DM Anthony Wednesday August 13th, 2003 2:28:06 PM
Who knows what effect being up on top of the boat will have whit an electric storm in the grass....... who know what staying here will have, but one thing is clear. It is building and the skiff is back through the grass.....
Flea d20+10=14 Wednesday August 13th, 2003 11:10:36 PM
Flea starts to feel afraid. What I wouldn't give to be in a nice safe burrow!she thinks some place dark and cool and away from the danger of this savage place with the crazy grasses, scary beasts, and wild storms! She looks about wildly to see if there might be an opening for an underground passageway(Search=14)
Suddenly she remembers her pledge made before the council. She makes a fist with her right hand over her heart, and covers it with her left. Closing her eyes and lowering her head as if in prayer, she whispers "The land, my life". She concentrates hard, and tries to send a heart touch to each of her pack mates.
Trellus ( AC 18, endure elements, unconstricting movement) Thursday August 14th, 2003 8:16:38 AM
Trellus gives the halfling a quick once-over.
Replace one halfling wizard with another halfling wizard? he wonders sourly. Is it really that easy?
Out loud, he says to Vestrati, "If Sterlin says stay out of the Grass, then stay out of the Grass." He continues, "I'm Trellus. We're the Bloodpack."
Turning to Anuk and Flea, he responds "The skiff isn't big enough for all of us, and those treadles are still out there, and we could get zapped any minute. I'm thinking stay in the middle of this circle and take our chances. Sterlin? What do you think?"
Feeling the "tickle" from Flea, Trellus stops and looks at her with a grin. "We'll be OK," he says confidently, and returns a "tickle" of his own.
Grymash d20-2=5 d20+8=10 d20+3=7 Thursday August 14th, 2003 10:10:02 AM
Grymash doesnt know what to do. Its as if he has never encountered such an occurance, even though he has lived here all his life. He doesnt know what that funny feeling is that's making the hair on the back of his neck stand up. (Int check 5, wilderness lore 10, Wis check 7... sick rolling)
Gry looks at Trellus, then Flea, and everyone else. "What happening, Gry not understand!!" After hearing Trellus' instructions he steps into the clearing away from the tall grass.
(Anth, is there a pole or something, where the gnome was tied up?)
DM ANTHONY : NOPE JUST THE BAGS SCATTERED ABOUT
Sterlin Thursday August 14th, 2003 10:11:15 AM
" I've dropped the entangle spell. Lets move to the middle and pray to the gods that we survive. "
Jake Thursday August 14th, 2003 11:21:15 AM
Jake follows the others lead, mumbling about big worms. "Ah just don' know," He repeats once or twice. Then, "He stol' mah fight."
Anuk Thursday August 14th, 2003 11:38:08 AM
Growing increasingly nervous, Anuk looks around at the grasses trying to decide what paths are open to them. "You're right, Trellus. Let's gather around the fire those beaters made...the grass seems lowest over there."
As he moves to the fire, Anuk feels the tickle from Flea and suddenly the feeling of oncoming dread retreats a bit. He looks to her, smiles, and sends one back.
Gilan Thursday August 14th, 2003 1:09:29 PM
Now free he moves to the most tramped down area of the clearing. Feeling the heart touch from Flea he returns it and reaches out with it to the others. Looking to each he gives them a smile as they form up. "Just have to wait it out and see what happens." He sounds more confident than he feels, but he tries not to show it.
DM Anthony Thursday August 14th, 2003 9:03:56 PM
You can now see the charges building in the grasses, snapping back and forth among them, then a terrifying thing happens, a charge snakes through the grasses that are still on the ground, cut and mashed down to make this clearing, snaking through the grasses till it comes upon one of the five bags full of stuff. With an amazingly loud POP you watch the back fly up into the air and land with a thud beside Flea, smoking slightly. Looking down you see, you are all still standing on the grass, some cut short, others bent over, but still here. you are running out of time.
Jake Friday August 15th, 2003 4:40:32 AM
Jake gets up quickly, looking around, absolutely befuddled. He then rushes to join the others, following their lead entirely.
[A few questions: Will all of us be able to get into the skiff? Are we at the skiff? I'm confused on if we've gotten there or not, how far we are away, who is lagging, what it takes to get into the skiff.]
Flea Friday August 15th, 2003 7:38:53 AM
The leather clad rogue jumps when a bag near her explodes. She moves to the center of the clearing close to Sterlin and the rest of the group, trying to find a spot where the fire has burned the grass down to bare ground. She gets down on one knee, and uses her short sword to cut at the turf and will try to peel back the sod to expose some bare earth and expand the circle. Flea will work as best she can to make a wall of sod and dirt around any bare spot.
"I don't know if this will work, but if we can get off the grass, stand on bare ground, maybe we can avoid getting shocked," pants the gnome. "I never noticed it before, but how does Rattledam stay safe during electrical storms? Is there a device that draws the charge away, or is it by magic?"
Trellus ( AC 18, endure elements, unconstricting movement) Friday August 15th, 2003 12:56:57 PM
Trellus' good mood is short lived as the bag explodes into the air.
He quickly joins Flea in her efforts, ripping up grass in an attempt to create a dirt spot wide enough for the group.
Grymash d20+8=24 d20-2=1 d20+3=15 Friday August 15th, 2003 3:05:38 PM
Grymash isnt smart ... that is known by all who meet him, but he has with a wisdom and understanding of what it takes to survive in the wilderness. (Wilderness Lore 24, Int 1, Wis 15)
"NO PULL SMALL GRASS, IT TAKE TOO LONG .... BURN IT!! IT DRY ... IT BURN FAST!! GRASS SMALL ... FLAME BE SMALL TOO. WE BEAT OUT WITH BAGS AND FEET BEFORE FIRE GET TO TALL GRASS!! WE STAND IN ASH ...QUICK!!"
Grymash runs to the farther into the clearing and quickly takes his fire starting kit out, and starts to try and make a spark!! He has a torch ready to light. "THIS SLOW TOO ...AUUGHHH ... WHILE GRY LIGHT TORCH ...SOMEONE LOOK IN BAGS FOR STUFF TO HELP BURN!! .... AUUGHH BURN FIRE BURN!!!"
(This is meant to be a controled burn. small grass isnt going to produce 20-ft flames!! :)
DM Anthony Friday August 15th, 2003 3:51:15 PM
Actually the grass is easily pulled up and destroyed once it is dead and flattened and then Gry grabs a tourch as sees the campfire still lit that provided an empty space in the spell eairlier. With only the three of you working you may make a large enough clearing for everyone or you may not. what you need is more help. It ic clear however that this will work as a charge flows into the ring like water and hits the edge of the area you have created and diverts till it streams back into the grasses. This will keep the storm at bay however everyone needs to help.
Anuk Friday August 15th, 2003 5:10:23 PM
Anuk drops to his knees and helps, ripping grass from the ground as quickly as he can and depositing it away from the cleared area.
Sterlin Friday August 15th, 2003 7:14:22 PM
Sterlin begins pulling up grass as well, although to himself he wonders if the grass will just reappear as it does when you cut it down out in the plains.
Jake Saturday August 16th, 2003 12:52:00 AM
Jake confusedly rushes to help Flea, tearing at the grass with his bare hands. Suddenly, he realizes something, and takes off his chain shirt as quickly as he can, then tosses it and his sword to the side. "Man, that coulda got me..." he mumbles, as he goes back to tearing at the grass. "Use your sickle, Gilan!"
Flea Saturday August 16th, 2003 9:54:36 PM
The gnome continues to cut and pull at the sod, rolling it back to form a buffer between the grass of the plains and the expanding circle of bare earth on which the pack stands. The velvet feel of the earth on her hands has a calming affect on Flea, who's early life had been spent in a comfortable burrow surrounded by the gardens kept by her family.
Trellus Saturday August 16th, 2003 9:57:17 PM
Seeing the effort is succeeding, Trellus gets down to some serious grass pulling.
DM Anthony Monday August 18th, 2003 11:24:02 AM
Anuk, Sterlin, Jake, Flea, and Trellus rip and burn the grass till you are standing on a large space of barren earth. The storm is almost here, now only one worry, will exposed metal be a problem???
OOC: please let me know everyone where you are standing, please lets post every day!
Sterlin Monday August 18th, 2003 1:56:43 PM
Sterlin will strip down to his loin cloth and stand near the middle of the patch.
Trellus (endure elements) Monday August 18th, 2003 3:38:43 PM
Standing in the middle of the dirt pile, Trellus is all grins again.
"Dude, you taking a bath?" he calls lightly to Sterlin.
The grin fades as Sterlin explains his rational for removing his clothing.
"Light," the cleric grumbles, hastily removing his breastplate. He sets his armor down near the edge of the grass. On a hunch, he puts his mace down in the grass a few feet further on.
Then he stands in the dirt pile next to Sterlin.
"How 'bout the little people get in the very middle and the rest stand around them." he suggests protectively.
Gilan Monday August 18th, 2003 4:55:21 PM
Gilan will help in the endevear to help in clearing out the area. He will then stab his scimitar into the ground some feet away near the edge of the cleared area. I am sure that this is the only metal gear that he has on.
He stays as close to the others as possible so that they can all stay away from the edge of the grass.
Jake Monday August 18th, 2003 5:23:32 PM
Having thought of that metal part but been pretty quiet about it, Jake has already taken his stuff off and tosses it to the side. "sunbaked treadles..I just know this is going to ruin my stuff. Oh well."
Flea Monday August 18th, 2003 5:37:57 PM
Seeing the others divesting themselves of all items made of metal, the rogue makes a neat pile of her weapons on a bare patch of ground justinside the circle cleared by the group. She starts to rummage in her pack, for other metal items like her sewing needle, and her masterwork tools. Sensing that time is of the essence, she places her entire pack next to her weapons. Heaving a deep sigh of regret, she removes the pouch containing her meagre treasure (5gp,9sp,8cp)and tosses it on top of the pile.
Returning to huddle with the pack she mumbles: "Me da will have my hide if I loose those tools!" Looking hopefully at first Sterlin, then Gilan, Flea asks the druids: "Maybe it's just the grass that carries the charge?"
Anuk Monday August 18th, 2003 6:16:21 PM
Remembering the way the bags of stuff popped up in the air and, of course, came back down, Anuk has visions of a steel and iron rain coming down on them. Still,...might be better than getting fried directly. At least we might have a chance to dodge the stuff if it comes to it., he thinks.
Despite the danger of being unprotected, he removes his weapons and armor--even his new ring. All the metal he can find.
"Curse these steel buckles," he mutters as he slips out of his leather armor. He deposits his gear near Flea's and as he returns to huddle with the group he suddenly stops in his tracks and his trademark grin breaks out across his face. First he chuckles, then he guffaws.
As the static charge builds around them, everyone's hair has begun to stand on end.
Jake Tuesday August 19th, 2003 3:15:17 AM
Jake sighs and tosses everything else with it... his gold, precious gold!, and that belt buckle, and his ring...sigh.
Grymash d20+3=8 Tuesday August 19th, 2003 12:08:30 PM
Grymash's eyes widen with a sudden spark of awareness. In their madness of burning and tearing away the grass, he realizes he too is wearing grass ... from head to toe.
He quickly scrambles to remove it. While trying to take off the greaves, he trips and falls ...again!! However, undauntingly he continues to hastedly removing his grass armor.
(Is it common knowledge, in this primitive age, that metal is an excellent conductor for electricity?)
(Anthony says.... it is now!!! LOL I dont know stephen but it was an exelent plot device.)
DM Anthony Tuesday August 19th, 2003 1:08:49 PM
having done all you can, divested as much grass and metal as you can you stand huddled together in the clearing as the storm hits.
First you can feel it coming as the world takes on a bluish tint and the smell of ozone becomes strong. The small hairs all over your body stand up and then the others, all your hair standing on end. If you were touching some one you know letting go would be deadly now, or touching anyone else. The only option left. Stay as still as a statue. You watch the sparks become rays and the rays beome bolts jumping all about. it becomes the most amazing light show you have ever seen in your life. Blots of raw power arching over your head jumping from the tops of the grass across the clearing to the other side. A done of death rocketing above you in beauty and in death. The gods be praised it is an amazing sight and you know you are one of the few beings EVER to see suchj a sight. you can see the electricity passing though all the metal and heating it slightly. That heat you can tell would have become VERY uncomfortable but more importantly it would have made it next to imposibble to keep still. Every on can see another amazing sight. Gry's steel grass stuff seems actualy to repel the energy a bit. (Steel grass is resistant electricity 5) Sudenlly the popings start, just like the bag before. It is water. All water begins to pop and explode out of its continers. that must have been waht caused the bag earlyer to jump. Then as fast as it happened it is passed. The storm passes and nothing the any worse for the experience. you stand there smiling at each other on the muddy gound. Watter everywhere from the storm. water all over the ground, covering the area all around you. Water everywhere....
Trellus (endure elements) Tuesday August 19th, 2003 4:55:48 PM
(OOC - I'm assuming just the clearing is wet?)
Trellus stands in petrified awe as the lightning bolts stream through the clearing.
He inwardly cringes as all the water containers start exploding, and then peeks around in the sudden stillness.
"By the noonday sun!" he roars suddenly. "How do we keep ending up knee-deep in water in a blasted desert?!?"
The young cleric quickly leaps out, scoops up his equipement, and starts running for the Grass. "Last thread, dudes!" he calls. "Let's get out of here!"
Gilan (endure elements) Tuesday August 19th, 2003 5:06:27 PM
Gilan scoops up his waterproof pack and looks it over. Well if thier water had just blown up like alll the rest had earlier than the inside of his pack was now wet. Pulling his scimitar from the wet ground he cleans it off as he looks around.
The earlier show had been amazing and the aftermath more than deadly. "Guys...lets not try that one again." He makes his way towards the skiff to check on it and see how it held up. "One good thing about this is that the bugs will most likely take a little longer to get here."
Glancing around some more as he runs to the skiff he calls out. "The next event...how far away and what direction??"
Anuk Tuesday August 19th, 2003 11:33:09 PM
Anuk's jaw drops as the display of light and power surrounds the pack. The rivers of current moving through the grass feel as though they are moving across his skin. When the storm finally passes a final shiver runs down his spine and he breaths a sigh of relief...until he realizes he's ankle deep in water.
He quickly moves to gather his equipment and give it a once over. All seems well, except for the items in his pack -- soaked. Fearing the worst, he rummages for his journal. A knot forms in his stomach as he pulls it out -- pages stuck together, and ink running in little rivulets off the pages and onto the ground.
Anger courses through him. He reminds himself that he can start again. He will start again. He forces himself to think of the giant creature they just saw, of the sense-defying storm they just witnessed. This is where he will start. He'll write about things not even dreamed of by the librarians and academics...things they were too frightened to experience on their own. Someday, he'll return and he'll give them his book and they'll know he wasn't...he wasn't...what? Afraid? Ashamed? He stares at the glove on his arm. What do I want to prove? Will it matter what they think? Someday, I will present my book to them. But maybe what they think won't matter then...because I'll be home.
Once again, the sounds of the pack bring him back to the present moment. "I'm with you, Gilan. Let's get moving." He dons his ring and places the rest of his equipment in the crook of his arm. He takes a final look at the dripping journal. It'll never dry in time and will serve only to draw the insects of the plains. He throws it into the center of the clearing, turns, and runs into the grasses toward the skiff.
DM Anthony Wednesday August 20th, 2003 10:11:17 AM
running seems to do the trick and unfortunately the water in your backs has busted. Why would this type of storm effect water in such a way, what would be the reason. fleeing through the grass you reach the skiff in time to climb a board. You notice as you run MANY incests and such pulling them selfs out of the ground shaking off dirt. Even the flying ones seem to know how to burrow. Amazing.
Sterlin Wednesday August 20th, 2003 1:20:01 PM
Sterlin comtemplates the use of electricity as a means for obtaining water in the plains, as he redresses.
Trellus (endure elements) Wednesday August 20th, 2003 3:35:53 PM
Safe(ish) at last, Trellus stops to put his armor back on. While doing that, he calls out to Grymash, "Hey Gry, can you get out your small healing wand and weave me and Gilan a spell or two?"
Finishing with his equipment, the blond man runs his hand over his head while contemplating all they've seen. "Oh yeah," he grins, "New pack rule - splitting up is usually a bright idea"
Having addressed that not-so-good decision, he turns to the halfling. "I'm Trellus," he says, "What happened to you?"
Anuk Wednesday August 20th, 2003 5:42:01 PM
Anuk gets equipped and then watches with interest as the insects emerge from the ground and head toward the water in the clearing.
When he hears Trellus mention splitting up, he makes a mental note; separation = sunbaked.
Waiting for a break in the conversation between Trellus and the halfling, Anuk worms his way in and asks the small man, "Hey...you doing okay?"
Flea Wednesday August 20th, 2003 6:17:33 PM
Recovering from a rare moment of speechlessness, the rogue looks at Sterlin and asks: "Where to now, Sterlin? What does the compass say?"
(OOC: Sorry about the missed post. Lost power in a storm worthy of the plains!)
Jake Wednesday August 20th, 2003 10:59:49 PM
Jake puts on his armor and sighs, thinking about all the lost water. "Man...we're baked, in tha plains, ain't got water. Good thin' we's ain't too far from home. Let's get goin' back so's we's gets more water."
DM Anthony Thursday August 21st, 2003 12:53:53 PM
you cuickly find the skiff and discover that it is just fine. The rope leading up to it has been burned out but the boat itself seems unharmed. You can see the caskets of water up on to and due to the dryness of the area it seems as if they didnt burst....
(Sterlin spot check DC20)
Gilan (endure elements) Thursday August 21st, 2003 1:19:18 PM
Gilan points to the skiff and shakes his head. "What do you know...the skiff made it just fine." With a look to Jake he smiles. "Sorry...we do have the events to see and remember what Malafret said...we cannot miss one."
Taking the time as they comtemplate thier next move he checks the stuff in his pack to see what is beyond help and get rid of it. Taking some of the things he leeches as much of the water out of them as he can and then ties them to the skiff to dry.
Trellus (endure elements) Thursday August 21st, 2003 4:58:21 PM
"Uh Gry, that healing wand?" the cleric reminds his friend helpfully.
Looking up at the boat, he rubs the back of his neck thoughtfully. "Well, the shady thread is, we still got water."
"But, can anybody fly up there with a new rope?" he asks, "Or do we need to weave this the hard way?"
He looks over to the half-orc and gnome, idly wondering how high Gry could throw the diminutive rogue.
(OOC - how high above our heads is the boat?)
(Anthony SAYS About 20' from the ground, 10 - 15' from your heads.)
Once the boat is recovered, he glances at Sterlin with a grin. "OK, Walker! Which way do we weave now?"
Flea d20+3=15 d20+11=26 Thursday August 21st, 2003 5:49:57 PM
Flea looks at the cleric and suggests: "Maybe we could mend our waterskins, and refill them from the containers in the boat. Dragging Mi..., uh, dragging the boat through the grass would just slow us down and make us a target. What do you think?"
Without waiting for an answer, the rogue drops her pack and digs out the rope, throwing it over her head so that it rests over one shoulder and across her body. Flea takes a short run and jumps. She reaches for the side of the little skiff, and if successful will pull herself up and sommersault into the boat.
Jump=15 Tumble=26
Anuk d20+6=8 d20+2=9 Thursday August 21st, 2003 10:23:31 PM
"What a show," smiles Anuk, thinking back over the storm and the moth.
As the others work on regaining access to the skiff, Anuk keeps an eye and ear out for any nasties that might be waiting in the grass. But his thoughts return to the pack's recent encounter, keeping him from paying attention like he should.
(spot 8, listen 9)
Jake d20+1=7 d20+5=21 Friday August 22nd, 2003 12:39:38 PM
"Easiest way is ta toss a rope with a catch up there." Jake takes out his silken rope and ties a knot through his spade's handle. He fumbles a bit at first (Rope Use 7 :P), then sighs and just does a regular knot. (Take 10: 11 total). His makeshift grapple ready, he gives it a light toss up there. (Trying not to damage the ship, threw it up there with an AC 21?) If successful, he'll tug it lightly till it is securely anchored, then suggest someone climb up it or what not.
Gilan (endure elements) Friday August 22nd, 2003 1:43:24 PM
Gilan glances to the rest and then to the two wasps that are buzzing around him. "Glad to see that you two made it." He thinks back to the event that they had just witnessed and shivers. It had been breathtaking a true show of nature's power...to wield that kind of power. He shakes himself from his revelry and watches as the others work. "Such power does nature possess...to have only half that power..."
Vestrati Sunday August 24th, 2003 5:22:46 PM
Watching the others attempt to regain access to their skiff Vestrati steps forward. Shrugging a bit as if confused Vestrati speaks to the group. "Thank you for rescuing me, I don't think I would've been able to get out of that one on my own. They had me tied down pretty good and wouldn't let up on their interrogation. I'm not sure what else they were carrying with them, but we may want to check the sacks after we get access back to the skiff. Oh, I almost forget, my umm, name is Vestrati..."
DM Anthony Sunday August 24th, 2003 7:55:21 PM
Some how between Flea and Jake you get a rope up to the skiff and the water. After a quick drink you are off on your way again, following the directions of the ball. Finnaly you come across three bounders burried in the grass looking bloated and full, as if they were very sick. They are larger than any bounder you have seen before and the closer you get the more menicingly they growl, although they dont seem to be able to move. the sun is setting quickly.
Grymash d8+1=2 d8+1=3 d8+1=9 d8+1=4 d8+1=2 d8+1=7 Monday August 25th, 2003 9:55:24 AM
Still mezmerized by the flashing lights and electrical streams, Grymash awakens from his trance.
"Ohhh ... yeah, sorry Trellus, Gry brain stuck for moment.!! Ok, line up for feel good healing stick." zap zap zap ...
(heals from the wand: 3, 9, 4, 7. I rerolled ones.)
DM Anthony Monday August 25th, 2003 11:17:13 AM
The three bounders writhe in agony upon the short grass and roll from side to side. They can sense you and hate your presence here but other than a half hearted attempt at snapping at you if you get to close they are able to do nothing about it. The pain they are in is clear in their eyes as they moan and howl into the new sunset. As the sun drops lower into the sky it is clear that this is the event you are to witness, so similar to another you saw but also so diffrent. The bounders begin to thrash upon the earth and now it is clear the pain they are in, it is almost as if something lives and moves with in this beast. One of them lays on his side panting and drooling into the grass, a second sits draped over a rock, proped up by the formation. The third, clearly the strongest of the three sits up on its haunches growling and yiping in agony. It is painful to watch this event, the torture radiating off the beasts, the pain they feel almost you feel too. Then as the sun falls halfway below the horizion the stropngest of the bounders lifts its head to howl and cry to the dying day. The howl starting deepwith the beast has a wet burbly sound to it. Almost as if the beast were drowing in itself. That wet guggly howl comes out weak and lost and then suddenly goes silent, although the beast continuses to strain its body as if it were howling. its eyes buldge wide and you can see tears there. The other two open thier mouths too as if to join in the howl or perhaps heave something up and out of themselfs. The silence is complete, and terrifying. No sound is made in the plains as these three animals shake and thrash in their slient agony. Finnaly a new sound issues from the howling bounder, a wet ripping sound, as if cloth soaked in watter was suddenly torn apart, and following that sound comes another you recognize. A high scream that sounds almost human. A scream you know from down deep in the darkest recesses of your fear and imagination. It is nightmare come to life, it is fear itself screaming at you, it is the nightime fears come to life and living in the waking world. The bounders open mouth erupts as a gyser of blood and fluid into the sky. The ripping and tearing sounds come from all about you as all three bounders erut in death, and life. For leaping out of the dying bounder shell and into the night comes death itself. The other two struggle out of thier lifeless husks and stride toward the first. The beasts circle and pace one another as you stand terrified staring at these three beasts siloeted in the failing light. The largest of the three lifts its head to the heavens and screams closely followed by the other two, and finaly you understand the sream you know so well. It is a challange to the gods themslef to come out of the heavens and face these creatures. The creatures promising to feast on the bones of the gods. You know these beast, you know them and they are death itself. You know them as...
Rapke
Trellus (AC 18, endure elements) d4+1=2 Monday August 25th, 2003 11:58:08 AM
A stunned Trellus looks at the Rapke in horror.
Domi help us
Somewhere in the back of his mind, the pig to bounder to rapke circle is very interesting. Near the front, however.....
The cleric quickly steps up next to Grymash. "Gry!" he says urgently, "'Don't interfere with the event!'". He quotes Malafret, hoping to break through to his friend.
"If those Rapke wish to leave, by the Grass LET THEM! If they don't......"
Then we gotta weave with 3 rapke. And we already used up our spells. Light
"Gilan, you still got that blessing necklace?"
Trellus casts a quick incantation and touches Grymash, pouring Bulls Strength into the half orc. (+2 Str)
Then, he gets ready.
Gilan (endure elements) Monday August 25th, 2003 2:54:44 PM
Gilan watches the activities of the bounders with a mixture of awe and fear. As they are ripped apart fromt he inside and three rapke are born he trembles in fear. "By Flower's grace." You have never heard him ever mention a god before and the fact that he suddenly does gives great voice to his current feelings.
Breaking free of the trance like state that he had fullen into with this newest development he can only nod to Trellus and finger the necklace. Pulling his shield around and his scimitar appears in his right hand, he has no intentions of attacking but he will be noone's meal.
Nodding he slowly backs away, touching each of his companions with the heart touch as he goes. It somehow spreads the idea to slowly back away but be prepared. "Right Trellus...we cannot interfere with the events." He is feeling slightly overwhelmed with all that they have learned in the past...what day and a half?
Sterlin Monday August 25th, 2003 3:19:51 PM
Sterlin gets one of those faraway serious looks on his face like he used to back at the swimming hole while others played. The scene taking place has had a powerful effect on Sterlin's emotions.
Grymash (Bulls Strength) Monday August 25th, 2003 4:23:25 PM
Grymash stares hard at the bounders as they quiver in pain. Grymash wishes his dagger-like gaze could cause them even more pain, and he smiles grimly when he notices that their presence makes this event even more unpleasureable for the bounders. His knuckles turn white as he grips his double axe ... it takes every effort to keep himself from hacking them all down. Then again ... why deprive them of their agony, so to prolong the experience Grymash is content to stand back and watch on with pleasure. Their shrills and moans are like sweet music.
However, as soon as the rapke are born from their shredded bodies, his mouth hangs open, agape in shock. He grips his axe again with a vice-like hold. His muscles tense however his rage fails to come. He feels emotionally spent ... but rapke must die!!
The slight touch and calming words of Trellus quickly distracts him from the scene. In a low voice ..."see that .... rapke demons ... brought here through bounder meat!!" Grymash's mind is spinning as he realizes the magnitude of the situation. "Rapke come out bounders ... bounders are piggies ... Gry eat piggies ... everyone eat piggies!!"
Grymash covers his eyes and shakes his head as he continues on muttering "rapke this and piggies that." Some might even understand him counting off numbers in orcish, as if trying to figure how many prairie pigs he has eaten in his lifetime.
Flea d20+23=29 d20+9=10 Monday August 25th, 2003 11:15:49 PM
Flea looks on in disgust as the Rapke emerge from the bounders. Keenly aware of the potential threat these creatures pose, she slides quietly into the shadows of the surrounding grass and readies an arrow. She draws the brightly coloured fletchings close to her cheek and focusses on the throat of the closest rapke. She will loose the arrow at the first sign of an attack by the rapke, but otherwise holds her action and watches the bloody event unfold...The rapke screams rattle her but she tries to remain calm.
[Hide=29; Hit AC=10 not likely]
Anuk Tuesday August 26th, 2003 1:00:01 AM
Watching the bounders with some interest, Anuk wonders what could cause them to be in such a condition. Just as his mind begins to wander the familiar, terrible screams begin. When the rapke burst forth, Anuk is ready, bow and arrow in hand.
Jake d20+10=19 d10+6=15 Tuesday August 26th, 2003 4:56:03 AM
Jake actually trembles slightly. Rapke terrify them, though he'd never let another pack mate know... He steps forward, standing between them all and the Rapke, knowing that he's the solidest and thus he should be ready to stand... He holds his shield and sword ready, and prays that he doesn't get attacked. (Readied action: Attack if it comes close. Hit AC 19, if did, dealt 15 damage.)
Dm Anthony Tuesday August 26th, 2003 11:07:45 AM
The Rapke lower their heads in that familiar reptilian fassion and mbegin to smell the air. The two flanking ones fan out to the sides as the lead comes in close. You all can see that they will attack and although you can probably take all three of them eventualy, someone will die. They begin to move slowly in to flank and divide, the inteligence of these beasts is astounding. The fear begins to course through each of you, as does the hate and anger. The battle is near, it is almost upon you, it is. . . suddenly you feal the heart touch but in a way you have never before experienced, It is like a flood of hope and life. It is like redemtion. A voice be hind you speaks in soft commanding tones.
"No one move, no one think anything violent or angry, go to a place of peace and life and consentrate on the bond between each other."
Walking up between you very slowly is a Plains Walker, the same on in fact who gave Sterlin his knife. He is smiling and weaving his way through the grass soo slowly. The heart touch is coming from him and it is amazing the feeling of his life force, how raw and powerful it is. And you know that is excactly what he is sharing with you.
"Consentrate my fine shadows, focus."
He continues to walk toward the Rapke, which you now notice are blinking and looking about confused and lost.
"Look at their eyes and remeber what you see there."
Looking into their eyes you see it. Without warning and as clear as day. there is a wildness in these eyes like the wildness of the bounders you saw. They are menelolent, and cruel and will pip and tear just to taste blood. They are evil and vile, but there is not that spark of otherness in their eyes you have seen in the ones ridden and used by the Barrons men. These are just animals. The Walker casts silently and his hands are suddenly coated with blue power. Cracling like electricity. The rapke see it and pull back slightly. the smell of fear begins to drip off them. Their focus on the electricity poping off the Walkers hands. He snaps his fingers to make it pop and crackle moreand the Rapke continue to back out. Finnaly the lead Rapke steps into the tall grass and the Walker reaches out and grasps a tall stalk of grass leaning up against the Rapkes side. You watch as the power leaps out of his hands and lashes up the side of the beast. it does not real damage clearly but the Rapke screaches in pain and surprise and begins to bolt away from you all, the oter two following. Like that they are gone.
The walker turns to look at you all and smiles widely as you feel the heart touch fade.
"Well done all of you, you hid from them well. dont try that with the Barrons Rapke though, they wont fall for it. It will only work on the wild Bounders and Rapke.... Now whos fixing dinner? Im starved."
Sterlin d100=4 Tuesday August 26th, 2003 2:28:18 PM
Sterlin is excited to see the plainswalker once again. " Now that Milo is no longer with us, I guess we will all have to figure out how to cook something up. "
Vestrati Tuesday August 26th, 2003 3:36:39 PM
Standing before his rescuers and the plainsman Vestrati is confused. He has no idea what has just happened and what any of them are talking about. Lowering his weapons, Vestrati sheaths but remains on guard.
Gilan (endure elements) Tuesday August 26th, 2003 4:17:48 PM
Gilan watches as everything starts to go bad. He had been afraid of this and he starts forwards again to aid his pack. He has been near death too many times so far, but for his pack he will risk much.
Then he feels the heart touch, but different, and he glances around to find everyone else looking in wonder themselves. Then he sees and hears the voice of a Plainswalker and the one that gave Sterlin his knife. He follows the man's orders as he moves forward.
Once the rapke are gone he cannot say anything. There is just too much to think about and try to digest. He just sheathes his scimitar and slides his shield to his back.
Food...yes and time to think...that is what he needs.
Trellus (endure elements) Tuesday August 26th, 2003 4:31:19 PM
The young cleric grimly prepares another spell as the Rapke split up for their attack. Then, he feels the heart touch, much stronger than any he or his mates have produced before.
Who?
The Walker has returned, and Trellus instinctively follows his instructions, especially given the bloody alternative.
And the Rapke leave!
Trellus whirls in elation. "Dude! That pick was totally the night soil!"
He looks back at the bloody Bounder carcasses and then again at the Walker.
"You mean we can hide from wild Rapke just by sending the heart touch?!? Totally shady!"
Question upon question rush through the young man's head. He's finally distracted from the multitude by the Walker's question. "Food. Right. Uh, Milo. Light. I don't know. Uh, Gry?"
Trellus decides maybe an introduction would be polite. "Uh, we're the Bloodpack. From Rattledam. Many shadows for your help. I thought we were at our last thread for sure."
Flea Tuesday August 26th, 2003 9:54:21 PM
Flea recognizes the heart touch for what it is and does as instructed. She concentrates on the affection she feels for her new found family.
As the plains walker moves forward the rogue sidles up to Trellus and whispers through clenched teeth, "What about this Vestrati character? I don't think he is part of the second circle. He hasn't taken the oath...he can't feel the heart touch." She looks suspiciously at the dark halfling through the corner of her eyes.
Jake Wednesday August 27th, 2003 12:55:21 AM
Jake sends the heart pulse as well, and afterwards grins, feeling slightly stupidly sentimental. But he can't help it, it feels great. He regards the plains walker with a bit of suspicion unlike the others. I mean, sure the groups' plains protectors, but they aren't exactly NATIVE, I mean, not really. Aren't they more devoted to Rattledam? How does Rattledam fit in, anyways? He thinks to himself he's got to ask Malafret some questions later on...
"Uh, shady," jake says. "Ah am hungry, but...we don't have no cook anymo'."
Anuk Wednesday August 27th, 2003 1:18:44 AM
As his heart tingles at the approach of the walker, Anuk lowers his bow. He stares in amazement as the rapke turn and disappear into the grasses.
As the pack relaxes and discusses preparations for the coming night, Anuk screws up his courage and approaches the walker, a fist over his heart and the other hand clasped around it. He bows slightly.
"Sir...um...we've seen many strange things with the slugs and the bounders and now the rapke. Do the rapke transform as well? Is there more to this cycle?"
Grymash (bulls strength) d20+9=20 d20+3=9 Wednesday August 27th, 2003 12:42:14 PM Ok ... Gry go dig up some grubs and roots. Me think Gry not hungry for prairie pig anymore! He drops his pack containing several pounds of prairie pig meat.
Grymash walks off a little ways and begins to forage for food in the tall grass. (Wilderness Lore 20, spot 9)
DM Anthony Wednesday August 27th, 2003 1:18:53 PM
The walker laughs heartaly with Trellus's enthusiasum. "In time youll be able to hide from the wild ones, but for now it will help only a little. Eventualy if you practice and some of you take the right paths," with that he seems to look right at Sterlin "your pack may some day be able to walk among the great heards themselfs and never be bothered."
To Anuk he smiles knowingly and answers crypitcly... "well tat is what you are out her to see is it not?"
As he looks about he sees Vestri and his brow kits torether as he swipes his white hair back out of his eyes.
"You little one I dont know but you have the look and smell of raider about you. Where are you from or should I spill your watter here and be done with it." With out moving a long knife suddenly appears within his grasp. He does not move but the joy has dissapeared from the circle and the threat hangs in the air.
Vestrati Wednesday August 27th, 2003 4:03:44 PM
His eyes focused on the man Vestrati thinks for a moment and replies with a bit of a flippant tone.
"Heh, I'm far from a raider, in fact, it seems like all I've been doing lately is fleeing from them. A group of raiders just caught me back a ways and kept questioning me about some Monjo Coldar, whatever that is. Luckily these people rescued me right before the storm. Whatever I may seem I'm no raider."
Anuk Wednesday August 27th, 2003 7:27:12 PM
Anuk smiles back at the walker, a little disappointed at the answer, but glad to know the pack is being watched as they go through this experience.
When the walker questions the halfling, Anuk steps forward. "Please, sir...we don't yet know much about him, but I don't think he was one of the raiders. When we discovered him, he was bound...and screaming. The raiders were clearly holding him as a prisoner...they were hurting him."
Trellus (endure elements) Wednesday August 27th, 2003 9:47:01 PM
"The little dude seems shady enough," Trellus chimes in, addressing both the Walker and Flea.
As an aside to Flea, he adds quietly, "We can't just leave him in the Grass. Lets get back home before we worry about loose threads."
Then he adds to the halfling, "We sure are curious about how you ended up out here, though."
Gilan (endure elements) Thursday August 28th, 2003 12:25:50 AM
Gilan watches on as the man questions the halfling. He waits to see how the little man answers before he will step in on his behalf. Seeing what the man is made of and how he answers will go far in telling him how he will fit into the pack. Satisfied he acts on his own feelings.
He stands slowly and moves to lay a hand on the halfling. "It is true...we found him tied up like a prairie pig at a picnic." He looks to the others for further support and then back to the Walker. "He owes us a debt if nothing else...if you would allow it...can the pack handle this??" He hopes that the Walker will agree to let the pack take the risk if they so choose.
Flea Thursday August 28th, 2003 12:27:23 AM
The gnome's shoulders drop and her body visibly relaxes as Vestrati explains his tale to the walker. Flea turns to the halfling, "Do you know how to cook?"
DM Anthony Thursday August 28th, 2003 10:19:41 AM
As the Pack speeds to the the Halflings defence the Walker flashes his quick smile again, the knife disapearing. Looking about he address the pack.
"Out here in this place of Wonder and fear, of life and death there is no room for hesitation, inaction, or half measures. This new boy is a part of you or he is not. There is no middle ground. Things can change, leaderships can move, members of a pack can come and go but they eiter are pack or they are not pack. There is no room for mistrust, confusiion, or fear. You are Pack, family, village, friend, or you are enemy." Silence sits on the camp at his words and then he breaks it himself.
"Now whos cooking because I am starving!!! Or do I need to cook this evening?"
Jake Thursday August 28th, 2003 11:26:14 AM
Jake sorta ventures, "Ah guess ah can cook. Ah know how ta make piggy bits, tha's intestine's and such, with a bit o' sauce ta make ya thirsty."
Grymash Thursday August 28th, 2003 1:57:58 PM
Grymash emerges from the tall grass. Insects crawl all about his body after foraging through the denser regions of their locale. He pays them no mind. Leisurely brushing them off, unless one looked to be particularly plump and tasty. He holds his helmet upside down like a bucket. Inside is a collection of grubs, assorted wild vegetables and several large crunchy insects. (I made a Wilderness Lore check 20 in my last post. I dont remember the DC for finding food. Either I found enough for myself or myself and 5 other people ... not sure. Somewhere in that range.)
In fact, Gry had stabbed a rather large insect with one of his daggers. It's still squirming a little as it remains impaled on his blade. Grymash chews on something crunchy ... its anybodies guess at what it could be!!
With a proud smile on his face, Gry presents his findings to the pack. His eyes dart back and forth at each of you ... looking for approval.
"LOOK ... See what Gry find!!"
Gilan (endure elements) Thursday August 28th, 2003 3:07:09 PM
Gilan nods in respect to the Walker. The new halfling would be part of the pack of that he was sure...if not they would pay later for their trust.
Glancing as Gry returns he takes time to dig out a few of the roots that he has brought back. "At least we will eat good." He crunches into the root that tastes like a cross between an apple and mild onion.
Smiling to Jake he shakes his head lightly as he laughs. "Just try and go little easier on the sauce this time...I am not sure if we have enough water to put Gry out this time...though the steam rolling from his ears was funny enough." He smiles good-naturedly at Gry and Jake, while holding back more laughter.
Trellus Thursday August 28th, 2003 3:52:08 PM
The young cleric nods heartily at Gilan's comment, while taking a tasty tuber from Grymash with a wink.
"Yeah, Jake," he adds in mock sternness, "Its not like we can all go jump in the Dam this time."
"Hey Anuk, bring that stone over here. Looks like we're at the last thread today."
When Anuk breaks out the Ioun Stone, Trellus casts Bulls Strength, Shield of Faith, and Remove Fear into it.
Then, he sits down for some grub, alternately throwing questions at the Walker and the halfling.
To the Walker -- "Are the Rapke children of the Bounders, or some kind of parasite?"
To the halfling -- "So, where're ya from?"
Sterlin Thursday August 28th, 2003 6:39:02 PM
Sterlin gets his fill of scrubs. Like the barbarian, it is not the first time he has eaten the slimy things.
Sterlin looks at the welcome guest," If I am not being to intrusive, would you mind telling how you became a walker? "
Anuk Thursday August 28th, 2003 9:52:36 PM
Anuk smiles and breathes a sigh of relief as the walker sheaths his knife. When Gry reappears from the grass, Anuk realizes how hungry he is after the day's events. "Grilled grubs...been a while, but I'd eat just about anything right now."
At Trellus' prompting, Anuk produces the Ioun stone. After Trellus casts his spells into it, Anuk concentrates, and casts Pass Without Trace into it as well. When he's done, he looks up at the Pack.
"Still room for a couple more spells. Anyone?"
Jake Thursday August 28th, 2003 10:53:22 PM
Jake puts together the food and cooks everything. Everything is fried, and a thick sauce is made that is quite spicy. This is then applied lightly to everything. "Ah'd suggest eatin' some of mah bread with it," he comments as he hands out slices of bread as well. "Ah, mistah Walkah, ah was wonderin', these Barons, why don't we fight 'em directly? Or use tha planes ta? Lahk, send a stampede ta get 'em? Alsa, what is this group which we joined...? Protectors of tha Plains, ah mean. Seems we know nuttin'."
Flea d20+23=25 d20+10=21 Thursday August 28th, 2003 11:34:16 PM
At first Flea picks at her food, but her hunger gets the better of her, and in the end all the food is eaten, the last bit of sauce sopped up with a piece of Jake's good bread. "Thanks, Gry, Jake, for provisioning for us. I'll do the washing up" volunteers the gnome.
As an afterthought, she adds "If we're going to camp out here tonight, maybe the druids can fashion some of those shady domes that keep the bugs out?"
Flea collects the dishes from her pack mates, and (Hide=25) keeps a low profile around the Walker, but collects his dish too. She uses bunches of grass to scrub the simple utensils and containers clean, before handing them back to their owners.
Although the Walker instills a sense of security, Flea keeps her eyes open for anything out of the ordinary beyond their little clearing. (Search=21)
Vestrati Friday August 29th, 2003 5:22:48 AM
Settling down with the others, the first group that's accepted him for some time, Vestrati feels a little more at ease.
"Me? I'm from out in the plains as far as I know, been an orphan all my life, just doing what I can to survive, been all over the plains, but some of this stuff I'm seeing with you is completely new to me."
Dm Anthony Friday August 29th, 2003 11:14:18 AM
Looking at Jake the walker rubs his stomach and grunts.
"UMMMMMMM Piggie bits, haven't had good piggie bits in ages."
However when Gry comes back his face lights up in a huge grin. He quickly pulls out a knife and rushes over to some small sharp grasses called Scrub grass. you all know them to be slightly poisonous if stepped on and the spikes impale your skin, the effect is kin to poison ivy. Being very careful he peels back the fibers to the side leaving only the sharp stalk in the middle. Casting a quick spell a fire is started and he quickly blackens the stalks over the fire. Then he stabs the grubs and tubers onto the stalks and roasts them over the fire. The smell is delicious, and when you taste them they are delicious. Smiling he says.
"The fire neutralizes the poison and turns it into a wonderful spice."
When Trellus and Jake question him about the Rapke and the barons men he goes quiet for a moment. Quietly chewing a grub he stares of into space. It seems as if perhaps he isn't going to answer, then finally he looks up.
"It is a very wise question young one. I can see why she thinks so highly of you all. Both perceptions are correct. The plains are born from the heart of the Wold, in response to a great evil and wrong that was done. It was the Wolds way of fighting back. EVERYTHING that lives upon the grasses is connected in a most direct and intimate way. In the Wold at large all ecosystems are interconnected."
As he talks he draws with a charcoal stump on a flat blade of grass.
"Outside the plains this bird is connected to this flower." as he draws a little hump.
"This insect connected to both." he adds a loop to the humps.
"This tree to the flower, this flower to this insect." More humps, loops and swirls.
"This bush to this bird to this mouse to this bird to this fish to this beaver, to this bear, and back to this bush." The drawing is complete and looks like a flower of loops and swirls and humps making a large circle.
"Everything interconnected to something else which connects to something else, which connects it to the larger system." Looking up his eyes search all of yours for understanding. Seeing it he continues.
"Those who choose the grass dream know that here things are different." he draws a simple line circle. "Everything upon the Grass Sea and the crystal range must have everything else. A simple line connects one thing to the next. With out each proceeding thing." he rubs his finger though the line breaking the circle. "The system fails and everything dies." The Plains are a great imbalance nothing balancing the next, but only proceeding the next. Because of that those with minds have had to create balance where there is none. This is the essence of the second circle, to create balance where none existed. The Barons men strive to wipe all life off the plains but theirs. You in the past have prevented that mission. You have created a system of checks and balances, predator and prey where there was none. The raiders try to steal so that others must protect. The Climbers build so that others may re-grow. The Brotherhood attempts to reclaim the land so that the land may struggle against them. Balance where there was none." smiling again he sighs, I have done a poor job of answering your question lad, the answer is yes, they are father and child and yes they are parasites. They are what they are, and what we with minds can make them to be. We create balance where there was none."
When Sterlin asks his question the walker looks right at him and smiles almost darkly, and frighteningly. It is now that you realize up until now you have never seen his teeth. They are stained blood red. "It is a choice, like everything else in life. It is a choice an individual makes. Walkers choose to love the plains above all else and to become a part of them in a way that no other but the Manfri understand or comprehend. It is to live a double life. A life of flesh and bone and a life of wind and the gently wavering of the grass. It is a choice for each individual to make on his own.
When Flea mentions lodging for the evening the Walker shakes his head and smiles. "No my friends, I have guests so rarely I would like to have you rest in comfort this night." With that he pulls out something that looks like a wooden rod and mumbles something under his breath. A doorway appears in front of you all hung over with hide, behind the door is a vast cave made over in Manfri style, comfortable rock beds are inside and a warm fireplace. The Walker steps inside and holds the door open. "Well don't just sit there, come inside.
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