Mouse Guard PBP: The Rat King

[Coyotebd]

Welcome to the play-by-post thread for The Rat King. I'd like to establish a few rules for the game to keep things organized.

All normal text is considered table-chatter. Table chatter is an important part of the game so it belongs in the main thread. Italicized text is in-character speech and action. Use quotation marks to demonstrate that your character is speaking. Please describe who you are speaking to. Here is an example:

Finn wants to learn more about the strange glint he saw in the leaf-pile. "There's something here!" he shouts to his patrol before diving into the leaves.

Spectators are welcome to follow along. Please refrain from posting in this thread. If you are interested in joining please PM me. I will try to remember to post when they are spots open at the start of any GM post. Currently there are two spots open.

For those that are ready may begin describing the type of mouse or patrol they want to form. Volunteers for Patrol Leader are welcome.

[mistrlittlejeans]

Here's my mouse concept

Name: Aengus Coalpaws

Age: 47
Home: Copperwood
Fur Color: Black
Guard Rank: Patrol Leader
Cloak Color: Forest Green

Parents: Parents: Faolan the Hunter and Moira the Cartographer
Senior Artisan: Walter (Cartographer)
Mentor: Grahame
Friend: Tinble the Innkeeper
Enemy: Cale (Patrol Leader)

Belief: In order to survive new trails must be blazed and old ones must be burned.
Goal: I will finally pay the tab I owe to Tinble.
Instinct: Never rely on others to do what you can do yourself.

Contacts: None currently.
Gear: Bow, Cloak, Hunting Knife, Pipe, smoking herbs

Traits:
-independent *
-Jaded*
-Scarred*

Fate: 1
Persona: 1

Nature: 3
Will: 4
Health: 4
Resources: 5
Circles: 2

Skills:
Fighter 2
Healer 2
Hunter 4
Pathfinder 4
Scout 2
Survivalist 4
Weather Watcher 3
Cartographer 3
Orator 2
Persuader 2

Wises:
Forest-wise 2
Path-wise 2
Predator-wise 2
Herb-wise 2

Conditions:
Healthy ( ) Hungry/Thirsty ( ) Angry ( ) Tired ( ) Injured ( ) Sick ( )

Description: Aengus is a stout blackfur with a jagged scar where his right eye used to be.


I would definitely switch some skills around so I could get at least a few points in Loremouse; otherwise he's good. Skydut, you've seen this guy before

[astute]

That's not a concept, that's a whole character!

I guess you're the patrol leader, then. I'm thinking about playing a young, studious guardmouse.

[Coyotebd]

Sounds good. What are you thinking for your specialization? Everyone supposed to choose a different one.

[Skydut]

I'll have mine soon! Great Stuff MLJ!

[mistrlittlejeans]

I should say that this character originally was a Patrol Guard mouse, not a Patrol leader. He was meant to be a bit of a loner (see BIG's); I'm happy to make him a Patrol Guard if someone else wants to be the Patrol Leader. Otherwise, I think it's only fitting if he's a bit of a reluctant leader; I'll fashion his BIG's around that idea.

[Skydut]

I'm making mine a Guard Mouse. I want something simple and straightforward. I have no objections what so ever for you to take PL.

[VALIS]

Hi, are you still looking for a player? I've read through the rules a couple of times with a view to GM-ing it at my local club, but I'd like to play it first.

Cheers!

[Coyotebd]

Sorry Valis, I think we're full up with 4 players. However if someone drops out or we start another patrol I'll send you a PM.

Everyone else: Sounds like we have a good mix. Please post the specialization you are planning to take (per the Recruitment chapter) because everyone's supposed to have something different. I believe Pathfinder is currently taken by Aengus. Speaking of which, I would much rather see Aengus with a 3rd trait that doesn't necessarily reinforce the first two. As it is he's a little two-dimensional.

[mistrlittlejeans]

I understand that, but it isn't what I intended. The Jaded trait is because of his time with the guard, and what he sees as the failures and shortcomings of his patrol mates. Scarred refers more to a physical trait (missing an eye), but it can also be an emotional experience related to that event that led to that loss (I was thinking something with an animal that is not a weasel). Independent is from his home and the way he was raised.

Let me look over the lists and see if there's anything that jumps out at me. There's always Natural Bearings.

For specialty, yes I'll take Pathfinder. Otherwise I'd take Loremouse.

To get points in Loremouse I'll drop Orator, open Loremouse and add a point I had originally put into cartographer.

[Skydut]

Name: Thom Grounden Jr.

Age: 20
Home: Sandmason
Fur Color: Brown
Guard Rank: Guardmouse
Cloak Color: White - "Though your past is shrouded in dark shadows, your future is undiscovered. The cloak color I have chosen for you is white. Like a blank page yet to be written." -Finn Cowan

Parents: Thom Sr. and Kelli Grounden (deceased) - Glaziers ("The Grounden's were good, simple, mice." That's what others had said when shocking news of a burglary turned kidnapping had surfaced in Sandmason. Thom was out gathering food with Paul when the mysterious act took place, and some had even questioned whether or not the all-to-quiet glazier's son had anything to do with the crime. It didn't help that Thom wouldn't answer their inquiries; rather than stay in town, Thom fled to Lockhaven, joined the Guard and hasn't looked back since.)

Senior Artisan: Howard (Glazier)

Mentor: Finn Cowan ( Scout)

Friend: "One-legged Pauly" (While the other mice in Sandmason had their doubts about young Thom Jr. and the mystery surrounding his parents disappearance. There is one oldfur who treated Thom with respect, Paul Calloway, or "One-legged Pauly" as the masses had labeled him. Paul is a kindhearted hermit, living off the land in the dunes surrounding Thom's home. Paul lost his right foot to a crab while living in Shorestone. He has no friends except Thom and the variety of small birds that Paul has managed to associate with.)

Enemy: Tinble the Innkeeper ("Snicker, snicker...")

Belief: Actions speak louder than words.
Instinct: Always keep my face covered when around strangers.
Goal: ?

Contacts: None currently.

Gear: Spear, head scarf, canteen


Traits:- Quiet 2

Fate: 1
Persona: 1

Nature: 6
Will: 3
Health: 5
Resources: 3
Circles: 2


Skills:
Glazier 3
Scout 4
Deceiver 3
Survivalist 4 (Specialty)
Healer 3

Wises:
Dune-wise 2
Medicine-wise 2

Conditions: Healthy ( ) Hungry/Thirsty ( ) Angry ( ) Tired ( ) Injured ( ) Sick ( )

Description: The one word that sums up this young brown fur, is quiet; almost to a fault. Thom would rather not be noticed in any situation, in fact he believes that the less he is known, the better. There is some uncertainty surrounding his mysterious past, but Tom proved a capable, hard working tenderpaw when he came to the Guard two seasons ago, now he has been given the rank of Guardmouse, and though he is not sure of his future, he is positive that the Guard is the best place to be for now.

[mistrlittlejeans]

Ok, I went over Aengus again. Here's the new him


Name: Aengus Coalpaws

Concept: Aengus spent his formative years blazing paths that helped expand the territories. He's independent and tough, and prefers the forest paths to the big mouse cities. he's a reluctant patrol leader, since he doesn't like to rely on others; however, he knows that the guard can perform the most good when the patrol works well as a team.


Age: 47
Home: Sprucetuck
Fur Color: Black
Guard Rank: Patrol Leader
Cloak Color: Forest Green

Parents: Parents: Faolan the Hunter and Moira the Cartographer
Senior Artisan: Walter (Cartographer)
Mentor: Grahame
Friend: Tinble the Innkeeper
Enemy: Cale (Patrol Leader)

Belief: In order to survive new trails must be blazed and old ones must be burned.
Goal: I will finally pay the tab I owe to Tinble.
Instinct: Never rely on others to do what you can do yourself.

Contacts: None currently.
Gear: Bow, Cloak, Hunting Knife, Pipe, smoking herbs

Traits:
-independent *
-Rational*
-Scarred*

Fate: 1
Persona: 1

Nature: 4
Will: 5
Health: 4
Resources: 5
Circles: 2

Skills:
Hunter 4
Pathfinder 5
Survivalist 3
Weather Watcher 3
Cartographer 3
Persuader 3
Loremouse 4

Wises:
Forest-wise 2
Path-wise 2
Predator-wise 2
Herb-wise 2

Conditions:
Healthy ( ) Hungry/Thirsty ( ) Angry ( ) Tired ( ) Injured ( ) Sick ( )

Description: Aengus is a stout blackfur with a jagged scar where his right eye used to be.


can't wait to see my patrolmates!

[Skydut]

Nice MLJ, Aengus looks great!

So when do we start this campaign?

[Coyotebd]

Waiting on Astute and Valis

[VALIS]

OK, this is Tedwyn, his cartographer skills seem to overlap somewhat with Aengus, but I feel they tie in with his scientist and pathfinder skills. I want him to explore and develop maps of where the rarest herbs can be found.

Tedwyn

Born in Sprucetuck, Tedwyn was a promising young scientist following in the footsteps of his mother until he developed an acute allergy to some of the ingredients used in the scent concoctions. This has forced Ted away from the somewhat polluted air of Sprucetuck and he has decided to follow in the footsteps of his father as a mouse of the guard.

Age: 16

Home: Sprucetuck

Fur Colour: Dark Auburn

Rank: Tenderpaw

Cloak: None

Parents: Galen (Cartographer in the Guard) – Deceased; Callandra (Scientist)

Senior: Stark (Cartographer)

Mentor: Helen (Healer, Hunter) - on special assignment - Now Aengus

Friend: Finn (The cousin he grew up with in Sprucetuck – he is a Scientist helping foment the scent concoctions).

Enemy: Jasper (Guard Mouse who studied under Stark)

Nature: 4 [Saves for winter (may not take Bold or Generous traits), stands and fights, does not fear Owls, foxes, Wolves]

Will: 2

Health: 6

Skills: Scientist 4, Pathfinder 3, Cartographer 3, Persuader 2, Healer 3, Hunter 3, Herb-wise 2

Traits: Inquisitive 1, Stubborn 2

Resources: 3 [Thrifty (may not take Generous to start), Packs carefully (may not take Bold or Fiery to start)]

Circles: 2 (Father was in the Guard)

Gear: Sword, Book with his own discoveries and observations regarding herbs and their properties, quill and ink, jaunty hat with an eagle 'feather' in the top.

Belief: Science has a solution for every problem

Instinct: Stab first, ask questions later

[VALIS]

Just thinking about the cartographer thing, perhaps Tedwyn could have studied under Aengus?

[Coyotebd]

As a tenderpaw you need a mentor in the patrol. If Aengus is willing it could certainly be him.

[VALIS]

Excellent, Aengus, can I study under you o' great fountain of wisdom and knowledge?

[mistrlittlejeans]

Yeah, I think Aengus should be your mentor. I'm cool with the cartographer thing as well, although it might not be a bad idea for us to diversify. Acutally, I've been thinking that if Aengus has the Natural Bearings trait, maybe being a cartographer is a bit redundant. I might look at the skill options for parents again and see if anything else strikes my fancy.

[Skydut]

Valis, I like Tedwyn. Nice to have some science in the team. I'm a bit curious on a few of your choices on your gear though. Your lucky acorn is a full size nut, being hauled by a full size mouse, just seems kinda cumbersome. And the eagle feather, well, that's going to be pretty big too. Anyway, I might just be nit-picking, but according to the rulebook, remember to prioritize your gear choices, these mice are traveling long and hard trails and need to be mobile and able to act quick. They have their weapons, cloaks, and one or two small items that are special to them. It may be nothing, but as a GM, I have used the gear being carried by the PC's to hinder or even halt there progress in game.

[mistrlittlejeans]

I tend to agree with Skydut here. I like the idea of a well-meaning but encumbered tenderpaw. Is there a trait you could take to reflect that? He's definitely at odds with the way Aengus does things. I sense some great interaction and conflict there.

[Coyotebd]

We can always change his traits later in-game.

I hadn't noticed the nut or feather, but now that you point it out I'm picturing a wee mousey dragging a wagon with a big nut and feather which threatens to overturn the cart every time there's a sharp breeze.

[mistrlittlejeans]

Now that you mention it, I'm envisioning the slightest breeze knocking him down because of that gigantic feather in his cap!

[VALIS]

I meant him to have a trimmed-down bit of feather-fluff from the underside of the eagle, not the whole feather! Tedwyn just calls it an eagle's feather; he's very proud of it. He tells the lady-mice he defeated an eagle in single combat to win it.

I see what you mean by the acorn though, he's ditching the acorn!

[Coyotebd]

Sounds good. Perhaps a section of barbs from the side, #3 in the picture: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/41/Parts_of_feather_modified.jpg

[VALIS]

Excellent.

I've amended Tedwyn so that Aengus was his Senior artisan. Also as they're both from Sprucetuck, I thought Aengus may be friends with Ted's dad. Perhaps they both studied cartography together whilst in the Guard?

I'm just a small step away from calling him "Uncle Aengus"......

[Coyotebd]

Senior Artisan's are not guardmice. Aengus is his mentor. When the mice first visit Lockhaven to become guardmice they study under a non-guard artisan until they are deemed ready to go into the field. Then they are assigned a mentor in a patrol. This is the stage that your Tenderpaw is at. I think that's everyone's character, so we'll get started this evening.

[mistrlittlejeans]

Valis, if it's okay with you I'd rather be more disconnected from Tedwyn and his family. I don't have a Belief, Instinct, or Goal related to your character, so I don't really feel that connected to you. You are my tenderpaw so I have a responsibility to train you and keep you safe, but that's it at this point. If you are interested in fostering a stronger relationship between our characters you can work that into your B's and I's and G's as we go. Likewise, if we happen to meet your parents (Aengus is also from Sprucetuck you know), it might be a good time to try to have them get to know Aengus or something.

Also, I was thinking if changing from Cartographer to Carpenter. I'd like to focus more on woodworking (gotta fashion a nice smoking pipe!), but basic carpentry will do as well. This way the patrol is more diverse, and I have some ideas as to how Aengus can interact with Tedwyn regarding maps. Remember, I have Natural Bearings and love finding Paths :)

[VALIS]

OK, fair enough, reject poor little Tedwyn!!!

I have a question, previously I had "Helen" as Ted's mentor who provided him with Healing and Hunter Skills. Can he keep these skills? He has been on patrol with Helen but is still a Tenderpaw (Helen's patrol has been assigned a mission deemed too dangerous for Ted, deep in Weasel territory so Ted has had to switch patrols).

[mistrlittlejeans]

I think some of that is up to the GM, but traditionally your skills come from your mentor, which would be Aengus. He has hunting, so that's not a problem. He no longer has healing, so that's up in the air.

[Coyotebd]

Valis, the changed mentor seems like a good compromise and will give Aengus the distance he'd like. Aengus, you've suddenly been stuck with a half-trained tenderpaw.

[VALIS]

Half-trained.....

That sounds like ominous GM talk. Be prepared for Tedwyn poking out your good eye with his sword as he tries to pull up his pants.

[mistrlittlejeans]

Arrrrrgggg! I should've stuck with the Jaded trait! Just kidding, but by the end of the year I might get that vote ;)

By the way, this patrol sounds awesome.

[Coyotebd]

Here We Go!

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It is a warm spring day when the summons from Gwendolyn arrives. The morning chill has been chased away by the warm sun and Lockhaven bustles with activity as everymouse is trying to find any reason to work outside or run errands around the town. The note simply says:

Aengus,

Please assemble your patrol in the map room for an assignment.

Gwendolyn

The Guard has been with the dawning of spring. A season's worth of mail needs delivering, mice need escorting and all the other activities restored which winter postpones. It is routine work, but important to the mice of the territories.


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[mistrlittlejeans]

Aengus clasped his woven green cloak around his furry neck, then slung his trusty ashwood bow over his shoulder. He quietly made his way through the dank halls of Lockhaven, almost unseen by the other guardsmice bustling about, preparing for their first mission of the season. He checked his list of recruits. "Hmmmm... should prove an interesting bunch" he said under his breath with a puff of herb smoke drawn from his elaborately carved pipe. He made his way from room to room, calling each mouse of his patrol with nothing more than a grim nod. Patrolmates in tow, Aengus marched to Gwendolyn's quarters, his black fur bristling with anticipation at the thought of feeling the cool autumn air. It was about time.


OOC - Valis, I had a thought. Let me know if you are interested. So, Aengus' enemy is another Patrol Leader named Cale. Since you previously had a different patrol leader, what if that leader was Aengus' enemy? I can change his enemy's name to your previous PL or you can change yours to Cale. Whichever is fine with me if you like the idea. If not, don't sweat it. Just thought it would add an interesting wrinkle to our mice.

Let's go patrol!

[VALIS]

Tedwyn had awoken late and had resorted to multitasking in order to be ready in time. He'd had to visit the crapper whilst cleaning his teeth and there had been some unpleasantness when he got his hands mixed up, but it was nothing a damp flannel couldn't rectify. His name was called and he excitedly pulled up his britches (it's normally the other way around), grabbed his sword and notebook, and thrust his hat on at a jaunty angle. Feeling ready to face the world, he marched briskly from his room to meet his new patrol leader, with a trail of toilet paper unravelling behind him from where it was wedged in his thundercrackers.

OOC - Littlejeans, perhaps Helen (Ted's previous patrol leader) could be in a relationship with Cale, after dumping Aengus?

[mistrlittlejeans]

ooc - interesting Valis. My conception of Aengus never included a broken heart, but it would add depth. I was thinking Cale/Helen would be the same mouse, with whom Aengus would now have a competition over revolving around Ted, and nicely enough Ted would be stuck right in the middle. Imagine a scenario where Ted is receiving orders from Aengus but Cale/Helen is there telling him to do the opposite. What is he going to do? Anyways, all good ideas. I'll mull them over.

[VALIS]

OOC - I'm quite happy for Cale/Helen to be the same person with Ted torn between them (Aengus better have something good to offer, Ted likes his older mouse-ladies!)

[mistrlittlejeans]

ooc - cool. Let's go with Helen then as Aengus' enemy AND your ex-patrol leader. Hell, there could even be some unresolved sexual tension between Helen and Aengus. We'll just have to wait until they meet again to find out.

[VALIS]

Ugh!

[mistrlittlejeans]

ooc - get your mind out of the gutter! Just kidding. Think Saxon's proclamation to Gwendolyn, not mouse porn.

Also, Has anyone heard from Astute recently? Did he ever post his mouse? BTW Skydut, your mouse is awesome. simple and awesome. I love the inclusion of Tinble as your enemy. Nice touch. This game is going to be great.

[Coyotebd]

Nothing from Astute recently. If he posts his character I'll work him in. Waiting on Skydut's post before continuing. Don't forget to seperate your OOC from your IC. For example, I'm putting my IC between bars like this:

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IC
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So that there's no confusion what is in game and out of game. As much as I'm enjoying The Black Axe I'm really looking forward to reading more about Kenzie, Saxon, Sadie and Lieam.

[mistrlittlejeans]

I'm waiting for BA to come out in hardcover, but yes, I agree... more Saxon, Lieam, Kenzie and Sadie will be great.

[Skydut]

Thom's ears pricked when he heard his Patrol Leaders voice echoing in the hall.

With a sigh, the young fur unfolded his legs and finished the silent prayer he had been meditating on since an hour before dawn. He glanced around the room, then stood to gather his cloak, scarf, and canteen from the small side table next to his bed. Though the bed was unused, he had chosen to sleep on the stone floor of his room, like he had done the night before and the night before that, in fact, Thom hadn't slept on a bed since he had fled Sandmason. It's not that he didn't like them, he just didn't think he deserved them.

His spear was near the door, it gleamed in the little light that entered his room. He could smell the familiar metallic scent and when he lifted it from it's rest it felt familiar and warm in his paw. The spear was the only item from his hometown that he had bothered to take. But then, there wasn't much left after... Thom quickly pushed the bubbling memories back into the dark corner of his mind.

Stepping through the door, he noticed the figure of a dark-furred mouse wearing a bow walking furthest down the hall, the smell of sweet smoke trailed from his pipe. Behind him, a strangely dressed moused followed excitedly. He guessed that these were his patrol mates.

With another glance down the hall in the opposite direction, Thom wrapped his head with his scarf, tightened his cloak and followed in line toward his next mission.

[OOC - Sorry about the delay. I normally post every evening after 8pm. Hopefully as the game progresses we will become accustomed to each others posting habits. I'm really excited to be along for the game! Can't wait to see what's next!]

[Coyotebd]

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Gwendolyn looks up from her map as the patrol arrives. She had been discussing assignments and routes with one of her scribes, who she dismisses. "We'll continue in a little while," she says. Turning to the patrol she smiles and gestures to her map. "It has been a mild spring Aengus, and I have a mild mission for you. There is some mail that needs to be delivered to Pebblebrook. Most important is this." She hands Aengus a letter sealed with the mark of the Matriarch. "Instructions for the patrol that overwintered there. It should be a good chance for you to get to know your patrolmates." She smiles at Tedwyn. "After you have completed your mission please return to Lockhaven through Gilpledge, lending a hand where it is needed. If necessary, I will send further instructions if anything important comes up. So far, however, 1152 is looking to be a good year for the Territories."

As the patrol leaves Gwendolyn motions for Aengus. Quietly she says, "I trust you to put the mission above personal concerns. There is no need to linger in Pebblebrook."

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Ok, your first obstacle is a Pathfinder 5 Ob to reach Pebblebrook. Roleplay what you say or do along the path to achieve your goal. Aengus as patrol leader must make the check. The other members of the patrol can think of what they are doing to help, describe it and tell me what skill or wise they are looking.

[mistrlittlejeans]

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Aengus drew his cloak tight around his dark fur. With a deep puff of his pipe he stepped into the brisk Spring air. "Finally..." he sighed. His whiskers twitched, taking in the scents of melting snow, fresh budding leaves, and all the creatures that were waking with the warming air.

"Don't dither mice. We have a mission to complete. Tedwyn, put that map away. We won't need it. Stick close to my side, and I'll show you how to find your way without a piece of fancy parchment. Thom, take the rear guard. Stay within shouting distance."

After a few hours on the trail Aengus nonchalantly veered off trail. Before the other mice could question his move he stated,

"This will save us nearly a full day's journey. We'll move through the denser forest. Sure we'll miss Shaleburrow, but you two have been softened up enough over the winter. A few days on trail will whip you into shape. Besides, once we hit the high ground we'll have a better view of the surrounding territories."

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Okay, so I have Pathfinder 5, +1D Path-wise, +1D Forest-wise for a total of 7D.

Let me know if you guys want to help. I'll wait for your replies before I decide if I want to go follow my independent trait or not ;)

Also, Coyote, we need to set Goals, right? here's mine. Let me know if it's okay.

"I will repay my debt to Tinble once we reach Pebblebrook. I owe him a favor for the information he gave me last season."

[Skydut]

Thom already distancing himself at the rear of the patrol, nods silently as he receives his orders from the Patrol Leader. He thinks to himself, "Fine by me. I'd rather be back here than anywhere for now."

As the patrol moves on towards their destination, Thom realizes something is amiss far too late, the trail has thinned almost to a faint line, and there is little sign of any discernible traffic on their present course. The leaf litter around them is all but undisturbed and soon Thom can no longer recognize any landmarks. He has traveled the route from Lockhaven to Pebblebrook before a few times in the past, but now he is in completely unknown territory. As they continue to walk along, he overhears the black furred leader shout something nonchalantly about shortcuts and missing Shaleburrow altogether, he also mentions getting into shape and something about not being so soft.

After contemplating the situation they are in, Thom begins to doubt the choice of leadership, but rather than speak up, he chooses to see where this will lead. He has yet to notice any sign of danger, yet moving into the dense forest ahead, he can't help but wish his mentor wouldn't have chosen a stark white cloak to place him in. Just in case, Thom places both hands on his spear and sharpens his senses as best he can to anything that might endanger the patrol.

[OOC: I'm still defining my character, I've never played a quiet mouse before, the way I see it, Thom will behave as he's told, helping as he can and keeping a look out for anything that will endanger or interest the patrol. Though, he's not mute, Thom might need some prodding to talk, but don't expect much. Anyway, my GOAL will be "I will see that we deliver the mail to Pebblebrook."]

[mistrlittlejeans]

Skydut, this sounds like No Help. That's cool if that is what you intended. Sounds like it fits with your current character concept. Just wanted to be sure before I make any dice rolls.

[Coyotebd]

mistrlittlejeans. Sounds good, except that you can only use one wise per test, so the party is currently sitting at 6D.

Skydut: I think you're helping using scout to keep an ear out for predators, is this correct?

[mistrlittlejeans]

Ok, I'll go with Forest-wise. So 6D, 7D if Skydut is helping with Scout.

Valis?

[Skydut]

[OOC: Sorry for the minsunderstanding. No help from Thom.]

[VALIS]

Tedwyn kept his head down as usual when meeting Gwendolyn, glad of his patrol behind whom he could hide. Although Thom seemed distant and Aengus seemed brusque, Ted hoped they would soon become a team; he missed his old patrol and the camaraderie they shared in spite of him being a tenderpaw.

He followed Aengus through the city and out into the countryside, Thom travelling silently behind him all the while, but when he tried to help by pulling a map from his britches he was reprimanded by his patrol leader. Ted felt a little upset. He's studied hard and always listens and learns, and feels a little anxious about making another faux-pas in front of his patrol.

Ted followed Aengus down the winding trail, making notes upon his map as he went. He wondered unhappily what fun adventures his old patrol were having right now.

OOC - Ted feels too intimidated to help with his Pathfinder 3. He's just tagging along, making notes of the route and not paying much attention to possible dangers.....

[mistrlittlejeans]

Great! Sounds like a good start. So 6D then. This is going to be rough. I'll tap Independent for an extra 1D for 7 total. How would you like me to roll coyote?

[Coyotebd]

Good question. Normally when I do IRC rpgs I have a diceroller available. Anyone heard of any that can be used for play-by-post or play-by-email?

In the meantime, I'll just have to trust players to make rolls themselves, at least at first when people aren't hunting for that one failure or success to level up a skill.

[mistrlittlejeans]

All right then... first test of the mission.

Pathfinder Ob 5
Rolling Pathfinder 5 +1D Forest-wise +1D Persona Point

Rolled: 3s (2 axes)
Spent Fate Point: 2s (1 axe), rolled 1s
Total: 6s

Pass!... but now I'm out of Fate and Persona. This could be ugly later on. ;)

[Coyotebd]

It amounts to the same thing, but I thought you were tapping a trait for the +1d, not spending a persona point. I'll have the continuation this evening.

[mistrlittlejeans]

Yeah, you are right. Tapped Independent, didn't use the Persona Point. Thanks for reminding me.

[VALIS]

How about this dice roller: http://www.catchyourhare.com/diceroller/

If we use a password we can see each others rolls (and assign a colour for each character)

or this one: http://www.rpglibrary.org/software/securedice/

Which will send an email with the rolls to our GM.

[Coyotebd]

We'll use the second one. Send to me tprovick (at) rogers.com and yourself. In the subject choose a codeword that you'll include in your post. Post the results yourself.

[VALIS]

So Mrlittljeans needs to reroll?

[mistrlittlejeans]

Come on! Don't make me reroll! Just kidding. It's your call Coyotebd. I was just happy to use my awesome dice from the box set.

[Skydut]

Coyotebed, I rolled using the dice program you chose. Hopefully it worked.

[Coyotebd]

No, I trust the first roll


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Aengus leads the patrol on the long journey to Pebblebrook. Choosing a path less travelled Aengus breaks the trail, maintains constant vigilance and takes every watch. After several days travel the group arrives but the exertion has left Aengus exhausted. He now has the tired condition. For the other mice the journey was uneventful. Warm spring days and cold nights passed in silence with no chatter amongst the party until finally they arrive below Pebblebrook. Built into the exposed banks of a much diminished river the town is a beautiful mosiac of colourful round stonework held together with a nearly white mortar. Stone arches and balconies stud the dried mud wall. An overhang of turf shields the bank from the noon sun. In this vertical city another patrol are awaiting their spring orders.

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Next obstacle shortly. Giving space for RP.

[Skydut]

Taking a long swig from his canteen, Thom surveys the town Pebblebrook. It's arches and height add to an ominous feeling that the quiet mouse cannot place. It's almost as if the entire town is full of staring eyes all fixing their judgmental stares upon him.

Finished with the cool drink Thom now takes a moment to secure his scarf around his muzzle to obstruct the eyes he is sure are watching him.

[mistrlittlejeans]

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Aengus slumped against a sapling to catch his breath. He pulled out his pipe, ornately carved with guardsmice. From his belt he pulled out a small pouch of pungent smoking herbs. Carefully, he placed pinch by pinch of the herbs into the bowl of his pipe which was carved into the shape of a wolf's head. Surveying the town of Pebblebrook below, Aengus too a deep breath of the chill Spring air, lit his pipe with his flint and tinder and took a long draw. The pipe smoke filled his lungs and calm washed over him. Still, he felt tired, nearly exhausted.

"It was the right thing to do." He told himself. "We can't afford delays. No time to rely on a tenderpaw. He's too green." Aengus looked at his patrol mates, then took another deep draw from his pipe. "They take their licks soon enough," he thought.

Looking back at the town awaiting them, a thin smile crept across his whiskered mouth. "See you soon enough Tinble. Soon enough."

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1 question. If I passed the Pathfinder test why do have get the Tired condition? I thought conditions were only given for a failed test. I'm not complaining and I'm happy to take it because it fits the story. I'm just wondering if I'm misunderstanding the rules.

[Coyotebd]

Whoops, my bad. I guess when I presented the obstacle I was thinking about how to handle a fail result which tricked my tired brain into thinking you had failed.

Ignore the tired result. In fact, you were able to make use of the shortcuts to shave a day off the journey.

[mistrlittlejeans]

Ok. No problem.

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The fresh herb smoke and the knowledge that he would soon see his old friend invigorated Aengus.

"Let's move guardsmice. Time to have a drink and some hot food, but don't lose sight of the mission."

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[VALIS]

Wow! Thought Tedwyn, this Aengus really knows his stuff. Moving away from the main trail could have been dangerous but it was a breeze and now the new trail is mapped. Perhaps this information could be shared with the Guard to make the trail usable by all?

Ted pondered this as the patrol entered the beautiful town of Pebblebrook and made towards what appeared to be Aengus' favourite inn. Aengus still overawed him, so he kept his cartography ambitions to himself for now, stuff like that could wait until they were back in Lockhaven.

[Skydut]

"An inn may be just about right," thought Thom, "fresh drinks and hot foods would sure do well to ease these ominous feelings I have about our present course." The white-cloaked mouse had been on edge ever since the patrol had arrived in Pebblebrook. He wasn't quite sure what was on the horizon, but in his tail he could feel some boding presence of ill making it's way toward the three guards mice.

As he narrowed his eyes to scan the town, Thom's thoughts were cut short as the elaborately garbed Tedwyn brushed past him on his way to follow their seemingly fearless Patrol Leader; who was at present smoking a fine pipe and muttering on about something just up ahead and out of ear-shot. Thom had to smile as he watched his young patrol partner happily make his way towards the town. He seemed as if very lighthearted and jovial, but maybe it was just the feather in his hat.

Sighing lightly to calm his nerves Thom adjusts his scarf, tightens his grip on his spear, and follows along after the two.

[Coyotebd]

No inn yet boys, still the GMs turn. Next obstacle tonight.

[mistrlittlejeans]

I knew that was going to happen :)

[VALIS]

How are we working this over Christmas and the New Year?

[mistrlittlejeans]

I should be readily available until Dec. 29th. From the 29th to Jan. 4th my computer time will be limited.

[Coyotebd]

Post when you can over the holidays. It will probably be feast or famine when it comes to personal time.

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Now that you have arrived in Pebblebrook it is time to complete your mission. The few mice you spoke with on the outskirts of town remember well the patrol that over-wintered in Pebblebrook but believe that they've already left on patrol because of the mild spring. You can make an Ob 6 Scout test to find the patrol or an Ob 5 Circles test to find someone who knows where they've gone. Tell me what your plan is and how you are helping.
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[mistrlittlejeans]

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Aengus grumbled under his breath after learning the patrol had already left. He sulked by puffing lightly on his pipe. Suddenly his whiskers twitched.

"It's a good thing I took that short-cut or we would have missed them entirely. Thom, you have good eyes. Can you track them down? If you think it's too difficult I will ask some other mice, however, my experience has taught me that not all townsmice like the Guard asking a lot of questions."

While he waited for Thom's response, Aengus suffocated his pipe and stowed it. His favorite past-time would have to wait a little bit longer.

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I'd love to try Circles and use my Rational or Scarred trait against me to earn a check (kind of wish I had done that on the first obstacle...), however, since I tackled the Pathfinder test I'll let you guys have first crack at this one if you want. Thom has the best Scout (4) and Circles (3), so he's our best bet. Ted and I can both help with Circles, right? Not sure about Scout. Can we help with Hunter and try to track them? I do have Path-wise actually, which I could use to pick out the most likely path they might have taken.

[Coyotebd]

Don't forget you can discuss things out of character to help each other decide how to best play a situation. Even if you mouse's character is to follow a strong leader you can still as a player suggest things.

[mistrlittlejeans]

Coyotebd offers good advice. i was RPing the situation between the ='s of my last post. Below I was giving my two cent's about our current obstacle. What do you guys think? Chime in with ideas. Otherwise Aengus will take the reins again. Time is of the essence! (In game of course :)

[VALIS]

OOC - How difficult will it be to find out when they left?

And if it was in the last few hours to climb to a high vantage point to see if they can be seen?

[mistrlittlejeans]

The first question would probably fall under the Circles test, while the second would fall under the Scout test. Both of those Obs have been given, so we can't change that. These are both great options for help too if you don't want to take the lead on the test.

[Skydut]

[OOC: I'm back from the holidays. I'll read up on the thread and post! So ready to get back to the game!!!]

[mistrlittlejeans]

I'll be in Mexico for the next week. I'll have sporadic access to a computer. I hope to be able to post some.

[Skydut]

[I'll take the test for this one. No help though. 1) I wanted to role play Thom a little, and 2) I think it'll be easier with the holidays to streamline the rolls.)

Thom nodded silently at his patrol leader's advice to scout ahead for the recently departed guard mice. Before the other two mice could say any more, the brown furred mouse bolted into the wilderness surrounding the town.

When he was some yards away, Thom stopped under the shade of a fallen branch. Looking all around for any signs of strangers, he unfastened the scarf that covered his muzzle and took a long breath in through his nostrils. The cool air chilled his nose and sent a refreshing feeling into his chest. The scents of wet leaves and damp soil swam through his lungs and the young mouse smiled. He was finally alone. Peacefully alone.

Taking another second to revel in his state, Thom shook his fur and snapped back into action. His mentor, Finn Cowan had stressed scouting in her training and she was adamant that her apprentice learned well the lesson she taught him. "A scout can be a patrols greatest ally or worst enemy. Your skill will determine the safety and outcome of many of your missions." Thom nodded at the memory of the strong she-mouses words. Squatting low, the brown-fur placed a paw on the dirt in front of him. The dew and light winds would have preserved well enough any tracks the guard mice would have made in their departure. And the cool air would still have deterred many animals from traveling too frequently yet. So hopefully any extra signs from other creatures would be minimal.

Scurrying atop a high rock, the quiet guard mouse scanned the area and determined his bearings. Being confident in his assessment, he returned to the ground and headed off in search of his quarry.

[I think that Thom's QUIET trait applies in this test. He's scouting in the wild and doesn't want to attract any unwanted attention. So I'll roll 4 for scout and add 1 more for quiet. Coyotebed, let me know if this works and I'll email the rolls using the online dice generator. I'm so glad to be back in the game!]

[Coyotebd]

Sounds good. Also not having your patrol-mates nearby will help with the quiet trait. Roll away.

[Skydut]

[Well, I failed. This should be fun. Take it away GM.]

[Coyotebd]

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The day is filled with the noise of returning songbirds staking out their summer territories and the buzzing of insects active in the rapidly warming spring air. The ground is still soft enough that tracks show clearly in the mud. Before long Thom finds the tracks he's looking for, three mice moving with the skills every guardmouse learns: stay in cover, don't crest high-ground and make use of every vantage to keep an eye out for predators. It is something Thom does almost without thinking and this makes the tracks easily stand out from the haphazard scurryings of townmice. The tracks set out to the West, then curve back towards town. Their nature changes, somehow, though Thom cannot place the difference. The patrol is moving differently now, some of the pawprints showing haste and a touch of panic. Engrossed in the story the tracks tell Thom is surprised when they end abruptly at a small boulder. Thom kneels in the damp earth, looking closely at the strange track that appears to go under the rock. When he places his hand on the stone to get an even closer look he realizes what has happened.

The bullfrog lets out a short croak as it turns ponderously towards Thom, it's mouse half-opening and closing as it prepares to strike. Quickly Thom turns and flees, dodging between any cover he can find to avoid being grabbed by the amphibian's sticky tongue. Back towards Pebblebrook Aengus, who had been watching Thom's progress, pounds Tedwyn's shoulder and shouts "Move!" A second passes as Tedwyn watches his patrol leader sprint away while stringing his bow for action before he too realizes that there is trouble and runs, one hand holding onto his hat while the other tries to free his sword from his belt.
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So the twist is that we're having an animal conflict. As a team pick your conflict goal. Thom will be rolling for disposition using either Fighter or Hunter, adding it to either Health or Nature. The other mice can help. Once we have your starting disposition I will decide on my first three actions, then you guys can decide on yours.

The bullfrog's starting disposition is 8.

[mistrlittlejeans]

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The day is filled with the noise of returning songbirds staking out their summer territories and the buzzing of insects active in the rapidly warming spring air. The ground is still soft enough that tracks show clearly in the mud. Before long Thom finds the tracks he's looking for, three mice moving with the skills every guardmouse learns: stay in cover, don't crest high-ground and make use of every vantage to keep an eye out for predators. It is something Thom does almost without thinking and this makes the tracks easily stand out from the haphazard scurryings of townmice. The tracks set out to the West, then curve back towards town. Their nature changes, somehow, though Thom cannot place the difference. The patrol is moving differently now, some of the pawprints showing haste and a touch of panic. Engrossed in the story the tracks tell Thom is surprised when they end abruptly at a small boulder. Thom kneels in the damp earth, looking closely at the strange track that appears to go under the rock. When he places his hand on the stone to get an even closer look he realizes what has happened.

The bullfrog lets out a short croak as it turns ponderously towards Thom, it's mouse half-opening and closing as it prepares to strike. Quickly Thom turns and flees, dodging between any cover he can find to avoid being grabbed by the amphibian's sticky tongue. Back towards Pebblebrook Aengus, who had been watching Thom's progress, pounds Tedwyn's shoulder and shouts "Move!" A second passes as Tedwyn watches his patrol leader sprint away while stringing his bow for action before he too realizes that there is trouble and runs, one hand holding onto his hat while the other tries to free his sword from his belt.
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So the twist is that we're having an animal conflict. As a team pick your conflict goal. Thom will be rolling for disposition using either Fighter or Hunter, adding it to either Health or Nature. The other mice can help. Once we have your starting disposition I will decide on my first three actions, then you guys can decide on yours.

The bullfrog's starting disposition is 8.

Aengus will help with Hunter. For a goal, how about:

"Distract the bullfrog enough so that Thom can reach the safety of the city."

[Coyotebd]

Just like an obstacle, I need a description in game terms of how you are using Hunter to help.

[mistrlittlejeans]

Just like an obstacle, I need a description in game terms of how you are using Hunter to help.

I'm waiting for the other plays to chime in and suggest goals, or agree.

[Skydut]

[OOC: I'll be rolling Beginner's Luck for the Fighter skill. Using any and all help I can get from Aengus and Tedwyn. As this is my first time doing so, I'll need your help to make sure I am doing it right. So reading the rule book, I came up with this. Using Thom's health of 5, plus any help from Tedwyn and Aengus (I'm guessing I'll have both, but I'll wait to know for sure.), plus the spear? (I'm not sure if the spear counts for a help die?) that makes a tentative 8, halved is 4. Now do I add that to nature for the disposition of the team which would be 4 + 6 = 10?]

Thom's paws pound into the soft turf of a clearing as he attempts to escape the ravenous bullfrog just behind him. His ears laying flat back, he can hear the rumbling progress of the bullfrog quick on his heels. Spotting a place offering a weak defense, he dodges around a small rotted log and scurries upward to gain the advantage of some height on his pursuer. Glancing over his shoulder back toward town, he hopes that his patrol mates are on their way toward him.

The white-cloaked guardmouse lets out the next words with a hiss of distaste. "Curse the whiskers of a fox. How foolish Thom Grounden; what kind of scout are you?!" With a leap, Thom reaches the top of the log and lays low on the dew covered moss that covers its spongy bark. Thom assesses his predicament: He is trapped on a small rotting log, being hunted by a slick-skinned amphibious killer. His patrol mates are no where in sight, and the patrol he was scouting for is most certainly dead or wounded.

Thom was always the scout, and survivalist, not the fighter. Yet, here he was smack in the middle of a conflict that may well end in his death. Grinding his teeth, Thom's mind begins to fills with images of the bullfrog devouring the patrol he had been scouting for, and the vile fate they must have found. Standing tall, Thom looks out toward the edge of the clearing and witnesses the bullfrog explode from the thicket and land into the clearing with a sloppy thud. There it stops and fixes it's gibbous eyes upon the young mouse before him... then upward and behind him. Thom, expects to see some aid rushing toward him down the hill with torches and weapons held high, but only the tall town of Pebblebrook stands upon the horizon. "PEBBLEBROOK!" Thom's mind screams with new-found alarm. This monster could easily overrun the town defenses and quickly devour many helpless townsmice within moments. It had already shown it's insatiable appetite as it had chased the young Thom thus far with out giving up or retreating.

Turning again toward the bullfrog, Thom whispers, "This ends here."

[Goal: Thom wants to kill the bullfrog. What do y'all think?]

[mistrlittlejeans]

[OOC - I'm not sure what the defenses are like. I'd assume Pebblebrook has some kind of wall to keep out a frong, but then again maybe not. Let's go with your goal then, and try to kill it. Also, Spear doesn't give you a die for Disposition, so you have 7, halved is 3.5, but you round up, so again 4. You need to roll those 4 dice and add any successes to either Health or Nature, whichever is higher... in this case Nature 6.]

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Aengus's heart leaps into his furry throat as he sees Thom stop to face the frog. "You fool," he mutters under his breath, which condenses into a small white cloud in front of him. Without looking at his tenderpaw he shouts, "Tedwyn, do your best to make a distraction, but for Guard's sake, stay clear of that creature. I'm going to draw it's attention to me." Aengus takes off at a trot toward Thom and the toad while knocking an arrow. As he approaches he shouts to Thom, "Don't be a fool! Run for cover." Thom takes no notice and Aengus curses under his breath again. "All right you slimy, slithering devil. You are mine!" He leaps onto a mossy mound and fires arrow after arrow to grab the beasts attention. "Come and get me you yellow-bellied fly-sucker!"

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Helping die for Hunter. I'd also like to test Loremouse to learn the Bullfrog's Nature. I'm a bit unsure about this mechanic. It just says it's a versus test, but it doesn't state that you need to script the action, so can I just do it? Okay, if the answer is yes, I rolled

Die rolls: 6, 2, 6, 1, 4

Surely a failure :) and no Fate point to explode those Axes.

[Skydut]

[OOC: Would adding it to nature tap it?]

[mistrlittlejeans]

No. Nature is only "tapped" if you spend a Persona point to do so. Since you are not actually rolling Nature, you can't tap it here anyways. Also, Nature can only be used as a base for Disposition, you can never roll it for the Disposition test. In this case you have to roll Fighter, and since you don't have that skill open, you need to use Beginner's Luck.

[Skydut]

[OOC: Okay, then I'll wait for the reply of Valis, as to if Tedwyn will be helping or not. Then roll Beginners Luck for Fighter and disposition.]

[mistrlittlejeans]

[OOC: Okay, then I'll wait for the reply of Valis, as to if Tedwyn will be helping or not. Then roll Beginners Luck for Fighter and disposition.]

Sounds like a plan. Can't wait to take on the frog! We might be in for a world of hurt :)

[Coyotebd]

Ok, things are getting exciting. We're waiting for Valis, but if he doesn't post in a reasonable time we'll move ahead. I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt though. In the meantime, let's handle what we have.

Basically, the disposition roll is a fight test obstacle 0, with successes added to your Health. Nature could be used as a base if this was within your Nature, but it isn't. You don't have fight. You are using beginners luck to start learning to fight. This is physical, so we use Health, 5. Next we will add wises and help dice. No wises, but we'll estimate 2 helping dice, for 8 dice. Halved because of beginner's luck, this leaves 4. Rolling 4 dice adding successes to 5 will give you your starting disposition.

As for Aengus' use of Loremouse to determine the frog's nature: This is a player's turn use of the skill and doesn't apply.

Goals: For the next animal encounter, don't forget that most predators are usually looking for easy prey. If their prey is capable of injuring them they will usually press their attack as long as they don't sustain more injury or trouble than they are used to. Remember, it's possible to run off but not injure animals two ranks higher than mice on the natural order scale.

[mistrlittlejeans]

Goals: For the next animal encounter, don't forget that most predators are usually looking for easy prey. If their prey is capable of injuring them they will usually press their attack as long as they don't sustain more injury or trouble than they are used to. Remember, it's possible to run off but not injure animals two ranks higher than mice on the natural order scale.

I gotta say that I agree with Coyotebd on this one. Like my original proposed goal, why don't we just try to chase it off? This scenario doesn't have the life-or-death feel of the Lieam vs. Snake conflict. There's too much space between Thom and the frog. If we can wound it we can chase it off. What do you think?

[Skydut]

Agreed. I think I had just watched Braveheart or something so my testosterone levels were probably maxed. Anyway, I think that'll be a good goal, as long as we aren't running from it right out of the gate. So Goal: "Make a stand and drive this bullfrog away from Pebblebrook." How about that?

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Suddenly a volley of arrows could be heard singing through the air from behind Thom's position. Within the next second each sunk fast around the ground of the bullfrog that was standing poised to take action along the edge of the clearing. Turning, Thom saw Aengus and Tedwyn running into view, the patrol leader had a vicious look on his face, as he shouted toward Thom and notched another arrow.

Thom watched as his patrol mates split off from each other and moved into different positions around the clearing. Moving down the log Thom leapt to the ground, wasting no time the white-cloaked guardmouse gripped his metal spear and and ran toward the grimacing Aengus. When he arrived, Thom only stated, "Pebblebrook is in danger; we should drive this beast away."

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[Skydut]

So my roll for Beginner's Luck: Fighter produced 2 successes; I rolled four, taking into account that Tedwyn would probably be helping. Adding that to 5 that makes 7 for our starting disposition.

mlj, I'd like to put you up for starting our conflict choices since you're the Patrol Leader. Though I'm not real sure how to discuss our OOC tactics for the conflict.

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[mistrlittlejeans]

We can PM for that I guess. Not sure how we'll be doing scripting on the boards anyways.

[Coyotebd]

Tonight I will pick my 3 actions, and then you can pick yours without having to do PMs

[Coyotebd]

Ok, I've picked my three actions. The group can discuss there's. At this stage, Tedwyn has failed to react and won't take any actions so someone will have to take two. The first round someone will take action 1 and 3, then the next round the other player will take action 1 and 3. In this way no-one is taking two actions in a row.

[Skydut]

Sounds good. misterlittlejeans and I have PMed our tactics and we have a plan.

By the way here is a picture of what I think Thom looks like as of now. I'm still working on my sketch, but this is a rough pic that David P. did for the MGRPG cover.

324

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[Skydut]

Thom looked expectantly at his patrol leader. Aengus seemed to be deciding the best course of action. Yet while they waited, Thom couldn't help but think about the immanent danger of the still very present and very hungry bullfrog.

Taking a step forward, Thom placed his paw on the patrol leaders shoulder. "Aengus... what should we do?"

[mistrlittlejeans]

Okay, so we are ready to go. Aengus will take the first and third action, Thom will take the second.

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As the bullfrog rushes the mice, Aengus scrambles over a small boulder en route to flanking the beast. "Come an' get me, ye bloated slime bag," he shouts. he turns back to his patrol mates saying, "I'll attempt to draw him off." All the while Aengus fires arrows to draw the attention of the frog hoping to draw its attention away from Thom and Tedwyn. However, moving so fast makes it hard for Aengus to focus on his target since he has only one good eye. An eye-patch covers the other, hiding a scar from a past injury best forgetten.

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Okay, Aengus' action is Maneuver: I roll Hunter 4 plus I will help myself with Predator-wise +1D, +1D help from Thom (waiting for his post) for a total of 6D. However, I will use my Scarred trait against me, giving two dice to the frog's action, but earning me two additional checks in the player's turn. Also, I may have some additional dice to roll depending on the frog's action choice. For now I have,

2 successes, 1 axe. (damnit...)

[Coyotebd]

Don't forget to have Thom describe how he's helping. I don't know if I declared the goal of the frog, but it's to eat Thom.

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The Bullfrog hops and turns, hops and turns, trying to get a clear shot on his snack. The loose earth of the dry riverbank and tangle of tree roots makes this difficult.
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I saw a lot of snakes eating their tails. 1 success on 7 dice. So, Mice disposition drops to 6, and the Bullfrog drops to 5 or 6, depending on what was meant by 2 successes, 1 axe. Is the axe included in the successes?

[Skydut]

Thom will help Aengus with his Quiet trait to help Aengus. Basically, we are trying to place the bullfrog in an advantageous position so that on our next action, Thom will have the best opportunity to succeed thus helping the patrol succeed against this threat. Anyway, his Quiet (2) trait is allowing him to ninja-like around the clearing.

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Aengus' shook his gaze away from the advancing bullfrog and burned a single-eyed stare directly into Thom's small brown eyes. With a growl the patrol leader threw off Thom's paw and bolted away. The next few moments happened in a blur; Aengus was running toward a small boulder, as he vaulted over, he
yelled a string of offensive words at the bloated amphibian. Within a breath he was firing arrow after arrow expertly at the predator. Though Thom noticed that Aengus hadn't hit the frog with any arrows so far.

Thom knew what he had to do. Crouching low and gripping his spear, Thom bounded towards the edge of the clearing, his footsteps were barely audible as the quiet mouse effortlessly made his way behind the distracted bullfrog awaiting his chance to pounce.

[Skydut]

And now that I know the bullfrog's goal, I'm feeling a little less sure about this conflict. :(

[mistrlittlejeans]

Don't forget to have Thom describe how he's helping. I don't know if I declared the goal of the frog, but it's to eat Thom.

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The Bullfrog hops and turns, hops and turns, trying to get a clear shot on his snack. The loose earth of the dry riverbank and tangle of tree roots makes this difficult.
===============================================

I saw a lot of snakes eating their tails. 1 success on 7 dice. So, Mice disposition drops to 6, and the Bullfrog drops to 5 or 6, depending on what was meant by 2 successes, 1 axe. Is the axe included in the successes?

I'm assuming the frog's action was Attack. I had Maneuver, which would make it a Versus test. My successes (2 total, 1 or which was an axe), or a margin of success by 1, get's us the Impede bonus on the frog's next action (-1D); an easier way to say this is that the frog has a -1D penalty to its next action. We, the mice don't lose disposition since it's a versus test and we won, and the frog doesn't lose disposition because maneuver doesn't take disposition.

Right?

[Coyotebd]

It's a maneuver, so independent tests.

[mistrlittlejeans]

Is that a change from the first and second printing, because my hardback book says it's a versus test.

[Coyotebd]

Maneuver vs Maneuver is independant. Also, when looking that up I noticed that Loremouse is used for Maneuver actions, not Hunter. In your case the stats are the same so it doesn't matter.

[mistrlittlejeans]

Maneuver vs Maneuver is independant. Also, when looking that up I noticed that Loremouse is used for Maneuver actions, not Hunter. In your case the stats are the same so it doesn't matter.

Ahhh. that explains it. Based on the narration I thought that the frog chose Attack as his action. In that case, neither side should lose disposition. If it's Independent, the mice take a -1D penalty for Impede to the next action, but we also get +2D for Aengus' successes, right?

[Coyotebd]

That is right. You will have +1D on your next action. I hadn't read the mechanics of maneuver when I picked it, I just thought of what the Bullfrog would be trying to do, which is get a clear, unimpeded shot.

[Skydut]

So now it's my turn!

I'll be adding that well earned +1D to Thom's Maneuver for this round. Since this is a fight animal conflict I roll my Nature (6). I'll also be adding a +1D for Thom's Quiet trait; using it to sneak around and maneuver for a better position. Also I'll try and use Thom's spear's affect of gaining +1D using Manuever against "normal weapons" IF the bullfrog's considered to be using normal weapons that is. Anyway, that'll be a total of 9 die- if I can get the normal weapons from the bullfrog and if the Quiet trait works out.

Let me know what I can do Coyotebd and I'll roll away.

For now a little role play to snack on.

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Aengus had gotten the beasts attention all right. It had literally flown into the middle of the clearing and landed plop down facing the black-furred, arrow-shooting, one-eyed, patrol leader head on. Thom decided to move next, he hadn't heard nor seen Tedwyn since the tenderpaw had burst into the clearing. Hopefully the eccentric little sciencemouse hadn't gotten into more trouble than Thom already had.

Thom bargained than an attempt to quietly maneuver around the bullfrog's backside would be his best option. Maybe with two mice on either side each pressing in with their sharp objects, the team could confuse the slick-skinned behemoth and subdue it quickly.

It was all up to fate now. "Let the Wind be with me." was the only faint prayer heard before the guardmouse was off and running into position.

[mistrlittlejeans]

So now it's my turn!

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Aengus had gotten the beasts attention all right. It had literally flown into the middle of the clearing and landed plop down facing the black-furred, arrow-shooting, one-eyed, patrol leader head on. Thom decided to move next, he hadn't heard nor seen Tedwyn since the tenderpaw had burst into the clearing. Hopefully the eccentric little sciencemouse hadn't gotten into more trouble than Thom already had.

Thom bargained than an attempt to quietly maneuver around the bullfrog's backside would be his best option. Maybe with two mice on either side each pressing in with their sharp objects, the team could confuse the slick-skinned behemoth and subdue it quickly.

It was all up to fate now. "Let the Wind be with me." was the only faint prayer heard before the guardmouse was off and running into position.


Cool stuff man.

[Coyotebd]

Very nice. Yes, the Bullfrog is considered to have normal weapons. In the Denizens section animals with special weapons have them listed. So, your dice sounds good. I'll describe my action, being a Feint, and then we can both roll.

================================================== ==
The bullfrog bellowed a croak as his failed ambush went from bad to worse. Now there were three mice around him, confusing him. Which mouse to eat? He opened his mouse, testing the air, preparing his attack, looking for a slower reaction, the easiest target
================================================== ==

Rolled nature, 1 success on 5 dice. This is an independant test vs. Maneuver (and I checked the effects) which reduces the mouse disposition by 1.

[Skydut]

Wow! This Secure Dice Roller sure knows how to deflate a teams plan. I rolled 2, 2, 2, 3, 1, 5, 6, 1, 2. That's two successes. Looks like this is going to be a long one.

I don't have my rulesbook with me at work, so do we get an margin of success 1 for the maneuver?

If Tedwyn isn't here, I guess Anegus is next. Let's bring it home!

================================================== =======================

[Coyotebd]

No, same result as last time, +2 to your next action. They're independent tests.

[Skydut]

Sorry for not keeping tabs, but what are the disposition scores for the patrol and bullfrog?

================================================== ================================================== =======================

[Coyotebd]

They started at 7 for the mice, and 8 for the bullfrog. After the last exchange it is 8 Bullfrog and 6 Mice, with the mice getting +2d on their next action.

[Skydut]

Alright. So Aengus is next in the rotation since I'm assuming Valis has left the party? Anyway, I invited a friend of mine from another PbP I was in some time back that is interested in getting in on some MGRPG action. I told him it would probably be best to read over the thread thus far and contact you Coyotebd. Hopefully that will bring us back to three strong.

[Coyotebd]

That's right, third and final action of the round.

[Skydut]

Is there a reason we are stalled?

C'mon Mistrlittlejeans we got this!

[mistrlittlejeans]

Is there a reason we are stalled?

C'mon Mistrlittlejeans we got this!

Sorry guys. I'm subscribed to the thread but I almost never get notifications, so the game slipped my mind the last couple of weeks. I'm trying to figure out the notification problem.

================================================== ================================================== ============================

Aengus honed in on the frog. "This ends now," he growled notching another arrow. He drew the projectile until the feathered end met his furred cheek. Drawing a bead on the creature's face, then focusing on its right eye. "Nighty-night froggy." He loosed. "This one is for

================================================== ================================================== ============================

Action: Attack
Dice: Hunter 4 +1D Predator-wise, +1D Help, +2D Maneuver from Action 2 = 8D

1 + 3 + 6 + 5 + 2 + 1 + 4 + 4 = 4 successes

That should finish him.

[Coyotebd]

=================================
The Bullfrog bellowed a croak, hoping to freeze its rapidly scurrying prey. Blinding fast it's tongue shot out and with a cracking noise snapped a large, mouse-sized chunk of dried tree root clean in half.
=================================

The frog's last action was Attack. I recruited my 3yo daughter to roll and she managed a wonderful 5 failures on 5 dice. After the first round the dispositions are as follows:
Mice: 6
Bullfrog: 4

I've picked the next three actions. Thom will be first with the mouse actions, followed by Aengus and so forth.

[Skydut]

So I'm next! I'm going to Attack this Bullfrog and get us our first win. (Haha! Not likely.)

I'm going to use Fighter and since don't have that skill, I'll be using Beginner's Luck again and tick off my second test of 6 to gain that skill.

To start, my Health is rated at 5, I don't have any Wises to add dice. I'm going to defer any help from Aengus so that I can use Quiet against me. How? Well I figure attacking this big amphibian will take teamwork. However, Thom is quiet to a fault. Not communicating with his patrol partner puts him at a disadvantage. Thus his attack will suffer and give the Bullfrog an advantage.

Coyotebd, if this works let me know as I'll be rolling a measly 3 die. And if this turns out to be a Versus test I plan on giving +2D to my opponent and earn 2 checks, if not I'll only take a -1D and bag 1 check.

So glad we are back!

[Coyotebd]

It is a Vs test as I chose Defend.

5 nature +2D for your quiet trait is 7 dice. 4 successes on that. If you beat my roll (exploding sixes) you will reduce my disposition, otherwise I will increase my disposition.

[Skydut]

Well the versus test has fallen to the bullfrog. Thom's Attack was unsuccessful, and with a roll of 5, 3, 1, I can't reroll any of the 6's.

================================================== =================================================

Thom lowers his spear and rushes toward the backside of the bullfrog still facing his patrol leader Aengus. For a moment Thom and Aengus catch glances and the blackfur yells out to him "Thom, what are you doing?!"

Somehow, the bullfrog seems to understand that Aengus' shouts were directed at a creature behind its position. Suddenly it turns to face the white-cloaked guard and...

[Coyotebd]

===================================
expands its throat in an ear-shattering croak, causing Thom's attack to stop short. Seeing the hesitating mouse in front of it it lashes out with its tongue again.
===================================

The results of the first action is that the frog increases its disposition by 3. Dispositions are: Mice 6 and Frog 7. The frog is attacking for it's second action. I enlisted my daughter to roll again and she managed 1 success on 5 dice.

[mistrlittlejeans]

Aengus will Maneuver with his bow again.

================================================== ================================================== ======================
Seeing Thom in deep trouble Aengus fired his bow at the frog, hoping to wound it enough to draw it's hunger in his direction. He fired a second shot at the frogs front foot, aiming to make the frog move giving Thom the split second he would need to dart to cover. Luck was in the mice's favor for as Aengus' second arrow sped toward the frog, the animal shot out its tongue at Thom. The arrow pierced the slimy appendage causing it to land wide of its mark with a bloody wet splat.

================================================== ================================================== =====================

Rolling Hunter 4 +1D for Predator-wise

4 successes! That's a margin of success of 3 so I'm going to Disarm the frog's tongue. Hellz yeah.

[Skydut]

Haha! Pierced frog tongue. That'll slow it down.

================================================== ================================================== =====================

Thom saw his life flash before his eyes; a second before his stealthy attack was thwarted by the amphibian's bone-shaking croak, suddenly the guardmouse froze in his tracks and now was not ten paces from certain death. The bullfrog's pink, tendril like tongue blasted out from his slimy maw toward the white cloaked mouse!

Sheer terror seized Thom, his heart skipped a beat, and his breath caught short in his lungs. Thom's instincts meant nothing anymore, flight... fight, his brain couldn't handle the stress. Instead, his eyes closed tight, and he exhaled waiting for the inevitable.

A sloppy "THWACK" invaded his ears and flecks of spittle landed on his face. Thom's eyes burst wide open, he was still standing firmly on hard soil, not being sucked toward an awaiting maw and digestion. Now the bullfrog's tongue was lying useless on the ground, an arrow protruding from the flesh. And his patrol mate, was notching another arrow.

================================================== ================================================== =====================

I lost track of the turns. I know that Thom's action is next, but I'm not sure if the bullfrog acts first then Thom. Anyway, let me know and I'll RP the rest.

[Coyotebd]

Nice shot!
The actions are simultaneous. Whoever wants describes what they're doing, then the next person improvises what happens based on the dice.

================================================== ==============
Enraged, the bullfrog starts to raise it's body off the ground in a repetitive, hypnotic motion. Its tongue hangs uselessly from its mouth. It looks around for it's attacker and leaps, thrashing about as it lands, trying desperately to crush the mouse.
================================================== ==============

I am going to impose a -1D to the frog's nature on account of being disarmed and injured. His final action is an attack. My daughter is at swimming class, so you get the full brunt of my dice-rolling. 2 successes on 4D.

[mistrlittlejeans]

I'm not sure what or whose turn it is anymore, but I hope the frog goes down.

[Skydut]

Alright, so Thom is Attacking as well! Since he is using a spear, his attack counts as a versus test against normal weapons. (pg. 119)

This action, I would love to get a helping die from mistrlittlejeans, but even if I do, my Health already being 5, adding any extra die will only still bag me 3 dice to roll thanks to the Beginners Luck rules. So, I guess what I am saying is that, in order to streamline our game, I'll just roll my 3 die and hope I bag three to beat the bullfrog, though if we tie I might break it in order to bag more checks, or "explode" my 6's if I get any. mistrlittlejeans, I'll PM you to work out a strategy.

================================================== ================================================== =================

The bullfrog acted at once, undulating it's body in a horrific bouncing motion ceasing only momentarily to lock it's bulbous eyes on Aengus some yards away. As it spun in the patrol leaders direction, viscous blood splattered across Thom's fur and cloak, staining the white fabric immediately with a dark crimson streak. Thom could taste the metallic tinge of fresh blood fill the air as it continued to gush from the amphibians wounded pink tongue.

Thom readied his spear to strike the now tensing leg of the amphibian as it focused on the black-furred attacker; though as he thrust the tip forward, the frog leapt clear of Thom's striking range. Thom moved without hesitation, using the momentum of his initial lunge to carry him forward. His plan would only have a slim chance of success, if he missed then he would only end up getting hurt. "Swift feet, be swift."

Thom recalled his grueling mentorship with Finn Cowan, especially how she had stressed the tenderpaw exercise daily training sessions with his spear. The short mentor had also trained extensively with her own spear and had tersely imparted years worth of finely tuning her spear tactics while serving the guard to her student. Thom devoured his mentors tactics, and now, that information would serve him well.

The bullfrog had reached the peak of his jump, the dark shadow of the bullfrog only a pace ahead of Thom on the level ground as he ran. In front of him Aengus stood boldly holding his bow already notching another arrow. Thom could not catch his patrol leaders eyes, they were trained unwavering on the airborne amphibian. Thom realized he wouldn't have Aengus' help. Resolved, Thom gripped his spear all the tighter, its end was buried in Thom's waist now, stretching the entire length of the weapon, almost two mice long, leveled menacingly in front of him. If the guardmouse succeeded, the tip of the spear would plunge directly into the bullfrog the moment it hit the ground.

Seconds slowed to hours as Thom barreled forward, his plan had to work... it had too.

[Skydut]

Die Roll was a tie with... wait for it... 6,6,3!

mistrlittlejeans, what say you we try and really hurt this bullfrog? I'd like to reroll those sixes to try and put this versus test over the top in our favor!

What do you think? If you'd like to PM this conversation we can, I just see this as more open table chatter rather than secret choices in conflicts.

================================================== ================================================== =============

[mistrlittlejeans]

Die Roll was a tie with... wait for it... 6,6,3!

mistrlittlejeans, what say you we try and really hurt this bullfrog? I'd like to reroll those sixes to try and put this versus test over the top in our favor!

What do you think? If you'd like to PM this conversation we can, I just see this as more open table chatter rather than secret choices in conflicts.

================================================== ================================================== =============

Take him out. Did you include a helping die from Aengus?

[Skydut]

I didn't include a helping die from Aengus. It would only have raised my total die count from 5, my health score, to 6. Halving it with Beginner's Luck would still only have produced 3 die total.

Okay Coyotebd, I'm going to reroll those 6's (and hopefully reroll them again) to win this versus test against this bullfrog!

================================================== ================================================== ==================

Thom's world reacted in slow scenes; first the bullfrog landed with a wild crash in front of him bits of forest debris exploding away from the site. Second, it's sinuous legs and blunt head flung widely about as if batting and kicking away an army of unseen red ants covering it's hide; and third Thom made one final push forward, planting his foot hard into the loose soil and dove forward spear first at the dark-green body of the bullfrog in front of him.

================================================== ================================================== ==================

Now let's see if we can't EXPLODE those sixes!

[Skydut]

Dang! Only one more success with a 4, the other was a fail with two.

Anyway, that's 3 successes against the bullfrog. I believe we've tied the disposition.

Aengus is next to act.

(Coyotebd, I hope I've been doing this correct so far.)

================================================== ================================================== ===================

"CUR-SHUNK!" The metal point of Thom's spear entered cleanly into the bullfrog's lower back and sunk deep. Thom could feel the change in pressure against his palms as the spear pierced first thin- porous skin, then thick- knotted muscle beneath, and ended with a crunch as the blade connected with some hard bone beneath in all. Blood began to pool around the wound as rivulets of the bullfrog's warm life-blood flowed across it's back.

The bullfrog produced a shrill pain filled croak, but instead of going still, it continued to thrash about. Thom pulled his spear free, and a fresh stream of blood covered more of his front. The brown fur almost gagged while his throat filled with sour bile and rolled away to safety avoiding the beasts furious movements.

[Coyotebd]

That's right, we're tied at 6-6 for disposition and starting a new round. I've picked my actions so let me know what your first one is.

[mistrlittlejeans]

Aengus will attack

================================================== ================================================== =====================

"No! Not again!" shouted Aengus, knocking another arrow. "Get out of there Thom! Get to cover!" Aengus rushed the frog as quickly as his sturdy legs would take him. He fired arrow after arrow, taking only enough care to avoid winging Thom accidentally. His emotions began to overwhelm him as scenes from his past welled up in his mind. The scar drawing through his right eye burned hot. There's no time to aim properly. Just fire. Faster.... faster. His life is at stake Aengus. The blackfur let out a primal growl loosed another arrow.

================================================== ================================================== =====================

I'm attacking with Hunter 4 +1 D Predator-wise, +1D help if Thom can give it. Also, I'm using my Scarred trait to Impede my action to have -1D and gain 1 check for the player's turn.

I rolled 2 successes without help, 3 successes if Thom does help.

[Skydut]

Thom can't help. He doesn't have the skill to offer a die, and his wises are a bit too far off to aid in any way.

Sorry.

================================================== ================================================== ==========

[mistrlittlejeans]

Good point. A paltry 2 successes then.

[Coyotebd]

The bullfrog also attacks, seeing as he's fairly enraged that this unprovoked assault by these tasty snacks.
=========================================
Aengus' arrows, hastily aimed, fail to impact the bullfrog as it lumbers towards him with earthshaking hops. Leap by the leap, the creature gets closer to the mouse until an lucky shot grazes it's skin, splitting open a seam that quickly starts oozing ichor. It tries another massive croak, impeded by its injured tongue, to try to fend off the blows raining thick and fast upon it.
=========================================
I rolled 1 success on 4 dice, so the frog's disposition drops by 1 to 5. I've described my next action since it seems to flow so well from Angus' successful attack: defend. 2 successes on 4 dice.

[Skydut]

Roll set 1
Die rolls: 6, 5, 5, 5, 4, 2, 1
Roll subtotal: 28
Roll total: 28

These are my rolls for Thom's Maneuver. Not a bad roll. Anyway, that's a margin of success of 3, for Aengus' next move, I want to give him a +2D with a favorable position, and impede the bullfrog negating one of his die with a -1D.

Hopefully we can put this frog in the ground!

================================================== ================================================== =============

Thom rolled free from harm while sustaining little damage to himself. When he finally reached his feet, Aengus was already barking more orders at the brown-fur. The patrol leader was visibly shaken, his eyes were dark and foreboding, and while his features and stance were like stone, Thom couldn't help but notice that Aengus' hands were trembling terribly.

Looking back at the bullfrog, Thom couldn't help but feel sorry for the creature. It had been within its nature to attack an easy meal like the guardmice, however, the once proud amphibian was a shadow of its former self. Bleeding wounds marked the bullfrog's glistening skin, and more than one of Aengus' arrows were lodged deep in its body; its tongue still lolled from it's maw and was covered in a thick layer of puss, blood, and forest debris and mud. Thom had never encountered so much carnage. He had trained hard to serve the Guard, and his mentor was always pushing the brown-fur to hone his budding skills, yet Thom had never killed a thing. It shown, his fighting thus far was meager at best, and while not totally weak, Thom was nothing compared to his brutally talented patrol leader.

Concern that this conflict would last much longer tugged at Thom's heart, he wanted to end the bullfrog's suffering.

"Curses." Thom leapt into action. Running full speed at the bullfrog once again. This time however, he wouldn't attack, instead he would do something all together dangerous, and a little insane; but if it worked, Aengus would have the best chance possible to maybe end this battle and put their mutual enemy down and out of its misery.

While the bullfrog hunched down and used its wide arms to block any more attacks, Thom circled to it's rear, planted the butt of his spear into the soft earth, and launched himself skyward. He landed hard onto the bullfrog's back, it's moist skin smelled like stagnant ponds to his nose. Struggling to find a hold, Thom finally managed to find his footing on the smooth, wet hide. Now straddling the beasts neck, Thom grabbed his spear in both hands in front of him, like a handle of the pushing carts he used to move seed in back home, and threw them over the frogs neck. The spears shaft slid over the bullfrogs nose and lodged just under its chin. The sight was insane to see, a young guardmouse wrangling a full grown beast twice its size. Thom held on tight, straining against the raw power of the creature. Finally, the bullfrog just seemed to go still, and fell hard onto it's front with Thom still hanging on with all his might.

Looking directly at Aengus he shouted, "Now, kill it!"

[mistrlittlejeans]

I have Attack scripted again. i'm rolling Hunter 4 +1D Predator-wise +2D from Thom's Maneuver:

4s (two or which are axes). I have no Fate point so I can't explode them. I will, however, use my persona point to roll another die to see if I can potentially end this.

Yes! 1s!! That's 5s total.

================================================== =============

Aengus could hardly hear Thom's yelling. End it... end it Aengus.... He looked blankly with his one eye at Thom astride the frog. The slimy beast was exhausted, just like Aengus. Spittle foamed from its mouth. Aengus brushed his mouth with his paw. He dropped his bow and calmly unsheathed his hunting knife. He stood a moment before the frog, watching it struggle. he was lost in its big dark eyes. Then he struck.

================================================== ===========

I'm tapping Scarred to give the frog 2D and gain 2 checks. Aengus is dangerously close to the frog now.

[Coyotebd]

The frog is attacking again, this time on 5 dice from Aengus' scarred trait. Just a note, when using traits, please describe how you are using them and how they are applicable to the situation. It's also required that you get the group's consent but I'm waiving that since it would slow the game down.
On 5 dice I've rolled 2 successes. That's a margin of success of 3 for Aengus bringing the frog down to 2 successes.

=============================================
Aengus' hunting knife bites deeply into the frogs side, parting skin and muscles in a long, wide gash. The bullfrog bucks, trying to throw Thom clear, its vision obscured by the little brown mouse. Things are going very badly for the creature.
=============================================

Also, don't forget that bringing the frog down to 0 disposition will not necessarily kill it, depending on the mice's own disposition.
I've chosen the frog's next three actions and it is Thom's turn to go first.

[mistrlittlejeans]

Also, don't forget that bringing the frog down to 0 disposition will not necessarily kill it, depending on the mice's own disposition.
I've chosen the frog's next three actions and it is Thom's turn to go first.

I'll try to be a bit more detailed next time. I was invoking the trait as painful memories are welling up inside Aengus, leaving him in a bit of a trance - thus, he positioned himself very close to the frog rather than just firing an arrow, putting himself in greater danger. It's not the rational thing to do at this point (which happens to be his other trait btw)

[Skydut]

So we scripted that Thom would start this round with Attack. This is exciting to me, as it is my sixth Beginner's Luck test. That's the same as my current Nature, and bags me my first newly learned Fighter Skill rated at 2 after I finish this encounter!

Anyway, I've done this enough now to know that I'll be rolling 3 die on this attack. That is IF I wasn't going to spend my only Persona point to tap my nature of 6 (temporarily depleting it as it is acting against a mouse nature to attack a predator), and adding that to my already halved number of 3. All of this is on pg 95 of the rulebook, hopefully I am playing this right.

So that makes Thom rolling 9 die in an attempt to end this conflict.

Here we go.

Haha! Five Success'

Die rolls: 6, 5, 4, 3, 3, 2, 2, 2, 1

Coyotebd, I'll leave the RP hanging until I know what you've chosen, and to discover who won the round. For now, I'll add flavor as to why Thom is attacking.

================================================== ================================================== =======

Thom hadn't expected the bullfrog to still be alive! It was bucking Thom up and down on it's head, Thom could feel each ounce of the creatures strength being pushed to it's limit in the muscles under his body. Aengus had cut a deep gash into the frog's side but the animal refused to go down.

"So much blood." Thom's mind ached at the sight of the crimson fluid evacuating the frog's body. Now more than ever he wanted to end it's pain.

[mistrlittlejeans]

So we scripted that Thom would start this round with Attack. This is exciting to me, as it is my sixth Beginner's Luck test. That's the same as my current Nature, and bags me my first newly learned Fighter Skill rated at 2 after I finish this encounter!

Anyway, I've done this enough now to know that I'll be rolling 3 die on this attack. That is IF I wasn't going to spend my only Persona point to tap my nature of 6 (temporarily depleting it as it is acting against a mouse nature to attack a predator), and adding that to my already halved number of 3. All of this is on pg 95 of the rulebook, hopefully I am playing this right.

So that makes Thom rolling 9 die in an attempt to end this conflict.

Here we go.

Haha! Five Success'

Die rolls: 6, 5, 4, 3, 3, 2, 2, 2, 1

Coyotebd, I'll leave the RP hanging until I know what you've chosen, and to discover who won the round. For now, I'll add flavor as to why Thom is attacking.

================================================== ================================================== =======



You only record one test for advancement per skill/ability for a conflict. That means you would have one test towards opening Fighter for the entire conflict (p. 228 Conflicts Earn One Test per Ability or Skill). Think of it this way - you are an untrained fighter... it's going to take more than one fight to get you up to speed no matter how many times you awkwardly jab your spear at the frog.

Likewise, Aengus has used Hunter for every action he's taken this conflict, but I can only record one test for advancement.

Second, don't you need at least a 4 for a success? By my count you only rolled 3 successes. Any for your dice pool, your Health rating is 6? rounded to half is 3 + 6 for Nature? I'm pretty sure that is how you do it.

[Coyotebd]

mistrlittlejeans is right, it's 4+ for successes, not 3+. As well, he is right about earning one test against a skill per conflict.

[Skydut]

Ahhh... that makes sense about the Beginner's Luck test advancement. Thanks guys. I'm glad that our group has a great grip on the rules.

And about the success', I don't know what I was thinking! Wow, that's embarrassing. Haha. Anyway, yes, 6, 5, 4, are the only success' that count. Which happen to be the only 3 success' that I rolled. Haha. Sorry.

[Coyotebd]

The frog is attacking, three successes on 4 dice. This means the conflict is over. Because the mice's disposition dropped to half they will have to make a compromise.
The mice's goal was to drive the frog away from town. The frog's goal was to eat a mouse. The frog won't get his goal. Since the fight was so bloody I'm going to say that Thom was Injured and while the frog leaves the immediate vicinity, it merely retreats to a muddy burrow nearby.

=============================================
The bullfrog, suffering from a number of cuts and bruises, and with a cippled tongue, gives up on finding lunch and quickly hops back to his burrow downstream. As the threat of immediate danger passes and the tension leaves the mice's bodies Thom feels a dull ache in his back and shoulder blossom into an angry flower of pain. Holding on to the bucking bullfrog pulled a muscle in Thom's shoulder. Lifting his left arm feels impossible. Meanwhile, after seating Thom on a slender root to rest Angus searches the area that the frog appeared in. From the scraps of coloured cloth and bits of smashed equipment it is likely that the missing guard patrol also fought the frog. There appear to be no survivors.
=============================================

This ends the GM's turn. It is now the player's turn. You get one free check and you may spend any checks you earn as you wish. Feel free to add any RP you'd like to the end of this scene.

[Skydut]

I'm not sure how many checks I accumulated in that conflict. I'll reread the story so far and make an accurate count. For now, I'll just RP some fluff and allow mistrlittlejeans to take the lead for the first action during our turn. It seems only fitting as Aengus is the Patrol Leader.

================================================== ================================================== ===========

Aengus lowered Thom onto the root with a grunt and walked away.

Thom hunched over with pain, cradling his left arm against his bloodstained chest. All he could think about was a burning pain; each one of his heartbeats sent another throbbing pain across his back and into his arm. Even his breaths brought with them a dull ache in his muscles. "By the Wind, this hurts." Thom tried to turn his wrist, it was painful but his hand rotated dutifully. Next, Thom tried to lift his arm in front of him... a fresh wave of excruciating feelings, like hot iron pressing against his nerves, assaulted him. Wincing, Thom let out a low growl and clenched his teeth in order to stifle a scream.

He needed to search for items to heal his shoulder, mainly Arnica or "wound-herb" to stop the swelling, heal the sprain, and dim the eventual bruising. The brown-fur looked up from the ground and saw Aengus shuffling around the recent battlefield. His face was indiscernible to Thom. Another sharp stab of pain buffeted the guardmouse, and Thom moaned in near agony.

With little effort, Thom slid to the ground and into a kneeling position. He placed his spear to his side and folded his right arm over his left. Thom took in a deep breath through his nostrils; the scent of blood was still heavy in the cool air. Closing his eyes, Thom began to wade through the scents that hung all around him. Newly turned soil from the churning feet of both bullfrog and mouse sifted to his brain. Next the scent of dew peeked out from it's shadowy hiding place and floated across his senses. Thom's chest began to rise and fall in a steady repetition.

The pain did not fade, but Thom's heartbeat slowed to a relaxed rhythm. Opening his eyes, Thom saw Aengus still searching the ground. Thom closed his eyes and again and thought, I will wait to act. Aengus is my patrol leader, and I will follow his decision before I try and heal myself.

[mistrlittlejeans]

By my count I earned 5 checks during that Conflict. I have 6 total, so we should have an eventful Player's turn, especially since I don't currently have any Conditions. Skydut, I'm willing to offer you one of my checks for your recovery if you want.

================================================== ================================

Aengus stared at the bloodied remnants of the lost patrol. The Wild is a cruel mistress... So long brothers in arms. I have no doubt you fought bravely. Aengus gathered what he could from the battlefield that might help identify the patrol mice. Their families would need to be informed. He took a deep breath and blinked his sole good eye. My bow... Aengus walked slowly, deliberately toward his weapon of choice. He wiped his bloody knife on his green cloak, then sheathed it. Reaching down to grab his bow, Aengus said,

"Thom. Are you all right? That was ill-advised to jump on the beast like that. You could have been seriously injured. Don't you see what happened to the other patrol?" Aengus' voice rose slightly. "You shouldn't be so reckless! Think Thom!" He lowered his head and pulled up his bow. Silence hung over the scene for a moment. Without looking at his companion Aengus started off towards the city gates. "Let's move."

================================================== ===============================

Okay, I kind of forgot what our mission is so I need to go back to the beginning, but I would like to do the following with my checks,

1. ID the dead patrol mice and write a letter to their families, and one to Gwendolyn (I'm assuming that the dead patrol is the one we were supposed to deliver the instructions too. If this is the case I will rationalize opening the letter to myself to find out what task(s) need to be completed before we move on.
2. Find Tinble and try to repay my debt.
3. Help Thom recover
4. ..... probably use the remaining checks to try to complete the necessary work to complete the dead patrol's tasks and/or check in on some other towns on the way back to Lockhaven.

[Skydut]

I earned 2. So 3 checks total.

To be honest this is my first ever Players Turn. How much can we do on our Players Turn? I've been reading up in the rulebook, but I'm still a bit foggy on the exacts. I'm confident on following mistrlittlejeans lead though, especially for the healing of Thom's injured state. Thank you.

Check 1: First of all, I want Thom to succeed at his original Goal: "I will see that we deliver the mail to Pebblebrook." He is a mouse of action, and wants to see that his priority mission from Gwendolyn is completed.

Check 2: (This may be totally against the rules, just let me know.) I want Thom to seek out a trainer to further hone his Fighter skill. I figure that this will use his Circles, and then a separate test for Fighter using Beginner's Luck.

We have nine checks total. So since we can't carry checks over with us to the next conflict, then I guess, mistrlittlejeans could share one with me if he'd like. If he does, that plays out to be 5 checks for Aengus (A) and four for Thom (T); A, T, A, T, A, T, A, T, A.

Check 3: Test for Fighter with the trainer Thom hopefully found using Circles.

Check 4: Finally, Thom needs to clean up, he's covered in frog blood, and that's well... gross. Anyway, I'd like Thom to find a place to wash his fur, clothes, and refresh his spirits either in town or on the road.

And, this is just for RP purposes only, but what do we do about Tedwyn? I'm assuming that Valis isn't coming back? Are we getting another player to join us? Will their player be introduced in the Player's Turn? Just curious.

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Thom stood slowly and followed obediently after the fuming Patrol Leader. He tried to keep up with the black-fur's aggressive strides, but quickly had to slow down due to the pain in his shoulder. He offered no retaliation against Aengus' harsh words. He knew that what he had done was foolish, but then again, it had worked... somewhat. Thom's shoulder and back were still afire with pain, and even little movements reminded him of his overly aggressive tactics. Thom grinned, Finn would have been proud.

As he walked, Thom spotted a glint of metal sheen half buried in the mud in what appeared to be one of the bullfrog's heavy footprints. Stooping, Thom plucked the object from the sticky brown soil, and cleaned it upon his cloak's front. A small metal wolf's head stared back at him between his claws. The detail of the object was so finely crafted, that Thom's eyes found no end to the minute metal work's intricate solemn face. The eyes themselves seemed to follow Thom's movements with their steely glare as he turned it in his hands. No doubt this beautiful trinket belonged to a member of the slain guardmice that Thom had tracked just minutes before. Walking again, Thom slipped the wolf's head into a pocket on his vest and trudged after the black-fur in front of him toward Pebblebrook.

After a few steps, Thom wondered silently, "Where's Tedwyn?"

[Coyotebd]

Ugh, just lost what I was writing. Ok, player's turn. It should take as long, roughly, as the GM's turn and follows a similar format. The difference is that you are picking both the goals and obstacles. Players alternate, as mentioned, and checks can be shared. We'll take them in order since failed checks may result in twists and conditions. Aengus opening the other patrol's orders won't be a check.

To clarify the current game world situation: Your mission was to deliver new spring orders to a patrol wintering in Pebblebrook. In Mouseguard you always succeed, even when you fail. When you fail you get a condition or there's a twist. The twist here was that the patrol you were searching for was ambushed by a frog.

So, check 1 is Aengus searching the remains of the patrol for clues to their identities. Thom is helping with scout. So, Aengus will pick the skill (or use nature) that he is using here, with an extra die from Thom, and roll to see what happens.

[mistrlittlejeans]

Ugh, just lost what I was writing. Ok, player's turn. It should take as long, roughly, as the GM's turn and follows a similar format. The difference is that you are picking both the goals and obstacles. Players alternate, as mentioned, and checks can be shared. We'll take them in order since failed checks may result in twists and conditions. Aengus opening the other patrol's orders won't be a check.

To clarify the current game world situation: Your mission was to deliver new spring orders to a patrol wintering in Pebblebrook. In Mouseguard you always succeed, even when you fail. When you fail you get a condition or there's a twist. The twist here was that the patrol you were searching for was ambushed by a frog.

So, check 1 is Aengus searching the remains of the patrol for clues to their identities. Thom is helping with scout. So, Aengus will pick the skill (or use nature) that he is using here, with an extra die from Thom, and roll to see what happens.

This sounds great. Unfortunately, I'm hellabusy this week so I can't post for a few days. Thanks for your patience guys. I'll be back shortly.

[Coyotebd]

No worries, thanks for letting us know.

[Skydut]

Good luck!

[mistrlittlejeans]

I need a break from school, so I'm posting! Aengus doesn't have Scout, so I'll have to roll Nature 4; Rational trait doesn't really apply, nor do any of his wises, so 5 D total:

2 successes. Arrgggg. If i may, Angry would be a great condition to apply for a failure given Aengus' past :)

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Once in Pebblebrook, Aengus' morose attitude took a new turn. He barely spoke a word to Thom, and went searching from business to business, inn to tavern. Few words escaped his whiskered mouth, as if he was following a scent rather than spoken information. Finally, the Aengus and Thom came across a rough-looking mouse who told them that he had dealt with the guardsmice last season.

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This is a little weak, but I want to know the outcome of my roll before I elaborate too much. Cheers.

[Skydut]

I think that you can use another skill rather than Scout mistrlittlejeans. Coyotebd correct me if I'm wrong, but Thom is helping using Scout, but Aengus can choose to use another skill or Nature?

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Thom couldn't imagine how he looked, let alone smelt. The bullfrog's blood was starting to dry on his fur and cloak when he and Aengus entered the vertical town of Pebblebrook. Walking through busy townsfolk, Thom felt numerous eyes following the pair of guardsmice. He understood the vocational respect certain mice had towards members of the Mouse Guard. Yet here surrounded by the local fur, Thom felt outnumbered by curious glances pointed his way. As they walked Thom kept his eyes down and face covered.

Aengus stomped through the crowds with an air of frustration. Thom hadn't really understood what they were doing, but it seemed the black-furred Patrol Leader was trying to find someone. Soon, the two were standing in front of a rough-looking mouse who told them that he had dealt with the guardsmice last season.

[mistrlittlejeans]

[QUOTE=Skydut;120923]I think that you can use another skill rather than Scout mistrlittlejeans. Coyotebd correct me if I'm wrong, but Thom is helping using Scout, but Aengus can choose to use another skill or Nature?[Quote]

I don't have any other skill that applies, unless I could use Circles. Anyways, the roll has been made with Nature.

[Coyotebd]

That's right. You had already described looking through the battlefield and I figured that would be considered helping. I will apply the Angry condition to Aengus for failing. Remember, in mouseguard, a condition means you succeeded in your task.

================================
As Aengus gathered up the scraps of what was once a living, breathing patrol he could feel a cold, hard anger build in his gut. When he worked alone he didn't have to deal with the loss, even of distant comrades. There seemed to be enough to identify each member of the patrol, something that could be sent back to Lockhaven for the Winter.
================================
Let me know when you want to open the orders. Thom's turn for a check.

[mistrlittlejeans]

Ok, i'm a little confused now. So Aengus did ID the patrol? My narration was to find someone in Pebblebrook that could help me ID the mouse, hence the rough-looking mouse who had run into them before. Your narration makes it sound like Aengus was able to do it in the field. Hence my confusion.

ID, yes, no?

[Skydut]

"Check 1: First of all, I want Thom to succeed at his original Goal: "I will see that we deliver the mail to Pebblebrook." He is a mouse of action, and wants to see that his priority mission from Gwendolyn is completed."

So how will I do this exactly?

===================================

Thom felt the dense pressure of Aengus' rising anger begin to fill the air. The black-fur held what had at one time been certain belongings of the original patrol, now dead, certainly eaten by the Bullfrog.

Thom fingered the wolf's head pin in his vest pocket and imagined it's previous owner. The trinket felt warm in his hands and Thom's skin pricked against its metal whiskers. He wondered who it had belonged too?

Aengus began to walk toward Pebblebrook still focused intensily on the vestiges of deceased guard members.

Thom decided that action was needed. The patrol had died in service, Thom prayed to The Wind it had been a quick painless death, but the living still had duties to fullfill. Like delivering the mail from Lockehaven. Thom knew that letters and important orders were regularly carried by The Guard so it was a task that needed to be.completed.

[Skydut]

Yeah, I'm a little confused as well...

The way I see it, we're are a little off on the scenes.

I think what happened is: (1) we drove off the frog, (2) Aengus and Thom searched the battle-ground, where Aengus found the items belonging to the dead patrol and Thom found the wolf-head pin, (3) both mice headed into Pebblebrooke and searched for more clues as to who the former patrol was, (4) met with the "rough-looking" townsmouse, (5) finally now in town Thom uses Circles? to deliver the mail from Lockehaven.

Does that sound about right?

[mistrlittlejeans]

I think you're about right. My confusion is simply that I don't know if I passed my test to ID the patrol members or not. My narration was to go about Pebblebrook and look for a mouse who knew their names, so I introduced the "rough-looking" mouse as a candidate. The GM made no mention of this mouse in his continuation of the story, nor of any of the actions that Aengus took in Pebblebrook, so I don't know where Aengus stands after his first check of the Player's Turn.

My thoughts as a player were that Aengus and Thom had gathered some items from the battlefield that would help them ID the mice and that they could send to Lockhaven or the mice's home towns, BUT they would still need to get the mice's names from someone since we were not given the names of the patrol. I'd like to get this cleared up before I make any more checks, because it will determine my course of action.

[Coyotebd]

Man, I've now had two posts eaten. gonna be brief because I'm frustrated but I want to answer.
You found the patrol, but failed the test and so the twist was they were smashed by a frog.
Aengus failed his check to gather the remains, but since you don't really fail in MG, and he volunteered to take a condition, you succeeded, but Aengus is Angry. Generally, if you fail a roll and get a condition, it means you succeeded at whatever you wanted to do.

Now it is Thom's check. The player's turn goes like the GM's turn, where we move from check to check. We don't do them all at once.

[Skydut]

Coyotebd, when I finish editing my post I always highlight copy my entire post just in case. I too have lost many a long post because of hateful internet connection.

So we identified the dead patrol? Who are they?

Thom's check is being spent on delivering the mail from Lockehaven, how will we do that?

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[Coyotebd]

Ooops, I didn't do this right. What happened in my mind is that you made it to town, dropped off the mail at the town-hall and asked about the other patrol. What I described was that you talked to a few mice on the outskirts. The mail is considered successfully delivered, even if we still have to rp the delivery. So, assuming you return the mail, you return the mail. It doesn't require a check. We'll take it up from there, Thom can choose a different use for his check.

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In the center of town is the Guildhall built of beautifully cut stone cunningly laid in intricate patterns using the colour of the stone for decoration. It is the seat of power in the town, both political and commercial. It is here that decisions are made on where to send the town's renowned masons each season, so it is here that all outsiders come to do business in Pebblebrook. The mouse who takes your package of letters is happy and ready to chat about news from outside the town but is stopped short by Aengus' glare and curt demand: "What were the names of the patrol?"

"Uh, Mac, the leader. Lil, the biggest of them, and I think a young one named Rolley. Sir."
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[Skydut]

Check 1: (This may be totally against the rules, just let me know.) I want Thom to seek out a trainer to further hone his Fighter skill. I figure that this will use his Circles, and then a separate test for Fighter using Beginner's Luck. So probably using two checks.

So since Thom finished his goal, I'll move to my second option for my first check. So as you can see above, I want to make another test for Fighter so that I can get another check on my way to learning a new skill. However, I'm not sure if a player is allowed to do this.

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Thom was glad to have finally handed off the package of mail from Lockhaven. Now that his first mission was complete, he breathed a little easier. Stepping away from the conversation Aengus was having with the new mouse, Thom allowed his eyes to take in his surroundings. The guildhall they were standing in was cool almost cooler than outside. Thom guessed the stones used to cobble it together held the air inside at a steady temperature. He recalled the buildings in Sandmason used similar tactics to regulate the temperature of the towns dwellings too. He and the other mice of the town would seek shelter indoors during the heat of the day using the time to rest and rejuvenate.

Thom felt relaxed in the guildhall, though when he saw another mouse, a rather "rough-looking" fellow approach Aengus and the mouse who now held the letters from Lockhaven, he remembered he was still surrounded by strangers, and adjusted his muzzle-scarf, making sure it was tight across his face.

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mistrlittlejeans, I went ahead and took the liberty of leaving you a spot for your RP of the "rough-looking" mouse who Aengus found to further i.d. the dead patrol. I know that you are busy, but I felt like the mouse who accepted the letters from Thom was a little too... young and skittish to fully portray the tough character I imagined when you described him earlier.

Coyotebd, if it's alright, I'll wait on Thom's first check until mistrlittlejeans role plays how Aengus reacts to the identification of the dead patrol. I feel like we are trying to tell two different stories with the players turn and yet both mice are standing right next to each other. So before we further the story, I would feel more comfortable getting back on track and letting Aengus' first check play out to completion.

[mistrlittlejeans]

Fair enough, and as I understand it Skydut, the point of the PT is for player's to pursue their goals and interests. So, if you want to seek out another Fighter test, now is the time to do it.

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Aengus looked at the skittish clerk with a hard eye. The clerk melted under the glare, but then Aengus' demeanor softened.

"I apologize gentlemouse. The patrol has been devoured by a large bullfrog that has taken residence outside the city. My patrolmate and I found their belongings after we chased the frog into it's hole. We were able to injure it, but it will probably survive. Regardless, I need to inform Lockhaven about the fate of the patrol. Any idea where I can procure parchment and postage?" The clerk was hesitant to reply, but from a quickering lip he spoke,

"Gamble's Guardmouse. You can f-f-find everything you need there." Without another word Aengus turned and left. Outside he looked at Thom.

"I need to find this Gamble's establishment and notify Gwendolyn of the patrol's demise. " As Aengus spoke to Thom a rough looking mouse in sullied overalls approached. His fur was matted and dirty as well.

"I hears ye been lookin' fer them other guardsmouses, eh?" Aengus eyed up the mouse and replied calmly,

"Thank you sir, but we've already found them, or what is left of them. Chance mishap with a bullfrog. Wrong place. Wrong time." The rough mouse squinted at Aengus and then at Thom.

"Ye sure it was the frog? Things tend to just... happen... around these parts if'n ye ain't too careful. Know what I mean? Fer a bit 'a coin I can find out what REALLY happened." Aengus shuffled his paws and frowned.

"Thanks but no thanks. We found their garb and plenty of fur around the frog's lair. It looks like a closed case mate. Let's go Thom. We have other work to do." Aengus walked away from the rough mouse, not looking back. He barely heard the mouse's reply,

"Watch yer back guardmouse. There are bullfrogs everywhere.... hehehehe."

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[Coyotebd]

I may be missing something in the rules for training, however this is how we'll handle it. Thom makes a circles check. If he succeeds he can choose to gain a pass or a fail for Fighter. It's an Ob 3 circles test considering that Pebblebrook is a rough town at the edge of the territories, so mice who know how to fight are easier to find. The check represents finding someone who can fight, who can teach you, and who is willing.
After this check it will Aengus' turn for his check.

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As the dark-furred mouse skulked away Aengus caught a glimpse of a large, dark figure watching from an alley. In a blink the figure was gone, leaving Aengus to wonder if he really had seen anything at all. There was no more sign of the mysterious mouse all the way to Gamble's Guardmouse, nor did Aengus spot anything as he helped Thom find someone able to teach him to fight.
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[Skydut]

Alright, I'll roll for my Circles of 2 with a +1D from Aengus who's helping me search for a teacher.

And... poop. Three dice, three failures. 3, 2, 1 on the roll. I'm guessing the RP will go you Coyotebd since I'm unsure how you'll want to handle things like a possible Enmity Clause.

================================================== ====================

Thom could smell the bitter tang of chew tobacco coming from the overall wearing mouse. He watched with a suspicious eye as Aengus quickly dispatched any aid from the dirty newcomer.

As they left, Thom quickly stepped shoulder-to-shoulder with his patrol mate. Thom hadn't had many converstions with the black-fur, but he wanted to tell Aengus something now that everything had settled down. The fight with the bullfrog had awoken in Thom a grim new understanding of life as a Mouse Guard. He hadn't known much of death or killing under the care of his mentors and teachers in Lockhaven. Though Thom knew about those things, he had really only a textbook knowledge of their existence. Now, the possibility of his death loomed over him like a dark cloud. He felt the weight of his spear in his paw and looked at it with an alien stare. The weapon seemed so sturdy and effectively capable of amazing feats, yet in Thom's possession, he felt it was not being used to it's full potential. Like a butcher using a broadsword. In his mind Thom tried to recall the lessons about fighting, but his memories only came back with empty whispers. Thom knew that he needed to learn how to fight, and soon. There was no telling when the party would encounter another threat like the bullfrog, or even worse, but Thom guessed it was an inevitable truth. Fighting, death, and killing were his constant companions now and they weren't going anywhere.

He cleared his throat and spoke softly, "I want to learn how to fight." Thom waited for a response, instead Aengus turned and looked down into Thom's eyes. Thom thought he would receive some long lecture from the tough, battle-hardened guard, but instead he only saw calm reserve in his patrol mates eyes.

"Well, let's see who we can find." was all Aengus said before walking ahead into town quickly followed by Thom.

[Skydut]

I just realized something that I never properly asked permission for.

mistrlittlejeans, I've been taking liberties with Aengus' dialogue and I never once asked to see if that was okay with you. I apologize if it's been a problem, I was just reading through our story so far, and I noticed that. Let me know what you think, but I plan on not putting words in your characters mouth anymore.

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[Coyotebd]

Let's try something a bit different. We'll RP the search for the teacher. The end result will be that Thom gains a check against his Fight skill and makes an enemy. I play the NPCs, you each play your characters. We'll try for a couple of days. By Wednesday we should be done and ready to start the next check.
===============================

The search for a teacher didn't take long. There were plenty of rough looking mice walking the streets, some even carried weapons. Not far from the city center a large ledge of hardpacked earth was filled with the sound of marching paws. The town's militia was drilling in the warm sun, the mice hot under leather jerkins and carrying sharpened wooden spears. Their instructor seemed frustrated with his charges. This looked like the perfect place to try to pick up some fighting tips.
===============================

[mistrlittlejeans]

I just realized something that I never properly asked permission for.

mistrlittlejeans, I've been taking liberties with Aengus' dialogue and I never once asked to see if that was okay with you. I apologize if it's been a problem, I was just reading through our story so far, and I noticed that. Let me know what you think, but I plan on not putting words in your characters mouth anymore.

================================================== ======================

Don't sweat it. As long as you keep his character in mind I'm fine with it if it helps move the story along. If you ever write dialogue that I think is out of character I'll let you know/edit it.

[mistrlittlejeans]

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"I'm a hunter, not a fighter Thom. I do not believe in open warfare, but self-defense is another matter. If you wish to learn to defend yourself, better to find someone trained in your weapon of choice. As for me, I'll stick with my hunting implements, as I was taught by my father, and he by his father. Perhaps these fighting mice can give you instruction." Aengus waited a moment. When Thom didn't seem to get the message, he continued. "It is true that lay-mice ask much of the guard, but some times we guardmice must ask them for assistance as well. Be humble and thankful, and ask what you must of them. Go on. The worst they can do is say no." Aengus then stood silent. It was time for his charge to seek his own fate.

[Skydut]

Alright, that sounds good. We'll RP until we reach a point that describes how Thom failed and how he acquired a new enemy. I'm excited! Anyway, I'm a bit confused on what check you are talking about here ---> "Thom gains a check against his Fight skill." What does this mean?

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Thom looked from Aengus toward the sweaty-furred militia mice crowded in the training area and back again at his stoic patrol leader. It was obvious Aengus wasn't going to initiate a conversation with anyone. Thom's whiskers twitched with nervous anticipation and he could feel his heart beating faster inside his chest. His voice caught in his throat and all he could do was choke out a gravely "...what?" Then at once Thom understood what was happening, he was being tested. Aengus was giving him a choice, to make good on his decision to learn to fight, or to walk away because he wouldn't ask at all.

Thom fell in line behind a tall, blonde-furred militia mouse that smelled of wet leather. He felt small in the shadow of such a burly individual. On his leather jerkin Thom saw that the tall mouse in front of him had a yellow paw print painted on the middle of his back. Looking ahead of him Thom could see others with the same yellow marking, while some had white, and one bright red. Before he could see more, Thom was startled by a booming voice ringing through the air.

"MILITIA HALT!" At once the entire line of mice stopped their training and stood at rigid attention. Thom could no longer see the front of the line; the tall, blonde mouse before him effectively blocked his sight of anything but his backside. Thom knew not what to do, the courtyard was silent except for the hard breathing of the militia mice, looking to his left Thom could see Aengus standing alone in the shade watching him.

Again the booming voice rang out from somewhere outside of Thom's vision, "Militia! Who are you?!" The line of militia mice answered in precise unision, "We are The Thorns of Pebblebrook!"

Thom liked the sound of that. He admired the thought of a group of mice serving side-by-side, standing strong together, willing to lay their lives on the line to protect each other and their town. Thom began to stand taller in line amongst his spear wielding brothers. Soon he began to hear heavy footsteps walking down the line of leather clad militia mice.

In the next moment a shadow fell across Thom and the booming voice he had heard before spoke directly at him with hissing disdain, "You are not a Thorn."

[Coyotebd]

Sounds good so far. What I meant is that you will each a success or failure on your Fighter skill. At first I was confused by your RP, I misread the rn in Thorn for the m in Thom.
===============================================
Standing in front of Thom was the drill master, a burly mouse with a protruding belly. He looked down at the tenderpaw. "A mouse of the guard, come all the way to Pebblebrook to show us poor Thorns how to fight? Maybe it is us who will teach you. Glim, give the mighty guardmouse your spear. Arvald, step forward and show this mouseling how a Thorn fights!"

A small mouse darted forward and exchanged he's practice spear with Thom's. The tall mouse in front of him smiled and shrugged, bringing his spear up to a ready stance.

"Begin!" The drill master yelled.
================================================== ==========

We'll make your fight roll right now. This will count at the pass/fail I mentioned. Just an opposed test, you'll have to use Beginner's luck. Arvald rolled a 3 on 5 dice.

[Skydut]

Thom hadn't expected this! He wanted to learn how to fight, not be thrust into one!

The militia mice had surrounded Thom and the tall mouse, Arvald, in a large loose circle. Each one held their own spear in their right paw and pounded the end of it methodically on the packed dirt of the training area. An echoing "thud...thud...thud..." could be heard across the courtyard while each rhythmic strike sent dull vibrations through Thom's feet.

"Begin!" was all Thom remembered hearing before a howl erupted from Arvald as he charged. Thom was caught off guard, and it was all he could do to duck and roll to his right and away from the precise attacks aimed at him. Crouching low to the ground, Thom sprinted to the edge of the circle of watching militia, they jeered and snickered behind him as he watched Arvald ready for another charge.

Thom had to do something quick!

================================================== ================================================== ==================

Now I will roll my 3 dice for Beginner's Luck on Fighter.

Wow, just wow. I wish that I had that Fate point now to spend and explode my THREE 6's! Crazy.

Okay, so did we tie? You said you rolled a 3 on 5 dice. So does that mean - 3, 3, 3, 3, 3? That seems quite rare. Course, I did roll three 6's. If we did tie, in order to break it, I can do one of three things: call on my Quiet trait to swing the test in my opponents favor, spend a Fate point (which I don't have) to reroll 6's, or compete in another Health VS. test and forego logging another attempt at learning my new Fighter skill. Right?

If I can, I want to use my Quiet trait to break the tie in Arvald's favor, but I find that I can't describe how best to use it against Thom. I hope that you rolled all 3's Coyotebd!

[mistrlittlejeans]

Now I will roll my 3 dice for Beginner's Luck on Fighter.

Wow, just wow. I wish that I had that Fate point now to spend and explode my THREE 6's! Crazy.

Okay, so did we tie? You said you rolled a 3 on 5 dice. So does that mean - 3, 3, 3, 3, 3? That seems quite rare. Course, I did roll three 6's. If we did tie, in order to break it, I can do one of three things: call on my Quiet trait to swing the test in my opponents favor, spend a Fate point (which I don't have) to reroll 6's, or compete in another Health VS. test and forego logging another attempt at learning my new Fighter skill. Right?

If I can, I want to use my Quiet trait to break the tie in Arvald's favor, but I find that I can't describe how best to use it against Thom. I hope that you rolled all 3's Coyotebd!

I'm betting on that he rolled 3 successes on 5 dice, which means a tie. As for the tie-breaker, I think you record the P/F for the original test taken, but I could be wrong. Frankly, I'd like to see the tie-breaker (toughen up!) :) Either way, it will impact Aengus' reaction. As a suggestion, you could use Quiet in this manner - the Thorns jeer and shout, egging you on. Arvald taunts you as he hammers your spear with his beating you into submission. He shouts things like, "Come on! Fight back! What's the matter? Crow got yer tongue?" Stuff like that. You invoke Quiet because you are too passive to stand up for yourself. Essentially, you lose the test not solely based on your fighting skill but also because you don't have the confidence/assertiveness to stand up for yourself.

[Skydut]

Wow! Can I just use your description verbatim on making Quiet a disadvantage and breaking the tie? I hadn't thought about that at all. What a great idea!

Well, I will wait on Coyotbd's reply about his answer on a yes or no about the tie, but if it is we now have a tiebreaker!

I would like to RP the vs. test for the tiebreaker too, but if I do I'll lose my check for the Fighter skill won't I? That's what I got from reading pg 229. What do you read it as?

================================================== ================================================== ====================

"Dirt tastes different than sand," Thought Thom, it was smoother and sweeter like bland, dry berries and crushed leaves; sand is grittier and stings your tongue.

Thom winced as he struggled to rise from the ground; his shoulder was on fire again. Arvald was standing over him pushing his foot down on Thom. "Are you finished guardling?" Thom didn't bother to look up as he got to his paws and knees. Arvald chuckled deeply and moved away, kicking Thom's practice spear across the ground and back within the guard mouse's reach.

Turning to the cheering watchers Arvald shrugged his shoulders and said, "I guess he wants some more. Should I continue the lesson Thorns?" The militia answered by redoubling their cheers and adding hoots of laughter. The pot-bellied militia captain standing next to Aengus laughed lightly and nudged him in the arm pointing at the scene before them.

Thom staggered to a wobbly standing position. He was holding his hurt shoulder and breathing hard through his nose. His eyes were fixed on the spear on the ground, it looked so heavy. Arvald called out to Thom from across the training ground, "Well little lock-mouse pick up your spear so we can continue the class."

Thom sighed, it would be easier to just go home. Sandmason would still be gathering sand and wood for making glass and stoking the fires while the weather was cool during the day. The masons and glaziers would have their hands full trying to make as many bricks and bottles before the weather turned too hot to work an entire day. Often his parents would keep Thom busy gathering more and more loads of tinder and different sands from the dunes while they tended their fragile projects.

Thom spent many years of his life searching the ever changing sandy landscaping around his town. He was an expert at collecting the finest sands for his families glazing trade. What most mice don't know is that all sand isn't the same, each grain is like a family lineage lending it's unique traits and life to whatever vessel it may be put into. Some of the best bottles known have the same sand gathered from certain places fired and blown into their clear walls. Often families of glaziers have staked claim to their own "special" sand quarries.

"Little guardling... we are waaaitiiiing." Thom's mind snapped back into the present, he sighed, and bent to grab the spear again.

[mistrlittlejeans]

I don't have access to my book at the moment, but my understanding was if you fail the test, you still record a test for opening the skill; however, you also suffer the result of the Failure (i.e. a condition or a twist). In this case, Coyotebd already told you that you will make an enemy.

[Coyotebd]

Yes, I meant 3 successes on 5 dice. I have the MG dice, so aside from 6s I don't know what I roll. Ouroboros, Swords or Black Axe. Anyway, you are right about advancement. Trait or Fate will break it so that you can keep advancing your Fighter. Otherwise it's a vs. Health test. I'm a little confused by your RP, is it for the tied roll or did you use your Quiet trait to break the tie in Arvald's favour? Also, the GM names the enemy. I think your quiet disposition and the frightening aspect of combat is making Arvald seem a little meaner than he actually is.

[mistrlittlejeans]

================================================== =========================================

Aengus ignored the drill-sergeant's nudge. He drew out his carved pipe and packed it loosely, as comes with years of practice, from his pouch of smoking herbs. Without taking his eyes off the sparring mice in the middle of the ring of militiamice, Aengus sparked the pipe with his flint and the edge of his hunting knife. He puffed with a quick cadence that mirrored the pounding of the spear butts around him, then slowed his pace to a long draw. As Thom reached for his spear his eyes made contact with those of Aengus. The blackfur met his gaze with another deep puff, emitting a thick ring of green-gray smoke that undulated through its center, inverting itself as it rose into the air.

================================================== =========================================

[Skydut]

Sorry about the confusion, no I didn't RP the tiebreaker as I did not know if we were tied at all. Though now that I am certain we are, I will continue the story on how Thom's Quiet trait will break the tie in Arvald's favor.

Also, I apologize Coyotebd for taking such liberties with your NPC's. I got carried away with the story and made assumptions about both the drill-sergeant and Arvald character. I understand that it is you who decides the new enemy, and I have no problem what-so-ever with that. Again, I have a bad habit of writing past what my character is doing or saying and have a tendancy to put actions and words into other players characters. It is an apology that I made to mistrlittlejeans and one that I make to you. I will strive to not RP too far outside of my character again.

A little update, I will be traveling to Albuquerque, NM this weekend so will have limited time to post, but will try and get online as much as I can to continue this AWESOME game!!!

================================================== ============================================

[Skydut]

Okay, we are back from our trip.

Coyotebd could you please RP a little on how Arvald is acting during this conflict? I want to use my Quiet trait to break the tie in Arvald's favor thus snagging another check for my Fighter skill advancement. Also, I don't want to confuse what's going on with the NPC's. So if you could set the scene, add some dialogue and anything else that will help me continue the story and get on to mistrlittlejeans next check.

================================================== ============================================

Thom could just see Aengus' good eye through the haze of smoke rising in front of his muzzle. He could only guess what was running through the patrol leaders mind; embarrassment, shock, frustration, empathy, anger? Each new emotion held with it as many possible answers as the last. Yet, the black-fur said nothing, did not even move, except for the methodical puffs from his pipe and maw, Thom might have thought his patrol leader had fallen asleep.

[Coyotebd]

No worries on the rp. Sometimes on forums you have to make some guesses otherwise the game can bog down.

=================================================
Amidst the rhythmic thump of wood on hard packed earth, the jostling, shouting and hooting of the crowd Arvald is smiling, at ease and comfortable with the fight. He moves left and right making little motions with his spear to try to pull Thom out of position. Without warning his easy motions erupt in a flurry of blows, sweeping his spear from right to left, knocking Thom's spear to the side, moving in under his guard. Thom tries to resist, to keep his defenses up, to strike back. A few times he's able to make a counter-attack which drives Arvald back a step or two. Soon both combatants are breathing heavily, ears burning from the heat of their exertions. With each crack of spear on spear the crowd's yells grow louder and more frenzied, calling for Arvald to smash the guardmouse before him. Not all are cheering for Arvald, however. Some have been won over by the plucky defense of the diminutive mouse in the white cloak.
================================================== ===

[Skydut]

Alright, so now I am going to RP the tiebreaker using Thom's Quiet trait against him and giving advantage to Arvald.

In order to remain true to my character AND keep with this interaction (I really like that I have won over some support from The Thorns!), I will RP that Thom loses the bout do to his memories from Sandstone assaulting him.

================================================== ================================================== ===================

Again the tall mouse advanced with the lightning speed of a fully trained fighter. The tip of Arvald's spear was a blur of motion, thrusting in and around Thom's meager defenses. Once or twice Thom managed to thwart one of Arvald's powerful attacks, sending his burly, leather-clad competitor back a few paces to escape the oncoming tip of the white-cloaked mouses spear. However the respite was short lived as almost instantly Arvald returned and continued his merciless assault.

After a handful of exchanges, Thom began to breathe hard, his chest rising and falling in quick bursts. Thom could feel his hands cramping around the wooden spear, and his shoulder continued to scream in agony.

"WHACK!" Thom just missed having his claw crushed under another blow.

A light cloud of dust had risen into the air around the arena, and soon Thom felt that he was becoming engulfed in some tight space.

"WHACK!" Still another attack.

The shouts from the spectators and rhythmic thuds from their spears assaulted Thom's hearing. His vision clouded, and he began to feel dizzy.

"WHACK!" Another blow sent Thom back across the arena, reeling on his wobbly feet. The dust in the air began to sting the corners of Thom's eyes.

"THUD!" Arvald's spear had finally found it's mark. Thom double over in pain clutching his abdomen. His lungs were completely empty of air. His eyes bulged and he gasped desperately trying recover his stolen breath. The brown-furred guardmouse knelt face down on the ground; his right hand still clutching the training spear in between white knuckles.

The arena roared with cheers from the other Thorn's. They shouted, and pointed at the scene unfolding in front of them. Thom could hear the thunderous sound the crowd made, it was just like the sound he had heard from his neighbors and other townsmice at Sandstone the day he ran away from home. He remembered the judgmental stares from the crowd, their teeth bared in anger and confusion. Thom was accused of his parents disappearance that day. Shouts and howls of questions that had no answer were flung at Thom. He couldn't breathe under the weight of all their bodies pressing around him from all sides. Hands began to grab his clothes, fur, and arms. Still Thom could not reply, his fear stopped his voice completely. Still the villagers demanded answers.

Finally Thom was rescued by his friend Paul, or "One-Legged-Pauly" as those living in and around Sandmason had come to call him. Paul had lost his leg to a crab some seasons ago, and with a heavy limp on a wooden peg, he forced his way to Thom's side. He batted at the crowd with his cane, and shouted curses to drive them back. Finally the two escaped the mob and Paul escorted Thom safely to his home. Though the crowd from before still surrounded the front door and beat to be let in.

Thom felt like he was trapped all over again. The arena had become his prison just like his home in Sandmason. He trembled with fear, his whole body shaking because of it. His heart felt like the wings of a hummingbird and his lungs seemed to be crushed by some enormous stone. Still the cheering continued, and Thom surrendered. Releasing his training spear and flopping on his side, hugging his knees into his stomach and burrying his muzzle deep into his chest.

He could not go on.

[mistrlittlejeans]

I want to use my Quiet trait to break the tie in Arvald's favor thus snagging another check for my Fighter skill advancement.



You can't earn checks during the Player's Turn. You can certainly break the tie in Arvald's favor if you think it fits the story better, but you won't get a check for it. I guess as an alternative, you could use quiet to benefit you by not succumbing to the Thorn's verbal abuse. That doesn't seem to fit the story as well though.

[Skydut]

Sorry, I meant a test check/tally for my Fighter skill. I knew that we couldn't earn checks from traits. I'll watch my words in the future. ;)
================================================== ================================================== ====================

[Coyotebd]

Yeah, I make the same mistake, saying a check against fighter when I mean that you are making a roll (or check, in some games) against the skill. So, this took a lot longer than I'd thought. Are we good with the extra RP or do we want to go back to the faster pace we'd started with?

Note for the RP below, I mean cells in the monastic sense, as in small rooms with enough room for a bed and little else, and not in the sense of a prison.

================================================== ============================

Arvald bent down and helped Thom up to his feet.
"You know," he said, "you did pretty good. I'm the best fighter in the Thorns"
"Leave him alone!" The drill master shrieked, and shoved Thom back into the dirt. "They don't help us, we don't help them. You can see how weak and useless they are. They aren't ever here when we need them." He smacked the back of Arvald's head, reaching up because of the friendly mouse's large frame.
"But Master Cransen, I was only-"
"Shut it!" Drill Master Cransen shrieked, pushing his protesting student before him. "Everyone, back to the barracks. We're going to clean them before you go home today, spotless!"
Most of the Thorns walked dejectedly back to the cells lining the wall. Some looked at Thom with a mixture of anger and disgust, but most reserved those looks for their drill master when he wasn't watching. Meanwhile Arvald shrugged and smiled again at Thom before following his comrades into the barracks.

================================================== =============================

After whatever RP you guys wish we'll start Aengus' next check. Meanwhile Thom gets to tick a box on his fighter skill and write Cransen, Drill Master in the enemy section of his character sheet.

[Skydut]

I will mark my second BL test for Fighter. That's 2 down and 4 to go!

mistrlittlejeans I am ready when you want to take the next Player's Turn check. I'll go ahead and RP a bit about Thom but then I'm all good to go.

================================================== ================================================== ==================

Thom smiled mildly behind his muzzle scarf. Arvald had seemed like such a different mouse now that the "training" session was over.

When the Drill Master Cransen had stepped in and forced the pleasantries between tall Thorn and the small Guard, Thom remembered why he ran away from Sandmason. Cransen seemed like the exact type of townsmice that had wanted to put Thom in shackles and interrogate him about his parents disappearance.

He skulked away from the Drill Masters glaring face and walked slowly back toward Aengus. Thom still couldn't tell what he was thinking.

[Skydut]

So I've asked this before, but are we gaining a new player? I'm assuming if we do it'll be after our Player's Turn. Just really curious. I thought that we had some players lined up. Isn't that right? I asked Duskwolf and he seemed very interested. Was there anyone else?

[Kovan]

I will be joinning the patrol at the end of the players turn.

[Skydut]

Awesome! Nice to meet you Kovan.

[mistrlittlejeans]

Great! A new mouse. By the way, I've been loving this Player's turn thus far. Now, I just need to remember what it was I was going to do with my next check...

can't seem to find it. oh well.

As a recap:

Aengus Check 1: ID the eaten guardsmice, Failure: success granted with Angry condition (right?)

Thom Check 1: Earn a test for opening Fighter, Failure: test earned but a new enemy was named.

......

Ok, I think my next check was going to be used to find Gamble's and get some writing materials to send a letter off to Lockhaven detailing the demise of the Pebblebrook patrol. I think I will stick with this, and then use my 3rd check to recover from Angry (using the writing process as a catharsis for my anger). What do I need to test for the letters? Or no test? I could do resources, or some kind of streetwise test to find the store, although I have a name now so it shouldn't be that difficult. Let me know Coyotebd and I'll make the test if needed.

[Coyotebd]

Writing doesn't require testing anything. I'd say the obstacle is finding a way to get it safely to Lockhaven. As it is the player's turn you get to decide how you want to do that. Most likely it'll be a circles test. Are you including the other patrol's orders with your report?

[mistrlittlejeans]

I think now would be a good time to read them. I'll include my decision as to whether or not we complete their orders in my report to Gwendolyn. It all depends on what their orders were and if we have time to do everything. I'm not exactly sure what the rest of our orders are anyways, now that we are in Pebblebrook.

[Skydut]

I think that reading them now is also a good idea. So exactly how will a Circle's test be helpful in getting the letters to Lockhaven? I'm not suggesting a better alternative, just curious.

P.S. I didn't say in older posts, but I too am really enjoying this Player's Turn AND the game on the whole. I can see this being a story that goes for a long while. Great job everyone!

================================================== ================================================== ===================

[mistrlittlejeans]

I think a Circles test would basically get Aengus a mouse that is going to Lockhaven that can deliver the letter. Unless he plans on going himself, Aengus will need to locate another mouse traveling there. Success should mean that he meets a mouse willing to take the letter to Lockhaven AND that it arrives safely. Of course, a failure could impose a Twist that the letter doesn't arrive (for any number of insidious reasons), OR the GM could invoke the Enmity Clause and make a new enemy for Aengus. Personally, I think it is a great idea to call for a Circles test, especially since no skill really seems to apply to the scenario. As an alternative, however, a Resources test could get Aengus a courier service, maybe one that operates in competition to the Guard, or in parallel, that can deliver mail more frequently/reliably perhaps.

[Skydut]

I always liked to envision a flying courier system in between the towns. I know that most mice aren't that conversational with the various flyers around the territories, especially the carnivorous kind, however it seems to me that flying to-and-fro delivering light packages would be a fine way to go. Of course if it was more popular then I suppose the Guard wouldn't need to carry the mail (at least the normal letters) at all. Though a bird sent from Lockhaven carrying a lone rider does seem the fastest way to relocate a member of the Guard.

[Skydut]

What happened?

[Coyotebd]

Sorry for dissappearing there. Work is going to be hectic until May. Tomorrow I will go into what the orders for the other patrol are. In the meantime, mail is mostly carried by guardmice. For the most part mice don't speak the same language as birds. It was strange that the Black Axe could talk to the owl, and he found it strange that his relative could talk to birds in his time. So the circles check will be for finding someone who happens to be travelling towards Lockhaven who would then pass the message to someone else to take on until it arrives, or an insectrist or apiarist who can attach a message to a flying insect. I'll calculate difficulties tomorrow.

[Coyotebd]

Ok, back to business. Aengus opens the sealed mission for the other patrol and reads.

================================================== ==============

Niko,

I have the most dire and dangerous mission for you, one which pains me to assign to any patrol. This spring we've been hearing terrible rumours about discontent in the territories. Even more troubling is the rumours that the discontent spreads to the very Guard itself. If this is true I need not press upon you the danger we face. One of the rumours that has reached Lockhaven is of a Rat King operating outside of Pebblebrook. Seek him out, determine what he is involved with. Be very careful. It is difficult to know who to trust.

Gwendolyn

================================================== ==============

As for a circles test to find a letter-bearer: Ob 4 to find a mouse to carry the letter. He will find another mouse to pass it on if he isn't going all the way to Lockhaven. Ob 6 to find an insectrist who can send the message tied to a flying insect. Both are risky. The first takes much longer and the letter may be intercepted. The second is faster, but the letter may still not arrive if someone eats the bug.

[Skydut]

Well for the Circles test I can have Thom lend a die for his Scout. Giving the mouse advice about how to avoid danger and make the best time being discrete. As for the insectrist, well that's another story. Thom doesn't have any die to share.

As for what path to take I'm leaning toward the insectrist option because of the quickness involved. However I worried we may not make the right rolls and lose the test. So maybe Circles?

What do you think partner?

[mistrlittlejeans]

Honestly, I think it's a failed test regardless. Aengus only has Circles 2. I'll go for the mouse route using help from Thom's scout. My wises won't help here. However, Rational might.

5 + 6 + 6 + 2

Wish I had a Fate point. Shucks. Failure it is.

================================================== ==========================================

Aengus set about Pebblebrook spreading the word that he was looking for someone traveling towards Lockhaven. He hoped he could find a mouse willing to carry his letter to Gwendolyn.

"Thom, we need to find a traveler mouse to take this letter to Gwendolyn. She must know what has happened here. We must also take on the orders of Niko's patrol. It is our duty to do as much. A Guardmouse is never at peace, because the Territories are never at peace. Remember that Thom."

After hours of search the mice seemed to have little luck locating a mice going westward. It was beginning to seem that they might need an alternative plan. Aengus quickly shot down the option of an insectrist.

"Yes, they can manage beetles and the occasional bee, but travel of that distance is best left to a mouse. Insects are still wild in most senses of the word. That means they are unpredictable. Something this important shouldn't be left to a beetle."

[Coyotebd]

Ok, still busy at work. Will have something for you tomorrow. Need to deliberate. Mouseguard is not about blocking the players, but something like this where failure is not going to cause undo problems (you could always try during your next player turn) I'm thinking of just having you fail. Then again, twists are more interesting, but I'm not sure about doing a twist and a failure.

[mistrlittlejeans]

There are a lot of ways you could handle it. Failure is one option. Another might be success with a condition, or a twist (with success). The twist doesn't have to be related to the letter arriving in Lockhaven; it could be related to Aengus' search for a delivery person. Maybe he makes a new enemy with his demands (enmity clause).

[Skydut]

Hmmm... A revengeful delivery mouse? That could be scary.

Thom: "Aengus, you received a package from Gwendolyn."
Aengus: "Well let's see what she wants now."
Aengus: "AAAAHH! POISON!"

And Thom by default becomes the new patrol leader.

;)

[mistrlittlejeans]

could happen...

[Skydut]

And that would stink.

Anyway. Coyotebd, did you say something about a rat?

[Coyotebd]

=================================================

For half a day Aengus and Thom wandered the town of Pebblebrook looking for mouse heading in the general direction of Lockhaven. At first Aengus tried to find someone who would take the letter all the way for a reasonable price. Then, part of the way. At the end of the day Aengus wasn't able to find someone trustworthy to carry his message to the next closest town. To make matters worse, Thom's scout sense picked up a trio of mice following them. Quickly Aengus ducked down an alley, hoping to lose them. The alley was a dead end and the three rough-looking mice, including a familiar dark furred mouse. He spoke.
"Ahh, two little guardmice, lost in the city. Bad things can happen to guardmice in Pebblebrook. It happens all the time."

Behind Aengus and Thom there is a rustle and a soft thump. A hoarse but feminine voice says, "Three guardmice. I have a grain to split with you, Hughe."

"Lil!" Hughe, the dark-furred mouse says, eyes wide with shock and a little touch of fur. "I thought the frog got ye!" All the fight and malice has left Hughe and his two friends. Three townmice against three guardmice is a very uneven fight -- in the guard's favour.

=================================================

So, you failed your circle check. We're doing a somewhat twist. This isn't going to be a conflict, Hughe and buddy are going to bolt once Lil says whatever line she'd like. Instead I thought I'd take the opportunity to introduce our new player early. She'll have her free check once Thom and Aengus have made theirs.

[Skydut]

Alright! A new player! Not that I'm not having enough fun already, but more players means even more fun!

So I'm going to RP for Thom's second check. I'm also going to assume that the rabble we've been cornered by is the "rough-looking" mouse from page 20 and his lackeys. Coyotebd, I hope that's right.

My second check will be to find someone to heal Thom of his injuries which are getting worse.

================================================== =========================================

The alley suffocated Thom. Aengus had given him no choice though when he had dove into the narrow space. The three towns-mice that Thom had realized were tailing them followed soon after.

Thom looked around and winced; his injuries from the bullfrog and his training session with the Thorns compiled the pain in his shoulder. As he turned he was surprised to see the overall wearing mouse from before, the one that smelt of sour tobacco. He was shoulder to shoulder with two other mice that were as rough looking as he. Thom couldn't believe the luck, it seemed that everywhere the Guard went they were destined to face some sort of tribulation.

What happened next Thom rightly couldn't remember. First the dark-furred towns mouse started to speak; something about Guard getting hurt, then all at once a soft thud and another voice sounded behind both Thom and Aengus. Thom hadn't realized there was even anyone there! It was easy recognizing the three rabble that now cornered the Guardmice in the alley; they all smelt like Pebblebrook masons; smokey. But the newcomer, Lil? She smelled like the territories, it was odd but Thom hadn't even sensed the difference.

Then everything went dark.

================================================== ==========================================

So here's how my check will play out.

Firstly, because Coyotebd didn't really hurt us with his "twist" I think it only fair that we have some sort of hindrance. So Thom is going to faint. His injuries have stacked up and the last amount of reserves of energy he had were used up in the training against the Thorns. He can't take anymore and the scare from Lil jumping out from nowhere put him over the edge.

I think this opens up some opportunities for interesting RP from Aengus and Lil, and some fun interactions later. Also, things might look different to Hughe and his buddies now too.

Coyotebd, I want to find a healer to tend to my injuries whenever the RP allows.

[mistrlittlejeans]

Aengus looked from burly Hughe to Lil, his growl changing to a wry smile wrapping around the mouthpiece of his pipe. He puffed a great smoke ring, then turned back toward the thugs. Let's see what this she-mouse has got. Just then Thom swooned. Aengus tried to grab him and prevent him from crashing to the ground, but he was too late. His jaw slacked, and he grabbed his pipe in his other hand. Under his breath he said, "Looks like we are back to two guardmice, Lil".

[Kovan]

Lil’s eyes gleam with a bemused menace as steps past Aengus, positioning herself between the Guard and the hooligans. Standing nearly a full head taller than the patrol leader, her frame dominates narrow alley.

"I'm thinking two will be more than enough for this lot," says Lil, sounding perhaps a bit to jovial.

Not waiting for Hughe to recover from the shock of finding her alive, Lil springs forward, almost impossibly fast. One of her large hands clasps around Hughe’s throat, lifting him off the ground and pinning him roughly to the wall. A knife fills her free hand and she points the blade at the other rabble without taking her eye’s from Hughe’s.

“No, Hughe. You hoped the frog got me. Now send the boys home so we can talk like grown-ups.”

[Kovan]

Name: Lil (short for Lillian) Strongwood

Age: 29
Home: Port Sumac
Fur Color: Dark Grey
Guard Rank: Patrol Guard
Cloak Color: Dark Red

Parents: Faron and Molly Strongwood (boatcrafter and merchant respectively)
Senior Artisan: Abner (Armorer)
Mentor: Balthazar the Blademaster
Friend: Sayble (A childhood friend from Port Sumac)
Enemy: Falin (Constable of Port Sumac)

Belief: Nothing can erase my past but at least I can prevent blood from getting on the hands of others.
Goal:
Instinct: When trouble comes, snuff it out fast.

Gear: Hook & Line, Light Armor with belt and pouch, Dagger (knife) x2

Health: 4
Will: 4
Nature: 4 (I save for winter, but fear is a distraction I cannot afford and fleeing just means another patrol will have to do the job I was to weak to do. I. Am. Not. Weak.)

Traits: Tough (1), Tall (1)

Skills:
Fighter 6
Deceiver 2
Boatcrafter 4
Weather Watcher 4
Pathfinder 2
Survivalist 2
Armorer 2

Crime Wise 2
Stream Wise 2
Coast Wise 2

Resources 6
Circles 1 (I am fairly well known but not for deeds that garner favor)

Description: Larger than your average mouse, Lil is an intimidating sight to behold. Her height, dark fur, and musculature on their own would be enough to frighten most, but her air of menace is further augmented by her armor and weapons. She wears a dagger on each hip and her armor has been customized with a special wooden, cup-like, socket that rests on the center of her upper back with it’s opening facing her left shoulder. This socket holds the barbed point of her wickedly sharp hook and line, allowing it to curve up over her shoulder and across her chest for quick access. The line of her hook leads from the ring to a pouch on her belt, just in front of her right dagger. Her hands are scared from a past she’d rather forget and calloused from long work at the forge.

[mistrlittlejeans]

Looks like Thom has some competition for Fighter now. Or a great trainer.

[Skydut]

Oh wow! Didn't see that. I know who are tank is. So maybe I'll make Thom a thief. :-)

Doesn't Lil' need Instructor to teach Thom though?

Kovan, this is probably nit picky stuff, but...
1) Why is Lillian's cloak dark red? You know, character wise.
2) What's her specialty skill?

[Coyotebd]

==========================================

Hughe doesn't even have a chance to react before his cohorts scamper away.

"I didn't send the frog, Lil, I swear!" He gasps.

==========================================

[Kovan]

"Mice are dead, Hughe," says Lil coldly, "Guard mice are dead, and now I find you here. Curious isn’t it?”

With a snarl, Lil drives a fist into Hughe’s stomach and throws him to the ground at Aengus’ feet. With an icy calm, she plants her knee on the small of Hughe’s back and catches his tail with her free hand. She rests the blade at the base of her grip on the appendage and tightens her grip.

“Maybe I’m being too hostile for you to talk to,” says Lil matter-of-factly. “I get that a lot you know? I’ve never had a knack for social graces. So how’s about you talk to my friend here? I’m sure he has questions he’d like answered. You can do that for me, can’t you Hughe? You want to keep me happy, and your tail by extension, correct?”

================================================== ================================================== =================

To answer your questions, Skydut, her specialty is fighter and her mentor gave her that color because, "The enemy should never see a fighter of your caliber bleed." For her full story, I can post her Bio if you like. It's really long though and I lost the editted version so the grammar and spelling aren't perfect. Let me know if you're interested.

[Skydut]

Wow! Lillian Warrior Princess. Haha.

I would like to read Lil's bio Kovan; I'm a sucker for that sort of stuff. :-) No rush on it though. If you want to edit the text before posting that's great with me.

[mistrlittlejeans]

================================================== ================================================== ============
Aengus stood silent for a minute. Then he slowly drew his ornately carved wooden pipe. Next, he pulled a worn pouch from this belt, withdrew some pungent herbs and packed his mouthpiece. Still staying silent, he sparked the pipe and puffed slowly until the herbs were slowly burning. A pleasant, soothing sent filled the air around the mice. Silence hung strangely in the air. Aengus still waited, taking another deep puff. Finally, he leaned down towards Hughe and said,

"Well, what do you have to say for yourself mouse? Is Lil correct in saying that you had the guardsmice killed by the frog? That would be a shame, since the attack occurred outside of the city proper." Aengus turned away from Hugh and took a step, then turned around abruptly. "Do you know who's laws apply outside of the settlement proper Hughe?" Aengus puffed. "Oh, I'm sure that you do Hughe. The real question is, why would you do something so profoundly foolish as to have guardsmice killed?"

================================================== ================================================== ===========

[Coyotebd]

================================================== ===============
There is a sharp smell of urine and fear in the air as Hughe answers.

"No, no, I swear. I didn't even know there was a bullfrog out there. I had nothing to do with it or The Rat King. I swear it!"

================================================== ===============

[Kovan]

Lil sheaths her knife and uses her newly freed hand to pull her cloak up, and she pivots her hips to keep herself well clear of the urine, twisting Hughe’s tail cruelly as she does so. Once satisfied, she draws her blade and places it again at the base of Hughe’s tail.

“I believe my friend wants to hear less of that vast amount of things you don’t know about, and more of the information you think your tail is worth,” says Lil, slicing his tail shallowly to emphasize her point. “You know something. Spill it.”

[Coyotebd]

================================================== =
"I'm telling you everything I know! You want to know about The Rat King? They say that Lockhaven is planning on taking over the territories, creating a kingdom. The Rat King's got a plan to stop it. Word is to head to Barkstone to join him. That's all I know, I never been to Barkstone.
================================================== =

[Skydut]

This IS getting intriguing.

Since I'm here I'll add some RP from Thom. ;-)

================================================== ================================================== ==================

Thom lies behind the altercation going on between the three mice in the dark alley. The cool earth is soothing to his weary frame and he begins to snore.

Being from Sandmason, Thom is accustomed to sleeping during the days, and as a result he is blissfully unaware of anything that is happening around him.

Soon Thom starts to dream. His mind now free to stretch beyond the tight walls Thom tries so hard to keep intact during his time awake begin to buckle, memories of the past wash seamlessly over his subconsciousness and slowly Thom's dreams begin to warp into cruel nightmares.

"Papa... mumble... don't go..."

[Kovan]

“Do you think that’s worth a tail, Aengus?” asks Lil. “I don’t. I wonder Hughe, without a tail, do you think you’ll be mistaken for a chipmunk?”

[mistrlittlejeans]

================================================== ====================================
Aengus took another draw from his pipe.

"Interesting... very interesting Hughe. Barkstone you say. Hmmm. Rat King, yes..." puff puff. "Why, Hughe, did you find it necessary to assault young Thom and I here in this alley before Lil had the notion to turn you into a chipmunk?"
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[Coyotebd]

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Hughe managed a sneer at Aengus

"Pebblebrook gets along just fine without the guard. We don't need you sticking your nose in our business and walking around like you own the place. We were just going to teach you a little respect, is all."

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[Kovan]

“I can hear that sneer Hughe,” says Lil as she slightly deepens the cut on Hughe’s tail. “Less of that, hmm?”

[mistrlittlejeans]

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Aengus shrugs.

"We haven't done anything to you Hughe, or to Pebblebrook, besides chase off a predator. Hardly the kind of actions that should garner such a violent welcome. I sense some other motivations here, but if you are unwilling to speak... well..." Aengus trails off into a succession of puffs on his pipe.

================================================== ================================================== =========

I'm not really sure what our objective is here. Are we just waiting for Lil to take her check?

[Kovan]

OOC: I thought I had I made my check once this interrogation concluded.

[Skydut]

It sounds like our GM is seeding our world with possible storyarcs.

What was your check goal Kovan?

[Kovan]

Probably a weather watcher check to ensure a clear sky for the next leg of our journey. The way I think this is going to play out is we'll get our information and decide on a destination. After that I'll do my check and you guys can heal up.

[Coyotebd]

I think at this stage you'll have to ask him specific questions if you want anything useful.

[Skydut]

What if you two just insult him some more, getting him riled up and then set him loose? That way Kovan's check can maybe be something like tailing Hughe to find a hideout or something to that effect?

[Kovan]

OOC: That would probably be scout check which I don't have. Also, I'm pretty convinced that Hughe is just street-level trash. His "hideout" is probably just his house or the local inn/tavern. If we just pick a new destination (probably Barkstone), we may even be able to get there on the players turn if Aengus still has a check left to roll for pathfinder.

[mistrlittlejeans]

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Aengus takes a long puff. He looks at Lil, then Hugh, and finally Thom. Then he slowly takes a seat on a small wooden box in the alley.

"Looks like you and Lil got a score to settle, Hughe. Have at it then. I'm too tired for all this nonesense." He takes another long puff, briefly making eye contact with Thom, and giving him a wink"

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I'm ready to go look for this Rat King whenever you guys are.

[Skydut]

Well this seems scary. Warrior princes just might have Hughe less of a mouse in a few moments. I can't help but feel sorry for the little instigator. Maybe in light of our roles as ambassadors to the Mouse Guard we could let him go without the deformation, hmmm?

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Unbeknownst to the white cloaked guardmouse, Thom replies to his patrol leader by increasing the drool pooling on the hard earth between them.

[Kovan]

"Finally," says Lil. "I'm sick of waiting. Oh, but don't worry Hughe. I won't let my impatience stop me from taking my time"
With that, Lil pulls Hughe's tail taught and saws her knife back and forth. She deepening the cut with slow and agonizing, if shallow, strokes.
"I'll make a deal with you Hughe. If you don't pass out, I'll let you live after this."

[Coyotebd]

Are you really hacking the tail off a mouse who's only crime was being an asshole?

[Kovan]

OOC: No that's why I said shallow. I actually came up with an interesting idea but it wouldn't work. I was going to have her flip the knife and put the spine of the blade in the cut so there would be no further damage but it would hurt like a bugger and Hughe would think I was cutting deeper. Sadly I already said that my knife is a dagger there are two edges. Oh well. Either way, I'm playing along with Aengus' bluff. In my head, I'm not anywhere near the bone yet. I'm thinking through the skin and maybe half way through the soft-tissue. It hurts; it's scary, and the only way for Hughe to make it stop is to spill more of what he knows until Aengus is satisfied.
Why I'm doing what I'm doing is because of Lil's shady past. I've been busy so I haven't edited her bio but here's the jist. She ran with pirates at a young age and I don't mean happy Disney pirates. She has seen and done horrible things. However, after she was betrayed by her captain and crew and basically realized that these criminal types do to others exactly what was done to her. It's not just about the victims of their crimes. It's about the young mice the pirates/bandits/other-criminals entice with adventure and wealth. These innocent youths get their minds bent and it turns them into the same monsters their recruiters are.
The pirates betrayal was the best thing that ever happened to Lil. It pulled her back before she became to involved in the life. She cleaned up and joined the guard but she never did shake all the "lessons" she learned with the pirates. As a result, she isn't afraid to use means that most mice of the guard would consider -extreme- especially when in pursuit of, or used against, unsavory types. Lil knows that makes her different and hard to work with, but if she can intimidate and answer out of some back alley thug in a half hour rather than investigate for a week to get the same information, she will intimidate every time. As far as she concerned that means stopping whatever is going on six days sooner and saving that many more potential victims. She doesn't expect others to understand, or even want them too. If they truly understood what drove her, that would mean they had a past similar to hers, which she wouldn't wish on anyone. She does what she does because she feels that she has to, and because other guard mice won't and shouldn't.
Belief: Nothing can erase my past but at least I can prevent blood from getting on the hands of others.
Oh also, three mice beating up and potentially killing two of the guard that are already injured from fighting a bullfrog. That is a notch or three above being a asshole at least in my book.

[Skydut]

I am conflicted. On the one hand I am sad for Lil, her story tugs on my heart strings. Of course on the other hand, poor Hughe.

Thanks for the update on Lil's bio Kovan. I can get behind her character much better now.

[Coyotebd]

Ok, but I think asking Hughe some questions might be more effective. He's just repeating himself and squealing, which is getting quite loud and has the potential of attracting the attention of people on the main street

[mistrlittlejeans]

I agree. If it's torture you plan to use, Lil, then Aengus is definitely against that. Torture doesn't align with his view of the Guard's responsibilities. Plus, it will generate a horrible reputation for guardmice everywhere. Aengus has no choice but to speak up now,

================================================== ================================================== ================

"Waii a minute Lil! What the blazes do you think yer doin'?" Aengus jumps up with uncanny quickness despite his age. He lays a paw gently on Lil's, but closes his fist firmly, signalling the big mouse to stop. "I know you've got a grudge with Hughe, but being a lump isn't grounds for corporal punishment. Let me remind you that we are in the settlement of Pebblebrook. Any legal infractions should be reported to the city watch, not settled so barbarically." Aengus turned to Hugh who was wincing in pain. "Don't think yer gettin' off easy bub. We're not thugs, but we don't take any guff either, 'specially from street-rats like you." Aengus calmly but firmly spoke to Lil, "Put yer blade away guardmouse. That is an order. Ye wan't to settle this score? Ye best start usin' yer tongue.

I need to keep on eye on this Lil. She's a loose cannon fer sure. Somemouse is liable to get hurt worse then Hughe
================================================== ================================================== ================

Kovan, you definitely just gave me my goal for next session ;)

[Kovan]

Lil roars with anger and frustration, directed at Hughe as much as herself. She wipes the blade on his fur and sheathes it. “Plenty time enough to punish myself,” thinks Lil, “But for now, we can’t lose our momentum with this pathetic excuse for a mouse.”
Lil shrugs of Aengus’ grip more forcefully than she meant to. She twists Hughe’s ear painfully. “Hughe, you are going to tell Aengus everything you know about the Rat King,” says Lil, “We want to know how his operation works. We want to know where in Barkstone he hides his miserable fur. We want to know exactly how you’re involved in his affairs. After that you will tell us anything pertinent that I forgot. Then you will kiss Aengus’ feet and thank him for saving your tail and your life. While you do all of this, you will dwell on the fact that I can draw my knife and plunge it into your heart faster than Aengus can blink. If you don’t speak, you will not be saved a second time.”
Lil stands and steps out of Hughe’s line of sight with Aengus. Partly, so the slime can address his savoir without distraction, but mostly so he won’t see Lil taking deep breaths and mentally flailing for anything resembling composer. It has been a long time since she stepped that far over the line.

[mistrlittlejeans]

Kovan, I really like how you managed that. this is making for some good inter-patrol conflict.

[Skydut]

Agreed. This is the best MGRPG I've ever played in hands down!