Expedition - Foxy: Bounty On The Goblin HQ - 02 June 2021

[onlyme]

Halfpint answers her quietly,

I didnt realize they would be so much. I can cover 15g as well. But, if we go a full week, we may need to negotiate payment from loot for the third one. Oh, and they mentioned they expect us to feed them too. I need to pick up a few days rations more for them.

With that, she picks up another 10 fresh rations (-2gp deducted) and mounts it on Peck.

[Rusty Tincanne]

I still haven't worked out Clay's finances with the building, but when I do, I believe he will have money to pitch in for paying/feeding the retainers.

It should be noted that these three guys only look after the animals. They won't otherwise engage in the fighting. And their morale isn't the best.

[onlyme]

... It should be noted that these three guys only look after the animals. They won't otherwise engage in the fighting. And their morale isn't the best.

I assume they will defend themselves (prior to fleeing) a bit more than a level 0 stableboy, correct? if not, what is the point in hiring anything but the cheapest mouths to feed?

[Rusty Tincanne]

that's my understanding. I was just pointing out that they won't be taking any arrows for us.

[Marullus]

... It should be noted that these three guys only look after the animals. They won't otherwise engage in the fighting. And their morale isn't the best.

I assume they will defend themselves (prior to fleeing) a bit more than a level 0 stableboy, correct? if not, what is the point in hiring anything but the cheapest mouths to feed?

Yes, they will defend themselves and your camp/mounts. Think of it like how the pet training works - Defend and Attack are separate items. They'll defend fully, but they'll not do adventuring tasks with/for you (attack training).

They will defend until their morale breaks, not necessarily to their death. I've been figuring how best to express morale within the rules set. Here's where I'm at: Retainers have morale set by your CHA (7 average). Skilled Hirelings (light/heavy infantry) have a morale of your CHA value -1 (6 average). Commoners (0-level stable boys) have a morale of your CHA value -2 (5 average).

So...

• Retainers are invested in your mission. They get at least a 1/2 share of treasure (negotiable up), take a 1/2 share of XP, have equipment according to their role, and have a morale set by your CHA (7 average).
• Heavy infantry cost 4gp/day or 20gp/week. They have melee weapons and chainmail armor. They are level 1 and guard only. They have morale -1 (6 average)
• Light infantry cost 3gp/day or 15gp/week. They have melee weapons and leather armor. They are level 1 and guard only. They have morale -1 (6 average)
• Commoner help costs 1gp/day or 5gp/week. They have no weapons or armor, unless you provide. They are level 0 and guard only. They have morale -2 (5 average)

Does that help?

[onlyme]

... I've been figuring how best to express morale within the rules set. Here's where I'm at: Retainers have morale set by your CHA (7 average). Skilled Hirelings (light/heavy infantry) have a morale of your CHA value -1 (6 average). Commoners (0-level stable boys) have a morale of your CHA value -2 (5 average).
...

Does that help?[/ooc]

Yes. Very much... Thank You...

Is 7 average based on our particular group? or who has agreed to pay? or who specifically went to recruit?
Is there anyway to increase their base morale? ie, with each payment or successful adventure?

[Alethan]

Yes. Very much... Thank You...

Is 7 average based on our particular group? or who has agreed to pay? or who specifically went to recruit?
Is there anyway to increase their base morale? ie, with each payment or successful adventure?

Retainers have a morale rating, indicated by the hiring character's CHA.

[Marullus]

Correct - based on Hiring Character's Charisma. These three guys are with the group, but technically work for Halfpint.

You can gain situational modifiers. Paying them extra (a retainer who gets a full share instead of a half-share, for example), improving their conditions (giving them their own tent to sleep in, good-quality meals, etc) or upgrading their equipment and letting them keep it are all things that make them happier to work for you and thus improve their morale. These can be RPed out.

[onlyme]

Correct - based on Hiring Character's Charisma. These three guys are with the group, but technically work for Halfpint.

You can gain situational modifiers. Paying them extra (a retainer who gets a full share instead of a half-share, for example), improving their conditions (giving them their own tent to sleep in, good-quality meals, etc) or upgrading their equipment and letting them keep it are all things that make them happier to work for you and thus improve their morale. These can be RPed out.

Her CHA score is higher than 7. So, where is the 7 coming from? I dont see that on page 46-47.

[Marullus]

Her CHA score is higher than 7. So, where is the 7 coming from? I dont see that on page 46-47.

Page 7. If your Charisma is between 9 and 12, you can hire up to 4 retainers/henchmen and they have a Retainer Morale of 7.

[onlyme]

Ahhh....

Got it... thanks...

[Stirling]

page 6 of the LL rulebook. Charisma ability. A score of 9-12 gives you a max of four retainers and their morale is 7. I guess the more charismatic you are the higher the morale of the retainers even in the face of adversity. Adding perks to the job like better armour, bigger share of xp, bonus $$$ all give a bonus to any morale retainer check.

Though these retainers have been hired by Halfpint they are paid for from the party funds of 50gp.( 15gp/20gp/15gp donated by Foxy, Grizzly and Halfpint respectively).

[Rusty Tincanne]

Clay passes along 5 gp to Halfpint to help pay for the hirelings. I've also got some torches they can use if we leave them to enter a cave or something.

If he wins the story telling competition, he'll hand that cash over too. But we won't find that out until after we've left, probably.

Other than that, Clay is ready to get moving.


5gp deducted. Someone claim it quick!

[onlyme]

Halfpint collects the 5gp and pockets it.
Thank you.

(+5gp added to her amount.

[Marullus]

viewtopic.php?f=356&t=5486#p282603

Halfpint asks around, looking for any willing to assist as they go to face the goblins. Knowing they'll have light duty, but may have to face the goblins so close to home, she asks for those with some experience with arms, at least. (Three rolls for Light Infantry)

Kelso is the first to volunteer. Ginger, straight hair hangs over a fine, menacing face. Sparkling blue eyes, set low within their sockets, watch intently. Second is Garvell. White, frizzy hair gently hangs over a round, older face. Clear gray eyes are offset by an aquiline nose. A red-brown birthmark covers his right cheek and draws attention. Third is Cardan Long, curly, brown hair frames this young man's brown eyes. He is a little short and quite thin, but energetic and eager in his wish to volunteer. All three arrived with the recent caravans, working their way north as guards, and have their own leathers and spears, plus newly outfitted with shortswords and shields. "We lost good men to those goblins, we'd be glad to assist those who face them," answers Garvell, the others murmuring their assent.

Fixing prices for consistency. Light Infantry is a level 1 fighter (thus equipped) and draws a pay of 3gp/day or 15gp/week each. Morale 6 (adjusted for CHA). They come with equipment but the party must supply rations.

[Marullus]

10:00am, 02 June 2021
Rising shortly after dawn, the excitement of the festival still fresh in their memories, the group gathers to head out and face the Goblin King's Halls. Attending to the gathered provisions and packing it on their mounts - a donkey, pony, and horse - and then seeing to their fighting animal companions - both dog and bear - the group is indeed quite a menagerie. Maurice the Owl also alights on Asala's back, hooting at Clay.

Bird language:

"You're sure about this, are you? Great folly, I'd say. They have WOLVES, remember? When did you decide to start following this red-human, anyway? You carried her back to your nest, when last you ventured out," Maurice grouses.

Kelso, Garvell, and Cardan, the three caravan guards who signed on to help guard the group and their supply train, check things over and seem satisfied as well. Once they are paid in full (45gp total in advance, please) they take up positions around the group and leading the beasts, spear and shield at the ready. They are taken a-back by the bear, though. "Ummm... do we have to groom HIM too?" asks Cardan timidly, getting a glare from Garvell.

The group sets out from the south gate of the town, cutting westward to the Farrow Farm so they can then pick up their bearings for tracking southwest to the Goblin Hall along the route they followed before. Their recollection is that it is straight southwest from here, about 25 miles away.

State any plans/intentions, then I'll move you ahead accordingly.

Quest list:
- Foxy O'Hare
- Clay Weatherwax
- Baxtaw Greayburst
- Halfpint
- Grizzly Woman
- Kelso (NPC/Hireling)
- Garvell (NPC/Hireling)
- Cardan (NPC/Hireling)

- Asala (Donkey)
- Morr (Hunting Dog)
- Maurice (Pygmy Owl)
- Bluebelle (Riding Horse)
- Peck (Pony)
- Huckleberry (Young Bear)

[Rusty Tincanne]

To be clear, Clay's intent is to go to the goblin warren and capture or kill the goblin king and retrieve the fingers of zhint. Whoever Zhint was... Clay prefers to attack other goblins and wolves only if they attack us/him first.

Clay has a friendlier disposition with monsters than the average PC, so if possible, he should try to make contact on his own (you all will ruin the bonus). We'll have Maurice scout ahead. If he sees anything, he can warn us. If possible, we can get some other goblins to join our cause. If not, we can head in like we did last time.

Likely as not, we'll be running back to Gaul with our tails tucked and a few of us dead...

Anyhow, once the King is taken care of, Clay will be heading back to Gaul to tend to his other business.

[Stirling]

only 25 miles, thought it was much more, unless 25 to the first cave?

Foxy O'Hare

Will casually ride, keeping at walking pace and watch Clay converse with the owl, guessing it's birds eye vision will notice any threats ahead.

"We encountered giant ants digging a new nest before so beware, not all threats may be on or above ground."

She sets her mind on differing plan A's, B's and C's and Plan Z. Strategies for getting in and out of the goblin HQ. Now the King is empowered and they can use no Red Robe ruse, options are more limited.

"Baxtaw, in all of your elfin studies and arcane scholarship, have you heard of this mysterious Zhint
? The Red Robe mages of Monoc were trading his articles with the goblin chiefs. Who is or was he?"

[Rusty Tincanne]

"We encountered giant ants digging a new nest before so beware, not all threats may be on or above ground."

Clay politely reminds Ms. O'Hare (and the others) that the ants posed no threat. They were only being ants and were happy enough to watch us walk by safely as long as we didn't bother them. I have been taught - and observed - it is like that with most things in life. With that, Clay resumes conversing with Maurice, assuring him that, with his keen eyes and Morr's sense of smell, the party should have good knowledge of the wolves before seeing them. At that time, Clay will slip ahead and great them as brothers.

If that goes poorly... I'll use call upon the earth to bind them to the ground so they can reconsider their ways.

And hopefully they do reconsider their ways...

[Starbeard]

The Grizzly Woman

Chuckles at Cardan. 'Ho-ho, that would be a sight. Grooming a bear! He will groom himself well enough, if there is a tree around. Though he does enjoy having his ticks plucked out on occasion.'

She walks next to Huckleberry along the right end of the group, whistling some mountain tune with puffed cheeks and scanning the horizon.