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Post by Karrgos on Apr 10, 2021 15:49:46 GMT
New Beginnings
In the free state of Ellasar, in the mountain village of Dar’garet, in the Oak and Hope tavern a new born stirs in her mothers arms. Almost the whole village is in attendance, the allotted town guard are geared, up toasting to the new born. The bakers, the hunters, lumber jacks and farmers are all feasting and drinking, celebrating the new life among them. In the centre is a dark skinned human, standing on the centre table, tankard held aloft. “In Hathors Name! Bless this new life!” Imrani Okoye Izikaataa roars to the villagers around her. Echoed by the crowed and Garoth the 6 foot 8 dragonborn tavern keeper. He’s declared all drink and food is free for the night in celebration and the village folk are here to party.
Leaning in the corner, trying desperately to ignore the complaints of a portly bard know only as “The Jeff”, Jake Ribbins sighs. Why him, why here, why this, why was he stuck in the watch, why did he have to escort this bard and why wouldn’t the oaf SHUT UP. The redheaded youth finally jumps at the chance to leave when requested to fetch some more mutton and heads to the barmaid who’s caried his eye most of the night.
Fresh from the road, hungry and curious, Sethos Khalil finds his way into the tavern. Red robes travel warn. The smell of roasting meets, a heavy stew and ale fills his senses and he heads to the bar. Surrounded by Goblins, Humans, Elves, Bugbears and Halflings, the Dragonborn catches his eye and the inquisitive young wizard starts sprawling his papers across the bar and begins taking notes and drawing sketches. After a brief chat, he heads over to the table next to “The Jeff” and tries to strike up a conversation with the lordly bard only to be met with discourteous dismissal.
A well dressed noble man, monocle donning his face and adorned in purple robes, find his way into town. Drawn by the sound of revelry and sensing an opportunity, he enters the bar. Sven Proudshot takes in the room. Glances over the cleric, the rouge before settling on a fellow bard. He strikes up a conversation and tries to perform the Kaylie of the Kenkou. The crowd stomp and cheer but at a glance, Sven gets shot down by “the Jeff” and his performance is dismissed.
In the midst of the dance a forest dwelling goblin enters the building. Drawn to the tavern by the druidic symbols, Grobbo wanders up to the bar askes for some fresh milk and is given a jug of the stuff. Politely he thanks the towering dragonborn, sits, takes in his surroundings and drinks leaving a grand milk moustache adorning his upper lip.
As the party continues, Jake returns to his ward and “slips” planting mutton and grave square into “The Jeff’s” face. Not to let the moment escape, Jake apologises profusely, grabs water and “attempts” to clean the bard up. The soaking, embarrassed and furious the bard demands his key from the bar and leaves to his room after threatening to strip Jake of his commission.
There is a loud thump of a lodging room door being slammed shut, followed by a whirring, a clank and several heavy “Dumph”s as the door next to the bar breaks into splinters, plates, knives and forks, pots, pans and a caldron are propelled at high speed into part of the crowed. People duck and hide behind tables, several people are injured as hard plates hit limbs and dent armour. There is a loud frantic hammering and a "sprung" sound and the bombardment ends. As the tavern falls into quiet, a little goblin peaks around the doors remains from the washing up station. “GGEEEEEEERRRRZZZZZ!!!” Garoth roars.
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Post by Karrgos on Apr 13, 2021 18:23:28 GMT
As the bartender held Geerz aloft and began to give him the bollocking of a life time, Imrani sprang into action. Setting up a first aid center she began triaging left and right. Seth and Grobbo began to help and impressed the cleric with their first aid skills. After finding his fancy for the night was one of the injured Jake began to dig through the rouble and help clean the place up. Between slings and bandages, broken limbs and dented armour. The party worked out this was most of the villages make shift guard laying unconscious or unable to fight. One of the few remaining guard headed out to apprise the others of the situation. Five minutes pass and he returns promptly, dragging a semiconscious woman. Tuvena, the blacksmith has been beaten and stomped down into the dirt. After checking her over Imrani discovers she’s been stabbed and beings to heal her. Briefly rousing from consciousness , through murmured breaths, she mutters “Hester”, “Hester”. The guard confirms. Her son has been kidnapped.
The room goes cold. Everyone that can, stands up straight. The guards injured on the floor hand over their weapons and all the villagers headed out of the tavern to don the walls, check in on the other families and search for the missing one. Seth uses his telepathic gift to speak to the concust orc and she tells him she was dealing with 5-6 strangers who were selling her ore. They jacked upped the final price and when she argued, she felt a cold sinking sensation followed by burning in her lower back and the big one cracked her in the side of the head.
Seth enquired what they looked like and she responded with just some goblins, halfings, a human, maybe a half elf. Garoth confirmed he’d seen 6-7 of them. “Got to get supplies where you can out here. Doesn’t always mean you’re dealing with good folk.”
In the meantime Grobbo had stepped outside and headed to towards the blacksmiths. Finding a friendly doggo just up the road from blacksmith, the young goblin sat down and began to ask the dog what had happened. “Saw the people, saw the people, smelt the blood, didn’t like the people, smelt the boy, like the boy, boy brings foods, you has foods?” Knowing he was onto something, Grobbo headed back to the others to inform them the boy had indeed been taken.
As the villagers sounded the alarm, Jake headed up to inform his charge of the situation, that a child had been taken. “The Jeff” responded with scorn, demanding that Jake see they stopped that infernal racket as he was trying to sleep. The two argued and “The Jeff” demanded Jake leave and to be gone. Taking this as a sign of dismissal, Jake left feeling relief and made his way to see how he could help.
After a brief discussion, and Garoth telling the group that with this many people injured, the villagers couldn’t risk sending a search party to follow the gang, our would-be heroes decided to head out on their own in pursuit. Grobbo grabbed the dog, dubbed them Woofles and the party ran out into the night.
Between brief conversations, Seth trying to make notes and falling flat on his face and Sven casting a spell that let him see in the dark, the group managed to find sets of tracks leading towards the weeping cliffs. Suddenly Grobbo halted and brought everyones attention to the tracks. They had split into two groups. Three sets of prints curled off from the main path into the forest. After inspecting both sets, the Grobbo identified that the heaver of the two tracks and a few sack-like prints stuck to the main path and the party followed. Splitting into two teams, those who could see in the dark and those who needed to find their way by the light of a torch.
As they carried on into the early hours. Grobbo signalled again finding more tracks on the ground, the group came to the conclusion that it was the splinter group who had formed some kind of patrol. Seth sent his Owl Theophilus to scout around and spotted a campfire just up ahead. Seth decided to creep closer while the rest of the party stayed back. Theophilus heard sounds coming from elsewhere in the woods and guessed the sound was about 10 minutes away.
Like a librarian’s fart, Seth snuck undetected to within sight of the camp fire. Two gruff looking halflings and a snoring goblin were sitting round the flames. Thinking back to his time in the wizards tower, Seth rolled up his sleaves and cast Sleep on the two conscious halflings. One promptly fell into a stuper but the other shrugged it off. Spotting Seth, the halfling turned and challenged the brave human. Seth cast Charm Person but to no avail. The hobbit shook it off and smashed his sleeping companion in the head and sounded the alarm. “Oh shit” muttered Seth as he began to retreat. “Manners!” Theophilus scolded Seth with all the venom of an elderly scholar being tolled someone’s taken his favourite reading glasses.
And we leave our young wizard, reprimand fresh in his ears, wide eyed as 3 bandits advance towards him.
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gilbo
2019 Group
Posts: 1,446
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Post by gilbo on Apr 20, 2021 19:19:40 GMT
Seth's Journal
Well this is rather fantastic. I stopped off at the Oak & Hope Inn, hoping for adventure, and I certainly found it! After helping to tend the wounded after a dish-washing contraption went awry, I befriended a group of travellers, and a few moments later we appear to be on a quest together! The blacksmith's son was captured by a group of ruffians and we followed their trail into the woods.
There's a nice lady called Imrani, who is a priestess of Hathor, and she is really friendly. She keeps our spirits up and is very encouraging. There's a man called Sven, who plays lots of instruments, and he seems pretty good fun and nice. Jake is a young chap who seems pretty quick and clever, so I think he will be useful to have around. Then there's two goblins, Geerz, who was the one with the dish machine, and Grobbo, who can talk to animals! I thought goblins were dirty, smelly, stupid creatures, but these seem quite bright.
***
I went ahead and saw two hobbits and a goblin sitting around a fire. I managed to get one of them to fall asleep, but the other saw me and woke him up. The goblin ran off into a cave, and the two hobbits ran at me. I sent Theo back to warn the others, then made an illusion of a pit in front of them, which was pretty good actually, and I waved a burning log which scared them off.
***
After the others caught up, they searched the camp. Sven told me that he had accidentally killed Theo. I was pretty upset, but I suppose he didn’t know Theo, and it was dark and confusing in the woods. I’m sure I can get Theo back, I just hope he won’t be too upset. Geerz found a rat in the camp and started eating it.
***
We headed into the cave where we hoped to find the kidnapped boy. The two hobbits attacked us, and Jake threw daggers at them, and Imrani used a holy flame spell, and soon they were dead. I know they weren’t very nice, but it seemed a bit excessive to me as one of them had their face completely melted off. However, then I heard a noise from behind, and saw two half elves and a gruff looking dwarf coming down the passage! I made an illusion of a portcullis to try and stall them, which worked for a bit, but then I was hit by two arrows! I crawled away and patched myself up, and then suddenly felt a lot better, as I think Imrani healed me. Geerz can throw bolts of fire and acid by muttering some kind of formula and Grobbo can make the shape of the earth change. Sven made one of the enemies fall over laughing, and then tied him up, but he died when Imrani tried to subdue him. Jake was badly injured in the battle, but Imrani and Grobbo healed him.
***
Further down the passage we found a room with a body and a pile of bones. I looked at the body, and noticed the goblin from earlier hiding in the bones! The others killed him. So far that’s six deaths and two of us have been badly hurt. I’m not sure I like this adventuring, it’s not the same as in the stories. Imrani seems really nice, but I am a bit scared of her as she can kill people by just pointing at them so their face melts off.
***
Further along, Imrani spotted a pit trap, and as she was jumping over it, she tripped and fell in. She hurt her leg badly on a spike. After we had pulled her out, we skirted the pit and arrived at the end of the passage. From the room ahead, we heard a calm voice say, “Ladies, Gents and Gems. Welcome. This is going to be fun....” I'm not sure it is....
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Post by Karrgos on Apr 21, 2021 17:07:14 GMT
Theophiluses amendment
In his excitement and grievous wounding, I believe Master Seth has exaggerated a few points in his journal entry.
***
After my dispatching by that questionable dolcop, I observed that while two halflings entered the underground passage, only one was dispatched by the young redhaired chap. Where the other halfling is, I do not know. I shall be sure to advise Master Seth of this as soon as I am able.
***
I suspect it wasn’t the servant of the Matron Mother who healed Master Seth, I believe it was that same red headed fellow. I need further evidence before I present my theory to Master Seth so I shall keep my eyes peeled. I also suspect that due to Master Seth’s injuries at the time he did not notice that both of those elven assailants presented as women. If we are to unravel what has occurred here and why such individuals have taken to a life of such malfeasance, such details will surely be key.
***
A final note for this addition. I’m rather fearful for Master Seth’s wellbeing. What ever was making that infernal racket has stopped and that calm voice is speaking… I hope the young master knows what he’s doing, and these newfound friends of his can keep him safe.
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gilbo
2019 Group
Posts: 1,446
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Post by gilbo on Apr 24, 2021 13:26:47 GMT
Dear Theo I am sure I will be able to get you back soon, but so much has happened I had better write it all down so I don't forget. We heard a voice in the room ahead, which turned out to belong to a man sitting on top of a large statue of a dragon. There was a huge lizardman in the room too, and a hobbit hiding in the corner. Imrani ran in (she's so brave), but the lizard beast knocked her out with a massive blow. Jake ran at the leader with his swords, and the rest of us launched spells and arrows from the entrance. Sven used a useful spell to make the lizard fall over laughing, but when he tried to attack him while down, the creature hit him with a vicious slice that put him down. Geerz saw to Imrani, so I tried to help Sven while the others fought on. Grobbo used a thorn whip to attack the hobbit and the leader. Jake got badly wounded, but Imrani used her holy power to cure him, and he was able to skewer the leader, then he ran over and got the lizardman too. He is pretty deadly. The hobbit was eventually killed by Geerz. I really tried to save Sven, honestly I did, but he was dead. Even Imrani couldn't save him. But he did kill you, so there you go.
We found the kidnapped boy and he was alright so then we got to explore the room and it turned out to be really interesting. There was an inscription on the dragon statue that was a riddle and I love riddles, but I couldn't guess this one but Imrani did (she is so wise). This revealed another inscription which was like an oath, and I remembered something similar near the start, so Grobbo and I went back and found a mural. I said the oath and it opened a secret door! I really wanted to explore but everyone was tired and Jake insisted on taking the boy home before we did any more exploring. He was really mean actually and shouted at me, but I had to go along with it, because if I upset him too much he might slit my throat like he did with those baddies.
Anyway, now the others have gone to sleep, so I can write this. Imrani is on watch with me, which is nice. I had better not wander off too far, but I might just make some more sketches. Missing you, Theo. I promise I will get you back as soon as I can.
***
Okay, so I know Jake told me not to explore any more, but I am so glad I ignored him! Something really incredible has happened. I investigated that door, and inside there was a tomb, and I met a ghost lady, and she was really nice and she gave me a proper spell book and a magic ring! She explained that this tomb was a special one for the brave heroes who had taken the oath to stick together and fight evil. So I am one of those now and it's great. There were other tombs for the others so I went and told Imrani and she got cool magic items too, a spear and an amulet. I asked the ghost lady about Sven and she said she didn't know because he only just died and isn't a proper ghost yet.
When the others wake up we can tell them about the tomb. Jake probably won't want to look, as he thinks it's more important to deliver that child back to his parents than find out about interesting old tombs. I'm not sure about the goblins, I wonder if they will be allowed to take the oath and join our band? Well, if it's just me and Imrani that would be okay.
I'm going to read my book now, I'm too excited to sleep. I'll summon you back tomorrow, Theo.
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gilbo
2019 Group
Posts: 1,446
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Post by gilbo on May 2, 2021 13:17:53 GMT
Something even more amazing has happened! The statue of Anubis came to life and brought back Sven! He told us that he had been sent back from the dead to atone for the sin of killing you, Theo! Also, he had been given a quest. We have to go to a place near the Weeping Cliffs where the souls of the dead are not returning to Anubis. So we are on a divine quest! We are the chosen of the Gods! It is fortunate that I went into that tomb, as otherwise we might have left and missed the opportunity.
Imrani and I told the others about the tomb, and they went in to take the oath too. Sven received a monocle and a trumpet device that could project his voice. Geerz got a complicated-looking crossbow and a hammer. Grobbo had to go outside and commune with some nature spirits, and he just got some old leaves tied up with string (but he is a goblin so he probably likes that sort of thing). Jake continues to insist on taking the child back, and refused to take the oath, so I suppose he is not part of our select group.
***
After we had rested I managed to summon you back. I am not sure why it happened, but I hope you like your new form. At least you can look at books properly now and turn the pages. When we get back to the town I will get you some clothes to cover up your backside.
***
This new book is really fantastic! Also, I have learned how to summon a quill that will write in the book whatever I want, so I can carry the book with my mage hand, and the quill can record everything as we go along! I can even make it do different colours!
***
Back in the village we returned the boy safely to his mother and there was much rejoicing. I think I fell asleep on this book during the party, as I woke up with my face covered in ink. Imrani and Sven investigated the town that we need to go to, and so we are setting off soon for the next part of our adventure!
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Post by pericles on May 6, 2021 17:34:57 GMT
Musings of a Teen Rogue
Just twenty four hours ago my life was bleak, I had a job, somewhere to sleep and a family, but despite all this I was trapped and ill put upon. I was watched closely and every copper was eagerly grabbed by my mother in law for board and expenses. Strange how an obnoxious overweight bard with an inflated ego could prove the turning point in my life.
I arrived at the Oak and Hope tavern in Dar’garet with the obnoxious bard Lord Jackson of Siri commonly known as “The Jeff” to find the tavern in celebration. The master of ceremonies was a comely cleric by the name of Imrani. The Jeff true to form ensconced his prodigious figure at a table and promptly started finding fault sneering at everyone. Luckily a number of strangers arrived and a socially inept wizard tried to engage the Jeff. This was my cue to escape the miasma of superior boredom and chat up the barmaid.
The evening proceeded nicely and I was able to offend the Jeff sufficiently that he left. Soon after the celebration was rocked by news of a kidnapping.
The blacksmiths son Hester had been abducted. My duty was clear and I immediately teamed up with the cleric Imrani and an odd collection of strangers, the socially inept wizard, a bard and a couple of goblins one of which could speak with animals and the other was even stranger. We started out OK but things slowly descended into chaos. Our fearless leader insisted on travelling through the dark when only half of us could see. I was afraid for the safety of Hester and did not object too strenuously. The Goblins were surprisingly competent and we found the kidnappers easily enough thanks to Grobbo and the blacksmiths dog.
It was at this point due to a combination of overconfidence and recklessness that everything started to slide out of control. Our night blind wizard crept up to the camp of kidnappers. Those who could see milled around leaving those who could not see helpless in the dark. The first I knew something was wrong was when the wizard recklessly started a fight on his own without backup against three opponents! Imrani lit her shield with holy light of Hathor and led a belated charge to rescue the foolish wizard. Luck was on our side and we managed to rescue the wizard but not without a goblin escaping into a cave. After regrouping and checking the camp we followed the goblin into the cave.
My new companions redeemed themselves over the next few skirmishes however Imrani while attempting to impress fell into a known pit trap and injured herself.
I did not think we would survive the final fight. The leader of the kidnappers tried charming me and by playing along I scored a good hit before he knew what was happening. He must have been a bard or similar by his dress and fighting style. Why am I always plagued with Bards! Luckily after subduing the leader I was able to help the others with the major muscle and not long after we found Hester safe and well. Sadly Sven a young bard who came to help rescue Hester died. The cave we found ourselves was a wonder and I was curious to explore more however we were a companion down at the end of our resource and no idea of the perils that hiding beyond the door found by Sethos. I refused to countenance further exploration until Hester was safe and we had taken the lead kidnapper back for questioning.
It was during the night that two things happened. The first a wondrous dream, though in hind sight I am not sure how much of the dream was real and what was imagined. The second was a betrayal. While on watch to protect the remaining companions, Sethos deliberately and recklessly endangered every one by opening the doorway into the depths of the cave. Sethos then proceeded to co-opt the other party members and bind them to himself. Sethos woke the prior undead inhabitants of the cave and drew the attention of Anubis himself.
I am uneasy with events, Anubis or at least his semblance, resurrected Sven and the revenant Sven immediately bound the others to a quest.
Each of the companions received treasures that night but at what cost? Sethos began the betrayal by acting first. The others merely followed. Sethos is young and naïve, with luck I may be able to save him from his recklessness and turn him to Good. As it stands Sethos would merrily walk a path littered with curios into Evil and due to the oath lead all to Evil. The die is cast. Sethos is excited by the attention, the gifts bestowed, and has promised to follow the revenant Sven. Imrani is over awed by what has happened and pledged her support. Imrani’s confidence will only spur the reckless Sethos to greater recklessness.
My path is uncertain. I woke after my dream with gifts. I have been given freedom but I may have been shackled to a different power. The power is benign and helpful so far. Through the gifts I have discovered the children were being sought by the painted count in Sarten. I must travel to Sarten but first I need more information and some equipment. I have an idea which the dwarves may be able to help craft, however Geerz may also have the requisite skills to craft what I need. In the morning I will prevail on Sethos and his companions to travel with them to the dwarven mountains. It is probably safer to travel alone but I need to keep an eye on Sethos and protect him and the others from the revenant Sven.
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gilbo
2019 Group
Posts: 1,446
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Post by gilbo on May 8, 2021 14:12:59 GMT
We went to the tavern and Imrani was really nice and she gave me a tankard of beer, and it was so nice I drank lots of it. Jake came and talked to me, and strangely he seems to think that I am the leader of the party! He said that I was the one who led everyone on the adventure. I told him that I thought it was Imrani who was the leader, but I was quite pleased that he thinks of me like that. Maybe he is not such a bad fellow after all. He wants to accompany us on the quest, and he is very handy with those swords so he will certainly be useful to have along.
***
Grobbo wanted to follow some druidic runes he could see all around the village, so we went with him. I could just about make out what he was pointing at, but he seemed to see more than the rest of us. We ended up in a clearing, where he followed three different paths. He met with some nature spirits, a hawk, unicorn and bear, and we discovered that he has the power to turn into a dog. I’m glad that Grobbo is with us, as he seems really sweet and nice even though he is a goblin.
***
The next morning I woke up feeling amazing. Everyone else seemed to have a headache after the drinking last night, but I was fine. My trousers were very tight, though. I thought I had finished growing now I have 16 years, but it seems not. I must do some more research into this. Sven had managed to get a good deal on a cart and a donkey, and Geerz tinkered with it to make it run smoothly. Jake had bought supplies and rations for us all too.
We set off towards the town. The weather was fine and Imrani talked to me, which was nice. Grobbo found us a good place to stop for the night, and he made some trees magically grow so we could sleep in them! I used a new spell from the book to light a fire, but it was rather more spectacular than I expected, and singed everyone who was standing nearby! The flames were pretty impressive though, even if I do say so myself. I am going on second watch with Geerz, so until then I will sleep in this comfy tree.
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Post by brumguvnor on May 8, 2021 14:35:31 GMT
To the Countess Khanisele Ubuntu Izikaataa
My dearest Khani, I hope this letter finds you in good health, and that you have either stopped chasing strapping Captains of the Impi or have caught one and have settled down with him! - or her!
That dream I had about coming to this village seems to have truly sent by Hathor. I found a group of people that all seemed to come together at the right time and there was an act of evil that needed to be rectified. We seemed to form a competent group and freed a local child from a group that had kidnapped him.
Whilst in the midst of the enemy camp we came across a tomb filled with the bodies of some great adventurers - which turned out to be the resting place of the noble Keepers of Arakeen - exactly as the old scribe Erasmus found from his research: the bodies - and the spirits. All of us except one spoke an Oath of Comradeship and joined theor mystical brotherhood, all of us except one... - and I will be keeping my eye on that one...
I also saw combat in the name of Hathor and it was just as terrifying and righteous as all of my tutors back at the Chapterhouse said it would be.
When we returned to the village and reunited the child with his mother, I led a celebration in the tavern as an ceremony of gratitude to Hathor and used one of of your fathers old tricks and let everyone do what they saw fit - and I was not disappointed! - our goblin Druid comrade (stout fellow the Druids: when all is said and done, they come down hard on the side of Life) seemed to come into his power, and members of the group arranged both a donkey and cart and provisions for our journey without being asked!
And what journey is this? - well, one of the most awe-inspiring parts of the last day was speaking to Anubis himself (or an avatar of his - you know how these things can go) who told us that he was not receicing the spirits of the dead from a nearby village. Knowing a command from a god when I heard one, I proposed we journey there andinvestigae, and all of the new group agreed.
We set out tomorrow and I willpray to Hathor that we succede and that we are doing the right thing... - and for your health, beloved cousin.
With love,
Imrani
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Post by pericles on May 13, 2021 14:43:16 GMT
Musings of a Teen Rogue The last couple of days since gaining my freedom have been relaxing. My benefactor continues to shower me with gifts. When I started studying the notes of the child abductor an arcane formulae came to mind and suddenly I could read everything in front of me. Later when thinking about how to store the notes securely and safely the miniature amphora I found on waking in the cavern grew cold. Next I found myself inside a luxurious chamber furnished with cushions and carpets. I am not sure what other gifts my benefactor has bestowed if any but I am sure they will be revealed as time goes by.
Not much else of note has happened. Grobbo kept talking of visions of a glowing path. The others and I followed him. Grobbo talked of three paths and at the end of the first two at least each he acted strangely. Nothing seemed to happen and at the end of the second I decided to use my time more productively.
I achieved my first objective readily enough gaining agreement to travel with the others. Purchasing rations was also simple. The Hope and Oak must have frequent wayfarers in need of rations. Finding a pack horse and cart was much more difficult. The only person with either wanted ten times what they were worth. The price was so ludicrous I didn’t bother to haggle. Imagine my surprise when the revenant turns up with the same horse and cart. Either the death has left him a simpleton or … Actually I do not want to know what he did. There was no hue and cry before we left an I assume the vendor lives. Beyond that I do not want to know.
Today has been a day of travel. Geerz seems quite excited about my idea for a light stick dagger combo. And now it is to bed. At least I managed to talk some sense into the group and they agreed to pair night sighted with the humans among us. I have been paired with the revenant, I have not experienced any malice or seen further signs of evil. Perhaps as we near its goal I will discover more. For now there is nothing to do but rest and remain vigilant.
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Post by pericles on May 14, 2021 16:42:28 GMT
Out of Character Jake was an urchin and victim of people in power taking advantage of him and his fellow urchins. When you are an urchin you are the bottom of the social pile and it does not take much for someone to make you a victim. Jake and his fellows learnt quickly they needed to rely on each other and be trustworthy.
Jake is sensitive to and takes issue with people who
- take advantage of others
- betray trusts
- recklessly endangering others
Jake recognises forced servitude and innocence are recognised as mitigating factors. Jake was pushed into the watch and forced into the semblence of taking oaths. No oath was freely given to the powers that held Jake in servitude and no fealty or other obligation is recognised by Jake.
Jake will always champion the vulnerable in society. Despite Jake's background in the town watch he has little regard for the law which he views as stacked in favour of privileged elites to the disadvantage of the poor and less well off. Jake has a strong sense of justice and has no qualms in restorative justice to redistribute wealth from those who take advantage of others.
In character Musings of a Teen Rogue I am glad the night is over and the pure light of day has come again. I have no idea what evil attacked us and if it is related to the quest given to the others. It bodes ill for my own quest. Perhaps the evil in the woods is a sign that greater things are afoot. If greater evil stirs then my own quest has added importance for who else will champion the poor.
My benefactor continues to help me. I have discovered in the morning while I preparing for the day I can summon a servant to help me with everyday tasks moving small objects and helping with repetitive tasks. I wonder what tasks my benefactor will demand of me for his favours.
I am both disappointed and surprised by my companions. Imrani betrayed her sense of privilege and importance last night attempting to bully others into her tasks, to her benefit, and their detriment. The wizard Seth immediately took Imrani's side is clearly in thrall. On the other hand the revenant and the goblins seem more genuine and ready to work to the common good. The revenant has merely been boastful at times, a hazard of the trade, at least he does not endlessly lecture.
My path is set for the moment and contains uncertain peril. I will need to stay better prepared sleeping in my leathers and keeping my weapons closer to hand at all times.
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Post by zaphodbeebledoc on May 19, 2021 23:04:39 GMT
Excerpt from the Extraordinary Diary of Grobbo the Druid, Aged 11 and a bit. Part 1.
*Translated from the original Druidic notes and journal entries maintained on a collection of dried, pressed leaves.* I've decided to keep a diary, based on what I've seen Seth do. To start with I thought I'd recollect my life up to this point. I have pale brown skin, with brown eyes and hair. To others I suppose I look quite unkempt, but when you live in the wilderness, it doesn't really matter. Anyway I don't have an ironing board... My clothes are ruffled, and I wear a slightly pointed hat. I've sewn in a few pouches on the inside of my coat, and some more on my tunic, where I keep the things I need to cast spells. I've put twigs, moss, and other things all over my clothes, to make it look like I'm having a rough time. If anyone gets close enough, they will discover that I do have a pleasing aroma however. **** My earliest memories are the smells coming from the various foods cooking in the kitchen. I remember being given raw vegetables to gnaw on. As I got older I started to understand the goings-on in the kitchen, the various roasting animals, the seemingly gigantic cooking pots, and the barely controlled chaos. My mother Gronneth assisted, peeling and cutting vegetables for the meals. Sometimes she would bring in great sacks of potatoes from the store house or even from the garden, where my father Gnashbo worked. As I got older I played in the store house and there I came across mice. They were kept under control by the cats, but I felt pity for them, as like any creature they were just trying to survive. I occasionally took a vegetable or two, and sometimes a scrap of discarded meat from the kitchen. I also shooed away the cats when I could. My parents told me how fortunate we were to have a place in the Lords house. Our Lord's house was in the large town of Tin'souris, one of the many nearby in the region. Many of our Goblin ancestors and kin would have grotty caves to live in, and were sometimes subjugated by other races. We had all the food we could eat, a warm bed to sleep in, and my parents each received a penny a week for the work they did. Eventually I made my way outside to the gardens and I played in the trees spent many a happy days surrounded by wildlife. I brought them as much food as I could. As I got older I explored further away, sometimes spending a few days in the wilderness outside Tin'souris. One day I was looking at a tree and thought I could almost read something, which seemed strange but remarkable. Over the weeks that followed I caught glimpses of other marks or symbols, but I couldn't quite understand the meanings. More frequently I was tasked with doing things around the garden, and occasionally I would help out with the Lords animals, partly because I was able to calm them down if necessary which I enjoyed Not long after my eighth birthday one of the groundsmen told me that I had to do more to contribute to the house, and I volunteered to help the game warden with the animals, which is something I enjoyed immensely, but increasingly I got a feeling of wanderlust. I felt however, that I had to find a different place to live, much as I liked the house and the work. I couldn't tell my parents' though. I didn't know how to explain it to them. One night I left them a brief note to say I was going, as is my habit, and left. I took the few supplies I'd managed to gather, and one or two pieces of old kitchen equipment. I managed to avoid detection by groundskeepers and work my way out of the town, past the guards, and into the wilderness beyond.
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gilbo
2019 Group
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Post by gilbo on May 21, 2021 16:57:37 GMT
Seth's Journal
While I was resting, we were attacked in the night by some kind of evil druid. I missed most of the battle, as I was knocked out, but Imrani saved me. Jake defeated most of the enemies, but Imrani was swallowed by a shadow and transported away. Fortunately she managed to defeat the undead and make it back to us.
She asked to be excused guard duty because of her ordeal, and I thought that was only right, but Jake refused. It’s best to go along with him I think, as I don’t want to be in his bad books when he is so handy with a knife.
***
The next day we set off towards the Weeping Cliffs. Grobbo and Jake were scouting ahead and they spotted a clearing ahead and said we should investigate. We approached very cautiously and found a pile of dismembered bodies, which Imrani identified as soldiers from her lands. There was also an armoured rhinoceros which was badly wounded. Imrani and Grobbo healed her and Grobbo soothed her. He is really good with animals and so soon she was able to come with us. We had found some papers and I discovered a magical scroll and some boots which Imrani wore. The papers were orders to Imrani’s people about an item they needed to retrieve.
Grobbo dug graves with his magic and I helped by cremating the corpses with firey hot burning flames. It seemed, from studying the bodies, that they had been attacked by a creature in heavy plate armour, and we also found tracks of a large four-legged beast, with hooves, claws and feathers. I remembered reading of a hawkabo, which matched the description, and so we followed the trail of blood and feathers to a cave.
Jake peered in and saw the creature curled up inside. Grobbo tried to talk to it, but it growled and told him to leave. Imrani thought that the creature was responsible for the death of her countrymen so she wanted to attack it. As we hesitated, we heard a voice and saw an injured dwarf, with a massive warhammer, who also told us to leave in no uncertain terms. He wasn’t very friendly, and we couldn’t get any straight answers out of him, so I cast a charm on him. He did speak to me a bit more, but it was still hard to discover his motivations. Sven also used his powers of persuasion to get more information from him. There was a tense standoff while we debated whether to attack him, but it eventually became apparent that he had been part of the losing side, and was regaining his strength before hunting down the mysterious assailant in plate armour, once had ‘finished his job’.
We left, and heard his angry shouts as Sven’s magic wore off. Nevertheless, I think we made the right decision, as he and his creature looked really tough and although he was gruff I think he was on our side.
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Post by brumguvnor on May 22, 2021 14:08:18 GMT
[Talking to Seth as we walk - and not to him exclusively: this is said out loud for anyone to hear - he just happens to be walking next to me at the time]
So... - you see that back there? - that was some sin of pride and wrath right there. I was so sure that those two had been the ones to attack my countrymen, and I didn't want to back down when I had them right there in front of me. I'm grateful to all of you for the spells you cast that helped us communicate and also for helping me realise that they were just honourable soldiers also doing their duty.
But I swear to Hathor I am going to find out who killed them and punish them. No one kills an Izikaataan and gets way with it. I am going to make it a matter of my honour and loyalty to Hathor to see that their hearts [holds up jars containing the hearts] get the proper blessings and ceremony to see them to the afterlife.
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Post by pericles on May 25, 2021 17:57:44 GMT
Musings of a Teen Rogue It is a relief that we are not being singled out for attack by mysterious forces, we may get to our destination alive and well. We were lucky that there was a strong party travellers not far ahead of us. If the other party had not existed and the mysterious attackers had not split their forces there is a good chance we would be dead by now. While I thank Bes the god of luck and music for our good luck I am also saddened by the deaths of the warriors we found from Imrani’s lands. Discovery of the dead warriors triggered strong emotions, not least from Imrani and I felt it best to leave Imrani to grieve according to the customs of her people. However I get ahead of myself.
While investigating the site of the attack we discovered some written notes which Imrani was able to translate. One of the travellers was a cleric of Sobek god of crocodiles and water. Actually its difficult to tell when people are dead, he could easily have been a soldier I was never one for religious symbols. I think I will call him a cleric, people rarely complain about honours and titles. The cleric was on a mission to retrieve a stolen artefact of life and death. It seems the gods or at least their mortal representatives are quarrelling once again. Reading the ground and other signs I discovered the attack had been swift and brutal. Luckily I also found tracks of a potential witness leading away from the site. There may have been more but out of respect for Imrani’s grief I tracked the witness to the road side and waited until Imrani and the others had finished preparing the bodies and performing death rites. I rather liked the dwarven witness to the attack. He did not say much except “Go Away”. Repeatedly. And loudly. It was clear the dwarf was not reponsible for the deaths of the Izikaataan and was travelling on an important mission. I don’t know what he said or did but at the end of the encounter he felt wholesome and honest. Next time we meet will be interesting. Sethos and Sven spelled the warrior leaving him in a foul mood. I hope the whispered healing speaks at least a little in our favour.
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