Posts From a Long Winded Gamer

Having Arrived in East Watch, Kaelen’s travels continue:
Chat GPT has generated details for East Watch, including the names of notable figures, like the commander, Serel Voren.

Q: Is Serel Voren a friend? EXCEPTIONAL YES E: Action by Broken Fang Orcs: the Overindulgence of the Outside Q: Are there a larrge number of civilians here? YES Q: Am i approached by beggars? NO

As I walk through the village, and show Savin where the Crossroads Inn is located, I realize there are far more people within the palisades than normal. Farmers from the looks of them. Refugees from the surrounding countryside with whatever provisions they could quickly grab as they fled their homes.

I find Commander Voren at the keep, and when the guards spot me, they escort me inside to speak with him.

“Kaelen, old friend,” He smiles and greets me, “You are a sight for sore eyes. What have you seen on the road?”

“I came from Vortessa. There was a riot there when the commander executed some Kovori separatists. But on the road, there were a large number of caravans halted of Orvakhan due to rumors of the Broken Fang tribe being in the area, looking for easy pickings. We pushed through, but this morning, at Bravek’s Ford, we saw a large number of campfires between us and Orvakhan, so I suspect the rumors were right, and we just got lucky slipping past. Also, about three miles from here, we passed more than two score human corpses, butchered and the remains left to rot.”

Q: Did the Broken Fangs attack? NO (Generate the other tribes about to stir things up)

Voren nods grimly at the news, “Broken Fangs, eh? The Ashveins hit us three days ago, and kept us on our toes the next two nights while raiding the outlying farms and hamlets, rebuffing every patrol we’ve tried to send out. We aren’t sure how many they’ve killed, but from the fires at night, plumes of smoke in the mornings, there must be hundreds of settlers dead. Since you made it in, perhaps they’ve gone. Or perhaps they just let you through.”

I take a deep breath, hold, then release. Knowing Voren, and his cautious nature, I suspect the Ashveins pulled off once they realized his caution would keep him in place even without a holding force, but to raise this thought might be construed as an accusation of cowardice.

“Something on your mind, Kaelen?” The commander asks.

“Yeah, perhaps a lone scout can get a better look around than an armored patrol. Slip past more quietly anyway.”

Q: Does the commander accept my proposal? YES

“You’re volunteering?” He smirks. I nod. “I’ll pay you as an auxiliary then, off the books, of course. No uniform.

“I could use some more arrows, perhaps a better bow and a legionnaire’s blade?” I suggest.
-Diplomacy fails by 7- -Roll d4 for the number of days wages he fronts me-

He shakes his head, “The quartermaster would ask too many questions. See what’s going on, and stay out of trouble.” He draws out two silver crowns and slides across his desk towards me, “But he won’t miss these. Let me know as soon as you figure out what’s going on around here.” I nod and tell him I will set out at dawn.

Scene #6 (Negative Alteration):
Leaving the commander’s office, I go to look for Savin to ensure his troupe is settling in. But as I am walking through the fort, I hear someone call out “Traitor!”
-Immersion-I bargain with an enemy?-
Q: Is it a legionnaire? EXCEPTIONAL NO

I turn and see a woman yelling at me. “You traitor! Murderer!” she spits out. I turn and recognize Tirena Valis, a runner who had been attached to Valen’s Hold. I angrily step towards her.

“Why didn’t get us the reinforcements we needed?” I demand angrily. “We sent you for help, and you never returned!”

“You were ordered to abandon the keep! You and your father disobeyed! My brother died because of it!” She fumes, hand hovering over her blade. I notice the badge on her cloak, the young noblewoman is now a servant of the courts.

“Hundreds died,” I reply softly, holding her gaze. “Not just the men of the garrison, but every man, woman and child who thought the legions would protect them. Who thought help was coming. Who hoped you would return.”

-Diplomacy-I pass by 1, she fails by 1-

Her voice falters. Anger and guilt feud within her. I press forward. “Valis was as steady as they come. My father’s right hand. He knew our duty to defend the post. He didn’t falter. He died a hero.”

-Diplomacy-I fail by 5, she passes by 1-

“He shouldn’t have had to die!” She retorts. “And he wouldn’t have if your father had abandoned the post as he was ordered to do! As the orders I delivered him commanded!”

“We don’t know that. It is one thing for a single rider to slip past orc scouts, another thing for a company of soldiers and even more for hundreds of civilians to slip through. It would have been a bloodbath on open ground. Within the walls we had a chance…had reinforcements arrived.” I reply, calmly.

-Diplomacy-Both pass by 1-

“You should pay for your crime! For your insubordination!” She insists.

“I have”, I turn away, pull aside my cloak and lift up my tunic so she can see the deep scars of the lashing I took after my trial.”

Q: Does that shut her up? Very Likely-NO

“You should have faced the headman’s axe.” She replies, coldly.

I bow, deferring to her rank, “I have work to do. Lest there be another massacre.”

“Pig,” she snarls as I walk away.

Q: Are others drawn to the scene? NO

Our dispute was ignored by passers by, the fear and despair among refugees is palpable, and our little squabble does nothing to distract them from it.

Q: Is the troupe in the Caravan Yard? NO Q: Are they performing? NO

After checking the caravan yards, I find the troupe at the Crossroad Hearth where they are deep into their meals.

“Savin,” I sit down with them, “The Ashvein Orcs have been ravaging the area for days. It is unclear whether the road west is clear or not. I’ve agreed to take a look around for the garrison. I recommend your troupe stay within the walls until we know the path is clear.”

Q: Will they wait? A sure thing-NO

He leans over and discusses the matter with his wife, then turns to me and replies, “No. The path is clear. We press on in the morning. Are you coming?”

“No,” I shake my head in confusion, “I can’t lead you through until I know the road is clear.”

“I tell you, it is,” Savin insists. Leisa raises an eyebrow at me, daring me to challenge her husband’s assertion. My eyes flit between them.

“I’ve agreed to scout the roads and the surrounding countryside for signs of orcish threats. If you want to move on without me, that is your business,” I reply, not challenging them, but also reinforcing my warning.

“So be it.” Savin replies. “I’ll hire another guide. There are many here.”
Q: Does he pay me? NO Q: Is lodging available? NO

I nod, and wish him fair winds. I then ask about lodging, find there is nothing available, so I eat and then start looking for a place to shelter on the streets, amongst the other refugees.

-Scrounging pass by 3-
I easily find an unoccupied area by the outer pallisades where I can bed down for the night.

15th of Greenthaw-Sternday

Scene #7 (Negative Alteration):
The next morning, I wake to the patter of rain nearby and the smell of ammonia… or rather, the stench of a wet dog pissing on my boots!
-Immersion-Smell ammonia-

“Dammit!” I yell, kicking at the dog, who skulks away sheepishly.

I stand and roll up my blanket, checking for moisture and then rub my boots in mud to try and remove the stench of dog piss. I then eat a quick meal from my kit before heading towards the eastern gate.

-No Encounters-

Q: Have the guards seen anything disturbing? NO

At the gate, I ask the guards if they’ve seen anything in the night, but they tell me all was clear. They let me leave without complaint. I head north to start looking for signs of threats in the nearby countryside.

-Morning Event, food spoilage-Survival check-pass by 7 Q: Are there orcs to the north? YES

Approaching a devasted hamlet, I see recent footprints in the muddy, freshly sown fields. Judging from the size, and the style of footwear, I know they are orc prints. Four of them passed through within an hour or two!

I begin following the trail.

-Stealth Pass 2-Tracking pass 9- Orc Observation-Pass by 1-

Q: Do I find an orc camp? Very Likely-NO

I catch up to the orcs near a bridge across Runnel’s Creek. The four are stopping to share a meal. They are clearly Ashvein, as one can tell by the black hand print on their shields. I watch from a distance, hiding and waiting. I can hear them talking but have no clue what they are saying.

Q: are they happy? NO Q: Fearful NO Q: Squabbling? NO

They rest for awhile, then continue their patrol, and I continue following them.

-Encounter-Minor event-

I notice a colorful piece of ribbon caught in the breeze float down and tangle itself on one of the orcs. The warrior snarls in disgust as he pulls it way to the amusement of his fellows. I am tempted to fire on them while they are distracted, but the odds are against me. I wait.

Q: Do they lead me to the camp? YES Stealth fail by 2, Orc Perception pass by 1 -Distance, d6+5(X10 ft)=100 feet. Q: Does the guard shoot? NO Guard fails stealth by 1, I pass Observation by 5.

I follow them into the woodlands, bypassing several burnt hamlets and farms, but running parallel to the creek, until I come across a large tribal encampment.

Then I notice out of the corner of my eye, an orc sentry trying to slip out of sight, having clearly spotted me!

I raise my bow and shoot at him!
(30 yards- -7 to hit, all out attack +1, Rolled n 8, hit by 0) Orc fails to dodge.(Damage is 1d-1=Roll 0 damage, minimum 1 point, DR 2 to the torso, no damage!)

He lets out a yell as he pulls a horn from his belt! I run for it as the horn sounds behind me.

(Run Pass-2, Stealth-Pass O)

I run for several minutes, then double back and find a place to hide, hoping to shake off any pursuit.

(Orc Observation-Fail by 6)
I wait and hold my breath as I hear a number of orcs passing nearby, but they don’t seem to spot me.

(Stealth Pass by 1) (Orc Observation-fail by 4)
I wait longer, until I am sure they are gone. Then I creep back towards the orc encampment to get a better look.

Q: Enough to take East Watch? NO Q: Women and children? EXCEPTIONAL NO Q: Do I spot captives? NO

At the edge of the camp, I see there are hundreds of hide tents scattered through the forest. It is a cold camp, no fires or smoke to betray their presence or numbers, but skirting the edge, I realize there may be close to five hundred warriors here, but no signs of women or children present. This is a warband!

I move away from the camp to the west, sure there may be more orcs in the area.

(Afternoon Encounter Check-Goblin Patrol, 3 hunters) (Goblin Stealth-Pass by 2, Observation Fail by 4) (My stealth pass by 1, Observation pass by 3)

Moving through the deep woods, I realize I am not alone. Straining my eyes, I see one, two…then a third goblin, bows at the ready, seemingly hunting for game. They do not appear to have noticed me.

Q: Are the goblins moving towards me? EXCEPTIONAL NO

As the goblins are moving away from me, I wait until they are well out of sight, then continue my patrol, looking for more signs of orcs in the area.

(Survival Pass 3) Q: Are there more orcs in this area? NO

After a few hours of searching and seeing no signs of orcs, I head south.

(Evening Encounter Check-No encounter, Survival Pass O) Q: Are there orcs in this area? NO

Seeing no signs of orcs this way, I follow the highway back east through the farmlands towards East Watch once more, hoping to be back within the settlement’s walls before it grows dark. I pass by one farmstead and hamlet after another, most of which have been burnt, all seem to be abandoned.

Q: Do I find any signs of survivors? EXCEPTIONAL NO (Chat GPT generates two houses for me)(Search fail by 5 on first one, fail by 3 on second one, so nothing hidden is found, just the obvious)

Human corpses, butchered and left to rot, are piled outside many of these abandoned places. Lifestock were slaughtered as well. I investigate a couple of houses. In the first one, I find a ledger book, but having never been taught to read, all I can tell is that it is a book of accounts with numbers and notes. Likely a taxation or receipt book, perhaps the man who lived here was a minor official? At the second house, I find a pouch of coins (38 shillings and 4 42 tappers) in the pantry, along with two wheels of goat cheese. Outside, I notice half a dozen dead crows hanging from the clothes line. The root cellar is empty.

With the ready supply of food, I decide to rest here overnight, making a meal of the abandoned food stuffs.

(Night Encounter-None)

15th, Greenthaw, Sunday-Pleasant weather, no rain
Scene #8 (Positive Alteration):
Well rested from a good night’s sleep, I wake with the sun to continue my patrol and notice a cat sitting in the doorway.
Immersion-Childhood memory

I sit up and look at the cat. It’s a black cat, with one white paw. It stares at me with amber eyes. I think back to the cats that used to hunt between our tents when I was a child. The elders would often shoo them away, but younger people learned to appreciate their help in hunting mice and rats, keeping grain safe. I pull out a bit of dried meat from my pack and offer the animal some.

-Animal handling-Fail by 6-

Disinterested the cat wanders away, aloof.

I pack up my gear and leave the farm, heading south to continue my sweep.

-Morning Encounter-Dressing- Survival Check Pass 3-
Q: Are there orcs in the area? YES E: Setback to ‘Orcs are scouting and testing the area’: a Failure of Goals
(Stealthy Pass 2, Observation pass 2, Tracking pass 5)

As I move into the woods to the south, I come across a meadow where the tall grass conceals a large number of tiny. saplings, and I notice orc tracks again. Five sets of prints this time, and I start tracking them as I did yesterday.

Q: Do they lead to a second camp? NO

After some time, I stumble across an old ruined Vaylan shrine, dedicated to some forgotten emperor. There are flies buzzing around and I notice a number of crows scatter as I approach. Then I see them…orc corpses scattered around the old ruin.

I wait at the treeline and scan the area, wary.

Q: Are the killers present? YES Q: Goblins? EXCEPTIONAL YES

Then I hear the whoops and jeers of goblins as they drag another orc corpse from the far side of the shrine and dump the body near the others. I quickly count about fifteen goblins in this little warband. They undoubtedly took the orcs by surprise, surrounding and cutting them down. Goblins aren’t known to be particularly brave.

I watch to see what they do.

(Goblin Perception-Fail by 4)

I see them looting the corpses, stealing weapons, coin and various trinkets and charms. A few cut off orc ears or fingers as trophies. After a short time, I withdraw continue my searching.

Afternoon Encounter check-No Encounter-Survival pass 0-Q: Are there orcs int his area? EXCEPTIONAL NO Q: Women and children present? EXCEPTIONAL NO Q: Are the goblin victors present? NO Q: Mutual destruction? NO

As I move up into the wooded hills south of East Watch, I first notice the cawing of crows. Then I come across a number of ruined orc tents. Orc and goblin corpses are scattered where a fierce battle must have taken place. I begin picking my way through the ruined campsite, trying to get a good count of how many orcs had been here. Probably close to another five hundred warriors! With no signs of women or children present. Another raiding band, but wiped out by what must have been a terrifying number of goblins to be so bold as to attack such a large force of warriors.

Q: Are there signs of magic? YES Q: Feral allies? EXCEPTIONAL YES Q: Allies present still? NO

Then I see something strange. Scorch marks on trees. Orc warriors who seem to have been burnt alive in what may have been a battle formation. The corpse of an ogre, dozens of orcs dead nearby, skulls and chests caved in by the massive club lying near the ogre’s feet. Another dead ogre some distance away! I spend a couple of hours tallying the dead. Half a dozen ogres, hundreds of orcs and goblins. I find an orc warchief’s mask and a pouch of coins that had been left behind, and take both of those treasures with me. There is an abandoned banner, defiled by goblin markings now, and many orcish dead have been mutilated. Broken weapons have been abandoned in abundance.

-Evening Encounter-Goblin Warrens- (Stealth by 2, Observation fail 3) (Goblins Stealth Pass 4, Observation pass 1-Neither party notices the other)
Traveling farther east into the hills overlooking East Watch, I hear what sounds like laughter, but cannot make out the source. I kneel down and listen. There is song as well, goblin from the sounds of it. I must be standing near the entrance to a goblin barrow…I cautiously back track, hoping not to be noticed by any sentries.

(Survival-Pass 3) Q: Are Orcs in this area? Very Unlikely-NO

Given the state of the camp I did find, I am not surprised to see no signs of an orc presence anywhere near the goblin warrens. It causes me to wonder what the orcs did to provoke what must be several warrens to join forces to not merely drive them off, but exterminate them within goblin territory! And I wonder what might provoke them to attack East Watch with such fury.

(Minor Event-) Q: Orcs here? NO
Moving north, I am startled to hear the cry of a hawk as it dives down into some nearby brush, then lifts away, a squirming rodent of some sort in its claws, fighting a futile struggle to escape its pending death. I shake my head.

Eventually, I reach the gates of East Watch about an hour after dusk, having squandered too much time in the ruined camp. Waved inside, I make my way to Commander Voren’s Office.

Scene #9:
I report back to Commander Voren with news of my scouting attempt
Immersion-Sense of Elation

I enter the commander’s office with a bow and then a smile on my face. “Well, the good news is, the goblins wiped out nearly half of the orcs that had been blocking us in. They attacked the southern camp with magic and ogres, and seemed to have entirely wiped it out. No signs of survivors. The bad news is that a blocking force about five hundred strong is still camped to the north of us.” More grimly, I add, “I also saw no signs of survivors in the country side. Whoever didn’t flee to East Watch or hide to the west was likely killed. Further, I only saw warriors. No signs of the larger tribe. These were young bucks looking to prove themselves. I don’t know where the main body of the Ashveins are, but they suffered a brutal loss regardless.”

Voren nods solemnly. “Five hundred? Camped in the north woods?” I nod. “A hard fight in open ground. Harder still where cavalry cannot be truly felt.”

“Yes, Lord Commander, but with a levy from the refugees, your numbers are bolstered”

Q: Is Voren willing to attack the camp? NO

He shakes his head, “Too risky. They haven’t the numbers to storm the keep. We are safe here. And there are none left to save out there. Good work, Kaelen.” I bow and take my leave of the commander.

Scene #10:
I head to the Crossroads Inn to see if I can find some lodging.
E: Action by Caravans: Guidance regarding Leadership
Immersion: Sound, Squeaking

Arriving at the Crossroads Inn, I hear a number of caravan masters arguing over whether it was safe to leave or not. Savin is nowhere to be found, and that seems to be part of the discussion. “That Alnari woman said the road was clear!”
“But how do we know? If it’s clear, they wouldn’t come back, but if they died, they wouldn’t come back either!” I listen to the chatter while I enjoy a beer and some porridge.

(Reaction Poor-Diplomacy Fail by 6)

I suggest that if all of the caravans were to leave together, under combined guard and with some of the garrison reinforcing them, that the orcs would either let them pass, or be baited into an ambush, if the captains were willing to work something out with the garrison commander. I tell them that the blocking force is small enough that it could be utterly destroyed in an open field, but only if they were drawn out.

I am roundly chastised for wanting the caravaners to risk their lives and cargo as bait. I shrug my shoulders.

Q: Does anyone confront me? YES (Chat GPT generates)

An auxiliary officer sits down across from me. He is a Vaylan, clearly, but he dresses as one assigned to oversee Kovori mounted scouts. “You’re not wrong, but you should tell Commander Voren, not a bunch of merchants who live soft and count coins, but never risk blood.”

I raise an eyebrow, “Forgive me, I do not know you.”

“Captain Dommen. You know tactics, and have the looks of a warrior about you. Should I know you?” He asks, eyeing me warily now.

I shrug, “I’ve served under Commander Voren before. I know him well. I respect him, but he is a cautious man. Someone other than I would need to persuade him. These merchants could do it. Perhaps one of his captains could.”

The officer sneers, “We’ve tried this tactic before, baiting foes, but it turned out, they were expecting it and held a force in reserve.”

I shake my head, “Five hundred spears north and within striking distance of us. Another five hundred spears rotting on near the goblin warrens to the south. If the garrison fully commits, and catches them in the open, they are done. They have no reserve this time, unless they only commit halfway. Then their lead element dies too fast for them to pinch us.”

The officer nods. “As you say. Come with me.”

I follow the officer back to Lord Commander Voren’s Quarters once more, and where the captain and I outline the plan.

Q: Do we persuade him? Unlikely-YES

Voren wavers, but eventually agrees to fully commit to the plan. He sends orders to his officers to prepare, and summons the caravan captains to his quarters for a briefing. For his part, Captain Dommen tells me with a wink, “You ride with me in the morning. If this goes badly, I want my revenge.”

I laugh, “I don’t ride without a horse. But with a horse, I’ll ride through the thick of it.” He tells me I’ll have a horse at dawn.

16th, Greenthaw, Moonday
Scene #11:
In the morning, caravans are setting off with every hired guard available, plus a company of heavy infantry hidden amongst their ranks. The rest of the garrison is ready to sally once the blocking force is committed.
Immersion-Sense-Anger

As I stand beside Captain Dommen watching the merchants leaving the safety of East Watch’s walls, I hear a voice behind me. “What’s that traitor doing here?” I turn to see Tirena Vallis approaching. I bow lightly as befits her station.

“What do you mean, magistrate?” The captain asks. She proceeds to tell him how my father and I defied orders to abandon Varek’s Hold and it cost the garrison their lives. I say nothing, watching the caravaners leave.

Q: Does this rattle him? EXCEPTIONAL YES

The captain turns on me, enraged, “Is this true?”

“Halfway. She left out the part where we sent her to summon reinforcements so the civilians we were protecting wouldn’t be slaughtered, and the hold might not have been overrun.”

(I fail Diplomacy by 2, she has a critical success)

“Your father disobeyed a direct order from the Lord Marshal. Don’t try and turn this on me, traitorous half blood!” The magistrate sneers.

“I trusted this plan of yours when I brought it to the commander. I didn’t know you were a rebel!” Captain Dommen spits out in disgust.

“If the plan is solid, it doesn’t matter who crafted it. Only that it is followed. If we are going to fight, I need a horse.” I reply, flatly.

Q: Do I still get a horse? NO

He shakes his head, “No. You best catch up with the caravan. You are part of the bait now, not the relief.”

I shake my head, and then run to catch up to the caravans just before the gate is closed.

Scene #12:
I join the caravaners, slipping in among the guards, bow in hand, and scanning the northern horizon for signs of an orcish ambush
Smell-Fish

The wagon I travel beside smells…odd. I ask the teamster what he is hauling. “Fish” comes the reply. I ask if they are salted or brined. He says they are fresh. I tell him that is no longer the case, and step away.

Q: Do the orcs come for us? EXCEPTIONAL NO
Morning Encounter-Merchant Cart

We travel throughout the morning with no signs of trouble, when one of the merchants suggests, “Hey lad, these farm houses we are passing. Surely they have things of value left in them right? Mind running ahead and seeing if there is anything you could add to my cart?” I look away in disgust. It’s not that I am above a bit of looting abandoned goods whose owners are likely dead, but I won’t be doing it in front of passers by when we could come under attack at any moment.

Stopping for lunch at noon, I break off from the caravan and start scouting north again, unsure where the orcs might now be. If the caravan keeps moving, it should reach West Watch by nightfall.

-Afternoon Encounters-Minor Encounter-Ghost-Q: Do I find orcs? YES (Hunting party of 3)
(Stealth-Fail by 3, Observation-Pass by 1, Survival-Pass by 3, Orc Observation fails by 3)

Moving north into the woods, I spot a woman seemingly running for her life. She looks back towards me, then at something over her shoulders and takes off running fast. I look back towards whatever may have frightened her, but seeing nothing, I pursue, bow and arrow in my left hand, ready to nock and fire.

Racing hard to keep track of the fleeing woman, I am surprised when I see a trio of orcs standing over her corpse on the far side of a stream. I didn’t even hear her cross water nor see them strike her down. One is kneeling down, already butchering her, while the second stands by watching and the third is cleaning his weapon. They haven’t noticed me, so I stand, nock my arrow, aim…slip from poor footing, sending the arrow wide, but drawing the orc’s attention!

Round 1
Me: Range-6, Aim+2, All Out+1=-3 to hit -Critical miss! I lose my balance
Orc 1, spear and shield already prepped, move towards me
Orc 2, Ready’s shield, move towards me.
Orc 3, Butcher, sheathes knife and stands

Round 2- Fast Draw Arrow, Ready Bow
Orc 1, spear and shield readied move towards me
Orc 2, shield ready, readies spear, move towards me.
Orc 3, Readies shield, moves towards me

Round 3- Bow Readied, Aim +2
Orc 1, spear and shield readied move towards me
Orc 2, spear and shield readied move towards me.
Orc 3, shield ready, ready spear, moves towards me

Round 4- Range-5, Aim+2, All Out+1=-2 to hit Miss!
Orc 1, spear and shield readied move towards me
Orc 2, spear and shield readied move towards me.
Orc 3, shield ready, ready spear, moves towards me

Round 5- Fast Draw Arrow, Ready Bow
Orc 1, spear and shield readied move towards me
Orc 2, spear and shield readied move towards me.
Orc 3, shield ready, ready spear, moves towards me

Round 6- Bow Readied, Aim +2
Orc 1, spear and shield readied move towards me
Orc 2, spear and shield readied move towards me.
Orc 3, shield ready, ready spear, moves towards me

Round 7
Me: Range-5, Aim+2, All Out+1=-2 to hit, hit orc 3, who blocks with his shield
Orc 1, spear and shield readied move towards me
Orc 2, spear and shield readied move towards me.
Orc 3, shield ready, ready spear, moves towards me

Round 8
Me: Fast Draw Arrow (critical success), Ready Bow
Orc 1, spear and shield readied move towards me
Orc 2, shield ready, readies spear, move towards me.
Orc 3, Readies shield, moves towards me

Round 9
Me: Bow Readied, Aim +2
Orc 1, spear and shield readied move towards me
Orc 2, shield ready, readies spear, move towards me.
Orc 3, Readies shield, moves towards me

Round 10
Me: Range-4, Aim+2, All Out+1=-1 to hit, hit orc 3, who blocks with his shield
Orc 1, spear and shield readied move towards me
Orc 2, shield ready, readies spear, move towards me.
Orc 3, Readies shield, moves towards me

Round 11 (I am at 8 fatigue, they are at 5 fatigue)
Me: Fast Draw Arrow, Ready Bow
Orc 1, spear and shield readied move towards me
Orc 2, shield ready, readies spear, move towards me.
Orc 3, Readies shield, moves towards me

Round 12 (I am at 8 fatigue, they are at 5 fatigue)
Me: Range-4, All Out+1=-3 to hit- Hit! Torso, 1 damage-2 DR=0 Damage!
Orc 1, spear and shield readied move towards me
Orc 2, shield ready, readies spear, move towards me.
Orc 3, Readies shield, moves towards me

Round 13 (I am at 8 fatigue, they are at 5 fatigue)
Me: Fast Draw Arrow, Ready Bow
Orc 1, spear and shield readied move towards me
Orc 2, shield ready, readies spear, move towards me.
Orc 3, Readies shield, moves towards me-climbs out of the water

Range 14
Me: Range-3, All Out+1=-2 to hit- Right arm, 2 damage-2 DR=0 Damage
Orc 1, spear and shield readied move towards me-climbs out of the water
Orc 2, shield ready, readies spear, move towards me.-climbs out of the water
Orc 3, Readies shield, moves towards me

The orcs ready their shields and spears as they start moving towards me. They climb down into the streambed and start wading towards me as I fire one arrow after another at the lead man. Two arrows stick solidly into the lead orc’s shield, another two arrows strike his thick leather armor as the orcs cross and climb up on my side of the shore!

Having hoped to kill at least one before they got close, I realize I’d best run before they climb up to my firing position. The orcs shift grips to throw their spears, but I am quickly out of sight with a low rise between us. In their heavier gear, they cannot catch up to me!

Tracking-Pass by 8, Orc Tracking-Pass by 1

I flee through the woods, then after I am sure I have put some distance between us, I start making switchbacks and covering my trail, trying to ensure that I lose any orcish pursuers.

I then take inventory of my arrows. I only have six left, and I need a stronger bow if I am going to put down orcs! A simple hunting weapon won’t do the job.

Scene #13: (Stealth pass 4, Observation-Critical success)
Fleeing from the orcs, I head towards the larger orc camp. Clearly, there are still orcs in the area, but I am unsure whether they have moved or not.
E: Positive for Kaelen Dravari: an Ambush and a Rumor
Immersion-Sidekick has a question

Q: Goblins? YES (Goblin Perception pass 0, Stealth-fail by 2)
E: Resolution of ‘Tirena Valis wants justice against me as a traitor’: the Release of New ideas
Q: The entire camp? YES
E: Action by Grave Tusk Orcs: Excitement regarding Fears

As I creep through the woods towards the orc camp, I notice a band of goblins doing the same. I pause and hunker down, carefully observing…scores of goblins moving stealthily through the trees towards the orc camp. I wait, and watch until…there is a horrific crashing sound, the whistle of arrows and sudden yells and shouts from the orcish camp. The goblins let out a fierce battle cry and hurl themselves at the interlopers. I watch in awe as the battle unfolds.

Q: Are the goblins successful? YES Q: Do I spot the goblin leader? NO

The wild battle rages wildly for several minutes. I smell smoke and see flashes of light from within the camp. I even see a couple of ogres ripping orcs in half or smashing them into trees with their mighty clubs.

While the battle is still thick, I slip away, not wanting to be noticed in the aftermath when goblins may try to hunt down any fleeing orcs.

Evening Encounters-Lone Wolf-(Perception pass by 8, Stealth pass O), I (Stealth pass 5, Perception pass 3)

As I move back towards East Watch, I notice a scrawny looking wolf trailing me. It tries to stay out of sight, but it is clearly stalking me. I nock an arrow and keep moving, waiting for a chance to turn and get a clean shot at it. I find my chance as we enter an abandoned hamlet.

Q: Do I get a good shot? YES

Round 1:
Me: Shoot 10 yards-4, All out attack +1=hit by 7. Wolf fails to dodge, 6 points damageX2=12, passes Knockdown and Consciousness rolls
Wolf: Limp away, passe health check

Round 2:
Me: Sling my bow and start walking after the wolf
Wolf: Limps away passes health check

Round 3:
Me: Ready spear and walk after wolf
Wolf: Collapses

Combat ends

Turning quickly, I fire an arrow, striking the wolf square in the chest. It lets out a sharp yelp and then staggers away. I shoulder my bow and pull down my spear as I follow the badly wounded animal. Before I catch up to it, it collapses. I thrust my spear through its heart, ending its bloody wheezing.

Q: Are these houses burnt? NO Q: Are there any survivors present? NO Q: Was this place attacked? YES Q: Did any seem to escape? YES Q: Towards East Watch? YES Q: Were they pursued? YES
(Tracking pass 2, Search pass 3)

Given the late hour, I decide I will stay in the hamlet overnight, look around and hopefully find some abandoned valuables or even some survivors.

After a thorough search, I find signs that two people seemed to have fled towards East Watch with orc raiders on their tail. I decide to look for them in the morning.

I pick through the houses, and find coins hidden here and there, among letters and ledgers. I find a small copper reliquary with a symbol of a flaming crown on it. I discover the corpse of an orc in one hovel. It smells unnaturally foul, and had its throat torn out, likely by one of the farm dogs that must have been here. I also find a small tin of biscuits that I add to my pack. Then I secure the door to one of the houses and go to sleep.

-Night-No Encounter-

Twise Day, Greenthaw 17th, Pleasant weather, no rain
Scene #14:
As dawn breaks, and I collect my gear, I hear something outside. It is a sighing sound, as though someone were tired, or annoyed.
Immersion-Sound-Sighing E: Remote Event: the Ruination of a World (Chat GPT generates a nice event!)
Q: Does the sound seem to come from inside? NO

I gather my things and step outside, bow ready, uncertain what made that sound.

-Morning-No Random Encounter-
(Stealth Pass 4, Survival Pass 9, Tracking pass 1, but there should be penalties)
Q: Do I find any animal tracks nearby that might have made the noise? NO

Unnerved, but suspecting my mind may have been playing tricks on me. I start following the tracks of those who had fled the hamlet a few days earlier. Unfortunately, I soon lose them, so I return to East Watch instead.

-The Event-
As I reach the walls of the settlement, the sky seems to grow dark. I look up in the air, and see that the sun has been blotted out entirely, though the moon was not in the sky at all! The guards around me are also in shock, staring up at the heavens, wondering what it might mean.

Q: Are people in a panic? EXCEPTIONAL NO

After a few minutes, the sun returns to normal. No moon passes away from it as it would in an eclipse, and those are easily predicted as the moon passes closer to the sun each day. This was something very different. A strange portent it seems.

Scene #15 (Positive Alteration):
I enter East Watch and head towards commander Vorens Quarters. Captain Dommen hails me as I enter.

“Hail Kaelen,” the officer greets me with a smile, “A fast rider just returned from West Watch. The caravans made it through unmolested. The escort company is on its way back. The orcs have either fled, or they sensed a trap.”

I shake my head, “Dead. The goblins hit the second camp yesterday. I witnessed the battle. It was not going well for the orcs. The goblins have some sort of wizard among them. I saw signs of it before, but then again yesterday. One who can bend fire to his will.”

“Interesting”, Dommen muses. “I wonder why such a creature hasn’t turned its wrath on us yet.”

I shrug my shoulders, “I suspect it will, when we intrude on land they call theirs.”

“Oh, Commander Voren asked about you after Magistrate Valis raised concerns that a traitor helped craft our plan. He…I wish you had told me he was a friend of your father’s. I might not have been so harsh with you on Valis’ words.”

I shrug, “I stand or fall on my own. Not on the words or reputations of my parents. Whether what we did was treason or not is for Vaylan Lords to decide. I know what we did was right.”

Q: Does he agree with me? YES

He snorts in amusement, but says nothing. “Well, the Commander wishes to see you.”

I nod and head toward Voren’s office.

Q: Is Valis there? EXCEPTIONAL YES

I enter the office, and spot Magistrate Valis. I bow to both her and the Commander. “You summoned me, Lord Voren?”

He gestures for me to sit, but seeing that the Magistrate, I do so with reluctance.

“What do you have to report? I understand you left with the caravan after Dommen refused to let you ride with him based on Magistrate Valis’ testimony against you.” Voren asks, showing no signs of anger. Valis seems a little sheepish.

“After we reached the forest, I doubled back to the north to see if the Ashveins were on the move. Eventually, I came to their camp just as it was coming under goblin attack. I don’t think there were any survivors.” I look at Valis, “It is my understanding the caravans made it to West Watch and their escort is returning.” The commander confirms this as the Magistrate stands quietly.

I look to Voren. “Why did you wish to see me with her present?”

He chuckles, “To settle matters. She blames you for her brother’s death. But my brother died in Vaylan’s Hold as well. So did your father. All men of honor, who felt it was wiser to stand than to flee. You are not a traitor. Nor was your father. Men of courage do not turn and run. That is how wars are lost. She understands that now, and wishes to apologize.”

I look at Valis, and bow slightly, showing I accept her commanded intent, even if the words do not follow.

Q: Will she apologize? NO Q: Does he offer payment? EXCEPTIONAL NO

“If that is all, my lord. I beg your leave.”

He stops me and asks if I saw the sky grow dark. I admit to having witnessed it, but when asked, I can offer no explanations.

Then I am allowed to leave.

Q: Does anything else of interest happen today? EXCEPTIONAL NO

I seek out the garrison armorer and offer the orcish warmask in exchange for a good fighting bow.
Reaction-Good
(Merchant-Pass 0 vs Quartermaster Pass 2)
Q: Is the quartermaster interested in the warmask? YES Q: Is he a pious man? YES
E: Resolution of ‘Escorts are returning home from West Watch’: the Exposing of Possessions
Q: Will he trade me a composite bow of the right strength? Unlikely-YES

After talking with the quartermaster a bit about needing a stronger bow, and about having found this orcish mask, and the copper reliquary, I am able to work out a trade for the two artifacts in exchange for a good, solid Kovori fighting bow. I test the pull and it is at the limit of what I can comfortably handle. I then purchase some replacement arrows as well.

Later that evening, the escort company returns to East Watch. Men who had been part of that undertaking show off gifts they were given by happy merchants glad to have made it past orcish raiders when they had thought, two days earlier, they might die here!

I am a little jealous of them, but glad enough that the threat seems to have passed.

Q: Is lodging available tonight? NO

I return to the same covered porch where I slept two nights ago, curl up, cradling my new bow, and go to sleep.