Dm Anthony Monday December 9th, 2002 10:57:59 AM
You and your pack sit, after a long day's labor, under the dome on the edge of the dam and watch the little children play. You hear one of the little boys begin to count down from 10 softly and with a smile. "10, 9, 8 . . ." Sitting on the edge of the structure you find yourself grabbing something to hold on to without really thinking about it. The boy keeps counting down, "5, 4, 3. . ." It's difficult not to smile too as the excitement from all present seems to become almost palatable, like you could taste it. "2, 1, . . . now!" And with perfect practiced timing the boy leaps off the edge of the dam into the air just as the magic happens. The pool suddenly purifies itself, the magic that creates this wonder passing up through the water. You watch and smile as you see the surface of the water begin to bubble frantically like a huge hot tub. You feel the burst of warmth as the hot air rises through the water and into the air and you hear the boy scream in absolute joy as his timing was perfect and he is billowed up into the air an extra 5 feet or so, then come cannon balling onto a group of his friends splashing the now purified water everywhere. The golden light of the coming dusk filtering through the grass dome adds to the enchantment of the moment. Looking up you see the climbers clinging to the outside of the dome, moving the evening screens into place to keep the night bugs out of the town. It would be a perfect evening except for two things. Jenny is seen running up to you all wanting to know what you're all doing, and you see Malgo and Blue coming too. Suddenly you are brought back to reality. You were meeting here to discuss if you should take the challenge posed by the Black Pack -- a group of kids a little older than you that are the toughest Pack in town. They have one-upped you all enough times that it would sure be good to do something that they think and have been telling the packs all over town you can't do. Malgo looks huge and threatening as always. Large halforc, almost black skin like the Manfri and his yellow crooked teeth grinning as if he would just as soon rip your throat out as smile, and his right eye and cheek. Nothing but a puckered scar, given him one day by a stray bounder. Blue is with him and that makes everyone more at ease. Blue's bright red and dark brown eyes make his stare one of the most penetrating you know. Even though he is a halfling, and a Cleric of Gargul to boot, his wisdom and advice is often sought in this small town. It is clear that the Rattledam elders will soon ask him to join them. Jenny, who has arrived at precisely the wrong moment, stares at the two with her jaw open and eyes wide. Malgo looks as if he's about to speak and then Blue interrupts him. It's clear by this interruption that this challenge is legitimate and can be trusted. Malgo may lie and threaten, but Blue only speaks when he sees the truth, and when he refuses to use the native slang you know that matters are serious.
Blue (NPC) Monday December 9th, 2002 10:58:44 AM
"Malgo, leader of the Black, has publicly threatened you and yours too many times. Although you feel you have done nothing to him and his, he feels you have. To keep this from going to blows and therefore causing the 'priests'," and he says this word with a special sneer, and his disdain for the monks is clear, "to get involved, we the Blacks have asked Malgo to challenge instead. He has grudgingly accepted. His challenge is this. There is a new crop of Glass Grass on the west side of town. This crop is ready for harvest. However there is something that the adults haven't noticed. On the far west side of that crop there are 6 stalks of Glass Grass that have co-pollinated with the purple grass that borders it. It has caused a number of very rare Stained Glass stalks. Your challenge is to find them and harvest one Glass Pod from these purple stalks and bring it back. If you refuse this challenge then we must consider our pack and yours to be life enemies. Should you succeed, Malgo will consider all past infractions null and void and will allow me to help him decide when he has been injured by you and yours in the future. Should you try and fail, Malgo will know as will everyone else in town that your pack is weaker than his and that carries its own problems." Blue takes a deep breath and then smiles and whispers. "Look kids this challenge is a spinner, in out done and give the pod to me and I'll weave a shady brew from it, and we'll all get waxed together. I think Malgo is sun baked to be beating you all for so long but a man runs with his pack as long as his pack is loyal, you know?" Blue then stands up straight again and looks at Malgo who growls deep in his throat, then speaks. "Pod due by sunrise. Good luck little piggies." Then he turns to leave. Blue shrugs as if to say 'What can you do?' and then hurries after his friend, leaping high into the air and wrapping his arms around the big guy's neck and laughing. Malgo resists for a bit and then begins laughing and wrestling with the small man as they take off into town. Peace returns to the day and the golden light makes things look good again, but the silence is broken as Jenny begins to stammer about telling mom.
DM Anthony Out of character, We DMs have a lottery for our games much like the one in the Loot and Booty and you all just won. Monday December 9th, 2002 11:50:03 AM
As the two bigger boys leave and Jenny begins to stammer you look down and in between you is a small package wraped in a greasy piece of cloth. Opening it you find a pair of bracers woven from grass with bolts from a crossbow woven into the outer lining and a note written in an almost familiar feminine handwriting.
"For an archer, or someone who needs to be one..." - A Friend
(Bracers of Archery)
Trellus Monday December 9th, 2002 1:53:18 PM
The young blond man wheels on his sister, and wags a finger at her.
"Jenny, you weave this to Mom and I'll totally rip your thread. Truly. And you'll get nothing from the pack the rest of your life. No shady cookies, nothing."
He pauses and considers, then addresses her again, "Now you keep quiet, and I'll weave all your chores for the next week. Truly. Now you go home, so I can talk here."
After he gets Jenny turned around, he huddles up with the rest of the pack.
"Dudes, we're on it. Get a pod, get a drink, get Malgo all warped up. Totally shady."
Seeing the package, he picks it up and reveals the contents as well as the note. "Dudes! Talk about timing! Totally shady! I don't weave bows. How 'bout whoever wants it roll for it?"
Anuk Monday December 9th, 2002 1:59:08 PM
"What a treadle," Anuk mumbles under his breath as he watches Malgo and Blue disappear in the distance. He turns to the Pack and says, "I dunno...I think something's up. Sounds a little too easy to me. I know we can trust what Blue says, but I don't know if Malgo told him everything. What do you guys think?"
He looks at the bracers "I can't tell if these are supposed to be gift or a warning. In either case, they're not going to fit over my glove here...who wants 'em?"
Kam d100=77 Monday December 9th, 2002 2:30:11 PM
The surface of the water bursts, sending droplets of newly pure water everywhere. It also reveals a gasping Kam. "See Trellus, I told you I could hold my breath longer...." He trails off, noticing the intent stares of the rest of the pack. "Uh oh Wha'd I miss?" he says sheepishly.
After hearing the story again from Milo he breaks in to a smile and says, "Finally, a chance to show those treadles that WE are the shadiest pack around. Gilan, I bet you could lead us there with your eyes closed. And if they DO try something to warp our weave, well, good ol' Grymash can show them the what for. Can't you Gry?"
"Oh and as to the shoot'n gloves, I can use 'em, but I don't need 'em SO bad."
OOC: I actually had a party destroy itself over a gift of some magic bracers once, I don't want them that bad and rolling for something like this seems fair :)
Sterlin Monday December 9th, 2002 3:30:31 PM
Sterlin appears serious as always. Too serious for his age. He looks as though he's staring into the distance, but he is merely thinking to himself. Finally after a few minutes of silence, he speaks, "I care not for contests of pride, my friends, however if there truly are stained glass stalks out there, then I absolutely must see them."
Calim d100=86 Monday December 9th, 2002 9:50:13 PM
Calim stops practicing with his rapiers, and his ears prick up when the challenge is given. He knows too well that if it were so easy to grab a pod, then Malgo would have flaunted the rare treasure indeed as one of his pack's accomplishments.
"I don't like this... We all know that Malgo is not one to be trusted. Besides, how do we know that his pack hasn't made this whole story up to send us on a wild goose chase and make us look like chumps."
Calim smiles then at Trellus. "Dude, ya know I can't resist rolling them bones especially when a prize is involved."
(DM Anthony Says - Jecoby: I sent everyone a doc. On Rattledam, at the end of it was the slang. As to Background on Blue and Malgo, it's all included in my first two posts.)
Gilan d100=15 Monday December 9th, 2002 11:44:32 PM
Gilan glances to the rest and nods. "It would be my pleasure to help in ending this feud... if that is even possible." Gilan glances to Kam and shakes his head. He does not really consider himself that much of an expert at guiding, but he knows that if they run into trouble he can provide a few tricks. "I will help guide the group, but only with help."
Standing and stretching he glances to the retreating forms and shakes his head, a deep frown crossing his face. "I would have to agree, Malgo is not to be trusted and they did make this seem a little too easy." He glances to the rest again and sneers. "Still, let's take his challenge... with caution."
Grymash Mountainback d100=90 Tuesday December 10th, 2002 1:09:15 AM
The water begins to bubble churn once again. With a great splash, Grymash comes rushing up out of the water. He wipes his face repeatedly with both hands. He spits a wide spray of water from his mouth.
Grymash answers Kam, "YEAH ... GRYMASH SHOW THEM ..." looks around in confusion, " um show who ... show what!!?"
Grymash stomps toward shore. With every step out of the water, he appears to be getting bigger and bigger. Wearing only a saggy soggy loin cloth, he shakes and slaps the water off himself (Everyone reflex save DC 14 or be sprayed with water).
Sniffing the air, "What that ... was Malgo here ... THAT STALKER!! Grymash like to mow Malgo's grass!!"
Gry can't help but growl but is distracted by the bracers. Grymash squats down next to them and begins to chant the words that DETECT MAGIC. "Ahhh, they glow!!," says Gry with awe. He picks one up and runs his fingers across the arrow design. "Gargul's eye helps guide way ... see arrow!!!"
(FYI: You can wear bracers and gloves. Bracers only cover the forearm. According to the DMG, these bracers only work with bows, not crossbows. Unless DM says otherwise. Does anyone use the bow as a primary weapon? I use a mighty composite bow, but it's not my main weapon. :)
Jacob Tuesday December 10th, 2002 2:41:16 AM
Laying on a pallet of thick grass at a good distance from being splashed with his legs up on another thick grass strand is the itinerant half-elf. The entire time, he's been sitting in lazy relaxation, not having moved when Malgo arrived, announcing the challenge, nor when his companions burst from the water. His eyes were mostly closed, and it seemed like he was napping. Except when the comment about the drink-making was made...
Without opening his eyes, he comments in a suitably untempered drawl, "Well, ah do think that we have a suitable, ah, 'shady' challenge ahead of us. Friends, companions, ah suggest we involve ourselves in the search of the elusive and amiable Glass Grass, we all know the joys we can reap from it. Perhaps, ifyoualldontmind, I can relieve you all of the burden of these bracers. I do prefer a bitta distance, myself." Rising to his feet and hunching over as he joins them in a lazy stride, Jacob doffs his sleepy position and assumes his usual nonchalant and seemingly untroubled air.
(Everyone knows that despite his usual lazy air and uncaring attitude, Jake uses sword and whip extremely well. However, he's so lazy and prefers not to actually get up close that he'd rather use the crossbow... It's more of a personality thing than a combat wise thing.)
Grymash Tuesday December 10th, 2002 10:25:28 AM
Grymash takes the other bracer in his hand and stands to face Jacob. "Jacob, me do mind! Pack decide who get what. We don't be grabby!!"
DM Anthony Tuesday December 10th, 2002 10:40:27 AM
Jenny nods to her brother and stares at Sterlin with big girrly eyes, and then blushes and runs off, disappearing behind a tree. Looking across the square Dam you all see Malgo and Blue joined by the rest of the Black Pack. First comes Dalakite, a very, very beautiful 1/2 elf sorcerer. Her long, thick blonde hair cascades down her back like water and her eyes are so green they look like fresh grass. However with all of her beauty you don't remember ever having seen her smile. Right behind her is her identical twin sister, playing the thief as she lifts an apple off of one of the other kids out and laughing the whole time. Her smile lights up her whole being. Lastly is Fist, a male, human Monk. Malgo's best friend and the reason is clear as he trips a running child and he and Malgo laugh, while the other three look on with heavily disapproving glances. Blue and Dancer cross over and help the child up, dust him off and Dancer give him the apple she took from the other boy. Dalakite leans down and whispers something into Malgo's ear and suddenly his laughter stops. Dalakite nods and Malgo grabs Fist and they cross over to the boy. Clearly they apologize, more because of Malgo's grip on Fist's arm than anything else. Then Malgo picks the crying boy up and takes him squealing and laughing to the edge of the Dam. With his great strength he tosses the boy high in the air and the boy comes crashing down into the water laughing the whole time. Suddenly Fist and Malgo are surrounded by small children all wanting to be tossed into the water. The two large boys look upset and grudgingly begin tossing boys, but before long both ugly faces are lit up with smiles and clothing is off as well as dives into the water. Dancer disrobes quickly as Dalakite frowns disapprovingly, and she too is in the water, although she draws the attention of most the older boys. Blue sits down beside Dalakite and they begin to talk. Another day in Rattledam. The climbers finish closing up the dome for the evening, placing the night screens over the windows in the dome. The dome? THE DOME, there's the catch. The Dome has just been closed up for the night, how are you all going to get out of the dome? Malgo set that up well. Looking over at him you can see the look on his face as the climbers come down off the walls. Total satisfaction. He winks at you and then begins tossing children into the water again.
(OOC: The bracers work for bows only NOT crossbows)
Trellus Monday December 16th, 2002 10:59:10 AM
Trellus stares at the screens with slowly dawning comprehension, then at Malgo, and then back at the screens.
"That grass biting treadle!" he spits out disgustedly. "He did it again! Dudes, no way is Malgo weaving this stuff. Its gotta be Blue or one of the twins....." Trellus' harangue trails off as he spots Blue and especially the twins and loses his train of thought.
"Um...well...we gotta...uh...Dudes..."
Trellus rips himself from sightseeing and visibly re-orients toward the task at hand.
"Dudes, how are we gonna get out of the Dome? We gotta either sneak past the guards at the gate or go out the screen, I'm thinking. I gotta shady potion that'll let me climb the walls. Anybody else got an idea?"
"Oh, and maybe Kam should get the bracers, since he weave his picks with the bow? What do you think, Gry?"
Grymash d20+5=17 Monday December 16th, 2002 12:10:08 PM "Yeah ... Kam get bracers. He better and faster shot than Grymash!!" Grymash looks around and realizes that the dome just came down. "Son of Prairie Sow!! ... How we get out!!"
Aggrivated by the predictiment, Grymash forcefully slaps the bracers across Kam's chest as he hands them to him. "Sorry!!," appoligizes Grymash as he unintentually knocked the air out of Kam's lungs. Grymash isnt known for his gentle nature. (Str. check 17) :)
Grymash turns to face the only exit and wonders how to distract the guards.
Milo Monday December 16th, 2002 1:42:48 PM
Pondering for a few minutes, Milo's face lights up.
Turning to the others he responds, "I have an idea, something I have been practicing on my own might just work in this situation. As all of you know, I dabble with food and magic at the same time. Let me run over to my house, and see if I can't whip something up that would temporarily blind the guards while we managed to slip out of the town. Mind you, the blindness wouldn't be long, maybe a minute at the most, but the second they succumb to the effects, everyone and I mean everyone needs to be running through the gates else we get into some serious trouble."
Smiling, he runs as fast as his little legs will take him to his home.
Sterlin Monday December 16th, 2002 1:55:27 PM
"We will not be doing anything to the guards. If we can slip out unnoticed great, but we will not be attacking our own guards even if it is temporarily."
Milo Monday December 16th, 2002 2:17:40 PM
Sticks his tongue out at Sterlin as he runs off.
Gilan Monday December 16th, 2002 3:17:07 PM
He looks over the predicament that they are in and shakes his head. "So you don't want to hurt the guards and that I understand..." He trails off for several minutes in low talking to himself and then glances back to the group. "I can give us a little mist if that would help in our sneaking out...the spell would disippate after a short while, but it may allow us to sneak out." He looks back to the group and waits to see what they think.
You notice that he does not glance in the direction of the twins. Several of you smile and snicker as you remember the last time that Gilan had been caught looking at the twins. Kaili had given him a black eye that he sported for the next three days, plus she had refused to speak to him.
Grymash d20+2=17 Monday December 16th, 2002 5:27:59 PM
After hearing Milo's idea, Grymash sparks an idea of his own.
"Hey ... Milo, Grymash have something that might help give extra kick!!"
Before Grymash runs off chasing after "Lil Cookie Dough man," Grymash turns to Sterlin. "It not attack ... no more attack than time I crammed handful of stink bugs into Sterlin's mouth!! Was that year ago?? Oh well ... MILO, WAIT FOR ME!!"
Grymash grabs his backpack and runs off after the halfling. Grymash amazingly, despite being so large, is the fastest runner of the pack and easily catches up with Milo. In fact he catches up so quickly that he has to high step over the halfling to keep from tripping over him. The two look like quite the pair!! :)
(Movement 40'. Dex check 17)
Kam d20+1=10 d20+2=9 Monday December 16th, 2002 5:35:21 PM
Kam staggers back toward the pool, one arm on the bracers and the other grasping for anything as he tries not to go plunging into the pool. His one free hand makes little grabbing motions as he pitches into the pool. Splash! Spray goes everywhere and moments later Kam surfaces, spluttering. Cheers and jeers are heard from the other side of the pool from onlookers as Kam drags his doppin bedraggled form from the pool.
"Well, thanks Gry, I think," he says as he steps out of the pool.
"Now, what was this about sneaking out? I love a good sneak. I agree that we shouldn't attack anyone. However if a fog were to spring up unexpectedly, who's to say what might slip out? Lemme go get ready," he says as he runs off, squishing at every step. Squish squish squish.
Anthony Monday December 16th, 2002 7:41:00 PM
It's clear to all that the fog would probably work, however what would the effect be of unleashing that much water into the air? The stories people tell of spilling water on the Plains are never pretty and often end in some horrid happening. Also fog is rarely ever seen on the plains except for the short wet season in a few months, will the guards know this trick? How have the older boys snuck out? You all know it's been done -- but how???
Anuk Monday December 16th, 2002 10:54:37 PM
Anuk chuckles as he watches Grymash and Milo loping away. "Hmm...is it possible that there might be a tunnel under the dome somewhere? Something just small enough for one of us to get through at a time, and then stop it back up? Or maybe a low panel someone could open and close quickly? Anyone remember seeing anything like that?"
(OOC: Anthony, would any of us have come across something like that in our daily work? If so, I would think we would have kept it a secret to protect the older kids, so the adults might not know about it.)
ANTHONY SAYS: You may all make search checks to see if you have ever found such a thing...
Jacob Tuesday December 17th, 2002 12:07:02 AM
Jacob watches the events unfold, as Grymash pushes and charges about with his typical quickness (and lack of control), and chews idly on a long piece of grass. "Nah, no panels or such. Ah think ah actually like Milo's idea, of feeding the guards some food that would maybe make them sleepy, or giving them something to drink... But the idea of going over the gate, that sounds good as well. Ah'll be happy if we just stay, too. We don't need ta fall into every trap they set up for us..."
DM Anthony Tuesday December 17th, 2002 10:48:55 AM
See my response to Anuk's post above....
Trellus Tuesday December 17th, 2002 10:58:32 AM
Trellus rubs the back of his head. "I'm with Sterlin. Weaving the guards sounds too sun-faced. They're there for a reason."
He looks back across the pool. "I'd bet half my potions that Blue knows how to get out. I'm gonna try to talk to him."
Trellus slowly walks around the dam, casually wating for an opportunity to speak privately with the halfling.
Trellus' Search Check d20+2=12 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 10:59:45 AM
Search check 12
Sterlin d20=3 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 11:12:56 AM
search check = 3
Grymash d20-1=2 d20+19=24 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 11:27:51 AM
(Search check 2. I have a -1 modifier!!)
Grymash couldnt find his nose on his first try! But after he gives Milo his jug of Green Gnomish, Grymash will take 20 and retry his search. Grymash continues to search likely spots for 2 minutes (20 rounds).
(Second search check: 24. There is no opposed consequence for failure so "Taking 20" is a valid move in this case. I looked it up. :)
Kam d20+2=7 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 2:30:13 PM
Search, what is this search you speak of?
Milo d20+5=22 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 4:33:39 PM
(22 for search check)
after making the bottle of special juice, Milo returns to the group.
Gilan d20+1=14 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 6:27:09 PM
Gilan stops as he is pondering the many ideas that have come up so far and shakes his head. "Forget the mist...I keep forgetting about the grass in the area and how it reacts to water." At the mention of a hidden way out of the dome that they may exploit he falls back into his time wandering around(search check 14)trying to remember anything at all.
Jake d20=19 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 9:01:58 PM
Jake, with all the patience in the world, fiddles with the grass strand he's chewing on.
Calim's Search d20=3 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 9:09:46 PM
OOC which attribute adds to search?
BT aka Milo Wednesday December 18th, 2002 10:45:18 AM
Int is the attribute you use for Search.
Milo Wednesday December 18th, 2002 10:56:22 AM
walking up to the guards near the gate, Milo envelopes them in conversation. about the day, the coolness of the water, and the heat. then, as if something just comes to him, he drops his bag, reaches in and pulls out "the" bottle. saying to the guards: I just thought of something, I just made this new drink, I call it: Tingling Tonic. it's a mixture of fruit juices, water and a touch of rum, not much mind you. I made it so I could drink it. it helps take the thirst out of your throat and keeps the heat at bay. pulling out as many cups as needed for the # of guards there, Milo fills each cup about 1/4 of the way, then equally distributing the rest in the cups til all of the liquid is equally divided. (dc to resist the sleep effect is 15, if I mixed it right) Milo pretends to drink some too.
IF the guards succumb to the drink, he hurridly motions for the others to come and get out of the town. if not, and only a few go to slumber land, and the other guards look at him with mean eyes, he runs as fast as he can away, hoping to have the guards follow him, so the rest of the group can get out. he will circle around, if he's not caught, and slip out of town too. (let the fun begin)
Anuk d20+1=6 Wednesday December 18th, 2002 7:04:25 PM
Anuk finally gives up trying to recall if he's seen some secret way out (search check 6) and notices Milo with the guards. "Oh man," he says to himself through clenched teeth, "that halfling's gonna bring the beaters down on us." He looks the situation over for a moment, grins, and thinks, "Well, won't be the first time."
(OOC: Sorry about not posting last night...storm knocked out the power for a while 'round here. Anthony, what do our characters know about the consequences for getting caught as we find our way out of here? What sort of punishment do we expect we are facing?)
DM Anthony Thursday December 19th, 2002 7:34:18 PM
Sorry Guys real life caught up HARD!!!
Tim I need your three rolls I asked you for to see if you mixed the tonic even close to right.....
Before Milo runs off to get the guards he rembers a big rock that some of the older boys hang around sometimes over on the west side of the city. It might hide a way out.
Milo d20+9=25 d20+13=21 d20+3=10 d20+3=18 Friday December 20th, 2002 11:15:47 AM
here are my rolls for you, anthony. Arcane(Know) = 25 Prof(Cook) = 21 Int = 18, rolled a 10, used a hero point
donīt forget that I have the feat, Brew Potion.
Milo informs the group about the rock that the bigger kids hang around.
Grymash d20+5=13 Friday December 20th, 2002 1:10:52 PM
After retrieving his jug of Green Gnomish from Milo, he too recalls the large stone where the older guys hang out.
"Milo... could this be hidden exit? Grymash never think this a hole out of dome!!"
Grymash looks around to see if they are being watched and if the coast clear he will attempt to roll or push the rock over.
(Strength check: 13. Grymash can drag or push 1750 lbs. or 3000 lbs. when raged.)
The ground is soft around the stone. Grymash has a little trouble with traction and grip.
Gilan Friday December 20th, 2002 3:14:31 PM
Gilan looks around keeping his eyes open, to the right, so that Grymash can have at the rock. He will give a low whistle if he sees anything that may get them caught. "It is clear from my direction...for the moment anway."
Trellus Friday December 20th, 2002 3:55:59 PM
Hearing about the rock, Trellus discards trying to talk with Blue. Besides, the halfling is still with the twins, and Trellus is having trouble remembering what they were supposed to be doing in the first place.
He joins Grymash, Milo, and Gilan at the rock, and waits to see how the half orc does.
He also sees if the rock is large enough for him to help on the next attempt, should it prove necessary.
Anuk Saturday December 21st, 2002 2:09:53 AM
"Man, I must've passed that rock a thousand times...never even occured to me!" There's a dull *whack* as Anuk's palm smacks his forehead.
When the rock is moved, Anuk volunteers to take point and see what awaits us outside the dome.
Jake Sunday December 22nd, 2002 3:08:36 AM
Of course, Jake doesn't assist in helping move the rock, even though he's quite capable of moving things when he wishes. (Strength 17 :P ) Instead, he lazily muses to Anuk, "Brother, it's a strange tangled web we weave. Why, this rock's the kissing rock, y'know? Ah brought myself a few of the softer types up here at times, never thinking of it as an exit..." He leans against a strand of grass. "Say, ah hope ya all realize how dark it'll be. Ah'm good in the dark, and so's Anuk here." Suddenly having a suspicion, he whispers to Anuk... "Better make sure none of 'em others are watching, and waiting to block up the rock, if'n we get outta here. Imagine if our exit was moved." Louder, he says, "Ah'ma gonna take a walk." He heads off in the shadows, intent on coming around and making sure nobody's spying on the group.
DM Anthony Monday December 23rd, 2002 11:16:16 AM [Ok Guys, please do not tell me what you are doing AND the result. Just tell me what you're going to do and let me tell you what happens. Case in point. You are not at the rock yet -- you just remember where it is. You haven't made your way across town to the rock yet. It's about a 3 to 4 minute walk....]
DM Post
As you all remember the rock now you realize it's about halfway across town. Crossing around the Dam to enlist the help of the Black Pack is fruitless as they refuse to say anything. Also the added problem is that it's now dark and the children are making their way home as the Monks will begin their patrols for errant students out of bed after curfew in a few moments.
Anuk Monday December 23rd, 2002 12:34:38 PM
(OOC: Sorry about that. I should have phrased it "if and when the rock is moved...". I simply meant to indicate my willingness to act as a scout. I'm assuming that if the rock _can_ be moved, then our big friend Grymash will be able to do it. Time will tell, of course...)
"Good plan, Jake. I'll do the same, coming 'round from the opposite direction." Anuk cautiously works his way toward the rock, keeping an eye out for anyone keeping an eye on our pack. If the distance to the rock is normally 3-4 minutes, he chooses a path that will take approximately twice that time.
Trellus Monday December 23rd, 2002 1:11:44 PM
"Dudes, I can't sneak very well. Anuk and Jake, give a whistle if any beaters show up"
Trellus will give Anuk and Kam a decent head start, and then take the direct route to the rock, staying in the shadows as best as he can.
Milo Monday December 23rd, 2002 2:27:43 PM
Shrugging his shoulders, Milo proceeds to take a direct route to the Rock, waiting there for everyone to show up.
Gilan Monday December 23rd, 2002 5:16:59 PM
Gilan will also make his way towards the rock, by a direct route. The house that he as given is near there anyway. "Anyone that wants to could walk with me...we can tell anyone we meet that you are staying over." This would not be a bad idea as he has friends over when they don't feel like going all the way home. Plus everyone knows that you have to get away from adults once in awhile. "If it comes down to it we can actually stay at my house."
Grymash d20=17 Monday December 23rd, 2002 5:44:18 PM
Grymash rolls over the rock not to find a hole or tunnel. He does see a matted basket woven out of dry grass. He pulls it out and opens the lid. Inside are the remains of someones pet mouse. Along with the grass bed, in which it is layed upon, there includes little toys, a ball and a old spool that once had tread. A single copper jingly too. Grymash sighs and closes his eyes.
A remorseful Grymash gently puts the lid back on and places the basket back in its shallow grave. "Sorry little one for disturbing rest. You brought joy to someone, that made your life worth Grymash's honor and blessing of Gargul. That more than I say for most people."
Grymash gently recovers the basket with soil and slowly rolls the stone back over the little grave. He prays for Gargul to guide its soul. "A nice place ... mountains of cheese and no cats ... sleep well little one!!"
Grymash gets up and starts his way to the other rock the others were talking about. He knows he cant sneak so well in front of everyone. Its never worked. So he carries his jug, as if he is returning it to a friend before he retires for the night. (Bluff check 17)
Gilan d20+3=10 Sunday December 29th, 2002 1:36:11 AM
Having found out that the possible wayout was just a burial hole, he turns with the rest and starts heading towards his house. He stops and looks around to see if anyone is near(spot:10). He makes several low buzzing noises that slowly drift out into the night sky. Several minutes later two wasps, Tiev and Yinb, land on his outstretched hand.
They turn to meet his eyes as he begins a series of buzzes that resemble a language or form of communication. He inquires with his two friends if they know of any ways outside of the dome. Maybe something that he could get through to the outside.
Jacob d20+4=22 d20+4=11 Sunday December 29th, 2002 3:14:35 PM
Ol' Jake vanishes into the shadows...or attempts to. Actually, he's not very good at this. He does manage to sneak off pretty well, but those in the darkness with good hearing oughtta hear his slug-skinned boots.
Dm Anthony Thursday January 2nd, 2003 3:21:46 PM
Gentlemen I am sorry about my poor posting I have not been near a computer or phone for some time. My daughter, my wife and I all got fairly sick and I have not found the time to do anything but be sick and care for them. Curently Mayas temp is 102.5 so we are watching her carefuly. I will resume regular posting on Monday providing no one ends up in the hospital.
Thank you
MikeDidThis (Anuk) Thursday January 2nd, 2003 7:36:11 PM
I hope you all get well soon and that your year gets off to a better start. Best of luck!
BigTim Friday January 3rd, 2003 12:46:04 PM
praying for you all, Anth.
CDM Jerry Friday January 3rd, 2003 11:40:30 PM
OK goodpeople, Anth hasn't asked for time off, but after this set of ordeals, I'm sidelining him for a week or two. He needs it and doesn't need to be worrying about this board when he has his family to worry about. Poor guy.
Mikey, you're DM if possible. Email me or call me. Sending you an email with my phone number and some information. I want you ready to go on Monday. I love Anth and he's one of my best friends. So I'm doing what I think is best for him as a friend. Giving him a needed break. Enjoy it my friend.
Guys, I'm sending you a map of the town. Note that Anth hasn't had the time to detail locations on the map yet, but you can see the map anyways. :)
Be prepared to rock on Monday. The game will go on even if I have to run it.
ADM Mikey Sunday January 5th, 2003 9:54:52 PM
The sun, having made its wearisome way across the sky, settles down amidst the grasses far off in the distance. Tinges of purple and gold touch the top of the huts before darkness descends without notice. On the plains, it gets dark very quick, and now, as you all make your way towards the end of the village where lies the infamous (hopefully) mobile rock, children pipe up and call to each other farewells as they race home from the fountains. "Time to go, Weed!" "Last thread, Sapphro!" "Awwww I wanna stay swimming!" "Hey, good luck, you treadles!" "Come now, Piggies." "Ouch! Dry dunghead!!" A monk appears at last at the pool. "All right, children. Curfew time." Looking as stern and serious as rock, he chastises those who are slow to follow, including one or two Black Pack members who lag behind to pick on the children. One crying child, rubbing his swollen eye, is helped along by the solemn figure.
At first, as you all make your way through Rattledam, the fading of light and mass of children leaving provides good cover. Gilan and Milo are in front, as they left without hesitation, but Grymash and Trellus are quick to catch up (if a bit noisily). Everyone else tags behind, whether watching for enemy packs or trying not to appear as though part of the group.
But now, as darkness completely falls, the evening bell tolls. Most of the adults begin to pray to the Pantheon in their homes. Any children caught in the streets or (even worse!) outside the dome now has to beware of the patrolling monks. They are especially wary of packs of youths eager to cause trouble...
Luckily, you encounter none of the hooded worshippers on the way to the rock. As you arrive, the edge of the dome looms high, dauntingly tall up close. Jake stands watch, looking for any approaching figures with his excellent half-elf eyesight.
The rock should be movable with a good enough push. (Str check, DC 20! Up to three people can 'aid', adding +2 to the check attempt. Note that this is quite noisy.) Even after the rock is moved, there is a bit more dry dirt to be cleared to get underneath the thick barrier... anybody bring a shovel?
Trellus d4+1=3 Monday January 6th, 2003 9:03:55 AM
Trellus looks at the boulder. "Dudes, thats a really big rock," he says matter of factly.
Then he turns to Grymash. "Gotta shady surprise for you, Gry." And he casts BULL'S STRENGTH on the half orc (+3 to Strength for 3 hours).
"Any spell slingers got a pick to make this quieter?"
Once Grymash is ready to go, Trellus mumbles a quick prayer, "Domi give me strength" (Use domain skill - feat of strength to up his Strength to 18) and gives a mighty heave in conjunction with the barbarian.
Once (If) the rock is out of the way, the cleric looks at the dirt and rubs the back of his head in bemusement. Then he looks to the pack to see if someone else was smart enough to bring a shovel.
Gilan Monday January 6th, 2003 10:36:34 AM
Gilan moves to one side and decides to help keep a look out. He has no shovel and no spell that would help with digging. He glances back several times to see how the boulder moving is going.
Grymash (bulls strength) d20+6=24 Monday January 6th, 2003 11:58:19 AM
Grymash feels the tingle in his muscles. He's amazed to feel this strong and not be raging. Grymash puts his hands to his mouth and feels his tusks and gums. "Nope!!" He's not foaming at the mouth either!!
Grymash then, with much confidence, reaches down attempts to move the rock. (Strength check 24). The rock rolls right over!! Grymash looks back at the others with a big goofy grin!! "See ... Grymash is the Real Big Shady!!"
Milo Monday January 6th, 2003 12:11:58 PM
stands there, watching the others move the rock, and keeps an eye out for the roaving bands of Monks.
Kam Monday January 6th, 2003 2:56:17 PM
Kam rummages around in his backpack for a moment. "Shovel, who wants to dig on an adventure like this?" Then he sighs as he looks at the plug of dirt blocking the way. "If we see the monks coming, I can distract them with some lights."
Kam will cast Dancing Lights to lead the monks away (max range 130', shaped like glowing humanoids) if he sees them coming towards the group.
Anuk d20+9=23 d20+7=20 Monday January 6th, 2003 3:31:41 PM
"Way to go, Gry!"Anuk exclaims as the rock rolls over. He suddenly recalls the need for quiet. He lowers his voice and says, "Whoops...sorry about that." He rummages through his old leather pack, but finds nothing of value for digging. "Nothing here...I'll be happy to return home and fetch a shovel."
(OOC: I'm assuming that what with all the daily work around here, Anuk knows where he could obtain a shovel.)
If no one else has a shovel, Anuk heads off to get one. If it appears that he will run into a group of monks, he hides and sneaks as best he can (Move Silently 23, Hide 20).
ADM Mikey d20+4=21 d20+6=11 d20+6=12 Monday January 6th, 2003 10:47:26 PM
After Anuk takes off, the rest of the group stays a bit quieter, keeping watch or poking at the dirt in silence. Still, none of you are prepared a few moments later, when a little voice pipes up loudly from the darkness just to the side of the pit (away from the roads where everyone's watching with a hide check of 21!), "Hey, whatcha guys up to?" You turn your heads and see Jenny, infamous annoying little sister of one of your pack members. She watches all of you curiously, but the more perceptive of you all notices the way she glances at one particular member... (and not her brother. You can make sense motive or spot checks, DC 15 if you wish. And note; you just met one of the most loudmouthed impulsive kids in camp! What are you going to do to get rid of her?)
Anuk, off by himself, supposes himself lucky as two stealthy monks pass him on the road, barely missing him by a grass-length, yet not noticing him. He finally retrieves the shovel, and starts heading back to the group hoping he doesn't have to make up an excuse to have a shovel.
Milo Tuesday January 7th, 2003 10:20:48 AM
turns to the group and whispers: if she gets too loud, we can always let her drink my "potion". (he says with a mischievous grin)
Trellus d20+5=25 Tuesday January 7th, 2003 11:05:33 AM
(Spot check 25 - can I save that nat 20 for when I need it?)
Trellus' head drops in exasperation when Jenny shows up again. He notes she is again eyeing (let me guess) Sterlin, but doesn't worry about it. That's not really a problem. What IS a problem is how to get his sister out of here without finding every beater in the town waiting for them when they come back.
"Jenny, you grass biting piggie! I told you to go home!" He pauses, then continues quietly, "If you must know, we're weaving a little trick on the Black Pack, and its a secret."
An idea pops into his head. Sterlin's gonna kill me, he thinks, but it might work. He gets close to his little sister and whispers, "Now if we can weave this without the Blacks or beaters finding out, our pack'll be the night soil. In fact, Sterlin would be so happy I could probably get him to go walking with you. But you gotta be quiet. And I'll still weave your chores all week."
Trellus turns and whispers to Milo, "We might have to. Is that drink safe?"
Then, back to Jenny. "Well, go on now!"
Anuk d20+9=29 d20+7=9 Tuesday January 7th, 2003 12:58:04 PM
Without a sound, makes his way back toward the pack (Move Silently 29). He glances at the shovel in his hand and begins formulating stories in his head. "If they catch me, I could tell 'em Brother Randall asked me to check on his garden...he's always so worried about insects eating his plants and he always makes me run his errands...hopefully they won't check with him on it...the pack'll kill me if I bring out the beaters..."
Lost in concentration, Anuk suddenly realizes he's standing in the light (hide 9). "Blast!" he thinks, "I've gotta be more careful!"
Sterlin Tuesday January 7th, 2003 2:16:18 PM
Sterlin walks towards Jenny and gives her a little wink. " He is correct, Jenny. If you can go home and keep this a secret, I will go on a walk with you. "
ADM Mikey d20+9=21 d20+6=26 d20+1=18 Tuesday January 7th, 2003 9:57:24 PM
As Sterlin winks at her, Jenny turns three shades of red. She is somewhat saved by the arrival of Anuk whom she spots with hardly any effort. About to obediently retreat, she notices the shovel in his hand... The little bouncer peeks at the boulder and giggles with surprised wide-eyes. "Wow...you moved the whole boulder? Most of the big boys just climb it and toss a rope over the hedge! You are Sooo Shadow!!" Obviously, this last one is tossed at Sterlin, whom she shyly glances at. Before any of you can move to shut her up, she puts on an obedient face, "Sure I can't go with you?" Seeing your faces, she sighs, "Well...okay, I'll weave on quiet about it." She smiles and waves at Milo as she turns to go, piping out, "Later on, I want...er..could I have a few honey cookies too?" Whatever Milo's response is, she then quickly dashes off into the night, in the general direction of Trellus' home...
It should only take a few scoops to get enough space for someone like Milo, but it could take longer to get enough out for a bigger guy.
[While someone shovels, everyone else please try to make a Spot DC 23 (21+2 due to the night time conditions) and a Listen check DC 26 .]
Grymash (bulls strength) d20+6=12 d20+3=11 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 1:12:30 AM
Grymash continues to dig. He occasional pauses to look around. Not seeing or hearing anything, he continues to dig.
(Listen check 12, Spot check 11)
Sterlin d20+3=11 d20+3=19 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 8:14:02 AM
Sterlin's thoughts drift to the idea of seeing the stained glass grass.
LOG ON