"I for one think that it would be better to walk in ready to talk and not busting heads from the start." Thordilgon answers while stroking his beard, almost pulling his face hair.
Loa notices nothing seems abnormal about the road that morning. The weather matches the time of year as does the sparse traffic on the North Road or 'Grain Beltway' as it's locally known as the entire area farther than the eye can see in any direction save the road itself are winter barren grain fields. Nothing stands out to him and even the animals seem steady.
Arthos realizes immediately the cleric's mind has been manipulated by a spell! No sure which spell in particular but it's definitely enchantment magic!! The woman seemed terrified of her mind being probed again!
Hours pass uneventfully as the party discusses their approach (OOC I'll post Longshadow's response now but everyone else's can be retrospective) Longshadow finally weighs in.
"Windstaff is so named for the wizard who founded the town centuries ago," the drow begins. "There is his ruined tower and rumors about the area which is proven to be a beckon for the odd since the temple of Pelor stuck ground there fifty years ago," they explain thoughtfully. "I agree caution is necessary. These townsfolk need our assistance. I don't think violence will aid our cause," the paladin asserts.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
"Perhaps I could do a quick and quiet stroll into town and back. See if anything is obviously amiss or dangerous. If whatever is menacing these people has intelligence, then it may know to expect an armed response. I don't want us to ride into an ambush if some hostile force controls the town."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * [Sound of Cork Popping] - Kenku - Lvl 3 Lore Bard - Everasil
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
As the group gets on the road, Arthos shares what he had learned; "Her mind had obviously been manipulated by some sort of spell. Whatever or whomever did that to her was obviously adept with enchantment magic. It's not much to go on, but we should be aware that we may be encountering at least one spellcaster."
Arthos looks at Rattinger, "I'm not convinced that splitting up is a good idea... if you crossed paths with the presumed enchanter, you could be magically influenced to work contrary to our goals and none of us would be the wiser." Arthos's thoughtful expression changes as a thought occurs to him. "Unless you could do your work within minutes? I could open a telepathic channel between us, but it would only last a short time, maybe 3 minutes."
"It is hard to say, but Windstaff is a large enough community that unless I found what I was looking for immediately it would almost certainly take me too long." A shadow passes over Rattinger's face as Arthos describes the magic used on the priestess. "I... I've been subjected to powerful magic before. I'm inclined to agree that its best I not face a caster of unknown power alone. We shall just have to keep our eyes up and our nerves steady."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * [Sound of Cork Popping] - Kenku - Lvl 3 Lore Bard - Everasil
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
"I would also say that it is large enough that a group of travellers arriving is not unusual. Let's simply arrive and make enquiries. Maybe general observations will help us see where things are out of place. As Rattinger says, eyes up and steady nerves." Loa continues to ride with the group. "There are several places we could start. We could track down the local priest, we could see what news is circling the taverns, or we could speak to the city guard. Any preferences?"
Breaking his silent observation as they travel, Gareth says, “I agree, riding into town as we are, without pretense or aggression, seems wise. Given that the messenger was clergy, starting with the Ezra Highhammer is likewise a good strategy.”
Rattinger is all kinds of uneasy about this but steels his nerves and prepares himself for the mission. As they approach Windstaff he will try to be alert for anything amiss. That includes both the town itself and its people, as well as animals wild and domestic.
Perception 26
If appropriate, Nature 14
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * [Sound of Cork Popping] - Kenku - Lvl 3 Lore Bard - Everasil
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
OOC: it's still midday, the party will arrive in the early evening. Time jump or do y'all need to discuss anything more? I'll reply to Rattinger's rolls if y'all want the time jump.
"As I mentioned the temple of the Dawn Father in Windstaff is rather recent. Ezra was a founding priest and his mission to convert has been meet with increasing followers. This place has a history of foul conjurers," Longshadow explains their contempt for non-divine magic made plain. "Windstaff's ruined tower is the landmark of the lawless times where arcane magic was rampant in the villages and was often used to subjugate the locals," they explain.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * [Sound of Cork Popping] - Kenku - Lvl 3 Lore Bard - Everasil
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
History: 7
Loa rides along listening to the conversation around him. He had read plenty of books in the local libraries, but he couldn't recall anything specific about this area. As they continue to ride toward the town, Loa will take the time to note down his surroundings, looking for any potential places to rest up if they get caught between towns.
Rattinger and Arthos are well aware of the mage Windstaff. An air gensai who literally tried to raise the area in which his tower was build into the heavens. It instead crashed into terra firma killing several villagers who he had in turn enslaved in the near by mines. The area being once known for magic stone that took enchantment well for creating powerful teleportation and levitation objects once infused with spells!
Loa doesn't know the exact information above, Rattinger and Arthos know this also, with the crusade of those faithful to the Dawn Father Talamh was raised from arcane control and given back to her less than magically inclined people. Although arcane isn't outlawed its rare enough and many choose to join the umbrella of the Dawn Father church to be protected from the growing alienation or outright persecution of arcane based magics!
(OOC: I'm Ok with a time jump, outside of two questions)
"Longshadow, you mention the old tower has been a 'beacon for the odd' over the years. What do you mean? Have there been other incidents in the past? Perhaps there is a clue in there somewhere about the current crisis."
"Also, I recall that years ago local stone from the area was prized for its ability to be worked for magical enchantments. It has been some time since I've heard those stories - do the stones still hold such power?"
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * [Sound of Cork Popping] - Kenku - Lvl 3 Lore Bard - Everasil
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
OOC: I’m fine with a time jump when you all are. Do the arcane casters join the church and generally hide their magic, or do they join so folks assume their Magics are divine instead of arcane?
"Anything greatly manipulated by higher magic leaves a scar on the spell weave. The powerful fabric of magic itself that holds the planes themselves in tenuous place. Magic creatures, mages, and other horrors are attracted to such places like vultures to a corpse," Longshadow explains. "As for the stone I believe it does still hold such power but after the scourge of Windstaff was ended the mines were blocked and the very temple of Pelor built upon its ruins," they add.
OOC: You would all be aware of the growing dangers for arcane casters as well as the church embracing arcane talents for Pelor's purpose. When I say hide, I meant from the haters of arcane magic not church members. Talk to Longshadow to find out why they don't like arcane casters.
Rattinger understands. He has only a rudimentary understanding of the arcane - basically enough to know when he’s dealing with magic and how to avoid it if possible - but based on what they have said and the history of using arcane magic to enslave, being cautious of wizards sounds prudent.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * [Sound of Cork Popping] - Kenku - Lvl 3 Lore Bard - Everasil
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Looking up from the road as he drove the cart, Gareth says, “Ah, Thordilgon, I just do what is necessary—sometimes a swift kick or punch, sometimes a slash from the sword, or sometimes you just need to reach out and touch someone from a distance. I like to have my options.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
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Arcana: 23
"I for one think that it would be better to walk in ready to talk and not busting heads from the start." Thordilgon answers while stroking his beard, almost pulling his face hair.
Thom Everyman- Midgard One Shots
DMing- The Voyage of the Fallen Star
Loa notices nothing seems abnormal about the road that morning. The weather matches the time of year as does the sparse traffic on the North Road or 'Grain Beltway' as it's locally known as the entire area farther than the eye can see in any direction save the road itself are winter barren grain fields. Nothing stands out to him and even the animals seem steady.
Arthos realizes immediately the cleric's mind has been manipulated by a spell! No sure which spell in particular but it's definitely enchantment magic!! The woman seemed terrified of her mind being probed again!
Hours pass uneventfully as the party discusses their approach (OOC I'll post Longshadow's response now but everyone else's can be retrospective) Longshadow finally weighs in.
"Windstaff is so named for the wizard who founded the town centuries ago," the drow begins. "There is his ruined tower and rumors about the area which is proven to be a beckon for the odd since the temple of Pelor stuck ground there fifty years ago," they explain thoughtfully. "I agree caution is necessary. These townsfolk need our assistance. I don't think violence will aid our cause," the paladin asserts.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
"Perhaps I could do a quick and quiet stroll into town and back. See if anything is obviously amiss or dangerous. If whatever is menacing these people has intelligence, then it may know to expect an armed response. I don't want us to ride into an ambush if some hostile force controls the town."
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * [Sound of Cork Popping] - Kenku - Lvl 3 Lore Bard - Everasil
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
As the group gets on the road, Arthos shares what he had learned; "Her mind had obviously been manipulated by some sort of spell. Whatever or whomever did that to her was obviously adept with enchantment magic. It's not much to go on, but we should be aware that we may be encountering at least one spellcaster."
Arthos looks at Rattinger, "I'm not convinced that splitting up is a good idea... if you crossed paths with the presumed enchanter, you could be magically influenced to work contrary to our goals and none of us would be the wiser." Arthos's thoughtful expression changes as a thought occurs to him. "Unless you could do your work within minutes? I could open a telepathic channel between us, but it would only last a short time, maybe 3 minutes."
"It is hard to say, but Windstaff is a large enough community that unless I found what I was looking for immediately it would almost certainly take me too long." A shadow passes over Rattinger's face as Arthos describes the magic used on the priestess. "I... I've been subjected to powerful magic before. I'm inclined to agree that its best I not face a caster of unknown power alone. We shall just have to keep our eyes up and our nerves steady."
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * [Sound of Cork Popping] - Kenku - Lvl 3 Lore Bard - Everasil
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
"I would also say that it is large enough that a group of travellers arriving is not unusual. Let's simply arrive and make enquiries. Maybe general observations will help us see where things are out of place. As Rattinger says, eyes up and steady nerves." Loa continues to ride with the group. "There are several places we could start. We could track down the local priest, we could see what news is circling the taverns, or we could speak to the city guard. Any preferences?"
Gareth
Breaking his silent observation as they travel, Gareth says, “I agree, riding into town as we are, without pretense or aggression, seems wise. Given that the messenger was clergy, starting with the Ezra Highhammer is likewise a good strategy.”
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Rattinger is all kinds of uneasy about this but steels his nerves and prepares himself for the mission. As they approach Windstaff he will try to be alert for anything amiss. That includes both the town itself and its people, as well as animals wild and domestic.
Perception 26
If appropriate, Nature 14
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * [Sound of Cork Popping] - Kenku - Lvl 3 Lore Bard - Everasil
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
OOC: it's still midday, the party will arrive in the early evening. Time jump or do y'all need to discuss anything more? I'll reply to Rattinger's rolls if y'all want the time jump.
"As I mentioned the temple of the Dawn Father in Windstaff is rather recent. Ezra was a founding priest and his mission to convert has been meet with increasing followers. This place has a history of foul conjurers," Longshadow explains their contempt for non-divine magic made plain. "Windstaff's ruined tower is the landmark of the lawless times where arcane magic was rampant in the villages and was often used to subjugate the locals," they explain.
History check anyone?
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
History: 17
OOC: Sorry to jump the gun. Thought we were on final approach to the town.
Rattinger will listen to Longshadow’s story and consider it before asking any questions. History 19
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * [Sound of Cork Popping] - Kenku - Lvl 3 Lore Bard - Everasil
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
History: 7
Loa rides along listening to the conversation around him. He had read plenty of books in the local libraries, but he couldn't recall anything specific about this area. As they continue to ride toward the town, Loa will take the time to note down his surroundings, looking for any potential places to rest up if they get caught between towns.
Rattinger and Arthos are well aware of the mage Windstaff. An air gensai who literally tried to raise the area in which his tower was build into the heavens. It instead crashed into terra firma killing several villagers who he had in turn enslaved in the near by mines. The area being once known for magic stone that took enchantment well for creating powerful teleportation and levitation objects once infused with spells!
Loa doesn't know the exact information above, Rattinger and Arthos know this also, with the crusade of those faithful to the Dawn Father Talamh was raised from arcane control and given back to her less than magically inclined people. Although arcane isn't outlawed its rare enough and many choose to join the umbrella of the Dawn Father church to be protected from the growing alienation or outright persecution of arcane based magics!
OOC: Time jump?
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
(OOC: I'm Ok with a time jump, outside of two questions)
"Longshadow, you mention the old tower has been a 'beacon for the odd' over the years. What do you mean? Have there been other incidents in the past? Perhaps there is a clue in there somewhere about the current crisis."
"Also, I recall that years ago local stone from the area was prized for its ability to be worked for magical enchantments. It has been some time since I've heard those stories - do the stones still hold such power?"
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * [Sound of Cork Popping] - Kenku - Lvl 3 Lore Bard - Everasil
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
OOC: I’m fine with a time jump when you all are. Do the arcane casters join the church and generally hide their magic, or do they join so folks assume their Magics are divine instead of arcane?
"Anything greatly manipulated by higher magic leaves a scar on the spell weave. The powerful fabric of magic itself that holds the planes themselves in tenuous place. Magic creatures, mages, and other horrors are attracted to such places like vultures to a corpse," Longshadow explains. "As for the stone I believe it does still hold such power but after the scourge of Windstaff was ended the mines were blocked and the very temple of Pelor built upon its ruins," they add.
OOC: You would all be aware of the growing dangers for arcane casters as well as the church embracing arcane talents for Pelor's purpose. When I say hide, I meant from the haters of arcane magic not church members. Talk to Longshadow to find out why they don't like arcane casters.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
Rattinger understands. He has only a rudimentary understanding of the arcane - basically enough to know when he’s dealing with magic and how to avoid it if possible - but based on what they have said and the history of using arcane magic to enslave, being cautious of wizards sounds prudent.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * [Sound of Cork Popping] - Kenku - Lvl 3 Lore Bard - Everasil
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Thordilgon looks at Gareth and asks "I see both a sword and a bow, how do you prefer to battle?" All the while pulling his shirt beard hairs.
Thom Everyman- Midgard One Shots
DMing- The Voyage of the Fallen Star
Gareth:
Looking up from the road as he drove the cart, Gareth says, “Ah, Thordilgon, I just do what is necessary—sometimes a swift kick or punch, sometimes a slash from the sword, or sometimes you just need to reach out and touch someone from a distance. I like to have my options.”
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"