From the Floating City to the Scab (DM Kim) Thursday March 20th, 2003 3:28:59 AM
Woodcock, occasionally letting his impatience show through, actually looks pleased once everyone has gathered close together on the teleportation platform. He moves his arms, utters a phrase, and - blackness, and a feeling of being absolutely alone - then whiteness, broken up by four standing stones, from eight to twelve feet tall, surrounding an area with drifts of snow.
In the time it takes to get some sense of orientation, the hairs of the nose freeze.
The sky is a field of blue, with white, wispy fingers of clouds forming a scattered veil. Off in the distance, thick clouds are stacked. With the sun getting low in the West - those clouds must be to the south.
The party stands on a low plateau in the middle of a mountain range.
Those who had earlier taken a good look at the map from Hororot's tomb are shortly able to identify the mountain peak that they were told the dragon inhabits. It looks to be - well, hard to tell, exactly - maybe 12 or 15 miles away, as the crow flies. Perhaps a tad more.
As he notices some of the party staring toward the mountain, Woodcock comments, "If you head that direction, you have a hike down about a mile - with a loss of maybe eight hundred feet altitude. There's the valley to cross. But, you see that, there?" he asks, pointing toward five good-sized fuzzy-looking soft structures, maybe four or five miles away. "Frost Giant tents. Likely a hunting party. They see something moving - they hunt it. Now, the valley is the straightest path to yonder mountain. But, if you want to avoid the giants," he shrugs his shoulders, and waves to the right, indicating a string of mountains in that direction, "I'm sure you'd find something interesting tromping along the foot of those mountains. Or, something interesting would find you."
Woodcock asks an important question (DM Kim) Thursday March 20th, 2003 4:15:04 AM
"Now, when shall I return for you? And, so you know, it's three days at the earliest. Anytime after then should be convenient. What day, what time?"
He points up to a little hill off to the left, where some rocks look jumbled about. "I have a little cave over there I can wait at and watch, around the time you return. If you get back before I do, well, if you use two knock spells, that should get you in just fine," he says with a smile. Frost is beginning to form on his eyebrows. "Don't touch anything in there that is red, is all I ask. And don't be sloppy, if you need to stay there. If you don't return at the agreed-upon time, I'll leave a message as to when I can return again. And it will cost another 600 gold pieces, above the 300 each way already, if I have to take the extra trip."
It's cold (DM Kim) Thursday March 20th, 2003 4:44:31 AM
It is fairly cold out. Right now, about 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-15 degrees Celsius).
If you did not state that your character was getting dressed for the cold - you definitely feel the cold.
In Bill's list of equipment were two halfling-sized sets of clothing, one of which he is wearing. He has sleeping bags, firewood, and such. But he does not have a set of cold-weather clothing for anyone of a larger size than himself. Would you want to cut some arm and leg holes in a sleeping bag, to help keep yourself warm?
The sun will set in about an hour and a half.
Bill Troublefinder Thursday March 20th, 2003 4:54:20 AM
"Thank you, Mr. Woodcock. Maybe three days would be just right," Bill says. "What do you think, guys? How about you, Rond? Let me tell you why I'm thinking that. See, we could fly quite a ways. Hobbes, you can help some of us fly, can't you? So can I. I could help all of us fly. Some of us can get in the sleeping bags, to help keep warm, and we can make a big loop of rope, to keep us together, and fly. We can cover 15-1/3 miles in an hour and a half. Maybe we can fly over to the mountain, and find a place to sleep for the night and keep warm. Then in the morning, climb up, do some scouting around, and figure out what to do from there."
JK Thursday March 20th, 2003 2:32:24 PM
[I'm back. It's going to take me a little while to catch up with the reading, but I'll do the DM post shortly. Thanks for standing in, Kim. -jk]
JK Thursday March 20th, 2003 3:28:57 PM
[Looks like I don't need to post right now. I'll pick up in the morning.
It also looks like our posting discipline is starting to slip in different directions. 1 post per day. Not more. Not less.]
Rond Thursday March 20th, 2003 3:38:11 PM
"I agree about the three days."
Responding to Bill's comments, "I'm not sure if we want to move out right away or not. We don't know whether he's out flying now and might spot us. Or whether we want to sit and watch for him, or move in right away. What do you others say?"
Renik Thursday March 20th, 2003 6:54:03 PM
Stamping his feet against the cold, in spite of his thick winter clothing, Renik says "I vote we move. It's too blessed cold to stand around here for too long. And we need to find this thing and catch it in its lair. If it gets us out here on open ground we're history. Now I'd say we're going to be pretty visible no matter what we do, but flying is going to attract us attention from miles around. I say we follow the path to the right. It's not the easiest route, but it will keep us away from those giants."
He rubs his gloved hands together and hugs himself, as he starts to lose feeling in his nose.
Draax Thursday March 20th, 2003 8:38:16 PM
Draax scans the group's surroundings and then looks toward their destination as if he expected to see the dragon from their current location. Turning his attention back to the group he adds his comments to the conversation. "Flying does seem like less of a hassle, but Rond's and Renik's comments do make sense. Unless we could conceal ourselves while flying we would be sitting ducks. And if we are going to walk we might want to extend our estimated return time. It will probably take us a day to walk there even if we didn't have to try and avoid any creatures. And we have no idea what we will find when we get there."
He waits to hear what is decided as he continues to scan the area, not affected at all from the cold weather.
Feng Thursday March 20th, 2003 9:59:16 PM
Feng draws his double axe and utters the command word causing fire to erupt. It was risky lighting the flame with Giants close, but it was just too cold. The fire may be magical but it provides warmth.
"I don't like this but I believe the Giants may be worth investigating. It is more than likely that we will have to deal with at some point in the near future."
Hobbes Friday March 21st, 2003 4:51:46 AM
Hobbes dons his large woolen robes overtop his armor. "There, that's better."
Reacting to the flying question, "I don't think expending some of my most powerful spells on flying is a wise idea seeing as how we might be able to get there without it. I'd rather only do that in an emergency. Ermmm...." He looks around the group, "What of the possibility of retrieving the items without battling the dragon? Is that a notion? or are we playing it by ear?" He pauses, "Renik, you're the stealthiest among us, do you think that is even possible?"
Brrrr (DMJK) Friday March 21st, 2003 9:07:27 AM
Woodcock looks a bit annoyed that the return isn't the subject of a larger discussion, but he doesn't quibble about it. He nods his head and says "I'll be back just before nightfall in 3 days then. If you aren't here, I'll spend the night in my cave and wait until the morning. If you aren't here in the morning, I'll try back just before nightfall on the 5th day. I'll wait the night again, and if you aren't back that time, I'll say a prayer for you."
Then he casts a spell and is gone.
The group stands around debating the best course to take.
Flying seems to be out of the question, and the group starts moving because both paths start out the same way.
The path on the right seems to be the most favored, but the terrain there will be the most difficult. With all the ice and freezing temperatures, it might be as dangerous as sneaking by the giants.
Attempting to sneak past the giants doesn't seem to be out of the question. The path is easier, and the giants might not be down there right now anyway. Of course, they could be, and five giant tents means at least five giants. It could mean ten or fifteen though.
Bill, Renik, and Hobbes feel the chill through their winter clothing, but it's still an unpleasant environment. Feng lights up his axe, and it provides a little warmth provided that he holds the blade relatively close to himself. He can tell right away that it isn't going to be enough to allow him to walk all the way. He needs some heavy clothes or at least a blanket to stop some of that vicious wind. Draax's ring of warmth keeps the chill away completely. He can tell that it is cold, but it's a mental reaction and not a physical one. Too bad that ring won't make the ice less slippery. Arien drags behind in his cold weather gear.
It will be nightfall in about two hours. The group will need to also be thinking about what to do then. The path to the right might provide some shelter. The open path where the giants are camped looks like a good place to pitch a tent, but there aren't any caves or anything.
Bill Troublefinder Saturday March 22nd, 2003 12:39:10 PM Some quick orientation Bill uses his powers to know direction ('You know which way is north') and know location ('You generally know where you are'), to psionically gain a more solid fix on his physical bearings.
On the mode of transportation "Flying is not out of the question," Bill says. "We just fly low to the ground. If we fly a couple feet off the ground, how is that going to make us a greater target? We don't have to fly hundreds of feet up, where we can be seen for miles around. Also, we could walk until it gets dark, then fly. And, if we want to take on the frost giants, can you imagine many better advantages than us being able to fly? Hobbes, don't waste your spells, then. I can do it for all of us.
"I have already used up a fair amount of the level of power I can use each day. No way do I want to face the dragon before I can regain some power. But, rather than us walking for hours, and getting cold and wet, why not fly for an hour and a half, and cover more ground than we could in a whole day of walking on these slippery paths? Besides, the snow is up to my chin in places.
"Also, if we plan to skirt the valley, avoiding the somewhat known factor of the giants, what unknown things might we face along the foot of the mountains, walking? Flying along that path could work, too, and give us an advantage should we be attacked. We can flee what cannot fly, or use our flight to our advantage in besting our foe.
"The less time it takes us to get to the dragon, the less opportunity the dragon will have to learn of our presence, and prepare. I wonder if the frost giants and the white have any sort of alliance?
"I suggest - let's walk until darkness. Then fly, and draw close to the lair. Camp out, and, in the early morning, take what steps we next need take."
A portable hole respiration experiment "Guys, there's something else. I've got this portable hole I told you about. Well, I wanted to check and see whether someone could be inside it, and have it mostly closed, but with a breathing pipe just poking out of it. Could someone try it? Or, I could try it. I'd have to take my outer pants off, but that's okay, I've got the warm ones underneath. Did you know that these pants can fit different size people, or not squish your legs if you're wearing puffy pants under them? It's neat."
After moving from the portable hole experiment to the discussion of his pants, he reminds any volunteer that, if they have any extra-dimensional items (special gloves, pouches, bags, etc.), they'll need to take them off, and leave them outside the portable hole. If no one else volunteers to try the breathing-through-a-5'-long-pipe while-inside-a-portable-hole, he'll try it himself (after first divesting himself of his knapsack, that has a bag of holding inside, and tying his his stylish pants of plenty on to the outside of the knapsack, leaving them outside for someone else to hold - 'and don't put the pants in my knapsack, either!' he warns). He asks if Renik or Rond or Arien or Draax, or someone, will pick up the portable hole, and see whether he can breathe through the tubular pipe while he rides within among the luggage for about two minutes. If it works, Bill is happy. If it does not work, he is at least satisfied in being aware of that.
Another reason for trying out flying now "Oh, oh! Also, if we're going to try the 'tarp-on-the-dragon' trick, we should probably practice. It'll take at least two of us, and maybe three or four would be better. I could try it myself, but, well, maybe we should try that experiment, too, before we get closer to the lair, if you know what I mean.
But, if we walk... Bill realizes his friends still may decide not to fly. So he adds at the end, if it is decided to walk. "Say, Feng. Would you mind carrying me? I can keep your shoulders warm. As long as you don't burn my boots with your wonderful blazing axe." If Feng will not, he requests the same of Rond. Both are big fellows. And, at Bill's slow walking pace compared to everyone else, he does not want to slow the party down.
Renik Saturday March 22nd, 2003 6:51:19 PM
Renik claps Feng on the back. "You want to tangle with a giant hunting party? Be my guest." He winks at the paladin. "I'll be behind the nearest snowdrift, awarding marks out of 10! Seriously though Feng, you may be right. We may be forced to mix it with those giants. But I'd rather avoid it if I can."
At Hobbes' question Renik looks thoughtful. "Hmm, it's possible I suppose... if I went in invisible and flying... but there are too many things that could go wrong. The dragon might see the items vanish when I touched them. Or smell me. Or the items might be secured in some way. And we need to take into account the X factor, the unpredictable. And if something did go wrong I wouldn't like to be in a cave with a dragon without backup. No, I'd say it's too risky. Besides" he nudges his dour companion cheekily "think of all the rest of that dragon loot we'd be passing up!"
The rogue grins at Bill. "You're right of course, there is no need than to fly a foot or so above the ground! Flying makes sense. But can you fly all of us Bill?"
If the halfling can Renik agrees with his idea of walking towards the foot of the mountains, then flying low to reach the lair. "In fact there's no reason why we can't fly straight away."
In response to the portable hole question Renik is less certain. "Bill, if you think it is safe I will happily try it out. But unless it impacts directly upon our attack of the creature, I would much rather leave that particular experiment until we are in more hospitable surroundings. Somewhere where they serve a decent bottle of Fargunian red!"
Regarding the tarp plan, Renik says "Bill, if the tarp takes up any more than two of us we should abandon the plan. We're going to need to hit that thing with everything we have, as fast as we can. If three or four of us are tied up with a single attack we lose a lot of flexibility. How about, if we agree to fly towards the lair, that when we start flying we see if you and one other can launch a succesful trial attack (unlit of course!). Get in a few minutes practice, then press on. I'd volunteer myself, but I'm at my best moving in quickly and staying mobile."
Renik pulls out a stick of dried beef from his trail rations, and begins to chew on it. "Well Rond" he says to the group's leader, "I guess it's your call. Which way do we go, and how? Only decide quick! My feet are starting to go numb, and the day isn't getting any longer."
Arien Sunday March 23rd, 2003 3:05:52 AM
"Well if someone manages to toss the thing over the dragon I can set it on fire, quite easily. As for which way to go, I don't fancy the idea of fighting those giants, but if they are camped there, there is a possibility that they are out and about. So as I see it, either way there is a chance to run into them. If its a hunting party, chances are most if not all will be away from the camp during the day and not likely to return until evening."
Draax Sunday March 23rd, 2003 2:12:47 PM
"I would prefer to avoid the giants if we can, but whatever is decided fly or walk is ok with me. There is nothing that I can add that has not already been said and since we are heading into the unknown, one way might be just as dangerous as the other. I do agree with Renik, lets get going while we still have daylight." He keeps his eyes scanning the area as if he expected monsters to burst in on the party at any moment.
Feng Sunday March 23rd, 2003 11:06:23 PM
To Bill he says, "I will carry you. Some of the snow drifts may be taller than you. I hope the portable hole experiment works. If it does it could be a way to sneak past patrols and keep warm at the same time."
Feng turns and scans his surroundings. He racks his brain trying to think of what creatures work with Giants, but he can't think of anything. He doubts that a Giant will care about an orc or any goblinoid.
"It may be a little more dangerous but there might be a cave system we could travel through. It would still be cold but it would be warmer than this."
Rond d20+14=27 d20+14=15 Monday March 24th, 2003 12:51:22 AM
Taking the time to quickly put on his winter gear. Rond feels slightly better once he starts to warm up.
"I'd say lets see how things go at first and see how our time goes. We may need the flying ability once we done, to reach our way back here in time. If we're not in place by the 2nd day to try this the we'll move along at the faster pace, unless we prove it's hopeless to move this way.
Because of the snow here, Bill I'm thinking that maybe it might just be easier for us to lower you in. How would we bring the person back out? Do we just dump the hole over?
Can we put some kind of levitation spell on the tarp for any length of time?
I can scout ahead in this stuff when we're ready to go"
Not wanting to take too long Rond helps out with the little hole experiment.
(If the group can move then Hide=27 move silently seems to fail miserabley. :( Otherwise will wait till next post and try again! ;) )
Bill answers Rond's questions Monday March 24th, 2003 2:21:31 AM
"I have a wand of levitation with six charges left, Rond. I suppose I could use it on one of the tarps. Each charge lasts half an hour. What were you thinking we could do?" he asks concerning levitating the tarp.
As regards the question of the best time to use the flying, he provides the group's leader with this information. "Well, IF we defeat the dragon, I probably won't have enough oomph left to let us all fly back here. But, I have enough now to get us closer NOW. That increases our odds of getting back within three days. Can't we just fly now? Can't we? Please? It'd be such fun." Then he pauses realizing that 'fun' may not be a convincing reason to his friends. So, in as serious a sounding tone of voice as he can muster, he adds, "I still suggest we wait until it gets dark, though, first, before we start flying. That'll give us more range. With Feng carrying me, and all of you long-legs walking, we could maybe cover three to five miles by dark along the hills, before we make the fly-or-walk decision."
Bill is excited about the little portable hole experiment. He explains to Rond that he thinks that down is always at the bottom of the portable hole, "Like, even if you hold it up to a wall as you open it - I think down would be sideways to the room the wall was in. So I don't think turning it upside down would cause anything to fall out. Oh, and I can just climb out of the hole. It's pretty well stacked with chests and stuff, and poles." He sits on the edge of the hole (after pack and pants are off), and drops down on to one of the chests stacked within. He unwraps a breathing tube. He sees how the breathing through the tube works, and whether Rond can gather up the corners of the portable hole, and close it all up except for the pipe sticking up, and then carry the hole along, or not.
"Feng, thank you," Bill says with gratitude to the huge holy warrior for his agreeing to carry him. "Caves? Maybe a good idea, as long as we take precautions, and avoid too many inhabitants. Out of the wind and all."
The X Factor (DMJK) [attack on Feng] d20+10=19 2d6(2+5)+9=16 [next attack roll] d20+5=18 [target selection 1=Arien, 2=Renik, 3=Rond] d3=1 2d6(2+1)+9=12 Monday March 24th, 2003 11:35:25 AM
The party debates the mode of transportation. As the talk goes on, Bill drops into the hole where he can't see what's going on outside, and Rond stands by watching with his attention focused on the halfling. Feng tries to stay close to his axe to keep warm. Arien offers up a little debate while watching Renik chew on his beef stick. In the midst of it all, Draax gets an uneasy feeling. Did that snow drift just move?
GODS! It did!
Before he has time to warn anyone, a hefty icy boulder comes streaking into the party's ranks. Everyone but Draax is caught flat footed. It heads right for Feng who is holding that deadly looking flaming axe.
BAM!
The small boulder smashes into Feng and bowls him over. He's on the ground and there's a sharp ache where it hit him in the chest. Probably broke a rib, but he's good for the fight. [AC19,dmg16]
The giant throws another head sized rock before anyone has time to do much else. This one hits Arien, and he feels his shoulder go numb as he's knocked to the ground. [AC18,dmg12]
The giant laughs and hefts another stone. Then he shouts out, "ARTAROK!" The party hears a wicked howl, and 3 large white wolves converge on the party from the rear. They'll be on the party in seconds.
There does not appear to be another giant.
Down in his hole, Bill doesn't really have any idea what's going on. The breathing tube works though. The experiment is quite a success. It's superdark in here though, and you can't hear anything. Funny since the hole is open. Probably something like the bottom always being down no matter where the hole is. It's really neat. It will be a move equivalent action for Bill to get out. The rest of the party can act normally. Knocking down Arien and Feng was for effect. They can get up. Remember no one is closed or within 5', so no full attacks unless it's with a missile weapon.
Renik (AC 32 (Expertise 5, Fight Defensive +3(Tumble bonus)Dodge +1) d20+4=7 d20+12=22 Monday March 24th, 2003 5:24:15 PM
"Oh great..." mutters the rogue to himself as he whips out his bow. "Guys," he calls out "concentrate on damaging those wolves before they get into range. It looks like the giant is going to stand over there raining rocks down on us. I'll try to draw his fire. Hopefully he'll find me pretty hard to hit!"
"HEY! YOU! Yeah you, stupid!" he yells at the giant, racing a few feet forward, then loosing an arrow in the vague direction of the giant (-9 penalty from Expertise and Fight Defensive hits AC 7).
"You throw rocks like a girl! No, wait... are you a girl? It's so hard to tell with you giants, you're all so darned ugly! I'd heard giants were real rock throwers, but you couldn't hit a barn door at 10 paces! You're useless! I bet all the other giants gather round on cold winter evenings and laugh themselves sick at your paltry rock throwing prowess! You couldn't hit me with one of your silly little pebbles if you threw them 'till this time next year! Just my luck to come up against the Wold's worst rock thrower. How is this going to look in my memoirs?"
Renik attempts to goad the giant into selecting him as a target for his rock throwing (Bluff 22), hoping his quick reactions will save him from getting crushed, and that the giant is bright enough to understand a single word he's saying.
Rond Monday March 24th, 2003 5:40:39 PM
Hoping that no one else might get hurt Rond pipes up, "Hobbes take this and help Bill to get out and suited up." Rond quickly hands the portable hole to Hobbes.
"Arien, Renik, I want you in the center here with Hobbes and I want you to pepper that Giant out there with arrows. Everyone else I want you to surround Bill, Hobbes, Renik, and Arien and keep them protect from the wolves. Hobbes if you think you can consider whether you might try to use the portable hole to catch the boulders. Once Bill is out of the hole. I'll hope that Wardd helps us and that the boulder won't destroy the objects in the hole.
Give me a quick second to see if I can convince these wolves to stop."
With that Rond quickly casts Speak with Animals.
"We are not here to go after your pack mate over there " indicating the Giant, " we just wish to move through your region here without causing any problems."
As he's talking he's moving outside the perimeter of the group so that the wolves know who it is that is talking to them.
Draax Monday March 24th, 2003 5:57:56 PM
Draax is not 100 percent sure that he saw something until he sees the boulder come flying towards the party. He berates himself for not trusting his instinct and warning the party as soon as he got an uneasy feeling.
Draax follows Rond's command and stands guard over the others.
[blended the two together. hope that's ok. -jk]
Feng Monday March 24th, 2003 9:53:55 PM
Feng takes a few steps forward, gripping his axe tightly. With no ranged weapons on him, save for his warhammer, Feng must wait for the wolves to close. Feeling the mounting pain from his wounds, Feng summons the healing energy bestowed upon him by the gods. His free hand takes on a yellow glow and presses against his chest.
ooc: lay on hands, healed 24hp leaving him with 16 subdual dmg
Hobbes Tuesday March 25th, 2003 12:15:24 AM
Hobbes is taken aback by the sudden slams of boulders into the party and fumbles a little as he's handed the portable hole. He nods quickly however when Rond updates him about what to do. He reaches into the hole quickly and...his hand doesn't penetrate the surface.
"Argh! What the---!", he curses.
He tries again and it again feels like a big piece of cloth. "How's this blasted thing work? I wasn't watching." He shakes it trying to possibly shake Bill out of it, then tries putting it on the ground, spreading it flat and reaches in again. His arm goes in up to his shoulder.
"Aha!" he says finally, "Now where is he?" He wriggles around trying to grasp hold of the halfling inside. Once he feels halfling he yanks it out and places it on the ground beside the hole.
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday March 25th, 2003 3:51:46 AM
Bill is so pleased to learn that the breathing tube works. As light comes in from above again, he sets the foot of the tube on top of the canvas bag, and uses the pole to vault just a bit as an arm descends, grasping. He takes hold of it, and finds himself lifted up quickly.
"Ooh! That was fun, Hobbes! Hey, it works! You can just ..."
Bill's patter fades away as he notes the tension in the air, and the sound of howling. "Oh-oh." He grabs up the corners of the hole, and tucks it, folded, into an inner pocket of his waistcoat. Next he takes up his pants, slipping them on in a hurry, then slings on his knapsack. As soon as he can, he begins to fly (probably not until next round, at least), straight up at first.
A piece of cake compared to a dragon... [dmjk] [atk on Renik] d20+10=30 [nat20] d20+10=29 [missed crit] [dmg on Renik] 2d6(5+4)+9=18 [atk on Rond] d20+9=23 d8+6=10 [cone of cold dmg] 4d6(3+1+5+4)=13 [bite atk on Feng] d20+9=23 [dmg on Feng] d8+6=12 [trip atk on Feng] d20+9=25 [wolf str check] d20+4=9 [bite atk on Arien] d20+9=28 [dmg on Arien] d8+6=9 [trip atk on Arien] d20+9=19 [wolf str check] d20+4=18 Tuesday March 25th, 2003 11:07:41 AM
Party results: Renik fires his arrow, and it somehow manages to sail right past that huge giant. Renik hears thoughts echoing in his head about the broad side of a barn.
Whether or not the giant understands him, the bold theif does seem to draw the giant's attention with his antics.
Rond gives the party some directions and tries talking to the rapidly advancing wolves. The one in the center snarls back in common so that everyone understands, "Stupid manling. Your warm heart is going to taste good." So much for negotitations.
Feng heals himself up as he and Draax wait for the clash. [if the subdual damage is from the barfight, you've healed up 5 points by now]
Hobbes fumbles with the hole and pulls Bill out, who tries to wriggle into his pants in the middle of all the chaos.
Monster actions: Renik's taunts do indeed draw the giant's ire, but the intended outcome isn't quite what he expected. The giant's rock is spot on, and it hits the playful rogue squarely in the middle of the chest. The rock forces the air from his lungs and stops the taunts short. [nat20,missed crit, 18dmg]
The giant laughs at his handiwork.
The wolves hit from the other side. The lead wolf hits Rond who sees that they clearly aren't normal wolves. They're huge, probably about the size of a pony. The other two go after the targets hit by the giant's rocks: Feng and Arien.
The wolf on Rond bites right through his leather armor. [AC23,dmg10] Even as it's biting, it breathes a cone of cold. Rond's right at the epicenter, but Hobbes and Bill are in the cone too. [13dmg, save DC16 for 1/2]
The second wolf viciously bites Feng's leg. [AC23,dmg12] It tugs on the leg and tries to pull Feng to the ground (trip). [str or dex check DC9 to stay on your feet]
The third wolf leaps at Arien biting his arm and trying to drag him to the ground. [AC28,dmg9, trip str or dex DC18 to stay on your feet]
The giant sees that his winterwolves have closed and starts moving quickly toward the party. He manages to close 20 feet after throwing his rock, and he's building speed.
AC [dmjk] Tuesday March 25th, 2003 11:11:36 AM
Winter wolf AC=15 Frost giant AC=21
Renik HP 39 AC 28 (Dodge, Fighting Defensively) d20+12=24 d20+9=24 d8+4=8 Tuesday March 25th, 2003 4:29:25 PM
"Oooofff!!" grunts the rogue as he is forced backwards by the force of the rock, cursing himself for getting caught.
"OK!" he yells, fighting to keep the pain from his face. "I let you have that first one for free! Now let's do it properly! See if you can hit me once I start moving! And make it a decent sized rock next time, that first one barely tickled!" (Bluff 24)
And he sends an arrow hissing back towards the giant. The flight is accurate, and it is fired with some force (AC 24 for 8 HP).
Seeing that the giant is racing towards them, Renik does some quick calculating. If they get caught in melee between the giant and the wolves they are finished. The giant needs to be kept away from the battle, delayed. If it attacks them with their forces split they are in desperate trouble. He has to buy the others time to take down the wolves so they can tackle the giant together. Maybe if he can just move fast enough, keep from getting hit... ("Yeah, right", a scornful inner voice pipes up. "Like you did the last time?" He forces the thought away.)
"I'm going to try and hold up the big guy" he calls to his companions. Try to get him to waste time chasing me so that we don't have a battle on two fronts. Just hurry up on those wolves!"
And he begins to run towards the giant, shouting "Come on! Take your best shot! I'll come a bit closer to make it easier for you!"
Despite his bravado there is an icy chill in his bones that has nothing to do with the weather. He prays he is not going to his death.
Feng clenches his teeth as the wolf bites on his leg. He feels the winterwolf tug but plants his feet. He is mildly suprised that the wolf isn't stronger.
"I though wolves were supposed to be strong?"
Feng grips his axe tightly in both hands and spins it dramaticly over his head. He brings the flaming axe heads down on the wolf in three powerfull swipes.
[OOC: Isn't the strength bonus for two handed weapons 1.5x normal? If not then the damage rolled needs to be slightly adjusted.]
[hit ac 18 for 16 normal and 5 fire] [hit ac 25 for 14 normal and 3 fire] [hit ac 21 for 11 normal and 4 fire]
[I think that since it's a double weapon it counts as fighting with 2 single handed weapons and not one two handed weapon. Thus the bonus is the extra attack and not extra damage. I'll have to check on it though. -jk]
Draax d20+13=21 d20+8=16 d6+3=5 Tuesday March 25th, 2003 9:24:29 PM
With his bow ready, Draax tries to assess the biggest threat. Taking aim at the giant he lets a couple of arrows fly. (hitting AC21 for 5dmg)
Arien d20+4=24 d20+8=26 d20+8=19 d6+1=7 d6=5 Wednesday March 26th, 2003 1:19:20 AM
Arien uses some quick legwork and manages not only to stay a foot but to use the beasts power against it. Whipping his rapier out he quickly skewers the wolf in the shoulder.
(24 against trip, Made the crit, 7+5 = 12 damage.)
Bill Troublefinder (AC 23, Flying 90, 45' altitude) d20+9=16 Wednesday March 26th, 2003 4:38:59 AM
The extra brisk cold from the dire winter wolf's breath passes over him (Reflex save DC 16, on the nose, takes 7 hp cold damage). It gives added impetus to finish pulling the magical pants over his cold weather gear, as Bill touches the area of his mind that allows him to fly. He grabs the knapsack, and slips it over his shoulder as he shoots into the air. As he ascends, the psion nomad puts his other arm through the other shoulder strap of the knapsack, as he tries to take in a 360 degree view of what in the Wold is going on here.
Rond d20=16 d20=7 d20=4 2d6(4+1)=5 Wednesday March 26th, 2003 7:59:57 AM
(ooc if available Rond activates the firesword)
Feeling sad about his talking with the wolves not helping, Rond defends himself against the current wolf.
(saves for 1/2 dam) (ooc I think Rond hits once for 5 points of dam plus strength bonus, and fire if allowed)
Another round (DMJK) [w sv for fire] d20+6=26 d20+6=19 d6=6 Wednesday March 26th, 2003 10:52:17 AM
Party results:
Renik pops the giant with an arrow and taunts him a bit. The tactic works, but as the giant charges down on him and quick draws that gigantic, nasty looking axe, the rogue wonders if he might have made a mistake.
Feng keeps from getting dragged down by the winterwolf and dishes out some hefty damage. The wolf doesn't take extra damage from the fire, but it can't stand up to a second round like that one.
Much to Renik's relief, Draax calmly pops the giant with another arrow.
Arien dances the blade with his wolf and draws blood, but he's pretty certain that he's hurt worse than the wolf is.
Bill gets his pants on and gets up in the air. It's freaking cold and windy up there! He also doesn't see much else of use. There's 3 winter wolves attacking the party and a frost giant charging Renik. He doesn't see any sign of other giants lurking just behind the next ridge or anything. Wherever the others are, they aren't here.
Rond puts up a feeble defense against his wolf with his flaming greatsword. It takes a total of 17 dmg as the flames really seem to hurt it.
[gotta run, I'll do the monster round in a bit -jk]
The charging giant... (DMJK) [atk Renik] d20+20=23 [atk rond] d20+9=12 [atk Arien] d20+9=15 d8+6=13 [CoC] 4d6(6+2+5+1)=14 [atk Feng] d20+9=15 Wednesday March 26th, 2003 10:53:47 AM
The giant doubles its speed and charges down on Renik. It pulls out the biggest axe the rogue has ever seen, and pulls the blade back for a strike as it runs. The attack opens the giant up a bit (-2AC), but his momentum makes that already deadly weapon a fell instrument. Renik's life flashes before his eyes...
WHOOSH!
The blade sails over Renik's head and doesn't even scratch him. Wardd be praised!
The winter wolves keep their current targets. The first one bites at Rond, but it's jaws snap clean air.
The next one bites Arien's arm [AC15,dmg13], and it breathes a cone of cold as it does so. The icy chill fills the air. Hobbes and Draax are in the path of the blast too. [dmg 14, Ref DC16 for 1/2]
The last winterwolf bites at Feng, but misses. Demoralized, it turns to flee. It's fast and makes it 25 feet, but Feng gets an attack of opportunity as a parting shot.
The party seems to be gaining the upper hand.
Arien d20+10=24 Wednesday March 26th, 2003 2:29:31 PM
Twisting his body out of the way Arien manages to only be caught by part of the blast. Pulling his arm away from the beast Arien tumbles backwards twenty feet, coming back upright he retreats as far as he can from the wolf.
(Double Move, as far back as I can get.)
Rond AC 16 HP 53 d20+11=12 d20+6=19 3d6(2+1+2)+4=9 Wednesday March 26th, 2003 2:47:03 PM
Rond gets distracted when the first wolf turns to flee. Surprised to see a wolf leaving so quickly Rond misses the wolf he's swinging at. Realizing he needs to pay attention Rond growls at himself and delivers better to the wolf in front of him. (AC 19 for 9 points of damage)
"Hobbes are you alright man? You're awfully quiet back there)
(ooc thanks Feng. I hadn't known about the 2-hand rule and hadn't been adding that in on my strikes! :) )
Renik (AC 32) HP 39 d20+12=20 d20+6=11 d20+16=30 d20+16=20 Wednesday March 26th, 2003 3:26:11 PM
Offering fervent thanks to Wardd, the rogue does his best to keep the giant furious and occupied.
"Oh no! I don't believe it! You swing an axe even worse than you throw rocks! My old granny swings an axe better than that! And she's 98! And arthritic! And she's got no arms! At least try to put a bit of oomph into it!" (Bluff 20 to keep the giant's attention focused on him).
Realising that if the axe connects he is going to end up very dead very quickly, Renik concentrates on moving as fast as he possibly can, tumbling, leaping, ducking and swerving in a desperate attempt to keep the giant wrong footed (AC 32).
Rolling up close to the giant (Tumble 20 avoids AoO from reach weapon) he suddenly flips to his feet and jabs swiftly with his right hand blade (AC 11). However he is moving too quickly to get any proper accuracy behind the blow. "See? That's how you fight! "Oops, I missed again!" Pathetic!" he quips, as he rolls away, circling back out of range (Tumble 30 to prevent AoO, moves 20 feet at a right angle to the rest of the party, trying to get the giant to follow him, forcing it to move far enough to sacrifice its full attack).
"Now try again, and do it properly this time or I may well lose patience with you and have to gut you like a trout" the rogue advises, waggling his lefthand shortsword in a show of patronising chastisement, and trying not to wince at the pain that still lances through his chest where the giant's rock hit him.
Inside he prays that his companions take those wolves down quickly. This is a very dangerous game he is playing. The longer it goes on the greater the chance that that immense axe is going to catch up with him... and it would be a tragic waste to lose one of New Elenna's most eligible batchelors at so early an age.
Draax AC21, 2 dmg d20+5=18 d20+13=32 d20+8=17 d6+3=9 Wednesday March 26th, 2003 6:21:01 PM
Draax catches a glance of the cone coming his way while keeping his bow aimed at the giants. He takes a side step to get out of the center of the cone trusting his ring to negate the rest(DC 25 saved for half, ring negates 5 points of cold for a total of 2 dmg). In the back of his mind he absently thinks about how this is the first time he felt the slightest bit of cold since purchasing his ring so long ago.
Going into warrior mode Draax blocks out his surroundings, centers his focus on the giant movements, and waits for a good opening. The half-elven warrior draws back the bowstring and takes a deep breath that he holds for half of a second as he releases the arrow. He smiles as he is rewarded with a direct hit (AC 32, 9dmg). Keeping his focus his draws his second arrow and lets it fly. Then watches the arrow sail off into oblivion. He tells himself that it will take too many arrows and too much time to really do any damage at the rate he is going.
Draax half heartedly drops his bow and readies his sword and shield, then takes a big swallow as he prepares himself.
Feng d20+14=21 d8+8=13 d6=5 d20+12=18 d20+7=8 d20+7=16 Wednesday March 26th, 2003 10:23:48 PM
Feng can't keep up with the wolf, even without the snow, but takes one last parting swipe. [hit ac 21 for 18]
Seeing the large giant nearly cut Renik in half, Feng moves over to assault the giant. He spins his flaming double axe but misses badly. [hit ac 18, 8, 16]
Bill Troublefinder 5d4(4+3+1+4+3)=15 Thursday March 27th, 2003 2:23:07 AM
If Feng's last blow does not take out the winter wolf, then Bill wants to ensure it does not flee to warn others. He flies to a point above it, and emits the barest whisper from his mouth - which whisper instantaneously (well, at least ~330 meters per second) gains force, and transforms into a cone of sound that shakes flesh and rattles bone. He concentrates so as to amplify the power of the sound (Fortify Power feat, applied twice for 3+2+2 power points, causing 23 hp sonic damage to wolf, Reflex save for 12 hp damage).
If Bill is able with the same 60' cone of sound to catch any other winter wolf within, while not endangering his friends, he does so. If Feng's wolf is finished off by him, and Bill can focus his cone of sound on a different wolf, or pair of wolves, without harm to the party, then he does that.
Hobbes [16 damage] d20+3=15 d4+1=3 Thursday March 27th, 2003 2:37:34 AM
One minute Rond was barking strangely at the wolves, the next Hobbes gets a facefull of frost. The chill seems to have frozen his plate mail a bit. After remobilizing, he steps forward to Rond and tags him in the back shouting, "Broo'at Mond Iris!"
[Bull's Strength, Rond adds 3 to his strength]
"Your turn to...erm...beat up things." he says.
Chop much wood with that axe? [dmjk] [AAO on Feng] d20+18=24 2d8(4+3)+13=20 [W3 save] d20+6=17 [atk on feng] d20+13=19 2d6(2+3)+14=19 d20+8=14 [bite on Rond] d20+9=27 d8+6=12 [trip on Rond] d20+9=19 [wolf str check] d20+4=21 [dmcheck for something] d4=4 d4=1 [bite on Draax] d20+9=18 4d6(3+1+5+6)=15 Thursday March 27th, 2003 10:51:42 AM
party results: Renik dances around the giant. While trying to stay alive, the thief notes that the giant doesn't react to specific things that he says but rather just his taunting demeanor.
Rond dishes out a little more damage to his wolf.
Feng drops his wolf with has parting shot and moves on to the giant. The giant takes his attack of opportunity on Feng when he approaches. [AC24, dmg 20] Blood bursts in a shower all over Renik as the axe bites through Feng's armor. The rogue has a second to realize that could have been him as the wounded paladin struggles to return the favor to the giant. Feng strikes some solid blows but none have enough force to penetrate the giant's thick chain armor.
Draax lays down some cover fire and peppers the giant with arrows while Arien backpedals away from his wolf.
Bill doesn't see much opportunity for his cone because everyone is in tight melee. Bit when Arien moves out of the way, Bill takes the opportunity to blast the wolf with a cone of sound. As the sound blasts the wolf and sends up snow in a shower, Bill thinks about avalanches. Fortunately, this area is rocky, but later on... The wolf flattens its ears down on its head and snarls up at Bill as it hops out of the cone [saved, dc17] [please give the DC next time, so I don't have to figure it out. I think it was 15]
Hobbes gives Rond a strength boost, and he notes that Arien is in dire need of healing.
baddies' actions: The giant shifts its attention to Feng, the more dangerous foe, and goes after him with gusto in a full power attack. It howls in range and whips that axe down on the halforc with all its might. The first blow strikes true, and Feng wonders if it severed his arm. Lucky for him, the second attack misses. [pwr atk=5 from atk to dmg;AC19,dmg19;AC14,miss]
The wolf on Rond bites him again. It clamps on tight and tries to pull Renik to the ground. [AC27,dmg12;trip AC19, Str or Dex DC 25 to keep from getting dragged to the ground]
The wolf that had been on Arien gets blasted by Bill. The blast is enough to keep it from pursuing Arien, and it shifts to the uninjured enemies. It leaps at Draax and tries to rip out his throat. Fortunately for the warrior, his chain mail stops the attack. Still the wolf manages to breathe its cone of cold, and Draax and Hobbes are in the blast. Rond is close to the blast, but has the chance of being just outside the area of effect. [dmg15,refDC16 for 1/2] [Rond roll d2, 1=out, 2=in]
It's the party's turn.
[I forgot to add in the size category bonus on previous wolf trip attacks. There should have been an extra +4 on all of them. That's why the DC for Rond is higher this round.]
Damage update (DMJK) Thursday March 27th, 2003 11:15:20 AM
These are the totals that I show:
Arien passes out in the snow, or maybe he's dead. His blood is melting the snow. (-7hp)
Feng is battered but on his feet. He can't take another hit from that giant though. (23hp,-11 subdual, total= 12hp)
Rond hurts, but is pretty healthy. (48hp, + possible cone of cold damage)
Renik thinks he has a broken rib from that rock. (39hp)
Hobbes is in pretty good shape, but the cones of cold have left a chill in his bones. (35 or 28hp depending on Cone of cold save this round)
Bill is feeling fine, safe and sound up in the air. (48 hp)
Draax's injuries are minimal. (61 hp, maybe 59 depending on save)
Damage update (DMJK) Thursday March 27th, 2003 11:17:30 AM
The wolf on Rond (W2) is badly hurt.
The wolf on Draax (W3) has moderate wounds.
The giant has a couple of arrows in him, but they don't seem to bother him much.
Bill Troublefinder (Flying) d20+1=14 d8+1=7 Thursday March 27th, 2003 2:51:59 PM
Bill sees Arien downed and bleeding. He swoops down to him, and, taking the wand of cure light wounds from his pocket (free action), touches his friend, healing 7 hp damage. (Ignore 1st roll - forgot to change die to d8.) The halfling prepares to continue the healing process again.
Renik (AC 24 (Dodge), HP ??) d20+16=27 d20+15=31 4d6(5+5+2+3)+5=20 d6=6 Thursday March 27th, 2003 6:19:32 PM
Seeing that the fight is on a knife's edge, Renik does the only thing he can do, and tries to inflict as much damage on the giant as he can. Realising that his taunts are useless now he figures the best way to get the giant's attention back is to hurt him, badly.
He weaves in close (Tumble 27), ensuring that he has a flanking position opposite Feng (+2 to attack, enables Sneak Attack) and stabs hard at the flesh at the rear of the giant's knee (Hit AC 31, Hero point to reroll 2 gives 24 points damage).
He is about to cartwheel away once again when he realises two things. If he stays in close like this it might just give Feng the opening he needs to strike home (+2 flanking bonus to Feng's next attacks). And most importantly, the big half orc is bleeding heavily. Unless Renik can get the giant focused back on him, his companion is going to die if hit again.
Knowing that the giant cannot understand him, but continuing his verbal diatribe regardless, Renik yells "Hah! See, stupid? That's how to hit someone! Yeah, you want some more? I've got plenty more where that came from, you overgrown ape! Come on! Take a swing at me, you halfwit!"
As his deperation grows his wit begins to evaporate. If only the others can take down those wolves...
(OOC: JK, are you sure about that 33HP for Renik? Renik was healed back up to his full HP of 57 before this battle, and as far as I can tell he's only suffered 18 points, leaving him on 39.)
I was using the wrong sheet. 39 is right. -jk
Draax (AC 21, 12 dmg) d20+5=15 d20+14=34 d20+14=16 d20+9=17 d8+7=8 d8+7=14 d8+7=12 Thursday March 27th, 2003 7:10:20 PM
With his attention on the giant, Draax is almost caught off guard when the wolf attacks. As he counterattacks he remembers too late about the creature's cold breath and is unable to get out of the way (failed save, ring of warmth negates 5 dmg, takes 10 dmg from cone of cold). Taking the blast right in the face, Draax continues with his swing and hits the monster hard and then catches it again with his return swing (AC 34 crit and AC 17 for a total of 34 dmg).
Feng d20+17=29 d20+9=22 d20+9=29 d20+9=25 d8+16=21 d6=6 d8+8=11 d6=2 3d8(7+6+1)+24=38 3d6(5+4+2)=11 Thursday March 27th, 2003 9:23:26 PM
Racked by tremendous pain, Feng grits his teeth and holds his ground. He cannot run nor would he if the opportunity presented itself. This was his pennance. This is his duty.
Feng spins his axe and focuses on the giants exposed leg. If this was his time, then he must do all he could to aid his friends. With what could be his last act, Feng summoned the divine power within him to smite the evil giant.
[hit ac 29 for 27, there was a +3/+8 modifier for smite evil] [hit ac 22 for 13] [critical hit for 49- 3d8+24+3d6]
OOC: I do have hero points saved. Is there a way that they may be able to save my life? I forsee a big thumping in the near future by at least one angry giant if not two.
If damage drops to -10, hero points can be used be used to prolong your life 1 per point per round or something like that. I'd have to look the specifics back up. You can also use them to reroll your to hit rolls. -jk
Rond AC 16 HP 41 (bull strength +3) d20+4=22 d2=1 d20+11=13 d20+11=16 d20+6=20 3d6(4+2+3)+7=16 3d6(4+1+5)+7=17 Thursday March 27th, 2003 11:04:07 PM
(ooc I'm assuming the wolf pulls Rond to the ground, not Renik. My hp's differ from yours. Shall we go with yours? (I was still down some even with 5 points returned from bar battle) :) )
Rond struggles with the wolf to try to maintain his balance. (rolled 22. Can I get a skill bonus stack of either balance, or escape artist plus hero point 10% to get to 25?)
As Rond struggles with wolf he's fighting with, it pulls him out of range of the breath of the other.
--- If Rond can get free he quickly turns and tries to deliver two more blows on the wolf he was struggling with. Worried about his friends Rond muscles his way into hitting the wolf twice (used hero point). (AC 16 for 16, and AC 20 for 17 points)
Arien Friday March 28th, 2003 1:11:06 AM
Groaning quietly, Arien shifts a bit before collapsing back into unconciousness.
Hobbes (16 damage) d20+3=20 3d8(7+6+8)+7=28 Friday March 28th, 2003 4:13:21 AM
Hobbes is ready for the wolf this time and ducks forward just enough that all the colddamage goes to his backside instead of directly into his face. (8 Damage taken)
[JK, you are correct about the previous save using a hero point. I took half damage instead of none. Total now is 16.)
He turns around and sees Arien crumple into helpless unconsciousness and charges over to him.
"Oh, no you don't. We need your help!"
He waves his hands and intones.
[Cure Serious Wounds on Arien for 28 hp.]
When he finishes he lifts Arien upright on his feet. "Up you go!"
Hobbes tries to stand between the enemies and Arien.
Another go (DMJK) [atk on Draax] d20+9=18 [atk on Feng] d20+18=20 2d8(7+7)+13=27 [cleave on Renik] d20+18=37 2d8(4+6)+13=23 d20+13=26 2d8(8+4)+13=25 Friday March 28th, 2003 3:25:06 PM
Party results: Bill and Hobbes get Arien back up on his feet and feeling nearly as good as new. Arien's fine, but he also knows just how close to death he came.
Renik stabs the giant in the leg and gives the brute his first significant dose of pain.
Feng rallies what just might be the last of his strength and rains Domi's wrath down on the cursed foe. (I don't think the flame does critical damage. You'd have to add flaming burst for that. Still, good show.)
Using his balance skill and some hidden store of energe (hero point), Rond manages to stay on his feet despite the winter wolf's attempts. As the wolf tugs, Rond rains blows down on the monster's head. It falls. Dead. But it's jaws are still clamped tight on Rond's leg. He'll have to pry the dead beast loose.
Draax gives his wolf a savage blow, but the thing still has some fight left in it.
Monster round: The wolf snarls at Draax, "I'm taking you with me." It's more than a little creepy hearing the things speak. Their voices have an odd barking quality that sets Draax's teeth on edge. It bites at the well protected warrior again, but it can't seem to penetrate his armor.
The giant howls in pain, and he tries to crush the bugs that bit him. He eases off on the force of his blow and just tries to make certain that he hits the manthing with the fire. The giant hits and the massive blade bites slashes the heroic paladin. (AC20,dmg27) The blow knocks Feng back several feet, and he lands in a heap near Draax. He doesn't stand back up.
The giant revels in his victory and cleaves to the other gnat, Renik. The blow hits solidly, and it's a wonder that the giant didn't split the nimble thief in half. (AC37,dmg23) It follows with its second attack, which also connects with the brave rogue. (AC26,dmg25)
Renik collapses in a heap at the giant's feet, and it gives a victorious howl daring anyone to come to their companion's aid.
Hobbes' trained eye sees that Renik is in worse shape than Feng. His life is hanging by a mere thread.
Draax (AC 21, 12 dmg) d20+14=25 d20+9=20 d8+7=10 d8+7=12 Friday March 28th, 2003 5:15:16 PM
Listening to the creature speak gives Draax the creeps, he vows to himself to make the creature into a liar. He notices when Feng falls near him, but he forces himself to concentrate on the enemy that is in front of him. Draax tries to think of something witty to say to the creature, but nothing comes to mind. Instead he just gives a comment to the creature's statement. "You will have to make that journey along."
Swinging his sword again at the creature, Draax is rewarded with a good cut and hits it again on his back swing. (Hit AC 25 and 20 for a total of 22 dmg)
Renik (-9 HP) d100=1 Friday March 28th, 2003 5:37:48 PM
Lying broken and bleeding in the snow, Renik's near lifeless body is little more than a mass of broken bone, torn flesh and pumping blood. A fluttering heartbeat falters...
...then recovers, however faintly.
(OOC: JK, I'm not sure if it's the player or DM who rolls for HP stabilizing, but I'm really fond of my roll! If Renik gets out of this alive, Wardd has got a new convert!)
Feng (-15hp) Friday March 28th, 2003 6:45:02 PM
OOC: Well at least Feng went down with an impressive display. JK could you e-mail me? I can't seem to locate your address.
Arien 5d6(6+6+6+4+6)=28 5d6(3+3+4+6+6)=22 Friday March 28th, 2003 7:51:31 PM
Snapping back to his feet Arien growls while glaring at the giant and activates the magic of his boots. Aiming his spells carefully to miss Renik yet hit the giant Arien casts 2 Fireball spells in succesion.
(Spell DC is 21, reflex save of course. 28 damage for the first and 22 for the second.)
Rond AC 16 HP 41 (bull strength +3) d20+4=5 d20+4=18 Friday March 28th, 2003 9:15:53 PM
Seeing his friends in great need, Rond does his best to pry open the jaw that is clamped to his thigh. Choosing the best of the two, Rond tries both his hands and his sword in order to unclamp the teeth. Using all his focused being he does his best to make the teeth open up. (used hero point to get 18 dex or str roll) (bonus is the same)
Hobbes 3d8(5+2+7)+7=21 Friday March 28th, 2003 11:15:50 PM
Hobbes leaves Arien's side and runs streaming toward Renik, panic on his face.
He reaches his side and shouts his words of divine magic, almost screaming up to his deity and touches Renik's forehead. A yellow light bursts forth out of his hand and into Renik. [Cure Serious Wounds for 21 hp.]
Bill Troublefinder 5d4(2+4+4+4+3)=17 d20+5=18 Saturday March 29th, 2003 3:54:30 AM
Hearing the challenging bellow of the giant, the hobbit sees two of his friends crumpled near the monstrosity's feet. Bill flies forward to a point low to the ground, and about fifteen feet behind the back of the giant. He aims the energetic sound in a fashion similar to the way he hurt the attacking winter wolf a few moments ago. However, he aims the focus of the cone upwards, so as to catch the giant, but not his friends, in the area of effect. He notes the explosive fireballs just barely above his own head, and is glad he chose to go in low. Taking the training Professor Abulek gave him, the whispered word, 'muffin', expands in volume to shake the bleeding giant, this affront to smallness before him. [Fortify power, sonic damage 21 hp, Reflex save vs DC 18 for half damage.] After the cone of cold is unleashed, he flies back about five feet, watching the actions of the frost giant, ready to move to one side or another should frosty attack, or even just fall in his direction.
DMJK Saturday March 29th, 2003 5:03:52 AM
[Hey, Feng isn't dead. The subdual damage on his total is nonlethal damage. He's effectively at -4.]
VICTORY! (dmjk) d20+3=19 d20+3=11 Monday March 31st, 2003 2:35:40 PM
Draax swings his sword and ends the life of the last winterwolf.
Then Arien activates his boots of speed and throws two fireballs up in the air so that they strike the top half of the giant but don't harm Renik near the ground. The frost giant can't handle the heat and drops its axe to throw it's hands up by its head. It dances around in agony. The smell of burning frost giant flesh fills the cold air, and after a few brief seconds it topples over backwards with a loud thud.
Bill sees that his attack isn't neccessary and saves himself the energy of an attack. Bill is also pretty sure that those two airborne fireball explosions must have been visible to anyone in the valley below. That could very well mean the other frost giants are already headed this way, and no one is in any position for another fight right now.
As Rond pries the other dead wolf from his leg, he notices that the dropped axe stuck in the ground scant inches from Renik still form. And fortunately the giant fell over backwards and not toward Feng.
Hobbes gets to Renik and sees that he's only just in time. His casts his spell and Renik's breathing becomes stronger, steadier, smoother. His wounds still look unpleasant, but he'll live. He might not feel like it when he wakes up though.
Feng's breathing is coming in ragged gasps that are rapidly becoming less forceful. He needs attention soon now that Renik is stable.
Bill Troublefinder d8+1=6 d8+1=8 d8+1=2 d8+1=4 d8+1=6 d8+1=8 d8+1=8 Monday March 31st, 2003 3:39:18 PM
"Save your spells, Hobbes, if you'll be able to cast some fly spells, instead," Bill counsels the cleric of Gargul. He approaches Feng, and casts cure light wounds six times with the wand on the brave paladin, healing 6+8+4+6+8+8=40 hp. "Good work, everyone. Someone search toasted frosty here, and the wolves for good measure. Then, what say we fly outta here, before reinforcements show up?" The halfling also offers to place in the portable hole the mighty axe of the giant, and anything else that can fit which seems worthwhile to bring along. Bill detects magic on the axe and any items recovered from their downed adversaries, then is willing to empower his friends to fly as soon as possible. "I can levitate a few of us, and the bigger guys who can fly can pull them along on ropes. We've gotta book, fast, friends!" The hobbit pulls out a looped rope, and suggests his friends hang on, so as to keep together.
[OOC: Just trying to pack a minute or two of activity into one post, now that combat is over.]
Feng Monday March 31st, 2003 6:57:12 PM
Feng's eyes flutter open. He remembered hearing a divine voice telling him that it wasn't time. Then he felt a great pull and a rush of energy. Considering that he thought he was dead, Feng feels pretty good.
"Thanks for the save. I thought my time among the living was over. Is everything alright?"
After getting the rundown Feng glances over at the fallen wolves.
"I know that time is of the essence but I think we should take the wolves and find a place to rest. Their fur will make good protection against the cold."
OOC: what is my current hp at?
25 hp. And since subdual damage heals first, the rest of the damage is all normal. -jk
Arien Monday March 31st, 2003 7:58:50 PM
As the giant falls Arien deactivates his boots, grins and says, "Oh yeah chalk one up to the mage." Arien then hustles back over the combat area and helps to gather up anything and get the party ready to move.
Draax Monday March 31st, 2003 10:02:20 PM
Draax hears the explosive sounds of the fireballs, but is still surprised when he turns and watches the giant fall. He is glad to see that the wounded are being taking care of and that no one was lost. After doing a quick search of the dead animals, he is ready to leave.
"I agree with Bill about flying, the last thing we want to leave behind is tracks for the giant and their wolves to follow."
Rond AC 16 HP 41 (bull strength +3) Monday March 31st, 2003 10:31:21 PM
"I'm not sure we have the time to worry about getting the pelts. If we have the spell power to bring them along than we can. But with everything that has gone on I think we'll need to stay light and swift."
As Rond is speaking he's doing a search of the wolves, the giant, and then taking a final look at the axe the giant was carrying.
"For those that can we probably want to get rid of our tracks from where we came onto the mountain. We don't want anyone to be waiting for us when we come back."
Using whoever can help, Rond directs those that are healthy on how to hide their tracks.
Renik (from 12 up to 41HP) 4d8(4+8+5+5)+7=29 d20+10=30 d20+10=22 Tuesday April 1st, 2003 4:13:09 AM
The rogue's eyes flutter open. "I-I'm alive? Wardd be praised!"
He focuses on Hobbes' severe face staring down at him, and adds "Oh, and Gargul too! No offense, Hobbes!"
The struggles up into a sitting position, then falls back to the blood stained snow with a grimace. "Did anyone get the number of that horsecart?" he groans, as pain from his numerous wounds lances through him. "Remind me never to try dancing with a frost giant again."
He pulls a potion from his pack, and gulps it eagerly down (CCW, 29 HP healed, back up to 41), and sighs with relief as broken bones and flesh reknit and heal before his eyes.
Still aching he stands and examines the scene of the battle. "Wow! Arien, you toasted shorty but good! I agree, Bill, Rond, we need to get out of here fast, and we all need to fly or those hunters will be on our tracks at once. Let's gather any loot tall dark and ugly has on him, and get moving. Tangling with one of those things was more than enough for one day, thank you!"
He scans the surrounding snowscape for any signs of movement from their would-be pursuers (Spot 30), and listens for any wolf howls in the distance (Listen 22).
As they travel Renik asks Bill "Hey Bill, how's your wand doing? I could use some more healing if there are sufficient charges remaining. But if it's running low don't worry, I'll either get Hobbes to heal me when we make camp, or use a potion. We're going to need plenty of healing when we face the big white, of that I'm certain." (Renik is currently 16 HP down from his max).
Hobbes Tuesday April 1st, 2003 6:11:27 AM
All the air from Hobbes' held breath comes rushing out when Renik's eyes flitter and open. Hobbes looks down at him and smiles. "Thank you." he whispers inaudibly.
He too, then plops down in the snow next to Renik, very winded from the run.
"It can't get much harder. Erm....I think it was FG-1, Renik," he says with an absolutely straight face.
Rushing off (dmjk) 3d4(4+4+2)=10 d100=69 d100=100 d100=41 d100=40 d100=26 d100=65 d100=44 d100=15 d100=51 d100=58 Tuesday April 1st, 2003 10:19:27 AM
The wolves weren't carrying anything, and Bill suggests cramming them into his protable hole until there's time to skin them, after wrapping them in the tarp of course. It's done quickly. Only two of them fit though.
The giant's axe is not magical. It was just big and sharp and swung by a 15 foot tall giant. Someone could drag it along, but it would be a little large for anyone to use, even Feng when he's enlarged.
The giant was carrying a large patchwork bag. It holds: boots, a whetstone, seven hairpins, a fur cloak, 200 feet of rope, a knife (the blade is about right for a shortsword, but the handle is too wide for any of you to effectively use it that way), 3 sticks of charcoal, bone dice, some sort of dried animal dung. Everything in it is giant sized, of course. One of the sticks of charcoal is ground down a bit, like it's been used to write on rocks.
Bill Troublefinder d8+1=5 d8+1=8 d8+1=8 d8=2 Tuesday April 1st, 2003 4:01:46 PM
"Well, Renik - boy, you did a GREAT job keeping that giant occupied. I've got to remember to write down what you all did this afternoon. Anyway, I've used 15 charges from the wand. Used eight in the bar, one on Feng just before we left Floating City, and six more here on Feng."
Bill insists on offering Feng one more CLW (for 5 hp more). [OOC: Feng, Bill's wand restored 7 hp after the bar fight, 40 hp as of the last post, and 5 more just now. He was down -4 real hp at the time Bill did the 40, so should be at 41 real hp, less 11 subdual, for a net of 30 - if this sounds right to JK.]
He expends two more charges, restoring 16 hp to Renik. [If anyone else would like some healing from the wand, go ahead and post such, roll 1d8+1 the number of times you want to be healed, and Bill will do that for you. Reroll if the result is d8+1=2. Or ask Hobbes for help.] Bill uses lesser body adjustment to heal himself of 2 hp damage.
"So, we're flying, right?" Bill confirms. "Hobbes, unless you tell me you can't do it yourself, I'll leave it up to you to get yourself to fly. If you can get yourself and one other to fly, all the better. Our best defense right now is not to conserve our spells, but to get away, and find somewhere safe to spend the night. Agreed?"
Bill enables Rond, Arien, Draax, Feng and Renik to fly. Or, if Hobbes can help one other besides himself in this regard, he is happy to have him do so for one whom he chooses.
Bill observes Rond's work to obscure the steps they have taken. "Let's walk that way," he says, pointing northwest, "So our last footprints show us going that way. Then turn left, and head along the feet of the mountains to the right of the valley, and look for a place to hole up in about three hours, or a little less. Just so you know - when the flying ends, for a short period of time - maybe ten seconds, or half a minute - you'll find yourself falling slowly, like a feather. So, after we've been out more than two and a half hours - fly low - no more than sixty feet up. Although, three to ten feet altitude is probably best. Wish we could go invisibly. But let's just go."
He passes out a 50' long loop of rope, with several smaller loops, sized so one might put one's hand within, and grab hold. Via William the psicrystal, the little nomad telepathically communicates, 'When it gets dark in an hour and a half or two, those of us who can see well in the dark will lead the rest of us. If someone sees that giants have spotted us, we could fly up a side canyon, maybe, to throw them off, then work our way over back the way we want to go. Play it by ear, watch for trees or rock formations that can visibly block us from view of the valley, maybe. And pray, friends, pray - but with eyes wide open.'
Renik d20+10=18 d20+10=24 d20+10=17 Tuesday April 1st, 2003 4:21:26 PM
"Yeah, my delaying tactic of allowing that giant to knock seven shades of stuffing out of me worked out really well" the newly invigorated rogue answers Bill with a rueful grin as he works to hide is tracks as directed by Rond. "I'm just glad we all got out of that alive. Just goes to show what the advantage of surprise can do for you, eh?"
As they get ready to depart he slaps Feng on the back. "Thanks for coming to bail me out back there my friend. Things got pretty scarey there for a while."
He loops his hand into the rope and feels a thrill of pure joy flood through him as his feet leave the ground. This is the only way to travel!
As the party move out (having first laid their false trail), Renik scans the surrounding countryside with care, and continues to keep careful watch for signs of pursuit or movement up ahead as they speed along.(Spot rolls of 18, 24, 17)
He tries to keep as low as is safely possible, and pulls his cloak tightly around him, trying to stay as warm as possible.
Feng Tuesday April 1st, 2003 7:42:20 PM
If nobody objects Feng will trim down the giants fur cloak into at least one, but hopefully two man sized versions. Being wounded, Feng will need to stay warm to heal faster and keep his strength up.
"As soon as possible I would like to treat everybodies wounds. I have a healer's box with me and there are some herbs that will help prevent infection and fight off effects of the chill."
Draax Tuesday April 1st, 2003 9:09:53 PM
Draax keeps himself from laughing out loud at Renik's remarks about his strategy to keep the giant's attention. He has never been a big fan of flying, but Draax loops the rope around his hand and gets ready to soar with the others.
Rond AC 16 HP 73 (bull strength +3) d8+1=8 d8+1=5 d8+1=2 d8+1=6 d8+1=7 d8+1=8 Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 12:58:28 AM
"I could definitely use some healing." Rond then walks over and has Bill heal him up. (41 to 73)
Rond considers whether he should use his endure cold spells. (if needed Rond will use his scrolls, and if anyone else looks like they might need it he'll offer a scroll to them)
Knowing that he uses a two-handed weapon Rond decides that he should probably be last or next last on the rope. So that if anything does come up he can be down and fighting fast.
Responding to Renik, "I might have to volunteer you for toy making duty. Since you seem to have a lot of stuffing to offer."
Smiling, Rond hopes that the party can keep it's humor up when they hopefully return from this adventure.
refuge (DMJK) Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 10:10:54 AM
Battered and bruised, the group flies at low altitude looking for a place to hole up.
After about 3 hours, Renik spots a small cave. It's deep enough to afford some protection from the elements, has no animals or other creatures living in it, and it has an opening too small for giants to fit through.
As night starts to fall it gets wretchedly cold. A fire or magical heating will be neccessary for anyone to be able to get adequate rest and sleep. Their is nothing for ventilation of smoke except the mouth of the cave, but the ceilings are high. Also the cave is deep enough that you can light a fire without fear of it being seen.
After the combat with the giant, it is clear to everyone that the group will have to go against the dragon while at full strength, or as close to it full strength as possible, in both health and magic.
Method of heating?
More healing?
Watch schedule?
New spells memorized in the morning?
Bill Troublefinder d8=7 Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 4:09:24 PM
Along the way, Bill takes the time to thank Hobbes for helping to keep everyone alive, and Arien for the magnificent fireworks finish to their chief ambusher.
He also notes the approximate location of the dragon's cave, marking how far they will have to travel to reach it, and calculating by what means.
Once they move into the cave Renik spotted, inside Bill activates a few sunrods, giving light to those inside - after he verifies that the light won't be visible from outside the cave.
"Say, Hobbes, if you have any more healing available, I see Feng can use more. Rond? Arien? Anyone else? You can take care of 'em, can't you? Let me know if you run out, then I'll use the wand." Bill, in the apparent safety of the cave, heals himself up fully (lesser body adjustment, 7 hp - should take care of any cold damage, too). If those party members with healing ability can't get everyone back up, before he resorts to the wand, he offers Hobbes three scrolls of cure light wounds.
He goes through his removal of his outer pants, and setting aside of his knapsack. About to dive for the sleeping bags and such, the canvas wrapping the wolves presents itself to his attention. He closes up the portable hole, then opens it along the wall of the cave in whatever spot appears convenient, and says, "Hey, Feng, Rond - someone want to take these winter wolves out and skin them, or whatever you were going to do?" He waits until the wolf obstacles are removed, then gets into the portable hole, retrieving the sleeping bags for himself and his friends. He even has down-filled pillows for all. The halfling also gets out his cooking pots, a couple of tripods, and the plates, cups, etc.
"We can build a small fire or two near the entrance - but not where it can be seen from outside. I've got some good food, and tea. Warm us up." He produces several piles of dry, stacked wood - as much as he figures they might need through the night, plus a little extra, as well as kindling, and tindertwigs. "This is good wood - shouldn't produce too much bad smoke at all. And it'll warm us up." He lays a few towels near the fires. He uses a towel as a fan for the smoke, to direct it out of the cave.
He lays a canvas on the stone floor, and puts one of his winter blankets on top of the canvas and under his sleeping bag. "Lots of heat can get sucked out of us from this cold stone, unless we have a bit of insulation," he explains.
Bill looks outside for some clean snow, and fills his pots, melting the snow for water for cooking and beverages. He finds a separate place to make yellow snow, and tells his friends - "Go over on this side if you wanna pee. The other side is for drinking water."
As he busies himself with making the place comfortable for himself and his friends, he lets the others see to security matters, and the setting of watches. "Just tell me which watch you want me to take, and that's fine with me."
The journalist takes a half hour to write down some highlights of the day. "It'd be nice to have a good bard with us someday, who can write good poetry, and sing good songs," he says as he enjoys his third cup of hot tea.
Renik (Fully Healed) d20+25=32 d20+10=14 d20+10=17 Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 5:21:28 PM
Rubbing his gloved hands together the rogue gets to work using his tinderbox to get the wood Bill supplied alight, then sets out his bedding far enough away from the fire to avoid breathing in too much smoke.
As he does so he says "You know, losing Jared is going to have a major impact on our strategy when we come up against that Dragon. Arien, the onus will be on you to cast everyone's scrolls for them I'm afraid. Is that OK with you?"
"I suggest we each take a hour's watch at the cave entrance, with a second person minding the fire. Preventing the smoke from blowing into the cave too much, or the fire going out. That way the watcher won't get too cold or drowsy."
"I think I saw an outcropping that might provide some cover from the sharper eyes out there. If no-one objects I'll take first watch, then mind the fire, then wake the next pair."
If the others agree Renik takes up watch, hiding himself as well as he is able, and keeping his senses alert to evidence of movement (Hide 32, Listen 14, Spot 17). Once his turn is done he swaps with whoever is on fire minding duty, and after another hour wakes the next pair.
Draax (12 dmg) Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 8:14:00 PM
Draax surveys the cave and congratulates Renik on his selection. He find a nice spot to put his things and take a moment to relax. He pulls out some trail rations and offers some to anyone to wants one. "I could use a little healing if there is some available, but it not a big deal if you don't. I just need a good night of sleep to get most of my health back."
Draax says to Renik, "I will join you on first watch so the spell casters can get the uninterrupted rest they need."
He takes a sit next to the fire and place his sword on his lap and feeds the fire as needed.
Feng Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 10:41:18 PM
Feng lays down the remainder of the giants fur cloak for protection against the cold ground. Feng hopes that the cloak's thickness will enable at least a few hours of good sleep. At this time, Feng pulls a wooden box out of his pack. Inside is a collection of clean bandages and various herbs. The half-orc only removes what he needs for his most greivous wounds before returning the box to his pack.
Bill T, addendum Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 11:06:09 PM
If the stars are out - Bill takes a look at them.
"Hey, anybody going to skin these wolves? Or we just going to let them rot? You know how, Rond?"
Rond AC 16 HP 73 (bull strength +3) Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 11:43:29 PM
(ooc I'm not at home and cannot confirm skills list)
"Do they actually rot while they are in the portable hole? Worst case scenario is that we can just try to clean the skin off of the bones and then clean the meat off of skin"
Looking around and knowing the environment Rond takes a moment to judge whether building a snow wall (ooc like an igloo) would help cut down on the wind in the cave, or help to make things warmer.
Seeing Feng thinking about keeping warm along Rond asks, "What do you have to help combat the cold? I've got a couple of extra endure cold scrolls that I could help you with if you think it would help"
Thinking about the watch Rond says, " Agreed Draax. Let's post our watches like this.
Draax and Renik Rond and Bill Feng and Arien
Hobbes since you will be doing a lot of healing these next couple of days, I'm thinking we can keep you in reserve and let you have full time for recovering your spells.
If anyone prefers something else then let me know"
Arien Thursday April 3rd, 2003 1:23:30 AM
"Well being an elf I don't actually sleep so that schedule sounds fine to me. I plan to put this dragon through the same kind of treatment as that giant if I get the opportunity. I have no problem casting scrolls on people for them but lets make sure we do this before the combat ok?"
The night passes... (DMJK) Thursday April 3rd, 2003 10:46:56 AM
Rond decides against building the snow wall as it would 1) be way too much work out in the cold and would ultimately defeat the purpose of trying to stay warm and 2) be obvious a sign of the group's presence in the cave.
Watches are taken and a long night is spent in the cave. Everyone gets their rest and Hobbes has the opportunity to heal everyone before he sleeps... does he take it?
Regardless, any remaining subdual damage from the bar fight is gone by the time everyone wakes up.
On sticking his head out in the morning, Feng notes that it got colder during the night. It is also snowing.
Bill sees that flying and avoiding the giants has taken the group into the mountains toward the right of their original location. The terrain is rocky with large snow drifts in places. The snow coming down will help hide any tracks, but it could also make footing treacherous.
Bill guesses between 3 and 5 miles to the dragon's cave, and unless the group flies again, it's going to be a hard hike.
Then there are those wolf carcasses...
(I'll assume that everyone is healed to full, but we need to figure out how many scrolls or wand charges were used to do it)
Draax Thursday April 3rd, 2003 11:17:28 AM
Draax gets his gear ready and waits until everyone is ready to leave the cave before he puts out the fire and buries the ashes in under snow.
Arien Thursday April 3rd, 2003 3:24:41 PM
During his watch Arien rememorizes the spells he cast. Afterwards he makes some small talk with Feng and waits for the rest of the party to awaken.
After the rest wake up Arien walks over to the wolf carcasses and considers them a moment. "You know," he says while turning around. "It is snowing out there and its not much warmer here. I say we leave these here. Its cold enough that they wouldn't rot for a long time. Besides that I suspect that the dragon's loot will take up all the spare space we have and if we feel like bringing them along after the fight, well we can simply carry them."
(Arien is at full HP thanks to Hobbes so he doesn't need to take any hits off the wand.)
Rond Friday April 4th, 2003 12:29:42 AM
Rond spends some time in muted conversation with is friend Bill during their watch. Mostly he just reminices with his friend about where they've come.
In the morning Rond comments to the others,"Do we want to try something on the slightly drastic side? I'm assuming we'll stand out here compared to any of the animals in this area. So we're going to be spotted easily by any other giants that are out here. Bill. Do you have enough breathing tubes that we might get everyone in the hole? I'm wondering whether we should conserve spells and have just you fly, with everyone in the portable hole. It's a little risky since if you (pointing at Bill) get taken out by anything, the rest of us will be inside. But by Bill traveling alone, I would think he would be real hard to spot out here. Plus inside the hole might keep others of us a little warmer for the time being."
Bill Troublefinder Friday April 4th, 2003 4:45:44 AM
"Anything happen?" Bill asks Draax and Renik as they awaken him and Rond for the next watch.
On guard duty "Well, I've got a lot of stuff in the hole," Bill answers Rond. Then he switches to telepathic conversation - at least for his side of it, thanks to William. 'Maybe I can take some of it out, and what we need to keep for sure ... hmmm.' Bill ponders for a moment. 'Oh, yeah, I think I've got enough breathing tubes. Eight. Now, if you were to hold out your arms, and turn around in a circle - then add about three, almost four feet above your head, that's how much an empty hole holds. Can six fit in there? Well, it'd be pretty cozy. Also, we've tried carrying the portable hole with one pipe just sticking out, and that worked. But we haven't tried it with six poking out. We should see whether that works, or is just too much. We can try that first thing in the morning, if you'd like to help get the other stuff out. Rond - you're a ranger, right? Why can't you just skin a wolf?' he asks, changing the subject mid-stream. 'Like, you talk about skinning one - don't you take the skin off first, then worry about bones and meat?" Bill shivers, feeling squeamish talking about it. Those things were almost big enough to swallow half of the halfling at once. And they talked. Creepy. He looks around and listens a bit, as he should when on guard duty.
'Anyway, sorry. Couldn't Andraaxius skin 'em? Shoot. Or Feng? Shoot. It'll be a while until I let someone talk me into carrying a dead carcass again. Renik might know how.' He shivers again as he obsesses about this undone task, an extra blanket over his head and shoulders.
"Snow sure is pretty," he whispers aloud. 'We only got snow once in a while there in Windhorn Hamlet. Farmers said the water of Dragon Bay helped keep it "temperate" - kind of good for growing stuff, they'd say.' He tosses a little snowball to hit Rond in the shoulder. It just falls apart as it glances off (AC 15) - Rond may not even have felt it.
'Your idea is a good one, though, Rond. How about if I take two or three of us in one trip, along with leaving some of the stuff here, and take some along and leave it there, then come back for the rest? If the multiple breathing pipes thing works. Let's test it in the morning, all right? Maybe I can wrap myself in white - in one of the canvas sheets - so I blend in to the background a little. If it keeps snowing, that should shorten the distance we can be seen. Also, I maybe could pick a route that would keep mainly out of sight of the valley.'
After a period of silence, Bill asks his tall friend, 'Do you suppose the white will be fearsome, Rond? Remember when the head was stolen, all of them flying overhead, and the black fighting all the militia? It was terrible. But then, there are the good ones, too... Wonder what'll happen to this area if it dies. Will anyone miss it?'
Changing of the Guard "Rise and watch, big guy," he shakes Feng's shoulder gently, ready to jump back if the righteous warrior should think him an assailant. "Arien's waiting for you. Quiet night, so far. Snowing. Keep the fire going."
Breakfast and organization and experimentation Bill fixes some hot cereal for everyone, glopping it into bowls, and offering spices for those who want them. He also passes out chunks of cheese. "This'll help keep your energy up in the cold," he says. "Keep it in a pocket or something, and bite off a chunk or two from time to time."
"Say, Rond made a real interesting suggestion last night. How about if a couple or three of you get in the portable hole, and use the breathing tubes? We'll keep it closed, with just, say, three tubes poking out at once, and see if we can't carry it along, and you can still get the air you need. Then, if that works, he was thinking I could sort of ferry you to pretty close to where the map says the white's lair is. I was thinking three at a time." He reminds them also about the equipment he carries, and asks whether they should leave anything behind for the time being, or not, lest it draw attention to the cave.
He works with some of them to see whether more than one pipe can be used at a time. "Oh, and it's real dark in there. I have some more sunrods. We'll just have one lit in there when we really get going." He works through several tests, each of longer duration, if the early tests seem to indicate the basic plan is sound. If no more than one pipe can work at a time, he says, "Well, can you take turns breathing?" He is not too optimistic about more than two or three sharing one pipe.
He also asks Arien and Hobbes whether either one has memorized a dispel magic or something like it. "Could be useful against the white," he offers.
The practical hobbit also asks, now that they're closer to their objective, what ideas people have for surreptitiously locating the dragon.
Hobbes Friday April 4th, 2003 5:21:18 AM
After burning off his last spell to make sure everyone is healed up, Hobbes plods to a high point in the back of the cave and curls up under his cloak. He watches the clouds float by in the distance through the cave entrance. He himself flew from the power of Gargul for the first time as a pure cleric. He keeps his eyes on the clouds, wondering when it will be his turn to meet his maker. As his eyes get heavy, he observes the silhouttes of two figures gesturing and talking to each other at the entrance. Finally he nods off to sleep awaiting a new day of newly memorized spells. (which includes several cold protection spells and a token Dispel Magic).
Renik Friday April 4th, 2003 7:17:04 AM
The rogue blinks awake as dawn breaks. "Cold." he mumbles, gathering up his things bleary eyed. He kicks a stone petulantly. "Too cold." He scowls as he pulls out a mirror and examines himself. "Why are there no baths out here? Just look at my hair."
Renik is clearly not a morning person.
He agrees that the portable hole idea might be the quickest and safest route, though he does suggest that Bill is made invisible for the duration of the trip. "If you get caught alone Bill, we would all be in serious trouble. How about you keep one hand on the breathing tubes, and yank if you encounter trouble?"
Plans (DMJK) Friday April 4th, 2003 9:32:57 AM
Breakfast, plans, and a discussion of breathing tubes...
Bill Troublefinder Friday April 4th, 2003 6:05:03 PM
Bill opens the portable hole, and asks, "Okay, I need three volunteers." As soon as he has people's attention, he says, "First - make sure you don't have on you any extra dimensional items. Like those gloves that store an item, or a bag of holding, of Heward's haversack. That type of thing." He points to the canvas which holds the breathing pipes within. "Each grab one, and, as soon as we have three people, cross the tops of them near the top. I'll close up the hole, and keep it shut about two minutes. Plug your nose, so you only use the tube for breathing. Let's see if it works." He awaits the first three to get in.
"Okay, while these three are trying this out, someone else start skinning this wolf here." He points to the smaller of the two.
Renik Saturday April 5th, 2003 3:39:05 PM
Renik raises his hand. "I volunteer. Only let's get a move on. The longer we hang around, the more chance we have of something finding us."
He takes the breathing tube and climbs into the hole.
Arien Saturday April 5th, 2003 7:26:53 PM
"While I don't have dispel magic memorized I do have a scroll of it, scribed by a fairly powerful mage as well. I'd volunteer Bill but I have that haversack that does the same thing as the hole which could result in something bad should one enter the other. Oh and before I forget, Feng take this," Arien hands the paladin a potion of heroism. "I also have a potion of Fire Breath if anyone would like to use that. I for one don't plan on getting that close to the dragon. If anyone doesn't have a means to protect themselves from fire I also have an extra potion of protection from fire. Anyway I second Renik's thought, lets get this show on the road."
Bill addresses Arien's concern, lest others have similar misapprehensions Saturday April 5th, 2003 9:37:56 PM
"You don't understand, Arien. I'm not asking you to leave behind your haversack. Y'see, I can carry it on my back, or on my chest," Bill explains to his friend, the mage. "Might even help me stay warmer, that way. You give it to me, I carry it, you ride inside. It only weighs about five pounds or so, empty or full, right?"
Arien admires Arien's foresight on some of the potions he brought. When he mentions the fire breath potion, Bill says that he'll take it, unless someone else wants to use it. "I understand it can cause indigestion. Although, wouldn't that dragon be amazed if, as Feng or Rond stood toe to claw against it, he suddenly breathed forth flames?" He giggles at the thought.
And addressing another expressed concern, he adds, "Renik, I don't have any problem with your idea of invisibility - except that I have one potion, and it only lasts a short time - not long enough for two round trips on my part. Probably just long enough for one way, one time. Let's say it takes me 20 to 30 minutes for each leg of the trip. Anybody have invisibility that'll last two hours or so? Let me know if you do, and I'll be happy to use it. If all of us traipse there as a group, I'll bet we're a whole lot more visible than the littlest one flying. I can cover myself in white canvas."
Meanwhile, from wood and canvas, fishing wire and rope, Bill works to fashion an air scoop, to help ram air down two of the three breathing tubes. "Two for intake, one for exhaust," he explains.
Once there are three in the hole, and it be shown that all can breathe, Bill is ready to take them near the lair. He points out on the mountain to his friends where he figures, according to the map, they should go, if, with the present snowfall, they can see that far. "I'll leave William behind with one of you, so we can communicate until I'm more 'n a mile away," he offers.
Draax Sunday April 6th, 2003 11:27:20 PM
Draax takes a look inside the portable hole and it is obvious by the look on his face that he does not like the idea of traveling inside. After about a minute of taking a hard look at the hole he removes his Quiver of Ehlonna and grabs a breathing pipe. After plugging his nose he puts the pipe in his mouth and climbs in.
Rond d20=7 Monday April 7th, 2003 8:04:43 AM
(ooc I'm not sure what skill it would be for skinning an animal. I'm short on time otherwise I'd make sure myself. Rond doesn't have it as a trained skill that I'm aware of).
"I can work on the skinning if no one else can." (generic skill check of 7)
"I have scrolls, potions, and my sword as my magical items. I don't think I should have any problems with the hole.
Now that those three have volunteered the rest of us will wait for Bill's return"
breathing (DMJK) Monday April 7th, 2003 3:52:14 PM
Breathing doesn't seem to be a problem with the tubes and several party members can fit down inside the hole.
Communication is a problem though. The tubes can be pulled in or out very easily, and they can transmit a minimal amount of sound. That's about it though. William seems to be the best solution, but the lack of air in the hole prevents anyone in it from being able to speak to each other.
Meanwhile, Rond tries skinning the winterwolf. He botches up the first one and tears the skin in several places, so much so that it's probably not usable for anything but rags or patchwork.
Renik Monday April 7th, 2003 5:33:10 PM
Breathing through a tube in the airless interior of the bag, Renik waits impatiently for the signal that they have reached their destination.
Hobbes Monday April 7th, 2003 9:05:28 PM
Hobbes scowls down at the bag, uneasy.
"And how are they to get out? Doesn't that require someone to pull them out from outside? Have you the strength, Bill? That makes me uneasy thinking that one slip could trap everyone inside."
He goes over to the wolf and pick up the front end and spreads it out a bit more in an attempt to help Rond.
Hobbes' wolf help d20+1=13 Monday April 7th, 2003 9:07:52 PM
[Generic Dex check to Help Rond's next roll by 2.]
Feng Monday April 7th, 2003 11:24:23 PM
Feng agrees to climb in the hole. It's protected from the cold and will speed up travel. He has faith that eerything will work out. Bill might be able to sneak into the dragon's lair undetected. There is a small chance that he can set some type of ambush.
Draax Monday April 7th, 2003 11:47:47 PM
Draax waits inside the hole, trying to think about anything except being in the hole. He does a mental check of his inventory just to keep his mind on something else.
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday April 8th, 2003 1:38:48 AM
He pulls out a scroll of endure elements, cold, and asks Arien if he would do the honors of reading it, to fortify Bill from the cold. "That wind'll help cool me off, for sure, so this should help."
"Ah, three brave souls - Renik, Draax and Feng." While the bag is open (allowing air freely to circulate), and just before departure, Bill says, "Catch, Renik," and drops his psicrystal, William, into Renik's hand in the portable hole. He strikes a sunrod, and drops it down for his friends to have light. He closes up the handkerchief-like cloth, verifies that he can communicate bidirectionally with William, and through him, with his friends inside. 'Can you hear me, William? Testing, testing. Tell our frieds with you, "Don't get gas,"' he suggests to William. Then he opens the hole, asking them what William just told them. If something resembling his message is what they answer, then he, satisfied, recloses the hole, save the three tubes, and says, "Say your prayers, all. We're off."
With a portion of one of the white canvas tarps he brought wrapped around him (he cut off enough amply to cover him, but not leave flapping pieces), Bill empowers himself to fly. "Alemi, Domi, and Gargul be with us all, and Wardd to boot!" he says to Rond, Hobbes and Arien as he takes off. "I should be back in forty minutes to an hour, and all go well," he says. He sets down an hourglass, sand in the top. "Once half the sand is run out, make yourselves ready to leave," he suggests. And, to no one but himself, he invokes the good will of the One, the Perfect, the Initiator, to watch over him and his friends.
Since William himself can 'see' telepathically, he requests an occasional report on how the other three with him seem to be faring. If William reports a definite problem, Bill will seek a place to land and open the bag to remedy the situation - unless it's just gas.
Along the way, Bill picks a low flight path designed to afford as little line-of-sight exposure as possible to the valley below. If the visibility is low, he also works to keep his eyes and ears alert, looking often left, right, above, behind him in the various directions. He communicates telepathically via William with Draax, Feng and Renik, telling them what he sees, noting salient points of the local geography, spotting good hiding places, etc. He also looks as they draw near the place where the map indicates the dragon's lair to be, and checks to see if there might be a good place to slide down the face of the mountain with some measure of safety, should the need arise. Is there a smooth slope, or is it rough and rugged? Also along the way, he occasionally uses autohypnosis to memorize whatever might appear useful.
He visually scouts about, looking for as safe a place as he might find to set down, which would afford his friends a measure of cover, yet not require inordinate distance or challenges to allow them to move to their goal.
The halfling telepaths them when he is about to open the portable hole. He describes the area, and suggests they keep themselves quiet once he lays open the bag. He leaves them a 15'x15' square of canvas. 'Sit upon it, wrap yourselves in it - three are better than one - you can help keep each other warm,' they hear in their minds. Bill gives them a hand sign of success, followed by the closed right fist across the chest that some followers of Domi use to signify courage. Somewhat divided as to whether to bring William back with him, or to leave the crystal with the three here, he opts for the latter. 'Until I am greater than a mile from here, William can speak to me,' he tells them. "I'll be back."
He is similarly attentive on the return trip, taking in all that he might. Once back, he retrieves Arien, Hobbes, and Rond, and the hourglass. He assures them of the safety of the first trip. He leaves whatever cavekeeping need be done to the second three. "I'll not be able to communicate with you as I did the first three, as William is with them. But if aught goes wrong, then thrust a pipe out. I should notice that, and set down, and we'll see what needs be done."
Unless his first trip taught him that a different flight path would be better, he follows the same way, watching before and behind, above and to the sides, alternating his pattern in a somewhat random fashion.
Should all arrive safely, Bill asks, 'All right. Now what?'
Arien Tuesday April 8th, 2003 2:24:57 AM
Nodding his assent Arien takes the scroll from Bill and uses it on Bill. After Bill leaves Arien makes sure to keep an eye out for any more possible ambushes until Bill gets back. When Bill returns Arien makes sure to hand Bill his haversack before entering the portable hole.
planning (DMJK) Tuesday April 8th, 2003 10:45:38 AM
As Bill tries to communicate with William while the bag is closed he finds that it feels like William is miles away. The communication takes effort and concentration, and Bill gets the feeling that if the tubes weren't sticking out, it would be impossible to reach the psicrystal. As it is, the others in the group hear him. He flies out and about and enjoys the weather a bit.
Inside the sack really blows. It's hot. You have to keep sucking on a tube that's filled with ice cold air. And, it's really cramped. Bill's short trip seems like it takes hours and hours. You're all hungry by the time you get back.
Hobbes and Rond work on skinning the second wolf and do a slightly better job, but they don't have any equipment to tan the hide. Even if they did, would they know how?
Draax Tuesday April 8th, 2003 12:19:59 PM
Draax is very happy to finally get out of the hole, he takes a couple a deep breath while scanning their new surroundings. He readies his bow and reaches to take an arrow from his quiver. He looks around quickly for his quiver and then sent a mentally message to Bill via William. "Remember to bring my quiver on the return trip and do not put it in the hole. I am not sure if it is on the same line as other dimensional carriers, but it does have a extra dimensional space inside it."
Renik d20+10=18 d20+10=22 d20+25=28 d20+15=18 d20+10=27 Tuesday April 8th, 2003 4:01:04 PM
Arriving at their new location closer to the Dragon's lair, Renik quickly checks all his gear is secure, then scouts the surrounding area, keeping low and to cover, with his bow at the ready (Spot 18, Listen 22, Hide 28, Move Silent 18).
As he waits for the others to arrive he tries to locate the entrance to the dragon's lair (Spot 27).
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday April 8th, 2003 8:30:07 PM
[OOC: When writing so much - sometimes I forget to write down a detail or two - even though I had thought to include it! In my mind, Bill had brought along the quiver of Ehlonna for Draax - but I didn't write that he had done so. Sigh. OK, I'm going to pretend like he did.]
Bill reaches under the canvas, and hands Draax the quiver of Ehlonna before returning to the cave.
"Maybe we should bury the bodies under the snow somewhere, and the fur in another spot - or bring it along, if you don't mind having it wrapped in the bloody canvas," he suggests to the three back in the cave. "Up to you, though." If they decide to get the carcasses out of the cave and cover them with snow, then Bill helps them. If they bury the skins (preferably separate from the bodies), canvas-wrapped, he also assists. Otherwise, he brings the wrapped skins in the canvas along. [Your call, Rond, Hobbes & Arien.]
"By the way, Hobbes - you'll see that inside the portable hole are chests and such that you can sit on, or stand upon. It's not too much trouble for tall people like you to get out, and, with all the gear I have in there, I can stack things, and climb up and out. Oh, guys, by the way - the first three said it seemed to take hours, and it was hot and stuffy inside, except for the really cold air they got to breathe. So, I don't promise you comfort." He repeats the instructions about pushing a pipe out a bit should there be problems within.
Bill makes sure the three bring no extradimensional items into the portable hole (he detects magic on them - paying particular attention to gloves, backpacks, pouches and pants pockets - making careful inquiries about their nature before letting them inside) - mounts Arien's haversack on his chest - all the way from his shoulders to the ground - re-covers himself with the white canvas, and returns to the dragon's mountain, as previously described.
Rond Tuesday April 8th, 2003 11:08:52 PM
"I'm of a mixed mind at this point. We don't want to take too much time right now, in case our other friends get into any kind of trouble."
Rond will then climb into the hole after the discussion has ended.
Closer - DMJK Wednesday April 9th, 2003 11:32:05 AM
Bill gets the group to the mountain where he thinks the dragon's lair is supposed to be. While he feels he followed the instructions correctly and knows that he memorized the map properly, whoever drew the map in the first place didn't draw one that looks like this place. It was a map in the broadscale, pointing out the coast and general landmarks. Now that they're in the environment, it's different.
The initial description of the location of the dragon's lair was better than the map. Bill finds the 3 peaks Hororot discussed. Essentially, the map is worthless now. Bill's trying to use a map on a national level drawn from the memory of someone else 50 years ago to find a shop in a town today.
He finds the mountain, but the side of it has several opening that could possibly lead to a dragon's lair. It's going to take some searching probably by someone going inside them.
The mountain is huge and imposing. The peak is snow covered and rocky. There is no vegetation on it. At times the slope is relatively gentle, but there are areas where it suddenly drops off in a sheer drop. The snow is deep, and while no one really has a knowledge of such things, it looks like an area prone to avalanches.
Bill decides to put everyone in a protected area perhaps 200 feat down from the peak.It will be easier to descend than to climb, and there isn't as likely a possibility of running into a giant patrol. He chooses the leeward side and sets folks down.
As the first group waits for the second to arrive, they have a chance to look around a bit. They quickly discover that the air is thin, and they have to breathe a little harder to do anything (-1 to everyone's CON unless you have something to counteract).
There are no paths or trails. No animal tracks. No dragon signs. The climb to the peak looks very steep, but there don't appear to be any caves or openings up there. There's a good path for climbing down, but maybe everyone could just sit back and send Bill flying around to all the caves on the mountain.
And since I didn't hear any complaining, the second group arrives and everyone is there.
Draax Wednesday April 9th, 2003 11:04:53 PM
Draax is out of his element being in the mountains and the snow. He has no idea how to find the dragon besides checking in each cave. His only suggestion to the others is to look for openings that are large enough for a dragon to pass through,
Bill Troublefinder d20+18=22 d20+18=28 d20+18=30 d20+18=27 d20+18=25 d20+18=22 d20+18=28 d20+18=34 d20+18=22 d20+18=29 Wednesday April 9th, 2003 11:08:26 PM
"Boy, a lungful of air doesn't go as far as usual, does it?" Bill observes, finding himself breathing a bit more vigorously than usual.
"How about I help one other person to fly, and the two of us act like forward scouts?" he asks. "Then some others of us can maybe do some exploring by walking around."
Bill mentally maps the area, and areas he explores (10 autohypnosis rolls above for gathering and retaining his mental images). He also empowers himself to know location, getting a solid psychic fix* on where they are.
Whichever person the others agree to have him help on the flight exploration team, he empowers to fly (it lasts 3 hours, 90' movement). He has about an hour of flying time left, himself.
He suggests to his partner - and, if acceptable, carries out with him the following: Flying first to the peak of the mountain, checking that out, they then descend in a spiral about the mountain, noting any areas of interest, in particular whatever may look like points of ingress. Before entering any such area, he detects magic, lest a magical ward or trap get him, and briefly activates his ring of blinking as he takes a preliminary probe into a promising opening.
William he leaves with Rond & company (or Renik & company, if Rond is the one who accompanies him), so as to be able to stay in touch with the main group. He also leaves with them some rope, asking whether they want 150 feet or 300 feet. "Might be an idea to each make a loop in your belt, and run this length of rope through it. If one person falls, the rest can brace, and maybe keep him from sliding down too far." He leaves it to the group to figure out any details of such an endeavor.
After about 50 to 55 minutes of exploring (or sooner than that, should he discover something of great interest in less time), the psion-nomad returns to the group, so that they might decide together the next steps to take.
[* OOC: Is anything psychic really solid???]
Rond d20+8=12 d20+7=21 Thursday April 10th, 2003 12:06:00 AM
trying to keep his voice down Rond searches his memories for any clues about the locale. (knowledge (nature) = 12. Quickly telling the members about what he knows, he gazes around the countryside to make sure that there's nothing obvious going on (spot 21).
"Since we do not know much about the area or the creature, I would think that you (Bill) should check out the nearest cave and see if there's a place where all of us can hole up as we look around and decide what we want to do. I'm not enthused about us being exposed on the mountainside without knowing more of what's going on."
Arien Thursday April 10th, 2003 12:42:11 AM
"Too bad we don't have any dwarves with us, they could lick a rock and tell you the size, shape and direction of any cave within a league."
As he speaks Arien retrieves his haversack and pulls a length of cloth out which ties about his head, covering his nose and mouth from the cold as much as he can. Making sure the knot is secure Arien pulls the his hood back up and slings his pack over a shoulder.
"Well lets get a move on shall we? Only thing we can catch here is a cold."
Renik d20+10=17 d20+10=18 d20+4=21 d20+4=11 d20+25=27 d20+15=18 Thursday April 10th, 2003 2:39:33 AM
"Bill, I'll tag along with you. Let's go."
The rogue keeps low to the ground, uses the cover well, and searches for any sign of a suitable cave to explore. Should he find one he examines the ground for tracks, bones or droppings, all the while keeping as quiet as possible and out of sight. All the while he keeps his thoughts to himself, his face grim. Could it be he is pondering just how close he came to death?
Post exploring (DMJK) d6=2 Thursday April 10th, 2003 11:08:34 AM
The group left behind moves forward and occupies the first easily accessible cave while they wait for Bill and Renik to get back. This keeps them out of the brunt of the elements.
Bill stops after his hour which managed to get him about a third of the way down the mountain. He identified 3 possible caves.
Renik feels like coming back after an hour, but he has more flight time left. It's really freaking cold flying around the mountain. The chill is getting into his bones. After an hour, Renik must make a cold check (fort DC 15 or 2 points subdual damage).
Following that first check, he has to make a check every 10 minutes with the DC increasing by 1 each time(unless he has some sort of magical protection). Roll for however long you want to stay out searching.
Checking a different area of the mountain than Bill, Renik spots 2 likely caves in his first hour. Perhaps there are more farther down the mountain.
Bill Troublefinder (Endure elements, cold) Thursday April 10th, 2003 4:23:31 PM
Bill reports in to the group, telling them what he discerned of the openings he found. The idea was that he would have probed each one a little bit, to see if it was just a shallow opening, or if it appeared to penetrate deeper into the mountain.
"Maybe we can have Renik fly us to some of the places," he suggests. "I wonder if it is still here," he also wonders aloud.
When Renik returns, Bill notes the chattering of his teeth. Chagrined, he says sheepishly, "Oh, sorry, Renik. I thought you would have had some sort of protection against the cold before flying off with me. Moving so fast against the cold air, it can really get into your bones." He takes out a scroll of endure elements, cold, for Arien to read and apply to Renik.
"B-b-better late than n-never!" shivers the rogue to Bill with a chattering grin, having returned after an hour. "I spotted 2 caves, so sure, we could go back and check them out, along with the ones you saw. If none of those pan out we can go on hunting for more caves."
"Ooh! That's better!" he adds as the scroll kicks in and he feels warmth flood back into his chilled extremeties.
During any exploration of the caves that takes place, Renik will take point, searching carefully for evidence of a suitable lair entrance, drawing upon all his father taught him of reading the land. As he moves he seems to become almost invisible, flitting from rock to rock in almost total silence.
Arien Thursday April 10th, 2003 5:42:41 PM
Arien uses the scroll on Renik and turns to the others. "This spell lasts about a day, so unless you think we won't be fighting the dragon today I say that everyone who has one should give me their scrolls and I'll use them for them. I also have a pair of endure elements: fire for whoever is going to go toe to toe with the dragon to help protect them from any accidental fire balling."
(OOC: Did anyone take the potion of fire breathing? I need to know so I can modify my character sheet accordingly.)
Bill (answer for Arien & all) Thursday April 10th, 2003 6:53:48 PM
[Bill earlier said he would take the potion of fire breathing from Arien, unless someone else requested it. So, unless someone else requests it by JK's next post, Bill has it in his pants pocket. I'd be happy were someone else to take it and plan to use it, though.]
Feng Thursday April 10th, 2003 11:01:56 PM
Not being a very stealthy person, Feng hangs in the back and waits for the reconnisance to get finished. He glances at his ring of jumping knowing that he would risk a jump or two if trouble occurred.
Rond Thursday April 10th, 2003 11:20:48 PM
Waiting for the others to report, Rond gives his scroll of endure cold over to Arien to read, along with the scroll for cats grace. "Bill I can take that potion of fire breathing. I've also got a scroll of haste that i'll use when we're ready."
Draax Friday April 11th, 2003 8:30:16 AM
Draax wipes his blade with an oiled rag as he waits to see how they will proceed. He also runs the rag over he bow string and pulls the string to keep it flexible.
DMJK Friday April 11th, 2003 10:16:42 AM
The three large openings that Bill found all extend into the mountain a bit. So do Renik's.
It is quite possible that they are all part of the same tunnel network, but who knows without investigating?
Renik, Rond, and presumably Arien get their endure element spells in place, and Rond takes the breathe fire potion.
Anything else before setting off?
Hobbes d4+1=4 Saturday April 12th, 2003 5:47:07 AM
Hobbes' entire body has been hidden within his garments for this half of the trip and mostly silent.
Then, slowly he walks forward toward Feng, his hands outstetched and mumbles several things deep within his robes. Placing a hand on either side, several small pools of light blue light coarse out of his hands and into Feng.
[Hobbes cast Endrance on Feng - +4 to his CON, then Hobbes cast Endure Elements - Cold on Feng]
He unsnaps the front of his veil and says, "There, hopefully we won't have to worry so much about you, old man." Turning to the others he asks, "Who does NOT have an Endure or Resist Elements - Cold on them? I will target whoever of you needs it once we start."
"Now, Bill, please do me the honor of drwaing precisely what the crown and sword look like for me using that mind of yours. I can locate the object magically. Once I do I can then summon a divine ally to retrive it if it is unattainable by us." He pauses, "albeit wei'll have to bargain for such a deal...and finally I have additional magic which can divine the answer to a question, which might be handy right now for which tunnel to use."
Renik Sunday April 13th, 2003 9:19:25 AM
Raising an eyebrow the rogue smiles. "Nice trick, Hobbes, very handy. Once we know where the items are and which route to take I'll have some scrolls for you to cast on me, Arien. Just one thing, Hobbes; I'd rather take down this dragon if we can, rather than using your divine servant to steal it. Perhaps if we set up an ambush, then send in the divine servant to steal the sword and crown, and in the process lure the dragon to us? If we were all magically prepared, invisible and flying we could really give big white a nasty shock."
Draax Sunday April 13th, 2003 12:16:15 PM
Draax listens to the conversations and although he would love to get in and out without fighting the dragon, he finds himself nodding in agreement with Renik's suggestion. He smiles when he realizes why he would prefer killing the dragon. The thought of treasure can really play havoc with a warrior's common sense. He adds his opinion to the conversation. "I do not know much about dragons, but if they are as intelligence as everyone says they are, there is probably more than one entrance/exit to its lair. It would be nice if we could find more than one. And since no battle goes exactly the way it is planned. Should we have a place to meet if we are separated or should we try to get back to the wizard's safe-cave?"
Arien Sunday April 13th, 2003 12:23:33 PM
"Not a problem Renik, after all I am the wizard of the group after all. If anyone else wants to have scrolls used for them just let me know."
Rond Sunday April 13th, 2003 10:07:57 PM
"Depending upon how many questions you can have, do you think we could find out the most useful items to help us against the dragon?"
When Arien asks about the scrolls for anyone to read, Rond continues holding out the scrolls that he's been waiting for Arien to take.
Feng Sunday April 13th, 2003 11:11:32 PM
"Thank you Hobbes. The Giant's cloak has helped but it is still rather cold."
Feng listens to the proposed plans and adds his own perspective, "I don't think we should worry about killing or not killing the dragon. Our objective is the crown and sword. Whatever happens to the dragon, even if there is one, should depend on what happens."
Bill Troublefinder Monday April 14th, 2003 10:21:50 AM
"Sure, Hobbes," Bill answers. "Just a sec'." From his bag of holding he withdraws a smaller bag, and from within that he extracts his current journal. He carefully opens it to the page where he had sketched the sword and crown, and shows it to the cleric.
He nods his head at Feng's observation. "If the white is here, my hope is that we'll have a clue before we awaken it, or alert it, so we can really make the preparations, and take the precautions, that will help keep us alive should we have to go against it. We might find it in the next half hour, or it might take all day, or longer. Quiet scouting will be in our best interest."
Bill waits for whatever it is that Hobbes is able to find out before making the next move. Meanwhile, he jots a few notes in his journal.
Hobbes' Plan (DMJK) Monday April 14th, 2003 10:47:02 AM
Hobbes warms up Feng and outlines his idea of a plan for dealing with the dragon and finding its lair and treasure.
With the endure elements spells in place, everyone feels much more comfortable.
Bill gets the image of the sword and crown placed in Hobbes' mind. Both of them realize that they only have a relief carving in a centuries old stone sarcophagus to judge by. Details like what sorts of gems are placed in the crown or what the reverse side of the sword might look like are left to the imagination. It gives enough of an idea that you could select the proper sword out of a group, but whether or not it will be enough for Hobbes' spell to find it remains to be seen.
As Hobbes outlines his plan, it seems that the group has dealt with two of its problems: the cold and how to find the dragon's lair. Of course getting to the dragon's lair and retreiving the items will still be the most difficult part.
Renik Monday April 14th, 2003 6:38:54 PM
"So Hobbes, cast your spells and let us see if you can determine the location of our foe, and the most efficacious route to it."
The rogue digs into his pack and readies the scrolls he wishes to pass to Arien.
Arien Monday April 14th, 2003 7:04:35 PM
Double checking that the scrolls handed to him were meant to be cast now and not later Arien then casts the scrolls as Hobbes' tries to locate the items they were searching for.
Bill Troublefinder Monday April 14th, 2003 11:45:49 PM
Bill does some more writing.
Hobbes Tuesday April 15th, 2003 6:07:43 AM
Hobbes looks a bit surprised, "Oh, you mean you want me to do this now? Very well. I was merely telling you all what I have in the way of resources. Well, if you want me to cast it, I surely will, but let us discuss precisely what we're asking."
[The Spells in question are Divination, Locate Object, and Lesser Planar Ally. Feel free to give suggestions as to what to ask and whether you'd rather wait about casting such things. Perhaps this would be a good email conversation.]
He turns to Feng, "To you and I, Feng, our objective is the crown and sword, but I think we're outvoted. I think the others wish to kill the dragon to achieve the sword and crown goal. At least that's what I'm hearing. They wish its horde."
Rond Tuesday April 15th, 2003 7:15:56 AM
"I suspect that we're going to have no choice about the matter. If there was a way to find out if the Dragon would miss the crown and sword then I'd contemplate sending in the Ally. But I fully expect that we'd be better off trying to catch the Dragon by suprise and just defeating it. Because if the Dragon will miss the what we're searching for, then it just means that he comes looking for the stuff whenever it gets taken. Worst case scenario, he comes after the people in the Windorn Hamlett. Or do you want to ask whether the Dragon is somehow beneficial to the Wold? If it's beneficial to the Wold then again we could leave it be?!"
Plans - DMJK Tuesday April 15th, 2003 10:30:38 AM
Hobbes explains his spells and waits for a little input from the group.
Arien Tuesday April 15th, 2003 3:24:07 PM
"I suspect that Feng would like to battle the beast as well. After all isn't it all paladin's dreams to vanquish evil whenever they might? Anyway, maybe your spell can get us a general idea to search in, you know narrow it down. That would save us some time and energy, so if you could just cast that divination spell we could be on our way." Arien waits a bit impatiently for Hobbes to cast the spell.
Renik Tuesday April 15th, 2003 6:29:07 PM
"Hey, he's your God, Hobbes." smiles the rogue. "You ask him whatever you think he'll answer."
Draax Tuesday April 15th, 2003 10:31:39 PM
Draax is happy to go along with anything that could help the group locate the dragon sooner. He wishes that he could give Hobbes a suggestion on what to ask, but he is unfamiliar with what Hobbes will be doing and have nothing to offer.
Feng Tuesday April 15th, 2003 10:59:52 PM
"Wishing to slay the beast may be a little premature. We know nothing about this dragon, let alone if it even excists. I doubt anybody would like to battle a dragon that is hundreds of years old. I would like the beast slain, but at what cost? It would be ignorant to believe that everybody would make it out alive. Let's say for one moment that we manage to kill the beast with no casualties. After such a battle how easy would it be to sneak past the now angry giants?"
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday April 16th, 2003 4:14:59 AM
Bill ponders Hobbes' description of the spells he considers casting. "Well, with the ally fellow, maybe you can get a fire elemental to warm up the white's spine, for instance, or some sort of good fellow to help keep us healed up in the midst of battle, or an air critter to keep the air fog free, or to blow the white's breath back in its face, that type of thing. Or grab the two items while we've got the beast occupied, so that what we're doing doesn't turn 'em into slag. What good would that do to the old king?
"For the divination ... hmmm..." He places his forefinger on his chin and twists it around a few times. "I dunno. 'What would be the best approach within our means to overcome the guardian of Hororot's sword and crown?' for instance." When he said 'Hororot's' - he dropped his voice considerably, so that the king's name was whispered.
"And for the location of the two things you saw my sketch of - Oh, I almost forgot!" The halfling pulls out some parchments from his bag of holding, and shows Hobbes the rubbings he made of the items. "This is more life-sized. That is, at least, if the artistic representation on the sarcophagus accurately matched the real things. So, I guess you kind of think about them, and then figure out where they are? I'll leave that to you. How about you decide which one to cast first, and see what you get back, before you go usin' up all three at once? Maybe like either the divination - that'd be my first one - or the locate object... not a bad choice, either."
Bill looks up to Hobbes, to see what he decides to do next.
Rond Wednesday April 16th, 2003 8:07:13 AM
Not being a spellcaster, Rond is unsure what he can add to the conversation. He'll let the others talk about solutions, hoping that things will resolve themselves shortly.
DMJK Wednesday April 16th, 2003 11:45:18 AM
The group walks is it talks over plans and as Hobbes thinks about his spells.
One thing quickly becomes crystal clear. No matter which cave the dragon's lair is in, the group is going to have to climb down to it or have Bill fly everyone again.
The first cave is nearby, but there is a small dropoff of about 20 feet that you'll all have to climb down in order to get there. It's rocky and covered in ice in places.
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday April 16th, 2003 2:10:11 PM
Bill puts away his journal, in which he drew a few maps, and says, "Renik, while Hobbes is thinking things over, let's take a look in the cave down here. Could you ferry us down?" He makes the portable hole available, removes his outer pants, ties them to the outside of his backpack, hands the small backpack to Renik, and says to everyone else, "Climb in, and let's go." He climbs in to the opening of the portable hole.
Once down at the entrace to the first cave, Bill begins, with Renik and whoever else deems himself stealthy enough to perform reconnaissance, cautiously to explore.
Renik (Still flying) d20+15=34 d20+25=34 d20+4=14 d20+10=11 d20+5=24 d20+10=27 Wednesday April 16th, 2003 6:09:33 PM
"No problem Bill" nods the rogue, and floats the party down carrying the portable hole. Once down he helps everyone out of the hole, motions for a degree of silence, and moves off down into the cave carefully, hunting for evidence that it may serve as an entrance for a dragon. He scouts ahead for several minutes, taking care to draw no attention to himself, and keep every sense alert for evidence of danger. He then heads back and reports any findings to the others, keeping his voice low.
Rond d20+14=27 d20+14=22 d20+7=12 d20+2=18 d20+1=20 Wednesday April 16th, 2003 11:59:04 PM
"I can probably help out with the scouting when we get there"
With that Rond climbs into the portable hole. When he gets pulled out on the other side, Rond moves into place and looks around as best he can.
To the cave (DMJK) Thursday April 17th, 2003 10:52:27 AM
As Hobbes drifts in his thoughts, the group makes it down to the first cave.
The mouth is probably 80 feet across and 45 feet tall. Just big enough for a dragon to squeeze through, you imagine. Of course, Bill and Renik saw a few others that were comparable as they searched the mountain.
The cave maintains the same dimensions as it opens up into the mountain. It heads straight back some 200 feet before it bends to the right and starts to slope down.
If you follow it around, you will definitely need some sort of light. It's already a little dim after the 200 feet.
No one detects or spots anything out of the ordinary. It's a cave. It's cold. There are lots of icy patches, so footing could be treacherous if you weren't careful.
Draax Thursday April 17th, 2003 4:53:48 PM
Draax exits the hole and stands guard waiting for the scouts to return with news of what they find.
Bill Troublefinder Thursday April 17th, 2003 8:12:48 PM
Bill uses a sun rod to light the way ahead. He sends a mental missive to Renik. Of course, carrying a light source might make it harder to hide. 'Can I sit on your shoulders while you fly?' Psicrystal William he left behind with Feng, so that he can pass on telepathic reports via the little feller to the four friends who wait behind.
Rond Friday April 18th, 2003 6:44:04 AM
Looking around Rond decides it might be a little icy for him to move about. He decides to let Renik do whatever scouting and waits to see what the party can do next.
Hobbes d100=52 Friday April 18th, 2003 7:40:31 AM
Hobbes has been reflective for quite awhile as if he were remembering, and occasionally reciting, something.
The rest of the party smells a sweet fragrant smell coming from a strange-looking candleholder in his left hand. In great circles he wields it while sprinling the ground with coins from his other hand uttering a chant in a deep tone.
[Divination. Roll is a success. Speaking Celestial to my god, translated into "Oh Gargul, Which is the way that will lead us quickest to finding the Crown and Sword of which the Hororot spoke when he gave us this quest?"]
Renik d20+25=27 d20+15=16 d20+10=29 d20+5=9 d20+2=17 Friday April 18th, 2003 8:23:06 AM
The rogue whispers back to Bill "OK, hop on up and light my way, but keep the light mostly covered. If I tug on your trouser leg cover it completely."
He awaits the results of Hobbes' divination to be relayed bt Bill and William, and assuming this cave is the best path he continues. If not he flies himself and Bill to the best cave, and heads into that one.
He flies down into the cave, descending further into the icy darkness. He keeps to the shadows and all senses are on full alert, wary for the slightest hint of danger.
Bill Troublefinder Friday April 18th, 2003 5:47:40 PM 'So, William, how are things back there with you?' Bill checks in with the psicrystal. 'This tunnel keeps going on, with some turns once in a while. Any word from Hobbes? Guess what? Renik is letting me ride on his shoulders! His shoulders are more bony than Feng's.' He continues to relay any visual, auditory and olifactory images he may perceive as he and Renik explore this pathway.
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