The Hills Have Homes

NAME: The Hills Have Homes TYPE: Training PREREQUISITE: None MISSION LEVEL: 1 SLOTS: 4 DESCRIPTION: Scouts reported strange buildings set into the side of one of the larger hills. Something lives there but the scouts were too afraid to find out what it might be. Investigate this and find out what our scouts were too scared to find out

You wake up on 1 IC, Sarenith just like every other day.  After your breakfast, as you head out the door, you notice a slip of paper tacked on the door post.  A hand-written note:   If I might impose, please give me a few moments of your time around midafternoon.  Come to my office.  Tea will be provided.                                                                                                                                                                           Agela More than a little impressed with yourself for receiving a summons from one of the most important folks in town, you decide to go.   As you walk on out the door, the thought flits through your mind, I wonder if I've already done something wrong...

I can't remember the last time I had some good tea... Destra pockets the note and sits, taking in the warmth of the afternoon sun. After methodically preparing her scrivening tools, She writes a letter in flowing, beautiful script: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My ability to manifest His Will grows by the day.  This place is making me inexorably stronger. Truly, toiling in His name has brought me an understanding I never thought I'd have again. The only thing I am certain of is this power is intoxicating; it is seductive in it's own way.  I am saddened to think that the others are not as enlightened as us.  Still, I have seen a few potential converts, a scarce few who recognize the true order of things.  Our faith is accepted rather grudgingly in most civilized parts of the world, but I'm just as likely to be murdered by an ignorant mob in this coarse frontier village.  I know I don't need to lecture you on the importance of secrecy.   Travel safely and suffer no fools, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ She thinks of signing, then hesitates. Destra carefully folds the parchment back into the soft leather case and walks to Agela's office with a smile on her face.

Shinon wakes from the great slumber and has another bath in the morning.  It felt great!  She got dressed with her armor on and noticed the note.   Weird... nobody even knows who I am here.   She shrugged and went downstairs, ate breakfast and geared up to go over there.  The last good tea that she had was back at the church with the priestess.   I wonder how things are going there.   She said out loud but didn't mind.  She walked over in the warm sun to the office where she was to meet the person in charge.

Frerin ponders about this note. Surely taking tea at the afternoon sounds like an insufferable social meeting. Probably with more people. Talking, noisy, people. On the other hand, Agela seemed like an important person, and probably wouldn't like to waste her time, so it was probably something important. And maybe, just maybe, interesting. "Oh well"  he thought "maybe I can at least ask about someplace nice to settle down. I hope there's something stronger than tea, though."  After lunch, Frerin began his preparations.  Brushing a bit his green cloak and splashing water on his face to clear the worst of the mud and dirt from his beard, he strolled down from the Silver Harp to Agela's office.

Oh, you've arrived.  Good!  I will have tea sent.   Agela steps back through the curtain for a moment, then returns and sits down.   You may have heard rumblings about us finding some houses set into the side of a hill recently.  They are true.  The scouts were nervous about what they might find, so returned.  It seems best that we send some adventurers to assess the situation.  I thought you would do a good job. Any questions?

Yea. Frerin speaks, with his gruff voice.  Is there something stronger than tea hereabouts? If we be going to travel in this heat, I won't be doing so with parched throat. Also, how many are "some"? Two, a dozen, a score perchance? Is any of these scouts around? I have half a mind to ask them some questions. Better always to know beforehand. After this, he seats himself, awaiting for his answers.

I do  said Raven What are the odds of you casting this scroll for me before we go check out these homes? Raven hands her the scroll of casting MW that Agela gave him for helping out at Issachars farm.

It's a hill, Master Frerin.  I can assure you it is less than a score.  Less than a dozen, even.  Although it is hard to judge exactly from a distance.   Agela smiles at the red-bearded dwarf.   And I don't keep any spirits here at the office.  I've discovered drinking before early evening isn't conducive to good business. As for the scroll, Master Raven, it will take an hour or more to do that.  And I believe it would be best for you to "head for the hills", as they say.  You can make it far enough that you could be there tomorrow afternoon, if you set out within the hour. Agela sits a small chest on the table, then a backpack beside it.  Each of you take one of these potions.  They will heal you in the event you are injured (Potion of CLW each).   And take this.  It is one of my Adventuring Packs.  Some of these items may prove useful.  Good luck and god's speed.

Alright Agela I will see you when we get back about casting this scroll on my weapon.  Lets go boys.    Raven heads out the door and starts walking in the direction of the hill.

Hum... It's probably not a proper hill then. I am sure my people could build a whole hamlet in a hill, but what can you expect from ground dwellers? Frerin  sips his tea and says:  Too bad about that drink, but I suppose you're right on account of business. I give thanks to you for kindness. And for your gifts. Taking a potion vial and weighing the Adventure Pack, he remarks Rekon these are going to be useful.   We go now then? To these, as you called, "hills"? [ooc] Do we know where on the world map are these hills? I'd like to estimate travel times etc.[ooc]

/ooc This mission is the first day of the month in your downtime log.  No need for further estimation or record keeping.

The rest of the afternoon goes by quickly, as you are a bit excited about this opportunity to show your value to the community. You don't know what you will face, but you are certain(ish) you can handle it.  As the sun begins to sink towards the horizon, you start looking for a place to camp.  In a land this wild, you know to take precautions, so you quickly decide on a small clearing with a jumble of rocks on the east that you can use for a windbreak for your fire.  As you set up camp, a breeze blows softly around you. //ooc check time: Please make Perception and Survival rolls in the VTT, then post them here in character.

[ooc] Per 20 Sur 25 [ooc] Aye, this looks as good a place as any to camp. We'll make a fire by them there stones and then we cook! Ale and meat eh? Sure my dwarven fellow agrees with me! Maybe some game stalks around. With this Frerin set about looking for tracks in the clearing, hoping to find some animals that could be hunted down to supper.

*Perception [23] *Survival [10] Destra sits close to the fire. She sips from her wineskin while trying not to get too annoyed by her raucous traveling companions. She keeps a sharp eye on her surroundings.

Perception 7 Survival 6 Raven is not paying much attention to what is happening around him as he trys to find a comfortable way to sleep

Slot 3: After a few minutes, Destra and Frerin notice the wind shift from the east to the northeast.  As it does, a foul odor washes over the camp.  Frerin, after a moments thought, recognizes the smell.  Something is dead and rotten to the point of bursting off to the northeast.  A stronger gust of wind washes over the camp, increasing the smell to the point you feel the need to vomit. //ooc DC 11 Fort save for everyone or become Sickened for 1d8 rounds.  –2 penalty on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws , skill checks, and ability checks.

Shinon caught up to the group.  She didn't notice much at first but after a minute there is a weird odor and \\OOC: Fort save 22\\ she resists the urge to throw up from the smell and looks around at the camp.   I apologize for running behind everyone.  That smell is strong though.  I had to run back, I had left some equipment back in my room over at the inn.   She said putting the items down in the camp.  Some of the things she had she knew she wouldn't need.  \\OOC:  Would it be alright to do a detect evil right now or should I wait a bit?\\

[ooc] fort 22 Ach! What be this stench? It is death! Foul dead things! Look out Shinon, for It comes from over there. Stay sharp!  Frerin then gets back to the campfire. If its not lit yet, he lits it. Otherwise, he readies his crossbow.

fort 19 Raven yawns what a gross smell.  wake me if something attacks us.  as he promply falls asleep wearing his armour and snoring loudly

Day 2 Slot 1:  Shinon peers out into the darkness, seeking the aura of any evildoer.  Once you are sure there is nothing wicked this way coming, you relax and start nodding.  Please roll Will save. Watching the darkness as the fire glows behind you, you eventually get tired.  With your chin buried in your red beard, you let out one long snore...  Will Save. Raven, you are asleep. //ooc You are all getting drowsy, Roll Will DC 14 to fight off sleep.  Then roll Perception.  If you are asleep, DC 26.  If awake, DC 16.

Perception 14.  Raven is enjoying his sleep in his warm plate mail next to the fire

[ooc]Will 23 Per14 [/ooc] Frerin is still awake, but as nothing showed up, he starts to wonder if he's being startled by nothing more than shadows in the trees and doesn't notice anything unusual. Bah, 'tis probably nothing more than a few rotten carcasses near.

I will be continuing this thread for Kirby .. He had to leave on personal business.  I will continue this with Day 2 Slot 2

Fort [9] = Sickened [5] rounds Will [10] Destra spends her time retching until she manages to fall into a shivering, uneasy slumber.

Will [18] Per [20] Shinon faught off the sleepiness that she had and noticed something.   Something is not right.... EVERYONE WAKE UP!   She said looking off into the distance.  Something was not right and she didn't want to be the only one ready.  She readied her sword and shield for anything that might happen.

Out of the darkness, a group of wild dogs of some sort approached cautiously.  They sniffed the air .. as if determining how to advance upon the group of sleeping humanoids.  Knowledge Nature identifies them as hyenas.   Make sure you place your figures on the VTT around the fire.  Roll initiative and check to see what kind of action you get based on your initiative check.  You may take this action.

Init 9 Waking to Shinon shouts Raven stands up and prepares for combat. (readied action). Behind me lads, let me take their charge.

Init 16 Shinon prepares for an attack.  Staying very close to Raven and ready to flank once they come in on their charge.  Her weapons at the ready, remembering her training from the church.   I'm here and ready Raven.  Lets take care of this!

INIT: [14] Destra wakes with eyes wide.  She stumbles to her feet and draws her heavy mace.

init 7 know nat 23 Frerin stands up and readies his crossbow. He'll shoot at the first to come into range. Hyenas! Disgusting beasties! Take care they dont circle us and strike from behind, there may be more.

FYI NOTES when you post a readied action you should mark your token with the appropriate color code (red)  and roll your attack and list the results so the GM can apply it should your readied action go off and then remove your color code.  Color codes are on the missions handouts If you were asleep you had to wake up and stand up .. this is a move action.  Waking up is a perception +10.  In this case conversation of approaching thread is a 0 so if you are asleep you need a 10 to wake up. If you had an initiative between 5-15 you only get a standard which would be to stand up.  You cannot do another action.  You could ready to attack from ground.  In this last slot,  Raven and Shinon could EITHER stand up OR READY .. I assume they stand up.   Destra was marked as Sickened.  This condition has been removed after sleeping so I removed it.

GM Day 3, Slot 1 The hyenas charge the sleepy party.  As Frerin stands to grab his weapon, a hyena breaks out across the grass, grabbing him in the leg and biting hard sending Frerin toppling to the ground (AC 22 for 6 w/ 15 trip attack).  Another tries to bite Raven but he moves out of the way at the last second.  Still a third comes charging at the mage who lay asleep in his napsack.  He tears through the napsack and into the flesh of the sleeping mage causing him to scream.  (AC 14 for 5)  The howls of the hyenas pierce the air.   Next Day 3 Slot 2 // Who is andy?  Has he posted for this mission? 

Angry at having his sleep woken up, and seeing the blood of his companions puts Raven in a killing mood.  With a mighty swing of his falchion Raven beheads one of the hyenas. Taking a step to try to protect Andy, Raven steps between the hyenas. attack 23, damage 13 missed with my cleave attack

As Frerin is charged, he bounces himself on the stones behind him and gets back on his feet (+4 racial bonus vs tripping). He grips his spear and prepares to attack the foul beasts. As Raven,who is by his side, cleaves the top hyena, he jumps over the dead body to strike the middle hyena on the flank.  Attack  9 Damage 2 Type  P Unfortunately, he stumbled on the body and missed his attack....

Charge [18] for [3] damage Destra rushes the closest beast and swings her mace recklessly, striking the hyena on the shoulder.

Slot 2.  the hyenas continue to attack striking out at destra and bringing her to the ground.  Raven and Frerin continue to defend against the other.   With hopeful spirits after taking down one of the wild beasts, they rally against the remaining hyenas.  Next slot 3 

Frerin strikes with his spear at the nearest hyena, remembering his training as a hunter to inflict the most damage possible. (favoured enemy: animal) Attack 11+2 flanking +2 favoured enemy=15 Damage 7 [ooc] I'm not able to access the VTT until tomorrow morning, is this acceptable? I used a random roller app on my phone. Also, I cant deal the dmg to the hyena on the token, so I'd need either one of my fellow players or the GM to do that for me if at all possible. [ooc]

Destra swings at the hyena dragging her down, but misses.

ooc done for you fran. Raven swings at the hyena that Freria attacked, cutting him in 2.  Covered in gore Raven steps up to the last one, sword over his shoulder ready to take its head. attack 23 damage 11

Slot 3 the hyena took a massive bite out of Destra (-4 ac from prone for 9 dmg)  causing him to collapse in a pool of his own blood.  Not dead yet but if the hyena is not taken care of it may be over soon for our friend.  The party turns their attention on the remaining hyena. Next Slot 1

\\OOC Clem, would you be able to swing a longsword for damage for me?\\ Shinon swings her longsword at the final hyena.  \\Unsure what happens w/o the roll\\

Seeing Destra collapse on the ground, Frerin rushes to her side. While Shinon and Raven keep the last hyena busy, he quickly gathers a few medical supplies and performs an emergency first aid to stabilize her and stop the bleeding. Frerin : Heal Check 16 With a practiced hand, Frerin ties the last tourniquet on Destra's leg and stops the artery from gushing so much blood. [ooc] ok guys, now you need to kill the beastie [/ooc}

Shinon Misses the hyena. I will wait until raven has gone to conclude this combat. 

I can't get into the vtt due to my laptop dying. Raven swings at the last remaining hyena, trying to make sure this blow is the final one. (Occ power attack)

Slot 2 Raven cleaves the creature in two with a critical strike! Taking a chance to breathe, the party is able to lick their wounds and finally get back to sleep.  The winds shift again carrying the smell away and giving the party a chance to rest in peace.   Kirby is back so I am going to let him take back over here! Good job surviving that fight! Next KIRBY

Let me know what, if anything, you do to heal Destra.  After I hear from you guys, I'll move us out of initiative and move things along.

I assume she has a CLW potion. If not, i give mine to her. Also, Frerin tends to her wounds and everybody else's during the night (heal /10 @16) [ooc] great job people! and raven, nice blows! [/ooc]

(Will jump on later tonight to RP this properly) Drinks both of her cure light wounds potions (+[3], +[4] HP) Heal check (with healer's kit) to treat deadly wounds: [22] +1HP