PBEM, Interlude 2 - Kovid

This was the 2nd interlude based upon some questions I had sent each player about their character's origin or backstory. Everyone had a slightly part of their history to discuss about - this was the dwarf's.

Follows:

During the week long trip, Wyn kept up a running commentary about some of the benefits of shrimp and how to some swamp elves, it can be considered, “the fruit of the sea.”

Abraxis scratched his head. “Fruit isn’t a sea thing, Windy.”

The elf sighed and replied, “No, it’s a saying. If you’d like, I can tell you ‘bout where I am from, ‘long wit’ all the gators, coons, and down ‘ome cookin’, yah I kin say.”

“No.”

Wyn, who was ready to launch into the story about his home turned to look at Kovid. “Dwarfriend, wot do yo mean, ‘no’, ami?”

“You asked if I’d like. And I don’t like.” He bristled his beard and sighed. “And truthfully, between Lannis swearing he knows everything…”

“I do!” the mage replied indignantly.

The dwarf continued, eying Lannis sideways,“And you going on and on about all sorts of shrimp I think it’s time that maybe someone else tell a tell about where they came from, given that we are going to be travelling for a bit and adventuring together.”

“Well, I don’t know where you come from, Master Dwarf, but up here in civilized lands, you have to wait your turn.” Lannis harrumphed and crossed his skinny arms across his chest, hat flopping sideways as he did so.

“What to know how I got my nickname, Manslayer, Manling?”

“Wait,” Wyn asked, “That’s not your clan name?”

Kovid chuckled. “Not even close.” He gripped the end of his hammer and sighed. “And it’s not one I’m proud to have, but to all dwarves, your name is who you are and no dwarf would deny any part of themselves.”

“I’m the son of Kovid XVIII. The Kovid name runs as deep as the iron mines beneath the small dwarven city we hail from. Manslayer is a title, given somewhat ironically, but a welcome one.”

“Go on,” Lyra prodded as the dwarf grew silent.

“Deep in the iron mines, I developed a strange cough that lasted many weeks. Perhaps from some of the strange mold and fungi that grew down there, I didn't know. And truthfully, if it had nothing to do with extracting iron, as a clan, we didn’t care much as to its origin.”

He kicked a loose rock and then continued. “Throughout the mine the cough was passed from Dwarf to Dwarf but it was nothing more than an annoyance. Later, me and my father, the foreman of the mine, were set to negotiate a trade with a Manling settlement: A few crates of HIGH quality iron in exchange for some much needed meat and grain.”

“Seems fair,” Lannis offered.

“True, Dwarves typically don’t waster much time on harvesting or husbandry. My father…” he paused, tilting his head back in thought, “is a dwarf of some questionable morals…”

“A dickweed,” Lannis offered as Kovid paused.

“Perhaps. However, he did secretly place mostly LOWER quality iron in the crates. He believed humans stupid and wouldn't know the difference. At the time of the meeting even though a crate was inspected the deception DID go unnoticed. I felt pretty terrible about double crossing the human traders but my father was almost dancing with glee. I shook the human leader's hand, and accidently let out a single short cough. In the sun I could see spittle hang in the air a moment, before we went their separate ways.”

The Dwarf drew his war hammer and inspected its head, frowning as he recalled his story. “It was that damn mine cough, but I was glad it was almost gone. The next night I confronted my father about his deception and was furious, but there was not much to be done. Hopefully the manlings would be dumb enough not to know the difference in iron quality.”

He sighed, “Were we fucking wrong.”

“Wait, wait, wait,” Brendon interrupted. “Was this like 5 years ago? What was the name of that place…Whan Province?”

Kovid nodded and Brendon whistled. “Whoa. I know how this ends.”

Abraxis nudged the thief. “I don’t! Let him finish. Go on Senor Kornfed, tell us the rest.”

Clearing his throat, Kovid resumed his tale. “The next day scouts could see an army of thousands over the ridge, forming ranks, and erecting trebuchets ready to raid the dwarven city. My father had cheated the wrong humans. We holed up in the mines and mountains, shut the paths, and hunkered down preparing for the raid the best we could; knowing an attack could come at any moment. Then a day passed... and then another... All was quiet over the ridge. Spotters could see all movement had ceased.”

“What was going on?” Abraxis asked

“The Thane demanded that my father take a small party over the ridge to inspect what had happened.” Kovid sighed, eyes getting misty. “The war effort had been abandoned. It looked like many fled, but hundreds did not. Every single soldier that remained...lay dead on the ground.”

“Dead?” Lyra asked. “Plague, sickness?”

Kovid nodded shamefaced. “I can still remember it. Blood spattered over their mouths, most clutching their chests as they died. No other manlings from Whan Province ever had dealing with our clan again. Perhaps whatever struck this encampment affected the entire settlement. It was unclear what really happened but the last exchange between the two races stuck in my father’s twisted mind.”

He resheathed his hammer and lifted his head, walking on with his back straight. “My father…my proud father,” he spat, “he patted me, his son on the back, like I should revel in what happened, and laughed. ‘Son,’ he said to me and the other dwarves nearby listening, ‘you saved us with a single cough.’ "

The group was silent for a while until Abraxis cleared his throat and asked, “So…why do they call you Manslayer then?”

The party laughed and Wyn grumbled, “Ahnd for this tale of genocide ahnd dwarven greed, I had to shelve moi story?”

Lannis shrugged. “Maybe. I mean, I’m sure my story is more interesting than yours.”

Wyn eyed Lannis with an ached brow. “That…I doubt high, mon ami. I doubt it highly.”

PBEM, Episode 9 - Hall and Kobold Library

NINE

(I/C)

Kovid gave the door a bristling snarl and grabbed his pick as if ready to knock it down when Lannis stepped forward, laid his hand on the dwarf’s arm and shook his head. “Not worth it. Please. Quiet.”

Meanwhile Brendon turned to Wyn and said, “For a swamp elf, you are either very brave or very dumb. Don’t go alone.”

“I only want check dis way to know paths. Just in cases. I no go witout com-pan-yons. Dat be stupid. Like eatin dee gator teet first."

The scout grunted and the party looked at the two passages. “I’m not sure what all of you are thinking, “Lannis said, “For now it would seem more strategically sound to try the hallway with less potential vectors for attack."

Lyra agreed. “The north west path leads to a bunch of paths and you smells like water? If it's worth anything, if we have to investigate an area first, I'd also prefer it to be the one with less paths to explore. Less of a chance we could get blindsided."

The party agreed and lined up with Brendon in the front, followed by Kovid and Wyn walking abreast, the dwarf holding the lantern aloft. Then came Lannis and Lyra together, the Cleric with her sling at the ready. And finally Abraxis, “I'll protect our backside. My shield is yours!"

As a group we began walking down the NORTH and EAST passage, the Fighter watching behind us with care while Brendon took his time, scanning for any loose stones, leaning debris, or anything untoward that might cause a problem. Wyn and Kovid followed close by, eyes peeled and running their hands on the castle stones as they travelled. Kovid was giving the walls a solid thumping, scraping at the mortar with a thumb nail and sniffing it.

“Wot you doing, Dwarfriend?” Wyn asked.

“I wonder,” Kovid muttered, “I wonder who built this place. The stonework is…solid, but the wear on it is centuries made. This is an old Castle.”

“Halgafar was a well loved elven lord. And elves do live a long time, mon ami. I could see easily 400 years this castle be old.”

“450.”

Wyn frowned. “Perhaps. But I would trust a more conservative figure of 400 years old.”

“Maybe, if you wanted to practice being wrong. 450 is the better age.”

Lannis’ staff thumped out, lightly smacking both the Dwarf and Elf in the head. “What part of quiet, and shut the hell up, don’t you dickweeds understand?”

The party walked down the long hall to the east for some time, 60, 70’ easily, before it turned to the north and some 15 paces or so away there was a door on the WEST wall as well as the CORRIDOR continuing to the NORTH to the limit of the lantern light and then some. Kovid held the lantern higher while Brendon gave the WEST DOOR a once over (>Find, Red 56) and listened carefully (<Hear Noise, Red 17).

“Well?” the dwarf asked.

“The door isn’t trapped, it opens in and to the right, and I would guess it’s been used in the recent past as the knob is clean of dust and grit. There is no key hole so it is not locked. And although I listened long and hard, when we first arrived at the door I thought I heard something shift inside the room, soft and gentle – but it did not repeat and I am confident that I did hear something but nothing since.”

“It’s up to you guys. Are we going to try this door and go in, or keep going down the hall?”

Time now is 10:36 AM.

(OOC)

Nothing left to say about the door and no further listening will change anything. So far no secret doors have been found and unless there is a fight, no Wandering Monster Checks for at least 2 more turns in the halls – if you continue down.

PBEM, Episode 8 - Sitting Room and Armory

EIGHT

(I/C)
Abraxis continued to look over the Ballista, running his hands over it and murmuring. Meanwhile Lyra cleaned off her club and then unlooped her sling and wrapped it around her right wrist. She bent down and picked up one of the giant rats and dragged it into the WEAPONS ROOM while Lannis, Brendon, and Wyn listened down the halls. “Mon ami, you should check out the west door,” the elf whispered to Brendon who nodded absently, ears cocked down the halls while Lyra dragged the rats and Abraxis continued to check the machine.

Kovid had moved back into the hall, standing near Brendon, head tilted and trying to hear as well.

“Abraxis,” Lyra whispered. “Is that thing loaded?”

The Fighter reached lower and lifted the tail end of the rust heavy BOLT. “No. Not for some time. The rats were…malo…bad. But we should be ok, not like this can go off without some loving work. And even then it’d only go off once.”

“How much work?” Lannis asked.

“Monsieur Luc,” Wyn cocked his head west. “The door, eh?” Brendon again waved his hand and then held up a finger, looking at the NORTH and EAST passage. “Hmmph. Grossier,” the elf said, heading to the NORTH and WEST passage.

“Twenty minutes and a full FLASK OF OIL,” Kovid answered Lannis, Abraxis echoing his answer a moment later. “It won’t go off without some effort to make it happen and then loaded and even then, you’d be lucky to get a single shot out of it.”

Wiping her hands clean, Lyra moved back into the middle of the room, sling unfurled and took out a sizable stone, loading it up. Lannis went off to the WEAPONS ROOM door after Abraxis left it, made sure it was shut, and then wiped some dirt on the bottom of the door to hide our presence.

Meanwhile Wyn stepped eight paces of so down the passage to the turn off, far enough away from the party for his infravision to kick in. The passages were the same temperature, bluish green and featureless, and went as far as he could see. It appeared there was an additional turn off down each passage – from the NORTH the passage continued NORTH and had a side passage going WEST. And from the WEST, the passage continued WEST and had a side passage going NORTH.

Meanwhile Brendon satisfied nothing was nearby, finally went to check out the WEST DOOR, giving it a full once over (<Find Traps, Red 24) confident that it wasn’t trapped, neither was it locked as there was no keyhole on the door. Kovid nodded to Brendon and stepped forward, Abraxis bracing the dwarf, his sword out and ready. Wyn meanwhile came back into the room and Brendon had his bow out.

With a nod, Kovid went to open the door and was surprised to find it stuck. Turning the handle and steadying himself, he shoved and pushed at the door (>Open Door, Yellow 4) but failed to budge the portal. Brendon dug in his backpack and handed the dwarf his Prybar, “Use this.”

Thanking the thief, Kovid worked the prybar into the jamb of the door and push, twisted, and shoved as hard as the dwarf could, veins sticking out of his neck and forearms and he shoved (>Open Door +1 Bonus, Yellow 5) and the door failed to budge. He gave the portal a critical look (>Stonework, Yellow 4) and then shrugged. “Manling, I don’t know why the door isn’t opening but it has been closed for some time and I would guess it is blocked from the other side somehow.” He returned the prybar. “I don’t see how we can open it.”

Wyn shared what he had seen down the NORTH and WEST Passage. “There was faintly the smell of water down there, an’ I gotta say, it reminds me of home. But, it splits into at least 4 different choices after a bit and I am not sure which way to go.”

Time now is 10:26

(OOC)

Door to the WEST cannot be opened, 2 attempts. Only if someone stronger than Kovid attempts and would only get one attempt – or if anyone in the party goes up in level – then you would get another chance. Otherwise all further attempts will end up no result. (Kovid has a 15 Strength).

Alternatively you can attack the door with hammer, picks, and axes and break it down that way.

You have the NORTH and EAST passage which turns to the EAST after a short distance, and the NORTH and WEST passage which eventually splits into 2 choices after 15’ and then 2 more choices each way after another 35’.

PBEM, Episode 7 - Sitting Room and Armory

SEVEN
(I/C)

Lyra shook the rat free, trying to back up, “Shit! I should have had my sling out. A little help here?”

Sword leading the way, Abraxis took three mighty steps and slashed his broad sword hard at the giant rat that was harassing Lyra, "Die Vile... uh.... how do you say... Vill... Vas... Ver... Ah Yes, Vermins!! Die Vile Vermins!"

Meanwhile Lannis, closer to the door, sidled westward and looked around nervously, gripping his staff. “Yeah! Good job! Kill them quieter please. Not so loud Abraxis!”

Wyn slid his short sword from his cross sheath and stepped past Brendon who pulled out and arrow and nocked it. “Dwarfriend, I ‘ave your back,” he said. “Yes, Wyn. Finally a little action!”

Kovid already engaged with the giant rat in front of him swung his war hammer in a wide arc, and the rat skipped backwards before running in again. He beat around the rat, heavy hammer chipping stone and clipping the rat, but unable to land a killing blow (<+2 to hit, Yellow 2). However his actions did force the rat to sidle too much to the left and Wyn gave it a deep stab in the flank. The rat tried to pivot but its side gave way, and the elf scored a second, then a third and fourth blow, his sword blade quickly going red (>+3 to hit, Orange 19) as he pricked, poked, and bled the rat to death (1-6+1 Dam, Orange 4: 5 Damage and killed!) until with a final squeak it fell over and ceased to move.

The Fighter hacked down hard, slicing the end of the rat’s tail as it skipped forward, and Lyra hit it on the other side, the two of them working in tandem on the Giant Rat. Hemmed in and before it could think about fleeing, and all the while Lannis kept saying, “Quieter! Kill it quieter you louts!” Abraxis growled deep and slammed his sword down dead on against the rat (>+5 to hit, Blue 19) but the sword turned and it was with the flat of the blade (1-8+2 Dam, Blue 1: 3 Damage) hurting the vermin badly but not killing it. Lyra took advantage of the stunned monster to line up her club and swing (>+0 to hit, White 19) hitting the Giant Rat hard across its back (1-6-1 Dam, White 4: 3 Damage and killed!) and crushing the last of its squeaking cries.

As the growing silence of the post battle stretched out, the group caught their breath and waited (WMC: Red/Black 3) but nothing seemed to have caught wind of the battle and Brendon put his nocked arrow away. Lyra checked out her wound and after wiping it clean, commented that it “would be ok for now.”

The group cleaned their weapons while Brendon looked into the now open room. The WEAPON’S ROOM was 20’ square with a pair of dilapidated racks on the EAST wall. The racks appeared to be empty. On the SOUTH wall was a rusted BALLISTA with a single BOLT, 6’ long, finned, and heavy, under the machine. After giving the room a once over, Brendon gave a cocky grin and announced the room was safe from traps (>Find Traps, Red 31).

Lyra stayed outside the room watching and wary, while Lannis and Wyn took up position in the hall, listening to make sure we aren’t surprised by wandering monsters. Abraxis and Kovid, both fighting men, came in on Brendon’s say so and looked over the machine making appreciative noises and grunts about the size and thrusting power of the BALLISTA while Lyra shook her head ruefully. Abraxis (> Wis, Blue 16) and Kovid (=Wis, Yellow 13) talked about the machine and checked it out before coming to the conclusion that the Ballista was in POOR condition and could probably only be fired ONCE more – but the firing spring and wheels were rusted and before moving or firing the machine, would need 1 FLASK OF OIL to effect enough of a repair to move and then shoot it. Since the Ballista weighed 175 lbs it was unwieldy to carry and looks like it had been here for at least 30 plus years.

Giving the room one last look over (Blue 3, Red 4, Yellow 6) they found nothing else of interest in the chamber and considered this room finished for now. There are EXITS @ WEST DOOR, NORTH and EAST Passage and NORTH and WEST Passage. Lantern had 5 ½ hours of oil remaining.

Time now is 10:16

(OOC)
Good job! TWO Areas Complete and Combat finished.
Base XP: 15 per explored area, Each Rat 15 xp

Lannis, Abraxis, Brendon, and Kovid: Add 35 xp
Wyn and Lyra: Add 40 xp

PBEM, Episode 6 - Sitting Room and Armory

SIX

(I/C)

Lyra swiped some of the soot with her boot on the floor. “Goddess Áine’s red mane,” she swore lightly, “What’s the plan? Which hall should we take?”

Brendon lifted his finger to his lips and hissed. “Shh.” He pointed to the two doors. “I’d like to not leave anything behind us.” He pointed to the east door where the vermin noise was coming from. “I’d like to check this one first.”

Lannis nodded his head but smacked the secret door first. “Let’s at least partially close this to make it less obvious.” Wyn came over and helped the Magic User shut the door until it was practically flush. From there the Magic User looked at the lone cloak and Brendon came over as well, calling Lyra. “Before we hit the door, lets check out whatever’s left in here.”

“Senor Lame-us Offphth,” Abraxis whispered, holding his sword higher, “ I will stand here and watch for nothing to come.”

Lannis looked at Abraxis. “Seriously? Were you dropped as a child?”

Abraxis smiled. “Often, and as an adult as well.”

Brendon and Kovid went to the couch to give that a once over while the other 3 looked over the cloak. It was a standard sized cloak that looked like the bottom was ragged from being dragged and the lower foot and a half was pretty muddy as well. “Short person,” Lannis offered.

“Yep, dragged it along and tore the bottom,” Brendon agreed. “I would guess under 5’ in height.”

“Easily,” Lannis agreed. “Mud’s the same as all over the outside as well. Crusted and dried but not flaked off. Cloak’s used a bunch, maybe every day or two.”

Lyra was silent during all this, fingering her holy symbol when she used the end of her club and lifted the edge of the cloak aside. It hung strangely and she could see there was an inner pocket there. With a higher lift of her club, she tilted the cloak more and three yellowy/orange tomatoes rolled out. “Gardener wears it, and harvests with it.”

Kovid was giving the couch a hard look and held Brendon’s arm for a moment, eyeing the heavy wooden frame on the stone floor (<Stonework Check, Yellow 1). “Couch hasn’t moved in years. Can see where the weight of it has worn the stone a bit, and there is a discolored line where it touched the wall and floor.”

Feeling better about it, Brendon said, “Let’ssee what stories this couch holds,” and the two of them lifted it aside, checked under the cushions, and although the couch was stale smelling and a bit foul, dust and thin webs under it, it was without issue and concern.

Giving the tomatoes to Wyn who placed them in his box (Add 3 yellowish tomatoes (3) to inventory) Lyra went back to the NORTH and EAST Passage with Abraxis, listening and watching the room with care.

Finally, Wyn and Lannis looked over the Brazier. They were confident it hadn’t been lit in some time, but some time being a matter of weeks or a month – not 30 years. There was precious little there but ash however the two of them put their minds together and found a few hardened chunks of burn wood where Lannis (< Int, Pink 7) and Wyn (< Int +2 Bonus, Orange 13) were convinced it was local wood, poorly seasoned, and maybe a week or two old.

By this time we had checked out everything and the group drew together at the EAST Door where Brendon gave it a once over for traps (> Find Traps, Red 86) and then gave a cocky grin to Kovid who stepped up and said, “I am with you, Master Theif.” Putting his lantern down near the door but not too close where it could be in the way or smashed, the dwarf bounced his War Hammer to his off hand and grabbed the handle and turned, pushing the door in.

(Initiative Check: Party 1 Silver, Foes Red/Black 3)

The room seemed to be a WEAPONS ROOM for the Castle but before the Dwarf could say anything, TWO GIANT RATS came running out of the room. The Group was scrambling to ready themselves in time as the first rat charged Kovid and entangled itself in his legs, trying to bite him (+1 to hit, <Red/Black 14) finding the weak spot in the back of the dwarf’s knee but not getting through the woven chain links between the plates.

The second rat charged past the dwarf and hit Lyra hard, the Cleric taking a half step and using her club to keep the 35# beast at bay. It managed to scramble under her shield and bit her numerous times, finding a wear spot in her chainmail (+1 to hit, >Silver 17) where the sharp teeth hit hard enough to draw blood and bruise her skin (1-3 Dam, Red/Black 4 /2  – Take 2 Damage). Lannis (Int >15, no roll) hissed, “Fucking hell! Be careful, those things carry terrible diseases in their bite! (>5% Disease chance, Red/Black 64).

Brendon shook his head and called out, “Bring the NOISE!” as Abraxis started to wade forward, sword swinging and the Fighter started singing, “Pearl Jelly Time! Ha! They don't eat, Senor don't sleep, Senor don't feed, don't seethe...”

(OOC)

Time is 10:05

Combat Round
I need everyone to decide:
Front Line - engage the enemy head on
Support Front - engage the enemy in conjunction with another person
Missile Fire - stay at least 5' away and use missile fire
Spells & Other - use spells, rods, wands, potions, anything else

Do not Diablo it – discuss it ok, but do not min max the map – decide what your character is going to do in the combat and give everyone the opportunity to do the same. If you do NOT have a weapon out, you will have to draw one. If you have a Dex 13 or greater, you can swap a weapon or quickdraw a weapon if you did not have or wanted to swap - otherwise you have a -4 to hit on first draw round or swap.

Based upon everyone’s comments – Lyra Club, Abraxis Sword, Brendon Bow, Kovid Warhammer. Lannis your Staff is too big to put away normally so is assumed out unless you specifically are doing something with both hands or leave it somewhere.

The Rats had Initiative and their round. It’s now yours.

Lyra got bit for 2.

PBEM, Interlude 1 - Lyra

I had sent each person a small list of questions about their character that I was going to then disseminate to the group via email. Would help roleplaying via email answers easier when coming up with things the party would say to one another. This was the first one, Lyra Adder the Cleric.

Follows:

During the week-long trip, one of the things the group was interested in was Lyra Adder’s god as her holy symbol depicted a braided woman with red hair. “There are many gods and goddesses but I pray to and draw my strength from the Goddess Áine.”

“Annie?” Abraxis asked. “I have not hear of this Goddess, except in song.” He clears his throat and starts to sing, “The sun, it will be coming out, mañana…”

Lyra sighed, “No, Áine is the goddess of summer, sovereignty and fertility.”

Lannis nodded and Wyn grunted, “Nice. What a do she do besides make babies come out?”

“She has ordinance over crops and livestock,” Lyra continued, holding her symbol, “and is said her will could bring good fortune to farmers.” She looked up at the sun briefly and then continued her tale, “Áine Is said to be a beautiful young woman in dark earthy robes and a crown of braids adorning her head. She also has been said to appear as a mare to some, red in color much like her own hair.”

“Horse god,” Kovid grunted. “Never had much use for horses. Too damned tall. Taste good though.” He gave the Cleric a once over, pursed his lips to make his beard bristle, and then asked, “So, how did you find yourself a follower of this Áine?”

Lannis leaned against Wyn and whispered, “So is a follower of Áine an Áine-is?” Giving a single barking laugh he then realized no one else thought his joke was funny. “That’s always been my problem being the smartest guy in the room, my sense of humor is too advanced for the rest of you.”

The Cleric gave the Magic User a withering look and after gathering her thoughts, continued her story. “I was low born to an agriculture class of serfs, raised by my farming family. While farming was not an innate talent of mine like my parents and my two other sisters, I did my part. Harvest seasons never amount to more than a small amount of gold, but during my later teenaged years life proved harsh as the drought during the Summer of ‘66 caused the ground to become parched and infertile.”

Wyn nodded. “I remember that time, it was a bad year all around.”

Agreeing, Lyra resumed, “Starvation and illness took many in our village, forcing too many of the families to abandon their homes and farms and leave in search of new opportunities. I remember vividly the night before my family was set to abandon our homestead, a Red Mare came to me in a dream; surrounded by a bountiful harvest of healthy crops. I awoke feverish and focused and the following morning I urged my family to wait out just one more month. And wouldn’t you know it? In those coming weeks the rain came in plenty and so did our crops. My family was able to expand their farm holdings to some of the other abandoned lands. And I have followed Áine ever since.”

The group was silent, digesting the cleric’s tale. Kovid gave a grunt and then offered, “Well, I for one am glad then to have you with us. And Áine’s guidance as well.”

The party continued on all the while listening to Abraxis sing, “Mañana. Mañana. I’ll be adoring you, Mañana. It’s only a day away.”

PBEM, Episode 5 - Sitting Room and Armory

FIVE

(I/C)
Brendon and Wyn walked towards the now open secret door where Abraxis and Kovid were looking in. “It’s dark in there, Senor Manbraider.” Kovid held aloft his lantern, pouring one of his flasks of oil inside (reduce # of flasks to 3, reduce encumbrance to (3)). He swiftly lit it as the elf and thief finally arrived.

Meanwhile Lyra and Lannis, seeing they were being waved closer, quickly grabbed a few of the larger kobold bones (Lyra add Kobold arm bone (2), Lannis add kobold leg bone (2) and kobold skull (2) to sheet and adjust Encumbrance) and started heading off to the rest of the party. Lannis was looking over the bones with care (No Roll) as was Lyra (No Roll). “I wonder if they were eaten first or buried whole?”

Lyra snorted disgustedly. “No bite marks, and they’ve been buried in wet fecund growth and ground for some time, enough for weather and insects to clean them free.”

“So buried whole, or dropped there and covered over with tomatoes.”

“Speaking of that,” Lyra said with a whisper, “the elf took some of the tomatoes. The roses were disagreeable; do you think it’s ok to eat the tomatoes? Or did the plants eat the kobolds?”

Lannis nodded, “We’ll let Wyn know.”

As they finally arrived, Brendon was holding aloft the lantern and stepping into the DARK ROOM. Light blossomed around as the thief entered, the lantern illuminating the room. This was at one point was a SITTING ROOM of sorts. Along the NORTH wall were two passages, one on the EAST, the other on the WEST, both leading NORTH. According to the lantern, the EAST passage travelled a dozen paces and turned EAST, while the WEST passage kept going beyond the lantern’s light to the NORTH, with a side passage heading further WEST.

There were two DOORS, one on the EAST WALL, one on the WEST WALL. There was a worn threadbare COUCH in the middle on the north wall, a wrought iron BRAZIER was next to it, empty with old ash on the floor around it. On the SOUTH wall was a wooden BOOT RACK, currently empty, and a CLOAK RACK on the wall – with one dirty CLOAK there, the bottom stained with the same mud we walked through outside, the mud was only partially dry.

While looking around, Brendon also listened (>Hear Noise, Red 15%), and from the EAST DOOR, was able to hear the faint sounds of VERMIN moving about. There were odd echoes coming down both of the NORTH passages but nothing he could define and the WEST door seemed quiet. The entire area seemed devoid of dust that you expect for a Castle untouched for 30 years.

Waving to the rest of the party, they went to enter when Lannis looked at the ground around us. “Can I borrow the tarp, Kovid? I want to drag it about and hide some of our footprints.” The dwarf nodded, “Good idea, Manling,” handing the tarp over before entering the SITTING ROOM and taking position near Brendon.

Wyn, Abraxis, and Lyra conferred briefly before entering as well. Wyn pointed to the EAST Passage, “Señor Salazar, please guard dat opening. I guard da otha one. Keep noise low, please.” Taking position, Wyn stepped briefly into the hall to get away from the lantern so his infravision kicked in, but as Kovid had said, there were no heat sources nearby, but he was able to see a bit further down the passage to note it went at least 30 paces, not counting the side passage. He listened (>Hear Noise, Orange 2) and faintly from somewhere down here, he didn’t hear anything per se, but the scent of water came back to his delicate elven nose.

Abraxis nodded and turned to Lyra, “Senora Leera, would you care to join me defend this path?" She joined the fighter and took up position there. The two of them stood guard and ready, listening intently (<Hear Noise, White 10, <Hear Noise, Blue 18) but there was nothing nearby.

Lannis finished dragging the tarp around blurring our footsteps and after shaking off the obvious mud, folded the tarp up to give to Kovid when he could.

Brendon, Kovid at his side, panned the room one last time with his bow drawn and turned to the dwarf. “Ok. I’ve told you what I have seen. What next?”

The Time is 9:55.

(OOC)
The group has moved into the Castle and there are 4 places to go from here as well as a few things to look further in this room. What is the plan?

PBEM, Episode 4 - Exploring the Grounds

FOUR

(I/C)
Brendon dried off quickly, strapped his armor and weapons back on with a thanks to the Cleric and then looked to Lannis. The Magic User commented that we should be wary of the roses and making sure Wyn was far enough away, commented that elves are queer botanists. Kovid nodded his head, spinning one of his hammers with agitation while Abraxis guffawed and slapped his knee. “Queer.”

Getting a cuff on the back of his head from Lyra, the Cleric replied that there is safety in numbers and we should stay together, “but keep the noises to a minimum.” The party agreed. Brendon offered to meet up with Wyn and then go explore ahead, bow and arrow drawn. Kovid nodded, “Good idea, Manling. I will go to the gazebo and further explore that thin path the elf did not.”

“I will go with you Senor Manspaliner!” Abraxis offered, drawing his sword and settling his shield in place.

“Manslayer, Abraxis. Slayer.”

“I love their music,” he replied and Abraxas and the fighter went off to the Gazebo, the dwarf walking behind the taller human and weighing his hammer again in contemplation.

Brendon, Lyra, and Lannis followed; Lannis with his staff out and Lyra her club and shield. The continued on past the Gazebo to the garden where Wyn had a wooden box open and was filling it with 12 LARGE GREEN TOMATOES (12). Seeing the rest of the group he was caught up with the plan and agreed to go with Brendon. “Tread wit care,” Wyn said to the 3 gathered here, “Goblin tracks all over this here Gah din. They harvesting a the toe may toze.” Closing the box he followed the thief, eyes open and the two of them went towards the Castle – travelling along the beaten part of the garden that Wyn had pointed out someone had traveled through to harvest tomatoes.

Kovid and Abraxas started at the Gazebo, where the dwarf paid careful attention to the very wet muddy ground. “Poor drainage,” he said. “Shouldn’t be but the drainage is poor here for some reason and the ground has become supersaturated.” He stomped his boots and Abraxas did as well, the dwarf thinking. “The Castle should have a drainage system in place already, but its failed,” he was looking carefully as they walked along the THIN PATH North (> Detect Stone Variation. Yellow 28%). As they went, Kovid was able to see where the earth had been dug up and smoothed over. Taking out his Iron Shovel, he dug down half a foot and was able to see where the drainage stones had been taken.

“What?” Abraxas asked.

Kovid shook off the shovel. “The large drain stones have been taken from the trough – meaning the water doesn’t run along the channel and is instead flooding this area. Big stones, easily over a foot square and then some.”

“Why?”

Kovid shrugged, still walking North towards the Castle wall. “Who knows, but someone had to have taken a LOT of these stones. In the past they would have been used for building, now? Who know what someone is using them for.”

“Senor, you do explain things well! Man Splainer was right!”

Brendon and Wyn walked north, scouting the area. No roses in the area, the ground seemed to wet for them, and the underbrush was more of the viney type. They were very aware of their surroundings and took note of anything that might be an issue, but as they made it to the wall, Brendon (<Dex +2 Bonus, Red 10) and Wyn (<Dex +2 Bonus, Orange 8) do not slip in the uneven ground and make it to the wall without issue. The ground within 10’ of the Castle was not as wet and waterlogged as the 3 to 5” of mud they had to walk through. The Thief gave one more look around and satisfied nothing was here, noted that the Dwarf and Fighter were also approaching the wall from a bit to the East and the Cleric and Magic User were looking over the GARDEN some distance behind them, and asked Wyn, “If someone/something did come along to the garden – we should check the area here for hidden doors.”

“If there are, mon Cherie, we will find them, I gah rahn tee it!”

A serious search of the area Brendon (Red 1) and Wyn (Orange 4) were convinced that there were no secret or hidden passages into the castle from here but a few smears in the mud did lead Brendon to believe that possible someone had come from East of this spot along the wall – maybe near where Kovid and Abraxis were looking .

Paying attention to the idea of goblins being about, Lannis (< Wis +2 Bonus, Pink 4) and Lyra (<Wis +2 Bonus, White 8) looked over the garden with exaggerated care, trying to find anything of interest as they went up and down the no longer obvious rows. It was on a repeated pass that the Magic User’s staff clacked on something hard in the vines and weeds. The two of them pried apart the greenery and then donning the Gloves (Gloves, no roll needed), Lyra pulled and yanked on the vines at length until they managed to find a partially buried skeletal figure here. Thinking at first it was goblins as per Wyn’s advice, they noted the bone structure was too small, the head too canine like, and the presence of a tail under the greenery. Looking at one another Lannis (Int>15, no roll needed) nodded at the Cleric and said, “Kobold.”

From there Lyra looked all out through the garden in her crouched over position and was able to see other bits of bone here and there under the tomato plants. Other skeletalized kobolds. Maybe 10 of them or more. “Lots of them, Lannis. And someone has been fertilizing the garden with dead kobolds.”

Kovid and Abraxis followed the thin path of stones north as it lead them closer to the Castle. It seemed to be heading to the GUARD TOWER there and even though the ground was saturated, the path although muddy, was only so across the top half inch or so.

Finally at the tower, they looked to the WEST to see Brendon and Wyn searching the wall intently. “Senor Manslayer, should we do the same?” Nodding, still with weapons out, they looked over the wall intently, seeing if there was a way in or not, and Abraxis (Blue 6) and Kovid (Yellow 2) gave the wall a deep and thorough search when Kovid grunted, “Gotcha you little…” and pushed on a small section of stone that was sticking out, and with a rumble, a section of the guard tower slid open revealing a DARK ROOM, dimly lit  but to the dwarf’s infravision, the DARK ROOM was maybe 40’ wide and 30’ deep, two small passages went off to the NORTH along the NORTH WALL at the EAST and WEST section of the wall, while two doors, one on the EAST WALL and one on the WEST WALL, made of wood and closed finished up the chamber. The room was COOL to all appearances, no different than the rest of the environs.

The entire group sees the door opening and Abraxis waving them forward. The feeling is that we’ve been lucky so far that no one has noticed us yet (WMC, Red/Black 5) but that might not last. Time now is 9:45

(OOC)

Good job! Area Completed.

Lannis, Lyra, Wyn, Abraxis – all add 25 XP
Kovid – add 40 XP
Brendon – add 50 XP

What would you like the party to do? Some things have become known, others are still unanswered. Please make sure your sheet is adjusted as I will not be sending a new sheet out yet for a while.

PBEM, Episode 3 - Exploring the Grounds

THREE

(I/C)
Wyn and Brendon were asked to come back to join Kovid at the SHED. The dwarf handed the SET OF RAWHIDE GLOVES (2) to Lyra (Add Rawhide Gloves (2) to Inventory) who thanked him before giving them a once over. They were thick palmed rawhide leather gloves that although had been in the shed for 30 years were only somewhat stiff and after some working, were able to bend accordingly to her hand.

As for the rest of the material, Kovid took the IRON SHOVEL (20), 2 LARGE SACKS (1), and 4’ x 4’ OILSKIN TARP (50) (Add to Inventory). Meanwhile Brendon took a look at the RAKE and worked at the pin holding the iron tined head on until it popped free and he could keep the 4’ WOODEN STICK (5) (Add 4’ stick to Inventory), discarding the other part.

Lyra and Abraxis let the group know about the well and Lannis came back to tell the group about the roses, staring back at the wall and shuddering. From here the party discussed possible ways to enter the Castle when Lannis suggested that due to the flooded area south of the Castle, the Hill the entire structure was on, and the presence of the well – it is possible that the well itself might be a point of entry. Glancing at Brendon he added, “Someone should go down and check.”

Abraxis nodded deeply. “Yeah! Senor Banks should go down. I can drive spikes.”

Brendon sighed. “It’s Brendon. Not Banks.”

“That’s your last name.”

“No, it’s Lake.”

Frowning, Abraxis pulled out a battered looking folded over piece of paper and read it slowly. “L...A…K…E. Banks!” He put it away. “I’ll go drive some spikes,” he repeated while heading towards the well with the rest of the group.

Lyra and Lannis meanwhile were looking down into the darkness. The Magic User had out his tinderbox and was using his nimble fingers to braid thick lengths of dried grasses. The Cleric meanwhile was leaning just over the well and holding a stone steady in her outstretched hand, made ready to drop it. Lannis managed to finish his braiding and then lit the grass, and the two of them dropped it into the well at the same time. The rock fell faster as the burning grass caught the air, but it illuminated the side of the well dimly as the rock fell with a “Sploot!” and then a hiss followed as the grass went out.

“35’” Kovid muttered as Brendon uncoiled his rope and gave Abraxis a pointed look.

“Abraxis, I’d prefer it if you didn’t drive spikes, Someone might hear us.”

“40’” Kovid turned around, Wyn giving him and innocent look.

“35’…elf.”

“But, Senor, I have spikes,” the fighter said.

Wyn shrugged. “Sure. Maybe. If you don’t count the last 5’.” He turned to Lannis, “It’s a time for you to sew pehr vize. I’m gonna a go look at the garden and the toe may toze,” giving the mage a pat on his shoulder and then walking away.

Kovid pursed his lips, making the top of his beard flex and pulse before shaking his head and looking at the well. “Abraxis, you and I, let’s hold the rope, and lower Brendon down.”

“Senor Banks. We will not let you go.”

Brendon unslung his pack, quiver, and bow, Lyra taking them, and then tying the rope to his waist, mounted up over the well and nodded to the other two who braced their feet and let Brendon work his way down the well (Comb Str >22, no roll needed). The thief felt confident that if he needed to climb out of the well he could do so easily with the many chinks in the stone.

The temperature of the air in the well grew cooler as he went lower and the light dimmed to almost nothing but he could see the top of the water coming up and motioned above to stop lowering him. Leaning over he used his 4’ pole to extend his reach and dunked his arm under the water, prodding the walls all around the well. The walls were solid, he did encounter an older waterlogged bucket just barely floating under the surface of the water, and the water continued to go lower.

He motioned a little lower and some more rope was let out and now Brendon was IN the well water. Taking three deep breaths he folded his legs and let himself slip under the water while Abraxis and Kovid leaned up against the wall of the well to give the thief the full length of the 50’ of rope.

Brendon swam down at least another 8’ and prodded lower with his stick, hitting all the walls of the well – and it was still solid, no side passages or holes, and the well still went deeper. Deeper than the 50 plus feet he had already gone. He pulled himself up the rope (no roll needed) and the two strong companions helped pull him out of the well where he toweled off and wrung out his shirt, sharing what he had learned.

Meanwhile Wyn was giving the thick underbrush a good once over as he made his way SOUTH and WEST again. In places the roses dominated, and in others underbrush dominated, and although it had to be almost 4’ high in many places, it never came close to reaching the top of the walls.

He passed the GAZEBO and THIN PATH once again and arrived at the GARDEN. Many of the original vegetable and flower plants here had been overgrown or choked with weeds, but there are signs that at least TEN Tomato plants had grown were with cages to corral them Over time the tomato plants have grown around the cages and now there are over 40 of the plants. Many of the tomatoes are still green and not ripe, but a casual look shows that the plants in the northern part of the GARDEN, closest to the Castle, have had their fruit harvested. There are no tracks to be seen here as to what might have harvested the tomatoes, but there are enough broken stalks and bent plants that indicate that someone has come through and left by the NORTH part of the GARDEN.

Time now is 9:30

(OOC)
What would you like the party to do? Some things have become known, others are still unanswered. Pleas make sure your sheet is adjusted as I will not be sending a new sheet out yet for a while.

As soon as everyone one replies, I will advance to the next turn. Let’s try to keep this exchange to one day.

Good luck!!

PBEM, Episode 2 - Exploring the Grounds

Resubmitted - learned that the > and the < symbols do not cut and paste over. So fixed the missing problems and submitted it again below.


TWO

(I/C)
Kovid looks at the distant shed and collapsed wellhouse. "Not going under the field right now, Manling, Don't see a bucket, might be under the wreckage. But eyeballing it I'd say the shed's against the castle wall and the well is more towards the front of the castle - 70' or so?"

"75," answers Wyn absently.

The dwarf looks at the elf and grits his teeth. "70."

Wynn waves his hand as if brushing away a fly. "Brendon, as I said before various animal tracks under the field and some goblinoid footprints too. No hairs."

From behind Wyn you hear, "Knife eared toy maker" but only Lannis the Magic User is there and he's looking out into the ruined city of Acreage and when he turns back he looks at the party with a quizzical expression. "What?"

The Gazebo seems to be leaning away from the castle (so leaning more south). Abraxis points to the tomato plants and leans his large hand against Brendon's shoulder. "Look, I see a structure over there. See? Around the bottom of each plant? It's a cage to house tomatoes! Which is funny, because tomatoes don't usually need to be locked up."

The party crossed over the crackled cobblestones and then came to the rainbow field.

Lannis stayed behind, eyes fixed on the barrier while Wyn went under the barrier first. He had to get down about half way to make it under, and his hair stood up a bit on his passage underneath, but nothing else untoward happened. He was debating which way to go at first, taking time as elves are want to do.

Kovid crawled under, straightened his hammers and then pointed to the Gardener’s shed, tugging Brendon that way who was heading towards the tomatoes. The thief nodded his head and walked with Kovid to the shed while Lannis chuckled and muttered “failure” under his breath.

Lyra gave the Magic User a rap on the back of his head and hissed at him to get along before she got to the other side and waited for Abraxis to pick himself up from the ground and follow her to the well. “Ok,” Wyn said in his accented Common, “I will go to gah zee bow then.”

Lannis watched the barrier for a few minutes, measuring the intensity of the colors, the ragged base, the thickness, and checked for any modulation. He was satisfied after some period of looking (>Int. Pink 1) that the barrier was failing but at a rate too slow to be measured in the period of minutes. He asked Wyn who was still standing there how old the tracks were and the elf replied, “Months at least. 4? 6? Not too long.”

Content, the Magic User headed towards the roses growing wildly between the SHED and the WELL.

Brendon went with Kovid to the SHED, the dwarf pulling out his war hammer and weighing it in his hand while glancing at the lock and chain. The thief went up to the lock, pulled out his thieves tools and set to work on the lock. After a few minutes of frustrated effort (>OL 15% penalty. Red 90%) Brendon put away his picks while Kovid grunted. He instead took out his prybar and stuck it in the loop of the lock and began spinning it slowly, binding up the chain and adding tension. After some turns and a bit of elbow grease (>Open Door +1 Bonus, Red 1) there was a snap and the lock broke open. Kovid patted Brendon on the shoulder, “Good job, Manling. Good job,” while the thief walked away pocketing the broken lock. “Might need this later” (Add Broken Lock (10) to inventory) while heading SOUTH and then WEST to the GARDEN area.

Lyra and Abraxas approached the well with care. The well housing looked like it had fallen down either from poor maintenance or partially caught in the blast that leveled Acreage 30 years ago. The two of them looked at one another and then proceeded to try and clear off the garbage and broken material from the well. After some time Lyra (>Str. White 3) and Abraxis (>Str. Blue 7) made short work of the offending lumber and cleared off the well. The well itself is almost 3’ above the ground, the walls are at least a foot thick, the diameter of the well is almost 7’ and the mortar on the stones is still in good shape. Looking around they do spot the pulley in the cleared debris and about 20’ of poor fraying rope, but the bucket is not here and might be inside the well. The two of them squint into the darkness and kick a few stones in. There is water down there but its deep and the guess is it’s at least 30’ down or more into the well.

Wyn walks his way SOUTH and then around the corner, closer to the Gazebo. The foundation stones would normally keep the gazebo a foot and a half off the ground but the ground is in poor shape and seems extra muddy for some reason – hence some of the foundations stones have shifted and the Gazebo has slumped over some time ago. Wyn spends some time checking it out, actually crawling onto its surface briefly but the shifting floor made him uncomfortable and he managed to dance off lightly (<Dex +2 Bonus. Orange 12) without issue. The Gazebo itself seems in good shape otherwise and from where the elf is standing, there is a thin path of crushed stones leading from the Gazebo to the South wall of the Castle with the white roses growing in abundance and where at some point a walking path was once established.

Kovid managed to wrench the old door open (Str >10 – no roll needed) and looked inside the Gardener’s Shed. There was some old animal nests and various garbage but after cataloging the useful items he was able to identify a WOODEN WHEELBARROW (250 – 0 if rolled), IRON SHOVEL (20), 2 LARGE SACKS (1), IRON TINED RAKE (20), 4’ x 4’ OILSKIN TARP (50), SET OF RAWHIDE GLOVES (2) that would fit either a woman or elf only.

And finally Lannis approached the ROSES with a wary eye. The roses grow low and act like ground cover. Their vines disguise numerous thorns and are fairly thick. The blooms themselves are a pale white color not unlike the shell of an egg. The smell is intoxicating this close to them and Lannis felt himself getting a bit lightheaded before noticing the vines had crawled close to his leg and he stepped back in time (> Death Ray Save, Pink 17). The vine moved a bit before settling back down again. “Damn it,” he muttered, “even the plants are trying to kill us.”

Time now is 9:15 AM

(OOC)

What would you like the party to do? Some things have become known, others are still unanswered. Brendon did NOT get to the garden to check it out yet at this time as he detoured to help Kovid and unless you change your mind, will be able to enact that request next turn.

PBEM, Episode 1 - Exploring the Grounds

ONE

(I/C)

The Party has traveled north and east from Specularum for almost a week. Four days ago you passed through the Barony of Ferk and have been travelling in unclaimed lands ever since. Some crofters make a living out here, the odd hamlet of thatched huts clustered together for warmth and safety while wolves and other more dangerous beasts hunt in the dark spaces beyond the dim light of civilization.

This morning your group crossed the original watchtowers that marked the borders of the Dawnlands, but the fetish markings of Goblin activity signaled to both Brendon and the Elf that greenskins of sizable numbers were still about. So your progress has slowed as you’ve kept to forest and brush and avoided open ground. Lyra has proven to be a deft hand with the sling and numerous rabbits and birds have been knocked unconscious to flesh out your meals without the need to use precious arrows.

You are aware that you are in a unique situation as being the first adventurers from the Academy on premises. This means that if the ward around Halgafar’s castle is indeed fading, you have the best chance to find any treasures as well as the Prism Crown.

For this last day, the ground is a mix of blasted heath and naked cracked stone, but green shoots are pushing their way through the poisoned soil, showing the new life is breaking down the 30 years of corruption. You have camped outside the broken city of Acreage where you can see Halgafar’s Castle rising over the city, a thin play of rainbow lights encircling the structure. The Castle itself appears to be whole and undamaged behind the shimmering field when seen from this distance. The town, much less so.

Acreage is a maze of broken streets, collapsed buildings, and marauding wild dogs. The group made the call to not enter the city at night and to camp instead in the relative safety of the surrounding woods instead. Lannis is sure that at some point during the night he heard Ogrish voices in the maze of toppled buildings, and something about “Corfard’s Blessing” but nothing else was forthcoming.

After the sun’s rays broke the horizon the group broke camp, finished their prayers and studying, and snuck their way into the city. Abraxas was concerned we would have to fight either goblins or ogres now, but Lannis and Kovis assured the fighter that those races do not like to fight in the sunlight and instead prefer to fight in lesser lit areas instead – so we should not run into any now.

Even so it has taken the group an hour to arrive at what once was the Ispan’s Castle.

The Castle is situated on a HILL and from Kovid’s guess, measures at least 200’ square. The Outer Walls are 30’ tall and crenellated, with guard towers every 50’ connected by a parapet. The gates, 20’ tall double doors, are CLOSED and there seems to a PORTCULLIS in front of the gate in the DOWN position. There is a number of pale white ROSES near the walls of the Castle and the underbrush is thick around that area. As for the rainbow field, it IS weak along the bottom and it is possible to crawl under the field without too much trouble. From the tracks in the area, according to the elf, many animals have been doing so for weeks…and in a few places, goblin footprints can be seen as well.

There is a GARDENER’S SHED along the EAST Wall, closed and locked with a length of chain and rusty lock. There is a WELL, the wellhouse has collapsed over the well but could be moved. There doesn’t seem to be any noises coming from the Castle but sound seems to be muted this close to the rainbow field.

Along the SOUTH of the Castle are the remains of a GAZEBO that has slipped off its foundation a bit and lies at a 15 degree angle with the ground. A wildly overgrown garden is here where numerous TOMATO plants are growing, many of them showing the red vegetables sitting fat on the vine. The ground near the garden is damp and wet. The time now is 9:00 AM

(OOC)
What would the party like to do?
Dean, Magic User, Lannis Offop
Kelly, Cleric, Lyra Adder
Mike, Elf, Wyn D'Endee
TJ, Fighter, Abraxas Salazar
Rik, Thief, Brendon Lake
Adam, Dwarf, Kovid Manslayer XIX


I need to know what EACH person would like to do. Right now the group is at a collapsed building about 40’ from the rainbow field, and then another 50’ from the walls of the Castle. You have circled the area and have gathered the information given. You CANNOT do everything by yourself so discuss what you would like to do and then reply to all here what your character might say and do I/C and what might need to be further explained OOC.

As soon as EVERYONE replies, I will answer and move the game forward 1 turn. Outdoor exploring turns might be 15 minutes, Indoor/dungeon turns might be 10, Combat turns would be 1 minute. Let’s try to keep this first exchange to within ONE day in between emails.

COVID Interim! PBEM Game - Background Set up

Due to the Pandemic, about a week after our last get together there was talk about doing something. Roll20? Discord? I am not a fan of playing virtually, I think it loses something in the game, so I didn't want to water down my existing game. Instead we talked about doing something else.

Years ago I had played in 2 PBEM games and although it has been 30 years, I figured we could duplicate it here - especially if it was email. So the group all agreed and I put together a pile of BX characters for them, 5,000 xp each. And I was going to photo document everything.

And here's how it started:

(I/C) Halgafar, Ispan of the Dawnlands, was a beloved elven Lord known far and abroad for his even temper and his generosity. Trades for rare woods, skins and furs, and medicinal works and elixirs brought merchants from near and far to the principle city of Acreage. On high, Halgafar looked over his country with a firm and beatific hand.

During the year 378 DF (Dragon Fall), goblin raiders from Jector skirmished with the Ispan's forces and in a surprise turn of events, defeated the elven lord's forces in the field. Halgafar summoned his most able spellbinders and arcanists to help stem the tide of the marauding goblins who were tearing their way to Acreage. Together they worked to erect a barrier that would stop the greenskins in their tracks.

The spell went horribly wrong.

A wave of rainbow fire coursed out from his castle and twisted everything that the light touched, warping it, breaking it, killing it. The land roiled and the skies turned black with sheets of lightning. The goblins had been broken and driven back, but the same was said of the people of Acreage.

When it was over, a scintillating aura of rainbow lights encircled the Castle of the Ispan and the land of Acreage was a blasted wasteland. It was eventually discovered that no one could get past the rainbow ward and the riches and fate of Halgafar were lost and unknown. The Dawnlands were slowly abandoned and various monsters from Jector and brigands made their home there instead.

It has been almost 30 years since the fall of Halgafar and the Dawnlands when word has come to Specularum from rumor, ranger, and trappers that odd lights have been seen deep in the Dawnlands, coming from Acreage. There is thought that the rainbow barrier might have fallen. The Academy of Explorers has put together a call for adventurers who would risk the week long journey to the Dawnlands and see if the Ispan's Castle is indeed open.

If so, the adventuring group is charged to find and retrieve Halgafar's headpiece, a Silver crown with a 7 count of cut crystal stones referred to as the Prism Crown. The Academy is willing to pay 200 Gold Crowns for the effort and the knowledge is that any treasure found at the castle is for the party to keep.

Your group of 6 have answered the call and will brave the journey across heath and hill to find the Prism Crown if at all possible and plumb the depths and heights of Halgafar's Castle.

(OOC)

Ok! Here we go!

When you see I/C - it means that is information that is given IN CHARACTER.

OOC is OUT OF CHARACTER.

When you write your email post - please specify what is I/C and OOC so we can keep it straight.

There will be some assumptions along the way. I am assuming that any thief character is looking for traps and checking locks if they are in place and able to do so.

I am assuming that all characters will be looking for secret doors if able to.

Combat will be simple initiative - they go/you go.

Before Combat everyone will have to decide:

Front Line - engage the enemy head on

Support Front - engage the enemy in conjunction with another person

Missile Fire - stay at least 5' away and use missile fire

Spells & Other - use spells, rods, wands, potions, anything else

How do we start??

That's the first part!

I need everyone to pick a color - just one - same people CAN pick same color if need be:

White

Green

Blue

Red

Grey

Yellow

Pink

Orange

Then, I need everyone to pick a Character - these are B/X style characters so keep that in mind. Everyone is starting at 5,000 XP so the level range runs from 2nd to 4th..

Human Cleric

Dwarven Fighter

Human Fighter

Elven Fighter Magic User

Human Magic User

Human Thief

Each person can only pick one! So please - discuss amongst yourselves who wants what, Don't let someone just get "stuck" with something.

If I get everyone's answer by End of Day today - I'll send out the first part and character sheets and we can go to the next part and start of adventure!

Thanks guys - remember - this works only if everyone participates and does their best!

Good luck on your quest for the Prism Crown

Then the next email that evening was:

Thanks to everyone for your efforts so far on this.

Dean has gone through the thread for me and we have the following:

Dean: Magic User, Pink

Kelly: Cleric, White

Mike: Elf, Orange

TJ: Fighter, Blue

Rik: Thief, Red

Adam: Dwarf, Yellow

Following this email, I will send everyone a copy of their own character.

You can not bounce scores - they are what they are - all randomly rolled up last night

You can not get more equipment - what you have is what you have to start. You characters are 1 week away from home and 5 days from civilization - and I've arranged it so that everyone has 15 gold crowns left. If you need something, hopefully you'll have a chance to find in in Halgafar's Castle.

On your character sheet in the equipment section you will see a number in parenthesis - that is the encumbrance weight of the item you are carrying - every 10 coins of weight is equal to a pound

Typically, every 400 coin weight is a reduction in speed. Higher strength adds to this number, lower strength removes from this number.

Under Melee is listed your adjustment on the d20 to hit your foe, and damage done with your weapon

Under Missile is listed your adjustment on the d20 to hit you foe based upon Short/Medium/Long range - which is also listed in feet. You do NOT get 3 attacks with a missile weapon.

If you have a Dex 13 or greater, you can swap a weapon or quickdraw a weapon if you did not have or wanted to swap - otherwise you have a -4 to hit on first draw round or swap.

I need you to look at your character and make sure it makes sense - any questions - please ask HERE in REPLY ALL format since if you have a question how the PBEM game will work, others will as well.

I will also need a character name and if at all possible - try to find a picture of YOUR character and crib it from the internet and use it when replying I/C.

After every combat or every few turns, I will send you an updated character sheet. The sheet is yours and I am not sending them out to everyone - if you WANT to share - that is up to you.

Thanks guys and good luck!