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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