Bramble Butterfoot, Halfling Ranger Level 1

Bramble Butterfoot, Halfling Ranger Level 1
Hit Points: 18/18 Body Points: 20/20 Experience Points: 5 Experience Base: 28
Stats STR 10; DEX 15(+2); MIND 13(+1); CHA 10
Saves FORT +3; REFLEX +5; WILL+3 PRESENCE +2 (+4 to save vs magical effects)
Armor Class 15; Shortbow +6 to hit, 1d6+3; Dagger +2 to hit, 1d4+1
Rangers are expert at wilderness tracking and survival and good at moving quietly and hiding in cover in the wilderness.
Current Money: 2gp

Calix, Human Cleric Level 1

Calix, Human Cleric Level 1
Alignment: Neutral Scoundrel Hit Points: 16/16 Body Points: 20/20 Experience Points: 5 Experience Base: 20
Stats STR 10; DEX 18 (+3); MIND 17 (+2); CHA 16 (+2)
Saves FORT +3; REFLEX +5; WILL +5; PRESENCE +4
Armor Class 16; Light Mace +1 to hit 1d6 dmg
Can cast divine spells and have the Turn Undead and
Smite special Abilities.
Current Money: 5 gp

Sarhan Soth, Gnome Thief Level 1

Sarhan Soth, Gnome Thief Level 1
Alignment: Neutral Trickster Hit Points: 16/16 Body Points: 20/20 Experience Points: 5 Experience Base: 24
Stats STR 10; DEX 14 (+1); MIND 11; CHA 9
Saves FORT +3 REFLEX +6 WILL +3 PRESENCE +3; +4 to save vs poison
Armor Class 13; Dagger +1 to hit, 1d4+1
They have the Sneak Attack special ability, which adds the Thief's class level to the damage of his first attack, if he successfully sneaks up on a foe. Thieves are experts at urban
survival as well as picking pockets, hiding, sneaking, and other
tasks associated with theft.
Current Money: 5gp

Rathman, Elf Magic-User Level 1

Rathman, Elf Magic-User Level 1
Hit Points: 22/22 Body Points: 20/20 Experience Points: 5 Experience Base: 37
Stats: STR 16 (+2); DEX 8; MIND 16 (+2); CHA 8
Saves: FORT +3; REFLEX +1; WILL +5; PRESENCE +1
Armor Class 10; Dagger +3 to hit, 1d4+2 dmg
Spellbook: Read Magic, Sleep, Feather Fall, Hold Portal, Identify.
Current Money: 5gp

Gault, Human Fighter 1

Gault, Human Fighter Level 1

Alignment: Guardedly Neutral. Hit Points: 24/24 Body Points: 20/20 Experience Points: 5 Experience Base: 20
Stats: STR 16 (+2); DEX 13 (+1); MIND 11; CHA 13 (+1)

Saves: FORT +8; REFLEX +5 WILL +4; PRESENCE +5

Armor Class 15 (heavy shield, leather armor, dex bonus); Throwing Axe +3 to hit, 1d6+1 dmg; Spear +4 to hit, 1d6+3 dmg

Current Money: 5gp

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Setting the Stage; Game On!

We are about ready to begin, I believe.

It is the sixth day of the Summer Festival in Fallcrest, and as evening draws close, most residents have made their way to the Market Green (26) on the lower side of town, where a great bonfire is being prepared, and the ale has already started flowing. The people of Fallcrest are in good spirits; there has not been a monster raid since the last Festival, and this year's harvest looks to be plentiful. The Lucky Gnome Taphouse (28) is doing a brisk business, which is pouring over onto the Market Green. While much of the lower side of Fallcrest remains in ruins, there has been some rebuilding lately.


Bramble Butterfoot: you have literally just gotten to Fallcrest after seeing your family slaughtered by gnolls. You followed the River Nen south to Fallcrest, where you hear the sounds of a great celebration.


Calix: This happened today:

Father Quinlaven has asked you to walk with him after morning services. "Calix, I was granted a vision last night," he begins, his old deep voice slow with age and deliberation. "It seems the gods have a greater purpose for you than remaining here. I know, I find it hard to believe myself, young man, but these are dark and dangerous times we find ourselves in, and the gods work in mysterious ways. 


"You must leave this temple, Calix. Have faith and trust in Corellon to guide you through the darkness you will surely encounter. Gather your things and go. Oh, and take this," he says, opening his robes and brandishing a heavy mace, adorned on each blunt face of the business end with the Star of Corellon. "It has been many moons since I have had to wield it, but it served me well when the orcs were rampaging across the Vale.


"I fear the orcs are gathering again in the Stonemarch Mountains, to the west. Normally the tribes of darkness bicker and fight amongst themselves, but when a strong enough leader can impose his will on the clans, they can be rallied under a single banner. You must not allow this to happen, Calix."


Father Quinlaven hands you the mace. 

DM note: this is just a normal mace, although of exceptional quality and sentimental value.


Sarhan Soth: You are in the Market Green, enjoying the festival with your friends and family.


Rathman: Your teacher, the old human hedge-wizard Tauster, has given you the most important job in town. You are in charge of the fireworks. A cart stacked full of them sits near the cliff on the upper side of town, just above (15) on the map.


Gault: You drew the short straw and are stuck with guard duty, walking the wall for the evening.


Okay, I know I just served up Calix a big fat plot sandwich, but it was one of those things that I just started writing yesterday and it seemed like it would be perfect. So there ya go. I'll try to make sure everybody gets some, as the storyline progresses and more NPCs are added to the mix through play.

Also, if anyone has ideas for NPC relatives or friends, shoot me an email and we can get that sorted out and added to the mix somehow. The more you put into your character, the more I can give back. I'm all about you guys helping me build this world as the game progresses. It's ours, not mine, and I have very little set in stone about any of it at the moment.

Calix and Rathman still need starting equipment, and Rathman needs to select the spells in his book, as well as his "signature spell".

28 comments:

  1. Calix accepts the mace hesitantly. He likes the old man well enough, and, truth be told, considers him to be the only real friend he has, but sometimes Father Quinlaven's moods and his occasionally "visions" left him feeling at a loss. This time was no exception.

    "We should go and inform the guard at once," Calix said, attempting to sooth the old man's nerves. "I'm sure they will be interested in this vision and can prepare some defenses against any potential attack." And if not, he thought silently to himself, we might make it out of the city before it falls. His memory of the last attacks had left him with a hatred of the greenskins, and a healthy fear of them.

    He's glad he had a full pack already prepared in case of just such an emergency and, before heading out to speak with the town council about this supposed threat, takes up his meager supplies. Then, so long as Father Quinlaven is able, he goes out to find at least one of the council members and alert them to the good cleric's vision.

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  3. OOC: apparently my equipment didn't make the sidebar

    Pack B
    backpack
    bedroll
    10 torches
    10 torches
    flint & steel
    chalk
    10 ft. pole
    mirror
    crowbar
    water skin
    iron rations for four days
    Spellbook with all spells known (need spells)
    a dagger
    5 gold pieces

    "Sleep" will be his signature spell.

    How many 1st level spells can he choose?

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  4. @Tenkar: You get Read Magic and 4 additional 1st level spells of your choosing in your spellbook to start. Your spellbook is 100 pages long and each spell takes up a number of pages equal to twice its level. All additional spells must be found through the course of the game. I will generally be rolling randomly for treasure, so I'm sure some will pop up eventually.

    @Joe: I'll have a reply up for you in the morning, hopefully once everyone else has a chance to post.

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  5. Bramble living up to his name, broke from the bush nearest he could get to the city's wall, covered in scraps of brush. Disheveled from his uncharacteristically frantic foray through the underbrush of the River Nen; he appeared to be wild eyed and frantic.

    "You there! Can you help me please?!" he yelled. Not waiting for a reply, he continued, "I seek safety and the accompaniment of my kin within your town... should any others have found their way here!"

    The movement within a pocket brought his thoughts away from the possibility that all he had once know was forever, and irrefutably, lost.

    "Not now little one...." he whispered as he pushed the head of his traveling companions back within his clothes. The only friend he might see for some time.

    "I beseech you, my home has been ravaged by Gnolls not far from here! Has any others made it here alive?!"

    He looked desperately along the wall, for anyone, anyone who could give him the reassurance that he desired....

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  6. Gault stares out from the city walls with his heart lifted. This celebration marks a turning point for himself and for Fallcrest.

    Diligent in his duty he stands his post and watches the night fall around the city.

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  7. When the small cry reaches him, the guardsman freezes in his tracks and listens for which direction it came. Hearing the appeal again, Gault moves quickly along to the tower to collect any other guards he can find there.

    Thereafter turning towards the city gate, the elation of a moment fades under the dark spectre of the unknown out there in the night.

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  8. Sarhan sits with his wife and parents around a rectangular, rough-hewn table surrounded by the remains of supper. The festival has put him in good spirits and for a time he was able to forget about money and the business. The children are playing and they laugh at the antics. Messa, his oldest daughter, sits nearby eager for someone to ask her to dance. Perhaps no one approaches because Sarhan throws a scowl at any young man that looks in her direction...

    Sarhan won't overlook an opportunity to do business however, so while the family is distracted he goes looking for the owner of The Lucky Gnome. "Perhaps they will need some wares replaced after the festival," he thinks to himself, "if not, it's good to keep up relationships with potential customers, ungrateful as they may be..."

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  9. [OOC] Are we able to assume that Bramble can see/communicate with Gault?

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  10. Bramble, you are very close to the North Gate into town. It is open, and you can see movement among the guards along the ramparts. They will be able to see you if you step onto the road.

    Gault, you were close enough to the North Gate to hear Bramble loud and clear, as did a couple other guards, who are nervously gripping their weapons at the mention of "gnolls".

    It is known that packs of gnolls hunt the plains to the east of Fallcrest, but typically they don't range as far as Fallcrest proper.

    Calix and Sarhan, I will get to you later this evening.

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  11. Bramble moved out on the road, "Can you hear me? My friends... my family... we were attacked by Gnolls!"

    He took several quick steps toward the gate before he reconsidered.

    "Have any other of my kind been this way this night?!" he yelled.

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  12. OOC: Spells (Rathman)

    Feather Fall, Hold Portal, Identify and Sleep as the signature

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  13. DM note: while there are a number of halfling families in and around Fallcrest, no unknown halflings have entered Fallcrest for the festival.

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  14. “Right-o lad! “ Rathman thought to himself. “In charge of The Werks! Damn fine thing if I must say so myself, to myself, I must add, as the truth is once I get where I needs to be, with my luck half The Werks will be duds, and the other half will blow my hat off!”

    “Still, Master Tauster has always treated me more then fairly, even them times I did screw things up. Least Master’s hair has grown back, mostly.” Rathman smiled to himself at the thought.

    “Eh, time to waits for the signal” Rathman says to himself as he settles in.

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  15. Rathman: As you prepare the fireworks for the night's show, you spy a trio of human children hanging out and watching you a little ways away. You recognize them as a few of the more trouble-making youngsters in town, and they are whispering to each other. They are clearly quite interested in the fireworks. 

    Sarhan: The Lucky Gnome is quite busy, and it takes you a while to maneuver your way through the crowd of celebrating people. It seems every third step you take, there is another old friend who is happy to see you. Eventually, though, you run into Drewfet, the Lucky Gnome himself. "Sarhan! Can I get you a drink old friend?" he says. Drewfet is nearly as old as you, and you have known each other since you were children plotting to steal the town fireworks during the Summer Festival, so many moons ago. For some reason, even though the two of you go way back, Drewfet never takes his business to your woodworking shop. 

    Calix: Father Quinlaven smiles at you and pats your shoulder. "Surely this is not something that cannot wait until after the festival, my son. Besides which, I am sure our Lord Mayor is already quite drunk," he says, before grumbling something under his breath about the "pompous lout". 

    The temple is not far from the Northern Gate, and you notice a bit of commotion amongst the guards. The  you hear the shrill voice of a halfling and the deep call of a guard, recognizing the voice of the young warrior Gault from atop the wall. 

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  16. Sarhan accepts a mug from Drewfet and catches up on the news from around town. Half his mug is gone before the usual pleasantries are finished. After mentioning how his daughter Eleyana is growing up quick, Sarhan sees an opportunity to play for Drewfet's sympathy.
    "...but she's another mouth to feed and business is slow. Drewfet, you and I have known each other for a long time. Your business seems to be doing well," says Sarhan as he gestures at the crowded room. "Why not pay me for some services? I can build you some new tables, carve some new bowls, refinish this bartop?" he asks before taking another sip.

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  17. Sarhan: Drewfet has always been very tight with his money. He tends to do most of the work for the pub "in-house", and it shows: wobbly chairs, splintery tables, etc. He raises an eyebrow at you, and is about to say something when a barmaid comes over to him.

    "Drew, the cook needs you back in the kitchen," she says, before hustling off to deliver a tray of ale mugs to a table of off-duty guards.

    "I must go, Sarhan," Drewfet says. "Perhaps we can talk business after the Festival, eh?" He downs his ale and hustles off, barking orders as he does.

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  18. "Perhaps. Take care Drew... and thanks for the drink," says Sarhan has he raises his mug. Sarhan sits quietly for a moment enveloped by the clatter of the noisy tavern. "Well, I had to try," he thinks to himself. With a heavy sigh, he finishes the last of his ale and pushes back his seat. Putting on a brave face, he makes his way back outside and rejoins the family.

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  19. Calix nods warily at Father Quinlaven's words. "If you say so, Father. You, of all people, would best understand your visions." Still, he muses to himself, best to keep his pack at hand for a ready exit should things take a turn for the very worst.

    Upon hearing the commotion, Calix's first instinct is to walk the other way. Then, almost shamefully, he realizes that to do so in front of Father Quinlaven would be rude and show him as uncaring in the eyes of Corellon.

    Besides, what if someone's hurt? he mused to himself. It'd be a fine thing to leave them bleeding to death just because those damn fool guards can't decide whether it's a wounded farmer or a cunning greenskin ploy.

    "A moment, Father, I hear some sort of commotion at the walls. I might just hurry over to see what's happening." For just a moment Father Quinlaven's dire prediction tickles at Calix's mind, causing him to worry over the source of the distress at the gate.

    Taking his leave of the old man, Calix heads for the gate. He recognizes Gault as one of the more companionable of Fallcrest's guards and hurries over to see what all the fuss is about.

    "I say, what seems to be the trouble? Anything a man of the gods might help with?" he asks, standing at the base of the wall and looking up at the gaggle of guards on top.

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  20. [[OOC]] Before it comes up, would I know where abouts my 'clan' would have been attacked? [[/OOC]]

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  21. OOC @ the Bane: you were about a mile north of Fallcrest, camping along the River Nen.

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  22. Tenkar uses some minor magic to kick up some leaves and dirt at the feet of the children to ensure he has their attention

    "If'n ya can be good and follow order when I pass 'em on, I'll let you all have some of the Wiggly Worms for yourselves - so long as ya promises not to use them to chase the girls" Tenkar adds with a wink.

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  23. OOC will Gault find any guardsmen to follow him to the north gate? I can only imagine he would be reluctant to open the gates to the city while the celebration is going on.

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  24. [[OOC]] Quote from Sully: "Bramble, you are very close to the North Gate into town. It is open, and you can see movement among the guards along the ramparts. They will be able to see you if you step onto the road." ~ highlight mine...

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  25. Then hearing this latest cry, Gault proceeds directly out of the gate "Step closer here then; what is this you say of being attacked"

    "No other halfling has passed this way with word of unrest this day."
    Gault looks to see how steady the young gentleman is upon his feet.

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  26. Bramble slumped with the news, 'Perhaps I beat any survivors here..., he thought.

    He turned from the guard and looked back the way he came. His shoulders sunk further as reality set in.

    Bramble turned back to the guard, "We were attacked, not far from here, to the North... Just up the river where we camped...

    What to do? Should I return? Alone?

    "Gnolls, they ravaged my clan. Killed... everyone..."

    He stopped there as the images of the bodies assailed his thoughts... 'No, this can't be!

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  27. Gault looks over the halfling and back down the road to see if anything had pursued him here, "See here, what would your name be sir?"

    "Step inside and tell us when these attacks took place."
    Gault points to suggest he follow him back towards the gatehouse.

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  28. Bramble went ahead of the helpful guard, though he did turn once or twice in hopes of seeing others coming this way.

    Perhaps they fled elsewhere? He thought.

    "Oh, I fled from.... there, no more than..."

    Bramble wondered how this guard would tell time, then continued, "about as long ago as it takes to milk six goats..."

    He peered up at the guard to see if he understood, while continuing to walk in to Fallcrest.

    That's when it hit him, "All these people live here..." he exclaimed when he saw the sight of the festivities.

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