Difference between pages "An Unpleasant Discovery" and "Back to Treborg"

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'''The DM:''' The morning of the 25th of June is a beautiful, clear, pleasant day, as nice as you might desire for this part of the world.  The sun is shining, the ground is dry and the wind is a mere 2 knots out of the northwest.  There are a few small puffy clouds, but no sign of rain at all.  The air is clear and the various denizens along the cart path to the wilderness are beginning to recognize you, nodding as you pass.  You climb up the familiar track off the road, the cart wheels banging over the rocks as you take the best route, with Treborg's bay falling out of sight.
+
Continued from '''[[Back to Camp]]'''.
  
−
Yet, as you reach a point about four miles from the village, you find the carcass of a cow laying slaughtered on an open rock.  As Embla has skill as a butcher, you can see at once that it's a domestic cow, not wild.  That while the principle meat has been cut out, by someone who doesn't know what they're doing, much of the meat has been left. Judging by the meat, this was done last afternoon or evening; and it looks as if someone cut away about a yard of the cow's hide, but left most of it behind.
+
== Planning ==
 +
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Sounds good to me. I could also use a trip to Stavanger. Hopefully I have enough to procure some armor, or at least improve my weapon.
  
−
'''[[Embla Strand]]''' Oh dear. We should get to the bottom of this - it's too close to home to ignore. Are there any tracks or traces left behind by whoever did this? Does the cow have a brand or something that would indicate an owner?
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Probably the best course of action. No shame in getting some professional help.
  
−
'''The DM:''' You see no brands, but the cow must come from near Treborg.  There is no other settlement or group of farms in this part of Ryfolke.  A look around will reveal that the skin or chunks of meat were apparently dragged over the ground away from the carcass.  You can't track, obviously, but this trail is obvious; anyone can see it.  It strikes you as odd that anyone would ''drag'' meat ... as though it were too big to carry properly.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' In.
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Embla, shall we two follow the trail?
+
'''Marcule:''' Did anyone else get an email from Alexis?
  
−
'''Marcule:''' In
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Yep. Do we just wait to hear more, or should we try to make some plans?
  
−
'''Marcule:'''"I agree this is to close to home we had better investigate before something nasty appears at our door."
+
'''[[Pandred]]''': We can't act on anything, but if you've got ideas beyond "roll up with a bunch of dudes", which is what I was thinking, it wouldn't hurt to hear.
  
−
'''The DM:''' Action?
+
'''The DM:''' @%$&^(^%#%$&*&^%#%$#&^*$%$#@%%*(&*(&^$#@  In.
  
−
'''Marcule:''' I do my best to follow the trail and proceed forward
+
'''The DM:''' Sorry about that.  Figured out the password.
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' We go with him. I know we can't speak for Pandred but can we assume she stays with the cart?
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Honestly, I'd like more information. A bunch of men-at-arms will only be able to do so much against powerful undead/fiends. I'm kind of hoping that Fraser will be able to assist, but I don't expect to hear from him any time soon.
  
−
'''The DM:''' In general, presume that players who are not here to be following along, but having a pee or some other such thing when the fight occurs.
+
'''Marcule:''' I like the "Roll up with dudes plan" haha. there is something to be said for getting some men at arms.
  
−
'''The DM:''' the trail continues on for about three quarters of a mile before the dragged parts have become dried by the landscape; you haven't the skill to follow the trail that would still be there, but now can't be seen.  You guess there must be more than one, as occasionally there are as many as three blood trails.  Moreover, they're not trying to hide their passage, either.  They are making a straight line for a group of ledges straight ahead from where the trail stops, where the earth-and-rock plateau rises about 75 feet over a series of easily climbable steps.  You couldn't take the cart there, however.
+
'''The DM:''' If I can weigh in; what you need from men-at-arms is a support network.  Food, more people to build a cairn, provide defense for the camp, possibly make it easier to climb up to the dungeon, cook your food in the morning and at night so you’re not risking malady checks when you come in tired; buy additional healing salves, improve your armour and other equipment; Marcule has an ability to make an armoured set of clothing that he’s able to wear as an illusionist, but has not done; there’s also the question of the gas gun, though I haven’t made rules for it yet.  Knowing what your tools can do is also useful and sorting out what equipment WILL help with undead (holy water, for example).
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I don't wish to miss the action but I'm also loathe to leave the cart. You three go on ahead, carefully. Whistle if there's trouble.
+
'''The DM:''' Oh, and build regular communication with Treborg, so that you’re not out here without being sure there can’t be more food, more salve, replacement equipment, etc.  Obviously, Oddsdrakken can be trusted to use Nadia as pilot to get stuff from Stavanger when you’re not there.
  
−
'''The DM:''' I'll have to wait for them to say they do.
+
'''The DM:''' Sidenote: I was including the club in the equipment poster and realized that a “self-made” club can be differentiated from a “bought” club by simply saying the former breaks on a 1 in 3 and the latter on a 1 in 4.  So please take that as canon, since you’ll be in a position to buy new clubs now.  I'm going to move this conversation to a new post.
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Of course!
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' In.
 +
 
 +
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' All that takes time (wink wink), which we have, and money, which we have less of.
 +
 
 +
'''[[Lexent]]:''' And therein lies my concern. It seems as though Grond is beyond our current capabilities to confront, and while a support network would be useful for not wasting so many days trying to get TO the dungeon, they don't give us too much more to help confront him once we get there. We by ourselves can purchase the additional supplies, armour, and equipment. (Although personally, my funds for doing so are quite limited). The knowing what will help us and being able to accurately assess just how dangerous this situation is is what I hope Fraser will be able to help us with.
 +
 
 +
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Well, I suppose to start we should head back to camp.
  
−
'''Marcule:''' I encourage Vafrandir to keep his whistle close and make my way up the steps.
+
'''The DM:''' Didn’t I just pour a bunch of money into the party’s pocket at the end of the last dungeon plunder?  And there’s still the matter of Marcule’s credit.
  
−
'''[[Embla Strand]]''' I follow, readying my whistle.
+
'''[[Pandred]]''': Disagree about being unable to take Grond. Things could get screwy if he's immune to normal weapons, but as far as I know he's either a ghost or a wizard with an awesome black mist intercom. More importantly, once we don't get hung up for three days over every couple bad rolls we'll be able to really dig down into the complex, with sappers maybe literally.
  
−
== The Footprint ==
+
'''Marcule:''' Happy to use my credit if we need it.
−
'''The DM:''' as you climb up into the ledges, you find that they're filled with small troughs and dips where water has gathered.  It hasn't rained in a couple of days, so most of these are empty, and only a few inches deep.  Yet you can also see that there's silt along the bottoms of these, where there are hoof prints.  Then, Marcule stops in surprise, when he sees the plain outline of a foot, not wearing a shoe or boot.  A foot about as large as Marcule's, and definitely not a gnome's foot.
 
  
−
'''The DM:''' Plainly I lost everyone.  Please, if you're not going to check every 20 minutes, simply mark yourself "out."  It's no big deal if you do, I won't judge.  But I will know there's less reason for me to check every ten minutes.
+
'''Pandred''': Agree on heading back to camp. I do so.
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I'm waiting by the cart. Can I still see the rest of the party?
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' As do I.
  
−
'''The DM:''' They would probably be clustered together, peering down at something between the rocks. It's 2 pm for me, so I'm Out. Better luck tomorrow.
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Yes, we need to sell the loot and take stock. Back to camp we go, for now. The only problem I see with going to Stavanger and back is that it might well take a week before we're back here. Just something to consider.
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' No problem. Just curious. Out.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' That had been my concern up until our encounter with Grond, however he? seems content to stay where he is for now. The immediate threat to the community seemed to be from the goblins, but we haven't seen any more of those than the ones you first fought.
  
−
'''Marcule:''' "this foot scares me" What do the strides look like?.
+
== July 8th ==
 +
'''The DM:''' The 14 hour walk is a 15 hour walk from the new camp.  Counting it as 11 am on the 7th, what with discussion and planning, you walk for 8 hours on the 7th and then another 7 on the 8th.  That makes it 4 in the afternoon as you blow into Treborg; you haven’t been here in well over a week.  Oddsdrakken was concerned.
  
−
'''[[Embla Strand]]''' 14:04, 26 January 2021 (MST) My apologies. Out.
+
'''Marcule:''' I also head back to camp. (ooc: I will be back for 11:30) please use my credit as needed
  
−
'''The DM:''' In.
+
'''The DM:''' There’s been no rain all this time.  The temperature is steadily cool, with it wavering a bit at night.  The wind has strengthened but it is no more than a moderate breeze, quite comfortable.
  
−
'''The DM:''' Out.
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Finally, some drier weather. Shall I count off 4lb for the 8th (and 2 for Odds)?
 +
:'''The DM:''' Yes.
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' In.
+
'''The DM:''' It’s a shame, Lexent, that no one took the time to light a natural light source to get a better look at what there was to see in the hall, while you were speaking to Grond.  Apart from his fouling up your infravision, you might have a better idea of what you were facing.
 +
:'''[[Lexent]]:''' Indeed.
 +
 
 +
'''The DM:''' Your house is completed.  Could you settle up with Anders?
 +
 
 +
:'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' How much do we owe? Hmm...I'm remembering that Embla was our treasurer.
 +
 
 +
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I head to the church to speak with Father Arvin.
 +
 
 +
'''The DM:''' You’ve apparently paid the price already.  So “settling up” means shaking Anders’ hand.
 +
 
 +
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Will certainly do that. I'll express again how sorry I am for the loss of his cow.
  
−
'''The DM:''' In. Just you and me, Vafrandir.
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Unloading treasure: I'll put the stoppered flasks in a chest in the house (DM, may I get a weight or size for these?). Those of you with extra equipment that you're not storing on your own sheets, please let me know. I see that Pandred distributed 3 gems to each of us: can you be specific which ones?
 +
: '''The DM:''' a flask is 8 in. tall, with 8 fl. oz., weighing 0.63 lbs.
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Hm, I've worked myself into a bind, haven't I.
+
'''The DM:''' Father Arvin remembers Lexent and greets him by name.
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I've already committed to watching the cart, but I don't want to do nothing. Let me think.
+
'''[[Pandred]]''': I'll have to dig back in the annals of time, I thought I had said which ones went to who back when I distributed.
  
−
'''The DM:''' While we're here, explain to me a few things; why do you feel you need the cart; why are you loathe to leave it; and why not bring Oddsdrakken along to watch it?  Maybe we can work out a compromise.
+
:'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' "I dole out 4 Adamantiums to everyone but me, who gets 3. I take two swords, everyone else gets 1. I take 3 small gems and both plum-sized gems, everyone else gets 3 small gems. I take the shields and give the dagger to Marcule because he can make use of it."
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Odds is helping with the clearing of the land, if I recall correctly. I don't believe you would screw us by having something happen, but at the same time if someone is stealing food or hides (poorly), then it's possible this is either a trap or that there's others about from the same band who wouldn't say no to a free cart of food.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "How were services yesterday, Father?"
 +
: '''The DM:''' Today is [https://www.infoplease.com/calendar/165007 Friday]. But I'll assume you say something about the same.
 +
::'''[[Lexent]]:''' That's fascinating. I just looked up on [https://www.timeanddate.com/date/weekday.html this site] and it gave me that it was Monday. Sorry about that.
 +
::: '''The DM:''' Infoplease used to publish a world almanac, so I’ve been using this as a source since the 1970s.  The other appears to be counting 1900, 1800 and 1700 as leap years, and thus it is off by three days.
  
−
'''The DM:''' bit of an overthink there; it looks more like a few somebody's grabbed a cow from civilized land, cut away all they thought they could carry (the dragging on the ground suggests they're overloaded) and are on their way with it. No attempt to hide their trail was made at all and it was as straight as an arrow. Doesn't look like a trap (and both assassins in the party would tell you so).
+
'''Pandred''': You're right. The small gems were all worth 1xp, which I took to be that they were worth 1gp each, I didn't differentiate between them except by xp value.
 +
:'''[[Lexent]]:''' I made the assumption that mine were agates.
 +
:'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Understood. I'll take 2 hematite and 1 cairngorn. Just want to be accurate.
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Very good. In that case, I'll continue up towards the others, see the footprint, and observe that "It looks like a human or elf child's." We will proceed carefully up the steps.
+
'''Marcule:''' In.
  
−
'''The DM:''' You might think so at first glance, but then you'll notice that there are claws on the end of the toes and a point in the silt that might be a back claw.  Ledges; these require some minor scrambling, but nothing requiring a [https://wiki.alexissmolensk.com/index.php/Scrambling_(sage_ability) sage ability].
+
=== Meeting with Father Arvin ===
 +
'''Father Arvin:''' how can I be of service, Lexent?
  
−
== Beyond the Footprint ==
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I describe for him our encounter with Grond and ask if he has yet had the chance to send that letter off to Fraser.
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Interesting. That raises the stakes a bit. We'll continue up the ledges. Are there any caves in the rock that we can see from here?
 
  
−
'''The DM:''' Not immediately.  But this is a place you haven't ventured into yet; towards a mountain you've seen from a distance, but which is now beginning to dominate the eastern horizon.  Ahead is a low ridge, about half a mile from you, reached over a gentle slope of about one hundred feet up.  It looks to be the nearer edge of a mountain caldera; in modern parlance, where a glacier has pushed up the ridge in the last ice age, only to vanish now.  You're characters wouldn't understand that, but I need to describe this in a way that you can see.  It's called a "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cirque cirque]."
+
'''Father Arvin: ''' “There is a boat that goes between here and Glesvaer once a week.  I wrote a letter and sent it off on the 30th, but no answer came back yesterday; though I’m assured the letter was put into Fraser’s hands.”
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Understood. Is the trail still obvious?
+
'''Father Arvin: ''' “This ‘Grond’ seems to be a thing of evil, though we should be thankful for the destruction of a goblin nest in our hinterland. Perhaps I should send a message to my Bishop and see if the church could sort this out.”
  
−
'''The DM:''' No. You're continuing in the approximate direction the trail was following.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "He does, however his direct malevolence seems less than I would expect. He did not immediately attempt to destroy us and gave us warning to leave. I think that we will continue to investigate and do what we can."
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Very good. Continuing, at a careful or wary pace.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Assuming he does not attempt to continue the conversation, I bid him a good afternoon and return to the house.
  
−
'''The DM:''' Climbing to the top of the lip, you have either Marcule or Embla move ahead to look over the lip and see what's in the cirque.  The whole circle is a square mile in size, about 640 acres. There's a small lake, or tarn, about an acre in size, of clear water; this tarn is in the center of the caldera, about 700 yards away.  A herd of small cows, no taller than Marcule, are scattered over the area to the right of the tarn.  These are called rothe; they dwell both above and below ground.  You can't see any camp, but there is a steady curl of smoke arising from beyond the rothe.  Two thirds of the cirque are contained in the arms of the mountain, a modest peak about 3,500 ft. high.  The other third makes the ridge you're presently crouched upon.
+
'''The DM:''' A minister always has things to do, so he’ll let you go.  But that doesn’t say what he might do on his own volition, which you’ll realise as you walk away.
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' What kind of ground cover is there?
+
'''The DM:''' I can’t see an absolute confirmation on the size of the house, so we’ll say it is 15 feet square, interior, a bit larger on the outside.  That’s 69 tons of goods, each person who eats, shelters and sleeps there needs 4 tons, regardless of size of person;  it is a question of moving around space, not size of bed.  Each bed is roughly 7.44 tons, with airspace above the bed.  A bunk-bed takes exactly the same amount of tonnage.  We can calculate for smaller beds for gnomes easily.
  
−
'''The DM:''' Much [https://www.123rf.com/photo_153818186_glacier-landscape-in-finse-norway.html like this].
+
=== The House ===
 +
'''The DM:''' Do you care to sketch or decide who sleeps where in the house?
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' With little mountaineering ability among us, how does the descent into the caldera look? Could be tricky.
+
'''The DM:''' Do you require me to repeat the space the house provides and how much space a person in the house needs to live there?  It’s on the wiki, but I’ll look for it if you need me to.
  
−
'''The DM:''' the image gives the appearance of the ground, not your relative position. The "caldera" is below you; you're on the forward lip, looking down into it.  The 3rd image down on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cirque cirque] link shows the "formation of cirque" ... you're standing on the "zone of abrasion" looking down into the depression (not technically a "caldera," since there's no volcano, but I'm struggling for terms); the mountain is across the resulting hole, which is not completely filled by the tarn.
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I've no preference for sleeping arrangements. We've been sleeping in tents for the past week - not very picky. I'd appreciate the wiki link again if you don't mind.
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Understood. I had in my mind that we were on the headwall. So it should be no problem to descend safely.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' As the newcomer, I will happily take whatever space is available for me. Is that on the new wiki or the old?
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' May we stop here today? I don't want to get into something sticky without the rest of the party. Must be one of those weeks, I suppose.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I suppose that means that we should also work on furnishing our new abode.
  
−
'''The DM:''' Apparently.  Have a look at the blog; I just posted something interesting.  Out.
+
'''Marcule:''' once i sell some treasure I have some things in mind.
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' It's always interesting. Out.
+
'''The DM:''' Look [[Across_Boknafjord#The_House|here]].
  
−
'''The DM:''' In.
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Thank you. I like the idea of the thinner beds to preserve space. For now, we have no beds at all, so the amount of space they take up is not an immediate concern.
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' In. Hoping to wait a bit to get the others caught up.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' If we were to commission gnome sized beds that should free up some space as well. Is there a rule I could link to that details what is and is not adjusted for smaller characters?
  
−
'''[[Pandred]]''': In.
+
'''The DM:''' I can’t see an absolute confirmation on the size of the house, so we’ll say it is 15 feet square, interior, a bit larger on the outside.  That’s 69 tons of goods, each person who eats, shelters and sleeps there needs 4 tons, regardless of size of person;  it is a question of moving around space, not size of bed.  Each bed is roughly 7.44 tons, with airspace above the bed.  A bunk-bed takes exactly the same amount of tonnage.  We can calculate for smaller beds for gnomes easily.
  
−
'''[[Pandred]]''': I'd like to pop out my pocket telescope and see what there is to see. What's up with the smoke?
+
'''The DM:''' A bed 2 ft. wide for a gnome is probably enough. Length?  maybe 4 inches longer that you both are?  And bunks so the gnomes can sleep atop each other? The 7.44 tons is for a bed 6x4.  2x4 would be one third that for a gnome bunkbed.
  
−
'''The DM:''' Looking at it closely, it seems to be about the size of a campfire.  It is blocked, however, by several lumpy boulders and striations between you and it, so that all you can see is the smoke.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' That seems fine by my reckoning. Is that something we would need the furnituremaker in Stavanger to produce for us or would someone in Treborg be capable of that level of carpentry?
  
−
'''[[Pandred]]''': How close is the nearest boulder? Could we approach from a nearby slope for a slightly higher vantage, even one of the lower sides?
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Let's spring for bunks. Valda, Odds, and Nadia will also need a place to stay (when Odds isn't galavanting with us). Let me check the numbers quickly.
  
−
'''The DM:''' To some degree, you can.  It would be an uncertain thing.  You are familiar with the [https://wiki.alexissmolensk.com/index.php/Stealth_(sage_ability) stealth rules]?
+
'''Marcule:''' sounds good to me
  
−
'''[[Pandred]]''': So it looks like if we stay 25 hexes or so away while sneaking we should be okay, assuming whatever we're trying to observe has no stealth ability on it's own. You described the tarn as about 700 yards off, so unless I'm wrong any attempt at being sneaky is pretty much golden assuming something isn't already quite close. Could we climb the opposite end from the rothe and the smoke? Is that slope too steep, or would the sight-line still be obstructed by anything if we wanted to get, say, a fifty to a hundred feet more vertical?
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' 4 bunk beds against the back walls and 4 tons for 7 persons = 57.44 tons. That leaves 11.24 tons for raw storage. Getting tight quickly but we can certainly expand as we go. Have I got that right?
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I'm fine with sneaking closer.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Did you calculate one of those bunks at 1/3 Tonnage?
  
−
'''[[Pandred]]''' Out. Sorry, should be back soonish. I leave things in your capable hands Vafrandir.
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Ah, thanks. That gives us 16.2 tons.
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Very well. We will approach stealthily as we are able.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' That matches my maths.
  
−
'''The DM:''' That would be my assessment as well, Pandred ... so long as nothing amid the rocks surprises you, and reveals your position.  I'm afraid I'm going to have to bail myself.  Something has come up and it's going to take up my time for the afternoon.  My apologies.  Out.
+
'''The DM:''' Please begin to specify on your character sheets what’s being stored in the house.  Oddsdrakken and Naomi will already have begun the work of moving those things from tent to house, but it would do to have them listed that way.
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' No worries. Out.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' That settled, shall we turn in early for a well deserved rest before (hopefully) heading to Stavanger in the morning?
  
−
'''The DM:''' In.  Vafrandir, you feel fairly exposed out here on the rocky tundra.  The terrain, as pictured, was once a glacier, so there are stones and boulders everywhere; these give some shelter, but you cannot help noticing that as you move forward, the rothe are becoming more agitated ...
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I'll take care of that on the Cargo sheet.
  
−
'''Marcule:''' In
+
'''The DM:''' I took it that Pandred rode down in the cart, and that she therefore hasn’t done anything to heal her injury.  Hm.  Is it possible that I miscounted the hour of the 7th that you would have actually left? Let me look.  It might actually be the 9th of July just now.
−
'''Marcule:''' Am i with them?
 
  
−
'''The DM:''' Yes, if you wish.
+
'''The DM:''' Oops, nope, I see she’s healed and that it is the 8th.  My bad.
  
−
'''Marcule:''' Last thing i want to do is unsettle a bunch of cattle. How am i doing for sneaking amongst the rocks given my size?
+
== What's Next ==
 +
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' DM, what is the weight of the adamantium short sword?
 +
:'''The DM:''' 3.31 lbs.  Down from iron 3.5.
 +
::'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Thanks!
  
−
'''Marcule:'''Out; back in 20 min (10:49)
+
'''Marcule:''' I think I will keep the sword.
  
−
'''The DM:''' Have a look at the stealth chart I linked.  It is full daylight, so you will be noticed at 3d6 hexes (5 ft. per hex), with no adjustments, not for level, equipment or appearance.  However, you're already lacking armour; if you get rid of your pack, and anything you're carrying except for a dagger, you can improve that by -1 hex.  Essentially, let's say I roll a 10 on 3d6, and you improve that by -1.  This means that you'll be seen at 9 hexes from an observer you're trying to approach.  Incidentally, I notice you haven't actually rolled your sage abilities.  Need help with that?  Steal the tables from [[Embla Strand|Embla's]] page.
+
:'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' We all have one (if we want to keep them, which I do).
  
−
'''Marcule:''' In
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' A reminder - I am not accounting for your personal effects on the Cargo sheet. If you want it stored in the house/tent/boat/cart, let me know.
  
−
'''Marcule:''' I will work on my sage abilities; Ok, i drop my pack and would like to keep my blow dart. how far are we currently for the smoke approximately?
+
'''Pandred''': Consider my Trunk to be in the house. I haven't calculated the total weight for it at all, I'll start doing that.
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' In.
+
:'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I have some stuff in it for a weight of 108 lb: [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1KK9o9c-HPQjTqafZt7mZAUOjY9aqmg63ryWaBjI2V8U/edit?usp=sharing Cargo].
  
−
'''The DM:''' As close to the smoke as you say, since you're moving up.  You're about 15 hexes from the nearest rothe.
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Accounted. Looks like we can fit everything. Marcule and Lexent, would you like a chest?
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Perhaps we should simply wait for a bit to let the rothe become more adjusted to us.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I was hoping to procure a chest with proceeds from my adamantium and gems. Do you have a spare I could purchase?
 +
:'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' We're a team! I think I can consolidate some of the food and give you an empty.
  
−
'''The DM:''' Judging by that and the questions asked, I've presumed you're holding your ground just now.  The rothe will after a few minutes go back to eating the thin grass between the rocks.
+
'''The DM:''' things like trunks work in this cubic-weight system like magic items.  The ‘’dimensions’’ of the trunk need to be calculated like the bed ... but what goes in the trunk does need to be measured at all.  If the trunk is nestled in something larger, than the trunk disappears and the measurements for the larger item are used.  If you plan and think, and have specific kinds of shelves built, you can make a lot disappear into the house without being measured against the house’s tonnage limit.
  
−
−
+
'''Marcule:''' I also need to pick up a chest
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'''Marcule:''' "Vaf how close do you think we should get to this thing?"
 

Revision as of 12:39, 23 March 2021

Continued from Back to Camp.

Planning

Lexent: Sounds good to me. I could also use a trip to Stavanger. Hopefully I have enough to procure some armor, or at least improve my weapon.

Vafrandir: Probably the best course of action. No shame in getting some professional help.

Lexent: In.

Marcule: Did anyone else get an email from Alexis?

Lexent: Yep. Do we just wait to hear more, or should we try to make some plans?

Pandred: We can't act on anything, but if you've got ideas beyond "roll up with a bunch of dudes", which is what I was thinking, it wouldn't hurt to hear.

The DM: @%$&^(^%#%$&*&^%#%$#&^*$%$#@%%*(&*(&^$#@ In.

The DM: Sorry about that. Figured out the password.

Lexent: Honestly, I'd like more information. A bunch of men-at-arms will only be able to do so much against powerful undead/fiends. I'm kind of hoping that Fraser will be able to assist, but I don't expect to hear from him any time soon.

Marcule: I like the "Roll up with dudes plan" haha. there is something to be said for getting some men at arms.

The DM: If I can weigh in; what you need from men-at-arms is a support network. Food, more people to build a cairn, provide defense for the camp, possibly make it easier to climb up to the dungeon, cook your food in the morning and at night so you’re not risking malady checks when you come in tired; buy additional healing salves, improve your armour and other equipment; Marcule has an ability to make an armoured set of clothing that he’s able to wear as an illusionist, but has not done; there’s also the question of the gas gun, though I haven’t made rules for it yet. Knowing what your tools can do is also useful and sorting out what equipment WILL help with undead (holy water, for example).

The DM: Oh, and build regular communication with Treborg, so that you’re not out here without being sure there can’t be more food, more salve, replacement equipment, etc. Obviously, Oddsdrakken can be trusted to use Nadia as pilot to get stuff from Stavanger when you’re not there.

The DM: Sidenote: I was including the club in the equipment poster and realized that a “self-made” club can be differentiated from a “bought” club by simply saying the former breaks on a 1 in 3 and the latter on a 1 in 4. So please take that as canon, since you’ll be in a position to buy new clubs now. I'm going to move this conversation to a new post.

Vafrandir: In.

Vafrandir: All that takes time (wink wink), which we have, and money, which we have less of.

Lexent: And therein lies my concern. It seems as though Grond is beyond our current capabilities to confront, and while a support network would be useful for not wasting so many days trying to get TO the dungeon, they don't give us too much more to help confront him once we get there. We by ourselves can purchase the additional supplies, armour, and equipment. (Although personally, my funds for doing so are quite limited). The knowing what will help us and being able to accurately assess just how dangerous this situation is is what I hope Fraser will be able to help us with.

Lexent: Well, I suppose to start we should head back to camp.

The DM: Didn’t I just pour a bunch of money into the party’s pocket at the end of the last dungeon plunder? And there’s still the matter of Marcule’s credit.

Pandred: Disagree about being unable to take Grond. Things could get screwy if he's immune to normal weapons, but as far as I know he's either a ghost or a wizard with an awesome black mist intercom. More importantly, once we don't get hung up for three days over every couple bad rolls we'll be able to really dig down into the complex, with sappers maybe literally.

Marcule: Happy to use my credit if we need it.

Pandred: Agree on heading back to camp. I do so.

Lexent: As do I.

Vafrandir: Yes, we need to sell the loot and take stock. Back to camp we go, for now. The only problem I see with going to Stavanger and back is that it might well take a week before we're back here. Just something to consider.

Lexent: That had been my concern up until our encounter with Grond, however he? seems content to stay where he is for now. The immediate threat to the community seemed to be from the goblins, but we haven't seen any more of those than the ones you first fought.

July 8th

The DM: The 14 hour walk is a 15 hour walk from the new camp. Counting it as 11 am on the 7th, what with discussion and planning, you walk for 8 hours on the 7th and then another 7 on the 8th. That makes it 4 in the afternoon as you blow into Treborg; you haven’t been here in well over a week. Oddsdrakken was concerned.

Marcule: I also head back to camp. (ooc: I will be back for 11:30) please use my credit as needed

The DM: There’s been no rain all this time. The temperature is steadily cool, with it wavering a bit at night. The wind has strengthened but it is no more than a moderate breeze, quite comfortable.

Vafrandir: Finally, some drier weather. Shall I count off 4lb for the 8th (and 2 for Odds)?

The DM: Yes.

The DM: It’s a shame, Lexent, that no one took the time to light a natural light source to get a better look at what there was to see in the hall, while you were speaking to Grond. Apart from his fouling up your infravision, you might have a better idea of what you were facing.

Lexent: Indeed.

The DM: Your house is completed. Could you settle up with Anders?

Vafrandir: How much do we owe? Hmm...I'm remembering that Embla was our treasurer.

Lexent: I head to the church to speak with Father Arvin.

The DM: You’ve apparently paid the price already. So “settling up” means shaking Anders’ hand.

Vafrandir: Will certainly do that. I'll express again how sorry I am for the loss of his cow.

Vafrandir: Unloading treasure: I'll put the stoppered flasks in a chest in the house (DM, may I get a weight or size for these?). Those of you with extra equipment that you're not storing on your own sheets, please let me know. I see that Pandred distributed 3 gems to each of us: can you be specific which ones?

The DM: a flask is 8 in. tall, with 8 fl. oz., weighing 0.63 lbs.

The DM: Father Arvin remembers Lexent and greets him by name.

Pandred: I'll have to dig back in the annals of time, I thought I had said which ones went to who back when I distributed.

Vafrandir: "I dole out 4 Adamantiums to everyone but me, who gets 3. I take two swords, everyone else gets 1. I take 3 small gems and both plum-sized gems, everyone else gets 3 small gems. I take the shields and give the dagger to Marcule because he can make use of it."

Lexent: "How were services yesterday, Father?"

The DM: Today is Friday. But I'll assume you say something about the same.
Lexent: That's fascinating. I just looked up on this site and it gave me that it was Monday. Sorry about that.
The DM: Infoplease used to publish a world almanac, so I’ve been using this as a source since the 1970s. The other appears to be counting 1900, 1800 and 1700 as leap years, and thus it is off by three days.

Pandred: You're right. The small gems were all worth 1xp, which I took to be that they were worth 1gp each, I didn't differentiate between them except by xp value.

Lexent: I made the assumption that mine were agates.
Vafrandir: Understood. I'll take 2 hematite and 1 cairngorn. Just want to be accurate.

Marcule: In.

Meeting with Father Arvin

Father Arvin: how can I be of service, Lexent?

Lexent: I describe for him our encounter with Grond and ask if he has yet had the chance to send that letter off to Fraser.

Father Arvin: “There is a boat that goes between here and Glesvaer once a week. I wrote a letter and sent it off on the 30th, but no answer came back yesterday; though I’m assured the letter was put into Fraser’s hands.”

Father Arvin: “This ‘Grond’ seems to be a thing of evil, though we should be thankful for the destruction of a goblin nest in our hinterland. Perhaps I should send a message to my Bishop and see if the church could sort this out.”

Lexent: "He does, however his direct malevolence seems less than I would expect. He did not immediately attempt to destroy us and gave us warning to leave. I think that we will continue to investigate and do what we can."

Lexent: Assuming he does not attempt to continue the conversation, I bid him a good afternoon and return to the house.

The DM: A minister always has things to do, so he’ll let you go. But that doesn’t say what he might do on his own volition, which you’ll realise as you walk away.

The DM: I can’t see an absolute confirmation on the size of the house, so we’ll say it is 15 feet square, interior, a bit larger on the outside. That’s 69 tons of goods, each person who eats, shelters and sleeps there needs 4 tons, regardless of size of person; it is a question of moving around space, not size of bed. Each bed is roughly 7.44 tons, with airspace above the bed. A bunk-bed takes exactly the same amount of tonnage. We can calculate for smaller beds for gnomes easily.

The House

The DM: Do you care to sketch or decide who sleeps where in the house?

The DM: Do you require me to repeat the space the house provides and how much space a person in the house needs to live there? It’s on the wiki, but I’ll look for it if you need me to.

Vafrandir: I've no preference for sleeping arrangements. We've been sleeping in tents for the past week - not very picky. I'd appreciate the wiki link again if you don't mind.

Lexent: As the newcomer, I will happily take whatever space is available for me. Is that on the new wiki or the old?

Lexent: I suppose that means that we should also work on furnishing our new abode.

Marcule: once i sell some treasure I have some things in mind.

The DM: Look here.

Vafrandir: Thank you. I like the idea of the thinner beds to preserve space. For now, we have no beds at all, so the amount of space they take up is not an immediate concern.

Lexent: If we were to commission gnome sized beds that should free up some space as well. Is there a rule I could link to that details what is and is not adjusted for smaller characters?

The DM: I can’t see an absolute confirmation on the size of the house, so we’ll say it is 15 feet square, interior, a bit larger on the outside. That’s 69 tons of goods, each person who eats, shelters and sleeps there needs 4 tons, regardless of size of person; it is a question of moving around space, not size of bed. Each bed is roughly 7.44 tons, with airspace above the bed. A bunk-bed takes exactly the same amount of tonnage. We can calculate for smaller beds for gnomes easily.

The DM: A bed 2 ft. wide for a gnome is probably enough. Length? maybe 4 inches longer that you both are? And bunks so the gnomes can sleep atop each other? The 7.44 tons is for a bed 6x4. 2x4 would be one third that for a gnome bunkbed.

Lexent: That seems fine by my reckoning. Is that something we would need the furnituremaker in Stavanger to produce for us or would someone in Treborg be capable of that level of carpentry?

Vafrandir: Let's spring for bunks. Valda, Odds, and Nadia will also need a place to stay (when Odds isn't galavanting with us). Let me check the numbers quickly.

Marcule: sounds good to me

Vafrandir: 4 bunk beds against the back walls and 4 tons for 7 persons = 57.44 tons. That leaves 11.24 tons for raw storage. Getting tight quickly but we can certainly expand as we go. Have I got that right?

Lexent: Did you calculate one of those bunks at 1/3 Tonnage?

Vafrandir: Ah, thanks. That gives us 16.2 tons.

Lexent: That matches my maths.

The DM: Please begin to specify on your character sheets what’s being stored in the house. Oddsdrakken and Naomi will already have begun the work of moving those things from tent to house, but it would do to have them listed that way.

Lexent: That settled, shall we turn in early for a well deserved rest before (hopefully) heading to Stavanger in the morning?

Vafrandir: I'll take care of that on the Cargo sheet.

The DM: I took it that Pandred rode down in the cart, and that she therefore hasn’t done anything to heal her injury. Hm. Is it possible that I miscounted the hour of the 7th that you would have actually left? Let me look. It might actually be the 9th of July just now.

The DM: Oops, nope, I see she’s healed and that it is the 8th. My bad.

What's Next

Vafrandir: DM, what is the weight of the adamantium short sword?

The DM: 3.31 lbs. Down from iron 3.5.
Vafrandir: Thanks!

Marcule: I think I will keep the sword.

Vafrandir: We all have one (if we want to keep them, which I do).

Vafrandir: A reminder - I am not accounting for your personal effects on the Cargo sheet. If you want it stored in the house/tent/boat/cart, let me know.

Pandred: Consider my Trunk to be in the house. I haven't calculated the total weight for it at all, I'll start doing that.

Vafrandir: I have some stuff in it for a weight of 108 lb: Cargo.

Vafrandir: Accounted. Looks like we can fit everything. Marcule and Lexent, would you like a chest?

Lexent: I was hoping to procure a chest with proceeds from my adamantium and gems. Do you have a spare I could purchase?

Vafrandir: We're a team! I think I can consolidate some of the food and give you an empty.

The DM: things like trunks work in this cubic-weight system like magic items. The ‘’dimensions’’ of the trunk need to be calculated like the bed ... but what goes in the trunk does need to be measured at all. If the trunk is nestled in something larger, than the trunk disappears and the measurements for the larger item are used. If you plan and think, and have specific kinds of shelves built, you can make a lot disappear into the house without being measured against the house’s tonnage limit.

Marcule: I also need to pick up a chest

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