ic Ghosts Come Home to Roost?

[Terran]

Jessie looks up and smiles broadly at the 'Tallie' whom she had just saved from a break-neck fall into a pit of enemies and says in a hushed tone, "You got it, Rody...................in," quickly correcting herself before almost again using a familiar nickname for the warrior, which in her clan was considered a sign of friendship,........but apparently not so in his.

"Errrr, perhaps we should get back,...........Rodin," the diminutive Halfling says with careful pronunciation as she picks up as big of a piece of wood as she can carry so it will be an overnight burner on the fire and then quickly and quietly returns to the room with the Oak Tree.

When the pair return from their task of disposing of the Giant Ant carcass, Jessie grins at her colleagues as she sets the large chunk of wood down and says in the same low tone, "Put this large chunk of wood on the fire last and it should burn through the night."

When the tiny lass's stomach rumbles loudly, Jessie asks in the same lowered voice, "Any word on dinner? I'm starved. Plus, given the visit of the Ant and the fact that we attacked a tribe of kobolds today, perhaps we should establish a watch especially since kobolds are active at night."

OOC

 

Jessie Tosscobble III's AppearanceJessie is small standing at 2 foot 8 inches and weighing a mere 27 pounds. As such, the lass intentionally keeps her brown hair long to cover her halfling features, which allows the rogue to pass herself off as a small humanoid or even young human or half-elven child when convenient or necessary.

Dressed dark purple clothing, which is overlaid with attractive black leather accoutrements, Jessie keeps the paraphernalia of her 'profession' secreted upon her person, and especially the authorities, except when in use.

Her friendly blue eyes and warm, sincere smile are disarming and allow the lass to paint a picture of a young girl who is completely unintimidating by all appearances, an assumption often made by others which suits her well and which she actively cultivates.

To promote this look of youth or innocence, most of Jessie's weapons, alchemical doodads, pack, and other equipment are kept hidden under her clothing and also by her large heavy dark green cloak.

 

Edited June 26, 2023 by Terran (see edit history)

[rauhric]

Aeruiel Moonshadow   Half-Moon Elf Barbarian from Ashabenford

---

Aeruiel looks through her pack to see if she was smart enough to bring some rations that she could share with her companions.

OoC

She has 4 days of rations that she can share.

---

AppearanceFemale half-elf, age 17, blonde, blue eyes, fair skin, 5'-7" tall weight about 125 lbs.

She is described as a willful and free spirited young woman, who likes playing pranks, and flies into fits of rage when bullied.

 

 

 

Edited July 5, 2023 by rauhric (see edit history)

[Draidden]

 

---

Rodin Sethilaud

Wood Elf, Ranger

 

---

 

Rodin sits down as Jesse asks what's for dinner.

I would suggest popping out one of your rations and eating that tonight. Did not have a chance to go hunting today so cold food it is.

He reaches in and pulls out one of his ration packs and starts opening it to eat, unaware that Jesse does not have any rations.

 

OOC

 

Elven Lowlight vision, so he can see 40' a if full lit rather than the normal 20 of the torch.

Will take 10 on Spot and Listen checks for a total of 15 each when not in combat.

It gets a +3 bonus if any of those are applied to Drow or large spiders.

AppearanceRodin stands at 6 feet tall and appears a bit more muscular than the average elf. His skin has a light brownish tan look to it. His hair is brown with streaks of copper highlights through it and hangs down to just touch his shoulders. It normally has a bit of a wild windblown look to it. His eyes are a medium green which reminds most people of the color of leaves. He wears studded leather armor that has been dyed a camouflage pattern of browns and greens. His cloak is held closed by a brooch the shape of a silver arrow with green fletching. Aside from his dagger on his belt, the only weapon he carries is his longbow, which looks a bit thicker and sturdier than most bows.

 

 

 

[Terran]

Jessie nods affirmatively at the Elf and figures the watch will take care of itself, while her stomach on the other hand must be attended to notwithstanding anything else that may or may not happen this evening.

Frankly, however, to the casual observer one must honestly wonder how such a small person can constantly eat so much food, including meals, snacks and general respite in between.

 Cliinking and clanking as Jessie sets up an impromptu kitchen, the diminutive rogue pulls a wide range of items from her pack, such as her water skin, metal cans, wooden spoon, jerky, tea, salt, pepper, honey, dried peas and mushrooms.

Placing a pair of metal cans full of water on the coals to boil, Jessie prepares the rest of her ingredients adding tea leaves to one can and small chunks of venison jerky, peas, mushrooms, salt and pepper to the other cooking can.

Once the tea and soup are ready, Jessie breaks a few leftover rolls from hidden pockets in her cloak as she enjoys the meal and honey tea saying to her friends, "Anyone who wants some soup or tea, please feel free to help yourselves."

After she is done eating, Jessier cleans up after herself and stows her gear back in her pack.  Sitting down behind the rock pile near the entrance, the tiny burglar begins to care for her weapons, armor and equipment.

OOC

 

Jessie Tosscobble III's AppearanceJessie is small standing at 2 foot 8 inches and weighing a mere 27 pounds. As such, the lass intentionally keeps her brown hair long to cover her halfling features, which allows the rogue to pass herself off as a small humanoid or even young human or half-elven child when convenient or necessary.

Dressed dark purple clothing, which is overlaid with attractive black leather accoutrements, Jessie keeps the paraphernalia of her 'profession' secreted upon her person, and especially the authorities, except when in use.

Her friendly blue eyes and warm, sincere smile are disarming and allow the lass to paint a picture of a young girl who is completely unintimidating by all appearances, an assumption often made by others which suits her well and which she actively cultivates.

To promote this look of youth or innocence, most of Jessie's weapons, alchemical doodads, pack, and other equipment are kept hidden under her clothing and also by her large heavy dark green cloak.

 

Edited June 27, 2023 by Terran (see edit history)

[Sorithar]

 

 

Kethra's Mind

"Rossal very goo dhost"

In her mind, Kethra senses Rossal's response even as she senses he or it would be pleased at her offering of food. Even when she presents it however, the creature does not show.

At the same moment, Rodin narrowly escapes a nasty fall with Jesse's aid, though he suspects privately that he's have managed to avoid the worst of it on his own, if only just barely, with his nimble elven reflexes. The ant's carcass disposed of, the elf and hin quickly find there is little firewood of note within the ruin, but a quick reconnaissance to the nearest copse of trees provides enough fallen dry twigs and branches to keep a small fire going for a good while. Rodin knows well enough to keep to fallen branches when it comes to the trees of Cormanthor and advises Jesse accordingly.

Though both fireplaces prove to be collapsed to the point of chocking the ancient chimneys, they make a good place to light a fire protected from winds and sight, as evidence in the blackened interiors suggest. Soon you've cobbled together a fire, set camp and shared what little rations and liquids you have for a day. Jesses' soup and tea, to those who partake, are a pleasant surprise, the tea brewed from local wild leaves, as is common.

With his need for limited rest of a half-conscious nature and his innate durability in the face of temperature extremes, Rodin takes watch through the night with no need to alert any of you, allowing you a full night's rest. The night is generally uneventful, save the food Kethra left out disappears and Rodin is several times frustrated to find objects he's carefully placed or set aside moved elsewhere about the camp, sometimes on top of sleeping companions, throughout the night with no culprit in sight. The last four hours or so before godswake are pitch black and bone chilling cold.

The morning, when first light finally spreads, long hours after the sun had set, brings with it wisps of the fog that the dale is named for, though thinned for their distance from the river and the open expanse of the dale.

 

OOC

 

Note : Anyone injured regains 1 hp.

---

 

MAP

[For sake of clarity, any reference to cardinal directions in posts will assume that North is Top of Map as posted, unless a Compass Rose is visible.]

[Draidden]

 

---

Rodin Sethilaud

Wood Elf, Ranger

 

---

 

During the night Rodin tries to talk quietly with Rossal. He also has a cup or two of the tea, as it is nice to have a warm drink in the cold weather. He even offers some tea to Rossal in the hopes he will come out and try some and Rodin might actually get a look at their host. He offers him a little more food and does his best to snicker at the antics of whatever Rossal is.

You are tricky little guy aren't you? Or should I say gal? You would be a great ally to have in our team.

If he gets Rossal talking, one of the things he tries to find out is what exactly Rossal is. He also tries to convince Rossal to join with them when they go back in after those kobolds.

Other than that he keeps watch and makes sure there is a nice fire going in the morning when he starts waking the others up.

 

OOC

 

Elven Lowlight vision, so he can see 40' a if full lit rather than the normal 20 of the torch.

Will take 10 on Spot and Listen checks for a total of 15 each when not in combat.

It gets a +3 bonus if any of those are applied to Drow or large spiders.

AppearanceRodin stands at 6 feet tall and appears a bit more muscular than the average elf. His skin has a light brownish tan look to it. His hair is brown with streaks of copper highlights through it and hangs down to just touch his shoulders. It normally has a bit of a wild windblown look to it. His eyes are a medium green which reminds most people of the color of leaves. He wears studded leather armor that has been dyed a camouflage pattern of browns and greens. His cloak is held closed by a brooch the shape of a silver arrow with green fletching. Aside from his dagger on his belt, the only weapon he carries is his longbow, which looks a bit thicker and sturdier than most bows.

 

 

 

[Terran]

Jessie wakes up early, all comfy after sleeping on her heavy cloak and under a sheet and heavy blanket which kept the diminutive Halfling warm all evening long, even during the chill of the last of the night. However, when the rogue poked her head out of her makeshift bed featuring tussled hair standing up on end, Jessie smiles as she stands and wraps her pre-warmed heavy cloak about her tiny frame to fend off the morning chill.

Once again, accessing a set of metal cans, water skin and small pouch from her pack, the burglar sets a pot of herbal tea to brewing as she digs a hard crust of bread, piece of strong yellow cheese and a raw onion out of her pack to make a breakfast sandwich to enjoy with her hot beverage. When the tea is done brewing, the Halfling pours cups and sets out a small jar of honey for her friends to enjoy along with her.

After getting a splash of caffeine and bite to eat in her system and repacking her supplies, Jessie takes care of normal daily needs, washing up and combing out her hair to a semblance of normal. Next, the rogue relieves Rodin of his watch as she takes a position in the stones near the entrance with her bow at the ready. As the pickpocket watches the entrance and listens for anything unusual, Jessie sharpens her weapons and maintains her armor.

OOC

 

Jessie Tosscobble III's AppearanceJessie is small standing at 2 foot 8 inches and weighing a mere 27 pounds. As such, the lass intentionally keeps her brown hair long to cover her halfling features, which allows the rogue to pass herself off as a small humanoid or even young human or half-elven child when convenient or necessary.

Dressed dark purple clothing, which is overlaid with attractive black leather accoutrements, Jessie keeps the paraphernalia of her 'profession' secreted upon her person, and especially the authorities, except when in use.

Her friendly blue eyes and warm, sincere smile are disarming and allow the lass to paint a picture of a young girl who is completely unintimidating by all appearances, an assumption often made by others which suits her well and which she actively cultivates.

To promote this look of youth or innocence, most of Jessie's weapons, alchemical doodads, pack, and other equipment are kept hidden under her clothing and also by her large heavy dark green cloak.

 

Edited July 5, 2023 by Terran (see edit history)

[rauhric]

Aeruiel Moonshadow   Half-Moon Elf Barbarian from Ashabenford

---

Aeruiel doesn't want to get up. She continues to lay on the floor and contemplates the need to get up. Nature may be calling but she is unwilling to answer. Yesterday's activity really took a toll on her. She, and some of her companions, almost died. Adventuring has proven to be a really deadly profession. This makes her wonder if her father really did die all those years ago. Anyways, having put off the most basic of needs and functions she gets her body moving and looks for a secluded space to do her morning business.

OoC

She is off to take care of business, and she finds the perfect spot.

---

AppearanceFemale half-elf, age 17, blonde, blue eyes, fair skin, 5'-7" tall weight about 125 lbs.

She is described as a willful and free spirited young woman, who likes playing pranks, and flies into fits of rage when bullied.

 

 

 

Edited July 15, 2023 by rauhric (see edit history)

[Draidden]

 

---

Rodin Sethilaud

Wood Elf, Ranger

 

---

 

Rodin smiles and greets the others as they start waking up in the morning. Once they are awake and eating their breakfast he speaks up.

Good Morning. I had a nice conversation with our host last night and gained a few useful tidbits. First I learned there is another way into the kobolds lair without going down the sinkhole again. There is a stairway here in the ruins and it leads to the kobolds area. However there seem to be some Unseelie Faeries down there, so that could prove interesting trying to get past them. Depending on what type they are. Some love to play jokes and annoy others when they encounter them. Hopefully we can talk to these ones and get them to let us pass.

There also seem to be some sort of bugs in the room next to this one. We might want to try dealing with them first to secure this location. Don't need them trying to eat us while we rest.

He also mentioned that the riders come every tenday and normally from the west. They go around the ruins and head south where they just vanish. His words were that the forest just swallows them up.

 

OOC

 

Elven Lowlight vision, so he can see 40' a if full lit rather than the normal 20 of the torch.

Will take 10 on Spot and Listen checks for a total of 15 each when not in combat.

It gets a +3 bonus if any of those are applied to Drow or large spiders.

AppearanceRodin stands at 6 feet tall and appears a bit more muscular than the average elf. His skin has a light brownish tan look to it. His hair is brown with streaks of copper highlights through it and hangs down to just touch his shoulders. It normally has a bit of a wild windblown look to it. His eyes are a medium green which reminds most people of the color of leaves. He wears studded leather armor that has been dyed a camouflage pattern of browns and greens. His cloak is held closed by a brooch the shape of a silver arrow with green fletching. Aside from his dagger on his belt, the only weapon he carries is his longbow, which looks a bit thicker and sturdier than most bows.

 

 

 

[Calrond]

 

Maximilian Cornelius Spurbright   Human Wizard from Cormyr

---

Waking the following morning, Maximilian was happy to find that his companions were more prepared to traveling and eating on the road than he was. Enjoying Jesse's offered tea, he appreciates the warmth and the flavor, and he felt a renewed focus as he began to study his spells for the day. Putting away his spellbook after only a short while, as he had only cast one spell from memory the day before, Maximilian checks on his raven familiar and begins packing up his winter blanket, tucking it away until the evening, along with his gloves and hat.

He considers making a note in his journal for the previous day, but quickly decides that "Got too close to kobolds, nearly died, had to be carried to safety. Fought an ant the size of a pony." wasn't necessarily something that needed to be recorded for posterity. He perked up at Rodin's description of the riders' behavior. Coming from the west every tenday. Going 'round the ruins and then south. Vanishing into the forest. Maximilian rolled that around in his mind for a while.

"Bertram," Maximilian says, addressing his raven familiar. "Fly up into the air and look that way," he says, pointing south. "Then come back down and tell me what you saw." Hoping that no one is waiting with a bow to snipe at his loyal familiar, Maximilian then turns to the others.

"I'm afraid that in my relief at still being alive, my manners failed me. Thank you all for carrying me out of the kobolds' cave and for seeing to it that my wounds were healed. I'll endeavor not to need that sort of help too often, and I'll see if perhaps I can be more use in the future," he says, making sure to meet each of their gazes and give them a respectful nod while thanking them.

OOC

Cold Weather Outfit -> +5 to Fortitude saves against exposure to cold weather

---

AppearanceMaximilian is a tall, slender, bookish young man with slightly tan skin and the brown hair and eyes common among Chondathans. His clothing is simple and understated, but very well-tailored and well-made, as would befit a noble who isn't attempting to advertise wealth to others. He wears a high-collared, brown woolen overcoat over white collared shirts (often frilled collared shirts). The rest of his clothing is simple, functional, and well-tailored, and he keeps them immaculately clean with prestidigitation. He wears a gold ring with a small ruby set in it on his right middle finger.

[Draidden]

 

---

Rodin Sethilaud

Wood Elf, Ranger

 

---

 

Think no more of it Max. We are all in this group together and taking care of each other is how we survive.

That being said, I too would like to thank all of you for risking your lives to get me away from them and healing me up. It appears we drastically underestimated out opponents. Hopefully, using the stairway entrance we can manage to sneak in behind them and deliver a little retribution. We just have to deal with the fey. Hopefully they are more playful then dangerous. Once everyone is ready, I say we go find out. Maybe they don't like the kobolds either and will be willing to lend some aid.

Do you agree that we should see about these bugs in the next room over before we go?

He finishes his breakfast and then packs up his gear.

 

OOC

 

Elven Lowlight vision, so he can see 40' a if full lit rather than the normal 20 of the torch.

Will take 10 on Spot and Listen checks for a total of 15 each when not in combat.

It gets a +3 bonus if any of those are applied to Drow or large spiders.

AppearanceRodin stands at 6 feet tall and appears a bit more muscular than the average elf. His skin has a light brownish tan look to it. His hair is brown with streaks of copper highlights through it and hangs down to just touch his shoulders. It normally has a bit of a wild windblown look to it. His eyes are a medium green which reminds most people of the color of leaves. He wears studded leather armor that has been dyed a camouflage pattern of browns and greens. His cloak is held closed by a brooch the shape of a silver arrow with green fletching. Aside from his dagger on his belt, the only weapon he carries is his longbow, which looks a bit thicker and sturdier than most bows.

 

 

 

[Terran]

When Rodin develops a rough plan to work their way down the back staircase to surprise the kobolds from behind, the Halfling grins from ear to ear being a connoisseur of 'sneaky!' "That sounds like a great plan. I wonder if it would be possible to create a simultaneous diversion at the crack in the wall where we were first defeated?"
"You know, like maybe a crude scarecrow, or a noisemaker, or even a smokey stink bomb," she suggests. "Even a live rabbit with a bell," she adds with a chuckle since there is no bunny at hand. "If it was windy, even a suspended bell attached to a string running up the side of the pit to a sapling moving in the breeze would work."

Obviously excited by the sneakiness of the plan, the tiny rogue shakes her head in the affirmative when Rodin asks about handling the bugs in the next room before again delving into the underground chambers, and says in the same low tone, "I think we should. If we come back beat up or worse from attacking the kobolds and run into any of those giant ants, it might be the end of us."

"Heck, the ants might even have something of value or use in their lair against the kobolds," she adds always being conscious of the possibility of 'shinnies!' Then, after a moment's consideration, adds, "You know what, we might even be able to use part of a dead ant's body as part of a possible distraction against the kobolds when we face them later."

OOC

 

Jessie Tosscobble III's AppearanceJessie is small standing at 2 foot 8 inches and weighing a mere 27 pounds. As such, the lass intentionally keeps her brown hair long to cover her halfling features, which allows the rogue to pass herself off as a small humanoid or even young human or half-elven child when convenient or necessary.

Dressed dark purple clothing, which is overlaid with attractive black leather accoutrements, Jessie keeps the paraphernalia of her 'profession' secreted upon her person, and especially the authorities, except when in use.

Her friendly blue eyes and warm, sincere smile are disarming and allow the lass to paint a picture of a young girl who is completely unintimidating by all appearances, an assumption often made by others which suits her well and which she actively cultivates.

To promote this look of youth or innocence, most of Jessie's weapons, alchemical doodads, pack, and other equipment are kept hidden under her clothing and also by her large heavy dark green cloak.

 

Edited July 12, 2023 by Terran (see edit history)

[Sorithar]

 

 

The morning fog still lingers over the grounds as you make morning preparations and wrap up camp. At Maximilian's urging, Bertram takes to the sky with a croak and flies high, circling the ruin once before flying south. He immediately feels the sense of joy in his familiar and focus. It is not long before he also senses purpose and Bertram soon returns, Maximilian getting a sense of pride and satisfaction from his familiar, most likely due to the morning snack in its beak rather than anything it noticed in its surveillance. If he'd seen anything to scare or surprise him, Maximilian did not sense it. Aeruiel leaves for a few breaths, finding the spot she needs around the corner from the ruined chamber while the others are preoccupied.

Agreeing to Rodin and Jesse's general plan, you gather your things, finish your morning tea and ration and gather to move to the opening of the adjacent ruined chamber. Pausing at the crumbling entrance Rodin suspects this chamber may once, long ago, housed the keep's livestock. The remains of a stone shelf at the south end may have served as a hayloft but have long since collapsed into a pile of rubble below. At first sight, you note no movement in the chamber.

 

OOC

 

Note :

---

 

MAP

[For sake of clarity, any reference to cardinal directions in posts will assume that North is Top of Map as posted, unless a Compass Rose is visible.]

 

Edited July 14, 2023 by Sorithar (see edit history)

[Draidden]

 

---

Rodin Sethilaud

Wood Elf, Ranger

 

---

 

As I am currently limited to this bow or a dagger, it would be better if I stayed back here a bit a covered whoever goes in with the bow. Any volunteers to go in and find the stinky bugs?

Rodin readies an arrow and will do his best to cover whoever goes into the room.

 

OOC

 

Elven Lowlight vision, so he can see 40' a if full lit rather than the normal 20 of the torch.

Will take 10 on Spot and Listen checks for a total of 15 each when not in combat.

It gets a +3 bonus if any of those are applied to Drow or large spiders.

AppearanceRodin stands at 6 feet tall and appears a bit more muscular than the average elf. His skin has a light brownish tan look to it. His hair is brown with streaks of copper highlights through it and hangs down to just touch his shoulders. It normally has a bit of a wild windblown look to it. His eyes are a medium green which reminds most people of the color of leaves. He wears studded leather armor that has been dyed a camouflage pattern of browns and greens. His cloak is held closed by a brooch the shape of a silver arrow with green fletching. Aside from his dagger on his belt, the only weapon he carries is his longbow, which looks a bit thicker and sturdier than most bows.

 

 

 

[Calrond]

 

Maximilian Cornelius Spurbright   Human Wizard from Cormyr

---

At the mention of fey, Maximilian draws his cold iron dagger and offers it to Jessie, who he assumes will be sneaking ahead of the rest of them.

"Try not to, but if you must attack a fey creature, this will prove more useful than most other weapons," he says, showing it to her and then offering her the hilt of the dagger. "Though I'll need it back when we rest again."

He lets the others go ahead of him, much less brave without his wand, and makes a mental note to get it back as soon as he can once they encounter the nasty kobolds again.

OOC

Cold Weather Outfit -> +5 to Fortitude saves against exposure to cold weather

---

AppearanceMaximilian is a tall, slender, bookish young man with slightly tan skin and the brown hair and eyes common among Chondathans. His clothing is simple and understated, but very well-tailored and well-made, as would befit a noble who isn't attempting to advertise wealth to others. He wears a high-collared, brown woolen overcoat over white collared shirts (often frilled collared shirts). The rest of his clothing is simple, functional, and well-tailored, and he keeps them immaculately clean with prestidigitation. He wears a gold ring with a small ruby set in it on his right middle finger.