Outside the Wild Culverwood (DM Matt) Saturday March 1st, 2003 12:19:24 AM
Everyone ready, and business taken care of, the Talons head out, continuing to hear the over-emphasized yelling and cheering of the young Bella as Edenmoor shrinks behind them.
The safest route is determined to be skirting the southern edge of the Red Hills, and enter Culverwood at the point where the hills first meet the forest. The location of the tree is almost directly north of that, according to the map about a days travel in.
The three day trek around the red hills is quite uneventful, the dangers of the area seeming to avoid the Talons all together. They reach the edge of Culverwood just before nightfall the third evening, the forest growing darker with each passing moment, almost seeming to warn the companions not to venture forth. The woods seems strangely quite, though it could just be the shift between activity cycles, the nocturnal animals just waking, the rest taking to sleep.
Camp is quickly set, entering the forest the next morning sounding like a much better plan than at night. The woods seems like it would be difficult for the horses to manuever through, though it could probably be done. After any night time discussion, watches are set, and the night passes peacefully, nothing disrupts the Talons outside of the forest.
Let me know whether you want to take the horses in or not (and whats done with them if not). Also note any special prepeartions you might take. Feel free to backpost anything that might have occured on the way. Casters, can you email me a prepared spell list, unless your sticking with one already on your character sheet.
Side Note: All character sheets are finally in, so Hero point time. Looks like the newest members of the group gets them this time. Orson, Maloray, Lian, Figment, and Bertram got the majority of the nominations. So those 5 receive 1 Hero Point.
Maloray Saturday March 1st, 2003 9:30:53 AM
OOC Thanks, all, for the Hero point :)
IC During the trek, Maloray seems strangely quiet. All the Talons notice the seeming absence of his cloth-wrapped greatsword and his bow, and the addition of a pair of leather gloves.
About the morning of the third day, he rides up beside Ingrge and rides alongside him for a few moments before speaking.
"Friend Ingrge, I have a question to ask of you. Have you ever met an elven woman of the Culverwood named Shariel?"
Maloray's tone is quiet, but not a whisper, so other Talons nearby might overhear if they're sharp-eared.
"It's a foolish question I know. I'm sure many elves have green eyes such as yours, but I am told that she had them as well."
Figment Saturday March 1st, 2003 10:18:53 AM
As the trip continues, the mage reviews his spells and makes a few changes for the new outside terrain. (List sent). "I do not want to leave Jux out here alone, I think taking the horses in is probably the best thing right now.".
Ingrge Saturday March 1st, 2003 2:28:07 PM
Traveling along with his companions, new and old, Ingrge is struck at how much he would miss these folks and yet something about Edenmoor also struck him as a place he could be comfortable settling down at. Lost in his thoughts he doesn't even realize Maloray is speaking to him until he is half through with his question. Taking a moment to reflect on what he was asked, he turns to his new companion. The name is not familiar to me, at least as far as I know. As for the green eyes, they are more common with several of the northern clans. Perhaps if you ever get the chance to make it back to the tree of parting you cand ask your question of Folbre. If he has heard the name, he will remember where and who you would need to ask furhter. Who is this Shariel? Why do you ask of her?
Maloray Saturday March 1st, 2003 10:21:22 PM
The barbarian makes a mental note of the arcane-sounding words...Folbre at the Tree of Parting...more common among the Northern Clans...
At the elf's question, Maloray's eyes unfocus as he is evidently thinking of past times.
"Shariel...she was my mother," he says softly. "My father brought me as a babe to the hunting grounds of the Owl Clan, but all my life he spoke of my mother Shariel, her beautiful dark hair and green eyes, her musical laughter and her smile that made his heart sing."
Maloray pauses as a look of pain crosses his face.
"As he died, he told me she was an elf woman of 'The Emerald Kingdom to the West'. He swore me to seek her out and tell her of his love."
Glancing up at the elf, he asks "Where is this Folbre and this tree?"
Brother Bertram Sunday March 2nd, 2003 9:15:29 PM
Bertram kept an eye out for any surprises from force of habit, but his mind was far away, considering Gargul, Domi and the Gods in general.
Lian Sunday March 2nd, 2003 10:00:00 PM
OOC: I can't remember whether Lian has his horse with him, but the post will say I do.
IC: Lian rides along behind everyone else atop Merlot, occassionally scratching his friends mane just behind the ear. He sits pondering the activities over the past few days, the raising, leaving the little village, the few friends he made in Edenmoor and continuing ahead with little comfort, onto the next mission. He thinks of the 'ish'gara' tree and its rumored properties, in awe of the possibilities. The monk remains quiet throughout the travel.
K'Nara Monday March 3rd, 2003 8:14:36 AM
(OOC: the "marching order" will depend heavily on who has a horse and who doesn't--I know K'Nara, Figment and Ingrge had horses, and from reading the above entries that Lian and Maloray have them, too. This leaves Milo, Olana and Brother Bertram unaccounted for by way of mounts...I seem to recall that Olana had been paired with Milo in a horse-drawn cart, but I can't recall whether or not they're still driving it now. I need to know if these last three PCs have mounts.)
"I have to agree with Figment...there isn't anyplace we can safely leave the horses, so we will just take them with us." the human bladesinger said firmly. "I'd like to see Olana and Milo up front, though--someone with ranger skills as well as someone with rogue capabilities scouting ahead of us would be prudent, I should think..."
Milo Monday March 3rd, 2003 10:48:40 AM
Milo smiles at K'nara, "Happy to take point as usual, though it'd be easier if Olana did so as well. She is a far better tracker."
OOC: um, I was under the impression that Olana, and Milo shared a horse, though I don't recall the last time he's been on one, so I could be wrong.
Olana d20+11=15 d20+13=27 Monday March 3rd, 2003 12:12:37 PM
((I thought we shared a horse, too.))
"If we take the horses in, we must remember that there are things in this forest that could swallow them in one bite. I would suggest that if we came across an elf tribe or village at any time, then we ask if they will take care of them while we venture further. Culverwood is magical, and so are it's predators."
She has a few misgivings about the map, too, and says so. "As a girl, when I ventured out with others of my tribe, we would sometimes come across piles of bones - after folk wandered and wandered and wandered, and got lost. They died lost. Let us make sure that is not our fate."
Olana decides to say nothing more, after all - it wasn't like they'd never been in here before. In fact some of them had traveled Culverwood a few times without mishap. It was the forest, she decided - dampening her usual pleasant frame of mind.
As they set off, she attempts to bring all her skills to bear, and whispers to Milo - "Sometimes the path ahead is not the obvious one in front of you. The deeper in we go, the more this will be true. Just something to keep in mind."
Landmark...the Tree ahead (DM Matt) Monday March 3rd, 2003 12:30:26 PM I believe Orson is the only one without a mount. Bertram has a pony, so im assuming hes riding it, to keep up. Olana and Milo are doubled up on a single horse, as taking a Cart when you know your entering the woods would be silly :)
The night passes uneventful, and the Talons prepare to enter the woods. Milo and Olana at point, the group begins it journey into the forest. The canopy overhead is quite thick, allowing little light through to th ground below, though there is enough to adaquette visibility. Olana finds no signs of humanoid movement through the area, only local wildlife.
The day progresses, the Talons making good time towards the Ish'gara tree, though no sign of the Tine's leader is found. Olana finds no signs of any elven peoples either, nor of the magical predators she spoke of earlier. Midafternoon Olana first notices the normal sounds of the forest (small animals scampering and such) have vanished, though everyone soon realizes it as well. The tree's have also thinned out some, their size is quite large, but the space between trees has opened up some, making the horses movement easier.
About 50' ahead a large natural stone pillar juts out from the ground, which is a landmark on the map. 800' beyond is where the map says the location of the Ish'gara tree is, though the visibility isn't good enough to see such distances.
Everyone give me listen and spot checks as you post your advance to the tree, as well as any rolls you might take when at the track..err..tree :)
So involved with trying to hear why there might be a lack of forest noise, Ingrge hears nothing but that silence as they ride along, but something does manage to catch his eye.
Milo d20+11=24 d20+12=18 d20+23=30 d20+21=31 Monday March 3rd, 2003 9:56:38 PM
As Milo scouts closer to where he thinks the tree is, he remains close to the ground, about thirty feet ahead of the main group. The halfling attempts to be as quiet as possible while moving normally, and alert to danger. (OOC: Spot DC 24, Listen DC 18; Hiding and Moving Silently at full speed so I imposed a -5 penalty to Milo's checks putting him at Hide DC 30, and Move Silently DC 31.)
Lian d20+7=24 d20+17=22 Monday March 3rd, 2003 9:59:12 PM
(Spot 24 and Listen 22)
Lian looks around cautiously, but remains silent. (if he sees anything everyone else doesn't, he'll state what he sees.)
K'Nara d20=16 d20+1=9 Tuesday March 4th, 2003 11:54:02 AM
(OOC: if Orson is the only one without a mount, then K'Nara will allow him to ride on Poki with her. The roll results for her Listen and Spot checks are 16 and 9, respectively.)
K'Nara's hazel eyes scanned the area as she listened sharply to what was mostly eerie silence.
"Olana and Milo, be especially careful checking the area out," she advised--no doubt needlessly, especially in view of the ranger's previous experience in the deep Culverwood, "This place can be enough to give a zombie the creeps..."
Orson mounts up behind K'Nara, quite capable of keeping up with the horses on foot, but why walk when you can ride for free.
When approaching the tree's location the fourth afternoon, Orson is a little jumpy, the eerie silence, and Olana's warning of magical predators from before both making him weary.
Getting closer, he'll slide off Poki, drawing his blades slowly, glancing around nervously. "Why couldn't he have sought out some power in a city or something, don't like this forest stuff," he'll whisper quietly. He'll stay close to K'Nara and Poki, using the horse and his own body to conceal his blades, just in case there's something besides animals that may be watching.
Olana d20+17=33 d20+13=33 Tuesday March 4th, 2003 9:27:42 PM
((Listen DC 33, Spot DC 33 nat 20))
Olana nods at K'Nara and dismounts, one hand holds her bow and an arrow, the other has the pony's reins as she watches the area up ahead where Milo is scouting.
It had been far too quiet.
Figment d20=5 d20=16 Tuesday March 4th, 2003 9:53:31 PM
The mage struggles to listen and look around but decides to focus instead on preparing his spells. He moves forward prepared to act instantly. His anticipation grows as he approaches what is supposed to be a thing of great power. "Nice place...".
Maloray d20+3=4 Tuesday March 4th, 2003 11:44:44 PM
The half elf dismounts Howler and draws a blue-fletched arrow (shock), holding it in his right hand. He begins to advance forwards slowly and as quietly as he knows how.
Arrival at the 'Tree' (DM Matt) Wednesday March 5th, 2003 1:08:23 AM
The Talons cautiously move forward, the sudden silence of the forest as they approach the tree disturbing. Advancing towards the location, the Talons see the large clearing the tree resides in, as shown on the map. The trees of the forest are void of the area, creating about a 90' diameter circle, better lighted that the rest of the forest the Talons had traveled through, due to lack of overhead canopy.
Approaching closer with even more caution, the Talons find no sign of Teramine, also the lack of any tree, magical or not, within the clearing is also a little disheartening. Arriving in the clearing, neither Olana or Milo sense any danger, besides the already noted silence.
Moving a few feat within the clearing, Olana quickly notices a booted footprint, though following it either way she can see only about 10 feet of tracks. Close by the humanoid tracks though, and more disturbing, Olana notes a large looking paw print, of some feline creature of great size, and it looks quite fresh.
Lian d20+7=17 d20+17=25 Wednesday March 5th, 2003 3:29:15 AM
The monk dismounts and looks around, cautiously removes his bow from his pack and knocks a masterwork arrow. The silence is unnerving him slightly. He scans the horizon, bow up and drawn. (Spot 17 and Listen 25)
He whispers, "Does anyone see anything of note?"
Brother Bertram Wednesday March 5th, 2003 9:26:25 AM
Bertram nervously fingers the haft of his axe, turing it over and over, keeping an eye on the trees around them, looking for signs of movement.
Olana d20+13=27 Wednesday March 5th, 2003 8:39:55 PM
The elf tells everyone about the tracks.
"Someone wearing boots has stepped this way, however I do not know if it was Tremaine, but whoever it is - I think they're being stalked, by a large, cat-like creature. As for the tree, I would perhaps have made a jest and say that it walked off to live somewhere else, but that might not be a joke..... not here."
She attempts to get a better idea of which direction both tracks are heading, then at least the party has a clue.
((Track/Wilderness Lore DC 27))
Figment Wednesday March 5th, 2003 9:30:03 PM
The mage's eyes glow white as he scans the area for magical auras (Detect Magic). "Perhaps a little magic may reveal the big magic...Hmmmm".
Milo d20+3=17 d20+12=21 d20+11=20 Thursday March 6th, 2003 4:17:18 AM
Examing the tracks with a mystified expression, "I think that there is something strange going on here indeed, though perhaps these tracks don't match up so neatly... it is hard to say." Milo continues to scout the area, looking for possible clues. (OOC: Listen and Spot checks at DCs 21 and 20 respectively).
Here kitty kitty..... (DM Matt) d20+13=27 d20+12=29 Thursday March 6th, 2003 1:52:49 PM
A closer look at the tracks show the booted prints are fairly old, over a few hours, while the large feline prints seem merely minutes. The cat print also seems to be moving in a direction different than the booted ones.
Figment casts his spell, and the first few seconds of scanning reveals no magical auras, beyond those brought by the Talons.
Glancing up from the tracks, Olana stares across the clearing, thinking she hear something from the brush. Ingrge to stares in that direction, though he heard no noise.
Both Ingrge and Olana notice a slight movement in the brush across the clearing from the party, though only briefly. Studying the brush for a moment, they both finally notice the large feline eyes staring right back at them through the plants, then a very large paw move foward out of the brush, the cat creeping forward.
Before either are able to do a thing though, Poki catches scent of the predator, neighing loudly to warn K'Nara. This however, also sends the large feline into action, moments later its sprinting towards the Talons. A second tiger springs into a charge to the right of the lead beast, and then a third reveals itself to the far left of the party. The beasts measure 10 feat at the shoulder when standing tall, and nearly thirty foot long, nose to tail. They close about 50' to the talons, and look quite capable of physical attacks in the next few seconds.
Post partial actions for the surpise round. Ill allow everyone to act, being as im such a nice DM :). If you would have been dismounted before (or still mounted), just say so in your post. I wasn't sure on a few people.
Ill post resolving the end of the round (your actions), then the beginning of the new round (tigers actions).
Ingrge d20+15=31 d6+6=10 Thursday March 6th, 2003 5:21:57 PM
Activating his boots (speed), Ingrge whips out his bow and drops to the ground. Aiming at the tiger directly in front of him he let's fly with an arrow (ac31 for 10 points)
Lian d20+10=20 d6=5 Thursday March 6th, 2003 8:35:01 PM
Lian fires (mw arrow) in reaction to the charging tigers (#1), hitting AC 20 for 5 damage.
He takes a 5 foot step.
Brother Bertram Thursday March 6th, 2003 8:37:01 PM
Bertram slaps his pony on the rump, hopefully sending it running away from the tigers. Murmuring a prayer to Domi, he draws his axe and prepares for the creatures to strike.
Figment Thursday March 6th, 2003 11:04:06 PM
Wishing the others would have waited to respond, the mage casts fly on himself and lifts straight up off Jux who he sends in the opposite direction of the felines. "Maybe we should see if they are going to attack first?".
Dm Note: For clarification (in case that comment wasn't in jest), the Tigers seem QUITE hostile, and intent on attacking, and probably devouring the talons and their steeds. They need to eat alot to support those large forms, after all :)
Orson (Power Attack: +7 Damage, -7 Hit; Charge: +2 Hit, -2 AC) d20+9=28 d20+9=16 d8+15=20 d8+15=21 Friday March 7th, 2003 12:00:37 AM
Taking in quickly that which goes on around him, he rests his glances briefly on K'Nara, then turns towards the tiger charging from the left(#2). "Who am I watching?" he hollers over his shoulder towards K'Nara with a smile as he rushes to meet the beast, advancing once again when he should probably wait. Clashing with the dire animal, he brings his new longsword down in a powerful swing, slashing deep into the beast.
[Hit Ac 28 (Crit Ac 16) for 20 (or crit. for 41)]
Milo (shield of faith, AC 24) Friday March 7th, 2003 1:56:50 AM
Praying fervently to Pantheon, Milo erects a shimmering shield of faith about his person, and then steps forward to stand next to Olana, "Lets hope they didn't eat our quarry."
K'Nara d20+4=20 d20+10=16 d20+13=28 d6+3=5 Friday March 7th, 2003 10:42:02 AM
Immediately upon seeing the charge of the three tigers, K'Nara reached around and unsheathed the Scimitar of Throwing even as she sprang off Poki's back (OOC: made a voluntary Dexterity check for that; result is 20).
"Maloray is your buddy, Orson..!" K'Nara reminded the warrior. (OOC: in fact, as a refresher, the current assigned battle buddies are: Milo and Figment...Ingrge and Lian...Orson and Maloray...Olana and Brother Bert. K'Nara looks out for everyone and appreciates it when anyone notices that she needs help herself.)
If K'Nara can jump off her horse AND throw her Scimitar in the same round, then she'll have hurled the blade at dire tiger #1 on the map. This thrown weapon hits AC28 for 5hpd. If it's ruled that she can't do both in the round, I'll re-roll on my next post.
Maloray d20+13=21 d8+3=6 d6=3 d20+8=21 d8+3=6 Friday March 7th, 2003 1:38:26 PM
As soon as Poki breaks the silence by neighing, Maloray snaps the fingers of his gloved left hand and suddenly his bow is in it. Nocking the arrow in his right hand, he lets fly at Tiger #1. Whether that shot hits or no, he'll immediately nock a normal masterwork arrow and let it fly as well at the same target.
Shot 1: d20 + 13 = AC 21 hit for 1d8+3 (+1d6 shock) = 9 damage
Shot 2: d20 + 8 = AC 21 hit for 1d8+3 = 6 damage.
Olana (dismounted) d20+13=26 d8+1=6 Friday March 7th, 2003 7:23:35 PM
Dropping the reins and firing the arrow already in her bow at tiger #3, Olana starts to re-load.
((Hits AC26 Dam 6))
"That would end our quest really fast, wouldn't it," she answers Milo with a wry smile.
Tiggers that Bounce....err...Pounce (DM Matt) d20+18=26 2d4(2+1)+8=11 d20+18=38 d20+18=25 d20+18=22 d20+18=37 d20+13=33 d20+18=36 d20+13=25 4d4(4+2+3+4)+16=29 2d4(4+3)+8=15 2d4(1+4)+4=9 4d6(6+3+3+3)+8=23 d20+18=23 d20+18=32 d20+13=14 2d4(3+4)+8=15 2d4(1+4)+8=13 d20+18=30 d20+18=31 d20+18=36 d20+18=20 d20+13=28 2d4(2+4)+8=14 2d4(3+2)+8=13 2d6(4+3)+4=11 2d4(4+4)+4=12 2d4(2+4)+4=10 Friday March 7th, 2003 8:35:05 PM
As the beasts leap from their hiding spots and charge; Ingrge, Lian, Olana, and Maloray all let their arrows fly, the men's arrows finding homes within the lead tiger, Olana's within the one charging her. It does little to slow the felines though, only invoking a deafening snarl from the larger of the two. Maloray, only a Partial action in surprise round, so only 1 shot.
Milo prays to Pantheon, his shield shimmering into existence around him. Figment too casts, lifting off his horse, who immediately follows instructions to head away from the charging cats. The rest of the horses follow suit, and lead themselves away from the direct vicinity of the upcoming melee.
Bertram only waits for the creature to close, waiting with his axe.
K'Nara slides from her horse gracefully, sword ready in hand as she hits the ground. Unfortunately there isn't enough time to get it thrown at the creature. I'd have let you dismount and throw, but not draw the weapon and throw, without Quick Draw
Orson charges to meet the creature, taking a solid hit as he moves into the tigers long reach.(AoO:Hit for 11dmg) He strikes the beast with a powerful hit, though it does little to halt the creatures attack.
-----
Despite the triple arrow wounds in its side, the lead tiger heads straight for K'Nara, somehow knowing it must challenge the Talon's leader. Leaping upon the warrior woman, it ferociously assaults her, tearing and slashing and biting. Its terrible mauling leaves the Talons leader severely wounded, the tiger retreating off the leader as others move forward to confront it. [Crit. hit with Claw, hit claw, 1 rake hit, 1 rake miss, Crit. hit with bite (76dmg = 29+15+9+23)]
The tiger on the left slides to a halt, its target having come out to meet it. It misses its bite upon the human warrior, but connects with both of its powerful claws. [2 Claws hit, bite miss (28dmg = 15+13)]
The third tiger leaps upon the other female of the group, tearing into the ranger much as the first tiger did K'Nara. [All attacks hit (60dmg = 13+14+11+12+10)
Surviving the initial pounce of the giant tigers, the talons are left to retaliate.
Orson (Power Attack: +7 Dmg, -7 Hit) d20+4=24 d20+4=20 d20+3=17 d20-2=6 d8+15=20 d8+13=18 d8+15=22 d8+15=21 Friday March 7th, 2003 9:04:46 PM
Roaring in rage, just trying to ignore the pain coursing through his body, Orson unleashes his full assult upon the overgrown kitten. He glances over his shoulder briefly, checking to see how everyone is fairing under their attack, and also to see if anyone is moving to back him up.
Main Hand AC 24 (Crit. 20) for 20 Dmg (41 dmg if Crit) Off Hand AC 17 for 18 Dmg Main Hand (2) AC 6 for 22 Dmg
Milo (shield of faith, AC 24) d20+10=27 d20+11=24 d20+11=30 d20+11=27 5d6(4+4+6+2+4)+1=21 6d6(6+4+1+5+6+4)+2=28 Friday March 7th, 2003 9:27:52 PM
Watching in horror as the tiger wounds Olana, Milo grits his teeth, "Time to take this tiger by the tail." The halfling tumbles around the tiger into a flanking position and comes up with short sword flashing, "Over here ya big house cat!" (OOC: Tumble check DC 27. Milo hits AC 24 and AC 30. AC 30 is a critical threat, and hopefully 27 is a confirm. Damage is 21 hps and 28 hps respectively with the short sword of speed. Total damage is 49 hps.)
Lian d20+10=28 d6=6 Friday March 7th, 2003 10:50:11 PM
Lian steps back a couple of feet and launches another arrow into the tiger that just chomped into his leader (tiger #1). Watching his partner Ingrge, making sure he's okay.
(Mw arrow hits AC 28 for 6 damage)
Lian's Dodge AC 24 is versus #3.
Thinking to himself. 'Those are big felines! Real big! Oh, K'Nara.'
Ingrge (boots of speed -AC 23) 6d8(5+4+7+2+7+8)+20=53 Saturday March 8th, 2003 4:15:24 PM
Seeing K'nara rocked and bloody sends a shock through his body. Seeing that the tiger is backing off a bit Ingrge pauses only long enough to toss his bow out of the way. Yelling over his shoulder, "Figment, I'm getting K'nara give me a few seconds and toast our furry friend." That said, Ingrge charges forward, using his extrordinary speed,(boots of speed) throws K'nara over a shoulder keeps going 40 feet, to the clear area between tigger 1 and tigger 2 where he hands K'nara 2 Cure serious potions. (53 points returned from the two potions)
DM Note: As K'Nara is not actually unconsious, she will have to spend her movement going with Ingrge (and would draw an attack of opportunity, if Ingrge didn't draw his AoO first). If she does allow Ingrge to carry her, Ill allow both cure potions this round, though that would be K'Nara's 'clobbered' action for the round.
Figment 9d6(6+4+4+2+1+4+2+6+3)=32 Sunday March 9th, 2003 5:30:31 PM
The mage lowers himself behind Orson and lines up #1 and #3. He then zaps them with a lightning bolt, focusing on their hind quarters to avoid hitting any Talons (32 DMG). He then prepares to fly up and away.
Maloray (AC 20) d20+12=25 2d6(2+5)+5=12 Sunday March 9th, 2003 8:40:17 PM
OOC sorry, didn't notice it was a surprise action. I should have known it, though.
IC Maloray is faced with a dilemma: Stay with their grievously wounded leader or follow up his battle-partner? The 1/2 elf makes his decision with his usual speed.
Simultaneously snapping the fingers on his right hand and muttering the command word of his left glove, Mal closes with Tiger #1 at K'Nara's right, and attacks double-handed with his father's sword, now suddenly in his hands.
ATTACK: D20+12= Hits AC 25 for 12 damage.
Olana (down to 1 hp) d20+10=11 d20+12=29 d10=7 d20+10=23 d8=6 2d6(2+4)=6 2d6(5+6)=11 Monday March 10th, 2003 12:42:27 PM
Unable to back away from the full ferocity of the creature, Olana struggles with her swords. She feels numb, knowing something is wrong. Glancing down, she sees nothing for a second, and then blood, beginning to pour. But there wasn't any time to think properly. If she stopped to take a potion, the thing would be on her again. She had to try and take it down...
She sees Milo out of the corner of her eye, and follows suit, stabbing both blades into the creature. But she was beginning to feel dizzy - what was wrong? Had the beast hit her harder than she thought?
((Missed badly with the first longsword, second hits DC 29 for 7, rerolling the first, using a hero point - hits DC23 for 6))))
DM EDIT: You Are flanking with Milo, so I rolled and added your Sneak Attack Damage (6 extra on first, 11 extra on second, 30pts. total.)
K'Nara Monday March 10th, 2003 7:18:11 PM
The tall redhead reeled from the speed and ferocity of the dire tiger's attack, instinctively allowing Ingrge's maneuver to go unresisted. K'Nara followed up by using the potion (or potions, if she can actually use both in one round) he gave her.
Brother Bertram 4d8(6+5+7+1)+7=26 Tuesday March 11th, 2003 7:43:14 AM
Bertram rushes to Olana and lays his hands upon the worst of the wounds, for the moment ignoring the menace before him. He prays to Domi for healing and aid with the current battle.
(OOC Casts Cure Critical Wounds for 26)
Surviving for Now... (DM Matt) d20+12=29 d20+12=13 d20+18=35 2d4(2+4)+8=14 d20+18=35 2d4(3+3)+8=14 d20+18=26 d20+18=31 d20+13=32 2d4(4+4)+8=16 2d4(4+4)+8=16 2d6(4+2)+4=10 d20+18=38 d20+18=22 4d4(4+1+2+3)+16=26 d20+18=21 2d4(2+3)+8=13 Tuesday March 11th, 2003 8:15:41 AM
Retaliating against the beasts attack, Orson's blades bite deep into the creature, who staggers under the warriors swings, but remains standing.
Milo Tumbles to the far side of the beast, and he and the severely wounded Olana skillfully place their blows against the huge cat.
Lians arrow finds its home within the beast, as Ingrge rushes in to save his wounded leader. Ingrge Takes the brunt of a powerful claw (AoO: 14 Dmg) as he sweeps the woman up and out to relative safety, he force feeds her one healing potion, as she opens the other, draining it quickly after finishing the first. Ill allow one of Ingrge actions to 'feed' the potion to K'Nara, then K'Nara's action to drink the other.
Maloray moves foward after Ingrge, the cats attention following the wizard, allowing the half-elf to close safetly. A mighty swing of his fathers blade sinks into the beast, but only seems to draw its attention towards the barbarian.
Figment lands close to wear Ingrge carried K'Nara, lining up and letting his bolt of electricity fly. It singes both the targeted cats, though the lead beast seemed to dodge the brunt of the bolt. The second beast wavers under the powerful magic, but is still standing for now.
Bertram rushes forth to heal Olana, taking a strike from the beast as he does so (AoO: 14Dmg). The ranger feels a little better, some of the dizziness going away, and the blood flow from her chest and stomach slowing a little.
The lead cat now unleashes its frenzy up the half-elf before it, clawing and biting at Maloray.(Claw hit, Claw hit, Bite hit, 42Dmg =16+16+10)
The feline to the left continues its attacks on the unfortunate ranger, though its heavy wounds halting most of its attacks. It still cleaves into the ranger with a powerful claw though, re-opening the wounds the dwarven cleric had just healed (Claw Crit. Hit, 26Dmg).
The last beast also continues its attack on Orson, its wounds to halting its ferocity. Still, a claw finds flesh to tear on the human warrior, landing a strong blow(Claw Hit, 13Dmg).
Current Combat Map - Will get combat map up later today, if needed. Positions are fairly similar with Figment, Ingrge and K'Nara in between tiger 2 and tiger 1, and Milo on the far side of tiger 2.
Milo (shield of faith, AC 24) d20+11=31 d20+11=21 d20+11=24 6d6(1+3+5+6+1+2)+2=20 5d6(6+4+6+6+4)+1=27 Tuesday March 11th, 2003 10:27:00 AM
Continuing to lash out at the huge tiger, Milo screams at the beast, "LEAVE HER ALONE! OVER HERE YOU DUMB TIGER... CAUSE I'M ABOUT TO KILL YOU!" Tears stream down the halfling's face as he opens up massive wounds in the beasts backside. (OOC: Crit again with a nat 20. Confirmed with AC 21. Second attack hits AC 24 for a total of 47 hps damage)
Lian d20+10=11 Tuesday March 11th, 2003 11:01:22 AM
The monk tries to get a better view of the tiger who attacked both K'nara and Ingrge and fires another masterwork arrow into the feline.
Missing, the monk steps forward about 10 feet to improve his shots and to defend the horses. He turns and gives his horse (Merlot) the back off signal. "Escopium!"
Orson (Power Attack: +7 Damage, -7 Hit) d20+7=22 d8+16=22 d20+2=18 d8+16=18 Tuesday March 11th, 2003 1:48:43 PM
Orson takes another swing at the monsterous cat, hacking into the beast. If it doesn't fall, he swings again, then takes a 5' step toward the lead tiger. If it does fall in a single swing, he move towards the tiger, stopping just within its reach, but not moving enough to provoke the creature. "Is she alright?" he calls, seeing K'Nara being tended to, but also he tries to keep an eye on the now wounded Maloray.
(Attack 1: AC 22, 22 Dmg If needed Attack 2: Ac 18, 18 Dmg)
Figment 9d6(5+6+1+6+3+6+6+5+1)=39 Tuesday March 11th, 2003 8:59:28 PM
The mage sticks with what he knows well and blasts the same 2 tigers yet again with a lightning bolt, intent on taking them down before they can strike again. (39 DMG)
Olana d20+10=20 d20+12=18 d8=8 d10=9 2d6(4+2)=6 2d6(4+4)=8 Wednesday March 12th, 2003 2:33:31 AM
The elf feels the sudden strength of healing sweep through her like a wave. Bertram. Praise the Gods.
But the creature wasn't down yet, and although it is badly wounded, and she attempts to dodge the blows, the thing tears at her again, and she feels everything begin to fade once more. She can see Milo, hear him.... can't let it get to him, and so she brings her swords to bear once more, plunging in with both blades.
If only she didn't feel so dizzy.
((Hitting a 20 and 18, for 14 and 17))
K'Nara (23hpd) d20+13=33 d20+13=32 d20+13=29 2d6(1+3)+4=8 2d6(1+6)+4=11 Wednesday March 12th, 2003 12:37:51 PM
K'Nara recovered from the dire tiger's attack sufficiently to quickly scan the field of battle and see that Orson was fighting a tiger all by himself...so she chose to hurl the Scimitar of Throwing with all her might at the dire beastie he was hacking away at (OOC: taking a five-foot step to get in range if it is necessary).
(OOC: first, I'm assuming that Orson's tiger [#2, if I remember correctly] is within the throwing range of the scimitar [about 12 feet]. If it isn't, then K'Nara will throw the blade at whatever tiger IS within the range of the scimitar. If neither tiger is within throwing range, K'Nara will choose to go to Orson's aid.
Still assuming that K'Nara gets to throw her Scimitar, I've rolled a possible Crit Hit, followed by ANOTHER possible Crit Hit result. Not being near my set of D&D books, I don't remember exactly how this gets resolved, so I rolled a third time and then rolled a total of two Crit Hit results: first Crit Hit does 8hpd; the second results in 11hpd. I'll let DM Matt sort out how much of that actually occurs. ;D)
Maloray (24 hp 16 temporary. AC 18) (RAGE) d20+14=17 2d6(5+3)+7=15 d20+8=24 2d6(4+5)+7=16 Wednesday March 12th, 2003 3:45:13 PM
The pain of the tiger's gashes flowing through him like liquid fire, Maloray flies into a furious rage, attacking the tiger before him twice.
ATTACK 1: D20+14= AC 17 hit for 15 ATTACK 2: D20+8 = AC 24 hit for 16
OOC I still have not rolled a threat with this Keen Greatsword (threat 17-20).
Brother Bertram 4d8(4+3+6+5)+7=25 Wednesday March 12th, 2003 7:50:07 PM
Bertram grimaces as the creature claws at him, but his pain is amplified, seeing Olana slashed open again. Once again ignoring the beast, Bertram prays over Olana trying to keep himself between the beast and his friend.
Ingrge (boots of speed) AC 23 d20+5=21 d20+11=30 d20+15=24 d6+5=11 d6=4 Wednesday March 12th, 2003 10:07:25 PM
Seeing that K'nara is looking a bit better, Ingrge Tells her to stand stil for a moment and casts a spell on their leader (stoneskin). There that should help protect you a bit.
Then taking a deep breath Ingrge takes off at a sprint and from behind Leaps on to Tigger 1's back, (dex dc 21, jump dc 30) driving his sword down between the shoulderblades of the large cat. (AC 24 for 11 points and 4 point loss of temp constitution)
Kitty play time is over (DM Matt) d20+12=15 Wednesday March 12th, 2003 10:49:27 PM
Orson again lashes out at the beast, twice with the sword in his left hand, using the right sword for balance, and support. The blows are still insufficient to drop the creature.
Milo and Olana once again effectively distract the beast together, accurately placing thier blades into the giant tiger. Figments magical lightning backs up the pairs blades, making sure their beast is dead, though the lead tiger takes the bolt without wavering.
The beast on Orson rears to attack the wounded human, but never gets the chance. K'Nara's scimitar sails through the air, imbedding deep into the creatures neck, bringing it down.
Lian's misses with an arrow, though Maloray cleaves into the last remaining beast with with two powerful strikes.
After casting his spell upon the not so wounded leader, Ingrge leaps successfully onto the creatures back, striking it with his blade. Wounded, surrounded, and now alone, the tiger begins to turn to flee, but the magic venom of Ingrge's blade courses through its body takes effect, sapping the beasts last bit of strength, and the mighty beast falls.
Bertram heals Olana's once again severe wounds, returning some of the elf's strength, though isn't so pressed for time as the threat of the tigers is gone.
Oops...error on my part with the beasts being staggered last round, I used the entire rounds damage, not a single blows damage, so Talons benifited this time, won't happen again :P
Milo (shield of faith, AC 24) Thursday March 13th, 2003 1:21:28 AM
Milo glances toward Figment to make sure that his battle buddy is okay, and seeing the wizard unharmed, runs for Olana. Nearly barreling into the elf maiden, Milo stops momentarily to survey her wounds.
Lian Thursday March 13th, 2003 10:10:25 AM
Lian checks to see if the horses are alright and if he can see if any ran off and in what direction. Then he looks at Ingrge.
"Friend Ingrge, are you okay? Brother Bertram how about you?"
Brother Bertram Thursday March 13th, 2003 10:36:43 AM
Seeing Milo surge in front of him to examine Olan's wounds, Bertram feels a twinge of indignation that Milo would doubt his work. "Shaking off his feelings he moves towards Lian. A scratch, Friend Lian, Nothing more! And yourself? How do you fare?" As he talks Bertram looks about to see who is in the most danger from thier wounds.
Orson (15/57hps) Thursday March 13th, 2003 11:05:59 PM
Orson glances in the direction of the thrown blade, realizing the blow he was bracing for wasn't coming. Seeing the Talons leader in that direction, he smiles, "Thanks," and sticks his swords into the ground, collapsing for a breather, and to regroup his strength. It was a very short battle, but the wounds caused to him had taken their toll on the young warrior. After a few moments he stands and retrieves K'Nara's thrown weapon, wiping it clean with his cloak, and returning it to its owner. "Yours I believe?"
Olana (24/61hps) Friday March 14th, 2003 12:09:16 AM
Olana stood there, looking down at the dead tiger, stunned, knowing she had been that close. Milo knocked her out of her reverie and she hugged him tightly, some of the pain coming back.
"I'll live," she whispered, not wanting to let him go. "Bertram kept me alive, while we killed it."
She'll go and hug Bertram afterwards, too, and then suggest they check the carcasses of the tigers, to make sure they hadn't eaten the man they were after.
Ingrge Friday March 14th, 2003 7:54:51 AM
Shocked and a bit shaken, Ingrge dismounts from his feline mount and surveys the field of battle. Seeing no dead Talons and no other opponents currently, he turns as Lian addresses him. " Umm, Yes. I seem to be fine. I am injured but it is not terribly serious, unless these beasts were also lycanthropes. And if thats the case well..." he tails off and shrugs. Turning back to the tiger Ingrge makes sure it is dead by slitting its throat and then cuts out one of the beasts long canine teeth and the cleans both the tooth and his sword.
Walking up to K'nara, Ingrge stops a few paces away and then addresses their leader. "K'nara, if we have an hour or two to spend I can try and scry out our quarry's location and perhaps save us a few hours in the long run."
Figment Friday March 14th, 2003 9:10:36 AM
The mage nods at Ingrge's suggestion. "With predators of this size in the area I would imagine most everything around here has taken flight. I think we will be safe tonight - and if we can figure out a way to transport them, the skins of these animals will bring an impressive price in the cities.". Turning to his fellow mage, Figment says "I'd very much like to observe your efforts. I have not taken the time to learn how to scry yet - an oversight I need to correct - if you're willing.".
Maloray (HP 8/50) Saturday March 15th, 2003 10:10:42 AM
Seeing the giant tiger in front of him fall, Maloray glances quickly around for another foe, just in time to see them too collapse. Slowly the half elf releases his fury, and collapses unconscious to the ground.
Temporary Rest (DM Matt) Sunday March 16th, 2003 8:40:20 PM
No threats presenting themselves, wounds are tended to and healed, and setting up a temperary rest area, Ingrge prepares for his scrying.
Olana investigates the surrounding area for tracks some more, finding the 3 tigers have been roaming the area for some time, almost for half a day. More importantly, she finds again the booted prints, though again only for a brief area of about 10 feet. The tracks head deep into the woods as they exit into the woods, and disappear. About 5 feet to the left of those prints, Olana finds another set of what looks to be dire tiger prints. Those tracks seem to be about the same time frame as the booted mans, and run parallel with them into the forest.
Should the Talon's leader give the go ahead, the talons remain in the area as Ingrge casts his scry.
Inspection shows Olana, Orson, and Maloray are heavily wounded, with Bertram, Ingrge, and K'Nara having minor wounds.
Brother Bertram 3d8(6+1+3)+7=17 3d8(3+1+1)+7=12 3d8(1+6+8)+7=22 Sunday March 16th, 2003 9:37:51 PM
Bertram prays over Olana and Orson and Maloray healing what wounds that he can.
(OOC Trading Magic vestments, Daylight, Continual Flame for 3 x Cure Serious-Olana-17, Orson-12, Maloray-22)
Milo 2d8(8+1)+3=12 2d8(8+1)+3=12 d8+3=10 d8+3=9 Monday March 17th, 2003 3:06:05 AM
Milo moves among the wounded, plying what small amount of healing that he has available. He moves first to Orson, then back to Olana, and finally over to K'nara. Afterwards, Milo approaches Bertram, and without warning wraps his arms around the dwarf cleric in a halfling-size bear hug, "Thank you, thank you, thank you for looking after Olana the way you did... I don't know what I'd have done without you in that mess." Milo looks sincerely thankful.
(OOC: Trading up lesser restoration and remove paralysis for cure moderate wounds twice. Healed 12 hps on Orson and 12 hps on Olana. Traded up protection from evil and remove fear for cure light wounds twice on K'nara for a total of 19 hps healed.)
Lian Monday March 17th, 2003 5:16:41 AM
Lian reflects on the dire tiger attack by sitting aside away from the the scrying area. As he sits, he consults his scroll and studies it somemore with great interest. Occassionally he'll mutter to himself about something. He remains quiet while the scrying takes place, so not to interrupt the delicate process.
K'Nara Monday March 17th, 2003 7:25:33 AM
"We'll make camp here, I suppose--both to give Ingrge that chance to scry and to help heal up the most serious of the wounds we've sustained." K'Nara agreed with the elf's suggestion and offered the use of two of her own Cure Moderate Wounds potions for Maloray's benefit if there wasn't enough divine magic to do so.
Figment Monday March 17th, 2003 7:11:12 PM
The mage checks on the mounts to make sure they are all gathered. He pulls out his cooking equipment and makes a gourmet meal for the group. He also carves out a nice flank from one of the tigers and experiments cooking it. "No need to let good meat go to waste...".
Kent d20+17=34 Monday March 17th, 2003 7:31:22 PM
Once camp is set up and everyone is back in order, Ingrge gives a nod to Figment and opens up his backpack. Carefully reaching in he works a large object out of it. Once done all can see that it is a large 4 ft highly polished silver mirror.
Making his way to an area away from the hustle and hubub of the camp Ingrge settles down with his mirror and starts his spell work to locate the former Tine leader. Having spent several weeks travelling with the man and having recently confirmed, from the messenger, that he has undergone no major physical changes, Ingrge feels normal location shouldn't be too difficulty. (Scry roll DC 34)
Olana 53/61 hps Monday March 17th, 2003 9:05:47 PM
Olana tells the others what she has discovered during scouting. Her strength starts to return as Milo and Bertram heal her some more. In fact she starts to feel a whole lot better.
She eats the meal Figment has prepared gladly, and will help guard the camp while the scry takes place.
Scrying on Tremaine (DM Matt) d20+10=22 Tuesday March 18th, 2003 12:28:42 AM
The talons relax for a bit as Ingrge begins his casting, Milo and Bertram sufficently healing most of the major wounds, though so minor injuries still remain. Figments meal is devoured happily, and those willing to taste the tiger flesh find it isn't that bad, though a little rough.
Ingrge casts his spell, the mirror before him clouding up as he finishes. After a few moments the spell begins to function, the mists within the mirror parting to show his quarry. Tremaine looks much like Ingrge remembers, though not well groomed or cleaned as the charismatic leader had once been. He is moving at a far pace through a forest, not unlike the woods the party stands in now, glancing around as he walks. A extremely large tiger (slightly bigger than the biggest of those the talons just killed) walks along beside the Tine's leader. Tremaine stops suddenly, resting a hand upong the giant beast next to him, bringing it to a stop as well. He glances around slowly, his gaze stops as he stares towards the direction of Ingrge's view. Scowling, he turns his attention toward the beast, speaking in sylvan "He is watching even now, we must hurry." Concentrating for a moment, the leader of the Tine begins to shift, enlarging and taking the form of a large tiger, much like the one next to him. Both dart off into the woods, though Ingrge's sensor remains on the druid. The speed at which the two large tigers move through the dense forest is incredible, and thier pace doesn't slow for the ten minutes the mage is able to watch.
Lian d20-1=3 Tuesday March 18th, 2003 5:54:44 AM
While the mage scrys on the Talons quarry, the monk opens a package wrapped in brown paper he recieved in Edenmoor. He removes a grey cloak and a nice looking suede vest with bone buttons from the package and puts them on. They fit well. When he's sure the scrying is complete, Lian removes a small wooden flute no one has seen before and begins playing a low melody; it's far from being impressive. The notes might sound like something a child would play. However poor the tune is, the sounds of nature quickly outdue the monks performance.
Figment Tuesday March 18th, 2003 7:25:21 PM
The mage raises an eyebrow as the the druid transforms and moves off. "Looks like Tremain left these cats to find us - or whoever was following. I hope he doesn't get mad that we killed them. Looks like we'll not catch him any time soon. I wonder if we can track which way he went? I doubt we'll have much luck chasing a druid through the forest. By the way, nice work, Ingrge. Nice work in deed.".
Ingrge Tuesday March 18th, 2003 9:46:18 PM
While watching, Ingrge tries to get a sense of which way they are going by trying to see where the sun is or by which way their shadows are falling. Other clues he might look for are whether they seem to be traveling uphill or down the types of tres surrounding them or if they seem to be travelling on some sort of trail.
When the spell ends, Ingrge is obviously a bit tired and after a bite to eat and making his report, he retires to his bedroll and starts to rest.
Olana Wednesday March 19th, 2003 12:18:05 AM
The elf gives a sigh as Ingrge gives his report. "I wonder if he'll listen to reason when we find him," she wonders aloud.
She checks with K'Nara on what their next move should be.
Milo Wednesday March 19th, 2003 2:17:17 AM
Milo spends some time in contemplation, considering the events of the day, as well as their current path. He then approaches K'nara quietly, "We know where he goes, perhaps we should simply take the quick road, and beat him there. We could guard the entrance to Parnoth's lair, waiting for him to arrive, which is far less aggravating then attempting to track him down at this rate."
Brother Bertram 2d8(3+4)+2=9 2d8(8+2)+2=12 2d8(3+6)+2=11 2d8(3+1)+2=6 2d8(3+5)+2=10 2d8(3+7)+2=12 2d8(8+7)+2=17 Wednesday March 19th, 2003 10:09:41 AM
Bertram moves once more amongst the group, praying over remaining wounds, trying to bring everyone to full strength before they again face such a trial. He moves from one member to the other checking them all, starting with the most obviously wounded. Bertram prays over each, searching for the grace and strength to heal them all.
(OOC Bert will start with Olana and then Orson, Maloray, and any others that have wounds. He will finish with himself if there is any healing left. Trading all 2nd level spells for Cure Moderate until the group is healed, saving Detect Evil for last if possible but will use it to get us all healed if need be. Grand Total w/o Detect Evil is 60-if I trade Detect Evil then my total is 77 )
Orson Wednesday March 19th, 2003 11:22:30 PM
"Well if we can't track the druid, what about that tiger you said he has with him? That shouldn't be to tough to track?" Orson doesn't really know how to do that, but he had heard druids can be difficult to find within the forest. "How far away are they?"
If it looks as though they may stick around the area for a bit, he will unroll his bed roll, after cleaning up his swords and armor the best he can.
A little more Tracking (DM Matt) Wednesday March 19th, 2003 11:33:10 PM
Bertram finishes his rounds, healing all but the slightest of wounds on a few people. You still have Detect Evil. Current Hps: Ingrge 68/72, K'Nara 80/85, Maloray 47/50, Bertram 56/58, Orson 51/57.
Ingrge doesn't notice much that is easily identifiable in his scrying, but the tree's are of the same type the talons find around them. Tremaine didn't seem to be moving at a great speed as he was moving at first, glancing around and examining the plants around him. No trail is obvious though, either when he was walking as a man, or sprinting as a tiger.
The Talons finish their meal, and rest for a little while. Olana does a little more searching, the booted tracks and the felines tracks beside it looking to be made within the last day, though before the other tiger's were in the area. She guesses probably 10-12 hours have past since the person came through.
The talons remain in the small glade, waiting to see if the move now or rest longer.
Lian d10=2 d20+29=37 d20+7=14 Thursday March 20th, 2003 5:59:09 AM
The monk packs his gear up to get ready to go.
"K'nara, it seems to me, perhaps, if he is continuing through the forest, the longer we wait, the further away he gets." Lian pulls his bow and knocks an arrow just to be on the safe side. He scans the horizon for any tigers or Tremaine. Then he jumps into a tree.
(OOC: Provided the glade has a tall tree nearby or at least a semi-tall tree, Lian jumps to the first branch and hides in the crouch of the tree to get a good view(spot check 14) of the glade for the moment. Hide check 37.) Note: Disregard the d10 roll.
Brother Bertram Thursday March 20th, 2003 8:20:38 PM
Bertram sits down exhausted from his exertions. He leans back and allows his body to rest until the group moves on. He will pray to Domi thanking him for his help and praying for further help as they group moves forward.
Olana Friday March 21st, 2003 1:32:28 AM
Olana agrees with Lian, and waits to see if he can see anything from his vantage point, although she tells K'Nara that Milo's idea might be good too.
"What's puzzling me, is the tree - it's supposed to be here. It isn't. It make me wonder, if... well you know - if it can move, or something."
Milo Friday March 21st, 2003 10:11:58 AM
Milo stands ready to assist with the tracking or double time it to Parnoth's lair, whichever K'nara chooses. After the tiger attack he stands extremely close to Olana, a hand resting firmly on the pommel of his sheathed short sword.
Figment Friday March 21st, 2003 7:30:15 PM
Nodding his head as he watches Ingrge's scrying, Figment tries to catch every little thing he can about how the spell works and the little nuances that Ingrge puts into his work. When the scrying is finished he helps his fellow mage with whatever cleanup, etc that needs to be done asking questions of Ingrge as they go, stopping only when Ingrge makes his way to his bed roll.
Ingrge Friday March 21st, 2003 7:32:14 PM
Sleeping as long as allowed, Ingrge, when woken gets repacked and ready to go.
Orson Friday March 21st, 2003 11:25:03 PM
Orson listens to the ideas, having no particular care in either. Listening to Olana's questions he adds, "Well the map says its supposed to be here, but how do we know the map is accurate?"
He relaxes as the decision to move is made, packed and ready to go, whenever the leader decides to give the order to move.
The pursuit (DM Matt) Monday March 24th, 2003 5:32:04 PM
Olana finds no other trace of the humans foot prints, as stated tacking a druid through the forest is nearly impossible. However she is quite capable of following the single dire tigers trail that leaves the clearing, seeming to be about 10-12 hours old.
With several hours of daylight remaining, the Talons finish up their gourmet meal, and after a little bit of rest, take pursuit following the tiger's tracks, it pretty clear that its the animal travelling with the Tremaine. The tigers pace at this point seemed quite slow, the distance between steps minimal.
Moving quickly though the woods, the Talons make up several hours on the trail, and as the darkness of night settles over the woods come across a point where the druid and his companion seemed to have rested for a short while, a large depression in the brush where the cat had slept.
Night has fallen, and the quickened pace the talons and their steeds kept for the last few hours took its toll, even the seasoned adventurers felt slightly exhausted. The small area is well equiped to be a campsite, a small clearing could easily provide a place for a fire, and although cramped, the level and relatively cleared ground gives sufficient place to sleep.
OOC: Sorry for the slack in posts the last few days. Was waiting for a decision to move or not, but just decided to make it for you, to keep things moving. Feel free to continue any back discussion that i may have interrupted.
Another Note: Unfortunately I'm only going to be making a few more posts while Jan gets another DM lined up, I'm taking on a second full time job, the prospect for extra money to get some school bills paid off just to appealing. I will continue to try and post as Orson, though not sure if I will be able to keep up a steady posting, guess well see.
Figment Monday March 24th, 2003 11:22:08 PM
The mage, as usual, takes care of Jux and then cooks a fine meal. He then takes his rest and his watch, to prepare for the next day. He focuses his mental energy on Ingrge's scrying and explanations.
Lian Tuesday March 25th, 2003 12:38:22 AM
The monk rides Merlot and trails behind the rest of group. His mind isn't on the scrying or on Tremaine, but on the path his life has taken in the past year. He thinks back to the easier days at the monastery and his family. He pats Merlot on the mane as he travels.
Milo Tuesday March 25th, 2003 10:03:35 AM
As Milo rides along with Olana, he nearly falls asleep within his contentment, though discipline and the task at hand, manage to keep the halfling justicar somewhat alert. Once camp is set however, he becomes a one halfling guard squad, standing alert for danger as his friends go about their camp duties. Milo considers the best way to take down a druid, and is in a quandary as he'd prefer not to hurt Tremaine. Occasionally his gaze strays back to Olana, and he allows himself to become momentarily distracted.
Olana Tuesday March 25th, 2003 9:16:22 PM
The elf does her best to follow the trail until it reaches the campsite. Milo's company calms her down, enabling her to make better judgements. She had been more spooked about the tiger situation than she thought, and the fact they were following two more didn't help.
Still.... there were worse things.
She'll take her turn on watch, and perhaps note that Lian has been very introspective, lately.
Brother Bertram d20=16 Wednesday March 26th, 2003 1:58:18 PM
Bertram followed along,keeping an eye out along the sides of the trail and behind them, watching for anything out of the ordinary.
Temp DM Jan Wednesday March 26th, 2003 4:11:50 PM
Night falls..... and here in deepest darkest Culverwood it starts to get a little spooky. Unseen night creatures can be heard beyond the perimeter of the camp. There's a definite impression that a full watch will be needed.
((OOC - folks I need to know who's on watch during the night and when - the usual three shifts.))
Brother Bertram Wednesday March 26th, 2003 8:48:28 PM
Bertram requests the final shift so that he can pray to Domi and prepare for the coming day.
Figment Wednesday March 26th, 2003 9:23:30 PM
The mage offers to take the first shift as all his spells are available to him already and he does not need to rest to replentish.
Ingrge d20+17=32 Wednesday March 26th, 2003 10:26:14 PM
Ingrge looks around the area as the group sets up camp. Seeing K'nara still wearied from her recent injuries, He looks around at the others.
"Figment and Maloray take first watch tonite, Olanna and Lian take second, Orson, and Milo should take third and I will take last with Bertram. K'nara you need to rest after your injuries and a you will be more effective if you are fresher." After camp is set up, I am going to do another scrying and see what I can see of our friend.
Setting up his mirror again Ingrge gets to work. Scry DC 32, shouldn't have to difficult a problem)
Milo Thursday March 27th, 2003 1:20:29 AM
"Okey Dokey Ingrge," Milo smiles at the elf, and after assisting with setting up camp and having a bite, the halfling settles in for some sleep.
Olana Thursday March 27th, 2003 6:40:00 PM
The elf nods at Ingrge and settles down next to Milo for a spell of meditation, before the second watch.
Temp DM Jan d3=1 Thursday March 27th, 2003 6:44:41 PM
The Talons settle down for the night. However - this being Culverwood...
Figment and Maloray become aware of a slight "pop" sound. In the vicinity of the sound - where there was a patch of clear groud at the edge of the clearing - there is now a toadstool - red, with white spots - about a foot tall and two feet in diameter. A minute later - there's another "pop" coming from the opposite side of the clearing.
Followed by another, and another.
Figment Thursday March 27th, 2003 11:51:32 PM
The mage motions to Maloray to wake the others up. He then casts detect magic and attempts to figure out what's going on.
Lian d20+6=26 Friday March 28th, 2003 1:36:54 AM
Lian comes out of his elven meditation. "What is going on?" Then hearing a pop, he glances over. "Oh, that is quite odd!" (Knowledge Arcana, 26!!) "Figment, you ever hear of anything this strange?!" He then grabs his bow and a handful(3) of masterwork arrows.
Milo Friday March 28th, 2003 1:01:16 PM
Once wakened, Milo opens his eyes to the sight of Olana lying next to him, and for a moment feels extremely content to just lay there and watch her meditate. He then remembers that it was to be Olana or Lian who waked him for watch, and realizes that something is amiss. Sitting up, the halfling looks around, attempting to ascertain the threat.
Temp DM Jan Friday March 28th, 2003 8:03:43 PM
Figment's spell enables him to ascertain that something magical is going on. He will recognise a shimmering aura of illusion falling on everyone like an invisible blanket, and something else - evocation. Lian may surmise that the toadstools are a little too perfect to be natural.
Maloray wakes everyone, but by the time everyone is awake and aware - the 'popping' has stopped - and the group is entirely within a toadstool circle.
Beyond it, everyone hears a high-pitched, musical giggle.
Lian Saturday March 29th, 2003 1:01:48 AM
Thinking on his feet, totally uncharacteristic of the monk, he removes some scraps of cloth from the hem of his tattered breeches and tucks them into both ears to muffle or deaden the sound.(I'll happily take any penalties on Listen checks if you like) "That giggling laughter, do not listen! Those toadstools are not natural, though that is probably obvious." He says to Maloray and to everyone who is awake. Then he knocks his arrow and scans the circle for where the laughter is coming from.
Milo d20+11=23 d20+12=29 Saturday March 29th, 2003 1:47:20 AM
Hearing the giggling, Milo stands up and after fully equiping himself, attempts to look out and listen into the darkness to figure out where the sound is coming from. (OOC: Made Spot and Listen checks DCs 23 and 29 respectively)
Figment Saturday March 29th, 2003 9:47:08 AM
The mage scans the area for the troublemaker. "It's a pixie or something. These mushrooms are illusions and its trying to distract us. Keep an eye on your gear. They are fast and very mischievous".
Brother Bertram Sunday March 30th, 2003 10:18:46 PM
Bertram rouses wearily and looks about at the unnatural occurence. He grips his axe and examines the area looking for anything or anyone moving about.
K'Nara Monday March 31st, 2003 7:56:07 AM
K'Nara scowled at the sight of the toadstools--actually, she usually welcomed a humorous diversion, but Tremaine's unknown plan and the all-too-efficient attack of the dire tigers had made the human bladesinger a bit on the testy side of late.
"Pixies...great! JUST what we need..!" she grumbled, sighed--and then laughed softly. "Perhaps this is the gods' way of making sure we all don't expire from solemnity while trying to reach Tremaine and that ish'gara tree..!"
Ingrge d20+10=27 Monday March 31st, 2003 6:57:49 PM
(knowledge Arcana roll dc 27)
Muttering under his breath, you hear more than one curse come from the cantankerous elf's mouth.
"OK all, do me and yourselves a favor. Until we are under way and out of this circle and whatever created it, DO NOT eat or drink ANYTHING that you did not bring with you. Accept nothing in the way of sustainance from anyone."
Taking out his staff, Ingrge looks around the area looking for the giggler.
Turning toward K'nara, Ingrge nods. "Pixies would be troublesome, but I fear we might have stumbled into a fairy ring."
Olana Monday March 31st, 2003 8:40:18 PM
Looking a little askance at the toadstool ring, the elf wonders aloud -
"Do you think this is some kind of barrier? Are we trapped? I've never seen toadstools like that before."
Inside the mushroom circle (New, Green-as-Grass, Wet-Behind-the-Ears DM Greg) Monday March 31st, 2003 11:14:36 PM
The ring of mushrooms is about 40' in diameter, centered on the party's watchfire. As some of the party members move a little away from the fire, and look out into the darkened forest for the source of the sounds, something very odd becomes apparent.
The party had set up camp about 30' from the trail left by the huge tiger. But examining the ground immediately outside the mushroom circle shows not one set of feline tracks, but hundreds! It seems as if an entire pride of huge lions have held a dance in the outer part of the clearing, just outside the ring of mushrooms. It will be impossible to pick up the tracks of the tiger that the group has been following, even in the morning light.
Then a deep voice booms from the forest, calling out, "DO NOT LEAVE THE CIRCLE, IF YOU VALUE YOUR LIVES! WHO ARE YOU, AND WHY DO YOU DISTURB THE CALM OF MY FOREST? WHY DO YOU FOLLOW THE TRACKS OF THE SHAPESHIFTER?"
Brother Bertram Tuesday April 1st, 2003 10:50:23 AM
Bertram scratches his beard with a calloused hand, while the other kept a tight grip on his axe, looking for any sign of movement. He kept a prayer on his lips asking for assistance as well.
Ingrge Tuesday April 1st, 2003 8:27:08 PM
With his staff in his hand, Ingrge looks around and then sits down with his face toward where he thinks the voice was coming from. He almost laughs at the "Disturbing the Calm" of his forest line but somehow manges to keep it in and merely looks a trifle bored as he looks to K'nara for her response.
Milo Tuesday April 1st, 2003 8:47:43 PM
Milo is genuinely angry that whoever this voice belongs to is responsible for shaking him out of one of life's more precious moments. Drawing his short sword he looks pointedly at K'nara, awaiting her response to the voice and barely managing to contain his own.
Olana Tuesday April 1st, 2003 10:14:41 PM
The elf walks the perimeter just inside the circle.
"I see tracks everywhere, and I don't know which ones are true."
Figment d20+9=13 d20+21=37 d20+21=27 Tuesday April 1st, 2003 11:37:31 PM
The mage continues to scan the forest for the source of the voice (with Detect Magic), still assuming it's a trick. He searches his memory for any ideas on what or who this might be (Int 13, Arcana 37, Spellcraft 27).
Lian d20+17=36 d20+7=20 Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 1:52:38 AM
Lian looks around and scans the forest for a source of the voice. He looks over at his gear and then the horses to make sure nothing is floating or walking off. He then walks over to Bertram. (Listen 36, Spot 20)
"Bertram, you see anything? I am very uncomfortable, exposed." Whispers the monk in the dwarfs ear.
The voice gets impatient (Still-learning DM Greg) Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 12:53:25 PM
The voice calls out again from the woods, sounding a little impatient, "ARE YOU DEAF, OR MUTE? ANSWER ME! WHY DO YOU FOLLOW THE SHIFTER?"
Figment can just barely make out a magical aura coming from the forest at the edge of the clearing (50'-60' away). His spellcraft roll detects illusion from that point; it seems to be where the voice is originating from.
Other PCs scanning and listening hear and see nothing.
[OOC: I am wondering why no-one is responding to the voice. Is K'nara the only PC allowed to interact with situations like this? Donna has not posted for over 2 days now. How long does the party intend to wait? I suggest someone else steps in soon.]
Lian Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 6:21:03 PM
"SIR, HOW CAN WE NOT HELP, BUT TO HEAR YOU... YOUR SHOUTING AT US!! OF COURSE WE HEAR YOU!! THE 'SHIFTER' IS A FRIEND OF A FRIEND. HE HAS DISAPPEARED FROM HOME RECENTLY, WE ARE JUST CONCERNED FOR HIS SAFETY. HE LEFT WITH NO WORD TO ANYONE." The monk shouts right back at the voice.
(I'm not sure what you mean about taking too long to respond... technically it's only been about minute of time has passed since the group has woke. Anyone can respond in situations like this.)
DM Greg Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 6:45:53 PM
[OOC: When I was referring to how long it was taking to respond, I was referring to real time (almost two days) as opposed to game time (about one minute.) Two of the posts clearly stated that they were waiting for K'nara to respond, so I was wondering if the party let K'nara do all the talking in situations like this.]
Figment Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 6:58:17 PM
The mage goes dark and moves toward the source of the voice. (Improved Invis). He approaches the source of the illusion but does not close (maybe within 20').
Brother Bertram Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 7:05:32 PM
Bertram drew himself up with a hint of irritation. "Brother Bertram Trothgard, Servant of Domi and Follower of Gargul. These are the Emerald Talons. Now do we call you Wraith of the Woods, or would you speak as a civilized person?
Milo Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 7:19:44 PM
Disregarding normal protocol Milo speaks into the void, "We hunt the shifter because we believe that he is not in his right mind, and whether he is or not, he poses a serious threat to his own well being in his current mission."
Ingrge Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 9:21:51 PM
Ingrge listens to the different Talons speaking and looking over at K'nara shrugs.
Staff still in hand, Ingrge gets up and walks toward where Figment is heading. As he walks along Ingrge starts to speak, quietly but firmly.
"We are as the good father said the Emerald Talons. If you look around your woods, if they are truly yours, for I think Parnoth would argue that point, you will see that we have disturbed nothing in this area, even to the extent of not lighting a fire. Nor have proffered any untoward comments or incivilities toward anyone who did not first visit them upon us. Now if you would be so kind as to come into the clearing and show yourself, perhaps we can converse like civilised beings. If not, we have a pressing engagement elsewhere."
(OOC Greg . K'nara is the group appointed leader, hence the defference. I got a message saying she would be back y-day so posted as if she were going to be active and others played off of that.)
Olana Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 11:14:30 PM
"Yes! Show yourself!" adds the elf. "You can obviously see us."
K'Nara Thursday April 3rd, 2003 6:59:59 AM
K'Nara recovered from the shock of the booming voice and the sudden realization that perhaps their situation wasn't as humorous as she'd originally thought.
"I am K'Nara, and I lead the Emerald Talons here assembled," she explained, restraining herself from unsheathing her sword, "And my colleagues have told you true: we seek to intercept and stop Tremaine from reaching a tree called ish'gara."
The voice raises the stakes (DM Greg) Thursday April 3rd, 2003 11:40:27 PM
Everyone stays inside the mushroom ring, except for Figment, who invisibly stumbles towards the voice. He stops about 20' from the origin point of the voice, but sees nothing.
[OOC: I understand from Ingrge's statement that you have no fire lit. Humans without some sort of vision enhancement can see very little in these conditions, thus Figment's stumbling. PCs with lowlight vision can see as a human at dusk.]
The voice speaks (from the same point, about 20' in front of Figment), in a less threatening level, "I can sense the truth in what you are saying, but there is more at stake than you know right now. I cannot let you threaten the shapeshifter without first testing you; he is much too unstable and dangerous. And so, I must do this. I am truly sorry, but it is for the best."
Suddenly, six of the mushrooms equally spaced around the party pop out of existence, to be replaced by 2 different types of creatures. Three of the creatures look like large featherless chickens with bat wings and a long lizard-like tail. The other three creatures appear to be reddish-orange turtles about 5' long, with longer legs than a turtle, and a long armour-plated tail that ends in a double-sided paddle. Two long antennae jut from each creature's face, one below each eye.
Lian (AC 26, fighting defensively) d20+6=18 d6=2 Friday April 4th, 2003 6:03:04 AM
Having had his bow out and trained to fire at opposition, the monk fires cautiously at one of the bird-like critters with a masterwork arrow [taking a -4 for fighting defensively(+3 Dodge bonus from Tumble Ranks) and not moving, hits AC 18 for 2 damage]. The monk then knocks his second of three arrows he grabbed. Encircled and feeling very vulnerable, Lian looks prone to snap, terribly on edge. (Note: Lian's Dodge Feat is focused on the chicken he fired at, making his AC vs that chicken AC 27)
Figment Friday April 4th, 2003 8:28:04 AM
The mage casts fly on himself and raises above the group about 20' and moves toward the voice. He prepares to cast but refrains seeing what this creature does with his illusion.
Milo (light) Friday April 4th, 2003 11:32:56 AM
Realizing that he can't see very well, Milo retrieves a dart from his satchel, and saying a quick prayer, "Pantheon show me the light of justice and draw back the curtain of night." Milo casts light on the dart, and then drops it to the ground at his feet.
Olana d20+11=17 d20+14=33 Friday April 4th, 2003 11:52:12 AM
Olana draws her swords, but will not attack unless the party is attacked. Just what kind of a test was this to be,she wondered? She attempts to study the creatures, using her knowledge of the forest. (Knowledge nature DC17 Wilderness lore DC33)
Ingrge Friday April 4th, 2003 7:19:18 PM
Using a charge from his staff Ingrge displaces himself and suddenly no one can tell exactly where he is standing. He then speaks to the voice. "I now not who you are but we have no liking for killing things for fun but know that if you insist upon this test, your beasts will die and your forest will truly be disturbed and other innocents may lose their lives and homes. I ask ye to desist or truly the results will be on your head.
Igrge steps to the area in front of the two turtle-like beaste and prepares to cast.
Orson (AC 21; Power Attack +5 Dmg, -5 Hit; Expertise +5 AC, -5 Hit) d20+5=19 d8+14=22 Saturday April 5th, 2003 2:51:39 PM
Orson wakes up startled, standing to see what the trouble is. Hearing the booming voice, he draws both his blades, scanning the forest for its source. He advances to stand infront of the less combative members, should the voices 'test' become hostile.
He makes no action to attack, but remains at the ready, prepared to lash out at a creature, should they close in aggrressively.
[Readied Action:] Attack: Hit AC 19, Dmg 22.
The 'test' begins - round 1 party actions (DM Greg) Saturday April 5th, 2003 8:27:24 PM
Uncertain as to how the test is to unfold, the party generally hold their actions. Unfourtunately, the is to be a test of combat, and the creatures move to attack.
Lian fires his bow at the nearest bird-creature (B1), piercing one wing for 2 points of damage.
Figment carefully flies his way through the branches. [OOC: Remember, as a human, he can barely see in the dark forest.] He arrives what he thinks is the point of origin of the voice, and finds...nothing.
Milo casts light on his dart, essentially lighting up the area inside the mushrooms for all to see.
Olana readies herself for combat. She is unsure what exactly the turtle creatures are, but she recognizes the bird creatures as cockatrices. She remembers that the touch of a cockatrice is very dangerous, but can't remember exactly why.
Ingrge casts displacement on himself from his staff [OOC: It will last for 5 rounds; this is the first round.] Since the turtle-beasts are spread around the circle, he moves towards T2, and prepares to cast. The answer to his demands are readily apparent in the threatening manner with which the beasts are approaching.
Orson readies his attack, and is approached by a turtle-creature (T2), waving its antennae, trying to touch Orson's armour. Orson strikes it with a mighty blow, gashing a deep wound in the center of the creature's back. [OOC: Orson needs to make a Reflex save vs. DC20.]
Bertram and K'Nara hold their actions.
[OOC: Please post in your name bar your AC, hit points, and all the spells that are active on you.]
The 'test' begins - round 2 creature actions (DM Greg) d20+4=19 d20+4=18 d4-2=0 d20+4=18 d4-2=0 d20+3=23 d20+3=12 d20+3=16 Saturday April 5th, 2003 8:56:56 PM
The voice speaks from some 5' to Figment's left, in an urgent tone, "Human, you are wasting your time here in the trees. Your friends need you, and I suggest you return and help them. They will need your magical abilities to defeat the test that I am forced to set in front of them."
Bird creature 1 moves in and attacks Milo. The bird pecks at Milo's chest, hitting him squarely. Although the armour stops any damage from occurring, Milo feels magic course from the creature and into his body. [OOC: Milo needs to make a Fortitude save vs DC15.]
Bird creature 2 moves against Olana. It pecks at the elf, and succeeds in making contact with her leg, driving its small beak through her armour, causing 1 point of damage. [OOC: Olana needs to make a Fortitude save vs DC15.]
Bird creature 3 hops and flaps towards Bertram, pecking at him, and biting him in the thigh for 1 point of damage. [OOC: Bertram needs to make a Fortitude save vs DC15.]
Turtle creature 1 runs past Lian, heading towards Milo. [OOC: Lian gets one attack of opportunity with his best attack.] It swings one antenna at Milo, trying to touch his armour. The antenna makes solid contact with Milo's mithril shirt. [Milo needs to make a Reflex save vs. DC20.]
Turtle creature 2 attacks Orson with one swing of his antenna, trying to touch Orson's armour. It manages to brush the edge of the armour, and the armour crumbles to rusty dust at Orson's feet. [Orson's new armour class is now 12.] The creature immediately starts to swallow chunks of the pile of rust.
Turtle creature 3 moves on Bertram, trying to make contact with Bertram's armour. The antenna comes into solid contact with the chain shirt, and it too crumbles to dust at Bertram's feet. [OOC: Bertram's new AC is 14.] This turtle-creature also starts to devour the pile of rust.
Party's turn...
Lian d20+10=23 d8-1=5 d20+14=28 d8-1=5 Saturday April 5th, 2003 10:52:35 PM
*Attack of Opportunity- hits AC 23 for 5 damage), dropping the two arrows and bow at his feet freeing up his hands.*
*Round 2* Lian turns on his heal and charges the beasty that just attacked his Justicar friend. He Charges into a Flanking position with Milo (+2 attack from charge, +2 Flanking, -2 AC from charge), he hits AC 28 for 5 damage. Lian's Dodge is AC 22 against the turtle, AC 21 this round from the charge.
Orson (Hp 57; AC 12; Power Attack +7 Dmg, -7 Hit) d20+7=20 d20+4=18 d20+3=22 d20-1=2 d20+3=18 d8+16=24 d8+14=17 d8+14=16 Saturday April 5th, 2003 11:24:29 PM
[Reflex Check: 20]
Orson's somewhat calm expression turns to sheer rage as his armor crumbles around him, his grip tightening on both his blades. He swings with all his might down upon the creature, with a cry of anger. He continues to lash at the creature until it falls, moving onto the next closest enemy creature if this one can't take his rage.
[OOC: If the creature falls on first attack, move onto a creature within 5' (assuming we're not all spread out here)]
Main Hand Attack #1: AC 18, 24 Dmg. Off Hand Attack #1: Ac 22 (Crit. AC 18), 17 Dmg (or 33 on Crit). Main Hand Attack #2: AC 2, assumed miss.
Milo (light, haste) d20+8=15 d20+13=23 Sunday April 6th, 2003 5:12:19 AM
Milo's expression changes from amusement to alarm as he can feel the magic of the bird creature's attack flow into him. With all of his being he resists the transformation however. As the turtle creature charges him, Milo is startled as the creature attacks his armor and not his person. However, Milo avoids the consequences of that attack as he deftly moves away from the nasty critter.
Stepping five feet away from both creatures, Milo pulls a potion of haste from his satchel, and drinks it. With preternatural speed Milo goes on total defense for the remainder of the round, dodging attacks as best he can.
(OOC: Milo made his Fortitude save DC 15. Milo made his Reflex save DC 23. Haste gives him a +4 haste bonus to to AC. With his extra action, Milo is executing a total defense adding an additional +6 dodge bonus to his AC due to ranks in Tumble. The cockatrice gets his dodge feat bonus for the round. This brings Milo's regular AC up to 33, 34 against the cockatrice, and his touch AC up to 26, 27 against the cockatrice.)
Ingrge (hasted, displaced 50% chance of miss, effective AC25, not counting displacement, HP 72 Sunday April 6th, 2003 3:11:41 PM (Just curious, but how did turtle 2 get all the way across the area and past Ingrge to attack Orson? Also why only five rounds on the displacement, the staff casts at 12 level and spell lasts for 1rd/level)
Activating his boots of speed, Ingrge finishes casting his spell, targeting the Bird facing Bertram (Phantasmal Killer DC18, Will save first, if no save then must make a fortitude save or die. If the fortitude save is made takes 3d6 damage)
K'Nara (AC23, HP85) d100=34 Sunday April 6th, 2003 7:48:44 PM
Thanks to Milo's Light spell, K'Nara saw what the creatures looked like--and she saw the effects of the psuedo-turtle's antennae upon metal.
"Oh, boodlepoo!" she grunted, realizing that anything metallic on her person was likely going to be a target for the odd-looking yet havoc-wreaking animal. She thought for a moment, then cast upon herself True Strike--preparing herself to strike at one of the beasts with her booted feet when the opportunity presented itself...
(OOC: I rolled a d100 because K'Nara is wearing her own magic mithril shirt, and has a 10% chance of fumbling her spell--but the result is 34.)
Olana d20+5=14 d20+5=21 d20+12=28 d20+10=28 d10=9 d8=4 Monday April 7th, 2003 3:30:33 PM
(Re-rolled Fort Save on hero point)
Something makes Olana shiver as she tries to recall what she knows about these creatures.
'Their mere touch!' she yells, 'could well be harmful!'
By some super elven effort, what ever the effect the creature's blow has on her, she shakes it off and goes to work with her longsword and shortsword, spinning and slicing. (Hits AC 28, 28 for 9 and 4)
Brother Bertram, AC 14 HP 58 Monday April 7th, 2003 5:52:48 PM
Bertram curses and backs away from the creature, keeping his precious axe well away from the creature. He murmurs a prayer to Domi invoking the Hammer of Domi, choosing to use it instead of risking his mortal weapon.
((OOC Spiritual Weapon)
Brother Bertram d20+10=22 Monday April 7th, 2003 9:26:57 PM
(OOC forgot to roll Fortitude Check)
Brother Bertram(Again) Monday April 7th, 2003 9:41:51 PM
(OOC Greg since that was magic chain armor..should it get a saving throw?)
Figment d20+21=39 d20+21=28 Monday April 7th, 2003 10:13:34 PM
The mage looks both towards the location of the voice and the epicenter of the illusion an decides which is the most likely place the caster is located (Spellcarft 39, Arcana 28). He launches a fireball in that location making sure not to hit himself or the party (e.g. he makes sure the radius is far enough back to not injure himself but catch the desired area). "Be careful my inquisitive interloper. We count Mohannin among our friends. He owes us his very life!".
(NOTE: Mohannin can be found in the Emerald Talon arcives. He is he a Heirophant druid and counts Culverwood his domain - at least before Wold Con... :))
Figment, cont. (Improved Invis) d6=6 d6=5 d6=2 d6=5 d6=5 d6=5 d6=1 d6=5 d6=1 Monday April 7th, 2003 10:16:39 PM
35 DMG on the fireball.
Figment - once more... Monday April 7th, 2003 10:31:48 PM
When he looks toward the different locations, he still has his detect magic activated.
The 'test' - Round 2 party actions d20+2=7 d20+4=8 Tuesday April 8th, 2003 11:23:08 PM
Lian's two attacks (the attack of opportunity and the regular attack) both thud into the beast's (T1) thick hide, raising red welts.
Orson's first blow severs the turtle creature's spine (T2), killing it [Orson needs to make another reflex saving throw vs. DC20]. He shifts 5' to his left and attacks the nearest creature, one of the hairless roosters. His second attack chops a large gash in the side of the bird (B1).
Beset by two creatures attacking, Milo pulls and drinks a potion, then goes on the defensive, trying to avoid the creatures' attacks.
[OOC: Turtle 2 attacking Orson was the turtle at the south edge of the mushroom circle. I adjusted the numbering system, sorry about the confusion. And you are correct, the spell lasts for 12 rounds. I didn't read the entire staff description.] The bird creature attacking Bertram (B3) suddenly jerks, as if a rod was shoved up its spine, and then falls to the ground dead, as a result of Ingrge's spell.
K'Nara casts her spell on herself, readying to attack next round.
Olana fights off the magical effect emanating from the bird's attack (B2), and chops into it with both blows.
Bertram backs up, and casts his spell, creating a weapon out of force in front of him.
[OOC: A detect magic spell only lasts as long as you concentrate on it, requiring your standard action to maintain. If you cast another spell, or activate a magic item, you lose the concentration, and the spell.] Only having the voice as a target, Figment targets his fireball at the voice, careful not to catch himself or the party members in the blast radius. The fireball goes off with a loud roar, and has an unknown effect on the voice. However, it has a marked effect on the forest, and a number of the trees catch fire.
The 'test' - round 3 creature actions d20+4=24 d20+4=15 d4-2=-1 d20+4=13 d20+3=22 d20+3=22 d20+3=7 d20+3=10 Tuesday April 8th, 2003 11:55:32 PM
The first bird creature (B1) spins to its left and bites at Orson, cleanly hitting the fighter in the chest (for 1 hp damage). [OOC: Orson needs to make a Fortitude save vs. DC15.]
The second bird creature (B2) pecks at Olana, barely missing the quickly-moving elf.
The first turtle creature (T1) continues to chase after Milo, and his metal armour. It waves its antennae at him, but the now very nimble halfling manages to avoid the attacks.
The last turtle creature (T3) is now attracted by the waraxe wielded by Bertram, and advances on the dwarf, trying to make contact with the axe. However, Bertram manages to keep the weapon out of reach of the flailing antenna.
Meanwhile, in the edge of the forest, the the voice (still speaking from the same location) shouts in a high-pitched squeal, "You fool! What have you done! You use fire in the forest? Are you insane?" The very trees come alive as if trying to fight back against the wizard, and grasp at the human. [OOC: Figment must make a reflex save vs DC14.]
Lian, Dodge d20+10=19 d20+7=12 d8-1=5 d8-1=3 Wednesday April 9th, 2003 1:48:31 AM
Lian strikes out at T1 hitting AC 19 and 12 for 5 and 3 damage. Lian is Dodging T1 (AC 24), AC 23 versus everyone else. The monk blinks at the flash in the woods, then calmly says to the halfling. "Milo, we need to hurry up with this beast. The woods are on fire." He nods in the general direction.
Milo (haste, light) d20+13=33 d20+13=24 d20+13=27 d20+13=29 6d6(3+5+4+2+5+2)+2=23 5d6(2+6+3+2+4)+1=18 5d6(2+3+6+4+3)+1=19 Wednesday April 9th, 2003 2:24:08 AM
Finding himself in a flanking position on the turtle creature opposite Lian, Milo smiles at the monk briefly, "I intend to my friend." Then, between his short sword of speed and the haste potion, Milo becomes a blur of attacks as he goes on the offensive against the creature. (OOC: Milo gets a critical threat with his first sneak attack, and confirms at AC 24. He finishes up with 2 additional sneak attacks hitting ACs 27 and 29. Total damage to the turtle creature is 60 hps. Milo's AC is currently 26, 27 to the cockatrice. Touch AC is 19, 20 to the cockatrice.)
Ingrgre Wednesday April 9th, 2003 6:51:03 AM
Smiling Ingrge shouts out to the voice, I WARNED YOU of the consequences YOUR actions would cause if you brought this against us, but you did not listen the fires are upon your head. That said Ingrge casts a web spell at the ground in front of the turtle, that entangles Bertram's turtle and webs him to the trees behind it.
K'Nara d20+28=48 d20+28=46 d3+1=4 d3+1=3 Wednesday April 9th, 2003 8:05:29 AM
K'Nara charged the antennaed turtle that was trying to make Milo's armor its own personal h'ors douevre.
"KeeeeeeeYAHHHH!" she yelled as she snapped a kick that would have made a champion football* player proud. (OOC: first roll was a natural 20 [hooray!] and the possible Crit Hit roll result is the total of 18+28--or AC46. I'm assuming the x2 damage roll will apply, so her kick results in 7hpd...plus a possibility of the creature soaring off like a kicked ball...but I'll leave THAT to the DM! ;D)
Then she noticed that there was the telltale burst of flame.
"By the gods..!" K'Nara gasped in shock. "We've got to wrap this up, Talons--the forest is on fire..!"
* In American English, the sport is referred to as "soccer", but since its always played using one's feet, I've always considered it to be "football".
Orson (HP 56/57, AC 12, Power Attack +7 Dmg, -7 Hit) d20+7=25 d20+6=13 d20+6=17 d20+3=21 d20+3=6 d20+4=10 d20-2=16 d20-2=7 d8+15=22 d8+14=21 d8+15=23 Wednesday April 9th, 2003 12:53:36 PM
[Reflex Save = 25, sword is fine] [Fort Save = 13, ACK! better hero point that, 17, fine]
Orson continues his powerful blows, lashing out at the chicken before him, moving on to others if something is in range. He cries in rage with each swing, drawing anger from his loss.
Main Hand Attack #1: Hit AC 21 (Crit AC 6), 22 Dmg (assumed no crit :) Off Hand Attack #1: Hit AC 10, 21 Dmg Main Hand Attack #2: Hit Ac 16 (Crit AC 7), 23 Dmg, (Assumed no crit :)
Brother Bertram d20+8=26 d8=4 Wednesday April 9th, 2003 2:42:26 PM
Bertram moves back hurriedly his slung across his back, his fists clenched in front of him as if holding a mace or club. As the creature again approaches, Bertram moves his arms in a massive arc as if hitting the air, magically connecting with the creature, hopefully slowing it for a few valuable seconds. Knowing he can be a fairly far distance from the creature, Bertram continues to move away as safely and quickly as possible.
(OOC 4 points Damage)
Olana d20+12=32 d20+10=26 d10=6 d8=7 Wednesday April 9th, 2003 8:44:12 PM
Olana dips sharply and spins, anticipating the creature's attack. She hears the calls of the others, and crackle of fire although she cannot feel the heat yet. So, still time to put this critter down.
Coming around again she aims the sharp edge of her blades at the critter trying to peck her to death. ((Hits AC 32, 26 for 6 and 7 Dam))
Figment d20+3=22 d6=6 d6=2 d6=4 d6=4 d6=5 d6=1 d6=6 d6=4 d6=5 Wednesday April 9th, 2003 11:49:33 PM
The mage avoids the branches (DC 22) and seeing the lack of effect on the druid-like being who is their adversary, the mage focuses his next fireball on the area he saw the spell originating from with his detect magic (with such a high DC I'd expect he knew where to cast a spell... 37 DMG). He makes sure and hit lot of trees. "Well, my adversary, you clearly are not a being worthy of 'testing' us seeing how you do not even acknowledge the Heirophant of these woods! Any damage to the forest is on your head - not mine! I will begin to damage the forest with all my might if you do not reveal yourself, explain your actions, and justify your actions against us!". Figment then flies straight up out of the canopy so that he is out of reach of the trees. He prepares to cast et again.
The 'test' - round 3 party actions d20=1 Thursday April 10th, 2003 12:01:55 AM
Ony one of Lian's strikes makes contact with the beast's plated hide, raising another red welt along the beast's side.
Milo attacks the same turtle creature as Lian, and his sword fairly hacks it into pieces, none bigger than a backpack. He can be sure that it is one turtle creature that will never move again. [OOC: Milo needs to make a reflex save vs DC20.]
Ingrge casts his web spell, but fails to ensnare the creature, instead filling an area between the trees behind the creature, and just outside the mushroom circle. [OOC: A web needs to be attached to two diametrically opposed points, and only has a 40' radius.]
K'Nara, seeing Milo slice and dice the turtle into small chunks, decides to attack the bird creature instead (B1). Her kick connects solidly, throwing the bird backwards a good 10'-15'.
Orson moves to where the bird creature (B1) was punted to, and swings mightily at it, cleanly chopping the head off the creature's shoulders. [OOC: Since Orson needed to move 15' or so, only one attack allowed.]
Bertram backs up, and commands his conjured hammer to strike at the turtle creature (T3). The hammer connects solidly with a loud thump.
Olana strikes twice at the bird, hitting both times, knocking small chunks from the bird creature's back and sides.
Figment selects another area for his next fireball, targeting the area where he last figured he detected the illusion spell. Then he flies up into the air, out of reach of the trees.
The test ends...and a new test begins d20+8=27 d20+8=21 d20+8=13 d20+8=9 d20+8=28 6d6(3+3+5+5+2+5)=23 Thursday April 10th, 2003 12:31:16 AM
The voice sounds even more shocked then before, from the inside of the first burning circle. "Wizard, clearly, you are insane! I only hope your friends can think more rationally than you seem to be able to!"
The voice shouts, in Sylvan, "Beasts, begone!" The remaining turtle beast and bird creature disappear from inside the circle, with two loud pops.
Then the voice shouts again in Sylvan, "Perrywink, stop the trees!" The branches in the trees below Figment fall back into normal branch-shape, and stop their grasping.
Suddenly, the voice shifts location, to some 10' below the treetops, about 20' west of Figment, and calls out again in Sylvan, "Dispel, there!" Five dispel magic spells are targeted in a 30' radius that captures Figment. Although 2 of the spells have no effect, the other 3 cancel up to three spells presently working on Figment. He pops into visibility, and falls 60', crashing through the trees and to the ground. [OOC: Please, when you post in combat, list the spells active on you. I think that only improved invisibility and fly were in effect in this case. Figment takes 23 hp of falling damage.]
Finally, the voice calls out from inside the tree tops. "Your magic started the fire; now use your magic to stop it!"
The fire from the first fireball is starting to catch farther into the forest, and the grass in the clearing is starting to catch as well, although not as fast.
Lian d20+6=15 Thursday April 10th, 2003 1:43:30 AM
Not being responsible for the fire to begin with, Lian calmly walks over to where he dropped his bow and arrows; not to mention his pack. He stows the bow and replaces the arrows into the quiver.
"Yes Figment, stop the fire." The monk says antaganistically.
The monk picks up his remaining gear then prepares for a speedy departure if the fire takes a bad turn. Having seen several fires near home back near the vineyards, Lian knows how they can turn uncontrollable in seconds.
The monk scans his memory for lost knowledge of what kind of creature or other woodland being that can do the things this 'voice' has done; such as summoning magical beasts, pop from place to place unseen and carry such dislike or malice against people it doesn't know.(knowledge arcana 15)
Brother Bertram Thursday April 10th, 2003 3:47:06 AM
Bertram keeps his 'weapon' in front of him, wary for any other trick sent at the party. He looks down at the remains of his armor in dismay and anger. He isnt especially upset at the fire but hopes that the conflict ends soon.
K'Nara Thursday April 10th, 2003 8:17:08 PM
The tall human bladesinger saw Figment suddenly appear and plummet to the ground.
"Figment!!!" K'Nara screamed, immediately running to where the spellcaster had landed. She had to see if the man was all right--give him some of her Cure potions if he needed them. But, even more importantly--
"Put out this fire, Talons!" ordered the female fighter as she sprinted towards Figment's location. "We can't afford the Culverwood going up in flames like this..!"
(OOC: I don't know the exact distance from K'Nara to Figment, but she will get to him as quickly as possible, and hopefully the mage will have a solution to the party's fiery problem.)
Olana d20+13=32 Friday April 11th, 2003 1:30:07 AM
The elf slams her blades quickly into their scabbards as the creature she was battling disappears, and turns her attention to the fire.
"Remove the heat, remove the fuel, or remove the oxygen!" she yells. "Take any one of those out of the equation and the fire goes out!"
She attempts to get an idea of how the fire is reacting, which way it's burning etc etc
(Wilderness Lore check DC 32)
The new test - extinguish the fire? (DM Greg) d100=24 d8=8 Friday April 11th, 2003 1:33:07 AM
Lian tries to figure out what type of creature(s) are setting this test. He remembers that there are many small magical creatures called sprites, that specialize in illusions, both sight and sound. Considering the dislike or malice that he seems to feel, he remembers two statements made by the voice just a few seconds earlier:
The voice speaks (from the same point, about 20' in front of Figment), in a less threatening level, "I can sense the truth in what you are saying, but there is more at stake than you know right now. I cannot let you threaten the shapeshifter without first testing you; he is much too unstable and dangerous. And so, I must do this. I am truly sorry, but it is for the best."
The voice speaks from some 5' to Figment's left, in an urgent tone, "Human, you are wasting your time here in the trees. Your friends need you, and I suggest you return and help them. They will need your magical abilities to defeat the test that I am forced to set in front of them."
Brother Bertram seems to be untroubled by the expanding fires. Perhaps he holds some magical protection that will keep him safe from the approaching flames.
As K'Nara stands beside the momentarily-fallen figure of the human wizard, a small winged figure pops into view about 3' to the left of the female fighter. "Finally, a voice of reason!" the tiny humanoid says to K'Nara. "Can you control this one?" he says, pointing at Figment. "He seems to be more interested in burning the entire forest, rather than helping his friends. Does he have magic that will stop these fires?"
Olana realizes that the fire is catching in the drier tree branches, and the conifers seem to be catching more readily than the leafy trees. The grass in the clearing is smouldering, and the flames are moving slowly across the ground. It is about 5:00 in the morning, usually the slowest-burning part of the day. She realizes that if the fire is not put out before the sun rises, it could well spread, especially if the wind picks up.
Milo (haste, light) Friday April 11th, 2003 2:34:28 AM
Feeling rather small at a time like this, Milo pauses momentarily to consider Olana's statments regarding fire. Then understanding what must be done the halfling races off toward the blaze, and begins removing potential fuel from its path, chopping and hewing brush away from the fire's touch.
Lian Friday April 11th, 2003 5:50:01 AM
Lian looks around for something to bat at the on the grass or in the under brush. He pulls his blanket from his pack, pours water on it using his waterskin, soaking the blanket and begins to bat at low burning limbs and attempts to slow or halt the grass in the clearing.This is over the course of two rounds, pulling blanket(move equivalent), and waterskin (move equivalent)... batting at it would be the next round I guess
"Figment, I think it is sprites or something. They may not of even been inside the woods where you were casting. They use vocal and visual illusions! You may have been duped my friend."
K'Nara Friday April 11th, 2003 6:51:45 AM "Control him???" echoed K'Nara. "It takes practically all my willpower not to throttle the hotheaded man with my bare hands!" Still, the leader of the Emerald Talons shrugged off her backpack and began rummaging around its interior for the bottles that held her store of Cure potions.
"How about it, Figment..?" she asked the annoying spellcaster. "Have you some spell handy that will undo the damage you've done..? Or are we all going to have to try to put the fire out manually..?" The redhead came up with several bottles marked "CLW" and looked rather pointedly at Figment as she also silently offered the mage the bottles.
(OOC: K'Nara has six bottles that Figment can use...the player may roll a d8+1 per bottle if Figment decides to use any of them.)
Brother Bertram Friday April 11th, 2003 1:49:45 PM
Bertram lowers his head for a moment holding his hand over his symbol of Domi. Praying silently for aid, he clinches his fist and looks over the worst of the fire. Quickly he drops his hand and water pours from the sky directly above the worst of the fire, raising clouds of steam. Slowly he waits for the steam to abate to survey what effect the water had on the flames.
((OOC Create Water))
Figment d6=4 d6=5 d6=6 d6=2 d6=5 d6=6 d6=1 d6=3 d6=5 Friday April 11th, 2003 6:02:48 PM
(Sorry for the delayed post...)
Seeing he has the being's attention, the mage stands defiantly and says "I'll extinguish the flames on the condition that you show yourself or at the very least end this silly spectacle! Your word or Culverwood burns!". The mage waits but will cast a frigid cold blast immediately upon getting it (Cone of Cold - 37 DMG).
Olana Saturday April 12th, 2003 12:21:29 AM
Olana joins Milo in clearing away debris.
"Keep your eye on our mages," she says to him. "They might try and reverse the effects of the fire and I know I wouldn't want to be in the way."
An obvious thing to say for sure, but better safe than sorry. She'll keep one eye on everyone else - if anyone looks like they're going to cast anything - then she'll hop it, out of the way.
Ingrge Saturday April 12th, 2003 4:20:30 PM
"Well, it's too bad there's no body of water nearby or I could have that fire out within moments, but without one I am a bit stymied."
Thinking a moment longer Ingrge looks at the area that is burning and tries to figure out a basic perimeter of the area. (hoping for something under 80ft.
K'Nara d20+8=27 Saturday April 12th, 2003 7:11:35 PM
With a sound of frustration, K'Nara's hand shot out and seized Figment by the back of his neck. (OOC: rolled to hit AC27; Figment must make a Strength save versus DC14 to break free of K'Nara's grip.)
"Listen to me, wizard!" she hissed, making the name sound like an epithet in her anger. "You have--in your arrogance--started a fire that will consume a living forest...one which has done nothing to you to deserve such a sacrilege! Put...the fire...OUT...now...!" The last words of K'Nara's command were ground out between clenched teeth. The last time she'd been anywhere near this angry was when Figment had disobeyed her orders to not kill some prisoners...
...who knew what the leader of the Talons might do if Figment chose to disobey her command this time...
Orson Sunday April 13th, 2003 1:26:05 PM
When the creatures vanishes, Orson kneeled to the ground, breathing heavily, and angerly, through clenched teeth. His vision remained locked on the remains of his rusted armor, at least until the fairy appeared. Hearing the discernable direction, he glances up to see the creature hovering by K'Nara.
Something more to take out his anger upon, the cause of it all, he grips the hilts of his blades tight and moves towards K'Nara's location. Seeing his leader speaking with the creature, he restrains his attacks for the moment, but shows no notice, or no concern for the now burning forest, his gaze locked upon the sprite, ready to act.
One test resolved, but one still 'burning' (DM Greg) Sunday April 13th, 2003 7:43:09 PM
Milo, Lian and Olana work the brush and grass at the edge of the clearing, and manage to stop the fire from advancing any farther into the grass. Meanwhile, the mushrooms are popping out of existence, one at a time.
The tiny flying hovering humanoid looks at Figment in surprise. "You say you need my word that 'this silly spectacle' will end? You could possibly be destroying the homes of countless of innocent creatures, you crazy human! But you have my word, my test is over. Put out the fires that you have started!"
Brother Bertram's created water, and Figment's cone of cold [OOC: I assume he shoots it off] together succeed in putting out the larger fire started by the first fireball. However, the fire on the south side of the clearing is growing in strength, into the forest to the south. The tiny creature calls out, "That stops the fire! Now, do it again to that other one, and we will be safe!"
Ingrge looks around. [OOC: I don't understand what you mean by a perimeter. The dimensions of the clearing are in the maps that I sent. The fire to the south has expanded about 20' farther into the forest, but the party is managing to stop it from encroaching any farther into the clearing. So, the fire is now roughly oval shaped, about 60' east-west, and 40' north-south.]
Orson stares at the tiny humanoid.
Figment d6=1 d6=6 d6=3 d6=4 d6=3 d6=6 d6=1 d6=5 d6=5 Monday April 14th, 2003 12:32:16 AM
The mage scowls at the little troublemaker and turns to the other fire. Not having another cold spell he chooses a lightning bolt and blasts the tree that looks to be the most combusted hoping to splinter ir topple it before the others around it catch fire (34 DMG).
Olana d20+11=18 Monday April 14th, 2003 11:05:13 AM
Olana waits until Figment, Ingrge and Bertram have had another attempt at putting out the fire. In the meantime, she's looking for anything on the ground - fronded branches hopefully - that can be used to beat out any remaining ground fire. (( Knowledge nature check DC 18 ))
If necessary she'll cut down a few low branches - enough for her fellow debris clearers - Milo and Lian too - and then start hitting the burning ground.
Ingrge Monday April 14th, 2003 12:01:34 PM
Standing in the meadow Ingrge starts casting and sets up a wind wall on the far side of the fire and curves around the edges slightly and starts blowing the fire back ove the area that it has already burned not allowing the fire any further fuel. He will hold the wall and move it as necessary to keep the fire in the already burnt area as much as possible.
Brother Bertram Monday April 14th, 2003 2:35:16 PM
Bertram shrugs to the others, "I am afraid that is all that I have available, Friend Talons. From here I have to do it the hard way." Bertram begins stomping on the lesser flames around them.
The fire test...worsens! (DM Greg) Monday April 14th, 2003 5:46:18 PM
Figment fires a lightning bolt at a tree he figures is next in line in the fire, trying to blast it to pieces. Unfortunately, his spell has the opposite effect, as the tree bursts into flame, and the flaming splinters catch in the nearby trees. [OOC: In the spell description, it states that the lightning bolt sets fire to combustibles.]
Olana, Milo, Liam and Brother Bertram work at the grass and the underbrush, keeping the fire from spreading into the clearing.
Ingrge's wind wall manages to fight back the expanded fire area created by the lightning bolt, but now it seems unlikely that the spell will be able to extinguish the fire. He figures he will just be able to hold it for the duration of the spell [OOC: 6 seconds per level.]
The tiny humanoid is beside himself in anger, as he screams at the wizard, "You unbelievable fool! Now look what you have done! You wanted my word that that the test was over, and I gave it. And this is how you repay me! You invoke Mohannin's name, and yet you continue to try to destroy this forest! Water and cold combat fire, not electricity! Now, please tell me you can do something else that can fight this fire, instead of spread it larger!"
Olana Monday April 14th, 2003 8:21:12 PM
In the midst of whacking the undergrowth with some branches, Olana stops and gives a sigh, after hearing the tiny creature's outburst. It sounds rather excitable, and she worries about an even darker fire being kindled between it and the mage.
She walks over and coughs politely to draw the small being's attention. Her voice emits an even calmness, her blue eyes remain elvishly impassive and steady, as she attempts to diffuse the situation.
"Forgive the interruption, fellow keeper of the forest. My name is Olana, my own tribe is from the southern borders of Culverwood. I would ask you to forgive my brother here. He is human. Time moves against him, his life is short, and so therefore he has a tendancy toward impatience and rash behaviour. It is perhaps a fault on occasion, but certainly no greater fault than those displayed by other races, including yours and mine. It certainly does not mean he is a fool. "We, as a group also face a deadline. If we fail to stop our druid friend from achieving his objective, then I'm very much afraid that our beloved forest Culverwood will have more to worry about than a small forest fire.
"I would suggest that perhaps all our energies are used to put this fire out, then we can plan together what must be done to prevent this bigger catastrophe, wouldn't you agree?"
"We mean no harm or disrespect to you - or the forest. We are essentially a combat group, with a mission, and it is perhaps unfortunate that our paths have crossed in this way. However, we would gladly seek your advice. You seem to know a little about our objective."
Lian d20+10=13 Monday April 14th, 2003 8:34:56 PM
Watching Figments 'attempts' to put out his fire fail, Lian just shakes his head in disappointment. The monk stops beating the fire back for a moment and thinks back to some tactics his village used once.
"A fire break, we need a fire break. Figment, use your spells to dig trenchs and topple a few trees. If we can remove consumables from the fires path, the fire will abate naturally, eventually."
Lian will then jump into the lower branchs of a tree that's not on fire and begin breaking branches(punching or kicking them) that are close to trees that are on fire, hoping he makes some gap between the trees and the growing forest fire.(Running Jump check of 13. +8 jump, +2 synergy from tumble= +10... plus Leap of the Clouds)
"Use these broken limbs to beat back the inferno, Friends."
Thinking to himself, 'If we get out of this, K'Nara is not going to let Figment out of her sight for months. I she forgets, I will not.'
Milo Monday April 14th, 2003 11:45:31 PM
Moving as fast as he can, Milo continues clearing debris and foliage in an attempt to keep the fire from spreading any further. As the lightning bolt goes off, Milo feels as though Figment is working against them rather than with them. Starting to get angry, the halfling whacks through the nearby brush furiously.
K'Nara Tuesday April 15th, 2003 9:46:46 AM
K'Nara's heart dropped to the soles of her feet when she saw that Figment's lightning didn't eradicate fuel for the fire but simply spread the flames.
What to do..? She groaned--she was a fighter, not a thinker...she left book-learning to the likes of Figment and Ingrge. Then a thought struck her...
...book-learning...
"Figment...your book--your spellbook...doesn't it have a copy of that icy spell you used..? Can't you read the spell directly from your spellbook..???" the human bladesinger asked, then yelled over to Ingrge: "What about you? Do you have any ice or water spells in your spellbook..? If you do--use them! Use them now..!"
DM Greg OOC Tuesday April 15th, 2003 5:33:07 PM
It is 5:15 eastern time, and I am out of town in Sault Ste. Marie at a meeting. This is the only time that I can get to a PC to post, and since a couple of key players have yet to post, I am going to hold off until tomorrow night. I will post the results of the entire party at about 10:00 pm tomorrow.
Also, not being at home, I can't send a map of the fire. Ingrge's wind wall is about 90' long and 45' high, and it just barely contains the fire along the south side. The fire is so large, that he can't enclose it ,which is what he would need to do to cut off all air or blow it out. The party on the clearing side is stopping it from moving into the clearing, and the wind wall will hold it from expanding significantly into the forest to the south, for the next minute or so.
DEH, in the forest, before humans showed up, almost all forest fires were started by lightning strikes on trees, small or large. You were right, I misread your post (sorry), but even if you did blast down one tree on fire, your lightning bolt was anywhere from 90' long for a 10' wide bolt, to 190' long for a 5' wide bolt, started at your fingertip, and would have had to travel through brush and numerous other trees, which are combustible, and would likely catch fire.
K'Nara has the right idea; keep brainstorming!
Olana Tuesday April 15th, 2003 6:04:23 PM
Having appealed to the small creature's sensibilities, Olana goes back to fire beating and ground clearing.
"Having fun?" she asks Milo with a grin.
Figment d6=6 d6=5 d6=4 d6=3 d6=3 d6=2 d6=6 d6=2 d6=6 Tuesday April 15th, 2003 10:26:30 PM
The mage looks to the firey red head and then to the fairies. "This is your fault! I expect you to compensate me for ANY spells lost from my book, you little trouble makers. Sneak up on us at night to "test" us and then whine when you don't like the way it goes for you. Well boo hoo hoo!". The mage pulls out his book and casts his cone of cold onto the burning trees. He grits his teeth as the words disappear.
In a controlled rage he looks at the little critters and says dangerously "Do not give me a reason to cast another from my book. The next one will be on you if you do...".
Lian (Dodge) Wednesday April 16th, 2003 2:17:27 AM
OOC: Dodge is versus Figment.
Lian, hearing Figments decree, jumps out of the tree he's in and moves to K'Nara.
Under his breath, the monk states his opinion. "Boss, it seems to me NO compensation is in order to Figment from you or us. He cast the fire storm into the trees without thinking, then the lightning bolt to 'remedy' the whole thing?! His anger has got the best of him. No, his mistake warrants nothing from you. Besides, he could purchase scrolls, books or whatever, later." He looks at Figment. "He could be under the control of some outside force."
Ingrge Wednesday April 16th, 2003 10:26:46 AM
standing and listening to all the hubbub while he watches trees slowly burn behind his wind wall, Ingrge grits his teeth and frets about what he sees as an overwhelming weakness in the Talons. Anyone close will see his brow furrow as he thinks to himself We have been on the defensive and dealing with certain combat issues for so long, that we have very little diversity in our methods and tactics. We have almost become predictable. If we are not carefull we will soon have some major difficulties.
Milo Wednesday April 16th, 2003 12:37:45 PM
Looking over toward Olana, "Only because I'm near you dearest, though I daresay we need to stick a cork in one of our wizards."
Brother Bertram Wednesday April 16th, 2003 1:15:51 PM
Bertram snorts at the mages' words. "Friend Figment I am sure your spells are valuable but lets get some perspective. I am sure the entire Culverwood is worth more than you using up one of your valuable spells. Of course, come to think of it, your spell of cold is being wasted because of your voluntary wasting of the spell of fire." Bertram grins wolfishly and keeps stomping out any fire he can.
Orson Wednesday April 16th, 2003 9:38:00 PM
"I think the wizards right. Why the heck should we care what this little '(censored)' thinks or wants. HE attacked us, destroyed our equipment, now whines that his forest is burning. What gives him the right to complain now. My wife bought me that shirt before she died, it was all I had left from her. He's lucky I don't hack him to pieces right now!"
Orson continues to glare furiously at the small fey, blades at the ready.
Figment Wednesday April 16th, 2003 11:30:34 PM
Horrified at Lian's comment, the mage quietly comments "My comment was to the faries Lian, not the Talons...". It's almost as if the scene he is making is an act for the benefit of the interlopers. (OOC: Aw, come on guys. Surely you don't think Figment would torch the forest?).
The second test is passed, and a warranted explanation is delivered (DM Greg) Wednesday April 16th, 2003 11:43:32 PM
Milo, Olana and the others finish stamping out the flames that have been licking at the grass and shrubs at the edge of the clearing.
Under duress, Figment casts the cone of cold from his spellbook, and the writing disappears. However, the spell has the desired effect, as the supercooled air mass extinguishes half of the second forest fire. This allows Ingrge to wrap his wind wall around the remaining burning trees, and the wall starts to constrict the fresh air flow. Holding the circular wall around the fire for the remainder of the spell, the flames die down. By the time the spell ends, the trees that were not doused by the cone of cold are merely smouldering.
The fey looks with relief at the doused fires, and then looks back at K'Nara, Figment and Orson. He addresses the fighter holding the swords threateningly, "I am truly sorry that the metal shirt was the last remembrance of your lost wife. Do you truly intend to 'hack me to pieces'? Please, put away your swords, and I will try to explain."
"You chase the shapeshifter; I realize this. However, what you don't realize, is that he holds my daughter hostage, while he carries out his wicked plans. Do you think that I and my tribe would let him collect the sap, if we had any way to stop him? I have examined the signs, and I have discovered that my daughter's life will be forfeit if the shifter is directly harmed by any fey."
"When you appeared in the forest, on the shifter's trail, I realized that you could possibly help me recover my daughter, and stop the shifter from completing his plans. But, you don't know how powerful the shifter is. Don't you see, that is why I needed to test you: to determine if your party is powerful enough to defeat the shifter and his minions. I selected creatures that would not directly harm you. If any of you had been affected by the cockatrices, I have scrolls that could have returned you to your original form."
"Unfortunately, during the test, your wizard decided to attack the forest, rather than the creatures. The fires were never meant to happen, and I will have to explain my involvement in the fires to the Keeper."
"For those of you that lost armour to the rust creatures, I have four suits that you can select from to replace the ones lost, if you desire." He whistles, and two fey fly from the edge of the forest, dragging a large sack between them along the ground.
"I can lead you to the shifter, and the tree. I believe you are powerful enough to defeat him, and rescue my daughter. What do you say?"
K'Nara Thursday April 17th, 2003 9:50:49 AM
"We will get your daughter back, that I promise." K'Nara said to the sprite. "It's the least we could do considering the enormous harm we almost caused to the Culverwood. I will inform the Keeper myself--should it be necessary--that it was I who was responsible for the fires. I am the leader of the Emerald Talons--and this is the second time I have failed to control one of my people; thus I am ultimately to blame for the blaze."
The tall bladesinger nodded to the sack.
"Whomever needs to replace their armor--please feel free." K'Nara turned to Figment. "I will pay for the spell that I ordered you to read from your book." Finally she turned her full attention to the sprite.
"I am--as I said earlier--K'Nara Illutu, leader of the Emerald Talons." the woman warrior said with quiet dignity. "Who are you, sir? What can you tell us of the tree that poor Tremaine seeks? Why does he believe that he can utilize its sap...what's it supposed to do? And (last but not least!)...can you point us in the right direction so that we can try to stop him--we think he's under the influence of some evil cult."
Milo Thursday April 17th, 2003 12:08:23 PM
Turning toward Lian, "Friend elf... Figment did not direct his attack or thoughts thereof at his comrades." Turning toward the wizard, "Nope, he directed it at the mercurial fauna in a forest that is their home. So he is completely justified in walking into someone else's home and as soon as they place a demand upon him, he seeks to blow them up... makes perfect sense to me..." Milo is clearly not serious, and not amused all at the same time. "Perhaps when you're done with these small folk, I could direct you to my homeland. Though I assure you, that once you were done casting, you'd better be prepared to lose more than a page from your spellbook." Milo sheaths his short sword and stands with hands on hips and head cocked. His holy symbol of Pantheon denoting his status as a Justicar glints in the light.
Ingrge Thursday April 17th, 2003 4:07:16 PM
Ingrge listens to the Fey and then K'nara as she accepts the charge.
"Ummm, excuse me. There is a little matter of what your daughter looks like? When I scried Tremaine yesterday, he was travelling only with a very large tiger. There was no sign of anyone or anything, else travelling with him. And the tiger seemingly was with him by choice. So how do we know that what you say is the truth and that you are not something the shapechanger has placed in our path to delay us? Also, how do we know that your daughter went unwillingly with Tremaine? But if true, how will we know your daughter when we find her? What is her name?"
Lian d20+17=32 d20+7=26 d20+4=10 Thursday April 17th, 2003 6:18:29 PM
Initially in shock at Milo's apparent chastizing of the monk, Lian then realizes that the Justicar's statement wasn't so much directed at him, but directed at the wizard's choice of actions. The monk chuckles a little at the halfling pointed remarks. As the other Talon's question the fey, the monk stands watchful and alert. He listens tothe sounds of the forest. (Listen, Spot and Search; 32, 26 and 10)
Lian (addendum) Thursday April 17th, 2003 6:22:42 PM
While he is vigilant of his surroundings, he is also concerned about the smouldering embers. He goes to the burnt ground and puts out the red-orange embers if he can.
Figment Thursday April 17th, 2003 8:51:54 PM
The mage scowls at Milo as he gives his rebuke. "I see... So then when an unknown force simply decides to attack us in the middle of the night we are then to assume that they are actually friendly and we are not to use all means at our disposal to defend ourselves and win the battle? And when they cry out that they are really not enemies but are still attacking us am I to believe them and let them continue to maim or kill those I travel with and call my friends?! If I were to be greeted in your home by cockatrices and rust monsters, and invisible beings casting spells and attacking me, my friend, you can be sure I would return the favor as I would assume your family was fallen upon by interlopers. You're saying you would let the enemy set the rules? The next time you are being cut to peices by something I'll be sure to pause and ask you if you feel like it would be appropriate for me to cast on your behalf. We wouldn't want to offend anyone, now would we...And in return for being attacked we are asked to help, and be accountable to the 'Keeper' for damaging his flora...". The mage stares incredulously at the halfling and K'Nara, clearly not pleased at the responses to his attempts on behalf of the party. "I'll pay for my own spells, warrior woman. Perhaps you should use your cash to acquire getting your sense back.". Then he turns to the fey and in even tones offers "And as for you... if you would like I will be pleased to help free your daughter. But I would have been more willing had you just asked nicely - and more able as I now have one less spell to help with...".
Brother Bertram Thursday April 17th, 2003 9:02:12 PM
Bertram snorts in amusement at the mage's blusterings. "Your speech truly moved me, Friend Figment. For a moment it made me almost forget that you had set an ancient forest on fire." Bertram chuckles as he looks through the bag for armor that would meet his needs.
Lian (furthermore) Thursday April 17th, 2003 11:24:06 PM
"If I could play the harp, I would play it for you friend Figment." Says the monk with a smirk.
Thinking to himself as he surveys the embers, 'He has excuses for every little thing. Never his fault. Be responible for yourself, friend.'
More explanations (DM Greg) Friday April 18th, 2003 2:22:21 AM
The sprite calls out to the two other sprites holding the sack, and they dump the contents out on the ground. Then the two sprites proceed to arrange the items into four separate pieces of armour: one breastplate, one mithril shirt, one chain shirt, and one set of studded leather armour. The sprite leader says, "Please select a set of armour from these, if you lost a set in the test. I know that each is magical, and none of them are cursed, but that is all I know of them."
Then he turns to K'Nara, and says, "I thank you for your calm in this storm, and for your words of leadership. I am known as ..." And he proceeds to make a number of sounds that would be almost impossible for a human to reproduce. Then he says, "But you may call me Fils. The tree that you seek lies in a part of the forest that is nominally in my tribe's control. It is a very magical tree, for its sap, if collected properly, can be used to cause incredible transformations. As an example, the Keeper has used the sap to repair large areas of damage to this forest. The sap may well be related to Woldsblood in some way. In any event, I am sure that the shifter has only the worst of intentions for the sap that he is collecting. I can certainly lead you to the tree; it is about two hours travel from here. My reading of the signs show that his ritual for collecting the sap will end today when the sun reaches its zenith, so I suggest your group get more rest before we leave. I and my tribe will watch over you, and continue to put out the burning embers that may still remain. We will waken you in two hours, and then we can travel to the tree, and be there well before the ritual ends, well in time to stop it."
Then Fils turns to Ingrge, and says, "I can understand your mistrust, for I have not treated you fairly. I felt the only way to determine if you were capable of matching the power of the shifter and his minions was to set the test. I have not had many experiences with adventurers such as yourselves, and my few experiences led me to believe that most of you are acters more than thinkers, and somewhat full of your own abilities. But I can see, as a result of the test, that your party truly is powerful, and I hope, powerful enough to defeat the shifter."
"The sap-collecting apparatus that the shifter set up at the tree has been in place for many days now. When he leaves it, his minions stay behind to guard it for him. He keeps my daughter in some sort of extra-dimensional cloth that he carries with him, so I am not surprised that you have never seen her. She was able to send me one message, mind-to-mind, before she was placed in cloth, and I haven't heard from her since. You should be able to recognize her, she looks like a younger, female version of me. Her name is ...well, you may call her Sanadi."
"The tiger is his constant companion, and may be a pet, or something more. His other two minions are huge, hulking blue-haired beasts, somewhat resembling a giant ape in stature, but the face is very different. They also have two wicked bone hooks on the back of each hand. They seem to be of limited intelligence, but are quick to do the shifter's bidding."
"And as for your question about my being some test or trial put in your place by the shifter, that is a decision you will have to make for yourselves."
Milo Friday April 18th, 2003 3:19:05 AM
Milo purses his lips at Figment's rebuttal and seeing that the wizard would rather talk around the subject than take responsibility for his own actions, he wisely allows the topic to drop for the moment. 'It all seemed so clear to Milo that the rules of engagement were set from the very beginning when they were told they were to be tested, however considering the height of a human and the amount of effort that it must take for someone at that altitude to think, Milo is willing to make some allowances.'
Smiling sweetly at Figment, "Feel free to pause and think whenever you like." Milo looks upon his own person unscathed, "I'll be just fine."
Orson Friday April 18th, 2003 10:44:20 AM
Orson finally lowers his blades. Hearing about the creatures daughter, he reluctantly agrees to help as well. "I do it for her sake, not yours. We're it just you, I would let you know the pain of loss."
He grumbles and refuses the armor for a few moments, muttering 'you can't replace that armor', and things like that. After a minute or two, he wisens up though, realizing if their to go into battle against another cat, or worse, he'll want to be armored. Moving to the armor choices, he hefts the mithril shirt up, should it still be there, and begins to put it on. He tests the weight of the new armor, with a few pratice rounds, swinging powerfully and quickly. Should he be close, he slice near by the 'lead' pixie, though far enough away to not be considered a real threat.
After a few minutes of practice, he'll sheath his weapons and sit. He stares at the ring on his right hand a few moments, then retrieves his bedroll, and lays back to rest.
Olana Friday April 18th, 2003 5:48:25 PM
Olana lets out a long sigh, and then frowns - thinking on what the sprite is telling them.
"So, Tremaine wants to transform himself, perhaps into something that would kill - I wonder..... I think we'd better get there before he takes it - otherwise it will be no mere Shapeshifter that we fight. However, it would pay us to be well prepared and rested I'm sure."
A little later, she whispers to Milo - "A big blue ape with bone hooks? What do you make of those?" before going into her usual trance-like state.
Figment Saturday April 19th, 2003 12:08:30 AM
Seeing how the others are in no mindset to see reason the mage wanders off to check on Jux, and very seriously considers leaving. To himslef he mutters "Tested... Someone comes up and says we are to be tested and they actually BOUGHT IT... fools... fools all. Maybe we should use that tactic next time we fight someone. Don't fight us, just the stuff we send to take you out... we don't really count, we're just seeing how strong and powerfull you are... how foolish..."...
Ingrge Saturday April 19th, 2003 4:50:16 PM
Listening to Fils, Ingrge still has a funny feeling about the whole thing but can't really tell why.
As he watches Figment walk off by himself, Ingrge gets a bit angry and can't stay quiet any longer. Turning to address the group as well as Fils Ingrge speaks softly but with much conviction.
" You all are treating Figment quite unfairly. If any is at fault for the woods fire it is our "New Friend" here. Before this started and got out of hand I warned him about what might happen and that any damages to the woods would be on his head, and yet he persisted in the folly of attacking us. He said for us to defend ourselves and we did as we know best. Figment tried to take out and or distract the one who he felt was the most dangerous of our foes. And Now you fault him for it? Perhaps, Milo, the next time you go charging in somewhere and get caught up in something that you can't handle, Figment will hesitate before coming to your aid for fear of whtever. Or perhaps you would want one of us to delay casting a spell or reacting in time to save K'nara or even Olanna. We have been on the defensive far to often of late where our reation time is what has saved us. Would we be having this same conversation if one of us were lying here dead as a result of this test? I doubt it. In fact I expect several of you, Including you K'nara would be quite irate and saying something like; Oh, we might put out this fire when our friend is raised from the dead.
Look at yourselves and your own motivations before you cast judgement on one of our party that was fighting to protect us the best way he thought. In all honesty he beat me to casting a fireball only by seconds that would have been in direct defense of a party member, but would have had the same effects."
Having finished speaking what has to be the longest speech Ingrge has ever made, He too turns his back on the group and saunters over to where Figment is.
Milo d20+23=40 d20+21=31 Saturday April 19th, 2003 11:15:28 PM
Outraged, Milo shouts at Ingrge as soon as he turns his back, "Don't lecture me and turn your back on me Ingrge. This isn't about action and reaction... its about taking responsibility for your actions. I came to the realization a while back that my lack of insight was causing this group some harm... So I got myself some help." With that, Milo pulls his periapt bearing the holy symbol of Pantheon from his cloak, and holds it up. "Since I put this on, I have been able to think more clearly, stop and consider my actions, and words... and you should consider these... As of late, the only spell we get, seems to be fireball... Have you two ever thought of casting something else. There must be, in the great wide world of wizards, spells of that power that do not create such mass destruction. I wouldn't have cared, in the midst of combat, if you blew up the bloomin' faerie, as he attacked us... However there are other creatures that make this wood their home that did not. So... if we discover an evil 'whatever' in the middle of an orphanage full of children, are you going to destroy it with a fireball and forsake those who we seek to protect at the same time? Responsibilty my friend... for all your vaunted intellect... learn some." Disgusted, Milo turns, and with a swirl of his cloak, disappears into the woods at full speed.
Lian d20+7=23 d20+17=34 d20+5=10 Sunday April 20th, 2003 3:18:45 AM
At this point, aware of the anger fuming in the group, the monk speaks up in a mild but firm 'authorative' tone.
"Let us all shut up and think next time before we act; I am not exempting myself from this suggestion."
Thinking a moment, Lian adds. "I suggest, for the time being, that the 'spellcasters' choose their spells more carefully and take into consideration the possible enviroment we may be travelling into."
Prior to mounting Merlot to follow Milo into the woods(at normal speed), Lian states. "Besides, fireballs in forests and lightning bolts in a hamlet tavern, does not make a positive reputation for the Talons. Anger directly solves nothing." He grabs his horse's mane and swings a leg into the saddle and moves slowly into the brush to find his Justicar friend.
(Spot and Listen to find and follow Milo, 23 and 34... Lian might hear Milo) (Sense motive 10 on Figment, is Figment resolved on leaving, continuing or planning anything outwardly obvious???) OOC: No hard feelings David? ;) I'd hate to see a talon leave, even for in game reasons.
DE/Figment - OOC Sunday April 20th, 2003 12:25:42 PM
OOC: For the record, DEH does not get hard feelings over games... that's silly.
Figment is upset and hurt because he feels his best efforts to protect the party - which were very effective - were lambasted by other Talons, plus K'Nara placed her hand on him in a forceful way in combat - something he will not forget for a long, long time. They also seem to be siding with someone who clearly made themselves an enemy. On top of that the Talons are dressing him down in front of an external person to the Talons - something always handled behind closed doors in the past. And not just any person, a person who attacked them - and all over some stupid trees (his opinion). Of course, in his anger he too did the same thing. His original plan when he threatened to let the forest burn was to gain concessions from the fey and THEN put out the fire. This clearly wasn't picked up on by K'Nara - which he can understand - but to act in the way she and others did was way out of line in his opinion.
Also, Milo's comment about fireballs in the forest really aggrivated him. He cast the fireball for precisely the reasons Milo is criticizing him for: It caused a fire that ended the combat - period. They are just trees - and things that live in trees have wings and legs. They can avoid the fire. And even if they can't, who cares - they are just animals (again, his opinion). After the adrenaline stops running and anger subsides he will think more clearly. Brushing Jux has always been a great stress reliever for him. No, Figment will not leave the Talons so easily. At least not for long. With his teloport spell - of which he has two since he can't use Cone of Cold anymore - he could slip away for a drink in Plateau City at his favorite watering hole and be back in time to leave with them.
If you feel role-playing the above would be beneficial let me know and I'll rewrite it and get Greg to delete this text. For readability purposes.
DEH - OOC Sunday April 20th, 2003 12:32:19 PM
PS: Figment views Lian as merely a child by elven standards whi has lived a very sheltered life until recently and takes his comments in that light - just young.
Good play, folks. Life in a group isn't always pretty. No need to not have inner strife in-character as long as that is where it stays.
Resolving the issue? (DM Greg) Monday April 21st, 2003 10:33:57 AM
Orson pulls the mithril shirt over his head, and finds that it fits perfectly. The shirt feels as light as a feather, much lighter than the set he was wearing. [OOC: Use the mithril shirt description in the DMG. If you don't have it, send me an email.]
Fils listens to the inner party strife, and then points at Lian, saying, "The elf speaks the truth. Perhaps I did not need to test you the way that I did, but I tried to make the test as non-lethal as possible. You need to remember what is really important here. Yes, a small portion of the forest was damaged by fire, but you all worked to stop it, and you were successful. It will take all of your powers together, and your co-operation, to defeat the shifter and the creatures he has with him. Please, resolve your issues, and make yourselves ready for the coming conflict."
Milo disappears into the forest, and Lian mounts his horse to follow. The horse balks at the edge of the clearing, not being able to see into the dark forest. Then the horse carefully picks its way about 15' into the bush. Lian cannot make out the halfling's form, but does hear a faint sound, as the Justicar moves farther into the forest.
[OOC: Sense motive won't work on other PC's, unless the character is trying to directly lie to another character. Lian only senses that Figment is truly troubled.]
Olana d20+17=29 Monday April 21st, 2003 12:06:35 PM
Olana lets out an even bigger sigh as the 'discussion' escalates between her friends. Had she accused anyone? No. Had she judged anyone? No. Should she feel annoyed to be tarred with the same brush as the others? No. It was as pointless as the above. Utterly.
They had started a fire - they had put it out, and the sprite had won a major battle in getting everyone riled up, despite its ultimate intentions. That was one test they hadn't passed. Another sigh. Right now, they should be resting, preparing themselves. Instead, they were split up, some wandering alone in the depths of Culverwood - like it was some pleasant sun-lit copse where children played.
Part of her wanted to go dashing off after Milo, but something deeper kept her from doing so. It was a strange feeling, as clear and sharp as glass, and not altogether welcome. She began to see how fragile they all were, and how precariously balanced.
This was not the time to take sides.
So... Knowing the forest all too well, Olana calms herself and prepares arrow and bow. Her ears listen acutely to anything that might indicate that one of them was in distress, and she waits, trusting her companions to put out the fires they started in their own heads.
((Listen Check DC 29))
K'Nara Monday April 21st, 2003 4:16:11 PM
The human bladesinger had been silent, tending to the maintainence of the horses and then to her weapon. Now she stirred.
"We are all at fault, equally." she said firmly. "The sprite shouldn't have tried his test on us...but Figment was equally at fault because of the spell he chose to use as well as his stated reason for using it: you do not use a Fireball spell in the middle of the woods in order to use the safety of the Culverwood as a so-called 'bargaining chip' with a perceived foe! No matter how evil the foe may be, using unnecessarily destructive means to terrorize them into your way of doing things is just plain wrong--it makes you every bit as wicked as the evil you are fighting." K'Nara's blade flashed as she slid it along the whetstone with which she was sharpening it.
"...However...I was very wrong to have grabbed hold of Figment the way that I did." she admitted. "I acted out of anger and fear--something of which I am now highly ashamed and do earnestly beg your forgiveness for, Figment. A warrior...especially a bladesinger...must never lose control of their emotions--it always leads to disaster." A look flickered across K'Nara's slightly-freckled face--melancholy...regret..?--and she turned her hazel eyes directly towards the wizard now.
"Will you forgive this poor excuse of a would-be bladesinger for her moment of weakness...please..?" the leader of the Emerald Talons asked humbly.
Milo d20+28=47 d20+26=44 d20+28=38 d20+26=40 Monday April 21st, 2003 4:40:42 PM
Finding a cranny where he may settle himself Milo watches as Lian enters the Culverwood, thinking to himself, 'Now I've done it. Led the lad right into the dark of the wood.' Remaining silent, Milo keeps an eye on the elf, while concentrating on a calming technique taught by the clerics of Pantheon. In his mind he repeats the mantra, 'Breathe the air... air is life... life is peace... peace requires justice... justice requires calm... we are calm when we breathe.' Taking silent though deep breaths the halfling regains his equilibrium, and once he has found his center, moves back to camp, making sure Lian is aware of his presence at that time only. Milo then settles in for the night wordlessly, prepared to take his watch when the time comes. (OOC: Hide and Move silently in the wood and meditation are DC 47 and 44 respectively. Hide and Move silently coming back are DCs 38 and 40 respectively.)
Brother Bertram Monday April 21st, 2003 6:41:03 PM
Bertram ignores the rest of the argument and picks up the chain shirt and tries it on for size. He isnt looking for any more than what he had originally.
Figment Monday April 21st, 2003 10:02:25 PM
The mage looks at the bladedinger and is still clearly angry but it is draining away as it always does (just can't seem to stay mad long - not logical). With a sigh he addresses her. "Yes, K'Nara. I will forgive you for your action - but it is conditional. I frankly never expected you of all people to do what you did as you are ALWAYS in control, but I want you to promise me you will never call yourself by something you are not. You are an exemplary warrior in every respect - to include self control. So many times life has been on the line and you have prevailed with your controlled fury. If a lapse had to occur I would have it with me rather than another. Do not refer to yourself in such a dergatory way again. I certainly will not as it is so obviously not true - angry or no - nor will I tolerate such speech from another in regards to you.".
Clearing his throat, the mage continues. "On the issue of the fireball: I think you may not understand what I was doing. If you dom then I simply disagree. You seem with your words to take more stock in a couple of trees than I. I will not criticize your feelings, but if my choice is to burn a tree and every bird, squirrel, and whatever else might be in it for the sake of ending a potentially deadly combat - or to give us an edge over an unknown enemy - I will take it. I refuse to choose a tree or two over the life of a Talon. I won't do it - I CAN'T do it! As far as we knew, this disembodied voice was simply trying to distract us from attacking him so he could gain an advantage over us. Even when he appeared there was still question as to whether or not he was friend or foe. I would not, K'Nara, willingly burn Culverwood. I hope you know that. I would have figured out a way to stop the fire - with or without spells once the threat to the party was neutralized.". Smiling he offers once last thought. "You must admit, the fire got his attention and did stop the combat... I expect if I was allowed to continue I could have gotten him to promise us a lot more.".
The party talks (DM Greg) Monday April 21st, 2003 11:25:50 PM
Fils waits as the party resolves their problems.
Bertram tries on the chain shirt, and finds that it fits him just fine.
Milo appears back at the edge of the clearing.
The party decides if they will take up the sprite's offer of watching over them for the remainder of the night. "Please, get some rest. You will need all of your abilities in the morning," the sprite says.
Lian Tuesday April 22nd, 2003 1:07:08 AM
After rejoining the party, the monk lays out his bedroll and begins to study a scroll. About a half an hour later, he begins his Khata excercises and then meditation.
(He'll take up last watch or second to last.)
K'Nara Tuesday April 22nd, 2003 10:17:14 AM
"I'm glad to hear you forgive me, Figment," said the tall female fighter as she reached around for her sword's sheath, "But I'm sad to hear that you didn't quite get my own point..." K'Nara returned Lucia to its home and sighed heavily.
"Surely by now, wizard, you must realize that the Culverwood is more than mere trees--bigger than little furry animals..? It is the basis of life for every being that inhabits the Emerald Kingdom! Parnoth knew what he was doing when he made the elves of the Kingdom slaves by forcing the artificial landscaping of large areas of the Culverwood--by making them prune and cut the living forest into beautiful but wholly unnatural shapes, he was also forcing the elves to do the very same thing to their very own souls! No wonder the elven workers had practically no life in their eyes whenever one met their gaze--the trees of the Culverwood are probably connected to that magical substance...what is it called?...that 'Wold's Blood'..?" K'Nara glanced to Olana and Ingrge for the confirmation of the name of the mystic liquid that nurtured The Wold in its life and its afterlife.
"So, no--I admit that I didn't know what you were trying to do...but, yes, I still think that you handled the situation poorly--after all, the very comrades that you wanted to safeguard by ending the fight early were smack-dab in the middle of the forest you set on fire--and we could have been casualties of that fire as easily as any of the little squirrels or birds or other life that can be found here in the Culverwood." K'Nara sighed again.
"I will agree to disagree with you about that point, though, because what's done is done, and cannot be undone. Just...please try not to blow up the woods again when we finally get to Tremaine. I can tell you right now--it just wouldn't be a very wise thing to do."
K'Nara stood up.
"I trust Fils enough to leave sentry duty to him and his people." she said. "So standing watch will be purely voluntary tonight." So saying, the human bladesinger set up her bedroll to get some sleep.
Brother Bertram Tuesday April 22nd, 2003 2:54:53 PM
Bertram ignores the rest of the argument having already voiced all he wanted to say. Hearing there would be no watch he immediately prepared his bedroll for a, hopefully, long sleep.
Orson Tuesday April 22nd, 2003 6:21:13 PM
Orson relaxed as K'Nara finished up the arguement, sort of glad that Figment's action drew the attention, his own lack of control falling through the cracks. Upon hearing K'Nara announce no watch, he sighes, completely disagreeing with her trust.
Sitting up, Orson eats another helping of rations, then stands, begining more rounds of training, and preparing for the long sleepless night ahead.
As the warrior spun and swung, repetition after repition of different attack maneuvers, his mind wandered to other things. K'Nara's unusual trust in these people that attacked them made the warrior wonder why the bladesinger was in charge. How could a young woman, girl almost, like her be placed in such a position, with all her companions lives relying on her decisions. Even if she was correct in this instance, trusting enemies so quickly would one day be the downfall of the Talons...and he wasn't sure if he wanted to be apart of it.
He'll continue training and thought for about an hour, and then complete a 4 hour watch. Unless anyone mentioned they would take a watch as well, the warrior continues vigil over the others, not sleeping for the night.
When morning comes, he'll going into another round of practice, before eating a double helping of breakfast.
Olana Tuesday April 22nd, 2003 6:55:03 PM
Olana starts to relax as everyone returns, greeting Milo with a relieved smile.
She offers to take a watch, too, not needing a lot of sleep, and listens as various conversations bounce back and forth. Perhaps things were not fully resolved, but at least they were all together.
Ingrge d20+22=33 d20+25=38 Tuesday April 22nd, 2003 7:40:55 PM
Sitting away from the rest of the group Ingrge opens his his back pack and taking out his mirror prepares to scry for Tremaine and if possible Fils daughter as well. That in mind Ingrge calls over to Fils and asks if he has anything of hers that he can use as an additional focus a lock of hair would be best. Afterwards he will rest while Fils folks watch. Tremain DC 10, Fils Daughter DC 15 (Scry rolls 33 tremaine, 38 daughter)
Milo Tuesday April 22nd, 2003 8:23:29 PM
Milo smiles and winks at Olana, now completely relaxed once more. "Wake me up a couple hours after you finish meditating, and I'll keep watch with you." The halfling settles in comfortably before forgetting the night's events altogether and falling to sleep.
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