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CH. 4: False Gods

This 2E Dragonlance game is set in the city of Haven, during the War of the Lance. Haven is a city undergoing great upheaval. First massive numbers of refugees pour in, then the city is conquered by a draconic army. Can our heroes survive under this dark occupation?

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Re: CH. 4 - False Gods

Post by djhyland »

Darga listens silently to Haahqae's rambling expectations to kill a giant, nonplussed. While chasing after such a creature would likely get him out of town and away from the suspicions of the guards, actually defeating or driving away a giant seems like a dangerous and unlikely undertaking.

Gregeddin's arrival eases Darga's worries somewhat, though. After Tulbas gives his explanation about his uncle, Darga speaks up. "Th' elf lad's uncle ain't th' only problem we got" he says, "e'en if it be th' worst. Th' guards're lookin' fer us...or, leastwise, they're lookin' fer th' people behind th' murder at th' docks las' night. They don' know it was us, but they got our looks. We need ta lay low."
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Re: CH. 4 - False Gods

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Haahqae completes his explanation with: "So yes, we know hill giants are big and stupid, like bigger and stupider then most other races. I wouldn't want to arm wrestle one, but we may be able to convince it to eat a wrench or something. Besides, they're giants are so slow and stupid we're likely to be safer fighting it then sticking our heads out around here."

It wasn't really Haahqae's forte to lay low. Instead he's figured out that if he makes a mistake in one town, the best way to deal with it is to travel to a new town and suddenly all his problems will be solved.
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Re: CH. 4 - False Gods

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"So, it is a hill giant? What else do you know about it? Where was it spotted? Who complained about it and how often did it attack?"
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Re: CH. 4 - False Gods

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"Well it dwells nearby, in the mountains and attacks more often then a major lab explosion . I didn't catch the name of the huntsman, but he stands about yea high and carries a bow an' likes to dress in green and brown. He's at the Tankard. Oh right, guess some of you might not know about explosion frequency. That is to say every few days."

"So what I'm sayin' is if we're a hero to the people cause we killed 'dem a giant, and a hero to the authorities cause the people be causing them less headaches, who'd ever want to hunt us down for our rescue at the docks?"
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Re: CH. 4 - False Gods

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"The Holy Guard would!" Tulbas answers Haaque optimistic rhetorical question, proving it is not so rhetorical after all.

"Well, as you see I'm more concerned right now with my uncle state, but hypothetically, let's start to analyze the giant behavior. You said he attacks every few days. Just to make things clear, in our lab explosions are rare. Happens only dozen of times in a lifetime and our lifetime is long," he smiles, but his smile fades and he frowns as he adds, "although, to be fair, the explosions sometimes shortens it." he ponders for a moment before continuing, "So, anyway, better use 'Days' as time measurement.

Before going blindly on a hunt, one, or a group of heroes for that matter, should ask themselves if they are sure it is the same giant that comes every time? Does he come at the same route? What weapons have he been spotted with? Why does he come alone? Have others tried to face him? Has others tried to track his lair?"
he waits to see if Haaque is following. "We should consider there might be more than one. We should consider his route and where is the best spot to deal with him, whether the mountains or the plains. I would think it would be better in the plains since the mountains are his home field and there might be rocks he can use as weapon against us, on the other hand we should find a place which is good for ambush. We also should search if there is reading material regarding giants. Maybe others who fought them before founded weaknesses, and maybe this specific one has weaknesses of his own that were observed in his previous attacks. We should consider what best weapons and spells we can use against it and come prepared. We should also consider the option of finding a way for the people to hide when he comes or to scare him off, or to delude him to believe there is a risk attacking those refugees, such as another stronger beast that will fight him over the prey, or convince him that there is better place to plunder somewhere else. And obviously if he comes every few days, it would be better to prepare fast to prevent the next slaughter. We should also consider the reason he doeas that. Is it for fun? Is it for food? Maybe something meaner that it is forcing it to do so?

So you see, hypothetically there is much to do, research and think about before running on to the field."

He pauses again, thinks for a moment, takes a deep breath and continues, "Now, as much as I don't want the refugees killed for no reason but the pleasure of the giant, I don't want us dead too. And there is a big risk with going to fight a giant. Need I remind you last night fight? There was no giant there and that cavalier hacked off Darga, Kynaston and Kendra pretty easily. Wouldn't she have her potion and you and me distracting him and Daxia scorching him, she would be dead, and probably Darga and Kynaston too. We should ask ourselves if we fit for this mission and what would we gain by protecting these people. Besides glory and clean consciousness. So after answering these too questions, if you find that hunter trustworthy, you can bring him here to discuss all these matters."
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Re: CH. 4 - False Gods

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Deciding to call it a day so they can lay low, recover from injuries and research their next move, the party goes their separate ways.

Haahqae
Haahqae borrows the book on ancient wizards and returns to the Steel Tankard. He updates the huntsman on his attempt to build a group, but neglects to ask him his name. He then heads up to his room where he reads the book and practices juggling. At dinner time, he descends down to put on a show and get some food. Sadly, he doesn't earn any coin at all from the performance, as the refugees just don't have any copper to spare now that winter is fast approaching.

The next morning, Haahqae wakes up to find it's a little warmer today, but still quite cold, especially for someone with no jacket or cloak. It is drizzling rain on and off, but nothing serious.

Kendra
Kendra spends the entire day in bed, more or less. Norris checks up on her regularly, and brings her dinner at nightfall.

When she wakes up the next day, she finds her injuries have healed up a bit. Two of her wounds are now nothing more than slight scratches and her worst injury seems to be on the mend, as well. Today is also the day she agreed to get married. When she wakes up, she finds Norris is already gone from bed.

Gregeddin
Gregeddin spends most of the day at the mageware shop. He visits Mad Marvin at Tulbas' request, to learn if there's anything more than can be done for Raetmal. But there is not. He also acquires the spellbook Raetmal promised him and is tutored by Tulbas in the basics of spellcasting. Gregeddin finds he can pick it up fairly easy. He has spent years learning bits and pieces of just about everything he can find, and this pays off here. However, he discovers that using any kind of magic while wearing his armor is impossible. When night falls, he returns home to eat dinner with his parents and tell them about his progress in learning sorcery.

The next morning, he finds it a little warmer than the day before, although still quite cold. He feels much better, the last of his injury healing up entirely during the night.

Darga
Darga heads back to Kynaston's home--now his home and lays low for the rest of the day. He finds there is still some food left in the pantry and eats his fill. Although many would find living in Trench's place somewhat uncomfortable--it's small and in bad repair--it's like a palace compared to the places Darga has lived in the past.

The next morning, he finds it a little warmer than the day before, although still pretty cold. It's drizzling slightly, but not enough to be any real bother. He also finds the last of his wounds from the mine incident has healed up, although his more recent wounds from the cavalier are still fairly sore.

Tulbas
Aside from spending some time tutoring Gregeddin, Tulbas spends the whole day at his uncle's side. Raetmal remains unconscious throughout. Now and again he stirs, as if having a nightmare, but does not rouse.

The following day, Raetmal seems to be a little better. Some color has returned to his cheeks and he seems to stir less often. However, he remains unconscious.

==========

It is now Autumn Harvest 18th, World Tree at Third Watch.

Kendra regains 3 HP.
Gregeddin regains 1 HP. He is no longer injured.
Darga regains 1 HP.

mgbevan, you may choose up to four spells for Gregeddin to learn. He has a 65% chance to learn them. Just let me know which ones you are interested in. (I'm not sure if you have access to a PHB, if not, let me know.)

Casters may pick new spells today.
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Re: CH. 4 - False Gods

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Kendra gets out of bed with a slightly groan. She takes the time to get dressed and make sure she looks presentable before she heads out to parent's house.
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Re: CH. 4 - False Gods

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Opposed to every other morning, as soon as Tulbas wakes up he goes to check upon his uncle instead of learning his spells. Encouraged by the slight improvement he goes back to his room considering the spells that might be useful for him today. Planning to keep his post near his uncle, and fearing the black robed mage Tulbas decides to learn today an offensive spell.
Finishing his breakfast he considers suggesting Haaque to speak with Nora about helping the refugees and about the rescue of Darewind.

========================================================
(OOC: Tulbas learns 'Magic Missile', 'Shield', 'Read Magic', 'Grease')
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Re: CH. 4 - False Gods

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Darga wakes up early, or at least as relatively so after a night's worth of uninterrupted (and much needed) sleep. Stretching, he's pleased to find that he feels better than he has for a long, long time, even if his wounds from the ambush on the Ergothians still hurt. With such an improvement, he feels grateful to Kynaston's generous gift of his home.

But as much as he'd like to stay in the warm luxury of the house, Darga knows that his worries are still there, secure home or no. After going out back to fetch water to wash up with from the rain barrel, Darga readies himself for the day. Not expecting any trouble--at least, not yet!--he leaves his armor stowed under the cot and dresses for the weather. Taking his walking stick with him, he locks the door behind him and heads towards the herbalist's shop. Although he doesn't expect the elf to have recovered enough to even wake up, perhaps the elf boy might appreciate some company.
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Re: CH. 4 - False Gods

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Kendra Synclair (2527 Market Street, Greylock's Gorgeous Gems)
Kendra gets dressed and heads downstairs, where she finds Norris is already waiting for her. "Good morning!" he says. "I've made breakfast. How are you feeling now?" he asks, setting the table. The smell of fried eggs and bacon wafts from the kitchen.

Tulbas Erogund (253 Herbalist Street, Erogundali Mageware Shop)
After checking on his uncle, Tulbas eats a quick breakfast and studies his spells for the day. A short time later, he hears a rap at the door.

Darga (12 River Way, Trench Residence)
After cleaning himself up, Darga leaves his armor behind and heads out to the mageware shop. He uses his staff to knock at the door to let Tulbas know he has arrived.
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Re: CH. 4 - False Gods

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"I'm still a little sore, but I think I'll be okay," Kendra says she sits down at the table. "So, um, big day today, huh?"
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Re: CH. 4 - False Gods

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Hearing the knock on the door Tulbas jumps in alert. He sneaks again to the farthest window and peeks towards the door. Seeing Darga he quickly let him in and locks the door.
"Good morning Darga. How are you feeling?" he asks his tone surrenders no emotion. "You know, I couldn't think properly yesterday, but now, I see you are still wounded. If you want I can attend to your wounds so you can heal faster. Considering your contribution rescuing Daxia and helping carry my uncle, this is the least I could do." He suggests politely, even though he still feels detached from any other race but elves.
"By the way, did you see any sign of the mage who spoke with you yesterday?"

====================================================================
(OOC: I forgot, does Tulbas or any of the others know that Kendra is marrying today? (beside Kendra of course :))
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Re: CH. 4 - False Gods

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Darga shakes his head at Tulbas's offer. "No, ya shouldn't trouble yerself over me. I've felt worse before, an' ya got better things ta worry 'bout." Hesitating to look back at the door and making no move to enter further into the shop, Darga adds, "I haven't seen th'mage either, but I ain't been out lookin' fer trouble. I jes' came by ta check on ya an' yer uncle, see if there's anything I kin do ta help."

(OOC: Darga doesn't know that Kendra's to be married today.)
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Re: CH. 4 - False Gods

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"No." Tulbas say to Daga. "We should lay low, as you suggested. Let's wait for Haaque. He will probably come here with countless new ideas what to do." he says with a little smile.
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Re: CH. 4 - False Gods

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An' all o' 'em bad! snorts Darga. "Th' gnome thinks too fast fer his sense ta keep up with. He's got someone who wants us ta fight a giant? An' he thinks that jes' the two o' us can do th' job? I want ta help this town, but I don' want ta end up dead doin' so!"
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