OOC: Moving us forward just to keep things flowing. Feel free to partake in any more RP around Rogram's home as well.
While the others are out, Governor Nighthill informs Thia, "Our general store has a small amount of produce for sale on occasion. By all reports, most of the perishable stock has remained intact, but if you cannot find any there, there are orchards in the surrounding farmland."
Thrax leads Yevele to the Greenest smithy, where they locate Rogram and Smoke, who despite their best efforts, have learned little about the raiders from the locals nearby. It quickly becomes clear that not a person in town was expecting such an attack (or in fact, has ever been through something like that), and that none of them seem to know anything about the forces that attacked them or their reasoning.
By the time the party returns to the Keep in the evening, Governor Nighthill has finally changed clothing and replaced his bandages. The man still looks as though he hasn't slept in days, and his speech has become somewhat slurred, but he circles the table in the makeshift war room with vigor as he speaks.
"Thank you all for returning. I wanted to personally thank all of you again for your efforts last night. Escobert trains our guards well, but no teaching in the world can prepare one for true combat experience. I hate to think of what the warm light of this day would have looked like had you not arrived when you did."
"My purpose for this discussion is twofold. First, Rogram...I have had Escobert look into your father's work schedule and speak with those that he has been in contact with. It seems that in the hours prior to the attack he was delivering a partial order of horse shoes to the Balastacia farm, before bringing the rest to the Keep. Escobert sent word, but we have not heard back. Their farm lies to the southeast...the same direction from whence the raiders arrived, and left."
The governor pauses to allow the information to sink in and purses his lips before continuing, "As for the second reason...I am not comfortable with the current situation. We were attacked, seemingly at random, by an unknown force that departed to an unknown location. We are the largest town in the Greenfields. If that force was to come across another village, one without a keep like ours, it would certainly mean complete destruction."
"The raiders retreated to the southeast, and their trail is easy to spot. I believe a small, stealthy group could follow the trail to the raiders' camp and gather information. Our town was badly looted, but the keep held strong, and I am prepared to pay you all to continue the protection that you offered us last night."
"Here is my proposal: If you can locate the raiders' camp and find out certain information, I am willing to pay 250 gold apiece. I want to know where the camp is sited, how many raiders there are, who their leaders are, what motivated this attack, and where they plan to strike next. I suspect that the answer of what happened to your father may be intertwined, Rogram, based on all that we have learned."
"I hate to think of what the warm light of this day would have looked like had you not arrived when you did," the governor says.
Rogram's eyes fall to the table as a pang of guilt distracts him. He shouldn't be compared to the town's guard. If it wasn't for his mother's magic and the strength he derived from apprenticing at the forge, he would have been just as helpless as the rest of the townsfolk.
"Rogram...I have had Escobert look into your father's work schedule," the man continues, pulling the half-dwarf out of his own head. "... he was delivering a partial order of horse shoes to the Balastacia farm, before bringing the rest to the Keep." Finally! Some good news. "Their farm lies to the southeast...the same direction from whence the raiders arrived, and left."
What?! The governor pauses as Rogram's face suddenly falls. And what Nighthill says next doesn't help: "If that force was to come across another village, one without a keep like ours, it would certainly mean complete destruction."
Rogram fights to pay attention to the rest of what is said to them. He keeps seeing visions of his father mingling with memories of the invading force and then the dragon. By the end, his blood is pounding in his ears, his cheeks are red, and his knuckles are white. "We should go tonight," he almost yells, pounding a fist on the table. He looks around at the four others. "Please, friends, I need your help. I know I've done nothing to deserve more sacrifice, but I'll make it up to you somehow."
Yevele listens intently to Governor Nighthill gets ready to speak when Rogram pounds the table, startling her into silence.
After the dwarf finishes speaking, Yevele takes a deep breath before speaking "Thia and I also have people we are looking for. And, Smoke may find his revenge in the dragon cult. I am in. But, I think we should wait until morning. Another nights rest could be of benefit to us, and, not all of us can see in the dark. I think the five of us should be able to travel more quickly than that army, particularly the kobolds with their short legs. We don't want to catch up to them before they get back to their base."
Thia, having spent the afternoon popping into the village to purchase some more apples, agrees with Yevele. "Morning sounds good to me too," she says softly. "I also think we need to move very quietly and stealthily if we are to track this group. Or perhaps there is another option. We could pretend to be raiders returning to their base? There were so many of them, surely they can't all know each other." She thinks about this idea for a moment. "Ah, but then again our lizardman champion here might be memorable to a few of them, so perhaps that's not such a good idea. Unless we can disguise him?"
Keen on hearing about the direction of the raiders Smoke will take mental note of what town might be on their way.
After the others have spoken Smoke will place a hand on Rogram's shoulder. You see, we have reasons to go after the raiders ourselves. I will hear no more of this debt you speak of.
He ponders a moment. A large group will not be fast in their travels. But we will need to catch up before worrying about how we look, im sure i will stand out to them as well.
Travelling at night is no issue for me but not all can see in the dark. We could leave at first light but we should travel quickly since they will have a full day headstart on us.
Rogram's anger at first flares as Thia and then Yevele explain how leaving in the morning would be better. The half-dwarf opens his mouth to argue when Smoke's touch stops his tongue. There's something about the tabaxi that always seems to put Rogram in a good mood. The light feeling wars with the anger and frustration fighting to boil up and out. Rogram's mind spins with conflicting thoughts. He can hear an echo of his mother's voice saying, "Patience, Rory." But then he once again imagines his father in danger. Finally, before anyone can answer Thia's question, he turns to Thrax. "What say you, cleric? Do you think it would be better to leave tonight ... or ... wait until morning?" he asks, the words catching between his teeth.
Governor Nighthill adds, "This payment will tax the town treasury greatly, but I believe it will be well worth it, especially if it means that others are saved from the same fate. If you could recover valuables that were stolen from the town that would help lessen the sting, but recovering treasure is a lesser goal compared to the other objectives."
"I trust you will leave at the best hour. Before you do, however, I would like to see you furnished with any gear or supplies that you need for the trip. I have sent word to our general store that the keep will pay for what you need, within reason."
OOC: The town is willing to pay for weapons, armor, or adventuring gear worth 25 gp or less (within reason). If you would like to furnish yourselves before leaving, let me know which items you would like, and I will confirm.
Thrax swells with pride hearing the words of the Governor. Though he felt shame that he was not able to put up a better fight against the half dragon, he is eager to prove himself again by tracking the movements of this raiding cult.
”I find that most humanoids have a hard time distinguishing one lizard folk from the next, and some can barely even tell us apart from Dragonborn or Kobolds... however there were a lot of scaled faces in that mob last night, and they may be able to identify me if they were watching the duel at the gates. Perhaps my bardic companions have ways to disguise my features if we need to get close to our enemies?”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Vercinius Thrax: Lizardfolk Cleric - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
L’Ouverture Zinn: Kobold Sorcerer - Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
Titus Vorenus: Dragonborn Paladin - Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
Nemean Goldenmane: Tabaxi Fighter - Lost Mine of Phandelver (Retired)
Rogram felt pretty useless there for a while with no ranged weapon, so he'd like a few javelins. They are 5 silver, so 4 would be 2 gold. If he picked up a shield, he wouldn't have to make one (and he'd have it sooner). A shield is 10 gold. None of those things are necessary if others have items that are necessary. Rogram has 5 rations. Will we need more than that?
Could Thia pick up a light crossbow (25gp) and 20 bolts (1gp), plus fill her pouch with apples - preferably red ones. She also needs some rations as she currently has none.
Smoke nods at Thia I have some ways of disguising someone. Its not like Rogram's spells but it could help.
Hearing the promise of coin again brings a smile to Smoke's face Yes gold will be needed, its been a while.. Uhm yes we will see what is needed to cover our expenses for these tasks.
Mirror, Steel 5gp (assuming its a handheld small mirror reading the description)
Waterskin an extra just in case (does not have to contain liquid atm) 2 sp
Forgery Kit 15 gp (contains paper, ink/pen, wax so most likely items they have in the keep)
Grenade, Smoke does not list a cost so unsure if this is allowed or to expensive, since its smoke its more single use utility so thats up to DM (its basically a single use lv 1 fog spell item for shorter range)
Total would be 21 gp and 3sp + whatever the smoke grenade would be. Most of these are for situational use to provide options so let me know whats possible.
I am a little unsure if we can have multiple items valued at 25 gp or a total of 25 gp? If we can have a few items then I note that a Disguise Kit is valued at 25gp so maybe a few of them, just to make us look different to the heroes who fought the raiders in the village might be a good plan?
(@Blakey, thats possible but Smoke already had a disguise kit and Rogram has a disguise spell. Its great if most of the party could go disguised but not sure if thats needed)
OOC: Added a shield and four javelins to Rogram's inventory.
Added a light crossbow, crossbow bolt case, and 20 crossbow bolts to Thia's inventory.
Added oil flask, net, steel mirror, waterskin, and forgery kit to Smoke's inventory. A smoke grenade the only thing there that the town does not have.
To answer Blakey's question, the combined total can be over 25 gp, the items just have to be valued under 25 gp individually and something the town would be able to furnish (i.e., not 10 healing potions, a suit of plate mail, or 200 arrows, which are all actual examples of things people have requested here :D). A disguise kit is something the town would have, but if Smoke already has one that can be used to disguise multiple people if the group deems it necessary.
OOC: LOL, I thought it was 25 or less gold for ALL the items the five of us wanted COMBINED. In that case, please do add 5 rations; a rope, hempen; a hunting trap; a tent; and a bag of caltrops.
gold 10+2=12+2.5=14.5+1=15.5+5=20.5+2=22.5 (including the javelins and shield)
copper 5
It is reasonable that he would have rations, a rope, a trap, and a tent at his house and wouldn't need to get them from the store. I'll let the DM decide.
Thrax would like to ask the governor for some smith’s tools. He will also ask if they can help supply some common spell components like parchment and owl feathers.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Vercinius Thrax: Lizardfolk Cleric - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
L’Ouverture Zinn: Kobold Sorcerer - Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
Titus Vorenus: Dragonborn Paladin - Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
Nemean Goldenmane: Tabaxi Fighter - Lost Mine of Phandelver (Retired)
Thia's going to stay in the keep for now and try and scrounge some apples.
My Author Page: www.peterjblake.com
Novels Published: Reynard's Fate, Kita's Honour, Okoth's War and Callindrill
OOC: Moving us forward just to keep things flowing. Feel free to partake in any more RP around Rogram's home as well.
While the others are out, Governor Nighthill informs Thia, "Our general store has a small amount of produce for sale on occasion. By all reports, most of the perishable stock has remained intact, but if you cannot find any there, there are orchards in the surrounding farmland."
Thrax leads Yevele to the Greenest smithy, where they locate Rogram and Smoke, who despite their best efforts, have learned little about the raiders from the locals nearby. It quickly becomes clear that not a person in town was expecting such an attack (or in fact, has ever been through something like that), and that none of them seem to know anything about the forces that attacked them or their reasoning.
By the time the party returns to the Keep in the evening, Governor Nighthill has finally changed clothing and replaced his bandages. The man still looks as though he hasn't slept in days, and his speech has become somewhat slurred, but he circles the table in the makeshift war room with vigor as he speaks.
"Thank you all for returning. I wanted to personally thank all of you again for your efforts last night. Escobert trains our guards well, but no teaching in the world can prepare one for true combat experience. I hate to think of what the warm light of this day would have looked like had you not arrived when you did."
"My purpose for this discussion is twofold. First, Rogram...I have had Escobert look into your father's work schedule and speak with those that he has been in contact with. It seems that in the hours prior to the attack he was delivering a partial order of horse shoes to the Balastacia farm, before bringing the rest to the Keep. Escobert sent word, but we have not heard back. Their farm lies to the southeast...the same direction from whence the raiders arrived, and left."
The governor pauses to allow the information to sink in and purses his lips before continuing, "As for the second reason...I am not comfortable with the current situation. We were attacked, seemingly at random, by an unknown force that departed to an unknown location. We are the largest town in the Greenfields. If that force was to come across another village, one without a keep like ours, it would certainly mean complete destruction."
"The raiders retreated to the southeast, and their trail is easy to spot. I believe a small, stealthy group could follow the trail to the raiders' camp and gather information. Our town was badly looted, but the keep held strong, and I am prepared to pay you all to continue the protection that you offered us last night."
"Here is my proposal: If you can locate the raiders' camp and find out certain information, I am willing to pay 250 gold apiece. I want to know where the camp is sited, how many raiders there are, who their leaders are, what motivated this attack, and where they plan to strike next. I suspect that the answer of what happened to your father may be intertwined, Rogram, based on all that we have learned."
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
"I hate to think of what the warm light of this day would have looked like had you not arrived when you did," the governor says.
Rogram's eyes fall to the table as a pang of guilt distracts him. He shouldn't be compared to the town's guard. If it wasn't for his mother's magic and the strength he derived from apprenticing at the forge, he would have been just as helpless as the rest of the townsfolk.
"Rogram...I have had Escobert look into your father's work schedule," the man continues, pulling the half-dwarf out of his own head. "... he was delivering a partial order of horse shoes to the Balastacia farm, before bringing the rest to the Keep." Finally! Some good news. "Their farm lies to the southeast...the same direction from whence the raiders arrived, and left."
What?! The governor pauses as Rogram's face suddenly falls. And what Nighthill says next doesn't help: "If that force was to come across another village, one without a keep like ours, it would certainly mean complete destruction."
Rogram fights to pay attention to the rest of what is said to them. He keeps seeing visions of his father mingling with memories of the invading force and then the dragon. By the end, his blood is pounding in his ears, his cheeks are red, and his knuckles are white. "We should go tonight," he almost yells, pounding a fist on the table. He looks around at the four others. "Please, friends, I need your help. I know I've done nothing to deserve more sacrifice, but I'll make it up to you somehow."
Yevele listens intently to Governor Nighthill gets ready to speak when Rogram pounds the table, startling her into silence.
After the dwarf finishes speaking, Yevele takes a deep breath before speaking "Thia and I also have people we are looking for. And, Smoke may find his revenge in the dragon cult. I am in. But, I think we should wait until morning. Another nights rest could be of benefit to us, and, not all of us can see in the dark. I think the five of us should be able to travel more quickly than that army, particularly the kobolds with their short legs. We don't want to catch up to them before they get back to their base."
Thia, having spent the afternoon popping into the village to purchase some more apples, agrees with Yevele. "Morning sounds good to me too," she says softly. "I also think we need to move very quietly and stealthily if we are to track this group. Or perhaps there is another option. We could pretend to be raiders returning to their base? There were so many of them, surely they can't all know each other." She thinks about this idea for a moment. "Ah, but then again our lizardman champion here might be memorable to a few of them, so perhaps that's not such a good idea. Unless we can disguise him?"
My Author Page: www.peterjblake.com
Novels Published: Reynard's Fate, Kita's Honour, Okoth's War and Callindrill
Keen on hearing about the direction of the raiders Smoke will take mental note of what town might be on their way.
After the others have spoken Smoke will place a hand on Rogram's shoulder. You see, we have reasons to go after the raiders ourselves. I will hear no more of this debt you speak of.
He ponders a moment. A large group will not be fast in their travels. But we will need to catch up before worrying about how we look, im sure i will stand out to them as well.
Travelling at night is no issue for me but not all can see in the dark. We could leave at first light but we should travel quickly since they will have a full day headstart on us.
"Does anyone know any trickery magic? Can we use some sort of illusion to disguise ourselves? Or is anyone handy with makeup and the like?"
My Author Page: www.peterjblake.com
Novels Published: Reynard's Fate, Kita's Honour, Okoth's War and Callindrill
Rogram's anger at first flares as Thia and then Yevele explain how leaving in the morning would be better. The half-dwarf opens his mouth to argue when Smoke's touch stops his tongue. There's something about the tabaxi that always seems to put Rogram in a good mood. The light feeling wars with the anger and frustration fighting to boil up and out. Rogram's mind spins with conflicting thoughts. He can hear an echo of his mother's voice saying, "Patience, Rory." But then he once again imagines his father in danger. Finally, before anyone can answer Thia's question, he turns to Thrax. "What say you, cleric? Do you think it would be better to leave tonight ... or ... wait until morning?" he asks, the words catching between his teeth.
Governor Nighthill adds, "This payment will tax the town treasury greatly, but I believe it will be well worth it, especially if it means that others are saved from the same fate. If you could recover valuables that were stolen from the town that would help lessen the sting, but recovering treasure is a lesser goal compared to the other objectives."
"I trust you will leave at the best hour. Before you do, however, I would like to see you furnished with any gear or supplies that you need for the trip. I have sent word to our general store that the keep will pay for what you need, within reason."
OOC: The town is willing to pay for weapons, armor, or adventuring gear worth 25 gp or less (within reason). If you would like to furnish yourselves before leaving, let me know which items you would like, and I will confirm.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Thrax swells with pride hearing the words of the Governor. Though he felt shame that he was not able to put up a better fight against the half dragon, he is eager to prove himself again by tracking the movements of this raiding cult.
”I find that most humanoids have a hard time distinguishing one lizard folk from the next, and some can barely even tell us apart from Dragonborn or Kobolds... however there were a lot of scaled faces in that mob last night, and they may be able to identify me if they were watching the duel at the gates. Perhaps my bardic companions have ways to disguise my features if we need to get close to our enemies?”
Vercinius Thrax: Lizardfolk Cleric - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
L’Ouverture Zinn: Kobold Sorcerer - Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
Titus Vorenus: Dragonborn Paladin - Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
Nemean Goldenmane: Tabaxi Fighter - Lost Mine of Phandelver (Retired)
Rogram felt pretty useless there for a while with no ranged weapon, so he'd like a few javelins. They are 5 silver, so 4 would be 2 gold. If he picked up a shield, he wouldn't have to make one (and he'd have it sooner). A shield is 10 gold. None of those things are necessary if others have items that are necessary. Rogram has 5 rations. Will we need more than that?
Could Thia pick up a light crossbow (25gp) and 20 bolts (1gp), plus fill her pouch with apples - preferably red ones. She also needs some rations as she currently has none.
My Author Page: www.peterjblake.com
Novels Published: Reynard's Fate, Kita's Honour, Okoth's War and Callindrill
Smoke nods at Thia I have some ways of disguising someone. Its not like Rogram's spells but it could help.
Hearing the promise of coin again brings a smile to Smoke's face Yes gold will be needed, its been a while.. Uhm yes we will see what is needed to cover our expenses for these tasks.
I am a little unsure if we can have multiple items valued at 25 gp or a total of 25 gp? If we can have a few items then I note that a Disguise Kit is valued at 25gp so maybe a few of them, just to make us look different to the heroes who fought the raiders in the village might be a good plan?
My Author Page: www.peterjblake.com
Novels Published: Reynard's Fate, Kita's Honour, Okoth's War and Callindrill
(@Blakey, thats possible but Smoke already had a disguise kit and Rogram has a disguise spell. Its great if most of the party could go disguised but not sure if thats needed)
OOC: Added a shield and four javelins to Rogram's inventory.
Added a light crossbow, crossbow bolt case, and 20 crossbow bolts to Thia's inventory.
Added oil flask, net, steel mirror, waterskin, and forgery kit to Smoke's inventory. A smoke grenade the only thing there that the town does not have.
To answer Blakey's question, the combined total can be over 25 gp, the items just have to be valued under 25 gp individually and something the town would be able to furnish (i.e., not 10 healing potions, a suit of plate mail, or 200 arrows, which are all actual examples of things people have requested here :D). A disguise kit is something the town would have, but if Smoke already has one that can be used to disguise multiple people if the group deems it necessary.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
OOC: LOL, I thought it was 25 or less gold for ALL the items the five of us wanted COMBINED. In that case, please do add 5 rations; a rope, hempen; a hunting trap; a tent; and a bag of caltrops.
gold 10+2=12+2.5=14.5+1=15.5+5=20.5+2=22.5 (including the javelins and shield)
copper 5
It is reasonable that he would have rations, a rope, a trap, and a tent at his house and wouldn't need to get them from the store. I'll let the DM decide.
(OOC: please can you add some rations to Thia DM?)
My Author Page: www.peterjblake.com
Novels Published: Reynard's Fate, Kita's Honour, Okoth's War and Callindrill
Thrax would like to ask the governor for some smith’s tools. He will also ask if they can help supply some common spell components like parchment and owl feathers.
Vercinius Thrax: Lizardfolk Cleric - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
L’Ouverture Zinn: Kobold Sorcerer - Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
Titus Vorenus: Dragonborn Paladin - Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
Nemean Goldenmane: Tabaxi Fighter - Lost Mine of Phandelver (Retired)
Yevele will ask for five rations. At this point, she doesn't need anything else.