Before we begin, let's agree on general posting rules to make each other's lives easier.
It is better to keep the visible parth of thread game-only. If you need to say something OOC, use spoilers
Like so.
For the game mechanics, rolls, etc. use blockquote
Like so.
Make sure you read what other players posted before you so the party doesn't end up with four similar (and therefore useless) actions, or that you don't create a situation where one person is doing thing A with another player and that said player is currently in other room doing thing B (or, for example, player C).
I will be highliting your names in my posts (so you pay particular attention to the part that concernes you), but you needn't do the same. We are all literate people and I think we can distinguish between characters thoughts and words.
Also, before we start, I want to make it clear that the campaign will not be linear and no choice will be compulsory for the sake of moving the plot. Leave that to me.
"The Furnace", a small and cozy inn in the village of Adha could boast very few things. A cook was not among them. Not surprising, given how everyone was in a hurry to leave this hole in the road. The village itself wasn't bad, just boring. Travellers passed through here rather often, mostly on their way to the port of Nyit, but for many destinations were as numerous as the travelers themselves.
The Broad Road (just a nickname given to the tract by sharp-tongued bards) ended not far beyond the forest, dispersing into a net of smaller roads and walkways. In the days of Old Empire it must have seen a lot of traffic, merchants and soldiers darting between the cities of which only ruins remain. Ages and wars have passed since that time. Much of what was is overgrown, leaving only broken stone. Many settlements that grew like mushrooms after the rain when the trade flourished were abandoned and in time crumbled into dust. Wild animals and fey have reinhabited the Witchwood, and there were even rumours of the undead that creep out of their holes once the sun is out. Those were only rumours, of course, or so everyone hoped. Surely if undead were roaming in the forest at least some temple would have sent their clerics and paladins to cleanse it. In fact, the very village of Adha was once such a trading post. Now the inn you are sitting in is pretty much all of business the village has.
Broderick, the innkeeper who warned you not to go through the forest alone has disappeared out of sight, no doubt went to the well to waret down his horrid ale even further. You looked around to discover that there were indeed several men and women who did not look like local patrons. If the innkeeper was tight, it might be wise to at least try to find companions for the road. Better yet, he might introduce you all to each other.
OOC: This is one of the purely social moments. The three of you (Violet Stormborn, Human Warlock/Sorceress; Crassus, Dragonborn Fighter and Erlan Fazorwyn, Elven Ranger, and by the way, don't forget to update to lvl 2) are at the inn of a village before the forest each of you is about to try and cross. Introduce your characters to other players, revealing as much as you see fit with a degree of honesty your characters deem appropriate. If you try to lie, roll for deception in advance. Agree on what you will do next.
The party will move out at dawn. Until then, everything that happens is up to you.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Anyone paying attention will see a human woman sitting with her back to the wall at an otherwise empty table.
Clad in plain travel clothes the only remarkable item of clothing is her purple robe adorned with silver crescent moons the cowl of which covers most of her face and expressions. Nonetheless strands of her shoulder-long blond will still be visible. A simple quarterstaff leans on the wall beside her.
It is very obvious to anyone that she's not feeling comfortable in this setting. She has her backpack on her lap clutching it with one hand and her knees are cocked to form some kind of defensive turtle shell around it. In front of her stands a bowl of stew and a glass of water.
She cannot enjoy her meal as her head constantly darts left and right trying to see if anyone approaches. Keen observers might notice several short breaks in her behaviour when she seems very focused for a moment before resuming her routine. Her body stiffens even more whenever customers of the inn come close to her. It will remind Crassusof a cornered enemy facing multiple adversaries and looking for an escape route while Erlanwill associate it more likely with a deer out in the open at a watering hole.
One by one every traveler in the inn (including Crassusand Erlan) will hear a strange voice in his or head asking "Hello, do you intend to venture into the Witchwood?"
Big one: Forgot to rename my character on the character sheet from "player" name to the actual character name. Her character name is Violet, sorry.
Violet will use her "Awakened Mind" ability to contact every patron that looks out of place. She doesn't want this to be known so I guess a stealth check is needed?
Well, actually I did not intend to ask for a ability check for this one, because there are no (as far as either of us is aware) similarly inclined spellcasters in the inn, so no one could catch her. Telepathy can convey intonation, but not tonality, so no one would could really tell whether this voice was male of female.
Crassus isn't hard to spot, he's a Bronze Dragonborn that's wearing chainmail and carrying heavy weapons.
He is also sitting by himself, but that is less out of discomfort in this setting and more of a desire to simply remain alone. He's seen the young woman in the corner doing her best impression of a cornered animal, but isn't really too interested in it. On his table is a mug of ale and a slab of meat that he's been eating for a few minutes now. He is completely absorbed in his meal and his thoughts until he suddenly hears the voice of a young woman in his head asking if he intends on venturing into the Witchwood.
Perception: 9, if Crassus is not automatically able to determine where the voice came from.
Well, actually I did not intend to ask for a ability check for this one, because there are no (as far as either of us is aware) similarly inclined spellcasters in the inn, so no one could catch her. Telepathy can convey intonation, but not tonality, so no one would could really tell whether this voice was male of female.
That's why I didn't roll on deception. But I thought an observant adventurer could recognise the coincidence between the message in their head and Violet stopping her panicked looking around and focusing on the contacted person for reactions.
With a Perception roll of 9, I'm pretty sure that Crassus does not notice that the woman staring at him is the caster of the spell. But he probably would notice that Violet is focusing on him, even if he is unable to determine why.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Erlan
I turn from the bar after hearing a voice in my head. I, too, am headed out to the wilderness I think to myself. I finish off the bit of meat I had been chewing on. I look around the bar in an attempt to locate who has entered my mind. I wear my cloak over my head to hid my elven features. I'm not one for company, but the bar keep seems to think it's better not to go it alone.
The voice inside Erlans head continues: "In that case it might be wise to seek further company. I might happen to know someone with the same destination. Why don't you tell me more about yourself?"
The woman in the corner seems very focused on you now, Erlan.
Crassus will move towards the woman that was oddly focusing on him a moment ago and take a seat at the table she's sitting at. "I noticed that you were looking at me rather intensely a moment ago, is there something I can help you with?"
I notice Crassus moving toward the woman in the corner. I will follow behind Crassus at a distance. Must be something drawing us to her. I sit at the table, but I don’t say anything. I think, while looking at the woman, I’m looking for something lost. I’m sure many here are. And yourself, what bring you to such a place? I glance around to make sure I’m not about to be ambushed after sitting. Then I look over at Crassus in an attempt to gauge his intentions. I place my hand in my lap next to the hilt of my dagger just in case.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
When Crassusdraws closer that voice in his head warns him "Better don't try anything stupid. She's a powerful wizard that can turn you into a frog at a moments notice."
Coming closing you'll both notice that she's barely of adult age with a fair look. While she's definitely human at least Erlanshould easily identify a faint hint of elven lineage in her features.
Turning to Crassus she stutters "Well I'm here because of..." there is pause as she thinks, on how to continue "I mean I'm doing rather important wizard business around here. And the barkeep mentioned the dangers of the witchwood. And so I thought that I might help as I'm a wizard and have some time at hand. Then you look like you don't belong here, you see. Also there is this spooky voice talking to people. If you intend to venture into the woods perhaps you seek company."
She's really not good at lying at the moment, so I'll give her disadvantage on her deception.
15
Anyone perceptive enough will realise that she's unwilling to share all her information.
It is getting darker in the inns common room. The village stands in the shadow of the Witchwood, twilight descends upon it a long time before the sun sets. Broderick somehow gets busier, getting more logs for the fireplace.
A draft from the ajar window puts out few candles on the tables. A large woman with kind eyes - Brodericks wife and inns barmaid - practically dashes across the room to close it, knocking down an unlucky chair that happened to be in her way. The ruckus followed by loud and profound cursing draws everyones attention for a second, but the local patrons are already used to womans occasional clumsiness and return to their drinks.
Thread bumping and atmosphere setting post. You needn't react to it unless you want to. These will occasionally happen.
16 for Insight, so I'd say that Crassus is suspicious of this woman and whether she's truly capable of turning him into a frog.
"I'm not usually one to work with others, but if the Witchwood is as dangerous as everyone says it is then partnering up with you isn't the worst idea. But before we go any further, I have just one question, are you really capable of turning me into a frog like the voice says you are?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Erlan
I sit at the table quietly listening to the words spoken by the two others at the table. I take in Violet's story at face value. I'll let her lie pass for now since i'm not ready to tell anyone here much. I occasionally glance up. I look over at Caraccus, "what brings a dragon fellow to these parts? I don't see many of you in the wilderness...."
Violet is first startled by the ruckus. After assessing that there is no imminent danger she murmurs "Galvanizzarsi" in an unknown language and relights her candle with the flick of her hand.
Before Crassus can even think of what he would like to say in response to Erlan's question, he's caught off guard by Violet saying what sounds like nonsense to him. "What now? Did some soup go down the wrong pipe or did you just take leave of your senses for a moment?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
I take notice of the dragon fellow's apparent avoidance of my question. I slide my hand deeper into my cloak grabbing the handle of my dagger. "I'm getting a little tired of this non-sense." I stare at the woman. "Is there a reason you contacted me? And you." I turn to the dragonborn. "I'd like to know you intentions. If you two plan on robbing me, you best have brought a few more...."
Crassus doesn't want this paranoid half-elf to get in the way of this conversation with violence. "I'm not planning on robbing you, if that's what you're worried about. This woman was staring at me and as soon as I come over here, a voice in my head tells me that she's a powerful wizard that can turn me into a frog, and now she's muttering some nonsense. Quite frankly, the contents of your pockets are the least interesting thing at this table right now. But if you're going to start pulling out weapons, I'd advise you take a look at what everyone else at the table is carrying before you reach for your weapons." And as Crassus says this he motions towards his greatsword and greataxe. "Also, maybe take a second to consider what else a threatened dragon is capable of doing."
"I think it best we don't spill blood in this fine establishment. I like to return here at some point in my travels. Bar keep probably wouldn't be too happy with the mess." I turn my glare over to the female. "Well get on with it wizard. I would love to know why you called us over here."
“Glad that we were able to get past this without anyone making any mistakes.” Crassus also turns to the woman that is at the table. “You never did get to tell me if you were capable of turning me into a frog. I’d like to see if you’re bluffing before we go any further.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Before we begin, let's agree on general posting rules to make each other's lives easier.
It is better to keep the visible parth of thread game-only. If you need to say something OOC, use spoilers
Like so.
For the game mechanics, rolls, etc. use blockquote
Make sure you read what other players posted before you so the party doesn't end up with four similar (and therefore useless) actions, or that you don't create a situation where one person is doing thing A with another player and that said player is currently in other room doing thing B (or, for example, player C).
I will be highliting your names in my posts (so you pay particular attention to the part that concernes you), but you needn't do the same. We are all literate people and I think we can distinguish between characters thoughts and words.
Also, before we start, I want to make it clear that the campaign will not be linear and no choice will be compulsory for the sake of moving the plot. Leave that to me.
"The Furnace", a small and cozy inn in the village of Adha could boast very few things. A cook was not among them. Not surprising, given how everyone was in a hurry to leave this hole in the road. The village itself wasn't bad, just boring. Travellers passed through here rather often, mostly on their way to the port of Nyit, but for many destinations were as numerous as the travelers themselves.
The Broad Road (just a nickname given to the tract by sharp-tongued bards) ended not far beyond the forest, dispersing into a net of smaller roads and walkways. In the days of Old Empire it must have seen a lot of traffic, merchants and soldiers darting between the cities of which only ruins remain. Ages and wars have passed since that time. Much of what was is overgrown, leaving only broken stone. Many settlements that grew like mushrooms after the rain when the trade flourished were abandoned and in time crumbled into dust. Wild animals and fey have reinhabited the Witchwood, and there were even rumours of the undead that creep out of their holes once the sun is out. Those were only rumours, of course, or so everyone hoped. Surely if undead were roaming in the forest at least some temple would have sent their clerics and paladins to cleanse it. In fact, the very village of Adha was once such a trading post. Now the inn you are sitting in is pretty much all of business the village has.
Broderick, the innkeeper who warned you not to go through the forest alone has disappeared out of sight, no doubt went to the well to waret down his horrid ale even further. You looked around to discover that there were indeed several men and women who did not look like local patrons. If the innkeeper was tight, it might be wise to at least try to find companions for the road. Better yet, he might introduce you all to each other.
OOC: This is one of the purely social moments. The three of you (Violet Stormborn, Human Warlock/Sorceress; Crassus, Dragonborn Fighter and Erlan Fazorwyn, Elven Ranger, and by the way, don't forget to update to lvl 2) are at the inn of a village before the forest each of you is about to try and cross. Introduce your characters to other players, revealing as much as you see fit with a degree of honesty your characters deem appropriate. If you try to lie, roll for deception in advance. Agree on what you will do next.
The party will move out at dawn. Until then, everything that happens is up to you.
DM Price of Misfortune (finished)
Anyone paying attention will see a human woman sitting with her back to the wall at an otherwise empty table.
Clad in plain travel clothes the only remarkable item of clothing is her purple robe adorned with silver crescent moons the cowl of which covers most of her face and expressions. Nonetheless strands of her shoulder-long blond will still be visible. A simple quarterstaff leans on the wall beside her.
It is very obvious to anyone that she's not feeling comfortable in this setting. She has her backpack on her lap clutching it with one hand and her knees are cocked to form some kind of defensive turtle shell around it. In front of her stands a bowl of stew and a glass of water.
She cannot enjoy her meal as her head constantly darts left and right trying to see if anyone approaches. Keen observers might notice several short breaks in her behaviour when she seems very focused for a moment before resuming her routine. Her body stiffens even more whenever customers of the inn come close to her. It will remind Crassus of a cornered enemy facing multiple adversaries and looking for an escape route while Erlan will associate it more likely with a deer out in the open at a watering hole.
One by one every traveler in the inn (including Crassus and Erlan) will hear a strange voice in his or head asking "Hello, do you intend to venture into the Witchwood?"
Big one: Forgot to rename my character on the character sheet from "player" name to the actual character name. Her character name is Violet, sorry.
Violet will use her "Awakened Mind" ability to contact every patron that looks out of place. She doesn't want this to be known so I guess a stealth check is needed?
Stealth 21
Well, actually I did not intend to ask for a ability check for this one, because there are no (as far as either of us is aware) similarly inclined spellcasters in the inn, so no one could catch her. Telepathy can convey intonation, but not tonality, so no one would could really tell whether this voice was male of female.
DM Price of Misfortune (finished)
Crassus isn't hard to spot, he's a Bronze Dragonborn that's wearing chainmail and carrying heavy weapons.
He is also sitting by himself, but that is less out of discomfort in this setting and more of a desire to simply remain alone. He's seen the young woman in the corner doing her best impression of a cornered animal, but isn't really too interested in it. On his table is a mug of ale and a slab of meat that he's been eating for a few minutes now. He is completely absorbed in his meal and his thoughts until he suddenly hears the voice of a young woman in his head asking if he intends on venturing into the Witchwood.
Perception: 9, if Crassus is not automatically able to determine where the voice came from.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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That's why I didn't roll on deception. But I thought an observant adventurer could recognise the coincidence between the message in their head and Violet stopping her panicked looking around and focusing on the contacted person for reactions.
With a Perception roll of 9, I'm pretty sure that Crassus does not notice that the woman staring at him is the caster of the spell. But he probably would notice that Violet is focusing on him, even if he is unable to determine why.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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Erlan
I turn from the bar after hearing a voice in my head. I, too, am headed out to the wilderness I think to myself. I finish off the bit of meat I had been chewing on. I look around the bar in an attempt to locate who has entered my mind. I wear my cloak over my head to hid my elven features. I'm not one for company, but the bar keep seems to think it's better not to go it alone.
PC: Brozznan Kane - Undead in Skyraker |
DM:
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The voice inside Erlans head continues: "In that case it might be wise to seek further company. I might happen to know someone with the same destination. Why don't you tell me more about yourself?"
The woman in the corner seems very focused on you now, Erlan.
Crassus will move towards the woman that was oddly focusing on him a moment ago and take a seat at the table she's sitting at. "I noticed that you were looking at me rather intensely a moment ago, is there something I can help you with?"
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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Erlan
I notice Crassus moving toward the woman in the corner. I will follow behind Crassus at a distance. Must be something drawing us to her. I sit at the table, but I don’t say anything. I think, while looking at the woman, I’m looking for something lost. I’m sure many here are. And yourself, what bring you to such a place? I glance around to make sure I’m not about to be ambushed after sitting. Then I look over at Crassus in an attempt to gauge his intentions. I place my hand in my lap next to the hilt of my dagger just in case.
PC: Brozznan Kane - Undead in Skyraker |
DM:
Popular Stream Character Sheets
When Crassus draws closer that voice in his head warns him "Better don't try anything stupid. She's a powerful wizard that can turn you into a frog at a moments notice."
Coming closing you'll both notice that she's barely of adult age with a fair look. While she's definitely human at least Erlan should easily identify a faint hint of elven lineage in her features.
Turning to Crassus she stutters "Well I'm here because of..." there is pause as she thinks, on how to continue "I mean I'm doing rather important wizard business around here. And the barkeep mentioned the dangers of the witchwood. And so I thought that I might help as I'm a wizard and have some time at hand. Then you look like you don't belong here, you see. Also there is this spooky voice talking to people. If you intend to venture into the woods perhaps you seek company."
She's really not good at lying at the moment, so I'll give her disadvantage on her deception.
15
Anyone perceptive enough will realise that she's unwilling to share all her information.
It is getting darker in the inns common room. The village stands in the shadow of the Witchwood, twilight descends upon it a long time before the sun sets. Broderick somehow gets busier, getting more logs for the fireplace.
A draft from the ajar window puts out few candles on the tables. A large woman with kind eyes - Brodericks wife and inns barmaid - practically dashes across the room to close it, knocking down an unlucky chair that happened to be in her way. The ruckus followed by loud and profound cursing draws everyones attention for a second, but the local patrons are already used to womans occasional clumsiness and return to their drinks.
Thread bumping and atmosphere setting post. You needn't react to it unless you want to. These will occasionally happen.
DM Price of Misfortune (finished)
16 for Insight, so I'd say that Crassus is suspicious of this woman and whether she's truly capable of turning him into a frog.
"I'm not usually one to work with others, but if the Witchwood is as dangerous as everyone says it is then partnering up with you isn't the worst idea. But before we go any further, I have just one question, are you really capable of turning me into a frog like the voice says you are?"
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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Erlan
I sit at the table quietly listening to the words spoken by the two others at the table. I take in Violet's story at face value. I'll let her lie pass for now since i'm not ready to tell anyone here much. I occasionally glance up. I look over at Caraccus, "what brings a dragon fellow to these parts? I don't see many of you in the wilderness...."
PC: Brozznan Kane - Undead in Skyraker |
DM:
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Violet is first startled by the ruckus. After assessing that there is no imminent danger she murmurs "Galvanizzarsi" in an unknown language and relights her candle with the flick of her hand.
Unknown unless someone else speaks Deep Speech
Before Crassus can even think of what he would like to say in response to Erlan's question, he's caught off guard by Violet saying what sounds like nonsense to him. "What now? Did some soup go down the wrong pipe or did you just take leave of your senses for a moment?"
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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Erlan
I take notice of the dragon fellow's apparent avoidance of my question. I slide my hand deeper into my cloak grabbing the handle of my dagger. "I'm getting a little tired of this non-sense." I stare at the woman. "Is there a reason you contacted me? And you." I turn to the dragonborn. "I'd like to know you intentions. If you two plan on robbing me, you best have brought a few more...."
PC: Brozznan Kane - Undead in Skyraker |
DM:
Popular Stream Character Sheets
Crassus doesn't want this paranoid half-elf to get in the way of this conversation with violence. "I'm not planning on robbing you, if that's what you're worried about. This woman was staring at me and as soon as I come over here, a voice in my head tells me that she's a powerful wizard that can turn me into a frog, and now she's muttering some nonsense. Quite frankly, the contents of your pockets are the least interesting thing at this table right now. But if you're going to start pulling out weapons, I'd advise you take a look at what everyone else at the table is carrying before you reach for your weapons." And as Crassus says this he motions towards his greatsword and greataxe. "Also, maybe take a second to consider what else a threatened dragon is capable of doing."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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Erlan
"I think it best we don't spill blood in this fine establishment. I like to return here at some point in my travels. Bar keep probably wouldn't be too happy with the mess." I turn my glare over to the female. "Well get on with it wizard. I would love to know why you called us over here."
PC: Brozznan Kane - Undead in Skyraker |
DM:
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“Glad that we were able to get past this without anyone making any mistakes.” Crassus also turns to the woman that is at the table. “You never did get to tell me if you were capable of turning me into a frog. I’d like to see if you’re bluffing before we go any further.”
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More