Zook sat at the table, eyes moving to each of the other seven who sat with him. "Ladies and gentlemen, now that we have our group, it's time to talk supplies."
(Oh, really quick, I wonder how long the trip will take.)
(Q) Will it take more than 3 days to get to Oasis Brook? (Likely) No.
"Assuming we don't run into dead ends or detours," said Zook, "it should take us 3 days to reach Oasis Brook." He nodded to Natrius, who pushed small bags to each person. "We have 200 gold, which means 25 for each of us. Now Govi has put together travel packs for us; they cost 4 gold each and include a backpack, bedroll, waterskin, and a few days rations."
"What if it takes us longer?" Solgi asked.
"We go hunting," Jaree answered.
"Right," Zook continued, "now the next matter is defending ourselves. Whether it's wild animals or bandits, we need to be able to fight."
"Fight?" asked Natrius. "I've never so much as balled up a fist.
"Well you better learn post haste," said Jaree. "We can only protect you so much."
Govi approached the table. "I have a few items here." She turned to the gnome. "Mr. Zook, you requested a quarterstaff, so here you go. 2 silvers."
"Thank you." Zook reached into the bag and pulled two silver coins out, handing them to her."
"You have another one?" asked Natrius, getting some coins himself. "I like that it puts some distance between me and anything that can hurt me."
Govi went into the back and returned with another staff. "Here."
"I'd prefer to not even be that close, but I never learned to use a bow," said Vina, pulling out a dagger, "so I'll just throw these."
"Once they run out," said Govi, "you're toast. How about one of these?" She pulled out a smaller staff with a launcher at the end. "Sling shots launch rocks at opponents. It's not deadly but it's something."
Vina took it, paying with some coins. "I'll take it."
"Me too," said Solgi. "I like the idea of striking from the shadows."
Nodding, Zook turned to Ivor. "What about you?"
"Well, I have my shovel," said the gravedigger. "I've used it a few times of graverobbers."
"And I have my rolling pin," said Kerri. "Some fools learned the hard way that just because a woman runs a shop doesn't mean she's defenseless."
"How about these?" Govi handed them large clubs. "They won't break as easily as your tools."
"That leaves us," said Jaree. "Got any crossbows?"
"I do," Govi answered. "25 gold a piece."
Jaree groaned. "That leaves nothing for ammo."
"Or a travel pack," Milo added.
"Tell you what," said Zook, "I'll cover your travel packs and ammo, since you two are the only ones with actual combat experience."
"I'll help," said Natrius, "if you can help us stay alive."
"So that settles things." Zook looked to the group again. "We leave tomorrow morning. Now, my friends, I cannot promise this quest will be easy, but we each have a role to play (That was unintentional, BTW :) ). Jaree and Milo will be our main fighters. Ivor and Kerri will be our walls. Vina and Solgi will keep to the shadows. Natrius will be our expert with finding a cure. And I'll do my best with talking. Now from what I've seen, these quests begin with a blessing from a priest, but since we buried our healer yesterday, I'll simply say good luck.
So our heroes-to-be are preparing for their quest. Here are their current stats. I tweaked a few things since the adventure technically didn't start yet (Also, I won't count racial modifiers until they reach Level 1):
Mr. Zook: Male Gnome. -2 Str, +1 Int, +1 Cha; AC 10, 4 HP. Skills: Arcanum, Deception; Amulet of Magic Detection; Quarterstaff.
Natrius: Male Human. -1 Str, +1 Wis; AC 10, 4 HP. Skills: Nature, Herbology, Medicine. Quarterstaff.
Vina: Female Elf. +1 Dex, -1 Wis; AC 11, 4 HP. Skills: Sleight of hand, Stealth, Prof; Simple Wpns. Sling shot.
Solgi: Female Human. All stats 0. AC 10, 4 HP. Skills: Stealth, Deception, Simple Wpns. Sling shot.
Ivor: Male Human Variant. Con+1, Cha -1; AC 10. 5 HP. Skills: Simple Wpns, Athletics, Intimidation. Great Club.
Kerri: Female Human. All stats 0. AC 10, 4 HP. Skills: Simple Wpns, Baking tools, Athletics. Great Club.
Milo: Male Human. -1 Str, +1 Cha. AC 10, 4 HP. Skills: Simple Wpns, Persuasion, Intimidation. Crossbow.
Jaree: Male Dwarf: +1 Dex, -1 Cha. AC 11, 4 HP. Skills: Simple Wpns, Lt. Armor, Athletics. Crossbow.
(Now I know there's some overlap in skills, etc., but remember that some characters may not survive.)
First Encounter:
(I'm going to roll on Mythic's Meaning Table for the encounter on the first day)
(Event) "NPC, Obstacle."
(Q) Are they bandits? (Very Likely) Yes.
(Q) Are there more than 3? (Likely) No.
(Q) Are they attempting an ambush? (Very Likely) Yes.
Three bandits hid behind trees, watching the group walk down the road. Seeing them as simple merchants, they readied their weapons to attack.
The bandits will be performing a Surprise roll (+1 for each bandit for +3 total). Natrius, the only one in the group with a +1 Wisdom for Perception will try to spot them, with help from Vina and Solgi (+1 each)
(Surprise) Does Natrius detect the Bandits? (+3 vs. +3 = 50/50) Yes.
"Wait." Natrius held up his hand. "There's something behind that tree."
"He's right," said Solgi. "There's another one."
"And right there," Vina pointed.
"Come on out," Zook called. "We know you're there."
The three bandits stepped out with the leader the closest, though they kept somewhat of a distance.
"Greetings friends," said the leader. "You must pay a toll to continue on."
"My friend," said the gnome, "I am Zook the Sorceror, former apprentice to Krospel the Mighty. Allow us passage or I promise you shall regret it." Dropping to a crouch, he spread his arms while making a mysterious motion with his fingers. "Astra Nuolnug!"
"Former apprentice, are you?" said the lead bandit. "Where's your master?"
"He and I entered a forest years ago," said Zook, "but only I returned." It was somewhat true.
(Let's see if they buy it.)
(Deception) Does Zook successfully deceive the bandit leader? (+2 vs. 0 = Very Likely) X-Yes.
The bandit leader raised his hands. "Whoa there! Our mistake." He motioned his allies to step aside "We'll make an exception for a wizard."
The group passed the bandits, though Milo and Jaree kept an eye out behind them.
(Q) Will the bandits attempt a flanking sneak attack? (Unlikely) No.
"Well that was easy," said Natrius.
"Don't get too excited," said the gnome. "Our journey has only begun."
Zook gets 25 gp for routing the bandits. Reaching 100 means a character becomes Level 1 and gains a Class. It's a long way to go though.
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