Difference between pages "Backtracking" and "Loaded Down, Wealthy, July 20-21st"

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== Returning to the Great Hall ==
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__TOC__
'''The DM:''' Earlier, I posted an image of the whole dungeon that might have given the impression that “F” ended in a dead end.  That is not the case.  The tunnel was not explored past the broken furniture; you don’t know what lies around the corner.
+
Continued from '''[[Retire to Above]]'''
  
'''Pandred''': It's been on my mind. I'd like to make sure we throw open every door of the main hall first. At this point, I'm willing to do so simultaneously. This portion of the dungeon appears to belong to the dead and carrion-feeders.
+
'''The DM:''' I will need to know what your action points are on the cart. I've created a chart for calculating cart encumbrance, if you haven't already seen it. The weather on the morning of the 20th is beautiful: clear skies, no clouds at all, pleasant weather, a gentle breeze blowing.  Feels like the first day of Summer.
: '''The DM:''' I look forward to reproducing the effect from Cabin in the Woods.
 
::'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' There is an underlying theme here, at least!
 
  
[[File:Grond Dungeon apr09.jpg|center|770px|thumb|The dungeon so far]]
+
: What's more, seems very quiet this morning as you head out on your journey.
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I am down with that, Pandred. I'll take position on Door (i), remaining are (k), (l), (m)
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Quite.
  
'''The DM:''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkvQAQT0e9g Fun]
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Looking for my Stavanger sheet - AP shortly.
: '''Pandred''': One, I love that film. Two, you can't scare me! I will not be intimidated!
 
  
'''Pandred''': Gimme l. Helga took a big hit earlier, so she can wait nearby.
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' We need to drop about 300 lbs. Max with the mule is 1 AP at 1350 lb, we have about 1635 lb.
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I move to 2128. "Do we really think opening everything at once is wise?"
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Wow. I don't suppose that's an amount we can spread out amongst ourselves and our hirelings.
  
'''Pandred''': "If there was a danger, it would have gotten us in the barracks from behind. Should only be animals."
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I can only take about another 20 lbs. before I reach my max. 9 more will drop me from 3AP to 2.
  
'''The DM:''' Okay ...
+
'''The DM:''' You have the strengths of each hireling; presume they're already carrying 40 lbs. of personal gear, and that they'd be ready to push themselves to 2 AP ... 1 AP if you'll provide them a 2 s.p./day bonus.
:  Ready?
 
  
'''Pandred''': 1, 2, 3, "Hroagh!"
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' We can give them 282 lb all told and stay at 3 AP. That leaves a little over 3 lbs which any one of us can make up the difference in.
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Marit in 2127.
+
'''The DM:''' You can eat that for breakfast on the 20th.
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Bjarni is behind me.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Then I believe we are off.
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I throw open (i)
+
'''The DM:''' Figure 4 lbs. a day for travelling, eat 1½ lb. each for breakfast, then at the end of the first day you finish off with 48 total lbs. gone from eaten food.  The journey is, I remember, 14 total hours at 3 AP.  So it would be 21 at 2 AP ... so you’ve made a little less than half your distance the first day.  That leaves 11 hours at 2 AP.  Unless you want to cache some of your food at the cairn.
  
'''Pandred''': Opening (l)!
+
'''The DM:''' You have no encounters on the 20th.
  
'''The DM:''' since I can see only “i”, “k” and “l” opened, I’ll stick with those; the map can wait, since we’re almost done for the day.
+
'''Pandred''': That's almost too bad. We'd have eaten more of our encumbrance. Hmm, but then we'd have loaded down the cart with trophies. Tricky business.
  
:“i” is a wet storeroom, with barrels of rancid ale, accounting for the smell.  An investigation, however, will show that there are two kegs in the room, one with four gallons of lamp oil (usable) and one with 1½ gallons of vinegar (also usable).
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' As we set up camp for the night, I cast ''Augury'' and ask the following:
 +
:'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Is Hamish Ross in Norway"
 +
:'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Is Hamish Ross in Denmark"
 +
:'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Is Hamish Ross in Scotland"
  
:“k” is a toilet. It appears to be full of straw and other compost, so that it can be used regularly.  It smells vaguely of vinegar.
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I thought about caching but we'd have to leave too much to gain any AP. We'll be fine with the longer travel.
  
:“l” (el) is a natural chimney that plunges into the darkness.  It has a similar smell to the hole where the rothe are cast down, and there are iron rungs that can be climbed down into it.
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Tomorrow, can you ask if the gold can be recognized or tracked?
  
:no monsters.
+
'''The DM:''' The answers are Yes, null, null.  You don't get answers for the last two questions.
  
'''The DM:''' Does anyone hate me yet?
+
'''The DM:''' From the document: “the scroll delivers a land grant to whom is apparently a Scotsman, Hamish Ross, of 8,000 acres upon the island of Askøy west of Bergen, for services rendered to Christian IV, the King of Denmark, against the Swedes in the Battle of Femern in 1644. The document was to be delivered to Ross so that he could take possession of his lands; the document is dated May the 10th, 1647.”  Which is odd, since all the coins clearly post-date 1648.
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Not yet but give it time.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I can certainly ask that tomorrow. I assume the most likely place for him to be is on the island of Askøy, but I figured I'd start narrowing it down.
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I'll move to (m) and open that as well, Bjarni following.
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Thank you for the reminder. That's intriguing.
  
'''The DM:''' you move to touch the handle and your arm loses all of its strength, so that you find yourself compelled to let go.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' And, if I recall, the airship showed signs of being exposed to Norwegian rains and winters for three years.
  
'''Pandred''': Nice, magical lock. Do Illusionists even get Knock?
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' That implies that the gold is not from the airship. Which I didn't think we believed as a theory but can possibly rule it out anyway.
  
'''The DM:''' They don't.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Interesting. The pack in which the circlet and land grant were found was described as "bearing the emblem of the King of Denmark & Norway, Christian the 5th. Your king." Is this merely a typo?
 +
: '''The DM:''' Hm.  That shouldn't have been published; it was an error I thought I'd fixed before publishing. I'll clear it up.  Christian the 5th doesn't become king for a while.  Your present king is Frederick III. 
 +
::'''[[Lexent]]:''' Meaning that the emblem on that pack was of Frederick III, meaning that the land grant could date to the same time as the gold, just not the airship.
 +
::: '''The DM:''' That's correct.
  
'''Pandred''': Ok guys. F or D? Do we think the gobs were sealing themselves into F, or sealing something from elsewhere out of F?
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Also, cultic goblins may not have had much use for gold. Perhaps Ross may have a deeper connection to the Grond lair than we previously thought.
  
'''The DM:''' {OOC}  Okay, we’re good.  Going forward, I want to warn you that next week should be normal, but the week after is the time of my procedure. The prep is onerous, particularly that last day, and I want to feel warm and fuzzy before going in, so I’m going to go ahead and take that week off.  The recovery time is apparently quite short, so I should be back the following Monday. So, the next three days, then the week off, then we begin again as normal.
+
'''Pandred''': Here I thought we were about to uncover a cool conspiracy with the wrong king. Denmark-Norway got soundly beaten in the wars preceding us. Sweden pretty much runs the Baltic from what I understand.
  
'''Pandred''' (OOC) Sounds like a plan.
+
'''The DM:''' Odd.  My first draft made that Christian V error last night; and now I find I made the same mistake months ago.  I draw your attention to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_III_of_Denmark#:~:text=Frederick%20III%20(Danish%3A%20Frederik%3B,until%20his%20death%20in%201670.&text=He%20instituted%20absolute%20monarchy%20in,the%20Throne%20Chair%20of%20Denmark this page on wikipedia]:
  
'''The DM:''' {OOC} Uh, sorry, the following ''Tuesday''. Out.
+
'''The DM:''' Don’t be too sure about that 3 year weathering; you’re not experts, it’s just a guess.
 +
: Pandred, since the death of Gustavus, Sweden has been on a very slight decline; and with the end of the 30 years war, it is getting embroiled in disputes over the territory it holds on mainland Europe.  It is distracted from menacing Denmark & Norway at present. This would be common knowledge.
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Very good. I move for (f). See you all next week! Out.
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'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I assume the king who granted the land was Christian IV. The airship bearing the grant crashes shortly after (and no apparently attempt is made to recover it). Frederick III became king in 1648, mints special coins, and Hamish Ross takes possession of them. Then they find their way to Grond. The timing of the airship crash would help determine whether or not the coins were on the ship, which would be the most convenient explanation for their presence in the lair.
  
== "F" Hall ==
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'''[[Lexent]]:''' Except that the bag at the airship also bore the emblem of Frederick III.
[[File:Dungeon Section 13apr21.jpg|right|455px|thumb|Local dungeon with updates]]
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: '''The DM:''' Yes, I want to make sure its understood that's the case, my error nonwithstanding.
  
'''The DM:''' In. Just to warn you, this is going to be a slow and distracted day.
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Ah, ok. So then the working theory is that the gold was on the airship and was recovered/taken to the lair.
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' In. Before moving to those 'd' or 'f', if it's alright, let me try a couple of things with door 'm'. I try to open door 'm'. Are the results the same?
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' So, a couple of possibilities:
 +
* Our estimates on the length of time the ship was there were wrong.
 +
* The gold and bag were not on the airship when it crashed, but instead were brought there later.
 +
* They started making Frederick III coins and bags before he was king.
 +
* Time travel.
  
'''The DM:''' Can't do it.  The door is resisting you; even as you try to put your hand on the door, you find you really don't want to.
+
'''The DM:''' bursts out laughing.
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I try to take a lit torch and place it at the base of the door to catch it on fire.
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Can't rule it out though ;)
  
'''Marcule:''' does the door feel magical?
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Out. We'll get to the bottom of this!
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' In.
+
'''The DM:''' Out.
  
'''The DM:''' Can't "feel" magic.
+
== What to Do After Treborg? ==
 +
'''The DM:''' In.
  
'''The DM:''' Lexent, you get the torch lit and you’re standing in front of the door ... but somehow, you can’t seem to move the torch where you want it.  You’re just ... stuck.
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' In. 4 lb per person for traveling for the 20th, correct?
 +
: '''The DM:''' Yes.
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Well, so much for that. I suggest we work on getting this furniture up to the surface. That chair on top looks nice, we might want to keep it, but I suspect most of this can be used for burning those bodies." (gesturing to the collection in 'f')
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' In.
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Yes. Let's get to work clearing the blockage. We can stack stuff in the dungeon room to keep it out of the way.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' So, you start?
 
 
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Yes, we start.
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Aye, we start. Sorry, should have made that clear.
 
 
 
== First Ghoul ==
 
[[File:First Ghoul.jpg|right|350px|thumb|What the hell is that?]]
 
You’re in the process of unloading the room, with furniture scattered around, when something unpleasant appears in 2725.
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' How aggressive does it appear?
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' oh, pretty aggressive.  Roll a d6.
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' '''1'''
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' I won’t rule that as surprise, since I don’t believe you’d be blissfully unaware and not looking for something, even if it was a large spider or a rat nestled among the pile.  But ... I will count that as loss of initiative; the ghoul will move into 2526 and “engage” you in melee, without having enough move to swing an arm at you, yet.
 
 
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Does that make it the party's turn?
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' Yes, Lexent.
 
 
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I attempt to turn any visible ghouls ''To Turn:'' '''14'''
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Have I enough room to swing?
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' Have you been moving furniture with your sword in your hand, Vafrandir?  Sorry, Lexent, not sufficient.
 
 
 
 
 
[[File:Ghoul 01.jpg|left|350px]]
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' No, I'll need to draw.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' Just want to point out that comes first.  Larger things take longer to draw, so what weapon do you grab from yourself?
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Club will take a shorter time to draw and time is of the essence. I'll draw that.
 
  
'''The DM:''' You have room to swing.
+
'''Marcule:''' in
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' To hit: '''6'''.
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' About what time do we arrive in Treborg?
  
'''The DM:''' That misses.  Do you two want to wait for more participants, or shall we move to the second round?
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I believe we are still at the cairn on the evening of the 20th.
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Up to you Vafrandir, I'm okay with either.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Unless we can figure out a way to pick up the pace, I believe we are slated to have to risk malady checks to even make it by the end of tomorrow.
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' We may as well have another round at least.
+
'''The DM:''' You're probably past the cairn.  You'll have 11 hours travel tomorrow.  Let's decide first if you want to push that travel and risk accidents.
  
== Ghoul Round 2 ==
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I have no objection to another day of travel. We are pretty loaded down. "Shortcuts make long delays."
'''The DM:''' The ghoul attacks three times, with both claws and head, which stretches out grotesquely from its body and snaps at Vafrandir’s head. The head misses with a 3, the left claw with a 4 and the right claw misses with a 12.
 
  
Another ghoul appears in 2725.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Fine by me. We split up the remaining travel into two days.
  
=== Player Round 2 ===
+
'''Marcule:''' I agree, if we rush that might leave us in real trouble.
'''The DM:''' take your turns.  I’ll be about 45 minutes (I’ve got to eat and make two phone calls).
 
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I attempt to turn the ghouls, starting with the one engaging Vafrandir ''To Turn:'' '''15'''. I then make space, backing to '''2126'''
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Is everyone else ready to sleep for the evening of the 20th?
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' If that doesn't turn, I'll attack again. '''17 raw: 18 to hit; 5 raw, 6 to hit'''.
+
'''The DM:''' The weather declines on the 21st declines and it lightly drizzles through the afternoon after an initial light shower.  You find the wheels are getting caught in ruts, because you can’t just bang over the gaps between the rocks during your steady descent. However, by the end of the day, there have been no encounters and you’re about three hours outside of Treborg. Continue into the 22nd?
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' If I understand correctly, my turning occurs last in the round anyway.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I'd like to cast ''Augury'' again first.
  
'''Pandred''': Day got away from me. In.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I cast ''Augury'' and ask the following questions:
 +
:'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Can the Frederick III Gold with the extra crowns be recognised as special or tracked?
 +
:'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Is Hamish Ross on the island of Askøy?"
 +
:'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Is Hamish Ross in Rogaland?"
  
'''[[Pandred]]''': I'll advance to Lex's old position in 2227 if possible.
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' After the Augury we can continue on to the 22nd. Food marked for the 21st.
  
'''Marcule:''' im at the ready but i don't want to throw anything in this tight space
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Out for a bit for lunch.
  
'''The DM:''' Lexent’s attempt to turn fails.  Pandred enters 2227.  Vafrandir successfully hits and stuns the ghoul.  Marcule’s line of sight from 2127 is marred by the door.
+
'''The DM:''' Answers: yes; no; null answer.
: Vafrandir, do you want to try to hold this corridor or back out with what AP you have left. Stunning the ghoul means you’re not engaged in melee and can stride out.
 
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Yes! I was hoping for that opportunity. I ask Marit to back up and I stride to '''2228'''.
+
== Arriving in Treborg on the 22nd ==
 +
'''The DM:''' The weather is dry with hardly a breeze, and a clear blue sky. The weather is pleasant and comfortable.  You spend those last three hours making good progress over a decent cart track ... and you draw attention from a few cotters on your way into Treborg, who can’t help noticing the height of the cart’s goods, the evident wealth of some of the objects and the look of the party, which is – shall we say – rumpled.  One or two approach to ask where you’ve come from.
  
'''The DM:''' Sorry to nitpick.  The rule requires you have 2 AP if you want to turn a 60-degree corner.  2228 is TWO 60-degree corners, so would require a minimum of 3 remaining AP. You used 2 to swing your weapon; how many do you have left?
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Up in the mountains a few days journey from here."
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Out. Hope to be back in a little bit.
+
'''The DM:''' Since that isn’t specific, I assume you don’t want to be, and that you put off further questions politely but without giving further details.  Eventually you roll into Treborg, to your own house, where you breathe deeply to be finally at home.  This last haul has been troublesome and tiring.
 +
:'''[[Lexent]]:''' Correct.
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' 3 total, so 1 AP remaining. In that case, Could I get into 2027?
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' How is Valda doing?
  
'''The DM:''' YesYou rush between Lexent and Pandred, past Marcule and to 2027 at stride-4.
+
'''The DM:''' She’s been worried about your departureOne of you came in badly hurt last time and this time she’s wondered who that’s going to be.  She’s glad to see you all safe.  She has taken some of your stored meat and made sausages for you, and biscuits.  She’s also been able to create a reed matting for the floor of your house, so you’re not forced to walk on dirt, and she has a few gallons of small beer for you to drink.  Small beer is about 0.5% alcohol, and is safer to drink than well-water.
  
[[File:Ghoul 02.jpg|right|420px|thumb]]
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I thank her for her concern and her efforts and assure her that we are well. I also take the time to enjoy what she prepares for us.
  
== Round 3 ==
+
'''The DM:''' She fries up the sausageBefore she’s done, and as Oddsdrakken begins to supervise the unloading of the cart, to store your things in the collection of tents and space that you have, a small crowd begins to gatherThey are particularly interested in the chests and the very large shield, neither of which can be practically kept hidden.
'''The DM:''' The ghoul struck by Vafrandir falls into 2627The other clambers over the furniture into 2426The players can make their move.
 
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Back In.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Hmm. We need to improve our methodology for returning to town in the future.
  
'''The DM:''' Awaiting the players' moves.
+
'''The DM:''' The town’s governor, Mss. Hendriksen, soon arrives, advancing to the door of the party’s house, interrupting them during a dinner of sausage, involving not only the party by your hirelings I assume.  “Er, h’hm.  Ladies ... Gentlemen ...” he starts.
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' In the face of what seem to be poor odds, I again attempt to turn the ghouls, closest one first. ''To Turn:'' '''11'''. Drat.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Yes?"
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I'll swap my club for my sword.
+
'''Hendriksen''': "I’ve been asked to inquire ... that is, in a non-official fashion ... if you haven’t recently come into possession of a rather large, erm, ah ... some sort of treasure.  Begging your pardon, sirs.  And ladies."
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I also back up into '''2125'''
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "While investigating some cattle disappearances from the town we found an old goblin lair. We took care of the trouble inside and found a few items for our troubles. There is a rather large shield. May I ask as to who has requested you to make such an inquiry?
  
'''The DM:''' I'll need Pandred's move for sure before we continue.
+
'''Hendriksen''': "The villagers.  I am, after all, the governor.  It is in my purview to ... but, ah, I assure you, this is not ... I mean that I’m not attempting to, uh ... well, sir, you understand, you’re new to the village and you appear to be, um ... well to-do."
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' In what ways does the furniture impact our ability to fight?
 
  
'''Pandred''': I'll sit tight, making sure my Battleaxe is ready.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:'''[OOC] I'd like to let the rest of the party weigh in before either providing any more details or specifically declining to do so.
  
'''The DM:''' Lexent, so you know, the open door in 2224 will block your line of sight for further attempts to turn, since you're now in the next room.
+
'''The DM:''' I can wait.
:'''[[Lexent]]:''' Yep.
 
  
'''Marcule:''' Good were I am. "if we can pull the monster out we can have a better crack at it"
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' We have no intention of causing a panic. But I do understand their concern. But we may also not be sure if we have actually "come into possession" of anything. I would want to reassure Mss Hendricksen that we don't want to disrupt everything - the people of Treborg have been quite good to us. Perhaps we should ask to speak to him later after we've had a chance to discuss it privately. Would that be untoward?
  
[[File:Ghoul 04.jpg|right|420px|thumb]]
+
'''The DM:''' “I would want” and “perhaps we should” are not actions.  I need an action, since he’s standing in front of you and the other players cannot hear your thoughts; therefore, attempting to relay your perspective at this time as though you’re all telepaths, and can work out a solution telepathically, is not kosher here.
  
== Ghoul Round 4 ==
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I address him directly. "Mss Hendricksen, I would like to better understand your concern. We have no desire to cause any trouble, as this town has been nothing but good to us."
The two ghouls move forward, the nearest one into 2326, where it stands adopt the bench and the chest and attacks down at Pandred (no bonus).  The hands roll 7 and 11, and the attempted bite misses with a 7 also.  The players are catching a break.
 
  
=== Players Round 4 ===
+
'''Hendriksen''': "Um, no, no, I don’t wish to cause you any trouble. Rather, if it is possible ... see, sir, it is like this.  In the last season of last year, Treborg received a lightning strike, that ... well, there’s no real way to get around saying this right out.  Our lighthouse burned down.”
Act as you’re able.
 
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I cast ''Protection from Malevolence''.
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' "Ah, I see. So you wish us to finance a new one. How much would be required for a new structure, if I may make bold?"
: '''The DM:''' The spell takes the round to cast; you can bestow it on yourself or one other at the start of the next round; I'll allow for you to have gestured at someone you want to approach you in the second before beginning to cast, unless you want to cast it on yourself.
 
:'''[[Lexent]]:''' My understanding is that once it is cast I will be able to move toward the recipient if it is not myself, and thus be able to choose when I discharge next round. Is this correct?
 
  
'''[[Pandred]]''': I swing on my ghoulie pal. 15+1+1 hits '''AC 0''', Battleaxe lands for 8+3 '''11''' damage!
+
'''Hendriksen''': "Well, we have most of the funds from his honour the Count of Rogaland, but ... well ... he doesn’t feel the village is of great importance ... 200 g.p.?”
: '''The DM:''' That slaughters it; good for '''<span style="color:red">causes 9</span>''' total hit points damage for X.P. It flops into 2226, between the chest and the wall.
 
  
'''The DM:''' Any remaining moves? The other one is going to attack when the players' round is done.
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' "Mss. Hendriksen, would you mind if we conferred and delivered our answer after we have refreshed from our journey? We thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. It would indeed be a great boon to all of us to have a working lighthouse once more."
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Nada from me.
+
'''Hendriksen''': "Uh, yes.  Yes, that would be fine.  Of course.  Pardon me.  I, uh ... believe you know my daughter Monica.  And that you recovered in my house some weeks ago; I was not home at the time, but ... I don’t mean to imply anything, but ... uh, I just want to say you know where I live.  If you could visit me there.
  
'''The DM:''' Okay, let's call it. Weigh in if something occurs before tomorrow.  My apologies for the delay in the middle.  Out.
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' "Yes, I recall. Please tell her I was most grateful for her care and hope to see her soon."
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' No Problem. Thanks. Out.
+
'''The DM:''' And on that note, out.
  
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Out.
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Out.
  
 +
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Out.
  
== Apr 27 Real Time ==
+
== Plans? ==
'''The DM:''' Good morning.  You've all seen the results of my procedure, so everything is good.  Around here, we decided yesterday that we're going to change residences come June 1st, so I'll be packing this next month.  Shouldn't affect the game until the last week of May, when the shift really starts to happen.  I'll try to arrange appts. for non-game days.
 
 
 
Sorry, no I don't have an appt. That was just flotsam from an earlier post.
 
 
 
 
 
[[File:Ghoul 05.jpg|right|420px|thumb]]
 
 
 
== Ghouls Round 5 ==
 
Although Pandred hit and killed a ghoul, the one from 2427 advances and attacks.  Additionally, two more ghouls appear up the hallway ... and there are sounds of more beyond, now that whatever number exists around the corner has been aroused.  The ghoul rolls a 3 against Pandred, missing.
 
 
 
=== Players Round 5 ===
 
Pandred, that was your 1st attack of the combat; this will be your second, if you take it.  In case anyone might be thinking it, the door into '''f.''' can’t be closed, as there’s a chest and a bench in the doorway.
 
 
 
The party may act as they’re able.  Don’t forget to specify the actions of your assigned NPC hirelings.
 
 
 
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' In.
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' In.
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Are there penalties to moving into or attacking from '''2226'''?
+
'''The DM:''' In.
 
 
'''The DM:''' Yes, I’m afraid so.  There’s a chest and a dead ghoul in the hex, along with it being less than half-sized, so I’d have to assign a penalty of -1 for each drawback (normally, the half-size wouldn’t be a drawback, but it’s very full at the moment).  So -3 to hit out of that hex.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' In any case, Lexent is in the next room, and the open door to that room can’t be opened further, so you’d have to move into 2126, then Pandred’s hex, and THEN 2224, which would be a 60-degree then a 120 degree change of direction.  Stride-1 would be the fastest you could do it.  Plus a -1 AP penalty for dodging out of 2227, because that’s a melee hex.
 
 
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I Discharge ''Protection from Malevolence'' on myself, draw my godentag, and move to '''2126'''.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' Done.
 
 
 
'''Marcule:''' Im holding my position.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' I think it's best to wait for Pandred.
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' In. Glad to hear of a promising result from your procedures. I'll hold my turn since I don't think I can get into melee.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' not unless someone wants to throw something.
 
 
 
'''Bjarni:''' I will hold as well.
 
 
 
[[File:Ghoul 05b.jpg|right|280px|thumb|after the party’s move]]
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Marit will also draw her axe and close door 'e'.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' Done.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' I think I’ll have to say that Pandred falls back to 2128, leaving 2227 open.  That allows either Marcule or Vafrandir to enter, as I’ll rule Lexent has committed himself to other moves.  The first who responds, then.  Feel free to change your move.
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I'll move into '''2227''' and attack with my club. 15 raw, 16 to hit; 1 raw, '''<span style="color:red">causes 2</span>''' dmg.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' That hits but doesn’t stun.  Starting the ghoul’s round.
 
 
 
== Ghouls Round 6 ==
 
'''The DM:''' Starting with the ghoul on Vafrandir.  It mauls the fighter with teeth and claws, the bite missing with a 13 and the left claw missing with a 6.  The right hits with a 17, so that Vafrandir '''<span style="color:red">takes 1</span>''' damage.  Before continuing, I’ll need Vafrandir to make a saving throw.
 
 
 
The other ghouls advance over the furniture 2426 and 2526.  One may advance further, but it will depend on whether Vafrandir makes that save.  A d20 rolled, please.  I’ll put up a map when I get the result.
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I roll a 17.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' Saves.
 
 
 
[[File:Ghoul 06.jpg|left|420px|thumb|after the party’s move]]
 
'''The DM:''' one more ghoul appears in 2725, making four altogether.
 
 
 
=== Players Round 6 ===
 
Vafrandir is holding the door, so he attacks.  The rest of you may act as able.
 
 
 
I think either Asger or Marit would be very tempted to throw an axe; if this works for you, have them do it; if it doesn’t work, please roll a wisdom check for each to keep them from doing it.
 
 
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Marit throws her axe at the ghoul in 2326 ''To Hit:'' '''8'''.
 
 
 
'''[[Pandred]]''': I'll move to 2027.
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' With my club: '''20 raw (!) follow up 2; 4 raw, <span style="color:red">caused-8</span> dmg'''.
 
 
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I suppose I can try turning again. Targeting all the ghouls that I can that are still up, from closest to furthest away. ''To Turn:'' '''11'''. Still no good.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' Welcome Pandred.  There’s so much wood around I won’t make Marit roll to see if her axe breaks.  Vafrandir, that kills the ghoul.  Do you have a move?
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' Lexent, it just takes once to give the party time to regroup.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' Does anyone want to do something like leap into 2326?
 
 
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I think we are trying to draw them out a bit.
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Yes, I'll stay where I am.
 
 
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Marit will happily give ground if either Pandred or Marcule wishes her space.
 
 
 
[[File:Ghoul 07.jpg|right|420px|thumb|a split-second before the ghouls attack in round 7]]
 
== Ghouls Round 7 ==
 
'''The DM:''' The ghouls move up as well as they’re able, and another one attacks Vafrandir three times.  This time the fighter is scratched with the ghoul’s left claw, so that he '''<span style="color:red">takes 2</span>''' damage.  I’m sure this doesn’t stun, but again I need Vafrandir to make a saving throw before going forward.
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' 19.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' Lucky, lucky, lucky.
 
  
'''The DM:''' You can still hear ghouls around the corner, but you see no new ones emerge as yet.
+
'''[[Pandred]]''': In.
  
=== Players Round 7 ===
+
'''Marcule:''' In. -- "maybe we should consider offering something small and additional to this town proposal?"
Act as you will.
 
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Lucky indeed. As we know, my luck runs out slowly then all at once. Attack again: '''16 raw, 17 to hit; 3 raw, 4 dmg'''.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' My concern is that, excluding the Ross gold and goblin shield, we may not have even covered our expenditures for this expedition.
  
'''The DM:''' hah ... you were ready to change the colour of the damage last time.  That blow does stun, hurling the ghoul back.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' And we won't know until we sell the gemstones.
  
'''The DM:''' Any other moves, actions?
+
'''Pandred''': Oh! That reminds me. Your divination earlier: you asked if the gold could be tracked, but I think we should re-ask if it was marked with the ''intention'' of tracking it, or something similar. I think we should keep it to the 200gp asked, but we can ask if there's anything else the town needs. Popping a little extra on top sounds gauche, or at least indirectly implies we're paying him for Vafrandir's time with his daughter, which is all kinds of improper.
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Attempting to turn again starting with the ghoul in 2526 and then the one in 2426 if I'm able. ''To Turn:'' '''12'''
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I assume Hendriksen has taken his leave for this conversation?
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I'll ask Marit and Bjarni to scoot backwards so I can move into '''2228'''.
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' That is my concern as well, Lexent. We have outlay to our hirelings, etc. I am very wary of using the Ross gold - I don't think they would object if we changed out their share for "clean" gold, as long as we had it to spare. But we can't just take it away without replacing it. We may be able to recoup that and 200 extra after we visit Stavanger. Not to mention Marcule's loan.
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Marit moves to '''2328'''
+
'''The DM:''' Wouldn't be improper at all, at the time.  After all, if Vafrandir marries her, the father would have to pop for a Dowry; you want to help him give your own money back, don't you?

Revision as of 10:17, 15 June 2021

Continued from Retire to Above

The DM: I will need to know what your action points are on the cart. I've created a chart for calculating cart encumbrance, if you haven't already seen it. The weather on the morning of the 20th is beautiful: clear skies, no clouds at all, pleasant weather, a gentle breeze blowing. Feels like the first day of Summer.

What's more, seems very quiet this morning as you head out on your journey.

Lexent: Quite.

Vafrandir: Looking for my Stavanger sheet - AP shortly.

Vafrandir: We need to drop about 300 lbs. Max with the mule is 1 AP at 1350 lb, we have about 1635 lb.

Lexent: Wow. I don't suppose that's an amount we can spread out amongst ourselves and our hirelings.

Lexent: I can only take about another 20 lbs. before I reach my max. 9 more will drop me from 3AP to 2.

The DM: You have the strengths of each hireling; presume they're already carrying 40 lbs. of personal gear, and that they'd be ready to push themselves to 2 AP ... 1 AP if you'll provide them a 2 s.p./day bonus.

Vafrandir: We can give them 282 lb all told and stay at 3 AP. That leaves a little over 3 lbs which any one of us can make up the difference in.

The DM: You can eat that for breakfast on the 20th.

Lexent: Then I believe we are off.

The DM: Figure 4 lbs. a day for travelling, eat 1½ lb. each for breakfast, then at the end of the first day you finish off with 48 total lbs. gone from eaten food. The journey is, I remember, 14 total hours at 3 AP. So it would be 21 at 2 AP ... so you’ve made a little less than half your distance the first day. That leaves 11 hours at 2 AP. Unless you want to cache some of your food at the cairn.

The DM: You have no encounters on the 20th.

Pandred: That's almost too bad. We'd have eaten more of our encumbrance. Hmm, but then we'd have loaded down the cart with trophies. Tricky business.

Lexent: As we set up camp for the night, I cast Augury and ask the following:

Lexent: "Is Hamish Ross in Norway"
Lexent: "Is Hamish Ross in Denmark"
Lexent: "Is Hamish Ross in Scotland"

Vafrandir: I thought about caching but we'd have to leave too much to gain any AP. We'll be fine with the longer travel.

Vafrandir: Tomorrow, can you ask if the gold can be recognized or tracked?

The DM: The answers are Yes, null, null. You don't get answers for the last two questions.

The DM: From the document: “the scroll delivers a land grant to whom is apparently a Scotsman, Hamish Ross, of 8,000 acres upon the island of Askøy west of Bergen, for services rendered to Christian IV, the King of Denmark, against the Swedes in the Battle of Femern in 1644. The document was to be delivered to Ross so that he could take possession of his lands; the document is dated May the 10th, 1647.” Which is odd, since all the coins clearly post-date 1648.

Lexent: I can certainly ask that tomorrow. I assume the most likely place for him to be is on the island of Askøy, but I figured I'd start narrowing it down.

Vafrandir: Thank you for the reminder. That's intriguing.

Lexent: And, if I recall, the airship showed signs of being exposed to Norwegian rains and winters for three years.

Vafrandir: That implies that the gold is not from the airship. Which I didn't think we believed as a theory but can possibly rule it out anyway.

Lexent: Interesting. The pack in which the circlet and land grant were found was described as "bearing the emblem of the King of Denmark & Norway, Christian the 5th. Your king." Is this merely a typo?

The DM: Hm. That shouldn't have been published; it was an error I thought I'd fixed before publishing. I'll clear it up. Christian the 5th doesn't become king for a while. Your present king is Frederick III.
Lexent: Meaning that the emblem on that pack was of Frederick III, meaning that the land grant could date to the same time as the gold, just not the airship.
The DM: That's correct.

Vafrandir: Also, cultic goblins may not have had much use for gold. Perhaps Ross may have a deeper connection to the Grond lair than we previously thought.

Pandred: Here I thought we were about to uncover a cool conspiracy with the wrong king. Denmark-Norway got soundly beaten in the wars preceding us. Sweden pretty much runs the Baltic from what I understand.

The DM: Odd. My first draft made that Christian V error last night; and now I find I made the same mistake months ago. I draw your attention to this page on wikipedia:

The DM: Don’t be too sure about that 3 year weathering; you’re not experts, it’s just a guess.

Pandred, since the death of Gustavus, Sweden has been on a very slight decline; and with the end of the 30 years war, it is getting embroiled in disputes over the territory it holds on mainland Europe. It is distracted from menacing Denmark & Norway at present. This would be common knowledge.

Vafrandir: I assume the king who granted the land was Christian IV. The airship bearing the grant crashes shortly after (and no apparently attempt is made to recover it). Frederick III became king in 1648, mints special coins, and Hamish Ross takes possession of them. Then they find their way to Grond. The timing of the airship crash would help determine whether or not the coins were on the ship, which would be the most convenient explanation for their presence in the lair.

Lexent: Except that the bag at the airship also bore the emblem of Frederick III.

The DM: Yes, I want to make sure its understood that's the case, my error nonwithstanding.

Vafrandir: Ah, ok. So then the working theory is that the gold was on the airship and was recovered/taken to the lair.

Lexent: So, a couple of possibilities:

  • Our estimates on the length of time the ship was there were wrong.
  • The gold and bag were not on the airship when it crashed, but instead were brought there later.
  • They started making Frederick III coins and bags before he was king.
  • Time travel.

The DM: bursts out laughing.

Vafrandir: Can't rule it out though ;)

Vafrandir: Out. We'll get to the bottom of this!

The DM: Out.

What to Do After Treborg?

The DM: In.

Vafrandir: In. 4 lb per person for traveling for the 20th, correct?

The DM: Yes.

Lexent: In.

Marcule: in

Vafrandir: About what time do we arrive in Treborg?

Lexent: I believe we are still at the cairn on the evening of the 20th.

Lexent: Unless we can figure out a way to pick up the pace, I believe we are slated to have to risk malady checks to even make it by the end of tomorrow.

The DM: You're probably past the cairn. You'll have 11 hours travel tomorrow. Let's decide first if you want to push that travel and risk accidents.

Vafrandir: I have no objection to another day of travel. We are pretty loaded down. "Shortcuts make long delays."

Lexent: Fine by me. We split up the remaining travel into two days.

Marcule: I agree, if we rush that might leave us in real trouble.

Lexent: Is everyone else ready to sleep for the evening of the 20th?

The DM: The weather declines on the 21st declines and it lightly drizzles through the afternoon after an initial light shower. You find the wheels are getting caught in ruts, because you can’t just bang over the gaps between the rocks during your steady descent. However, by the end of the day, there have been no encounters and you’re about three hours outside of Treborg. Continue into the 22nd?

Lexent: I'd like to cast Augury again first.

Lexent: I cast Augury and ask the following questions:

Lexent: "Can the Frederick III Gold with the extra crowns be recognised as special or tracked?
Lexent: "Is Hamish Ross on the island of Askøy?"
Lexent: "Is Hamish Ross in Rogaland?"

Vafrandir: After the Augury we can continue on to the 22nd. Food marked for the 21st.

Vafrandir: Out for a bit for lunch.

The DM: Answers: yes; no; null answer.

Arriving in Treborg on the 22nd

The DM: The weather is dry with hardly a breeze, and a clear blue sky. The weather is pleasant and comfortable. You spend those last three hours making good progress over a decent cart track ... and you draw attention from a few cotters on your way into Treborg, who can’t help noticing the height of the cart’s goods, the evident wealth of some of the objects and the look of the party, which is – shall we say – rumpled. One or two approach to ask where you’ve come from.

Lexent: "Up in the mountains a few days journey from here."

The DM: Since that isn’t specific, I assume you don’t want to be, and that you put off further questions politely but without giving further details. Eventually you roll into Treborg, to your own house, where you breathe deeply to be finally at home. This last haul has been troublesome and tiring.

Lexent: Correct.

Lexent: How is Valda doing?

The DM: She’s been worried about your departure. One of you came in badly hurt last time and this time she’s wondered who that’s going to be. She’s glad to see you all safe. She has taken some of your stored meat and made sausages for you, and biscuits. She’s also been able to create a reed matting for the floor of your house, so you’re not forced to walk on dirt, and she has a few gallons of small beer for you to drink. Small beer is about 0.5% alcohol, and is safer to drink than well-water.

Lexent: I thank her for her concern and her efforts and assure her that we are well. I also take the time to enjoy what she prepares for us.

The DM: She fries up the sausage. Before she’s done, and as Oddsdrakken begins to supervise the unloading of the cart, to store your things in the collection of tents and space that you have, a small crowd begins to gather. They are particularly interested in the chests and the very large shield, neither of which can be practically kept hidden.

Lexent: Hmm. We need to improve our methodology for returning to town in the future.

The DM: The town’s governor, Mss. Hendriksen, soon arrives, advancing to the door of the party’s house, interrupting them during a dinner of sausage, involving not only the party by your hirelings I assume. “Er, h’hm. Ladies ... Gentlemen ...” he starts.

Lexent: "Yes?"

Hendriksen: "I’ve been asked to inquire ... that is, in a non-official fashion ... if you haven’t recently come into possession of a rather large, erm, ah ... some sort of treasure. Begging your pardon, sirs. And ladies."

Lexent: "While investigating some cattle disappearances from the town we found an old goblin lair. We took care of the trouble inside and found a few items for our troubles. There is a rather large shield. May I ask as to who has requested you to make such an inquiry?

Hendriksen: "The villagers. I am, after all, the governor. It is in my purview to ... but, ah, I assure you, this is not ... I mean that I’m not attempting to, uh ... well, sir, you understand, you’re new to the village and you appear to be, um ... well to-do."

Lexent:[OOC] I'd like to let the rest of the party weigh in before either providing any more details or specifically declining to do so.

The DM: I can wait.

Vafrandir: We have no intention of causing a panic. But I do understand their concern. But we may also not be sure if we have actually "come into possession" of anything. I would want to reassure Mss Hendricksen that we don't want to disrupt everything - the people of Treborg have been quite good to us. Perhaps we should ask to speak to him later after we've had a chance to discuss it privately. Would that be untoward?

The DM: “I would want” and “perhaps we should” are not actions. I need an action, since he’s standing in front of you and the other players cannot hear your thoughts; therefore, attempting to relay your perspective at this time as though you’re all telepaths, and can work out a solution telepathically, is not kosher here.

Vafrandir: I address him directly. "Mss Hendricksen, I would like to better understand your concern. We have no desire to cause any trouble, as this town has been nothing but good to us."

Hendriksen: "Um, no, no, I don’t wish to cause you any trouble. Rather, if it is possible ... see, sir, it is like this. In the last season of last year, Treborg received a lightning strike, that ... well, there’s no real way to get around saying this right out. Our lighthouse burned down.”

Vafrandir: "Ah, I see. So you wish us to finance a new one. How much would be required for a new structure, if I may make bold?"

Hendriksen: "Well, we have most of the funds from his honour the Count of Rogaland, but ... well ... he doesn’t feel the village is of great importance ... 200 g.p.?”

Vafrandir: "Mss. Hendriksen, would you mind if we conferred and delivered our answer after we have refreshed from our journey? We thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. It would indeed be a great boon to all of us to have a working lighthouse once more."

Hendriksen: "Uh, yes. Yes, that would be fine. Of course. Pardon me. I, uh ... believe you know my daughter Monica. And that you recovered in my house some weeks ago; I was not home at the time, but ... I don’t mean to imply anything, but ... uh, I just want to say you know where I live. If you could visit me there.”

Vafrandir: "Yes, I recall. Please tell her I was most grateful for her care and hope to see her soon."

The DM: And on that note, out.

Vafrandir: Out.

Lexent: Out.

Plans?

Lexent: In.

The DM: In.

Pandred: In.

Marcule: In. -- "maybe we should consider offering something small and additional to this town proposal?"

Lexent: My concern is that, excluding the Ross gold and goblin shield, we may not have even covered our expenditures for this expedition.

Lexent: And we won't know until we sell the gemstones.

Pandred: Oh! That reminds me. Your divination earlier: you asked if the gold could be tracked, but I think we should re-ask if it was marked with the intention of tracking it, or something similar. I think we should keep it to the 200gp asked, but we can ask if there's anything else the town needs. Popping a little extra on top sounds gauche, or at least indirectly implies we're paying him for Vafrandir's time with his daughter, which is all kinds of improper.

Vafrandir: I assume Hendriksen has taken his leave for this conversation?

Vafrandir: That is my concern as well, Lexent. We have outlay to our hirelings, etc. I am very wary of using the Ross gold - I don't think they would object if we changed out their share for "clean" gold, as long as we had it to spare. But we can't just take it away without replacing it. We may be able to recoup that and 200 extra after we visit Stavanger. Not to mention Marcule's loan.

The DM: Wouldn't be improper at all, at the time. After all, if Vafrandir marries her, the father would have to pop for a Dowry; you want to help him give your own money back, don't you?