A Grave Matter for the Party of Seven Strangers

buzzard said:

We're missing two posters so far.
So do you wish to proceed without them or wait?

Click to expand...

If it's just talking and details, than please forge ahead.

They can always post their PC's reaction to her first statement, and then post their later reactions...

Unless there's a reason why they couldn't later post, than we should continually move the story forward, I'd think.
(Less likelihood of slowdowns that way - which are death to PbP's)

I'm with Reapersaurus, let's keep going as long as it's easy for them to catch up.

This section of the Hivemind agrees as well.

A brown-haired man comes running into the hall. As the others fall silent, he speaks, "Forgive me for being late, Countess. I have just returned from visiting one of the ravaged villages. The destruction was horrific, bodies of innocents everywhere. Traces of evil lingered amidst the carnage." As the memories return, dark shadows fly across his face.

"As I was coming in I passed a retreating crowd spouting about Rappan Athuk. I take it that is the likely source of this menace, and these are the worthies who are willing to risk it?" He turns, sizing up each individual and offering them a collective bow.

"Very well, Valjean's blade and skills are with them. In Pelor's name, up the fist!"

The Countess looks at all of you, some with more more startlement than others. She recovers from her initial reaction and begins "Ahh, it is good to see that the stories of Rappan Athuk are not enough to scare off everyone. In any case, I can assure you, I am not making an effort to merely spare my own troops. The threat of provoking the Bandit Kingdoms and Iuz is real. I need a team of intrepid adventurers to investigate the complex at Rappan Athuk. All of our trackers have identified it as the source of the raids. "

She pauses to add emphasis to what follows "We must know if it is in alliance with Iuz, in which case the Pact of Greyhawk may be threatened, and the whole world may fall over the brink into war. If this is to be the case, and I pray to all the gods that it be not so, we must have forewarning to begin readying all armies who would oppose Iuz. You must go there. gauge what threat presents itself, determine of there is a link to Iuz, and eliminate it if you can. "

"This will not be a service merely to the County of Urnst, or me, but a service to the world itself. If you are to fail the world could be swept by a tide of great darkness. You must not fail. "

"I can provide you with some aid. I will offer you some healing draughts, and mounts if you need them. Also any common gear which you may feel that you need. Also you may ask any questions you wish of my sages. Do you wish to undertake this now that you understand the gravity of the situation?"

[this will translate to 2 potions of cure medium and any equipment from the PHB- don't go overboard]

buzard

Kry'nan makes a couple of quick notes on a piece of parchment. "We will go. these are the only things I can think of."

She hands the note with a list of goods to the countess with a humble bow. It includes: 200 feet of silk rope, 6 candles, 2 waterskins, grappling hook, 4 large waterproof sacks, 1 climbing kit (master work if possible) 6 bags of caltrops, 6 tangle foot bags, 4 flasks of alchemists fire.

"I understand if you don't have all of these things handy, but they would be most helpful" Again she bows her head slightly.

A man emerges from the corner of the room.
"It seems there are some of us who are not intimidated by the name of Rappan Athuk. It will be my pleasure to aid you in this, Countess."
Lorelin bows down.

He then moves over to Kry'nan.
"What have you listed there?"
Looking over the list.
"Nothing pops into my mind that should be added."

Jordeh walks over to Kry'nan and examines the list for himself. "Perhaps a few healing draughts as well? Other than that, it looks good to me. Melvos, Valjean, can either of you think of anything else we may require for this expedition?"

"Enough talk," the big Orc states. "Bruk ready."