DM Kent Wednesday July 31st, 2002 8:02:42 AM
The Talons wake, and find themselves lying around the Butterfly Stone in the middle of the meadow. The day is as nearly perfect as the evening was when they were here last, when was it anyway? Then as they wake up, they realize something else. They are breathing, and can even feel their hearts beating inside of them. They are alive. After a brief trail breakfast and a semi-teary goodbye to Bertram as he heads northward, the rest of the Talons head out and back to the Tree of Parting. When they arrive at the Tree, they find that somehow their mounts are being stabled at the inn's stable. After a few days of R&R and discussion about what they should do now, the six remaining Talons head back to see what is left of the Emerald City and to see what they can do about Parnoth.
DM Kent Wednesday July 31st, 2002 8:03:39 AM
The first day passes fairly calmly, though the road is full of travelers heading home or other places. There also seems to be an unusual amount of elves traveling along the way. Around evening time the party comes to one of the travel clearings used by travelers as nightly travel stops. While definitely crowded there is room for you all near the edge of the road, or you could make your way further down the road. Once again you notice that many of the travelers are elven. That evening you hear of marauding bands of Marteus' army roaming the country side and you also hear a mention of the influx into the kingdom of quite a few never before seen monsters from Izen and the deep Culverwood.
K'Nara Wednesday July 31st, 2002 4:51:14 PM
Looking over the crowded conditions, K'Nara frowned.
"We still don't know what it's like in Emerald City," she said to her fellow Talons, "I think we'd be better off camping where there are a few less people..." Her sharp hazel eyes looked around at everyone.
"It might be a good idea for Milo and Fluet to see what's up with all the traveling elves," the human bladesinger added, "I have a bad feeling about that--and we all remember how the Green One just loves his elves..!" The sarcasm about Parnoth's policies simply drips from K'Nara's words.
Lian Wednesday July 31st, 2002 5:00:44 PM
Lian greets his long forgotten mount Merlot at the stables and saying a teary farewell to Bertram.
When the Talons make camp, he sits quietly for several hours meditating.
He is concerned about the odd monster sightings.
"I am not sure that these beasts are quite right in the woods."
Milo Wednesday July 31st, 2002 8:13:47 PM
Taking his cue from K'nara, Milo hops off of the back of the horse he was sharing with Olana, and saunters leisurely-like up to a group of passerby elves, and speaks to them in fluent elven, "Greetings folks, could you tell me where everybody is going? Seems to me like the whole countryside has up and started moving in the same direction." The halfling affects a cheery disposition as he absent mindedly plays with the shiny silver medallion with the symbol of a gavel that hangs on his chest.
Olana Wednesday July 31st, 2002 8:17:51 PM
Despite the sadness of leaving Bertram to his own travels, there is a definite spring in the elf's step. A sense of spiritual and physical renewal are wiping away the horrors of times past, and it just feels good to be alive.
Concern furrows her brow however as they travel, and she sees so many of her kind on the road.
When they make camp, along with Milo, she will attempt to engage any elves nearby in conversation, along the lines of - "Hey, what's happenin', dudes?" in elven.
Figment Wednesday July 31st, 2002 8:58:09 PM
The mage gladly takes a few days of R&R with the others as they decide to go back to face the dragon. He looks forward greatly to along trip on top of his beloved Jux once again. He warmly bids farewell to Bertram, having grown quite fond of him over their time together and hoping their separation will not be forever.
As they look over the sight of the travelers and begin to look over the situation, it becomes apparent that Figment appears a bit more imposing to the others - as if more confident of his power. "After dealing with their diety directly I'd say these mauraders won't be too bad. I was kind of hoping we'd have driven them from the area completely. One thing I do know though, after meeting their leige I have not the slightest inclination to show mercy. They need to be driven from the land immediately!". It is clear that a rage has developed in him.
Ingrge Thursday August 1st, 2002 4:33:36 PM
Happy to be back on the road in his own country and on top of his own mount again, ingrge almost seems cheerful, until he sees all the Elves on the road. Puzzled, he joins Olanna and Milo in trying to chat up some of the travelers. When the time comes to set up camp, Ingrge suggests that perhaps they set up at the campsite so as to hear any gossip or information they could use in their upcoming travails.
DM Kent d20+5=18 d20+5=25 d20+5=22 Thursday August 1st, 2002 4:41:33 PM
Olana, Milo and Ingrge get very little cooperation from any on the roads and quite a few look at you with fear in their eyes. You all do notice something a bit odd about some of the elves. Every so often you see an elf who has his left wrist totally covered, and even once or twice you saw elves who had paler than normal areas on their wrists.
That night the camp ground is extraordinarily quiet for such a large group of people. Most of the fires aresmall ones and no one seems to be moving between fires. At one point you hear someone try to start up some music, but after a few seconds it fades away into the dark silence.
Throughout the night there are loud sounds of large animals catching and eating their prey and even once the loud roar of somehing huge that no one recognizes, but the camp is left in peace.
Figment Thursday August 1st, 2002 10:47:16 PM
The mage observes the strange crowds with some concern. "Looks like the effects from what happened to them before is still with them. I pray we can help them regain their status and dignity. At least they still have a tune in their hearts, even if they are loathe to express it openly...". The mage drifts off reflectively, not looking up much when the creatures make their noise.
Lian d20+16=25 Friday August 2nd, 2002 2:37:34 AM
Not being able to rest, Lian was up most of the night listening to the unpleasant sounds coming from the forest. (rolling to hear specific sounds and try to remember them clearly, DC25)
He's also uncomfortable with the Elven Exodus and his friend Bertram being gone.
Milo Friday August 2nd, 2002 10:35:28 AM
After the roar Milo looks soberly at Olana, then at K'nara, "We have a job a work ahead of us... um, I also wanted to bring something up while we're just relaxing. You may or may not have noticed that my holy symbol has changed. In his ultimate wisdom, Alemi passed the mantle of justice to Pantheon, and with that, all of us who were dedicated to that ideal. I am no longer Alemi's seeker. Instead I have become a justiciar in service to Pantheon." Milo looks somewhat uncomfortable discussing religion so casually.
Olana Friday August 2nd, 2002 11:26:06 AM
Returning to the others and sitting down cross-legged, Olana says -
"Did you notice some of the elves' wrists? Remember everyone had to wear those tags before they were allowed in the City? I wonder if they've all torn them off and fled. It makes you wonder just what's going on in the City. Ooooh, I hope that mean old dragon isn't up to his tricks again, although...."
She winces on hearing a distant roar.
".... you would have thought he'd be too busy cleaning up his monster problem.
"K'Nara - I'd say we need to try and rally all these people - we have to take the forest back. It belongs to those who live here - not some slobbering band of halfwits from Izen."
At some point, she will sit alongside Milo and ask him things, interested to know just exactly what being a Justicar is all about.
K'Nara Friday August 2nd, 2002 5:30:38 PM
The tall human bladesinger brooded all during the time it took to set up the camp and gather what little information they could. The more she saw and heard, the less she liked it. Finally--after Olana spoke her piece by the fireside--K'Nara spoke her own mind:
"We'll go see what's left of the Tines, then, in Emerald City," she said decisively, "We MUST find out who rules now...if Tall, Green & Scaly is still there, it probably would be best for us to get back to the Culverwood. Actually, either way, from the sounds we're hearing now--we'll probably get back to the Culverwood as soon as we can...there's something in it now that shouldn't be here."
Ingrge Friday August 2nd, 2002 7:41:17 PM
Nodding as Ingrge and K'nara have their say, Ingrge remains quiet for a while pondering what he is seeing and hearing, and then focusses back on the conversation. " I expect that with the elven movement going on that Parnoth still does rule, what that may mean for us...
DM kent Monday August 5th, 2002 6:27:37 PM
The next morning you wake and head out and the second and third days pass very much like the first. Every now and again you come across a few groups of orcish folk, but the flee when you are seen. The fourth day however brings something a bit new and different that your recent ones. Around noon you come around a turn in the road and there in front of you is an overturned wagon partially in a ditch, with three figures trying to get it upright and back on the road. Off to the left side of the road partially in the ditch, is a draft horse ground-tied and eating from a tree. The trees are pretty thick on both sides, along the upward sloping banks on the other side of each ditch.
Figment Monday August 5th, 2002 10:16:26 PM
As they travel along, the mage takes any opportunities to levy lightning bolts at any of the orcs that come too close. Other than that he just travels with the others. He looks on, noticing what race the wagon owners are when he spies the scene. He tries to determine if the wagon looks truly overturned."
Lian d20+16=24 d20+6=15 d20+14=31 Monday August 5th, 2002 10:22:17 PM
Tired of wearing his monk garb, Lian has, for the past few days, donned his travelers outfit. He looks to be a rather plain elf. He rides to the right side of the trail and ties off Merlots harness to a nearby tree, just out of sight of the wagon. Then slowly and cautiously approaches the wagon, unarmed. ;) (Listening to the trees and surroundings for possible ambushers, DC 24 Listen; he also pays close attention to the draft horse, does it look like it could pull this wagon? Spot of 15. He doesn't know how to appraise horses. He slowly and cautiously approaches, DC 31 )
"Folks, how can we be of service to such a fine lot as yourselves?" He says rather uncharacteristicly, and in Common speech. "Is your animal hurt? Are any of you hurt?" At this point, he should be getting rather close to the wagon. He expects an ambush. The monk looks into the thick brush on either side of the road, but just glances briefly. Lian is also paying close attention to those in armor (if any), and to those standing by supervising.
Thinking to himself while he walks into what he thinks is an obvious trap; 'I am going to get shot!' But outwardly he remains relatively calm.
Olana d20+2=17 d20+15=30 Tuesday August 6th, 2002 12:13:55 AM
Nodding in agreement at K'Nara's decision, the elf adds - "Yes, it would be good to see the Tines."
Riding with Milo, and naturally curious she continues to ask him about what a Justicar stands for, etc etc. She is a little alarmed at Figment's new zeal, as she witnesses him frying every orc in sight. Still, this was no place for them. She remembered enough to know they deserved anything they got.
As they reach the overturned wagon, Olana hands the reins to Milo, slips off the horse quietly and moves to the left up the banking, looking for anything "odd". ((SPOT DC17 LISTEN DC 30))
Milo d20+10=27 d20+11=29 Tuesday August 6th, 2002 10:25:56 AM
Milo speaks quite animately over the course of the night and the morning about being a Justicar, and the concept of justice, and the differnce between justice and revenge, just happy to be in the conversation. When they come upon the overturned wagon, he accepts the reins from Olana, and looks on as she slips off the horse and moves away. He then seems to come to with a start, as if waking from a dream, and realizes that Lian is possibly walking into an ambush. Leaning forward in the saddle, he makes a show out of stroking the horses neck, with looking to the sides of the road for danger, and listening as well... (OOC: Made Spot and Listen checks at DC 27 and 29 respectively.)
(BTW... On Thursday, I'm going out of town... my wife and I are traveling to Kahzakstan in order to pick up our adopted daughter, and it is likely that I will not be able to post until I return, which will be the 30th of August... so I'll start posting again, on the 2nd of September... who would like to play Milo for a while?)
DM Kent d20+8=9 d20+8=10 Wednesday August 7th, 2002 11:30:12 AM
The draft horse definitely could pull the wagon, which looks like it really is turned over, even to the point where there appear to be bundles of something strewn on the ground behind the wagon.
Both Milo and Olanna hear some rustling on the banks in the trees but cant place anythiung specific. As Lian approaches and speaks the largest of the individuals jumps a bit, as if startled, and says, "Don yous b'comin an' closer. We ain' got nutt'n worth yer trouble."
Just about this time a voice from above you in the trees speaks. " Ok All of you lay down your weapons and back away from the wagon. We are confiscating the wagon, and its contents for the people of Enmerald Kingdom and we will take your valuables and weapons for ourselves. There are eight figures, four on each side, partially covered by the trees aiming nocked bows at aeach of you.
Lian Wednesday August 7th, 2002 3:47:14 PM
Does the wagon trio look to be part of this ambush? Or are they just as surprised as us?
Lian tells the jumpy wagon attendant, "We are not the ones to worry about, get down."
At that Lian puts his hands up and walks toward the voice that has stated the demands. "What kind of bandits rob the wagon of the very people they claim to be helping. I believe these folks are from around here. Let them pass. By what name do you call yourselves?"
Thinking to himself, 'Bows and Arrows! How ironic.' He casually walks forward. "As for our valuables, I believe what is valuable to one is not necessarily valuable to another. A blind man may use his cup to make a bit of copper, but the drunkard in the tavern takes for granted his stein which is full of good mead. The blind mans cup is his way to earn a living and the drunkard has gold to spend, furthermore...." By this time, Lians hoping that his que is taken and that the Talons are doing something. :)
Figment Wednesday August 7th, 2002 9:36:30 PM
The mage laughs at the demand from the trees. "I think you'd better show yourselves before we kill you. I don't like bandits and am more than happy to rid the Wold of as many as I can.". The mage casts a web into the closest group of 4 and turns to face the others. "So what's it gonna be? If you fire I'll show no mercy - and the next spell roasts you. And that's just me! You still have all the others to contnd with...". The mage prepares to cast again. It's clear he's not so jovial a guy as he once was. Something of carrying 'spiritual' burdens has sapped his mirth over time.
Milo d20+10=26 d20+23=29 d20+20=36 Thursday August 8th, 2002 3:29:58 AM
Watching the scene from back where he is sitting on the horse, Milo smirks silently, and then with one deft move, he tumbles down off of the horse, moving forward and hiding as he hits the ground. (OOC: Milo makes his tumble check at DC 26, and then his hide and move silently checks at DCs 29 and 26 respectively. That is with a self-imposed -5 to move at full speed)
(See you in a few weeks guys... Jay is taking over Milo till then)
K'Nara Thursday August 8th, 2002 7:17:58 AM
(OOC: hmmm...my Wednesday post isn't here...I had originally posted K'Nara looking to see if the Talons could help in any way. Ah, well...)
K'Nara opened her mouth to assure the unseen speaker that her group meant no harm, but was interrupted by the armed bandits.
"How DARE you!" the redheaded leader of the Talons demanded, glowering. "How DARE you claim to rob travelers in the name of the people of the Emerald Kingdom! That makes you no better than Parnoth, you miserable scum! Take our valuables and weapons for yourselves, eh???" K'Nara unsheathes her sword from its scabbard on her back with a fluid sweep of her arm. "Then you'll have to come over here and pry Lucia from my cold, dead fingers--IF you can!!!" Upon uttering her sword's name, the blade blazes into fiery life.
Olana Thursday August 8th, 2002 10:58:43 PM
Olana takes note quickly of who is where, nocks an arrow and takes aim at one of the unknown assailants 'not' covered by Figment's web spell.
There she waits, hoping that talk will settle this, but will let loose the arrow in an instant if necessary.
Lian d20+14=19 d20+6=18 Friday August 9th, 2002 7:38:56 AM
OOC: Sorry about not posting Thursday, but it seemed to be the style of the week to skip posts. ;)
Listening to the sudden bussle behind him of what he assumes is his friends moving, then witnessing the change of attitude in Figment, Lian gestures to the wagon group to get down and out the way. Diving (jump) and tumbling to cover behind the wagon, then shuffling into the ditch nearby. (Tumble check of 19, +2 synergy bonus from jump makes it 21 Tumble to avoid any attacks of opportunity, if any) From that vantage point, Lian hopes to have a decent view of most of the archers on the far side (not webbed side). (Spot check of 18)
DM Kent d20+4=19 d20+4=6 Friday August 9th, 2002 8:01:39 AM
The three from the wagon duck behind their wagon, as everyone starts moving. The most Figment can web effectively are two, due to how spread out they are and they are each mostly behind a tree (at least 3/4 covered).
Milo and Lian go tumbling off into the ditch. Olanna draws and nocks her bow, K'nara draws her sword and Ingrge is just sitting there for some reason, just staring off into a space way beyond the wagon.
....
DM Kent d20+4=18 d20+4=18 d20+4=19 d20+4=20 d20+4=7 d20+4=8 d20+4=11 d6+1=6 d6+1=4 d6+1=3 d6+1=5 Friday August 9th, 2002 8:09:00 AM
As figment's casts his speell and the other move and draw weapons six arrows (one bandit is well webbed one is freeing himself) fly from their bows. Four arrows find their mark in Figment, Olanna, Ingrge, and K'nara (6,4,3,5 points respectively). The other two miss as Milo and Lian tumble off.
The Voice speaks again. "Those arrows were your fault. I told you not to move. The next round will again be your fault if you do not comply and lay your weapons down." If the mage so much as twitches every arrow will be aimed at him."
Milo (sub Jay) d20+28=32 d20+25=41 Friday August 9th, 2002 5:57:38 PM
Milo darts from his hiding spot to move along side Olana just out a few of any of the assailents. (Hide of 32, Move Silently of 41) "Are you ready to go get these guys, my Lady?" Says the illusive halflings disembodied voice. "You go, I'll follow."
Lian d20+9=12 Friday August 9th, 2002 6:09:55 PM
Lian strings his bow, which was tucked away on his pack, then tries to find one of the brigands best in view (within 60 feet away, no further) from his hole in the ground. He knocks an arrow (non-masterwork), and fires it at the hidden foe. Hitting AC 12.
Olana d20+14=28 d6+1=4 d20+13=21 Sunday August 11th, 2002 3:35:34 PM
Olana fires swiftly toward her own assailant (AC28, DAM 4). "Who the -?" she starts to ask, but then reckons at this stage there isnt much point.
She backs up to cover Figment, while reloading, all the while looking for somewhere they could move to, in order to turn the tide. (WILDERNESS LORE DC 21)
Relieved to hear Milo's voice, she whispers. "You have the better advantage. They'll see me coming."
Figment d20+7=18 Monday August 12th, 2002 8:11:05 PM
The mage ignores the warnings. "Have it your way fools! You now get to go see what happened to the gods for yourselves!". The mage casts and disappears from sight. He dives to the side immediately to get out of the way of any arrows coming his way. Looking around he attempts to discern where the leaders voice was coming from (Spot DC 18).
K'Nara d20+11=28 d20+4=21 d10+4=12 d10+4=9 d6=5 d6=6 Tuesday August 13th, 2002 7:32:51 AM
Undaunted (and far too angry now to think clearly), K'Nara bellowed back to the unseen speaker:
"You and yours are dead meat, mister!!!" To her colleagues she directed: "Get whoever's in the damn trees!" Then K'Nara launched herself at the closest archers to her, slashing out with the burning blade in her hands.
(2 melee strikes, hits AC 28 and 21, doing 12hp + 5hp fire damage and 9hp + 6hp fire damage respectively--assuming that the closest archers to the Talons' position aren't too far away to strike at in the same round as K'Nara's moving towards them.)
Ingrge Tuesday August 13th, 2002 6:38:08 PM **My, what lovely trees and blue sky.**
DM kent Tuesday August 13th, 2002 6:49:07 PM
Lian rushes his shot and watches as his arrow glances of the tree and barely misses his target.
Olanna's arrow flies true and figures that the only way to get an advantage on these guys is to go up the bank and get behind them, which will open them up to more bow fire.
Figment vanishes trying to dodge the arrows coming his way, and tries to locate the speaker and can tell that the voice seems to be coming from the rear of the archers on the left.
K'nara charges up the right bank and toward the bowman nearest to the webbed bandit, and manages to cut her opponent down, after his arrow is released. ...
DM kent d20=14 d20=18 d20=8 d20=10 d20=7 d20+6=21 d6+1=3 d6+2=7 Tuesday August 13th, 2002 6:54:34 PM
As Figment casts, disapears and rolls he manages to evade four of the five arrow coming at him form all sides. One arrow does catch him for 3 points)
The sixth arrow being aimed at him is intercepted by a charging and attacking K'nara, who takes the arrow at popint blank range for 7 points.
Figment - Improved Invisibility 8d6(1+4+3+6+5+5+3+5)=32 Tuesday August 13th, 2002 10:05:48 PM
The mage lines up the archers on the left and casts a fireball directly into the area, centering it behind the line of archers - attempting to get "the voice" (32 DMG). He then moves around in an attempt to flank the guys on the left - avoiding any burning embers that might have been unexpected united. :)
Milo (sub Jay) d20+20=31 d20+23=38 Tuesday August 13th, 2002 11:36:31 PM
Very sure of his abilities, Milo moves quickly, quietly and unseen in the direction Olana fired, hoping she has them distracted enough to sneak up on them.
Move Silently 31(taking -5 to move at full speed) and Hiding 38(also taking -5 to move at full speed)
Milo cringes as Figments fireball goes off, knowing the brigands won't be brought to Justice if their dead.
Lian d20+9=27 d6=4 Tuesday August 13th, 2002 11:46:37 PM
The monk jumps up to his knees in the ditch and fires from a more upright and controlled position. Firing normal arrows. Hitting AC 27 , for 4 DMG.
Olana d20+14=20 d6+1=6 d20+2=3 Wednesday August 14th, 2002 1:49:47 AM
Olana ducks slightly as the inevitable deadly fireballs shoot overhead. Serve 'em right, she thinks, although she hopes Milo didn't get caught in it.
She steps up quickly beside Lian and fires her bow once more. (AC 20 for 6DAM)
Her next move depends on whether K'Nara needs help or not, although... where was Ingrge? (Spot check DC 3 (lolol) to notice anything strange about Ingrge.)
K'Nara (12hpd) d20+11=12 d20+4=20 d10+4=12 d6=2 d10+4=13 d6=2 Wednesday August 14th, 2002 7:46:26 AM
K'Nara gritted her teeth against the pain of the arrow wounds that were slowing her a bit...but continued striking at the attacking brigands that she was now toe-to-toe with.
(2 melee strikes: first hits AC12 for 12hp + 2hp fire damage; second blow hits AC20 for 13hp + 2hp fire damage)
Ingrge Wednesday August 14th, 2002 12:03:15 PM
Ingrge sits absolutely motionless on his horse, in the middle of the road, and seems to be staring off into space.
DM Kent d20+2=5 d20+2=7 d20+2=19 d20+2=19 Wednesday August 14th, 2002 12:42:29 PM
Figment's fireball rips through the trees, crisping everything it it's path including totally incinerating three of the four bandits on that side. The fourth, toasted, throws down his now useless bow and drawing his sword Jumps down into the road heading straight toward Ingrge.
K'nara rips into her second opponent and is rewarded with watchin him fall motionless to the ground.
Olanna and Lian both watch their arrows fly toward and strike their respective targets.
Suddenly from behind the overturned wagon the three men emerge wielding swords and heading out on to the road. Turning they head strait to where Olanna and Lian are firing their bows.
K'nara feels an compulsion to drop her weapons (Will DC 14)
Figment 4d4(3+3+2+3)+4=15 Wednesday August 14th, 2002 10:02:58 PM
The mage looks through the trees to see if he can locate the leader. If he finds him he blasts him with a magic missle and then moves. If not he blasts one of K'Nara's attackers with a volley of magic missles (15 dmg) andkeeps moving. He focuses on finding the leader.
Lian d20+10=30 d20+10=26 d8-1=5 d8-1=6 d20+7=14 d8-1=1 Thursday August 15th, 2002 12:29:50 AM
Lian stands and drops his bow. Turning to Olana, he 5ft steps in front of her so that she can fire over his shoulder. The elven monk moves like lightning and strikes the first opponent within reach. He takes two attacks, hitting AC 30 (crit threat hopefully confirmed with 26) for total of 11 DMG, second attack hits AC 14 (if it hits, same foe takes 1 point)
Thinking to himself; 'What is Ingrge doing?!'
Olana d20+12=19 d20+12=13 d6+1=4 d6+1=3 Thursday August 15th, 2002 12:32:42 AM
"Oh dear," says the elf, sounding slightly annoyed as the three swordsmen appear. She steps sideways as Lian moves forward, aiming for the next man.
She fires two arrows in quick succession (rapid shot, precise shot) - whap whap - at swordsman #2. (AC19 for 4 Dam, AC13 for 3 Dam)
Milo (sub Jay) d20+25=29 d20+28=35 d20+6=20 4d6(5+5+3+6)+1=20 Thursday August 15th, 2002 12:42:48 AM
Assuming the foe is on the ground; Milo moves and comes up behind one of the brigands, hopefully one that isn't crispy. Sneaking up behind him, Milo intends to strike the foe with the pummel to subdue him. (Move Silently 29 and Hide 35) Intending to do no real damage, Milo attacks hitting AC 20 for 20 subduel.
If the foe slips near death, Milo will convert his Resistance to a Cure Minor to stabalize him.
K'Nara (12hpd) d20+7=14 d20+11=22 d20+4=14 d10+4=9 d6=3 d10+4=14 d6=1 Thursday August 15th, 2002 7:08:47 AM
Suddenly K'Nara was overwhelmed by the absolute NEED to put down Lucia--she couldn't explain it, but her instincts were seemingly telling her that she had to--she had to!
No...she did not.
"arrrrrrrrrRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGH..!" the human bladesinger roared, her denial of the compulsion voiced aloud as she whirled Lucia about and sliced out at her remaining targets instead of just laying aside the blade in her hands.
(2 melee strikes; first strike hits AC22 for 9hp + 3hp fire damage; second strike hits AC14 for 14hp + 1hp fire damage)
Ingrge Thursday August 15th, 2002 4:20:28 PM La Ti Da. It is such a nice day outside. I wish I could do something. But I can't seem to move at all.
DM kent Thursday August 15th, 2002 8:54:57 PM
Figment fires his magic missile into yet another visible opponent and is satisfied to see him go down.
Lian rips into the first of the wagoneers and hits him twice and knows from the feel of the second strike that the fellow is dead.
Olanna turns and fires at the second of the three people from the wagon and watches him drop to the ground with two arrows in him. The last of the three farmers are now just standing there in the middle of the road, swords pointed to the ground looking shocked and confused.
Milo slips up behind the brigand heading for Ingrge and subdues him easily.
K'nara rips into her third opponent and feels her sword tear into his body and meet many bones and other bodily parts as the brigand falls to the ground.
All the brigands are dead except for the one webbed and the one subdued by Milo.
Two of the farmers are also dead and the third is now staring at you like you are all demons.
Ingrge sits still and quiet on his horse.
Figment Thursday August 15th, 2002 8:57:53 PM
The mage releases his invisibility and walks up to the webbed opponent. "So what's it goign to be? You want to die too? I'll be glad to oblig you if you wish...". He stands and just looks at the guy.
Olana Thursday August 15th, 2002 8:58:44 PM
Olana stares toward the farmers in horror, realising her mistake.
Milo (sub Jay) d20+10=17 Thursday August 15th, 2002 9:28:21 PM
Milo kneels on one knee and begins shuffling around inside his backpack. In a flash of movement, Milo has his captive tied and gagged, with 50 feet of rope. He is bound at his feet, with a segment of rope meeting his bound hands behind his back; tied around his waist and meeting in front is the rope, like a harness around an animal. (Rope Use of 17) The intent is to keep his movement very restricted; he shuffles his feet but doesn't drag them. His hands, however, are tied tight, not restricting blood flow, but restricting gestures.
"That'll learn ya, attacking helpless merchants."
After the prisoner is up and moving, Milo leads him out of the brush with an impish smirk on his face.
Lian Thursday August 15th, 2002 9:43:37 PM
Not realizing a mistake was made, Lian readies to strike at the third farmer in the road, eyes focused on the man. Then he sees the true terror in the mans eyes. Suddenly, like someone slapped him in the face, it dawns on Lian that the farmers were compelled or commanded to attack the Talons. Or perhaps their intention was to protect us? Emotion, never or rarely seen in the elf, comes to the surface. He clapses to his knees and lifts the body of the farmer he killed into his arms. The monk begins to weep.
"B-but, but they came at us, how could we... we did not know...how could we have...?! It was the heat of battle...just a mistake... fractions of a minute...." He asks to no one particular.
K'Nara Friday August 16th, 2002 4:01:33 PM
The last brigand fell and the human bladesinger whirled around to quickly assess the scene of confrontation.
"Subdue that last farmer..." K'Nara ordered, frowning, "...who's tried to go after our unseen tree-top voice..?" Not getting a satisfactory answer to her second query, the tall warrior quenched the flame of Lucia and shrugged off her backpack.
"Where is it..? Where IS it..?" K'Nara muttered, awkwardly opening and then pawing through the pack with one hand while continuing to keep a tight grip on Lucia with the other.
"My kingdom for a Heward's Haversack..!" the redhead complained, searching the interior of her non-magical backpack for that Potion of Jumping that she knew was in there somewhere...
Ingrge Friday August 16th, 2002 5:55:14 PM
Ingrge still sit stationary on top of Moon Shadow.
DM kent Friday August 16th, 2002 6:00:15 PM
The last farmer hears K'nara's command to subdue him, raises his sword and starts flailing it around in front of him and starts shrieking, "Stay Away From Me, You Demons! You Killed My Brothers! You Will Not Kill Me! I will Kill Myself First!" At that he turns the blade toward himself and prepares to fall on his sword.
Milo (sub Jay) d20+20=35 d20+23=32 d20+6=12 4d6(2+6+2+6)+1=17 Friday August 16th, 2002 7:24:28 PM
Hearing K'naras command, and not having fully emerged from the brush, Milo ties off his prisoner to a thick tree root growing from the ground and says to him; "Don't go anywhere, I'll be right back." Smirking at the guy, Milo disappears into the shrubbery, only to reappear a short distance behind the last farmer. (Move Silently and Hide, -5 penalties for full movement, 35 and 32 respectively) When Milo reaches the farmer, hoping he's distracted enough by the rest of the Talons, Milo clonks him in the head (hitting AC 12, if it hits, 17 subdual DMG).
Lian d20+5=18 Friday August 16th, 2002 7:41:10 PM
He steps onto the road, tears still in his eyes. "I hope that you NOT kill yourself, do you have family?" Slowly Lian approaches the man, still talking, and then like a flash he whips his leg around trying to catch the farmer with a Trip, hitting AC 18. Lian would rather leap on the sword than allow him to use it on himself.
Figment Saturday August 17th, 2002 9:09:10 AM
Seeing the last of the thieves not answering him he pulls out his dagger and cuts his throat (caster can walk through the web). "I was hoping you'd say that...thief.". He leaves him dangling in the web and returns to the others, deciding no further spells are needed to win the day. He shrugs at Ingrge's indifference to the whole thing and goes to see what else there is to know.
Olana d20+1=17 Monday August 19th, 2002 12:16:28 PM
Most distressed, the elf crouches quickly beside the other fallen farmers, in an attempt to see if they could be brought around.
She checks for any signs of life. (Spot DC17)
dm kent Tuesday August 20th, 2002 7:24:40 AM
As Milo and Lian rush the last farmer, he definitely tries to do himself in rather than be caught by 'the demons' but he is twarted by the two talons.
Figment's thief smiles and raises his throat just before figment slashes it.
olanna finds that the other two farmers are indeed very dead [-10, -15].
Ingrge still sits quietly and motionless.
[ OOC. Jay I'm checking. David, it was a concious choice I made and part of the module.]
Milo (sub Jay) d20+10=19 Tuesday August 20th, 2002 9:02:55 AM
OOC: Spot check 19, just to see Figment attempting to coldly murder the thief. ;)
Milo finishes subduing the farmer with Lians help, then he turns to the monk, "There's a fellow tied up in those trees just right over there. Would you mind grabbing him? I need to 'talk' to Figment." The Justicar walks up to Olana. "Would you be so kind as to tie up that farmer My Lady? He's not feeling well." He says with a wink.
He walks over to Figment and says simply and quietly, "Don't even think it Figment. I'll have to Judge you if you do that and neither of us will enjoy that." Then slowly turns and goes about rounding up prisoners, the farmer and two thieves.
Lian d20+14=16 d20+4=7 Tuesday August 20th, 2002 9:10:17 AM
Lian wipes away the remaining tears. The elf sneaks (MS 16)over to the root which the brigand is tied to (hoping not to startle him ;) ), then tries to figure out the knot tied by the halfling.
OOC: Dex check to untie the knot, DC 7.
FIGMENT Tuesday August 20th, 2002 7:51:08 PM
(The thief is already dead...)
The mage looks with surprise and then skepticism at the impetuous priest. "Judge me for an act you yourself did in the recent past? Not just once but 3 times? I'd say your values have indeed changed. This cretan would have killed us, and in fact tried. Therefore his life is forfiet. I don't leave evil enemies to kill again - no matter what new 'code' you've aken on.". He turns and goes to the others wondering if the halfling was really serious.
Olana Wednesday August 21st, 2002 12:23:17 AM
Olana glances worriedly at Lian as they try to figure out what to do with the 'live one'.
"I thought... with their swords drawn... I really thought they were coming for us."
Noting Ingrge is still sat in a trance, she walks over and attempts to rouse him from it. "Ingrge -" shaking his foot, "Ingrge."
K'Nara d20+1=18 d20+11=24 d20=14 Wednesday August 21st, 2002 6:29:07 AM
"Try not to hurt the guy too bad..." K'Nara amended her order and then, finally seizing on her Jumping Potion, pulled the bottle out of her backpack. "...just get him to the point where he is no longer a threat to us or himself." The human fighter sheathed Lucia, pulled out the stopper of the potion bottle with her teeth, spit it out and gulped the potion within. Looking up, K'Nara tried to spot anything that looked worthy of her attention. (OOC: rolled 18 for a Spot check.)
Then she tensed and sprang up into the trees in order to see if she could find the owner of that Unseen Voice...K'Nara intended to demand payment for the attack on her party and for the avoidable deaths of the farmers, too. (OOC: Jump check total is 24; last roll is for a Search check: result is 14.)
DM KENT Wednesday August 21st, 2002 6:54:35 AM
Olanna finds Ingrge is some sort of spelled state. You see awarness in the eyes and can see that he is fuming, but he obviously can't move by himself.
K'nara jumps into one of the surrounding trees and scouts for their missing adversary. While she looks around literally sees nothing making its way through the bush. Actually shee sees what could be 5 nothings making their way through the woods and brush. she checks her vision for a moment and looks again, but she sees the same thing again; five areas of brush be shoved aside and there appears to be nothing moving it.
lian makes it over to where Milo was pointing and finds the area still covered thickly by figment's web spell and can see that the brigand there is definitely dead as his throat has been cut nearly ear to ear. the really distubing part is that the man actually has a smile on his face..
....
DM KENT Wednesday August 21st, 2002 7:02:46 AM
... the Talons clean up their mess and send the farmer on his way after righting the wagon [post any specifics] and and after searching the remaining brigand bodies, get back on the trail. you find [6 nice arrows, a really fine dagger,and a Ring].
The Talons make it to Kaari, the Emerald City, where they are greeted by a distressing sight. It is obvious that the city has been sacked, but there is less damage than you would have expected. There are many smaller buildings in rubble and possibly more distressing are the number of temples that are destroyed or just gone. Also distressing is that Marteus' temple is still standing and seems to be quite busy. (Spot checks DC15). they are also distressed to find that the building, the inn and the hideaway that the Tines previously used are now simply craters.
The Talons make their way to Parnoth's audience chamber where, to their surprise, they are greeted by none other than Mop. "Most esteemed Talons, What a great pleasure to see you again. I was surprised when our master announced that you were headed here today for a visit. He told me that I was to make you all comfortable, allow you to bathe, eat and change and that he will see you soon after the twentieth hour.
After you have refreshed yourselves and made ready, Mop appears to tell you that Parnoth will see you now. As you make your way to the audience chamber many thoughts pass through your minds about your past dealings with Parnoth. As you enter the chamber and approach the speaking dais, Mop drops to his knees and touches his head to the floor. "Here they are oh master. They came as you requested." As Mop finishes speaking the area behind the dais lights up and reveals his Scaliness in all of his glory. "Yess Sso I Seee." "I alsso sssee that they ssstill have not learned how to show proper respect to their Monarch (Will DC25 or drop to knees in supplication)." " Thank you, Mop. You may leave uss now."
After Mop has left, Parnoth looks you over and with a slight nod of his head, simply says, "Well, before I tell you what I want you to do, what do you want now?" Those who were kneeling are now able to stand. As you look up at Parnoth you notice several things. He looks tired. And he is missing his entire left foreleg. But you also notice that he seems to be a bit larger than the last time that you all saw him.
Lian d20+9=19 Wednesday August 21st, 2002 4:13:27 PM
Making it over to the fello who was tied to the root, Lian simply says, "Milo, he is dead."
Making it to town, the sight of Marteus' temples brings back a deja vu feeling to the elven monk.
Making it to Parnoths, Lian remembers Mop as the little coward, but now he's less so it seems. Lian drops to one knee, but he's noticably trying to fight the persuasion that has come over him.
Milo (sub Jay) d20+3=14 d20+10=25 Wednesday August 21st, 2002 4:20:53 PM
Milo makes it over to the body of his captive and looks carefully at it. (Heal check of 14)
After the clean up, Milo rides with Olana as he always does. He's a bit quieter than usual.
Milo moves through town and comes to Parnoths. Parnoth speaks, Milo listens, but doesn't kneel.
(Will save 25)
Figment d20+8=9 Wednesday August 21st, 2002 5:52:56 PM
The mage grits his teeth as he feels the spell wash over him, but much to his chagrin he falls on his knees in a very convincing groveling stance (rolled a 1, what timing!). The spell affects him so completely that it's all he can do to not cry out fealty to the wyrm. He notes his significantly larger size as he regains his feet and composure. He glares at the creature but decides not to exclaim a protest as he's sure the creature would enjoy it immensely.
Coming to his senses he once again realizes the source of information he has avaialable in front of him and he forgets his previous pain in being made to bow. "What is to be done about the temple of the evil one? Is it to survive all this?".
Olana d20+1=3 d20+5=12 Wednesday August 21st, 2002 10:57:14 PM
Olana rides silently with Milo, not really taking anything in, her mind still on the 'friendly fire' incident. (Spot check 3)
And she finds herself on her knees in front of the huge green dragon as soon as they are ushered into his presence. So it was as she'd heard - he HAD lost a foot, and looked as mean as ever. Things had not changed at all, it seemed.
The dragon's question baffled her. What did they want? Oh my.... did the scaly green beast have two hours to listen? There were the elves, for one thing...
She also wonders if Ingrge has come out of his trance yet.
(Has some of the stash, unless K'Nara picked it up)
K'Nara d20+7=26 Thursday August 22nd, 2002 7:03:16 AM
(OOC: K'Nara would have helped Olana with the stash.)
Once more, the compulsion to bend her knee to the mighty green drake washed over the human bladesinger...and she almost did so.
Almost.
"We want to know if this last battle with Marteaus has knocked some sense into your head, Parnoth." K'Nara said, barely controlling her antagonism toward the scaly tyrant. "I, personally, am hoping that you will henceforth be fair with those whom you consider to be your subjects...but only you can tell us whether or not there's a better chance of an ice mephit navigating the elemental plane of fire."
Ingrge d20+5=15 d20+6=11 Thursday August 22nd, 2002 7:26:26 PM
Having come out of his spelled state just as the Talons were leaving and after Olanna had shaken him a couple of times, Ingrge was heard to mutter more than several curses about working on his defenses better.
On the way to Kaari and while wandering thru the capital city, Ingrge mutters about the absence of elves in the city and then goes silent as he sees Marteus' temple still standing.
Faced with Parnoth's greater size and obvious strength, Ingrge drops to his knees and looks upward at his high scaliness.
With a quick look over at Olanna and with a nod says, 'umm I think I would ask that you end your lavery and free the elves of the kingdom.'
DM Kent Thursday August 22nd, 2002 8:20:40 PM
Moving his forearm a bit you are able to see something that you hadn't earlier. Where it is obvious that he is missing his foreclaw, it is now equally obvious that it has been replaced with a with a hook made of gold, razor sharp on the inside and the hook looks like a Gold Dragon reared back on its hind legs in anger mouth open and screaming.
Loooking at Figment, Parnoth nods his head and responds to his question. 'Marteus is now truly a god of the Wold and as such is allowed to have his temples here as well as everywhere else. As much as we may dislike that fact it is what it is. turning to face K'nara and Ingrge, Parnoth snorts and then after a few moments of apparent thought Parnoth nods and says alright I will end the slavery, however I must be allowed to use convicted criminals as slaves in the mines and other places. And to show my good faith I will free the elves even before you leave on my task. He makes a show of concentrating for a moment and then opening his eyes announces, "There, they are all free now. I even freed the dwarves at the mines as well, just to show my good faith.
Turning to face all the Talons, he addresses all of you. "Now then what I want you to do is quite easy and could be profitable for you." I want you to travel to Izen, and eventually to Bone Mount. When you get to the Bone Tower I want you to report back to me what you have seen and found." "You may leave in the morning.'
Mop will take you to your quarters. I am afraid you will have to help yourselves to food and the such as it seems I no longer have any house help." I guess I will have to get Mop to hire some staff to run things around here."
Mop shows you to your rooms, points you in the direction of the kitchen, and then leaves on some errand or other. It is now about midnight
Figment Thursday August 22nd, 2002 9:45:35 PM
"Mount Bone is it? Why not? We've been everywhere else. I suppose after the land of the dead no place is very impressive. I just wonder how long Parnoth intends to leave the elves and dwarves free. Who knows, after the big changeup, maybe he's changed too? Although I doubt it... I wonder what he meant by us possibly benefitting from this little jaunt?". Once the group finishes talking, the mage roots around and gets something to eat - surely there's reasonable cuisine in a dragon's lair. He then replentishes his supplies and gets some sleep.
Figment Thursday August 22nd, 2002 9:46:21 PM
"Mount Bone is it? Why not? We've been everywhere else. I suppose after the land of the dead no place is very impressive. I just wonder how long Parnoth intends to leave the elves and dwarves free. Who knows, after the big changeup, maybe he's changed too? Although I doubt it... I wonder what he meant by us possibly benefitting from this little jaunt?". Once the group finishes talking, the mage roots around and gets something to eat - surely there's reasonable cuisine in a dragon's lair. He then replentishes his supplies and gets some sleep.
Milo (sub Jay) d20+12=27 Friday August 23rd, 2002 3:31:59 AM
Milo looks at Parnoth sharply as the dragon 'releases' the elves and dwarves. He's sceptical of the Green Ones honesty (Sense Motive 27).
"Well.... how long can we be sure they'll be free. Of course freedom from the Kingdom doesn't mean tossing the into the ocean or releasing them to another for enslavement. I would trust that you are knowledgable of this fact, Mighty One." The halfling looks up at Greeny and gives sincere, but ever so slight bow.
Lian Friday August 23rd, 2002 3:38:09 AM
Raising to his feet, the elf looks content with the dragons statement of release.
Speaking in draconic, hoping to impress the Green Meany, Lian says with a smile and a low bow; "Thank you your Majesty. You are truly wise."
Thinking to himself, I hope Milo did not upset him with his statement.
Olana Friday August 23rd, 2002 11:13:08 AM
Olana is stunned, quite overwhelmed with joy at the news, and sheds a few tears once their audience with the dragon is over.
"Has anyone ever been to Mount Bone before?" she asks, as the group gets ready to eat, sleep and prepare for what is to come.
K'Nara Monday August 26th, 2002 6:28:08 AM
Well--the last thing in the world that the bladesinger ever expected was for the absolute ruler of the Emerald Kingdom to capitulate to her request for fair treatment of all his subjects! K'Nara stared in shock for a moment, letting the rest of Parnoth's words wash over her without comment. By the time she recovered from her paralysis, Parnoth had dismissed them and the party was more or less regrouping.
"I'll believe that those people are free when I see it for myself." the leader of the Talons said. "I suppose going to Mount Bone should give us the opportunity to confirm the facts."
The tall redhead helped to get food and proper bedding and such for the rest of the group, brooding a bit during this time.
Could it be that the battle to save The Wold had actually changed the tyrant into a better being? Perhaps the loss of his hand...er, claw?...had made Parnoth realize that he really wouldn't be able to hold on to his position if he continued to be ruthless and selfish, as Marteaus had been in his own war against The Wold. While Marteaus attained his coveted status as a god, he had been soundly defeated in his quest to become the ONLY deity in The Wold. Maybe Parnoth concluded that his throne would ultimately only be as secure as his subjects were willing to make it.
Then another thought occurred to K'Nara:
Oh, geez...I might not HAVE to kill Parnoth, dammit..!
Not that either she or the rest of the Talons could have even now, anyhow--K'Nara's military prowess confirmed that her group just did NOT have that kind of personal power...yet.
No, Parnoth was safe for now--and investigating the state of the kingdom was in the best interest for all the citizens of the Emerald Kingdom, so the Talons would be the agents of Parnoth once more.
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