Dm Anthony Monday December 9th, 2002 10:57:59 AM
You and your pack sit, after a long day's labor, under the dome on the edge of the dam and watch the little children play. You hear one of the little boys begin to count down from 10 softly and with a smile. "10, 9, 8 . . ." Sitting on the edge of the structure you find yourself grabbing something to hold on to without really thinking about it. The boy keeps counting down, "5, 4, 3. . ." It's difficult not to smile too as the excitement from all present seems to become almost palatable, like you could taste it. "2, 1, . . . now!" And with perfect practiced timing the boy leaps off the edge of the dam into the air just as the magic happens. The pool suddenly purifies itself, the magic that creates this wonder passing up through the water. You watch and smile as you see the surface of the water begin to bubble frantically like a huge hot tub. You feel the burst of warmth as the hot air rises through the water and into the air and you hear the boy scream in absolute joy as his timing was perfect and he is billowed up into the air an extra 5 feet or so, then come cannon balling onto a group of his friends splashing the now purified water everywhere. The golden light of the coming dusk filtering through the grass dome adds to the enchantment of the moment. Looking up you see the climbers clinging to the outside of the dome, moving the evening screens into place to keep the night bugs out of the town. It would be a perfect evening except for two things. Jenny is seen running up to you all wanting to know what you're all doing, and you see Malgo and Blue coming too. Suddenly you are brought back to reality. You were meeting here to discuss if you should take the challenge posed by the Black Pack -- a group of kids a little older than you that are the toughest Pack in town. They have one-upped you all enough times that it would sure be good to do something that they think and have been telling the packs all over town you can't do. Malgo looks huge and threatening as always. Large halforc, almost black skin like the Manfri and his yellow crooked teeth grinning as if he would just as soon rip your throat out as smile, and his right eye and cheek. Nothing but a puckered scar, given him one day by a stray bounder. Blue is with him and that makes everyone more at ease. Blue's bright red and dark brown eyes make his stare one of the most penetrating you know. Even though he is a halfling, and a Cleric of Gargul to boot, his wisdom and advice is often sought in this small town. It is clear that the Rattledam elders will soon ask him to join them. Jenny, who has arrived at precisely the wrong moment, stares at the two with her jaw open and eyes wide. Malgo looks as if he's about to speak and then Blue interrupts him. It's clear by this interruption that this challenge is legitimate and can be trusted. Malgo may lie and threaten, but Blue only speaks when he sees the truth, and when he refuses to use the native slang you know that matters are serious.
Blue (NPC) Monday December 9th, 2002 10:58:44 AM
"Malgo, leader of the Black, has publicly threatened you and yours too many times. Although you feel you have done nothing to him and his, he feels you have. To keep this from going to blows and therefore causing the 'priests'," and he says this word with a special sneer, and his disdain for the monks is clear, "to get involved, we the Blacks have asked Malgo to challenge instead. He has grudgingly accepted. His challenge is this. There is a new crop of Glass Grass on the west side of town. This crop is ready for harvest. However there is something that the adults haven't noticed. On the far west side of that crop there are 6 stalks of Glass Grass that have co-pollinated with the purple grass that borders it. It has caused a number of very rare Stained Glass stalks. Your challenge is to find them and harvest one Glass Pod from these purple stalks and bring it back. If you refuse this challenge then we must consider our pack and yours to be life enemies. Should you succeed, Malgo will consider all past infractions null and void and will allow me to help him decide when he has been injured by you and yours in the future. Should you try and fail, Malgo will know as will everyone else in town that your pack is weaker than his and that carries its own problems." Blue takes a deep breath and then smiles and whispers. "Look kids this challenge is a spinner, in out done and give the pod to me and I'll weave a shady brew from it, and we'll all get waxed together. I think Malgo is sun baked to be beating you all for so long but a man runs with his pack as long as his pack is loyal, you know?" Blue then stands up straight again and looks at Malgo who growls deep in his throat, then speaks. "Pod due by sunrise. Good luck little piggies." Then he turns to leave. Blue shrugs as if to say 'What can you do?' and then hurries after his friend, leaping high into the air and wrapping his arms around the big guy's neck and laughing. Malgo resists for a bit and then begins laughing and wrestling with the small man as they take off into town. Peace returns to the day and the golden light makes things look good again, but the silence is broken as Jenny begins to stammer about telling mom.
DM Anthony Out of character, We DMs have a lottery for our games much like the one in the Loot and Booty and you all just won. Monday December 9th, 2002 11:50:03 AM
As the two bigger boys leave and Jenny begins to stammer you look down and in between you is a small package wraped in a greasy piece of cloth. Opening it you find a pair of bracers woven from grass with bolts from a crossbow woven into the outer lining and a note written in an almost familiar feminine handwriting.
"For an archer, or someone who needs to be one..." - A Friend
(Bracers of Archery)
Trellus Monday December 9th, 2002 1:53:18 PM
The young blond man wheels on his sister, and wags a finger at her.
"Jenny, you weave this to Mom and I'll totally rip your thread. Truly. And you'll get nothing from the pack the rest of your life. No shady cookies, nothing."
He pauses and considers, then addresses her again, "Now you keep quiet, and I'll weave all your chores for the next week. Truly. Now you go home, so I can talk here."
After he gets Jenny turned around, he huddles up with the rest of the pack.
"Dudes, we're on it. Get a pod, get a drink, get Malgo all warped up. Totally shady."
Seeing the package, he picks it up and reveals the contents as well as the note. "Dudes! Talk about timing! Totally shady! I don't weave bows. How 'bout whoever wants it roll for it?"
Anuk Monday December 9th, 2002 1:59:08 PM
"What a treadle," Anuk mumbles under his breath as he watches Malgo and Blue disappear in the distance. He turns to the Pack and says, "I dunno...I think something's up. Sounds a little too easy to me. I know we can trust what Blue says, but I don't know if Malgo told him everything. What do you guys think?"
He looks at the bracers "I can't tell if these are supposed to be gift or a warning. In either case, they're not going to fit over my glove here...who wants 'em?"
Kam d100=77 Monday December 9th, 2002 2:30:11 PM
The surface of the water bursts, sending droplets of newly pure water everywhere. It also reveals a gasping Kam. "See Trellus, I told you I could hold my breath longer...." He trails off, noticing the intent stares of the rest of the pack. "Uh oh Wha'd I miss?" he says sheepishly.
After hearing the story again from Milo he breaks in to a smile and says, "Finally, a chance to show those treadles that WE are the shadiest pack around. Gilan, I bet you could lead us there with your eyes closed. And if they DO try something to warp our weave, well, good ol' Grymash can show them the what for. Can't you Gry?"
"Oh and as to the shoot'n gloves, I can use 'em, but I don't need 'em SO bad."
OOC: I actually had a party destroy itself over a gift of some magic bracers once, I don't want them that bad and rolling for something like this seems fair :)
Sterlin Monday December 9th, 2002 3:30:31 PM
Sterlin appears serious as always. Too serious for his age. He looks as though he's staring into the distance, but he is merely thinking to himself. Finally after a few minutes of silence, he speaks, "I care not for contests of pride, my friends, however if there truly are stained glass stalks out there, then I absolutely must see them."
Calim d100=86 Monday December 9th, 2002 9:50:13 PM
Calim stops practicing with his rapiers, and his ears prick up when the challenge is given. He knows too well that if it were so easy to grab a pod, then Malgo would have flaunted the rare treasure indeed as one of his pack's accomplishments.
"I don't like this... We all know that Malgo is not one to be trusted. Besides, how do we know that his pack hasn't made this whole story up to send us on a wild goose chase and make us look like chumps."
Calim smiles then at Trellus. "Dude, ya know I can't resist rolling them bones especially when a prize is involved."
(DM Anthony Says - Jecoby: I sent everyone a doc. On Rattledam, at the end of it was the slang. As to Background on Blue and Malgo, it's all included in my first two posts.)
Gilan d100=15 Monday December 9th, 2002 11:44:32 PM
Gilan glances to the rest and nods. "It would be my pleasure to help in ending this feud... if that is even possible." Gilan glances to Kam and shakes his head. He does not really consider himself that much of an expert at guiding, but he knows that if they run into trouble he can provide a few tricks. "I will help guide the group, but only with help."
Standing and stretching he glances to the retreating forms and shakes his head, a deep frown crossing his face. "I would have to agree, Malgo is not to be trusted and they did make this seem a little too easy." He glances to the rest again and sneers. "Still, let's take his challenge... with caution."
Grymash Mountainback d100=90 Tuesday December 10th, 2002 1:09:15 AM
The water begins to bubble churn once again. With a great splash, Grymash comes rushing up out of the water. He wipes his face repeatedly with both hands. He spits a wide spray of water from his mouth.
Grymash answers Kam, "YEAH ... GRYMASH SHOW THEM ..." looks around in confusion, " um show who ... show what!!?"
Grymash stomps toward shore. With every step out of the water, he appears to be getting bigger and bigger. Wearing only a saggy soggy loin cloth, he shakes and slaps the water off himself (Everyone reflex save DC 14 or be sprayed with water).
Sniffing the air, "What that ... was Malgo here ... THAT STALKER!! Grymash like to mow Malgo's grass!!"
Gry can't help but growl but is distracted by the bracers. Grymash squats down next to them and begins to chant the words that DETECT MAGIC. "Ahhh, they glow!!," says Gry with awe. He picks one up and runs his fingers across the arrow design. "Gargul's eye helps guide way ... see arrow!!!"
(FYI: You can wear bracers and gloves. Bracers only cover the forearm. According to the DMG, these bracers only work with bows, not crossbows. Unless DM says otherwise. Does anyone use the bow as a primary weapon? I use a mighty composite bow, but it's not my main weapon. :)
Jacob Tuesday December 10th, 2002 2:41:16 AM
Laying on a pallet of thick grass at a good distance from being splashed with his legs up on another thick grass strand is the itinerant half-elf. The entire time, he's been sitting in lazy relaxation, not having moved when Malgo arrived, announcing the challenge, nor when his companions burst from the water. His eyes were mostly closed, and it seemed like he was napping. Except when the comment about the drink-making was made...
Without opening his eyes, he comments in a suitably untempered drawl, "Well, ah do think that we have a suitable, ah, 'shady' challenge ahead of us. Friends, companions, ah suggest we involve ourselves in the search of the elusive and amiable Glass Grass, we all know the joys we can reap from it. Perhaps, ifyoualldontmind, I can relieve you all of the burden of these bracers. I do prefer a bitta distance, myself." Rising to his feet and hunching over as he joins them in a lazy stride, Jacob doffs his sleepy position and assumes his usual nonchalant and seemingly untroubled air.
(Everyone knows that despite his usual lazy air and uncaring attitude, Jake uses sword and whip extremely well. However, he's so lazy and prefers not to actually get up close that he'd rather use the crossbow... It's more of a personality thing than a combat wise thing.)
Grymash Tuesday December 10th, 2002 10:25:28 AM
Grymash takes the other bracer in his hand and stands to face Jacob. "Jacob, me do mind! Pack decide who get what. We don't be grabby!!"
DM Anthony Tuesday December 10th, 2002 10:40:27 AM
Jenny nods to her brother and stares at Sterlin with big girrly eyes, and then blushes and runs off, disappearing behind a tree. Looking across the square Dam you all see Malgo and Blue joined by the rest of the Black Pack. First comes Dalakite, a very, very beautiful 1/2 elf sorcerer. Her long, thick blonde hair cascades down her back like water and her eyes are so green they look like fresh grass. However with all of her beauty you don't remember ever having seen her smile. Right behind her is her identical twin sister, playing the thief as she lifts an apple off of one of the other kids out and laughing the whole time. Her smile lights up her whole being. Lastly is Fist, a male, human Monk. Malgo's best friend and the reason is clear as he trips a running child and he and Malgo laugh, while the other three look on with heavily disapproving glances. Blue and Dancer cross over and help the child up, dust him off and Dancer give him the apple she took from the other boy. Dalakite leans down and whispers something into Malgo's ear and suddenly his laughter stops. Dalakite nods and Malgo grabs Fist and they cross over to the boy. Clearly they apologize, more because of Malgo's grip on Fist's arm than anything else. Then Malgo picks the crying boy up and takes him squealing and laughing to the edge of the Dam. With his great strength he tosses the boy high in the air and the boy comes crashing down into the water laughing the whole time. Suddenly Fist and Malgo are surrounded by small children all wanting to be tossed into the water. The two large boys look upset and grudgingly begin tossing boys, but before long both ugly faces are lit up with smiles and clothing is off as well as dives into the water. Dancer disrobes quickly as Dalakite frowns disapprovingly, and she too is in the water, although she draws the attention of most the older boys. Blue sits down beside Dalakite and they begin to talk. Another day in Rattledam. The climbers finish closing up the dome for the evening, placing the night screens over the windows in the dome. The dome? THE DOME, there's the catch. The Dome has just been closed up for the night, how are you all going to get out of the dome? Malgo set that up well. Looking over at him you can see the look on his face as the climbers come down off the walls. Total satisfaction. He winks at you and then begins tossing children into the water again.
(OOC: The bracers work for bows only NOT crossbows)
Trellus Monday December 16th, 2002 10:59:10 AM
Trellus stares at the screens with slowly dawning comprehension, then at Malgo, and then back at the screens.
"That grass biting treadle!" he spits out disgustedly. "He did it again! Dudes, no way is Malgo weaving this stuff. Its gotta be Blue or one of the twins....." Trellus' harangue trails off as he spots Blue and especially the twins and loses his train of thought.
"Um...well...we gotta...uh...Dudes..."
Trellus rips himself from sightseeing and visibly re-orients toward the task at hand.
"Dudes, how are we gonna get out of the Dome? We gotta either sneak past the guards at the gate or go out the screen, I'm thinking. I gotta shady potion that'll let me climb the walls. Anybody else got an idea?"
"Oh, and maybe Kam should get the bracers, since he weave his picks with the bow? What do you think, Gry?"
Grymash d20+5=17 Monday December 16th, 2002 12:10:08 PM "Yeah ... Kam get bracers. He better and faster shot than Grymash!!" Grymash looks around and realizes that the dome just came down. "Son of Prairie Sow!! ... How we get out!!"
Aggrivated by the predictiment, Grymash forcefully slaps the bracers across Kam's chest as he hands them to him. "Sorry!!," appoligizes Grymash as he unintentually knocked the air out of Kam's lungs. Grymash isnt known for his gentle nature. (Str. check 17) :)
Grymash turns to face the only exit and wonders how to distract the guards.
Milo Monday December 16th, 2002 1:42:48 PM
Pondering for a few minutes, Milo's face lights up.
Turning to the others he responds, "I have an idea, something I have been practicing on my own might just work in this situation. As all of you know, I dabble with food and magic at the same time. Let me run over to my house, and see if I can't whip something up that would temporarily blind the guards while we managed to slip out of the town. Mind you, the blindness wouldn't be long, maybe a minute at the most, but the second they succumb to the effects, everyone and I mean everyone needs to be running through the gates else we get into some serious trouble."
Smiling, he runs as fast as his little legs will take him to his home.
Sterlin Monday December 16th, 2002 1:55:27 PM
"We will not be doing anything to the guards. If we can slip out unnoticed great, but we will not be attacking our own guards even if it is temporarily."
Milo Monday December 16th, 2002 2:17:40 PM
Sticks his tongue out at Sterlin as he runs off.
Gilan Monday December 16th, 2002 3:17:07 PM
He looks over the predicament that they are in and shakes his head. "So you don't want to hurt the guards and that I understand..." He trails off for several minutes in low talking to himself and then glances back to the group. "I can give us a little mist if that would help in our sneaking out...the spell would disippate after a short while, but it may allow us to sneak out." He looks back to the group and waits to see what they think.
You notice that he does not glance in the direction of the twins. Several of you smile and snicker as you remember the last time that Gilan had been caught looking at the twins. Kaili had given him a black eye that he sported for the next three days, plus she had refused to speak to him.
Grymash d20+2=17 Monday December 16th, 2002 5:27:59 PM
After hearing Milo's idea, Grymash sparks an idea of his own.
"Hey ... Milo, Grymash have something that might help give extra kick!!"
Before Grymash runs off chasing after "Lil Cookie Dough man," Grymash turns to Sterlin. "It not attack ... no more attack than time I crammed handful of stink bugs into Sterlin's mouth!! Was that year ago?? Oh well ... MILO, WAIT FOR ME!!"
Grymash grabs his backpack and runs off after the halfling. Grymash amazingly, despite being so large, is the fastest runner of the pack and easily catches up with Milo. In fact he catches up so quickly that he has to high step over the halfling to keep from tripping over him. The two look like quite the pair!! :)
(Movement 40'. Dex check 17)
Kam d20+1=10 d20+2=9 Monday December 16th, 2002 5:35:21 PM
Kam staggers back toward the pool, one arm on the bracers and the other grasping for anything as he tries not to go plunging into the pool. His one free hand makes little grabbing motions as he pitches into the pool. Splash! Spray goes everywhere and moments later Kam surfaces, spluttering. Cheers and jeers are heard from the other side of the pool from onlookers as Kam drags his doppin bedraggled form from the pool.
"Well, thanks Gry, I think," he says as he steps out of the pool.
"Now, what was this about sneaking out? I love a good sneak. I agree that we shouldn't attack anyone. However if a fog were to spring up unexpectedly, who's to say what might slip out? Lemme go get ready," he says as he runs off, squishing at every step. Squish squish squish.
Anthony Monday December 16th, 2002 7:41:00 PM
It's clear to all that the fog would probably work, however what would the effect be of unleashing that much water into the air? The stories people tell of spilling water on the Plains are never pretty and often end in some horrid happening. Also fog is rarely ever seen on the plains except for the short wet season in a few months, will the guards know this trick? How have the older boys snuck out? You all know it's been done -- but how???
Anuk Monday December 16th, 2002 10:54:37 PM
Anuk chuckles as he watches Grymash and Milo loping away. "Hmm...is it possible that there might be a tunnel under the dome somewhere? Something just small enough for one of us to get through at a time, and then stop it back up? Or maybe a low panel someone could open and close quickly? Anyone remember seeing anything like that?"
(OOC: Anthony, would any of us have come across something like that in our daily work? If so, I would think we would have kept it a secret to protect the older kids, so the adults might not know about it.)
ANTHONY SAYS: You may all make search checks to see if you have ever found such a thing...
Jacob Tuesday December 17th, 2002 12:07:02 AM
Jacob watches the events unfold, as Grymash pushes and charges about with his typical quickness (and lack of control), and chews idly on a long piece of grass. "Nah, no panels or such. Ah think ah actually like Milo's idea, of feeding the guards some food that would maybe make them sleepy, or giving them something to drink... But the idea of going over the gate, that sounds good as well. Ah'll be happy if we just stay, too. We don't need ta fall into every trap they set up for us..."
DM Anthony Tuesday December 17th, 2002 10:48:55 AM
See my response to Anuk's post above....
Trellus Tuesday December 17th, 2002 10:58:32 AM
Trellus rubs the back of his head. "I'm with Sterlin. Weaving the guards sounds too sun-faced. They're there for a reason."
He looks back across the pool. "I'd bet half my potions that Blue knows how to get out. I'm gonna try to talk to him."
Trellus slowly walks around the dam, casually wating for an opportunity to speak privately with the halfling.
Trellus' Search Check d20+2=12 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 10:59:45 AM
Search check 12
Sterlin d20=3 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 11:12:56 AM
search check = 3
Grymash d20-1=2 d20+19=24 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 11:27:51 AM
(Search check 2. I have a -1 modifier!!)
Grymash couldnt find his nose on his first try! But after he gives Milo his jug of Green Gnomish, Grymash will take 20 and retry his search. Grymash continues to search likely spots for 2 minutes (20 rounds).
(Second search check: 24. There is no opposed consequence for failure so "Taking 20" is a valid move in this case. I looked it up. :)
Kam d20+2=7 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 2:30:13 PM
Search, what is this search you speak of?
Milo d20+5=22 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 4:33:39 PM
(22 for search check)
after making the bottle of special juice, Milo returns to the group.
Gilan d20+1=14 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 6:27:09 PM
Gilan stops as he is pondering the many ideas that have come up so far and shakes his head. "Forget the mist...I keep forgetting about the grass in the area and how it reacts to water." At the mention of a hidden way out of the dome that they may exploit he falls back into his time wandering around(search check 14)trying to remember anything at all.
Jake d20=19 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 9:01:58 PM
Jake, with all the patience in the world, fiddles with the grass strand he's chewing on.
Calim's Search d20=3 Tuesday December 17th, 2002 9:09:46 PM
OOC which attribute adds to search?
BT aka Milo Wednesday December 18th, 2002 10:45:18 AM
Int is the attribute you use for Search.
Milo Wednesday December 18th, 2002 10:56:22 AM
walking up to the guards near the gate, Milo envelopes them in conversation. about the day, the coolness of the water, and the heat. then, as if something just comes to him, he drops his bag, reaches in and pulls out "the" bottle. saying to the guards: I just thought of something, I just made this new drink, I call it: Tingling Tonic. it's a mixture of fruit juices, water and a touch of rum, not much mind you. I made it so I could drink it. it helps take the thirst out of your throat and keeps the heat at bay. pulling out as many cups as needed for the # of guards there, Milo fills each cup about 1/4 of the way, then equally distributing the rest in the cups til all of the liquid is equally divided. (dc to resist the sleep effect is 15, if I mixed it right) Milo pretends to drink some too.
IF the guards succumb to the drink, he hurridly motions for the others to come and get out of the town. if not, and only a few go to slumber land, and the other guards look at him with mean eyes, he runs as fast as he can away, hoping to have the guards follow him, so the rest of the group can get out. he will circle around, if he's not caught, and slip out of town too. (let the fun begin)
Anuk d20+1=6 Wednesday December 18th, 2002 7:04:25 PM
Anuk finally gives up trying to recall if he's seen some secret way out (search check 6) and notices Milo with the guards. "Oh man," he says to himself through clenched teeth, "that halfling's gonna bring the beaters down on us." He looks the situation over for a moment, grins, and thinks, "Well, won't be the first time."
(OOC: Sorry about not posting last night...storm knocked out the power for a while 'round here. Anthony, what do our characters know about the consequences for getting caught as we find our way out of here? What sort of punishment do we expect we are facing?)
DM Anthony Thursday December 19th, 2002 7:34:18 PM
Sorry Guys real life caught up HARD!!!
Tim I need your three rolls I asked you for to see if you mixed the tonic even close to right.....
Before Milo runs off to get the guards he rembers a big rock that some of the older boys hang around sometimes over on the west side of the city. It might hide a way out.
Milo d20+9=25 d20+13=21 d20+3=10 d20+3=18 Friday December 20th, 2002 11:15:47 AM
here are my rolls for you, anthony. Arcane(Know) = 25 Prof(Cook) = 21 Int = 18, rolled a 10, used a hero point
donīt forget that I have the feat, Brew Potion.
Milo informs the group about the rock that the bigger kids hang around.
Grymash d20+5=13 Friday December 20th, 2002 1:10:52 PM
After retrieving his jug of Green Gnomish from Milo, he too recalls the large stone where the older guys hang out.
"Milo... could this be hidden exit? Grymash never think this a hole out of dome!!"
Grymash looks around to see if they are being watched and if the coast clear he will attempt to roll or push the rock over.
(Strength check: 13. Grymash can drag or push 1750 lbs. or 3000 lbs. when raged.)
The ground is soft around the stone. Grymash has a little trouble with traction and grip.
Gilan Friday December 20th, 2002 3:14:31 PM
Gilan looks around keeping his eyes open, to the right, so that Grymash can have at the rock. He will give a low whistle if he sees anything that may get them caught. "It is clear from my direction...for the moment anway."
Trellus Friday December 20th, 2002 3:55:59 PM
Hearing about the rock, Trellus discards trying to talk with Blue. Besides, the halfling is still with the twins, and Trellus is having trouble remembering what they were supposed to be doing in the first place.
He joins Grymash, Milo, and Gilan at the rock, and waits to see how the half orc does.
He also sees if the rock is large enough for him to help on the next attempt, should it prove necessary.
Anuk Saturday December 21st, 2002 2:09:53 AM
"Man, I must've passed that rock a thousand times...never even occured to me!" There's a dull *whack* as Anuk's palm smacks his forehead.
When the rock is moved, Anuk volunteers to take point and see what awaits us outside the dome.
Jake Sunday December 22nd, 2002 3:08:36 AM
Of course, Jake doesn't assist in helping move the rock, even though he's quite capable of moving things when he wishes. (Strength 17 :P ) Instead, he lazily muses to Anuk, "Brother, it's a strange tangled web we weave. Why, this rock's the kissing rock, y'know? Ah brought myself a few of the softer types up here at times, never thinking of it as an exit..." He leans against a strand of grass. "Say, ah hope ya all realize how dark it'll be. Ah'm good in the dark, and so's Anuk here." Suddenly having a suspicion, he whispers to Anuk... "Better make sure none of 'em others are watching, and waiting to block up the rock, if'n we get outta here. Imagine if our exit was moved." Louder, he says, "Ah'ma gonna take a walk." He heads off in the shadows, intent on coming around and making sure nobody's spying on the group.
DM Anthony Monday December 23rd, 2002 11:16:16 AM [Ok Guys, please do not tell me what you are doing AND the result. Just tell me what you're going to do and let me tell you what happens. Case in point. You are not at the rock yet -- you just remember where it is. You haven't made your way across town to the rock yet. It's about a 3 to 4 minute walk....]
DM Post
As you all remember the rock now you realize it's about halfway across town. Crossing around the Dam to enlist the help of the Black Pack is fruitless as they refuse to say anything. Also the added problem is that it's now dark and the children are making their way home as the Monks will begin their patrols for errant students out of bed after curfew in a few moments.
Anuk Monday December 23rd, 2002 12:34:38 PM
(OOC: Sorry about that. I should have phrased it "if and when the rock is moved...". I simply meant to indicate my willingness to act as a scout. I'm assuming that if the rock _can_ be moved, then our big friend Grymash will be able to do it. Time will tell, of course...)
"Good plan, Jake. I'll do the same, coming 'round from the opposite direction." Anuk cautiously works his way toward the rock, keeping an eye out for anyone keeping an eye on our pack. If the distance to the rock is normally 3-4 minutes, he chooses a path that will take approximately twice that time.
Trellus Monday December 23rd, 2002 1:11:44 PM
"Dudes, I can't sneak very well. Anuk and Jake, give a whistle if any beaters show up"
Trellus will give Anuk and Kam a decent head start, and then take the direct route to the rock, staying in the shadows as best as he can.
Milo Monday December 23rd, 2002 2:27:43 PM
Shrugging his shoulders, Milo proceeds to take a direct route to the Rock, waiting there for everyone to show up.
Gilan Monday December 23rd, 2002 5:16:59 PM
Gilan will also make his way towards the rock, by a direct route. The house that he as given is near there anyway. "Anyone that wants to could walk with me...we can tell anyone we meet that you are staying over." This would not be a bad idea as he has friends over when they don't feel like going all the way home. Plus everyone knows that you have to get away from adults once in awhile. "If it comes down to it we can actually stay at my house."
Grymash d20=17 Monday December 23rd, 2002 5:44:18 PM
Grymash rolls over the rock not to find a hole or tunnel. He does see a matted basket woven out of dry grass. He pulls it out and opens the lid. Inside are the remains of someones pet mouse. Along with the grass bed, in which it is layed upon, there includes little toys, a ball and a old spool that once had tread. A single copper jingly too. Grymash sighs and closes his eyes.
A remorseful Grymash gently puts the lid back on and places the basket back in its shallow grave. "Sorry little one for disturbing rest. You brought joy to someone, that made your life worth Grymash's honor and blessing of Gargul. That more than I say for most people."
Grymash gently recovers the basket with soil and slowly rolls the stone back over the little grave. He prays for Gargul to guide its soul. "A nice place ... mountains of cheese and no cats ... sleep well little one!!"
Grymash gets up and starts his way to the other rock the others were talking about. He knows he cant sneak so well in front of everyone. Its never worked. So he carries his jug, as if he is returning it to a friend before he retires for the night. (Bluff check 17)
Gilan d20+3=10 Sunday December 29th, 2002 1:36:11 AM
Having found out that the possible wayout was just a burial hole, he turns with the rest and starts heading towards his house. He stops and looks around to see if anyone is near(spot:10). He makes several low buzzing noises that slowly drift out into the night sky. Several minutes later two wasps, Tiev and Yinb, land on his outstretched hand.
They turn to meet his eyes as he begins a series of buzzes that resemble a language or form of communication. He inquires with his two friends if they know of any ways outside of the dome. Maybe something that he could get through to the outside.
Jacob d20+4=22 d20+4=11 Sunday December 29th, 2002 3:14:35 PM
Ol' Jake vanishes into the shadows...or attempts to. Actually, he's not very good at this. He does manage to sneak off pretty well, but those in the darkness with good hearing oughtta hear his slug-skinned boots.
Dm Anthony Thursday January 2nd, 2003 3:21:46 PM
Gentlemen I am sorry about my poor posting I have not been near a computer or phone for some time. My daughter, my wife and I all got fairly sick and I have not found the time to do anything but be sick and care for them. Curently Mayas temp is 102.5 so we are watching her carefuly. I will resume regular posting on Monday providing no one ends up in the hospital.
Thank you
MikeDidThis (Anuk) Thursday January 2nd, 2003 7:36:11 PM
I hope you all get well soon and that your year gets off to a better start. Best of luck!
BigTim Friday January 3rd, 2003 12:46:04 PM
praying for you all, Anth.
CDM Jerry Friday January 3rd, 2003 11:40:30 PM
OK goodpeople, Anth hasn't asked for time off, but after this set of ordeals, I'm sidelining him for a week or two. He needs it and doesn't need to be worrying about this board when he has his family to worry about. Poor guy.
Mikey, you're DM if possible. Email me or call me. Sending you an email with my phone number and some information. I want you ready to go on Monday. I love Anth and he's one of my best friends. So I'm doing what I think is best for him as a friend. Giving him a needed break. Enjoy it my friend.
Guys, I'm sending you a map of the town. Note that Anth hasn't had the time to detail locations on the map yet, but you can see the map anyways. :)
Be prepared to rock on Monday. The game will go on even if I have to run it.
ADM Mikey Sunday January 5th, 2003 9:54:52 PM
The sun, having made its wearisome way across the sky, settles down amidst the grasses far off in the distance. Tinges of purple and gold touch the top of the huts before darkness descends without notice. On the plains, it gets dark very quick, and now, as you all make your way towards the end of the village where lies the infamous (hopefully) mobile rock, children pipe up and call to each other farewells as they race home from the fountains. "Time to go, Weed!" "Last thread, Sapphro!" "Awwww I wanna stay swimming!" "Hey, good luck, you treadles!" "Come now, Piggies." "Ouch! Dry dunghead!!" A monk appears at last at the pool. "All right, children. Curfew time." Looking as stern and serious as rock, he chastises those who are slow to follow, including one or two Black Pack members who lag behind to pick on the children. One crying child, rubbing his swollen eye, is helped along by the solemn figure.
At first, as you all make your way through Rattledam, the fading of light and mass of children leaving provides good cover. Gilan and Milo are in front, as they left without hesitation, but Grymash and Trellus are quick to catch up (if a bit noisily). Everyone else tags behind, whether watching for enemy packs or trying not to appear as though part of the group.
But now, as darkness completely falls, the evening bell tolls. Most of the adults begin to pray to the Pantheon in their homes. Any children caught in the streets or (even worse!) outside the dome now has to beware of the patrolling monks. They are especially wary of packs of youths eager to cause trouble...
Luckily, you encounter none of the hooded worshippers on the way to the rock. As you arrive, the edge of the dome looms high, dauntingly tall up close. Jake stands watch, looking for any approaching figures with his excellent half-elf eyesight.
The rock should be movable with a good enough push. (Str check, DC 20! Up to three people can 'aid', adding +2 to the check attempt. Note that this is quite noisy.) Even after the rock is moved, there is a bit more dry dirt to be cleared to get underneath the thick barrier... anybody bring a shovel?
Trellus d4+1=3 Monday January 6th, 2003 9:03:55 AM
Trellus looks at the boulder. "Dudes, thats a really big rock," he says matter of factly.
Then he turns to Grymash. "Gotta shady surprise for you, Gry." And he casts BULL'S STRENGTH on the half orc (+3 to Strength for 3 hours).
"Any spell slingers got a pick to make this quieter?"
Once Grymash is ready to go, Trellus mumbles a quick prayer, "Domi give me strength" (Use domain skill - feat of strength to up his Strength to 18) and gives a mighty heave in conjunction with the barbarian.
Once (If) the rock is out of the way, the cleric looks at the dirt and rubs the back of his head in bemusement. Then he looks to the pack to see if someone else was smart enough to bring a shovel.
Gilan Monday January 6th, 2003 10:36:34 AM
Gilan moves to one side and decides to help keep a look out. He has no shovel and no spell that would help with digging. He glances back several times to see how the boulder moving is going.
Grymash (bulls strength) d20+6=24 Monday January 6th, 2003 11:58:19 AM
Grymash feels the tingle in his muscles. He's amazed to feel this strong and not be raging. Grymash puts his hands to his mouth and feels his tusks and gums. "Nope!!" He's not foaming at the mouth either!!
Grymash then, with much confidence, reaches down attempts to move the rock. (Strength check 24). The rock rolls right over!! Grymash looks back at the others with a big goofy grin!! "See ... Grymash is the Real Big Shady!!"
Milo Monday January 6th, 2003 12:11:58 PM
stands there, watching the others move the rock, and keeps an eye out for the roaving bands of Monks.
Kam Monday January 6th, 2003 2:56:17 PM
Kam rummages around in his backpack for a moment. "Shovel, who wants to dig on an adventure like this?" Then he sighs as he looks at the plug of dirt blocking the way. "If we see the monks coming, I can distract them with some lights."
Kam will cast Dancing Lights to lead the monks away (max range 130', shaped like glowing humanoids) if he sees them coming towards the group.
Anuk d20+9=23 d20+7=20 Monday January 6th, 2003 3:31:41 PM
"Way to go, Gry!"Anuk exclaims as the rock rolls over. He suddenly recalls the need for quiet. He lowers his voice and says, "Whoops...sorry about that." He rummages through his old leather pack, but finds nothing of value for digging. "Nothing here...I'll be happy to return home and fetch a shovel."
(OOC: I'm assuming that what with all the daily work around here, Anuk knows where he could obtain a shovel.)
If no one else has a shovel, Anuk heads off to get one. If it appears that he will run into a group of monks, he hides and sneaks as best he can (Move Silently 23, Hide 20).
ADM Mikey d20+4=21 d20+6=11 d20+6=12 Monday January 6th, 2003 10:47:26 PM
After Anuk takes off, the rest of the group stays a bit quieter, keeping watch or poking at the dirt in silence. Still, none of you are prepared a few moments later, when a little voice pipes up loudly from the darkness just to the side of the pit (away from the roads where everyone's watching with a hide check of 21!), "Hey, whatcha guys up to?" You turn your heads and see Jenny, infamous annoying little sister of one of your pack members. She watches all of you curiously, but the more perceptive of you all notices the way she glances at one particular member... (and not her brother. You can make sense motive or spot checks, DC 15 if you wish. And note; you just met one of the most loudmouthed impulsive kids in camp! What are you going to do to get rid of her?)
Anuk, off by himself, supposes himself lucky as two stealthy monks pass him on the road, barely missing him by a grass-length, yet not noticing him. He finally retrieves the shovel, and starts heading back to the group hoping he doesn't have to make up an excuse to have a shovel.
Milo Tuesday January 7th, 2003 10:20:48 AM
turns to the group and whispers: if she gets too loud, we can always let her drink my "potion". (he says with a mischievous grin)
Trellus d20+5=25 Tuesday January 7th, 2003 11:05:33 AM
(Spot check 25 - can I save that nat 20 for when I need it?)
Trellus' head drops in exasperation when Jenny shows up again. He notes she is again eyeing (let me guess) Sterlin, but doesn't worry about it. That's not really a problem. What IS a problem is how to get his sister out of here without finding every beater in the town waiting for them when they come back.
"Jenny, you grass biting piggie! I told you to go home!" He pauses, then continues quietly, "If you must know, we're weaving a little trick on the Black Pack, and its a secret."
An idea pops into his head. Sterlin's gonna kill me, he thinks, but it might work. He gets close to his little sister and whispers, "Now if we can weave this without the Blacks or beaters finding out, our pack'll be the night soil. In fact, Sterlin would be so happy I could probably get him to go walking with you. But you gotta be quiet. And I'll still weave your chores all week."
Trellus turns and whispers to Milo, "We might have to. Is that drink safe?"
Then, back to Jenny. "Well, go on now!"
Anuk d20+9=29 d20+7=9 Tuesday January 7th, 2003 12:58:04 PM
Without a sound, makes his way back toward the pack (Move Silently 29). He glances at the shovel in his hand and begins formulating stories in his head. "If they catch me, I could tell 'em Brother Randall asked me to check on his garden...he's always so worried about insects eating his plants and he always makes me run his errands...hopefully they won't check with him on it...the pack'll kill me if I bring out the beaters..."
Lost in concentration, Anuk suddenly realizes he's standing in the light (hide 9). "Blast!" he thinks, "I've gotta be more careful!"
Sterlin Tuesday January 7th, 2003 2:16:18 PM
Sterlin walks towards Jenny and gives her a little wink. " He is correct, Jenny. If you can go home and keep this a secret, I will go on a walk with you. "
ADM Mikey d20+9=21 d20+6=26 d20+1=18 Tuesday January 7th, 2003 9:57:24 PM
As Sterlin winks at her, Jenny turns three shades of red. She is somewhat saved by the arrival of Anuk whom she spots with hardly any effort. About to obediently retreat, she notices the shovel in his hand... The little bouncer peeks at the boulder and giggles with surprised wide-eyes. "Wow...you moved the whole boulder? Most of the big boys just climb it and toss a rope over the hedge! You are Sooo Shadow!!" Obviously, this last one is tossed at Sterlin, whom she shyly glances at. Before any of you can move to shut her up, she puts on an obedient face, "Sure I can't go with you?" Seeing your faces, she sighs, "Well...okay, I'll weave on quiet about it." She smiles and waves at Milo as she turns to go, piping out, "Later on, I want...er..could I have a few honey cookies too?" Whatever Milo's response is, she then quickly dashes off into the night, in the general direction of Trellus' home...
It should only take a few scoops to get enough space for someone like Milo, but it could take longer to get enough out for a bigger guy.
[While someone shovels, everyone else please try to make a Spot DC 23 (21+2 due to the night time conditions) and a Listen check DC 26 .]
Grymash (bulls strength) d20+6=12 d20+3=11 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 1:12:30 AM
Grymash continues to dig. He occasional pauses to look around. Not seeing or hearing anything, he continues to dig.
(Listen check 12, Spot check 11)
Sterlin d20+3=11 d20+3=19 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 8:14:02 AM
Sterlin's thoughts drift to the idea of seeing the stained glass grass.
(listen 11, spot 19)
Trellus d20+5=8 d20+4=7 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 10:07:18 AM
(Spot = 8, Listen = 7)
Trellus watches Jenny the whole way, making sure his pesty sister is actually leaving this time.
Then, he checks on Grymash's progress while mentally berating himself -- Ropes. By the Grass, I'm stupid. --
Milo d20+5=21 d20+3=14 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 11:02:00 AM
Listen - 21 Spot - 14
Just as Jenny runs off, Milo starts reaching in his bag for a few honey cookies. Looking up and seeing her gone, he pops one into his mouth and offers Trellus the other.
Pulling out a 50' length of rope, Milo asks, "Why don't we just do what the others do and climb the rock, toss the end of this over the hedge, and climb down?"
Anuk d20+2=9 d20+6=13 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 1:10:39 PM
Anuk keeps an eye and and ear out for trouble (Listen 9, Spot 13), but can't help wondering who put Malgo up to this whole thing. And who left the bracers? "There's a bigger story weaving here," he thinks. "Ah well...there'll be time to find answers in the morning when we're back."
He glances at the hedge and asks, "I dunno, Milo...think it'd work?"
(OOC: would the hedge idea work? I thought the town was fully enclosed by the dome at night.)
Gilan d20+3=21 d20+3=17 Wednesday January 8th, 2003 6:33:46 PM
Gilan glances around looking for any signs of the beaters. He glances back to the group and hopes that they hurry. "Decide something...all this delay is going to get us caught."
From Calim's position near the hedge he can see or hear nothing except Gilan's wise warning. Calim smiles again as he knows that Jenny is going to find someway to get what she wants (seems she has her brother wrapped around her little finger)
ADM Mikey d20+6=9 d20+3=16 Thursday January 9th, 2003 12:34:50 AM
There is now a hole big enough for even Grymash. From the way Jenny gave in, Trellus just knows she might cause trouble later on.
Through the tunnel they dug there's a whisper of wind, as though the outside wants to creep into the town...
Suddenly, at the edge of your vision steps into the pale starlight a figure dressed in the dreaded monks' robes. He pulls back his hood, revealing two elvish ears and piercing, accusing brooding eyes.
Looming at over six and a half feet in height, his arms crossing under his Pantheon medallion, all of you cringe inwardly in fear as you recognize none other than Galafar, the most strict headmaster of the camp.
All of you have memories of past punishments by Galafar, who particularly enjoys tormenting packs like yours... such as the time Milo was forced to eat nothing but plain bread and cheese for three weeks in a row to teach his sweet tooth... or when three of you were caught after a little namecalling between you and the black pack, he had you drink the most foul tasting liquid imaginable once for each name. It wouldn't have been so bad, if he hadn't counted 'slang' words such as grassy or shadow to be such words.
"Ah, Anuk, you've led me to your friends. And here, I thought only one naughty child was out past the curfew... Leaving so soon, Jacob?" he coldly asks. Jake, the closest one to him, was edging for an escape or maybe to hit the guy on the back of the head with a sap, but Galafar simply smiles icily and shakes his head and the usually nonchalant packmate backs up nervously.
While he ponders what punishment to give, what do you guys do/say to save your skins?
OOC: As to the climbing: Apologies to all if it wasn't clear that climbing over the dome was possible. To be honest I didn't have a clear picture in mind either; When one says 'dome', one isn't referring to the igloo type, but more of a surrounding circle. If anyone wants, they can attempt to climb the hedge... three checks (once for each 10 feet) at DC: 14, if failed on the second or third check, then Reflex save (DC 14) to avoid receiving 1d6 per 10 feet one falls. One cannot take ten on such an attempt...Standing on the rock before attempting to climb reduces the height by 10 feet and a good ropeuse (DC 10) on the climb will lower the DC to 12. Anyways, keep that info in mind for later on... ^_^
ADM Mikey Thursday January 9th, 2003 1:16:11 AM
(OOC Addendum: My apologies; One can climb half one's movement per climb check. A person like Grymash, standing on a rock, could do the whole thing in one check...of course, then there's climbing down the other side. Also, you *can* attempt this in front of the headmaster (consider his reaction! lol), but more likely than not you're gonna want to get rid of him or something before you go sneaking off into the night. All the climbing information was just stuff I was giving for people who wanted to give it a try later on... of course, you don't even have to climb, what with the rock being moved and a big enough opening for one person at a time. I just posted it in case someone was interested in showing off or you all changed plans (like it seemed you were doing midpost). Hope this makes things clearer!)
You know what, every time one of us tries making something of ourselves, you are right there to tear us down. Instead of giving us positive reinforcement you are always trying to break us down. For once, I would love to see you get what you are always dishing out. You Monks may think you know everything and rule the roost but let me tell you. Whether you like it or not, one day we will be bigger, and a time will come when what you say will fall on deaf ears. Until you start learning to treat ALL with respect, you will be looked upon as nothing but arrogant bullies.
"This group is looking to not get anyone hurt, but to keep face in the community, and with you guys breathing down our necks all the time, we can't get it accomplished. If punishing people is what you require, then, when we return, you can do your worst on me for however long you wish, but until we get back, stay off our backs."
With that said, Milo jumps down in the hole, quietly saying to the rest of the group, "Let's go, now!"
Gilan Thursday January 9th, 2003 2:12:51 PM
Gilan smiles as he watches what is unfolding before him. This kind of trouble was not new to him. His eyes flash as he lowly buzzes several times. Within a few seconds both of his wasps decend on Galafar, buzzing around his face and the like but not touching him. Another series of buzzes warns them to get away as soon as they can and that Galafar will not hurt them, he maybe strict but not cruel. "You can punish me later."
With several waves of his right hand he ushers his friends through the hole and smiling enters after them. "See ya later Galafar."
Sterlin Thursday January 9th, 2003 2:25:43 PM
Sterlin says nothing, as he quickly makes his way through the hole. He calls his spiders to follow. To himself he thinks, " I really hate this. I hope this does not prevent me from becoming a monk soon."
Grymash (Bulls Strength) d20=16 Thursday January 9th, 2003 2:48:38 PM "Galafar ... ," grunts Grymash as he stands up from his crouched position. He too stands tall and bulky and stares Galafar in the face, eye to eye. "You owe me!! You failed Grymash those years ago when orc raiders took me from hunt party. Ever since you punish everyone for your failure to protect. You can't imagine horrors Grymash saw for those two years ... they haunt me still ... bu but I find my way BACK!!" Grymash forcefully points to the ground indicating the location of Rattledam. "Now Gargul watches over my life ... not Galafar." Grymash's anger is increasing ... his buckler with the Eye of Gargul begins to faintly glow!! (Garguls "eye" holy symbol on his buckler glows a hot white light when Grymash rages) "We will not go far and will come back tonight ... so if you not try and stop us, then get out of way!! Later, you can punish ... do your worst ... but it wont be anywhere close to punishment Grymash got from orcs!!!"
(diplomacy check 16)
Trellus Thursday January 9th, 2003 3:03:09 PM
Trellus takes the offered cookie from Milo and gets a mouthful just as Galafar appears.
Grass, he thinks, now we're ripped.
Then his pack both verbally and physically assaults the headmaster!
Of all the sunbaked ideas! NOW we're totally ruined! But the pack has spoken, so Trellus dutifully dives for the hole.
Anuk d20=10 Thursday January 9th, 2003 4:04:56 PM
Anuk is left red-faced and sputtering when Galafar names him. Wanting to save face in front of the pack, he gets right up into Galafar's face (while the others make their way through the hole) and blusters, "You want someone to punish, Galafar? Fine. I'll be first in line...tomorrow morning!"
Hoping he sounded braver than he felt (Bluff 10), he turns and goes through the hole.
Calim Thursday January 9th, 2003 8:27:20 PM
Thinking of how much trouble this is going to cost him Calim waits to see if there is any reaction from the headmaster to impede the way to the hole. If there is then Calim will attempt to stop him from grabbing at the group. By either bull rushing him or otherwise knocking him down (at least the group will get away while Calim is getting his punishment first hand!)
ADM Mikey d20+15=21 Friday January 10th, 2003 2:40:21 PM
"You DARE???" his face contorts as Milo finishes his speech, criticizing Monks, the organization, his position as headmaster, everything about him! Sneering with open contempt, he's about to reprimand him without stop when Grymash makes his valiant attempt to stand up to a man who considers himself the father of the village. "You ALL oppose me?" With their reactions all done, he glances at the last, Jacob, who looks apologetic and edges along with the guys towards the hole. "Very well," he says, obviously grinding his teeth in rage. "You may go outside tonight, but for disobeying your masters, ignoring the rules, heading outside, you idiots will surely face the greatest of punishments that I have ever managed to think of. You will regret this decision for YEARS to come! "I'd punish you now, but I leave you knowing that when you get back, you won't have to worry about competing with other packs, or about chores in the family, or about all the child-like cares you fostered in your misspent youths. No, your worries will be far greater." He growls, and turns, heading away with a striding step that none of you could match. You get the impression that you're all in big trouble...tomorrow. Of course, sometimes he is lenient...sometimes. Hopefully...
You all have chosen to go through the hole, so you are standing outside of Rattledam's hedge. Before you, looming in some places as high as the hedge itself, is the infamous grass of the Plains. At this point, so near the civilization, it isn't as wild, clumped, or dangerous...though, from what you guys know, many animals do live near the town, waiting to prey on the people.
The path to the plant itself isn't that far from what the leader of the Black Pack told you. Do you start making your way through the grass? What is the order of progression? (Which I assume will be kept until you guys return to town or whatnot)
Trellus d20+5=25 d20+4=18 Friday January 10th, 2003 3:28:25 PM
"I can't believe he let us out," Trellus says quietly as the pack gets itself together. Then he sighs in resignation, "You dudes realize we are so totally ripped that... dudes, I can't think of a bright enough description."
Eventually, he forces himself to concentrate on getting the plant. "Do we risk a light, or just follow one of our shady rangers?
"How about we go in close single file, so no one gets lost? I'll go near the front. Gry, you want to lead? Or maybe one of the rangers?"
However it works out, Trellus heads with the others into the grass, keeping an eye and ear out. (Spot 25, Listen 18)
Anuk d20+2=15 d20+6=9 Friday January 10th, 2003 6:42:59 PM
Trying to think of anything but the punishment that awaits him, Anuk pulls his bow off of his back and says, "Look, I brought trouble down on us, so I want to do something to make it up... I'll take the lead. I don't think the light would be a good idea, so I'd like Gry nearby... he can see much better in the dark than I can. Single file sounds good to me, Trellus."
Anuk also glances around while everyone readies themselves.
(Listen 15, Spot 9)
Gilan Friday January 10th, 2003 10:20:05 PM
Gilan slips throught the hole with the others and tries to settle his nerves as he wonders what Galafar could have in store for them. He even ponders if it would be worth it to not make it back from this little adventure, though he quickly dismisses that though. "I will stay near the middle...my night vision is not as good as some." He makes another quick series of buzzes and his wasps come flying to him. He sets them up to fly on either side of him, for extra help. He pulls out his longbow and nocks an arrow to the string as he starts out.
[Spot: , Listen: ]
Gilan d20+3=11 d20+3=12 d20+9=23 d20+9=29 Friday January 10th, 2003 10:23:54 PM
Sure, I forgot my rolls as well.
Grymash (bull's strength) d20+6=9 d20+3=23 Saturday January 11th, 2003 4:47:12 PM
Grymash slides on his helmet and fastens his buckler more securely to his arm. Then he removes the leather guards from both ends of double-headed axe. From a little cosmetic container, Grymash paints long vertical stripes down his face and an open eye across his forehead.
After a short prayer to Gargul, Grymash stands and faces his pack. "If that way right direction then we shall go. I will take front, someone strong need to guard back of pack. If not, pack can be flanked from ambush. Archers and magik weavers in center. Will need light later to see colored glass grass. Grymash eyes see good in dark, but not colors!! Let's go!"
(listen 9, Spot 23 /natural 20)
Calim (bringing up rear) d20+4=16 d20+2=11 Sunday January 12th, 2003 12:56:57 AM
Calim will take up the rear of the pack making sure everything stays safe and sound. Rapiers drawn and eyes alert.
Spot 16 Listen 11
Sterlin Sunday January 12th, 2003 8:33:32 PM
" Listen guys, I wasn't about to let him keep us from coming out here, but the verbal abuse was very out of line. "
Grymash (bulls strength) Sunday January 12th, 2003 11:54:45 PM "Sterlin ... if it make you feel better ... I say all this Grymash idea. I taken far worse punishment than what Galafar can dish out!! You seen my scars. If Grymash need to ... I can live with manfri. They friends of mine. We can't let Galafar treat us like grubs no more!! Now let's go."
Milo Monday January 13th, 2003 12:54:15 PM
Upon stepping out in to the Plain, a shiver goes up his spine. Having been outside before, but always with the assurance that assistance was close at hand. Now he finds himself having to rely on just his friends, no other backup. The gravity of the situation finally falls on his shoulders and he slumps a bit. After a few minutes he resigns himself with the situation and stands up.
He says, "I know no one has chosen me as spokesperson but I feel the best plan is as Grymash says, archers to the flanks, Grymash to the rear, ranger and druid up front, and healers and spellchucker in middle. Let's find our target, and get back home as quickly as we can. I want to see if we get kicked out of the city or not."
Sterlin Monday January 13th, 2003 3:53:11 PM
" Grymash, I can take responsibility for my own actions. What I meant, was that it was not necessary for those of you who did, to be so rude. The monk is harsh sometimes, but is only to develop discipline. Where are any of us going to get in our lives without a little more respect for others and wisdom? "
Anuk d20+6=14 d20+2=17 Monday January 13th, 2003 6:55:43 PM
Listening to the conversation, Anuk takes his place up front. As night finishes descending, he scans the skies, hoping to spot one of the fabled Sargrass Moths (Spot 14, Listen 17). Someday, he'd love to get a close enough look to make a new entry in his journal.
As he readies an arrow in his bow, a thought occurs to him. "Anyone know how we make sure this hole is still open when we get back?"
ADM Mikey Monday January 13th, 2003 8:15:25 PM
You guys all get ready to set out, arranging in your line. The grass is (or will be in a few steps) too thick for more than one person at a time. After dealing with the hole (let me know what you decide), you all set out...
In the lead is the best tracker/grassman in all the packs, Anuk, followed by the powerful Grymash. Following is the family-bothered Trellus then the vigilant Gilan and his two buzzing wasps. Stepping somewhat slower than the rest due to his size is the group's chef and resident magic-user, Milo. Jacob (my character, btw!) daudles behind, still contemplative about the whole mess, glad he doesn't have to rush to keep up with his short-legged packmate. Sterlin follows with his usual careful step, and Calim brings up the rear with his rapier at ready. (That seem clear?)
You progress through the plains cautiously. Surrounding you are the faint noises of the wildlife of the land; mainly insect-life of course. Grasshoppers in all hues and sizes hop merrily from one place to another, one even making Grymash's hair its momentarily resting place. These little guys are perfectly harmless, until they get to be about man-sized... luckily none of those are around. Meanwhile, little flies and insects also buzz around, and you all watch out for the incredibly dangerous bloodflies. With the rarity of water, blood often makes up for it with some creatures...
But nothing like that seems to bother you, and despite all your watchfulness and awareness (and even hopefulness!), you come across nothing more than the occasional prairie pig.
You're about one-third of the way there because of the slow progress through the plains.
(Feel free to talk with one another or do what you will. It will take one more DM post to get to the glass grass.)
Gilan Monday January 13th, 2003 8:45:24 PM
Gilan from his place near the middle of the group grumbles to himself for a few minutes. He glances to the others as he continues on. You hear him say the following, "This is going just a little too easy for my taste." He continues his vigilance as he continues on trying to keep his worries to himself. Gilan glances back to Sterlin and shakes his head. "I believe that Galafar actually likes all that verbal parrying...it gives him more reason to meet out the punishments that he does." "Have you ever seen the way he looks at those that just cower before him or give in without any complaints...he just glares at them."
Calim Tuesday January 14th, 2003 4:07:49 AM
(Calim has two rapiers, one in each hand) While Calim waits for the group to slowly march off he listens through the hole that he has just come through to make sure (to his guess) that it wasn't closed (besides we can always climb back in anyway). Hearing Sterlin's comments Calim can't help but agree 100% with him. He is still shocked by what he has witnessed just a few moments ago. "What am I going to do to make up for the rash behavior of my pack" Thoughts of this type go through his head. "I can't believe I was ready to push the Headmaster if it came to that...I have always followed the rules, well at least in the gray area." He continues to walk waiting on word of discovery.
Trellus Tuesday January 14th, 2003 10:22:28 AM
Trellus continues quietly for awhile, trying to absorb everything that's happened while still being wary of what's in the grass.
He answers Gilan in a low voice, "We wove more than just 'verbal parrying', Gilan. We totally rejected his authority. Sure, he's a totally shuttlecocked beater, but I think we crossed the line back there."
He continues in a quiet, calm voice.
"And Galafar don't care who said it. We're weft and web. The pack speaks as one, and gets ripped as one. I just hope we don't face a choice of leaving Rattledam or leaving the pack."
Milo Tuesday January 14th, 2003 12:31:51 PM
some may of said we mispoke, but when you speak from your heart, there should be no apologizing. which, you wont see me doing. I have wanted to get what I said off my chest for some time, and as Sterlin thinks, it may not of been the appropriate thing to say or do, but someone can only take so much browbeating and abuse before they Must take a stand. look at me as you see fit, I will not apologize to him for what I said. even if it means me having to leave the city. honestly, i'm ready for an adventure. it's not like we wont be back one day to visit friends and family, but still, we have all seen groups leave, it's in our destiny.
Anuk d20+9=22 d20+6=24 d20+2=7 Tuesday January 14th, 2003 4:46:23 PM
"Sterlin and Trellus are right...we didn't just cross the line, we jumped over it. Well, I did, anyway. I don't think Galafar will exile us, though...he'll want to watch us suffer."
Anuk tries to put the confrontation with Galafar out of his mind and concentrate on getting the pack to their goal. Making his way forward in the dark (Move Silently 22) he continues to search and listen for trouble (Spot 24, Listen 7).
Grymash stops instantly ... as if he had heard something!! Then he continues with a grunt. Grymash whispers to the group, "Uhh guys ... less talk, more stalk!!!!"
ADM Mikey Tuesday January 14th, 2003 11:09:20 PM
With the faint wind whispering along, the grasses sway and move... "Have we gone Walker??" Jacob mutters, just loud enough for everyone to hear... When all of you fall silent after Grymash's last words, the wind rustles the grass. It is quite warm and soothing.
Luckily, the grass here is mainly quite short, about waist height for the average human. Around you, clumps of wilder patches exist that go higher. Typically, these host sometimes dangerous life forms, so Anuk steps to avoid them carefully.
The stars shine out clearly above you, not twinkling or sparkling like some travelers say they do in their native countries. Instead, they are bright; so bright that you can even pick out the different colors. Some stars are clumped together like a lone patch of grass, yet others form whole rivers across the sky. Although the moon is not even a sliver of light, you can tell where it's hiding. It's a strangely beautiful sight, and perhaps reassuring in its endless sprawl, even larger than the plains seem at times.
Anuk leads you into a taller patch of grass that goes more than sixteen feet in height. Suddenly, you're surrounded on all sides. He makes his way slowly, having to poke forward to find a thin spot to weave through. You guys are pretty sure you're almost there, but this last part is the most difficult, as is most terrain the farther one gets from the village.
The farther one gets from the village...
Walkers. Natives. Those who live on the plains, outside the village. Ever since you were young, you were told by others to watch out or the Glass Walkers would come to take you away. To most of Rattledam, life on the outside isn't only dangerous, it's empty, boring, and uninhabitable. Where would you live?
Rattledam is the largest of the foundling towns in the Plains, and if the Monks there don't accept you, you wouldn't be accepted anywhere. Would you have to go to one of the towns on the edge of the Plains? If you did, you probably would never be able to return. And every story of the cities that you have heard indicates them as dens of vice, horrible places where every man is out against every other, where nobody can trust anyone else, and where most people treat each other like dirt.
Not only that, but being outcast or banished from Rattledam might mean death on the long trip. No one ever does know what the last conversation people have with the monks before they leave Rattledam forever is...
Then again, what you have all done is hardly worth banishment. Kitchen duties, working in the fields, constant studying, maybe even a bit of direct physical pain...but Galafar is known far more for relating the punishment to the crimes. When one particularly disobedient child disobeyed him then mouthed him off, Galafar not only had him whipped, but he was forced to spend a full day under the strict headmaster's direct supervision. It is a punishment feared even more than whipping to many packs, and not just your own.
You're near the place, and one small problem may occur to the more wilderness-minded among you. Glass grass is certainly distinct, but amongst the other grasses it will be hard to see, especially with no light.
(Gimme a Wilderness Lore check, DC 12... +4 if you guys don't have any lights. Or, if you want to try to spot it, based upon what you've heard of the grass (which is VERY difficult!), try a Spot check, DC 18, 22 if there's no light. Nightvision or Darkvision does not help much, since it is but one grass among many, and it is mainly the color which aids in one finding it. Also, the light is going to have to be quite strong and last at least long enough for your eyes to adjust to the new light. Btw, don't skip ahead to harvesting it up.)
(PS: Sorry about the length of this post...)
Sterlin d20+9=14 Wednesday January 15th, 2003 7:56:54 AM
Sterlin draws upon his druidic knowledge of wildlife. (wilderness lore check 14)
Trellus d20+5=15 Wednesday January 15th, 2003 8:15:21 AM
(Spot 15, nuthin')
Trellus pulls out his holy symbol, a small silver hammer. In a hushed voice he addresses the group, "Dudes, we might need to risk a light to find the grass. I can give us about 30 minutes."
Trellus will hold action, waiting for the rest of the party. Unless he hears different he'll cast a LIGHT spell on the symbol and raise it aloft to help search for the grass.
If someone else has got a better idea, or finds it without light, he'll murmur a short prayer, and pocket the symbol without casting the spell.
Milo d20+3=16 d20+3=17 Wednesday January 15th, 2003 11:56:18 AM
attempting to spot, Milo doesnīt seem to notice anything in the dark. but, when looking at the grass like Sterlin does, using wilderness lore, he makes his check (17) and motions for Sterlin to come see if he found the correct stuff.
Grymash (bulls strength) d20+6=26 d20+3=6 d20+8=22 Wednesday January 15th, 2003 4:14:41 PM
Grymash agrees that light is needed. He grunts a little realizing he didnt memorize a Light spell. He continues to search the area for the grass, but also looks for an ambush from the creatures that go bump in the night.
(Listen 26 nat. 20, Spot 6, Wilderness Lore 22)
Anuk d20+6=18 d20+6=20 d20+2=20 Wednesday January 15th, 2003 4:34:03 PM
All this talk of using magic makes Anuk uneasy. "Look...we know what we're looking for. We'll find it...just give it time." He understands the need for magic light right now, of course, but hopes that it won't be necessary.
While looking for the grass near Milo (wilderness lore 18), he also continues to keep a watchful eye and ear out (spot 20, listen 20).
Gilan d20+3=12 d20+3=12 d20+6=12 d20+9=13 d20+9=19 Thursday January 16th, 2003 12:59:33 AM
Gilan glances around the area trying his best to spot anything that would resemble what he has only seen in books. His wasps noiselessly buzz around keeping an eye..er eyes out for trouble.
ADM Mikey Thursday January 16th, 2003 2:03:26 AM
With the light of Trellus' symbol, Milo easily deciphers which kind of grass is the right one. It's almost a small grove, really, with the more vibrant the yellow the more ripe and ready the alcohol pod is. You guys carefully step towards it, and due to the nearly impossibly tall grass you have to step cautiously through the dangerous area, making sure not to disturb the tough strands, which easily snap.
The pod needed for distilling purposes is located aprox. 8 inches deep in the earth under the stalk. It is oval shaped and black. It is dangerous to harvest these pods because if you pull too hard the entire stalk can and will fall in sharp pieces all over you. In order to harvest with out this happening one must make a Skills Check (HARVEST GLASS GRASS DC 4) or (GRASS FARMING DC 6) or (FARMING DC 12) or (DEX 14). Should the check fail all those in a 5' radius of the harvester take 2d4 damage from falling shards. Violently disturbing the grass (i.e. Running haphazardly through it, fighting in it, boating on top of it, creates the same problems.) Every stalk disturbed falls for the same damage. A fight in the Glass Grass can kill all involved.
Lemme know who's trying and the attempts.
Trellus Thursday January 16th, 2003 1:25:05 PM
Not trusting himself to attempt the nimble work of harvesting, Trellus instead deals with limiting the light a bit. He removes his scroll case and drops the holy symbol into it, then points the beam (flashlight style) to help out whoever is going to be digging around.
"Somebody keep an eye out," he whispers nervously.
Anuk Thursday January 16th, 2003 5:53:40 PM
Concentrating and taking care, Anuk harvests the pod (Take 10 +4 dex), then instructs the others to withdraw slowly from the grasses. He does so himself and then shows it to the pack.
"Well...we've got it. Now what?"
Grymash (bulls strength) d20+3=23 d20+6=22 Friday January 17th, 2003 9:33:24 AM "Grymash hands too shakey for glass grass. I will keep watch for sun-baked baddies!!"
(Spot 23 natural 20, Listen 22)
Gilan d20+3=16 d20+3=18 d20+8=22 d20+8=18 Friday January 17th, 2003 10:15:43 PM
Gilan glances around the area trying his best to see into the dark. "Let's head back and see what our punishment is." If you could see his face you would see a smile that could swallow the moon. "Maybe we will be able to have that drink first...that should take some of the edge off."
Anthony Monday January 20th, 2003 12:11:47 PM
Hi all I dont know if you got my e-mail but I wanted to thank Mikey soooo much and say Id be back posting tommarow. I need to catch up on the game and then Ill be back.
MikeDidThis Monday January 20th, 2003 3:16:23 PM
Glad to hear it Anthony. I hope you and your family are feeling much better.
And thank you, too, to Mikey for stepping in. I'm having a lot of fun here!
Sterlin Monday January 20th, 2003 3:42:56 PM
" Would anyone of you be interested in remaining here for the night? I know it is dangerous, but I would really enjoy seeing the glass grass during a sunrise. "
Gilan Monday January 20th, 2003 10:18:34 PM
Gilan glances to the others as the grass is harvested and sighs inwardly. He glances to Sterlin and wonders over his comment. Though he keeps some of his thoughts to himself. "It has been a long time since I have seen the sun fall on the grass as well...it would be a welcome sight." Glancing to see how everyone else felt about the idea he mutters to himself. "We may not be seeing much after Galafar gets done with us."
[Glad to hear you are back Anthony. Two big thumbs up for Mickey though, he did a very good job and it was fun.]
Jake Monday January 20th, 2003 11:37:42 PM
Jacob ponders that, and speaks in a careful soft voice in response, aware of how voices carry over the grass... "I don't think it'd be well to stay out in the plains till the morning. Not only would it be harder to sneak back in, but what if something dangerous comes after us in the night?"
DM Anthony Tuesday January 21st, 2003 1:01:17 AM
Carefuly pusing through the glass grass is one of the oddest experiences of your young lives. The hollow clear yellowish tubed sway in the brezze and make reed noises as the air passes through them. Looking for the purple stalks is harder than you thought and there is a couple of close calls as someone pushes too hard and a top comes crashing down around you all. Glass fragments spraying everwhere. You all quickly realize that a serious shove and you would all be in serious trouble. Finnaly you find the rare purple stalks. From what information you have gathered the seed pod yo need in about 10 inches or so in the ground on the flater side of the stalk. To get it you must dig down and disengage it from the rest of the stalk without shifting the whole thing very much or it will come crashing down on top of you. some of those shards are heavy enough and sharp enough to de-capitae someone. Who will risk it? Which one of you is going to go digging? And where will the rest of you stand while the brave one goes farming?
Anuk Tuesday January 21st, 2003 1:50:02 AM
(OOC: Welcome back, Anthony! I just want to make sure that you are backing up a bit. I thought we found the stalk and that Anuk had just harvested the pod (see my last in-character post). Mikey gave the harvesting a Dex DC of 14, and Anuk did a take 10 with a +4 dex bonus to harvest it. If you're backing up to just prior to that occurance, that's cool with me...I just want to make sure we're all on the same page with you. For now, I'll assume we're backing up a bit.)
Anuk, hoping to save face with the pack after bringing Galafar down on them, volunteers to attempt harvesting the pod if no one else is up for it.
Anthony OOC: Tuesday January 21st, 2003 12:08:20 PM
Yes I backed up, sorry I forgot to say that. You cant take 10 on it with a chance of catastrophic failure and the DC is also unknown at this time as none of you have the Farming Grass (glassgrass) skill. So I need to know whos going to try and how, and if they are going to use a skill of anykind where is everyone going to be and dont forget its pitch black.....
Trellus Tuesday January 21st, 2003 1:29:27 PM
(OOC - pitch black except for Trellus LIGHTED holy symbol)
Not trusting himself to attempt the nimble work of harvesting, Trellus instead deals with limiting the light a bit. He removes his scroll case and drops the holy symbol into it, then points the beam (flashlight style) to give Anuk some light.
Trellus is essentially squatting a few feet from Anuk, pointing his light where the man directs.
"Somebody keep an eye out," he whispers nervously.
Sterlin Tuesday January 21st, 2003 5:29:49 PM
" You guys are concerned about danger, yet you are attempting to harvest glass grass in complete darkness. We should wait here quietly until morning. "
Anuk Tuesday January 21st, 2003 10:04:26 PM
Looking up briefly from surveying the root, Anuk says in a low voice, "Sorry, Sterlin, but I don't think we can wait. Malgo said we gotta be back by sunrise--pod in hand--to meet the challenge. Hey, Trellus, point that light down here a little further." He indicates the lower part of the root and thinks about how to proceed, mumbling something about Malgo's mother under his breath. Wishing he'd packed a spade, he finally he draws his dagger from his belt and says, "I think I'll just have to dig carefully. I've seen the monks harvest pods before...it shouldn't be too difficult *gulp*. Trellus, I'll need you and your light here with me. Everyone else probably ought to get out of the way before I start. Grymash, my friend, any prayers you may have to offer right now will be greatly appreciated. "
Anuk waits nervously for everyone to get out of the way before he proceeds.
(OOC: If my wilderness lore skill can apply here, I'd like to use it (+6 bonus), otherwise I'll need to make a simple dexterity check (+4))
Jacob Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 2:15:26 AM
Jacob slouches to the side and looks rather lazily around, pretending to keep watch. He glances at Milo, wondering if he has any cookies left.
DM Anthony Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 9:20:20 AM
Wilderness lore will help, If you havent stated otherwise I assume you are standing under the stalk when he tries.
Grymash (bulls strength) d20+8=28 Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 10:54:41 AM "Grymash was going to guard from attack but no one helping Anuk ... so Grymash will help. Lets use my axe to loosen soil around stalk." Grymash gently rubs the blade around a fair amount of soil that surrounds the stalk of glass grass (like a shovel). "If we get hurt ... sorry! Grymash have a 'Feel Good Stick'... ,err I mean wand, in pouch!"
(Wilderness lore check 28, natural 20, whew!!)
Gilan d20+3=23 d20+3=10 d20+9=11 d20+9=15 Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 3:34:40 PM
Gilan simply moves back out of the way and continues his visual for anything that may pose a danger. He glances back to see how good of progress they are making. He tries not to think about what will happen if they mess this up. "Be careful guys."
Anuk d20+6=21 Wednesday January 22nd, 2003 8:54:36 PM
"Thanks for the help, Gry. And hey, if you wouldn't mind, I think it would be shady good if you'd hold your shield like an umbrella over our heads while I try to harvest this thing."
Anuk looks once more at the exposed pod. "Well...hopefully we'll have a good story to weave when we get back. Here goes nothin'." And with that he reaches into the freshly dug hole to harvest the pod. (Wilderness Lore 21)
DM Anthony Thursday January 23rd, 2003 9:25:49 AM
Gry steps foreward and begins digging in the dirt with his axe and everyones heart stops as the huge axe keeps coming close to the delacate stalk. However Gry deftly handles the operation and comes away with a nice hole and the seed pod exposed. Everyone holds there breath again as Anuk reaches in and digs into the earth and grasps the pod. It feels almost like a bladder filled with watter and small round stones. It is cool to the touch and its touch seems to make your fingers tingle. Its at this point that you all rember the strange gloves that pod harvesters wear. Suddenly as Anuk pulls the pod out of the hole it is stoped short by a tube conecting the pod to the stalk. The tube is also filled with liquid. the tube must be cut to free the pod but if the tube is cut wont the liquid in the pod run out onto the soil? Meanwhile Anuk's wrists begin to tingle too and he is begining to feel a little light headed.
Grymash (bulls strength) d20+8=18 d20+9=19 Thursday January 23rd, 2003 11:14:11 AM
Grymash quickly turns to the others. "Please need help .... someone help brace Anuk!!" Grymash then pulls his buckler off his arm and turns the little shield over like a bowl. He quickly pads the bottom of the buckler with a few hand fulls of loose soil from the hole he just dug. Then Grymash carefully places the buckler underneath the pod to allow Anuk to gently place it inside.
"Once pod safe, Grymash will take out healers kit and find tools to clamp off the tube. No water can get out or every living creature will come!! If this pod drop everybody run!!"
(Wilderness Lore 18, Heal 19)
Milo Thursday January 23rd, 2003 12:14:38 PM
stands next to Jacob, offering him a cookie while he to nibbles on one. unsure as to what he can do to assist, he stands back, in case everything comes crashing down
Trellus d20+3=10 Thursday January 23rd, 2003 2:36:44 PM
Trellus hands the "flashlight" to Gilan. "Help Gry while I pick on Anuk."
Then, he casts DETECT POISON on Anuk. (Wisdom check failed, so Trellus won't be able to id the type).
Sterlin Thursday January 23rd, 2003 2:40:33 PM
"Stop. Don't pull or cut that yet. Don't you know what will happen if the ground gets wet? "
Grymash (bulls strength) Thursday January 23rd, 2003 4:09:48 PM "Grymash wasnt going to cut yet. First get pod out of Anuk's hands. Once pod safe in buckler, I put two clamps on tube and tie off water flow. When both sides of tube are sutured, then we cut between clamps. We catch what little water left with absorbant gauze. Anyone know the Mend spell, that seals ends of tube better than sutures."
Grymash begins to look irritated from their lack of confidence in himself. "Grymash is good healer .... bahh!!" He continues to hold the buckler under the pod for Anuk to place into.
Anuk d20+1=19 d20+4=24 Thursday January 23rd, 2003 5:01:51 PM
"Whoa." The tingling sensation in his wrists gives Anuk a start. When the dizziness sets in, he begins to lose his concentration. "Just when I was beginning to think this job would be wax." He sees Grymash situating the buckler underneath the pod. Focusing as best he can, he gently places the pod on the soft earth contained in the buckler. (Concentration 19, Dexterity 24 (natural 20)) "Thanks, Gry."
If the pod remains intact, Anuk leaves it to Grymash and drops on all fours so he can remain as steady as possible.
Calim Thursday January 23rd, 2003 6:51:48 PM
Calim is waiting at his spot behind the pack, rapiers at the ready, looking intently at the groups flanks hoping that everything is ok with the pod at the stalk. Noticing Jacob and Milo eating cookies he says "Everything going ok up there guys? Those cookies sure smell good!"
Gilan Thursday January 23rd, 2003 7:23:14 PM
Gilan takes the lighted tube and risking much moves in closer to Gry. He holds the tube so the his friend can have the most light possible. "It's your move big guy." He glances to te others and shoots them a warning glare. "We all know the dangers of liquid getting on the ground...Gry has it covered." He gives Gry a reassuring smile and moves as close to him as he dares without hindering his movements. "I have the mending spell and am ready." In low tones you hear him start the beginnings of the spell though he pauses and waits on the last word for Gry to have the pod ready.
Jacob Friday January 24th, 2003 3:08:05 AM
Jacob munches, very satisfied, and thanks Milo with a gentle pat on the back. He steps back, watching the grass weave its way, making sure nothing sneaks up on them. He knows when too many people help out, it inevitably causes problems.
DM Anthony Friday January 24th, 2003 10:47:48 AM
Gry's plan seems to be the best course of action and he quickly prepares, finnaly when the shield is set then Anuk can place the pod gently in the shield however by that time he is shaking and his vision is blurry. He is barely able to place the pod in the shield with his shaky hands. Trellus spell comes back quickly and give the dire news . . . . his friend is . . . not posioned? How can that be?? Anuk dosen't feel posioned he feels quite good actualy, quite free...and light.... rather, well, drunk actualy.
As Anuk is lead away stumbling by Trellus, Sterlin, Gilan and Gry seem to have matters well in hand as the clamps go on and the tube is cut. The liquid that comes out is not so much watery as it is like gel and it quickly crystalizes and seals the end of the tube on the stalk side. However the end on the pod side wont close, but the quick addtion of the mending spell closes it up and the pod is sealed. Now how to handle it, and carry it with out becoming inibreated.
(OOC: Well Done Trellus, Anuk, Gilan and Gry. Take 100 exp bonus)
Milo Friday January 24th, 2003 12:39:26 PM
finally realizing he can do something, he steps up. while pulling off his pack he begins to say: well, we need someplace that pod can be put where it wont get ruined and what better place than in this padded potion bag. as you can see, there is plenty room for it and should provide safety for it til we get back.
Trellus Friday January 24th, 2003 2:17:13 PM
"Shady, Milo. That'll work great." Trellus exclaims satisfactorily.
He helps Anuk walk a ways off to get them both out of the way of the pod transfer.
"Gilan, when they're done, I'll need my stuff back," he reminds his friend.
Grymash (bulls strength) d20+3=11 d20+6=15 Friday January 24th, 2003 3:02:52 PM
Grymash lets off a sigh of relief after the operation. He then takes a bit of fresh soil and gently packs around the pod. The soil keeps the pod insulated and protects it from sloshing back and forth. With help from Milo and the others they gently lower the buckler and pod down into the padded potion sack. "Made in Shade!! ... now we carry pod like a hanging potted plant! Lets get back, we can continue cookie picnic under dome."
Grymash fills in the hole, carefully takes his axe and backs away from the glass grass. Grymash waits a minute as the pack prepares to leave. He scans the area during that time for the other pack and any other things that are creeping about.
(Taking 10, Spot 21, Listen 25)
Gilan d20=9 d20=2 Friday January 24th, 2003 9:25:50 PM
With the delicate operation of stowing the pod, he sighs his relief. Glancing to Trellus he nods and makes his way over to him. "I think these belong to you." He hands over the light tube, smiling as he does so. He glances around the area and shakes his head. "How much time do you think we have to get back?" He takes the time to scan the area and see what he can see.
[spot: 9, listen: 2]
Anuk Saturday January 25th, 2003 12:39:14 AM
Weaving unsteadily next to Trellus, Anuk begins to snicker. Then laugh. Then snicker again. "Did you see the look on Galafar's face when we all just left?...*hee hee hee*...He was red as a beet!...*guffaw*...I thought he was gonna...gonna...uh...um...what was I saying?...Oh yeah...Galafar...he...uh..."
Suddenly he stops short and turns to face the grass behind them. "Wow that's tall....*haw!*"
A moment later, a serious look crawls across his face. He looks at Trellus and in the sappiest, most heartfelt tones he can muster says, "Man...Trellus...you're the night soil...you know that?...true night soil...All of you...yer my pack...even you Sterlin...Milo...Gry...everyone...*sniffle*...weft and web...all of you...*sniff*..."
And with that, Anuk falls to the ground and snores contentedly.
Sterlin Sunday January 26th, 2003 10:34:48 AM
" Great job, Grymash. Sorry I doubted you. "
Jake Monday January 27th, 2003 1:27:58 AM
Jacob grins and takes Anuk's arm and helps him to his feet. He keeps a supporting arm under his, so that the inebriated sod doesn't fall back down. "Okay guys, let's get going. I can practically taste it just looking at him. In fact..." Jake takes out a pocket flask of his own and has a sip to keep his blood rushing. Only a sip...well, maybe a gulp, too...
DM Anthony Monday January 27th, 2003 10:11:51 AM
All the plans come together and the pod is safe in the hanging contraption. Well done pack....now on the way home.... but which direction is it. The grass is so tall here as to make spoting a specific star in the sky very difficult. Which direction is home. Eventualy though you get it and begin making your way back. Some helping the inibriated sod and others laughing at him. The night makes its night sounds and seems a peaceful time. You know that it is not very late and you can anticapate getting back in time to get some real sleep, before having to face your parents and the monks, if not the whole town in the morning. Upseting the head priest and headmaster of the entire town was not the smartest of moves, ahhhh well a man must do what he must do and fight the fights that need fighting and it would be eiser to be kind to Galafar were he not such an ..... Oh well. You work your way back toward town listing to the night and enjoying the company of the others laughing and talking with one another and relishing the thought that the Black pack will be eating their hats in the mornin... somethings wrong.... its suddenly quiet.... no noise other than that which you all make....the plains have gone silent as death.
Trellus d20+4=23 d20+5=16 Monday January 27th, 2003 2:51:20 PM
Trellus retrieves his scrollcase and holy symbol from Gilan. "Many shadows, dude."
He places the holy symbol back in its pouch, thereby covering up the Light. Then, he helps Jacob get the sunfaced Anuk going in the right direction.
"You're the night soil, too, dude," he quietly assures his friend. "Now, be quiet."
As the sounds of the grass disappear, Trellus instinctively freezes, straining both eyes and ears for any movement or sound. (Listen 23, Spot 16).
Anuk Monday January 27th, 2003 3:06:47 PM
Anuk looks around through bleary eyes at Jacob and Trellus, has a long, meandering conversation in his head about the pros and cons of explaining to his friends just how shady they are (again), and wonders how long it'll be until he can lie down in his bed and go to sleep.
Eventually he decides to take Trellus' advice and just be quiet for a while.
Sterlin Monday January 27th, 2003 3:38:43 PM
Sterlin brings his spiders to his side as he casts barkskin upon himself. To himself, he thinks, ( I have been in deep thought lately worrying about my entrance into the brotherhood, I must start concentrateing again on helping my pack )
Milo (ac21, hp16-Shield) Monday January 27th, 2003 4:41:46 PM
stopping, he strains to hear any type of sounds. realizing the possibility of a predator being close by he casts Shield on himself.
Gilan d20+3=20 d20+3=17 d20+8=23 d20+8=26 Monday January 27th, 2003 8:19:29 PM
Gilan comes to a halt when all the night sounds stop and glances around nervously. This little foray had been going too easy and he had a bad feeling that bad luck was finally catching up with them. He strains his ears and eyes to see what could have possibly brought such silence to the grasses. Clearing his mind he goes into a low chant that ends with the appearance of an animal.
[Gilan-spot:20 and listen:17][summon nature's ally I] [Wasps-spot:23 and spot:26]
[I wasn't sure what animals were available for summoning by using this spell.]
Grymash (shield of faith, bulls strength) d20+6=21 d20+3=10 d20+8=20 Tuesday January 28th, 2003 1:21:56 AM
Grymash takes a short moment to cast Shield of Faith (+2 deflection bonus to AC). His body is surrounded with a slight golden shimmering aura. He bumps into Gilian when he stops as everything goes silent. Grymash whispers, "Gilan, this not time to stop ... this means you go faster!!! ... GO!!" If Gilan seems paralyzed, he will give him a little push (Not enough to knock him down!! I read your mind Anth.)
Grymash readies his double axe. He keeps his eyes and ears sharp. (Listen 21, Spot 10, Wilderness Lore 20)
DM Anthony Tuesday January 28th, 2003 9:32:42 AM
The fear in the air instantly clears Anuk's mind, (However you will be -1 to all rolls till morn) The casting and noise from all thge pushing, casting and genral talking seems to dray the attention and from the East noise comes. A great deal of noise spread out into a long line north to south. The only direction to run seems to be west.
Knowldge checks (Plains if you have it) please.
OOC: Please tell me the name of the spell you cast in your post, and if you cast a spell on your self or that effects you more than once please place the name off that spell in the Name field as Gry, and Milo did. Thnkas
Milo (ac25, hp16, Mage Armor & Shield) d20+3=11 Tuesday January 28th, 2003 10:27:00 AM
(11 for knowledge plains default roll)
casts Mage Armor on self.
Milo moves over to Trellus, subconsciously putting Trellus between him and where the sound is coming from.
(not trying to get you killed Trellus, just roleplaying that Milo has always run to you in times of trouble)
Anuk d20-1=6 Tuesday January 28th, 2003 12:44:41 PM
As he realizes that the noise isn't just in his head, Anuk draws his bow and notches an arrow.
"I know we'd be going away from Rattledam, but I think maybe we oughta head west about now."
(Knowledge 6)
Trellus d20+2=18 Tuesday January 28th, 2003 1:31:10 PM
"No 'maybe' about it, Dudes. It's time to weave with speed." Trellus cries, waving his arm westward.
"Gry, Sterlin, do you think the whatevers might go around the Glass Grass back there? Maybe they won't want to go charging through that stuff and we can lie low in it?" Trellus asks hopefully.
(Knowledge check 18, fingers crossed)
Sterlin (barkskin) d20+3=4 Tuesday January 28th, 2003 5:49:45 PM
" It is not wise to willing lead a battle into the midst of glass grass. We should attempt to flee and fight together if it comes to that. Sterlin runs, his spiders beside him. (although I have knowledge (sargrass plains), the knowledge eludes me.)
Grymash (shield of faith, bulls strength) d20+3=8 d20+6=25 d20+8=24 Tuesday January 28th, 2003 6:11:16 PM "Wait .. Sterlin!! Carry the bag with pod. Grass has no hold on you. Bag wont encumber you. I need both hands incase of fight." Grymash hands the bag to Sterlin as he goes by. Grymash then takes his waterskin from around his shoulder and grits it in his teeth by the strap. He will have it ready, just in case things got desperate. He learned many things from the orc raiders. He knew how to take advantage of the environment, but sometimes the tricks would often backfire. He doesnt know what is out there. It could be the other pack trying to scare them. On the other hand, it could be a squad of tall men. One never knew. But he was going to make for sure. He wasnt going to be responsible for killing innocent Rattledammers.
Grymash continues westward. Grymash will take up the back of the line. He makes sure some the slower packers like Milo dont get left behind. If Milo's tiny feet cant keep up, he will pick up the "lil' creeper" and put him up on his shoulders.
(Spot 8, Listen 25, Wilderness Lore 24)
Gilan[summon nature's ally I](AC: 16, HP: 25) d20+3=20 d20+3=18 d20+6=11 d20+9=19 d20+9=16 Tuesday January 28th, 2003 8:02:38 PM
Gilan pulls his scimitar and starts moving with the rest to the west. He glances to Gry and nods as he falls back to follow right in front of him. He slips off his shield as well and smiles as he starts feeling the adrenaline flow through his body. His wasps fly right near him, keeping thier own vigil one the sounds and feeding Gilan information.
Jacob d20+3=6 Tuesday January 28th, 2003 11:23:53 PM
Jacob stands in the back of the group, crossbow up, loaded, and ready. He seems unconcerned and even, as everyone's rushing to be prepared, yawns. He does keep an eye out, but probably isn't too aware. (Spot DC 6 :P )
Calim Wednesday January 29th, 2003 3:35:51 AM
Calim will take Gry's place toward the front protecting the party and if possible our cargo. If Anuk is able to lead Calim will be right there for support and protection otherwise Calim will take point with both rapiers out.
DM Anthony Wednesday January 29th, 2003 9:33:04 AM
The Glss Grass is too far to the south to be reached, and Rattle dam to far to the North. The path west takes you farther away from Rattledam and into the unknown, in fact the only thing any of you know of in that direction is a huge stone ship, a large rocky outcropping that exsist through ouit the plains, but the ship is miles off. The russtling of the grass gets lousder and then Trellus suddenly goes white. Something about the way everything is happining makes him wisper "HUNTERS!!!!" Then as if on cue the night is filled with a piercing roar or screech, that sends chills through you with fear. It is answered quickly all allong the line norht and south. Its difficult to think anything but RUN! The sound again pierces the night stabbing deep into your heart. It could only be one thing.... Rapke!!!!!!
(Will Save of 10 or run straight west in a dead panic)
Milo d20+6=20 Wednesday January 29th, 2003 10:41:08 AM
hearing the shriek, and realizing what just made it, Milo casts Expeditious Retreat on himself so as to become as fast as the rest of the group.
grabbing the bag about him tightly so as not to drop it, he shouts: To the stone ship, it's our only hope, and don't stop until you get there! with that said, he takes off as fast as his little legs will take him.
Grymash (bulls strength, shield of faith, expeditious retreat) d20+5=10 Wednesday January 29th, 2003 10:55:39 AM
Grymash grimaces upon hearing the rapke. The sound swells up much fear but Grymash fights off the urge to panic (will save 10). Taking the waterskin from his mouth he mutters words of power and casts Expeditious Retreat. (Grymash's movement is 80-ft walk /160 hustle / 240 run/ 320 run4x)
Grymash holds his movement to make sure anyone doesnt panic and run off in the wrong direction mindlessly. The next thing he considers turns his heart cold, but it maybe their only chance for survival. He grits the waterskin back in his teeth.
(Grymash readies an action)
Trellus d20+6=20 Wednesday January 29th, 2003 11:01:09 AM
Trellus looks around almost frantically, as he continues west, trying to find a way out.
"Dudes, they're trying to herd us west. Probably got some treadles there just waiting for food to run to them. If we can hide they might weave right past us. Or maybe one of us leads them off....Can anybody fly?"
Gilan d20+6=8 Wednesday January 29th, 2003 6:40:20 PM
Gilan all at once takes off to the west in full flight. He takes no notice of what he is doing only knowing that he has to get away. The only good thing is that he keeps ahold of his scimitar and shield as he runs.
Anuk d20+3=11 d20+6=16 d20+6=12 d20+6=24 Wednesday January 29th, 2003 9:23:35 PM
Barely able to contain his fear (Will save 10 (11-1)), Anuk begins running westward, shouting at Gilan to slow down and return to the pack. He also searches frantically for anything that might offer a safe hiding place for the pack.
Jacob d20+1=15 Thursday January 30th, 2003 12:14:25 AM
Jacob, normally easily put off by these things, somehow manages to hold his cool. Unlike the others, he's less frightened into running and more curious about the whole situation...he looks around for a Rapke, ready to run if he sees one charging at him, but also ready to loose a bolt...
Grymash (bulls strength, shield of faith, expeditious retreat) Thursday January 30th, 2003 2:09:51 AM
(activating is readied action.)
"Guys ... go after Gilan and Milo and stick together. Gry ... Grymash, I will catch up with you, later!! Will try and drive them the other way ... NOW GO!!"
Grymash will turn and run the opposite direction, yelling and screaming bloody murder the whole way!!
DM Anthony Thursday January 30th, 2003 9:58:26 AM
Milo casts the spell and it helps but it is impossible to mover very fast through the grass. the Rapke are gaining quickly.
Grymash's spell too helps but he judges that he would not get very far through the grass before they caught him. Who knows how many hunters there are out there. You have never heard of anyone seeing a hunting party and living to report their numbers.
Trellus looks about but sees no where to hide. There are the hunters that hunt the illusive Manfri. You have seen them paracticaly dissapear into the grass but these beasts find them and kill them. what chance of hiding do you and yours have?
Gilan panics, anyone near him sees it in his face. He drops EVERYTHING he was holding in his hands and runs. The grass is tripping him and he stummbles more than moves. He will soon fall behing the rest of you.
Anuk knows they are headed west but sees no hiding place.
Jacob watches Gry begin to run to his death. Even in his cool he is sure he will never see the Half Orc again should he get out of sight.
The Rapke scream again sending the icy chills of magic fear through each of you. And they are closer, you can now hear the bounders charatiristic thud, thud, thud as they leap through the grass, and then their baying laughter as they hunt. There is one thing you all can tell for sure now. This hunting party is large.
OOC: These are printed somewhere in the stuff I have sent you but here they are again.
Grass movement rules: Its impossible to do more than husstle and all movement is halfed.
Grymash (bulls strength, shield of faith, expeditious retreat, freedom of movement) d20+3=22 d20+6=13 d20+8=26 Thursday January 30th, 2003 11:09:08 AM
Grymash stops after going a little ways and begins part two to his plan. He can feel the pounding feet of the Rapke. He takes the waterskin (that's in his hand) and opens the nossle a little bit with his teeth. Grymash then mutters a rapid little prayer to Gargul. A little prayer hoping the creepers of the grass are thirsty. Empowering himself with Freedom of Movement, a power granted to Grymash by his domain, he steps toward the charging hunters 10-ft and quickly turns back toward the west. With the power of Expeditious Retreat and Freedom of Movement, Grymash goes running westward at full speed (x4 320-ft) spilling water along the way.
(He is running parallel between his pack and the charging hunters. He hopes the water will stir up the insects of the night into a frenzy. Spot 22, Listen 13, Wilderness lore 26)
Milo Thursday January 30th, 2003 1:02:14 PM
stopping after not getting very far, and knowing the Rapke will soon overtake the group and possibly and probably killing everyone, Milo reacts quickly. taking out 2 waterskins, and opening the tops on both, he hurtles them as far as he can in the direction opposite as Rattledam. yelling for everyone else to do the same, he heads back to where Grymash is.
Trellus Thursday January 30th, 2003 4:50:20 PM
The blood is pounding in Trellus' head as he frantically tries to think of a way to save his friends. He silently curses his helplessness. He is a cleric of the Protector, and yet cannot protect his best friends. Never in his young life has he faced such overpowering fear and indecision.
He tries to stop the halfling. "Milo, put those away. You can't throw them more than a couple feet in the Grass."
"Let's give Gry a chance. He's weaving some kind of idea. Someone help me with Gilan."
Trellus clamps on to Gilan and pulls him west (unless everyone else goes east, in which case he'll go that way).
Sterlin (barkskin) d20+6=14 Thursday January 30th, 2003 8:37:04 PM
Sterlin runs his full movement away from the sound then turns and prepares to cast.
(passed will save, woodland stride: sargrass plains)
Anuk Thursday January 30th, 2003 10:47:33 PM
Anuk's mind continues to clear, and as he moves quickly westward he gets as close as he can to the nearby members of the pack. He glances over his shoulder toward Grymash, hoping the water idea will work.
"Well, I don't have any Rapke entries in my journals yet. If we live, this will make a good read," he thinks grimly.
If the noise gets close enough that he is sure the pack will be overtaken, then Anuk will stop, turn around, and prepare to fire his bow.
Jacob d20+5=11 d20+5=18 Friday January 31st, 2003 2:13:41 AM
Jacob swears silently and bends his knees, staying low, and attempting to hide and stay silent, clutching his crossbow with a light finger resting on the trigger... (Hiding at DC 11, silent at DC 15)
DM Anthony Friday January 31st, 2003 11:20:09 AM
Gry dashes off at an amazing speed the watter trail not having an imidiate reaction. He is soon out of sight, but even as he turns to run off you hear strange barked orders of what must be a huminoid and then you see a bounder siloueted against the sky moving to cut off Gry. The size of the beast is unerving. If you were all in an open space you might be able to take one down before it killed some of you, but alone and in the grass, Gry has no chance. He probably has about 30 seconds to live if some one cant get him to turn back, it is also clear that there is no way for him to know they are that close to cutting him off. As everyone ponders what to do then suddenly all around you and around Gry the grasses part low ion the stalks as if allowing something to pass. A paculirar humming chant is heard as well and then come Manfri, clearly running from the Hunters as well. They dont even stop stride but take one look at you and grab a hand. The small black men that look more like children are babling away and the grasses begin closing back. Seeing this an older Manfri in the lead barks an order and the chanting song begins again and the grass splits allowing the passage of all and then tangling behind, clearly to slow up persuit.The small hands pulling you along feel like only one thing. Salvation.
Trellus Friday January 31st, 2003 11:47:06 AM
(OOC - I'm confused about the height of the grass we're in, as well as range of visibility. Either the grass is real tall and thick, in which case nobody can see what happened to Gry, or its lower, in which case we should be able to see everything (and vice versa) and missile fire would be effective. Please help)
Trellus wastes no time. Keeping both hands around one of Gilan's arms, he plunges in after the manfrii, dragging his crazed friend with him.
"Let's go! Jake, help me with Gilan!" he cries.
Stephen (Grymash) ooc. Friday January 31st, 2003 12:48:56 PM
(I dont have a grasp of which direction to go either. The only thing I knew was not to run East into the hunters.
I was thinking the grass was 10-ft tall, so I was guessing we only had about 5-ft visibility in any direction. I wasnt wanting to split up the party so since Milo started directing everyone to run West, I decided I was going to try and allow them more time to get away.
I didnt know if there were any trails through the grass or not. I thought we were guideing our way by the stars. Oh well, Ill follow a manfri now. Thank Gargul they came by when they did!! :)
Milo Friday January 31st, 2003 1:46:17 PM
gladly accepts the invitation of joing the Manfri, holding on to the offered hand tightly, and tries to keep from stumbling along the way.
Anuk Friday January 31st, 2003 4:39:47 PM
Anuk's spirits lift when the manfri appear, and he willingly follows them through the grass.
Gilan Friday January 31st, 2003 7:31:48 PM
He allows himself to be led away by his pack mates, as long as it is in the opposite direction of the howl. Somewhere in his crazed mind he hopes that someone grabs his sword and shield.
Sterlin (barkskin) Friday January 31st, 2003 8:14:05 PM
Sterlin allows himself to guided(rescued) without hesitation. His two spiders follow quickly behind.
Anthony OOC: Wednesday February 5th, 2003 9:20:26 AM
The Hunters were in a long line from noth to south. They were east of you pushing west.
The grass is very tall and thick but not so thick that you cant see some. Think about a bamboo forest. If you are an ant in the middle of a field of grain the grass grows s that you can move through it, see through it. If you are a human in a field of grain you can see over it but not through it. Think of a field of corn too.
CDM Jerry Tuesday February 11th, 2003 5:44:01 AM
I give this game permission to continue. I've emailed the two that are left and they will hopefully respond before Wed. evening. If no reply by then, I'll remove them from the game at that time and we'll advertise for replacements.
THIS GAME IS OPEN as of now!
(but those two cannot post until they reply to me AND get their backgrounds in)
DM Anthony Tuesday February 11th, 2003 10:03:01 AM
The Manfri grab you and begin wisking you foeward chanting and humming again. Amazingly the grass seems to part before you allowing you to pass, then tangling back up behind to confuse the chase. The Rapke soon begin to fall behind a bit again. The feeling of wisking through the grass at full speed is amazing. you have never felt as comfortable in the grass as you do right now. Even with death hard on your heels it is still an amazing feeling. Althogh soon you will run out of energy and not be able to run. Within the next 10 minutes the pace begins to be too much for some. Some of you begin to stumbble. Breathing comes hard. Stiches in sides and even the Manfri seem to slow. Suddenly from over head a bounder lands on a young Manfri woman who was lagging. The entire group turns to see the beast. Tiem seems to slow as you take in the horrid details. The face of the beast looks like some sort of demente cross between a frog and a bull dog. Three rows of teeth sit in the huge mouth. the Mouth itself is about 3 feet wide. Heavy armor plates overlap down the beasts back wich is also very frog like. The Front legs are thinn and small but long ending in clawed hand like things. Each capable of grasping and minipulating tings and each claw razor sharp. The hind legs are huge and shaped much like a giant Kangaroos. The entire beast is about the size of a pony, and suddenly you realize that this is just a baby. The flow of time jolts back into the world as you watch the beast lean over ripping the poor Manfri's back open with the shore forclaws. the beast seems to enjoy the screams of the girl. Then with complete finality the bounder leans down and bites the girl in half. The sicking sounds and sight are enough to make the bravest queezy. Everyone seems awstruck and stunned still. Then with amazing power the front half of the gril rises its head. The Manfri face covered in blood and barks a word at the group. Its meaning escapes you but the shear force of power of it shakes you from your daze. The Manfri to are shaken from it as one they shout at you all in one voice. "RUN!" The last sight you see as you turn to run again is the upper half of the Manfri womman being torn apart in a tug of war between two bounders. Her last word still hangs in the air forcing you into action. Her scream still echos in your ear.... "RUN!"
Milo d20=11 Tuesday February 11th, 2003 12:15:40 PM
choking back puke and tears, Milo forces every ounce of strength, and will, and takes off running. everytime he starts to falter he says to himself: she said Run you fool. and that seems to give him what he needs to get back on track.
(disregard d20 roll, meant to hit something else)
Trellus Tuesday February 11th, 2003 1:24:53 PM
Horrified, Trellus turns and runs, all the while keeping his grip on Gilan's arm. Silently he curses his armor's weight, curses his impotence in the face of the monster, curses Malgo, curses Galafar...
Soon, he doesn't even have the energy to do that. "Don't think, Run. Don't think, Run. Don't think, Run.......
Anuk Tuesday February 11th, 2003 5:48:19 PM
Stunned by the immense power and agility of the creature, Anuk is terrified but can't seem to look away. When the manfri woman screams, his sense of danger and self-preservation returns. He draws on all the strength he has, turns and runs with the group.
Sterlin Tuesday February 11th, 2003 7:33:06 PM
Along with his two spiders, Sterlin runs faster than he has ever ran before. He is filled with sorrow for the death.
Grymash (bulls strength, shield of faith, expeditious retreat) d20+3=22 Wednesday February 12th, 2003 12:39:06 AM
Grymash continues to run as fast as he can. He strains to keep going. (Constitution check 22, to keep going) If the manfri begins to slow down, he will pick him up if he lets him. He hopes the manfri does, so then the manfri could concentrate on continuing his spells.
Catching a glimpse of the bounders Grymash is reminded of the brutality of the orcs and tries to run even faster.
"RUUUNNNN!!!"
Jacob Wednesday February 12th, 2003 1:19:21 AM
Jake just concentrates on following after the others, too tired out to say something witty, like the others. One foot follows another, then again, then again...his breath comes out in shallow gasps...
Gilan Wednesday February 12th, 2003 1:24:13 AM
Gilan watches with wide eyes as the poor girl is ripped in two. He almost loses the contents of his stomache as he turns his head. The last thing he hears is her plea to run and he heads it, though it tears him up to leave her. He runs on trying to sort things out and failing, though he has a flash-back of another disaster that tore him from his old life.
No Fate But What We Make
DM Anthony Wednesday February 12th, 2003 11:16:19 AM
The pace becomes brutal. Through the tall grass you quickly glance the huge rock outcropping you all knew to be in this direction. It seems that this is where the Manfri are taking you. Gry notices that the Manfri run and move quite fast on their own, perhaps even faster that him, its difficult to know for sure but they may even be holding back. As the pace continues mistakes, accidents begin to happen. Another Manfri falls behind taken by the hunters and another, and another. Each time, although the Manfri don't stop at these deaths there is always the collective and slightly disturbing group shout of. "Run" Soon the rock outcropping is drawing nearer and nearer until as one you all burst out into a flat semicircle of sand at the base of the rock. The Manfri that are left take you across the clearing and then turn to face the rushing hunters, the small men and women taking up arms. Again as one they look at you and in a hauntingly slow voice they chant.
"Should the Dekteth set foot upon the Taudo then Kall'a'tek must be inacted. None may leave until the ceremony is complete. If you wish to leave you must leave now."
Then as one they turn to the grass and stare out at the edge of the circle of the grass. As you all catch your breath you see the grass moving around the edge. An old Manfri seems to suddenly appear behind you. More Manfri appear all around the rock. Crawling out of crags and holes. Hundreds appear. Smiling up at you the old Manfri sighs as he watches the grass rustle. "The Dekteth decide if they are strong enough to take the Taudo. None but the hunted may take part in the ceremony. If the Dekteth succeed in killing all the runners, the Taudo and all our lives are forfeit. However if the runners succeed in driving the Dekteth from the base of the Taudo, or killing them all then the Dekteth may not hunt this Taudo again for another full season. You ran with them and may choose to stand with them. Few got back and the band of Dekteth seems to be greater than we have seen in many seasons. Your help could be what turns the ceremony. However you are not of the people and are not bound by our laws or magic. Should you leave now you will make it home safe, but what ever your choice the time of choosing is now. There is no shame in fleeing from death, we would flee if we could but the Kall'a'tek once inacted will not allow that choice."
The old man points and wispers "It begins."
Out of the Grass steps the long thin-scaled leg of a beast. It is a Rapke. Looking like a huge armored chicken plucked bare and armored in black and green scales. The head is lizard like and upon the back sits a rider. A male human. It is death itself. Once it steps into the ring of sand the Manfri who ran with you begin to glow with a pale white light. Hands bear down on weapons. Teeth are gritted. Battle is near. Death is near. The first Rapke is joined by another, and yet another. All appear surrounded with an aura of blackness as if the very light was sucked in and refused to let go. Five Rapke and four bounders enter the ring. More sit outside the ring but do not enter. The one common denominator of those within the ring is that all have fresh blood on their bodies and mouths, including the riders. Looking down you notice your own bodies flicker with auras. One moment it flickers white, another a voidless black, and another no aura at all. The choice is upon you. Somehow by instinct or magic you know that by stepping on the sand and concentrating you can force that aura black or white, or by turning away it will go away and that the memory of all this will slip away and you wont even remember it by the time you get home. The choice is yours but you must make it now because the Kall'a'tek begins.
Milo Wednesday February 12th, 2003 11:50:05 AM
huffing and puffing, almost heaving, he tries his best to catch his breath. watching his savious prepare for battle against these obvious unsurmountable odds, Milo can think of nothing else but joining their ranks. stepping up on to the sand, he concentrates on goodness. invoking White. looking up at the nearest Rapke, he pulls out a large cast iron skillet in his left hand, and his gnarled wood wand in the other.
Trellus (Bless) Wednesday February 12th, 2003 12:47:17 PM
Trellus barely pauses. As a servant of the Protector, how can he not help? And these people have saved his life as well.
The rest of the tribe won't help save their own lives? Now that's a totally sunbaked rule.
The cleric's aura turns white as he casts a Bless spell.
Trellus looks to see if all the Rapke and Bounders carry riders, and if those riders are humanoid enough to risk a HOLD PERSON spell.
"Dudes,we need to stick together and focus our picks on one or two at a time," he says, confident that most of the pack will make the same choice he did.
Sterlin (barkskin) Wednesday February 12th, 2003 1:58:35 PM
Sterlin steps into the sand with a spider on his left and right. His aura turns white as he prepares to cast a spell.
Anuk d20+6=25 Wednesday February 12th, 2003 2:12:29 PM
Anuk feels the magic surrounding him and this place -- it makes him anxious and he frets over the decision. Run safely or stand and fight? He looks over the vicious creatures and their riders, taking in the details, hoping to find a point of weakness (spot 25). He's frightened, but the memory of the dead manfri and the protection they offered the pack stays with him. He draws his bow, nocks an arrow, and holds it at the ready.
"I'm in."
Jacob Wednesday February 12th, 2003 4:33:35 PM
Jacob sighs...his pack is obviously crazy. If he were sane, he'd run away, or at least hide behind Grymash. But instead, he draws his sword and a large wooden shield, and stands ready next to him. He softly says to the big guy the most he's said all day: "Yo, shadester...looks like we're gonna have to fight this thing. Er...if I don't survive, could you tell that Dancer girl that, well, I kinda wanted to ask her out...but, oh, hell, she's not part of our pack anyways. Screw it. Let's kill this thing. I'll take the first shot, and you try to get around it." Obviously somewhat frazzled, and feeling scared, Jake nevertheless holds his resolve and stands ready.
Grymash (bulls strength, shield of faith, expeditious retreat, bless) d20=18 2d6(6+1)+3=10 d100=16 Wednesday February 12th, 2003 11:35:57 PM
Grymash prays to Gargul for strength. "These foul hunters take your gifts of life in the name of sport. The souls of the innocent beg for your vengence ... may you bless us and allow us to send these hunters to you for your final judgement."
Grymash enters the circle, he grips his double axe tightly. He embraces the white aura not knowing or understanding what it means. He notices the negative auras of the hunters. So Grymash decides to flood the area with the positive energy of his deity.
(Grymash attempts to flood the area with positive energy with his Turning ability. Roll 18 for a +2 to clerics level.)
Holding up the grass woven holy symbol of Gargul, that was given to him by the manfri, Grymash releases a holy wave of positive energy ( an area of 60-ft extended from the barbarian cleric.).
Grymash knows if melee combat begins he will give into his rage.
Gilan[Summon Nature's Ally I-badger] Thursday February 13th, 2003 12:30:00 AM
Gilan does not hesitate as he steps down onto the sand with his friends...no his pack. He is soon surrounded by the white aura that the rest are surrounded in. He pulls up his bow and nocks an arrow to the string as he keeps behind the group. "To the death then." He mutters the divine litany of a druid and calls upon an ally to appear and help them out. The badger will appear near a bounder and attack it first.
[Quick question: Are my shield and scimitar still back in the grass or did someone pick them up for me. Just wanting to get an idea of what weapons I still had at my disposal. Oh...and if the badger is not a suitable creature to summon up, let me know what would be more appropriate.]
OOC: A badger is fine, you have your stuff.
DM Anthony : Round 1 : Reactions Thursday February 13th, 2003 2:26:19 PM
Trellus sees that there are no riders on the bounders and there never could be, however all the riders upon the Rapke are humanoid. The Bless spell settles over party and Manfri.
Gry sees nothing to turn but the energy from his presence also settles over the battle field.
Gilan summons a badger.
DM Anthony : Round 1 : Actions d20+8=14 d20+8=16 d20+8=16 d20+8=20 d20+8=25 d20+8=28 d20+8=28 d20+8=18 d20+8=22 d20+8=23 d20+8=25 d20+8=21 d20+8=12 d20+8=16 d20+8=19 d20+8=16 d20+8=24 d20+8=12 d4+2=6 d4+2=3 d4+2=6 d4+2=4 d4+2=6 d4+2=4 d4+2=3 d4+2=4 d4+2=6 d4+2=5 Thursday February 13th, 2003 2:39:09 PM
The Rapke scream as one and the fear settles over the battle field. (Will DC 12 of be stuned for 1d4 rounds) Then as one the bounders leap foreward and the Riders draw missile weapons.
The Manfri fire slings at the advancing bounders, striking 1 and 3 heavily.
Milo d20+5=20 d4+1=5 Thursday February 13th, 2003 6:19:57 PM
standin steafast up against unsurmounting opposition, Milo calmly points his wand at Rapke #1 and lets loose a Magic Missle.
(yeah, maxed out with 5 points of damage)
Milo attempts to position himself near the rear ranks at all times. not being a coward mind you, just not having any armor spells available right now.
Anuk d20+3=15 d20+8=27 d8+1=2 Thursday February 13th, 2003 7:47:31 PM
Anuk sees bounder #2 heading for manfri #1. Aiming his bow toward the bounder, he yells,"Gilan! Look!" hoping to catch Gilan's attention so they can both concentrate on saving manfri #1. Hoping to quickly reduce the numbers of the enemy, he lets the arrow fly (hits AC 27 for 2 points of damage).
(will save 15)
Jacob (AC 14 after charge, HP 29) d20+1=13 d20+8=14 d20+9=15 Thursday February 13th, 2003 11:23:40 PM
Jacob barely manages to hold his resolve as the Rapke screams. Knowing that they run faster than he, he waits for them to come closer, then charges and swings wildly at one. Unfortunately, his blade probably bounces off of the thick hide of the Rapke. After his failed attempt to hurt one, he's probably not doing so good.
(rolled a 14, forgot to count in the blessing, rerolled and got a 15. :P)
Grymash (ac 18, bulls strength, shield of faith, expeditious retreat, bless, RAGE) d20+8=28 d20+10=29 d20+10=24 d8+12=16 d8+12=19 d20+14=25 d8+12=18 Friday February 14th, 2003 12:02:27 AM
Grymash roars with jutting jaws and a mouth agape with tooth and fang. He bellows a cry of feral rage as if possessing the heart of a lion. (Will Save 28, perfect 20 ... ahh yeah)
Grymash steps forward 5-ft in front of the line of manfri. He swings his dreaded double axe with deadly precision and ferocity. He readies an action and waits for a bounder to approach and then Grymash will let loose his fury.
(Hit AC: 29 and 24 for 16 and 19 points of damage. Possible total: 35 damage.)
If a bounder looks like not to be moving in Grymash's direction he will instead charge the closest bounder, either 1 or 3 and attack. (Chargeing +2. Hit AC: 25 for 18 points of damage.)
Gilan d20+6=8 d4=2 d20+4=6 d4=2 Friday February 14th, 2003 5:12:11 AM
Once again the fear of the Rapke scream settles around Gilan. This time unstead of wanting to run he is just rooted to the ground and finds himself unable to move. He watches in horrid fascination as the bounders and rapke move into the group of Manfri and his pack.
The summoned badger also cowers in place as the roar washes over him. Though being smaller he may go unnoticed by the larger creatures.
[Gilan: will save of 9(with bless) and stunned for 2 rounds] [Badger: will save of 7(with bless0 and stunned for 2 rounds]
OOC: Seems that I just cannot catch a break here guys.
Trellus (AC19, Bless) d20+7=18 d20+7=9 Friday February 14th, 2003 8:18:17 AM
Trellus steels himself against the roar of the Rapke (save 18), and then watches the pack split up all over the place.
"Gry! Hit the wounded one!," he calls, and then launches himself at Bounder 1. However, his mace bounces harmlessly off the creature's armor plating (Ac 9, terrific).
DM Anthony : Round 2 : Reactions Friday February 14th, 2003 10:38:25 AM
Milo's magic wand is aimed at the Rapke yet when it strikes, it strikes the rider. Yet both seem to feel its pain.
Anuk wounds Bounder #2 slightly.
Grymash is able to step to Bounder #1 and unleash both attacks at the beast. Both attacks slicing deeply into the flesh of the monster. It suddenly seems heavily wounded.
Gilan is frozen with fear, but then a sudden feeling of warmth seeps into him. he feels the presence of Gry and of peace. He can move again, free and ready. He may act now as may his badger.
Trellus steps foreward to attack but is inefective
DM Anthony : Round 2 : Manfri d20+6=17 d20+6=21 d20+6=25 d20+6=20 d20+6=9 d6+4=10 3d6(3+2+6)+12=23 d4=3 d20+8=14 d20+8=22 d20+8=23 d20+8=23 d4+4=6 d4+4=5 d4+4=5 d20+6=22 d20+6=16 d20+6=21 d20+6=16 d20+6=22 d20+6=20 d6+4=7 d6+4=7 d6+4=9 d20+6=22 d20+6=7 d20+6=25 d20+6=13 d6+4=7 Friday February 14th, 2003 11:54:14 AM
Manfri #5 and #6 both drop their slings and pull form their backs a stout reed strung with a curved piece of steel grass from one end to the other. Manfri #5 does some damage however Manfri #6 hit seems to do more critacle damage. The wound seem to trickle more blood than the others.
Manfri #7 and #2 seeing the attack on Rapke #1 hitting three times.
Manfri #3, 4, and 8 also drop their slings and draw the strange weapons. Attacking bounder #3 and hitting 4 times.
Manfri #1 also draws one of the strange bladed objects. Hitting Bounder #2 once.
Sterlin (barkskin,bless ac: 18) d20+7=23 Friday February 14th, 2003 2:07:05 PM
Sterlin manages to stay as calm as is possible in this situation. He casts summon swarm on Rapke #1. (will save:23, spider #1 attack:
Sterlin (barkskin,bless ac: 18) d20+5=22 d4-2=-1 d3=3 d3=3 d20+5=23 d4-1=3 d3=1 d3=2 Friday February 14th, 2003 2:13:49 PM
(sorry hit submit instead of roll) Spider number 1 attacks bounder #1 and hits ac 22 and does the minimum of 1 point of damage. bounder number 1 save vs poison dc 11 or lose 3 points of strength initial then 3 more points of str secondary. Spider number 2 attacks bounder #1 and hits ac 23 and does 3 points of damage. bounder number 1 save vs poison dc 11 or lose 1 point of strength initial then 2 more points of str secondary.
Jacob (Bless, Hp 29-?, AC 16) d20+7=21 d20+8=23 d10+3=13 Friday February 14th, 2003 8:32:22 PM
Despite having the vicious creature's teeth tear into his shoulder and the rider further slamming arrows into his ribcage, Jacob hopefully manages to survive the attack. The poison dribbles out of the arrow, his gritty lifestyle having protected him from it (Saved DC 21). He sticks his sword into the creature's side with all his strength (Hit AC 23), watching it sink hilt deep and withdrawing it quickly, covered in the creature's blood... (13 damage! Wow!)
Gilan(Bless, HP: 25, AC: 14) d20+7=25 d20+6=18 d20+6=23 d20+5=14 d20+5=21 d8+3=9 d3+7=9 d3+7=9 d6=4 d6=3 d2-1=1 d2-1=0 Friday February 14th, 2003 9:05:23 PM
Gilan, having his awarness return to him for the second time this very day pulls up his bow and fires on bounder. He watches in satisfaction as his arrow tears into the bounders flesh.
Tiev and Yinb both take off and buzz around a rapske's head. They zoom in and brings their stingers to bear on the unprotected face of the rapske.
The badger also breaks free of the stunning effects that the rapske caused and with righteous anger turns on the nearest enemy. His claws tear into the monster as it tries to cause as much damage as possible.
[Gilan: attack bounder2, hit AC:26(bless), damage:9(bless)]
[Tiev&Yanb: attack rapske1, hit AC:19/24(bless), damage:9/9(bless), DC:18 versus poison and -4/3 from Dex.]
[Badger: attack bounder, hit AC:15/22(bless), damage:2/1(bless)]
Grymash (ac 18, bulls strength, shield of faith, expeditious retreat, bless, RAGE) d20+10=28 d20+10=25 d8+13=19 d8+7=13 Sunday February 16th, 2003 4:38:32 PM
With every slashing hack into the bounders flesh, clouds of misty blood spray out in all directions. From Grymash a frothy drool, mixed with the bounder's splattered blood, is blown back into his foe's face from the force of his feral roar.
"GRRAAAAAAAUUUUGHHH!!!!"
(Continuing attack on bounder 1. Hit AC: 28 and 25. Doing 19 and 13 points of damage. Total: 32 points of damage)
Anuk d20+8=12 Sunday February 16th, 2003 5:27:19 PM
"Great shot, Gilan!" Anuk curses his own shot which found it's mark but did little else. Quickly he draws another arrow, pulls back the string on his bow, and aims intently for the bounder, clearing everything else from his mind. With a snap he lets go of the string and the arrow flies toward its target. He realizes his intent was truer than his aim as he helplessly watches the arrow ricochet off the creature's hide (hits AC 12).
"I've had just about enough of this stupid bouncer," he says to himself as he drops his bow and prepares to draw his swords.
Trellus (bless) Monday February 17th, 2003 9:26:21 AM
Trellus steps back in awe at the carnage the half-orc is wreaking. Looking up, he sees Jacob trying to single-handedly take on a Rapke.
"So totally sunbaked," he mumbles.
Figuring Grymash has got this bounder felled, Trellus casts HOLD PERSON (Will DC 15) at the rider of Rapke 2.
Milo d4+1=3 Tuesday February 18th, 2003 1:16:19 AM
pointing at the rider on Rapke #1, he unleashes yet another Magic Missile from his wand.
(damage 3)
Milo tries to make sure there is someone or something at all times between him and Rapke #1.
DM Anthony : Reactions : Round 3 d20+14=21 d20+14=20 d20+18=35 d20+10=12 d100=59 Wednesday February 19th, 2003 2:55:59 PM
Sterlin raises his hands calling to the plains and the plains answer. Hundreds upon thousands of tiny blood flies suddenly come buzzing out of the grass and swarm about Rapke #1. The Rapke and Rider flail about snapping and striking at the bugs until they are killed or chased off, however these two will be able to do nothing else this time. But then suddenly the two spiders leap forward and bite the beast. The poison remarkably takes effect and the Rapke and rider grow very pale.
Jacob saves against the poison and then buries his sword deep in the beast.
Gilan fires into Bounder #2 and the arrow sticks deep in its ribs.
One of the Wasps strikes the Rapke its stinger doing damage and filling the beast with poison, however this beast saves and doesn't seem to be bothered by the flying insects.
The badger too hits bounder #2 and while the damage is minimal it does hit.
Grymash rips into the Bounder wounding it gravely, however the beast does not yet fall.
Anuk's attack again is fruitless, however upon drawing his swords he feels better.
Trellus's spell is successful and the Rider goes rigid and still. Suddenly the Rapke goes wild thrashing about but then finding a focus in Jacob for the moment.
Milo fires his missile into the Rapke again.
(2 posts left till partys intit)
DM Anthony : Manfri : Round 3 d20+6=11 d20+6=20 d20+6=26 d20+6=20 d20+6=9 3d6(2+6+5)+12=25 d4=2 d6+4=10 d6+4=7 d20+8=17 d20+8=13 d20+8=12 d20+6=26 d20+6=26 d20+6=14 d20+6=8 d20+6=9 d20+6=19 d20+6=26 d20+6=14 3d6(5+4+3)+12=24 d4=4 d6+4=8 d20+6=19 d20+6=9 Wednesday February 19th, 2003 3:14:12 PM
Manfri #5 and #6 continue to attack the Bounder with the strange bladed weapons. Slicing the beast with many deep cuts. One again does the deep wounding cut. And the Bounder breathes its last lifeless breath. However it does not fall, but stands redy to attack in its lifeless state.
Manfri #7 sees the Bounder die and pulls from a pouch a small bladder of an animal filled with some liquid. It splashes all over the beast and suddenly the air fills with the small blood flies again. they quickly devour the dead flesh of the beast and it falls over.
Manfri #2 fires his sling at the Rapke attempting to kill Jacob missing both times.
Manfri #3, #4, and #8 continue to try and finish Bounder #3 only 2 hit but one of those is the wounding hit.
Manfri #1 strikes out at Bounder #2 missing both times.
(one post till partys init)
DM Anthony : Rapke : Round 3 d20+6=10 d20+6=23 d20+12=13 d4+4=7 d20+8=17 d20+8=17 d20+6=19 d20+6=23 d20+12=27 d4+4=7 d4+4=5 2d12(7+1)+8=16 d20+6=20 d20+6=26 d20+12=32 d20+6=12 d20+12=16 d4+4=8 d4+4=8 2d12(10+6)+8=24 d20+8=16 d20+8=23 d8+2=7 d20+6=14 Wednesday February 19th, 2003 3:34:47 PM
Rapke #4 leaps into the Fray and attacks Manfri #5 with every attack it has, two claws and a visious bite. Missing with everything but one claw and doing little damage. The rider fires two arrows at Manfri #6 missing both times.
Rapke #7 leaps forward to attack Manfri #7 hitting all three times. Its clear that posion is dripping from the jaws of the Rapke but the Manfri seems to shake it off.
Rapke #3 Leaps forward to attack Terellus Hitting him gravely he seems to shake off two hits that would have been major hits in another inch or so. However it still deals 40 points of damage. The rider fires two shots into Manfri #8 hitting once and doing some minimal damage. The arrow clearly posioned is shaken off again.
Rapke #2 focusing on Jacob attact with only the bite and seems distracted and confused. That visious bite misses.
(End Turn) (Partys Init) (Floks My computer at school is wiped adn I need your character sheets again ASAP. I wont stop combat unless I have to but if you can get tehm to me right away I wont need to.)
Grymash (ac 18, bulls strength, shield of faith, expeditious retreat, bless, RAGE) d20+4=17 d20+4=20 d20+7=10 d20+16=30 d8+13=20 Wednesday February 19th, 2003 9:03:27 PM
While caught up in the ecstasy of his rage, Grymash's minds eye blinks open and all becomes clear to him. Images and sounds flash by in a rapid chaotic succession: the shrill of the rapke, the bloody gorging of manfri, blood on the mouth of the rapke, blood on the mouth of its rider, the feast of the flies, the undying state of his bounder foe .... IT ALL COMES CLEAR!!! (Wisdom 17, Spot 20, Listen 10)
"THIS ENDS NOW ....," Grymash bellows to his pack and the manfri!! "JACOB ... RAPKE AND RIDER SHARE ONE SPIRIT!! RIDER HELPLESS FROM SPELL, GIVE HIM DEATH BLOW!!! EVERYONE NOT FIGHTING BOUNDERS FOCUS FIRE ON RIDERS!! THEY WEAK!!" Grymash then turns to the manfri, "SPRAY DOWN THIS BOUNDER ... HE READY FOR THE FLIES!!!"
Grymash walks around the back of the helpless bounder and faces the rear of the rapke that just took down Trellus. His rage grows to a white hot intensity!!! Grymash roars his battle cry before giving into a blood frenzy, "PACK FOR LIFE ... LIFE FOR PACK!!!! GRRRAAUUUUGHHHH!!!!!!"
Grymash charges the back of rapke (R3). He aims for the rider (r3). His dreadful double axe spins and cuts through the wind. It has to connect ... their lives depended on it!
(Flanking+2, Charging+2. Hit AC 30. For 20 points of damage.)
Anuk (AC 17, hp 23) d20+6=10 d20+6=13 Wednesday February 19th, 2003 10:54:43 PM
With his long sword in his right hand and his short sword in his left hand, Anuk quickly backs away from the bounder, unaware of anything but his enemy. He circles tightly around Gilan's badger, and comes at the bounder again directly opposite Gilan. His face set with determination, his blades slice through the air, only to find that they cannot seem to meet their target.
Confused at his sudden inability to fight meaningfully, Anuk hopes the magic of the manfri and this place will be enough to see the pack through.
(attacks bounder 2, hits AC 10 and AC 13 (+2 flanking, -2 fighting with two weapons))
Milo d4+1=4 Thursday February 20th, 2003 1:20:26 AM
again shoots the rider on Rapke #1 for 4 points of magic missile damage.
Sterlin d20+5=23 d6=1 d20+4=12 d20+4=22 d4-2=2 d3=3 d3=2 Thursday February 20th, 2003 8:31:47 AM
Sterlin moves forward and strikes Rapke #1, but the damage (1 point) is minimal.
Ezra (spider #1) bites Rapke number 1, but fails to puncture flesh.
Enoch (spider #2) bites Rapke number 1 with little actual damamge (2 points), however the Rapke must save again vs. the poison. (dc 11 ) (if failed save, strength loss of 3 initial, and strength loss of 2 secondary)
Trellus (DM Anthony) Thursday February 20th, 2003 10:21:36 AM
You all watch Trellus die and he himself feels his life force leave his body. Standing there dead, still able to move. He knows his body cant take any more punishment. He needs to protect himself for some reason he can still function. Like the bounder. Perhaps he should beware water?
OOC: You may still act, but you are aware that your hold on this exsistance is razor thin. So go ahead and post your action for this round.
Trellus (bless, sanctuary - 3 rds) Thursday February 20th, 2003 10:56:57 AM
Trellus looks down at his opened ribcage and wonders why he's still upright.
Then, he wonders how to stay that way. All thought of protecting or otherwise helping the pack are discarded as the young man concentrates solely on his own survival.
He backs directly away from Rapke 3 (to avoid the AO) until he's behind, or nearly behind Manfri 4 (20' move).
Then he casts SANCTUARY on himself (Will Save DC 14 to attack Trellus - 3rds)
Stephen ooc. Thursday February 20th, 2003 11:27:41 AM
(Please... if any character discovers a vital bit of information, remember that your character does have a voice that can communicate it to the rest of the group.)
Gilan(bless, HP:25, AC:14) d20+8=9 d8+3=11 d20+7=13 d20+7=14 d3+7=10 d3+7=8 d20+6=11 d20+6=15 d2=2 d2=2 Thursday February 20th, 2003 2:30:39 PM
Gilan nocks another arrow and takes aim at the rider of rapke1. The site of Trellus spilling guts onto the ground distracts him enough to miss his shot. He shoves the feelings that start to overwhelm him, he does not have time for this...not at this time.
Both of the wasps come flying back in on the same target as before. Stingers poised for attacks on the face.
The badger howls in fury and once again tears into bounder2. Both claws decend on the bounder
[Gilan: rider1, hit AC:9, damage:11]
[Wasps: hit AC:13/14, damage:10/8+poison]
[Badger: bounder2, hit AC:11/15 ,damage:2/2]
Jacob 2d10(7+8)+6=21 Friday February 21st, 2003 12:49:23 AM
Hearing Grymash's words, Jacob slashes into the frozen rider, his sword easily sliding into its neck and hopefully killing him. (Using the full round Coup De Grace to deal 21 damage and killing him unless he makes a fort save DC 31). He hopes the huge creature falls, as his arm and body ache in pain...
DM Anthony : Reactions : RD 4 d100=56 d100=34 d20+14=18 d20+20=22 d100=10 Friday February 21st, 2003 10:09:59 AM
Gry finds he cant charge into the back of the Rapke as it involves more than straight line movement and then by attacking the Rider who is not threatened he is not flanking. but for all that he still hits soundly. the Rapke seems to take no notice however of the wound of its master.
Anuk circles around the bounder putting his back to the Rapke behind him.
Milo hits the rider on Rapke #1 with his powerful Magic Missile.
Sterlin and the spiders leave Bounder #1 and go to attack Rapke #2. The posion of the spiders seems inefective this time.
Trellus moves behind Manfi #4 who does his best to protect the young man. However Trellus realizes that should he cast this time he would be provking someone to attack him. All he can do this time is move.
Gilan's army seems inefective this time with all of the attacks made missing the mark.
Jacob leaps into the air, the sword tip whistling through the air and then sliping in that perfect moment through the hollow of the elfs throat. Killing the rider. The Rapke below goes wild. Bucking and running. In its blind panic it runs out of the sand circle and as its body crosses the line it desentergrates into dust.
(2 more posts to come)
DM Anthony : Manfri : Round 4 d20+6=16 d20+6=11 d20+8=14 d20+8=15 d20+6=13 d20+6=9 d20+6=12 d20+6=22 d6+4=9 d20+6=14 d20+6=12 d20+6=22 d20+6=10 d6+4=6 d20+6=11 d20+6=20 d6+4=5 d20+6=10 d20+6=12 Friday February 21st, 2003 10:46:21 AM
Manfri #5 atatacks the Rapke in front of him. But he misses both times.
Manfri #6 uses his sling on Rapke #5 he too misses twice.
Manfri #7 and #2 attack Rapke #5 missing all but one attack
Manfri #3 and #4 attack Bounder #3 finishing him off, and yet he still stands.
Manfri rushes to Bounder #1 whom everyone has left and finishes him off as well, and yet he too stands.
Manfri #1 attacks Bounder #2 and misses.
(1 more post)
DM Anthony : Rapke : Round 4 d20+6=19 d20+6=21 d20+12=27 d4+4=6 d4+4=8 2d12(4+3)+8=15 d20+6=23 d20+6=7 d20+12=30 d4+4=7 2d12(2+3)+8=13 d20+4=21 d20+4=16 d20+8=12 d4+2=6 d20+8=26 d20+12=30 2d6(3+5)=8 d20+4=6 d20+4=12 d20+8=16 d20+4=15 d20+4=14 d20+8=15 d6=3 d20+6=21 d20+6=24 d20+12=31 d4+4=6 d4+4=5 2d12(2+1)+8=11 d20+6=9 d20+6=7 d20+8=9 d20+8=12 d20+8=9 d20+8=11 Friday February 21st, 2003 11:39:20 AM
Rapke #4 rips into Manfri #5 attacking with tooth and claw. Who now looks greviously hurt.
Rapke #5 likewise rips into Manfri #7. Who now looks to be near death as well.
Bounder #3 in its dead state continues to attack Manfri #3
Rider #3 gives a strange shouted command and grips the reins. The Rapke leans foreward on its hind legs and then wit a tremendous leap filps up into the air twisting its body and landing facing the other way. As it does so the tail wips around Grys legs in an attempt to trip him. (opsd. Dex or Str of 30 to not end up on the ground taking 8 damage.)
Bounder #1 attempts to kill Manfri #8 but misses.
Bounder #2 continues to focuses on Manfri #1 but he too misses all three attacks.
Rapke #1 focuses its rage on Sterlin who is alone with the bugs. As the beast rips through him he feels the posion seep into him. (22 pts dam and Fort DC12 or be slowed as per spell.)
Rider #1 Draws a sword and taks a swipe at each Wasp. Missing twice.
Rider #5 fires his bow twice at Gry and misses twice.
Rider #4 fires his bow twice at Manfri #5 and misses twice.
(End Post) (Partys Init.)
Jacob (Bless, AC 17) d20+9=27 d10+3=11 Friday February 21st, 2003 12:57:08 PM
"Take out the riders!!!" he yells, as the Rapke falls to dust before him...turning, he sees the rest of the group, including the manfri, being assaulted by these creatures. With a quick decision, he charges the one Grymash is fighting and slashes with his bloody sword at the rider. (AC 29!) His sword sinks into the side of the strange elf-thing. (11 damage! Woo!! I'm the real slim shady!)
Milo d8+3=5 d8+3=9 Friday February 21st, 2003 1:25:18 PM
noticing Trellus on death's door, yet still able to react, Milo rushes up to his good friend with tears streaming down his face, pulling out a potion along the way. upon arriving he pops the topper of the potion, and places it up to Trellus' lips and pours the liquid down his throat in an attempt to keep Gargul from taking away his friend.
(potion of CLW+3 for 9 points of healing) (rolled a 2 for the first, used hero point to reroll)
Trellus (bless) d8+3=4 d8+3=8 Friday February 21st, 2003 1:30:29 PM
Since everyone seems to be engaged, Trellus continues to worry about himself.
He casts CURE LIGHT WOUNDS on himself and anxiously waits to see what happens to his shredded body.
(Spontaneously cast over 2nd Bless spell. Used hero point to reroll. Gone from 'should be dead -17hp' to 'should be unconscious but stable -9hp'.)
Gilan(bless, HP: 25, AC: 14)Wasp(bless, HP: 14/10,AC: 14)Badger(bless, HP: 6, AC: 15) d20+8=18 d8+3=11 d20+7=9 d20+7=21 d3+7=10 d3+7=9 d20+6=24 d20+6=7 d3=1 d3=1 Friday February 21st, 2003 3:07:20 PM
Gilan nocks another arrow and takes aim at the rider that dared to try and attack his wasps. His spark of rage does him no good as his shot goes wide. "How is Trellus...Milo?" He hopes with all his heart that he will be able to be saved.
The wasps, also a little miffed at being attack and wanting to help out thier master attack the rider again. Tiev's dive is messed up by a stray bit of wind that blows him off course. Yanb on the other hand feels her stinger bite into rider flesh and then she buzzes away, laughing at her mate.
The badger continues its attack on the bounder, determined that it will do as much damage as possible. It's first set of claws miss but the second following right behind find a hold, though the wound is slight.
[Gilan: hit AC: 18, damage: 11, shoot rider1]
[Wasps: hit AC: 9/21, damage: 10/9 + poison, attack rider1]
Grymash, not having a solid foundation in the loose sand, falls to the ground. His eyes bloodshot red with rage, the corners of his mouth flow with white foam, the act of being tripped to the ground sets off a fury within him that shakes the very ground. (or was it from him hitting the ground!! :)
Grymash hops to his feet. (move-equivalent action) He roars a feral cry that would even rattle the gods. With his bloodied double axe he swings it to the left and then the right. Building up the blades momentum, Grymash twirls it around, throwing in all his weight and muscle he can muster. Finally, he brings it down upon the head of the rapke (since he has no more movement, he would have moved toward the rider).
(Hit AC 14, natural 1, oh come on, no way!! Hero point. Hit AC 33!! Woo Hoo natural 20. crit threat. Hit AC 31 ... CRITICAL HIT! :) DAMAGE X3: 19, 17,17. Total: 53 damage. Massive damage. Must make Fort Save DC 15 or die instantly.)
Grymash satisfies his blood lust in this orgy of gore.
Jacob Friday February 21st, 2003 4:29:18 PM
Having just slashed the rider, Jacob witnesses Grymash's awesome display of strength and is somewhat intimidated himself. "At least it's not me," he mumbles, and hopes Grymash doesn't remember the time he put Grymash's underpants on one of those nasty little biting ants hives while the half-orc was swimming, then nonchalantly returned them just before he got out...or the time he buried Grymash in dirt while he was sleeping and forgot about him and wandered off...
Sterlin (barkskin,bless ac: 18) d20+5=7 d20+4=15 d4-2=2 d3=2 d3=2 d20+4=10 Sunday February 23rd, 2003 6:16:22 PM
Sterlin takes a step back gasping for air. Very near death and now poisoned (failed save 7), he attempts to save his life by casting entangle on Rapke #1.
Ezra (spider #1) hits ac 15 doing 2 points of damage to Rapke number 1 if successful. If hit, Rapke must save again vs. the poison. (dc 11 ) (if failed save, strength loss of 2 initial, and strength loss of 2 secondary)
Enoch completely misses
Anuk d20+6=14 d20+6=14 d8=5 d6=6 Monday February 24th, 2003 11:56:31 AM
Anuk swings his swords again in hopes of harming the bounder, but to no avail (only hits AC14 twice for a combined 11 points of damage). He suddenly realizes what Grymash was saying about the Rapke and their riders, backs quickly away from the bounder (to avoid an aoo) and runs back to his original spot to retrieve his bow.
(ooc: sorry about posting so late...got a new computer last friday and have had trouble re-establishing my internet connection.)
Anthony Monday February 24th, 2003 11:31:20 PM
havingr troble posting....... sorry
DM Anthony : Reactions : Round 5 d20+18=21 d20+15=16 Tuesday February 25th, 2003 2:44:41 PM
Jacob near death risks everything and rushes At the rider of Rapke #3. His sword cutting deep.
Milo too rushes to help Terellus putting himself in danger. Healing 9 pints of damage. Terllus feels dead however.
Terellus casting on himself sees that his body is almost healed but his spirt still is absent, he cna feel its loss. The emptyness without it.
Gilan watches as his wasps both miss their attacks and the only memeber of his army that does any damage is the badger. (Is this a normal badger or a celestial badger?)
Gry in his rage does impressive damage to the Rapke but the only thing it realy seems to do is make it angry.
Sterlin feels hims self get very ill and cant seem to consentrate as well. (Slowed as per spell) Then stepping back and casting the spell the Rapke is quckly wrapped up and is helpless.
Anuk cant attack and get his bow so he forgoes the attack and rushes to his bow. (Attacking and moving draws an aoo.)
DM Anthony : Manfri : Round 5 d20+6=18 d20+6=24 d6+4=8 d20+6=11 d20+6=10 d20+6=15 d20+6=12 d20+6=13 d20+6=25 d20+6=17 d6+4=7 d20+6=10 d20+6=20 d20+6=15 d20+6=16 d6+4=5 d20+6=13 d20+6=15 d20+6=11 d20+6=21 d6+4=9 Tuesday February 25th, 2003 3:31:29 PM
Manfri #5 even though he looks almost ready to drop attacks Rapke #4 and does a bit of damage.
Manfri #6 also attacks Rapke #4 but misses twice.
Mafri #7 also near death presses his attack, but misses twice.
Manfri #2 attacks Rapke #5. But barely hits once.
Manfri #3 and #4 attack Bounder #3, they seem hesitant to use water because of how close Terellus is.
Rider #5 fires twice at manfri #7. he too passes into that dead state.
Rider #3 piulls a bag of water from his pack but it falls to the earth unbroken and rolls away into the grass.
Rapke #1 is helpless, entangled but so are both wasps and both spiders.
Parys init
Grymash (shouting) d20-2=8 Tuesday February 25th, 2003 4:49:57 PM "ANYONE KNOW WHAT LIQUID MANFRI USE TO FINISH OFF DEAD??!! MANFRI WHAT YOU USE??"
(the "liquid" was never disclosed to our PC's! The bladders could be filled with stomach acid, juice, urine or something else?!)
Trellus (0hp, dead,bless) Tuesday February 25th, 2003 4:55:05 PM
Trellus sees the manfri hesitate to use their water bags, and figures he's the reason why. But the cleric can't get past the Rapke to his left, and sees no way to get clear.
"Can you drop a dead Bounder?" he calls to the manfri leader.
The disintigration of the other Rapke gives him an idea. "Hope this works," he mutters.
Then he calls out strongly to the rider of Rapke 3 "FLEE!"
(COMMAND spell - Will save DC 14 negates)
Sterlin d20+4=10 d20+4=8 Tuesday February 25th, 2003 7:45:04 PM
Sterlin backs away to a safe spot.
The two spiders each attack and miss
Anuk d20+8=20 d8+1=3 Tuesday February 25th, 2003 8:19:57 PM
Bow in hand, Anuk fires an arrow at the rider on the Rapke fighting Grymash (r3). The arrow bites into the rider (hits AC20 for 3 points of damage), making Anuk smile.
Wondering how they can possibly beat an enemy that can fight on past death, he calls out to the manfri "What in Gargul's name must we do to defeat these vile creatures?!" He hopes that someone will share what they've learned from fighting the beasts in the past.
Grymash (ac 18, bulls strength, shield of faith, expeditious retreat, bless, RAGE) d20+10=12 d20+3=14 d8+1=8 Tuesday February 25th, 2003 9:58:16 PM
Grymash is sobered somewhat by the beasts ability to survive the deadlyblow he just delivered. However, his rage continues to burn. Grymash for the first time feels the pain from the rapke's attack. The pain stings like 20 lashes from a razor whip! Grymash barely is able to shake off the poison (Fort save 12, all I need was a 2 and I got it, scary!)
Grymash realizes that he needs to hit the rider. He was blinded when he lost control and the fury was set free. However, even when fortified by his rage, Grymash can remain cunning (Wisdom 14).
"Jacob ... back up with Grymash, away from bounder. You take right, me take left! Make rapke charge into our gauntlet."
Grymash backs up 50ft (his movement is 80) and slides out a wand of cure light wounds from his left bracer and jabs himself with it (8 points of healing for a total of 19 hitpoints. Activating a wand draws no aoo.).
"HEY YOU PIGGIE BOUNCER ... YOU TREADLE ... YOUR BEATER IS RIGHT HERE!!! YEAH, THAT RIGHT ... THIS IS YOUR LAST THREAD. ME GONNA CUT YOU A NEW GRASS!!!"
Grymash puts the wand in his teeth and starts to swing his double axe left and right. The swiftness of his blades stirs up enough wind to kick up billows of sand.
Milo d4+1=2 d4+1=4 Tuesday February 25th, 2003 11:02:01 PM
seeing that there is nothing else he can do for his friend, but help to defeat the enemy, Milo points his wand at the Rider on Rapke #3.
(damage is 4) (was a 2, used HP to reroll)
Milo then moves to stand next to Anuk.
Grymash (ac 18, bulls strength, shield of faith, expeditious retreat, bless, RAGE) d20+10=27 Wednesday February 26th, 2003 3:49:01 PM
Grymash continues to wait for the charge. Suddenly a gust of wind blows by and it carries the unmistakable scent of ..... water!! (Wilderness lore 27) He makes a quick glance back into the wind. Across the sand he sees the remains from the first bounder that died!! The blood flies were almost finished reducing the bounder to a pile of bones. The sand is still wet from the liquid the manfri had sprayed on it. Grymash's eyes widen in excitement.
"EVERYONE ... ITS WATER!!! SPRAY WATER ON THE WALKING DEAD. MAKE THEM WALK NO MORE!!!"
Trellus Wednesday February 26th, 2003 4:00:46 PM
The cleric is quick to reply,
"I'M WALKING DEAD! So, by Domi, be careful where you spray water!"!
Gilan(bless, HP: 25, AC: 14)Wasp(bless, HP: 14/10,AC: 14)Celestial Badger(bless, HP: 6, AC: 15) d20+8=19 d8+3=4 d20+15=29 d20+15=33 d20+6=21 d20+6=10 d3=2 d3=3 Wednesday February 26th, 2003 4:01:00 PM
Gilan cusses as he sees his two wasps get caught in the entangle spell. He only hopes that this does not get them killed. "Damn..if we only knew what was in those skins...it could aid us all. He pulls back the string on his bow, having already nocked an arrow and fires at the rider that has a manfri on the ropes.
The two wasps take thier time to blend in with the grass that has them trapped. If they cannot fight they will hide.
The badger continues it's asault on the bounder that it was after still trying it's best to kill it.
[Gilan: attacks Rider4, hit AC: 19, damage: 4]
[Wasps: chameleon ability to hide-Tiev: 29, Yanb: 33]
[Celestial Badger: attacks bounder2, hit AC: 22/11, damage: 2/3]
Jacob (AC 17) Wednesday February 26th, 2003 11:52:04 PM
Hearing Grymash's comment, Jake takes his entire action to draw forth his canteen and tear off the top, then scatter a spray of water over both the somehow-still-standing bounder and the Rapke. He tosses his empty canteen at the rider for effect, and takes a few steps back, pretty certain he's gonna die..
Anthony Thursday February 27th, 2003 11:01:58 PM
Dear all, I was half way through posting today and the net crashed at school and never came back up. But to make un undramatic end of things due to three AMAZINGLY bad rolls on me, we are out of combat. I will post again tomarrow and tell you what happened but sufice it tos say two failed saves and a failed moral check and well, it went bad for me. WEll have to find out tomarrow though if any water landed on Turellus.
CDM Jerry Monday March 3rd, 2003 11:33:16 PM
DM Anthony is swamped with shows this week and next. His group gets to go to state the week after spring break as well so he's going crazy right now. I've activated Asst. DM Mikey. Go ahead and post daily as soon as either Mikey or whoever I can get to sub posts. I'm on it folks. Anth has requested a sub like he should and I thank him for that. We'll be back up and running within 24 hours I hope.
In the meantime, feel free to enter the Giggling Ghost if you need a posting fix. ;)
ADM Mikey Wednesday March 5th, 2003 1:35:34 AM
Under the compulsion of Trellus, the creature scrambles away, but seems to crumble into dust as he hits an unseen barrier. The rapke pause simultaneously, one with its claws barely a foot from Jacob's head. A Manfri's blade whistles cleanly through a Rapke's neck, and they screech piercingly, suddenly provoked into absolute terror. Bounders and Rapkes scramble any which way to escape even as they begin to disintegrate, amazingly becoming particles of dust that already begin scattering to the winds. All but the entangled one, who continues to shriek even as the spiders' fangs bite into its legs. It collapses to the ground, weakened by the combined poisons. Nothing seems to move for a second... Trellus is conscious of his body's weight and collapses to the ground. Something, he's not sure what, feels lighter...as though his spirit itself, formerly free of the chains of its body, wishes to break loose and fly midst the stars. But that's ridiculous, of course. How could that even have happened...? He doesn't know. You notice the fallen Manfri look much in the same state, slowly stumbling to their feet, healing themselves, struggling to stop bleeding...
"We must complete the ritual..." says one of the Manfri, a short one holding a stone dagger with four prongs grasping onto the hilt. "If you wish to help, you may." It offers the dagger, and another one, wounded in the leg, stumbles up with his own dagger. (Anyone wish to do anything?)
Trellus Wednesday March 5th, 2003 8:14:16 AM
"Shades! It worked!" Trellus cries exultantly as the Rapke flees and disintigrates before his eyes.
Then, he drops to his knees, confusion and concern playing across his face.
"Dudes?" he murmurs weakly, before toppling over to his side.
Anuk Wednesday March 5th, 2003 11:34:04 AM
Frantically pointing his bow in random directions, Anuk searches for a target. Seeing only sand and ash, he realizes the nightmare may be over. Then his eyes fall on Trellus for the first time since the battle began. He rushes toward the body, murmuring "Trellus? Trellus?!" Waves of anger and frustration wash over him as he looks at the body of his friend lying on the ground.
Gathering himself, hoping his friend can somehow still be saved, Anuk approaches the manfri and accepts the offered dagger. "What must I do?"
Milo Wednesday March 5th, 2003 12:11:05 PM
solemly he goes up to the Manfri and accept sone of the daggers asking: what must we do to help finish this?
Sterlin Wednesday March 5th, 2003 1:07:52 PM
Sterlin approaches as well and takes a dagger if another is offered, but is wondering what finishing the ritual entails.
Gilan Wednesday March 5th, 2003 2:35:01 PM
Gilan makes his way over to the manfri with the others and nods. "What is it we must do?" You notice that he glances to Trellus as he collpases. His face is a mask of mixed emotions and he wonders what they will face next.
Glancing to the manfri that offers the dagger he inclines his hand towards Trellus. "Is there anything we can do for our friend...to save him." The look in his eyes is more of a plead for anykind of help that will restore a friend to them.
Grymash (ac 18, bulls strength, shield of faith, expeditious retreat, bless) Wednesday March 5th, 2003 5:55:13 PM
Grymash calms from his rage. The fatigue hits him in the process. He almost seems to shrink from the affects. He lumbers over to Trellus and the others and looks to see if there are any more of those strange daggers left to take. He will take one if made available.
Grymash falls to a knee and begins to pray for guidance. For now he is tired and confused ... what is to become of Trellus. Should he be asking Gargul for his return or giving him his last rites. He is so confused and unsure. He hardly feels holy at the moment being covered in the blood of bounders and rapke.
ADM Mikey Wednesday March 5th, 2003 9:03:16 PM
The Manfri look over you all, considering your words and your eagerness to participate in the ritual. Slowly, he speaks. "Your brother will survive, as will our own, but only if (strangeword) is completed. You, and you," he points first to Jacob (the only who didn't volunteer) and to Milo, "should tend to him." For a second he considers, then hands the dagger he's holding to Anuk, while the (female?) one hands her dagger to Gilan. Grymash and Sterlin, waiting for daggers, notice a third dagger that has been dropped into the sand during the battle after being immersed into a rapke's chest. A third manfri tosses his dagger from where he's crouching to the speaker, who catches it fluidly. As one, all the Manfri, even those not in the ritual, turn and regard the single Rapke and its rider, still alive, if somewhat tenuously, and regarding you all with hateful glares. Slowly, the speaker approaches it. "To free the spirits of the fallen, we must cleanse the last of them. Only when their (strangeword; Ozento?) are freed from their bodies will spirits go where they are bound. We must cut them loose, the .. hearts of our enemies. Only then, when they are freed and all have witnessed this, will the ritual be complete." Slowly, he walks forward...his steps like those of a grasswalker approaching the Pantheon back home. Ignoring the rapke's faint movements, or its riders struggles, it casually thrusts the dagger into the chest of the rider, and begins cutting...
Milo Thursday March 6th, 2003 1:06:34 AM
walking eagerly over to where Trellus is laying, he places his pack on the ground next to him. pulling out 2 blackets, he unrolls one and covers Trellus, with th e other, he folds it inot a pillow size wad, and gently places it under Trellus' head. then, with calm emotions, Milo begins singing a song to Trellus, one Milo's mother used to sing to him when he was ill, and in bed. one that always calmed him down and helped him to rest.
looking to Jacob, Milo says: get some water and a cloth and begin washing the blood from around his cuts, and be gentle about it.
then Milo resumes his lullaby.
Gilan Thursday March 6th, 2003 4:01:59 AM
He glances to the dagger that is given to him and listens to what is said. For an instant he was tempted to give back the dagger, but upon looking to Trellus his eyes harden. He makes his way to the nearest body and begins to cut out the things heart.
He glances to Milo and Jacob as the go to tend to Trellus and gasps when they mention water. "Is that really wise considering what we have seen when water was used earlier..." Glancing to the manfri for guidance and a sign of him being right. "He said that the ritual must be completed...until then using water may cause Trellus's body to be devoured by the insects of the plain." Hoping that you will follow his advice and wait he goes back to his grisly task.
Anuk Thursday March 6th, 2003 11:29:27 AM
Anuk watches as the manfri begins his grim task--the sight chills him. Slaying another in a fair fight is one thing, but to mutilate him afterwards is something else, something he hadn't seen in the bargain. He hesitates for a moment, staring at the dagger in his hand. He thinks back on the kindness of the manfri in rescuing them in the grass, thinks of the manfri who died in the act, and thinks of his promise to be a part of this ritual battle.
"Well, whatever an ozento is, I'm gonna free one." He also begins the work of removing the heart from one of the fallen enemies.
ADM Mikey Friday March 7th, 2003 5:13:58 AM
Finally, after a great deal of ugly cutting, Anuk and Gilan manage to pull out the creature's heart. Needless to say, they are drenched in blood from shoulder down... "We honor you, our fallen foes, who have so ably fought us. We ask your spirits to be appeased, your Ozentu to recognize our bravery, and wish for our spirits to meet one day, far in the future, in the lands of endless plains." With the blood from the heart and a bit more from your heart, he goes from one to another of you, touching a fingertip to your forehead, even the fallen such as Anuk, chanting in his strange language. Meanwhile, others, taking up your daggers and their own, skin the creatures, and the creatures' organs are placed upon large grass-woven baskets. The Manfri that were formerly not in the ritual rush forward now, some helping you all up to your feet. One lays his hands on Trellus and says a few words (He's cured of 10 hit points and becomes conscious, but will still be fatigued until full sleep). Apparently unable to say much, they nevertheless convey in body language their thanks to you all, and seem to feel that you are part of them, somewhat. Or at least, the mutual respect of two people who have worked together for a short while. "Thank you for your aid. We were able to perform the Kall' a 'Tek, the Freedom Ceremony. Would you like to join us in a grass banquet? More must be heard of the fearsome company who has aided us against the hunters, and we wish to tell you our own stories, to mingle in friendship. Would you join us in the Taudo?"
Milo Friday March 7th, 2003 9:55:30 AM
thanks the Manfri for their help and healing.
turning to the group Milo says: you know, this to me would be more important than going back to prove to the others that we aren't children. my vote is we stay and listen to their stories and tell them of our only story.
<stays by Trellus' side until her has a full nights sleep>
Trellus (10/23 hp) Friday March 7th, 2003 10:53:02 AM
Trellus wearily, and cautiously, rises, and looks around the battlefield in quiet bewilderment.
"I'm with Milo," he states quietly. "We're weaving a totally new thread now. (long pause) "And, well, I'm happy about it...(pause), but I'd like to know why I'm not dead."
He again becomes quiet, displaying his 'thinking deep thoughts' face, which the pack has become accustomed to from time to time.
Jacob/Mikey Friday March 7th, 2003 12:42:07 PM
"Dude, you're okay!" Eagerly clapping Trellus on the back (perhaps a bit hard in his eagerness), Jacob grins. "I thought we were totally baked there, pack...I'm up for any banquet as you all know, as the longer we're out the better. And besides, now we've got cool face paint and stories to tell the black pack..."
Sterlin Friday March 7th, 2003 2:38:03 PM
I definitely would prefer time spent with new friends over a pointless game of pride with those inbred bullies back home. After the battle we just had, they a seem quite a bit less intimidating now anyway. Perhaps you can cook up something good for our new friends Milo.
Gilan Friday March 7th, 2003 6:12:35 PM
Gilan smiles to his pack and nods his acceptance. "Staying here and enteraining ourselves at a banquet with new friends would be much preferable." As the others speak he smiles again and laughs lightly. "Yes...this should put the black pack in it's place for awhile."
He makes his way over to Trellus and takes his shoulder in his hand. "It is good to see you still among the pack, brother."
Anuk Friday March 7th, 2003 9:57:56 PM
Despite the blood that covers him, Anuk smiles broadly at the sight of Trellus' recovery.
"Time to eat and weave tales, my friends. I vote that we stay here." He looks at Gilan, Grymash and the others each spattered with gore after the fight. A thought occurs to him.
"Hey...how about we call ourselves 'The Blood Pack'?"
(ooc: Mikey--what makes Anuk "fallen"?)
Sterlin Saturday March 8th, 2003 2:01:23 PM
" The Blood Pack. I like it. We have now been through even the risk of death together. From this point on I also think we should be called the Blood Pack. I also believe we should treat each other as blood brothers, though we have really done that already."
(i think i may have posted out of turn, but i had to express my approval of the idea)
Milo Saturday March 8th, 2003 4:06:29 PM
escorting Trellis to a spot set up for sleeping, he says to the rest: maybe some other time, Trellus needs to be tended to before I can even think about cooking. as for the name, it kinda grows on ya the more you say it. Blood Pack bLood pAck blOod paCk bloOd pacK blooD pack blood pack
kinda like it
ADM Mikey - The Feast! d20+5=10 d20+5=23 d20+5=25 Sunday March 9th, 2003 1:45:46 AM
(Before you all go, please make DC 20 Spot or DC 15 search checks, one or the other, and any successes notice a purple gem in the grass.) Shortly you are brought up to a cropping of grass clustered and concealing around a barely noticeable rocky area. The grasses are parted before the lead Manfri with what seems like a breeze of wind, and an entrance that even a Rapke could fit into is apparent. You see a well-lit, wide passageway leading down. Two Manfri help Trellus along, after the rest of you, one cheerfully chattering in its own language to the other. The passage curves peculiarly downwards into a chamber that seems designed for more people. You see other corridors branching off, leading you to wonder exactly just how large this underground area is. Quite a few tables are scattered around this room, along with a few grass-woven chairs. They seem a bit low for all of you (with the exception of Milo), but they quickly seat you at the largest table, which fits twelve. Feel free to decide your seating arrangements: Jacob, Grymash, Trellus (yes, he's brought along too!), Sterlin, Anuk, Gilan, and a space for Milo (if he doesn't quickly wander off to the kitchen...) ...forgive me if I've left anyone out. The Manfri fill up the other seats, including the one who spoke to you all at the cutting and two who wear five-circled pendants.
Off to a side chamber, a number of Manfri begin clattering about...younger, smaller ones, whom several then escort down another chamber, followed by a few who start bringing in drinking pots and grass baskets for preparation of the feast. "We found these items upon the remains, and offer them to you," says the chief. So saying, the warriors place a bag of coins (50 platinum pieces), a short stick with blue engravings, a little corked bottle, and a dusty and somewhat blood splattered scroll. "If you would like, Trann can decipher the magic of these while we eat," he indicates the non-coins, which you realize, must all be magical items. He smiles graciously, "We are quite thankful for your help and hope you will enjoy our feast. Ah, here comes Svard..."
Bustling inwards is a somewhat plump Manfri, who regards all the newcomers with surprise. She (as is obvious), chatters noisily and somewhat displeasedly with the chief, who suddenly loses his pleased expression. Trying to reply, she huffs and shakes her head. But then another Manfri, one wearing a pendant with five intertwined circles upon it, gives a few short words. She immediately nods and heads back into the same passage, from which shortly emerge pleasant smells.
"We will be eating shortly. Would you care for some glass wine while we wait?"
One of the five-circled Manfri, the one who didn't speak, timidly offers Trellus a few strands of grass and motions for him to eat them. If he eats them, he will feel less tired, but also find himself extremely thirsty.
Milo Sunday March 9th, 2003 10:34:56 AM
sitting beside Trellus, he helps him eat the grass that is offered to him. babying him to an extent. when he sees Trellus doing a fine enough job on his own, Milo will turn to the Chief and reply: yes, if Trann can identify these items for us, we would be grateful to him. as to you Chief, we thank you most honorably for the celebration you have invited us to, and might I say, for people we have only heard stories about, they are nothing in comparison to the real thing. I and my friends feel honored to of helped you in your ritual, and we hope to be of service to you again. we wish to be able to keep in contact with you all. (excusing himself, he walks up to the plump looking Manfri) Saying: excuse me, but I see you are the one who runs the kitchen and I am here to offer my services to you, if you would accept them that is, in the kitchen. I am a cook of sorts at home and my specialty is desserts but I can weave a good meal as well. it would honor me if you would allow me to help serve you as you have helped to serve us.
Trellus d20+5=10 Monday March 10th, 2003 11:01:44 AM
(Spot check failed - 10)
A blank faced, mechanically walking Trellus allows Milo and the Manfri to lead him to the hall.
"Blood pack sounds shady," he remarks without emotion.
The cleric sits whereever Milo decides to put him, and collapses heavily into the chair.
When the lead Manfri speaks of identifying the items, Trellus turns to reply, but stops short, searching inside himself for what he thinks ought to be a simple answer.
He is greatly relieved when Milo does answer, nodding his head stupidly and flashing a tight smile.
He takes the grass and munches mechanically at first, and then with more energy as its properties take hold.
"Can a dude get some water?" he asks, with more strength than his earlier comment.
Gilan(spot check 19: failed) d20+3=19 Monday March 10th, 2003 7:24:41 PM
Gilan sits at the table that they had been ushered to and gladly slips into one of the seats. Weakly smiling to the manfri that offers the glass wine he shakes his head. "Could I get some cold juice instead?" He seems visibly exhausted from the earlier events and is near ready to drop actually. He absently watches as the others talk and Milo offers to help cook, he cannot help but smile. Even Trellus is still with them and for that he is thankful.
Anuk d20+6=13 Monday March 10th, 2003 11:54:51 PM
Anuk looks at the items on the table with interest. Then he sniffs the air for the smells of the cooking food with even greater interest. Mmmmm. It will, of course, smell even better once Milo gets in there.
Sitting down to rest, he thinks back on the recent events, wondering now why he even cared so much what the black pack and Galafar thought of them. He knows when they return, there will be hell to pay, but it won't seem nearly as bad as he was anticipating, whatever the punishment. It will be good to return to Rattledam in triumph. "They'll have to call us the pod-bearers now," he thinks with a smirk. The pod...the pod!"Who's got the pod?!" he suddenly asks aloud. "Is it okay?"
(spot check 13)
Jacob d20=16 d20+3=20 Tuesday March 11th, 2003 1:48:42 AM
(WoohoO! Jacob spotted the gem!) Jacob is helping you all on the way there, and notices something sparkling amidst the grass. He reaches down, wondering at the way it almost seems to not touch the ground...He picks it up, looking into what must be a prism of some kind. "Hey guys...looks like some kinda gem." Amazingly, as he holds it, it begins to float just to the left of his head... "Woah!" Of course it's interesting, but the Manfri conversation quickly dominates your thoughts, and it is only later, when you're seated, and the chief mentions identifying the items that Jacob offers it up to the guy...somewhat awkwardly reaching out and grasping it, then handing it to one of the warriors, who seems a bit amused by it.
Grymash d20+6=21 Tuesday March 11th, 2003 2:12:26 AM
The walk back to the manfri village was enough rest for the once fatigued half-orc. Before sitting down to eat, he takes some of the fist fulls of grass that he grabbed and mashes them into pulp. The moisture within the grass is enough to moisten his hand and he uses it to rub the blood off his body. If offered a bowl of fresh water and a few rags he will certainly welcome that.
Grymash is quiet. He concerned for his pack. They have never experienced a scene like what they were fortunate to live through. As he takes a wet cloth continues to clean himself, he watches with astonishment how well the others are faring. Even Trellus, he took a mortal wound and survived. How ... why did Gargul allow him to return ... maybe his spirit never left the body. Too many questions and too tired to ask.
"Milo, did you run with pod or did Sterlin take it. It was in Milo padded bag. Ohh here pod is. (spot check 21) Maybe manfri have better way of to carry ... Grymash like to have buckler back."
Grymash continues to ponder what thoughts creep in. At points during the battle he has no memory of what happened. Little black moments when the rage completely took over. It disturbs him a little. He never know what he would be capable of doing. In his rage, would he turn on his pack? How long would it last? And someday will the beast completely take over and lock him away. The idea frightens him. But what disturbs him even more is that deep down ... a small part of him liked it!!
After eating the food provided, Grymash is content to sit alone and clean his orc double axe. His most prized posession.
ADM Mikey Tuesday March 11th, 2003 3:13:43 AM
The chief of the Manfri gives some commands, and some of the older children come in and pour from urns drinks for all of you. For some it is wine, for others it is a very light milk. They don't seem to have any juice, as, unlike the villagers, they don't have their own area for growing vegetables. The kitchen bustles with the little ones, and the plump woman looks at Milo somewhat expectantly. She points at herself and says, tentatively, "Cheetyl." She smiles, apparently not understanding a word he said. One of the children says something to her in Manfri, and she nods looking a bit suspicious, replying extensively, so the kid says, "She says she'll be glad for your help, and asks if you can an appetizer and maybe the desert." Apparently, she doesn't trust an outsider enough to have them make the main course, which she starts. Milo finds that besides grasses of many, many different kinds (including various strains of sugar and some weird, bitter but tasty type of cocoa), there's very little else. Some strange meats, a few earthy vegetables like some sweet potatoes and onions. It's a bit different than what he's used to.
While you guys are sipping in preparation of the feast, the Chief speaks in a conversational tone. "Should you ever wish to come meet us again, simply say the word Sala' thide when you approach our Taudo. We don't often meet outsiders, and would be glad to trade items of the plains for things that you probably have in abundance." He smiles slightly and picks up a curious small child, pulling the infant onto his lap. "Would you like to hear the story of the Manfri?"
One warrior, meanwhile, inspecting Grymash, nudges his axe slightly and says, "Goot. Cut goot?" He seems curious about the strange weapon. Unlike the other Manfri, he wields a strange sort of double-sickle thing, which is somewhat similar.
Milo Tuesday March 11th, 2003 8:56:32 AM
bowing in thanks, Milo retrieves his pack and enters the kitchen. after a few minutes of trying to organize his thoughts and the items available to him, he decides to start with the potatoes, onions and vegetables.
making a hot salad of sorts.
boiling the potatoes until they are borderline soft, he strains them, and sets them aside, then, in bite size for the Manfri, he dices the vegetables and onions and adds them to the cooling potatoes and finally, cutting the grass in Milo-finger sized strips. mixing the potatoes and vegetables and onions evenly, then adding the grass on top for a garnishment. he tastes it, and adds spices from his pack til it pleases him, then walking up to Cheetyl he offers her a taste before having it sent out to be served.
then, pulling out foodstuff from his pack, and taking their bitter tasting cocoa (he always has the fixings for cookies) he begins making enough cookies to feed everyone at the celebration 4 each. *Chocolate Sugar cookies*
Trellus Tuesday March 11th, 2003 11:16:10 AM
Trellus gratefully accepts the cup of milk, lifts it to his lips, and methodically chugs it down.
Exhaling satisfactorally, he sets down his cup, and looks at the server, "Many shadows, truly."
Turning to the Chief, he remarks, "I can well believe you get few visitors. We had no idea you were out here."
The young man's grin return as he watches the tiny child climb onto the small man's lap. "The tale of the Manfri would be shady", he replies. Then Trellus looks pensively at the far wall and adds, "Also, if its permitted, please speak of your magic that bound me here, when I should have crossed to meet the Gods."
Anuk Tuesday March 11th, 2003 11:39:37 AM
"Chief, we are grateful for your help and your generosity. We would be honored to hear the story of the manfri." That's what Anuk meant to say.
"Um...sure...," he actually said.
Sterlin Tuesday March 11th, 2003 5:37:41 PM
" Yes we would very much like to hear the story. At least Trellus didn't say dude this time. What does dude mean anyway? Isn't that what you try not to step in out in the fields? "
Grymash Wednesday March 12th, 2003 9:28:14 AM
Grymash's expression changes with a big grin and he says, "Yes ... it cut real goot!"
ADM Mikey Wednesday March 12th, 2003 3:30:04 PM
Jacob mumbles, "Man, this is so shady..." as he watches the shaman, the more confident of the two wearing the circle pendants, stands up after the Chief's words. While he speaks, youths bring out bowls of soup and Milo's rather quickly prepped up salad to eat. "I am Araxo, Speaker of my People, Defender of the Five Circles, Servant of the Wind. For a time now, we have been friends with you, the members of Rattledam, and are glad to meet younger members of your tribe for once. Should you ever find yourself lost among the plains, you now know the word, Sala 'Thide, which will tell a Manfri that you are a friend. And now, I will tell the story of the Kall'a'tek." Youths, even though some don't speak all the common tongue, chatter to each other and gather around the room, except for the few who continue bringing in food and drinks for all. "Our story goes back to the ancient days, when the Manfri were happy. Times of plenty were all we knew. We only ate the grass back then, and while it was mainly flavorless at that time, it was satisfying because we had nothing to fear. Life was hard, but the few enemies we had we could all fight, and well. We wared the Wyrms, and were careful of the Bounders. Our hunters would sometimes catch the Dozyl, that which you call the prairie pigs, and the Dozan, that which you call the prairie swallow. At these times, it would feed many Manfri, and there would be great rejoicing. We would use every part of it, respecting the Plains. "But over time, more creatures came to the Plains. This was part of the cycle of life, we knew, and slowly we adapted, learning our enemies' weaknesses and adopting their strengths as our own. But then came the Barons. "The Barons came with some mysterious shadow king, one who dwelled in darkness, and like them, seeks only destruction. At first they were death on the plains, slaughtering all before them. The Manfri would stick many arrows in one, and it would fall, only to rise later, and continue in its destructive rampage. "For these creatures' memories would flee their bodies, and, with the power of their dark magic, would pass to their nearest kin. With this, they would take over more, and the more we killed, the more they came back. The forces of darkness continued to rise, and all seemed lost on the Plains." He stops here...sighing and putting a hand on his forehead. Somewhat sad servants start placing the main meal, which is layered grass and meat with some small amount of cheese (think lasagna, but beefier), a spicy mixture of thin, crispy beans, and some slices of crumbly carrot bread. He continues...
"Then the Wind spoke to us once more, telling our highest shaman the ritual. We would have to skin our enemies and let their parts be scattered to the plains. Only in such a way would their thoughts be scattered with their death, and their madness cease. We could not eat them, for they were like poison, as their loathsome deity. We, who were so used to using all we could, had to leave waste upon the plains. "Though we were now weakened, we fought with renewed vigor and belief in the Wind. Their arrows would return to them, their beasts would fall beneath its fury, and our warriors were triumphant in battle. We beat back the shadows as much as we could, and now engage in a war with them, one which, someday, we will win. For we are still few, and they are many, but now we know how to defeat them, and we are the Manfri, the Servants of the Wind. "Before every feast, we give thanks to the Wind, for its bounties and gifts upon us, its simple folk, the Manfri."
Various people chatter with each other, as the shaman sits back down. More juice is brought, and people begin on their main course, as above.
Trellus Wednesday March 12th, 2003 4:20:29 PM
Upon hearing Sterlin's remark, Trellus beams at his friend, and laughingly replies, "Dude! That's doo, not dude. Dudes don't do 'doo', dudes do 'dude', don't dey?" Hiding a smile behind a cup, he drains it dry, and settles down to listen to Araxo.
He continues smiling as the Shaman starts his tale. "So the beaters know about this place? We need to weave on our trip here to Galafar. That should totally twist his warp."
Soon, his smile quickly slips from his face, replaced by astonishment. "Those were BARONS! Oh that's totally bright."
Finally, astonishment is replaced with concern. "Are you saying it was the magic of the Barons that prevented my memories from departing, not yours?" the young man fearfully asks.
Anuk Thursday March 13th, 2003 11:26:27 AM
Exhausted from the events of the last day and night, and with his belly full, Anuks eyes slowly droop closed. As he drifts into sleep, his mind plays over the story of the manfri; the fight with the rapke, barons, and bounders; and the delicate search for the pod. The last thing he remembers before his head hits the table is grass. Lots and lots of grass.
Sterlin Thursday March 13th, 2003 10:31:25 PM
Sterlin sits back enjoying the story and thinking if he never went back it would be o.k. with him. The plains have been calling and he is finally here. He feeds his spiders and wrestles with them for awhile, happier than he has been in a long time.
ADM Mikey Thursday March 13th, 2003 11:07:50 PM
"Let me answer, master," says the Manfri with the pendant who had not given the speech. "No, young sir, our magic did prevent your death. Should you ever be in a battle with the Barons again, you should not rely upon such to save you....it is a ritual that the Wind has taught us. However, should you ever fight them again, if you do as we did, skinning them and scattering their innards, they would die a true death, that is the ritual that we speak of in this story." "Indeed, Osaku," says the Shaman to his apprentice. His tone grows darker, somewhat laden with warning, "As to saying what you know about the Manfri to the members of your town, we must ask you to be cautious and speak only to the protectors of the circles. The leaders of your community, only they know and meet with the Manfri. It is a matter of great importance and security. As you have aided us against the Barons, we are thankful and consider you honorary protectors, and we will tell of you to your tribe's leaders, and I'm sure that they will give you thanks and many praises. We know of this Galafar, and while he is not of the second circle, he is still one respected defender. "You are welcome to visit us anytime, and we will even sell you items of the plains. We will also enjoy more of your friend's cooking, which the little ones seem to like." Chocolate cookies come out, and immediately the children get very excited. Hopefully, Milo made enough for all, especially since one particular child, fascinated by the spiders, attempts to feed them cookies.
Another pendant-wearing Manfri walks in, carrying the items from the dead creature. Here's what you got: (And I would like someone to volunteer to be official recorder of all pack equipment/money) 50 platinum (already mentioned!)
A somewhat cleaned but still slightly blood-splattered Scroll of Flame Arrow (Cast at 5th level)
A small blue bottle with pink liquid. (Potion of Aid)
A short stick, activated with the word "Balen!" (only by bard, priest/druid or rogue with successful check), will cast Cure Moderate Wounds. Has 12 charges.
The gem Jacob spotted was an Purple Prism Ioun Stone, capable of storing spell levels.
After giving you guys the items and chatting for a bit more, the Manfri whisk their children away. The Chief smiles. "Now it is time for you to return home, young warriors. Rattledam is a safe and wonderful place, from what I hear. Such capable defenders as yourself must be highly prized and valued."
The Chief quickly organizes a party to take you back to Rattledam, and they stand up, ready to leave.
DM Anthony = Everyone make a spot check of 20 before leaving. (Something Mikey dosent know and Im not gonna tell him, he he he he!!!)
Jacob d20+3=10 Friday March 14th, 2003 12:38:10 PM
(Nope, Jake didn't make his!)
Anuk d20+6=20 Friday March 14th, 2003 1:14:15 PM
Anuk wakes with a start. "Wha...we're going already? Awww...I was having the greatest dream about Dancer..."
He stands and checks his pack to make sure he's got everything he brought with him and then takes a last look around (spot 20).
Trellus nods thoughtfully at the Manfri's explanation and admonition.
"I shall keep these events to myself," he replies formally. "Many shadows, truly for saving us all when we were trapped on the plain. Without your help, we would have surely died. Until we see you again, then."
He turns to his friends. "Dudes, let's wait till we're back before we worry about this stuff. Gry, have you got a sack we can throw it in?"
Once the treasure is secured, Trellus follows the Manfri escort.
(OOC - I can record the treasure, unless someone else is itching to do it.)
Grymash d20+6=16 Friday March 14th, 2003 5:45:19 PM "Grymash can put it back in backpack, it not that much stuff. Don't forget Pod, it has my buckler with it."
(Spot 16, failed)
Gilan(spot check failed) d20+3=10 Friday March 14th, 2003 10:40:33 PM
Gilan eats his fill of the food and drink while listening to the story. He closes his eyes part way through and lets his mind visualize the past as it is told to him. When it is over he has a new respect for these people...they are surviving even though the odds against them.
When they are told to not mention this meeting but to those of the inner circle he nods. "I will keep todays deeds in my mind and heart...knowing that I have done right." He stands and bows deeply to the elder and shaman. This is more respect than you have seen him give to almost anyone. "It would be an honor to come back and visit again...maybe we can give you a tale of our own as payment for this."
He gathers up his gear as the mention of leaving right away is made and he looks around. As the young are ushered off to bed he sighs, wishing that he could stay here. "Maybe my visit will be sooner than later." The last is said in a slight whisper. It is peaceful here in a way that he has never know...except for in the arms of his love, Kaili.
Milo d20+6=14 Saturday March 15th, 2003 1:31:31 AM
failed cuz hes more worried about what the Manfri thinks of his cooking than with watching anything else.
helps clean up the dished in kitchen, and when done, rejoins his pack and heads to Rattledam with them. Head held higher, a bounce in his step.
Sterlin d20+3=15 d20+9=24 d20+9=27 Saturday March 15th, 2003 10:14:50 AM
Sterlin helps the children who are brave enough to approach the spiders get an oppurunity to pet each of them. He then prepares to leave with the others, though regretfully so.
(sterlin fails spot check, both spiders make spot check if that is relevant)
ADM Mikey Sunday March 16th, 2003 2:59:27 AM
Jakob elbows Trellus. "Heeeeeeey...ow about you get Dancer, ah get Dalakite?" Chuckling, he adds, "An Sterlin gets that brat Jenny. Seems like everyun's satisfied. Anyways, you," tapping Trellus somewhat drunkenly, "carry all the stuff we find. Grym and I tend to rush around, weaving up close...and grass breaks, y'know? Ways, thank you, Chief, and you, and you...and your ladyship, that was great food." He claps Manfri one by one on the shoulders in appreciation, till he's led away by the group, walking away while checking out his bandages. "Dang...well, this'll take a few days. Gil...ye'd better remember sum helpy spells."
The Manfri lead you along, a few scouting ahead, a couple chattering with you excitedly about Rattledam. They're curious about how you guys grow plants, and how much water there is, and all sorts of things. They don't seem overeager, just appreciative. Eventually, you get near the hole. Saying the final farewells, the Chief and his warriors bid you good luck. Silently, you dread this moment... Milo is the first to go, sure that the towering Galafar and probably a dozen other older ones will be watching...but no! There's no Galafar!
You quickly scurry in and manage to kick some dirt and throw a bit of rocks to cover the hole. While Galafar could still punish you, he didn't set up a trap or anything to get you guys REALLY in trouble. Sure, you'll probably get in some trouble...but after meeting the Manfri, succeeding in the quest, and having an exciting adventure.... Jacob sums it up with a simple, "Well, Ah'll see y'all in the morn, prob'ly, when Galabarf wakes us up to punish us. It was worth 't."
You all scatter to the winds, some of you going with each other to your little shared spaces, others to the families you live with or help out. Milo takes the glass grass, and with his cooking utensils at home, manages to make a potent brew that the Black Pack might not enjoy, the but the Blood Pack will savor.
****
[You guys all get a full night's sleep, recovering hit points and such. If you have morning memorization stuff, you get new spells+such. On Monday, we will be introducing a new character and the plot will go on. To give you a taste of what will occur, let's just say... one of you arrives home and finds something missing. Something...or someone. DA DA DA! EVIL MUSIC! Curtain fall and exeunt players for the weekend. :) ]
ADM Mikey d20+3=13 d20+3=7 d20+3=22 d20+3=10 d20+3=11 Monday March 17th, 2003 2:48:33 PM
You start to arrive at the pools the next morning, eager to show off to the Black Pack. Jacob is the first to show up, somewhat lazily hanging out there, usually not having to sleep much due to his half-elven blood. Grymash comes next, eagerly bearing the fruit of your ventures. Gilan and Milo come as a pair, and then comes Anuk and Sterlin.
You guys notice it seems a bit busy. Rattledam has a few new travellers, with carts and wagons slowly coming in. As usual, the children all hang out watching them, even though the adults try to discourage them from getting interested in foreigners. One foreigner, a child, leaves the travellers and goes over to the children, and begins talking to them, curious about the Plains.
The Black Pack shows up then, before Trellus has arrived. Fist comes first, dunking some goofy kid into the water along his way. Malgo slowly makes his way after them, his yellow teeth gleaming, that ugly scar over where his eye should be winking at you guys. Dancer and Dalakite flank him gracefully, one all charm and happiness the other cool mysterious, and Blue, the halfling, checks up on the dunked kid to make sure he's okay, as they're coming along. "Did you piggies get the Glass?" asks Malgo, and then his normally confident smile fades at seeing it. "Grassbaked treadles! ... I guess they did it. All right, the Black Pack is forced to admit you pig-...weavers are somewhat shady." Though Malgo and Fisk are somewhat disappointed, Blue and Dancer seem as cheerful as ever. Dancer even winks at Anuk. Blue takes the brew, and pats Malgo on the back. "Don't worry...we're gonna make a great brew from this and all share it. Tonight, our packs will be friends." As usual, the kind-hearted priest of Domi wholeheartedly means it. Some children who'd watched this happily crowd about you guys, asking what you got, whether they can try out the glass grass, and so on. Blue adds in, "Still, we heard you guys being talked about by a few masters, including Galafar and Malafret. Be careful. We'll see you tonight." They leave to finish the brew.
By now, the time is about breakfast, and you guys have it, then return to the pool, waiting for Trellus. Where is that packmate, you wonder?
Then you hear peels of laughter. "Your name is Flea??" A few of the older kids, not pack members or anything, have surrounded that foreign kid, who you now realize isn't a human at all but probably one of the smaller races. "Your name is totally grassbaked." "She looks like a treadle, with her big nose!" "She's a foreigner, right? Well, foreigners always have lots of water. Let's see how she swims!" "No, don't pick on her! Guys..." A little dwarven girl, crying, tries to stop the bigger youths from it, but one particularly strapping lad somehow manages to push the foreigner into the water, fully clothed! The five youths continue giggling and run off, thinking they got the best of her, while the dwarven girl offers the poor foreigner out of the water. "I think your name...Furtif? is good, and a nickname like Flea is shady. My name's Tarrin, but those treadles all call me Pigtail, 'cause of my hair." She looks ready to cry all over again. "I even changed my hair from the pigtails, but they continue to call me it!"
[Allow me to introduce our newest character, Flea, played by our newest player, Carla! I hope you all can introduce your characters' appearances and hopefully interact with her a little from this post.]
Meanwhile, you guys see Trellus coming from far off.
Trellus Monday March 17th, 2003 3:00:20 PM
The next morning, Trellus is waiting for the others at the dam. He is pacing back and forth with great agitaion, and practically pounces on the first pack members that arrive.
"Dudes! Jenny never went back home! My folks got the whole town looking for her!"
The man paces some more, rapidly rubbing the back of his neck like an overused good luck charm.
"She must have gone out the hole after we left. They'd have found her already if she was still in town. We gotta go back out there and find her!"
The man is practically bubbling over with nervous energy.
(OOC to DM - Trellus memorized a different set of spells this morning. Do I post them here or email them, or how do we handle that?)
Grymash d20+6=26 Monday March 17th, 2003 5:25:21 PM
Grymash roars at the five youths who pushed the newcomer into the water, "HALT YOU SUN-BAKEIN' PIGGIES ... THE EYE OF GARGUL LOOKS AT YOU!!! YOU COME BACK NOW ... OR GRYMASH VISIT YOU WHEN YOU SLEEP!!!"
The grey-skinned half-orc, Grymash, stands tall and foreboding with his arms crossed. His muscles ripple with tension, his eyes turning red. His expression of distaste looks volatile, almost to the point of rage. His voice was loud, deep and sounded much like the growl of a feral beast. (Intimidation check 26, natural 20. gotta love it :)
Grymash in his younger days, once enjoyed picking on the smaller folk for cruel pleasures. However after his time with the orcs and receiving the lash of their constant taunt, he finds the act most repugnant.
Flea Monday March 17th, 2003 7:49:28 PM
Flea comes up spluttering and accepts the youngster's hand and says, with a wink: "Don't worry. I'm okay! Besides, she who laughs last, laughs hardest, eh?"
Stepping from the pool and pushing the wet hair off her face, Flea checks out the approaching group. Clear blue eyes, set in a broad, slightly tanned face, show no fear...only curiousity. Spying the aproned halfling, the gnome's generous mouth breaks into a grin, exposing a gap in the middle of even white teeth.
"Oh, savoury smelling one" she says, inclining her head conspiratorially, and lowering her voice, "do you know of any packs looking to enlist the services of someone, shall we say, 'mechanically inclined'?"
Taking a step back, and bowing to the group, the gnome introduces herself: "I am known by other names in other places, but you can call me Flea."
Spying the anxious cleric, Flea lowers her voice again. "I came in with the traders just this morning. I heard some shouts in the grass, but I was told not to go in. It didn't seem important at the time...."
Gilan Monday March 17th, 2003 9:28:51 PM
Gilan makes his way over to were the newcomer was pushed into the water just a few minutes ago. His blue eyes narrow as he watches the other kids running off and then Gry, yelling after them. He casually flips his black braided hair over his shoulder to hang down his back. "You will have to forgive them...they take lessons from the Black Pack." With a smile he holds out his hand. "The name is Gilan and not speaking for the rest but myself...I think we could use your help."
True to his calling Gilan already has all his gear with him, what little he carries and he runs his hand down his face upon hearing Trellus's words. "That dumb little kid...probably tried trailing us." With a series of low buzzes a pair of wasps appear and hover eagerly by him. He relays the situation to them and sends them off to see what they can find. "I have sent Yinb and Tiev out to see what they can find out."
Glancing around he draws nearer to the group as they come over, he even draws Flea into the talks. "Do we go see the elders then or just head out on our own...seems that our little outing has caused more trouble than for just us." You can tell that he is concerned for the safety of Jenny, she maybe a pest but you care for your packs family too.
[I was also curiuos about the spells and how you wanted them..sent in email or just posted here.]
Anuk Monday March 17th, 2003 10:16:39 PM
"So, how're the spiders this morning, Sterlin?" asks Anuk as they approach the pool. His attention is suddenly drawn away by the approach of Dancer and the Black pack. With more than a little satisfaction, he watches Malgo's expression change at the appearance of the pod. When Dancer catches his eye, his heart nearly skips a beat. "umm...I...uh...ummm...Blood pack...shady...uh..." he says in an attempt to impress her with the pack's victory the night before.
After the Black pack disappears into the distance, Anuk tries to collect his thoughts and plan for his morning. He rummages through his backpack looking for his journal -- gotta draw some images of the rapke and bounders while they're still fresh in his head. Hearing the splash in the pool, he looks up in time to see the small newcomer being helped out by piggie Pigtail. He walks over to her and stands next to Gilan. When he sees a moment to intrude on the conversation, he extends a gloved hand and says, "I'll say...we could always use more help. I'm Anuk. Welcome to Rattledam, little friend."
The news about Jenny hits him hard. He thinks back, wondering how far she could have gotten into the grass before the Barons showed up. "We've gotta get outside...soon. But I think one of us should see the Elders first to find out what they already know. Whoever does that is probably gonna be made to stay behind, though. Hey Flea, you any good at eavesdropping?"
Anuk Monday March 17th, 2003 10:19:32 PM
(ooc: forgot to ask--Anthony, I made that spot check a couple of rounds ago (dc 20 wasn't it?)...what did Anuk spot?)
ADM Mikey Monday March 17th, 2003 10:23:30 PM
[I guess you can choose which you want to do...email the DM/ADM (whoever's in charge at the moment) with your spell list memorized or just post it in the main. It all depends on which is easier for you or how much secrecy you, the player prefer, or how much openness you want to have. Personally, I prefer the email, but either way is fine for me. :) ]
Sterlin Tuesday March 18th, 2003 12:43:55 AM
Sterlin begins to comment on the spiders and then goes silent as he hears of Jenny's disappearance. He feels a bit responsible and the recent victory is quickly forgotten. " We must speak to the elders. Nothing else matters until we find her. "
Jacob Tuesday March 18th, 2003 1:48:59 AM
"Does 'is mean we don' get ta drink with the Black Pack tonight?" Jacob jokes. Not too concerned about Jenny, he adds, "Say, ya see the way that Dancah winked at Anuk? I think we got a bit of a luuuve connection going on." He nudges Sterlin. "...so we talk to the elders, admitt'n we snuck out at night, and then go off to find Jenny...? That probly'll get Galafar all weavy to punish 's...'ll probably blame us for Jenny!"
"Indeed, I will," says a chilly, familiar voice.
Galafar Tuesday March 18th, 2003 1:59:04 AM
"You insolent, disrespecting pups have caused me enough problems to spend the rest of your youth picking grass in the fields. I was actually considering being lenient about your previous behavior, as long as you had only caused problems for yourselves. But now, you have dragged your defenseless younger sister into this. How does that make you feel, to have caused pain to such a fragile, trusting soul? She may be DEAD, by the Pantheon!" He looms at his huge height, waving his arms impressively, fury filling out the veins on his forehead. A somewhat shorter teacher with long black hair and similarly colored eyes comes to join him, as do a few of Galafar's toadies. They listen to his words, and watch you guys for any sign of guilt.
"So, I now ask you, and will only ask you once, to tell me. Where have you led your sister? Did you take her to the plains, to do your little games, and tie her up somewhere? Is she even now hanging on a length of grass, some punishment for an unknown transgression? Come, speak, for your games must cease, this little girl's life is at stake. Where did you Put her?" Apparently, Galafar is about to say more, but suddenly the dark-haired woman whispers to him...(listen check 20 to hear it!)
Abruptly, he storms off, leading his toadies. Usually he just announces punishment...and he didn't even try to find out where Jenny is!
Malafret Tuesday March 18th, 2003 2:06:56 AM
Turning to regard you all with green-eyes and a slightly bemused smile, the dark-haired teacher steps forward and gently places her hands on the shoulders of Flea (a traditional friendly greeting in the Plains). "Welcome to our town, young one. Do not worry about these ones...they are not guilty, as Galafar says. Of that I am sure." She speaks with a sincerity and kindness that belies her age. "One should always deal with the consequences of ones actions oneself, not allowing others to toil to fix what was their responsibility in the first place, even if it means risk." She keeps her eyes on all of you for a full second, then turns and slowly walks away.
Trellus Tuesday March 18th, 2003 8:31:57 AM
Trellus is a human of average height and muscular build. He arrived at the dam ready to go, wearing his half plate armor, carrying a large steel shield in one hand and with heavy mace hanging near his other. Sweat is already sliding down from his blond crewcut and catching in a shield shaped earring in his left ear.
Obviously preoccupied, he barely acknowledges Flea's presence with a quick "hi", until she mentions the shouts in the grass. "Where were they?" he demands.
When Galafar makes his opening statement, Trellus reflexively ducks slightly. However, as the man continues to rant, all signs of yesterday's Trellus fall away.
The cleric becomes very quiet and very still, staring at Galafar with hard eyes. His breathing quickens, and his right hand tightly squeezes the haft of his mace. Trellus is just...barely...restraining himself.
Malafret's intervention breaks the spell, somewhat. The blond man watches her leave, and remains still and silent for a good 30 seconds before turnin and looking at each member of the pack, including Flea. "We need to go," he says flatly.
Grymash d20+6=26 Tuesday March 18th, 2003 12:07:43 PM
Grymash's attentions shifts from the pranksters to the sudden approach of the teachers. With every visit from Galafar comes a tension that always stiffens Grymash's composure. Hearing his accursed words makes his blood boil. His body wants to rage. His veins pound with blood and his teeth grit within his mouth. However his wisdom saves him from producing a response Galafar was trying to create with his unfounded accusations. Both Galafar and Grymash tower over most and they stand there facing one another like two hulking gladiators with grim expressions.
(Listen check 26, another natural 20. What is with these dice!! :)
Then Grymash hears a familiar and most welcome voice from behind. The voice of Malafret. A teacher that he has always respected. Something was need to break the tension. After her words being said to the newcomer, Grymash completely ignors Galafar and turns to respond to Malafret. "As always, your slight touch demands greatest respect." Grymash gives Malafret a slight bow.
Turning back to Galafar, "We the Blood Pack are ready, willing and able to go find Jenny. Grymash is sure you get groups together to hunt her down. If anyone steal Jenny away, they will pay. If not by our hands..." Grymash shows his fist, "they will feel wrath of Gargul!!" Upon mentioning Gargul's name, Grymash opens his fist to show the tattoo of an Eye shaped holy symbol on his palm. "No one can hide guilt from his gaze ... all will answer to Gargul, in this life or after!!"
Gilan Tuesday March 18th, 2003 7:33:28 PM
Gilan absently scuffed his feet in the grass as he listened to Galafar, though his eyes stayed in constant contact with his. You can tell by the way his facial muscles twitch that he has had just about enough of Galafar. The only thing that saves him from trying to do something that would mean serious trouble is Malafret speaking up at that time.
With a bow of respect, Gilan turns to face her. Her speech about taking responsibility for ones actions mirrors his own earlier. "You have all accepted me into this town when my real family was not interested...for that I owe you much." With an even more serious tone he turns to Trellus. "You know that I see you as a brother and that is something even stronger than being a packmate...Jenny is like a little sister." With a quick movement he pulls out his scimitar and flips it over, handing it to Trellus hilt first. "My blade and life are yours to command at this time...brothers to the end." Glancing to each he holds their eyes for several minutes. "That is the same for all of you...how could it be otherwise."
This is the most words that you have ever heard Gilan speak at one time. But to know that he sees you all as real family goes far.
Sterlin Tuesday March 18th, 2003 8:10:12 PM
Sterlin listens respectfully to his elder. He sees the anger in the others eyes, and thinks they need discipline. He is very worried about Jenny, and now is also worried that he may not be accepted into the order.
Flea d20+6=16 Tuesday March 18th, 2003 11:03:01 PM
Flea accepts the proffered hand of first Gilan, and then Anuk. She wonders at the ranger's strange gloved hand. Before she has a chance to satisfy her curiousity, Galafar begins his reprimand.
Flea backs away, attempting to put the imposing tatooed cleric of Gargul between herself and the angry monk. She sees the smaller monk with the green eyes whisper something to the furious Galafar, but she can not hear the words.[Listen =16]
Malafret's reassuring welcome, and encouraging words inspire her to speak up. She turns to Trellus and says: "I never saw anyone, but I can show you the place where I heard the shouts."
Anuk Tuesday March 18th, 2003 11:24:20 PM
When Galafar appears, Anuk retreats to the back of the Pack. No sense in saying something that'll only cause more trouble, and the only way he can see to do that is to keep his distance from the angry monk.
Afterwards, he overhears Flea's offer to show Trellus where the shouting was. "Glad you showed up when you did, Flea. Lead the way."
Jake/Jacob/Jakey/The J-ster/The J-Meister/etc Wednesday March 19th, 2003 12:44:16 AM
Jakob offers Flea a hand. "Name's Jakob. Big guy over there is Grymash, Milo's the cook, Trellus has the missing sister, Gilan's getting all deep and stuff, and Anuk's that 'dude'." Jake grins and shakes the little gnome girl's hand. "Pleasure to meetcha. Lead the way."
ADM Mikey Wednesday March 19th, 2003 1:00:58 AM
Led by your newest member of the pack, you make your way away from the mountains to the gate. As usual, the gate is open during the day, if somewhat cautiously guarded by a few masters. However, you all notice increased passage of groups going out, most of them heavily armed. You even notice the Black Pack going out to look for Jenny. Strange how circumstances like these pull people together. You quickly move through the grass, feeling as though every second counts. Still, it takes a while to get there, and what with the many bugs and the hot sunlight streaming upon you all and the haste of your passage it's a very difficult passage. It will take quite a bit of walking to get to where Flea remembers where the noises occured. (And make a sense direction test, as well, Flea and anyone who has it. DC 12 for Flea, DC 15 for everyone else.)
Trellus d20+5=15 Wednesday March 19th, 2003 8:11:53 AM
(Intuit direction = 15)
Trellus follows Flea and the Blood Pack out the gate. The long walk gives the brooding cleric time to break out of his funk, and he begins to actually notice the rest of the group.
He strides up next to Flea. "Flea, sorry about being so whitefaced. I'm warped pretty tight right now. Many shadows, truly, for helping find my sister," he says earnestly.
Addressing the rest of the group, he announces "Dudes, I still got that sack of stuff from the Manfri. Any ideas how to split it? Just roll for it again?"
Stephen ooc Wednesday March 19th, 2003 9:38:20 AM
(What did Grymash hear when the elder whispered to Galafar, he passed his listen check. What was their response?)
Sterlin Wednesday March 19th, 2003 2:38:02 PM
Sterlin and his spiders move forward with the rest of "blood pack". He makes it a point to approach the newcomer and introduce himself. " Hello, I am Sterlin and it is great to meet you. These two spiders, Ezra and Enoch, are my companions. You have joined us in a time of great need. "
Flea d20-1=17 Wednesday March 19th, 2003 7:50:09 PM
The intense sunlight of the place has dried Flea's clothes, and warmed her body. She passes by the pool and picks up her gear: a simple short sword, servicable backpack, and a short bow.
As she confidently leads the pack [Sense Direction=17], she looks over the members and thinks to herself "I like this ranger,Anuk. I've got to see what he's writing in that book...and what's the story behind the glove?...and Gilan, he seems shy...what experience did these young men share that inspires such depth of feeling?"
She nods in acknowledgement of the welcome she receives from Jakob, and Sterlin, and is glad for the the presence of the clear-eyed cleric at her side. As they leave the gate, she says to Trellus: "I will help you find your sister, that is my pledge."
Anuk d20+6=18 d20+6=21 d20+2=12 Wednesday March 19th, 2003 9:51:38 PM
Anuk moves with the pack through the grass toward their destination (intuit direction 18). He keeps a keen eye roving as they move (spot 21), but the buzz of the insects of the Plains fills his ears (listen 12). The heat of the day beats down on them, but seems to push him forward rather than slowing him down.
ADM Mikey Wednesday March 19th, 2003 11:20:55 PM
It's a bright, beautiful day on the plains, which means its hot, dry, and the grass is somewhat inflexible, but luckily you are sticking to a path that seems beaten quite low. You guys keep a lookout for the dangerous bloodflies, and keep up a steady, fast pace. It's quite exhausting to the little ones, and even Jake finds himself grunting with exertion. "Say...Gilan, can you cure up this wound? I don't want the blood t'attract anythin." The usually staunch half-elf is rubbing some bandages on his side where he was bitten by a Rapke that look sticky.
Grymash d20+3=16 d20+3=19 d20+8=15 d20+8=17 Thursday March 20th, 2003 1:26:18 AM
(Intuit Direction 16, Spot 19, Wilderness Lore 15)
Grymash is finally reunited with his special buckler of Gargul. He felt almost naked without it. He wonders at what he heard Malafret whisper to Galafar. What exactly did she mean by that? It makes him wonder a little but now he is concentrated on the task at hand.
Grymash does notice that Jake is slacking off and notices his wounds. That doesn't look good.
"Jake, stop ... let Grymash see wound." (Heal check 17, checking for poison.) If Grymash detects poison in his wound, he will offer him a Neutralize Poison potion from his backpack and then will hit him with his Cure Light Wounds wand.
Trellus 2d8(1+8)+6=15 Thursday March 20th, 2003 8:41:10 AM
At Jake's words, Trellus looks at him and stops.
"Light! I'm such a treadle." He pulls off his backpack and pulls out a wand. "Gry, we've got this Cure Moderate Wounds wand as well." The cleric stops midway through pulling it out. "Its only got 12 charges, though. We should probably save it for emergencies."
He looks at the rest of the pack. "Is everyone else OK? Sterlin?"
Trellus will check everyone to make sure they're fully healed, and send anyone who's not to Grymash and his "heal stick".
(Trellus used his last two spells last night to fully heal himself).
Sterlin 3d8(3+3+7)+3=16 Thursday March 20th, 2003 9:33:46 AM
" You know Trellus, now that you mention it, I do have a few good wounds from one of those rapke. I will use my cure serious potion though. I certainly hope that Jenny is o.k. "
(16 hitpoints healed)
Gilan d20+6=19 d20+3=4 d20+3=15 Thursday March 20th, 2003 2:32:44 PM
Gilan glances to Jake and makes to move and help him till Gry says he will. With them stopped this gives Gilan a chance to check out the surrounding area for tracks. While standing he uses his ears to listen to the surrounding area and keeps his eyes open for anything out of the ordinary. Not to mention he is awaiting a report from Yinb and Tiev when they should return.
[wilderness lore: 19, listen: 4, spot: 15]
Anuk d20+2=12 d20+6=11 d20+6=19 Thursday March 20th, 2003 4:11:05 PM
Anuk continues to keep his eyes and ears open as they move toward their destination, looking for anything out of the ordinary (Listen 12, Spot 11, Wilderness lore 19).
"Hey, Flea...are we close?"
ADM Mikey d4=3 d8+3=10 Thursday March 20th, 2003 7:33:51 PM
It's a good thing Grymash is checking Jacob for poison, 'cause otherwise, he's not sure he would have found it! Traces of saliva that definitely have hurt muscle mass. Jacob, as is typical for him, yelps and mutters annoyingly while his wound is checked. When he takes the neutralize poison, he seems to be all right, the saliva mystically turning to a puffy vapour before Grymash's eyes. Still, he does need the cure light wounds zap, which helps him out immensely, so that he's good as new. (Jacob, who is usually lazy on purpose, actually had a reason this time. Amazing!) "Thanks, Gry..." he pats the half-orc on the shoulder. Meanwhile, Gilan and Anuk simultaneously realize something and look to each other in dismay. Tracks...hundreds of them. HUNDREDS. There can only be one thing that caused this many tracks...
Sure enough, a bit more walking along the road, and stepping off it into the grass, near where Flea thought she'd heard the noise, you guys discover the entire ranching community of Rattledam at work, the prairie pigs happily oozing along, blind swallows idly fluffing their wings, and the other defenseless animals (cattle, sheep), graze here idly, under the careful watch of the herdsmen. One of them runs up to you guys. "'ey, there...lookin for that lost girl, are ya? Any luck?" "Oh, hey, they're the..um...one of them packs." "Yeah, I rec'nize that un, the un with the Tusks. 'e's a big un, that's fur sure." "An' ey, there's Jake! Jake, wanna help with the piggs?" Jake mutters under his breath, having had to help with the herders more times than he can mention. "So, yungun's, what can we do for ya?"
Flea Thursday March 20th, 2003 8:29:37 PM
Flea shifts her pack, then facing the group, she says: "The shouts came from back there, in the grass. The traders said not to go in. Maybe one of you ranger types can look for unusual tracks?" Looking up at the nearest blackface, she enquires: "You must weave a careful watch out here. Have, you seen any signs of the little girl, Jenny?"
Trellus Friday March 21st, 2003 10:33:02 AM
The young man's face sinks with despair.
"Light!" He sighs. "So we may be weaving in the totally wrong place. And even if we're right, all we'll see is pig!"
Pulling off his backpack, the cleric pulls out his holy symbol and sinks to his knees, with head bowed.
"Domi," he prays, "we seek to protect the innocent, to preserve an innocent from harm. Please send your guidance, and aid us with your holy sight. If we continue to search in this area where Flea heard her voices, will it bring weal, or woe?"
(Augury - DM rolls, percentile role of 73 or lower will bring answer of weal (good result), woe (bad result), weal and woe (both). No result or higher than 73 brings no answer. Sees 30 minutes into future.)
Anuk d20+6=26 d20+6=17 d20+2=5 Friday March 21st, 2003 11:55:52 AM
Anuk scratches his head, disheartened at the sight of the herd. Still, just because the herd is here now doesn't mean Jenny wasn't here before. While Trellus prays, Anuk looks carefully at the ground and surrounding area (Spot 26 - woohoo! Nat 20!). He thinks back on his experiences out in the wild (Wilderness Lore 17) hoping something he sees will make a connection. The noise of the prairie pigs keeps him from hearing much of anything at all, though (Listen 5).
If he finds nothing of interest, then he suggests to the pack, "Perhaps we ought to return to the hole in the wall...she most likely followed us through."
Sterlin d20+9=17 Friday March 21st, 2003 5:29:09 PM
Sterlin begins looking at the area around him and calls upon his druidic knowledge of the plains in an attempt to learn something from any tracks or disturbed areas in the grass that may give clues to Jenny's whereabouts.
(track - wilderness lore roll of 17)
ADM Mikey d100=82 Saturday March 22nd, 2003 1:04:14 AM
(DOH!) Trellus is faced with an uncertain future that he simply can't see. Anuk can't find any tracks, nor can Sterlin, but this is probably mostly due to the prairie pigs. See, Prairie Pigs are not pigs at all. In fact, they are large slugs, some up to the size of a cow, though you've never heard of such large ones growing in the wild. They thrive throughout the plains, from ones the size of a regular slug to the ones the town breeds. They are quite tasty. Jake casually reaches down and strokes one along its back, it snorts happily then continues on its merry way along the grass, leaving a slimy residue that quickly vanishes but also takes with it any tracks.
"Eh...ye're lookin' for the girl? No sign of her, and we've 'ad plenty askin'. Been here since sunrise, and we saw them Travellers pass, come by to the town. Hope you young un's are havin' good luck findin' the poor girl," the friendly herder sincerely says in his lazy drawl. At this point, one creature Flea has never seen before, something between a horse and a giant lizard gator, makes a whiny noise as some herders move it along. It sounds suspiciously like the sound she had heard earlier. Do you guys wish to spend an hour searching the area? (Everyone can thus roll one search check for this area of the plains. :) )
(DM Anthony : A few things I edited sorry Mikey just info you dont have. Sorry. No horses on the plains, the Rapke kill them quick. Prarrie pigs are like giant larva no antenne. And if the Rapto horse thing is a Rapke it cant be here. It is inately evil or wild, they cant be ridden or raised by anyone other than the Barrons, and I dont know what else it would be if its not that.)
Flea d20+9=11 Saturday March 22nd, 2003 8:30:43 PM
Flea scratches her head in bewilderment. She says: "I'm going to go out about 20 ft. beyond this herd towards where I heard the shouting, and see if I can find anything." She looks about(Search=11), however the terrain, and grasses of the plain are unlike anything she has ever seen.
Stephen (Grymash) Monday March 24th, 2003 10:37:15 AM
The spells that Grymash has memorized for the day are:
Milo Monday March 24th, 2003 11:56:28 AM
Milo hangs back with Trellus.
Pulling out a flask, he pours a thimble full in the cup and hands it to Trellus saying: here, drink this, it'll calm your nerves without you losing your edge. When asked, he says it's a concoction he brewed up last night. (ooc in reality, its some booze he swiped from his dad's cupboard)
Trellus Monday March 24th, 2003 1:23:09 PM
Trellus' shoulders sink even further, if possible. He continues kneeling in the dirt, head bowed. "He didn't answer," he murmurs repeatedly.
He mechanically takes the offered drink with a "Many shadows, Milo," and drains it.
"I think Anuk is right," he continues quietly. "She followed us through the hole. Lets go back and start over."
Grymash d20+3=23 d20+6=11 d20+8=18 Monday March 24th, 2003 1:26:22 PM
Grymash sighs in frustration. They were on the trail of Jenny and now the prairie pigs have trampled over (or slimed over) her trail. Also with all the other packs stomping around there may be no more tracks to follow.
Grymash spits at the ground in anger. Insects quickly surround his spital and consume it. Grymash, with his left hand, covers his eyes. With his right hand, (the one with the Gargul "Eye" holy symbol tattoo) he holds his palm out as if to allow the "eye" to look across the area. Grymash begins to pray, "Oh Gargul ... please give us all the blessing of your insight. Help us find Jenny, she is dear to us. If it is to be her time, may you embrace her in your ever loving arms and allow her to rest in paradise. And to those who are responsible for her disappearance we sHaLL HUNT DOWN AND SMASHHH. GRYMASH'S DOUBLE AXE WILL CHOP THEM TO PIECES. THEY WILL BEG MERCY. THEIR BLOODIED CRIES OF PAIN WILL ONLY GOD MY FURY AND FUEL FIRE OF MY RAGE. GRYMASH WILL HACK OFF THEIR FLESH, EAT THEM RAW AND LEAVE THEIR BONES FOR YOUUUU!!! [clears throat] So please, with your infinite wisdom, could you open our eyes, thank you."
With that being said, Grymash opens his eyes and begins to scan the area.
Anuk d20+6=17 d20+6=21 d20+2=11 Monday March 24th, 2003 2:15:36 PM
Frustrated at the lack of clues, Anuk tramps across the flattened area in the direction of the hole they crawled through, until he reaches undisturbed grass. He stops there to wait for the rest of the pack and scans the area for any evidence of Jenny. (spot 17, Wilderness Lore 21, Listen 11)
Sterlin d20+9=28 Monday March 24th, 2003 9:00:16 PM
Sterlin follows Anuk and uses his ability to track as he searches as well. He searches a few feet away so that the two of them cover more area.
(Track (wilderness lore) check: 28
ADM Mikey Monday March 24th, 2003 10:33:49 PM
"Hey, cool it, there, sonny. You're scaring the water away." The rancher shakes his head in astonishment. Another pipes up, "We've already had packs come by, and we've already looked through the area. No girls here. But good luck finding them! Maybe you should ask old far-seeing Art. He used to be a good tracker, I hear." "Nah, old Art has the eyes of a bat now." "Hey, watch your mouth. Anyways, he knows the plains like I know my fair Ophelia." The rancher proceeds to make a few comments that would make a troll blush, provoking laughter and clapping from most of the ranchers, including Jake. It reminds you of a common tale about how a sailor once ended up in rattledam and found a home among the sailors. "Anyways, you boys should go where ya please. But look out for them bloodflies. They're nasty today." Seeing your sad looks, one adds, "Hey, good luck on finding that Jenny. I hear she's a gem in her mother's eye."
(It will take at least one GM post to get to the outside of Rattledam where the hole is, so save your tracking rolls for then. Unless you want to slow your speed by half and take two GM posts, and spend time searching along the way. :) Keep in mind that there will be some modifiers from other people passing and such...)
Jake pats Flea on the back if she looks sad at not having found the girl. "Hey, it's okay...heck, I sometimes can't tell the difference between the prairie birds and Trellus' sister."
Flea Tuesday March 25th, 2003 12:17:09 AM
Flea looks down at her feet, to hide her chagrin at not finding any trace of the lost girl. She is worried about Trellus, and glad to see Milo looking after him.
She looks up at Jake,and then nodding in Trellus' direction says: "This is tearing up his reeds."
Spying Anuk and Sterlin as they make for Rattledam, she beckons Jake to follow, and trots after them.
Milo Tuesday March 25th, 2003 10:00:22 AM
agrees with Trellus about starting the look at the hole. then follows after him when he starts heading that way.
Hunting For The Girl
Trellus Tuesday March 25th, 2003 10:45:00 AM
Sensing general agreement, Trellus gets up and trudges for the hole in the wall.
His face is expressionless.
Anuk Tuesday March 25th, 2003 3:47:12 PM
As the pack moves on, Anuk walks up alongside Trellus. "I'm sorry, man...we'll find her though...we'll find her..." He hopes to offer some kind of comfort, but the look on Trellus' face tells him it's probably not working.
Calling out in a louder voice, he says "Anyone know where Art is these days?"
Sterlin Tuesday March 25th, 2003 8:59:59 PM
Sterlin follows Trellus's lead. Saying not a word as he continues towards the hole. He is doing his best to stay positive, but his mind keeps drifting towards the worst.
Gilan Tuesday March 25th, 2003 9:14:50 PM
Gilan follows along wondering if maybe his wasps got lost or the like, but mostly he is worried about finding Jenny. Why did she always have to be so curious and follow them around all the time. Absently to himself he mutters. "We have to find her...I will never forgive myself if we don't."
ADM Mikey Wednesday March 26th, 2003 12:18:03 AM
Amidst much trudging and drudgery, you guys skirt along the wall until you get to the somewhat familiar spot where the rock was on the other side. Or at least you think it is. After all, you see some dug up dirt next to the wall, partially shaded by grass, and that seems pretty familiar...
[Here, you can all attempt search checks, DC 10 to find your own group, DC 15 to attempt to find the more difficult telltale signs of someone else following you so you can attempt to track her at -2, DC 20 to realize that it was about a girl's height and to be able to track along her path without penalty, DC 25 to recognize the way she walks, and get a +2 bonus on future tracking for her.] Here, at least, it's easy...but as you guys look through the path you've made through the grass, heading west, it looks like following her will get a little difficult. Plus, while the area south of town is pretty familiar to you all, this area is a little wild. Hence, all sorts of things, (from Manfri to Rapkes to Glass Grass!) can be found in this area.
[Any bard or person with a Knowledge: Local skill can make a DC 12 check to remember where Art lives.]
Gilan's wasps flutter about, buzzing about him. They have not had any luck in finding the girl, and they flew all around the outskirts of town.
Trellus d20+2=15 Wednesday March 26th, 2003 11:24:33 AM
Once at the hole, Trellus gives the rangers, rogues, barbarians, and druids room to search the area. (ie - everybody else :))
As he waits, he does look around a bit to see if he can find anything familiar looking(search 15). "What's this?" he asks, pointing out a small trail that diverges from the rest.
Grymash d20+23=41 d20+19=23 d20+28=42 d20+24=38 Wednesday March 26th, 2003 12:43:17 PM
Grymash takes his time in scanning the area for the slightest clue.
(Taking 20 for each search. That translates into 2 minutes for each. Spot 41, Search 23, Wilderness lore 42, Listen 38)
ADM Mikey Wednesday March 26th, 2003 2:20:50 PM
(Heh. On taking 20, what you do is basically instead of rolling the die, you use the 20 as the base. Add in any modifiers, from skill ranks, race, abilities, or whatnot. So, Grymash, your rolls would probably (if I can do the math right?) be Spot 23, Search 19, Wilderness Lore 28, and Listen 24. hope that helps others see what they got too.)
Stephen ooc Wednesday March 26th, 2003 2:42:42 PM
(yeah your right ... my bad!!)
Anuk Wednesday March 26th, 2003 3:18:02 PM
"Okay then...let's see what we can find here..." Anuk takes a moment to scan the area, and then begins a methodical search for any sign of Jenny's trail.
Gilan Wednesday March 26th, 2003 6:12:27 PM
Gilan simply nods as the wasps return and report that they found nothing in the general area. With a shrugs he takes great care and time to search around the area and see what he can find.
*Spells* 0th: create water, cure minor wounds-2, detect poison
1st: cure light wounds, entangle, summon nature's ally I
Flea Wednesday March 26th, 2003 9:03:00 PM
Flea takes her time carefully searching the area, a terrain new and unfamiliar to her, (Search=29). She uncovers a trail that appears to be made by a small person, a single individual, a human female.
Calling to Anuk and Gilan, and shyly looking up at the big half-orc, Grymash, Flea says; " I have searched and found signs of what appear to be a young human female. Alas, I am no tracker, and I am unfamiliar with the Plains. Can any of you more familiar with the girl, and with this Land read these tracks?"
ADM Mikey d20+4=6 Thursday March 27th, 2003 6:14:02 AM
After much searching, you all are quite satisfied that a girl has come through here, separate from the group, and yet headed in the same direction. Which leads to a quandry. Grass in the plains is rather resilient. It quickly springs back to its usual self. Although here it was easy to find the footprints, from this point on only those with both tracking and the appropriate skill will be able to find the trail (though at a temporary +2 modifier!).
Very slowly, you make your way through the plains, attempting to follow the path of the group, and yet trying to watch for a smaller disturbance in the grass. It's incredibly difficult. As you progress, the grass gets taller and taller. Or perhaps you're getting smaller and smaller...?
You remember weaving around this particular patch of grass last night. Did Jenny go inside? (No taking 20 on this one, I'm afraid... :( ) Jacob seems lost. "Bro's, it's sure different during tha day."
Sterlin d20+9=20 Thursday March 27th, 2003 8:29:57 AM
Sterlin continues attemping to find a trail.
(20 on track/wilderness lore check. Also as a note, it doesn't make any sense to me to be able to take 20 on listen or spot. Spot is something you just notice or you don't, taking 20 makes it a search. Taking 20 on listen assumes any noise lasts that long.)
Milo Thursday March 27th, 2003 11:17:10 AM
as soon as we leave in to the plains from the hole, Milo goes on alert. while everyone's attention is on looking for Jenny, (rightly so) Milo is looking out for signs of creatures of the plains or anything that might try and suprise us.
Milo d20+3=10 d20+5=14 Thursday March 27th, 2003 11:31:36 AM
(spot check of 10) (search check of 14)
Spells memorized for the day 0 lvl Daze x2 Ray of Frost Resistance
1 lvl Mage Armor Sleep Cause Fear
2 lvl Glitterdust x2
Trellus d20+4=20 d20+5=10 Thursday March 27th, 2003 11:39:47 AM
Knowing full well he can't track, Trellus also keeps a watch on the surrounding area, watching and listening for unwelcome visitors.
(Listen 20, Spot 10)
Stephen ooc. Thursday March 27th, 2003 1:30:30 PM
(Kevin [sterlin] taking 20 with Spot and Listen is valid. The idea behind this "Taking 20" concept is that out of 20 rolls of a d20 you will eventually roll a 20 [on average]. A person can make a Spot check every round. So therefore, taking 20 means 2 minutes of time, which translates into 20 rounds. Taking 20 merely allows a player not to go through the monotony of rolling the d20 twenty times. In character terms, "Taking 20" is like a PC standing guard. When he looks out over an area for several minutes, he has a greater chance of spotting a shadow trotting by in the bushes. Also if you stop, put your hand to your ear and concentrate to listen you might hear the muffled cries of someone in the distance. Thus endeth the lesson.)
Kevin Thursday March 27th, 2003 2:39:18 PM
(ooc: i understand that, but still disagree)
Anuk d20+8=22 Thursday March 27th, 2003 4:31:11 PM
"Good find, Flea. Now we've got a trail...we've just gotta follow it." He turns to Jake, "Yeah, it does look different, but we'll find her. We'll find her." Anuk repeats this mantra to himself as he begins the task of carefully examining and following the trail Jenny left behind.
Grymash Thursday March 27th, 2003 5:56:46 PM
An idea sparks in Grymash's fragile mind! "Do any of our shady critter friends have strong snouts. We might lose tracks and need to smell a trail. Trellus ... you have anything of Jenny's? All Grymash smells is me."
Gilan 2d20(7+10)+3=20 d20+3=17 d20+3=12 Thursday March 27th, 2003 6:44:00 PM
Looking to Gry he nods his accent with his friends thoughts. "I have a spell that would give us us of a tracker for awhile at least." He waits to see if anyone wants him to summon up something that could help them in the tracking process.
He echoes Anuk's earlier words with a shake of his head. "We will find her....we must."
[Ignore the first roll, it was an experiment.]
[spot: 17, listen: 12]
Flea d20+6=17 d20+5=13 Thursday March 27th, 2003 7:36:11 PM
Flea reaches a hand to the small of her back, and takes comfort from the confirmation that 3 very sharp daggars are firmly tucked in their special sheath hanging off her belt. She tucks in behind Anuk, nodding to him: "Lead on, Ranger!"
The gnome listens hard (Listen=17), and keeps her eyes open wide for anything that would appear out of the ordinary (Spot=13). The tall grasses make her feel very small indeed.
(OOC: Kevin, I'm with you on 'spot and 'listen'. Taking 20 doesn't seem right.)
ADM Mikey Friday March 28th, 2003 3:52:55 AM
After much deliberation and care, you decide that Jenny definitely did not go off the path much, into the area. It's a good thing, because the area looks like the den of some creature. Anyways, you make a detour about the area, and continue on the path. In a short while, you come to the same area where you found the glass grass the night before. Strange how short of a time it's been... You're pretty sure she didn't go into the patch after you, but here the tracks start to deviate, especially as your trail heads slightly off the way you came. (Another track to follow Jenny's spot...with a +2 bonus for all trackers. Feel free to make listen/spot checks, too. :) )
Milo d20+7=25 Friday March 28th, 2003 10:41:57 AM
upon coming to the glass grass, Milo starts listening for any sounds of predators and for Jenny. (Listen check: 25)
Trellus d20+4=11 d20+5=14 Friday March 28th, 2003 11:13:53 AM
Trellus waits on the trackers, while scanning the area.
(Listen 11, Spot 14)
Sterlin d20+11=18 Friday March 28th, 2003 7:58:23 PM
Sterlin continues tracking, but doesn't do quite as well as usual.
Flea d20+6=18 d20+5=7 Saturday March 29th, 2003 8:17:52 AM
The gnome continues to listen hard (Listen=18) and look about (Spot=7) but is distracted by the unusual glass grass. Some of it is thick and yellow, some of it appears dry and brittle. She looks at Anuk, and enquires: "What is this plant? Is it dangerous?" She reaches out to touch...
Anuk d20+8=23 Saturday March 29th, 2003 10:33:18 AM "Whoa, Flea!! Not shady! Not shady!" Anuk quickly reaches out and pulls back the gnome's hand before she disturbs the delicate stalks. "Sorry about that. It's just that this stuff'll come down on you, me, and everyone else around here and turn us into a nice filling for one of Milo's meat pies, ya know? When glass grass shatters, it's like having a 30-foot broken window fall down on you. Sorry I didn't think to warn you before...I'm kinda occupied with this Jenny thing...we all are. What am I saying?...you know that. Still...shouldn't forget my manners." He smiles awkwardly with embarrasment. "Welcome to the Plains, eh?"
He casts a long, slow look around the area and sees the trail made by the pack the previous night. "Sterlin, did we go this way last night?" he asks. "I'm a little fuzzy on what happened between getting the pod and the fight at the rock. Those look like our tracks, but I don't think Jenny followed us that way. What do you think?"
ADM Mikey d20+5=6 Saturday March 29th, 2003 8:29:41 PM
(Ugh, boy does Jake suck on his tracking today. :P ) "I can' find anythin, mahself." Jacob sighs. He's been sticking to the back of the group, watching for anyone following or any side trails. You've come up to the area where you first got into a mad panic. All of you took off running...west, you're pretty sure. There's so many sets of tracks, and only a few obvious (like Milo's or Grymash's), that it's somewhat difficult to tell. As you continue following Jenny's, you encounter the crisscross tracks of the gigantic Rapke and the many manfri. There's so many tracks, it's a confusing area.
But Anuk's sharp eyes do find one thing. It's a strange, familiar brown and yellow color commonly used in Rattledam. He goes into the grass a little ways and comes upon one of Jenny's shoes...along with the obvious passage of a Rapke, following after her trail.
[The rest of you guys just see a lot of trampled glass in this area (Except for Sterlin, who finds many different tracks), and then Anuk picking up a very familiar looking shoe.]
Gilan Saturday March 29th, 2003 9:03:14 PM
Gilan watches the area as those that can track fan out to see what they can find. He takes time to lool over the many tracks left behind and inwardly shudders. Rapke tracks...not them again...he could not help but wish for some needed help from the manfri again. When he notices that Anuk has found on of Jenny's shoes he makes his way over to him and smiles. "At least we are on the right track."
Pointing to the rapke tracks though he shakes his head again. "Seems that we are not the only ones." Glancing to the others and then to the shoe he waves Sterlin over to him and Anuk. "Give me a few minutes...we should be able to get a good scent off that shoe." With that said Gilan falls into a low chant that gets stronger as he progresses.
[summon nature's ally I: for a tracking dog*if appropriate*]
Milo Sunday March 30th, 2003 3:31:56 AM
when the group is shown Jenny's shoe, and the sign of a Rapke going in the same direction that she went, Milo's first reaction is to comfort Trellus saying: she is ok Trell, that sister of yours always gets out of a scrape, and somehow, we all know she will find a way of getting the blame on you. besides, if the Manfri found us, what's to say some of the other Manfri didnt find her as well. matter of fact, with all the Manfri around these parts lately, I wouldnt be suprised if she hasnt fanagled a way into become an honorary Manfri like we did. ( Milo will stay by Trellus' side, reassuring him from time to time, when it seems like he is starting to waver )
Trellus d20+4=10 d20+5=18 Monday March 31st, 2003 8:47:44 AM
Trellus' jaw sets even tighter when he sees the Rapke trail following Jenny.
He blinks a bit at Milo's comment. "Shades. The Manfri. The Manfri could have her."
Clinging to that thought, he continues to follow Anuk and Sterlin, while watching the grass.
(Listen 10, Spot 18)
DM Anthony Monday March 31st, 2003 10:50:00 AM
Seeing the shoe and the Rapke tracks puts everyones heart in your throat. In fact the two things simply mean that she is dead. There is no hope. There will be no body. No evidence that she ever exsisted. Dispare seems to wash over all of you. She was an incredably beautiful and kind little girl, even if anoying. The tears sting from your heart to your eyes. As the only thing thats seems worth doing is turning and going home movement is heard in the grass coming toward you. Turning around you watch in amazement as the grass parts by is self. Suddenly standing before you is a tall elf. His hair and eyes look just like the Manfri. White hair and deep eyes that seem to have no pupils. He looks at all of you one at a time in a silent contemplative way and the crosses to Sterlin. Lifting the lads chin he looks deeply into his eyes. Then smiling the elf wispers. "Soon my lad, soon you will feel the true call, soon it will sing to you." He then takes a dagger from his waist and places it in Sterlins hand. Then looking at the rest of you the strange elf says "Loose no hope yet, the girl yet lives. Walk 150 strides straight and tehn stop or you will meet the fate of the souless." then turning back to sterling he smiles and says "soon" then he stares at the grass ahead of hiim and his body goes slightly distant and strange, the grass parts for him and off he goes. Looking at the knife in Sterlins hand it is a simple dager made from steel grass. It is unremakable in every way but one. It is the only weapon ever held by Sterlin that ever felt "right"
Milo Monday March 31st, 2003 4:24:28 PM
wiping a tear from his eye he turns to Trellus and says: see, what did I tell you.
Milo looks at everyone, then begins walking straight ahead, countin softly but loud enough for the group to hear him: 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . etc.
Trellus d20+4=12 d20+5=15 Monday March 31st, 2003 4:38:40 PM
"A Walker", Trellus breathes after the encounter. "Totally shady."
Even with the load of his sister's safety on his mind, the man can't help but grin as Milo starts counting off.
"Dude," he remarks, "maybe someone more the Walker's size should count the paces."
The cleric follows whoever (Sterlin?), keeping his eyes and ears open.
(Listen 12, Spot 15)
Flea d20+6=24 d20+5=18 Monday March 31st, 2003 9:35:50 PM
Bright blue eyes peer out from behind the taller members of the pack as Flea checks out the stranger Trellus calls "A Walker". She casts a quick appraising glance at the steel grass dagger in Sterlin's hand, then takes her place behind the pack's trackers. The gnome's pointed ears are tuned to the slightest sound (Listen=24), as she keeps an eye out for anything unusual in the tall grass (Search=18).
Anuk d20+6=26 Tuesday April 1st, 2003 12:06:13 AM
Anuk looks at the shoe in his hand and then mournfully at Trellus, the hope disappearing from his heart. He is startled out of his sadness by the appearance of the walker, and listens intently to the elf's words. 150 paces! That's all and then they'll know what to do! But, to go straight in the grass is a difficult thing. Still, he thinks he knows how to keep the pack on the path (intuit direction 26 - natural 20!).
"Didn't the manfri give us a word to part the grasses? What was it?...'sala' thide'? Something like that." He pauses for a moment, considering the exchange he just witnessed between the elf and the young monk. "Sterlin, I think maybe you oughta lead the way on this one. After what I just saw I think you've got the gift, my friend. You know, I always figured you'd go walker on us some day...I just didn't realize it was gonna be such a good thing," he says with a smile.
Jacob Tuesday April 1st, 2003 12:44:55 AM
Jacob sighs, when the shoe appears. Little girls shouldn't die...really. But then this guy appears out of the blue...it's quite amazing to him. He keeps his mouth shut, not letting any wisecracks escape, especially as the others are quite impressed. "Eh, nah, that words fer meeting the Manfri at their rocks. y'know...password type." He looks at Sterlin, somewhat uncomfortable at the thought of him becoming a walker.
DM Anthony Tuesday April 1st, 2003 10:11:58 AM
Milo soon realizes that he needs to doubble his paces to stay with the Walkers singles.
Trellus stays right with Milo helping count paces.
Flea scans the dense jungle of grass that has swallowed you all.
Anuk feels he gan guide you all straight unerringly, but as soon as he says the word he rembers it wasnt a password through the grass, it was a password to be allowed into the Manfri Tadous, it names you friend of the Manfri.
75 paces latter Milo and Trellus stummbble out into a small clearing in the grass. The ground seems to bubble up from below, as if something was pushing up from underneath. Suddenly Trellus foot slips and a small poping sound is heard and the "bubble" seems to start to lowwer. Then you can smell it, WATER. The smooth sweet smell of it wafting through the air, making you smile as it drifts out into the grass. Pure clear watter bubbling up to pool at your feet, the smell drifting away on the brisk wind....
Jake Tuesday April 1st, 2003 12:37:38 PM
Jake immediately gets on his knees. "Pack, we struck water!" [just replace water with gold for good effect ;) ]. "A free spring, outside a Rattledam? Geez...no, wait, this must be part of Rattledam! Ah bet it'san underground spring, like, connected with Rattledam's. It's too close not ta be. Or maybe..." Jacob shakes his head, looking at the water, a source of inestimable wealth to his Plains-accustomed eyes.
Sterlin Tuesday April 1st, 2003 2:56:52 PM
Sterlin who has been a bit speechless, looks to everyone. " Water? Here? It seems I have more to learn from the plains. Blood pack, I do yearn to become a walker soon, however right now I only want to find Jenny. As a pack we will do just that. "
Anuk d20+6=10 Tuesday April 1st, 2003 3:08:14 PM
Anuk's eyes shift left and right (spot 10). He's nervous at the appearance of the water and the unwelcome visitors it will likely bring. "This must be a new spring...I don't see enough tracks around here to show that it gets used often." He draws his bow and nocks an arrow. "Flea, another Plains tip for you...water is good, but everyone and everything out here wants to claim it for their own. And they're willing to fight--and maybe die--for it." He pauses as he continues watching the area around them. "Anyone see any sign that Jenny's been here?"
MikeDidThis (Anuk) Tuesday April 1st, 2003 3:10:49 PM
(OOC: Welcome back, Anth. And Mikey, great job filling in! Thanks!)
Trellus d20+4=8 d20+5=25 Tuesday April 1st, 2003 3:25:06 PM
Trellus responds quickly to Anuk, "We're only halfway there. Let's weave fast before we get a lot of company."
He scans the area intently.
(Listen 8, Spot 25 (nat 20))
Grymash (nervous, total defense) d20+3=13 d20+6=12 d20+8=16 Tuesday April 1st, 2003 4:13:34 PM
Grymash's eyes go wide and nervious .."IS YOUR BRAIN PAN BOILING ... GET MOVIN!!!! Water smell fills air all around. The creepers are COMING .... MOVE MOVE!!!"
He holds his buckler up in a defensive posture. His head shifts quickly back and forth looking and listening for the onslaught of creepy crawlies! If nobody starts to move he will start to push the others forcefully and will pickup the halfling if need be to herd them away from the water.
(Spot 13, Listen 12, Wilderness lore 16)
Gilan d20+3=6 d20+3=12 Tuesday April 1st, 2003 8:27:42 PM
The appearance of a walker comes a slight surprise to Gilan, but not an overly big one. After all they had just met some manfri yesterday so why not a walker as well. As they move off to follow the trail indicated to them he keeps his feelings to himself and hopes that Jenny is ok.
With the appearance of water his eyes go wide, not in shock but in horror. This is not a good thing to have happen at this time. He knows that they need to move and move face...water here is like a pheremone to almost everything on the plains. "Follow Gry's advice and move pack...this water will be the death of us otherwise."
He starts moving on trying to get himself out of the area as safely as he can. He will follow Gry and guide the others to get moving.
[spot: 6 and listen: 12]
Flea d20+6=10 d20+5=9 Tuesday April 1st, 2003 10:19:40 PM
All 3 ft. 3 inches of the gnome's body tenses when the big half-orc assumes a defensive posture. Flea draws her short sword, and says in a low voice: "Guys! Keep your eyes on the prize! Let's go get Jenny. We can always come back here later." She presses forward after Anuk. The sound of the wind in the grasses fills her ears (Listen=10) and the grass all starts to look the same (Spot=9).
Jacob d20+6=17 Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 1:43:01 AM
Jacob does want to rush away, but is really interested in this water. He cautiously sniffs it...is the grass around it dying? Is it poisonous? He sticks a bit of a scabbard into it to test how deep it is... cautiously watching it. Maybe something's inside it! You never know.
Jacob d20+6=17 Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 1:43:15 AM
(Oh, the 17 is my knowledge: nature checK)
DM Anthony Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 9:50:56 AM
To those looking it seems as if there was some sort of bladder under the ground that burst when it was steped on. It is now leaking out above ground. No one of you has ever heard of such a thing, but then in Rattledam you dont talk about outside, the plains would be part of that. However seconds after the water smell hits your nose, other noises asult your ears. What sounded like a rustling breeze and then a buzzing in the air, the grass is moving violently all about. A feast has just been searved and you are standing ankle deep in it. Water soaking up you clothing, covering you in the life giving moisture. The Plains are suddenly alive with the noise of things coming for the treasure soaking into the ground. They will be here soon, and they WILL smell the water on you.
Trellus Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 12:55:34 PM
Trellus lets loose a quick giggle in response to the mind-numbing series of disasters the fates are flinging their way.
"Run!" he shouts, as he skirts the bladder and then plunges into the grass toward where Jenny should be. Silently he keeps his pace count as he moves determindedly to his sister.
Milo Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 3:13:42 PM
runs around the water, hoping to regain the direction the group was following before. then runs even faster.
Flea Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 7:45:55 PM "This is the second time today" thinks Flea, remembering the soaking in the fountain earlier that morning.
She continues to press ahead towards the lost girl, following the trackers of the pack.
Anuk Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 10:12:01 PM "Move! Go! Go!!" Anuk urges the Blood pack forward as fast as they can go, hoping they'll find some kind of protection when they reach their destination. His feet feel damp and he realizes the water has soaked into his boots. "We may have to shed some clothes before this is over."
Sterlin Wednesday April 2nd, 2003 10:20:45 PM
Sterlin moves ahead with the Blood Pack. He is both excited by his movement through the grass which just feels right to him and fearful of what follows and may stop them or slow them in their search for Jenny.
The spiders move quickly at Sterlin's side.
Jacob Thursday April 3rd, 2003 12:58:43 AM
"Woah!" Jacob chases after them, as usual the last person. He strides, easily keeping up, but not wanting to overtake anyone, a sword in hand. Just in case one of the others trips, he's there to help push them up and onwards... "Hey, not to sound discouraging, but that Walker guy led us right into this mess!"
Grymash d20+3=14 d20+6=17 d20+8=14 Thursday April 3rd, 2003 1:41:21 AM
Grymash continues to hussle away from the water toward their destination (his movement is 40/80). However he has enough mind to make sure he doesnt allow himself to get too far ahead from his pack that he doesnt see them anymore.
(Spot 14, Listen 17, Wilderness Lore 14)
DM Anthony Thursday April 3rd, 2003 10:44:10 AM
As the party rushes head long through the dense grass, pushing and shoving it out of the way they hear the great buzzing of water flies roused from their hibernation to come to the water as well as the sparrows come to feast on the flies, and the larger animals to feast on the birds. Counting as you run is difficult and you think you are keeping track when suddenly you burst into another clearing however this one is made up of a huge hole dropping into the earth.
(Reflex, or Tumble Saves DC 12 To grab the grass and keep from flying in. If you fail another check of DC 16 to grab onto something. Fail that and a third check DC 20 to avoid something unplesant.)
Trellus d20+1=17 Thursday April 3rd, 2003 11:29:46 AM
"Light! Look out!" Trellus cries as he breaks into the clearing.
The cleric throws himself to the ground to stop his momentum and grabs tightly to the grass.
(Reflex save - 17)
Milo d20+3=8 d20+3=17 Thursday April 3rd, 2003 1:34:24 PM
stumbling in to the next clearing he trips over Trellus on the ground and goes flying towards the hole. with all his being he reaches out in an attempt to grab something as his fingers tounch another object. grasping this object tightly with all his strength, he holds on until he can be rescued.
Flea d20+8=20 Thursday April 3rd, 2003 6:13:26 PM
Flea sees Milo go over the edge and swerves quickly(Tumble=20) to avoid Trellus sprawled on the ground. Shouting "STOP! STOP!" she quickly drops her pack and starts digging around for her coil of rope.
Sterlin d20+3=19 Thursday April 3rd, 2003 6:33:10 PM
Sterlin comes to a halt at the edge , somehow manageing to grab ahold of grass.
Gilan d20+2=10 d20+2=7 d20+2=9 Thursday April 3rd, 2003 11:52:08 PM
Gilan continues his flee with the others through the grass. He never notices that anyone has stopped in front of him or even the big hole in the clearing. With a last ditch effort he tries to stop and then flailing his arms he falls over the side. "Shhhhiiiiiiiii......"
With no luck he grabs at some of the grass and roots that are sticking out, only to have his hands slip. At one point he finds a root in his hand and thinks that he has been saved only to have it snap and continue his plummet. "Bbbbbyyyyyyyyyyeeeeeeee........."
[Gilan's Last Will and Testiment: I leave all my gear to my pack. My ring and the ribbon given to me by my love is to be given back to her. Gilan DeKasparl EnVosh]
Anuk d20+5=25 Friday April 4th, 2003 12:17:16 AM
Anuk sees the hole in time and comes to a halt(reflex 25). He feels someone brush his clothes and turns in time to see a figure plummet into the hole. "Gilan!!"
Grymash d20+2=7 d20+2=20 Friday April 4th, 2003 1:48:55 AM
(Reflex 7 failed, 2nd Reflex 20 )
"HA-MAUGH! ARRISH BOYRD YAAAAHHH!!!!," screams Grymash as the shock and surprise of the sudden hole in the ground reverts his words back to Orcish. Being so heavy and moving so swift, his wet feet slide across the grass. He can't help but go over the edge. (Ref 7)
Acting on pure instinct and desperation, Grymash lodges his axe into ground. Thankfully it holds on and he dangles there hanging precariously over the edge. (Ref 20)
Grymash's feet dig into the side of the hole trying to find a foothold. He yells down into the hole ... "GILAN, GILAN (axe handle gives a little) umf ooh, gilan!!"
Jacob d20+4=20 Friday April 4th, 2003 5:24:38 AM
Jacob jumps back as everyone scitters near the edge and blinks...he whirls around, his sword out, intent on making a last stand on any creatures coming after them...grabbing his cloak to pull it around him from the insects...
DM Anthony d100=3 d6=2 d6=6 d6=6 Friday April 4th, 2003 9:52:47 AM
Trellus comes to a halt feet dangling over the edge and watches as Milo sails off into sapce but at the las minute the halfling grabs ahold of Trellus's legs, clutching for dear life.
Sterlin and Flea mannage to grab grass and each other to keep from plunging into the hole.
Grymash barely lodges his axe in the earth and hangs over the edge of the whole.
Jacob stops in time hearing Flea's screams and turns the other way.
Anuk watches in horror as Gilan fails to stop. For a moment Anuk sees Gilan hang in mid air franticaly grasping for purchace on anything. It would almost seem comical except for the shear painc and fear dripping from Gilan's face. then Gilan plumets into the hold and is heard hitting something solid moments latter. A sound like a dry bundle of branches snapping drifts up and then the screams of Gilan. Quickly your eyes adjust to the dark of the hole and looking down you see Gilian. The hole is only about 30 feet or so deep but there is a large pile of sharp rocks and skree at teh bottom. Gilians leg is clearly broken, twisted backwards and under at an impossible angle, another piece of scree has punched through his back and is sticking out of his shoulder. He is alive, for now, but only knows pain and screaming.
(14 dam Gilian)
Trellus Friday April 4th, 2003 12:57:56 PM
Trellus swings his legs (and Milo) back over onto solid ground.
"Hold on, Gilan!" he yells, "We're coming!"
He rips open his belt pouch and pulls out a potion. "I've got a Spider Climb potion," he says, "I'll get Gilan out."
"Jake and Sterlin, help Gry. Everyone..." he catches his breath, "We got critters in the water, maybe critters in the hole, and Jenny's around here somewhere. Keep shuttlecocked."
Trellus drains the potion, and looks for the best way down.
Anuk Friday April 4th, 2003 2:00:13 PM
"Gargul help him," thinks Anuk. Thinking the situation over, he quickly removes his wet boots and throws them as far into the grass as he can, hoping to divert some of the oncoming horde. Then, he draws his swords and turns away from the hole to face anything that might come their way while Trellus helps Gilan. "Anyone got any ideas on how to keep the critters at bay? There's gonna be blood down there and that's nearly as good as water to these things."
(ooc: what's the ground like for the plains? Is Anuk walking barefoot over sharp rocks or smooth-packed earth?)
Sterlin Friday April 4th, 2003 9:29:15 PM
Until Trellus says otherwise, Sterlin trusts him to get Gilan. He turns and faces the opposite direction of the hole prepared to fight if required. " I hope nothing shows up. "
Flea Friday April 4th, 2003 11:04:22 PM
Having located the 50' coil of rope in her pack, the gnome looks up just as Gilan disappears into the pit.
"Trellus! Don't weave too fast! I've got a good rope, and I'll climb down with you." She looks about for the powerful Grymash, and calls out: "Hey, Big Guy. We're going to need your strength to get Gilan out."
Flea is nervous about the packs vulnerability, but calms down when the ranger and the druid take up their positions.
Turning to Trellus, Flea says: "I do not have the power to heal, do you? If you can heal Gilan up a bit, we will all have a better chance of getting out of this pit of peril alive!"
Jacob Saturday April 5th, 2003 12:19:45 AM
"Forget gettin' out, lez get down there, 'way from tha smell! Everyun, down tha hole, fast as ya can!" Jacob drawls, as usual, but there's a slight urgency to his tone.
Gilan Sunday April 6th, 2003 12:32:02 AM
From the bottom of the hole Gilan looks back up to see some of the pack looking down. He is unable to concentrate for long though as the pain that he is feeling cuts into everything. One thing penetrates his giant cloud of pain and that is the need to survive.
Grymash d20+4=14 d20+4=11 Monday April 7th, 2003 2:15:02 AM
Grymash's muscles strain as he tries to lift himself and climb out of the side of the hole. (Climb check 14, Strength check 11)
"Little help please ... UMMPP!!"
DM Anthony Tuesday April 8th, 2003 10:00:25 AM
Trellus after downing the potion quickly sees a way down. It will be a bit tricky but the potion will help. (Climb Check DC 8)
Anuk finds himself standing on the small grass. Dried pointy little blads that havent grown into the monstrous stalks that surround you. They are a bit uncomfortable but not painful.
Sterlin prepares for......
Flea uncoils her rope and prepares to lower herself into the hole.
Jacob drawls out the request to retreat down the hole.
Gilan continues to scream and moan, but he dose see you all coming.
Grymash with Fleas help pulls himself up and out of the hole.
The buzzing to the noth has become a steady drone.
Trellus (Spider Climb) d20-6=-2 Tuesday April 8th, 2003 11:28:54 AM
Trellus drains the potion and heads for the lip of the hole.
He replies to Flea, "I'm a Chosen of Domi. I can heal Gilan. Gry and the pack can stay free to deal with the next bright thing that happens."
He calls out, "You dudes see anyplace where Jenny might be?"
Supremely confident in his potion-enhanced climbing abilities, Trellus hurriedly starts down...and makes a mistake.
(Failed climb check: -2)
Milo Tuesday April 8th, 2003 1:31:07 PM
seeing Trellus begin to fall, Milo immediately casts Feather Fall on him.
Flea Tuesday April 8th, 2003 6:55:00 PM
Flea turns just in time to see Grymash make a mightly heave and lift himself to the very edge of the hole. With both hands she grasps the large hand not holding the axe, and pulls...tumbling backwards as the great half-orc gains purchase and clambers over the side.
"Grymash, I need you to belay this rope while I rappel down the side of this pit. If Trellus gets down safely and with Domi's guidance heals the fighter up a bit, Gilan can then use this rope to climb up. You can help pull him out."
Flea fastens the rope, harness-like about her, and goes over the edge...
Anuk d20+6=25 d20+6=26 Tuesday April 8th, 2003 8:19:37 PM
"They're gettin' closer," says Anuk as he grips his swords even tighter. "I don't know about goin' down the hole, Jake...seems even worse than here since there's no place to run. The flies are gonna want Gilan's blood as much as they'll want the water."
As Anuk talks he looks around the area hoping to see some sign that Jenny passed this way. (Wilderness Lore 25, Spot 26 (nat. 20 again!))
Grymash d20+6=23 d100=71 Wednesday April 9th, 2003 1:06:02 AM
Grymash quickly pulls his axe from the ground and listens fast to Flea's idea. Before he grabs the rope, Grymash takes the ceramic jug of Green Gnomish from the side of his pack, bites out the cork and spits it out. He throws his high above the grass toward the thirsty swarm of creepers. (throwing jug: Rolled AC 23 not knowing what you would want me to roll. I will roll percents in case you may want that too: 71)
Grymash hopes that the creepers will take the sweet smelling liquid bait of splattering Green Gnomish and become drunk from it or its fumes and feed upon one another, then become drunk and then feed upon one another, and become drunk. (You get what I mean.)
Grymash wishes he was drunk because this could really hurt!! He puts his axe back on his shoulder harness and then takes the rope, handed to him by Flea, and wraps it around his forearm and hand. Grymash then braces himself to yank up Gilan. He also considers running off toward their destination with Gilan in tow if he has too.
"Sterlin, may need your grass tangle spell!! Tie rope on Gilan real good!! He may go on a ride!!"
(Grymash can drag up to 3,000 pounds if he has too, just a warning!!! Heads up Gilan!!)
DM Anthony Wednesday April 9th, 2003 9:53:12 AM
Everything starts to happen to fast. The Noise from the citters gets louder and now there are sounds of bigger animals coming. Trellus falls but featherfall is quickly cast and Milo saves the pack from another grevious injury. Gry and Flea begin the repell her into the hole as Gilan floats down to land beside Gilan. Once there and looking around he can see that this is actualy a cave system. There are three passageways out of this sink hole. One leading south and two leading to the north. As Trellus checks Gilan he sees out of the coridor to the south someone coming.
Trellus (Spider Climb, Feather Fall) Wednesday April 9th, 2003 3:46:07 PM
Panic turns to confusion, which turns to elation, as Trellus floats to the bottom of the hole.
"Many shadows, Milo!" he calls, giving the halfling a grin and a wave.
The cleric trots over to Gilan, taking in the tunnels and removing his pack as he does so. He calls up to the others, "Dudes! There's some tunnels down here! Maybe we can hide!"
When he gets to Gilan, the cleric pulls out the Cure Moderate Wounds wand from the sack in his pack, and drops beside his friend. "Dude, you don't look so good," he remarks playfully.
Seeing the figure in the tunnel, he calls hesitantly "Jenny?"
IF he still got an action, he activates the wand.
Jacob d20-7=12 d20+3=12 Wednesday April 9th, 2003 7:58:32 PM
As usual, Jacob will be the last one to go, letting others use the rope to go down first. If things are really bad and he can't use the rope to get down (my second roll, DC 12 climb), he'll climb down as fast as he can, possibly falling as he's carrying so much. (DC 12 without the rope... :P)
Flea (Low Light Vision) d20+1=12 d20+8=18 d20+12=20 Wednesday April 9th, 2003 8:36:55 PM
Dropping carefully into the pit (Climb=12), the light-weight rogue trusts in the strength of her mighty pack-mate to not let her fall. She concentrates on being as quiet as possible (Move Silently=18), uncertain if Gilan and Trellus are the only ones in the pit.
Once Flea reaches the bottom, she keeps her eyes on the fallen fighter and the cleric of Domi, as her eyes adjust to the shadows. Keeping close to the rock face, the gnome tries to be as inconspicuous as possible (Hide=12).
Syler Talbot Wednesday April 9th, 2003 9:36:00 PM
A white haired, green eyed gnome, wearing black leather armor emerges from the cave. He places his hand up to block the sun from his eyes he says in a friendly tone "Who's there? Been in the dark for so long feels like I walked down to the center of the wold and back. Well, out with it, who are ya?"
Grymash d20+4=22 d20+6=26 Wednesday April 9th, 2003 11:38:57 PM
Grymash quickly repels down the rope and lands with a thud. (Climb check 22) He pauses for a split second as he spies the monochromatic likeness of a gnome in the darkness (with darkvision).
"Grymash will tell you who we are .... we sun-baked creeper munch if we dont find cover!!!" Grymash turns his attention upward and yells, "Milo ... jump!! I'll catch ya. Everyone else down the ropes."
Quick glance at Gilan and Trellus. "You two ready to move?! Gil, you not hurt?"
Grymash turns his eyes upward again awaiting a possible falling halfling. His eyes dart back to the gnome with quick glances. "Gnome ... we need to see your caves!"
(Rolled a Dex-based ranged attack to catch Milo: Natural 20 :)
Milo Thursday April 10th, 2003 1:07:35 AM
throwing caution to the wind, Milo closes his eyes and jumps in like Grymash hollars him to.
Sterlin d20=20 Thursday April 10th, 2003 1:14:23 AM
Sterlin climbs down with absolutely no difficulty. (natural 20)
Anuk d20+3=12 Thursday April 10th, 2003 2:06:40 AM
Anuk turns to Jake as he sheaths his swords. "Sorry 'bout doubting your idea. It's sounding shadier all the time! You coming?" With that, he begins to clamber down but...(climb 12...not sure if that's good enough or not)
Mikey Thursday April 10th, 2003 3:02:09 AM
(the climb is a lot harder if we use that darn rule with the -5 per 5 pounds carried...hehehe.)
DM Anthony d2=1 d100=12 d6=6 d6=5 d6=4 d100=11 d20=1 Thursday April 10th, 2003 9:56:53 AM
Trellus makes it safely to the ground and once the Gnome comes into the light he recognizes the Gnome as a resident of Rattledam. Flea slides down the rope as well and she too recognizes the gnome.
Jacob waits to use the rope and then to his horror he sees something that will live with him the rest of his life. Grymash grasps the rope as if he wasnt the one holding it and tries to reple down it. As he swings out over the lip his eyes go wide and he plumets into the pit. The gods seem to have cursed you all this day. As you watch the huge armored barbarian he falls directly onto Flea, Gilan and Trellus. Bouncing off of them and then slaming into the sharp rocks of the pit sides. His head slams into and down the solid wall of the pit as he flies off the pile of scree and bodys. When his body rolls over his face is cut and scratched deeply, his left eye is swollen shut or missing, and he has clearly passed out. Gilan too is passed out and not breathing. Flea and Terellus are awake but badly hurt. Milo, Sterlin, and Anuk can do nothing but gasp and stare at the carnage, the rope at the bottom of the pit now and the buzzing sounds now conntain the snapping of jaws and the growling of . . . something.
Gry takes 15 dam and is out cold Flea takes 4 Terellus takes 5 Gilan is not breathing.
Grymash (KO - out cold) d20+8=24 Thursday April 10th, 2003 11:32:30 AM
There have been many disappointing things happen to Grymash in his short life:
Puting on pants that had been laying in an ant bed!
Mistaking a Stink Slug for a tasty Prairie Pig!
Rolling over and crushing Sterlin's pet mouse during a sleep over.
Realizing why you DONT use purple grass for that!
Forgetting that Milo is NOT a little cookie dough boy ... that was embarrassing!!
However nothing is more disappointing when you realize you're holding the end of your rope and you have 30-ft of nothing below you.
Grymash didnt feel the landing. He doesnt remember it happening. However the scene of him staring at the ropes end, with wild eyes as he falls, plays over and over in his mind. He roars in frustration. At least, he thinks, Im not that guy who blew up the mountain!!
(Rolled Fortitude check 24 to wake up. Sorry guys, I thought it was tied to something.)
Trellus (Spider Climb, Feather Fall) Thursday April 10th, 2003 11:33:48 AM
At the sound of roaring half orc, Trellus looks up just in time to twist slightly, taking the brunt of the blow on his shield. He watches in horror as Grymash bounces off Gilan and then into the scree.
"LIGHT!" The cleric roars, both in pain and frustration. Trellus has clearly had enough.
"You three get down here!" he commands forcefully. "Flea, you help them!"
"Syler, we are the Blood Pack of Rattledam and will use those tunnels for shelter. Open water lies half a hundred paces east of this spot!"
Trellus rips open his backpack and grabs the wand of Cure Moderate Wounds. "BALEN!" he cries, holding it to Gilan.
IF for some reason Trellus won't be able to do that in a turn, he'll spontaneously cast Cure Moderate Wounds instead.
Sterlin d20=20 Thursday April 10th, 2003 4:01:26 PM
Sterlin climbs down efortlesly as his climb is near perfect. coming down near the new gnome.
Edit ACDM Anth
Gilan(not breathing) Thursday April 10th, 2003 4:04:10 PM
Gilan lays there and tries to die as slowly as possible so that he maybe saved. He also wishes that Gry would stop falling on him...after all noone wants a big half-orc falling on him all the time.
[Not much to post to for me. Still wanted to let you know that I am here though. Next time Gilan gets to fall on Gry for a change.]
Jacob d20+3=20 Thursday April 10th, 2003 8:31:05 PM
Jacob halts Sterlin from going down by grabbing his shoulder and pulling him back. He pulls out some rope and hands it to Sterlin. "Damnit, bud, we can' just go down, we'll fall on 'em. EVERYONE DOWN THERE MOVE OUTTA THE WAY! We gotta clear the way first, 'en we'll lower down slow." As he says this, he pulls out a waterskin, opens it, and, with a sigh at the waste of most of his water, throws it at the sound of the loud noise. "That'll keep 'em a sec. Anuk, ya go down once 's clear.Now hurry, we'll hold the rope for you." He grabs the rope to aid Sterlin in lowering him down. It's strange, but Jacob doesn't lose his accent when he panics and gives orders.
Flea (AC 16: HP 17) Thursday April 10th, 2003 9:20:40 PM
Flea, has an uncanny premonition of danger and looks up to see the huge half-orc heading straight for her. The rogue dodges to sidestep what would be a crushing blow, but is struck by one of the flailing barbarian's outstretched arms and spins into the rock face, sustaining cuts and bruises.
Turning around she sees Trellus ministering to Gilan, who makes no sound, and the crumpled body of the uncouncious Grymash, with a coil of rope tangled over his chest.
Taking in the scene, and seeing the rest of her party cautiously making their way down the sides of the hole, she picks her way through the scree to Grymash. Crouching down over the wounded giant, she gently brushes debris from his damaged face, and whispers: "You idiot! You, poor, poor, stupid idiot."
Looking to the white haired newcomer, she says in gnomish: "Father, can you help my friend?"
Jamie (ooc) Thursday April 10th, 2003 10:03:32 PM
I appologize. Got caught up in the moment, Syler is a halfling.
Syler Thursday April 10th, 2003 10:07:16 PM
"Come, my ill-fated companions." Cries Syler. "The way I came from has nothing to offer. Let us move to one of the other openings post haste!"
Syler will dart down one of the other cave openings and beckon the others to follow him.
Grymash Friday April 11th, 2003 12:56:43 AM
"mmmm ..um pst sun-baked creeeepr um munch urps psst um ... "
Anuk Friday April 11th, 2003 1:54:14 AM
Anuk digs through his pack and retrieves his waterskin. If the noise continues to get nearer, he tosses it after Jake's waterskin. However, if Jake's waterskin slowed the creatures' approach then Anuk holds on to his waterskin with his right hand to throw when the creatures begin to approach again.
In the meantime, Anuk takes the end of the rope offered by Jake in his left hand and wraps it around his wrist to offer support as Sterlin climbs down the hole. "You're next, Jake."
Milo d20=12 d20+3=14 d8+3=6 Friday April 11th, 2003 8:49:49 AM
at the last second he refrains from jumping in the hole, seeing with horror Grymash falling in to the hole. (climb check 12, using the rope) after Sterlin and Jake, Milo heads down the rope as quickly as he can without falling like a Grymash in a hole, and then bolts to Gilans' side. (heal check 14) asking Trellus as he checks Gilans' vitals: is Gilan alive?
(if Gilan is still alive, Milo pulls out a potion of healing +3 and pours it down Gilans' throat for 6 points) (if Gilan is dead, Milo begins sobbing over the body)
DM Anthony Friday April 11th, 2003 9:32:15 AM
Trellus begins barking orders down below taking a cool head and a calm lead. The Wand seems to bring Gilan back around but the piece of rock and the broken bone need to be delt with before he starts screaming again.
Sterlin climbs down on his own and the rest of the party (who wishes to be) is lowered into the hole tieing a rope off into the grasses. The new halfling seems not to care about the blood and gore of the fallen party members and Gry sits up eye swollen shut or missing. Blood everywhere. The Half Orc seems not quite himself, perhaps a concussion. Gilan is alive again but barely. Tending to him though proves intresting. Under him is a grass doll, blood soaked now and torn, but unmastakable Jennys. Made by her brother in a moment of tenderness. And droped here, on top of the pile of scree.
Trellus d20+9=11 d20+9=16 Friday April 11th, 2003 11:16:03 AM
He may cool and calm from a distance, but as Milo approaches, the halfling can see Trellus is royally ticked off. With furrowed brow and a clenched jawline, the cleric works on Gilan.
Seeing Jenny's doll, Trellus clenches his teeth even further. Milo can hear them grinding together.
In a low, tight tone, Trellus berates himself, "Deal with Now."
"Gilan's OK," he reports to Milo, "check on Gry". "Dudes!" he calls, "That halfling Syler thinks he knows a safe place!"
Using his Healer's Kit, Trellus sets Gilan's leg into a more natural position (Heal check 11). He's not worried about an exact set, as he plans to use the wand again.
Then, he pads the man's shoulder and tries to prevent shock for what he's gonna do next. The cleric leans over to Gilan's ear... "This is gonna hurt." And pulls the man off the rock. (Heal 16)
Sterlin d20+9=28 Friday April 11th, 2003 12:48:58 PM
Sterlin seeing the chaos and then the doll that belongs to Jenny nearly loses his mind. He brings his spiders close to him and collects himself. Sterlin then begins looking for tracks in the area which may belong to a young girl.
(track/wilderness lore check 28)
Grymash (staggered) d100=87 d20+8=26 Friday April 11th, 2003 1:07:56 PM
(Im going to treat Grymash in the condition the book calls "Staggered" which means he is only able to do partical actions each round. Tell me when or if his condition improves. :) -------------------- Grymash sits up abruptly. His head wobbles slightly. His movements are slow and lumbering. He feels his face and his swollen eye. "Hows du spell ga go!!" He looks around to see where he is. With his hand, he pats down the loose rocks that he sits upon. "Goood ... sharp pointy rocks break my fall ...Hee he ehhe hee hee haw haww!! Owww!!"
Grymash's head wobbles around to face Flea. His "good" eye tries to focus. "You pretty!!" Unable to keep a single thought for too long, his attention quickly shifts to trying to gather his gear that fell off after his crash.
(percents 87, Fort save 26. BTW Breastplate armor does come with a helmet.)
Gilan d20+6=21 Friday April 11th, 2003 1:46:59 PM
Gilan can only nod slightly, but you are not sure if he is even fully aware of you there. He does not even notice that Trellus has worked on his leg and got it into a more appropriate postition.
Only half aware of the goings on around him he feels a little better, for the moment anyway. As Trellus pulls him off the rock he grits his teeth. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" His head lulls back as he is finally removed from the rock.
[Fort save to stop from passing out..if needed.]
Flea (AC 16: HP 17) d20=13 d20+8=10 d20+9=20 d20+12=29 d20+5=12 Friday April 11th, 2003 10:58:44 PM
Flea collects her rope and stuffs it in her pack. She follows the halfling and apologizes: "Sorry. I took you for one of my kin. Shall we check out this tunnel?" Flea advances towards a cave opening (north?)stumbling over the scree (Move Silently=10). At the threshold of the cave she looks for possible traps (Search=20), keeping well hidden in the shadows (Hide=29) alert to any unusual movement(Spot=12).
(OOC: Please ignore first roll...pushed the wrong button!)
Jacob d20+4=22 Saturday April 12th, 2003 1:58:54 PM
Jacob refuses to go down before everyone else, almost getting into a fight with Anuk about it. He's quite stubborn about some things. Finally, after the others are down, he tosses his backpack, sword belt, and shield into a clear area, and begins climbing down not weighed down by so much without the help of the rope. His feet find sure holds and little clefts for his hands, and he easily descends. Landing, he buckles his belt and puts his stuff on again. (DC 22 to climb down :) )
Syler d20+9=21 d20+7=22 Saturday April 12th, 2003 2:43:28 PM
"No problem my lady," Syler states with a smile," I have been mistaken for worse before." After entering the cave Syler stops and seems to get his bearings before going further into the cave. (Listen 21 Spot 22)
Anuk Monday April 14th, 2003 1:27:37 AM
Anuk finally relents in his argument with Jake. "Okay, I'll go...but get down there quick, okay?" He throws his waterskin out into the grasses, hoping for a few more moments of delay. Next, he grabs the rope and rapels down the side of the pit. "Found anything, Sterlin?"
DM Antthony Monday April 14th, 2003 10:54:56 PM
The Chaos of the battlefield of no enemy begins to seep into all of you. The blood and carnage of simply falling down a hole seems unreal. You know now, without knowing, why the Laws of Rattledam are what they are. The plains are a deadly place. This is whay things from "outside" are not talked about. All the games played as children of "Hnut the Rapek" and "Bounce the Bounder" and "Hunters and Manfri" they all come screaming back and making the games seem foolish and stupid. Real life is hard and deadly. Your friend and pack mate Gry seems like hell be ok but someone must stop the blood and see if he has lost an eye. Someone else must help the screaming Gilan and stop the blood loss from his shoulder. Some one else needs to check on Terulles as he seems to be close to loosing it . . . and then there is Sterlin who has gon stock still as he sees in the dust of the floor leading off into the dark the tracks of a little girl dragging something large and heavy, blood drips about following beside those tracks. The clear markings of two Bounders and a Rapke. Following the girl. Off into the darkness. Into death.
Jerry Monday April 14th, 2003 11:41:17 PM
Tim, I am worried that I have the wrong address for you in a couple of places. I got a mailer daemon when sending you an email. Please email me with your current email address so I can check things. Thanks. Someone may delete this in a few days.
Jacob Tuesday April 15th, 2003 11:50:13 AM
"Damnit...help Gilan first. He can do all that...er...magik-druit stuff. An' help the others." Jacob doesn't know much about healing, so he heads over to Trellus and stoically hands him his wineskin he was gonna throw at the creatures of the plains. "...weave out. least we're alive."
Grymash (staggered) d20+2=4 d20+8=24 d100=60 Tuesday April 15th, 2003 12:25:41 PM
Grymash starts to feel the pain from the gash on his face. He looks around at the others dash about blurry and in slow motion. He feels like he is moving too, but he is sitting still. He takes out his cure wand and taps it to his forehead. (Concentration check 4 on a DC of 16 to get the spell off because of being under extreme duress [staggered]. failed miserably!!)
Grymash tries to says the words correctly, but they come out garbled. The spell fizzles and Grymash becomes increasingly frustrated.
"ummm guys ... grymash need help!!!"
(fortitude save 24, percents 60)
Trellus 2d8(8+8)+3=19 d20+7=12 Tuesday April 15th, 2003 12:31:33 PM
"So far," Trellus grates in reply to Jacob.
Having pulled Gilan free of the impaling rock, Trellus points the Cure Moderate Wounds wand at his friend again and activates it, "Balen!". (cure 19 hp! Sa-Wing!)
If that's done the trick, Trellus grabs his Kit and wand and runs over to Grymash, checking his eye. If Gilan is still bleeding, Trellus will use his Kit and patch him up the old-fashioned way. (Either way Heal check 12)
"Find anything, Sterlin?" he asks hopefully, seeing the man looking at the ground.
(OOC -Anth - it 'Trellus'. No vowels between the T and R :)
Milo d20+6=10 d20+6=14 Tuesday April 15th, 2003 12:38:46 PM
after a few moments of petrification due to all his friends covered in blood, and possibly some close to death again. Milo snaps out of it and starts helping Trellus. assisting Trellus on Grymash, checking for broken bones and his eye. (heal check of 10) *disregard 2nd d20 roll, hit it too fast*
(anthony, i won a pearl of power, level 1 spells in LnB, when do I add it to Milo's character sheet?)
Sterlin Tuesday April 15th, 2003 6:10:05 PM
Sterlin speaks almost too quietly to hear,
" The girl. Take care of them, then follow me.I must go. She may be dieing. "
Gilan Tuesday April 15th, 2003 7:15:18 PM
Gilan looks up into the face of Trellus as his eyes seem to gain some focus. The pain has subsided in his shoulder and his leg, but he can still feel twinges. Nodding to Trellus to go and help out Gry, he tries to speak though his throat is sore. "Help Gry...I will be ok now."
Gilan shakily stands as he tries to regain his bearings. The healing had helped him regain some of his spirit back, but he still can feel the fatigue of the fall and injuries. Glancing around at the others he shakes his head. "What can I do to help out?"
[Not sure if Gilan is full hit points or not especially since Gry fell on him lastly. I am going to assume that Gilan is pretty much back in the game, just not fully yet.]
Flea (Low Light Vision) d20+8=27 d20+9=22 d20+12=18 d20+5=21 Tuesday April 15th, 2003 7:53:12 PM
While the healers go about their business of tending to the wounded, Flea focuses on what she does best, and scouts the area Sterlin has pointed out. The rogue makes eye contact with the druid, and the strange halfling, but says nothing as she advances on silent feet (Move Silently=27) keeping her eyes open for any signs of danger (Search=22). She does her best to stay in the shadows (Hide=18) and scans the area for any signs that Trellus' sister is still alive (Spot=21).
Anuk Tuesday April 15th, 2003 9:42:51 PM
Once he's on the floor of the pit, Anuk realizes that he can't make his way around easily in his bare feet. He quickly pulls a dagger from his belt and uses it to cut two wide strips of cloth from the bottom of his cloak. He wraps one strip around each foot and ankle, hoping it will suffice until he can get proper boots again.
He turns his attention to the pack. "Anyone still need help gettin' into the cave?"
Jake Tuesday April 15th, 2003 11:14:47 PM
Sterlin speaks so softly, and Flea moves so silently, Jacob can't see them. He does peer at the newcomer, then shrugs...not knowing what to do or say. Looks around..and decides to stay silent, let things settle down. He leans against a nice, solid wall, and watches.
DM Anthony Wednesday April 16th, 2003 10:37:21 AM
Jacob tries his best to calm everyone, it seems to help . . . some.
Grymash helplessly bellows for help.
Trellus heals Gilan, the wand healing the last of the damage and the leg rehealing. It seems a good set but Gilan can tell that on bad days it will hurt him the rest of his life. Trellus then rushes to the big half Orc. The eye is still there and he is able to stop the bleeding but it is clear that Grys eye will be scared the rest of his life, giving that eye a gray slightly dead look.
Milo too helps stop the bleeding from Gry, then reaching into his pocket he feels something strange. its a small pear, now hoew did that get there?
Sterlin speaks crypticaly and then.....
Flea too stands beside the tall, strange man, however after a few steps down the dark hall it is quickly realized that the two of you against two bounders and one Rapke would only mean that your friends had two other bodies to haul out of this hole.
Anuk quickly makes a pair of makeshift shoes.
Jake watches.
Trellus Wednesday April 16th, 2003 12:29:14 PM
Repacking his gear, Trellus looks around, taking a deep, purging breath and exhaling forcefully.
"Sterlin?" he asks, seeing the man looking down a corridor.
Once he learns Jenny went that way, he starts for the corridor.
"Let's go. Gry, you OK to be up front with Sterlin? Jake's got the back? Me and Milo in the middle. Who's got a light?"
Milo Wednesday April 16th, 2003 3:18:35 PM
fumbling the pearl, Milo says: where the heck did this come from?
while examining the pearl, he follows along behind Trellus.
Grymash (staggered/not staggered) d20+2=22 d8+5=6 d8+5=13 Wednesday April 16th, 2003 4:53:07 PM "Owww Ouch .. ohhh, Trellus that hurt!! Akkk!! Milo, don't poke it!! Grymash feels the blood stop flowing down his face. Determined to kill the pain, he tries his wand again. (Concentration check 22, pass) This time the words come out right and wand transfers a spark of positive energy to Grymash. His wounds begin to heal over and form a scar diagonal across his eye. The swelling recedes to show a grayish cloudy eye. (does grymash still get any sight out of it?)
His mind also begins to clear up as the huge lump disolves back into his forehead. (heal 13 points. I rerolled the 1 on my healing roll.)
Grymash gets up, rubs his head and looks at the top of the hole. He shakes his head in disgust and embarrassment and mutters a few choice orcish curses. He then gathers the rest of his things and joins the pack inside the cave.
Sterlin Wednesday April 16th, 2003 5:30:09 PM
Sterlin stops and waits for the others to catch up and then proceeds to enter the cave slowly.
" Try to be quiet Gry. "
Jake/Jacob (one and the same) Wednesday April 16th, 2003 7:34:47 PM
Jake nods in response, and gathers his stuff. He patiently watches, and takes a swig from his wineskin. Why not?
Flea d20+8=21 d20+9=19 d20+12=26 d20+5=19 Wednesday April 16th, 2003 7:44:06 PM
Flea scouts ahead, sneaking quietly (Move Silently=21) and searching for any clues to what has been going on in the tunnel (Search=19.) She keeps very close to the rock face of the tunnel (Hide=26) looking for signs of Jenny or her pursuers (Spot=19).
"I didn't embark on the adventuring life to cower at the first sign of danger. thinks the rogue to herself. Her devotion to her new pack and their quest, along with her natural curiousity spurs her onward.
As an afterthought, she reaches into one of the pouches at her waist, and removes a piece of chalk. Every 5' or so, she marks an 'F' on the tunnel wall.
Anuk d20+6=12 d20+6=8 Wednesday April 16th, 2003 8:22:43 PM
Anuk, opens his pack and produces a torch, along with his flint and steel. He lights the torch and then moves to join the pack in the cave's mouth. He looks carefully at the markings on the ground leading into the darkness. "Won't take much skill to follow this trail," he grumbles. "If someone wouldn't mind holding this torch, I'll see if I can make out any other markings here." However, the sudden shift from light to dark makes it difficult for him to discern anything aside from the trail left by the bounders (spot 12, wilderness lore 8).
Syler Thursday April 17th, 2003 5:57:05 AM
After looking down the tunnel for any signs of monement and sound and not finding any, he crouches and waits for the rest of the group to get into the cave before continuing.
DM Anthony Thursday April 17th, 2003 1:56:38 PM
As the pack slowly moves through the cave they are filled with dread and fear, until a sound drifts up from ahead of soft, femal crying. The a roar and teh gnasshing of teeth and the girl crying again.
Trellus Thursday April 17th, 2003 2:21:38 PM
"Jenny," Trellus breathes. He grits his teeth and wills himself not to race ahead. "Flea, whats up there?" he demands quietly.
To keep himself busy he hands Milo the Flame Arrow scroll and passes a potion of Aid up to Grymash.
The cleric will wait for Flea to report from up ahead before using any of his short-lived spells.
Flea (Low Light Vision)(AC 16; HP 17) d20+8=10 d20+12=21 d20+9=26 d20+5=17 Thursday April 17th, 2003 8:03:18 PM
Hearing the sounds of some beast followed by soft weeping, Flea releases her shortsword from it's scabbard. The rogue continues to move down the cave in advance of the group(Move Silently=10) but stumbles a little due to the unfamiliar terrain. She stays in the shadows just beyond the perimeter of the torch that was lit by Anuk, keeping well hidden(Hide=21)as she advances, unafraid of the danger that lies ahead(Search=26,Spot=17).
If Flea spots Jenny and/or the beast(s) she will make an assessment of the situation and report back to her pack, otherwise, she will continue forward...
Syler d100=83 Thursday April 17th, 2003 8:54:35 PM
Being a support person himself, Syler scans the group and looks for the hard hitter. He approaches and casts Mage Armor on the half-orc. He will then concentrate on moving to the back of the pack.
Anuk d20=10 d20+6=19 d20+6=24 Thursday April 17th, 2003 11:48:08 PM
(ooc: since no one offered to take it, I assume I'm still holding the torch.)
Anuk draws his longsword in his right hand and holds the torch with his left. He slowly makes his way toward the front of the pack to light the way, looking for any additional clues as he goes (spot 19, wilderness lore 24. Ignore first roll -- I hit the wrong button :()
When he reaches Flea he whispers, "So, whaddya think of your first day in the Plains so far?"
Milo Friday April 18th, 2003 2:05:04 AM
prior to Trellus handing him the scroll, Milo casts Mage Armor on himself. then, accepting the scroll, Milo puts it in his belt, and the pulls out his wand.
Grymash (Protection from Evil, Aid, Mage Armour?) d8=5 Friday April 18th, 2003 8:08:33 AM
Grymash sees that Syler is about to cast a spell upon him. Recognizing it to be the same as one of Milo's, he holds out his hand and points at his Breast Plate armor. (does Mage Armor stack with normal armor, both provide an armor bonus and my breast plate already provides a +5).
Grymash accepts the Aid potion and downs it immediately. He also, almost breathlessly, whispers his own incantation (Protection from Evil).
Getting Trellus' attention, in silent hand signals, Grymash produces a toothy rapke mouth with his hand. With the other hand he mimics a little rider on the back of the rapke. Then holding the "rider" up, he grabs the "rider" with his other hand, as if it were being "held." Then he points at Trellus. Grymash with a wicked smile then winks and nods at Trellus. He hopes Trellus understands.
(He is trying to say that you cast a Hold spell on the rider)
DM Anthony Friday April 18th, 2003 10:04:43 AM
Suddenly you come around the corner to see something you will never forget and that sends tremmors of abject fear running down your spine. Jenny is alive. She is behind a rock outcropping that looks alot like a jail cell with thick bars. She is not alone. Two bounders ar trying to bash their way in. there is a Rapke here to, a dead rider straped to his back, the riders head flopping about grotesquely as the beast moves. It seems to have lost a hind foot and is not moving well. Jenny screams again as the beasts throw themselfs against the rock. The Rapke hissing. Then you notice something new. Jenny is not alone in the cage thing. There is a lage boy in there with her. Lieing on his back, not moving, but he appears to be breathing. Looks like someone who wanted to challange you to find something yester day. What is he doing here. Then you hear the rock crack a bit than the monsters hiss. Jenny screams.
Grymash (Protection from Evil, Aid, Mage Armour?) Friday April 18th, 2003 1:03:20 PM
Grymash silently waves at the rest of the pack to get their attention. He continues with his simple hand signals combined with silently mouthing his words. A tried and tested way of communication the pack has used often, especially during school. They could talk to one another and trade answers on tests when the teachers werent looking. Grymash signals his thoughts on strategy and waits on quick responses from others. He points out positions and counts out timing.
(occ: Lets get these guys by "surprise". We get a partial action before initial combat. They will be flat-footed and lose dex to AC and wont be able to react. Grymash signals he will cast a spell during Surprise round. Then we can rush them and attack before they get a chance to react. Basically two turns before they get one.)
Grymash waits a second or two to get confirmation from everyone and then take a good position. He readies an action to cast his spell when the rest of the party gets organized and ready. (The spell he plans on casting is DOOM on the bounder in front of the rock cage. Will save DC 14. If failed Will save the bounder will become "Shaken," a -2 morale penalty to attack rolls, checks, and saving throws.)
Milo ac18 hp16 (Mage Armor) d20+5=20 d20+5=10 4d6(2+6+6+3)=17 Friday April 18th, 2003 1:10:04 PM
taking in the scene, Milo pulls out the offered Flame Arrow scroll. deciding on the fiery bolt aspect of the spell, he reads off the words and then lets the magic fly towards the Rapke. (ranged touch attack, hit ac20) *disregard 2nd d20 roll, was suppose to be 4d6* (damage 17, dc18 reflex for 1/2)
Anuk Friday April 18th, 2003 2:43:21 PM
The sound of the beasts' rampaging and of Jenny's scream chills Anuk to the bone. But something about the situation also calms him. Another chance to study the rapke and the bounder up close. A chance to see how they react when trapped. If he lives to write about it, it'll be good reading.
He watches Grymash's signals, and decides his bow will be best. He motions for Flea to take the torch, hoping she can keep the light as steady as possible during the coming fight. If she takes it, he sheaths his sword and draws his bow, nocking an arrow and getting ready to fire it at the bounder trying to get at Jenny. If she does not, he concentrates, steeling himself to rush the beasts with his sword. Whatever it takes to get Jenny and the boy out of there alive.
Grymash Friday April 18th, 2003 4:01:13 PM
Upon seeing Milo's spell go off, Grymash will release his as well.
"You're DOOMED foul beast ... Gargul claims your soul this day!!"
(Doom spell, Will save DC 14, or become shaken, -2 morale penalty to attack, checks and saves.)
Gilan-HP: 25 AC: 16/Tiev-HP: 14 AC: 14/Yanb-HP: 10 AC: 14 d20+7=17 d8+2=3 d20+6=18 d3+6=9 d20+6=16 d3+6=9 Friday April 18th, 2003 5:13:27 PM
Before they move out Gilan glances to Anuk and rummages through his pack for a few minutes. With a smile he looks to Anuk and tosses him his spare set of boots. "You wear about he same size as me...so these should fit."
Gilan takes his cue from Gry as he mouths out a battle plan. He cannot help but like the idea of surprising these beasts...especially as they have Jenny traped. Slipping to the other side of the doorway he pulls his bow and nocks an arrow. With a nod to show that he is ready he releases the arrow at the closest bounder trying to get in after Jenny and the boy.
Tiev and Yanb working in unison dive in at the nearest bounder stingers leading the way. They will not fail thier friend and they know this enemy from before.
[Gilan vs. Bounder: hit-17, damage-3] [Tiev vs. Bounder: hit-18, damage-9+poison] [Yanb vs. Bounder: hit-16, damage-9+poison]
{poison: DC-18 1d6 to Dex}
Trellus (AC24, Barkskin, Totally Defensive) d20+5=23 d8+2=7 Friday April 18th, 2003 5:37:48 PM
Trellus drinks a Barkskin potion (+3), taking in Jenny's screams and Grymash's signals. His face is like stone, as he gauges how far apart those 'bars' are.
(IF the bars are wide enough for a him - I'm assuming that's how Jenny got back there): As his friends attack, Trellus pulls his shield up and races to Jenny. He doesn't even bother pulling his mace, concentrating soley on getting to his sister in one piece.
(If the bars obviously are too close together): Trellus screams, "Jenny!" and attacks the nearest Bounder (AC 22 in this case) and lands a solid blow (hit AC 23 for 7 hp)
Flea (AC 16: HP 17, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot) Friday April 18th, 2003 8:12:40 PM
Flea takes the torch from Anuk, a little angry at his presumption that she has nothing better to do than hold a torch for the members of the pack who do not see as well in the low light as she. The rogue thrusts her shortsword back into it's scabbard, then jams the torch into a crevice as far up the side of the tunnel wall as she can reach.
Scanning the area for a site within 30' of an enemy, from which to launch an attack with her deadly precise short bow, she spies the wild gesticulations of the half-orc cleric. "Does this pack take it's instruction from a crazy barbarian who so recently threw himself into a pit, nearly killing three of his comrades?" The gnome shakes her head, as she prepares her trusty shortbow, and decides to watch what the others do, before taking action. She is concerned about the wounded and out of control Rapke with the dead rider.
Sterlin Friday April 18th, 2003 10:25:31 PM
Sterlin gives flea a look of obvious admiration. He then casts barkskin upon himself and gauges the scene before him.
Grymash (ac21, hp39, Aid, Prot. from Evil, Mage Armour?, about to rage!) Saturday April 19th, 2003 2:01:54 AM
Grymash finishes his spell and turns to Flea with a big toothy wicked grin, "Grymash not too smart, but I know how to KILL!!" He punctuates his statement with a single twirl of his massive double headed battle axe.
(Note to Anth. This is NOT an attack and it wasnt done near anyone or anything, so dont say I decapitated one of the pack members. This is only a simple innocent slow twirl like what you would do with a baton. thankyou. :)
Grymash's eyes widen, the veins his neck and forehead begin to throb. A small trail of drool begins to flow out the corner of his mouth. "Ohhhh ... Grymash can FEEL IT!!!" (early effects of Rage)
Flea Saturday April 19th, 2003 11:33:11 AM
(OOC: Sorry guys! Flea was thinking to herself and wasn't supposed to say that in her 'outside voice'. VBG!)
Stephen Saturday April 19th, 2003 12:40:41 PM
(ooc. not to worry, grymash took it as a compliment. :)
Jacob (AC 15, HP 29) d20+9=29 d20+9=15 d10+3=12 d10+3=11 Saturday April 19th, 2003 4:54:45 PM
As they come into view of the Bounders, Jacob edges his way forward with shield and sword in hand. He whispers, "Uh...remember last time how we killed 'em?" He tries to remember, but it seems like ages ago, and the fight was so chaotic...When the surprise is called and Grymash's voice echoes with DOOM!, Jacob simply follows on their tails with a yell. "YAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!" Unlike the others, who are attacking the nearest bounder, Jacob takes the sole task of charging the ugly monstrous Rapke by himself...and prepares to suffer serious pain.
[...hitting it with a AC 29. which was also in the threat range, and hit AC 15 on the second roll. is that a critical? If not, 12 damage, if so, 12+11=23 damage. :) Strange, how my character in one game never succeeds at anything, and this one always kicks ass...]
The Battle For Jenny
DM Anthony (Partys Init) d20+10=18 d20+6=9 Tuesday April 22nd, 2003 10:26:53 AM
Gry tries to get everyones attention and plan however everyone realizes suddenly that it has grown quiet except for Jennys screams, and the loud buzzing of wasps in the cave. Looking up you see, you have been seen and the beasts move to attack.
Milo seeing this attacks at once. The beast dodges the majority of the damage however.
Gry's spell goes off and the bounder dosent seem to shake it off, however with a beast that seems immune to fear its hard to tell.
Gilan and the two wasps swoop in for the kill, yet none of them strike at all. (OOC: please find someone to play your wasps, and spiders guys. And Gilan, you need to make sure you REALLLLLLLY want to use those weapons as a ill forgo the penalties till I hear from you.)
Trellus rushes into protect his sister heedlessly putting his life at risk. Once through the bars Jenny clings to him, shaking like a leaf, crying and sobbing. (Hero point IF you live through this)
Jacob slashes into the Rapke but it dosent seem to cut him as deeply as he hoped. and the battle for Jenny is joined.
DM Anthony (My Init) d4=3 d20+4=22 d20+4=13 d20+8=23 d4+2=5 d12+4=14 d20=19 d100=25 d20+12=14 Tuesday April 22nd, 2003 10:43:34 AM
Bounder #1 launches into attacks against Gilan and the two wasps clawing at a wasp and Gillina and biting another. The claw at gilan rakes down the young mans side (5 dam) and the other claw missing the wasp. The bite however comes down in the middle of the wasps body, biting the beast in half. The bounder then seems to chuckle as it chews.
Bounder #2 seeing Trellus run into the cage with Jenny slams himself up against the bars again. Something gives for a moment and then stays, a rain of dust and pebbles come down on the three inside. Another hit like that and about a ton of rock will come straight down on the three. This bounder too seems to chuckle.
The Rapke stands up to its full highth and screams. (Everyone Will DC 12 or stunded for 1d4 rnds) he tne leans down and bite Jacob missing at the last moment.
(It is the partys init)
Milo d20+7=8 d4=3 Tuesday April 22nd, 2003 10:58:32 AM
(nat. 1 on save throw)
stands there with a hazed look in his eyes for 3 rounds.
Grymash (ac19, hp45, Aid, Prot. from Evil, Mage Armour?, Rage) d20+10=16 d20+9=21 d20+9=18 d8+10=15 d8+5=8 Tuesday April 22nd, 2003 11:31:18 AM
(Will save 16 against fear)
Grymash lets loose his fury with a blood thirsty roar!! "NO FEAR GARGUL WORDS, THEN LEARN TO FEAR GRYMASH AUUUGGHHH!!!" With Grymash's rage, the holy symbol on his buckler glows with a hot bright light.
Taking a 5-ft step between the bounder and Milo, Grymash whirls his double axe into the bounders flesh.
(Hit AC 21 for 15 points of damage. Hit AC 18 for 8 points of damage. Possible 23 points of damage.)
Trellus (ac 22, 18hp, barkskin) d20+6=24 d20+6=19 d8+2=3 Tuesday April 22nd, 2003 11:56:07 AM
Trellus feels the shuddering of the stone as the bounder slams into it. Jenny is crying and pawing at him.
My thread's as good as cut he thinks. Oddly, the thought calms him down, and everything becomes easier to deal with.
He forces a potion into Jenny's hands. "Jenny!" he orders as forcefully as he possibly can, "Drink this! You'll turn to gas for half a minute, but you be able to float! Drink it, move behind Milo(pointing to the halfling), and STAY THERE!"
Then Trellus pulls his mace and launches himself through the bars at the bounder, stepping to the side so the monster can't slam both him and the cage.
Trellus takes his final blows, lightly tapping the creature on the side of its head. (Hit AC 19 for 3hp).
Trellus (OOC) Tuesday April 22nd, 2003 11:57:08 AM
(Oh yeah, Anth - its a gaseous cloud potion.)
Gilan-HP: 25 AC: 16 d20+6=14 d6+2=5 d20+6=18 Tuesday April 22nd, 2003 2:09:23 PM
Gilan watches in horror as one of his wasps is bitten clean in half. For any druid this is more than they can take and he flies into a rage. Without a thought to what he is doing he throws himself into his attacks against the bounder.
His face goes even redder in rage as his scimitar misses its target and he raises his shield. Noone has ever seen Gilan in this state before and he almost seems to have turned into Gry himself.
[Gilan vs Bounder#1: hit-14, damage-5] [Will DC save of 18]
{For my first attack you are right, I should have been using my scimitar instead. I am not sure what I was thinking. I also have emailed the neccessary information on my wasps to Carla(Flea) as she showed interest in playing them. I also need to know which one is dead so she knows and I can remove him from my character sheet.}
DM Anthony "The Smaller one is dead. Sorry about that, bad luck that."
Anuk (AC 17, HP 23) d20+3=17 d20+8=19 d8+1=7 Tuesday April 22nd, 2003 3:39:20 PM
Despite the chaos erupting around him, Anuk keeps his arrow trained on the bounder attacking Jenny's position in the "cage" (Will save 17). When he sees the thing getting ready to charge Trellus he grunts, "Oh no you don't!" and lets the arrow fly. It sinks into the beast's hide (hits AC 19 for 7 points of damage -- I'm assuming I'm within 30 ft. so I'm using my Point Blank Shot feat. Otherwise, hits AC 18 for 6 points.) He hopes the sting is enough to distract the beast from pummeling his friend.
Syler (AC:16 HP:18) d20+9=24 d20+4=20 Tuesday April 22nd, 2003 5:45:45 PM
Syler sees the small boy still lying in the cage. Figuring the boy doesn't have a chance if the bounder continues to throw its weight against the alcove, he runs through the foray and tumbles (rolled 24) past the bounder into the cage.
Option one: If Syler has movement left he is going to try to bring the boy out while protecting him with his body.
Option two: If Syler can't do anything else he is going to keep himself over the boy, scream at the bounder to intimidate (rolled 20) and prepare to move him next round.
Flea (AC 16: HP 17, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot) d20=10 d4=4 d20=8 Tuesday April 22nd, 2003 11:18:14 PM
Never having seen beasts such as these, nor heard a scream like that of the rapke, Flea goes into shock. [OOC: used 1 hero point to re-roll will save, failed; stunned for 4 rounds. James, play your wasp(s) until the weekend. I am out of town, and I'm phoning in my action.]
Jacob d20+7=15 Wednesday April 23rd, 2003 12:08:33 AM
Jacob winces as the jaws of the ferocious rapke just barely miss him... he doesn't have much hope alone on this monster. The only thing he can do is hope that he distracts this until the others come over to help him, and save the girl. Maybe they could try running... He brings the sword down on the creature's shoulder, but feels the sword merely bounce off, as he hit some sorta muscle or something. (AC 15 doesn't hit, I assume?)
Syler d20+5=12 Wednesday April 23rd, 2003 6:13:46 AM
(occ: forgot will save. here it is)
DM Anthony (Partys Init) d20=20 d20+4=24 d20+4=20 d4=4 d100=95 d6=6 Wednesday April 23rd, 2003 10:41:07 AM
It is amazing how a battle can turn from bad to worse and then from ashes hope can rise. Valor, courage and kinship are born from moments as those.
Milo and Flea suddenl go rigid with fright, lost in nightmares created by these beasts. Jacob fummbles through missing his blow. Sterlin attacks with his new dagger and misses as well. Gilan watches as his wasp dies and then misses his attack. Anuk attacking the Rapke feels as if his shot missed by a tiny amount, hope seeping away. . .But then something happens and a familiar feeling washes over you. Something you have felt before although in the heat of battle its difficult to place where it comes from but you know it as familiar and kind. Giving into the feeling you feel hope seep into your hearts.
(+1 to ATT, AC, Svs please post your AC but NOT HP on the name line as well as any active effects, it helps me. HPs are secrect.)
At that moment Grymash's first attack sinks in. He can see that the beast has already been hurt, perhaps in some fall? Syler sees once inside the cage that there is no way he can move the body, it is Malgo and he seems unhurt and breathing but hes not moving. There is a bite on his shoulder.
Trellus turns and gives the potion to Jenny but as the feeling washes over all of you it seems to effect Jenny the most. Looking at her brother she shakes her head... "Trim that!" giving the potion to Syler and nodding to Malgo she says, "Give it to the piggie, he got scared and ran and got bit by the big one there. I had to drag him in here." Then looking up at her bigger brother and pulling a knife she says "If your weft is cut here then so is mine, blood stands with blood." With that she turns to face the monsters with tears in her eyes. In a brief moment of silence everyone can hear her mutter under her breath. "I love you brother and I will die with my pack." Then she launches herself at the bounder at the same time as Trellus aiming for an eye. The small knife sinking deep into the soft tissue and driving into the skull as little Jenny screams in ancient furry. Suddenly something gives way in the beast and Jennys hand and then arm sinks deep into the beasts skull. Her arm thrashing about blood splashing everywhere as the beast vomits out its last breath, brain turned to jelly by Jennys knife, Jenny finnaly goes silent, covered in gore and mess as she turns to her brother panic coming across her face . . . "My arms stuck..."
DM Anthony (My Init) d20+4=5 d20+4=18 d20+8=14 d4+2=4 d20+6=11 d20+6=14 d20+12=26 d12+8=14 Wednesday April 23rd, 2003 10:51:08 AM
Bounder #1 attacks Gilan again launching himself into attacking only him. Hitting with only one claw. (4 dam)
The Rapke attacks Jacob. Hitting well with only the bite, but thats enough. (14 dam and Fort save DC 12)
Partys init
Grymash (ac20, Aid, Prot. from Evil, Mage Armour?, Rage) d20+10=30 d20+10=13 d20+10=22 d8+10=12 d8+10=15 Wednesday April 23rd, 2003 11:03:20 AM
(dont know which bounder died. is it the one grymash was attacking? grymash will attack whatever bounder is still standing.)
Grymash is enraptured in the ecstasy of his rage with the spray of warm blood. To him its taste is sweet as honey and nectar. He again slashes into the bounder (the one still standing).
(Hit AC 30, possible crit, 13 no crit. For 12 points of damage. Hit AC 22 for 15 points of damage. Possible 27 points of damage.)
Milo Wednesday April 23rd, 2003 12:18:08 PM
round 2, stunned
Ezra & Enoch *ac: 14&14* Sterlin's Spiders Wednesday April 23rd, 2003 12:26:18 PM
scurries over behind the Rapke, being within 30', ready next round to pounce.
Trellus (ac23, barkskin, feat of strength, hopeful feeling) Wednesday April 23rd, 2003 12:47:48 PM
Trellus' emotional state runs quite a gamut in about two and a half seconds... (fear) "No! Jenny don't... (confusion) weave?... (elation) Shade the Protector! You killed it!"
Jenny's panic at being stuck is met with a ridiculous grin. "Beats being dead," he responds happily, hopping on the bounder to give her a hand.
"Syler!" he calls "Save that potion. Malgo's poisoned. It won't help."
"Dudes! Gry's got the bounder! Everyone else rip the Rapke!"
Trellus plunges his hands into the Bounder's skull, trying to pull it apart far enough to free his sister. "Let go of the knife. Just get your hand out," he tells her.
(Strength Check
Trellus (cont) d20+5=25 Wednesday April 23rd, 2003 12:49:32 PM
(ooc - hit SUBMIT instead of ROLL, sigh)
Gilan-AC: 17 d20+7=25 d20+7=22 d6+2=7 Wednesday April 23rd, 2003 2:49:09 PM
Gilan is still aware of nothing going on around him. He has focused in on the bounder before him and his lips pull back to bare his teeth. "I will have your hide monster." He throws himself into the next attack, putting a pile of rage behind it. He wants to see nothing more than the total destruction of this beast, even if it means his own death.
[Gilan vs. Bounder#1: hit-25(possible critical), 22(crit?); damage: 7(14 if crit)]
[Not sure what to do with Tiev as he is alive and Carla is going to be gone. Will leave for the DM to take care of unless told otherwise.]
Anuk (AC 18, Point Blank Shot) d20+7=16 d20+8=18 d8+2=9 Wednesday April 23rd, 2003 11:03:13 PM
Anuk's eyes widen in amazement as he realizes Jenny is not only well enough to fight, she's strong enough to drop the bounder. "Shadows, Jenny!" Things seem to be picking up!
He turns his attention and his bow to the rapke. In rapid succession he draws an arrow, nocks it, pulls the string, aims, and shoots. His excitement causes him to lose concentration, however, and the arrow narrowly misses the creature, bouncing off the rock walls of the cave. (hits AC 16 for 9 points of damage -- ignore second roll)
Jake d20+8=9 d20+8=26 d20+8=28 d10+3=10 d10+3=7 Thursday April 24th, 2003 3:12:02 AM
The Rapke is clawing, biting, and seems everywhere. Jacob screams helplessly as the poison thrashes through his veins. (9 on my fort save...ugh). He swings wildly back, and this time, feels his sword chop deep into the creature's side, just below where it's master is. (AC 26, potential crit, 28 threat, probably hit...does 10 damage, 17 if critical). After he swings, he backs up a few steps (5 foot step), praying that it doesn't come after him fully. "Help here..."
DM Anthony (Partys Init) Thursday April 24th, 2003 10:08:27 AM
Grymash attacks the unhurt bounder and hits both times cutting the Bounder deeply.
Milo stares.....
Ezra & Enoch begin moving up behind the Rapke (Kevin please find someone to play these guys.)
Gilan giving into the blood lust attacks with all his might and gashes the bounder deeply. His blade sinking in deeper than he thought possible. The bounder looks badly hurt.
Anuk misses and curses aand is still within 30'. The Rapke seeing the arrow fly past looks about.
Flea stares....
Jake's attack sinks deep but then the posion reaches him and he falls over leaving his sword stuck in the beast. Jake lays on the floor of the cave unmoving.
Trellus rushing foreward to help his sister rips up on the top of the skull. His adrinalina nd the magic seem to overpower him and he literaly rips off the top of the beasts head, freeing Jennys arm and knife. The girl can only stare at her brother in amazement.
DM Anthony (My Init) d20+4=12 d20+4=13 d20+8=25 2d12(8+12)+4=24 d20+8=25 d4=1 Thursday April 24th, 2003 10:18:24 AM
Bounder #1 attacks Gilan again. This time however the huge mouth is the attack that hiits ad Gilan feels himself almost swallowed by the beast (24 Dam)
The Rapke looking about sees the fist bounder in pieces and then Milo standing, staring. The evil laugh is heard again and the beast moves to Milo. he seems to almost dance and sway, avoiding any possible attacks. (Tumble 25) Then he positions himself above the halfling to rip out his throat.
Really Trellus (ac23, barkskin, sanctuary, hopeful feeling) Thursday April 24th, 2003 11:08:41 AM
(OOC - Anth, you posted My Init the same time I did, so I didn't see Milo's impending death. Could you delete the first one?)
Trellus rips off the bounder's head, blood and gore spattering all over. "Shady," he comments.
He sees Jacob go down. Then the beast moves to Milo. Meanwhile that other halfling... "SYLER! Leave Malgo alone and DO SOMETHING!"
"Jenny," he begs his sister, "stay away from the Rapke. You've no armor at all."
Trellus casts a spell on himself, and lauches himself at Milo, bellowing a primal roar all the while. The cleric tries to knock Milo down and stand over him.
Sanctuary (Will Save 14 to attack Trellus)
Ezra & Enoch *ac: 14 & 14* Sterlins' Spiders d20+4=17 d20+4=23 d4-2=2 d4-2=-1 d3=2 d3=3 Thursday April 24th, 2003 11:11:53 AM
(Anthony, Kevin did find someone to play em, Me, BigTim)
attacking the Rapke simultanously, both spiders jump on its behind and bites deeply in to its flank.
( dam: 2 & 1, make 2 saves V poison dc11 or lose 2 & 3 points of str)
Anuk (AC 18, Point Blank Shot) d20+7=15 Thursday April 24th, 2003 12:03:06 PM
When Anuk sees Jake crumple, a wave of guilt and frustration washes over him. Why don't his arrows fly true? Why?!!
He draws another arrow and prepares to shoot, all the while watching the dancing movements of the rapke. The instant the rapke stops in front of Milo, the twang of Anuk's bow is heard. But dust from the cave floor, stirred up by the fight, gets in Anuk's eyes at exactly that moment, and once again the arrow flies harmlessly past the beast. (hits AC 15. Sorry gang :( )
Grymash (ac20, Aid, Prot. from Evil, Mage Armour?, Rage) d20+10=11 d20+7=27 d20+12=23 d8+10=13 Thursday April 24th, 2003 1:38:24 PM
(Attack of opportunity attempt on the rapke if you would allow, since I am next to Milo and it landed in my threatened area. Hit AC 11, no chance.)
"MILO!!! ..." yells Grymash as he watches the rapke tumble amazingly though the area with only ONE foot!! He turns from the injured bounder, takes a few steps back and charges at the rapke with the broad side of his large double axe for a bull rush!!! "AUUGGGGHHHH!!! roars Grymash as he throws himself onto the foul reptile with all his weight and strength he can muster.
(Strength check 27, natural 20. Touch attack hit AC 23.)
Grymash hopes the missing foot allows the rapke enough instablility that he can push the beast and pin him against the wall of the cave (or knock him over) away from Milo!
(If you allow any damage from the weapon, I rolled a 13.)
Gilan-AC: 17 Thursday April 24th, 2003 4:55:30 PM
He screams as he is engulfed into the monsters mouth. He tries to force the blood lust that is beating through his veins into a last desperate attack. But his eyes clear and only intense pain can be read in the depths, as his shield and scimitar clatter to the ground. "No...can't..." Slipping into the coming darkness he slumps into the mouth of the bounder, which promptly lets him fall to hit the earthen floor and stand over him.
Grymash Thursday April 24th, 2003 5:31:44 PM
Grymash didnt realize what had happened to Gilan. While drenched in bounder blood and enslaved by rage, his judgement becomes clouded with adrenaline!!
"SOMEONE FINISH OFF BOUNDER ... HE SUN-BAKED JERKY. GRYMASH HOLD BACK CRAZY RAPKE!!"
Stephen ooc. Thursday April 24th, 2003 5:46:52 PM
(Does eating someone draw attacks of opportunity? Wouldnt they need a "Improved Combat Eating" feat or something?)
No hes not eating him, he bit him....
Syler 2d4(3+4)+2=9 Thursday April 24th, 2003 6:14:38 PM
Awakening from his own little world by the shouts of Trellus, Syler rolls from his protective alcove to help out the party.
Syler starts to chant in an ancient tounge, outstretches his hands, and lets fly two energy projectiles that strike the remaining bounder with a loud "CRACK".
(magic missile for 9 pnts of damage)
Sterlin (barkskin ac: 18 ) d8+5=12 Thursday April 24th, 2003 7:01:00 PM
Sterlin approaches Gilan and casts Cure Light Wounds (12 points healed - +5 is because of sargrass plains spell specialization)
Tiev (AC 14) d20+6=10 Thursday April 24th, 2003 8:06:28 PM
The wasp senses the death of Yanb and turns in fury on the bounder attacking Gilan. Seeking a vulnerable spot it drives forward with it's attack, but is unable to penetrate the animal's thick hide. [Hit AC 10]
Gilan-AC: 12 Thursday April 24th, 2003 11:44:02 PM
[Above is an amends to Gilan's armor class as he has lost both his shield and dexterity bonus. I believe that he also loses the magical bonus as well, so I did not figure it in either.]
ACDM Jan ((OOC)) Monday April 28th, 2003 2:43:02 PM
((Hey everyone, talked to Anth - sounds like his Friday post was swallowed up by the Post Eating Beast of Doom that occasionally wanders through the boards. Right in the middle of a cliffhanger, too!!
He'll repost tonight and sends his apologies.))
DM Anthony - Re post - sorry - Partys Init d20=20 d20+6=15 Monday April 28th, 2003 6:06:26 PM
Trellus leaps at teh stunned Milo and knocks him to the ground just in time.Saving him from the gnashing teeth of the Rapke.
Ezra & Enoch both attack the Rapke and Ezra misses completely however Enoch gets a good bite in, sinking his fangs deep into the beast, however the mosnster seems to no be effected by the posion at all.
Anuk's frustration builds as he yet again is inefective in battle...
Grymash knowing everything he knows about Rapke and blance and rushes the Rapke. Puting everything he has into it. Knowing that it is impossible for these things to happen. Knowing that no beast could do what its doing and stay up. Gry puts his head down and rushes hard, building up speed. Knowing that there is nothing that can stop him until.... WHAM. Gry rickosheys off the brick wall that is this beast. The beast neither moves or stumbles. It is neither hurt nor moved. It is now only angry.
Gilan slumps to the floor, dead?
Syler's bolts seem to wound the already hurt bounder badly. It is hard to see why the beast is still standing.
The bounder tries to take a bite out of Sterlin but due to its weakend condition it misses completely and the spell comes off, reviving Gilan.
Tiev is capable of nothing but buzzing about the beast and making it angry.
Flea stares....
end parys Init, Ill post mine in a bit..... Mia needs to use the comp.
DM Anthony - My init d20=11 3d8(4+3+6)+5=18 d20+2=22 d20+2=19 d12+8=12 Monday April 28th, 2003 6:32:56 PM
The bounder backs away from the party and crosses over to something lieing on the floor, and crunchees it between his teeth. Suddenly he looks much better.
The Rapke focuses on nothing else but biting Gry's head off. The rapke opeing its mouth wide bites down hard engulfing the barbarians head and twisting. Blood spurts everywhere, and the beast comes clost to almost ripping off the half orcs face as well.
(12 pts Dam, Almost a crit, save fort DC 12, and hits a called shot so you loose your next rounds actions, and roll 1d100 to see how bad it is, the lower the better for you!!)
Gilan-AC: 17 Monday April 28th, 2003 10:42:33 PM
Gilan slowly and weakly lifts himself from the ground. Shaking his head he glances around and jogs his memory as to where he is at and what he was doing. With a groan he reaches out and takes his scimitar and shield into hand. Using the scimitar to help himself to his feat he glances around some more to get an idea of what is happening.
It is not a good sight that greets his eyes as he sees Gry with his head in a rapke's mouth and being savaged. If he was not already still sort of out of it...this sight may have just made him sick.
Tiev (AC 14) d20+6=26 d20=2 d20+6=7 d3+6=7 Monday April 28th, 2003 11:14:12 PM
Driven half-mad by the smell of blood, Tiev dives at the bounder that had attacked Gilan and killed Yanb. Aiming for the throat he drives his stinger deep into a soft spot (Nat. 20, threat, miss on crit.)and releases a stream of poison (7damage+poison).
Poison DC 18 1d6 to Dex
(OOC: ignore second roll, pushed wrong botton. Hope I did this right. I'm still learning about animal companions!)
Milo Tuesday April 29th, 2003 12:47:05 AM
Stunned, last round.
Ezra and Enoch * ac:14* d20+4=9 d20+4=5 Tuesday April 29th, 2003 12:48:38 AM
2 attemps at biting the Rapke misses, then, they scurry to where their next attacks happens with them on either side. (getting in to flanking position.
Grymash (ac20, Aid, Prot. from Evil, Mage Armour?, Rage) d20+11=26 d100=21 Tuesday April 29th, 2003 9:51:26 AM
Grymash wonders what happened. Why did he hit a wall? His rage has peaked to an all time high. Grymash hopes the pointy spike on top of his helmet is very uncomfortable to the rapke. (If allowed) In his madness Grymash will also bite whatever piece of flesh he can latch on too (possibly a tongue).
(Fort Save 26. d100=21. Rapke needs to make Fort save DC 15 to keep from gagging from the horrible taste.)
Trellus (ac23, barkskin, hopeful feeling) d20+9=20 d8+3=10 Tuesday April 29th, 2003 9:54:47 AM
Trellus looks over his shield to see what the Rapke is doing.
"Oh, Light" he breathes as the monster clamps on to Grymash.
"Let him go!" the cleric screams, slamming his mace into the rapke's ribcage.
(Hit AC 20, took +2 flank bonus since its not concerned with Trellus, otherwise hit AC 18, 10 hp damage).
Anuk (AC 18, Point Blank Shot) d20+6=20 d20+9=27 d8+1=4 Tuesday April 29th, 2003 11:55:13 AM
Bow in hand, Anuk rushes to place himself between Gilan and the bounder as the bounder moves toward the thing on the floor.
"Gilan...you okay? Can you hear me?" he asks, concern filling his words.
If Gilan is still unconscious and on the floor (as per Anth's post), then Anuk begins rips more cloth from his cloak and begins to apply first aid to his friend, hoping to stabilize him (Heal check 20).
If Gilan is awake and attempting to stand (as per his post), Anuk stands defensively in front of him and fires his arrow at the bounder, finally hitting his mark (hits AC 27 for 4 points of damage).
Sterlin (barkskin ac: 18 ) d8+5=13 Tuesday April 29th, 2003 4:07:21 PM
Sterlin casts another cure light wounds. This time on Gry. " I hope this keeps you alive while they finish off that beast. "
healed 13 points
Syler (AC 16) 2d4(4+2)+2=8 Wednesday April 30th, 2003 6:13:41 AM
Syler again starts to chant ancient words and he lets the magic flow through him and out the tips of his hands.
Two bolts of energy fire frim Syler and hit the Rapke. (8 points of damage)
DM Anthony (Partys Init) d20+6=10 d20+6=26 d20+6=25 d20+12=17 2d4(3+3)+8=14 Wednesday April 30th, 2003 9:14:20 AM
Flea is stunned.
Gilan is up.
Tiev does damage, Rapke are imune to posion.
Milo is stunned
Ezra and Enoch miss
Grymash misses his actions due to the called shot. No save is required on the Rapkes part.
Trellus misses
Anuk kills the bounder.
Sterlin heals Gry a bit
Syler Hits the Rapke with magic.
RAPKES INIT:
The Rapke Attacks Gry three times. Hits Crit on one claw. 14 dam.
Its your turn
Ezra & Enoch *ac14* d20+4=23 d20+6=13 d4-2=0 Wednesday April 30th, 2003 10:00:31 AM
launching attacks at the same time, the 2 itty bitty spiders once again try eating the huge beast. Ezra gets a taste of blood this time doing 1 point of damage. seeing his friend miss wildly, he sends a thought to him, that their master can hear.
*quit playing around and get busy or else Master will have you for dinner*
Milo Wednesday April 30th, 2003 10:06:24 AM
coming out of his stupor, Milo is enraged. having missed alot yet seeing his comrades get bloodied, Milo reaches in to his spell component pouch. with a handful of ground mica in his hand, Milo waves his left hand in conjuration while saying some arcane words, then, he throws the powder at the Rapke.
Spell: Glitterdust centered on the Rapke, dc save is 16, will.
Trellus (ac25, barkskin, hopeful feeling,fighting on defensive) Wednesday April 30th, 2003 10:30:37 AM
Trellus' blow does nothing on the thick hide of the Rapke.
But, he sees Gry has his head out in one piece. "Praise Domi" he breathes.
Keeping a wary eye, and shield, on the rapke, the cleric stows his mace. Reaching over his head, he pulls the healing wand from his conveniently placed map case.
"Be right with you, Gry!" he yells. "Rip that sunbaked rapke!"
Grymash (ac20, Aid, Prot. from Evil, Mage Armour?, Rage) d20+10=25 d20+10=23 d20+10=28 d8+10=12 d8+10=12 d20+6=20 Wednesday April 30th, 2003 2:38:23 PM
(Unsure if the rapke let me go or not, if not Grymash will attempt to grapple out of the beasts hold. Opposed Grapple check (+7 strength mod, +2 base attack bonus, +1 Aid bonus, +1d20 = 25) --------------------------- (If Gry was free, he will attack.)
Grymash's enchanted buckler of Gargul glows brighter than anyone has even seen it. Gry is lost in his rage. He is a blazing font of frenzied violent fury. He lets loose his attacks.
(Hit AC 23 for 12 points of damage. Hit AC 28 for another 12 points of damage. Total possible 24 points of damage.)
(Just in case Milo's Glitterdust also effects Gry, since he is in the area, he will make a Will save of 20.)
Flea (AC 17, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Hopeful Feeling) d20+7=11 Wednesday April 30th, 2003 6:58:36 PM
Flea looks at the shortbow in her hand, and shakes her head as if waking from a dream, only this was a nightmare! She tries to block out the sounds of carnage, and notches an arrow to the hempen string, drawing it back against her cheek, her wrist cocked a little so that the string won't lash it. Her arms feel heavy, though and the arrow misses it's mark flying past the horrible monster that is the rapke.
(OOC: I added the 'Hopeful Feeling' assuming from DM post of April 23, 2003 that it was some kind of 'Bless'.)
Tiev (AC 14) d20+6=24 d3+6=7 Wednesday April 30th, 2003 8:12:13 PM
In a frenzy, Tiev stabs at a new enemy, the Rapke. The wasp pierces it's thick hide (Sting=24) and inflicts as much damage as it can (7damage+poison).
Poison DC 18 1d6 to Dex.
Jacob Wednesday April 30th, 2003 11:29:29 PM
Jacob lies where he is, motionless.
Anuk (AC 18, Point Blank Shot) d20+9=20 d8+1=4 Thursday May 1st, 2003 12:17:41 AM "Yes!! hisses Anuk as the bounder topples. He quickly fires an arrow at the Rapke, but misses his prey (hits AC20 for 4 points), because at that moment he sees the still form of Jake on the floor of the cavern.
"Glad to see you up, Gilan...I gotta go see if I can help Jake." If Jake is still within the reach of the rapke, then Anuk draws his swords and charges toward the beast, screaming at the top of his lungs. Otherwise, Anuk keeps his bow and runs to Jake's body, placing himself between it and the rapke.
Sterlin (barkskin ac: 18 ) d20+5=9 Thursday May 1st, 2003 11:28:47 AM
Sterlin swings at the rapke with his scimitar and misses.
DM Anthony d20+5=21 Thursday May 1st, 2003 12:37:27 PM
Ezra & Enoch both miss.
Milos spell fails due to Rapke save.
Trellus pulls a wand
Grymash's first attack misses, the second hits. (again please send me your character sheet. The computer here at school wont read yours.)
Flea misses but feels better
Jacob lies motionless.
Anuk misses
Sterlin misses
Tiev strikes the beast but its imune to posion. However it seems enough to put the beast over the edge and it topples lifeless.
Milo d20+6=11 Thursday May 1st, 2003 1:09:46 PM
rushes to jacob, checks his vitals. (11 heal check)
Ezra & Enoch Thursday May 1st, 2003 1:11:04 PM
jumps up and down on the Rapke, biting at it from time to time to make sure it is not getting back up.
Ezra says to Enoch, thats 3 flies you owe me, i did more damage than you did!
Trellus (ac23, barkskin, hopeful feeling) d20+9=25 Thursday May 1st, 2003 1:38:31 PM
Trellus looks around. Its over? he thinks, Just like that?
"Jenny!" he calls out, looking about for his sister.
Assuming she's OK, he hands his wand to Sterlin. "Could you re-thread Gilan some more, while I check Jake?" he says.
Pulling his Healer's Kit out of his pack, he bends over Jacob with Milo.
(Heal check 25. Took +2 for the Healer's Kit. Treating poison?)
"Gry," he calls suddenly, urgently, "The Rider. The Manfri said they'd all return unless we.....well....you know."
Grymash (ac20, Aid, Prot. from Evil, Mage Armour?, Glittered) d20+14=24 d20+14=23 d8+10=12 d8+10=18 d8+10=17 d8+10=14 d8+10=16 d8+10=14 Thursday May 1st, 2003 3:14:13 PM
Grymash still enraptured by his rage strikes down on the helpless rapke and rider.
(+4 prone, like it matters theyre helpless and defenseless.)
He slices down on the rapke's neck to sever it and then turns on the rider for the same effect. (Coup de grace. Hit AC 24 [on rapke] and 23 [on rider]. Automatic criticals x3 on both, if allowed. Damage: 12, 18, 17, 14, 16 & 14 = Rapke takes 47 damage and the Rider takes 44 damage. If they werent completely dead then they will need to make Fort saves DC 57 [rapke] and DC 54 [rider] or die. That felt good, always wanted to do that! :)
If that severs the rapkes head from its body Grymash will kick it away from the body, toward the wall of the cave. Grymash raises his double axe with both hands high above his head and roars in victory. Blood streams down from the axe as he holds it in the air. Gry flicks out his tongue to catch the surpy crimson. After collecting a fair amount, he spits it out in a fine mist down on the bodies. Finally his blood lust for the rapke has been satisfied.
Grymash falls down to one knee and calms from his rage. He almost appears to shrink in size a little bit. He puts his hand to his face to feel his wounds and to rest his head. His breath is heavy and labored. He then realizes that he glows with a glittery light (even though his save fought off blindness from Milo's spell, the light show still remains).
"Sun-Baked and Brittle!! ...Why is Grymash shinny?"
Sterlin Thursday May 1st, 2003 5:11:19 PM
Sterlin uses the wand to heal Gilan. (don't know what to roll for it) He also looks around for Jenny, hopeing she is alright.
Gilan d8+2=8 Thursday May 1st, 2003 6:17:53 PM
Seeing that he battle is over and not in real great shape himself, he leans on his scimitar. With a smile to Sterlin he nods his thanks at first. "I am not sure I want to experience another near death experience like that again."
With a wave after the first hit from the wand, he turns Sterlin towards Grymash and Jacob. "They can use more attention with that wand at this time." He closes his eyes and calls upon the innate powers of nature to come to his aid and grant him the power to heal some of his wounds. With a satisfying smile he feels the answer to his call and the flowing of nature's blessing into him.
[healin for 8hps]
Flea d20+9=28 Thursday May 1st, 2003 9:19:03 PM
The rogue reflects on the combat, Trellus seems a natural leader, and the druid, Gilan, has more lives than a cat! The half-elf, Jacob seems a little aloof, but what a fighter...and Milo has all the shady picks, like the 'Feather Fall' move on Trellus. She flushes with shame on remembering her paralysis in the face of battle...
With her head down, and her eyes averted from the party as they go about the business of tending to each other, she approaches the dead beasts carefully. She takes out her short sword and prods at the ramains of the scaled chicken/lizard thing that was the rapke. She searches (Search=28) through what is left of the beast and it's rider for any thing that might be of value.
Tiev Thursday May 1st, 2003 9:31:31 PM
The exhausted wasp hastens over to Gilan and lights on his shoulder. The insect's wings droop forlornly.
Grymash d20-2=8 Thursday May 1st, 2003 10:45:54 PM
Grymash drops his axe and draws his dagger. He happens to notice his reflection in the blade. He can see spots of blood all across his face. He isnt sure if its his or not. His hands are also covered with red. He wipes what he can off on his pants leg. Grymash turns his gaze on the others. He watches them tend to one another. Their voices sound muffled. His own screams still ring in his ears. He can feel the raspiness in his throat.
Grymash tries to remember what the manfri told them about disposing the bodies of the barons. He pulls off his helmet, drops it and pulls his sweat matted hair from his eyes. It helps to clear his mind."Im soo stupid stupid," he mutters to himself!! Grymash fall down hole, nearly killing his pack. Almost lets Gilan and Milo get eaten. Now I forget ... stupid stupid! He just stands there dazed and confused, trying to remember. He feels useless. "Is death all Grymash good at? Am I too stupid to do anything else? Death is easy, real easy ... its life that's hard! Maybe my gift is death ... with death of rapke others can live! Huh ... that's good thought, Grymash not too stupid! I think?!" Grymash cheers himself up with his little pep talk. This revelation pleases Grymash to no end. He feels blessed by Gargul to be baptized in the blood that drips from his body. Then again ... he double checks to make sure its not his own!!
"Trellus dont forget about Malgo over there. Ohhh (whispering in Trellus' ear) uhh err, what I do with Baron body. Don't remember what manfri say!"
Anuk Friday May 2nd, 2003 10:41:18 AM
Anuk breathes a sigh of relief as the battle ends and he sees that the pack seems to have survived. He slings his bow across his back and approaches Flea.
"Hey...just wanted to say sorry 'bout just handing you the torch like that...things get crazy and sometimes I don't think things through very well. Just...ummm...well...I wasn't thinking. YOu probably had other plans. Anyway...sorry."
As his gaze moves downward he discovers the boots that Gilan tossed to him still lying on the cavern floor. A little dirtier and blood spattered, but still in fine shape. He sits and unwraps the cloth covering his feet, then puts the boots on. "Hey Gilan...nice fit. Shady. Thanks!" Looking up, he notices that only one wasp remains on Gilan's shoulder. "Oh...Gilan...I'm sorry."
He stands and looks at the twisted body of the baron. "Last night the manfri had us remove the hearts of these treadles. Should we do it again?"
(ooc: does Anuk still have the ceremonial dagger he used the night before, or did the manfri take it back?)
DM ANTH THE MANFRI TOOK IT BACK
DM Anthony Friday May 2nd, 2003 12:57:40 PM
Jenny found, the battle calmed, the monsters dead, then a rummble of stone and the sound of crushing rock and the light from the hole you fell down goes out, dust bellows from that tunell and you know, back is no longer the way out.
Trellus 2d8(6+3)+3=12 d20+9=16 Friday May 2nd, 2003 2:26:58 PM
(OOC - The wand Sterlin used on Gilan was of Cure Moderate Wounds, so 12hp to Gilan. I'm also assuming the heal check worked and Jacob is back to land of the moving.)
Having helped Jacob recover from the Rapke's bite, Trellus grabs his pack and kit and heads over to Malgo.
"Thanks Gry, I remember him," he states. And then with more bitterness, "he's just not the lead thread in my loom right now."
"Hey Gry, you still got that other healing wand, right? Let's use it to patch everyone up while we've got the time. We'll save this big one for emergencies."
Then, the cave entrance gives way, and darkness engulfs the party. "Light," Trellus growls/invokes. Instantly, his shield starts glowing, illuminating the cavern. "This'll glow about 30 minutes," he calls out, as he bends over Malgo. "Anybody see a way out?"
(Heal check on Malgo = 16)
Gilan Friday May 2nd, 2003 2:40:37 PM
With a great amount of emotion and gentleness he reaches up and strokes the back of Tiev as he lands on his shoulder. He turns his back on his pack as tears stream down his face and he slumps to the ground.
He turns as Anuk speaks to him and gives him a strained smile as he slowly stands. "Thank you brother...there is no nobler sacrifice that one can make than to give ones life for a friend...Yanb was most definitely a friend. One of my best since early in my life here." He glances over to the dead body of the bounder and his face hardens.
When the plan of disposing of these beasts in the way of the manfri, Gilan is all too happy to agree. Pulling one of his daggers he makes his way over to the bounder that had killed Yanb. He spits once on the corpse before kneeling and literally cutting the thing to shreads as he takes its heart out. Holding the heart in one hand and the dagger in the other, he is a feral sight to behold...dripping in the things blood. "What else do we need to do...I am not exactly thinking straight at this time."
Sterlin Friday May 2nd, 2003 3:33:22 PM
Sterlin grabs Jenny and wraps his arms around her. With a shaking voice he says, " Jenny, we almost lost you. Why did you come out here? "
Grymash d100=71 d20+8=20 d20+8=24 Friday May 2nd, 2003 4:24:50 PM
Grymash breaks out a big toothy grin after Trellus asks him to help. He is more than eager to do something non-lethal to his pack. His worries about the barron melt away ... in fact, what barron?! ... "oh yeah ... that barron," he thinks as he steps over the severed head!
Suddenly the loud rumble of stone and earth comes crashing down. It's followed by the snuffing out of light. All is quiet until Trellus casts his Light spell. Anyone looking in Grymash's direction see a large half-orc frozen in place with a grimacing expression on his face. Grymash opens his eyes and wildly looks around and then back to his pack. "NO NO NO, GRYMASH NOT DO THAT!! ... no way ... me touch nothing ... not anywhere near thuh ... tha that place!!! Nah uhh ... no way!!" He forcefully points back to the cave entrance. "Grymash not going near walls, me healing pack!! (muttering) [sigh] high sun all day... this eats grass!!"
Despite Grymash's obvious short comings, he had become a decent healer. Ironically, his training in healing started during his time when he was held captive by the orc raiders. However, from their prespective, knowledge of healing not only kept them alive in the harsh wilderness of the grasslands, it also taught them how to be more efficient killers. Knowing where to strike was more important than just attacking wildly at an opponent. Quick kills were escential ... it was a warriors best chance of avoiding damage to himself. Especially with all the bloodthirsty creepers crawling about.
Grymash kneels down next to Jacob. He thinks that Jacob may be under the influence of the beast's poison. (Heal check 20) Gry checks the wound and isnt sure. He pulls out his healers kit and retrieves a special root, what he calls, a Yuk root! An herbal remedy that the orcs taught him. A powerful medicine used to neutralize poison. Grymash starts to chew on the root, mashing it up into a pasty pulp. The taste is extremely bitter and foul. If Jacob was to wake up he would see an contorting grimacing lip-smacking face of a huge grey-skinned hulk hovering over him. (A horrible time for him to wake up. His face would resemble a "bitter beer face!")
With his tongue dangling from his mouth, Grymash continues to mash the root in his hands. He occasionally spits to rid himself of the rancid flavor. Grymash applies the pulp to the wound and wraps it with bandage. (Heal check 24 against poison)
"Good ... that will clean BAD blood! I hope! Well, if it burns that mean it WORKING," Grymash says with a smile!!
Grymash runs his tongue down his sleeve!! "Ohhh YUKK!!! Malgo can chew his own ROOT!!"
Flea Friday May 2nd, 2003 9:42:24 PM
Flea looks up at the ranger with the curly brown hair, and gives him a little smile: "I could learn something from the way you use your bow, Anuk. Nice pick on the bounder."
The gnome follows Anuk over to Gilan, but steps back when the distraught druid and the crazy barbarian start carving into the bodies of the dead.
After the cave in, Flea retrieves Anuk's torch from the crevice in the wall, and hands it back to the ranger, saying: "I can see quite well in the shadows." She turns to Trellus, and adds: "If you wish, I can scout down the tunnel ahead of the group to see if it is safe?" She looks at the young cleric, awaiting instructions.
Jacob Friday May 2nd, 2003 10:25:49 PM
(Is Jacob alive and conscious what? I'm confused.)
DM ANTHONY: (Jacob is alive, breathing, and his eyes can move and look around however the rest of his body is stiff as a board. The heal seems to have stoped the posion from doing any more damage, but the current damage stays in place.)
Jacob Sunday May 4th, 2003 2:35:04 AM
Jacob manages to gurgle a weird sound from the floor as a glittery tusked red-eyed demon gapes at him...then, a sigh escapes his still form as he glances to Trellus and then Milo. He looks around without moving his head, most uncomfortable appearing. He waits...content to let the others move him, or whatever. He ponders going to sleep, but decides that even if he can't move, he wants to know if something happens...
Ezra & Enoch Sunday May 4th, 2003 1:48:28 PM
bouncing over to Sterlin, both spiders land on his head, then slowly crawl down his neck, and shoulders, one sitting placantly on each shoulder.
Milo Sunday May 4th, 2003 1:50:35 PM
looking over to Trellus Milo comments that he's paralized. Don't have anything that'll cure that I suppose?
Looking at Trellus with a sly smile, he says: you know, we can always see what a full bottle of wine and my special concoction does to someone. Doesn't look like he can object.
Grymash Sunday May 4th, 2003 3:14:22 PM
Grymash looks down at Jacob again. "Wait ... Trellus fix Jacob already!!?"
(sorry, i didnt notice that until I scrolled back a few posts.)
A long string of orcish curse words bellow out from Gry's embittered mouth. "YOCH BOW, math BOW, je shuv wee yo bogh!! Moach chyu may ew mah shoov, mah nong Yuk Yuk, ej ma choch CHEW!!!" Grymash continues to spit ... "Grymash .. yuk root taste ... blahh ... chew for nothing!!"
As soon as his verbal assault ends, a spark of awareness hits Grymash across the face. With a heavy regretful sigh, he calms and quietly shakes his head in disapproval of his behavior. He realizes that his eagerness to please blinded him from the needs of his pack. With his selfish outburst of wounded pride, he ignored the gravity of their dire situation. Quick survey of the scene Grymash sees that there are those who hurt far more than he, (looking at Gilan) and no amount of healing will cure them completely. However physical wounds are within Gry's abilities to treat. Gry pulls out his Curing Stick and says, "Come here Gilan ... you hurt!" He watches his actions with compassionate eyes. Now was a time for a priest of Gargul, not a barbarian.
Anuk Sunday May 4th, 2003 6:41:08 PM
As the dust settles, Anuk raises his torch high to provide as much additional light as possible for the others. Thinking back on the fight, he recalls that the bounder he felled ate something on the cavern floor. He decides to investigate and makes his way to the place where the object is to see what's there.
DM Anthony Monday May 5th, 2003 9:48:49 AM
For all the healing checks neither Jacob or Malgo seem to change in status.
Jenny babbles endlessly that she was coming after you guys, determined to be part of the pack, to prove herself to you guys and then she saw Malgo and thought he was going to sabatoge you all so she ran ahead to warn you all and ran right into a bounder, they started chassing and Malgo came up behind and picked her up and ran and then the ground gave way right undernieth them, they got up and sawy two bounders and the Rapke had fallen too. The Rapke rider dead and the foot gone. They gan down here and Malgo got into the cage. Malgo tried to run for help and got bitten and Jenny had to drag him back into the cage before he got eaten.
Trellus Monday May 5th, 2003 10:56:49 AM
Trellus finishes looking over Malgo, and leans back on his knees. "Well, he's stable, but I can't bring him out either..."
The young cleric trails off as he takes in the pack for the first time in almost a day.
Gry went Walker for a minute, but he seems to be coming out of it. Still, he doesn't look good. Probably upset about falling back there.
Gilan's pretty twisted too. Where's his other wasp? Oh light, that explains that, then.
Sterlin and Jenny...Sterlin and Jenny?!?....nah, can't be.
"Dudes," he calls out "everybody who needs healing see Gry and his wand."
He walks over to Gilan, and places a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry, Gilan," he says quietly. Noticing the heart in the druid's hands and Flea's reaction, he continues more loudly.
"Flea, we call ourselves the Blood Pack." Trells looks down at his own blood-soaked armor, "For obvious reasons." "We have met the Manfri, people who live in the Grass, and they have shown us about the rapke, and the Barons who ride them. The Barons are evil, and they can live after death by passing their memories on to their kin. We've learned the only way to truly kill them is to skin them and scatter their innards on the plains."
"That is why we've cut out their hearts. And that is why we will carry them out of here with us, until we can scatter them on the grass."
"Dudes, we have all been pretty twisted over the last day. Especially me. We've all made some mistakes. Again, especially me. But, no one here should feel they've let anyone down. We're all still alive, we've found Jenny, and we're gonna get out of here because we're weft and web."
"Flea, if you can check out the tunnel, that'd be shady. Be careful. My bet is they can see in the dark, too."
"We need to carry out Jake and Malgo. I can take Jake. Gry, I think you're the only one who can carry Malgo. Sterlin, could you please watch over Jenny?"
Trellus takes a cleansing breath from a very long speech.
"Ok dudes, let's get healed up and get out of here."
Trellus lines up for a shot from the Cure Light Wounds wand.
Grymash d8+5=11 d8+5=7 d8+5=11 d8+5=6 d8+5=11 Monday May 5th, 2003 11:03:37 AM
Grymash walks over to Gilan. "Drop bounder heart while Grymash heal you. Me not want to heal it too." Upon dropping the heart Grymash will tap Gilan's shoulder with his wand (11 points healing).
"Gilan, you do good job taking bounder heart, Gry not do any better. Want me to finish job?"
(not sure if you will allow multiple healings in a single non-combat post. disregard others if you see fit.)
IF Gilan still appears hurt, Gry will zap him again with the wand. (7 points healed) Grymash will also turn the wand on himself (11 points of healing). Gry will tap Trellus with the wand (reroll ones, second roll: 11 points of healing).
Grymash puts a supportive hand on Gilan's shoulder. "Gilan, go be with Yanb. Gry can finish this." He turns his gaze on the baron. His expression remains stoic as he calmly draws his daggers.
Gilan Monday May 5th, 2003 11:49:04 AM
Looks to Trellus as he comes over and gives him a half smile. "This one will not be coming back that is for sure." He drops the heart onto the floor of the cave so that it can be collected at a later time. The caving in of the hole they fell into does not seem to bother him or maybe it is that he is concentrating on other things.
Grymash meets him half way as the half-orc touches him with the wand. He feels the soothing cooling powers of healing flood into his body. Still that is only physical wounds that are healed and not the mental ones from the loss of a companion. "Thanks friend...no more for healing for me...I am fine and the wand will not cure the other things wrong."
With a sad look he cannot help but tear up a little as Grymash mentions being with his wasp at this time. He looks back to the now mutilated body of the bounder and growls. "That is impossible now...that thing ate her...chewed her up and then grinned at me." You see another flash of intense pain mixed with hatred pass across his face and harden his eyes.
With a shake of his head he lets it slip away and turns back to the pack. "Guess we should not stay here any longer than we have to." He starts making ready to head out with the rest.
Grymash Monday May 5th, 2003 12:43:13 PM
Grymash closes his eyes and bites his lip upon hearing what happened to Yanb. He starts to scold himself in his thoughts, "Gry, you stupid, brain-baked, grass-eating, half breed treadle!!" There are a lot of things he doesnt notice when he rages. Again, he only seems to cause pain when he tries to help.
Milo Monday May 5th, 2003 2:11:00 PM
walking up to Flea, Milo puts out his hand. my name is Milo, im the cook, you can say. glad to have you in the group.
going to Grymash after he heals Gilan he says: gry, buddy, dont beat yourself up. you didnt cause anyone to die today, it's part of life, we all are born, we live and die. it's the cycle.
then over to Gilan: instead of us weeping for Ynab's death, lets laugh about his life. remember when he got in my fathers mug, and then came flying out like a drunken sailor? flew right in to Grymash's hair and it took us 30 minutes to get Gry calmed down so we could get Ynab out. <smiles at the thought>
Sterlin Monday May 5th, 2003 2:27:22 PM
" Its o.k. Jenny. You've done well. Stick with me and well see if we can't all make it out of this together. "
Syler Monday May 5th, 2003 6:18:00 PM
Syler dusts himself off and observes those few people carving up bodies, removing hearts and whatnot. Noting this in the back of his mind. He pulls out his wineskin and take s a long draught from it. Wiping his lips with his sleeve he says," Yeay, we should probably get moving. The tunnels I had been searching were empty, but there is no telling what might be down these others. I may have just been lucky enough not to find anything."
Flea (Low Light Vision) d20+12=14 d20+8=21 d20+9=13 d20+5=23 Monday May 5th, 2003 6:34:53 PM
The rogue nods her head in acknowledgment of the explanation given by Trellus. "Blood Pack! Shady!"
Flea adjusts her pack, and checks her weapons. Suddenly she is overcome by the wonderful smell of...baking! She looks up from her task, and sees the halfling in an apron...his hand out in friendship. "Thanks, Milo" she says, smiling back at the wizard.
Lighthearted after the kind words of Anuk, Trellus, and Milo, Flea trots off down the tunnel. She scouts ahead of the pack, hiding in the shadows (Hide=14), sneaking quietly (Move Silently=21). She searches for a way out (Search=13) careful to notice any signs of danger (Spot=23).
(OOC: Anthony, did Flea find anything on the rapke and rider? Rolled a Search=28, May 1 post.)
DM ANTHONY: Nope NADA
Anuk d20+1=15 d20+6=12 d20+6=24 d20+2=10 Monday May 5th, 2003 10:42:10 PM
Anuk places his torch in one of the cracks that crawl down the cavern walls and he sits for a moment, grateful for the rest. He ponders the pack's situation, and begins thinking about how to get out of the cavern safely. Of course, even if they get out, they'll most likely be lost somewhere in the grasses of the plains. Well first things first...gotta get out of the cavern before worrying about what might come next.
He stands, stretches, then approaches each of the openings to leading to deeper parts of the cavern. He searches and listens for some hint of which cavern holds the path that will lead them safely to the surface.
(OOC: Anth, did Anuk find anything of interest when he went looking for whatever it was the bounder was chewing on? (last post))
DM ANTHONY : Nope Nada
Tiev Monday May 5th, 2003 11:51:49 PM
The wasp crawls lightly over Gilan looking for a quiet spot. It finally ends up in the pocket formed by the hood of the druid/fighter's green cloak. Tiev curls up in the comfortable and dark place for a well deserved rest.
The First Circle
DM Anthony Tuesday May 6th, 2003 9:54:44 AM
Every one heals up and the searches for treasure turn up nothing but broken glass from potion botttles, a ruined bow and arrows, a bent sword, and Malgos things.
Flea just barely begins to scout when from down the tunnel from where you came comes a faint light that turns her about and stops her.
Bobbing along at a slow pace comes the light, a peaceful humming accompining and echoing down the chamber. Closer and closer the light comes until it is revealed to be coming from a staff carried by an ancient Manfri. The withered old black face smiles a tootless smile at you all and looks about the room, until his bright eyes light upon the Rapke. Crossing and standing over the beast he stares for a time and then kneels down in prayer over the body. After a moment it seems as if he has begun to weep. Tears for this beast?? This beast that murders his people. There must so much more to these people than the crude jokes heard in the city...
When he is finished with his prayer he stands and dusts the dirt from his knees. His cheeks wet with tears. A gift of water for a monster.
Standing there looking weak and frail but also full of wisdom and a grace of power unknow by any you have met in your life you are all suddenly struck with recognition. This is the Ancient Manfri from the Tado. The Manfri in true charge from which all power flowed there. Crossing to Jacob he taps his staff on the boy. Jacob feels a line of power flow through him and eat the posion, and suddenly he can move again.
Crossing to Malgo he shakes his head and waves his hand over the half orcs eyes and the Malgo falls asleep. He motions that a few of you will have to carry the Half Orc, that too much time has passed for his magic to remove the posion and he will just have to sleep it off.
Crossing to Gry he stares up at the man in wonder and shakes his head. Reaching up on tip toes to feel the large mans huge arms. The to Sterlin he looks long and hard at the new knife at his belt and finnaly looking the boy up and down nods and whistles.
The two spiders scurry off their friend and the Manfri kneels pulling something from his pouch. he offers it to the aracinids and they hurrily glup it down. The Manfri begins chit chitering to them as the remaining wasp lands on the ancient sholder. He reaches up and scratches behing the wasps eyes and a strange purring sound never heard before comes from the layranx of the beast.
Finnaly the Manfri chuckles and stands as the insects scutter away back to their masters. Crossing to the mutilated monsters he shakes his head and then in clumsy sign language demonstrates that the ritual that you are all tring to perform must only take place on the white sands of the Tado, the magic place. He does this with out rebuke or anger, only with the light of a parent teaching a beloved child. Then pulling from his pouch he weaves together four strands of rope grass and places the weaving in a crack in the wall.
With that he looks at each of you again and nods, brightly smiling, then points to Malgo in quick motions as if he wants you all to grab up the boy and hurry. As each of you look to see what he wants and then turn back, you find that the ancient is . . . . gone . . . . . .
Grymash Tuesday May 6th, 2003 11:50:40 AM
Grymash prepares to cut into the baron. With daggers drawn he approaches the body. Then the sudden presence of the ancient manfri startles him. Gry slowly backs away from the beast and rider as the manfri walks closer.
Feeling no hostility from him, Grymash sheaths his blades and watches in wonder. Grymash ponders a few thoughts, "why manfri cry for baron? me not understand ... uhh that weird ... he soo old, look like raisin!! hmmm, me hungry! Uhh ohh wait... Gry not think out loud again!!! whew, good ... me thinking only in noggin (sigh of relief)."
Grymash stands perfectly still during his inspection. His eyes dart about looking at the others when the manfri starts touching him. He fights every instinct to move away. He's wise enough to know that would be unappropriate behavior .. untrusting behavior. Even though he feels uncomfortable, he has no reason to think of the manfri as anyone but friends.
After the manfri does his thing and disappears, Gry understands the manfri to be true to his word and gets the hint to pick up Malgo.
Puting his helmet back on, Gry grabs his double axe and quickly gathers up his things. He walks over to Malgo and pulls him up into a seated position on the floor. Gry then props his double axe against the wall. Then reaching down with both hands, he grabs the waist of Malgo and drapes his body over his shoulder. Then with lifting with his legs, he raises the large lad up off the ground and onto his shoulder. He uses one arm to hold him on securely and with the other he grabs his axe.
"UUMMMMFF!!! Boy ... Malgo is a heavy piggy. Me hope he wake up soon!!! Uhhh ... Jenny, how you lift him. He too heavy for you!!"
(I can carry up to 400 pounds, thats my max carrying load. If Malgo weights as much a Grymash, at 250 pounds, then he is within Gry's tolerances. Currently loaded with 114 pounds of gear. Gry's dex bonus is reduced to +1 [was +3], and speed is reduced to 20-ft.)
Milo Tuesday May 6th, 2003 11:51:00 AM
stands there, mouth open, in obvious awe.
<someone will have to pull Milo along for a few minutes, hes that awestruck>
Trellus Tuesday May 6th, 2003 1:03:36 PM
"Dudes, its gonna take us forever to understand these people," Trellus says with quiet wonder.
As Grymash hauls up Malgo, the cleric goes over to the weaving to see if he can make anything out.
After that, he looks around, and waves toward the unexplored tunnel. "Well, I guess we keep going that way. After you, Flea."
Steering Milo by the shoulder, Trellus follows the rogue out of the cavern.
Sterlin Tuesday May 6th, 2003 4:46:25 PM
Sterlin is a bit in awe as well. He takes Jenny's hand and speaks softly, " Are you o.k.? "
Flea d20+8=9 d20+9=29 d20+5=8 Tuesday May 6th, 2003 5:58:36 PM
Flea stares in open mouthed amazement at the wizened little fellow with the glowing staff, no taller than she. The gnome is perplexed by his careful examination of the druid, and she wonders what the strange knife from the walker and now this appraisal by the Manfri signifies for Sterlin.
Before scouting down the tunnel from whence came the curious little fellow, Flea looks around for the odd halfling who so recently joined them, and says: "Those were some shady picks you made during the confrontation. Have you been in these tunnels for long? Oh! I'm Flea! By what name are you known?"
Whether or not the dark-skinned halfling chooses to acompany her, Flea will continue down the tunnel stumbling a little over the debris(Move Silently=9), searching for the way out(Search=29(nat. 20!))and trying unsuccessfully to spot the mysterious Manfri(Spot=8).
Gilan Tuesday May 6th, 2003 8:17:41 PM
Gilan makes his way back over to Grymash and lays a hand on his shoulder. Looking up at his friend he gives him a smile. "Don't worry about it...you could not have know and your heart was in the right place."
Glancing up as the aged manfri appears he tries his best not to stare. The manfri paying respect to the rapke is not totally lost on him. He suddenly wishes that he would have controled his anger better earlier and not vented his anguish on the bounder the way he did. He hangs his head as the manfri makes his way to some of those present and even calls out his wasp. "He is right...my anger was misplaced....."
With a shrug of his shoulders he follows Grymash over to Malgo and waits to see if he will need help. "I can carry some of your extra gear if you need."
With a smile at Trellus, Gilan nods. "Maybe a lifetime that would interest me...thier bond with nature is mystical to say the least...a bond that most druids try to obtain." With that he falls into silence to think on what he has learned these past days.
Jake Wednesday May 7th, 2003 1:30:16 AM
In his usual manner, as soon as Jacob can get up and move, he yawns and relaxes, slowly getting up and leaning against a wall. Whereas the others are incredibly awed by the Manfri, especially Milo, Jake just scratches his head. He looks at his group, and thinks to himself. (Walkers, they gone native? They're all, like...I dunno. Different. Maybe it's...nah.) He scratches his chin, and thinks deeply, Maybe I should grow a beard. Searching around, he grabs his sword and pulls it out of the Rapke. Cleaning it off, he admires it, and then slides it expertly into its sheath. Silently, he turns to follow after the others.
DM Anthony Wednesday May 7th, 2003 9:30:02 AM
Jenny is fine and everyone seems better. . .
Flea begins scoiuting down the path, from time to time another shoot takes off in another direction and you realize that under the plains, at least here, there is a literal maze of caverns. Flea seems to be able to feel which way is better than another untill finaly you come to a large round chamber. Covering the floor, walls, and celing are hundres upon thousands of cave paintings. Most of them are hands, but some are of other things... However of most intrest is the huge gold door set into the far side of the chamber.
Anuk d20+1=2 Wednesday May 7th, 2003 10:25:31 AM
Anuk follows Flea and the others down the twisting cavern paths. He usually feels at home in any environment...as long as it's on the surface. He's grateful for the guidance of the gnome. The ever-present darkness and silence of these caves gives him the willies. He draws his long-sword -- no sense taking chances in a place like this. On the other hand, who knows? Maybe they'll run into something...interesting. Something he hasn't seen yet.
When the group reaches the large cavern, Anuk becomes entranced by the paintings that blanket the walls. He takes a closer look, hoping to find renderings of creatures he hasn't encountered yet. However, the thousands upon thousands of hands make it difficult for heim to make out anything else (search 2 - nat 1 bleah.).
Milo Wednesday May 7th, 2003 12:33:04 PM
upon entering the cave Milo looks around like a kid in a candy store. after a few minutes Milo retrieves some red food dye out of his pack and pours it on his hands, then, he goes to an open spot on the wall, and places his hand on it and removes em, leaving his hand prints on the wall.
drying hands as best he can in the dirt on the cave floor, Milo turns around, and goes to the gold door. examining it.
Trellus Wednesday May 7th, 2003 12:49:10 PM
To Gilan's last statement, Trellus can only nod. "They seem truly weft and web with the Grass," he agrees.
Entering the cavern, he watches in some confusion as Milo breaks away and goes through all his preparations. The young man starts chuckling as he figures out what the halfling is up to.
"The Blood Pack strikes again," he announces cheerfully, once Milo leaves his calling card.
He walks over to the doors. "Now what do you think about this?" He ponders them for a minute before reciting a quick phrase and staring more intently.
(Detect Magic)
Flea (Detect Traps) d20+6=10 d20+9=27 Wednesday May 7th, 2003 5:31:25 PM
"Now this is tuly shady!" says the rogue, a big grin on her face as she approaches the large golden door. She listens for sounds from the other side (Listen=10), but doesn't hear anything. She checks the door for traps (Search=27). If she detects anything unusual, she will fetch her special tools out of the pouch at her waist. The gnome's hands tremble a little in excitement.
Grymash Wednesday May 7th, 2003 5:45:31 PM
Gry smiles at Gilan, "You take backpack if Gilan wish. If not too heavy. Gry would like to keep axe handy. Grymash just drop Malgo if me have to fight!"
Grymash brings up the rear as they go down the tunnel. His eyes go wide from the sight of the room. "Ohhhhh ... stone cold shady!! Hey Milo, Grymash have chalk in belt pouch to write or draw. Me stea ... err borrow from teacher. Ummf ..But Gry hands full with stupid sleepy ugly ... uhh Malgo! You take chalk if Milo want."
Gilan Wednesday May 7th, 2003 10:32:58 PM
Gilan nods and takes the pack from Grymash. It is the least that he can do for his friend. "Not a problem." He follows after the others and stos with the rest when they enter the new chamber. All the hand prints kind of give him the chills, as he wonders what that is all about. Still it may just be the fact that he is underground and he would much rather be in the open plains, under the sky.
He just barely keeps himself from laughing as he watches Milo leave his own print on the wall. He seems to remember Milo doing the same thing to Grymash's back some months ago and then getting hung upside down for an hour over it.
He lets those that are better at the search and destroy look to the door as he looks around the room for nothing in particular.
Jacob Wednesday May 7th, 2003 11:55:32 PM
Jacob scruffs about, looking at the paintings. "We're in a handful of trouble here..." he mumbles. "We could use a hand...maybe I should arm myself. Nah, that'd be fisting for a fight, and I don't want to go tooth and nail... Perhaps Grymash could shoulder his way through? Maybe we shouldn't finger the lock." His quiet musings are just loud enough to be heard by the others, but not too loud to distract.
Syler Thursday May 8th, 2003 6:36:38 AM
Syler looks at everyone observing the door and the few up looking at it. "Is it even locked?", he says matter of factly.
(ooc: been working 16 hours a day. I am trying to post every day right now sorry for the delays.)
Dm Anthony Thursday May 8th, 2003 9:43:25 AM
Anuk being the first to enter into the cavern is impressed beyond belief, he notices right away that within the many paintings there are pitorials of all the animals of the plains. Here are slugs, and bounders, and Rapke. there is a Sarg Moth, something hes never seen but heard of before. A giant worm like creature with wings. What is that on the back of the Moth though. it looks like.... little people??? And whats that beside the Moth, it looks to be a representaion of a huge. . . . shape? Constantly changing and shifting . . . . . . There though is the Great Ranthom, the grazers of the plains. And there is a represntation of the Crystal Range to the north where it is said all life has turned to living crystal. Here is a tree pushing back the grass of the plains. It must be a fabled Druid oak. And there is a strange behive like structure but people are comming out of it... for a man like Anuk, this chamber is a treasure trove.
Milo in excited delight rushes to join the many others who have put hands on the wall. As he presses them to the rock wall he feels the sudden flow of magic edd from him into the dye and onto the wall. Trying to pull his hands off they don't imediately come free, then finnaly they peel of as if they were almost glued there once they are free Milo looks down and sees that no dye remains on his hands.
Trellus feels his young abilities almost slammed back into his body as he casts the spell. In a way it almost blinds the young man and for a moment he can sense nothing . . . then his senses come back to him and although the spell has been overloaded and no longer works, he know one thing. The door is VERY magical and Flea is about to start messing with it.
Flea hears nothing behind the door, and finds no traps but the door feels sooooooooo inviting, a special door definately requiring the special tools. The young lady can feel the excitement rushing up her spine as she pulls her tools and starts to move to the lock.
Grymashand Gilan watch Milo with smiles but notice nothing unusual about the event except maybe that he dosent need to wash his hands after.
Jacob too sees the wonders that Anuk sees.
Syler can see that is indeed locked.
Milo d20+3=7 d20+3=11 Thursday May 8th, 2003 12:38:53 PM
staring down at his hands, then back at the wall, he smiles and says: WOW. such magic in the walls.
Milo begins walking around the cave, looking at each and every drawing and hand print. putting to memory, if possible, everything he sees. especially the one with the hug winged creature with the people on its back, the druid oak and the beehive.
(why did i roll 2 d20+3's?) disregard them.
Sterlin Thursday May 8th, 2003 1:47:29 PM
" Hmm, these images are all very interesting. " Sterlin traces the image of the druid oak with his fingers. " I hope these things are very very rare. "
Trellus Thursday May 8th, 2003 1:49:30 PM
"Whoa!" Trellus takes a step back, and grabs his head with his right hand.
He stands that way for a couple beats, trying to regain his bearings. That is a totally magical door he thinks, as his hand drops away and he looks back up. Flea!
"STAY AWAY FROM THAT DOOR!" he roars, moving ahead to physically pull the gnome back.
Grymash Thursday May 8th, 2003 11:42:03 PM
Grymash scans the walls and he notices what happened to Milo. Gry's eyes are wide with wonder, like a child, "Wooooowww, this all of plains ... Ohhh Ohhh, do anyone see Rattledam?!" (Take 20, Search 18)
Flea Thursday May 8th, 2003 11:59:08 PM
Satisfied that the door is not booby trapped, the rogue gets a little closer in order to study the mechanism of the lock. Appearing to be almost in a trance, the little gnome has a flashback...
She is in her father's workshop, snooping around his collection of archaic and foreign made locks, looking for something to challenge her quick mind, and nimble fingers. Picking up an intricate device of elvish kind, she sits on a little stool, as she tinkers with the gadget. Suddenly, she feels the firm hand of her father on her shoulder...
Stay away from that door! roars in her ears as she is roughly pulled back from the tempting golden door.
Flea looks up, startled by the young cleric's vehemence. "But, Trellus" she cries, "this is what I was born to do! Safe passage past a trap, or entrance into a treasure vault, that's my job!"
Jacob Friday May 9th, 2003 12:05:58 AM
Jacob smiles. "Pictahs, eh. Ah've always liked pictahs..." He ponders the weird beehive structure with people and mumbles, "'s like .. ants, or somethin'. Say, whaddya guys think this place is? Some sorta temple or somethin'?" He scratches his chin, pondering.
Anuk Friday May 9th, 2003 12:43:47 AM
"Shades of shady shadows! Wow! Holy prairie pigs! Look at these! Ranthoms...rapke...bounders...wait!...is that a sarg moth?!...Yes!!" Anuk drops his pack, drops to his knees and immediately fishes out his journal, a quill, and some ink. He looks back at the creatures pictured on the wall and begins to scribble furiously, giggling with delight, aware of little else happening around him. So much information...so many animals...in one place! So much to draw and write about.
"Look! Gry...Trellus...Jake...anyone,look! There's someone actually _on_ the moth. Riding it! Let's go find one...I wanna ride."
DM Anthony Friday May 9th, 2003 10:34:39 AM
No one can find Rattledam on the walls. There are other towns, and some of the barons outposts, and some Manfri Taodos, even a rough map of the plains it seems. (see map on the site). But no rattledam, that seems odd in its self.
Fle is yanked back just in time as she feels the magic protecting the door crackkle around her as she is pulled free of the spell.
Gilan Friday May 9th, 2003 2:22:55 PM
Watches as the rest of the group goes about their own little tasks. He keeps an eye out for any trouble that may appear from behind, secure that anything from the front will be noticed by the others. "So what do we do...it may not be prudent to go forward and the cave-in made back just as bad."
Reaching into the hood of his cloak he brings out Tiev, gently as to not disturb him too much. A series of buzzes to the wasp, Gilan asks him to go and scout out the area to see what he can find...holes or other passages, anything out of the ordinary.
Trellus Friday May 9th, 2003 3:14:52 PM
Trellus looks at Flea with wide eyes. Slowly he calms his rushing adrenalin.
"Sorry, Flea. But that door is woven with some incredibly powerful magic. I cast a detection spell and nearly ended up on my, uh, back. That's not what usually happens. Whatever's on that door, its got seriously strong power."
"Dudes, Gilan's got a point. We can't go back, and we really don't want to mess with this."
Trellus stops midsentence, recalling their last battle. "You think that code word might work? What was it? Oh yeah. Everybody get ready!"
Trellus posts himself a decent interval from the huge door (15') and intones, "Sala'Thide!"
Grymash Friday May 9th, 2003 5:59:30 PM
Grymash doesnt know what to think. This all too strange and terrific at the same time. Gry suddenly becomes startled by Trellus pulling Flea away from the door. "Must be strong magic here!!"He wonders why there isnt a Rattledam! How odd! The whole Sargrass Plains are mapped out Rattledam was nowhere to be seen.
All the hands covering the walls. (Are they all the same size: small manfri-sized, human-sized or mixed?) It reminds him when he got in trouble in school and was forced to clean up and rake the school yard. Gry would try so hard to make his furrows in the sand all nice in straight. Then school time ends and all the students just walk all over his freshly raked sand. "Many people come here ... why? They come here to see map? Where they go? Do they come from all over? How they get here? Maybe door lead somewhere on map? Is there place on map that show where we are? Like ... we are here!!" (search check 18, took 20 again) "New guy, you come from map room? Milo how you do that? Gee, Malgo is heavy! Grymash not touch anything, maybe turn us all into prairie pigs!! What code word?"
Jake Saturday May 10th, 2003 5:47:28 AM
"Shh...calm down, Grymash," Jake drawls, eyeing the doors and the paintings (and glancing at teh door after the impressive word.). "Don't worry...that Manfri guy had ta come from somewhere, so there's gotta be a way out."
Grymash Saturday May 10th, 2003 2:02:48 PM
In a low calm voice, "Grymash calm ... me thinking out loud. Common sense tell me lot of people come here from all over Plains. Not just manfri ... manfri no need door so big!!" Grymash shrugs when he hears Trellus say the "code word." "oh ... that code word!!"
Milo Sunday May 11th, 2003 8:39:52 AM
dusting Flea off when she pulls back away from the door he inquires: are you ok?
reaching in his backpack, he produces a cheesecloth covered parcel. opening it up he retrieves some cookies and proceeds to start handing em out saying: here, its been awhile so everyone eat one (about half the size of a dinner plate).
when consumed, you realize its not just an ordinary cookie. instead of having the sweet taste you'd expect of a cookie, it has the flavors of meat and cheeses. kinda like a baked meat and cheese sandwich.
he then plops on the ground, producing his bottle of water, and begins consuming his meal.
Sterlin Sunday May 11th, 2003 7:49:33 PM
" Milo, your cookies are great, but it would be nice to know ahead of time that my cookie is going to taste like a sandwich. "
Gilan Sunday May 11th, 2003 11:33:21 PM
With a simple nod Gilan takes a cross-legged seat on the ground. He lays Gry's pack off to his side and then lays his own behind him. Leaning back he looks up at Gry and smiles to his big friend. "Hey Gry...stop thinking out loud and put that big lug on the ground here." He indicates a spot beside himself and gestures to Gry's pack. "You can rest his head on your pack....though the ground would be more suitable as far as I am concerned."
When Milo hands him the cookie he bites into it only to find it filled with meat and cheese. "Not bad Milo...but a little warning would have been in order...I was looking forward to peanutbutter cookie really." He smiles as he says it and then digs into his pack for a skin of water.
Jacob Monday May 12th, 2003 12:38:47 AM
Jacob frowns at Gilan's comment and remains standing, leaning against a section of the wall displaying some weird animals. "Ah dunno if ah share that pointah view. 'Fter all, he did save Jenny from those...things. Y'know? 'sides, it isn't no good making fun of people when they're asleep or not there. Y'know?" He looks at the cookie, wondering how he can eat it after having been through such an intense battle...though his stomach rumbles, he suddenly has to fight off a feeling of disgust so intense that he hands it back to Milo. "No thanks..."
Anuk Monday May 12th, 2003 1:04:14 AM
Anuk places his journal, ink, an quill back in his pack and accepts the cookie offered by Milo. "Hey, thanks, Milo. Is it peanu?..*chew*...mmph...*chew*...um, oh, I see. Well...um...thanks."
As he eats the "meal" he continues to study the paintings on the wall, making mental notes on the relative position of various landmarks of the plains.
DM Anthony Monday May 12th, 2003 9:27:59 AM
Gilan is about to send Tiev off into the caves when he remebers that they are pitch black and his friend has no way to see in the dark.
Trellus speaks the word and . . . . nothing happens.
Gry notices all the hand prits except a VERY few are all small like Milos. He notices nothing else about the walls.
Then suddenly coming toward you from the darkness, toward this room and the door is a voice. A familiar voice. One that inspires a sense of dread. It is Galafar, headmaster of the school and High Priest of the town. Your last run in with him was foolish, and the only reason you got away with it was because he was distracted and you were at home. You know that stunt cost you all a months worth of Kitchen duty and Latriene duty at the very least. But being here, in this strange place, out of bounds, and being in so much trouble already. Well he has ALWAYS wanted to split you up and sned you all to diffrent foundling villages. If he finds you now he has just the excuse he needs, and you know he WILL do it. No one, not even your real or adoptive parents could stop it. They would either have to let you go or leave with you. You CAN NOT be found here.
Trellus Monday May 12th, 2003 11:45:40 AM
The cleric waits a few moments before door, staring at it half-expectantly. He's not all that surprised that nothing happens.
"Hmm. Well, I'm out of ideas," he says, reaching over for a cookie. "Mmmmm. Love them shady cookies."
The sounds of Galafar approaching quickly spoils the quietly contemplative mood. "Light," he whispers. "This is all we need."
Trellus thinks furiously. From a logical standpoint, they've a perfectly reasonable explanation for being here. Galafar himself told them to find Jenny. Jenny was here, and they found her. The cave collapsed, they had to come this way, and here they are. No real fault to assign.
Unless you're a sunbaked, white handed, treadle on a power trip trying to toss us Trellus thinks bitterly.
Quietly, the young man whispers to his friends. "Dudes, I'm not ready to leave Rattledam yet. Anybody got an idea besides opening the door?"
Jacob Monday May 12th, 2003 1:25:04 PM
Jacob looks around to hide. Anywhere, to hide? If there is enough room for them all to hide, then he suggests that. But if there is nowhere to hide...then it's the door. (DM Anthony?)
Milo Monday May 12th, 2003 2:37:15 PM
half jumping upon hearing Galafars voice, Milo turns and sees the panic looks on most everyones faces. then, he turns to them saying: um, back at the cave in the old Manfri twisted some grass and stuck it in a crevice. lets go back and see what he did. perhaps its something to help us get out of here.
Sterlin Monday May 12th, 2003 8:31:45 PM
" Good idea Gry. Lets go do that. "
Flea d20+8=9 d20+12=31 Monday May 12th, 2003 9:38:32 PM
"Thanks, Milo" says the rogue, grateful for the comforting gesture after the strange magic of the door, "I was totally shuttlecocked over this portal."
Her infatuation with the golden gateway momentarily broken, she looks around the cave at the many handprints and drawings on the cave wall. Speaking to the halfling wizard, and those of the pack in proximity she adds: "Do you think these handprints have a greater meaning? Maybe something to do with this golden door?" She moves closer, inspecting the mysterious glyphs painted on the cave wall to learn if they hold any clues regarding the door or the room (Decipher Script=9) but is distracted by the pack's reaction to Galafar's voice. Flea looks at Milo with big eyes, her index finger over her lips as she steps back into the shadows and disapears(hide=31).
(OOC: Sorry about missing a post. I was out of town for a race (1/2 marathon) and just got back today.)
Anuk Monday May 12th, 2003 10:39:20 PM
"Galafar...great. Just what we need right now." mutters Anuk. He thinks for a moment and then whispers to the pack, "I think we should just back up a little the way we came. This room seems...well...special. Galafar is probably coming here--not looking for us. I think if we're quiet and out of sight, he probably won't even know we're here. We can wait 'til he leaves and then find our way to the surface." Then, in an even lower tone, he says to himself, "Plus, I won't make a prairie pig out of myself again."
Grymash d20+2=15 d20+2=19 d20+2=20 Tuesday May 13th, 2003 12:30:01 AM
Grymash lowers his voice when he hears the beater, Galafar, coming down the tunnel. Grymash shakes his head to the wisdom of some of the ideas. "why why why would manfri point us this way ... we got to open door. manfri maybe call Galafar here with magic grass ... take care of rapke baron. if we go back ... we run into Galafar!!!!" (listen 15)
Gry listens to Flea and an idea sparks. (Wisdom check 19) "Yeah, magic wall ... magic door! Maybe magic wall open magic door."
Grymash looks across the wall for switches, buttons and levers. (Spot 20) If he doesnt see anything he will start feeling the wall in certain places. He'll start touching manfri sized hands, and then locations on the map. Locations starting with other foundries and manfri spots, if he can reach. (He avoids baron locations. He's stupid not crazy ... well he's crazy but he's not ignorant. I'll end it there. :)
Gilan Tuesday May 13th, 2003 12:43:50 AM
He smiles as he looks to Murgo on Gry's shoulder. "Hey...I didn't mean like drop him on his head on the ground or anything.....just that maybe letting him use your pack as a pillow is not really needed." He shakes his head as he considers what the others are saying and doing. "You really need to lighten up a little...I may not like their pack but I would not hurt a defensless person either." He stows his waterskin and glances around, not really able to see that well and still weak from his earlier near death experience.
The sound of Galafar's voice coming towards them though does give him pause. Glancing to the rest he swallows hard and then looks to Jenni. "You don't think he would still try and split us up...we did find Jenni and honored our failure in getting her into trouble in the first place?"
<i>Yeah right...think again, that man has been trying to break us up for as long as I can remember. I think he may just take some pleasure in it.</i>
He heaves his pack back on and picks up Gry's pack as well. "Great...like being stuck between a rapke and a bounder."
DM Anthony Tuesday May 13th, 2003 10:29:46 AM
As you all wonder what to do and where to go three figures suddenly come around the corner and enter the cavern. Galafar, Malafret, and the old Manfri.
Other than Flea who dissapears into some shadow or another everyone is caught staring at the three, and they are staring back at you. Galafar's face grows reder and reder and he begins to shake all over in rage. But Malafret and the Old Manfri seem to be smiling at all of you, in fact it seems as if they are almost sharing a look.
Galafar steps foreward and begins to speak in a low dark voice. "I have all of you now, you little runts. " Lokking Milo deep in the eyes. "I'll make sure that you are all gone before the week is out. I have prime places picked out for all of you." His voice begins to raise and you are sure that this is the end for all of you. Galafar continues . . . "YOU ALL THOPUGHT YOU COULD MOCK ME DIDNT YOU!!! YOU ALL THOUGHT YOUR LITTLE PRANKS WOULD NEVER BE NOTIVCED!!!! WELL NOW WHOS LAUGHING YOU LITTLE MAGGOTS! NOW WHOS...."
During this rant Malafret softly told him to stop three times and when he ignores her the Old Manfri barks a word in their strange language in a tone that can not be ignored. His voice is one of real athority and command, not to be ignored. Galafar goes silent and then looks at the elder and blushes brightly. Looking at Malafret and then back at the Manfri he bows to the elder and moves aside.
The Manfri and Malafret speak in the gutteral language of the dark people of the plains and then laugh together, Galafar grwing angryer all the time. Finnaly the head master can stand it no longer and in the same language starts to argue with them but a short curt word from Malafret silences him. She then says an enigmatic phrase that means nothing to you but seems to silence Galafar for good.
She says "The sun shines on the first but the second protects the dark." Then as Galafar bows his head in shame he walks to the door and places his hand on it. Something is wispered under his breath and the door opens, the headmaster walks through and is gone. Leaving only Malafret and the Old Manfri smiling at you.
Malafret looks at you all and sighs. "I see you found Jenny? What else have you been up to??? All of it this time..."
Trellus Tuesday May 13th, 2003 12:34:27 PM That man is going to rip us to pieces Trellus thinks glumly as Galafar strides past.
The young cleric bows to Malafret and the Old Manfri.
"Many thanks for your intervention, Mistress. I assure you it was not our intent to trespass. We tracked Jenny, and Malgo (indicates the unconscious half orc), to the cave back near the pit. They were trapped by Rapke and Bounders.
We managed to kill the monsters, but the cave entrance collapsed, trapping us in the tunnels.
This noble Manfri appeared and tried to help us, but we did not understand his directions, and he disappeared before we could clarify.
We wandered these tunnels, looking for a way back to the surface, and found this place. We were unwilling to try and pass the magic door, and were wondering what to do when you arrived."
Trellus takes a deep breath, and plunges on. "Mistress, truly we want only to get back home."
Flea d20+12=16 d20+6=10 Tuesday May 13th, 2003 12:53:31 PM
Seeing Trellus make the first move to explain the pack's dilemma, Flea remains in the shadows. She advances a little for a better view (Hide=16). She tries to hear what Galafar whispers to make the door open (Listen=10) but is too far away to hear anything.
The gnome thinks to herself "I wonder how the big monks reeds are woven? Light or dark? It seems everything white or light is bad and everything dark is good in the Plains. I'll have to ask Trellus or one of the druids about this later."
Sterlin Tuesday May 13th, 2003 6:52:50 PM
Sterlin stands tall behind Trellus. He does not intend to appear defiant, but he knows he has done nothing wrong and that the blood pack has been through too much now to be split up like small children. He gives a quick polite bow to Malafret. " It is true. We have not been out behaving like mischievous children. First we went out on a quest to find stained glass grass. To some this was a matter of pride, to others, a chance to see something rare and beautiful. At some point before our return, Jenny disappeared looking for us. We have come back out here for nothing but her return. We are sorry for any worry or problems we may have caused, but our intentions were truly honorable."
Gilan Tuesday May 13th, 2003 9:26:07 PM
Gilan cringes as Galafar catches them in the open of the room. He cannot help but wonder as Galafar rants at them ooO(have we really done anything that bad this time? were we not told in some way that we needed to correct our mistake?) He glances to Malafret hoping that she will intercede on thier behalf before Galafar goes too far. It is only when Galafar is pulled up short by Malafret and the wizened Manfri that he sighs in some relief.
He nods as the others explain what they had been doing back out. They had only been honoring a failure on thier part earlier and the safe return of Jenny would be a good enough of a reward for him. If Galafar sent them away, then at least he would have the satisfaction in knowing that Jenny was safe.
Glancing to the others he takes a step forward. "Mistress Malafret...if our punishment is to be sent away...would you at least allow us to see that Jenny gets back to Rattledam? To know that she is safe there and our mistake undone in that matter...I can leave with a lighter load and not feeling like a rat."
Glancing to the aged Manfri and then back to Malafret he ventures another question. "If I am to leave anyways...do the Manfri take on apprentices or something of the like. There oneness with nature is inspiring...it is something that I would like to strive for." He suddenly blushes as he realizes what he has just asked out loud...even worse in front of the pack that he calls brothers and sister.
Anuk Tuesday May 13th, 2003 10:30:10 PM
Anuk's blood begins to boil as Galafar rants and raves. Who does he think he is, anyway? Yell at us?! Punish us?!! Only if we deserve it...and we don't! I got us into this mess with Galafar...might as well go all the way.
Stepping forward, Anuk opens his mouth to yell back when Malafret and the manfri chasten Galafar. Incredible. No yelling. No screaming. He's just going...How's that possible?
Relieved at Galafar's ignoble exit, Anuk listens as Trellus and the others explain the situation. But in the back of his mind, he wonders what's on the other side of that door. What is this room, anyway? And what are Malafret and the others doing here?
Jacob Tuesday May 13th, 2003 11:29:56 PM
Jacob lets the others talk to explain the situation... he's never felt very comfortable in front of any of the teachers, usually because they hated his lazy attitude, and even Malafret incited this discomfort, for the reason that she was always so nice to him. Made him feel even more guilty...he knew he was lazy. Jacob spends his time trying to look shady, in his studded leather, with his arms crossed, looking at the teacher with those dark eyes.
Grymash Wednesday May 14th, 2003 10:00:58 AM "Look, we find Malgo too!" He sets Malgo gently down on the floor. That is all Gry knows to add since everything has been said. He looks around ..."Teacher Malafret ...uhh umm, if not mind ask ... what this place for? Pictures very pretty!"
Syler Wednesday May 14th, 2003 10:26:33 AM
Syler begins to inch back against anything he can find when Galafar begins to speak. Not knowing what to do at that point, but then Malafret spoke and a slight smile flashed across his face.
"Always liked seeing a bully get put in his place." Syler thinks to himself.
Milo Wednesday May 14th, 2003 12:51:20 PM
the minute Galafar opens his mouth the chastise himself and the group, Milo no longer smells like fresh baked cookies. more like freshly burnt cookies due to the fact he is beet red all over with rage. hands at his side clenched. when Galafar pauses to take in air Milo starts to open his mouth in rebuttle when Malafret gets him to shut up. so Milo decides to shut up too.
with a sly smile on his face as Galafar gets in to trouble from the other two, Milo stands there, watching, listening. when Galafar can't stand it no more and stomps off in anger, Milo sticks his tongue out at him behind his back then turns his attention back upon the other 2.
stepping up to the ancient Manfri, Milo bows to him, and then speaks: I wish to learn more.
DM Anthony Wednesday May 14th, 2003 3:09:39 PM
As you all contemplate Galafar's exit it is astounding. There is no way that this young druidic teacher should have the power to dismiss any monk MUCH less the leader of the entire town. in fact you have NEVER heard of such an event EVER happening. There is much here that is unknown.
Malafret laughs a good natured laugh at all the questions and then speaks. "No, no one is being thrown out, and this place, is a special place. It is a place of history and of remberance. It is here where the first circle was made and now lives on. You see, as some of you have begun to realize the Plains are a very special and magical place. They were created in a great mistake but like all mistakes have a valubale lesson at their heart. We of the second circle protect that heart." As she says this she brings her hands together over her heart. Right one fisted touching her body, left one open covering the first and bows slightly. The Manfri does the same. "You all have been tested and judged worth to join us and protect some of those secrects. All that is left is for you to take the oath. Know that there is much I can not tell you because I dont know, and there is much I will not tell you because you are not ready. But if you sware to protect the plains and their secrects with your life then simpl cover your heart in front of the Mankife" she motions at the elder Manfri, "and speak," she turns to the Elder and covers her heart again and bows saying "Talki fresal, dondit liki. : The land, my life." The Elder Manfri responds in kind and you can feel a strange magic pass between them in the air. That magic seems to make it clear that both truely mean the words they speak.
Malafret then turns to you again. "You see the Monks above keep the town . . . . clear. They keep our little place from being talked about all over. They keep intrest from being generated in our comunity from outsiders. It is why they keep every one from speaking of the outside world. That is the first circle. To protect the secrects with secrects. The Second circle is to protect the secrect with force. Some of the people you know are part of us. Otheres are not. You have been watched by us for a long time in the hope that you would someday prove worthy of joining us. You have been judged worthy and now is the time of choice. If you so chosse take the oath before the Mankife and let all here know the truth of your words. If not then you will wake up in your beds tomarrow and remeber nothing of any of this. Time is short and your decision must be made now.
Flea Wednesday May 14th, 2003 7:13:15 PM
Flea doesn't have to think twice. The last thing she wants is to have someone (or something) tamper with her mind and memory. She is a little worried about the reference to using force to protect secrets, but she doesn't dwell to long on it. Besides she thinks I am a good gnome, and do not think that I can be made knowingly to do something bad.
She wonders a little at what was said earlier: The sun shines on the first, but the second protects the dark and thinks this may be a reference to the second circle of which Malafret speaks.
Flea steps out of the shadows, with a quick look to each of her new friends. She steps in front of the wizened Mankife, clutches her right hand over her heart, and covers it with her left. She bows her head and in an emotional whisper commits herself to the Plains: "The land, my life."
Sterlin Wednesday May 14th, 2003 8:54:09 PM
Sterlin approaches after Flea. He brings his hands together over his heart. Right one fisted touching his body, left one open covering the first and bows slightly. "Talki fresal, dondit liki. : The land, my life. I truly mean that, Malafret. I have a great love for the plains."
Gilan Wednesday May 14th, 2003 9:42:10 PM
Malafret words about joining in the circle to help in protecting the plains is and always has been his greatest hope. He just figured that he would have to do it another way and not like this.
As he steps forward it is as if something clicks in him and he cannot even find the will to stand. He goes to one knee, tears in his eyes, and places his right fist over his heart and covering it with his left. "Talki fresal, dondit liki. : The land, my life." Glancing up at the Mankife he looks into those knowing eyes and nods. "With all my heart."
With shaky legs he steps back to let the others forward and make a decision. For a few seconds all he can hear is a pulse in his head, could it be the plains, but he dismisses it for now as his own heart beat.
Anuk Wednesday May 14th, 2003 10:01:24 PM
Anuk hesitates, absentmindedly feeling his gloved hand with his good hand. Magic has caused me a lot of grief. I lost my father to it...lost my home to it...light, I even lost my hand to it. How can I take an oath to protect it?
He watches in silence as Sterlin and Flea approach the Mankife and swear to protect the land. He feels the magic pass between the old manfri and the others. Can I do this? True, magic has brought me grief, but it also brought me here...to this land...my home. Without magic, I wouldn't know Rattledam...or the pack, my dearest friends. Magic has saddled me with problems...but it has also given me the life I have now. A life I love.
Can I do this?
His eyes move to meet Malafret's eyes, then the Mankife's. A sense of resolve sweeps over him. He steps forward and brings his gloved fist to his chest, then covers it with his open hand and stumbles over the strange words as best he can.
"Talky freesal, dont it leekee: The...the land...my life."
Trellus Wednesday May 14th, 2003 10:22:43 PM
Trellus watches the others take the oath as his mind races. Sterlin, Anuk, Gilan. No suprises there. Flea moved faster than I thought, but I don't know her very well. Now comes the interesting part.
"Protect the secret." "The second protects the dark." The word 'protect' has been uttered repeatedly, and it resonates deeply within the young man. But are they protecting the right thing? Questions flick in and out of his consciousness, and he dismisses them all. These two will answer no questions. Not right now.
A mildly pleasurable thought. I bet Galafar is not of the Second Circle.
Well, the Manfri seem deeply involved, and they are not evil. Of that Trellus is certain.
The theme of protection comes back to the cleric, and he decides. Idly wondering how much his own action will influence Milo and Grymash, Trellus stands before Malafret with his right fist over his heart and covering it with his left. "Talki fresal, dondit liki. : The land, my life."
Then he steps back and looks to see what the rest of the Blood Pack will do.
Trellus Wednesday May 14th, 2003 10:27:55 PM Wrong teacher, treadle! Flushing with embarrassment, the young cleric turns mid-step and bows to the Manfri.
Again, he repeats the oath, "Talki fresal, dondit liki. : The land, my life."
"I apologize for any offense," he continues, "my nerves got the better of me."
Still flushing, he moves aside.
Jacob Wednesday May 14th, 2003 11:47:03 PM
Jacob ponders, looking at the others as they all go praying... "Brothah...all mah life ah've wanted ta go travelin' 'way from tha plains..." he mumbles, and spirals into thought. The floating city...the ocean...heck, that one place...what was it called, a forest? He'd love to see one of those... He looks up, blinking. Trellus is apologizing about something. As usual... Jacob steps forward and looks at the Manfri. He looks to Malafret... then he looks back at his pack. "Well, ah guess ah've got no choice... ah'd hate to be stuck inna fields while mah brothah's hog tha glory. Tahlkiy fresahl, dondit liki." Stepping back, hating being the focus of attention, Jacob scratches the back of his head.
Grymash Thursday May 15th, 2003 2:38:47 AM
Grymash's expression fills with delight. "You mean we pass test ... Grymash pass test?! Gry never pass test before!!" Gry's trademark big goofy grin forms on his face.
As Malafret explains the nature of the room and their secret organization, Grymash's expression changes to wide-eyed wonder. With his eyes slowly scanning the room he silently mouths the words, "Wooooowwww!!" He is truely in awe.
Grymash watches each one of his pack step up and give their oath. Gry silently practices the words to himself. After several of his pack have gone ... he feels confident to give it a try. He sets his weapon down. Pulls off his gloves. Gry steps forward and takes off his helmet. He slicks back his hair with one pass of his hand. After kneeling down in front of Malafret and the acient Manfri, he gently sets his helmet on the floor. He places his fist over his heart and cups it with the other, just like he had seen it done. He bows his head slightly to both.
"Teacher Malafret, when Gry come to Rattledam, you took me in when most not. Gave Grymash chance at life even though me do stupid things. With out Malafret and Blood Pack, Gry be creeper munch long ago... me owe you Gry life and Malafret, Manfri and Land will have it. Talki fresal, dondit liki; the land, my life."
Anyone looking a Grymash realize he has never been more sincere. He stutters not when saying the strange words.
Syler Thursday May 15th, 2003 9:41:30 AM
These magical plains they want us to swear to have taken his past away. He has a deep mistrust of the plains and it's secrets. He almost says no when he feels something he has never felt before...
Syler feels the hair on the back of his neck stand up and he looks around feeling like someone is watching him. He feels like he remembers something from his childhood. A fleeting glimps of happiness in the plains. H turn towards Mankife with misty eyes and covers his heart like the others. Clearing the frog from his throat he speaks "Talki fresal, dondit liki.The land, my life."
Milo Thursday May 15th, 2003 3:38:22 PM
still standing before the ancient Manfri, bowing before him, he then looks in to his eyes, smiling with honesty, Milo says: I will always be ready and willing to learn. I wish to learn from you.
then, tightly clenching his right hand and touching his chest over his heart, and taking his left hand, palm open, he covers the fist without touching it he looks deeply into Mankife's eyes and repeats the words everyone else has spoken.
Talki fresal, dondit liki, : The land, my life.
DM Anthony Friday May 16th, 2003 9:24:44 AM
As each of you take the oath you feel the power of it flow from you and touch everyone there. Some of you the magic seems hesitant and fearful, in others its much like a thunder clap. Some are surprises and still others are not. Jenny too comes foreward and her oath seems the most powerful yet and seems to come as a complete surprise to both the elder Manfri and Malafret. In fact the young teacher comes forward to tell the young lady that she is too young and not ready and. . . so Jenny says the oath again and the power of it seems to make all sway with the weight of it. The young teacher with all seriousness then looks at the girl and nods.
"So be it." malafret wispers.
The Elder Manfri bows at you all smiling and then he too leaves through the golden door.
Malafret watches him go and the smiles at you all again.
"There is much I have to tell you and littel time to do so. I am your contact, speak about what happens below to no one and speak about it no where but below. Make nos signs or refrences above. Know that you have made an enemy to the death in Galafar today. He has tried to keep this from happening from the day you formed your pack and now it can not be stoped and he has lost a measure of control. HOWEVER do not for ANY reason think that your joining our ranks protects you or gives you imunity. The truth is we will begin to expect more out of you. You will be joining diffrent classes soon and will be taking more of your lessons together. I know from time to time you have heard about older boys taking "special religious classes" well thats what you will be taking now. WE will be training you and teaching you and you will be studing harder than you ever have before. Your progress will be a teams progress and if one fails all fail. If one is punished all are punished. Now the good thing is that this removes you from any imidiate reprisals from Galafar, but make NO mistake it is his town above. He leads the first circle and for some reason he hates you and will make your life hard, the more you push the harder he will make it and I cant protect you from that. No one can. He comands the first circle and MANY in that circle dont even know they are part of it and they follow him as their true spirtual leader. He has not turned his people against you yet so do not push him. It is a wrath you do not wish to see. Now do you have any questions before I show you the way out of here?
Milo Friday May 16th, 2003 11:44:56 AM
I have a question or 3. 1. What kind of magic flows through these walls? When I placed my handprints on the wall, a magical force stuck my hands to the wall momentarily then released me from its grips.
2. When the elder Manfri came to us down that passageway, he pulled out some grass, twisted it into a shape and placed it in a crevice. What did he make and put there?
3. What happens to Malgo? <pointing to the unconscious boy>
4. What happens with Jenny?
and lastly 5. We all know darn well that Galafar will eventually make a move against us. When that happens, what are we suppose to do? Do we run in to the plains and hope to run in to you or do we fight him to the death or will you be watching over us and come help us when that day comes?
You say don't antagonize him, but won't our presence be enough of a bother to him? You say he has it out for us for some reason, and that the city is his city, wouldnt we be better off someplace else?
(you can tell he has a gazillion questions but after that last one above, he clams up)
Gilan Friday May 16th, 2003 9:51:07 PM
Gilan listens to Malafret as she tells them the dos and don'ts now that they have joined something bigger. He cannot help but nod as Milo asks some questions, some of them he himslef is concerned about. Especially those that revolve around Galagar and his hate for them. "I have to agree with Milo on this one Mistress...our very presence is a thorn in Galafar's side. How are we to keep from causing problems when he especially after what happened today...will hate us even more." Looking to the others he nods to each simply asking if they would agree with what he and Milo are saying. "Any advice would be appreciated Mistress...especially if we are to be of utmost use to the Plains."
Trellus Friday May 16th, 2003 10:09:40 PM
Trellus crosses over to Jenny and gives her hug as she is accepted into the Second Circle. "You are something, aren't you?" he says quietly.
Turning to his pack, he continues in a quiet tone, "Dudes, it sounds like the training we need must take place in Rattledam. We're just gonna have to avoid Galafar. And if we meet him, we treat him like a weaver and do exactly what he says."
Trellus thinks on the implications of his own words for a moment or two. Domi, grant me the strength to accept this thread.
The young cleric also has a question or two for Malafret. "Teacher, do the Barons know of the secret we protect? Do they seek it?"
"When do we find out what it is?"
He falls silent again, holding his little sister in his blood spattered arms.
Flea Friday May 16th, 2003 10:12:04 PM
Flea feels the magic as it flows through the pack. She senses an overwhelming devotion to the plains in some of the members. They may feel the draw to the plains more than she, but she is committed to this group with a dedication that is growing.
She wonders about Galafar's apparent hatred for the group. Can the Blood Pack ever earn his respect, if not his trust? she thinks to herself.
The rogue is no stranger to secrets and being discreet. Keeping quiet regarding Malafret, manfri, magic, mysterious underground passages, and secret societies will not be a problem...as long as she stays away from the taverns.
The gnome meets the teacher's gaze with clear blue eyes and asks her questions: "Lady, how will we know the entrances and exits to this place below? And, by what sign will we recognize our friends of the second circle?"
Sterlin Saturday May 17th, 2003 9:21:08 PM
Sterlin stands in silence, listening to everyone's questions and turning the glass grass dagger over and over in his hands. He has his own questions, but keeps them to himself, for they deal more with his individual destiny. He is full of mixed emotions as he feels he has taken a huge step towards the life of a walker.
Grymash Sunday May 18th, 2003 12:54:58 AM
Grymash's becomes perplexed when he hears that they have to take more classes and study harder. He's never been very talented when it came to "book learnin'." He employs what knowledge he has well, it just takes a little longer for it to stick to his teflon brain pan.
"Teacher Malafret, how hard are religious studies? Gry not say who ... but one of us not two smart!! May need extra help!"
Gry turns to the pack, "Grymash not think Galafar will ever trust Blood Pack. Galafar always have creepers up his grass! We just avoid Galafar whenever can." Grymash gets a wicked look in his eye. "Me not say Stink Slugs should avoid him, hee hee hee!!!"
Anuk Sunday May 18th, 2003 12:13:27 PM
Anuk stands silently as he feels the magic of his oath and of this place flow through him. It is disquieting...uncomfortable...and yet, somehow it feels right. Well, I'll get used to it, I hope. I'm a part of something big now. Something important. I need to learn to trust this...power.
He listens as the others ask the questions floating through his mind. He too wonders what sort of training they'll be going through. At least, the Blood Pack will have each other to rely on as they pass further tests. A new thought occurs to him.
"Mistress Malafret, next time we're being tested...will we know about it before it's over? And I have wondered since we arrived here...where does the door lead? Both Galafar and the Mankife passed through, but were they going to the same place?"
Jake Sunday May 18th, 2003 2:21:12 PM
Jake has no questions to ask, unlike the others. He merely leans against the side of the rock wall, and watches them all. He glances at the door and rubs his side where the Rapke bit him.
Malafret (DM Anthony) Monday May 19th, 2003 9:59:02 AM
As Milo rambles off all his question Malafret laughs and then knweels in front of the small young man. "worry not about all these things, there are more important things for you to be thinking of right now. Manfri magic flows everywhere here, Jenny has sworn the oath and will go with you all. Malgo I will take care of . . . the story will be that I found him posioned by the Rapke, but he will forever know that it was you all that saved him. As far as Galafar goes, well, he cant do anything other than make life difficult and force you to do more KP duty that is fair. He is a good man and will not particapate in an evil act. So simply stay on his good side and he will ignore you.
When Trellus mentions the Barons all can see Malafret jerk as if slapped. She turns to the boy and tries to smile, that is secrects for another time I think. You all just stay away from The Barons unless they force a confretation with you, and if they do you kill them to the last man standing, do you understand?
Malafret looks at Gry and frowns, "Pranks like that are just what will anger him more. But as far as one of you not being smart, well thats why you are all graded together now. There are no more individul tests. You are a team and you are only as good at the weakest of you. Why do you think we allow you to form your packs and gangs in the middel of a civilized town? Teamwork is the greatest prize."
Looking at Anuk she laughs again. "You are being tested even now, and the tests never end. The door leads to the meeting of the third circle."
To Flea she smiles and sighs. "Good questions, you shall know others of our circle by the oath when you are sure you are in company and if you are not then you will know by the trickle of magic you can send into them and if they choose they may answer it. Like this." and with that Malafret smiles and you all feel the tickle of the same magic gently flick across your heart and know with a thought you could choose to send a return to Malafret shoulfd you choose. It is faint but there. Her voicebreaks the peace. "As for a way out and in well if you are all done with questions I will show you...."
Trellus Monday May 19th, 2003 1:10:28 PM
The young cleric simply shakes his head in response to Malafret's last question, and waits for her to lead them out.
Flea Monday May 19th, 2003 1:59:05 PM
Flea is puzzled by Malafet's lack of details about Manfri magic in answer to Milo's questions, and she is further confused by the female monk's response to Trellus' enquiry regarding Barron's. Her mood lightens when she recieves the gift of magic understanding...
The rogue remembers back to the not so distant past when her mom and dad had first permitted her some time in the big city. She was sent to board with a old friend of her parents, a half-elf wizard by the name of Sarlin. He did make a vain attempt at teaching her how a few words and the right gesture could conjure up great power. Alas, the gnome showed little interest and only mastered a few simple tricks and a general idea of how some magic things might work...
When Malafret demonstrates the sending of the 'heart touch' and Flea recognizes that with a thought she could send it too, she is like a piggie with a shady new toy. The rogue focuses her mind on Grymash, and sends a magic tickle his way...
Jacob Monday May 19th, 2003 9:33:40 PM
Jacob wonders at what he's heard. Packs...training groups for some sorta protectors? Seems to make sense. Sorta. But what are these circles, and why do the manfri... "Eh...whatever." Jacob sighs. Asking questions never seems to help, just provoke more questions. "Well, Miss Malafret, ah trust ya."
Gilan Monday May 19th, 2003 11:08:06 PM
Gilan listens to all that Malafret has to say on the questions that have been asked. Though some of the answers have raised new questions he is still feeling a little off from earlier and decides to hold onto them. Glancing around to the others he wonders how the others feel at this time. With a smile he shrugs that off too and glances back towards Malafret. "Home sounds like a very welcome place at this time Mistress." He stifles a yawn as he says this and then smiles sheepishly. The only thing that really surprises him is that Jenny had been accepted into the circle as well and now she is a memeber of the Blood Pack. The magic had been so powerful when she had given her oath...he can see that saving her had been part of something bigger than even the test to enter the circle. That thought gives him pause and he shivers with the seriousness of that realization.
Grymash Monday May 19th, 2003 11:12:41 PM
Grymash bows his head with a scolded puppy expression. "Grymash sorry, teacher Malafret, me only kidding."
Suddenly Grymash feels the "tickling" from the teachers demostration. "Shaaddyyy .... Teacher Malafret, what kind of magic that?" :)
He then feels a tingle from Flea. With a big dopey grin and returns the heart tickle back to Flea, twice!!
Anuk Tuesday May 20th, 2003 12:35:54 AM
Thinking happily about the prospect of a night of rest, Anuk makes sure his gear is all packed for the return home. As he gathers the last of his things, one more question enters his head.
"Mistress Malafret...were you the one that left a pair of bracers for us yesterday? They came with a note simply signed 'A Friend'."
Milo Tuesday May 20th, 2003 1:35:34 AM
A little downtrodden that his answers were not completely answered, but also, knowing one day they will be, Milo shows a smile. and when the magic is sent out from Malafret to him and the others. he smiles even wider, and almost hugs himself. Closing his eyes after the magic is released, as if he was savoring what was there til it is gone, Milo turns to Malafret, bows, and says: I think we are ready to return and start our new level of training. Thank you ma'am for choosing us, and trusting us with the secret. I do hope our paths meet again. Walking up to her, he holds his hand out in friendship and when she grasps his hand, he drops to one knee, and lightly kisses the back of her hand, then, standing he takes the hand that held hers, touches his heart, his lips and then his forehead, then turns and joins his pack.
DM Anthony Tuesday May 20th, 2003 9:34:42 AM
Malafret blushes slightly at Milo and winks at Anuk. Then she sighs contentedly and motions for you to follow her, Finnaly through MANY twists and turns you all enter a samm cavern with many rocks and skree scattered around. Many of the rocks are marked with a carved symbol, scratched into the face of them. Malafret turns to you all and points to a sack on the floor by the entrance to the cavern.
"Your swiming clothes are in that bag, please put them on. Take your weapons and armor and clothing and move one of the larger rocks that has no symbol carved in ti. You will find that there are cubby holes behind every one. This is where you will store your stuff. Here are some steal pitons, please carve a symbol recognizable to you and only you on the front of the rock. Then when you are dressed and your gear stowed walk to the opening of the cavern, look down on the floor to the right, you will see a strange little fungus growing in the shape of a two sided arrow. One end pointing in here and the other down the tunnel. If you follow them they will lead you to the Manfri and out onto the plains from there. The fungus glows in the dark if you send the magic of your oath out to it as well. Then after playing with the fungus if you will please go to that end of the cavern, you will see a chimny shaft going almost straight up. It is an easy climb, eventulaly you will feel something soft and squishy and cold. Take a deep preath and push straight up through this and you will suddenly find your self at the bottom of the Dam watters in a small little alcove under the dam. Some of you may have found it before, you will need to squeze through some loose boards and then swim to the surface. Your clothes are on the south side of the dam. I will see you all tomarrow for your first training day." She then bows hands over heart. "The land, my life."
Then with out another word Malafret turns and leaves.
Milo Tuesday May 20th, 2003 10:59:10 AM
without beating an eye, Milo strips off his clothes, puts on his swim gear, and then stowes his gear in the cubby. turning, he realizes Jenny and Flea are there and turns a bright bright red, realizing he just changed in front of them. then he turns quickly and starts examining the moss arrows.
Trellus Tuesday May 20th, 2003 11:38:12 AM
Trellus picks out a rock, draws a symbol of a shield with a darkened water droplet on it, and turns to see what Flea is going to do.
Assuming she either moves off or starts changing clothes, Trellus changes into his swim gear and stows the rest.
As he does so, he remembers the party treasure. "Dudes!" he calls out, "We've still got 50 pp, this wand of Cure Moderate Wounds, and this Purple Prism Stone (Ioun stone - stores 6 levels of spells). We had a scroll and potion, but I gave those to Milo and Grymash for that last fight. Any ideas what to do with this stuff?"
While the group discusses treasure, Trellus tries the "magic tickle" on the fungus.
Sterlin Tuesday May 20th, 2003 6:35:07 PM
Sterlin approaches Jenny. " I'm very glad that you are o.k. Jenny. " He then sends a little magic tickle to her. After that, Sterlin finds a shadowy corner and changes into the proper attire.
Gilan Tuesday May 20th, 2003 7:24:39 PM
Gilan turns to Malafret as she starts to leave and once again lays his hands in the proper position, cutting a short bow to her. "The land, my life...Mistress."
He then turns and makes his way to one of the stones, after having pickup up one of the steel pitons. He sets before the rock and ponders for a minute as he thinks of what to carve on the rock, with a smile he decides. With his tongue sticking out the side of his mouth he goes to work carving a little wasp on the stone flying around some flowers.
Standing finally he picks up the swimming clothes and makes his way to a darker corner and changes. Coming back he stows his gear behind the stone and turning smiles to the rest. "Seem that we will have a full day tomorrow."
Making his way over to Trellus, after he has changed, he watches as he makes the fungus glow. "Should come in handy at times." With the comment of the treasure he looks to the hiddy-holes and just shrugs. "Shouldn't that be safe here with the rest of our gear??"
With a smile he sends out a number of little heart tags to each of his companions. It leaves him with a warm feeling that he cannot place with words...it is just undescribable. Making his way to the chimney he takes a look up and shrugs his shoulders to loosen up a little for the climb. Still feeling a little weary he looks back to the rest and has an idea. "Maybe a little rope to tie us together...just in case." He turns a soft shade of red as he caches the others eyes. "Well...I don't know about anyone else but I am more than a little tired...mishaps can take place."
Flea d20+12=25 Tuesday May 20th, 2003 10:38:55 PM
When Milo drops his drawers, Flea makes a quick appraisal. Impressed by the sturdy cooks robust physique, she lets out a low whistle. When the blushing halfling quickly looks up, the rogue meets his glance with twinkling blue eyes and a gap toothed grin. When he turns away, she calls to Trellus' sister: "Hey Jenny! I'll help your find something to wear."
The gnome starts digging through the bag, and settles on two rather odd looking costumes. She gestures the little piggie to follow her, as she moves behind a large rock (Hide=25) to change. Before stowing her gear in her pack, she takes one of her daggers and putting her hand behind her back, slips it into the waistband of the odd two pieced swimming garment.
She exits from behind the rock, self consciously holding her backpack in front of her, and giggling nervously as she looks at her pack mates in their odd garments. Where skin has been exposed to the harsh elements of the plains, there is a darkening of pigment, but flesh that had otherwise been covered up, glows pale in the flickering torchlight of the tunnel.
The gnome stores her gear in a cubby, and deftly carves an intricate 'F' on the face of the rock that will cover the opening. Turning her attention to the glowing fungus arrows, she heads down the tunnel in the direction indicated by Malafret...
Anuk Wednesday May 21st, 2003 1:15:00 AM
Anuk's heart gets lighter and lighter as he feels the small messages arrive from his packmates. He smiles broadly and returns the feelings, surprised at how easy and natural it feels.
He, too, finds an unmarked stone and uses his piton to carve a simple image of a gloved hand on its face. He stows his gear in the cubby. I hope we find out how to get in and out of here and still keep dry...I don't like being without my journal for long. I've got so much to write about now too!
When the women disappear to change, Anuk quickly removes his dusty clothes and dons the swimming outfit. It fits better than he expected, but he looks a bit odd and feels self-conscious with his right hand still gloved. Deciding to ignore his own feelings of self-doubt, he looks around for the fungus, sends out a tickle, and follows the glow.
Jake Wednesday May 21st, 2003 2:38:30 AM
Jake puts his stuff down and ponders... Strange, that this was directly under the fountain. Carefully, he carves a sign that appears like a dot within a square within a square. Then, he gets out of his clothes... Wearing only a breech cloth, he stands somewhat embarassedly. His tan, amusingly, only reaches places not covered by his tunic. He's quite well built. Poking the fungus, he comments, "How do ya guys do that tickle thing?"
DM Anthony Wednesday May 21st, 2003 9:24:19 AM
There are plenty of places to hide in order to change, and in your exploration you find a long clothes line behind one of the rocks with 5 swiming costumes drying on the line.
The Fungus is easily played with and is alot of fun.
Anuk realizes that if hes going to write about ANY of this than his journal must stay down here forever. The things he couold write would destroy secrects. After all until a few moments ago you didnt even know there was one circle let alone 3.
It is also clear that should you ever want to escape the up world and hide, No one will bother you down here.
Jenny having changed with Flea looks around and seends a tickle back to Sterlin and then blushes. Then asks. "What do we tell people about me? They were all out looking for me and now Im going to show up swiming?"
Milo Wednesday May 21st, 2003 11:07:20 AM
heading to the chimney, Milo begins his climb up. coming to the spot, he takes a few deep breaths then pushes his way up and into the water. he begins swimming as fast as he can to the top.
Grymash Wednesday May 21st, 2003 11:19:54 AM
Grymash finds a place for his things and he makes a small mark that looks like an open Eye.
Grymash then strips down to his loin cloth. He has never been too modest. His massive muscular physique is marked with scars from his days when he was kidnapped by the orc raiders. However, he considers them badges of honor for surviving such an event.
Grymash also starts his climb to the surface.
"It be shady if Gry and pack could walk into Rattledam with Malgo over one shoulder and Jenny sitting on other. Really show them all which pack was best!! Oh well!! It good enough Jenny ok now."
Trellus Wednesday May 21st, 2003 12:51:58 PM
Trellus watches Milo and Grymash take off up the chimney.
"Uh, dudes? Jenny's got a good question, here."
Rubbing the back of his head, the young man tries to think of something plausible. And something more truthful than not he adds to himself.
"OK Jenny, you followed us out last night. You got lost and fell down a hole. You blacked out until this morning, when the Blood Pack found you. We fixed you up and brought you back in, through the hole in the wall if anyone asks, but don't volunteer that.
Then, we came here to get cleaned up. And we were so happy to see you and we having such fun in the dam, we clean forgot to tell everybody we found you. Which could happen because we're such young, impulsive piggies and all."
Trellus grins widely, gives his sister a hug (and a noogie, while he's at it), and heads up the chimney and into the pool.
Sterlin Wednesday May 21st, 2003 2:09:49 PM
" Perhaps we should tell them that Jenny is now part of the Blood Pack. Of course that is also up to her. Take note however that she also was given the magical gift. "
Anuk Wednesday May 21st, 2003 8:06:07 PM
"I think Trellus' plan sounds good. I don't think we can get into too much trouble. After all, Galafar has already seen Jenny with us. Besides, we gotta go...it's almost time for the cleansing of the pool. Don't wanna miss that!"
And with that Anuk scrambles up and into the pool.
Flea Wednesday May 21st, 2003 8:52:36 PM
Climbing up the passage doesn't proove too difficult. The gnome takes a deep breath, and pushes through some squishy stuff, and into the water, keeping her eyes open. She swims towards the light, hoping it is the sun shining over Rattledam.
Gilan Wednesday May 21st, 2003 11:34:15 PM
Gilan shrugs as the rest seem to be caught up in their own little worlds and makes his way to the chimney. He waits for some of the others to climb on up and take to the water.
Without any hesitation he makes the short climb himself, not finding it as hard as he had worried. Taking a deep breathe he breaks into the water and makes his way to the surface.
Jacob Thursday May 22nd, 2003 3:20:54 AM
Jake hesitates...pondering how much trouble he'll get in once this adventure is over. "Well, it was worth it." He takes one big breath and pushes his way through...
Dm Anthony Thursday May 22nd, 2003 10:05:50 AM
As you all talk about teh story you remeber that the idea of Packs is one adopted by the kids and until today it was not know to be aproved by anyone other than you all. The plan seems safe enough, you were in a hurry and came back through the hole. it will get sealed and guarded but you all have a new way out now. Jenny is so young, its amazing you all seem to have accecpted her so quickly. All these thoughts and more whirl through your minds as you climb toward the pool you know is above your head. It will be good to swim for a bit as you are all covered in gore and blood. Higher and higher until finnaly you come up on a shimminering blue field in the roof. Pushing up against it feels like. . . well like solid water. Pushing up against it its cold and spoungy. Pushing harder and suddenly you feel pulled through into the cool water of the dam. You come out into a little water filled room in thewall of the dam. Some of you have explored this place before, others havent. Its dangerous and hard to get to as you have to take a deep breath, swim all the way down, squeeze into the crack, come around a corner, explore and then make it back up. Most kids never make it this far, however you only have half the trip to make and it will be easy. As the last of you squeze through the boards you feel the cleansing begining and the magic rise from the bottom of the pool, perkalating up throught the water, pushing you up faster and faster, cleaning the blood and gore from your bodies, washing the fear away, filling your heart with joy and hope untill you all burst into the air laughing and splashing into the new day.
~end~
WELL Done guys. I must say I have never been as proud of a new game as I am of you all. I need to check on the experience point award but Im sure its a level for all at least so please begin updating your character sheets. to the next level. Also I whom ever is keeping track of party treasure to send me the list of what you have as a party.
Next piece of business. As you begin your new classes Malafret will come to you as a pack one day and ask what you need to be better outfited, so please post here to Mistress Malafret what you need. You can also discuss battle plans and the what not. If you would like me to runn a few mock battles so you can test out some ideas please let me know. You have all seen that the plains are deadly, and you havent really gotten OUT into them yet.
Also please send any nominations for Hero points to my e-mail addy. Remeber anyone who put themselfs at risk for another person deservers at least one hero point.
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