Griffin Mountain: Part five (session one).
For another view on the Session see https://unturnedhovel.bearblog.dev/griffin-mountain-player-report-01/
Between Sessions I discussed with the players the idea that all were related as cousins, or Blood-Brothers/Sisters. The only opt-out was from Grundle's Player (Grundle decided to be just a guide). I also decided that the priestess the message was going to was their Cousin. This, I felt laid a more grounded reason for a) their choice to deliver the message, and b) group co-operation.
Player characters: Ulia, merchant (Lay member of Issaries); Rosrolar, thief (Lay member of Lanbril); Olyander, scholar (Lay member of Lhankor mhy); Grundil, hunter (Lay member of Foundchild); Daranth, Chaos fighter (Lay member of Storm Bull); and Bronir swordsman (Lay member of Humakt). Were travelling in a Caravan guided by Grundil to the Citadel of Elkoi from Tarshford. They encountered a group of Balazarings, Black Dog tribe (from the Elkoi tribes). It was decided that Ulia, Grundil, and Olyander would talk to and possibly negotiate with the Black Dogs for safe passage through their territory. Ulia traded ten Bronze arrow heads for an escort, and failed to trade for the lead Hunter's prized necklace. Daranth produced some moonshine and shared it with the Hunters. The two groups camped next to each other, and during the night were attacked. The attackers were the feared Broo-kin. During the fight the hunters lit the surrounding brush on fire for light and to scare off the Broo. Three Broo were killed, Ulia was magically hypnotized temporarily, and a Black Dog hunter was injured. Unfortunately the Donkeys pulling the wagon, and the three guards were carried off by the Broo. The wagon and the surrounding brush were going up in flames. The group was working to save the wagon and it's goods from the flames when we ended the game.
Out of game notes: some felt that Combat went too slowly, and others seemed okay with it. As GM I was not happy with OpenQuest 3rd ed. rpg's initiative system based on skill percentage because you had to know what skill was going to be used, as a result I had to ask for intent. I have decided to use an alternative Basic Role-playing initiative system for the next combat based on Dexterity score (with Intelligence as a tie breaker).
Shout out to the Griffin Mountain group (you're a fun crew), and the Gay beholder crew for support (and kicking my ass into gear about running a game).