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"It continues with a hunt!" [Adventure log, player's POV]
Edit: this thread is dead, it's content has been moved elsewhere where it might be of more interest. (the link a few lines below). It starts from the beginning (instead of the middle) on that thread.
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A small group of misfits, survivors of a crash of an air ship, saviors of Far Reach village, but now wanted by The Fist, are now to start running for their lives, unknowingly into even a greater adventure....
Hello folks! This adventure log continues a previous short adventure log ( "It begins with a crash!", 5 sessions) which I wrote a few months ago, detailing a short adventure we played. We were supposed to run another campaign, but due to real life and so on we returned to continue! You do not need to know or read all the details of the last adventure (though I think it's entertaining), since I will detail it here (shortly).
This first post deals with:
1. a few important facts about the world (Including a map)
2. but a few important house rules
3. a list of the cast
4. and the story so far
What is this about though?
it's the game of a casual gaming group (not heavy optimizers) who meet about once every month for a few hours of play. The world is The DM's homebrew world. our first adventure was supposed to be an "in between campaigns" adventure, to test all kind of house rules, and to have fun with characters, concepts and ideas we were not that accustomed to.
THIS adventure however might go for a long while, the DM has long term plans, we'll see how it goes. but this has made everyone take things much more seriously.
We reached lvl 5 at the start of this adventure, but we level fast- every 1-2 sessions. VERY low equipment worth so far, though we got some treasure (just nowhere to sell it yet).
So far we've played 3 sessions (about 7 hours each), and it has been a harrowing experience, but in a very fun and satisfying way. I'll try to update as fast as Real life and the muse lend me, hopefully you won't be bored...
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about the world (including a map)
Spoiler
it's a homebrew of our Dm's making. a few major points:
the PHB races have been made quite different from each other. this was done mostly by increasing the racial adjustments and a few other stuff. also, the races are mostly isolated from each other, with minimal contact. think Middle Earth like.
humans are the dominant race, and they think that arcane magic is evil, corrupting, almost demonic like. arcane magic is outlawed and there is even a militaristic organization called "The Fist" responsible on hunting arcanists down (divine magic is tolerated)
this also means that magic items are quite rare and often expensive. in general the campaign feels as if it will be poor on resources. bring on the challenge!
THE MAP
Spoiler
A few important house rules (including some that wasn't in the previous adventure!)
Spoiler
New rules not used in the previous adventure in bold
first and foremost, the races adjustments are much bigger, which makes the fast faster, the weak weaker and the like.
Dexterity is used to hit! this makes it a much more important attribute.
we're using "armor also grants DR but not AC" rules that are in the Unearthed Arcana. this makes hitting easier but causing less damage.
Due to a fun trial in another game, most martial characters get a sort of use of martial maneuvers and stances from the ToB. we made some rules for our own use, which are a bit like vanacian casting for sorcerers. suffice to say these are of a limited supply per day, but might be used more than once per encounter. if you're interested i can explain, this is long enough.
action points: each character had half her level amount of action points. these can be used to add a 1d6 after a roll is made, or 1d6+3 before it is made.
since magical healing is hard to come by, there is the healing kit. it enables healing some hp after every fight depending on the skills of the healer. this became REALLY important in our first meeting.
there is a nifty table for when you crit stuff. yay! but there are also fumble rules when you miss, with an equal table for that (grumble grumble)
The DM also made some tables form massive damage and so on (over 30 and 50 damage i think...) these has so far came upon rare occasions.
The Cast
Spoiler
In a way we comprise a very classic adventuring group of 4 members. in the previous adventure there was also a half orf fighter named Teal'c, played by a new player- the wife of one of us, but though she likes the game, she doesn't like learning all the rules, so she won't join us.
Travian Killpi:this is sort of the Belkar of the party. a low life conning thieving smug scum halfling rogue lvl 5(yeah, feel the love!) who fights with a spiked chain. he is modeled over the Le Quack character from Courage the Cowardly Dog show.
known for his famous saying "I'm but an honest businessman!" (while covered with blood near his victims) this party member is the scout of the party, and it's heavy damage dealer, using a fairly optimized (to our level) combination of sneak attacks, reach, and shadow hand techniques.
He is at odds or somewhat of a confrontaion with the fighter Lynn, and a "trust you, trust you NOT!" sort of "alliance" with Glimji the beguiler. certainly a colorful fellow!
Spoiler
Glimji surefoot (a.k.a. Cutthroat Bill):a gnome beguiler 5 who wanted to hide his magical talent (and criminal tendencies) and therefore chose a life away from the law- the life of a pirate! But he found out that life too long at sea do not approve with him, and therefore returned to dry land... for now.
At the start of the previous adventure he had to hide his talents from Lynn, and grown to despise her, but later his powers were found out, and he learned to "live with the bitch", sort of.
A very cautious fellow, a bit paranoid, and many times scolding the more foolish party members.
Lynn Ardent: my character! i wanted to make a character that is somewhat unlike me, a bit of a challenge to play, i also wanted her to cause some friction in the group (leading to good roleplay?). Lynn is a sort of the Roy in the party- both the responsible adult, but also a bit stuck up with little sense of humor. She was a former soldier for the fist, but was fired from it on... "relieving circumstances". she since sought a cause.
prejudiced like her kind against unlawful activity and magic users, she conflicted with Killpi and Glimji from the start, but came to grudgingly accept them near the end of the previous adventure, if not fully. This may be due to contacting a bit of magic herself- a piece of a draconic spirit called Galurnog resides in her (represented as a level in dragon shaman, auras a bit amplified)
Lynn is stunned by the turns of events, her fugitive state, and the spirit with in her. NOT in a good mood.
The next Scene is a retouched picture made by our DM, depicting a funny scene in the previous adventure
Ayla: she's a human favored soul 5 of Candra- goddess of love, passion and the like. she's supposed to be a hottie, and she's very optemized towards healing (since healing magic vie items is rare on our campaign, and the player likes the roll). She is sort of the durkon of our group- dependable, supportive, but usually not asserting control, a sort of a buffer zone. Oh, but she's much sexier
On our way we were seduced by a fey, and Ayla got a special... Garment (if you can call it that)- The Temptress Silk: a very thin and flimsy cloth which nontheless protects her from the cold, and possibly some other things (unsure). A side effect is that she became a sort of a bipolar- she changes mood every day- apathic, joyful, depressed and so on. So far the party has tolerated this, though it is starting to get on our nerves.
Magic items in this campaign are special, but complex, adn with side effects it seems.
Spoiler
The story so far
Spoiler
(in real short)
People of different origins and purposes were on the airship "The Lazy Baloon" when it crashed into a snowy mountain.
Some survivors, amongst them the party members, tried to make their way to the valley. tensions rose between the party, especially the Killpi- Lynn-Glimji trio. they were pursued by goblins, but made it to Far Reach village.
there they learned the exit to the valley was blocked by the Fist due to a magical disease. Not wishing to be cooped here for all winter with "demonic illness" around, they decide to investigate.
as part of the investigations they also investigate the blockae, where the scouts (Killpi and Glimji) get sighted, and escape to another location. after MUCH headache, the pary meets.
Lots of travle and stuff to find the source of the plague. in the meantime they fight a lot, tensions rise and partially subside (quite a bit of intra party conflict), Ayla gets a special magical item- The Temptress Silk, and Lynn is touched by an ancient draconic spirit, either rasing, infecting or creating some magic in her as well
but the party is followed by fist specialists, and they have to kill some, and face a special pursuer- an elven scout/ ranger (we think). The party find the source of the plague in the village itself, and go to save it.
having dealt with the source, the party return to the village to be confronted by the leader of the Fist force here, a woman warrior called Alex, and the elven scout- Shaina, as well as many Fist members. they intend to wipe the village to erase any chance of the disease spreading, and erase the party- they have shown clear indications of "forbidden arcane magic". the party manages to persuade to spare the village, but...
Alex still wishes to get rid of the party. Shaina however persuades her to let her hunt them... "You have 2 days, then the hunt is on!"
Re: "It continues with a hunt!" [Adventure log, player's POV]
Session 1 In which one ally leaves, and one ally joins, A quest for crown and spite, and much fighting to be had all around!
(Though I may mention places, no need to look in the map yet. If you are interested to know where we are, we're at the west slope of the central mountains. Far Reach village. nearest settlment is Gordion, nearest large city is Arlen(
Starting with the last scene of the previous adventure…
Spoiler
"do we even stay?" said Glimji, let's run!". "No!" said Killpi, "we stay and fight, and kill the bitch!" quickly we thought to fight, but we needed help. again we thought to get help from the centaurs, and possibly from the goblin king Mike mentioned earlier (but that wouldn't work, as it will take too much time). we made some preparations (traps and the like) and send Mike to the centaurs. we'll try and sell some lie to buy some time.
But we didn't really need it seemed. Our influence was better than expected. "despite my reservations" spoke Alex as if it hurt her. "my advisers agree the magical danger in the village is gone. it is free." yay! we rejoiced. "you however are a different matter. some of my advisers said you did real good here, while some of my... people (Shaina leaned over) would like to test their skills and some of these new found powers of yours." we prepared for a fight, though it seemed helpless against the 80+ Fist assembled. "you have 2 days. 2 days to try and run. you are outlaws now. hunted, till found dead. flee now, for in 2 days there shall be no reprice." Alex leaned down at us. "run fugitives, run little tainted dogs. the hunt is on!"
Spoiler
not quite the ending we were hoping for.
Ayla talked to Andrew, the guy we wanted to free from the fort "i hope you'll be well from now, and that you mess not with the arcane."
Killpi offered some laxatives in a cookie to Shaina "a present for a good hunt?" but she smiled and waved it away. "we shall meet again". "I'm stuck with you guys?" Glimji groaned, bemoaning his fate.
Lynn seemed thoughtful. she pulled out her arm braces from her back pack, the ones that held the worn mark of the Fist on them. she held them. "i have often wondered whether my choice some time ago, a choice that cost me my position in your order was the right one. i wanted to go back, to find my place, my meaning..." she threw the arm braces to the snow. "i prefer my new meaning, and my new people. they are so much better than i could ever be in this pathetic sham called the Fist. thank you for liberating me."
and with that the party started to make haste towards the opening in the mountains.
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musings from Lynn on the beginning of the journey (The last in-character prospective)
Spoiler
Two weeks! That is what it took to turn my life around yet once more, and for the worse. Traveling with a murderous Halfling, a secretive sorcerer gnome, a nymphomaniac barely clad possessed chosen one, and a half orc! (which is the least worse of them all!) Only… They are a bunch of scoundrels, but not as bad as the self righteous pompous Fist. This is still confusing- I can't condone this group entirely, but I can't blame it either. We've done some good, we suffered, and how much havewe sacrificed? Now we're hunted, by Alex and that elven huntres. what a mess have you gotten yourself into Lynn? I wonder what Jonathan would say of this. His status won't help me now. This might even hurt him. Oh well, another sibling to shame the family. Father, Mother- forgive me. I did what I felt was right…
Damn it. It's the heat again! Like fire from within... And I can hear the damned whispers again… Glaurnag I think. I will have to understand this change that came upon me, and what he wants from me. But who can I ask? Glimji? Or perhaps it might be time to look for Robert, assuming we live through the next few days.
Oh no, Killpi is grinning again, this can't be good.
So... where are we going exactly?
Spoiler
The party started to march down the path away from the valley, the time pressing on them. Killpi mentioned New Tesh "I heard there are new possibilities there, a place for those who'd like to make their fortune, and they do not like the Fist much..." Glimji snorted "I Say the southern colonies, farther from the Fist, and they at least accept my magic!" They started to argue when Ayla suddenly pointed out. "First things first- those are long term destinations! we need to get to somewhere where we can find fast transportation, and a nearby place. We need to get to Gordion." Lynn who was but minutes ago elated, was now in a dark mood. "Gordion... yes, we'll head there. There are airships, river ships and more." Glimji rolled his eyes. "Are you crazy Lynn? that is the first place they'll look!" Killpi seemed disturbed "Didn't the Fist force... come from there?"
Which was the point were Teal'c stopped. "I've had enough! ever since I decided to help you I was near death, hunted, and now wanted by The Fist! And aaaaallll the time you argue and argue, at each other's neck! They'll hunt you anyway, I'm leaving!"
Ayla turned to stop the great warrior, and Lynn tried a few words as well, but proud Teal'c did have enough. he continued down the path in his fast pace alone. Slightly surprised, the group halted, but only for a little while. "2 days remember?" hissed Killpi, "and that is IF they keep their word! I don't trust that elven bitch! too bad I didn't catch her last name..." he added rubbing his palms. Lynn spoke with some finality "Gordion. It's the only sane choice or that "elven bitch" will hunt on down on the wilderness for days to come. we just have to be quick to get there! time to hustle!"
Behind the Scenes
Spoiler
We actually had this discussion for quite some time. The DM has made the map and explanation of places for this new campaign. We weren't that decided at that point, but decided to play it out. sometime roleplaying things helps steer our decisions.
plus, we had to leave Teal'c's character. I wished she continued to play, but so be it.
A face from the past
Spoiler
The party started to hustle, Glimji grumbling along the way "I was not made for quick marches!" but after about 2 km, Killpi suddenly noticed someone keeping pace, watching between vegetation and snow. "Ambush! the elven bitch!" he warned, loosening his chain. but seeing he was spotted, a nimble green figure came forward from the snow.
All the players groaned. "Char?" said Lynn in quite disbelief. "Ah! my friends! my friends!" mumbled the goblin. Killpi still held his chain "You wanted to kill us Char!" the goblin groveled and gestured, as if trying to apologize "I was wrong! you were right! and you saved Char's life!" he smiled beaming. "But" his face became sour "now all of tribe call Char coward!" Glimji glared "They are right, and we are not your friends, what do you want?"
explanation
Spoiler
Char is an "Accidental NPC" from the previous adventure. he was a captive from a bunch of goblins who tried to kill us. later we helped release him, when the town folk wanted to hang him. The DM plays him as the overly jovial but somewhat dumb annoying brat. I personally like him. brings in some humor.
Char seemed miserable for a moment, but then there was a shine in his eyes. "What do I want? I want revenge! revenge against king Brooke! King rules tribe through use of magic crown!" (suddenly the players pay more attention) "he can see to your soul! and knows a lot of stuff!" now that he got their attention, Char beams up, clapping his hands "And Char knows secret way to crown room! right, you come?"
"Wait just a minute!" says Killpi. "I don't trust this guy! how do we know he doesn't lead us to a trap, to make his clan accept him back?" he gave CHar a piercing murderous look. Char shriveled. Glimji however was intrigued. "This back door Char... anything guarding it?" Char put on an innocent face. "Oh, there is 1 or 2 big humanoids there"
At which point Lynn got frustrated "Are you serious?! we don't have time to sneak to throne rooms and steal crowns! we need to find a way out of these mountains before the Fist rides on top of us!" At which point Char smiled a big smile. "I also know of way through mountains. hard way, but shorter to human town. horses can't follow." Lynn glared at him, not knowing whether to trust the little bugger or not.
Char was quivering under the combined gazes "Um, there is also much gold! and items! oh! and gold! and items! did i mention a crown?" his ears fell as he shuddered in fear.
Killpi came close to him and put a hand on his shoulder, smiling "just know this Char, if you betray us? i will dig your heart out with a spoon... now lead the way to the gold. I mean crown"...
Ayla looked back at the way Teal'c went, then she sighed and followed the group.
1-2 big humanoids
Spoiler
The party went some distance more towards the mountain's side than the low. Lynn tried to focus on the Forest hag's stone, maybe learn something from it, but failed. She passed it to Glimji, who thought it could only be used by the demonic creature and their like. "Might be worth some nice cash though, if we'll leave to tell the tale!"
There was a bit of smoke coming from nearby, Char motioned them all to duck and hide. Glimji and Killpi sneaked forward with Char to the cavern's entrance, to notice the "humanoids" inside- a couple of ogres! Glimji whisper angrily to Char "you said humanoids!". Char shrugs his Shoulders "BIG humanoids!"
Spoiler
Our DM changed quite a few of the monsters, making them usually more extreme in weaknesses and strength. for example giants are made MUCH stronger, but much slower, hitting less (since hitting is based on dex) but hitting HARD. we didn't know what danger these ogres presented. not in the slightest! This is why were were concerned… "keep them guessing, eh?"
The ogres were arguing over a pot of some stew. Glimji cast comprehend languages, to understand that they argued who botched the stew. Knowing they will need the others' help, they call Lynn and Ayla who come closer. Ayla's magic silk however makes her suddenly giddy and mirthful.
and giggly, damn giggly! Lynn's eyes pen as the priestess lets out a giggle, and Killpi face palmed. The ogres raise their clubs "hhhmmm! might be NEW stew on the way!"
explanation
Spoiler
failed stealth check on her part
1st battle with maneuvers! more than expected
Spoiler
Killpi readies himself with the chain. Ayla casts bless, Glimji prepares sleep, And Lynn stands at the choke hold. As the ogres come close, Kilpi whips them both with steel wind, and Lynn uses smashes one with bone crasher, using her full combat expertise. Char also jumps to the fight, but Lynn yells at him "Stay back! you get your revenge, we get our way through the mountains. no good if you're dead!"
The lead ogre's club misses Lynn. Killpi kills one with another aimed strike, Glimji sends one to sleep and Lynn coup de graces her. (they were a couple). The party feels it was easy, when from the cave appear 3 more ogres! "Char! you said 1-2 big humanoids!" Char raises one hand, then the other, full of fingers "perhaps a bit more?" he asks apologetically
Lynn stops an ogre club with her buckler, shaken to the core, but withstanding. Lynn and Killpi go in killing, with Ayla healing a bit, and Glimji alternating between sleeps spells and distraction. Lynn proves quite... angry, as if letting down all her frustration on the ogres, who are pushed back. Killpi is even impressed "Lynn! I never knew you could be so... Brutal! learned that in the Fist?". Lynn stops another ogre club with her buckler "No. I learned that from YOU!" she retorts, through shaking teeth
As the battle turns against the ogres, 2 run back while the last one stops the party long enough. They gather their senses inside the "entry hall" cave, when suddenly they hear quite a few ogerish shouts inside. "Char! where did they go?" Char seems uncertain "Maybe call Ooglook the mighty ogre chief? I tell of Ooglook, no?"
Send A woman to do a man's job
Spoiler
which is when about 7 more ogres appear to be rushing in. 2 are the former wounded ogres, but 5 more are of a more slender build (compared to ogres at least)- ogre women, ogresses (DM made them a bit faster, a bit weaker) and behind a big ugly freaking ogre- OogLook!
Killpi moves to the side of the cave, intending to catch the ogres as they come, when Lynn makes a big tactical mistake- instead of holding the new choke point, she moves back, wanting to draw the ogresses between her and Killpi, for a flank (though Killpi has a stance which makes that unneeded) "What are you DOING?" yells Killpi, as 4 of the ogresses get inside, even pushing beside him towards our squishy casters.
The battle goes against us. the ogresses hit more frequently, and strongly enough to wound both melee combatants nicely. Ayla is busy healing them and Glimji curses and uses his magic to protect himself (1-2 strikes and he is dead) Steel wind, mountain hammer and many more maneuvers, are used freely, but the ogresses (and males) prove quite hard to kill. Glimji starts helping with color sprays, and Ayla gets in range to cast shield of faith on the warriors. Meanwhile Ooglook and those in the back through javelins (big ones), which mostly fail, but just as the last of the ogresses fall, a javelin hits Lynn hard. She nearly falls but Ayla's potent healing gets her back standing. Ooglook runs away. the party gives chase.
They go to another cave where Ooglook surprises Killpi and Lynn by attacking both with his own maneuvers (Steel wind). however, the party quickly gang on him, and kill him.
Now this was a tough battle, using many of our resources. the party stops to take a breather. "Lynn! you were like a savage! like a brute! like one of these ogres! I almost thought to attack you due to the resemblance!" smirked Killpi. Lynn breahted heavily "I'll remember that next time I see a cornered rat". Char beamed "Good! you are strong indeed! now lets find the secret entrance!"
Itsy Bitsy
Spoiler
We got to the Ooglook's room and looted some treasure. then found the secret entrance. "Wait? why would ogres guard the goblins secret door? why not fight them?" to this the wise Char responded "1-2 ogres, plus Ooglook, but many many many many many many goblins!" Glimji put his hand on Lynn's side "are we SURE we want to do this?" Char continues "also the crown gives him power to fool ogres and know great secrets!" Glimji looked at him... Then at Lynn "well?! what are you waiting for? 2 days, remember?"
the tunnel that follows is goblin size however and quite narrow, so Killpi and Glimji takes point. they come to a small cavern with some stalactites when suddenly something shoots from the ceilings, attaching to Lynn and Glimji, but missing Killpi, they are drawn upwards! Char yells "Oh yes! beware of the spiders! just before the throne room!"
Killpi shoots at one, and Lynn frees herself, angry and almost frothing, yelling at the spider "dare lift me? one of the dragon?" Killpi looks at the giggly Ayla, then at Lynn "humans... all bonkers..." Menawhile Ayla shoots her bow at the spider lifting Glimji. with concentrated fire it falls and Glimji gets down, while the other spiders hide.
Killpi grasps the quivering Char "any more surprises? anything else you didn't tell us?" Char shakes his head "no no no! just the throne room ahead... um, you know about the "royal guard", don't you?"
Throne room
Spoiler
The party grumbles, but carry on. another narrow goblin sized tunnel. Killpi and Glimji go to scout ahead. Killpi catches Char "you come with me!" while Ayla and Lynn stay a bit behind. they reach the hidden door and open it silently just a peek, to see 8 guards with goblin sized scale mails and another goblin in studded leather near the throne. Unsure if these are all, Killpi edges the door a bit more, only this makes enough noise to be heard
Explanation
Spoiler
our super duper sneaky guy rolled a 1... and they barely heard him. a first so far.
the guards raise their swords, the 3 small guys curse. Killpi notice the room has a door and iron bar. he rushes towards the other side between guards, and blocks the door. the guards split, 4 to Glimji (who curses Killpi to all hells for abandoning him) and 4 to Killpi (who curses himself for isolating himself) Glimji opens with a color spray, sure that it will take them out quickly, when he learns they each have 5 HD! (the smug DM says "ROYAL" guards)
The one in leather hides quickly, only to try and sneak attack Killpi. thanks to a well placed action point, Killpi barely avoids it, and uses a shadow garrote on the rogue, wounding him greatly. Char tumbles into the room, to help Killpi,earning more shouts of Glimji who becomes the target of some swords.
Finally Lynn arrives and trades places with Glimji, taking the burnt of the attack. which is when we learn something odd- Lynn has enough damage reduction (through her draconic aura and armor) so that the goblins can't damage her without a crit!
She seems ot have less trouble in the fight, and pushes some way in, while Killpi fights to defend the gate with Char flanking, trying to evade the rogue goblin which keeps disappearing and sneak attacking. Glimji uses his distract spells, and Ayla her bow.
As Lynn makes some more way, Killpi focuses on the rogue, mostly ignoring the guard, and strikes for a great critical, which damages the rogue heavily and dazzle him. Lynn follows with a redundent but spectacular triple crit (+ bone crusher) on a healthy guard, making him a pulp smear. At this point we have no more maneuvers, and GLimji nearly no more spells, he turned to his crossbow. and there are about 5 more guards (some wounded) and the bloody disapearing and healing sneak attacking rogue!
meanwhile the goblins of the tribe try to force their way in, the DM is counting how many rounds till the door falls down (he DOES count. not just trying to shake us. he'd kill us all if it comes to that!)
We decide a different tactic. "find the crown!" Ayla calls Killpi and Glimji "Lynn! Door!" The warrior goes and kills a held guard who tried to open the door, andtries to lean on it while fighting the guards. Killpi notices the rogue and kills him with another crit, While Glimji searches the nearby chest and finds a trap.
the remaining guard try to fight Lynn mostly so they could get help, panicked now, while the door is chopped methodically to the yells of goblinoids. "Hurry!" yells Lynn, as Killpi turns his attention to disabling the trap. "It's a matter of Finesse Lynn, not something i expect you to understand!"
a few rounds later, he disables the trap well enough to take the gas mechanism with him he finds some treasure inside, and the crown... a most beautiful thing, golden leaves embroided, looking old, and heavy. mesmerized he puts it on his head, immediately feeling his sight getting better, his understanding better, and some presence, almost like...
Spoiler
"Mmmmmmmyyy preeecious!"
Ayla shakes him out of his reverie "Later!" Lynn has but 2 guards standing, she growls at them as the entire party rushes through the secret door, pulling it back and trying to jam it. and then?
"Run you fools!"
King Glimji!
Spoiler
As the party goes some distance away from the ogre cave, they stop to take a breath. Killpi is examining the crown with interest, when Glimji mutters "I think i know this thing.. from legends. If i'm not mistaken it's called The Crown Of Ages, a great tool of knowledge and arcane power." he seemed to look at the crown a bit... hungrily.
worried by the strange look, Killpi hesitated and than handed the crown over to Killpi. "Here, I don't want any of this... arcane power" he said with some distaste. "but i get a bigger share of the gold, no?" Glimji put on the crown and closed his eyes, with a slight smile... it seemed to fit him. "Ah yes, i can feel the stored knowledge pouring in!"
Spoiler
I don't know the exact details of the Crown of Ages. The DM handed the player a paper explaining how it works, and what is the price. At that point i only learned it increases the Perception, Knowledge (arcane) and spellcraft skills greatly. Later we learned more...
Char was joyful, bouncing and jumping "I'm so happy! REVENGE! screw you king Brooke! you are great warrriors! great great magnificent warriors!" Lynn was now mollified, perhaps glad that something went right, perhaps her frustrations let down by the heat of combat- something simple. "You showed great courage as well Char, the way you darted in to fight with Killpi!" Char beamed "Great! so I join you? best friends for ever?!"
Killpi choked on his tobaco "wait! what?!?"
Level up!
Spoiler
not many surprises here, but a few important advancements:
Ayla and Glimji both reached their 3rd level spells. Lynn took a level of barbarain, to show her change and also because i needed the extra damage to penetrate creature's DR (the ogres had about DR 7 or 8. Killpi continued with Rogue, nothing special.
Char began to show the way through the mountinas towards Gordion. on the way Char either stares at Ayla's... prominent features, or tries to talk to Killpi and convince him to teach im how to fight like him. Slowly the idea grows tjhat Char, like them, also has no place, and they grudingly agree to accept him to the party (cohort). Lynn tries to understand where the goblins got the crown from. Char said that a long time ago the goblins were more numerous, and they ambushed a host of elves in the valley, and found it with them.
The next day the party notice a strange change with Glimji- his irises are the shape of hourglasses, and he says he "sees better, farther, wiser"... the rest are worried, but all except for Killpi were tocuhed some way or another by the valley...
Spoiler
I think the Dm is trying to create a special magic item for each, which replaces a lot of "lesser" less interesting magic items. interesting concept.
Lynn talks with Killpi as well, mollified after the events of the valley. "You spoke of finesse, you have an interesting way of fighting. I'd like to learn more..." Killpi responds sarcastically "first Char, now you? I shall open a little school, shall I? I will demonstrate my technique on Glimji, and take back my crown! thief!" he mumbled grumbling, but showed the two a few points on their way.
At the end of 2 days of travel (with a few less important conversations, such as trying to slap some sense to Ayla) the party reaches the foot of the mountains, near the small river that rushes to Gordion. Lynn breaths deeply "2 days remember? now the hunt is really on!"
-----------------------------------------------
This is where we ended the meeting. I think this is a sort of a transition meeting, allowing us to get re accustomed to the characters, as well as to new rules (mainly the use of maneuvers). I think it was also a testing ground to the DM- the ogres and the goblins are on the two sides of the scale- ogres are easy to hit, hit not frequently, but hard. the goblins are hard to hit, hit you frequently, but for little damage if any.
It was also a good old bashing fest, not something we're used to, but it was hell of a lot of good fun for a change.
I have 2 more sessions to update till I catch up, and a few more things to add, may take a few days, hopefully you're enjoying the read.
Re: "It continues with a hunt!" [Adventure log, player's POV]
Between Sessions 1 & 2
(these kind of posts deal with happenings between sessions related to the game. They are not needed to follow the story. They are an extra look at the party and DM dynamics.)
1) I was trying to give Lynn a new direction. I felt that leaving the Fist should present a significant change for her. plus I wished to start playing her a bit differently than I did in the first adventure. Looking through the books I liked the Kensai PRC- it involved taking an oath, a purpose, a goal, which fitted Lynn and my play style nicely. Plus- in this world with few magical items imbuing your own weapon with ever increasing magicla power seemed like the right "martial magic" for Lynn. I imagined it might come from either the spirit of Glaurnog, or whatever cause Lynn might choose.
But for that I needed to learn more about the world, and potential causes, and that might happen only when we (mostly) resolve the issue of being hunted. Soooo... I needed some "filler levels". The first is the Barbarian, represnting rage coming from Glaurnog, as well as Lynn becoming more free spirited. But what next? I wished to expand inter party interactions, and an idea sprang to make Lynn warm up to Killpi, which led to the idea of taking up a level of rogue.
The added bonus was getting SA, which by our rules bypasses DR (one of the reasons why Killpi is such a high damage dealer). this led to a bit of discussion (the next point), But I still don't know what to choose next. Nothing felt quite... right. I felt I had one more leveling up before I might find a cause, so another level of fighter might be redundant. So what to take?
2) Sneak attacks: at the end the DM made quite a reasonable decision- SA negates DR only for SA damage, so weapon damage is still affected. This however makes most of killpi's spiked chain damage negligible if at all. Still, he thought it fair.
3) I talked to Killpi's player about intertwining back stories, to increase interaction. He concocted some idea that he was partly responsible to the event that caused Lynn to be thrown from The Fist, that he was one of the leaders of a smuggling group, and made Lynn take the blame to cover the tracks of an informant of his... I'm s bit hazy on the details.
4) I made a more thorough backstory for Lynn, for the Dm to perhaps use in the campaign (especially the two brothers). I add it here in case you're interested, but it's a bit of a long read and not that needed...
Spoiler
Lynn was born to the Ardent family in the bustling Nimgat. Her parents were hard workers traders (Mostly in furs and crafted wood and metal utensils) from a fairly meager background who sought to "make it big" in Nimgat. The father Jason was a cheerful fellow, quick to make friends and share a quick tale. Lynn took more after her mother, who was more "behind the scenes". At Lynn's youth at least.
Lynn was the youngest daughter out of 3. The eldest is Jonathan, a serious and driven young man, who showed a great interest in the happenings in the great world, not just Nimgat. He was his father's right hand. The middle brother is Robert, who like their father, is full of charm, quick wit and playful words. Lynn dotted on him, loving him greatly, seeing in him much she wanted to be but never could find in herself.
That is till the truth was found out, strange happenings were occurring, and people started whispering that the Ardent family was cursed. It was Robert, he held the power of magic! Lynn saw this first hand when some bullies pursed them both and Robert got angered after being hit, unleashing a stream of fire from his fingers, badly burning some of the other kids! Others saw it too. "sorcerer!" they called "magician!" they accused. Lynn didn't know what to think, what to do, but her brother did. "I have to run away little sister, before they'll send the Fist on me" he smiled a sad little smile. "I'll try to reach (someplace the party might be likely to go) and he whispered some name to her ear before departing. "I'll try to look for you every once in awhile. Walk Free!" and with that he ran.
The Ardent family was accused of this "crime", and they were nearly put to jail for investigating the "sorcerous blood line" when Jonathan offered himself to service in the Fist, for a much longer servitude than is normally accepted. He was tested thoroughly, to seek out any magical blood in him, as well as test his loyalties. But Jonathan didn't just passed the tests, he excelled! Choosing Chron as his patron he was sent far north, to the Fist compound at Heaven's stand to start in the officer's course. To become a high ranked office of The Fist.
2 years have passed, and as the news of Jonatahan's success came, and the rumors of the "vile sorcerer Robert" lingered, Lynn felt betrayed by her charming brother, and turned to look up at Jonatahan. When she was of age, she decided to join the Fist as well, to the approval of her father and disapproval of her mother, who wished her to be a social woman. Lynn did well (not quite as Jonathan, but ok) and chose flails as her weapons. Finishing her basic course at the fist training compound at Arlen, she felt ready. Choosing Chron as her mentor, she looked forward to what the world will bring her.
All seemed well till that day at Zath village. they heard there were some gnomes arcanists trying to hide in the small gypsy halfling's camp in The Singing Moor swamp A small troop came to search for them, but she didn't anticipate what happened next. The gypsies tried to cajole and trick the commander, who responded in harsh violence and treatment. These were gypsy Halflings, no one cared for them…
As the troops ransacked the camp, some of the Halflings tried to fight back, with trickery and guile and mischief. Lynn hated that- why wouldn't they fight fair?! She found her wit being tested once and again. But then one of the troops found the gnomes - hiding amongst the children. What happened next she didn't know who to blame- the soldiers for striking, the gnomes for hiding there, or the Halflings for letting them…
As she rushed for the wounded some of the gnomes were captured, and some fled, as the commander vowed to punish the halflings Lynn stood up against him, angry. It did no good. Later on she was trialed, and only Jonathan's grace and influence saved her from being imprisoned or worse. Instead she was to be relieved from service.
So now, bitter and confused, and perhaps mostly angry, she travels the world, trying to find herself a place in it.
Directions:
- Wherever the others want to go.
- Away from the fist.
- Finding Robert.
- Learning more about Glaurnag's spirit
- Getting a better armor and weapon.
- Perhaps a temple or monastery of Chron, pray for guidance.
Re: "It continues with a hunt!" [Adventure log, player's POV]
Session 2 In which the party is hounded, pursued, and harassed- the hunt is on!
While the previous session was mostly a bash fest as an opening to the adventure, this session was more intense. There was still a fair bit of fighting going on, but also some other stuff. Well, you'll see... Glimji's player was absent for the start of the meeting, which may have mattered.
Release the hounds!
Spoiler
The river leading to Gordion, the party were close to it's northern shore. Still about two- three days march to get there. The party, tired for the day's long march, looked for a place to sleep. there were howls in the night. "Wolves" said Killpi, but Ayla was not convinced "Not wolves, but hounds". Lynn became alert "damn it! these are probably fist hunting hounds! lets get moving!"
Killpi stopped to try and light a quick fire as diversion, and some thought to mask their trail, but it won;t do for the scent. "to the river, we'll have to cross it!" they reached the river, to a patch with many rocks to enable crossing. Lynn, the better athlete quickly took off her armor and tried to jump, only to fail and fall to the cold water. she climbed out and passed this time, tying a rope for the others.
Glimji and Ayla pass (just barely) While Killpi looked to spot the coming beasts. Char falls to thew water however, andKillpi, in an uncharacteristic move grabs his student and pulls him out, Char thanking him profusely, shaking. The goblin quickly crosses this time, despite the cold. But Killpi curses as he sees many figures running over the snow towards him- big, massive hounds, the size of a saint bernard, only more a kin to large wolves or worgs than the common canine. He knows them- "Blood hunt hounds", favored by the Fist.
The rogue grabs Lynn's armor and pack, and shadow jaunts across the river, and the hounds, about 10 of them growl and howl at the other end. "Lets go!" yells Lynn "we don't know who's with them!" Killpi cuts the rope, and hands Lynn her armor which she puts on her back, and they start hustling through the snow.
behind the scenes
Spoiler
Knowin the DM I be;ieve there might have been some way to divert/ confuse the hounds, but we didn't think of it. It might be that if Glimji's player was present, he might have thought of some magic that he could use, but he wasn't there, so...
I don't support cruelty to animals, but...
Spoiler
we ran a bit deeper into the woods for some distance, until we started hearing splashes. Ayla spoke between hurried breaths "they are swimming across!" Lynn cursed "ok, better fight them near the edge, it might give an advantage." she grumbled at not having the time to put her armor on. "I shall have to rely on training and dragon aura".
The party moved closer to the water's edge, where they saw some of the swimming hounds. Killpi quickly climbed and hid in a tree, while Ayla cast Shield of faith on him and Lynn.
Glimji (who's player just arrived and was updated on the situation) rubbed his hands "I got a little surprise for the mutts!" and cast a slow spell, slowing down 4 of the 10!
The battle was quite long, as the hounds had quite a lot of HP each, but did little damage. it was moderately challening as due to their sheer numbers, they reached all of us. Kilpi first shot bolts, than his poison gas grenade (from the trap at the goblin throne roon) and then joined Lynn down taking one dog down at a time.
Lynn still had decent DR due to roots of the mountain combined with her draconic aura, and tanked well, though missed more than was good for the party. "Change of profession Lynn?" Killpi smiled at her. "not doing so well..."
At one point Lynn and Killpi had to split forces, to protect the casters. Then Glimji cast a new spell, creating many shadowy figures who helped the party flank and attack (Legion of Sentinels) This at first frightened Lynn, as was evident in critical fumbles and misses "Glimji! what is this magic? you call warriors from another world?" obviously she had a distaste for magic still.
Char proves useful at times, a hindrance at others. causing Ayla divert her attention to helping and healing him, when a hound grabs Ayla's leg and start quickly draggin her off the battle! most hounds dead or dying, Lynn switches a stance that enables her to run lightly over the snow and bone crush the hound, releasing Ayla. a second scruple develops around that point but is quickly resolved. The hounds are defeated.
A quick reminder
Spoiler
The party stops to quickly heal and asses their situation. The hounds must have soldiers not far behind. "Two days like hell! traitorous bitch!" seethes Killpi. As if to emphasize his point, suddenly an arrow shoots past Killpi's nose, who unerringly evades it. Elven made arrow... "She's on the other side!" he points, trying to find the hiding huntress. the party is momentarily caught dumbfounded. "Into the woods!" yells Lynn "No! after her!" says Killpi "She'll shoot us down one by one in the river!" yells Lynn, as they run towards the woods.
Spoiler
Then Ayla raises the question- "why didn't she kill us while fighting the hounds?" Glimji spoke in a harsh voice. "because she wants to kill us herself. If she's here now, then she might have been on our trail the whole way." His sarcastic tone emphasizing the fool hardy "deal" made with the Fist. The party didn't like this, but didn't know how to counter the elven archer in the dark. Lynn grumbled "whatever her game is, we need to keep on moving. I doubt that Fist soldiers are not here as well."
Shaina
Spoiler
We assumed she has some ranger and scout levels out there, and at a higher level than us. her stealth is quite high and she has some ability to shoot and stay camouflaged. Assuming she can shoot from quite far, and we're mostly melee, we didn't see a chance of defeating her. Was continuing on the optimal choice? probably not, but we didn't quite have a better idea.
I spy with my little eye...
Spoiler
The party continued to trudge in the snow through the night, senses open to try and get a glimpse of Shaina, but to no avail. morning has come, and with it some tiredness, yet they still moved on.
exhaustion rules
Spoiler
Bit of a different rule- each day you go without sleeping you roll fort to avoid falling asleep anyway. other than that you incur a penalty for everything- first day it's a -1, 2nd day an extra -2, 3rd day extra -3 and so on
a few hours after the morning light, while out in a more open ground, Killpi's sharp eyes notice a dot in the sky, following us. "Damn pet!, lets kill it!" but the party has no real ranged weaponry, and the eagle/ falcon/ raven is out of spell range. the party feels more miserable, and continues to march.
Ambush/ decoy
Spoiler
As the party moves on, Lynn comes up with a sort of a plan- They'll lay an Ambush for Shaina. They'll make camp, and Glimji will use his invisibility spells to make him and Killpi hide eastwards, towards where Shaina is supposed to come, while Lynn and Ayla will make appearances of guarding the camp. Glimji might even make a simple illusion of one or more of them at the camp as well, the tent proving as a hiding point. hopefully when Shain will come, she will get close enough to Killpi and Glimji for them to interact with her long enough till the rest might join.
Glimji doesn't like the plan "I'll need to sleep, I don't like to waste my spells for nothing!" But Killpi was quite intrigued. "This might work... I'd love to get my chance at the bitch! but you better get there quick! ran fancy on the snow like before- I don't want to face her alone!" Ayla was worried about other things "How long will we wait? 2 hours? 4 hours? 8 hours? what if she decides to exhaust us? I too will need some sleep" The party decides to try and rotate sleep- Killpi in his position with Glimji, and Ayla in her position with Lynn. "what about me?" asks Char hopefully "you'll keep watch when you can." mumbles Lynn.
They find a sort of a secure place, with a few great rocks to provide some cover, and enough open ground to kind of force Shaina to come towards them... they hope. They put up the tent, Glimji cast an insivibility sphere and him and Killpi go hide some distance away, and the decoy/ ambush begins.
All good things come to those who wait
Spoiler
& hours pass, the party rotates sleep but doesn't get it's full share, when Killpi at his post notices a few figures approaching- about a dozen fist soldiers! he quickly wakes up GLimji, who cast message and alerts the entire party. Killpi and Glimji fire from cover, halting the soldiers, giving the others time to prepare. As they approach Lynn recognizes the make up of a retrieval squad- an officer, sergent, and about 10 regular fist soldeirs. "Damn it!" she curses, as she and Ayla go hide behind a great boulder, as she lays her spears.
Glimji casts invisibility on Killpi, who quickly returns to the rest, while Glimji prefers a more distant casting point. As the sodleirs get near, corssbows at the ready their leader speaks harshly "surrender and recieve a fiar trial! you shall recieve the mercy of the Fist!" At which point Lynn growls, her eyes becoming redder "I have seen the fairness of the Fist at Zath village. I have seen it's mercy at Far Reach village. Are you sure you can face MINE?" The leader responded with a threat "Surrender or we'll take you by force!" At which Lynn laughed bitterly "Violence? ha! I know violence!" at which point she had thrown a spear at the leader.
Glimji quickly followed by a glitter dust, blinding 5 soldiers. he was then surprised by their resolve and discipline, as they said they are blind, and went to a kneel, searching with their swords around them. No panic, o outward distress. the lieutenant yelled "it's their mage! look for him!" Lynn responded with scorn "You fear magic, hunt it down, now face it's wrath!"
But Glimji was spotted (the player has aweful rolls) and was shot at repeatedly. no more hiding, Lynn and Killpi closed on the soldiers, As Ayla took the diversion to rush to Glimji to heal. Glimji repeated the glitter dust, leaving only 3 soldiers and the leader and lieutenant active.
The Fist attack, and Killpi and Lynn respond back. Lynn rages, becoming infuriated, and strikes for a massive crit with a bone crusher, enough for massive damage, crushing the officer's rib cage, he falls back dead. Again Killpi is apprehensive of Lynn's brutality. "wouldn't want to get on YOUR bad side!"
Lynn rushes past a few soldiers, taking AoO and some wounds, to strike at the lieutenant, again for a massive crit, bashing his head in. her eyes red, her nostrils flaring she yells "second in command just means second to die! who is third?" Killpi looks at Lynn, but this time a bit more worriedly.
Moral is starting to have it's effect, and soldiers are starting to panic. "Is this all you send?" yells Lynn.
Lynn's rage
Spoiler
this has been a VERY lucky turn of the dice- 3 massive criticals in a row. I tried to play it out as it went, making her more savage more furious, more raging than she was up till now. I think it played out well. the dialogue with the commander could have been more imaginative, but this is what me and the DM came up on the spot. quite nice though I think, no?
Not so easy
Spoiler
Lynn's rage continues, and she crushes one of the fleeing soldiers, as Ayla tries to discuss surrendering terms with the blind soldiers. when suddenly out of nowhere an arrow shoots fast and penetrates Lynn's side, damaging her severely. "Look for the bitch!" yells Killpi, whirling around, looking. they gather behind one of the rocks, against the direction of the shot. As Ayla releases the arrow and heals Lynn she notices an attached note: "First Killpi, second Lynn, third is Glimji, last the priest. I'll enjoy bleeding you down!"
Killpi infuriated, gets out of cover and start killing the hapless blinded soldiers, Lynn joins with the remains of her fury, as Ayla heals her more and Glimji yells at them from behind the rock "Are you insane?!" we expect more shots any moment, but none follow, which confuses us a bit. We loot the bodies, Lynn takes the banded mail from the officer, as well as his papers and badge. Glimji takes the badge and papers from the lieutenant. Mybe they could be used for diversion.
What now though? the party tries to goad Shaina out, and Killpi desperately tries to think of ways to take her flying companion down, but to no avail.
A SPLENDID idea!
Spoiler
At this point our daily resources are nearly depleted, and the little rest we had waiting is gone. cranliness is starting to show. Glimji complains that he has but a few spells left, and that he MUST sleep, Ayla supports this- "If she didn't kill us this far it might be worth a try... My divine power is about depleted as well." Lynn however objects, thinking sleeping right now is fool hardy. "Shaina won't let us sleep! and there may be other retrieval squads out there! we must hurry!" Killpi for once was silent, agreeing to both points "who knows what we might face at Gordion? better to have ourselves ready, no?" Lynn relents to the party's wishes, and they decide to try and sleep.
Glimji meditates with his crown though, Ayla is worried, noticing the crinkles around his eyes deepening quickly. the gnome smiles at her worried face "I am charging the crown, transferring some of my power to it. it might age me... a little" She decides not to pursue it, her nerves are strained enough. she goes to do her dance of beauty, and Killpi and Lynn watch amused. "In the middle of being hunted we find time for this... say, what were those spells that GLimji casts- first soldiers of shadow, then flickering light?" Killpi nodded sagely "both light and shadow can be used for good effect. it all depends on how they are used".
But "Sleep" doesn't come well, as within the first 10 minutes Ayla is shot with an arrow. Killpi manages to locate Shaina, hiding near a lone tree! But the elf runs and shoots mid run at Ayla again, and Killpi takes point to protect her, as Ayla rushes to the tent to heal herself under some concealment. As Killpi tries to keep eye on the huntress, he loss sight of her, cursing.
The party tries to understand the odd pattern, when Lynn comes with a sort of an understanding "she wants to torment us, taunt us, make us bleed slowly, and kill us at her leisure. She's a sadist!"
DM
Spoiler
"Finally you start getting her!"
Shaina shoots more arrows randomly at the tent, till the party leave it, quickly jumble it up and continues walking hurriedly. Now 2.5 days without sleep.
Welcome to Gordion!
Spoiler
The lack of sleep start getting to most of us. Char keeps falling asleep and falling mid sleep, Glimji is withdrawn, mumbling under his breath except for shooting a sarcastic remark here and there, Killpi keeps moaning about sleep, and at time shooting at the bloody following flying whatshisname. Lynn is tired, and Cranky, her mind trying fievershly to find a solution.
Ayla however is at a new ood thanks to the temptress silk- calm and serene, tryingto calm everyone "it will be fine, you'll see!" "everything will turn out for the better!" "it's just a rough patch!". Killpi nearly attacks her at one point...
Finally we reach Gordion, the small river town. It's walls quite tall against orcs and trolls from the mountain, the town lies just on top of the river. Ayla remembers the town has about 6,000 people, and rely mostly on the river and game, but knows little more. the party sees all kind of ice sculptures on the walls. Ayla recognizes them as figues of the goddess Keleno, goddess of air and storm. "This is good, there might be a celebration in her honor which we can use. Also- she is the patron of air ships, perhaps the priests might be more amiable.
Due to the lack of sleep we were at -6 to all rolls. We approach from the south bank of the river, while the city is on the north bank, there is a small ferry house. As we go inside the 4 guards ogle Ayla's impressive... natural talents, and we get by unnoticed. Glimji however, eyes red with fatigue points us at a poster on the wall, a regular "wanted, dead or alive" with ample descriptions of us, and a 1000 gp reward per head. "just 1000?!?" hissed Killpi as we ushered ourselves to the ferry
A bit of leniency
Spoiler
I think the DM gave us a little break here. It was late in the session, and we kind of strode in unthinkingly. He used Ayla as distraction... once. but the message was clear- it's not safe here.
"5 tickets please!"
Spoiler
we found a fairly secure place on the ferry "we need a disguise, quick!" Glimji grumbled "I have a few more spells in my disposal, but just a few. I'll create a few simple disguises for most of us..." he cast minodr disguise and gave us all some new features:
Killpi was made to look like a leper
Lynn was adorned with a nice scar along the face
Ayla's hair color was changed to black (and she decided to wear some decent clothes, thank goodness!)
Glimgji turned his hourglass eyes into blank whites making him "blind", and Char as his halfling guide.
minor disguise
Spoiler
we didn't wuite understnad the spell at that point, and I think we let it do more than it should, oh well.
we went through the town, trying to attract as little attention as possible (quite hard with Ayla, even covered, and the blind Glimji) and went to the temple of the goddess Keleno. She is NOT a nice goddess... we arrived and spoke to the 60 year old priest, who examined us sternly (priests control various aspects of life in this world, Keleno controls air travel) we learn there are 2 ships leaving Gordion: 1 tommorow evening towards Arlen, and another the day after towards the seven towards (A zFist outpost). we buy 5 tickets for Arlen (8gp each), and have our descriptions written down.
Glimji's player shines giving an excellent show of a blind gnome. As the priest suggest to sleep at Kauler's front inn, a place overlooking the mountains GLimji wails "ooohh! how you mock my handicap!" and so on.
we leave the temple, feeling that we must tread lightly, and quite worried whether the flimsy disguises were enough to fool the priest.
But first we really, really, really need some sleep.
Can we find a safe place to rest?
----------------------------------------------------
The last of the meeting was a bit exhausted, people were a bit tired, and on edge- the question of how to battle Shaina was on everyone's head. which is, I guess, as the DM wanted it to be. So we were not exactly greatly creative with our approach and problem solving...
The next meeting turned out to be quite tense, and harrowing, but in a good way. I'm not sure when i might be able to update it, hopefully at the weekend. If you have any questions, comment, or anything else to say in the meantime, please do. Feedback cheers me!
Re: "It continues with a hunt!" [Adventure log, player's POV]
Hmmmm, not much interest it seems. My logs are not that thrilling, but this seems to attract less than the others... Maybe I shouldn't have started a thread in the middle of a story?
Between sessions 2 & 3
(Again, not part of the adventure, but what we discuss as players)
There were a few things on our minds, which we went through back and forth:
1) How to get out of Gordion, and how not to get spotted? We reread Minor disguise and realised our mistake. It seems we'll need either actual disguises (but none of us had any ranks as far as I know), or heavy use of Glimji's disguise self spell. First of all however, we needed a place to hide in! All agreed that going to crash in one of the two inns of the town would be suicide... we discussed some ideas but couldn't quite agree (there was a sort of... interesting solution at the meeting)
We were informed by the DM that you can leave Gordion in 3 ways: by Air ship, by river ship, and by the wilderness, with horses or not. Due to Shaina's "affection" towards us, we needed a way to evade her, so the last option fell through. We felt that we need the air ship to get away fast, but it seemed like such an obvious place to look, and we didn't know if the priest recognized us or not. Ayka's player gave an interesting idea- place a few more hints of where we're going, and that we'll take the ship, and then choose another option, after having create a bait. The decision? on the session...
2) The matter of where exactly to go, and what to do came up again. The most important thing was getting away from the Fist, the second was to sell our loot and get some gear! We wee aching for some decent equipment by this time. When I was 1st level i purchased a few spears as means of ranged combat, thinking "I'll gain a level and but a MW bow!" I now began to fantasize about said bow... Probably I'll have to take it from Shaina's still warm but dead hands...
No offense to the DM, but some of us were thrilled at the idea of possibly shopping...
3) Knowing our first destination is Arlen, and Lynn having some back story there (Where she was trained, and her parents having connections and businesses there) I talked with the DM, wanting some scene to include character development and growth. I wanted the change of Lynn's new life, and her status as fugitive to clash with her fairly respectable past, and perhaps to interact with her parents, which have already lost one son to shame.
DM's answer? "oh don't you worry! I already got something planned!"...
4) Last but definitely not least- Killpi's player intends to change a character! He fills Killpi has played his part, and that he doesn't contribute much to the game. Originally he was planned as a fairly flat and simple character (as most our characters were), but now he feels he needs a change.
another reason for the change is that he felt his character was overpowered to the group- the damage Lynn was doing on critical hits, was the damage he did on normal ones, and his damage out pt wa a bout to get higher (not to mention excellent skill monkey). To tell the truth, I'll be sad to see Killpi go, I really think he added A LOT to the play, ANd i loved the interaction between him and Lynn. But... It will be interesting to se what he'll come up with next. I only know the character has high Inteligence and low wisdom, and sees the world through very analitical frame of mind. A wizard? warmage? We'll see. Might be tougher being the only martial character around...
-------------------------
That is all for now, I'd love to hear from any readers who got this far... perhaps I should copy the posts to the previous thread? easier on continuity?
Re: "It continues with a hunt!" [Adventure log, player's POV]
to the forum moderators: Some people advised me that most people most liekly ignore this thread when they see it begins mid adventure. So I intend to copy paste the session posts (most of this thread) to the original adventure thread, perhaps granting it a better continuity? I apologize if I made a mess, and hope this follows the forum's rules.
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"It continues with a hunt!" [Adventure log, player's POV]
Maybe I shouldn't have started a thread in the middle of a story?
