Almaric's Tale

Almaric’s Tale - Fighting Frogs at the Lake

Knowing that he’s badly hurt, Almaric attempts a strategic withdrawal towards his pack and the added safety of his shield. His hope is that the frogs won’t venture too far from the water.

[/OOC Round 2 initiative is: Almaric (7+1)=8, Frog #1 (9) and Frog #2 (18)]

Before he can make any headway back to dry land, both the frogs again launch frenzied attacks…

[/OOC Frog #2 attacks 3 times - twice with claws and once with a bite.
Claw 1, rolls (5)-Almaric’s AC(5)=0. MISS
Claw 2, rolls (7)-Almaric’s AC(5)=2. MISS
Bite, rolls (17)-Almaric’s AC(5)=12. HIT
Damage is 2 HP.
Frog #1 attacks 3 times - twice with claws and once with a bite.
Claw 1, rolls (9)-Almaric’s AC(5)=4. MISS
Claw 2, rolls (2)-Almaric’s AC(5)=-3. MISS
Bite, rolls (4)-Almaric’s AC(5)=-1. MISS
Almaric’s HP are down to 1 out of 9.]

Almaric’s vision blurs as he feels his lifeblood seeping into the lake’s chill waters. Managing to take a few unsteady steps backwards through the shin-deep water, he almost loses his footing but manages to get his feet under him in time. Wobbling, he staggers to where his pack lies on the shore.

[/OOC Almaric attempted to make a FIGHTING WITHDRAWAL but because he lost the initiative he was unable to move before the frog’s attack and therefore had no chance to make his retaliation attack.]

Almaric glances down to where his shield lies propped against his backpack. Flicking his gaze back to the frogs, he prays he will get the chance to use it…

[/OOC: Almaric is currently in combat with 2 uninjured frogs but is unengaged and 15’ away. He has only 1 out of 9 HP remaining. He has a MIGHT and a LUCK bonus available for use at any time.]

Almaric’s Tale - Death at the Lake

[/OOC Almaric will be using DEFENSIVE FIGHTING this round (HOUSE RULE: automatic loss of initiative, +2 AC, -4 to hit)
Round 3 initiative is: Almaric (Fighting defensively)=0, Frog #1 (15) and Frog #2 (14)]

Although Almaric is back on dry land, he may still be out of his depth. He knows that he can’t take another hit. Perhaps the frogs know this also as they bound towards him, each hop heralded by a loud, sinister croak.

[/OOC Frog #1 attacks 3 times - twice with claws and once with a bite.
Claw 1, rolls (15)-Almaric’s AC(5)-Defensive Fighting(2)=8. MISS
Claw 2, rolls (9)-Almaric’s AC(5)-Defensive Fighting(2)=2. MISS
Bite, rolls (2)-Almaric’s AC(5)-Defensive Fighting(2)=-5. MISS
Frog #2 attacks 3 times - twice with claws and once with a bite.
Claw 1, rolls (14)-Almaric’s AC(5)-Defensive Fighting(2)=7. MISS
Claw 2, rolls (15)-Almaric’s AC(5)-Defensive Fighting(2)=8. MISS
Bite, rolls (9)-Almaric’s AC(5)-Defensive Fighting(2)=2. MISS]

Panting heavily, Almaric manages to survive the vicious onslaught of the slimy creatures. Flicking sweat-slicked hair from his brow, he reaches down and snatches up his shield in a practised motion that slides it on his arm and brings it up to guard his body. As his hand tightens around its grip, his knuckles white almost as if trying to wring some extra measure of strength to aid him, he again swings at his accursed attackers…

[/OOC Almaric automatically lost the initiative so he was unable to move before the frogs re-engaged him, therefore he must remain in combat this round.
Almaric attacks Frog #1. Needs an 8+, rolls (13)-Defensive Fighting(4)-**(Frog AC)=MISS]

The frog hops away from his strike, and Almaric finds himself momentarily overextended.

[/OOC I have enough rolls left to continue the fight and I will assume that Almaric continues to fight defensively since he needs all the AC he can get.
Round 4 initiatives: Almaric (Fighting defensively)=0, Frog #1 (1) and Frog #2 (12)]

This is it. Even as Almaric tries to catch his breath, the frogs attack yet again…

[/OOC Frog #2 attacks 3 times - twice with claws and once with a bite.
Claw 1, rolls (5)-Almaric’s AC(7)-Defensive Fighting(2)=-4. MISS
Claw 2, rolls (16)-Almaric’s AC(7)-Defensive Fighting(2)=7. MISS
Bite, rolls (12)-Almaric’s AC(7)-Defensive Fighting(2)=3. MISS
Frog #1 attacks 3 times - twice with claws and once with a bite.
Claw 1, rolls (19)-Almaric’s AC(7)-Defensive Fighting(2)=10. HIT!!!
Almaric uses the HOUSE RULE:‘Shields shall be splintered’ - NO DAMAGE
Claw 2, rolls (7)-Almaric’s AC(7)-Defensive Fighting(2)=-2. MISS
Bite, rolls (17)-Almaric’s AC(7)-Defensive Fighting(2)=8. MISS

/HOUSE RULE: ‘Shields shall be splintered’: Any time a PC is about to take damage and has a shield equipped, he may choose to sacrifice the shield in order to avoid incurring the wound. The shield is sundered by the blow and destroyed, but the PC takes no damage. In the case of spells that allow a saving throw for half damage, this rule may be invoked if the save against the spell is failed. Doing so successfully reduces the damage by half. If the saving throw is successful, the shield can be sacrificed to avoid taking the half-damage. In the case of magical shields, invoking this rule means that the PC takes no damage from the blow but the shield loses one “plus” from its enchantment.]

This time the blistering attacks rip his freshly equipped shield from his arm and with a feeling of dismay, Almaric shakes the splintered ruin free and grips his longsword two-handed. At least he thinks he now has the measure of the creatures he faces.

[/OOC From the combat results, Almaric can deduce that the frogs will hit him on a 9+]

Bracing his feet, he launches a vicious downward sword blow - arcing from high right to low left…

[/OOC Again Almaric automatically lost the initiative and is unable to move because he is engaged in combat with a frog, therefore he must remain in combat this round.
Almaric attacks Frog #1. Needs an 8+, rolls (20)-Defensive Fighting(4)-**(Frog AC)=CRITICAL HIT!
Damage from double-handed longsword is MAX(8)+STR mod.(2)+Fighter mod.(1)=11. KILLSHOT!]

The blade bites deep, leaving a gushing wound. The frog is bludgeoned into the soft sand from the impact and dies instantly. Without shifting position, Almaric continues the blade’s arc back up and then brings it back down in another slash, this time from upper left to lower right…

[/OOC Almaric attempts to CLEAVE the second frog. He needs an 8+, rolls (20)-Defensive Fighting(4)-**(Frog AC)=CRITICAL HIT!
Damage from double-handed longsword is MAX(8)+STR mod.(2)+Fighter mod.(1)=11. DOUBLE-KILLSHOT!!]

The flashing arc terminates directly across the frog’s back with a crunch that ends it’s life mid-croak.

Finally, Almaric takes a stumbling step backwards and drops to one knee, gasping for breath and bleeding heavily. But at least he yet lives.

[/OOC: You have lost your shield. Almaric has only 1 out of 9 HP remaining. He has a MIGHT and a LUCK bonus available for use at any time. I need you to give me 2 extra rolls next time - a d11 and a d10 for two new Bonus Cards.]

/GM NOTE: Back-to-back natural 20s - you double-jammy bastige! Grrr…

Almaric’s Tale - The Lake (aftermath)

[/OOC You have gained two new Bonus Cards - Finesse (+1 to hit) and Automatic Success (succeed on any STR or CON check OR gain +5% bonus XP)]

Gathering his things together, Almaric moves away from the water’s edge, back towards the pathway. Squatting down he begins to carefully clean and dress his painful wounds.

[/OOC First Aid [1d4 rolled for a total of: 4 (4)]. Almaric heals himself for 4 HP]

Having done the best that he can, Almaric knows that he is still in no shape to continue on today so he decides to return to the Travelling Man to rest for the remainder of the day and resume his hunt again once he is fully healed.

Moving cautiously, alert to any possible danger, Almaric retraces his tracks back west to the crossroads. From there he strikes out north and just before reaching the junction of the tower/clearing paths, he is forced to hide in the undergrowth as he catches sight of a huge, lone, ugly human walking towards him. Trying his hardest to control his breathing and remain hidden, Almaric is alarmed to see the creature in better detail as it passes within feet of where he lies hidden. An ogre!

Almaric waits a good few minutes after the brute has gone, just to make sure before breaking cover and once again heading back to the inn.

Reaching the junction, Almaric turns east and continues on to the clearing where the rest of his gear is hidden. It is late afternoon now and the sky is beginning to don its evening wear although there is still light enough for him to hunt out his belongings, check and then collect them. After adjusting the straps on his packs, he continues on the last leg of his journey, albeit somewhat burdened.

The path north out of the clearing eventually leads him back to the safety of the road and as the sun is dipping below the horizon he heads towards it and the haven that is the Travelling Man. Just as the welcome sight of the structure peeps into view, Almaric’s pace is accelerated by the sound of wolves calling somewhere deep in the woods to the south. Moments later he is through the door and into the soft glow of lamplight and the warmth of a welcoming fire and Hugo’s hospitality.

As a frothy mug of ale and a steaming bowl of stew are placed in front of him, Almaric is urged by Hugo to tell of his search for the bandits as Kel helps out behind the bar. The tale goes on into the late evening and by the end of it, Almaric has the attention of both Hugo and Kel along with the small handful of tavern patrons. Eventually, he is done and feeling every mile he has walked and every blow that has landed, Almaric begs off any more tales and heads to his room - which, true to his word, Hugo has kept ready for him.

Falling into the bed, which feels so much softer and comforting than he remembered it to be, Almaric’s last thoughts are of what has occurred and what might yet transpire in his hunt for the bandits…


[/OOC: Almaric has 5 out of 9 HP remaining. He has MIGHT, LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time. I would suggest that you use the Automatic Success bonus now to claim the +5%XP bonus as you rest up overnight. It will take a FULL day of rest to get any additional HP back without some form of medicinal/healing aid (Healing Salve/Poultice). Drop off/restock any gear from the chest in the room and recalculate your equipment list and encumbrance.]

Almaric’s Tale - The Travelling Man

Next morning, Almaric takes stock of his belongings and cleans them up before packing some away in the chest in his room. Using the knowledge he gained from his time spent adventuring with his parents, he studies the silver emerald necklace whilst cleaning it. He thinks it is most likely worth something in the mid two hundred gold range but understands that he is unlikely to see it fetch anything like that amount. A realistic figure would be between a hundred and twenty five to a hundred and seventy five. Still, it’s all money he didn’t have and it all goes towards his expenses.

/RULES
ADVENTURING PROFICIENCY
The character is well-equipped for a life of adventure. He knows how to clean and sharpen weapons, saddle and ride a horse, set up a camp, and search for a secret door. He has a rough idea of the value of common coins, trade goods, gems, and jewellery. All player characters are assumed to have Adventuring for purposes of the proficiency throws of standard adventuring tasks.

After breakfast, Almaric gives Hugo five gold coins for the hospitality he’s already enjoyed and toward the next couple of days. Hugo tries to argue that the money is not necessary since he had agreed that it was part of his side of the bargain to aid Almaric in his hunt for the bandits. However after a few bouts of good-natured banter, he eventually relents and reluctantly takes the coins.

Thinking it would be foolhardy to go into the wilds with injuries, Almaric decides not to go out again until he is rested and properly equipped. To that end he also asks Hugo if there is anywhere nearby he could get a new shield and possibly some salves or poultices, offering the necklace as payment. Hugo thinks for a moment and then taking the necklace, he heads off looking for Kel.


Later that day, Hugo knocks on Almaric’s door and presents him with a replacement shield. He says that one of the other guests is a merchant and he bought the shield from one of his guards. He also informs Almaric that there are currently no healing supplies available but he is expecting a travelling apothecary either tomorrow or the day after. He will buy what he can up to the limits of the necklace’s worth and return any surplus funds.

Having cleaned and redressed his wounds, Almaric spends another restful night in his room and by the next day his wounds are fully healed.

[/OOC: Add the shield to your inventory while removing the necklace. You have also gained 1,015 XP (bonuses included). Almaric is now fully healed. He has MIGHT, LUCK and FINESSE bonuses available for use at any time.]

Almaric’s Tale - A New Day, A New Beginning

First thing in the morning, Almaric has breakfast, readies himself and leaves the inn with a determined look on his face.

Heading east along the road to the site of his original ambush, he then strikes off south and shortly arrives at the clearing where he recovered some of his possessions. Looking around at the clearing and the pathways out of it, Almaric decides that he really should investigate the eastern path more thoroughly before progressing further south. However, he is all too aware that there was an Ogre in the general area last time he was here. He will need to be wary, even though he has previously explored some of these trails.

Once again he takes the eastern path out of the clearing.

The trail here is overgrown and very hard to follow, however the happy gurgle of rushing water again alerts Almaric to the presence of the stream even before he has cleared the undergrowth. The quickly running water is only about ten feet wide and he recalls that it was fairly shallow - the stream bed filled with gravel and small stretches of sand. Larger rocks and trees have created pools up and down the stream. The water runs off to the south and the path continues on the opposite side of the stream.

With no ready alternative available, Almaric carefully wades through the chilly water and resumes his travels along the pathway.

Not long after crossing the stream, Almaric notices that the path is slowly descending into a lower area of the woods. The ground is growing soft and the trees are beginning to thin. Marsh grass and tall reeds are getting thick. Ahead he sees the path disappear into a swamp-like area several hundred feet wide and deep. The land all around the swamp rises back into the forest. The swamp sits in a low depression. In the centre of the swamp, Almaric can see a mound made of mud and tree branches. There do not appear to be any other paths leading out of the swamp.

[/OOC: Almaric is uninjured. He has MIGHT, LUCK and FINESSE bonuses available for use at any time.]

Almaric’s Tale - The Swamp

Crossing into a swamp by himself to investigate a mound seems like a foolhardy decision, so Almaric backtracks west to the clearing.

Whilst listening for the sounds of movement and ready to take cover, he makes his way westward across the clearing towards the area where the tower and graves were. At the junction where he saw the Ogre, Almaric turns south and heads down to the next crossways and then swings east to the place where the frogs almost claimed his life.

Once there, and keeping his shield readied (for he has learned from his mistakes), Almaric finishes his investigation of the canoe - he finds nothing of interest, the canoe is damaged beyond repair.

[/OOC: Almaric is uninjured. He has MIGHT, LUCK and FINESSE bonuses available for use at any time.]

Almaric’s Tale - The Lake (again)

Almaric decides to walk south along the beach to see if there is anything else of note.

Not far down the shoreline he can see that the woodlands begin to encroach right up to the edge of the lake. The lake appears to stretch away farther south than he is able to see beyond the jutting tree-line, however judging by the way the far lake-shore curves around, it looks as though the lake narrows to a point and flows off elsewhere out of sight to the south west.

The dense woodland to the south makes further progress along the shoreline impossible.

[/OOC: Almaric is uninjured. He has MIGHT, LUCK and FINESSE bonuses available for use at any time.]

Almaric’s Tale

Returning to the crosspaths west of the lake, Almaric continues along the western trail.

Following the path is not difficult in this section of the wood. The trees are large and very little undergrowth is present. The path, once well-travelled, is worn clearly into the forest floor. Just ahead the path splits and Almaric will have to make a decision as to which of the cardinal points he will pursue.

After a slight pause, Almaric continues west.

The trail loops around, following a broad-sweeping arc to the south.

Presently, Almaric begins to feel a slight downward slope to the path as he moves deeper into the wood. Through the trees he catches glimpses of a lake directly ahead. The path eventually ends at a narrow gravel shoreline. A canoe is beached on the shore and a pair of paddles lie inside. The lake looks to be fairly shallow as Almaric can clearly see boulders penetrating the surface at various locations. However, the entire scene is dominated by a wall of green fog that stretches from the east to the west, as far as he is able to see, bisecting the lake. The fog is impenetrable and reaches at least twenty feet above the surface of the lake.

[/OOC: Almaric is uninjured. He has MIGHT, LUCK and FINESSE bonuses available for use at any time.]

Almaric’s Tale - The Canoe

Almaric checks the canoe and immediate area for signs of recent activity.

Although not a sailor, he has used small boats before and so he can tell that the craft appears sound enough and judging by its current condition has seen regular use but not recently. However, it is unlikely that the bandits used the canoe to transport a horse anywhere and not trusting a sinister-looking, green fog wall, Almaric decides to return the way he came and check out the northern path instead.


The trees thin ahead and Almaric can see a clearing. As he approaches he can see a very strange wingless bird devouring the carcass of a small deer. The bird is nearly seven feet tall and has talons on its powerful legs and a very large, bloodied beak. He can see a path on the opposite side of the clearing.

[/OOC: Almaric is uninjured. He has MIGHT, LUCK and FINESSE bonuses available for use at any time.]

Almaric’s Tale - Big Bird

Since the bird is preoccupied with its kill, Almaric puts his sword and shield within arms reach and readies his bow.

Taking careful aim, he fires at the bird which is roughly thirty feet away…

[/OOC The bird is distracted so a modifier of +2 is applied to the surprise roll. Almaric needs a 1 to 4 on a d6, rolls (4). SURPRISE!
He fires an arrow (short range, no modifier) and needs a 9+. He rolls (8)+Surprise mod.(2)-**(Bird AC)=MISS]

His shot whistles past the giant bird’s body, a very close miss.

The bird is surprised by the sudden attack. Clearly, it must be one of the top predators in the area and it certainly was not prepared for an attack. Almaric seizes the opportunity to fire again…

[/OOC Again, Almaric fires an arrow (short range, no modifier) and needs a 9+. This time he rolls (12)-**(Bird AC)=HIT
Damage from arrow, (1)+DEX mod.(1)+Fighter mod.(1)=3 HP]

This time the arrow finds its mark and the bird squawks in pain.

[/OOC Time for initiative. Round 1: Almaric rolls (2+1)=3, the Bird gets (1)]

As soon as the second arrow is released, Almaric drops his bow, takes up his sword and shield and moves up to the bird. He swings his blade at the creature’s long neck since its head is a foot higher than his own…

[/OOC Almaric attacks the bird using his longsword. He needs an 8+, he rolls (19)-**(Bird AC)=HIT
Damage from sword is (1)+STR mod.(2)+Fighter mod.(1)=4 HP]

The blade connects and leaves a deep slash that begins bleeding heavily. The bird is enraged and launches its own attack at Almaric, who finds himself having to defend against a flurry of claws and its large, wicked-looking beak.

[/OOC The Bird attacks Almaric 3 times, twice with its claws and once with its beak.
Claw #1. Rolled (2)-Almaric’s AC(7)=-5. MISS
Claw #2. Rolled (18)-Almaric’s AC(7)=11. HIT
Damage from claw, (1) HP.
Beak attack. Rolled (8)-Almaric’s AC(7)=1. MISS]

Almaric manages to deflect all but one blow and takes a minor graze to the back of his sword hand.

The angry bird and the young warrior circle each other.

[/OOC: The bird looks badly injured. Almaric has lost 1 of his 9 HP and he still has MIGHT, LUCK and FINESSE bonuses available for use at any time.]

Almaric’s Tale - Big Bird, Round 2

Almaric decides to press the attack.

[/OOC Initiatives for Round 2: Almaric rolls (16+1)=17, Bird (20)]

However, before he can make a move, Almaric finds himself yet again buffeted by the large bird’s furious attacks…

[/OOC The Bird attacks Almaric 3 times, twice with its claws and once with its beak.
Claw #1. Rolled (13)-Almaric’s AC(7)=8. HIT
Damage from claw, (3) HP.
Claw #2. Rolled (3)-Almaric’s AC(7)=-4. MISS
Beak attack. Rolled (10)-Almaric’s AC(7)=3. MISS]

As before, Almaric manages to avoid all but one blow and suffers a claw strike to his leg.

Favouring his uninjured leg, Almaric tries to finish the creature with a swift strike to its body.

[/OOC Almaric attacks with his sword. He needs an 8+ and rolls, (7)-**(Bird AC)=MISS]

The big bird moves with surprising speed and easily avoids his blow.

Almaric and the angry avian eye each other up - they are both badly injured and neither is prepared to surrender.

[/OOC Continuing the fight to Round 3, the initiatives are: Almaric (20+1)=21, Bird (20)]

Both opponents fly at each other (one of them literally) but Almaric reacts a fraction faster and his longsword flashes forwards…

[/OOC Almaric attacks the bird with his sword. He needs an 8+ and rolls, (13)-**(Bird AC)=HIT
Damage from sword is (1)+STR mod.(2)+Fighter mod.(1)=4 HP. KILLSHOT]

And stabs clean through the onrushing bird’s feathery chest. With one last surprised ‘Pa-kwark!’, the large avian sprawls into the dirt at Almaric’s feet.

[/OOC: Almaric is injured, he has lost 4 of his 9 HP. He still has MIGHT, LUCK and FINESSE bonuses available for use at any time. Roll a bonus d10 for me next round please.]

Almaric’s Tale - Big Bird (aftermath)

[/OOC You didn’t give me a d10 roll from last turn so I did one for you. You got a (2), which nets you the AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonus card (again) - succeed at any STR or CON check OR gain 5% Bonus XP.]

After cleaning his sword, Almaric takes some time to administer to his wounds. This leaves him feeling slightly better but still far from fully fighting-fit.

[/OOC Almaric uses First Aid on himself. He regains (1) HP]

Next, he turns his attention to the dead bird and the deer carcass. Almaric spends a short while searching for a nest for this strange bird but fails to find anything. Before moving on, he drags the bird into the clearing’s edge, but leaves the deer carcass where it lies.

He then proceeds through the clearing and continues west along the winding path.


The meandering path stops as it passes beneath two massive pine trees. A circle of giant pines enclose a small area dominated by a flat stone altar. The altar is supported by two short, stone columns. No writing or inscriptions are evident, although a thick layer of pine needles covers the altar and obscures its surface.

[/OOC: You have gained: AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonus card. You have lost/used: 1 bandage.
Almaric is injured, he is down to 6 of his 9 HP. He also has MIGHT, LUCK and FINESSE bonuses available for use at any time.]

Almaric’s Tale - The Altar

Almaric approaches the altar with reverence and, with a gloved hand, carefully wipes the detritus from the altar’s weathered surface.

Sweeping away the pine needles, several carvings gradually take shape on the top of the altar. The figures of men battling strange and horrific beasts cover the entire stone. In one scene, a warrior is clearly depicted kneeling before a shrine whilst in the act of placing (or removing) a sword from atop a stone altar resembling this one.

[/OOC The images are fairly stylised so no specifics as to creature type or race can really be determined, just the overall theme of good vs. evil.]

Apart from the images, there are no other symbols or pieces of text that give him any clue as to who made, or for what purpose, the glade and altar were created.

[/OOC: Almaric is injured, he is down to 6 of his 9 HP. He still has MIGHT, LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time.]

Almaric’s Tale - The Sword and the Altar

Kneeling in front of the altar, Almaric draws his sword and carefully places it on to the surface of the shrine whilst trying to mirror the imagery depicted in the carvings. At first, nothing appears to happen. It is only as he steps back and kneels before the stone blocks, bowing his head, is he aware of something occurring.

Even in the mid-morning light, Almaric detects a brightening around the glade. There is a faint humming sound that lasts only for a few seconds, growing ever louder until finally there is a loud, crackling static zap terminating in a ringing ‘sching’ - rather like the sound a blade makes as a whetstone passes over its tip…

Finally daring to raise his gaze from the glade floor, Almaric looks up and even from his current eye level view, it is obvious that something ‘magical’ or at the very least ‘supernatural’, has occurred. Gaining his feet, Almaric looks down at his sword. It is gleaming as if fresh from the hands of a master sword-maker. If it were not for the fact that the hand grip was the same worn leather that he recalled, Almaric would swear this was a different blade. Gone are the small dings, nicks and scratches that had previously identified it as being a serviceable but well-used sword. Even at a distance, Almaric can feel the diffusing heat radiating from the metal - as if the blackened sooty area surrounding it on the stone surface was not evidence enough that immense energy had been at play here. The steel is now a bright silver-blue that is losing its tinge as it cools.

The silence that descends on the glade is total, marred only by the sound of Almaric’s nervous breathing and the slow ticking of heated metal as it cools.

[/OOC: Almaric is injured, he is down to 6 of his 9 HP. He still has MIGHT, LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time.]

Almaric’s Tale - The Bright Blade

Approaching the altar, Almaric reaches down and carefully picks up the sword, angling it so the sunlight plays back and forth along the length of the blade, marvelling at the exquisite perfection of the metal and the razor-sharpness of its edge. With fluid motions that are second nature to him, the young hero goes through a series of practice sword manoeuvres, testing the feel and balance of the sword, all the while using the swift passes through the air to help cool the metal. Ending on a final flourish, he notes the blade is now fully silvered, all traces of the blue tinting gone.

Offering up a silent prayer to the unknown God the shrine belongs to, Almaric issues a final sword-salute to the altar and, since the blade is now cool enough, puts the sword back in it’s scabbard.

So as to show no disrespect to the shrine, Almaric backs out of the glade through the twin pines and returns once more to the crossroads. From there he proceeds down the closest unexplored path - the southern trail.

The smell of smoke first alerts Almaric to potential danger ahead. A small cabin is outlined beyond the trees farther down the path. Smoke rises from a crooked stone chimney and he can hear raised voices, as if an argument is in full swing. Behind the cottage Almaric can see the forest stream that flows swiftly from east to west. On the opposite side of the stream the strange green fog obscures the forest beyond. The fog is extremely thick and forms a high wall that stretches east to west, just as it did where he found the second canoe. There is a horse tied to a hitching post outside the cabin. Almaric instantly recognises it as Osgar.

[/OOC: Almaric is injured, he is down to 6 of his 9 HP. He still has MIGHT, LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time.]

Almaric’s Tale - The cabin in the woods

A quick look at the cabin from his vantage point on the path reveals that there is a wooden door on the side facing the path and at least one window, on the right hand (or northern) wall.

Almaric quietly removes his backpack and hides it in the forest edge. Using the arguing voices to cover his approach and trying to avoid being seen from the side window, he slowly moves over to the cabin.

[/OOC The cabin’s occupants are distracted and not actively guarding so they only have a 10% chance of detecting Almaric’s approach. After rolling for each one individually, nothing seems to be amiss.]

Once at the cabin, Almaric attempts to ascertain how many people are present before deciding on his course of action.

The front door is slightly ajar. Listening for a while, he thinks he can hear three distinct voices, still engaged in a heated disagreement about whether or not they should ‘report back’ or just take their loot and head out. Someone says something about a ‘mad mage’ and how his plan is just about done, to which another implores them to ‘think of all that treasure’. Finally, a more commanding voice tells them to ‘quit flappin’ their gums and let him think, damn it’.

Without moving around the cabin, Almaric is unaware of any other exits or windows beyond what he can see from the front and right sides. The door has a simple lifting latch, but nothing else visible that could be used to secure it closed from the outside. A whinny from Osgar suggests that he might have caught scent of his owner.

[/OOC: Almaric is injured, he is down to 6 of his 9 HP. He still has MIGHT, LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time.]

Almaric’s Tale - The Gang of Three

Sensing that he is outnumbered, Almaric knows he needs some sort of advantage. Slowly moving over to Osgar, trying to keep him calm, he untethers the horse and attempts to lead him back to the trail keeping his hand over Osgar’s mouth.

[/OOC Rolling for detection by those in the cabin. Nothing.]

Arriving back at the path, away from sight of the cabin, Almaric loops Osgar’s reins over a branch and attaches his pack to the saddle. He notes as he does so that it looks as though his poor mount has not been particularly well cared for - his saddle has been left on for a couple of days now.

Whispering comforting words to his restless steed, Almaric rummages through his pack. Getting out a torch and lighting it, he returns to the cabin door…

[/OOC Again, rolling for detection by those in the cabin. Once more, nothing.]

…and places the torch at the bottom before retreating to the edge of the path…

[/OOC Last chance for them to notice him… Nope. Oblivious. Grrrr… stoopid NPCs!]

…and readies his bow.

The burning torch begins to char the wood at the base of the door and smoke is drifting about.

[/OOC Increase the chance of detection to 25%. Rolling for each inhabitant - still too busy arguing! Huh?!?]

After a minute, the flames are visible to Almaric at the edge of the clearing and a moment of panic sets in as he recalls that if these are the bandits that robbed him, they still might have have his possessions in the cabin that he has just set fire to!

[/OOC There is now only a 25% chance for the occupants to FAIL to notice the smoke coming through the door…]

There is a momentary pause in the sounds coming from the cabin. This is quickly replaced by a series of yells and the door is yanked open. Through the billowing smoke, Almaric can make out the forms of three humanoids within the doorway.

Not wanting to give them too much time to react, Almaric prepares to shoot the first figure even though the smoke is partially obscuring his view.

[/OOC Rolling for surprise - normally since the bandits were unaware of Almaric and he had effectively avoided their detection, I would award surprise to Almaric. However the smoke has obviously alerted them to some form of danger but they are still unaware of who or what is about to happen, Almaric needs them to roll a 1 to 4 on a d6 to achieve surprise. They roll a (6) - and are Ready.]

The three figures emerge through the smoke-filled doorway and look about in angry confusion.

[/OOC Initiatives for Round 1: Almaric (9+1)=10, Bandit #1 (7), Bandit #2 (12) and Bandit #3 (12)]

One of the bandits spots the burning brand and attempts to kick it away and stamp out the flames. Another looks around the clearing and spots Almaric. He issues a cry and points at the young warrior. He then ducks back inside the cabin.

Almaric realises that he has lost the element of surprise but can now clearly see two targets. He elects to shoot at the bandit that is in the doorway since the once stamping on the torch seems distracted.

[/OOC Almaric shoots an arrow at Bandit #3, close range, no modifier. He needs a 9+. He rolls (14)-**(Bandit AC)=HIT
Arrow damage is (1)+DEX mod.(1)+Fighter mod.(1)=3 HP. KILLSHOT
Sadly, Bandit #2 is too far away from Bandit #3 to qualify for a CLEAVING bow-shot]

The bandit collapses to the ground with an arrow sticking out of his chest.

[/OOC Progressing to Round 2: Initiatives are, Almaric (17+1)=18, Bandit #1 (13) and Bandit #2 (1)]

With only one visible target, Almaric shoots at the stomping Bandit…

[/OOC Almaric fires at Bandit #2. He needs a 9+. He rolls, (8)-**(Bandit AC)=MISS]

Only to see his hasty snapshot fly wide.

The first bandit rushes out of the cabin again. He is dressed in chainmail unlike his leather-clad compatriots and is wielding a longsword and shield. He charges at Almaric, yelling angry curses at the bowman.

[/OOC Bandit #1 CHARGES at Almaric. This nets him a bonus to hit but will leave him with an armour penalty until he can act next round. Also, since he is using a sword, he cannot double his damage if he hits.
Bandit #1 rolls (3)+Charging mod.(2)-Almaric’s AC(5)=0. MISS]

Almaric rolls to one side as the sword slashes into the area he once occupied.

The bandit stops stomping and with a yelp, dashes back into the cabin.

[/OOC Round 3: Initiatives are, Almaric (8+1)=9, Bandit #1 (19) and Bandit #2 (2)]

The bandit attacking Almaric makes another sword swing…

[/OOC Bandit #1 attacks Almaric, he rolls (8)-Almaric’s AC(5)=3. MISS. He recovers from his charge, no AC penalty now.]

Once again, Almaric dodges away from the sword blow.

Dropping his bow, Almaric readies his shield and draws his longsword - which sings clear of its scabbard with a heroic ‘sching’. He quickly slashes out at his attacker.

[/OOC Almaric attacks Bandit #1. He needs an 8+. He rolls (14)-(Bandit AC)=HIT
Damage from sword is (2)+STR mod.(2)+Fighter mod.(1)+
=KILLSHOT
There is no other assailant within reach so he cannot make a CLEAVE attack.]

The fine blade parts the chain links of the bandit’s mail as if they were cloth, before slashing deeply through his ribs and ending his life. The body topples to the ground just as the last bandit emerges from the cabin, clutching a shield and short sword.

[/OOC Seeing his two companions fall to the young warrior causes the bandit to check his morale with a -2 penalty. He rolls (6)-2=4. FAIL - Fighting Withdrawal]

Licking his lips and furtively glancing around the clearing, at first it looks like the bandit may attempt to make a run for it. Then as he sees that the horse is no longer tied up next to the cabin, all fight seems to drain out of him and he drops his arms by his sides. “Awright mister, you win.”

[/OOC: Almaric is injured, he is down to 6 of his 9 HP. He still has MIGHT, LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time.]

Almaric’s Tale - The Gang of Three (aftermath)

Almaric tells the remaining bandit, “Throw your weapons away and sit down on the ground or you’ll join your friends in the afterlife.”

At first the dejected bandit looks uncertain but seeing the steely look in the young warrior’s eyes, he complies and he drops his sword to one side while shaking off his shield to the other. He flops into a cross-legged sitting position with his hands fidgeting on his knees.

Returning to Osgar, Almaric quickly retrieves his rope and throws it to the bandit, “Bind your knees together then turn and lie on your stomach, arms outstretched palms up.”

Fumbling with the rope, his hands shaking, the bandit begins to plead. “Please mister, we was desperate like. We needed 'orses ta get away. We 'ad to, 'es nuts 'e is!”. Finally managing to get some form of knot tied, the bandit does as he was instructed and lies face down in the dirt, his panicked breathing blowing up little dust clouds as he tries not to think of what might be about to happen.

Almaric approaches the bandit and, placing his knee in the bandit’s back, proceeds to tie the bandit’s wrists together. “Stay still and you’ll not be harmed”, warns Almaric. He then proceeds to enter the cabin, putting out the last wisps of smouldering wood fire as he goes. Occasionally looking out the door to make sure the bandit is still where he lift him, Almaric searches the building.

After about ten minutes, Almaric has concluded his search, recovering the last of his missing possessions along with a few other things - among them: 110 gold coins, 85 silver pieces, two amethysts (which he quickly appraises as worth around a hundred gold each, a scroll which he knows contains some form of magic (having seen such things in the past) but the exact content is a total mystery to him, and finally, a potion bottle, clearly labelled in neat script as ‘Healing’. There is also the arms and armour of the two dead and the trussed up bandits to consider - 2 suits of leather armour (1 damaged), one split chainmail shirt, 3 light helms, 3 shields, 2 short bows, 2 short swords and a longsword.

Looking down at the gear and the roped bandit, Almaric considers his next move.

[/OOC: Almaric is injured, he is down to 6 of his 9 HP. He still has MIGHT, LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time.]

Almaric’s Tale - The Story of The Three

Feeling proud of himself, Almaric bundles all the recovered items into his large sack - the coins and gems go into his belt pouch - and packs it all onto Osgar’s saddle.

Returning to the remaining bandit, he sits down so he can see the man’s face.

“So what’s your name, who is this mad mage that you’ve been working for and what’s his plan?”, he asks the bandit. “Answer me truthfully and I’ll consider letting you go.”

The dishevelled bandit looks at Almaric, a glimmer of hope appearing in his eyes. “Me name’s Seb.” He points with his chin towards the bandit with the arrow in his chest, a brief, bitter smile touches his lips. “That’s me brother, Lew.” Turning his head he nods at the fallen chain-clad bandit. “And that be Tocca. It was 'im as got us into this mess. What with all ‘is big talk an’ fancy ideas.”

He pauses while he collects his thoughts. Finally he speaks again, a slight tremor to his voice. “We… me an’ Lew, used ta be labourers but a week or so ago, Tocca - ‘e was Lew’s mate - anyways, Tocca comes up an’ says ‘e’s got this job ‘e needs ‘elp with. Says ‘es workin’ for some wizard, a weird foreign-type, all dark-skinned an’ all. Goes by tha name o’ ‘ar-Assad. Anyways, this mage wants ta find somethin’ real bad. An’ this somethin’ is real valuable, so ‘e needs a spot o’ muscle, just in case like, while 'e 'unts it down.”

Seb continues. “Fings was goin’ just fine at first, we’s just doin’ what we always did - lug stuff about fer folks as’n can’t or won’t do it fer themsel. Then, three days in, an’ we come across a lake an’ all this green fog. Now that stuff’s just plain creepy it is. Kills ya if’n ya breathe it, burns ya if’n ya touch it. Some o’ the others found that out tha 'ard way, on orders offa tha mage.”

He shuffles a bit, as if to get more comfortable and then goes on with his tale. “We spent a coupla days on a beach at tha waters edge. Made oursells a coupla canoes an’ tha Mage ‘ad us paddlin’ all about tha lake an’ tha stream, all tha while ‘es examinin’ tha damn fog an’ makin’ notes an’ mutterin’ to ‘imself. We lost a coupla tha lads an’ their canoe when it strayed into tha fog. I ain’t never 'eard anyone scream like that afore.” He shudders as if recalling the sound again. “Damn near pissed down ma leg when I saw what was left o’ them. Right 'orrible way ta go.”

With a sniffle, the bandit continues. “Anyways, tha next day, we’ve moved on down stream an’ tha mage thinks 'e’s finally sussed the fog. Says ya kin’t go through it, but ya kin go under it!” A sad shake of his head. “Believe me, no bugger wanted to try that but the wizard was very - insistent. Now ‘e comes across all calm an’ collected at first, but man, ‘e’s got a right temper on ‘im if’n he gets all arsey. So after a guy ‘volunteered’ to try an’ swim under it, we all sat around an’ waited ta see what ‘appened, some prayin’ fer ‘is soul, some of us jus’ prayin’ we weren’t next.”

“Jus’ when we figure ‘es a gonner, ‘is ‘ead pops up out tha water an’ e’s all excited an’ stuff. Says tha fog ain’t that deep an’ there’s a shoreline not far on tha other side. Well now, don’t this give tha wizard a right ‘ard on? Straight away ‘e’s orderin’ us all to pack up an’ start ‘eadin’ under tha fog. Some o’ tha lads can’t swim, so we ‘as to tie a rope to ‘em an’ drag ‘em along behind us. Luckily, me, Lew an’ Tocca kin swim jus’ fine, so we get tha job o’ actin’ as escort fer thems as can’t, an’ baggage 'andlers fer some of tha supplies. Took us all a while, but we made it safe to tha other side. That’s when things really started to go bad.”

Seb seems to be warming to his narrative, he goes on without pause. “So me, Lew an’ Tocca, we ain’t no fighter-types, not like some o’ tha others this mage ‘as taggin’ along. We git left at tha base camp near tha landing point while tha others is off ‘untin’ fer whatever it is tha mage is after. Each day we gets ta 'ear stories about stuff this wizard ‘as done. Nasty stuff. Stuff that we didn’t sign up fer. One o’ the lads made a joke that even the dead weren’t safe from 'im. Said if’n tha mage thought she ‘ad somethin’ on 'er that ‘e wanted, ‘e’d even dig up ‘is own granma! That’s not funny. That’s just wrong. Anyways, while tha others was off doin’ whatever they was doin’, me an’ tha lads,” he indicates the two dead bandits, “decided we’d 'ad enough. We wanted out, first chance.”

“That came later that day. We was runnin’ low on supplies so Tocca suggests ta one o’ tha goons that we could get some from an inn we know that’s not too far away. Sure enough, ‘e runs it past tha wizard as if’n it was all ‘is bright idea an’ we get the thumbs up. Tocca gets given some cash an’ we ‘ead off back under tha fog. Soon as we’s safe on this side, me an’ Lew are all fer peggin’ it straight 'ome, sharpish-like. Tocca says we can’t. Says if’n we sticks anywhere 'round ‘ere, chances are tha mage will find us an’ we all know 'e’s not gonna be 'appy when 'e does. So Tocca comes up with a plan to get us some ‘orses an’ supplies so we kin bugger off someplace safe. Trouble is, me an Lew din’t find out exactly what 'is ‘cunning plan’ was until 'e’d knocked ya off ya 'orse. By then we was in over our 'eads, mad-ass wizard who’s nuttier than squirrel shit on one side, unconscious but bound ta be pissed off warrior on the other.”

He shrugs. “An’ that’s about it. We ‘ad yer ‘orse, we ‘ad some cash but we needed at least one more ‘orse an’ we needed more cash to ‘elp get away. That’s what we was arguin’ ‘bout. Lew an’ me wanted to just git gone since by now tha others was bound to suspect somethin’ was up an’ possibly come lookin’, but Tocca was all about stickin’ ta that plan. Fek ‘im an’ 'is damn plans.”

With a gobbet of spittle flung at the body of Tocca, Seb ends his tale.

[/OOC: Almaric is injured, he is down to 6 of his 9 HP. He still has MIGHT, LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time.]

Almaric’s Tale - A deal is struck

Almaric considers what the bandit has told him. "Interesting tale Seb. You seem to have gotten yourself into trouble through your associates and I’m going to punish you for that. I’ve got what I came for, so how about I make you a deal?

"If you agree to give me a rough map of what you saw on the other side of the fog, numbers of people following this wizard and any other information you may think of use, I’ll release you from the ropes and escort you out of the forest to the main road. At that point I’ll give you your weapons back and you’ll be free to go wherever you want.

"If you try to double cross me at any time, I’ll leave you to the wildlife like that Ogre I saw wandering around a while ago or the wizard if he returns from the fog.

“Well. Do we have a deal Seb?”

Seb’s eyes have been getting wider as the warrior explained the situation. Finally, his adam’s apple bobbing furiously as he tries to get his nervous-dry throat to work, he croaks out a feeble, “Deal mister.”

Almaric unties Seb’s wrists and allows him to undo his own legs. As he is doing so, Seb begins to explain what he saw of the other side of the fog and what he knows about the wizard and his followers. Apparently he never ventured beyond the base camp but he heard some of the others talking about some kind of roadway and platforms but he doesn’t know exactly where they are or where they go. He shows Almaric on his map where he crossed under the fog wall, which turns out to be the place with the usable canoe although he says they found the boats more trouble than use and most just waded out to the fog before diving under and swimming across. From the landing area, head south and at the junction, head east. That is the base-camp. The southern trail is the one that the wizard and his cronies were exploring. Apart from the mage, Seb says that when he left, there were a total of a dozen guards and some woman who he only ever caught glimpses of because the mage kept her in his tent. What he did see of her suggests she might be some kind of slave or concubine since she was wearing ‘next to nothing and what there was weren’t decent!’ and she was never allowed to roam free.

As Almaric listens to the information, he gets Seb to assist him in stripping the bodies and swapping out gear, etc. Seb refuses to continue until he’s been allowed to bury his brother, but Tocca can rot as far as he’s concerned. Almaric agrees to his request and finishes his packing and sorting while Seb uses a shield as a make-shift spade to dig a shallow grave and then place a lone rock as a grave marker.

By the time all of the preparations are completed, it is nearing mid-day when they are all done.

[/OOC: Almaric is injured, he is down to 6 of his 9 HP. He still has MIGHT, LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time.]