[LPF] About a Cow

[GlassEye]

This is... About a Cow

It is a dungeon crawl, a follow-up adventure to one of the first adventures run on LPF, and a springboard to future adventures. I hope you'll enjoy it but a lot of that enjoyment is in your hands. Interact with NPCs and especially interact with one another. Take story elements as presented, ignore them entirely, or bend them in surprising ways. I encourage you to make the story your own.

GM: GlassEye
Judge: perrinmiller
Start Date: 11 Sep 2015

Participants


[size=+1]Expectations and Other Information[/size]

[section]Problems
If you have a problem, feel free to send me a private message. If you have a problem with me, you can talk to me or you can talk to our judge, perrinmiller. It's why we have judges.[/section][section]Dice Rolling
I like the local dice roller but feel free to use invisiblecastle.com, coyotecode.net or any other online dice roller as long as you can post a link to your rolls.[/section][section]Initiative
We'll use group initiative. Individual initiative takes too long in an already slow medium. I will roll initiative for every participant and post which side goes first. If someone has a superb roll and their team loses initiave they may receive a free round of actions before regular combat.[/section][section]Posting Expectations
Check on the game often! Post as often as you can. My preference is for everyone to post every other day at a minimum. If you can't meet this expectation or can't post for an extended period of time (beyond a couple of days) let us know! It sucks to be waiting on someone for a long time with no idea of what is going on. I will be more strict on posting frequency during combat. If I post that it is your turn I expect everyone to post within 48 hours (but prefer combat posts to occur within 24 hours to keep things moving). If you don't/can't your character might delay and by extension things may not go as well for your party.[/section][section]OOC Comments
Please keep OOC comments in sblocks.[/section][section]Statblocks
Please include a statblock in sblocks with every post. At a minimum I would like a link to your character sheet, hit point total, armor class, and initiative. Include whatever other information you might find useful. I've borrowed an example MiniStatblock from Aura. Modify to your need.
[sblock=Example MiniStats][sblock=Charity Mini Stats][URL="http://livingpf.wikia.com/wiki/Charity_%28Aura%29"][B][COLOR=#0066cc]Charity[/COLOR][/B][/URL]
[COLOR=blue]AC:[/COLOR] [COLOR=gray]17 (16 flat-footed, 11 touch)[/COLOR]
[COLOR=blue]HP:[/COLOR] [COLOR=gray]23/23[/COLOR]
[COLOR=blue]CMB:[/COLOR] [COLOR=gray]+4[/COLOR] [COLOR=blue]CMD:[/COLOR] [COLOR=gray]15[/COLOR]

[COLOR=blue]Fort:[/COLOR] [COLOR=gray]+7[/COLOR] [COLOR=blue]Reflex:[/COLOR] [COLOR=gray]+5[/COLOR] [COLOR=blue]Will:[/COLOR] [COLOR=gray]+7[/COLOR]
[COLOR=blue]Perception:[/COLOR] [COLOR=gray]+7[/COLOR] [COLOR=blue]Sense Motive:[/COLOR] [COLOR=gray]+6[/COLOR]
[COLOR=blue]Initiative:[/COLOR] [COLOR=gray]+1[/COLOR]

[COLOR=blue]Lay on Hands remaining:[/COLOR] [COLOR=gray]4/4[/COLOR]
[COLOR=blue]Smite remaining:[/COLOR] [COLOR=gray]1/1[/COLOR]

[COLOR=blue]Current Weapon in Hand:[/COLOR] [COLOR=gray]Glaive[/COLOR]
[COLOR=blue]Current Conditions in Effect:[/COLOR] [COLOR=gray]Ioun Torch[/COLOR]
[COLOR=blue]Temporary items in possession:[/COLOR] [COLOR=gray]none[/COLOR]
[COLOR=blue]Items not currently in possession:[/COLOR] [COLOR=gray]Silk Rope[/COLOR]
[COLOR=blue]Items depleted:[/COLOR] [COLOR=gray]none[/COLOR][/sblock]
[/sblock][/section]

Moo!​

 

[GlassEye]

(Reserved for in-game information, experience earned, treasure found)

. . .

. Jezz, Venzan Farmer . . . Tigg Savi, of Savi Bros.

[sblock=XP & Treasure]

Enc 1: Crossroad dispute: no treasure
Enc 2: Kobold raid: mithral dagger (502 gp)
798 gp total = 199.5 gp each

Enc 3: Punji spike trap: no treasure
400 gp total = 133.33 gp each

Enc 4: Scorpion drop trap: no treasure
Enc 5: Kobold guard: MW heavy crossbow (350 gp)
Enc 6: Falling Rock trap: Ring of Protection +1 (2000 gp)
Enc 7: Kitchen Haunt: no treasure
Enc 8: Swinging Log Trap: no treasure
3350 gp total = 837.5 gp each

Enc 8: Kyton & kobolds: assorted treasures
2300 gp total = 460 gp each

ENDING TOTALS
Aelspeth, lv 3 w/ 4779 xp, +3,129.33 gp
Arradon, lv 3 w/ 4779 xp, +3,129.33 gp
Autumn, lv 3 w/ 3969 xp, +2,967.33 gp
Barnibus, lv 1 w/ 357 xp, +355.5 gp
Erin, lv 2 w/ 3,233 xp, +801 gp
Rak'tan, lv 2 w/ 1,636 xp, +1,812.5 gp
[/sblock]

 

[GlassEye]

[section]

On the street outside the Landward Door of the Dunn Wright Inn Jezz stops and takes a deep breath. His eyes are closed as he inhales, his chest puffs out and his nostrils flare. And coughs as a disgusted look crosses his face.

"Me likes the smell of the sea. Tha city? Not so much." He looks at those gathered around him and nods. He seems pleased with the group but he peers up at the sun's location in the eastern sky. "It'll take us all day to walk to me farm. Best we get started."
​

[/section]

[sblock=OOC]Roll call! Feel free to start our narration out of the city. I'll move things along once most everyone has chimed in.[/sblock]

 

[FrancisJohn]

[section]

Autumn Foxfire - Natural Mystic

Autumn packs up her belongings and follows the farmer outside. She doesn't say much, but her mind starts to race, taking in all of the Venzan sights and smells. Much more comfortable outdoors, she begins to even relax a little as they make their way throughout the city.

​

[/section]


[sblock=Mini-Stats]
Character Sheet
HP: 16/16
AC: 14 FF:12 T:12


Initiative: +4


CMB: 3 CMD: 15
Fort: +2 Reflex: +2 Will: +4


Perception: +9


Longsword: +4, 1d8+2, 19/x2, S
C. Longbow: +4, 1d8+2, 20/x3, P, 80 ft.
Dagger: +3, 1d4+2, 19/x2, P/S, 10 ft.
Fire Bolt: +3, 1d6+1, 20/x2, Touch 30 ft.


Point-Blank Shot: +1/+1 attack/damage within 30 ft.


Spells Prepared:
Orisons: Create Water, Detect Magic, Light, Stabilize
Level 1: Cure Light Wounds, Entangle, Obscuring Mist
[/sblock]

 

[ealt]

Arradon Delgaran

[section]
Arradon manages to catch up with the group as they head towards the city gates. "Hold, good farmer. If it's blades you seek, you'll find few better than mine own." With a flourish he produces a blade in each hand, and just as quickly makes them disappear.
[/section]

[sblock=Arradon Delgaran Mini-Stats]
Arradon Delgaran
AC: 15 (12 flat-footed, 13 touch)
HP: 18/18
CMB: +1 CMD: 14

Fort: +1 Reflex: +6 Will: +0
Bluff: +9 Diplomacy: +7 Disable Device: +10 Perception: +7 Sense Motive: +4 Sleight of Hand: +7 Stealth: +8
Initiative: +5

Sneak Attack: 1d8 (Dagger) 1d4 (Hand Crossbow)
Hidden Blade: +1

Feats: Blind-Fight

Current Weapon in Hand: None
Current Conditions in Effect: None
Temporary items in possession: None
Items not currently in possession: None
Items depleted: None
[/sblock]

 

[MerryMortician]

Aelspeth Noromiel, Emergent Conjurer

Walking down the street toward the Dunn Wright Inn, Aelspeth Noromiel spies a familiar face among the group of people exiting. She ties her new cloak on as she jogs to intercept the exiting party. "Arradon!" she calls with a smile.

The young woman draws near within moments. There is a faint floral aroma about her, sweet but not overpowering. She wears travelling clothes that have very obviously seen time abroad but have been painstakingly maintained. "I've not had the opportunity to speak with you since the other night. How do you fare?"

From over Aelspeth's shoulder, a golden ball of hair appears. The spider monkey stretches briefly, then flops over at the waist, lying across the elf's shoulder with his head upturned to view the new faces. Darwin digs a finger into his nose and roots around, heedless of the glare his mistress shoots him. Presently, the diminutive creature produces a tremendous, gooey orb and flicks it in Autumn's direction, narrowly missing her cheek.

[sblock=Aelspeth Mini Stats]Aelspeth
HP: 13/13
AC: 13 FF: 10 T: 13
CMB: +0 CMD: 13
Fort: +2 Reflex: +4 Will: +4
Special: Immune to magical sleep, +2 on saving throws against Enchantment
Perception: +2 S. Motive: +0
Initiative: +3
Conditions in Effect: ---
Weapon in Hand: ---
Shift: 5 ft, 7/7 remaining
0 Level: Acid Splash, Detect Magic, Ghost Sound, Mage Hand
1st Level: Grease, Unseen Servant, Color Spray, Color Spray
Consumables: ---
[/sblock]

 

[Skysear]

((OOC: Sorry, I didn't realize there was a separate page for adventures! While I'm still OOC, though, I have a question - how do I do all the crazy formatting like you guys with the character names, pictures and ministats?))

Leaving the inn to follow Jezz to his farm, Kristia started to idly stretch her arms above her head before hearing someone approach. The elven woman rushed past her to the hooded figure who was currently in conversation with Jezz. Startled by the appearance of the strange creature on the woman's shoulder, Kris moved closer, waiting until the two were done talking.

 

[MerryMortician]

[sblock=Skysear]I'm drafting a private message to explain many of these things. Posting here so your inbox doesn't get flooded [/sblock]

 

[FrancisJohn]

[section]

Autumn Foxfire - Natural Mystic

Autumn's common habit of daydreaming instantly comes to end as the flying goober of mucous narrowly misses her face. "Er... um... well... excuse me miss. I think your m-m-monkey might need to blow it's nose. My n-n-n-name is Autumn.... w-what's yours?" She tries to smile, but it is unfortunately fraught with much tension.

One thing she has been thinking about his the other elf in the party. Arradon is from the Harran Forest... there is no doubt. Especially from the way he looks, even more just the tone in his voice. I must keep him at arm's length's at worst.... much far than that at best. Every few minutes or so she finds her self looking for him, just to have an idea where he is at.

​

[/section]


[sblock=Mini-Stats]
Character Sheet
HP: 16/16
AC: 14 FF:12 T:12


Initiative: +4


CMB: 3 CMD: 15
Fort: +2 Reflex: +2 Will: +4


Perception: +9


Longsword: +4, 1d8+2, 19/x2, S
C. Longbow: +4, 1d8+2, 20/x3, P, 80 ft.
Dagger: +3, 1d4+2, 19/x2, P/S, 10 ft.
Fire Bolt: +3, 1d6+1, 20/x2, Touch 30 ft.


Point-Blank Shot: +1/+1 attack/damage within 30 ft.


Spells Prepared:
Orisons: Create Water, Detect Magic, Light, Stabilize
Level 1: Cure Light Wounds, Entangle, Obscuring Mist
[/sblock]

 

[ealt]

Arradon Delgaran

[section]
Hearing his name, Arradon turns from the farmer without hearing his response. "Well-met, little sister." A trace of a smile flashes across his features, but is gone just as quickly as it appeared. The lie comes quick and easy, "I'm fit for combat, if that is your meaning." He subconsciously touches the upper left portion of his chest, the freshly knit flesh beneath his armor still raw and extremely painful. His face betrays no trace of such pain.
[/section]

[sblock=Action]
Bluff: [roll0]
[/sblock]

[sblock=Arradon Delgaran Mini-Stats]
Arradon Delgaran
AC: 15 (12 flat-footed, 13 touch)
HP: 18/18
CMB: +1 CMD: 14

Fort: +1 Reflex: +6 Will: +0
Bluff: +9 Diplomacy: +7 Disable Device: +10 Perception: +7 Sense Motive: +4 Sleight of Hand: +7 Stealth: +8
Initiative: +5

Sneak Attack: 1d8 (Dagger) 1d4 (Hand Crossbow)
Hidden Blade: +1

Feats: Blind-Fight

Current Weapon in Hand: None
Current Conditions in Effect: None
Temporary items in possession: None
Items not currently in possession: None
Items depleted: None
[/sblock]

 

[GlassEye]

Jezz, Venzan Farmer

[section]

Jezz stands looking blankly at Arradon for a moment as his mind catches up to what his eyes witnessed with quickly produced and vanished blades. Then his face cracks into a broad grin and he nods enthusiastically. "Oh, yes, that be good, sir! Tricky to match tricky! You be welcome here!"

When another elf comes up and greets Arradon Jezz bobs his head in greeting. "Morning, miss. He be in me h'employ. If'n you need work there be room for more..." It seems Jezz is of the attitude that more is merrier. It is about that time that he notices Darwin (indeed, it is fairly difficult to miss the golden monkey and his obnoxious antics); Jezz' amusement is unabashedly upfront and his guffaws loud.

After a moment Jezz peers eastward at the morning sun. He seems oblivious to the byplay between Autumn and Arradon and makes a motion that the group should get moving. "We don't hurry on, we be gettin' to me farm after dark an' the devil dogs come out at night."

Moving along takes a little effort: the streets are becoming more crowded by the minute as city dwellers move about the streets doing daily marketing and heading to their shops. Finally, the group passes through the big gate at the east side of the city and onto the long bridge that crosses over to the mainland.
​

[/section]

[sblock=Perception DC 15]A female face, wide-eyed and long hair waving in the bridge's undercurrent, can be seen just under the water's surface down at the foot of the bridge. There is just a moment to feel a surge of alarm and take a breath to call out but on second glance it is just an eddy of dark water and not a face at all.[/sblock][sblock=OOC]Skysear, Merry has probably already answered your questions but the simple answer is 'Reply with Quote' and look at the formatting used. You can cut all the pieces you don't need, insert your own, and delete the quote tags. Done once, quoting your own previous post lets you keep all the formating you've done. A quick update, new IC content and you're ready to submit. Feel free to ask questions if you need better explanations.[/sblock]

 

[FrancisJohn]

[sblock=OOC] I thought italics meant inner monologue....[/sblock]

 

[GlassEye]

[sblock=OOC]

I thought italics meant inner monologue....

Generally, yes. I'm not sure why you are bringing it up now, though.[/sblock]

 

[resrick]

Barnibus exits the inn door right behind his roguish friend after downing what was left of his ale. Exiting the door he sees the party heading for the city gates and quickly catches up to the group. "Aiy my comrades, let us be off on the grand adventure shall we!" As more members going the along the way Barnibus can't help, but smile greater and greater as more companions join in the group. "This is going to be a most amazing adventure if I do say so. This party is most assuredly worthy of the songs of battle. I dare say a fair display of swordsmanship there my friend, just watch where you be pointing them dagger and don't stab yourself. I have a habit of telling the truth in my grandeous songs and would hate for that little part to be added in a verse or two BWAHAHAHA!" Barnibus rears back in laughter and claps Arradon on the back as they maake their way along. "As you for you dear lady and your pet there...by the way what sort of creature is that? I have never seen its like before. It looks like one of our tundra rabits to the north or maybe more of the large squirrels that make their homes in the trees."

Barnibus remains in a chipper mood and continues to boistrously speak about the great deeds the group will accomplish on this adventure and how wonderful the songs of battle will sound once they begin the chorus of blood!

[sblock=ministats] Barnibus the Beautiful

AC: 16
HP: 10
CMB: +3 CMD: 15
Fort: +3 Reflex: +3 Will: +2

Perception: +0
Initiative: + 2

Current Weapon in Hand: None
Current Conditions in Effect: None
Used Items: None
Raging Songs: 5/5
Cantrips: Summon Instrument, Light, Detect Magic, Prestidigitation
Lvl 1: (0/2 used) Cure Light Wounds, Moment of Greatness
http://livingpf.wikia.com/wiki/Barnibus_the_Beautiful_(Resrick)
[/sblock]

 

[FrancisJohn]

[section]Autumn Foxfire - Natural Mystic

As they cross the bridge, Autumn pauses for a moment, staring into the water. Nonchalantly she readies her bow, hoping to draw no attention to herself. She feels much more afraid of the judgment of her new companions than anything the river has to offer. She takes this encounter as a warning, and keeps her bow readied.

[/section]

[sblock=Perception: 20]Something in the water by the bridge: 1D20+9 = [11]+9 = 20
[/sblock]

[sblock=OOC]Sorry, I thought Arradon responded to Autumn, not Aelspeth.... my bad sorry for the clutter.[/sblock]

[sblock=Mini-Stats]
Character Sheet

HP: 16/16
AC: 14 FF:12 T:12

Initiative: +4

CMB: 3 CMD: 15
Fort: +2 Reflex: +2 Will: +4

Perception: +9

Longsword: +4, 1d8+2, 19/x2, S
C. Longbow: +4, 1d8+2, 20/x3, P, 80 ft.
Dagger: +3, 1d4+2, 19/x2, P/S, 10 ft.
Fire Bolt: +3, 1d6+1, 20/x2, Touch 30 ft.

Point-Blank Shot: +1/+1 attack/damage within 30 ft.

Spells Prepared:
Orisons: Create Water, Detect Magic, Light, Stabilize
Level 1: Cure Light Wounds, Entangle, Obscuring Mist
[/sblock]

 

[GlassEye]

[section]

Crossing the bridge to the mainland the crowds do not seem to be getting any thinner though the composition is changing. These people are ready for travel. A couple of miles out from the city at the crossroads of the Eastern Trade route and the Silver Road known as Baron's Cross is a mass of people, wagons, draft animals and mounts that fill the air with their noise.

Jezz sidles along the edge trying not to get caught up in the confusion or step on any road apples. The crowd is as varied as one on Venza's docks might be and the poor farmer often stops to stare until he comes to himself, ducks his head, and scuttles away and further down the road.

There is much to draw the eye of even seasoned travelers: a troop of seven dwarves, each leading a mule with heavy packs, just heading out and humming a marching tune; a small frog-like humanoid, one eye as big as a saucer, the other covered by a patch, darting between the hooves of much larger pack-beasts; a bold priestess of Cortessa with a scandalously low-cut blouse who blows a kiss to Barnibus; a high-sided wagon painted red with gold lettering that proclaims the 'Illustrious Lady Barnacle Players'; and much more.
​

[/section]
[section]

At the front of the disorganized caravan is an old man, red-faced and puffing in his anger. He wears an abundance of furs, an oddity in this season, which may partially account for his complexion. A finely outfitted carriage is stopped in the road with no apparent intention to move. It's driver is arguing with the fur-clad man.

"My charge insists on leading the caravan."

"Then lead away and get out of the road so I can get the rest of this motley lot on their way."

"She is not yet ready to depart."

The older man looks like he is about ready to explode.

Jezz slows a little but makes a wide berth around the carriage and arguing men.
​

[/section]

[sblock=OOC]Not a problem, Francis John. Communication is key, so keep commenting and asking questions as needed. You can be sure I'll do the same.[/sblock]

 

[Skysear]

[sblock=OOC]Sorry to be a bother, but I have no idea how to roll on this site, or where I should put the roll in my post![/sblock]

 

[FrancisJohn]

[section]Autumn Foxfire - Natural Mystic

Autumn imperceptibly slinks behind Barnibus. She certainly wants nothing to do this confrontation.

[/section]

[sblock=Skysear]Make sure you use the same character name each time so it keeps a log and you can't be caught cheating! I put the URL info in an sblock.
http://www.coyotecode.net/roll/

But to second Glasseye, the best way to learn is to reply with quote to someone else's post. Click on advanced reply and change what you need to and make sure you remove the quote tags.
[/sblock]

[sblock=Mini-Stats]
Character Sheet

HP: 16/16
AC: 14 FF:12 T:12

Initiative: +4

CMB: 3 CMD: 15
Fort: +2 Reflex: +2 Will: +4

Perception: +9

Longsword: +4, 1d8+2, 19/x2, S
C. Longbow: +4, 1d8+2, 20/x3, P, 80 ft.
Dagger: +3, 1d4+2, 19/x2, P/S, 10 ft.
Fire Bolt: +3, 1d6+1, 20/x2, Touch 30 ft.

Point-Blank Shot: +1/+1 attack/damage within 30 ft.

Spells Prepared:
Orisons: Create Water, Detect Magic, Light, Stabilize
Level 1: Cure Light Wounds, Entangle, Obscuring Mist
[/sblock]

 

[GlassEye]

[sblock=Skysear]You can use an online roller and post a link (like FrancisJohn did in post #15 and following his advice above) or you can use the local roller using the [roll] tags. Close it with [/roll] and put whatever roll you need between the two tags. As for location, I prefer rolls at the bottom of your post.[/sblock]

 

[MerryMortician]

Aelspeth Noromiel, Emergent Conjurer

Aelspeth is mortified by Darwin's shenanigans. She hears Autumn's meek protest with wide eyes, mouth agape. "I am terribly sorry, Miss Autumn! Darwin is a drunken hooligan fit to make goblins proud." She glares once more at her hairy companion, who shoves a finger in her ear and grins triumphantly. She swats his tiny fingered hand and introduces herself hastily. "I am Aelspeth Noromiel."

The wizard turns back to her former companion, Arradon Delgaran, with a smile. "And I am pleased to hear that you are hale." Her expression shifts very slightly, taking a playful quality. "Dôl gîn lost. You call me "Little Sister" and you cannot have lived a day over one hundred fifty."

At the farmer's greeting, Aelspeth gives a shallow plié. "As a matter of fact, I could use some work. I have been in Venza just shy of a week this evening and already my purse grows light. I shall retrieve my horse and--" Jezz hurries the congregation of would-be heroes and Aelspeth falls into step between Arradon and Kristia, somewhat resignedly. With a meaningful look at Arradon, she mutters, "At least this time I have my pack. Tell me about these devil dogs."

The group travels out the city gate and down the road. Aelspeth looks up slightly at Barnibus's inquiry and says, "Darwin is a monkey, an animal vaguely like a gnome with a pelt. My studies indicate that many are playful but perhaps not as malfeasant as he." The elf woman is lost briefly in a memory before she continues. "I came upon him caged in a bazaar long ago. He was made to perform for people who had never seen his like and I thought his previous owner detestable. I prefer to think that I paid for his just release rather than having purchased him. By all rights, he may leave me at his leisure. But something binds us inexplicably. Were I to knowingly take a familiar, I would have chosen something with better manners. Being awakened in a sense seems to have brought out the worst in him." As she says this last, her tone belies any negative feelings. It is at least obvious that she cares for the critter.

When the party approaches the conflict at the head of the outbound procession, Aelspeth turns to Kristia. "Your face is pretty, youthful. Perhaps you can diffuse that disagreement before a murder turns this column into a violent mob? Jezz's devil dogs will have no quarry in us if we are trampled underfoot."

[sblock=Elvish]"Your head is empty."[/sblock]

[sblock=Lack of Perception]Perception: 1D20+2 = [5]+2 = 7
GE, I don't read skill sblocks unless I make the relevant roll for Perception, Knowledge, etc. Let me know if you prefer otherwise but I'm inclined to guess you would agree. Also, I apologize for the tremendous post. I didn't want to leave anyone out.[/sblock]

[sblock=Identifying Devil Dogs]I have my suspicions about the creatures and I wonder if the descriptors "scaly, tricksy, and dog-like" might have set anything off in Aelspeth's mind. I guess I'll throw in Knowledge (Planes) as well, on the outside chance Jezz is on to something.
K(Arcana) for "devil dogs": 1D20+9 = [18]+9 = 27
K(Planes) for "devil dogs": 1D20+9 = [20]+9 = 29[/sblock]

[sblock=Aelspeth Mini Stats]Aelspeth
HP: 13/13
AC: 13 FF: 10 T: 13
CMB: +0 CMD: 13
Fort: +2 Reflex: +4 Will: +4
Special: Immune to magical sleep, +2 on saving throws against Enchantment
Perception: +2 S. Motive: +0
Initiative: +3
Conditions in Effect: ---
Weapon in Hand: Quarterstaff (as walking stick)
Shift: 5 ft, 7/7 remaining
0 Level: Acid Splash, Detect Magic, Ghost Sound, Mage Hand
1st Level: Grease, Unseen Servant, Color Spray, Color Spray
Consumables: ---
[/sblock]