May 10th 1066
Helix Village, Duchy of Aerik.
8.00am. Windy, light rain.
Light: Visibility good. Lantern (LK) Lantern (LK).
Effects: none.
Meeting in the market square, a gathering of adventurers and conscripts under the leadership of a swashbuckling ex-military officer who seeks to restore his reputation. The mission is to go and scout out a barrow mound, named as the Mercian Mound which has been reputedly besieged by lizardmen who guard it's entrance.
The belief is that the mound is a temple or sacred place of Sauron worship and so Foxrell wishes to conduct a raid upon that facility to defile the temple and drive away the lizardman warriors.
The man has arrived in striped pantaloons breeches, jacket and ever so shiny boots. His helm polished, moustache waxed. Behind him are a cadre of uniformed militia, conscripted from the Manse after Lord Krothos lost a wager over cards to him. They each carry a lance like spear with a pennon fluttering on the shaft and a broadsword sheathed at the hip. They look the part but march out of step giving rise to questions as to their veteran status.
Alongside those are less formally dressed adventurers. Golgarth, Sigrid, Sir Dewey, Cosmo and Liebish.
Last to join the team is lizardman linguist Vann Hector.
Barrow Mounds: Secret of the Saurons'.
Barrow Mounds: Secret of the Saurons'.
Last edited by Spearmint on Tue Oct 26, 2021 10:30 pm, edited 3 times in total.
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Bluetongue
- Ranger Lord
- Posts: 3009
- Joined: Sun Jan 22, 2017 11:30 am
Re: Barrow Mounds: Secret of the Saurons'.
Golgarth
Arrives in good time to meet the group and set off with much trepidation. He introduces Liebish to the group.
Arrives in good time to meet the group and set off with much trepidation. He introduces Liebish to the group.
Re: Barrow Mounds: Secret of the Saurons'.
Sigrid arrives bright and early, always an early riser, and looks impressed by the show of force from Foxwell and his conscripts. She greets each of her companions and smiles warmly at the newcomer Liebish, "Welcome sir!"
Re: Barrow Mounds: Secret of the Saurons'.
Vann Hector
The elven linguist arrives in the market place at the appointed time. He is dressed in a black tricorn helm and duster' style coat over studded gambeson. At his hips, dangling in holsters strapped to each thigh are two custom made hand-held crossbows. A bandolier of daggers across his chest and longsword sheathed by his side. He carries a basic pack of supplies.
"Hello." he says by way of introduction.
The elven linguist arrives in the market place at the appointed time. He is dressed in a black tricorn helm and duster' style coat over studded gambeson. At his hips, dangling in holsters strapped to each thigh are two custom made hand-held crossbows. A bandolier of daggers across his chest and longsword sheathed by his side. He carries a basic pack of supplies.
"Hello." he says by way of introduction.
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Monsieur Rose
- Rider of Rohan
- Posts: 6099
- Joined: Thu Oct 22, 2015 4:26 pm
Re: Barrow Mounds: Secret of the Saurons'.
Sir Dewey
The Knight greets the party and nods to Liebish and Vann Hector. "Ah. My ghoul-killing companion. I hope things have been less eventful than when last we met."
He turns to Golgarth. "I have traveled and fought with you. I trust you. We shall see whether I should trust our leader." He looks over the assembled troops and remarks "At least everyone will know which side we're on, eh?"
The Knight greets the party and nods to Liebish and Vann Hector. "Ah. My ghoul-killing companion. I hope things have been less eventful than when last we met."
He turns to Golgarth. "I have traveled and fought with you. I trust you. We shall see whether I should trust our leader." He looks over the assembled troops and remarks "At least everyone will know which side we're on, eh?"
Re: Barrow Mounds: Secret of the Saurons'.
Helix Village, Duchy of Aerik.
11.00am. Windy, light rain.
Light: Visibility good. Lantern (LK) Lantern (LK).
Effects: none.
The team completed with the arrival of the much needed linguist, Foxrell gives a little prepared speech before leading the team off. Two of the lancers from the manse lead a mule each, pack with basic camp gear, tents, rations. The other four march as pairs, one set in front and one bringing up the rear. Characters mingle and chat as they trek.
The first two and a half miles follow a familiar trail through the outwood settlements surrounding Helix, scattered homesteads and farms on the fringe of civilization. Vann Hector has travelled this road at least twice, once leaving to find poachers and returning after rescuing a caged wolf-man. Foxrell shares a basic map and strategy.
"My understanding is that the Saurons' only ward this one mound out of the hundreds built. It is near the southern edge of the Barrow Meadows and they keep to guarding that and rarely venture elsewhere.
So my intention is to arrive south of the mounds, intercept any of their supply line from their tribal areas around the Blackwater, then proceed to raid the mound they guard. We seem to be a well armed group, unlikely bandits will threaten us. Any questions just ask."
The mist, swirling in thick white-grey foggy clouds blankets out all sight of everything above and beyond a short range. After 60'ft, your perception of people dressed in colourful garb becomes a visual of emaciated shadows, shouts close by echo, whispers carry on the wind. The Barrow Moor has a well earned eerie reputation for obfuscation and misdirection.
The trail the leading pair follow is a thin line, worn between high clumps of grassy thickets that could hide an elephant. It meanders around patches of deep boggy pools, treacherous to step in, the unwary sinking quickly. Occasionally a stone or tree nicked with a freshly cut arrow confirms at least others have passed this way before you. In time you come to a small creek, a hollow where water seepage drains from the higher ground to run off into the Moorwash delta. A large flat scrubland of heather and bracken which borders several patches of sodden peat. To one side are large prickly swamp cacti bursting with ripened pears. A group of large ostrich like wading birds feast in the creek bed, digging up long mud eels. The observant might notice one or two boggy pools ripple with muddy bubbles which pop smell of bad eggs.
"Swamp gas. From the millennium of rot and decay." Foxrell says.
and at this point I will pause for comments, questions and any actions ...
... and a [1d6] roll from each character please.
11.00am. Windy, light rain.
Light: Visibility good. Lantern (LK) Lantern (LK).
Effects: none.
The team completed with the arrival of the much needed linguist, Foxrell gives a little prepared speech before leading the team off. Two of the lancers from the manse lead a mule each, pack with basic camp gear, tents, rations. The other four march as pairs, one set in front and one bringing up the rear. Characters mingle and chat as they trek.
The first two and a half miles follow a familiar trail through the outwood settlements surrounding Helix, scattered homesteads and farms on the fringe of civilization. Vann Hector has travelled this road at least twice, once leaving to find poachers and returning after rescuing a caged wolf-man. Foxrell shares a basic map and strategy.
"My understanding is that the Saurons' only ward this one mound out of the hundreds built. It is near the southern edge of the Barrow Meadows and they keep to guarding that and rarely venture elsewhere.
So my intention is to arrive south of the mounds, intercept any of their supply line from their tribal areas around the Blackwater, then proceed to raid the mound they guard. We seem to be a well armed group, unlikely bandits will threaten us. Any questions just ask."
The mist, swirling in thick white-grey foggy clouds blankets out all sight of everything above and beyond a short range. After 60'ft, your perception of people dressed in colourful garb becomes a visual of emaciated shadows, shouts close by echo, whispers carry on the wind. The Barrow Moor has a well earned eerie reputation for obfuscation and misdirection.
The trail the leading pair follow is a thin line, worn between high clumps of grassy thickets that could hide an elephant. It meanders around patches of deep boggy pools, treacherous to step in, the unwary sinking quickly. Occasionally a stone or tree nicked with a freshly cut arrow confirms at least others have passed this way before you. In time you come to a small creek, a hollow where water seepage drains from the higher ground to run off into the Moorwash delta. A large flat scrubland of heather and bracken which borders several patches of sodden peat. To one side are large prickly swamp cacti bursting with ripened pears. A group of large ostrich like wading birds feast in the creek bed, digging up long mud eels. The observant might notice one or two boggy pools ripple with muddy bubbles which pop smell of bad eggs.
"Swamp gas. From the millennium of rot and decay." Foxrell says.
and at this point I will pause for comments, questions and any actions ...
... and a [1d6] roll from each character please.
Re: Barrow Mounds: Secret of the Saurons'.
Vann Hector
Responds to Sir Dewey, "Ah yes, the incident with Greygoose returning from the dead so suddenly. My elven blood saved me from the poisonous touch but then leaked out in great spurts upon the vestry floor. I and Friar John were both glad to see you arrive in the nick of time.
What happened to that fellow?"
The elf will chat getting to know the other characters, taking note of their manner which might betray a certain persuasion of class. Fighters, rogues, a mage, clerics.
Once we come to the creek he takes a break, drinking from his wineskin as others debate routes and stuff. He hasn't spoken lizardman in a long time and hopes the dialect he learned has carried over the mountains to this region.
Vann Hector: random check. [1d6]=1
lower is good right?
Responds to Sir Dewey, "Ah yes, the incident with Greygoose returning from the dead so suddenly. My elven blood saved me from the poisonous touch but then leaked out in great spurts upon the vestry floor. I and Friar John were both glad to see you arrive in the nick of time.
What happened to that fellow?"
The elf will chat getting to know the other characters, taking note of their manner which might betray a certain persuasion of class. Fighters, rogues, a mage, clerics.
Once we come to the creek he takes a break, drinking from his wineskin as others debate routes and stuff. He hasn't spoken lizardman in a long time and hopes the dialect he learned has carried over the mountains to this region.
Vann Hector: random check. [1d6]=1
lower is good right?
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Bluetongue
- Ranger Lord
- Posts: 3009
- Joined: Sun Jan 22, 2017 11:30 am
Re: Barrow Mounds: Secret of the Saurons'.
Golgarth
Golgarth random roll [1d6]=5
The priest has little experience of the Moors or even the lizardman culture so can hardly advise with any expertise. He has meditated to equip himself with one healing spell and one offensive Bless to use in melee.
We have a supply of rations but notes the edible prickly pears and eels. At least a competent ranger could scavenge in this wilderness.
While Foxrell talks and shares any map locations, he will express an interest. How far to the Blackwater tribal grounds? How populous are the lizardmen tribes?
It looks about 20+ miles away on the regional hexmap. I would expect a swamp/moor native lizardman to be able to cover that distance in a day. He muses on the suggested plans but cannot add anything to them just yet.
Golgarth random roll [1d6]=5
The priest has little experience of the Moors or even the lizardman culture so can hardly advise with any expertise. He has meditated to equip himself with one healing spell and one offensive Bless to use in melee.
We have a supply of rations but notes the edible prickly pears and eels. At least a competent ranger could scavenge in this wilderness.
While Foxrell talks and shares any map locations, he will express an interest. How far to the Blackwater tribal grounds? How populous are the lizardmen tribes?
It looks about 20+ miles away on the regional hexmap. I would expect a swamp/moor native lizardman to be able to cover that distance in a day. He muses on the suggested plans but cannot add anything to them just yet.
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Monsieur Rose
- Rider of Rohan
- Posts: 6099
- Joined: Thu Oct 22, 2015 4:26 pm
Re: Barrow Mounds: Secret of the Saurons'.
Sir Dewey
The Knight cocks his head as if to look into the past. "Ah, yes. The good Friar. I think I recall something about bees? There doesn't seem to be a shortage of trouble people can get into outside of town." He stops and chuckles. "Although, I must say we did get into a spot in town, didn't we?"
He stomps through the moor following the misty shapes and lanterns ahead. "By Ygg. This place needs a good draining. All manner of evil can make their roost here. Look, over there. Who knows what lays in ambush just beyond that pool? Being alone out here would do horrors to the mind. I must remember to be more sympathetic to poor Alaster."
He draws his Morningstar, unwilling to be caught flat-footed in the mist.
[1d6]=4
The Knight cocks his head as if to look into the past. "Ah, yes. The good Friar. I think I recall something about bees? There doesn't seem to be a shortage of trouble people can get into outside of town." He stops and chuckles. "Although, I must say we did get into a spot in town, didn't we?"
He stomps through the moor following the misty shapes and lanterns ahead. "By Ygg. This place needs a good draining. All manner of evil can make their roost here. Look, over there. Who knows what lays in ambush just beyond that pool? Being alone out here would do horrors to the mind. I must remember to be more sympathetic to poor Alaster."
He draws his Morningstar, unwilling to be caught flat-footed in the mist.
[1d6]=4
Re: Barrow Mounds: Secret of the Saurons'.
Tries to follow the conversations going on, despite not knowing most of the folk mentioned. Her knowledge of this tongue while certainly growing, yet still some terms had little meaning for her. She is glad to have several from the spider expedition along. She especially felt safe with Golgarth and Sir Dewey about. Those two reassured more than the soldiers who didn't seem especially adept out here. She sits studying her goat-skin bound spellbook for a time and then noted the apprehension of Sir Dewey so she rose staff in hand as if to ward off whatever shadows might mean them harm.
[1d6]=4
[1d6]=4
Re: Barrow Mounds: Secret of the Saurons'.
random check [1d6]=4
Leibish walks slowly along in formation, listening to the conversation. He pokes each new section at the side of the path for stability with his staff. "Are these moors like this all the time, year round? Or is it only some temporary gloom from today's weather?" he asks aloud with trepedation in his voice.
Leibish walks slowly along in formation, listening to the conversation. He pokes each new section at the side of the path for stability with his staff. "Are these moors like this all the time, year round? Or is it only some temporary gloom from today's weather?" he asks aloud with trepedation in his voice.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery: “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people together to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.”
Re: Barrow Mounds: Secret of the Saurons'.
Helix Village, Duchy of Aerik.
11.00am. Windy, light rain.
Light: Visibility good. Lantern (LK) Lantern (LK).
Effects: none.
Perhaps that moment when concentration is lacking is what betrays the group leader. As Foxrell pours over a map with Golgarth, they are both surprised by the sudden eruption of earth from around them. A huge mantis like creature with a dark chitinous thorax and abdomen emerges from the ground, reaching to grab them both in huge vice like mandibles. The claws snap and grasp at the men but surprisingly, each narrowly escaped being dragged to the jaws of the critter which drools over them.
A huge creature, at least 12'ft in length from snout to tail, though only a youngling by dictyoptera standards, raises itself in hind legs to assail the assembled meat-feast that intruders upon its territory.
actions everyone please
11.00am. Windy, light rain.
Light: Visibility good. Lantern (LK) Lantern (LK).
Effects: none.
Perhaps that moment when concentration is lacking is what betrays the group leader. As Foxrell pours over a map with Golgarth, they are both surprised by the sudden eruption of earth from around them. A huge mantis like creature with a dark chitinous thorax and abdomen emerges from the ground, reaching to grab them both in huge vice like mandibles. The claws snap and grasp at the men but surprisingly, each narrowly escaped being dragged to the jaws of the critter which drools over them.
A huge creature, at least 12'ft in length from snout to tail, though only a youngling by dictyoptera standards, raises itself in hind legs to assail the assembled meat-feast that intruders upon its territory.
actions everyone please
- Attachments
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- Creature erupts from the boggy Moor
- winged-ankheg.jpg (64.16 KiB) Viewed 725 times
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Bluetongue
- Ranger Lord
- Posts: 3009
- Joined: Sun Jan 22, 2017 11:30 am
Re: Barrow Mounds: Secret of the Saurons'.
Golgarth
Grabs his Warhammer and swings an attacking at the creatures head.
Golgarth Warhammer melee [1d20]=16 damage [1d8]=1 stun chance % dam+1 per level [1d100]=47
Grabs his Warhammer and swings an attacking at the creatures head.
Golgarth Warhammer melee [1d20]=16 damage [1d8]=1 stun chance % dam+1 per level [1d100]=47
Re: Barrow Mounds: Secret of the Saurons'.
Leibish is horrified by the creature's emergence from the earth and astounded by its size. He draws his short bow with an arrow, picks the most readily open target, and fires an arrow into the creature assuming medium range, approximately 10 yards.
Leibish fires short bow from medium range within 10 yards [1d20]=17 doing [1d6]=2 piercing damage; -1 arrow
Leibish fires short bow from medium range within 10 yards [1d20]=17 doing [1d6]=2 piercing damage; -1 arrow
Antoine de Saint-Exupery: “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people together to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.”
Re: Barrow Mounds: Secret of the Saurons'.
Vann Hector
Draws his blade and charges at the creature, targeting a vulnerable spot between the carapace and under its throat.
Vann Hector longsword melee [1d20+1]=15+1=16 damage [1d12]=12
Draws his blade and charges at the creature, targeting a vulnerable spot between the carapace and under its throat.
Vann Hector longsword melee [1d20+1]=15+1=16 damage [1d12]=12
Re: Barrow Mounds: Secret of the Saurons'.
Sigrid calls upon her ancestors to hurt the accursed creature, intoning in her native tongue the words to conjure a magical arrow. She pauses a moment after sending it on its way to see if she has retained the knowledge of how to cast the spell and twists her mouth when she realizes she has not.
Magic Missile: [1d4+1]=4+1=5
Chance to retain spell: [4d6+1]=20+1=21 vs. 14 Intelligence.
Magic Missile: [1d4+1]=4+1=5
Chance to retain spell: [4d6+1]=20+1=21 vs. 14 Intelligence.
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Monsieur Rose
- Rider of Rohan
- Posts: 6099
- Joined: Thu Oct 22, 2015 4:26 pm
Re: Barrow Mounds: Secret of the Saurons'.
Sir Dewey
“By Ygg! How was that thing laying in wait?!
The knight exclaims while moving to engage the beast. Look lively! There may be more around.
Initiative: [1d6]=6
Morningstar: [1d20]=8
Maybe he’ll use two shields and just cover himself in bbq sauce. He’d be just as dangerous.
“By Ygg! How was that thing laying in wait?!
The knight exclaims while moving to engage the beast. Look lively! There may be more around.
Initiative: [1d6]=6
Morningstar: [1d20]=8
Maybe he’ll use two shields and just cover himself in bbq sauce. He’d be just as dangerous.
Re: Barrow Mounds: Secret of the Saurons'.
Cosmo
follows Vann in his gallant assault on the beast, thinking this could be a good opportunity to test the possible effects of his new weapon:
Magic miner's pick: to hit [1d20]=8, bonus and damage unknown
follows Vann in his gallant assault on the beast, thinking this could be a good opportunity to test the possible effects of his new weapon:
Magic miner's pick: to hit [1d20]=8, bonus and damage unknown
Re: Barrow Mounds: Secret of the Saurons'.
Barrow Moor, south of Helix, Duchy of Aerik.
11.05am. Windy, light rain.
Light: Visibility good. Lantern (LK) Lantern (LK).
Effects: none.
The ankheg erupts menacingly from the boggy ground to attempt am ambush on the group but it seems to have acted prematurely for both of its attacks fail to grasp a meaty human morsel to feast upon.
It is suddenly beset itself, surrounded not by fragile farmers but brave hearts and warriors. Foxrell draws a pair of curved blades, a cavalry sabre and a Kukri dagger. He steps underneath the grasping mandibles and ripostes at the creature but his sword just scrapes along the chitinous shell without penetrating the creature. Then he stabs into the fleshy underbelly of the beast with his dagger, burying it to the hilt in a deep wound that spurts blood and goo. Recognising a weak spot he commands his troops, "Attack its guts. Spill the creature open." Golgarth can confirm the two tone shell plating as he whacks a leathery scale to little effect.
A quartet of the conscripts from Lord Krothos level their long spears and charge to skewer the beast.
Sigrid invokes syllables of pain, triggering an arcane spear that impales the creature in the throat. Vann Hector mimics the officer, slicing through the thorax and opening the critter critically. Sir Dewey and Cosmo attack at the rear of the creature but fail to penetrate the shell with their attacks.
Liebish finishes the creature off with a single arrow. It collapses from the severe and numerous wounds, enough to slay half a dozen men, splattering those close by in blood and mud.
The men stand in awe of creature, poking it from a distance with their lances to make sure. An ominous burrow tunnel dug in the creek bed for the creature to lay in wait from. "Better keep moving. Well done men, great teamwork." Foxrell salutes the team with his blade then presses in lest more such beasts, larger adult ones not the inexperienced juvenile lurk nearby.
actions and comments, then I will update the trek.
11.05am. Windy, light rain.
Light: Visibility good. Lantern (LK) Lantern (LK).
Effects: none.
The ankheg erupts menacingly from the boggy ground to attempt am ambush on the group but it seems to have acted prematurely for both of its attacks fail to grasp a meaty human morsel to feast upon.
It is suddenly beset itself, surrounded not by fragile farmers but brave hearts and warriors. Foxrell draws a pair of curved blades, a cavalry sabre and a Kukri dagger. He steps underneath the grasping mandibles and ripostes at the creature but his sword just scrapes along the chitinous shell without penetrating the creature. Then he stabs into the fleshy underbelly of the beast with his dagger, burying it to the hilt in a deep wound that spurts blood and goo. Recognising a weak spot he commands his troops, "Attack its guts. Spill the creature open." Golgarth can confirm the two tone shell plating as he whacks a leathery scale to little effect.
A quartet of the conscripts from Lord Krothos level their long spears and charge to skewer the beast.
Sigrid invokes syllables of pain, triggering an arcane spear that impales the creature in the throat. Vann Hector mimics the officer, slicing through the thorax and opening the critter critically. Sir Dewey and Cosmo attack at the rear of the creature but fail to penetrate the shell with their attacks.
Liebish finishes the creature off with a single arrow. It collapses from the severe and numerous wounds, enough to slay half a dozen men, splattering those close by in blood and mud.
actions and comments, then I will update the trek.
Re: Barrow Mounds: Secret of the Saurons'.
Vann Hector
Wipes the goo and blood off his blade. For a trophy he will cut one of the mandibles or a claw from the creature.
He certainly doesn't want to stay about. The burrow exposed, let the wading birds come over and grab any larvae about.
"Any of you guys familiar with Barrie flora? I have heard certain foodstuffs like funghi and leaves might hold medicinal properties. Anyone want to check out those fruiting cacti with me before we trek off?"
Wipes the goo and blood off his blade. For a trophy he will cut one of the mandibles or a claw from the creature.
He certainly doesn't want to stay about. The burrow exposed, let the wading birds come over and grab any larvae about.
"Any of you guys familiar with Barrie flora? I have heard certain foodstuffs like funghi and leaves might hold medicinal properties. Anyone want to check out those fruiting cacti with me before we trek off?"