deep of his beer then sets the glass down. "I'm only okay with you taking this boy, Cace, because he was so cooperative." player, 119 posts Human Scholar Fri 5 Sep 2014 at 06:50 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "I thought the same, Yern. However, Aashera reported seeing new tracks circling the town the past couple days, and in larger numbers." Toben shrugs, "I wouldn't dismiss the possibility so quickly." Fri 5 Sep 2014 at 07:20 Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The mayor doesn't even blink at the mention of tracks. "It's just those women out hunting, practicing their new skills." NPC, 24 posts Human Ranger Fri 5 Sep 2014 at 07:21 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "With respect, mayor, those tracks were to large and heavy to be women or children.  Those were men." Fri 5 Sep 2014 at 07:25 Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "That may be, but I just can't risk this Pauric thug getting free.  It would be too easy for him to escape out on the road.  The villagers are too fearful of him being free.  They will not allow it.  I'm sure you understand." The mayor is growing less friendly with each passing suggestion to take Pauric from the town.
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"Well, the hour is getting late.  I need to close down the dining hall and I have a very long day tomorrow.  I bid you good evening." He rises to attend to his duties. player, 92 posts Human Fighter Fri 5 Sep 2014 at 12:42 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale says Well, that's that. I guess we don't get the kid either. It's time to go. Yet he hesitates. Aashera...how many men do you think...but I guess they were scouts as suggested. Let's hitch up and go...maybe a villager or two will come with us, or maybe nothing will happen here.
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OOC: So, are we off? I think consensus is yes except maybe for Ano. player, 80 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP20/22 Sat 6 Sep 2014 at 23:06 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano makes his way back to the inn to find out what the others have decided. As they discuss if they want to take the boy with them or not Ano speaks up "Every thing is ready to go when ever we are ready.  Everything seems quiet now, i suggest we get going while everthing is still." player, 94 posts Human Fighter Sat 6 Sep 2014 at 23:28 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Against Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale checks whether Cace is to go with the party...to be pardoned as it were. Then it's journey time. Ano, I think, should drive one wagon unless he's all healed. Otherwise, I'd like to drive that smithy wagon so I don't have to carry my weapons. Maybe Toben could drive the fodder wagon. Ano and Phineas could trot ahead to see what's what. For now, I think Cace should sit by me with his feet tied. GM, 97 posts Sun 7 Sep 2014 at 09:32 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Yarn will allow Cace to be released and accompany the group. The mayor seems relieved that you will be leaving before the trial. Cace is subdued and cooperative and soon the wagons are loaded. Eles rides in the fodder wagon. Aashera scouts ahead as usual.
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Soon, the nighttime lights of Towertown disappear behind a hill.

Cace does his best to get comfortable. The stress of the past few days has caught up with him and he falls asleep with the rocking motion of the wagon. <p title="Message information.">This message was last updated by the GM at 09:58, Mon 08 Sept 2014. player, 124 posts Human Scholar Sun 7 Sep 2014 at 10:47 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben sits alone in the fodder wagon. Unlike normal, he does not have his designs and journal with him. Instead, he sits quietly with his pet resting in his lap. He keeps his eyes forward for the most part, the only except is the occasional glance back toward Towerton.
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When the lights of the town finally dwindle from view, he whispers to his pet "Ferb, won't you keep our old friend some company?". It scurries off to snuggle up next to Eles.

He continues to drive, watching for queues from the others ahead. <p title="Message information.">This message was last updated by the GM at 09:58, Mon 08 Sept 2014. NPC, 1 post Human Rogue Mon 8 Sep 2014 at 06:42 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The young man Cace wakes and begins talking to Klale in the forge wagon.
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"I want to thank you for sparing me and bringing me along.  Pauric would have gotten me killed eventually." <p title="Message information.">This message was last updated by the player at 09:58, Mon 08 Sept 2014. player, 81 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Mon 8 Sep 2014 at 08:51 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano feels relieved as the group makes their way out of the city and back towards their original goal. He could only imagine what kind of people might be making their way to the unknown power of the stars. When they got far enough out of town and the wagons where moving at a good pace, Ano began to walk a head keeping an eye out for danger or anything that might give the wagons any issues. He made sure never to stray so far ahead that he was out of ear shot of the others. <p title="Message information.">This message was last updated by the GM at 09:59, Mon 08 Sept 2014. player, 47 posts Mon 8 Sep 2014 at 11:15 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" As he scouts ahead, Phineas asks Asheera: "My l…err, Asheera, I would be delighted for the opportunity to learn woodcraft from one so skilled as you. Would you be so kind as to offer me any pointers, tips, or other instruction that come to mind as we progress?" NPC, 25 posts Human Ranger Mon 8 Sep 2014 at 13:03 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Aashera stops and looks Phineas right in the eye. "My. Name. Is.  Aashera.  It is not Asheera, Ash, or Cher." She grimaces, then looks Phineas over. "Fine, but keep up." From that day forward, she teaches Phin whatever he has the patience to learn.
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+1 RANK in any appropriate skills that Aashera could teach you. If you have a doubt, ask. player, 95 posts Human Fighter Mon 8 Sep 2014 at 14:07 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Thank me then...nobody's stopping you. ... I'm guessing you're right: Pauric quickly would get to killing you...probably slowly.
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I'll be honest with you, and you better always be truthful with us. Wanted you along for some reasons. I want another worker, another person who can fight, and somebody who can tell a captives...if it comes to that...that they'll live if they talk. ... You're going to have to earn our trust by being helpful; may take a day or so...it'll take your helping out in next scrape to make trust firm. I think you'll do ok. Couple of tips: When you can,talk with Eles and listen to him good. Keep respectful eyes and a civil tongue in your head with Aashera. That's A ash era. She doesn't care for men much or women either. Grumpy on the outside; risk her life for you on the inside. ... You know how to drive a team?

Klale checks the stars, if possible, to guess how soon dawn would be.

OOC: Does this planet have a moon, or moons? NPC, 2 posts Human Rogue Mon 8 Sep 2014 at 20:36 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Yes, sir.  I understand."
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GM:  Yes. There is one, pale silver moon. Rána.

Dawn is 7 hours away as you left before midnight. player, 96 posts Human Fighter Mon 8 Sep 2014 at 23:10 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale laughs. Just Klale, but thank you. I'm not that much older than you. Here, hold the reins. I'll tell you what to do...usually just hold the reins relaxed. The team will pick the smoothest way. If you want the team to turn right, move your right hand out so it gently tugs on the horse's right side. Let the left0hand rein go completely slack until the turn is underway. Do the opposite for turning left. When the team has turned enough, slacken both reins. If you want the team to go faster, whip your hands up and down like this...the more haste, the faster the whip. If you want them to slow or stop, pull back. The more pull, the slower they'll go. This takes the most experience to do. The horses will help you...going downhill for instance...they will step while pulling their weight back as needed. We get close to water, I'll take over. The hoses will need to drink, feed, and rest. If we thik it's safe, we'll get off the track and camp. Have to keep watch though. A good tracker can follow us easy.
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Klale ponders. About that "Sir" bit, you onto something. There's going to be fighting. Each of us should have a say in what we might do in this situation or that, but I"m guessing we'll need one person to say who does what when the time comes. ... Doesn't have to be the same person every time. player, 48 posts Tue 9 Sep 2014 at 18:00 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Phineas reddens at the rebuke, but bows low. "My sincere apologies, Aashera. It is not often that my tongue betrays me so; I shall endeavor to give no similar offense in the future." He is uncharacteristically quiet and attentive as he follows and carefully watches the young woman's actions and techniques while they travel. player, 125 posts Human Scholar Tue 9 Sep 2014 at 20:04 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The pitch of midnight arrives quickly as the caravan continues. With Eles fast asleep, Toben is left with his thoughts. As the hours drag on he struggles to keep his eyes open.
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Figuring they are far enough from Towerton to be happened upon, he calls out to the other drivers. "Hey, are we breaking for camp soon? We should probably get as much reset as possible before dawn. Tomorrow may be a long day." player, 97 posts Human Fighter Tue 9 Sep 2014 at 22:48 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Hope to make it as far as water. GM, 98 posts Wed 10 Sep 2014 at 07:05 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Water comes a few hours after midnight, a small creek flowing south through the almost non-existent hills. All is still on the open plains. Off in the distance, Rána sets behind a jagged range of mountains. If the scale is correct, they are still many days away.
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Camp is set and the horses watered and seen to. Cace makes no complaints about his bonds, though he offers to help.

Eles, who slept the majority of the way from the town, offers to take watch for the few hours till dawn. <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the GM at 07:06, Wed 10 Sept 2014. NPC, 26 posts Human Ranger Wed 10 Sep 2014 at 07:09 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Aashera says nothing more about Phineas's bumbling of her name. She turns out to be a fantastic teacher, her patience evident in the way she tracks game and the way she instructs the boy in various skills over the hours of travel.
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Upon reaching camp, she helps with the animals, drinks from the creek, then makes sure everyone is bedded down properly for sleep. She makes no bed for herself, but stands near Eles, whispering. player, 82 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Wed 10 Sep 2014 at 13:10 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano helps to set up camp as he watches the moon descend behind the mountain range that seemed to stay forever beyond his reach. He takes his turn at the watch, and keeps an extra close watch on Cace. As Ano sat staring into the darkness of the night he found it incredibly peaceful as not much could be heard but the soft sounds of the water they camped near.
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[Private to Eru: ano takes 10 on spot and listen checks, not sure if this needs to be said every time or do I just assume its implied while on watch?"] player, 126 posts Human Scholar Wed 10 Sep 2014 at 20:19 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben makes a noble effort at offering to take the first watch, but the weight of his eyelids won out. He curls up in a bedroll nearest Eles, and falls fast asleep.
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[Private to GM: Toben will try his best to make out what Aashera is whispering to Eles while acting as if he is asleep for a short while.] player, 98 posts Human Fighter Wed 10 Sep 2014 at 20:26 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale helps with the chores, thanks Aasera and Eles, eats, and falls asleep. NPC, 27 posts Human Ranger Wed 10 Sep 2014 at 21:06 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" [Private to Toben Ironsprings: Aashera:  "...all night?  I'm going to scout back a ways and make sure we aren't being tracked."
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Eles:  "Yes.  I can handle it.  They need their sleep.  Do you think Pauric's men will follow?"

Aashera: "I'm telling you, something was not right in that town.  Pauric will not be executed or even imprisoned much longer."

Eles:  "With these wagons, we won't outrun them to Mordor, either.  If they reach the Oruk first and convince them to their side, our danger is going to increase a thousand-fold."

Aashera:  "We should have killed him when we had the opportunity."

Eles:  "Pauric is a high-level minion, Aashera.  Murdering him would have accomplished nothing there.  Go.  Scout.  We will do what it is within our power to do."]

Aashera finishes her conversation with Eles and trots off back the way you came. NPC, 22 posts Human Bard Wed 10 Sep 2014 at 21:10 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Eles does not wake anyone else for the watch. He is fully awake and cooking breakfast when the first of the others wake. Aashera is nowhere to be found. The old man greets the rest of you as you rise and offers you a plate of spiced meat and scrambled eggs with a crust of bread.
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"We have made good time for driving wagons.  However, we are still slow.  We should not dawdle or take any more side trips before we arrive in Mordûn.  If our concerns about Pauric are true, then we might have company before we arrive, or worse, they might beat us to the prize." player, 127 posts Human Scholar Wed 10 Sep 2014 at 21:28 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The smell of a fine breakfast wakes Toben from a deep rest. He yawns, stretches, and begins to collect his gear. "Smells great Eles. Need a hand with anything?" He smiles politely, "How many days out do you think we are from Mordûn?"
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[Private to GM: Toben takes note that he always references our destination in public as Mordûn, but uses the term found on the map in private.] <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 21:45, Wed 10 Sept 2014. player, 99 posts Human Fighter Wed 10 Sep 2014 at 22:39 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale wakes and eats with thanks. It's daylight. Think we can let Cace be unbound?
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He helps ready the horses. The day's journey begins. NPC, 23 posts Human Bard Wed 10 Sep 2014 at 22:54 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "I'll keep an eye on the young man.  You can release him." player, 49 posts Thu 11 Sep 2014 at 07:26 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Phineas seems recovered from his embarrassed mortification of the day before. "Eles, this is the finest repast I've enjoyed since…well, since the one you fed us at your home. Thank you for your gracious hospitality!"
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After eating, he pokes around the edges of camp, keen for a chance to put the things Aashera had been teaching him to use. With the talk over breakfast of the bandits' ill intent, he's particularly mindful to look for any signs of scouts or other outriders. He keeps an eye on Cace as well, trying to ascertain if the young man is indeed as cooperative and agreeable as he's acting, or whether it's some kind of sham to get them to drop their collective guard. player, 128 posts Human Scholar Thu 11 Sep 2014 at 07:57 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben nods in agreement with Eles. "Let's consider this a probationary period."
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He grabs a small helping of spiced meat for Ferb and finishes his breakfast. Feeling the sense of urgency, he helps clear the camp in preparation for their departure. player, 83 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Thu 11 Sep 2014 at 11:54 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano returns to the camp as the others are eating and sits down with them to partake in the meal. He had just finished his morning training, and his hands and feet were freshly wrabbbgped so that his bruises would not show. He ate heartily and enjoyed the company of the others. After he had finished eating Ano pack up his belongings, and readies the hourses. GM, 99 posts Thu 11 Sep 2014 at 21:25 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Cace behaves himself. Over the next few days he works hard to make himself useful and not get in the way. He has some skill with a blade, but prefers the spear in melee. He is skilled with the bow, and might even give Aashera some serious competition if the recalcitrant woodswoman would consent to such a contest.
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Eres warms to the young man and does his best to pry more information from him, information Cace doesn't even know he knows.

Aashera has little to do with him. She remains barely civil and spends much of her time out of the camp.

The supplies, supplemented by Aashera (and lately, Phineas), are holding as the days turn to weeks. The mountains of Mordûn loom closer and soon, the north and southern ranges close around the group like nothing less than the jaws of a giant creature swallowing them whole, hardly aware it is doing so for its size. Nothing disturbs the journey. NPC, 24 posts Human Bard Thu 11 Sep 2014 at 21:26 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "We have crossed over into Mordûn.  See how the land has turned more fertile and perhaps a bit wild?  We should come upon a major riv-" NPC, 28 posts Human Ranger Thu 11 Sep 2014 at 21:31 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Tracks." Aashera fades into trail through tall grass and vibrant, flower-covered bushes. She has been gone for several days, though Eles said not to worry yet. "I found a swathe of tracks to our south.  Maybe two days old.  With as many boots and hooves as I saw, it is no less than a hundred strong.  I followed the tracks back for two days.  They came from the same direction as us, a parallel course to the south as far back as I dared range from you." She takes a long drink from a skin Eles offers her. "I could not let you run up on them. It could be Pauric's organization." player, 100 posts Human Fighter Thu 11 Sep 2014 at 23:15 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Were there signs of scouts? Klale asks ... And thanks for looking out for us. He looksa t her closely. When have you slept last, and for how long? NPC, 29 posts Human Ranger Fri 12 Sep 2014 at 06:24 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Aashera waves off the concern for her sleeping, though she gives Klale a weak smile in thanks. "They had scouts, but their tracks did not range far from the primary group of prints.  That's another indicator of a large group.  They aren't afraid of much." player, 129 posts Human Scholar Fri 12 Sep 2014 at 08:08 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "If their group is that large, we ought to be able to travel faster than them. If they beat us to our goal, there is no telling what is to come."
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Toben helps finish loading up all the gear and prepares the horses for travel. "Aashera, you should hop into one of these wagons. Take a load off... at least for a short while. I have a feeling we'll all need our strength." He glances briefly at Eles. <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 08:08, Fri 12 Sept 2014. player, 101 posts Human Fighter Fri 12 Sep 2014 at 17:54 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Good idea, Toben. As for arriving, I suspect there'll be other groups. If so, we might want to figure out which to join...or we could set up shop. Even Pauric's group might be willing to let bygones be bygones if we're useful to them. I think as we go, it should be like this: Aashera, into the fodder wagon and settle in, rest your eyes. Ano, how about you drive the fodder wagon. Toben and Eles, how about the forge wagon. Phineas, scout out to the left flank, just in case. Cace, you and me right scout, you with bow and spear. I'll use the armor and take hammer and sword. Been too long on my...uh, sitting down. Two of us because we need the eyes and ears and don't know what's out there. player, 130 posts Human Scholar Fri 12 Sep 2014 at 20:44 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben nods. "Sounds good to me."
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Once all are in agreement, Toben takes his place driving the forge wagon. "All set Eles?"

[Private to GM: Once they are underway and more or less out of ear shot, Toben will prod Eles a little. Seeing if he'll come forward with what he knows. Something like "So Eles, what do you think it waiting for us up there?" The ensuing conversation can be done through private messages I suppose.] player, 84 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Fri 12 Sep 2014 at 21:28 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano turned to Toben "We may be able to move faster then a large group, but we will most likely have to go along way out of our way to avoid them.  I think we should get moving and push hard to get ahead of them." Ano started to feel general concern now that they were so close to some answers, and so many others seem to be closer then them.
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"I think that we should avoid contact with others, we have no idea who could be dangerous, and we can't risk loosing any more time in this race." GM, 100 posts Sun 14 Sep 2014 at 18:41 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The trip is wearing on the group. Eles seems to have the most trouble. Aashera worries about him, but is needed to scout. In her stead, Cace watches over the old man.
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Days pass, and Aashera eventually declares that the wagons have pulled parallel to the small army. A slash of low mountains, barely worthy of the name, runs southwest. A river snakes its way out of a large gap in the diagonal range. The land here is higher than in the valley beyond. Over the tops of the slash, the tip of a large mountain peeks. Beyond that, a proper mountain range runs north and south with taller mountains. The fog of distance makes other detail difficult at this range.

Night is falling in an hour. NPC, 25 posts Human Bard Sun 14 Sep 2014 at 18:42 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "We must press on, my friends.  It is imperative that we make that gap before the others.  Else we will waste precious time as we wait for them to make their way through.  The gap is not large enough that we could pass at the same time and they not see our wagons." NPC, 30 posts Human Ranger Sun 14 Sep 2014 at 18:43 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "You need to rest, old man." NPC, 26 posts Human Bard Sun 14 Sep 2014 at 18:44 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The storyteller pats his granddaughter's arm. "My dear, I've done nothing but rest.  Cace here barely lets me out of the wagon to pee.  I'll be fine."
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His words do nothing to mollify her, but she says nothing else. player, 102 posts Human Fighter Sun 14 Sep 2014 at 23:38 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale takes in the information. This is what we've been saving the horses for. We'll go as far as fast as possible. If it's hard going uphill on the other side, I think all but the drivers and Eles push to help out. We may need to abandon the cart and even lighten the forge wagon...I hope not.
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[Private to Eles Elend: When he can speak privately, Klale says, Eles, just in case...if you've things you want to say, I hope you say them. I...well...." Gently he pats the old man on a shoulder.] <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 10:22, Mon 15 Sept 2014.  player, 131 posts Human Scholar Mon 15 Sep 2014 at 08:31 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "I agree, we need to stay ahead of them. We need to figure out what we can drop to keep up the pace." NPC, 3 posts Human Rogue Tue 16 Sep 2014 at 06:12 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Will we need the forge further on? We could find a safe place and stash the wagons. There is plenty of grass in these plains for the horses and we can all carry food and supplies or hunt. We would easily outpace them then." player, 85 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Tue 16 Sep 2014 at 11:02 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano nods and agrees.  "We must move with all haste. I am with Cace, take the horses and move as fast as we can". player, 103 posts Human Fighter Tue 16 Sep 2014 at 13:06 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" You think we can move faster then the horses can walk? With Eles? And remember that the forge may give us cover, not to mention that they're carrying supplies. We have a way to go. player, 87 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Tue 16 Sep 2014 at 16:36 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano looks to Klale and says "I am suggesting that we would move faster with horses and no wagons.  If we leave the wagons in a safe place, then take the horses.  Phin and I can ride together and Eles can ride with Aashera". He looks to the rest of the group for approval, "We must beat the others to the mountain at any cost". player, 132 posts Human Scholar Tue 16 Sep 2014 at 16:43 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "While I'm a little reluctant to ditch the wagons and supplies, I think it's probably more imperative that we get ahead of the other group." Toben looks over the supply wagon, "We'll need to be smart about what we take and what we leave..." player, 106 posts Human Fighter Tue 16 Sep 2014 at 21:45 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" You leave stuff, you figure it's lost forever. You think it best to ride, check something out. Try to fashion a halter and mount. It you do, check how fast you can persuade the horse to go. They're draft horses, not riding horses. player, 88 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Wed 17 Sep 2014 at 16:40 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano began gathering supplies from the wagons,  prioritising food and water above all else. "You're right Klale, we will most likely loose whatever we don't take with us,  but we will have to make that sacrifice.  We have no idea what power the star may hold, or what the others will do with it". NPC, 31 posts Human Ranger Wed 17 Sep 2014 at 20:40 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "If we intend to ride from here, we will need more horses.  Klale can probably handle that monster.  We can't double up, though, and expect our horses to last through to the star." Aashera looked south and doubt flashed across her face. "I could steal a couple of horses from that army." player, 133 posts Human Scholar Wed 17 Sep 2014 at 21:02 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "That seems fairly risky. You think you can pull that off?" Toben glances at Phineas, "Perhaps Phin here could help you nab a couple extra horses?" player, 107 posts Human Fighter Wed 17 Sep 2014 at 21:06 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" As I said, you better find out if you can ride...and how fast before you prioritize supplies suggests a dubious and grumpy Klale. NPC, 32 posts Human Ranger Wed 17 Sep 2014 at 21:13 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Aashera shakes her head. "Not the boy.  Cace." player, 134 posts Human Scholar Thu 18 Sep 2014 at 08:36 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben nods, "That makes sense, if you get spotted they might recognize Cace. Plus, he may have information that would prove useful." He thinks for a moment, "Klale, Ano, Phin...", he calls out. "Let's see if we can get this divvied up while Aashera does her thing."
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"Aashera, how much time do you need? We ought to have the supplies separated out by the time you get back so we can press on with less encumbrance."

Toben looks over to Eles, "You seem to be most familiar with where we are headed. Any advice on what we should prepare for?" NPC, 33 posts Human Ranger Thu 18 Sep 2014 at 10:06 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "I will need three days.  Which means you need to go on ahead without me.  We will have faster horses and can catch up.  I know the map well enough to know where you are going.  When we get close, it will be easy enough to track Klale's horse." NPC, 27 posts Human Bard Thu 18 Sep 2014 at 10:07 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Prepare for?  What more preparation can you do than gear up to fight an army?  I don't know any more about the nature of those stars than you do.  What I have said in the past is only conjecture based on ancient tales, myths." Thu 18 Sep 2014 at 10:15 Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Cace smiles in a way meant to disarm. It comes off as nervous, anxious. "I don't mean to shoot an arrow in my own foot, here, but are you sure you want to take me?  What if I just turn you in to this army?  What if I'm a plant, a spy who will betray you at the first opportunity?"
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Aashera crosses her arms and raises an eyebrow. "Are you?"

"Well, no."

"Are you scared?"

Cace frowns and looses some of his nervousness. "Of course not!"

"Then what are you going on about?  Get your gear and lets go.  We are wasting time." Aashera stares at him until he mumbles something incoherent and throws up his hands before stalking off to do what she said. She turns to the rest of the men. "Any other objections?  No?  Good.  I'll see you in three days."

The ranger swiftly packs her scant gear and disappears with Cace through the trees. GM, 103 posts Thu 18 Sep 2014 at 22:07 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The horses are released from their burdens and soon the wagons are hidden as well as possible among some shrubberies. Lacking saddles and proper riding tack, the horses are a bit skittish about riders.
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GM:  Please roll Ride checks or indicate if taking 10. player, 137 posts Human Scholar Thu 18 Sep 2014 at 22:45 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" 22:44, Thu 18 Sept 2014: Toben Ironsprings rolled 21 using 1d20+2 ((19)).
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Toben gets lucky and mounts up like an expert. player, 91 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Fri 19 Sep 2014 at 07:00 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano takes his winter blanket and throws it over his horse before trying to mount up.
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OCC:  Ano will take 10 on his ride check. player, 50 posts Fri 19 Sep 2014 at 07:16 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" 07:14, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 9 using 1d20+3. Riding check.
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Phineas, in spite of his nimbleness, has his challenges with the horses (who perhaps remember the unenthusiastic things he said about their kind earlier). player, 110 posts Human Fighter Fri 19 Sep 2014 at 19:44 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale fashions a rope halter for the largest horse, who pouts. He places a blanket on its back and hoists himself up. The reproachful horse looks back on him as if to ask, "What on earth do you think you're doing? This will strain our friendship."
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17:40, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 14 using 1d20. Ahorse or worse. +2 = 16 GM, 104 posts Fri 19 Sep 2014 at 19:56 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Except for Eles and Toben, the horses refuse to allow anyone to mount for long. Phineas isn't even able to get on his. Toben is able to mount and stay mounted, but his horse doesn't like it and will do no telling what along the way.
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Eles looks on in some amusement. player, 112 posts Human Fighter Fri 19 Sep 2014 at 19:59 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale dismounts, removes the blanket, takes off the halter, and strokes "his" horse while murmuring apologies. player, 138 posts Human Scholar Sat 20 Sep 2014 at 18:51 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben looks around at the state of affairs and decides to dismount. "Looks like we are walking, if these horses have anything to say about it." NPC, 28 posts Human Bard Sun 21 Sep 2014 at 07:09 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "If we are walking, we might as well take the wagons.  They don't move any slower than we would walking."
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Eles frowns and looks off into the woods. "Should I try to bring the others back while you hitch the horses?" player, 113 posts Human Fighter Sun 21 Sep 2014 at 19:28 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Let's hitch up and get on with it. As for Aashera and Cace, how would you do that? Anyway, we may need the horses when they return.
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[Private to Eru: I typooed Asshera, but caught it. I also note I typoed second word in this message. Maybe I should see a psychiatrist.] player, 51 posts Mon 22 Sep 2014 at 06:34 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Phineas says nothing, but after his failed attempts with his steed, looks quite relieved that the decision has been made not to ride after all. GM, 105 posts Mon 22 Sep 2014 at 06:51 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" With the horses hitched once more, the two-wagon train heads down into the plains of Mordûn. The break in the mountain range that slashes from northeast to southwest create a decided transition into a lower valley area. A river runs between and as the ground rises behind you, the river forms a canyon heading south and turning east.
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Horse tracks, spotted first by Phineas and Ano, pass through the gap and then turn due north. If they maintain their current speed, they will pass to the east of the large, solitary mountain.

To the west, a lone tower stands above a narrow defile that twists and turns and is lost within the mountains to the north and south within a short pace.

The lone mountain is a large bowl filled with vegetation. Eles describes it as once having been a volcano, one of the fiercest in the land. At the end of the third age, the volcano erupted in its most violent act ever, a last gasp before going silent. Since that time, the vegetation has not only covered the valley of Mordûn surrounding the volcano, but conquered its depths attesting to the dormancy of the great mountain.

[Private to Toben Ironsprings: 'Toben Ironsprings. Welcome to Mount Doom, called that no longer. I need your help, Toben. Come to the center of the Mountain. Save me. Save all of us.']

[Private to Klale Tsolo: 'Klale Tsolo. Welcome to Mount Doom, called that no longer. I need your help, Klale. Come to the center of the Mountain. Save me. Save all of us.']

[Private to Ano: 'Ano. Welcome to Mount Doom, called that no longer. I need your help, Ano. Come to the center of the Mountain. Save me. Save all of us.']

[Private to Phineas Highwood: 'Phineas Highwood. Welcome to Mount Doom, called that no longer. I need your help, Phineas. Come to the center of the Mountain. Save me. Save all of us.'] <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the GM at 12:57, Mon 22 Sept 2014. player, 139 posts Human Scholar Mon 22 Sep 2014 at 19:52 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Nice catch Phin. You too Ano. How many sets of tracks can you make out?" Toben scans the area to the north. "Is it possible that Aashera and Cace got ahead of us?"
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The lone mountain certainly catches Tobens attention. "I wouldn't be surprised that whatever we are looking for is over by that mountain. I'm thinking we try to make our way towards that."

[Private to GM: Toben is going to try and make a knowledge roll for the reference to Mount Doom. Pass or fail, he will try to ask Eles "Does 'Mount Doom' ring any bells for you?", when out of ear shot of the others.] player, 115 posts Human Fighter Tue 23 Sep 2014 at 11:33 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" I'm worried about Aashera and Cace...nothing to do about it now Klale comments at dwan of the fourth day.
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Klale stops the wagon and and looks around. Guys, did you...no, I guess you didn't. Toben, did you just get a feeling...?

Just now...it was like a voice inside my head...not just a thought, but words...a message... "Welcome to Mount Doom, called that no longer.  I need your help, Klale.  Come to the center of the Mountain.  Save me.  Save all of us."

I think we'd better head as straight as may be for the mountain. Whatever the voice "said," I doubt this is a job for just one man. player, 92 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Tue 23 Sep 2014 at 13:01 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano took a moment to examine the tracks as they rode,  he did not like what he was seeing at this moment. He turned to the others "It lookes like a large number of horses came through here.  Close to a hundred of them Ano stares off in the direction of the tracks.  "It doesn't look like they are headed for the mountain. The tracks go to far east".
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Ano did not like the idea of that many people wandering around who knew where as unknown. Soon Ano fell silent for a while, and when Klale spoke up Ano nods and says "Yes i heard the same thing.  I we best get to the mountain quickly." <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the GM at 06:09, Wed 24 Sept 2014. player, 140 posts Human Scholar Tue 23 Sep 2014 at 19:53 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben nods. "Yeah, I heard the same message too." He stares at the mountain for a moment. "That is the direction I plan on heading." player, 116 posts Human Fighter Tue 23 Sep 2014 at 22:23 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale turns the forge cart toward the mountain. GM, 107 posts Wed 24 Sep 2014 at 06:27 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The wagons head straight for the mountain. Soon what little trail there is turns east or west leaving only open grassland. The earth is soft and loamy and hard going for the horses pulling the wagons. Though slowed, they do make it through to the base of the mountain.
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At the base, there is a sharp distinction between the surrounding plains and the climb to the bowl. However, the area is littered with what used to be large boulders. Eles explains that these boulders were probably ejecta from when the volcano was active. Now, however, they are completely overgrown with vegetation. Some have tall bushes growing on or even through them. Life has conquered here in a decisive fashion, though there are no trees.

The former boulders provide excellent cover for the wagons to hide here, for there is no way to take them up the mountain. There is plenty of grazing for the horses, though nothing but the wagons to tie them to. It is unclear how long you will be up in the mountain exploring the star's landing site, so tying them might not be healthy for them in the long run.

There is most definitely something here. It isn't exactly a pull, but a feeling like you are an unassailable fortress capable of withstanding any siege. You feel at one with the land, not the life growing within it, but the dirt and stones and mountain. player, 117 posts Human Fighter Wed 24 Sep 2014 at 12:37 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale says I suggest we free the horses by this stream here [taking a liberty]. We can put things under the cart with it overturned. Then we can set the forge wagon, turned over between these two boulders so it forms a kind of roof. The horses can get under it if they like. That may keep them close. [Further liberties; the wagon can be eased up on the boulders.]
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If all that works, Klale will take armor, hammer, sword, and supplies. player, 141 posts Human Scholar Thu 25 Sep 2014 at 10:33 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Sounds like a fair enough plan, assuming it doesn't take too long to set up. In either case, I agree... we should allow the horses to be free. If they stay, great. If not, we'll come up with another plan."
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Toben stares up at the mountain looming over them. "What in the world is up there...", he mutters to himself. player, 118 posts Human Fighter Thu 25 Sep 2014 at 14:44 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" It'll take us a couple of hours, but we'll leave things in the best shape we can. We can use the horses to help site the wagons. That will save some time. NPC, 29 posts Human Bard Fri 26 Sep 2014 at 06:27 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Eles helps with the horses as much as possible. He is not able to do much lifting, but does a great deal in keeping the horses calm and content to stay by the wagons. The old storyteller does look back southeast often toward the pass between the mountains coming down off the plateau.
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When everything is finally situated, he faces the climb up into the bowl with some trepidation. "Once called Mount Doom, eh?  Let's hope that name change retains a solid footing." GM, 108 posts Fri 26 Sep 2014 at 06:35 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The journey up the mountain is not extraordinarily difficult, though it is long. The ground and flora do not allow for a straight climb. However, because of the necessity of switching back and forth, like a sailing ship tacking against the wind, it is less of a climb and more of a walk. Eles stays back with Phineas and does his best to keep up.
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At the rise overlooking the bowl, the feelings felt at the bottom of the mountain are amplified. There is a very strong urge to return home and take up farming, to work the earth and shape it to your favor, or to forge depending on the individual. The plant life here is hearty, thick, and without disease. Bushes bearing fruits and nuts are scattered everywhere, and though the verdant bowl is covered, it is not so overwhelming as to block the way through. The soil is especially dark and thick here, full of minerals and nutrients for growing things. Birds flit from bush to bush and other woodland creatures scamper from here to there, nothing larger than an occasional raccoon.

The side of the bowl you have entered is the lowest side. Far across on the other side, a much higher side rises in a sheer cliff. Set in this cliff is a large cavern. player, 52 posts Fri 26 Sep 2014 at 08:05 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Before beginning the march, Phineas attempts to use his hard-won disguise skills to make the wagons and horses as discreet as possible, hoping to save them from the eyes of any passers-by.
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07:57, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 12 using 1d20+6. Disguise.

As the march continues and the unfamiliar feelings work on his street urchin's soul, Phineas exclaims uncharacteristically "Well, I do begin to see why our swain friends back at the village do love the land so. It's never really occurred to me, but there is a certain nobility in honest agricultural toil, isn't there? The land giving to man, man giving back to the land -- it's rather poetic and marvelous!" He picks some of the fruit from the flora as they pass, enjoying trying a variety of different things, as well as tucking some of the nuts in his backpack to roast over a cooking fire at some later time. player, 93 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Fri 26 Sep 2014 at 08:56 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano made his way up the slope of the mountain with the others. The climb wss long and Ano spent most of it in silence,  focused on his goal. He was amazed at how strong the presence of life and vegetation was for a place with such a dark and foreboding name. As they climbed highrer his mind startedcto drift, and Ano began thinking of home. He missed it sorely and could not help but think of the many gardens that had been present around the monastery.
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As they made it to the top of the mountain, Ano took a moment to look back over the country side. They had come so far and he felt that they were nearing an important point in their quest. The cave that they could see seemed like a good place to start looking.

[Private to Eru: Before we leave the top of the mountain, I'll take ten on a spot check, to see if there are any people visible behind us. Or if it possible to get a good view of the tower. .] player, 142 posts Human Scholar Fri 26 Sep 2014 at 09:50 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben takes in the landscape as they progress up the mountain. Unfamiliar with the flora, he forages the same fruits and nuts as Phineas. "Looks like you've picked up many new and useful skills from your time with Aashera.". Toben snags a few choice pieces and places them in his pack for later.
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Reaching the edge of the bowl, he looks over to his companions. "I hope no one here is claustrophobic... that cave seems to be where we're headed."He analyzes the view in front of him to try and determine the best path to the cave. player, 119 posts Human Fighter Fri 26 Sep 2014 at 16:36 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" 'Twas said Doom no more, but maybe something depends on who or what is doomed. Let's hope it's, if necessary, Them and not Us.
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Good things here, good to live in. Guess the star-beings are having an effect.

When Klale sees Eles' efforts, he says Guys, if you carry my sword, hammer, and pack...and Master Eles is willing; I'll carry him on and off.

Looks like the cavern is our entrance. I wonder if the "center of the mountain" means the summit or the middle of its innards...and I wonder if mountains have roots. We may come to find out. NPC, 30 posts Human Bard Fri 26 Sep 2014 at 22:17 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Eles, leaning against a large boulder covered in overgrowth waves Klale off. "I'm alright...m'boy.  The climb was...a bit more than a expected.  It's a straight walk now.  I can make it.  Just give me a minute to catch my breath." He gives the big blacksmith a reassuring smile. GM, 109 posts Fri 26 Sep 2014 at 22:50 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The approach to the cave is not exactly hard, but it seems as if it was almost purposefully designed to take time. There is a path, sort of, and it meanders through the bushes. The sun is slowly heading down and by the time the cave is within reach, the sun has reached the lip of the bowl to the west.
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A gentle hush washes over the mountain as twilight arrives and the transition is made between the day fauna and the evening. Crickets chirrup and the first owl calls out as sentry into the waxing darkness. "Whooo, whooo."

Up ahead, bushes rustle as something large moves among them. There is grunting and the snap of small twigs, almost as if whatever it is is eating or maybe harvesting berries from the bushes just outside the cave. It is difficult to tell if there is only one or more of whatever it is. player, 120 posts Human Fighter Fri 26 Sep 2014 at 23:31 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" I think we'd best talk or sing Klale suggests. player, 143 posts Human Scholar Sat 27 Sep 2014 at 08:05 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben nods, "If it is some sort of animal, it's best if we don't startle it." He places his hand  on his crossbow and scans the immediate area for tracks.
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OOC: If they plan to approach the bushes, Toben will break out wide in a flanking position. NPC, 31 posts Human Bard Sat 27 Sep 2014 at 13:18 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Are we planning to camp here or head into the cave?  I don't know that singing would do much if we are encroaching into whatever it is's territory." player, 121 posts Human Fighter Sat 27 Sep 2014 at 13:54 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" At least we won't startle it Klale opines. Let's keep going, Eles, if you feel up to it. Klale arms himself with hammer and sword...just in case. GM, 110 posts Sat 27 Sep 2014 at 14:08 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Eles nods.
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The group moves forward making no attempts to be quiet, hoping not to startle whatever is moving around ahead. At one point, the rustling noise stops. The group halts and listens and looks around, but there is nothing new to see or hear. Eles motions the group forward and goes ahead.

At the mouth of the cave there is a clearing free of bushes and shrubs. Short grass and flowers give way to rock at the mouth opening. Standing at the opening are three towering figures, only the shortest is shorter than Klale. Their skin is so dark green as to almost be black. Small tusks protrude from porcine faces. Thick, greasy hair hands down past their shoulders. Their arms and legs bulge with muscle where their bodies are not covered by their clothing.

None of them carry any visible weapons. Their clothing is a simple tunic and breeches. The tunic is tied with a cloth sash. Their feet are bare, but look tough enough to run on broken glass without slowing. Each stands with arms crossed, tall and unafraid.

When the last of you enters the clearing, the middle creature takes a deep breath and roars in challenge. player, 144 posts Human Scholar Sat 27 Sep 2014 at 14:31 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Not quite sure what to make of the creatures, Toben defaults to weak attempts at humor. "I've heard you growl before Klale. I think you can do better", he whispers.
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Toben keeps his hands in plain sight, and doesn't make a move towards his crossbow. "Good evening. Any chance you fine folks know where this passage leads?", he says with a meek smile. player, 94 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Sat 27 Sep 2014 at 14:54 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" As they came into the clearing and spotted the figures in the mouth of the cave Ano froze for a moment. He felt uneasy, whatever these things were, they did not look human. Many people talked of beings other than humans but they were just supposed to be stories. With out moving any closer Ano stood very still, studying them for a while, trying to understand them. He tried to make sure that he was between the figures and Eles.
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[Private to Eru: Ill take 10 on a sence motive check to see if i can get a read on their intentions. Do they seem like they have hostile intent?] player, 122 posts Human Fighter Sat 27 Sep 2014 at 15:46 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale's eyes seek the middle one's eyes. Then he takes one step forward. GM, 113 posts Sat 27 Sep 2014 at 19:14 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The creature uncrosses its arms as Klale approaches and roars again. It's teeth are sharp, the tusks long and pointed. The other two tense, but do not uncross their arms.
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[Private to Ano: These creatures are so foreign to you, it is nearly impossible to get a read.] player, 123 posts Human Fighter Sat 27 Sep 2014 at 20:01 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale raises the hammer and puts the bastard sword in thrust position. NPC, 32 posts Human Bard Sat 27 Sep 2014 at 21:10 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Eles places a hand on Klale's shoulder. "Easy.  If these wanted us dead, we'd probably already be dead.  They are, oddly enough, gatekeepers.  Let me."
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The old storyteller takes a step up, though not in front of Klale so as not to interfere should he need to attack after all. He begins speaking to the three creatures in a language that is harsh, grating, almost physically painful to listen to. Yet, the tension in the three creatures lessens and the other two uncross their arms and let them drop to their sides in a less...intimidating posture. player, 146 posts Human Scholar Sat 27 Sep 2014 at 21:16 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben watches in awe as Eles calms the tension in the area. He relaxes as well, and tries to pick up on the language he is using. player, 124 posts Human Fighter Sat 27 Sep 2014 at 21:22 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale says As you think best, Honorary Grandfather (nemchope). As Eles talks, Klale lowers hammer and puts the point of his sword to the ground. NPC, 1 post Lim Orchoth (Light Orcs) Barbarian Sat 27 Sep 2014 at 21:28 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The creature gives Eles a slight bow. "Mae govannen, wise one.  We are the Lim Orchoth.  We do not speak the Black Tongue.  I am Amath." NPC, 33 posts Human Bard Sat 27 Sep 2014 at 21:30 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Eles's eyebrows shoot up into his hairline. "Light Orcs?  That speak the ancient elfish tongue no less." For a moment he is speechless, but Amath waits. "Forgive me, Amath.  I am Eles Elend of the eastern duchies.  These are my companions." NPC, 2 posts Lim Orchoth (Light Orcs) Barbarian Sat 27 Sep 2014 at 21:33 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Amath does not wait for introductions of the others. He takes two decisive steps forward, down the small incline that rises to the cave above. "Your name carries an echo of power long lost, Eles Elend.  Why have you come to this mount?" NPC, 34 posts Human Bard Sat 27 Sep 2014 at 21:36 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Eles looks around at those gathered, to gather permission or courage one. He does not pause long, but looks straight into the eyes of Amath. Though he stands tall, there is a great weariness in his voice. "We have come seeking the fallen stars, Amath.  Their arrival has changed our world, and we hope to ensure for the better.  Our hearts are brave and true and we would not see the stars fall into evil hands, whatever power they may hold." NPC, 3 posts Lim Orchoth (Light Orcs) Barbarian Sat 27 Sep 2014 at 21:41 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Amath opens his mouth to speak again, but closes it and leans his head slightly back toward the cave as if listening. There is definitely a presence there, deep within. After a minute of silence, he turns back to Eles. "Your destiny lies elsewhere, lost child of Numenor.  You must stay here.  The others may enter."
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He looks at each of the others in turn. "There are four of you, and that is fitting.  Four is the number of the earth.  The Maia within is pleased with what he has seen in your hearts.  He has agreed to bestow upon you his power and his aid.  Enter, but be warned.  Any attempts at trickery or aggression will mean instant death."

With that last, ominous warning, Amath steps out of the way to the cave. <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 14:37, Sun 28 Sept 2014. player, 95 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Sat 27 Sep 2014 at 22:02 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano was amazed by the creatures standing before them. So alien but they spoke the same as everyone else, but many of the words that Amath exchanged with Eles seemed strange and unknown to him. He got the feeling that whatever lay beyond the entrance of the tunnel had their best interests in mind.
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Ano stepped forward when the way was clear and moved towards the cave. He stopped in front of Amath and asked "Four is very important to me personally.   What did you mean when you said that four is the number of the earth? player, 125 posts Human Fighter Sat 27 Sep 2014 at 23:03 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale laughs. "...instant death"? The best kind...but I might not like what might come after. Thanks for the warning. Please take kind care of Eles, and there is his daughter, Asshera and one Cace, a young man who may have been redeemed from evil. They went to steal some horses from a large band of evil men and should have rejoined us by now. Oh, and below the way we came are five horses. They're loose but not used to the wild.
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He sheathes his sword and attaches his hammer to his belt. Gents, are we ready? player, 53 posts Sun 28 Sep 2014 at 07:47 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Phineas, who has been standing in the background up to now, suddenly steps forward to face Amath. Looking even smaller than usual next to the hulking figure, he indignantly confronts the leader:
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"See here, Mister Amath. I don't know what this 'maiar' you're talking about is, nor why you feel it necessary to determine who gets to visit it, but Eles has been a friend to us. I, for one, don't go leaving a friend alone in the company of those who, pardon my saying so, look as though they'd as soon eat him as feed him. We've already lost track of one who has been good to us; I won't lose another because I was too curious about something in a mountain. And if this 'maiar' is concerned with our hearts being good and true, it will understand that as well." He crosses his arms and stares up defiantly at Amath. player, 147 posts Human Scholar Sun 28 Sep 2014 at 08:50 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben tries not to tense up, "Phin, I think what Amath means is that the path ahead is a quest meant for us, and us alone. The path for Eles lies elsewhere, for now. There are a great many things in this world whose understanding we fail to grasp. His very presence is a testament to that."
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Toben pauses thoughtfully for a moment. "Besides, if they meant us harm, we wouldn't be talking right now." He places a hand lightly on Phineas's shoulder and speaks softly, "I think it best not to judge a book by its cover. Something I think you may have come to appreciate lately."

Toben looks to see how Amath and his two companions react to the outburst, and tries to quickly change the subject. "Klale is right, there is a large group of men on their way here with evil intent. We saw a large number of tracks come in through the pass and head north just a short while ago. Be on your guard... they didn't come here to talk. If there are more of you hidden within the mountain, perhaps Eles, Aashera and Cace would be able to help identify them." NPC, 4 posts Lim Orchoth (Light Orcs) Barbarian Sun 28 Sep 2014 at 14:37 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Amath bows. "The Maia may answer what questions you have.  Enter." He says nothing more. <p title="Message information.">This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 14:37, Sun 28 Sept 2014. player, 148 posts Human Scholar Sun 28 Sep 2014 at 15:14 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben nods to Amath. He turns to Eles and extends his hand, "What are your plans, my friend? There is no telling how long we will be in there, but if you're gone before we get back, I wish you safe travels. I pray that you catch up with Aashera and Cace."
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"Until next time...", Toben says, and walks towards the cave entrance. He stands there and waits for the others. NPC, 35 posts Human Bard Sun 28 Sep 2014 at 18:24 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "I'll wait as long as I can, my friend.  Be safe." Eles shakes Toben's hand. player, 55 posts Sun 28 Sep 2014 at 22:48 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Phineas looks back and forth between Eles and Toben, clearly torn between loyalties. After several moments, he walks over to Eles and gives him a quick embrace. He looks as though he's about to say something, but pulls up short before he can get it out.
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Instead, he returns to Amath, fixing him with a steely gaze: "Eles had best be found well when we return, or you will answer to me sir." Somehow this threat looks much less ridiculous than it by all rights should. (22:45, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 22 using 1d20+3. Intimidate.)

He then marches over and stands by Toben, blinking rapidly before turning away from the others. player, 97 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Mon 29 Sep 2014 at 01:13 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano turned to Eles, softly placed one fist into his open palm,  and delivered a long bow. It was a bow used in the monastery when showing respect to the fathers. After straightening Ano turns and takes his place with the others at the cave entrance, ready to move forward.
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[Private to Eru: is the cave dark. if so i would like to use a sun rod if that is ok.] GM, 115 posts Mon 29 Sep 2014 at 07:04 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The cavern is lit, at least initially, by the dying light of the day. Once around the first bend, however, that light brightens as millions of crystals radiate a soft glow. The interior of the cavern beyond is covered in beautiful crystal, rock, and even metallic formations. Some of these seem natural. Others are clearly artificial, including a couple of fountains, several stone lanterns with varied color flames within, and even a few metallic formations that make pleasant music when the slight breeze through the cavern passes. It's as if the earth has -- not exactly trapped -- somehow invited the other elements within and is in harmony with them.
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Barely audible for its low pitch is a melody. It soothes and projects feelings of safety, protection, and strength.

The cavern twists gently back and forth. While there are side paths that lead to open areas to view each of the displays, the main path is obvious and not hard to follow. After about ten minutes of walking, the group comes to a square table. The table surface is divided into four triangles by a silvery-white metal. There are four stones? around the table:

- a large stone with what looks like a seat and a broad back with armrests comfortable for a larger man. Upon closer inspection, this stone is actually interlocking metal pieces so well fit together as to appear seamless - a raised small stone with a step below it as if for someone smaller - a broad, flat stone - a medium stone that looks very similar to the largest, except that it is made of some kind of crystal, a single carved gemstone

A deep, gravely voice echoes throughout the chamber. It is not aggressive, and in many ways reminds you of the underlying music of the cavern. "Welcome, travelers of Arda.  I am the Maia, Ceven." [The name is pronounced with a hard "C" and sounds exactly like "Keven"]  One of the formations, this one composed of stone, metal, and crystal together into a beautiful composite, begins to shift. Each portion rearranges itself until the whole thing resembles an ageless, well muscled man with dark hair and silver eyes.

"Please, have a seat." As Ceven motions to the table and the seats surrounding it, his voice looses some of its depth and power and becomes more...human. player, 128 posts Human Fighter Mon 29 Sep 2014 at 09:47 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" When the quartet is a way inside, Klale stops and gapes. When he collects himself, he says I thought I had some skill, but this.... As the group proceeds, Klale runs one hand, sometimes both hands, along some surfaces. He breathes deeply.
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...

Upon the invitation, Klale responds Thank you, Honorable Ceven. I'm Klale Tsolo, blacksmith. Judging the largest seat is meant for him, he sits on it after removing sheathe and sword, and leaning it agaisnt the chair. He relaxes; it's been a strenuous day. He then discovers that it's been some time since he's bathed or even washed.

[Private to Eru: The thought crosses Klale's mind that this could be a trap. He then thinks that, if it is, somebody sure went to a lot of unnecessary trouble given the po9wer it took to do all this. 'Wonder if my thoughts are known? Oh, well, don't suppose thinking about possible dangers is bad.'] player, 56 posts Mon 29 Sep 2014 at 16:33 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Phineas clambers up to the small stone, and plunks himself down heavily. "What's a Mayakevin?" he asks the apparition curiously (and apparently guilelessly, though it's hard to tell for sure). "And what is this demesne into which you've invited us? (I assume you're the voices inside our heads.) It's an impressive locale, to be sure! And you're an impressive…whatever you are as well. I've ne'er seen that transforming trick before. That would have been a useful skill on the street, and no mistake!" player, 98 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Mon 29 Sep 2014 at 19:57 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" As they walked through the cave Ano marvelled at the crystalline structures. This place was full of the most beautiful and wondrous things that anyone could imagine. "Truly we have been blessed to be given passage to such wonders" Ano said as they made their way through the halls.
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When they came upon the table and were asked to sit, Ano made his way over to the broad flat stone on one side of the table. Its surface was simple, smooth and comfortable enough. He sat upon it with legs folded in the lotus position. He sat quietly waiting for Ceven to speak again. He reflected that these caves seemed like a place one could meditate for days on end. player, 150 posts Human Scholar Mon 29 Sep 2014 at 20:48 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben felt close to home as he made his way through the cavern. Wandering the tunnels of the iron mine was a near daily occurrence. What he saw within this mountain was beyond compare. The illumination that glinted off the crystals and metallic structures was beautiful and awe inspiring.
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Upon reaching the table, he quickly looked at each section. One in particular caught his eye. A single chunk of crystal carved and polished into gemstone pedestal. Toben takes a seat here when invited. "This is quite a magnificent chamber you have here", he says as he runs his fingers over the silvery white metals separating the four sections of the table.

"What is all this? I've never seen anything like it." player, 129 posts Human Fighter Mon 29 Sep 2014 at 21:20 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Well, here we are, foursquare. He looks around. Not likely a dream, this...too unreal to not be real. Tue 30 Sep 2014 at 11:52 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Responding to one of the only non-rhetorical questions asked, the Maia turns to Phineas. "We are the servants of Ilúvatar, the Creator.  Maiar are lesser servants, subject in many cases to the Valar.  All in turn are called Ainur.  In the beginning, the Ainur were invited to sing with Ilúvatar to help fashion the world of Arda.  Then certain Ainur were given dominion over it to shape the surface of the world in order to make it perfect for humans and elves, the children of Ilúvatar."
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"Eventually lesser Ainur, the Maiar, were sent to walk among elves and men to guide them and help them in times of great need.  With the passing of the 3rd age, the Valar, the elves, and two of the remaining Maiar -- Olórin and Aiwendil -- returned to the west and their land was separated from Arda into another existence.  All of the races of Middle Earth retreated from the world or became one with man, such as the Hobbits.  So it was that the 4th age was called the Age of Men."

"But Ilúvatar is saddened by the state that the world has come to under the rule of men.  He has therefore sent us, seven new Maiar, to return the world to a state of beauty and wonder.  So I have come to you, those who have goodness in your hearts and seek the betterment of all, with gifts." player, 151 posts Human Scholar Tue 30 Sep 2014 at 22:05 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben tries to absorb all the information launched at them from Ceven, but even answers generate more questions. "It seems very clear that the Maiar presence has awoken things across the land". He thinks back briefly to his destroyed village.
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"The four of us are to help restore the world? I can't say that I would know where to begin. There are undoubtedly people looking for where the other Maiar landed, do we need to find the others as well?" Tue 30 Sep 2014 at 22:10 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Yes.  Though it is improbable that you will find them all before others do.  We can only pray that they are as you are in spirit." player, 130 posts Human Fighter Wed 1 Oct 2014 at 02:02 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale sits, eyes looking nowhere in particular. One arm is across his stomach with index and middle finger on the inside elbow of his other arm. That arm is bent, enabling his thumb to lie flat under his jaw. That hand's fingers are bent with his index finger under his nose with each end over his mouth. player, 152 posts Human Scholar Wed 1 Oct 2014 at 19:20 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben nods, "No, I suppose not. I wouldn't be surprised if some of the others have already been found." He pauses for a moment. "What happens if those with mal intent find one of the Maiar? Can they be forced to do their bidding, or would they simply not respond to them?" player, 99 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Wed 1 Oct 2014 at 21:03 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano looked hard at Ceven, and asked "I do not understand.  How can we help to restore the world?   And what do you want to change it into?  The amount of information they had recieved was staggering and almost impossible to grasp it all.  What could the four of them possibly do that could not be done by seven of beings like the one standing before them. Thu 2 Oct 2014 at 22:19 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "When the Maiar come to this world, we give up much of our power. Our memories of glory with Ilúvatar fade. We become susceptible to the limits and evils of this world. In ages past, Maiar grew dim, turned from the light to serve darkness. They became vile creatures, selfish and cruel. Balrogs like Gothmog, Mairon, Curumo...they all fell under the sway of darkness. So, too, my brothers and sisters may be corrupted. If those who find them pass their tests, my brethren will grant them their gifts as I will grant you mine."
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He turns to Ano. "That is how you will restore the world.  Your world has lost the songs of Ilúvatar and so has grown bleak and hopeless.  If things are allowed to continue, then man will devour himself until there is none alive.  We have come to teach you how to sing once more.  That is our gift." player, 57 posts Fri 3 Oct 2014 at 07:30 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" So, we four are to save the world…by singing? Forgive me for saying so, but I'm not sure I like our odds, especially given Toben's singing voice. (No offense, Toben.) player, 153 posts Human Scholar Fri 3 Oct 2014 at 07:48 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben tries to stifle a chuckle, even though he appreciates the levity Phineas brings. "It's true, I am no troubadour, but I think Ceven speaking a bit more metaphorically." He pauses for a moment, "It seems likely that we are not the only ones to be charged with such a task. Surely others of good nature will find one or more of the other Maiar. Do you happen to know the location of the other 6?"
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Toben smiles gently, "I would love also to hear more about these songs you bring and how they will help reshape the world." player, 131 posts Human Fighter Fri 3 Oct 2014 at 14:13 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale finally has, perhaps, now put his thoughts in order.
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If I get this straight, this Ilúvatar created something...created or fashioned? Then he or she or a being with no sex invited beings called Ainur to help fix up the surface of this world we're on...are there other worlds? You said "the surface." Anything we should know about what's under the surface?

And elves and men...how about the women?...are "children of Ilúvatar. How'd that happen? For that matter, how did these Ainur come about? You people too? And what about these "hobbits"? And the trio we met at the cave's entrance?

And why did elves and hobbits go elsewhere? Other races too? People we've herd about in fairy tales?

And now things are messed up, not working right. I'm not sure it's the human's fault exactly. I gather that your people get messed up too. Is there something about the way our world is that induces people to mess up? If so...I'm a blacksmith. If I produce something that isn't right, I smelt it down and try again. Why doesn't Ilúvatar do that? Or was the world created this way on purpose?

I a way, I suppose these questions don't matter as far as what we're tasked to do. I mean, we really don't like murder, extortion, rape, and so on; and I get we're supposed to do something about it. It's like "Here we are, and that's the rules of the game, will we or nill we."

I'm curious about one other thing though: Why, assming you talked in out heads, did you mention saving you? Us, actually.

These songs...I don't think you mean la-la-la singing...something else.

Thanks for listening. I've said my piece. What do we need to know? Prepare or be prepared? Do? Tell we're on the right path to the right place: A world set right? Fri 3 Oct 2014 at 19:28 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "So many questions and so little time to answer them the way they deserve to be answered.  I must dispense with many of the details of history and focus on what needs to be done now." Ceven  looks toward the ceiling of the cavern as if looking into the heavens. Then he looks back at Klale, looks into his eyes. "Yes.  I...presumably, we  Maiar  are in trouble.  I have been so since my arrival.  I cannot leave this place of my arrival.  Something binds me here.  Darkness already works in the land.  What's more, whatever binds me, also steals my essence, my life force.  If I am not freed, I fear that another may take my power from me."
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"There is a way to free me, but it will not be easy.  I will give you gifts to aid you, but know this.  If my life ends because my power is fully siphoned away, your gifts will cease as well." Ceven has not moved from the spot where he stands. Upon further inspection, he seems rooted to the ground at the feet, despite his human form. "If you would see me truly freed, you must find the dwarves.  Their stonecraft can end, even reverse the trap I have fallen into.  At the end of the third age, they entered their mountain halls and sealed the doors, forsaking the surface.  You must find a way into the bowels of the earth, the the dwarven homes, and solicit their aid."

"The  Lim Orchoth  will guard my physical body from those who would seek to do me harm while you are gone.   Amath  leads them."

"Are you willing to help me?  May I teach you  Ilúvatar's Song of the Earth ?  Will you receive my gifts?" player, 132 posts Human Fighter Fri 3 Oct 2014 at 19:57 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale snarls at the mention of life being stolen. Yes. We seek dwarves...mountains...somewhere...any direction to travel?...whether or not songs or gifts, I agree...and will accept whatever you offer. How much time do you have? Do we need to bring dwarves here?
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And can you tell from which direction the thief is stealing? player, 100 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Sat 4 Oct 2014 at 03:02 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano took his time absorbing and thinking on the things that Ceven had told them. Everything they had been told so far seemed so other worldly and beyond their capability. On the other hand was this not why he had left home, to find the stars annd stop them from being twisted to the whims of evil. Ano's eyes once again met Ceven's "Yes, i will help.  I accept whatever gift you offer player, 58 posts Sat 4 Oct 2014 at 08:06 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Phineas looks bemusedly at his companions.
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"Well, if you had told me about this back in the municipality where I grew up, I would certainly have called you a buffoon, a dissembler, or both. Your tales have the sound of legend, not of reality. And yet, there you are before our eyes -- a 'Maiar'. And those creatures guarding the entrance to your cave are certainly beyond my ken as well. Either this is a fever-dream from which I'll soon wake anyway, or there are clearly stranger things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in my philosophy. (Ooh, that's good. I should write that down.)"

"I do know this, however: I will choose the company of good friends and true when I have the choice. There is little for me behind, so where my compatriots go, I go too. I will also accept your gifts, though I am still utterly unclear on what they actually are." player, 155 posts Human Scholar Sat 4 Oct 2014 at 08:10 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben bows his head, "I would be most honored to help you. Whatever aid you provide, I... " Ferb pokes his little head out from where he was hiding and scurries up to the table and curls up into a ball within Toben's section, as if awating his 'gifts' as well. "... we graciously accept."
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Tobe smiles, and stretches out an arm to pet his furry companion. His eyes shift back to Ceven, "Under which mountain will we find the dwarves that can free you from these bonds? I grew up near the base of a very large one. Perhaps that could be an entry point?" Mon 6 Oct 2014 at 06:48 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The Maia turns to Phineas. "To you, young human, the song I teach will grant you familiarity with my demesne.  Stone, metal, and crystal will become your friend as time and trials progress.  They will be less likely to surprise you and more likely to conceal you in time of need.  Devices constructed of the earth will make sense as will the Song of Earth contained in written form."
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[Private to Phineas Highwood: When in stone/earth environs: +1 Stealth +1 attack/dmg to Sneak Attack +1 Trapfinding +1 Disable Device

+1 Use Magic Device (if earth/metal/crystal) +1 Open Lock (if stone/metal/crystal)

Use Magic Scroll (earth-based spells only, and only character level -3)

<p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the GM at 06:49, Mon 06 Oct 2014. Mon 6 Oct 2014 at 07:00 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" He turns to Ano next. "Already the number of the earth is part of your heart and soul.  Your understanding of the Song of the Earth will come easily.  Stone, metal, and crystal will harm you less and aid you more.  It will guard your mind and spirit as well as your body."
 * Every 4th level (4, 8, 12, 16, 20, etc.) all +1 bonuses increase by 1.
 * At 4th level add metal to the environs.
 * At 8th level add crystal to the environs.]
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[Private to Ano:

All monk magical abilities (Ki Strike, Diamond Body/Soul, etc.) are unlocked to be gained at the appropriate level.

Stone Body +1 Fortitude Save vs. earth based spells. +1 DR vs. stone/metal/crystal weapons +1 Stealth in stone environs Spiderclimb in stone environs

] Mon 6 Oct 2014 at 07:10 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Klale." Ceven rotates in place, and it is easily apparent that he cannot move from the spot. "You have always worked with metal, have always been its friend.  That friendship will now be stronger than ever.  You will find that metal almost shapes itself to your will of its own accord.  Should you choose it, you can become renowned throughout the world as a smith, rivaling even the dwarven smiths below.  Metal will also be less of a barrier to you when worn by your enemies, but protect you more."
 * Every 4th level (4, 8, 12, 16, 20, etc.) the + bonus increases by 1.
 * At 4th level add metal to the environs.  At 8th add crystal to the environs.
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[Private to Klale Tsolo: Every metal item that you successfully Craft will be considered a Masterwork. This bonus increases to +1 at level 4 and increases by +1 every 4 levels after that.

+1 DR if you wear stone/metal/crystal armor. This is inherent in you, not the armor so the armor doesn't have to be crafted by you to apply. This DR goes up by +1 every 4th level and is stackable with other DR.

-1 AC to enemies who wear metal armor. Add stone armor to this at level 4. -2 AC at level 8. Add crystal armor to this at level 12. -3 AC at level 16. -4 AC at level 20.] Mon 6 Oct 2014 at 07:55 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" At the last, Ceven turns to Toben. "Toben Ironsprings.  You who have lost not one, but two families.  You will find kinship with the earth itself.  It will come when you beckon, heed your command, shelter you and your friends.  The Song of Earth will be a rich harmony in your mind and from your lips.  Your friend, there," he points to the ferret, "will take part in the song as well, and be bound to you by its harmony."
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[Private to Toben Ironsprings: You can cast any spell of appropriate level for your class IF you can apply an earth-based template on it. E.g.: Acid Splash is a 1d3 orb of acid damage. Stone Shard launches a shard of stone that does 1d3 earth damage.

You can also come up with your own spells that are earth/metal/crystal based, though metal is harder than earth/stone and crystal is harder than metal to work with and should be higher level spells or very weak. Those spells need to be approved by me.

You can also enchant earth, stone, metal, and crystal items per normal rules of enchanting and if you have the appropriate feats.] Mon 6 Oct 2014 at 08:07 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ceven finishes speaking and begins to sing. The song is similar to the music heard when entering the cave. At first it seems distant, as if heard down the tunnels and in the rock. Then it approaches and a grand symphony enters the room, its harmony reverberating from every stone and crystal. For a moment, a pressure encroaches on you as if the weight of mountains bears down on your body, crushing it beneath its weight. Breath is hard to come by, then impossible.
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At last the pressure pushes through and into you and breath returns. You begin to sing, though it is also not you. A crisp, coolness like stone from cavern depths never touched by sunlight infuses your body. Then warmth follows, like sands of the desert just after sunset. The warmth increases to heat, then white-hot fire, searing your soul like metal in the hottest part of the forge. Through it all, you sing.

The song reaches its climax, and like boulders crashing down in an avalanche decrescendos to a long, powerful note.

Silence.

Darkness. So deep and profound you feel like you may never see again. Have little memory of sight before. Yet all around you, you can feel the stone and metal and crystal in minute detail. You are part of the cavern.

The glow from the crystals begins again, almost imperceptible. As the glow increases and returns to normal, your sense of oneness with the stone fades until you feel as yourself again, perfectly refreshed, perfectly satisfied as if fed and rested for a month without stress of any kind.

"The Song of the Earth is sung.  Your gifts are imparted.  Magic has returned to the lands of Middle Earth.  Go now.  Seek the dwarves.  Only they have the key to free me from this trap." Ceven's body slows and fades in detail until he is a crystal pillar within the cavern once more, indiscernible from the formations around him. player, 133 posts Human Fighter Mon 6 Oct 2014 at 10:43 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale rises and secures his sword. Thank you he says. He pauses. Funny, I seem to have said "Thank you" to air. You know, lore has it that there is earth, air, water, and fire. And if there are other places, other "stars,"...we shall see. If we're ready, let's go. player, 102 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Mon 6 Oct 2014 at 19:03 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano marveled as he felt the Maia's song flows through him, and was sad once it had finished. It was amazing how good he felt, like all the traveling they had done to get here was no more then a feet. He stood from  his seat and took in a deep breath. His body felt like it was new but still familiar. It was as if Ceven's song had helped him understand how to open the four doors.
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Ano nodded in agreement with Klale. "Yes, we must hurry.  Maybe Amath or Eles can give us an idea of where to start." player, 158 posts Human Scholar Mon 6 Oct 2014 at 19:21 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Visibly shaken by Ceven's words, Toben tries to suppress the emotion welling up. He wipes his eyes and quickly checks over his shoulders to see if anyone was watching. He walks to the crystal formation closest to where he last saw Ceven standing and mutters, "Simply amazing..."
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Toben walks back to the table, scoops up Ferb, who quickly skitters out of sight. "It would appear as though we've only been here a short while, but there is no telling with the forces we are dealing with. Hopefully Eles will still be waiting outside. We should hurry, just in case." player, 134 posts Human Fighter Mon 6 Oct 2014 at 22:29 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" I'm less than sure we'll ever see Eles again...or Aashera and Cace. player, 59 posts Mon 6 Oct 2014 at 23:04 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Lost in thought for a few long moments, Phineas springs to his feet after the others' mention of Eles, Aashera and Cace. "Well, let's be off then!" He starts back the way they came. GM, 119 posts Tue 7 Oct 2014 at 06:00 Profile | Info | Rolls Re:  Chapter 1:  The Song of the Earth{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The return trip to the surface seems shorter than the walk inside. There is an anxiousness, though, that was not present before, a feeling of need to begin this new journey and find the dwarves to free Ceven, then the other stars, which may not happen in that order.
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Outside of the cave, Amath and his Lim Orchoth have made a campfire. They speak quietly to Eles, who is cooking an early breakfast. Dawn has not yet come, but it is close.
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