Dawn comes early - Dm Ian d20+9=10 d20+13=18 Monday July 28th, 2003 8:26:41 PM
Feng's divine gift comes almost exactly at dawn, and the three sickened party members rapidly recover and feel their health return. The morning light also reveals the village, abandoned.
As Rond's strength returns, he finds a single set of humansized footprints in the sand around the huts, light and almost obscured. Some single person had the nerve to come among you the night before, but the sentries were watching the avenues of approach. Clearly, some sort of invisibility or illusion effect was utilized to shield the movements of the enemy.
Giving some thought to the problem, Inimicus comes up with a relatively easy theory for the advanced stage of the jungle bloodrot. The commonly known spell contagion could have easily inflicted such a plague, and that would also explain some of the group members being immune through paladinal status.
Abram, however, has a difficult time responding to Draax's pointed question. "Nothing is right about this mission, from the constant stalking, to Marcus not being here. The dreams,..."
With that, he trails off, and Draax notices Abram is shaking badly.
As the group mills around, and completes their readiness to move again, Arien is the first to notice the events occuring just down the beach. On the opposite side of the village from the parties arrival point, a rowboat has come up to the shore perhaps 400 or 500 yards from the village, and Arien can barely make out two humanoid figures on the sand before the boat.
Tratain Monday July 28th, 2003 9:01:21 PM OOC: Are the three sick people still down Con points? or did they regain them when they were cured? It will effect what spells i choose to learn this day.
In the Mourning Tratain Prays for his spells(Will post a list of what i choose after hearing if the party needs ability points back)
Upon hearing Abrams Response Tratain says "What sort of dreams Abram?, it may be important"
When Arien points out the figures near the boat Tratain Draws his Greatsword and approaches with the others calling out "Identify yourselfs!" if no one recognizes the two.
(OOC: They did regain their stat points. - Dm Ian)
Feng Monday July 28th, 2003 11:37:34 PM
Feng knew something was wrong with those elves and he would find out what. It might take some time but the elves would answer.
OOC: do the figures look like they are arriving or leaving?
Arien Tuesday July 29th, 2003 1:13:43 AM
Arien points out the figures to the rest of the party before hopping onto his carpet of flying. Speaking in elvish he commands the carpet and it takes off towards the beached boat, rising as it goes. Once the carpet hits around fifty feet in the air Arien levels it off and keeps going.
Rond Tuesday July 29th, 2003 6:45:37 AM
As the sickness leaves his body, Rond visibly brightens. As the others mull over what has happened so far Rond decides to comment, "Maybe we are drawing someone out of hiding, so that our employer might figure out something from the grand design."
Setanos Tuesday July 29th, 2003 9:18:59 AM
"Argh..no good sneaks, damn them." Setanos growls when the suspected cause is revealed.
After breakfast, he spends some time with his spell book, refreshing his mind.
When the rowboat lands, he braces himself for the worst, no knowing what to expect.
Draax Tuesday July 29th, 2003 2:24:55 PM
Although he sympathizes with the pain that Abram might have when through, Draax wishes that the man would pull himself together. He hopes that the man will at least be able to tell of the dream as Tratain requested.
When he is alerted to the boat and the humanoid figures Draax readies his bow and run towards the beach with the others.
Inimicus (Elf) Tuesday July 29th, 2003 3:40:50 PM
"Good job Feng, they looked like they were about to fall apart for a moment there. Bloody contagion spell I'd take it, least that's what I'd use if it were me to do such a thing." the Witch says, pacing back and forth trying to figure out what is going on with their situation. With the village abandoned he was beginning to think this was some kind of setup, but why...if only he had someone to question...
Then he noticed the rowboat. Squinting his eyes he peers down to see who might be there, along with the rest of the group he jogs down, hoping to get some kind of answers.
Renik d20+2=22 d20+10=27 Tuesday July 29th, 2003 4:48:41 PM
As his strength slowly returns the rogue makes his way to the nearest stream to wash away the remnants of the foul smelling green ooze. Returning to camp he grasps Feng's shoulder in thanks, a stern look upon his face.
Renik nods at Tratain's words. "Aye, what dreams trouble you? There are forces at work here beyond our understanding, and we are sorely in need of clues. Tratain is right, anything you can tell us may help." The rogue's voice is calm and soothing, as he attempts to reach out to the troubled man (Diplomacy 22).
"I confess this latest assault has me at a loss. If this disease was an attack, why did our attackers not strike at us with force of arms when we were weakened and in disarray? Why did that ambush pull back at our last campsite? There are too many unanswered questions here. We need answers, my friends, and quickly. Our foe seems to have us at a huge disadvantage."
Renik thanks Setanos for sharing his prepared spell list with the group. "That's a fine idea, my friend. Perhaps all our spellcasters should do likewise, that way we can minimise duplication."
When the figures become visible on the shore Renik flies at once into the air to a height of about 25', and closes fast sticking close to Arien, an arrow notched in his bow. He scans the surrounding area, keeping a close lookout for anyone else moving in on their position, and trying to make out the figures in the distance (Spot 27). Could this be Marcus back from his mission? Or some new attack?
He calls back to the party "Follow us in, and spread out!"
A meeting on the shore - Dm Ian Tuesday July 29th, 2003 7:22:46 PM
Renik and Tratain calm Abram down, and he replies, "They are perhaps nothing to what occurs here. In my dreams I see the streets of Plateau City. I see the people at work, and the children at play. I can't see what is hunting them through the shadows and the hidden places, what is picking them off and leaving broken bodies that I find over and over again."
"Sometimes I think the hunter is the threat Marcus ran from. Sometimes...", he says, visibly gathering himself, "I think the hunter is me... What I became during the madness. I'd be more worried, but I can't even bear a blade in a fight anymore. My hands shake too much, and my fear masters me."
With this he trails off, his expression filled with shame. Then, the call for the figures down the beach is made, and Abram looks up to join the movement down the beach.
As the rest of the group follows Arien's call, and Renik's order to advance, you see that the figures appear to part, with one in a bluish robe getting into the rowboat, and beginning to row as the second figure pushes off.
The party spends several combat rounds moving forward, with Arien and Renik pulling ahead with the speed of their magical flight.
At this point, Arien and Renik are about three hundred feet from the figure on the beach, who they recognize as Marcus, standing with an enigmatic smile about twenty feet from the lapping surf.
The remainder of the party is about three hundred feet back from Arien and Renik, spread out in an arc as they advance at a run across the sands.
The rowboat has made it about a hundred feet out. Arien and Renik see that there is a large sailcloth-wrapped bundle in the boat, as well as a blue robed elven figure that you think is probably Usshas.
The beach itself is unadorned with even driftwood or seaweed, Apparently, the sea elves, or someone else, must have maintained it.
Tratain Tuesday July 29th, 2003 9:13:23 PM
Tratain follows others down to meet the man standing on the beach wary of any tricks but will follow Reniks lead if anything should happen.
OOC Spell List 0 level: Cure Minor Woundsx2; Detect Magicx3; Read Magic 1st Level: Bless; Entropic Shield; Sheild of Faithx2; Endure Elements;(Sanctuary) 2nd Level: Bull's Strengthx2; Endurance; Remove Paralysis;(Spiritual Weapon) 3rd Level: Invisibility Purge; Prayer; Dispel Magic;(Protection from Elements) 4th Level: Freedom of Movement; Dimensional Anchor;(Divine Power)
Draax Wednesday July 30th, 2003 2:13:29 AM
Seeing Marcus on the beach Draax says just loud enough for those that are near him to hear. "That seems to be Marcus, I am going to be very unhappy if this is another trick."
He continues to run toward Marcus with the others, but keeps his bow ready just in case.
Arien d20+8=20 Wednesday July 30th, 2003 4:09:59 AM
Arien continues to advance towards Marcus but keeps an eye out for any sign of someone scrying on the meeting.
Rond Wednesday July 30th, 2003 6:58:15 AM
Not liking the fact that Marcus is being more evasive than before. Rond wonders about his current behavior. When Usshas spoke during the dinner he said they were waiting for Marcus to return. Why had he not made contact prior to leaving this time?
Rond wonders whether they should try to make contact with Marcus through their communications device with him.
"We should make sure that when we camp we have some sort of magical protection in order to try to defeat this invisible person thing."
Setanos Wednesday July 30th, 2003 7:53:34 AM
Setanos makes his way down the beach with the party, keeping a wary eye out.
He mulls over the words of Abram in his head. He feels great pity for the man who was once brave. While he would never look at those he protects as beneith him, Setanos cant help feeling that Abram's has reduced himself greatly. I hope he can one day find his backbone again, he thinks.
Renik Wednesday July 30th, 2003 3:11:56 PM
As he draws closer and recognizes Marcus the rogues face hardens. So, here is there enigmatic leader at last. About time. He signals to those following to maintain their wary spread as they close in; they have little reason to trust anyone or anything after recent events.
Renik floats down to the sand, shouldering his bow, and strides towards the spymaster. He maintains unblinking eye contact with Marcus as he approaches, his face curiously devoid of expression. He stops 20 feet from the spymaster, his hands loosely at his sides, and waits, no hint of greeting in his face or stance. Marcus has some serious explaining to do, and until the rogue hears a satisfactory explanation for recent events, he is in no mood to be friendly.
Greetings, and salivations - Dm Ian d20+5=7 d20+6=26 d20+5=20 Wednesday July 30th, 2003 7:55:35 PM
Marcus looks appraisingly over the party as they come to a stop about thirty feet away. There are a few heartbeat moments of Marcus weighing the group, and then he tosses something sparkling to Rond in an easy underhand toss, which Rond catches.
Even as Rond opens his palm to examine the object, which turns out to be a ring, as he would expect, Marcus glances up and swears. Arien is the first to track his vision, looking to his right to see a sparking scrying sensor hovering about fifty feet above the party, just up the beach from Arien's floating position. Looking up, Inimicus sees it too.
Marcus reaches to his belt and pulls a scroll from his pouch, and says, "You allowed yourself to be followed here?"
Abram and Vahm hang back, arriving late to the gathering.
The rowboat is now about a hundred and fifty feet away from the shore, and is still heading straight out into the bay.
Feng Wednesday July 30th, 2003 10:57:02 PM
"Considering whoever is watching controlled a demon that nearly killed us all, dispelling the eye is a bit difficult. So are you going to explain what was up with the strange elves or do we have to keep guessing?"
Draax Wednesday July 30th, 2003 11:28:12 PM
Listening to Marcus' words, Draax realizes that with everything going on he did not actually expect to meet up with Marcus.
"Ever since we met up with Abram we have not been able to shake off our window peeping friend. With the shape shifting demon and the disease thing that happened last night, we were not even sure that you were you until you presented the ring. Our users of magic seem to not have the right spells to prevent the following eyes. We were hoping that you could alleviate that problem."
Draax waits to hear what the others say and to see if Marcus could take care of the unwanted visitor.
Tratain Wednesday July 30th, 2003 11:37:56 PM
Tratain is angered by Marcus's words but keeps to himself, it wouldn't be prudent to be rude to his friends employer the first time meeting him. He stands back and waits to see what the others say to Marcus and how they react to him.
Setanos Thursday July 31st, 2003 8:24:51 AM
Setanos makes his way to the gathering, as quickly as possible.
Renik Thursday July 31st, 2003 3:56:29 PM
The rogue's face remains impassive at Marcus' words, but a cold fury burns behind his eyes.
"Yes we were followed." He says, his tone neutral and tightly controlled. "We've been harried and spied upon for the duration of this little seaside jaunt of yours, and the companions you sent to join us, not to mention your elven friend, have been unable to enlighten us as to the cause. We have been growing increasingly curious as to what is happening. Perhaps you might tell us what has happened to you in Plateau City, what you are doing here, what it is you want of us, and who sent that creature after Abram here, along with these accursed scrying portals and various other attacks. But please, be my guest. Dispel the thing before we get down to business."
Though his voice is quiet, level and unagressive, anyone who knows the rogue well will hear the hint of danger about his words. As he speaks he continues to maintain unflinching eye contact with the spymaster.
Getting down to business - Dm Ian d20+9=16 d20+9=21 d20+4=7 d10+1=8 d10+1=10 d20+6=22 d20+8=18 d2=1 d20+14=24 d8=6 d6+9=14 Thursday July 31st, 2003 6:19:58 PM
Marcus returns Renik's gaze levelly, and says, "This should get us down to business."
With that, he raises and unrolls his scroll, and encants the spell written thereon in a soft tone. The scroll ignites as he invokes, and then Marcus disappears from view.
At almost the same time, there is an explosion of motion as a number of figures stand up from the opaque, morning-silvered waves. The first few steps to get the elves past the point where the waves touch their chests. Thus revealed, the party faces a line of aquatic elves twenty long and two to three deep in places. The shamble forward stiffly, with a blank look in their eyes and a woodeness in their movements that speaks of some unnatural influence. The are armored in shark hide armor, and bear a mix of longspears and combat nets.
Looking into the faces of the elves that you laughed and ate with just a few hours ago turns the stomach of several of the party members. They certainly seem intent on doing you harm now.
Even as the group turns to see this occur, Tratain, standing at least thirty feet from where Marcus just disappeared, is hammered by deftly placed hand strikes. Ridged knuckles take him in the throat, a backhand impacts his nose, and a rising knee impacts thunderously in his armored groin. Tratain staggers, unable to see any opponent nearby.
(Of the three attacks, two hits for 18 hp damage and a save vs stunning blow DC:17)
From their vantage point, Arien and Inimicus see an additional figure rise from the ocean just behind and to the left of the sea elven spear line. The figure is a scarred, seven foot tall blue-skinned muscular humanoid that looks almost like a hobgoblin, save for the webbing on his hands and feet. A bastard sword is slung over a leather armored torso, but of primary concern is the hasted speed with which the newcomer pulls a gleaming ashwood longbow from an oilskin bowsheath, knocks an arrow, and fires a shot at Arien. The arrow explodes into flame as it leaves the bow, and even though Arien caught sight of it before it was shot, hit easily.
(A total of 20 pts of damage to Arien, of which 5 is fire)
On top of all of this, Usshas' voice sounds from over the sea elven line as they form up.
"Defilers, for your heresy and your unspeakable assault on our holy places, you will die. Forward, legions!"
(The characters are in an arc ranging from twenty feet to fifty feet from the edge of the waves, and the sea elves are about ten feet further out. Their line is about forty feet long, centered on the party's position. The rowboat is now about a hundred and seventy feet out from the shore.)
Tratain AC 24 d20+15=22 d20+17=21 Thursday July 31st, 2003 6:39:31 PM
Tratain is taken by surprise by the attacks but recovers quickly (Rolled 22 vs DC 17). Tratain Wills his shield into place and defensively casts Invisibility Purge (Rolled 21 vs DC 18).
All invisible creatures within 35 Feet of Tratain become visible. Any entering that area also become visible
Draax d20+15=27 d20+10=25 d8+3=4 d8+3=8 Thursday July 31st, 2003 7:38:37 PM
The only thing that surprises Draax about the situation is that he is becoming accustomed to being betrayed. Noting the blank looks in the sea elves eyes Draax regrets the fact that he will be forced to kill some of them, but he convinces himself that they would be better off dead than unwilling slaves. When he watches the arrow fly from the monster and then hears the grunt from Arien, Draax takes aim at the hobgoblin like creature and fires a couple of arrows. (hit AC 27 for 4 and AC 25 for 8, 12 total damage)
Feng Friday August 1st, 2003 12:21:03 AM
The half-orc shakes his head in disbelief. Betrayed by Marcus and ambushed by overwhelming odds.
"Unless somebody can take out Usshas on the rowboat I suggest we pull back." Feng almost curses but controls himself. Instead he adds, "I wish Bill was here. We could sure use his help right now."
Feng holds his Flamming Double Axe in his hand wondering if charging the line of sea elves would mean death.
OOC: are we on an island? I can't seem to remember any details on what happened to the horses.
(OOC: My apologies, the horses should still be in the village, which means that Feng could have very easily jumped on his. - Dm Ian)
Arien d20+8=28 d20+8=25 2d4(3+3)=6 2d4(1+4)=5 Friday August 1st, 2003 1:34:37 AM
"Can someone take him out, oh yes I think I will." Ordering the carpet up higher to its full movement Arien targets Usshas with an extended Melf's Acid Arrow. The bolt of magical acid streaks from Arien's palm and slams into Usshas.
(Ranged Touch Attack: 28, Critical threat, ranged touch attack to confirm: 25. If a critical hit its 11 damage, otherwise 6. The spell will last for 6 rounds. Arien is currently 260 feet up in the air.)
Renik d20+14=25 d8+4=9 Friday August 1st, 2003 5:02:04 AM
The rogue pulls his bow from his back with a snarl as Marcus vanishes. He had half expected something like this, the way things had been going.
Then things happen very quickly, as the attack begins. Sizing up the situation the rogue instantly realises they are hopelessly outnumbered. Over 40 possesed sea elves, a large mean-looking blue sea monster, some invisible creature attacking Tratain, and Usshas fleeing on a rowboat. Not good odds.
Playing a hunch Renik yells:
"Arien, you're with me. I want that package on the rowboat intact, I have a hunch it's something pretty important. No fireballs! Take Usshas down cleanly!
Feng, help with Tratain's attacker!
Everyone else, fighting retreat! Move back up the beach and draw the enemy out of the water! Keep them at missile range, and concentrate everything you have on Big Blue; if anything is controlling those poor elves it's probably him. Spellcasters, hit it with everything you have! Take down his magics!"
The rogue takes off and speeds up and over the ocean, heading for the rowboat as fast as he can (90ft), rising high enough to avoid attacks from the creatures below. Then he sends an arrow whistling towards Usshas on the rowboat (AC 25 for 9HP).
Inimicus (Pegasus) AC 14, HP 42 Friday August 1st, 2003 5:12:04 AM
Inimicus is completely speechless by this turn of events. He believed there had to be some logical explaination for it, perhaps it was some strange mind spell on the part of everyone, including Marcus. The Sea Elves definately seemed to be under some complusion, and for that reason Inimicus did not want to fight them by any lethal means.
Peering off into the distance he hears Feng speak of getting Usshas and clenches his fists tightly by his sides, oh they WOULD catch Usshas. Inimicus was a very poor fighter, but he was not without his uses.
He looks over to the group and says in a manner unbefitting the situation, "I know we just met, but could one of you ride me?" he says with a slight chuckle. He slams a foot into the ground which quickly turns into a hoof. Forward he falls onto his arms which elongate and turn into the powerful legs of an equine. His clothing fades away until only pure white fur remains, along with a feathery mane and a pair of massive wings. He was now in his Pegasus form, and he was determined to catch up with the bastard whom had double crossed him (Full-Round action, Polymorph into Pegasus).
Rond AC 17/18 (dodge) HP 96 Friday August 1st, 2003 6:15:55 AM
Looking at what has now happened Rond looks back to when he first got the message from Marcus. Usually he has communicated through the coin that the party has. Rond is not sure who has the coin and wonders if he somehow led the group into a trap.
"Renik who has the coin?"
Hearing Inimicus call for a rider, "I don't have anything Ranged as of yet so it's only close combat if I join up with you." If Inimicus indicates that it is okay, Rond will then step up and on. Once he is settled or left standing, Rond will then sound the horn of goodness centered on Inimicus if he's riding, or himself if not.
If riding Rond wills the pants of plenty to match Inimicus' coloring, in order to confuse attackers further, if possible.
(ooc sorry for absence. college project caught me by surprise. :) )
Setanos Ac 16, HP 72 d20+8=12 2d4(2+4)=6 Friday August 1st, 2003 10:56:05 AM
Withdrawing back with the party, Setanos casts Melfs Acid Arrow at 'Big Blue' (Ranged Touch Attack AC 12, 6 damage if it hits). He then braces himself for battle.
An orderly response - DM Ian d20+14=22 d20+14=16 d20+9=21 d8=3 d6+9=13 d8=3 d6+9=10 d20+9=10 Friday August 1st, 2003 8:33:11 PM
Inimicus lands a short distance back from the advancing troops, shifts, and acquires Rond as a rider. As Rond is mounting up, Feng watches the elven line advance towards them, shambling as they come to about twenty feet away.
Renik swoops outward over the sea, calling commands, as Arien rises to a vantage point and hurls a bolt of acid that smacks into Usshas, out in the rowboat. (The critical succeeded.)
Setanos and Tratain are just behind Feng, Rondm and Inimicus on the beach, perhaps twenty feet on the other side from the advancing spear hedge. Setanos' bolt of acid is just narrowly dodged by the scarred archer. Even as Tratain begins to cast defensively, his shield twitches, trying to fend off the invisible attacker again. However, his spell goes off first, revealing a skeletally thin grey skinned humanoid about five foot eight, wearing a slick sealskin short robe, and bearing no weaponry.
Draax snaps two shots, which both connect with the archer, who salutes Draax with its bow before returning fire, hasted.
Vahm, still a hundred feet back, grabs the shaking Abram, and hauls him bodily backwards away from the fight. "No more surprises if I can help it, boss!"
The archer snaps three arrows from his bow, each wreathed in flame as they are launched into flight.
The first shot just barely misses Arien, singing his hair as the flaming missile goes by. (Corrected for range penalty to hit). The second shot rends Setanos for 13 points (1 of which is fire). The third shot is barely deflected by Tratains shield twitching madly between aggressors.
The revealed creature blinks once, and sprints away from Tratain (feel free to take an Attack of Opportunity). You have never seen a humanoid move that quickly and gracefully. (Jog at 150' total move)
The invisibility cancelling sphere shimmers over most of the party, but the group is slightly too spread out to prevent a throwing dagger from glimmering into view just before it skips off one of the studs on Rond's back armor.
Usshas screams as the acid eats through his robe at the shoulder. He stands suddenly in the boat, causing it to rock dangerously, and then jumps, landing hard enough on one corner to make the boat flip and capsize, sending both Usshas and the canvas bundle splashing into the waves about a hundred and eighty feet from the shore.
(OOC: Everyone, please post AC, HP, and current spells with your next few postings. Casters who took damage this round, please make appropriate concentration checks if you attempt to cast next round.-Dm Ian)
(OOC: editted to correct range mistake. My apologies. - Dm Ian)
Draax, AC 21, HP 79 d20+15=25 d8+3=7 Friday August 1st, 2003 9:25:08 PM
Draax grimaces at the reaction of the archer from his arrows. As the battle progresses he realizes that the bad guys came here with a game plan. Taking out the magic users first has always been the plan of any ambush that he has been a part of. Withdrawing to regroup is the best idea he has hear thus far.
Withdrawing with the others, Draax moves and then fires another arrow at the bow man. (Hit AC 25 for 7 dmg)
Renik AC 22 / 23 (Dodge vs Blue Boy) HP 62 d20+10=17 d20+15=29 d8+5=13 2d6(2+6)=8 d20+10=14 Saturday August 2nd, 2003 9:27:57 AM
Renik hears Rond's cry about the coin, and curses himself for not thinking of it earlier. He's pretty sure that he doesn't have it, but there'll be time to check later.
As he flies towards the rowboat Renik glances back towards the fray (Spot 18: +1 vs shapeshifters, assuming it is what I think it is of course!) and sees a sight that causes his stomach to tighten in loathing. That grey-skinned monstrosity that flickered into existence when Tratain cast his spell and raced off looked eerily familiar to the rogue. Doppelganger! An accursed doppelganger! If there's one thing Renik knows and despises, it's those shapeshifting abominations. Slayers of his father! Corruptors of his brother! Destroyers of his home town! That explains why that so-called 'Marcus' betrayed them, and also means that in all likelihood...
"Rond! Inimicus! Get that canvas bundle at all costs! I think it's Marcus!" He prays the spymaster is not already dead.
"Arien, Usshas is yours! Don't worry if you lose him, we have bigger fish to fry! I'm going to try and help against big blue and ugly!"
He stops (no move this round), hovering about 30 feet up and 70 feet behind the blue sea creature (OOC: I think: a map would be really useful if possible!), and as he unleashes two Holy arrows in the beast's direction (Full attack AC 29 for 21 (13 if creature is not evil) and AC 14).
He prays those on the shore are able to keep far enough away from the advancing sea elves to avoid getting into hand-to hand combat.
Setanos (AC 16, HP 59) d20+12=20 Saturday August 2nd, 2003 10:53:58 AM
Setanos tries to cast mage armor on himself, but the pain of the arrow shot is too much and he looses concentration (Check 20 Vrs DC 25).
Growling, he readies his axe and stays close to his group, awaiting the onslaught.
Tratain AC 24 HP 35 d20+10=16 d20+2=18 d20+12=30 d20+7=13 2d6(5+4)+6=15 2d6(5+4)+6=15 d20+17=31 Saturday August 2nd, 2003 1:37:00 PM Attack of Opportunity As they Grey Skinned Creature attempts to flee Tratain attempts to Trip him so he can not escape (Hit AC 16 for Melee Touch attack, 19 For opposed Strength Check).
This Round If Tratain manages to trip his opponent he attacks the grey skinned creature while it is prone on the ground. (Hit AC 30 and 13 for 15 and 15.)
If the Creature escapes Tratain Defensively Casts an Area Dispel in the hopes that the Sea Elves are not undead and he can free some of them so he and his comrades are not forced to kill them. (Rolled 31 vs DC 18 to cast Dispel Magic Defensively, Area Dispel has a 30 foot radius so i should be able to get all of the Sea elves and the Blue Creature I think.)
OOC: If the grey guy gets away and the Area Dispel goes off it may be easier to do the Dispel against the Elves in groups of 5 or so if it has any effect at all, otherwise thats at least 40 Dispel check and 1d20+7
Arien d20+18=30 9d6(4+5+5+6+3+5+3+4+3)=38 2d4(4+2)=6 Saturday August 2nd, 2003 4:53:28 PM
"Ok, I'll take him out then," Arien calls back to Renik as Arien commands his carpet forward to slightly off to the side and still way above where Usshas was in the water. Eyeing the scene carefully Arien aims his next spell and lets loose a lightning bolt at Usshas, while the acid from the previous spell continues to eat away.
((Voluntary Spellcraft check to aim the lightning bolt away from the bundle and still hit Usshas: 30; Lightning bolt damage 38, Reflex DC 21; Acid damage from the Melf's Acid Arrow: 6 and 4 more rounds left.)
Inimicus (Pegasus) AC 14, HP 42 Saturday August 2nd, 2003 8:41:01 PM
Inimicus turns toward where he last saw the bundle fall into the water with Rond now mounted on his back. They had to make it out there quickly if Renik's hypothesis was indeed true. Flexing his massive wings the Pegasus explodes off of the sand, causing dust to spray up as it does so. For the moment, Inimicus concentrates only on moving as quickly as possible toward the bundle. He soars above those on the beach at a relatively low altitude, but makes sure to stay just out of range of those upon the ground
(OOC: Double movement action coming to a stop as they get to the capsized boat. 240' move should just about do it, stop if closer then that. Stay bout 20-30ft off the ground.)
Feng (AC 22, 85 Hp) Sunday August 3rd, 2003 10:16:50 PM
Feng watches the strange grey skinned creature dart away. He would have like to take his axe and split the creature in two but he doubted that he could catch it. Even on horseback it would be hard to catch somebody that fast that could turn on a copper.
OOC: If I am correct there are no targets within melee range
Rond AC 17/18 (dodge) HP 96 d20+6=13 d20+1=2 Monday August 4th, 2003 8:43:33 AM
"Let's see what we can see with this package."
Once Rond is in the area of the package he does a quick scan of the area to try to find any indication of the package. (Spot 13, Search 2 (phooey) ;) )
Once they have found the package Rond will do his best to determine what he can do.
If he has to Rond will jump in and retrieve the package. Before he jumps in Rond says to Inimicus " I will try to get on the boat, so watch for me from there, unless you have some form better adapted to for water, or water and air."
Round 4, Fight! - Dm Ian d20+14=21 d8=2 d20+9=16 d20+14=24 d8=4 d6+9=11 d6+9=11 d6+9=14 d8=8 d20+7=23 d20+10=30 d20+10=20 5d8(3+8+5+8+5)=29 5d8(5+6+4+8+6)=29 d20+7=15 d20+7=23 d20+7=26 d20+7=24 d20+7=24 d20+7=13 d20+7=22 d20+9=29 d20+9=27 d20+9=18 d10+1=9 d10+1=5 Monday August 4th, 2003 7:46:14 PM
Draax and Renik release a flight of shafts towards the archer, each striking once. The bowman winces visibly as the arrows cut through its leather armor, with the holy arrow smoking as it impacts.
Inimicus, bearing Rond, flies out over the water, swooping down just as Ariens lightning bolt hits the water and flashes around the submerged form of Usshas. However, the sea elf only smiles, and doesn't react with any pain as the spell goes off around him. He is about fifteen feet down, and as Rond dives in, he sees Usshas being pulled downward by the 'package' in one hand.
Usshas smiles nastily up at Rond, and incants a single magical phrase, disappearing. The 'package' vanishes as well, causing the water Rond is swimming in to collapse into the resultant void, a wave falling on itself.
(Rond, Please make a swimming check against DC 10 or be thrown out of control by the sudden vortex.)
The blue-skinned archer growls, fires one flaming shot at Arien on his carpet, and spins suddenly, releasing a pair of burning shafts across the water to impact heavily in Inimicus' flank.
(Arien, 13hp of damage, Inimicus, 37 points of damage. Please take this into effect next round for concentration checks for casting.)
Tratain's boot just narrowly misses the doppelganger's heel as it bolts out of sight, so he turns and prays for the dispelling of magic. There is a great flash in the advancing ranks of the sea elves, and a hubbub of cries starts up from some of them.
"Noooo! The slavers, watch out for the slavers! The sea devils are behind everything! Kill that accursed malenti!"
The orderly rank of the sea elves advance crumbles, as some of the freed elves immediately turn and grapple the elves who are still charmed, using the short range inside spear length, and the nets some carry to foul the actions of the others. Pandemonium ensues, but at least its not directed towards Feng, Tratain, Setanos and Renik standing only a short distance away.
Setanos turns just in time to see the oddest of sights hurtle out of invisibility about thirty five feet to your right. The fact that someone hurled a glittering silver fish about ten inches long in an apparent sidearm throw towards the group registers as odd for a fraction of a second, until it passes between the gathered party members.
<BOOM>
Tratain, Setanos, Feng, and Renik are engulfed as belt pouches and backpacks explode in five foot radius pulses of lightning.
(A reflex save each, please, at DC: 17. If you fail, 29 pts of lightning damage, half if you succeed.)
Apparently, the fun isn't over, as the sickly grey, scarred doppelganger that ran from Tratain snaps into visibilty in mid charge on Draax. Draax has just enough time to turn to meet its charge as the thing reaches him and levels a flat handed throat chop at Draax, and follows up with a hasted backhand towards Draax's face.
(crit for 18 pts of damage, and the follow up connects for 5 pts. Please make a fort save vs stunning blow at DC: 17).
Currently, the wild mob of grappling and shoving sea elves is about ten foot deep and thirty feet wide about ten feet from the waters edge. The majority of the party is clustered around Tratain about thirty feet from the sea elves, on the other side of the sea, with Draax ten more feet back engaged with a doppelganger. Arien is 260' above Tratain on his carpet. Drawing a direct line out to sea, a hundred and eighty feet, Inimicus is flying and sorely wounded, and Rond is in the water, fighting to stay afloat near the capsized rowboat. The big, blue, ugly archer is about ten feet to the left, and ten feet behind the mob of sea elves, standing in the surf.
(I will send a map sometime tonight.)
Tratain AC 24 HP 32 d20+7=16 4d8(6+5+6+2)+7=26 4d8(1+5+2+5)+17=30 d20+17=21 Monday August 4th, 2003 8:08:59 PM
Tratain Fails to see the Silver Object hurtling towards the party in time to dodge and takes the full brunt of the lightning spell.
Sorely wounded Tratain Casts Cure Critical Wounds Upon Himself (Rolled 21 Vs. DC 19 to cast Defensively) and then runs towards the direction the Silver object came from looking for another invisable attacker.
Draax, AC 21, 56 HP d20+12=23 d20+17=26 d20+12=31 d20+12=16 d8+10=14 d8+10=18 Monday August 4th, 2003 8:42:30 PM
Draax braces himself in time to roll with the scarred one's hits (Fort save 23). The half-elven warrior drops his bow and pulls his Thundersword. He swings at the agile creature (hits AC 26 for 14) and tries for connection with it on his return swing (hits AC 31 not a crit for 18) (total of 32 dmg).
Draax smiles as he thinks about how much lighter his sword feels now that he is wearing the belt that was a gift to him from Bill.
Feng (AC 22, 71 hp) d20+9=26 d20+13=22 d20+8=24 d20+8=16 d20+3=23 d20+3=12 d8+8=15 d6=2 d8+8=9 d2=2 d8+8=9 d6=5 Monday August 4th, 2003 10:24:27 PM
Feng manages to turn away and avoid some of the lightning. Only minorly wounded Feng sees the doppleganger close and engaged with Draax. With the flamming double axe in hand, Feng closes the ten feet.
[hit ac 22 for 17] [hit ac 24 for 11] [miss ac 16] [hit, nat 20 but no crit, for 14]
Inimicus (Giant Octopus) AC 18, HP 5 Tuesday August 5th, 2003 3:59:43 AM
Greviously wounded from the arrows of an opponent, Inimicus is barely able to keep himself in the air. Then a thought hit him, perhaps it would be better if it was thought he was killed by those blows. Feeling this would be the best course of action, Inimicus simply flops into the water and beings to go under, but already he was making his transformation into a creature that would be more handy in such an environment. Hopefully he could give Rond a helping hand if he needed it as well (Full Round Action, Polymorph into Giant Squid).
Renik AC 22 / 23 (Dodge vs Blue Boy) HP 62 d20+15=18 d20+10=30 d20+10=29 2d8(3+6)+10=19 2d6(6+5)=11 d20+10=13 Tuesday August 5th, 2003 5:16:32 AM
Hovering 30 feet over the waves, about halfway between the battle on the beach and the frantic splashing out to sea, Renik focuses once again on the big blue monstrosity.
As Tratain's spell kicks in the cries of the sea elves carry over the ocean to him, and he finally has a name for his foe.
"Malenti, eh? Well, you blue-skinned freak, it's time for your pincushion impersonation!"
And he unleashes two more Holy Arrows at the creature (AC 18, AC 30: Crit: 30 HP).
He glances over at his companions; all he can see of Inimicus, Rond and Usshas is some frantic splashing out to sea (Spot 13), and the battle on the beach seems to have turned into a free-for-all. There is nothing to do now but take this creature down, and pray it releases the remaining sea elves from their spell.
Arien d20+20=35 Tuesday August 5th, 2003 5:36:15 AM
Concentrating against the pain Arien casts Dimension Door to get himself away from the archer.
(760 feet travel, winding up directly above to party as high as I can go, probably around 800 feet up now.)
Rond d20+4=9 Tuesday August 5th, 2003 7:35:13 AM
Swimming by strength alone, Rond is unprepared for the sudden departure of Ussha. Struggling against the vortex, Rond concentrates and tries to swim to the surface.
Setanos (AC 16, HP 52, Endurance[2]) d20+3=21 d20+12=28 d4+1=2 Tuesday August 5th, 2003 7:46:14 AM
Setanos manages to shield himself from the brunt of the blast, but is still singed and scorched.
"This is not going well" he calls out to no one in particular.
Grimicing through the pain, he manages to cast a spell (Concentration check 28 vrs 27 DC), casting an Endurance on himself.
{Endurance(2), 8 extra hitpoints}
A taste of victory - DM Ian d20+13=26 d20+12=16 Tuesday August 5th, 2003 8:02:04 PM
Tratain finishes his curative spell, and sprints towards the location of the fish thrower. As he surges forward, Marcus is revealed again about thirty feet away, a scroll at his feet, in the act of reading yet another scroll. Tratain only crosses part of the distance before Marcus disappears.
Standing nearby, Setanos recognizes the spell incanted as a dimension door spell.
Inimicus drops into the sea and shapeshifts smoothly. Even as Rond flounders, Inimicus is there to lift Rond to the surface. The capsized rowboat is only five or so feet away, and could easily be a refuge.
As Setanos finishes his spell, Draax draws blade, and Feng joins him. Five brutal blows descend on the doppelganger, bursting into thunderous reports and flaming burns, reducing the doppelganger to so much meat at the warrior's feet.
Renik draws careful bead on the archer, and releases again. The archer weaves to the right, dodging the first arrow, but takes the second as a cut across the shoulder. The scarred warrior then shoulders its bow, takes two hasted steps and leaps for the surf, vanishing under its obscuring foam. A fraction of a second later, Renik sees the blue-skinned humanoid swimming quickly away from the shore, and descending. The thing covers almost sixty feet under water, blood streaming from its various wounds as it swims.
Arien retreats upwards, and Setanos casts an endurance spell.
The sea elven mob continues to wrestle and grapple for control of weaponry. At least half of the charmed elves have been freed, and the battle seems to be relatively well matched. One voice rises over the din from the back side of the swirling fight.
"Would be happy to chase that koalinth for you,... have another dispel magic?"
Tratain AC 24 HP 51 2d8(8+4)+7=19 d20+17=26 d20+7=20 Tuesday August 5th, 2003 9:00:46 PM
Tratain Curses as the the Man Dimension Doors away then defensively casts Cure Moderate Wounds upon himself. (Rolled 26 Vs DC 17) He quickly Scans the area looking for any indication of the man.(Spot 20)
Tratain Calls out "I have no more dispel's left Setanos? Arien? do either of you have any spells to help free the remaining sea elves?"
Draax, AC 21, 56 HP Tuesday August 5th, 2003 10:36:56 PM
Draax salutes Feng as he kills the doppelganger. The half-elf turns around to access the situation and stays alert for any other invisible visitors.
Arien (8 hp, AC 21) Wednesday August 6th, 2003 6:05:25 AM
Commanding the carpet to return to earth Arien casts Mage Armor on himself to protect against that archer.
Rond Wednesday August 6th, 2003 9:38:41 AM
Rond struggles to continue to the surface. When he feels a tenctacle wrap around himself he begins to panic with the realization just what I need. When he realizes that the tentacle seems to be helping him, Rond struggles a little less.
Once he punches through to the surface, Rond will breathe a small sigh of relief. Looking around, Rond sizes up what has happend since he went under. "Usshas has disappeared with the package."
Setanos (AC 16, HP 52, Endurance[2]) d20+6=7 Wednesday August 6th, 2003 12:37:26 PM
Setanos moves to the remaining elves, calling out 'I've got no such spell.'. He then shifts his axe in his hands, turning the flat side out and attacking the nearest opponent to him. (Strike for subdual damage, natural 1, miss).
Renik Wednesday August 6th, 2003 5:03:58 PM
The rogue sizes up the situation. Their three main foes have escaped, and all that are left are a bunch of brawling elves on the beach.
He flies back towards the beach, his mouth set in a grim line. They have lost Marcus! And unless they can stop this elven battle they have little chance of capturing any of the culprits. But without the ability to dispel the magic trance that still afflicts half of these elves... he curses softly under his breath. He doesn't even have a viable target any more.
He stows his bow, draws his sap and swoops down towards the scrum on the beach, his heart heavy with failure.
Inimicus (Giant Octopus) AC 18, HP 5 d20=2 d20=6 Wednesday August 6th, 2003 5:07:36 PM
As Inimicus comes to the surface he takes a moment to peer toward the shore, watching the pandemonium of sea elves attempting to restrain sea elves. Knowing he doesn't have a spell that can dispel the magic upon them he is at a loss on what to do next. Beaten to almost nothing he realizes that one more blow could do him in. Attempting to help Rond out he uses some of his tentacles to turn the rowboat back over so that Rond may enter it (I dunno how many Str checks Inimicus gets with 8 tentacles, but I just rolled two Str checks which come out as a 7 and a 11. Inimicus' current strength is 20).
Feng (AC 22, 71 hp) Wednesday August 6th, 2003 5:27:48 PM
Feng gives Draax a light nod and turned his attention back to the battle at hand. With no opponents close, Feng hangs back.
Reforming, and sorting the problem out - DM Ian Wednesday August 6th, 2003 6:56:15 PM
The majority of the group comes together, healing, covering one another with drawn bow, and casting protective spells. Renik heads over to the edge of the milling mass of sea elves, bringing his sap to bear.
Out at sea, Inimicus rights the rowboat casually, and holds it steady for Renik.
As Tratain finishes his curative spell, he looks down and sees the scroll that 'Marcus' left behind, fluttering in the morning breeze.
From their vantage point over the slain doppelganger, Draax and Feng see no other foes, except for the thirty or so sea elves who are still charmed. Most are fighting woodenly, and then abruptly, not fighting at all, collapsing, dropping weapons, and weeping openly at the horror that has befallen them.
The group slowly parts, revealing a middle aged elven man in a torn robe that you remember as one of the cooks from the night before.
"Thank you. Thank you for not killing us all, and rescuing us from mental enslavement."
Draax Wednesday August 6th, 2003 7:53:39 PM
Seeing no more visible enemies, Draax picks up his bow and keeps his distance from the sea-elves. He has been tricked too many times in the last few days to let his guard down so easier.
He turns part of his attention towards the boat out in the water trying to see what is happening with the part of the group that is still in the water.
Tratain d20+2=3 Wednesday August 6th, 2003 11:53:18 PM
Tratain Casts Detect Magic and looks at the scroll from a short distance away attempting to judge if the scroll was left by accident or its some sort of magical trick meant to catch the party unaware. If it seems harmless he will alert the others that he is going to examine it before actually trying to determine what is on it. If all goes well with that he will approach the Sea Elves.
"I'm just glad that my spell worked, that could have been very ugly. To bad most of our enemies escaped, of the 4 we only managed to stop one of them. What can you tell us about what went on here? Who were those people and what were they after?"
Tratain says to his comrades "If the Sea elves are unable to tell us much tomorrow I can attempt to speak with our dead assailent, I will be able to ask 3 questions if the spell is successful and his body is not too damaged to speak, what do you all think about doing that?"
Tratain also try's to figure out if Domi or Gargaul would object to his casting of the spell.(3 Knowledge Religion)
Renik Thursday August 7th, 2003 6:54:43 AM
Putting away his weapons Renik approaches the elf who spoke.
"We are fortunate no-one was killed sir, but I am sorry that our attackers managed to escape with such light losses. And, unless I miss my guess, they have Marcus, though whether alive or dead I cannot say. What can you tell us of the background to this duplicity? Can you give us any clue as to where these foul shapeshifters, Usshas and their blue-skinned companion may have gone?"
Rond Thursday August 7th, 2003 7:55:34 AM
Stepping forward to speak to the elves, Rond forgets that he doesn't have to speak for the group. Stopping and letting Renik do all the talking Rond points out, " Though we do have a possible way to talk to him, if he's conscious."
(ooc Rond may technically still have the coin, but in my recent conversion I may have lost it off my sheet.)
Setanos (AC 16, HP 52, Endurance[2]) Thursday August 7th, 2003 9:05:19 AM
Relaxing slightly after seeing the rest of the elves taken care of, Setanos makes his way over to Tratain. "Careful brother, could be dark magics here, as you well know."
Inimicus HP 5 Thursday August 7th, 2003 5:23:57 PM
Swimming back over near the rest of the party the giant octipus slowly polymorphs itself back into the wet and beaten form of Inimicus. He takes a few steps toward the party and falls onto his back. It is clear he has sustained massive blood loss from the wounds on his body. Staring up at the sky he manages to say, "I'm alive...barely. Ouch...". He tilts his head up slightly looking for Vahm, "Vahm...you around? Gotta put my organs back into my body..." he manages to say before his head just flops back onto the ground.
Revelations - Dm Ian 3d8(4+3+2)+7=16 Thursday August 7th, 2003 6:54:26 PM
Draax scans the area carefully, an arrow still nocked in his bow, as Inimicus and Rond fight their way ashore. Coming jogging down the shore to rejoin the party is Vahm, dragging Abram behind him.
Vahm releases Abram about thirty feet from the party, and makes a beeline directly to Inimicus, chanting a cure serious wounds prayer to Flower. (16 hp healing).
(Spot check please Draax)
Tratain thinks that Gargul wouldn't mind a speak with dead spell, as long as the intentions of such a spell were honorable, and in line with Gargul's preferences. Further, Tratain's detection of magic reveals no magic on the scroll. A careful viewing reveals the following text.
"You have come this far... don't stop now. You have only begun to realize the depth of the punishment for your crimes, for your desecration. We have your spymaster. I wonder what he will tell us under torture.
If you look to the north, you will see a promontory. At the end of that piece of land, there is an entrance down into the caves Marcus thought to find his sunken ship in. We will be awaiting your company there. If you do not come to meet us, or mask your position with non-detection, you might as well return to your precious Hamlet and prepare to defend it from the pure wrath of the angered sea."
Feng finds that the fallen doppelganger has a scroll, a dagger, and a small beltpouch on his belt.
Renik's questions to the elves are eagerly answered by the elven cook.
"We didn't know about the infiltrator until too late. We are a nomadic people, and didn't question Usshas closely enough before we were all subjected to the mass charm spell from its... master. We never saw it. It just came near the shore, and spoke in that grating, thunderous voice, that voice that would linger in your ears for days..."
The man collects himself and continues.
"To late, we found that Usshas is a malenti, a sahuagin mutant that is born to appear a sea elf. He is also a wizard of capable study. He spoke from time to time about his holy mission to the doppelgangers, Max and Ibble. The other one, the archer, was a new arrival. I shudder to think why sahuagin are employing mercenaries of the doppelganger and koalinth peoples. They must have some grand design."
"All I know, is that Marcus was headed out to the promontory by that map he had. If this was their plan from the beginning, perhaps the sea devils are using the caves at the promontory point, where the wrecked ship lays. The caves are only partially water filled, depending on the tide, and can be entered from underwater, or from above, on the promontory."
"I'm sorry we don't know more."
Draax d20+3=23 Thursday August 7th, 2003 8:00:49 PM
Still not trusting the situation Draax scans the area looking for anything out of the ordinary (spot check natural 20).
Tratain Thursday August 7th, 2003 11:52:01 PM
Tratain Says "Renik, when do you wish to leave to go find Marcus, tomorrow I can cast the spell and hopefully we will have the answers to 3 questions, does anyone have any suggestions as to what we want to know?"
Tratain pulls Abram aside and says, "Are you comming with us to help or are you going to stay here, now is the time to choose, which will it be, The Path of Courage, or The Path of Fear."
Rond Friday August 8th, 2003 7:03:57 AM
"Having dopplegangers involved, I still wonder whether they actually have Marcus or not. Obviously they can look like him. And maybe he's trapped, or still exploring the area. For all we know this could have been a ploy to intercept us and pull us away from Marcus. Whoever this is that is scrying could be scrying on Marcus too, and trying to time everything.
Do we have anyway to keep checking on this invisibility stuff? I woudln't be surprised if someone might still be checking on us."
Seeing Tratain pull Abram aside, Rond frowns for a second. Rond thinks, I hope they're not pestering him too badly. I can understand some of his hesitation. My first few months working for Marcus was not easy. Throw in a douse of doubt about your call to life, and it must be really hard to figure out what you want to do. Maybe I should keep Abram with me, and show him some of what the forest has to offer. Maybe the peace of the forest can offer him something for his troubled mind.
Renik d20+10=27 Friday August 8th, 2003 5:52:34 PM
The rogue looks to his companions. They are wounded, exhausted, many of their spells gone. The fight has taken a great deal out of them. But if the note is to be believed, Marcus could be under torture even as they speak. Can they afford to wait? It is an agonizing decision. On the one hand resting gives them a far greater chance of success. But on the other if they don't act quickly Marcus may be subjected to unspeakable torment, and the secrets the spymaster holds may be at risk.
"Rond, it may well be a ruse. My own suspicion is that Marcus may already be dead. But can we afford to take the risk? If there is a possibility that Marcus is captured with his secrets (and ours) at risk, we have to try and save him. The only question is do we rest first, or move out at once? Healing is not really a problem. I have some potions, and I'm sure the rest of you do too. Our real concern is spells. Do our spellcasters have enough reserves to launch an assault at once? Let us not forget, their spellcasters must be depleted to some degree also. But Tratain's spell could be very useful. It would certainly help to find out if either route is trapped, if Marcus is truly their captive, or how many enemy await us." He awaits the casters' response. As an afterthought he says "Oh, Arien, could you check to see what that scroll is that the dead doppelganger was carrying?"
He paces up and down, his mind racing. Looking to the elves he says "You offered before to help track down and destroy this Malenti, your racial enemy. Will you join us now?"
He peers about, trying to make sure no scrying portal is eavesdropping on his conversation (Spot 27), then if all is clear he continues "Perhaps we could launch a two pronged assault, yourselves from underwater, our party from above. I would welcome your thoughts."
Turning back to his companions he says "Well my friends? Who thinks we should attack at once, and who is for resting long enough to replenish our spells?"
Arien (AC 21, HP 8) Friday August 8th, 2003 7:03:11 PM
Wincing in pain Arien retrieves the scroll Renik indicated and casts Read Magic after which he looks at the scroll.
Decision time - Dm Ian 2d8(5+4)+7=16 3d8(5+8+3)+7=23 Friday August 8th, 2003 8:22:38 PM
Draax and Renik see nothing out of the ordinary in or around the party.
Arien picks up the scroll, incants read magic, and finds the scroll to be a scroll of dimension door.
Vahm casts a cure moderate on Inimicus before moving over to Arien and casting another cure serious wounds prayer to Flower.
(16hp cured on Inimicus, 23 hp cured on Arien)
Abram replies to Tratain, "What would have me do? What foe can I best as I am? Do you have some method for me to recover my... courage?"
The sea elven cook looks over his amassed people, over women, adolescents, and replies, "A few of us could go with you while the non-combatants get away to some safe location. We aren't experienced warriors, but we will try to do what you need."
Seven of the male elves pick up spears and nets again, and move to stand with their new leader.
Tratain Saturday August 9th, 2003 12:13:51 PM
Tratain Says to Abram "Come with us when we go to the caves to save Marcus tomorrow, if you are not able to fight along side us then direct the Sea Elves if you are able, they will need guidence. I am afraid I am not yet a powerful enough cleric to help you through magic means. Perhapse when this is done Domi will grant me the strength to help you, if you are willing. You will not forget what happened, but your deeds will not weigh so heavily upon you."
Tratain then leaves Abram with his thoughts, thinking to himself, "Perhapse I have been to hard on him, I believe he wants help, but I am at a loss as to what i can do."
Tratain walks over to Renik and says "I am in favor of waiting until tomorrow, I agree that healing will not be a problem, but if we leave now we have no means of fighting them if they are invisible again, and I can no longer dispel any of thier magical enhancements. Waiting until tomorrow will also give us some added information which may be of some value."
Tratain then Heals whoever is still in need of healing. Spells Available for healing 1x 3d8+7; 3x 2d8+7; 4x 1d8+5, Roll the healing in your post if you need it and I will mark off the spell
Carl: Adventurer's Repose Sunday August 10th, 2003 7:53:32 AM
I'm still in need of Adventurer's Repose entries for Tratain, Setanos and Inimicus. Please mail me these ASAP to carl_white at zen.co.uk.
Draax, AC 21, 76 HP 2d8(8+5)+7=20 Sunday August 10th, 2003 12:33:14 PM
Draax takes Tratain's offer of healing ((2d8+7) for 20 hp) and thanks him for the help. When they are away from the sea-elves Draax give his opinion of the situation.
"I would rather not take any of the sea-elves with us unless it is just as a guide. It is obvious that we are walking into a trap and they have already been charmed by the enemy. I would hate to take them with us and then have to kill them in self-defense. I also wish that there was someplace that we could leave Abram, this is not the situation where I would want to drag him along in hope that he will find his courage. And knowing nothing of this village I don't think we should leave him here. So I guess bringing him with us is the only real solution.
I have two potions of water breathing, but I think we are going to need more. The last time we when into the water we borrowed water breathing devices from some of the town people. I don't think we have time to get those devices again, but lets find out if the sea-elves have anything useful. Does anyone have any spells that could help?"
Inimicus HP 42 d8+5=8 Monday August 11th, 2003 2:19:57 AM
Inimicus greatly thanks Vahm for his help. With his regained strength he picks himself up and dusts off his clothing. Shaking the sand out of his hair he listens to what everyone else has to say. Finally he chimes in, "Well I want answers myself. I can change myself into something that can handle water relatively well, but I do not have a spell for anyone else. What I DO have, however, is the ability to boost someone elses spell for the ability to breathe water. I can make it more powerful so it will last longer, this way it can be divided among more people."
Inimicus is also happy to accent Tritain's healing to finish himself up. Coming that close to death was relatively unsettling and it was good to know what it felt like to be at full health again.
Setanos (AC 16 HP 52/80, Endurance[2]) Monday August 11th, 2003 7:34:20 AM
"I agree with Trat, we'll be needin all our strength for this battle. A fine and glorious charge is a good death, but a run as we are be suicide."
Setanos then tends to his axe and shield, wiping it free of the brine and generally tending to them.
Feng Monday August 11th, 2003 9:21:23 AM
Abram's question snaps Feng out of his daze. He had been thinking about Marcus and the dopplegangers. There was no way of knowing if they actually had Marcus. Wasn't it supposed to be difficult to catch a spymaster?
"Abram, having courage does not mean one has no fear. Courage is doing something regardless of the fear. Besides you will never be what you once were by sitting at home."
Renik Monday August 11th, 2003 12:40:03 PM
The rogue nods, taking in all suggestions. He paces up and down nervously.
"Aye, you're right. We'll rest here tonight, with guards posted, then assault the promontory at daybreak. We are simply too depleted. We just have to pray Marcus holds out. Assuming they really have him, or that he's alive if they do.
And if we can have water breathing magics all well and good, but I don't want to rely too heavily on them; I don't fancy having my water breathing dispelled in the middle of an underwater battle. If we can keep the fight on dry land we will retain at least some small advantage.
This time I want us ready for the fight. Defensive spells in place before we go in. I want plenty of Dispel magics available. Enlarge, Bull's Strength, Cat's Grace; warriors, shout out your requests so the spellcasters can prepare the appropriate spells. If anyone can prepare Cat's Grace that would suit me fine.
Tratain, your speak to dead spell may prove handy. Any suggestions for questions anyone?
In fact any suggestions for tactics and battleplans, shout them out now. If we can get a good idea of what we face, then hopefully we can prepare ourselves accordingly.
As for you elves, I leave the decision up to you; do you want to join our battle, or would you rather defend your kinfolk, ready to move out in case we fail? Either way, if you could draw us a map of the area we'll be attacking, that would be extremely useful."
The normally cheerful and lighthearted rogue's face looks drawn and pale. He seems altogether more serious than before he assumed leadership; the burden is proving a heavy one for Renik.
Preparing to camp - Dm Ian Monday August 11th, 2003 7:41:28 PM
The new elven leader draws Renik, and a few of the other side.
"We owe you thanks, and what assistance we can, for your aid. At the same time, my people are beaten, grieving and homeless. If you ask it, we will accompany you, but my heart would also see my people removed to some safer place. The choice, is yours."
Vahm looks over the group discussing, grabs Abram, and says, "We will set up a camp up in the treeline away from the waves. That way, we rest on our own terms." With his, he and Abram begin trudging up the beach.
Any additional preparation before the night?
Tratain Monday August 11th, 2003 8:51:49 PM
Tratain says "I think it would be best if we left the sea elves out of the comming battle, their hearts are in the right place but I believe they will probably just end up getting killed or hurt if we bring them."
Tratain Takes gets his sleep early and stands watch the rest of the night. If the night passes without incident, in the mourning he casts speak with dead, but only after getting everyone to search for a scrying sensor, any information that may be found would be less usefull if the enemy knows we have it he thinks.
Feng Monday August 11th, 2003 9:54:08 PM
"We must take this journey alone. Whatever is out there is after us. These people are victims. Since we are heading out into the water, heavy armor may be a burden. However not wearing it may prove just as fatal." Feng says unsure of what to do.
Rond Tuesday August 12th, 2003 12:07:27 AM
Rond scouts out the local area so that he can compare in the mornging and see if anything has changed.
Setanos (AC 16 HP 46/72 ) Tuesday August 12th, 2003 7:39:02 AM
Setanos offers to stand watch with Tratain. If not he'd prefer last watch. He listens to the requests for spells, and tries to incorporate them into his morning preparations. He also see's if there is any healers with the ability to heal his wounds.
Arien d8+5=11 Tuesday August 12th, 2003 1:58:12 PM
Arien is healed up completely by one last spell from Tratain, thanking the cleric Arien walks over to Renik and says, "As an elf I need only four hours of rest to refresh myself so I could go into trance now and be ready for the rest of the night, after I prepare my spells of course. I also have this carpet so I could spend the watch up in the air to get a better vantage point."
Renik d20+25=33 d20+10=17 d20+10=25 Tuesday August 12th, 2003 4:36:43 PM
"Very well" agrees the rogue after listening to the sea elf's words. "Keep your people safe and guard them well. All I ask is that you provide us with any intelligence you have on the promontory before we leave you. A map would be ideal. And if you could assist us in keeping watch this night, allowing us rest before the battle, you would have my gratitude."
Renik nods at Arien's words. "A good plan my friend. I will take first watch, then you can relieve me."
The rogue scouts the area until he finds a suitable hiding place (Hide 33), then keeps a close eye on the companions and the surrounding area, keeping an eye out for any sign of movement (Spot 17, Listen 25).
Draax Tuesday August 12th, 2003 4:38:32 PM
Draax will take the watch with Arien or any other watch period that is assigned to him.
"I am not familiar with the talk to the dead spell and do not really have any idea of what questions to ask. One thing I am curious about and that is if Marcus is still alive. We must assume that he is, so I would not waste a question on it, but if you have an extra question I would like to know that one."
Looking over at the sea-elves Draax says, "Whether the sea people accompany us or not, someone should be sent to warn the town. By the words of our adversary it is obvious that this thing has something personal against us, but it might be pulling us away from the hamlet for other reasons. It is probably just my paranoia speaking, but it never hurt to be on the safe side."
Draax asks that someone prepares a Cat's Grace spell for him when needed.
A quiet before the storm - Dm Ian d8+7=11 d8+7=15 d8+7=15 d8+7=12 Tuesday August 12th, 2003 6:04:15 PM
The night passes quietly, uneventfully. Several of the sea elves cannot sleep after the events of the day, and walk loose circles a hundred feet or so outside your camp, talking in pairs or trios. Several of them can also been seen going up and down the beach in the surf, clearly keep watch there as well.
Tratain performs his prayer, and questioning, over the mangled corpse of the Doppelganger.
Vahm takes an opportunity to cast several curative prayers on Draax, restoring him to full health.
(Rond, intelligence check please).
In the morning, Vahm and Abram break camp with the help of the sea elves. With this extra time, the party stows their equipment in preparation for battle. In the process of doing so, about half of the group (Arien, Renik, Inimicus, and Vahm) find odd slips of parchement inscribed with faintly glowing glyphs tucked away in their packs, and stuck to the bottom of potion vials in their pouches. They are easily recognized as glyphs of warding, but don't detonate for some reason when discovered, or handled.
Tratain 3d8(8+2+4)+7=21 d8+5=8 d20+7=15 Tuesday August 12th, 2003 6:40:20 PM
In the mourning Tratain Heals Setanos back to full health and then prays for new spells for the Day. He looks about trying to see if the group is being spied Upon(Spot 15), then casts the Speak with Dead spell. He asks his 3 questions and returns with some Information. Ibble is a grey skinned doppelganger who is skeletally thin, unscarred, about five foot five, and bears a shortsword. He has a tendency to fidget when in disguise, and is very steathy. Ibble fights on the flank, and can be very effective when invisible. He goes after wounded targets to cause them to go down faster.
Urtag is a scarred, seven foot tall koalinth. He is a pit fighter who uses a bastard sword, and a flaming mighty composite longbow. He wears leather armor, and is the pinnacle of discipline under fire. Urtag is a close up brawler who can supply missile support. He will lead a charge, or plug a breach.
Usshas is a malenti wizard. He looks like a sea elf, but is really a sahuagin mutant. He studies obsessively from a spellbook, and follows the orders of Malachi with religious fervor. He wears a blue oiled silk robe, and carries a knife. Usshas is more likely to prepare other targets than participate directly in the fight, although he will use tactics designed to soften up groups of enemies before the battle is joined.
Malachi is a sahuagin high priestess. She is a charismatic leader of her people, and immensely strong. She bears a trident and fights with it well. She is a light green color across her skin, with blackish tips to her webbing and fins. Malachi will lead from a distance and empower her troops as much as possible before joining the fight. Once joining the fight, she will fight alongside Xaal.
Xaal is a six and a half foot, four armed sahuagin mutant tattooed all over his body. The images display images of surface dwellers being sacrificed on altars or butchered in battle. He wears a fighting harness with twelve javelins slung about, and some rune etched bracers. He is quiet, and fanatical. He is deep green of skin, with black fins and webbing. Xaal will soften targets at range, and will close to stop the advance of enemy warriors. He fights four handed with javelins, and may utilize the javelins of lightning we bought in the Catacombs.
The slaves may or may not be there.
The Hidden Master has a deep, thunderous voice, and his words bring both fear and instant obedience. He is very intelligent, planning the actions of his mercenary troops, and maintaining a powerful information network with his slaves.
When the Glyphs of Warding are Discovered Tratain Examines all of his belongings meticulously looking for one among his own equipment and anything else that does not belong to him. He says "Very clever, everyone should go through thier gear and make sure our enemies haven't left us any other surprises."
Draax Tuesday August 12th, 2003 8:29:16 PM
Draax thanks Vahm for the healing and then takes Tain's advice and carefully goes through his gear looking for any items that have glyphs inscribed on them.
Setanos Wednesday August 13th, 2003 9:21:57 AM
Thankful for the healing, Setanos listens to Tratains words, thinking about comming fight. He takes the time to examine all his equipment carefully.
After that, he settles down with his spell book, studying the spells he will need for the comming battle. Then he sees about some breakfast.
Rond d20+1=15 Wednesday August 13th, 2003 9:43:50 AM
(Int check =15)
Rond will do his best to help the group pack up. Not knowing what to expect in the morning, Rond goes down to the beach and experiments with the coloring of his pants in see how he can blend in with the beach and local area.
Renik d20+2=7 Wednesday August 13th, 2003 3:07:36 PM
The rogue listens with great interest to what the dead Doppelganger has to say. "Well, we certainly know a bit more about our foes. They sound a formidable lot. We'll need to be well prepared to take them. Setanos, if you could cast extended Cat's Grace on me I'd be grateful. How long does that last?
Well, I guess we'll have to play this by ear, but we obviously need to take down their spellcasters hard and fast. Any suggestions for strategies?"
He examines the glyphs with a puzzled frown. "Now how on earth did these get here? Who had the opportunity to place them? And if they don't expode when we touch them, could they have been placed bt an ally? Yet another mystery."
The rogue wracks his brains trying to figure it out (Int 7), but draws a blank.
Searching for more pieces - DM Ian Wednesday August 13th, 2003 6:50:24 PM
No additional glyphs, or out of place items are found, after a thorough search of the packs.
During the search, Abram looks up, and his flat expression breaks for a moment to reveal a taste of rage.
"The disease. If they've been watching for so long, why would they disease a group with a priest and several paladins? Thats when the glyphs got added. The plague was just a cover to divert attention."
The epiphany nudges Ronds memories... being watched,... yes thats it! The answers to the speaking with dead mentions one of the doppelgangers is called Ibble, details about the one called Xaal includes javelins of lightning from the Catacombs. Rond remembers the individual who was in the catacombs when he first went in to inquire about his white dragon teeth and skin. A human, named Ibble, with a nervous tick and a laudry list of weapons to buy from the Catacombs, including javelins of lightning.
After listening to the party begin to discuss, Vahm takes a break to memorize prayers to aid the group.
Feng Wednesday August 13th, 2003 10:58:46 PM
All of this news is most interesting to the half-orc. Every answer leads to another question. Questions that seem to dispute each other.
"I think it is a possibility that they didn't know who we were. They may have captured Marcus but that doesn't mean they knew about us. Considering the disease was cured quickly in those it affected, it wasn't even a good distraction. Think about this, what do we all know about Marcus? I know that he is a good man that does what he can in the world and that's about it. How many people does he employ in the wold? Regardless if they have Marcus or not, we have to deal with them."
Tratain Thursday August 14th, 2003 12:11:57 AM
Tratain Says "I would leave the glyphs here, there always the chance that they will attempt to trigger them when we encounter them. They do sound like a rather formidable bunch, it will be very important that we work together. Attacking the same targets and taking out our enemies quickly, or seperating them so they are not all together to act as a cohesive group."
Tratain followes Renik when he decides its time to travel to the caves. ----------------------------------------------- 0 level: Cure Minor Woundsx2; Detect Magicx3; Read Magic 1st Level: Bless; Sheild of Faith; Random Action; Prot. From Evilx2;(Sanctuary) 2nd Level: Bull's Strength; Darkness; Silence; Remove Paralysis;(Spiritual Weapon) 3rd Level: Speak With Dead<>; Dispel Magicx2;(Protection from Elements) 4th Level: Freedom of Movement; Dimensional Anchor;(Spell Immunity)
Rond Thursday August 14th, 2003 9:00:04 AM
Remembering his visit to the catacombs Rond comemnts, " I was visiting the catacombs when Ibble was doing some purchasing there. Though I didn't get a chance to converse with him, he recognized me as soon as I stepped into the catacombs. So I don't think you're right Feng. I think they are well aware of who we are. Ibble was buying a whole bunch of weapons at the catacombs. But the only thing that comes to mind right now is Javelins of lightning.
As to the glyphs, has anyone asked the sea elves? I might wonder whether they might be trying to help us out, but they didn't want to be obvious about it. Is there anyway to tell how long the glyphs have been formed/alive or when they were created?"
When Renik asks for ideas, " I think we're going to be really challenged for any real tactics. Until we can get an idea of what we have for terrain, and how many people, it's going to be hard to say. I'd imagine we're going to have to give our front line fighters as much assistance as we can. Because they are going to have to stay up and fighting while others try to flush out any traps and what not. And that is not including the dangers that we may face about getting there in the first place.
Did you want to try talking to Marcus via the coin real quick?"
Setanos Thursday August 14th, 2003 9:56:36 AM
Setanos prepares as best he can, seeing to his equipment after studying his spells for the day.
"Yeah, leave the glyphs here. No need to have em used against us."
After finishing his preperations, he lets the group know he's ready to go.
Renik d20+10=25 d20+10=17 Thursday August 14th, 2003 9:56:37 AM
Nodding, Renik takes out the coin and attempts to communicate with Marcus.
As he waits for a response he calls over the Elven leader, and asks again: "Please, any map or information you can supply on our battleground will be invaluable. Are their any obvious ambush sites? Anything else we should know?"
The rogue sits in silence for a few minutes, deep in thought. Then he takes out a parchment and begins to scribble furiously on it.
After some minutes he sets it down and says with a nervous smile "OK, let's assign targets and work out some spellcasting. That way we'll all know what everyone else is up to, and we should avoid too much confusion. And we can get all our spells in place before we engage."
Before he continues he gets up and searches carefully for any sign of a scrying portal or invisible eavesdropper (Spot 25, Listen 17). Once he is certain they are not being spied upon he continues;
"I'll head for Malachi. We need to take the spellcasters down first, and she's the leader. If we can take her out we may disrupt their group strategy. Setanos, I'd like Cat's Grace and Shield if you can spare it. Arien, I'll need Improved Invisibility. Then I'll fly in and attack up close, hopefully undetected, and fly out if things start to get too hairy. If she goes down I'll move on to Usshas.
Rond and Feng, as you don't have long range weapons you'll need to close with their warriors quickly. Rond, you take Urtag and Feng you take Xaal. They'll be hitting you with their ranged attacks, so close them down quickly. Setanos, Cat's Grace and Shield for Rond and Bull's Strength for Feng please. Arien, Extended Shield and Enlarge for Feng. Maybe mirror image for Feng also? He's our most powerful warrior, so we need to keep him healed and fighting above anyone else. And if you use True Strike on anyone, Setanos, use it on Feng When he hits people they know about it!
Draax, you target Usshas with your bow. You have Holy arrows; use them. We need to take those spellcasters down quickly. Setanos, Cat's Grace for Draax. If he falls move on to Malachi.
Arien, you're on Malachi to start with. Remember I'll be going in close and invisible, so if you want to fireball her, make sure you do it before I get there! I figure you should have a spare Extended shield and mage armor for yourself. You're on offensive spell duty against both their casters.
Setanos, you're on support. Keep firing out those shields and buff spells, and mirror image and true strike certainly won't hurt if you get the chance. Don't forget to Shield and Mage armor up too.
Tratain, I want you to take care of Ibble. Find a way to get around his invisibility, and take him out. If you get a chance Protection from evil will be handy. Also dropping a silence spell on either of their spellcasters wouldn't hurt. And of course we'll need you to be on healing duty when things look grim.
Inimicus, I'm least sure of your talents. If you can assist one of the other spellcasters let's decide how now. You mentioned you were a scrying expert: if we could check out the lay of the land or even spy on our foes that would be good. It wouldn't hurt to tun the tables a little! Otherwise it's down to you what role you play.
Vahm and Abram, if you're coming with us, please provide whatever healing or other support you can.
OK, we all know what we're supposed to do. Arien and Setanos, I'll leave it to you to decide when the best time is to cast your support spells. You are better versed in spell durations than I. But I'll need that Improved Invisibility before we make contact with them.
Right. If anyone has any questions or suggestions let's have them now. Better we get things decided now than in the middle of the fight!"
He grins suddenly, and the lighthearted scoundrel suddenly shines through from behind the serious mask the rogue has been wearing of late. "Of course, it will probably go nothing like we expect, and we'll need a completely new plan 10 seconds in. But that's life!"
Arien Thursday August 14th, 2003 1:51:21 PM
"Well I can easily provide you with the invisibilty Renik and I have some potions that I'll set out for anyone to grab if they want, however the shield spell only effects the caster. I also have a scroll of Dispel Magic cast by a very powerful mage so I could open with that since I suspect that they will be buffed by their wizard." Arien pauses a moment and retrieves the potions he mentioned earlier. He sets them on the ground before him and says,
"Alright what we have here are several potions that will help us out in combat. First we have a potion that will make you tougher to kill for awhile, I suggest this one goes to one of our upfront fighters. Secondly, a potion that will make you go as fast as I can when I activate my boots. Next we have a potion that will let you fly, always handy; and finally our last potion will make you smarter for awhile. For those who can cast arcane spells I have a few scrolls as well that I'll give you. As I mentioned earlier I have a scroll of dispel magic, I also have however 2 scrolls of silence and a scroll of fireball."
"Finally I have two spells that will make weapons more powerfull. One will last for nine hours the other for eighteen hours. I'll cast these on whomever wants them."
OOC: Potion of Haste, Potion of Endurance, Potion of Flight, Potion of Intelligence, Scroll of Fireball (5th level caster) Scroll of Silence (20th level caster), Scroll of Silence (10th level caster), and a scroll of Dispel Magic (20th level caster)
Draax Thursday August 14th, 2003 4:41:59 PM
Draax nods his head in agreement as Renik give out assignments. "Good idea, but only you and Rond have the holy arrows."
When the elven leader is finished supplying Renik with the requested information, Draax will ask him if he has any idea about the glyphs.
More Preparations - Dm Ian Thursday August 14th, 2003 7:29:48 PM
The leader of sea elves listens quietly to the various questions posed, and responds, "The promontory goes out perhaps a mile, and the end is a hill overlooking the sea. At the base of the hill on the promontory is a series of caves leading in and down to just below the water line. I've not been out there for some years, and the water would have surely made the lower caves a bit larger. I'd expect the lower caves to be at least partially water filled."
"As for glyphs, thats beyond my knowledge."
Vahm returns to the party from his prayers and says, "I have a number of healing prayers and endurance prayers available, but wanted to offer another alternative."
Stepping closer, he says, "Marcus was my employer too. I want to see his kidnappers punished, but I also don't want to get trapped in there if the sea elves are charmed again and brought in behind us. My thought was, I could lead the sea elves away, scan them for charm magic on a regular basis, and if they turn on my, escape under a sanctuary prayer. Thoughts?"
Abram listens to this all, and moves over to Tratain.
"I want to go with you", is all he says.
Renik Friday August 15th, 2003 2:24:09 AM
"Rond, you said before you had no bow. Could you let Draax have your Holy arrows for this battle? I have three left, and I may well want to use them if my invisibilty is blown and I need to pull back.
Arien, I certainly wouldn't say no to that Haste potion, if no-one else is going to use it. Though maybe it would be better to give it to Draax, that way he could really lay down some serious missile fire. Yes, Draax, you take it."
He nods thoughtfully at Vahm's comment. "You have a point. We could use your healing, but we don't want to get caught between two forces. Fine, lead them away from here, and at speed. That way even if they are somehow charmed again, it will take them a long while to reach us."
Renik says nothing at Abram's words, but smiles to himself quietly. The man is showing all the signs of... courage.
The rogue waits for everyone to comment on the plans. Unless there are any major questions he says;
"OK, get your gear and let's move out."
Tratain Friday August 15th, 2003 2:53:01 PM
Tratain nods to Abram and prepares to follow Renik when he decides it is time to leave.
Preparations continue - Dm Ian Friday August 15th, 2003 6:54:58 PM
(In light of power outages and postings, I'll extend this posting until Monday. Renik and Tratain, please feel free to post again.)
Draax Sunday August 17th, 2003 10:19:07 AM
Draax makes his preparations for the up coming battle as he listens to Renik's instructions. He runs an oiled rag over his weapons and bow string and then checks his supplies.
Draax is somewhat surprised and relieved that Abram has shown that he still has a spine. He hopes that this adventure might help the ex-paly begin to find the rest of his backbone.
Feng Sunday August 17th, 2003 9:06:10 PM
Feng finds himself going through an all too familiar routine. He polishes his axe and armor. He checks the straps a few times, an oulet for all the nervous energy. Like always he wonders if this will be the last time he goes through this routine.
Setanos Monday August 18th, 2003 7:22:44 AM
Setanos takes a few moments to pray for the protection and safety of all the party. He then checks his weapon and shield, and readies himself for the task ahead.
Rond Monday August 18th, 2003 11:09:28 AM
"I have 9 of those arrows that I can give up Renik."
Rond listens, and doesn't comment right away on Renik's plan. "Go after Urtag. Okay. What should we do as a fall back plan, if they happen to blow us away, or do something unexpected?"
Renik Monday August 18th, 2003 11:51:36 AM
The rogue grins rather sheepishly at Rond. "Things will almost certainly not go as planned. The one thing we should fully expect is the unexpected. This is just Plan A. If things go badly, we'll make up Plan B as we go along. Like I say, I give Plan A about 10 seconds, but that may be generous. They've had plenty of time to prepare the land, set up traps, hiding places and so on. This is robably going to be unpleasant. If I go down you call the shots Rond."
The rogue checks his blades for nicks for the umpteenth time.
Then, thinking how easy it had been for someone to get at the gear in his pack, he transfers everything to the pockets of his Pants of Plenty. As an afterthought he changes the Pants to a natty black snakekin with red piping.
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