Still musing over the encounter with the goblins and trying to figure out if there was something else she could have said, Hart is slower to react when the new party of goblins appears.
Daisy is the first to react to the unexpected encounter. She glimpses the easternmost goblin (OOC: Goblin 5), the one near the large plant, who is pointing his finger with a mixed expression of hatred and indignation at the party and telling something (seemingly not pleasant) in Goblin language. Other goblins seem to have slower reflexes.
(OOC: I specify one thing: usually I try not to use any houserule - because I think that a game is mostly defined by its rules, but there is one exception, an houserule that I adopt here in Play-by-post, because it really helps a lot to make the game smoother: when a series of creatures of the same faction act all before one from the opposing faction, they can act in any order they like.
Example: in this case we have Ilwythe, Tarysaa and Engelhart who all act before Goblin 2 - therefore, when it's their turn, immediately after goblin 5, Ilwythe, Tarysaa and Engelhart will be able to act in the order they want; no need, for example, Engelhart to first wait for the actions of Ilwythe and Tarysaa)
Anyway, Daisy is up!
For your information, this is the full initative stack:
"Now listen here! We aren't lookin' for any trouble. Chief Rukuz already sent us on our way... Just passin' through. Tryin' to find a hill with a white arch on it." Daisy mines an arc with her free hand while keeping the other in her pouch, preparing for any aggressive reaction from the goblins. "So, how's about you all just let us go about our business and no one has to get hurt?!"
The most responsive of the goblins (OOC: Goblin 5) had already nocked an arrow to his short bow and was aiming at Tarysaa, either because he considered her the easier target, or because he didn't like the elves, but he stops and looks at Daisy in amazement hearing the name of Rukuz pronounced.
"So Rukuz allowed you to pass?" he asks her, not entirely convinced, but clearly in doubt.
The tension seems to ease, when also the other goblins have time to assess the situation and (in Goblin language) start talking to their more bellicose companion. He, after a few moments, lowers his bow and all the goblins, looking at you some with distrust, some with fear, some with hatred, disappear again among the dense bare branches of the winter forest and go on their way.
(OOC: Unless someone wants to stop them to talk to them further... if so, feel free to role-play that. Otherwise, if you want in the meantime you can role-play your reactions to the encounter you just had. Gratz, by the way, combat over and you came out without a scratch! In the meantime, I'll see if anything else happens during the rest of your journey).
(OOC: I'll now proceed with the rest of your journey - but if anyone wants to role-play the missed fight reaction from earlier, as soon as they're online they can do it too...)
After leaving the band of goblins, you resume the route you had established and manage to explore various hillsides for another twenty minutes without finding marble arches, goblins or other potentially hostile creatures.
When you arrive in a stretch of open plain (OOC: the square where I moved the P) you meet another goblin... Quite different in appearance, however, from that of the others who were part of the previous gang.
For Engelhart:
You immediately notice some details... This goblin seems to have suffered more hardships, he's dirtier and more unkempt, he doesn't feel at all at ease... Most likely he's not part of the same gang as the ones you've met before; perhaps, he's even a lone goblin...although lone goblins are quite rare — and often don't survive long.
The goblin notices you when you are about 60' away and would appear to be about to flee...
(OOC: Anyone who wants to do something can post what their character is doing. This time I'll ask to roll initiative only if someone starts doing something hostile; if you want to talk, or do something harmless - or do nothing at all and let the goblin get out of the way - feel free to role-play that)
Ardana calls out: "Hallo friend, we are searching these hills for a marble arch and seek guidance, Ruduz's people have known nothing, perhaps you can help, if you have greater knowledge than Ruduz?"
Ardana calls out: "Hallo friend, we are searching these hills for a marble arch and seek guidance, Ruduz's people have known nothing, perhaps you can help, if you have greater knowledge than Ruduz?"
Persuasion check incoming.
Edit: 14 + 4 = 18 (in campaign log)
The goblin had already practically turned his back to flee, when Ardana speaks and... the little creature stops, turns its head, doubtful, for a moment... looks at the paladin closely... sees that no one is doing hostile acts, he sees that he still has a good margin to escape in case of need... and stops.
"'Friend' you say?" he asks, amazed, looking at Ardana more and more attentively; then finally seems to realize something "Ah, yes, 'friend'! You have demonic blood in your veins, right? It's not easy to see... That's why you don't attack me! You're not like those humans and that half-orc..." then he notices Ilwythe and visibly frowns "Although I see that you too are with a half-orc... But... why are you looking for a marble arch? And who is this 'Ruduz'?"
"I was fearing this. That the mighty name of Rukuz would only work so long. These hills have to be packed with various goblin micro clans," whispered Tarysaa.
"Let us hope our 'negotitators' can keep up their success with this one. Talking is much better than fighting... when possible." Sōlus scanned the area for sight or sound; clutching her staff until her knuckles turned even more white.
Ardana replies. She has no weapons in hand, and shows her empty hands to the fellow.
"We are on a quest for a lady, and were told to look for an arch. Ruduz? Or was it Rukuz?, he knew nothing. Do you know more of these parts, we could pay for your help. What is your name?"
"I was fearing this. That the mighty name of Rukuz would only work so long. These hills have to be packed with various goblin micro clans," whispered Tarysaa.
"Let us hope our 'negotitators' can keep up their success with this one. Talking is much better than fighting... when possible." Sōlus scanned the area for sight or sound; clutching her staff until her knuckles turned even more white.
Ardana replies. She has no weapons in hand, and shows her empty hands to the fellow.
"We are on a quest for a lady, and were told to look for an arch. Ruduz? Or was it Rukuz?, he knew nothing. Do you know more of these parts, we could pay for your help. What is your name?"
As Tarysaa and Ardana speak, the new goblin exclaims, "Goblin clans!?" and alternately shifts his gaze from Ardana to Tarysaa "So this Rukuz is the head of a goblin tribe? Do you know where I can find him? I... I am alone now, after my tribe's beautiful lair has been invaded..."
"Now that I think about it... I don't know anything about a lady, but..." he adds, seized by a sudden memory, speaking to Ardana "Our beautiful lair had a marble arch at the entrance..." his eyes seem to light up with hope "If I tell you everything, you will show me where I can find the tribe of Rukuz?"
Ardana laughs and gives as good as a friendly grin as she can. "Our meeting was foretold by fate. We can show you Rukuz's camp in return for you telling us all you can about your home, and who drove you out. Perhaps we can avenge your clan."
"Yes!" the goblin's eyes grow bright with excitement—he forgets even the caution and approaches "Revenge! Plus, I'll have a new tribe! Wumgu tells you everything at once, woman-demon" he sits at Ardana's side and starts narrating.
"Sad, sad story that of Wumgu. Beautiful at the beginning. Muku tribe (my tribe - our chief was Muku) had found a beautiful abandoned den. Comfortable, hidden, with carved stone walls... More beautiful den that Wumgu had ever seen. But one bad day, three months ago, the Zhentarim arrived. They attacked us without parleying, immediately starting to kill anyone who came within range. They were mean and ruthless as we usually are! But stronger. Their leader, the half-orc with a battle-axe and a winged serpent coiled around his arm, was exalted and seemed unstoppable. Only I managed to escape. The others… males, women, children… all dead. I don't know what they wanted. Because they killed us all. Whoever does that often wants to steal our treasure. But we had very little... And anyway they never left. I tried to go back to the area every now and then, to see if I could find other survivors like me..." his eyes become veiled with tears "But there aren't. I'm the only one left. The last of Mukus. That's why it was so important, for me, to find a new tribe... And those bastards... They're always there. The beautiful den. They settled down there".
"I will guide you to our beautiful lair" Wumgu finally offers "and I will show you the main entrance, the one with the marble arch that interests you... and also a secondary entrance. The Zhentarim invaded us from the main entrance, not from that secondary... so maybe they don't know it. You might take them by surprise. And then... kill them all, no mercy! Like they had none for us!"
"But now tell me how to reach Rukuz because I won't enter to fight the Zhentarim with you..." says the goblin "I'll leave you, after showing you the entrances. I was already very lucky to get out alive the first time; I won't try my luck again. I will trust you to my tribe's revenge!"
Helper of Create a World thread/Sedge is Chaotic Neutral/ Mega Yahtzee High: 34, Low: 14/I speak English, je me parle le Francais, agus Labhraim beagan Gaeilge
"Yes!" Wumgu exclaims "Show them to that filthy half-orc bastard of their leader..." then he fears he has offended you and backs up behind Ardana and Tarysaa "He I mean 'filthy bastard', right? Not the other half-orcs... Not the ones here, at least!"
"Anyway," he tries to change the subject "now can you tell me how to reach Rukuz and his tribe?"
"Yes!" Wumgu exclaims "Show them to that filthy half-orc bastard of their leader..." then he fears he has offended you and backs up behind Ardana and Tarysaa "He I mean 'filthy bastard', right? Not the other half-orcs... Not the ones here, at least!"
"Anyway," he tries to change the subject "now can you tell me how to reach Rukuz and his tribe?"
“I’m not that fond of my own kind either. Rukuz’s city is over there (I point towards the city)”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Helper of Create a World thread/Sedge is Chaotic Neutral/ Mega Yahtzee High: 34, Low: 14/I speak English, je me parle le Francais, agus Labhraim beagan Gaeilge
Tarysaa will take this time to make a rough sketch of the area ... using her maps as a reference that the goblin can easily follow. (( sun up on the 'east' sun down on the 'west'... tree symbols & hills and a BIG star on the hill where his 'new home' might be. ))
'Zhentarim? We may have dodged a goblin clash and wandered into something worse. Why do they 'just so happen' to be where we are supposed to go?,' Tarysaa thought as she rubbed the last of the charcoal from her fingers."Anyone here have encounters with the Zhentarim before this? I only know what history they taught in class."
"Hold on," Engelhart says. "I don't have much love for the Zhentarim, but what crime have they committed?" She gives the goblin a slightly sheepish glance. "No offense." She looks back at the others. "What gives us the right to just burst in there and start attacking? And are we really ready to storm a Zhent hideout? We're no organized combat unit. I've never even seen any of you fight. For all I know, those weapons are only for show. We have no idea what we're getting into." She looks back at Wumgu. "How many were in your tribe?"
"I don't think bursting in and attacking is our best choice, but before we decide we need Wumgu to show us where to go, to fulfill the deal. Then we can discuss our approach."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Engelhart initiative: 8 (in game log)
Still musing over the encounter with the goblins and trying to figure out if there was something else she could have said, Hart is slower to react when the new party of goblins appears.
Ardana initiative is 2 (nat 1)
Round 1
Daisy is the first to react to the unexpected encounter. She glimpses the easternmost goblin (OOC: Goblin 5), the one near the large plant, who is pointing his finger with a mixed expression of hatred and indignation at the party and telling something (seemingly not pleasant) in Goblin language. Other goblins seem to have slower reflexes.
(OOC: I specify one thing: usually I try not to use any houserule - because I think that a game is mostly defined by its rules, but there is one exception, an houserule that I adopt here in Play-by-post, because it really helps a lot to make the game smoother: when a series of creatures of the same faction act all before one from the opposing faction, they can act in any order they like.
Example: in this case we have Ilwythe, Tarysaa and Engelhart who all act before Goblin 2 - therefore, when it's their turn, immediately after goblin 5, Ilwythe, Tarysaa and Engelhart will be able to act in the order they want; no need, for example, Engelhart to first wait for the actions of Ilwythe and Tarysaa)
Anyway, Daisy is up!
For your information, this is the full initative stack:
Initiative Name
19 Daisy
14 Goblin 5
12 Ilwythe
8 Tarysaa
8 Engelhart
7 Goblin 2
5 Goblin 3
5 Goblin 4
4 Tyrgram
3 Goblin 1
2 Ardana
"Now listen here! We aren't lookin' for any trouble. Chief Rukuz already sent us on our way... Just passin' through. Tryin' to find a hill with a white arch on it." Daisy mines an arc with her free hand while keeping the other in her pouch, preparing for any aggressive reaction from the goblins. "So, how's about you all just let us go about our business and no one has to get hurt?!"
(Persuasion: 15)
The most responsive of the goblins (OOC: Goblin 5) had already nocked an arrow to his short bow and was aiming at Tarysaa, either because he considered her the easier target, or because he didn't like the elves, but he stops and looks at Daisy in amazement hearing the name of Rukuz pronounced.
"So Rukuz allowed you to pass?" he asks her, not entirely convinced, but clearly in doubt.
The tension seems to ease, when also the other goblins have time to assess the situation and (in Goblin language) start talking to their more bellicose companion. He, after a few moments, lowers his bow and all the goblins, looking at you some with distrust, some with fear, some with hatred, disappear again among the dense bare branches of the winter forest and go on their way.
(OOC: Unless someone wants to stop them to talk to them further... if so, feel free to role-play that. Otherwise, if you want in the meantime you can role-play your reactions to the encounter you just had. Gratz, by the way, combat over and you came out without a scratch! In the meantime, I'll see if anything else happens during the rest of your journey).
(OOC: I'll now proceed with the rest of your journey - but if anyone wants to role-play the missed fight reaction from earlier, as soon as they're online they can do it too...)
After leaving the band of goblins, you resume the route you had established and manage to explore various hillsides for another twenty minutes without finding marble arches, goblins or other potentially hostile creatures.
When you arrive in a stretch of open plain (OOC: the square where I moved the P) you meet another goblin... Quite different in appearance, however, from that of the others who were part of the previous gang.
For Engelhart:
You immediately notice some details... This goblin seems to have suffered more hardships, he's dirtier and more unkempt, he doesn't feel at all at ease... Most likely he's not part of the same gang as the ones you've met before; perhaps, he's even a lone goblin...although lone goblins are quite rare — and often don't survive long.
The goblin notices you when you are about 60' away and would appear to be about to flee...
(OOC: Anyone who wants to do something can post what their character is doing. This time I'll ask to roll initiative only if someone starts doing something hostile; if you want to talk, or do something harmless - or do nothing at all and let the goblin get out of the way - feel free to role-play that)
Ardana calls out: "Hallo friend, we are searching these hills for a marble arch and seek guidance, Ruduz's people have known nothing, perhaps you can help, if you have greater knowledge than Ruduz?"
Persuasion check incoming.
Edit: 14 + 4 = 18 (in campaign log)
The goblin had already practically turned his back to flee, when Ardana speaks and... the little creature stops, turns its head, doubtful, for a moment... looks at the paladin closely... sees that no one is doing hostile acts, he sees that he still has a good margin to escape in case of need... and stops.
"'Friend' you say?" he asks, amazed, looking at Ardana more and more attentively; then finally seems to realize something "Ah, yes, 'friend'! You have demonic blood in your veins, right? It's not easy to see... That's why you don't attack me! You're not like those humans and that half-orc..." then he notices Ilwythe and visibly frowns "Although I see that you too are with a half-orc... But... why are you looking for a marble arch? And who is this 'Ruduz'?"
"I was fearing this. That the mighty name of Rukuz would only work so long. These hills have to be packed with various goblin micro clans," whispered Tarysaa.
"Let us hope our 'negotitators' can keep up their success with this one. Talking is much better than fighting... when possible." Sōlus scanned the area for sight or sound; clutching her staff until her knuckles turned even more white.
Ardana replies. She has no weapons in hand, and shows her empty hands to the fellow.
"We are on a quest for a lady, and were told to look for an arch. Ruduz? Or was it Rukuz?, he knew nothing. Do you know more of these parts, we could pay for your help. What is your name?"
As Tarysaa and Ardana speak, the new goblin exclaims, "Goblin clans!?" and alternately shifts his gaze from Ardana to Tarysaa "So this Rukuz is the head of a goblin tribe? Do you know where I can find him? I... I am alone now, after my tribe's beautiful lair has been invaded..."
"Now that I think about it... I don't know anything about a lady, but..." he adds, seized by a sudden memory, speaking to Ardana "Our beautiful lair had a marble arch at the entrance..." his eyes seem to light up with hope "If I tell you everything, you will show me where I can find the tribe of Rukuz?"
Ardana laughs and gives as good as a friendly grin as she can. "Our meeting was foretold by fate. We can show you Rukuz's camp in return for you telling us all you can about your home, and who drove you out. Perhaps we can avenge your clan."
"Yes!" the goblin's eyes grow bright with excitement—he forgets even the caution and approaches "Revenge! Plus, I'll have a new tribe! Wumgu tells you everything at once, woman-demon" he sits at Ardana's side and starts narrating.
"Sad, sad story that of Wumgu. Beautiful at the beginning. Muku tribe (my tribe - our chief was Muku) had found a beautiful abandoned den. Comfortable, hidden, with carved stone walls... More beautiful den that Wumgu had ever seen. But one bad day, three months ago, the Zhentarim arrived. They attacked us without parleying, immediately starting to kill anyone who came within range. They were mean and ruthless as we usually are! But stronger. Their leader, the half-orc with a battle-axe and a winged serpent coiled around his arm, was exalted and seemed unstoppable. Only I managed to escape. The others… males, women, children… all dead. I don't know what they wanted. Because they killed us all. Whoever does that often wants to steal our treasure. But we had very little... And anyway they never left. I tried to go back to the area every now and then, to see if I could find other survivors like me..." his eyes become veiled with tears "But there aren't. I'm the only one left. The last of Mukus. That's why it was so important, for me, to find a new tribe... And those bastards... They're always there. The beautiful den. They settled down there".
"I will guide you to our beautiful lair" Wumgu finally offers "and I will show you the main entrance, the one with the marble arch that interests you... and also a secondary entrance. The Zhentarim invaded us from the main entrance, not from that secondary... so maybe they don't know it. You might take them by surprise. And then... kill them all, no mercy! Like they had none for us!"
"But now tell me how to reach Rukuz because I won't enter to fight the Zhentarim with you..." says the goblin "I'll leave you, after showing you the entrances. I was already very lucky to get out alive the first time; I won't try my luck again. I will trust you to my tribe's revenge!"
“We will avenge your tribe”
(OOC;I’m a Half-Orc with axes…)
Helper of Create a World thread/Sedge is Chaotic Neutral/ Mega Yahtzee High: 34, Low: 14/I speak English, je me parle le Francais, agus Labhraim beagan Gaeilge
Dream of Days Lore Bard 9/Wizard 4 Baulder's Gate: Descent to Avernus (In Person/Over Zoom)
Saleadon Morgul Battle Smith Artificer 11 Tyranny of Dragons (In Person/Over Zoom)
Hurtharn Serpti Ghostslayer Blood Hunter 7 Spelljammer (Over Zoom)
Ex Sig
"Yes!" Wumgu exclaims "Show them to that filthy half-orc bastard of their leader..." then he fears he has offended you and backs up behind Ardana and Tarysaa "He I mean 'filthy bastard', right? Not the other half-orcs... Not the ones here, at least!"
"Anyway," he tries to change the subject "now can you tell me how to reach Rukuz and his tribe?"
“I’m not that fond of my own kind either. Rukuz’s city is over there (I point towards the city)”
Helper of Create a World thread/Sedge is Chaotic Neutral/ Mega Yahtzee High: 34, Low: 14/I speak English, je me parle le Francais, agus Labhraim beagan Gaeilge
Dream of Days Lore Bard 9/Wizard 4 Baulder's Gate: Descent to Avernus (In Person/Over Zoom)
Saleadon Morgul Battle Smith Artificer 11 Tyranny of Dragons (In Person/Over Zoom)
Hurtharn Serpti Ghostslayer Blood Hunter 7 Spelljammer (Over Zoom)
Ex Sig
Ardana tries to move things along. "Wumgu walk with me and show me the way to the back entrance. And tell me more about these zhentarians if you can."
Tarysaa will take this time to make a rough sketch of the area ... using her maps as a reference that the goblin can easily follow.
(( sun up on the 'east' sun down on the 'west'... tree symbols & hills and a BIG star on the hill where his 'new home' might be. ))
'Zhentarim? We may have dodged a goblin clash and wandered into something worse. Why do they 'just so happen' to be where we are supposed to go?,' Tarysaa thought as she rubbed the last of the charcoal from her fingers. "Anyone here have encounters with the Zhentarim before this? I only know what history they taught in class."
"Hold on," Engelhart says. "I don't have much love for the Zhentarim, but what crime have they committed?" She gives the goblin a slightly sheepish glance. "No offense." She looks back at the others. "What gives us the right to just burst in there and start attacking? And are we really ready to storm a Zhent hideout? We're no organized combat unit. I've never even seen any of you fight. For all I know, those weapons are only for show. We have no idea what we're getting into." She looks back at Wumgu. "How many were in your tribe?"
"I don't think bursting in and attacking is our best choice, but before we decide we need Wumgu to show us where to go, to fulfill the deal. Then we can discuss our approach."