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Androgost

Retiring his armor for the day, Androgost performs some basic stretches to stave off exhaustion. Retaining his sword, he makes his way down to the common room and observes the circus while taking a seat where he can observe the entrance to his room easily. Not surprised by the excitement he hails a serving wench.

Qleceec

Seeing Androgost come down. "Hail Androgost, I was thinking it might be better if I take point outside since with all your armor you are a little less alert. You would be right behind me to lead any charges if needed of course."

Androgost

Nodding to Qleceec as she takes a seat and continuing to nod as she speaks. I had a similar thought and feel that the entire group would not gain the benefit of your expertise without such a temporary change. Upon arrival to Silver Spring we can reassess based on the evolving situation. Boff may have some weight to lift there.... After ordering a basic dinner spread he continues: Thoughts?

Qleceec

"Agreed, depending on environment things can change quickly. Underground there is something to be said for a short first rank and a tall second rank. And if you know something dangerous is nearby you become an obvious choice for the first rank in any situation."

First Day Riding - Molten Spider
9PM Earthday, 6th day of Planting, 597

Androgost (AC -6, HP 65/65)
Qleceec(AC 1, HP 63/63)
Nah (AC 4, HP 53/53)
Siouxsie (AC 2, HP 48/48)
Garrant (AC 8, HP 50/50)
Boff (AC 5, HP 61/61)
Franny (AC 4, HP 26/26)
Hex (AC 0, HP 27/27)
Raffi (AC -1, HP 21/21)

Molten Spider

Siouxsie rings the bell and the chant immediately turns into a cheer. The Half-orc Moss yells, "A round of ale on the lady!" Moss scans the room and says "That will be 37 ales at 4 silver each is 7 gold and 8 silver." I had determined that there was 32 people in the bar before, but 5 party members wandered in.

Androgost, Qleceec, Garrant, Hex and Raffi find a place to sit just as the bell is rung by Siouxsie, so they notice that there is suddenly a lot of movement, but the servers are trying to keep up with the getting the bar served.

Six local miners initially line-up to take their shot in arm wrestling Nah.

The proposed mechanics are roll a normal STR check (3d6) and hard STR Check (4d6). For each check if a wrestler succeeds but the opponent fails that is one point for the victory. If both make the roll, that roll is a draw. If your opponent has you at +1 then you need a point to get back to 0 and move on from there. If you get to 2 points you won the match. EX: Nah rolls a 15 on 3d6 and 18 on 4d6 and the opponent with a 11 STR rolls an 4 on 3d6 and 16 on 4d6. Nah gets one point.

After every two "pairs of rolls", the wrestler gets to make a Normal CON check. Failing will mean for purposes of this fight you lose one STR and CON. (Please note that Nah can lose 9 STR before it will affect him because of the 18/94). If you make the roll the next CON check is a 4d6 and then 5d6 (5d6 max). When you lose the STR/CON the next endurance check is back to 3d6.

This could be a little dry for the players on the sideline if we kept rolling for multiple rounds so I would request Nah to give 25-3d6 rolls, 25-4d6 roll and 6-5d6 rolls (if I happen to need more rolls, I will roll for you) and I will write-up the story. It will include Siouxsie's profit and loss statement.

Rich Vein Pub

Boff is free to tell the gnomes whatever he likes.

Boff tells the gnomes everything his group has learned about the quakes, hoping his honesty will be repaid with more honesty back from them.

The first challenger, is a fit miner named Adomas with a STR of 13. The sits opposite Nah and offers his arm. The half-orc no doubt snarls at the miner while Siouxsie tries to get the suckers in the bar to bet for the miner. A meager 8 gold is offered up in total from his friends. Nah goes at him right away and before his seat is even warm, Nah has Adomas in a defensive position. A second push comes around the Nah is quickly the winner. Standing up and showing his muscles.

Siouxsie seeing the interest begin to grow in the room, rings the bell again. To which the bar cheers, since it means that Siouxsie is buying another round.

The second challenger is a far bit stronger. He is a miner named Bronius with a STR of 17. The room they think they see a potential winner and bets of 16 gold and 10 silver come in for this match. The match starts with both opponents trying for 7 rounds to take an advantage of which neither can take. In the eighth round Nah tries to readjust his grip and realizes that this Bronius is "in it to win it" and has taken the advantage. Nah regains his focus and takes it back even after the 9th round, and finally it is to much for Bronius that not only has lost his advantage, but ends up trying to force things with Nah which just plays into his hands allowing Nah to win the match in the 12th round.

Nah wins the match, but does feel some fatigue beginning to set in. He does not want to show it, and stands up to walk around the table and snarl, but really just looking for a breather!

Siouxsie sees that the next opponent (Ceslovas) is not quite as strong the last challenger and quickly rings the bell. The bar not being dry mouthed gives out a roaring cheer. Ceslovas is an miner with a 14 STR and the room sees that and does not bet quite as much, but 14 gold does come in bets. This match was a classic mismatch and Ceslovas holds his own in the first round, but then loses the match in the second round.

The next challenger is a half-orc miner named Darius. He does not have the strength of Bronius, but is the second strongest of the night. (16 STR). The bell is rung again and 19 gold is bet on this half-orc, he is obviously a local favorite or perhaps it is the ale talking. When Nah snarls Darius growls back. This match starts much like the Bronius match with neither person able to take the advantage through the first seven rounds, but in the 8th round Nah takes the advantage and in the 9th round he slams down the arm of the other half-orc.

Siouxsie the half-elven bookie has collected 8 + 16 + 14 + 19 = 57 gp and 10 sp but has paid 7 gp and 8 sp for each bell ringing, which is 29 gp 12 sp total for the four rounds of ale.

At this point additional patrons are coming in with all the bell ringing and cheering. I ask once again for actions.

First Opponent - Adomas Second Opponent - Bronius Third Opponent - Ceslovas Fourth Opponent - Darius

OGRE MAGE wrote: ↑Wed Jan 04, 2023 3:35 pm Boff tells the gnomes everything his group has learned about the quakes, hoping his honesty will be repaid with more honesty back from them.

The gnomes listen to your information and it is obvious this group to has discussed this topic, but they are obviously a little saddened, when you tell them that the dwarves at Silver Spring will have a clue. One of the gnomes shake his head and and says "And that will lead to another clue." and a second gnome says, "Lignoss, stop being such a jerk our new friend was talking."

After you buy them a round of drinks, they tell you, "Something is changing the magic in the mountain. Over the past two years, the magic that makes compasses point north has weakened and the direction has changed .1 degrees, it is small now, but it is there. Something is changing the earth itself and I can only assume that is leading to the earthquakes!"

At this point the cheers from the Molten Spider can be heard from here.

Androgost

Does his best to get in a dinner order during the mayhem and then nods to at Nah and Siouxsie across the room: Their ability to extract coin is uncanny. Brings back memories of games played in the common barracks.... Turning to Garrant, Hex and Raffi: I have decided to yield vanguard to Qleceec during our approach to Silver Spring. Her forward scouting and unique skill-set will be invaluable. Assemble at the hour before dawn and press another extended day would be prudent.

Garrant settles at the table, double-checking his bag is tied correctly (locked) and settles in to watch the entertainment. Like Androgost he orders a hot meal.

spanningtree wrote: ↑Thu Jan 05, 2023 6:16 am Androgost

Does his best to get in a dinner order during the mayhem and then nods to at Nah and Siouxsie across the room: Their ability to extract coin is uncanny. Brings back memories of games played in the common barracks.... Turning to Garrant, Hex and Raffi: I have decided to yield vanguard to Qleceec during our approach to Silver Spring. Her forward scouting and unique skill-set will be invaluable. Assemble at the hour before dawn and press another extended day would be prudent.

"My understanding is that we have a number of days of wilderness travel before we hit Silver Spring. Do we really want to push the horses? Particularly on the mountains paths in the dark? One option would be to take spare horses with us."

Hex claps with encouragement as the half-orc wins his bouts.

He’s quite good isnt he. the illusionist says amiably, whilst sipping his free drink. He waves off the food server politely. “Already eaten, my apologies!” he says, knowing that the Rich Vein has good food.

Raffi is quiet, watching all that occurs, almost as if he is sizing up who is in the bar and who is carrying the most valuables or coinage. The gnome notices periodically and merely shakes his head, and the halfling suppresses a deep sigh. He none the less will watch all the patrons closely and see if he can discern much about each one, their trade, where they carry their coin purses and other gear. Any who look like they might be able to handle themselves in a fight. Or any who look out of place.

Boff desperately tries to ignore the nearby revelry, nodding at the gnomes solemnly.

"That's the best information we've heard so far. Though, I aint exactly sure what ye means by magic of the mountain. Are ye simply speaking of yer compass movements, er is there something more ta tell?"

Franny writes down some notes as the gnomes speak. Boff is happy to order the group another round of drinks, and food if they want it.

20gp removed from sheet for meals/drinks/lodging

Qleceec

"Thank you Androgost. Extra horses would be a good idea if we intend to travel fast."

She will also order a hot meal.

shaidar wrote: ↑Thu Jan 05, 2023 9:14 am "My understanding is that we have a number of days of wilderness travel before we hit Silver Spring. Do we really want to push the horses? Particularly on the mountains paths in the dark? One option would be to take spare horses with us."

Agreed, our mounts will soon have difficulties if we press too hard. Care to stop by where we stabled our mounts after supper to see if there are any relief mounts availble with me?

When the serving wench stops by their table: Miss, could I ask where we might be able to secure mounts in town?

spanningtree wrote: ↑Fri Jan 06, 2023 10:29 pm Agreed, our mounts will soon have difficulties if we press too hard. Care to stop by where we stabled our mounts after supper to see if there are any relief mounts availble with me?

Garrant

"Yes, I would like to join you. The fresh air and quiet will help me clear my head ready for sleep." he rubs his temples.

Qleceec

"I will come along as well. It is a little loud in here for my tastes."

First Day Riding - Inns of North Reach
9PM Earthday, 6th day of Planting, 597

Androgost (AC -6, HP 65/65)
Qleceec(AC 1, HP 63/63)
Nah (AC 4, HP 53/53)
Siouxsie (AC 2, HP 48/48)
Garrant (AC 8, HP 50/50)
Boff (AC 5, HP 61/61)
Franny (AC 4, HP 26/26)
Hex (AC 0, HP 27/27)
Raffi (AC -1, HP 21/21)

Molten Spider

Not hearing any change instructions, I have to assume that Siouxsie is continuing to ring the bell and Nah will take on all challengers

The number of people in the bar has increased to 53 and two more people have joined the line to arm-wrestle with Nah.
Siouxsie rings the bell again and Nah's next challenger is Egil and after him there is still 3 people in line. The room cheers with the ringing of the bell, the betting this round is light as several of the newer people did not place a bet. The total bet is 9 gp and 12 sp. Perhaps this is because the challenger has a STR of 14.

Right out of the gate Egil show some difficulty with Nah taking an early advantage, but Egil does hold his own in the second, but is already getting tired. In the third round Nah takes the easy win. The next challenger is Finn. The room cheers again with the ringing of the bell. One of the bettors wonders loudly what happened to his coin purse. His friend says is all the bets. The total is a little better 10 gp and 2 sp. Siouxsie holds the match and pushes for more betting and manages to get only another 8 sp out of the crowd. Finn also has a 14 STR.. The first round is a tie, but Nah quickly dispatches with Finn in the second round, but the fatigue of 6 opponents is setting in. Next up is Lars that was not in the bar when this all started, Lars is a strong young chap (17 STR) and has the advantage of not being tired. The bar gets behind this new challenger and the bets total 22 gp. The first two rounds are strength against strength but no advantage is gained. Nah is starting to show some fatigue and allows Lars to gain the advantage in the 3rd round. The 4th-6th rounds there is no fighter gaining an additional advantage. In the 7th Nah brings it back to even and then takes the advantage in the 10th. The match continues with Lars pulling even in the 12th. But that change is short lived as Nah once again takes the advantage in the 13th round and with his final push wins in the 15th round. Not counting the money already earned, Siouxsie spends 10 gp and 12 sp for each of the last three rounds (totaling 31 gp and 16 sp in costs). And picks up 42 gp and 2 sp from the bets.

It is clear to Nah (and others in the room) that his energy has left him and would have a serious challenge to have another match.

The last challenger comes up Magnus a miner with a 15 STR, what is the reaction from Siouxsie and Nah? Several of the patrons are quite drunk and yelling to "Ring the Bell!"

The hot food finally gets to Androgost, Qleceec, and Garrant just as they were about to give up and go and look for seller of horses. Androgost asks if the barmaid knows of anyplace to purchase horses to which she replies, "I would purchase them down in the capital. They are much more expense up here on account of the all the giants and ogres that live in these parts. Not to mention how expensive it is to keep horses in this city!"


Rich Vein Pub

Meanwhile back in the Rich Vein, Boff and Franny are talking and eating with the gnomes.

OGRE MAGE wrote: ↑Thu Jan 05, 2023 4:35 pm Boff
"That's the best information we've heard so far. Though, I aint exactly sure what ye means by magic of the mountain. Are ye simply speaking of yer compass movements, er is there something more ta tell?"

The eldest gnome, who had been doing most of the talking continues, "Call it what you want, but the magic that pulls on the compass needle and tells it where north is. If that is not magic when I reckeon that I do not know what magic is! We light the street lanterns in the evening on several blocks, but in the daylight hours we fix the broken things. And we have been a lot of changes in the magnetic field."

Then Lignoss jumps in, "Mekpec come on. I think that you are trying to make the story better than it is. The Grosspoken said that change is too small for anyone to notice"

Mekpec (the older gnome) replies back "But we noticed so that just proves that is bunkwallis. I will agree the change it small, but it is there do you deny it?"

"Of course not, we have all see it."

Mekpec looks back to Boff, "I think these are all connected . How about yous?"

Siouxsie

The last challenger comes up Magnus a miner with a 15 STR, what is the reaction from Siouxsie and Nah? Several of the patrons are quite drunk and yelling to "Ring the Bell!"

Probably getting drunk as well, not that it takes many ales.

"Ah, here we have our final challenger. Magmus, sorry ... err, Mignuts, no it is Maxanus, yes the 'Major of Miner's', the Pick of the Tools, ..."


having a few drinks loosens her grip on ringleading introductions.