Grymash (bulls strength) d20+6=24 Monday January 6th, 2003 11:58:19 AM
Grymash feels the tingle in his muscles. He's amazed to feel this strong and not be raging. Grymash puts his hands to his mouth and feels his tusks and gums. "Nope!!" He's not foaming at the mouth either!!
Grymash then, with much confidence, reaches down attempts to move the rock. (Strength check 24). The rock rolls right over!! Grymash looks back at the others with a big goofy grin!! "See ... Grymash is the Real Big Shady!!"
Milo Monday January 6th, 2003 12:11:58 PM
stands there, watching the others move the rock, and keeps an eye out for the roaving bands of Monks.
Kam Monday January 6th, 2003 2:56:17 PM
Kam rummages around in his backpack for a moment. "Shovel, who wants to dig on an adventure like this?" Then he sighs as he looks at the plug of dirt blocking the way. "If we see the monks coming, I can distract them with some lights."
Kam will cast Dancing Lights to lead the monks away (max range 130', shaped like glowing humanoids) if he sees them coming towards the group.
Anuk d20+9=23 d20+7=20 Monday January 6th, 2003 3:31:41 PM
"Way to go, Gry!"Anuk exclaims as the rock rolls over. He suddenly recalls the need for quiet. He lowers his voice and says, "Whoops...sorry about that." He rummages through his old leather pack, but finds nothing of value for digging. "Nothing here...I'll be happy to return home and fetch a shovel."
(OOC: I'm assuming that what with all the daily work around here, Anuk knows where he could obtain a shovel.)
If no one else has a shovel, Anuk heads off to get one. If it appears that he will run into a group of monks, he hides and sneaks as best he can (Move Silently 23, Hide 20).
ADM Mikey d20+4=21 d20+6=11 d20+6=12 Monday January 6th, 2003 10:47:26 PM
After Anuk takes off, the rest of the group stays a bit quieter, keeping watch or poking at the dirt in silence. Still, none of you are prepared a few moments later, when a little voice pipes up loudly from the darkness just to the side of the pit (away from the roads where everyone's watching with a hide check of 21!), "Hey, whatcha guys up to?" You turn your heads and see Jenny, infamous annoying little sister of one of your pack members. She watches all of you curiously, but the more perceptive of you all notices the way she glances at one particular member... (and not her brother. You can make sense motive or spot checks, DC 15 if you wish. And note; you just met one of the most loudmouthed impulsive kids in camp! What are you going to do to get rid of her?)
Anuk, off by himself, supposes himself lucky as two stealthy monks pass him on the road, barely missing him by a grass-length, yet not noticing him. He finally retrieves the shovel, and starts heading back to the group hoping he doesn't have to make up an excuse to have a shovel.
Milo Tuesday January 7th, 2003 10:20:48 AM
turns to the group and whispers: if she gets too loud, we can always let her drink my "potion". (he says with a mischievous grin)
Trellus d20+5=25 Tuesday January 7th, 2003 11:05:33 AM
(Spot check 25 - can I save that nat 20 for when I need it?)
Trellus' head drops in exasperation when Jenny shows up again. He notes she is again eyeing (let me guess) Sterlin, but doesn't worry about it. That's not really a problem. What IS a problem is how to get his sister out of here without finding every beater in the town waiting for them when they come back.
"Jenny, you grass biting piggie! I told you to go home!" He pauses, then continues quietly, "If you must know, we're weaving a little trick on the Black Pack, and its a secret."
An idea pops into his head. Sterlin's gonna kill me, he thinks, but it might work. He gets close to his little sister and whispers, "Now if we can weave this without the Blacks or beaters finding out, our pack'll be the night soil. In fact, Sterlin would be so happy I could probably get him to go walking with you. But you gotta be quiet. And I'll still weave your chores all week."
Trellus turns and whispers to Milo, "We might have to. Is that drink safe?"
Then, back to Jenny. "Well, go on now!"
Anuk d20+9=29 d20+7=9 Tuesday January 7th, 2003 12:58:04 PM
Without a sound, makes his way back toward the pack (Move Silently 29). He glances at the shovel in his hand and begins formulating stories in his head. "If they catch me, I could tell 'em Brother Randall asked me to check on his garden...he's always so worried about insects eating his plants and he always makes me run his errands...hopefully they won't check with him on it...the pack'll kill me if I bring out the beaters..."
Lost in concentration, Anuk suddenly realizes he's standing in the light (hide 9). "Blast!" he thinks, "I've gotta be more careful!"
Sterlin Tuesday January 7th, 2003 2:16:18 PM
Sterlin walks towards Jenny and gives her a little wink. " He is correct, Jenny. If you can go home and keep this a secret, I will go on a walk with you. "
ADM Mikey d20+9=21 d20+6=26 d20+1=18 Tuesday January 7th, 2003 9:57:24 PM
As Sterlin winks at her, Jenny turns three shades of red. She is somewhat saved by the arrival of Anuk whom she spots with hardly any effort. About to obediently retreat, she notices the shovel in his hand... The little bouncer peeks at the boulder and giggles with surprised wide-eyes. "Wow...you moved the whole boulder? Most of the big boys just climb it and toss a rope over the hedge! You are Sooo Shadow!!" Obviously, this last one is tossed at Sterlin, whom she shyly glances at. Before any of you can move to shut her up, she puts on an obedient face, "Sure I can't go with you?" Seeing your faces, she sighs, "Well...okay, I'll weave on quiet about it." She smiles and waves at Milo as she turns to go, piping out, "Later on, I want...er..could I have a few honey cookies too?" Whatever Milo's response is, she then quickly dashes off into the night, in the general direction of Trellus' home...
It should only take a few scoops to get enough space for someone like Milo, but it could take longer to get enough out for a bigger guy.
[While someone shovels, everyone else please try to make a Spot DC 23 (21+2 due to the night time conditions) and a Listen check DC 26 .]
Grymash (bulls strength) d20+6=12 d20+3=11 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 1:12:30 AM
Grymash continues to dig. He occasional pauses to look around. Not seeing or hearing anything, he continues to dig.
(Listen check 12, Spot check 11)
Sterlin d20+3=11 d20+3=19 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 8:14:02 AM
Sterlin's thoughts drift to the idea of seeing the stained glass grass.
(listen 11, spot 19)
Trellus d20+5=8 d20+4=7 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 10:07:18 AM
(Spot = 8, Listen = 7)
Trellus watches Jenny the whole way, making sure his pesty sister is actually leaving this time.
Then, he checks on Grymash's progress while mentally berating himself -- Ropes. By the Grass, I'm stupid. --
Milo d20+5=21 d20+3=14 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 11:02:00 AM
Listen - 21 Spot - 14
Just as Jenny runs off, Milo starts reaching in his bag for a few honey cookies. Looking up and seeing her gone, he pops one into his mouth and offers Trellus the other.
Pulling out a 50' length of rope, Milo asks, "Why don't we just do what the others do and climb the rock, toss the end of this over the hedge, and climb down?"
Anuk d20+2=9 d20+6=13 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 1:10:39 PM
Anuk keeps an eye and and ear out for trouble (Listen 9, Spot 13), but can't help wondering who put Malgo up to this whole thing. And who left the bracers? "There's a bigger story weaving here," he thinks. "Ah well...there'll be time to find answers in the morning when we're back."
He glances at the hedge and asks, "I dunno, Milo...think it'd work?"
(OOC: would the hedge idea work? I thought the town was fully enclosed by the dome at night.)
Gilan d20+3=21 d20+3=17 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 6:33:46 PM
Gilan glances around looking for any signs of the beaters. He glances back to the group and hopes that they hurry. "Decide something...all this delay is going to get us caught."
From Calim's position near the hedge he can see or hear nothing except Gilan's wise warning. Calim smiles again as he knows that Jenny is going to find someway to get what she wants (seems she has her brother wrapped around her little finger)
ADM Mikey d20+6=9 d20+3=16 Thursday January 9th, 2003 12:34:50 AM
There is now a hole big enough for even Grymash. From the way Jenny gave in, Trellus just knows she might cause trouble later on.
Through the tunnel they dug there's a whisper of wind, as though the outside wants to creep into the town...
Suddenly, at the edge of your vision steps into the pale starlight a figure dressed in the dreaded monks' robes. He pulls back his hood, revealing two elvish ears and piercing, accusing brooding eyes.
Looming at over six and a half feet in height, his arms crossing under his Pantheon medallion, all of you cringe inwardly in fear as you recognize none other than Galafar, the most strict headmaster of the camp.
All of you have memories of past punishments by Galafar, who particularly enjoys tormenting packs like yours... such as the time Milo was forced to eat nothing but plain bread and cheese for three weeks in a row to teach his sweet tooth... or when three of you were caught after a little namecalling between you and the black pack, he had you drink the most foul tasting liquid imaginable once for each name. It wouldn't have been so bad, if he hadn't counted 'slang' words such as grassy or shadow to be such words.
"Ah, Anuk, you've led me to your friends. And here, I thought only one naughty child was out past the curfew... Leaving so soon, Jacob?" he coldly asks. Jake, the closest one to him, was edging for an escape or maybe to hit the guy on the back of the head with a sap, but Galafar simply smiles icily and shakes his head and the usually nonchalant packmate backs up nervously.
While he ponders what punishment to give, what do you guys do/say to save your skins?
OOC: As to the climbing: Apologies to all if it wasn't clear that climbing over the dome was possible. To be honest I didn't have a clear picture in mind either; When one says 'dome', one isn't referring to the igloo type, but more of a surrounding circle. If anyone wants, they can attempt to climb the hedge... three checks (once for each 10 feet) at DC: 14, if failed on the second or third check, then Reflex save (DC 14) to avoid receiving 1d6 per 10 feet one falls. One cannot take ten on such an attempt...Standing on the rock before attempting to climb reduces the height by 10 feet and a good ropeuse (DC 10) on the climb will lower the DC to 12. Anyways, keep that info in mind for later on... ^_^
ADM Mikey Thursday January 9th, 2003 1:16:11 AM
(OOC Addendum: My apologies; One can climb half one's movement per climb check. A person like Grymash, standing on a rock, could do the whole thing in one check...of course, then there's climbing down the other side. Also, you *can* attempt this in front of the headmaster (consider his reaction! lol), but more likely than not you're gonna want to get rid of him or something before you go sneaking off into the night. All the climbing information was just stuff I was giving for people who wanted to give it a try later on... of course, you don't even have to climb, what with the rock being moved and a big enough opening for one person at a time. I just posted it in case someone was interested in showing off or you all changed plans (like it seemed you were doing midpost). Hope this makes things clearer!)
You know what, every time one of us tries making something of ourselves, you are right there to tear us down. Instead of giving us positive reinforcement you are always trying to break us down. For once, I would love to see you get what you are always dishing out. You Monks may think you know everything and rule the roost but let me tell you. Whether you like it or not, one day we will be bigger, and a time will come when what you say will fall on deaf ears. Until you start learning to treat ALL with respect, you will be looked upon as nothing but arrogant bullies.
"This group is looking to not get anyone hurt, but to keep face in the community, and with you guys breathing down our necks all the time, we can't get it accomplished. If punishing people is what you require, then, when we return, you can do your worst on me for however long you wish, but until we get back, stay off our backs."
With that said, Milo jumps down in the hole, quietly saying to the rest of the group, "Let's go, now!"
Gilan Thursday January 9th, 2003 2:12:51 PM
Gilan smiles as he watches what is unfolding before him. This kind of trouble was not new to him. His eyes flash as he lowly buzzes several times. Within a few seconds both of his wasps decend on Galafar, buzzing around his face and the like but not touching him. Another series of buzzes warns them to get away as soon as they can and that Galafar will not hurt them, he maybe strict but not cruel. "You can punish me later."
With several waves of his right hand he ushers his friends through the hole and smiling enters after them. "See ya later Galafar."
Sterlin Thursday January 9th, 2003 2:25:43 PM
Sterlin says nothing, as he quickly makes his way through the hole. He calls his spiders to follow. To himself he thinks, " I really hate this. I hope this does not prevent me from becoming a monk soon."
Grymash (Bulls Strength) d20=16 Thursday January 9th, 2003 2:48:38 PM "Galafar ... ," grunts Grymash as he stands up from his crouched position. He too stands tall and bulky and stares Galafar in the face, eye to eye. "You owe me!! You failed Grymash those years ago when orc raiders took me from hunt party. Ever since you punish everyone for your failure to protect. You can't imagine horrors Grymash saw for those two years ... they haunt me still ... bu but I find my way BACK!!" Grymash forcefully points to the ground indicating the location of Rattledam. "Now Gargul watches over my life ... not Galafar." Grymash's anger is increasing ... his buckler with the Eye of Gargul begins to faintly glow!! (Garguls "eye" holy symbol on his buckler glows a hot white light when Grymash rages) "We will not go far and will come back tonight ... so if you not try and stop us, then get out of way!! Later, you can punish ... do your worst ... but it wont be anywhere close to punishment Grymash got from orcs!!!"
(diplomacy check 16)
Trellus Thursday January 9th, 2003 3:03:09 PM
Trellus takes the offered cookie from Milo and gets a mouthful just as Galafar appears.
Grass, he thinks, now we're ripped.
Then his pack both verbally and physically assaults the headmaster!
Of all the sunbaked ideas! NOW we're totally ruined! But the pack has spoken, so Trellus dutifully dives for the hole.
Anuk d20=10 Thursday January 9th, 2003 4:04:56 PM
Anuk is left red-faced and sputtering when Galafar names him. Wanting to save face in front of the pack, he gets right up into Galafar's face (while the others make their way through the hole) and blusters, "You want someone to punish, Galafar? Fine. I'll be first in line...tomorrow morning!"
Hoping he sounded braver than he felt (Bluff 10), he turns and goes through the hole.
Calim Thursday January 9th, 2003 8:27:20 PM
Thinking of how much trouble this is going to cost him Calim waits to see if there is any reaction from the headmaster to impede the way to the hole. If there is then Calim will attempt to stop him from grabbing at the group. By either bull rushing him or otherwise knocking him down (at least the group will get away while Calim is getting his punishment first hand!)
ADM Mikey d20+15=21 Friday January 10th, 2003 2:40:21 PM
"You DARE???" his face contorts as Milo finishes his speech, criticizing Monks, the organization, his position as headmaster, everything about him! Sneering with open contempt, he's about to reprimand him without stop when Grymash makes his valiant attempt to stand up to a man who considers himself the father of the village. "You ALL oppose me?" With their reactions all done, he glances at the last, Jacob, who looks apologetic and edges along with the guys towards the hole. "Very well," he says, obviously grinding his teeth in rage. "You may go outside tonight, but for disobeying your masters, ignoring the rules, heading outside, you idiots will surely face the greatest of punishments that I have ever managed to think of. You will regret this decision for YEARS to come! "I'd punish you now, but I leave you knowing that when you get back, you won't have to worry about competing with other packs, or about chores in the family, or about all the child-like cares you fostered in your misspent youths. No, your worries will be far greater." He growls, and turns, heading away with a striding step that none of you could match. You get the impression that you're all in big trouble...tomorrow. Of course, sometimes he is lenient...sometimes. Hopefully...
You all have chosen to go through the hole, so you are standing outside of Rattledam's hedge. Before you, looming in some places as high as the hedge itself, is the infamous grass of the Plains. At this point, so near the civilization, it isn't as wild, clumped, or dangerous...though, from what you guys know, many animals do live near the town, waiting to prey on the people.
The path to the plant itself isn't that far from what the leader of the Black Pack told you. Do you start making your way through the grass? What is the order of progression? (Which I assume will be kept until you guys return to town or whatnot)
Trellus d20+5=25 d20+4=18 Friday January 10th, 2003 3:28:25 PM
"I can't believe he let us out," Trellus says quietly as the pack gets itself together. Then he sighs in resignation, "You dudes realize we are so totally ripped that... dudes, I can't think of a bright enough description."
Eventually, he forces himself to concentrate on getting the plant. "Do we risk a light, or just follow one of our shady rangers?
"How about we go in close single file, so no one gets lost? I'll go near the front. Gry, you want to lead? Or maybe one of the rangers?"
However it works out, Trellus heads with the others into the grass, keeping an eye and ear out. (Spot 25, Listen 18)
Anuk d20+2=15 d20+6=9 Friday January 10th, 2003 6:42:59 PM
Trying to think of anything but the punishment that awaits him, Anuk pulls his bow off of his back and says, "Look, I brought trouble down on us, so I want to do something to make it up... I'll take the lead. I don't think the light would be a good idea, so I'd like Gry nearby... he can see much better in the dark than I can. Single file sounds good to me, Trellus."
Anuk also glances around while everyone readies themselves.
(Listen 15, Spot 9)
Gilan Friday January 10th, 2003 10:20:05 PM
Gilan slips throught the hole with the others and tries to settle his nerves as he wonders what Galafar could have in store for them. He even ponders if it would be worth it to not make it back from this little adventure, though he quickly dismisses that though. "I will stay near the middle...my night vision is not as good as some." He makes another quick series of buzzes and his wasps come flying to him. He sets them up to fly on either side of him, for extra help. He pulls out his longbow and nocks an arrow to the string as he starts out.
[Spot: , Listen: ]
Gilan d20+3=11 d20+3=12 d20+9=23 d20+9=29 Friday January 10th, 2003 10:23:54 PM
Sure, I forgot my rolls as well.
Grymash (bull's strength) d20+6=9 d20+3=23 Saturday January 11th, 2003 4:47:12 PM
Grymash slides on his helmet and fastens his buckler more securely to his arm. Then he removes the leather guards from both ends of double-headed axe. From a little cosmetic container, Grymash paints long vertical stripes down his face and an open eye across his forehead.
After a short prayer to Gargul, Grymash stands and faces his pack. "If that way right direction then we shall go. I will take front, someone strong need to guard back of pack. If not, pack can be flanked from ambush. Archers and magik weavers in center. Will need light later to see colored glass grass. Grymash eyes see good in dark, but not colors!! Let's go!"
(listen 9, Spot 23 /natural 20)
Calim (bringing up rear) d20+4=16 d20+2=11 Sunday January 12th, 2003 12:56:57 AM
Calim will take up the rear of the pack making sure everything stays safe and sound. Rapiers drawn and eyes alert.
Spot 16 Listen 11
Sterlin Sunday January 12th, 2003 8:33:32 PM
" Listen guys, I wasn't about to let him keep us from coming out here, but the verbal abuse was very out of line. "
Grymash (bulls strength) Sunday January 12th, 2003 11:54:45 PM "Sterlin ... if it make you feel better ... I say all this Grymash idea. I taken far worse punishment than what Galafar can dish out!! You seen my scars. If Grymash need to ... I can live with manfri. They friends of mine. We can't let Galafar treat us like grubs no more!! Now let's go."
Milo Monday January 13th, 2003 12:54:15 PM
Upon stepping out in to the Plain, a shiver goes up his spine. Having been outside before, but always with the assurance that assistance was close at hand. Now he finds himself having to rely on just his friends, no other backup. The gravity of the situation finally falls on his shoulders and he slumps a bit. After a few minutes he resigns himself with the situation and stands up.
He says, "I know no one has chosen me as spokesperson but I feel the best plan is as Grymash says, archers to the flanks, Grymash to the rear, ranger and druid up front, and healers and spellchucker in middle. Let's find our target, and get back home as quickly as we can. I want to see if we get kicked out of the city or not."
Sterlin Monday January 13th, 2003 3:53:11 PM
" Grymash, I can take responsibility for my own actions. What I meant, was that it was not necessary for those of you who did, to be so rude. The monk is harsh sometimes, but is only to develop discipline. Where are any of us going to get in our lives without a little more respect for others and wisdom? "
Anuk d20+6=14 d20+2=17 Monday January 13th, 2003 6:55:43 PM
Listening to the conversation, Anuk takes his place up front. As night finishes descending, he scans the skies, hoping to spot one of the fabled Sargrass Moths (Spot 14, Listen 17). Someday, he'd love to get a close enough look to make a new entry in his journal.
As he readies an arrow in his bow, a thought occurs to him. "Anyone know how we make sure this hole is still open when we get back?"
ADM Mikey Monday January 13th, 2003 8:15:25 PM
You guys all get ready to set out, arranging in your line. The grass is (or will be in a few steps) too thick for more than one person at a time. After dealing with the hole (let me know what you decide), you all set out...
In the lead is the best tracker/grassman in all the packs, Anuk, followed by the powerful Grymash. Following is the family-bothered Trellus then the vigilant Gilan and his two buzzing wasps. Stepping somewhat slower than the rest due to his size is the group's chef and resident magic-user, Milo. Jacob (my character, btw!) daudles behind, still contemplative about the whole mess, glad he doesn't have to rush to keep up with his short-legged packmate. Sterlin follows with his usual careful step, and Calim brings up the rear with his rapier at ready. (That seem clear?)
You progress through the plains cautiously. Surrounding you are the faint noises of the wildlife of the land; mainly insect-life of course. Grasshoppers in all hues and sizes hop merrily from one place to another, one even making Grymash's hair its momentarily resting place. These little guys are perfectly harmless, until they get to be about man-sized... luckily none of those are around. Meanwhile, little flies and insects also buzz around, and you all watch out for the incredibly dangerous bloodflies. With the rarity of water, blood often makes up for it with some creatures...
But nothing like that seems to bother you, and despite all your watchfulness and awareness (and even hopefulness!), you come across nothing more than the occasional prairie pig.
You're about one-third of the way there because of the slow progress through the plains.
(Feel free to talk with one another or do what you will. It will take one more DM post to get to the glass grass.)
Gilan Monday January 13th, 2003 8:45:24 PM
Gilan from his place near the middle of the group grumbles to himself for a few minutes. He glances to the others as he continues on. You hear him say the following, "This is going just a little too easy for my taste." He continues his vigilance as he continues on trying to keep his worries to himself. Gilan glances back to Sterlin and shakes his head. "I believe that Galafar actually likes all that verbal parrying...it gives him more reason to meet out the punishments that he does." "Have you ever seen the way he looks at those that just cower before him or give in without any complaints...he just glares at them."
Calim Tuesday January 14th, 2003 4:07:49 AM
(Calim has two rapiers, one in each hand) While Calim waits for the group to slowly march off he listens through the hole that he has just come through to make sure (to his guess) that it wasn't closed (besides we can always climb back in anyway). Hearing Sterlin's comments Calim can't help but agree 100% with him. He is still shocked by what he has witnessed just a few moments ago. "What am I going to do to make up for the rash behavior of my pack" Thoughts of this type go through his head. "I can't believe I was ready to push the Headmaster if it came to that...I have always followed the rules, well at least in the gray area." He continues to walk waiting on word of discovery.
Trellus Tuesday January 14th, 2003 10:22:28 AM
Trellus continues quietly for awhile, trying to absorb everything that's happened while still being wary of what's in the grass.
He answers Gilan in a low voice, "We wove more than just 'verbal parrying', Gilan. We totally rejected his authority. Sure, he's a totally shuttlecocked beater, but I think we crossed the line back there."
He continues in a quiet, calm voice.
"And Galafar don't care who said it. We're weft and web. The pack speaks as one, and gets ripped as one. I just hope we don't face a choice of leaving Rattledam or leaving the pack."
Milo Tuesday January 14th, 2003 12:31:51 PM
some may of said we mispoke, but when you speak from your heart, there should be no apologizing. which, you wont see me doing. I have wanted to get what I said off my chest for some time, and as Sterlin thinks, it may not of been the appropriate thing to say or do, but someone can only take so much browbeating and abuse before they Must take a stand. look at me as you see fit, I will not apologize to him for what I said. even if it means me having to leave the city. honestly, i'm ready for an adventure. it's not like we wont be back one day to visit friends and family, but still, we have all seen groups leave, it's in our destiny.
Anuk d20+9=22 d20+6=24 d20+2=7 Tuesday January 14th, 2003 4:46:23 PM
"Sterlin and Trellus are right...we didn't just cross the line, we jumped over it. Well, I did, anyway. I don't think Galafar will exile us, though...he'll want to watch us suffer."
Anuk tries to put the confrontation with Galafar out of his mind and concentrate on getting the pack to their goal. Making his way forward in the dark (Move Silently 22) he continues to search and listen for trouble (Spot 24, Listen 7).
Grymash stops instantly ... as if he had heard something!! Then he continues with a grunt. Grymash whispers to the group, "Uhh guys ... less talk, more stalk!!!!"
ADM Mikey Tuesday January 14th, 2003 11:09:20 PM
With the faint wind whispering along, the grasses sway and move... "Have we gone Walker??" Jacob mutters, just loud enough for everyone to hear... When all of you fall silent after Grymash's last words, the wind rustles the grass. It is quite warm and soothing.
Luckily, the grass here is mainly quite short, about waist height for the average human. Around you, clumps of wilder patches exist that go higher. Typically, these host sometimes dangerous life forms, so Anuk steps to avoid them carefully.
The stars shine out clearly above you, not twinkling or sparkling like some travelers say they do in their native countries. Instead, they are bright; so bright that you can even pick out the different colors. Some stars are clumped together like a lone patch of grass, yet others form whole rivers across the sky. Although the moon is not even a sliver of light, you can tell where it's hiding. It's a strangely beautiful sight, and perhaps reassuring in its endless sprawl, even larger than the plains seem at times.
Anuk leads you into a taller patch of grass that goes more than sixteen feet in height. Suddenly, you're surrounded on all sides. He makes his way slowly, having to poke forward to find a thin spot to weave through. You guys are pretty sure you're almost there, but this last part is the most difficult, as is most terrain the farther one gets from the village.
The farther one gets from the village...
Walkers. Natives. Those who live on the plains, outside the village. Ever since you were young, you were told by others to watch out or the Glass Walkers would come to take you away. To most of Rattledam, life on the outside isn't only dangerous, it's empty, boring, and uninhabitable. Where would you live?
Rattledam is the largest of the foundling towns in the Plains, and if the Monks there don't accept you, you wouldn't be accepted anywhere. Would you have to go to one of the towns on the edge of the Plains? If you did, you probably would never be able to return. And every story of the cities that you have heard indicates them as dens of vice, horrible places where every man is out against every other, where nobody can trust anyone else, and where most people treat each other like dirt.
Not only that, but being outcast or banished from Rattledam might mean death on the long trip. No one ever does know what the last conversation people have with the monks before they leave Rattledam forever is...
Then again, what you have all done is hardly worth banishment. Kitchen duties, working in the fields, constant studying, maybe even a bit of direct physical pain...but Galafar is known far more for relating the punishment to the crimes. When one particularly disobedient child disobeyed him then mouthed him off, Galafar not only had him whipped, but he was forced to spend a full day under the strict headmaster's direct supervision. It is a punishment feared even more than whipping to many packs, and not just your own.
You're near the place, and one small problem may occur to the more wilderness-minded among you. Glass grass is certainly distinct, but amongst the other grasses it will be hard to see, especially with no light.
(Gimme a Wilderness Lore check, DC 12... +4 if you guys don't have any lights. Or, if you want to try to spot it, based upon what you've heard of the grass (which is VERY difficult!), try a Spot check, DC 18, 22 if there's no light. Nightvision or Darkvision does not help much, since it is but one grass among many, and it is mainly the color which aids in one finding it. Also, the light is going to have to be quite strong and last at least long enough for your eyes to adjust to the new light. Btw, don't skip ahead to harvesting it up.)
(PS: Sorry about the length of this post...)
Sterlin d20+9=14 Wednesday January 15th, 2003 7:56:54 AM
Sterlin draws upon his druidic knowledge of wildlife. (wilderness lore check 14)
Trellus d20+5=15 Wednesday January 15th, 2003 8:15:21 AM
(Spot 15, nuthin')
Trellus pulls out his holy symbol, a small silver hammer. In a hushed voice he addresses the group, "Dudes, we might need to risk a light to find the grass. I can give us about 30 minutes."
Trellus will hold action, waiting for the rest of the party. Unless he hears different he'll cast a LIGHT spell on the symbol and raise it aloft to help search for the grass.
If someone else has got a better idea, or finds it without light, he'll murmur a short prayer, and pocket the symbol without casting the spell.
Milo d20+3=16 d20+3=17 Wednesday January 15th, 2003 11:56:18 AM
attempting to spot, Milo doesn´t seem to notice anything in the dark. but, when looking at the grass like Sterlin does, using wilderness lore, he makes his check (17) and motions for Sterlin to come see if he found the correct stuff.
Grymash (bulls strength) d20+6=26 d20+3=6 d20+8=22 Wednesday January 15th, 2003 4:14:41 PM
Grymash agrees that light is needed. He grunts a little realizing he didnt memorize a Light spell. He continues to search the area for the grass, but also looks for an ambush from the creatures that go bump in the night.
(Listen 26 nat. 20, Spot 6, Wilderness Lore 22)
Anuk d20+6=18 d20+6=20 d20+2=20 Wednesday January 15th, 2003 4:34:03 PM
All this talk of using magic makes Anuk uneasy. "Look...we know what we're looking for. We'll find it...just give it time." He understands the need for magic light right now, of course, but hopes that it won't be necessary.
While looking for the grass near Milo (wilderness lore 18), he also continues to keep a watchful eye and ear out (spot 20, listen 20).
Gilan d20+3=12 d20+3=12 d20+6=12 d20+9=13 d20+9=19 Thursday January 16th, 2003 12:59:33 AM
Gilan glances around the area trying his best to spot anything that would resemble what he has only seen in books. His wasps noiselessly buzz around keeping an eye..er eyes out for trouble.
ADM Mikey Thursday January 16th, 2003 2:03:26 AM
With the light of Trellus' symbol, Milo easily deciphers which kind of grass is the right one. It's almost a small grove, really, with the more vibrant the yellow the more ripe and ready the alcohol pod is. You guys carefully step towards it, and due to the nearly impossibly tall grass you have to step cautiously through the dangerous area, making sure not to disturb the tough strands, which easily snap.
The pod needed for distilling purposes is located aprox. 8 inches deep in the earth under the stalk. It is oval shaped and black. It is dangerous to harvest these pods because if you pull too hard the entire stalk can and will fall in sharp pieces all over you. In order to harvest with out this happening one must make a Skills Check (HARVEST GLASS GRASS DC 4) or (GRASS FARMING DC 6) or (FARMING DC 12) or (DEX 14). Should the check fail all those in a 5' radius of the harvester take 2d4 damage from falling shards. Violently disturbing the grass (i.e. Running haphazardly through it, fighting in it, boating on top of it, creates the same problems.) Every stalk disturbed falls for the same damage. A fight in the Glass Grass can kill all involved.
Lemme know who's trying and the attempts.
Trellus Thursday January 16th, 2003 1:25:05 PM
Not trusting himself to attempt the nimble work of harvesting, Trellus instead deals with limiting the light a bit. He removes his scroll case and drops the holy symbol into it, then points the beam (flashlight style) to help out whoever is going to be digging around.
"Somebody keep an eye out," he whispers nervously.
Anuk Thursday January 16th, 2003 5:53:40 PM
Concentrating and taking care, Anuk harvests the pod (Take 10 +4 dex), then instructs the others to withdraw slowly from the grasses. He does so himself and then shows it to the pack.
"Well...we've got it. Now what?"
Grymash (bulls strength) d20+3=23 d20+6=22 Friday January 17th, 2003 9:33:24 AM "Grymash hands too shakey for glass grass. I will keep watch for sun-baked baddies!!"
(Spot 23 natural 20, Listen 22)
Gilan d20+3=16 d20+3=18 d20+8=22 d20+8=18 Friday January 17th, 2003 10:15:43 PM
Gilan glances around the area trying his best to see into the dark. "Let's head back and see what our punishment is." If you could see his face you would see a smile that could swallow the moon. "Maybe we will be able to have that drink first...that should take some of the edge off."
Anthony Monday January 20th, 2003 12:11:47 PM
Hi all I dont know if you got my e-mail but I wanted to thank Mikey soooo much and say Id be back posting tommarow. I need to catch up on the game and then Ill be back.
MikeDidThis Monday January 20th, 2003 3:16:23 PM
Glad to hear it Anthony. I hope you and your family are feeling much better.
And thank you, too, to Mikey for stepping in. I'm having a lot of fun here!
Sterlin Monday January 20th, 2003 3:42:56 PM
" Would anyone of you be interested in remaining here for the night? I know it is dangerous, but I would really enjoy seeing the glass grass during a sunrise. "
Gilan Monday January 20th, 2003 10:18:34 PM
Gilan glances to the others as the grass is harvested and sighs inwardly. He glances to Sterlin and wonders over his comment. Though he keeps some of his thoughts to himself. "It has been a long time since I have seen the sun fall on the grass as well...it would be a welcome sight." Glancing to see how everyone else felt about the idea he mutters to himself. "We may not be seeing much after Galafar gets done with us."
[Glad to hear you are back Anthony. Two big thumbs up for Mickey though, he did a very good job and it was fun.]
Jake Monday January 20th, 2003 11:37:42 PM
Jacob ponders that, and speaks in a careful soft voice in response, aware of how voices carry over the grass... "I don't think it'd be well to stay out in the plains till the morning. Not only would it be harder to sneak back in, but what if something dangerous comes after us in the night?"
DM Anthony Tuesday January 21st, 2003 1:01:17 AM
Carefuly pusing through the glass grass is one of the oddest experiences of your young lives. The hollow clear yellowish tubed sway in the brezze and make reed noises as the air passes through them. Looking for the purple stalks is harder than you thought and there is a couple of close calls as someone pushes too hard and a top comes crashing down around you all. Glass fragments spraying everwhere. You all quickly realize that a serious shove and you would all be in serious trouble. Finnaly you find the rare purple stalks. From what information you have gathered the seed pod yo need in about 10 inches or so in the ground on the flater side of the stalk. To get it you must dig down and disengage it from the rest of the stalk without shifting the whole thing very much or it will come crashing down on top of you. some of those shards are heavy enough and sharp enough to de-capitae someone. Who will risk it? Which one of you is going to go digging? And where will the rest of you stand while the brave one goes farming?
Anuk Tuesday January 21st, 2003 1:50:02 AM
(OOC: Welcome back, Anthony! I just want to make sure that you are backing up a bit. I thought we found the stalk and that Anuk had just harvested the pod (see my last in-character post). Mikey gave the harvesting a Dex DC of 14, and Anuk did a take 10 with a +4 dex bonus to harvest it. If you're backing up to just prior to that occurance, that's cool with me...I just want to make sure we're all on the same page with you. For now, I'll assume we're backing up a bit.)
Anuk, hoping to save face with the pack after bringing Galafar down on them, volunteers to attempt harvesting the pod if no one else is up for it.
Anthony OOC: Tuesday January 21st, 2003 12:08:20 PM
Yes I backed up, sorry I forgot to say that. You cant take 10 on it with a chance of catastrophic failure and the DC is also unknown at this time as none of you have the Farming Grass (glassgrass) skill. So I need to know whos going to try and how, and if they are going to use a skill of anykind where is everyone going to be and dont forget its pitch black.....
Trellus Tuesday January 21st, 2003 1:29:27 PM
(OOC - pitch black except for Trellus LIGHTED holy symbol)
Not trusting himself to attempt the nimble work of harvesting, Trellus instead deals with limiting the light a bit. He removes his scroll case and drops the holy symbol into it, then points the beam (flashlight style) to give Anuk some light.
Trellus is essentially squatting a few feet from Anuk, pointing his light where the man directs.
"Somebody keep an eye out," he whispers nervously.
Sterlin Tuesday January 21st, 2003 5:29:49 PM
" You guys are concerned about danger, yet you are attempting to harvest glass grass in complete darkness. We should wait here quietly until morning. "
Anuk Tuesday January 21st, 2003 10:04:26 PM
Looking up briefly from surveying the root, Anuk says in a low voice, "Sorry, Sterlin, but I don't think we can wait. Malgo said we gotta be back by sunrise--pod in hand--to meet the challenge. Hey, Trellus, point that light down here a little further." He indicates the lower part of the root and thinks about how to proceed, mumbling something about Malgo's mother under his breath. Wishing he'd packed a spade, he finally he draws his dagger from his belt and says, "I think I'll just have to dig carefully. I've seen the monks harvest pods before...it shouldn't be too difficult *gulp*. Trellus, I'll need you and your light here with me. Everyone else probably ought to get out of the way before I start. Grymash, my friend, any prayers you may have to offer right now will be greatly appreciated. "
Anuk waits nervously for everyone to get out of the way before he proceeds.
(OOC: If my wilderness lore skill can apply here, I'd like to use it (+6 bonus), otherwise I'll need to make a simple dexterity check (+4))
Jacob Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 2:15:26 AM
Jacob slouches to the side and looks rather lazily around, pretending to keep watch. He glances at Milo, wondering if he has any cookies left.
DM Anthony Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 9:20:20 AM
Wilderness lore will help, If you havent stated otherwise I assume you are standing under the stalk when he tries.
Grymash (bulls strength) d20+8=28 Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 10:54:41 AM "Grymash was going to guard from attack but no one helping Anuk ... so Grymash will help. Lets use my axe to loosen soil around stalk." Grymash gently rubs the blade around a fair amount of soil that surrounds the stalk of glass grass (like a shovel). "If we get hurt ... sorry! Grymash have a 'Feel Good Stick'... ,err I mean wand, in pouch!"
(Wilderness lore check 28, natural 20, whew!!)
Gilan d20+3=23 d20+3=10 d20+9=11 d20+9=15 Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 3:34:40 PM
Gilan simply moves back out of the way and continues his visual for anything that may pose a danger. He glances back to see how good of progress they are making. He tries not to think about what will happen if they mess this up. "Be careful guys."
Anuk d20+6=21 Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 8:54:36 PM
"Thanks for the help, Gry. And hey, if you wouldn't mind, I think it would be shady good if you'd hold your shield like an umbrella over our heads while I try to harvest this thing."
Anuk looks once more at the exposed pod. "Well...hopefully we'll have a good story to weave when we get back. Here goes nothin'." And with that he reaches into the freshly dug hole to harvest the pod. (Wilderness Lore 21)
DM Anthony Thursday January 23rd, 2003 9:25:49 AM
Gry steps foreward and begins digging in the dirt with his axe and everyones heart stops as the huge axe keeps coming close to the delacate stalk. However Gry deftly handles the operation and comes away with a nice hole and the seed pod exposed. Everyone holds there breath again as Anuk reaches in and digs into the earth and grasps the pod. It feels almost like a bladder filled with watter and small round stones. It is cool to the touch and its touch seems to make your fingers tingle. Its at this point that you all rember the strange gloves that pod harvesters wear. Suddenly as Anuk pulls the pod out of the hole it is stoped short by a tube conecting the pod to the stalk. The tube is also filled with liquid. the tube must be cut to free the pod but if the tube is cut wont the liquid in the pod run out onto the soil? Meanwhile Anuk's wrists begin to tingle too and he is begining to feel a little light headed.
Grymash (bulls strength) d20+8=18 d20+9=19 Thursday January 23rd, 2003 11:14:11 AM
Grymash quickly turns to the others. "Please need help .... someone help brace Anuk!!" Grymash then pulls his buckler off his arm and turns the little shield over like a bowl. He quickly pads the bottom of the buckler with a few hand fulls of loose soil from the hole he just dug. Then Grymash carefully places the buckler underneath the pod to allow Anuk to gently place it inside.
"Once pod safe, Grymash will take out healers kit and find tools to clamp off the tube. No water can get out or every living creature will come!! If this pod drop everybody run!!"
(Wilderness Lore 18, Heal 19)
Milo Thursday January 23rd, 2003 12:14:38 PM
stands next to Jacob, offering him a cookie while he to nibbles on one. unsure as to what he can do to assist, he stands back, in case everything comes crashing down
Trellus d20+3=10 Thursday January 23rd, 2003 2:36:44 PM
Trellus hands the "flashlight" to Gilan. "Help Gry while I pick on Anuk."
Then, he casts DETECT POISON on Anuk. (Wisdom check failed, so Trellus won't be able to id the type).
Sterlin Thursday January 23rd, 2003 2:40:33 PM
"Stop. Don't pull or cut that yet. Don't you know what will happen if the ground gets wet? "
Grymash (bulls strength) Thursday January 23rd, 2003 4:09:48 PM "Grymash wasnt going to cut yet. First get pod out of Anuk's hands. Once pod safe in buckler, I put two clamps on tube and tie off water flow. When both sides of tube are sutured, then we cut between clamps. We catch what little water left with absorbant gauze. Anyone know the Mend spell, that seals ends of tube better than sutures."
Grymash begins to look irritated from their lack of confidence in himself. "Grymash is good healer .... bahh!!" He continues to hold the buckler under the pod for Anuk to place into.
Anuk d20+1=19 d20+4=24 Thursday January 23rd, 2003 5:01:51 PM
"Whoa." The tingling sensation in his wrists gives Anuk a start. When the dizziness sets in, he begins to lose his concentration. "Just when I was beginning to think this job would be wax." He sees Grymash situating the buckler underneath the pod. Focusing as best he can, he gently places the pod on the soft earth contained in the buckler. (Concentration 19, Dexterity 24 (natural 20)) "Thanks, Gry."
If the pod remains intact, Anuk leaves it to Grymash and drops on all fours so he can remain as steady as possible.
Calim Thursday January 23rd, 2003 6:51:48 PM
Calim is waiting at his spot behind the pack, rapiers at the ready, looking intently at the groups flanks hoping that everything is ok with the pod at the stalk. Noticing Jacob and Milo eating cookies he says "Everything going ok up there guys? Those cookies sure smell good!"
Gilan Thursday January 23rd, 2003 7:23:14 PM
Gilan takes the lighted tube and risking much moves in closer to Gry. He holds the tube so the his friend can have the most light possible. "It's your move big guy." He glances to te others and shoots them a warning glare. "We all know the dangers of liquid getting on the ground...Gry has it covered." He gives Gry a reassuring smile and moves as close to him as he dares without hindering his movements. "I have the mending spell and am ready." In low tones you hear him start the beginnings of the spell though he pauses and waits on the last word for Gry to have the pod ready.
Jacob Friday January 24th, 2003 3:08:05 AM
Jacob munches, very satisfied, and thanks Milo with a gentle pat on the back. He steps back, watching the grass weave its way, making sure nothing sneaks up on them. He knows when too many people help out, it inevitably causes problems.
DM Anthony Friday January 24th, 2003 10:47:48 AM
Gry's plan seems to be the best course of action and he quickly prepares, finnaly when the shield is set then Anuk can place the pod gently in the shield however by that time he is shaking and his vision is blurry. He is barely able to place the pod in the shield with his shaky hands. Trellus spell comes back quickly and give the dire news . . . . his friend is . . . not posioned? How can that be?? Anuk dosen't feel posioned he feels quite good actualy, quite free...and light.... rather, well, drunk actualy.
As Anuk is lead away stumbling by Trellus, Sterlin, Gilan and Gry seem to have matters well in hand as the clamps go on and the tube is cut. The liquid that comes out is not so much watery as it is like gel and it quickly crystalizes and seals the end of the tube on the stalk side. However the end on the pod side wont close, but the quick addtion of the mending spell closes it up and the pod is sealed. Now how to handle it, and carry it with out becoming inibreated.
(OOC: Well Done Trellus, Anuk, Gilan and Gry. Take 100 exp bonus)
Milo Friday January 24th, 2003 12:39:26 PM
finally realizing he can do something, he steps up. while pulling off his pack he begins to say: well, we need someplace that pod can be put where it wont get ruined and what better place than in this padded potion bag. as you can see, there is plenty room for it and should provide safety for it til we get back.
Trellus Friday January 24th, 2003 2:17:13 PM
"Shady, Milo. That'll work great." Trellus exclaims satisfactorily.
He helps Anuk walk a ways off to get them both out of the way of the pod transfer.
"Gilan, when they're done, I'll need my stuff back," he reminds his friend.
Grymash (bulls strength) d20+3=11 d20+6=15 Friday January 24th, 2003 3:02:52 PM
Grymash lets off a sigh of relief after the operation. He then takes a bit of fresh soil and gently packs around the pod. The soil keeps the pod insulated and protects it from sloshing back and forth. With help from Milo and the others they gently lower the buckler and pod down into the padded potion sack. "Made in Shade!! ... now we carry pod like a hanging potted plant! Lets get back, we can continue cookie picnic under dome."
Grymash fills in the hole, carefully takes his axe and backs away from the glass grass. Grymash waits a minute as the pack prepares to leave. He scans the area during that time for the other pack and any other things that are creeping about.
(Taking 10, Spot 21, Listen 25)
Gilan d20=9 d20=2 Friday January 24th, 2003 9:25:50 PM
With the delicate operation of stowing the pod, he sighs his relief. Glancing to Trellus he nods and makes his way over to him. "I think these belong to you." He hands over the light tube, smiling as he does so. He glances around the area and shakes his head. "How much time do you think we have to get back?" He takes the time to scan the area and see what he can see.
[spot: 9, listen: 2]
Anuk Saturday January 25th, 2003 12:39:14 AM
Weaving unsteadily next to Trellus, Anuk begins to snicker. Then laugh. Then snicker again. "Did you see the look on Galafar's face when we all just left?...*hee hee hee*...He was red as a beet!...*guffaw*...I thought he was gonna...gonna...uh...um...what was I saying?...Oh yeah...Galafar...he...uh..."
Suddenly he stops short and turns to face the grass behind them. "Wow that's tall....*haw!*"
A moment later, a serious look crawls across his face. He looks at Trellus and in the sappiest, most heartfelt tones he can muster says, "Man...Trellus...you're the night soil...you know that?...true night soil...All of you...yer my pack...even you Sterlin...Milo...Gry...everyone...*sniffle*...weft and web...all of you...*sniff*..."
And with that, Anuk falls to the ground and snores contentedly.
Sterlin Sunday January 26th, 2003 10:34:48 AM
" Great job, Grymash. Sorry I doubted you. "
Jake Monday January 27th, 2003 1:27:58 AM
Jacob grins and takes Anuk's arm and helps him to his feet. He keeps a supporting arm under his, so that the inebriated sod doesn't fall back down. "Okay guys, let's get going. I can practically taste it just looking at him. In fact..." Jake takes out a pocket flask of his own and has a sip to keep his blood rushing. Only a sip...well, maybe a gulp, too...
DM Anthony Monday January 27th, 2003 10:11:51 AM
All the plans come together and the pod is safe in the hanging contraption. Well done pack....now on the way home.... but which direction is it. The grass is so tall here as to make spoting a specific star in the sky very difficult. Which direction is home. Eventualy though you get it and begin making your way back. Some helping the inibriated sod and others laughing at him. The night makes its night sounds and seems a peaceful time. You know that it is not very late and you can anticapate getting back in time to get some real sleep, before having to face your parents and the monks, if not the whole town in the morning. Upseting the head priest and headmaster of the entire town was not the smartest of moves, ahhhh well a man must do what he must do and fight the fights that need fighting and it would be eiser to be kind to Galafar were he not such an ..... Oh well. You work your way back toward town listing to the night and enjoying the company of the others laughing and talking with one another and relishing the thought that the Black pack will be eating their hats in the mornin... somethings wrong.... its suddenly quiet.... no noise other than that which you all make....the plains have gone silent as death.
Trellus d20+4=23 d20+5=16 Monday January 27th, 2003 2:51:20 PM
Trellus retrieves his scrollcase and holy symbol from Gilan. "Many shadows, dude."
He places the holy symbol back in its pouch, thereby covering up the Light. Then, he helps Jacob get the sunfaced Anuk going in the right direction.
"You're the night soil, too, dude," he quietly assures his friend. "Now, be quiet."
As the sounds of the grass disappear, Trellus instinctively freezes, straining both eyes and ears for any movement or sound. (Listen 23, Spot 16).
Anuk Monday January 27th, 2003 3:06:47 PM
Anuk looks around through bleary eyes at Jacob and Trellus, has a long, meandering conversation in his head about the pros and cons of explaining to his friends just how shady they are (again), and wonders how long it'll be until he can lie down in his bed and go to sleep.
Eventually he decides to take Trellus' advice and just be quiet for a while.
Sterlin Monday January 27th, 2003 3:38:43 PM
Sterlin brings his spiders to his side as he casts barkskin upon himself. To himself, he thinks, ( I have been in deep thought lately worrying about my entrance into the brotherhood, I must start concentrateing again on helping my pack )
Milo (ac21, hp16-Shield) Monday January 27th, 2003 4:41:46 PM
stopping, he strains to hear any type of sounds. realizing the possibility of a predator being close by he casts Shield on himself.
Gilan d20+3=20 d20+3=17 d20+8=23 d20+8=26 Monday January 27th, 2003 8:19:29 PM
Gilan comes to a halt when all the night sounds stop and glances around nervously. This little foray had been going too easy and he had a bad feeling that bad luck was finally catching up with them. He strains his ears and eyes to see what could have possibly brought such silence to the grasses. Clearing his mind he goes into a low chant that ends with the appearance of an animal.
[Gilan-spot:20 and listen:17][summon nature's ally I] [Wasps-spot:23 and spot:26]
[I wasn't sure what animals were available for summoning by using this spell.]
Grymash (shield of faith, bulls strength) d20+6=21 d20+3=10 d20+8=20 Tuesday January 28th, 2003 1:21:56 AM
Grymash takes a short moment to cast Shield of Faith (+2 deflection bonus to AC). His body is surrounded with a slight golden shimmering aura. He bumps into Gilian when he stops as everything goes silent. Grymash whispers, "Gilan, this not time to stop ... this means you go faster!!! ... GO!!" If Gilan seems paralyzed, he will give him a little push (Not enough to knock him down!! I read your mind Anth.)
Grymash readies his double axe. He keeps his eyes and ears sharp. (Listen 21, Spot 10, Wilderness Lore 20)
DM Anthony Tuesday January 28th, 2003 9:32:42 AM
The fear in the air instantly clears Anuk's mind, (However you will be -1 to all rolls till morn) The casting and noise from all thge pushing, casting and genral talking seems to dray the attention and from the East noise comes. A great deal of noise spread out into a long line north to south. The only direction to run seems to be west.
Knowldge checks (Plains if you have it) please.
OOC: Please tell me the name of the spell you cast in your post, and if you cast a spell on your self or that effects you more than once please place the name off that spell in the Name field as Gry, and Milo did. Thnkas
Milo (ac25, hp16, Mage Armor & Shield) d20+3=11 Tuesday January 28th, 2003 10:27:00 AM
(11 for knowledge plains default roll)
casts Mage Armor on self.
Milo moves over to Trellus, subconsciously putting Trellus between him and where the sound is coming from.
(not trying to get you killed Trellus, just roleplaying that Milo has always run to you in times of trouble)
Anuk d20-1=6 Tuesday January 28th, 2003 12:44:41 PM
As he realizes that the noise isn't just in his head, Anuk draws his bow and notches an arrow.
"I know we'd be going away from Rattledam, but I think maybe we oughta head west about now."
(Knowledge 6)
Trellus d20+2=18 Tuesday January 28th, 2003 1:31:10 PM
"No 'maybe' about it, Dudes. It's time to weave with speed." Trellus cries, waving his arm westward.
"Gry, Sterlin, do you think the whatevers might go around the Glass Grass back there? Maybe they won't want to go charging through that stuff and we can lie low in it?" Trellus asks hopefully.
(Knowledge check 18, fingers crossed)
Sterlin (barkskin) d20+3=4 Tuesday January 28th, 2003 5:49:45 PM
" It is not wise to willing lead a battle into the midst of glass grass. We should attempt to flee and fight together if it comes to that. Sterlin runs, his spiders beside him. (although I have knowledge (sargrass plains), the knowledge eludes me.)
Grymash (shield of faith, bulls strength) d20+3=8 d20+6=25 d20+8=24 Tuesday January 28th, 2003 6:11:16 PM "Wait .. Sterlin!! Carry the bag with pod. Grass has no hold on you. Bag wont encumber you. I need both hands incase of fight." Grymash hands the bag to Sterlin as he goes by. Grymash then takes his waterskin from around his shoulder and grits it in his teeth by the strap. He will have it ready, just in case things got desperate. He learned many things from the orc raiders. He knew how to take advantage of the environment, but sometimes the tricks would often backfire. He doesnt know what is out there. It could be the other pack trying to scare them. On the other hand, it could be a squad of tall men. One never knew. But he was going to make for sure. He wasnt going to be responsible for killing innocent Rattledammers.
Grymash continues westward. Grymash will take up the back of the line. He makes sure some the slower packers like Milo dont get left behind. If Milo's tiny feet cant keep up, he will pick up the "lil' creeper" and put him up on his shoulders.
(Spot 8, Listen 25, Wilderness Lore 24)
Gilan[summon nature's ally I](AC: 16, HP: 25) d20+3=20 d20+3=18 d20+6=11 d20+9=19 d20+9=16 Tuesday January 28th, 2003 8:02:38 PM
Gilan pulls his scimitar and starts moving with the rest to the west. He glances to Gry and nods as he falls back to follow right in front of him. He slips off his shield as well and smiles as he starts feeling the adrenaline flow through his body. His wasps fly right near him, keeping thier own vigil one the sounds and feeding Gilan information.
Jacob d20+3=6 Tuesday January 28th, 2003 11:23:53 PM
Jacob stands in the back of the group, crossbow up, loaded, and ready. He seems unconcerned and even, as everyone's rushing to be prepared, yawns. He does keep an eye out, but probably isn't too aware. (Spot DC 6 :P )
Calim Wednesday January 29th, 2003 3:35:51 AM
Calim will take Gry's place toward the front protecting the party and if possible our cargo. If Anuk is able to lead Calim will be right there for support and protection otherwise Calim will take point with both rapiers out.
DM Anthony Wednesday January 29th, 2003 9:33:04 AM
The Glss Grass is too far to the south to be reached, and Rattle dam to far to the North. The path west takes you farther away from Rattledam and into the unknown, in fact the only thing any of you know of in that direction is a huge stone ship, a large rocky outcropping that exsist through ouit the plains, but the ship is miles off. The russtling of the grass gets lousder and then Trellus suddenly goes white. Something about the way everything is happining makes him wisper "HUNTERS!!!!" Then as if on cue the night is filled with a piercing roar or screech, that sends chills through you with fear. It is answered quickly all allong the line norht and south. Its difficult to think anything but RUN! The sound again pierces the night stabbing deep into your heart. It could only be one thing.... Rapke!!!!!!
(Will Save of 10 or run straight west in a dead panic)
Milo d20+6=20 Wednesday January 29th, 2003 10:41:08 AM
hearing the shriek, and realizing what just made it, Milo casts Expeditious Retreat on himself so as to become as fast as the rest of the group.
grabbing the bag about him tightly so as not to drop it, he shouts: To the stone ship, it's our only hope, and don't stop until you get there! with that said, he takes off as fast as his little legs will take him.
Grymash (bulls strength, shield of faith, expeditious retreat) d20+5=10 Wednesday January 29th, 2003 10:55:39 AM
Grymash grimaces upon hearing the rapke. The sound swells up much fear but Grymash fights off the urge to panic (will save 10). Taking the waterskin from his mouth he mutters words of power and casts Expeditious Retreat. (Grymash's movement is 80-ft walk /160 hustle / 240 run/ 320 run4x)
Grymash holds his movement to make sure anyone doesnt panic and run off in the wrong direction mindlessly. The next thing he considers turns his heart cold, but it maybe their only chance for survival. He grits the waterskin back in his teeth.
(Grymash readies an action)
Trellus d20+6=20 Wednesday January 29th, 2003 11:01:09 AM
Trellus looks around almost frantically, as he continues west, trying to find a way out.
"Dudes, they're trying to herd us west. Probably got some treadles there just waiting for food to run to them. If we can hide they might weave right past us. Or maybe one of us leads them off....Can anybody fly?"
Gilan d20+6=8 Wednesday January 29th, 2003 6:40:20 PM
Gilan all at once takes off to the west in full flight. He takes no notice of what he is doing only knowing that he has to get away. The only good thing is that he keeps ahold of his scimitar and shield as he runs.
Anuk d20+3=11 d20+6=16 d20+6=12 d20+6=24 Wednesday January 29th, 2003 9:23:35 PM
Barely able to contain his fear (Will save 10 (11-1)), Anuk begins running westward, shouting at Gilan to slow down and return to the pack. He also searches frantically for anything that might offer a safe hiding place for the pack.
Jacob d20+1=15 Thursday January 30th, 2003 12:14:25 AM
Jacob, normally easily put off by these things, somehow manages to hold his cool. Unlike the others, he's less frightened into running and more curious about the whole situation...he looks around for a Rapke, ready to run if he sees one charging at him, but also ready to loose a bolt...
Grymash (bulls strength, shield of faith, expeditious retreat) Thursday January 30th, 2003 2:09:51 AM
(activating is readied action.)
"Guys ... go after Gilan and Milo and stick together. Gry ... Grymash, I will catch up with you, later!! Will try and drive them the other way ... NOW GO!!"
Grymash will turn and run the opposite direction, yelling and screaming bloody murder the whole way!!
DM Anthony Thursday January 30th, 2003 9:58:26 AM
Milo casts the spell and it helps but it is impossible to mover very fast through the grass. the Rapke are gaining quickly.
Grymash's spell too helps but he judges that he would not get very far through the grass before they caught him. Who knows how many hunters there are out there. You have never heard of anyone seeing a hunting party and living to report their numbers.
Trellus looks about but sees no where to hide. There are the hunters that hunt the illusive Manfri. You have seen them paracticaly dissapear into the grass but these beasts find them and kill them. what chance of hiding do you and yours have?
Gilan panics, anyone near him sees it in his face. He drops EVERYTHING he was holding in his hands and runs. The grass is tripping him and he stummbles more than moves. He will soon fall behing the rest of you.
Anuk knows they are headed west but sees no hiding place.
Jacob watches Gry begin to run to his death. Even in his cool he is sure he will never see the Half Orc again should he get out of sight.
The Rapke scream again sending the icy chills of magic fear through each of you. And they are closer, you can now hear the bounders charatiristic thud, thud, thud as they leap through the grass, and then their baying laughter as they hunt. There is one thing you all can tell for sure now. This hunting party is large.
OOC: These are printed somewhere in the stuff I have sent you but here they are again.
Grass movement rules: Its impossible to do more than husstle and all movement is halfed.
Grymash (bulls strength, shield of faith, expeditious retreat, freedom of movement) d20+3=22 d20+6=13 d20+8=26 Thursday January 30th, 2003 11:09:08 AM
Grymash stops after going a little ways and begins part two to his plan. He can feel the pounding feet of the Rapke. He takes the waterskin (that's in his hand) and opens the nossle a little bit with his teeth. Grymash then mutters a rapid little prayer to Gargul. A little prayer hoping the creepers of the grass are thirsty. Empowering himself with Freedom of Movement, a power granted to Grymash by his domain, he steps toward the charging hunters 10-ft and quickly turns back toward the west. With the power of Expeditious Retreat and Freedom of Movement, Grymash goes running westward at full speed (x4 320-ft) spilling water along the way.
(He is running parallel between his pack and the charging hunters. He hopes the water will stir up the insects of the night into a frenzy. Spot 22, Listen 13, Wilderness lore 26)
Milo Thursday January 30th, 2003 1:02:14 PM
stopping after not getting very far, and knowing the Rapke will soon overtake the group and possibly and probably killing everyone, Milo reacts quickly. taking out 2 waterskins, and opening the tops on both, he hurtles them as far as he can in the direction opposite as Rattledam. yelling for everyone else to do the same, he heads back to where Grymash is.
Trellus Thursday January 30th, 2003 4:50:20 PM
The blood is pounding in Trellus' head as he frantically tries to think of a way to save his friends. He silently curses his helplessness. He is a cleric of the Protector, and yet cannot protect his best friends. Never in his young life has he faced such overpowering fear and indecision.
He tries to stop the halfling. "Milo, put those away. You can't throw them more than a couple feet in the Grass."
"Let's give Gry a chance. He's weaving some kind of idea. Someone help me with Gilan."
Trellus clamps on to Gilan and pulls him west (unless everyone else goes east, in which case he'll go that way).
Sterlin (barkskin) d20+6=14 Thursday January 30th, 2003 8:37:04 PM
Sterlin runs his full movement away from the sound then turns and prepares to cast.
(passed will save, woodland stride: sargrass plains)
Anuk Thursday January 30th, 2003 10:47:33 PM
Anuk's mind continues to clear, and as he moves quickly westward he gets as close as he can to the nearby members of the pack. He glances over his shoulder toward Grymash, hoping the water idea will work.
"Well, I don't have any Rapke entries in my journals yet. If we live, this will make a good read," he thinks grimly.
If the noise gets close enough that he is sure the pack will be overtaken, then Anuk will stop, turn around, and prepare to fire his bow.
Jacob d20+5=11 d20+5=18 Friday January 31st, 2003 2:13:41 AM
Jacob swears silently and bends his knees, staying low, and attempting to hide and stay silent, clutching his crossbow with a light finger resting on the trigger... (Hiding at DC 11, silent at DC 15)
DM Anthony Friday January 31st, 2003 11:20:09 AM
Gry dashes off at an amazing speed the watter trail not having an imidiate reaction. He is soon out of sight, but even as he turns to run off you hear strange barked orders of what must be a huminoid and then you see a bounder siloueted against the sky moving to cut off Gry. The size of the beast is unerving. If you were all in an open space you might be able to take one down before it killed some of you, but alone and in the grass, Gry has no chance. He probably has about 30 seconds to live if some one cant get him to turn back, it is also clear that there is no way for him to know they are that close to cutting him off. As everyone ponders what to do then suddenly all around you and around Gry the grasses part low ion the stalks as if allowing something to pass. A paculirar humming chant is heard as well and then come Manfri, clearly running from the Hunters as well. They dont even stop stride but take one look at you and grab a hand. The small black men that look more like children are babling away and the grasses begin closing back. Seeing this an older Manfri in the lead barks an order and the chanting song begins again and the grass splits allowing the passage of all and then tangling behind, clearly to slow up persuit.The small hands pulling you along feel like only one thing. Salvation.
Trellus Friday January 31st, 2003 11:47:06 AM
(OOC - I'm confused about the height of the grass we're in, as well as range of visibility. Either the grass is real tall and thick, in which case nobody can see what happened to Gry, or its lower, in which case we should be able to see everything (and vice versa) and missile fire would be effective. Please help)
Trellus wastes no time. Keeping both hands around one of Gilan's arms, he plunges in after the manfrii, dragging his crazed friend with him.
"Let's go! Jake, help me with Gilan!" he cries.
Stephen (Grymash) ooc. Friday January 31st, 2003 12:48:56 PM
(I dont have a grasp of which direction to go either. The only thing I knew was not to run East into the hunters.
I was thinking the grass was 10-ft tall, so I was guessing we only had about 5-ft visibility in any direction. I wasnt wanting to split up the party so since Milo started directing everyone to run West, I decided I was going to try and allow them more time to get away.
I didnt know if there were any trails through the grass or not. I thought we were guideing our way by the stars. Oh well, Ill follow a manfri now. Thank Gargul they came by when they did!! :)
Milo Friday January 31st, 2003 1:46:17 PM
gladly accepts the invitation of joing the Manfri, holding on to the offered hand tightly, and tries to keep from stumbling along the way.
Anuk Friday January 31st, 2003 4:39:47 PM
Anuk's spirits lift when the manfri appear, and he willingly follows them through the grass.
Gilan Friday January 31st, 2003 7:31:48 PM
He allows himself to be led away by his pack mates, as long as it is in the opposite direction of the howl. Somewhere in his crazed mind he hopes that someone grabs his sword and shield.
Sterlin (barkskin) Friday January 31st, 2003 8:14:05 PM
Sterlin allows himself to guided(rescued) without hesitation. His two spiders follow quickly behind.
Anthony OOC: Wednesday February 5th, 2003 9:20:26 AM
The Hunters were in a long line from noth to south. They were east of you pushing west.
The grass is very tall and thick but not so thick that you cant see some. Think about a bamboo forest. If you are an ant in the middle of a field of grain the grass grows s that you can move through it, see through it. If you are a human in a field of grain you can see over it but not through it. Think of a field of corn too.
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