Realms Beyond Dungeons Gameplay thread

[Mardoc]

We'll use this thread for gameplay only. No rules questions, no lurkers, no out of character remarks, please. Those all go over here, in the parallel thread. Just the story.

DM: Mardoc
co-DM(s): Sian, Jkaen? Merovech?

Players:

BrickAstley, as Gunther, a Half Orc Cleric
Commodore, as Grouk, the Half Orc Monk
Ichabod, as Menas, the Human Fighter (Tower Shield Specialist)
Mattimeo, as Mariel Ailonen, the Elf Rogue
Lewwyn, as Thoven Foxglove, the Elf Wizard
Pling, as Mara, the Human Rogue
Tasunke, as Bradwyn, the Human Fighter (Archer archetype)

Map for Ogre Encounter: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?...1Ync#gid=0

[Mardoc]

Table of Contents, theoretically

[Mardoc]

Law Abiding Adventurers Wanted!
Great wealth awaits
Land, titles, gold, gems
Damara is suffering
Damara Wants You!

That poster, or some variant of it, has drawn each of you to the kingdom of Damara. Some of you are motivated by the promise of wealth, while others are more interested in helping a suffering land recover from its trials. Or in the adrenaline rush of Fighting the Good Fight and pushing yourself to your limits.

As you arrive at the border, an icy gust hits you, reminding you that this is a cold land. After all, it's midsummer, and yet still cold. You hope you've found a reason to leave, or enough wealth to buy furs and massive fires, before winter hits. Looking around, you don't see any guardposts or patrols or anything, just a simple, well-worn sign saying 'We_com_ to Damar_'. Clearly, the government has other priorities than replacing all their signs.

Following the road to the nearest city, you encounter some traders, bringing weapons, food, and tools, and intending to leave with Bloodstones. You also meet a few immigrants, attracted by the promise of free land for those who will work and defend it.

As you approach the gates, you spend a few moments reflecting on who you are, the friends and colleagues you hope to meet, and your hopes for the next few months..

[pling]

Law Abiding Adventurers Wanted!
Great wealth awaits
Land, titles, gold, gems
Damara is suffering
Damara Wants You!

Mara read over the poster again, and shivered. Did this cursed country ever get warm? She'd been back and forth across the borders guarding traders since the late spring and even now at Midsummer it didn't seem to've got much warmer. She knew just what Papa would've said: If you wanted warmth, girl, you should've stayed in Sembia and married that man your brother picked out. Truth be told sometimes she looked back and wondered if she'd struck the right bargain. Oh to be sure she wouldn't want to be a decorous, "sophisticated" lady like her brother's wife was, but there was no saying that's what her intended groom had actually wanted if she'd taken the time to talk to him. With the distance of 5 years she could see that she'd been addled with grief after Papa had died, and her brother was too. Combine that with a decade and a half of years between them - no surprise they couldn't see eye to eye. And taking off and running had been the best deal she could see.

Some of it was Papa's fault, even if she hated to admit that to herself. Mamma had always helped him run the business, gone with him on trips out to meet with the trappers or the buyers, been a second pair of eyes for the contracts. And when she'd died, he'd needed - wanted - someone to take on that role, and Mara was just getting old enough to learn. If she'd been heir, well, she'd've done a good job when he died. But according to the law it was all her brother's, and he had no need of a much younger sibling when running his business thank you very much.

No use second guessing herself now - once you strike the deal the bargaining is over. Besides, she enjoyed the life on the road, seeing new places and dealing with all different kinds of people. Even when it was so abominably cold. Just she was getting to be a bit wistful when her colleagues on a job would sit over a beer and reminisce about past trips and adventures. When you moved on every couple of months you didn't get to join in with that sort of conversation, you never got to be part of the group. What was it that veteran fighter a few jobs back had said? You can't run away forever, everyone needs to put down roots somewhere. He might have a point, even if she wasn't going to go back to her family - she'd broken that contract with the way she left home - but she did want some friends & comrades. This might be just the way to find some, and earn herself some gold while she was at it. And even if her brother's men were still searching for her, they wouldn't look here.

Standing there wool gathering isn't going to make any deals! as Papa would say. Time to go on, time to live instead of run. Mara straightened, squared her shoulders and strode off towards the gate.

[Mardoc]

I have to shake my head. Gunther is singing in that damnably pleasant tenor again, drawing a crowd of youngsters. Their parents cluster nervously nearby, watching him carefully, shooting me glances as well. I could let it get to me, but what would be the point? Gunther will charm them all by nightfall anyway.

I'm used to it. Back in the monastery, the new acolytes were tested by being placed under my tutelage in the gardens. I'm ugly, I'm fat, and I'm gruff, which would be bad enough...but shoveling manure for a half-orc? We lost a lot of proud would-be-monks that way. I didn't blame them for their views...I look pretty damned orcish, and there are good reasons why half-orcs are hated. Most of my kin are those reasons, save one exception.

I'm still not sure how I came to be here. I liked it in my gardens. It was peaceful, nobody threw any rocks at me, I had plenty to eat, and a group of men who would cheerfully debate with me about tradition and law until the wee hours of the morning. I guess I never had any close friends there, but it's my way, I've been detached from life for as long as I can remember. For as long as Gunther could remember too, apparently.

One of his first memories was me leaving the tribe. I knocked the old man flat on his ass, as he was in yet another of his drunken rants about how strong the blood made us all, about how I would never amount to anything if I didn't embrace my rage. I didn't embrace my rage even then, I just decided to make a point. Never have struck a being in anger, never think I will. When Gunther tracked me down those months ago, he told me he'd always longed for my strength, how I could stand up to the chief even at sixteen and strike him down. I think he was shocked when I told him I hadn't been angry. Just wanted done of all the stupidity.

The monks tested me a long time before I could join. I was good at my forms, able to overcome my clumsiness with the solidity of my ample form. Never cared much for fighting, though. I like plants, and talking, although damned if I can convince anyone of anything ever. Not a problem, I have always excelled at calmness and inner peace.

Gunther came in from no where, all about justice and freedom and redemption. I think I let him down once he actually met me, but hell, I think we both appreciate having family. Family that doesn't try to kill everybody else in the world, at least. Anyway, he heard about the troubles, and got to talking about righting wrongs, and how I could help. I shrugged, I like peace and order but it's not my job to spread it. He switched tactics, and spoke about how wealthy adventures could get. I shrugged, I like money fine but I had plenty of comforts. He spoke about honing my skills, becoming a legend. I shrugged, I'm skilled enough, and legends are all dead. But then I told him I'd come with him.

Why not? It'll be interesting.
-Grouk

Law Abiding Adventurers Wanted!
Great wealth awaits
Land, titles, gold, gems
Damara is suffering
Damara Wants You!

They were in Damara for only an hour before Thoven Foxglove pointed out the poster to Mariel, though he was sure his sharp-eyed compatriot had already spotted it. She nodded in agreement. Perfect place to start, thought Thoven. Already he could see the an easy route into the crowd, of hiding in plain sight. And, being paid wouldn't be bad either. He hadn't ever had the luxury of wealth before, and he knew Mariel hadn't either.

Growing up in Elventree had been nice, relatively safe and if he was honest boring. For an elf who'd been born in the treetops of Cormanthor and spent his infancy roaming the forests with his nomadic ranger parents, living in one place had become tedious. When his parents had first discovered his affinity for magic, they were torn, Thoven believed. They didn't immediately take the bow from his hands, but they did begin to consult with druids from their order of Rillifane Rallathill. Maybe it was not wholly their decision, but in fact one made by the elders of their order. Thoven would study magic.

In Elventree, Thoven was exposed to a great deal of the world he had not see while living isolated in the trees with his parents. The Sentinel, leader of the Temple of Mystra, agreed to house Thoven and allow him to study at the great Temple. Thoven did not take up worship of Mystra, however, instead clinging to his childhood in worship of Rillifane at a small shrine in the trees of Elventree. The result was a distance between himself and the worshipers of Mystra. Some could not understand how he could live at the grand temple and not be overcome with Majesty of Mystra and her secret. Was he not a mage? Was he not already indebted to Mystra herself?

Instead of companionship, at the Temple he found cordial relationship that never deepened into friendship. However, one day he did find a kindred soul wandering in the temple. Mariel was a thief, a spy, a young trickster. At times she did odd jobs for The Sentinel and on one such occasion Thoven met her. They were closer in age then anyone else and Thoven was immediately drawn to her wildness, the type he used to have and desired to ave again. They bonded and became friends.

The trip to Damara was not one that Thoven had expected, and it was not one of his choosing, but he welcomed it. Even now as he looked at the poster he felt a touch of excitement. He was pleased to have Mariel at his side, glad she had agreed to come when he told her of the message he had received from his parents. It had been cryptic, but in keeping with his tight lipped parents. So when they said "Go to Damara, the druids have need of you", he had not bat an eye. They had sent the Foxglove Family ring in the message. He had stared at it a moment as it slipped from the package into his hand. The gold band with foxglove flowers stemming from a small cut amethyst had always been one of his favorite symbols. He'd envied his father's possession and now they had passed it on to him. A season later, he and Mariel stood before the wanted poster. He looked down at the ring snug on his finger. He would make them proud.

Law Abiding Adventurers Wanted!
Great wealth awaits
Land, titles, gold, gems
Damara is suffering
Damara Wants You!

I am Gunther, a Half-Man. I come from these paradises around us into the wasteland of civilization. I am servant of the God Lathander, and I have been tasked with bring his light and his goodness to the world.

Since I was a boy, I have seen brutality. Many have gave in to it, a brave few, like brother Grouk, have stood up to it and left. My father's words were too compelling, so I listened to it. I was a brute of the wilderness, an axe for hire. But in my heart, there was always a hole.

Father killed a man. It should not been different, we've killed before. But this one was different. We had saved a village from bandits, and collected our dues. But as we left, my father was not with us. I went back to look with him, and found him looting a house, an old man with an ax in his skull. I yelled out at my father, and he tried to justify himself. Saying that we needed the money, that times were getting tough.

I threw off my axe and never returned to him.

I wandered through the wilds, the mountains and cities. The beasts of the cold and dark fought my body, and the beasts of drink and racism fought my soul. I found myself broken at the temple of Lathander, desperate to find healing. And that he gave.

He took my past and said it could be atoned for. He took my skills with an axe and said to use it to defend the good and innocent. He took my drink and said to use it to fuel my fury for justice. He took my desire for freedom and said to share it with others.

So now, here I am. I fight for good, with words and steel and spirit. I have come to this mercenary guild to find jobs to find people in need to assist, and gold to give out to those who need it more than I do. I gleefully welcome others to adventure with me, to share in tales and glory. Between the grace of my god and the depth of my wagon, I shall always be prepared to assist however I can; all I ask is that you will do the same for me.

Mariel Ailonen had always been told she took after her mother. Her nimbleness, desire to explore, the glint in her eye when she saw something she wanted and started planning how to obtain it. Her greatest regret was that she could no longer remember what her mother actually looked like, to know if the comments about physical similarity were accurate as well - a large, caring blur was all that came to mind. That and a large cloak - now one of Mariel's most prized possessions - were all that were remained, after that ill-fated scouting mission, more than 100 years ago now.

It was the exploration that eventually brought her to the temple of Mystra, and it's guardian, the Sentinel. In her, though young, he sensed competence, a measure of desire to learn by experiencing and the talent to return with the knowledge gained. He began giving her minor 'errands', and she took to these informal lessons like a duck to water. During this time she also met Thoven, a young elf only a few years older than her. The similarity in age, in a small elven town, drew them together. His knowledge of nature (which he was quite willing to share) and the fact he could almost keep up with her didn't hurt matters, either.

When she came of age, Mariel was sent to gather information about current happenings and opinions in the Moonsea, to the north. Skill with languages provided a cover - a scribe, specialising in translation. With a reasonable orcish minority, and being on the edge of a language group, those in charge in the region regularly required scribes who could reproduce their edicts in multiple languages. Most never noticed if minor peices of jewellery went missing around the same time, and those who did never connected the absence to a demure and bookish elven scribe.

Recently, while in Elventree, her childhood friend Thoven had asked if she would come with him to Damara. Something about an epic quest from his parents. No real details, but it sounded fun. And an opportunity to explore somewhere new. She agreed.

A season later, and here they were. Approaching the city mentioned in those 'help wanted' signs they'd seen since reaching southern Impiltur (seriously, they could have done with a greater selection of languages on those than just Damaran and Common). A wry grin formed on her face, hidden as it was behind the thick scarf, designed to keep the cold out.

This should be fun.

[Mardoc]

After entering Damara, you asked around for directions to the party offering rewards in the poster. It turned out to be a Royal decree. The rewards are offered in Bloodstone Pass. Entering Bloodstone Pass, you first pass through gates set in an enormous wall. You see a bustling town, full of energy. Not too many farmers around here, but an awful lot of traders, priests, soldiers, and other adventurers. soon you are directed to the Adventurer's Guild, a well kept but stark building near the gates.

Entering, you see a friendly clerk. "Ah, it's always good to see new faces!" he beams. I assume you're hear to find out about the rewards? It's quite simple, really. But let me introduce myself! My name's Marcus...and I bet you'll be seeing a lot of me, because I'm the one who keeps track of who's earned what reward!

First you need to sign up as a Registered Adventurer. I know, I know, most of you don't really like that sort of procedure, but it's quite simple, really. All we need from you is a pledge to follow the laws - no murder, no theft, general stuff like that. Oh, and we ask that you check in here from time to time, and let us know what you've seen and done. If it's heroic enough, the King will usually give you a reward even if he didn't offer one in advance.

Registered Adventurers are exempt from paying taxes, exempt from the usual salvage laws, and eligible for Royal Rewards. You can still be prosecuted for harming Damaran subjects, but Enemies of Damara are fair game. And you can keep their stuff, even if it's originally stolen from a Damaran subject.

In addition, whenever you're in town, you can show your pass and have free lodging, stabling and meals here at the Guild, free nursing care if necessary, basic equipment repair. Basically anything you need to get back in top shape and out on the roads again. It's not luxury, but I'm sure you'll find it adequate.

And of course we keep you informed as to what's going on in Damara - the other half of this building is the home of the Royal Scouts. And we help match you with companions. We try to put together adventuring parties of people who fill in gaps in each others' skills. You do us no good to go charging out on your own and get killed.

Ok? Great, just fill out this simple form, with your preferred weaponry, name and alias(es), any existing partnerships, and next of kin information (or, well, whoever you want notified in the event of your death or incapacitation).

----

After you finish the form, Marcus checks it over. Most of you recieve just a nod, but a couple of you he asks for clarification and more details. when that's done, he takes you to a cot in the barracks, that's yours as long as you stay, and then shows you to the cafeteria. The food is fairly uninspired: Bread, soup, and beer. But as he said, it's free, and you can have as much as you want.

You find some way to amuse yourself during the rest of the day, either inside the Guild, or exploring Bloodstone Pass...

----
Later that week, Marcus comes to each of you individually, and asks you to join him in the meeting room. Against the wall there's a table with more food - this time including some roast chicken, a better grade of beer, and even some cheap wine. It seems clear that he wants you in a good mood.

There are seven of you in the room, and Marcus says: "After studying your combat styles, I think you seven could be a good fit for each other. I think you'd be a good group to adventure in the Realms Beyond. Please, get to know each other, and make your arrangements. Here's a stack of various rewards that have been posted that I think you could handle; most of them are Royal, but a few private individuals have been permitted to post rewards here too. When you've finished discussing, you can find me at my post."

He hands you a stack of papers.

First up, a simple one:
Bounties! Per left ear, payable at the gate:
Goblin: 2g
Orc: 3g
Gnoll: 4g
Hobgoblin: 4g
Bugbear: 7g
Ogre 10g
Giant: 50-100g
Other: Negotiable
Infomation: Negotiable but generous

Royal Scouts: A party is wanted to escort a Royal Scout in the Midsummer Survey. Reward given on safe return of the Scout with complete information. Route is already chosen. Escorts needed for either northern Damara (250gp reward) and Vaasa (500gp reward). Bonuses available at King's discretion for hazards removed, but return of the Scout with information is the most vital portion of the mission.

Vaasa cleanup: a loyal subject has reported zombies interrupting his fur trapping business in Vaasa. Party wanted to find the lair and clean it out. 350gp reward. Likely remnants of the Witch King, with salvagable treasure. Bring a witness.

Nar peace brokering: reports have come in of Nars raiding some of the new settlements in Soravia. 750 gp to anyone who can find out why, and get them to stop, without starting a war

Damaran Reclamation: Lord Georgios offers a reward to anyone who will help him salvage the northeastern Kinbrace castle and surroundings. It is believed to have become the home base for a group of bandits called The Direwolfs. Reward is 20% of rents collected for the next five years.

With the possibilities laid out, you begin to discuss...

[BRickAstley]

Oh, how tragic that innocents have been set upon by the barbarians of Nar! I know firsthand the chaos and vileness that can come from savage banditry, and can not rest quietly whilst it goes on. I motion that we go save those poor villagers and find a way to persuade these wild terrors to leave them in peace.

[Lewwyn]

Besides Mariel and himself, the group did not appear to be comprised of the sharpest sticks in the forest, but Thoven was magnanimous. He was sure they would surprise him. He only hoped it would be for the better.

Thoven glanced over the bounty sheet in front of him. It seemed straightforward enough. Left. Ears. Why not the right? Who was in charge of ear storage? All of it struck him slightly humorous. But he was immediately curious about the bounty ion information. That might in fact be the most... lucrative.

In a room quiet and studious, he spoke first. "What sort of information are paying bounties on? Locations of bandits? Incoming attacks? Uprisings? Conspiracies for noble assassinations?" He stopped before he mentioned demon invasion. Already his excitement had begun to bubble up. "Ah, I forgot allow me to introduce myself, I am Thoven Foxglove, master of mysterious magics and transmutations, at your service!" He stood up and took a bow.

"As for the tasks ahead of us, I wish us good luck and propose we begin our adventures together perhaps laying waste to zombies? While I appreciate the value of information that the scout we escort might have, I think we might be better served not having to protect anyone but ourselves until we are sure of how well we work together and of how to appropriately do so! Not that I doubt we will harmonize magnificently." He stopped for a moment to read his new compatriots. "But I seemed to have babbled on! Please forgive my excitement."

Thoven sat back down and smiled. Mariel looked back to him with an arched eyebrow. Thoven only shrugged mischievously.

[Mattimeo]

"I feel I must disagree with you on choice of jobs, Thoven. By escorting one of the Royal Scouts, we're likely to pick up details and local knowledge that could help in future expeditions. We're also likely to encounter creatures listed on the bounties table - definitely more than if we go after undead, or to a country that is almost exclusively human.

And you, Gunther: we're in Bloodstone Pass. Jobs that involve travel to Vaasa, or a tour of northern Damara, can be started (and therefore finished) significantly faster than if we have to trek to the other side of the country before getting remotely close to the location of interest.

Marcus - are we allowed to know the planned route of these scouts, and the estimated time a patrol should take?"

[Commodore]

Clearly, we need to find a nest of goblins first. Pay the greedy little gits 2s per left ear, and you will have enough money to bankroll anything you want to do.