[Completed] Corvin/Mordred/Kasper Adventure 1: Battleaxe Gang

[archolewa]

Kasper will take some time to tie up the unconscious thug with some rope that the thugs have in the barracks. There is not enough room for all three of you to cluster around the stairs.

Initiative:
Dogs: 1d20 = 18
Sebastian: 1d20+1 = 16
-- Lost --
Corvin: 1d20+2 = 15
Mordred: 1d20 = 12

The dogs leap at Sebastian, who braces against the attack with shield raised 1d20+1+5 = 25, 1d20+1+5 = 21. Ouch. damage: 1d6 = 3, 1, 4 total damage. The dogs slam into Sebastian tearing and snapping at him with their teeth. The weight of one drags Sebastian's arm down, and his teeth sink into his bicep, while the other's teeth latch onto his blackjack and starts savagely swinging its head, wrenching his arm back and forth. Sebastian releases his blackjack, and holds up his hand. A cool breeze laden with the scent of the blossoming Thornwall wafts through the tower. "Flee. Find better masters," says Sebastian. There is a deep-rooted power in Sebastian's voice, like a grizzly bear on its hind legs. 1d20+11 = 20, 2d6 HD are affected, hounds have lesss than 1 HD, so both are guaranteed to be affected.

The hound holding Sebastian's blackjack drops it with a whimper. The other releases his arm. The two shrink down in front of Sebastian.

Corvin and Mordred push past Sebastian, who clutches at his injured arm with a groan. The man stares at Sebastian and the dogs with wide eyes. His eyes fall on Mordred's sword, and his eyes widen further when he recognizes it.

Geraint charges out, sword up. "Vane, give it up! Your band is dead, bound, or scattered!"

Vane's eyes flick to Geraint, his voice laced with panic. "Geraint you treacherous dog!"

Sebastian is going to fall back. Kasper is still tying up the unconscious thug (he will finish up this round). The dogs will flee down the stairs, Vane will flee back up the stairs. Geraint will charge up the stairs after Vane, but will allow Mordred and Corvin to go first.

Actions!

[shaidar]

Corvin

Seeing the architect of Wendy's death, Corvin bares his teeth and let's out a low growl as he advances on Vane. Everyone hears a faint <snick> as he extends his claws.

"There will be justice for those you've killed, it's your choice as to whether you are alive or dead at the end of it. Surrender now, I'll offer only once and it's more than you deserve!"

If Vane rejects the offer of surrender and Corvin can get an attack off this round he will, and he's after blood.

[Edeldhur]

Mordred

I am getting all mixed up with the delays, and conditional actions. So I will keep it simple

Actions

Mordred attacks Vane!
Attack (Bastard Sword 2h): [1d20+4]=7+4=11 Damage: [1d8+4]=6+4=10

[archolewa]

Initiative:
Mordred: 1d20 = 14
Corvin: 1d20+2 = 10
Vane: 5
-- Lost --
Geraint: Delaying to follow Corvin and Mordred

Strictly speaking, there should only be room for one of you on the stairs, but I did make the mistake of allowing both dogs to attack Sebastian, even though, again, there should only be enough room for one combatant on the stairs. I'm also willing to say that since only one of you is actually using a weapon, *and* Vane is running rather than standing to fight, I think it's not unreasonable to allow you both to squeeze in and attack him simultaneously.

Mordred and Corvin charge for the stairs, but Mordred, having not paused to say anything, is half a step ahead. He charges up the stairs after Vane, and thrusts his sword at the fleeing gang leader, slicing a deep gouge in the man's thigh 11+9 = 20, damage = 10. He flattens against the wall, allowing Corvin to squeeze past him and pounce at the thug 1d20+2+9 = 12, but the angle of the stairs means his shoulder catches the stone, and he stumbles sideways.

Vane sprints upstairs, clutching his thigh with bloodied fingers, and through an open door. "Helda, get the rope! Helda? Dammit, Helda!"

Corvin and Mordred burst into the room, Geraint right behind. Vane is alone in the room standing next to the window, clutching the remnants of a burned rope. He throws a panicked look at the two warriors, drops his sword and starts to climb out the window. The faint scent of burning wafts down the stairs.

Vane is going to attempt to climb down the wall, using his climb shear surfaces skill.

Actions!

[shaidar]

Corvin

Intent that Vane should not escape what he is due, Corvin rushes over and attempts to attack him before he escapes.

A normal claw attack

[Edeldhur]

Mordred

So Helda is nowhere in sight I guess?

"Vane is trying to climb back down the outer wall! Cut him off!" - Mordred shouts down the stairs in the hope his companions will hear him.

Then he goes after Vane also.

Actions

Attack!
Attack (Bastard Sword 2h): [1d20+4]=6+4=10 Damage: [1d8+4]=8+4=12

[ybn1197]

After tying the thug up with rope, Kasper will head back outside and try to cut Vane off.

[archolewa]

So Helda is nowhere in sight I guess?

Nowhere in sight.

Initiative:
Corvin: 16
Vane: 1d20+1 = 15
Mordred: 1d20 = 3


Corvin races into the room, teeth bared, claws raised, a low dangerous growl in his throat 1d20+2+9+2(from behind) = 24, damage = 1d4+1 = 5! Hane has 3 HP left. Corvin's claws dig into Vane's shoulders and wrench him from the windowsill. Vane lets out a shriek, swiftly cut-off as Corvin raises one clawed hand, and snaps it down in a deadly rake.

"We got him," calls Geraint downstairs, his face a bit pale. His words sound harsh in the sudden silence.

"Ack," calls back Sebastian. "I'm gonna to take a moment to tend to my wounds. Mordred if you wait a moment, I can come and help you with yours."

Sebastian: 1d20+16+1 = 30 > 20, 1d4 = 1. Sebastian regains 1 HP. Note that a wound can only be treated once (and all damage in combat is considered "one wound.")

Meanwhile, Corvin spies Vane's sword. He drops Vane's corpse, and picks up the blade. He can feel strands of hair woven into the hilt. One bloodied finger brushes across some fur. He remembers Wendy weaving some of his fur the hilt of her sword when he first moved in with them. She sang a song over the sword as she did so, in an old language long forgotten. A family ritual stretching back to before the Kinslaying.

Whew! Ok. So you guys defeated Hrek, who had 3 HD so 35 XP, Vane had 5 HD so 175 XP, the dogs each had 1-1 HD so 2*5 XP, the three thugs had 1 HD so 3*10 = 30 XP, for a grand total of 250 XP / 4 = 62.5 rounded up to 63, Sebastian gets half at 31.5 or 32 XP since he's a henchman.

Also, don't forget that XP requirements for leveling up have been divided by 10.

ybn: Do you want me to go back to waiting for your input? Or should I still treat Kasper mostly as a quasi-henchman?

[shaidar]

Corvin

Corvin bows his head and touches the hilt of the sword to his forehead, eyes closed. "You have justice, Wendy, rest in peace. I will find our family." he whispers.

He stands motionless for a few more seconds before letting out a deep breath. He proceeds to find something to wipe his hands on and then goes looking for the scabbard.

"I can help with your wounds, if you want." he says to Mordred as he looks around.

[archolewa]

He finds the scabbard, worn weather-beaten leather, laying discarded on the floor. Likely flung there when Vane hastily pulled the sword free and ran downstairs.

This also gives Corvin a moment to take in the room itself. The room is lavishly decorated with rugs, and tapestries clearly worth tens of gold. This gang has clearly done very well for itself. An oak-framed bed with a down mattress and a well-made rabbit-furred blanket sits against the south wall. The blanket must be worth at least a gold, maybe more. There's a blazing brazier near the bed, bathing the room in a warm, golden light. Several torches, boxes of matches, and wood lay nearby. Next to the open window, on its south side is a half-empty rack with feminine furs and clothing. Another rack sits next to it with much simpler masculine clothing, plus some leather armor, likely normally worn by Vane. Alas, he did not have time to put it on. Hanging from the rack next to the armor is a leather thong containing several keys.

There is a desk with various knicknacks and accoutrements along the west wall, on the north side of the window. The northeast corner has a wall of curtains, pulled back to reveal a large copper bathing tub, probably worth quite a bit if one could find a market for a used copper bathtub once owned by gnarly bandits. The dull red light coming from the brazier caught a glint of gold on Vane's hand. A golden wedding band. It would seem that Helda is once more in the market. Considering the charred chunk of robe Vane was holding, it is unlikely she's especially choked up about it.

[Edeldhur]

Mordred

Mordred catches his breath, taking a moment to process the victory. Seeing Corvin's emotional connection to Wendy's sword, he places a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Wendy can rest now, my friend. We've done good here today."

Turning his attention to the room, Mordred's eyes scan the opulent surroundings. "Let's search this place thoroughly. We need to know what these bandits were up to." He moves methodically through the room, checking the desk for any important documents or clues about the gang's activities. Noticing the keys hanging on the rack, he takes them, thinking they might unlock something important. "I'll also take a look in Hrek's quarters," he adds.

Also looking for the scabbard that goes with the sword

Looking over at Sebastian, Mordred gestures towards the dogs. "Sebastian, what do you think we should do with the dogs? They've been mistreated, but maybe they can find better lives now. Perhaps we should keep them?"

Mordred then addresses his companions, "Corvin, Kasper, Sebastian — well done, everyone. Geraint, you have proved yourself more than worthy of our trust. Thank you" - he smiled with an acknowledging nod.

Lastly, Mordred speaks to the group. "Once we've searched Vane's and Hrek's rooms, we should address the remaining bandits in the barracks. We need to secure this place and make sure there are no more threats hiding in the shadows. And don't forget the basement; the girl we confronted outside was definitely up to something down there. We need to check it for any further clues or hidden dangers."

Ok, I need to start going through the posts to tally my XP - I have been remiss!

[archolewa]

May 16 AR 1

Mordred

Mordred catches his breath, taking a moment to process the victory. Seeing Corvin's emotional connection to Wendy's sword, he places a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Wendy can rest now, my friend. We've done good here today."

Turning his attention to the room, Mordred's eyes scan the opulent surroundings. "Let's search this place thoroughly. We need to know what these bandits were up to." He moves methodically through the room, checking the desk for any important documents or clues about the gang's activities. Noticing the keys hanging on the rack, he takes them, thinking they might unlock something important. "I'll also take a look in Hrek's quarters," he adds.

Mordred finds on the desk a jeweled bronze lamp probably worth several gold at least, and a gallon jug containing scented lamp oil. He finds no documents or even ink jets or quills. As he investigates the desk, his foot bumps the dead gang leader's hand. Looking down, his eyes touch a pair of bracers around the thug's wrists. Faint runes decorate the bracers. He compares the runes to those on his sword. The runes are clearly in the same alphabet (Dwarvish?).

As Mordred steps back into the stairwell, he spies a stout wooden door reinforced with iron bands, and held closed with a heavy iron padlock. He files that door away for later and goes downstairs.

Looking over at Sebastian, Mordred gestures towards the dogs. "Sebastian, what do you think we should do with the dogs? They've been mistreated, but maybe they can find better lives now. Perhaps we should keep them?"

Sebastian shrugs and gives a wry smile as one of the dogs crawls to Mordred on his belly, and then flips over on his back in a show of submission. Sebastian pats the belley the other dog, who has rolled onto his back in front of him in a similar fashion. Sebastian's wounds are bandaged, but he moves his arm slowly, wincing as he gingerly strokes the dog's belly. "Perhaps. I told the silly mutts to flee, and find better masters. Flee they did not. Still, they look to be good, solid animals. With some time and care, I think they would perk and bulk right up."

Mordred then addresses his companions, "Corvin, Kasper, Sebastian — well done, everyone. Geraint, you have proved yourself more than worthy of our trust. Thank you" - he smiled with an acknowledging nod.

Geraint shrugs awkwardly.

"That's all well and good, but sit down so I can see to your wound before you bleed out you foolish man." Sebastian grabs Mordred's head and shoulders and forces him to sit on the steps for a moment. He takes some time to study, and bandage the wound 1d20+16+1 = 18 < 20, though Sebastian has to cover Mordred's eye with a bandage, so close did the thug's blade come to it. He shakes his head. "I've managed to stop the bleeding, but the wound is deep. It missed your eye by a hairsbreadth, thank goodness, but you're in rough shape. We may need to set a watch here, and take you to the Seer's Temple."

Lastly, Mordred speaks to the group. "Once we've searched Vane's and Hrek's rooms, we should address the remaining bandits in the barracks. We need to secure this place and make sure there are no more threats hiding in the shadows. And don't forget the basement; the girl we confronted outside was definitely up to something down there. We need to check it for any further clues or hidden dangers."

"We should kill Hrek," says Geraint, glancing nervously towards the man's room. "He isn't exactly the redeeming kind, and he holds grudges."

When Mordred returns to Hrek's room, he finds the man tied up to an almost comical degree. He even has a rag shoved into his mouth, and tied to his head with a bandana. The man is still out cold. The room is quite spartan, sporting a wooden bed frame with a straw-filled matress, a rack to hold Hrek's clothing and weapons (currently holding a tunic, some trousers, his leather armor). An empty scabbard for a bastard sword lays at the base of the rack. There is a small chest at the base of the bed, holding a half-burned candle in a silver candlestick that might be worth a few silver. The chest holds nothing but some personal effects. In the corner is an 8' long boar spear, a round shield and a half-helm. Dangling from the spear is a fur-lined hooded cloak. It's been patched a few times, but would still likely be worth a few gold. There is no sign of any sort of documents or writing utensils.

[shaidar]

Corvin

Mordred catches his breath, taking a moment to process the victory. Seeing Corvin's emotional connection to Wendy's sword, he places a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Wendy can rest now, my friend. We've done good here today."

Corvin nods "We also need to find Wendy's family, I don't want them to be in that dungeon for any longer than they need to."

He puts the sword in it's scabbard and attaches it to his belt. Corvin then heads over to close and secure the window.

Turning his attention to the room, Mordred's eyes scan the opulent surroundings. "Let's search this place thoroughly. We need to know what these bandits were up to." He moves methodically through the room, checking the desk for any important documents or clues about the gang's activities. Noticing the keys hanging on the rack, he takes them, thinking they might unlock something important. "I'll also take a look in Hrek's quarters," he adds.

Corvin joins Mordred in searching the room, looking for anything the keys might open, like the desk, or something under the bed perhaps. Once done, he follows him downstairs.

Looking over at Sebastian, Mordred gestures towards the dogs. "Sebastian, what do you think we should do with the dogs? They've been mistreated, but maybe they can find better lives now. Perhaps we should keep them?"

Mordred then addresses his companions, "Corvin, Kasper, Sebastian — well done, everyone. Geraint, you have proved yourself more than worthy of our trust. Thank you" - he smiled with an acknowledging nod.

Lastly, Mordred speaks to the group. "Once we've searched Vane's and Hrek's rooms, we should address the remaining bandits in the barracks. We need to secure this place and make sure there are no more threats hiding in the shadows. And don't forget the basement; the girl we confronted outside was definitely up to something down there. We need to check it for any further clues or hidden dangers."

May 16 AR 1

Looking over at Sebastian, Mordred gestures towards the dogs. "Sebastian, what do you think we should do with the dogs? They've been mistreated, but maybe they can find better lives now. Perhaps we should keep them?"

Sebastian shrugs and gives a wry smile as one of the dogs crawls to Mordred on his belly, and then flips over on his back in a show of submission. Sebastian pats the belley the other dog, who has rolled onto his back in front of him in a similar fashion. Sebastian's wounds are bandaged, but he moves his arm slowly, wincing as he gingerly strokes the dog's belly. "Perhaps. I told the silly mutts to flee, and find better masters. Flee they did not. Still, they look to be good, solid animals. With some time and care, I think they would perk and bulk right up."

Mordred then addresses his companions, "Corvin, Kasper, Sebastian — well done, everyone. Geraint, you have proved yourself more than worthy of our trust. Thank you" - he smiled with an acknowledging nod.

Geraint shrugs awkwardly.

"That's all well and good, but sit down so I can see to your wound before you bleed out you foolish man." Sebastian grabs Mordred's head and shoulders and forces him to sit on the steps for a moment. He takes some time to study, and bandage the wound 1d20+16+1 = 18 < 20, though Sebastian has to cover Mordred's eye with a bandage, so close did the thug's blade come to it. He shakes his head. "I've managed to stop the bleeding, but the wound is deep. It missed your eye by a hairsbreadth, thank goodness, but you're in rough shape. We may need to set a watch here, and take you to the Seer's Temple."

Lastly, Mordred speaks to the group. "Once we've searched Vane's and Hrek's rooms, we should address the remaining bandits in the barracks. We need to secure this place and make sure there are no more threats hiding in the shadows. And don't forget the basement; the girl we confronted outside was definitely up to something down there. We need to check it for any further clues or hidden dangers."

"We should kill Hrek," says Geraint, glancing nervously towards the man's room. "He isn't exactly the redeeming kind, and he holds grudges."

"It is me who should be thanking you all, it was my concern for my missing family that set this all off. I owe you all a debt." he looks at Geraint "Mordred is right, I was sceptical, but you have shown your worth this night." he then addresses the whole group "I really do not want Wendy's family to be down there any longer than they need to be. But if Mordred is that badly injured, and I suspect there are undead guarding down there, then perhaps we should go to the temple, but make haste. A Kinslayer outpost in the city needs to be reported to the authorities...unless we're planning to keep the place for a base of operations?"

Ok, I need to start going through the posts to tally my XP - I have been remiss!

I've totalled mine as 90, it would be interested to see if I've missed anything.

[archolewa]

Corvin

Mordred catches his breath, taking a moment to process the victory. Seeing Corvin's emotional connection to Wendy's sword, he places a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Wendy can rest now, my friend. We've done good here today."

Corvin nods "We also need to find Wendy's family, I don't want them to be in that dungeon for any longer than they need to."

He puts the sword in it's scabbard and attaches it to his belt. Corvin then heads over to close and secure the window.

Turning his attention to the room, Mordred's eyes scan the opulent surroundings. "Let's search this place thoroughly. We need to know what these bandits were up to." He moves methodically through the room, checking the desk for any important documents or clues about the gang's activities. Noticing the keys hanging on the rack, he takes them, thinking they might unlock something important. "I'll also take a look in Hrek's quarters," he adds.

Corvin joins Mordred in searching the room, looking for anything the keys might open, like the desk, or something under the bed perhaps. Once done, he follows him downstairs.

Corvin finds a small locked box tucked under the bed. When he drags it out, and tries one of Mordred's keys, it pops open to reveal four small vials of a red liquid. He pops off the cork of one of them and takes a whiff. His eyes widen. They smell like a mix of cinnamon, lilacs, and the white flowers of the Thornwall. These are healing potions. Based on the smell, a variety created by the Druids from the flowers of the Thornwall (which just so happen to be the most "common" variety in Thorncity). They are *extremely* labor intensive, often taking well over a year to create. The team was introduced to them as part of their training, but they are typically reserved for high value soldiers like generals, or powerful elves.

[shaidar]

Corvin

Corvin carefully puts the potion away and locks the box and takes it downstairs with them and shows it to the others.

"... and look, how did they get their hands on these potions? They might have friends in high places."

[Edeldhur]

Mordred

Mordred finishes examining the room, finding some valuable items and clues. He addresses his companions as they regroup.

"Great job with the search, Corvin. Those healing potions could be significant. If they're in the hands of these bandits, they might indeed have some powerful connections..."

He turns to Sebastian with a smile as he tended his wounds. "Thank you my friend"

Looking at Geraint, he nods. "I don't trust Hrek either. If he poses a threat, we’ll have to decide the best course of action once we've secured the area. Perhaps once denounced to the authorities like Corvin has suggested they will take him in?"

"That is an amazing find Corvin - perhaps if I take one of those, I will recover enough to continue?" - he looks to Sebastian as if for approval - "Then we would be allowed to fully investigate this place tonight, perhaps starting with that padlocked door upstairs? And then the basement" - he looked to the others for their opinion

Just making a tally of all the stuff from the previous posts, so I don't forget anything

Items Found:
Jeweled bronze lamp (worth several gold)
Scented lamp oil (gallon jug)
Bracers with Dwarvish runes
Empty scabbard for a bastard sword (probably for Hrek's)
Boar spear, round shield, half-helm, and fur-lined cloak
Keys (possibly for the reinforced door or other locked areas)

Four healing potions in a small locked box (potions made from Thornwall flowers, extremely labor-intensive to create)

In Hrek's Room:
Rack with Hrek's clothing and weapons (do we want the leather armor?)
Empty scabbard for a bastard sword
Small chest with a half-burned candle in a silver candlestick
Boar spear, round shield, half-helm, fur-lined cloak

Vault Findings:
First Chest: 315 copper pieces, 87 silver pieces, and a potion bottle (appears empty but sloshes with liquid)
Second Chest: 46 silver pieces, 245 copper pieces
Third Chest: Empty

Other Notes:
Basement
Helda (possibly missing or escaped)

Need to tally my XP

[archolewa]

Empty scabbard for a bastard sword (probably for Hrek's)

It's possible you just listed the same thing twice, but the scabbard in Vane's room was for a normal sword, and is for Wendy's weapon. Other than that, that all looks correct. Is someone going to take the bracers?

Sebastian nods. "By all means, drink up. In fact, I might take one as well. Kasper! You want to drink one of these? I know you got wounded as well."

Sebastian takes a potion and downs it 1d6+1 = 2 HP healed. He grimaces as the wounds on his arm (mostly) heal. "They did not take good care of these. Tastes like mold rather than clean dirt. Still, my arm feels much better!"

[shaidar]

Corvin

While the others are looking at wounds and drinking potions, Corvin looks around for something for the dogs to eat, meat or even some cooled stew. Placing the food into bowls he goes over to the two dogs and see if they will behave and sit before giving them the food (he will give it to them even if they don't behave). Once they are eating he will gently see if he can stroke them and try to make friends.

[Edeldhur]

Mordred

After handing the bracers to Corvin, Mordred downs one of the healing potions.

Heling Pot: [1d6+1]=3+1=4

I think that puts me back at full hp

"Shall we go check that door upstairs?" - he asks his companions.

[archolewa]

Corvin

While the others are looking at wounds and drinking potions, Corvin looks around for something for the dogs to eat, meat or even some cooled stew. Placing the food into bowls he goes over to the two dogs and see if they will behave and sit before giving them the food (he will give it to them even if they don't behave). Once they are eating he will gently see if he can stroke them and try to make friends.

1d20+12+4 (You're giving them food!) = 21 > 20. The dogs eagerly dig into the food, then nuzzle up to Corvin, panting and licking at his hands (I'm going to assume that one of the first things Corvin did was clean his hands...).

Mordred
"Shall we go check that door upstairs?" - he asks his companions.

Geraint's eyes light up. "Yes, that's the vault, where the Gang keeps its...um...profits. Did you find Vane's keys? There should be keys on there."