Lands of Gorder.

[Donnigan]

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Sorry, this was mostly a case of opened it on phone and then lost track of thread.

"This Charm Maker sounds intriguing. However, you mentioned she makes these charms for both villagers and Wildmen? We need to be sure which side she shall fall under...I suggest talking with her first then...Then perhaps the Frog people. Or two delegations, if we do no have enough time."

[GathersIngredients]

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I'm sorry, but I still feel a bit like acting in a void. I know too little about the whole area, the village, the enemies, and D&D as a whole to make any somewhat sensible plan. (e.g. is the hydra and/or that giant even killable by our group, or would we need help for that or freak luck or whatever.) I don't even understand WHY they (giant, undead, wildmen, ...) are fighting the Farmrest people, if it's the Empire they have got a problem with.
Also, so far we have been foiled at every turn (e.g. bad guys stealing supplies, while we get it back, bad guys burning down the food storage, bad guys stealing stuff again, while we were out trying to deal with the giant and his undead horde, ...) so I have the feeling that no matter what we do, it will bite us in the rear at some other spot. Because we can't be everywhere at once. I have the feeling of Don Quixote battling windmills here.
The Empire guys officially don't like us, the Farmrest villagers were not too interested in our help not too long before, the frog people are between a rock and a hard place. I dunno what to do to resolve all this.
Also, Quentin is the kind of person who would rather listen quietly to everything and reflect upon it than lead the main part of the conversation.

"We could try to defeat the hydra again. If we succeed, that might get the frog people onto our side..." Quentin pipes in.

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Now that you have provided me with the information needed, I will try to update the char sheet a.s.a.p. Alas not yet, though.

Quentin Silvermoon
Male Chaotic Good Halfling Wizard, Level 3, Init +3, HP 21/21, Speed
AC 15, Touch 14, Flat-footed 11, Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +4, Base Attack Bonus 1
Quaterstaff 2 (1d6, 20/*2)
Sling (10) 6 (1d4, 20/*2)
Dagger 2 (1d4, 19-20/*2)
Small Wooden Shield (used with Dagger only) (+1 Shield, +3 Dex, +1 Size)
Abilities Str 10, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 18, Wis 10, Cha 12
Condition none

Spells prepared:
0th level: TBA
1st level: TBA
2nd level: TBA

[Jacon]

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I can give you info of the land, and I wouldn't be so hard on yourselves. The granary was simply a lose but it could have been a victory, the dice were against you. Really you can ask questions to formulate a plan or follow someones advice until you can formulate a plan. I think some info such as the wildmen attacking farmrest is not known for obvious reasons. I wish I could go further into this but I don't have much internet left.

[GathersIngredients]

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Aw, thanks for the motivational input. I needed that, really. Also, it's hard to ask the right questions.

Even if I would like to know a good spot for... e.g. an ambush, we 'd still need a target (e.g. the giant) for the ambush, and the the appropriate bait, plus the manpower to actually bring him down. I don't know the first thing about that giant, so it's very hard to come up with a plan to kill it. I suppose it IS hard to kill, and he either knows magic or is involved with someone who does. How about the druids (?) and/or wild men that marked the poor animals. Who are they, where did they come, why are they doing this. What would be a good bait for them?
In any case how to fight enemies that know the area better than we do and have had time to prepare plans and amass supplies and allies and whatnot? WHERE to fight them?

Maybe I am over-thinking things, but I'm afraid that's in my nature. I seem to work better in visual games, where what you have to work with and what you are opposed with are plain in sight (most of the time). That is by no means a criticism about you, mind you! I just feel a bit like a fish out of water here. You may remember me having 1000 questions for you in the New Goblin warriors. I just ... kind of "limp" from information bit to information bit in this medium, it seems. But that shouldn't be your problem. Thank you for having so much patience with me.

[nikohl]

"oh, yes. The hydra. Forgive me for not being too enthused with that plan, but the damn thing near bit me in half last time we stumbled across it. Not that I wouldn't like to get my own back for that, it's just going to be difficult to get the jump on it in it's native environment. Perhaps the Charm Maker is a safer first stop."

[Theis2]

I already lure it away from you once, I not like to do that again.

[Jacon]

"We could try to defeat the hydra again. If we succeed, that might get the frog people onto our side..."
" Hydra?" Bromwick says with wide eyes " What Hydra?"
"oh, yes. The hydra. Forgive me for not being too enthused with that plan, but the damn thing near bit me in half last time we stumbled across it. Not that I wouldn't like to get my own back for that, it's just going to be difficult to get the jump on it in it's native environment. Perhaps the Charm Maker is a safer first stop."
I already lure it away from you once, I not like to do that again." I'm sorry? What bloody hydra!?" Allbright asks rather loudly.
" The hydra in the swamps." Borik says in a bored tone. " Been plaguing the frogmen for a while now. Another good reason why taking a garrison into the swamps isn't a bright idea. Facing off a cousin of the dragons might be more than your up to fighting Allbright."

Quentin asks some general questions starting with a ambush site. Borik suggests a old imperial fort that was used about 100 years ago when wildmen where fighting in force. It's been abandoned for a while now and in disrepair but it would work for hiding and than jumping out at a foe.. Hunter says he can properly find a ambush site in the woods but the wildmen might already be aware of it having been living in these woods for a while.

The question of bait comes up. Allbright mentions that the frogmen and wildmen got pretty peeved with the destruction of the old god statue. Perhaps dragging off the pieces and threatening their further destruction might be enough to bring them out of hiding.
Borik suggests that perhaps the charm maker could be the bait. She is highly valued amongst the wildmen and they would likely willingly throw their lives away for her. Of course controlling the charm maker would be difficult. She has alot of power, enough to discourage Allbright and his zealness from tracking her down. Allbright falls into a angry silence after this comment.

The question of the animals come up but no one knows much about it. Hunter says he's met a few druids during his wild corp days and this is not like them. He says their more like silent observers than vengeful destroyers and wouldn't harm the animals under their care. Borik says the work on the animals is clearly a twisted from of druidric magic and witchcraft.

No one is quite clear on where the wildmen came from. Allbright thinks that since their hostile that their clearly under command of Roeriks the leader of the wildmen rebellion that has been going on since the empire claimed complate control over Gorder. But he has no further proof of that.

everyone lapses into silence to think of any plans they could make to create using that info.

[GathersIngredients]

"I wasn't trying to learn about a possible ambush the frogmen, as I think co-operation would be the key with them, I was trying to learn about an ambush suited for the hydra or two headed giant, who is behind all this." Quentin remarks. "But the information about that fort is good to have. Maybe we could get some supplies there, take a couple of orc with us as guards just in case (no more than 8, as we don't want an army there just someone to keep us safe when/if we are away or sleep there) and thusly have a safe spot in the swamps to return to. Coming back into the village in between "missions" does eat a lot of time. Also, it would be good if we could find a way to communicate with the village, in case there is another emergency. Like sending up color coded lights and/or horn sounds and/or use messenger birds. Do we have any resources for that?"



OOC, @ GM: What excatly are the wildmen? Are they humans, are they their own race, are they some form of animal-humans? Do we know if they possess any special skills or abilities (e.g. casting magic spells, going into a rage, camouflage,...)? Can they easily infiltrate Farmrest, or would they be spotted (without use of magic on both sides)? Do we have any idea where they are located in relation to the other POI?

btw. some kind of "territorial map" would be nice, if that isn't too much to ask.

@ team: Generally, I would suggest some or all of us going to the charm maker. There, ask her if she is willing to make a charm to protect the village (or at least the innocent percentage of the population) from harm. (e.g. the ones that didn't want to tear down they statue of the local deity and that are suffering now along with everyone else, nonetheless) If she makes it, bring it back to the village and put it up (or if there are many small ones, hand them out to the population and have them hang it up in their individual homes). (Screw Allbright if he's against it. Find some way around his "authority". From the last few updates I think he is just a pompous, overzealous "trouble maker" that got into a somewhat high position and now thinks he has to tell people how to live their lives. I don't want to risk open confrontation with the Empire, but it seems that he backs off rather fast, if you use the right words...)
Also, ask the charm-maker about the situation at hand and maybe political and/or tactical advice and/or how to resolve this whole conflict situation. Maybe we only need to get some of them to TALK to find a common basis.

@ GM again: How likely would it be that the Empire really cared about a thing like this (the statue of the deity, hanging up charms etc.), and have forces come investigate and or "re-invade" the country? Is there any way to know if those acts of vandalism were indeed backed up by the law of the Empire or even an order from someone up high (emperor, if there is one) or if this might have just been the idea of the local captain (allbright) and has no foundation/reason, or maybe even, if they would learn about it, the emperor would be outraged about how his loyal military treats his subjects?

[nikohl]

(I agree about visiting the charm maker.)

[Theis2]

Tog looks around slightly distracted and not sure how he should react. He stays silent though.


Going to the charm maker sounds good to me

[Jacon]

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I will be updating soon guys, just not today.

[Donnigan]

Cambrek agrees with visiting the Charm maker soon and then perhaps having her or someone in the know setting up another meeting with the Frogmen to perhaps convince them to allow us to help them.

[GathersIngredients]

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Hi guys!
I just wanted to let you know that I am going on a vacation trip today, and I will be returning on next Saturday, 15th of June. I will have Internet access and I will try to post in time for every update, but if I can't make it, please allow the players to vote for Quentin's actions. And @ team, please VOTE (nothing suicidal though, please ).

[Jacon]

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Just to let people know I haven't forgotten about this. I've just had a couple of shitty days at work.. ( Mixing pain and dementia is no fun for anyone involved.) I will get back to this when i'm in a good mood and able to give you guys a decent update.

[nikohl]

No worries Jacon, see you when you're back, hope you feel better soon & get less stress at work

[GathersIngredients]

No worries Jacon, see you when you're back, hope you feel better soon & get less stress at work

Seconding that.

[Jacon]

"I wasn't trying to learn about a possible ambush the frogmen, as I think co-operation would be the key with them, I was trying to learn about an ambush suited for the hydra or two headed giant, who is behind all this. But the information about that fort is good to have. Maybe we could get some supplies there, take a couple of orc with us as guards just in case"
" Now he wants my orcs" Grumbles Allbright but Borik waves his hands.
" Consider it done. The fort is a good defensive position with eyes on the swamp. A little repairs and it would give us a fallback position in case the wildmen attack us en mess. Allbright will send four of his orcs to help you though if your looking for supplies you won't find much. Only a few rusty old swords and shields perhaps." Borik says waving his hand to silence Allbright protests.
"Also, it would be good if we could find a way to communicate with the village, in case there is another emergency. Like sending up color coded lights and/or horn sounds and/or use messenger birds. Do we have any resources for that?"
" Well you yourself are a wizard. I believe their is a minor cantrip that allows you to shoot balls of light in the sky. I can teach it to you, it's fairly minor magic. I can also make a bead that when thrown into a fire will cause the smoke to have a blue color. I will prepare several for your group when I return to the winery."

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What excatly are the wildmen? Are they humans, are they their own race, are they some form of animal-humans? Do we know if they possess any special skills or abilities (e.g. casting magic spells, going into a rage, camouflage,...)? Can they easily infiltrate Farmrest, or would they be spotted (without use of magic on both sides)? Do we have any idea where they are located in relation to the other POI?


The wildmen is a generic term for anyone who doesn't obey imperial law and lives outside imperial towns. Basically any tribe that lives off the land is considered a wildmen. They are all types of races, alot of humans but just about every other race has some wildmen. ( The bollyworgs are considered wildmen for instance.) Generally wildmen are really hard to track and good at surviving in the wild. They have druids in their ranks which is illegal elsewhere. They could infiltrate farmrest but most wildmen are pretty isolated from the towns and would likely stick out like a sore thumb although clever wildmen might be capable of doing so. Wildmen tribes cover Gorder but in the local area the only known tribe to live near farmrest was the bullyworgs.

How likely would it be that the Empire really cared about a thing like this (the statue of the deity, hanging up charms etc.), and have forces come investigate and or "re-invade" the country? Is there any way to know if those acts of vandalism were indeed backed up by the law of the Empire or even an order from someone up high (emperor, if there is one) or if this might have just been the idea of the local captain (allbright) and has no foundation/reason, or maybe even, if they would learn about it, the emperor would be outraged about how his loyal military treats his subjects?

The empire has a whole wouldn't care to much about it. The reason why theirs a ban on the worship of the ancient gods is because it give the people alot of magical power. ( Very powerful druids, Powerful masks and charms to their warriors etc.) and since they can't militarize druids they'd rather ban them and keep Gorder from growing powerful again. It's unlikely that Allbright had a order from a higher up telling him to destroy the statue but it was within his right to do so.
The emperor has alot on his plate and would likely not care that a small town under his rulership has a abusive captain protecting it. ( His empire is quite big.)

[GathersIngredients]

"I didn't want to look for supplies in the abandoned fort, I wanted to bring some there, so we could genuinely use it as a base for future operations. I was talking about food, mainly, so we could return there, have a bite to eat and rest up and then go back to where we are needed, without having to go back all the way to the village all the time." Quentin clarifies.
"That spell sounds very interesting and the little capsules to be thrown into fire, too. Do you have a system, which color means what, already, or do we have to think of one? In any case I would be thrilled if you could teach me the spell, please."

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I still haven gotten around to updating my char sheet or pick spells for today. Sorry, I'll get on it soon.
Quentin Silvermoon
Male Chaotic Good Halfling Wizard, Level 3, Init +3, HP 21/21, Speed
AC 15, Touch 14, Flat-footed 11, Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +4, Base Attack Bonus 1
Quaterstaff 2 (1d6, 20/*2)
Sling (10) 6 (1d4, 20/*2)
Dagger 2 (1d4, 19-20/*2)
Small Wooden Shield (used with Dagger only) (+1 Shield, +3 Dex, +1 Size)
Abilities Str 10, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 18, Wis 10, Cha 12
Condition none

Spells prepared:
0th level: TBA
1st level: TBA
2nd level: TBA

[Jacon]

" . We don't have alot of food since our granary burnt down but a few weeks of ration food shouldn't be to hard. I'll have Bromwick prepare a wagon for you. We don't have a system for the capsules.. I never felt the need to offer them up to the village since the guards don't go out of the town to patrol."
Borik quickly opens a rather large tome and flips through it's page. With ease he goes through the rather simple spell with Quentin helping her write the arcane words into her own spellbooks.

( Quentin has added Dancing Lights to her spellbook.)

[nikohl]

"Well, let's load up with supplies and head out, shall we? No time like the present, I suppose the charm maker will be expecting us by now. Ladies like her are not often caught unaware."

[Jacon]

The group starts off towards the ruined fort which is on the way to the charm maker. They are joined by five large orcs carrying food and camping supplies. The group moves out of the village into the swampy region. They walk for several hours trying to ignore the orcs who snap angrily at each other over small matters like bumping into someone. Finally they reach the fort.

The fort might have once have been formidable but now their are several large gaps in it's defense. The outer stone wall is breaking down and has several large holes to walk through it. Inside the walls is a large single stone building built to be a mini fortress. A large stone door is set in it's middle and you can archer slots on the second floor.
The Orc leader who's name he told you was Topek glares at the place.
" Ain't much to look at now." He mutters " My grandfather use to tell me that places like these was the way the empire won the war with you gorderians. Once a place like this was up it took countless lives to breach it's defense. I guess age will beat even the best of castles."
With a shrug he turns to the group.
" So, you gorderians are in command here. What should we do? Set up camp or search the place?"

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Sorry guys, I think I can start updating again on a good basis.

[nikohl]

"I say search first, just in case there are animals or monsters here that could ambush us while we are setting up our camp."

[GathersIngredients]

"Yes, searching the perimeter is always a good idea before digging oneself in." Quentin agrees. To help, he sends Ciela on a surveillance round.

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Due to the hiatus, I have forgotten all about updating my char sheet or pick spells for today. Sorry, I'll get on it soon.
Quentin Silvermoon
Male Chaotic Good Halfling Wizard, Level 3, Init +3, HP 21/21, Speed
AC 15, Touch 14, Flat-footed 11, Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +4, Base Attack Bonus 1
Quaterstaff 2 (1d6, 20/*2)
Sling (10) 6 (1d4, 20/*2)
Dagger 2 (1d4, 19-20/*2)
Small Wooden Shield (used with Dagger only) (+1 Shield, +3 Dex, +1 Size)
Abilities Str 10, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 18, Wis 10, Cha 12
Condition none

Spells prepared:
0th level: TBA
1st level: TBA
2nd level: TBA

[Theis2]

Tog helps investigate the ruin focusing mostly on what have been in the area.

[Jacon]

Torg and the orcs go inside the fortress followed by the rest of the group. It takes three strong orcs to open the front door. As they move the heavy stone door aside suddenly three monkeys come sprinting out ducking and weaving beneath the feet of the group. After the surprise theirs a few gruff chuckles from the orcs before they go inside..
Inside theirs a round room that might have once been a war room/armory and dining room. Theirs a few weapons racks on the wall but the weapons on them have long turned to rusty useless blades. Theirs also small tables for eating but most are cracked and broken and the chairs for them are no better. You certainly wouldn't wanna risk sitting in them. Torg looks around and finds a few monkey feces scattered about but nothing else to suggest what has been here. Theirs doors at the end of the room which the orcs make their way towards since nothing has sparked their interest here. A orc opens a door and is instantly knocked on his ass by a very large chimp who shrieks loudly beating the orc about the face with his fists. ( 2 damage.) With a snarl the orc knocks the monkey off him ( 5 nonlethal.) and manages to backstumble towards the others orcs who raise their weapons.
The monkey is joined by two others and surprisingly a boy of about 17 summers armed with a staff. He's wears only simple leather pants and several wooden symbols hang from his neck and long corded hair. Blue and red tribal tattoos cover his body. He seems to be of rioga descent. He spits out several insulting words in common, orc, and dwarven. Those who understand him get the idea that these langauges aren't his first and he's not very good at speaking them. Despite the obvious grammar flaws and several missing words from sentences the point seems pretty clear. He saying as best as he can " fuck off, my place."

Ciele scouts above the building but only notices local wildlife such as squirrels and monkeys.