Clangden (ac43, Dodge, Expertise, Full Defense) d20+10=20 d20+14=16 d20+18=34 Friday October 18th, 2002 11:28:09 AM
sensing the tree starting to topple over, Clangden tosses his axe out of the way, turns, reaches down and grabs the druid (str check of 20) and then jumps out of the way of the falling tree (ref 16)
after finding himself staring just a scant few inches from a shaking tree limb but otherwise free from the fallen tree, Clangden rushes over, retrieves his axe, then again, defends the druid like a mother bear over her cubs, and looks for that menacing creature (spot 34)
Nonam d20+13=22 Friday October 18th, 2002 11:43:30 AM
Nonam grumbles a bit when Tericus nearly gets in the way of his spell and nimbly dodges the falling tree. Admiring his own handiwork for a moment he mutters to himself, "That worked better than I expected."
Instincts kick back in fast and he looks for the assailant again.
DM Jan d20+20=35 d20+20=24 d20+15=26 d20+15=35 d10+3=13 d10+3=8 d8+3=11 d8+3=11 Sunday October 20th, 2002 4:13:36 PM
The aftermath of the tree felling leaves the surrounding area difficult to manuover. There's tree trunk and branches all over the place.
Everyone seems relatively unscathed, and after being dragged to safety by Clangden, Anaxor seems most impressed with Tericus's swift leap to freedom. "Wow..." he utters to himself quietly, before thanking Clangden yet again for saving his scrawny hide.
Addinein disentangles himself from the branches to find that his entire right arm is completely numb and he is experiencing the beginnings of a fever.
Gareth becomes invisible once more, although that didn't seem to matter to the creature, going off the previous melee actions. Perhaps it was using something other than light to 'see'. His boots keeping him aloft, means the warrior is able to move around a lot easier than his companions in the tangle of fallen tree limbs.
For a moment, there is silence - then the dwarf's keen night vision spots it. A shifting pattern in the air, leaping over the branches with true power and grace, landing ever so lightly on a horizontal arm of the fallen tree - right behind and above Nonam!
The wizard is just in time to look up and see the creature crouched above, before it plunges both it's spiked arms viciously down toward him. (Hits AC 35, 24, 26, 35 for 13, 8, 11, 11 DAM)
The move seems to affect the creature's camouflage, which disappears - leaving the thing in full sight. Tericus's mace light reveals something that looks as though it is covered in a light, flexible tree bark - it is built like a tall, barrel-chested humanoid with the addition of three long tails sprouting from its lower back. A long, nasty barbed spine protrudes from each knuckle, and it's face is void of any form of sensory detection - no eyes, no mouth, no nose, no ears.... One of its shoulder's bears a darkened burned patch, and its torso is laced with deep scars from Gareth's sword. From it's stance - it does not appear to want to communicate, and will not be satisfied until it has destroyed everyone here.
Nonam 15d8(6+3+4+6+2+3+7+6+5+6+2+6+5+5+5)=71 d20+26=37 d100=34 d100=25 Monday October 21st, 2002 10:13:14 AM
Nonam's fresh stoneskin absorbs most of the damage from his assailant.
Not really one for melee, Nonam casts horrid wilting. Nonam targets the creature and the fallen tree with the spell. The water is leeched from the ungodly creature, and its precious tree. (71pts, fort save for 1/2 DC 25 (27 if its a plant creature))
Since he's hasted from his boots, Nonam follows by casting invisibility on himself.
(concentration check for casting in combat=37,%rolls to cast in mithril armor)
Clangden (ac32, (due to charge) Power Attack) d20+18=35 d20+18=27 d10+36=45 d10+36=40 d10+36=44 Monday October 21st, 2002 12:40:06 PM
seeing the creature now, Clangden takes the initiative and charges it.
(hit ac35, possible crit followed up with a 27) (crit dam = 129) (if missed hitting with follow up) (norm dam = 45)
(just so you know, I used the Power Attack feat in the hit, -14 to att and +14 to dam)
Tericus d20+13=17 d20+10=25 d8+3=8 Monday October 21st, 2002 6:56:16 PM
(rolled spot check to see Addineins condidtion, missed with a 17) Tericus moves in with Gareth and Clangden and swipes at the thing with his mace(hits ac 25 for 8 pts).
Gareth (50% Displaced, flying) d20+33=51 d20+28=39 d20+23=30 d20+33=45 d10+19=23 d10+19=29 Monday October 21st, 2002 10:36:44 PM
The warrior closes in with the others and cuts into the creature again. This time only getting 1 attack (Hit AC 51,[45] for 23+29=52 DMG). He attempts to position himself so as to surround it. He mutters to the others "Lets get this overwith...".
NOTE: Plase disregard to 2 extra hit rolls. I forgot he moved more than 5' to attack.
Addinein Tuesday October 22nd, 2002 12:19:48 AM
"I definitely think there was something to that being's spines". Addinein casts comprehend languages and says, "Why do you attack us".
DM Jan Tuesday October 22nd, 2002 1:44:17 AM
Nonam's retaliation proves devastating. The creature's skin hardens to the point where the Clangden's, Gareth's and Tericus's blows seem all the more effective.
Suddenly there is a loud *CRACK* - and the creature falls to the ground, its torso splitting wide apart. Everyone hears a long, desperate sigh, without really knowing where it came from. It is accompanied by a feeling of intense sorrow.
**WILL SAVE DC 19. Failure brings a tear to your eye and a great sense of loss**
The entire jungle has gone completely silent. Examination of the fallen creature proves very surprising, for it appears it was merely a shell, protecting what lay inside.
Partially shielded by the dead things remains, lies a humanoid with smooth, leaf green skin. It appears to be a slender, more beautiful and elegant replica of the thing that protected it. This creature has a face - beatific in repose, its eyes closed in rest. It's tails are curled about its lower limbs, and its arms lay crossed over it's torso.
It looks dead. It looks as though it might have been dead while it's outer protective shell had lived, and fought, and died.
Something - an object, lies within the grip of its fingers.
Addinein's worthy attempt at communication unfortunately fall on ears that no longer hear. He also starts to feel nauseous, and feels the poison spread across the back of his shoulders.
Anaxor's affinity for the land makes him feel the sorrow more acutely, and he is staring down at the thing silently, tears streaming down his face.
Now what?
Tericus d20+13=23 Tuesday October 22nd, 2002 8:51:13 AM
(will save of 23) "Well, thats that." Tericus says to Nonam "Next time, be careful what you disintegrate." he says with a smile as he looks around. "Anyone hurt?"
Nonam d20+9=28 Tuesday October 22nd, 2002 11:53:15 AM
Nonam fixes Anaxnor with an irritated look, "It did attack us first, remember?"
Gareth d20+6=24 Tuesday October 22nd, 2002 8:08:55 PM
The warrior sighs as the feelings of sorrow wash over him. "Seems a shame to have to kill such a beautiful creature. I'm wondering what it was doing here and what it was? Anyone have any ideas?".
DM Jan Wednesday October 23rd, 2002 1:22:25 AM
It soon becomes obvious that Addinein is suffering, and needs help. Presuming the group gets back into it's watch routine after all the excitement, the night passes relatively peacefully.
Those on the final watch - (Tericus, Clangden?) will notice that the clearing spell is beginning to fade, and little by little the jungle is encroaching on hitherto forbidden territory - tiny bloodsucker vines edging forth from the boundary. This particular sanctuary isn't going to last long.
There is - or there should be - plenty to talk about. How will all this affect the citizens of the Float? Is this place safe to travel? And what about the body of that creature? And where the heck are we anyway?
In the morning, Nonam appears to look more rested than the others. His skin feels and looks soooooo soft and clear.
Anaxor can be seen scrabbling about in a tangle of branches near the root tomb, pulling and tugging at something until finally - he falls back sharply with a ragged piece of fabric in his hands.
"The skeleton's knapsack," he says sheepishly, brushing himself off. "I thought there might be something in it."
He also adds - "Look - I know we didn't really have a choice last night, and it was probably kill or be killed, but it just felt wrong. Maybe the druids back home will be able to figure something out. We've got a lot to tell them. You know we ought to be getting back - it'll be Mask Day in a couple of days....."
Anaxor is correct - the eve of Mask Day is in two days. But - there are a couple of loose ends. One is the knapsack.
Tericus Wednesday October 23rd, 2002 5:48:04 AM
after healing everyone's wounds and curing Addineins poision, Tericus says "Whats in the knapsack?"
Addinein Wednesday October 23rd, 2002 8:22:39 AM
"Thank you for the healing." Addinein sets aside the spine he pulled out of his shoulder, and wraps it up for later study.
(ooc ack. nother migraine last night. sorry)
Nonam Wednesday October 23rd, 2002 9:41:46 AM
Nice and refreshed, Nonam memorizes his spells in the morning.
Then he moves over to check out what the dead creature is gripping in its hand. He wanted to do it yesterday, but everyone seemed so concerned.
As he works he says, "You know we haven't really figured anything out, but I don't feel like we're prepared to spend another night out here. We should probably head back. Perhaps the names in that book will give the sages in Plateau City enough knowledge that they can figure out where we are though. Then if the Mayor wishes we can return. There are spells that would keep us safe from our surroundings at night, I just need to get the appropriate scrolls."
Clangden Wednesday October 23rd, 2002 10:31:06 AM
after the death of the creature, and not knowing for the first time in his life that killing it was the best course of action, Clangden finishes the watches and can be found the next morning, not his usual talkative self. leaning over the dead creature, Clangden says a prayer to the Gods for forgiveness and for a fast journey of this creatures soul.
getting up, Clangden goes over to his bed, pointedly repacks his backpack, dons his armor, grabs his axe and orders his shield to float, all in silent contemplation. (except for ordering his shield to animate)
Clangden then says something to the group for the first time since the death of the creature: we need to return to the city today, and the quicker we get out of this place the better I and we will all feel. waiting for the others to get ready, Clangden will head out, on point as always, when the word is given to go.
Gareth Wednesday October 23rd, 2002 7:06:39 PM
The warrior finishes looking around the clearing making sure they didn't miss anything noteworthy. "I wonder of we should take back this creature or a section of the tree for the sages to look over? I can carry about anything we need as can our sturdy dwarf here.". He prepares to leave out with the others. "I wonder if this jungle will let us pass now that we got whatever it was hating out of its way? Doubt it..."
DM Jan Thursday October 24th, 2002 1:31:20 AM
Anaxor shrugs at Tericus and says - "I don't know. lets have a look."
The contents of the knapsack, and indeed the knapsack itself are mostly rotten, but there's a piece of waxed cloth, rolled up which looks in pretty good shape. Unraveled - it reveals a map.
Also - a complete and utterly mysterious anachronism - in a leaf wrapped bundle, in bark tubes, are what look like a set of labelled potions.
Neutralize poison Aid Remove disease Detect thoughts Remove blindness/deafness Haste (The potions I won on the DM Board lottery. I'll send the map via email tomorrow morning.)
Addinein feels a whole lot better after Tericus's healing and tucks the spine away.
Nonam walks over to the body of the green skinned creature and prises something from it's death grip. It looks like a clear, elongated X-shaped something or other, about 1ft in length - each of the four prongs is spiral - ending in a coloured tip. It's hollow inside - and within it, a small plant seems to be existing in its own ecosphere. The four spiralled shell seems to have been made out of some kind of clear, hard resin.
Gareth does a quick sweep of the perimeter, finding nothing else, although Anaxor at least thinks it might be a good idea to bring the dead creature and part of the tree. "I get the feeling if we left it - this jungle would tear it apart" he says.
As the subdued Clangden gets ready to take point, he sees one of those huge beetles crashing through the undergrowth toward them. On reaching the clearing, it starts immediately to chow down on the dying tree.
Hmmm.... how to get home safely....
Tericus Thursday October 24th, 2002 8:49:00 AM
"Im not sure im confortable carying around a dead body, especially if its going to be di-sected." Tericus says. then he takes the contents of the knapsack and says "If you want any of these, let me know and ill give them to you."
Nonam Thursday October 24th, 2002 9:58:23 AM
"Anaxnor, have a look at this thing."
"Um guys, I don't see why we can't just teleport back."
Clangden Thursday October 24th, 2002 10:14:53 AM
turning to the young druid when the beetle shows up, Clangden asks: can you ask this creature if he'd be willing to let us ride it to the lake edge? if my memory serves me correctly, the last time we met him, he ensued an aura of calm around it, and obviously the jungle gives it free passage.
Addinein Thursday October 24th, 2002 11:30:40 AM
"And if not teleport, at least fly. But what about this parrot? And do we want to take any other creatures along if we use teleport?"
DM Jan Friday October 25th, 2002 1:45:20 AM
There appear to be a couple of decisions to make.
The body - yes, Tericus's fears may bear fruit - it is likely to be dissected if taken back. (everyone make a quick vote on this).
Nonam studies the conditions for teleport, his arcane knowledge detects some kind of disturbance which worries him with regard to the safety of the spell. It's as though the forest, or something within it wishes to remain a secret and make travel difficult. Up through the gap in the clearing, It can be seen that the cloud is still heavy, hiding any hints of direction that a morning sun would give.
Anaxor has a look at the item Nonam has taken from the creature. 'That tiny plant inside is alive,' he says. 'I can see it moving. But I have no idea what it is - or what it might do.'
At Clangden's suggestion - the young druid attempts to befriend the giant beetle, who is busy crunching away at tree roots. He has some success, and reckons he can get it to go where they want. Sort of... He climbs up on it's back.
Addinein spots the parrot, perched on a nearby tree, which soon starts to gleefully repeat Clangdens curse uttered during the previous evening's battle, over, and over, and over, enjoying itself immensely.
On Gareth's inspection of the perimeter, he has noticed various plants that may cause problems as they head back if they go on foot without protection.
Nonam Friday October 25th, 2002 9:39:45 AM
Nonam pockets the little orb to study later. "As I pay a bit more attention, I don't think that a teleport will work. The jungle seems to be a dead zone, sort of like Myth Drannor. It probably won't hurt to try, but we could wind up in some other part of this jungle. I have two extra fly spells, and Gareth can take care of himself. What other powers of flight do we have? Anaxor, can you shapechange?"
Clangden Friday October 25th, 2002 11:20:31 AM
why don't we see if this beetle that the druid has befriended will allows us to ride it to the lake eadge, and save our magic in case we need it on the way. if my memory serves me correctly, it's almost a full days march from here. walking up next to Addinein, Clangden produces some feed for the bird, holding it out in an attempt to get the parrot to come to him.
Addinein Friday October 25th, 2002 1:20:00 PM
"I agree that maybe we should conserve ourselves for now, until we know we can get out of this jungle.
This creature appears to have been dead for some time, so I do not see why dissecting should be any problem. At this point all information is of value"
Tericus Saturday October 26th, 2002 9:48:39 AM
"If you want to take the body back, then one of you take it. I want nothing to do with it." Tericus says
Gareth Sunday October 27th, 2002 4:39:06 PM
The warrior looks on with a bit of disdain. "What benefit would there be to bringing this thing back? I could carry it but I won't unless someone gives me a good reason. I see no reason to save a dead husk from the forest.". The warrior prepares to fly - with or without the body. "At least that dart shooting thing is dispatched. With a forced march we could probably make it without having to sleep so we can then avoid the fluid draining things - and all the stuff we haven't found yet.".
DM Jan Sunday October 27th, 2002 8:30:35 PM
((OOC - sorry if this is a little clumsy, guys - only I need to get you back to the Float for the next module))
Eventually, Anaxor manages to persuade those who would travel another way, that a ride on the back of the beetle is probably the safest way to go. It's certainly not the fastest way to travel, and the beast keeps stopping to eat whatever takes it's fancy. Not only that - but it's back is as hard as a rock and most uncomfortable. Anaxor will no doubt be 'thanked' for this. Occasionally it lurches to one side as it clambers over the undergrowth, so that everyone has to hang on for dear life or get pitched off onto the jungle floor.
This purgatory is soothed by the fact that everyone seems completely immune to the jungle's hostilities while sat on the beetle's back. It appears to hold some kind of protective aura, enabling it to go just about anywhere it wants.
It also enables everyone to collect a few more samples of things they discovered on the outward journey, like the mud, which seemed very beneficial to skin, those silk worms that seemed to spin semi-invisible thread, flower spines, vanilla pods. (Everyone let me know what you want to pick up)
There's also the black parrot with the blue crest, who seems eager to travel with you. Its an excellent mimic, to the point where you almost have to be careful what you say.
(I still don't have a consensus on the ancient creature's body. Shall I presume you leave it behind?)
The journey takes a spine crunching two days, and on the morning of the Eve of Mask Day, you arrive at the lake. One of the turtle patrols picks you up. The handler seems glad to see you all, and soon - solid ground is left behind, and the Big Float awaits.
The quayside isn't as crowded as it was when you left, but maybe there's someone there you all recognise, waiting for you.
(I'll send a diagram of the item found in the grasp of the ancient dead creature)
Nonam Monday October 28th, 2002 8:58:51 AM
"Ah, I need a bath to get all this mud off."
Clangden Monday October 28th, 2002 12:40:14 PM
climbing back on to the dock, Clangden thanks the turtle handler. turning to the Parrot, Clangden offers some pieces of fruit then takes a bite himself.
a bath, Bah, I need a Beer. handing the druid his bag of foraged stuff, Clangden turns to the group and says: we (pointing to the Parrot) will meet you all in the Red Wyrm Inn, he and I need a Beer. and with that said, Clangden and the bird head off to the Inn. (if the bird is willing that is)
Tericus Monday October 28th, 2002 6:51:37 PM
"Im glad we left that thing behind." Tericus says as he relaxes with Clangden at the bar
DM Jan Tuesday October 29th, 2002 1:06:06 AM
Anaxor the young and not so learned druid gives the group a solemn bow. "It's been a great honour," he says. "Hopefully what we have discovered will help the city live in harmony with the wilderness out there."
While Tericus and Clangden sink a pint, and Nonam goes to clean up, Gareth (David isn't able to post for a day or three) and Anaxor set off to the Overlord's Palace to give the group's report.
In the pub - everyone wants to know where the parrot came from. The parrot (who by now has picked up some more less than salubrious words from the dockside) is yelling out abuse and causing a bit of a commotion. A man, obviously a trader, offers to pay 1000gp for it. Another man ups the bid to 2000GP.
Meanwhile, Mitchum is waiting at the mansion with hot baths, food, and a question. He wishes to know what kind of mask you all want to wear.
"They say anything coloured red won't get picked this year, so that might be a good bet, and I've heard animal shapes should be alright too. Everyone seems to be staying away from black." He shrugs. "It's still a gamble. I presume none of you want to get picked to go under for the next twenty years? There's a rumour on the street there's some kind of magical mask that guarantees you won't get picked, lying forgotten on a shelf in a shop somewhere. Sounds like a load of old rubbish if you ask me. Are you all dining in tonight?"
Person at the gate Tuesday October 29th, 2002 8:27:52 AM
By the looks of it, the group is fairly worn. Assuming this is why nobody noticed him, the fellow at the gate tags along at a distance. It seems practically everything distracts him along the way, but he still manages to make it to the pub shortly after the party arrives.
Sending away several kids that have followed him along, listening to his stories, he enters the pub and finds a table nearby.
Tericus Tuesday October 29th, 2002 8:50:45 AM
"I think ill have a parrot mask." Tericus says
Nonam Tuesday October 29th, 2002 9:19:51 AM
"How about a tiger, Mitchum?"
Clangden Tuesday October 29th, 2002 2:56:45 PM
announces to the bar patrons: this Parrot is not to be bought, it is not a thing to be sold, or bartered, it is free to come and go as it wishes, so put away your money. filling a bowl with some fine dwarven ale, Clangden says to the Parrot: time to teach you some proper Dwarven words. (begins teaching the Parrot good ol' Dwarven curses, even the bad ones) after an hour or 2, Clangden excuses himself from the table, tosses the wench a plat, then, with Parrot in tow, retires to the mansion where he eats his fill, bathes, changes into some clean clothes, asks Mitchum to find a place for our new friend to stay and also, give him something to eat, i'm sure he's hungry by now. after all the above is done, Clangden heads back down stairs to the den, sits in a comfortable chair near the fireplace, and remarks to Mitchum: mask you say? I almost forgot about that, hmmm, I was thinking about a mask to emulate our new Parrot friend, but someone (looking at Tericus) has already decided on that so, I think i'll choose a good mask, a mask that emites power and honor. Mitchum, see if you can get someone to make me a "Valdor" mask please.
Addinein Tuesday October 29th, 2002 3:13:33 PM
"I am not very familiar with these customs, my time here having been very short. You choose something appropriate "addressing this to Mitchum.
Addinein then does his best to washup and get himself rejuvenated. He thinks of his sister and wonders what she's been up to, or if she is even alive.
DM Jan Wednesday October 30th, 2002 12:15:58 AM
Mitchum nods and memorizes everyone's mask request, and with a slight raise of his left eyebrow, wanders off to establish some perches about the place for the parrot.
At some point he will explain to Addinein - "Tomorrow the Overlord will begin his procession down through the levels, until he reaches the Underlevel. He will then assume the title of Underlord, and tend and administer the records of the Wold for the next twenty years. He will take with him helpers and advisors, who are chosen at random during the procession.
"It's an anxious time for most of us. Only the very old want to go below, for when their time has been served, they are rejuvenated and made young again.
"A lot of superstition and a great deal of care goes into choosing a mask. There are some who have dreamt that a black mask will be chosen this time. The black masks you see tomorrow will no doubt be worn by those old enough to want to be chosen." He then shrugs. "But no one really knows for sure what will happen."
It's well into the evening by the time Gareth returns. He brings news that their information created quite a furor, that young Anaxor had gone to meet with some elder druids currently in the City,and that the Overlord seemed extremely anxious about tomorrow's procession. He also says that the Storm Dragons have been invited to the Overlord's Palace in the morning before the ceremony begins, so they can meet the new Overlord.
Not long after Gareth has returned, the letters start to arrive - for news travels fast in the Big Float, and some of those who were present at the debriefing no doubt had 'private financial' interests as well as those concerned with governing the City.
A mercantile group on the Merchant Level has offered a bid of 500GP for 10 of those vanilla pods. Someone else is offering 750GP.
One letter contains an offer of 10,000GP for the silk worms. It's well above any other bid, and Mitchum offers the opinion that this person is rumoured to be a thieves guild member, although he can't understand why such a man would be interested in worms.
((Let me know if you wish to sell any items that were brought back, or whether you'd rather hang on to it so it can be properly researched))
The night draws in, and it gets late. Mask Day - and the hovering threat of being chosen, will no doubt be in your thoughts as you all retire for the night.
Mitchum stays up late, just in case anyone else lands at the front door.
((New module starts tomorrow - I'll send out XPs in the next day or so))
Jus Wednesday October 30th, 2002 8:56:35 AM
Jus enters, greeting Mitchum as he enters. "I've heard everyone returned in time for the Masks," Jus comments to Mitchum. Jus pulls a mask out of a silk sack he's carrying. "What do you think?", Jus asks, as he reveals a bark-brown and green mask. "It's actually a living plant, carefully shaped during its growth. Appropriate for an elf, no?"
Jus heads upstairs, cleaning up and changing into something appropriate for dinner with the Storms.
Tericus Wednesday October 30th, 2002 9:13:22 AM
Tericus walks up to Jus and pats him on the shoulder "Where have you been Jus?" Tericus asks with a big smile on his face "Its good to have you back!"
Nonam Wednesday October 30th, 2002 10:10:02 AM
"Blech, plants. Be careful it doesn't reach out and choke you to death during the festival. What have you been up to the past couple of days?"
Addinein Wednesday October 30th, 2002 2:15:48 PM
Addinein flashes a shy smile and a nod towards Jus when he spots him around the mansion.
When the letters start arriving from the different Merchant groups, Addinein is reminded of his Grandmother and his duty to his clan. He quickly sends word to his family with what the Storm Dragons have found.
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