This is where I'll post important notices and updates about the game.

It's also where PCs can talk abut anything non-rules related. Expected absences, questions and comments, movie critiques, relevant memes, whatever. Just play nice and have fun.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:29, Fri 07 Apr 2023.

Updates

1. RTJs are now open and will remain so until I feel like I have more players than I can handle (which is probably somewhere between 6-10 total).
   
   
2. Initial threads for OOC and Rules are created. Starter Map is uploaded. Some Game Links added.
   
   
3. I expect to be looking over RTJs and likely approving some of them over this weekend. Looking forward to assembling the gang.

Hello all, I am Rebecca and I think I am going to be going a full warrior character for her. That's the plan right now anyway. I think it's going to be an interesting game, so I look forward to playing with you all soon.

Hey there Rebecca! I agree. This game shows a lot of promise.

It looks like Urvan will likely be a Nomad with skills suited to navigating the wilderness.

Greetings everyone!

Got my initial character concept approved so I'm thinking Ralden will be a partial warrior and a partial necromancer. Looking forward to playing with everyone.

Updated World Info

1. The climate in this part of the world is quite cool, similar to Earth's northern Canada or Scandinavia. Not too far north from Maret is Ourea's arctic circle.

Hi all, I'm a PC-to-be-named-later.

I have two possibilities I'm kicking around. One is more Dexterity-based, like a sneaky scoundrel, and the other more Intelligence-based, like a swashbuckling scholar. The scoundrel would be better in combat due to their improved AC, but the scholar might have more to do during downtime. I'll sleep on it!

Pro tip, don't roll stats when you're not fully awake yet. Not sure why I had it do 8 rolls when there are six attributes...Must have been nostalgic for my Palladium Books days or something. I miss that system sometimes, even though it was very crunchy. It was the system my older brothers taught me to play when they taught me to play rpg's.

Anyway, sorry for the extra rolls.

In reply to Rebecca Prowers (msg # 8):

You can just ignore that last roll of 9, since you'd need the 7th for your Luck Attribute.

Update

1. I created a character sheet for this game. It's available in the RTJ: Code of Conduct & Character Creation thread. I'll also make character sheets User Editable and I'll see about adding the new format as the Template. Please let me know if you experience any issues.

This message was last edited by the GM at 20:15, Sun 09 Apr 2023.

Hello, Alonder here. I'm fleshing out the details of the character right now, so not sure what role he will fill in the party yet, but will most likely be magically inclined.

I was wondering what the "Lucky Sign" we rolled for is. I couldn't find it in the rules, but maybe I'm repeatedly missing it.

Here's the info: https://docs.google.com/docume...ading=h.uirsijnlx7dk

Oh, noted, thanks. Also, decided to go with Healer/Vowed for Alonder

I'm playing a Healer/Vowed in a different game and it is an awesome combination. Highly recommend. (Also, yay, a Healer in our midst!)

Update

1. I added four questions to the RTJ: Code of Conduct & Character Creation thread under the A Bit of Backstory heading.

Updated World Info

1. I added Heartlanders (Ethnicity) to the GoogleDoc. They are an awesome addition to the world lore and this contribution was created by a fellow player. I do reward PCs with XP for sharing such things since it makes everyone's experience better.

This message was last edited by the GM at 03:22, Mon 10 Apr 2023.

Confirming that you would like us rolling for "Interesting Things" as well?

Yes, a 1d6 and then a 1d20.

And for those of us that don't know what the "interesting Things" is?

"Interesting Things" is an idea I borrowed from the core book of an RPG called Shadow of the Demon Lord. Basically, everyone gets a free weird trinket or something similar that might help spark background or story or something. I can't really point you in any direction for it; simply let me know what you rolled and I'll let you know what you get.

12:16, Today: Rebecca Prowers rolled 3 using 1d20 with rolls of 3.  Intere. – 3

12:15, Today: Rebecca Prowers rolled 5 using 1d6 with rolls of 5.  Interesting Thing 1. – 5

There are my rolls, I'm curious to see what I get.

PM to Rebecca Prowers:
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:22, Mon 10 Apr 2023.

OOohh interesting indeed. Gonna be fun trying to work out where I got that from. Thanks Mr. DM!

I got a tiny mechanical owl, if the table I found is correct. I don't have any particular meaning for it yet, just some trinket Alonder found. Maybe I'll find some meaning to it through the campaign.

Is the thread all weird just for me? Something seems to have happened after the last DM post

Weird how? It looks fine to me on my browser.

I'm also experiencing some weirdness.

The reply screen looks normal however.

Urvan's interesting things is that he possesses "A reputation for being a skilled lover."

Nomads, am I right?

The thread is odd for me too on both desktop and mobile.

If I had to guess, it looks like I'm seeing private messages about the interesting things that people received. However, those messages fall outside the "borders" of the usual RPoL frame. So it's like I'm seeing the posts with no foreground, only background. It's very strange and I've never seen anything like it in ~6 years here.

DM, will you check to see if you inserted any private lines and, if so, were they to an individual, multiple recipients, or to a group?

In reply to Leyna Noc (msg # 27):

I'd only had one private line posted in this thread so I looked at it and it had some weird numbering and bracket use. I cleaned up that stuff in an edit. Maybe that fixes it? I wasn't seeing a problem.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:23, Mon 10 Apr 2023.

Yep, that seemed to fix it.

Yes, that has fixed it for me as well.

In other news to the wider group: I've come up with a "sneaky scholar" character. A lady of letters, if you will, with some less-than-legal hobbies on the side.

Alonder would be joining the Guild right as the story begins or shortly before it does. Anyone else interested in having our characters join at the same time (and possibly RP the process aswell)?

Rebecca seems to be shaping up as a warrior merchant. I figure she tried to run a shop of some kind, possibly a weapons shop, but it failed and she had to join the Guild to get by and make a living.

Alonder was a farmer until not long ago. When he awakened his abilities as a healer, he figured he would be more useful in the Heroes Guild than as a farmer.

Hey everyone, another new guy here. I'm currently thinking he'll be a dwarven relic hunter (warrior/expert), but we'll see what the dice decide.

Sorry for the double post, but have a quick question for the group:

Does the Expert's "Quick Learner" ability grant an extra skill point at 1st level, or only levels after 1st?

Only levels after 1st.

Updates

• I added a note for Religion in Maret to the GoogleDoc including a description of Lotan “the Explorer and the Rediscoverer”. His cult is one of the more popular ones lately.

Hello everyone, Gypt is a Grippli priest of Lotan. He is a warrior/expert and more of a face character to start out with.

Ralden is also a fresh face joining the hero's guild. He's a "Grave Warden"(name pending DM approval), essentially a magically enhanced soldier tasked with destroying undead. He's good at fighting and unfortunately not much else at this point.

"Grave Warden" is a perfectly acceptable name for the class concept that you've chosen.

Guild Lore

• And incidentally upon shedding their probationary status, novices of the Heroes Guild adopt a new, official (and often cooler) moniker. This is a tradition begun by the founders who did not themselves adopt Guild names, but they did bestow them upon the first graduating class of new guild members.
• Some famous names in the Guild history include Sun Eagle, Sparrow, Dragonborn, and Calamity. Some of the current members include Meteor, Oak, Burnsides, and Grey Jack.

If at that point your character does not specify a Guild Name for themself, one will be chosen for them by the guild veterans. If you (as a player) object to this new name, it can be arranged that your character's current first or last name sounds cool enough for the guild veterans to simply choose that. In any case, it's something to think about and you can all let me know when we get to that point.

"Grave Warden" actually reminded me of this bit of lore because it does sound like such a moniker.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 01:38, Wed 12 Apr 2023.

Ugh, really? This is why I don't play superhero games cause I'm horrible at coming up with these kind of names. Heck coming with just a first and last name for my character was bad enough.

In reply to Rebecca Prowers (msg # 41):

I'm sure that your fellows could come up with something interesting for you if you don't have any idea when the time comes. But if you're really against it, you could simply be "Rebecca" since it's not a Guild Name that anyone else currently has.

I feel you. Choosing a name is probably my least favorite part of chargen. It has to be just so otherwise it will make me miserable every time I see it on screen. Drives me nuts.

When I GM I usually have a regular stable of NPCs. My players are like, "Oh, I love how we get to know them and uncover their characters over time!" Meanwhile I'm thinking, "Yeah, I just didn't want to name anyone new, so here are the five people you already know."

As for Mr. Warden, being good at fighting is a great start. It often means that you'll survive long enough to be good at something else.

It looks like we're pretty well-rounded so far:

Rebecca Prowers: Full Warrior
Urvan: Nomad survivor / skilled lover
Ralden: Warrior Necromancer
Alonder Gimbel: Vowed/Healer
Valgard Bouldershoulder: Warrior/Expert relic hunter
Gypt: Warrior/Expert Face
Leyna Noc: Sneaky Swashbuckling Scholar

I don't think he would choose it himself, but "Full Heart" might be a good hero name for Alonder. It refers to his selfless nature to help others, and there may be a bit of a myth about his healing powers being caused by his body being so fit and healthy (vowed). He has so much health that he is full, so it spills out onto others.

How is everyone doing? Anyone need a second set of eyes on anything?

Dungeon Master, do you have a potential start date in mind?

Not really sure. I'm still trying to get everything on my character sheet yet. Coming off of the holiday is slowing me down a bit as well.

No specific date for me, no. I'm pretty much ready on my end to start some IC stuff but my goal was to start all of the current seven PCs at the same time.

So I'm just waiting on everyone to finish up, but no pressure on anyone. As always, if there is anything folks have questions about please ask.

And I think that I am going to start an IC thread that represents a tavern in Gamma called The Honking Swan. If your character might have passed through there at any time then perchance they may have bumped into another PC. It'll give folks something to do now and also in the future it can be a central place for downtime/flashback conversations. If you'd prefer private threads for such conversations, just let me know and I'll create those as well.

Final Character Creation Steps

1. I did want to mention that I'd like all character to have their Description entered. Include at the least whatever is physically noticeable to others as well as what might be a first impression about their personality. You could also include any meta-data that you're comfortable sharing publicly (class, level, foci, etc.). Guild members are, after all, known to each other and the established heroes often become minor celebrities in Maret unless they choose to keep a low profile.
   
2. Then, if you're completely done with your PC, just drop me a PM saying so. Thanks everyone so far for all the effort you're putting in. I'm excited to soon see where things go.

Okay, character sheet and background complete, and I got my character description up.

Valgard has only recently arrived in Gamma, having taken a ship from the Old Empire over. So if anyone wants to have been on the same ship, or perhaps run into him after he came ashore, let me know!

Updates

1. Seems like almost everyone is either done or very close to being done with finalizing their character.
   
2. Thus, I'm going to post in the IC: Quest Board thread to give you all some starting opportunities as suggested by The Heroes Guild. You may choose to work together or separately on any or all quests.
      NPC guild members might also be racing for posted quests at some point.
      Feel free to talk amongst yourselves, swap stories and rumors, group up, make preparations as you see fit.
   
3. You can always be creative and pursue any other goals you wish - individually or as a group, whatever.
   
4. Most importantly, let me know your intentions when you decide to pursue any course.
   
5. If you have ideas for specific quests, sites, maps, NPCs, modules, or anything else that you'd like to see exist in the world, drop me a PM with the details and I'll see about integrating those opportunities as well.

Game on, and Good luck!

Do we post here which quest we're interested in? Or in the quest board thread?

This thread is for OOC talks, so you could do that here, but if you'd prefer to do it IC then another thread is appropriate. The Honking Swan would be a good spot for those sorts of IC meetings.

What's our official relationship to the Guild at this point? Are we probationary members? Looking to become probationary members? Are we looking for sponsors or supporters for our candidacy?

Edit: From the Primer: Lore thread it looks like it's up to us a bit.

Leyna's character is somewhat suspect so she's probably still in the phase of proving she's not a liability. Or, failing that, more of an asset than a liability.

She's probably most interested in "Bats in the Belfry" (sounds like good pay, and potentially much easier than returning twelve criminals alive) or "We Are Hirelings" (to look for a sponsor). The reward of "Bitten in the Bog" is too uncertain for her, and destroying freaky plant-folk that bite off fingers sounds dangerous.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:32, Sat 15 Apr 2023.

Probationary Novice is what every PC is currently. If a new character wants it, it's granted without the need to role-play through the process.

It is also conceivable that some PCs may not want to be associated with the Heroes Guild at all, but I don't think anyone has mentioned such intention to me yet.

To become a full Novice one would have to be sponsored - which is customarily automatic once The Guild has verified that you've successfully completed a quest or two.

EDIT: Yup, all of the current PCs are at that stage.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:42, Sat 15 Apr 2023.

Since The Honking Swan is not far from the guild and it's fairly popular, would it be a stretch to say that we were adviced to meet at the inn to look for fellow heroes that may have picked the same quest, of we cared to cooperate?

That makes sense, sure. The Honking Swan is not officially affiliated with the guild, but it's likely that the PCs would come across the recommendation if they asked around.

My first choice for a mission would be "Bitten in the Bog", followed by "We are Hirelings".

After seeing the DM's post about posting frequency I'll probably hold off on an IC introduction until we have a general idea of who might be compatible.

Alonder will go for "We are hirelings" for sure. It's pretty much exactly what he is after, since he doesn't have any actual experience.

Moving On

1. I know that not everyone has posted definitive intentions for what their character would like to do. However, in the interest of keeping things moving, I'm going to say that there does appear to be enough interest in We Are Hirelings to greenlight it. I'll post a prompt IC to nudge you in the right direction and folks can take that bait or leave it as they see fit.

I think that's a good call. I'll bite that bait!

Is there a limited number of players allowed on a quest or a minimum number of players needed for a quest?

If ever that is the case, it will be specified in the Quest card description. Currently, there are no such minimums or maximums.

How do we determine starting wealth? Or if your character even has any money?

Answer:
Additional Question:
I'll ask for the folks that know the system better than I do, since I can't find it: If a character chooses a starting equipment package, do they also get any loose coin at all?
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:05, Fri 21 Apr 2023.

I don't think they do, just by reading the book. I think it's sort of the tradeoff for picking a starting equipment rather than risking it with a roll. You get more expensive equipment on average, but no money to spend past that. If you don't like characters starting with no coin, maybe you can give us all an X amount of extra coins to keep, regardless of the option chosen?

There are six equipment packages. Three of them come with some spare coins, which are listed in the package description. The other three packages do not.

If you add up all the components, the equipment packages range in value from 127 to 134 silver. That makes them a higher value than rolling 3d6x10, which will return 100 or 110 silver on average. As such, the advantage of the equipment packages is that you get more. The advantage of rolling is that you have more flexibility in how you spend your coins.

It's up to the GM whether you can swap anything or out of an equipment package. Most GMs will let you make minor changes, like swapping a hand axe for a short sword. But you're not going to leave chargen with a Long Sword unless you roll for it. (I'm pretty sure I rolled a 3 once, so you have to be careful.)

To follow up: Leyna has some spare silver if folks need an extra 5sp for a second week of rations (because their equipment package doesn't include spare silver).

I don't know if anyone has Survive but that could potentially help fill some gaps too.

This is going to be fun. The equipment package I took for Rebecca didn't have rations or coin to spend.

Do you want to RP getting the supplies on The Honking Swan thread Urvan, or should we just skim it and consider it done? Alonder has a cart and an ox there, but would be a bad idea to get the ox that hasn't even seen the sea before on a ship, so probably best to transport the food there for the party's supply.

*chuckle * So the ox isn't the food? Might come in handy one way or another.

@Rebecca
I never noticed that there was an equipment package without rations. That's one of the lower-valued ones too (127 silver) so there's room to include 5sp of rations and still be in line with most of the other packages. I wonder if that was an accidental omission.

Do you want to ask Iceman for a small advance? We're being paid 10sp/day, so a single day of pay would be enough to afford two weeks of rations. Or Leyna would loan it, but I don't know if Rebecca is too proud (or embarrassed) to ask.

@DM
Would the ox (or cart) even fit on the boat? The ox alone would be the weight of like 8 extra people. Iceman said we were rowing, and that sounds like a lot to row.

Yeah, she's too proud at the moment to go to anyone with her hat in hand. So to speak. She'll be alright until her first pay and then will buy rations. Thanks for the offer though.

In reply to Leyna Noc (msg # 70):

Alonder doesn't plan to bring it either way, but we still need to account for the rhino

Wow, yeah that's silly. You know what, just take 1 weeks work of rations. Consider it a personal gift from whatever general store clerk was working that day.


Yes, the ox would fit though it would be more uncomfortable on board that without it. Iceman did seem to be packing up a Judas Goat and he didn't seem concerned about space for the Rhino either, so there's that. And yes, you're rowing and more weight would be more strenuous, but overall not impossible. Any more than 2-3 animals could be a problem.

The Second Kelpie is a decent sized boat - similar to, but a bit bigger than This.

In reply to Alonder Gimbel (msg # 68):

I think I am good to move it along if you are.

Rebecca has a secret admirer!

I've updated my sheet and am ready to proceed.

Thanks, that helps a lot. Rebecca may be a bit prideful sometimes but she's not stupid. She wouldn't turn down such a gift if it was offered.



Secret admirer? Interesting, I can't wait to see how that plays out.

Character sheet updated.

If we start needing extra rations I do have the Survive skill. Probably not enough to feed everyone but it would hopefully be enough to help those who run out early.

DM, do you want us to sign off when we're ready to proceed? Or do you want us to keep RPing until you move us forward?

I will likely never tell you to stop RPing. The most usual situation would be that I simply interrupt and move the action along.

That said, it would indeed be helpful to know exactly if you're feeling that you want to move on. If I know for certain the point where doddeling is causing displeasure then I can more expediently accurately end said displeasure.

I'm down to move forward.

Ready to move on!

Just to make sure I did this right...

Valgard has a +1 from STR, but since he has neither Exert not Sail at even level 0, then he takes a 1 point penalty to the roll, leaving him at +0, correct?

In reply to Valgard Bouldershoulder (msg # 82):

That was my understanding of the rules as well. Ralden was the same thing, +1 Con but no skill so the total modifier was +0.

Yes, that's right. Looks like everyone did it correctly!

Uh, I didn't. I didn't realize the penalty since I had strength +1, no levels of exert or sail. So I shouldn't have gotten the +1 bonus.

Well the good news is that it's easy to adjust it.

Yeah, it just makes the 8 I thought I had, a 7 instead.

I have the survive skill at rank 0 so I can attempt the roll unless someone else has a better rank in the skill?

Ralden has it too.

Here, we'll cut it in half and have an episode of Iron Chef.

Edit: My IC post didn't mention the footprints once we returned to camp. I figured that Ralden could share the news, since it was his find.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:54, Wed 26 Apr 2023.

I effectively have all skills at +0, but my only positive stat modifier is intelligence at +1, so feel free to go ahead. I'm pointing it out in the IC thread aswell, but Alonder has cooking utensils, which I'm unsure if they give some sort of benefit on the cooking.

Someone else feel free to roast the raccoon. My bonus isn't any higher than Alonder or Rebecca.

Having slept on this, it occurs to me that this might be a place to use a Luck point for a reroll. We get 1 per day (modified by our Luck attribute), yes? So since it's the end of the day I should use mine.

DM, is that all correct?

If so, here is the reroll;
07:10, Today: Leyna Noc rolled 8 using 2d6-1 with rolls of 3,6.  Luck reroll

I'll wait for GM confirmation before continuing, since this is a new mechanic to me.

Edit: grammar
This message was last edited by the player at 16:21, Wed 26 Apr 2023.

In reply to Leyna Noc (msg # 92):

Yes, you are correct. Good thinking. Feel free to retcon that description since an 8 will be successful. Mechanically speaking, you gain enough meat for 2 Rations.

Great, thanks for confirming.

Post updated! I didn't poison us, yay!

DM, how do you want to handle rolls? Do you want us rolling things proactively or only when you call for them.

For instance, in this situation Leyna could potentially:

- use Notice to see if she can pick out any additional information
- use Know to see if she recognizes anything, or knows anything about giants (if it is a giant, although she would expect Iceman to know a good deal himself)
- use Sneak to approach stealthily

I'll wait on the last one to see if there's any feedback from the group about next steps.

In reply to Leyna Noc (msg # 95):

So yeah, this is indeed an issue that's not easily tackled. On one hand, I do want to encourage folks to make rolls proactively to keep the pace of the action moving. On the other hand, not everyone -that is, mostly folks that are still learning the system- can't be held to that expectation.

Thus, I propose that yes, you can roll if you believe a roll is warranted. You can do your best to assume the proper Attribute and Skill combinations. This would have to be combined with a description of how your character is doing the thing; maybe even with an OOC clause to clarify what you intend. However, in doing so you have to accept that I may have to adjust the DC for the action accordingly. This system is intended to be flexible, after all, but narratively speaking there is a difference when, for example, Rowing using Constitution with Exert verses Strength with Sailing.

There's also a fine line that can be misinterpreted when a PC is creatively describing the result of a roll versus when the GM describes the results. Again, I like to give the option to the player and the GM should only intervene when necessary. But understand that intervention may sometimes mean retconning.

Secret rolls (such as knowledge, perception, and the like) are also especially tricky. In such cases, I'd prefer if there was a way to roll secretly so only the GM can see the result. If you make a roll that should have been secret, I'll likely re-roll such things for you.

Lastly, remember that not everything requires a roll, and every time you roll for a task that could be failed, there's a possibility for consequences. This is especially true for tasks that relate directly to your background, ancestry, class, etc. If you feel that your character should know how to do something automatically that might normally require a roll, you can make the roll just to be safe but also remind me why your character should just simply succeed.

TLDR:

1. Please go ahead and make your own rolls if you feel comfortable doing so.
   
2. Please understand that I may have to retcon sometimes.
   
3. Please continue to ask questions as necessary. I do try to answer expediently.

This message was last edited by the GM at 02:07, Sat 29 Apr 2023.

That helps, thank you.

I'll hold off on any rolls (or additional IC actions) until the others have chimed in.

In terms of game mechanics, Leyna is saying that she will set up an Execution Attack (p. 44) that she will spring if the encounter turns hostile. It does take a minute of preparation ICly.

Update:

1. Rebecca Prowers has indeed dropped from the game. IC, she'll be controlled as an NPC until there's a opportune time to write the character out.
2. Urvan's player hasn't posted in over a week, so he's effectively an NPC at this point as well, though not officially.

Valgard has been quiet aswell, though he has been logging in regularly. I obviously don't know for sure, but maybe he is in an awkward spot because he had the most interactions with Rebecca?

ICly, Leyna is ready to sneak off into the bushes and to have the GM make her Sneak roll for her.

OOCly, I don't have a strong sense sort of skills Rebecca Prowers and Urvan offer. (Rebecca's nickname is "Harm" so I presume she has some martial prowess.) If they are on auto-pilot, can we get a sense of the most logical way to deploy them, or will the GM handle those decisions?

In reply to Leyna Noc (msg # 101):

Rebecca Prowers is a Warrior with the Merchant background. She has a Short Sword and Dagger, and Foci in Close Combatant 1 and Close Combatant 2. You can feel free to give her orders like any standard hireling.

Urvan won't participate in combats at this time, you can assume he's keeping an eye on Einarr and staying on lookout for additional threats.

Sounds like Rebecca can guard Ralden's flank pretty well, and maybe even step forward if Ralden needs to fall back.

As I mentioned previously, I usually can't do much posting on the weekends, which is unfortunately when most of the action has taken place. On top of that, I had a couple of wisdom teeth removed on Friday, so I was down most of the day.

Valgard is sneaking with Leyna.

Leyna doesn't have Heal but perhaps her academic expertise will shed some light on the giant's affliction:

13:11, Today: Leyna Noc rolled 8 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 3,4.  Int/Know.

If that's too much of a stretch for Know, here's Leyna defaulting on Heal:

13:12, Today: Leyna Noc rolled 5 using 2d6-1 with rolls of 5,1.  Int/Heal.

Leyna will be loathe to give up her concealed position unless she has something meaningful to contribute.

I keep forgetting about Luck Points. I'll need to get into that habit since they're so useful.

Thanks for the bonus point. I try to amuse myself; sometimes I get lucky and amuse others at the same time.

I think we're ready to pull back.

Is there any friction from the giant if we withdraw and head to the town?

Thanks for the notification. As I mentioned earlier, I always appreciate the communication that keeps things moving forward.

The scene is basically over, Kron will not object to you leaving (apologies if his IC attitude obscured that in any way). As always, feel free to continue to talk IC about whatever while waiting for the next scene to load. I'll hopefully have that post up this evening.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 18:59, Wed 03 May 2023.

Yes, I agree that it's best to be explicit about your plans in PbP. Cuts down on the confusion.

In this case I thought Kron would object to our withdrawal.

Do the buildings (the inn, specifically) look inhabited? Is there a fire inside that's giving off light, or are they all dark?

Approaching either way, but it will inform the approach.

In reply to Leyna Noc (msg # 109):

Yeah, pardon. I know that you can't read what Kron is saying, but my brain has trouble processing that I need to be more specific with the context IC.

I've been on RPoL for years but this is the first game I've been in that anyone used the language group functionality. It's quite interesting!

All dark and quiet.

Leyna passed her Reflex check.

I keep forgetting about Luck Points. If anyone fails their Reflex roll, this might be a good opportunity to use one. I don't think anyone has used one today so I think we all have them. I don't know how much damage a Judas goat might inflict but I'm guessing it will hurt. Or, in a worst case scenario, the Luck Point can be used to auto-stabilize. We should make sure we keep Alonder safe (or as safe as we can under the circumstances) since he's the one who can put us back together again.

Did Iceman give back the items Alonder loaned to him when setting up camp, or does he still have them? There was 50ft of rope among them

In reply to Alonder Gimbel (msg # 115):

Alonder has those back.

Did Rebecca and Urvan go into the basement, or is the "downstairs" the main floor with Leyna/Valgard/Iceman?

Would Know or Magic help understand the role - either scientific or superstitious - of the garlic, wooden carvings, and blobs of tallow?

Yes, the idea was that Rebecca and Urvan would go to the Cellar. That is, unless you'd like to yell at them to stop.

Int/Pray would work most appropriately, and one can make that check even untrained. I'll make the rolls for anyone that asks.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:35, Thu 11 May 2023.

They're adults! They're welcome to take their candle down to the basement if they want to :)

Yup, that's exactly what it seems like.

Bit of cross posting seems to have occurred in the IC: We Are Hirelings thread. Leyna and Valgard may want to go back and reconsider leaving the Commons Room just now.

Yep, I deleted my last post, and just posted a new one.

He did say he was checking the rooms.

Yes, I'll add an update when I get home.

DM, if we're doing secret rolls will you please roll Int/Magic or Int/Know for Leyna if either of those are relevant to the topic of exsanguination?

And maybe Wis/Notice for a closer inspection of the body.

Would Alonder be seeing (or sensing) Ralden's struggle from his position? If they moved at aproximately the same pace, then I imagine he is just on the other side of the corridor, but wanted to confirm.

In reply to Alonder Gimbel (msg # 127):

Alonder and Ralden are inside different rooms at the moment, so there's not a direct line of sight from one of you to the other. However, I'm sure that once Ralden makes some noise that Alonder will know something is up and it will be a fairly easy task to realize which room he's in.

Everyone is free to post conditional actions as well to try to cover different situations in advance.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:08, Fri 12 May 2023.

Is there anything in between Alonder and Ralden, though? You described the attack happening as Ralden was about to leave, so he is right at the entrance. Is Alonder looking inside the room? Does he have his back to the door?

I guess it's up to Ralden how he is positioned after his attack. The initial trigger was while he was still in the room, but close to the doorway. The puddle isn't blocking his exit or anything. It's conceivable that there is room for Alonder to squeeze past Ralden into the room for himself.

What's the noise level inside the house? Can we hear the commotion upstairs, or is it lost in the wind?

In reply to Leyna Noc (msg # 131):

The wind doesn't cause enough interference, so folks on the ground level would have been able to hear - somewhat muffled but well enough - as Ralden yells:

Perfect, thank you.

Provisional orders:

Move - Leyna will move to examine the puddles in the Common Room
Main - Investigate the puddles (with Wis/Notice or Int/Magic, since Ralden mentioned Magic)

If Leyna is attacked before she uses her Main Action, she would use an Instant Action to go on Total Defense. (+2 AC, immune to shock)

Just a heads-up, I will be on vacation from 23 May - 3 Jun on a cruise ship with extremely limited connectivity. So likely 22 May will be the last time I post for about 2 weeks.

DM< I'm fine with you puppeting Valgard or just having him follow without action, whatever you prefer.

Just to be clear, we're in round 2 and keeping this order, is that right?

1. Ralden
2. Puddle
3. everyone else

In reply to Valgard Bouldershoulder (msg # 134):

No problem. Thanks for the heads up.

That is correct. Of course, everyone is free to post their intentions in any order. That is simply the order in which they will resolve.

I also realize that it seems like there are no targets at this moment, but, well do your best - that's part of encounters sometimes.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 00:33, Tue 16 May 2023.

I'd rather wait to see what the puddle does, since it will happen before Alonder reacts. Right now it's hard to predict.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:46, Tue 16 May 2023.

Alonder, you went Healer/Vowed, didn't you? Did you want to see if Healing Touch could help? (You might need Ralden's assistance to touch yourself, ha.)

I'm a bit uncertain what to do. Leyna's primary motivation was threat neutralization. But if the ooze is trying to escape then that problem takes care of itself. But, as an academic, would she want to capture it for study? Perhaps, but then what? Is she going to carry it around in a pot for a week?

It seems like tending to Alonder and pivoting to the basement are higher priorities at the moment.

I'm pretty sure that it only heals wounds at my current level. There is an upgrade that can cure poisons and diseases, but Alonder doesn't have it (yet)

Is there an obvious parallel between whatever is afflicting Alonder and Rebecca/Urvan? Do they seem to be paralyzed in a similar way, or do the abrasions set Rebecca and Urvan apart?

In reply to Leyna Noc (msg # 141):

I don't remember anyone examining Alonder's wound, but for the sake of expediency, yes it's a very similar wound.

Just for RP purposes, are there materials to start a fire in the hearth? (The deceased boy will have to be relocated, of course.)

Is there food in the pantry that hasn't spoiled?

In reply to Leyna Noc (msg # 143):

Yes, there is firewood available and also not all of the food has gone bad.

Just remembered that Valgard is on a cruise ship for another week.

Any objections to the current plan (which is basically camping out in front of a fire in the hearth)?

GM, any complications to that plan?

Part of the thinking was that after 6 hours perhaps the others, especially Alonder, will have recovered enough to take a watch.

But I do imagine we'll need more than 6 hours. Depending on the storm and our level of exhaustion (which I imagine will be high), we might want 12 hours of rest.

Alrighty. So in that 6-hour span of time, each of the four guards will actually only get 4.5 hours of rest. And that plan would take you through the early night up to about 2:00am. I'll proceed with that first cycle and you can decide what to do at that point.

Okay, that's helpful. I wasn't entirely sure what time it was.

Leyna doesn't have any other preparations to make.

As for keeping watch vs. resting, I don't know what's realistic. At some point I imagine exhaustion winning out, but maybe fear and adrenaline will make rest impossible.

I would say that Leyna will help keep watch for 20-30 minutes to see if her flour trap works, but after that point she might pass out and trust in Ralden to alert her if something is suspicious.

I'm going to call it the better of your Physical or Mental saving throw. There will be a decently large bonus initially (it's fairly easy to stay up a bit, and adrenaline plays a part) but every hour will be a new save and that bonus will continue to dwindle until eventually you'd fail a save and succumb to much needed sleep.

Honestly, I'm not really trying to fight it except this initial period to see if anything comes of the trap. After that Leyna will willingly sleep and trust in the person awake to watch over them.

I don't have any preparations to make. I agree with Leyna's plan of waiting a while to see if something happens and then resuming the sleep schedule if nothing happens. Eventually we have to go to sleep.

Sorry folks for the lull in action, I've been sick also dealing with moving stress. This whole month may be up and down, but I will always try to keep folks informed. Thanks for understanding.

Thanks for the update. Good luck with it all.

DM, do you want initiative rolls, or will it just be Ralden, the puddle, then everyone else?

I made initiative rolls already, but yes, you are correct about the order.

Sounds good.

Go get em, Ralden!

Leyna will pursue it if possible, but if it's not possible (or, at least, not particularly plausible) then she'll patch up the hole to prevent the puddle's revenge.

1. Leyna Noc:

   "Sorry, Einar, I don't think I have the strength for a rhino."
   For clarification, the rhino was Urvan's animal and it's the one that's dead. Einhar is Iceman's Judas Goat and it's still very much alive.
   
   
2. The pot with the remains of the puddle will be 1 bulk to carry around.
   
   
3. Getting a look at it dead and bisected, it certainly seems more like an ooze than any sort of other creature. It was engorged with the blood of it's victims; though it's been popped and deflated since. And as far as you know, oozes don't infest host bodies like what's been suggested. The wounds that have killed every individual that you've seen have all been consistently external.
   
   
4. Alonder Gimbel:

   "I think it's safe to assume that whatever this is, it's a magical effect. I have no idea why I'm recovering, but if it had the same effect on humans than on a giant it can't be mundane in nature."
   I'm not sure I understand what you're saying here. From what ALonder knows of Giant physiology, they are actually very similar to humans in most regard - just bigger. There's no reason to believe that since the effects are similarly affecting two different (though extremely similar species) that the effect must be magical. Though oozes are possibly created through magical means, this one's methods do in fact seem quite mundane.

I'll post more IC tomorrow, but feel free to continue to post as you see fit.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:56, Sun 11 June 2023.

Alonder's logic (that, goes without saying, might be wrong) is that if a mundane venom or toxin was the culprit, then the results don't quite add up. With similar attacks (AKA one sting) two humans died shortly after being stung, one is recovering well after less than 24 hours and a giant was taken out, possibly dying.
If it's magic, then size of the victim doesn't necessarily play a factor, but if it's natural venom then a giant should be more resistant than a human. The venom they would take in comparison would be a tiny amount.

It could be a question of duration of exposure. Alonder was one touch; the others might have been continuously affected.

Ah, you're right. Gron was the rhino. RIP.

Judas Goats are the size of a cow. The rules say "unusually skilled and brave goatherds can train them as watchbeasts or even as mounts." It seems plausible that Iceman might qualify as such a goatherd. Granted it's not very dignified, but would Einhar be able to help Alonder move around?

Separately, can we see the inventories for Rebecca and Urvan, please? We should put their gear to good use, if possible.

Iceman is no 'goatherd' but Einhar is indeed trained as a mount if needs be. For the moment, Alonder can indeed mount Einhar. Alonder will have to hold on tightly with both arms (which are functional but weak) since the muscles in his legs still do not follow orders. He can't exactly ride like a normal rider could.

Rebecca's Gear:

• Pieced Armor
• Large Shield
• Short Sword
• Dagger
• Tinder Box
• 3 Torches

Urvan's Gear:

• Buff Coat
• Hand Axe
• Short Bow
• Quiver
• Waterskin
• Utensils
• Tinderbox
• Torches

No silver? The paupers. Well I suppose they took this job for a reason then.

Leyna can't make use of anything except maybe the cooking utensils. She already has a tinderbox and doesn't need torches herself. I guess the dagger would help as a general utility tool.

Anyone else need anything?

I might as well take three torches. I have a lantern but having backup sources of light isn't a bad idea when my oil runs out.

Can we assume the goat can carry the ember, silver, and wine? If I need to carry some of that stuff I can but I'm pretty close to my encumbrance max.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:16, Thu 15 June 2023.

I just remembered Leyna's stated goal is to "Acquire and study Ember" so she'll claim the vial. I presume if it is a small vial that it is Enc 0.

I'm going to update the IC post I just put up to reflect this, since it will actually make a big impact on her ICly.

Edit: Done.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:44, Thu 15 June 2023.

Hello, everyone. I'm the new guy.

I hope I didn't mess up with the way I used the language group; it's been years since I used that functionality and I am not certain I did it right, put in the wrong language name or something. Anyway, the dialogue there isn't very important, but the flavor was worth giving it a shot! I'll edit if necessary.

Welcome, Garret!

I had no idea that this was going to be your introduction - I thought the figure on the road was an NPC - but I'm pleasantly surprised.

I see the language translation just fine in your post, so it looks like you did it correctly. This is actually the first game I've been in that's ever used it that functionality. I think it's neat.

Just read Garret's description. He sounds like Leyna's brother from another mother! They'll either get along great or will fight like cats and dogs.

Why not both!

I have always loved the language group feature of RPOL, it's underutilized but so useful to keep things immersive. And I think the DM might not have added this particular language to Garret's repertoire—it was a late pick for me after all—since all I can see is scrambled text right now, oops.

DM, at your convenience, could you fix that for me, please?

Oops, sorry, Garret. I've updated your language groups presently. Let me know if it's still not working for you.

It is working now, thank you!

I will respond IC in about 16 hours.

Welcome to the game Garret!

I'm going to need to learn some more languages it seems lol.

Welcome, Caldus!

Can we get a description for your character when you have a moment? Not sure if you're a fat merchant or a bloodthirsty barbarian. I put one up for Leyna in my IC post.

Thanks!

How's that?

Perfect!

I'm a bit confused about what's going on. You said Alonder, Iceman and Valgard were at the camp, while Leyna, Garret and Ralden went out to scout together. But Iceman and the scout group are interacting with Caldus, so where is this happening?

I don't think we ventured very far before encountering Caldus. We're all within the old village, so nearby each other.

Yeah, the idea was initially that the groups separated a bit, but since the scouts found what they were looking for rather quickly they happened to be close enough to join the conversation. Since it doesn't seem to matter much, I fudged it a bit for convenience to keep everyone involved.

Was Caldus the figure you pmed me about? Or is someone else stalking the whole group? It's ok if plans change, but try to keep us updated

Caldus is indeed the same figure, yes.

Can someone remind me where we're at with Alonder's paralysis? I went looking but I couldn't find it.

Alonder still cannot put weight on his feet. However, at the rate at which he has been recovering, he estimates that barring any setbacks he should be fully recovered by morning.

Sorry for the lack of action lately, folks. I'm dealing with both moving to a new location and also job hunting in earnest this past week. Thanks for your patience.

No worries. Good luck on both fronts.

Thanks for letting us know. Good luck with the hunt.

I'm actually about to go on vacation so this was a convenient time for a pause for me. Best of luck with the move and the job hunt.