On the Commons (DM Cayzle) Wednesday November 6th, 2002 10:53:39 AM
Bordering the Culverwood, the Cinnamon Valley has always had a fair sprinkle of elvish folk who've made homes here. But those who are not human still stand out as a minority, and all the shorter folk know each other, at least all the ones in Jarlwolf.
So it is not a surprise that we find the young Turks of the town's non-human community all gathered together on the Commons, with the bright sun shining down on them. They know each other by face and name: four elves -- Andrath, Brontinas, Kedarn, Thram -- and a gnome -- Elerinn. And it's not a surprise to see Cadmar, a human -- everyone knows he has elves on one side of his family. One human stands out -- named Lorth -- but maybe Kedarn brought him along, since they hold to the same faith.
All sons of Cinnamon Valley, all young and strong and curious, just at a time when adventuring has become a respectable thing to do.
Used to be folks would frown on wandering off for glory or treasure or questings, but since the noble adventurers called Dragons destroyed the Jarl, people are much less critical.
In fact, the reason that Andrath, Brontinas, Kedarn, Thram, Elerinn, Cadmar, and Lorth are standing on the Jarlwolf Commons is to watch the construction of a big public board, on which the town intends to publicly post jobs and opportunities for adventurers!
Even now, workers hoist worked logs into deep holes, soon to be the posts that hold the public board upright.
Lorth Wednesday November 6th, 2002 12:22:01 PM
Lorth looks around, pleased at the perfect weather. "Looks like I got here a bit early," he remarks to no one in particular. "The posts for the public board aren't even set yet. I suppose I'll just have to wait."
He glances over to the others gathered around and nods politely, "It sure is a fine day to be out about the commons."
Brontinas Wednesday November 6th, 2002 3:57:34 PM
Brontinas stood, straight backed staring at the construction, waiting in tepid anticipation. His eyes were aglow, the thoughts of adventure ran through his head along side pictures of dragons and shining armor.
"Brothers, this is the chance of a life time. Just think of all that we could do with our skills to help out, slaying evil beasts and rescuing damsels. I remember when old Geoff of the caravan guard used to tell me stories of his adventuring as a younger man, how exciting it was."
Bronti grips the railing with his hands, the excitement in him obviously rising as his chance to become a real adventurer increases.
OOC Suggestion (DM Cayzle) Wednesday November 6th, 2002 4:13:25 PM
Gents, as you post, I suggest that you include a description of yourself -- race, distinguishing features, obvious equipment, etc.
Elerinn Wednesday November 6th, 2002 4:16:32 PM
Elerinn has been waiting on the Commons for quite some time. Today, his new life would begin! He left home early this morning, maybe for the last time in his life.
The small (even for his race) gnome looks at the perfectly blue sky, and takes a long, deep breath. A smile appears on his young face.
Impatient, he looks at the workers again. Then suddenly he hears a voice. He looks at his face, and tries to remember what this man's name is. Hoping his memory doesn't trick him, he cheerfully greets the man and says to him, in a voice maybe a bit too excited: "Oh, hi there, Lorth. Your name is Lorth, right? Indeed, it is a great day! What brings you here?"
While he says this, he quickly looks up at the faces of the others present. He is quite interested if there are others gathered here for the same purpose as himself.
Thramorilos Naimolien (Thram Nightsinger) Wednesday November 6th, 2002 5:31:23 PM
Thram waits patiently as the posts are placed on the sign. His shoulder length pale blonde hair blows slightly in the breeze. It seems to be the only part of him moving. He seems perfectly content to stand and wait without complaint however long he needs to.
He's rather tall and heavyset for an elf, which means that he's about the size of a thin 12 year old human boy. However his muscled frame speaks of an agility lacking in all but the most gifted human youth.
His calm, green eyes seem to take in all of his surroundings as he peacefully waits. His plain brown pants and cream colored shirt are simple and unadorned, yet they are neat and clean. The clothes are loose flowing and seem comfortable. Carrying no obvious weapons and wearing no armor, he would probably be unremarkable except for the shield and war hammer emblazoned in red embroidery upon the left breast of his shirt.
Kedarn Shadowglade Wednesday November 6th, 2002 6:02:21 PM
Kedarn looks at the others waiting for the posts to be placed and says in a faint but hearable voice "This looks to be an interesting gathering today." Upon saying this Kedarn nods to everyone gathered.
Kedarn looks to be a wiry built elven male with ice blue eyes and ebony black hair wearing black knee-high soft leather boots, medium grey pants with a light grey shirt and a dark grey hooded cloak. You can just barely make out what looks to be the symbol of Gargul hanging around his neck. Kedarn has what looks to be a sword on his right hip and a longbow over his left shoulder
Cadmar Thursday November 7th, 2002 6:16:58 AM
Cadmar stands with his face to the sun, eyes closed, enjoying the fine weather. The man is very young; in some other lands he would be still called a boy, but the Valley is a rough place, forcing children to grow up quick. His short black hair is already sprinkled with silver.
The man is rather small and slender. A dark green cloak is wrapped around his shoulders. His chainmail tinkles slightly when he moves. A longbow and a sabre are slung over his back, together with a large backpack.
When Kedarn makes his remark, Cadmar opens his eyes and replies:
"Interesting, yes indeed! Looks like all the restless spirits in Jarlwolf are already here."
He nods to everyone and smiles.
"So, does anyone have a hunch about the jobs the town has for adventurers?"
Sharoll and Co. (DM Cayzle) Thursday November 7th, 2002 7:02:23 AM
A young human in a breastplate walks up, flanked by a human in a robe and a half-elf in leathers. Her armor is dented here and there, and that greatax she has slung on her back has seen use. She bows low, maybe mockingly, and addresses the group. From her words, you can tell she's not a native to Cinnamon Valley.
"Greetings, newbies," she says, looking over your gear. "Searching for adventure, I take it? Well, the people here-abouts seem to have plenty of work for the likes of us."
"I am Sharoll, and this is Norton and Alarex," she gestures to her comrades, who nod and grin at you.
"Here's a deal," she continues, rubbing a nasty scar on her nose, "you tell us if you hear about any dangerous work, and we'll let you know if we hear about any caravans that need guarding!"
She smiles widely and holds her hand out to Cadmar.
[If Cadmar shakes her hand, make a Str check.]
Kedarn Thursday November 7th, 2002 7:40:15 AM
"Perhaps Sharrol might know of some work," Kedarn says to Cadmar while he smiles and nods to Sharrol, Norton and Alarex.
"Have you heard of any jobs Sharrol?" Kedarn asks.
Lorth Thursday November 7th, 2002 9:54:03 AM
Lorth is human standing at 6' even, his brown hair, cut short, matches his eyes. He wears travelers clothes, a vest and soft high boots all gray. A symbol of Gargul adorns his small steel shield, slung across his back, along with a large backpack and longsword. Hanging from his belt on left and right sides respectively are a warhammer and a heavy war pick.
Lorth turns to greet Elerinn and barely gets out a hello, when he's interupted by Sharrol. "As long as that caravan is heading north, I would be happy to guard it.", Lorth replies bowing.
Thram Thursday November 7th, 2002 10:49:43 AM
Thram raises his left eyebrow just the slightest bit when Sharrol and company arrive. He silently sizes up her two companions in case the bullies mean trouble, but he otherwise seems content to continue waiting for someone to post jobs. A caravan sounds just right to him. He would love to travel. He daydreams a bit about far away places and exotic lands as the group stands around.
Cadmar d20=4 Thursday November 7th, 2002 2:56:49 PM
"I'm Cadmar, one of the people here-abouts. Pleased to meet you." Cadmar smiles a happy little smile.
"I'm afraid the only dangerous job I've heard about is cleaning the bear traps. If you are not careful enough you can get tenatus." His smile widens to a grin and he claps Sheroll's hand (Str check of 4).
Elerinn Thursday November 7th, 2002 3:30:59 PM
As Elerinn listens to Sheroll, he double checks his backpack. <I>Do I have all things needed on a grand adventure?</I> Just as Sheroll finishes, he picks up his backpack again, now observing the rest of his equipment.
He looks at his oversized green cloak. <I>Maybe I shouldn't have taken my father's old one...</I> He tries to visualize his father, a gnome as tall as a small man. The only thing that prevents Elerinn from dissapearing in his own clothing, is a thight belt. It holds a very old dagger, and two things that look like pouches.
The huge cap of his cloak hangs over his backpack, revealing a large mess of curly red hair, which almost clashes with his blue eyes and certainly with his cloak.
OOC Posting Hints (DM Cayzle) Thursday November 7th, 2002 4:21:08 PM
You can add html-like tags to your posts if you like, but the tags use square brackets -- "[" and "]" -- instead of the usual sort "<" and ">."
So bold text is [.b.]done like this[./.b.].
Okay, remove the periods, and it comes out like this.
Sharoll Storms Off (DM Cayzle) d20+6=11 (Sharoll's Str check) Friday November 8th, 2002 3:07:03 PM
Cadmar's hand comes back pretty mangled, and you get the idea she wasn't squeezing as hard as she could!
"You dummies!" Sharoll says, "Don't you know that caravan work is the dullest and lowest-paying work you can get! Mercs and hired blades guard caravans! Adventurers go on quests! They have missions! They seek adventure!"
"You mewlings are too wet-behind-the-ears to know a good tease when you hear one!"
She storms off, muttering about babies.
Norton follows her, but Alarex shrugs and offers a word before he goes. "Boy, you guys really pissed her off when you got her name wrong." He chuckles. "It's Sharoll, not Sharrol or Sheroll! Did you do that on purpose? No wait, I don't want to know! And you didn't introduce yourselves. Well, if you ever make names for yourselves, let us know!
He too walks off, smiling.
As the day goes by, the adventuring billboard is almost finished. Other armed and armored folk gather on the Commons, with some spell-casting-types sprinkled in too.
Brontinas Friday November 8th, 2002 3:14:13 PM
Bronti looks as Sharoll left with Norton and Alarex.
"Interesting fellow that Alarex, I wonder why he holds company with one so pompous as Sharoll. Still, I suppose some healthy competition is a good thing."
"Odd that adventurers such as ourselvs are not more kind to one another, after all, we are pursuing similar ends."
Brontinas sighs and smiles a little as he ponders his own questions.
Thram Friday November 8th, 2002 5:22:59 PM
Thram finally feels compelled to speak, "Similar ends? What would those ends be? I imagine that she values profit a bit more than me, and I would guess that I value helping others a bit more than she."
Lorth Friday November 8th, 2002 5:54:25 PM
Nods in agreement with Thram. "Oh well, I tried my best to be polite, may Gargul keep her."
Cadmar Saturday November 9th, 2002 4:46:56 AM
"Oww, that hurt." Cadmar rubs his hand. "I bet she can tie a horseshoe in a knot."
"I agree, Brontinas. A most interesting and diverse trio, indeed. And I think they are after fame and all that, Thram." Cadmar imitates Alarex: "If you ever make names for yourselves, let us know."
"Obviously, we were not polite enough." Cadmar winks at Lorth. "I think she expected us to drop our jaws and go: wow, a real adventurer!"
Kedarn Saturday November 9th, 2002 5:33:29 AM
Looking at Thram and Lorth, Kedarn says "I agree with you Thram. It was a simple mistake on her name that was made."
Elerinn Saturday November 9th, 2002 2:16:24 PM
As Sharoll and her companions leave, Elerinn is left with a bit of a strange feeling. These adventurers, how they called themselves, were nothing compared to the people in his books. They weren't arrogant, they were...heroic!
But then, he shrugs and thinks "Maybe they are indeed better suited for caravans..."
Impatiently, he looks at the billboard again.
Adventurers Wanted! (DM Cayzle) Monday November 11th, 2002 10:12:23 AM
After the billboard is erected, one worker paints these words across the top:
Adventurers Wanted!
The first message to go up on the board is a notice that in a week's time, the famed Green Dragons band of heroes will be in Jarlswolf to provide a week of training to any would-be adventurers.
As you stand around talking about that, a fair elf maid approaches the group. Cadmar needs no introduction, but she tells the rest of you that she is Cassandra, an assistant to Dulcet of the Pitchfork Council. If you make an Int roll vs. DC12, you will recognize Dulcet's name as the council's witch representative.
Cassandra says that Dulcet has a task for true sons of the Cinnamon Valley that she did not want publicly posted. Too many here are strangers to the Valley, and are not to be trusted.
Cassandra asks, "Will you come to a private meeting?"
Brontinas d20+1=6 Monday November 11th, 2002 1:23:21 PM
Brontinas taps his chin for a moment.
"Wait, I have no problem helping the Pitchfork Council, indeed I hold high hopes for the Council and wish it much success... but uh... which one is Dulcet?"
Brontinas frowns a little at his own lack of knowledge.
"Assuming he is a good and kindly man, I will gladly attend a private meeting, I have no need for adventurer training."
Elerinn d20+2=18 Monday November 11th, 2002 2:32:18 PM
Elerinn tries to remember who Cassandra is, because he believes that he has seen her before. But when she mentions Dulcet, this thought fades away. Dulcet...wasn't he council's witch representative?
Elerinn is glad that the Green Dragons are coming to Jarlswolf. Finally he can meet some real adventurers! And of course, he would like to go the private meeting, this is his change!
"Count me in too!" Elerinn calls out, his voice high and excited. He looks at something sitting on his shoulder, some small creature. It rests in the inside of his hood, so it is barely noticable, but it looks like some sort of raven.
Kedarn d20+1=8 Monday November 11th, 2002 3:35:52 PM
Kedarn thinks for several minutes then he says "I don't know anyone named Dulcet but, I will attend the meeting it is for the council."
"Greetings Brontinas and Elerinn, I am Kedarn priest of Gargul. Perhaps we will be having a grand adventure in our future together.." as Kedarn turns to each and holds out his hand in greeting.
Kedarn gathers his gear and waits for Cassandra to show us to the private meeting.
Thram d20+2=18 Monday November 11th, 2002 5:00:24 PM
"Brontinas, Dulcet represents the witches on the Council. I harbor no ill will toward his constituents, however. So I for one would be happy to at least hear what he needs."
Cadmar d20+3=8 Tuesday November 12th, 2002 5:44:48 AM
Cadmar swallows hard and says in a voice that trembles a little bit:
"I'm Cadmar. I would be very happy to come to a private meeting with you. I mean you witches. And Dulcet."
He goes red on his face.
Lorth d20=11 Tuesday November 12th, 2002 7:36:04 AM
Lorth looks around to the rest of the volunteers. "Well Met Lady Cassandra", he bows slightly, "I also would like to attend this meeting, if you will have me."
A Walk Through Jarlswolf (DM Cayzle) Tuesday November 12th, 2002 10:28:44 AM
Cassandra laughs. "Dulcet is a very wise and understanding person. But she may not be very understanding if you refer to her as "he"! Come on, I'll take you to the meeting place."
The elf maid leads the group through the streets of Jarlswolf. The lands hereabout are wild, so the town is close behind walls, and the buildings are two or three stories high and near-set. As the witch's assistant leads the group up and down winding streets, she says that Dulcet wanted a group of locals with good reputations, and that you seemed to fit the bill pretty well.
She leads you up stairs into an alley, then into a private home. She smiles at the man and woman, both humans, who are evidently the ones who live here. They are are respectful but do not give their names. They show you all to a private sitting room with couches and chairs.
It will be a couple hours before Dulcet arrives, Cassandra tells you. The human man brings in water, tea, and beer. Also some bread and cheese.
Thram Tuesday November 12th, 2002 10:58:52 AM
Looking a little embarrassed about offering up faulty information, Thram shuts his mouth again and follows Cassandra through Jarlwolf. Arriving at the house, he nods to the residents and sits down on one of the chairs in the sitting room.
He settles in to wait, once more displaying a sense of calm patience. He takes a cup of tea and a little of the bread while he waits.
Lorth Tuesday November 12th, 2002 11:41:37 AM
Pleased that he has a good reputation, Lorth follows along. He bows slightly when greeting the residents of the house and then finds a simple chair to await his host.
Kedarn Tuesday November 12th, 2002 12:13:27 PM
Kedarn follows Cassandra to the meeting place. He glances around the room quickly before he sits down in one of the chairs. Kedarn takes a small glass of water and a little cheese while waiting for his host to come.
Elerinn Tuesday November 12th, 2002 3:21:16 PM
Elerinn follows Cassandra and the rest to the place where they are to meet Dulcet. He is glad that there are some refreshments, and takes a full glass of beer.
He raises his glass and says to the others present: "Maybe a little introduction is appopriate here, my fellow fameseekers! My name is Elerinn, from Merrydale. I'm humbly skilled in magical arts, and I've decided to do something usefull with it. From this day on! Nice to meet you all, my friends!"
"Oh, I almost forgot, my little fellow here is named Qamaro." He points at a raven sitting on his shoulder, and, surprisingly, the bird greets you with a creaky but understandable voice.
Brontinas Tuesday November 12th, 2002 11:15:42 PM
Brontinas grins at the mistake he made. "So, 'she' is well respected on the council? Your word is good enough for me Cassandra."
He beams at the thought of being well respected in a town in which he does not even know the names of the council members! Regardless, he follows obediently to the house. Once upstairs he introduces himself as well.
"Well, as long as we are going through introductions. I am Brontinas Del'Avian, but please, just call me Bronti, its easier for everyone involved. I hail from places beyond but I have spent so much time here in Cinnamon Valley I might as well say I live here. I think I know a few of you from around the tavern anyway."
He winks at no one in particular.
Cadmar Wednesday November 13th, 2002 4:13:19 AM
After entering the house, Cadmar leaves his weapons, backpack and cloak at the door. All can see now that he is wearing an old, but well maintained chainshirt. He takes a chair in the corner of the room and accepts a cup of herbal tea.
After Bronti introduces himself, he says:
"I'm Cadmar, of the Gondaval clan. I have grown up in the Valley. For the last two years I have been helping others to keep the forests safe."
Meeting Dulcet Wednesday November 13th, 2002 10:03:30 AM
While you wait and converse, Cassandra plays gently on a small hand-harp. After a couple hours, there is a knock on the door, and your host shows in a small human woman. Elf-sized, she is silver-haired and motherly, but with a grace and beauty to her movements. She is followed into the room by a young male elf.
Cassandra stands and introduces you all to her. "Dulcet, this is Brontinas, Thram, Lorth, Cadmar, Kedarn, and Elerinn. Gentlemen, the hmost honorable Dulcet."
The witch asks you all to sit down (if you stood up, that is!). She thanks you all for coming and also introduces the elf with her as Andrath, someone who might be a worthy addition to your group.
Then she gets right to the point.
"I need you, gentlemen, to help me retrieve a family heirloom. If all goes well, there will be little danger. But there is the possibility that others may try to steal it. All in all, it should take no more than a day or two. This would be a favor not only to me personally, but to those I represent -- and it would aid the cause of peace in this troubled valley of ours.
"I am sorry that I cannot give you any more detail than this unless you agree. And I would ask your utmost discretion about this meeting and about this task for which I am asking your assistance.
"Will you help me?"
Thram Wednesday November 13th, 2002 10:09:34 AM
"I think everyone here knows me, but if not, I am Thramorilos Naimolien. Of course, I'm known here in the Valley as Thram Nightsinger. I grew up in the Culverwood, but I followed my master Odigon to the Valley a few years ago. I have since decided that the traditional priesthood is not for me, so I am now seeking my own path."
Lorth Wednesday November 13th, 2002 12:19:16 PM
Lorth stands when Dulcet enters the room, bowing when introduced. He remains standing until Cassandra bids him to sit.
"My lady, I would be honored to retrieve this heirloom for you, but first I must know the cicumstances of why it has gone missing. I must be sure it is being returned to the rightful party. Please do not be insulted but I cannot partake in any sort of theivery," Lorth says matter-of-factly.
He then leans back in his chair, folds one arm across his chest, and raising his other he touches his temple with his hand and concentrates intently on the room.
Thram Wednesday November 13th, 2002 5:06:44 PM
Thram looks a bit confused as Dulcet apparently walked in while he was telling the others a little about himself.
When he realizes his mistake he stands then sits back again when bidden. He seems rather confused, but he does hear a request, "Since there seems to be a need, I will help."
Andrath Silverhand Thursday November 14th, 2002 12:25:39 AM
Andrath nods at the lady's introduction, and while the party decides their responses, introduces himself. "Well met. My name is Andrath Silverhand, and apparently we are to join forces, if you agree to take on the good lady's request."
Andrath is a smallish young elven male, wearing leather armour and carrying a longsword, longbow and backpack. He appears to have a difficult time sitting still, and his eyes always seem to be moving around. He treats the witch with obvious deference, however, and manages to keep fairly still while she is speaking.
Kedarn Thursday November 14th, 2002 1:10:07 AM
Kedarn stands up when Dulcet comes in then returns to sitting when bidden. Kedarn listens attentively to Dulcet while at the same time Kedarn is looking at everyone seeing what their reactions are. When Dulcet finishes speaking Kedarn nods to Dulcet and says, "I will aid you in this matter."
Bronti Thursday November 14th, 2002 1:23:46 AM
Bronti stands as Dulcet enters and sits floridly when she bids him sit. He is saddened by the lack of glory for the quest, though his smile does not slip. He has to pay the bills somehow after all.
"Madame, I would be most honored to help you in this matter. And I must admit, I am intrigued by the fact that your lips are sealed until we agreed."
He smiles waiting for the mystery to unfold.
Elerinn Thursday November 14th, 2002 3:32:36 AM
Elerinn had listened to Dulcet, but somehow, he is confused. He has some strange feeling about the odd request, but the elven woman seems very honest. He doesn't know why, exactly, but it's something in her sweet voice.
When all others have answered Dulcet, he realizes that he is the only one who hasn't agreed yet. He speaks quickly: "Of course, my lady, I would be glad to help you. Please tell us more about the matter..."
Cadmar Thursday November 14th, 2002 4:54:48 AM
Cadmar stands up when Dulcet enters and nods to Andrath when Cassandra mentions his name.
After hearing the offer, he thinks for a moment, letting others state their mind. Finally he answers in a cautious tone of voice:
"Well, if I can help to bring peace to the Valley, I am most certainly willing to assist you in this matter."
Dulcet opens up (DM Cayzle) d20+15=30 (Dulcet's Sense Motive Check) Thursday November 14th, 2002 10:51:52 AM
The witch talks with you all a little more, and then says, "Well, I feel that you all are people of character, so I will tell you more and count on your discretion.
"My great-aunt, Lalliote, has died. She was very old, and I am sure that she is at peace in the Lands of Havens Far. But her passing is dangerous because Lalliote guarded the Claw of Axios.
"The Claw is both a family heirloom and an evil and dangerous magic item. For generations my family has kept it safe. But I fear that others want to obtain it for their own dark reasons.
"I want you to quickly travel to my great aunt's house, burn Lalliote's mortal remains so that none can desecrate her, and retrieve the Claw of Axios.
"Now, I will ask again of those who were reluctant before -- will you help me?"
Thram Thursday November 14th, 2002 11:31:33 AM
Hesitant when he wasn't before, Thram asks, "I will still agree to keep such an item from falling into the hands of others, but I have a question, if the item is evil, why safeguard it? Why not just destroy it?"
Kedarn Thursday November 14th, 2002 1:53:53 PM
Kedarn says looking to Dulcet "I will agree to help recover the Claw of Axios and perform the rites for your great aunt as you have requested."
Turning and commenting to Thram, Kedarn says "by safeguarding the Claw of Axios it may in the future do some good."
Cadmar Thursday November 14th, 2002 2:25:30 PM
Cadmar listens closely to what Dulcet has to say, his tea cup left forgotten on the table.
He does not wish to interrupt the witch, so he only nods eagerly when her gaze falls on him.
Elerinn Thursday November 14th, 2002 3:07:20 PM
Elerinn looks at Dulcet, very glad he can be of any help. He speaks to her in a much calmer and controlled voice now: "Of course, my lady, I would be glad to help you!"
Then, he listens to Kedarn speaking to Thram. He immediatly remarks to Kedarn: "Use an evil magic item for good? It's like using a hammer for eating your breakfast! And who of us is capable of judging what is good? Are you, my friend?"
Andrath Friday November 15th, 2002 12:28:43 AM
Andrath turns to Dulcet and bows his head. "Of course I will help you, my lady. I only hope that I can prove worthy of the task."
Bronti Friday November 15th, 2002 1:11:02 AM
"My bow is ready to help you as I have previously stated. But I confes, it does seem odd that we are not questing to destroy an evil artifact, instead of safeguarding it. With it destroyed, no one may use it for evil."
Lorth Friday November 15th, 2002 7:24:24 AM
Lorth turns to Dulcet, "I will do ask you ask, my lady. But I must confess I agree with both my friends, Thram and Elerinn. Could we not just destroy this claw and be done with it?", he asks anxiously.
Dulcet explains (DM Cayzle) Friday November 15th, 2002 7:35:08 AM
"The Wold was remade with both good and evil, my friends. Do you not think the Remaker had a reason to include both?" Dulcet smiles, saying, "Be not overquick to simply destroy evil, since evil can sometimes be turned to good use!"
"In fact, if the Claw is bound, it is very useful indeed. But when the binder dies, it becomes dangerous again. Your mission is to bring the Claw to the top of Wolf Hill, where it will be properly controlled."
"The danger lies in those who would use it unbound. You must not let it fall into their hands!"
"I will send with you a guide, who will lead you to the Claw. Through him, you can contact me three times."
A calico housecat walks out of a shadowed corner, where perhaps he has been all along. He opens his mouth. "Meaow."
Dulcet smiles again, saying, "He says his name is Mell. He will lead you straight and true. When you want to speak with me, just ask him."
"Now, are there any final questions before I send you off?"
Cadmar Friday November 15th, 2002 1:01:13 PM
Cadmar straightens himself in his chair, surprised.
"Final questions? I thought this conversation has only just begun. Off the top of my head, how does the Claw look like? Is it dangerous to whoever is carrying it? Is it capable of acting on its own? Who or what exactly is Axios? Is he (or it) likely to come looking for the Claw? If not him, then whom do you expect to be looking for it? When exactly did Lalliote die? How did she look like? Did she live alone, or with an apprentice or a companion? Is the communication through Mell a one way message, or will a dialogue be possible?"
"Finally" - he hesitates - "I understand there is some reason why you are not sending one of the witches with us - or instead of us. Am I correct?"
Thram Friday November 15th, 2002 2:51:57 PM
Thram has a doubtful look but doesn't disagree. He said that he would go, and he will. He goes back to sitting quietly, apparently having no questions, or at least none that Cadmar didn't already ask.
Andrath Saturday November 16th, 2002 1:13:14 AM
Andrath grins at all the questions that come pouring out of Cadmar's mouth. "What a demanding young man," he thinks to himself. "I am sure that he will learn in time that all answers in life are not immediately forthcoming, and you just have to trust the fates."
He turns to look at Lady Dulcet, to see how she reacts to the multitude of questions.
Kedarn Saturday November 16th, 2002 2:04:42 AM
Kedarn sits back in the chair to listen to the answers to Cadmar's questions.
Kedarn asks "can the Claw be carrried by anyone or does it have to be carried by someone specific? I ask you this as I would not like a ny party member to pick it up and be injured or die just for picking it up or touching it."
Bronti Saturday November 16th, 2002 3:13:50 PM
Bronti sat quietly. What questions could be answered, the quest was laid out before them, the only thing to do now was exceute. However, he patiently waited for his oppurtunity to finally show his potence as an elf.
Elerinn Sunday November 17th, 2002 2:10:56 PM
There is but one thing that's on Elerinn's mind right now. It is finally going to happen! I am going to be an adventurer!
He sits quietly, waiting for the final answers. He takes another sip of his drink and thinks about the things that he may have forgotten to take with him.
Dulcet Explains Some More (DM Cayzle) Monday November 18th, 2002 7:42:14 AM
Dulcet laughs, and replies to Cadmar. "I am glad to see that you have a good head. These are excellent questions."
"The Claw looks like a wizened hand, black and shriveled. It is not dangerous if you do not touch it -- I recommend a Mage Hand spell, or tongs, or at least pick it up with a sack and not bare skin. It cannot act on its own, nor should it be dangerous for the short time you will carry it. As for who would contest you for it, my hope is that there will be no one. But if any struggle against you, they will probably be agents of those who wish the Claw for their own dark purposes."
"My Aunt Lalliote lived alone but for a servant, who brought me word. Her passing was quiet, coming in the night without warning, but so it is at times with the very old. Treat her with respect and I will be grateful. She lived north and west of here, only a few hours fast walk, but go slower and try to be subtle."
"As for smart Mell," she says, reaching down and petting the cat, "he does not speak on his own, but just tell him when you need to speak with me, and I will answer you through his mouth -- but thrice only in one week!"
I don't know where Lalliote set the Claw, but it is surely hidden. Mell will help you find it. Follow him."
"As for your final question -- my obligations with the Pitchfork Council do not allow me to go. Moreover, I would prefer not to attract attention by sending a witch."
"The time for questions is over! Go, now, with my blessing."
"Dear Mell," she says to the cat, picking him up, "we must be secretive, so you must suffer this indignity." She puts him into a canvas sack that Cassandra holds out.
She hands the bag to Elerinn. "Head west, my friends, and until you are out of town, don't let the cat out of the bag!"
She winks and whirls away, with Cassandra behind her.
Lorth Monday November 18th, 2002 12:00:12 PM
Lorth looks around at his new found friends. "Well I can't say I agree with twisting evil to work for good. I've heard it tried before and it never comes to a good end.", states Lorth, "But I suppose the pitchfork council knows what its doing."
He looks around at his friends once again and says, "Shall we be off? The cat can't be happy in that bag."
Elerinn Monday November 18th, 2002 4:49:37 PM
Elerinn tries to calm the cat inside the bag he has just received, stroking it gently. But, as it doesn't seem to like to be inside there at all, he agrees with Lorth and says, "All right, off we go!"
He looks at the others, and nods to Dulcet. Then, he starts walking towards the room's exit.
Thram Monday November 18th, 2002 6:35:48 PM
Thram tries to supress a grin as Elerinn wrestles with the sack. "Well it's a good day for a walk. Shall we?"
The elf stands and seems ready to go. To an absolute stranger he would undoubtedly seem calm, but to those that have seen him standing waiting patiently all day, he seems positively impatient to be off.
Kedarn Monday November 18th, 2002 6:56:08 PM
Kedarn stands up and looks at the others and smiles while saying "I am Kedarn of the church of Gargul. I hope we can all work well together in this adventure before us. I will aid everyone to my best ability." Kedarn then holds out his hand in greeting to everyone in the group.
Brontinas Monday November 18th, 2002 8:20:42 PM
Brontinas checks his sword at his side.
"Let us hope no evildoers do come at us, but if they should..."
He stands and looks around at the others.
"Let us be of, for the sooner we are gone, the sooner this evil is inaccesbile to the world."
OOC: Sorry if I have typos, I possily borke my thumb, so my typings a little off.
Andrath Tuesday November 19th, 2002 12:52:58 AM
Andrath bids the lady farewell, and follows the others through the doorway, eager to get moving.
Cadmar Tuesday November 19th, 2002 3:17:48 AM
Cadmar shakes Kedarn's hand. Then he picks up his cloak, backpack and weapons, grabs a wedge of cheese, and follows the others out of the house and to the outskirts of the town.
"Maybe we should spread a little bit when we walk through the town. A large group of travelers always looks suspicious..."
The House of Lalliote
On the Road (DM Cayzle) Tuesday November 19th, 2002 6:58:00 AM
The group walks off, carrying poor Mell in a sack -- but the cat does not utter a meow of complaint.
Once you are a half-hour walk beyond the town, you let out Mell. He immediately leaves the road, which heads west to the village of Witchspawn, and strikes off northwest. If you do not follow promptly, the calico cat returns and complains with a quick yowl.
Assuming you follow Mell, you will find the off-road country to be brambly and rough. Sometimes you see small herds of sheep or goats, tended usually by small children.
Give me a sense of how you are travelling. Are you emphasizing speed? stealth? All in one group or spread out? Who's in front? Back? This is all key, in case there is an encounter.
lorth Tuesday November 19th, 2002 9:22:01 AM
Lorth shakes Kedarn's hand, "Gargul be praised, may he watch over you."
Lorth watches the cat head off the road, "My friends, may we stop for a few minutes while I don my armor? I did not wish to wear it in town, but it looks like we will be roughing it, so I best be ready."
Lorth unslings his pack, digs out his chain shirt and puts it on. He then puts his pack back on and readies his warhammer and shield, using then to push his way through the brush.
Lorth looks to Elerinn for instructions on how to travel, since Dulcet picked him to carry the cat.
Thram Tuesday November 19th, 2002 10:52:30 AM
Thram shakes Kedarn's hand as well, "Hopefully none of us will be meeting your master anytime soon."
Then he sets out after the cat. He'll do whatever everyone else thinks is appropriate, but for the present he just leisurely follows the cat at whatever speed Mell seems to take up.
Kedarn Tuesday November 19th, 2002 1:09:13 PM
Kedarn follows Mell the cat at a leisurly pace with his bow in his hand.
Kedarn suggests to the group that they travel in a loosely so that a single spell could not take out the entire group, but keep in sight of each other for support.
Brontinas Tuesday November 19th, 2002 1:46:35 PM
Eager for action, Brontinas takes after the cat, folowing close on it's heels. His eyes glance around and search the surrounding area constantly. He is ever-ready to do battle, with one hand on his sword at all times.
Elerinn Tuesday November 19th, 2002 2:12:50 PM
Elerinn follows the cat at the same relaxed pace as the others. He sees Lorth looking at him, and at first, he doesn't exactly realize what he wants.
But then he takes a quick glance at the small Mell, and realizes what Lorth wants to ask. He says to him: "I don't know the way, my friend, we must rely on our clever little fellow here..."
He points at the cat, and then walks towards Lorth. Interested, he stares at the symbol of Gargul adorning his shield and speaks in an almost whispering voice: "You seem to be quite devoted to our Keeper of the Dead. I envy you my friend..." He smiles at him, and continues following the cat.
Andrath d20+9=13 d20+8=13 Wednesday November 20th, 2002 12:36:53 AM
Watching the group follow the cat into the rough country, Andrath says, "I hope you don't mind if I range out and around a bit. You all make just too tempting a target for my taste." He will stay within sight of the party, but range on either side of the group, moving as quietly as possible [OOC: move silent roll of 13], and keep his eyes and ears open for trouble [OOC: spot roll of 13].
Cadmar Wednesday November 20th, 2002 8:19:20 AM
"Good idea, Andrath. The witch did say we should try to be subtle. I can take one side, and you the other, if you like. I will move within sight of the rest of you, but a little bit ahead of the group. If I see trouble I will do a bird call twice."
Cadmar wraps himself with his dark green cloak, puts his hood on, makes sure that the chainmail does not clink too much, readies his bow, and moves ahead of his companions.
(Take ten on the move silently (13), spot (15) and listen (15) checks).
There before you! (DM Cayzle) Wednesday November 20th, 2002 1:34:34 PM
By early evening, the party arrives at the Witch's House, but someone else has arrived there first!
With stealthy steps, Cadmar and Andrath are able to scout things out and return with some information. The house itself is small, and built into a hill. There is a garden, shed, and well outside. It is all very well maintained, neat, and tidy. There is a footpath going off to the southwest, and the landscape is hilly and brambly, with patches of light woods.
The only messy part of the house is the broken down front door and the slouching human guy leaning on a porch rail and keeping a look out. He has not seen you, however.
There is the sound of rough movement from inside the house. So far the party is undetected. Mell meows very softly and seems eager to head out into the yard.
Cadmar Wednesday November 20th, 2002 2:09:38 PM
Cadmar returns to the rest of the group. Once the situation is explained, he thinks for a moment and whispers:
"So, how do we handle the business at hand? If we challenge them to surrender, they could barricade themselves inside. I am no warrior, and most likely some of you will be able to come up with a better strategy, but perhaps some of us could climb on the roof and take the guard by surprise, while the rest rushes the people inside? I would be willing to take on the guard." Cadmar looks at the rest of the adventurers expectantly, waiting for other suggestions.
Lorth Wednesday November 20th, 2002 2:32:20 PM
"Some of you sneaking around and trying to come in from different directions sounds good to me. Although I cannot sneak, I volunteer to take the direct approach. If you wish, I will walk up to the front and demand to know why they are breaking and entering, as it is obvious from the broken door. Perhaps I can keep them busy for a few moments.", Lorth whispers. He looks to his friends with eager eyes.
Kedarn Wednesday November 20th, 2002 3:03:26 PM
"I agree with both of you, we should try to get in without the people inside noticing all of us if possible" Kedarn says quietly to the others. After a few moments Kedarn adds "I will go with you Lorth. If they just see the two of us they may let their guard down somewhat."
Brontinas Wednesday November 20th, 2002 3:52:37 PM
A light flares in Bronti's eyes. But it is quickly tempered.
"We don't know anything about these people. For all we know, they are simply relatives of the deceased lady taking their rightful possessions, and as long as they don't take the claw, we're fine.
"I do understand that I may be wrong, but killing innocent men is a dastardly deed. I agree that we should have two people sneak up on the house to discover intent of the people inside.
"If they are thieves..." A fire lights up in Bronti's eyes, and he brings a hand to his sword. "Then we can act accordingly."
Thram Wednesday November 20th, 2002 4:37:46 PM
"Methinks Bronti has the right of it. My own approach would be to walk up to the door and talk to this chap. A simple inquiry asking if the witch is home so that I can get a love potion for a lady I have my eye on would probably do the trick. Someone with legitimate business here would tell us of the lady's death at which point we would offer condolences and be let in the house, but a scoundrel would probably tell some lie which we would answer harshly. But, if you all feel the need to sneak in the dirt to spy, then so be it. I'll be waiting here."
Thram sits down on a rock. He would clearly go talk to the slouch like he said, but he seems to have no interest in sneaking about. It sounded like he muttered the word "snakes."
Andrath Thursday November 21st, 2002 12:18:59 AM
Andrath smiles at Thram's obvious distaste for 'sneaking in the dirt to spy'. "Hmm...Snake, is it? What an interesting nickname, although you certainly don't seem like a snake, Thram. Since I make it my profession to 'sneak in the dirt', I suggest you try your direct approach, and try to distract the guard, while I 'sneak' behind him, and try to get a look through the door (or window, if one is obvious). Then, based on his response and what I can spot, we can decide our next actions. If the rest of you wait here, you can watch to see what goes on, and rush in when needed."
Elerinn Thursday November 21st, 2002 1:45:23 PM
Elerinn dislikes the idea of sneaking on the people present in the house. We can't just go and take them out! So he states: "I agree with Brontinas and Thram. We don't know the intentions of these people! At least we can try talking to the man at the house's entrance."
He tightens his belt somewhat, for his cloak is already getting a bit dirty from dragging it over the ground. Elerinn notices a faint, but fast rhythm near, and realizes it is his heart. He whispers to the others: "So, what are we going to do? I can go and talk to the man at the entrance, is there anyone willing to come with me?"
Mell (DM Cayzle) Thursday November 21st, 2002 2:32:07 PM
The witch's cat meows once and runs off. He has head off out of the bramble and into the yard, but not towards the house.
=================
DM Notes: Well, my friends, if you want to make a plan, please tell me who is doing part A (talking?) and who is doing part B (sneaking?).
Let me mention that most common folk do not wear armor at all -- maybe padded or leather. They carry only simple weapons or maybe a bow or sling. Anyone with metal armor, shields, swords, etc, will immediately be taken as a soldier, or maybe an adventurer.
Lorth Thursday November 21st, 2002 2:49:44 PM
Lorth's eye open wide, "Apparently most of you misunderstood me, I meant that I would go up and talk to the person out front. I only suggested that people sneak around the sides, so that we were ready in case of trouble. Not so that we could attack these people without cause.", he then quiets down a bit, "and who said anything about killing anyone? I sure hope Gargul doesn't will that to be. Do we even have the authority to kill people? I would hope that if there is trouble we just subdue them and let the proper authorities take care of them." Lorth seems a bit nervous, "Kill people?", he says quietly to no one in particular.
Brontinas Thursday November 21st, 2002 4:15:10 PM
Brontinas looks at the cat.
"Well, I guess its time we choose. I propose that Lorth goes and talks to this person at the door. Our quiet people will be close enough to know if Lorth will be in trouble. I, and everyone else, will stay back, my bow will be knocked, I guarantee.
"Either Lorth will be able to get us inside without conflict, or there will be conflict, in which case, I am willing to bet that they would kill us with less hesitation than we would kill them."
Brontinas brings an arrow from his quiver and knocks it in his bow. He looks around to see who agrees with him.
Kedarn Thursday November 21st, 2002 6:13:33 PM
Kedarn looks to the rest of the party and says "I am not suggesting that we go out and just waylay this person, just to have the others in position in case of trouble. I will take and cover you Lorth from here with my bow along side of Brontinas unless you wish me to acompany you. But if we follow Mell we may not even have to deal with the people in the house."
Andrath d20+9=23 d20+9=14 d20+8=19 Thursday November 21st, 2002 11:23:59 PM
Andrath draws and strings his bow, and nocks an arrow in readiness. As the cat heads off across the lawn, the elf moves parallel with it, keeping it in sight, and staying to the shadows at the edge of the clearing as much as possible. He looks to see what the cat is moving towards. [OOC: move silent 23, hide 14, spot 19].
Cadmar d20+3=14 d20+5=9 Friday November 22nd, 2002 9:54:36 AM
"I have no doubts that these people are up to no good. Lorth, I'll sneak ahead in case you need me." Cadmar puts his bow on his back and starts to move in a very wide arc around the yard, approaching the back of the hut from different side than Andrath. As he walks he pays attention to the ground, hoping to find the trail of the burglars, and possibly figure out how many of them there are (Move Silently 14, Track(Wilderness Lore) 9).
The Cat and the Well (DM Cayzle) d20=10 Friday November 22nd, 2002 3:07:45 PM
While the rest quietly debate, Cadmar and Andrath act under the cover of the growing dark night. Andrath sees the cat walk over to the well. (If you have seen the movie "The Ring" or its ads, it looks just like that -- a circular wall of stones, 3 feet high and four feet in diameter. There is a wooden lid covering the well.) Mell sits down and looks at the well expectantly.
Cadmar still sees the one slouching fellow on the porch -- is he sleeping? He hears voices -- make a listen check to see how many.
The well is about 50 feet from the porch of the house. Someone standing on the porch should be able to see the well clearly.
Kedarn d20+2=18 d20+2=17 d20+5=19 Friday November 22nd, 2002 4:02:24 PM
Kedarn nocks an arrow in bow as he skirts the yard going over to where Mell went keeping at the edge of the clearing to the point where the well is between him and the porch then quietly Kedarn moves to the side of the well and crouches down along side the well(move silently 18, hide 17.) Once Kedarn reaches the well he carefully looks around looking for anyone else outside other than the party (spot 19.)
Bronti d20+3=17 d20+3=5 Friday November 22nd, 2002 5:01:58 PM
Brontinas keeps his place. His eyes move away from the slumped man and roam over the rest of the house, he keeps very still and very aware of his surroundings, if anythign threatens him or his companions. They will recieve an arrow in the eye for their effort. (Spot: 17, Listen: 5)
Cadmar d20+5=17 Saturday November 23rd, 2002 7:18:53 AM
Suddenly hearing voices, Cadmar freezes in midstep. His face tenses with concentration as he tries to figure out how many speakers there are and what are they talking about (Listen 17). Turning to the rest of the group, he points to the hut, and then signals the number of burglars on his fingers.
Andrath Saturday November 23rd, 2002 11:07:38 PM
Andrath makes his way to the side of the house, trying to keep to the side of the guard's vision. [OOC: I presume I use the same silent move and hide rolls from earlier. If not, Cayzle, please re-roll for me.]
As soon as he is close enough to tell if the man is asleep, he will stop. If the man is not asleep, and Andrath still has not been spotted, he will signal Thram to move forward and try to engage the guard in conversation, as Thram had mentioned earlier. If the guard is in fact asleep, he will signal that fact to the rest of the group, and move forward silently to try to get a better picture of what is going on inside the house. He will also signal to Kedarn that he can move to the well and try to see why the cat is so interested in it. If the guard is awake (or wakes up) and notices Andrath...then the fun really starts. [OOC: In situations like this, I will try to give Andrath's actions depending on the various situations that might occur. OK?]
Elerinn Sunday November 24th, 2002 1:02:42 PM
Elerinn positions himself next to Brontinas, and looks at the others. Although he hopes that Thram can resolve this matter in a peacefull way, he knows what to do if he could not. He closes his eyes, takes a deep breath and stares at the guard in front of the house, trying to breath as soft as possible.
Upon Closer Examination (DM Cayzle) Monday November 25th, 2002 7:46:58 AM
Elerinn, Brontinas, Lorth, and Thram stick to the bramble at the side of the yard. They keep a close watch on both the well and the house, ready to act.
Kedarn reaches the well without problem. The wood cover on the well is not locked or bolted down, and with care could be lifted off quietly, he thinks. Mell paws the side of the well and looks at Kedarn.
Cadmar and Andrath continue their surveillance at either side of the house. Cadmar gets an intuition that there are three different voices, but he cannot make out what they say. Andrath determines (from the sound of the man's breathing) that the guy on watch IS asleep, which he signals to the group -- the humans in the bramble can't see this much detail, but their non-human comrades can tell them what is happening. Andrath moves to the foot of the wooden stairs that go up to the porch -- but those stairs sure do look old and creaky!
Lorth Monday November 25th, 2002 9:15:29 AM
Lorth whispers to his friends still in the trees, "I absolutely refuse to sneak down a well if that is what that cat is indicating. I don't know why we are sneaking around at all, as we have been asked to come here." He looks at Thram, as if to say, lets go talk to this person. (If Thram goes Lorth will also go. If Thram does not go in the next few minutes Lorth puts away his mace and walks to the front of the house by himself.)
Thram Monday November 25th, 2002 6:30:26 PM
Thram, who isn't carrying any weapons and wears no armor, walks right up to the house once his friends are in place.
Before getting too close he waves and calls out to the man on the porch, "Hulloo! Is the lady in? I was hoping to buy a love potion!"
[Cayzle: How about either a Bluff or Diplomacy check? Or I'll roll for you tomorrow based on your best roll. Thanks!]
Kedarn d20+2=18 d20+5=19 Monday November 25th, 2002 6:50:38 PM
Kedarn slowly and as quiet as he can opens the cover to the well(move silently 18.) Upon opening the cover Kedarn will look into the well opening and see what is inside(spot 19.)
Andrath d20+9=19 Monday November 25th, 2002 11:51:36 PM
Andrath sees Thram heading up to talk to the sleeping guard, and quickly shuffles to one side and crouches, trying to hide out of sight of the guard. [OOC: New hide roll of 19] He keeps his bow loaded and ready, in case the guard reacts violently to Thram's peaceful approach.
Cadmar Tuesday November 26th, 2002 4:05:41 AM
Cadmar stays right behind the corner, out of sight of the guard, but ready to support Thram if there is a need. The ranger is obviously nervous. His hand rests on his shoulder, close to the hilt of his blade.
Elerinn Tuesday November 26th, 2002 7:15:35 AM
Elerinn looks at Thram, and hopes there will be a peacefull solution. He has some bad feeling however, and can feel his own heart beating wildly in his chest. He looks at Cadmar, and sees that he is nervous too. This seems to calm Elerinn a bit. He whispers something to the raven on his shoulder, and then looks back to Thram again.
Thram d20=16 d20=5 Tuesday November 26th, 2002 8:35:40 AM
bluff=16, diplomacy=5
"Shove Off!" (DM Cayzle) Tuesday November 26th, 2002 1:18:39 PM
Elerinn and Brontinas stay hid in the bramble, watching closely. Cadmar and Andrath also keep watch from the sides of the house. Lorth and Thram walk boldly up to the porch. At Thram's "Hulloo!" the human on the porch gives a start.
In the torchlight that flickers through the broken-in door, you get a better look at the man. He is wearing a dark cloak and leather armor, and he wears a long sword and a short sword. Lorth and Thram can make Search checks vs. DC 12 (Lorth at -2 with his less-sensitive human eyes) to notice that the man's cloak is closed with a brooch shaped like a red hand.
"Hey!" he shouts, as he rises to his feet.
Thram asks about the lady and a potion. The man answers roughly, "You dope! She's dead! Now get out of here before I run you off!"
Meanwhile, Kedarn easily lifts off the wood lid. But even his elvish eyes can't see very far down without a torch or other light source. He can tell from the dank smell that it really is a well, and it goes down pretty deep.
Mell leaps to the lip and meows very softly.
[by the way, use Spot checks to notice living, moving things. Use Search to see details and find hidden objects, triggers, traps, etc. But even using this roll as a Search roll, Kedarn notices nothing else so far.]
Kedarn d20+3=19 Tuesday November 26th, 2002 2:41:24 PM
Kedarn looks at Mell and then carefully looks around at the well and inside the well (search 19, Darksight - domain granted power.)
Brontinas Tuesday November 26th, 2002 3:06:06 PM
Brontinas strains his eyes and ears to see what's going on, but he continues to focus his energy on aiming his bow at the man at the door. A slight chil runs up his spine as he realizes what will most likely come of this situation.
Elerinn d20+3=15 Tuesday November 26th, 2002 4:44:59 PM
From the moment the man rises, all things seem to go very quick. He can hear the man's surprize, and then his anger. Suddenly, he notices that he is running towards Thram. What am I doing!?, he thinks. But he has already reached Thram.
He realizes that he doesn't have much of a plan, but he suddenly remembers a trick he read in one of his many books. He stops right in front of the guard, acting as if he has been running for a long time. He says, in perhaps a bit too exaggerated, gasping voice: "Oh good man, get out of here! The woman's ghost...it lives on, in this house! She dragged down on of my companions into that...cursed house of hers!" (Bluff: 15)
Elerinn thinks about the things he just said, and curses himself. These things only work in fantasy books, remember? The thought that some clever magic-use would perhaps help at least scare the guard somewhat, but still, he is almost sure his 'plan' isn't going to work.
Cadmar Wednesday November 27th, 2002 5:32:22 AM
Hearing Elerinn's story, Cadmar looks up to the sky, then quietly draws both of his blades.
Lorth d20-2=5 d20=2 d20+3=23 Wednesday November 27th, 2002 9:12:59 AM
(Search 5, doesn't see emblem) Lorth looks at Elerinn, a bewildered look on his face, has my friend gone mad, he thinks? He then turns back to the man on the porch, "We have been sent here on some business for the house owners relatives and have permission to be here, while I expect that you do not. I suggest you step aside, and let us about our business." (Diplomacy 2+4=6 forgot to add my skill up top, Intimidate 23) Lorth takes a step towards the stairs, as if to start his way up.
Escalation (DM Cayzle) d20-1=3 (opposed Sense Motive check) Wednesday November 27th, 2002 9:05:43 PM [Sorry all for the delay -- and with the American Thanksgiving holiday, I won't be posting Thursday. But Friday, bright and early, I'll be right back here! For those celebrating, happy holiday!]
The human on the porch just stands and gapes at Lorth and Elerinn. Meanwhile, a human and a half elf burst out through the porch door, swords drawn. The half elf has a sack with something in it. The human has a lit torch.
The half-elf shouts, "What's this about!?!" He looks at Lorth with a calculating eye. "Who are you! What do you want!"
In the torchlight, all at the porch can see that the three all have red hand-shaped brooches affixed to their cloaks.
Meanwhile, Kedarn sees with his sacred sight that the water in the well is 20 feet straight down. He also notices a sturdy thick nail on the outside of the well, set into stone, and bent slightly into a hook-shape.
Kedarn d20+3=18 d20+5=23 Thursday November 28th, 2002 2:10:23 AM
Hearing the excitement Kedarn nocks an arrow and watches the group on the porch (sense motive 18, listen 23.)
Cadmar d20+2=13 d20+3=11 Thursday November 28th, 2002 6:48:10 AM
Cadmar emerges from behind the corner, his blades lowered. For now. As he approaches the group on the porch, he pays attention not to block the line of fire of his companions on the other side of the yard. Looking the half-elf straight in the eye, he growls: "Funny thing. I was about to ask you the same questions. Now drop your weapons." (Intimidate 13).
Noticing the brooch, he strains his memory, trying to recall if he has ever seen it before (Int 11).
Thram d20+4=16 Thursday November 28th, 2002 8:14:54 AM
Thram was a bit taken aback by the talk about ghosts, but he knows what to do now. Hands open and out in front of him to show that he's unarmed, he starts starts slowly walking up to the men on the porch. "Red Hands or not, I think you boys are in for a rough night unless you hand over that bag."
(search dc16)
Elerinn Thursday November 28th, 2002 3:42:49 PM
Elerinn curses himself again. What where you thinking?!? He decides to keep his mouth shut for some time, and is too embarrassed to look at his newfound companions. He looks at the invaders who just came out of the house, but his mind is only half-there. The other half is thinking of a good explanation for his behaviour to the others...
Andrath Friday November 29th, 2002 12:10:18 AM
Andrath slowly trains his bow on the half-elf, trying to stay hidden. He will try to get a surprise shot off if combat seems imminent. He smiles to himself at Elerinn's attempt at a story. "He will learn," he thinks to himself.
[OOC: Cayzle, I will take point blank shot as the feat for Andrath.]
Lorth d20+4=20 d20+3=7 Friday November 29th, 2002 7:38:01 AM
"Well since you asked, I am Lorth of Jarlswolf, these other men you see here are my traveling companions, we are here on private business with the permission of the old ladies kin.", he pauses for a moment, "You on the other hand, I doubt have permission to be here, and if you have any sense, you would drop that bag and scurry away.", he says forcefully. (Diplomacy 20, Intimidate 7)
Declaration (DM Cayzle) Friday November 29th, 2002 9:18:33 AM
After Cadmar and Thram speak, the half elf laughs, maybe a little nervously.
"You," he says, looking at Cadmar, "tell us to drop our weapons."
"And you," he says, looking at Thram, "offer threats if we don't hand over the bag!"
"Well, boys," he says to his comrades, "what we have here are thieves and muggers who want to rob us."
"Well, 'Hie thee back to the Tortured Lands, Minion of Ga'al,' " the half-elf declares, quoting from a popular ballad about a Hand of Domi fighting evil demons. "You brigands won't find us easy prey! You'll have to fight to steal from us!"
"But Beleth," the human who had been on guard says, "they said there was a ghost!"
"Shut up, Andy!" the half elf, evidently named Beleth, replies.
Then Lorth speaks, more diplomatically, claiming authorization of kinship. To him, Beleth replies, "Kin, huh? Well, this woman was a witch, and we were hired by her fellow witches to come here and get something. Here, look!"
The half-elf ties the bag firmly into his belt and reaches into his belt pouch. He steps down the steps and hands Lorth a parchment. He still has his sword in one hand. Do you take the paper and read it? silently or aloud?
Thram d20=18 Friday November 29th, 2002 9:44:29 AM
Thram waits to see what the note says.
Then he looks over at Elerinn, "You know there could be a ghost. The dead lady was a witch afterall. She'll probably come back to haunt whoever takes her stuff." He looks around wildly, "Hey, where's that cat? The sister said it could see ghosts. Maybe we should let these guys have the demon's claw afterall." Thram tries to look a little nervous.
[bluff=18]
Lorth d20=3 Friday November 29th, 2002 10:30:34 AM
Lorth looks at Thram, his eyes squinted, trying to silence him about the claw. No reason for them to know our exact business, he thinks.
He then turns to the man with the writ and reads it aloud. Making sure to see who authorized it, and scrutinizing it to see if it is real. (Not sure what kind of check, so did Int check 3)
Cadmar d20+2=9 d20+3=19 Friday November 29th, 2002 12:51:41 PM
Cadmar lowers his blades. "Fellow witches, huh? I would say that the family of the deceased, whom WE happen to represent, should have more to say about her property than someone who can only claim to be of the same profession. If my dad died, I would hate to see his home plundered by someone on the basis that he was a woodsman, too. Doesn't that sound right to you?" (Diplomacy 9) Cadmar looks briefly at the men, and sheathes his swords. "Gentlemen, please put your weapons away. Initially we thought you to be burglars, but I doubt a burglar would come with a document prepared beforehand. What we have here is a misunderstanding that should be solved without resorting to violence." After Lorth is done with the document, Cadmar gives it a brief scan looking for anything suspicious (Forgery 19).
Kedarn d20+5=20 Saturday November 30th, 2002 5:03:00 AM
Kedarn continues to watch what is happening on the porch and is looking around to see if anyone is trying to get into a position to attack or cast a spell against the rest of the party (spot 20, darkvision.) While Kedarn is looking around he glances at Mell to see what Mell is doing.
Bronti Saturday November 30th, 2002 4:05:50 PM
Bronti remains silent, he almost fired as the men burst from the house, weapons drawn, but there seemed to be more of an argument going on then anything else.
"Best to be quiet, I could be the upperhand in this little scuffle." Bronti thinks.
He quickly gauges which is the leader and trains his bow on him.
OOC: Sorry for the lack of posting what with the American Thanksgiving and all, I haven't had much time to post. I'll be back in front of my computer constatnly again on Monday.
Elerinn Sunday December 1st, 2002 2:46:08 PM
Elerinn is very confused, and eager to ask the men many questions. He is still embarrassed, however, and decides to remain silent for some time.
The Note and the Offer (DM Cayzle) Monday December 2nd, 2002 7:50:51 AM
The note reads:
Earn the gratitude of the Green Coven and help the Red Hand Gang with the task we have set them in the House of Lalliote. [signed] Esmal, Head of the Green Coven.
Is it a forgery? well, it is hard to say, since you have never seen any official documents of the Green Coven, nor do you know the handwriting of this Esmal. For all you know, Beleth wrote it himself this morning.
But on an Int check of 12 or higher, you have heard of the Green Coven. Their reputation is that they are powerful people better left alone.
At Thram's words, Andy looks around wildly. But the helf-elf, Beleth, stays fixed on the business at hand.
"Look, fellows," he says, "you say you want the Claw, and so do we. The witches promised us 200 gold for it, but it's not worth a fight. Here, give us 100 gold and you can have it. Fair enough?"
"But Beleth --" Andy says.
"SHUT UP, ANDY!" barks Beleth.
Meanwhile, Kedarn notices that Mell is gone! He must have run off. Kedarn is pretty sure the cat did not fall down the well.
Lorth Monday December 2nd, 2002 8:53:13 AM
Lorth looks at the man that is doing most of the talking, "Beleth, "I'd be ok with paying you for your trouble, but first I'd like to see the item, to make sure it is was we came for." Lorth takes a step back, brings his hand to his temple and begins to concentrate on the bag on Beleth's side. (OOC: Detect evil on the area of the bag, and on the item if Beleth shows it to us)
Thram Monday December 2nd, 2002 5:34:49 PM
Seeing that tricks certainly won't work on Beleth, Thram tries to be as forthright as possible, "I don't know about my fellows, but I certainly don't have that much gold. If I did I'd find better jobs than this pick up and delivery of a weird item from a dead witch. Perhaps you could just join us. I can't speak for them of course, but Lalliote's family would probably pay the amount you have in mind when we bring the item to them."
Andrath d20=7 Tuesday December 3rd, 2002 12:33:11 AM
Torn between showing himself and taking part in the conversation, and continuing to hide so that he is ready to shoot if things go south, Andrath waits to see if the discussion can be resolved without bloodshed. He struggles to remember anything about the Green Coven and the Red Hand Gang. [OOC: unknown roll of 7.]
Kedarn d20+5=17 d20+3=19 d20=17 Tuesday December 3rd, 2002 1:04:54 AM
not seeing Mell, Kedarn starts to look for where Mell went (spot 17, search 19)with out moving from his hiding place. Kedarn tries to recall if he has heard of the Green Coven or the Red Hand Gang (Int check 17.)
Cadmar Tuesday December 3rd, 2002 4:27:41 AM
Cadmar thinks for a moment, and then says: "Well, assuming that you have the item... It just might have happened that you came here later than us, and, say, found the place turned upside down... But, first and foremost, we need to be sure that we are trading for the real thing. Also, I doubt we have one hundred gold on us right now. I think we might scrape together half of that sum. I have about eight gold. I am sure the family of Lalliote will be willing to supply the remainder of the sum. We just would have to pick a place and time to meet later on. I am sure this business can be finished today. What do you think?" Cadmar looks at his companions and at the Red Hand Gang.
Elerinn Tuesday December 3rd, 2002 1:59:28 PM
Elerinn thinks quickly, but doesn't remember how much money he took with him. He knows, however, that is is not much, so he says to Cadmar: "No sor..sorry, I don't have much money with me..."
He is too embarrassed to look at the Red Hand Gang, so his eyes remain fixed on Cadmar.
OOC: Sorry I posted too late, but I was a bit sick today...
In the Bag? (DM Cayzle) Tuesday December 3rd, 2002 4:45:27 PM
Beleth reaches in the bag and takes out what looks like a severed hand. It is not evil, and neither is Beleth nor Andy, although the quiet third guy is faintly evil.
"See? Here it is."
He puts it back in.
Beleth frowns. "Tell you what -- why not give us some of that shiny gear you have -- armor and what-all. Maybe that bow. Plus whatever coin you can scrape up -- surely you must have 20 or 25 gold among you?"
"If not, then we'll be on our way with the Claw."
Those with good int rolls (Kedarn) remember that the Green Coven is the kind of group used to frighten naught children. Of the Red Hand Gang, though, nada.
Cadmar Wednesday December 4th, 2002 4:10:07 AM
Cadmar looks quizzically at Lorth and rises an eyebrow. There is a question in his eyes.
Lorth Wednesday December 4th, 2002 7:03:48 AM
Lorth looks at Beleth, "Excuse me gentlemen, let me quickly discuss payment with my friends." Lorth takes a few steps back and motions for Cadmar and Elerinn to follow. (If Cadmar and/or Elerinn follows) Lorth whipsers to them, "I don't think that is the real claw. Lady Dulcet specified that it was evil. Gargul grants me a gift to be in tune with such things and I cannot feel any evil on it, or from the two men in front for that matter. Perhaps it is a fake."
Kedarn Wednesday December 4th, 2002 10:18:42 AM
Kedarn continues to watch the happenings on the porch ready to aid his companions if need be.
Thram Wednesday December 4th, 2002 10:31:28 AM
"It could be a fake, but how would we know for sure? Where's that cat? We can use it to contact the witch and so get her advice."
Elerinn Wednesday December 4th, 2002 2:40:32 PM
Elerinn nods as Thram suggests to find the cat. "We should definetely contact her first, we cannot make a mistake here, I believe..."
Bronti Wednesday December 4th, 2002 3:22:21 PM
Brontinas frowned. His hand was still taut on his bow string, but the fire inside of him was beginning to simmer. Why were they just standing around and talking like that. Let's have some action ... and where was that cat?
Looking for Mell (DM Cayzle) Wednesday December 4th, 2002 8:09:34 PM
"Sure," the Red Hand leader says affably, "talk it over. Pool your coppers!"
The adventurers talk things over softly, with Andrath and Kedarn still keeping low profiles.
At this point, Mell boldly walks up to the group, leading a human who walks up behind the cat. The human greets you.
Garrard Wednesday December 4th, 2002 8:45:49 PM
Emerging from the brambles a respectful distance away, a male human comes into view following Mell.
Swathed in a comfortable, if worn, woolen half-cloak and breeches, this man quietly observes as if weighing the world around him. His weathered, tanned skin, roughened hands, and deep green eyes mark him as one of the Hill People, and accustomed to a life of wandering in the wild.
Overall, his possessions all have the same air of maintenance and heavy use, from the confident grace with which he carries a scimitar with a deerhide-wrapped handle, to the casual ease he shoulders a well-provisioned hunters pack. Under his cloak, a scored boarskin jerkin and two braces of throwing darts hanging from his right hip complete the image of a man who is no stranger to risk and effort. Tied to his pack is a large wooden round shield sealed with rawhide drawn taught over its surface.
Smiling, he notes the individuals clustered around the door of the cabin.
"Ah, you would be Cadmar, and you Lorth. I see my guides have not led me far astray. I don't wish to interrupt, but I bear a message for you of some importance", he says in a clear, baritone voice.
He stops about fifteen feet away, and eyes the men inside the house carefully. Almost as an afterthought, he removes his gloved hands from his sleeves, revealing a rolled parchement in his left hand.
Andrath Thursday December 5th, 2002 12:17:46 AM
Andrath is surprised by the entry of the new person. He waits quietly, out of general sight, waiting to see how this new wrinkle resolves itself. He thinks, "We definitely need to use Mell to contact Dulcet, so we can find out about this Green Coven, and the Red Hand Gang."
Kedarn Thursday December 5th, 2002 2:17:00 AM
Kedarn composes himself from the shock of seeing Mell leading a stranger up to the party members at the porch and quietly watches the happenings. Thinking to himself "wonder who he is representing?"
Cadmar Thursday December 5th, 2002 5:55:25 AM
Cadmar, his back turned to the Red Hands, comments very quietly: "Then most likely this is a fake. But can we take the risk of being wrong here? Maybe we should buy it just to be on the safer side - what the name of Domi is that?"
He eyes Mell and the man approach. After Garrard states his business, Cadmar replies: "A message for us?" He looks at Lorth. There is more than a hint of suspicion in his voice. "Excuse us for a moment" he shouts to the Red Hands. Walking up to Garrard, he says: "I am Cadmar. Let's see then what the message says." He nods politely and extends his hand. If Garrard hands over the scroll, Cadmar opens it, reads is quietly, and hands it over to the others, so that they may read it too.
Lorth Thursday December 5th, 2002 7:07:16 AM
Lorth turns to Garrard, a smile of greeting on his face, "Greetings, and well met. If you have a message for us, lets hear what it is."
Lorth then quickly adds to Cadmar, Elerinn and Thram, "Someone more skilled in the magical arts use the cat to contact Dulcet, but be sure to ask if the hand radiates evil like I beleive it should", he says quietly.
Mell (DM Cayzle) Thursday December 5th, 2002 7:26:56 AM
The cat seems to follow the conversations, especially when he is the topic of discussion.
"Meeow?"
[If you want to talk to Dulcet through Mell, please list all your questions at once -- there will be no chance for follow up questions, dialog, or clarification (unless you want to use two of your three contacts!). If you feel constrained by the one-post-per-day nature of the game, please feel free to e-mail among yourselves (and me if you like). You might want to post a summary of recent in-character e-mai dialog as part of your daily post.]
Bronti Thursday December 5th, 2002 9:47:30 AM
Brontinas began darting his eyes around. That man had come from nowhere! "I've got pay a little closer attention," he berates himself.
Thram Thursday December 5th, 2002 10:57:08 AM
"Questions that I can think of that we need to ask are: 1) Does the claw radiate evil? 2) Does it look like a regular hand? 3) Members of the Red Hand Gang are here and have been sent by the Green Coven. They have a hand, but are willing to sell it for 100 gold. We do not have that sum. What is your recommendation? 4) The Green Coven has promised these men 200 gold. If we bring them and the hand along with us, will you reward them with a similar sum? 5) The hand they have shown us looks like a human hand that our priest tells us does not radiate evil. Could it be a fake? 6) If it is a fake, is it more probable that they have found the wrong item or that they are attempting to trick us?
Those are my recommendations. After some more discussion, someone else may ask the questions through the cat."
Garrard Thursday December 5th, 2002 1:28:37 PM
The man steps to Cadmar, and as he hands over the scroll, says in a quiet tone, "My name is Garrard. I was sent by Dulcet to aid you, and bring you news of an adventuring group called the Red Hand working for a rival group known as the Green Coven."
"Seems you've found them, though", he chuckles.
"Of the Red Hand she had little to say, other than they are foreigners, but the Green Coven is well known to her, and has a poor reputation of doing ill in the region."
The scroll gives a brief but complete description of Garrard, then says: "The bearer of this note, the person described above, named Garrard, has been sent by me and acts on my behalf. This note is good only until the fifth meeting of the Pitchfork Council." That's about two weeks away. The scroll is signed by Dulcet.
Kedarn d20+3=13 Thursday December 5th, 2002 2:09:47 PM
Kedarn starts to carefully examine the well again concentrating on the area around the iron hook (search 13, darkvision.)
Elerinn Thursday December 5th, 2002 2:33:16 PM
Elerinn is glad he can be of some help again, and starts to think if he knows some more questions to ask. He says to the others: "Does any of you know any more questions? I will contact the witch if you all agree.
The small gnome then kneels down, so he seems even more humble. He looks at the newly arrived stranger then, and silently nods to him, but he doubts he sees him. Then, he beckons Mell, and tries she allows him to stroke her a bit.
Cadmar Thursday December 5th, 2002 2:42:34 PM
Cadmar reads the scroll carefully. There is still suspicion on his face. It fades slowly, as the man thinks the events over. Finally he extends his hand to Garrard. "Welcome, Garrard. I'm Cadmar."
Turning back to the rest of the group, he says quietly, making sure he is not facing the Red Hands: "I think I convinced myself that we can let the Hands go without any further molestations. I trust Lorth's skills. Even if they had the real thing hidden on them, he would pick it up. I also doubt Lalliote would keep it in her hut. We could tell them that the message changed our plans; we are no longer interested in what they have. They can go, and we will stay to burn Lalliote's body."
Thram Thursday December 5th, 2002 3:24:17 PM
Thram nods at Garrard.
Andrath Friday December 6th, 2002 12:42:49 AM
Andrath steps out from beside the house, and looks at the party in disbelief. "OK, enough of this pointless discussion! There is no way I want to waste a chance to talk to our benefactor asking about how to deal with this situation! We are authorized to be here by the living relative of the deceased, to retrieve her remains, and her effects, and these scum are obviously not. Just because we don't think they have any specific item that we are looking for, are we going to let them loot the place?"
"You three," he says, glaring at the three thugs, "put down everything that you have taken from this house and grounds, and leave quietly, or my companions and I will disarm and arrest you, and bring you back to town like the common thieves that you are!"
War of Words! (DM Cayzle) Friday December 6th, 2002 9:58:07 AM
Kedarn turns his attention to the well. He sees the hook, the water below, and that's about it. It seems likely that the hook was intended as something to tie a rope on so that if you dropped your bucket, the rope wouldn't also end up at the bottom of the well. Note that Kedarn's darkvision does not let him see down into the water.
Thram comes up with a list of questions. Ellerin gets ready to ask them of Mell.
Garrard offers his note and is met with acceptance. Cadmar offers a welcome and suggests a course of action.
But before Ellerin asks Mell anything, and before Cadmar's suggestions can be transformed into deeds, Andrath takes matters into his own hands. He steps out and makes his declaration in fierce tones.
Beleth shouts back just as fiercely. "You hoodlums! We have permission to be here! I showed you the note! The real thieves are you! You can't come up with the hundred gold, so now you want to rob us! We'll get what we came for and then go back to town -- you can come along too, if you dare face the magistrate! Or if you want to fight, fine! The Red Hands will slap you down!"
[OOC: By the way, Garrard didn't sneak up on Brontinas or surprise him. The group saw the newcomer at a reasonable distance, given that it is night. But to advance the plot I had Garrard walk right up unchallenged -- my call to help move the game along. -- Cayzle]
Lorth Friday December 6th, 2002 6:25:24 PM
Lorth turns to Elerinn, "Go ahead, ask the cat quickly, before the situation gets any worse."
Lorth the looks back to Beleth, "Please just give us a few more minutes. We just need to consult with someone quickly to make sure you will be paid."
Andrath Friday December 6th, 2002 11:39:12 PM
Andrath looks in disbelief at the Red Hand spokesman. "That note says nothing! It authorizes you to do nothing! It asks you to help the Red Hand Gang as they loot the House of Lalliote! How do you expect us to believe that you have the authority to be here, and to help yourself to whatever you want, with just this note? The Green Coven has no right to tell you to do this! We are the party that is authorized, by the relative of the deceased, to see to her remains, and recover her items, not you. We do not need to pay you one copper, we have full rights to all the items of the deceased, to return them to the rightful heir. Since you are so willing to part with this item for a few coins, it either brings your professionalism into question, or this really is not one of the item that we are looking for. Which is it?"
"And as for going to see the magistrate, why don't you just wait right here while we perform the last rights on Lalliote's corpse, like the real authorized party would do, and then we can all head to town, and our benefactor can speak to the magistrate on our behalf."
Kedarn Saturday December 7th, 2002 1:01:32 AM
Kedarn looks back at the happenings on the porch and thinks to himself "oh no this looks like it is starting to turn into a sticky situation."
Garrard Saturday December 7th, 2002 2:17:06 AM
Garrard stands to one side, lifts his arm, and makes a piercing call. Shortly, a largish hills hawk drops from the tree canopy to his arm.
Thus adorned, he watches impassively, clearing not willing to speak for the group.
Brontinas Saturday December 7th, 2002 2:19:17 AM
Brontinas slowly slides his swordout of his scabbard to make sure he can simply run into combat should it happen. And with the way Andrath was looking, it might happen very soon.
Cadmar Saturday December 7th, 2002 5:16:22 AM
Cadmar snaps back angrily: "The world is just black and white for you, Andrath, isn't it? By Domi, I will not allow blood to be spilled on such a fine day in such stupid way."
"Here! My bow and my chain. Both together are worth more than the advance you ask for. Take them, leave all the items you have taken from the house, and meet me tomorrow at noon on the Commons in Jarlswolf. I will either bring you hard coin to exchange for my stuff, or add some more items to these to reach the quota of 200 gold.
"This is the final offer. Take it, or-" -Cadmar looks at his companions readying themselves for a fight- "or the situation is going to get out of hand."
Elerinn Saturday December 7th, 2002 3:10:35 PM
Elerinn looks at Andrath in surprise, immediatly forgetting his own big mistake. He cannot help yelling out in a high piched voice: "No! There's no need for violence! Please, this is not good!"
But, on the other hand, he feels some inner conflict. Although this own thought scares him, he is feeling just too excited to immediatly dismiss the idea of combat. What is this, Elerinn? Are you secretly hoping for a fight?!?, he thinks, while carefully looking around to look at the others. They look pretty hostile now too.
The raven on his shoulder suddenly shrieks out, very loud. Perhaps it is the bond between his master that makes him feel nervous. And strange.
Exchange and Resolution? (DM Cayzle) d20+2=14 Monday December 9th, 2002 2:34:35 PM
Lorth asks Elerinn to question Mell, but the gnome is too taken up with the frama unfolding.
Andrath offers his own challenge, and Kedarn, Garrard, and Brontinas get ready for what seems like the inevitable fight.
But Cadmar attempts to defuse the situation, offering his own well-made bow and chain mail to Breleth in exchange.
[OOC: I rolled a Diplomacy check for Cadmar -- a 14, and evidently enough to convince the Red Hands.]
Breleth says, "Now we're talking."
If there is no objection, Cadmar exchanges his gear for the sack with the hand in it. The three Red Hands then depart peacefully.
If there is an objection, voice it!
After the Red Hands leave, Mell runs over to the well and meows loudly.
Cadmar Monday December 9th, 2002 4:06:32 PM
Cadmar watches the Red Hands depart (unless there are objections). Then he drops the sack to the ground. "This is probably worthless, but maybe we should take it on the off chance that it proves to be useful."
Then he turns to Andrath. When he speaks, it is in a quiet voice. "I am sorry for confronting you in such way and making a decision for the whole group without being authorized to do so. I know what is at stake here, and I know that if I made a mistake the long term consequences will fall not only on my head. But if we came here first, it would be us breaking down that door. If we were strangers to the Valley, like the Red Hands most likely are, we would know nothing about the Green Coven and its reputation."
Then he says simply: "My faith states that violence should be the last resort, not the first. Sometimes it is right not to fight. That's how Domi died, and I will too, if need be."
Turning to Elerinn, he asks: "Maybe Qamaro could follow them for a while and make sure they are not up to some mischief?"
Garrard d20+8=25 Monday December 9th, 2002 5:17:15 PM
Garrard says, "Perhaps there should be a conversation about who is the leader, and who the diplomat, but I think, later. For the moment, there may still be danger nearby."
With this, he raises his arm, and speaks a single word in liquid syllables (The word, "Seek", in Sylvan). With this, the hawk perching on his arm takes wing, and flies out over the nearby area in a gradually increasing spiral.
Garrard turns back to the group. "My ally will return, and will do so in haste if there is danger, or perhaps ambush nearby. I do not trust the reputation of those who just left."
(Roll for hawks spot check.)
Kedarn Monday December 9th, 2002 5:18:16 PM
Kedarn glances at Mell and says to anyone that comes over to the well "hope we have enough rope, I think we need to check inside the well."
Thram Monday December 9th, 2002 6:04:24 PM
The elf watches the proceedings with a calm eye, and once the Red Hand departs he walks up to the front door, "See if the cat thinks the stuff in the bag is the Claw. I'm going to look for Lalliote's body." Then he goes into the house.
Andrath d20+9=26 d20+7=22 Monday December 9th, 2002 11:10:24 PM
As quickly as Andrath appeared to become upset, he cools down. He turns and smiles at Cadmar, and says, "No offence taken, human. I still think that we were holding the moral high ground, but if stopping bloodshed is that important to you, we can let them go. I only hope you won't regret giving up your armour. But how do we know that they are not walking out of here with the real Claw under one of their jackets? Oh well, if we don't find the Claw here, we definitely know where we can go to find it, once we have dealt with the lady's remains, and looked around a bit."
Then he strolls over to the well, and looks at the cat, and says, "What's with all the racket? Little Timmy fell down the well? He broke his leg? Oh, I see, we are supposed to look down here, are we?" He drops his pack on the ground, and digs out his silk rope. he carefully checks the hook, to make sure that it is secure. [OOC: I used a search check against DC 26. If this is not the right check, then I rolled an unadjusted 17.] Assuming the hook is secure, he ties off one end of the rope, hands the other end to Kedarn, and says, "Hold on tight, here I go." He starts to climb down the rope, counting on Kedarn to pay out rope as he climbs down, and to at least partly catch him if he starts to fall. [OOC: Climb check of 22.]
Down the Well and In the House (DM Cayzle) d20+3=4 (listen DC) d20+9=17 (Andrath's search check) Tuesday December 10th, 2002 7:08:16 AM
Cadmar makes his exchange, and then drops the bag to the ground without looking in it. He talks to Elerinn, who is a little slow to respond, about an aerial survey.
Perhaps Garrard overheard, or just had the same thought. He sends his hawk aloft as a watcher. It does not come back immediately.
Thram enters the house. It has been searched thoroughly and roughly, but there is no sign of theft. There is a living room, a kitchen, and a sleeping loft. There are books on shelves, a huge pot in the kitchen, lots of herbs and things in bottles. A few objects defy easy classification -- what's that dried hairy thing hanging over that doorway?
Is Thram looking for anything in particular?
He finds the body of an elderly woman in the loft. One of the corpse's hands has been cut off.
Thram, please make a listen check vs. DC 4. If you make it, you hear a sound on the roof, a thump.
Meanwhile, Andrath and Kedarn are at the well, joined by the cat. Andrath secures his rope and climbs down. It is dark down there, and wet. But the elf notices, about 10 feet down, a rock in the side wall of the well that sticks out just a smidge too much.
Lorth Tuesday December 10th, 2002 8:25:50 AM
Lorth follows Thram into the house and begins to look around. (When he sees that the old ladies hand has been cut off, he leaves to find the bag Cadmar has)
Cadmar Tuesday December 10th, 2002 9:33:16 AM
Cadmar watches the Red Hands go. Then he picks up the bag and empties it on the ground, carefully examining the contents and paying attention not to touch them with his bare hands. (Take Twenty on Search: 27).
Then a sudden realization comes over him. "Wait a moment! I heard THREE voices in the hut! And the guard was asleep at the time!..."
Thram d20+6=16 d20+5=7 d20+4=19 Tuesday December 10th, 2002 11:18:08 AM
A bit perturbed about the whole hand fiasco, Thram is about to go explain what he found when he hears the noise on the roof. Since Lorth knows about the hand too, Thram decides to let him take care of it while he investigates. He attempts moving silently about the loft looking for a hatch or other means of ascending to the roof.
(listen=16, move sil=7, search=19)
Elerinn d20-2=12 Tuesday December 10th, 2002 2:27:03 PM
Elerinn is glad that the matter could be resolved in a peacefull matter. But, with the adrenaline still in his body, he still feels very tense, ready for a fight. He shrugs and then whispers to Qamaro, in the Common language, as Cadmar suggested: "My friend, can you follow these three men for some time? Somehow I don't trust them really, and I don't think the others trust them either. Just return her shortly, ok?"
He waits to see the bird fly off, and then joins Kedarn at the side of the well. He tries to remember who entered the house and who stood at the well, and guesses who has climbed down: "Ehhmm...Andrath? Do you see anything down there? Shall I come down there?"
Before any answer, he is already beginning to descend the well. He has forgotten about contacting the Witch through Mell, but, then again, it might be unnecessary now that they are already in possesion of the Claw.
OOC: Climb roll 12.
Bronti Tuesday December 10th, 2002 3:26:20 PM
Brontinas stands as the Red Hand departs. He eyes them, still staying in his hiding spot until they are out of his eye sight. He walks over to the group at the front door.
"What was that all about? Did you just give them your armor and weapons?" Assuming someone answers him, he shrugs and moves over to help the other characters go down the well.
"If you want to go down the well, be my guest friend. But as I understand it, do we not already have the hand?"
Garrard d20+3=4 d20+3=20 Tuesday December 10th, 2002 4:02:35 PM
Garrard takes up a kneeling position on the porch, taking advantage of cover as he keeps an eye out for a possible ambush, or the return of his hawk. While doing so, he takes a moment to unlimber his shield, and pull it onto his arm.
(roll for spot [4] and listen[20])
Andrath d20+9=12 Tuesday December 10th, 2002 11:18:06 PM
Andrath finds the stone that feels out of place, and starts to feel around it to see what it does, if anything [OOC: Search roll of 12.]
While he is looking, he calls up to Kedarn, "Hey Kedarn, I've found a stone that seems to be out of place. I'm going to check it out, so hold on tight."
Then he feels the rope start to shake as Elerinn grabs hold of the rope and starts to climb down. This startles him, and he looks up and calls out, "Hey! Get off the rope! Let me have a look here and see what is going on! If I want some help, I'll call for it. Get back up there before you end up dropping us both in the water!"
Kedarn Wednesday December 11th, 2002 4:23:27 AM
Kedarn holds on tight to the rope and gives slack as needed. Kedarn looks at Elerinn and says "Don't, if you want to help help hold the rope I can't hold it forever."
Secrets Revealed! (DM Cayzle) d20+3=17 Wednesday December 11th, 2002 7:45:02 AM
Lorth, having entered the house with Thram, then rushes out to confirm his fear. He and Cadmar look at the hand spilled out of the bag. Sure enough, to Lorth's eye it looks like the hand cleaved off the dead witch in the house! Suddenly, Cadmar remembers three voices in the house and gets a bad feeling about this!
Thram looks around carefully and quietly, noting that a dormer window in the sleeping loft is open. But he deduces you would need a ladder or magic to get on the roof. Or a climb check vs. DC 20. (That overhanging eave poses a challenge!) He hears nothing.
Elerinn sends his raven off to scout. He wanders over to the well and starts down, but Kedarn and Andrath object. (Does the gnome continue down or does he agree to stay on top?)
Brontinas also walks over to the well, although he is not sure why they need to bother.
Andrath finds that prodding the stone opens a secret hollow, within which is a small dark wood box. The box is well oiled and carved with runes, but it is too dark to read them.
Garrard keeps watch, but sees nothing.
Lorth d20=11 Wednesday December 11th, 2002 8:55:37 AM
Lorth grimices in digust at the hand, "Desecration of the dead, perhaps we should have killed them." He turns to Cadmar, "I beleive that hand belongs to the old woman, it seems the red hands chopped it off. If you don't mind I'd like to return it to the body and prepare burial rites." Lorth reaches out to place the hand back in the bag...
OOC: I would think that Lorth would know proper burial rites for Gargul, since he is a paladin, but I'll make a knowledge religion check anyway (11).
Cadmar Wednesday December 11th, 2002 11:13:20 AM
Cadmar answers to Bronti: "I did. The way the situation was unfolding, I most likely bought their lives with it." Then he turns to Lorth: "By all means, take it... Dulcet wanted us to burn the remains of Lalliote, didn't she?"
But what occupies his mind at the moment is the mysterious fourth member of the gang. He starts walking towards the cottage, intent on asking Thram if he found anything inside.
Garrard d20+3=12 d20+3=5 Wednesday December 11th, 2002 12:50:52 PM
Garrard says, "If one remained, then the others may be coming back", and remains watchful.
(Spot [12], Listen [5])
Elerinn Wednesday December 11th, 2002 4:08:48 PM
Elerinn almost lets go off the rope, when the others shout their objections. He quickly climbs back to the top of the well, and leaps out in one, swift jump. He looks at Kedarn, but looks away almost immediatly. He then goes to the side of the well and shouts: "I'm really sorry Andrath, didn't realize you were still hanging on this rope. Thought you was already down there on the bottom of the well." He looks at Kedarn again, embarrased, and mumbles: "I really did..."
The red-haired gnome looks up to the sky, to see if he can spot Qamaro somewhere.
Thram d20+4=20 Wednesday December 11th, 2002 4:44:52 PM
Confident in his climbing ability, Thram heads out the window and attempts to ascend to the roof.
[ha I made it]
Kedarn d20+5=20 Wednesday December 11th, 2002 6:37:51 PM
Kedarn continues to hold on to the rope. While holding the rope Kedarn glances around looking for anyone that is not one of his travelling companions (spot 20.)
Andrath d20+9=27 Wednesday December 11th, 2002 10:56:16 PM
Andrath fixes a quick loop in the rope and fits his foot in it, laughing at the gnome's apology. "Don't worry about it, Elerinn. If I couldn't have held on with your small vibration, I don't deserve to know how to climb. You just startled me, is all. Now, can you go in my pack? It should be leaning up against the side of the well. Inside you can find a sack. If you could tie it onto the other end of the rope, and lower it down to me, I've got a rune-covered wooden box down here that I want to send up, and I want to touch it as little as possible. I'll put the box into the bag, and you can pull it up. All right? Just don't touch it until I get back up there, and we can get our priestly types over to check it out."
Hoping that Elerinn is getting the sack like he asked, Andrath searches around and in the hollow holding the box, to see if it is safe to touch it and move it. [OOC: Search roll of 27.]
Bronti Wednesday December 11th, 2002 11:54:18 PM
"A rune-covered box? Who puts a rune-covered box in a well?" Brontinas stands by the rope, ready to pull up the box, or Andrath, whichever needs it first.
"I have a question though... if the hand is in the box, and the Red Hand gang knew that they didn't have the hand they were looking for, might they not ambush us as soon as we find it?"
Brontinas thinks for a moment, then he shouts out, "Hey! Do we still have someone keeping guard?"
In a Sack and On a Roof (DM Cayzle) Thursday December 12th, 2002 11:20:14 AM
Lorth puts the hand back inthe sack. He remembers a few prayers meant to help the souls of the dead travel through the Realm of Shadow -- not a complete funeral ceremony, but appropriate.
Cadmar enters the house, just as Thram starts to climb out of the window. Cadmar sees no one in the house, not even Thram. But he hears steps on the roof.
Thram climbs skillfully onto the roof. He does not see anyone up there. The roof is sloped but not very dangerous for a trained climber.
Garrard, keeping careful watch, sees Thram climb out the window and onto the roof. He sees no strangers. Thram is all he sees on the roof. He keeps a look out all around as well.
Elerinn, through his link with his familiar, sense that the three strangers have walked quickly on a path to the southwest. (Remember, the town you came from is southeast. As natives, you know there is a village to the southwest -- the red hands seem to be heading towards it.) It has only been a few minutes. Qamaro stays well back.
Kedarn braces the rope and keeps alert, as does Brontinas.
Andrath manages to get the rune-box into a sack. It has a handle and is latched shut. If desired, Andrath and box in sack make it out of the well this turn.
Lorth Thursday December 12th, 2002 11:36:35 AM
Lorth replaces the servered hand as best he can and finishes up his prayers for the old lady. He then heads back out to the yard and begins to build a pyre.
Garrard Thursday December 12th, 2002 2:18:15 PM
Garrard helps Lorth gather wood for the pyre, and makes sure a large enough area is cleared to make sure the fire has no danger of spreading to the surrounding area.
As one of his passes takes him near the well, Garrard offers quietly, "If you like, I can read the runes on the box. Perhaps, however, we should investigate such an object inside."
Cadmar Thursday December 12th, 2002 3:43:52 PM
Cadmar, inside, hears the footsteps on the roof and looks out of the window. "Thram?" He whispers softly. Not hearing any immediate sounds of a fight going on, he decides to check the cottage floor for tracks. Once he is done, he circles the house, first in a narrow circle, studying the ground carefully, then in a wide one. He looks for fresh and old trails other than the ones he and his companions have made [OOC track: take twenty on Wild Lore inside and close to the Cottage: 25; take ten on Wild Lore check on the wide circle: 15].
Elerinn Thursday December 12th, 2002 5:40:31 PM
After he helped Andrath recovering his sack, Elerinn speaks to Kedarn: "Hmmm...interesting, these three strangers are walking towards that little village...I forgot it's name. It's in the southwest."
He thinks for a while and adds: "It doesn't seem like they are trying to set up an ambush, though. Actually they are in quite a hurry, it seems."
Andrath d20+9=19 Thursday December 12th, 2002 7:14:21 PM
Andrath calls up, "You got the box OK? Good, I'm just going to have a quick look around here, first, and I'll be right up. Just make sure no one touches the box until one of the clerics gets a look at it." Then Andrath does a careful search in the rest of the well, even feeling 12 inches or so below the waterline. [OOC: Search roll of 19.] If he doesn't find anything, he climbs back up, and looks around. "So, where did that red hand gang get to? Are they still hanging around?"
Bronti Friday December 13th, 2002 12:19:51 AM
Brontinas stands at the well and hauls up the rune box. He is careful not to touch it, knowing all the strange things magic can do to one's hand. He then waits for Andrath, helping him over the lip of the well.
"I think they went off to the Southwest, or at least that is what Elerinn says. I feel... unsure of those men. They are up to no good, whether they leave us alone now or not, I feel that no good will come of this job."
Brontinas looks at Andrath and then moves off to help with the Pyre.
Kedarn Friday December 13th, 2002 2:58:38 AM
Kedarn follows the rest of the group over to the funneral pyre and quietly says to Andrath "lets get everyone together and take a quick look at what you found."
Searching and Building (DM Cayzle) Friday December 13th, 2002 10:55:03 AM
Lorth pays his respect to the deceased in a prayer and then heads outside to build a pyre. Garrard, Brontinas, and Kedarn join him and together they are very efficient. The pyre is soon in good shape.
While the pyre is being built, Cadmar takes the time to look very thoroughly for tracks. It takes a little while, but he finds something interesting. A few minutes after starting, he finds tracks that seem to walk down the side of the house as if it were flat ground!
These tracks go off into the woods, heading southwest. Otherwise, the ranger sees nothing out of the ordinary.
Elerinn, Andrat, and Thram search the general area, the well, and the roof, respectively, finding nothing. They too, gather in front of the house and keep a careful guard. The scouting birds return, reporting no new info. Elerinn remembers that the village to the southwest is called Witchspawn, the home area of the Green Coven.
Mell watches all with interest and approval. If a cat can be said to show approval.
it's a good idea to browse the geography pages from time to time.]
Cadmar d20+7=22 Friday December 13th, 2002 11:29:26 AM
Cadmar points out the tracks to the rest of the party. "They must have had a mage of some sort with them. Most likely he escaped invisible and using some sort of climbing spell. I just hope he did not overhear anything that would make his companions want to come back."
"I will nail the door shut. Why encourage thieves?" Cadmar goes away in search of a hammer and a handful of nails [Search 22]. If he finds the tools somewhere in the cottage, and nobody is interested in the contents of the house anymore, he closes the window and nails the door to the frame.
When the pyre is ready, he stands by it for a moment with his head bowed, whispering a prayer: "Fire be thine final breath Ye leaves duties thine fulfilled Find ye peace in sleep of death, Shelter under Domi's shield..."
When the party gathers to follow Kedarn's suggestion, Cadmar comes closer too, but continues to keep a watchful eye on the surroundings [take ten on Spot 15 and Listen 15].
Lorth Friday December 13th, 2002 12:44:39 PM
(OOC: DM Cayzle, I think you meant Lorth in your last post not Thram)
[Oops! Thanks! Sorry! Fixed it! -- Cayzle]
Seeing that the pyre is near to completion Lorth heads back into the house to retrieve the old woman's body. Before moving it, he wraps it neatly in her bedsheets. He then carries it outside and lays it gently upon the pyre. "Does anyone have a torch?", he asks, as he turns back to the pyre.
"May Gargul's hand guide you swiftly through the realm of shadow to the Eastlands."
If Lorth finds something to light the pyre, he does.
Garrard Friday December 13th, 2002 12:49:06 PM
Bowing his head at the pyre respectfully, Garrard then steps back to join the remainder of the group.
In low tones, he says, "We should act quickly to make sure we have the Claw, in case we need to give chase."
Unless refused, he will use a Read Magic spell to visually (without touching it) examine the box, hoping to gain some insight.
Brontinas Friday December 13th, 2002 7:26:34 PM
Brontinas stands silently as the pyre burns. He bows his head and mumbles a few prayers for the dead witch.
Upon hearing of the possibility of an invisible mage, Bronti goes to the house and begins to search around with this new evidence in light.
(OOC: Hey all, I will be losing the all mighty thing called a T-1 connection for about a month or so, but I still have some internet support at home, so there may be a few days over the next few weeks that I'll miss, but not too much.)
Kedarn d20+4=16 Saturday December 14th, 2002 6:54:13 AM
Kedarn says a prayer for the soul of the old woman as she is consumed by the funneral pyre.
Kedarn then examines the box (spellcraft 16) without touching it.
Andrath d20+9=23 Sunday December 15th, 2002 1:43:32 AM
Andrath climbs out of the well, dusts himself off, and packs his rope and sack into his backpack. He watches as the pyre is lit, and as some of the party gather around the box, trying to figure out what it is, without touching it. He moves over towards the doorway, and says to Cadmar, "Hold on, I want to have one last look around."
While the fire is burning, Andrath takes a careful look around inside the witch's house, making sure that the group has not missed anything. [OOC: Search roll of 23.]
Elerinn d20+6=18 Sunday December 15th, 2002 10:21:17 AM
Elerinn is somewhat dissapointed that Qamaro wasn't able to find any other information besides the direction in which the three men were heading, but still, he strokes the bird and says to him: "Thank you, my friend."
He then states to the others that the strangers are heading towards the village Witchspawn, home area of the Green coven. Although Kedarn is examining the box already, Elerinn takes a look too, without touching it.
(OOC: Spellcraft/Knowledge(Arcana) roll: 18)
Thram Sunday December 15th, 2002 4:35:44 PM
After a good search on the roof, Thram comes down, "I heard something up there but didn't find anything. Did we find the Claw?"
Funeral (DM Cayzle) Monday December 16th, 2002 7:36:52 PM
The group prays or stands respectfully for the dead witch's last rites.
Afterward, you examine the box from the well. The box is covered with runes that denote goodness and containment. They do not seem dangerous, in and of themselves. What the box contains, though, you do not know.
Elerinn and Kedarn compare notes and agree: The purpose of the box is to allow a good creature to carry an evil-aligned item without receiving the negative level one would normally suffer for doing so.
You have not yet opened the box. The latch seems straightforward, and there is no lock.
Andrath and Cadmar take one last look around before closing up the witch's house. Andrath finds three small bottles labeled "Curing." Do you take them?
The two also agree, after consulting with Thram, that perhaps there was an invisible mage lurking around.
Then, having closed up the house, the group decides on their next course of action.
[Sorry for the late post, fellows -- just your average run-of-the-mill everyday family emergency. Thanks! -- Cayzle]
Cadmar Tuesday December 17th, 2002 4:27:02 AM
"Um. The box does not have a seal, does it? Lorth, can you sense anything?"
"Well, we cannot come back with the box without first making sure that we have what we came for. I am willing to risk a peek inside. Unless you think its a bad idea..."
Cadmar extends his hand. If he is handed the box and nobody objects, he will put it on the ground, unlock the lock, lift the lid, let all interested look inside for a couple of seconds, and then close and lock the box again.
Cadmar will not take the potions, as these are not his property.
Lorth Tuesday December 17th, 2002 6:57:05 AM
Lorth looks at Cadmar, "I will certainly try to detect an aura." He then begins to concentrate, his hand on his temple while staring intently at the box, waiting for Cadmar to open it.
Kedarn Tuesday December 17th, 2002 7:08:39 AM
Kedarn nods to Cadmar agreeing to have him oopen it so that we can check the contents.
Andrath d20+9=22 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 12:38:46 PM
Andrath puts the 3 vials in his belt pouch, and then goes back outside. "He tells the group, before you open that box, let me check for any mundane traps on it. [OOC: Search check of 22.]. Assuming he doesn't find any traps, he passes the box back to the magical types. "Oh, byt the way, I found what I think are 3 potions inside the building. I am going to bring them back to town with us and give them to Dulcet. Otherwise, I expect they will become the property of the first person who breaks into the building."
He watches to see the results of the box-opening.
Garrard Tuesday December 17th, 2002 1:20:14 PM
Garrard watches quietly, and as Andrath kneels to search, will incant, "The winds watch, the earth listens, fire leaps up to life. Guidance for your hand, as the cycle sings."
(Casts a Guidance spell on Andrath, +1 to Search)
Brontinas d20=3 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 2:32:31 PM
After Brontinas finishes checking around the house with the others, he steps outside into the huddle around the box. He decides that this is obviously something to be handled by those more atuned to the magical energies of the world.
"I will make sure we are not approached unaware," he states. Assuming no one objects to his leaving, he walks off in the direction of Witchspawn and finds a good tree to hide in. But hides poorly (OOC: 3+whatever I have for hiding, I don't have my character sheet handy) and waits with his bow drawn.
Elerinn Tuesday December 17th, 2002 2:39:32 PM
After Andrath has searched for any mechanical traps on the box, he waits for Cadmar to open the box. He is very excited about what's inside, but he doesn't dare opening it himself, afraid of doing something stupid again.
Opening the Box (DM Cayzle) Tuesday December 17th, 2002 9:51:29 PM
There are no traps found on the box. There is no evil detected while closed. After it is opened, the contents do detect as evil (requires a few rounds of concentration to be sure).
Inside, on a few scraps of felt, is a single black claw -- it looks like a raptor's foot, but thicher. It is smaller than a human hand.
Nobody touches it, and Cadmar closes it again.
Cadmar Wednesday December 18th, 2002 2:13:15 AM
Cadmar carefully closes the box and leaves it sitting on the ground. Then, still crouching, he wipes a bead of cold sweat from his forehead. His hand shakes a little bit, and his eyelid twitches. After a moment of silence he says: "Gentlemen, I think we found what we were looking for. It seems that our work here is done... at least I do not recall any other business we might have here. Let us be on our way."
"It is not something I am looking forward to, but I can carry the thing." Cadmar takes a sack out of his backpack and places the box in it. "Well, unless someone feels better prepared to handle this <thing>?..." If nobody claims the sack, Cadmar will take it himself, and carry it in front of him, not allowing it to touch his torso.
"Now, what did Dulcet say?" Cadmar starts to whisper. "We were supposed to bring it to the top of the Wolf Hill, were we not? In that case our way leads east, away from Witchspawn. And that, my friends, suits me just fine. The person carrying the sack should walk in the middle of the group... and we have plenty of ways to scout ahead of us and keep the rear watch, don't we?" - he smiles.
If he is carrying the sack, Cadmar will walk in the middle of the party. If someone else decides to do it, he will scout ahead [taking ten on Move Silently, Spot, and Listen - all 15].
Lorth Wednesday December 18th, 2002 8:47:39 AM
Lorth's face turns a bit pale and a look of disgust becomes apparent, "I'd say, that would be it. I'd also like to pass on carrying it, it makes me ill.", he says quickly.
Kedarn Wednesday December 18th, 2002 9:43:03 AM
Kedarn looks at the party members and says "I think we found it, time to get moving as quickly and carefully as we can."
ooc - sorry for a late posting both cars brokedown yesterday and have been trying to get them running..
Garrard Wednesday December 18th, 2002 11:37:10 AM
Garrard says, "I am willing to carry the box if other hands and eyes would be better used to guard the group as it travels."
Otherwise, Garrard takes up a guarding position position relative to Elerin, and offers a few comments from time to time on local landmarks to speed their progress and keep them on track.
(Taking ten on wilderness lore - total: 16)
Elerinn Wednesday December 18th, 2002 4:50:43 PM
Elerinn is somewhat disgusted by the Claw in the box, and feels like it's best to return it to the Witch as soon as possible. He is glad that the others seem to be thinking just the same thing and quickly follows all who travel back.
Leaving the House of the Witch (DM Cayzle) Wednesday December 18th, 2002 5:06:27 PM
With the funeral pyre now reduced to glowing coals, the group prepares to set out.
[OOC: Please declare where you will be in the marching order, and decide if you will go back on the road or just travel cross country. Which direction will you go? Are you detouring back to Jarlswolf on the way? ALSO! Please e-mail me your current list of spells cast, spellcasters! -- Cayzle]
Garrard Wednesday December 18th, 2002 7:01:34 PM
Garrard will take up a middle of the order position, to one side of the bag carrier.
As the party gets underway, Garrard makes three suggestions to the group.
"If I may, I think that perhaps a message should be sent via Dulcet's cat, to alert her to our probable arrival on the hill. Also, is it within the interests and the talents of the group to move slower so a tracker could conceal our passage from detection by others? Finally, I have three goodberries I can share with the group, if needed. They can heal enough to stabilize a fallen companion should there be battle."
Garrard will support going directly to the Hill cross-country.
Thram Wednesday December 18th, 2002 7:06:54 PM
Thram watches the box opening with approval and volunteers to take the point position on the walk. "We should probably take the most direct route. Frankly, I'd prefer the road. It's faster, and probably just as safe."
Kedarn Thursday December 19th, 2002 3:07:27 AM
Kedarn takes up a position on the opposite side of the bag carrier from Garrard.
Kedarn says a quick prayer to Gargul (casts Bless on the party.) Then he readies his bow.
Cadmar (Blessed) Thursday December 19th, 2002 4:46:23 AM
"Well, Garrard, I suspect that your skill at scouting surpasses mine. I will carry the box to leave your hands ready to act if there is a need. And I think you are right, we need to let Dulcet know that we are on our way to the top of the hill. How about that, folks? Where is that cat?"
"The road?... I don't know, Thram. If I remember right, the road leads to Jarswolf and then south. There is no road leading to the hill from town. Even if we went back there, we would still have about the same distance to cover in the wild. There is no knowing when the Green Coven learns about the failure of their agents - though I think the Red Hands aren't too eager to face them right now. Therefore I would suggest to go straight for the hill. Covering the tracks behind us certainly sounds prudent, at least in the beginning of our journey. We might actually want to start off in slightly different direction, just to confuse any would-be trackers, and turn for the hill later on."
"I will go in the middle carrying the sack, between Garrard and Kedarn."
Lorth Thursday December 19th, 2002 7:09:58 AM
"I'll take position right after the person on point." Lorth adjusts his pack and readies his Warhammer and shield. He takes one last look at the funeral pyre to make sure there is no danger of spreading fire and then waits to leave.
Brontinas Thursday December 19th, 2002 4:52:41 PM
Bronti moves back to the group, seeing they are ready to leave. He keeps his bow unslinged and has an arrow ready.
"I will stay by the box, as whoever is carrying it will most likely be the primary target. But I'll not carry the thing, unless it is neccesary."
(OOC: Brontinas will stay in the middle of the pack, next to the box carrier, or right behind it if forced to move single file.)
The Ghost of Lalliote
Great Caeser's Ghost! (DM Cayzle) Thursday December 19th, 2002 5:43:56 PM
Just as you start to set out, at the edge of the property, your way is blocked! A misty white figure rises and screams!
"Aaaaiiiiiii! Return the Claw of Axios! It is not for you! Return what you have stolen!"
The figure is transparent, but even so you recognize the dead witch! Her hair and clothes are on fire, and she is gripping her amputated hand in her unamputated hand!
Mell flees and hides behind the party member closest to the back! That's probably Brontinas.
Thram Thursday December 19th, 2002 5:49:42 PM
Thram takes a few quick steps back from the ghost, but has the presence of mind to offer a quick suggestion, "Dulcet sent us to retrieve the claw before those with more sinister purpose could find it."
Elerinn Thursday December 19th, 2002 7:01:06 PM
Elerinn is too shocked first to be really afraid. He even seems to be amused, at first. There is some irony in this, after all, for it seems that his story has become reality.
After this first thought, there is still no fear, only excitement. Maybe it's because Elerinn doesn't really believe the thing in front of him is real. After all, the thought that he wanted to fake some ghost sounds himself just some time ago hasn't left his mind yet.
He whispers to the others, as if not to offend the ghost in front of them: "I don't believe this is happening, people. We gave her an honorfull burial after all. Is there anybody who posseses some knowledge on Gargul's outcasts, the undead?"
Garrard d20+5=20 Thursday December 19th, 2002 7:28:19 PM
Without moving from his position guarding Cadmar, Garrard whispers, "This is somewhat too convenient. A bargain meant to weaken one of our warriors and then a distraction to hold us in place whilst reinforcements are summoned, perhaps. While this may be the spirit of the departed, it may also be illusion."
With that, Garrard compares his recent memories of Lalliote's corpse with the image before him now. Doubtless there is some flaw that would prove it a deception...
(Disbelief saving throw, which I assume is a Will save.)
Ooooohhhh! (DM Cayzle) Friday December 20th, 2002 11:06:47 PM
Doubting, Elerinn and Garrardtry to disbelieve, but the spirit seems genuine to them.
She answers Thram, "Dulcet! Dulcet?"
"Prooove what you say!"
[Guys, please try to post every day! -- Cayzle]
Garrard Saturday December 21st, 2002 1:04:17 PM
Garrard quietly holds up, and opens his writ from Dulcet, and takes a step or two forward so that the ghost can read it without advancing on the boxcarrier.
Cadmar Sunday December 22nd, 2002 3:28:53 AM
Cadmar, who was standing for a moment in shocked silence, regains his composure. It seems as if he was about to say something, but has changed his mind when Garrard stepped forward. Instead, he just waits for the ghost to react.
Elerinn Sunday December 22nd, 2002 5:36:52 PM
Elerinn, a little less sure about the ghost being real or not, is glad that Garrard keeps calm and shows the ghost the letter. He silently waits to see how she will react.
Andrath Monday December 23rd, 2002 1:09:34 AM
Surprised by the appearance of the ghost, Andrath steps back, and leaves this part of the discussion to the magical ones in the party. He turns and looks for the cat. "Here, kitty kitty kitty! We might need you and your voice." He goes looking for the cat that seems to have momentarily disappeared.
Lorth Monday December 23rd, 2002 7:18:31 AM
Lorth stares in shock, "Begone foul apparition, we have given you a proper burial, be on your way to the island of the dead."
The Sceptical Ghost (DM Cayzle) Monday December 23rd, 2002 9:42:26 AM
"Read me your writ!" moans the ghost. "I will try to hear the truth in your voice! But how can I know it is not a forgery!"
Mell walks over to Andrath from behind Brontinas, although fearfully.
Lorth Monday December 23rd, 2002 12:34:06 PM
"Leave foul apparition, you despoil the old witches memory, by not resting in death. Begin your journey and let the living tend the claw, it has passed beyond you. Rest, it is not your concern any longer.", Lorth growls.
Garrard d20=1 d20+4=10 Monday December 23rd, 2002 1:35:55 PM
Garrard tries, almost successfully, to read the writ calmly.
It begins with a description of himself, from the style and length of his hair peppered with grey, to the worn leather jerkin under his woolen cloak, to the scimitar with a deerhide-wrapped handle.
In continues with, "The bearer of this note, the person described above, named Garrard, has been sent by me and acts on my behalf. This note is good only until the fifth meeting of the Pitchfork Council. Signed, Dulcet."
(Charisma check [1}, and Concentration check [10], if needed)
With this, Garrard steps back to the group.
Cadmar Monday December 23rd, 2002 2:17:27 PM
Once Garrard is done, Cadmar adds: "We are suspicious, too. Prove to us that you are not a figment or sorcery. What were the names of the two servants who lived with you in this cottage?"
Elerinn Monday December 23rd, 2002 5:40:58 PM
Elerinn remains quiet as the others talk to the ghost. He looks around a bit, to see if he can see anything unusual. He still doubts the ghost is real, and perhaps a spellcaster is hidden someplace near.
Andrath Tuesday December 24th, 2002 12:04:52 AM
Andrath picks up the cat, and carries it a little closer to the rest of the party. "Does anyone remember how we are supposed to use this cat to contact Dulcet?" he asks. "It might make sense if Dulcet talks directly to this apparition."
Kedarn Tuesday December 24th, 2002 4:42:43 AM
Kedarn looks at the appatition and the casts deathwatch (domian spell) upon it.
ooc - sorry about not posting, have been with out phone or internet access due to a major accident in area took out the phonelines for the area I live in.
Thram Tuesday December 24th, 2002 10:16:06 AM
Thram looks about at his companions in disbelief, and he hisses, "Don't antagonize her."
A Real Ghost! (DM Cayzle) Tuesday December 24th, 2002 11:33:44 AM
The ghost ignores Lorth and Cadmar. She appears unconvinced by Garrard. "Retuurrnn the Claawww!" she moans.
Note that no one has tried to continue walking off her property yet.
Kedarn's spell reveals that she is an undead being.
In Andrath's arms, Mell looks at him and says, "Meow?"
Garrard d20+4=18 Tuesday December 24th, 2002 1:10:33 PM
Speaking to the group in a low whisper, Garrard says, "Do any of you have a document from Dulcet that states your objective more clearly? If the... ghost... can hear truth in our voices as she claims, perhaps we should try each speaking the truth of our mission to her."
With that, he scans the surrounding area, still cautious someone might be lurking.
(Spot check - 18)
(OOC: is that Bless spell still running?)
Elerinn Tuesday December 24th, 2002 6:19:08 PM
Elerinn backs up somewhat when he hears the ghost's horrific moan. He looks at his companions, who seem to remain calm, so he decides that he must be able to fight his terror too. He then hears Mell 'answering' Andrath, and he knows what see tries to tell him.
"Yes Andrath, one of us should try to contact Dulcet. If you release little Mell from your arms, I'll try to do it..."
Cadmar Wednesday December 25th, 2002 6:26:00 AM
Cadmar's face tenses. Then he says quietly: "I agree that talking to Dulcet seems to be the best option right now. I would prefer to leave the ghost of Lalliote resting in peace, not in pieces. Let's just describe the situation to her - the Red Hands, Green Coven, what we found, and whom we just met. Maybe she will have some suggestions on how to convince her."
Kedarn Wednesday December 25th, 2002 6:50:50 AM
Kedarn looks at the ghost of Lalliote and then at Elerinn and Andrath. Kedarn then starts to explains to the ghost how the group was asked by Dulcet to come and recover the claw so that it would not fall into the hands of those that can not controll it or those that want to unleash the evil it is upon the world.
Brontinas Wednesday December 25th, 2002 9:08:23 AM
Brontinas stands fast, at the appearance of the ghost, he drops his bow and puts his hand on the hilt of his sword. Protective of those behind him, he remains in that stance, but he looks worriedly to the holy types of the party.
"Is there anyway to contact this spirit reasonably?"
He will remain as his is unless the ghost takes a swing at any of his friends, at which point he is ready to use his sword to take the ghost down.
(OOC: Sorry I haven't been able to post everyday, hopefully I'll have access to the internet again soon, probably by the 1st or 2nd of Jan, but definetely by the 12th. Merry Christmas!)
Ready to Act? (DM Cayzle) Wednesday December 25th, 2002 10:53:59 AM
Garrard and Cadmar talk about trying to level with the ghost. Kedarn also thinks this is a good idea. (OOC: If you do so, please make a Diplomacy check.)
Garrard doesn't see anyone around. The Bless spell is *almost* over.
Elerinn talks with Andrath about talking through Mell to Dulcet. (OOC: If you decide to, just go right ahead!)
Brontinas stands ready, on guard, seeing what happens.
(OOC: During the holiday season, if you can't post every day, don't worry. But after the first week in January, PLEASE do try to post every day!)
Elerinn Wednesday December 25th, 2002 6:13:51 PM
Elerinn whistles softly, and Mell jumps out of Andrath's hands in a gracefull leap. He says, while looking at Andrath: "Perhaps some of you can help me, I don't want to forget anything important to tell Dulcet"
He then looks into the cat's eyes and speaks: "My dear Mell, I'd like to speak to your master, the Witch Dulcet"
As soon as he can contact Dulcet, he speaks to her softly, in a respectfull voice: "Greetings, Lady Dulcet. We have some little problems here. When we arrived at the old woman's house, there was also another group of people, which we learned were members of the Red Hand Gang. They told us that they were to bring the Claw to the Green Coven and then sold us the Claw, but it is a fake, most likely. We found what seems to be the real Claw ourselves, and gave the old woman a proper burial. But we seem to be having just a little problem here, I fear..."
He looks at the ghost, cannot surpress some vague smile and then continues: "The ghost of the lady, not an illusion, or a very clever one indeed, is here, telling us we must leave the Claw here...What do you suggest we do, my Lady?"
Andrath Thursday December 26th, 2002 12:43:43 AM
Andrath knows his limitations, and lets the more charismatic party members try to talk the apparition into letting them go. He waits to see how Dulcet responds to the cat. "Ask Dulcet if she knows how we can assure this ghost that we are doing this on her behalf."
Garrard Thursday December 26th, 2002 12:48:48 AM
Garrard nods quietly to Andrath, and waits quietly, maintaining his watch.
Cadmar d20+2=3 Thursday December 26th, 2002 6:15:54 AM
Cadmar decides to try to persuade the ghost to let them pass. "Isn't that obvious that we are the ones sent by Dulcet? If we were not, how would we... eh... how would we know that... I mean, with you dead and all... you surely must realize - oh no." He goes silent, red on his face. "I just hate thinking myself into corners" he mumbles. [Diplomacy 3]
Lorth Thursday December 26th, 2002 7:53:46 AM
Having no power to affect a ghost, Lorth turns from it, "Perhaps we should return to town for some holy water and other instruments, so that we can put this ghost to rest."
Brontinas Thursday December 26th, 2002 9:36:31 AM
Brontinas's knuckles begin to whiten on the hilt of his blade.
"Whatever we do, I suggest we do it quickly, this Ghost looks none to pleased with us at all."
Brontinas forms a very defensive stance so that the clerics may do whatever they need to do to get rid of the ghost.
Kedarn d20+2=18 Friday December 27th, 2002 6:56:32 AM
Kedarn quietly says prayers to Gargul as he watches the ghost as Elerinn contacts Dulcet via Mell. (diplomacy 18) Kedarn keeps hold of his holy symbol while saying his prayers.
The Cat Talks (DM Cayzle) Friday December 27th, 2002 11:10:59 AM
Cadmar's mumblings fail to move the ghost-witch, but Kedarn's prayers seem to sooth her, and she quiets while he prays.
Garrard and Brontinas prepare for trouble.
Lorth mentions tried-and-true anti-ghost tactics, but the point is moot once the group begins to talk through Mell.
Elerinn and Andrath focus on Mell, and invoke the witch who sent the group on this mission.
After pleading their case, the voice of Dulcet emerges from Mell's mouth. "You have the Claw -- excellent! Now, set me down. Set down the cat."
Assuming that they do, the cat then walks over to the ghost. The words that she says sound like common, but they are strange and warped, and you cannot remember them after they are spoken.
The ghost is transfixed by the speech, and bows when it is over. The panic and wildness in her visage eases, and she looks at you as if for the first time. She nods to you and fades away.
If you roll a spot check vs. DC 16, you might catch a glimmer that suggests she is still present, maybe.
Mell looks at you, shakes as if he had been soaked in water, and then looks back at you.
"Meow!"
The cat starts walking, looking back at you expectantly.
[OOC: Sorry for missing yesterday's post -- even DM's don't post every day during the holidays!]
Thram Friday December 27th, 2002 11:30:52 AM
Thram appears satisfied with the result of speaking through Mell, "Good cat. Now let's get going before something else happens."
[I'm back after the holiday. I shouldn't miss any more posts. -jkf]
Garrard d20+4=24 d20+4=24 d20+4=19 Friday December 27th, 2002 1:01:41 PM
With a smile for Mell, Garrard falls back in to position beside the box-carrier, eyes open and a hand near his weaponry.
(Spot check for the ghost [24], Spot for travel [24], listen [19])
Elerinn Friday December 27th, 2002 3:42:33 PM
Elerinn is glad that the old woman is laid to rest, and follows Mell, somewhere in the middle of the group.
OOC: I hope you all had a great Christmas...
Andrath d20+9=19 d20+9=21 d20+8=25 Friday December 27th, 2002 11:22:08 PM
Once Andrath discovers the direction the cat expects to travel, Andrath ranges 100-200 feet in front of the party, keeping his eyes open for trouble. [OOC: Move silent 19, Hide 21, Spot 25.]
Cadmar d20+5=12 Saturday December 28th, 2002 4:24:20 AM
"She is gone, isn't she?"
Cadmar voice trails off. Looking back just once, he resumes his position in the middle of the party. "Let us leave this place, too." [Take Ten on Spot and Listen while we travel - both 15]
Kedarn d20+5=25 Saturday December 28th, 2002 5:17:27 AM
Kedarn says one last prayer to Gargul for the departed witch then takes up his place towards the middle of the party as it travels down the road. (spot 25)
Lorth Monday December 30th, 2002 10:43:20 AM
"Seek rest with Gargul", Lorth mumbles. He then follows along with the rest of the party, walking in front of all, except Andrath, who is scouting. Shield and Warhammer at the ready.
Wolf Attack
Towards Wolf Hill (DM Cayzle) d100=79 d100=87 d20+1=20 Monday December 30th, 2002 12:23:18 PM
Andrath ranges 100 to 200 feet ahead, following Mell. He is being sneaky, but every minute or so he checks on the group to make sure they are headed in the right direction. Lorth walks at the head of the group, with Thram walking alongside him. Cadmar walks in the middle of the party, carrying sack with box in it. Kedarn and Garrard flank him. Elerinn walks right behind him. Brontinas guards the rear.
Garrard, Andrath, and Kedarn catch glimpses, from time to time, of the Ghost of Lalliote. She seems to be following along, and actually smiles at Kedarn once when he looks at her. At least, it looked like she was trying to smile, but it is hard to tell with a ghost.
Mell brings the group back towards the town of Jarlwolf, where the adventure started, but he leads you in a circle north of the town. A few times you cross fields, but mostly you stick to game trails and wild stands of forest and brush. The terrain gets hillier, and you see that you are approaching Wolf Hill. It must be at least ten hours after the noon bell rang. Another couple hours should get you to the top, if you keep up in this direction.
Mell hisses, and his hair sticks straight up. Andrath sees signs that creatures have passed by recently. Cadmar and Garrard look at the tracks, and they deduce that the marks are canine.
Garrard d20+6=19 Monday December 30th, 2002 12:57:32 PM
Garrard will examine the tracks, trying to ascertain the size and weight of the beasts. If he discovers anything, he will communicate it to the group.
(OOC: did Garrard's hawk ever come back?)
(Wilderness Lore check: 19)
Elerinn Monday December 30th, 2002 2:24:02 PM
Elerinn looks at the tracks, but doesn't understand a thing about them. He looks at Cadmar and Garrard hopefully now, and waits until they have anything to say about these tracks.
Brontinas d20=7 Monday December 30th, 2002 2:28:59 PM
Brontinas does not relax as the ghost becomes a friendly ghost. He stands rear guard with his bow out and an arrow in hand. As they take the game trails near Jarlwolf he starts to relax, thinking them near the end of their goal.
When the cat hisses and tracks are spotted, Brontinas drops into a defensive crouch immedietly and searches the area, looking for ambush spots. (Spot: 7+bonuses)
Lorth d20=2 Monday December 30th, 2002 3:00:58 PM
Lorth takes a defensive stance and scans the area. (Spot: 2+bonus's hehe, I'm blind.) He then waits for persons of more woodly skill to tell him about the tracks.
Cadmar d20+5=12 d20+3=14 Tuesday December 31st, 2002 1:42:44 AM
Cadmar looks at the tracks, but shakes his head. "That doesn't tell me much." [Wild Lore 12]
"I know it's getting late, but I bet none of us feels like making camp while this thing is still with us. Let me just try to recall if this is a season when normal wolves prowl the valley..." [Knowledge Nature (untrained) 14]
Thram Tuesday December 31st, 2002 1:44:49 AM
Thram stops and looks around with a puzzled look, "Er... what's going on?"
Howling in the Night (DM Cayzle) Tuesday December 31st, 2002 1:12:30 PM
Recap: You left the witch's house as a group (with bird-friends), following the lead of Mell the Cat. You have the Claw of Axios with you. You headed east, veering north of Jarlwolf, towards Wolf Hill. You found canine tracks.
Now, looking at the tracks, it is clear that they are very fresh. Made within the past couple minutes. In fact, you hear howling!
OOooooohhhh!
You see eyes in the distance, glowing.
Lorth Tuesday December 31st, 2002 1:47:51 PM
Lorth shrugs off his pack, and continues to wait defensively. He watches for Andrath to return to the group and waits.
Cadmar AC 15 HP12 (Total defense +4 AC) d20+5=19 Wednesday January 1st, 2003 2:27:17 AM
"Wolves!" Cadmar draws his scimitar and grabs the sack he is carrying more firmly. Looking around he tries to count the animals and readies himself to deflect any blow headed his way. "Too late to make a fire!" [Spot 19 to count wolves, total defense this round]
Thram Wednesday January 1st, 2003 4:23:10 AM
Thram looks about for a tree, or at the very least a large rock, to climb.
Elerinn Wednesday January 1st, 2003 6:24:17 AM
Elerinn, who rarely heard, and never saw a wolf, jumps when he hears the howling. For a small part, it is his own surprize and fear. But, Qamaro on his shoulder gives him a much stronger emotion through their empathic link: An instinctive fear, that makes him want to run, without looking back.
But he is able to control this feeling, and tries to look up at the wolves, afraid of their number. He whispers to the raven on his shoulder: "Fly up, my dear Qamaro. Don't want you to get hurt here..."
He then prepares for battle, his eyes full of fear, but also of excitement.
Garrard d20+6=14 Thursday January 2nd, 2003 1:06:54 AM
Garrard reluctantly draws his scimitar, and readies his shield, wracking his brain for noises, or other distractions that might keep the wolves at bay long enough to reach the top of the hill.
(Animal Handling: 14. )
Andrath Thursday January 2nd, 2003 9:29:58 AM
Andrath realizes that he might be separated from the party if he stays out front, so he circles back to the party, trying to stay hidden from sight. He will stop a little ways back from the group, hoping to be able to surprise any atttacker that focuses on the main group.
Wolf Attack! (DM Cayzle) Thursday January 2nd, 2003 11:34:55 AM
It is full night under the moon, so it may be hard to see the wolves as they charge in.
Roll a Spot check against DC 23. People with low-light vision get +5 on the roll.
If you succeed, you see six wolves sprinting in towards the party. You can act normally, with the wolves at about 75 feet away.
If you fail the spot check, you know something is out there, but you can't see it. You may choose to do something that does not require a target (for example: "I cast a Bless spell."). Or you can ready an action (for example: "I shoot an arrow at an enemy as soon as I can see it.").
Those with any nature lore or wilderness lore can roll against DC 10 to realize that this is not typical wolf behavior -- perhaps training or magic is driving them!
Cadmar, make your spot check this round with a +2 circumstance bonus because you were watching so intently the previous round.
Thram, since you were looking, you get a +2 circumstance bonus to see a tree that is easy to climb. There are plenty of them in the woods. Use a move action to get to the nearest tree and a move-equivalent action to climb half your movement rate up it, at a climb check of DC15 (and you get the +2). Of course, you don't have to climb the tree if you don't want to -- feel free to do whatever you want.
Elerinn's raven takes to the air.
Garrard realizes that with at least an hour to go, there is no way to keep these wolves at bay so long. Maybe if they were acting normally ... but these wolves seem driven!
Andrath, please make normal hide and move silent checks if you decide to be sneaky. So far, you think you have a decent shot at staying hidden (with a little luck, anyway).
Garrard grimaces, and says, "Wolves, and driven by an unnatural force. We may have more than just the beasts to contend with this night."
(Spot check: 5)
Garrard digs a few small objects out of his beltpouch, and hands one each to Elerin, Cadmar, and Andrath, saying, "These are Goodberries. They bear enough healing power to staunch bleeding and stabilize health, if one of us should fall."
With this, Garrard gazes out into the deepening shadows over his shield.
Lorth d20=7 Thursday January 2nd, 2003 12:58:40 PM
Lorth continues to wait, ready to attack anything hostile that comes within reach. He watches all about him as best he can, and takes note of what his companions are doing and if they need help. (Just for laughs, Spot check of: 7)
Elerinn d20+6=13 Thursday January 2nd, 2003 2:14:00 PM
Elerinn looks ahead, trying to figure out how many wolves there are. In this confusing situation however, the gnome is unable to look past the others who are also busy looking at the wolves.
Just at the moment he remembers that wolves are not necessarily hostile, he hears Garrard speak. His voice indicates that there really is danger. He thanks Garrard for the berry, hoping he can hide the fear in his voice.
With an unstable "Thank you, Garrard", he puts the berry in one of his pouches.
Andrath d20+13=16 d20+8=19 Thursday January 2nd, 2003 11:09:55 PM
Andrath hunkers down and waits, peering through the bushes to try to make out the creatures that seem to be attacking the party, but unable to do so [OOC: missed Spot roll with 16]. He listens closely [OOC: listen roll of 19] to hear any creatures moving towards either him or the party. If he can make out a creature, and it appears to be attacking, he will try to move within 30' and sneak attack with his longbow.
Cadmar AC11 HP12 d20+7=9 d20+5=22 d20+2=17 d6=4 Friday January 3rd, 2003 2:20:03 AM
Cadmar accepts the goodberry with a nod and puts it in his mouth, ready to bite on it when needed. [move eq. action] "I still can't see them!" [Spot 9] "But it's not wolflike to attack humans like that! In winter maybe so, but not now!" [Wild Lore 22] Then he readies himself to swing at the first wolf that comes close enough to him. [standard action: ready attack to hit the first opponent within range, hitting AC17 for 4 points of damage]
Wolf Combat Round One (DM Cayzle) d20+5=17 (wolf attack on Brontinas) d6+1=4 (wolf damage on Brontinas) d20+5=20 (wolf melee touch att to trip Brontinas) d20+1=18 (wolf Str check to trip) d20+5=10 (Brontinas's opposed Dex trip to avoid falling, fails) d20+4=17 (Lorth attacks wolf) d8+2=7 (Lorth's damage) d20+5=7 (wolf misses Lorth) d20+2=18 (Cadmar attacks wolf) d6=6 (Cadmar's damage) d20+5=16 (wolf hits Cadmar) d6+1=5 (wolf damage on Cadmar) d20+5=11 (wolf melee touch att to trip Cadmar) d20+1=20 (wolf str check to trip) d20+1=18 (Cadmar's opposed roll, fails) d20+5=24 (wolf attacks Kedarn) d6+1=3 (wolf damage to Kedarn) d20+5=12 (wolf melee touch attack to trip) d20+1=5 (wolf str check to trip) d20+3=6 (Kedarn's opposed dex check to avoid fall, succeeds) d20+5=14 (wolf attacks Elerinn) d6+1=5 (wolf damages Elerinn) d20+5=7 (wolf fails to trip) d20+5=16 (wolf misses Garrard) d20+5=10 (Andrath's shot at Cadmar's wolf hits) d8=6 d6=3 (d8+d6=9 hp sneak attack arrow damage) Friday January 3rd, 2003 10:38:15 AM
Garrard passes out Goodberries and prepares for the coming attack.
Elerinn takes a berry and waits as well.
Thram finds a convenient tree and climbs -- up 15 feet.
Andrath hides in the bushes, bow drawn.
Six wolves charge into the small clearing, snarling. Ignoring Thram and Andrath, one wolf attacks each of the others in the group.
Brontinas, surprised by the wolves, loses his dex AC bonus. The charging wolf gains a +2 to hit. It bites the elf fighter for four hp damage and trips him -- Bronti is now prone and must use a move-equivalent action in the coming round to stand up.
Kedarn is also surprised, like Brontinas. A wolf charges the cleric, and bites him for three hp damage. The wolf tugs the cleric down, but he stands his ground and does not fall.
Lorth prepares to attack anything that comes into range -- and he doesn't have to wait long! A wolf leaps out of the darkness, charging. Since Lorth had readied an attack, he swings before the wolf. His attack bonus is +4 against the AC 10 wolf (down from AC12 because it is charging). The paladin swings a mighty blow with his hammer, and hits the animal for 7 hp damage. The wolf yelps in pain and tries to return the favor, but distracted by its injury, fails to hit.
Cadmar, like Lorth, stands ready to swing, and he too attacks before the charging wolf. His scimitar slices half the wolf's ear off (as he hits for 6 hp damage). The enraged wolf bites hard at the ranger, snapping at Cadmar's leg for 5 hit points of damage -- and the wolf trips the ranger. Like Brontinas, Cadmar is now prone and must use a move-equivalent action in the coming round to stand up.
Elerinn is attacked by a wolf. The charging beast lunges and bites the gnome for five hp damage, but does not trip him.
Garrard is attacked by the last of the six wolves -- but his sturdy shield deflects the wolf's attack.
Andrath, hiding, sees the wolves charge into the clearing -- none toward himself. He takes the opportunity to sneak attack as he lets an arrow fly. He decides to attack a wounded wolf -- and he chooses to fire at Cadmar's because with Cadmar on the ground, Andrath has a clear line of sight to the wolf that bit him (DM rules that the -4 penalty for firing into melee does not apply in this battle if one of the two combatants is prone). And his shot just hits the wolf! (Andrath manages to hit because the charging wolf's defenses were down, -2 AC when charging). His arrow, aimed right where it would hit hardest, downs the wolf. Cadmar finds himself lying next to an unconscious and dying wolf at the end of the first round of combat!
========
Status at end of Round 1:
Andrath: unwounded, facing no wolf. Brontinas: -4 hp, prone, facing an unwounded wolf. Cadmar: -5 hp, prone, facing no wolf. Elerinn: -5 hp, standing, facing an unwounded wolf. Garrard: unwounded, standing, facing an unwounded wolf. Kedarn: -3 hp, standing, facing an unwounded wolf. Lorth: unwounded, standing, facing a wounded wolf (-7 hp). Thram: unwounded, 15 feet up a tree, facing no wolf.
All combat is taking place in a lightly wooded small clearing, within a 30 to 40 foot diameter. Since this combat is not complex, I'll not draw a map this time.
Friends! Please see my e-mail before responding (to come asap)
Garrard AC: 17 HP: 9 d20+2=19 d6+2=3 Friday January 3rd, 2003 12:39:20 PM
Garrard frowns as he swings at the beast before him, clearly unhappy about the situation. His chopping swing looks like it might connect, but his heart doesn't seem to be in striking such a noble beast.
(To hit: 19, if it hits, 3 points of damage)
Lorth d20+4=24 d20+4=24 Friday January 3rd, 2003 12:55:10 PM
Lorth yells and charges the wolf that tripped Brontinas. He swings wildly, hoping to distract it from attacking his prone friend.
(To hit: 24 (+2 if I can charge making it a 26) roll for critical hit: 24 again!, you can roll the damage if all goes as planned)
[DM Note: You are engaged with a wounded wolf already. If you charge the wolf on Brontinas, you will offer the wounded wolf an attack of opportunity. So the answer is yes, you can charge the unwounded wolf on Brontinas, but you would be attacked by the wounded wolf on you as you start running -- and if that attack succeeds, you might be tripped! But unless I hear otherwise, I will assume you will charge and take the AoO.]
Elerinn AC: 12 HP: 3 d20+8=18 d20+1=12 d4+1=5 Friday January 3rd, 2003 5:09:07 PM
Elerinn screams in pain as the wolf bites in one of his short arms. But, besides the pain, he feels another emotion, a feeling he has never felt before.
While in this state of new, almost exciting fear, he gestures with his hands, while chanting in a strange language, he shoots some sort of multi-colored energy ball at the wolf who just wounded him.
He then tries to retrieve and eat the berry Garrard just gave him, hoping it will heal his wounded arm somewhat.
Concentration(for casting on the defence): 18
Initiative(???): 12
Spell damage for magic missile: 5
(If eating the berry this round can be done as a move-equivalent action for me, I'll do it...)
[DM Note: it is a standard action to eat one to eight goodberries (you could eat more, but I seem to recall that eating more than eight gives no extra healing or benefit). Also, there is no need for initiative because the Wold doesn't use individual initiatives -- DM and players basically take turns. Cayzle]
Andrath d20+5=19 d8=6 Saturday January 4th, 2003 1:01:17 AM
Andrath watches his arrow drop the wolf attacking Cadmar, then is momentarily startled by Elerinn's scream. He spots the little gnome fighting a wolf at least three times his size, and quickly looses an arrow at that wolf. "Run, little guy! Let the tanks fight these beasts!" he shouts. [OOC: Hit AC 19 for 6 hp damage.]
Brontias Saturday January 4th, 2003 2:58:26 AM
Brontinas, looking the wrong way when the wolves come, finds himself suddenly struggling to stand. Putting his bow defesively in front of him, he tries to stand while keeping the wolf away.
He feints quickly to push the wolf back. When the wolf moves slightly backward, Bronti drops his bow and readies his sword. Seeing as he does not have time to remove his shield, he griops the sword in one hand and tries to measure up his foe.
(OOC: I should be regular from now on, I know have good ole cable connections again.)
Cadmar AC 14 HP 7 (Expertise +1 AC, -1 to hit, fight defensively +2 AC, -4 to hit) d20-3=1 Saturday January 4th, 2003 4:06:36 AM
Cadmar jumps on his feet, glad that the wolf assailing him is down [move eq action]. Then he takes a stride towards the nearest wounded wolf [5ft step] and swings at it hard, but the combination of darkness, pain, and excitement makes him miss badly [standard action: attack]. Then he remembers the goodberry in his mouth and decides to bite on it [free action? the berry is in his mouth already].
Timing -- OOC by Cayzle Saturday January 4th, 2003 8:08:34 AM
Friends, please note that I am travelling on business Monday and Tuesday. Therefore, Monday's post will come VERY early in the morning Monday -- like 4 am eastern. I expect an early post Tuesday from the hotel, but if I fall silent, it's because I couldn't get it to work! Thanks!
Kedarn AC:16 HP:8 d20+4=22 d8+1=9 Sunday January 5th, 2003 4:15:13 AM
Kedarn yells from the pain then turns facing the wolf that attacked him and fires an arrow at it. (point blank shot)
(ooc: sorry for not posting have not been around a computer for the holidays)
Thram d20+4=12 d20+6=17 d20=17 d20=19 Sunday January 5th, 2003 3:12:51 PM
Thram discovers that he has nothing to attack the wolves with from up in the tree in order to help his friends. And, it looks like they need some help. So he waits for a wolf to get close enough to the tree that he can jump down on top of it. If one does, he'll jump down and attack with a flurry of blows. If not, he'll stay safe and wait for his chance.
[some possibly relevant rolls: jump=12, tumble=17, hit AC17 & AC19]
Wolf Combat Round Two (DM Cayzle) d20+3=16 (wolf AoO on Lorth hits exactly) d6+1=5 (wolf AoO damage) d20+3=19 (wolf melee touch attack to trip) d20+1=10 (wolf str check to trip) d20+2=13 (Lorth's opposed check to stay up -- succeeds) 3d8(2+7+5)+6=20 (Lorth's crit damage) 2d6(5+1)+4=10 (Thram's unarmed attacks on Kedarn's wolf) d20+3=7 (wolf's AoO on Kedarn fails) d20+3=6 (wolf attack on Lorth) d2=1 (roll to see who is attacked) d20+3=10 (wolf attack) d20+3=14 (wolf attack) Monday January 6th, 2003 5:42:27 AM
Note regarding goodberries -- sorry my friends -- it may not be logical, but I want to follow the rules. Eating a goodberry (up to eight) is a "activate magic item" action -- a standard action that does not provole attacks of opportunity. Just like drinking a potion. I probably should not have let Cadmar put one in his mouth last round and carry it around in his cheek! Illogical though it may seem, you cannot eat a goodberry and attack with spell or sword in the same round. Sorry.
Andrath shoots Elerinn's wolf for 6 hp damage. (Note that since the gnome is not prone, Andrath takes a -4 to hit for firing into melee (PHB 124), but still hits)
Brontinas rises to his feet and readies his weapon, .
Cadmar rises and steps up to the nearest wolf -- the one on Elerinn. He swings but misses.
The wolf attacking Elerinn yelps as the magical energy ball strikes it for 5 hp damage. With the arrow damage, this wolf is badly injured.
Garrard swings at his foe and connects with a glancing blow for three hp damage.
Lorth ignores the wolf that attacked him and charges Brontinas's wolf. As he charges, the wolf he ignores takes a bite at him -- and connects for 5 hp damage. The wolf also tries to drag Lorth down, but the paladin rips free of the beast's jaws. He rushes the wolf on Brontinas and brings down his hammer with a crushing blow that pulverises the animal's brainpan! It is instantly slain!
Thram leaps down from his tree and attacks Kedarn's wolf, the one nearest him. He gains an advantage by attacking from above, but it is overkill as both his unarmed blows land hard -- 10 hp damage!
Kedarn follows this by shooting the wolf with an arrow -- but since the elf cleric is standing right nest to the wolf, as he draws the bow, he opens himself to an attack! (shooting a bow provokes an attack of opportunity.) The wolf lunges but his bite falls short. Kedarn shoots, being careful not to shoot Thram, and the arrow pierces the beast through the heart and slays it!
The wolf that bit Lorth chases after him, attacking. But it misses.
The wolf that bit Elerinn bites again at the magic-user. It too fails to connect.
Finally, the wolf attacking Garrard bites again -- but the druid's armor and shield absorb the animal's attack.
========
Status at end of Round 2:
Andrath: unwounded, facing no wolf. Brontinas (-4 hp, standing) and Lorth (unwounded, standing) facing an injured wolf (-7 hp). Cadmar (-5 hp, standing) and Elerinn (-5 hp, standing) facing a very injured wolf (-11 hp). Garrard: unwounded, standing, facing a slightly wounded wolf (-3 hp). Kedarn (-3 hp, standing) and Thram (unwounded, standing) facing no wolf.
Cadmar AC11 HP7 d20+4=23 d20+4=8 d6=5 Monday January 6th, 2003 7:16:22 AM
Seeing that the little gnome needs all the help he can get, Cadmar throws caution to the wind and no longer concentrates on deflecting the blows. He takes a quick step to the side, hoping to get an advantage of striking from behind [5ft step to flank the wolf - if possible. If not, reduce attack bonus by 2]. "Domi guide my hand now!" he shouts, bringing the blade down on creature's back. The blow connects [hits AC23, a threat, but not a crit] and Cadmar feels his sabre reach the creature's ribs [5 damage].
Thram: AC18 HP9 d20=11 d20=11 d6+2=4 d6+2=3 Monday January 6th, 2003 11:21:19 AM
Thram moves to help Garrard and again strikes in a flurry of hands and feet. The attack isn't that graceful, but hopefully he manages to strike one of the attacking beasts.
(AC11,dmg4;AC11,dmg3)
Garrard d20+2=15 d6+2=4 Monday January 6th, 2003 12:44:11 PM
Assuming the wolf before him is still standing, Garrard will rotate around the beast, forcing it to give either him or Thram or both, a flank attack.
If the wolf has already fallen, he will move to the flank of the wolf attacking Elerin and Cadmar, and attempt a swing there.
(Not counting possible +2 for flank, to hit: AC 15, for 4 points of damage.)
Brontinas AC 18 (no shield) HP 6 d20+4=22 d8+3=8 Monday January 6th, 2003 12:44:40 PM
Brontinas, now with his sword in hand and his feet on the ground looks to the wolf he and Lorth stand against. Brontinas feints to his left and then brings his sword around for an attack on the wolf's right side, trying to finish off the beast or at least make it flee.
(attck: 22, damage:8)
Elerinn d4+1=3 d20+8=27 Monday January 6th, 2003 2:34:16 PM
Elerinn sees the wolf before him get weaker as he, Cadmar and Andrath wound him. He waits for a moment, to see if Cadmar's last blow was enough to kill, or at least disable, the wolf in front of him.
If not, Elerinn will hit him with another Magic Missile, if the wolf is killed, he will shoot it at one of the other wounded animals.
Concentration(casting on defence): 27 Magic Missile: 3 damage
Andrath [AC 17, HP 8] d20+5=10 Monday January 6th, 2003 11:43:15 PM
Andrath takes one more shot at any remaining wolf (assuming any wolves are still standing) [OOC: hit AC 10], but is distracted by the combat, and misses.
Otherwise, Andrath moves into the clearing, and asks the clerics to check and see if any of the wolves survived, and are merely unconscious. "These wolves were acting very strangely, to attack a well-armed party such as ours. Is there any way to find out why they attacked us?"
Kedarn AC:16 HP:8 d20+3=15 d20+5=13 Tuesday January 7th, 2003 4:22:09 AM
Kedarn will take a shot at any remaining wolf standing. (hit AC 15) If there are none left standing Kedarn will eat the goodberry given to him while looking around to see if there is anymore lurking about (spot 13 darkvision & Low-lightvision)
Lorth d20+4=7 Tuesday January 7th, 2003 7:17:04 AM
Lorth spins around and faces the chasing wolf. He brings his shield up close to his chest to block and waits for an opportunity to attack. (OOC: To Hit: 7)
Wolf Combat Round Three and Last (DM Cayzle) d8+1=8 (Kedarn's damage) Tuesday January 7th, 2003 8:04:56 AM
Cadmar kills one wolf; Brontinas kills another. Elerinn, Garrard, and Kedarn combine to eliminate the last one.
Six wolves are lying still on the ground.
Some of you are wounded. Mell walks out from under a bush.
Well done! What do you do now?
(OOC: You are no longer in combat -- you can cast multiple spells or do more than a round's action if you like.)
Lorth Tuesday January 7th, 2003 8:41:15 AM
Lorth looks around, "Praise Gargul, it was not his will to call us home." He then turns to Brontinas saying, "Friend let me tend your wounds."
(If Brontinas allows, I will lay on hands for 3 points on him. Just to clarify, I beleive Lorth is at -5 hit points, because of the attack of opportunity from the wolf, correct?)
(If allowed...)
Lorth places his hands above Brontinas wounds, intoning softly, "May the blessing Gargul allows me to give, heal you." (OOC: 3 points)
Thram Tuesday January 7th, 2003 11:44:18 AM
Thram silently binds wounds and helps however else he can with his meager healing skill.
Kedarn d8+1=8 Tuesday January 7th, 2003 12:14:40 PM
Kedarn eats the goodberry he was given and walks over to Elerinn and casts Cure Light wounds on Elerinn (8 points.)
Cadmar Tuesday January 7th, 2003 12:20:02 PM
Now that the excitement of combat is over, Cadmar bites on the goodberry and starts to chew on it. He wipes his weapon clean on the fur of one of the wolves, then sheathes it.
"Elerinn, are you all right? I have a healing potion if no one can help you with your wounds any other way."
"That was some impressive teamwork, people. I have no idea what posessed them. This was not your usual animal behaviour, even for a hungry wolf."
"I think we should be on our way, the sooner the better. We still have about an hour to go."
Brontinas Tuesday January 7th, 2003 1:53:59 PM
Brontinas looks down to the wolf he smote and wipes his blood from his blade in the grass before resheathing it.
"Strange beasts, no good can come of this evil. Wolves do not approach bands of men like this. They were driven to us."
As Lorth comes to lay hands on him he politely accepts. "My thanks, friend, your skills are much appreciated."
Brontinas will then go to the wolves and speak comforting words to them. If they are not dead, he will kill them in a most respectable manner putting them out of their misery. If they are already dead, he wishes them a luck in the eternal chase.
Brontinas will then retrieve his bow and say, "I suggest we make all haste to the witch. We may have work yet to do for her."
(OOC: HP is now 9)
Elerinn Tuesday January 7th, 2003 2:52:30 PM
Elerinn thanks Kedarn for healing him, and feels his arm heal again. Only a little scar remains at the point where the wolf bit him, and it barely hurts.
When Cadmar offers him one of his healing potions, Elerinn says: "No, my friend, I am very glad you are concerned for my health, but Kedarn's spell was already enough for me to fully recover."
The little gnome looks at the wolves they just killed and feels wrong. He says, in a sad voice, to no one in particular: "Someone made them do this, we can't blame them for their actions..."
He pauses and seems look straight through the wolves. Then he continues, mumbling now: "Nor anyone else..."
He looks up to Brontinas and speaks, in a firm voice: "I agree we should continue on our way to the Witch. This place...it makes me feel sick"
Garrard d8+1=2 d8+1=7 Tuesday January 7th, 2003 3:33:24 PM
Garrard kneels at the corpses of the wolves, and utters a few quiet words in Sylvan.
"Rest little brothers, and the cycle will turn for you soon."
He then stands, and moves to Cadmar, casting a healing spell on him.
(I thought I read that cure spells had 1's rerolled. If not, the 2 stands.)
Garrard states, "When this is done, if we have not found the person responsible for this, I will be reporting this incident, at the very least."
His mein then softens as he turns back to the group.
"I also have a curative potion, in this sack" he says, tapping his second beltpouch. "Feel free to use it or ask for it. Shall we continue?"
Andrath Tuesday January 7th, 2003 11:58:29 PM
Andrath wanders into the clearing, and looks around at the carcasses. He smiles wryly at the party members taking such care to send the wolves to final rest. "If you go around killing them, we can never try to figure out who sent them. Don't you clerics have a spell that lets you speak to creatures like this? Why don't we keep one alive, until we can question it?" He moves over to the wolves to look for collars or other such indication that the wolves were pets.
Once everything is done with in the clearing, he looks at Mell and says, "Well, lets get going."
Walking Uphill (DM Cayzle) Wednesday January 8th, 2003 11:37:22 AM
You spend a little time binding wounds and healing wolf-bites. Brontinas and Garrard attend to the dead and dying wolves.
The group continues forward, led by Mell. Before long you are all clearly ascending Wolf Hill. The terrain is rough and brambly, with patches of light forest.
Please, everybody, make a spot check vs. DC20.
==========
Status:
Andrath: unwounded. Brontinas: -1 hp. Lorth: -5 hp. (Yup, Lorth did get bit. Thanks for remembering!) Cadmar: -2 hp. Elerinn: unwounded. Garrard: unwounded. Kedarn: -2 hp. Thram: unwounded.
Cadmar d20+5=9 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 11:40:17 AM
Walking up the hill Cadmar is too busy watching his step to spot anything.
Lorth d20+1=10 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 11:48:59 AM
Before leaving, Lorth shoulders his backpack then follows along in the line where he was before. (Spot 10) Lorth continues to concentrate on where he is walking as he follows along.
Thram d20+4=15 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 12:09:29 PM
Thram holds out his hand and offers his goodberry to Lorth. He raises his eyebrows to suggest that Lorth should take it.
The exchange keeps him from spotting anything.
Garrard d20+7=8 d20+3=17 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 12:47:13 PM
Garrard tries to remember if this was a typical sized pack for wolves in this region, or if its likely they can expect more trouble. He is troubled, even distracted by this, and doesn't see anything other than the path upwards.
Garrard says quietly, "Has anyone seen the Ghost since we arrived at the hill?"
Andrath d20+8=18 d20+9=14 d20+9=24 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 12:49:34 PM
Andrath continues to range ahead of the group, moving quietly (roll of 14) and hiding as best he can (roll of 24). He keeps his eyes open, looking for trouble (roll of 18).
Brontinas d20+3=19 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 1:07:55 PM
Brontinas moves quietly along at the back of the group, again with his bow out and an arrow at the ready. He frowns at every shadow he sees and tries to push the group into moving faster. His eyes search out the surrounding area as he remains on gaurd for anything else to come towards the party.
(Spot: 19, low-light vision?)
Kedarn d20+5=22 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 1:57:49 PM
Kedarn walks with his longbow readied watching for anything that might be getting ready to attack the group (spot 22, low-light/darkvision.) Kedarn will fire an arrow at what ever might start to attack the group, then try to get into a better position to continue to support the group if an attack occurs.
Elerinn d20+1=14 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 2:50:06 PM
Elerinn silently walks along with the others, looking blankly in the distance. His mind has drifted too far away from the real world to spot anything unusual.
Seen and Unseen, with the End In Sight! (DM Cayzle) d20+3=10 d20+3=5 d20+5=20 (Secret DM rolls for skill checks) Thursday January 9th, 2003 10:25:30 AM
The clouds part, and the moonlight shines. Those with low light vision can just see the top of Wolf Hill ahead, and perhaps figures there? Mell wants you to go in that direction. It might take a minute to get there at a run.
Kedarn notices that all is not right. He has the sense that some thing or someone walks unseen among you -- headed towards Cadmar, who is carrying the Claw!
Kedarn, you can make a listen check vs DC10 to hear the invisible thing.
Andrath, from your position, sneaking ahead, you see a few figures close by -- maybe 60 feet off to one side. They are humans, or maybe half-elves, hiding behind a large boulder. Andrath thinks they haven't seen him.
Everyone except Kedarn is unaware of the invisible thing among you, at least until Kedarn gives a warning. (If you want to post before Dominic, Kedarn's player, then you can give contingencies in case of an alert.)
Actions?
Kedarn (AC 16 HP 9) d20+5=16 Thursday January 9th, 2003 12:23:14 PM
Kedarn calls out 'Cadmar unseen foe headed towards you!!' Kedarn then immedeately trys to kick some dirt/dust into the air by the unseen foe is. Then readies for possible attack.
Lorth Thursday January 9th, 2003 12:23:53 PM
Lorth accepts the goodberry from Thram, "Thanks friend." Lorth continues to follow along, warhammer at the ready and shield up.
**If Kedarn calls out warning, Lorth attempts to bullrush the invisible thing with his shield, putting himself between Cadmar and it.
Thram d20+6=25 d20+6=14 Thursday January 9th, 2003 12:48:29 PM
Thram crouches down and focuses his senses in an attempt to locate the invsibile attacker.
Listen=25, spot=14
Brontinas Thursday January 9th, 2003 12:51:31 PM
Brontinas, in the rear of the group is startled by Kedarn's warning. He drops his bow and brings out his sowrd and shield, rushing to get himself between Cadmar and the place where Kedarn kicked dust at.
"I see nothing, Kedarn, can anyone make this thing visible?"
Garrard d20+3=5 d20+3=13 d20+6=26 Thursday January 9th, 2003 1:58:08 PM
Garrard readies scimitar and shield, and steps to cover Cadmar's flank, his eyes scanning even as he says a single word quietly to his hawk.
"Seek."
(Garrard's listen: 5, and spot: 13, hawk's spot check, if allowed: 26)
Cadmar AC 15 HP 10 (total defense +4 AC) Thursday January 9th, 2003 2:04:34 PM
"Garrard, I didn't thank you yet for healing me. Many thanks, and - what the!"
Cadmar stands frozen for just a fraction of a second. Then he grabs the bag with both hands and wraps it with his cloak, hugging the precious parcel firmly to his chest [move eq]. His first instinct is to run for the hill, but after first step he realizes that others wouldn't be able to help him on the way and decides against it. Instead, he yells: "Mell get help NOW!" and readies himself for the blow that is bound to come his way [standard action - total defense].
Elerinn Thursday January 9th, 2003 6:47:29 PM
Elerinn looks around quickly, as just being waked from a bad dream, when Kedarn calls out. He can't see any nearby danger, and looks frightened at the others.
Andrath [AC17, HP8] Friday January 10th, 2003 12:13:02 AM
Andrath crouches down quietly, sets down his bow and arrow, and finds a couple of hand-sized sticks or stones. He tosses one about 30 feet to the left of his position and one to an equal distance to the right. He shouts, "Petrin and Satchmo, you come in from the left, and Kolak, you and Fazar come in from the right, and we will turn the tables on these ambushers!" He waits to see how the hiders react. If they move to attack him, he grabs his bow and loops around and back to the party at full move. If they move to attack the party, he picks up his bow and arrow, and readies to attack next round.
A Plea to Listen! (DM Cayzle) d20+3=5 d20=19 (secret DM rolls) Friday January 10th, 2003 12:22:05 PM
Kedarn shouts his warning and tries to highlight the invisible creature. His warning gives the others a +2 circumstance bonus to spot the unseen thing.
Lorth rushes the invisible foe, but evidently misses it, if it is even there. He ends up standing next to Cadmar with no opponent to rush.
Thram, concentrating hard, thinks he catches a glimmer and a footstep suggesting that the invisible creature has moved away, at least 20 feet off.
Brontinas also rushes to stand close to Cadmar.
Garrard joins the huddle next to Cadmar. He sends his hawk aloft, and it cries out and circles an area off to one side, in the direction Thram is looking.
Cadmar himself grips the bag with the Claw tightly. He shouts out to Mell and prepares to defend himself from an unseen attacker.
Elerinn stands befuddled.
Andrath drops his bow (a free action) and tosses a couple handy sticks as a distraction (a standard action). He shouts (a free action), and picks up his bow (a move-equivalent action). (Note, Andrath could not wait to see how the other reacted. That would have been readying an action, a standard action. But he already made a standard action this round (the distraction), and you can only make one standard action per round. okay?)
The group hears Andrath shout out, from 60 feet ahead: "Petrin and Satchmo, you come in from the left, and Kolak, you and Fazar come in from the right, and we will turn the tables on these ambushers!" make of that what you will, in character, please.
Meanwhile, Dulcet's voice rings out from Mell: "Fear not! Hold on! Help is coming!"
Of the invisible foe, there is no sign. However, three humans step out from behind the boulder where they were hiding. The man in the middle is robed; the ones at his side are armored in metal and carry swords.
"Yes, hold! And peace to you!" the man declares, holding his empty hands open and outstretched. "This is all a misunderstanding! Just listen to me for a moment and all will be made clear! Please, I beg you, hear me out!" Andrath, the three men, and the group of you form a triangle, each about 50 feet from the others.
Garrard d20+3=20 d20+3=8 Friday January 10th, 2003 1:36:02 PM
Garrard maintains his position, watchful of the flank he's on. Under his breath, he asks, "Are you able to sense anything amiss from them, Lorth?"
(Spot: 20, listen: 8)
Thram d20=9 d20+6=22 d20+6=21 Friday January 10th, 2003 1:49:45 PM
From his crouched position Thram grasps a rock and hurls it in the general direction of the invisibile stranger. (to hit= a visible AC9)
After, he keeps his focus on listening for the invisibile guy, and ignores Andrath and the 3 strangers. (listen=22, spot=21)
Lorth Friday January 10th, 2003 1:54:55 PM
Lorth steps between Cadmar and the far off men, trying to deny them a direct line of sight. He stands at the ready. In a low voice he replies to Thram, "Nay friend, they are too far off I'm afraid."
Brontinas d20+3=21 Friday January 10th, 2003 5:38:25 PM
Brontinas looks as the three men approach from the side. He looks to the side and quickly whispers, "find that invisible man" to anyone in the party listening. He then steps out towards the three men, still with his shield and sowrd out, but in a more passive manner.
"Hail kind sirs, I must admit you startled us somewhat. What do you need of us? We are on an errand of some import. And I hope you do not mind that I ask Petrin, Satchmo, Kolak and Fazar to remain where they are."
(OOC: I'm trying to stall them as long as possible, so that we can find the invisible guy with a diplomacy roll 21, woohoo!)
Andrath d20+2=16 Friday January 10th, 2003 11:15:25 PM
Andrath stays hidden, with his bow trained on the robed man in the middle. If the man makes any move to throw a spell, or carry out any sort of action that might be threatening, Andrath will attempt to shoot him. If the swordsmen attack, he will still shoot the robed man. He tries to figure out if the robed man is lying about having peaceful intentions. Andrath is suspicious that the robed man is trying to get the party to drop their guard. [OOC: Sense motive roll of 16.]
Kedarn d20+3=18 d20+5=13 d20+5=22 Saturday January 11th, 2003 1:51:28 AM
Kedarn warily watches the stranger closest to him (spot 22 sense motive 18.) Kedarn keeps his bow readied but not pointed directly at the person in case they attack. Kedarn listens to the person speaking(listen 13.)
Cadmar d20+3=22 d20+5=24 Saturday January 11th, 2003 6:10:25 AM
Cadmar suddenly finds himself dividing his attention between the invisible thing and the group that has just revealed itself. Rising an eyebrow he tries to figure out what Andrath and Brontias are talking about [Int check of 22]. "Ah, sure. Petrin and others. Very smart." he mutters under his breath. Then he stares intently at the ground, hoping to see where the invisible thing is standing [Spot check of 26; forgot to add the +2 modifier]. If he sees it, he points a finger at it for others to see: "There!"
Elerinn Sunday January 12th, 2003 5:28:51 PM
Elerinn's attention is fully with the newly arrived men. While he listens to him, he doesn't try to spot the invisible creature.
A Pointed Argument! (DM Cayzle) d10=2 (Thram's roll to hit the right square) d20+5=24 (Andrath hits the robed man) d8=8 (damage to robed man) Monday January 13th, 2003 11:40:23 AM Note on invisibility rules: To sense an active invisible creature in the general area (within 30 feet) is a DC 20 Spot check. To pinpoint the creature's exact 5'x5' square is DC 40. To sense an invisible creature that is trying to be still is DC 30. To spot a still creature's exact location is DC 50. Keep that in mind as you make your spot checks. To detect an invisible creature by Listening is generally an opposed Move Silent check. But you have to beat the opposed Move Silent check by 20 to pinpoint exact location. Bottom line: It's hard to find an invisible creature!
Garrard, Kedarn, Cadmar, and Elerinn wait to see what develops. Nobody senses anything about the three men; no one senses the invisible fellow.
Thram throws a rock at the invisible fellow. Let's say you have a guess as to his general 30'x30' area (because Thram had a glimmer of his location last round). That's 36 5'x5' squares. You throw your rock through, say, four of them. So your chance of throwing through the invisible fellow's square is 4 in 36, or 1 in 9. Rolling randomly, a 1 on a d10 means you get the right square, with a 10 as a reroll. You roll a 2 -- nope. You did not hit the right square. (if you had hit the right square, you would still have had a 50% miss chance and a roll to hit, but that's moot.)
Lorth realizes he is out of range to sense the nature of these people. He steps up to protect Cadmar and the Claw.
Brontinas tries to delay the three men by Diplomacy -- and it may have worked -- at least, they remain stiill and do not advance. The one keeps talking, though.
Andrath is suspicious and readies a bowshot attack. The robed man, in the middle of his speech, casts a spell. As he does so, the two armed men step in front of the robed man as cover. Andrath's shot hits AC 24! The arrow flies between the two armored men and pierces the robed man for 8 hp damage -- the man cries out, his spell ruined!
The robed man backs off 20 feet, putting his back to that boulder, and his two armored companions join him, offering cover.
"Look!" the man yells indignantly, "I was just going to detect evil among you! Now I know the answer without the spell, for surely only an evil person would have fired on me! I'm now going to cast a healing spell, but if you attack again I will show you no mercy!"
Thram Monday January 13th, 2003 12:34:57 PM
Thram didn't really expect to hit the invisibile fellow anyway, and without catching further sign of him, he assumes the threat is over for now.
Then Andrath fires the arrow. Thram's attention is immediately on the other situation. He's about to respond when the other man gives his speech, "If your intention is not to attack us, then you were a fool for attempting to cast whatever spell that was. Now step aside, let us pass, and attend your wound when we are gone."
Garrard Monday January 13th, 2003 1:03:42 PM
"If they will not back down, perhaps we should prompt them to announce names, positions, allegiances, and call back their invisible friend. Of course, we may have to offer similar terms to get them to agree", Garrard offers quietly. "If you see where my hawn is circling, that should give a good idea where that invisible person is."
Lorth Monday January 13th, 2003 2:38:20 PM
Lorth speaks loudly, "Really you should announce your intentions before spell casting at people you don't know. But if that was your intent, you will find no evil here, I assure you by Gargul's name. Furthermore if you insist on casting your spell, then we will also use our ways to discern your hearts intent." Lorth does his best to keep himself between the men and Cadmar. (I will actively try and block Cadmar from being hit, if possible, using my shield weapons or body.)
Kedarn d20+4=22 Monday January 13th, 2003 4:45:32 PM
'Please forgive us as we are currently in a state of hightened waryness as we have just been attacked by wolves that where being driven by something and then there was someone or something invisible moving amongst us.' states Kedarn looking directly at the robed man.
Kedarn watches the robed man as he casts the spell (spellcraft 22.) Kedarn will yell a warning if he is successfull on identifying the spell but it is not a healing spell
Elerinn Monday January 13th, 2003 5:54:16 PM
Elerinn watches the man casting his spell carefully, and tries to find out what kind of spell it is. He hopes Andrath doesn't hurt the man again.
Andrath d20-1=9 Monday January 13th, 2003 7:51:43 PM
Andrath rises from the brush, and trains his loaded bow on the robed figure (the one he shot last round). He calls out, "Petrin, you and the boys keep your bows aimed at that robed one, and if he makes any move at all, shoot to kill!"
He looks over his aimed arrow at the robed man, and calls out, "Don't move your hands! If you move them at all, my men and I will shoot you! [OOC: Bluff roll of 9 to see if Andrath can bluff them into thinking there are more men in the bushes.] We are not evil, just extremely wary of armed men and spellcasters hiding in ambush, who then step out to cast spells at us. So, you WILL let us pass, and make no move, or my men and I will shoot you full of holes! Your healing spell can wait until we have passed. The only thing that you had better do is talk, and you had better talk fast, and convince us that we shouldn't attack you!"
[OOC: Readied action - shoot the robed man if he makes any sort of movement that could possibly be construed as threatening, or if he makes any spell-casting type motions. If the armoured figures make any threatening moves, Andrath will still shoot the robed man.]
Brontinas d20+3=17 Tuesday January 14th, 2003 12:22:21 AM
Brontinas cringes a little as the man is hit with an arrow. His mind races as he thinks of a way out of this situation.
"Hold! We want no violence here. I promise you however, good sir, that if you begin to cast a spell of any kind, your life will be forfeit, at least until we have determined your intentions. If you wish, I will have my cleric look at it, or I will try and bind the wound myself. But I do not know magic well enough to see if you are casting healing magic or hurting magic."
Brontinas holds his arms out wide showing he is no threat, and hoping they don't stick him full of arrows.
"I am no threat, and I apologize for he actions of my friends, but he is nervous, as are wel all, but there is no need for further bloodshed. Please, we can work this out."
Brontinas turns slightly and says quietly so that hopefully just his friends can hear: "Pump him full of arrows if he tries to cast again. Anyone with knowledge of magic recognize that last spell? Was it what he claimed?"
(OOC: Further Diplomacy check to stall them, and hopefully avoid bloodshed: 17)
Cadmar Tuesday January 14th, 2003 4:54:30 AM
"Really, you cannot blame anyone but yourself for the arrow sticking in your shoulder! What in the name of Domi were you thinking we will do?! Now state the business you have with us, state it plainly, and do not try any other threatening actions - especially no spellcasting!"
Still worried about the invisible creature, Cadmar stands back to back with Lorth, holding to the sack with all his strength.
Cayzle OOC Tuesday January 14th, 2003 7:15:11 PM
Sorry, guys, for missing today -- I'll post bright and early tomorrow!
A Generous Offer (DM Cayzle) d20+5=17 d20=12 (secret DM rolls) Wednesday January 15th, 2003 7:41:59 AM
At Thram's demand that the robed man let the party pass, the robed man laughs. "I am not blocking your way! Go wherever you want! I did not bother you! You have bothered me!"
Garrard's Hawk has not had any success in finding the invisible fellow. Maybe in daylight, he would have had a better chance.
In response to the calls and declarations of the rest of the group (good diplomacy!), the man says, "Fine! I won't cast my spell yet. But maybe you will listen to reason."
"Let us be frank, since midnight draws nigh. You have something I want. I have a sack of 1,000 gold pieces and gems. I'll give you this now and I promise four times this amount more if you hand me the item and come with me to Witchspawn. 5,000 gold! Why can't we make a trade? This could be the start of a very profitable and friendly relationship. Together, we can benefit each other." He slowly takes out a heavy sack and jingles it.
"How much is Dulcet paying you? My sources tell me she expects you to work for free! Why let her take advantage of you?"
Mell hisses.
Lorth Wednesday January 15th, 2003 7:48:36 AM
Lorth face blanches at the gall of someone trying to buy his loyalty. Lorth pays no attention to the man, "Let's go", he says disgustedly to everyone around him. Lorth will attempt to continue in the direction they where heading, when everyone else is ready. Lorth keeps himself between the men and Cadmar, weapons and shield at the ready.
Kedarn Wednesday January 15th, 2003 11:20:37 AM
Upon hearing this Kedarn looks at the rest of the group and says 'Let us leave' urging the party to continue. Kedarn keeps his bow ready in case they try to attack us as we continue. if group is attacked kedarn's attack will be at the robed man
Cadmar Wednesday January 15th, 2003 11:30:37 AM
"Well, my dad always says that a job well done is its own reward. Let's go."
Cadmar follows Lorth, still holding tightly to the sack wrapped with his cloak. Mumbling quietly he adds: "Were it not for the fact that we have found and burned Lalliote's body, I would start to think that this whole adventure has been set up by the witches to test our resolve, prowess and moral spine. Invisible observers hanging around, wolves finding us right in the middle of nowhere, and now this three who somehow managed to predict our path and get to the Hill ahead of us, only to offer us a lump of gold that would otherwise buy them every sword arm in Jarlswolf. Hmph. Maybe I'm just paranoid, but that comes easily in our line of work. Watch this mage fellow, people. He might do something unpredictable any moment now."
Thram Wednesday January 15th, 2003 11:38:19 AM
Thram arches his eyebrow at the mention of so much money, but he decides the group has enough leaders already and keeps his mouth shut. Instead, he studies the other members of this opposition party to see what their capabilities might be in a fight.
Garrard d20+3=12 d4+2=3 Wednesday January 15th, 2003 12:36:07 PM
Garrard frowns, and sheathes his scimitar. Maintaining his position near Cadmar, which hopefully provides Cadmar some cover from Garrard's large shield, Garrard palms a throwing dart from his belt.
Garrard will follow the group, and if the group is attacked, will attempt to wait for a target to get wounded, and then throw his dart at that enemy.
(if needed, to hit roll: 12, damage: 3) (If needed, to hit roll
Elerinn Wednesday January 15th, 2003 2:47:31 PM
Elerinn looks at the wounded man curiously. 5000 gold pieces? That's really too many for a man with good intentions..., he thinks. He starts to follow the others then, looking back nervously at the three men. The image of the dead wolves still fresh in his memory, he doesn't want a new fight.
But then, a new idea forms in Elerinn's head. He turns around, and asks the robed man, with an almost childlike curiousity: "Tell me, please. Why do you want the Claw?"
Brontinas d20+3=16 Wednesday January 15th, 2003 9:05:15 PM
Brontinas motions for his companions to continue to move away and go to Dulcet. He, however continues to approach the robed man with Elerinn.
"Tis a good question, sir. Why not let me take out the arrow while you tell him? I figure we can decide by then and you can be all patched up and not bleeding."
(OOC: Continuing stall tactics, letting Lorth get away with the hand. Diplomacy roll: 16)
Andrath Wednesday January 15th, 2003 9:31:29 PM
Andrath smiles at the man's offer. "5,000 gold pieces, is it? What a generous offer! I can't think of anything that we would have that would be worth that kind of money, with us being lowly travellers and all. Thank you for your offer, but you are mistaken. I think my friends are right, and we will be on our way. Bronti, I suggest you leave him alone, he seems to be quite capable at healing himself, according to what he told us. We have a meeting to attend to."
He continues to keep his arrow trained on the robed man, watching intently for a threatening action. Any such action by the robed man, or the men in armour, will cause Andrath to shoot at the robed man.
The Cavalry (DM Cayzle) Thursday January 16th, 2003 9:48:22 AM
When his offer is rejected, the man in robes gets mad. "You'll wish you had chosen otherwise!" he shouts as your group heads off.
Elerinn and Brontinas pause to exchange words, but as they watch, the robed man gets a funny look on his face, as if he had just bit his tongue. He does not answer your questions, but turns and rushes off.
Less than a minute later, as the group is heading up the hill, you are surprised to see Dulcet herself arrive, with Cassandra and three others, flying on huge bats!
They have come in response to your call for help, but they see that you handled it fine on your own.
"Well done, my friends," Dulcet says. Mell leaps up behind her on the dire bat she rides. "Now come up to the top of the hill."
With witches flying overhead, you all climb up to the top of Wolf Hill. The summit is flat, long, and narrow. At one end is a huge flat rock, as big as a banquet table. In the center of the table stone a cauldron is set up, and the party sees that it is being tended by a few humans.
The witches dismount, and Dulcet again congratulates the party. She asks for a full accounting of what happened. I'll assume that you fill her in -- please declare if there is anything you do NOT want her to know, and feel free to add in any details you feel are needed. You don't have to recite everything -- we can assume that.
Then she asks for the Claw.
Lorth Thursday January 16th, 2003 9:57:12 AM
Lorth stands around near Cadmar, prefering to let the others recount the story.
Thram Thursday January 16th, 2003 11:13:12 AM
Thram breathes out a long sigh of relief.
Garrard Thursday January 16th, 2003 12:59:51 PM
Garrard recalls his hawk with a single word in Sylvan as Dulcet arrives, and falls in with the group quietly.
Garrard will stay quiet throughout the recitation, but will make sure it is mentioned that the Ghost of Lalliote was seen travelling with us after leaving the house, and may yet be nearby.
Elerinn Thursday January 16th, 2003 1:01:33 PM
Elerinn, relieved that he and the others seem to be save now, tells the whole story to Dulcet, without breathing, it almost seems.
He ends the story with: "and then you appeared, my Lady..." The red-haired gnome takes a deep breath, as if relieved from a great burden with telling his story.
Kedarn Thursday January 16th, 2003 1:04:15 PM
Kedarn breathes out a sigh of relief.
Cadmar d20+2=13 d20+2=18 Thursday January 16th, 2003 2:12:10 PM
When Elerinn gets to the discussion with Red Hands, Cadmar, who does not feel comfortable talking about what happened to his bow and armor, tries to throw in a word or two and make him skip over details [OOC Diplomacy 13].
After last words are spoken, he removes the box from the sack and hands it to Andrath. "Well, since you found it, friend, it seems only proper that you should have the honors."
He quickly glances from the box to the cauldron, and does his best to hide a glint of suspicion in his eye [OOC Bluff 18].
Andrath d20+6=17 Thursday January 16th, 2003 5:04:21 PM
As the party climbs Wolf Hill, Andrath sidles over to Lorth. "Lorth, as I understand, paladins can detect evil, right? Can I suggest you quickly have a look at these ladies' hearts, to see if they are tainted? There have been way too many surprises that have happened in this trip to take everything at face value. What do you think?" As he listens to what the ladies have to say, he tries to sense their motives, to determine if they are lying or not. [OOC: Sense motive roll of 17, unless you want to roll in secret, Cayzle, in which case, who knows?]
After finding out the information from Lorth (assuming he detects evil, and the ladies are not of evil intent), he adds to the description, "We have been continually dogged by an invisible presence. We detected this presence had searched the house ahead of our arriving, and it tried to take the Claw from us during out travel here. I suggest you take extra care in handling the Claw, to make sure that an invisible someone doesn't get its hands on it."
In response to Cadmar's offer, Andrath replies, "We all did our part in finding the Claw, so you are welcome to hand it over. But I can do it if you prefer." If Cadmar gives him the box, he will pass it over to Dulcet, as long as Andrath has no suspicions about her intent. He asks, "What can you tell us about this coven, and the Red Hands that they hired?"
Brontinas Thursday January 16th, 2003 7:26:13 PM
Brontinas walks away as the robed figure hurries. He looks suspiciously on the witches around the hill. Where had they been after all, throughout all the trials? When Andrath makes his suggestion, Brontinas (assuming he heard it) is in full support.
Rewards and Rest! (DM Cayzle) Friday January 17th, 2003 6:20:26 PM
Elerin tells the whole story, assisted by Cadmar, who glosses over the specific negotiations with the Red Hand Gang. Dulcet especially finds the part about her aunt's ghost very interesting, and asks Garrard for every detail.
I assume you also mention the potions you found? Dulcet encourages you to keep them.
Dulcet does not know the Red Hands. She guesses that they are one of the many adventuring groups that have recently arrived in Cinnamon Valley.
"Well, first we need to purify the Claw, and then we'll all head home." Dulcet says.
You watch the witches stand in a circle around the cauldron. Dulcet sems to be leading them. They chant and wave their arms together -- if this is spell casting, then it is some strange kind of cooperation (and a longer casting time) than anything the spellcasters of the group have seen before! They open the box and drop the Claw of Axios into the cauldron.
When the box is opened, you notice the Ghost of Lalliotte has appeared again! She stands to one side and watches carefully. Garrard, you think you see her smile at you.
During the ritual, it would be easy to perform detection magic (in regard to Andrath and Brontinas). Let me know if you want to do so.
After the ritual is complete, the Ghost calls out to Dulcet, "Good Luck, my neice, but be wary! Trust more in the strength of others!"
Then the Ghost turns to you and smiles. With a wave of her hand, she disappears -- but she leaves in her place a ring.
Dulcet walks over, and she is also smiling. "I think she liked you, to give you a present! Well, I have a reward for you as well. Come, fly with us!"
If you agree, more bats fly up, and you all get bat-rides home. It is very early in the morning -- around 2 am. Dulcet stops by her dwelling, and returns with a pouch for each of you. Finally she thanks you again and sends you on your way. If you do not have a place to go, she recommends a local inn -- the innkeeper will not be angry at the late hour if you mention her name.
And she asks you to return in a few days, as she has another matter to discuss with you all.
You find 450 gold pieces each in the small bags. You also have the three potions and the ring.
[OOC: Let's spend a couple days on in-character role play and shopping. You can go to the Catacombs board to buy items found in the PHB and DMG. They can also supply Identify spells and such. (You will find my alter ego, Vauhwyt the Clerk, there to help you.) Take a few days to relax.]
[Also, I will be awarding xp and hero points VERY soon. Like, Monday or Tuesday, if not earlier. If you want to nominate anybody for recognition in bravery or role play, please e-mail me asap.]
Garrard Sunday January 19th, 2003 4:49:41 AM
Garrard suggests, "I for one need some rest. Shall we meet tomorrow, perhaps in late morning to discuss some possibilities before any of us hurries off to the merchant?"
(Assuming no dissention...)
The next day at the inn, Garrard is found at a table with a glass of mulled wine, with a much more relaxed, open expression than anything you saw from him on the road. He has taken a seat at a corner table, and as the others come in, will invite them over to join him.
"Perhaps we should begin where time and threat did not allow before. My name is Garrard Talhein, an initiated druid of the Windbourne Hills. Are you a formal adventuring group?"
As he awaits responses with a slight smile, he begins to peel an apple with his belt knife. His motions are slow, precise and deliberate.
Elerinn Sunday January 19th, 2003 3:00:53 PM
Elerinn thanks Dulcet for her gift, and then asks the others if he can examine the ring the ghost gave them. If no one objects, he will cast a Detect Magic on the ring.
Then, he turns to Dulcet again and asks, in a humble voice: "My lady Dulcet, I just couldn't help being astonished by the magic you and the other Witches worked. I've never seen such a thing before in my life! Could you, perhaps, tell me some more about it, I'm interested in any form of magic..."
After curiously waiting for Dulcet's reply, Elerinn tells all the others he needs some rest, too, and wishes them all a very good night. After arrival in his room in the inn Dulcet mentioned, Elerinn sleeps almost immediatly.
Next morning, Elerinn wakes up, after a night filled with bizzare dreams. He decides that he needs some company badly, and quickly gets ready for the day. Within minutes, he enters the inn's public room, where Garrard is already sitting quietly in one of the corners, who greets Elerinn when he notices him.
The gnome takes a seat at the table, and says cheerfully: "Good morning, Garrard Talhein. My name is Elerinn." He turns around, looks for the innkeeper, and asks for a glass of goat milk. Then, he turns to Garrard again and continues: "We are not really a formal adventuring group. I'm not even sure if you can call us an adventuring group, we just met yesterday." Elerinn sighs, and thinks: Yesterday...It seems so long ago "I hope we will stay together for some time, I quite enjoyed yesterday and I like the others"
Elerinn stops, thinking what an understatement he just made. Yesterday had been the best day of his life, most likely. And many days like this would come.
Elerinn then asks Garrard, in a somewhat timid voice: "Would you like to go with us, Garrard? Our group could use the help of a druid..."
Elerinn waits for Garrard reply, and will greet any of the others who enter.
Kedarn Sunday January 19th, 2003 4:35:15 PM
Kedarn thanks Dulcet for the gift and accepts the invitation to the bat ride. Upon returning Kedarn thanks Dulcet again and heads to the inn recommended and asks for a room.
Kedarn will rest untill just before daybreak then he will complete his morning prayers to Gargul. Afterwards Kedarn heads down to the common room. Kedarn asks for some fruit, cheese and some tea while he looks around the room. Seeing Garrard and Elerinn, Kedarn goes over and joins them. 'Morning my friends" with a smile Kedarn says to Garrard and Elerinn. 'I trust that you rested well?' Kedarn inquires.
Kedarn will greet others as they arrive.
Brontinas Monday January 20th, 2003 1:08:52 AM
Brontinas silently nods his thanks to Dulcet, and retires to his own inn, but understands Garrad's desire to meet again tomorrow.
Throwing his bag of money in his backpack he quietly slips into bed, thinking about all that has transpired. There was so much to question in the recent actions of his whole group. Was Dulcet the side of good this time? What had happened to that wizard they had shot? And what of the invisible man? There was no other way to answer these questions than to talk to the others. And with that, he slipped into sleep. _______________ Brontinas walked into the inn after Garrad, Elerinn and Kedarn.
"Greetings, friends. Let us enjoy a pleasant breakfast of conversation before we get down to talk business. The day is too nice to waste it only on such things."
Sometimes, the sprightly side of being an Elf caught up with the normally serious Brontinas.
Cadmar Monday January 20th, 2003 1:43:33 AM
On the way back Cadmar pretends he is not staring at Cassandra.
Once safely in town, after a night of rest, and sitting over breakfast in the inn with his friends, he says to the rest of the group: "As far as introductions go, I am Cadmar Gondaval, a... woodsman, I guess. If you are from these parts, you might have heard some things - good and bad - about the Gondaval clan."
"Well, I must admit that working with you was a pleasure. I am definitely going to check what this other job Dulcet has for adventurers is all about, and I sincerely hope I will meet at least several of our group there."
"Meanwhile, does any of you have a spare afternoon? I promised the Red Hands to trade gold for my stuff. I would prefer to have a couple of friends at my side when I meet them again, lest they decide to take both money AND my weapons. Also, it might be interesting to see how their deal with the Green Coven worked out. Anyone willing to come with me?"
Cadmar will show up on the commons at noon. If the Red Hands are there, he will trade them 200 gold for his bow and armor as agreed - provided that these have not been damaged. If they seem to be in a non-hostile mood, he will try to learn how the Green Coven treated them and possibly offer some words of warning about its reputation.
"One last thing: if we are to work together, we definitely should work out a way of dividing the spoils of war, or, if you prefer to call it that - the loot. I have seen many good friendships fall apart over a shiny trinket. Any ideas?"
Lorth Monday January 20th, 2003 7:26:52 AM
Lorth holds on tight on his flight home, it would be a shame to fall off and die after all we have accomplished so far, he thinks. He then heads to the inn and procures a room. Before bed he inspects all his equipment and cleans it. He then sharpens any weapons needing it and polishes his shield and armor. When satisfied all is in good repair, he prays to Gargul, puts his money into his pack and gets some rest.
(OOC: please let me know aprox. what a night lodging with meals costs in this area.) _____________ In the morning... Lorth walks into the common room as Cadmar is speaking. "I will go with you Cadmar", he replies, "As for the finding of items, I would only ask for things that no others of our party can use and that I have a use for, anything else I have no interest in. I will take my share of money aquired, if no one requires it more than I, to keep my equipment in good repair." Then to everyone else, "Good morning all, I trust your rest was pleasent? I'm thinking a hearty breakfast is in order." Lorth turns to the innkeeper, "Please sir, Some eggs and potatoes, if possible?" _____________ After breakfast... Lorth says, "Cadmar. let me know when you would like to head out. If we are to leave now, I need to make one quick stop first, it will not take more than ten minutes." Lorth gets up and heads out the door, "I'll be right back.", he says over his shoulder.
(OOC: Lorth heads to the local temple of Gargul and donates 225 gold to them. If there is no temple of Gargul he finds the community temple to all gods and donates it there. Then he heads back to the inn)
Thram Monday January 20th, 2003 12:07:45 PM
Thram goes home for some sleep without worrying too much about the day's events. Seeing the ghost arrive with the claw convinces him that he did the right thing.
The next day he meets the group in the inn. He quietly eats his food while listening to the others talk, "I'd be glad to help you out Cadmar. Whenever you are ready... As for this talk about being an adventuring group, I want no part of adventure per se. I'd be happy to band together to help those in need, but for me, the word "adventure" conjours up notions of mercenaries out to fill their pockets. Gold is not my primary concern in life."
At the Inn of Friendly Shadows (DM Cayzle) Monday January 20th, 2003 3:22:20 PM
On the top of Wolf Hill, Dulcet answers Elerinn. "I fear I have no time to chat, but I will send Cassandra to luncheon with you tomorrow at the inn I have recommended, the Friendly Shadows. She will answer your questions."
The ring is definitely magical, as are the three potions. [OOC: You can go to the Catacombs board for identifies, if you like.]
In the morning, the group remeets at the Inn of the Friendly Shadows, a quiet place where rough-housing is unknown and voices are low. There's a black velvet theme -- tapestries, black-dyed floor mats, darkwood tables. Witches have been known to stay here.
A couple of you come in late from errands. The group chats at the inn about issues of concern to all. Drinks are on the pricey side.
Prices for food and lodging are as given in the PHB. If you want to just pay a lump sum for monthly upkeep, look at the DMG p.142. Poor upkeep is 12 gp per month. Common, 45 gp. Good, 100 gp. Extravagant, 200 gp.
Please feel free to talk about issues raised above -- are you an adventuring group? Do you call yourselves anything? How will you divide wages and treasure?
Remember that, as always, you can post here only once a day, but you can e-mail each other as much as you like. Feel free to CC me or not. You might post a summary of your e-mail conversations as part of your post.
Foreshadows of the rest of this week: High Noon at the Commons? The Adventurer's Board. Luncheon with Cassandra.
Elerinn Monday January 20th, 2003 4:55:48 PM
Elerinn greets everyone who enters the room, and asks the innkeeper for a small breakfast. As he quietly eats, he suddenly seems to remember something. He mumbles something unintelligible, and rushes up to his room, where his backpack with his equipment still lays on the floor, just as he left it yesterday, before going to bed.
After some minutes, Elerinn returns, with a triumphant smile on his face. "I knew I had this stuffed away somewhere in my backpack. I almost forgot I took it with me the day I left the libra..."
The smile on his face dissapears, but he continues speaking: "I found it in my father's library. I thought it would never hurt to take it with me. It's a scroll, but a divine one. Let's see, I believe it contains four spells. Can anyone use these? I'm not skilled in the divine arts..."
Elerinn awaits if anyone is interested, and will give him the scroll. Then, he speaks again: "Does anyone object if I go and identify the ring and three potions? I noticed they are magical yesterday. Or is there anyone who doesn't trust this nice, peacefull gnome here?"
With a broad smile, Elerinn continues: "About the 'loot'. I think we are all wise enough to, if we continue on the adventurous(as I call it, not the road of collecting as much as you can, Thram, but of true legend!)road together, divide the treasures we find in an honest way."
(Elerinn will continue conversating with the others, and wait for Cassandra to arrive at the Friendly Shadows.)
OOC: I won the scroll in the Lottery. A question about the Catacombs; Can you just go there and identify items, just as that? I mean, like in the Giggling Ghost?
Garrard Monday January 20th, 2003 6:53:46 PM
Garrard greets each of the arrivals in turn. He quietly eats a modest breakfast as each speaks in turn, sipping water from a simple, carved horn cup.
After each has their turn, Garrard replies with, "I certainly have no problems with Elerinn having the items identified, or with hearing out the next need of Dulcet and Cassandra."
He pauses in thought for moment, and then continues, "If we are to travel together for a time, I would suggest a few things. Perhaps we should take a few moments to be acquianted with each other's backgrounds and goals, as well as each putting forth a small amount of money for a few curative potions, or perhaps a curative wand."
"In addition, if you like, I can prepare another batch of goodberries for our next endeavor. It will require a few hours on the day before we leave, however."
If asked, Garrard is willing to supply highlights of the information contained in his Adventurer's Repose description.
Kedarn Monday January 20th, 2003 7:50:10 PM
Kedarn replies "I have no problems with Elerinn having the items checked out. I am willing to put up 250 gold towards a curative wand for the group as it will help the entire group."
Kedarn looks to Elerinn and says "Could I please take a look at the scroll as my casting is more along the divine road than the arcane."
Kedarn then goes into his background and tells alittle about himself (giving the information contained in the Adventurer's Repose.)
As Kedarn gets up from the table he says "back in a moment" then heads over to the innkeeper. When he gets to the innkeeper he politely informs the innkeeper that he will pay for a months stay, while handing him a 100 gp for his bill. Kedarn also tells him "if you need my services as a priest do not be afraid to ask." Upon commpleting this task Kedarn rejoins his new friends and commpanions at the table.
"As for what we find or recover I would say let us divide it amongst us as it would help the entire group the most" states Kedarn.
Andrath Tuesday January 21st, 2003 12:00:33 AM
Exhausted after the long day, Andrath makes his way straight to the inn, and collapses on one of the beds in the common room. In the morning, he gets up, washes up, and heads down to breakfast. At the table, he listens to the discussion about adventure groups, treasure, healing, and other stuff.
"What is the matter with a little adventure, Thram? Isn't that what life is all about? If you want to cloak your adventuring in 'helping those in need', that's alright, too. For me, I am happy to experience life, and the adventure that comes with it. I once heard an ancient curse that went 'May you live in interesting times.' Well, I consider interesting times a blessing, not a curse. And on that note, Cadmar, I would also be happy to accompany you to your meeting with those thieves that were calling themselves the Red Hand. You are very lucky that you didn't end up having to count on the bow and armour that you gave up. Hopefully they will keep up their end of the bargain."
"As for division of treasure, I figure we all deserve equal shares, whenever possible. And if more than one person wants something that we happen to come across, we should draw lots to see who gets it. A little randomness in life never hurt anyone, has it? If those three potions turn out to be healing potions, I would like to take one of them. Most of the time, I plan to be out ahead of the group, and the healers, on any of our 'adventures' (he smiles at Thram), and if I happen to get hurt, it would be good to have some personal healing handy."
He hands the three potions to Elerinn, who offered to take them to be identified. "Elerinn, I plan to use the money that Dulcet paid us to buy a new bow, but I should have some left over. Let me know how much it cost to identify the ring and potions, and I will pay my share. Or do you want me to give you some now?" If Elerinn asks for money, he will provide some.
After eating, Andrath heads out to find a bowyer, to purchase a new bow. On the way out the door, he asks directions from the innkeeper. He calls back to Cadmar, "I will be at the Commons shortly before noon. I plan to hang back a bit in the crowd, but don't worry, I will have your back." [OOC: Cayzle, do I have Andrath go to the Catacombs for purchasing a non-magical composite bow, or does this take place in town?]
Cadmar Tuesday January 21st, 2003 3:56:09 AM
Having finished his breakfast, Cadmar sits by the table with a mug of herbal tea at hand, looking through an old book he brought down from his room and making notes on margins. When people start talking about themselves, he also tells a little bit about his past [Repose]. Soon he joins the conversation.
"Sorry, Elerinn, my knowledge of scrolls is very limited. Kedarn will do much better than me."
"I think goodberries are a good thing to have. The last one took the worst of pain away from the wolfbites. Well, Andrath" - Cadmar looks at his freshly dressed wounds - "there certainly was a moment when I sincerely wished I had my armor on. But I think the Hands will show up. The items I left them are worth less than 200 gold."
"Elerinn, before we start spending money on identifying the ring, maybe we should ask Cassandra if she recognizes its powers. If it's witch-made, maybe there are clues to its functioning she will be able to tell us straight away."
"I don't mind calling our little trip an adventure. This word has many meanings - to some a gold grab, to some a vain quest for glory. It is you who decides what is the meaning of adventuring. Just yesterday, for me it was trying to prevent wrong hands from finding something important."
"A healing wand sounds like a good thing to have. Many of us are capable of using it. I could use one in a pinch, too. By the way, sometimes they sell partially used wands, with only a portion of charges left. It might be easier for us to meet the price of an used one than a brand new. Just a thought. I will chip in, of course." Cadmar takes out a potion. "This is a potion of sneaking. They should give you 80% of its value when you trade it in for something else."
"As for the division of treasure, I know that there are no problems with money, gems, and anything else of purely material value. What is the problem are these small things that might be useful on the way - like the ring we were given. Somehow I don't like the idea of casting lots for them." Cadmar smiles. "Envy is a powerful force. Why invite it into our group, when there are more just ways of dividing the stuff than relying on the whims of fortune?"
"As a stopgap measure, I suggest that for a moment whatever we find that cannot be easily divided becomes the party's property. We will pay for the identification from common funds. We should estabilish a common fund for that purpose - what about putting 5% of all the gold we find from now on in that fund? Later on, if someone wants an item that is still party's property, he just divides the price of it by the number of party members and shares that much gold with everyone. For example, if I wanted to claim a magic bow worth 1000 for myself, I would offer 125 to each of you."
"How does that sound? I can keep track of the numbers if we agree to have it work this way."
"By all means, whoever does not have a healing potion yet, please take one of those three. I have two; if someone is left without one, I will share."
"Once we are done with the conversation, I need to go to the Commons to meet the Red Hands. All help is welcome. We should also have a look at the board they erected yesterday."
Just before the noon, Cadmar goes to the meeting place.
Lorth Tuesday January 21st, 2003 7:30:37 AM
"As I said before, I prefer to divy up items by need, and if two or more persons decide they need something, drawing lots is fine with me. But I'll go along with whatever you friends decide. I don't need much else besides what I have now, really.", says Lorth.
Lorth then takes a deep breathe and tells his story...
"My life was a simple one, until five years ago when the giants came. It was but my 14th year. My mother was one of the ladies of nature, a witch. She would use simple herbs and spells to help the sick, both animal and people and grow simple woodland gardens. My father a simple woodsman, who loved and supported my mother and I through his huntings and trappings.
After the giants came things changed, my mother went into hiding deep in the woods. I was told it was because she was connected somehow to a coven, which had made itself enemies of the Jarl. My mother made infrequent visits to me when she could, making sure all was well.
When the Dread war started my father was conscripted into the army and I was left in our simple cottage, alone. My father sent word home when he could, telling of horrific events, of things that would not die. Sadly my father's letters stopped suddenly and we learned that he was killed by a terrible creature, which drained his life-force, in the battle of the Crimson fort, somewhere near the Dread border.
My mother seemed to change some after this, sad and morose, she began to teach me of the unnatural things that walked the Wold. She spoke of Gargul, and how he viewed these unnatural occurrences. She spoke of my father's death and how it was not meant to be. This made perfect sense to me, and I decided to follow the teachings of Gargul ever since.
Armed with my new outlook on life and death, I have decided to leave home and help put down some of these unnatural occurrences. I plan to someday travel to the Dread lands and retrieve my father's remains for proper burial, perhaps Gargul willing, I will also avenge his death."
he pauses,
"Please let me know what I owe for this healing wand. I will do my best to pay my share."
He then shoulders his pack, pays the innkeeper two gold for the nights stay and follows Cadmar out the door, when he leaves.
Thram Tuesday January 21st, 2003 11:52:55 AM
Thram pays the price for poor accomodations. He doesn't need anything fancy. And he continues the conversation with his fellows.
"I too wouldn't mind pitching in for the healing wand. It sounds handy. Now all of you can make fun if you want about my thoughts on adventure, but all I'm saying is that I'm out for making a difference with my life. I'm not trying to have a good time, nab a lot of loot, or see the world. I try to follow in Domi's footsteps as much as I can, and that means stepping up to help those who can't help themselves. If helping others means putting foot to hindquarters, then that's what I'll do. For example, today Cadmar might need help retrieving his gear, so I'll go with him. I'm doing it to help out a friend not for adventure. It may be six one way and half a dozen the other for most of you, but for me it's the difference between apples and oranges. I just want you all to know my reason for why I do these things before we strike up a lasting group."
[OOC: The Catacombs will identify items. Identification is pricey though, so bring in more than 1 thing at a time. Plus, I'm the manager and play Denby, and the clerk Vauhwyt is our beloved DM Cayzle. Unless Cayzle wants to take up game time to do it, you should go to the Catacombs to purchase anything, even nonmagical weapons. It just makes for easy management of all the games, and it keeps the games from bogging down with shopping trips.]
Garrard Tuesday January 21st, 2003 2:33:40 PM
Garrard listens to the group quietly, nodding from time to time as the various speakers mention being clear about purpose, and about each chipping in a little to provide healing resources.
"I have a healing potion already, and will learn at least one healing spell each day, so I do not need any of the healing potions we found. I agree that its probably best to disperse them over the group so each of us will be capable to treating another. I would also like to point out that when we have goodberries available, they should be saved for situations where one of us are knocked unconscious, as they possess just enough healing power to stabilize wounds, especially if we possess healing items of greater power."
"For clarity, my purpose in this region is to watch events and groups for the druidic circles. There are many adventuring groups springing up and coming in from other lands of late, and the potential threats involved may or may not have anything to do with the vestiges of the prior threats that Lorth mentioned. Plainly put, all the signs are right for something building, and I would like to know what."
"If there are no objections, I will investigate the cost of the curative wand, and what options we have in that area. I think asking Cassandra if she recognizes the ring, or can provide an identify is a good one. With your forebearance, I will also inquire as to the price of some other potentially useful items, which will be able to choose whether or not to invest in based on the type of the mission or undertaking Cassandra reveals to us."
"My last thought is that our only faltering in yesterdays travels, in my opinion, was when it came time to negotiate with some encountered group. My intent is not to silence anyone, but instead to know if any of us have any training or innate skill as a negotiator."
After, or awaiting response, Garrard will accompany Cadmar to the meeting to reclaim his equipment, his hawk riding on a shoulder. If the exchange goes quickly, Garrard will suggest stopping by the recently erected message board on the way back.
The Guest Arrives Early (DM Cayzle) Tuesday January 21st, 2003 3:47:40 PM
The conversation flies thick and lively at the inn, and there is much still much to be said when Cassandra enters the establishment.
"I am early, I know," she says, "but I had some free time now. I hope that's okay."
It is about an hour or so before noon.
She orders several bottles of sparkling cider for the table (only very lightly fermented).
"Now, let me tell you about the job that Dulcet has in mind, and then I'll answer any questions you might have."
"The job is simple, but dangerous. We need a certain plant that grows only in certain caves in the Culverwood. We need someone to retrieve some for us."
"The danger comes from the untamed nature of the Culverwood -- you may have a pleasant walk under trees. You may face great peril. We will need the herbs in about two weeks. The caves are about a day's walk south of the Tower of Boydos. So there is no great hurry."
"Now, ask me your questions," she says, smiling.
==========
[OOC: Thanks to those who noted their upkeep spending -- PLEASE remember to note it on your PC sheets the next time we update them. That goes for item swapping and money sharing! If it is not on your PC sheet, it didn't happen!
Also, great in-game conversation! I haven't commented on in as DM because you are talking among yourselves, but that doesn't mean I am ignoring it!
And thanks to JK for the Catacombs info. He's da man! -- Cayzle]
Elerinn Tuesday January 21st, 2003 4:14:55 PM
Elerinn greets Cassandra, and, when she is done speaking, he almost immediatly follows up with his questions. He shows her the three potions and the ring and asks her: "Are you, perhaps, familiar with these items?"
After that, Elerinn asks, now in a different, more eager voice: "And another thing, my lady. May I ask you what kind of magic you were performing yesterday? I'm a spellcaster of humble power myself and what I saw you and the other Witches perform...It was really amazing!"
Elerinn pauses, as the innkeeper walks by. He searches through one of his pockets, and finds 2 gold pieces, who he gives to the man, to pay for one night.
Elerinn then waits for Cassandra's answers, and listens to the questions the others have.
Garrard - Guidance d20+8=23 Tuesday January 21st, 2003 6:37:06 PM
Garrard takes a few moments break to settle a room for the night and his meal with the innkeep, and comes back to the table just as Cassandra is coming in.
(recorded 45gp on character sheet for a month of common upkeep)
He listens quietly to the lady speak, and after she is done, asks, "May I ask the name of the plant in question, and any relevant properties, such as where it grows, how to harvest it, how to transport it, and if it is toxic?"
In a break in the conversation, he will also quietly murmur in Sylvan, "If Nature shall see this done, may it guide my remembrance of the Wood."
(casts Guidance spell, and checks Wilderness Lore with a roll of 23 to remember anything he might know about the region containing the caves of the Culverwood, or the path to that locale. Any information he remembers he will share with the group.)
He listens eagerly to the lady's response regarding the ritual magic.
Ian Tuesday January 21st, 2003 6:38:45 PM
(OOC: my apologies, its been a long day. I'll skip posting tomorrow.)
Brontinas Tuesday January 21st, 2003 10:00:36 PM
Brontinas smiles as Cassandra walks in. He had been listening to the people around the table banter and was pleased by the friendliness of these new companions. Before making his own suggestions, Cassandra walked in. Brontinas poitely listened through her conversation and then spoke up.
"It sounds simple enough, you said it was dangerous in the woods though. What sort of creatures will we encounter and more importantly, will we encounter any resisttance from other groups in the area, as we did on the last quest?"
Brontinas will sip his wine quietly while listening to the other questions and the answers.
(OOC: Sorry for the delay, Bronti's just a little quiet :) Bronti will pay the innkeeper for one week's worth of common living, should come out to about 12 Gold)
Andrath Tuesday January 21st, 2003 11:28:19 PM
Andrath approaches the innkeeper, and asks directions to someplace to purchase a new composite long bow. He also pays the innkeeper for the past night. (2 gp)
He nods to Cassandra as she is entering the inn, and he is leaving. "I am meeting Cadmar at the Commons for lunch, so if you give the party information, I am sure they will fill me in there."
Kedarn Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 4:06:01 AM
Kedarn stands up when Cassandra walks up to the table and offers her a chair. Once she is seated Kedarn sits back down and listens to what Cassandra tells the group.
Lorth Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 7:27:38 AM
Lorth listens until Cadmar is ready to go. Then he excuses himself and follows Cadmar.
(OOC: If Lorth hasn't left already, that is what he does)
Cadmar d20+5=9 Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 9:19:46 AM
Cadmar was hoping to change into his better clothes before meeting Cassandra for lunch. Seeing her enter so soon, he looks at his cloak, stained with something strange and unrecognizable, and goes into a mild state of panic. As a result, a herbal tea stain is added to already large collection of blots on his mantle. Cadmar goes red on his face, makes sure his book survived the spill, snaps it shut and sits down to listen in the far conrer of the table.
"What is the name of the plant we are going after? Do you want a sapling, or just leaves? Where exactly can we find the caves? Is there a trail leading there?"
Then he asks himself silently: what do I know about the region, its inhabitants, and its inherent dangers? [Wilderness Lore 9]
Thram Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 9:40:15 AM
Thram grins at Cadmar's nervousness and gives Cassandra a wink.
Cassandra Answers Questions (DM Cayzle) Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 4:17:17 PM
Andrath finds out that the Catacombs is the premier store for all adventurers -- "Shop there for your bow," the innkeeper says.
Elerinn shows Cassandra the ring and potions. "I'm sorry, but I do not know more about the ring than that Lalliotte wore it when she was alive. As for the potions, I would trust her label, so these are 'curing' potions."
"I have myself a little alchemical skill, so I could test them for you. It would take take a while, though, and if you are going to Identify the ring, you might as well identify the potions at the same time. The spell works, as I understand it, on one item per level of the caster."
Cassandra then talks about the unusual nature of witch magic. "I am just an apprentice myself, so please forgive me if i misinform you by accident, through my incomplete understanding. But I will tell you what I can."
"First, you must keep in mind that the witches were devastated by their defeat by the Jarl and by the revelations of the GodWar and the Year of Ascension. In response, the grand council of witches and many covens are right now at work on what it means to be a witch. Some important decisions have yet to be made. The things I reveal may not be true a week or a month from now!"
[OOC: The Woldian Revisionist Committee is currently creating a Witch Class specifically for the Wold. We (I'm on the committee) are hammering out details right now. So I have some insight, but the shape of the class may change!]
"What you saw last night was a coven at work. It was Dulcet's coven, the Coven of Weal, based here in Jarlwolf. On many points of witchly interest, they are opposed by the Green Coven of Witchspawn. These covens do not strive directly against each other, as a rule, but they act through agents, as you discovered.
"But the magic was a ritual of purification that was permuted and improvised by Dulcet. Witches have a deep understanding of magic, deeper maybe, than wizards and sorcerers. They tap the wellsprings of magic, the Ley Lines that flow through the Wold. With that deep knowledge, they can improvise and tinker with magic -- but magic is wild, and they never know exactly what they'll get. Such an improvisation, cast by Dulcet and aided by the others of her coven, was intended to purify the Claw. I hardly understand it myself, but so it was. It is impressive, is it not?"
Cassandra stops for a drink. "I've rambled on too much. Any other questions?"
Cadmar and Garrard asks about the plant that Dulcet seeks. Cassandra replies, "It is well known to greenmages and, of course, druids. We seek the root of the Salmonberry. Found only near rushing waters, we have a report on where to find it." Garrard has heard of this plant, and that it is reputed to be useful in helping swimming and in breathing underwater -- if prepared correctly. "Make sure you return the entire root structure intact -- even the fine root filaments."
Cadmar is not familiar with the exact spot, but he knows there are many streams and small waterfalls in the area.
Cassandra does not want to go into details right now. "We can get into that later. We don't need the plant for a week or two, and it is better fresh, so don't fret right away," she adds, smiling.
To Brontinas's question about what to expect, she has no good answer. "Maybe nothing, maybe something. Witches are not fortune tellers! Just be prepared!"
But she does not expect the Green Coven to interfere.
The innkeeper presents a huge platter of meats, cheeses, and fruits, and brings more cider.
Elerinn Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 4:27:40 PM
Elerinn carefuly listens to Cassandra's answers, especially about the new kind of magic. He is very enthousiastic, and wants to ask more, but realizes that Cassandra can't tell more about it than she knows.
Elerinn waits for her to finish the rest of her story, and then says: "I'm going to these Catacombs, so I can identify the items. I have enough gold to do this, so we'll discuss sharing identification prices when I'm back. Goodbye, everyone!"
With these words, Elerinn carries the three potions and the ring into his room, and puts them in his backpack. Then, he leaves the inn, on his way to the Catacombs.
Cadmar Thursday January 23rd, 2003 5:25:58 AM
"Wait, Elerinn! Take this potion as my share in the price of the wand." Cadmar rummages in his backpack and produces a small vial. "It's a potion of sneaking. They should give us 120 gold for it if we trade it in for another item. I would get less if I just wanted to sell it for hard coin."
Cadmar hands Elerinn a Potion of Sneaking
Returning to the conversation, Cadmar says: "I have no more questions at the moment. I assume we will have another chance to consult you before we depart, right?"
"Garrard, do you think you could recognize the plant and dig it up the right way?"
"Hm... since we will be headed that way, it might be worth to ask around a little bit. Perhaps some local herbalist wants something else from that region? We could gather more plants and trade them for healing supplies."
Lorth Thursday January 23rd, 2003 7:37:11 AM
"Well if they want all the root filaments, I would suggest bringing a box to put the plant in, dirt and all. Then when we get back, they can clean it off.", says Lorth. Then he sits silent waiting for Cadmar to tell him it is time to go.
Thram Thursday January 23rd, 2003 11:36:51 AM
Thram just sits back and listens to the conversation.
The Commons (DM Cayzle) Thursday January 23rd, 2003 11:49:13 AM
The luncheon passes with camraderie and good conversation. But as the sun reaches its zenith, it is time to go to the Commons. You bid farewell to Cassandra, and she says she will be in touch.
It is the same on the town green as it was a day or two ago. A flock of sheep are grazing, as are a few cows. Two armed men are practicing their melee skills. You see Sharoll, Norton, and Alarex watching the practice.
In another corner there is a human mage practicing illusions. Right now he is making a troll, if your guess is right. A group of common folk are watching this. The mage makes the troll stand on his head, and the sound of kids laughing floats across the Commons.
And although you search high and low, there is not one sign of the Red Hand Gang. If you ask around, no one has seen them. It looks like they have not shown.
You do notice, however, that the Adventurers Board, formerly empty, has a goodly number of parchment notices nailed to it now. The light breeze ruffles them, so that they seem to beckon you. A couple people are standing and reading them.
[OOC Note: I'm assuming everybody is at the Commons. If not, please say so. Also note that you can post in the Catacombs and here at the same time. you don't have to "leave" this board to go there.]
Cadmar Thursday January 23rd, 2003 12:09:21 PM
"Well, I kept my word. I just hope that their association with the Green Coven did not cost them their lives. Let's wait a quarter or two, just to make sure they are not showing up. Thank you for coming with me, friends!"
Cadmar approaches the Adventurers Board and carefully reads all of the announcements. Then he spots some familiar faces. A mischevious smile appears on his lips. Waving a hand, he shouts: "Hello, Norton! Hello, Alarex! Hello,... Sheryll?"
Brontinas Thursday January 23rd, 2003 12:18:58 PM
Brontinas quietly stands with Cadmar as he goes in search of the Red Hand Gang. However, he suspects that more than likely they will either not show or try to cheat the party in some way. Brontinas however, will be more interested in the adventurer's board, something about serving those witches did not sit well with him.
Garrard Thursday January 23rd, 2003 1:46:07 PM
Garrard agrees with Lorth that a replanting method might be the best way to transport what might be a fragile plant intact.
"Although I am not a professional herbalist, I know something of plants. I'm fairly sure I could identify the herb, and could at least make an attempt to harvest it."
Garrard will then follow the group out of the inn, and on the way over to the Commons, will somewhat distractedly begin shuffling through notes in a pouch written on torn scraps of parchment.
As the group comes to a stop in the Commons, Garrard will speak in a quiet voice, saying, "I had meant to mention earlier, the Catacombs does not appear to have a partially charged healing wand on hand. They are quoting seven hundred and fifty gold for a fully charged wand, which I believe it well within our means. Also, I took the liberty of asking after another object, which I wanted to mention to the group for consideration."
"A set of enchanted spectacles called Eyes of the Eagle are being priced at a thousand gold even. With the possibility of a rivalry with a group that uses deception as a battle tactic, and the skills Andrath has already shown, such an item boosting a scouts visual perceptions (OOC: +5 to all spot checks) might be a kind of preemptive defense useful to us all."
"With a small collection, I can purchase one or both objects. With Cadmar's generous offer of the potion of sneaking, I will need ninety gold per person to procure the wand. I have a potion of wisdom I'm willing to put towards the Eyes, which will mean that each member will need to put forth an additional hundred and eight gold to make up the cost, if its deemed a good idea."
Elerinn Thursday January 23rd, 2003 2:34:23 PM
As Elerinn is about to leave the inn, Cadmar stops him, and him the potion of sneaking to him. He suddenly realizes that there is another thing that needs to be done in the Catacombs. Buying the healing wand. Embarrassed, Elerinn realizes he doesn't have enough gold for both identifying the items and buying such a wand.
He follows the others to the Commons, pretending through be searching through his belongings for any more gold. Then, Garrard speaks about the wand, and Elerinn immediatly responds to him, after he is finished: "Garrard, that's an excelent idea! I think that Eye of the Eagle would be a benefit to all of us! If you go get these two items, I will identify the ring and the potions..."
Elerinn then gives Garrard ninety gold pieces, and, if the rest agrees, hundred and eight for the Eye of the Eagle. He then asks, to no one in particular: "Does any of you know how to use the divine scroll I mentioned before? I anyone does, I can give it to him..."
If anybody replies, he will give him the scroll, and then Elerinn walks to the adventurer's board, to look at the new message.
Kedarn Thursday January 23rd, 2003 6:15:51 PM
Kedarn hands over to Garrard a small bag and says "that is a very good idea. Here is 250 gold for the wand and eyes, see if you can get some additional potions of curing as well."
Kedarn looks at Elerinn and says "I would like the scroll Elerinn and here is a potion of non-detection in exchange for it."
Kedarn tells Cadmar "it is nothing friend, I will try to help you in recovering your gear from them, yet would it not be cheaper to just purchase new gear?"
Andrath Friday January 24th, 2003 12:02:06 AM
Andrath arrives at the commons shortly before noon, and hangs around at the edge of the common area, alert for any signs of trouble. He watches the group, especially Cadmar, search for the Red Hand party, to no avail. Onoce he is certain that the Red Hands won't show, Andrath steps into the main area and greets the others. "So, it looks like those cowards aren't going to show up after all. I can't say that I'm surprised. Cadmar, the next time that we meet them, I would be happy to reclaim your items for you, at no charge."
Then Andrath moves over to the bulletin board, and joins the others looking at the notices.
Lorth Friday January 24th, 2003 10:01:00 AM
Lorth puts his weapons away and slings his shield on his back. Then he follows along with everyone else. When asked, he gives Garrard 198 gold.
Thram Friday January 24th, 2003 11:59:45 AM
Thram nods his consent to the purchase of the items, though he's a little hesitant about the Eyes. He hands over 198 gold from his recent reward, then he has a seat in the Commons and enjoys the afternoon.
Brontinas Friday January 24th, 2003 12:33:39 PM
"I believe that working together in such a way is a wonderful idea. This eye will let us see through the darkest mysteries we have yet to come across. I will put my money down for it."
With that, Bronti will give 203 gold to the collection. (OOC: He's not gonna take the time to count out 198, so he just grabs what he thinks is closest, which happens to be 203.)
Special Delivery (DM Cayzle) Friday January 24th, 2003 6:48:16 PM
Cadmar calls out a hello to the three seasoned adventurers you met before. The woman just scowls and ignores him. The half-elf winks but says nothing.
As you are about to approach the Adventurers Board, a strange person runs up. It is a woman wemic, dressed in a white shirt and a clerk's apron. She is half lion (from the waist down) and half human (from the waist up), like a centaur. She has a huge backpack that on a horse you might call a pack saddle.
And she has a cap emblazoned with the sigil of the Catacombs -- that Wold-famous magic shop. Seeing that, no one thinks she is a monster. A couple mothers grab their children anyway as the wemic runs by.
"Hi!" she says breathlessly. "I have some packages for you. She takes out a small box and reads the label. "Garrard" she announces, and hands the box to him. It opens to reveal the wands and lenses he ordered from the Catacombs.
"Elerinn, Andrath, and Cadmarr" she calls out in turn, handing each a package of their own.
"Please please don't force these open until they open easily," she exclaims. "The management of the Catacombs will not be responsible for the consequences!"
Sure enough, aside from Garrard's, the packages seem sealed shut, unyeilding to tugs.
"They will open when they are ready."
"Any questions?" she asks.
She answers whatever queries are posed, and when all are satisfied, off she goes, back to work.
Garrard d20+3=18 Friday January 24th, 2003 7:27:06 PM
Garrard smiles to Vauhwet and thanks her for her punctual service. He opens his package briefly to verify the contents, and then closes the box and begins speaking.
"I took the liberty of getting two wands, of 23 and 27 charges, to total the fifty charges a fresh wand would have supplied. I thought that if the group was split, or time as of the essence in recovering our respective healths, distributing the healing could be good. Also, they came in sheaths. Who would like to carry one?"
"As for the Eyes, does the group agree we should give them to Andrath, as he has been acting as the scout? However the group decides would be fine with me."
With that, Garrard lapses back into his usual quiet mein, waiting with the group, and following when and if they move on. If any decisions are made, he hands out the items. He will take the time to look around the square, curious if the group is being watched.
(Spot: 18)
Kedarn Saturday January 25th, 2003 3:28:10 AM
Kedarn quietly tells Garrard "I would like one of the wands to supplement my spells."
Kedarn then will continue to look around the square.
Cadmar Saturday January 25th, 2003 4:53:36 AM
Cadmar accepts the parcel and thanks the wemic. Then he turns to the rest of the party. "If you think the lenses are such a good idea..." He does not seem to be terribly enthusiastic, but opens his purse and shakes out its contents on his palm. "Garrard, I had to restock my equipment. Here's what I can spare right now."
Cadmar hands Garrard 65 gold
"I owe you 43 gold. I'll make up the difference next time we loot something." He smiles. "Now, do I owe anything to anyone else? What's my share in the identification cost? Did we have the ring identified, anyway?"
Lorth Saturday January 25th, 2003 10:10:46 AM
Lorth stares at the whemic, having never seen one before. I wonder how is would serve as a mount, he thinks? Then he quickly dismisses the idea, thinking it probably wouldn't appreciate someone riding on it. He then goes back wo watching everyone, "I have no use for the wands, nor do I think I could use them if I tried.", he says.
(OOC: Cayzle, what are the rules on natural healing? I was down 3 hit points when we got back and slept once)
Cayzle (Out of character) Sunday January 26th, 2003 10:17:51 AM
Honestly, with a cleric, a druid, and a paladin in the party, not to mention peaceful beds in which to rest, I figured everybody would be at max hp for the next adventure without going through the bookkeeping.
But we use the standard rules for natural healing if it matters (PHB 129).
Wands are spell trigger items (PHB pp 126 and 281). If you have the spell on your class list -- even if you cannot cast the spell yourself -- you can use a wand. That means clerics, druids, rangers and paladins can all use a Wand of Cure Light Wounds.
Brontinas Sunday January 26th, 2003 2:22:31 PM
"I have no use of the wands for myself, leave them to the healers."
Brontinas continues to move towards the adventure board to see what the goings on are in Cinammon Valley.
Elerinn Sunday January 26th, 2003 5:27:10 PM
Elerinn thanks Kedarn, and exchanges his scroll, containing Dispel Magic, Spike Stones, Control Water and Greater Magic Weapon, for the potion of non-detection. Then he looks at the board again, to read the new message.
Thram Monday January 27th, 2003 10:56:31 AM
Thram understands the natural methods of healing through herbs, unguents, and the like, but he knows nothing about magical healing. So he simply waves away the wands.
Garrard Monday January 27th, 2003 12:51:31 PM
Garrard looks around for a few more moments, and then asks, "Aside from the possibility of a beast of burden, are there any other matters to address?"
Kedarn Monday January 27th, 2003 2:42:05 PM
Kedarn looks at the others the asks "do we want to decide upon a normal travel routine and watch schedule for when we camp as I feel we will end up camping at times?"
Cadmar Monday January 27th, 2003 6:17:26 PM
Cadmar, still looking at the board, replies: "I can take any watch you want me to stand."
OOC Do GM's OOC posts count for purposes of starting a new day?
An Introduction (DM Cayzle) Monday January 27th, 2003 8:07:05 PM
(Sorry I'm late today. I'm getting ready to close on a house and move -- so I'm a little crazy.)
As the group approaches the Adventurers Board, two of the three people standing there rush off as if embarrassed. But one person, a half elf, is still there.
[OOC: Please welcome our new player. Bob, feel free to start posting immediately.]
Wynn d20+1=20 d20+5=25 Monday January 27th, 2003 9:59:49 PM
Wynn casually steps to one side of the message board and allows the group free access to the notices posted. He scans the group, looking for signs of enthusiasm (sense motive 20) and an opening to engage in conversation. "Gentlemen" he remarks, "allow me to introduce myself". Wynn does not pause for more than a breath and continues. "My name is Wynn Brightsong and I am looking to join the company of a group such as yourselves. I am somewhat aquainted with the sword, and better yet, I am good company on the road. What say you, good sirs, have you use for another strong arm and a quick mind?" (Diplomacy 25)
Brontinas Tuesday January 28th, 2003 12:05:29 AM
Brontinas looks over Wynn, looking particularly at weapons. In elven (OOC: I dunno how to do this officially, but I trust that those of you who do not know Elven will treat your characters accordingly) Brontinas speaks to Wynn, "Well met cousin, I can always do with another tale around the fire, though I can't speak for my companions."
(OOC: Description of Wynn?)
Kedarn Tuesday January 28th, 2003 6:29:04 AM
Kedarn looks at Wynn then says "I think you will fit in." After a few moments Kedarn continues "Greetings, I am Kedarn Shadowglade priest of Gargul."
Lorth Tuesday January 28th, 2003 7:37:11 AM
Lorth squints at Brontinas, not understanding what he said, but knowing it was some elvish tongue. He wonders why elves switch over to their native tongue when they greet each other, makes you think there is some sort of plot... Then he shakes his head, as if to clear his thoughts, "Well met".
Cadmar d20+2=3 Tuesday January 28th, 2003 9:00:35 AM
Cadmar walks up to the board. Wynn can easily see that he is somewhat wary [Bluff 3]. "You want to join us, good sir? You wouldn't happen to have any association with the Green Coven, would you? Well, we could use another sword, but let's wait to hear what the whole group has to say. My name is Cadmar, of the Gondaval clan." With a smile, he adds in elven: "Elen sila lumenn' omentielvo." (a star shines on the hour of our meeting).
Thram Tuesday January 28th, 2003 1:05:05 PM
Thram waves at Wynn from his spot on the grass. He shouts over, "Thram Nightsinger. Well met."
Garrard Tuesday January 28th, 2003 1:14:31 PM
"My name is Garrard." With that, Garrard awaits the newcomers response.
Elerinn Tuesday January 28th, 2003 2:55:56 PM
Elerinn smiles at Wynn and says: "Good morning Wynn Brightsong. I am Elerinn. I have no problem with you joining our little group. We only recently met, and there's plenty of room for a good soul."
He then turns to the others, and says: "My friends, if I remember well, one of you gave me some gold pieces to identify the ring and potions. Please, take it back, I have no need for it right now, we can divide the costs after I've identified the items."
LOG ON