Dragon's Egg - Act I

[Sparkie]

As I near my companions, I whisper to them. "Keep an eye on the girl. I have a feeling that she will play a greater role in this thing, more than anyone would suspect."

I nod to Ankari. He's right. This girl has been touched by the Divine, I swear it. In Ankari's case, he recognizes how special she is without the intervention of the Gods, but some will refuse blessings even when placed direcly in front of them.

At any rate, this girl must be guarded. Perhaps her fate may be unavoidable, for sometimes the gifts of the gods are temporary. Still, we should try to keep her alive. She is goodly and young, and that is reason enough.

 

[Ireth]

I wake abruptly at the sound of the alarm bell, snatch up some clothes and my supplies and dash for the door with the rest of my companions. Retrieving Llucheden, I mount her and ride toward the burning temple on the smoky horizon. My mare runs swiftly, living up to her name, 'Lightning'.

 

[Steerpike]

The villagers have responded quickly to the fire alarm, and when Matthew rides into the center of town, having followed the trail of smoke and the orange glow against the night sky, people are already forming a line from the well at the town's center to the burning temple that flanks the north end of the square.

The foundation of the temple is built from cut stone, and carved from that stone a wide arch the defines the entrance to the building. Wide stone stairs start at ground level and then narrow where they meet the arch about five feet above the ground. The stone of the arch is carved into a stylized figure of Tyr on the right-hand side, his feet even with the stop of the stairs. A spear rests in his right hand and his left arm is extended over his head, curving to form the top of the arch. The left side of the arch depicts a tremendous wolf standing on its hind legs. It's head and neck stretch out to complete the formation of the top of the arch, Tyr's arm disappearing in to the mouth of the creature. Thick black smoke pours from the archway and disappears into the night sky, above.

Despite the stone foundation, most of the rest of the temple is wood. Two windows face the town center, one on either side of the arch. The left window is black, but the right flickers with the orange light of flames. When Matthew arrives in the square, he thinks for a moment he sees a shadow of movement through the right window, though it may just be the flickering of flames.

The second floor and roof of the temple are burning steadily, and these are the flames that give the night sky its orange glow.

Cadell arrives, also on horseback, just scant seconds behind Matthew. Townsfolk have begun to fill the first buckets from the well and pass them along to be splashed against the burning temple. It seems woefully inadequate, but the villagers move with a fierce determination.

The other members of the party, those running on foot, arrive on the scene shortly thereafter. Burnbright stops almost immediately upon entering the town square, her eyes wide, mouth opened in horror.

Some of the villagers not involved in the bucket line are calling out questions or giving orders to those with the buckets. You hear a number of shouted comments, voices carrying across the square.

"More water to the right!"

"Faster, lads, or we'll lose her!"

"Has anyone seen Harald?"

"What of the acolytes?"

Burnbright looks feverishly around the square, taking in face after face in the fire-lit night. She then turns back toward the temple and yells "he's still in there!"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Where is he?" I ask Burnbright.

She points to the right window.

I run toward the temple. Not close enough to get burned, but close enough that 50 feet of rope can reach the window. "This way, men!" I shout to my party members as I run—sword in one hand—the other hand unwinding the rope from my torso. When I get close enough, I put my sword down. I keep one foot on it so I'm mindful of its place should I need to grab it in a hurry.

I twirl the rope—with a grappling hook at the end—and aim for the window. "Father!" I shout as I give it a toss.


Roll for grappling hook throw to window, if needed:

If this is a STR challenge, the roll is 18 (level+mod+primal instinct bonus) / challenge base is 12 (Baldy's STR = primary).
If this requires a DEX check, the roll is 13 (level+mod+primal instinct bonus) / challenge base is 18 (Baldy's DEX = crappy).

((Also, if throwing a grappling hook requires a DEX check, I'm going to pass that tool to somebody else after being forced to admit that my aim stinks.))

 

[Steerpike]

((It's DEX))

The grappling hook sails away from Baldhart's hand, trailing an unfurling length of rope behind it - only to strike the wood of the temple's wall with a thud and fall to the stonework below.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I reel the rope back in. It is a useless tool in my hands, but if I leave it to burn it'll be of no use to anyone.

"Ah, my aim is terrible! Would one of you gentlemen give this accursed thing a toss? My arms can steady the rope, but I need your arms to throw it."

 

[Ireth]

I hurry toward Baldhart. "I can help!"

I take the rope and throw it in the direction of the window.

((Roll for DEX check: ))

((If someone could help me calculate the bonuses etc. based on Cadell's stats, that'd be great. His DEX is 13, and a prime ability.))

 

[Ankari]

I grab the rope and grappling hook. After a few spins, I toss it towards the window:

((Dex is my second prime ability))

 

[Ireth]

((Sorry, Ankari, Cadell got there first. ^^; Your throw can count if mine doesn't work.))

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

((Your bonus is +1... and you missed. Baldy out-threw you (only because of the barbarian skill). Ankari likely did not, unless this task is considered difficult.))

((EDIT - I take that back. You rolled a 10, but were closer than Baldy because the number to beat for you is 12 + difficulty level, while I had to beat 18+. Only Steerpike knows the difficulty level for this task!))


"Nice try, Cadell. It really is hard to throw that thing accurately. This must be why I normally scale walls without a rope."

I watch the hook sail through the air. Again. If Ankari misses, I'll join the bucket brigade.

 

[Sparkie]

Seeing no other way I can be of real use, I run around the building, hoping to find another entrance or survivors I can heal.

 

[Steerpike]

Cadell's attempt at throwing the grappling hook doesn't meet with success either, being only a little closer than Baldhart's throw. When Ankari steps up and takes hold of the rope, however, the result is different. The grappling hook flies on target, punching through the window then then holding firm against the inside when the rope is pulled tight.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Nice shot, Ankari!"

I pull on the rope to help Ankari ensure it will hold the priest of Tyr—at an angle that takes him away from the building as soon as possible.

"Father!" I shout. "Are you able to climb down?"

 

[Sparkie]

I come running back from behind the temple.

"Everyone! There's doors in the back! Follow me and help me rescue anyone left in there!"

I turn to run back around the building yet again, hoping I'll have some help with me when I open the doors. Something evil is afoot here, I'm sure of it.

 

[Phietadix]

I run to assist Ryth. I and call out.
"Baldhart, we could use your help with this door."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Father," I yell as I run—sword in hand, "the rope!"

I run full sprint to Matthew's call. I say to the elves who *I think* are close behind me, "Bows ready!" Seeing Matthew and Rydh I raise my sword, implying that my weapon is ready as well—in case this is not a rescue mission, but one of vengeance.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Preparation for Battle as a Follower of Brunhilde

Baldy, what is your sacrifice?

I left my grappling hook behind. Is that not worthy?

It is useless in your hands. Is that truly a sacrifice?

No.

I tear my mauve gown. I would have exposed a breast if not for the armor. I don't know if the men will understand this action.

It may be good to tear the gown off completely so you don't get burned in the fire.

Nissa! I really loved this gown!

Then you have made your sacrifice.

 

[Ankari]

I scale the wall using the rope.

As I reach the top, I lean away from the window and peer inside.

 

[Ireth]

I quickly string my bow and take an arrow from my quiver, riding after Rydh and Baldhart to the rear doors of the temple. Seeing them raise their weapons, I nock the arrow to my bowstring and draw it back, peering through the smoke for anything that might present itself as a target.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

((Scaling the wall is DEX? Good thing I didn't do that!))

((EDIT - or maybe I should have…

Deerstalker. This has a variety of applications and reflects the Barbarian's natural ability to endure harsh environments, forage off the land, find shelter, food, and water, and so on. The Barbarian can also scale climbable cliffs, swim rivers, &c within the discretion of the GM.

…assuming that this skill negates the need for a roll. But maybe that doesn't include ropes with otherwise unclimbable walls.))