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.
-Everyone make a Spot Checks vs DC 17
Xenia d20+8=11 Wednesday September 17th, 2003 10:04:29 AM
Xenia almost says something about the watch assignments. She'd really rather, you know, well ... Oh hocking hemphle, the assignments make sense. So she just, kind of dimples one cheek with resignation and sets about the task of staying as far away from the smelly ghost as possible.
She spends a lot of time watching the others set up the camp and all. It's something she's never done before, and it's kind of interesting. Especially the fire thing. She spends a lot of time watching Tionel, and even tries helping him out when she things she can.
The fire thing sure is weird. It's so much easier on a hearth. Kind of funny. You'd think the elements in fire would be happier around all this wood. Maybe it's afraid of this forest too. Xenia gets down on her hands and knees next to the fire and tries talking to it.
"Hey, it's ok. You don't have to hide. We got Max here. Can't you feel that? C'mon out. It's better around here."
[[Spot 11 / Spot? What Spot?]]
Syr d20+8=14 Wednesday September 17th, 2003 12:32:56 PM
Syr cracks an eyelid at the overly loud ghosts and sighs to himself hoping for rest. Unused to this forest, his rest is fitful and poor. Despite the uncomfortable surroundings his continues uninterrupted. (Spot 14)
Bralin d20+4=16 Wednesday September 17th, 2003 12:33:56 PM
Bralin does his best to ignore the ghosts. He also doesn't worry about the fire. He can see fine, and how cold can it get?
He throws himself on the ground and goes to sleep.
(Spot 16, nope)
Tionel d20+6=11 Wednesday September 17th, 2003 5:30:37 PM
Tionel is a bit nervous about Xenia watching him. Are his clothes still dirty? Does he have something on his face? In any case, he makes himself useful by providing all his camping equipment. The fire is started from his tinderbox, there's a blanket to spare for others, his own bedroll, which he doesn't use but donates to another, and more items useful for sleeping. He actually prefers just sleeping in the nature, even this awful forest... He quickly slips into a reverie. (He didn't spot anything.. DC 11)
Angus d20+7=27 d20+4=7 Wednesday September 17th, 2003 7:27:27 PM
In the growing darkness and poor fire light Angus changes out of his wet cloths and hangs them close to the sputtering fire. Angus attemps to maintain modesty with his bedroll over his undergarments. Everyone notices just how frail and thin Angus is.
Agus curls up in his bedroll and casts two light cantrip to help with the fire creation. "Lets find some dry wood"
Angus plays an amazing tune on his flute (27) to lighten the effort to keep the fire going.
Angus is concentrating on his music and not the surronndings (spot 7).
Angus puts his flute away very pleased with himself. " I think I outdid myself that time. Syr wake me up when we have to guard."
Angus leaves out two skins. "Water or wine for those who guard, feel free."
Bog d20+3=9 Thursday September 18th, 2003 2:31:40 AM
Bog doesn't see anything. He just turns around and barks at the ghosts, "YA Nooo! FER BEIN' DEDD, YOOOZ GHOSTIES SHER TOK A LOT! SO SHET YER YAP!!"
Gordo d20+3=18 Thursday September 18th, 2003 2:38:35 AM
The big man sits with his back to a tree and stares off into the forest. "Ah, it feels good to be out under the night sky" he smiles. He nudges Bog, his guard companion. "Don't suppose you saw much of the night sky, down on the Trash level, did you son? Do you know the constellations?"
Gordo points up between the trees at the twinkling starsd overhead. "That one's Three Big Stars. And that one there is the Horseshoe. And that one right there is the Bloody Great mess o' Stars left of Domi's Hammer. At least that's what I call 'em. No doubt other folks call them something different."
It is clear to anyone with the faintest knowledge of Astronomy that Gordo is, at best, self trained.
(Spot 18)
Dessert Anyone? (DM MikeK) Thursday September 18th, 2003 9:27:34 AM
Angus plays an extraordinarily fine tune that has everyone in much better spirits as they bed down for the night.
Gordo and Bog take first watch, and it is the monk's keen eye that picks up the movement on the forest floor of their campsite.
Looking closer, Gordo sees a tiny, vine like plant curling up out of the forest floor and edging its way toward Angus. Upon reaching the mage's forearm, the plant jabs a slender spine into his skin.
Gordo (I assume) raises the alarm, and upon waking, everyone but Gordo and Bog discover a couple of these things sticking in their exposed skin. Pulling the plant away leaves what looks like a drop of blood against the skin, and blood continues to run for a little while, as though something is hindering coagulation.
A search of the ground shows the plant has retreated somehow, hiding in the detritus of the forest floor.
Everyone except Bog and Gordo lose 1hp.
Xenia d20+8=12 d20+8=20 Thursday September 18th, 2003 10:34:23 AM
"GRODY! GRODY! GRODY! GRODY! GRODY! GRODY! GRODY! AAAAAAAHHHHH! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE!" The little red headed half-elf flails about in the vegetable darkness with her short sword until, tired and out of breath, she can no more.
Panting and all a sweat, she slams her blade back into it's sheathe. She takes Tionel's blanket (which she's pretty sure she's gonna keep as well) and climbs up onto Max's back. She looks out resentfully at the wall of darkness and trees, then curls into a ball with the blanket tucked up under her chin. She listens into the darkness of the night, eyes wide open, and she wonders if sleep will come in this really, really, horrid and grody place.
[[Spot 12 / Listen 20]]
Angus Thursday September 18th, 2003 5:01:06 PM
"Ouch!!!!! Who is on guard! I have been attacked by a plant again! Ouch!"
Angus gets out of his bedroll and rummages through his pouches and casts Mage Armor on himself. "This better work better than last time!!"
Angus attempts to stay out of Xenia's way as she attackes everything and nothing, but see the logic of climbing back on Max. Angus goes and gathers all of his belongings. Finally putting on his still damp Blue and Red matching pants and shirt. "At least I have not be hurt in this outfit. I will be staying in it until that changes or they fall off!"
Angus tosses his very limited gear (pouches, small backpack, and bedroll) onto Max and carfull climbes up next to Xenia. "My kingdom for a bed and bath" Angus get as comfortable as possible and leans over to Xenia. "It will be OK, at first light we go find the girls and get out of this @#$%! forest. Have a drink of wine to calm your nerves and help you sleep."
Angus attempts sleep but it does not come easy.
Florin Thursday September 18th, 2003 6:13:55 PM
Florin frowns as he is awakened by the plants and rubs at the minor wounds they left after pulling the plants off. He quickly stands and grabs his sword from where he left it beside his bedroll where he slept and looks around, "This forest doesn't seem to like us friends." He is thankful for his paladin training since he would normally be cursing and in more pain from this attack.
Florin quickly begins to put back on his armor and glances to Bralin, "I have rope, it may be abit crowded but we can always find a way to tie our new friend Max and sleep on him. We'll just have to becareful not to roll off or anything."
Florin look to any who may argue with his way of thinking and simply comments that the plants do not attack Max nor them while they were on him. Florin after putting on his armor walks over and waits for others to get on Max before getting on himself, speaking quickly, "If Tionel is the only who can steer Max then he better sleep now untill first light atleast. I think we all would like to be on our way and finished here soon." Florin glances to Angus and Xania knowing neither of these two are haveing alot of fun in this place and he knows he himself isn't with his heavy armor and being in a jungle.
[OOC:Sorry for being so late posting Mike. We got a new internet provider here and have been working out some of the bugs. Everything is fixed now and I should be posting on time now.]
Tionel d20+6=15 d20+10=14 Friday September 19th, 2003 12:44:57 AM
The elf frowns and bites his lip as he pulls out the thorns. He tries to think about them, wondering if he'll have to burn them out or if there's a poison or purification method... (knowledge: nature 15, Survival 14). "Well, it appears it lives under the ground...and bites sleeping creatures. I do hate to burden you with my body, my friend," he speaks soothingly to Max, "but please, allow us some respite from these vines...?" He sits next to the other two and if/when Max is calmed down, he enters his repose once more.
Gordo Friday September 19th, 2003 5:15:39 AM
Unable to stop the creeping vines from injecting his companions, the big man is apologetic. "Sorry, folks, I saw it just a little too late."
He too hops up onto the beetle's back. "Better late than never" he smiles.
Bralin Friday September 19th, 2003 8:12:00 AM
The commotion instantly awakens the dwarf and he is on his feet. Only then does he notice the vine sticking in his cheek, and he rapidly pulls it out and flings it to the ground.
Pulling on his own armor, Bralin answers Florin. "Aye. The bug affords some measure of safety in this place. We'd be fools not to use that advantage."
With that, he climbs back on Max and goes to sleep.
Syr Friday September 19th, 2003 10:11:02 AM
With all the commotion, Syr Stands up and brushes himself off, picking at the vines embedded in his leg.
"I sure wish we were back in the city." With a yawn and a sigh, he moves to Max and resumes his rest.
Dawn's Early Light Friday September 19th, 2003 1:19:11 PM
The party moves to Max en masse, and beds down.
As expected, nothing bothers them.
During Tionel and Bralin's watch, the insect noises dies down - instead, low growls of predators can be heard, there is plenty of movement out there.
During Xenia and Florin's watch, two or three times, multiple pairs of eyes appear, curious, staring at the group for a few moments before disappearing once more.
During Syr and Angus' watch, Max decides he's hungry, and he begins moving (and eating) again. Given the darkness and the jungle canopy, neither of them have any idea where the beetle is going.
Xenia d20+8=22 d20+8=15 Friday September 19th, 2003 3:47:08 PM
As per usual, Xenia wakes early. This time, though, she rises through dreams of grody tentacle monsters that seem to be highly attracted to little half-elven girls. This puts her into the foulest of moods from square get go. Lying on her side she looks down the curve of Max's smooth back with a half open and none too happy eye.
"I hate vines," she says quietly to herself. "You hear that you smelly Forest. You better keep your vines outta my way today." She rises up onto one arm and peers around suspiciously into the early morning darkness. Oddly enough, it looks a lot like the same darkness earlier that night. She looks all around her. No creepy eyes. No vines.
Still not happy, though. Not even the sight of Tionel's sleeping face cheers her up. (Cute as it may be.) She climbs up on all fours and crawls to a spot between Syr and Angus, and then slumps down into it. "No pancakes," she says in a very, highly, mightily sad and dejected voice.
[[Listen 22 / Spot 15]]
Florin d20+2=13 d20+1=16 Friday September 19th, 2003 4:57:48 PM
Florin wakes early like normal and glances around the forest and chuckles abit to himself, "Well, so much for thinking this was all just nightmare." Thinking for a moment he pulls out a lantern from his backpack and looks to those awake, "Mind if I shed some light on where we are heading atleast? My eyes do not work in the dark that well."
Hearing Xania's comment on food he also pulls out some of his trail rations and offers Xania some of the fruit that he carries, "It's not warm or anything but if you like some." Florin smiles and does his best to try and cheer Xania up, wanting to keep the morale up, "I doubt hunting and eating any creature around here would be a good idea for breakfast anyway. I don't much like the idea of eatin anything that lives in this forest since it seems to not like us much."
After eating abit he breakout his small mirror and checks to see if he needs shaved, satisfied with the fact that he doesn't he then uses some of his water from his water skin to wash his hands and face and then alittle extra to slick back his hair before tieing it back in a pony tail. Lastly he begins using a rag to wipe down his blueish breastplate, shield and if time permits he sharpens his sword and checks the edge of his glaive.
[Listen:13, Spot:16]
Angus d20=2 Friday September 19th, 2003 8:03:13 PM
After getting some sleep Angus seems to be in a better mood. "Syr tell me how you meet this group and what adventures you may have had; it should help to pass the time, while everyone wakes."
Once Xenia moves between Angus and Syr and begins breakfast of Florin's berries he mentions to the three of them " We need to take stock of our food and water situation and determine how much time we can spend in these woods. I may be thin but even I need to eat. Not to mention that I am used to having to purchase my breakfast and not catch it."
Angus then gets to his knees, seemingly not wanting to trust his balance by standing up, and strains to see in all directions in the dying night darkness. "Syr can you see anything out there or what direction Max is taking up. You seem to prefer city life like me and I can not tell direction well from the stars can you or anyone?" Angus attempts and Int check to determine direction (2) Not encouranging.
Tionel Saturday September 20th, 2003 1:58:27 PM
Tionel doesn't respond to the movement of Max, but when his four hours of relaxed reverie and he's rested for a couple more hours atop Max (getting the full eight hours), he will begin to animate... (I take it we haven't reached that point in posting tho.)
Gordo Saturday September 20th, 2003 5:09:37 PM
His watch over, Gordo drapes himself over Max's back and falls into a deep sleep. His snoring reverberates through the forest. No doubt this causes tiny woodland creatures far and wide to sit huddled in their burrows, wide eyed in terror.
Max moving off doesn't seem to disturb Gordo in the slightest, and he continues to snore away happily.
Bralin Monday September 22nd, 2003 11:16:53 AM
A dwarf who enjoys his sleep, Bralin does his best to get some while mounted on a bug in the middle of an insane forest.
Another Day... (DM MikeK) Monday September 22nd, 2003 2:15:24 PM
By morning, Max has moved several miles in random directions. Getting out of these woods might prove interesting
Given that everyone is crowded atop a moving insect, breakfast is cold and moving around much is difficult.
Still, the forest makes no move against the party, either physically or psychologically.
After several hours of beetle riding, another ghost appears. Long robes cover him from head to toe. His face can only be see because he didn't have any shadows. The skin is wrapped tightly overtop his bones. Had he ever eaten? Even when he was alive it seemed unlikely.
Those originally visited by the ghosts at the Giggling Ghost will recognize this fellow as Father von Groggin, former brother of Donyra. He is the one that warned "you'll be facing more then just a forest," when you found your way.
Father von Groggin raises his arm. A bony hand emerges from his robe, a finger extended and pointing to the group's left.
He disappears.
The ghost was visible for perhaps 10 seconds.
Xenia d20+8=17 d20+8=18 Monday September 22nd, 2003 4:11:54 PM
In her current state of misery, Xenia finds it hard to show surprise when the emaciated ghost appears and then blinks out. The only comment she can muster, in fact is, "Eew. I suppose we have to go that way now."
She thinks how much better it would be if they could have an adventure at a nice inn instead. Then she could have a nice hot bath. A nice hot bubble bath. With big fluffy towels! And maybe an egg custard tart.
Then she looks out into the dark forest with sleepy half-lidded eyes. She feels the places under her armor where a rash has taken in the heat and humidity. And the worst thing is that she can't do a thing to escape from any of it. She's stuck on this bug in the middle of a dark forbidding forest stewing within her own frustration and discomfort. For the briefest of moments she feels like ripping off all her clothes and running off into the woods naked, screaming like a madwoman. But that would be really embarrassing as well as being dangerous.
In the end, she thinks of Daphne. The heroine taken captive and held in the clutches of unknown evil.
Florin d20+2=18 Monday September 22nd, 2003 4:40:35 PM
Florin thinks of what is said and smiles, enjoying the ride alittle even in his uncofortable armor, "I was carrying a weeks worth of rations and 2 water skins full of water. I've used some of both though." Florin offers his small mirror to Xania and a spare comb that he carries with him along with some of his water, "If you like to freshenup m'lady, the comb is new and not used just so you know."
Florin blinks when the ghost appears and is thankful to be quick enough to see the direction that the ghost points. He looks to the group after thinking a moment, "Is anyone better at forest navigation or survival? I get a feeling we may be close to where we want to go and a scout or 2 may be a good idea. I will offer to go with someone else if you chose." Florin glances towards Bralin to see what he thinks also of Florin's comments and thoughts while waiting for the whole group to decide.
Florin sighs after another thought comes to mind, "Also it might be good to know what we travel towards since Max here makes alot of noise while he moves and eats. We don't want someone or thing to know we are coming or maybe be threatened and attack Max here in defense." The thought of Max getting attacked and him hurting someone of the group while defending itself or running just isn't a pleasing thought. As he waits Florin smiles towards Xania and leans over to her so his words aren't heard to much, "Cheerup young lady, I think our quest may be coming to a close and you will see Daphne and beable to have a nice hot bath and good warm food soon."
[Spot:17(I accidently put a +2 when it should be a +1)]
Angus Monday September 22nd, 2003 5:28:16 PM
After a quick breakfast after his watch Angus offers what little food he brought to the group. "Eat up these berries will not last forever. Also I only brought two skins of water and two days worth of food, maybe three for me since I do not seem to need to eat much."
Angus seems unpreturbed by the apprearance of the ghost. "Again with the ghosts...we have to ask them for a map next time. Tionel can you stear Max in that general direction." Angus gives a wide sweeping gesture with his hand in the direction the thin ghost pointed.
Angus then attempts to get some more rest so that he can recover his spells before stomping through the man/elf/half-elf/dwarf/ghost eating/kidnaping forest.
Tionel d20+7=11 d20+7=22 Tuesday September 23rd, 2003 12:23:00 AM
Tionel attempts to see what is in the direction they are going but sees only trees. "Onwards, Max! Just a bit farther, then we'll let you go. I might even introduce you to a nice lady beetle!" He attempts to guide Max towards the left, following the direction the elf pointed. (Animal Empathy DC 22.) If this doesn't work, he tells the group, "Well, good things don't last forever...Let's hike it! I think it's only around the corner!"
Syr d20+3=8 Tuesday September 23rd, 2003 1:50:26 AM
The elf slides over to Florin and asks, "Umm friend, would it be possible if I were to eat some of your rations? I'm afraid I jumped ship with little more than the clothes on my back."
During the day, the elf answers Angus' question. "Well, we've had a few mishaps and several lost members along the way." He looks sadly around, "I think I'm the only one left from the original orphans. Everyone else moved on to bigger and better things." Quickly shifting to pleasant memories, he begins to tell the group's history in a rather dry factual way (perform 8). He fills his new family in on past members, witches, lords of the diamond, and the wold changing.
Gordo Tuesday September 23rd, 2003 9:51:21 AM
The big man wakes up with a grumbling belly and no food. As they pass under fruit-laden trees he grabs the odd edible-looking item, and proceeds to experiment.
"Hey, wasn't that the ghost from back in the Float?" he asks, as their guide appears and disappears rapidly.
Bralin Tuesday September 23rd, 2003 11:02:41 PM
The dwarf opens his pack.
"I have 4 days of rations," he announces, and passes out the food to whoever needs some.
More marching (DM MikeK) d20=15 Tuesday September 23rd, 2003 11:11:54 PM
Max again responds to Tionel's offerings, and the party continues to ride the pliant beetle.
Gordo finds his particular fruit to be edible and not unpleasant. Even more to the point, nothing unpleasant happens to him.
The day drags on in a one continuous ride.
Every couple of hours or so, the spectral figure of Father von Groggin appears for several seconds, pointing out a path. He never speaks, and he is never in sight for very long.
The entire uneventful day passes. As boring as the trip is, you can't help but wonder if that would be the case off of Max.
As darkness sets in, anyone making a Spot check DC13 will be able to discern the telltale patches of the little bloodsucking vines coming to life. The vines do seem to form definite patches, and it looks like you could avoid them if you wished to sleep on the ground.
Florin d20+1=7 Wednesday September 24th, 2003 1:02:43 AM
Florin offers Syr some of his rations when he asks him and smiles in reply to his friend, "Of course friend."
Florin doesn't notice the vines as he moves along with the others on Max's back and is unsure to get down and sleep on the ground (thats if someone doesn't mention the pathes of vines). Florin is also curious and keeps a eye on the area or trying to get a idea of the surroundings abit. He mainly is looking to see if there is a tree in the area that would be relatively easy to climb and looks like it may be abit taller then the others around it. If there is one he motions to Gordo, "May I speak to you in the morning my friend or do you know anyone fairly agile and with that can climb good?"
[Spot:7] (OOC:I thought I would comment that Florin is hoping to find a tree tall enough and someone that is able enough to climb up it and find out if they might beable to see any buildings or such anywhere near or so. He figures the Daphne and other stolen people must be held in some kind of a structure that might beable to be seen. This would also allow us if we see anything to sneak in alittle better since we'll know if some type of hideout is near by that the enemy may be using without Max making so much noise to alert them. All this being done in the morning though so a person can see.)
Tionel d20+6=20 Wednesday September 24th, 2003 1:46:56 AM
"Ah-Ha!" he says, pointing out a patch of the vines. "See, now we know where it is...I'd suggest those who want to stay in a deep but uncomfortable sleep stay on Max, the others I think can stay off him...but have to wake up at any moment to get back on if he does move. We'll definitely have to keep somebody on him on watch." Tionel offers to be on watch during the least-desirable time. He seems a bit nervous about being paired up with Xenia.
Gordo d20+3=13 d20=6 d20=4 Wednesday September 24th, 2003 8:03:19 AM
The big man hops down off Max and looks about, just about making out the vines in the growing gloom (Spot 13). Moving away from the patches of vines searches the trees for the fruit he ate earlier (Search 6), and failing that looks for any other fruit that don't look too poisonous (Int check 4). Armed with his diner he moves to sit by Florin.
"Well son, I don't mind doing a bit of climbing" he grins at Florin's question. That's a good idea that, see if we can get the lay of the land. I'm starting to wonder if these ghosts aren't just sending us round and round in circles till we starve to death or die from eating poisoned fruit!" He waves the fruit he's munching on to emphasise his point, then carries on cheerfully devouring his dinner.
Angus d20+4=22 d20+7=20 Wednesday September 24th, 2003 8:17:10 AM
After Angus complete his rest to recover his spells he attempts to engage each member in conversation. Angus attempts to use Elvish and Dwarfish with each party member that is able to converse in those languages so that he can maintain his fluency. It appears that Angus is bored riding on Max. "This forest is not fun and neither is riding on max for days. At least the company is good."
Angus also notices the nasty bloodsucking vines (spot 22). "Tionel can you very carefully get me a sample or even seeds of the vines that attacked us, I know someone who may be interested in them."
Angus passes the time playing his flute when not talking to everyone (perform 20). The flute performance while not the best that the group has hear still carries a bouncy tune.
Xenia d20+8=22 Wednesday September 24th, 2003 10:54:28 AM
Xenia spends much of the long and generally dull day at the front of Max. Part of this is for the view. For some odd reason it's just more interesting to watch things moving toward you than it is to see them disappear into the distance. Of course, most of the reason is because you-know-who is sitting up front steering. She tries sitting close to him. She even tries to get him talking about his groovish fashion sense, but he just doesn't seem interested. You might even say he seems a bit uncomfish. Small talk dies into a silence that has a big red sign on it, and the sign says "Xenia, you are so dumb."
The half-elf sighs and moves contritely back to the middle of their hard-shell transport. This trip looks to be more boring than she had previously thought. (Silly girl, no thought to the fact that the most likely alternative to boredom is another go at becoming plant food.) But things could be worse. She looks around at her companions. Mostly really nice friendly guys. Even the dwarf. She just knows he's not as mean and surly as he acts. Then she remembers the three or four pancakes that she grabbed from the Giggling Ghost way back eons ago. With a reach behind her to the Haversack, she shares them out. They're cold and squished, but, hey, they're still pancakes.
Later in the day, she flops back onto the center of Max's back, taking up way more room than a small half-elven girl has a right to take up and watches the forest canopy drift by. Her eyes close with the music from Angus's flute and the rhythmic movement of the bug and she drifts into a light nap.
When she opens her eyes again, it's dark. Climbing to her knees she stares off into the forest which seems to have sucked back all of the previous night's evil and badness from some special well of evil and badness that it keeps in a secret evil and badness basement. Nasty blood-sucking vine creep hate loathe die things writhe out on the forest floor. Looks like there are bare spots where there aren't any, but who knows what they're capable of doing.
"You don't have to keep anybody on Max, Tionel, cause I'm *not* getting off. You wanna go sleep on the ground, you go ahead, but I'm not having those things come and suck on me. No way." She tips her head by way of a shrug. "Well, get me a bed and maybe I'll think about it."
She sits back and looks up into the trees. "You know, they might be up there too, Gordo. Might be lots of them up there. Could be kind of a bad idea to climb up there," she says with concern in her eyes.
Syr d20+7=13 Wednesday September 24th, 2003 3:26:42 PM
Syr looks down at the forest floor. With a shiver, he tells the others, "Why don't we sleep up here again? Angus and I had no control over Max when he decided to move. I wouldn't want to see anyone trampled or left behind. Granted he does leave a wide trail behind him."
Hearing the discussion about climbing, "Give it a try Gordo. We'll make sure we pick a safe tree. I don't see how it can hurt?"
Bralin d20+4=20 Wednesday September 24th, 2003 3:28:08 PM
As morning moves on into afternoon, and things promise to get seriously dull, Bralin gets out a fist sized hunk of marble and some stone working tools.
The dwarf whiles away the hours studiously tink-tinking away. He answers Angus' occasional dwarven queries with a quick one or two word reply in the same language, and gets back to his rock.
By day's end, Bralin has transformed a ball of stone into the very rough shape of a taur figure and a humanoid figure engaged in combat. He carefully repacks all his tools as people start moving to get off Max.
The dwarf is also able to see the vines, and decides getting off the beetle to be quite desirable.
At Florin's suggestion, he looks up at the nearest tree, looking for something...dangerous. "A reasonable suggestion," he agrees, looking to Gordo to make the attempt.
Getting ready for some shuteye (DM MikeK) Wednesday September 24th, 2003 8:52:34 PM
Everyone passes the time in their own way until dusk.
Some folks decide to sleep on the ground, and others decide to sleep on Max. All agree the watch will be on Max to give warning should the bug get the munchies. Everyone getting off Max and moving 20' away or so is hit with the heavy, watching, malevolent feeling of the woods. As night falls, the feeling fades, almost as if the forest were resting itself for the next morning.
Florin and Gordo pick out a couple reasonable looking trees to try and climb in the morning.
Gordo can't find any similiar looking fruits, and also can't find anything he'd particularly like to munch.
Angus requests Tionel harvest some blood sucking vines.
Tionel volunteers to take a less coveted watch.
Xenia Thursday September 25th, 2003 12:14:46 AM
Now that they're not moving anymore, Xenia is kind of bored again. Everyone seems to be doing kind of their own things. She's kind of leery of weirding Tionel out again, but he just seems like the most interesting person to talk to right now.
"So, Tionel," she says as she lies on her stomach atop Max's shell with chin resting on crossed arms. "You seem like the outdoors type. What do you do out here? I mean, I've never left the city before. I mean, sure, you read about it. Nature this and Nature that. But after coming out here, I really don't get it." Xenia pulls herself to a siting position. "What do *you* see in it?"
Gordo Thursday September 25th, 2003 6:25:16 AM
The big man ignores his rumbling stomach, and settling down drops off to sleep almost instantly. Once again the forest reverberates to the sound of his snoring.
Angus Thursday September 25th, 2003 9:18:39 AM
Angus does not seem to be tired since he did nothing but ride Max all day. Angus casts a light cantrip periodically (six in all) so that the group can see that evening.
Angus askes to those still on Max. "Did anyone bring any dice or cards. We could at least pass the time playing games?"
After the light cantrips cease Angus settles down to sleep. Angus mentions to those on Max before drifting off to sleep "Tomorrow we better come up with a plan, since aimless wondering does not seem to be working. See everyone at breakfast."
Bralin Thursday September 25th, 2003 10:51:16 AM
Warily watching the undergrowth, Bralin speaks up. "I propose we shift the watch schedule, but retain the pairings. Syr and Angus, Gordo and Bog, myself and Tionel, and lastly Florin and Xenia."
Florin d20+1=11 d20+2=18 d20+1=21 Thursday September 25th, 2003 11:19:30 AM
Florin is glad his idea is okayed by everyone and looks to Xania when she comments on it, "I know it's a dangerous idea but I think it may be a good one, we'll just have to be extra weary of anything that might happen. I myself can climb one even knows Im not to well at the job, my heavy armor may cause a lsight problem also."
With everything ready for sleep Florin decides to try sleeping on the ground once more, enjoing the night abit as he drifts off to sleep.
If nothing happens to interupt this then Florin takes his watch with Xania and tries to bring up some coversation with her since she does seem to be fighting boredom, "You came to find Daphne, mind if I ask how you heard of the lady ghost? or what your home life was like?" Florin just figures that Xania heard about Daphne from her home life but waits to find out more if Xania would like to talk.
While on watch and if there is enough light Florin watches for any animals that may be okay to eat or even any plants or berries that Gordo might of missed (Please let me know if you need me to make any dice rolls for shooting a animal if Florin sees any). When morning fully hits he will show off his kill if he got anything for breakfast and also will go about his prayer to Domi and also cleaning himself up like he did previously the other morning. He will also offer the comb an mirror and such to Xania if she like to clean up also.
[Spot:11 Listen:18 Int:21 (Natural 20)]
Syr Thursday September 25th, 2003 1:16:06 PM
Syr nods a Bralin, "No problem for me!" With that he nudges Angus gently, "It looks like we are first on." He moves to the head of Max so that he can get a better view of the surroundings.
Tionel d20+7=9 Thursday September 25th, 2003 5:34:59 PM
Tionel hums to himself softly and atonally as he sits in the grass, taking a few samples of the vine for the curious bard. Xenia pops up on Max nearby and asks him a question and he glances over and smiles, not blushing too much this time. "Well... I was raised with other elves in a forest much nicer than this one. Most were druids or rangers...woodland types." He pauses, standing up and dusting himself off. "Actually, I never fit in very well. When I first came to a city I was...well, it was phenomenal! I decided to quit the woods and tried my hand at being a bard. I did rather well... I mean, I'm not as good as Angus, who just naturally has that gift, plus some professional training. But I made a living. And... "And I found that I feel more comfortable in a city...like, you know what I imagine? That the city is one big living thing, a giant forest, or an ocean. And all the people in it are fish, or ducks, predators and prey...and that the houses, they're the trees or the reefs, the caves and the mountains..." His tone, almost imaginative and visionary, ceases, and he blushes, looking back to the vines and sticking them into a pocket. "I guess that's unimportant, though. You have the opposite view...someone whose lived in the city all their lives... But where I came to the best city around, you ended up in this rather abyssmal forest. Maybe someday, I'll take our group by the elven forest I came from."
Xenia Thursday September 25th, 2003 8:52:08 PM
Xenia listens quietly to Tionel. "My Dad used to take me out on training runs at night. I still remember my first free climb at night. It was this three story rough brick thing. Scared the furble out of me. Lots of good hand holds, but that doesn't mean much in the dark. I'm still not real good at climbing. No upper body strength."
"But that's not why I remember it. You see, I had finally pulled myself up over the eaves and onto the roof. I was out of breath, I was shaking, and I thought I was going to pee my pants. I wasn't sure I could face going back down. And then suddenly, I look up from the roof tiles, and there's the city. From there you could look out over the roofs of most of the Fence level. You could see lights in the windows between the dark patches, and some areas that were lit really bright. And, the more I sat there watching, the more I could feel all the people out there. I mean, not like each one or anything. But, like all of them together, living and breathing and ... and well, being the city."
"I think that's when I fell in love with it all. I forgot to be afraid. I don't even remember the climb back down. I just focused on technique, I guess. And, you know what? Dad knew what I had seen. You could see it on his face. Like he'd just passed something on to me."
Xenia is silent for a while. Her feet kick like lazy butterflies behind her. "I'd like to see your forest someday, Tionel," she says at last.
With something of a sigh, she sits up and changes the subject. "You know, there's really no Fan Club, Florin," she says. "I lied. Well, not really. But there's just three of us. Me and Oben and Beeble. Beeble likes to be called 'Siren,' but her names really Beeble. We share a flat together in this old bell tower. It was Oben's idea. I guess we just needed something to be special. Exciting, you know. And Oben heard about The Giggling Ghost and Daphne and we made up the Fan Club."
"Sorry, Syr," Xenia says. "I mean about lying to you. Oben and Beeble would have come to, but they were afraid."
The red-headed half-elf grows silent again. "Kind of dumb, huh?" she says at last.
[[OOC: Apologies for the 2nd post, but inspiration just has its way with me.]]
Will Something Please Happen? (DM MikeK) Thursday September 25th, 2003 9:47:45 PM
The party beds down again in this hostile place.
The predators' growling and occasional eyes peek out at Gordo and Bog, but nothing approaches.
Near the end of Tionel and Bralin's shift, Max decides to go get breakfast. And the rest of the group is roused and chase down the beetle for another ride.
Florin and Xenia see nothing but the gradual light as dawn breaks over the Crying Woods.
For more long hours, Max walks. And the spirit of Father von Groggin appears at intervals, pointing the way. As Max crawls deeper into the forest, a heavy and dark feeling begins to intrude, even over the beetle's protective aura. The forest sounds become angrier, more screeching and calling out. But nothing is visible.
And then, suddenly von Groggin appears with arms extended in a stopping motion. He looks over to his left and nods. He disappears.
At the same time, all sound ceases. The impact of the silence is almost palpable.
Anyone making a Spot check v DC 15 notices a hastily concealed pathway. Tree branches have been used to brush out a trail. The path leads in the direction of the spirit's nod.
Tionel d20+6=9 Friday September 26th, 2003 12:50:58 AM
"Well, it's been a pleasant trip, but that's our cue! This might be the big one... You guys go on ahead, I'll bring Max if I can, but call me if you get too far and we'll have to leave him behind..."
Tionel is about to cast a spell of protection (Barkskin) on Gordo, figuring the big guy needs it the most the way he jumps into combat, but then decides to give it to Xenia, the only potential kidnapee in the group. Never know if any monsters may try to kidnap her or something, he argues to himself... (heh)
Bog Friday September 26th, 2003 4:33:06 AM
"ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzz mmmmoooorrrrcshkokzzxxxzzzzwxxxxxoxxzrrrxzzxxxx....zzzzzzzzzzzzz" comes the gutteral snore from Bog who has fallen asleep on Max's back as they continued their slow journey through the woods.
He continues sawing wood.
Syr d20+8=28 d20+9=22 Friday September 26th, 2003 4:49:36 AM
Shrugging off Xenia's small lie, "It's okay. I'm a closet Gold Dragon fan myself. I can understand the devotion. Did you know that I once met their butler???" The expression on Syr's face is obviously from a daydream.
Sitting on top of Max's head, Syr immediately spots the half-hidden trail (what a waste of a critical). Whispering back to everyone else, "Hey guys, something to do! There is a path up here." He points everyone toward the path. "I'm gonna move up it, (Move silently 22). Everyone else either join or follow." With that he slides off Max's head and moves down the path cautiously.
Xenia (Barkskin) d20+8=9 d20+10=24 Friday September 26th, 2003 7:49:08 AM
"What trail?" Xenia whispers, infected by the maartial elf's cautious tone.
Then Tionel touches her shoulder and her skin crackles. The half-elf's eyes widen. And, you know, she'd really like to ask Florin to borrow that mirror now, but Syr is slipping away. Instead, she gives Tionel a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thanks, you know just what a girl wants," she winks, and slips off after Syr.
[[Spot 9 / Move Silently 24 (following 20ft behind and to the opposite side of this "Path" thing. =wherever it is, sigh= )
Bralin Friday September 26th, 2003 9:32:45 AM
The dwarf gives Bog a slightly too strong shove to wake him as the beetle comes to a stop.
Bralin slides off the bug, and draws his waraxe.
Perfectly aware of his own ability to be silent (not a chance), he waits for the scouts to get a decent lead, nods to Florin, and heads down the path.
Florin Friday September 26th, 2003 10:00:11 AM
Florin grins and stretches as he stands and slips form Max's back, he waqtches the others for a moment and gives Bralin a nod and smile in reply, odviously glad to be doing something itneresting. Before following the others he quickly grabs his helemt from his backpack though thinking it a good idea even in these heat and slides the piece of armor on and then begins to follow Bralin, whispering to the him when he cetches up, "I better follow you, in this heavy armor I can see the others complaining of the noise." He smiles as he has his longsword ready, keeping the blade turned abit to keep the flashing of light on the clean and very sharp edge down and his shield stands ready in his other hand with the sign of Domi proudly showing, he does hope the blue tint to his armor and shield doesn't help in giving him away.
Angus MAGE ARMOR d20+4=19 Friday September 26th, 2003 10:06:16 AM
Angus also notices the conceled path and follows Bralin down it also not attempting to be more quite than usual. In dwarfish Angus whispers to Bralin. "May your axe be share and the ground under your feet be steady."
Angus casts Mage Armor on himself.
Gordo: Enlarged: +2 Str, -2 Dex, -1 AC & Att d20+3=11 Friday September 26th, 2003 11:41:01 AM
"Oho!" beams the big man. It looks like good old Max got us to where we should be. Thanks, Max! Bog! I say BOG! Wake up son, we're here!"
He hops down from the giant beetle, but then looks about in bemusement. "So where's this path then?" he asks, peering into the undergrowth. Following Syr's indications he finally spots it. "Well now, there's a thing. ho'd go to the trouble of hiding a path deep in the middle of the forest? Folks with something to hide, I'd guess."
He rummages in his pack for a moment, then fishes out a potion. "I've been meaning to try this for a while!" he grins, and gulps down the contents. Suddenly the big man seems even bigger; he rockets upwards, his head bumping an overhanging branch as he doubles in height to well over twelve feet tall.
"Ho ho!" he booms in a deep tenor, "Well this should certainly make an impression!". And he heads off into the undergrowth after Bralin, grinning hugely and cracking the gigantic knuckles on his huge hairy hands.
Be vewy vewy quiet.....(DM MikeK) Sunday September 28th, 2003 3:52:44 PM
Syr and Xenia pad softly down what appears to be some kind of narrow game trail in the forest. Neither has a clue what kind of animal could have originally made it. Not that it matters, because something intelligent tried to wipe out some tracks.
The 'feel' of the woods becomes even heavier and more oppressive if possible.
After about 150', the two find themselves at the edge of a small clearing. The clearing is not natural. In the center is a huge black-barked, red-leafed tree. It is at least 40' in diameter and stretches high overhead. The area around the tree for nearly 50 ft in diameter has been crudely cleared, with the logs and shrubbery being used to form a crude barrier of sorts all around the tree.
Three men, armored in breastplate and wearing longswords, move in and out of the tree in a methodical way, obviously keeping watch and guarding things.
The rest of the party, minus Tionel, is about 70' from the lead duo. Tionel follows on Max about 40' behind the rest. The beetle crashes through the forest, and is already barely audible to Xenia and Syr.
The guards apparently haven't noted anything unusual...yet.
Xenia d20+10=28 d20+8=18 Sunday September 28th, 2003 7:25:48 PM
Low and quiet, Xenia watches the goings on in the clearing. Then, from behind, she hears crashing and breaking. Farble. She wonders which one of those guys could be so noisy? She knows it just couldn't be Tionel. He knows woodland stuff and all. It just couldn't be him.
She catches Syr's eye and uses the hand gestures her father taught her. When she's through, she looks into the elf's eyes for signs of comprehension. What she gets is kind of inconclusive. Farblation. "I'll go back and tell the others. You wait here and watch," Xenia whispers.
Syr shakes his head and puts a finger to his lips. He points to her and then points to the ground. He points to himself and then back up the trail. What do you know. He got it after all.
Xenia tries to make herself one with the shadows and then scans the clearing and it's surrounding vegetation for the presence of other guards.
[[ Hide 28 / Spot 18 ]]
Syr d20+9=20 Sunday September 28th, 2003 7:46:01 PM
Syrdeth Redbow moves rapidly back up the trail hoping to head off the others before the noise tips off the men in the clearing.
Sighting the rest of the party coming up the trail, he gestures for silence and is alarmed when the noise doesn't stop. He speaks quickly.
"Three men. Breastplates. Long swords." And he gives them an estimate of distance and, moving up the trail with them says, "You do realize how noisy all of you are? Don't you?"
[[ Move Silently 20 ]]
Xenia Monday September 29th, 2003 2:36:36 AM
[[ OOC: One more thing. Xenia readies sling and a bullet. Also, how far is Xenia from the clearing now? ]]
Angus (Mage Armor) Monday September 29th, 2003 10:07:11 AM
Upon seeing Syr Angus stops and becomes quite. Angus will procede quitely forward with the group, keeping at least one armored or enlarge friend in front of him.
"Syr how are we going to be quite with a 12 foot Gordo?"
Gordo d20+4=11 Monday September 29th, 2003 2:28:19 PM
The (very) big man looks down at Angus. "Oh, are we supposed to keep quiet?" He shrugs, the complexities of the subtle approach largely lost on him. "Why not just go up and ask 'em if they've seen our ghosts? Then if they turn nasty we hit 'em until they fall down." He grins and waves a hand the size of a dinner plate. "Don't worry though, if you all want to creep up that's fine. I can do creeping if needs be.
And he starts to move softly up the path, his feet cleverly avoiding twigs and rustling leaves. So focused is the big man upon where he's putting his feet that he fails to see the overhanging branch until it makes contact with his forehead, with a solid crack. His muffled "ow!" is not particularly quiet either (Move Silent 11).
Florin d20+1=17 d20+2=12 Monday September 29th, 2003 2:45:26 PM
Florin continues moving along, staying close to Bralin and chuckling faintly under his breath before whispering, "being quiet isn't my strong point, I'll just have to do my best to avoid twigs and such." Florin goes through tactics in his mind and sighs abit to himself silently, and grins, "I do not know if following Gordo's comments are wise. Just charging so to speak is not a good idea on enemies who are careful of a attack, otherwise there wouldn't be 3 guards watching so intently."
[Spot:17 Listen:12]
Tionel d20+6=19 Monday September 29th, 2003 3:01:56 PM
Not seeing the rest of the group, Tionel doesn't know that they've stopped, and doesn't know that there are guys ahead. Hence, he continues on the trail after them, encouraging Max, watching ahead of him for any sign of a fight or such. (Spot: 19)
Bralin Monday September 29th, 2003 3:14:49 PM
Bralin comes to a halt as Syr approaches, and nods thoughtfully at his words.
He cringes a bit at Gordo's 'just go on in there' comment.
"Florin speaks well," he states. "We must place a few of our number in a advantageous position should the enemy refuse our demands."
Bralin cringes even more as he hears Max still coming. He quickly trots back to stop Tionel.
"We have arrived," he announces to the druid, "and require stealth."
Bog Monday September 29th, 2003 6:16:52 PM
"Bitter yot, ser," says Bog looking up at Gordo, "Less mek 'em foll oover naow."
Bog twists his fingers and cracks his knuckles and whispers some more bizarre poetry and casts Grease centered on the one of the tin can men in hopes to get all three of them. If three can't be done then two will do.
Planning...Or Not (DM MikeK) Monday September 29th, 2003 9:01:27 PM
Xenia watches the men silently from the shadows just inside the tree line. She is 30' from the barrier surrounding the tree. The barrier is another 50' from the tree.
As she watches, two of the guards take a walk around the enclosure, about equidistant from the tree and the barrier, while the other remains posted at an opening in the tree. After making a revolution, both the guards disappear inside while the other remains on guard at the entryway.
While Bralin goes back to warn Tionel, the rest of the group semi-quietly approach her position. Although painfully plain to the rogue, none of the guards seem to notice the crunching and talking.
Bog realizes the guards are too far away (80') for his spell, so he holds onto it...for now.
The barrier is uneven, ranging between 3' and 5' in height. With the exception of Bralin, everyone could climb over it easily (Move equivalent). It will be more work for the dwarf. It won't impede Gordo at all.
Xenia Monday September 29th, 2003 10:09:18 PM
Xenia grimaces a the noise and shoots back a look that says, C'mon guys, keep it down.
In short low whispers she describes the route of the sentries. She hasn't timed it yet, but it leaves them exposed when the two enter the tree. Of course, she leaves tacit the fact that this is the dumbest sentry route she's ever seen. But, hey, these guys live in a tree, right? Whaddya expect?
"If there were some way we could silence him without an outcry ... " the red headed rogue says half to herself.
[[ OOC: Anybody have any invisibility? ]]
Tionel d20+2=16 d20+2=14 Tuesday September 30th, 2003 1:28:22 AM
The elf blushes when the girl kisses him on the cheek. Humans are weird like that...elves barely ever touch lips, except ceremonially. Some humans want to do it all the time!
Tionel finally receives notice that the mysterious tree is up ahead when Bralin comes along. "Stealth? Well, then it seems like we might have to leave Max behind. So long, fella..." He has Max stop and quietly feeds him most of the rest of the flowers, speaking to him in thanks, and trying to convince the beetle to stay there for a while. Of course the Beetle probably will do so...for about five minutes. But they might not need his help once they do get done with this...Tionel has no idea what to do with Max in any case, and doesn't want to offend him with a leesh...besides, what would he tie him to? Tionel quietly rejoins the others with Bralin, and peers at the situation. He moves quietly (Move Silently 16) and isn't too shabby at staying hidden (Hide 14). Moreover, moving through the woods he somehow goes at a normal pace and without any of the breaking of twigs that others do. He holds up a vial labelled "Hiding Potion" and offers it to Xenia, if she wishes. Other than that, he's ready to just approach...what have they to worry if it's just some people in the woods? They aren't bandits, are they?
Syr Tuesday September 30th, 2003 7:07:09 AM
"Well, guys, shall we go on the assumption that they're baddies from the get go? If so, I think I can take that one there," and the elf points to the lone guard by the door to the tree, "out without a sound." And Syrdeth produces a potion of invisibility.
"Then the rest of you can follow up with a charge and we can surprise the other two as they come out."
Gordo Tuesday September 30th, 2003 8:12:21 AM
Gordo shrugs with a grin. "OK, Syr, if you think that's best. You folks just holler when you want me to appear." And he starts to lean against a tree, only stopping when he realises he's in danger of knocking it over.
Angus Tuesday September 30th, 2003 8:51:41 AM
Angus mentions to the group "I have my Magic Missle spell ready. Everyone be careful of the tree, you never know when the foilage will also attack you. I will approach with Bralin and help him over the hedge if needed."
Angus looks aground concerned. " Are the three gentlemen we are about to jump the cause of this uneasy feeling or do you think it is the tree or somthing nasty in the tree?"
Bralin Tuesday September 30th, 2003 10:15:23 AM
Bralin eyes the emaciated mage skeptically.
"That will not be necessary," he replies to Angus. Or even possible, he finishes silently.
"Mayhap we can crawl to the concealing wall while Syr dispatches the guard," he suggests.
Turning to Syr, he adds, "I can provide some small help," and quietly casts a spell on the elf. "This will last but a minute," he warns.
Guidance - +1 compentence bonus on next single attack roll, saving throw, or skill check. State before you use.
Florin Tuesday September 30th, 2003 11:25:00 AM
Florin stays close to Bralin since he knows that he himself can not move silently like the others and looks to Bralin a moment and then the others close to him, "These men dress alot like myself armor and weapon wise..this could be messy though, if the tree isn't the cause of the disturbing feeling of this forest/jungle then I would guess it to be a magic user of some type." Florin glances to Bralin mainly since he figures the dwarf would understand his worries since a magic user would mean the group has more to worry about then just the fighter type guards, "I'll give you help over the barrier my friend if you need when we move foreward."
Bog Tuesday September 30th, 2003 5:18:36 PM
Bog frowns. "Woll, Ah don' noooo. Ah min, ah wuz jes gonna noc'mndown'nthins. But youz gonna keel 'im, Syyr? Tha's not very nas. We don ivin nooo hoo dey ar or war wez are n'thins. Wah not jes go snik and pik 'is poket."
Plan? (DM MikeK) Tuesday September 30th, 2003 9:15:11 PM
Bog raises a question about the wisdom of killing the guard.
The others discuss doing just that.
Based on the distances, and the fence, and the fact he still has to drink the potion, Syr can cover the 80' in 4.5 rounds.
If Syr moves at full speed, he can get there in 2.5 rounds, but he'll take a -5 penalty on his Move Silently check.
Syr (and anybody else) needs to make a Move Silently check as soon as he enters the clearing.
Florin Tuesday September 30th, 2003 9:48:39 PM
Florin continues to wait for the others to decide what to do while staying kneeling near to Bralin. He knows that he stands no chance of sneaking in on the guards and isn't sure what to do since Bog has a point, "tough decision here, we don't want to be sitting ducks by just walking out and say hi but we don't want to kill innocents."
Florin looks to the others and sighs abit after a quick thought, "why not have everyone get ready to attack if need be and I'll go out and see if their friend or foe?" Florin doesn't know if someone will agree or not with his idea so waits to see what is said or happens.
Tionel Wednesday October 1st, 2003 12:17:27 AM
"Hold on, hold on...look, we don't even know what their motives are. We're in the middle of a hostile forest, and they're armed guards---maybe they're fighting against the forest somehow? Attacking would be inhumane and might cause bad relations. Here's what we'll do. I'm going to walk up, quietly, trying to sneak, and talk to him. I'll give you guys a sign if I need help. Okay? We can't just barge around attacking people in a forest..." Tionel shakes his head in dismay.
Syr Wednesday October 1st, 2003 1:55:19 AM
"Ok, fine, Tionel," Syr says. "But I'll be right behind you." And he waggles the vial that he holds in his hand.
Gordo Wednesday October 1st, 2003 5:37:13 AM
The big man grins, and says nothing.
Angus Wednesday October 1st, 2003 8:00:49 AM
Angus agrees with Tionel. "A plan and a noble one at that. I will be also watching from the woods since I can reach the guards with my Magic Missle spell if needed."
Xenia Wednesday October 1st, 2003 10:48:39 AM
Xenia frowns and worries her lower lip. She wants to tell Tionel not to go, but it's not really her place to. He's his own guy and he's gotta do his own thing. "I wouldn't go beyond the barrier, Tionel," she says instead. "Flag 'em from there and make them come to you."
She turns a serious eye to the clearing. "If I were serious about security, I wouldn't just stop with a barrier. I'd put some unseen nasties out from the sentry route too." She turns back to the assembled group and responds as if expecting looks of doubt. "Well, I would."
"Be careful, Tionel," Xenia says. She wants to say more, but she doesn't.
Syr d20+9=18 Wednesday October 1st, 2003 10:54:36 AM
[[ OOC: Just realized that I may not have been real clear about Syr's intentions. If Tionel enters the clearing with intention to parley, Syr will gulp the Potion of Invisibility and then shadow him, behind and to the left at 5 paces. Move Silently check is 18. ]]
Bralin Wednesday October 1st, 2003 11:05:15 AM
The dwarf ponders a while.
"Xenia speaks well. Better to determine their intentions from a distance," he states.
Tionel d20+2=5 d20+2=15 d20+9=29 Wednesday October 1st, 2003 1:51:26 PM
"We'll never be able to tell what they're doing in that tree, out here." [This is not a second post, just to affirm what I said earlier... Tionel will first drink the potion of hiding, then move up to the barrier at an angle that the guard will probably not spot him, and attempt to hop it quietly. His hide (with the potion) comes to a 15, his move silently a 15. Then, he'll move closer to the guard, till he's about 35 feet away, still trying to keep out of view and use trees for cover. If he manages to get this close, he'll cast charm person (DC 16 to resist), again trying to speak softly, but probably getting the guard's notice... In any case, once he's noticed, he'll call out in a gentle tone, "Hey, buddy. I've just come through a rather nasty forest, I don't suppose you guys are a guard station? I could use some help. I can pay for any aid." He'll speak in a nice tone, trying to get on their nice side. (Diplomacy nat 20, 29 total.) ] [Of course, all of this assumes the others go with Tionel's plan.]
Syr Wednesday October 1st, 2003 3:13:44 PM
[[ OOC: Confirmational as well. If Tionel does that then Syr is invisible and right along with him at stated position and distance. ]]
Bog Wednesday October 1st, 2003 5:47:17 PM
Bogs sits quietly. He takes a large grey rat out of a pocket and starts petting it and feeds it some crumbs.
Thats What Friends are For (DM MikeK) d20=13 d20=9 Wednesday October 1st, 2003 10:12:07 PM
Tionel, followed invisibly by Syr, quietly works his way northward to get out of the line of sight of the guard. This isn't that hard, since its a really big tree and the guy is standing right next to the doorway.
Getting over the fence is a little tense, but both manage to do so without alerting the guard.
Once across, the druid carefully pads back southward, and catches the eye of the guard.
Tionel casts his spell, and the guard smiles grandly at his new found friend. At Tionel's question, the smile falls, and the man quickly glances inside.
He answers, also in a low tone. "Sorry, this ain't a public inn. An' we can't let anyone in, money or no. I'm tellin' ya, ya'd better take off now before the coven sees ya, cause they'll be really ticked if they're interrupted."
Florin Wednesday October 1st, 2003 10:41:47 PM
Florin waits and listens to see what what happens as he stays kneeling. He is happy to hear no fighting noises though as Tionel speaks to the guard or so far none running out to attack.
Florin glances to Bralin and the others near him and who he can see, sighing just abit as he feels his muscles tense and ready to move.
Syr d20=1 d20+9=21 d20+8=22 d20+4=12 Wednesday October 1st, 2003 11:39:34 PM
Syr moves in just behind Tionel.
"Going to take a look," he whispers into Tionel's ear. Then he moves quietly, angling to a place where he can see into the door and yet keep the same distance from the guard that Tionel now has. He squints his eyes and peers into the door. He strains his ears. Sounds are kind of indistinct.
[[ Move Silently 21 / Spot 22 / Listen 12 / The 1 that leads things off is a mistake ]]
Tionel Thursday October 2nd, 2003 11:09:25 AM
"It certainly isn't very public in these woods! My friend, before I leave, since I am a very rich man, I offer you a hundred gold pieces to tell me about this coven of yours." Appealing to both the sense of greed and friendship, Tionel smiles slightly, "I assure you, I mean them no harm, and will leave right after I find out. Why am I curious, you might ask? Because I am a druid myself, and if it's a coven open to people, I'd be curious about joining."
Xenia d20+10=17 d20+10=28 d20+8=26 Thursday October 2nd, 2003 11:49:49 AM
The Xenia watches with concern as Tionel moves out across the open clearing and starts talking to the guard. Looks friendly enough, but that doesn't stop her from worrying.
She's thinking that he might need more backup if things go South so she turns to Bralin and Florin and puts a finger to her lips. She follows that gesture with a finger pointed to herself and then off in the direction opposite to that in which the guard's attention is currently focused. Then she slides smoothly off parallel to the guard's line of focus. When she reaches a point at which she can approach from the guard directly from the side, she cuts inward toward the clearing and takes up a position crouched against the outside of the wall. She listens to pick up scraps of conversation.
[[ Move Silently 17 / Hide 28 / Listen 26 / Sling and one bullet is still ready from previous ]]
Bralin Thursday October 2nd, 2003 12:09:33 PM
The dwarf notes Xenia trot off, but can only watch and wait.
Angus Thursday October 2nd, 2003 2:30:15 PM
Angus watches the scene play out and is please to see that Tionel has not had to come to blows witht he guards.
Angus softly calls to Xenia as she leaves. " Good luck and step lightly"
Angus waits with the calvary.
Gordo Thursday October 2nd, 2003 3:55:47 PM
The big man watches the goings on with an amused twinkle in his eye, and gets ready to charge across the intervening space should things go awry with the subtle approach.
Still Talkin (DM MikeK) d20=10 Thursday October 2nd, 2003 4:42:06 PM
(OOC - apologies to Matt, but I need to shift to afternoons, and this seemed like the most opportune time)
Syr quietly works around Tionel and the guard to get a look inside the tree. After a few moments, he gets a pretty good view of the middle third. Three plain looking women are working over a very large cauldron which is surrounded by three smaller ones. Each is hung over the appropriate size fire. One of the women (W3) is holding a very expensive looking crystal and gold vial with a pair of long gold tongs and is doing something with the vial just outside of Syr's line of vision.
The guard furtively glances inside the tree again, before responding to Tionel. "They're WITCHES," he hisses, as if that explains everything. "Please, get outta here before they catch ya. They got ghosts in here an' everything. It ain't pretty." The man seems quite concerned over Tionel's safety.
Xenia works her way up the barrier until she's out of sight of the guard.
The others wait.
(Map coming)
Bog Thursday October 2nd, 2003 5:18:01 PM
Bog takes out a pouch some nice pieces of fudge and feeds one of them to the rat who does a backflip upon seeing it.
"Yooz guyz wantinesum'o'dis fuj? I tok it fr'm da party. Tis tasty."
He munches on a piece and holds the rest out to the group.
Xenia d20+10=14 d20+10=21 Thursday October 2nd, 2003 5:46:41 PM
"WITCHES!" Xenia's eyes go wide as she hears the word. She's not sure exactly what a witch really is, but it sounds bad, and that means Tionel is probably in danger. The rest of the guys should know this.
So she sneaks back following the same route she used to get to the wall.
When she gets back she crouches between Florin and Bralin. "They have witches in that tree. I heard the guard say that. They've got witches."
"What's a witch?"
[ Move Silently 14 / Hide 21 ]]
Tionel d20+10=12 d20+9=22 Friday October 3rd, 2003 12:12:24 AM
"Witches, you say?" Tionel looks slightly worried (Perform 12, :P), but can't help but smirk in triumph. He looks at the guard, knowing that the charm makes it so that the guy will do anything to help him, so long as it doesn't endanger himself... "I'm not afraid of witches. In fact, I want to talk to them... I've heard they can do many magnificent things." He walks forward, to the guard, perhaps a bit foolhardy, but Tionel was never known for being too concerned for his own safety. He mumbles to the side, to Syr, "I'm going to go in and talk to 'em, find out what they're doing. You bring the guys up to the tree while I do so, and get ready to attack if anything weird happens.." He walks up to the guard, holding his hands out to reveal that he has no weapons except his walking stick. "Can you please let me see them, my friend? I'm unarmed, and I just want to find out more about these witches."
Tionel attempts to talk the guard into letting him by, trusting to his natural charms and the magic to influence the poor soldier into letting him meet the fearsome witches. Inside, the city-loving elf hopes he can at least find out what's going on with this whole mess and get out of here alive, hopefully with nobody getting hurt. Who knows, parlay sometimes works...
Syr Friday October 3rd, 2003 12:40:20 AM
Syr does an invisible forehead slap when he hears what Tionel proposes doing. He looks out to the trailhead where the rest of the party lies in wait. It looks far away and things are moving way too fast. Trust them. Trust their instincts. They'll know what to do.
His own instincts tell him not to let Tionel go into the tree by himself.
Florin Friday October 3rd, 2003 2:52:10 AM
Florin looks to Bralin and to Xania beforen odding and commenting, "I believe a witch is a magic user of a type. This isn't good, rather Tionel gets by the guards or not we are going to have to move in and soon or we may be to late to stop what of the witches plan to do to Daphne and the others." Florin sighs and almost laughs abut, "We may have no other choice then to charge them and use brute force."
He grins after a moment and pulls the mirror out of his backpack and looks to Xania, "If Tionel doesn't get past the guards then can you use this mirror to signal him? this will give him some idea that we have to move in." Florin then looks to Bralin and thinks, "Inless you have a better idea my friend. I don't want no one to get hurt if we can get away with it."
Angus Friday October 3rd, 2003 11:11:51 AM
Angus thanks Bog for the fudge. "Mighty tasty, you treat your rat very well. A familiar?"
Angus is also watching Tionel and sees him moving toward the guard. "Ladies and Gentlemen this may get hot fast, everyone ready."
Bralin (ac 18, magic weapon) Friday October 3rd, 2003 11:31:41 AM
Bralin absentmindedly reaches out for a bit of chocolate, and pops it in his mouth, carefully watching Tionel and the guard all the while.
When Xenia comes back and mentions witches, he just shakes his head. Bralin has never heard of a witch.
But it does look like the druid is up to something. And, given what Bralin has seen so far, its unlikely a tactically sound action.
The dwarf shifts position and quietly casts a spell on his axe. "Stand ready," he growls.
Syr Friday October 3rd, 2003 11:37:31 AM
[[ OOC: I Always forget to forecast future actions. Dang. If Tionel enters the tree, Syr will place himself just outside and to the left of the door. He will watch and listen from there. ]]
Look what followed me home..(DM MikeK) Friday October 3rd, 2003 4:44:03 PM
The guard's mouth drops open at Tionel's request, and he looks fearfully into the tree. But his friend seems insistent, so the man shrugs. "OK, " he sighs, "Its your funeral"
He makes a 'come on' motion with his arm and as Tionel approaches, ducks his head into the entryway. "Excuse me, ma'am," he calls inside, "there's a guy here who wants to meet you."
"WHAT?!?" screeches a woman (W2), as she looks up from her cauldron in surprise. "He's still ARMED?!?" he screeches again, her voice scaling up the register.
From his position in the doorway, Tionel can take in the entire interior.
The three witches are working over a very large cauldron which is surrounded by three smaller ones. Each is hung over the appropriate size fire. The room is additionally lit with two odd looking torches that lights but has no flame flickering upon it. On one side of the room is a large cage. Stacked on top of it are two things that look like the top and bottom of a box with four corner poles holding the top and base apart. In the two boxy things can be seen Daphne and two other ghosts. Strapped to a table near W3 is a girl. The witch is holding a very expensive looking crystal and gold vial with a pair of long gold tongs and has just dropped a small drop of a silvery-red viscous liquid on to the girl's head between her eyes. All three women are staring at the druid in surprise. To the druid's right, two more guards are hastily getting up from a card game and drawing their swords.
One gasps, "Blood of Alemi, Taren. What kind of fool are you?" To Tionel, he commands, "Keep your hands up, your mouth shut, and step inside. Or by my sword I'll run you through."
As Syr shifts position, he can see the guards, but not the left half of the interior.
The witch's screeches and the guard's orders are easily heard by the rest of the group.
Xenia d20+5=8 d20+5=18 Friday October 3rd, 2003 5:07:07 PM
"Tionel!" Xenia cries, and then is off like a shot. She makes a leap to the top of the wall that's kind of too low, but she still catches the wall and climbs over.
Hitting the ground on the other side, she makes for a spot some 10ft out and at a 45 degree angle from the door.
[[ Jump 8 / Climb 18 ]]
Florin d20+1=14 Friday October 3rd, 2003 6:43:28 PM
Florin sighs and smirks abit, "Some people get all the ladies attention. Well friend Bralin, we can't let her have all the fun or get killed."
Not sure how far away Gordo is but he glances in his direction, "Lets go big guy, looks like it's time to charge." Florin will say this as loud as needed to get the man's attention before moving out quickly to follow Xania, hoping Bog is with them also.
(Climg:14, to get over barrier)
Tionel d3=3 Friday October 3rd, 2003 7:04:50 PM
{MY computer is having difficulties wor some reason} Well...the kidnapped ghosts and such! Witches doing vile experiments! This was the stuff of stories, Tionel thinks to himself. Too bad I'm no hero... Tionel casts a spell under his breath as quickly as he can... Three wolves materialize in front of the ladies. He gives them a quick command in Sylvan {Wait until I say attack}, then back in Common: "Now, now, my fine ladies, I don't want to fight you all. I'm just a druid." If any of the three ladies spellcasts or does anything dangerous, Tionel will order his wolves to attack. (They'll still get off the spell, but the wolves will then attack. They have +3 to hit, and do 1d6+1 damage each.)
Syr Friday October 3rd, 2003 7:54:34 PM
Syrdeth rolls his eyes to the heavens. The suspense is a real killer here. Knock them senseless, ask questions later sounds like a much better proposition to him in this case. He'd do it too. If Tionel would move out of the damn doorway.
As it is, his hand hovers over the back of Tionel's robe. "Be ready," he whispers into the druid's ear. This smells the slightest bit wrong and I'm going to pull you back out of the doorway."
Bog Saturday October 4th, 2003 5:51:08 AM
Bog grins back at the grinning Gordo and clicks his cheeks. His rat leaps backinto his pocket and Bog is off running, letting the fudge drop. He sprints to the base of the barrier and casts Spider Climb.
"Ungity buggity crreepity crawlilililily"
Gordo Saturday October 4th, 2003 3:28:50 PM
"Ho ho!" rumbles the big man, as he breaks into a run, his huge feet pounding the earth as he heads for the tree. "Time to knock some heads together!"
At this size the barrier is little more than a step over for the enlarged Gordo, and he reaches the entrance to the tree with a cheerful bellow: "Good day to you ladies, we're here about some ghosts!"
He prepares to grapple the guard if he comes close.
Angus Monday October 6th, 2003 9:09:14 AM
Angus follows the armed or enlarged member of the party as best he can keeping them in front of him. "lets go same some ghost and Tionel for that matter.."
Bralin (ac 18, magic weapon-rd2) d20+2=20 d20+2=16 Monday October 6th, 2003 11:06:12 AM
The dwarf joins the general attack, throwing himself at the barrier and scrambling over.
Jump 20 Climb 16
Witch battle - rd1 (DM MikeK) d20+6=14 d8+4=10 d20+6=11 d20+6=7 Monday October 6th, 2003 3:05:34 PM
Tionel ignores the second guard's warning and casts a spell. Three wolves materialize between him and the witches. They in turn ignore his order, and immediately launch themselves at the ladies.
L1 and L2 attack W3. L3 attacks W2.
(L is for Lupine :) Justin, could you play the wolves? Thanks)
Syr closes up to Tionel to provide what help he can from the wrong side of the doorway, while the rest of the party takes off across the open space.
Gordo crosses the entire distance, but shrinks to normal size just as he reaches F1.
Xenia, Florin, and Angus clear the wall. Bralin is halfway over, and Bog casts Spider Climb on himself.
"Intruders!" screams F1, and he moves to engage Gordo. (Hit ac 14 for 10 hp)
"Kill them all!" screeches W1.
W1 casts a spell. All wolves make a Will save DC 13
W2 does as well. All wolves make a Will save DC 13
W3 waits to see what the spells will do.
F2 steps into the doorway and swings at Tionel, but the wolves disrupt his concentration. (hit ac 11)
F3 waits to see if the wolves are dispatched, if any remain, he attacks (poorly). (nat 1)
(Please post your ACs and any spells you've got up. Thanks!)
Angus (Mage Armor AC 14) d4+1=4 d4+1=2 d20=1 Monday October 6th, 2003 4:27:44 PM
Once people start to engage in spell and combat, Angus casts a magic missle spell at the closest witch he can see and if they are totaly obscured he will cast it on an enemy fighter within sight(damage 6).
"Watch out the witches are casting spells"
Angus quickly attemps a spellcraft check to see if he can determine what the witches are casting (natural 1 + 6)
DM Note Monday October 6th, 2003 4:53:51 PM
Only Tionel and Syr can see the witches. They are inside the tree.
Tionel d20+1=21 d20+6=17 d20+6=18 d20+1=10 Monday October 6th, 2003 7:48:48 PM
The nimble elf focuses on avoiding the blows of the man in front of him, and is glad he'd decided to wear at least some hardened leather into the woods rather than usual city clothes. "Excuuuuuuuuse me," he says, provoking an attack of opportunity from his armed foe as he edges way past him to the interior of the hut. Even though the guy might hit him, he takes it, knowing that Tionel would be just blocking the doorway, and that if he gets inside, that'll make it easier to fight these guys. Once there, he casts a spell, summoning a black bear which hopefully will attack the third witch. [Stats for Wolves: Hp 13, AC 14, Attacks with a bite +3 to hit, 1d6+1 damage.] [Stats for tha Bear: Hp 19, AC 13, Regular attack: Claws +6, 1d4+4, Full attack: 2 claws +6, 1d4+4 each, bite +1 melee, 1d6+2.]
(I assume even though you said he was in the doorway, that there was enough room to edge by him since I was also standing in the doorway. If not, I go with this action) Tionel provokes an attack (AC 15) as he attempts to just rush through the guy, overrunning him. (I think that if he gets hit, Tionel automatically fails, but I'm not too sure about the rules). If he doesn't get hit, Tionel presses against the guy with all his meager strength. (Str check 21, vs the guy's Dex or Strength check, whichever's higher...)
{In either case, if I do summon the bear, if you want to use my rolls for controlling it's attacks, go ahead...)
Wolves (ADM Justin) d20+1=7 d20+1=11 d20+1=13 d20+1=13 d20+1=17 d20+1=14 d20+3=17 d6+1=5 d20+1=9 Monday October 6th, 2003 8:34:38 PM
Wolf 1 and 2 are effeected by the spell casted by the witch but the 3rd one is able to attack the nearest witch to it.
(Wolf 3 can hit AC:17 Damage: 5, Trip: 9. A wolf has a trip tactic that it pulls if it's bite succeeds. I don't see no note in the book rather it's a AC hit or a DC check. Might want to ask Jerry or someone.)
Florin-AC16-HP31 Monday October 6th, 2003 8:40:23 PM
Florin continues to move as fast as he can to help his friends. Keeping his sword ready and his shield moved infront of him in hopes to block any arrow/bolt etc that is shot at him.
(I'm having trouble with getting your map to loadup for me Mike. Let me know if I could of made a attack please and I'll edit my post if you allow anyway. Thanks)
Bralin (ac 18, magic weapon-rd3) Monday October 6th, 2003 10:20:15 PM
Bralin keeps going over the wall. Once over, he follows the rest toward the combat.
Xenia AC 17 HP 13 d20+6=15 d20+2=6 Monday October 6th, 2003 11:15:37 PM
Xenia moves past Gordo into the fray. As she passes the monk's left shoulder she dives, tucks and somersaults by the feet of the guard squaring off against him. Rolling to her feet she continues a few more steps then shouts "Here, catch!" to the guard aiming for poor Tionel and she tosses the sling bullet in her hand in a graceful arc right into the side of the tree. Framblation!
[[ Tumble 15 / Attack roll for Aid Another 6 ]]
Xenia Barkskin2+17=AC19 HP 13 Tuesday October 7th, 2003 12:28:34 AM
[[ OOC: Sorry, should have been the above. ]]
Gordo d20+6=24 d8+2=8 Tuesday October 7th, 2003 2:36:28 AM
"Ho ho" rumbles the huge man, only to find himself shrinking as he goes into battle. "Aw, now that's a right shame" says Gordo as he reaches normal size. "I was enjoying it up there!"
He avoids the sword thrust without too much trouble, then swings his own punch with a degree more accuracy (AC 24 for 8 HP non lethal).
"Sorry about that son!" he grins at the guard, it's nothing personal!"
Bog Tuesday October 7th, 2003 6:42:45 AM
Bog grins and spits on the ground and scampers over the barrier and makes a beeline running toward the door area.
He runs in a straight line to where Xenia currently is and past that so that he ends up perpendicular to the tree door halfway between the door and the barrier.
Syr Invisibile, AC 18, HP 47 d20+9=16 Tuesday October 7th, 2003 11:20:32 AM
Remaining silent, Syr slides through the doorway and moves behind the witches. (Move Silently 16)
{I never received a copy of the map...)
Tionel Tuesday October 7th, 2003 12:08:55 PM
(My mistake...Tionel, when he rushes to where he goes, can't cast another Summon Nature's Ally II, since he's used up all his 2nd level spells. I should mention he cast the first one in lieu of Wood Shape as well. So, now he would spontaneously cast a 1st level Summon Nature's Ally I, in place of Obscuring Mist. I hope this corrects things, my apologies...)
L1 attack W3, nipping with a bite. L2 also attacks W3, but misses. L3 attacks W2, also missing.
-- This rd
L1 and L2 slump to the floor. The wolves are breathing and appear to be asleep. L3 stops attacking, and drops to a sitting position, calmly watching the fracas around him.
Tionel slides by F2 and into the tree. The guard instinctively takes a swing, but is so surprised by the move that he does nothing but hit wood. Upon crossing the tree, the druid feels a strange pulling sensation, as if part of him was being drawn toward W3.
(I made a Will save for Tionel. Anyone else entering the tree must make Will save DC10 or be dazed one round).
Fighting off the confusion, Tionel casts another spell. A fourth wolf appears next to W1 and attacks her, scratching her slightly.
Syr can't get past F2 without running into him, and so waits, fuming helplessly.
Gordo slams F1 upside the head. Florin steps in next to Gordo, and now F1 is facing two opponents
Angus sends a magic missile into F1, eliciting a grunt of pain.
Xenia slides by everyone and hits the tree with a rock.
Bog goes past everyone as well. He has a good line of sight into the middle third of the tree's interior, clearly seeing all three witches.
Bralin moves closer, but his dwarven legs can't cover as much distance. He wields his axe menacingly though.
F2 readies his sword and barks an order, "Talen! Drop back!" F1 takes another swing at Gordo (hit AC17 for 11hp), then steps back to F1 (no AAO). Both guards are now effectively on line and blocking the door.
F3 attacks Tionel (hitting AC18 for 7 hp damage)
W2 turns on L4 and casts a spell at it (Will save DC14 or be held). At the same time, a housecat emerges from under the small table the girl is lying on and launches itself at the wolf. (hitting AC19 for 2hp damage)
W3 draws a nasty looking dagger and moves over with the fighter to engage Tionel.
W1 takes a step back from L4, and casts a spell. Immediately the grass and weeds behind the group start growing wildly. Bog, Xenia, and Bralin are caught in the area of effect as the grasses try to wrap around their legs. Reflex DC 13 will allow those three to move out of the area of effect as a move action. (They're only 10' from the edge). Failing that, Strength DC 20 or Escape Artist DC20 will get out of the area as a full round action.
Gordo (down 11 HP) d20+6=14 d8+2=4 Tuesday October 7th, 2003 3:02:04 PM
"Ow! That smarts!" grins the big man as the warrior called Talen takes a chunk out of him. He swings a punch back, but it's pretty feeble (AC 14, 4HP).
Angus (MAGE ARMOR, AC 14, 10 HP) Tuesday October 7th, 2003 3:37:51 PM
Angus sees the grasses and weeds attempt to grab all of the new combatants and steers clear of the area.
Angus runs toward Gordo and Florin as they force the warrior back, but is careful not to get too close. Angus is looking for new targets inside the doorway mainly to help Tionel.
ANgus calls out "Tionel you still alright, we are coming for you."
Bralin (ac 18, magic weapon-rd4, magic stone) d20=15 Tuesday October 7th, 2003 4:07:29 PM
Bralin is close enough to the edge that he steps free before the grasses wrap him up. (Reflex 15)
But now he's pretty much trapped behind Gordo and Florin.
Grimacing with annoyance, the dwarf casts a spell at his pouch of stones.
Xenia Barkskin2+17=AC19 HP 13 d20+7=13 Tuesday October 7th, 2003 4:40:12 PM
"Wah!" the half-elven girl screams as plants grow up around her and wrap her ankles. "Vines! Vines! Farble franging vines!" She tries to make for the edge of the growth but she's held pretty fast.
She draws her short sword ready to fight the clawing death plants.
[[ If she can't draw weapon as her standard action, then she doesn't. ]]
Florin d20+6=20 d4+3=6 Tuesday October 7th, 2003 6:43:29 PM
Florin sees the 2 guards move so that they block the door and frowns as he calls out, "If I can knock one of these guys out of the way someone hurry and get past so that they can help Tionel. Florin quickly raises his shield and rushes towards one of the guards infront of the doorway that doesn't have someone infront of the enemy anyway.
[Bull rush AC20, Damage: 6. Florin is trying to knock the guard back so someone or Florin in his next round can get into the room.)
Tionel (AC 14, 15 vs. the fighter he faces) d20+4=22 d8+1=4 Tuesday October 7th, 2003 7:04:25 PM
"Oh, I'm quite fine, thanks," he says jovially. Turning to the two facing him, he notices his wound. "You wretches! Kidnapping girls AND ruining my shirt!" He attacks the fighter furiously. (Swings and hits AC 22, does 4 damage.)
Syr Invisible AC 18, HP 47 d20+8=28 d20+8=12 d20+8=18 d8+5=6 d8+5=7 Wednesday October 8th, 2003 1:10:09 AM
Seeing Tionel easily slip in sends the elf into a panic to help his friend out. He lashes out at the nearest fighter F2, connecting twice with punches to his chest (Attack 28 and 18, damage 13 total).
"Hang on Tionel, take out the witches and I'll be in there in just a few moments..."
Bog d20+2=20 Wednesday October 8th, 2003 6:37:02 AM
Bog harumphs and dances forward hopping out of the weeds. "Bah! Wop? m'kay!"
He pushes up his sleeves and cracks his knuckles and spreads his hands several times in the direction of witch one. (which one? witch one!) "Da Rahts Croll in! Da Rahts croll out. Da rahts play pinochle on your snout!"
[Spell: Summon Swarm at Witch One]
Witch battle - rd3 (DM MikeK) d20+1=15 d20+1=19 d6+1=7 d20+4=21 d8+4=6 d20+4=11 d20+1=20 d6=6 d20+1=21 d20+4=13 d8+4=8 d20+6=18 d8+4=6 d20+6=9 d20+1=6 2d4(3+2)=5 d20+4=18 d20+2=9 Wednesday October 8th, 2003 1:28:42 PM
The last wolf (L4) shakes off the spell cast at it, and turns to deal with the obnoxious feline attacking it. With a quick crunch, the cat is kitty chow.
Gordo takes a swing at F1, but the guard blocks it.
Angus runs up behind Gordo in an attempt to see inside the tree. From the angle, all the mage can see is Tionel grinning happily while he fights for his life. Angus cannot get a clear view of the druid's opponents, and cannot get a better view, as he is blocked by friends and the entangled area.
Bralin ends up behind Gordo, Florin, and now Angus. The dwarf casts a spell.
Xenia is entangled. (DC 20 Strength check or Escape Artist to do anything.)
F2 grunts in surprise as Syr's fists pound into his chest. The monk appears right in front of him.
Bog steps forward and casts a spell in his own peculiar idiom. W1 is beyond the range of the spell (30'), so the half-elf drops a swarm of rats on W2 instead. The area of effect also encompasses the cooking fire. The tantalizing smell of rat barbecue wafts into the air. W2 is covered with the nasty little things, and they bite and scratch and cut.
Florin lowers his shoulder and slams into F1, attempting to shove the man out of the way. F1 braces himself and thrusts his sword into the paladin as the collision occurs. (AAO - Hit AC 23 for 6 hp) Despite the pain, Florin blasts into the guard, knocking him a full 10' from the doorway.
After the simultaneous moves of Syr, Bog, and F1, they all suddenly find themselves right next to one another.
Tionel slices into F3, scoring a minor wound.
F1 finds himself in another part of the fight, and turns to swing at Bog. (Hit AC15 for 8 hp)
F2 turns on Syr (hit ac18 for 6hp)
F3 continues to hack at Tionel, but can't get through the druid's defenses (hit ac9).
W1 pulls out a wand, takes one step toward the swarm, and points the wand at it. A cone of color swirls out into the half the swarm. The rats immediately collapse, unconscious.
W2 braces herself as the color spray hits her too. But she remains upright, and steps out of the pile of unconscious rats, while protecting herself from L4.
W3 also attacks Tionel, but misses.
Xenia Barkskin2+17=AC19 HP 13 d20+7=20 d20+6=8 d20+2=5 Wednesday October 8th, 2003 2:36:07 PM
Xenia flexes and squirms giving her just enough room to slip from the grasp of the clutching vegetation. She makes for the door, diving between Florin and the guard he has just put the bounce on. Must be the red hair, though, she draws the attention of those damn guards. (Couldn't be the arm and leg flailing dive. Just couldn't be.)
[[ OOC: If she makes it through the door, and If she has a standard action left. ]]
The half-elf gives the guard her dirtiest look and takes a poke at him with her short sword.
[[ Escape Artist 20 / Tumble 8 / Attack AC5 ]]
Gordo (AC 17, down 11 HP) d20+8=22 d8+2=7 Wednesday October 8th, 2003 3:49:15 PM
The big man looks on in surprise as his opponent is knocked back by Florin. "Hey, come back here, I'm not done with you yet!" he cries, racing after the guard and taking a swing (Flank provides flanking for Setanos and Bog), hits F1 AC 22 for 7 HP).
Florin-AC16-25/31 d20+8=10 d8+3=11 Wednesday October 8th, 2003 3:49:24 PM
Florin winces as the guard he rushes sword finds a crevice and blood trickles from that spot. He turns towards the other guard that is blocking the otherside of the door way and without htinking calls out, "Everyone else into the room and help with the witches, I will take this guard." Florin will watch for a free shot at the guard that offers less of a chance to hit a friend.
[AC:10 Damage:11. Good damage but a wiff]
Tionel (AC 14 vs. the witch, 15 vs the fighter) d20+4=5 d20+1=16 Wednesday October 8th, 2003 4:28:04 PM
Tionel keeps his defenses focused on the fighter, but slams his staff at the witch now. (He misses, hitting AC 7) Meanwhile, he calls out to his charmed friend, as well as the other enemies, "I'd suggest you give in and surrender. Others are on their way to your hideout even as we speak." (Bluff DC 16)
Angus (Mage Armor AC 14 - 10 HP) d4=2 d4=4 Wednesday October 8th, 2003 4:45:21 PM
Since all Angus can see in front of him is the melee in the doorway, once Florin knocks the fighter back he follows on Gordo's heels.
Angus is concerned about the blood leaking out from under Florin's armor and cast a daze spell(cantrip)at the fighter as assistance if Gordo has not knocked him unconcious.
If time and space are available Angus moves into the room and to the least blocked side (right or left)and exclaims "Tionel the first wave is arriving and the heavy stuff will be here soon, so do not worry!"
If the daze spell is not necessary because of the unconcious guard and Angus can see any of the witches, then Angus will direct both missle of a magic missle spell at the witch (prefered witch) with the wand (2 missles 8 damage).
Bralin (ac 18, magic weapon-rd5, magic stone) d20+9=21 d10+5=6 d20+6=7 d20+6=25 Wednesday October 8th, 2003 4:49:35 PM
Bralin sees Florin create an opening. FINALLY
"Move" he commands to Angus.
Then he launches himself past Florin and into the tree. He feels strange, but shakes it off. (Will save nat 1, hero pt reroll 25)
Then he gets busy, slamming his waraxe into the guard attacking Tionel (F3). (hit ac 21 for 6 hp)
Bog (8 Damage, AC 11) d20+9=24 d20+3=17 Wednesday October 8th, 2003 5:52:48 PM
Bog gets a very nasty slice under his arm from the fighter.
"Og! You burny blenderin' sek o' peetators! Whot'd ya goo n' doo DAT fer?! We 'nlee won ta keel yer weeches!" he shouts at the fighter.
He presses his palms together on a piece of rotted cloth. and moves them in a figure eight. [Casting defensely successful (24)] "Bklock n' spir'ts 'f onderworld, mek th's stench mak nose'airs curled."
[Casting Ghoul TOuch]
The cloth in Bog's hand glows a dim black light and disappears. The light transfers onto Bog's hand, which he thrusts forward trying to touch F1. [Touch attack hits AC 17 (Dex only, no armor, etc) Gordo's flanking taken into account] He must make a fort save of DC 15.
Bog then slinks away from the fighter with a 5 foot step. (going to the left on the map)
Syr AC 18, HP 47-6 d20+8=14 d20+8=22 d8+5=12 Wednesday October 8th, 2003 6:43:29 PM
Syr grunts in pain and takes another couple of jabs at F2 connecting once (AC 22 for 12 damage). With single minded intensity, he is oblvious to the rest of the group rushing around him as he focuses solely on his opponent.
Witch battle - rd4 (DM MikeK) d20+3=22 d6+1=5 d20+2=11 d20+3=8 d6+2=7 d20+2=3 d8+1=2 d20+2=13 d20+6=20 d8+4=9 d20+6=10 Thursday October 9th, 2003 1:58:24 PM
L4 launches itself at W2, tearing a nice hunk out of her.
Xenia twists and turns, and finally escapes from the entangled area (full round to escape).
Gordo pursues F1, thumping him smartly on top of the head. The blow staggers the man, and he weaves a bit unsteadily before regripping his sword.
Florin moves to attack F2, but the blow glances off the tree instead of finding its target.
Tionel's staff whizzes harmlessly past W3. Nobody pays much attention to his offer of surrender.
Angus casts a spell on F1. The guard stands still staring blankly. Angus and moves past Florin into the Tree, where he encounters the same pulling sensation Tionel felt earlier. (Will Save DC 10 or stunned next round).
Bralin tries to also move into the tree, but is blocked by Angus. The dwarf grinds his teeth in frustration.
Bog casts a spell, and smacks F1 in the chest. Now the guard is totally immobilized, and starts exuding a horrendous stench. Gordo, Syr, and F2 must make a Fort save DC 15 or be sickened (--2 atk, dam, saves, checks). Bog takes a step back to watch his handy work.
Syr slams F2 in the chest. The guard grunts, and continues attacking.
The remaining rats swarm over a sleeping wolf (L1), which naturally wakes up, snapping at the rats and whimpering in pain.
W1 steps up to L4 and blasts it with her Color Spray wand. The wolf collapses to the ground.
W2 steps away from the wolf, pulls out a potion from her robes, and drinks it down. She looks a touch better.
W3 slashes at Tionel, but misses. The witch screeches in frustration.
F1 stands there, stinking.
F2 slashes Syr (hit ac20 for 9 hp)
F3 also misses Tionel. The druid considers making an offering to Wardd after the fight.
Xenia Thursday October 9th, 2003 4:11:19 PM
"Ooooo!" Xenia's hands close into small fists of frustration as she eyes the pile up around the door. Crawly plants are nipping at her heels and Everybody Is In The Way!
She winds up throwing up her hands and running all the way around the tree to end up next to Syr.
If Angus steps out of the way, Bralin steps in and attacks F3 (Will save 25) (hit ac23 for 10 hp)
If Angus doesn't step out of the way, Bralin goes through anyway (Str check 10), and still attacks F3.
Angus d20+5=17 d4=4 d4=4 Thursday October 9th, 2003 4:53:50 PM
Angus shakes off the uneasy feeling as he passes thru the doorway (17). Angus side steps to the right open area. "I was moveing Brailin, put that aggression to good use now"
Angus cast his next magic missle spell at the Witch holding the wand (and if not in view any witch(prefered) or fighter). Two missles slam hard into the Witch (4 + 4+2=10 dam.). Angus exclaims in excitment "Take that you kidnapper of women, Just wait till our gaint beatle friend Max comes knocking our your door"
Gordo d20+6=13 d20+6=23 d8+2=6 Thursday October 9th, 2003 5:05:34 PM
"Blessed Gods, Bog, was that a spell or did you hit that poor lad with a sackfull of Trash Level sewage?" roars the big man good-naturedly as he is overcome by toxic fumes (Fort 13).
Taking a 5 foot step northeast he takes a swing at F2 (Flank+2 with Syr, failed Fort -2) and connects with a thump (AC 23 for 6HP).
Tionel (AC 14 vs. the witch, 15 vs the fighter) d20+4=16 d8+1=5 Thursday October 9th, 2003 6:19:30 PM
"I'm telling you, it's in your best interests to give in," Tionel honestly says, and pokes the fighter with the quarterstaff in the gut, hoping no fancy armor defends him. (AC 16, did 5 damage)
Florin Thursday October 9th, 2003 6:34:51 PM
Florin looks at his companions and thinks of something that might help. He quickly brings his shieldup so Domi's sign is showing and to make this abit more impressive and calls out, "Domi lend us stregnth."
(OOC:Florin activates his necklace of prayer beads "bless", +1 to attack and fear saves for allies.)
Xenia Barkskin2+17=AC19 HP 13 Thursday October 9th, 2003 7:33:50 PM
[[ OOC: BTW, there are Xenia's numbers. ]]
Bog Friday October 10th, 2003 6:55:47 AM
Bog grins at Gordo, "Awwwww jes lak da filth in mah home."
Bog takes F1's sword from him and throws it back over the outside barricade. He then removes rope and start tying the fighter up. (Starting with pinning his arms to his body, then moving down to his legs)
Syr AC 18, HP 47-15, d20+6=12 d20+7=20 d20+7=21 d8+4=9 d8+4=8 d20+6=22 Friday October 10th, 2003 12:06:26 PM
Syr gags at the stench, "Bog! whose side are you on anyway?" (Fortitude failed). Recovering quickly from the stench, he slams the fighter twice (Attack 20,21, damage 17) Assuming the fighter drops, he moves inside the tree and out of the way for the others to enter. (Inside tree fortitude save of 22).
[OOC:does anyone have a map? It would be nice to see where they heck Syr is. ]
Tionel Friday October 10th, 2003 1:37:37 PM
[I've been receiving them for each combat round, syr. What's your email?]
Witch battle - rd5 (DM MikeK d20+5=10 d20+1=15 d20+1=12 d20+6=24 d8+6=8 Friday October 10th, 2003 2:16:27 PM
The swarmed wolf (L1) tries to escape the rats, but is too nauseated to move.
Xenia circles the tree at a dead run, pulling up 5' short of F2, and to the left and behind Syr.
Bralin enters the tree, turns to his left, storms past Angus, and slams his axe solidly into the guard attacking Tionel (F3).
Angus, already in the tree, takes a step to the right and launches two magic missiles into the wand toting witch (W1), who cries out in pain at the attack.
Gordo, dealing with the stench emanating from one guard, steps up and slams the other (F2).
Tionel slams F3 smartly with his staff. Between this blow and Bralin's shot, the guard is not looking well.
Bog chucks F1's sword away, and starts tying the guard up.
Syr's blows drop his opponent (F2). Stepping over the corpse, the monk strides into a tree just chock full of people and beasts. Syr gets about 5' into the tree. Directly to his left Bralin and Tionel are brutalizing a guard. Directly to his right, Angus just launched a magic missile at a woman some 30' across the way. Right in front of him is a mess of rats, some of which are still moving.
The rat swarm continues to attack L1.
W1 steps forward, blasting both wolf and rats with her wand. Scintillating color fires out over the puppy. The rats all stop moving, but the wolf (L1) remains conscious and quite annoyed.
W2 casts a spell at Syr and Angus (Will save DC 14. Fail and frightened (ie-running) for 4 rounds. Save means still frightened, but only for 1 rd. If Syr is Level 6, he's immune).
W3 takes a step north, screeches a spell, and points at Tionel (Fort save DC 14 or blinded).
F1 is stinky, unarmed, and getting tied up.
F2 is dead.
F3 frantically turns on Bralin and swings, slamming his sword into the dwarf's legs. (hit ac24 for 6 hp damage).
(OOC stuff 1. Scott, I've got your email as ups2k@hotmail.com - is that correct? 2. No battle map today, computer issues. Everyone pretty much knows where they are except Scott. Syr can engage a witch (W2) in melee if he wants. 3. For future use - you can move through a 5' square occupied by a friendly creature/person without penalty.
Gordo (AC 17) d20+6=22 d20+9=28 d8+2=3 Friday October 10th, 2003 4:41:19 PM
The big man tries to make his way through the crush of bodies in the doorway. "Coming through!" he yells. "Mind yer backs, 'scuse me!"
If possible he'll try to grab F3. Failing that he'll go for any anemy within reach (Melee Touch 22, Improved Grapple 28, 3 damage).
Florin-HP25/31-Bless spell-Aura of courage d20+9=11 d8+3=4 Friday October 10th, 2003 6:46:59 PM
Florin moves into the tree and looks for the nearest person he can reach and attack or atleast move towards without being in a allies way. If someone is close he will move into combat them and maybe help the others.
[Can hit AC:11 Damage:4 Aura of courage to help others if they are close enough.]
Xenia Barkskin2+17=AC19 HP 13 d20+2=9 Friday October 10th, 2003 8:35:43 PM
Xenia follows everyone into the tree because there's hardly anyone out here anymore, and it's really stinkers out here besides.
She looks through the press of bodies for Tionel. And there he is! And there's Bralin, and Syr, and Florin. There's an old lady poking a knife at Tionel. And there's some guard guy who doesn't look too well. (Kind of like the guy sleeping it off on the ground outside.)
AND THERE ARE RATS!!! Oh, ok. So they're just sleeping rats.
And so, she wants to go over to give the old bag poking Tionel a poke right back, but don't you know it's been the same thing all day. EVERYBODY IS IN THE WAY!!!
So she looks the other way and there are some other old ladies and some dogs. Sigh. Hitting old ladies.
Xenia goes around a dog that's just sitting there with it's tongue hanging out, and there's an old bat trying to fend off another dog. She takes a poke at her.
[[ Attack AC9 bleh! ]]
Xenia Barkskin2+17=AC19 HP 13 d20+2=9 d6=3 d6=5 2d6(5+2)=7 Friday October 10th, 2003 8:40:37 PM
[[ OOC: Sorry, with Florin's Bless, that would make the AC10. If it matters. On the off chance that it does matter: Dmg 3 or If the witch is flanked, SneakAttack Dmg 7 (the five is a mistake. ]]
Syr AC 18, HP 47-15 d20+8=12 d20+8=24 d8+5=11 Friday October 10th, 2003 10:06:30 PM
Syr never pauses as the witch completes her spell. He places a foot into her midsection (W2 attack 24, damage 11).
Stepping carefully to avoid the rats, "Good job Angus, just stay behind me and snipe." If anyone approaches the mage, he tries to stay between and take the blows.
Bog Saturday October 11th, 2003 5:45:45 AM
Bog finishes up his tidywork with the rope and knots around F1's legs and arms and hands. He then pushes him over on his side. "Naow, don' you move. Yer gonna be fine. We won' hert ya. Jes don' move."
He then turns and shouts inside the door. "Hey yoooz fieter-tahp gard in der! youz wit da sord n'denthins. We got yer buddies. I know youz git guld fr'mda wiches n' thins bot yoo shod drop yer sord 'nd lie down n' we'z let yooo go too n' not hurt yoo n' thins."
Bog takes his wand in hand and just gets it ready.
Angus d20+5=9 Saturday October 11th, 2003 1:23:03 PM
Angus seems to be caught fulling in the witches spell (save 9 not good). A noticeable shiver runs down his spine as he looks to and fro for a way to get out of the tree. Angus haltingly calls to Syr " I caaan't dooo it..."
Angus locates the door and thru fear streaked eyes makes for it fast, bumping into the people blocking it.
Angus frantically stammers " Get meee out of this tree......"
Tionel (AC 15 vs. the witch 3, 14 vs. others) d20+5=19 d20+4=14 d8+1=2 Sunday October 12th, 2003 1:21:07 AM
Tionel manages to throw up his cloak in front of his eyes just in time. In turn, he thwaps the witch with his stick, or tries to. (AC 14, did 2 damage if he hits)
Bralin (ac 18, magic weapon-rd7, magic stone) d20+9=16 d10+5=15 Monday October 13th, 2003 9:33:47 AM
Bralin continues to swing away at the guard Gordo is holding onto
hit ac 16 for 15 hp damage.
Witch battle - rd6 (DM MikeK) Monday October 13th, 2003 9:50:19 AM
The wolves L1, L2, and L3 disappear.
The rats disappear.
L4 is unconscious.
Gordo blows past Syr and Bralin, swinging around the dwarf to grab the remaining guard (F3).
Florin also blows past the two, moving straight at the first visible witch (W1). His swing misses.
Xenia tries to join Florin, but finds she has to deal with W2 instead. Her swing misses.
Syr moves with Xenia and plants a foot solidly into W2's stomach. The woman collapses to the floor.
Bog finishes tying up F1 and yells something unintelligible into the tree. Nobody pays the slightest bit of attention.
Angus runs.
Tionel avoids the spell, but misses the witch (W3).
Bralin puts a very large hole in F3. The man dies instantly.
W1 points her wand at Florin. A burst of scintillating colors envelopes the paladin of Domi. (Will DC 13 or be blinded and stunned d4 rounds, then stunned 1 round).
W2 is lying unconscious on the floor.
W3 takes a step back from Tionel and casts a spell. The entire interior of the tree is filled with a cloud of very thick fog. No one can see further than 5'.
Bralin and Tionel can see each other. Bralin and Gordo can see each other. Xenia and Syr can see each other. Florin and W1 can see each other.
F1 is tied up, and stinky.
F2 is dead.
F3 is dead (seen by Tionel, Gordo, and Bralin)
(battle map shows last known positions before the fog cloud went up)
Florin d20+5=13 d20+9=10 d8+3=6 Monday October 13th, 2003 12:24:17 PM
Florin is able to shrug off the wands effects but barely and quickly brings his longsword in to hit the witch, growling, "Feel the steel of my sword."
[Can hit AC:10 (natural 1), Damage:6 (like I hit :) )
Tionel Monday October 13th, 2003 12:48:42 PM
Tionel, not knowing where the witches are, moves to the table that he'd seen earlier, and watches over the girl at it. He checks her to see if she's wounded, and if she is, he casts cure minor wounds on her. (restores 1 hp)
Xenia Monday October 13th, 2003 12:55:02 PM
The red-headed half-elf hits one of five round seals that run down the outside of her left leg and the room is bathed in the cleansing light of the sun. Then she launches herself across the room toward the last known position of the old bag threatening Tionel.
[[ Seal of Sunlight (hopefully Sunlight burns away fog in addition to dispelling darkness.) ]]
Xenia d20+2=5 Monday October 13th, 2003 1:02:18 PM
"Hey, you," Xenia spits out at the cripple old lady and swings her short sword through the air for god knows what reason.
[[ If the fog is dispelled, Xenia can take a shot. Or pretend to. ]]
Bralin(ac 18, magic weapon-rd7, magic stone) Monday October 13th, 2003 4:26:38 PM
The dwarf looks about in confusion in the fog.
"I shall block the door," he announces loudly.
Bralin works his way along the wall back to the door, and will step out of the tree, hoping some enemy appears that he can fight.
Bog d20+10=22 Tuesday October 14th, 2003 4:41:24 AM
"Durn! Yoouz giys iz deef!"
Bog makes his way to the door and sees that the mist brewing up and grins. "Bah dat's easy!" (DC check 22 to correctly identify the spell)
He quickly wiggles his fingers and counterspells the Obsucing Mist spell from the witch with his own.
Gordo d20+6=16 d20+9=11 d8+2=4 Tuesday October 14th, 2003 6:57:46 AM
With the combination of the bright daylight and Bog's counterspelling, Gordo spies the third witch.
"OK, that's enough of your nonsense!" he roars cheerfully, hurling himself at her. However in the confusing he slighly mistimes his grab (AC 16, Imp. Grapple 11, dmg 4).
Angus Tuesday October 14th, 2003 8:17:03 AM
Angus is heard by those still in the tree. " Arrghhhhh, Evvvil Withces!!!"
ANgus bursts past Bog and Bog sees Angus retrace his steps at a running pace. "Max we need you!"
Witch battle - rd7 (DM MikeK) Tuesday October 14th, 2003 11:28:24 AM
Florin, confused by the fog, swings wildly at the shrouded figure in front of him.
Tionel slowly works his way through the fog to the small table he saw earlier. He knows its next to the big cooking fire (everyone can still feel the heat from the central fire) and is able to reach the table. The girl is unconscious, but the druid can find no sign of a wound.
Xenia taps the seal, which makes her section of the fog really bright, but doesn't burn away the fog. She does her best to work across the room, and runs into Gordo.
Bralin moves back out of the tree, and takes up position next to Bog.
Bog identifies the spell as Fog Cloud. Having nothing to counter the spell, he waits.
Gordo stands next to Xenia, trying to peer through the still existing Fog Cloud.
Syr waits.
Angus runs.
W1 takes another shot at Florin with the wand. A burst of scintillating colors envelopes the paladin of Domi. (Will DC 13 or be blinded and stunned d4 rounds, then stunned 1 round).
Gordo, Xenia, Syr, and Tionel are close enough to get a general direction on the loud combat between W1 and Florin.
(No battle map today, y'all can't see much)
Xenia d20+8=15 Tuesday October 14th, 2003 11:40:11 AM
Well. That didn't work.
There's a lot of noise off to her right, but Xenia's pretty sure that's not the old lady she's after. Seems like she must be further up ahead. She stands perfectly still and listens into the fog.
She wonders where Tionel is. She hopes he's ok.
[[ Listen 15 ]]
Florin-HP:25/31 d20+5=20 d20+9=24 d20+3=14 d8+3=5 Tuesday October 14th, 2003 2:49:58 PM
Florin is thankfully able to shrug of the wands effects again and is feels asured that his longsword is alittle better aimed this time as he swings it at the witch.
[Will:20 Can hit AC:24 Damage:5. Please ignore the d20+3, it was a messup, I could only wish Florin did a d20 with his longsword.)
Angus Tuesday October 14th, 2003 3:29:59 PM
"AAHHHHHHHH!!" Can be heard faintly in the distance as Angus runs
On more round
Xenia Barkskin2+17=AC19 HP 13 Tuesday October 14th, 2003 3:53:26 PM
The red headed half-elf hears the muffled screams of the sorcerer from outside the tree.
"Good thing he probably can't get over the wall," she thinks.
Gordo d20+3=19 Tuesday October 14th, 2003 4:42:21 PM
The big man wanders about, his arms outstretched, in the general direction of the sound of battle. "Hey there lads, leave some for me!" he calls out. He peers through the fog, trying to locate an enemy (Spot 19).
Tionel Tuesday October 14th, 2003 5:03:50 PM
The druid tries to unbound the unconscious woman, if she's held by any ropes. He wraps her in his cloak. "You'll be okay, my lady," he speaks soothingly to her unconscious form.
Bog Tuesday October 14th, 2003 6:00:52 PM
Bog stamps his feet and growls. "Dadburnit!"
"Woof roof woof Ruff ruff ruff TWO!"
"Sick 'em! Yooz yer scent!"
[Cast Summon Monster II for a Celestial Riding Dog. I want to place it inside the tree on the other side next to the wall opposite the door. (and thus near where I last knew W1 was). If you rule that I have to be able to see where I place it (cause I'm not sure) then as far directly in front of me as possible. The dog should use his smite ability on his first attack. (although I don't know if these things are evil)]
Bralin(ac 18, magic weapon-rd8, magic stone) Tuesday October 14th, 2003 8:45:50 PM
Bralin has no decent ideas. He grimly stands in front of the door and waits for one of those fool witches to stick her head out.
Syr d20+10=28 d8+5=8 Wednesday October 15th, 2003 2:22:47 AM
Making out Xenia's form in the fog, he calls out, "Think you can tie this woman up? Make sure she's gagged too just in case. I'm going to see what the fighting is about."
He moves toward florin and the combat. If possible, he closes with enough visibility to see and takes a swing at the witche's head. (Attack 28 and damage 8)
Witch battle? (DM MikeK) Wednesday October 15th, 2003 11:33:04 AM
Xenia stands and listens.
Florin again shakes off the effect of the wand. He slams his sword into the cursed woman (W1). She gurgles, and goes down.
Angus runs. He does, in fact, get over the barrier, and is heading down the 'trail' to where everyone got off Max.
Gordo walks toward the sound of battle. He sees the hot cauldron in time to avoid it, and finds himself beside Florin and the collapsed witch (W1).
Tionel quietly wraps up the girl in his cloak, and picks her up. Xenia can make out the quiet movement on the other side of the cauldron.
A large dog shows up on Florin's right (Gordo shows up on his left). It sniffs at W1, and then tests the air.
Bralin waits.
Syr talks to Xenia, but she's already moving. The monk follows the sound of battle and finds himself behind a large dog. The front end of the dog is nosing at something on the ground.
Xenia d20+8=26 d20+8=20 d20+2=11 d6=3 d20+10=23 Wednesday October 15th, 2003 12:09:44 PM
Xenia stalks softly through the fog in the direction of the furtive noise she just heard. Her ears feel through the white mist and her eyes rove for sign of the mean old bat who would dare to mess with her friends. Her sword is poised to really give it to her and teach her a lesson she won't soon forget.
[[ Listen 26 / Spot 20 / Move Silently 23 / (If she sees something she is sure is the witch she will poke it with her sword for comic effect and, on the outside chance she should chance to hit, do minimal damage. Hit AC11 / Dmg 3) ]]
Tionel d20+8=19 Wednesday October 15th, 2003 1:26:51 PM
"Any witches left?" Tionel calls into the fog. "Search the witches for a key to the cage or something." Holding the girl, Tionel makes a quick decision (Survival 19), and walks carefully in the direction that he thinks is the door. If he meets the wall, he skirts it till he finds the door.
Florin d20+2=12 Wednesday October 15th, 2003 2:28:45 PM
Florin kneels by the dead witch and begins searching her for a key once he hears the call of his friend. If he finds it he will call out to Tionel and let him know. He also goes ahead and pulls anything else of interest from the witch, commenting to Gordo. "I'll split anything I find with the group when we get done here." He only comments so it isn't thought that he is trying to loot the body for himself.
[Search:12]
Gordo Wednesday October 15th, 2003 3:22:43 PM
Lacking any obvious foes, the big man glances down at Florin. You know, I wish we hadn't have to have killed em all. A good thumping would have likely as not done the trick, and there'd be less blood on our hands."
He watches his companions wiping blood from their weapons, and reflects that his path is his own, and it should not be forced on others. "Don't worry your head none, son, I know you wouldn't do us wrong" he grins at Turin. "Now then, where's them ghosts? Daphne? DAPHNE! You in here, lass?"
Angus Wednesday October 15th, 2003 4:34:15 PM
Angus is still moving away from the tree, but is slowing as his head clears of the fearful images of the witches. Angus stops and turns back toward the tree. "Hey I just left the battle. Enough nonsense, time to get back." Angus tell himself.
Bralin(ac 18, magic weapon-rd8, magic stone) Wednesday October 15th, 2003 9:53:21 PM
Bralin stands at the door.
"Inform me of your exit," he calls inside. "I guard the door."
Syr d20+4=15 Thursday October 16th, 2003 2:03:25 AM
Syr hears Bralin outside and calls out, "Anyone leaving should be a friend. None of these 'foes' seem to be moving."
Syr begins to carefully examine his surroundings looking for any hidden areas inside. (Search 15).
Bog Thursday October 16th, 2003 7:19:50 AM
Bog rolls his eyes at the sky and says "Attention Celestial Riding Dog I just summoned, attack W1 like you should have last round and remember that you can use your scent ability to find her if you can't see her."
(DM note -- the dog did show up next to W1. It didn't attack because Florin had just killed her)
Witch Aftermath (DM MikeK) d20+9=16 Thursday October 16th, 2003 10:29:25 AM
Tionel picks up the girl and asks about witches and keys. Xenia realizes it was the druid she had heard.
"My heroes!" exclaims a female voice from near Tionel in response to Gordo's query. "We're over here! Let us out of these awful traps!"
Gordo follows the voice, crossing paths with Tionel, who is heading out of the tree. Gordo finds a small 5'x 5' cage sitting on the floor on the west side of the tree. It is empty. On top of that cage are three box like objects. They look a lot like smaller versions of the cage, but only have four bars, one at each corner. There are three of the boxes, and each contains a smushed up ghost. Next to the cage on the floor is a small wooden chest.
"Oh my, you ARE a big one, aren't you?" coos one ghost to Gordo. "C'mon handsome. Let me out of here and claim your reward," she giggles impishly. Gordo can't identify any of the ghosts in their compacted state.
Tionel exits the tree with the unconscious girl. Bog and Bralin let him by and continue to peer into the fog filled tree.
Florin finds a wand and two potions on the witch in front of him, but no keys.
Syr starts searching the place. The fog is making it very difficult, so his pace is quite slow.
Suddenly the dog starts barking wildly on the east side of the tree (Syr is closest). It is accompanied by a small child-like voice fearfully crying "EEEEEEE! Help! BAD DOG!"
Angus starts working his way back to the tree.
Florin d20+2=14 Thursday October 16th, 2003 1:57:59 PM
Florin stands after searching the dead witch and calls out, "No keys here." When he hears te dog barking and the child's voice he calls out quickly, "Bog, make sure your dog doesn't attack but have him keep barking so I might beable to make my way to te child in this fog."
(Listen:14, tries to determine the direction the child and dog is at. I'll be making the post for Gordo later today)
Angus (Mage Armor) Thursday October 16th, 2003 3:53:09 PM
Angus mutters to himself under his breath. "It was a fear spell you idiot."
Angus starts running back to where he left the battle, not knowing the condition of his friends, but hoping all of the witches are dead or subdued.
Xenia d20+8=23 d20+8=21 d20+10=20 d20+2=11 Thursday October 16th, 2003 4:16:01 PM
"Hey guys," the half-elven girl sings out to her companions. "I'm pretty sure there's one more of them in here."
And she thinks she knows where she is. She hones in on the doggie noises. Her sword is gripped in a sweaty hand as she goes silent and casts about in the fog again with eye and ear.
[[ Listen 23 / Spot 21 / Move Silent 20 / If she finds the witch she shouts out "OVER HERE!" and takes a swish at her. ]]
Bralin(ac 18, magic weapon-rd9, magic stone) Thursday October 16th, 2003 4:32:53 PM
"I hear you Syr," Bralin answers, "but I stand ready anyway."
When Xenia claims there may be another, he tries to remember how many there were to begin with.
"Who killed a witch?" he calls, "And how many were there at the beginning?"
Tionel Thursday October 16th, 2003 4:34:07 PM
"Wait, Xenia... that doesn't sound like a witch. There are other prisoners in here. Everyone, just keep calm and the mist should go away in a bit." Tionel sets the girl down and asks Bralin, "Could you stay here and watch the girl? I'll go inside and help get the other prisoners." He proceeds back inside and slowly makes his way through the mist towards the cage where the ghosts were.
Gordo (ADM Justin) Thursday October 16th, 2003 4:50:51 PM
Gordo hears the childs screams and calls out, "I agrre, that doesn't sound like a witch." Gordo tries to help search the area for any remaining threat.
[OOC: Short and to the point but hope it's good enough]
Bog Friday October 17th, 2003 5:33:12 AM
"Youz guyz, don' be fooled by dat! Tis prolly da wich makin kiddie-lahk voyses. Whatsa gwin on in dere??? Hay doggy attak any wich yoo find!"
Bog steps off to the side about 15 ft from the door diagonally and readies an action to cast Grease under the feet of any witch he sees come out the front door. (And yes Bog saw what the witches looked like)
Syr Friday October 17th, 2003 11:31:50 AM
Syr stops searching and immediately moves to the sound of the dog barking. Fearing more witches he approaches cautiously.
In the Fog (DM MikeK) d20+1=17 d6+5=9 Friday October 17th, 2003 2:48:07 PM
Gordo, Xenia, Syr, Florin and converge on the barking dog and the hysterical voice.
They find the dog attacking a small boy, about 8 or 9 years old. The boy has a three legged stool that he's using in an attempt to keep the pooch at bay.
It doesn't work.
As the four horrified warriors look on, the dog slips under the stool and rips out the throat of the boy.
Horror soon turns to bafflement as the boy's form shifts into one of the witches. The dead witch lies at the quartet's feet as the dog blinks out of existance.
Meanwhile, Tionel has worked himself over to the ghosts.
"Hey! Let us out already!" yells Daphne. "No need to run Big Guy (Gordo), I don't bite!"
Bralin stands over the small girl. Angus runs back.
Xenia Friday October 17th, 2003 3:51:07 PM
Blood sprays and figure of the boy slides to the earth to become one of the old ladies. She lays there still and unmoving. A pool, black in the dim visibility of the fog, widens around the old lady's face. Xenia's eyes go wide with horror. Her sword drops from nerveless hands to clatter upon the ground. Her breath comes in short shallow hiccups.
"fram and framble," the words come out as a plea. "You killed her. YOU KILLED HER," she wails and turns to stumble blindly out into the fog. A marriage between guilt and dread coats the world now, and she is tainted, unclean. It knots her insides in icy water and she sweats from cold dark skin.
Stumbling about, Xenia trips in the fog, and when she raises her head, there is one of the soldiers. For the first time she notices that he is not simply passed out. He has a gaping bloody tear in his chest and his eyes stare empty and lifeless. A soft pathetic mewing begins on the half elf's trembling lips, and with jerky scrambling motions she retreats across the floor until, fetching up against a wall, she curls into a ball and sobs.
Florin Friday October 17th, 2003 5:28:50 PM
Florin growls abit as his anger burns bright and suddenly and moves foreward, kicking the witch's body hard, "How dare you, using the form of a child to try to save yourself." Florin's anger still burns in him and his hand even shakes abit and the knuckles of his hand grow white that grips his longsword's handle. His mind burns at the thoughts of how this witch is so much like his father, using something innocent to possibly survive.
Florin turns on his heel and walks to the door or makes his way to it if the fog is still in the room, calling the Bralin if it is also, "I'm coming to the door friend Bralin." His words are edged with barely held back anger at this past and thoughts.
Gordo (ADM Justin) Friday October 17th, 2003 5:31:20 PM
Gordo sighs when he sees yet another witch killed and comments once more to himself, "Another shot of capturing a second witch lost." With that said he kneels and checks the witch to see if he can find a key, "Anyone find that key?" He smiles to himself thinking of the ghost and what she said to him.
Angus Friday October 17th, 2003 9:31:26 PM
Angus puts his he down and makes the best possible speed. Up and over the barrier. The tree is looming large, but the distance is not closing fast enough.
Angus growls in frustration with himself.
Tionel Saturday October 18th, 2003 3:11:39 AM
"Lady-ghosts, did you happen to see how they unlocked your cages with these bars?" Tionel is loath to touch them, given that they might be trapped. Then, he hears the sobbing. Xenia is crying against the wall. The reason is quite obviously stated by her, and the elf sighs and turns his attention inwards. Humans are always so worried about death, he ponders, mostly because they only live for such a short time as it is. "Gordo, fiddle with these until you free the poor ghosts." When he finds the poor girl, he kneels down beside her in the mist and gently puts an arm on her shoulder. "Hey there now. Yes, they're dead. And yes, it is a horrible thing that someone had to die...but they attacked me first, they were breaking the laws of any sane society, and probably committing atrocities to these poor girls. They would not surrender when we found them. By our ideals we are justified, and we can only hope we did the right thing. "That said, it's all right to feel bad about this. I feel horrible that we had to fight at all. That is what makes the difference between us and them. Respect for life." Tionel pats her awkwardly. "So please, feel free to cry, to curse. just don't start blaming yourself. We did the right thing." Tionel feels vaguely better himself after his little speech to her. (I'm assuming time passes by till the mist clears for this extended action)
Xenia Saturday October 18th, 2003 12:45:23 PM
Harsh words ride on the half-elf's lips as she turns to bite the hand upon her shoulder with pointed canines of accusation. Words like "Murderer." For surely they are all now murderers, killers of someone's father, someone's daughter, someone's love.
And, perhaps it's because it's Tionel. Or, perhaps it's because deep within the blanket of her shock his words ring true. His words are quite possibly the same words that her father would say to her, his hand as well gently upon her shoulder. Words to feed her the bitter enriching medicine of the real world.
Xenia looks up into Tionel's eyes, trying to put on a brave face. But her lip quivers and she buries herself in his shoulder and cries.
This time, however, she cries tears of healing.
Bog Sunday October 19th, 2003 1:39:16 PM
Bog frowns at Xenia, "Wah wot'd ya expact 's ta do."
He calls out to the sky "Goooood dawg!"
Then he turns around and grins, "Hay Ti'nel! Yer frend 's still ot har."
He goes over to the fighter he tied up and sits beside him. "Heya frend. How's ya doin? Don' worry we don' wanna hurt ya. An' now dat da wiches 'r dead yoo don' hafta do any evil thins no mor. Ya can com wit os if'n you wanna even."
Bralin Monday October 20th, 2003 8:11:21 AM
Bralin continues to stand watch over the small girl, checking her frequently to make sure SHE doesn't turn into a witch either.
He shares a look of confusion with Bog over Xenia's outburst. OF COURSE we killed them. Thats the nature of battle. The dwarf shakes his head.
Aftermath (DM MikeK) Monday October 20th, 2003 10:42:35 AM
(OOC -- Since he didn't specify, I'm assuming Syr was using lethal force)
While Tionel consoles Xenia, and others go about their business, the fog stays in the tree.
In fact, it's a full 40 minutes later before the cloud bank dissipates and people can actually see things again.
Other than the first guard (F1), everyone is dead.
A search of the interior of the tree turns up a chest of gems, a ring, a vial of ointment, 4 potions, the Wand of Color Spray, two Everburning Torches, and a crystal vial containing a red, viscous liquid.
Daphne answers Tionel, "I don't know how they did it. I got hit with the red stuff and don't remember anything after that except waking up in here." The other two ghosts tell the same story.
The guard looks fearfully at Bog, trying to decipher the elf's speech. He seems to have caught part of it. He starts begging fervently, "Don't leave me here in these forsaken woods. Please. I'll go with you. Anywhere you want. Just don't leave me here alone."
Just as everything starts clearing up, a man dressed in rich robes suddenly appears in the center of the tree. He smiles, takes the crystal vial in his leather glove, bows grandly to Tionel, and disappears, leaving a playing card of the Jack of Diamonds in his wake.
The girl at Bralin's feet remains unconscious (and still a girl), throughout it all.
Angus gets back to the tree without incident. He does recall that he did not see Max during his, uh, jog.
Gordo (ADM Justin) d20+3=9 d20+2=3 Monday October 20th, 2003 10:53:24 AM
Gordo moves back over to where the cages and ghosts are located and looks over one of the containers before picking one up to try and open it. He will keep messing with it till he gets it open hopefully or inless something happens.
Gordo stops for a moment when the man shows up and vanishes with the vial andl eaves the card behind, "Theres a man who needs manners, stealing and not even giving us his name."
[Spot:9 Str:3 Lowest rolls yet.)
Xenia d20+9=10 d20+10=18 Monday October 20th, 2003 11:12:14 AM
Xenia finally looks up from Tionel's shoulder. In a very quiet and subdued voice she says a single word, "Sorry." Then she hugs him in thanks and with a determined set to her mouth, she sets about being useful.
She walks red eyed over to the cages. She quietly watches Gordo for a moment and then begins examining one of the other small cages.
After quick search through red rimmed eyes, she begins applying her experience with locks to the problem. She squints her eyes and pulls one corner of her mouth up with concentration.
[[ Search 10 (ouch), Open Lock 20 (oop, sorry, 20 with the MW Thieves Kit ]]
Florin d20+6=20 Monday October 20th, 2003 11:16:44 AM
Florin stands at the entrance of the tree and glances back in time to see the man appear, take something and then disappear. He frowns and his anger and his thoughts still swirl when he comments, "Suppose he had something to do with this." Florin has yet to sheath his sword as he stands outside to get his anger in check.
After a few more moments outside he finally sheaths his longsword and begins to walk back in, his eyes still showing his anger at what the witch did to try and save herself and how it reminded him of his childhood but he does seem to have everything else in check. He looks towards Xania and feels a spike of hurt for her also, knowing they defended themselves and they had to stop these people or they would of caused more harm, but he says nothing other then give her a sincere look when she looks his direction.
Getting down to buisness, Florin now pulls off his helmet and brushes back his long black hair. Noticing the pain from the area he was hit he calls out to the others, "I hope we have time for me to treat my wound, I have to get this armor off." With that said Florin will go about the task of getting his breastplate off and gets out his healers kit so he can doctor his wound, while doing so he turns his back to the others. Being curtious to Xania and shy since he has never been in any state of undress infront of a lady so it is abit embarassing for him to have his tunic off.
[Heal check: 20]
Bralin d8+1=2 d8+1=7 Monday October 20th, 2003 11:33:55 AM
"Paladin, we have wands for healing," Bralin points out.
He gets out his wand and gives Florin a shot. Annoyed at the first fizzle, he does it again. Heal 2 and 7 hp.
Tionel Monday October 20th, 2003 12:34:31 PM
The elf nods his head at Xenia's apology. Humans are so interesting! He wonders why she apologized for doing something natural.
Tionel smiles and shakes his head, picking up the card. "Jack, huh? I wouldn't call him one of the bad guys. Maybe one of those characters in an opera who keeps on messing with the story..." He slips the card into his playing deck for now.
Tionel absently speaks while walking over to the ghost cage, "Gordo, is that human girl the one related to those brats who got us into the turtle mess? I'm afraid I don't quite know her on sight." He looks closely at the ghost's cages, and says to them, "I apologize ladies, if any undue harm comes." (Are there levers or anything that comes with them? If there are, I'm going to fiddle with them...if there aren't, Tionel will let Xenia do it. If Xenia can't do it, how heavy and big are the cages? Can one person carry one, or does it take two? Or is it impossible to carry?) "Don't forget to check the chest, Xenia...I'm afraid I'm not good with locks. And it might be cursed or trapped, you never know with these sorts of beings."
Tionel wanders back over to the door. "Don't worry about the guards, fellows. I believe he's the one I have under a charm spell. Search him for weapons, then untie him." He speaks directly to the fighter, "You'll be far safer sticking with us as we get out of the woods than running into them blindly, as I'm sure you must know after having travelled through them once."
In short, Tionel blathers quite a bit, but it's spread out as he wanders to and fro, so it seems a bit less.
Xenia d20+9=25 d20+10=15 Monday October 20th, 2003 1:57:43 PM
[[ OOC: If we're not in round by round actions now ... ]]
After puzzling the ghost cage, Xenia moves to the chest. She's warmed up now. Warmed up is good. She looks this sucker over good. Chests are more commonly trapped. Much more commonly than cages, certainly and her father would have given her the "very disappointed" look if she hadn't looked it over good.
She rubs her hands together. Now comes the lock.
[[ Search 25 / Take 20 on the lock. Don't forget to add +2 for the Thieves Kit. ]]
Syr d20+4=6 Monday October 20th, 2003 2:26:34 PM
Frowning ast the sudden appearance of the Jack, "ARGH! not these guys AGAIN!!. They never tell you anything, only leave more mysteries."
Seeing bloodshed is nothing new to Syr and he shakes his head in pity as Xenia moves away sobbing. Finding the chest of gems, he moves over to the half-elf, hoping to distract her, "Xenia, any idea what these are worth?" (I assume that the chest is open since it was listed as a chest of gems). Syr drops the gem chest in front of her.
Turning around he calls out "Angus.... Angus..." Seeing the mage he grins wickedly and says, "There you are, I thought you ran off again... Do you mind taking a look at these things and seeing what they do?" He points to the potions and the ring. "Anyone want to pick up the rest of this stuff?" Anything not claimed he puts in his pouches for the party to divvy up later.
With a wink at the Bralin, "Save the wand from me, I'm not in dire need... yet." Being far more practical, he sits down next to a witch's corpse and tears strips from her robes to bandage his cuts.
As Tionel inspects the cages he moves near. Trying the direct approach, he uses his strength to try and lift the cage testing it's weight. "Anything that can hold you guys must be something special." (str 6, following Gordo's fine example)
(Unless specified, Syr always uses lethal force)
Bog Monday October 20th, 2003 4:11:44 PM
Bog smiles at F1 and pats him lightly on the shoulder.
"Don' worry fren'. Ya kin com wit us. Hey! We kin mebbe ev'n find yas a job at da bar. Tis a gret plehs!"
Out of the corner of his eye he sees a man appear inside the tree and jerks his head and stares wide-eyed fumbling for his words. He rushes to the doorway hand pointed, but the man disappears before he totally gets there. "Noooo! Gerdo! DOn' let 'im gooooooooo! Das da guy dat wot stol awaaaaaaye Drew!!!!!!!!!"
Angus Monday October 20th, 2003 11:32:29 PM
Angus busts back into the room ready for anything and quickly call out into the fog. "Is everyone alright!!"
After assessing the sitution as no longer hositle Angus apologizes to each member of the group for falling under the control of the witches fear spell. "I am sooo sorry for running away, I will do better next time. I am sooo glad that no one was permanently injuryed, besides my pride."
Angus is particularly interested in Syr's tale of the mystical card player. "Please Syr, tell me more of this Jack of Diamond. Is he someone to be Fearful of or warry of or friendly with?"
At Syr's request Angus casts detect magic and surveys the room and also his new companions.
More Aftermath (DM MikeK) Tuesday October 21st, 2003 8:40:26 AM
There is only one chest. Xenia easily pops the standard lock and finds it contains both gems and gold. There are 50 gems, all of the same size, type, and cut. There are also 2000 gold pieces.
The ghost boxes don't make much sense at all. They are 1' cubes, with panel on the top and bottom, and four bars, one at each corner. The rest is completely open. Anyone could pass their hand through the foot wide opening, but the ghosts can't get out. Each box weighs about 10 lbs, and are easily lifted.
Angus determines the ring, vial of ointment, 4 potions, Wand of Color Spray, two Everburning Torches, and the ghost boxes radiate magic.
The guard smiles hopefully at Bog, and waits to see what happens next.
The girl does match the general description of Luna, Torl's missing friend. She remains unconscious.
Xenia d20+2=20 d20+9=29 Tuesday October 21st, 2003 10:14:00 AM
The lock is large and clumsy and the half elf opens it almost by feel. A tiny smile dimples the sides of her mouth at the gold and jewels inside and she feels a bit better. She holds one up to the light. She's seen a few gems in her time, but she's never really been on the fencing end of things.
The cages are a different matter. "Do you think that might hurt them?" she asks as she watches both Syr and Gordo struggle with the small boxes. "I can't get them open, but maybe we can take them with us and find someone who can," she suggests.
She considers the brief glance she had of the man who popped in on them. "Maybe the Jack guy," she says more to the room than to anybody in particular.
Angus comes running in the door. She smiles and waves at him with eyes still red and a bit puffy.
And, before she sets back to things, she walks tentatively over to the Paladin of Domi. "Uh, Florin, can I talk to you about some things? I mean, maybe later. I'm not feeling so good about, well, some things. And, well, I mean, I'm thinking maybe Domi can help me straighten this all out. Ok?"
Then, the half elven girl takes in the entire room, trying her best to edit the corpses out of her picture and then sets about a thorough search of the interior of the tree.
[[ Appraise 20 / Search 29 ]]
Gordo (ADM Justin) Tuesday October 21st, 2003 1:55:43 PM
Gordo grunts and looks to Syr before shaking his head, "These things are made to darn solid. I think we're going to have to take them back with us." Gordo looks at the boxes and looks for Daphne, "Don't worry good las, we will get you free soon, just hang on alittle longer."
Florin Tuesday October 21st, 2003 1:59:32 PM
Florin looks to Xania and nods to her, gently patting her shoulder, "I'll listen to you when we have time Xania, no worries. I also will need to see my temple where I trained." Florin smiles at her, the anger still in his eyes at his own thoughts but also the hint of it turned at himself since he had done so well all this time to forget about his childhood.
Florin looks to Bralin and smiles to him, "Sorry friend, I didn't want to waste the charges and it looks like the battle is over for now. Someone better ask the ghosts how they got here with the witches, we need a way off this island and we lost are ride so the forest might attack us every step out."
Tionel Tuesday October 21st, 2003 2:13:09 PM
The elf says a short, defunct prayer over the witches and fighters' corpses, leaving them to the elements in the hope that nature will continue on in its circle of life and death. Then, he wanders to the door of the tree. "Everyone gathered up all the treasure?" (Gordo and Florin hopefully take the bulk of it, the rest is divided evenly among us?) "Well, now it's just a matter of finding our way back through the forest. Let's go see if Max is present...if not, it's going to be a long, hard walk. Perhaps we can follow his tracks and catch up..." Not wanting to waste any more time, the elf waits for the group patiently but persistently by the door.
Bralin d20+6=7 Tuesday October 21st, 2003 3:37:32 PM
The dwarf stows his wand at the words of Florin and Syr. "There are always more wands," he replies.
He tries to help Xenia in her identification of the stones, but sweat drips into his eyes, and he's not much use at all. (Aid Another, appraise check - 7, nat 1)
Disgusted with himself, Bralin offers to help carry anything that needs carrying.
Syr d20+9=10 Wednesday October 22nd, 2003 1:40:20 AM
Giving the guard a harsh stare (Intimidate=natural 1), he is disappointed to see the guard unaffected. Failing miserably, he turns to the incomprehensible mage, "Bog, why don't you ask your friend to carry ... Luna, is that her name?
Syr moves his gazeto the cubes and then toward the pile of loot and back. Muttering to himself, "When in doubt, just try it out." Impulsively, Syr takes the ring and slips it on then taps the cage and the ghosts with the ring. Assuming nothing happens he then takes the vial and spreads a drop on his glove and touches the ghost with that finger looking for a reaction.
Hearing Florin's words his mood darkens, "Maybe just maybe, the forest wants to be rid of us and won't impede our way out?"
Angus Wednesday October 22nd, 2003 2:03:23 AM
Angus is relieved that he can help the group since he is still upset with himself for leaving the fight.
""When I was out on my jog I noticed that Max was missing. Our way out of the forest may be more difficult. Any suggestions? Do you just want to follow Max's path to where we originally found him. I am ready to be rid of this forest, no offence Tionel, but I want a hot meal a bath and a bed for the night."
Angus surveys the tree/room and looks to the group. " Do we kept this structure intact? Or do we leave it for future witches of maybe the Jack?"
More Aftermath (DM MikeK) Wednesday October 22nd, 2003 11:24:34 AM
Xenia estimates each of the 50 gems to be worth 10 gp.
The guard, Talen, who is no longer stinky or tied up, picks up the unconscious Luna and dutifully follows Bog around.
Syr tries both the ring and the ointment from the vial on the cages, but nothing happens.
Bralin, Gordo, and Florin divide up loot and cages and start carrying them.
When the party crosses over the barrier, the ghosts suddenly find they can escape the boxes. All three exit immediately. Two disappear. The third, a extraordinarily attractive and well built woman ghost, bestows kisses all around. "My heroes!" she gushes, planting an extra kiss on Tionel and Gordo.
Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on your point of view), none of the group can feel the ghost busses. Daphne is totally insubstantial.
"I must tell Happy I'm OK" she breathes. "Don't go anywhere. I'll be right back."
Daphne also disappears.
Max is nowhere in sight, and has a good hour lead on the group. His trail continues on in the last direction you all were moving.
Roll Survival check DC 17 to know which way the coast is.
Florin Wednesday October 22nd, 2003 11:59:44 AM
Florin looks about and then to the others, "Well, it would be rude not to wait and see what Daphne can do for us. She can move about much more feely then we can. Should we wait?"
Gordo (ADM Justin) Wednesday October 22nd, 2003 12:02:19 PM
Gordo walks out and grins widely when he gets the kiss from the ghost even though he can't feel it. He does wait for the others to make a decision on rather they should continue moveing or wait for Daphne.
(OOC:I didn't know what really to have Gordo do so sorry for leaving him so undecisive.)
Xenia d20+2=18 Wednesday October 22nd, 2003 12:36:06 PM
Xenia's not sure what the dwarf is trying to do, but it looks helpful. "These things don't look like they're worth that much, Bralin" she says. "But there are a lot of them. Maybe 500 gold for the bunch." And then she leaves the chest to him to search the tree. The inside of the tree looks pretty tree-like. And after her search Xenia is pretty familiar with tree-ness. Kind of interesting, but not very useful. So, with one last sad look at the bodies lying on the floor, she follows the rest out.
She smiles back at Florin and makes a mental note to talk to him later. To make sure she sees it, she sticks it to her mental fridge. To Angus's suggestion she simply points. "The coast is that way," she says.
The red-headed girl shies away as the ghosts swirl out of their cages and one of them plants a big kiss in the middle of her face.
"Eew!" she sputters. "That was Daphne?" "Peh," she feels like spitting, but that wouldn't be a lady-like thing to do. Instead, she looks sheepishly around at the others. "Yeah, ok. Fan club was a dumb idea."
Her eyes follow the guard walking placidly behind Bog, and finally, she walks up and introduces herself. "Hi, my name's Xenia. Sorry about your friends. Um, I was wondering if you could tell me how you got to be working for those witches. And, I mean, were they, like, evil or anything? Or mean or something like that?"
[[ Survival 18 ]]
Tionel d20+9=14 d20+10=15 Wednesday October 22nd, 2003 1:44:21 PM
"Hmmm. I think you're right, Xenia... What can you tell us about the witches and their little projects, friend? Now, please remember, we're not interested in turning you in or anything, just in getting back to the city now. After all is said and done, we should let bygones be bygones, I believe." He smiles at the guard, trying to sound as friendly as he can. (Unfortunately, his survival doesn't tell him anything about the direction of the coast...but he isn't really thinking about that so it makes sense.)
Bralin d20+3=11 Wednesday October 22nd, 2003 3:31:24 PM
Bralin mutely accepts the affection of the ghost, and watches her disappear.
"I say wait," he answers Florin.
Survival - 11
Bog Wednesday October 22nd, 2003 4:11:10 PM
Bog frowns and strokes his chin to Talen, "'ey! 'ow'd you do that wot? 'ow'd ya git outa dose ropes. Dat sure is a neet trick. Um. I tink we havve a little prollem. We fergot where we park'd ar bug."
Bog looks over Talen up and down. "'ey, mate. You got a name? Mine's Bog. Hop ya don mine me askin bot yoo got eny udder weppons? Jes a precashun bot we can't tek any chances. If'n we nid ta fite something we'll give ya somethin but fer now I'll need to tek anythin you might have."
Bog will gently bat down the guards belt and boots, shirt and any other area that might hide a weapon and removes anything he finds.
"Soooo, 'ow'd ya get mix'd op wit' dose wiches?"
Syr Wednesday October 22nd, 2003 11:55:32 PM
The elf grins at Xenia's fan club comment and then moves over to Bralin. "Once we get moving, do you mind getting the other end of this chest. It's a bit heavy for just one. Most of these folks are a bit too tall to carry it level with me."
His attention turned toward the guard, "I'm real curious why anyone would want to kidnap a ghost. It's not like they were about to be ransomed..."
Angus d6=2 d20=14 Thursday October 23rd, 2003 12:26:15 AM
Angus is excited about the attention from Daphne. "Lets wait for Daphne to come back, looking forward to talking with her in more depth... interesting girl."
At Xenia's comment about the lake Angus ponders, walks about and finally agrees even though he is not quite sure. "Xenia I believe you are correct. My question is If the turtle is not there how do we get back the floating city?"
Angus call over to Bog. "Ask your new friend if he know if there are any more of his witch friends about?"
(rolled d6 by mistake)
Bog Thursday October 23rd, 2003 2:58:28 AM
"Wy don' ya ask 'im yerself? Ye gots a mowth n' he's got'm eers."
Xenia Thursday October 23rd, 2003 9:14:52 AM
Already somewhat emotionally frayed, Xenia turns on Bog, "Whyncha ... "
Then she bites back whatever comment might have been coming next and turns to the guard. "I'm sorry our little conversation has turned into a search and question. Maybe we can talk later. I'd like to ask you some stuff. Maybe get to know you. Sorry."
And she walks off, not really sure to do with herself right now.
Daphne returns (DM MikeK) Thursday October 23rd, 2003 10:37:07 AM
(I'd assumed somebody untied the guard)
The former guard looks hesitantly around as everyone asks their questions. The man, still in pain from Angus' Magic Missile attack (way back at the beginning of the battle), seems to be wondering when the group is going to get around to eating him.
"My name is Talen," he says in a low voice. "The coven hired us as guards back at the Float and brought us here. There was only the three of them. They paid us to keep the jungle back from the tree and mind our own business. Not sure what they wanted the ghosts for. Looked like they was testing that weird red stuff, you know, seeing what it could do."
And then, Daphne is in front of the group. "OOOOO, there are my heroes!" she gushes.
"I saw the Overlord!" she announces happily, "and told her all about you. She asked if you needed healing or other help, and is sending a turtle barge to help cross the water."
Her face falls, "But it seems like an awfully hard walk. The coast is that way (she points in the same direction Xenia thought). Can you go through that? Or do you need to follow the paths?"
A look of determination crosses her face. "I can help. I really can."
Xenia Thursday October 23rd, 2003 12:56:27 PM
Xenia eyes the ghost maiden with a dubious look. But, what the shizbek, eh? Dumb as it may be, it's what she came for.
"Hi, Daphne. My name's Xenia," she introduces herself. He sits on the ground, kind of weary and wraps her arms around her knees. "You mean, you really don't remember what it was like to be alive? We can't just walk through that stuff like you can. If you can help that would be great. I don't see how, though," the half-elven girl says, resting her chin down on the top of her knees and closing her eyes.
Then she lifts her head and looks up at the translucent woman, "What's an Overlord," she asks.
Gordo (ADM Justin) Thursday October 23rd, 2003 1:19:32 PM
Gordo grins at the appearenace of Daphne and her news and looks to the others, "Lets follow the fair lass. No matter what we have to reach the shore." With that Gordo prepares to go.
[Forgot to mention in earlier posts, Gordo will help carry any of the treasure found.]
Florin Thursday October 23rd, 2003 1:23:56 PM
Florin looks to Xania when she about comments to Bog but says nothing, understanding the young lady is still getting over her earlier shock. When Daphne shows up he also brightens up more and nods before looking to the others, "Well, we came out here to save Daphne so I say we just follow her."
Florin thinks for a moment and nods, "Since we will be following Daphne I will take point if you like, Bralin as our healer should stay towards the middle of the group I think." Florin looks to the others, stopping his comments on traveling arrangement so he doesn't step on anyones toes.
Bralin Thursday October 23rd, 2003 3:01:05 PM
The dwarf responds to Xenia, "I believe the Overlord rules Floating City."
His face darkens slightly at Florin's suggestion. "I am a warrior, with some skill at healing. But, I will stay in the middle of the company."
He turns to the ghost. "We must traverse the paths."
Tionel Thursday October 23rd, 2003 5:04:35 PM
As usual, the ghost somewhat makes Tionel uncomfortable, but he pushes it down. "Uh, thanks Daphne. I'm glad we helped you out of this mess. We'll get going in a bit, could you help us along if we get lost and perhaps scare any monstrous plants away?" Tionel hopes the ghost can help them. When they're ready to leave, he goes back in and makes sure to take some of the red stuff. If it doesn't come with its own container, he puts some in a waterskin. He's very careful not to touch it...and suspects its blood of some kind. (Gross!)
Bog Friday October 24th, 2003 3:53:20 AM
Bog hmmms. "Woll, dat's fine den, Tolin! Wilcom to da travelin group. We gonna go back on a t'rtel." Bog chuckles at this as he sees Talen is a little nervous still. "'ere ov som wine. It's god stoff n'll com ya don." He hands Talen a little skin from his pack that has some wine in it.
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