Hetalan is toad
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| Illustration from "The Adventures of Old Mr Toad" by Thornton W Burgess on Gutenberg |
All he loves is gold,
Cowardly, like a kobold
In truth, not nearly as bold
I shall see him in the ground,
The ground so,so cold
Bit of a delay as I worked through a week of game time following Tlichnolli + Watseka finding their way to Anvil, while Sydney languishes in jail. Then Sydney's journey to meet them.
Long post feel free to TLDR it.
Previous Posts
Portly Pomp, 8th Waning - Yellow Moon-Dog, 2nd Rising
Yellow Moon-Dog, 5th Rising - Yellow Moon-Dog, 8th Rising
Sydney’s Journal
Yellow Moon-Dog, 9th Rising Byrny Keep. We rescued Perpetua and Betucia’s son’s bodies today. We stood her up behind the temple, swords out, horror on her face. Perhaps we can find a way to restore her some day. After we returned the mule and cart, I was accosted by a beggar, when he tried to rob me, I pushed him down. Apparently, they encourage theft in Byrny, for now I am in a filthy, rat infested cell beneath the keep.
Write Up
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| Illustration from Liber Vagatorm Martin Luther (ed) on Gutenberg |
“Alms for a poor man! Alms for a crippled warrior!” he cried.
Sydney dug into her pouch and dropped some coins in his hand as she went past. Then she felt a tug as the beggar tried reaching himself into her pouch. “Damned ingrate!” she swore as she kicked his crutch out, causing him to fall into the muddy street.
A burly passing miner grabbed her. “Who are you to attack one of our own? He lost that leg fighting goblins last month!”
“He tried robbing me! After I gave him coins!”
By now a group of miners had gathered, Tlichnolli had a hand on his sword and Watseka stepped back out of the crowd.
The beggar whined as he rose “She gave me a few copper, then cursed and struck me, you all saw it”
“They saw you try to rob me!” Sydney shouted.
“I did not” said the miner holding her. “Did any of you?” Heads shook, and “No” murmured on the breeze. “You no have to right to come into our town and attack a man just because he’s a beggar. Come on let’s take her to the Governor for justice.”
Sydney looked a Tlichnolli, he shook his head. “There are eight not counting the man holding you, and I do not know the customs here, if such a combat would be allowed. “ he stated, “We will get Tallulah.”
The miners hustled Sydney off to the keep as Tlichnolli and Watseka went back to the Temple of Athena.
Try again the next day -no outbound encounter. On return Sydney accosted by crippled beggar.
Does he try to pickpocket he? Likely - 42 yes. Succeeds on 15+ . Fails!
Swing to kick crutch away 11 - hit.
9 passer-bys. Do any of them raise a hue and cry? Likely - 01. Grabs Sydney
Did any of them see the attempted theft? Doubtful - 46 - no
D6-1 days to wait in jail - 5 days
Punishment
1-2 Stocks 3-4 Fine 5 Flogging 6 Banishment => 3 Fine
1d4 sp (3) + 1 Gp court costs + 2sp/day upkeep
Tlichnolli + Watseka
They returned to the Temple of Athena. Tallulah informed them that striking a beggar was a minor crime, assuming that the beggar was a citizen. Sydney could be expected to be kept in the keep until the governor, Hetalan, held a public audience. Then she would be fined, and if unable to pay, put to work in the iron mines at half wages until she paid off the debt. Hetalan held audiences irregularly, it could be a few days to two more weeks until the next audience.
Sydney’s Journal
Yellow Moon-Dog, 10th Rising Byrny Keep. I scarcely dare use the hole in the floor, for the rats crawl out of it at all hours.
Write Up
Tlichnolli + Watseka
First they went to the keep to visit Sydney, being informed that prisoners awaiting trial were not allowed visitors, they returned to the Golden Chimera. Talking it over they decided that they should see if there was another group heading along the road to Anvil and join them, deliver the statue and letter to Flahdal, then return to see if Sydney was freed yet.
Waiting for a caravan heading north or Sydney to get out f jail
1d6 -1 days (5, so 4 days after Sydney’s arrest someone else departs up the road to Anvil.
Four hexes - encounter second hex. Rorystone Vale (7) - were tiger
Yellow Moon-Dog, 11th Rising Byrny Keep. The food is slop, if they would spit in it it would taste better.
Yellow Moon-Dog, 12th Rising Byrny Keep. I asked if my companions or the priestess had come to see me - the gaoler said no visitors while I was awaiting trial.
Yellow Moon-Dog, 13th Rising Byrny Keep. Working on songs describing Byrny and the governor.
Yellow Moon-Dog, 14th Rising Byrny Keep. I was taken in front of Governor Toad and sentenced without trial. Such tyranny and injustice cry to the heavens! Three silver for striking the beggar - no crime to steal from me! - over two gold to the fat toad of a governor for the trouble he takes to pass unjust punishments. Still out of the dungeon and on the road!
Tallulah told me that Tlichnolli and Watseka had left the day before with a merchant travelling to Thunderhome. She said a group of dwarf mercenaries had left Byrny that morning and I could probably catch them before dark. Safer to travel with them than by myself. I managed to catch up to them before dinner. Grunni Blueaxe is a suspicious bastard, like all dwarfs, but let me join the throng of humans travelling with him. All the dwarfs in the world don’t have as much of a sense of humor as any of these people. Big Mick is an absolute GIANT of a man. I think Carantodia is some sort of Duneal witch, but can she ever sing! I want to try doing a duet with her. Her companion, Sammula, has the scariest dead white eyes. There’s another family besides Mick’s and the “Grosspetite”, as Mick calls the Amazons in the group. Honestly one of them is a full head taller than the other, fair to the shorter one’s ebony.
Yellow Moon-Dog, 15th Rising On Rorystone Road. I swear I can still see Byrny from here, these dwarfs match so slow!. Carantodia taught me a song today, I could feel the power in it as a bird came, perched on my finger and sang with us. Then Big Mick joined in and got the same response (except the bird shat on his hat)! Carantodia is a Duneal witch and she talked Mick into joining her - Sefridius, his wife isn’t so sure about that plan.
Yellow Moon-Dog, 16th Rising A manticore swooped down and killed the Danvers, or was it Devers? I didn't really get to know them, plain ordinary people who have died an extraordinary death. Bolla went down too, Amydyma and Big Mick slew it with my help. We buried William and Milda in a common grave, the dwarves dug it and insisted that we cover it with stones they cut as we watched.
The creature flew on the updrafts provided by the rising ground below. It’s instincts knew that the rising ground also channeled prey, like the herd below straggling uphill along the dirt track.
The dwarf formation marched in front, leading their pack mules. The witch Carantodia and her companion Sammula followed, talking with Sydney about their life in the Dearthwood. Big Mick Remy and his family followed, his wife Sefridius trying to dissuade him from his sudden decision to follow the witch and their daughter Acelina trailing bored with parental squabbles behind them. Then came the Amazon Amdyma and her companion the Skandik warrior Bolla Kjallakdottir. Finally, straggling along looking for savory herbs were William and Milda Danvers.
The first warning Sydney knew of the attack was Milda’s cry. The manticore’s spikes had perforated her husband William before she had succumbed herself to the darts of the beast’s first salvo.
The travellers are ascending a narrow cutting when attacked by a manticore (20hp - a bit puny, AC 5). Order of march Dwarves, mules, Duneals, Remys, Grosspetite, Danvers. Sydney is marching with the Duneals.(I decided the dwarves marched in front, given Grunni's distrust of tag-alongs, then random for each of the groups and Sydney with a random group.)
The manticore has surprise, it will act like a carnivore, attack the stragglers, cut them from the herd, spook the herd and then settle down to eat.
First round it hits the unarmored Danvers who are close together - randomly the 6 spikes landed four in William and two in Milda. He's way dead, she could be saved - if there is healing....but that gets used for others
“Rutherford!” shouted Amdyma as she launched a javelin and Bolla loosed an arrow before Sydney could get her crossbow cocked. The javelin sailed wide, but the arrow sailed true into its target, passing through a cloud of spikes heading towards the archer.
Bolla went down as Sydney and Sammula joined Amdyma, their bows tracking the creatures movements.
Second round the Barbarians get to act and beat the manticore on initiative. One hit, but the SKandik goes down in a hail of spikes. Later rolls show that her legs are mangled.
Yeah, an Amazon should be shouting in Greek, but Sutherland's manticore always looks like Rutherford B Hayes to me.
Big Mick came running up waving his club inexpertly. Sefridius called on him to return as Acelina retreated towards the dwarves. Their formation marching back in step, stopping to dress their line after passing the mules.
Morale check (-2) for the 0 level family Remy. Big Mick ends up with a 9 - Pursue and Advance; his wife a 6 - Fight On; and their daughter a 3 - Fighting Withdrawl. The others are character types and don't check morale.
The manticore swerved out of the way of the missiles rising towards it as it spiraled down over the kill, it’s volley of spikes landing a few feet from Sydney.
Round 3 - everyone misses
It landed next to the Danvers’ corpses - and began tearing off a chunk of meat. Big Mick and Amdyma rushed up in front of the monster striking with his club and her long spear, followed by Sydney who managed to put her own sword into its haunch. The manticore pulled the Amazon in with a large paw, biting her severely, but she and Big Mick struck again. The beast expiring in a last feeble attempt to bite the tiny Amazon.
Round 4 - Everyone hits, except Sammula who is dancing around looking for a clear shot.
Round 5 - The Amazon and Big Mick put it down, it acts on the same action as the last blow, but misses
Carantodia came up with Grunni Blueaxe as the rest of the dwarves fanned out looking skyward for a mate. “Watch and listen” she told Big Mick. “Ag fas agus ag leighas” she chanted as she removed the spikes from Bolla’s legs. Sydney could see her hands leaving a trail green as the first leaves of spring as she wiped them around the punctures. The Skandik woman stopped bleeding and her eyelids fluttered open. Then she repeated the spell on Amdyma, removing most traces of her injuries.
Again, playing with ACKS Spell Signatures. Bolla is a t 1 hp (50% chance she prepared two Cure Lights (1-3 on d6 = yes)). Rolled a 1, so Amdyma gets healed instead of Milda Danvers who can't speak up being busy bleeding out.
Bolla rolls on the Mortal Wounds 11 & 2 -2 hp; +1 healing magic +1 healing skill; -3 after the fight 1hp, both legs lamed. 2weeks bedrest
First they went to the keep to visit Sydney, being informed that prisoners awaiting trial were not allowed visitors, they returned to the Golden Chimera. Talking it over they decided that they should see if there was another group heading along the road to Anvil and join them, deliver the statue and letter to Flahdal, then return to see if Sydney was freed yet.
Waiting for a caravan heading north or Sydney to get out f jail
1d6 -1 days (5, so 4 days after Sydney’s arrest someone else departs up the road to Anvil.
Four hexes - encounter second hex. Rorystone Vale (7) - were tiger
Sydney’s Journal
Yellow Moon-Dog, 11th Rising Byrny Keep. The food is slop, if they would spit in it it would taste better.
Write Up
Sydney in jail, Tlichnolli + Watseka waiting for a caravan to depart Byrny to the north
Sydney’s Journal
Yellow Moon-Dog, 12th Rising Byrny Keep. I asked if my companions or the priestess had come to see me - the gaoler said no visitors while I was awaiting trial.
Write Up
Sydney in jail, Tlichnolli + Watseka waiting for a caravan to depart Byrny to the north
Sydney’s Journal
Yellow Moon-Dog, 13th Rising Byrny Keep. Working on songs describing Byrny and the governor.
Write Up
Sydney in jail.
Tlichnolli + Watseka
The merchant’s name was Azhar Sabeen, he was taking a load of food (rabbits and chickens) to the dwarves in Thunderhold on two large carts. Oddly, he made a point of walking gracefully downwind of the wagons during the march and didn’t eat with them that night. He agreed they could accompany him as far as Anvil, they swore to obey his orders and that if they were to vanquish any foes, he would divide any treasure among them and the rest of his party.
I was considering how an encounter with a were-tiger could play out, when I realized that being a merchant would make a great cover for a were-tiger, as tigers are well known to become successful business men..Tlichnolli + Watseka
The merchant’s name was Azhar Sabeen, he was taking a load of food (rabbits and chickens) to the dwarves in Thunderhold on two large carts. Oddly, he made a point of walking gracefully downwind of the wagons during the march and didn’t eat with them that night. He agreed they could accompany him as far as Anvil, they swore to obey his orders and that if they were to vanquish any foes, he would divide any treasure among them and the rest of his party.
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| Image on style.disney.com |
Sydney’s Journal
Yellow Moon-Dog, 14th Rising Byrny Keep. I was taken in front of Governor Toad and sentenced without trial. Such tyranny and injustice cry to the heavens! Three silver for striking the beggar - no crime to steal from me! - over two gold to the fat toad of a governor for the trouble he takes to pass unjust punishments. Still out of the dungeon and on the road!
Tallulah told me that Tlichnolli and Watseka had left the day before with a merchant travelling to Thunderhome. She said a group of dwarf mercenaries had left Byrny that morning and I could probably catch them before dark. Safer to travel with them than by myself. I managed to catch up to them before dinner. Grunni Blueaxe is a suspicious bastard, like all dwarfs, but let me join the throng of humans travelling with him. All the dwarfs in the world don’t have as much of a sense of humor as any of these people. Big Mick is an absolute GIANT of a man. I think Carantodia is some sort of Duneal witch, but can she ever sing! I want to try doing a duet with her. Her companion, Sammula, has the scariest dead white eyes. There’s another family besides Mick’s and the “Grosspetite”, as Mick calls the Amazons in the group. Honestly one of them is a full head taller than the other, fair to the shorter one’s ebony.
Write Up
Tlichnolli + Watseka arrive in Anvil.
Do they find Fladahl? Easy task as he's the ruler. 00 Astounding success. Not only do they find him, but in circumstances that put him in their debt. However, he's very high level, they will wait 1d4 (3) days until they can actually see him.
The rat scuttled down the noisome drain in the center of the cell at the sound of the gaoler’s footsteps - this time accompanied by the jingle of chain mail. Sydney looked at the door of the cell as she heard the bars being lifted and dropped on the corridor floor outside.
“Time to see the gov’ner” the pasty gaoler cried as the door slammed inward.
The two guards escorted her out of the dungeon to the courtyard of the keep. She recognized one as one of the militia that had been sent out after the landshark.
“So, Caeso, any more reports of that monster?”
“Thank Odin, no! With any luck, I’ll be done with my rotation before it shows up again. Rather be in a rock fall in the mines, than face one of those.”
“Hah! You’re right, that’s why I ran like blazes when I saw the thing…. So, what happens to me next?”
“Governor Hetalan sentences you. After these farmers finish complaining about something stalking around the outlying farms.”
“What, no trial? I don’t get to defend myself?”
“The witnesses say you hit him. They’re citizens, so is he - you’re not. Why waste time when no one will believe you anyway? Much cheaper than trials and judges and litigation tricksters and all that folderol is what the steward says.”
The crowd of peasants in front of the dais, shuffled away after Hetalan promised to send someone to investigate the issue, Sydney was pushed forward.
The steward glanced at his notes - “Struck a fool or beggar. Said individual being a citizen of Byrny in good standing. Three silver plus costs, mines for two months if unable to pay.”
Three silver isn’t bad. Sydney dug into her pouch, “Here’s your three silver.” And proffered the coins.
The steward looked at her, “Court costs of ten silver and upkeep was..let me see.. Six days at two silver a day, total is 25 silver. You have sufficient funds?”
Mutely, Sydney nodded as three silver became two and a half gold pieces.
“Take her to the quaestor, then give her her weapons at the gate”, the steward dismissed her. “Next, we have a request from the Shipping Guild….”
After leaving the keep, Sydney went to find Tlichnolli and Watseka. Finding they were no longer at the Golden Chimera, she went to see Tallulah - who told her they had departed for Anvil with a small caravan the day before. She didn’t think that Sydney could catch up to them, but told her a group of heavily armed dwarves had left that morning, and she could probably catch up to them and and join their group for protection.
Before sunset she had caught up to the dwarves who were setting up camp. As soon as the sentry spotted her, he called out and another dwarf joined him in waiting for her to arrive.
“No, but you can join them” the dwarf with the blue metal warhammer said, pointing to another group camped past a picket line of mules, as she came up.
Sydney looked at him questioningly.
“I don’t know you, I have no reason to trust you in a fight and I won’t risk my Guys by doing so. You can join the other tag-alongs, walk with us as far as you want. You set your own watches, shout if you see something and we’ll come unless we’re also under attack. If there is a fight, run if you want, stay out of our way if you fight. Try to betray us and you’ll end up dead.” he explained.
“Pleased to meet you too” she replied, “I’ve been in fights before, and I’ve run from some damn big monsters that I couldn’t tackle. Pretty sure I can run faster than your group if I need to.”
“Hah, no bets on that!” he replied, “I’m Grunni, and these are my Guys. We’re on our way to Thunderhold, how about you?”
“Sydney, just heading up to Anvil,” she said, “ to catch up with some friends.”
_____________________________________________________________
A giant of a man stood up as Sydney joined the group of humans on the other side of the tethered mules.
The court scene had been generated when she was arrested, although the unnamed steward turned out to be a little worm, that I didn't know of until I wrote the scene up.
I used the same 1d6-1 to see when the next group was heading north 1 = run to catch up. Since the group turned out to be dwarven mercenaries (Warhammer & banded mail, based on a roll on the followers table in the ACKS Players Handbook) and they can't march very fast in heavy rmor, I decided she ddn't have to cross a hexside and trigger a random encounter check.
1d8+1 people tagging along, trying to figure out what these people were like took me the better part of the week and resulted in the Rabbit Hole post. I also started a Google Docs spreadsheet to keep track of all the NPCs.
I decided writing up a second meeting was too much work and wasn't going to add to the characters, who I expect to exit the stage shortlyDo they find Fladahl? Easy task as he's the ruler. 00 Astounding success. Not only do they find him, but in circumstances that put him in their debt. However, he's very high level, they will wait 1d4 (3) days until they can actually see him.
The rat scuttled down the noisome drain in the center of the cell at the sound of the gaoler’s footsteps - this time accompanied by the jingle of chain mail. Sydney looked at the door of the cell as she heard the bars being lifted and dropped on the corridor floor outside.
“Time to see the gov’ner” the pasty gaoler cried as the door slammed inward.
The two guards escorted her out of the dungeon to the courtyard of the keep. She recognized one as one of the militia that had been sent out after the landshark.
“So, Caeso, any more reports of that monster?”
“Thank Odin, no! With any luck, I’ll be done with my rotation before it shows up again. Rather be in a rock fall in the mines, than face one of those.”
“Hah! You’re right, that’s why I ran like blazes when I saw the thing…. So, what happens to me next?”
“Governor Hetalan sentences you. After these farmers finish complaining about something stalking around the outlying farms.”
“What, no trial? I don’t get to defend myself?”
“The witnesses say you hit him. They’re citizens, so is he - you’re not. Why waste time when no one will believe you anyway? Much cheaper than trials and judges and litigation tricksters and all that folderol is what the steward says.”
The crowd of peasants in front of the dais, shuffled away after Hetalan promised to send someone to investigate the issue, Sydney was pushed forward.
The steward glanced at his notes - “Struck a fool or beggar. Said individual being a citizen of Byrny in good standing. Three silver plus costs, mines for two months if unable to pay.”
Three silver isn’t bad. Sydney dug into her pouch, “Here’s your three silver.” And proffered the coins.
The steward looked at her, “Court costs of ten silver and upkeep was..let me see.. Six days at two silver a day, total is 25 silver. You have sufficient funds?”
Mutely, Sydney nodded as three silver became two and a half gold pieces.
“Take her to the quaestor, then give her her weapons at the gate”, the steward dismissed her. “Next, we have a request from the Shipping Guild….”
After leaving the keep, Sydney went to find Tlichnolli and Watseka. Finding they were no longer at the Golden Chimera, she went to see Tallulah - who told her they had departed for Anvil with a small caravan the day before. She didn’t think that Sydney could catch up to them, but told her a group of heavily armed dwarves had left that morning, and she could probably catch up to them and and join their group for protection.
Before sunset she had caught up to the dwarves who were setting up camp. As soon as the sentry spotted her, he called out and another dwarf joined him in waiting for her to arrive.
“No, but you can join them” the dwarf with the blue metal warhammer said, pointing to another group camped past a picket line of mules, as she came up.
Sydney looked at him questioningly.
“I don’t know you, I have no reason to trust you in a fight and I won’t risk my Guys by doing so. You can join the other tag-alongs, walk with us as far as you want. You set your own watches, shout if you see something and we’ll come unless we’re also under attack. If there is a fight, run if you want, stay out of our way if you fight. Try to betray us and you’ll end up dead.” he explained.
“Pleased to meet you too” she replied, “I’ve been in fights before, and I’ve run from some damn big monsters that I couldn’t tackle. Pretty sure I can run faster than your group if I need to.”
“Hah, no bets on that!” he replied, “I’m Grunni, and these are my Guys. We’re on our way to Thunderhold, how about you?”
“Sydney, just heading up to Anvil,” she said, “ to catch up with some friends.”
_____________________________________________________________
A giant of a man stood up as Sydney joined the group of humans on the other side of the tethered mules.
The court scene had been generated when she was arrested, although the unnamed steward turned out to be a little worm, that I didn't know of until I wrote the scene up.
I used the same 1d6-1 to see when the next group was heading north 1 = run to catch up. Since the group turned out to be dwarven mercenaries (Warhammer & banded mail, based on a roll on the followers table in the ACKS Players Handbook) and they can't march very fast in heavy rmor, I decided she ddn't have to cross a hexside and trigger a random encounter check.
1d8+1 people tagging along, trying to figure out what these people were like took me the better part of the week and resulted in the Rabbit Hole post. I also started a Google Docs spreadsheet to keep track of all the NPCs.
Sydney’s Journal
Yellow Moon-Dog, 15th Rising On Rorystone Road. I swear I can still see Byrny from here, these dwarfs match so slow!. Carantodia taught me a song today, I could feel the power in it as a bird came, perched on my finger and sang with us. Then Big Mick joined in and got the same response (except the bird shat on his hat)! Carantodia is a Duneal witch and she talked Mick into joining her - Sefridius, his wife isn’t so sure about that plan.
Write Up
Carantodia and Sydney were singing the song Carantodia had taught her, as wren came down and perched on the finger Sydney held out for it, trilling along with them. Sydney could feel the spell twining through her being and the world around her.
All of a sudden, a bass voice joined them in harmony. Big Mick stood there singing, with an odd smile on his face as a robin perched on his hat warbling away! Carantodia was shocked at his success.
“I’m a bird trainer by profession,” he explained, “as my father was, and my grandfather before him. They never knew this trick! It will make our lives much easier! I thank you, Carantodia.”
“It is not a ‘trick’, ean og.” she said sternly. “It is a Gift from Arduinna, to befriend her creatures. Mi-adh, misfortune dogs those who abuse the Gifts they are given. Sydney, I knew had a Gift of music and I hoped to awaken more in her. You, you are brontanas gan choinne, the unexpected gift. You should come with me and learn of the goddess and what her gifts mean.:
“My family and I will follow you, lady,” he said, “and see what you goddess intends.”
“Perhaps, “ interjected Sefridius, his wife, “But Acelina and I were born in the City State and have no longing for the orc-ridden woods. We will accompany you for now and learn on the journey how far we will continue.”
Does Sydney get Carantodia to sing a duet with her? Easy - 99 Astonishing success. Carantodia teaches Sydney a tune that acts as a spell with effects like the Beast Friendship proficiency. +2 on reactions with mundane animals and Sydney may have an animal companion. Birds come down to perch on Sydney’s finger while she sings. Big Mick is a Bird Trainer by profession, he tries singing the song too (Ridiculous for him as he is a 0 level human with no magical training.) 95 complete success.
Carantodia will attempt to recruit Big Mick as an apprentice. Carantodia is speaking Google Translate Irish.
Does he agree (Very Hard) 93 Complete success!
Does his wife Sefredius agree? (Hard) 58 Partial success
All of a sudden, a bass voice joined them in harmony. Big Mick stood there singing, with an odd smile on his face as a robin perched on his hat warbling away! Carantodia was shocked at his success.
“I’m a bird trainer by profession,” he explained, “as my father was, and my grandfather before him. They never knew this trick! It will make our lives much easier! I thank you, Carantodia.”
“It is not a ‘trick’, ean og.” she said sternly. “It is a Gift from Arduinna, to befriend her creatures. Mi-adh, misfortune dogs those who abuse the Gifts they are given. Sydney, I knew had a Gift of music and I hoped to awaken more in her. You, you are brontanas gan choinne, the unexpected gift. You should come with me and learn of the goddess and what her gifts mean.:
“My family and I will follow you, lady,” he said, “and see what you goddess intends.”
“Perhaps, “ interjected Sefridius, his wife, “But Acelina and I were born in the City State and have no longing for the orc-ridden woods. We will accompany you for now and learn on the journey how far we will continue.”
Does Sydney get Carantodia to sing a duet with her? Easy - 99 Astonishing success. Carantodia teaches Sydney a tune that acts as a spell with effects like the Beast Friendship proficiency. +2 on reactions with mundane animals and Sydney may have an animal companion. Birds come down to perch on Sydney’s finger while she sings. Big Mick is a Bird Trainer by profession, he tries singing the song too (Ridiculous for him as he is a 0 level human with no magical training.) 95 complete success.
Carantodia will attempt to recruit Big Mick as an apprentice. Carantodia is speaking Google Translate Irish.
Does he agree (Very Hard) 93 Complete success!
Does his wife Sefredius agree? (Hard) 58 Partial success
Sydney’s Journal
Yellow Moon-Dog, 16th Rising A manticore swooped down and killed the Danvers, or was it Devers? I didn't really get to know them, plain ordinary people who have died an extraordinary death. Bolla went down too, Amydyma and Big Mick slew it with my help. We buried William and Milda in a common grave, the dwarves dug it and insisted that we cover it with stones they cut as we watched.
Write Up
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| Image from AD&D 1e Monster Manual |
The dwarf formation marched in front, leading their pack mules. The witch Carantodia and her companion Sammula followed, talking with Sydney about their life in the Dearthwood. Big Mick Remy and his family followed, his wife Sefridius trying to dissuade him from his sudden decision to follow the witch and their daughter Acelina trailing bored with parental squabbles behind them. Then came the Amazon Amdyma and her companion the Skandik warrior Bolla Kjallakdottir. Finally, straggling along looking for savory herbs were William and Milda Danvers.
The first warning Sydney knew of the attack was Milda’s cry. The manticore’s spikes had perforated her husband William before she had succumbed herself to the darts of the beast’s first salvo.
The travellers are ascending a narrow cutting when attacked by a manticore (20hp - a bit puny, AC 5). Order of march Dwarves, mules, Duneals, Remys, Grosspetite, Danvers. Sydney is marching with the Duneals.(I decided the dwarves marched in front, given Grunni's distrust of tag-alongs, then random for each of the groups and Sydney with a random group.)
The manticore has surprise, it will act like a carnivore, attack the stragglers, cut them from the herd, spook the herd and then settle down to eat.
First round it hits the unarmored Danvers who are close together - randomly the 6 spikes landed four in William and two in Milda. He's way dead, she could be saved - if there is healing....but that gets used for others
Bolla went down as Sydney and Sammula joined Amdyma, their bows tracking the creatures movements.
Second round the Barbarians get to act and beat the manticore on initiative. One hit, but the SKandik goes down in a hail of spikes. Later rolls show that her legs are mangled.
Yeah, an Amazon should be shouting in Greek, but Sutherland's manticore always looks like Rutherford B Hayes to me.
Big Mick came running up waving his club inexpertly. Sefridius called on him to return as Acelina retreated towards the dwarves. Their formation marching back in step, stopping to dress their line after passing the mules.
Morale check (-2) for the 0 level family Remy. Big Mick ends up with a 9 - Pursue and Advance; his wife a 6 - Fight On; and their daughter a 3 - Fighting Withdrawl. The others are character types and don't check morale.
The manticore swerved out of the way of the missiles rising towards it as it spiraled down over the kill, it’s volley of spikes landing a few feet from Sydney.
Round 3 - everyone misses
It landed next to the Danvers’ corpses - and began tearing off a chunk of meat. Big Mick and Amdyma rushed up in front of the monster striking with his club and her long spear, followed by Sydney who managed to put her own sword into its haunch. The manticore pulled the Amazon in with a large paw, biting her severely, but she and Big Mick struck again. The beast expiring in a last feeble attempt to bite the tiny Amazon.
Round 4 - Everyone hits, except Sammula who is dancing around looking for a clear shot.
Round 5 - The Amazon and Big Mick put it down, it acts on the same action as the last blow, but misses
Carantodia came up with Grunni Blueaxe as the rest of the dwarves fanned out looking skyward for a mate. “Watch and listen” she told Big Mick. “Ag fas agus ag leighas” she chanted as she removed the spikes from Bolla’s legs. Sydney could see her hands leaving a trail green as the first leaves of spring as she wiped them around the punctures. The Skandik woman stopped bleeding and her eyelids fluttered open. Then she repeated the spell on Amdyma, removing most traces of her injuries.
Again, playing with ACKS Spell Signatures. Bolla is a t 1 hp (50% chance she prepared two Cure Lights (1-3 on d6 = yes)). Rolled a 1, so Amdyma gets healed instead of Milda Danvers who can't speak up being busy bleeding out.
Bolla rolls on the Mortal Wounds 11 & 2 -2 hp; +1 healing magic +1 healing skill; -3 after the fight 1hp, both legs lamed. 2weeks bedrest
This is fantastic. Lots of hidden gems in the notes. And I especially liked the weretiger.
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