The Crying Woods (DM MikeK) Monday August 18th, 2003 8:36:28 AM
Once everyone is off the turtle and the boat, the creature bobs its head once in Gordo's direction, and flops back into the water.
Gazing back out over the lake, the party can easily see the city, some miles to the south along the shore. From this vantage point, it almost appears as if the city and the forest are touching.
Xenia, Tionel, and Florin spend some time looking at the forest (for various purposes). Its loud and its dark. The cacophony of insects, birds, and various other forms of life make it difficult to hear each other without raising your voice (or getting very close to one another).
Tionel can identify most of the flora, but its all different than what he is used to. The plants are all the wrong size or the wrong color.
Searching for firewood is fruitless. No driftwood exists on the beach itself, and nothing is lying around the immediate woodline either.
Off to the group's right are the chewed off stumps of many plants, and even trees. Looking beyond into the trees are similar examples. The gap left behind the missing foliage seems to create a haphazard pathway into the interior. These vague, meandering pathways are here and there, forming no particular pattern.
Angus d20+7=9 Monday August 18th, 2003 9:02:43 AM
After quickly changing, Angus accepts Tionel's wine in return. "Excellent vintage, I shall have to acquire some when we get back to the city. You have druidic training? Very interesting, my Mother Merri was a Druid, but I did not have the devotion, but she did teach me some herbalism skills, maybe you can contine the training, This forest looks to be an excellent classroom. We can see if we can find some girls and some St. John's Wort?"
Angus pulls out his flute and says to the group. "A little music while we travel" Angus quickly stops playing (D roll 9) and cleans the water and muck out of his silver flute and says to Tionel. "Only a hobby of mine, my real talent is inate magic."
Xenia Monday August 18th, 2003 10:49:20 AM
On second thought, the woods look entirely too spooky and filled with bugs and things. Xenia frowns at the cacophonous and forbidding woods then releases the pony tail at the back of her head. A cascade of fiery golden red ringlets flops, wet, to her armored shoulders. She pats the water from her hair with Tionel's towel, then, begins to dry her leather armor with a loving care, perhaps a bit extreme for a suit of protective clothing. The masterwork leather is well oiled and sheds the water well, but she still takes the time to run the towel over the dark surface of the leather and around the various cracks and edges.
She accepts the sorcerer's hipflask from Tionel and downs a mouthful before passing it on. "Mmm. That's nice, Angus. Could you do my back, Tionel?" she asks, holding out the towel.
"So, Big Guy," Xenia smiles over at the large monk. "Could you tell us what exactly happened here last time?"
Tionel d20+8=22 Monday August 18th, 2003 1:36:54 PM
Tionel takes the towel and gently pats down Xenia's back, not seeing anything wrong with this innocent act. Nevertheless, he faintly smiles. Then he folds up his towel and places it within a smaller pocket of his backpack with much effort. "Well, it appears those two ruffians have decided to let us search in this forest by ourselves. We probably won't see them till after this mess is over. Might as well get started, then. That broken foliage over to the right is as good a starting point as any. Keep on the lookout for...er...ghosts, or anything unusual." Tionel decides to trust to his druidic senses in this case. "I'm going to try out an experiment, I'll be right there with you."
Tionel decides to try out something...maybe this forest is unnatural? It certainly possesses that certain aura... He walks forward, exuding his confidence and a certain je ne sais quoi, that druidic power that he so rarely utilizes... Weirdly he seems to be leaving no footprint in the sand, as though he somehow steps lighter now. He walks straight forward into the dense underbrush. Normally (With the "woodland stride" ability) he would be able to proceed without effort and leave no mark through the area, unless there were magical impediments put into place. He decides it would be much more useful to find them at this point rather than later on, and after making a short search of the area around the beach for anything else weird or out of place, he joins the others at the haphazard entrance. "'Tis best to always go on a road more traveled into parts like these. It guarantees we'll run into something interesting."
[Tionel is just making sure nothing is affecting his druidic powers. He's also looking for any reasonably intelligent faeries or interesting animals. Knowledge: Nature roll of 22.]
Florin Monday August 18th, 2003 4:18:43 PM
Florin nods at the comments of his friends and uses a rag he uses more often for cleaning his sword to wipe down his armor and then checks his weapons to make sure there okay.
Other then that he listens to those speaking and what is said among the group while he wonders what unexpected problems they might run into.
Gordo Monday August 18th, 2003 4:58:38 PM
Wringing out his waistcoat Gordo scratches his mutton chop whiskers and ponders Xenia's question. "Last time? Well let's see. We rowed across, which was much less fun than that turtle ride. We wandered through the jungle for a bit, found a couple of missing lads, rescued them from a big purple people eating tree (with the help of some sort of woodland spirit; I never was too clear on that bit), captured the pony-tailed kid Torl (who later got sent to the undercity), and all got home in time for tea.
But one word of warning for those folks who haven't been here before: it gets hot in there. And there's flies, and snakes, and spikey plants and all sorts. Just so you know."
And he grins as he removes his waistcoat and tucks it into his belt, his top half bare apart from the thick curly red hair that covers much of his chest, back and arms.
"Well? No time like the present, as my old master said right before he died. Let's get going!"
Bog Monday August 18th, 2003 6:57:58 PM
BOg coughs and sputters and shakes himself. "Whooooa! Dat feilt GRETTTTTT!"
He goes up to Gordo and claps him on the shoulder, "Wall, sir? 'Ow'd ya lak da vew of mah home level? Ya got 'n op close n' personal kinna toor. Not tooo miny pipple git ta see da unders''nwater'n o' da traesh level."
He sits down on a rock near Gordo and removes a boot watching the water spill out of it and says to him, "Soooo what'd you master die of?"
Bralin Tuesday August 19th, 2003 8:54:20 AM
After making sure the turtle gets off the beach, Bralin wades into the lake and immerses himself. Getting most of the sand off, he's back in time to give Angus a quick nod of acceptance for that wine skin.
The dwarf raises the skin in to Angus, and gulps down several swallows. He lets rip with a satisfied belch, and hands the wineskin back.
"Many thanks," he declares. Then, he draws his axe, and watches Tionel enter the woods.
Not your normal woods (DM MikeK) Tuesday August 19th, 2003 8:59:13 AM
As soon as Tionel places a foot in the woods, something strange occurs. For about half a second - EVERYTHING in the jungle goes completely silent, and then starts up again as though nothing happened.
Tionel finds his woodland stride is unaffected, as he easily passes through the foliage, however he does feel, very acutely, a strange sensation.
None of his senses can identify it. He can't see anything, smell anything - but coming from somewhere is a gut feeling of shock, growing hostility, and someone or something watching.
Gordo Tuesday August 19th, 2003 4:16:30 PM
"Very cultural, Bog. Yup, a whole melting pot you got down there." grins the big man as he marches towards the treeline.
"What did my master die of? Same as everyone else, son, time. Sneaky ol' bugger is time, creeps up everything, from men to mountains."
As Tionel sets foot in the wood and all goes quiet, Gordo says "Oh yeah, an' that happened last time too. Strange, eh? There's some say this here jungle is alive, and when you set foot in it it holds its breath."
The big man grins at the others, then launches headlong into the undergrowth with no thought for silence. He crashes through the foliage like a bull in a chinashop.
Xenia Tuesday August 19th, 2003 4:32:38 PM
Xenia leans over to the dirt encrusted elf. "I think it's really sad, Bog. I ... " And she finds that she can say no more than that.
"Hey, wait up," she yells after the large monk and runs after him, trying the best she can tie her hair back again, as she follows in his wake.
Bralin Tuesday August 19th, 2003 4:49:32 PM
Bralin is dumbfounded as Gordo goes crashing through the woods.
He hurriedly trots along behind the man, axe in hand.
"Is it prudent to take no precautions?" he calls out to the monk.
Florin Tuesday August 19th, 2003 4:54:52 PM
Florin looks at the jungle and sighs inwardly as he pulls his glaive off his backpack again, "good thing this thing is made for stabbing, not sure how good slashing weapons will be in here if we get into a close area spot."
Florin moves in with the others, watching Xania run after Gordo and chuckling faintly when Gordo goes crashing into the jungle. Florin is alittle hesitant to go into the jungle though but does follow, alittle slow but making sure he keeps up as best he can even in his breastplate armor. He whispers to himself as he travels, "great...turtle ride fine, even the sewers but now I'm in a sweat box with plants." It's clear the heat and his armor is making him just abit irritated.
Angus Tuesday August 19th, 2003 5:23:14 PM
After Tionel returns Angus follows Gordo and the others into the woods attempting to put himself somewhere in the middle of the group. Angus calls out to Gordo "Did you kill or uproot that purple people eating tree you meet in here last time and are there any other creatures we need to be aware of?"
Tionel Tuesday August 19th, 2003 7:35:56 PM
Tionel is quite puzzled by the reaction of the forest. Well, it's certainly unlike anything he's used to. Shrugging, he does what he does best: stops paying attention and walks along cheerfully side the group, keeping watch on the flora and fauna for anything dangerous.
Bog Tuesday August 19th, 2003 8:11:42 PM
"Tahm, uh?" spouts BOg replacing his boot, "Dat mus' be a beeg suckar to et a hole moun'in."
He takes his staff and hurries after the jungle stompers. "Sooooo dese is plants. I never seen soch a thing a'fore lak dis."
He takes hold of the big leaves that hangs down in front of him and bites into it, chewing slightly. "Hmmmm, not moch to it."
Tough Going (DM MikeK) d20=19 Wednesday August 20th, 2003 9:15:45 AM
Gordo goes crashing through the woods, followed by Bralin, Xenia, Angus, Tionel, Florin and Bog. (Is that the marching order?)
Bog finds the particular leaf he sampled to be...well, leafy.
Forward movement rather quickly comes to a screeching halt after only 10 or 15 feet. The forest floor is choked with trees, large plants, and vines. Forward movement is difficult at best and pretty much impossible in other cases.
Gordo manages to fight through to one of the 'trails', where the going is much easier. (Movement on 'trail' is normal speed. Movement through 'forest' is one-fifth speed.)
Sounds of life come through the trees - screeching, whooping, humming, distant growls. The canopy quickly closes over the group, making the forest floor dark, hot, and really humid.
The uneasy feeling is ever present, skin prickling, hair-raising, unseen. This feeling is a general vagueness for everyone, but very acute for Tionel and anyone else who makes a Wilderness check DC 15.
Xenia d20+8=12 d20+8=25 Wednesday August 20th, 2003 4:22:25 PM
Ok. So far not so grody. Spooky and creepy, but not grody. That's livable. So far.
The young red headed half elf follows in her place up the trail with eyes and ears open for ... Well, for big purple man-eating trees at least. The sounds are unusual and the screen of foliage a clutter of visual cues the meanings of which she has not even the remotest experience deciphering.
Still, she keeps her eyes and ears open for ... well, anything that might be dangerous. Whatever that might be. Maybe better not to know. Then she'd *really* be scared.
At one point she realizes that she's following really close up behind the dwarf in front of her. In fact, she's got her hands on Bralin's shoulders. "Ooops. Sorry," she whispers. She falls back a few paces and turns her senses once again out into the gloom of the Crying Wood.
[[Listen 12 / Spot 25]] [[OOC: Marching order's fine for me.]]
Tionel d20+8=21 Thursday August 21st, 2003 12:04:41 AM
Somehow, the elf finds it not nearly as hard as the others. In fact, he finds himself more often wandering off the path and not finding himself slowed by the forest at all... but that eerie sense about everything refuses to stop bothering him! He finds himself staying close to the group, something rather unusual for him when he's distracted... Maybe it IS ghosts, he thinks to himself. That would definitely make a forest weird, if ghosts were involved in its changes... and why wouldn't ghosts be able to travel around here? it's all quite bizarre.
Bralin Thursday August 21st, 2003 8:09:22 AM
Bralin finds he needs to use his axe in several places just to help Gordo take a step.
When they get to one of the trails, he stops and points out to the monk "this way seems less tiresome."
Feeling the hands on his shoulders, he looks around to see the elf is really way too close. Nodding at her apology, he swings back around to assist Gordo.
"Mind the backswing," he adds over his shoulder, raising his axe significantly.
Angus d20+4=7 Thursday August 21st, 2003 8:52:36 AM
Angus seems to be enjoying the forest and his new found friends and his position in line. Knowing he is not built for the heavy work of pushing through the forest, he is having a time just taking care of his small pack.
Angus does take time to see if he can see any useful herbs (Herbalism check 7)during the slow periods of the trek, but obviously not too carefully.
After Xenia bumps into Bralin, Angus makes sure he does not get too close to Xenia and do the same thing. If fact the view is much better from farther back.
Angus begins to whistle a tune, enjoying himself. If the Forest reacts badly he will stop whistling.
Gordo d20+4=22 Thursday August 21st, 2003 9:43:27 AM
"Aha, the path of least resistance. Let's give this a try, eh?" says the big man upon discovering the path. And he marches cheerily along, whistling.
"Well, I've never been to big on precautions son" smiles Gordo to Bralin. "I just tend to go where I'm going. I've got there so far, so it seems to work!"
To Angus he says "Oh, that big old tree got frazzled by some sort of woodland spirit or somesuch. I daresay it was friendly, but we never really did find out."
The big man is aware that the forest has a sinister feel to it (Wis check 22), but shows no outward sign of unease.
Florin d20+2=9 d20+1=10 Thursday August 21st, 2003 4:12:37 PM
Florin moves along with the others and sighs since forests aren't his specialty but bites his lip knowing that Domi would probably be angry at his thoughts and whispers a quick prayer to Domi for forgiveness for his grumbling and to help the group out as much as he can.
Florin looks to the person infront of him and sighs abit before speaking up, "Think my longsword would be better use then my glaive in this place? The glaive makes a nice walking stick at the moment."
[Listen:9 Spot:10]
Deeper and Deeper Thursday August 21st, 2003 4:49:00 PM
And so, having accepted the task of rescuing Daphne, another ghost, and the girl Luna, our heros have ridden a turtle across the lake to the Crying Woods. Now, they bravely penentrate deeper and deeper into the unknown, searching for....something.
Gordo and Bralin lead the rest of the group down one of the winding trails. Other than leading deeper into the forest, the path seems very haphazard. Tionel notes that the path leads over an occasional tree stump that has been apparently chewed off. There is never any sign of the actual tree.
Everyone gets the feeling they're being watched, and occasionally it appears that some of the plant life is swiveling toward you, watching, following your journey. Again, this is more acute for Tionel and Gordo, but everyone feels it to some degree. This makes for a tiring journey, not because of physical exertion particularly, because seemingly everyone has had to be constantly on their guard.
Angus' whistling seems to have no affect of the forest. His quick scans of the plant life find no interesting herbs, but maybe thats because he's spending too much time on other...uh...sightseeing.
Xenia d20+8=23 d20+8=22 d20+4=18 Thursday August 21st, 2003 7:07:02 PM
Xenia is not tremendously happy. Being scared is not much fun. That is to say, this is not really a good kind of "scared" and she's not liking it much. It's hot too. And she can feel her armor chaffing at the top of her thighs and behind her knees.
But she's decided that she's going to stick it out. She sets her mouth in a firm line of determination and sets her mind to moving through this forest as quietly and gracefully as possible.
[[ Spot 23 / Listen 22 / General DEX 18 ]]
Bralin Thursday August 21st, 2003 9:51:38 PM
"Its too loud," Bralin complains, as the forest noises continue incessantly. It is possibly the first time he's said something not completely necessary as part of this group, and ample evidence that his nerves are on edge.
The nervous dwarf constantly swings his head right and left, searching for some tangible enemy that just isn't there.
Increasingly agitated, he follows Gordo, gripping and regripping his large axe.
Tionel d20+8=15 d20+10=29 Friday August 22nd, 2003 2:51:23 AM
Tionel emerges from the underbush near Bralin enough to comment, "Ah, you'll get used to the flies and mosquitoes, and then it's just the crocodiles, birds, and other animals you'll hear. I'd suggest keeping your hand away from your axe, too, as most forests don't like them..." With that, he disappears again into the brush, looking about for any signs of nature's peculiarities...taht is, something that doesn't fit into this whole pattern. Hmmm...ghost plants? Tionel wonders. (Knowledge: Nature 15, Wilderness Lore/Survival check: 29)
Bog Friday August 22nd, 2003 7:40:27 AM
Bog warbles to pass the time, "Wolla mi'nit rainy nit hobin oldin keepn olba time. n'; ah kip a rooooooooooooooooooooooolin. ooooooooooooooooh ahm dravin mah leef awea luk'in' fer a better wiy fooooo' me."
Angus Friday August 22nd, 2003 8:32:23 AM
Angus keeps following along with the others and finally stops his whistling and suggests. "I want to lighten my pack some; who wants some water. Bralin, Gordo, you seem to be doing the heavy work want a short break? I have a question, who or what would take Daphne to this forest and why, any ideas? Could we be barking up the wrong tree...."
Gordo Friday August 22nd, 2003 12:10:32 PM
Glancing back Gordo grins at Angus "Water? Good idea son."
As he stops to take his turn he smiles "No-one ever got anyplace by standing still. Then again, no matter how far or how fast you run, you're still in the place that you are, so who's to say what's right? One thing's for sure, and that's that nothing's certain."
He takes a swig, passes the water to the next person that wants it. When they are done he scratches his ear nd says "Well, I don't know why a ghost might end up getting dragged off to a wood like this. But then I don't know a whole lot of things. Don't mean I can't go take a look see though!" And whistling to himself he continues to stomp along the trail, heading deeper into the mysterious forest.
Yikes! (DM MikeK) d12=12 d20+5=7 d20+5=9 d20+5=20 d20+5=16 d20+5=14 d20+5=14 d20+5=20 d20+7=22 d20+7=24 d20+7=22 d20+7=11 d20+7=11 d20+7=24 d20+7=15 d6+3=5 d6+3=9 d6+3=5 d6+3=4 d6+3=7 d6+3=7 d6+3=7 Friday August 22nd, 2003 4:41:53 PM
Tionel can't find ANYTHING that he would consider familiar. The forest is totally foreign, new plants, new trees, new insects, its just new.
The feeling of unease and anger, of being watched, continues to batter the druid's psyche. And yet, despite all this, there is no one thing he can pinpoint as truly evil or out of place.
Then, without warning - what look like long thick vines snap down as fast as whips from branches about 40ft high. One of them has quickly wrapped itself around Xenia and is trying to pull her up into the air. Its not the only one either - others attempt to ensnare the entire group!
Vines Attack -
Gordo hitting AC 7 Grapple check 22 Bralin hitting AC 9 Grapple check 24 Xenia hitting AC 20 Grapple check 22 Angus hitting AC 16 Grapple check 11 Tionel hitting AC 14 Grapple check 11 Bog hitting AC 14 Grapple check 24 Florin hitting AC 20 Grapple check 15
This is something completely new - totally unexpected, therefore catching the group flatfooted.
If the vine successfully hit - make a grapple check against the vine. Fail the grapple check and you are hoisted 20 feet up into the air, succeed and you wriggle free. If hit and grappled - the vine begins to strangle and squeeze the life out of you, taking the following damage.
Roll 1d4 to determine how many limbs are pinned (1,2 legs, then arms 3,4) This will affect your attack. One arm free - one weapon, etc. Dex penalty -2
Party's turn.
Florin d20+6=23 Friday August 22nd, 2003 11:19:09 PM
Florin growls as the vines grab him and the others but is glad to wiggle his way free from them, dropping his glaive in the process.
When Florin hits the ground he frown and grabs his longsword out and readies himself to attack, as he does he grumbles to himself, "figures, heat and angry plant life."
[Grapple check:23, I figured pulling his longsword would take a full round so let mek now if I needed to make a attack also or if I was wrong.]
(MikeK says - drawing weapon is a move equivalent action, so swing that sucker!)
Xenia d20+4=23 d20+6=19 Saturday August 23rd, 2003 3:47:07 AM
For having made such a ruckus before, the red-headed half elf is surprisingly silent as she spins just beyond the reach of a darting vine and dives in the direction of the armored dwarf. When she rolls to her feet, the quiet slide of metal brings her short sword to her hand.
[[Grapple check 23 / Tumble 19 / likewise with Florin on the attack. Do we get one?]]
Angus d20=18 Saturday August 23rd, 2003 12:49:53 PM
Angus wiggles free of the vine and seems amazed that he preformed a feat of strenght (grapple 18). If time permits, Angus will cast Mage Armor on himself.
Angus mutters to himself. "Mom would not be pleased, Bad Plant, Bad...."
Bralin (AC 17) d20+8=13 d10+4=11 Saturday August 23rd, 2003 3:54:16 PM
Finally! Something to swing at!
Bralin sidesteps the questing vine and gives a quick sidechop with his axe.
hit ac 13 for 11 hp
Tionel d20+4=11 d20+1=3 d20+1=17 d20+3=23 d20+3=11 d4=4 d4=2 Saturday August 23rd, 2003 4:40:07 PM
(Tie goes to defender, right?) Tionel barely manages to shrug himself out of the grapple. He fumbles through his words (Concentration check 3 :P), his mind faltering at this attack and the pure wrongness of being attacked by a plant! After all, plants are usually his friends. He channels his annoyance at this affront into steady words, "Neima Ignum Fatus...!" (Spending a hero point to redo the concentration check and succeeded :) )
Knowing any plant's weakness, and trusting that this will discourage the giant fauna from attacking them further, Tionel brings into being a small fire elemental that immediately flares and attacks.
(It appears 35 feet away, and moves to attack the base of the creature, floating closer to attack. It hits AC 23, critical potentially, but no, only an 11, and does 4 points of slam damage, plus 2 points of fire damage, and ignites stuff maybe)
That aughta teach this nasty mean forest, Tionel thinks to himself. Then immediately regrets it, as he starts thinking, well, it isn't that bad of a forest, i mean, it's only natural to eat people, but, still, it's all weird and stuff... This internal debate continues on till the creature's next action, probably.
Bog [7 damage] d20=10 Sunday August 24th, 2003 3:49:06 AM
Bog starts to launch into the second verse of his song when he is launched twenty feet into the air. The vines wriggle and wrangle about him. He struggles and tries to fight but his arms soon are pinned to his body and he is unable to move them. No sound save some painful grunts come from his mouth as the vine has also wrapped around his neck and begins crushing his windpipe. His face starts turning the color of his robe. He desperately tries to squirm out.
Gordo d20+6=26 d20+9=23 d8+2=9 Sunday August 24th, 2003 7:40:19 AM
As the vines snake down to wrap around his throat the big man spots their movement from the corner of his eye, and moves aside. The vine coils around thin air.
But the big man is not content to let it go at that. He grabs at the vine, and with a fierce, almost joyfull yell tries to yank it down with all his strength (Hit AC 26, Grapple 23, 9 HP damage if grapple succeeds. No AoO: Improved Grapple feat).
Vine attack rd 2 (MikeK) d20+7=26 d20+5=25 d20+5=21 d20+5=7 d20+5=22 d20+5=9 d20+5=11 d20+7=21 d20+7=25 d20+7=19 d20+7=21 d20+7=12 d20+7=15 d20+7=18 d6+3=4 d6+3=8 d6+3=5 d6+3=8 d6+3=4 d6+3=7 d6+3=4 d6+3=4 d4=2 Monday August 25th, 2003 11:44:13 AM
Bog is quickly hoisted some 20' into the air, the vine (V6) wrapping around both his legs and squeezing painfully. (Bog's arms are free to do something this round)
Gordo turns the tables, grabbing V1 and giving a tremendous heave. But the vine twists violently out of his grasp (grapple 26) before he can really get a grip.
Bralin misses V2.
Florin escapes V7 (take a swing)
Xenia escapes V3 (take a swing)
Angus escapes V4 and coats himself in MAGE ARMOR.
Tionel escapes V5 and summons a fire elemental, which quickly floats over and connects with the whipping vine, browning it considerably.
--- The vines continue to attack.
V1 attacks Gordo hitting AC 25 Grapple check 21 V2 attacks Bralin hitting AC 21 Grapple check 25 V3 attacks Xenia hitting AC 7 Grapple check 19 V4 attacks Angus hitting AC 22 Grapple check 21 V5 twists around the elemental, tyring to get at Tionel. It attacks Tionel hitting AC 9 Grapple check 12 V6 twists around the trapped Bog, trying to wrap around his neck - Grapple check 15 to escape. V7 attacks Florin hitting AC 11 Grapple check 18
Again, if both hit and grapple succeed, then Gordo takes 4hp damage Bralin takes 8hp damage Xenia takes 8hp damage Angus takes 4hp damage Tionel takes 7hp damage Bog takes 4hp damage Florin takes 4hp damage
If grappled, roll a d4 to determine which of your limbs are pinned 1=one leg 2=both legs 3=one arm 4=both arms
(Vines have AC of 15. Florin and Xenia both get an attack as part of rd 1. Bog also gets an attack - needs to make concentration check v DC 17 to cast a spell)
Gordo HP 33 AC 17 d20+9=23 d20+4=24 d20+9=14 d8+2=9 Monday August 25th, 2003 3:58:59 PM
"By the Hairy Hands of Domi!" roars the big man as he wrestles with the animated plant. "You're pretty tough for a vegetable!"
The big man evades the snaking coils once more, then attempts the same tactic again (flurry, AC 24 first hit, Grapple 14, damage 9).
Gordo looks like he's having the time of his life.
Angus d20=1 d4=4 Monday August 25th, 2003 5:20:07 PM
Angus seems pleased with himself on how quickly he was able to cast his mage armor. Unfortunatley, his pleased expression is replaced by shock as the vine deftly and very tightly wraps Angus around the middle pinning both arms to his side. Angus screams "HELP" and wiggles futilely, seemingly unable to even reach the daggar in his thigh scabbard.
In his panic, Angus is sure the vine is purple....
Angus will attempt to steady himself and see if he thinks he can consider casting a spell or try again for the daggar.
Bog [11 damage] d20=3 d20+2=12 d4=4 d20+3=4 Monday August 25th, 2003 7:14:40 PM
Bog is flailed around in the vines as they now snake to his legs and he is held upside down. People below him are showered with change, spell components and items from his backpack. Bog's staff slips out. He tries to catch it but he is being thrashed around so much that it goes tumbling down to the ground. As Bog flails to grab it, the vines snake up and pin his arms again and squeeze.
A large grey rat pokes its head out of Bog's collar, then skitters around his neck and tries to bite the vine. It misses.
[OOC: Don't forget about the assassin vine's Constrict ability.]
Xenia HP13 AC17 d20+2=10 d20+4=24 d20+2=21 d6=3 d6=6 Monday August 25th, 2003 8:16:53 PM
Bright steel jumps from Xenia's sheath and continues on in an arc toward the whipping vine. She lunges into the strike, low to the ground, but cleaves only air as the vine recoils from it's missed attempt.
Bounding back with lightening speed, the vine thrashes at the ground in a paroxismal frenzy. Alexandria drops to the ground from her over-extended lunge, and rolls to the side to avoid being caught up in the coils of the thrashing vine, then quickly rolls back, slamming the edge of her blade down upon the planty horror.
[[1st strike DC10 vs AC20 / Grapple check 24 vs 19 / 2nd strike DV 21 vs AC9 - Damage:Critical d6=3+d6=6 = 9]]
Bralin d20+6=15 d4=3 d20+8=21 d10+4=5 Monday August 25th, 2003 8:55:14 PM
Bralin's clumsy swing leaves him wide open. The vine wraps around his neck and shield arm, yanking him into the sky.
He tries to break free, but to no avail. (grapple 15)
Frantically, he swings his axe at the cursed weed. (Hit ac 21 for 5 hp)
Florin-HP31-AC14 d20+8=25 d20+8=28 d8+3=5 d8+3=11 Monday August 25th, 2003 10:01:26 PM
Florin is smiles to himself mainly as he moves quick enough to get out of the way of the vines grab for him and quickly slashes at the vine as it attacks him. When he sees Gordo he also calls out to him, "you handling yourself there friend?"
[Hit AC:25 on 1st attack and did 5 points of damage. Hit AC:28 on 2nd attack and did 11 points of damage]
(OOC:Just a quick comment, can you email me and tell me who all I need to send my 3.5 charactersheet to? I have it ready to be looked at I hope. Thanks.)
Tionel d20+4=24 d20+4=12 d8+1=6 d20+3=20 d4=2 d4=4 Tuesday August 26th, 2003 5:03:35 AM
Tionel moves adroitly out of the way of the vines as they search for him. Then, he brings his quarterstaff out in a slam against it. "Take that, you wicked weed!" Then he ponders how unoriginal that sounded. "I mean, you verminous vines!" Still bad, he thinks to himself. "Perficious plantform?"
(nat 20! But didn't reach the critical threat, only AC 12. Did 6 damage to it.)
Meanwhile, his summoned elemental slams violently into the vine again. (Hit AC 20, did 2 damage slamming, 4 damage burninating the countryside)
Syr (HP 47, AC 18) d20+7=24 d8+5=13 Tuesday August 26th, 2003 3:01:11 PM
The elf joins up with the others slightly out of breath. He looks on a few moments recognizing his friends struggling with the plant. Pausing for a second over the new faces, he decides to help a familiar face. "What in the name of Domi is going on here? Bog! This plant must not be too bright if it wants you..."
He runs to where Bog is and strikes the vine with a hand (AC 24, damage 13).
Vine attack - rd3 (DM MikeK) d20+7=20 d20+7=27 d20+5=14 d20+7=12 d20+7=15 d20+7=11 d6+3=7 d6+3=6 d6+3=9 d6+3=4 Tuesday August 26th, 2003 4:18:24 PM
Gordo rips free again, and again grabs V1. And again, the vine returns the favor by pulling free of the monk. (grapple 20)
Bralin is hoisted into the air. He manages to connect with his axe, but cannot cut through the rope like tentacle.
Xenia nearly chops through V3, but its still wiggling toward her.
Angus is pinned and pulled skyward.
Tionel hacks and the elemental burns, and the sliced up, browned remains of V5 flops to the earth.
Bog can't get his spell off, and continues to get squeezed.
Florin hacks through V7, and it falls in a heap to the ground.
Syr appears, seemingly from nowhere, and tries to help Bog. But the elf is too high up in the air (20' up), so Syr decides to help the next familiar face, and kills the vine assaulting Gordo. --- The vines continue to attack.
V2 tightens on Bralin Grapple check 27 V3 attacks Xenia hitting AC 14 Grapple check 12 V4 tightens on Angus Grapple check 15 V6 tightens on Bog - Grapple check 11
Angus d20=2 d4=4 Tuesday August 26th, 2003 5:12:15 PM
Angus is not doing well in the physical battle with the vine. Dispite or in spite of the Angus's poor attempt to wiggle free of the vine it rewraps his middle.
All that is heard from Angus is " Arhgggg....." and then nothing as he goes limp and the vine wraps around his head.
Bog [19 damage] d4=3 d20+1=15 2d6(5+3)=8 Tuesday August 26th, 2003 6:54:03 PM
Bog stares down and catches Syr's eye. He barely has the strength left to smile but manages a little grin. As the vine snakes again, it accidentally leaves an opening and only manages to wrap around one arm. BOg seizes the opportunity to throw all of his weight to the other side. *POP* Bog pops out of the vine's embrace and falls 20 feet below. *THUD* [8 damage from the fall]
His eyes close and his breathing gets more shallow. Then his eyes open again as he stares up at the vines. Then shouts "Catch Angus!" and entones something magical, moving his hands about and points at Angus. With the final word of his spell he casts Grease on Angus' outer clothing.
[If the vine was already dropping Angus, then cast on Bralin instead. Check out final paragraph of Grease spell for determine bonuses/penalties for grapples and judge how you wish.]
After completing the spell, BOg collapses back onto the ground and is silent.
Xenia d20+2=12 d20+2=12 Tuesday August 26th, 2003 7:32:41 PM
The wounded vine flips a length of coil towards the Xenia's face and the half-elf flinches, barely cutting upward in time to deflect the nightmare narcissus to the side.
Bralin d20+6=14 d4=4 Tuesday August 26th, 2003 10:02:38 PM
Bralin cannot break free of the vine's grip.
Struggling mightily, all the dwarf accomplishes is getting himself completely wrapped up in the entwining ropelike plant.
Roaring savagely, the dwarf continues to flex and turn.
Tionel d20+3=21 d4+1=4 d20+3=21 d4=2 d4=4 Wednesday August 27th, 2003 12:51:15 AM
"Ignus, attack that one!" Tionel orders while pointing at the one holding Angus, drawing a dagger with one hand and tossing it quickly at the same one. He aims quite a bit farther up the vine than where Angus is.
(took a -2 range penalty to hit, hit AC 21. Did 4 damage to the vine with my dagger.)
The little fire elemental moves to attack the vine at its closest point, probably near the base. (Hit AC 21 with the elemental, did 2 slamming damage, 4 burning damage.)
Tionel glances to Bog, thinking he'll go help the weakened wizard as soon as he can.
Gordo d20+2=21 Wednesday August 27th, 2003 10:00:34 AM
As the vine he was struggling with goes limp as a result of Syr's mighty blow the big man's face falls. "Aaaaw..." Then he spots Syr and his face brightens again. "Hello there son, you're just in time to join the party..."
Then he hears Bog's cry, and races off to position himself beneath Angus and his vine. "Just let yourself drop, son!" he calls up to the limp figure up above.
(OOC: Not sure about this: Str check to catch him? If so 21).
Syr d20+7=15 d20+7=25 2d8(4+2)+10=16 Wednesday August 27th, 2003 11:44:37 AM
Syr moves to one of the few remaining people he can help, the female stranger. With a quick combinations of jabs, he hits the vine twice (AC 15,25 and damage of 16).
Backing off he asks a question, "Guys, real quick... why are we fighting a plant?"
Vines Attack rd4 (DM MikeK) d20+1=12 d6=1 d20+7=10 d20+5=6 d6+3=5 Wednesday August 27th, 2003 4:10:54 PM
Bog gets free of the vine and falls to the earth, landing on the soft ground (first 5 pts from fall are subdual). He manages to casts a spell on V4, and Angus slips through the greased coils and plummets into Gordo, who breaks his fall (1 hp subdual damage to both Angus and Gordo)
Meanwhile, Tionel and his elemental hack and burn V4 until its browned remains flop to the earth.
Bralin gets squeezed.
Xenia misses V3, but Syr steps up to finish it off.
--- The remaining two vines continue to attack.
V2 tightens on Bralin Grapple check 10 V6 attacks Tionel but misses (nat 1)
If grapple succeeds, then
Bralin takes 5hp damage
If grappled, roll a d4 to determine which of your limbs are pinned 1=one leg 2=both legs 3=one arm 4=both arms
Tionel d20+4=5 d20+3=16 d4=2 d4=1 Wednesday August 27th, 2003 4:51:27 PM
"I dunno, but this is one tough tomatoe! It's just plum hard to weed this thing out! If we go to the root of the problem, we ought to find the fruit of wisdom, though. I know 'cause I heard it on the grapevine." So saying, Tionel brings his quarterstaff around at the vine attacking him, missing as badly as his puns. The fire elemental swooshes back to help his master, attempting to slam into the vine, then disappearing in a poof as the spell ends. (The elemental hit AC 16, did 2 bashing, 1 fire damage.)
Angus Wednesday August 27th, 2003 7:13:08 PM
Angus looks ashen, squished, and completed disheveled as he is caught by Gordo and slips slowly to the soft ground due to his greased clothing. Angus is conscious would not be happy with his appearence.
At first glance, Gordo is not sure Angus is even breathing.
Xenia d20+7=20 d4=1 Wednesday August 27th, 2003 8:05:54 PM
Xenia gives the newcomer a look of complete and utter incredulity.
"I would have gotten it. I would have. Really."
"No, actually, I wouldn't have. I was afraid I was going to have to hack at that thing all day. I was so scared I almost pee-ed my pants. Thanks," she says dropping her sword for the sling in her belt. "My name's Xenia. Aaaaaah!" She lets a sling bullet fly at the vine dangling the dwarf.
"What's yours?"
[[AC 20 if hit did 1HP damage.]]
Bralin d20+6=26 Wednesday August 27th, 2003 10:12:21 PM
With a roar, the dwarf finally rips free of the vine. (nat 20)
He plummets like a rock to the forest floor, bellowing all the while.
Bog Thursday August 28th, 2003 1:29:50 AM
The warm wind blows over the group and sprinkles handfuls of leaves down upon the mage. He lies there unconscious, although not bleeding, a large bump forming on his head and a future headache preparing itself for when he wakes up.
Florin-HP31-AC16(Added shield) Thursday August 28th, 2003 2:17:42 AM
Florin seeing only one vine close to the ground and figureing it is being handled by the others of the group, so he quickly moves towards Bralin and steps infront of him just incase the dwarf didn't land on his feet or is bad enough injured. Florin readies himself for any attack made and all the while pulls his large steel shield from his pack so he can defend easier and readies his sword, "Are you okay Bralin?"
Once Florin notices Syr he smiles and calls over to the man, "Hello Syr, thank Domi you showedup since this stupid plant seems to of taken a dislike to us."
(OOC:Sorry for not making a post during R3. You know Florin, all talk and no action :) )
Gordo d8+1=4 Thursday August 28th, 2003 2:38:47 AM
The big man looks down at the still form of Angus. "This lad don't look too clever" he rumbles to himself as a takes a potion from his belt and pours it down Angus' throat (CLW, 4 HP healed).
Syr d20+9=10 Thursday August 28th, 2003 1:14:21 PM
The elf grins at winks at Xenia's comments. "I'm Syrdeth but most of these guys call me Syr."
Upon hearing Tionel's puns he groans and shies away from helping the elf. As he turns to Bralin, he notices others in the group are already there. With a sigh, he charges off to aid Tionel mummbling to himself, "pleaseletthe vine gethimaround theneck."
He makes another flying kick similar to the one in the bar and even subconciously ducks his head to avoid any low hanging objects but still ends up with the same result (natural 1). Landing on his knees, he spins around ready for an attack.
Vines Attack rd 5 (DM MikeK) Thursday August 28th, 2003 3:41:46 PM
Tionel misses, and his elemental manages only to graze V6. Syr also cannot connect.
Xenia just grazes V2.
Bralin breaks free and falls to the ground (3hp subdual and 5 hp damage from the fall).
Gordo helps Angus.
Florin moves over to help Bralin.
Bog lies there.
The remaining two vines continue to attack.
V2 attacks Florin, hitting AC 22 Grapple check 14. Note - Florin gets an attack first due to his ready action. V6 attacks Tionel, hitting AC 19 Grapple check 20.
If grapple succeeds, then Florin takes 4hp damage Tionel takes 4hp damage
If grappled, roll a d4 to determine which of your limbs are pinned 1=one leg 2=both legs 3=one arm 4=both arms
(OOC - I'm out of town tomorrow, so I won't be posting. I will try to get one out Sunday pm or Monday am.)
Xenia Thursday August 28th, 2003 8:33:27 PM
The recently self-introduced elf, Syrdeth leaps with power and grace into the air. He soars through the intervening space and executes a smart and well timed maneuver that sends him plummeting earthward to his knees.
Xenia blinks twice, shakes her head, and gives a mental shrug.
And then, for the first time she sees beyond her little sphere of conflict. Not only is Bralin thumped heavily to a heap upon the ground, but Tionel is wrapped in coils of planty death, and Angus in the care of Gordo, lays out limp and looking very much like Bog who lies crumpled on the path further down.
"Oh framelford," the dark half-elf says, concern reflected in her eyes. She rushes over to the still form of Angus lying next to the large bare-chested monk. "Oh no," she says as she clears gloppy oil from his eyes, nose, and mouth. "Oh no," she says as she reaches to the pack on her back. "Oh no, she says starting over to Bog on her hands and knees.
She stops and flaps her hands for a fraction of a moment. "Gordo, I bought this back in the city. Should I give it to Bog?" she asks and holds up a potion of cure critical wounds.
Tionel d20+4=12 d4=1 d20+4=6 Thursday August 28th, 2003 10:49:20 PM
Tionel is finally snagged by that annoying vine and yelps as he's lifted into the air. "I hate heights!" he shouts, and swings his staff at the vine vehemently, missing it by a mile.
Angus Friday August 29th, 2003 8:42:20 AM
Angus gets to his knees every unsettled. "Gordo thanks, I needed that. I'll be OK for now, see if you can help the others"
Angus takes in the scene as he attempts to wipe grease of his cloths and body. "Time to buy new cloths, one set wet and the other greased, oh well."
Angus readies a spell upon seeing Tionel being swung by the vine.
Florin d20+8=19 d8+3=10 d20+6=19 Friday August 29th, 2003 8:01:48 PM
Florin waits till the vine is close enough and swings his longsword quickly in as hard of a chop as he can while guarding Bralin as best as he can, "Are you alright Bralin, hold on till this vine is dealt with and I'll see what i can do about your injuries."
If the vine is still alive after his attack he lets out a small curse to himself for being grabbed by the vine but is able to wiggle out of the grip, and is happy to still be holding his shield and sword.
(Hit AC:19 Damage:10. Grapple check:19)
Gordo Sunday August 31st, 2003 2:46:16 AM
"I'd hold yer horses a second, lass. That's a pretty potent potion." says Gordo as Xenia suggests using her potion. "Let's just see if Bralin's OK first. If he's OK he should be able to heal Bog. And if he's out cold he's the one we need to heal first, so that he can heal others. Bralin, son! Are you OK over there?"
He stands and positions himself under the precariously dangling Tionel, ready to catch him in case one of the others is able to destroy the vine suspending him.
Syr d20+7=18 d8+5=6 d8+1=7 Monday September 1st, 2003 1:10:02 PM
Syr looks helplessly at the dangling Tionel. Instead he moves over to help Florin. If the vine is still alive, he makes one chopping attack at it. (Attack 18, damage 6).
If the vine is unmoving then he moves over to Bralin getting a small potion from his bag in the process. If the dwarf is unconcious, he administers it (heal 7) otherwise he just helps the Dwarf get up. "Are you alright there, Grumpy?"
Bralin d8+2=8 Monday September 1st, 2003 3:17:42 PM
Bralin rolls to one side as Florin engages the vine.
"I am fine," he replies shortly to the numerous questions about his health.
The dwarf quickly crosses Bog and casts CURE LIGHT WOUNDS on the fallen mage. (healed 8 hp)
No vines left (DM MikeK) d20+3=20 d4+2=6 d4+1=5 d6=3 d6=3 Monday September 1st, 2003 3:22:25 PM
Florin swings on the descending vine and slices it through before it can reach him.
Tionel is yanked up into the air, followed by the fire elemental, which fries the plantlife(ac20, 6 bash, 5 fire). Tionel then falls back to earth (3hp subdual and 3hp damage).
Bralin heals Bog.
Everyone else looks around for some more vines, but there don't appear to be any...for the moment.
Gordo Monday September 1st, 2003 4:46:40 PM
"Well, that was quite a workout!" grins the big man, as the party lick their wounds. He peers into the undergrowth curiously, slapping random bits of inanimate foliage just to make sure.
"So, are we set to carry on, or do folks need to heal up a little first?"
(OOC: Mike, Gordo was positioned to try to catch Tionel last post. Shouldn't he take a bit less damage if Gordo's catch succeeds?)
Xenia Monday September 1st, 2003 7:25:04 PM
"I'm ok," Xenia answers in a small kind of scared kind of un-sorted-out sort of voice.
Most everyone else looks kind of awful. Ok and all, but awful. Especially Angus, and she feels kind of sorry for him. She wishes she had some kind of magic to help him clean up, but that's just not the kind of girl she is.
Xenia looks at the potion in her hand. Maybe she ought to have bought something else. She reaches behind and stuffs a hand into a pouch and the potion is gone. Standing up she walks up the trail collecting the things she dropped during the fight. Sling. Short sword. Yeah, that's it. She sees a bit of that vine that attacked her. They all look a like, but she just knows that this is the one that came after her and she gives it a little kick.
She sees Tionel and runs over to help him to his feet. "You ok?" she asks. "I think Angus might need to borrow a towel again."
Angus d8+1=9 Monday September 1st, 2003 11:19:09 PM
Angus stands, but is unsteady. "Well that was not what I call fun."
Angus scans and searches for any lost items, but does not seem to have lost any since the vine pined and squished him so effectively.
Angus pulls his dishevled pack off and takes his wet cloths out of his backpack. "Wet cloths are better than greased ones. Xenia if you do not mind turning around while I change. I do not want to go behind a bush or a tree at this point."
After Angus gingerly changes cloths he turns to Gordo and Bralin. "I am not up for travel in my current condition, not if meet any more of this plant life. Bralin if you could cure me, I would be deeply greatful and I am sure I can travel if not, I have a potion that should bring me up to snuff."
However Angus is cured (his CLW potion if used 9), his mood improves he starts to whistle and pick vegetable matter out of his flute and says "Lets go find some females..."
Tionel d20+6=11 d20+6=7 Tuesday September 2nd, 2003 1:59:02 AM
Tionel stands up gingerly with Xenia's help, one hand using his staff, the other her shoulder to steady himself... He looks at himself and tests his muscles. "Hah...only slightly the worse for wear." (Only down 7 hp, plus 3 subdual, so have 24 hp left). He looks around through the bushes. He cannot for the life of him find his hat...and it was such a magnificent shade of verdant green! He sighs as he opens his pack and tosses a towel to Angus, then takes a long pull from one of his wineskins. Slouching on his staff, he examines the others. Everyone seems okay, so he decides to hold his healing abilities for reserve. "Well, if we've discovered one thing, it's that the plants here aren't particularly conducive to outsiders. I think we should continue, and hurry..before nature decides to oust us all together." He thinks about that bush...anything about it familiar? (Nature knowledge check 11 :P) "We'd better continue on, I suppose." He keeps the wineskin out and takes another sip, then holsters it at his side. Can't hurt to have it handy, he thinks to himself.
Bralin d8+1=5 d8+1=5 d8+1=5 d8+1=3 d8+1=2 d8+1=5 Tuesday September 2nd, 2003 9:50:17 AM
Bralin pulls out a wand and taps Bog with it (Cure Light Wounds = 5 hp).
"I have a healing wand," he says to the group. "We should retreat a hundred paces to heal, lest more vines emerge."
"I believe Tionel has a healing wand, as well," he adds pointedly.
The dwarf helps Bog back down the trail, and gets to work with the wand. Bog - 5 more Bralin - 5, 3, 5 (re-rolled the 1)
Florin Tuesday September 2nd, 2003 11:31:27 AM
Florin nods and smiles when he sees Bralin stand, "Glad to see your okay friend, thought you might like some assistence." Florin keeps his sword ready and finds his glaive, attaching it to his backpack this time.
Florin thinks of his lay on hands ability but decides that he will refrain from using it at the moment just incase it's needed later on, this is unless he is asked by someone to heal them. Florin glances to the vines once more and sighs abit before turning to follow the group, "Since we are merely moving to abit to find a spot to heal, maybe I should take to the front." Florin smiles, only making the suggestion do to him not being injured. While waiting he does stick his longsword in the ground long enough to polish the front of his shield off with the oily rag he uses to clean his sword and armor, making sure the front is as clean as he can get it for now and the anival and hammer of Domi's sign is clean.
Syr d20+6=17 Tuesday September 2nd, 2003 1:16:31 PM
As everyone is evacuating to a safe place, Syr moves toward the the dead vine. "Hey Tionel." he calls out, "I wonder how it 'saw' us? Plants don't have eyes."
He moves amoung the dead 'limbs' searching for anything unique. (Spot 17) Assuming he finds nothing he rejoins the others.
Bog [5 subdual 4 real damage left] Tuesday September 2nd, 2003 8:02:43 PM
Bog sits up and looks around after being tapped with the wand. "Hmmmph. E'gess 'ey din't lahk mah singin."
He allows Bralin to help him down the trail with many "oofs" and "ughs" along the way and gets healed a bit more.
"Brahl'n, jes wot we doin' ut har now? Les jes go home."
Healing Time (DM MikeK) Tuesday September 2nd, 2003 9:03:35 PM
Gordo broke Tionel's fall, so its 3hp subdual each.
Niether Syr nor Tionel find/learn anything useful.
Most of the party straggles back to Bralin and Bog.
Nothing nasty pops out of the forest. The angry, omnipresent feel of the wood intrudes upon the group's psyche again. Upon reflection, it had never wavered during the attack, its just you were too busy to worry about it.
You probably have time to recover a bit...
Tionel d8+1=4 d8+1=2 d8+1=3 d20+6=21 d20+6=22 d20+6=20 d20+10=30 Tuesday September 2nd, 2003 10:57:22 PM
Tionel applies a zap of the wand to himself, and looks to Gordo if he wants one. (I will give him if he wants one) Then he looks around and gives anybody else who needs it a zap, including Bog. (4 to himself, 5 to Bog after two zaps :P). Then he mumbles some words, rubbing his walking staff. "Just in case..." (Cast Shillelagh.) Then, taking some mistletoe, he gently rubs it over his shoulders, mumbling more... (Barkskin). Feeling ready to take on anything, he saves the rest of his spells and hefts his stick. (Spot DC 21, Listen 22 for anything out of the ordinary, Know: Nature 20, survival DC 30.)
Syr Wednesday September 3rd, 2003 3:32:26 AM
Seeing that his meager skills won't help anyone get healthy, the elf moves up beside Gordo and asks, "Can you fill me in real fast on what's going on?"
With a sigh he shakes his head, "I remember the fight in the bar, then being kidnapped aboard a ship, seeing you guys being pulled by a turtle, escaping and swimming to shore, and now following you here."
Looking trustingly at the big man, "First of all, WHERE are we? And secondly, WHAT are we doing here?"
Xenia Wednesday September 3rd, 2003 8:37:27 AM
Xenia resists the urge to wring her hands as she trails along beside the others. This is not at all what she had in mind. This isn't even what you'd call a well run operation even! Blunder in without knowing dirt one about what you're stepping into! Her father wouldn't have taken this job.
The staring dark of the forest looks over her shoulder and into her thoughts. And she has to clamp down on herself to muster the will to turn slowly around and show herself there's really nothing there. There isn't, but maybe Bog's right. Maybe he doesn't have such a bad idea. Go back. Have a hot bath. Some waffles with cream.
Then the new guy's voice breaks into her private little fearings, and she remembers why they're here. This isn't just some contract job. They're here to rescue Daphne. And so what if she's scared. It's alright to be scared. "Only the fool and those who've given up on life aren't scared somewhere down inside, Little Xenia," her father used to say.
Xenia's eyes narrow and her mouth firms into a hard line. "To Hell with you," she whispers from between gritted teeth. "To Hell with you," she shakes a little fist against the walls of foliage that surround them. "We'll find her," she says. "We'll find Daphne and we'll bring her back."
Angus Wednesday September 3rd, 2003 10:34:53 AM
Angus looks and acts significantly more upbeat since changing into his wet blue and red pants and shirt. Angus tosses the empty potion aside and walks over to Gordo.
"Any change in tactics for our second attempt at the forest?"
Angus also introduces himself to the new elf in elvish "Hello friend elf, very timely assistance, thank you. My name is Angus and I understand you go by the name Syr."
Bralin d8+1=3 d8+1=5 Wednesday September 3rd, 2003 11:09:10 AM
Bralin taps himself twice more, and seeing Tionel has taken care of the rest, stows his wand.
"Well met, Syr," he pronounces, nodding to the elf.
To Bog, the dwarf replies, "We agreed to free the ghosts, and are honor bound to continue."
Waiting for Gordo, he draws his axe, looks thoughtful, glances at Tionel, thinks another minute, and stows it again.
Gordo Wednesday September 3rd, 2003 2:05:49 PM
Gordo stares blankly at Angus.
"Tactics?"
Florin Wednesday September 3rd, 2003 8:29:45 PM
Florin watches the others and the jungle around him, sighing abit to himself and wondering how in Domi's name they are to find anything out here, "Are any of these trees tall enough to climbup and take a look? We really need to know if there is any place around here or something."
Florin shrugs abit and smiles, "I just doubt whoever stole the kid those thieves were talking about back in the city are just hanging out in this jungle without some building or something to hide away in." Florin looks to Bralin and smiles, seeing if anyone might beable to lend support to his thoughts, "Wouldn't the plant life attack them just as it has attacked us? An they must want the girl for something other then to hang around this jungle with." Florin stops speaking now and taps his shield abit, he just not liking the idea of wondering this whole jungle blindly till they stumble onto something.
Florin does comment if anyone asks that he does plan to stay and find Daphne. Anyway, giving up is not in Florin's nature.
Now What? (DM MikeK) Wednesday September 3rd, 2003 8:34:41 PM
The group continues to heal up and discuss matters, although Syr is probably getting a bit irritated that no one will answer his question.
Tionel hears a lot of forest sounds...plus...maybe...
The druid thinks he's hearing the sound of a tree being felled. Distance is hard to determine, but it can't be all THAT far. The sound is coming generally from the same direction the 'path' is leading.
Xenia d20+8=11 d20+8=17 Wednesday September 3rd, 2003 10:05:30 PM
Noticing that nobody's helping the new guy, Xenia darts a quick look into the dark of the mean and horrid forest and then does a quick and wary hop skip over to Syr. "You saw us on the turtle? That was fun," she says. "We're here to rescue Daphne. You know, the ghost from the Giggling Ghost? I show up there today just to see her -she's famous, you know- and I hear from these guys that she's been kidnapped, or maybe ghostnapped, and they've got her here in this forest here. There were these two really creepy guys that showed up too. They said we'd kidnapped their girl, um, Lulu, or Lucy or something, and they figured she's here too. But then they disappeared after they got us the turtle ride so I'm not really sure anymore how they're connected to this mess."
"Say, you know these guys, right? Are they ok? Because they don't look like they know what they're doing or where they're going. I know, I sure as framble don't. I just wish we could get out of this STUPID FOREST," and she punctuates her words by sweeping a sizable stick up off the ground and throwing it back up the trail in the direction of the Vines of Doom attack.
Of course she instantly regrets this, because you never know how mad a stupid forest can get and what it can do to you when it gets mad. She kind of tucks her head down between her shoulders and grins a sheepish grin of apology to everybody else. Then she looks back up the trail just in case.
[[Spot 11 / Listen 17]]
Tionel Wednesday September 3rd, 2003 10:58:12 PM
"Shhhhhh!" Tionel puts his finger to Xenia's lips, looking very serious. He looks in the direction of the sound and says, in a soft voice, "Whatever it is that is causing this path is coming. Gordo, Bralin, and I will go forward, Syr and Xenia you cover our left side, Angus and Bog--Oh, where the devil is he?" He peers at the mage, wondering why several healing zaps haven't gotten him up. "Anyways...whatever it is, it's big. And I have a feeling we might want to be prepared to run. Just in case. And if we do run, head that way," he points East, "and we'll meet about five hundred steps there. Something is spooky about this forest, and I have a hunch that it's connected to the ghostnapping."
Florin Wednesday September 3rd, 2003 11:37:03 PM
Florin listens to what is said by Tionel and sighs inwardly before standing and stretching his muscles and lossening up for another possible fight, he keeps his longsword ready and shield. After stretching he walks over to Syr and holds out one hand to the man, stabbing his longsword into the ground so that he has a hand free first. Once Syr shakes his hand or doesn't either way Florin speaks low so Tionel doesn't shh him, "Welcome back to the group Syr, and as the lady said, we been asked by some ghosts to come save Daphne. The lady there didn't get to see thos ghosts who asked us I believe but we were asked by one who had his head half cut off and another one who had a rope around his neck. Either way there is something weird going on about this mess and we hope to save Daphne. Maybe we better save the other details till we find out whats coming though." Florin smiles to Syr and turns back around, he wasn't told what to do but then again if he must he will hold the thing off while the others run.
Angus Wednesday September 3rd, 2003 11:48:43 PM
Angus seems relieved that the Druid has some positive input. "Tionel, excellent idea, at least it is the semblence of a plan. If you hear something big coming our way, do you also hear the missing girls? You seemed very adept at moving in the forest, would it be prudent for you to scout ahead? You also seemed to make a heck of alot less noise than we did moving thru the forest."
Angus attempts to dry his wet cloths by shaking them while they are on his body, similar to that of an overwet dog.
"Syr you are quite adept at martial feats, do you also have the ability to move thru this thick bramble better that the rest of us plodding folk, my apologies to you Xenia for the plodding comment."
Bog Thursday September 4th, 2003 6:23:42 AM
Bog nods, disappointed. "Rot. Da goosties. Darcombahl! Deys goosts niver doo anytin for uss!" He sighs and spits leaves and dirt out of his mouth. Then stops at the sight of Syr who he gives a HUGE bearhug! "SYR! I am SOOOOOOOOO gled ta see yooooooooo!"
Bralin Thursday September 4th, 2003 10:54:04 AM
Bralin nods at Tionel's words.
He is also suffering some serious doubts about his first impression that Gordo was the party leader.
He has no need of tactics?!? Perhaps the druid? No. I will speak with Florin on this.
Drawing his axe, the dwarf moves along the path with Tionel and Gordo.
Syr Thursday September 4th, 2003 1:12:19 PM
Syr's eyes open wide as Xenia enthusiastically describes what has occured since he left. As she continues, he smiles already taking a liking to the half-elf. "Wow, quite a bit. A few things do amaze me though. Number 1: that Daphne has fans," he grins mischieviously, "Number 2: I'm curious how someone can kidnap a ghost when everything solid just passes through it?"
As to your last question, "I've probably known Gordo the longest but most of the others are decent at getting the job done. Of course, this is the first time I've been out of the city." Despite being an elf, he looks around at the forest nevously.
Syr shakes Florin's hand quickly, "Hopefully, I'll stay awake a bit longer this time."
Turning with a relieved look at Angus, "I'm a bit better than average. Mother Flauset used to jump high when I'd sneak up behind her to ... snack on some bread rolls." Looking the man up and down, "Why don't you stay a bit back, those vines gave you a mean thrashing."
Laughing at Bog's embrace, "I need to get knocked on the head more often. I think this may be the first time that I actually understood what you said! It's good to see everyone again. Let's get moving and see what Tionel is talking about?"
Syr nods at Tionel and follows Xenia off the trail and into the forest on the group's left. He drifts in and out of the trees, always keeping the rest of the party in sight.
Gordo Thursday September 4th, 2003 5:33:27 PM
The big man looks most pleased to be off again, and he marches along the path cheerfully with his two companions.
"Ah, it's good to get out in the fresh air every now and again!" he grins. Now then, let's find poor old Daphne, punch whoever took her, and head home for a feed at the Giggling Ghost."
He smacks his lips, remebering that breakfast.
Oh Look, A Bug (DM MikeK) Thursday September 4th, 2003 9:39:17 PM
The party cautiously moves forward, some along the path, and Syr and Xenia skirting the left.
In very short order, Syr and Xenia are blocked by an impenentrable mass of vegetation. They are forced back onto the path.
Meanwhile, everyone else moves forward about 200'. There, Tionel, Bralin, and Gordo come upon the hind end of some kind of beetle. A really, really, big beetle.
Six jointed legs hold a metallic green body about a yard off the ground. The body itself is about 40 ft long, 10 ft diameter and about 5 ft thick. Its back is almost flat. The creature eats dead vegetation in front of it.
Then - for one horrible moment, the thing shifts around - and a head swivels back to take a look at the group. It's the ugliest thing they have ever seen. But then the head turns away - totally disinterested, and carries on doing what it was doing before. Munch, munch, chomp, crunch.
The interesting thing, Tionel and Gordo realize, is that the angry feeling of the forest became perceptibly less pressing as they got closer to the bug.
Tionel Friday September 5th, 2003 3:03:55 AM
"Impressive," the elf mumbles, wandering a few steps parallel to it, not approaching it. "You feel that? The forest seems to dislike us, and this fine hard-shelled creature. It's like this thing's our only ally in these parts. If only we could talk with it somehow...Well, it probably wouldn't pay us any attention whatsoever." He looks at the path ahead of it, skirting to the side slightly. Is the path ahead of it dead vegetation, or is it destroying and eating it? He remarks to the creature, "If only you could lead us to Daphne, or whoever is in charge of this crazy forest..."
Xenia Friday September 5th, 2003 11:05:31 AM
As the party moves up the trail through the Forest of Very Bad Feelings, Xenia tries her best to hide herself behind the muscular elf. (Not as easy a thing as you might imagine with The Forest actually all around them.)
Funny thing is though, the whole time this is happening, she keeps thinking of Tionel. That finger at her lips. Kind of warm. Kind of nice. But, then all puppy-girly sentiment goes out the window and down six stories to crash upon the stony rocks of reality below, as the Monarch Bug comes into view.
"Guh-ross," the half-elven girl says softly to herself as she stands next to Syr in kind of shocked like paralysis. "Guh-ross," she says a little louder as it turns around and they all get a look at it's dark buggy head with it's huge multi-facetted eyes and grody buggy hair things sticking out here and there. (Kind of cool mandibles, though.) "HEY," she says yet again. "Maybe we can ride this guy too!!!"
Tionel d20+6=11 d20+6=25 Friday September 5th, 2003 1:28:54 PM
"Wonderful idea, Xenia!" Tionel beams at her, and then looks back to the creature, and begins chittering to it in friendly-bug-like talk. (Attempting a wild empathy roll :). I'll use my last hero point to reroll... DC 25! WOooooo!)
Bralin Friday September 5th, 2003 2:15:43 PM
All thoughts about discussing party leadership with Florin fall away in the face of Xenia's suggestion.
"You desire to RIDE this?!?" he asks incredulously.
Bralin gives the bug a serious looking over, trying to determine how unhealthly that particular propsition might be.
Syr d20+9=26 d20+4=6 Friday September 5th, 2003 3:19:47 PM
After his partner's idea, the elf shrugs his shoulders and gets a running start. With a leap, he sails up onto the bugs back. If he has to make a dex or ride check to stay on he falls (check 6). If the bug is docile, he turns back to the others, "Just curious but did anyone plan on steering this thing?" Looking nervous, he calls out to Tionel, "Getting anything? Think there is any truth to the phrase 'look before you leap?'""
Bog Friday September 5th, 2003 6:18:45 PM
Bog shrugs, "Wood'n s'prize mih in da leest."
He walks forward and pets the bug several times. "Good buug. Gooood boy."
Then he tries to climb on its back and sit. "Dere's a good instectorachnidapod."
Gordo Friday September 5th, 2003 6:35:47 PM
"Hey there big guy" smiles gordo, patting the creature's gigantic carapace. "You sure look hungry."
"So the forest is angry, but less so around this big fella. That kind of seems the wrong way round to me. If the forest was angry at this thing eating it, wouldn't it be crossest here?"
The mysterery of the falling tree and smashed path resolved, his mind turns back to Daphne and the other missing ghosts. "Well, big guy" he says to the giant bug, "You havn't seen any ghosts about these parts have you?"
Florin Friday September 5th, 2003 10:54:18 PM
Florin makes his way with the others after falling behind abit and thinking to himself. When he finally catches up with them he looks to the huge bug and bites back a half laugh at how he and the others were afraid some large enemy was coming at them.
He shakes his head and looks to those who move onto the back of the huge bug and those trying to pet it and such and looks to Bralin, "I guess if this thing isn't friendly we will know soon enough won't we."
Friendly Bug? (DM MikeK) Saturday September 6th, 2003 10:31:21 PM
Tionel notes that the bug is feeding mostly on dead and dying vegetation, which probably explains the lack of firewood on this path. The druid also can tell the beetle seems especially fond of an odd looking white flower that grows on the dead timber.
Once the druid casts his spell, the beetle stops chewing and turns to face Tionel, waiting.
Bog and Syr climb onto the back of the creature. It ignores them completely. It could be wide enough for everybody...
As Gordo touches the bug, the feel of the forest disappears completely. Syr and Bog can feel (or not feel) it as well. And those extremely close to the creature (Tionel) can also tell there is no animosity at all toward the beetle.
Xenia d20+5=12 Saturday September 6th, 2003 10:48:56 PM
Xenia waits with bated breath. But no one gets chomped.
Her smile spreads from ear to ear. "C'mon, Angus. Lets ride," she says tugging his damp sleeve and then running off.
With a running start Xenia spots a mark to leap to the great bug's back. But, two steps before the mark she looses her nerve and brakes to a halt. "Oh, framble," she says, her hands in little fists. Then she climbs aboard on all fours instead. Safer, but much less cool.
"What do you think?" she asks. "I'm gonna call him Max."
[[OCC: Roll was for the aborted Jump.]]
Syr Tuesday September 9th, 2003 12:02:53 PM
"Max it is then," with a smile at Xenia, "As long as you don't ask us to keep him."
As the bug turns and faces Tionel, "Good, now tell me how we steer this thing! It's as good of an idea as any to continue along the path."
Gordo Tuesday September 9th, 2003 12:19:10 PM
The big man is most impressed by the way the feelings of the forest are shut off by proximity to the creature. "Amazing!" he grins, touching the creature, then moving away, then touching it again. "What a strange feeling! We'll, being near Max here is certainly going to be our best chance of getting through these woods without being strangled!"
He hops up onto the creature's back along with the others. "Hi Ho Silver!" he cries, for no particular reason.
Tionel d20+6=7 d20+10=18 d20+6=10 Tuesday September 9th, 2003 2:35:08 PM
The sometimes-druid pensively gathers a few of the whiteish flowers and offers some them to the beetle while examining the rest closer. "It seems to like these..." He sighs, unable to think of any possible reason. (Know: nature roll of 7. :P) "In any case, we might as well see where it's going for a bit. I suppose it'll be easy to ride, and it won't notice us...probably has the strength of a..er...ant." He climbs aboard cautiously as well, having kept a bundle of the white flowers which he occasionally feeds the bug with.
Angus Tuesday September 9th, 2003 3:28:45 PM
Angus cautiously approaches the bug and attempts to climb on, looking for a helpful hand. "A little help here, I seem to fall off or down everything." With or without help Angus carefully climbs on the bug.
Angus enjoys the lack of forest feeling since he certainly did not like the last feeling the forest gave him.
Upon seeing Tionel he calls "See if the bug will follow you with the flowers, maybe you have a pet? Unless you want to ask Max where the girls are?"
Bralin Tuesday September 9th, 2003 5:05:13 PM
The dwarf takes a long look at the bug and the people upon it.
Visions of a very recent turtle ride spring unbidden to his sight.
However, How fast could it be?
Sighing inwardly, Bralin hauls himself up onto the beast.
Florin d20-1=1 d20-1=5 Tuesday September 9th, 2003 7:53:28 PM
Florin smiles and shakes his head specially since no one was hurt and seeing as how the giant bug has now been named. He moves over after a few moments and tries climbing up the beetle after putting his shield back on his backpack. struggling alittle bit with his heavy armor.
[Climb check:1, 2nd climb check try:5. I figure a 1 is a auto failure, not sure.]
Ride that beetle! (DM MikeK) Tuesday September 9th, 2003 9:17:37 PM
OOC - I really, really, really need Syr's sheet.
There are not that many of the flowers around, but Tionel starts to gather them up. There is a rather sticky residue on the petals of the flower.
Tionel - Fort save DC16 or lose 1 dex (temp).
Max stays motionless, waiting on Tionel, until the final two members of the party (Florin and Bog) climb onto it. Then, very suddenly, it shimmies back and forth and violently bucks one time.
Everyone - Reflex DC15 or get thrown off the beetle. No damage other than your pride.
Angus d20=19 d20+7=26 Tuesday September 9th, 2003 10:18:17 PM
Angus is bracing himself on Max since he does not quite trust himself with the day he is having so he is prepared when Max shakes (Reflex 19).
"Ohhhhhhh Yeaaahhh" Angus shouts as he weathers Max's shake. Angus seems very proud of himself. "Did you see me, I acutally performed a feat of balance!"
Angus pulls out his silver flute and begins to play. Angus's simple act of hanging onto Max has inspired him and his melody is truely wonderful (roll 26).
Xenia d20+7=15 Tuesday September 9th, 2003 10:53:11 PM
This time Xenia is sitting down when the boat decides to rock, when the ship decides to shimmy, when the craft decides to careen. Which, in one way, proves that little half-elven girls do learn from experience. And, in another way, it shows how you can somehow extrapolate from a turtle to a bug. Some things, however, never change.
"Wah!" Xenia screams, as their erstwise mount commences to do the shuck and jive. (Or is that buck and dive?) She flips over like a cat falling to all fours, once again winding up spread eagle on the top of yet another hard shelled animal.
Once, however, she realizes that they are not going to be going underwater again (silly girl) she gives the bug a wry look and a stern yet loving thump to the carapace. "Knock it off, Max," she says. Then she smiles, patting his glossy shell and rolls over onto her back. She crosses one leg over another and laces her gloved hands behind her head. Up above is the dark canopy of the forest, which doesn't seem nearly as dark or as scary as it did a few moments ago. She lays there on her back watching the leaves and branches and listening to Angus as he plays the flute. Her foot taps in time to the music.
Florin d20+5=21 Wednesday September 10th, 2003 12:12:21 AM
Florin after getting on the huge bug sighs but only for a min is he happy when the bug suddenly starts bucking he growls and grabs ahold of anything he can and is happy to hang on. He looks to Bralin and chuckles, "Atleast there is no water for me to sink in if it would of bucked me off."
[Refelx:21]
Gordo d20+7=20 Wednesday September 10th, 2003 6:33:09 AM
The big man is taken by surprise by the sudden movement, but maintains his footing without too much trouble.
"OK, Max, which way now?" he asks, trying to find a suitable handhold.
Xenia Wednesday September 10th, 2003 8:39:12 AM
Xenia suddenly sits up from her position of repose. She looks at Syr, her eyes and mouth both agape with disbelief. "You didn't know Daphne had a Fan Club?"
Bralin d20=15 Wednesday September 10th, 2003 9:54:16 AM
No sooner had he mounted the beast than it starts bucking all over the place.
Bralin drops to all fours. He careens perilously close to the edge of the beetle, but fortune smiles, and the creature stops 'ere he is thrown.
The dwarf frowns at the rest of the group. They are actually enjoying this, this, ride? Inconceivable.
Syr d20+7=20 Wednesday September 10th, 2003 12:47:36 PM
Syr easily balances himself on the shifting carapace(reflex 20).
With a smirk at Xenia, "Umm no, I never imagined the afterlife had so much appeal to those of us living."
Watching Tionel, "Hey brother, why don't you just tie some of those flowers to a branch and that way you don't have to drop down constantly to get more? Just dangle it in front of Max."
Tionel d20+5=7 d20+3=17 d20+6=23 Wednesday September 10th, 2003 7:38:48 PM
"Yow...these things are poisonous. Slightly." He gently puts a flower into one of his waterproof pouches just as it jumps. "Wooooah, there, Er...Max. You know, that's not a bad idea, Syr. Sorta like the carrot for the mule..." He uses a bit of string to tie the clump of flowers onto his staff. "However, for now we're letting him go where he will...but this does make it safer to feed him." He tries to figure out if "Max" is actually a Maxina or Maxella, but beetles were never his best... (Know: Nature 23)
"Okay, Max...take us where we need to go. Always trust in the providence of the Wold, my friends."
Heigh Ho, Max (DM MikeK) Wednesday September 10th, 2003 8:55:36 PM
Max stops shimmying and just stands there awhile.
After a few minutes (Tionel needs another Fort save DC 16 unless somebody does something about the poison), he starts off, munching a new path as he goes along.
Tionel determines Max is indeed a boy beetle.
Sitting on top of the beetle, there is no feeling at all coming from the woods. Its like you were just taking a ride through any old woods...on top of a 40' beetle.
Xenia Wednesday September 10th, 2003 9:50:31 PM
"Huh?" Xenia looks blankly at Syr. "Oh, the dead thing. Yeah, ok. So ghosts are dead. But that's no big thing. She's young and attractive and she's got a place named for her. That is so great. I'd rather meet her than Valdor any day."
"Hey, you feeling ok, Tionel?" she asks with concern.
Florin Thursday September 11th, 2003 12:31:14 AM
Florin looks to Tionel, specially after hearing Xania say Tionel's name. He wonders if the man is okay or if there is anything he could do for him. A small sigh almost passes his lips as he wishes he was a more experienced paladin of Domi, then he could use some divine magic to heal his friend.
Angus Thursday September 11th, 2003 8:43:12 AM
Angus stops playing. "I feel better now. I think things may be turning out better for the rest of the day."
Angus carefully approaches Gordo as he trys to get the walking and munching motion of Max. "Gordo any idea how Max will help us find the missing girls? I know we can see better up hear and travel thru the woods better, but how do we know Max is going in the correct direction? Can anyone from our group communicate with a Bug?"
Bralin d20+6=26 Thursday September 11th, 2003 8:56:35 AM
The dwarf looks up at the word "poison".
Quickly, he crawls over to the druid.
"Lie down," he commands sternly, as he reaches into his pack and pulls out a bundle containing bandages and ointments.
Bralin grabs a waterskin and pours it over Tionel's hands. Then, he applies an ointment as well. Pulling out a marble sized stone, he pops it into the elf's mouth.
"Don't swallow that," he advises.
The dwarf continues his ministrations for the next couple of minutes.
(Heal check 26, nat 20!)
Bralin sits back, and collects up his stuff. "The poison has passed," he declares.
Syr Thursday September 11th, 2003 2:56:45 PM
The elf watches on as Bralin makes Tionel put a stone in his mouth. "How doe sthe stone taste?" With a small grin, he moves to the head of the beetle in an effort to see what is approaching.
Gordo d20+3=12 Thursday September 11th, 2003 4:42:58 PM
As Bralin gets to work Gordo silently moves to assist him, holding waterskin, ointment and whatnot, and passing them to Bralin at the requisite time. He says nothing, but watches the healer work his art, an impressed smile on his lips. (Aid Another, beat DC 10, +2 to Bralin's result).
When the dwarf is done the big man murmers "Very impressive, Master Stoneminder. You certainly know your stuff."
Tionel Thursday September 11th, 2003 6:03:27 PM
Tionel shakes his head at all the attention fostered on him, but can't help admit it feels better, even if it's not... "Well...let's sum up what we know. Daphne has vanished. Also, some other head girl of the underthugs vanished. The ghosts who want us to find them said that this forest might hold the answers. So far, we've found some mean veggies and Max here. There must be more, we just have to find it." Tionel tries chattering to Max in Sylvan about what a nice beetle he is. "This seems as fast as anything...and safer!"
How many ghosts does it take.....(DM MikeK) Thursday September 11th, 2003 8:56:28 PM
For an hour or so, very little happens. Max moves along, munching the plant life at a pretty decent clip. He's moving at what would be a nice walking pace for all the medium-sized folks.
The forest is docile, and nothing bothers the group.
Floating up from the forest floor are two more ghosts. One is grotesquely obese. I mean really, really, really fat. The other seems to have been human, but is very tall, and very thin (Shawn Bradley for you NBA fans).
The fat one looks you over, looks at his friend, looks around for something else, and bellows "STINKY! C'MERE!"
A small, white sphere appears some distance off, growing larger and larger as it approaches, until it attains a very average sized human shape when it joins its two companions. Stinky is well named, and perhaps spent some time in that flooding lock, cause boy, his stench gives that one a run for its money. [Fortitude Save: DC 18 or become Dazed for one round].
Fats turns to the crowd on the beetle and grumbles, "We're bored. You seen Idiot-head 'round here?" "Uh, yeah," chimes in Slim "where is Stupid head?"
"Idiot-head," corrects Fats. Slim shakes his head, "Naw, its Stupid head" "No, it ain't" "Yes it is" "No it ain't" "Yes it is"
This looks like it might go on for awhile.
Bog Thursday September 11th, 2003 10:07:28 PM
Bog lies flat on the Max's back, trembling as he stares at the ghosts.
"Sick 'em, Mox! Sick em!"
Angus d20=14 Thursday September 11th, 2003 11:19:54 PM
Angus seems amazed at seeing more ghosts and is definately overcome by stinky's stench (Fort Save 14). "Even more ghosts, how wonderful. Haven't seen one in all my life and now a half dozen in one day and who would have though they would smell. Daphne was sure better to look at than this lot."
After Angus clears his head and gets use to the stench he calls out to the ghosts. " Have you seen our friend Daphne?"
Xenia d20+1=4 Thursday September 11th, 2003 11:30:15 PM
Wah-wah wah-wah wah-wah wah-wah WAH! What in framble-farbing-lation are these things? What do you get when you cross the ugly from Max with the creepy from the two dumbheads from the Trash level? I dunno, but they're floating right in front of me.
Xenia scoots over next to Tionel, and is just about to ask him if it's ok to sit very much behind him, or at least as much on the far side away from Ball and Stick as possible, when ... Whoa! Oh ho-ho ho ho! Did she stand up to quickly or what? Funny don't remember standing up. Don't stand up in the boat. Oh my god, the world is not really there anymore, and Xenia feels like she's going to be sick again.
Gordo d20+6=13 Friday September 12th, 2003 8:39:46 AM
"Hey there Bog, it's all right son. Don't let these ex-lads rattle you. Hey, ex-lads, this Stupid-Idiot-Head of yours, what does he look like, then? can't tell if we've seen him without knowing what we're looking for, now can we?"
The big man sniffs the air, looks puzzled for a moment, then goes cross-eyed as the stench hits him full force and incinerates his nostril hair. "Whu-whu-whu..." he stammers. (Fort 13).
Tionel d20+5=24 d20+3=4 Friday September 12th, 2003 3:05:25 PM
The well-meaning elf opens his mouth as the wave of nausea hits him, but luckily, used to Bog's company for a while and the sewers most recently, he manages to hold his own. Not wanting Xenia to vomit on Max, he gently takes her arm and helps her off the bug to the ground. "There you go, my dear," he says, and offers her both a handkerchief to clean up with and a wineskin to clear up the taste when she's done. Meanwhile, he turns back to the two ghosts... "Excuse me, friendly ghosts... My name is Tionel. Say, perhaps if you describe your companion, we would be able to help you find him? We're missing a friend of our own, a rather petite ghost, of the feminine persuasion, named Daphne. With the help of two fine ghosts such as yourself, I'm sure we'll find both our friends." Somehow Tionel is able to keep from gagging on his words and keeps a pleasant demeanor.
Bralin d20+9=13 Friday September 12th, 2003 3:55:03 PM
Bralin merely nods at Gordo praise, then sits on the beetle, anticipating...something.
But it wasn't more ghosts. Overcome with the stench, He just sits there for several moments.
When he can think clearly again, the dwarf draws out his holy symbol and waits for the ghosts reply to everyone's queries.
Tis a great infestation of ghosts in this part of the Wold, he silently marvels.
Florin d20+8=14 Friday September 12th, 2003 7:22:04 PM
Florin looks at the ghosts for a moment and then suddenly is hit by the smell and he quickly puts one hand over his face, turning quickly away from everyone so maybe no one will notice. He fights back the feeling of going to loose his lunch. After the feeling finally goes away he turns back to the ghosts and other people.
Three's Company (DM MikeK) Friday September 12th, 2003 10:29:15 PM
Despite Bog's request, Max doesn't sic em. Max doesn't even bother to acknowledge their presence. The beetle continues to munch and move, forcing the spirits to float alongside.
That makes for an interesting conversation, as Fats tends to float through trees and vines and such while he's talking. It doesn't seem to effect him any, but his voice gets severely muffled when he's in the middle of a tree.
"Wha does he look like?!?" he asks incredulously of Gordo. "Like a GHOST! You (tree)-head!"
"And you need to help us find 'em!" Slim says, at the same time Tionel is offering to do just that.
Fats to Gordo - "How many of us do you (tree) are?" Simultaneously, Stinky to Tionel - "You will? Sweet."
There ensues a lengthy, curse laden conversation amongst the three spirits about just where to start looking. Its broken up by Fats screaming, "(tree) THAT WAY!", and floating off to the group's left. He is followed by the other ghosts.
Slim turns to say, "Well? C'mon."
Angus Friday September 12th, 2003 11:55:21 PM
Angus turns to the group. " Do you want to follow with or without Max? Can anyone see a path thru the forest where they are standing. i do not from my vantage point. Tionel do you know how to steer Max; maybe hooking up some sort of bridal on his carapace? Angus anxiously awaits input from the group.
Angus also points out alarmingly. "Everyone keep an eye on Xenia, as if that is hard to do, we do not want to lose her."
Xenia d20+5=16 Sunday September 14th, 2003 12:52:13 PM
"I'm here, Angus," Xenia calls from the ground. What might have remained of her strawberries and whipped cream after the floating locks incident manages to stay on the inner and correct side of her person, and with a small hop and a skip, she climbs up on the back of the moving bug with Tionel's things still in hand. Sniffling a bit, she dabs a tear from the corner of an eye with his handkerchief, and then decides to keep it.
The wineskin goes back to the elf. (It would only have upset her tummy anyway.) And his hanky gets tied around her wrist.
"We're not gonna leave Max and follow those smelly guys, are we?" she asks through even white teeth clamped to one corner of the hanky, tugging the knot tight.
She hopes to hemphle that Daphne isn't like this.
Syr d20+7=21 Sunday September 14th, 2003 3:29:52 PM
Syr blanches but manages to hold his own in the ghost's presence. Muttering to himself, "I want to go back to the city, too many dead things out here. I ain't joining them" As the ghosts point off to the left, he suggests, "Tionel, let's get Max moving over there. I don't feel too comfortable out here."
Florin Sunday September 14th, 2003 9:34:55 PM
Florin watches the others and decided to wait to see if they try using Max to follow the ghosts or if they get off and walk.
Florin glances to Bralin, the fellow person of the faith, "I think we should go ahead and try using Max also, if he is what is keeping us from getting attacked then it is better then walking." Florin grins at the dwarf, "Anyway, Max has seemed like a good bug so far."
(OOC: I could see a reinactment of Starship Troopers when I first read about the bettle.)
Gordo d20+3=20 Monday September 15th, 2003 7:01:52 AM
The big man shakes his head, trying to clear the fog that descended as Stinky approached.
"Phew, that boy was ripe!" he grins.
As he watches the ghosts vanish through the trees he remarks "Well we already tried going through the undergrowth, and didn't get too far. These lads don't have too many problems, but I reckon without Max here we'll soon get left behind. Let's see if the old dangling carrot trick works."
He peers into the undergrowth, trying to keep the receding forms of the ghosts in view (Spot 20).
Bralin Monday September 15th, 2003 11:02:32 AM
These spirits aren't attacking either. How odd.
Bralin stows away his holy symbol and watches the rest of the interplay in silence.
Nodding in assent to Gordo's statements, the dwarf waits to see if Tionel can turn this...form of conveyance.
Goodnight Moon (DM MikeK) Monday September 15th, 2003 9:08:28 PM
The group decides to stay on Max, and a bit of trial and error, Tionel gets the "Flower on a Stick" approach to work to some degree. He can't get Max to in a precise direction (ie - over one particular tree), but he can get the bug to go "thataway" which he does.
As before, riding Max is a whole lot easier than walking. And nothing jumps out of the forest to attack them. In fact, other than 3 really obnoxious ghosts, it could have been a pleasant trip.
Stinky enjoys suddenly materializing in front of a party member and sniffing his own armpit while yelling "Soups On!". Slim and Fats find it hilarious. This game quickly focuses in on Angus and Xenia as they provide the best reactions. Bralin, Tionel, Syr and Florin are too stoic, Gordo's too happy, and Bog actually seems to enjoy it, which is not right at all.
Fats spends quite a bit of time pulling objects out of Bralin's pack, asking "So what this?" and then nodding his head sagely at the reply.
In general the ghosts are a pain in the sittin down area, but it does pass the time.
And soon, its getting noticeably dark.
Tionel d20+6=12 Tuesday September 16th, 2003 3:13:44 AM
Tionel's attempts to guide Max seem successful, so he enjoys the ride. When it's getting dark, he sighs. "Well, I'd suggest everyone step off Max to see what he does. If he parks it, we'll spend the night here, if he continues, looks like we'll just be having a bit of a restless night. See," he explains to the ghosts, "our bodies will get in the way of the trees, if we continue in the dark." He figures this will illicit some stupid response, as it is a stupid comment, so he turns his attention to Max. He feeds the good bug a few flowers in thanks, and says some nice words to him, hoping this will stay him in place momentarily. Then, he hops off, and offers each person who needs it a hand down off of the humongous insect. While waiting for Max, putting on some gloves that should protect him from the poison, he takes out his forest guide then tucks a leather-wrapped poison flower into one of the pages. Closing the page firmly, he writes on the next page a few descriptions of the flora and his adventures that day. While doing so, he does keep an ear ready... (Listen 12)
Xenia d20+8=9 d20+8=20 Tuesday September 16th, 2003 10:15:45 AM
Xenia's not real sure that getting down off Max is a good idea. But it's Tionel's idea, so she doesn't say anything. She doesn't need help down either, but she takes it. She puts both hands on his shoulders and hops lightly down off the bug's back. Then she smiles at him and hopes to hemphle that it doesn't come across as dumb or sappy.
She looks out into the already dark but darkening gloom looking for all the bad things that everyone knows always come out at night in a forest. (I mean, why else did they invent cities?)
"Doesn't anyone every know where we are?" she asks in a small voice.
[[Spot 9 / Listen 20]]
Bralin d20+4=17 Tuesday September 16th, 2003 2:00:50 PM
Seizing the opportunity of the halted beetle, Bralin grabs the final item the Fat one is messing with, and hastily dismounts.
Using his darkvision, the dwarf scans the area for danger, especially anything that looks like those blasted strangling vine trees.
(Spot check 17)
"We are in the woods," he responds simply to Xenia's query.
Bralin starts to address Gordo, but memories of "Tactics?" float through his brain. Turning instead to Florin, he says "We should have at least 2 guards per watch tonight. What say you?"
Gordo Tuesday September 16th, 2003 5:20:17 PM
Hopping down from the beetle's back, Gordo stretches and rubs various sore parts. "So we're stopping here then are we?" he says, peering about. "Well, it seems as good a place as any. Just as long as Max is of the same mind!"
He wanders up to the ghosts.
"Say, you lads, what are you doing here in these woods anyhow? Did you come over here from the Big Float as ghosts, or did you die here in the woods?"
Angus Tuesday September 16th, 2003 6:02:50 PM
Angus stays on Max to see his reaction to everyone getting off. Angus seems reluctant to get close to the forest after the earlier episode. Weather Max stays or goes Angus gets off at last. "Tionel can you get Max to stand guard for me."
Syr d20+5=13 Wednesday September 17th, 2003 7:39:51 AM
Syr looks over at Angus and smiles at the idea of Max standing guard. "While I'm not sure that sleeping far from Max is a good idea, I just don't trust the bug to watch my back. Don't think you are getting out of guard duty. What say you and I take the last watch so that you can get some sleep? Unless anyone has any better suggestions why not pair up? Bog and Gordo, Tionel and Bralin, Xenia and Florin?" The elf looks around to find a safe place to sleep (Spot 13, if it matters) and promptly curls up for some rest.
Sleepy Time (DM MikeK) Wednesday September 17th, 2003 8:15:27 AM
The group slides off of Max, who, for the moment, is content to sit there.
Fats gleefully pounces on Tionel's verbal ramblings. "Seem to get in the way purty good in the day too!" Fats thinks his comment is awfully funny.
He's not so happy with Gordo's question. "Don't know nothin' bout a Big Float," he says sullenly. "We bought it in these Woods."
People start getting ready for camp. Two things become apparent - 1) Creating a fire takes a LOT of work. The wood here appears to be extremely fire resistant. The campfire continually sputters and dies, and will take a major effort to keep going. 2) The feeling of disquiet and menace fades a little, as though the jungle sleeps too, resting, waiting for dawn and the light that plants crave.
First watch (Bog and Gordo) is accompanied by an early nighttime cacophony of insect and frog sounds. Bog and Gordo are also accompanied by the three spirits, who proclaim loud and often that this group is one of the most boring they've had the mispleasure of dealing with for some time.
"Are you just going to SIT here ALL NIGHT?!?" Fats asks in exasperation. "I'm bored," Slim chimes in. "I'm hungry," adds Stinkey. Fats growls at Stinky "You can't be hungry. You're a ghost!" "Oh yeah," comes the reply. "I wish Stupid were here. He'd know what to do." Slim sighs "Yeah, good ol' Idiot-Head"
Fats growls again, "I'm outta here," and he disappears. Shortly the other two disappear as well, leaving the sounds of the insects as Gordo and Bog's only company.
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