ADM Carla ["The First Wave"] d100=57 d20+3=15 d20+3=6 d20+3=6 d20+3=14 d20+3=14 d20+3=13 d20+3=21 d20+3=12 d20+3=19 d20+3=4 d20=5 d10=6 d20+1=9 d20+1=6 d20+1=14 d20+1=7 d20+1=4 d20+3=4 d20+3=5 d20+3=4 d20+3=11 Sunday December 14th, 2003 3:34:51 PM
The moon hangs in the sky casting a dim reflection of light as clouds scuttle in front of it. Behind the modest army of protectors the cocoon in it's nest of bones glows dully, as the life within roils and thrashes. The deep beat of some sort of low drum can be heard, punctuated by hornblasts, but more frightening is the rhythmic crunching of hundreds and hundreds of feet marching in unison. As far as the eye can see, a dark crawling thing moves towards the boneyard, the light of torches glinting dully off armour as it advances.
Grymash charges forward huge and terrible, all sound and fury. Half the ranks on the Bloodpack side stop in their tracks, where they fall victim to a volley of arrows and throwing spears launched by the protectors of the cocoon. Ten barbaric raiders break through right in front of the group, but pull up short at the sight of the half-orc and his mightly axe. For a moment there is an ugly startled face, and then nothing but a twisted black corpse as the fellow is toasted. His buddy doesn't have a chance as he is neatly cleaved in half.
Flea's arrow strikes true (#9), as does Anuk's (#3), and Jake's opponent (#4) staggers after the wiry fighter lands his blow.
Liana's attack slams into midsection of a brute (#7) causing him to double over in agony. Gillan smashes at an enemy (#8) but the agile she-orc dodges the blow.
Trellus, standing quietly behind Grymash releases Deep Slumber catching the closest six creatures. Raider #3, #4, #7, #8 succumb, but Grymash is also in range. (Please make a will save DC 13, or fall asleep for 3 rounds.)
Swinging his great axe, a barbarian orc raider (#2) steps over the sleeping #4 to get at Jake, but slips on the gore created by Grymash's attack and swings wildly. #1 Follows suit, but comes swinging for the big half-orc, and misses! #9 and #10 come after Liana, and Gillan respectively, but trip over the slumbering #8.
(Party's initiative!)
(OOC: Map to follow)
Liana (AC17 due to shield spell, HP17, nuetralize poison, Shield d4+1=4 d4+1=2 Monday December 15th, 2003 2:03:16 AM
Upon seeing the 2 raiders coming her way( #9 and #10), she casts magic missle again but this time splits the missle into two to hit them both.(#9 for 4 points damage and #10 for 2 points of damage)
Grymash (ac20/22 against evil, hp54, RAGE, bless, enlarge, prot./evil, bull str, barkskin, haste, longstrider, neut. poison, fire breath) d20+6=14 d20+6=25 d20+17=28 d10+15=24 d20+17=30 d10+15=19 Monday December 15th, 2003 12:58:35 PM
Grymash howls in bloody delight from sending the first couple of combatants to Gargul. Suddenly Grymash feels the compulsion of sleep but is barely able to shake it off (Will save 14. Whew, thanks to the +2 morale bonus to Will saves from rage!!)
For a very brief moment, Grymash turns his head back to Trellus. The glare from his blood red eyes focuses hard on the cleric. (Will save 25) The giant berserker, deep down, remains aware that Trellus is on his side. Gry turns back around and attacks the oncoming horde of orc raiders.
Grymash stomps forward to attack the closest raider on his still on his feet (orc10). (Im not sure about distance, but Im assuming it will take more than a 5-ft step). Grymash will step on the sleeping orc in his way. Crushing the helpless grunt (orc8) under his 28 inch feet (2000 pds.) as he swings at the other (orc10. Hit AC 28, for 24 points of damage.)
If another raider (orc9) comes into Gry's reach (10-ft radius), he will take his opportunity to attack. (Hit AC 30, for 19 points of damage)
Trellus (ac 20, neutralize poison, bless, shield of faith) d20+8=22 d8+2=4 Monday December 15th, 2003 2:26:48 PM
Trellus casts his spell and watches in horror as it catches Grymash as well. He can't think of anything worse than knocking out the pack's best fighter.
Then, Gry turns around, and young cleric gulps. There's at least one something worse.
Fortunately, Gry still has a bit of control left, and goes back to killing orcs. The cleric surveys the battle, seeing everything seems pretty much under control.
Except Liana. Trellus runs over to her side, pulling his mace as he does. He meets orc #9 and swings mightily. (Hit ac22 for 4hp damage)
Jake (AC 21, hp 37/37, Heroism, Bless, Neutralize Poison, Bull's Strength) d20+9=26 d10+11=21 Monday December 15th, 2003 2:35:14 PM
Jake engages the orc that has moved to swing at him. (#2 I believe). Pressing his shield to his advantage, he swings his sword and hacks deep into orc flesh, putting all his strength behind his blow. (Power attack) (Hit AC 26, with -5. Did 21 damage. Oh, +2 from morale, so 23 damage. Man, I'm almost keeping up with Gry!)
(Had to go back and write down all the spells cast on me. I think that's it...)
Gilan (AC: 20, HP: 34) [neutralize poison, barkskin, shillelagh] d20+6=26 d20+6=23 2d6(3+5)+3=11 4d6(4+3+2+6)+6=21 Monday December 15th, 2003 6:03:50 PM
Gilan meets orc10 as he/she comes his direction. Seeing that Trellus is on his way to help out Lilian he will try to hold of the other orc for as long as he can.
With a smile he brings his club sailing in at the orcs head (hit: 26 (crit 23)). To his surprise it has more impact behind it than he expected (damage: 11 (crit 21)). For once he feels like he is a part of the group that is actually doing something beside being a sponge.
Flea (AC19, HP28) Domi's Ward, Bless d3+1=4 2d6(4+3)=7 Monday December 15th, 2003 8:01:36 PM
Flea switches her bow to her off hand, and pulls a dagger as she runs towards the sleeping raider (#7). With a swift movement, she slices at the exposed throat. [Coup de Grace=11 dmg]
Anuk (AC 20, bless, point blank shot, bracers of archery) d20+12=26 d8+2=3 d20+4=7 Monday December 15th, 2003 8:44:58 PM
With a flash another arrow is nocked in Anuk's bow and the string snaps as he looses it on the raider attacking Jake.
(Shoots at #2. Hits AC26 for 3 pts)
Twinge hisses with anxiety, moving into a striking position should any raiders come near.
(hits AC 7)
Carla "Second Wave" d20+8=9 d20+8=16 d20+8=15 d20+6=25 d20+6=15 d20+6=8 d8=4 Monday December 15th, 2003 10:55:28 PM
Liana's missiles streak across the gloom and hit their targets with the sizzle and hiss of their magic. Grymash fights off the sleep spell, and turning his back on his attacker (#1) he steps on the slumbering she-orc in front of Gilan . The female's ribcage gives a sickening crunch, and she momentarily awakes only to descend into the permanant sleep that is death, joined almost immediately by her companions (#9 and #10) as the beserking barbarian finishes off Liana's work.
Trellus, advancing to Liana's rescue takes in the raider stalking the giant half-orc and centers his attack on this opponent (#1). Gillan steps in and with a mightly swing of his club dashes the creatures brains across the field of battle.
Jake's opponent (#2) doesn't have a chance, as he is pierced by Anuk's arrow, and then cleaved in two, shoulder to thigh by the force of the wiry fighter's blow.
Running forward to the nearest sleeping foe, Flea demonstrates her ruthlessness, when with a quick slice of her dagger she administers a Coup de Grace.
Arrows thick as rain come whistling over the pack, clinking and glancing off the armour or the raiders. To the party's right there is a surge forward as raiders attempt to break the ranks of the protectors. Tall and grim, a huge orc slashes with his great axe, a grim reaper collect a gruesome harvest. The small sorceress with the blue smudge under her eye lies disembowled, as her tiny mouse escapes it's pocket and scampers away. The orc and his fellows press on, cutting down the manfri who have no time to launch their flimsy spears against the horrible attackers.
The assailing hosts surge forward, the orc raiders at the front screaming, waving spear and sword and axe as behind them are revealed the cavalry of Baron's men riding their terrible mounts. The Bloodpack find themselves confronted with the cavalry as three mounted bounders break through the raider infantry and attack!
The first attacker singles out the fighter, Jake. The bounder's bite misses, but the rider's long spear jabs down wounding the man (4 HP dmg. from bounder and rider #1). Pulling up in front of the cleric of Domi, the bounder's (#2) jaws snap at air, as the rider's jab is equally off it's mark. The third attacker makes for the most obvious target, but the beast and it's rider also miss on their first attempts made on the mad half-orc, Grymash.
(Party's initiative)
Grymash (ac20/22 against evil, hp54, RAGE2, bless, enlarge, prot./evil, bull str, barkskin, haste2, longstrider, neut. poison, fire breath) d20+17=32 d20+15=24 d20+15=29 d10+15=22 d10+15=25 d10+7=14 d20+17=23 d10+15=22 Tuesday December 16th, 2003 1:27:14 AM
Grymash smiles grimly at the mounted bounder that would dare attack him. Through a foam-dripping mouth Gry bellows, "Hee hee, Stupid piggie ... DEAD PIGGIE!!!"
His huge axe spins and cleaves into the soon-to-be-dead piggie bounder and rider. (Hit AC: 32, 24, and 29. For damage: 22, 25 and 14. Total 61 points of damage.)
(If any med-sized or smaller attackers enter my threatened area, Gry will take an attack of opportunity. Hit AC 23 for 22 points of damage)
Liana (AC17 due to shield spell, HP17, nuetralize poison, Shield d4+1=2 d4+1=5 Tuesday December 16th, 2003 9:06:33 AM
The agonizing death cries of others is resounding. She gets her bearings as she looks around quickly and picks out 2 more targets.. (a bounder and its rider as it breaks the calvary line) casting her last magic missle..again splitting it into two missles. (rider=2 points damage, bounder=5 points damage)
(BTW Shield lasts a total of 4 min, so not sure when it will be done)
Trellus (ac 20, neutralize poison, bless, shield of faith) d20+8=25 d8+2=4 Tuesday December 16th, 2003 9:15:37 AM
Trellus bails out of the way of tooth and spear as the bounder comes crashing toward him.
"Gry!" he calls, to get the raging orc to look his way.
Dude, you're supposed to stay out of direct combat he reminds himself as he swings his mace, and busts the bounder in the nose.
Grymash d20+6=20 Tuesday December 16th, 2003 9:38:15 AM
(Will save 20) Gry shouts back, "Huhhh!!???"
Jake (AC 21, hp 33/37, Heroism, Bless, Neutralize Poison, Bull's Strength) d20+9=12 d20+9=17 d10+13=23 Tuesday December 16th, 2003 12:20:34 PM
Remembering what he does about bounders, Jake decides to take out the rider first. Ignoring the gnashing jaws of the awesome beast in front of him, he puts all his strength behind his swing and thrusts forward with his sword, giving out a cry of "KIyaaaaaaa!" as he does so. (Another power attack, hit AC 12...I think I'll burn a hero point. On the reroll, hit AC 17. If I did hit, I'll do 23 damage.)
Anuk (AC 20, bless, point blank shot, bracers of archery) d20+12=21 d8+2=8 Tuesday December 16th, 2003 2:19:44 PM
As raiders begin to fall, Anuk develops a grim smile, until suddenly the mounted raiders appear. When Jake is speared, Anuk cries out, "NO!!" and sends an arrow speeding toward the mounted orc.
(rider #1 hits AC21 for 8pts)
Gilan (AC: 20, HP: 34) [neutralize poison, barkskin, shillelagh] d20+6=12 2d6(3+3)+3=9 Tuesday December 16th, 2003 4:55:08 PM
Gilan moves to get in behind the rapke and rider that attacked Trellus a few minutes ago. He tries to bring his club in at the rider's back with as much force as he can muster (hit: 12, damage: 9).
He takes a quick glance around to see what is happening and to see if anyone needs any immediate help.
Flea (AC19, HP28) Domi's Ward, Bless d20+11=13 d20+7=20 d3=2 2d6(2+6)=8 Tuesday December 16th, 2003 7:40:48 PM
Feeling ruthless after taking the life of the orc raider (#7) Flea tumbles (Tumble=13) into a flanking position behind the bounder attacking the Bloodpack's cleric and plunges her dagger into it's hide (Hit AC 20, for HP dmg, 8 pts sneak attack dmg)
ADM Carla "Second Wave, continued..." d20+4=9 d20+4=19 d20+8=28 d20+4=16 d20+8=13 d12+4=15 d20+6=15 d20+4=8 d20+4=13 d20+8=21 d12+4=10 Tuesday December 16th, 2003 8:11:45 PM
As the cocoon bulges and glows behind the army protecting it, the villains press forward.
Grymash dispatches his foe, and stands behind a pile of unidentifiable carrion.
Liana fires successfully on the bounder and rider (#2) attacking Trellus, while the cleric connects with his mace. The druid misses, while Flea's dagger sinks into the mount's flesh, after she barely escapes the beasts swipe. In a rage the beast swings 'round at Gillan, barely missing the druid, but spying the huge half orc. It rears up, then chomps down (Hit AC 28, for 15 pts. dmg) on Grymash, as its claws scrape along the steel grass armour that protects his chest. The rider struggles to control his mount as he jabs down at the cleric of Gargul, and misses.
With a mighty thrust of his sword, Jake dispatches the rider (#1), while Anuk wings the bounder. Squealing in pain, the bounder swipes wildly at the fighter with both claws. Missing on both attempts, it then attacks with razor sharp teeth, ripping into Jake with brutal savagery (Hit AC 21, for 10 pts. damage.)
(Party's initiative.)
OOC: Liana's shield would last 4 rounds.
Grymash (ac20/22 against evil, hp54/39, RAGE3, bless, enlarge, prot./evil, bull str, barkskin, haste3, longstrider, neut. poison, fire breath) d20+17=28 d20+15=27 d20+15=35 d20+15=21 d10+15=24 d10+15=25 d10+7=16 d10+7=9 d10+7=17 d20+17=24 d10+15=20 Tuesday December 16th, 2003 9:05:05 PM
Grymash roars with fury. He doesnt seem to notice his wound as he brings his steel down upon flesh.
Grymash will take his 5-ft step over the bodies, if bounder and rider die, toward the last bounder thats attacking Jake. If Gry is within reach of the bounder (since Im not sure about distances), Grymash will take his attack of opportunity since the bounder is attacking someone else from his threatened area.
(AT. of Opp. Hit AC 24 for 20 points.)
Anuk ((AC 20, bless, point blank shot, bracers of archery, seal of whooping, favored enemy, rapid shot) d20+14=32 d20+14=30 d8+6=12 d8+6=10 Tuesday December 16th, 2003 9:37:46 PM
Anuk's smile changes to a look of horror as the bounder tears into his friend. Offering a silent prayer to any gods that may be listening, Anuk quickly reaches down to touch a small seal embedded in the hem of his cloak.
(Activates seal of whooping: +4 to hit and damage for 1 round. OOC: I'm not sure if activating a seal is a free action or a standard action. I'm going to treat it as a free action and use my rapid shot feat.)
Anger fueling his actions, Anuk fires two arrows into the bounder. Each arrow rips into its hide and nearly disappears from sight from lodging so deeply inside the creature.
(hits AC32 and AC30 for 26 total points of damage (forgot to add an extra +2 to each of my damage rolls for fighting a favored enemy))
(IF Anuk CANNOT use his rapid shot feat, then one arrow hits AC34 for 14 points of damage)
Trellus (ac 20, neutralize poison, bless, shield of faith) 2d8(1+4)+3=8 Tuesday December 16th, 2003 10:28:34 PM C'mon Gry Trellus thinks as he engages the bounder, I got your attention, now come on over and...
SLASH HACK CRUNCH
"Yeah! Waxed pick, Gry!"
The cleric drops his mace, and takes a quick step behind the raging half orc as he pulls out a wand and taps him lightly on the shoulder. (Cure Moderate Wounds - heal 8 hp)
Liana (AC17 due to shield spell, HP17, nuetralize poison, Shield) d20+2=21 d4=2 Tuesday December 16th, 2003 11:39:59 PM
She will take a quick glance to see what is happening. Removing her sling from her side she loads a bullet, dropping her staff as she does so and aims at the bounder attacking Jake. (hit AC21 for 2 pts damage)
(assuming she is within range, she gets a -2 for non proficient weapon with the sling)
Jake (AC 21, hp 23/37, Heroism, Bless, Neutralize Poison, Bull's Strength) d20+9=21 d10+13=21 Wednesday December 17th, 2003 12:27:35 AM
Jake draws his breath in at the pain but smiles in pure excitement. Adrenalin rushing through him, he gives out another cry as he brings all his force crushing down with his sword onto the rapke's shoulder, curving towards its chest. In his mind, he's having the time of his life..
(Hit AC 21, if I successfully hit I did 21 damage.)
Flea d20+11=23 d20+6=25 Wednesday December 17th, 2003 11:57:14 PM
Flea tumbles out of the way of the front line fighters and back behind Trellus, nearer to Anuk. She looks towards the sounds of combat for trouble (Spot=25)
ADM Carla "Third Wave" d20+5=9 d20+5=18 d12+4=15 d20+6=17 d20+6=18 Thursday December 18th, 2003 12:37:12 AM
The bounder and rider (#2) are no match for the half-orc barbarian, as he gives in to his rage. Grymash makes it over to Jake's side, in time to witness the wiry fighter dispatch a beast (#1) mortally wonded by attacks from Anuk and Liana.
The celebrating is short lived as two orc raiders shake off the slumber spell and rush at the exposed cleric and wizard. Trellus' attacker (#4) misses, but the ugly brute (#3) on Liana swings (hit AC 18 for 15 pts. dmg) with disastrous results for the party's newest member.
The sky crackles with electricity and Flea notices a huge form blocks out the stars in the firmament as the smell of ozone and sand is stong in the air. The already hot night becomes stiffling. A loud and horrible scream pierces the air. The recognition that it is rapke doesn't lessen the effect it has on the pack. (Will Save DC 12, or be Stunned for 1d4 rounds.) Two rapke come at the party from the outside swiping at Jake (#1) and Gilan (#2) and barely missing.
Looking about it seems the line of protectors is falling back.
(Party's initiative.)
Grymash (ac20/22 against evil, hp54/47, RAGE4, bless, enlarge, prot./evil, bull str, barkskin, haste4, longstrider, neut. poison, fire breath) d20+6=20 d20+17=30 d20+15=26 d20+15=16 d20+15=23 d10+15=21 d10+15=19 d10+7=15 d20+17=36 d10+15=21 Thursday December 18th, 2003 2:23:27 AM
(Will Save 20)
The shrill of the rapke fills Grymash with hatred so foul that it leaves a very bitter taste in his mouth. A taste much like stinky dungsucker beetles. A "treat" introduced to Gry by Gilan as a joke.
Grymash bellows, "NO ... MORE ... DUNGSUCKKEERRRRSSS...AUUGHHHH!!!" His double axe comes down on the dungsucking rapke attacking Jake. (Hit AC: 30, 26, 16, hero point 23. Damage: 21, 19, and 15. For a total of 55 points.)
(If the rapke entered my 10-ft reach and attacked Jake, Gry gets an attack of opportunity. Hit AC 36 for 21 points of damage.)
Trellus (ac 20, neutralize poison, bless, shield of faith) 2d8(3+4)+3=10 d20+9=22 Thursday December 18th, 2003 9:24:19 AM
(OOC - BLESS gives +1 bonus on that will save!)
Will save 22 Trellus barely notices the Rapke scream. He's got plenty of other things to worry about.
This totally bites. Jake's hurt, Liana's really hurt, Gilan's about to get hurt, and I'm weavin' with two Raiders holding nothing but a healing wand.
Trellus takes a deep breath. This could hurt
The young cleric steps away from his attacker (#4), and between the mage and her attacker (#3). He taps her with his wand as he readies for the coming blow. (Cure Moderate Wounds heals 10 hp on Liana)
"'Nuk! Jake! Get over here!"
Liana/AC18 due to shield/12 HP/nuetralize poison/shield d20+3=15 d8+1=2 Thursday December 18th, 2003 1:01:33 PM
((ouch!!))
The blow she took drives her to her knees. She is in too much pain to notice the Rapke scream.(will save=15) She feels a bit better when Trellus heals her with his wand. She gets her own wand out and hits herself with it.(CLW=2 yeehah)
Stephen ooc: Healing Thursday December 18th, 2003 1:09:02 PM
(House rule: You can reroll 1's when rolling how much you heal from a heal spell. So Kelly, you can reroll that 1.)
Liana/AC18 due to shield/13 HP/nuetralize poison/shield d8+1=3 Thursday December 18th, 2003 1:36:33 PM
((Thanx Stephen..thats a bit better, not much though! *laughs*))
Gilan (AC: 20, HP: 34) [neutralize poison, barkskin, shillelagh,bless] d20+13=18 d20+6=18 2d6(1+4)+3=8 Thursday December 18th, 2003 4:04:10 PM
Gilan ignores the screams of the rapke as he concentrates on his own skin for the moment. As if feeling the flow of the battle around him he will start to retreat, but not before bringing his club in at the rapke that attacked him (hit: 19, damage: 8).*forgot about bless*
Take a glance around he confirms his assumption and looks around to the rest of the group. "The protectors are falling back...I suggest we do the same a little at a time." He hopes that they will make it back far enough to keep everyone alive.
Jake (AC 21, hp 23/37, Heroism, Bless, Neutralize Poison, Bull's Strength) d20+2=7 d4=4 Thursday December 18th, 2003 4:50:40 PM
Jake's shield meets the rapke's flesh, but he is knocked back by the sound of the shrieking. He stumbles backwards, his ears filled with ringing echoes of the rapke's screaming, and he can't seem to find his strength... (Stunned for 4 rounds. Ugh.)
(ADM Carla: Jake should count +2 for Heroism, and +1 for Bless, but alas, still too low!)
Anuk (AC 20, bless, point blank shot, bracers of archery) d20+4=17 d20+2=9 d20+12=24 d8+2=10 Thursday December 18th, 2003 5:34:31 PM
(Will saves: Anuk-17, Twinge-9)
Anuk breathes a sigh of relief as the towering figure of Grymash makes its way over to Jake. He'll be better off now, Anuk thinks.
Suddenly the rapke's terrible cry fills the air on the battlefield. Steeling himself, Anuk ignores it as he looks for another victim. He hears Trellus' call and looks to see the cleric healing the fallen Liana despite the danger to himself. Targeting the raider nearest Trellus, he lets another arrow fly. It finds its way through a chink in the orc's armor and strikes home.
(#3 hits AC24 for 10pts)
"I'm on my way, Trellus!!" C'mon, Twinge...let's go!" Charging forward, he stows his bow over his shoulder and prepares to draw his longsword. He comes to a stop just outside of the orc's reach.
He fails to notice that Twinge is not with him. The green form of the snake stays fearfully behind a stone.
Flea(AC 19 ,HP 28) Domi's Ward, Bless d20+5=14 d20+6=17 d3+1=2 Thursday December 18th, 2003 7:40:20 PM
When he placed Flea under the protection of his god, Trellus provided the gnome with a very great gift, since the added protection makes all the difference in her ability to fight off the horrifying scream of the rapke (Will Save=14) and attack creatures that would otherwise give her reason to run away.
As the cleric moves to minister to the fallen Liana, Flea cries "Look out, Trellus!" then moves forward and plunges her knife into the nearest assailant (orc raider #3, hit AC 17 for 2 pts. dmg.)
ADM Carla "Third Wave, continued..." d20+6=18 d20+6=18 d20+12=28 d12+8=13 d20+6=24 d20+6=22 d4+2=6 d4+2=6 d20+12=13 d20+5=13 d20+10=16 d20+10=16 d20+10=29 d20+10=13 d20+10=26 d20+10=30 d20+10=11 d20+10=16 Thursday December 18th, 2003 8:47:33 PM
Despite a valiant defence by the protectors of the cocoon, the assailants start to make inroads as abominations of the natural rapke enter the fray striking fear in the hearts of the combattants, and wreaking havoc with tooth and claw.
Moving to Jake's defense Grymash smashes at the reptilian monstrocity albeit failing to end it's life, while Jake trembles in uncharacteristic fear.
Trellus makes the supreme sacrifice, and goes to Liana's aid. Anuk provides effective cover, while Flea ends the unfortunate's (OR#3)life with a quick slice of her dagger.
Gilan unsuccessfully tries to defend himself with his club, but misses. The rapke scrapes at the druid with it's claws, but effects no damage until it bites down on the man (Hit AC 28 for 13 pts. dmg).
Ignoring the cowering half-elf, the severely injured rapke focuses on it's tormentor and rakes the rabid half-orc with it's razor-like claws (Hit AC 24, and 22 for 12 pts. dmg), missing with its bite.
Domi must be watching his cleric because, the surviving raider swings his great axe wildly in the direction of the blonde youth and misses!
On the far right of the battle, a massive wall of fire shoots up into the sky, as shrill screams and shouts in Plains language ring throught the air. Dark shadows run through the night and back towards the shimmering cocoon. A whoosh of hot air blows against the pack, as something huge moves through the night sky and alights effortlessly at a distance in front of the pack. As the cleric of Gargul looks up he feels a burning stare bearing down on him, singling him out from the pack. From the dark, a deep voice resonates, chanting words incomprehensible to the half-orc, although he can sense he is the spell's focus. (Dispel Magic - Bless, Enlarge, Prot./Evil, Barkskin, Haste, Neut. Poison (gone) Bulls Strength, Longstrider (kept).)
With a rush of air, and a crackle of electricy, the goremoth and the shaman are gone!
(Party's Initiative.)
(OOC: Need a 1d4 roll for Twinge, and a UMD roll DC 20 for Liana to discharge the wand (see p. 85 PHB))
Trellus (ac 20, neutralize poison, bless, shield of faith, casting defensively) d20+11=24 Thursday December 18th, 2003 9:29:37 PM
Trellus raises a quick eyebrow when Liana uses a divine wand on herself. Ask about that pick later
Continuing to pretty much ignore the rabid orc trying to take his head off, the cleric concentrates on getting a spell off and his shield up at the same time. He manages it somehow, sending a calming wave over Jake.
(Defensively Cast Remove Fear, no AoO. Successfully cast spell with Concentration check 24 vs DC 17. Suppresses the fear effect on Jake for 10 minutes)
"'Nuk, take this guy. Flea, help me and Gilan."
Trellus leaves the orc raider and moves over behind the druid.
"Gry's too shuttlecocked to pull back," he tells Gilan. "We gotta cut some threads first."
Jake (AC 21, hp 23/37, Calm Emotions, Heroism, Bless, Neutralize Poison, Bull's Strength) d20+12=23 d10+10=18 Friday December 19th, 2003 12:42:50 AM
Jake is pulled out of his fear by Trellus. "Thanks, Trell, I don't know what bit me...YAaaaaa!" He launches himself in the air and swings at the rider of the rapke, keeping some of his strength back. (Power attack at +2, hit AC 23, did 18 damage to the rider.)
Grymash (ac19, hp35/54, RAGE5, bull str, longstrider, fire breath, other effects in limbo this round) d20+13=22 d20+13=29 d8+14=18 d8+7=13 Friday December 19th, 2003 1:34:16 AM
Grymash's rage is fueled even more. With his bloodied axe shaking high in the air, Grymash becomes increasingly angry that the huge flying beast ran away, in fear of Gry obviously, and that his axe never got to taste its blood. "AUUGGGGHHHHH ... GRRROOWWWLLAAAUGGGHH ... cough, cough ... EERRRROOOOWWWWWLLL!!!"
The wounded rapke stares upon its executioner as his axe chooses to drink its blood instead. (Hit AC: 22, 29 for 18 and 13 damage. Total 31 points of damage.)
Liana/AC18 due to shield/10 HP/nuetralize poison/shield d8+1=3 d4=4 d20+1=17 Friday December 19th, 2003 12:29:44 PM
So the wand didn't work. She will spend this round looking around. She picks up her staff as well. Glances to Trellus. "Thank you..I have a similar wand." She points to the wand tucked in her belt. "I can't use it, If you need it, feel free to use it on me or anyone else..."
Gilan (AC: 20, HP: 21/34) [neutralize poison, barkskin, shillelagh,bless] d20+7=27 d20+7=12 2d6(6+2)+3=11 4d6(6+5+4+2)+6=23 Friday December 19th, 2003 8:40:07 PM
Gilan bites back the pain form the wound that the rapke just inflicted on him. He nods to what Trellus is saying but is a little preoccupied to reply to him.
Maybe with a little desperation he swings his club at the rider (hit: 27*crit 12*, damage: 11*crit 23*). This impact is not that jarring but it is at least another showing of him not being totally useless in a fight.
Flea(AC 19 ,HP 28) Bless d20+11=27 d20+6=7 Friday December 19th, 2003 11:27:31 PM
Unsure which way to go, Flea looks to the cleric for direction. When Trellus moves behind the druid, Flea dives (Tumble=27) by the rapke (#2) to come up on the side opposite Gillan. Her dagger in hand, she attempts a stab at the beast, but the blade just bounces off the tough hide.
Anuk (AC 20, bless, point blank shot, rapid shot, bracers of archery) d4=2 d20+10=25 d20+10=23 d8+2=9 d8+2=4 Sunday December 21st, 2003 6:14:37 PM
(OOC: sorry about forgetting to roll for Twinge...got a 2, so this is the second round he is stunned.)
"Nice one, Flea," says Anuk as he watches the nimble gnome make quick work of the raider he had struck earlier. "Very shady."
Keeping his sword sheathed, he draws his bow again and turns to face the nearby raider. "C'mon, big fella," he says. The bow's string snaps twice in quick succession and two arrows fly toward their target.
(#4 - first arrow hits AC 25 for 9 pts, the second hits AC 23 for 4 pts)
"Not bad, eh Twinge?...Twinge?"
The snake continues to cower behind his rock.
ADM Carla "Third Wave, continues..." d2=2 d20+6=24 d20+6=14 d20+12=13 d4+2=3 d20+6=20 d20+6=11 d20+12=27 d4+2=4 d12+8=12 Sunday December 21st, 2003 8:52:09 PM
Trellus rallys his troups, freeing up Jake, and directing the others. Jake goes after the rapke, and misses by a hair, but Grymash smotes it mightily.
The rapke screams in pain, and rakes at the half-orc, drawing blood with one of it's claws (Hit AC 24, for 3 pts. dmg.) then snaps it's jaws at empty air.
Liana tries her hand at some difficult magic, but is unsuccessful. Gillan hits hard, giving his rapke it's first wound, while Flea gets into a flanking position but is ineffectual with her dagger. The furious beast ignores the gnome, going after the druid with tooth and claw (claw hit AC 20 for 4 pts, dmg, bite hit AC 27 for 12 pts dmg.)
Anuk covers Trellus back, and successfully takes down the raider.
The air is heavy and hot, as smoke and soot from the raging fire wall are cast into the sky only to fall on the defending host. The incessant drumming continues punctuated now and then by the sour blasts of an enemy horn. The enemy horde surges forward, answered by manfri spear throwers who rain their light, flexible and deadly weapons down on the raiders. Still the baron's men press onward towards the glistening cocoon. On the left, a group of extremenly tall, and thin men in robes and large hats of woven grass, climb in a wedge over a particularly difficult heap of bones towards the enemy. As they start to hum and chant, the riders of the rapke struggle to control their mounts. There is a roar, like thunder behind the pack as the cocoon starts to rend. Bright light shoots up into the sky from the tears on it's surface.
(OOC: Please e-mail me if you are not able to post over the holidays.
Grymash (ac19, hp32/54, RAGE6, bull str, longstrider, fire breath) d20+13=17 d20+13=21 d20+13=30 d8+14=21 d8+7=14 Monday December 22nd, 2003 12:39:32 AM
Rage ... RAGE, blood boiling, heart blackening, bone splintering RAGE! Steely knives, fang and claw, hacking bashing mashing maw. Flesh cleaving riping and bleeding, salty cleansing, coagulating. Muscles taut, hard veined like marble, wielding tools of death most horrible. Again and again, blades keep swinging. Insatiably gorged with crimson feeding. Dual ax charges the beast to fall, roaring half-orc heralds deaths grim call.
(Attacking rapke. Hit AC 17 hero point, 21, 30. Damage 21 and 14. Total: 35 points of damage. Im running out of ways to say he's raging!)
Liana/AC18 due to shield spell/HP10/nuetralize poison d20+2=18 Monday December 22nd, 2003 1:58:49 AM
Her shield spell wears off and she casts another(her last one) upon herself and then readies her sling once more and aims at one of the Barons men who rush towards the cocoon.(hit AC 18)
Trellus (ac 20, neutralize poison, bless, shield of faith) 2d8(8+1)+3=12 Monday December 22nd, 2003 9:12:10 AM
Trellus takes a quick look around. Other than Gilan, everybody seems shady. Whatever's happening with the cocoon can wait.
"Help is coming, dude" he encourages the druid, "just hold on."
The cleric taps Gilan with the wand in his hand. Need the stronger one, but no time (Cure Moderate Wounds heals 12 hp on Gilan)
Jake (AC 21, hp 23/37, Calm Emotions, Heroism, Bless, Neutralize Poison, Bull's Strength) d20+14=22 d20+14=30 d20+16=21 d10+8=12 d10+8=17 Monday December 22nd, 2003 11:54:25 AM
(If the Rapke he faces is still alive) Jake feels Gry smash into the creature, hard. If it's still alive, he adds a much more calculated slash, this time using all his precision to get through the heavy hide of the beast. (Hit AC 22...knowing this would miss, I used a hero point (my last! *sniff*), and hit AC 30. Did 12 damage) (if Grymash killed the rapke) Jake sees the Baron's men moving up, and can't let them proceed any further. Even though it might mean his death, he charges, alone, right at their ranks, swinging wildly and yelling, "you'll have to come through me first!" (Hit AC 21 with my charge bonus. Did 17 damage)
Gilan (AC: 20, HP: 21/34) [neutralize poison, barkskin, shillelagh,bless] d8+1=7 Monday December 22nd, 2003 3:45:59 PM
Gilan glances to Trellus and smiles, nodding in thanks. He steps back away from the rapke and rider as he switches the potion he has been holding in his shield hand. He activates one of the little discs on his armor (seal of liquid sharing) and downs it in one gulp.
He then warily watches the rapke and rider as he pulls his shield into position. "We need to get Gry over here to cut this things thread." He hopes that Trellus will take the hint and try to get Gry to help them out if possible.
*seal of liquid sharing: when you activate this seal with a free-action, you must also use a Standard Action to drink a potion. The magic of this potion is experienced by every being in your party for a duration of one round. Both the potion effect and the seal effect end after that one round.*
Flea d20+6=17 d20+11=26 Monday December 22nd, 2003 7:25:00 PM
The rogue grunts as she takes another stab at the rapke. Realising that she has put herself in a precarious position, she dives back towards her back. (Tumble=26)
Anuk (AC 20, bless, point blank shot, rapid shot, bracers of archery) d20+10=27 d20+10=15 d8+2=9 Monday December 22nd, 2003 8:07:15 PM
Anuk takes careful aim at the rider on the rapke approching Gilan. He shoots and the arrow is embedded in the raider's side.
(#2 - hits AC27 for 9pts)
Hoping to finish the rider off, he fires again. But in his hurry his aim is sloppy and the arrow flies wide of the mark, disappearing into the night.
(#2 - hits AC15)
Twinge moves from his hiding place and moves quickly to Anuk's side.
ADM Carla "The Beginning of the End" d20+6=25 d20+6=12 d4+2=4 d20+12=25 d12+8=20 Monday December 22nd, 2003 11:43:28 PM
Dark figures are silhouetted against the glowing light of the cocoon. As the thing within struggles to emerge, the nest of bones appears on the verge of being overrun by the enemy army. The odour of ozone is once again strong as a wave of hot air rushes down from above.
With a mighty heave of his axe Grymash rends the rapke and the beast's eyes go dull, as it thuds to the ground. Jake runs towards the baron's men who are swinging to the right of the group in an effort to climb the nest of bones. The fighter runs headlong into the rapke attacking Gilan, and he slices at it, cutting it deeply, while Flea misses. Liana's slug becomes part of a defensive barrage of stones and darts sent to the baron's men by the manfri defenders.
Trellus and Gilan share the gift of healing with the pack.
The only threat within immediate range, the rapke that had previously threatened Gilan, now swings wildly at the pesky fighter, Jake, hitting with it's first claw (claw hit AC 25 for 4 pts damage). Before the half-elf can recover he is plucked off the ground, as terrible jaws clamp down on him. Swinging wildly side to side as it grinds down, the rapke eventually drops the limp figure of the fighter in a bloody heap in front of the pack.(Bite hit AC 25 for 20 pts dmg.)
Trellus (ac 20, neutralize poison, bless, shield of faith) 2d8(6+4)+3=13 Tuesday December 23rd, 2003 8:15:09 AM
"Gilan?!" Trellus asks incredulously as the druid steps away from the rapke to take a potion. Which leaves the cleric face to face with the treadle, and that wasn't in the plan at all.
Jake comes to his rescue and pays for it dearly. "GRY!" Trellus bellows. Just look over here, Gry. Look over here and see the live rapke. C'mon dude.
Trying to keep his shield between himself and those teeth, the blond man steps to Jake and taps him with the wand in his hand. (Cure Moderate Wounds heals 13 hp)
Next time, pull the big wand first he reminds himself.
Grymash (ac19, hp40/54, RAGE7, bull str, longstrider, fire breath) d20+6=25 d20+14=18 d20+14=34 d20+14=29 d8+14=20 d8+14=19 d8+14=21 Tuesday December 23rd, 2003 12:53:28 PM
Grymash seems disoriented with the sudden fall of the rapke. His focus broken from the rapke brings all the sounds of battle crashing in around him. He whips his head back and forth, knocking slobber in every direction.
Upon hearing the words GRY shouted in his direction (will check 25), he becomes aware that it's his name being called. Grymash spins around and faces Trellus and his pack. Upon sight of the rapke and the fallen half-human, his eyes widen once again with fury.
Grymash's grimacing expression gives way to an explosion of rage in the sound of a deafening roar. The half-orc comes charging at his foe. Axe in hand and arched back ready to bite into rapke flesh.
(Hit AC: 18 last hero point, 34 crit threat, 29 crit. Damage: 20, 19, 21. Total 60 points of damage. Warning: Rage ends this next round!)
Jake (AC 21, hp 18/37, Heroism, Bless, Neutralize Poison, Bull's Strength) d20+9=28 d20+9=13 d10+13=22 Tuesday December 23rd, 2003 1:27:03 PM
Jake, horribly wounded, is saved from unconsciousness by the magical seal that Gilan had activates...somehow, the healing liquid swelled throughout his body, not for much, but enough that he didn't fall after the bite. He remains hunched over, gasping for breath, and when Trellus taps him with the wand, healing again goes through him. After Grymash's devastating attack, the Rapke is probably no longer standing, but regardless, Jake draws all his energy in, yells out and jumps forward, swinging his sword deep into it with all his strength. Then he pants over the body. "I'm okay," he gasps repeatedly. (power attack -5, Hit AC 28, no crit tho, did 22 damage to it, regardless of if it's dead or not...)
Gilan (AC: 20, HP: 21/34) [neutralize poison, barkskin, shillelagh,bless] d8+4=11 d20+2=10 Tuesday December 23rd, 2003 5:27:46 PM
Gilan glances to Trellus and shrugs his apology before speaking. "Sorry about that...found myself in a bad way." He had not really meant to leave his friend in the way of great harm, it had been an impulse on his part.
With a look back to the fight he sees Jake go down to one knee and moves forward as well. He may have put Trellus at risk last time but he would not see Jake also pay for him. He goes to one knee by Jake as he sees Gry come in with that big axe. He gently lays his hand on Jake after laying his club down. He hits him with a little bit of nature's healing (cure 11hps) as he glances around (con 10 if hit).
Anuk (AC 20, bless, point blank shot, rapid shot, bracers of archery) d20+12=24 d8+2=5 d20+9=13 Tuesday December 23rd, 2003 9:33:55 PM
Anuk watches the attacks on the rapke and waits for an open shot on the beast. When one appears, he fires.
(Hits AC24 for 5 pts)
He rushes toward the other members of the pack and stands guard while the wounded are healed.
(Spot 13 (15 if rapke or bounder because of favored enemy))
Liana d20+2=17 d4=1 Tuesday December 23rd, 2003 10:15:49 PM
She will stand watch with her sling ready to go, this time firing at Rapke. (Hit AC17 for 1 point damage)
Flea d20+6=7 Tuesday December 23rd, 2003 11:57:11 PM
The rogue studies the sky, in an effort to discern what is out there, but only sees darkness. (Spot=7)
ADM Carla "Beginning of the End, continued..." Wednesday December 24th, 2003 12:13:31 AM
Trellus gets Grymash to redirect his attention, and the half-orc makes quick work of dispatching the last rapke threatening the group. Jake slices at the bloody mass for good measure, as his grievous wounds start the healing process after the laying on of hands by Gilan, while Liana stands guard with her sling.
Flea can't make out anything in the dark sky, but Anuk notices that although the Bloodpack has dispatched the enemy in their vicinity, the battle hasn't been going so well closer to the cocoon. The ranger spots a familiar figure silhouetted against the cocoon. It is Black, the plainswalker. Standing on the edge of the nest of bones, he waves to the pack and calls, "To me! To me!"
Climb check DC 10 to reach the side of the longstrider.
(OOC: During the next few days, I will delay ADM posting until everyone has been able to respond. No PC's will be killed for lack of posting over the holidays.)
Grymash (ac19, hp32/48, bull str, longstrider, fire breath) d20+4=18 Wednesday December 24th, 2003 2:22:40 AM
Grymash holds his axe into the air and shouts out a victorious roar. Suddenly a dramatic change transforms the half-orc. His arms drop to his side as his weapon becomes heavy in his hands. Grymash falls to one knee from the sudden onset of fatigue. He's drenched in sweat mixed with the blood of rapke, orc and his own. Streams of drool and mucus flow from his mouth and nose. Grymash's overall appearance becomes a stark contrast to the raving lunatic the pack just witnessed a few short seconds before.
Grymash looks up with a teary bloodshot gaze to any pack member near him. "Pack ok? Everybodies doin' good," questions Grymash breathlessly? He coughs and spits to clear his throat. "Do Gry ...," pausing to gasp for air, "kill good?"
After hearing Black yell for them, Grymash now uses his bloodied double axe as a crutch to lift himself from his knelt position. "Lets go, Black need pack help!"
Grymash is too tired to run or charge, but powerful magics keep him fleet of foot. However it doesnt make his climb any easier in his near exhausted state. (Climb check, with -2 Armor check penalty, is 18.)
Thankfully in his weakened state Grymash can still muster plenty of strength to haul himself up the nest. He grunts with every step. (Gry's movement is 50-ft, 100-ft if he doubles his movement.)
Flea d20+4=24 Wednesday December 24th, 2003 7:08:47 AM
Flea scrambles quickly through the boney obstacle course to stand beside Black. As she passes Grymash on the way up, she reaches out to give the big guy a pat, and says, "We've all done out best."
(Climb Check=24, nat. 20!)
Trellus (ac 20, neutralize poison, bless, shield of faith) 2d8(4+1)+3=8 d8=6 Wednesday December 24th, 2003 9:43:00 AM
Trellus flashes Gilan a quick grin as Gry comes over the top to finish off the rapke.
"Its shady, dude," he answers in reply to the druid's apology. "Just surprised me."
The cleric gives the group a quick once-over. Jake, Gry, and Gilan are hurt, but not dangerously so. Then Black calls to the pack, and the man's heart sinks for a moment. Gry's in no shape for another one. And these dudes still need fixed up. And where's my mace? Light, what do I do first?
Decisions, decisions. Too many decisions. He takes a quick, cleansing breath.
"On our way!" he calls to the Walker.
Trellus taps Jake again with the healing wand, (Cure Moderate Wounds: 13 hp healed [re-rolled the 1]) "Right behind you dudes," he says as he turns and races the other way, picks up his discarded weapon, and then sprints back toward the pile of bones.
Gilan (AC: 20, HP: 32/34) [neutralize poison, barkskin, shillelagh,bless] d8+4=11 d20+1=11 Wednesday December 24th, 2003 5:13:03 PM
Gilan follows along behind the others as they make their way towards Black where he stands on the pile of bones. With a prayer to the Wold Mother he lays his own hand on himself and channels the powers of nature into his own body (heal 11hps).
Looking to Trellus he smiles and pats the man on the back. "Good thing you don't hold a grudge that is for sure." He continues on his way up the bone pile, just barely keeping his footing as they shift under his weight. "Going to need a long hot bath and a good massage after this...maybe lay out in the soft grass and sun with Kaili." He smiles again as he thinks of his love back in town and a new thought occurs to him...she is another reason why he is doing this.
Jake (AC 21, hp 37/37, Heroism, Bless, Neutralize Poison, Bull's Strength) d20-2=9 Wednesday December 24th, 2003 7:44:17 PM
Jake looks fine now, though he's a bit gorey and still breathing hard from the exertion. Seeing the rest of his group rallying about the Walker, Jake takes off after them. With all the gear and weapons he's carrying, it's hard to climb, but since that wall, Jake's been practicying finding his footing...But scrabbling along, he's just weighted down too much to climb the steep surface with all the recent combat. (I have a -10 due to the -1/5 pds I'm carrying. And I suck at rolling. )
Anuk d20+3=15 d20+11=12 d20+9=16 Wednesday December 24th, 2003 11:16:45 PM
"Things are lookin' a little quiet here...let's go help Black and the others."
Anuk works his way up the side of the nest to stand near Black. (Climb 15) Twinge keeps near him all the way to the top. (Climb 12) Bow in hand, Anuk surveys the situation and looks for the best target. (Spot 16 (18 if sighting any rapke or bounders))
ADM Carla "There's Got to be a Morning After" Thursday December 25th, 2003 12:43:15 AM
Fatigued from their endevours, the pack straggles up the pile of bones that is the nest for the cocoon and the thing that is striving to burst out from it. While Jake and Liana try to catch up, the rest of the pack join the walker. The view is vast and horrific. The battle has been fierce and there are many dead from both sides. The defenders appear to have paid the greatest toll and the manfri the greatest of all.
A faint pink cast stains the sky in the east and the shadows are no longer so deep and dark. Anuk notices one star stands out on the horizon. It is large and bright and strong. Gazing upon it, the ranger is filled with a sense of hope.
Grymash (ac19, hp32/48, bull str, longstrider, fire breath) d20+4=14 d20+7=22 d8+4=12 Thursday December 25th, 2003 1:14:41 AM
Grymash finally gets to the top of the bone pile with all the others. From this high spot he can better appreciate the size and scope of the carnage they were just knee deep in. Ever the warrior, even in his fatigued state, Grymash sets his double axe down and pulls out his mighty composite bow. The wood of the bow slightly creaks as Gry draws back an arrow. Taking careful aim he will try and spot a raider attacking a vunerable defender (Spot 14). Once in aim, Grymash lets the arrow go. The arrow shrieks to its target as it cuts through the air.
(Hit AC 22 for 12 points of damage)
Trellus (ac 20, neutralize poison, bless, shield of faith, fly[1]) Friday December 26th, 2003 3:32:39 PM
(I asked Kevin before, and he said the second moon was out.)
Arriving at the bottom of the bone pile, Trellus sees most of the others have made it to the top. And by the looks of Gry's bow, there is still some fighting left.
The man is well aware of his own difficulties in getting all this armor uphill. Instead, he activates a Seal at his side, and lifts off into the air (Fly).
On the way up, he grabs Jake by the armpits and pulls. He can't completely pick his friend up, but he can help lighten the load (+2 assist bonus?). "Time to weave, dude."
(Seal of Night Flying - Fly, as spell, for 2 rounds by light of 2nd moon, Wardd.)
Jake (AC 21, hp 37/37, Heroism, Bless, Neutralize Poison, Bull's Strength) Saturday December 27th, 2003 3:07:09 AM
"Thanks, Trellus!" Jake manages to get up the hill with the flying guys help. His eyes boggle at Trellus' own means of travel. He looks over the fighting and feels vaguely heartened. The sunrise is always a good thing, he thinks to himself. He looks to the sun coming, and hopes that with it, these creatures flee...
Gilan (AC: 20, HP: 32/34) [neutralize poison, barkskin, shillelagh,bless] Saturday December 27th, 2003 1:38:48 PM
Gilan watches the small bands of fighting going on and sighs. It was not a good sight with a lot of the defenders dead or dying. He glances to the pack and see that most of them are most likely thinking the same thing.
He watches as Gry lets an arrow fly at one of the attackers and smiles. "At least one of us can be of some use up here." He suddenly wishes that he would have invested in a missile weapon and plans on making it a must get next time he is in town.
Flea d20+6=9 Saturday December 27th, 2003 6:48:28 PM
The rogue stands at the top of the pile of bones and looks out over the battle scene to see what she can see. (Spot=9)
Anuk (AC 20, bless, bracers of archery) d20+11=24 d8+2=3 Sunday December 28th, 2003 1:19:12 AM
Anuk looks with sadness at the bodies of the manfri strewn about the field. Anger at the raiders starts to fill him, gnaw at him, enrage him. He draws an arrow and targets a raider nearby. The missile lands with a sickening thud. (hits AC 24 for 3pts)
He begins to despair at the the monumental task of saving the cocooned creature when he notices the star low on the horizon. As the light of day rises, so do his spirits.
"We can do this!", he shouts to the pack. "Talki fresal dondit liki!!"
Grymash Sunday December 28th, 2003 2:57:33 PM
Grymash shouts with Anuk as best as he can. His voice is dry, hoarse and grating, "TALKI FRESAL DONDIT LIKI!!"
Grymash reaches for another arrow.
ADM Carla "The Sun Also Rises" d20=17 d12=4 d20=18 d12=12 Sunday December 28th, 2003 8:31:05 PM
The stain of the new day spreads on the horizon, and the field of battle is devastation itself. Two loads of rocky debris fly overhead hitting the cocoon at 4 o'clock and 12 o'clock as twin enemy catapults discharge their loads. Where the charge rends the cocoon, beams of bright light shine up into the indigo sky. A roaring sound like the fountain at Rattledam, only ten times magnified, is heard behind the pack as they stand together with Black at the top edge of the bone-nest.
The arrows of the archers Grymash and Anuk strike true while Trellus hovers in the air after helping Jake achieve fair footing. Everyone watches and waits, and an odd stillness descends as a golden slice of the new sun gains tenure on the plateau. The strange quiet is broken when Anuk shouts his loyalty. The ranger's voice is joined by the booming barbarian's, and then a chorus of shouts and cries rises from the parched throats of the defenders of the circle. The cry, "Talki Fresal Dondit Liki" breaks upon the enemy army, who stop, momentarily confused.
But now a dark swooping shadow of vast proportions stretches across the front as a birdlike form, horrible and cruel as death swoops nearer. It ventures almost within bow-shot, then circles away, only to come again as the cocoon is rent end to end with a great roar and pure white light spills out into the sky.
Then, circling once again, the goremoth with it's dark captain swoops and screeches (Will Save DC 20, or be shaken one round) and all about the defenders cower and cover their ears. Yet, what is in the cocoon continues to rise up and it is beautiful and terrible to behold!
(Party's Initiative)
Trellus (ac 20, neutralize poison, bless, shield of faith) d20+9=18 Monday December 29th, 2003 10:08:36 AM
The blond man arrives at the top of the bone pile and takes in the devastation by the light of the rising sun.
He settles to the ground in stunned awe. "Light," he breathes softly.
Wand in hand he heads for Grymash when the huge shadow creature swoops in and lets go its piercing cry. The sounds rips through the young cleric, and all he can do is drop to his knees and cover his ears, trying to block out the horrible sound. (Will 18)
Flea d20=8 Monday December 29th, 2003 3:03:56 PM
The gnome stands beside Black, her shortbow in one hand, her dagger in the other, and surveys the devastation. When the beast shrieks, Flea drops her weapons, and covers her ears with her hands. She bends over and crouches low to the ground, squeezing her eyes shut.
Jake (AC 21, hp 37/37, Heroism, Bless, Neutralize Poison, Bull's Strength) d20+2=5 Monday December 29th, 2003 3:30:04 PM
Jake nearly drops his swords. "Dust! What is that ole thing??" He nervously fidgets, and hopes nobody notices the changing color of his breeches in the midst of the fight. (heh)
Anuk d20+3=16 d20+1=8 Monday December 29th, 2003 4:08:17 PM
Unable to move or look away, Anuk and Twinge gaze fearfully toward the skies as the terrible figure shrieks and crosses over.
(Will saves: Anuk 16, Twinge 8)
Grymash (ac19, hp32/48, bull str, longstrider, fire breath) d20+4=24 d20+7=18 d8+4=7 Monday December 29th, 2003 4:10:38 PM
(Will save 24, nat. 20!!!)
Grymash grimaces as the piercing shrill of the beast assaults his ears. The sounds of the battle are muted by the intense ringing in his head.
Grymash can almost feel RAGE creep upon him at the sight of the shaman, but it fails to come. Aiming now at the Shaman atop the flying beast, Grymash pulls back another arrow as far as he can. The bow strains against the pressure. His fingers begin to bleed as the sting cuts into his flesh. Gry bellows out a curse to the shaman. The foulest curse he could think of at the moment. "DIGA BU CHAKAKA MU SATISH PIGGIE!!" Roughly translated it means, "Die you big pile of dung from a diseased and bloated prairie pig of dubious conception and inferior birth," but not in such nice terms!
Before he lets the arrow fly, Gry shouts out another, "TALKI FRESAL DONDIT LIKI!!"
(Shooting at the shaman. Hit AC 18 for 7 points)
Gilan (AC: 20, HP: 32/34) [neutralize poison, barkskin, shillelagh,bless] d20+8=11 Monday December 29th, 2003 4:45:05 PM
Gilan continues to stand there looking upon the carnage that lays before them. He cannot help but feel great sorrow for all the lives given this day. "Wold Mother...please look over all those that have died this day and those that may still die." Glancing around to the rest he nods to them, what maybe a farewell to all of them.
Then the rocks fly overhead to slam into the cocoon and he feels anger tug at him with force. But that is soon stalled out as a black shadow falls upon them for a second and then a piercing scream, not unlike the rapke but sharper. He covers his head with his shield as he tries to fight back fear. Dropping his weapon and shield he brings his hands to his ears to check on the sensation of liquid running from them. He finds nothing, but still wants to crawl away and hide.
ADM Carla "A Beginning, and an End" Monday December 29th, 2003 10:06:12 PM
The barbarian shouts his defiance as the rest of the pack cover their ears and try to close their minds to the awful cry of the goremoth.
Suddenly a glowing light emerges from the cocoon, white like sunlight seen through the purest cloud, lighter than air. The monks that had previously climbed the bones begin to hum, and an answering drone comes from the thing emerging from the cocoon.
Crisp, sharp, bolts of lightening streak across the sky, as the dark shadow wheels across the sky with it's rider silhouetted against the slowly ascending sun. With every beat of it's mighty wings, there is the stench of putrifaction.
The light from the cocoon falls back, and something unseen and invisible lifts off. The beat of this new thing's wings sends a cooling sweet air over the combatants. The dark-rider screams in frustration as the sun climbs higher revealing the empty cocoon. A huge shadow covers the ground as the new thing that has emerged takes wing and moves surely over the battle area. The remaining enemy cry out in fear and flee by whatever means they can, as the goremoth wheels 'round once more before flying off and disappearing into the blinding light of the rising sun.
The Grasswalker leans on his sword, and looks at the pack. Covered with filth and gore, streaked with dust, and bleeding from wounds un-mended. Tears slowly course down his cheeks creating rivulets on the dust caked planes of his thin face. Raising his arms to the sky and arching his head back he yells the pledge, "Talki Fresal, Dondit Liki!" and your hearts swell with the knowledge that this day you have done your duty.
(Party's Initiative.)
Flea Monday December 29th, 2003 10:26:25 PM
Flea rises unsteadily to her feet, and witnesses the route of the enemy. She looks at her pack-mates, almost unrecognizable from the hale young adventurers who had set out from Rattledam many days before. She looks at her own hands, covered in the life blood of the raiders she slew. In a voice barely above a whisper, she repeats the creed, "Talki Fresal, Dondit Liki" as a single tear begins it's course down her cheek.
Trellus (ac 20, neutralize poison, bless, shield of faith) Tuesday December 30th, 2003 9:01:03 AM
Trellus looks up fearfully to find the horror has passed. A new day has dawned. The treadles are running, and something wonderful emerged from the cocoon.
They did it.
Revelation comes slowly, and elation follows.
They did it!
"YEAH!" Trellus jumps up, pumping his fist into the air. The need to do something more overtakes him and he casts a spell, throwing it high into the sky. The SOUND BURST explodes over their heads (safely out of the area of effect) like a gigantic firework.
"Talki Fresal, Dondit Liki!" the man roars, gleefully purging himself of all the fear, frustration, and doubt of the past several days.
Anuk Tuesday December 30th, 2003 11:33:16 AM
Dust covered and weak with exhaustion, Anuk stands in awe of what they have just witnessed. He drops his bow slowly to his side and then to the ground as he realizes that they have survived. They're alive.
For the first time in a long while he breaks into a big toothy grin as he watches Trellus' spell burst in celebration. He starts to feel giddy, and the next thing he realizes he's dancing atop the pile of bones, humming a bright little tune he learned as a child, and giggling uncontrollably. He reaches down to the ground and lets Twinge climb up to his shoulders then he stands back up and starts twirling in a circle.
"WOOOHOOOOO!!
Grymash Tuesday December 30th, 2003 12:50:17 PM
The barbarian is a little slow to realize what the heck is going on. He has his hand on another arrow but becomes confused with the sudden sensations of cool wind and heart tickles. Looking back at his pack, Grymash is met with cheering happy faces. He cant hear them well, his ears still buzz and ring with the roar of the flying beast.
His anger turns to pure elation. Gry starts to jump up and down with fists raised in victory. Every attempt to shout and cheer with his pack is silenced by the loss of his voice. But that's alright with Gry, he doesnt care ... he cant hear himself anyway.
In celebration, Grymash blows off the rest of his fire breath into the sky. Adding his bright red light to the streaks of yellow and orange from the coming sun.
Jake Tuesday December 30th, 2003 2:49:06 PM
Jake joins in the cheers, then takes out a skin of glass grass, his last one he brought with him. He pours a large amount into a wooden tankard he usually carries on his belt, sips and laughs, and passes it to Trellus or Grymash. "Ah cannot believe we did it!" He looks over to the other groups and toasts them as well. Then a thought occurs to him. Ah wish ah could ride one of dem things...fly through tha sky...
Gilan (AC: 20, HP: 32/34) [neutralize poison, barkskin, shillelagh,bless] Tuesday December 30th, 2003 4:28:15 PM
Gilan feels the effects of the creature as it bursts out of the cocoon. The flood of warmth breaks through the feelings of fear that the large moth had created earlier. With a look around to the others he cannot help but smile. "We did it...all of the defenders." He looks once again on the carnage that lays on the battlefield, under the dawning light. "So many lost."
He hears the screams from all around him and out on the battlefield. The feelings are infectious and he finds himself throwing back his head. "Talki Fresal, Dondit Liki!" He looks again to the others and his face turns to one of concern. "Anyone needing any healing?" He still has access to his few potions and will use them if needed.
ADM Carla "As the Wyrm Turns" Tuesday December 30th, 2003 5:54:12 PM
A wave of glorious sound bursts over the field of battle as the victors raise their voices in exhaltation. Black rubs at his eyes, and wipes at his face, then turns to the pack. His dark visage streaked with tears and dirt, is split by a huge smile. "You have witnessed a mighty thing this day. Only the greatest of the great wyrms can change into this noble beast we have seen emerge today. It has different names in different places, but here we call it the Drake. Every turn, when it is time for a Drake to be born, the evil ones come. They wish to break the cycle. The men of the baron want to end the cycle, and keep the circle small. They want to end the cycle with the rapke, because they can corrupt the rapke."
In the distance, like a shimmering silver mirage, there is a vague shape outlined against the sky. Although it is almost invisible, the Drake casts an immense shadow over the land as it circles the battle grounds protectively. With every stroke of it's wings, the pack is soothed by a cool, sweet smelling breeze.
Carefully picking his way down from the pile of bones, the walker points to a growing mound at it's base as he gives his instruction, "It is now time to tend the wounded, and collect the spoils of war!"
Flea d20+10=21 Wednesday December 31st, 2003 11:10:17 AM
Flea picks up her weapons and puts the bow away. Wiping at her eyes, and sniffling a little, she follows Black down from the bone pile. Using the blade of her dagger, she pokes around the bodies of the enemy, with hopes that she might find something interesting. (Search=21)
She doesn't wander too far from her pack-mates.
Trellus Wednesday December 31st, 2003 11:25:50 AM
Having released the emotion of the day, Trellus gazes out over the morbid landscape. The sight of a multitude of dead and dying bodies is sufficient to dampen his mood.
He turns back to the task of caring for his packmates, and notes that only Grymash seems to still have wounds.
"Gry," the cleric says, stepping up next to the half orc, "use your feel good stick."
Once his friend is OK, Trellus will turn to follow Black and the others. His eyes flick grimly over the battlefield. The cleric is more concerned with finding any seriously wounded allies he might be able to help rather than 'spoils of war', but he won't pass up anything interesting that catches his eye.
Anuk d20+6=25 Wednesday December 31st, 2003 11:55:46 AM
Anuk retrieves his bow and follows Black and the others. As they descend the bone pile he watches for signs of life from the bodies of those who fell during the night. If he can help any of the wounded get out of the heat of the rising sun, if he can offer them water to comfort them, or if he can simply staunch the flow of blood coming from a dying comrade (Heal 25), he does.
Grymash d20+5=20 d8+1=8 d8+1=8 d8+1=2 d8+1=4 d8+1=6 d8+1=8 d8+1=3 d8+1=2 d8+1=9 d8+1=5 d8+1=4 d8+1=7 Wednesday December 31st, 2003 4:56:39 PM
After putting down several swallows of Jake's Glass Grass, Gry is able to get limited use of his voice again.
"Whut?!" blurts the half-orc. Grymash probes his ears with his pinky. After taking stock of the contents retrieved from each ear, Grymash replies back to Trellus, "Gry not hear ... good wit ... da buzzin'."Grymash moistens his finger and continues digging through his left ear (heal check 20) and manages to clear it up some.
With a raspy voice Grymash continues, "Gry gonna get out feel good stick ... many no ready for Gargul yet. Trellus should get out better feel good stick too. Many hurt. Then Gry help dead find Gargul." Grymash pulls his holy symbol out, that hangs from his neck, from underneath his armor and begins to administer to the wounded, dying and dead.
(Ten charges from wand: 8,8,4,6,8,3,9,5,4 & 7)
Grymash looks up after healing a wounded manfri. He is angered by the severity of his wounds and yells, "Any ORCS still livin' are for GRYYY!!"
Gilan d20+8=21 Wednesday December 31st, 2003 4:57:21 PM
Gilan makes his way back down the mound to those that lay out on the battlefield. With a critical eye he starts to check out the bodies of fallen defenders. He tries to help those out with his mundane healing abilities that are in the most serious shape (heal 21).
Several of the defenders that he comes upon are rended to pieces and most obviously dead. He tears himself away to go onto those that he can actually help out...prayers will have to come later. "A heavy price we have paid...but the one we protected was well worth it...the cycle stays unbroken." It is actaully a bitter-sweet victory that he hopes he will never have to experience again...but knows he will.
Tiev and Zilia Wednesday December 31st, 2003 5:07:17 PM
In the light of the new day, two wasps weave their way over the area in what appears to be some sort of pattern. Any who would observe them, might think they were searching for something, or someone.
Jake Wednesday December 31st, 2003 7:22:11 PM
Not knowing how to help bandage or such, Jake does his part by going to check for booty amongst the enemies and finishing off any that seem bluffing death or might still be a threat. It's a bloody task, he grimly thinks to himself, but a guy's gotta do, what a guy's gotta do.
ADM Carla Wednesday December 31st, 2003 8:49:06 PM
While Flea and Jake add booty to the growing pile being accumulated by the victors, Trellus, Anuk, Gry and Gilan minister to the wounded. Any mortally wounded enemy are quickly dispatched to Gargul with a slice of Jake's blade or a chop of Gry's axe.
While clerics and other healers move across the battlefield searching for survivors, members of other packs along with the walkers who have been their guides and mentors reverently pile the dead at the base of the bone nest. Not far from the Bloodpack, the walker-woman with the long grey hair gently lays out the broken bodies of the little manfri pack with the blue marks on their left cheek. Her only helper is Liana. With a mornful look in her eye, the wizard approaches her former pack and explains that she can not go on with them. The bereft strider is her aunt, and Liana feels she must stay with her, and help her deal with her grief over the lost pack.
The Mankife appears near the elbow of the walker-woman, who bows her head and takes a step back. Waving a small square of red cloth the Mankife raises both his hands up to the sky and chitters and clicks in his language. A swarm of flying beetles descends upon the bodies of the dead pack. In seconds the bodies are picked clean, leaving nothing but white bone. This scene is repeated as other druids and mages exercise the death-rites of the Plains.
When the sun has passed it's zenith, Black leads the pack back towards the bluff, where the little skiff awaits. "You have fought well, children of Rattledam" he says, "Malafret and the council will be advised. Now, here is your share of the spoils of war!"
Placed inside the skiff are the following:
1 Mace 1 Longsword Bracers of Armour Shield(large, steel) Case of Potions:( 2 red stoppers, 2 green stoppers, 1 blue stopper, 1 black stopper) Scroll case with 7 scrolls Alchemists fire (3 flasks) Silver bracelet set with 5 amber gems Silk Scarf Belt
40 PP 250 GP 200 SP 5 CP
Trellus Thursday January 1st, 2004 9:55:45 AM
The cleric grins at Grymash's admonition. "I will, Gry." He points to the half orc's own wounds. "Just remember to weave it on yourself, too."
Trellus' exultation has completely evaporated by the time he's gone through several hordes of dead and dying bodies. He helps where he can, using all his spells in the process.
Liana explains her situation, and the young man can only nod. He places a hand on her shoulder. "Stay in shadow, Liana," he says formally, and turns back to his pack.
Trellus nods in thanks at Black's praise and lets himself be led to the skiff. "How often does this Event with the Drake happen?" he asks, shuddering at the thought of another battle.
At the skiff, he takes up the mace. Nobody but me gonna weave with this he figures. He takes a few swings, places his old mace in the skiff, and takes in his friends.
"Lets go home."
Grymash d8+1=8 d8+1=4 Thursday January 1st, 2004 3:11:32 PM
After the healing and dispatching is done, Grymash heals himself with his last remaining spell left uncast (Doom spell spontaniously cast as a Cure Light Wounds for 8 points of healing.) Then another cure spell cast from his feel good stick. (4 points of healing.)
Grymash is left with nothing but minor abrasions and is satisfied that a good night sleep is all he needs now. However, before he joins his pack, back at the skiff, Grymash will say a prayer for the fallen defenders.
"AUUGGGHHHHH," cries the half-orc cleric. His way to get his gods attention. "GARGUL, OH GARGUL ... lots many warriors come dis day. Victors on battle ground, even in death. Der blood spilt in glory of full fightin spirit, nuff ta pay for uh warriors rest. Let them keep enemy blood fresh on der blades an uh warrior roar on der tongues. Though Gry eyes Gargul see dis ta be true. Amen."
At the skiff, Grymash forms a big smile. "Wow, lookie at all dis stuff!" Gry nods when Trellus takes the mace. "Look Jake ... dat sword looks shady!" Gry doesnt care for the bracers or have any need for the shield. He passes over them to look at the potions. "Hmmm, pretty colored drinks." The bracelet looks a bit too dainty for Grymash's taste, but he gives it a good look... and a sniff! Grymash takes the silk scarf and holds it up with a perplexed expression. "Whut it be? Smoothy wound wrap ... bandage?!" Gry puts it back down. When he comes to the belt, Grymash looks at with some interest. He checks out the design (is it plain or tooled leather) and how sturdy it is.
A thought hits Gry, "Ohhh ... Is pack thinkin' what Gry be thinkin'? Dis stuff mite be Maaggic!! Gry casts Detect Magic and concentrates on the belt and the other items.
Flea d20+9=11 Thursday January 1st, 2004 6:43:40 PM
Flea looks at the loot (Appraise=11) but decides that to really get an idea of the value she needs to examine each piece individually, once she is better rested. Her eye is drawn in particular to the silver bracelet with the amber gems.
Gilan Thursday January 1st, 2004 8:01:52 PM
Gilan can feel the sickness in his guts as he comes across several bodies of defenders beyond anyones help but the clerics. He continues to make use of his limited healing abilities as he watches the others going about thier business.
The picking clean of the bones of the dead by insects seems fitting somehow. They give back to the plains even in death. With a last look to the bonefield that was once a battlefield, he follows the rest to the skiff.
He lets his eyes slide over the stuff on the skiff and then turns to Black. "I now know the honor that we have been given in protecting the plains and the cycle." With a sigh he shakes his head and tears roll from his cheeks. "I am sorry that I let doubt cloud the real picture." With a better understanding of what they are here for he can now put everything behind him. This is something that he can see giving his life for if needed...yes this is a noble cause.
Anuk Friday January 2nd, 2004 11:44:26 AM
As goodbyes are said and the pack prepares for the return journey, Anuk looks back at the bone pile and stares thoughtfully at the battlefield. His gaze wanders up to the sky and memories of the unseen drake. Wishing he still had his journals, he makes a few mental notes about the cocoon, the cooling feel of the drake's wings, and roles of the defenders of the Plains. He clasps hand over fist and bows his head. "Talki fresal dondit liki," he says quietly, then he turns to the pack.
"Let's go home."
Jake Friday January 2nd, 2004 2:02:05 PM
Jake stares at the departing form of Liana and sighs deeply, forlornly. Maybe they'll meet again, he thinks to himself, but realizes the chance of that is nil... He looks over the items and glances at the others. They'll probably want him to take the sword, he realizes, but he likes his own sword more. he's trained with it so much, it's like he knows every inch of the blade. The half-elf says just so, then goes on to mention, "it's just this typa sword, y'all know? Besides, this one's been used in battle. Ah'd hate to use someone else's sword." It occurs to him, then, that they don't really need any of this stuff....and then Grymash mentions it might be magic. Surprised, Jake looks at the items. "If it's magic," he reckons, "they'll start shooting fireballs or stuff. "Ah don't want any of that." He loses interest quickly and wanders over to help others.
ADM Carla Friday January 2nd, 2004 7:26:11 PM
Trellus swings the heavy mace, and it feels good in his hand. The walker answers the cleric, "Sometimes the circle cycles small, and sometimes it cycles large. I have only witnessed the birth of one other Drake, and that was a long, long time ago, when I was very young. Like you."
Black sighs as he watches the tiny Mankife climb the bone nest, and then on to the back of the invisible beast within. As the Drake lifts off, there is one last sweet sensation of a cool breeze. "Every Drake carries with him the strength and the spirit of those who died defending him," continues the walker, then "you should depart now. You can make a safe camp at the edge of the grass plains before nightfall. Rest up there, then continue your journey the next day."
Gilan and Anuk assimilate the experience as they internalize the lessons recently learned.
While Jake looks on dubiously, Flea and Grymash inspect the booty. Flea thinks if none of the party want the items, they might get some decent coin on trade in. Grymash detects an aura of magic coming from:
1 Mace 1 Longsword Bracers of Armour Shield(large, steel) Case of Potions:( 2 red stoppers, 2 green stoppers, 1 blue stopper, 1 black stopper) Scroll case with 7 scrolls Belt
(OOC: DM Kevin resumes on Monday. Thanks for your wonderful, and regular posting, guys! You made my temp. job a lot of fun.)
Gilan Friday January 2nd, 2004 11:43:27 PM
Glancing to Black he smiles an lays his fist over his heart with the other on top. He bows to him as he looks back to see the leader manri get on the almost invisible drake. "Despite my earlier doubts...I am more than honored to have been a part of this. I have seen more in the past days than most of my kind see in a lifetime." With a last look to Black he bows again, sending out a heart touch to all those around him. "Talki fresal dondit liki." He once again smiles to Black sensing that they will meet again, he can learn a lot from this man.
Gilan walks along with the rest as they make their way to the camping spot that Black had mentioned. He will wait to see what they can find out about the spoils they got and for it's distribution. Moving up to stand beside Gry he taps the big guy on the shoulder. "I was good to have you around Gry." Looking to the rest he smiles again. "It was good to fight by all your sides."
[Carla - Congratulations on a DM job very well done. It was an honor to play under your posts. I will miss that, but know that it was hard to play DM and Flea at the same time. Good to have you back among the players full time.]
[Kevin - Welcome back from a much deserved vacation. We hope that you will pick this up and challenge us some more. I personally have been having a blast with all of the gaming.]
Trellus Saturday January 3rd, 2004 11:51:46 AM
The young man inclines his head slightly toward Black and the Mankife. "We've seen quite a lot to think about," he admits. "Many shadows"
Leading the pack back to the Plain's edge, Trellus thinks about the treasure. "Can anyone identify this stuff?" he asks. "Flea, any idea how much that bracelet is worth? We need to figure out what's here before we start twistin' our threads on what we're gonna weave with them."
With that in mind, Trellus takes a look at the scrolls, trying to figure out what they are.
Grymash Saturday January 3rd, 2004 12:51:43 PM "Thanks Gilan, fightin' with all be good. When fightin', pack become more alive after facin' death. Gargul like. Do pack feel more life in them now? Dont air feel better ... food taste better too. Dat is from bein' more alive."
After scanning the loot, Grymash awe-struck face forms a big toothy grin. "Yaahhh, lots shady... err no, COOL BREEZE magic here! Trellus' head thumper is magic. Da sword, colored drinks, da tube wit papers, da bracers an shield, an da belt is all cool breeze magic! Da silky bandage not an da wrist chain not. They pretty though ... yes?"
Grymash takes the belt in his hand and straps it on. "Only way ta figurin' out whut stuff does. Maybe Gry see whut belt do on way ta camp. Hee hee, Trellus an Jake can fight at camp ta see what weapons do!"
Grymash grabs the rope and starts to pull the skiff back to the grasslands, just like before.
Mikey (OOC) Saturday January 3rd, 2004 1:56:54 PM
((Ohhhhhh please please please let the belt be a belt of femininity/gender change. That would be soooo hilarious.))
ADM Carla ;-)
Stephen - It stops being funny when someone gets kissed.
Flea d20+6=11 Saturday January 3rd, 2004 11:24:23 PM
Flea trudges along a little ahead and to one side of the pack, scouting for anything (Spot=11) untoward. She doesn't see much.
Returning to her pack to report, she does a double take when she spots the barbarian.
Grymash Sunday January 4th, 2004 2:14:24 AM
Grymash stops for a short moment to catch his breath and stretch his tired muscles. His chest heaves with every breath as he slowly wipes the glistening sweat off his body. Moistened skin reflects the hot rays of the sun, accentuating Gry's rippling muscles and other chiseled features. Gry suddenly feels a little uncomfortable when he notices Flea watching him. He quickly returns to his work at pulling the skiff.
Anuk Sunday January 4th, 2004 7:36:11 PM
Marching throught the heat, Anuk starts thinking over their recent adventures. He turns to Gilan. "So, we've seen each creature changing from one to the other. But, if this is a cycle, does the drake become a pig somehow? Light...I shoulda asked Black while I had the chance."
Gilan Monday January 5th, 2004 4:36:48 PM
Gilan walks along with the others and then stops in his tracks when Anuk comments. "Light...you are right...we have no idea how the cycle starts again." He shakes his head and then catches back up with Anuk. "Maybe Malafret can clue us in to what happens after that." He hopes that she will and can give them a piece of the puzzle they had forgotten about.
Glancing to Trellus he moves to walk beside him. "Having any luck with that scroll?" He glances to the others as he walks along beside Trellus. His eyes settle on Grymash for a few seconds as he ponders things...then his eyes flash back to thier big friend. Something seemed different with the big guy.
Grymash Monday January 5th, 2004 5:01:44 PM
The half-orc is beginning to feel a little self-conscious with all of the sudden stares in his direction. With a perplexed eyebrow raised oh so slightly, Gry inquiringly asks, "Whut?!"
DM Kevin Monday January 5th, 2004 8:50:35 PM
Blood Pack walks and talks after finishing a task which has changed each of them in different ways. After a very short time, the group hears movement around them in the grass. Manfri approach from all sides. Malafret is with them.
Malafret (dm kevin) Monday January 5th, 2004 9:02:10 PM
" You have done well blood pack. There is more to the cycle for you to learn but, you have learned enough about the cycle for now. It is time for you to roam. You are no longer naive children. You must explore and learn about those around us in the plains. Where you go is up to you. I have news about a few things going on you may be interested in. A cavern has just been discovered in the area of Crystal Mountain which was destroyed by a druid. It is possible that the cavern is being used by someone. If there is a new danger present we would all like to know. There is also the dwarves. They have carved out there own space in the plains and have been experiencing ambush and theft on trade routes by mysterious bandits. If you want to see somewhere completely different, there is always hook city. Where you go is up to you and it does not have to be somewhere I have mentioned. I only ask that you return to me with information when you have completed your journey. So for now I will leave you and wish you well until you return."
Trellus Monday January 5th, 2004 9:13:29 PM
The young cleric spends some time going over the scrolls. Their contents seem to be escaping him, but he tries again.
At first, Malafret's appearance is a welcome sight. "Many shadows, teacher!" he cries happily. "Could you help us identify these magics?"
But, after she tells them its time to go out, alone, he's more subdued. "But," he asks hesitantly "but what of home, my folks? Can't we go back and see them? And, what about Milo's parents? How do we tell them Milo died out here, without giving away the secret of our pack?"
He looks pleadingly at Malafret. "Teacher, how do we tie off our old threads?"
Flea Monday January 5th, 2004 9:35:23 PM
Flea stands next to the cleric and listens to what Malafret says. The gnome was really hoping for a good bath in one of the fountains of Rattledam, and the opportunity to buy some paper and write a note to her folks back home.
"Trellus?" She asks in a small voice, "Maybe we can sneak back to Rattledam, get some provisions, and then head out again?"
Flea keeps glancing sideways at Grymash, who doesn't quite look himself.
Grymarsha (aka Grymash) Monday January 5th, 2004 10:53:48 PM "AAAAUUUUUUGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!" cries a females voice!!!
"IT MISSING ... IT MISSING!! WHUT THESE BE, AUUGHHH??!! WHUT DAT DOIN' THERE??!!! AUUGHHH GRYS POPPA BECOME UH MOMMA!!! PIGGIE DUUMMPPSSS ... AUUUGGHHH!!"
A very feminine half-orc just keeps screaming and running back and forth, in and out of camp, in every direction. He, err I mean she, is delirious and doesn't know what to do.
Anuk Monday January 5th, 2004 11:24:20 PM
When Malafret approaches, Anuk's smile broadens, but when he learns that they are to continue journeying away from Rattledam he is a little crestfallen. "More adventuring, eh? A moment at home might have been nice, but I suppose we ought to continue on. I've not seen a dwarf yet here on the Plains, perhaps we shou--HOLY JUMPIN' PRAIRIE PIGS!!"
Anuk is looking in the direction of...uh...Grymash?
Jake Tuesday January 6th, 2004 6:41:41 AM
((Woah...I thought I was joking about the belt thing!)) Jake looks at Gry in surprise, having just about been to open his mouth to say something about dwarves. He has no clue what's wrong with the half-orc, but obviously it's something bad. "Hey, Grymash, what the dust is going?"
Malafret (dm kevin) Tuesday January 6th, 2004 1:35:09 PM
" Your quest does not have to begin this moment. You are more than welcome to journey home first. Spend a bit of time there if you must while you decide where to go next. Per haps, there is someone where you live who can identify your items. You will find that you have more freedom at home than you have had in the past. Gry, dear, you might want to consider some clothing which is less revealing considering your recent change."
Jake Tuesday January 6th, 2004 3:10:10 PM
"Uh...thanks ma'am," he nods to Malafret. "Uh...so, let me get this straight. I mean, clear. So, Grymash...is now a girl? 'cause of magic? Well, hell! I'm not using any of this stuff!" Jake looks at the ring he's wearing suspiciously. "This isn't gonna like, cut off my finger, is it?"
Grymarsha d20+10=26 d3+5=6 Tuesday January 6th, 2004 4:45:45 PM
Grymarsha comes charging out of the tall grass straight at Jake. Her long flowing hair full of crawling insects and bits of grass. Her eyes wild and filled with feral rage. A look Jake has seen many times but never directed at him. Grymarsha swings a clinched fist at Jake. (Hit AC 26 for 6 points of nonlethal damage.)
"GRY NO GIRL!!!" bellows the emotional half-orc. Grymarsha continues to stand there with fists of hard white knuckles. Her ample bosom heaving from winded breath. Her raged expression suddenly shifts to one full of pain and mental anguish. Gry falls to her knees with hands over her face. "gry no girl .... gry .. uh womans!"
Gilan Tuesday January 6th, 2004 5:26:29 PM
Gilan glances more closely at Gry and then averts his gaze. He slaps his hand over his mouth to keep from laughing out loud but his shoulders are still shaking.
Looking to Malafret he ponders what she has just said. "You say that a druid destroyed an area of the plains." This peeks his interest but will not make his decision for him. "I have never really seen a dwarf up close either...maybe helping them out would be interesting as well." He thinks to himself that he would not have minded going home first. Then when it is mentioned that they could go home and then plan out thier next move he cannot help but smile.
To his dismay Gry comes charging back out of the grasses and takes a shot at Jake. He cannot help but start laughing as the big man losses it. He keeps a respectful eye off of Gry as he wipes tears from his eyes. "Is there...anything that...we can do...for him....Malafret." He somehow gets his sentence out through gasps for air, from laughing so hard.
Flea Tuesday January 6th, 2004 6:28:10 PM
Flea looks at her great friend Gry, and then at the rest of the pack as they tease the poor unfortunate. She moves over beside the big barbarian, and places a gentle hand up on her generous hip. "Um, why don't we take the first watch, Gry, then maybe I can help you out with that hair."
While the pack makes camp, and sets up for the night, Flea stays close to the half-orc.
If Gry is willing, during their watch, Flea will weave her long flowing hair into many rows of tiny braids, then tie them off into one great shiny tail at the back of her head with a leather thong. "That will keep your hair out of your eyes, girlfriend" volunteers the gnome.
(OOC: Don't expect Flea and Gry to make dinner, boys!)
Jake (Just asking for it. AC 23 on defensive) Tuesday January 6th, 2004 6:37:43 PM
Even though Jake takes a slam that would make most guys silent for a week, the half-elf can't help but tease his (newly changed) packmate. "A woman? Y'all ain't no woman, yet. Most women ah know can at least cook and clean, and dress appropriately. Now don'tch'all get flustered, Grymarsha, ah'm sure someday ye'll make Trellus a nice wife, once ya learn ta braid yer hair and wear nice skirts, and stay in the kitchen cooking us cookies." The half-elf's voice has a teasing edge to his macho side, as it usually does when he talks to women. He can't really help it...he loves making jokes about women doing men's jobs. Even when Malafret punished him for it by making him clean out his mouth with piggie plop.
Trellus Tuesday January 6th, 2004 10:39:58 PM
Trellus nods at Malafret. "OK, dudes," he announces, "Let's go home first, and then....we'll...
DUDE! What happened to Gry?!?
The young cleric is at a complete loss about what to do and/or say until Jake opens his big mouth and Grymash goes off on him.
Light of the Sunbaked Grass!
Risking some serious injury, Trellus steps between Gry and Jake. "Gry! Warp down! We'll fix it! I promise! We'll go back to Rattledam and get it fixed. Just wait!"
Then, he whirls, grabs Jake by the arm and hauls him off about 30', swings him around, and looks him right in the face so Jake knows he's pretty ticked. "Light, Jake. Use your brain for a second," he growls. "Stay away from Gry. Don't talk to him, don't wave at him, don't wink at him."
Time to play the trump card. The cleric is well aware of Jake's aversion to magic. "I got spells that'll keep you quiet, and spells that keep you asleep, and spells that'll wrap you up tighter than a new loom. You go after Gry again, and I'll twist your thread to that skiff and we'll pull you unconscious all the way back to Rattledam."
He relaxes just a bit. "After we fix him up, you have fun. But, we don't need him running off or killing you or anything else twisted right now."
Then, its back to the half-orc. "Have you tried taking the belt off, yet?"
Then, its time to camp. Trellus makes sure he privately addresses every packmate, advising them to be extra careful around the barbarian for awhile, and emphasizing its only a temporary condition. He's a lot nicer about it than he was with Jake, because everyone else is a lot more sensible.
DM Kevin Tuesday January 6th, 2004 11:35:55 PM
Malafret replies to Jake, " I think if the ring was going to cut off your finger, it would have already done so. You should let this experience teach you that when it comes to magic, caution is not a bad idea."
Gry loses his cool after discovering the loss of his manhood.
Malafret says to Gry, " Relax, my friend, I know this is traumatic, but I'm sure something can be done about it. "
" Yes Gilan, a druid by mistake, destroyed a part of the crystal mountains. The crystal mountains are however, a creation of the baron's men. "
Malafret watches as Trellus gives the blood pack words of advice.
" There is much to be done, so I reccommend you begin your travel home. Be understanding with dear Gry. What if it had happened to one of you? Goodbye now. Have a safe journey. "
Anuk Tuesday January 6th, 2004 11:51:36 PM
Anuk watches Gry in stunned silence for a moment. The transformation is unexpected to say the least, but Anuk finds it fascinating.
He studies the big gal's actions as she goes after Jake and talks with Trellus. When Gry has calmed down he approaches.
"Say, Gry...when we get back to Rattledam, you mind if I make an entry about this...uh...you in my new creature journal?"
Grymarsha Wednesday January 7th, 2004 1:50:46 PM
When Trellus returns from talking to Jake, teary eyed Gry impulsively grabs the young cleric in a rather constricting hug. Almost picking Trellus up off the ground. Grymarsha softly states in Trellus' ear, "It good dat Trellus step in when did ... Gry wuz 'bout ta make Jake uh girl too!!" Gry quickly releases Trellus after realizing what she was doing and hands Trellus a dagger she had palmed in her hand. "Give dis ta Jake. Jake need protection if he keep sayin' doze words ta Gry."
As Grymarsha turns to go back and sit next to Flea, she answers Anuk's question. "No no no no!! No one will know of dis. Forget dis now!!" Gry starts to tug on the belts buckle but it wont budge.
Gilan d20+13=20 Wednesday January 7th, 2004 7:40:08 PM
Gilan glances to Gry again and settles himself. "I am sorry Gry...I should not have laughed." With an ashamed look he listens to Trellus tear into Jake and takes some of it as his own too.
He looks back to Malafret and then nods in understanding. So the barons have control of the crystal mountains and it may not be a good idea to go there right away after all. "I see."
When they set up camp for the night he makes of to gather some foodstuffs that the plains provides (survival 20). He comes back with an armload of roots, grasses and the like to spice up what they have already.
Flea d20+6=8 d20+8=12 Wednesday January 7th, 2004 7:59:37 PM
Flea hopes that Jake does the cooking. As is her usual habit, she will volunteer to clean up the dishes, using handfuls of grass and sand to scour the simple utensils clean of any food remnants. She will invite Gry to work alongside her, and they will talk about 'girl stuff'.
Flea will take which ever watch is assigned to her, during which she will keep her eyes open and ears tuned to the sounds of the plains. (Spot=8, Listen=12) The rogue doesn't do a very good job though, because she is tired from the battle and distracted by thoughts of what lies in the little skiff.
In the morning when she thinks no one is looking, she will move over to the skiff and look longingly at the silver bracelet with the amber gems, and finger the silk of the scarf lovingly.
DM Kevin Wednesday January 7th, 2004 8:55:04 PM
Anuk finds himself wanting to study Gry's new form. Grymarsha, very close to hostile actions at this time, politely discourages any study. Ashamed by his actions, Gilan corrects himself and then begins gathering food. Flea also does her part prepareing for dinner, but with an ever watchful eye of her surroundings.
The food is good and when it is not their turn for watch, everyone sleeps wonderfully. After a night with no disturbance, as everyone begins wakeing, Flea makes makes time for quiet reflection.
Jake Thursday January 8th, 2004 12:26:23 AM
Jake looks at Trellus, pretty sure he's bluffing. The guy could never play poker properly, the half-elf thinks to himself. But then again, he doesn't want to annoy anybody else that night, just tease 'em... he winks at Trellus as he agrees to leave Grymash alone, and wanders off.
Jake does the cooking for that night as he has had since Milo left the group.
In the morning, as usual, he wakes up earlier than most people and begins practicing. Unlike Grymash, he does not have incredible strength or the fury of orcish blood...so he makes up for it with diligent study of swordplay. As the sun rises, he repeatedly goes through his training moves with the sword he's always used, since he first could lift one. Of course, back then it was too heavy for him to swing, let alone dip and weave with... But now it seems an extension of his arm, almost part of himself. Afterwards, the others just waking up, Jake wanders by Flea, still sweating and puffing a bit. Glancing around to make sure they're alone (as alone as one can get in the camp), he gently remarks, "Hey, Flea...ah was only kiddin' about the womin bit, y'know? Ah'm sure Grymmy knows that, but ah don't know if ya do. Ah joke ta make horrible things seem okay. ah can't help it." That said, he gets his gear together to get ready to go back to Rattledam.
Trellus Thursday January 8th, 2004 8:11:12 AM
"Erph," is about the best response Trellus can manage as Grymash nearly crushes him in thanks. He does make sure to take the dagger, though.
The next morning, as is his custom, the cleric moves off a short ways for his morning devotion to Domi. A quick grin flashes across his face as he briefly considers asking for a Silence spell this day. But, he discards the notion. He does make sure to pray for that extra Endure Elements though.
Time for breakfast, and a quick reminder to Gilan and Gry to also load up on Endure Elements spells, or whatever Gry calls it. Feel good in Sticky Hot? Dude.
Trellus walks home with the rest of the pack.
Grymarsha Thursday January 8th, 2004 3:44:03 PM
Grymarsha wakes uneasily after the sun rises. Being unaccustomed to his new form, she found it rather difficult to find a comfortable position. She notices that her hair had been brushed and tied in braids. Gry sighs deeply after remembering what she has become. Normally he would be mad at Flea, but she understands Flea was only trying to be helpful. Even though it made her look more "girlie!"
At breakfast Gry remains mostly quiet except to ask one request of her pack. "Gry not know when fix dis problem but if pack get back ta Rattledam befo we fix Gry, then me not be Gry. Call me someone else. Me Gry's sister or girlfriend or sumthin' ... ok! If dis get out, Gry be joke for town an other packs. An Gry no want ta beat up WHOLE town! No ways! "
Grymarsha spends a little longer than usual praying to Gargul this morning. However, the extra time seems to give Gry a greater sense of peace and calmness. Or maybe its from a severe lack of testosterone!
Grymarsha (has an idea) d20+8=22 Thursday January 8th, 2004 5:32:19 PM
After pulling the skiff for a little while Gry gets an idea (Survival 22).
"Lets put sail post down on skiff an dis night time pack help weave grass cover ta put over skiff. Then skiff be hid from raiders eyes as Gry pull skiff from below in day. Huh, what think?"
Anuk d20+9=14 Thursday January 8th, 2004 6:09:39 PM
Anuk looks Gry in the eye and says, "No problem, my friend. No word of this event will pass my lips or enter my journals."
After a night of (thankfully dreamless) rest, Anuk wakes up feeling fine. He looks in the direction of the rising sun and wanders off that way to find a little time to think and meditate.
(prepares entagle)
Upon returning to the pack, he helps with the chores of cooking and cleaning. When Gry mentions building a cover for the skiff, Anuk responds positively. "Sounds like a great idea...I'll be happy to help."
When the time to depart arrives, Anuk takes a position near the front of the pack to keep an eye out for anything unusual. (spot 14 -(16 if spotting bounders or rapke)) Twinge moves along quietly nearby.
Flea d20+6=24 d20+8=20 Thursday January 8th, 2004 6:43:28 PM
Flea starts to reach out a hand towards the silver bracelet, when Jake sneaks up behind her mumbling something that sounds like the skinny fighter's version of an apology. The rogue quickly pulls her hand back, flushes, and mutters "whatever" under her breath, as the elf moves on.
As the group wend their way home to Rattledam, Flea scouts out ahead of the group. Able to multi-task like most women, she keeps her eyes open and her ears attuned to the plains.(Spot=24, Listen=20)
She composes a letter to her parents in her head,with plans to commit it to paper once she is safely back in Rattledam.
DM Kevin Thursday January 8th, 2004 8:28:22 PM
As Flea recollects past memories, Jake performs graceful swordplay exercises. Trellus finds his own quiet time to pray to the divine. Gry spends the morning in worry, until Gargul reassures him in prayer, that all will be fine. Anuk helps Gry prepare for the days travel. Flea gives Jake a taste of woman's scorn, and then with an alertness only possessed by a rogue, moves ahead to do her part in the journey.
It is a slow journey, but after days of travel, which might be called boring compared to previous travels, Rattleda is finally in sight. If the party chooses, they will arrive at Rattledam with only a few more hours of walking.
Gilan Thursday January 8th, 2004 11:49:10 PM
Gilan spends his morning in quiet repose and commune with the Wold herself. With a heavy sigh he makes his way back to the group and nods his willingness to move on.
With his gear packed he starts out with the others. It is a sure thing that Gry is going to make a big splash back at town and he is not looking forward to it. With the suggestion, put out by Gry himself/herself he nods at the idea. "That could work...though I would like to find out if we can change you back before we get to town." He feels sorry for his big friend and hopes that he will look before leaping next time.
They are nearing the town when he looks to the rest. Then Gry makes another suggestion that is sort of out of his nature. "You seem to be thinking pretty good there Gry." He will then help out as much as he can to build something to cover the skiff.
Tiev and Zilia Friday January 9th, 2004 1:03:31 AM
Never far from the druid during the daylight hours, Tiev and Zilia seem to dance on the light breezes wafting over the plains.
Flea Friday January 9th, 2004 1:04:14 AM
Approaching Trellus, Flea makes an enquiry "do we just march on in, armor and all, or shall we go back through the tunnels under the fountain?"
"by the shady gold door with the big magic lock!" thinks the rogue to herself.
Grymarsha Friday January 9th, 2004 1:47:54 AM
Gry replies to Gilan. "It not dat big of idea. Gry just thinkin' of ways ta hidin' real face. Me see packs skiff up there on grass, up high, tellin' whos ever lookin' wheres we be. Gry not know why pack not thinks of it sooner."
As the huge dome over Rattledam appears on the horizon, Grymarsha feels a bit torn. One side is glad to finally be home, the other isnt looking forward to kind of reception she is expecting on getting. In a last desperate act to fix the situation, Grymarsha pulls down the skiff and begins looking through their newly gained booty. "There gots ta be sumthin' here ta fix Gry. Maybe magic sword cut belt off! Maybe da magic drinks. Light, da magic papers. Trellus, Gilan ... why cant us read what on paper wit magic readin' eyes (Read Magic). Maybe there Make Man from Woman Magic on da papers. Lets take dis stuff ta tunnel befores pack go in ta town.
Trellus Friday January 9th, 2004 9:26:57 AM
The dome of Rattledam rises before them, and Trellus can't help but giggle in relief. Home
Grinning widely, he nods at Flea's question. "We'll use the tunnel and come up through the fountain," he says. "Maybe we'll meet someone down there who can help Gry, and figure out the picks on the rest of this stuff."
The half-orc's suggestion about reading the scrolls leaves the cleric shaking his head sheepishly. "I'll have to do it tomorrow, dude," he replies. "I didn't ask for that spell this morning."
Trellus leads the pack down into the tunnels beneath Rattledam and the cubbyholes for their equipment.
Grymarsha Friday January 9th, 2004 10:56:02 AM "Gry gots Magic Readin' Eyes. Sigh, if Milo here, pack have magic papers read by now.....!!! Oh Milo ... what pack says ta Milo Momma?!!"
In dealing with his current ordeals, Grymarsha has completely forgotten about another problem that is still unresolved.
Jake Friday January 9th, 2004 1:29:59 PM
Jake shrugs in response to Grymash, and looks at the dome of Rattledam. He wonders if he'll still have to do those neverending chores he used to do for his family and the community. Life was so exciting out there, and now back to this boring little village where everything is protected. He can't help but feel a bit of boredom seeping into him just thinking of it.
Anuk Friday January 9th, 2004 1:30:02 PM
"Home...it's gonna feel nice to have a swim in the pool. I definitely think that's how we should enter." Anuk turns to Gry,"Maybe Trellus is right and there will be someone down there who can help us before we ever get to the surface. It's gonna be okay." He sends a heart touch to Gry in sympathy.
When Gry mentions Milo, Anuk becomes a little subdued. He follows the others into the cave, wondering who should talk to Milo's parents and what they should say.
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