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Post by DM-Delfon on Aug 21, 2019 6:21:21 GMT -5
Xanadu yawns, picking the sleep out of the corners of his eyes, “Well there is no point staying here, let’s gather a few things and get going.”
Xanadu heads out of the High District, making his way to a tinker or weapon smith. He’s looking for a couple man catchers. Hollow thick poles with a Y shaped end, and a braided cord strung through the middle. At the Y shaped end, the cord is looped like a noose. The weapon is designed to capture and control rather than kill. ’They want proof. I will bloody well show them some proof.’
In addition to the man catchers, Xanadu gathers a large sac and a few lengths of heavy chains. Seeing Fillin’s confusion, Xanadu explains, “First we use the man catchers to prevent...” He pauses to change the word skeleton, wary of drawing the attention of those nearby, “Our target from being able to attack us back. Then we disarm the thing, and bag ‘em up. The chains just add a bit of extra security.”
With his supplies gathered, Xanadu heads toward the swamps. His first stop, visiting Planter’s Plantation. The alliteration of the name is completely lost on the gruff Dwarf.
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Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on Aug 31, 2019 4:32:38 GMT -5
As Fillin starts to put together what your doing the lad speaks up, oddly being bold. "Uh, Mr. Xanadu, sir, I'm the proof... I am a Cleric of Yondalla and as such I must speak only truths in the name of my Goddess so by me seeing the forest and declaring it to be a truth, I already believe you, but I'll be asked specifically if I have seen the threat myself, so we need not drag an undead along with us" Weather you take his word or not, Fillin follows you without question or complaint as you both head into the swamp, although you do note the slight frown on the halfing's face as he looks among the pools of water, probably wary of frogs.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Sept 1, 2019 14:43:46 GMT -5
Xanadu looks to Fillin, and smirks, "I believe ya lad, but we will be bringing them one of those skeletons." Turning his attention to walking, Xanadu continues, "You see, much as you're faithful to Yondalla, and as such your word is to be taken as truth. I am a faithful of Bahamut, and yet I am not extended the same level of trust." His hand drops to his belt buckle, hooking his thumb behind the belt so his fingers come to rest on the Bahamut Holy Symbol there, "Were it a slight against me, I would not care." He shrugs, "This however, is a slight against Bahamut, and that will not stand."
Explanations aside, Xanadu looks for Planter once he arrives at the fellows garden.
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Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on Jan 7, 2021 12:48:18 GMT -5
You trudge through the swampy and bogs, barely hearing the "What ifs" Fillin posses. Something about you being new in Town and a dozen maybe plausible and reasonable things. But, your dwarvish blood runs hot and your head is thicker than any stone. So it all bounces off of you as "excuses". You'll get that blasted proof and show them all.
You arrive at Gardener's Garden. And you wait. An hours passes. two hours pass. Maybe more... No sign of him or his pet. How long will you wait?
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Post by DM-Delfon on Jan 11, 2021 9:17:56 GMT -5
Xanadu waits maybe five minutes before he starts to pace back and forth, his route taking him around the gardens he helped to harvest the last time he was here. After a half an hour passes, the gruff Dwarf exhales sharply. "Let's go." He announces sharply. Without waiting to see if Fillin follows, Xanadu begins to trudge toward the forest. "Depending on when we reach the forest's edge, we will either camp outside or press onto the lake." He glances back at Fillin to make sure he's listening, "We find the skeleton closest to the bank and the surface, and try to attach the Mancatchers." The Dwarf moves his hands as if acting out the motion of the Mancatcher snapping into place. "Once secured, we free em from the water and bag em up." Pausing long enough to make strong eye contact with Fillin he adds, "Understood?"
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Post by lilmsdarknes on Dec 10, 2021 18:12:45 GMT -5
Fillin gives a nod though he tries to explain that its not necessary that they bring one back as the whole point of it was him seeing the forest and skeletons would be proof enough for the church, but eventually he gives up as Xanadu seems to not be listening to him so he simply follows along, trying his best not to get stuck.
The trip to the forest is uneventful and almost eerily quiet as if the swamp was expecting your return and did nothing to hinder you on your way.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Dec 10, 2021 19:11:10 GMT -5
Xanadu gauges the sun, making sure there will be enough time to follow their previous course to the lake, and back to the swamps after. He did not want to spend the night inside a forest that has a lake full of skeletons inside it. Since he recons that there’s enough time, he breeches the eerily straight border between the two terrains.
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Post by lilmsdarknes on Dec 11, 2021 9:28:18 GMT -5
the forest once again is quiet, the absence of birds or any other forest dwelling animals is unnerving to say the least. The air itself seems to staying still as if anything could wake the forest, or the evil the lurked in the shadows. As you approach the lake, nothing seems to have changed from when you were last here, though as soon as fillin gets close to the lakes edge, small ripples begin to appear as the skeletons struggle to break free and reach the surface. The sight of them sends fillin scrambling backwards away from the water’s edge, a look of sheer panic on his face.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Dec 12, 2021 16:47:45 GMT -5
Xanadu scans the shoreline looking for a single target that is close enough to catch with the man catchers. Once located, Xanadu sets to work immediately. He’s going to secure one of the man catchers on the creature, then pass it off to Fillin before attaching the other.
The plan is to drag the creature out, and disarm it. Possibly literally. Then stuff the thing into the bag and secure the chains. If the thing is light enough they could drag it back to the swamps first so they don’t risk more crawling up out of the deep.
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Post by lilmsdarknes on Dec 14, 2021 19:12:49 GMT -5
There is one skeleton close enough to the waters edge that it could be grabbed ( strength check).There are others near it but it seems perhaps that this would have been the next one to escape the water.
Once Fillin has regained his composure he follows close behind Xanadu ready to assist how ever he can.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Dec 15, 2021 13:45:52 GMT -5
With man-catcher attached, Xanadu begins hauling the skeleton out of the water. Once the creature breaks the surface, he drags it further up the shore away from it's companions. Next he passes off the man-catcher and grabs the other one to get it attached. This one specifically tries to negate any attacks the skeleton might make. Maybe trapping it's arms against it's sides, which will also have the benefit of making it easier to stuff into the sack they brought along for it.
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Post by lilmsdarknes on Dec 16, 2021 18:04:18 GMT -5
the skeletons struggles aren't much of a match for Xanadu and Fillin together so its easy to make quick work of tying up the skeleton and stuffing it into the bag. it does seem to try to talk but its more like a groaning sound than actual words.
once the skeleton is secured Fillin drops the man-catcher and steps back sending up a silent prayer to his god. A look of fear still clings to his face, but he tries very hard to hide it.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Dec 17, 2021 16:46:40 GMT -5
Once the skeleton is stuffed into the bag, Xanadu wraps the bag in another bag with the openings set in opposite sides. After the second bag, he wraps the lot in heavy chains. “Looks like we’re done here Fillin, let’s go.” Following his own suggestion, he starts trudging back toward the city.
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Post by lilmsdarknes on Dec 17, 2021 18:56:46 GMT -5
fillin swallows past the lump in his throat and nods following behind, with one last glance towards the lake as if expecting another skeleton to come climbing out after them. though once you both leave the forest he seems to relax a bit. The swamp is eerily quiet yet again even more so now with a skeleton in tow. the quicker you get this threat back to the temple the quicker it can be dealt with.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Dec 18, 2021 8:00:06 GMT -5
Impatient as ever, Xanadu begins trudging back to town. Unlike his last trip to town, he doesn’t run himself into exhaustion. He takes a similar path to what he has traveled before, trying to stay away from Black Scale territory. Last thing he needs is a squad of Lizardfolk to attack while he’s carrying an undead beastie.
When Fillin begins to lag behind, Xanadu takes stock of how tired his own muscles are feeling. “We will make camp there.” Xanadu says abruptly, pointing over at the nearest dry section of the swamp. While Fillin sets up the campsite, Xanadu rigs a tripod out of the man catchers and some locally sourced materials. He rigs it so the skeleton’s sack is suspended off the ground. If it escapes it will fall, and make enough noise to wake him up.
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Post by lilmsdarknes on Dec 18, 2021 8:43:46 GMT -5
Fillin busily sets up camp and starts a small fire to cook some food as he wanted to test out a new recipe for Xanadu who had always seemed to enjoy his cooking. He would occasionally glance towards the skeleton as if expecting it to break free. other than the occasional rustle and groan from the skeleton it remained in place. Soon the smell of tasty cooked meat filled their small campsite. "are you hungry mr.Xanadu?" he asked as he offered up a dish.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Dec 18, 2021 10:44:29 GMT -5
Once the skeleton is secured, Xanadu moves to help Fillin set up the camp. Once everything is done, and Fillin is cooking Xanadu thumps down on his bedroll. "I'm always hungry Fillin." The words sound gruff, but there is a hint of appreciation in his voice as well. Xanadu has eaten better during his travels with Fillin then any time previous. Even on his old ship with a full time cook they didn't eat as well. Not that he says any of that to Fillin.
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Post by lilmsdarknes on Dec 18, 2021 12:06:00 GMT -5
Fillin dished up a plate of some meats and root vegetables and passed it to Xanadu, the meat held a Smokey taste as if it had been smoked and cured, tender root vegetables all things that would travel well and were nice and filling, it even had a nice sauce to it, though how Fillin managed to make this at a simple campsite is his little secret. Dishing up his own plate he takes a seat on his own bedroll, eyeing the skeleton as he ate.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Dec 20, 2021 6:54:59 GMT -5
Xanadu takes the plate with a sturdy nod. Holding it flat under his nose and inhaling deeply. He savors the scent like a wine snob swirling their glass, before digging into the food with reckless abandon. Seeing Fillin’s eyes, he says through a mouthful, “If it gets loose it will rattle as it hits the ground. We will take turns on watch, but more for threats from outside the campsite than from within.” After the meal he hands Fillin the dirty dishes and prepares his bedroll. “Wake me when it’s my turn.”
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Post by lilmsdarknes on Dec 20, 2021 17:20:18 GMT -5
Fillin takes the dish and sets about cleaning up from dinner. "yes sir" he says as packs away the dishes and the rest of the stuff before taking a seat on his bedroll again. The quiet sounds of the swamp are all that can be heard, well besides the croaking of what sounds like a large frog. though you haven't come across many frogs in the swamp, but frogs are harmless enough. as you settle into sleep it seems a second from has joined the first in an odd little song. Fillin is more focused on the skeleton though he does check the rest of their surroundings in between.
You manage to get a few hours of uninterrupted sleep till fillin's voice wakes you up. " Um... Mr... Ummm... Mr Xanadu....wa......"the rest of his words are silenced as the spear is pressed against his stomach. Not to draw blood but definitely enough to scare him into silence.
Roll Initiative!
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Post by DM-Delfon on Dec 20, 2021 18:58:47 GMT -5
Xanadu hears Fillin, but distantly given his sleep clouded state. The Dwarf yawns, sitting up and stretching, "Is it my turn for watch? Or did that bloody skeleton wiggle a little and set your heart to flutter?" Though Xanadu's eyes have been open, he finally begins to actually see what's going on around his little campsite. He gets to his feet, and asks, "And who might you lot be? And why do you think poking a spear in my companion's gut is an acceptable way to behave?" He imbues the last bit with a touch of his normal gruffness, adding a bit of an unsaid "or else" with his tone.
Initiative 7! Intimidate 13!
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Post by lilmsdarknes on Dec 20, 2021 19:23:39 GMT -5
once your awake enough to realise its not the skeleton that seems to have scared fillin but three human sized frog creatures. One holds the spear poking fillins gut and the other two stand behind the first. Eyes darting back and forth between xanadu and the skeleton, they seem to be eyeing it with interest as there seems to be more movement from the skeleton than earlier. With a croaking sound that reverberates threw the swamp two of the frogs launch them selves at you mouths open wide.
initiative frog A frog B xanadu frog c (the one with the spear pointed at fillin) fillin
(frog A)-attack-15 (hp-18/18) (frog b) attack-12 (hp-18/18)
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Post by DM-Delfon on Dec 20, 2021 19:34:57 GMT -5
(I was sleeping, so I don't have my shield on. AC 16.)
Xanadu ignores the two that attacked him, pushing past them to drive the one attacking Fillin back. Since these are not Dragons, Xanadu draws the Saw-Toothed Long Sword instead of his pick. Anger floods through him as he charges, his last coherent thought, "Who dares wake up a Dwarf!" When he reaches the frog he hacks across it's arm, trying to sever it completely. After all, you can't hold a spear, you can't stab a Halfling.
Bonus Action Rage Attack Action on Frog C: 11+6=17 Damage: 3+6=9 (+1 bleed) (depending on how far apart things were, I may have provoked from both frog people)
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Post by lilmsdarknes on Dec 21, 2021 19:19:39 GMT -5
your blade connects with its arm and blood seems to squirt out but it doesn't sever it completely as it drops the spear a croaking scream of sorts can be heard as the two frogs you pushed past turn around and attack with their spears.
(frog A) spear-attack-17 (damage-4)(hp-18/18) (frog b) spear-attack 13 (no damage) (hp-18/18) (frog c) Bite-attack 19 (damage-3) (hp-8/18) (xanadu hp-27/30)
Fillin drops down on his butt and using your distraction to disengage and scramble backwards till there is some distance between him and the frogs but still close enough that he can assist as needed.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Dec 21, 2021 19:40:00 GMT -5
Xanadu growls at the frogman with it's mouth wrapped around his arm, he shakes his head and raises the sword again. Instead of hacking the creature again, he presses the blade down onto it's snout driving the blade in a few inches before twisting it and removing it.
Attack: 14+6=20 Damage: 3+6=9 +1 bleed (now 2 total bleed)
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Post by lilmsdarknes on Dec 21, 2021 20:29:20 GMT -5
The frog releases its hold on Xanadu's arm and disengages moving back as the other two charge at Xanadu, mouths wide open. Fillin stands and moves closer to Xanadu waiting for an opening to heal him from the wounds.
(frog A)Bite attack-19 damage 3 (hp-18/18) (frog B) bite attack-18 damage 3 (hp-18/18) (frog C) (hp-4/18) Xanadu (24/30)
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Post by DM-Delfon on Dec 21, 2021 20:49:36 GMT -5
Leaving the first one to bleed out, he pivots and slashes at one of the others. Xanadu growls at them both, driving forward into their attacks recklessly, "Never. Wake. Up. A. Dwarf!" He shouts each word in time with his strikes.
Attack: 16+6=22 Damage: 4+6=10 +1 Bleed
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Post by lilmsdarknes on Dec 22, 2021 6:42:57 GMT -5
The frog you attacked stumbles back slightly before tripping over the dead body of his companion as the other one charges at you intending to impale you on its spear.
(frog A) (hp-7/18) (frog B) spear attack-17 (hp-18/18) (damage 4) (frog C)-dead. (xanadu hp22/30)
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Post by DM-Delfon on Dec 22, 2021 7:38:40 GMT -5
Xanadu makes a shoeing motion at Fillin with his shield hand before driving himself toward the wounded frog man. He reaches out with the fingers that are wrapped around the handle of his shield and grabs the creature's jaw, hauling him forward as he stabs his sword through the creature's gut. Putting a foot on the creature beside the sword he pushes the beast off his blade and turns his anger toward the final one. "Leave or die. Tell your friends that we are not to be bothered."
Attack: 12+6=18 Damage: 4+6=10 Intimidation: 14+0=14
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Post by lilmsdarknes on Dec 22, 2021 17:43:07 GMT -5
a dying croak is heard from the frog that you just kicked off your blade, causing the other one to pause and look at its companions. With one last glance at the where the skeleton hung, the frog turned around and using its powerful leg takes a huge leap quickly followed by a few more as it flees in terror. Leaving the fallen bodies of its companions where they were. "what were they?" comes fillin's voice from beside you as he lays a hand on xanadus arm, muttering a few words of healing.
(cure wounds 7, xanadu is now back at full hp)
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