Lost Boys

(Image supplied by Master of Design) DESCRIPTION: Some boys have wandered off across the grasslands. They were playing hide and seek and failed to return. Their parents went out to look for them but after calling for an hour they frantically returned requesting a search party to find them. Help return these boys to their parents as quickly as possible. Sign Up In The Lost boys Journal

SETUP The colonists have begun the construction of many more buildings around the outpost. Each day, major improvements are made. The laborers consist of many of the other passengers that were onboard the Kelpie with varying degree of skill and ability. A small group of children are among these. A woman approaches the marketplace. She is clearly upset. I am Vestani and my son and his friends are missing.  I need you to help me find them .. before it is too late.  She wipes a small tear from her eye.  She continues as if talking to herself.  I knew I should not have let them go out, even if they were in a group.  Its just too dangerous .. too many unknowns ..  THIS MISSION STARTS WED MORNING SLOT This mission is played in Mission Box 2 on the VTT

(OOC: I won't be available in the morning slot because I am traveling tomorrow.  If this isn't allowable, just delete.) Issachar hears the tearful woman's plea.  Moved by compassion, he approaches her.   Show me where you last saw them, good woman.  I will bring them back. (OOC: Perception 17 to find the boys tracks.  Survival 26 to follow the tracks.)

Day 1 Time Slot 1 (reaction to prompt) "Where did they go?"  Rusty tries to be reassuring. he leaves off the rest of his thoughts. OOC: I had to zoom out to find the mission box, it extends off the bottom right corner of the boat map. Sense motive -1

Harold is walking with Issachar as they approach the marketplace, discussing their expedition.   We should pack a few extra days of rations, you never know how the hunting is going to be, Flint doesn't like to be hungry.   Hearing his name the big cat looks towards Harold and lets out a small growl.   Hush you  Harold turns to Flint as he speaks  we're talking here.  So, how much feed will we need for your horses  turning back towards his companion, Harold realizes he is alone... Issachar, where did you... a quick scan shows him that Issachar is approaching a distraught looking woman. Fast on his heels, Harold hears Issachar volunteer their time to help find the children as Rusty also steps up to help.  Addressing the lady, Yes madam, we can find your children.  Our efforts will be aided if you have an item of theirs, Flint over there nodding towards the cat few paces behind  should be able to track their scent.   // Handle Animal 11   to get Flint to track.              Survival 8, Perception 27  if needed

Pezzack was walking through town when he overheard the lady speaking with Issachar and Rusty. Curious, he approaches her with a quizzical look. "Can you tell us where you saw them last? That will be where we should begin our search."

GM TIME SLOT 1 POST Vestani tries to collect herself.  She is pleased to find some help.  She points in the direction of the plains .. Off that way (she points to the West)   I saw them playing in the fields .. they were playing close .. I went back to our tent to get a snack for them .. I was only gone for a few minutes .. when I returned .. they were not there.  I headed west until I could no longer see the camp.  Frightened for myself, I called and called.  after a while I returned to get help.  I have a scarf of my sons .. If your cat can use it to track .. She hands over the scarf to Harold and nods to the others.   Thank you so much .. Please find them.   Gathering your things, you begin to head west in search of the lost children.  You head out until you reach the area where you think the woman stopped searching.  Survival checks, perceptions checks and knowledge geography checks.  Each can roll .. I will take the highest and others can assist. NEXT: DAY 1, SLOT 2

Once they are in the field Harold calls Flint over and has the cat sniff the scarf, after a few moments Harold issues the command to track.   // Harold:  Knowledge Georgraphy 17, Perception 22, Survival 15(16 to track) //Flint: Survival 12, Perception 19 (27 if scent is helpful)

Day 1 Timeslot 2 Pezzack take in the view from their current place in the field. So far this seemed a gentle land, but there was a sense of danger sitting just below the surface of feelings brought up by this newly discovered nation. Pezzack has seen many lands before, but this was his first time in a truly undiscovered region. Now his skills would be tested, and young lives hung in the balance. Calling on his talents, and the power of his totem spirit, the tengu expands his eyes and senses to learn all he could. (OOC: Perception 25, Survival 31, Knowledge: geography 19. Used Inspired trait on geography roll for the day.)

Day 1 Time Slot 2 Player Response  Rusty Scans the area looking for a sign. Is there a hard to see hole, or a very large bird around here...? Rusty loads a sling. OOC: Init 15, Perception 21, Geo 6, Survival -2 (Meticulous flaw is harsh on low skill characters)

Issachar searches the area, looking for any sign of which way the boys went. OOC: Perception 19, Survival 13)

Post Day 1 Time Slot 2 Issachar, Rusty, Pezzack and Harold head off towards the west of town.  The fertile ground grew many different species of plants.  As Flint went out ahead, he began to pick up speed.  He put his nose down and then took off through the tall grass.  The four were much slower than a cat and took off after Flint calling to him.  Following the trail through the higher grasses they finally came upon Flint once more .. and in taking a moment to catch their breath they had come to a dried riverbed.  Flint was sniffing back and forth in the riverbed trying to regain the scent .. He picked it up again just as the party was catching their breath and took off down the riverbed at great speed.  Coming eventually to a widening in the dry riverbed he stopped where a rock formation formed what must have once been a rocky island in the middle of a lake.  The ground in the riverbed here was wet in places.  Harold called Flint to his side (handle animal) as the party discussed how to proceed.  Several tracks could be seen in the muddy parts of the riverbed. (Group Perception 27 with 3 assists for a 33) Next Post Day 1 Time Slot 3

Day 1: Timeslot 3 The group had been moving at a pretty quick pace to keep up with Flint so Harold calls for a halt and takes a few moments to catch his breath and creates some fresh water for Flint and everyone else to drink.   I believe we are on the right trail, but we will do the children no good if we run ourselves into the ground.    He carefully stretches his back and legs as he examines the footprints.   // Handle animal 10 (whew) EDIT:  // Survival 23 to identify the footprints.

Day 1 Timeslot 3 Edited to Day 2 Slot 1 Pezzack leans down to get a closer look at some of the footprints. "There were many creatures passing through this area, more than just the children we're seeking. This may be a sign that we're not alone in this new land. We need to be careful as we proceed, lest we walk into an ambush." Pezzack carefully traces the direction followed by the trail, and tries to count how many were here. (Survival check 26)

//note - survival checks can be made to identify footprints

Issachar studies the tracks.   Some of these look familiar, maybe I can figure out what they belong to. (OOC: Survival 19 to identify tracks)

Day 1 Slot 3 / Day 2 slot 1 (forum was down) Rusty remains quiet. Frowning . It  should be easy to tell a boot from an animal print, unless there are other boots here...I just hope they avoided the water, who knows how far it could take them. OOC: survival 16 (natural 19)

GM POST DAY 1 POST 3/ DAY 2 POST 1 Scanning the are for tracks the party discovers several identifiable sets.  Three sets of small humanoids, many deer tracks and the tracks of a larger animal, possibly a bear.  The bear-like tracks are of medium size though the look similar.  The tracks move about as if they cross many times in this area.  Flint explores the edges of the Ravine .. following the tracks about .. upon heading to the middle of the ravine he hops up on a large rock and stops .. as if he smells something ... He stops, looking to Harold .. then back to the rock formation.  He lowers his stance .. a deep growling sound beginning to come from the cat. NEXT DAY 2 POST 2

On alert, Harold approaches the rock formation carefully and calling upon the aspect of a monkey his arms and fingers grow just a little bit longer and hairier as he begins to easily climb very quietly, looking for signs of trouble as he goes. // Harold: Perception: 23 Climb 26, Stealth 23   {{If there is an animal at the top I attempt to Wild Empathy it with a 12....which most likely fails}} // Flint: Stealth 19, Perception 25, [If isn't even climbable by a cat: Climb 15  ]

Day 2 Time Slot 2 Rusty moves up, with sword and shield ready. Perhaps the kids are stuck hiding on a rock or something. As nothing lunges out at them, Rusty puts his sword away and climbs up the rock wall, hoping he does not alert anything... OOC: Stealth 13 edit: perception 15, climb 22.

// note  Climbing the rock formation is a DC 15 climb check.  I will check back on this post in a couple hours and see if anything more happens before I proceed with more information .. Perceptions, Stealth, Climb are all good things to roll here where they apply.  Scent will apply to perception checks from the cat.

I'm going to let the rest of this group makes some posts and let Ben and Ian elaborate on theirs before moving forward .. We will pick this up in the morning but at that point I might move things along quickly.  

Day 2 Timeslot 3 The crowlike naturalist grumbled as they approached the rocks, not looking forward to testing his limited skills in climbing, or to trusting the strange goblin-made climbing tools he had acquired over the great journey across the sea to this new land. However, he didn't have any other climbing tools, and none of the others seemed to be breaking out pitons or crampons either, so barnacle grips it was to be. Pezzack felt exposed as he climbs, keeping his shield on his back rather than risk it getting in the way by strapping it to his arm. This wasn't helped by the fact that, in spite of his effort to avoid it, Pezzack made a fair bit of noise climbing the rocky outcropping, raining stones and pebbles scattering down below him as he went. Besides the ruckus, he didn't have much difficulty climbing this wall, and begins to make an ascent. (OOC: Climbing crit-ted with a 32, Perception 21, Stealth 7)

GM Slot 3 Day 2 The group moves quickly up the rocks, hopping and climbing their way to the top of the formation which rises about 10 feet above the riverbed and takes up the size of a large chamber.  Arriving at the top, they begin to look around.  Flint continues to growl and moves into a protective position.  What the group sees is concerning.  A medium sized bear lay sleeping with three boys who are curled up in its arms.   Harold sees the bear and moves into a position to try not to alarm it but Rusty and Pezzack bang their armor all over the sides of the rock formation as they climb upward.  The bear begins to stir, sniffing the air it quickly rises its head and then growls loudly.  It moves into a position over the boys as if to protect them, rising up to stand on its legs, raising its claws upward in a great display.  The boys wake up suddenly from all the noise and begin to yell.   Stop .. Don't Hurt it cries the oldest boy upon seeing the adventuring party.  Ahhhhhhh screams another boy and the third cries quietly to himself after being greatly startled.   No Surprise Rounds Initiatives and Actions The bear has taken a defensive posture protecting the boys and is displaying itself.  Knowledge Nature 14 identifies this as a teenage female grizzly. //Note .. I will set this up in the VTT for you as quickly as I can.   NEXT Slot 1 Day 3

Slot 1 day 3 Everyone hold back, let me try to calm the beast.   Issachar whispers tersely.   Make no threatening movements. (OOC: Knowledge (Nature) 14, Initiative 8.04, Initiating Wild Empathy 19)

Slot 1 day 3 Harold tells Flint Down  before moving carefully beside Issachar, also attempting to calm the bear.  Flint calms a little but remains on alert, eyes fixed on the bear.  As Harold eases forward, he tries to get a look at the 2 younger boys to see what aid they may need. // Knowledge (Nature) 10, Initiaitive: 16, Assisting in  Wild Empathy 12 [Rolled for slot 1], Handle Flint 25, Perception 25

Stays ready, making no movement to startle the bear. OOC: Readied action if the bear attacks,  5' step and attack 16 damage (crit).

GM Slot 1 Day 3 The bear tilts his head at Issachar .. the creature looks at the party and wails, lowering back down to all fours.  It nestles its head against the crying boy who laughs and hold the bears head against his, wiping his tears in the bears fur.  The bear does not completely let down its defenses but it pauses long enough for the party to talk to the boys.  The party senses that the bear might still attack if provoked but at least they don't immediately have to slay the beast and the boys do not seem to be in grave danger from the bear who clearly thinks they are siblings. // A wild empathy of 19 + harold's assist is enough to persuade the initial attitude of unfriendly to an attitude of indifference NEXT Slot 2 Day 3

Day 3 Slot 1 Pezzack folds his hands in front of him, before he begins to chant, tapping into the divine power of nature to ease the mind of this troubled ursine creature before them. His magic washes over the bear, further calming the animal down. (OOC: Initiative 23.03, Knowledge: nature 14, Will save for bear against Calm Animals: 4 (DC 15))

Day 3 Time Slot 2   5pm - 1am EST Rusty looks to his companions inquisitively.  OOC: Readied action if the bear attacks:5' and attack (miss).

GM Post Day 3 Slot 2 The spell washes over the bear .. although he does not settle to rest.  He continues to look about indifferently. He paws at the boys making guttural noises and playfully addressing the children.  The bear wearily looks towards flint every once, never completely averting his gaze from the cat.  Luckily, the bear does not attack the children or the party at this time.  The boys seem content to play with their grizzly friend. Next Post Day 3 Slot 3

(Should I not have rolled the saving throw for the bear, and waited for you to make the roll? Or should I have used the macro in the bear's sheet to roll? Unless the bear gets to roll twice and pick the better result.)

// note oh .. i wasn't sure that you had rolled it .. i thought you were giving me a DC of 14 .. i failed to read the 4 for some reason .. i guess i was not expecting it .. so .. i guess the bear is actually quite calm and still acting the same way since calm animals probably play and act happy.   OOC you pretty much have the bear under control unless you intentionally harass it.

(Okay, next time I make a roll like that I'll try to make it more obvious, being right next to the DC is confusing.)

Day 3 Timeslot 3 Pezzack nervously rubbed his beak before turning to his allies. "Okay, we've gotten past the bear's churlish behavior... now, are any of you good with kids, or talking people into doing things? Because I'm better with animals and plants than I am with some humans."

Day 3 Slot 3 Harold addresses the boys.   What's going on boys?  Your mother is quiet amiss at your departure from the field.  Are any of you hurt?

Say goodbye to your friend, boys.  Let's get you home and be thankful no one was hurt.   Issachar motions with his hand for the boys to move away from the bear.

GM POST Slot 3 Day 3 (Late) Thanks for not hurting the bear .. who are you guys and what does amiss mean , the oldest blond haired human kid asked.   Yeah .. we love playing with Chargar and we're not hurt - we're having fun , the second oldest halfling kid remarked with a smile The young human boy with brown hair continues to laugh and rub the bear lovingly.  He looks at Issachar .. then back to the bear and continues playing. You tell our mom that we will be home when we feel like it! Yeah, said the other kid .. we aren't leaving Chargar , the halfling kid said, presumably referring to the bear. Next Slot 1 Day 4

We are some of the newest arrivals from the Iron Kelpie, and your mother is worried to death about you.  It would be good if you would come let her know you are safe and ease her fears.   Issachar says as he slowly approaches the bear with his hand out, palm up.  She snuffles his hand, seemingly at ease.  Issachar offers her a trail bar and gently scratches behind her ears as she eats.   Perhaps we can bring Charger closer to camp and you can play with her there. (OOC: Handle Animal 21 to attempt to "make friends" with Charger)

Pezzack nervously smoothed back the feathers on his head. Dealing with wild animals was something the tengu had some experience with; dealing with human and halfling children was something else entirely. "If you knew the fear striking your mother's heart right now, you wouldn't be so hesitant to leave. She is truly shaken by your running off to play with a lonely she-bear. She thinks you are in danger, and she isn't wrong about that. We're not interested in hurting the bear, you can come and play with her again later. Just come back with us, your dinner is likely growing cold."

GM Post Day 4 Slot 1 The bear warmed up to Issachar .. it wanted more treats so it willingly began to follow him off the formation.  The kids protested .. We don't want to go!  and basically started throwing a fit.  The older boy looked at the others as if thinking how to respond.   Lets here what they have to say. Next Post Day 4 Slot 2

Boys, this is a wild, new land where we don't know the dangers.  Leaving sight of the camp before we secure it is a good way to be dead.  And you are far too young to end up on the end of a goblin spear.   Issachar feeds the bear another trail bar to keep her occupied while he addresses the young scamps.   I will bring Charger to the edge of camp so you can continue to visit her as we get to know each other better.  If you are good, and listen to my instructions, I'll even let you help me brush her coat out and feed her tomorrow. (OOC: Diplomacy 11)

Day 4 Timeslot 2 Pezzack does his best to talk the kids into coming with them. "Seriously you guys, your bear will still be around tomorrow, we're not going to hurt her, please just come and reassure her that you aren't dead or kidnapped by pirates or something. I mean, the sooner you do it, the less likely you'll be punished for anything. You don't want to get punished, do you?" (OOC: Diplomacy roll 14)

//diplomacy 11 to aid. I'm out of town and having tech issues so this is the best I can do for the moment. 

Day 4 Time Slot 2 (5pm - 1am EST) Speaking hesitantly  " the other kids will be jealous when you tell them about Charger" OOC: Sense motive  14, diplomacy assist convincing them to return (success)

GM Post Day 4 Slot 2 The oldest boy nodded in acceptance.  He turned to the other two.   My mother will be worried about all of us.  But I think if we return now we might avoid punishment.  We should go with them back to the outpost Cole .   Fine .  The young halfling replied .. as long as we get to help train the bear.  I don't think he has a mamma bear anymore so he will want us to protect him. With a decision reached, the group heads off together back towards the outpost.  The bear follows them down the ravine and towards town.  At the edge of a wooded path Issachar remains with the bear and feeds it the last of his trail mix.  Rusty and Harold continue.  Just to be safe, Flint followed behind at a distance .. keeping watch for any signs of trouble, but also to stay upwind from the bear so as not to bother it.  Once they could see the first signs of the outpost, the adventurers left the bear and the kids gave their hugs and ran off into town to find their mother.   Vestani is overwhelmed with joy upon seeing her children return.  When she hears about the bear she is furious but glad they are safe.  She offers the group a quiver filled with arrows.   These were my husbands ... before.  I think you can put them to good use surviving in the island.  You seem like you might be good with a bow and you know how to do right by an animal too ... Parel would have really liked you . I know he would have wanted you to have this.  Maybe one day you can teach my son, Tharel, how to use a bow.   This mission is now closed.  You may post any closing remarks if you like but the mission has been a success. Reward:  1mp   you may choose from the following groups of rewards.  Each player may choose any 1 of these (duplicates are fine) A:  Decorated Leather Quiver w/ 10 cold iron arrows and 10 silver arrows B:  Access to a bear that you can train as a pet over time with the correct checks C:  A sizable chunk of gold that was found while searching the riverbed. It weighs 2 lbs.

With a grin, "mam, that is what I do, you and Tharel can stop by anytime". OOC:I would like to know more about how the bear is trained(takes days of downtime, or just additional rolls each day?...) And how we might use the gold chunk. So I can make my decision. edit: wow never noticed rearing animals before. The bear is 5hd... so a dc 20. Rusty Better be safe and not take the bear. I'll take the gold to make new coins (iron kelpie on one side and a torch on the other) and be jealous of the Bears.

Issachar stays behind with the bear.   I think I'll sleep out here tonight, fellows.  Working together like we did today is what will make this endeavor a success.  Boys, I will speak to your mother tomorrow about obtaining your help in training Charger. (OOC: Handle Animal checks will allow you to raise the bear as a pet.  You can teach it tricks.)

Training Animals To use wild empathy, the ranger and the animal must be within 30 feet of one another under normal visibility conditions. Generally, influencing an animal in this way takes 1 minute, and you can't influence it again until 24 hours ..   To rear an animal means to raise a wild creature from infancy so that it becomes domesticated.  i think that you could domesticate the bear with an attitude of helpful and You can teach an animal a specific trick with 1 week of work and a successful Handle Animal check against the indicated DC. Rear a wild animal 15 + HD of animal since it is YOUNG template i would say it qualifies as being able to be reared You may have 3 such animals (apparently according to the core handbook) 2 lbs of gold is worth 100 gp in value but it is a single chunk it could be melted down with the right buildings/rooms and equipment and turned into coin or traded for whatever someone wants to trade for it. Wild West Baby!

Pezzack, while tempted to train the bear, follows a different animal totem, that of the Eagle. Instead he will take the gold, knowing that he can use it to build resources for the exploration of the island. He plans to invest in the town's future, in his own special way.

I will take the 2 lbs gold.