The dwarven women stands (actually jump describes better her movement) up from beside the horse as the the words of the guard reach her mind through her racing thoughts.
"What are you asking for Nareth? Humble party? King's Quest? What battlefield are you speaking of?"
Nareth puts off his helmet and rubs the top of his head:
" Aye, I am speaking about quest of my from His Majesty. You see, M'Lady Sus'Ann, we embark on an expedition into out-lands and me squad is more or less set, I say. The only one is missing is the priest. The journey can be dangerous and, I say, it is indeed a bad omen to embark without the one... That's being said, and I frankly don't expect the High Priest assign us the good one. A good priest - is a good.. priest, ya see, always is needed: to cure a cow, or a child, to help around, ya know. I say, this is unworthy to sit in the rear. So, M'Lady Sus'Ann, if you consider joining - me is more than happy... "
He finishes his tirade, fiddling with his helmet and looking down on her. It is obvious that old Senior Guard is not expecting to find another subsidiary, at least not the worthy one in such a short time frame.
"Ah, i have work to do here in the village, you know! I promised Joshie to collect some herbs for the herd (and i have to make the salve for those hoofs too yes), Arry's wife can give birth to little Dal at anytime now, and the Kaled twins gathered some weird rash in the wild i have yet to identify. Not to mention that it gets harder every day to talk some sense to all of those rockhard head who want to join to the foolishness promoted by such trouble-makers like Kem. So really, you want me to babysit some high-grown kids on a fancy expedition of our oh so majestic King?"
Giving out some steam Sus'Ann continues with more calm.
"Who leads the expedition anyway, you Nareth? And where lays it's goal?"
Nareth's face expresses understanding and he is agrees with the Priestess. The talks about village business have reminded him of his garrison and a plenty of unfinished work left. Damn it!. He crosses his arms over his chest and with all his appearance portrays curiosity:
" Aye, aye M'Lady.. We are humble men of God, may the Refiner be blessed forever. But answer me this, my good Sus'Ann, are we up to violate the God's will? This is yet another test they offer for us to prove our faith. The King.. Well, whatsoever he is - is appointed by Gods as a part of our life-long test. I says, let's consider this quest as an opportunity to check our will and soul. Aye, this is no the most safe journey, but this is indeed no babysitting. That is an aid during the expedition if... well, if something go wrong. I am no commander, oh no. How dare I? I am a humble servant, our leader is M'Lord Colden and I am afraid, I cannot tell ya much now, this is a no good place for that. But I say, it is a journey to distant lands outside and to stop an outrage made by orc-folk. We are up to hunt'em down, put an end to this threat and protect the outlying villages, like me village! " - he resolutely smacks his fist with the leather glove - "... Astorwind needs ye help, aye, but there are smaller towns. Towns with no priests at all. And they also suffer from diseases, pestilence and Gods know what else. The World is much bigger than a box within the Astorwind Castle walls, I says."
Nareth He catches the curious glances of the soldiers, which makes him look menacingly and meaningfully at them.
So gold is not much of an issue here in Astorwind for Nareth and Colden. As they are part of the party, they have access to most of the kingdom’s wealth. So the rest of the party also has access through them.
What actually IS an issue are the following two things:
Weight of an item.
we will use the D&D 5e rules for carrying capacity: you can carry 15 times your strength score total in pounds (lbs). I like these rules because they are simple. Please note that if you cram “too much” into your pack, I will roleplay it into the game. Too much might be big items or over 50%-75% capacity.
Availability of an item.
This isn’t a typical Faerun or BG style world where most every basic item is considered available. Think more like developing wilderness frontier where some items just simply can’t be found. If you think of a specific item, please make a request here in the thread and I will tell you if it is available and in what quantity and condition.
Note that high quality weapons and any heavy armor are unavailable in Astorwind.
Here is a backpack that is standard issue by the patrol:
Backpack 5lbs
Rope 10lbs
Bedroll 5lbs
Winter blanket 3lbs
Cold weather outfit 7lbs
Waterskin 5lbs per day (4pints or .5gal), 1 day
3 torches 3lbs
Food— 1lb per day, 7 days
45lbs total
You can edit this if you wish or take it as is as you feel necessary.
"Ah i remember the world being bigger, yes. But Colden? What are *he* doing in the wild? Or it's just the king wanting to remove all the reasonable persons around himself?
Nevermind, you piqued my interest Nareth. Just let me speak with Colden. When and where can we meet?"
" Aye, thank ya M'Lady! " - he bows gratefully and offers a warm smile. Nareth put his helmet on - " I am also waiting until M'Lord Colden's sign to departure but, by me guess, we have at least 1 or 2 days to prepare ourselves. So, speaking to Colden is a wise idea, yes. But what is he up to in the wild, I am afraid, out of me concern... Me work is to make sure everything runs safe and by the plan. " - he turns to soldiers " Me lads! Leave the M'Lady Sus'Ann alone. Nothing we can help here with. " - he waives in the direction of the squad.
Hello again everyone!
I have an announcement!
*Ahem.*
As I did some research on starvation/thirst. encumbrance, and travel, and with some prompting from @Skatan and @Rik_Kirtaniya , I realize that I need some basic standardized ruleset for us to follow along together to keep us all on the same page. We could just write a story together without any rules, and that is still my general goal. But 5e “rules” (such as they are) seem to be very well-equipped to handle that exact goal.
Here are the reasons:
1. FLEXIBILITY. It seems that the DM is given a lot of freedom to do whatever the bloody heck he wants. (One reason I had a hard time with 3.5.) I could easily lightly incorporate BG rules, or 3.5 rules, or ad-hoc rules, or just no rules with hardly any conflict.
2. Simplicity. The rules seem real easy. You hardly even have to know them to use them.
3. It’s still D&D. So that’s nice.
We will not be completely incorporating all 5e rules into the game. However, when we have a question on how something works, we can use these rules as a sort of guide or measure. We won’t be outright implementing them, at least I don’t think so, and definitely not at first. Let’s just use this ruleset as a sort of ethereal form—like a ghost in the background whispering suggestions into your ear, not like a police officer or lawyer enforcing the law.
If you have any spells, character concepts, or other ideas developed now, this does not change anything! Keep your character the same as he is now. In fact, this will not change any of the rules I included on the first page, including your stat block. if you want to flesh out your character using 5e rules—if that is something you enjoy doing—feel free to do it. But it is NOT necessary, and we may not use it.
Last but not least—if any of you know 5e, you know it better than me! Feel free to guide me and correct me. PM or main thread is fine. However, I still reserve the right to murder your character in his sleep for no reason. (Jk, I would never do that... muahahahahahah!!)
But seriously, see my rules on the first page. I’m not going to kill your characters.
Much.
No really.
Any question, feel free to ask here or in the thread.
One more thing:
If you want to make stuff up about your character that doesn’t coincide with 5e rules, just do it. I will most likely allow it.
These rules are not going to cage us! I cannot be caged!
Encumberance rules? Awesome! I have 8 STR! @mashedtaters I'm a big fan of 5e in general, its a good ruleset. Having said that, can I use the 5e rules for finesse weapons? That would enable me to use my rapier and dagger off of my dex, rather than str. It won't alter any potential rp issues with low strength, while allowing me to actually help in combat.
@Thacobell
Yes you can, but don’t worry too much about it.i still plan on playing the same way we have been, where combat will be determined by creativity and writing, not so much dice rolls. If you envision your character like that, then that is how he is.
You can reasonably assume to own anything you can make a decent rationale for why a servant would own it.
As far as what to buy, if there’s something you want and it exists, you can most likely have it. We aren’t worrying about money right now.
Is your coat leather armor? I thought you had said it was more like a nice dress coat. I could be remembering incorrectly.
@mashedtaters I never went beyond, "Its a light blue coat", but it COULD be leather armor. This world is very hostile to half orcs, after all.
*Lagrord makes it to his room and begins to pack*
"Sigh, I'm not used to travelling. I what was in a basic travel pack again? Good Cram made me that list, ah, found it! Okay, seems doable. I should add a needle and thread, I just know we are gonna need to mend our clothes at some point. Oh, I should sneak a bottle of that wine Cram loves so much. Hehe."
Here is a reference for 5e D&D. Again, I’m not committed to using all these rules except where we have a question or need a reference. But for those of you who enjoy this kind of stuff like me here is the link: http://dnd.wizards.com/products/tabletop/players-basic-rules
@Thacobell
Yes you can carry it without encumbrance. Your weight limit is 15 times your strength score. We are not using gradual encumbrance rules, though very heavy loads will be role played into the game.
Lagrord’s backpack:
Backpack 5lbs
Rope 10lbs
Bedroll 5lbs
Winter blanket 3lbs
Cold weather outfit 7lbs
Waterskin 5lbs per day (4pints or .5gal), 1 day
3 torches 3lbs
Food— 1lb per day, 7 days
Wine—2lbs
Needle and thread—No weight
47lbs total
You also have your clothes and blue leather jacket, plus a dagger and sword, correct?
Lagrord is ready to begin the journey unless @ThacoBell can think of something else or has anything to add.
Colden tags along with Lagrord and goes to his chambers. He packs a regular backpack with all the basic essentials, but skips torches since he has some basic cantrips that can help with that.
Colden also adds some tomes and parchment, as wells as, ink and pens. He goes to the kitchen and pick a waterbag that he fills up with ale and takes a loaf of bread straight from the oven and some butter.
When this is done he takes of his more regal robes and clothes and takes out his old outfit for traversing the lands. It's been quite some time since it was last used, but it still fits. He takes it on and inspect himself.. "I do look kinda dashing in this outfit, I gotta admit Mr Cramnoch!" He says to himself out loud. Then he feels a bit embarrassed but rest assured no one could have overheard him. He wears strong wool pants, linnen shirt and a wool tunic. His boots are dwarven made, no better cobblers exist! Over this he straps on his studded leather armor of the best quality Astorwind can produce. Lastly, he takes on his long coat and straps a wool cloak over his shoulders. All his clothes are sturdy, yet comfortable, and should be enough to keep him warm when needed but still offer him the option to remove layers if warm. They were black, back in the day, but age and usage have made them more akin to charcoal grey now. They still have intricate patterns and dwarven runes woven into them of dark red and golden threads. Just because you are on the road doesn't mean you can't look good at the same time! He picks up his pack, feel its weight and picks up his wide-brimmed hat. The hat has a hatband also in red and gold and with a black feather in its band. In his belt he straps a pair of gloves, a boss-held buckler and hangs his axe and a dagger. The axe has still never been used, but it was crafted by a fine dwarven smith and is of good quality. "Perhaps this will be the time when I have to use it?" Cole, thinks to himself.
Before he leaves he takes a crossbow from its wall hanger and a pack of bolts and goes to knock on Lagrord's door to see if he is ready.
Since Lagrord had enough STR to wear his pack, I will assume my guy can as well since I have more STR. So sorry for the lazyness but I figured I could skip calculating that now since I am a but rushed at work.
Colden is ready for he journey, unless @Skatan has anything else to add
Colden’s backpack:
Backpack 5lbs
Rope 10lbs
Bedroll 5lbs
Winter blanket 3lbs
Cold weather outfit 7lbs
Waterskin 5lbs per day (4pints or .5gal), 1 day
Food— 1lb per day, 7 days
Inkwell, pens, tomes, parchment, writing instruments—5lbs
Ale—5lbs
Bread—1lbs
53lbs total
Colden is carrying an old-fashioned dwarven axe, a buckler, a dagger, and a crossbow with 24 quarrels.
Yes, you definitely have enough strength. You can carry 15 times your strength score.
So now we are waiting for @lolien ‘s character and @Skatan ‘s character to have a conversation about the trip. I can facilitate this if you’d like, or you can just post that you’re meeting each other.
Then we need @ashafetov and @lolien to let me know what weapons they are bringing for the trip and any extra equipment they would like to bring aside from the standard equipment I have listed.
Before Colden have time to go visit Lagrord, Laggie comes to knock on his door.
"Sounds good, let's do that." Colden accompanies Lagrord to the local armorer.
@mashedtaters; Colden and Largrord, did we hear Sus'Ann and Nareth talking? Otherwise I think we don't even know Sus'Ann is joining the expedition yet, right?
As Sus’Ann sees Colden she finishes the talk with the smith.
„Well Clara will take care of your wife, i say better than me, so you don’t have to worry about anything. I send a hug for everyone.”
„Master Colden! May the Light guides your way, and it truly does, because i meet you here before i started to search for you.
As i heard you are about to leave Astorwind by the order of the King. And what’s more is, you need a priest for the hardship of the road.”
Colden, a wordly man with little to no interest in the divine (other than for casual reading of fables and occult lore) is a bit surprised by this greeting. Even though Colden acknowledges the Gods, he doesn't put his faith into them to solve problems. Instead he believes in the power of the self.
"Greetings, and may the light shine bright and ever guide yours." Colden gives her a courteous bow; straight legs, one hand on his back, the other one tipping the brim of his head and a quick slight leaning forward. "You seem well informed and it is true as you say. May I ask where you received this information and from whom?"
"And yes.. a priest could very well be something we need. I fear we need all the help we can get, but I warn you; 'tis a perilous journey and a dangerous task we are set upon. There will be hardships, no doubt, and I hope you are well prepared for such an.. adventure?"
"I spoke with Nareth after the recent draft (which went not too well i must say), he said you lead the expedition and that you are in need of a priest. So i thought i speak with you about joining and get the informations from first hand.
If Astorwind have to spare a servant of the Unblighted, it's better be me, i would not like to endanger everyone else. I don't want to boast, but truth is truth, i'm the only one who use to travel in the wild from the priesthood.
"Very good, we accept your humble request to join us. We are to travel to in search of the Bloodeye clan, to see if we can gather any information of their whereabouts. And if we find then, we are to investigate what happened during the attack on them and reveal and learn as much as possible before the armies of King Corak clash with the oncoming horde. Our mission is of great importance and time is of the essence, we will leave shortly. Gear up and if you miss anything, by grant of the King I will spend the coin to see you well fit for the task ahead.
Thank you for this, we are glad to have you on board." Colden again gives a slight tip of his head out of respect for this young priest who are willing to risk her own life to save the kingdom.
Comments
*Lagrord's smile is practically ear to ear*
"What are you asking for Nareth? Humble party? King's Quest? What battlefield are you speaking of?"
" Aye, I am speaking about quest of my from His Majesty. You see, M'Lady Sus'Ann, we embark on an expedition into out-lands and me squad is more or less set, I say. The only one is missing is the priest. The journey can be dangerous and, I say, it is indeed a bad omen to embark without the one... That's being said, and I frankly don't expect the High Priest assign us the good one. A good priest - is a good.. priest, ya see, always is needed: to cure a cow, or a child, to help around, ya know. I say, this is unworthy to sit in the rear. So, M'Lady Sus'Ann, if you consider joining - me is more than happy... "
He finishes his tirade, fiddling with his helmet and looking down on her. It is obvious that old Senior Guard is not expecting to find another subsidiary, at least not the worthy one in such a short time frame.
Giving out some steam Sus'Ann continues with more calm.
"Who leads the expedition anyway, you Nareth? And where lays it's goal?"
" Aye, aye M'Lady.. We are humble men of God, may the Refiner be blessed forever. But answer me this, my good Sus'Ann, are we up to violate the God's will? This is yet another test they offer for us to prove our faith. The King.. Well, whatsoever he is - is appointed by Gods as a part of our life-long test. I says, let's consider this quest as an opportunity to check our will and soul. Aye, this is no the most safe journey, but this is indeed no babysitting. That is an aid during the expedition if... well, if something go wrong. I am no commander, oh no. How dare I? I am a humble servant, our leader is M'Lord Colden and I am afraid, I cannot tell ya much now, this is a no good place for that. But I say, it is a journey to distant lands outside and to stop an outrage made by orc-folk. We are up to hunt'em down, put an end to this threat and protect the outlying villages, like me village! " - he resolutely smacks his fist with the leather glove - "... Astorwind needs ye help, aye, but there are smaller towns. Towns with no priests at all. And they also suffer from diseases, pestilence and Gods know what else. The World is much bigger than a box within the Astorwind Castle walls, I says."
Nareth He catches the curious glances of the soldiers, which makes him look menacingly and meaningfully at them.
What actually IS an issue are the following two things:
Weight of an item.
Availability of an item.
Here is a backpack that is standard issue by the patrol:
Rope 10lbs
Bedroll 5lbs
Winter blanket 3lbs
Cold weather outfit 7lbs
Waterskin 5lbs per day (4pints or .5gal), 1 day
3 torches 3lbs
Food— 1lb per day, 7 days
45lbs total
Nevermind, you piqued my interest Nareth. Just let me speak with Colden. When and where can we meet?"
Sus'Ann obviously has INT18/WIS18
I have an announcement!
*Ahem.*
As I did some research on starvation/thirst. encumbrance, and travel, and with some prompting from @Skatan and @Rik_Kirtaniya , I realize that I need some basic standardized ruleset for us to follow along together to keep us all on the same page. We could just write a story together without any rules, and that is still my general goal. But 5e “rules” (such as they are) seem to be very well-equipped to handle that exact goal.
Here are the reasons:
1. FLEXIBILITY. It seems that the DM is given a lot of freedom to do whatever the bloody heck he wants. (One reason I had a hard time with 3.5.) I could easily lightly incorporate BG rules, or 3.5 rules, or ad-hoc rules, or just no rules with hardly any conflict.
2. Simplicity. The rules seem real easy. You hardly even have to know them to use them.
3. It’s still D&D. So that’s nice.
We will not be completely incorporating all 5e rules into the game. However, when we have a question on how something works, we can use these rules as a sort of guide or measure. We won’t be outright implementing them, at least I don’t think so, and definitely not at first. Let’s just use this ruleset as a sort of ethereal form—like a ghost in the background whispering suggestions into your ear, not like a police officer or lawyer enforcing the law.
If you have any spells, character concepts, or other ideas developed now, this does not change anything! Keep your character the same as he is now. In fact, this will not change any of the rules I included on the first page, including your stat block. if you want to flesh out your character using 5e rules—if that is something you enjoy doing—feel free to do it. But it is NOT necessary, and we may not use it.
Last but not least—if any of you know 5e, you know it better than me! Feel free to guide me and correct me. PM or main thread is fine. However, I still reserve the right to murder your character in his sleep for no reason. (Jk, I would never do that... muahahahahahah!!)
But seriously, see my rules on the first page. I’m not going to kill your characters.
Much.
No really.
Any question, feel free to ask here or in the thread.
If you want to make stuff up about your character that doesn’t coincide with 5e rules, just do it. I will most likely allow it.
These rules are not going to cage us!
I cannot be caged!
Yes you can, but don’t worry too much about it.i still plan on playing the same way we have been, where combat will be determined by creativity and writing, not so much dice rolls. If you envision your character like that, then that is how he is.
As far as what to buy, if there’s something you want and it exists, you can most likely have it. We aren’t worrying about money right now.
Is your coat leather armor? I thought you had said it was more like a nice dress coat. I could be remembering incorrectly.
*Lagrord makes it to his room and begins to pack*
"Sigh, I'm not used to travelling. I what was in a basic travel pack again? Good Cram made me that list, ah, found it! Okay, seems doable. I should add a needle and thread, I just know we are gonna need to mend our clothes at some point. Oh, I should sneak a bottle of that wine Cram loves so much. Hehe."
*Lagrord hoists his pack up to feel the weight*
http://dnd.wizards.com/products/tabletop/players-basic-rules
Yes you can carry it without encumbrance. Your weight limit is 15 times your strength score. We are not using gradual encumbrance rules, though very heavy loads will be role played into the game.
Lagrord’s backpack:
Backpack 5lbs
Rope 10lbs
Bedroll 5lbs
Winter blanket 3lbs
Cold weather outfit 7lbs
Waterskin 5lbs per day (4pints or .5gal), 1 day
3 torches 3lbs
Food— 1lb per day, 7 days
Wine—2lbs
Needle and thread—No weight
47lbs total
You also have your clothes and blue leather jacket, plus a dagger and sword, correct?
Lagrord is ready to begin the journey unless @ThacoBell can think of something else or has anything to add.
Colden also adds some tomes and parchment, as wells as, ink and pens. He goes to the kitchen and pick a waterbag that he fills up with ale and takes a loaf of bread straight from the oven and some butter.
When this is done he takes of his more regal robes and clothes and takes out his old outfit for traversing the lands. It's been quite some time since it was last used, but it still fits. He takes it on and inspect himself.. "I do look kinda dashing in this outfit, I gotta admit Mr Cramnoch!" He says to himself out loud. Then he feels a bit embarrassed but rest assured no one could have overheard him. He wears strong wool pants, linnen shirt and a wool tunic. His boots are dwarven made, no better cobblers exist! Over this he straps on his studded leather armor of the best quality Astorwind can produce. Lastly, he takes on his long coat and straps a wool cloak over his shoulders. All his clothes are sturdy, yet comfortable, and should be enough to keep him warm when needed but still offer him the option to remove layers if warm. They were black, back in the day, but age and usage have made them more akin to charcoal grey now. They still have intricate patterns and dwarven runes woven into them of dark red and golden threads. Just because you are on the road doesn't mean you can't look good at the same time! He picks up his pack, feel its weight and picks up his wide-brimmed hat. The hat has a hatband also in red and gold and with a black feather in its band. In his belt he straps a pair of gloves, a boss-held buckler and hangs his axe and a dagger. The axe has still never been used, but it was crafted by a fine dwarven smith and is of good quality. "Perhaps this will be the time when I have to use it?" Cole, thinks to himself.
Before he leaves he takes a crossbow from its wall hanger and a pack of bolts and goes to knock on Lagrord's door to see if he is ready.
Colden’s backpack:
Backpack 5lbs
Rope 10lbs
Bedroll 5lbs
Winter blanket 3lbs
Cold weather outfit 7lbs
Waterskin 5lbs per day (4pints or .5gal), 1 day
Food— 1lb per day, 7 days
Inkwell, pens, tomes, parchment, writing instruments—5lbs
Ale—5lbs
Bread—1lbs
53lbs total
Colden is carrying an old-fashioned dwarven axe, a buckler, a dagger, and a crossbow with 24 quarrels.
Yes, you definitely have enough strength. You can carry 15 times your strength score.
So now we are waiting for @lolien ‘s character and @Skatan ‘s character to have a conversation about the trip. I can facilitate this if you’d like, or you can just post that you’re meeting each other.
Then we need @ashafetov and @lolien to let me know what weapons they are bringing for the trip and any extra equipment they would like to bring aside from the standard equipment I have listed.
"Do you think we should visit the armorer? I don't think my coat will be very protective alone."
"Sounds good, let's do that." Colden accompanies Lagrord to the local armorer.
That is correct. We are waiting for Sus’Ann to speak with you like she said she would.
„Well Clara will take care of your wife, i say better than me, so you don’t have to worry about anything. I send a hug for everyone.”
„Master Colden! May the Light guides your way, and it truly does, because i meet you here before i started to search for you.
As i heard you are about to leave Astorwind by the order of the King. And what’s more is, you need a priest for the hardship of the road.”
"Greetings, and may the light shine bright and ever guide yours." Colden gives her a courteous bow; straight legs, one hand on his back, the other one tipping the brim of his head and a quick slight leaning forward. "You seem well informed and it is true as you say. May I ask where you received this information and from whom?"
"And yes.. a priest could very well be something we need. I fear we need all the help we can get, but I warn you; 'tis a perilous journey and a dangerous task we are set upon. There will be hardships, no doubt, and I hope you are well prepared for such an.. adventure?"
If Astorwind have to spare a servant of the Unblighted, it's better be me, i would not like to endanger everyone else. I don't want to boast, but truth is truth, i'm the only one who use to travel in the wild from the priesthood.
So, what is this dangerous task?"
Thank you for this, we are glad to have you on board." Colden again gives a slight tip of his head out of respect for this young priest who are willing to risk her own life to save the kingdom.