Hatchlings in the Night (DM Cayzle) Friday May 30th, 2003 11:07:02 AM
In the pitch dark of the night, the two satyrs -- named Tydeus and Thalpius, by the way -- wake up the entire party.
"Look! Look!" they whisper.
The humans (aside from the cleric of Gargul) can't see a thing, but the non-humans see, by the pale starlight, three small shapes waddling into the camp.
They are about two and a half feet tall. They are covered in fuzz, and they seem to have small wings. You hear them "Peep peep peep?"
"Oooh! How cute!" Cassandra cries. "Babies!" She seems ready to snatch them up and cuddle them.
But the satyrs whisper, "No! Don't tough them or the mother will smell you on them! And then you're done for! All we can do is run! The mother is sure to be near! Run!"
The two of them sprint away, runnng full-out in the direction away from the chicks, and are gone.
Thram Friday May 30th, 2003 12:44:55 PM
The monk looks a bit perplexed by the satyrs reaction and tries to get a better look without touching one.
"What are they?"
Garrard Friday May 30th, 2003 5:08:00 PM
Garrard looks up and around groggily.
"Mother? Perhaps we should move away quietly, without alarming the little ones. If they get spooked or excited, they may call for their parent."
With this Garrard pushes himself upright.
"Where are they, so we can move away in a cohesive group?"
Cadmar Friday May 30th, 2003 5:47:35 PM
When Thram and Garrard offer to share their money with him, Cadmar is visibly shaken. It takes him a moment to regain his composure. "You would share with a man you have just met?... I thank you... friends..." The ranger turns his face away from the group and wipes his eye with his sleeve. "It is most noble of you, but I can not accept your offer. For one thing, I still need to find a priest powerful enough to perform the deed, and by that time I hope to gather enough money by myself. Your treasure will be better used if it stays in your hands."
"I will ask one thing of you, though. If by some stroke of ill fortune I meet my end before my quest is done, please finish what I have started and help my father. I would turn in my grave if, after losing two sons, he would be left alone to grow old and die away from the woods."
---
When the satyrs wake the party up in the middle of the night Cadmar rubs his eyes and sniffs the night air.
"I don't know who or what are these" - he whispers - "but I would hate to fight their mother. Why leave poor creatures orphaned?..."
With that, the ranger springs from his bed and tries to follow the satyrs the best he can, leaving most of his stuff behind. He stops only to tuck a dagger under his belt.
Lorth Friday May 30th, 2003 7:53:46 PM
Lorth rolls over, breaking his contemplative silence for the last few days. Even as the others get ready and start to assess the threat, he straps on his shield, and draws his warhammer, trying to figure out in the dark where the others are.
Wynn Brightsong d20+4=20 d20+2=10 Saturday May 31st, 2003 6:46:38 PM
Wynn sits up at the sound of the commotion and sees what look vaguely like three owlets walking into camp. He has heard of both Giant Owls as well as creatures that are only part owl[Bardic Knowledge=20], but in the dark he can only make out their general shape, and can't be sure.
He rolls over, grabbing his pack and puts a tree between himself and the owlets. He scans the night sky and the upper canopy of the trees for potential dangers [spot=10].
"Andrath, Elerinn" Wynn calls out "see if you can get behind them, but watch the sky. I have heard in my travels that a trained giant owl can be ridden into battle, and that the young are worth a considerable sum."
Kedarn (lowlight vision & darkvision) d20+2=15 d20+5=16 d20+5=9 Sunday June 1st, 2003 2:29:43 AM
Kedarn quietly gets up and grabs his gear then heads in the direction the satyrs went. Kedarn will glance back and up to see if anything is following them. (move silently 15, spot 16, listen 9)
Elerinn Sunday June 1st, 2003 2:12:27 PM
Elerinn follows along with the satyrs, trusting on their knowledge of nature. Although Wynn calls out to him, he doesn't like the idea of trying to capture the animals.
Andrath d20+14=26 Sunday June 1st, 2003 6:18:23 PM
Realizing that many of his friends can't see in the dark Andrath backs away from the bird-creatures, and says, "Stick together, and don't run off. Many of us can't see in the dark, and we all move at different speeds! If this bird-mother wants to attack us, shouldn't we face her together, rather than stumbling blindly around in the dark, separated?" He peers into the forest behind the large chicks, trying to make out if anything is coming. (Spot roll of 26.]
Lorth d10+3=13 Monday June 2nd, 2003 9:20:35 AM
(OOC: Back from vacation, thanks for playing my character. And here is my hit point roll for 2nd level. d10 +3 for constitution = 13 YEAH! )
Baby Owls? Baby OwlBEARS! (DM Cayzle) d8=8 (roll for the stuff in which the owlbears are interested.) Monday June 2nd, 2003 9:55:54 AM
After getting a closer look (does anyone have a light source out?), Wynn feels confident that the babies are in fact baby owlbears. His knowledge is shaky, and he is not sure whether there might be one mother nearby, or more. He does know that owlbear moms are notoriously cranky!
Kedarn and Cadmar follow the satyrs, but they are moving faster than our heroes can, and in the dark it is hopeless. Elerinn has even less of a hope of catching up. Hearing Andrath's call to keep together, the three return to the camp.
The babies have found Ellerinn's bedding and are pecking at it. Cassandra watches, fascinated at first, but then she hears "owlbear" she starts looking around wildly.
Right now the hatchlings are on one side of the camp. The PCs are on the other, about 15 feet away.
Everyone please make listen checks at DC20. Those who can see in the dark, please make spot checks at DC15.
Thram d20+6=12 d20+6=12 Monday June 2nd, 2003 12:20:17 PM
Not noticing anything but the chicks, Thram asks, "What's an owlbear?"
He moves in for a closer look at the chicks. If they're tearing up Elerrin's stuff, he tries to shoo them away.
Lorth Monday June 2nd, 2003 12:27:16 PM
Lorth quickly stowes his sleeping gear and lights up his bull's eye lantern. He then makes his way towards the direction that Andrath and the others left camp. "I think we should probably go", says Lorth, "Anything that could make the Satyrs run like that, in their own forest, I don't want to meet."
Lorth moves out as soon as everyone is ready.
Garrard Monday June 2nd, 2003 2:47:17 PM
Garrard shoulders the minimal basics, his pack with foodstuffs, his shield, and his scimitar. What little else there is can be replaced or come back for.
He then moves to take up a position from Lorth, and encourages the paladin to take a few steps back away from the... chickcubs.
Wynn Brightsong d20+4=7 d20+2=7 Monday June 2nd, 2003 8:28:23 PM
Wynn slides over next to Cassandra and unsheathes his longsword in readiness. "Fear not, lady" the bard intones, "I shall stay by your side."
Wynn is distracted by the comely young witch's distress and neither hears nor sees much else. [Listen=7, Spot=7]
Wynn stays very close to Cassandra and prepares to intercede on her behalf.
Andrath d20+9=12 d20+14=34 Monday June 2nd, 2003 11:46:02 PM
Andrath tries to hear if anything larger is approaching the campsite, but the racket from the large chicks, and the returning party members, masks any sounds that he might have heard. [OOC: missed listen check with 12 total.] However, with his low-light vision and eagle eyes, he peers into the forest behind the direction that the chicks emerged from, looking to see if anything larger is approaching the camp. [OOC: Critical success with spot, check of 34.]
He glances over at Elerinn, and says, "Do you want your gear back? What do you think those big baby birdies are going after, anyways? Are you hiding bird seed in your bedding?"
He pulls out his bow and nocks an arrow, saying, "If the mother comes charging at us, I am going to shoot her, unless someone can calm her down."
Kedarn (lowlight & dark vision) d20+5=20 d20+5=18 Tuesday June 3rd, 2003 5:52:45 AM
Kedarn starts to look around to see if the little ones mother is anywhere near by. (listen 20, spot 18)
Cadmar d20+5=12 Tuesday June 3rd, 2003 7:20:37 AM
Cadmar, obviously very agitated, whispers urgently: "Please, let's go! we can come back later for our stuff! There is no need to fight an owlbear, no need to leave cubs without theri mother! Please, let's go, I don't want to fight just for the fight itself!" [Listen 12]
If the party decides to leave, Cadmar follows.
Elerinn Tuesday June 3rd, 2003 5:48:16 PM
Elerinn tries to see despite the absence of any lights. He can discern the young birdlike creatures, at the spot he just left. His eyes, adjusting to the darkness somewhat, can see them clearly now, picking at his belongings. Then, Elerinn hears Cadmar whispering to him and the others and this cools him down somewhat.
It's just their instinct...But it's my equipment they're picking at!, he thinks, deciding what to do. "But...their instict...", Elerinn whispers now and, with some light, a smile could have been detected on the gnome's face.
Adjusting one of the first spells he learned, he begins gesturing without making any sound. A few moments later, the sound of a howling wolf can be heard. It seems though it is coming out of Elerinn's backpack.
OOC: Casting a silent ghost sound spell centered on the backpack.
OOC (DM Cayle) Wednesday June 4th, 2003 6:59:48 AM
Sorry for the delay, friends. I'll post later today.
Mama! Mama! (DM Cayzle) Thursday June 5th, 2003 9:48:56 AM
Andrath sees a huge hulking shape deep in the woods. Kedarn hears a movement in the same direction.
Elerinn's spell clearly startles and scares the chicks. They back off fast, about 30 feet, cheeping very loudly.
Now everybody can hear the crashing of the shape in the woods, since it is moving very quickly, coming towards you. You hear a strange sound from the shape -- "HHOOOOOOOOOHH!!"
The creature -- dare we call it Mama? -- is now about 50 feet away. Next round it will be on you. Please be clear and careful in your actions or your readied actions.
If you attack before it is in the camp, you will suffer a 20 percent miss chance if you can see in the dark, or a 50 percent miss chance if you cannot [except Andrath, who sees it]. Once it enters the camp, those with sensitive eyes are fine, but you will suffer a 20 percent miss chance if you cannot see in the dark.
Of course, you could run ...
[OOC: Really sorry for the missed posting. Real Life has been brutal this week.]
Garrard Thursday June 5th, 2003 12:36:05 PM
Garrard is poised to run, and looking to the other party members to start moving.
"Go!", he hisses through his teeth.
If there isn't an immediate exodus, or anyone attacks the beast, Garrard with cast Faerie Fire at the source of the roar.
Cadmar Thursday June 5th, 2003 1:06:19 PM
Cadmar starts moving away from the beast, hoping that it will not leave its young and once it makes sure nothing threatens its cubs it will abandon the chase.
If, on the other hand, someone stays to fight, Cadmar will pick up his bow instead.
Elerinn Thursday June 5th, 2003 2:31:35 PM
Elerinn's smile quickly turns into a surprised and frustrated look when he hears the beasts' eery sound. Realizing another spell isn't going to help, he turns around and starts running away from the owlbear. In spite of his gnomish feet, Elerinn tries to run as fast as he can.
To anyone running near him, he says, calmer than appropriate: "I'm sorry, wrong idea." For a moment, Elerinn considers the idea this might be a punishment from Wardd, for pressing his luck too less in the past few weeks. Although he dismisses the idea, he decides he has to do it more often. But right now, it had not been a very good idea.
Andrath d20+7=24 d8+4=11 Thursday June 5th, 2003 5:10:03 PM
If everyone else does, Andrath backs away from the mother creature and her offspring, keeping his longbow trained on her. However, if anyone stays to fight, or if the creature gets within 30' of Andrath, he will shoot the owlbear mother with his ready bow. [OOC: If necessary, hit AC24 for 11 hp damage.]
He calls out, "Elerinn, get your little body back here! We may need you. This looks like way more than a mother protecting her chicks! It looks like a carnivorous mother hunting for food, and the food could well be us! I suggest we don't all turn our backs and run, which will end up splitting us all up, and the humans not being able to see as well. Let's back slowly away, and show a united front of 8 well-armed opponents, rather than a scattering of 8 backs."
Lorth Thursday June 5th, 2003 5:43:06 PM
Lorth frowns, and begins to backup and leave the campsite in the same direction that most of his companions are going. He attempts to light his bulleye lantern again, while moving off.
Wynn Brightsong (AC18+1 Dodge; HP 14) Thursday June 5th, 2003 5:56:02 PM
Wynn chuckles at the sight of the three young owlbears scuttling away from the seemingly possessed pack. A woldian version of a loosing a fox among the chickens.
The sound of the adult owlbear causes the hair to rise on the back of his neck, drawing his attention to the sound of it's advance through the surrounding trees.
"Andrath is right" shouts Wynn. "Hold your ground and present a show of force lest this beast think of us as prey." Wynn steps forward to flank Andrath and continues...
"If the protection of her young is her sole intent an orderly withdrawl on our part should suffice. Otherwise we will be fighting for our lives to avoid being served as an entree to those cute little chicks."
Wynn thinks back to their encounter with the bear and the lessons learned..."Remember, if forced to defend ourselves, let the archers get as many shots in as possible before engaging at close quarters! And don't injure the young ones...they are quite valuable!"
The bard prepares to dodge any charge from the adult owlbear and will fight defensively if such a charge were to occur [Effective AC=21]. He searches his mind for a song with which to inspire his fellow adventurers.
Thram Thursday June 5th, 2003 7:52:45 PM
Thram takes up a position between the archers and the approaching owl bear. He crouches down to wait and calls out, "Don't shoot me in the back guys."
Kedarn Friday June 6th, 2003 1:32:47 AM
kedarn moves in the direction away from the noise he hears coming from the woods. As he is moving Kedarn says "let us follow the example of the satyrs and leave. They know more about the creatures here than we do." Kedarn will ready his bow while moving and stop just outside of the clearing that the group used for making camp and cover the others.
Mama emerges (DM Cayzle) Friday June 6th, 2003 10:28:44 AM
Elerinn scoots away fast. The rest of the party backs off, weapons ready. By the end of the round, the group is 30 feet away from the campsite. The mother owlbear's charge takes her to the center of the camp -- that is, about 30 feet from you, maybe 20 feet from Thram.
She stands and growls. The hatchlings huddle behind her.
Lorth Friday June 6th, 2003 10:48:01 AM
Lorth backs away slowly... weapons at the ready.
Thram Friday June 6th, 2003 11:38:16 AM
Still crouched and ready for action, Thram starts to back up slowly and assumes those behind him will do the same.
Garrard d20+5=19 d20+5=13 Friday June 6th, 2003 1:31:38 PM
Garrard backs away slowly, staying with the group even as he wracks his brain for any hints from his training as to how to handle this situation correctly. If he remembers anything, he will pass it along in a quiet whisper to the party
Elerinn Friday June 6th, 2003 5:05:53 PM
Elerinn ignores Andrath's comment first, and keeps running while thinking: He must be mad, if she is trying to scare us away, I won't stop her...
But as he reaches a point far from his companions, he turns and sees most of them are still standing near the camp. Deciding that he needs to help if they decide to stay near the camp. Although Elerinn decides his friends make a bad decision, if they don't want to fight the creature, to stand their ground, but he turns around and hustles back, close enough to cast one of his spell directed at the beast.
Wynn Brightsong d20+3=15 Sunday June 8th, 2003 8:21:36 AM
Wynn scans the bush line for signs of any more owlbears [Search=15 low light vision].He will immediately call out to the group if he spots any, otherwise he returns his attention to the owlbear in camp and it's intentions.
Wynn retreats one step from the owlbear and it's young. "Everyone should stay in the clearing where we can see" The bard calls out. "In the darkness of the forest that creature will have a significant advantage!"
Wynn reaches back to Cassandra and gives her arm a reassuring squeeze.
Cadmar AC15 HP20 d20-2=5 Sunday June 8th, 2003 3:12:56 PM
Woken suddenly from deep sleep only to confront some huge horror he cannot see, with nothing but his chainmail and his dagger for the armament, the ranger is afraid. Beads of sweat appear on his forehead, flowing down the nasty scar he bears since the assault on the tower.
"All right..." he says, his voice trembling slightly. "There is not a snowball's chance in Baator I can outrun this thing. Heck, I even cannot see it! I suppose it's time to hit the treetops. I don't think it can climb well. No branches could support its weight."
Cadmar slowly steps away until his back is against a tree [move action] and then starts to climb it [move action], but his armor impedes his progress [climb check 5].
Andrath (AC17, 16 hp) Sunday June 8th, 2003 11:26:00 PM
Andrath continues to train his bow on the large owlbear. "It seems we have a 'Mexican standoff' here. I was able to grab my backpack and my gear when we left the campsite, but Elerinn, that is still your stuff there. Are you willing to give it up? Did anyone else leave their gear there? I propose we sowly start to advance back into the campsite, collect our gear, and make our way, together, carefully, to a new campsite. If we turn and leave now, and leave our gear behind, then I think that we will have decided our party name: "The Targets for Extortion". Once again, we will give in to a threat, and turn over our belongings, just like we have done in the past. If the owlbear mother's only desire was to get her chicks back, she obviously has done that. If she continues to stick around, she obviously has another agenda."
"Cadmar, what are you going to do up that tree? If we have to leave in a hurry, do you think you will be able to get down in time to move with us? Since you can't see in the dark, wouldn't it make more sense to keep with the rest of us? I'm sure one of us has a spell that can create a light. Don't worry, we will protect you."
Kedarn (AC: 16 HP:17) Monday June 9th, 2003 4:54:09 AM
Kedarn stays at the edge of the camp in the forest with his bow trained on the owlbear. Kedarn says to the others "grab what you can and we will leave for now but will come back later. Hopefully the owlbears will leave in a short amount of time. I am going to give you some concealment, so get ready to act." Kedarn then casts Obsuring mists.
*** ooc: spell will last 2 minutes, area of effect 30 ft. and 20 ft high ***
Mists Arise (DM Cayzle) Monday June 9th, 2003 10:48:12 AM
It does indeed look like a stand-off. Lorth, Thram, and Garrard back away. Elerinn comes a little closer. Wynn, keeping close to Cassandra, looks around but sees no other owlbears. Cadmar tries to climb a tree. And Andrath seems to think that backing off would be an ignoble solution.
Then Kedarn ratchets the confusion up a notch with his mist spell. Vision is very obscured. The owlbear seems a little calmer (her growl is more a "grrr" than a "GGRRRRRR").
Actions? Keep in mind that you probably cannot see each other.
Lorth Monday June 9th, 2003 1:30:55 PM
Lorth says, "Let's go, we can come back for Elerinn's belongings later. If this was an intelligent creature that could be reasoned with I would say different, but it is just a beast in it's homeland, so let's give it a wide berth." He then starts to leave.
Elerinn Monday June 9th, 2003 2:01:53 PM
Elerinn has returned to the others and is now trying to see past the mists, which is almost impossible. He hears the owlbear though, and she doesn't seem very friendly yet. Elerinn decides to walk somewhat to the right site of the camp, circling around the camp. In this way, he tries to look past the mists and into the camp. If there are no young owlbears left there, he slowly walks towards the camp to collect his gear.
Garrard Monday June 9th, 2003 4:46:09 PM
Garrard states, "Agreed. Let us gather together and move away. We can mostly likely follow our own tracks back here come morning."
Garrard will try to stick with Lorth, and move away only if the group moves as a unit.
Kedarn d20+5=12 d20+5=13 Monday June 9th, 2003 6:15:55 PM
Kedarn will slowly move away from the camp trying to go in the direction that the others went. (spot 12, listen 13)
Thram Monday June 9th, 2003 6:48:15 PM
"I can get his stuff. Somebody grab Jenny, you know the mule."
The monk dashes forward into the mist. He's intent on snatching up Elerrin's gear and hightailing it out of there.
Cadmar Monday June 9th, 2003 8:13:45 PM
The ranger is relieved to hear the huge monster calm down. In barely audible whisper he says: "Leave the stuff be. We can always come back for our backpacks in the morning. It's not as if the thing is going to go through our belongings and make away with gold, is it? Let's get out of here, please. The thing scares me sick. Let me just keep close to you, Andrath. Perhaps some of your courage will rub off on me."
"I can't see a thing. Are we all here? Elerinn? Cassandra? Can we go now?"
Cadmar tries to follow someone who can see in the dark better than him.
Wynn Brightsong d20+3=15 d20+4=23 Monday June 9th, 2003 8:14:02 PM
The scene before him is one of chaos. The bard can only shake his head. Just moments earlier the group had seemed to be coming together, of a single mind, resolute and strong. Now a fog arose from the ground and dulled his senses. Not only could he no longer make out the owlbears, but the cone of light that shone from Lorth's lantern no longer highlighted the owlbears and instead seemed to bounce in all directions. Elerinn and Thram seemed to dissappear forwards into the mist, while others retreated. What cohesion Andrath had started to bring to the group was now lost. He could no longer be sure of where everyone was or where they were headed.
Wynn retains his gentle hold of Cassandra's arm and as calmly as possible speaks of their situation. "Unless you have special abilities to see through this infernal soup, I suggest we stay put until it dissapates. I would rather not stumble into anything nasty!". Wynn peers into the haze (Search = 15) and listens intently for either the owlbear or members of his party (Listen = 23) before continuing. "Besides, Elerinn and Thram may need some guidance to find their way back."
Andrath (AC17, 16 hp) d20+9=16 Monday June 9th, 2003 11:23:56 PM
Andrath calls out, "Where did this mist come from? I can't see a thing! Where is the owlbear? Are you all there? Are you all OK?"
He listens to hear if anyone is moving towards the fire, and hears Thram dashing towards the clearing through the mist. He throws his bow over his shoulder, and moving forward, draws his sword. He will move forward until he sees the edge of the fog, or Thram, or the owlbear. He will try to cover Thram as he retrieves the items from the fire. "Can someone get rid of this crazy fog? We can't see what is going on!"
Death in an Owlbear's Embrace (DM Cayzle) d100=24 (Andrath's miss chance due to obscurement) d20+6=8 (Andrath's attack - a miss) d20+7=18 d20+7=16 (two owlbear paws, one hit) d20+2=20 (one owlbear bite, one hit) d20+11=26 (owlbear's opposed grapple check) d20+3=7 (Thram's opposed grapple check -- he is held!) d6+5=8 d8+1=9 (Thram takes 17 points of damage this round) Tuesday June 10th, 2003 1:38:24 PM
Cadmar, Kedarn, Garrard, and Lorth back away. They move about 30 feet in the direction away from the owlbear, and the mist ends. They move another 30 feet to end the round.
Wynn stays put, listening, just in case he is needed. But Cassandra pulls away to head backwards with Cadmar, Kedarn, Garrard, and Lorth.
Thram decides that quickness is better than stealth, and dashes forward. About 25 feet toward the mama beast, near the edge of the mist but still inside the fogbank, Thram sees some gear, and he bends to pick up Elerinn's bedroll and backpack (Note -- everyone else had a chance to grab their gear). (That's a move and a move-equivalent action.) He sees the hulking shape of the owlbear dimly ahead -- maybe five or ten feet away.
Andrath shadows Thram, moving more carefully. He stops when he sees Thram stop to pick up some gear -- he is about 5 feet from Thram -- any farther and he would lose him in the mist. Andrath does not see the owlbear, but he can hear it. He readies an action (shoot arrow) in case the owlbear charges.
Elerinn heads around and into the camp to collect his gear. He carefully walks around the mist. It takes him a full round of movement to end up outside the mist, on the edge, about 20 feet from the owlbear. That's after a full round of careful movement. And he is just in time to witness a catastrophe!
The Owlbear sniffs, and senses Thram (Scent ability). It roars, loudly! It rushes the nearby elf monk.
As it does so, Andrath's readied arrow flies -- past the owlbear. A miss.
One massive owlbear paw and one bite land on the elf monk -- and the paw grips Thram tight and pulls him to her! The damage is brutal (17 hp) -- and the monk is unconscious. With the grab damage that the beast will inflict on the elf next round, it is clear that Thram (already on death's door) is a goner. There's no way to kill the beast before it kills poor Thram. The question is, can the witnesses save themselves?
The hatchlings follow close behind mama, their loud cheeps barely audible over the roaring of the beast and the cracking of Thram's bones.
Andrath and Elerinn have a good idea of what is going on. Wynn can make a listen check (DC 15) to hear Andrath's bowstring twang, and another check (DC 10) to hear bones grinding. The rest of the party (now almost 90 feet away) hear only a mighty roaring. But that can't be good news!
Thram Tuesday June 10th, 2003 2:35:58 PM
"eeeeeeep!"
Elerinn Tuesday June 10th, 2003 4:19:45 PM
Elerinn is just in time to see Thram easily crushed by the female owlbear. For a moment, he considers distracting the beast with one of his spells, but realizes it with only bring him, and perhaps the rest of the group, more harm. Besides that, he can't help the elf in the owlbear's wings that is Thram, anymore.
But with this realisation, Elerinn can hear a clear voice in his head: "I can get his stuff. Somebody grab Jenny, you know the mule." It takes a moment for him to realize that this were the last words Thram spoke to them and perhaps it would indeed be his last words.
Feeling nothing but guilt, Elerinn turns around screaming hysterically to Andrath who is still near the owlbear. "Get out of there! I killed him!" He starts running, straight through the fog and calls out to the others, one single word.
"Run!"
Kedarn Tuesday June 10th, 2003 6:54:50 PM
Kedarn stops and turns back towards the camp when he hears the roaring. Kedarn will slowly start to head back towards the camp to try and find the rest of the party as well as Thrams mule 'Jenny'. As Kedarn is headed back if he meets up with any others he will ask what has happened. Kedarn will not go into the camp just stay outside of the camp and if the owlbear starts to come towards him he will run away at max speed.
Lorth (AC: 16 HP: 26) Tuesday June 10th, 2003 7:41:38 PM
Lorth torn between protecting the people he is with and helping those left behind, feels a twinge of panic. Lorth quickly drops his pack and before Kedarn gets very far he says, "Kedarn please, I will go take a look and see what is going on, please stay here with the others, so that we don't split up anymore." He pauses quickly and stammers out, "I will yell loudly three quick times if everyone is needed." He then runs past Kedarn towards the camp not waiting for an answer, lantern lighting the path before him. (OOC: Quad speed run towards the camp) As he runs, he thinks, "If it is Garguls will I die, then I am ready." This steadies his resolve and he charges on.
Wynn Brightsong (AC18+1 Dodge; HP 14) d20+4=16 d20+4=6 Tuesday June 10th, 2003 7:53:03 PM
Wynn briefly closes his eyes and concentrates on the sounds around him. From somewhere near the middle of the campsite the sound of a bow being loosed [Listen=16], a stifled scream, and the panicked voice of Elerinn yelling "run" and something about "killing" someone fill his ears. The owlbear seems to have become more agitated but it is unclear to the half-elf what exactly is happening [2nd Listen=6]. All in all it does not sound good to the young bard!
He reaches into his spell component pouch with his left hand and pulls out a small lump of wax. In his mind he replays the sound of the attacking owlbear. With a small flourish of his left hand the spell is cast [Ghost Sound]and the roar of an attacking owlbear can be heard emanating from some 35 feet away, behind and to the left of the owlbear. [OOC I believe this to be in the opposite direction from which Elerinn was circling].
Wynn hopes this new 'threat' will distract the female owlbear and provide some advantage to Andrath, Elerinn, and Thram.
Should the owlbear approach Wynn through the fog he will dodge the creature and fight defensively [effective AC = 21].
Andrath (fighting defensively, AC19, 16 hp) d20+10=29 d20-5=6 Tuesday June 10th, 2003 10:33:12 PM
[OOC: Cayzle, based on your description of locations of Andrath, owlbear mother, and owlbear chicks, I think that this will work. Please note, in my last post, I had Andrath sling his bow over his shoulder, and move into the fog, drawing his sword. There is no way he could have fired the bow.]
Andrath tumbles past the owlbear, avoiding an attack of opportunity from her. [OOC: Tumble roll of 29.] He continues to tumble [OOC: max tumble distance is 20', if Andrath needs to move after the tumble, he can move another 10'], until he is at least 10' past the mother owlbear, but adjacent to one of her chicklets. He will leap to his feet, fighting defensively, and swing the flat of his blade at the nearest chick, but swinging wide. [OOC: attack roll of 6]
He shouts at the owlbear mother, "Drop him, and come fight me, you pile of feathers! Or your young are dead!" [OOC: Andrath is trying to get the owlbear mother to drop Thram before he takes any more damage. He moved at least 10' past her, so that she will only get one attack next round, since she will have to move more than 5'.] He continues to call out, "Get back here, right now, you heroes! Thram is unconscious, and he needs your help! I'm facing the owlbear on my own, right now! Hone in on the sound of my voice, unless one of you can get rid of this stupid fog!" He continues to call out, as a beacon for the rest of the party, hoping that they can make it back in time, hoping they decide to come back at all, to help the other party members.
Garrard Tuesday June 10th, 2003 11:49:45 PM
Garrard swears for a moment, and looses his faerie fire spell onto the mother owlbear with a single choked word in Sylvan.
Cadmar Wednesday June 11th, 2003 6:18:51 AM
Cadmar hears Wynn's spell and, of course, mistakes it for a second owlbear. The rest of hope vanishes quickly from his heart.
Desperate, seeing the party disperse and some stagger back into the dark, hearing the shouts of Elerinn and Andrath, he does not know what to do. As he stands torn between his pride that tells him to charge and fight and his reason that tells him that that would be a certain and pointless death, a question comes to his mind: what would Domi do?
Cadmar does not know what Domi would do, but he knows very well that he does not want his father to bury his last son.
"ANDRATH, THERE'S A SECOND ONE COMING! I CAN'T FIGHT THEM IN THIS MILK! YOU WON'T HELP THRAM BY DYING ALONG HIM! GET THE NINE HELLS OUT OF THERE IF YOU WANT TO LIVE!"
His face red, Cadmar grabs Cassandra's hand. "Wynn, let's go! Cassandra, we are going!"
Cadmar starts to run directly away from the roars as fast as the forest allows, holding to the witch all the time. In case she does not want to go or is hesitant, he will drag her behind him. If she resists, he will try to sling her over his shoulder.
[OOC: CAYZLE, WHY THE OWLBEAR'S ATTACKS DIDN'T SUFFER FROM MISS CHANCE DUE TO THE FOG?] [OOC: Thram was standing right on the edge of the fog. The owlbear is mostly out of the fog (she is ten feet long). Plus she has the scent ability. So I didn't think the miss chance applied. Note that Elerinn (out of the fog and 20 ft away) was able to see the mauling, because the owlbear (now holding Thram's body) is also pretty much out of the fog. Andrath is five feet into the fog -- he can see the owlbear (with 20% miss chance) but not Elerinn. -- Cayzle]
Their's but to do and die / Into the valley of Death (Killer DM Cayzle) d6=2 d6=5 (Rolls to see where Lorth comes out of the mist) d20+7=12 (owlbear paw attack on Andrath) Wednesday June 11th, 2003 12:22:40 PM
VERBAL MAP: The round starts with Cadmar, Kedarn, Garrard, Cassandra, and Lorth 30 feet from the mist, 90 feet from the owlbear (the mist is 60 feet in diameter, and it is directly between them and the owlbear). Thram, just about dead, is in the Owlbear's embrace. Andrath is near the edge of the fog, five feet into the mist, about ten feet from the owlbear. Elerinn is also on the edge of the mist, 30 feet from the owlbear. Wynn is about 30 feet from the owlbear, near the center of the mist.
Kedarn carefully moves toward the mist, toward the owlbear. He does not enter the mist. He is about 60 feet from the owlbear -- there is 60 feet of mist between him and the mama owlbear. He sees the mule (which bolted out of the mist) and grabs it.
Courageous beyond sensibility, Andrath tumbles past the mama and swings at a hatchling, shouting as he does so and calling for help.
Elerinn wisely runs away from the owlbear, towards the party -- although his vocalizations might be considered unseemly! He passes Lorth in the mists, running toward the owlbear.
Lorth runs forward, through the mist. He hears Elerinn shouting. He emerges randomly about 30 feet from the owlbear. He sees Andrath's amazingly foolhardy act of bravery.
Elerinn emerges from the mist and runs another 20 feet towards Kedarn, Garrard, and Jenny the Mule.
Wynn holds his ground in the mist and creates a magical sound of another owlbear. Then he hears the sound of Andrath's battle with the beast.
Garrard thinks about casting a Faerie Fire spell on the owlbear, but there is 60 feet of mist between him and the beast, so he cannot see it and cannot target it.
Cadmar calls for a retreat, and pulls Cassandra another 30 feet away. Cassandra asks him, "Why oh why is anyone antagonizing that beast?"
When the "other owlbear" roars, the mama looks up and growls back. But the threat to her hatchling truly enrages her! Still clutching Thram -- and squeezing the last life out of him almost as an afterthought -- she takes a couple steps toward Andrath and swipes at him with her free paw! Fortunately, she misses.
Cheeping like a dozen henhouses, the hatchlings flee back behind mama. Andrath can make an attack of opportunity on one if he wishes (remember, -4 to attack to subdue with a sword). Or he might pass on that opportunity in order to ponder the wisdom of fighting an enraged owlbear toe-to-toe on his own.
VERBAL MAP: The round ends with Cadmar and Cassandra about 60 feet from the mist and 125 feet from the owlbear. Kedarn, Garrard, Elerinn, and Jenny the Mule are all about 20 feet from the mist, 85 feet from the owlbear. Andrath, Thram's corpse, and the unwounded (and very angry) owlbear are 10 to 15 feet away from the mist, on the other side of the fogbank from Cadmar, Cassandra, Kedarn, Garrard, Elerinn, and Jenny. Lorth, at the edge of the mist, is about 35 feet from the owlbear, watching Andrath. Wynn is still near the center of the mist, now about 45 feet from the owlbear.
Lorth (AC: 16 HP: 26) Wednesday June 11th, 2003 12:57:53 PM
Lorth horrified that his friend Thram may be dead, yells at the owlbear, "Drop him, you monster!" He then looks to Andrath and shouts, "Back off, you can't possibly hope to kill it. Use your bow and kill it's young, perhaps it will drop him and we can recover at least, his body." Lorth then circles around the Owlbear to put it's young between him and it, making sure to keep his 35 foot distance.
Wynn Brightsong (AC18+1 Dodge; HP 14) d20+5=18 d8+2=8 Wednesday June 11th, 2003 8:05:11 PM
Wynn hears Andrath's call to arms and immediately moves towards his voice. [OOC Wynn moves at 1/2 of max speed to avoid falling in the mist or running blindly into unseen danger]
"Andrath" he calls out, "ignore the second owl bear, it is naught but a figment. Together we shall destroy this creature and rescue the monk."
If Wynn comes out in direct line with the owlbear he will continue his run and charge the creature [Hit AC=18 for 8 dmg]. Otherwise he will pull up short and prepare to press forward his attack in the next round. In either case he will dodge any attack from the female owlbear [Effective AC = 19].
Andrath (AC17, 16 hp) d20+10=30 d20+6=11 d20+6=24 d8+3=11 d6=4 Wednesday June 11th, 2003 11:00:31 PM
[OOC: Cayzle, what Andrath does hangs on one thing, whether Wynn actually makes it through the cloud and charges the owlbear, or if he stops at the edge of the cloud to catch his bearings.]
[OOC: If Wynn stops at the edge of the fog...] Andrath calls out to the bard, "Hold up, Wynn. The mother owlbear has dropped Thram, and now we need to chase her and her little ones off as quickly as possible. If there is still breath left in Thram, we maybe can recover him, once the beasts are gone. You move away and to the far side of her, at least 40', and get your missile weapon ready. I will do the same, and then we can shoot at her young ones until she runs off, and takes them with her." Then Andrath turns and tumbles 20' away (parallel to the fog cloud) to avoid an attack of opportunity from the beast [OOC: tumble check of 30]. He gets to his feet and runs a further, 20', sheathing his sword on the run. He turns to face the beasts.
[OOC: If Wynn manages to attack the creature...] Unwilling to let another friend get killed, Andrath calls out, "I sure hope you can hear this, because your friends are getting slaughtered as you save your precious skins! Thram made a mistake trying to recover Elerinn's items before the beasts had left! So he deserves to die for this in your eyes? Oh well, lets abandon him, so that we can all save ourselves! Wynn and I are likely to die trying to save another party member! I hope one of you 'heroes' learn some bardic skills, so that, since you get to live, you can at least sing a song in remebrance of our bard!" Then he tumbles around the other side of the mother from Wynn to flank the beast [tumble check of 30], jumps to his feet, and swings at the owlbear. [OOC: Rolled an attack roll of 11, likely a miss, so use a hero point and reroll attack, with a new attack roll of 24, so hit for 11 damage +4 flanking damage, for a total of 15 points of damage.]
Garrard Thursday June 12th, 2003 12:25:04 AM
Garrard grits his teeth and swears coarsely under his breath as he jogs forward, towards the fray. This situation has gone from bad to worse.
Cadmar Thursday June 12th, 2003 3:42:42 AM
The ranger, who has made his decision and sticks to it, looks over his shoulder just in time to see Wynn head back into the fray.
"Your funeral. Nice knowing you, Wynn. Don't count on me getting killed alongside just to keep you company."
Cadmar stumbles in the dark some more before speaking to the witch: "You should see much better in the night than me. You lead us." The ranger moves away from the battle as fast as possible. If he hears anyone else doing the same thing, he will slow down and wait so that they can join.
Kedarn Thursday June 12th, 2003 6:34:58 AM
Kedarn calls out "Wynn, Andrath, Lorth, Garrard come on lets get away from the owlbear! I don't think we can take it as it is defending its young and is extreamly mad right now. We will come back later to retrive any gear once the owlbear has moved on. I created this mist so we could get away from it." With that Kedarn looks at Elerinn and says "come on there is nothing but needless death there, let us catch up with Cadmar and Cassandra." Kedarn then grips the lead rope for Jenny the mule and starts to head in the direction of Cadmar and Cassandra.
Elerinn Thursday June 12th, 2003 2:02:25 PM
Elerinn, confused and afraid, is back through the mist, just in time to see Andrath and Wynn jump right into it. He hears them calling and fighting the owlbear and feels even more guilt.
Inspired by Andrath and Wynn's brave, but perhaps suicidal, attempt to rescue the monk, Elerinn calls out to the others who have decided to flee. "They need our help! It might be stupid, but we can't let them fight that creature on their own!"
With these words, Elerinn jumps right back into the mist and tries to get to the edge as quick as possible, so he can see Wynn, Andrath and the dangerous beast.
Under Wing (DM Cayzle) d3=1 d3=1 (rolls to see if Wynn is on target -- he is!) d20+7=23 (Attack on Andrath -- a hit) d20+10=21 (Owlbear's opposed grapple check) d20+5=9 (Andrath's opposed grapple check -- he is grappled!) d6+5=7 (Andrath's damage) d20+7=19 (Wynn is grabbed!) d20+10=29 (Owlbear's opposed grapple check) d20+5=8 (Wynn's opposed check -- he is grappled!) d6+5=10 (Wynn's damage) d2=1 (roll to see who gets bit) d20+2=17 (bite hits Andrath exactly) d8+2=10 (damage to Andrath) d12=12 d12=2 d12=11 (random hatchling flight directions) Friday June 13th, 2003 12:24:28 AM
VERBAL MAP: The round starts with Cadmar and Cassandra about 60 feet from the mist and 125 feet from the owlbear. Kedarn, Garrard, Elerinn, and Jenny the Mule are all about 20 feet from the mist, 85 feet from the owlbear. Andrath, Thram's corpse, and the unwounded (and very angry) owlbear are 10 to 15 feet away from the mist, on the other side of the fogbank from Cadmar, Cassandra, Kedarn, Garrard, Elerinn, and Jenny. Lorth, at the edge of the mist, is about 35 feet from the owlbear, watching Andrath. Wynn is still near the center of the mist, now about 45 feet from the owlbear.
Lorth circles around the Owlbear to put its young between him and it, making sure to keep his 35 foot distance. He has a hard time, though, since the hatchlings seem to be scattering to all directions.
Wynn charges the owlbear, as best as he can judge it as he leaves the fog. And in fact, his judgement is right on target! He charges the owlbear and hits, inflicting 8 hp damage!
Andrath tumbles around the other side of the owlbear, flanking it and striking right where it hurts -- inflicting another 15 hp damage.
Garrard moves 80 feet closer. By the end of his double move, he has jogged through the mist and emerged on the other side, ending about ten feet from the beast -- just out of reach.
Cadmar seeks to retreat with Cassandra. She says to him, "It is madness to fight this beast, and I have no intention of putting myself in harm's way. But since some are fighting, the least I can do is stand well back and sling spells."
She spends the round circling back, and ends the round about 40 feet from the owlbear, out of the mist. She thinks about what spell to cast next.
Kedarn joins Cadmar.
Elerinn decides to circle around too -- and ends the round near Cassandra.
Dropping Thram's corpse, the owlbear attacks Andrath. It hits with its wing/paw and holds tight! (7 hp damage). Then it paws at Wynn and grabs him too! (10 hp damage). It has Andrath under one wing and Wynn under another. Then, with its sharp beak, it bites at Andrath and tears at his face (10 hp damage). The shock puts Andrath into unconciousness (-1 hp).
It roars at Garrard!
[OOC: Wynn, since you are grappled, you can choose to make an opposed grapple roll to escape, or attack with a small weapon, etc -- per the PHB.]
VERBAL MAP At the end of the round, the wounded owlbear (holding Wynn and Andrath) is standing 25 feet from the mist. Elerinn and Cassandra are about 40 feet NE of the owlbear near the edge of the mist. Lorth is about 40 feet SE of the owlbear near the mist on the other side, about 40 feet from Cassandra and Elerinn (The three groups form a triangle about 40 feet on a side). Garrard is between the beast and the mist, 10 feet east of the 'bear and 10 ft west of the mist. The mist itself, 60 ft in diameter, is due east of the beast. Cadmar and Garrard are far away to the east on the other side of the mist, maybe 160 feet distant or more if they desire. The hatchlings have run away at random cheeping two to the north about 80 feet away, one northeast sort of towards Cadmar and Kedarn, also 80 feet from Mama.
Garrard Ac:13, hp:12 Friday June 13th, 2003 5:26:51 AM
Garrard narrows his eyes and runs past the owlbear mother, shouting, "When she drops you, move Andrath!"
With that Garrard charges the nearest chickcub, shouting "Yayayayayayayayayayaya!" at the top of his lungs and striking his scimitar flat against his shield, producing a series of thunderous crashes at irregular intervals. If the little critter doesn't get out of the way fast enough, Garrard will slow down a little, and try to herd it along in a straight line away from Momma.
(Round 2 of running at 4x move. Con checks will need to begin on round 12.)
Cadmar Friday June 13th, 2003 6:52:35 AM
The ranger follows the witch, trying to keep right behind her. He has hard time doing so, since he doesn't see in the dark all that well. A thought passes through his mind: I wonder what my dagger will do against the owlbear?
Lorth (AC: 16 HP: 26) Friday June 13th, 2003 11:13:55 AM
Since it is obvious that Thram is dead, Lorth retreats to join Cassandra, Cadmar and the rest.
Kedarn Friday June 13th, 2003 3:13:04 PM
kedarn will follow along with Cassandra and ready his bow.
Wynn Brightsong (AC18; HP4) d20+3=17 Friday June 13th, 2003 5:38:37 PM
As Wynn pulls his sword free from the beast he feels a sharp pain and winces as the owlbear sinks it's claws into his side.
The half-elf struggles deperately against the grasp of the creature (Opp Grapple = 17)and watches in horror as it slashes at Andrath with it's beak.
Greg OOC Friday June 13th, 2003 9:06:54 PM
I will try to roll a 6 on a d10 to stabilize. I hope it makes a difference. I think that I get to roll twice: once when Andrath first dropped unconscious (to -1 hp) and again when it is his turn to act. If the second roll doesn't work, then he falls to -2 hp. Correct?
Andrath (-1 hp) d10=6 Friday June 13th, 2003 9:08:08 PM
Andrath lies limp in the creature's arm. [OOC: How about that, rolled a 6 first try. So Andrath is stabilized at -1 hp.]
Cassandra Friday June 13th, 2003 11:16:07 PM
The elf maid sees Thram lying dead. Andrath and Wynn are in the owlbears wing/arms, and Andrath isn't moving! Garrard runs off chasing a hatchling.
Very much afraid that only she and Elerinn will remain standing to confront the beast, she almost panics and runs. But Lorth looks like he is coming over to protect her! Thank the gods!
So taking a very deep breath, she walks ten feet forward, within close range of the Mama Owlbear. She calls out -- "I'll try to scare it away! But even if it works, it won't last for long!"
Then she casts a Cause Fear spell on the beast.
Elerinn d4+1=3 Sunday June 15th, 2003 8:31:46 AM
Elerinn, standing next to Cassandra, is confronted with the same dillema she is. But when she decides to fire a spell at the creature, he decides. Since he is already within range, he doesn't follow the witch, but starts casting immediatly.
Elerinn wildly gestures and calls out an invocation, as if he is able to physically improve his spells. At the next moment, an energy ball flies out of his hands. It evades Andrath and Wynn and hits the creature.
OOC: Magic missile for 3 points of damage
Cadmar AC19 HP20 Fighting defensively Sunday June 15th, 2003 1:46:54 PM
Cadmar, who was following Cassandra, moves between her and the beast right after she is done casting. He keeps very close to her [5ft]. His intent is to take on all of the of attacks should the monster come their way.
Peering into the darkness, he prays silently to all good gods that might happen to listen that whatever magic the witch is weaving works.
Cadmar Sunday June 15th, 2003 1:47:54 PM
OOC: Her, in the post above, was of course Cassandra, not the owlbear.
Fear, Uncertainty, and Dread! (DM Cayzle) d12=7 d12=1 (chicks running) d20+10=30 (owlbear's opposed grapple check -- beats Wynn's 17) d20+2=5 (owlbear's save vs. fear spell -- fails!) Monday June 16th, 2003 9:36:55 AM
VERBAL MAP At the start of the round, the wounded owlbear (holding Wynn and Andrath) is standing 25 feet from the mist. Elerinn and Cassandra are about 40 feet NE of the owlbear near the edge of the mist. Lorth is about 40 feet SE of the owlbear near the mist on the other side, about 40 feet from Cassandra and Elerinn (The three groups form a triangle about 40 feet on a side). Garrard is between the beast and the mist, 10 feet east of the 'bear and 10 ft west of the mist. The mist itself, 60 ft in diameter, is due east of the beast. Cadmar and Garrard are far away to the east on the other side of the mist, maybe 160 feet distant or more if they desire. The hatchlings have run away at random cheeping two to the north about 80 feet away, one northeast sort of towards Cadmar and Kedarn, also 80 feet from Mama.
Wynn struggles to free himself, but the owlbear's grip only tightines (natural 20 on opposed roll, sorry).
Andrath is still unconscious, but he is not bleeding.
Garrard runs towards the two chicks to the north, who are about 80 feet away. He shouts as he goes. One hatchling runs away north; one runs back towards its mama. Garrard continues to chase the one going north, away from mama.
After spending last round running east, Kedarn and Cadmar spend this one running back west toward the mist, and they get to the far western edge, about 80 feet from the action, by sound, at the end of the round. They know that there is fighting going on at the other side of the mist, but they do not know where any one else is.
Cassandra steps forward, stopping 30 feet from the beast. She casts her spell (DC 14).
Lorth moves to stand next to Cassandra.
Elerinn casts his spell, damaging the beast a bit.
The owlbear misses her save, and in her turn, badly frightened, turns and flees! She runs 120 feet (4x move) west, away from Cassandra. Focused on running, mama owlbear does not squeeze Andrath or Wynn, but she does not drop them, either -- she just carries them along with her!
VERBAL MAP At the end of the round, the wounded owlbear (still holding Wynn and Andrath) is in full run, 120 feet from Cassandra and Lorth, 130 feet from Elerinn, 140 feet from the edge of the mist, and 200 feet from Cadmar and Kedarn, on the other side of the mist. Garrard is about 100 feet north of Elerinn, Lorth, and Cassandra. One hatchling is actually about 20 feet from Cassandra, and it is running after mama. Another is close to Garrard. A third is off to the northeast.
Lorth Monday June 16th, 2003 11:08:06 AM
Lorth looks at his companions, "Unless someone can take that thing down with ranged weapons, I'm at a loss as to what to do. The reality of the situation is that Andrath is probably dead or will be shortly and unless Wynn can free himself, he will probably wind up the same." He pauses, but quickly continues, "I cannot fathom why they would attack that thing. We are in it's forest, we had ample time to leave, AMPLE time. We ALL, including Thram could have been happily walking up the trail and could have returned for Elerinn's belongings in the morning. And for the record, it puts a bad taste in my mouth to attack some woodland creature who was just defending it's babies or to suggest we steal it's babies to make some fast coin. I find it difficult to help out such self serving tasks. I am ready for suggestions." He looks to Thram's body and slowly moves that way.
Cadmar d20+1=17 Monday June 16th, 2003 12:42:40 PM
Breathing heavily and crushing through the bushes, the ranger finally manages to catch up with the nimble witch. As soon as he sees her and some of his companions alive and well, a look of relief comes over his face. "I thought you were now in the owlbears clutches!... Let's see, Kedarn's with me, Cassandra, Lorth, Elerinn- where's Garrard? Garrard!!?" Just then he hears Lorth comment on the fate of the rest of the party and finally the situation dawns on him [Wis check 17]. "Oh by all the gods, Thram..."
"Damn it! It still has two of us!" A look of desperation comes over his face, but obviously the ranger does not want to give up just yet.
"Right, the only thing that comes to my mind is this: I get one of its chicks and run after it with some light. I make the chick scream for mama. It's a gamble, but I think it will go help its young instead of stopping to kill its prey. I think I can outrun it on a short distance. Meanwhile, the rest of you climb trees and ready ranged weapons. I come back, let the cub go, and you help me up the tree. Then we shoot it until it goes away or dies."
"I know nothing about owlbears, so if somebody knows that this won't work because owlbear will kill its victims first or because it can climb trees, then say so now!"
"Otherwise, somebody catch that chick! I'm going to make some light!"
Garrard d20+3=15 d20+2=20 Monday June 16th, 2003 1:32:28 PM
Chasing the owlbear chick furiously, Garrard tries to narrow the distance, thinking that if the Mother can be distracted, she just might drop the fallen adventurers.
Pushing himself, he tries to trip the chick, hoping he can get the mother's attention without harming the little beast.
(Trip attack roll: 15. Opposed strength check: 20, +4 for every size catagory the chick is under medium sized.)
Elerinn Monday June 16th, 2003 5:19:36 PM
Elerinn feels deep relief when he sees the owlbear running away at full speed. But when he spots Andrath and Wynn he realizes this is not yet finished. A small voice in Elerinn's head tells him that it is finished for Thram, but he manages to ignore it.
When Elerinn hears Lorth speak, it irritates him. He is right, all right, but this is NOT the time!, the gnome thinks. Elerinn runs after the owlbear at full speed, calling the other to come along. "Come on! We can argue about what went wrong later!"
Wynn Brightsong (AC18; HP4) d20+3=19 Monday June 16th, 2003 7:27:09 PM
Wynn feels the creature grip him tighter and he struggles to breath in it's vice-like grip. Despite the pain he continues to struggle against the owlbears grasp (Opposed Grapple = 19). His body is continuously jarred as the creature runs across the uneven ground.
How can this beast run so far and still maintain its grip over me even as I fight it? the bard wonders. He is seriously concerned about Andrath who has not moved since being bitten by the owlbear.
Kedarn Tuesday June 17th, 2003 4:04:15 AM
Kedarn moves quickly over to near Thram's body. Kedarn will then check to see if there is any life left in Thram. If there is any life still in Thram Kedarn will use the wand of cure light wounds on Thram (upto 4 charges.) If not he will say a prayer to Gargul asking him to guide the soul of Thram through the Realms of Shadow and into the Lands of Rest. Afterwards Kedarn will look at the others and say "We better go after them so that we can try to save Andrath and Wynn."
Cassandra Tuesday June 17th, 2003 7:40:05 AM
The young elf witch moves forward 30 feet and then casts an Entangle spell, centered on the owlbear.
Owlbear in Flight! (DM Cayzle) d4=xxx (secret DM roll) d20+8=26 (Wynn remains grappled) d20+3=17 (owlbear's save vs. Entangle) Tuesday June 17th, 2003 10:54:04 PM
VERBAL MAP At the start of the round, the wounded owlbear (still holding Wynn and Andrath) is in full jog (encumbered with two people), 90 feet from Cassandra and Lorth, 100 feet from Elerinn, 110 feet from the edge of the mist, and 170 feet from Cadmar and Kedarn, on the other side of the mist. Garrard is about 100 feet north of Elerinn, Lorth, and Cassandra. One hatchling is actually about 20 feet from Cassandra, and it is running after mama. Another is close to Garrard. A third is off to the northeast.
Lorth offers his thoughts and moves 20 feet over to Thram's body. He is joined by Kedarn, who emerges from the mist.
Cadmar also emerges from the mist and moves over to Cassandra.
Garrard chases the hatchling north and trips it.
Elerinn runs after the beast, and travels 80 feet.
Wynn struggles valiently in the owlbear's grasp, but fails to break free.
Cassandra moves forward and casts her spell at the owlbear. (DC14)
The owlbear, still running, is unaffected by the spell. In order to run faster, it drops Andrath and Wynn. However, the spell does slow the beast down, and the owlbear only travels 80 feet this round, even unencumbered and running.
Elerinn and Wynn are also now in the effect of the spell -- please make a reflex save vs. DC 14! Andrath is too, but since he is unconscious, the point is moot.
VERBAL MAP At the end of the round, the wounded owlbear is 40 feet west of the edge of the entangled area, which is 80 feet in diameter. Wynn and Andrath are at the center of the Entangle, 80 feet east of the owlbear. Elerinn is 100 feet east of the owlbear, 20 feet east of the center of the entangle. Cassandara and Cadmar are 140 feet east of the owlbear, 20 feet east of the edge of the entangle. Kedarn and Lorth, near Thram's body, are 40 feet east of Cassandra and Cadmar, about 180 feet from the owlbear. Garrard is about 120 feet north of Cassandra, Cadmar, Kedarn, and Lorth.
Andrath (-1 hp) Tuesday June 17th, 2003 11:46:09 PM
Andrath, in his unconscious state, breathes what can only be construed as a sigh of relief.
Garrard, AC: 21, hp: 12 Wednesday June 18th, 2003 2:30:53 AM
Garrard enters total defense standing over the chick, hoping that he can keep it down and cheeping for a round without hurting it. If the mother is heading for him and gets within forty feet or so, he will bolt away from it, running at x4 again.
As he does so, he bellows to the group, "Get the fallen and get out of here. I can get away from the mother, and can track you to a meeting point fifteen minutes from here. GO!"
Wynn Brightsong (AC18; HP4) d20+6=26 d20-1=5 Wednesday June 18th, 2003 6:36:30 AM
Wynn falls to the ground and tumbles to a crouching position when droppoed by the owlbear. The 1/2 elf is able to evade the of Cassandra's spell (reflex save=26, natural 20).
When the creature drops Andrath a few feet away he darts to the unconcious rogue's side. If the Owlbear shows signs of returning Wynn will fight defensively overtop the prone elf [Hit AC=5; Wynns effective AC now 21 w/ dodge bonus], otherwise he will pick up Andrath and return to the campsite by the most expiditious route.
Elerinn d20+1=15 Wednesday June 18th, 2003 7:09:15 AM
Elerinn manages to avoid the effect of Cassandra's spell and looks at the running owlbear. It seems she has dropped her captives and is now fleeing from them. Elerinn stops running and looks at the others. He made some mistakes this night and he is unsure what to do, afraid of messing things up again.
Lorth Wednesday June 18th, 2003 8:00:00 AM
Lorth says a prayer to Gargul, wishing Thram a quick journey through the river of souls to the lands of rest.
He turns to Kedarn, "Should we take his body back to town to have him interred or just bury him nearby?"
Kedarn 2d8(5+5)+5=15 Wednesday June 18th, 2003 8:30:08 AM
"I think we should return him to town for a proper burial." Kedarn tells Lorth. Kedarn then heads over towards Wynn and Andrath and calls out "bring him here so I can help him!"
When Kedarn is next to Andrath he will use the wand of CLW (2 charges) on Andrath (15 hp).
Cadmar Wednesday June 18th, 2003 10:01:06 AM
Seeing the owlbear drop its victims the ranger cries out with joy. "Yeah! I love you, girl! You saved our hides! But it's not over yet!"
The ranger vaguely remembers reading a description of the magic the witch just used. "Garrard, the entangle will last minutes! We must lure the owlber away from the rest, or they will get slaughtered! We must come closer, right now others are still a prime target!"
The ranger studies the forest for a second, trying to discern the boundary of the enspelled area. Then he darts north west, trying to go around it [double move, 60ft. He will not come closer than 80ft to the owlbear, and he chooses his path to be hidden from the beast by a tree once the round ends. If he has enough move he aims to be 40ft directly north of Andrath, Wynn, and Kedarn].
Cassandra Wednesday June 18th, 2003 5:30:12 PM
The young witch lets out her breath in relief -- she hadn't known she had been holding it until now.
Then she sees Elerinn standing still in the middle of the Entangle and Cdmar running towards the owlbear.
"Bloody Flaming Sacred Groves!" she curses loudly in a most unladylike fashion. "Idiots! The fear spell is going to end any second now, so pick up our dead and wounded and LET'S GO!"
She walks over to Andrath and casts a healing cantrip on him (regains 1 hp).
"Let's go NOW!"
Danger Passes? (DM Cayzle) Wednesday June 18th, 2003 5:43:25 PM
VERBAL MAP At the start of the round, the wounded owlbear is 40 feet west of the edge of the entangled area, which is 80 feet in diameter. Wynn and Andrath are at the center of the Entangle, 80 feet east of the owlbear. Elerinn is 100 feet east of the owlbear, 20 feet east of the center of the entangle. Cassandara and Cadmar are 140 feet east of the owlbear, 20 feet east of the edge of the entangle. Kedarn and Lorth, near Thram's body, are 40 feet east of Cassandra and Cadmar, about 180 feet from the owlbear. Garrard is about 120 feet north of Cassandra, Cadmar, Kedarn, and Lorth.
Wynn grabs Andrath and half-carries, half-drags him east away from the owlbear. he just about makes it out of the Entangle by the end of the round.
Garrard stands over the hatchling and gets ready to grab it if it moves.
Elerinn watches everything around but stands still. Make another save, please, each round that you remain in the Entangle.
Cadmar inexplicably moves towards the owlbear, circling around the edge of the Entangle.
Lorth stands over Thram's body and prepares to carry the corpse away.
Kedarn hurries over to Wynn and Andrath, but it takes too long to get there, so there is not enough time this round for him to cure Andrath.
Cassandra, while urging the group to leave, moves to Andrath and offers a point of curing.
The hatchling near Garrard huddles on the ground, evidently trying to hide.
The owlbear herself continues to flee, travelling another 120 feet west.
VERBAL MAP At the end of the round, the wounded owlbear is 160 feet west of the edge of the entangled area, which is 80 feet in diameter. Kedarn, Cassandra, Wynn and Andrath are at the eastern edge of the Entangle, 240 feet east of the owlbear. Elerinn is 20 feet closer to the owlbear, still in the Entangle. Cadmar is on the northern edge of the Entangle, about 40 feet northwest of the group with Andrath. Lorth is still near Thram's body, about 60 feet east of Cassandra, Andrath, Wynn, and Kedarn. Garrard is about 120 feet north and 40 feet east of the group around Andrath.
Cadmar Wednesday June 18th, 2003 6:15:02 PM
As Cadmar watches Wynn pull with ease the entangled body of Andrath from the area of the spell a somewhat stupid expression appears on his face. "Oh. I thought you were stuck in the middle of it for minutes. I never realized Wynn was THAT strong." The ranger about turns and backtraces the way he has just traveled, joining the group over (hopefully now conscious) Andrath. "All right, I'm here. Elerinn, you coming with us?"
Garrard Wednesday June 18th, 2003 6:56:00 PM
Garrard backs away from the chick, a sad expression on his face. Before turning away, he whispers to it in sylvan.
"I'm so sorry little one. Get up, and run to your mother. She will need you while her wounds heal."
He then turns and jogs back towards the group at 2x move.
Kedarn d8+5=9 d8+5=12 Wednesday June 18th, 2003 8:47:23 PM
Kedarn will use the wand on Andrath (heals 21 hp.) Once done he will start to head away from the camp in the direction that Cassandra goes.
Andrath (AC17, 0 hp, then 16 hp) d20+8=14 d20+9=27 Wednesday June 18th, 2003 9:55:45 PM
Andrath recovers consciousness [OOC: to 0 hp, from Cassandra's healing], and struggles to a sitting position. He looks around, counting party member heads, and looking for the owlbear. He sees everyone but Thram standing, and hears the mother owlbear crashing through the bush. He also feels the edge of the entangle spell trying to grab at him. He says, "What happened? Last I remember, Wynn and I were fighting the owlbear, trying to save Thram, and then she grabbed me and bit me, and then everything went black. How is Thram? I heard his bones snapping, which I don't think is a good sign, but I'm no healer, so he may yet be alive."
When Kedarn heals him with the wand, he thanks him, and stands up. [OOC: back to full 16 hp.] He manages to avoid the edge of the entangled area [OOC: reflex save of 14] and moves back to the clearing, to see what has become of Thram. He listens closely to hear exactly what the owlbear mother is doing. [OOC: Listen check of 27.]
Wynn Brightsong (AC 18; HP 4) d20+6=22 Wednesday June 18th, 2003 11:26:17 PM
Wynn helps Andrath move the last few feet from the entangled area [Reflex = 22] and is relieved that his friend is now concious. Wynn then heads over to the clearing to check on Thram. If he comes across any of the belongings of Elerinn or other party members he will stop to retrieve them.
"How is Thram?" the 1/2 elf calls out. "Does he yet live?"
Elerinn d20+1=8 Thursday June 19th, 2003 5:55:22 AM
Elerinn hears Cassandra's call and tries to run towards her, away from the fleeing owlbear. Then, with horror, he notices he can't move for the spell has entangled him. Trying to break free from the ensnaring plants, Elerinn isn't able to escape.
Lorth Thursday June 19th, 2003 6:59:43 AM
"Sadly, Thram is beyond help", Lorth says to no one in particular. He then wraps Thram neatly in his sleeping blanket and puts him gently over his shoulder. "I'm ready to depart, after Elerinn is freed from those animated plants."
Cadmar Thursday June 19th, 2003 12:57:03 PM
"People, we need to get away from here NOW! The owlbear will be back ANY SECOND! And Elerinn is trapped! Nobody go inside the entangle, it will only make matters worse! Can you suppress your magic somehow?"
If the answer is no, the ranger will run to his backpack, shake the contents out, pick up rope, and throw an end to Elerinn. "Come on, help me pull him out!" [OOC: I am not sure how long it will take, possibly several rounds. Depends on how far my backpack is. If Elerinn manages to free himself before Cadmar is back with the rope, the ranger will join the rest of the party in making their escape. He leaves his belongings to be picked up later].
Garrard Thursday June 19th, 2003 2:11:19 PM
Garrard finishes his jog to rejoin the remainder of the party.
Panting as he recovers from recent exertions, Garrard looks up, and says, "Cassandra should be able to move into her entangle effect. Otherwise, lets pitch Elerinn a rope and haul him out."
By the Short Grasses! (DM Cayzle) d20+1=19 [Elerinn's escape artist roll.] d8+1=5 [Cassandra's potion to Andrath] Friday June 20th, 2003 12:15:30 PM
VERBAL MAP At the start of the round, the wounded owlbear is 160 feet west of the edge of the entangled area, which is 80 feet in diameter. Kedarn, Cassandra, Wynn and Andrath are at the eastern edge of the Entangle, 240 feet east of the owlbear. Elerinn is 20 feet closer to the owlbear, still in the Entangle. Cadmar is on the northern edge of the Entangle, about 40 feet northwest of the group with Andrath. Lorth is still near Thram's body, about 60 feet east of Cassandra, Andrath, Wynn, and Kedarn. Garrard is about 120 feet north and 40 feet east of the group around Andrath.
At the eastern edge of the Entangle, Kedarn uses the wand of curing on Andrath. There is only time to use it once, and it restores 9 hp to Andrath. Then Kedarn prepares to follow Cassandra.
Cassandra gives Andrath a potion of curing to drink. She looks at Elerinn with great unhappiness and says, "I can't stop the spell."
Elerinn, to his dismay, finds that the plants have entangled him! He tries to break free. [OOC: Per the spell, there are two ways to escape -- with a str check or an escape artist check vs. DC20. With Elerinn's Str, the first is hopless, so as DM I rolled an untrained escape artist check: d20+1 = 19! Not quite good enough!] But the plants hold him fast.
Cadmar joins the group and is ready to help Elerinn. He takes out a rope and throws it to the gnome.
Garrard cuts the distance between himself and his friends in half -- he is about 60 feet away after the end of this round.
Andrath stands up and listens for the mama owlbear. He drinks Cassandra's potion (heals 5 hp). He also wonders if Thram is really dead.
Wynn joins Lorth to help carry Thram's body and any other of the party's possessions that are nearby. Wynn knows wants to know if Thram yet lives.
Thram is no more! He has ceased to be! He's expired and gone to meet his maker! He's a stiff! Bereft of life, he rests in peace! His metabolic processes are now history! He's off the twig! He's kicked the bucket, he's shuffled off his mortal coil, run down the curtain and joined the bleeding choir invisibile! There is no doubt, and all are certain -- Thram is dead!
Cadmar hears the roar of the owlbear in the distance -- she is evidently afraid no more! By the end of the round, she is visible on the other side of the Entangle.
[OOC: Even full running, around the edge of the Entangle, the owlbear will not be on you next round (and if she were, she would have used all her round running, with no action left for fighting). So, you have at least all of next round and your actions in the following round before you are attacked, if you are. Moreover, next round, Elerinn can make another escape attempt, with a bonus if he is holding onto the rope and others are pulling. The bonus will be +2 for every puller who can make a Str check against DC10.]
VERBAL MAP At the end of the round, the wounded owlbear is 40 feet west of the westernedge of the entangled area, which is 80 feet in diameter. Elerinn is in the Entangled area, about 20 feet from the eastern edge. Kedarn, Cassandra, Cadmar and Andrath are at the eastern edge of the Entangle, 120 feet east of the owlbear. Lorth and Wynn, carrying Thram's body, are about 30 feet east of Cassandra, Andrath, Cadmar, and Kedarn. Garrard is about 60 feet north of Lorth and Wynn.
Cadmar Friday June 20th, 2003 12:40:26 PM
"People, I need help here! Elerinn, hold on tight!" Cadmar wraps the rope around his wirsts and starts to pull. The rest of the coil rest on the ground behind him. The rope is long enough for others to help, if they like. [OOC: Take10 on Str check. If that is not allowed, please roll for me. My Str modifier is 0]
"If we can't get him out right now, one of us will need to lure the owlbear away!"
Lorth Friday June 20th, 2003 1:02:26 PM
Lorth places Thram's body back on the ground and runs over to help Cadmar pull the rope.
Garrard Friday June 20th, 2003 1:19:25 PM
Garrard jogs to Lorth and Wynn.
Elerinn d20+1=11 Friday June 20th, 2003 4:53:02 PM
When the rope reaches Elerinn, he is still entangled by Cassandra's spell. He grabs the rope and tries to wiggle free.
Elerinn d20+1=11 d20+1=2 Friday June 20th, 2003 4:53:57 PM
When the rope reaches Elerinn, he is still entangled by Cassandra's spell. He grabs the rope and tries to wiggle free.
(OOC: Untrained Escape artist check: 2...)
Andrath (AC17, 14/16 hp) d20+3=20 Friday June 20th, 2003 10:48:32 PM
Andrath thanks Kedarn and Cassandra for the healing. Then he hurries over to grab the end of the rope. His muscles start to strain as he takes hold and begins to help pull. He says, "I am fairly strong (STR 17), so why don't I lead the pulling, and you can give me a hand, unless someone is stronger and wants to lead instead. Then we can help you. Elerinn, tie the rope in a loop around your chest, and we will try to pull you out!"
[OOC: Game mechanics: the person with the greatest strength tries the strength check to pull the rope and get Elerinn out. That person has to beat DC 20 with their strength check. Everyone else trying to help out, makes a strength check vs. DC 10. For every successful roll made vs DC10, the person trying the original strength check gets a +2 on the check. Since the rope is long enough for all of us to help pull, we should all be able to help out. I even figure that Elerinn can try his STR check roll vs DC 10, to help the person pulling the rope, to possibly give them another +2. Cayzle, is this acceptable?]
[OOC: Str check of 20 to pull out Elerinn, if Andrath is leading the pulling, or STR check vs DC 10, passed, to add +2 to whomever is making the lead check.]
Wynn Brightsong (AC 18; HP 4) d20+2=4 Saturday June 21st, 2003 7:19:45 AM
The confirmation of Thram's death weighs heavily on Wynn. Numbed by the great sadness that has fallen over him, Wynn is slow to respond to Cadmar's call, and when he does get there his first attempt at pulling on the rope is clumsy and out of step with the others (DC to assist=4; not sure that we have the time to take 10 on the roll).
Free at Last! (DM Cayzle) Monday June 23rd, 2003 10:10:35 AM
Elerinn ties the rope around himself and tries to wriggle free, with no success -- but the combined yanking of Cadmar, Lorth, Andrath, Cassandra, Kedarn, and Wynn pull the light-weight gnome out of the enspelled area.
Garrard jogs to about 30 feet to the east, next to Thram's body.
The owlbear continues to rush forward, ending the round about 50 feet away to the northwest, on the northern edge of the Entangle.
At least one hatchling, off to the north of you, is cheeping fiercely.
"Come everybody," Cassandra urges. "If we all run now we can get away from it! Run east through the mist -- then it won't follow us!"
Cassandra Monday June 23rd, 2003 10:11:56 AM
The young elf witch runs as if chased by a mad fiend (or a mad owlbear) -- due east towards the mist.
Lorth Monday June 23rd, 2003 12:57:21 PM
Lorth runs the Thram's body and hastily picks him up. He then runs into the mist to where he last saw Cassandra.
Garrard Monday June 23rd, 2003 12:58:46 PM
Garrard shadows Lorth, running if required to keep up.
As he hustles along, he mutters under his breath, "No one else will die today, but will must discuss this, and soon."
Cadmar Monday June 23rd, 2003 1:23:22 PM
"Come on, Elerinn! Jump on my back, I can carry you and you can point the way for me!"
The ranger waits a moment to see if the gnome accepts his help. As soon as this is sorted out, he dashes madly to the east, trying to catch up with the rest of the party.
Kedarn Monday June 23rd, 2003 4:56:25 PM
Kedarn takes off running following Cassandra. Kedarn will smack Jenny the mule getting it to run along with the group.
Elerinn Monday June 23rd, 2003 5:54:41 PM
Elerinn, somewhat confused, jumps on the ranger's back and tells him where to go in a frightened voice. He instructs Cadmar to follow the others.
Wynn Brightsong Monday June 23rd, 2003 10:53:28 PM
Wynn calls to Andrath "time to leave!" The half-elf checks to see that his friend is coming, then turns to follow the rest of the party through the mist. He moves at a lope, picking his way east across the uneven terrain.
Andrath (AC17, 14/16 hp) Monday June 23rd, 2003 11:43:15 PM
Andrath watches the party high-tail it towards the mist. He turns to run as well, and shouts out, "Everyone stop when we reach the far side of the mist! It is still nighttime, and remember we all can't see where we are going. On the far side of the cloud, lets reform into a group, and head off together. Does anyone have a light spell? Otherwise, we will have to lead the humans to a safer spot."
The Other Side of the Mist (DM Cayzle) Tuesday June 24th, 2003 2:12:02 PM
The party regroups and gathers on the other side of the mist. It is still night. You have all your possessions (including the Mule) and Thram's body. There is no reason to go back to where the owlbear might be. In fact, this side of the mist seems downright peaceful and happy. Actions?
Garrard Tuesday June 24th, 2003 4:00:44 PM
Garrard suggests, "Perhaps we should put fifteen minutes or so distance from this place. There is enough blood on the ground that scavengers might be drawn."
With that, Garrard moves to a marching position on Lorth's left, and gets ready to move with the party.
Cadmar Tuesday June 24th, 2003 5:39:40 PM
The ranger, very relieved that the excitement appears to be over, explains to confused Elerinn: "I offered to carry you on my back because I expected much longer run and was not sure if you had some magic that would allow you to keep up with us long-legged humans and elves. It seems that we can now slow down to a walking pace, though I agree we should move away from this ill-fated place as soon as possible. Let me put you on the ground."
The ranger sits down on the grass and adjusts the straps of his backpack, feeling safer now that his weapons are again at his side. Then he stands up and joins the middle of the party's formation. When Andrath asks for a light source, Cadmar fumbles in his pockets and produces a sunrod. "You can use this, if nobody has a spell ready."
Lorth Tuesday June 24th, 2003 6:15:39 PM
Lorth marches along, whichever way the party chooses, carrying Thram's body.
"Perhaps we should discuss, some sort of leadership for the party? I beleive we need someone who makes decisions for our entire group, when a crisis arises, such as, if we fight or flee. They would do this when there is no time for discusion. This way we will not be caught off guard or leave some people behind.", says Lorth.
He pauses, and looks to the night sky as if in thought, "If we choose to do this, I nominate, Cadmar.
Wynn Brightsong Tuesday June 24th, 2003 8:41:13 PM
Wynn pauses at the far side of the mist as Cadmar lowers Elerinn to the ground. "I am in agreement with Garrard's wise council" the bard replies, "Let us put some distance between ourselves and this place."
"As for the leadership of this group, Lorth is correct in his assessment, however, I believe that now is not the time to choose. We all played some part in the events that led to Thram's demise, and each of us needs to reflect on that."
Wynn looks at each party member in turn as he continues... "I believe that we have choices to make about the path we follow and the manner in which we follow it... I can tell you now that if I remain a part of this company, I will never willingly leave anybody behind! Ever! I will not follow a leader who holds differently!"
Wynn looks awkwardly about the group, surprised at his outburst and bows his head. "Let us speak no more of this until we have laid Thram to rest and returned to Jarlswolf"
Kedarn Tuesday June 24th, 2003 9:30:44 PM
Kedarn looks at the rest of the group and says to the others "We should keep moving for a bit like Garrard suggests. I am willing to help guide the group in this darkness as I can see well enough. As for leadership of the group I would agree with Cadmar or Garrard as our leader as both have shown to have the qualities needed." After a few moments Kedarn will say to the others "I caused the mists to arise so that we could get out of there with some cover. I had not thought that Thram would try to go after Elerinn's stuff. As for Thrams death I will continue to pray to Gargul that his soul goes to the lands of rest quickly." Kedarn will then look to Lorth and say to him "let us put Thram on the Jenny here so that you will not tire from carrying him."
Andrath Tuesday June 24th, 2003 11:12:09 PM
Andrath helps to secure Thram's broken body on the mule. He says, "I am in full agreement with Wynn. We definitely need to discuss our actions, maybe in the morning once we have finished our interrupted rest. However, before we move off into the night, please be aware that, like Wynn, I will NEVER run out on any of you, even if there is a big scary beast, and especially if the big scary beast has one of you in its clutches. And I DEFINITELY will never taunt you for running, even though you might taunt me for staying to try to save a comrade in extreme danger." He looks directly at Cadmar when he makes the last point. "And like Wynn, I will never follow anyone who runs away and leaves a comrade, unconscious or not, in a dangerous situation, to save his own hide. Earlier on, we discussed our reasons for adventuring. I don't understand all of my motives, but I hope in the future that I will be known for my heroic actions, and I certainly don't think abandoning my comrades to their death is very heroic."
"Now, do you want me to lead the way? Please realize that I may not turn and run if I detect a dangerous situation in front of us. Maybe someone else should wear these, and scout the way." He holds out the eyes of the eagle, for whomever wants to take the lead.
Elerinn Wednesday June 25th, 2003 5:00:37 AM
Elerinn, tired and sad, jumps of the ranger's back and looks back into the mist, that seems to peacefull now. There are much things Elerinn wants to say, needs to say. But for this moment, he only agrees with Garrard to leave this place. The one thing that keeps spinning in his head is that Thram wanted to get his gear.
He manages to apologize, looking especially at Wynn, for him fleeing when Thram could still be saved, perhaps.
Cassandra Wednesday June 25th, 2003 10:59:27 AM
As the group puts some distance between themselves and the owlbear, the elf witch listens politely to the talk of leadership but is silent. Cassandra gets a fierce look in her eye, however, when Wynn says "We all played some part in the events that led to Thram's demise," and she actually glares at Elerinn in disapproval at his apology.
"Well, it may not be my business to say, but I think the one most responsible for Thram's death was Thram. I'm sorry he's dead, of course. But it's one thing to run into a burning house to save a friend -- and quite another to run into the flames for a few random possessions!"
She folds her arms over her chest and looks angry.
The Next Day (DM Cayzle) Wednesday June 25th, 2003 11:19:13 AM
The party finds a good place to set up a new camp and then rests for the remainder of the night. [OOC: Please cast any spells you want before the new day.]
In the morning, you let the spell casters sleep late for full spell recovery.
You see, through the thinning trees, that you have reached the end of the Culverwood. And in fact, off to the north about an hour or so away, you can even make out the top of the Tower of Boydos.
Cadmar Wednesday June 25th, 2003 12:30:04 PM
"Lorth, Kedarn, I thank you for your trust in me, but I would be a poor choice. I don't think Andrath would follow me. Others, like Wynn, might have objections, too. A leader needs to be accepted by all."
"I definitely agree we need to have some words about what happened. I would hate to see a similar disaster happen again."
"If any of you finds himself in peril and there is a chance of saving him, I will risk my life to do it. But if there is no chance, I will not hang around. Likewise, I expect to be left behind if I am beyond help."
"Also, if any of you decides to start an unnecessary fight just because you enjoy the experience, do not expect me to join in."
"I am surprised you find it appropriate to throw such sarcastic remarks when the body of Thram is still warm, Andrath. I understand you think you have something to prove. The band at the cottage, the satyrs - you have always grumbled when we tried to solve conflicts without fighting. Well this time you had your way. I hope it was heroic enough for you." The ranger points to the dead body carried by the mule.
"We could have backed away from the beast. We all would be alive if we did that. We didn't do it. When Kedarn cast his fog spell we got another chance to back away. But we didn't do it then, either. Then Thram was crushed by the beast. We couldn't help Thram, but we could have backed away with just one of us dead. You charged forward, Wynn ran after you. This put the lives of both of you in danger. You both got mauled by the owlbear, and others in turn had to risk their necks to rescue you. Your actions tonight endangered more people than just yourself. Andrath, if being heroic means doing things like your charge against the owlbear, I don't want to have anything to do with it."
"It also seems that you don't want to think about how close a shave it was. If Cassandra's spell didn't work you would be dead now. You know, maybe you should thank her?"
Elerinn Wednesday June 25th, 2003 2:36:53 PM
Elerinn wakes up, glad he can leave a nighmare haunted night. Tonight, Elerinn's Dreamworld's main theme had been Thram, or what was left of him. What was more unexpected, however, was the monks' bloody face. Every time Elerinn saw this horrific image in front of him, it slowly changed into a image of his father.
Elerinn remembers the last words that his dream-father told him. "Cassandra is wrong. It was your fault. He checks if others are allready awake and suggests to bury Thram here in the forest. Otherwise, people will remember him as the one who did return; but not in one piece. "I think Thram deserves a burial in dignity...", he concludes.
Garrard Wednesday June 25th, 2003 2:38:51 PM
Garrard listens to Cadmar's words, nodding at several points.
"If we are to remain a group, we need to pick our fights more carefully. If it comes down to a bedroll and some other camp sundries, or running from an angry beast, I'll reimburse anyone here the cost of... common goods."
Garrard breathes slowly for a moment, looking down at Thram's corpse, trying to calm down.
"I don't care if we have a specific leader. I'd follow several of you, but we need purpose. Without legal jurisdiction, squabbling with bandits makes us no better than they. Butchering frightened or defensive animals, to sell their young makes us little more than greedy merchants. Thats not why I'm risking my life, taking the chance that my daughter will grow up without a father."
Shaking a little, still looking down at Thram, Garrard continues, "I suggest we agree on a purpose, and make all other choices to match that goal. There are undead, assassins, slavers, and the like enough to keep us busy for some time."
"Mother Wold's sweet milk! We should be better than this!"
With that Garrard bites off his remaining words, visibly forcing himself to stop and listen to his companion's responses.
Wynn Brightsong Wednesday June 25th, 2003 9:50:32 PM
Wynn wakes to the harsh words of his companions. Rather than further inflaming the situation, he rises and moves to a secluded spot near the stream where he can tend to his wounds. Large blue bruises have developed where the owlbear crushed his chain shirt against his ribs, and three purple circles mark where individual claws penetrated the chain and punctured his flesh. Wynn cleans the punctures with a wetted corner of his shirt-tail, wincing each time the cloth contacts a puncture wound.
After tending his wounds, the half-elf searches out Elerinn. Placing a hand on his shoulder Wynn sits next to him. "The burden of Thram's death is not yours alone to bear my friend." Wynn waits for Elerinn to look at him before continuing, "Each of us, including Thram played a part. Do not be so harsh on yourself."
Andrath Thursday June 26th, 2003 12:05:16 AM
"Well, Cadmar, you will never have to worry about my abandoning you, even if it looks like there is no hope. And, if for some unforseen reason that we should get separated in a fight, you also will never hear me say anything like: 'Your funeral. Nice knowing you, Wynn. Don't count on me getting killed alongside just to keep you company.'"
"And Garrard, I fully agree that we should not be 'butchering frightened or defensive animals, to sell their young'. I think the only one that got butchered in this encounter was Thram, and almost Wynn and myself. When I was trying to get the creature to drop the still only-unconscious Thram, I used the flat of my blade to threaten the young; I never intended to do it any serious harm, if the mother had just dropped Thram. And is that what that creature was? A frightened defensive animal? It sure looked like a ferocious carnivore, out hunting, to me. She had more than one chance to leave us, with her young by her side, but I think her instincts caused her to continue to attack us. However, I will defer to your druidic knowledge; if you say that creature is not the ferocious beast that it appeared to be, then I believe you."
The elf continues to hold out the eagle eyes, and says, "Now, does someone want these, to lead the way?"
Kedarn Thursday June 26th, 2003 5:35:59 AM
Prior to resting for the night Kedarn will ask everyone if they are in need of any healing. Thoose that do Kedarn will cast CLW on them (has 2 left for the day) then if necessary he will use the wand to heal the rest.
"We all have said some very important things since the encounter with the owlbear. I feel we do need to set what our goal is and start to work towards reaching it. I for one think our goal should be to help rid the valley of those that would oppress the others. I would also want to help remove any undead in the valley." Kedarn says to the others in a serious tone. After a few moments Kedarn looks to the others then says "Let us return to Jarlwolf quickly, while trying to avoid any unnecessary problems. I say we should bypass the Tower as we had earlier."
Cassandra Thursday June 26th, 2003 9:42:40 AM
Cassandra listens carefully to everybody. Are her cheeks a little bit red? She says, softly, "I should not have spoken. So long as we get these plants back to Dulcet, I will be content. Of course we knew this was dangerous when we started. I am sorry for the loss of Thram and would honor him with you, if you do not mind.
Mid-Morning Mourning (DM Cayzle) Thursday June 26th, 2003 9:44:30 AM
The group continues its discussion before leaving the Eaves of Culverwood. Will they resolve the tension in the party> Will they choose a leader? Will they bury Thram here or carry him home?
The Tower stands to the north, signaling the way home.
Garrard Thursday June 26th, 2003 12:27:48 PM
Garrard replies, "I would agree with bypassing the tower, and perhaps focusing on undead for a time. With the danger we each intend to face, pleasing the Great Eye is all of our best interests, I think."
"Does anyone know if Thram had any next of kin, or if he wished a ressurection attempt be made?"
Lorth Thursday June 26th, 2003 2:23:23 PM
"I second that we bury Thram here, if nobody knows of any of his next of kin.", he stops gathers his thoughts and continues quickly, "Regards of who beleives who is at fault for Thram's death, I still beleive firmly that we need a leader to make decisions in a crisis. If Cadmar will not do it, I suggest Garrard or Kedarn."
He then turns to Andrath and Wynn, "I also would never leave a friend behind, if they were in trouble. That is why I ran back for Thram while he still lived. But sentencing myself to death for friends who willingly put themselves in that situation, when there was no reason to is a different story. There is a difference."
Cadmar Thursday June 26th, 2003 2:48:29 PM
The ranger sits on the grass in silence, trying to come to terms with mixed emotions flowing through his heart. Eventually all of them pass away, except for sadness.
"I think we should bury Thram here. This is a peaceful place. If his family ever wants his remains to be taken somewhere else, we can retrieve them for a proper burial."
"I agree that we should bypass the tower on our way back."
"I would accept both Garrard and Kedarn as leaders."
"I never really thought about any special purpose we might serve in the Valley. I thought we would be looking for trouble and fixing it wherever we find it. But if there is something greater we can accomplish, I will be very glad to be a part of it."
Elerinn Thursday June 26th, 2003 3:07:48 PM
Elerinn thanks Wynn, and says softly: "Maybe your right..." A matter or factly voice in the gnome's head adds: "But it was your spell, remember? Your worthless equipment, remember?"
Elerinn tries to ignore it, but it feels like he is fooling himself. Again, Elerinn states that he thinks they should bury Thram before returning to the more civilized parts of the Wold. Then, he adds: "Maybe a leader could prevent this sort of things from happening in the future."
Wynn Brightsong Thursday June 26th, 2003 6:47:43 PM
Wynn looks up at Lorth and the others, no longer able to hold his tongue.
"Despite my earlier words, I find myself compelled to speak. We each seem to have our own impressions of what actually happened and what motives we each may have had. I can of course only speak for myself."
After pausing to collect his thoughts the bard continues in a soft even voice, drained of enthusiasm or emotion.
"When the owlbear chicks first entered our campsite I was at first intrigued, and yes I did consider capturing them if they were orphans. However it was clear that this was against the group's wishes and I pursued it no further. When the adult creature made her presence known to us my own thoughts switched to defence. Andrath made it quite clear, at least to my ears, that running blindly into the night was unwise. The creature would then be able to attack us each as individuals rather than having to face us as a party. I thought we had decided to hold our ground, and the tactic appeared to be working. The creature gathered her young and at least to me appeared to become more docile. I believed it would leave on it's own accord at that point in time. I still believe that if we had held our ground the creature would have left, or if necessary we would have been able to defend ourselves. I was quite surprised when the mists enveloped us and took away our ability to see the creature before us."
Wynn pauses to choke back his emotions.
"Thram's decision to dart into the mist will remain a mystery to all of us, however once taken could not be recalled. I could not see what befell Thram. I heard his scream and the roar of the beast and knew he was in trouble. I cast a figment of another owlbear in hopes of distracting the creature but could not see if it had affect. When Andrath confirmed that Thram was indeed in dire straits I was compelled to act. I do not know how anybody could have determined that the situation was hopeless through that mist. It was only when I was several feet away that I could see Thram in the owlbear's embrace. I don't know if he was already dead, or just unconcious. I pressed home my attack in hope that Thram would be dropped and the creature would turn it's attention to me. I did not imagine that Andrath and I would have to face the creature alone."
Wynn pauses for air before continuing,
"I cannot know why some chose to delay, nor how it could be so clear that all hope was gone. But I can say that even if my actions were reckless to some, they were not motivated by greed. I would take the same risks for any of you. If my words sound harsh or unthankful, I regret that, for I am keenly aware that without your help I would most surely have perished."
Wynn shifts uncomfortably on the hard ground and wrestles with his emotions. He recognizes the tension in the air and regrets having spoken out.
Andrath Thursday June 26th, 2003 10:31:45 PM
"I suggest we bring Thram's body back to Jarlwolf. I know nothing of his family, but if he is buried in the town's graveyard, and a relative does come looking for him, his final resting place will be much easier for such a relative to find." Having said his piece, Andrath waits for the party to get moving again.
Kedarn Friday June 27th, 2003 9:00:59 AM
Kedarn looks to the others then says "shall we go and return to town. We can bury Thram in town so that his family can say their farewells to him. Lorth and Cadmar, I would accept the role only on the condition that everyone agrees to it. If I was to be the leader I would listen to everyones input before making major decisions, but in a situation like we just survived I would expect the team to follow my lead." Kedarn gets his gear ready and grabs hold of the lead rope for the mule and will head out for town with the others when they start out.
Continuing Conversation (DM Cayzle) Friday June 27th, 2003 10:52:46 AM
Elerinn, Cadmar, and Lorth speak in favor of putting Thram to rest in this peaceful spot. Andrath and Kedarn suggest bringing him back to town. Wynn and Garrard are silent on the matter.
Cassandra sits silently and waits for a majority to reach an agreement.
Then she adds softly, "Dulcet always looks into the background of the people she hires. If I recall correctly, Thram came from an elven community here in the Culverwood. I don't think it would be easy to find his village, and I only had permission from the Greenmage to enter for the plants we have already obtained. These facts may help decide your way."
Cadmar Friday June 27th, 2003 12:23:45 PM
"Well, what do you think the elves would like us to do? I am human, and I don't know their - your customs very well. I will go with whatever decision you make about Thram's body."
Thram's gear (JK) Friday June 27th, 2003 1:59:23 PM
arrows (35), shortbow, Monk's Outfit, belt pouch, backpack Inside Belt Pouch: sewing needle(2), chalk, fishhooks(3) Inside Backpack: 2 sacks, 2 torches, hemp rope 50ft, knife, whetstone, candle, flint&steel, 3 Potions of Cure Light Wounds, healer's kit, extra bowstring
Jenny the mule: saddlebags, bedroll Inside saddlebags: clay mug, waterskin, spool of red thread, spool of black thread, spool of white thread, trail rations (7 days), soap
Money: 232gp 5sp 2cp
Lorth Friday June 27th, 2003 4:19:46 PM
"In light of Cassandra's info, I still say we bury him here. When we return to town we can send a missive to his village, and let them know where he is, if they would like to pay their respects, or bury him different. I also beleive we should bury him with all his possesions, except of course Jenny.", Lorth replies.
Garrard Friday June 27th, 2003 4:57:52 PM
"I will acceed to the vote of the group on his burial", says Garrard. "Did anyone know his faith?"
Kedarn Friday June 27th, 2003 6:24:50 PM
Kedarn listens to everyone then says "Ok, let us bury him here in the forest. I say we should take the equipment that would benefit the group and bury the rest with him." After saying that Kedarn will place the money that Thram had in pouch and tie it to the pack saddle. Kedarn will place the following of Thram's gear on the mule as well: 2 sacks, 2 torches, hemp rope 50ft, 3 Potions of Cure Light Wounds, healer's kit, arrows (20)
Kedarn will then start to prepare Thram's body for burial. In doing so he Kedarn will cast Bless on Thram. While Kedarn is prepareing Thram for burial he will ask "would a couple of you start to dig his grave and someone else try to make a marker for it?" Kedarn will then continue to ready Thram for burial and continue to say prayers to Gargul asking "guide this friends soul to the lands of rest."
Wynn Brightsong Friday June 27th, 2003 6:26:28 PM
"Although I did not have the chance to discuss much of life with Thram, I regognized the symbol of Domi on him."
Wynn pauses in thought, and then continues.
"I know of a monastery of the Hand of Domi in the valley. I believe they would know of Thram. A man named Greybeard runs the place."
"I do not believe Thram would be honoured by burying him with his possessions, for he mostly scorned them. I suggest the party make best use of what they can and that we turn over his money and any religious items to the monastery."
Cadmar Saturday June 28th, 2003 11:49:19 AM
"So, we are burying him after all?"
The ranger waits to see what the party agrees upon. If it is accepted that Thram should be buried, Cadmar will help digging the grave. "Does anyone have a shovel?"
Rest in Peace (DM Cayzle) Monday June 30th, 2003 1:30:06 PM
Kedarn leads the group in preparing their fallen comrade for burial. Please feel free to add any thoughts, words,or actions you wish to offer.
After the ceremony, Cassandra urges the group onward. "North past the Tower of Boydos and on to Jarlwolf. We'll be home by this time tomorrow, I hope!"
The group makes ready and sets off out of the Culverwood, north into the Cinnamon Valley.
[OOC: Friends, we'll be starting a new module with a new DM, Matt, tomorrow (or real soon now, anyway). It has been a real pleasure to shepherd you all into the Wold and the Cin Valley. I will be working with Matt and you all on PC sheets over the next couple days. So long and thanks for all the fish!]
Lorth Monday June 30th, 2003 2:00:48 PM
Lorth follows everyone back towards Jarlwolf.
His thoughts are filled with the owlbear fight. He replays the scenes over and over in his mind. He decides Thram's death was no ones fault, really, just the workings of a novice adventuring party. Next time we will have decisiveness he decides, we must have a leader...
Cadmar Monday June 30th, 2003 2:07:36 PM
The ranger stands in silence when the body of Thram is lowered into the grave. After the burial he makes sure he knows how to find the spot, should Thram's family ever want to remove his remains.
He spends the way back to Jarlswolf pondering what has happened. Finally, he asks the question that has been on his mind for some time.
"Well, what now? There have been some words about higher purpose we could serve. Shall the notice board on the commons guide our paths as it did so far, or shall we concentrate on some specific goal?"
Garrard Monday June 30th, 2003 2:38:33 PM
Garrard prays quietly at the grave for some time before standing and moving away with the party. The whole situation seems to have shaken him deeply.
As the party walks, Garrard listens to each of companions in turn, absently petting the hawk riding on one shoulder. At one point he rouses from his thoughts, and says, "On one visit to see my father up in Hills when I was young, he said something to me that has stuck with me. His comment was, that a man ought to remember that he isn't complete without the ability to create."
"Perhaps we ought not to think of what we can find to smash, although there are certainly valid targets for that sort of thing... any undead we could find, lingering sympathizers of the Dread,... someone should probably look into the actions of the Green Hand coven at some point as well. Whether we should be the ones to do that, I'm not sure."
"However, perhaps my fathers words are good guidance here. I don't know about the rest of you, but making the lives of Hmary and her children better was... powerful for me. I don't see any reason why we shouldn't be more deliberate about that kind of work. It might be we could find, with a little looking, a way to reinforce the Council, or bring in a new source of resources for the community such as repairing the damage the giants did to trade and such."
Wynn Brightsong d20+2=8 d20+4=21 Monday June 30th, 2003 4:41:44 PM
Wynn assists in readying Thram's body for burial and as the others fill in the grave Wynn recites a lament for the fallen adventurer...
[c]Quiet, determined, few words to us all No armour but Domi's, broken and rent Prone lies before us, his lifeblood now spent Taken from friends with no recourse Those remaining o'er wrought with remorse In a dark mist, alone he did fall.
Brave and devoted he answered the call In comrades his trust he did place But still he was taken by Gargul's embrace A debt to be paid, from his death we must learn the trust we depend on is the trust that we earn As one we must stand, for alone we shall fall. [/c]
As they set off towards Jarlswolf Wynn voices his thoughts on the message board and a purpose for the group.
"I too was happy to help Hmary, but was it not the message board that sent us her way? And as much as it felt good to resolve the situation, I don't think we could afford to solve them all that way. I also wonder that it is too early for our group to declare a purpose and then single mindedly pursue it. If we remain selective about the tasks we choose from the message board, our purpose will reveal itself to us."
Wynn falls back in step with Cassandra. "I meant to thank you for your intervention yesterday Cassandra. I would also apologize for any slight I may have caused in our debate." The half elf bows slightly to the witch and falls further to the rear to keep an eye and ear peeled for any further danger that might intrude from the direction of the tower. (Spot=8, Listen=21)
Andrath Monday June 30th, 2003 10:14:57 PM
Andrath keeps his own council as the party buries the fallen Thram. He smiles and nods at Wynn as he listens to the bard's lament. Only time will tell if this SNAFU will bring the party closer together, or drive a wedge between those that seem to want to avoid conflict and those that seem to relish it.
He follows along with the main body of the group, hoping that they don't run into any situation with a potential for conflict. He figures that the entire party needs some time to cool down and reflect.
Kedarn Tuesday July 1st, 2003 5:38:44 AM
Kedarn looks at each person as he finishes the ceremony, nodding his head in thanks for helping with their friends funeral. "Thram may Gargul guide you on a swift journey" Kedarn says as he slowly leaves.
Kedarn takes the lead rope on Jenny the mule and starts to follow the others to Jarlswolf. On the trip back to Jarlswolf Kedarn will quietly think on what each person has said.
Elerinn Tuesday July 1st, 2003 3:57:48 PM
Elerinn is the last to kneel at Thram's grave and the gnome stares at the peacefull spot. One of his long fingers carefully strokes the earth where the monk has been buried and a hundred things to say run through the gnome's mind. But Elerinn leaves with only one word, farewell.
During the trip towards Jarlswolf, Elerinn doesn't feel ready to discuss the group's goals yet and remains quiet.
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