Zyzix, masquerading as Drax once more, stands near the group by the fire, absorbing all the details shared by his fellow caravan travelers. He tries not to let his curiosity show, but he gobbles up every last tidbit of information. It appears some of these people want to track down Gort and the marauders, he muses. This could be the beginning of quite the capable team. Think of all the info I could relay back to the Veil if I were to stick with this group!
Eyeing the crackling bonfire distrustfully, he says offhandedly, "While we're on the topic of Gort, I overhead some of the townsfolk saying that he was heading back to Sembia. I feel obliged to at least track down the man and see why he brought such ruin upon this poor town. That way, the townsfolk could at least have some closure about what happened to them!" His statement was a lie; in reality, he didn't really care too much about the townsfolk. He was much more interested in all of the secrets he could glean about the unrest in the area. He was hoping everyone around him had enough morals to help the townsfolk. His intentions were to tag along in their journey so he could use them all to uncover more secrets of the area.
As if on cue, you all hear the beating of wings and the croak of a raven, then a dull thud as a leather scroll case lands next to Galdric. Within it you find a note wrapped within a piece of yellowed parchment:
“Galdric,
Your bravery saved my life, for which I am eternally grateful. I cannot meet you; Lord Varden's eyes are everywhere. Inside, find a map to a place in Anauroch that may hold answers you seek. Be cautious.
In your debt,
Caelum”
The map included with Caelum's note is a weathered, aged parchment, its edges frayed and ink faded in places. It depicts a detailed rendering of Anauroch, with emphasis on the Shadow Sea region. A precise location on the southern edge of the Shadow Sea is marked with an X.”
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
Ok other than delays (my bad) how are people liking the content so far? Open to any feedback, I know combat went on a while but it was pretty exciting. Lmk your thoughts.
I think 5 players is fine, if anything will make things faster. Let’s see how it goes and will reopen recruitment if not. Will let you guys pore over past posts for a day or so then we will continue (benefit of pbp 😈)
The game is going well, pacing is ok and 5 is a good number (I've found that larger groups tend to get bogged down in trying to make plans).
We're ok for combat and healing, we have a mage, and Haj is sneaky enough to do most rogue type things. Our only 'weakness' would be locks, but there's always brute strength for that 😁
Ok other than delays (my bad) how are people liking the content so far? Open to any feedback, I know combat went on a while but it was pretty exciting. Lmk your thoughts.
I think the content you present is awesome. It was a bummer that two players left during combat and I think you did a great job adjusting for it. I'm very much looking forward to see where this will go. The region looks full of places and secrets to uncover. It's very typical for this format to lose sight of the initial purpose, because some stuff takes so long and real life happens and then in a calm moment you wonder, 'Where were we heading?' Not to mention all the information we've got already that our characters should know but we, as players, forgot during a weeks long combat. I think some sort of journal would be helpful to at least keep the main thread headlines. Perhaps, a good spot for something like that would be on the campaign main page?
I really liked having two bards, there's so much that they were able to add. Just look at the interrogation with Riggs, his chances to resist a word of terror with cutting words are small, and we didn't even try to throw in a mind sliver for good measure. But, yes, I agree, we are still operational as a group with most essential stuff covered. If we see that we need to break into some place, perhaps we can hire a thief to do the tricky work for us, or an investigator to snoop around, and we can keep them safe during encounters (this also offers some nice variations for otherwise straight battles).
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
Some of that bardic goodness Cal is going to cover to some extent. He's just extremely tapped after that fight and so is only really able to contribute a little. Though, if he scrounges up all his remaining spellpower could do one last suggestion and just suggest he be forthcoming. Haha.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I'm probably laughing.
It is apparently so hard to program Aberrant Mind and Clockwork Soul spell-swapping into dndbeyond they had to remake the game without it rather than implement it.
Ok other than delays (my bad) how are people liking the content so far? Open to any feedback, I know combat went on a while but it was pretty exciting. Lmk your thoughts.
I think the content you present is awesome. It was a bummer that two players left during combat and I think you did a great job adjusting for it. I'm very much looking forward to see where this will go. The region looks full of places and secrets to uncover. It's very typical for this format to lose sight of the initial purpose, because some stuff takes so long and real life happens and then in a calm moment you wonder, 'Where were we heading?' Not to mention all the information we've got already that our characters should know but we, as players, forgot during a weeks long combat. I think some sort of journal would be helpful to at least keep the main thread headlines. Perhaps, a good spot for something like that would be on the campaign main page?
I really liked having two bards, there's so much that they were able to add. Just look at the interrogation with Riggs, his chances to resist a word of terror with cutting words are small, and we didn't even try to throw in a mind sliver for good measure. But, yes, I agree, we are still operational as a group with most essential stuff covered. If we see that we need to break into some place, perhaps we can hire a thief to do the tricky work for us, or an investigator to snoop around, and we can keep them safe during encounters (this also offers some nice variations for otherwise straight battles).
All good suggestions, I should update the links, have just been too busy. Will try and do it this weekend.
As the party, weary but victorious, returned to their camp, they were greeted by Garrick and Thorne, two caravan guards who had joined forces with Taya. The guards' faces lit up with a mix of relief and satisfaction at seeing the party return safely. However, their expressions quickly turned to ones of intense resolve when they spotted Riggs, the mercenary leader responsible for the raid on Shadowdale. Without hesitation, they assisted Galdric in securing the captive, ensuring that Riggs was tightly bound and unable to escape.
Riggs, once awake, was visibly unsettled and aware of his precarious situation. Cautiously, he began to divulge information, albeit with a certain level of vagueness, especially regarding his employers.
"Well, we were hired by someone," Riggs started, his voice betraying a hint of nervousness. "The name that came up was Zenazara, some sort of intermediary. I can't say who was behind it all; they kept their identities well hidden. But the way things were organized, the secrecy... it felt like someone powerful was pulling the strings."
He paused, taking a shallow breath before continuing. "Our job was specific. First, we were tasked with finding a man named Gort in Shadowdale. Why? I have no idea. They didn’t tell me. Just that he was important to them for some reason." Riggs shifted slightly, the ropes binding him rustling softly. "Secondly, we were to look for magical artifacts, anything of value, really, in the ruins of the old wizard's tower. They seemed to believe there was something significant to be found."
Riggs licked his lips, his eyes darting between his captors. "Once we had Gort or any valuable artifacts, we were to take them to a prearranged spot near Snowmantle. I wasn’t privy to what happened after that. My part was just the retrieval."
Sembia is quite on the other side of the Dalelands from us. Just now we've crossed from the Dalelands into Cormanthyr (Castle Daggerdale). A line through the air is about 25 hexes from us to Sembia, we crossed 4 since we left Shadowdale - I don't remember the scale but I think it is very far away. A way on the road would probably be double that distance.
In my opinion there's no way we get there short of a teleportation spell. Weren't we supposed to meet mages in the next town? Or maybe there's a message system but then why would they believe us?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
Sembia is quite on the other side of the Dalelands from us. Just now we've crossed from the Dalelands into Cormanthyr (Castle Daggerdale). A line through the air is about 25 hexes from us to Sembia, we crossed 4 since we left Shadowdale - I don't remember the scale but I think it is very far away. A way on the road would probably be double that distance.
In my opinion there's no way we get there short of a teleportation spell. Weren't we supposed to meet mages in the next town? Or maybe there's a message system but then why would they believe us?
If we have the Arcane Brotherhood vouching for us, and if we bring Riggs as evidence, that might be enough?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kaelan Thornfell - Wildhunt Shifter Beast Barbarian - Horde of the Dragon Queen
Gustuck "Grumpy Gus" Clayshaper - Deep Gnome Astral Self Monk - Malady of Minarrh
Shelmo Sherrinford - Fairy Inquisitive Rogue - Vae Victus
Even a not-fully believed warning of attack will get some gears in motion, if we can get word to them that's our best bet. I agree.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I'm probably laughing.
It is apparently so hard to program Aberrant Mind and Clockwork Soul spell-swapping into dndbeyond they had to remake the game without it rather than implement it.
Working on a post and rolling travel etc. just rereading the thread to make sure I don’t miss anything. Will post tmrw. In the meantime feel free to RP
Good idea to do a recap.
Following Riggs was one option. Here're the other two that I found (I think that was all but please correct me if I'm wrong):
#248:
Zyzix, masquerading as Drax once more, stands near the group by the fire, absorbing all the details shared by his fellow caravan travelers. He tries not to let his curiosity show, but he gobbles up every last tidbit of information. It appears some of these people want to track down Gort and the marauders, he muses. This could be the beginning of quite the capable team. Think of all the info I could relay back to the Veil if I were to stick with this group!
Eyeing the crackling bonfire distrustfully, he says offhandedly, "While we're on the topic of Gort, I overhead some of the townsfolk saying that he was heading back to Sembia. I feel obliged to at least track down the man and see why he brought such ruin upon this poor town. That way, the townsfolk could at least have some closure about what happened to them!" His statement was a lie; in reality, he didn't really care too much about the townsfolk. He was much more interested in all of the secrets he could glean about the unrest in the area. He was hoping everyone around him had enough morals to help the townsfolk. His intentions were to tag along in their journey so he could use them all to uncover more secrets of the area.
#256:
As if on cue, you all hear the beating of wings and the croak of a raven, then a dull thud as a leather scroll case lands next to Galdric. Within it you find a note wrapped within a piece of yellowed parchment:
“Galdric,
Your bravery saved my life, for which I am eternally grateful. I cannot meet you; Lord Varden's eyes are everywhere. Inside, find a map to a place in Anauroch that may hold answers you seek. Be cautious.
In your debt,
Caelum”
The map included with Caelum's note is a weathered, aged parchment, its edges frayed and ink faded in places. It depicts a detailed rendering of Anauroch, with emphasis on the Shadow Sea region. A precise location on the southern edge of the Shadow Sea is marked with an X.”
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus ||
Ok other than delays (my bad) how are people liking the content so far? Open to any feedback, I know combat went on a while but it was pretty exciting. Lmk your thoughts.
I think 5 players is fine, if anything will make things faster. Let’s see how it goes and will reopen recruitment if not. Will let you guys pore over past posts for a day or so then we will continue (benefit of pbp 😈)
The game is going well, pacing is ok and 5 is a good number (I've found that larger groups tend to get bogged down in trying to make plans).
We're ok for combat and healing, we have a mage, and Haj is sneaky enough to do most rogue type things. Our only 'weakness' would be locks, but there's always brute strength for that 😁
Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Arcane Trickster
Portia Thornleaf - Halfling Rogue
I think the content you present is awesome. It was a bummer that two players left during combat and I think you did a great job adjusting for it. I'm very much looking forward to see where this will go. The region looks full of places and secrets to uncover. It's very typical for this format to lose sight of the initial purpose, because some stuff takes so long and real life happens and then in a calm moment you wonder, 'Where were we heading?' Not to mention all the information we've got already that our characters should know but we, as players, forgot during a weeks long combat. I think some sort of journal would be helpful to at least keep the main thread headlines. Perhaps, a good spot for something like that would be on the campaign main page?
I really liked having two bards, there's so much that they were able to add. Just look at the interrogation with Riggs, his chances to resist a word of terror with cutting words are small, and we didn't even try to throw in a mind sliver for good measure. But, yes, I agree, we are still operational as a group with most essential stuff covered. If we see that we need to break into some place, perhaps we can hire a thief to do the tricky work for us, or an investigator to snoop around, and we can keep them safe during encounters (this also offers some nice variations for otherwise straight battles).
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus ||
Some of that bardic goodness Cal is going to cover to some extent. He's just extremely tapped after that fight and so is only really able to contribute a little. Though, if he scrounges up all his remaining spellpower could do one last suggestion and just suggest he be forthcoming. Haha.
I'm probably laughing.
It is apparently so hard to program Aberrant Mind and Clockwork Soul spell-swapping into dndbeyond they had to remake the game without it rather than implement it.
All good suggestions, I should update the links, have just been too busy. Will try and do it this weekend.
As the party, weary but victorious, returned to their camp, they were greeted by Garrick and Thorne, two caravan guards who had joined forces with Taya. The guards' faces lit up with a mix of relief and satisfaction at seeing the party return safely. However, their expressions quickly turned to ones of intense resolve when they spotted Riggs, the mercenary leader responsible for the raid on Shadowdale. Without hesitation, they assisted Galdric in securing the captive, ensuring that Riggs was tightly bound and unable to escape.
Riggs, once awake, was visibly unsettled and aware of his precarious situation. Cautiously, he began to divulge information, albeit with a certain level of vagueness, especially regarding his employers.
"Well, we were hired by someone," Riggs started, his voice betraying a hint of nervousness. "The name that came up was Zenazara, some sort of intermediary. I can't say who was behind it all; they kept their identities well hidden. But the way things were organized, the secrecy... it felt like someone powerful was pulling the strings."
He paused, taking a shallow breath before continuing. "Our job was specific. First, we were tasked with finding a man named Gort in Shadowdale. Why? I have no idea. They didn’t tell me. Just that he was important to them for some reason." Riggs shifted slightly, the ropes binding him rustling softly. "Secondly, we were to look for magical artifacts, anything of value, really, in the ruins of the old wizard's tower. They seemed to believe there was something significant to be found."
Riggs licked his lips, his eyes darting between his captors. "Once we had Gort or any valuable artifacts, we were to take them to a prearranged spot near Snowmantle. I wasn’t privy to what happened after that. My part was just the retrieval."
Whoops, ignore that one and use the one in the thread lol
How far are we from Sembia? Is there any chance at all we could get there in time to try and prevent this attack?
Kaelan Thornfell - Wildhunt Shifter Beast Barbarian - Horde of the Dragon Queen
Gustuck "Grumpy Gus" Clayshaper - Deep Gnome Astral Self Monk - Malady of Minarrh
Shelmo Sherrinford - Fairy Inquisitive Rogue - Vae Victus
Solstice Nightchill - Winter Eladrin Hunter Ranger - The Yawning Portal
Captain Duskstar - Human Hex "Gun" Warlock - Airships and Whiskey
There's a map on the campaign landing page.
Sembia is quite on the other side of the Dalelands from us. Just now we've crossed from the Dalelands into Cormanthyr (Castle Daggerdale). A line through the air is about 25 hexes from us to Sembia, we crossed 4 since we left Shadowdale - I don't remember the scale but I think it is very far away. A way on the road would probably be double that distance.
In my opinion there's no way we get there short of a teleportation spell. Weren't we supposed to meet mages in the next town? Or maybe there's a message system but then why would they believe us?
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus ||
^^ that’s what I was thinking get to the closest place and try to send word from there or teleport.
If we have the Arcane Brotherhood vouching for us, and if we bring Riggs as evidence, that might be enough?
Kaelan Thornfell - Wildhunt Shifter Beast Barbarian - Horde of the Dragon Queen
Gustuck "Grumpy Gus" Clayshaper - Deep Gnome Astral Self Monk - Malady of Minarrh
Shelmo Sherrinford - Fairy Inquisitive Rogue - Vae Victus
Solstice Nightchill - Winter Eladrin Hunter Ranger - The Yawning Portal
Captain Duskstar - Human Hex "Gun" Warlock - Airships and Whiskey
Even a not-fully believed warning of attack will get some gears in motion, if we can get word to them that's our best bet. I agree.
I'm probably laughing.
It is apparently so hard to program Aberrant Mind and Clockwork Soul spell-swapping into dndbeyond they had to remake the game without it rather than implement it.
Let’s get some IC planning going, ideally we can set a direction by tomorrow
Working on a post and rolling travel etc. just rereading the thread to make sure I don’t miss anything. Will post tmrw. In the meantime feel free to RP
narrative posted. I also updated the first page of the OOC thread with the travel rules as a reminder
In case it isn’t clear, the road north is blocked by this camp.
I’ll get a post in today. Two sick kids at home derailed quite a bit this week lol
No problem!