[Game Thread] Act I: The Ills of Hengistbury

[Vodka Slushy]

Tabatha bit into an apple and chewed with her mouth open in presence of a telling of magical prowess. She felt a bit self conscious, knowing that she was but ordinary and had to be crafty to solve her issues. It was obvious they wanted her to speak. She looked at the floor as she answered, "well, uh, nothing special I guess. I can hide good, and uh... oooh I climb real well and can find traps! No spells, though. Sorry." She continued to stare at the floor.

[GreatCthulhu]

Kerrick raises his hand in a wave and says, "My name is Kerrick, and I am a local. I grew up here, but have only just recently returned. I am a woodsman, skilled at living off the land, tracking, and scouting. I am also trained in physical combat, both close and at range, though my bow is my preferred weapon." He touches his bow as he says this, seemingly without realizing it.

[quintangible]

The Pembertons sit through the introductions and mild strategy sharing, then stand up from the table. Lord Permberton speaks out somewhat abruptly.
"Very well, then. I take it you've all seen the town, know where to find things that you may need to buy for your journey and such? I'm sure one of the guardsmen on your way out of the keep can direct you to most anything you might need. Now, if you don't mind, we have other matters to attend to. Thank you all, and godspeed." He exits the room with a pair of attendants, leaving Lady Pemberton behind. She does not immediately exit, but begins to help clear the table.

[LittleBlueNA]

Keloryn Roloval As Lord Pemberton excused himself, Keloryn gave his signature bow. Journal in hand, he spoke to his new compatriots, "Right, well I for one am ready to head out... I just need to buy a torch... what an annoyance..." his voice trailed off as he looked at his ringed finger. Shaking his head, he continued, "That is, of course, unless someone else is prepared to light the way?"

[Vodka Slushy]

"Ugh... more waiting!" She stamped her foot impatiently. "Oh, you can have mine. Or someone can!"

[GreatCthulhu]

"I have a few torches, as well, should we need them. I am ready to depart when everyone else is." Kerrick takes another quick stock of his gear.

[Rainbow007]

"Don't worry, I have plenty." Altor replied to the mage's concern. She had prepared herself for travel, expecting to be drafted outward away from the village rather than diving further into it. Oh well, the greatest of adventures often start at home and whatnot. "If that is all we need, I am ready to head there myself as well."

[Svalin]

Ban nods to his companions, "I am ready to leave, Perhaps the one of us who is familiar with the surrounding landscape should lead us to the castle?" he suggests as he gestures to Kerrick.

[Rainbow007]

"I could take a swing at it if I have to, but Kerrick you probably know the best route." Altor deferred to the tracker. She grew up here sure, but he knew these woods like the back of his hand.

[GreatCthulhu]

"Sure, I can take point as we go. I'll stay out in front, but within sight of the group. This is a common hand signal we use to mean, "Stop,
I've seen something." he says, demonstrating by holding his left arm away from his body, forearm up at a ninety-degree angle, hand clenched into a fist.

"If you see me do that, stop moving, or at least form up on me so I can let you know what I've seen."

With that, Kerrick secures his machete to one side of his belt, and his axe to the other, shoulders his pack, and picks up his bow before heading for the door.

[quintangible]

You depart from the keep, Kerrick leading the way. Everyone continues their discussion about strategy, and the journey passes quite quickly. The ranger keeps on a clear safe path, without much to bother you. You are surprised to see that there is more than just wilderness out this far from the town. Early in the trip, you pass a rock quarry, several donkeys and mules bearing loads of stone and ore aside dwarven workers. A few cabins can be seen not far off in some of the groves of trees, undoubtedly members of the sheriff's patrolmen. Yet the last leg of the hike is eerily quiet. It takes a minute or two, but you eventually notice the lack of wildlife. Kerrick finds the path increasingly more difficult to follow, with few signs that anyone has ever been through this area. A stone tower protrudes over the horizon. The castle is in sight, giving any who look upon it a feeling of unease.

After nearly two hours of travel, Kerrick comes upon a clearing. At the far end are the castle doors. Castle Brockendale has clearly seen better days. Much of the castle is in ruins and few outside walls remain unbreached. Over the years various vines and other climbing plants have taken hold in the rough and broken stonework that litters the ground. Some of the stonework appears to be covered by old dilapidated cobwebs of the usual size. Seeing his signal, the others quietly join the ranger and survey the area.

The castle now looms over you, its skeletal ruins stark against the grey sky. Whether or not it actually is haunted, it certainly looks the part. For an instant, you think you see a light in one of the empty, ruined windows—but it is gone; probably a figment of your imagination. Before you can consider what you may have seen, something moves amongst the rubble—several somethings, scuttling rapidly towards you, fangs dripping with venom...

OOC Kerrick and Ban, you're up! The image links to the map. Also, no rush, but I'll need new initiative rolls from everyone for next time. Thanks!

[Svalin]

Seeing the creatures reveal themselves, Ban takes a deep breath before stepping behind Tabatha and Channeling his divine energy into his hand he reaches up and places his hand gently on her shoulder whilst in an almost silent voice,"Desna protect her", Before turning to face the creatures readying himself for their attacks, trying his best to keep his nerves calm and his breathing steady.

OOC Movement done on map Action: Cast Resistance on Tabitha(Level 0) Initiative: Dice * Initiative: 1d20+2 (14)+2 Total = 16 (16)

[GreatCthulhu]

Kerrick doesn't hesitate, yelling out to the others, "Make ready!" and in one smooth motion, he draws an arrow back to his cheek and lets fly. The shot glances one of the spiders, but doesn't slow it much. Next time, take your time. Remember the training.

OOC No move this turn. Action: Fire arrow at spider 5 for 2 damage. New initiative: 18

[quintangible]

As an arrow sinks into one of the spiders, you see one next to it spin aside. As its back is facing you, a spray of webbing arcs through the air, heading straight for Altor.

OOC Altor needs a DC12 reflex save to keep from being webbed (grappled). If caught in the webs, they require 2hp of damage to break free. Tabatha, Keloryn, and Altor can act now. The map image links to the tool again.

[LittleBlueNA]

Keloryn Roloval Mentally running through his options, Keloryn stepped up to Altor's side, pointed at the nearest spider, and said, "Cιβιπ". A bolt of ice flew from his finger and struck the spider on one of its legs. The spider chittered and shook its leg, but didn't appear to be phased by the attack.

 

Keloryn Roloval - HP 7/7
STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
8	14	10	20	14	7
FORT	REF	WILL	AC	TOUCH	FLAT
+0	+2	+4	12	12	10
DC15 Cantrips: Detect Magic, Disrupt Undead, Ray of Frost
DC16 Level 01: Mage Armor(0/1), Magic Missile(0/2)
Special: Arcane Bond(0/1)
Status:

Move Action: Move near Altor
Standard Action: Ray of Frost at Spider 6 for 1 damage.
Free Actions: Cry a little OOC