Game Thread Group 2, Chapter 1: Leaving Haglee

Barlycorn · #1 01-30-2012, 04:10 PM

“Headin’ towards Khan, yes,” says Brodin as you gather your gear, “any reason in particular?” You know Brodin from around town. He is very good with stonework and he is a hard worker. What he did before the quake, though, you don’t know. Seeing you hesitate, the big man continues, “See, the thing is. I got this thing that needs doing. I need some people that can handle themselves. We don’t really know what the roads are like outside of Haglee here so I can’t just send anyone. See, the thing is, it…the job…is to the east, opposite Khan. It should only take a week or so, then you could be back on your way to the port.” He runs his hand through his dark hair, “I need you to go to the village of Heraz. There is a woman there. That’s where she was before the quakes and she’s been stuck there for months. I need you to escort her back here. Keep her safe. It should still be easy but you never know. That’s why you’ll be there.

So whattaya say?”

gbuster24 · #2 01-30-2012, 08:32 PM

Alexander Templeton awoke with a start. As he rubbed his eyes, a sly smile crept over his face. 'Finally. Today is the day I get to leave this accursed place behind' he thought. Normally, Haglee would not be a bad place to stay, but the quake had made everyone in town a captive of sorts. Alexander was a patient young man, but his patience had grown thin. The ramifications of such a natural event had to be far stretching, and the possibilities of a young adventurer and warrior of HIS caliber were endless! In his mind, he saw himself as a great lord of a manor, wise and fair...his subjects praising his glories...but that would have to wait. We would EARN such rights and privileges. There was an order to these things. He knew that he was far more capable of ruling than anyone else, but his climb to the top would be a legitimate one.

Donning his armor, and gathering his equipment, he went to the stables. As was tradition, he found his noble steed, Marcus, waiting on him. The two admired each other very deeply, almost as deeply as they admired themselves. Alexander gave Marcus a fierce embrace, the steed returning a nuzzle. Only after feeding Marcus did Alexander begin eating his breakfast. The two always ate their morning meal together. After that, they went to work. Alexander equipped Marcus with his barding and saddlebags. The strong steed eagerly accepted the extra weight, just as ready to see some action as the cavalier.

One of the benefits of his stay in Haglee was the fortunate meeting of a group of like-minded, talented individuals such as his self. Well, maybe not AS talented, but well above the common rabble. If there was any who could aid him in his climb to glory it would be these new companions. They had determined to pool their resources together and seek out adventure in the world around them. The group determined that the best place to start would be the the port of Khan.

Getting ready to leave, the party was greeted by the stonemason Brodin. Brodin was an admirable worker; Alexander had taken note of his abilities and would call upon him again should his future fortress ever have need of work. The mason went on about some woman needing an escort. In his mind, a debate raged. The task was surely an insignificant one and did not merit honor or glory. On the other hand, legends always needed stable roots and helping the common man could certainly establish that. Yes, that was the way to go.

"Good sir! I for one would be glad to aid you in this endeavor. This catastrophe that has stricken us all has many victims, and seeing your friend back home would be an honor. I do not know the dangers that lie ahead, but I would see it done. Unfortunately, I cannot speak for the rest of the company and am honor bound to stick with them, whatever they decide." Alexander turns around to the rest of the party, "Well, men...to Heraz? What say you?!"

Kshnik · #3 01-30-2012, 10:42 PM

Jaunus followed the path, taking a slow easy pace as he headed to meet up with his friends and new companions. Jaunus lightly pulled on the reins in his left hand causing donkeys on that side to veer in the same direction. The donkeys on the right followed suit allowing all four to easily pull the light farm wagon. His pet raven cawed softly as it rested on the front bow above his right shoulder. The chickens contain in small cages in the bed clucked constantly but the sound was minute compared to the noise on pathway and worth it when he retrieves fresh eggs at the rise of the sun.

As he drove towards the meeting spot Jaunus pulled out the dagger and stared at the symbol etched into the base of the blade. He has looked at this dagger over a thousand times as it’s a constant reminder of his search. His thoughts always follow the same path upon looking at the dagger. His first thoughts flow towards his parents, his memories of them. His thoughts continue on to other family members, friends and onto neighbors. Next his thoughts turn to questions; are they are still alive, are they together and why were they taken. This is followed up by guilt; the lack of knowledge of the events and the dead ends on the finding the owner or meaning of the symbol. What more could he do or could have done? Now with the earthquake and the effect it has on his search.

Jaunus blinks as he approaches the group a slight smile forces itself on his face as he makes eye contact with Red and Aaron. Jaunus slides the reins into his right hand and his left hand reaches down to the lever of the breaks. Jaunus, at the same time, pulls the lever and reins as he grunts the elven word to stop to the donkeys.

Once the wagon is secured in place Jaunus wipes his forward and notice the group staring off in the same direction. Jaunus follows there eyes and sees Brodin approaching. Jaunus listens carefully to the man’s plight and nods in agreement with the others to help. Jaunus smiles as Alex is the first to speak up; a normal occurrence in the groups dynamic.

DukeofTuring · #4 01-31-2012, 12:17 AM

Shorty before dawn broke, Caius Silanus groggily stumbled out of unconsciousness and sat up on his bed, rubbing his face as if to wipe the sleepiness away. Long practice had trained him to awaken early and begin his day with prayer to the Dawnflower, but he always woke up with a confused head and the feeling that he hadn't gotten quite enough sleep. Aestheticism and moderate hardship were, of course, part of the devout worship of Sarenrae, and as much as his body rebelled against waking so early Caius could never understand how worshipers of some of the more hedonistic gods could feel pious and righteous praising their god after luxurious meals and days of rest and recreation. Taking a moment to get his bearings and orient himself towards the east, Caius checked outside and, once he found that it was still before sunrise, knelt on the wooden floor and began praying quietly to Sarenrae. Facing towards the rising sun and with his holy symbol held out before him, Caius prayed to his goddess for wisdom, compassion, patience, and moderation, for the power to shepard the blessed, convert the lost, and drive out the wicked. Caius' prayers reached their peak when he first saw the sun peeking over the horizon, and by the time that the sun had risen fully he had finished his devotions and began dressing in his clothes and armor.

Once properly equipped, Caius packed up the few belongings he had left out and got a quick breakfast. Caius thanked his hosts as graciously as possible, and he made a point of exchanging farewells with any associates he had not had the opportunity to say goodbye to yet. However, Caius also had an eye towards haste, and he made a point of getting out onto the road as quickly as possible, knowing well how much time his prayers had already consumed. Once he felt his responsibilities in town were satisfied, Caius made his way towards the stables, fed and watered his mule as quickly as possible, then loaded up the beast and led "Jacob" out of the barn with a combination of encouragement and pulls on the harness. Soon Caius was back to the in his familiar pattern of marching along a trail out of town, with the timeless, steady sounds of the clattering of his armor and the clomping of his mule's hooves making it seem like Caius' stay in Haglee was nothing more than a fading dream.

Arriving at the rendezvous point, Caius exchanges greeting and small talk with his companions, then kills any remaining time by tending towards his animal and making sure that the packs are well organized, secured, and comfortably resting on the mule. He listens to Brodin's speech with a measured, concerned face, and adds his support once Alex is done speaking. "I, of course, would also would be willing to help this women. But, I must confess, I think your background information raises as many questions as it answers. Who is this women? And forgive me for being blunt, but what is your relation to her?Are you just concerned for he welfare in these, well, trouble times, or is there some specific threat menacing her?" Caius doesn't press Brodin with the questions, particularly if other party members are trying to speak, but he does try politely to get them answered.

Red Daghul · #5 01-31-2012, 12:30 AM

Red eyed the road ahead of him watching absently his surroundings as he let his mind wonder the dark paths of his mind. The world around him had changed so sudden with the quakes, and questions still lurk at the outskirts of his mind. Something had to have caused the quakes, but be it demon or angel, for good or ill, the world was different. Of course, there was plenty of work in this new world to be done, and Red had already taken up the task of helping a elven ranger he had met a few months ago.

The elf Jaunus had run into Red as they traveled across the land, and shared a fire one night where Red had learned of the nightmare the elf had lived out. With a sense of peace Red offered his services in aiding the ranger in the search for answers, and then since the quakes they had decided to join up with a group to travel through the lands. That is where he was heading now, for the group had decided to move on.

Not to much more time passed before Red found himself with the rest of the team, but he only knew one person there at the moment, Aaron, a druid. Soon after he heard the sound of a wagon coming close and knew his friend Jaunus was near, and as he looked up he saw his friend moving towards them. Just as Juanus arrived Red watched Brodin, a stonemason that had shown them great friendship in this time. The man shared greetings with them and quickly jumped into a request of their service. One of the members of the group, Alex if he remembered correctly, spoke first saying he would help.

Red saw no reason why not to help mater of fact he was glad for the chance and soon after Juanus nodded he added "I would gladly aid you in this, Brodin" he said with a small bow. The world was in a chaotic place at the moment a chance to do good would be a nice change of scenery.

Gaijin · #6 01-31-2012, 04:47 AM

Aidan's attention was focused downward as he walked along the dirt road. With a childlike glee he followed a small insect as it repeatedly jumped and flew a few feet in front of him along his path. "Is it a cricket or a grasshopper?" He asked quietly, "It's pretty big to be a cricket, but this is dirt, so how could it be a GRASShopper?" As he followed it with a bemused expression the shadow of a large bird passed over them causing Aidan to lose sight of the large long legged dirt hopping critter. With a smile, as though just being told a joke, he relocated the bug and pounced on it, cupping it with both hands as the bird that produced the shadow seemed to pass over again a bit closer. Aidan threw the bug as high as he could with both of his hands and it was scooped up in the beak of a beautiful red tailed hawk at the peak of its arc, "You're right! It doesn't matter what kind of bug it is now!" Anyone watching could easily have mistaken him for a child playing in the wake of the quake.

After a short while Aidan stumbled upon the rest of his group and a voice inside his head reminded him that it was time to "grow up". With that reminder he straightened his posture, and locked in his focus on the adventurers that he was approaching. The hint of a grin remained as did a twinkle of childish enthusiasm in his eyes, but the rest of his body was composed and well behaved. He had only met them recently and didn't know much about them or where they were from, but that didn't matter. Aidan was excited to learn more and see what kind of adventures they would take him on.

When Brodin finished posing his request some of the others accepted willingly and others had questions they wanted to be answered. Aidan had caught site of the sky in a reflection from a small puddle and had temporarily drifted away from the conversation. Not entirely sure what he was offering to do, and not particularly caring he pulled his gaze away from the reflection and chimed in, "It would be my pleasure to help." Regardless of the task, Aidan liked helping people and even more this was a chance to see a new part of the world. He thought to himself, "Worst case scenario it'll be a great experience!"

Golnor · #7 01-31-2012, 01:38 PM

Vikof finished his daily reading of his book, then poked his head out of the door and took a practised look around. 'Good. No mobs, torches, or odd looks. Seems I will be safe for today at least.' He tucked his book into his backpack, checked the cloth wrapping on his torch, then walked outside and started to clean and sharpen his sword. His practise of preparing his spells in the morning has got him chased out of a few towns, but it had saved him a lynching more often.

After finishing his sword's care, he walked over to check on Tiny, his horse. He seemed fine, eating some grass, so Vikof saddled him and rode into town, as he had been spending his nights in a little shack on the outskirts of town.

As he rode into town, Vikof kept a sharp eye out for a man he knew was called Alex. Vikof hadn't personally met Alex, but had been watching him for the past few days, and had come to the conclusion that he was a good man to follow. He seemed to be the sort that would take care of his followers, if only for the fact that they where his followers. He also seemed to be willing to... "work" with arcanists, which Vikof was really hoping for. But, until Vikof was sure that Alex wouldn't turn on him, Vikof was planning to keep his arcane powers secret. At least, secret for as long as possible.

Vikof found Alex as he was preparing to leave. Since Alex took it as granted that him, Vikof, and a few others would be travelling together, Vikof hadn't spoken to Alex about his intentions. After the stonemason made his request and Alex agreed for the whole party, Vikof made noises of slightly non-committal agreement. He also listened with interest for the answer to the cleric's question.

Crazy Mage · #8 01-31-2012, 10:08 PM

Just before the sun rises, Aaron sits in silence under a tree. Having just finished his morning meditations, his eyes adjust to the pre-dawn light, allowing him to pick out Morrigan moving slow and silent among the weeds. Aaron can tell from her posture that she's picked up the scent on a rabbit, and seems to be closing in on her target. Just then, her ears pick up and she darts forward. In the blink of an eye, she has her prey in her jaws and delivers the killing blow. Aaron feels her satisfaction through there empathic link. His stomach growls as she crunches away on her breakfast and Aaron realizes he has yet to feed this morning. After foraging for about an hour, he finds sufficient berries and nuts to take his fill. Morrigan offers a to share her own meal several times, not understanding why Aaron won't eat from the drool covered furry carcass in her maw.

While Aaron munched away and pondered his role in this new group that seemed to be forming around him, he hears the clatter of hooves and watches the group come together, almost as if they were destined to be right here, right now. Calling Morrigan over to his side, Aaron joins his friends and listens to Brodins' request. Aaron nods in agreement and gathers his things in preparation of their departure.

Barlycorn · #9 02-04-2012, 12:38 AM

Having decided to help mason, you do a final check of your gear and set off on the road west. Haglee is situated just north and west of the junction of two rivers, the Gorsin and the Haversin. The road you are to take follows the Haversin but first you have to cross the Gorsin. Although it widens considerably here, it is shallow and relatively easy to ford and you are soon back on the road.

Unlike the road to the east, which is a well built highway of cobblestones, the road you are taking today is hard packed dirt with a sheen of mud on it. It is a bit slick in places but you do call yourselves adventurers, and as such, have no issue keeping a good pace.

It doesn't take long before you are leaving the last few damaged farmhouses behind. Scattered trees thicken into light patches of woods interspersed with gently rolling fields. Every so often you encounter a tree that has fallen across the road, dead leaves still clinging to its bent and broken branches. Usually there is plenty of room to go around with little difficulty. You keep the river on your right as you follow it east.

You are still well within the kingdom of Korinasz and in previous years that would imply a certain amount of safety on the road. Nothing is certain anymore, though. There has been very little real news since the quake so the state of the kingdom is unknown. Maybe there will be more information in the next town, Canti. Brodin told you that the town is on the western edge of a large lake. At the town you can either chose to follow the road around or you can take a boat across to the village of Heraz.

Just as the sun is reaching its zenith and the air has reached a comfortable travelling temperature, you round a bend in the road and are stopped in your tracks by the sight ahead of you. It appears that you aren’t the first group since the quake to attempt to travel between towns. Unfortunately, it appears that your predecessors ran into a bit of trouble. About two hundred feet in front of you, the road is littered with bodies and the remains of two wagons. Both wagons have been upended and some of the wheels are broken. There is no sign of the animals that were pulling the vehicles. You don’t see movement of any kind.

Gaijin · #10 02-04-2012, 01:45 AM

The scene was undeniably unsettling and more information needed to be gathered before the party should approach too closely to the debris field. As such Aidan instructed his hawk to scout ahead and search for danger or people who may still alive. Soaring far overhead, Eden

Dice Perception:

d20+22

(2)+22

Total = 24

I'm not entirely certain of how the familiars mechanics work, so I think this is all the bonus I get to apply. If I needed to add in Wis modifier as well it should increase by 2 more.searched the area with her keen eyes as the group stood still deciding whether or not to approach with caution or concern. Similarly, Aidan

Dice Perception:

d20+1

(6)+1

Total = 7

observed the scene from a distance.

Kshnik · #11 02-04-2012, 10:15 AM

Jaunus hands the reins of the wagon over to the half-elven innkeeper before he hops to the ground. Jaunus, after deciding that the wagon would have trouble traversing the roads after the quakes, has given the wagon to the innkeeper to use while he was gone. Jaunus walks to the back of the wagon grabs some of the awkward supplies and places them on the spare donkey. Jaunus unties the reins of his riding and spare donkey and leads them away from the wagon. Jaunus turns and waves good-bye to his half-elven friend as the wagon rolls away. Jaunus hops onto the back of his riding donkey and guides it after the group.

Jaunus and his companions move at a good pace and as they travel Jaunus shakes his head at the damage caused by the quakes. He is glad he chose not to take the wagon; it would only have slowed them down.

At the sight of the overturned wagons Jaunus states Good place for an ambush as he hops off his donkey and grabs his bow and an arrow from his quiver. Jaunus scans the area looking for any sign of movement.

DukeofTuring · #12 02-04-2012, 11:30 AM

When he notices the catastrophe in the middle of the road, Caius snaps to attention and begins scanning the area for threats with renewed vigor. If there are any trees or heavy shrubs he can tie Jacob to, Caius does so, and if not he simply lets the reins fall limp while he focuses on the area ahead.

Caius acknowledges the truth of Jaunus' statement with a murmur, but somberly adds, "Ambush or not, I need to go in there and see if there's anything I can do for survivors. Everyone else, watch over me as best as you can." Caius and anyone willing to go forward with him move up to the bodies as quietly as possible, keeping their eyes open for an ambush. Once they are close enough, Caius begins using his medical knowledge to search for survivors or, failing that, get some idea what killed the travelers.

gbuster24 · #13 02-04-2012, 01:16 PM

The journey up until the point had been an uneventful one. Alexander and Marcus had taken the lead, as only their considerable talents could stave off any frontal attacks on the group. Marcus did not enjoy trudging through the mud, but trusted that Alexander would give him a proper cleaning when possible. Alexander initiates conversation when possible, wanting to learn more about his company and also in an attempt to keep spirits high.

Upon approaching the disaster in the middle of the road, Alexander's demeanor immediately changes to that of a determined leader. Alright men. Eyes and ears open. Weapons at the ready. Jaunus is right, there's no carrion here, so I believe this has happened recently. If you see anything, call it out. Wielding his lance and shield, the cavalier urges Marcus to follow Jacob forward. The cavalier stops halfway, wanting to keep an equal distance between party members, ready to charge to anyone victim of a possible ambush. The cavalier scans the surrounding areas looking for anything out of the ordinary. Anything that might pose a threat to his comrades...

Golnor · #14 02-04-2012, 05:55 PM

Vikof had been in the back of the group, daydreaming, when everybody suddenly stopped. Wondering why they stopped, Vikof stood in his saddle and finally saw the site of the attack. 'Now there's a nice thing to see.' he thought, then followed Caius into the wreckage,

Dice perception check:

1d20+0

(7)+0

Total = 7

keeping an eye on everything he can.

Red Daghul · #15 02-04-2012, 08:56 PM

Red from the back side of the group as they entered into sight of the startling image of upturned wagons, and bodies littering the ground. Juanus says something about a ambush, and the ranger's mind seemed settled to agree with that statement. The question of what did this could only be answered from closer, of course. One of the group, Caius he believed his name was, seemed determined to help any of the fallen as quickly as possible.

Alex took more of a leadership role in the moment, though Red barely heard what he had said as he was already scanning the surrounding area as he slipped from his horse readying his bow just in case. Eyes sweeping from one spot to the next he carefully watched, ready for the expected. As he did images seemed to flood into his head as he tried to figure out what had transpired, but still he knew he would have to get close for a better idea, and that was not the best idea just yet. If Caius wanted to disband wariness to help others then Red would aid him with his bow the best he could.