Fourth Expedition

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beermotor
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Re: Fourth Expedition

#21 Post by beermotor »

Raven Crowking wrote:
beermotor wrote:Yeesh. Well hrm. Cisneros is pretty gimpy; he's very unlikely to want to venture back into the Barrowmaze in his current state.
Yeah? I didn't foresee this coming, but I do find it amusing. So amusing, in fact, that I opened a thread about it (http://goodman-games.com/forums/viewtop ... 73&t=42212).

Way back when there was a thread about abusing spellburn to ensure a high patron bond result, and it is nice to see that this really is more of a gamble than a give-me.

(You might understandably be a little less amused, but, if Cisneros survives to appreciate it, you might also find the inconvenience worthwhile in the long run!)
Oh I got no problem with it. It's a good balancing mechanic.
What you do know is that merchant trains sometimes travel through your village (Helix) on the way to Wolford from Longport, some days journey to the west, or vice-versa. Few folk in Helix have ever made such a trip, fewer yet in recent years. Centuries back, there was a cult in that region called "The Obsidian Heart", and they were notorious bandits. The merchant trains go heavily armed, and there are talks about bandits along that road again (although presumably not related to the old cult). There are also rumours and stories of things from the moorland being encountered on the road to Wolford...the sort of stories that make farmers latch their doors tight against the darkness. But they may just be stories.

Merchant trains are relatively predictable....there is one due to pass through Helix on its way to Wolford about three weeks after you return from the Barrowmaze, in order to take advantage of the Wolford Spring Fair. Opportunities may abound there for a thief, but the merchant train goes on past Wolford to reach other markets beyond.....there is no guarantee that you will be able to find accompaniment on your way back.
Drat. Daryll breaks the news to Cisneros. "Ain't nothin here in town, elf. We could go to Wolford ... but no tellin' when we'll be able to get back here. You think the dwarves'd come along? What 'bout Jed?"

Cisneros sighs. "No, I doubt it. And I don't want to delay any more ..." <cough cough, sputter> "... than I have to."

"You ain't gonna be much good in the 'maze, like as you are," Daryll says.

Cisneros smirks. "You don't say."

Daryll shrugs. "Onward to gold and glory, as they say."

"Indeed."

When the four weeks are up, Grim, Daryll, and Cisneros will reconvene and announce their readiness to return to the Barrowmaze. Cisneros will just have to tough it out and hope for the best. (Mechanics question: does the spellburned stamina affect his hit points? Would that be x2, 1 for 0 level and 1 for 1st level? Or just a straight -3?)
Barrowmaze Map (by Grim Oddson and Gunnar Ottarson): Updated 03/14/13

Barrowmaze Characters (Active in Expedition 5):
Gunnar Ottarson (Dwarf 1): AC 16 HP 7/7
Daryll One-ear (Thief 1): AC 13 HP 4/4
Cisneros (Elf 1): AC 11 HP 6/6
Howard Phillipson (Wizard 1): AC 13 HP 5/9

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Re: Fourth Expedition

#22 Post by beermotor »

Unbeknownst to the others, Daryll will case the merchants as they pass through on that third week, on their way to Wolford. What are they carrying, exactly? He'll enquire of the merchants (or the guards, perhaps more likely) what they're doing, whether they'll be returning to Longport (and thus coming back through Helix).

If they look like they've got anything worth trying to pilfer, he may give it a shot.
Barrowmaze Map (by Grim Oddson and Gunnar Ottarson): Updated 03/14/13

Barrowmaze Characters (Active in Expedition 5):
Gunnar Ottarson (Dwarf 1): AC 16 HP 7/7
Daryll One-ear (Thief 1): AC 13 HP 4/4
Cisneros (Elf 1): AC 11 HP 6/6
Howard Phillipson (Wizard 1): AC 13 HP 5/9

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Re: Fourth Expedition

#23 Post by Raven Crowking »

beermotor wrote:(Mechanics question: does the spellburned stamina affect his hit points? Would that be x2, 1 for 0 level and 1 for 1st level? Or just a straight -3?)
Stamina affects all die rolls for hit points....so, that is -3 for his initial hp (min of 1) and -3 for his 1st level hp (min of 1).

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Re: Fourth Expedition

#24 Post by Raven Crowking »

beermotor wrote:Unbeknownst to the others, Daryll will case the merchants as they pass through on that third week, on their way to Wolford. What are they carrying, exactly? He'll enquire of the merchants (or the guards, perhaps more likely) what they're doing, whether they'll be returning to Longport (and thus coming back through Helix).

If they look like they've got anything worth trying to pilfer, he may give it a shot.
The merchants make no secret of what they are carrying; in fact, they are more than willing to sell in Helix before they push on! Here you can buy all manner of dyed linens and silks from southern lands, dried fruits such as apricots and mangoes, spices from distant parts (cloves, cinnamon, pepper), and kegs of Valnish wine. The merchants are also buying wool from the spring shearing. Most of these goods will be purchased at the Wolford Spring Fair and distributed by other merchant trains across the kingdom. This particular train will push on toward Ban Dulmos, then make its way to the North Sea via Holmsport.

Now, it is a fact that some of these goods are valuable. Pepper, for example, is worth more than its weight in gold. But it is also a fact that the caravan is very heavily guarded, day and night, and that the merchants know the allure of the quick wealth such a bounty would bring. More than one thief, in times past, has swung from a gibbet after peppercorns were found hidden in the seams of his clothing! There will be no leniency if you are caught.

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Re: Fourth Expedition

#25 Post by beermotor »

Any merchant wearing any jewelry? Rings? etc?
Barrowmaze Map (by Grim Oddson and Gunnar Ottarson): Updated 03/14/13

Barrowmaze Characters (Active in Expedition 5):
Gunnar Ottarson (Dwarf 1): AC 16 HP 7/7
Daryll One-ear (Thief 1): AC 13 HP 4/4
Cisneros (Elf 1): AC 11 HP 6/6
Howard Phillipson (Wizard 1): AC 13 HP 5/9

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Re: Fourth Expedition

#26 Post by Raven Crowking »

beermotor wrote:Any merchant wearing any jewelry? Rings? etc?
Absolutely. While some are less showy, others wear their affluence with the type of serene self-assurance that only grim-faced bodyguards can supply.

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Re: Fourth Expedition

#27 Post by beermotor »

Haha. Appendix N, here we come!

Daryll will casually observe the merchants while they are in town, studying where they go, what they're wearing, what they eat, where they sleep, etc. He will take great pains to just blend in with the local, scruffy populace. He looks the part, after all. If any of the merchants appear to be into gambling, he'll note that. Ditto for the armed guards.

He's looking for a large red jewel on a fat merchant. If he can find such a guy, or perhaps something pretty darn close, he'll start to make detailed observations on that person, looking for an opportunity to catch them alone in an alley, an outhouse, somewhere (anywhere) out of sight of the guards.
Barrowmaze Map (by Grim Oddson and Gunnar Ottarson): Updated 03/14/13

Barrowmaze Characters (Active in Expedition 5):
Gunnar Ottarson (Dwarf 1): AC 16 HP 7/7
Daryll One-ear (Thief 1): AC 13 HP 4/4
Cisneros (Elf 1): AC 11 HP 6/6
Howard Phillipson (Wizard 1): AC 13 HP 5/9

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Re: Fourth Expedition

#28 Post by Raven Crowking »

beermotor wrote:Haha. Appendix N, here we come!
Indeed. Best of luck.
Daryll will casually observe the merchants while they are in town, studying where they go, what they're wearing, what they eat, where they sleep, etc. He will take great pains to just blend in with the local, scruffy populace. He looks the part, after all. If any of the merchants appear to be into gambling, he'll note that. Ditto for the armed guards.
The merchants and their bodyguards largely take over the single inn's rooms. There are folk attached to the caravan that play at knucklebones -- drovers, porters, and the like, as well as some of the ragged folk who travel with the caravan for safety -- but none of the professional guards seem so inclined.
He's looking for a large red jewel on a fat merchant. If he can find such a guy, or perhaps something pretty darn close, he'll start to make detailed observations on that person, looking for an opportunity to catch them alone in an alley, an outhouse, somewhere (anywhere) out of sight of the guards.
There is one merchant who might meet your needs -- a fat man named Melichus with darkly glittering eyes sports a red stone on one thick finger. He has a clear and sadistic interest in the more blood-thirsty side of gambling: cockfights, dogfights, and the like. There is something about the man's demeanour that makes the flesh crawl. His three green-skinned swordsman (from the far jungles of Kerru) follow him like shadows, and seem to neither speak nor understand the common tongue. They are so stony-faced in their countenance that they might well be automatons.

The merchant train stops over in Helix for only two nights before pushing on to Wolford on the third day. I will assume that it has taken you a careful day and night to ascertain the above, and it is now the second day of the stopover.

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Re: Fourth Expedition

#29 Post by beermotor »

Raven Crowking wrote: There is one merchant who might meet your needs -- a fat man named Melichus with darkly glittering eyes sports a red stone on one thick finger. He has a clear and sadistic interest in the more blood-thirsty side of gambling: cockfights, dogfights, and the like. There is something about the man's demeanour that makes the flesh crawl. His three green-skinned swordsman (from the far jungles of Kerru) follow him like shadows, and seem to neither speak nor understand the common tongue. They are so stony-faced in their countenance that they might well be automatons.

The merchant train stops over in Helix for only two nights before pushing on to Wolford on the third day. I will assume that it has taken you a careful day and night to ascertain the above, and it is now the second day of the stopover.
Hurriedly, Daryll will relate to Cisneros that night all that he's seen. "Can you talk with the greenskins? I got an idea, but if they do whatever he says, it may not work..."

Cisneros coughs violently. "What ... do you need to know?"

Daryll draws a dagger and toys with the blade. "Thinking about betting some fingers on me dice. Only, I don't 'spect to lose, ya see?" He grins, showing a peasant's gapped teeth.

Cisneros nods. "You need to know how the merchant will react if he ..." <wheeze cough> "... loses the finger?"

Daryll nods.

Cisneros says, "I can, through magic, attempt to speak with them. There's no telling how they'll react. I'm not familiar with their race or culture."

Daryll shrugs. "Whatever. It's worth trying. Do it early. I'll try to catch him just after lunch. Fat boy's gotta eat, right?"

***

Cisneros arises early in the morning and hobbles his broken body near to the inn where the merchants are staying. (Depending on how this is set up, if they'd likely eat inside, he'll go wait in there... if they'll likely come out to go somewhere else to eat, he'll wait outside.) His goal is to wait for the merchant and his green-skinned swordsmen to walk by, and he'll cast Comprehend Languages (roll: 3 + 1 + 1 = 5). Understanding that it didn't work, he won't speak to them, but he will cough a bunch and see how they and the merchant react to his presence. Daryll observes from a distance.
Barrowmaze Map (by Grim Oddson and Gunnar Ottarson): Updated 03/14/13

Barrowmaze Characters (Active in Expedition 5):
Gunnar Ottarson (Dwarf 1): AC 16 HP 7/7
Daryll One-ear (Thief 1): AC 13 HP 4/4
Cisneros (Elf 1): AC 11 HP 6/6
Howard Phillipson (Wizard 1): AC 13 HP 5/9

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Re: Fourth Expedition

#30 Post by Raven Crowking »

beermotor wrote:Cisneros arises early in the morning and hobbles his broken body near to the inn where the merchants are staying. (Depending on how this is set up, if they'd likely eat inside, he'll go wait in there... if they'll likely come out to go somewhere else to eat, he'll wait outside.) His goal is to wait for the merchant and his green-skinned swordsmen to walk by, and he'll cast Comprehend Languages (roll: 3 + 1 + 1 = 5). Understanding that it didn't work, he won't speak to them, but he will cough a bunch and see how they and the merchant react to his presence. Daryll observes from a distance.
One of the greenskins steps between Cisneros and the merchant. Although it seems coincidental or casual, it clearly is not. Apart from a flicker of apparent disgust, Melichus does not seem to notice. It certainly does not put him off his meal.

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Re: Fourth Expedition

#31 Post by beermotor »

Cisneros leaves and goes to catch up with Daryll. "Sorry ..." <cough wheeze sputter> "... I couldn't control the magic. My body is ..." <cough cough> "... shattered." He grits his teeth, sucking in a breath. "I NEED that gem."

Daryll smirks. "We'll see if I can get him interested in some dice." He enters the tavern (or inn) where the fat merchant is eating and sits down at an open table and starts flamboyantly rolling his dice around. "Oy! 'oo's ready f'ra bit o' fun?" He leers around the room. "You?" he says to some random person. "'ow 'bout you, m'lord?" he says to another random person. "Oh! 'Scuse me, m'lord!" he says, mock surprise when his gaze alights on the fat merchant. "Don't guess yer wantin' any o' this type unsavory wagerin' goin' on in here eh?" He waits to get thrown out.
Barrowmaze Map (by Grim Oddson and Gunnar Ottarson): Updated 03/14/13

Barrowmaze Characters (Active in Expedition 5):
Gunnar Ottarson (Dwarf 1): AC 16 HP 7/7
Daryll One-ear (Thief 1): AC 13 HP 4/4
Cisneros (Elf 1): AC 11 HP 6/6
Howard Phillipson (Wizard 1): AC 13 HP 5/9

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Re: Fourth Expedition

#32 Post by Raven Crowking »

beermotor wrote:Cisneros leaves and goes to catch up with Daryll. "Sorry ..." <cough wheeze sputter> "... I couldn't control the magic. My body is ..." <cough cough> "... shattered." He grits his teeth, sucking in a breath. "I NEED that gem."

Daryll smirks. "We'll see if I can get him interested in some dice." He enters the tavern (or inn) where the fat merchant is eating and sits down at an open table and starts flamboyantly rolling his dice around.
The three green-skinned guards are positioned to ensure the fat merchant has some privacy while he eats -- about 5 feet of it.
"Oy! 'oo's ready f'ra bit o' fun?" He leers around the room. "You?" he says to some random person. "'ow 'bout you, m'lord?" he says to another random person.
"Sort of fun does you have in mind, Bo?" says the rather lanky random person #2. Daryll doesn't recall having seen him before, but he may well be a hanger-on on the caravan.

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Re: Fourth Expedition

#33 Post by beermotor »

"Just a little friendly wagerin'," Daryll says. He rolls the dice. "Only I ain't got no coins so we'll hafta make it ..." He pauses and leers around. "Howsabout we see who's REALLY got the balls to bet their blood, eh?" He wiggles his pinkies. "Who wants to bet his fingers 'gainst mine?"
Barrowmaze Map (by Grim Oddson and Gunnar Ottarson): Updated 03/14/13

Barrowmaze Characters (Active in Expedition 5):
Gunnar Ottarson (Dwarf 1): AC 16 HP 7/7
Daryll One-ear (Thief 1): AC 13 HP 4/4
Cisneros (Elf 1): AC 11 HP 6/6
Howard Phillipson (Wizard 1): AC 13 HP 5/9

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Re: Fourth Expedition

#34 Post by Raven Crowking »

beermotor wrote:"Just a little friendly wagerin'," Daryll says. He rolls the dice. "Only I ain't got no coins so we'll hafta make it ..." He pauses and leers around. "Howsabout we see who's REALLY got the balls to bet their blood, eh?" He wiggles his pinkies. "Who wants to bet his fingers 'gainst mine?"
"Bo," the man says quietly. "You ain't betting your fingers. You is gonna lose dem, no matter what the dice says. You take my advice, Bo, and you walk away." The lanky man then takes his own advice, and walks quietly to the bar.

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Re: Fourth Expedition

#35 Post by beermotor »

Raven Crowking wrote:
beermotor wrote:"Just a little friendly wagerin'," Daryll says. He rolls the dice. "Only I ain't got no coins so we'll hafta make it ..." He pauses and leers around. "Howsabout we see who's REALLY got the balls to bet their blood, eh?" He wiggles his pinkies. "Who wants to bet his fingers 'gainst mine?"
"Bo," the man says quietly. "You ain't betting your fingers. You is gonna lose dem, no matter what the dice says. You take my advice, Bo, and you walk away." The lanky man then takes his own advice, and walks quietly to the bar.

"Aww, come on now. Ain't nobody got the guts? I need a drink, dammit! Oy! One'a you green fellers wanna have a go? Or the guv'na there?"
Barrowmaze Map (by Grim Oddson and Gunnar Ottarson): Updated 03/14/13

Barrowmaze Characters (Active in Expedition 5):
Gunnar Ottarson (Dwarf 1): AC 16 HP 7/7
Daryll One-ear (Thief 1): AC 13 HP 4/4
Cisneros (Elf 1): AC 11 HP 6/6
Howard Phillipson (Wizard 1): AC 13 HP 5/9

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Re: Fourth Expedition

#36 Post by Raven Crowking »

beermotor wrote:"Aww, come on now. Ain't nobody got the guts? I need a drink, dammit! Oy! One'a you green fellers wanna have a go? Or the guv'na there?"
After enough of that, the fat merchant nods to one of his bodyguards, who walks over and (unless you resist) pulls you up by one ear, turns your arm behind your back, and takes hold of your other arm. The green man is quite strong.

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Re: Fourth Expedition

#37 Post by beermotor »

(Daryll's not that weak, himself, heh.)

He'll play along. "'ere now, ain't no call for assaultin' me person!" He'll make sure to grab his dice as he's lifted. (Where's he being led to? Escorted out?)
Barrowmaze Map (by Grim Oddson and Gunnar Ottarson): Updated 03/14/13

Barrowmaze Characters (Active in Expedition 5):
Gunnar Ottarson (Dwarf 1): AC 16 HP 7/7
Daryll One-ear (Thief 1): AC 13 HP 4/4
Cisneros (Elf 1): AC 11 HP 6/6
Howard Phillipson (Wizard 1): AC 13 HP 5/9

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Re: Fourth Expedition

#38 Post by Raven Crowking »

The green-skinned warrior frog-marches you over to the table where the fat merchant sits, and seats you opposite him. There is no gentleness in his manner. Although he releases your arm, he keeps his left hand on your shoulder. From the side of your eye, you can see his other hand is on the hilt of his sword.

Melichus fastidiously wipes his lips with his napkin. The ring glitters on his finger enticingly.

"Do you think me a fool, boy?" He glances suggestively at your intact hands. "If so, then you are a bigger fool yourself than you imagine me to be. I could have you killed right now, and no hand would be raised against me. Your flyspeck village needs our trade too much. Even should you somehow turn the tables, the haberdashers protect me, boy, and one in your profession -- no matter how junior you may be -- should know not to turn on your betters."

"Yet I am in a generous mood," he says, as he leans back, hands resting over a full belly and eyes glittering with malice. "Tell me why I should not dispose of you now, as I would the leavings after a meal."

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Re: Fourth Expedition

#39 Post by beermotor »

Daryll doesn't flinch, but he leans closer over the table and speaks lower, so the rest of the area can't hear. "Well, maybe I'm a fool and maybe I ain't. Maybe I'm the kinda guy who's a good fit for a tough job. Like lootin' the Barrowmaze. Maybe you're the kinda guy who'd be interested in ... sponsoring that kinda work." He shrugs.

"Cards flipped over though, I just aim for that ruby yer wearin'." He jerks his chin at the ring. "It's worth a lot to a certain client of mine. What'll you take for it? You can see what I got to trade..." his eyes narrow ... "but, as I say, maybe there's patronage to be had. You can see I ain't skeered to take a risk. For the right re-ward. Think you'll find I'm a useful employee. Up to you."
Barrowmaze Map (by Grim Oddson and Gunnar Ottarson): Updated 03/14/13

Barrowmaze Characters (Active in Expedition 5):
Gunnar Ottarson (Dwarf 1): AC 16 HP 7/7
Daryll One-ear (Thief 1): AC 13 HP 4/4
Cisneros (Elf 1): AC 11 HP 6/6
Howard Phillipson (Wizard 1): AC 13 HP 5/9

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Re: Fourth Expedition

#40 Post by Raven Crowking »

beermotor wrote:Daryll doesn't flinch, but he leans closer over the table and speaks lower, so the rest of the area can't hear. "Well, maybe I'm a fool and maybe I ain't. Maybe I'm the kinda guy who's a good fit for a tough job. Like lootin' the Barrowmaze. Maybe you're the kinda guy who'd be interested in ... sponsoring that kinda work." He shrugs.
"A person does not reach my position by gambling with his own money...or with his own blood. It is clear that you have much to learn about the way this world looks, should you live so long as to learn it."
"Cards flipped over though, I just aim for that ruby yer wearin'." He jerks his chin at the ring. "It's worth a lot to a certain client of mine. What'll you take for it? You can see what I got to trade..." his eyes narrow ... "but, as I say, maybe there's patronage to be had. You can see I ain't skeered to take a risk. For the right re-ward. Think you'll find I'm a useful employee. Up to you."
Melichus laughs, a snort of amusement that seems surprised out of him. "You have no small opinion of yourself," he says. "You may one day have some value, if you survive long enough to have that brashness rubbed off you. You were wise to tell the truth at last, for I know all about you....more than you would think possible. It is my business to know."

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