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.
For now.
Vagabonds, and Brigands, and Orcs, Oh My...
DM Kent Monday August 26th, 2002 6:22:52 PM
In the morning, you manage to find the kitchen and prepare yourselves some food and getting your horses from the yard head out on your way to Izen. As you leave Mop comes running out carrying something that he thrusts into K'nara's arms. "Gift from Parnoth. Use it when you nee to report."
As the Talons leave the next morning there is still a noticeable lack of elves to be seen anywhere in the city. (spot check DC15) when one is seen there is definitely a lack of slave bracelets and an non-tanned area where one was.
This time when leaving Kaari the Talons take the southern road toward Kouri, Waypoint, and Fort Hospitality, all located just on the border of Izen and about 100 miles away. As soon as they leave the area surrounding Kaari, the land gets wild and untamed. There is a road but it is obviously neither frequently traveled, nor very well maintained. As you travel along, you have the constant feeling that you are being watched, but there is never anything visible to be seen. Each night as you camp, a myriad of glowing eyes surround your campsite, but never come close enough for you to see what is attached to them.
On the third afternoon of travel you come across the partially eaten carcass of a creature you have never seen before. It is tawny in color with gray dappled, horizontal stripes running from neck to tail. Its rear feet are cloven hooves, but its front paws are feline, with six eight-inch razor sharp claws at the ends of them. It appears to have been about 20 feet long and nearly as tall as a horse. You can't tell what its head looked like due to the fact that it is missing.
That evening once again you are surrounded by the eyes but this time you see a bit of what is attached to them. 5 large gray shapes, perhaps 8 feet long are pacing the perimeter of your camp. After a while they disappear.
The next morning the beasts attached to the eyes are back and they look hungry.
They are some of the absolute largest wolves you have ever seen.
Figment Monday August 26th, 2002 10:21:27 PM
The mage blasts the group of predatores with a fireball. He makes sure it explodes more in front between them and the party, hoping it discourages them from attacking. "Maybe that will encourage them to find easier prey...".
Olana d20+1=13 d20+14=25 d20+9=11 Tuesday August 27th, 2002 2:18:44 AM
Not seeing any more elves as they travel south, Olana hopes they have traveled back to the forest in order to regain what lives they had. Although the forest they had left seemed more dangerous than ever.
The further south they go, the more restless she becomes and Milo will be able to feel her getting more tense.
As they reach the strange dead creature, she jumps down from the saddle to get a closer look. (Wilderness lore DC 25, incl +1 favoured enemy) "I have never seen one of these with my own eyes," she tells the others, "but there are stories, legends of beasts such as this - a creature of three heads, very formidable - its name is Chimera."
The continued journey does nothing to settle her nerves, and at the campfire, as the wolves approach and if they are not frightened away by the fireball, she attempts to catch the eye of the largest. "Go, brother(/sister) wolf..." she whispers, "we are not here to be eaten.." (Animal Empathy check DC9 bleh) Her hands shift toward her weapons, just in case.
Lian d20+10=25 d6=2 Tuesday August 27th, 2002 3:07:39 AM
Lian travels in silence with the Talons.
The monk is becoming more and more tense around the mage; who is seemingly less reserved than he's been in the past. He's dangerous, more now than ever before. Lian thinks to himself, 'I hope none of the Talons upset Figment, he is becoming unpredictable.'
The morning the wolves come, Lian is on last watch in a nearby tree. He pulls and strings his bow, then knocks a masterwork arrow, aims and fires at the wolf nearest the camp, not the one Olana is attempting to befriend. Hitting AC 25 for 2 DMG.
Milo (sub Jay) d20+28=46 d20+25=37 Tuesday August 27th, 2002 3:22:11 AM
Milo does indeed feel Olana's tension. He makes sure she knows he's close.
The wolves come and Milo is fully aware of their scent ability, so goes into stealth mode, hoping for a fast solution to the problem (Hide of 41 and Move Silently of 32, that's including -5 for full movement) and pulling his sword while moving. The halfling flies into action and move towards the nearest wolf, as he sees an arrow come flying from the canopy and find it's mark in the wolfs hide.
K'Nara Tuesday August 27th, 2002 7:56:52 AM
K'Nara's day started early with her using her earclip to check in with Greymaulk and get her bladesinger training routine approved. Then she spent the next hour going through that exercise routine. It helped to work up an appetite, and breakfast turned out to be very tasty and satisfying, indeed.
Even so, the trip south was disturbing to the female fighter--especially when the unknown beastie corpse turned up.
"Whatever killed this thing is doubtless not going to be any too friendly to us human-types." she commented, frowning.
Then the wolves made their appearance. Immediately K'Nara was next to Figment--she wanted to make sure the wizard was covered should these creatures choose to attack the group. Lucia was instantly in her hands and aflame.
"I hope they take your warning to heart, Figment," K'Nara said, holding any action on her part until the lupines made their move, "I don't want to pick on wildlife...but I am NOT going to end up as 'the blue-plate special', either..!"
Ingrge d20+5=18 d20+5=22 Tuesday August 27th, 2002 7:59:53 PM
As they ride along Ingrge spots several elves pointing out to the others that none of them are wearing slave bands and several have pale white wrists where something had been. For a moment or two Ingrge apears to be lost in thought as he watches the elves pass by and them a softly muttered curse can be heard coming from Ingrge's general vicinity.
As the strange carcass is come across, Ingrge invstigates it and listens as Olanna pronounces what she thinks the beast was.
As the morning breaks and the Dire wolves are seen to be pacing the campsite, Ingrge starts preparing a spell when Figment's fireball goes off and Lian's arrow follows quickly on its heel. Ingrege waits to see what other response might be needed.
DM Kent Tuesday August 27th, 2002 8:11:44 PM
Figment's fireball goes off without a hitch and the well placed fireball just singes the whiskers of two of the wolves sending them reeling back and away from the Talons. [I am assuming that if you had meant it as an attack you would have rolled damage.] Lian's arrow simply adds insult to injury with his arrow that nicks one of the retreating wolves. After backing up, the wolves look over the group and then as if they aren't terribly worried about you slowly turn and lope off into the woods.
Olanna's attempt at empathy meets with a wall of angerhungerfearhungerbloodhunger and little else. There seems to be little to no true intelligence emminating from the beasts.
Milo moves forward avoiding the fiery area but is unable to get near to any of the wolves as they back up.
...
DM Kent Tuesday August 27th, 2002 8:16:40 PM
The Talon's continue their trip southward through the woods and soon hear the sounds of large animals moving through the woods just out of sight of them. Every now and then a large grey blur can be seen weaving through the trees pacing you. You can't be sure but there seem to be quite a few of the creatures. About noon you hear the unmistakable sounds of a large group of 'people' coming toward you from around a large bend in the wooded road. [those who speak orc can determine that the group seems to be full of orcs.]
Figment Tuesday August 27th, 2002 9:47:14 PM
The mage sighs as the group seems to be attracting lots of attention. "I suppose the dire wolves tipped off the group. I'd say our best chance is to hide and hope they miss us - or we couldrun for it...".
Lian d20+14=30 Wednesday August 28th, 2002 1:43:40 AM
No longer worried about the wolves, Lian moves out of the tree. Continuing the travel, the monk is alert, bow in hand. When the orc laden group is close, Lian perks up and is very quiet in his movements, hoping to lessen the sound of our group. (Move Silently of 30) Hearing the statement from Figment, the elf says; "Well, you could always fireball them." Its hard to tell if the monk is being sarcastic or not.
Olana d20+13=16 d20+13=32 Wednesday August 28th, 2002 1:45:12 AM
"Orcs!" whispers the elf urgently.
She moves as quietly as possible into the trees, looking for somewhere they might hide, even if it means climbing. ((Move Silently DC 16, Wilderness lore DC 32))
Milo (sub Jay) Wednesday August 28th, 2002 1:50:33 AM
Somewhat upset at how close Figments fireball actually was, Milo stays his tongue. Moving along with the group and riding with Olana, Milo hears the group of orcs and prepares to cast the Cause Fear spell. He'd rather the orcs run off than be nuked into oblivion by Figment.
He leans up and whispers to Olana, "Let's move toward the front so I can get a good view of them. We do have better thing to do than to parley with orcs."
K'Nara d20+1=18 d20+5=24 Wednesday August 28th, 2002 6:49:49 AM
K'Nara thought hard about the emotions that Olana gleaned from the wolves the group drove away (made a voluntary Wilderness Lore check--result is 18).
"From what I remember of my wilderness lore," she mused out loud, "These wolves shouldn't be that hungry--there should be plenty to hunt in this part of the Kingdom...so something is definitely not right here."
The fact that the wolves seemed to continue to shadow the group left K'Nara ill at ease--but the impending appearance of an unknown number of orcs capped off the upswell of misgivings:
"HIDE!" she ordered, immediately heading off the path and into the underbrush. "And keep your eyes and ears peeled..!" The human bladesinger frowned as she settled into what seemed to be a good vantage spot (OOC: made a roll of 24 for her Hide check)--she'd have to hope that, first of all, everyone in the party could hide themselves so that none of them got caught. Secondly, she also hoped that somebody else in the party could understand the gutteral language of orcs, because K'Nara damn well didn't.
Figment Wednesday August 28th, 2002 9:13:39 PM
The mage glances at Lian. "Don't worry my young friend, they'll get theirs if they try to attack us. You know, I wonder why it is people just can't leave other alone. I guess it is just not in their nature...". The mage moves with the others into the trees. He looks over to Ingrge. "I really don't have a spell for covering a mass exodus like we just did. Do you?".
ingrge d20+5=23 Wednesday August 28th, 2002 10:20:34 PM
Cracking a smile at Figment's comment Ingrge shrugs and melts into one of the nearby trees. [hide roll dc23]
DM Kent Wednesday August 28th, 2002 10:33:02 PM
Several moments pass by as the Talons get under cover and then the world goes to pieces. as the orcs come around the corner [about 35 of them or so]the woods around you and the area behind the trailing orcs yeilds a stentorian ruckus as more than a dozen dire wolves crash into the rear of the orc band. there are screams and battle calls and growls and the sounds of flesh rending. for a moment the orcs are in total chaos as they try to figure out what is going on. one orc stumbles off the path and into the trees right near to lian and another tries to flee and is heading right for k'nara. neither talon is seen, as yet but the two orcs are close. the others are now forming up a defensive wall to fight the wolves.
Lian d20+9=29 d20+9=19 d6=4 d6=2 d6=2 Thursday August 29th, 2002 3:45:55 AM
Lian bounds up a tree (about 30 feet) leaping from branch to branch and takes aim at the wolves, Lian has no hate or love for orcs, but doesn't see any reason they should be torn to ribbons either. Lian knocks a plain arrow and fires into the nearest wolf that poses the greatest threat to a/the Talons. Lian pays close attention to the orc directly below him.
Hitting AC 29 (confirmed crit hopefully with 19), for 8 damage.
Lian knocks another arrow, pleased with the shot he just made. The monk takes aim at the same wolf if it hasn't fallen.
Milo (sub Jay) d20+28=38 d20+25=34 Thursday August 29th, 2002 4:06:50 AM
Milo whispers to Olana to hide, then he turns and melts into the nearest hedge. (Hide of 38 and Move Silently of 34) He draws his sword and waits patiently. Thinking to himself; 'Wolves, orcs, and Talons... oh my!' He smirks at his own joke. But with no one around to tell it to, the humor is lost in the moment of fur and orc bits come to close to his hedge.
K'Nara d20+8=25 d3+1=4 d20+1=19 d20+5=20 Thursday August 29th, 2002 9:23:47 AM
K'Nara frowned. Three dozen orcs (give or take) weren't good odds--but Lian's action just made the Talons' cautionary maneuver moot. The unusually-bold canines were keeping the orcs' attention from the smaller group, though...but here came one of the big, smelly beings heading her way.
Kill it or not..?
Not.
K'Nara kicked out one of her feet in a low-level sweep, intending to trip the fleeing orc into falling flat on his ugly face (OOC: hits AC25 for 4hpd.) Once he was prone, K'Nara seized the wretch and dragged him into the underbrush with her (strength check 19) in an attempt to Hide him from sight (Hide check 20).
She also produced her recently-acquired masterwork dagger as she roughly turned the orc onto his back and held it under his chin.
"Shhhhh...!" K'Nara put a finger of her free hand to her lips, pantomiming her injunction for the orc to remain silent and still, underscoring her unspoken command by putting slight--but definite--pressure on the dagger blade.
She might not speak orcish, but K'Nara felt reasonably sure that she'd made herself understood.
Olana Thursday August 29th, 2002 12:28:49 PM
From her hiding place, Olana watches the chaos, her sympathies falling toward the wolves rather than the twisted abominations that called themselves 'orc'.
Numbers aside, she reckoned the wolves were potentially more dangerous, but if they fed on the orcs, then maybe, with full bellies, they'd leave the Talons be.
She stays on the alert. If they were going to be drawn into the fight, then she would be ready.
Figment Thursday August 29th, 2002 8:44:24 PM
The mage raises an eyebrow as he realizes his error in logic. Obviously the wolves felt the orcs easier prey - which is fine by him. He remembered all the orcs he saw in the ranks of the Dark Lord and their treatment of the other demihuman races and decides to let the wolves do as much damage as they can, planning to finish off whatever is left over. He scowls at Lians intervention both because it could betray their presence as well as help the orcs. He makes sure and conceal himself best he can and waits to begin his attack at the right time. He also waits to see if K'Nara decides to have them retreat away from the melee altogether after she finishes dispatching the orc (he assumes this is what she's doing).
Figment, Cont Thursday August 29th, 2002 8:45:34 PM
The mage attempts to determine which side is faring better.
ingrge Thursday August 29th, 2002 9:29:06 PM
in his tree, ingrge watches and waits. he grimaces as lian fires off an arrow and waits to see if anyone other than the struck wolf noticed.
DM Kent d100=95 Thursday August 29th, 2002 9:38:15 PM
The wolves ripped into the orc's rear and each grab an orc, retreating back into the woods.
Lian's arrow fins a home in the side of a wolf but other than a definite yelp of pain it doesn't seem to slow down the beast. In all the hullabaloo none of the orcs notices the extra arrow shot from above.
Including the orc the knara has subdued, two lie dead and thirteen others are missing. The remaining orcs strip their dead buddies, pick up the other dropped weapons and equipment and with a much tighter formation and a lot more alertness again start moving along the path.
Lian Thursday August 29th, 2002 10:54:31 PM
Lian waits for the orcs to leave, then he leaves his perch. Not really aware that he did anything wrong, he seems pleased with himself. The monk sees the looks on the rest of the Talons faces, he notices disappointment and disapproval. The elf just says; "What?"
Milo (sub Jay) Thursday August 29th, 2002 11:00:53 PM
Milo emerges from his hedge and looks around at the carnage, then walks up to Lian and slaps the monk on the thigh. "What?! What do you mean, what?! You could have given us away, even fed us to the wolves." The halfling walks away, shaking his head, he says; "So young." Then he makes for Olana's horse and jumps up ready to head out.
Figment Thursday August 29th, 2002 11:17:26 PM
The mage looks with disdain at the young elf - but only for a moment. Sighing he speaks. "No harm done - but we're lucky. 2 things Lian. First, orcs are evil. I've heard rumors of the occasional orc that are not, but almost all are. And based on what these did to their own just now you can see they care little for each other. You see this one K'Nara has, if we let it go it will go and get its buddies and they'll come back and attempt to kill us. It'd kill you in an instant and probably eat you given the chance. I wonder how many human - or elven - children it killed when the hoard ravaged the land during the war? If the answer is none it is only because its buddies beat it to the punch. These are vermin, nothing more than advanced rats with a malevolent streak. Remember that or you will be killed by them for all your charity. Second, you fired an arrow into a melee between 2 of our known enemies - and in fact probably attacked the one that was not evil. You may recall I didn't hit the wolves with my fireball. I could've but I didn't. They are not evil and are probably less of a threat alive and scared of us than dead. Orcs on the other hand... If the orcs would have seen your arrow we would have had to kill them all because they would have attacked us - or worse retreated, got enforcements, and returned. If you really have a problem exterminating even evil creatures then why would you do the very thing that would provoke them to attack (i.e. make them aware of us)? Your sense of honor is admirable but you must be careful in battle who you choose as your friend - or enemy.". The mage finishes his lecture and moves over to K'Nara and the orc to see what she wants to do with it.
Olana Friday August 30th, 2002 2:00:21 AM
Olana steps alongside Lian and whispers - 'Worry not, my brother. Things have gone our way for now. We could have been killed by either one, out of malice, or hunger. In the end the result - death, would have been the same.'
She looks on with a curious disgust at K'Nara's pet orc.
K'Nara Friday August 30th, 2002 7:32:24 AM
After the group of orcs leave, K'Nara hauls her prisoner up and shoves him against a tree.
"Any of you speak this thing's language..?" she asked of the rest of the group. "I want to make sure that he knows exactly what I want him to tell us...namely what the hell that bunch of orcs is heading north for? Are they running from something or are they traveling to join up with more like-minded forces?"
Basically, K'Nara wants to pump this orc for all the info on what's up in this area that he may possibly know. It depends on who knows orcish and how their intimidation rolls go.
Lian Friday August 30th, 2002 9:25:04 AM
Shaken little by the 'lecture', Lian tries to redeem himself by finding out if the orc understands Draconic. Then he'll try Sylvan, which he figures is a stretch. Trying K'naras line of questions. If niether of those work, he'll try one more thing in Common. "Okay oily haired pile of dung, tell us what your greasy friends are doing going North. Or one of these folk will run you through." He shrugs. "I tried."
Milo (sub Jay) Friday August 30th, 2002 9:32:28 AM
Looking on, the halfling isn't sure what to make of the elven monks sudden change in policy, but it's ammusing to watch at any rate. However, the sound in the monks voice isn't very intimidating in the slightest, just rather humorous and unsure.
"K'nara, I could cause him to fear for his life, but I have a feeling it'd be useless." Says the Justicar.
ingrge Friday August 30th, 2002 6:22:43 PM
From behind you, you hear a gutteral voice, 'Jarsharan tainar randarsk rencik derrinshik.'
As you all turn to face the one speaking the orcish tongue, Ingrge steps forward and looks at K'nara. I understand and speak the tongue of the yrch, though I would rather not. What is it you want me to ask him, and how badly do you want the info.
DM Kent Friday August 30th, 2002 6:38:40 PM
Through Ingrge's translation and a few well placed jabs and cantrips, the Talons find out that the orcs are just heading where ever they want as they no longer are held together by the Dark Lord, but that there is a lot of activity southward around Mount Bone. When pressed though the orc clams up and you get very little else out of him.
After either dispatching or freeing your prisoner, the Talons once again get on their way and manage to make pretty good time, by midafternoon the landscape starts changing. The trees start thinning out and the land is getting hilly. Soon the Talons are walking through treeless red hills. Visibility is severely limited due to the nature of the terrain none and sound does funny things in these hills as well.
Lian Sunday September 1st, 2002 1:02:59 AM
Looking to K'nara, Lian says; "I believe we should let him go or keep him, but we should not just kill him out-right." The monk guides his horse through the strange terrain, he's alert and on the lookout for more orcs and the possible ambush from wolves.
OOC: Let me be the first to welcome Chris back to the Talons, from his trip over seas.
Milo d20+11=25 d20+10=30 Monday September 2nd, 2002 1:33:13 AM
Milo seems perpetually distracted as he attempts to ascertain his surroundings through the strange way that sound seems to bounce off of the hills around him. He speaks quietly to his friends, "Be careful, if ever there were a good place to ambush folk... this is it." (OOC: Made a Listen and Spot check DCs 25 and 30 respectively)
Olana Monday September 2nd, 2002 1:55:02 AM
Olana listens to what the orc has to say, understanding some of his gutteral language.
"We can't let him go," she says. "He'll tell others we are here. His death will bring peace to a tortured elf's soul."
She's for killing the beast at the earliest opportunity.
Later, as they head south, she gives a sigh as the terrain seems to become more unfriendly, but stays alert.
((Welcome back Chris!))
Figment Monday September 2nd, 2002 6:44:54 PM
The mage looks to the warrior woman to see what she will do. He stands in silence and decides he'll just let things go as they may.
K'Nara d20+4=21 d20+1=13 d20=4 Tuesday September 3rd, 2002 8:06:01 AM
"Ingrge," K'Nara spoke to the elf, "Tell our...guest that he has two choices: either to climb up into this tree, or I'll let Figment and Olana kill him."
The orc, of course, opted to climb. K'Nara climbed up into the tree and used some rope to tie the subhuman to the trunk. (OOC: Rope Use check 21.) She came back down and dusted herself off.
"There. He can't immediately run after his comrades because he'll have to work his way out of the bonds." the female fighter said. "And he won't be immediate wolf fodder while he's up in the tree. We'll leave his weapons at the base of the tree for when he frees himself...that way he'll have a sporting chance to be able to survive when he finally gets loose." K'Nara's cauled head nodded at Ingrge once more. "Tell him that before we leave. If he's clever, he'll live to join his fellows. If he's foolish--he'll be wolf chow." She then turned to Lian.
"We don't kill prisoners, Lian. Not while I'm in charge." K'Nara told the introspective monk, lancing Figment with a brief but pointed glance. "No matter how nasty or evil we think the being is--a prisoner is at our mercy, and killing a helpless being is murder, pure and simple. The Talons do not murder."
(OOC: I realize that I'm taking liberties by saying that the orc complies with K'Nara, but I figured if he actually answered their questions, he'd be smart enough to figure the tree option was his best chance at survival.)
After reaching the hilly area, K'Nara had to agree with Milo--the terrain was ripe for ambush opportunities. She, too, tried to keep her eyes and ears open. (OOC: Spot check 13; Listen check 4.)
ingrge Tuesday September 3rd, 2002 4:58:51 PM
Complying with K'nara's requests, ingrge adds a little of his own poetic liscense to the instructions given the orc, and then taking a moment casts a spell on the tree about six feet from the ground. chuckling s he leaves the tree, Figment can tell ingrge cast a magic mouth spell.
As the Talons make their way into the hills, Ingrge gets a sour look on his face as time after time they hear noises only to come upon nothing. It is obvious he is on edge.
DM Kent Tuesday September 3rd, 2002 5:04:57 PM
The Talons make their way winding in and out and over the hills as they see fit. Often detouring when they hear something they think they need to avoid. Other times the talons will come around a hill and literally run into small bands of animals and even once a group of eight orcs. Both groups froze for a momnet and then both scattered in different directions. By the end of the second day even after a decent nights sleep everyones nerves are on edge.
About noon the next day you are sure that something or a group of somethings are following you, and up ahead aroud the next hill [you think] you hear what can only be voices having a conversation in very broken trade speak.
Figment d20+8=11 Tuesday September 3rd, 2002 7:35:23 PM
The mage whispers "Perhaps we can evade the group following us by skirting the group up ahead and covering our tracks?". The mage attempts to listen to the jabber up ahead. Human? Orcish?
Milo Wednesday September 4th, 2002 12:13:42 AM
With newfound wisdom, rather than allowing his personal curiosity to get the best of him, Milo turns quietly to K'nara and asks the warrior, "Would you like me to go and have a look. Even if I can't understand what they're saying, I can probably get a good idea of who they are and what they're up to... and then I'll return and report." Milo's mischievous side seems held firmly in check, though a twinkle in the halfling's eye says that it could be released in a moment's notice, if so desired.
Lian d20+16=20 d20+6=15 Wednesday September 4th, 2002 2:37:11 AM
The elf happily enjoys the sight-seeing tour of the hills and flats on their current route, cutting this way and that. Oblivious of any 'sound' that is about and dismissing it as woodland noise, Nature's Muse has hit his elven ears and eyes. "The land here is quite striking, however, there is something about it that is not altogether right." Speaking to no one... or anyone who might be listening.
OOC:I'm making a volunteery Listen and Spot check, 20 and 15 respectively, to see if Lian notices anything just in a glance at the landscape.
K'Nara Wednesday September 4th, 2002 8:12:43 AM
K'Nara nodded at Milo's suggestion.
"Aye," she agreed in a low voice, "Be as quiet and careful as I know you can, Milo--take Lian with you if the monk is of a mind to test his own skills at scouting. We'll wait here for you."
Olana d20+15=19 d20+2=6 Wednesday September 4th, 2002 12:45:21 PM
"It's like no one has a home to go to," whispers the elf as they travel along. "Everything seems so displaced."
As talk is heard up ahead and Milo offers to go and look, Olana says -
"I'll watch our backs. We don't want to be surprised by whatever, or whoever is behind us." She takes to the rear of the party, listening, watching, bow at the ready. ((Listen DC 19 Spot DC 9))
Ingrge d20+6=20 Wednesday September 4th, 2002 6:27:11 PM
As K'nara and the others speak, Ingrge looks around and with a mischevious look on his face asks, ' Do you think there is any chance we can introduce the two groups to each other.' Then perhaps the noise of there encounter will cover our retreat.
DM KENT d20=19 Wednesday September 4th, 2002 6:37:47 PM
Olanna moves to the rear listening and looking for their followers and is rewarded by hearing a few clear words that she recognizes as being of the orcish variety.
Figment can't hear anything from the rear group and while he can make out that the language being used ahead is 'trade common' there doesn't seem to be a way to place any racial characteristics to the voices.
Milo gets Lian focused and they head of to investigate the front line. They manage to remain out of sight and get an eyeful of eight large lizard-like humanoids armed to the teeth and talking over what appear to be several mutilated and partially eaten bodies.
Figment Wednesday September 4th, 2002 7:50:44 PM
The mage waits with the others to see what Milo and Lian discover. He nods at Ingrge's idea.
Lian d20+16=22 d20+14=33 d20+4=14 Wednesday September 4th, 2002 11:20:18 PM
Getting refocused on the task at hand, the monk goes off with Milo to examine the 'lizardfolk', bow still in hand with an arrow knocked (Plain old arrow).
Whispering to Milo; "Um.... yeah, let us leave before we are seen. They are heavily armored." The elven ears perk up as he begins trying to pick words up out of the mixed speech. (Listening '22 on my check' to hear the 'phonics' of the language, if there are any characteristics of Draconic, Lian CAN understand them because he speaks Draconic)
OOC: Move Silently and Hide, 33 and 14 respectively.
Milo d20+11=27 d20+28=42 d20+25=44 Thursday September 5th, 2002 12:34:00 AM
Milo smiles at the young elf... thinking to himself, 'You mean, before you are seen young one...' He then focuses momentarily on the conversation of the lizard folk, seeing if he can make out what they are saying. Then, after hearing enough, Milo nods to Lian, and makes his way back toward the others as silently as possible. Indeed, the halfling is spectre-like as he moves away from the lizard people. (OOC: Made a Listen check DC 27 to hear the coversation. Then made Hide and Move Silently checks at DCs 42 and 44 respectively)
K'Nara Thursday September 5th, 2002 7:31:50 AM
After Milo reported his findings--and Olana also reported the suspected source of the noises behind the party--K'Nara rolled her hazel eyes in annoyance.
"Lizards at the front of us, and orcs to the rear..." she muttered, thinking hard, "...no trees or boulders or anything to hide behind...hmmm..." She thought as hard as she could, giving herself a headache.
"Did it appear to you that these lizards were the ones who killed the...um...whatever-it-was that the people used to be..?" K'Nara asked Milo. "I mean--were there obvious signs that the heavily-armed lizards had just gotten finished using their weapons...looking all bloody and stuff..? I'm asking because it's possible these lizardfolk might have come across some wolf-attack casualties, you know."
Olana d20+13=25 Thursday September 5th, 2002 7:09:40 PM
After letting everyone know they had orcs on their tail - "They're coming," she whispers. "Whatever we're gonna do. lets do it quickly."
While the others decide on a plan, she looks around with a practiced eye, for a pathway or retreat that would best take them out of harms way and give them the best advantage if they had to make a run for it. ((Wilderness Lore DC 25))
Ingrge Friday September 6th, 2002 8:47:18 AM
Ok I think we need to make a bit of noise and like we are just setting up a camp and perhaps a few surprises and then we head as quickly and quietly another direction.
DM Kent d100=13 Friday September 6th, 2002 8:53:00 AM
Milo and Lian tell the others that the lizard men were the obvious perpatrators of the deadly crimes. They are also each munching on a bone or two.
Olanna thinks that the group has about 10 minutes before the orcs make an appearance. As Olanna uses her wilderness lore she realizes that much of the hill they standing next to is hollow.
Milo Friday September 6th, 2002 11:19:43 AM
Speaking quietly to K'nara, "I say that we hide, allow the two groups to bump into one another. If they fight, we an sweep in and clean up whats left, if they don't, we can ambush the lot of them." Milo stands there, musing over the possibilities.
K'Nara d20+4=16 Friday September 6th, 2002 3:38:10 PM
"Sounds like a plan, Milo." the human bladesinger agreed with the halfling. "Okay, everybody--let's see if we can hide...it's a tactic that seems to work pretty well..." So saying, K'Nara set about working on hiding herself. (OOC: Hide check result is 16.)
Lian Friday September 6th, 2002 4:43:49 PM
"I believe several of us should find a tree(s) with a view of the path here. That way we can use ranged attacks and stay more or less out of harms way." Says the monk, trying to add something helpful. He adds; "I like the hiding option, Milo. But what about our horses?"
Lian d20+4=17 Friday September 6th, 2002 4:45:26 PM
Hide check of 17 for Lian.
Olana d20+2=7 Friday September 6th, 2002 4:58:15 PM
"We've got about 10 minutes before our orc friends arrive. This hill seems hollow," says the elf. "Maybe theres a tunnel, or a cave and we can hide the horses in there." She sets off to look, taking care to keep out of sight of orc and lizard.
(spot check dc 7, well hoooo weee)
Ingrge d20+9=18 d20+2=12 Friday September 6th, 2002 5:38:21 PM
Looking at Lian, the older elf smiles. I agree lad a few trees would be nice about now, but I have not seen anything larger than a scrub oak since we left the forest.
As Olanna speaks of the hollow hill, he looks really interested and starts concentrating on the ground along the side of the hill. [search dc18, spot dc12]
DM Kent d100=1 Saturday September 7th, 2002 8:42:25 AM
While trying to hide, K'nara does a much better job than anyone thought she could possibly do. for one moment she was walking along trying to find somewhere to hide and the next moment she was no longer there. The hill is still there with its rocks, reddish dirt and sandy tufts of waving grass, but no K'nara
Figment Saturday September 7th, 2002 9:56:17 AM
The mage smiles as the warrior woman disappears from sight. He whispers "Well done K'Nara. Lets look around and see if we can hide ourselves against the hill on the road.". The mage looks around to see if this is possible.
Lian d20+16=31 Sunday September 8th, 2002 6:03:13 AM
Looking at the Ingrge, the monk says; "Yes, I understand there are no trees around..." He grins a little. "...but I have gotten too used to trees being so close at hand."
He briefly looks around and then realizes that K'nara is missing. "Where is K'nara?" The monk listens for any signs of her where-abouts. "Shhh..." The universal 'Be quiet.' comes for the monks lips.
Listening for any tell tale signs of the bladesingers where abouts. (check of 31)
Lian knocks an arrow (masterwork), and prepares for the worst. [Internal monologue, 'Wolves again, it is those wolves again. Or maybe a sneaky Orc(s).']
Olana d20+13=30 Sunday September 8th, 2002 8:06:23 PM
As K'Nara disappears, Olana grins at Ingrge. "Like I said - hollow. Lets follow and hope we're not leaping into greater danger."
Olana moves to where K'Nara was last seen and attempts to follow her footsteps. (Hide dc 30)
K'Nara d20+1=14 d20=2 Monday September 9th, 2002 6:20:52 AM
K'Nara suddenly found herself in what could only be described as a hidey hole. However it was obvious that it had not been used for a long time as there was debris along the floor and dust all over everything.
The space was obviously man-made and the area had also obviously been used as a stabling area as there were old dried droppings visible. There was a door in the rear of this area; also visible were several small barrels and a 3-foot-in-diameter hole in the ground in the far corner.
Her hazel eyes shifted around the hideout for a few seconds, then K'Nara quickly turned on her heel and got the others.
"Milo, check out the door," she told the halfling as soon as she'd led the Talons into the hideout, "Lian, you keep an eye--and an ear--out for our 'guests' at the entrance. I'll check out what this hole is about. Everyone else can feel free to investigate the other stuff in here..."
The human bladesinger went over to and then inspected the hole in the floor to see what she could see. (OOC: Spot is 14; Search is 2.)
DM Kent Monday September 9th, 2002 8:41:48 AM
Now that K'nara points it out you can see the illusion that has been laced over the opening to the man-made cave. As everyone enters and starts looking around there is dust sent up everywhere. K'nara looks into the open whole and she thinks she might see something shimmering about 55 feet down.
Milo takes a look at the door and finds that it is locked and that there is something a bit strange about it.
Figment is examining the spelled entrance trying to locate and discover what spell was used.
Lian and Olanna wander in and starts orgnizing the horses.
Ingrge walks in looks around and then wonders out loud, Nowe that we are inside how are we going to get the two groups out there to interact?
Lian d20+6=26 d20+16=23 Monday September 9th, 2002 4:18:03 PM
The monk helps with the gathering of Talon mounts. When he's finished he asks, "What is this place used for?" As he heads for the entrance to 'keep his eyes and ears open'. Lian's on watch at the entrance.
(Spot of 26, Listen of 23)
Figment Monday September 9th, 2002 8:33:27 PM
The mage smirks at Ingrge. "Somehow I think once the orcs get closer they very likely will mistake the half eaten victim as us and attack the lizardmen. Then we can either let them leave or we can take them out - whichever is the most advantageous to us. I'd say we'd do best to leave this place alone until after this situation outside is resolved. Looks like it's been deserted along time, a few more minutes probably won't matter.". Figment listens outside to see if there is any sign of the orcs or lizardmen.
Olana d20+9=21 Monday September 9th, 2002 9:15:47 PM
"Figment might be right," says Olana, pointing at the dust being kicked up by everyone. "If that is seen leaving our hideout, they're going to know someone is in here. Whatever we do, we must be careful not to disturb the dust too much."
She does her best to calm the horses. (Animal empathy DC 21)
Milo d20+28=47 d20+25=43 d20+10=21 Monday September 9th, 2002 10:17:41 PM
Remaining as quiet and unseen as he possibly can, Milo checks out the strange door thoroughly. (OOC: Made Move Silently and Hide checks at DCs 43 and 47 respectively. Made a Search check DC 21 on the door).
K'Nara d20+1=4 d20=4 Tuesday September 10th, 2002 7:36:01 AM
"Hmmm..." the leader of the Talons mused, "I think there's something down here--the hole looks to be about sixty feet deep or so..." K'Nara attempted to see if there was some kind of ladder or handholds or such that allowed for people to climb down into the hole. (OOC: Spot and Search are only 4, though--looks like K'Nara needs new contacts! ;D)
Ingrge Tuesday September 10th, 2002 6:06:47 PM
Hmm, I guess I was thinking along the lines of a more interactive role in bringing the groups together in order to ensure contact. Otherwise we may be in here for quite a while without knowing if they are still out there or not.
DM Kent d20+12=31 d20+8=27 d20+8=18 d8+6=11 d8+6=10 Tuesday September 10th, 2002 6:16:35 PM
Milo checks out the door and finds out several things about it. First is that the door is in reality not a door. Milo realizes this as part of the door reaches around and slaps the daylights out of him and then he finds himself stuck to the door unable to escape. [hits AC27 poss crit.crit roll AC 18, damage 21 points]
K'nara doesn't see anything in the way of steps knotches or ladder to make her way down in the hole.
Lian sees nothing of interest outside but for some reason he does see his shadow just outside of where he is on the hill.
Figment d20+15=31 d20+15=28 Tuesday September 10th, 2002 11:01:51 PM
The mage examines the door from a safe distance and attempts to determine what is happening to Milo (Spellcraft 31, arcana 28). "Hang on a moment Milo, let look at this thing."
Lian Wednesday September 11th, 2002 12:40:39 AM
Lian realizes he's casting a shadow outside, he steps out of the doorway. With nothing to do, Lian waits for K'nara's suggestions. "No one is outside K'nara. We are clear."
Milo Wednesday September 11th, 2002 1:04:40 AM
Milo's surprise turns to anger as the halfling pulls and tugs, attempting to get loose from the door, "Help guys... I could use some help here please." (OOC: I'm not getting a clear picture here... is the door a mechanical trap, or did it literally come to life and hit him?)
Olana d20+10=11 d6+1=5 Wednesday September 11th, 2002 1:20:17 AM
"Perhaps one of us can throw some projectile toward the lizards, another send one in the direction of the orcs, and then we'd have to run like the wind back to the - Milo!!" she exclaims, seeing the halfing being attacked by what looks like an alive door.
"Get off him," she says, poking the thing with her shortsword, probably missing it. (AC11??? for 5))
Lian d20+10=30 d20+10=14 d6=6 d6=3 d6=6 Wednesday September 11th, 2002 3:21:04 AM
Realizing Milo's actually in trouble, Lian turns and fires his ready bow at the 'door', attempting NOT to hit Milo. He aims and fires an arrow (masterwork) at the 'door'.
Hitting AC 30, possible crit, if it can be critted (confirming for AC 14), 6 damage, (if it's a crit, 15 damage) on the thing mimicing the 'door'.
The elven monk looks curiously at his own hands and the bow that's NEVER worked that well before, and he raises an eyebrow. "Hmmmm.... interesting."
DM Kent d20+12=20 d8+6=7 Wednesday September 11th, 2002 6:18:07 PM
Lian's arrow some how manages to make its way to its target past the flailing and stressed halfling. while Olanna's sword just misses the the thing.
Milo realizes the door is actualy alive and the pseudopod-hands that reached out and slapped the mess out of him are about to do so again the poor halfling is stuck fast and is slapped again for 7 points.
Milo d20+4=22 d3=3 Thursday September 12th, 2002 12:14:37 AM
Horrified when he realizes that the door itself is alive, Milo grits his teeth to keep from screaming out, and instead croaks, "You guys this door is going to eat me." He then proceeds to punch and kick at the door as best he can. (OOC: Hit AC 22 for 3 hps subdual damage, um is Milo physically capable of drawing a weapon, or is he too stuck for that? Just curious."
Lian d20+10=12 Thursday September 12th, 2002 1:33:25 AM
Having managed a lucky shot once, Lian doesn't push his limited luck. He stows his bow as he moves over to the struggling halfling. "How are you Milo?" The elf smiles.
He strikes out at the door, hitting AC 12, missing miserably.
"This thing is moving around more than a worm on a hook, no, wait, STOP moving so much Milo!"
Olana d20+10=30 d20+10=23 d6+1=3 d6+1=4 Thursday September 12th, 2002 11:19:01 AM
"I said... get OFF him," hisses Olana to the door creature, delivering a nasty poke with her sword. (Crit, crit maybe, 7dam) "What IS this creature?" she asks, keeping her voice low, just in case the orcs and lizards arrive for the party.
Figment d4+1=4 d4+1=2 d4+1=3 d4+1=5 Thursday September 12th, 2002 7:06:34 PM
The mage wheels and blasts the door with 4 magic missiles. "Come now door, you really don't want us - and we really don't want to kill you. Let our friend go and we'll leave you be - might even bring you a meal you'll never forget. Say... 10 orcs?" (14 DMG).
Ingrge d20+7=25 Friday September 13th, 2002 8:06:33 AM
Taking in the scene Ingrge racks his brain for some information (Knowledge dc 25) Hey, Ummm guys, that isn't a door at least not totally. I think it is a beast called a mimic. Moving in closer Ingrge looks to be preparing a spell of some sort.
DM KENT d20+12=25 d20+12=29 d8+6=12 d8+6=7 Friday September 13th, 2002 8:15:17 AM
Milo strikes out and now finds his hand stuck to the creature as well. (if Milo has a weapon he can reach and draw with his off hand without crossing his body he can draw it)
Lian's strike actually connects with the beast and he finds his fist is now stuck to the beast where he struck it.
Olanna also manages to strike the creature with her sword and finds that her sword is stuck firly to the creature. (due to the fact that the sword is metal and you have a bit more leverage you may attemot to break it free this round with a strength DC of better than 16)
Figment's missiles crash into the critter ans a high oitched whine is heard eminating from the living door, but no other response is forthcoming.
This time as both Milo and Lian are stuck to the critter, they are both subjected to the pseudo-fists that are lashing out. (Lian AC25 for 12 points, Milo AC29 for 7 points)
K'Nara d20+11=17 d20+4=22 d8+4=5 d8+4=8 Friday September 13th, 2002 1:34:44 PM
(OOC: how odd--I *know* I posted K'Nara drawing her sword and whacking at the "door", but it's not here. Oh, well...here goes again...)
K'Nara's head snapped around at the sounds of the struggle against the insanely-animated door. Seeing Milo and the others assaulted, the human bladesinger draws her trusty blade and whirls it at the shapechanging beastie, trying to make it let go of Milo. (OOC: hits AC17 and 22 for 5hpd and 8hpd respectively.)
Olana d20+3=8 Friday September 13th, 2002 5:41:17 PM
Olana attempts in vain to pull her sword away from the beast and sighs in frustration. As she overhears what Ingrge says -
"These things can talk can't they? Hey - door thing - we'll fetch you as many dead orc and lizard as you can eat if you let everyone go."
Lian, on fly paper d20+10=27 d8-1=7 Saturday September 14th, 2002 2:07:55 AM
Lian shrugs and kicks the door once, completely expecting to get stuck.
Hitting AC 27 for 7 damage.
"Well, it would seem that you and I are both in a 'sticky situation' here Milo." Lian doesn't struggle, he calmly waits for the others to do something.
Figment d4+1=4 d4+1=4 d4+1=3 d4+1=4 Sunday September 15th, 2002 9:07:09 PM
The mage sighs as he blasts the door again with 4 missles (15 DMG). He speaks a warning and a comment. "Nobody else hit the thing with your hands. Burn it with a torch around where it is attached to Milo and Lian, maybe it will turn loose! I'm afraid we've walked ourselves into a trap guys. Once we kill this thing - which we will probably have to do - the illusions will vanish. Then we'll have the orcs and lizardmen to deal with - unless we're lucky.".
Milo Sunday September 15th, 2002 10:03:18 PM
Forcing himself to calm down, Milo's mind is a blur of images as he considers the possibilities... then his eyes widen momentarily, as light dawns upon him. "Lian, if you can reach over to my satchel on my right side... in the satchel are a number of fragile things... so be careful... but among them is a bar of magical soap... I've never figured out what it was good for, but, I think maybe we can wash this sticky critter off of us...." The halfling looks hopeful.
Lian Tuesday September 17th, 2002 4:44:21 AM
Hearing Milo's suggestion, the monk begins rummaging in the halflings pack carefully for the soap.
"What is it I am looking for Milo? Soap you say? Magical you say? Hmmmm..... where is it? I do not see it."
OOC: Seeing as how Lian only attacked this round, I'm using his move equivelant to rummage. :)
DM Kent 4d4(2+4+2+1)+4=13 d20+12=21 d20+12=24 d20+12=19 d8+6=8 d8+6=12 d8+6=9 Tuesday September 17th, 2002 8:55:51 AM
K'naras first strike does indeed strike the beast, but when she goes for her second strike she finds her sword is stuck fast. Using her strength she manages to free her sword (used your second attack roll as a strength roll) and steps back for a brief moment to think.
Figment's missiles strike the beast and once again the high pitched whine is heard throughout the room.
Olanna's efforts to communicate with the beast fall on deaf ears.
Ingrge joins Figment in his barrage sending off a few missiles of his own. (13 points)
With Milo directing him Lian somehow manages to find the fabled bar of soap.
The beast, now attached to three talons, lashes out at all three. Milo 8 points, Lian 12 points, Olanna 9 points)
Lian Tuesday September 17th, 2002 3:07:32 PM
Feeling himself weaken from the continuous attacks from the door and being unable to escape, the monk hands the soap to the halfling. Lian closes his eyes and begins to concentrate as if gathering all his remaining energy. Suddenly, a soft pale aura of healing power surrounds him. Most of his visible wounds seal or fade away. Looking regenerated, the elf opens his eyes and looks at Milo. "Milo, you look like you could use some healing too. Maybe if you eat the soap." The monk says, smirking.
OOC: I used the monks wholeness of body to heal 14 points. It's a supernatural ability.
Olana d20+3=19 Tuesday September 17th, 2002 10:19:37 PM
The elf manages to pull her sword free.
"Oooooh! This stupid, stupid door thing!" she announces in frustration. Slamming the blade back in her scabbard, she pulls out her rope and starts tying it into a lasso, hoping in the next round to use her rope skill and pull that slapping hand away.
Figment d4+1=3 d4+1=2 d4+1=4 d4+1=5 Tuesday September 17th, 2002 11:01:10 PM
Realizing the thing is not intelligent at all, he launches yet another volley of missles, not daring to use his other, less accurate spells (14 DMG). He glances over his shoulder hoping the illusion keeps the noise of the battle contained inside the cave.
Milo d8+2=3 Wednesday September 18th, 2002 2:06:50 AM
Milo wavers a bit after the last blow, "Oh dear, I'm starting to feel a bit woozy here, I don't think I can take another... Good Lian... now try and rub the magic soap where you're connected to the door, see if it works. I'm going to pray." With that, Milo enters into prayer, beseeching Pantheon for his aid, and attempting to cast cure light wounds on himself. (OOC: Attempting a cure light wounds. Burning cause fear for the spell. If it works, Milo heals himself for 3 hps)
K'Nara d20+1=21 Wednesday September 18th, 2002 8:05:16 AM
"Figment! Ingrge! Can't you freeze this stupid thing..???" K'Nara demanded, frustrated that her sword couldn't do much without getting stuck itself. The human warrior drops her blade and grabs hold of Milo, putting all her strength into attempting to haul the halfling free of the flailing pseudopods of the creature. (OOC: Strength check 21!)
ingrge 4d4(1+1+1+1)+4=8 Wednesday September 18th, 2002 6:20:54 PM
Hearing K'nara, Ingrge stops and thinks for one short second and then calls out. 'SORRY nothing like that, it's not my area of expertise.' Ingrge once again points his wand and sends several more missiles arching into the beast.[8 points]
DM Kent d100=03 Wednesday September 18th, 2002 6:29:52 PM
As K'nara heaves on Milo, Milo starts screaming as if he is being pulled apart, somehow though he is able to keep enough focus that his spell comes through. Lian starts scrubbing with the soap and is immediately rewarded with good results and soon falls to his knees as he is freed.
Olanna tosses her rpe but there doesn't seem to be anything to lasso as the pseudo pods only pop out as they strike their attached victims.
Figment's and Ingrge's missiles arch out and strike the beast and with a final whine Milo falls backwards away from the beast as it falls in a heap to the floor infront of the true door.
Figment Wednesday September 18th, 2002 6:33:44 PM
"I cannot freeze it. If you have oil you can burn it. That's probably best. If we can get everyone off the door and away from it, we can preserve it for a time - and the illusions protecting the cave.".
Figment Wednesday September 18th, 2002 9:27:32 PM
The mage observes the blob on the floor. "Looks like it won't be necessary after all...".
Olana d8+1=9 Thursday September 19th, 2002 12:32:04 AM
Olana crouches alongside Milo, her brow furrowed in concentration for a moment, drawing power from the earth and touching him lightly on the nape of the neck. ((Casting CURE LIGHT WOUNDS 9HPs))
"That thing was nasty," she mutters.
Milo d8+1=7 Thursday September 19th, 2002 1:26:19 AM
Milo verily collapses with exhaustion from attempting to fight off the creature. Feeling Olana's touch though he is rejuvenated. Though he isn't sure if his revival is wholly magical as his heart skips a beat and he shudders as a chill passes through his small frame. Sitting up, he literally stares wide eyed at Olana as he reaches into his satchel and pulls out his wand of cure light wounds. "I didn't know you could do that." (OOC: Use the wand to heal 7 more hps.)
Lian Thursday September 19th, 2002 2:12:01 AM
Lian takes the soap with him as he scurries away from the door.
"Olanna, how is Milo?"
K'Nara Thursday September 19th, 2002 6:54:42 AM
Panting heavily at her exertions, K'Nara eyed the shapeless mass and then kicked it.
"I hate shapechangers..." she muttered, then shrugged off her backpack. "Milo, I have a potion or two that can help heal you if you need it..." The redheaded fighter began rummaging around in the backpack while awaiting the halfling's response to her offer.
DM Kent Thursday September 19th, 2002 7:42:40 PM
Through the various spells, Milo is feeling a bit better and behind the blob on the floor there stands a door looking exactly like the one you just defeated. There is nothing to be heard from outside, but then again, now that you think of it, you didn't hear anything before from out there either. The hole in the corner still awaits as well.
What will the Talons do. Will they once again attempt to open the door. Will they try to find out what is shining down in the hole in the corner. What is eating their horses. What is going on outside. Are they still caught betwen two sets of foes. Or have they met and battled themselves. How will the Talons find out. How will they proceed.
Figment Thursday September 19th, 2002 10:44:37 PM
(Hey, you never said anything was eating the horses!).
The mage raises an eyebrow at Olana's healing touch. "Cool...".
He rushes over to make sure Jux is OK and is not being eaten bay anything. Once satisfied, he goes back to the door. "I think we might do well to figure out what's going on out there BEFORE we explore the rest of this place... perhaps one of you with an invisibility ring might be best suited for the task.".
Olana Friday September 20th, 2002 1:29:58 AM
Olana grins at Lian. "Oh - he's looking a bit better, and thank goodness you got away too." She seems a little puzzled by the soap.
To Milo, she says - "Its the land... if you listen hard enough, you can hear it, or perhaps feel it. It's always been there. I suppose it just takes time. Time to learn. The land does not give up it's secrets lightly. I suspect I had to prove my worth before it was willing to share its power. After the Godswar, things seemed different somehow. It is a blessing, and I am thankful for the way I was able to use it."
Getting to her feet, she asks K'Nara if she should go outside and get a better idea of whats going on.
Lian Friday September 20th, 2002 2:22:25 AM
Staggering to his feet, Lian still seems physically bruised from his experience with the 'door'. But he seems thoughtful of his experience.
To Olana and Milo, he says; "Milo, I am glad your well. The Gods have seemed to grace you with their presence, Olana." The elf smirks a bit, then walks up to Milo with the halflings soap. "Here is your.... soap? It seems odd, for soap. It seems to have done the job it was made for."
He turns to the group. "What next for us K'nara?"
Milo d8+1=5 d8+1=5 d8+1=8 d8+1=7 d20+28=44 d20+25=30 Saturday September 21st, 2002 4:04:59 AM
Milo smiles at Lian, takes the soap, wraps it up, and puts it away, "I'm glad that it was useful."
To K'nara, "Thanks, but I'll use my wand... save the potions for times when we have no choice but use them." Milo continues to use the magic of the wand until fully healed.
Taken with Olana's explanation, the halfling blushes and then speaks, "You say that the land has blessed you, but I say the land is blessed by you. Either way, I am glad for it."
Turning toward Figment, "Good sir, do you own an invisibility ring? For after the godswar, I saw its folly and exchanged it for the magic of wisdom, though I say through the craft and art of the elves, I may as well be the wind and and rain for all the evidence I leave of my passing." Milo winks and wrapping himself in his cloak, passes from the cave like a shadow, to see what has become of the groups outside. (OOC: Made Hide and Move Silently checks DCs 44 and 30 respectively).
INGRGE d20+2=12 Saturday September 21st, 2002 12:58:37 PM
Ingrge aids with the wounded as he can and as Milo and Olanna have their exchange, Ingrge makes himself busy with other things taking some time to inspect the recently deceased door beast. [knowledge dc12]
DM Kent d100=25 d100=21 Tuesday September 24th, 2002 8:25:28 AM
(sorry about no post yesterday, cablevision folks cut my phonelines) (the part about the horses being eaten was comic relief; [I was very tired when I was posting]
Olanna makes her forray out into the outside world and after a bit of investigation and two very close shaves she locates the two groups. From her observations and some basic common sense, it currently appears that both broups are tracking each other and will continue to cirle each other for a while unless something happens to change someones path.
The rest of the talons remain in the cave and are still faced with several things. The door, the hole, and the now smelly pile of ooze.
Lian d20+16=32 Tuesday September 24th, 2002 3:17:03 PM
Lian sits, nursing a bruise on his shoulder.
"I hope Olana does not lead the orcs back here. When she returns, I think we should find out what is inside the hole." The monk looks at the Talons. "Can anyone cast a LIGH SPELL on this plain arrow for me?" (OOC:My plan: shoot into hole with light arrow)
(How deep did the hole look? Was it too dark to see the depth? (elven low-light vision see the bottom?) Where there sounds in the hole (Listen of 32)? Does the hole go up, down, sideways or some other way?)
Olana d20+13=22 d20+13=19 d20+11=19 Tuesday September 24th, 2002 6:30:27 PM
The elf returns swiftly and quietly and gives her report as to what is happening outside.
She then checks the door beyond the now squishy blob on the floor, at first listening, then if she feels its safe will attempt to open it. (LISTEN DC 22 OPEN LOCK DC 19 DISABLE DEVICE DC 19))
Figment Tuesday September 24th, 2002 6:59:14 PM
The mage pulls out a couple of torches he always seems to carry (Continual Flame is cast on them). "These should do the trick...". He follows the others as they explore the area. He mulls over his spells as the last fight drained a lot of his choice, close range firepower.
K'Nara Wednesday September 25th, 2002 6:39:22 AM
K'Nara (whose words posted here over the last three days have mysteriously NOT appeared!) saw that Milo had the means to heal up his wounds and so replaced her backpack. Then she jabbed the tip of her sword experimentally at the newly-uncovered door in order to make sure that it, too, was NOT another shapechanger.
"Someone check out that hole..." the tall redhead ordered absently, "...there was something about fifty or fifty-five feet down or so.."
dm kent Wednesday September 25th, 2002 7:21:19 PM
K'nara finds the door is normal this time. Olanna finds that the door is locked but not trapped and easily feels the lock give as she fiddles with it. Lian and Figment check out the whole and with the torches find that what was glittering 55 feet down was water.
Olanna opens the door after being as sure as she can that there is no noise from behind the door. After opening the door and stepping inside she lets her eyes adjust and is just able to make out the shape of what could be cots and possibly a chest or trunk. As she steps in she kicks something that rattles and scatter around. As she looks down she sees that there several sets of fairly old bones surrounding her feet.
Figment Wednesday September 25th, 2002 8:19:00 PM
The mage looks around the water for anything else of interest. He tries to determine how deep the water is and if there is anything to see below its surface.
Olana d20+13=25 d20+11=12 d20+10=15 Wednesday September 25th, 2002 8:49:45 PM
The elf lets everyone know what she has discovered.
"There's bones here, some cots and possibly a trunk. If no one minds, I'll take a quick look."
She moves quietly across the room, keeping her eyes open for any obvious traps. Taking a dagger, she pokes the trunk, as K'Nara did with the door... just in case. If nothing happens, she crouches and examines it for locks traps etc etc. (OPEN LOCK DC25 DISABLE DEVICE DC12 SEARCH DC15)
Lian d20+14=20 d20+16=22 d20+4=9 Thursday September 26th, 2002 7:02:30 AM
Lian moves silently into the room (20) and listens as he goes (22) for any sounds that are obviously not made by the Talons. He goes to the cots and lifts up blanket or two to see what he might find (Search of 9). He'll look underneath the cots as well.
"I do not see any hatches or trap doors here. I wonder what this place was? A barracks? Thieves hide out? Orc outpost? The bones, what race or species are they, Olana?"
Milo Thursday September 26th, 2002 9:47:06 AM
Milo moves in quietly behind Olana, allowing his eyes to adjust as he goes. Realizing that the darkness, is quite enough for him, he casts light and stands behind the elf as she works on the lock, ready to give any assistance if she has trouble with it. "Let me know if you need any help with that Olana."
(OOC: Sorry for missing a post or two guys... my wife's grandmother died, and I've been working on getting her up to Alaska for the services.)
kent d100=100 d20+7=8 19d6(3+3+3+3+2+5+4+4+6+1+3+1+2+1+1+1+4+6+5)=58 Thursday September 26th, 2002 7:49:31 PM
Figment decides that the hole is a well and there is no telling how deep the water is or if there is anything below the waters surface.
Lian, being as careful as he can be, hears nothing and finds that as he touches the blankets they turn to dust, but finds nothing else of interest.
K'nara and Ingrge enter the room and watch the others as they search and open. they notice several shiny bits hidden underneath the bones etc by the door.
Olanna nearly giggles at how easily the chest's lock opens up, but the giggle turns into a gasp and a muttered curse as there is a flash of fire followed nearly immediately by 6 additional simultaneous explosions that totally engulf the room. [Olanna and Milo are caught flatfooted, no dex bonus, K'nara, Ingrge, and Lian make regular saves. Reflex DC 14 - fail 58 points, save 29]
Figment Thursday September 26th, 2002 9:12:58 PM
The mage sighs as he walks back to the others. Assuming nobody is dead he says "Hang on a minue guys...". He casts detect magic and scans the area fr any additional 'magical suprises'.
Milo d20+12=28 Thursday September 26th, 2002 11:15:44 PM
Milo's hair trigger reflexes allow him to completely avoid the bursts of flame issuing from the chest. After which, he immediately rushes to Olana's side to assess any damage that she has taken from the magical trap.
(OOC: Uncanny dodge makes it so Milo cannot get caught flat-footed, however, if you still insist on deducting my Dex bonus from my Reflex save, I still hit DC 24. Evasion allows Milo to avoid all damage.)
Olana (Evasion, Uncanny Dodge) d20+9=12 d20+9=13 Friday September 27th, 2002 12:36:22 AM
(Uh oh.... I even re-rolled on a hero point.)
As soon as it becomes apparent something's wrong Olana yells a warning cry and attempts to duck - fast... but not fast enough.
She catches the full blast and topples backward in a smouldering heap, where she lies unmoving. (-3)
Lian (at 0 of 39 points) d20+9=12 d20+9=25 Friday September 27th, 2002 1:49:10 AM
OOC:Failed save (DC 12), used last hero point making DC 25.
Lian is scortched severely (taking 29 points of fire damage). Staggering around like a drunk human in a bar brawl, Lian finds himself flat on his back and can't move an inch. The monk stares staight up at the ceiling, his blonde hair burnt and crumbling. His monk gear burnt to cinder.
"OuuucccH!! Is THAT how it feels to get hit by a fireball full blast??!!" Moans the elf. "Someone heal me PLEASE! I do not normally beg, but I will start soon. Ooooohh, that hurt."
OOC: Yes ladies and gentlemen, Lian WASN'T fully healed from the door attack.
K'Nara d20+8=22 Friday September 27th, 2002 7:31:01 AM
K'Nara knelt and flicked the bits of bones away from the shiny bits, wondering what was under the bony stuff. Upon hearing Olana's gasp, however, her instincts kicked in and the human bladesinger threw herself flat just as the magic firetrap was triggered (OOC: made the save with a 22.)
"YeeeOW!" she cried, then levered herself up to look at the now-crispy surroundings. "Is everyone okay..?" However, seeing Olana lying there with wisps of smoke rising from her body, prompted the leader of the Talons to swear mightily and ask Milo if he needed those potions for Olana..?
Lian Friday September 27th, 2002 7:35:28 AM
"How is Ingrge?! Is he okay?!" the elven monk says with panic in his voice. "I can not believe well fell into this trap. I suspect that explosion was heard at great distance."
ingrge d20+5=22 Friday September 27th, 2002 6:31:44 PM
having been only semi aware of what olanna was doing, Ingrge had little warning of what was about to happen but somehow managed to partially shield himself from the full effects of the blast that engulfed the room. [save DC 22] pulling himself up off the floor, Ingrge is singed but standing.
DM Kent Friday September 27th, 2002 6:50:59 PM
[OOC until a rogue is 11th level, uncanny dodge only adds to AC vs actual attacks, and while evasion would in fact under normal circumstances cut the damage to none for a successful save, the room was totally engulfed leaving no way to avoid the flames, the room is barely 30ft in diameter where the fireballs filled an area of 40ft diameter. In the interest of fairness saves made by folk with evasion will only take 1/4 damage 14 points]
[so damage as I have it is Olanna 58, Ingrge and K'nara 29 and Milo and Lian 14, Figment 0]
Figment comes running and finds nothing else of magical nature in the room except for what each of the talons owns. underneath the bones and other detritus 50 silver pieces are found and inthe remains of the charred chest can be found an amorphous puddle of cooling gold mixed with some glsss shards.
Lian is looking pretty bad, Ingrge has seen better days as have K'nara and Milo but Olanna is lying on the floor unmoving.
Milo 3d8(2+7+5)+5=19 Saturday September 28th, 2002 12:58:23 AM
Milo bends over Olana, and checks for breathing, as he pulls a potion from his satchel, and prepares to feed it to the injured elf. Milo moves frenetically, as if hoping against hope that she can be saved. (OOC: If Olana is not out and out dead, Milo carefully trickles his potion of cure serious wounds down her throat. 19 hps healing)
Lian d20+16=20 d20+6=15 Saturday September 28th, 2002 1:42:45 AM
The elven monk slowly stands and brushes the hair out of his face; his blonde hair is burnt and brittle and falls to the floor. Portions of the elfs head are blistered and balding, other parts are like it had never been touched by fire. He quickly braids portions of hair that aren't burnt, then with borrowed dagger or other sharp item, he shaves his head bald, with only the three or four braids remaining. The rather dignified elf is more or less bald now. With his clothes, tattered and ribbon-like, the monk removes his burnt monk garb and replaces it with his traveling outfit. He discards the monk outfit. "Ummm... when we are able to, we need to leave this place! I do not wish to search any further." Lian looks nervously around the room and out the door.
OOC: He's paranoid now, Listen Check of 20 (his ears are ringing), and a Spot of 15.
Olana Monday September 30th, 2002 1:46:17 AM
Milo's potion passes beyond Olana's lips. If she is able to swallow it, then she begins to come around, awakening slowly, blackened skin starting to soften, consciousness beginning to stir.
Figment Monday September 30th, 2002 1:54:46 AM
The mage helps the others in binding wounds or making them comfortable. He waits to see what happens to Olana and Lian.
K'Nara 2d8(8+6)+1=15 Monday September 30th, 2002 7:30:41 AM
This time K'Nara was not dissuaded--she passed one of her more efficacious potions to Milo, that the cleric/rogue could use it on Olana. (OOC: it's a Cure Moderate Wounds potion; rolled a 15 for the amount of hit points cured.)
"Whomever stayed here was obviously very jealous of his...or her...possessions." the fighter pointed out the obvious. "First that shapechanging freak for a guard dog, and now THIS!"
ingrge Monday September 30th, 2002 8:18:21 PM
Ingrge chuckles at K'naras comment and then as if it hurts him to speak [which it does he's down 36 points]he comments. ' I suspect that the mimic came later. I think that maybe we are standing among the inhabitants remains right here, pointing at the bones around K'nara's and his feet. As for the chest, I expect the simple fire trap caused something else quite magical to ignite and explode.' So what's our next move.
DM Kent d100=1 Monday September 30th, 2002 8:25:02 PM
Between the 2 potions olanna gets 34 hps returned.
As Lian looks around he spots something strange occuring on the cieling. As he looks closer he sees several large cracks spreading out from the rooms 12 foot ceilings and some small clumps of dirt start falling to the floor. A fter the first few clumps fall the dirts starts falling fairly rapidly. The ceiling seems to be bowing inward.
Figment Monday September 30th, 2002 10:46:31 PM
"Uh, guys. I'd say the blast weakened the ceiling. We'd better be leaving about now...". He moves quickly to the horses and begins leading them out of the cave. "Better to risk orcs than being buried alive...".
Lian Tuesday October 1st, 2002 2:16:00 AM
"Friends! Move! The ceiling is coming down! I wish Bertram was here. Dwarfs! Move."
Lian waits for the red-headed leader of the Talons to move, then he will move in the direction K'nara goes. He's on her heels.
K'Nara Tuesday October 1st, 2002 6:50:47 AM
K'Nara grimaced herself at Ingrge's observations--not so much at the comments as she, too, was smarting quite a bit from the fireball blast (OOC: down 29hp). Lian's warning startles the leader of the Talons into looking up and also noting the bulging ceiling with alarm.
"Oh, motherless--" K'Nara started to swear, then bites off the rest of the epithet, "--OUT! Everyone out--NOW!!!" The tall warrior woman immediately shoves Milo and Olana towards the door, stopping only long enough to grab her backpack in one hand and swipe at the melted gold in a single attempt to sweep the cooling (cooled?) mass into the top of the container before leaping to the door herself.
Lian d20+14=15 Tuesday October 1st, 2002 7:19:20 AM
Reacting to K'nara's movement (OOC:My previous post was supposed to read *Lian was readying to move when she did*...) The elven monk grabs the remains of his belongings and scoops a handful of silver and perhaps a boney hand (claw, whatever) along with it, shoving it into his pack.
Lian jumps into a backflip and tumbles out of the way of any large clumps of dirty, rock or mud, considering he can't risk anymore damage. (Tumble of 15 plus synergy bonus from his ranks in Jump for a total of 17 on TUMBLE) The elf voices another concern to his Talon friends before he exits the tomb. "Watch yourself for any falling beams!"
Milo Tuesday October 1st, 2002 10:29:30 AM
Milo grabs Olana by the hand, and pulls like a sled dog as he moves as fast as his legs will carry him.
Olana Tuesday October 1st, 2002 1:38:07 PM
Still disoriented as her body starts to repair itself, Olana nevertheless stumbles onward, helping Milo pull her along as fast as she can, with K'Nara giving her a shove from behind. She hears the shouts from the others. What was going on? Was the roof caving in? Her other senses take in the smell of burned leather and the taste of dust as they make their escape.
Ingrge d20+4=20 Tuesday October 1st, 2002 5:25:15 PM
Still in a bit of a daze, Ingrge is aware enough to start moving as the group exits the room. Avoiding the falling and the settled debris he makes his way to the horses and helps get them out of the cave.
DM Kent d100=55 d2=1 Tuesday October 1st, 2002 5:33:33 PM
More and more debris is falling into the room the talons are leaving, now by the bucket full. As they get to the large exterior room they notice that the cracks are extending into this room as well, though nothing seems to be falling yet.
K'nara runs and scoops the now solid but still quite warn gold but does take an additional point of damage as some of the glass shards sticking out of the golden mass cut her hand.
As Figment makes his way to the exit he can hear the unmistakable sounds of combat coming from outside.
Figment warns everyone of what he hears and the Talons emerge from their hidey hole into the late afternoon. The definite sounds of combat are close by and a bit above you. As you make your way away from the hill a bit you see two Lizardmen surrounded by four orcs doing cobat on the top of the hill you were just inside of. You can see the figures of what appear to be 2 lizardmen and 6 orcs lying still on the hill.
Figment Tuesday October 1st, 2002 7:00:34 PM
The mage does his best to conceal the horses from plain sight, hoping the two groups will continue to fight. He looks around for signs of other groups as well. He whispers to the others. "Whomever of these vermine survives we must kill or they too will go get help and return. Evil is very predictable.".
Lian Tuesday October 1st, 2002 8:00:37 PM
Whispering to his friends, the monk says; "I believe we are not in the best shape to encounter these people. We should use their combat as distraction to make our escape."
As he speaks to his friends, Lian draws his bow and knocks an arrow. He seems poised to fire at the beings on the hill. (Lian is readying an action, so that if anything on the hill sees the Talons he'll fire at them, lizardmen or orc alike)
K'Nara d20=20 d20+11=13 d20+5=17 d6=2 d6=5 Wednesday October 2nd, 2002 7:36:06 AM
K'Nara used some spare hankies to bind up her hand (OOC: woohoo--natural 20 on the unaided Heal check!), cursing under her breath about having to haul out of the cave in the manner that the Talons did.
"More orcs and lizardfolk, too..." she mumbled, squinting at the scene of combat, then she nodded, "Okay, Figment, I agree--we'll let these guys duke it out and mop up the survivors." K'Nara then eased her bow into her hands and loosely nocked an arrow.
"Anyone with prep spells left can apply them liberally now..." she suggested, then turned her attention to the battle again, waiting for an opportunity to loose a couple of arrows upon the unlucky winners of the confrontation.
(OOC: I've rolled for K'Nara's two missile attacks, which will take place only when either the orcs or the lizardfolk are dead--the shots hit AC13 and AC17 for 2hpd and 5hpd respectively.)
Olana Wednesday October 2nd, 2002 2:40:39 PM
Trying her best to get a grip - Olana looks around and catches a glimpse of Lian's hair. She's not quite sure which sight is worse - the lizard and orc thing happening in front of them - or Lian's hair! AND the others looked a bit toasted at the edges too. AND it was all her fault - if she hadn't been so clumsy...
Instinctively, her hand rises toward her own scalp. Have her long, blonde tresses gone too?? Instead, her fingers scramble for her bow and what she hopes are still servicable arrows, because right now she doesn't want to know. At least Milo looked to be in one piece. At one point she was worried she might have blown his head off.
ingrge 7d6(6+3+6+3+5+5+4)=32 Wednesday October 2nd, 2002 7:50:42 PM
Stopping to make sure the rest of the party are out, Ingrge motions them on and hands over Moonshadow's reins to Olanna as she passes by. As soon as the others are on their way, Ingrge starts casting. Moments later there is a bright flash and an explosion as a lightening bolt reaches out and touches the area of the hill where the combat is taking place.
DM Kent Wednesday October 2nd, 2002 8:06:22 PM
As the talons move out, passing Ingrge and moving out, Ingrge casts his spell. There is a bright blinging flassh followed by a booming explosion. Moments later there is a large amount of loud rumlbing. When the smoke and dust clears the talons no longer can see the hill as it seems to have collapsed into itself.
over the next few days they move on toward their destination and manage to avoid various groups and critters, while also managing to once again become healthy [mark off any charges and or magic used to heal the numerous injuries.] on the evening of the third day you see the palisade of Fort Hospitality. While wary, the guards will let the party in, and it is obvious that they are very wary of you. It is also very obvious that the Force here is a mercenary force and that they have not been well treated of late.
In the courtyard you have seen six or seven hides stretched across frames. The hides are all huge and of beasts that you have never seen or have only heard of in old bard's tales.
That evening as you all bed down in a separate barracks everything seems to be fine and dandy.
Figment d20=12 Wednesday October 2nd, 2002 9:11:40 PM
As the Talons make their way to the fort, the mage replentishes his spells. He compliments Ingrge on the effective lightning bolt as they travel. As they enter the city he canvases the place with his eyes looking for anything unusual or out of place (DC20). When the Talons come together he offers "So what do you think we need to do?".
Lian d20+16=33 Wednesday October 2nd, 2002 9:43:40 PM
Lian rides along with the Talons and over the course of the first two days, Lian the Monk heals himself (Wholeness of Body, 28 points of healing total). "Please friends, heal yourselves. Don't use your potions and spells on me."
Looking much better on the third day, Lian talks with to Ingrge about his magics and spellcasting abilities. "What spells does you know? What do they do? What was that that you cast at the Hill? What can you tell me of your craft?"
Lian meditates quietly in the barracks, but isn't totally settled having seen the large beast pelts. Listening to the sounds around him as he meditates. (Listen 33)
Olana d8+4=5 Thursday October 3rd, 2002 12:53:54 AM
The elf sups a potion for another 5pts as they travel. When they reach the barracks, once they've settled in. She will attempt to purchase some new clothes - ones that don't smell of burned flesh. "What are those beast hides?" she whispers to the others at one point. "I've not seen such creatures."
K'Nara d20=15 Thursday October 3rd, 2002 6:46:44 AM
The human bladesinger stood with her unfired bow and arrow in hand, her eyes wide and her mouth hanging open at the sight of the freshly-struck battle site. Then K'Nara turned around and glared at Ingrge.
"Show-off..!" she grumped...then winked at him, grinning. "C'mon, then, Talons...on with our mission..!"
(OOC: over the course of three days' travel, I'd assume that the group would use whatever healing spells available to them rather than consume potions or use scrolls, if only because the spells are renewable and the items are single-use-only.)
The sights and sounds of Fort Hospitality confirmed most of what the group had already suspected from their own encounters up to now: something unusual was up in the area...all they had to do was figure out what.
"We ought to try gathering information about encounters that the mercenaries have had in this area recently," K'Nara pointed out to the party, "As well as seeing if anyone around here has seen or heard anything closer to Mount Bone." The tall redhead carefully produced the lumpy mass of gold-and-glass, trying to examine it to see whether she could even hazard a guess as to what the glass parts used to function as... (OOC: voluntary Intelligence check of 15.) She also worked on either removing or at least blunting the sharp edges of the exposed shards...no sense in having a nasty, cut-inducing piece of metal hanging around while awaiting the opportunity to sell off the gold.
Milo d20+28=48 d20+25=35 Thursday October 3rd, 2002 11:37:44 AM
Milo goes about the task of healing his friends as best he can over the next three days, fully expending his full complement of spells each day in order to accomplish this task. Somewhat singed, the halfling ignores his own slightly toasted hide, and allows time's passage to take care of it, as it may. Upon reaching Fort Hospitality, Milo settles into the barracks with his friends, and then slips out quietly for a look about. (OOC: Hide and Move Silently at DCs 48 and 35 respectively)
Ingrge Thursday October 3rd, 2002 7:45:03 PM
Nodding to Figment and grinning at K'nara, Ingrge feels satisfaction at the results of his lightening bolt, but there was some surprise in his eyes as well as the smoke cleared.
Along the way Ingrge accepts what healing he can get and in a day or so he is feeling in tip top shape.
As lian asks his questions Ingrge answers as he can. I have learned how to cast about 80 different spells. With them I can do a myriad of things. Many of my spells are scrying spells and the like as it is my area of speciality. While I have offensive spells, they are not the predominant tyep of spell in my armory.
Like Figment, my spells are magic-based and not acquired from the gods, as I understand out clerical friends get theres. There is much study and practice involved in magic. As for what I cast at the hilltop, it was a lightening bolt.
Once at Fort Hospitality, Ingrge stands and staes at the hides for a bit and then after settling in goes out for a bit.
DM Kent Thursday October 3rd, 2002 8:03:16 PM
While breaking glass shards K'nara finds that the gold could have been nothing other than gold coins as there are several not quite melted ones stuck on the bottom. the glass shard seem to be of similar make and shape of potion vials.
Lian finds the fort fairly restful and easily slips into a slight meditative trance.
Figment's observations of the fort find that the fort has definitely seen better days, that there doesn't seem to be much discipline, and that the force stationed here looks a lot like the fort itself. There seems to be a tension in the air that doesn't quite seem to fit with all he sees.
Olanna, spends a few minutes with Ingrge checking out the hides and trying to figure out just what they may have been. Neither of them have any idea of what the animals were that gave up their pelts. After settling in she goes in search of clothing that fits her and after what seems an awful lot of waiting and hemming and hawing she finds a set of passable fit.
Over the traveling days, Milo is able to use his compliment of spells to effectively heal all the Talons including himself. As he wanders through the fort on his errands, he notices that there are very few of these mercenaries wearing metal armor or carrying heavy weapons, there seems to be a preponderance of short swords and daggers and an awful lot of loose dark clothing.
Figment Thursday October 3rd, 2002 9:43:42 PM
The mage speaks to those helping maintain the city proper on architectural improvements they can make to the city. He helps direct any crews that might be available to help fortify the city walls and its gates.
Lian Friday October 4th, 2002 3:02:25 AM
Lian listens intently to Ingrge.
"See my friend, I am considering, but only considering, becoming a caster of the arcane. That is why I asked." He raises an eyebrow. "I think I could find use in the defensive spells and perhaps the combat enhancing spells. I fear that I might be becoming neglegant in my disciplines though. We will see."
Lian now begins questioning Figment, using pretty much the same questions he asked Ingrge.
K'Nara Friday October 4th, 2002 6:30:28 AM
K'Nara looked around for a place to purchase some healing potions--obviously the party could really use such supplies. She kept her eyes and ears open as well, looking for any clues or rumors about what was up in the area and around Mount Bone. She encouraged all the other Emerald Talons to gather information as well. (OOC: K'Nara's going to be dropping in on the Catacombs.)
Lian Friday October 4th, 2002 7:21:43 AM
Answering K'naras command to gather information; Lian says this, "With all due respect K'nara, I am not suited to gather word, especially now, bald elves do not often get good response." Reminding her of his bald head.
Olana Friday October 4th, 2002 11:04:47 PM
Having found a set of garments, Olana spends some time trying to engage some of the mercenaries in conversation, wishing Milo were there - he was always a better conversationalist.
She takes note of race, age and clothing, and tries to guage the fighting ability of the mercenaries. She asks in a polite way whats been happening around here lately, and if they knew what was going on over Mount Bone way.
Lian Saturday October 5th, 2002 11:04:07 AM
The mage responds to Lian after thoughtfully considering his question. "Wel, my friend, casting spells requires a great deal of focus and dedication. It will take you away from your other pursuits to be certain. You will also find it very mentally challenging. Imagine the discipline you apply to your body applied to your mind. It's tough - but I'd be glad to help you if you intend to pursue it.".
Lian Saturday October 5th, 2002 11:04:28 AM
The mage responds to Lian after thoughtfully considering his question. "Wel, my friend, casting spells requires a great deal of focus and dedication. It will take you away from your other pursuits to be certain. You will also find it very mentally challenging. Imagine the discipline you apply to your body applied to your mind. It's tough - but I'd be glad to help you if you intend to pursue it.".
dm Kent Saturday October 5th, 2002 11:18:05 AM
The rest of the early evening passes quickly. the information you have gathered intrests and concerns you. * K'nara finds that none of the military force here has been more than a few weeks, including the leaders. There have been huge groups of orcs and other humanoids seen and they all seem to be making their way towards Mount Bone. * Olanna seems to think that most of this force are not fighter types and most of them are quite young, all of them human. Her efforts to draw any of them into conversation are met with stony stares and silence. * Figment can't seem to find anyone who is in charge of anything and when he asks the populace about who is in charge of the city, he gets a lot of nervous, averted eyes and cold shoulders. * Milo has a difficult time finding nice flowers but manages to eventually find some in someones garden. With some major league schmoozing and a little coinage, the owner allows him to collect a small bouquet, and in the conversation, the old lady lets slip that things have not been the same since the garrison was forced to leave. She also mentions that the more outspoken people have been disappearing at night never to be seen again. * Milo also comes across a group of kids playing in an alley and before they notice him he sees that they are role playing a game that could only be called assassin and victims.
Just about dark The talons arrives back at the barraks you all have been assigned and moments later Ingrge joins you. He looks really rough worried, and worn out. He shuffles inside and immediately goes to one of the cots and lays down. There is a small cooking area at one end of the barracks and it will soon be dark.
Lian Sunday October 6th, 2002 1:14:06 AM
To Ingrge, Lian replies, "You and I both know that elves are naturally fluent in the arcane magics, and are in most cases the best at it; so it is said in arcane writings . I love a challenge, the body and especially of the mind. You know most of my abilities are focuses of the mind, albeit a different type of focus but disciplined none the less. I would be a great student." The elf smiles. "I have another, more sensitive question to ask friend Ingrge. How old are you? I know that maybe a taboo but I have travelled some time with you and I still do not know. I am, myself, one hundred and fifty-six. The masters and father always said I looked very young, even for an elf." He smiles again.
In the evening, having stayed in, Lian sees Ingrge enter and moves to the elven mages cot-side after getting a light meal from the cooking area. Lian offers a plate to Ingrge. "What is troubling you friend?"
Figment d20+7=25 Sunday October 6th, 2002 9:52:20 AM
The mage frowns as he gets the cold shoulder and the team explains what they know. He attempts to deduce anything he can from what he sees and hears (Int DC 25). "Thse people are being subverted and are too terrified to explain what's happening. I expect an evening foray will be useful. I have an improved invisibility spell I can cast on somebody - or I can use it myself.".
Milo Sunday October 6th, 2002 9:47:48 PM
Returning to the group Milo wears a look of extreme concern, "K'nara, things are not well here. I've heard stories of people disappearing in the night, and caught a group of children playacting as assassins. Also, did you notice the mercenaries around here... they dress oddly in light armor, or none, with quick weapons of deception." Then suddenly remember that he is holding a small bouquet of flowers in one hand, Milo's concerns seem to melt away, and he ventures over to the other side of the room and waits for Olana to return, when he approaches the elven woman and holds the bouquet of flowers out to her, "This may not sound as.. 'ahem' well, the way I want it too... but would you like to go out for a walk in the evening air, to check out the assassin problem that is?" Milo blushes furiously.
K'Nara Monday October 7th, 2002 6:52:38 AM
The human bladesinger grimaced.
"More questions, and no answers." sighed K'Nara. "At least none that satisfy." She rubbed her face tiredly, looking momentarily older than the scant two decades she had lived so far.
"All right, then, Talons," K'Nara said firmly, "This is what we'll do: we'll get our rest here...but we'll stand watch like we usually do when we're going overland. Milo, Olana--you can do more digging, but be VERY careful...and be back in time to take third watch, all right? Figment will be on first watch, Lian and I will be on second watch and Ingrge can take the fourth watch. After we have breakfast, we'll all get our butts over to Mount Bone as soon as possible--we obviously aren't going to discover anything until we get there."
Olana d20+13=15 d20+13=32 d20+2=20 Monday October 7th, 2002 2:08:36 PM
Olana returns and reports. Her story is similar to the others. "Its like we've wandered into the biggest thieves guild in the Wold," she says, rather puzzled. "But if so - who and where is their leader?"
Her entire face lights up as Milo gives her the flowers. "Thankyou, she whispers, and for a moment looks like her old innocent self, before all this Parnoth and Godswar nonsense started to weigh heavy on her soul.
She agrees to accompany Milo, and takes note of what K'Nara says about returning in time for third watch.
"We'll need to bring our 'other' skills to the fore here," she whispers to her halfling friend. "If this is a den of thieves, then we need to be very careful."
(Moving silently DC15 Listen DC32 Spot 20)
Out there, she's watching her back, and looking for some kind of gathering place.
ingrge Monday October 7th, 2002 8:18:15 PM
Watches the Talons and listens to Lian for a while, letting him know that he is nearly 250 years old, until Milo and Olanna return with their reports. As Milo approaches Olanna with the flowers a scowl crosses Ingrge's face. As he watches her accept them and the walk invitation, and blush as well, Ingrge's face goes just about purple. As Lian offers him the plate of food, Ingrge just about bites his head off. MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS YOUNGLING. IF I WANTED SOMETHING TO EAT I'LL GET IT MYSELF.
Abruptly getting to his feet, Ingrge shoves by Lian and with a quick nod to K'nara exits the barraks giving one last accussing stare at Milo and Olanna as he leaves.
DM Kent d20+6=18 d20+6=7 Monday October 7th, 2002 8:45:50 PM
First watch passes quietly and Figment gives up the watch to K'nara and Lian, Ingrge, Olanna, and Milo are still out doing what ever it is they are doing.
At about thirty minutes past midnight, Lian catches some movement out of the corner of his eye in one of the far corners of the barracks near the cooking area.
Pointing the movement out to K'nara, they see four dark figures spread out and move stealthily toward the sleeping area.
DM Kent [continued] d20+6=19 d20+6=25 Monday October 7th, 2002 8:52:13 PM
Ingrge walks a while and finds him slef in a seedy tavern. Waliking in he sits himself at a table near the front door and places himself in a corner with his back to the wall. Ordering himself a bottle of Dwarven liquor, he upends the bottle and takes a long, deep swig.
Olanna and Milo head out for their walk and find their way walking through the more populated residential section where they see families packing it in for the night. They see an awful lot of interior storm shutter being put up. They also both spot several darkly dressed figure leaping from rooftop to rooftop. Every now and again they see small groups of people whispering softly that immediately break up as you approach.
Lian d20+10=23 d8-1=3 d8+4=9 Tuesday October 8th, 2002 12:02:37 AM
Lian is slightly offended my his elders harsh words, however, it soon becomes a minor happening. The dark cloaked figures cause Lian to silently 'gulp'. "K'nara!" The monk whispers. "Uhh... K'nara. Who are they? They are as quiet as me and just as stealthy as Milo. I do not like this place at all. Those large strange pelts, dark cloaked figures, silent citizens and those dark cloaked figures, did I mention them?!" Thinking to himself, 'I hope Milo and Olana are safe. I wish I had more training in the stealth area, I need practice.'
Lian readies against an attack, completely expecting more than the four to be somewhere nearby. (Hitting AC 23, Stunning attack DC 17, for 3 real DAMAGE) (OOC:I'm not sure if they intend to harm us or others in the sleeping area. Are we in the sleeping area? Do they look intent on us? Sense motive 9)
Milo d20+28=44 d20+25=34 d20+10=20 d20+10=30 Tuesday October 8th, 2002 1:24:37 AM
Looking genuinely concerned, Milo asks Olana in a low voice, "Did I do something wrong?" He watches solemnly as Ingrge leaves. Once outside, Milo stays close to Olana, "I think that folks here are scared of the night." Noticing the dark figures on the rooftops, "Perhaps we should follow them, and see what they are up to. Maybe we'll get a chance to talk with one of them." (OOC: Hide check DC 44, Move Silently check DC 34, Spot check DC 20, Listen check DC 30).
K'Nara d20+5=22 d20+11=13 d20+4=24 d10+4=8 d10+4=5 d20+4=5 d6=1 d6=6 Tuesday October 8th, 2002 7:01:58 AM OOC to Lian: when a person stands watch, they do so at least partially away from the designated sleeping area, in order to allow the people to rest. In this case, K'Nara and Lian are probably on one side of the barracks, with Figment sleeping on the other. I'm also assuming that Ingrge, Milo and Olana are no longer in the barracks, either, as they've all gone out to do various things this night.
K'Nara stiffened as Lian pointed out the stealthy quartet, then gestured for the monk to approach and attack the two on the left while she took care of the two on the right. Quietly the female fighter unsheathed Lucia as she also used her bladesinger training to approach the intruders silently (OOC: got 22 for Move Silently check), waiting until the very last second before suddenly bellowing: "LUCIA!!!" Her reason for this was two-fold: to cause the area to suddenly become illuminated by the sword's flame so that she could see better to strike at the intruders...and to wake Figment from his slumber with the sound of her yelling.
(OOC: I know I'm assuming a lot--that the quartet is actually in a configuration so that Lian CAN "take the two on the left", etc. Common sense tells me that K'Nara will at the very least intercept/strike at the one closest to reaching Figment. I've rolled K'Nara's two attacks--the first hits AC13 for 8hpd & 1hp fire damage; the second hits AC24 for 5hpd & 6hp fire damage but misses out on being a Crit Hit [unless the AC of the intruder is actually 5 or less.] ;D)
Olana Tuesday October 8th, 2002 6:18:06 PM
Olana stares after Ingrge for a moment, and bites her lip. "Still waters run deep, Milo, to be honest I'm not sure," she says by way of reply to Milo's question about Ingrge.
As they see all the skulking about, she adds - "I think you're right. What if they're kidnapping children and teaching them the bad things in life? I don't like this place at all. I'm wondering - if everyone's boarded up - they'll be looking for the easy places to rob. We could follow - but maybe its a good idea to warn our people. Lets not stay out too long."
DM Kent d20+6=18 d20+6=9 d20+6=13 d20+6=17 d20+5=6 d20+25=43 d20+25=44 d20+10=26 d20+10=28 Tuesday October 8th, 2002 10:02:16 PM
the four figures realize that they are no longer unannounced and silently make their ways quickly toward K'nara and Lian. Whether due to suprise or carelessness they all miss on their attacks although both K'nara and Lian feel their opponent's blades slice through layers of fabric.
Lian attack manages to strike one of his opponents as does K'nara's second attack.
After hearing K'nara's battle cry and hearing the sound of sword play, Figment who had only been asleep about an hour wakes.
Ingrge sits and slugs out of his bottle as he thinks. How is it that she can even think about having any kind of a non-working relationship with Milo. He is a halfling. She is an elf for Domi's sake. How is it that she can't know how I .... Milo's a nice enough sort, but he isn't an elf. Why doesn't she look at me that way. Maybe I should ... Ah, To the shadowlands with them. Who cares what they do. Let the little she elf have her toy, it won't last, and then we will see what happens ...
Lost in his obsessive little world he doesn't notice the three men that have come up to his table.
Olanna and Milo turn as if to follow one of the shadowy figures when they realize they wont have to go very far to find some to talk to, as they realize that two of them suddenly step out of the shadows right behind them with their swords drawn. [move silently DCs 43, 44 hide DCs 26,28]
Lian d20+8=18 d20+8=19 d20+5=7 d8-1=5 d8-1=7 d8-1=4 Tuesday October 8th, 2002 10:25:35 PM
"We are not mere peasants lad!" As Lian strikes out at his opponent. His fast fists waste no time striking out at the dark form. (Flurry of blows, +8/+8/+5) Hitting AC 18, 19 and 7; for 5, 7 and 4 respectively for 12 real DAMAGE. Lian slowly moves and DODGES around to raise his AC to 21. He attempts to avoid the dark figures and getting flanked.
K'Nara d20+11=26 d20+4=8 d10+4=6 d6=4 d10+4=9 d4=3 Wednesday October 9th, 2002 6:44:47 AM
"Sheesh!" K'Nara gritted her teeth as she fought. "This is NO way to treat tourists..!" She whirled her flaming blade at one of her opponents (OOC: hits AC26 for 6hpd + 4hp fire damage; hits AC8 [bleagh!] for 9hpd + 3hp fire damage.)
Figment d4+1=4 d4+1=5 d4+1=2 d4+1=2 Wednesday October 9th, 2002 8:30:27 PM
The mage rolls quickly to his feet and realizes an attck is underway. Assuming it is some of these assassins the others were speaking of, he identifies the one that Lian is pounding on and launches 4 of his signature magic missiles at him (13 DMG). "You were foolish to think us unprepared...". Figment also scans the area again to see if any other assailants become visible.
Olana d20+8=15 d10=6 Wednesday October 9th, 2002 9:35:26 PM
Olana spins around, pulling her better sword. She attempts to use the flat of her blade (6 dam) to knock the idea of attacking out of her assailant's head. "Don't be stupid," she says quietly. "We're more than a match for you," sincerely hoping they are, of course.
Ingrge d20-4=16 Wednesday October 9th, 2002 9:45:35 PM
Looking up, Ingrge sees his new companions. Indicating the other chairs, he asks them to join him for a drink.
Milo d20+8=25 d20+8=22 4d6(2+4+5+5)+1=17 4d6(1+6+1+6)+1=15 Thursday October 10th, 2002 1:31:43 AM
With a couple of quick steps, Milo maneuvers behind the two men, to flank the thug that Olana attacked, drawing his short sword as he moves. The enchanted blade is a whir of motion as the halfling brings it to bear on the cretin. Addressing Olana, "I don't think these guys are the local constabulary, you may want to point that out to them." (OOC: Milo moves by the one attacker, provoking an attack of opportunity from him, though Mobility and Dodge increase Milo's AC to 22 for the maneuver. Milo hits ACs 25 and 22 for 17 and 15 hps respectively)
Dm Kent d20+6=19 d20+6=23 d8+4=9 d20+6=20 d20+6=21 d8+4=12 d8+4=8 Thursday October 10th, 2002 7:47:37 PM
two of Lian's flurry strike solidly one of his opponents and then manages to dodge one of the attacks aimed at him but is not so lucky with the second one as he is struk solidly for 9 points of damage.
k'nara also hits once and is rewarded for her strikes by being hit twice herself for 20 points.
figment's bolts go flying and strike lian's opponent and drops him to the ground.
milo's and ollana's attacks on the one man decapitate the fellow leaving a shocked look on both his and his companion's face.
The other one stands there looking at the two of you like a deer caught in the lantern light and manages to stammer, 'We'int mean n' 'arm. Jes wannit t'ask fer yer 'elp, an y'wen an y'kilt 'im.'
Ingrge's companions snicker at him and then in a very superior tone say, Ain'no pointy eared fok lowwed in 'ere. yu gats t'go.
Figment d4+1=2 d4+1=5 d4+1=3 d4+1=2 Thursday October 10th, 2002 8:14:55 PM
The mage frowns at the declaration. "Then drop your swords! You do not attack and then expect to ask for help!". The mage watches the interlopers. If they comply he holds his spell. If they continue to fight he blasts the one not injured yet with 4 more missles (12 DMG).
[David, the person speaking is talking to Milo and Olanna in town, the ones in the barracks havent said a thing they are just attacking silently]
Lian d20+10=29 d8-1=5 Thursday October 10th, 2002 10:43:28 PM
Lian is unsure of what Figment is attempting to do, in the past he used to talk things out, recently he would attack with no question. Oh well. Lian readies to attack the dark figure if he attacks the monk. If he attacks Lian his last opponent, (Stunning attack, hitting AC 29 for 5 damage, DC 17 Fort Save or be stunned) "Fig?! What are you saying?"
Olana Friday October 11th, 2002 1:05:05 AM
For a long second, Olana looks at her sword, the headless body, and then back at her sword. This was getting to be a regular occurance. What had she become, some kind of harbinger of doom? A pointed eared Grim Reaper?
With a desperate sigh, she looks across at Milo, and then whispers to the other person - "Sorry....."
K'Nara (who possesses AC23 now, you know) d20+11=28 d20+4=18 d10+4=9 d6=4 d10+4=14 d6=3 Friday October 11th, 2002 6:54:56 AM
The bladesinger-in-training nearly reeled away from the damage of the two successful attacks upon her, then grimly launched a counterattack.
(OOC: first attack hits AC28 for 9hpd + 4hp fire damage; second attack hits AC18 for 14hpd and 3hp fire damage.)
Milo d20+12=32 Friday October 11th, 2002 9:55:28 AM
Milo's face remains perfectly calm as the thug sputters his protest, and then as Olana apologizes, "Sorry nothin', Mister you're lucky you're aren't dead as well. By Pantheon's golden scales, what did you think would happen by stepping quietly out of the shadows on perfect strangers with a weapon drawn like that? Especially with all the dark cloaked strangers with nasty looking weapons runnin' about this infernal town." As Milo talks, he starts to get angry, though his voice remains quiet, taking on an edge like ice. Looking up at Olana though, he immediately relaxes as he sees her worry, "Don't fret about this Olana, this man is either a complete fool, or a liar. I'm not sure which yet. Where I come from, you don't sneak up on somebody with a weapon drawn, unless you mean business." (OOC: Milo made a sense motive check DC 32).
dm kent d20+15=29 d20+6=16 d20+6=19 d20+6=19 d20+6=7 d20+6=15 d20+6=15 d20+6=8 d20+6=8 Monday October 14th, 2002 5:46:55 PM
Milo takes a good look at the other man, who still has not dropped his weapon, and as he makes his decision that the man is playing for time, the man swings his weapon at him, just missing as the halfling edges to the side.
K'nara drops her first opponent and the other one lashes out at her missing as he tries to avoid the flaming sword.
Lian strikes out at his opponent connnecting but not stunning [DC19], but is rewarded by the fact that the man badly missed with his attack.
Figment's missiles lash out and strike k'nara's opponent.
After Ingrge's retort of, 'I suppose you are going to make me leave.' The four grab the table and throw it out of the way and move toward Ingrge. As they rush Ingrge, they get in each other's way and none manage to grab hold of the elf.
Milo d20+8=23 d20+8=26 4d6(6+6+6+3)+1=22 4d6(3+3+6+5)+1=18 Monday October 14th, 2002 8:07:30 PM
Milo's grin is feral, "That's what they all say." The halfling takes a step, placing the man in between himself, and Olana, in flanking position, and lets his magic short sword finish his thought. (OOC: Milo hits AC 23 and 26 for 22 and 18 hps respectively)
Figment d4+1=3 d4+1=2 d4+1=5 d4+1=4 Monday October 14th, 2002 9:47:59 PM
The mage snarls at the attackers. He blasts Lians assailant with 4 more missles (14 DMG). "You guys just wait... In a few months I'll be able to throw FIVE at a time at you!"
Olana d20+10=19 d20+8=24 d10=1 d8=2 d20+2=10 d20+2=7 Monday October 14th, 2002 11:51:15 PM
Sweeping to the other side of the man, Olana's blades slice in as soon as Milo's sword has finished it's work. (Hits DC 19 and 24 for 1 and 2) The villain appears to stagger away slightly, so she is only able to deliver relative pin pricks.
Then her eyes look to the rooftops once more, just in case. (Spot DC 10)
Lian d20+10=27 d20+10=26 d20+7=8 d8-1=6 Tuesday October 15th, 2002 12:44:38 AM
The elven monk is really beginning to take it personally when he's unexpectedly attacked for apparently no reason at all. Lian attempts to Trip his opponent. Hitting AC 27 (if he's tripped, Lian takes his regular attacks at the prone form hitting AC 26 and missing with a natural 1, dealing 6 DAMAGE) (if his opponent isn't tripped, he takes his second attack hitting AC
Lian (additional) d20+7=12 d8-1=2 Tuesday October 15th, 2002 1:00:13 AM
OOC: Oops, I hit submit by mistake.
...continuing....
hitting AC 12 (using his second attack), for 2 DAMAGE.)
"Get use to it friend, the Talons do not fall easily!" Says the monk.
Lian Dodges his opponent (AC 21)
K'Nara d20+11=28 d20+4=11 d10+4=7 d6=4 d10+4=6 d6=6 d20+11=27 d10+4=11 d10+4=9 Tuesday October 15th, 2002 6:25:45 AM
Still smarting from the lucky blows her opponents landed on her, the human bladesinger turned her undivided attention onto her remaining opponent...much to his detriment. (OOC: The first blow hits AC28 for 7hpd + 4hp fire damage--but it also qualifies as a Crit Hit--the CH blow hits AC27 and adds an additional 20hpd for the skillful application of Lucia's blade [I didn't think you can make additional damage with the flaming part of the sword, though, so I didn't roll for that.] K'Nara's second attack hits AC11 for 6hpd + 6hp fire damage.)
ingrge d4+1=5 Tuesday October 15th, 2002 5:41:43 PM
'What a bunch of clowns.' And to think I was hoping for a little bit of a workout. But I have already had a horrendously bad day.' Speaking nearly at the top of his voice, Ingrge say, If you want to live, you might want to exit the inn now.
With a bit more flourish than necessay and a muttered 'copiesofme' there are suddenly 6 Ingrges facing the burly drunks.
DM Kent d6=3 d6=3 d6=4 d6=4 d20+6=17 d20+6=19 d20+6=18 d20+6=19 Tuesday October 15th, 2002 6:02:59 PM
Milo, and Olanna shredd their final opponent as do Figment, K'nara, and Lian. and all is quiet both encounters lasted mere minutes.
Ingrge's words send a stampede to the doors, but his opponents spread out to face the six Ingrges after hesitating only a few moments.
All four have drawn a pair of daggers and appear to know how to use them. Two of them attack the 3rd ingrge and 2 attack the 4th one, both connecting with their opponent and both cursing as the two Ingrges they attacked dissipate into nothingness.
Milo Tuesday October 15th, 2002 7:51:12 PM
Milo looks up at Olana smiling, "Well, as much as I would like to cavort with you through the streets of this gentle burg, I suppose the responsible thing to do, is to go and tell the others." Milo's follow-up sigh is long and deep.
Figment d20+8=25 Tuesday October 15th, 2002 8:00:19 PM
The mage moves over to the assailants quickly and searches for anything that might tell him who they are and who sent them (Int DC 25). "I hope the others are OK. We should not separate again in this place and we MUST find out who is behind this before we move on to Bone Castle.".
Lian Tuesday October 15th, 2002 8:09:13 PM
"Okay, that went well? I suppose." The monk looks at the red-headed leader and asks, "Who were they and why do you suppose they attacked us?"
The elf thinks a moment, "I wonder how the others are doing?"
Lian searchs the dark figures for 'ID' or items. If any of them are still alive, he'll tie them up and gag them, leaving them for Milo the Justicar to 'deal with'.
After the search is done and Lian sits back waiting to hear word of the others, healing himself while he meditates.(healing 9 points, using Wholeness of Body)
Olana Tuesday October 15th, 2002 11:27:58 PM
Milo's words lighten the mood considerably for the elf, and she breaks into a smile. "Hang on a sec," she says, and quickly examines the bodies for anything of interest. "It's unlikely they'll have a sign that says 'Rogues Unlimited' and an address tattooed on their chest, but you never know."
After that, she'll accompany Milo back to base unless her search uncovers something too interesting to ignore. "I hope Ingrge's alright," she whispers. "He went out on his own."
K'Nara d20=20 d8+1=8 Wednesday October 16th, 2002 7:12:54 PM
K'Nara panted heavily, her injuries telling.
"Lucia." she commanded her sword to flame off, then sheathed it with a grimace as her wounds reminded her that their unknown foes had been playing for keeps. She helped Figment with his search of the bodies, looking for any clues to the origins/identities of the men. (OOC: Search check is a natural 20! Whoohoo!)
"The gods only know, Lian." she spoke to the monk, then frowned at Figment's statement. "Ingrge isn't here? I hadn't noticed him leaving...though it's starting to get a little late for Olana and Milo, now...I was expecting them to come in through the door during our unexpected altercation with these guys..." K'Nara pulled out her pack, rummaging through it for a potion bottle which she uncorked and quaffed with alacrity. (OOC: drank one of her CLW potions for 8hp of healing.)
"I can only hope Ingrge wasn't fool enough to try wandering around by himself," the leader of the Talons said, wiping her mouth with the back of one hand, "This place has demonstrated a severe lack of respect for anyone with any kind of points to their ears."
Ingrge 8d6(6+4+3+6+5+5+6+6)=41 Wednesday October 16th, 2002 8:07:35 PM
Having originally placed himself near an exit, Ingrge used his doubles to mirror his moves to the door and then just as he is about to step through, he and the other 3 Ingrges stop and turn back toward the ruffians and lets loose with a whopper of a fireball. [41 points each]
DM Kent Wednesday October 16th, 2002 8:28:34 PM
All the attackers at both locations have little on them other than their weapons and two small vials of liquid, one at each hip. They also all have a bloody dagger tattoed onto the inside of their left bicept. Their weapons consist of two wicked looking, slightly longer than normal, bent/curved wide bladed daggers.
Ingrge's Firball goes off and even the talons can hear the muffled sound of the boom. The ruffians are engulfed and incinerated as are most of tables and chairs in the tavern. The tavern is on fire and will soon threaten the other nearby buildings.
Figment d20+18=32 Wednesday October 16th, 2002 10:15:43 PM
Hearing the fireball goes off, the mage recognizes it immediately (Arcana DC 32). "That was Ingrge's work. I'd say our evening is about to get interesting.". He heads toward the fire, looking for the others, staying behind the others (I'm guessing we are going to go there...).
Lian d20+6=22 Thursday October 17th, 2002 1:44:43 AM
Jerking out of his meditation and looking at the door after hearing the explosion, Lian snickers a little bit. "Well, I am sure Figment did not just blow something up because he is right here. Who else around here do you know that casts lightning bolts... or, wait, that was a different sound. Ingrge must have encountered someone as well, but that is just a hunch." The elf sniffs the air, smelling the slightly pungent odor of burnt wood and sulfur. "Nope, that was not a lightning bolt." The elf jumps to his feet and runs over to the door, opens it, and looks out, looking for tell-tale signs of destruction. (Spot of 22)
K'Nara Thursday October 17th, 2002 6:09:17 AM
K'Nara gathered up the vials, frowning because her instinct was telling her that they were likely to be poison, even though there was no current time or way to test that theory.
Then the telltale "boom" and Figment's comment caused the human bladesinger to let loose a stream of invectives that doubtless singed Lian's uninitiated ears. ;)
"That's IT!" she said, standing up and kicking one of the bodies to one side. "Let's go see if Figment's right--and keep an eye out for Olana and Milo, too! We're getting together and then heading OUT of town...hopefully to spend a restful night out amongst the orc patrols and mutant wolves and..." Her comments trailed off to an irritated mutter as K'Nara exited the barracks, leaving Figment and Lian to follow.
Milo Thursday October 17th, 2002 10:51:10 AM
After helping Olana collect the vials from the dead bodies, Milo is ready to go. However, the sudden explosion brings the Justicar to full alert. Grabbling Olana's hand, the halfling heads out, "We better find out what that was... I hope everybody is okay."
Olana Thursday October 17th, 2002 1:36:38 PM
Olana is looking curiously at the blades of the rogues weapons - "You know these are good kniv -" when the blast occurs and Milo grabs her by the hand.
She takes takes up the knives also and follows quickly. "Well, who do we know that likes to blow things up?" she says completely without irony, having forgotten their last little escapade with the chest.
Ingrge Thursday October 17th, 2002 5:39:00 PM
Turning his back on the burning inn the four Ingrges look around at the former tavern's patrons that are hanging around. 'You all made the right choice. Now is anyone going to further delay my departure.' Taking a swig from the bottle still in his hand he heads back yo the barracks.
DM Kent Thursday October 17th, 2002 6:03:40 PM
The onlookers faced with four Ingrges decide the better part of valor might be to try to put out the fire and start attempting to do so, or at least they keep it from speading to the rest of the fort.
Lian, Figment, and K'nara rush out the door and make for the reddish glow down the street when they here two pair of footsteps coming up behind them rapidly. Turning rapidly weapons in hand they see that it is only Milo and Olanna. As the group again makes their way toward the former inn, they see four Ingrges coming around the corner toward them. Oddly he seems to be taking a large swig from a bottle of liquor.
Figment d20+7=22 Thursday October 17th, 2002 7:36:48 PM
The mage frowns and scoffs as the warrior woman walks by. "IF Figment is right?!?!". Looking to Lian he adds "It was a rather impressive fireball. Something it takes a long time to learn. Ingrge is quite good as a mage. Quite good indeed...". He makes his way with the others.
As Ingrge walks up drinking his bottle, the mage wryly mentions "You know, the townsfolk may have noticed it was you who started the fire...".
He rifles through his memory banks to see if he can remember any groups with the red dagger tattoos or wicked looking daggers as standard weapons issue (Int DC 22). "Perhaps we could get Milo and Olana to attempt and track our assailants passage prior to them getting to the barracks? What do you guys think? Any chance we can figure out where their headquarters are?".
Milo Thursday October 17th, 2002 11:53:57 PM
Milo looks curiously up at Figment, one eyebrow arched, though silent and concentrating as if weighing every word the wizard speaks. Then turning, to Olana, the halfling relaxes and smiles, "Tracking would be your department ma' dear. Though I don't know what good it would do to track lightfooted rogues on a city street." Milo searches his memories for knowledge of this cult of thieves.
Lian Friday October 18th, 2002 12:34:54 AM
"Glad to see you both alright. Um... Olana, clean the blade." The elven monk looks at the rangers sword and smiles with a raised eyebrow. He glances at Milo, then shakes his head with wide eyes.
Looking back and forth, Lian looks for Ingrge. Seeing the red glow, he points in that direction. "Ingrge?" The elf smirks, or is it a grimace?
The monk follows happily along.
K'Nara d20+11=19 d20+4=21 Friday October 18th, 2002 6:52:05 AM
K'Nara instinctively grabbed at the nearest Ingrges--or, rather, for their bottles. (OOC: first attempt hits AC19, the second hits AC21; she's intent on snagging the bottle and throwing it away if either hit actually does more than dispel two of Ingrge's remaining Images.)
"Give me that!" snapped the human bladesinger, trying to take away the elf's bottle. "What in the Nine Hells has happened here???"
Olana Friday October 18th, 2002 6:58:09 PM
"Well... we ran into trouble, you see," says Olana breathlessly to Lian when he mentions the blade when they regroup.
"K'Nara there are thieves everywhere. Milo and I ran into some trouble and - oh my...." She looks in astonishment at the four drunken Ingrges. And Milo was certainly right about the tracking difficulty.
ingrge Sunday October 20th, 2002 10:46:20 AM
'You know friend Figment. I expect you are right. They defiitely will know I set the fire. as I did not try to hide the fact.' I was after all just defending myself.'
DM Kent d4=4 d4=3 Sunday October 20th, 2002 10:54:36 AM
K'nara makes her grabs and two Ingrges pop out of existance. The happy elf reaches out to her and hands her the bottle. Hey, if you wanted a drink....
Somewhat surprisingly there does not appear to be anyone of authority coming to check out the fire. The inn is basiically a gutted shell but the fire was contained so that no further damage was inflicted.
Milo wracks his brain about the thieve's tattoos and recalls reading something about a similar mark belonging to the followers of Jancassis.
Milo Sunday October 20th, 2002 12:27:51 PM
As Milo stands there with a perplexed look on his face, rubbing his chin between forefinger and thumb, it suddenly strikes him, and the knowledge alights upon his brow with a mixture of fear and anger. Looking around at his friends, and then settling on K'nara, "I know where I've seen that symbol before... Have any of you heard of the cult of Jancassis... god of revenge. You might think that Pantheon and Jancassis have something in common, but there is a fine line between justice and revenge that one must never step over... I think that this was planned... they meant to assassinate us." All the while explaining, Milo's hand drops to the hilt of his mystic short sword, and the halfling's knuckles turn white as he grips the pommel.
Figment Sunday October 20th, 2002 6:47:48 PM
The mage listens to the halfling. "So where is there a temple of Jancassis around here?".
Lian Monday October 21st, 2002 4:08:15 AM
"I think we definately need to leave for Mount Bone sooner rather than later. Ingrge may end up on the loose end of a noose if we do not. We may have been targets before, but now we burnt down the local tavern, that is not good. Everyone here will know who did it." He looks at K'nara. "Yes, I am afraid of the outcome! If we leave now, the heat might die off then we can come back and deal with these Jancassis worshippers. We might find more information at the Mount." The monk looks for a response to his words in the faces of his friends. "Revenge is not the way."
K'Nara d20+11=25 d20+4=24 d3+1=4 d3+1=3 d20+1=17 Monday October 21st, 2002 6:33:32 AM
K'Nara found herself holding a mostly-empty bottle and facing two drunken Ingrges. She tossed the bottle over her shoulder, not caring where it landed. Then the leader of the Talons threw two punches--each one aimed at the respective chins of the remaining illusion and the real Ingrge.
Whichever Ingrge was left, she seized and hoisted in a fireman's hold over one shoulder. (OOC: made a Strength check to pick up our all-too-happy elf.)
"Let's get outta here!" she growled to the rest of the Emerald Talons. "I've had it with this place--and we still have to find out what is up at Mount Bone!" The exasperated redhead carried Ingrge over to where the party had put up their horses and dumped the inebriated elf over the back of her own mount. "Everyone on a horse and let's get out of town. Double up if you have to."
K'Nara couldn't wait to get to a decent place to set up camp--then she'd be able kick Ingrge's butt in relative peace and safety.
Ingrge Monday October 21st, 2002 11:06:52 AM
Suprised and shocked at having been struck by K'nara, Ingrge manages to get out a quick phrase before being tackle and carried like a sack of potatoes. 'You know the last people who did that are somewhere inn that mass of ash.' It is as he turns to point at the fire that he is tackled and carried. Too drunk to really effectively fight it, he starts to giggle, ;;giggle, giggle;; Why 'nara, I'm not tha' kina elf. 'Sides my heart is already given. Now, if all you wan ish my body...' ;;GIGGLE, GIGGLE;;
He gasps as he is unceremoniusly dumped on the horse.
DM Kent Monday October 21st, 2002 11:30:30 AM
The Talons get to the gate and find that they are allowed to leave without any difficulty. They head toward their destination and about an hour later find a suitable campsite.
[you may post multi day posts if necessary to cover things you wanted to do.]
Morning comes and Ingrge feeling, more than a bit chagrined and hung over, sits hunched over his spell book studying.
As the Talons move out there seems to be an awful lot of movement in the area. Large groups of Martean liveried soldiers moving the same way as you, but they seem to be hyper-focussed and don't even notice you. Every now and again you see a group of them under attack by slightly larger groups of Jancassis' followers.
Near the end of the third day, a change comes over the area. The sky goes completely dark and the Martean liveried folk start showing sings of awareness and excitement. If possible, they seem to be moving even more rapidly toward Mount Bone.
Several minutes later you hear the echoing bell of several horns. The Marteans set off with frenzied cries and shrieks and start foaming at their mouths. Now you start fearing for your safety whereas you were not before.
Just as you realize that you have been targeted by about 50 soldiers, there is a great EXPLOSION in the distance, and everyone of the Marteans falls to the ground, overcome and comatose.
Milo Monday October 21st, 2002 2:13:01 PM
Knowing that he cannot fight an entire temple full of Jancassis followers himself, Milo is happy to leave the dark town behind, and get back on the road.
Over the next couple of days, riding double with Olana, even though there are Marteans all about, Milo , for good or ill, quietly expresses his affections to Olana, not wanting to remain silent, knowing full well that being a halfling may cause him rejection, but not caring anyways.
Milo is shocked at the sudden behavior of the "rabid" Marteans, and equally dismayed when the entire lot is laid low by the distant explosion. "That wouldn't be where we are headed would it?" Milo looks questioningly at K'nara.
Figment d20+18=29 Monday October 21st, 2002 10:48:03 PM
As the Talons move along with the despicable followers of Martaeus he struggles to refrain from blasting some of the groups. He decides, however, to save his spells as he will probably need them all before too long. He smiles as some of the soldiers get what's coming to them from the Jancassis followers. "At least we can count on them to kill each other. Less work for us...". He slumps disappointedly as the soldiers fall to the ground and he has to refrain from showing Ingrge that he can cast a pretty god fireball too. With his mastery of Arcana, he attempts to deduce what is happening to the soldiers (Arcana DC 29). "Yes Milo, I'm afraid so. Maybe Jancassis is attempting to control Mount Bone. Who knows, maybe we could find it open with all the opponents dead already. I wouldn't mind claiming it and declairing it a refuge of Alemi. Wouldn't THAT torque Martaeus!".
Olana Tuesday October 22nd, 2002 1:08:50 AM
Olana is also glad to be out of that particular town. It was obviously a place that would be a trouble spot in the future.
Riding along with Milo, the elf listens silently to what he has to say. It presented her with a dilemma. Where she came from, affairs of the heart were always intertwined with the strength, longevity and well being of the tribe. Partners with whom to share love and affection - and eventually marriage and children, were chosen with extreme care and laborious tradition - primarily because the birth of children was so special and rare. She knew where her duty lay.
But then, the last few years had been anything but typical. Other creatures seemed to want to race ahead at breakneck speed. She was caught in a world that seemed to run at 10 times the pace of her own; and it was a world of pain and struggle and terror and never knowing where the future lay. She felt displaced. Despite her outward cheer, it was something that constantly troubled her, and knowing it couldn't be helped just seemed to make it worse. And it the midst of this was Milo - he made her smile, he made her feel wanted and special, he gave her hope. Quietly, she had a great deal of affection, love and respect for him. She enjoyed his company. So there it was.
To her it was a path that needed to be carefully treaded, for both their sakes. Some would not understand, and her possible future obligation hung around her neck like a millstone - if she lived long enough, and things ever slowed to down to anything like a normal life.
Over the next couple of days, she attempts to explain privately to Milo what lies in her heart, and what lies in her head.
As they travel, and witness the gathering of Marteaus's army, she grows more and more unsettled. What were these villians up to now, she wonders. As the explosion occurs she gasps in shock and astonishment.
"That seemed to have come from a few miles away. Who would have the power to do such a thing?"
Lian Tuesday October 22nd, 2002 3:15:13 AM
He openly snickers at K'nara and Ingrge. The elven monk just rides along behind the Talons silently, just watching their activities and the dynamic between the female and the halfling. Lian watches Ingrge's sharp glances at the duo and then right around the second night, he puts it altogether as he meditates, he thinks.
As for the more non-trivial events, he is afraid the days of the previous Year are about to repeat themselves. He voices his concerns. "War, again! Gods seem to never be content with peace, forcing their followers on quests they can not complete. Blind fools."
K'Nara Tuesday October 22nd, 2002 8:30:36 AM
After departing Fort Hospitality, the Talons set up a safer place of rest. K'Nara noted the following morning that Ingrge was very much the worse for wear, and almost decided that his hangover was punishment enough.
Almost.
"Ingrge." the human bladesinger spoke to him after having finished her morning training routine and while the two of them where relatively separate from the others. "I hope you realize that I got really angry with you yesterday not because you were drunk, but because you'd gone off alone in what was obviously hostile territory. Do not ever--EVER--do that again! You're too important." So saying, K'Nara nodded brusquely and went off to have breakfast.
As the activity around Mount Bone appeared to reach a crescendo, the redheaded warrior woman reined in Poki and surveyed the increased traffic with a thoughtful frown.
"No wonder Parnoth is worried--looks like the Dork Lord is up to his old tricks." K'Nara said darkly. The Talons' being surrounded by the forces of Marteaus seemed to confirm this...then the surprising turn of events that floored the evil hoarde occurred.
"On to Mount Bone!" K'Nara ordered. "We've GOT to find out what in The Wold is happening..!" She spurred Poki to his swiftest and rode flat-out for the ominous peak.
Ingrge Tuesday October 22nd, 2002 12:50:01 PM
Ingrge grunts at k'nara's reprimand and then over the course of the next few days stare, sometimes glare at Olanna's and Milo's backs as they ride ahead of them. More than a bit alarmed at the number of Marteans moving along with them,ngrge keeps eye contact with Figment as much as possible in order to make a joint decision if it became necessary. His fingers really started to twitch when they came across the two groups fighting.
Ingrge, never one to be overly verbose in any situation, has actually almost become mute. Most of his responses are single word answers, unless he can get away with a grunt. And a grunt is all that comes out of him when the explosion occurs and all the Martians fall down.
As K'nara gives her order to ride, Ingrge leans toward Moonshadow's head and suddenly they are off like the wind, pushing the others to keep up. When they finally have to stop for the night, there is a light smile on his face, if only for a mere second, as he takes care of his partner.
DM Kent Tuesday October 22nd, 2002 5:44:12 PM
As the talons move quickly forward, the dark of Mount Bone suddenly takes shape on the horizon.
Several miles after the big boom the talons notice that many of the fallen Marteans are regaining conciousness and getting to their feet. They are obviously shaken to their core and while they continue their way toward the Mount, they do so a less urgent pace.
Near the end of the day 4th day, after a last bit of travel, you see ahead of you Mount Bone. As you approach you see several things; One, there are areas of shadow that seem to triangulate upon the tower. Second, there also seems to be an inordinate amount of Orc tribes hanging around, both alive and dead.
All evening and night you watch large groups of orcs, and other monsterish folk entering the tower. Later that evening you hear many trumpets and fiery displays come from the mountain, almost as if there is some sort of huge festival, celebration, or tourney going on.
Other than being very tired the Talons are fully healed, but this host has them more than a bit dismayed.
Figment Tuesday October 22nd, 2002 8:23:28 PM
"Hmmmm. Perhaps a fly over would be better than a group jaunt? I can fly over to see what's going on. Any objections?". If not the mage casts invisibility and fly on himself and goes to have a look around the outside of Mount Bone. He observes the orc groups and attempts to listen in on any conversations. He thinks to himself "I must learn this simple language. Looks like I'll be dealing with orcs forever...". He looks carefuly at the entrance of the place and if it is not warded with magic he will fly into the castle proper and see if he can determine what al the fuss is about. He then returns to the group and reports.
Milo Tuesday October 22nd, 2002 8:24:48 PM
Milo listens thoughtfully to Olana, then, when she is through, he acknowledges her dilemma, "Boy I don't know how folks back home would feel... though Ma was always awfully accepting... I suppose I was quite the handful growing up. Anyways, the path of care it is, though I must say, I don't think that folks like us were ever meant to live anything that resembles a 'normal' life." Milo's face quirks up and the halfling's smile is like sunshine.
[Later] Milo's whistle comes low between his teeth, "K'nara, that is a lot of orcs... what would you propose we do? I could get a whole lot closer if need be, Olana is good and quiet... and I'm sure some spellcasting would solve the rest of ya'll's noise issues... if you wanna get a closer look." Milo looks sideways at Lian and winks.
Figment, cont. Tuesday October 22nd, 2002 8:26:33 PM
During the trip, the mage works with Ingrge as they atempt to determine the correct course of action on spell casting. He notes his aggitation over the development between Olana and Milo. He tries dilligently to not razz him too much about being carried out like a sack of potatoes by K'Nara - but knows at some point when things get less intense that he'll certainly bring it up... :)
Olana Tuesday October 22nd, 2002 11:42:56 PM
"I think we should try and stick together," says the elf, looking around warily at all the orcs and other minions that Mount Bone seemed to be sucking in.
"I have to admit - I'm curious."
As for Ingrge....... she is struggling to find a way to approach him, and talk through whatever is going on.
Lian d20+14=22 d20+4=24 d20+16=22 Wednesday October 23rd, 2002 1:52:52 AM
The monk looks down at the halfling with a slight smile on his face. "I am sure Figment has it under control. However, I will go with you if you like."
Pulling Milo off to one side, Lian states his concerns privately. (Chris, I'll email this to you)
If Milo, Lian and Olana head off to investigate:
Lian travels cautiously with the ranger and justicar. Whispering to Milo before getting to far into the nest of Orcs. "Do not go and disappear on us Milo, I could not find if you were standing in front of me. Do not hide unless you need to." The monk gives a sly wink and with that moves quietly (22) and makes an effort to hide (nat 20 =24). As he goes he listens (22) for the 'common, sylvan or draconic' languages among the Orcs, maybe the common speakers are the ones to watch out for, they might be spell casters or leaders. He expresses this quietly to his friends.
"If there is a dead orc body nearby or close to where the three of us are spying, we should examine it for cause of death." Says the monk thoughtfully. "I am studying Anatomy, it would be interesting to see an orc body in relatively good condition, one that has not been burnt or otherwise dismembered." He says with a macabre undertone.
K'Nara Wednesday October 23rd, 2002 7:10:07 AM
The female fighter scowled--orcs, orcs everywhere, and not a drop of blood to spill (not if the group wanted to remain unnoticed, that is.)
"All right, Figment--see what you can find out." K'Nara agreed with the mage reluctantly. "Lian and Milo can do ground recon at the same time--all of you be careful--and come back with what you've seen. I'm pretty sure we have to get over to that tower, somehow...I need ideas on the best way to do that."
Olana Wednesday October 23rd, 2002 11:30:26 AM
After listening to the discussions, Olana will stay on guard with K'Nara. "Be careful," she whispers to Milo.
Ingrge Wednesday October 23rd, 2002 9:12:28 PM
after telling Figment that he didn't like the look of the shadoy areas and to avoid them if at all possible, Ingrge makes his way back to the K'nara and Olanna. Without looking at Olanna Ingrge bruskly says I've got the first two watches. I need to think. You to get some sleep. that said he moves to an area about 30 yards out from the ladies and starts walking a perimeter.
DM Kent Wednesday October 23rd, 2002 9:42:36 PM
Figment finds that getting in to Mount Bone any way but as a prisoner is going to prove more than just a bit more than near impossible. In addition any time he gets near to the shadows he senses great dismay and evil. Figment also sees that the closer to the mountain he gets the more organized the groups seem to be. He cant closer than a 1/4 mile due to the fact that there are several large flying things flying around the mountains summit.
Milo and Lian head out on their ground reconnaisance and don't get nearly as far as they though they might because they come a young single human working his way somewhere in the dark. [enter Orson]
Figment d20+7=26 d20+18=25 Wednesday October 23rd, 2002 10:45:06 PM
The mage observes for awhile, avoiding the flying things. He attempts to deduce what the big event seems to be. He also looks around for any prisoners and any magic in the area (Int DC 26, Spellcraft 25).
Orson d20+4=12 d20+4=21 d20+7=14 d20+7=19 Thursday October 24th, 2002 12:58:51 AM
The human makes is way through the dark, relying only on the light given off by the electricty that courses over the blade of his sword in his left hand. Hes a young man, maybe early twenties, long red hair hanging over the chain shirt that he wears. He glances around as he hesitates in his movements, gripping the hilts longswords he wields in anticipation. He continues walking forward slowly, glancing about nervously and sending worried looks toward the larger groups of orcs, hoping he hasn't been noticed. [OOC: Listen Check DC 12, Spot Check DC 21, to notice anyone in the area I may wish to avoid, or not avoid, whichever it may be. Hide DC 14, Move Silently DC 19 to attempt to remain unnoticed]
Orson (correction)... Thursday October 24th, 2002 1:15:10 AM
[That would be a DC 13 Hide, and DC 18 Move Silent, Forgot to include the armor check penatly on my sheet. Sorry.]
Milo d20+28=39 d20+25=45 d20+10=19 d20+11=29 Thursday October 24th, 2002 1:23:34 AM
Looking into Olana's eyes, the halfling smiles and winks, "Hey... its me..." Then with a flourish, Milo wends his way down into the orcs,using all his resources to full effect. Seeing the human lad, Milo circles the boy, attempting to get a closer look without being noticed. (OOC: Made Hide and Move Silently checks DCs 39 and 45 respectively, then Spot and Listen checks DCs 19 and 29 respectively.)
Lian d20+16=34 d20+6=23 d20+14=32 d20-1=5 d20+4=22 Thursday October 24th, 2002 3:35:06 AM
Taking his eye off Milo, if only for a moment, notices Milo's gone a moment later. Then the elf sees the boy, but doesn't make it obvious to the young man. The graceful elven male searchs a random corpse, keeping a suspicious eye on the kid. (Listen 34 and Spot 23, focused on Orson) He moves quickly and quietly passes over the corpses (32).
Then he looks quickly up at the human boy startled (Bluff of 5). Whispering to the boy, "What are you doing in this place? Not a good place for one so young." States the elf with a raised eyebrow. "Are you sure your in the right place, young man?" He asks as if he knows what the young man might actually be doing there (Sense Motive 22). With this line of questioning, Lian hopes to keep the young humans attention trained on him. (Milo, your up ;-) )
Orson sees an elf (relatively young looking) with no apparent weaponry, wearing a heavily used traveling cloak and NO armor. He's about 5'3" and slight of build. The elf is quite graceful and fleet of foot. He has long platnum blonde braids coming out of the top of his head with the sides shaved bald. His eyes show great age and wisdom.
Olana Thursday October 24th, 2002 5:42:47 PM
Olana stays with the horses, trying to keep them quiet. She doesn't like this place. There's too many of the enemy lurking nearby, and the land looks ruined and without life. What was going on in Mount Bone, she had no idea - but if at any point it failed to enthrall the vermin that flocked toward it, the Talons could be in big trouble. 'As soon as we're done, we're getting out of here fast, aren't we?' she asks K'Nara in a low whisper.
DM Kent Thursday October 24th, 2002 9:40:03 PM
Olanna and K'nara have their conversation about leaving this area as Ingrge continues his solitary rounds.
From the distance up and the fact that its night makes it very difficult for Figment to tell what's going on. His best guess would be a tourney of some sort.
Orson watching the elf, Lian, never even realizes that there is a halfling standing just out of blade reach there behind him.
With quick introductions and a warning to not go ofr any weapons the three lads head back to the camp.
Ingrge, while not completely sulking, is still certainly out of sorts at the current situation. He is in, in fact, so caught up in his confusion that he nearly steps on the young man looking in on toward the camp. Ingrge can't see but does smell the nearby horse. Not drawing his sword or staff, Ingrge looks down at the young man. 'May I help you with something, or are you just staring off into the distance.' [enter maloray]
after a brief intro Ingrge leads his young charge and horse back into the camp and to the talons leader.
Orson Thursday October 24th, 2002 10:15:12 PM
Orson observes the young elf cautiously, but not totally untrusting, as he doesnt appear to be a threat.
"I know where I am, Old Man, and am quite certain this is were I wanted to be" he replies to the elfs inquiries. "Although I hadnt realized the great numbers of those I came to deal with," glancing toward the larger tribes of orcs.
He lowers his dual longswords to a non-threatening position, and advances some. "So what are YOU doing out here, at your delicate old age?" he inquires with a smirk.
If the monk shows no hostility, Orson whispers away his sword's enchantment, and sheaths his weapons. "My name is Orson," he states, and pauses for the elf to reply.
"Well as much as I would love to sit here and converse, I beleive we should get to a less hostile place to do so. The bloody greenskins can wait to die until tomorrow."
Orson is quite suprised when Milo shows himself (IF he shows himself), and goes through another round of introductions.
If offered, he will help them get out of the hostile territory (or get rescued by them, depending on whose point of veiw).
Maloray Maloreyn'n Thursday October 24th, 2002 11:28:35 PM
Ingrge sees a short (5'3"), wiry young man with sandy brown hair bound in a single braid down to the middle of his back. Slightly pointed ears reveal elven blood.
The half elf wears a chain shirt over a leather undershirt, a loincloth which seems to be made of some type of animal fur, and leather boots laced up to mid-calf.
A wicked-looking axe dangles from his belt and a well-made longbow is slung diagonally from right shoulder to left hip.
Completing the picture, a silver amulet in the form of an owl head rests upon his chest.
The half-elf's mustang is saddled and bridled for travel, a large sack hanging from one side of the saddle and a cloth-wrapped bundle about five feet long is tied to the other.
Maloray examines the elf before him for a long moment before replying.
"Well met, westerner. I am Maloray Maloreyn'n Magdorn'd of the Owl Clan, whose hunting grounds lie to the east."
Maloray glances towards the mountain and rests his hand on the head of his axe before returning his gaze to Ingrge.
"Are you an orc foe?"
Milo Friday October 25th, 2002 12:27:08 AM
Milo appears as if emerging from the ground itself, standing between Orson and Lian. "Greetings, did you get lost? You don't look much like an orc to me... and mostly what I see out there... are orcs. Well.. and one noisy elf." Milo winks a Lian, and the halfling grins from ear to ear. Looking over a K'nara, Milo reports everything he has seen, "I don't think that we'll be able to get through that as a group. I might be able to go it alone, but even that would be risky." Report given, Milo drifts through the group to stand silently next to Olana.
Milo is tall for a halfling, standing four feet, he can look most dwarves in the eye, and his build is slim and athlethic. His short light brown hair is neat and straight, and his blue eyes seem to constantly shift between mirth and business. Milo is wrapped in a generous cloak, spun of the finest cloth, whose colors seem to shift and blur to match the scenery around him. It is bound with an ornate periapt bearing the symbol of Pantheon, the symbol of a justicar. At one hip is a bejeweled short sword resting in a well worn scabbard.
Olana Friday October 25th, 2002 1:20:57 AM
At some point, Olana becomes aware that Ingrge has returned with a stranger - a male half elf. She raises an eyebrow, watching them walk toward camp, and then alerts K'Nara if their leader hasn't already spotted them. "Ingrge has found someone," she says.
(Presuming Lian, Milo and Orson return soon after)
She is further intrigued as Milo and Lian return with another, too. Human, this one by the looks of it.
Whoever they were, they both looked well armed. She looks them both over curiously as they arrive, but will leave the talking to K'Nara.
~~Orson and Maloray will see a pretty female elf, 5 ft tall, dressed in dark leathers that look as though they have been taken apart and re-stitched to fit properly. Her blonde hair is scraped back and braided - not as long as it was, due to an unfortunate 'accident' in the hills a few days back. Her green wool cloak looks worn, but servicable. The ranger is armed with blades, and bow.~~
Her solemn demeanor is broken with a smile as Milo arrives back in one piece. In truth - she was glad to see them all. She hated this place. But where was Figment?
Lian d20+4=10 Friday October 25th, 2002 4:11:10 AM
To Orson, the elf bows nearly in half. "I am Lian Siannodel, elf of the Culverwood area, Hei Tu Temple monk and aspiring Talon Monk. My Friends here are the Emerald Talons." The monk starts back to his friends, with the lost one. "That slick halfling... urg, where did he slip to, is Milo Thistledown, what they call a Justicar in his trade, whatever that is, have not quite figured that one out yet. Should I tell you of the others...? no, that is bad form, I will let THEM do that. Oh, before we get to the site, let me tell you! The stern elven brethren is Ingrge, he may not take kindly at first, but he is a kind sort once you get to know him." The elf turns to Orson as if what he said just dawned on the elf. "Old? Delicate? I will have you know, YOUNG MAN, that while you were in diapers, I was more than likely in my eightieth year in the temple." He replies calmly to the humans otherwise insulting remark.
Getting back to the group, Lian introduces the newly found drifter. "Aw, it seems that there is another on here as well. You know each other?" The elven monk bows to Maloray (Sense Motive on Maloray, 10). "Fond tidings.... furry one, I mean no disrespect of course, for I do not yet know your name, I am Lian Siannodel. Hey, is that a dwarven axe? I have a friend who has one like that." The wisdom and experience Orson saw initially in the elven monk turns to youthful curiousity directed at the new half elven kin.
K'Nara Friday October 25th, 2002 8:13:45 AM
"Olana, not even owning Parnoth's treasure trove would be enough to keep me here longer than we absolutely have to be..!" the human bladesinger assured the ranger.
Once Orson and Maloray were brought to the camp and to K'Nara's attention, the new arrivals saw the following:
Standing with the elven female was a human woman whose size, build and mien were most unusual: she was six feet tall and fair of skin (save for some freckles across her nose and cheeks.) Though the net snood that encompassed her chestnut-colored hair made it impossible to judge its length, those strands that strayed from the hairnet's confines confirmed that her hair is extremely wavy--if not downright curly. She wore a mithral shirt over a bayrah (a tunic-like dress that has triangular hemming in the front and the back of the garment; it allows the legs to move freely while retaining a modest knee-length hem) and soft boots that laced up to just under her knees. On her back, in a sheath that allowed her to draw the weapon from behind her right shoulder, was a large bastard sword that both Orson and Maloray got the unshakeable feeling that the woman they were viewing knew only too well how to use to deadly effectiveness.
The human turns and eyed both newcomers most critically, her hazel gaze expertly assessing the combat qualities of each male.
"I'm K'Nara." she said tersely in a voice that smacked of self-confidence. "I am honored to be the leader of the Emerald Talons, and pleased to meet you. Have either of you seen anything that may help my group as we try to assess this tower, the army and their purposes for being in the region?"
Ingrge Friday October 25th, 2002 11:09:06 AM
As Maloray introduces himself, he nearly makes a fatal mistake and Ingrge's eyes go cold and dark. Barely restraining himself, Ingrge retains his temper and with perfect control in his voice answers this impudent halfbreed. My name is Ingrge Nightseer, I originally hail from North of the Culverwood and if you want to keep your head in place youngling, don't ever insinuate that an elf could ever be anything but an enemy to one of those godless Yrch.
Ingrge is a tall, nearly 5 1/2 ft tall elf, with nearly pitch black hair and emerald green eyes. He is wearing gray leather armor over which rides a hooded gray robe. he seems to be brisling with weapons, including a bow, several daggers, two rapiers, and a staff.
As they get back K'nara, Ingrge leads the young halfelf up and introduces him. I came across this youngling and figured I shouldn't let him be kiled by our green friends. He calls himself Maloray Maloreyn'n Magdorn'd of the Owl Clan, whose hunting grounds lie to the east.
Ingrge in turn greets Orson and shakes his head in wonder at that two, wondering if he was ever that young.
after a moment Ingrge Turns back to K'nara and in a break in the conversation interjects.
'K'nara, Parnoth never said we had to get in to the tower. He said go to the tower and make a report of what we see. We are here we have seen, we have quite a bit to report. I say we do so in the morning and then we get out of here.' There are some that just aren't the right type of company for an elf to keep.'
DM Kent Friday October 25th, 2002 11:14:08 AM
Introductions are made and when Figment returns the rest of the night passes smoothly and without incident.
[OK all, I am withdrawing the one post rule for now until the new game starts on monday get to know each other, in character, deal with whatever issues you need to deal with, make your report to parnoth, etc. and I will post when necessary tonite and throughout the weekend. It has once again been enjoyable being your DM, even if I could't kill any of you this round. I will send out experience this weekend.]
Orson Friday October 25th, 2002 11:49:29 AM
"Exactly, eighty years is pretty old for me....in comparison, old man." he says jokingly to the young elf, who obvious is neither old nor delicate.
As Orson makes his way into camp, he too eyes wach person, attempting to assess each persons skills. His gaze lingers on K'Nara, and a look of sorrow, almost pain, covers his face for a brief moment, before continuing his inspection of the rest of the group. He in turn greets everyone, even the other new arrival.
Orson stands around 5 and a half feet, and is in quite good physical condition. His long red hair hangs freely down a little past his shoulders. He wears a well made, and well worn chain shirt over a simple surcoat, and leather breeches, tucked into boots laced most of the way up his calf.
Lian Friday October 25th, 2002 4:40:27 PM
"K'Nara, may I speak with alone for just a moment?" He gesters for Milo (if he's anywhere to be seen) to follow.
The elven monk takes the bladesinger off to oneside and states his concerns. "Now, I know your the Talons experienced leader, and I assume you were not jaded by my arrival at first. I showed up in your group in a relatively safe enviroment. Now, I mean no disrespect by stating this. WE MUST BE CAREFUL with these ones regardless of their cander or demeanor. They survived, somehow, out in there. Be it, by there wits, by dumb luck or by paying off the ugly Greenies. They hadn't even met each other prior to this. I just find it rather... convienient. Parnoth might be testing us, these could be his minions. I have a good feeling about the newcomers though, but I am going to be cautious to say the least for the next couple of days. I suggest no watches by themselves for sometime and possibly relying on Ingrge to watch them, it'll give him something else to occupy his mind, especially if you ask him to do that as a personal favor to you K'Nara." The elf waits for the leader to say something.
Maloray Friday October 25th, 2002 4:51:45 PM
Maloray shrugs and grins at Ingrge, his teeth bright against his deeply tanned skin.
"Gods or no, my axe thirsts for their black blood," he says fiercely.
He follows the elf back to the camp.
(Lian speaks)
"Your words do not shame me, elf. There is no dishonor in the wearing of rabbit skin. Owls have long hunted rabbits."
He grins widely before answering the elf's other question.
"Drinker is not a dwarven axe, it was an Orc axe and now it is an Owl axe, taken from the cold fingers of an orc feathered with my arrows."
Tracing the etchings on the side of the blade, he adds thoughtfully
"It is a better tool in my hand than it was in his."
(Hearing Ingrge speak to K'nara)
"Who is Parnoth?"
Orson Friday October 25th, 2002 7:47:56 PM
As Lian pulls K'Nara and Milo to the side, Orson moves over to speak with Maloray. In a quiet tone, "So, this is the part where they decide on whether they are going to trust us or not, i think."
After a moment, he continues in a louder voice, "So Maloray, what are you doing out in a wretched place such as this?" Orson asks as he unslings his sword sheaths from his back, setting them on the ground. He then sits down beside them, and retrieves a waterskin from a sack hanging on his side. After talking a long draw, he holds it out toward the half-elf, wordlessly asking if hed like a drink.
Speaking aloud to the group as a whole "Was hoping for a little action tonight from the greenskins, only heard there they were here, but not in such numbers. Ingrge, is that right", he glances to the elf, assuring his pronunciation is correct, "Ingrge said you where sent here to scout...do you know why they gather in such numbers?, and what they are up too?"
Ingrge Friday October 25th, 2002 9:54:35 PM
Well, we had heard that they were catching wayward humans and the such and turning them into orc breeders, so we here to see if that was true or not, and if so to try and get them to change their minds, but then you know how rumors start.
Maloray d20=20 Saturday October 26th, 2002 12:28:19 AM
Maloray accepts the water skin from the human and sniffs at it cautiously.
(Sense Motive on Orson: 20)
If it seems alright, he'll take a drink and then fix the human with his gaze for a moment.
He gestures at his horse and says in a completely serious tone: "Howler smelled Orcs and this is where he brought me. Good horse, that one."
If anything in Orson's face reveals confusion or disbelief, Maloray will give a lowd guffaw before striding over to the horse and adjusting its load.
If not, Maloray lets the comment hang as if it's the gospel truth.
Orson Saturday October 26th, 2002 12:33:44 AM
Orson chuckles loudly, "Heh, that's me...Orc Breeder Extrordinare! Might take a lot of convincing to get me to make me hate them horrid greenskins." After a very short pause, "Ok, im convinced."
Answering K'Naras question, "Truthfully, I dont know much about what they are all doing here, I had just here rumors of bands of orcs in the area, so decided to take care of them. Got in pretty far before I realized how many there actually were, and then ran across the old man here....I just really hate orcs." When he says the last part, his voice fills with anger, and his face with the same sorrowful look he had when he first saw K'Nara. He coughs and clears his throught, taking another long drink for his waterskin.
[No posting limit, must abuse it while I can!!!]
Milo Saturday October 26th, 2002 3:02:35 PM
Milo listens to Lian, nodding, "I understand your concern, but the two of them hardly look like terrorists." Moving away from the huddle, Milo looks up at the sky, silently praying to Pantheon for wisdom and patience, and then moves back to Olana, where he stands by her side. Milo reaches out to give her hand a playful squeeze, and then considering the feelings of some of his other friends, lets go, following up with a quick wink.
K'Nara Saturday October 26th, 2002 6:56:29 PM
When Ingrge pointed out the Talons' mission to her, K'Nara suddenly grinned.
"Why, Ingrge Nightseer..!" she said teasingly. "You aren't seriously suggesting that we go by the semantic letter of what our most beloved and revered monarch has decreed, are you?" Her hazel eyes glowed, as though enjoying some secret joke. Before any questions could be asked about it, however, the female fighter continued to address the Talons' second-in-command:
"However, you ARE right--we can report our findings to the big Green Meanie with a clear conscience...it's just that I, myself, am curious as to what may have brought all these wastrels into this area and why. It's already adversely effected places like Fort Hospitality."
When Lian offered his own advice, the redhead nodded and replied in a voice meant for only the monk's ears: "Yes, I know...I'm not likely to hand over the keys to our weapons cache to them and go to sleep, Lian. But--I'll have a word with Ingrge about keeping a specially watchful eye on them." Which, at her first opportunity, K'Nara does.
It was Maloray's question that raised the warrior woman's eyebrows the most, though.
"WHO is Parnoth?" K'Nara echoed, having overheard the question. "Either you've been extremely sheltered all your life, Maloray, or you're jesting in some inexplicable way, because Parnoth is the big green dragon that my group and I promised to report to--he has declared himself the ruler of the Emerald Kingdom for the past few centuries and has been draining the life and love out of the forest that gives this land its name." K'Nara eyed the half-elf a bit suspiciously.
"However, I'd advise against direct opposition to the assembled orcs...at least not at this very moment." K'Nara addressed Orson. "There are far too many of them here...and I am still very, very suspicious about who or what drew them to this spot...and why."
(OOC: hmmm...how are the Talons supposed to report to Parnoth? I don't recall the almighty Green One giving the group any of his patented eavesdropping devices or magical item that allows them to do this in "real time"...therefor, the only way for the group to tell Parnoth of what's there is for them to turn around and go back to Emerald City to report in person, yes..?)
Maloray Saturday October 26th, 2002 8:36:27 PM
At K'Nara's comments, Maloray stretches and yawns.
"Never heard of him. So why doesn't somebody just slay the big lizard and be done with it?"
Maloray looks challengingly at the big woman, not realizing he's said something stupid.
DM KENT Saturday October 26th, 2002 10:22:44 PM
[OOC ROG, ALL COPACETIC TO ME]
INGRGE RAISES AN EYEBROW AT k'NARA'S COMMENT AND THEN LEANS OVER AND WHISPERS SOMETHING IN HER EAR ABOUT MOP HANDING HER A WRAPPED BUNDLE AS THEY LEFT AND THELLING HER SOMETHING ABOUT USING IT TO REPORT ONCE WE GOT TO WHERE WE WERE GOING.
SOMETHING VERY STRANGE IS GOING ON AT THE MOUNTAIN. IT SEEMS AS THEOUGH SOME SORT OF STORM IS BREWING. THE CLOUDS ABOVE THE ,MOUNTIAN ARE SWIRLING AND TURNING ALL KINDS OF PERTY COLORS. AND THERE ARE MANY LIGHTENING BOLTS SHOOTING UPWARD FROM THE MOUNTAIN.
Orson Saturday October 26th, 2002 10:44:02 PM
"Well as long as your going to deal with some orcs in one way or another, I wouldn't mind joining ya, at least for a while. Nice having other people around, and my arms won't get quite so tired if I don't have to handle all these orcs myself. Although i agree the head-on aproach might not be the brightest plan, even if you do have me."
"Not sure if I'd like working for Parnoth though, not really my ideal employer, but we can see how things go."
[Assuming they are in a fairly safe camping spot, if not, this will happen when they are in a safe place to camp :)] "Well im going to catch some shut eye, now that i got someone else to watch my back while i sleep. Pleasure meeting everyone, and if you need me to take a watch just wake me and let me know." Orson slides his chain shirt off, tossing it carelessly on the ground next to him. He slides a bedroll out of his large sack, and unrolls it near the chain shirt. He carefully places his sheathed swords on top of his armor, being quick gentle with them, them lyes down on the bed roll, using the remaining items within the large sack as a pillow.
He continues to listen to the groups conversations as he closes his eyes to try to get some sleep.
Maloray Saturday October 26th, 2002 11:55:28 PM
Maloray turns to check on his mustang and sees the commotion around the mountain.
Untying his long, wrapped bundle from the saddle (anybody who cares to look can tell it's a wrapped sword, probably a greatsword. The shape of the crossguard kind of gives it away), he gestures towards the scene.
"Looks like we might be in for some weather."
He walks over and sits on a nearby rock.
K'Nara Sunday October 27th, 2002 6:51:32 AM
After Ingrge reminded her about the wrapped bundle Parnoth's assistant Mop had handed over, the leader of the Talons nodded--she'd forgotten about it in all the strange events that effected her group since agreeing to come investigate what was happening in the Mount Bone vicinity.
"Why hasn't anyone..?" K'Nara began to echo Maloray's words, blinking in astonishment. Then a slow but very sincere grin spread across her face. Suddenly the half-elf found himself in a brief but tight hug--a sensation that was not unpleasant, for (while certainly not buxom) K'Nara's physique was that of a supple athlete with curves in all the right places.
"I love you, Maloray!" she said in a voice that expressed extreme approval of his question. The human bladesinger released the half-elf and continued: "It was the fact that Izen and their Dark Lord--whom we now know is the deity of disease, Marteaus--were eyeing the Emerald Kingdom as a land to be conquered that kept the Green One's head from gracing the trophy wall of dragonslayers...Parnoth has been crafty enough to exert just the right kind of influence to keep Izen's forces from invading the country, you see--as bad as Parnoth is for a ruler, Marteaus is infinitely worse."
K'Nara turned her attention to removing Mop's package from her backpack--and was reminded of the items she'd manage to get from the Catacombs while at Fort Hospitality.
"Here..." the warrior woman handed Olana some potion bottles, "...I got everyone a Light healing potion--and could you give these Moderate potions to Milo and Figment as well..?" (OOC: everyone in the Talons group gets one Cure Light Wounds potion--except the newcomers [for now]. Milo and Figment each get one Cure Moderate Wounds potion as well.)
The redhead then set about unwrapping Parnoth's "present" to the Talons, the sudden climatic disturbance causing her to glance at the mountain--and then unwrap faster.
Maloray Sunday October 27th, 2002 9:50:12 AM
As K'Nara grabs him for her bear hug, Maloray gives a high-pitched squawk of indignation. When she releases him, he turns away muttering under his breath, rearranging his various weapons and accoutrements and brushing himself off. But it's plain to all present that he's not really upset - his protestations are just a reaction to his stark surprise at her sudden affection.
When she begins talking again, he returns to his rock to listen.
After her explanation about Izen and Marteaus, Maloray nods slowly, still looking puzzled. There's something not quite right about it, but he can't put his finger on it.
Milo Sunday October 27th, 2002 1:10:03 PM
Milo speaks up, "Perhaps the forces arrayed before us are a planned invasion... which is why Parnoth, dumb as he is, wanted us to check this place out to begin with. The overgrown lizard is afraid that Marteus may be planning to attack the Emerald Kingdom." Milo thinks for a moment, "So how do we stop an impressively sized army of orcs? Who would help? Maybe Parnoth knows."
Figment Sunday October 27th, 2002 4:53:14 PM
The mage lands back at camp and introduces himself as a caster. He looks on as K'Nara opens the package. "I wonder what kind of present our 'liege' (said with sarcasm) has prepared for us...".
Figment Sunday October 27th, 2002 4:54:32 PM
OOC: Sorry folks, I have no dial tone in my new apartment and won't for another week. I'm afraid Figment will have to wonder around unless someone would care to post for him. Sorry.
Olana Sunday October 27th, 2002 5:06:53 PM
Olana's own grip tightens a little on Milo's hand briefly, then she remembers her manners and walks over to the two newcomers.
"Hi," says the elf with a pleasant smile. "My name is Olana. If you guys are hungry, you're welcome to share rations."
KENT Sunday October 27th, 2002 5:35:07 PM
[OOC David, I will post for figment if you want for the next few days.]
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