Sigard's Musings

A place for DMs, GMs, or players to post stories, play reports, or general info about their current or ongoing campaigns.
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Captain_Blood
Level 5: Delver
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Joined: December 10th, 2018, 10:21 pm

Post August 24th, 2024, 8:45 pm

Northward

The mysterious note to Dead Hobbit Run is calling our friend, and it appears that with no other pressing needs we are headed North! In preparation for our journey I purchased a new pair of boots with a hidden blade from the Outfitters Store. While there I recognized a known face. The elf named Sarkazian from the unknown woman's journal in Mont du Plane. The fact that he is here is disturbing. I can think of no good reason he would be here, and I do not believe in coincidence, not anymore. If Bruno can determine where he is staying perhaps I can leave him an anonymous note to that will lead him away from us.

Bruno was able to determine where he was staying, but before I could leave a note in his room he appeared downstairs with his belongings looking to settle his bill and leave. I quickly took my prepared note, which said "To open the tomb, you must sacrifice a lamb upon the alter." and headed outside. I hid my hat, dirtied my face, and quickly sprinted to the stable. I flagged down a stable boy and asked if he knew of an elf, not a ranger, who fit Sarkazian's description. He said it he did. I claimed I had a letter for him and left it with the stable boy to deliver. I quickly left, returned to the rear of the 3 crowns to clean up and went back inside. Hopefully we won't see him again in the future.

We spent the remainder of the day buying supplies for our journey. I believe we will head out in the morning. I will use the downtime to continue practicing my abilities. I believe I'm on the cusp of a new spell to help with locks.

The following day we departed Bronzehall and arrived in Wingston. Where we learned the Elf, Sarkazian, had passed through the day before. I guess it was too much to hope that he would take the bait I left in the note. The following day we're flagged down outside of Aysgarth and told of a pox affecting the town by human child, maybe 12 years. He also mentioned that "an Elf, named Treyvor, he looks like a serious adventurer" was going to save the town. I wished to avoid the town and leave it to "Treyvor", but Pardue was adamant that we confirm the village was not under some sort of threat. The party decided to check things out in the village the next morning.

We entered the village and asked about procuring a wagon wheel. We were directed to inquire with Old Harold on the northern outskirts. Pardue took the lead and got fleeced for 13GP while bargaining for the wheel. He's not allowed to do this stuff again. While this was going on we were able to determine that whatever sickness was affecting this village wasn't the Charnalite Plague and it was clear folks were recovering. The Elf approached us whilst we loading our new wheel and engaged in some conversation. He claimed that he was going to a monastery near Bracklewhyte when he got side tracked in Aysgarth. He also claimed the illness was caused by a local graverobber who contracted something and brought it back to town. Pardue had done some divine magic and indicated that the story matched with his observations. At least as far as I could gather from Pardue. As it was a local matter and Pardue was satisfied I indicated that it was time to depart.

The remainder of our travel to Fortitude was uneventful. I was able to practice my cooking and engage in teaching Thip and Echa some rudimentary reading and writing. It's early, but I'm hopeful they will be able to master the skill before the year is out. Perhaps I should ask the other's if there are any skills they would like pass on to the siblings. My personal studies continue.
“May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.” -Malcom Reynolds

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Captain_Blood
Level 5: Delver
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Joined: December 10th, 2018, 10:21 pm

Post August 24th, 2024, 8:47 pm

Fortitude and Bracklewhyte

Duccio - Village Elder of Bracklewhyte

We arrived in Fortitude and took residence at the local temple. Honestly I am tired and glad to be out of the rain that started mid-day. I think I will sit and rest here tonight. I'm so tired I don't even want to eat...

I awakened this morning somewhere North of Fortitude. I'm aware of everything that happened last night. A general malaise seemed to affect all the humans of our party except for Pardue who was unaffected and Iolo who was manic. Bruno led the party North during the night after seeing that all the residents of the town were similarly affected. While the party helped Thip and Echa into the wagon they left Valdork to DRAG me through the muck and throw me in the wagon. This is beyond the pale. So I made sure to get even this morning once I regained my senses. A quick sleep spell put the dwarf on the ground. I quickly disarmed him and spent a minute dragging his heavy carcass around. I made sure to pull him through a pile of horse shit to drive my point home. When he came to I promptly set on him and explained myself. Understandably he struck me. I told him that was fair and asked if he was done. He said he was if I got off him. I did. He then told me not to expect any help in the future. I never expected help from the Dwarf, but I informed him that I can do a lot worse in the future if need be. I then stated that we should go back and help the people of Fortitude. I want to know what was affecting me and kill it. Pardue wanted to go back and help, but the rest of the party demurred. So for now my investigations must wait. We continue North to Bracklewhyte.

We made progress and have set up camp. I'm not cooking tonight as I don't feel like it. Only Pardue deserves my cooking right now. My watch and the night passed without incident.

This morning after travelling a mile, Valdork caught site of a large amount of Orc tracks. According to him it's at least a hundred of the pig like creatures. They must have noticed our camp last night. Why they didn't attack is beyond me. Perhaps they are running from something worse. Regardless, I'm actually glad the Dwarf is here at the moment. I might have to stop referring to him as Valdork... For now we continue Northward. We've made camp again. I am willing to cook again, but with the orcs in the area a fire is out of the question. So it will be hard tack tonight.

My watch and the night were boring. Today we should see Bracklewhyte.

We've arrived to closed gates and a single watchman. The palisade looks well maintained and the watchman seems okay. I think we'll be okay to enter. The watchman pointed us towards the Inn. We were able to stable the Animals and and Wagon for a reasonable fee (12 sp). We then set off to find the Village Elder. He informed us that a treaty between the orc tribes and the dwarves had been signed, and that it has held for 6 months. I stated that Orcs don't sign treaties, but apparently they do. I'm now convinced they are fleeing from something that scares them, and they are using the treaty to re-locate. Though Duccio claims the tribes haven't moved. He said he was also aware of the problems in Fortitude, but that it was out of his purview and he didn't have the men-at-arms to spare to investigate. For now it appears the denizens of Fortitude will be on their own.

We learned from the tavern keeper of Ye Olde Cabbage of the freeholds between here and Teglis keep. We updated our map accordingly. We also heard that there had been no traffic from the North and the fortnightly rider from Teglis Keep was 3 days late. No one seems to be bothered by this, but I'm concerned.
“May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.” -Malcom Reynolds

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Captain_Blood
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Post August 24th, 2024, 8:48 pm

Ascanio, Krytos

Tarin & Meers Krytos - Owners of the Freehold

The following morning we left early to make Ascanio Freehold by dark. About an hour north we crossed a path of white roses that led to the Northwest. Iolo mentioned "the Elf" had told them that it led to a monastery dedicated to white roses somewhere near by. It was clear "The Elf" had already passed through the area. We decided to head North. We arrived at the freehold shortly before dusk. The fortifications were wooden, but double layered. We could count at least 5 buildings from the outside. I was able to check the stories regarding the Orcs. Curiously here they say Orcs have been moving Everywhere but Eastward. They also stated that a runner from Krytos had informed them that all the patrols from Pitmerden had been pulled back to the city to deal with a disastrous fire. We departed the next day for Krytos Freehold.

About half way to Krytos we were able to spot a tent city in the distance off to the East. There was a lot of activity and it was clear they were not hiding. We were about 4 miles away and it looked to be about 15 rough tents. We estimated about 100 people. What banners we could see were to far away to make out. We decided to move on our way as it was none of our business and weren't in need of any trade. As dusk was nearing we approached Krytos. The buildings were made of stone, the palisade of wood, though it was anchored by a watchtower. The amount of work clearly showed a defensible hill fort. The Apple orchard was clearly apparent. Once again we were welcomed inside with no fuss. It's nice not to be interrogated everywhere we go. We were greeted by an older gentlemen with a weather worn face, but who moved with the training of a solider. He stated his name was Tarin Krytos, the owner of the freehold. He also revealed his wife was a lover of languages and books. I was invited to dinner after a visit to the guesthouse for bathing.

The manor house dinning hall was large and well appointed. It's clear by the furnishings and the popularity of his cider that Tarin is doing quite well. Tarin revealed he is a veteran of the Volcrad Army, the Gatlin Mountains are all part of the Volcrad County that Lord Gatlin is in charge of. He claimed that Pitmerdan had been devastated by a fire and that thousands were dead. The granaries had been destroyed, and starvation for many was likely, but the surrounding cities were able help make up the food shortfalls.

It turns out Tarin's wife Meers is also versed in cooking, herbalism, and spellcraft. I spent the evening discussing the finer points of magic with her. She also revealed the armies of Volcrad do not have battlemages, but often employ locals to fill that role when needed. She turned out be very open and was willing to discuss many of the finer points of offensive magics. We spent the entire night discussing magic in all forms. When the birds began singing we realized that dawn was approaching and that our talk must end. She bid me visit again in the future.

As I stumbled into the guest bedroom that I was sharing with Bruno, he was just getting up for the morning meal. He informed me that Tarin had offered us a job for the following month. For joining his watch for 30 days he would pay 150 GP with a 50 GP bonus at the end, room and board included. This would also allow me to spend more time with Meers and her laboratory! I quickly signaled my assent to such a deal and passed out in bed.

The party was amenable to the deal. We quickly fell into the watch schedule, and Meers had given me open access to her laboratory! The gods bless this woman! After the first day of watch I was able to get the lay of the land and see what Tarin had to work with if an actual attack came. I noticed he had no defensive siege engines. So I offered to make him some if he covered the cost of materials, provided the labor, and kicked in an extra 50 GP to me at the end of the contract. This is a steal of a deal in my opinion and Tarin seems to agree. It turns out he has more than enough materials and labor available for me to build a couple of scorpios, an onager, and a mangonel. I figure it'll take a little under 3 weeks to complete it all.

Day 5 of our contract at Krytos I asked Tarin how many people here actually knew how to fight? He revealed it was only himself and Meers. I suggested he approach Pardue to provide some basic training to his subordinates. I speculated Valdork might be useful as well, but I'll leave it to them to negotiate their own deals. I've noticed that Bruno has already started teaching a few people how to use a sling properly.

On day 6 Tarin was ambushed by Orcs of the Bloodrune tribe. We were able to provide covering fire from the first scorpio. Tarin was wounded and several of his retainers were killed, but we managed to get him back inside the freehold. Tarin revealed the Bloodrune tribe had sworn a vendetta against him and he figured they were here for revenge. I inquired about the clan a bit more, but Tarin's answers were all supposition. I decided I should focus my efforts on getting the next Scorpio completed and excused myself to do exactly that.

That evening a lone orc approached the gates and delivered an ultimatum from a Captain Helir. Basically a surrender and die. These people really need to learn that you can't open negotiations like that. When you give people nowhere to go they will fight. I am no different.
It appears neither is Tarin or Bruno. For I saw Bruno hit the Orc with a sling bullet. Pardue followed up and gave the Orc another parting shot as he retreated out of range. We shall see how things develop.
“May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.” -Malcom Reynolds

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Captain_Blood
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Post August 24th, 2024, 8:49 pm

Siege of Krytos

Asny Krytos - Daughter of Tarin Krytos

I spent hours late into the night completing the next scorpio. When it was finished I noticed the gates were being opened. We were under strict orders that the gate should not opened. I quickly cast a sleep spell to stop the opening of the gate and rand forward to see what was going on. Bruno beat me to the gate and revealed there was a woman pinned beneath a horse outside. Apparently she is someone of importance because they began opening the gate again. I steadied myself for a possible ambush assault, but nothing happened. Once I saw the gate was closed and secured I left for bed.

In the morning it was revealed the orcs had been busy building siege ladders and a catapult. Good news for us is that our scorpios will out range them by a large margin. I was also told that an Ogre was also spotted last night. I figure this Ogre has managed to cow the Orcs into working for him. This attack on the freehold may be meant to solidify his position. I postulate that removing the Ogre early may end the siege quickly. Bruno also suggested that since Orcs dislike sunlight that burning there tents and exposing them all day long would lead to tired and grumpy orcs tonight, when the battle will likely occur.

In an effort to facilitate Bruno's plan of action I devised a raid of horsemen to sally forth. The 3 most capable riders, Tarin; Asny(his daughter), and Bruno will split from the main party in an attempt to penetrate the lines and burn the tents and siege devices. The remainder would focus on firing a few volleys of arrows to keep the Orcs distracted. We will also drop a few smoke devices (pitch covered logs) to help cover the retreat. If any Orcs pursue through the smoke we have the scorpions. During the preparations Treyvor the elf arrived, big surprise... Apparently he can ride and shoot a bow well, so that will give us 4 riders for the true intent of the raid.

As the raiders departed a war horn was sounded from the Orc camp as expected. Our brave riders advanced and exchanged bow fire with the day-blind orcs. The arsonist teams were able to split off and spread the accelerant around the camp. The arrow exchanges appeared to be heavily in our favor and suddenly a large explosion occurred in their main campfire which spread flaming embers all around. As the raiders retreated they left 2 freemen and horses behind. Several were injured as well as four more horses. By the time the survivors were back inside the gates it was clear the orcs were abandoning their burning camp. The catapult was destroyed as well as several siege ladders and tents. At least 7 orc bowmen were also confirmed dead. All in all I would call the raid an astounding success!

I was able to see some disagreement between Tarin and Bruno with Treyvor. I learned later that Treyvor had deviated from the plan at the last moment. He was responsible for the explosion, so it paid off, but it was a risk that was taken with no communication beforehand. For now though the orc camp is broken, and Tarin has announced a feast for tonight.

We toasted our heroes of the day and mourned our losses at the feast. Pardue said a lovely prayer. Shortly after we got reports of movement in the darkness. Tarin feared the orcs had returned to set the orchards ablaze in an attempt to lure the freeholders out for an ambush. We readied the horses and manned the scorpions. Bruno and Valdrok kept an astute watch through the night. The movement disappeared and I went to bed. I was awoken some hours late by the alarm bell. By the time I got outside I saw everyone around the gate. I was informed that Asny had left in the company of Treyvor! I immediately berated the watch captain Romana for letting that happened and screamed for the immediate formation of a rescue party. I told Tarin the two riders were in range of the scorpio when he arrived. He took a quick moment to decide and ordered a shot be taken. Pardue quickly blessed Bruno who was taking the shot due to his better eyesight. Unfortunately he was unable to land a hit. As they rode beyond maximum range. As Tarin rode forth after them I wished him luck. I know retrieving his daughter will be a daunting task as I am convinced she is under a charm spell.
“May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.” -Malcom Reynolds

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Captain_Blood
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Post August 24th, 2024, 8:49 pm

Siege of Krytos Continued

The morning came quickly and we were aware that we may still be under watch from Orcs. We came up with a plan to sweep the orchards of the archery blinds. Pardue and Valdrok would take the lead this time while I coordinated communication and covering fire with the scorpions. It took quite some time, but we were able to determine that all the blinds that had been built were empty. Some traps had also been left behind, but thankfully we only had one casualty, which Pardue quickly took care of. Valdrok destroyed the blinds and relocated all the traps we found to the approaches for our own use should the Orcs return. As the day wound down Tarin returned without his daughter and some injured riders. He informed us that he had managed to evade the Orcs in the field, but that 'the elf' had eluded him. He proposed to pay out our contract immediately if we agreed to take on another contract to track down the elf and rescue his daughter. He would prefer we bring 'the elf' in alive, but it wasn't a requirement. After a quick party vote we opted to take up the new offer. We agreed we would leave out in the morning to pick up the trail though we still need to finalize the details of the bounty.
“May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.” -Malcom Reynolds

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