Roleplaying: Merrie England - the game

The Game Room
1

This is to announce a restart of my roleplaying game, set in Merrie England.

(Please leave this thread for the players and DM only. Here is the setup thread for spectators and other posts about the game.)

Our adventurers are:

Boadicea, a female human Paladin (played by kurilla)
Hallstein, a male gnome Fighter/Illusionist/Thief (played by tpkurilla)
Gislsson, a male half-Elven Ranger/Magic User (played by What Exit?)
Bergthor, a male human Fighter -> Cleric (played by sarahwilloughby)

Thanks to them for playing and I trust they will enjoy the adventure.

Here’s where they start…

Everyone has heard five things about Rutland:

  • it’s the smallest County in the land and is sparsely populated
  • it lies between the Cities of Nottingham and Portsmouth
  • it has a huge lake (Rutland Water), which attracts many types of birds
  • the county town is Oakham (where the Temple of Heimdall has a horseshoe collection)
  • Sir Guy Gisbourne, the Lord of the Manor, is the largest landowner in Rutland

Usually this charming rural setting is peaceful, with Rangers and Druids watching over the land and inhabitants.
The annual County Fayre in Oakham (this year it is on Wednesday July 3rd) is hugely popular (especially the jousting, singing and Morris Dancing). For many Rutland peasants, going to the Fayre is the longest journey they will ever make. But recently there have been stories of strange events. Country folk mutter into their ale about signs and superstitions…

2

Monday July 1st (evening)

The party have each been asked by **Edith Weston **(High Priestess of the Temple of Heimdall in Oakham) to visit her on an important mission. They have all arrived safely and are staying overnight at the Temple. They have a dawn meeting with the High Priestess (after which they are welcome to load their spells).

However that night they discover they are all troubled by identical dreams and visions:

  • a metal gauntlet savagely squeezes a fruit into pulp, whilst a deep voice laughs “…like this!”
  • during a violent storm at night on a hilltop, there are hissing noises and dreadful screams…
  • a gnome cackles with glee as the sun glints on his dagger
  • a look of helpless horror comes over a Healer’s face as she brandishes her mace
  • a plump man cries out in terror and collapses whilst robed figures gape in amazement
  • a group of nervous peasants stumble across a mutilated body
3

Tuesday July 2nd (dawn) (Market Day)

Oakham is a bustling sight. Not only is today Market Day, but the County Fayre begins tomorrow.
Children run happily in the streets, while dogs bark excitedly.

The rising sun glints on the Temple of Heimdall Spire (visible for miles around).

In the courtyard of Oakham castle, uniformed troops are preparing for inspection. The castle itself flies the flag of a mailed fist, showing that the Lord of the Manor, Sir Guy Gisbourne, is in residence.

The Marketplace is almost ready for business, with stalls run by many traders (including blacksmith, butcher, baker, apothecary, bowyer, leatherworker and tailor). The Maypole has been erected and is being dressed with ribbons and decorations ready for the morrow. The first miscreant is already in the stocks and there is a brisk trade in rotten fruit for throwing at him! An area of levelled earth to one side is clearly going to be for the entertainments and challenges of the Fayre tomorrow.

In the Temple of Heimdall, the party are ushered politely into a comfortable meeting room. Soon an Acolyte appears in the doorway, raps his Staff on the floor three times, then announces proudly “The High Priestess, Edith Weston.”
An elderly lady, wearing the official robes of Heimdall enters. She is carrying a Staff, and is followed by Acolyte Crumlin (also in Temple robes).

4

Boadicea, rises to her feet to show proper respect to the high priestess.

Should any of her companions (a) not be rising to their feet and (b) within range, she’ll gently nudge them or kick them under the table or otherwise encourage them to stand as well.

“Greetings this grand day, Your Grace.”

(Or other polite greeting, as appropriate.)

5

Gislsson bows to the High Priestess and says, “Greeting your Grace, I am here to serve.”

I then bow to my 3 acquaintances.

I will load the following spells unless Edith Weston related information that requires a change.

1st: Magic Missile x2, Shield
2nd:Invisibility, Levitate

6

The High Priestess smiles gratefully at Boadicea.

“Thank you for your courtesy. Please be seated.
I welcome to this Temple Warder Boadicea, Hallstein the … (she pauses briefly) … multi-talented, Gislsson the Scouting Theurgist and Bergthor the Heroic Curate.
Thank you all for coming. You have been highly recommended by the Nottingham Fighter’s Guild.
May I introduce Acolyte Crumlin, who usually tends a nearby Shrine. I think perhaps some of you will know him?”

Crumlin bows respectfully and nods in recognition to Boadicea.

“Lady, I remember you visiting the Shrine.”

He turns to Gislsson.

“Lord, we have not actually met, but your deeds are well known to those of us who live in Rutland.”

Crumlin smiles at Hallstein and Bergthor and sits down.

The High Priestess continues

“I wish to hire you four to bodyguard Crumlin. I have reason to believe he is in danger.
I will pay you a fee for the first week and would like to pay for more, if necessary, after that.
The situation is a little unusual, in that Crumlin has chosen a … brave … path, which means he must travel and be seen in public. Therefore he cannot simply stay here, and precautions are necessary.
Also I cannot be directly involved, as you will soon understand - although I am happy to offer you Cures and even a Raise Dead, should it be necessary.”

(Crumlin looks nervous and determined all at once.)

The High Priestess concludes

“You have my word that your task is to fight Evil. Bergthor, our Gods are united on this and I welcome the assistance of a Cleric of the mighty Thor.
Now before I let Crumlin explain in full, here is your reward. All of it is only usable once, but that may save your lives!”

She offers:

  • Boadicea a Potion of Slow Poison and a gem worth 200 gold pieces (gp)
  • Hallstein Illusionist scrolls of Phantom Armour and Invisibility
  • Gislsson two (+1) arrows
  • Bergthor Cleric scrolls of Spirit Hammer and Dispel Magic

“Will you accept?”

7

Gislsson, “Your Grace, I trust your judgment and I will aid you in this endeavor. The land is peaceful at the moment and I ask only to get word to a fellow Ranger or one of the Druids so they know I will be missing again. I accept.”

Turning to Crumlin offering my hand, “It is good to meet you and let us hope there will be no need of the Raise Dead for any of us.”

8

Boadicea: “As ever, I go where my Lord Hallstein commands. And I shall be proud to have such companions as these on this noble quest.”

She’ll accept the potion gratefully, looks rather … uncertainly … at the gem, but accepts it as well (tucks it safely into a belt pouch or other purse for safekeeping).

9

Gislsson, "Your Grace, a question, last night in this temple, I had strange dreams that I believe may have been visions. It was jumbled, but what I recall is as follows:

  • a metal gauntlet savagely squeezes a fruit into pulp, whilst a deep voice laughs “…like this!”
  • during a violent storm at night on a hilltop, there are hissing noises and dreadful screams…
  • a gnome cackles with glee as the sun glints on his dagger
  • a look of helpless horror comes over a Healer’s face as she brandishes her mace
  • a plump man cries out in terror and collapses whilst robed figures gape in amazement
  • a group of nervous peasants stumble across a mutilated body "
10

The High Priestess nods happily.

"That is a good idea. I shall send word to Lady Marian. As the Senior Druid in Rutland, she will naturally keep the forests safe and pass on the news to the other Rangers.

The High Priestess looks thoughtful.

“This does sound like a sending from a powerful Being. If it was Heimdall himself, or Thor (she smiles at Bergthor), then it will be helpful to interpret. Let me Bless you now - this may reveal more…”

She casts Bless and Gislsson immediately realises four things:

  • the vision was indeed from Heimdall
  • the ‘gnome’ is not Hallstein
  • the ‘Healer’ is the High Priestess herself
  • the robed figures are the Warrior Monks from the Dojo at Burley-on-the-Hill
11

Crumlin leans over and whispers

“Lady, I thought Hallstein was your Squire?”

12

SIGH – I meant to type Heimdall. Joys of posting from the office.

13

No worries. I imagine tpkurilla will find it quite funny, though! :slight_smile:

14

While waiting for all the party to respond to the High Priestess, Crumlin stealthily begins to practice a series of dance movements.

None of the party recognise the actual dance, but it appears Crumlin is imagining that he is holding some sort of stick, and performing in a line.

The High Priestess suddenly notices and gives Crumlin a mild glare.
He looks slightly embarrassed and stops dancing.

15

I rather did enjoy it, but realized it were merely a goof =)

For the record, I have these spells memorized unless I state otherwise:
Colour Spray x1
Phantom Armor x1
Phantom Force x1
Alter Self x1
Detect Magic x1

Hallstein, “Sure, lady. I’ll help out. Whomever needs to be set straight, I’m yer gnome.” He wipes his nose on his sleeve, sniffing to the point of snorting, then starts to spit, and realizes where he is. With a foul look on his face he searches briefly for a handerchief or scarf. With a shrug, he removes his left glove, spits in the palm, wads the glove up, and stuffs it into his shirt. Then he wipes his hands on his breeches, as if trying to clean them, and accepts the scrolls.

Hallsteinn will seruptitiously keep an eye on Crumlin at every opportunity to try to discern what he’s about. If given the opportunity, Hallsteinn will pay a visit to the miscreant in the stocks to see if he can gain any useful information.

16

:smiley:

Since that [COLOR=“blue”]Phantom Armor lasts all day, or until it has absorbed 8 HP of damage (i.e. 2*level), you may as well cast it first thing in the day (either on yourself, or anyone else not wearing physical armour).
N.B. The Armour is undetectable (except by Detect Magic.)[/COLOR]

The High Priestess rolls her eyes a bit, but still hands over the scrolls in a lady-like manner.

Hallstein successfully makes an Alertness roll.
He decides that Crumlin is practising a dance that he (Crumlin) knows well.

The stocks are in the Marketplace, just outside the Temple. Once the party decide to leave the building, it would take only a moment to go over to the unfortunate wretch.

17

Here is the current ‘cast list’.
I’ll update it regularly.

18

I’m finally here…Yeah…:smiley:

I have memorized the following spells for today:

Cure Light Wounds x4
Detect Magic x1
Augury x 1
Spirit Hammer x2
Speak Animals x1
Silence x 1
Dispel Magic X1
Prayer x1
Berg:
“Of course I will accept this mission Your Grace, I could do no other the Thor’s will. You can count on me.”

To Crumlin “When would you like to leave?”

19

The High Priestess smiles and nods happily as the party accept their mission.
She swiftly hands out the Magic items as the fee for bodyguarding.

She states “As I say, I must remain neutral from now on. You will soon understand why, when Crumlin explains.
Of course I am perfectly justified in hiring anyone to protect my Clerics and I will happily cast any spells you may require in future (in exchange for a decent donation to the Temple, of course!)”

She rattles off a sample list of her available spells (adding she knows the party can do many of these themselves):

Cure Light Wounds
Detect Magic
Identify

Augury
Detect Charm
Slow Poison
Speak to Animals

Cure Blindness
Cure Disease
Dispel Magic
Remove Curse
Speak with Dead

Cure Serious Wounds
Divination
Exorcise
Neutralise Poison
Speak with Plants
Tongues

Commune
Cure Critical Wounds
Dispel Evil
Raise Dead

She looks at Crumlin and says “You know the meeting is before lunch?”
Crumlin bows and nods. “Thank you for everything, High Priestess.”

Edith extends her hands to the party, wishes them good luck, says “Please don’t rise for me - you have urgent business to get on with!” and leaves.

20

Crumlin nervously clears his throat.

"Bergthor, I like your enthusiasm! However I need to tell you some things. Also I have a meeting here soon.

So thank you all for helping - I feel wonderful having such a distinguished group protecting me. :slight_smile:

The reason that I will probably need you is because of how Rutland is ruled.
You may know that the High Priestess Edith Weston is the **Spiritual Leader **of our County. She is based here in Oakham at the the Temple of Heimdall, but travels round the County to heal, protect and inspire.
Sir Guy Gisbourne, the Lord of the Manor, is the **Temporal Leader **for Rutland. He resides in Oakham Castle, but has other troops in every town and village in the County. Naturally these are to protect and serve the people.
Lady Marian is the Senior Druid. She, together with a few Druids and Rangers (he bows to Gislsson) care for the forests and fields of our little area.

As you know, Nottingham is the nearest city. It is under the Stewardship of **Baron Thorgunby Wheldrake **- appointed by the King. He is a good man and a great friend to us here. You can see him tomorrow, because he is the generous sponsor of the County Fayre. There are lots of events, but he really likes the Jousting and Morris Dancing best.
Now we have just been told by the Baron that there is to be a new Authority in the County. We are to have a Mayor, who will organise all the existing powers to look after Rutland.
At first Sir Guy stated that he was the man for the job. But Baron Wheldrake said nobody could be both the Mayor and one of the existing top 3 people in the County. So **Cuthbert ‘Curly’ Brown **suddenly announced he was a **candidate **for Mayor. Now I know Curly, who is a night watchman in one of Sir Guy’s warehouses. I must speak honestly - he’s a pleasant chap, but not very bright. Also he does what he’s told.
Well that didn’t seem right, so **Much the Miller **said he would stand for Mayor. He’s got a history of standing up for the poor against the rich, so it looked as if Much would beat Curly easily.
Oh, I should have mentioned that the Baron said everyone in Rutland would all say who should be Mayor. And he said High Priestess Edith Weston should be in charge of seeing the election was fair. (Apparently when Sir Guy heard about ‘one man, one vote’, he laughed and said “I agree. I am the man here and I shall cast the vote.”)
Anyway Much was going to visit a nearby village to tell them he wanted to be Mayor when bandits attacked him. Fortunately some woodsman interrupted them, but Much is still very ill.
So I said I’d stand for Mayor instead. And the High Priestess said I needed protection. And here you are.

There’s a meeting between the two candidates here in an hour or so.
No doubt Sir Guy will send guards with Curly, so you are all welcome to be there too. After that, I need to travel around Rutland safely, telling people why they should vote for me."

He stops talking and looks hopefully at the party.