[Game Thread] First Steps of a Long Road

[Bannana Beak]

Wargar was glad the children were there to distract the party from him. He continued to inspect the skull trying to recognize what it was taken from as they worked about their healing. Wargar would never be able to help in that way, he had to show he could do more for the party. Hearing they were looking for the keys, Wargar took the opportunity to say, "I'll check the other sssde of the cave." This was a dual bonus for Wargar who wanted to be helpful from the party & be alone for a little bit.

As Wargar turned to head to the other side of the cave he caught Flacari staring at him. The horned one had a look almost like pity towards him. The look was strange to Wargar who had never been pitied before. Was it because she was afraid for him? Could it be she sees the monster he truly is inside? Flacari didn't flinch as he plodded by her on his way to the other side.

There was such a deep feeling of guilt, which Wargar had never felt after a rage before this moment. He use to earn fear & respect from his former clan for the power he held, now he felt like a wild beast. Sweet little Lilith had jumped forward despite her wounds to try and pull him back to reality. Who knew if it actually helped or not, he didn't even recognize her till his senses jumped back. She cared so much and Wargar would never forgive himself if anything happened to her, especially if it was by his own hand.

Wargar rummaged through the bugbears belongings immersed in his thoughts. Fruros seemed to have been lost in his own daze before snapping back into action to help the children. Fruros was haunted by his own demons constantly, and Wargar hoped it would not be the end of him.

 

Cave Map
Walk to other side of room
Look through Bugbears belongings.
(If you want me to roll lemme know.)

 

Character Sheet
Name: Wargar the Lurking Terror Level: 1 Race: Blackscale Class: Barbarian
HP: 15/15 , Initiative: +0 Speed: 30 / Swim 30
Senses: Perception: +4, Knowledge Nature +6
AC: 15 Touch: 9 Flat: 15 CMD: 17 Fort: +4 Refl: +0 Will: +0
Condition: Normal
Left Hand:
Right Hand:

[Solid Minotaur]

Wargar investigated the large skull that dominated the room, seeming to gaze back at him. He felt as though even the skull was disappointed in him, accusing him of something terrible. He could tell that the head belonged to a giant. He would guess by the bugbears words that it was a female giant, but he couldn't tell what race. The head was far too large to be from one of the common races so it must be of one of the ancient giants. The skull was beginning to become unsettling to the lizradfolk, and he had to turn away. He found a distraction in the table that sat across the room. Upon it he found a small mound of treasure. Scattered coins totaling to 100 gold pieces, two small garnets that might fetch 100 gold a piece. There was also two vials, one with a smoky white liquid and the other with a pale red concoction.
Falcari looked through the belongings of the terrible goblin and easily found a set of keys attached to his belt. The fine glint of his Morningstar also caught her attention. It was of amazing quality, a weapon that stood out compared to the makeshift spears and bows on his smaller kin. It certainly wasn't made by goblin hands. She wondered who made it and how it came to his possession. She took the weapon as well and made her way over to the children.

Lilith had tried her best to help the young boy but found her knowledge on such things not as great as her enthusiasm. The boy yelped in pain at her rough hands and he recoiled from her touch before she could get another try. Fruros stepped in with a disappointed scoul to his new accomplice. His extensive training to the healing arts gave him some insight to how best approach healing the child. It was a clean break, bone split evenly in two, but thankfully hadn't pierced the flesh. A splint would be needed and a crutch should he hope to walk. However considering how far it was from Lakneral, it would be better if he were carried. He didn't have the required materials to make a splint but he was sure he could find something in the cave he could use. Once they reached town they could find a doctor who could set the bone correctly.

Falcari came over with the keys and released the girl first before moving to the boy, explaining that they weren't there to hurt them, sent by their father to rescue them. At first, the girls eyes were transfixed on the tiefling's horns, unable to look away. After hearing the news, her eyes shifted to Falcari's and lit up. "Father sent you? So he's alive? I didn't think he would survive the attack. Where is he?"

 

Date and time 2nd April 933 Mid afternoon

A DC 20 heal check is required to set the boy's leg. A 15 will allow him to travel but need further treatment at Lakneral.
The Morningstar is a masterwork weapon.
A DC 21 spellcheck or an Identify spell is needed to learn the function of the two vials.

Cave Map

[Insacrum]

KKKKeeeyys. Flacari Avant Flacari was never used to the way that people seemed to pick up on her horns, and her 'exotic' look. But given the circumstance, she allowed the girl to look all she wanted. She decided to focus on the jingling of the keys that she used to free them both, rather than the stairs that they were giving her. Once the girl was free and she was working on freeing the boy, she couldn't help but tense up when the girl asked about her father. Flacari was sure that she had given away the status of her father. "I'm sorry. He is not here. He did not survive the attack. But before he passed, he bade us to rescue you and your brother." Her face was a mask of mourning and unease at having to reveal such troubling news to the girl and her brother.   Stat Block Flacari Avant Level: 1 Class: Ranger Race: Tiefling HP: 13/13 Initiative: +2 Speed: 20 Senses: Dark Vision 60'; Perception +6 AC: 18 Touch: 12 Flat: 16 CMD: 16 Fort: +4 Refl: +4 Will: +2 Attributes: Str 16, Dex 15, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 15, Cha 6 Condition: Normal Left Hand: Right Hand: Magic Items: None

[kaylara]

Rescued Children, Morals set in Lilith felt bad as she tried to comfort the children while Flacari informed them of their fathers death. It's ok. We will make sure you make it to your families estate by the 6th of April back safely. she tried to sooth their feelings as she comforted them. First we shall see your brothers leg is tended too by proper physicians. By the way, do you know Maykol Thail? After tending the children for a bit, Lilith looked over at what the others were doing. Noticing the spoils of war, I believe these items most likely were acquired from the attack on their father and should pass over to the children. I am sure the gold will more than cover the costs of a doctor. Lets gather everything and be on our way quickly, in-case there were others that have not arrived back yet. Lilith will help assist the children and carry the boy, unless someone stronger insists to carry him.   Character Sheet Name: Lilith Brightwater, Level: 1 HP Max: 13 Current HP: 7 Initiative: +2 Speed: 30 / Fly 50 Avg Senses: Darkvision 60', Perception: +4, Sense Motive: +4 AC: 17 Touch: 13 Flat: 15 Fort: +5 Refl: +4 Will: +0 Resistances: None Condition: Normal Left Hand: Right Hand: Active Spells/Effects: Alternate Form (Humanoid Form)

[Goliathus]

"While not life-threatening, The wound is quite deep and will likely take your a few days to heal naturally. And make sure you don't get on the same spot again if we find ourselves in battle again, another huge hit is likely to connect with your organs and cause lethal damage." Fruros replied the girl. He attempted to move his hand to the wound and called upon Matron's blessing to heal the wound but no matter how much he prayed, the Goddess wouldn't lend him her healing power. Sure, he could Stabalize someone but it just seemed like he could do that merely because of Matron's kindness to not let someone die on her watch instead of a sign of approval for Fruros to wield her power. The only time Fruros could successfully cast a Cure spell on someone was when he was tending the wounded alongside his brothers and sisters. He was happy at first, thinking that at last, he was able to do so, but he eventually realized that Matron was just using him as a channel for the prayers of others. Alone, he has no chance of getting a Cure spell done. That alone was frustrating because he has no answer to the question. Was it because of his dark past that prevented himself from stepping up the favored plate? Or perhaps he was worshipping Matron wrongly?

He let out a long sigh as he figured out what to do with the boy's wound. He could try to set his leg back up but he wasn't 100% confident he could do so without further damaging his leg. A splint would also needed if he were to heal the boy. He scanned the room and found suitable material but trying to DIY a splint would likely take up some time. It was not early anymore and Fruros felt like the correct way would be to carry the boy and just hoped they could reach Lakneral safely before darkness sets in. It's much better than camping in the wild and risking the life of two innocent children.

Fruros wished his companion could break the news to the children much later and maybe in a softer way, not wanting to do further damage to them now...but what's done is done. As they were having a enquiry session right now, Fruros figured he should join in. He took out the invitation from his bag and handed it to the girl. "I found this on your father's body. I think you two should keep it." Aside from returning it to its rightful owner -- or in this case, the heir, it's also a solid proof that they weren't lying about their father. "There's also Gurok Thail and Helen Waster, maybe you two can share about them on the way. I think it's best we head out of the cave and continue on our way to Lakneral before the day goes dark." After saying that, Fruros crouched besides the boy, giving him the chance to climb up on his back.

[Solid Minotaur]

The girls eye's grew wide with horror at the revelation of the fate of her father. Tears instantly well and began to fall down her cheeks. She curled into a ball and softly cried. The boy looked at his older sister and simply held a worried face. He seemed a lot more content with Fruros' assessment of his leg and seemed to trust the half-elf. Lilith moved over to the young woman and consoled her with a comforting hug, although there was not much she could do with how tightly balled she was. The group sat in silence for a few minutes to allow the children to mourn their father before continuing asking questions about the Thails.

"Maykol is my cousin. We were traveling to his wedding. I haven't seen him since we were kids. He is to marry the Princess. It is to be a big wedding, everyone in Lakneral will be there. Father was bringing some of his best cheese from out farm, but the goblins ate it all. He was warned that the road was dangerous, that's why he hired the Nealson Coaches to take us there. They have guards. They were meant to protect us." She looked down with a sorry look on her face as she thought about her father once again. She could feel the others still looking at her so she continued. "Thank you for saving us. Your very brave to fight so many goblins. My name is Lauren Holden. This is my brother Tail. Well, his name is Gregory but he hates it, so we call him Tail because he is always following... Umm, it doesn't matter." She seemed to look away again, avoiding continuing the conversation. After the others discussed the issue of the treasure they offered it to the children. "No you should keep it," said Lauren. "I don't have any other way to thank you so I insist you keep it. Uncle Gurok will look after us when we get to the city. You deserve something for taking out that monster. If you think we still have time to reach town, then I would really like to get there now. I'd rather not stay anywhere near here."

 

Date and time 2nd April 933 Mid afternoon

Tail won't be able to ride on Fruros' back unfortunately. Without a splint, he will need to be cradled. Wargar might be the only one who can do that.

Cave Map

[kaylara]

Preparing to leave cave on the way to town Lilith was glad the children lived. Hopefully they will get them to town seen and the boys leg can heal properly. She felt a bit odd, now knowing they will soon be related to a princess. This could either be a very lucky or unfortunate situation for them. But regardless, she felt the need to aid them no matter the outcome. We will do out best to get you back quickly then. After all your brother needs medical attention. she looks over to her big friend, Wargar are you able to carry the boy? or should we risk making a splint? Lilith looks around a bit more, Let's take these things and be on our way. She helps them collect the spoils of the battle as they make their way to town with the children.   Character Sheet Name: Lilith Brightwater, Level: 1 HP Max: 13 Current HP: 7 Initiative: +2 Speed: 30 / Fly 50 Avg Senses: Darkvision 60', Perception: +4, Sense Motive: +4 AC: 17 Touch: 13 Flat: 15 Fort: +5 Refl: +4 Will: +0 Resistances: None Condition: Normal Left Hand: Right Hand: Active Spells/Effects: Alternate Form (Humanoid Form)

[Insacrum]

The beginning of the end of the beginning of the... Flacari Avant Flacari knew that her current use with the children was at an end. She couldn't carry them, nor could she heal them. A slight sense of unease filled her, as she found herself useless among the group now. With those thoughts on her mind, she turned to the cave entrance. While they had managed to kill all of the goblins, and the bugbear that were, up to a few minutes ago, currently occupying the cave, that didn't mean that there weren't others scouring the area, away from the cave, possible to return. She sheathed her sword, and put what arrows she had away in order to move towards the front of the cave, and make sure that nothing was setting up in order to surprise them. Anything that she could do to help the group survive the four hour journey back to the city would be needed. As she tried to peer out from the relative darkness of the cave.   Stat Block Flacari Avant Level: 1 Class: Ranger Race: Tiefling HP: 13/13 Initiative: +2 Speed: 20 Senses: Dark Vision 60'; Perception +6 AC: 18 Touch: 12 Flat: 16 CMD: 16 Fort: +4 Refl: +4 Will: +2 Attributes: Str 16, Dex 15, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 15, Cha 6 Condition: Normal Left Hand: Right Hand: Magic Items: None

[Bannana Beak]

Standing off to the side of the party only half listening, Wargar blinked a few times at his name being mentioned and looked as if he was just remembering he wasn't alone in the cave. Getting acquainted with the situation, Wargar looked over the boy sitting meekly and quietly on the dirty floor & at the deep gash in Lilith's body. Wargar delicately reaches into a pouch and pulls out the vials and asks Fruros, "Can thessse ssstrange liquidsss help? The temple chaplainsss ussse to ussse ssstrange liquidsss to help warriorsss." Wargar handed the vials to Furos as well as his share of the 25gpcoins.

As he let Fruros examine the gold coins Wargar got down on one knee to speak with the boy in a low tone as to not frighten the child. "Do not fear Tail, I will not hurt you. If we leave tonight I can carry you if you wisssh, but the journey will be painful for you. You will feel every ssstep I take, but I will get you home. Thisss I promissse you." After speaking to the young boy Wargar got up & turned to Lilith. "You are very and very sweet Lilith, but you must take care of yourself as well." Wargar indicated towards her wound. "Can you make the journey?" With a smile Wargar added, "I can carry the boy and you, but we will move much slower." Wargar also gave Lilith her share of the 25gpgold even if she would only take it reluctantly & gave her 1 of the garnets as well.

Looking over to Flacari who still seemed sad after giving the children the news that their father had perished. Then with renewed purpose Flacari started to head out of the cave. Before she could leave Wargar grabbed her attention. "Flacari do not forget your 25gpgold & here isss the lassst garnet." Wargar then lowered his voice and added, "It was kinder for you to tell them now than to give them falssse hope." Wargar left her to her own devices after that, he knew the value of alone time.

Remembering that Fruros was in need of good materials Wargar walked over to the other side of the cave. As he got over to the other side of the cave he then flipped the table over and ripped off two of the legs and grabbed some of the ragged bed cloth of the bugbear. Wargar thought it wasn't pleasant but maybe these could be used as a brace. Wargar brought the legs & the sheet over to Fruros & said, "I don't know if this will work, but maybe it would do better than nothing." Wargar left it to both Fruros & Lilith to discuss if it could even be used for a splint. Looking at the skull again Wargar began to examine it closely and put his hand upon it.

[Goliathus]

The boy tried his best to climb on Fruros' back but it was to no avail as his broken leg was nothing but dead weight. No matter how much the boy tried to put himself up his back, he would just be dragged down again back onto the ground by the dead leg. Darn it, why is everything so hard? Fruros was real pissed at the bugbear, staring angrily at the monster's corpse for several seconds. There's not much of an option for them now aside from finding or crafting a splint.

As he was still trying to figure things out, Wargar came to him with some coins. "Thanks." Fruros took them and put them into his bag without thinking about them. The lizardfolk showed up again real soon with some potential material for a splint. Fruros proceeded to Taking 10, heal = 10+7 = 17examine the materials carefully, making sure they were okay to make a splint with.

[Extra(to save time): If the materials are deemed okay, then Fruros would proceed to craft the splint and get things moving by next turn; otherwise, he would not]

[Solid Minotaur]

Lauren seemed to calm down a little bit at the prospect of getting out of the cave and finally seeing her uncle. After spending some time going through the valuables, Wargar spreads out an even share amongst the others and tucks his own gold into his pouch. Fruros took a look at the collected materials that Wargar had bought over and thought he could make a splint out of it, but nothing that could last. It would do until they reached the city, but would need the hands of skilled physician to heal correctly. Fruros bound Tail's leg tightly between the two pieces of wood with surprisingly few complaints. With everything they needed or wanted packed away and the children with them, the group moved out of the cave to find the sun nearing the end of it's journey though the sky. Only an hour or so would remain before darkness engulfed them.

 

Date and time 2nd April 933 Mid afternoon

You may ask any questions you like to Lauren and Tail or strategize your entrance into the city.

[kaylara]

Journey on the way to town Lilith smiled and tucked her share of the treasure away. As they journeyed to town, she began to slowdown. Whew. This was an exhilarating day, I'm tired and beat. Feet are starting to hurt, perhaps.. she stopped herself before saying anything more as she thought about flying to relieve the pressure off her feat. Oh never mind... Then suddenly she was picked up by Wargar. She blushed slightly and in a seductive tone, Oh, thank you Wargar. Are you sure you can handle us? she in inadvertently mentioned. Not even realizing her own natural tone. As the continued on, Lilith looked at the others. Anyone need to hide in the outskirts as we run the children into the city? Her comments were the first indication to the children that their saviors may not be well liked or permitted to into the city. Lilith gets comfortable as her warm and soft bussom rests along Wargar shoulder. She drapes on arm around his thick neck. She looks over at the children. Since we have some time before we reach the city. Why not tell us about yourselves and your family. I'm sure there must be some tale on how you uncle is to marry a princess.   Character Sheet Name: Lilith Brightwater, Level: 1 HP Max: 13 Current HP: 7 Initiative: +2 Speed: 30 / Fly 50 Avg Senses: Darkvision 60', Perception: +4, Sense Motive: +4 AC: 17 Touch: 13 Flat: 15 Fort: +5 Refl: +4 Will: +0 Resistances: None Condition: Normal Left Hand: Right Hand: Active Spells/Effects: Alternate Form (Humanoid Form)

[Bannana Beak]

Fruros fashioned a makeshift splint for Tail to the best of his ability, in attempts to help him along on the jarring road. With the child's consent Wargar picked him up and started the journey to Lakernal. Before leaving the cave Wargar said, "In Lakernal pleassse call me by Bosssk. I would be very appreccciative." Heavy with thoughts from the past, exiting the entrance of the cave only seemed moments before his consciousness snapped him back into reality.

Wargar was cradling the boy during the journey in complete silence doing everything he could to make sure his leg didn't bounce around. After some time Lilith started to slow down, raising Wargar's concern for her wounds. Wargar shifted the boy to almost sit on his forearm & have him hold onto his shoulder. As Lilith seemed lost in a thought Wargar came up behind her and picked her up with his other arm. The weight was substantial with both of them & their Around 400 pounds, within my medium load.belongings, but was not overbearing. "Do not worry for me Lilithhh, I will not falter. With the children we ssshouldn't have a problem, we must explain that they of are importanccce. Lilith remember call me Bosssk while we are in Lakernal, I do not wisssh my presssenccce known." Wargar plodded along feeling the length of the journey they had taken.

Previous concerns that the party would treat him differently after his episode seemed to drift away as more time passed. Even if it didn't bother his allies, Wargar knew he needed to keep a close check on his actions, all the memories of the cave seemed to fill his mind. As Wargar started to brood over his thoughts again when he felt Lilith get more comfortable. Wargar smiled as Lilith held on with her warm soft body, she didn't seem to be bothered about his monstrous appearance & she was always so sweet.

As evening quickly turned to night, Wargar quickly requested extra light so as not to trip in the dark and hurt the ones he carried. "Frurosss, would you be ssso kind asss to light the way for me? My armsss are burdened otherwissse I would not bother you." As the night passed on Lilith offered up for the children to share their knowledge of the uncle & the princess.

"Great idea Lilithhh, let the children tell usss their ssstory." Stories were the way history was mainly passed down through the barbaric tribes of the swamp. When Wargar was young he always loved the stories of the brave Lizardfolk who would triumph against the many enemies and denizens of the the murky waters. Wargar could listen for hours upon the heroic tales & other folks histories always brought him back to when he was a child.

 

Not certain how much time elapsed before Lilith started to weaken for me to grab her. After I did grab her I entered into a medium load. If I need to roll Fortitude I will.

[Goliathus]

Aside from keeping check on the Tail's and Lilith's wounds, Fruros largely kept things to himself throughout the journey. He would have talked to the children - or more like, a teenager and her brother - if Lilith didn't do so yet. As that was taken care of, Fruros spent his time just reflecting about his past or just...not thinking anything. The day has had its share of events and he was simply too tired to care about anything on the road aside from tending the patients.

As Wargar asked for a light source, "No problem." Fruros nodded, unsheathed his blade and cast a Light spell on it. The spell would work on a lot of things, even his clothes if he were to do it, but he always found the blade to be the most flexible item. He could hold it out like a torch, attack with it if they were to meet something unkind, and he could simply put it back to its scabbard in an instant to stop the lighting, even if the spell was supposed to go longer.

Fruros positioned himself a bit frontal than the others and rise his hand high so his light could cover a larger area. He turned back to check on Flacari for a moment, worried about her in an urban environment. The girl has said that she preferred to stay in the wild so even though Lakneral citizens could be indifferent of her...unusual look, she might not feel natural inside the city. Fruros felt like he should keep an eye on her to make sure she didn't accidentally cause any trouble. Fruros wasn't too worried as they had saved two children to be on the city's deed list but he figured it's best to use that deed to negotiate for information.

[Solid Minotaur]

"Oh," said Lauren after being asked more about her family. "I don't know a terrible lot. Only what father has told me. He didn't agree with Uncle Gurok making Maykol marry the Princess. He thinks it is just his way of improving the orc name in the eyes of the royals. I don't see why though. Uncle Gurok has won plenty of battles. They made him the general once, but now he sits on the council. I haven't seen Maykol since I was six years old. I'm not sure if he loves the Princess or not. He didn't like nobles when we were kids. But I suppose he may have changed. It was a long time ago."

As they talked, the road into Lakneral came into view. It was dark, but Fruros' sword lit the way. No others were on the road but lights from the city were still lit, suggesting that it wasn't too late into the night. While there were no gates to pass in coming into the city limits, the road in was the most obvious route in, and taking another path would be highlighted by the glowing sword, not to mention draw questions from the children. With no crowd to distract them, the two guards keeping watch were very interested in the late arrivals into Lakneral.

"Hold there, Paladin!" commanded one of the guards, looking at the glowing sword. He checked over the group before continuing. "An odd time to be returning, sir. And with such strange company. I can't see your symbol sir, are you of the Guardian or the Judge?" The other guard watched from behind the first. He looked intently at Wargar, almost if he seemed familiar. "You! Lizard! You have a look of a raider about you. Where are you from? And how did you end up with this lot?" The man's hand was resting on the hilt of his blade, sitting a little uneasy.

 

Date and time 2nd April 933 night

Everyone make a DC 12 Fort save (DC 16 for Wargar) or become fatigued.

If you attempt any falsehoods to the guards, please make a bluff check. I will add bonus for any believable lies or penalties for any far fetched stories. I'll explain modifiers if I make any.