Xenia Thursday January 22nd, 2004 6:04:34 PM
Xenia watches the axe guys as they go off to their boat, and the Crying Woods beyond. She shakes her head sadly. "You're gonna get your blood sucked" she says quietly under her breath.
She follows behind Florin and wrinkles her dark nose at the dirty boat. This dirty/smelly thing was getting to be a regular habit.
Florin Thursday January 22nd, 2004 6:06:01 PM
Florin moves towards Minos's boat, "We weretold you would give us a ride. We are helping the druids."
Florin motions Tionel, "You may give him more deails friend, you seem to know the order better then I."
Angus Thursday January 22nd, 2004 7:20:12 PM
Angus speaks with Minos" Minos were is the cabin boy to take and store our belongings." ANgus adds with a smile.
"Minos what is the name of this fine vessel. Do you have an vine for the voyage?" Angus asks
Bralin Thursday January 22nd, 2004 9:55:04 PM
Bralin looks at Angus in complete confusion. "There is likely no cabin boy on this boat," he says in complete seriousness.
The dwarf looks for a ladder or something to get into the boat, and starts down.
Syr Friday January 23rd, 2004 2:17:09 AM
Hopping down into the boat Syr presents his hand to Minos. "What's your opinion on that stuff?" He jerks his head back to indicate the dock ad the druids. "Overall, theose druids are relatively harmless and well-meaning but those loggers seemed resoved." With a shrug of his shoulders, "Anyway, the druids said you would be able to take us to a spot they needed some help with?"
Tionel Friday January 23rd, 2004 11:47:36 AM
"They gave us quite clear directions, you guys," Tionel says. He speaks politely to the fisherman, not yet boarding, and explains the direction and distance they need to go. "Well, can you help us, captain?"
Pay the Ferryman(ADM Al) Friday January 23rd, 2004 1:05:33 PM
The collective company all pile down into the dirty and rather smallish fishing boat.
The source of the voice is a grizzled and gray bearded sailor. The man appraises Florin with shrewd and canny eyes before turning his attention to Angus.
"Eh? Ye want what, lad? Wine? Well, I'll tell ye, me name's Minos and this here fine vessel be The Touch. Ye know the story of another Minos and his touch o' gold? Fool wound up touchin his wife. Kilt her dead. Well, me, I've got a power o' me own. See this hand, lad?" The gray bearded sailor wiggles his fingers in Angus' face. "Jest so happens that anything I touch turns ta wine. Here, shake." And he takes the sorcerer's hand in a surprisingly strong grip.
"HAWHAWHAWHAWHAWSiddown, cabin boy."
Then he turns his attention to Tionel.
"Course I kin hep ye. Who'd ye think took the first guy combin the coast o' the Cryin Woods, eh? I knows just the spot. And I kin takes ye there too. The question ye gots to ask yerself is, does I wants ta hep ye. I seen ye up there greasin palms, and I sez to meself, self, I sez, if those lads yonder kin get a hold o' some dosh jest fer bein belligerent, well, imagine what ye kin get yerself fer actually putting in a hard days work fer these lads. That's what I sez, that is."
"So, whaddya say, kin ye hep ol Minos out with a bit o' cutter?"
DM on Vaca (ADM Al) Friday January 23rd, 2004 2:50:50 PM
Just in case you're wondering, our beloved DM is taking a bit of time off to pour his boundless energies into work.
In the meantime ... ^_^
Bralin Friday January 23rd, 2004 9:44:16 PM
The dwarf all but ignores the sailor. He wasn't asked for money, and wouldn't give it anyway, so the talk is uninteresting.
Bralin finds a space to sit down, and does so. He immediately slips into his standard nearly trance like state, staring at an unidentified spot, apparently oblivious to the talk around him.
Florin Saturday January 24th, 2004 1:38:21 AM
Florin grins and glances to Tionel, "Well friend, you were willing to pay those men on the docks. This fellow seems to be in just as bad of need."
Florin smiles to Minos and nods, "It's nice to meet you Minos, my name is Florin Jadenth, a noble defender of Domi's will."
Tionel Saturday January 24th, 2004 2:44:25 AM
"You combed out the coast first? That means you must be...well..." Tionel politely drops the subject of the man's age. "...a Hero among these fisherman. I bet you know a lot about these parts. "You strike me as a man who appreciates a bit of rotgut. Not only will I pay you well for this expedition, but I hope you will join me in a few free drinks." Tionel grins at the man, and adds, "But I warn you...we should stock up well on the ale and wine before we leave; I tend to drink more than my share as an elf I'm told. And being around water always makes me thirsty, I don't know why."
Angus Saturday January 24th, 2004 10:21:22 AM
ANgus is concerned. " If we are going back to the crying woods I will need more wine. ANyone else need anything. I will go hire a porter since the cabin boy is missing and get us a cask of wine. Will that be enough Tionel? Bralin should I get some ale also?"
Angus surveys the group. "Any other special supplies needed? Xenia do you require anything or you roomie? Anything for Domi Florin?"
Xenia d20+1=4 Saturday January 24th, 2004 11:07:58 AM
"Don't give him anything, Tionel!" Xenia stands, mouth pursed, gloved fists planted on her hips. "This guy is a con! Can't you just hear it in his voice?"
"I bet you've been paid already or something," Xenia thrusts and accusing finger at the boatman. "And if you don't take us out there, we'll ... we'll ... we'll tell on you!" she hisses menacingly.
[[ Intimidate 4 ]]
Syr Sunday January 25th, 2004 2:11:54 PM
After hearing the fisherman's story he looks pointedly at Tionel, "There! See what you started? Will you pay the man so we can get going?"
Coming close to boiling over he glares at Tionel, "We didn't have time to dally on the docks and we did!" Switching to Angus, "We don't have time to get wine and make this a cruise!" Fuming in his seat, "If anything happens to the orphange, you WILL regret it."
Cast Off! (ADM Al) Sunday January 25th, 2004 3:21:10 PM
The gray bearded boatman glares at Xenia for a moment that hangs on the air. Then, like a change in the wind, he bursts into raucous laughter again. "HAW HAWHAWHAW! I never said I wasn't paid already, girlie," Minos says with a twinkle in his eye. "But so long as yer boyfriend, here, is passing out the cash, wouldn't hurt for old Minos ta get him a share, doncha think?"
"Listen to yer friend over there," the old sailor says, to Tionel, a crooked finger indicating Syrdeth. "This be all yer own fault fer temptin us poor deservin with the wicked ways of cash. So, whacha say, buck?" he says, putting an comradely arm over Tionel's shoulder. "Tell old Minos yer not like the rest of the Gold types up above. Grease me palm, and I'll also let in on a little o' what ol Minos' got." He pulls Tionel with him as he wraps Angus, as well, in a conspiratorial huddle. "Ye'll have no need for wine while yer on the deck of The Touch. I've got me own private stock, and it'll be share and shares alike. Like mates, eh buck?" he says gripping Tionel's shoulder in a meaningful gesture.
"'Sides," he says releasing the two and striding aft. "We're not goin ta the Crying Woods."
"Nice ta have ye aboard, Padre," he says, thumping the paladin's breastplate armor as he passes. "And ye as well, Master Dwarf," he says, patting the top of Bralin's head in passing.
"As fer the little fracas yonder," Minos says with a wink and an aside to Syrdeth, fuming in his seat. "I be thinkin the woodsy types can afford ta pull the wood a few inches out o' their bums, if ye take me meaning. But they pays good too," he shrugs.
"We're not goin ta the Crying Woods," he then repeats, taking a dramatic and self important stance next to the tiller. "We be goin to a spot jest off the coast, bucks and buckette. And if we wants ta be getting there any time today, we'd best be on our way."
"So cast off the stern, Master Dwarf," he fires at Bralin. "And if ye can get the bow," to Angus. "Watch the boom, Padre!" he shouts a warning to Florin. "And if ye can pull that wee keg out from under the seat there, Sirrah," he winks at Tionel, "maybe we can sup from the teat of fine mash on the way over."
"Avast, lubbers. We're off!"
Florin Sunday January 25th, 2004 4:58:43 PM
Florin nods okay to Minos and just takes being called a padre in stride. At hearing the comments of money Florin finally pulls a gold piece from his pouch and flips it to Minos, "Here Minos, gets us there and back safe and you earned it for sure."
Special Delivery (DM MikeK) Sunday January 25th, 2004 9:16:05 PM
Just before The Touch pushes off, an orge simply appears on the dock.
"Delivery for Florin!" he bellows, and tosses a wooden box of the darkest wood at the paladin's feet.
The ogre disappears.
The box is made of a fine dark wood with a silver clasp and no lock. Embossed in silver upon the lid is the word "The Catacombs".
Inside are 20 masterwork silvered arrows.
Bralin Sunday January 25th, 2004 9:21:09 PM
Bralin's reverie is broken by the sailor's hand upon his head. Am I a lap dog?!? His face clouds as he glares at Minos.
But Florin seems to take it in stride. Yet another example of the unfathomable nature of these people.
Cast off at the stern? Bralin looks about hopelessly. He has no idea what the man wants.
The ogre is there and gone before he can even react. Bralin gives up finding whatever a "stern" is, and looks on curiously as Florin opens the box.
Syr Monday January 26th, 2004 5:16:44 AM
Seeing that the group is now leaving, the elf calms down and settles down to watch Minos work. "Sir, what can you tell us about these new waters?"
As the ogre makes his delivery, he looks at the bundle Florin receives, "I have to admit those look great but silver? Why silver?"
"We are moving from turtles to boats, I wonder if that is a good thing? Anyone been on a boat before? My only other boat trip was when I was clunked on the head..."
Angus Monday January 26th, 2004 11:06:52 AM
Angus looks expectantly at Minos. " What do you want me to do with or at the bow? I also work much better with a cup of wine in my hand. Can we arrange that...."
Xenia Monday January 26th, 2004 1:04:00 PM
Xenia blushes, visibly, even under the dark of her skin.
She stands sputtering for a moment. And, finally, can only manage, "You ... you ... You are so weird!"
Then the boom swings her way, and she's forced to plop down into a seat to avoid being clocked on the noggin.
Tionel Monday January 26th, 2004 8:36:18 PM
"Ah, ye're a man after me own heart, Minos," Tionel grins, experimenting a bit with the man's gutter argot. "Certainly, we shall be treating yewell, perhaps shower ye in silver, but let us leave that off till after the trip be done and we be back in one piece. In the meantime, I will free this keg," he tugs and does so, "and we shall be off. Lower the plank! Unfurl the sails! Stand to, heave ho, arise the anchor and let us go!" Tionel proceeds to give his crewmates enthusiastic directions, using words like boatswain, furrow, fathoms, fore and aft, and so on. Sitting back at the deck, he hums happily and fiddles with opening the jug. "I always wanted to be a sailor...well, next to a bard." He seems like he'd go on, launch into a personal story, but the smell of the stuff makes him stop as he succeeds in opening it. "Heavens! What is this?"
Sailing Sailing (ADM Al) Monday January 26th, 2004 9:38:32 PM
Minos reaches out a hand and snatches Florin's coin from out of the air. He gives it an experimental bite with is teeth before saying, "Well, I'll have ta thank ye very kindly, Padre. It's nice ta know that the clergy is still the givin type. And, donchee worry none. If there's anyone who kin git ye there and back in the same skin ye left, it's old Minos. Donchee worry on that account."
Then the old boatman becomes a flurry of activity as he jumps from place to place, setting things right and setting them in motion within the boat.
"HERE YE!" he shouts at Bralin. "Does this one understand common," he asks the others in despair. "Here, here, ye takes the rope off the spar here. Like this. Do I have ta be doin everything meself now?"
A box comes out of nowhere and goes sailing (haha) at the old salt's head. He ducks and continues on without looking.
"Doncha go getting yer little titties in an uproar, girlie," he says to Xenia in passing. "Throws yer digestion all ta hell. hehe," he chuckles as he pats her on the bottom and moves on to the fore casting off there as well.
"Ah, I see you struck gold, mate," he says to Tionel holding the uncorked jug, and he claps the elf on the back, before sweeping a dirty tin cup up from the bottom of the boat. He flicks some green bilge water out of the cup and over the side, then wipes it clean with the end of his shirt. "This," he says, with an air of reverence, "is what I calls me special sour cane mash. Good for whatever ails ye. A bit o' this and whatever it is, won't be botherin ye no mores. Heheee. At least till ye sobers up."
"Here, here, share it round." He pours some cloudy amber liquid into the cup and presses it into Angus' hands. The smell that wafts up from the cup is slightly sweet, with a kick that would kill germs in a 10 foot radius. "Ooop, gots to take the tiller," he shouts jumping back across the boat as it drifts aimlessly out and away from the dock.
Minos takes the tiller in hand, and in direct opposition to his erratic personal manner, guides the boat with a smooth and even hand, such that the party is soon headed cleanly and safely away from the Floating City docks.
"Ye asked about the waters out there, lad," Minos addresses Syrdeth. "I can't rightly tell ye much, I'm afraid. That is ta say, the waters above are same as the waters anywhere along the coast. Not much ol Minos by himself couldn't handle. But, yer not stayin above. Buck before ye went below, and I recon that's where ye'll be followin."
Florin Tuesday January 27th, 2004 1:56:09 AM
Florin smiles at the actions of Minos and is alittle shoecked when the box with the arrows he ordered is thrown into the boat by the ogre.
Florin smiles as he picks one arrow up and studies it abit before nodding and placing them in a quiver he has. Florin thinks and taps the box the arrows orginally came in, "If you like Minos you can keep this box."
Florin smiles as Syr makes the comment on the arrows and nods to the man, "You never know when we may need weapons of this particular metal, I have heard that some creatures require this type to harm them but I have never personally ran into one."
Florin grins as a thought comes to mind, "Me and Xenia has weapons that could harm a creature you might need silver to hurt, how many of you have one also? It might be good to know who does and doesn't. I can share a few of these arrows with someone if needed." Florin shrugs a moment after thinking of the 9gps a arrow he spent for the masterword silver arrows.
Angus d20+8=10 Tuesday January 27th, 2004 4:04:40 PM
Angus is caught off guard by the appearing and disappearing Ogre and quickly scan the area for the spell that caused it (spellcraft check 10), but is not quick enough to discern the origins
Angus takes the sour cane mash and tests a healthy swig to test and quickly passes the cup the the closest group member before the effect take hold.
Syr Tuesday January 27th, 2004 4:28:02 PM
Syr looks down at his hands, "With me, it's pretty much what you see is what you get. These haved served me well in the past and I hope continue to do so." With a shrug, "I'm not the greatest with sharp instruments."
The elf nods at Minos' words, "Just curious but I guess you will be waiting for us to come back? Do you have provisions for more than 1 day just in case?"
Looking around at the others in the boat, "Still have the wand, I hope?"
Bralin Tuesday January 27th, 2004 4:57:32 PM
The poor befuddled dwarf shakes his head uncomprehendingly at the boatman. Both the terms and the slang are so completely beyond him that he resolves the situation by totally ignoring the mad sailor.
Relegating Minos and his ravings to the corner of his mind titled 'That which I don't understand', Bralin eagerly responds to the comfortable topic of weapons.
"My dagger is enchanted," he replies to Florin, "And I carry spells to enchant sling stone and axe blade for a short time."
Xenia d20+6=24 Tuesday January 27th, 2004 4:58:20 PM
Xenia is ready to scream like a doused cat, then suddenly sinks into an unnatural calm.
At Florin's mention of silvered projectiles, she opens the water proof bag and removes a pouch from her haversack. From inside the pouch, she removes a silvered sling bullet.
"I have ten of these," she says. Coldly and deliberately she walks it across the back of her knuckles. Then replaces the bullet in the pouch, the pouch in her haversack, and then reseals the waterproof bag.
Covertly, her eyes watch Minos at the tiller. Time will come. Time will come, and revenge is a dish best tasted cold.
[[ Slight of Hand 24 ]]
Tionel d20+10=20 Wednesday January 28th, 2004 12:41:49 AM
Tionel easily leans against some safe ropes and tosses a large gulp back. Having tasted dwarven sour whiskeys and halfling piped ciders, he's used to drinks of most kinds...but this! "Exquisite," he murmurs, and sips some more as his taste buds dissolve. "Say, Angus, take out that pipe of yours, I know a good sea chanty..." He attempts to lift the spirit of the group and enjoy the rough riding of the sea with a rousing chorus of a dirty song involving mermaids, a lost drunken sailor, and a magic ring. (go me! Perform of 20.)
Over The Not So Bounding Main (ADM Al) Wednesday January 28th, 2004 7:35:01 AM
The boat pulls further and further out into Turtle Lake. Looking behind, the tiers of Floating City recede in the distance. If one were to crane one's neck and look upwards, one might just see the edge of the Open Air level far up above.
The party speaks mostly of weapons. Angus takes a mouthful of their boatman's Special Sour Cane Mash and then passes it on to Tionel. Contrary to the name, the mixture is pleasantly sweet. It goes down smoothly, like a warm liquid honey. It's not until a few moments later, that the burn sets in.
[[ Those who've drunk the Special Sour Cane Mash make a Fortitude save vs. DC 10 or spit back up in a spray of amber alcohol. Once over the initial surprise, no Fortitude check will be necessary. You many all partake of it if you'd like. But there may be a Fortitude check later for impairment if you consume too much. ]]
The sun rises from behind the towering city and bathes the boat in a comfortable warmth. The gentle motion of the boat on the water is comfortable and lulling, almost hypnotic in it's way. Minos, himself, seems a different person out on the water, mirroring the calm expansive power of the lake.
"Ye see yonder rocky crag?" Minos says, breaking the silence and pointing to an indistinct brown and tan colored break in the otherwise dark green wall of the distant Crying Woods. "That's where we be headed. From here, I'd say it be another two or three hours sailin to the spot ye wants ta be. From there, what ye does is up to yeselves. I kin wait a day or three, but after that, I must be makin me way back."
Tionel still has the wand, unless he has slipped between the cracks in time and has done something with it there.
Angus d20+1=12 d20+7=20 Wednesday January 28th, 2004 8:26:06 AM
Angus is able to hold down the sour cane mash (Fort check 12) and asks Tionel "make sure that jug makes it back around, that is not bad" Then Anugs yells to the back "Minos excellent drink, thanks."
Angus asks the group "Why are we all concerned about silver weapons? I have a few silver sling bullet, but as you have seen I prefer no weapon use at all and usually just relay on my magic."
Angus then takes out his flute and begins to play in time with Tionel (Perform 20).
What a duet.
Xenia Wednesday January 28th, 2004 11:36:45 AM
Xenia enjoys the scenery, and occasionally removes a glove and trails a hand through the cool darkish waters of the lake. Being out on the water is nice. If she'd thought it would be this nice, she would have packed a picnic lunch.
"Anyone here ever been underwater?" she asks in a voice lulled casual by the warm sun and the rocking boat.
Syr Wednesday January 28th, 2004 2:29:19 PM
Pointing back at the top level of the city, "Florin, what do you think of getting a house up there someday. I've always dreamed of living living up there."
As the duet continues to play, Syr's eyes begin to droop. He takes the rocking of the boat and the soothing music as a sign to study the inside of his eyelids, so he does.
Florin Wednesday January 28th, 2004 3:49:19 PM
Florin thinks as he looks up at where Syr points and shakes his head, "My father is a noble and lives close to that level. I prefer to stay as far away from there as possible inless it is to sink my longsword blade into his...err..anyway I prefer the level we are on or so really. Many nobles look down on common folk and I think it would get to most of us if you seen that everyday."
Florin shrugs and looks out over the lake as they travel and pulls out some of the berries and fruit from his trail rations and begins chewing on some of it while pulling the water skin from his waist knowing that Minos shouldn't be offended since Minos keeps calling him a padre.
Bralin Wednesday January 28th, 2004 5:10:34 PM
The dwarf looks up at the highest level with distaste. "Too high," he opines.
In fact, now that he thinks about it, there is entirely too little of anything overhead. Its far too...open...out here on top of the water in a boat.
Bralin concentrates on just looking down and blocking out all the space that surrounds him.
Tionel d20+5=19 Wednesday January 28th, 2004 10:51:41 PM
"Thank you, Minos..." Lazily, he takes another long pull from the draught, then passes it over to Angus. By now, after a few drinks, he's relaxed quite a bit... He idly listens to the conversation about weapons and shakes his head, chuckling softly. "Why worry about weaponry and killing, friends? Life is meant to be savored. Here we are, on the open sea, a bottle of wine, a good song and the sun shining. This," he waves his hands around grandly, "is true adventure, my friends!" He hops up to his feet and with the grace of his inhuman heritage hops up to the front and breathes in the brisk air, exulting in the faint splash and the clear sky.
Man ... um, Elf ... um, Dwarf ... Heck, Everybody Overboard (ADM Al) Wednesday January 28th, 2004 11:59:22 PM
As the city recedes behind, the shore of the Crying Woods, conversely, grows ahead. The view resolves into the familiar impenetrable green wall of vegetation fronted by a strip of white sandy beach. Different, this time is the outcropping that thrusts it's way from the forest to the waterline like a large gray slug questing for a drink.
The angle of the sun tells all that the day is a tad over half done, when Minos lashes the tiller and begins leaping about the boat. The old salt lets out ropes here and ropes there, bringing the sail down and tying it to the boom, in a manner neater than you would expect of someone of his erratic disposition.
"This be it, bucks and buckette. Heave to 'cause 'X' marks the spot." He tosses an anchor off the fore of the boat and it hits with a splash, and then sinks into the gray-green depths of the lake. "By me reckoning, this be where Mister Druid's Helper before ye went over the side. And I expects ye'll be wantin to do the same."
Syr Thursday January 29th, 2004 2:09:07 PM
Syr rouses himself as the motion stops and looks around. As Minos tosses the anchor overboard he calls out to him, "Much appreciated for the smooth saling." Letting a finger trail in the water, Syr pulls it out, "Good, chilly but not cold."
He removes his boots and carefully places them aside. He gives his watertight bag one last pull to ensure that it doesn't leak and bounces up. "Let's see what you got Tionel. If you turn me into a squirrel or something you are a dead elf." He smiles to show confidence in his flakey friend.
Once Tionel is done, he promptly dives into the water and swims around to the anchor chain. "Minos, why don't you come with us? The water is fine."
Xenia Thursday January 29th, 2004 3:33:48 PM
Xenia looks dubious as Syr jumps over the side of the boat and into the water.
"Um, I can't swim. You know I can't swim, don't you? How we gonna see down there? I mean, it looks dark. I mean, you know, anything could be down there, you know. I'm ... "
The half-elven girl looks on the verge of hyper-ventalating.
"Oh, framble! Just do it Tionel! Before I chicken out." She closes her eyes. "Do it."
Florin Thursday January 29th, 2004 4:10:59 PM
Florin looks to Xenia abit suprised that she can't swim when they are living on a floating city on water, he moves up to her and touches her hand, "Stay close to me Xenia and I'll help you out when we get into the water, just remember to stay as calm as you can."
Florin looks to Tionel, "Ready as can be Tionel my friend." Florin waits now, glad he also added a layer of good polish and such to his boots also.
Angus Thursday January 29th, 2004 7:34:02 PM
Angus takes one last swing of the sour cane mash, checks his water tight bag and looks to Tionel.
"I can swim, but only for survial. This body is not for strenous activity. I am ready for this new adventure. Let me have, and lets get going. Actually, what are we finding for the Druids again?????"
Bralin Friday January 30th, 2004 10:03:51 AM
The dwarf stands, draws his axe, and waits for Tionel to do his stuff.
"Do you think the bottom is stable?" he asks, looking over the side. Bralin doesn't plan on swimming.
Tionel Friday January 30th, 2004 2:17:37 PM
Tionel tosses the old man a platinum piece. "A tip, Minos. Say, you will be waiting for us when we come back, right?" After the odl man answers, Tionel dutifully begins tapping people with the wand when they seem ready. "You think you're going to go in your armor?" He shakes his head. "I don't suggest it. "I wouldn't worry, Xenia. I'll go first, and make sure the way's clear." Tionel strips down to some fish-dotted shorts and taps himself with the wand, then anyone else who has missed being tapped, and finally hops in. First, he checks by taking a mouthful of water in, and trying to awkwardly breathe it. Then, if successful, he nods to the others and dives deep, swimming towards the cave's bottom and looking up."
Water Water Everywhere (ADM Al) Friday January 30th, 2004 3:07:25 PM
As with Florin before, Minos snatches Tionel's coin out of the air. "Yer much too good to me, Sirrah Elf," he says, a trace of obsequiousness creeping into his voice. "Ye kin bet Ol Minos will be here when ye gets back. Fer the kind likes o' yerself, ye kin bet on it." Then he looks on as the group queues up for their dose of magic.
One by one you each either jump, fall or have to be pushed into the drink. The water is, as Syrdeth put it, chilly, but not cold. Bracing, actually. But those familiar with the out of doors, the sea or both, would recognize that prolonged submersion may bring blue to the lips, cause memory loss, and eventually, even death through loss of body heat.
Breathing water under the protection of the spell doesn't turn out to be as difficult as may have been imagined. Very much like breathing in the air. Movement, however, is a different story. Those in armor, sink at various rates, depending on the weight of their armor. Florin and Bralin sink rather rapidly. And it may occur to them, that too rapid a descent may have an effect similar to a fall would in the air above. An attempt at swimming may provide some measure of control in this.
Those without armor or weighty possessions, conversely, have the exact opposite problem. The tendency here is to float, or drift without balance or control. Even after achieving some manner of neutral buoyancy, those with less weighty dispositions, find that they tend to be at the mercy of random currents and must swim to compensate.
[[ Let's get mass displacy here. If you're within +-5 pounds of your lower medium encumbrance limit, you have just enough weight to float gently to the bottom. Over that, and you're a sinker. Under that and you're a floater. Either can be compensated for by beating a swim check of DC 10 with no Penalties due to the fact that you want to sink here. There are also other ways to manage the decent as well. Once bottom is reached all have footing. ]]
The water here is a murky green. The lake bottom is a thin layer of light sludgy mud over a firmer bed of the same sand that covers the beach. Each step raises a small cloud of particles into the surrounding water. Dim light filters down from the surface, a distance that you figure must be some 30 feet. The effect is eerie, unlike simple darkness in that there is a sense of exposure, the feeling that one is out in the open and bare to attack at any time. The feeling that anything could emerge from the gloom at any time.
[[ Spot checks from everyone, please. ]]
Angus d20=7 Friday January 30th, 2004 8:31:56 PM
Angus is a floater, since he carries nothing heavy as he does not want to burden his frail muscles. In fact he is having a heck of a time sinking, which he is not (rolled 7).
Angus goes back to the surface, which is in fact not far. Sticks his head above water and asks Minos "Do you have a spare archor or something? I can not seem to get to the bottom. I will give you a silver piece per pound of equipment up to say 40 pounds, but remember I will not be bringing it back." Angus ducks back under water to breath and comes back up. "So what do you have for a water breathing misfit that can't swim to the bottom, eh Captain?"
Minos (ADM Al) Friday January 30th, 2004 8:38:15 PM
"HAWHAWHAWHAW!" the old salt laughs good-naturedly when Angus bobs to the surface hair dripping wet.
"Why doncha climb down the anchor rope, son?" he suggests.
Bralin d20=7 d20+5=19 Saturday January 31st, 2004 11:21:49 AM
Ignoring Tionel's advice, the dwarf crashes into the water like a rather large boulder and rather quickly heads for the lake floor. Too quickly, in fact.
(Swim 7)
Bralin holds his shield up over his head (parachute-like) in an attempt to slow the rate a bit. Arriving at the lake floor (one way or another), he looks around grimly through the murk, searching for both his companions and any dangers. His axe is ready in his hand.
(Spot 19, darkvision help?)
(OOC - Bralin's equipment doesn't come close to his 100# limit. I added the weight of Bralin himself, and it got a lot more realistic.)
Xenia d20+9=24 Saturday January 31st, 2004 11:29:10 AM
"Eep," Xenia gives the smallest of squeals before becoming a splash in the lake. She forces herself to keep her eyes open, and finds herself drifting slowly downward. Real or imagined, she immediately feels that distinctive tightness in her chest that tells the body it must breath or die.
She kicks and flails madly in the water. Then, seeing a shape that her split second of vision says might be Florin, she reaches out for his arm.
[[ Spot 24 ]]
Syr d20+5=21 d20+8=19 Saturday January 31st, 2004 1:52:28 PM
Syr swims effortlessly in the water. Seeing the mage's trouble he helps manuever Angus over to the chain and swims beside him on the descent down. He spares a moment's glance as the dwarf sinks right by him and thinks to himself, he should have used the anchor chain... Reaching the bottom he looks around for the others (Spot 19).
Florin d20=9 d20+5=9 Saturday January 31st, 2004 9:55:40 PM
Florin jumps in, he is lucky enough not to be to heavily encumbered and is glad he has his shield strapped to his back so it doesn't incumber his swimming to much but he still fails his swim check but is able to keep floating some what.
After jumping in he quickly reaches out to grab Xenia's hand (reflex 9 to grab Xenia's hand) Rather he grabs her hand or not he speaks calmly to her, "Xenia, stay calm. You wear that necklace I gave you so remember that Domi protects you and trust."
Tionel d20+2=14 d20+7=18 Monday February 2nd, 2004 4:01:58 AM
Jumping in, Tionel is again overwhelmed by the urge to try out what he'd felt in the cave...but not wanting to look like a fool, he pushes the feelings down and instead swims like a normal being, albeit with some difficulty (14 on check). Pushing through the murk at the bottom, he wonders suddenly what is at the other end of this thing. Some sort of magical source, the druids said... Plots and ideas run through his mind, andtends not to be paying to his sruroundings as he goes on, but his elvish eyes easily catch peculiarities around him. (Spot 18)
20000 Leagues? (ADM Al) d8=5 Monday February 2nd, 2004 7:50:23 AM
Some of you find that the water is your element. All, however, are surprised that the body is so amazingly buoyant. Even the bone-and-muscle dwarf touches bottom with no more than a healthy cloud of sediment raised upon landing.
Now that you are all firmly on the bottom and free of the disorientation of the decent, what small details that are available, make themselves known to your eye. A knee high carpet of sea grass covers the silty bottom. It waves in the current, and, along with the shifting, flickering light that filters down from above, gives the impression of constant motion.
Fish dart in a mysterious random dance, both individually, and in schools. None of them seems tremendously large. Though both scale and distance is difficult to judge in this world of shifting light. Even Bralin's Darkvision is somewhat daunted by conditions here.
For all you can see in your immediate area, you might as well be in a large grassy field. A large, empty, grassy field. Peering into the gloom, though, seems like it mmight allow you to pick shapes out of the shifting landscape.
[[ Spot check again, please. This one's easier as you are firmly on the lake bed. Visibility is 50 feet except for Bralin at 60 feet.]]
Angus d20+3=13 Monday February 2nd, 2004 10:00:45 AM
Angus once he finally reaches the bottom is amazed by the new and wonderful world. Angus cranes his neck this way and that taking in all of the views.
Angus attempts to speak and see how the magic effected him and his spellcasting ability if problems arise.
Spot check 13
Bralin d20+5=22 Monday February 2nd, 2004 11:39:28 AM
Bralin sets down in the silt and gazes around. Oddly, the water and darkness resembles the visibility and closeness he is accustomed to underground. He snorts in realization that he prefers underwater to on top of the water.
The dwarf takes a few experimental swings with his axe to get a feel for the water's effects on its movement.
He looks at Florin, points in the direction he thinks the shore is in and shrugs his shoulders questioningly.
[Spot 22]
Syr d20+8=24 Monday February 2nd, 2004 12:35:38 PM
As Syr waits for the cloud of silt to settle he bends down and feels the lake bottom with his hand. His face lights up as he thinks of the stories he can tell the kids about walking along the bottom.
He searches around for Tionel, knowing the wand and the druid are the things he needs to protect the most. Once seen, Syr swims/walks near the druid and searches the surroundings for any caves or structures (Spot 24).
Xenia d20+9=22 Monday February 2nd, 2004 12:41:48 PM
Xenia thrashes in the water as she sinks further and further away from the surface, the light, and the air. She holds Florin's arm in a death grip. His words penetrate her panic, and the glimmer of a possibility crystallizes within her mind. It could be. It just might be. That the reason she cannot breath is because she is holding her breath.
The thought of lake water flooding into her mouth and nose, throws her into near panic again. And then she looks into Florin's eyes. And as his words echo in her ears, she trusts and lets go. Like the moment after leaping into dark and empty space, Xenia feels suspended. And then she can breath again.
Not water, but an intense giddy relief floods the young half-elf's body, and she hugs herself to the paladin in a paroxysm of joyous relief. "Thank you," she smiles up at Florin, mouthing the words, unsure whether speaking underwater would be wise, or even possible.
On the bottom, she gazes around herself in momentary awe at the alien landscape under the surface of the lake, before Bralin's no-nonsense example snaps her back to the mission at hand and she gazes about her for danger, or, possibly, some clue as to where they should be headed next.
[[ Spot 22 ]]
Florin d20+1=21 Monday February 2nd, 2004 1:34:19 PM
Florin smiles to Xenia as she finally calms down and gets use to the water and the new feelings. Florin gives Xenia a gentle hug underwater and then lets her go before they hit bottom. Florin himself feels abit of panic when he sinks in the waer to the bottom but is glad to supress it.
Once he is on the bottom with the others he looks around quickly and nods to Bralin. Florin pulls glaive slowly from his backpack thinking it may be the most useful. He uses the but of the glaive to write as best he can, "Which way is the cave, anyone have a guess?"
(Spot:21 A natural 20 for once.)
Tionel d20+7=14 Tuesday February 3rd, 2004 12:17:47 AM
The elf wades through the water, amazed at this whole thing. (Btw, Tionel is only wearing a loincloth, and a belt with a waterproof sack attached and the wand hooked on. He left all weapons in the boat.) He chortles at the amusing colors. "I thought everything would be dark," he blurbles, probably indecipherable to the others.
An Octopus' Guardin? (ADM Al) Tuesday February 3rd, 2004 2:35:14 AM
Angus tests his speaking voice underwater and finds that the spell allows full and unimpaired vocalization. In fact, hearing, aside from a slight echo-like distortion, seems normal as well.
And, perhaps it's because he is so intent on his experimentation, that he, and oddly, the burbling elf, are the only ones who fails to see the dark shape floating just at the outer fringe of visibility. At this point, it is no more than an area of darker murk against the generally murky depths, with no more detail than a shadow. It's a broad flattish humped shadow, floating, perhaps, some three to ten feet above the lakebed according to your unreliable sense of scale. Shapes at the edges of the shadow, occasionally flex and bend and the shape tilts to different points of equilibrium.
What seems clear after a moment of observation, is that whatever it is, either has not seen you yet, or is unconcerned by your presence. This is discerned, by the fact that the distance between you and it, seems not to change.
Syr d20+8=27 Tuesday February 3rd, 2004 2:17:07 PM
The elf moves around the water with a smile on his face enjoying every minute of the new environment. Syr sees the dark shape at the edge of his vision and elbows Tionel to get his attention. Pointing at the figure, he decides to swim closer to see what it is. He approaches it with a swimming motion while still staying a safe distance away and tries to figure out the nature of the shape or possibly the entrance to the cave they heard about(spot 27).
Bralin Tuesday February 3rd, 2004 3:27:29 PM
Spotting both the object and Syr swimming forward to take a look, Bralin propels himself forward to accompany the monk.
Xenia Tuesday February 3rd, 2004 3:40:13 PM
Xenia's eyes widen like a startled cat as her eyes dart for cover and find none. For a brief moment, she considers the tall wavy sea grass, then rejects the idea as the rather unpleasant clouds of silt rise with every step they take.
Instead, she keeps behind and to the right of Florin. She pulls her sling from it's place at her belt and readies a sling bullet.
Florin d20+1=19 Tuesday February 3rd, 2004 8:43:29 PM
Florin glances as Syr and Bralin start to move towards the dark shape at the edge of vision and also moves foreward to look for the cave that was spoke about. Florin keeps his glaive ready and glances over at Xenia as they move foreward, makeing sure her and the others stay close together just in case.
(Spot:19)
Angus d20+3=22 Wednesday February 4th, 2004 7:47:03 AM
Angus is distracted by the new and exciting experience. Seeing the others move forward, he follows taking in all of the sights. (Spot 23)
Angus is considering his flute. What would it sound like underwater. Will have to try after finding out why Syr is swimming away.
And the shadow is ... (ADM Al) Wednesday February 4th, 2004 3:19:29 PM
The shadow draws into visual range, as the group approaches through the field of waving sea grass. Details slowly creep to the mind's eye like a shape drawing nearer through the fog. A large humped body. Four blade like flippers. A blunt head on a short neck.
The group is still a ways off, and the creature is still somewhat dark and indistinct. But already you can tell that it is a turtle. A very large turtle. But it's not as though you haven't seen one of those before.
Syrdeth, Florin and Angus, eying the beast with particular care, notice that it's head occasionally darts outward in a quick stabbing motion then pulls back again. Syrdeth, particularly observant, notices a spot on the lakebed near the turtle, that doesn't seem to wave in the same way that the rest does.
[[ Syrdeth and Tionel had successful swim checks. Swimming, they can move 1/4 speed, or 1/2 speed with a full round action. The rest (Or Syrdeth and Tionel should they opt for walk over swimming), with firm footing on the bottom, can move at 1/2 speed on a typical Move Action. Swimming will allow movement in three dimensions, but is slower. For now, I'm assuming that all are walking, even though you've described using swimming motions to aide yourselves. ]]
Angus Wednesday February 4th, 2004 4:35:37 PM
Angus looks at the turtle. "Thats a big one. Would not want to be snapped at by that."
Angus looks around again at all of the now walk/swimming memebers of the group. "Ok now, what are we suppose to retrive, and what ever it is let us not disturbe the big guy over there. " Angus points out the turtle.
"Does any one want me to try a light cantrip for more illumination. I kind of want to attempt a spell underwater as I never have before."
Xenia d20+9=14 d20+9=27 Wednesday February 4th, 2004 9:31:04 PM
Xenia keeps moving forward behind Florin. While the others watch the turtle she scans the rest of the area for danger. He sling is still at the ready.
[[ Spot 14 / Listen 27 ]]
Bralin Wednesday February 4th, 2004 9:57:30 PM
By the stone, another turtle. Bralin grimaces to himself as he plods forward, working his way as best he can to the more nimble elves.
Tionel d20+7=13 d20+7=17 Wednesday February 4th, 2004 10:21:26 PM
Tionel lightly keeps swimming, and enjyos watching the pluimes of dirt following each other person. He glances up, (Spot 13!) and "The turtle!" he blurbs excitedly, pointing at last, then realizing everyone else already saw it. Reacting swiftly but not alarmingly fast in this water, he moves forward, and motions for the others to stop while he goes on to the turtle. Approaching it, he tries to exude a sense of non-danger, of gentleness and all-around passivity. When it's not too far away (30 feet or less) he lets out a soft, friendly hum through the water, not too loud, just a sort of greeting. Reaching into his sack, which he opens reluctantly knowing that it's going to soak some essentials, he gathers up a large jar labelled "Turtle Treates" and deftly unscrews the cap, gathering one of the tasty honey-coated fly-things, closing the lid before the rest escapes, and moving towards it humming friendly-like, with turtle-treats extended.
(I traded for the turlte treats in the iwnter contest :) Do they give me a bonus on my wild empathy check? If not, I got a total of a 17 on my make friends test.)
Tionel will motion the others to stay back a few rounds while he makes friends with the turtle and tries to both figure out if it's the same turtle from earlier that escaped and if so why, and make friends with it. (Question: Could this be my animal companion friend?)
Syr Thursday February 5th, 2004 3:58:07 AM
The elf doesn't give the turtle a second look once he realizes what it is. Waiting until the others catch up he points at the 'different' spot on the lakebed, "I see something there. Could be what we are looking for? Angus, Do you have any spells that might help with this?" He moves toward the spot by walking while using his hands to push him forward faster through the water.
Florin Thursday February 5th, 2004 11:50:49 AM
Florin moves foreward with the others, staying towards the font but following the others who seem to be better moving in the water. He keeps his glaive ready.
Romancing the Turtle (ADM Al) Thursday February 5th, 2004 1:25:25 PM
Angus asks whether he should cast a light spell. Syrdeth asks if he has any spells that might help.
Florin moves at the front of the main group.
Xenia stands behind him ready with her sling. She sees nothing else threatening.
Bralin plods along trying to keep up.
Tionel motions for the group to hang back and approaches the turtle. As he approaches, he sees the head of the large animal dart out with surprising speed, and snatch at a fish with it's beak-like mouth. A fine cloud of what can only be blood mists the water, and the head of the unlucky fish, cleanly cut, floats gently into the sea grass below.
At about 30 feet, the dapper elf stops and begins crooning. The turtle ceases all motion and simply hangs suspended in the water for a moment. On occasion it twitches a flipper to maintain equilibrium. Even within 30 feet Tionel is too far away to pick the kind of detail that would allow him to discern the animal's temper. But there is a distinct impression that it is watching him. He undoes his waterproof sack and removes a jar of Turtle Treats. He opens the jar and removes one of the treats. Then Tionel slowly approaches the large still floating turtle.
It's hard to tell one turtle from another known or unknown, wild or domestic. Especially when you don't have them side by side for comparison. You might be able to tell if you were able to get closer and inspect it in more detail. But, for now, it's just a big hard shelled reptile.
One thing both Tionel and Syrdeth do see from this distance, is a large dark hole in the sea grass to the right of the turtle.
[[ Tionel, everything I know about being underwater tells me not to, but I'll give you a chance on your gear. Give me a Slight of Hand check. Beat DC25 and everything is dry. Beat DC20 and everything is slightly damp. Otherwise, it's all full of water. This goes for the jar of Turtle Treats as well as your gear. ]]
[[ At this point, I'll put everyone at about 40 feet out from the turtle with Syrdeth on the right side at about 35. Tionel at 25 feet. ]]
Syr Friday February 6th, 2004 2:51:05 AM
The elf ignores Tionel, assuming that the elf is off on one of his crazed schemes again. To the others, "I think we have a winner! There is a hole near the turtle. Assuming Tionel isn't eaten, why don't we head over there?"
Shaking his head at Florin, "Hey! Do you think we can put a muzzle and a leash on him?" He gestures to Tionel.
Florin Friday February 6th, 2004 5:03:34 AM
Florin grins at Syr's comment and claps the man on the shoulder with his free hand, "I fear his freindliness towards animals one day will get the better of him. Let us move foreward to the hole and everyone keep a eye on Tionel." With that said Florin slowly makes his way foreward, still holding his glaive and thinking to himself, if it attacks I better jab for the neck and head.
Xenia d20+9=29 Friday February 6th, 2004 7:43:42 AM
Xenia frowns with concern, turning her dark bow of a mouth into a pout. Still, she follows behind Florin, skirting out and to the right to keep a clear shot in case Tionel should need help.
Very quickly, she looks around again to make sure nothing is sneaking up on them.
[[ Spot 29 !!! ]]
Bralin Friday February 6th, 2004 8:03:41 AM
The dwarf regards the turtle with suspicion. Thats a really big mouth its got there.
Axe out, and ready for anything, Bralin plods up next to Florin and advances with him.
Like Syr, he pretty much ignores Tionel.
Angus d20+3=9 Friday February 6th, 2004 9:07:34 AM
Angus looks for the hole that Syr motioned to, but cant find it (spot 9) "What hole, where?"
Angus does'nt care about the hole right now. That is one big turtle to look at. Angus whispers mostly to himself. "Go get him Tionel..."
Tionel Friday February 6th, 2004 2:55:13 PM
Tionel moves closer, trying to make friends with the turtle, and while making similar friendly noises, reaches into the pouch and removes some spell components...casting a spell, but making no overt harming gestures... casting charm animal if he can. (DC 16 to resist) Whether the charm has taken effect or not, he should still appear to at least be a non-threatening being, Tionel figures. So, he moves forward with the turtle treats, and attempts to offer them to the turtle.
(I figured everything he had brought with him was soaked :) Still, he hasn't brought too much with him.)
It Loves You, Yeah? No? Yeah? (ADM Al) Friday February 6th, 2004 3:58:57 PM
The group moves nearer the hole. They try giving Tionel and the turtle as wide a berth as possible. This is difficult, considering that the aquatic reptile is directly next to the hole.
Xenia sees nothing threatening.
Angus sees nothing much at all. Oh, there it is. Well within the reach of the turtle's neck it would seem.
Water floods into Tionel's waterproof bag. The damage to his gear is, as of yet, unknown. Water floods into the jar of Turtle Treats. They don't seem much worse for the wear. Instead of being dried flies in honey, they become hydrated flies in honey.
Tionel speaks the words to a spell. The turtle, if effected, shows no outward signs. When Tionel moves within 10 feet, however, a subtle change seems to come over the animal. With an economical twitch of it's flippers, it turns, and the blunt crest of it's head orients directly on Tionel. It's beak-like mouth drifts open revealing a hooked razor sharp edge. It's broad flat tongue can be seen within. Small worm-like appendages writhe upon the surface of the tongue, as if scenting the water.
Aside from this, it remains floating in the same spot as before.
As the group nears the hole all they can see is the mouth of a dark cave-like opening nestled in the sloping lakebed. Even Bralin, with his dwarven eyes only sees dark stone extending back to the limits of vision.
Tionel Saturday February 7th, 2004 2:27:50 AM
The elf nervously swallows, and takes a breath to prepare himself, calming down. With one steady move, he presses the glop of turtle-bait stuff against the tongue and withdraws the rest of his hand before the mouth can snap around it. Hopefully. (If the turtle does begin to attack Tionel, then...gah! If not, and if it just eats the food, then Tionel will feed it another glop, and then another, at the same time, with his other hand gently rubbing the side of the shell.)
Xenia Saturday February 7th, 2004 11:00:30 AM "Tionel," Xenia whispers tensely to herself. She ceases movement toward the hole entirely. And, gnawing anxiously at her full lower lip, she stands ready with loaded sling.
Florin Sunday February 8th, 2004 12:58:47 AM
Florin continues heading towards the cave, keeping a eye out for Tionel also as he doesn't want him to get eaten or attacked.
Bralin Sunday February 8th, 2004 8:38:16 PM
Bralin considers the elf. He is either uncommonly brave or incredibly stupid. The dwarf is having some trouble making a determination.
However, that is obviously the hole, AND Tionel has got the beast distracted.
Intently watching the mammoth beast, Bralin heads into the dark opening.
Angus Sunday February 8th, 2004 9:33:28 PM
Angus is wondering if Tionel is himself dipped in honey and hopeing not. Angus can not tell what the turtle will or is doing. Angus keeps quite and still.
Syr Monday February 9th, 2004 3:00:18 AM
Seeing the turtle's mouth makes the elf pause. After a moment, he lets out a defeated sigh and heads toward Tionel. Once there, he will either offer help or slide by the two and head for the entrance to the cave,
Turtle Heaven, and Beyond (ADM Al) Monday February 9th, 2004 7:35:54 AM As if in slow motion, the razor sharp edges of the turtle's beak close upon the dapper elf's hand, slicing through sinew, muscle, and bone in a misty spray of blood. Or so some less optimistic minds might imagine.
In reality, the turtle waits until Tionel's hand is well clear before slowing closing around the honey covered fly. The lids over it's large dark eyes drop as well, as if in a moment of sheer bliss. If turtles could smile, this one would be doing so.
The rest of the party is scattered at various places and distances in and around the hole. All, however, are on the side generally opposite that occupied by Tionel and the large turtle. All that Florin and Angus see in the murky depths of the hole is the white sand of the lakebed fading into some darker rocky surface that looks like it may be covered in some brown or green plant-life. Syrdeth, Xenia, and, Tionel (should he choose to look in, see farther within. Where the dim light from above ends, the rock becomes bare and dark. The surface is uneven, but does not appear treacherous to their eye. Bralin, can see a full 60 feet down the length of what appears to him to be some sort of tunnel. The tunnel's aspect shifts in size and orientation, to such an extent that he is sure that this is not man-made. Though the size of the tunnel does become smaller with distance, it appears to him that it is large enough that it will bar the passage of no one in the party.
[[ Roll Knowledge Nature, all those that have it. Knowledge Dungeoneering for all who have it. ]]
Turtle Heaven, and Beyond (ADM Al) Monday February 9th, 2004 7:43:57 AM
OoC:
I forgot how many treats you had in that jar, Mikey. It might take some time to feed the turtle all of them individually, though.
Bralin Monday February 9th, 2004 12:18:57 PM
"Its a tunnel" the dwarf reports as he peer under the turtle into the murk.
"At least 60 feet long. We can fit."
Should the turtle attack, Tionel will be the first. Trusting that the elf's screams will provide ample warning of attack, Bralin crawls under the turtle and heads into the opening.
The faster he gets some rock around himself, the better.
Xenia Monday February 9th, 2004 1:26:44 PM
Tension floods from the red-headed half elf like rain through a gutter. She takes one deep breath to make up for the three or four that she's been holding, and plants her little fists against her slim hips.
For heaven sakes, she mutters under her breath.
Balling the sling and bullet into her right fist, she cautiously approaches the turtle from the side, and rolls under the edge of it's shell to follow Bralin into the tunnel.
Angus d20+2=20 Monday February 9th, 2004 2:42:40 PM
Angus is releived that the turtle ate the treat and not Tionel. Angus quickly follows on the heels of Bralin and Xenia. Angus marvels at how the red hair in front of him floats in the water.
Knowlege (Int) roll 20
Florin Monday February 9th, 2004 7:07:14 PM
Florin pauses long enough to glance at Tionel and make sure his friend doesn't become turtle food before making his way inside the hole and under/around the turtle.
Florin moves to follow Bralin and the others. Trying to make sure he is near Bralin and the front of the group yet without pushing anyone or anything of course. He wanting to be one of the first in harms way if danger happens. When he moves up beside Bralin he comments to his friend, "You should be more at home inside here so for the moment you should lead the way Bralin, wouldn't you agree?"
Tionel Tuesday February 10th, 2004 1:38:54 PM
Tionel grins and scoops another handful, stroking the turtle soothingly along that sensitive side of its head. When everyone has passed through the hole, he forlornly scoops out a generous last handful. He feeds the turtle one last time, and then pats it gently as he seals the lid. "That's it for now, big buddy. If we meet again, I'll have some more treats for you." He smiles, then slips past him to the hole and goes through.
Syr Tuesday February 10th, 2004 1:48:45 PM
Syrdeth breaths a sigh of relief when the turtle calmly accepts the treats from Tionel. Moving to the hole he begins to feel his fears. Not only are they underwater but also going underground. It flashes across his mind that if the spell wears out then there is no chance of just swimming to the surface. Seeing the others casually enter the cave he shivers and keeps his fears to himself. Entering with some trepidation, he follows the others.
In the Mouth of Darkness (ADM Al) Tuesday February 10th, 2004 4:26:52 PM
A few steps into the tunnel things quickly become dark and disorienting for Florin and Angus. Xenia, Tionel and Syrdeth make it further along before loosing all sense of direction. Not only is it difficult to tell in which way the tunnel runs in this underwater darkness, but it is also very easy to convince one's mind that up is down and down is up.
Only Bralin can see within the tunnel. He sees that the tunnel where the party stands right now will accommodate two walking abreast. However it seems to him, that some twenty or thirty feet further onward, the way narrows to the point at which they will have to travel single file. Some, may even have to squat and duck walk.
A light would help you see, but Angus has the insight to recall that if a light will allow them to see, it may also allow others to see them. Those with a familiarity to marine zoology also know that many sea creatures are drawn to light.
Florin Wednesday February 11th, 2004 1:29:59 AM
Florin grumbles to himself and looks towards where he thinks Bralin is and speaks gently, "friend, your our eyes here so you have to leads us for the moment." Florin thinks and comments, "We can always use a rope for Bralin to hang onto the end of and we all can hang onto a piece so we don't accidently get splitup. He can lead us down." Florin shrugs and lets the suggestion go inwhatever way the group decides but no matter what he will keep towards the front behind or beside Bralin who he accidenlty taps a fews times with his hand and smiles sheepishly to, "I'm not to good in the dark."
Syr d20+4=17 Wednesday February 11th, 2004 3:18:42 AM
The elf's unease is not calmed by being in the dark, "Guys, how about we light things up a bit. I'd rather see something before running into it." He waits for Tionel to enter the tunnel and then stays as close as possible to the elf. Shifting nervously in the dark he tries listening for anything out of the ordinary (Listen 17).
Xenia Wednesday February 11th, 2004 9:55:12 AM
"I've got a rope," Xenia offers. "It's in my haversack ... Which is in the waterproof bag. I can't open it. Not like Tionel. My haversack might fill up and explode."
"Why don't we, like, hold hands or something? Or hold onto the belt of the person in front of you. Or, I mean, you've got that big polearm thingy, Florin. Some of us could hold onto your big pole ... arm ... thing ... ee ... I mean ... I didn't mean ... "
The darkness grows silent in the dark half-elf's direction. If anyone in the party had infra-red vision, they'd see Xenia glowing red hot.
Angus Wednesday February 11th, 2004 10:11:28 AM
Angus resists the temptation to cast his light cantrip. He still does not like stumbling around in the dark.
Angus puts out his hands looking for his companions and hoping to bump into a soft form and not a breastplate or chain mail.
"Bralin can you lead us to one another"
Bralin Wednesday February 11th, 2004 10:58:44 AM By the Stone
Bralin had forgotten about the lack of darksight among the others. Annoying impediment.
Grumbling to himself, the dwarf goes back and makes sure all the party members have a hand on the shoulder of the one in front of them.
"I can make light, should you wish it," he informs Florin.
Bralin leads the group, single file, deeper into the tunnel.
"Duck," he instructs, as he reaches the part where Florin might hurt himself.
Five Blind Mice (ADM Al) Wednesday February 11th, 2004 7:50:34 PM
Bralin organizes the party into a line, single file, and leads the others into the complete and utter blackness. Here, walking is an act of trust. An unwary step could bring a forehead into violent contact with hard unyielding stone. A misstep on a loose rock could result in a badly sprained ankle. Those who reach out with their free hand get a real sense for how narrow their path has become, shoulder width. Coffin width. Those who reach out, in fact, are glad that they do, for, at one point, the orientation of the tunnel skews to the left, twisting so that all must walk leaning to the left. Lean or bang their heads.
This twist in the tunnel is, perhaps, why Bralin does not spot the glimmer of light further down the tunnel, until the orientation of the tunnel rights itself again. Things are still utter blackness for the rest of the party, with stone pressing, sometimes physically as well as psychologically, against them from both sides. To Bralin's dark adapted eyes, the way seems to widen some 15 to 20 feet further down the tunnel. But not by much.
[[ Spot and Listen checks from all, Please. At this point, you would need an escape artist check to swap positions in marching order. From a combination of statements made and the order of the last posts, I have this order: Bralin, Florin, Syrdeth, Xenia, Angus, Tionel. If this is not what you want, please correct me now. ]]
Xenia d20+9=28 d20+9=18 d20+11=23 Thursday February 12th, 2004 8:44:23 AM
"Hey! Hey, watch the hands." Wonder who that was? Xenia thinks before the line starts moving and they continue down the pitch black tunnel.
She feels along the wall with one gloved hand, the other hand on the shoulder of ... she's not sure. The wall starts to close in, and she ducks lower, switching hands for a moment. Now the other wall is farther away. Could be slanting sideways.
I wonder how far this goes? she thinks. "How much time left on that spell?" she asks anyone who would care to answer.
[[ Spot 28 / Listen 18 / Move Silently 23 ]]
Bralin d20+5=25 d20+4=22 Thursday February 12th, 2004 9:23:40 AM
"Light ahead," Bralin tells the others.
He continues leading the group forward, keep a close eye on the end of the tunnel. Is it just an opening to the sky causing this? Or is something else there?
[Spot 25, nat 20, sweet] [Listen 22, oh please let me roll like this in combat]
Angus d20+4=16 d20-2=14 Thursday February 12th, 2004 9:56:46 AM
Angus giggles at Xenia's comments. "Sorry." He adds enthusiastically. "I keep bumping my head. Skinny is good here, but not tall."
Angus is trying to look out for obstructions with one free hand and to what ever effect his eyes (spot 16). Angus was never adept at listenin to anyone, usually off in his own world (listen untrained 14, took -2).
Angus mentions loudly " Are we there yet? "
Florin Thursday February 12th, 2004 10:18:02 AM
Florin chuckles at Xenia's comment earlier on the pole arm and speaks back to her, "Xenia, you have quite a way with words don't you." Florin's words are tinged in laughter as he can't help it.
As he moves on in the tunnel he frowns about how dark it is and a slight shiver runs down his back as he does his best to keep from slamming his head or other party part into the walls or ceiling.
When the comment on the wand effect comes up he speask to Bralin, "If you see a more open tunnel part coming up then we should try to speedup, I don't think any of us want that spell wearing off down here. Also don't worry about the light spell. I don't want no big nasty monster coming to it, if anything comes then I figure you can see it soon enough to give us warning."
Florin hopes Syr would agree that shedding some light that might serve as a beacon for a monster or sea animal to attack them is a bad idea.
Syr d20+4=11 d20+8=11 Thursday February 12th, 2004 2:37:00 PM
Syr feels Xenia's light touch on his shoulder and her voice in the darkness, "Good question! Being the first to go swimming, if I start to convulse, then it's probably a good indication that the spell is wearing out." His voice cracks slightly in the darkness.
Hearing that there is light up ahead, he squeezes hard on Florin's armor and almost begins pushing him forward in eagerness to reach it. (Listen and Spot checks both 11)
The Light At the End (ADM Al) Thursday February 12th, 2004 7:02:53 PM
Maybe it's due to his accute dark-adaption, but Bralin is one of only two who spots the subtle flicker of the light down the tunnel that indicates to him that it may be torchlight. Xenia notices this as well, and, with the color spectrum open to her through her low light vision she also notices that the light is the same warm yellow of torchlight.
One additional thing that only Bralin catches, is the distant sound of voices.
The tunnel widens as the party progresses, providing psychological as well as physical space. There is now room to slide by each other when turned sideways. The light seems some 15 to 20 feet away. No one really knows just how well sound travels underwater, nor whether it can be transmitted and heard above the surface. Equally unknown is how movement might effect the surface and whether it might be spotted.
Tionel d20+7=27 Friday February 13th, 2004 12:49:44 AM
(Spot of 27!) In the back, Tionel doesn't have a view of much, but perhaps he does get an intriguing glympse of Xenia or something. In any case, he swims to catch up with the others, slowly, longingly glancing back to where the turtle was. Such a nice thing, that.
Xenia d20+9=14 d20+11=28 Friday February 13th, 2004 7:54:50 AM
"I don't think that's daylight up there," Xenia whispers. "Looks more like a fire or a torch."
The dark rogue instinctively treads more quietly, and casts her senses cautiously forward.
[[ Listen 14 / Move Silently 28 ]]
Angus d20+4=14 d20-2=3 Friday February 13th, 2004 8:02:54 AM
Once the passage way opens up he takes another look for the light that Bralin and Xenia described (spot 14). He thinks he can make it out, but is not sure.
Angus strains to listen, but is not doing a good job of it (listen 3).
"Lets go check out the light and see if we can find the surface for when this elixer runs it course." Angus cautions
Tionel d20+6=19 Friday February 13th, 2004 12:04:02 PM
(listen of 19...sorry, forgot to roll.)
Florin d20+2=13 d20+1=12 Friday February 13th, 2004 12:52:30 PM
Florin frowns abit in thought and speaks to Angus, "You don't happen to have on of your invisibility spells handy do you? What ever may or is up there may see the pool change when someone comes out but may shrug it off if they don't actually see a person coming out."
(Spot:13 Listen:12)
Syr Friday February 13th, 2004 2:08:37 PM
Syr hears Xenia's words behind him and is cheered by the fact that there is light up ahead. Looking forward to escaping from this watery cave, he starts to push Florin forward. Then a small thought occurs to him, something has to keep the torch or fire lit. He slows in the cave and prepares for the worst when they come out of the water.
Bralin Friday February 13th, 2004 3:35:26 PM
The dwarf draws his large axe as soon as the tunnel's width permits. Nobody said anything about this cave being occupied.
But the question about friend of foe must be answered.
Bralin waits silently under the water. If Angus can render Xenia invisible, it is best to wait.
Inside Looking Out (ADM Al) Friday February 13th, 2004 5:08:32 PM
The line comes to a stop as Bralin, in the lead draws his axe and halts. Now that things have stopped the voices that Bralin hears become clear to everyone. The tone is conversational and those that care to can distinguish at least two. In this watery medium, the sounds comes to the party muffled and indistinct. Further, it is unclear exactly which direction the voices come from. The sound, resonating within the water, whispers from all around them. And, for all they know, the voices could be the stone of the tunnel in conversation with itself.
The entire party now notices that the way before them very quickly opens wide, broadening into a bowl of sorts. The dancing glimmer of light now looks to be some warm orange/yellow light reflecting off of the surface, which is now visible beyond. The sides of the bowl are of the same vertical angle as the much of the tunnel. The floor of the bowl slants upward, becoming more shallow, the further away it goes. Though, on this, the tunnel-end, the water looks at least as deep as Angus' six foot height.
There is still no telling whether there is anyone or anything waiting beyond that thin border between the world of water and the world of air. Nor, whether objects or movement within the water can be discerned from above.
[[ Tune in. If we get all of our responses in quickly, I may have an extra weekend post as well. ]]
Florin Saturday February 14th, 2004 11:18:10 AM
Florin keeps his glaive ready and waits to see what the group does since he doesn't know if a invisibilty spell is handy among any of the members or not. Florin will however tap Syr on the arm and smiles, "Just try to remain calm, it seems the spell is going to hold alittle longer."
Xenia Saturday February 14th, 2004 11:38:35 AM
"Angus," Xenia asks, "could you make me invisible again? Or maybe Syr. We could go take a look and report back."
"Or, are you thinking to save the spell? If you are, one of us could still try to sneak out and get a look at what's out there."
Syr Sunday February 15th, 2004 4:40:43 AM
Syr nods at Florin's reassuring words and waits for the group to move. Trusting himself not to speak, he ducks down on his knees allowing Xenia to swim above him assuming Angus is able to make her invisible.
Tionel Sunday February 15th, 2004 10:43:54 PM
The others' anxiety makes the elf a little paranoid. "You guys think something's up there? Like what? It feels cold...I hope it's not undead." The elf shivers unintentionally.
Bralin Monday February 16th, 2004 8:14:38 AM
Axe in hand, Bralin waits.
Waiting to Inhale (ADM Al) Monday February 16th, 2004 11:38:07 AM
The party remains where it stopped. Some speak in reassuring tones. Others speculate as to what might be beyond. There are those who suggest courses of action. And, then there are those who simply prepare for action.
Each, however, acts individually, without much thought to what they should, as a group, do next.
Xenia Monday February 16th, 2004 8:28:00 PM
As Syrdeth kneels to let her swim over, Xenia gets an idea. She climbs onto his back.
"Lift me up, Syr, and walk me forward about five feet," she whispers. I want to stick my head just above the water and see if I can get a look around."
Angus Monday February 16th, 2004 9:38:46 PM
Angus looks around to the best of his ability. "Ok I am ready to get out of hear, Bralin please lead us out of hear." In dwarvish " Please Find me good solid dry ground to rest my feet upon."
Florin Monday February 16th, 2004 11:06:32 PM
Florin guesses no invisibility spell is known among the group at the moment and looks to Syr and Bralin along with the others, "I guess we just all head up, one would be a sitting duck so we should all head up together."
Xenia Monday February 16th, 2004 11:28:46 PM
"I'm just going to poke my head up for a peek, Florin," Xenia whispers to the paladin. "My dad always said, a few bits of intel is worth a dozen swords."
"But, if you're set on doing things that way," she says, and her cheeks dimple with a smile, "I've got a little one time trick that might give us just the edge we need. See this seal?" She points to one of the circles that decorate the dark armor on the outside of her left thigh. "This will let us all move a hundred feet very quickly for a very short time."
Bralin Tuesday February 17th, 2004 9:05:38 AM
The dwarf looks at Angus, and answers in the dwarvish tongue. "Place your magic upon the scout."
Then to Florin (in common). "We must see if they be friend or foe."
The way Bralin is gripping his axe, its obvious which he'd prefer.
Angus Tuesday February 17th, 2004 11:11:36 AM
Angus moves over to Xenia and taps her on the shoulder. Xenia turns invisible. "Have fun girl and be carefull."
How to Proceed (ADM Al) d20+10=18 Tuesday February 17th, 2004 11:31:06 AM
The sound of conversation continues to come to the party, muffled, conducted by the water. Xenia, and probably Syrdeth as well, both instinctively understand that if something is talking, it is most likely not listening at the same time.
In low tones, various party members discuss how to proceed.
Angus taps Xenia on the shoulder as she's climbing over Syrdeth's back and she disappears.
The two elves of the party keep a cautions silence.
[[ OoC: To speed things up, I'm going to handle Xenia's scouting attempt and the scouting results in one post. Not much sense sending the information to myself, as I know it already. ]]
Xenia d20+10=22 d20+11=31 d20+9=21 d20+9=21 Tuesday February 17th, 2004 12:02:08 PM
"Sorry," Xenia whispers as she climbs over Syrdeth, slides past Florin and Bralin and out into the bowl. She moves through the water as carefully and quietly as she can until her eyes and ears appear above the waterline. She turns in a slow circle, taking the surroundings in before ducking down under the water again and heading back.
"There are guys up there," Xenia's whispered voice comes from out of the not so clear, not so blue water. Those near the front hear a soft snapping of fingers and then a scratching on the rock, and the rough drawing of a circle begins to appear on the tunnel floor. Sling bullets suddenly appear around the circle. "I count eight. And, I'm not really sure. I didn't get a really good look at the jackets. But I think a couple of them down at the end were Anvil Hearts."
"Um, I could still do the speed thing for us if you want, Florin," the invisible Xenia says.
The soft snap of fingers comes again from the water. Then the sling bullets begin to disappear again, in ones and twos. "Can you make me those magic stones again, Bralin," she asks.
o _o_o o _o_/ _/ o / | | __/o | ___/o / /
[[ OoC: Best viewed in a mono-space font like Courier. Copy and past it into a plain text email editor and it should come out. Well, that didn't work. Keeps nerfing the spaces. Email coming down. ]]
Angus Tuesday February 17th, 2004 1:59:10 PM
Angus now seems excited. "Anvil Heart gang members, lets go get them! Threaten to burn an orphanage down will you....." Most of everything else Angus says sounds like gargling.
Angus calms alittle. "Does anyone else need to be invisible? I doubt we will fool many coming out of the pool invisible, but maybe confuse them." Angus calls to Tionel "Will we be able to breath air once we get out of the water?"
Florin Tuesday February 17th, 2004 4:32:25 PM
Florin grins as he thinks and looks to Angus, "One of our groups fighters should be invisible, both people can leave the water at the same time and be a nice suprise when we emerge and the fight breaks out."
Florin looks to Bralin, "We probably better send Syr up with Xenia invisible and then we rush them at the count of 5, that should give both Xenia and Syr enough time to be ready for when the fight starts."
Bralin Tuesday February 17th, 2004 4:45:02 PM
The dwarf nods at Florin's words. Neither he nor the paladin sneak well.
Emptying his ever present pouch of stones into his hand, Bralin softly casts MAGIC STONE on the three bullets.
He places them on the floor of the bowl, assuming Xenia will grab up the glowing pellets.
Xenia/OoC Tuesday February 17th, 2004 5:20:01 PM
BTW, what Xenia is offering is a Seal of Quickness. Allows the party a normal move action of 100ft for one round when activated. Depending on the size of the pool, that could provide plenty of surprise.
She will only activate it if asked. I mean, why waste it otherwise?
Syr Wednesday February 18th, 2004 3:31:07 AM
Syrdeth's ears twitch at the mention of the Anvil Heart gang and his face takes on a grim look of determination. "Now, let's see how threatening my kids will get them out of this."
The elf nods at Florin's advice, "There is no way I'm backing down to those bullies again. I'll go after this one first." He points to the second stone on the left side. Looking at the rest of the party he whispers, "Remember, more than likely they won't be able to breathe in the water, don't be afraid to just drag them in." Looking carefully at the scrawny mage, "In fact, why don't you just do your thing from the water? Can you?"
Pushing his long hair out of the way he nudges Xenia, "Careful girl, I would guess invisible people drip visible drops." Turning to leave the group he stops, "Tionel! Wake up! I want an escape route if I need it, do your wand thing once more on everyone, please?"
Ready Steady Go? (ADM Al) Wednesday February 18th, 2004 8:11:49 AM
Xenia returns from her scouting foray with news of possible Anvil Heart activity. And ... a crudely drawn map.
Tempers flare at the mention of the Anvil Hearts. Preparations move about the group. Xenia offers some magic.
Looking again into the bowl, it is obvious to all by now that this is the underwater view of what they would normally consider a pool. The far end looks to be, by all estimation, some 50 feet away. Though the far end looks easily accessible, the sides along the way are some six feet plus, and reasonably steep. The angle of the slope through the murky water looks like it might become shallow enough for waist level wading at about 30 feet out of the tunnel mouth. But, distances are so difficult to tell in this cloudy water and flickering torchlight. It's hard to be 100% sure.
The entire time, the indistinct voices of the Anvil Hearts drone in insipid conversation. Once, you hear what might be a harsh retort. But the general tone of the murmur continues.
What will our fearless heroes do from here? Will someone outline a plan? Give the go? Lead the charge? Stay tuned.
[[ Some notes on underwater again: Movement underwater is at half speed. Shooting from underwater into air and vice versa gives 100% concealment. But if you're upper half is out of the water, things act as normal. Also, those that go directly up the sides of the pool instead of moving to shallow end first must succeed a climb check of DC10. ]]
Tionel Wednesday February 18th, 2004 10:54:16 AM
"Wait, wait, wait. This conversation might just be important...it's a powerful magical force, right? And how did the anvil heart gang get involved in this anyways? Are they working with someone else? So, Xenia, go on, hide in the shadows and go forth and listen in. We'll charge in to back you up once things get rough. Don't worry about the time limit of these wands...they should be for a while yet."
Xenia d20+10=19 d20+11=24 d20+9=27 d20+9=10 Wednesday February 18th, 2004 11:21:20 AM
Xenia scoops up Bralin's magic stones. (ouch?)
She nods to Tionel, and then remembers that she's invisible.
"Gotcha," she replies instead in a sharp whisper. "Um, if the jigs up, I'll scream, 'kay?"
"Okay, Florin?" she asks.
[[ OoC: if Florin ok's it she'll move out. Otherwise, not. ]]
Florin Wednesday February 18th, 2004 1:41:50 PM
Florin nods and listens to the other before speaking, "Go Xenia and be very careful. I still say we send Syr with her just incase and invisible."
Bralin Wednesday February 18th, 2004 10:36:06 PM
Bralin waits patiently. He must give Xenia time.
Syr Thursday February 19th, 2004 2:52:41 AM
Syr starts to join Xenia but then pauses, waiting for Angus to do his magic. Whispering urgently, "C'mon let at them...."
Black Cave White Noise (ADM Al) d20+10=25 d20+10=11 Thursday February 19th, 2004 11:16:39 AM
As Xenia's head breaks the still plane of the pool and rises so that eyes and ears greet the air once more, the murmur of voices becomes clearer, becoming, instead, a babble of voices from all directions from which she only hears parts of different conversations.
" ... bunkle the flashin' flowers, I ... never go with greenies ... um, Boss ... down, it's just a ... whining, I'll gut ... lost two already. Poor ... my brother, I'll ... uh, Boss ... with flowers anyway ... Don't tell me ... think you're so ... flashing Jonas ... stick this in ... BOSS! ... "
From the dark at the end of what is now clearly a cavern, a small blonde woman moves forward toward a giant of a man who stands at the waters edge holding a nocked short bow.
"What is it Byton?" she says with the cool detachment of leadership.
"Da wadder don look right. Don look right over dere."
The woman stands, clearly chewing on the range of possibilities. Then, in a voice equally cold, she says, "Shoot it."
Under the water, the rest of the party hears the murmer of conversation rise in anger and then suddenly stop.
Xenia d20+7=10 Thursday February 19th, 2004 12:23:29 PM Eep Xenia tries to sink down as quickly as possible without making too many waves. She ducks into a crouch, her mind thrashing for what to do next.
Then, her eyes narrow. "They're on to us, let's go," she shouts and she hits one of the round disks on the outside of her left thigh.
Turning on the balls of her feet, she sprints as toward the right wall of the pool.
[[ Seal of Quickness activated. Everyone gets one round movement of 100 feet. ]] [[ Climb 10 ]]
Entering Combat (ADM/Al) Thursday February 19th, 2004 12:34:48 PM
You should all have received a map by now. If not, email me at changa@charter.net.
The Seal of Quickness that Xenia activated should allow everyone to take up a position almost anywhere in the cave that they want. With the same dangers, of course, for movement through threatened spaces. The Seal gives you and effective Surprise Round. You move so quickly that you burst out of the water and attack before they know it. You may now take position and attack.
Even though, you were discovered, if you take action now, I will also give you the initiative. This means you should also give me actions for the first real round of combat after the Surprise Round.
Two rounds: Surprise(Movement & Action) -> First Combat(Movment & Action) -> (Then they can react)
If you don't act now, you lose this.
Florin d20=2 d20=1 d20=3 d20=20 Thursday February 19th, 2004 2:05:02 PM
Florin moves out of the water as quickly as he can, trying to climb up but finds his hand holds he picks is to slick so has to try again. Do to become flusterated it takes him 3 more tries after his first ti finally climb up.
(OOC: Holy cow the dice roller hates me. A 2,1,3 and then a 20 for my climb check. Don't know how many rounds that would take but let me know and I'll play it out.)
Climbing/OoC (ADM/Al) Thursday February 19th, 2004 3:05:41 PM
You don't need to make a climb check to leave the pool if you go out the far end of the pool between numbers 2 and 7.
If you want to do that, Florin, just say so. You can change your move if you'd like.
I do, however, need to know where you wind up at the end of all of your actions.
Florin d20+8=20 d10+4=5 Thursday February 19th, 2004 3:47:33 PM
(OOC: Thanks Al :) I was having some problems with opening documents right now, stupid yahoo for you so was walking blind at the moment map wise. Of course, threaten yahoo and it works, go figure.)
Florin comes out of the pool between 2 and 7 and will rush at 1 if he can, leveling his glaive since he knows it's distance should allowing him to hit without being in threat range of a melee weapon attack from the person he rushes.
(OOC:I'm not sure what the mod if any on rushing someone with a glaive would be so let me know and I'll roll damage and check for it. Other wise Florin has a attack of +8 with the glaive and can do 1d10+4 with a critcial of x3)
If Florin's weapon is not stuck in the person he rush and stuck then he will stab at him again. (AC:20 Damage:5)
If Florin's glaive is stuck in the person he rushed then he will let go of it hoping that the extra weight will weight the man down and quickly pulls his longsword.
Bralin (ac 20, quickness, expertise [2]) d20+3=4 d20+3=15 d20+7=20 d10+4=6 d20+7=16 d10+4=12 Thursday February 19th, 2004 4:52:32 PM
The feeling of speed courses through him, and Bralin moves to take full advantage. He flashes through the water to the ledge on his right, and throws himself out of the water.
For a moment, the dwarf's foot can't find footing, but he grabs the ledge and heaves himself up. [Climb check, nat 1. Hero pt reroll - 15]
Bralin easily covers the remaining distance to #4 and slams down with his axe. [Hit ac 20 for 6 hp]
Working with the axe's momentum, the fighter swings it over his head in an easy arc before bringing it down upon his startled foe again. [Hit ac 16 for 12hp - Is he flatfooted?]
Xenia(AC17-Dodge/HP23) d20+9=20 d6+2=5 2d6(4+2)=6 d20+3=17 d6=2 Thursday February 19th, 2004 8:34:45 PM
The invisible half-elven rogue scrambles up the side of the underground pool and onto the ledge. With enemies on both sides, she gives herself enough room to avoid provoking an attack, and then lets loose with her sling loaded with one of Bralin's magic stones at the man to her right.
The spell breaks with the attack and Xenia snaps into visibility again. But, before the stunned Anvil Hearts gather their wits, she snaps the fingers of her right hand. The sling vanishes and in it's place appears a short sword. She makes a small adjustment towards the same man and strikes.
[[ ROLLS ]] Climb 10 - Rolled previously vs #7 Hit AC20 / Damage 5+6Sneak=11 -Sling/Magic Stone vs #7 Hit AC17 / Damage 2 -Sword [[ EndROLLS ]]
Syr (AC 18) d20+7=24 d20+7=19 d8+5=12 d8+5=13 d20+9=14 Friday February 20th, 2004 4:02:56 AM
Hearing Xenia's words and tired of waiting for Angus to use his spell the small figure seizes the moment and travels to the north edge of the map. Seeing figure number 6 he climbs out of the water (climb 14) to the left of that figure and drops into an attack postion.
Taking two ferocious swings at #6, the elf lashes out at his kid's enemies. (Attack 24,19, damage 12,13) Connecting twice, he is gratified to see pain on his opponent's face.
Tionel Friday February 20th, 2004 5:00:37 AM
The elf takes it cautiously. Emerging from the shallow end, he says out to the enemies in a convincing, challenging voice, "I suggest that you surrender, else my friends will obviously end your lives. If you are wise, you will heed my words of wisdom: lay down your arms and your lives will be spared." Unlike the other members of his group, he doesn't attack though.
(And really...why are we attacking? Because they're members of a gang...that we're currently helping? Because they're in the wrong place at the wrong time? I'm afraid I don't understand your guys motives. As far as I can tell, they haven't done anything to us that lets us rush in, swords drawn, and attack them while they're not ready, not by any law of a civilized society or moral code of conduct.)
Angus d4+1=3 d4+1=2 Friday February 20th, 2004 8:05:00 AM
OOC - Sorry for the delay. I was called away for work and could not post.
Angus is upset with his inactivity, but moves to the shallow end of the pool, but does not exit the pool. Angus stays in the vicinity of Tionel.
Angus points the wand of color spray at the largest concentration of gang members he can effect with the want and not hit any friendlies and then activates the wand. "Take that for threatening little children!"
Angus will see the effect the wand has. If it is effecting the gang members he will activate it again at another group of gang members. If it does not appear to be effecting them he will magic missle the bow carrying brute for 5 damage.
Party Actions - Round One (ADM/Al) d20+2=18 d20+2=16 d20+1=16 d20+10=25 d10+4=10 Friday February 20th, 2004 8:58:02 AM
Florin charges through the water and surges up to the stone ledge that surrounds the pool. He strikes out and sends along gash up her side(Hit AC25/10dmg), only surprised to find that his opponent is a short, not unattractive blonde woman with a cold hard look of steel. He thrusts again and his weapon rips into her spilling blood.
[[ OoC: I'm assuming by Rush you mean Charge, Justin. ]]
Bralin leaps from the pool in a spray of water. The dwarf's axe flashes through the air and a frail dark haired man with a pencil mustachio screams out "Emilio!" as blood sprays from a gaping wound in his chest. Bralin's back swing let's open the man's bowls and the air is filled with a sick liquid stench. The man drops straight downward and moves no more.
Xenia pulls herself out of the water and moves to the cave wall. There, the sling whirls, sending a glowing stone at the head of an evil looking character with slitted eyes and a scar running down the side of his face. The stone takes him fully in the temple and he staggers. Only by force of will does he remain upright. The red-headed rogue's follow up with her short sword puts a long thin line of red across his arm as he raises it to protect himself.
Syrdeth slides out of the water to the left of a medium sized blonde woman. A jaunty smirk rides her lips as she speaks to the taller olive skinned woman next to her. The elf's blows land before she has time to react. She takes the punches like a rag doll and drops to the stone floor of the ledge, the smirk still playing through sightless eyes.
Tionel walks out of the shallow end with calming reasoned words on his lips.
Angus comes up behind Tionel only to find that use of the Color Spray wand would be more effective if he moved somewhat to the left. He positions himself waist deep in water off Florin's left and triggers the spell. He catches three within the cone of colors. All of them however (1, 2, 8) seem to shake it off. Streaks of light fly from the sorcerer's fingertips next and crash into the hulking bow weilder.
Anvil Heart Response - Round One (ADM/Al) d20+6=16 d20+5=24 d6+3=6 d20+12=25 d6+3=7 2d6(4+4)=8 2d6(1+5)+3=9 d20+5=13 d20+5=17 d20+5=17 d6+1=4 Friday February 20th, 2004 9:17:38 AM
Coming out of the impressive cone of magic colors to see two already fallen and a third bloody and reeling, the blonde woman (1) holds up her hands.
"Wait, wait! Everybody stop!"
Ignoring the call, however, a dark haired well muscled man (3) faces down Bralin. He glares at the dwarf with a mix of horror and unreasoning fury. "My name is Emilio Martinsheen. You killed my brother. Prepare to die," he says, before launching himself at the dwarf.
"Flash it," the blonde woman curses at this change of plans. "Richardo, the skank. Byton, the pig sticker. Davido, lets kill us an elf," she says before drawing her sword and attacking Tionel.
Emilio (4) moves five feet to engage Bralin and draws a short sword. He takes a cut at the dwarf's head, murder in his eyes. "For Charlito," he cries and strikes, his weapon glancing harmlessly off of Bralin's armor.
Davido (7) bleeding and unsteady on his feet as he is, heeds his bosses words. He draws a short sword and adjusts to flank Tionel. Despite his injuries, his strike is true. (HitAC24/6dmg)
The blonde woman draws a wicked looking short sword and attacks Tionel as well from her flanking position. (Hit AC25/7dmg+8SneakDmg=15)
Richardo (8) a man, darkly handsome in a cheep corner tavern sort of way, moves along the edge towards Xenia, a leer of anticipation on his face. He draws his sword and closes. He also draws AoO from Tionel, though he doesn't look too worried as the elf is not only otherwise engaged, but he's also unarmed. "After this, I will have you, little one," he says, before thrusting out with his sword. Xenia easily moves, avoiding the point. (Hit AC13)
The tall olive skinned warrior woman (5) attacks Syrdeth in silence. The sound of her blade leaving it's sheath are her words to him. She swings. And Syrdeth moves deftly out of the way, the blade whistling within a hairs breath of the elf's face as he simply moves to avoid it. (Hit AC17)
The tall massively built Byton (2), an arrow already nocked and ready, simply withdraws five feet and fires point blank at Florin. (HitAC17/4dmg) Then he drops the bow and pulls a short sword.
[[ OoC: Everyone please post their AC, current HP, and any spell effects in the Name area. ]]
Bralin (ac 18, power attack[3]) d20+6=15 d10+7=14 Friday February 20th, 2004 1:59:34 PM
Bralin ignores the battle but for Emilio.
"I am Bralin Stoneminder, of Clan Corregan," he replies to the man. After all, it is right that he knows who has killed him.
The dwarf moves to end the fight in one blow, and puts his weight into a massive overhand swing of his axe.
[Hit ac15 for 14hp dam]
Xenia(AC17-Dodge/HP23) d20+3=23 d20+3=12 d6=1 Friday February 20th, 2004 2:32:02 PM
"Tionel!" the red-headed rogue sceams as the urban druid takes two serious wounds. Ignoring her attacker, she steps to the water's edge and strikes at the scarred man once again (#7).
[[ Hit AC23/CritThreat - AC12/NoCrit // Damage 1 ]]
Florin-HP:40-AC:15 (No Shield) d20+8=23 d10+4=5 Friday February 20th, 2004 5:34:47 PM
Florin sighs abit at Tionel's comment and decides to have a talk with the man after combat since Florin thinks even he should of known a fight would break out with the anvil hearts after what has happened recently and that nothing any of them could do could really stop it.
Florin calls out to Syr as Florin moves towards Byton (2) and stabs at Byton with his glaive, "Syr, knock one of these people out, I like to get some info from one of these people."
(Can hit AC:23 Damage:5)
Tionel (AC 14, 18/39 hp) d20+3=8 d20+6=18 d3=3 d20+6=9 d20+6=21 d20+6=26 d8=5 d20+6=8 Saturday February 21st, 2004 7:10:15 AM
"Ow!" With a flash of realization, Tionel realizes he's trapped, and that these are the sorts of thugs who wouldn't deal with them. Brutes, really...except for their leader, who has ordered the attack. "So be it!" He takes a wild swing at the guy passing by, but misses by a mile.
Summoning his will and resolve, he chants and barely holds his head... Suddenly, three more allies splash out of the water, making weird growling noises as they waddle on shore almost awkwardly. One crocodile goes for the man attacking Tionel, but its tail slaps against empty stone. Another moves in after the tail, its teeth seeking the flesh of the man. They bite in (AC 21, 1d8+6=5+6=11 damage) and the gator promptly tugs the man backwards into the water (Improved Grapple, pulls the man in with grapple check of 26 (nat 20)). The third lizard growls and bears in on the lady with reptilian malice in its cold eyes, but its awkward climb on shore makes its teeth merely gnash at boot and get no farther.
Angus AC 10 HP 13 d4+1=3 d4+1=4 Saturday February 21st, 2004 10:45:49 AM
Angus is does not like being outnumbered, but seeing Tionel's alligators makes him happy. Even happier now that they have left the water as Angus is not leaving the temporary safety of the pool.
Seeing the blond women strike Tionel a cruel blow Angus unleashes two magic missles that slam into her torso (Damage 7).
Angus yells "Orphan haters! Arsonists!"
Syr (AC 18 HP 47) d20+7=10 d20+7=17 d8+5=8 Monday February 23rd, 2004 1:01:09 AM
Those watching the elf see a huge difference between the constant smile and the almost mad expression over his face. It is apparent that a good fight brings out a different side of him. Hearing the paladin, Syr shouts out "Aye, Aye, Captain!" With a grin on his face, he nods to the woman in front of him (#5) and whispers, "What he said, ok just the last part...." pointing at Emilio.
Taking a catious swipe, he misses badly however a followup kick catches her (Att 10,17 damage 8, subdual).
Party Actions - Round Two (ADM/Al) Monday February 23rd, 2004 7:53:56 AM
Bralin's axe powers through armor, and a wet meaty thwack is followed by an explosion of flesh and bone. The red red splash of blood scatters as though in panicked flight from the scene of catastrophe. The man's left arm hangs useless, but his eyes still burn with a hatred bordering insanity.
Xenia steps in with a slash at her gravely wounded opponent. Her blade parts armor and draws a shallow line of red across his side. The pain of this slight wound, however, is enough to send him over the edge, and he falls into the shallow water without a sound.
Florin stands his ground and stabs across the ten foot distance between himself and the massive Byton Ashtor. The blade of his glaive slices upwards, laying open the man's forehead. A broad flap of skin and hair hangs to the side of his face, momentarily exposing the white of his skull to the open air before blood rushes to cover it in red.
[[ OoC: BTW, Florin, you took 4hp damage from Byton's arrow last round. Please update your HP for me. ]]
Tionel chants and moves his hands and the urban druid calls forth three crocodiles to the fight.
[[ Sorry about misleading you with the AoO there, Mikey. ]]
One scaly defender (a) lashes out, it's tail lashing through the air where only moments before Xenia's opponent was standing. The second croc (b) lunges in a spray of water, and the unconscious scar-faced man dies in it's jaws. As crocs are wont to do, it drags it's prey into deeper waters. The third water lizard scrambles onto the rocky ledge and snaps at the blonde haired leader, jaws closing on air.
Angus stays waist deep in the pool. With words and a gesture, streaks of light flash from his hand, striking sparks of burning light from the blonde leader.
Syrdeth takes a quick double jab at the olive skined woman and she reels as his second punch connects solidly with her jaw.
[[ Syrdeth: Roll Search vs DC20 ]]
[[ OoC: Sorry, forgot about the Unconsciousness before death. Revised below. ]]
Anvil Heart Response - Round Two (ADM/Al) d20+6=24 d6+4=9 Monday February 23rd, 2004 8:00:02 AM
Anvil Heart Response - Round Two (ADM/Al)
Three down, badly wounded, and now, badly out numbered, the blonde woman assesses the situation through cold pale blue eyes.
"Flash it. We're out of here, people," she orders in a calm commanding voice. "Everyone on me. That's everyone, Emilio."
Before she goes, however, she takes a good look at each of the these surprise attackers. She gazes at each with her intense blue eyes, burning each face into her memory. And she leaves the adventurers with these words,
"If you're from the city, you're dead. You don't know who you just messed with. You're dead. You're families are dead. Everything you know and love is dead, dead, dead. That's a promise."
And then she retreats up a tunnel to the north.
[[ Everyone Withdraw/Double Move, except ... ]]
With murder in his eyes, Emilio stands his ground. "You keeled heem dwarf. You keeled heem. Now you die."
The dark haired brother of the downed Anvil Heart seems not to feel his greivous wounds as he throws himself at Bralin bent on revenge. This time he connects drawing blood from the dwarf. (Hit AC 24 / Damage 9hp)
[[ OoC: Florin, you get AoO against Richardo as he flees along the wall to join the Anvil Heart Group. AND, combat has not ended folks. We are still in combat rounds. ]]
[[ OoC: Important! If you wish to pursue, then I'll need you to post your speeds. Please post them with your AC & HP. Remember to include Armor Check penalties. ]]
Bralin (ac 20, hp36/45, experitse[2]) d20+7=21 d10+4=7 Monday February 23rd, 2004 8:13:13 AM
Adrenalin pumping freely now, Bralin says nothing as the weapon pierces his flesh. He's dealt with berserkers before. Its just a matter of waiting for help.
The dwarf assumes a slightly more defensive stance. As expected, the berserker has opened his own defense.
Bralin's axe flashes toward his enemy's bad side.
[hit ac 21 for 7 hp damage]
Angus d4+1=3 d4+1=5 Monday February 23rd, 2004 9:11:15 AM
Angus is not happy with the Blonde womens words, thinking of his newly adopted orphans. Thinking to himself, we better take care of them now or we are sending Gordo an awfull surprise.
Angus is contemplating leaving the pool now that a croc has reentered, but it seems busy with its death roll.
Angus unleashes two magic missles at the blonde tormenter (8 damage). Angus yells "Take that Miss Nasty! Syr do not let her escape, remember Gordo!"
Florin-AC:15-HP:38/40-Speed:20ft d20+8=14 d10+4=8 Monday February 23rd, 2004 1:10:14 PM
Florin frowns at the woman's words and calls out as she runs and spins his glaive to attack Richardo. (AC:14 Damage:8)
Florin also calls out, "Anyone got a spell to slow or stop them? We can't let them excape."
Florin will take chase as soon as he can.
Xenia(AC17-Dodge/HP23/Speed30) Monday February 23rd, 2004 1:33:57 PM
"Die, my pitutie," the dark half-elf mutters under her breath as she sprints after the fleeing Anvil Hearts.
With a snap of her fingers the short sword is gone, to be replaced by her sling again. She grips her left hand tighter feeling the hard reassuring presence of Bralin's two remaining magic stones.
"I'm on it," she calls back, tearing into the tunnel.
[[ Double move 60ft. ]]
Syr (AC 18 HP 47, base of 50) d20+4=8 Tuesday February 24th, 2004 3:13:27 AM
Syr spends an agonizing moment looking at his opponent and then takes off with a burst of speed after the leader. "You are outnumbered, surrender and you'll live!" Without waiting for an answer he moves after the leader. (Attack of Opp for #8 or no attack if she surrenders). Seeing Angus hit her with a couple of missiles, he gives a loud whoop. Knowing he is the only one with a good chance of overtaking her he sprints at full speed. (Failed spot check)
Tionel Tuesday February 24th, 2004 11:30:25 AM
Realizing he's unarmed and virtually offense-less (is that a word?), the elf sighs and stares at the action. Questions of morality run through his head...did they deserve to be attacked? They did, he thinks to himself, remembering their threats, but I don't like the consequences. We might have been able to talk our way past them...or maybe not...nothing's written in stone... But then, looking at the guy who yelled at bralin for killing his brother, Tionel can't help but feel morose for their actions. I don't know if I can hang around with these guys, he thinks, looking at his pack pursuing the enemies with whoops and cries.
The Party: Giving Chase - Round Three (ADM/Al) Tuesday February 24th, 2004 12:15:06 PM
Bralin's cool eye spots an opening and his axe strikes again at his enraged opponent's side. The axe shatters ribs, piercing soft internal organs and sending the man to the floor where his blood mingles with that of his felled brother.
Angus gestures and begins the words that will send streaks of light at the leader of this Anvil Heart crew, but she vanishes into the dark depths of the cave before he can finish.
With the longer reach of his weapon, Florin takes the opportunity presented by a fleeing Anvil Heart to turn a flick of his blade into a gaping wound from the area of the man, Richardo's kidneys up across his back to his shoulder. Injured, and trailing blood, the man still flees, trailing after the rest of his crew, and Florin splashes onto land in pursuit.
The tunnel that the Anvil Hearts have fled into is dark, but Florin soon sees the light of day in the distance. He makes it only half way through the tunnel. He is still in the dark.
Xenia quickly passes Florin and bursts out into the bright light of day to find herself hot on the heels of the Anvil Hearts. Just outside the mouth of the tunnel, in fact, she's she finds that she's not five feet from the nearest one (Ricardo-8) and 15 feet from the farthest (Byton-2).
Syrdeth takes off after the fleeing Anvil Hearts He comes in ten feet behind Xenia, just barely outside of the mouth of the tunnel.
Tionel stands, wounded, on the stone ledge looking off into the dark of the tunnel up which three of his comrades have run in chase. His eyes are troubled reflecting his doubt.
The mouth of the tunnel decamps onto an area of rough stone scree that rises behind them to form the large outcropping of rock that the party had seen from the boat. Some 20 feet from the opening of the tunnel lies the dark wall of the Crying Woods. A break in the vegetation reveals the head of a narrow trail. Byton, in the lead, is just entering it.
[[ OoC: The dark of the tunnel and now the twisting of the trail will prevent a flat out run. But these are humans. They seem unencumbered. With a Double Move to flee ... Well, I'll leave the math to you. ]]
Anvil Hearts: Turning on the Pursuers - Round Three (ADM/Al) d20+10=20 d6+3=7 d20+8=26 d6+4=9 d20+3=5 d20+1=14 Tuesday February 24th, 2004 12:16:41 PM
Almost to the tree line, the blonde leader stops in mid flight, and takes a look over her shoulder. She calls out the single word, "Catapult," and each of the Anvil Hearts, almost as one turns and moves in on Xenia.
The leader, with a sneer, comes in first with a vicious cut drawing blood that spills down the front of the half-elven rogue's dark armor. (Hit AC20/Dmg7)
The rogue's body jerks as the hulking Byton swings his short sword, also scoring a hit. (Hit AC26/Dmg9)
Richardo and the olive skinned woman both swing as well, but in the heat of the moment, both swords find only air. (Hit AC5 and AC14)
Syr (AC 18/17 HP 47, base move 50) d20+9=22 d8+5=12 Tuesday February 24th, 2004 12:59:39 PM
Seeing Xenia's plight, he doesn't hesitate and leaps at the leader trying to wipe that sneer from her face. He leap lands a kick to her shoulder (charge attack 22, damage 12). Dropping to the ground gracefully, Syr strikes a defensive pose. Guarding Xenia's left side he says, "Finish off Ricardo, that'll even the odds."
Bralin (ac 18, hp36/45) Tuesday February 24th, 2004 1:29:34 PM
Bralin doesn't give either one of his fallen opponents a second thought.
Hoping that someone leaves some kind of trail, he plunges into the tunnel as fast as his dwarven legs can carry him. I hate running
[Double move, 40 ft (base is 20)]
Florin-AC:15-HP:38-Speed20 Tuesday February 24th, 2004 1:34:35 PM
Florin continues moveing after the anvil heart gang and to hopefully help his friends. He calls back to Tionel, "I'll tend to your wounds when I get back Tionel"
If he makes it outside to see Xenia in a bad fight he hits the seal of imporved evasion, "Hang on Xenia." He hopes the seal will help Xenia out if even alittle. He also if he can, stabs his glaive into the ground and will try to get his bow which is attached to his backpack, thinking he would be better off using it if he can get a clear shot.
If Florin sees that he won't beable to get a clear shot then he will still stab his glaive into the ground and pulls his longsword and large steel shield.
Angus AC 10 HP 13 d20=12 Tuesday February 24th, 2004 2:12:00 PM
OOC - Accidental D20 roll. Al was I able to save the magic missle (first level spell)from last round or is it lost. Could I have sent them at another gang member instead, which Angus would have if he could. Could Angus at the very least have gotten out of the pool last round if there were no magic missle targets?
Angus gets out of the pool and gives chase with all speed possible. Angus will attempt to maintain a safe distance from any whirling blades of the gang members (Keep a safe distance from combat or keep group members in front of him).
Angus yells after Xenia, Syr, and Florin. "I'm coming!"
Xenia(AC17-Dodge/ HP7/23 /Speed30) d20+11=18 Tuesday February 24th, 2004 2:18:33 PM
Rather than attack, rather than retreat, the red-headed rogue, instead makes a tumbling dive between the two less intimidating Anvil Hearts, the olive skinned woman and the one named Ricardo. (Dodge against the woman if it comes to AoO.) Tucking into a roll, she comes to her feet and runs to the head of the trail.
[[ If she makes her tumble roll or if she survives the AoO ... ]]
With a snap of her fingers a short sword seems to grow from out of her right hand. She turns, small feet planted wide, a grim figure covered in blood.
"If you want to leave," she says, chest heaving, "you have to come through me."
[[ Tumble 18 ]]
The Party: Outside the Tunnel - Round Four (ADM/Al) d20+5=13 d20+3=19 d6+1=2 Wednesday February 25th, 2004 1:10:25 PM
Syrdeth comes to Xenia's rescue, his kick connects and spins the Anvil Heart leader in a full circle almost paralyzing the left side of her body. He advises the half-elven rogue with wise council.
Meanwhile Bralin hustles out the dark tunnel on the heels of the Anvil Hearts and his following companions. He emerges into the sunlight just inside the mouth of the tunnel. Ten feet away, Syrdeth and Xenia are faced with the four remaining Anvil Hearts, Xenia bleeding from an unknown number of wounds.
Florin proceeding at a more cautions rate then the dwarf, emerges beside Bralin to the same scene. He stabs glaive into the ground, and reaches back, drawing forth his bow.
[[ OoC: Angus, they were gone before you could even start your spell, so 1) The spell never happened, you still have it. 2) I'll give you a Move Action for last round. ]]
Angus, having moved cautionsly next to Florin, now emerges from the tunnel and takes up a position to the left of the mouth of the tunnel, 10 feet way from the current conflict.
Xenia, rashly ignoring her companion's sage wisdom dives between Richardo and the olive skinned woman. They both take a swipe at her as she rolls by. (AC13 & AC19/Dmg2)
Tionel remains within the cavern with the dead and dying. All is quiet save for the flicker of the torches and the heavy breathing of the summoned crocs.
Anvil Hearts: Just Too Much - Round Four (ADM/Al) Wednesday February 25th, 2004 1:13:35 PM
Dazed and wracked with the pain of several bad wounds, the Anvil Heart leader reconsiders her move. And then the rest of the adventurers emerge from the tunnel and make up her mind for her.
"Richardo," she she orders and indicates Xenia with a jerk of her head.
"Byton, you take point. Vamanos," she calls.
The massive Byton leads the charge into the woods, bulling by Xenia and simply absorbing anything she has to throw at him. Richardo looks at Xenia. He looks at Syrdeth and the others who have emerged from the tunnel. "Fegeddit," he says with a high pitched quaver of fear in his voice. "Fegeddit! Wait for me." And he runs past Xenia, disapparing around a bend in the trail in pursuit of his comrades, as fast as his wounds will allow.
[[ Once again, Double Move for the Anvil Hearts.]]
[[ NOTE: (Important) If you do not specify a Double Move, I will not give you a Double Move. ]]
Xenia(AC17-Dodge/ HP23 /Speed30) d20+3=21 d6=3 3d8(8+4+6)+3=21 Wednesday February 25th, 2004 1:34:12 PM
Bloody and staggering, the rogue readies herself as the Anvil Hearts come her way. With sword before her, she warns off first one then the other letting them slip by up the trail until only the one named Richardo is left. As he tries to pass, she takes the opportunity and swings a cut at him.
She hits another of the seals that line her thigh and a potion appears between the fingers of her left hand. Xenia's wounds close up as she downs the potion. The flame-headed half-elf tags another seal on her leg and then takes off after the Anvil Hearts.
[[ ACTIONS ]] AoO vs. Richardo - (Hit AC 21 for 3 Dmg) Seal: Seal of Helping Hand - Fetches single item from possessions Drink Potion CSW - Standard Action - Cure 21HP Seal: Seal of Quickness In Action - Allows one extra Move Action Double Move 60ft [[ EndACTIONS ]]
Florin-AC:15-HP:38-Speed20 d20+4=10 d8=7 Wednesday February 25th, 2004 2:13:56 PM
Florin frowns and will move abit, hoping to get a clear shot at the retreating anvil heart gang and will take a shot if he thinks he can hit one, "Dang it, we can't let them get away. Tionel is injured also enough that he should be healed...Bralin I know you don't like running so would you like to fall back and see about Tionel while we move ahead and try to get the last of them?"
(Can hit AC:10 Damage:7 as if I hit though.)
Afterwards Florin will sigh and decides to make use of his sword instead since his glaive will not be a good choice in the forest, let alone his bow.
Florin will take the time to switch to his sword and shield before running after the anvil heart gang, relying and hoping one of the others can slow them up till he gets there.
Syr (AC 18/17 HP 47, base move 50) d20+8=28 d20+8=11 d8+5=12 d20+9=12 d8+5=7 Wednesday February 25th, 2004 2:45:52 PM
When Xenia dives between the 'catapult' and gets hit, he lets out a gasp of worry, "What ARE you doing?"
As the leader moves to flee Syr gets in a quick punch to the back of her head (AoO 28, no crit, damage 12). Knowing that if any members of the gang escape that his orphanage will be threatened, he tears after then fleeing group again (double move).
The fact that most of the group is being left behind never even crosses the elf's mind as he is singly focused on pursuit. Easily catching up, he makes a charge at the rearmost one (Attack 12, damage 7)
Angus d4+1=3 d4+1=4 Wednesday February 25th, 2004 3:09:27 PM
Angus will attempt another magic missle spell if an opponent presents itself, prefering in order, female leader, Byton , Ricardo, and the last unnamed gang memeber. Missle 7 dam.
If the spell is not possible he will make a double move and follow everyone, but not outpace Syr.
Angus calls out "Go get them Syr! Slow'em down!"
Bralin Wednesday February 25th, 2004 4:46:27 PM
The dwarf considers pointing out the druid is perfectly capable of healing himself.
But, Florin IS battle leader. And Bralin really doesn't feel like running after a beaten enemy.
He nods at Florin and disappears back into the comforting caverns, making his way back to Tionel.
OoC - ADM Al to Syrdeth Wednesday February 25th, 2004 8:06:04 PM
Disengaging from combat with a Double Move, also called a Withdraw (pg 143 PHB) does not provoke an AoO. Also, charging requires movement in a straight line. The trail is way too crooked for a charge. So you get no attack against any of them this round.
What is possible at this point is to overtake and pass them. You have plenty of speed for that. You have enough speed, in fact, to travel 30 feet beyond them and thus stay just beyond their range for the start of their round. They get no AoO against you as you pass, as they are moving and have no footing.
If you see this before tomorrow you can change your move. The things disallowed are so major that you should consider something different. If you don't respond before tomorrow, I'll take what I see as the best option for your objective, which is stopping the Anvil Hearts and is also the action I've outlined in the paragraph above.
Tionel (AC 14, 18/39 hp) Thursday February 26th, 2004 1:15:48 AM
The thin elf shakes his head. "I will be fine, I assure you." Instead, he wonders why the gang is here... this is so fishy! The druids told them to come here, and the gang is here... though he trusts the druids due to their occupation and beliefs, he can't help but suspect something is going on that involves them working with or against the anvil heart gang...
Syr Thursday February 26th, 2004 3:04:34 AM
ok, I understand. Let's have the Syrdeth pass the Hearts and block until the remainder catch up.
The Party: Chase Through The Crying Woods (ADM/Al) Thursday February 26th, 2004 7:13:46 AM
As each member of the party enters The Crying Woods, they are instantly assaulted by the same feeling of dark oppression that they had experienced on their previous trip. A generalized malevolence hangs palpable on the air. Something here hates, and preys, and wants them gone. And each member of the party feels it down to the bone. A particularly eloquent bard once described it as moving through liquid threat.
The trail is narrow, with room for barely two to walk abreast. It twists and turns, through dense brush and around the boles of trees. This is not a place where walking would come easy, let along running.
Xenia, feeling as good as new, tears down the after the Anvil Hearts as fast as she can move. Syrdeth, however, soon overtakes her. Darting up the path beyond. He moves like a breeze whistling through the underbrush and soon flies past the fleeing Anvil Hearts, leaving them with startled looks as he passes.
The Anvil Hearts had rounded the bend in the trail too quickly for either Florin or Angus to get off a shot at them. Angus lights out up the trail after Xenia and Syrdeth. Florin drops his bow and draws a long sword before proceeding up the trail at a more cautious pace than the others.
Bralin turns back through the tunnel on his way back to Tionel. Tionel, for his part, foregoes medical attention and instead turns his thoughts towards more investigative pursuits. Why would the Anvil Hearts be here in this very spot Why here, the very place to which they had been sent?
1 - AC18 - Badly Injured 2 - AC14 - Injured 3 - AC12 - Unconscious -3 4 - AC13 - Dead -10 5 - AC15 - Injured (subdual) 6 - AC15 - Dead 7 - AC15 - Dead 8 - AC12 - Almost Dead
Anvil Hearts: Trapped (ADM/Al) d8+1=6 Thursday February 26th, 2004 7:21:06 AM
Now boxed in, the Anvil Heart leader gathers her group. "Back to back," she says, and the group forms a square with the leader and Byton facing up the trail toward Syrdeth and the olive skinned woman and Richardo facing down towards Xenia. Richardo is reeling on his feet and looks as though he is ready to drop at any moment.
"Make them come to us," the blonde says. "I've got a little surprise."
Syrdeth stands some 30 feet up the trail from the defensive square. Xenia is 10 feet down trail. Angus is 10 feet further down from Xenia. And Florin is just entering the head of the trail some 50 feet away from the beseiged Anvil Hearts.
Suddenly, the leader reaches to the pouch at her belt. She brings her hand to her mouth. Byton does likewise. The large man's wounds begin to heal, while the leader simply vanishes into thin air.
[[ OoC: Tionel, are you going to move around the cave? Or ponder the question from where you're at? ]]
Angus AC 10 HP 13 d20+10=12 d20+10=16 d4+1=5 d4+1=5 Thursday February 26th, 2004 9:53:02 AM
Angus is frustrated at the benificial magic just cast (spellcraft 12 for the cure and 16 for the dissapearance), but did not catch enough enough of it to find out what it was.
Angus curses "#&@%$" at the turn of events and casts a magic missle at Byton for 10 damage.
Angus call out to Florin "We need the fighters forward now!"
Angus will not move forward and will infact take a 5 foot step back to make room for Florin.
Angus will cast defensivly if necessary
Bralin d20+5=25 d20+2=16 Thursday February 26th, 2004 10:32:35 AM
Bralin enters the cavern to take a look at Tionel.
The druid appears conscious. "Should ye not heal yourself?" the dwarf asks.
Taking a look about the cave, he thinks of another question. "Your benefactors said the bowl was here, correct? Have ye found it? Or another passage?"
Getting a 'no' answer will send Bralin searching for the bowl or a passage or anything else unusual.
[Spot 25 nat20! Search 16]
Xenia(AC17-Dodge/ HP23 /Speed30) d20+9=21 d20+8=22 d6+1=7 Thursday February 26th, 2004 11:01:17 AM
A red-gold eyebrow raises ever so slightly on Xenia's dark brow as the Anvil Heart leader vanishes. Cautiously she backs away, listening carefully for a step on the soft earth of the trail, the rustle of cloth against dark green vegetation, anything.
As she reaches five feet, she stops. With a snap of her fingers the short sword is gone, replaced again by her sling. Loading the second of Bralin's stones, she whips the strip of leather into a dark whirring disk and lets fly at the one named Richardo.
Tionel (AC 14, 24/39 hp) d8+5=6 Thursday February 26th, 2004 12:06:37 PM
"Oh, right." Tionel grins and casts a cure light wounds spell upon himself. (6 hp!) He also spends his time looking around the cave...where is that 'source of magic', anyways? He assumes his teammates can take care of themselves.
Tionel d8+5=7 Thursday February 26th, 2004 2:31:06 PM
(Woohoo! 7 instead of 6!)
Florin-AC:17-HP:36/40-Speed20 d20+9=16 d8+4=6 Thursday February 26th, 2004 3:59:13 PM
Florin will move in on the gorup if he can and also pulls his medium steel shield from his back.
Florin will attack one of the gang if he can pull his shield and get close enough without using up one full round. (Can hit AC:16 Damage:6)
Florin also calls out to Syr and the others, "I have an idea of something that will help us with the invisible one. Just give me a few moments before you do anything next."
Syr (AC 18/17 HP 47, base move 50) d20+4=21 d20+8=19 Friday February 27th, 2004 3:28:57 AM
The elf starts forward and then comes to a halt well away from the Anvil Hearts as Florin calls out to him. Crouching defensively, he looks for anuy indication of an invisible foe. (Spot 21, Listen 19)
The Party: Face Off In The Shadow Of The Crying Woods - Round Six (ADM/Al) Friday February 27th, 2004 6:08:29 AM
The trail is more or less straight in this area, but the ground is very uneven. A charge would be impossible in these conditions. Two walls of thick daunting vegetation rise up on both sides of the trail, leaving your two groups to face off in a dark and narrow canyon. The Crying Woods is here. It knows. You can feel it. You can see that the Anvil Hearts feel it too. And, you can see that they are afraid.
Streaks of light fly from the fingertips of the sorcerer's hand and large Byton can be seen to arch his back, teeth clenched in pain. From his vantage point it had been clear to Angus that the man and his leader had taken some sort of potions. From the effects, it was not hard for him to deduce that one granted invisibility and the other was of a curative nature.
Xenia listens momentarily, but hears no sounds of stealthy movement from the group up the trail. Her sling bullet flies true, striking the man, Richardo, on the temple, felling him like a pole-axed cow.
Florin slips his shield on his arm and then moves 20 more feet up the trail. He rounds a bend in the trail to the sight of one Anvil Heart down and only two others visible. He was sure there had been four. He cries out to Syrdeth. Syr, for his part, neither hears nor sees anything that might indicate movement from the area in which the Anvil Heart leader had been standing.
Xenia is 15 feet down trail from the Anvil Hearts. Angus is at 20 feet away, and Florin at 30. Up trail is Syrdeth just outside the 30 foot range of the Anvil Hearts.
+++++++++++
Back in the cave, Tionel calls upon the powers of the natural world and draws healing to him. Even before his wounds begin to knit themselves back together, however, he is moving about the cave in an investigative frame of mind. The crocodiles lie motionless, like so much more stone against the floor of the cave.
Bralin returns, and he too begins to look around. His attention is immediately drawn to one particular area of the cave wall. It's a small section near the spot where Syrdeth had downed the other blonde Anvil Heart woman. An area of the cave wall that, to his stone-wise eye, appears subtly misaligned.
Anvil Hearts: Caged And ... - Round Six (ADM/Al) d100=4 d100=85 d100=39 d100=63 d100=66 d100=74 d100=29 d100=88 d20+5=10 d20+5=10 d20+5=23 d20+5=13 d20+7=8 Friday February 27th, 2004 6:40:17 AM
Looks like three against four now. Both Syrdeth and Xenia hear whispering from the Anvil Heart group, then they begin moving up the trail as one. Moving with a steady guarded rate, they work their way toward the elven monk. The fallen Richardo is left behind and their formation shifts. The olive haired woman and the large Byton now stand shoulder to shoulder. The sound of the groups movement masks any sounds that the invisible leader might be making. You now have no idea where she might be.
The Anvil Hearts move no more than ten feet up the trail, when, suddenly, you see each of their faces contract in fear. And then you hear it as well. After the last time, it's a sound you will not soon forget: The whipping sound of vines cutting the air.
One drops down next to Byton with a plop.
The body of the fallen Richardo is jerked suddenly up into the air. If he were conscious, you know he would be screaming.
Another vine falls from above and lands next to Angus. Limp, with a cold undead feel, it grazes his cheek before whipping into animation, questing for his life.
Yet another settles coils around the Paladin of Domi. But the weight for size of prey is, perhaps, not in this plant's primitive vegetable brain. As it whips upward to carry Florin into the air above, it's grip slips, leaving the paladin standing untouched.
The last strikes like a snake at Xenia. Were it not for the rogue's uncanny knack for sensing danger, she would not have had the wit to dodge.
Syrdeth is now 20 feet up trail from the Anvil Hearts, unmolested by vines. The leader's position is unknown. Xenia is 25 feet down trail from the Anvil Hearts engaged in combat with a vine. Angus is 30 feet from the Anvil Hearts with a vine on his tail. Florin is 40 feet down trail from the Anvil Hearts with a vine about to strike him as well.
[[ ooo, you guys rolled so incredibly lucky. ]]
Vines are AC 15
Bralin d20+4=18 Friday February 27th, 2004 10:26:53 AM Hmmmmmm
Mysteries in the stone. Bralin's face actually forms the semblance of a smile.
Softly, his large hands trace the outline in the rock, as he tries to decipher its secret.
[Search 18, took +2 bonus for working with stone]
Angus d4+1=5 d4+1=4 d20+6=17 Friday February 27th, 2004 12:50:42 PM
Angus is very concerned after his last bout with the vines and directs a two magic missles at the vine attacking him (damage 9).
Angus will call out for Tionel and Bralin. "Tionel and Bralin there is still combat to be fought in the light of day. Assistance would be appreciated..."
The dark half-elf's panic meter comes close to hitting the red-line. Her sling goes back into her belt, and, with a snap of her fingers the short sword appears again.
"AAAAAAAARRRRRRAAAAAHH!" She takes a swing at the swaying vine, just barely clipping it.
[[ Hit AC15 / 2 dmg ]]
Tionel (AC 14, 25/39 hp) Friday February 27th, 2004 6:47:16 PM
Hearing his name called, Tionel suddenly worries about his friends...particularly that rather high-pitched scream! (Angus, not Xenia. ;) j/k) He moves to the guy lying on the ground that appears to be still alive, if dying. (Guy #3 or #8, whoever is on the way or within five feet) With a soft touch, he stops the man from dying. (Cure minor wounds; 1 hp to stop the bleeding, but the guy will still be unconscious.) Then, he moves as much as he can towards the group. (If he had to use a 30' movement to get to the guy, then he moves 5' towards the group, if the wounded guy was within 5', he moves now his full 30'.)
(PS: He dismisses his crocodiles, and they disappear)
Florin-AC:17-HP:36/40-Speed20 d20+9=12 d8+4=5 d20+1=18 Friday February 27th, 2004 10:18:48 PM
Florin frowns as the vine attacks him and looks up the trail a moment before calling out, "look for the leader, if you spot her do something to mark her for the others." After saying that he taps the seal of true seeing he has that should allow everyone to see anything invisible to such for 1 round. Florin also glances once for the leader of the anvil hearts <spot:18>.
Afterwards Florin snaps his long sword at the vine attacking him, "stupid jungles/forests anyway, Tionel, you better hurry friend and bring Bralin also, his axe may be of use! vine attacks once more!" (Can hit AC:12 Damage:5)
(OOC:Everyone has true seeing for one round do to the seal of true seeing Florin just used.)
Syr d20+17=21 Saturday February 28th, 2004 2:45:37 PM
Syr sees the vines felling the Anvil Hearts and grunts, "Isn't this where I came in last time?" With a quick sigh of relief that he isn't being attacked, he tries to pinpoint the source of the vines. If he does so then he moves further away to prevent from being attacked even if it further down the trail.
Calling out to the remaining gang, "It'll be your death to stay there." Looking straight at the leader, he says, "Quickly, talk about your purpose in the cave or chose between me and the vines. I am sure we can come to some arrangement?" (Diplomacy 21)
The Party: Attack of the Killer Begonias - Round Seven (ADM/Al) Saturday February 28th, 2004 3:15:38 PM
The stalwarts from the Floating City all but abandon their attack on the fleeing Anvil Hearts as the wrath of the Crying Woods rains down from the green around them.
Angus has every reason to fear these deadly denizens of the dark woods. Yet he manages to keep his head in the face of the assault, letting loose with another barrage of magic missiles that crisps his opponent quite nicely. The vine blackens and writhes, and yet still comes on after him again.
Xenia screams out her hatred, and the tip of her sword comes away with green drops of dripping sap. But the vine is far from daunted and returns for another pass.
Florin tags a Seal, and, up the trail, the Anvil Heart leader winks into existence. Now positioned on the down side of the trail from Byton and the olive skinned woman, her gaze moves wildly around as she attempts to factor the threat potentials from both the unknown group of adventurers and the Crying Woods into one coherent plan.
Florin's swings an almost casual backhand chop at the attacking vine, cutting only air as the vine dodges easily. He cries out to Tionel, but there is at least one wall of dense vegetation and a wall of rock between them. Who knows whether the urban elf has heard or not?
Syrdeth casts about for the source of the vines, but in the towering walls of vegetation, one green plant looks like any other. The leader of the Anvil hearts snaps her gaze toward the monk as he addresses her. Her eyes widen as she realizes that Syr is looking directly at her. Doubt clouds her visage.
++++++++++++++++++
Meanwhile, Tionel's sensitive ears pick up distant sounds. Sounds of screaming, perhaps. Despite the doubts they trigger, he skirts the edge of the pool to examine one of the fallen Anvil Hearts. Finding him alive, he speaks words of magic and halts the man's slide into death.
Nearing the section of wall, Bralin finds an ever so subtle difference in the grain of the stone. Examining the subtle shift more closely reveals a near imperceptible seam. Stepping back and tracing the seam with a careful and focused eye, reveals a hidden door. The craftsmanship is exceptional. Were he not a dwarf, versed in the ways of stone, he might have passed off the resemblance to a door as some coincidental quirk of nature. But he knows better, and his eyes and hands move across the wall in search of the mechanism that he knows must be there. The catch or trigger that will swing the door wide and reveal what is within.
Anvil Hearts: Oh No, Not Again! Not Again! - Round Seven (ADM/Al) d100=65 d100=57 d100=92 d20+5=23 d20+5=22 d20+5=9 d6+3=7 d6+3=9 d20+5=9 d20+5=11 d20+5=18 d20+5=18 d6+3=8 d6+3=9 Saturday February 28th, 2004 3:50:54 PM
More vines begin dropping from above. One targets the Anvil Heart leader, falling in a decending arch and clipping her hard across the shoulder, and almost driving her to the ground.
Another drops with all of it's weight onto the olive skinned woman who falls to the ground, unconscious from the impact.
Yet another plops down right next to Syrdeth. It shudders as it shakes off it's dormancy.
The vine next to Byton gives a shudder, yet fails to raise itself.
The vine swaying near Angus swings like a club, connecting with the mage with a bruising strike. (Hit AC11/ 8 dmg)
Florin's vine strikes like a snake, connecting solidly with the paladin in a bruising body blow. (Hit AC18 / 9 dmg)
Xenia's vine whips into a circle around her, and she is barely able to duck as it tightens it's deadly lasso.
Battered and bloody, the Anvil Heart leader now stands wide eyed with panic. The creeping vegetation looks to have held a special kind of terror for all of them. It had been almost palpable in their eyes. Finally, she breaks. Leaving the fallen woman in the trail where she lies, the leader flees down the trail towards Xenia, Angus, Florin, and the way out of the Crying Woods.
"Boss, ... follow ... turtle? ... " calls Byton in an uncharacteristically lost voice, as he pelts down the trail after her back in the direction of the lake.
The Anvil Heart group with their Double Move withdraw elicits no AoO from their current opponents. They do, however, from opponents who's space they pass through in their flight.
[[ Xenia and Florin, you get an AoO against the Anvil Heart of your choice. Angus, you're unarmed, sorry. The leader is a target too, courtesy of Florin's Seal. ]]
Xenia(AC17-Dodge/ HP23 /Speed30) d20+3=14 Sunday February 29th, 2004 2:15:59 PM
Everything's happening all at once, franjit. More vines dropping out of the trees. Angus looks hit bad. The Anvil Hearts charging at her.
Xenia takes a swipe at the Anvil Heart leader, more from defensive reflex than anything else. The swing goes wide, but to her surprise, both Anvil Hearts charge right on by.
"Angus, lets get out of here," she shouts and runs back down the trail tugging at him to move along with her. "We can't fight the whole franging forest."
[[ Double Move 60ft should take her out of the woods. ]]
Syr (AC 18/17 HP 47, base move 50) d20+11=26 Monday March 1st, 2004 2:18:44 AM
Syr jumps at the vine dropping down beside him. He assumed that he was out of danger from the looping plant. Deciding that the safety of the cave is the best place for him, he sprints back the direction from which he came.
If any vines try to intercept him, he dives and rolls as a last measure (Tumble 26).
Florin-AC:17-HP:27/40-Speed20 d20+9=23 d8+4=6 Monday March 1st, 2004 3:47:32 AM
Florin frowns when the anvil heart leader and come running, he ignores the painful blow from the vine and swings his longsword at the leader of the anvil heart gang since she will probably be the hardest to hit later.
Florin otherwise tries to run as quick as he can after hitting the leader to get out of the forest, he can feel the area the vine hit him aching but is glad it was only a clubbing blow.
(Can hit AC:23 Damage:6)
Bralin Monday March 1st, 2004 11:36:58 AM
If Tionel says something, Bralin will run out of the cave to help his comrades (double move - 40' total).
Otherwise, he'll continue to inspect the fascinating door for the opening mechanism.
Angus Monday March 1st, 2004 11:38:31 AM
Angus has had enough of the forest and the attacking string beans. "I'm out of here" Angus moves after Xenia and follows the bobbing red pony tail. "Come on Florin lets go get the bad guys"
Angus makes a double move not caring that he has no weapon out. What use is a daggar against gaint string beans.....and evil gang members he thinks.
Angus give out one final yell "We are after them, everyone give chase!"
Tionel Tuesday March 2nd, 2004 2:43:41 AM
The elf frowns, hearing the faint echo of voices...perhaps this was more of a trap? "Bralin, it seems the fighting continues. Let us return shortly." He lets Bralin head with his full movement on out, and follows him. If they walk into their friends in a trap, Tionel knows he'd be better in reserve, especially in his current still-wounded state.
The Party: Run Away! - Round Eight (ADM/Al) Tuesday March 2nd, 2004 7:45:17 AM
Following the Anvil Heart's lead, Xenia begins the general retreat.
Florin, before making his strategic withdraw, takes a swing at the blonde Anvil Heart leader as she runs past in panic. The long sword catches her solidly in the hip, letting a spray of blood over the paladin's shield and armor. The woman collapses from shock and drops where she stands, once again becoming visible to all.
All of our intrepid adventurers make it out of the forest and into the 20 foot wide space of no-man's-land between the Crying Woods and the cave. Florin, just barely.
Exiting The Woods is like stepping into a pool of clear spring water on a hot sweltering day. The aura of hate and malevolence lifts and each person feels their soul that much lighter.
++++++++++++++++++
Tionel and Bralin rush out of the cave to investigate the screams. They emerge from the mouth of the tunnel just as everyone, including the largest of the Anvil Hearts, comes stumbling from the Crying Woods. In the distance, at the point where the trail bends and disappears, a lone vine hangs swaying in menace.
Anvil Hearts: Oh No, Not Again! Not Again! - Round Eight (ADM/Al) Tuesday March 2nd, 2004 7:49:43 AM
The massive beetle browed Byton clears the Crying Woods and stops for a moment to gather his breath and sob with relief. Now that he is safely out, he spares a backward glance at that dreaded forest.
"BOSS!" the cry of horror rips from his throat as he spots a swatch of golden blonde hair on the ground beneath a swaying vine, just at the bend of the trail beyond. Heedless of all else, he charges back into the murk of the malevolent forest. Reaching the unconscious Anvil Heart leader, he hefts her up onto his shoulder, and there he stands, the tip of his sword between himself and the vine.
1 - AC18 - Unconscious -2 2 - AC14 - Injured 3 - AC12 - Unconscious -4/Stable 4 - AC13 - Dead 5 - AC15 - Dead 6 - AC15 - Dead 7 - AC15 - Dead 8 - AC12 - Dead
Angus d4+1=3 d4+1=3 Tuesday March 2nd, 2004 8:22:56 AM
Angus looks savagely at the large gang memeber. "Drop you sword and surrender or become food for the forest you....." Angus trails off obviously upset with the situation.
If the sword is not dropped immediatley Angus will cast a magic missle at the lug and attempt to drop him (damage 6).
Florin-AC:17-HP:27/40-Speed20 Tuesday March 2nd, 2004 1:21:40 PM
Florin frowns at what he sees before him and looks at the rest before speaking and making a move, "Every hold your ground and be ready."
With that said Florin moves quickly back into the forest, staying a small distance from the large anvil heart, "Get you butt out of the forest now! If you get out then I'll stop your leaders bleeding. Of course if you make a move to excape though I will have no problem in dropping you." Florin will keep his shield at ready to try to take any vine blow off of it.
Syr Tuesday March 2nd, 2004 2:06:44 PM
Seeing that Florin is hurt. The elf moves in front of him to welcome the last of the Anvil Hearts back into the cave. "Florin, see to yourself before wasting any magics on those that threaten children."
Bralin (ac18) Tuesday March 2nd, 2004 2:08:01 PM
Taking in the scene, Bralin comes to a stop at the mouth of the cave, blocking the entrance.
The dwarf plants his feet, unlimbers his axe, and fixes his expressionless gaze on the large gang member.
Nobody is going into the cave without going through Bralin first.
[Ready action]
Xenia(AC17-Dodge/ HP23 /Speed30) Tuesday March 2nd, 2004 3:44:41 PM
Xenia frowns as she watches Florin go back into the woods after the Anvil Heart. With a click of her fingers the sword goes away. She pulls her sling and readies Bralin's last magic stone. If a vine attacks Florin, it will get the thing up it's planty kiester.
[[ Ready Action ]]
The Party: Compassion - Round Nine (ADM/Al) Wednesday March 3rd, 2004 12:49:54 PM
Faced with killer vines, Byton does not drop his sword, and streaks of light leave the tips of Angus's fingers striking the Anvil Heart brute with the smell of frying skin. The big man grimaces and his eyes grow wide. The sound that issues from his mouth resembles the growl of a bear more than anything that might come from a human throat.
As Florin approaches up the trail with his offer of healing and limited clemency, it is unclear as to whether the man even hears the paladin's words through the pain and apparent rage.
Syrdeth cautions Florin against waste.
Bralin and Xenia ready for different contingencies.
Tionel stands behind Bralin watching the stand off. He reaches up and puts a hand to the back of his head and considers the moral ramifications of the situation.
Anvil Hearts: The wages of Sin - Round Nine (ADM/Al) d20+5=10 d20+7=8 d100=82 d20+5=16 d20+7=9 d20+8=19 d6+3=5 d4=3 Wednesday March 3rd, 2004 12:50:20 PM
The whipping vine flails around the beleaguered Anvil Heart. It fails to find purchase as Byton just barely slips to the side (Mele touch 11 / Grapple 8 )
A second vine drops from the trees and lands next to Florin. It shoots up to wrap him in it's coils.
Xenia, sling ready and waiting for just such a contingency, lets loose a sling bullet. It flies true, and the vine quakes under the impact. (Hit AC19 / 5 dmg)
The ropy carnivore settles about Florin's body and attempts to lift him into the air. (Mele touch 16 / Beat Grapple 9 w/STR or DEX or be pulled in the air, one arm and both legs pinned.)
Byton hesitates momentarily as a vine settles about the arms and legs of the paladin of Domi. But the sinuous sway of his own vine seems to turn the tide for him. He runs. Emerging from the trail, he veers right only to find himself trapped, as the dark wall of the Crying Woods meets the steep slope of the rock outcropping.
1 - AC18 - Unconscious -3 2 - AC14 - Near Death 3 - AC12 - Unconscious -4/Stable 4 - AC13 - Dead 5 - AC15 - Dead 6 - AC15 - Dead 7 - AC15 - Dead 8 - AC12 - Dead
Syr Wednesday March 3rd, 2004 2:31:33 PM
Seeing the vines wrapped around Florin, he leaves the cave once again. Syr attempts to help Florin extricate himself from the vines by pulling on them to free the paladin (Aid Another). "Will you get back INTO the cave where we know it's safe?"
"Framblation," Xenia swears. She dips into a front pouch and pulls one of her own sling bullets. Before letting fly, she stabs a finger in the direction of the large Anvil Heart.
"You. Stay." She says, a very mean and serious look on her face.
Then the leather strap whirls and she lets go a shot at the vine attacking Florin. (Hit AC19 / Damage 3 )
Bralin (ac18) Wednesday March 3rd, 2004 4:57:11 PM
Bralin stays where he is, denying the cave entrance to the large Anvil Heart.
"You must surrender," the dwarf grates. "Or you must meet me."
Bralin readies his axe. [Ready action]
Florin-AC:17-HP:27/40 d20+4=8 Wednesday March 3rd, 2004 5:05:19 PM
Florin frowns as he is jerked into the air and growls in flusteration as he looses his longsword which slides towards Syr.
Seeing his companions worry he calls out to them, "Get yourselves to the cave and see to the brute and their leader, I'll be there in a moment. Tionel, stablize their leader..we need info and who better then their leader." Florin seems less worried then maybe he should be but figures he should beable to over power the stupid vine yet.
Angus d4+1=5 d4+1=2 Wednesday March 3rd, 2004 5:18:40 PM
Angus takes aim at the string beans holding Florin and lets loose a pair of magic missles.
"Take that vile vegatables!"
Angus then looks to help Tionel stabilize the gang memebers
Tionel (AC 14, 24/39 hp) d20+9=13 d20+10=21 Wednesday March 3rd, 2004 9:16:50 PM
Tionel sighs and reaches into the pouch, crushing wet herbs beneath his fingers as he begins to chant... (Charm person, cast at the last standing Anvil Heart man, DC 14 to save against) Looking directly at the Anvil Heart man, he completes the spell, then moves towards the man, unarmed, and with a non-threatening pose. "I understand how you feel...frightened, angry, in pain, and hopeless. Please, I do not wish more violence upon your person, or your leader." He will say more, but this is only about the first six seconds (a round of combat). (Tionel also tries to, with a look, see if the vine plant is the same as the ones before, Knowledge; nature 13) (Tionel tries to make his words as soothing and calming as possible, diplomacy of 21)
The Unforgiven - Round Ten (ADM/Al) d20+4=12 d20+5=15 d20+5=10 d20+2=15 Wednesday March 3rd, 2004 10:42:18 PM
Syrdeth grabs Florin's hand as the paladin is lifted up into the air. He heaves, and provides just enough slippage for the his friend to break the vine's grip and throw off the coils. (I rolled your STR check on the Aid Other, Syr. You rolled 12, and Aid Other is usually vs a DC10.)
It's prey plucked from it's grasp, the vine jerks up into the air. Then, before it can turn for another attack, it is struck twice, once by Xenia's sling bullet and again by streaks of blinding energy from Angus's hands. Blackened and badly wounded, still it moves to attack Florin again. Whip-like, it lashes out at Florin's head, but the blow is deflected upwards as the paladin fends it off with a bat of his shield. (Hit AC15)
Anvil Heart no longer on the menu, the other vine darts to wrap Syrdeth in it's crushing grip. The coils of vine reach for the monk, but are far too slow, and Syr easily steps away from it's grasping touch. (Melee Touch AC10)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Elsewhere, the hulking Anvil Heart stands off to the side. His short sword is in hand, his feet braced wide apart. His breath comes heavy, blood drips from multiple wounds, and from his direction, comes the smell of charred flesh.
Bralin stands guard over the tunnel, while Tionel calmly weaves a spell. The Anvil Heart shakes his large square head as the magic fills his mind. His eyes, blood-shot-red, narrow with suspicion. (Will Save 15) The muscles in his jaw jump and quiver with tension. And then a tear rolls from the corner of his eye and down his nose.
"Please help." His dull voice pleads to Tionel. "She's dying." He stands rock still. His knuckles where he grips the sword are a bloodless white.
1 - AC18 - Unconscious -4 2 - AC14 - Near Death 3 - AC12 - Unconscious -4/Stable 4 - AC13 - Dead 5 - AC15 - Dead 6 - AC15 - Dead 7 - AC15 - Dead 8 - AC12 - Dead
Florin-AC:17-HP:27/40 d20+7=23 Thursday March 4th, 2004 12:34:55 AM
Florin moves back down the trail as quick as he can, grabbing his sword and sheathing it on the way and thanks Syr for his help along with Angus and Xenia, "Thank you for your help. I'm afraid as leader I couldn't allow this man to throw away his life since he is defending someone. I hope you Syr will understand that since you know I'm a paladin of Domi and bound by honor."
Florin also looks at the last remaining anvil heart and speaks gently now also (Diplomany 23), "Sir, my friend knows more of the healing arts then I do, allow him to see to your leader and let me look to your wounds. You have my word as a paladin of Domi that none here will harm you without good reason. I simply wish some information from you."
Florin motions for Bralin to lower his weapon as to not seem threatening and looks to Syr whispering, "The man showed honor in going back to help his leader, try not to show anger for now friend. Revenge has it's course and it's time, I think for now that time should be delayed alittle."
Tionel (AC 14, 24/39 hp) d8+5=12 Thursday March 4th, 2004 2:10:12 AM
Moving forward, the elf places a gentle hand upon the woman while his other hand rubs wet ivy between his fingers... Healing power flows into the woman. (12 hp restored) He keeps his hand gently but firmly on her shoulder, so that she doesn't try to do anything stupid. Looking up, his voice soft, "Allow me to aid you next...you're wounded as well."
Syr Thursday March 4th, 2004 4:14:21 AM
The elf moves into the cave but not before picking up Florin's sword. When Florin speaks up before healing the woman, his rage is obvious, "PROTECTING SOMEONE? Mercenaries get paid to protect people, does that make them good? Thieves protect each other, does that make it right? How can you possibly justify caring for this creature before our own needs. I didn't see him hurrying out there to free you from the vine?" Still fuming, "I will NEVER aide those that threaten the orphanage!" He glares at the two wounded foes.
When Tionel heals her, he again snarls, "The least you could do is get them to tell us why they were here before we send them on their way, whole, with smiles on our faces." The short elf looks rather comical with a frown on his face, arms crossed, and glaring at the two figures.
Xenia Thursday March 4th, 2004 8:46:04 AM
Always a sucker for the down-trodden, Xenia bites her dark lower lip in consternation.
"C'mon," she says, taking Syrdeth's arm and pulling him toward Florin. She grabs Florin's arm as well and distracts him gently from his negotiations. "Um, guys, I'm not sure 'Right' or 'Revenge' are going to be the problem here. I mean, these are Anvil Hearts, right? I mean, if we let them go, they've gotta go back and report, right? And they can't lie. If I know anything about these groups it's that. These two can't just quit, go run off and hide. It would be like cutting off their own arm."
"And, like, the Anvil Hearts know us. If we let them go, you think Jonas is not gonna to hear 'bout this? And, you heard what the blonde ... " Xenia hesitates and then chooses another word, "woman said. 'Everyone we know is gonna die.' I mean, Hello. Clue time."
The dark half-elf sighs with frustration. "You're a paladin, Florin. And, I guess, what I'm saying is, just don't make any promises that you can't keep."
Bralin Thursday March 4th, 2004 9:24:52 AM
At Florin's command, Bralin lowers (but does not stow) his axe. He continues to keep a close eye on the large man, though.
"He retains his weapon," the dwarf points out to the paladin.
The talk of right, wrong, revenge, and retribution goes right over Bralin's head. They had a fight, the other side lost, and as soon as Bryton puts down that sword, its over.
"The battle is ours," he says to Syr and Xenia. "They are beaten, and surrendered. Surely now we must present them to the authorities, and then return to our mission."
The warrior continues logically, "We cannot leave them behind us. We cannot drive them before us. We cannot kill them. We must take them back."
Angus Thursday March 4th, 2004 10:19:37 AM
Angus is not happy with Florin promise he may not be able to keep, but is heartened to hear Syr's and Xenia's responses.
Angus comments "Be careful who you make promises with as I am sure Domi does not like children threatened and neither do I."
Angus looks to Tionel "Do you have any additional curative spells that may help your travel mates." Angus is obviously concerned about his and the groups injuries.
"That one" ANgus points to the women on the ground. "Has gotten better than she deserves already!"
Live and Let Die (ADM/Al) Thursday March 4th, 2004 12:08:59 PM
*** [[ COMBAT ROUNDS END HERE ]] ***
The Anvil Heart's eyes move from Tionel to Florin. At first, he shies away as Tionel approaches, less from any attempt to dodge, than, almost, an attempt to protect his face from blows which he knows he has no choice but to endure. His whole demeanor, however, relaxes as he sees healing flow instead from the elven druid to the woman on his shoulder.
He lowers her to the ground. His knees almost buckle at one point, but with gritted teeth, he lowers his leader gently to the scatter of stone scree.
The woman's eyes flutter, then open. Her arm rises, and, for a moment, she lies blinking in the light of day. Then she sees the faces around her. "Flash," is her only comment, and her face grows cold and hard.
[[ If you need healing, you might post your HP so that those party members who can do something about it will know. ]]
Florin-AC:17-HP:39/40 Thursday March 4th, 2004 2:04:26 PM
Florin frowns when the leader of the anvil heart group speaks but says nothing as he looks to Syr and Xenia and takes his long sword back from Syr nodding and thanks before speaking, "I understand your anger and we aren't letting them go. We will put them before the authorities of the Floating City. If nothing else I will leave them in custody of the temple of Domi till we return from this mission and then persue the correct course of action. I refuse to harm either one of them inless I have no other choice."
Florin looks to Syr and speaks gently to his friend, "These ones here are only pawns to do as the leader wants....strike off a enemies arm and it can still get more to come get you. We shall seek out the head of the problem once this is finished and I will aid you in that Syr."
Florin uses his lay on hands to heal himself of 12 points of damage and speaks to the Tionel, "Tionel, find out what they were doing here and also where their turtle barge is. After we get the info I will take them back to the Floating City. All we will have to do is make sure their hands are tied and tie their legs so they won't beable to run to fast and I will get them to the Floating City and come back to aid you further in this mission. I have some potions if anyone is injured and in need of healing."
Inless someone speaks up Florin steps away from the group and paces abit, wondering how this could of been handled better and hoping he hasn't just caused a rift in the group by his comments earlier or this time. He sighs to himself alittle and guesses all leaders make messups but truely wonders if he didn't just make a bigger one then needed.
Xenia Thursday March 4th, 2004 2:46:22 PM
"Um," Xenia shoots a hesitant look at both Florin and Bralin. "What are we going to take them in for? Standing around in a cave? You ever try and take me in for that, I'd scream like a cat."
She takes Florin's arm and pulls him to the side. Her whisper is quiet but intense. "When my dad sent me out into the world, he said the most important thing I should learn, was to take care of my own. And now, for the first time, I think I understand what he means by that. What it really takes to do that. I don't think this is a matter of anger, Florin. It's a matter of survival. It's a matter of protecting our own."
"I don't think we have any choice. We have to kill 'em."
Angus 5/13 hp d4+1=5 d4+1=5 Thursday March 4th, 2004 10:18:27 PM
Angus seems determined and is fuming slightly. ANgus moves over to FLorin and Xenia. "Florin you do not have to kill them. I agree with Xenia. We can extract information, but they can not live and the female still seems beligerant."
ANgus takes a step away from Florin and Xenia lines up the two enemy combatants and fires a magic missle at each. " For Gordo and the children."
ANgus then waits for the reaction from the group. " I will have have enemies walking freely to take up arms against me and those i call friend."
Tionel (AC 14, 24/39 hp) Friday March 5th, 2004 12:27:34 AM
Tionel listens to his friends get a bit wild, accuse each other, and so on. He looks at the woman, at Syr, at the guy giving in, then back to Xenia, and finally at Angus as the man throws the magic missiles at the two. He thinks, opens his mouth, and nothing comes out. He retreats from the others to the cave entrance...looking at everyone, his eyes very wide and surprised.
Syr Friday March 5th, 2004 2:46:06 AM
Syr listens to Florin's logic and frowns a bit more, still dubious. When Xenia points out that we can't have them arrested he fixes the pair with a glare. Finally, as Angus uses his magic on them, he jumps, staring at Angus in shock. Muttering to himself, "Who knew such a weak mage could harbor such brutal practicality." He turns to Angus afterward and reaches out a hand hesitantly but then pulls it back, nervously.
Bralin Friday March 5th, 2004 8:25:01 AM Stone's Blood!
Bralin moves instantly. The dwarf positions himself between the Hearts and the rest of the party. Turning his back on the Hearts, he faces Angus. His face is just as cold as the mage's.
"This battle is finished. The foe has submitted. I will allow no more attacks."
His eyes flick to Syr and Xenia to indicate, they too are under the dwarf's scrutiny.
"We must return them to the authorities. If they be as evil as ye claim, they surely desire them."
Gray Shades of Innocence - Extra Post (ADM/Al) Friday March 5th, 2004 11:40:46 AM
Both Anvil Hearts scream as bright light burns their flesh. The large one, though clearly on his last legs, growls and heaves himself to his feet. Short sword gripped like a club, he moves toward the sorcerer, and then falls to the ground, with his leaders arms wrapped around his legs.
The Anvil Heart leader leaps onto her lieutenant's back, pinning him down, her mouth close to his ear. "No, Byton. No. We can't win this. We can't win this, and we're not going to try. You've done good. You've carried us this far. But now's the time to follow my lead, ok? Ok?" The move is quick, and it may have been a trick of the light, but it just might have been a kiss that the Anvil Heart leader places against the side of her hulking minion's face. She reaches out for his hand that still clutches the sword. She takes it by the wrist and gently shakes it.
"Time to let go of this now. Come on. You don't need it anymore. Time for this is past. That's it. Let it go." The sword falls from Byton's hand and the blonde woman helps him to his feet. She looks up into his eyes and gives him a small nod of confidence and approval, before turning to the enemies arrayed around her.
"I'm sorry, but we're not going anywhere with you. We've done nothing wrong, and you have no authority. If anybody should be taken to the authorities, it's you. You attacked us. You come from nowhere and atack us. Without provocation. You killed my men."
"We're leaving now, Byton. We're going to walk out of here. If they want to kill us, they can. But we'll leave this world knowing who the real evil criminals are." She turns and looks defiantly at her foes, and then walks with a steady tread to the tunnel.
Florin-AC:17-HP:39/40 Friday March 5th, 2004 2:05:32 PM
Florin frowns and speaks quickly, glancing at Angus, "Bralin is right, this fight is over and there is no more honor in killing these people now then there is in Jonas wanting to harm the children at the orphange. If we kill them then we are no better then Jonas."
When Florin sees the leader and Bryton move on he speaks up, "Before you go tell me why you were here. We may of attacked you first but if you know what has happened between us and your leader then you will understand that much. I agreed to spare you lives also so I think asking for why you were here is not to much to ask."
Florin thinks a moment and thinks of the dead anvil heart members and sighs, "You are in no shape to move bodies also so I will help you load them atleast. They deserve a proper burial atleast since they did go down fighting. I will say that you should warn Jonas, touch the orphange and there is no force in the Wold to stop me or these people from hunting him down. If you truely think you are on the side of good then you should also be wondering why you sided with a man who would threaten to burn down a orphange and kill innocent people."
Florin looks to Xenia, Syr and Angus, "If Bralin and Tionel like we will help these 2 with the bodies of their friends and then we can continue....afterwards we can continue on our mission as we promised. If you decide these 2 should be killed then you do it with the knowledge that I'm against it and I think you should find a new leader if you decide to kill them and if this is to be our way."
Florin glances over at Tionel now and speaks gently to him, "I'm sorry for what has happened here Tionel, I thought there was no choice but to attack at the beginning since they out numbered us and figured they would try to stop us from our mission. These two are defeated however now and deserve to leave without any farther harm. If we are concerned about the orphanage then we should return and come back to finish this later."
(OOC: I know some people can take things personally so I hope no one takes my post here wrong since I'm just playing out my character's personality.)
Xenia Friday March 5th, 2004 3:24:36 PM
Xenia's eyes narrow, and she marches to stand before the tunnel entrance, hands on hips, baring the Anvil Hearts from entering.
"I don't know what you were doing here, whether it was good or bad, or whether letting you go is a mistake or not. But I do know that when I came up out of the water for a look around, you told him to kill me," the dark half-elf says with two stabs of her finger.
"He was going to shoot me with an arrow. Now I know that doesn't mean that we're right and you're wrong. But it sure as frangford means you don't get to wear that jack of high-and-mighty that you've been putting on. And I'm flashed if I'm going to let you walk out of here making my friends feel that this is all their fault."
"Yup, that's right sister, I can see you trying to talk your way out of this. My friends might be too much the gentleman to see what you're doing, but, I'll tell ya, I'm not falling for it. You're not gonna leave us here with your flash-load of guilt, and you're gonna sit right there where you are until you've answered all of our questions too. Like, how the framblation you got all the way out here. You got it?"
"Either that, or I'm gonna sock you one so hard, it's gonna make your eyes spin around in your head." And Xenia balls her hand into a small gloved fist and shakes it under the nose of the Anvil Heart leader.
Angus Friday March 5th, 2004 8:21:30 PM
Angus looks at the female gang member and then to Florin. "United we stand..... She is right. We attacked without provocation. I tried to subdue them with the wand of color spray. It was you and Bralin that spilled blood and killed them. I agree we may not be better than Jonas if we kill them, but at least we will be alive and so will the orphans and Gordo. I am just attempting to finish what you started."
Angus takes a breath to cool his hot face. "Remember Florin, IF we take them to the authorities it leaves our control. I am for maintaining the situation under our control. They could buy off the council and never pay for their crimes. I do not trust the my fate or the fate of my friends or those I chose to protect to outsiders. You may have faith in the law, but I have much less."
Angus looks to Xenia and Syr. "We should vote as a group if they live or die, but IF we vote that they live we can never let them go back to the Floating city again. If we vote to finish what we started, we need to get what information we can from them, but I doubt that is possible now, except from those uncouncious in the cave."
Angus now directs his attention to Bralin and Florin "If they are free in the Floating City, we including Gordo will have to be on our guard for assassin's until wither we or the Anvil Heart gang are all destroyed. Not a difficult choice in my book."
Bralin Friday March 5th, 2004 8:25:22 PM
The dwarf shoots up an eyebrow when Florin agrees to let them go. Not what he would have done. But, he's not the leader.
The other eyebrow shoots up when Xenia tries to bar the cave. He hopes he appeared more imposing when he did it.
Passing Florin, the dwarf whispers, "a secret passageway rests in yon cavern." He thinks a moment, and adds in a normal tone, "Would not they have arrived on yon turtle that guards the lake entrance?"
Nevertheless, Florin asked the Heart for an answer. Bralin joins Xenia in blocking the cave. He does put away his axe, though.
Tionel Saturday March 6th, 2004 2:27:37 PM
Tionel leans against the side of the cavern wall and seems to be in a pondering sort of mood. He softly hums to himself, his eyes going blank as he seems to be lost in thought.
Syr Sunday March 7th, 2004 7:23:01 PM
Relaxing slightly, he leans up against the wall. His breath and blood gradually slow down and he begins to consider the situation more rationally.
Addressing the leader, "I get rather excited in the heat of the moment. The only reason we are here now if because of Jonas' threats. There is no way that I'll feel an ounce of remorse for this fight." His eyes narrow to hard slits, "However, that doesn't necessarily mean I'm prepared to execute you."
Addressing Angus, "Flor is right." Syr emits a small sigh, "We have to let them go. I'm not quite prepared for anything else."
Turning to the woman, "Here is a simple question, do you have a name? Even if we decide to let you go, I would want some assurances that the kids will be safe." His small frame suddenly becomes very tense, "I'd want to know your name if something does happen to the orphange."
Pleading the Case (ADM/Al) d20+10=26 Sunday March 7th, 2004 10:16:06 PM
The Anvil Heart leader stops and turns as Florin mentions the name "Jonas." She looks on with a completely opaque and neutral expression until the paladin finishes speaking.
Her look is equally unreadable as Xenia moves to block her path and accosts both her and Byton with an accusing finger. She does no more than return the angry gaze of the half elven rogue with cool blue eyes.
When it is Angus's turn, she looks contemplative as the sorcerer proposes to place the fate of their lives to a group vote.
The dwarf, then adds his girth to the slip of a girl a the mouth of the tunnel, and makes a very astute guess.
Finally, the elven monk speaks his piece, asking for her name.
Three in the tunnel, three out. Her eye travels to each of the six, ending on the paladin. Her gaze lingers on him, taking his measure. Then, the stoic mask of her face breaks into a broad infectious grin, and she turns to the half-elf standing next to her.
"So, it was you in the water, eh? Who would have guessed. All we saw was a shimmering ripple. And after all the creatures that had been chomping after our butts today, it was shoot first and ask questions later. Ask your friend there about 'getting excited,'" she says with a wave of her hand at Syrdeth. "I'm sure he understands."
"I'm sure you understand too," she says, directing this last toward the paladin. "You look like the kind of man who understands leadership. How important it is to bring your men home in one piece. To their homes. And their families. To tell you the truth, we had lost two already before you ... Well, lets just say, the Crying Woods didn't like us too well."
"And it seems that you know Jonas. Well, I won't lie to you. We're his crew. Never heard of you, though. So, if you've got some fry with him ... well, I guess there's nothing stopping you taking it out on us. Or, I guess you might be fearing for someone else. What? He threatening orphans now? And one, 'Gordo' too I presume," she says raising a questioning eyebrow at the thin sorcerer.
She turns to Syrdeth. "If you're asking, my name's Johnson. Specialty Johnson. Not that it'll do you any good. I'd like to tell you that I could help you out. I'd like to give you your assurances." She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. "You have no idea how much I'd like to give you your assurances. But," and she tips her head, looking askance at Xenia, "You can ask her how much assurance I can give. We have our oaths and we're bound by them. Beyond that, we have our place in the organization, and we don't step out of it. So, if you're looking to come at me for something Jonas is going to do, you might as well kill me now. I've got no say over what he does. All I have, and all I can say, is that I sympathize with you."
"I feel the weight of your burden," she says to Florin.
"I understand the fire of your outrage," she says with passion to Angus.
"I too have had to bear the threat to those I love," she says reaching out to Syrdeth with her light blue eyes.
And, finally turning to Bralin, Xenia and Tionel in the mouth of the tunnel, "So, if, after your vote or decision or whatever, you still feel that you are compelled to put us to death ... Then, at least you can do it in the knowledge, that we understand the dire nature of your feelings.
Angus Monday March 8th, 2004 9:59:16 AM
Angus speaks to Johnson in a much more even tone. "Well choosen words. I say we have several questions to ask prior to our vote. The answers to which will influence my vote significantly." Angus takes a deep breath.
"What were you doing in the cave and in the crying woods? Who are the Anvil Heart's and what is there purpose and standing in the Floating City? Who is Jonas and is he of higher rank than you in the gang? Who is the leader of the Anvil Heart's? How do you think you can go home once in the cave? Who are your companions with you alive and dead? What assurances do we have of our, the orphans and Gordo saftey if we let you or or turn you over the the authorities? Also, how many gang members are there and how do we contact them if we want to discuss anything?"
Angus looks around to the other group memebers. "Anything to add to my questions?"
Syr Monday March 8th, 2004 11:55:26 AM
Syr shakes his head at Angus, "There is no need for a vote in my eyes. Our vote was taken when we elected Florin." He nods at the still dripping paladin. "Any vote we have would be for a new leader."
To Florin, "It's your call, I hope we are doing the right thing."
Smilling softly at Angus, "However, the wiz kid here does bring up some excellent questions which I would like the answer to?" The monk continues to lean casually against the wall.
Xenia d20+1=19 Monday March 8th, 2004 12:35:55 PM
"Florin, can I talk to you for a second," Xenia asks, tugging at the paladin's arm.
"I don't know if she's lying or not. But I do know that she's probably telling us all of the truths that she can come up with that will work in her favor. And I bet there's a whole lot that she's not saying."
"But even aside from that, if we let them go, then Jonas will know that we know about whatever he's doing out here. I don't know what it is, but maybe, just knowing about it would be enough to put the orphanage in danger, you know? And, even if it isn't something important. If it makes him mad enough ... well, you know."
"I know you don't want to kill them. But, if there's any way we can just, you know, tie them up for a while."
Suddenly Xenia brightens and she looks up into Florin's face with an idea shining in her green eyes. "What if Bralin's right. What if they did come by turtle. And what if we took their turtle when we left, huh? That would take them a good long time to get back. We could even leave them some food or something if you're worried. How about that, huh?"
[[ Whoa, check out that Sense Motive 19 ]]
Tionel d8+1=5 d8+1=9 d8+1=6 d8+1=4 d8+1=3 d20+10=21 Monday March 8th, 2004 3:37:17 PM
Drawing forth a slim birch stick, Tionel moves forward from person to person. First, to Bralin, touching him (healing for 5), then to Angus (healing for 9), then himself (healing for 6). Next, with a sign of inoffensiveness, slowly touches the leader, and then her companion (healing for 5 and 9 respectively). He says, softly, "Another of your companions lies inside; I bound his wounds before he passed away." Continuing in that gentle voice, he says, "We were told there'd be danger here, and pretty much expected a fight. So, your attack prematurely launched my own companions' battle plan. Perhaps neither of us are at a fault. So, tell us why you were here, and perhaps we may find out if someone has been using us for pawns."
(I want to hear their reason why they were here...and after they give it, Tionel will say this long speech.)
Then, taking a breath, he slowly exhales, and continues on a course that he knows most will find exasperating and unexpected, but comes from his heart. "And finally, I ask this. Why be part of such a group, serving such a man as Jonas? As long as there are people like him, there will be situations like this, and people like them," (points to the corpses) "will suffer. You obviously know this, and consider what you face when you return. Perhaps you even will be killed by this Jonas, merely for what he has done to us. "Perhaps we can atone for our mistake, and you can make up this loss. "We do not like Jonas, and he has threatened to be a personal pain to us. And we do not want a gang ruled by a person such as him to be in our fair city. "So, return with us to the Floating City, and take us to Jonas. We will face off with him, and deal with our problems directly. Instead of causing the suffering of others, it will be something between our group and him. You need not involve yourselves or the other members of the trash gang, except those who would follow his evil ways." Tionel finishes and considers his own speech, then adds, "You see, we really don't want to hurt innocents or get people involved. Surely you do not wish that either. If Jonas wishes to fight us, I say that we should meet him head on, and not risk any more lives besides those who wish to fight." (Diplomacy 21)
Florin Monday March 8th, 2004 7:39:17 PM
Florin looks to Johnson and thinks of what she has said, even after Xenia pulls him to the side and he sighs still thinking before turning to look at Johnson and speaks to her, "I would like to hear your answers and also simply ask, if Jonas was dead what would you do? would you seek a better life?" Florins eyes glint now like steel as he thinks and whispers to Xenia, "I plan to have them lead us to Jonas and then we will do our best to kill him...one that is done these people will be free of him and so will we."
Florin looks to Syr and nods to him, "I'm sorry for such harsh words my friend Syr and I will stay as leader if you ask for such."
Florin closes his eyes for a moment and then speaks once more to Johnson and her friend, "I do plan to get rid of Jonas, he uses people and forces people into things, the Wold needs no man or woman like that and I will see to him not being able to do it ever again and believe all among this group agrees with that." Florin's eyes soften as they regard the pair, "I do wish to know what you wish of your fallen companions? They fell in duty and deserve to either be buried or taken back to the city so I wish to know which."
Bralin Monday March 8th, 2004 9:31:15 PM
Bralin nods silently to Tionel as the druid heals him.
The situation is rapidly degenerating into talking, again.
The dwarf waits for Florin to give a course of action. In the meantime, he continues to block the cave entrance, keeping an eye on Specialty.
There will be no surprise attacks today.
Questions Answered (ADM/Al) Monday March 8th, 2004 10:17:54 PM
Specialty Johnson pushes a strand of blond hair back off her face and tucks it behind one ear. She touches her pale forehead and comes away with a sheen of perspiration. Despite being clear of the humid miasma of the Crying Woods, the area where the group holds court is well within the eye of the mid-afternoon sun, and the loose rock scree upon which they stand retains the heat.
"You want to know why we're here. Not much harm there, I'd think. At least no more than's been done already. In the cave, on the bodies of some of my men, you'll find some waterproof sacks. Inside, you'll find some large white flowers. We were sent out here to collect them. Why? I have no flashin' idea."
"And let me explain something to all of you by way of answering some of your questions. I can tell by the look of you that none of you has a real gut understanding of what it's like to grow up on Trash Level. Even your roguee bint there doesn't have the look in her eye. We've got so little that when you get a mother's love, you look for a way to sell it. And when you fight and claw your way into a group that will protect and stand by you, that'll put you above the trash in the Trash, when you find a group that will take you from a grubbing worm and make you a human being, then you stick by it. Sure, everyone swears an oath. But it goes deeper than words. But, at the risk of my own neck, I'd say that by your looks and by your words, none of you really understands that."
Specialty locks her pale blue eyes with Florin's and explains the hard facts of life. "You think about life on Trash Level, paladin. You look at what a group like the Anvil Hearts means to people on Trash, and you tell me what would happen if Jonas died. You think it's going to dry up and blow away? Everything becomes happy roses? All free?"
"All free to starve. Everybody uses everybody else. And with the best intentions. Even you, paladin."
"Nah. If Jonas died, someone would step into his place. Maybe me. Maybe someone else. Even if the Anvil Hearts all blew away. Another group would rise to fill it's place. It's the way.
"Does that answer your question?" she says to Tionel with a rhetorical directness. "And does that tell you why I'm not telling you anything about our organization or how you can find us?" she says to Angus. "You don't find us. We find you."
"Now, your dwarf's figured out the turtle. And it doesn't take a genius to figure out that if I were at Jonas' level I wouldn't be out here in the flashin' Crying Woods. And, though I like my neck with my head still on it, I tell you now, that's all I'm prepared to say you lot. You don't get anything more."
"I thank you for the offer of burial. But we're all prepared to rot where we stand on Trash Level. It happens so often. Do what you feel your conscience demands." She folds her arms then, and goes silent.
Angus d20+2=14 Tuesday March 9th, 2004 8:56:22 AM
Angus listens to Johnson's words and attempts to sense any alterior motives (sense motive 14).
Angus turns to Tionel after being cured. "Thank you I feel much better. We have to talk about cureing enemies as a group before actually doing it."
Angus turns to Florin "Not what I wanted to hear. If we let them go they will hunt us down as a group. We have no idea how large their organization is and it is doubtful that they will give you an honorable opportunity to kill Jonas. We can take down a portion of the organization, just by holding them him as Xenia suggested. If we let them go or give them to the authorities we are in for a world of hurt and not just to us."
Angus takes a breath and continues "Florin, I am in no shape spell wise to start a battle with a superior foe as Jonas and his cronies. Also, what Johnson is saying is that she still has allegence for the Anvil Heart gang that you can not shake. We free them and they will stab us in the back. Ask Tionel about that one. We choose this fight. We let them go and they choose the next one."
Angus looks to each group member and Johnson for rebuttal.
Bralin Tuesday March 9th, 2004 12:02:27 PM
The mage is becoming irritating.
Bralin moves away from the cave entrance, forming a united front with Florin.
"This battle is ended," he announces to his own group. "Our leader is merciful and grants the vanquished leave to retire, on condition they answer his queries. His condition is met. No further discussion is required."
The dwarf takes in everyone but Florin and Syr with his gaze. "We will take reasonable precautions, but living in fear of what might be is impractical."
Xenia Tuesday March 9th, 2004 1:06:54 PM ROUGEE BINT!!! Xenia is fuming. In her mind, she can just so see herself walking over to that mouthy self-confident piece and punching her right in the nose.
Instead, she looks daggers at her, and smiles prettily. "And make them leave their stuff too, Florin. Spoils of war. They should be ok on the way back home. And it will keep them out of mischief."
"C'mon, Angus," she says, pulling on the sorcerer's arm. "We're not going to get anything else from them."
"Though, I bet if we prove that we can hurt 'em hard enough, it'll make them think twice about messing us around," she says in a voice loud enough for all to hear. "Makes it not worth the resources, right honey?" she says, smiling again at the Anvil Heart. "Knowing which dog to leave lie. All part of protecting your own, right? It's the way." And Xenia's grin broadens, showing her gleaming white teeth.
Florin Tuesday March 9th, 2004 3:25:05 PM
Florin thinks and nods before looking to the others, "Johnson, the kids at the orphanage are getting a shot at a better life as you are as a member of the Anvil Hearts. I think a leader should beable to find better ways to help people who need it as you and the others of the trash level want and clearly need."
Florin pulls a small piece of cloth from a pouch at his waist and qipes a small amount of blood from the wound he recieved from the arrow earlier, "Those kids deserve a chance, leave them out of this. I lead this group against you so any problems Jonas has should be taken up with the leader of the group." Florin tosses the now lightly bloodied cloth with the Jadenth crest printed on it to Johnson, "Give this to Jonas, tell him I will meet him in 2 days at the Giggling Ghost to speak of this matter. The leader of a group holds responsability for all actions taken. As leader I will meet Jonas in two days at noon and the Giggling Ghost. I will come alone, no tricks."
Florin glances to the others and motions with his hand for no comments to be made right now on his actions. Florin figures that Jonas will wait on any actions atleast out of curiousity on what Florin may wish to say or do at the GG. After this Florin nods at Xenia's words, "I doubt you will have any problems and to ensure nothing else happens to us I do ask that you leave your weapons and armor here, this will ensure you will not lay in wait and try attacking us when we finish here. An Johnson, I pray you do whatever you have to to get Jonas to atleast wait and meet me before he does anything rash. Remember also that if you become leader of the Anvil Heart one day that there is always a better way to help those who need it and make yourselves better then the place you lived in."
Angus Tuesday March 9th, 2004 4:35:24 PM
At Xenia's suggestion Angus casts dectect magic and scans the two Anvil Heart gang members.
Syr Wednesday March 10th, 2004 4:46:09 AM
Syr comes off the wall and places a hand on Florin's soldier. Whispering softly and with a grin he speaks with the paladin, "Well said for a leader. However, we are a family first. Where you go and risks that you take are all of ours. I appreciate how you handled the children. Hopefully, that will remain enough."
The elf steadfastly ignores the paid of Anvil Hearts and moves back deeper in the cave.
Execution of Sentence (ADM/Al) Wednesday March 10th, 2004 7:35:11 AM
True to her word, Specialty Johnson says nothing more. Her expression is flat and unreadable. Watching her face, Angus gets no sense at all, of either thought or emotion. Behind her poker face, she is effectively a blank slate.
When the mage weaves his hands and casts a spell, both rogues light up. Both of their pouches and various bits of their armor and clothing hold an edge of cold fire from the mage's spell. Even in the bright sunlight they glow. They begin stripping down. At Angus' prompting, they describe each object as they lay them upon the rocky ground. When finished, a small pile of armor, clothing and weapons lies before the group.
Xenia frowns at the pile. "Wait a minute," she says. She gazes into the Crying Woods from the head of the trail. With a dash, she sprints to the bend in the trail, picks up an object and then dashes back. It's the leader's short sword, and she throws it on the pile.
On Florin's orders, the group "escorts" the two back into the cave. Specialty Johnson looks at the six arrayed around her. She holds Florin's bloodied hanky up in two fingers as though presenting evidence in court. Then she tucks it into her boot.
The rogues wade into the pool, and take several quick shallow breaths, hyperventilating. A final deep breath and then they sink below the surface of the water. You assume that they swim with competence through the dark tunnel to the other side.
[[ OoC: Here's a catalog of the items. (so far) ]]
MW Studded Leather MW Buckler *2 MW Short Sword MW shortbow w/ 20 arrows Cloak (magic) Studded Leather (magic) Short Sword (magic) Potion w/ green stopper Potion w/ blue stopper *2 455 gp
*Al - I edited the specific magic items. The group won't know that yet -- MikeK
**Mike - Ok. I figured as long as they had the rogues there, it made sense for the group to force them to divulge what each item was. But I, it's your show, baby. You da man.
Angus Wednesday March 10th, 2004 9:25:47 AM
Angus is happy to see the gang members leave even if it is under their own power.
Angus call out to Johnson before she and Bryton slip below the water. "I trust that we will never see you again"
Angus turns to the group "Well I guess that went as well as could be expected. I truely do hope that we do not ever see them again and if we do it us under a method of our own choosing."
Angus looks over the magic items "Does not look like much I will be able to use, but some of you should get some nice stuff."
Florin Wednesday March 10th, 2004 10:13:26 AM
Florin watches the two anvil hearts leave and sighs deeply before speaking, "Anyone see dark shapes in the water or did they truely leave?"
Once Florin knows as close for sure as possible he speaks quickly, "We'll finish this and get back to town. I have some preperations before meeting Jonas. As I said I will go alone but...I need all of you near and ready. I have a plan I will go over when we return to town. If this works we will have Jonas in the open and not have to charge a rats nest to get him." Florin smiles and looks to Syr, "I'm breaking my word of honor by actually having everyone be ready for a attack but this is the only way I see of possibly getting Jonas easily and on our terms. We'll speak more once we return from this job."
Tionel d8+1=5 d8+1=7 Wednesday March 10th, 2004 10:51:42 AM
Tionel also heals the last guy that was still alive that he'd prevented from dying (After disarming him), so three Anvil Hearts leave, not two. Other than that, he doesn't say much as the others start going through the loot. Instead, he casts a "Detect Magic" himself, and begins going over the cavern. Where is that bloody 'magical thing' we're supposed to find, he wonders to himself...
Bralin d20+4=22 Wednesday March 10th, 2004 4:09:29 PM
The dwarf impassively watches the trio of Hearts leave.
He nods to Florin regarding the plan once they get back, and then quickly returns to the task at hand.
He steps purposefully to the secret door and again looks for the mechanism to open it. [Search 22]
"There is a door here," he announces as he works, "Most excellently wrought." Bralin traces the outline out for any who come over to help search for the doorbell.
Xenia d20+10=27 d20+10=15 Wednesday March 10th, 2004 4:37:38 PM
The Anvil Hearts disappear under the water in a trio of concentric ripples, and Xenia sticks a pink tongue out in their direction in a wet raspberry. Still fuming, she spends some time searching the remaining three bodies for what they might have.
Secret Door! The half-elven rogue's head pops up, and her present task is all but forgotten. "Where? Where?" she asks, rushing over to Bralin. "Wow. You see that?" she says, squinting to see the outline of the door. "Wonder how hit opens?" She helps Bralin search for the opening mechanism.
[[ Search/Bodies 27 ]] [[ Search/Door 15 ]]
Syr d20+4=24 Thursday March 11th, 2004 5:27:33 AM
The monk watches the trio leave and shrugs his shoulders, "Well, we beat them once.... we will just have to do it again."
Hearing Bralin's comments about a secret door he walks over to the wall and looks for a trigger (Search 24). He spends the next few minutes twisting, turning, and proding any unusual rocks on the wall or the floor.
Angus d20+7=10 Thursday March 11th, 2004 8:49:02 AM
Angus appears to have calmed down and is in a much better mood now that the gang has left. Angus moves over to Xenia to assist in the seach with the assistance of his detect magic.
"Xenia, I will scan for magic on the dead while you search."
Once the search is complete Angus will walk over to the door. The door seems boreing so Angus takes our his silver flute sits down and begins to play. (Perform 10)
"Not my best effort. Should have put the flute in the waterproof bag." Angus now takes time to clean his flute while the rest of the group works on the stone door.
Open Sesame (DM MikeK) Thursday March 11th, 2004 9:23:05 AM
Florin and Angus carefully watch the cavern pool. All remains quiet on the water's surface. Apparently, The Anvil Hearts are not returning. At least, not yet.
Xenia sets to searching the three bodies lying on the cavern floor. Each former Heart wore leather armor and carried a short sword. The swords are in reasonable, but not quality, condition. The armor is in decent condition, except for the recently created gashes in them. They are also not masterwork. Purses on the three total up to another 60 gp.
Tionel casts DETECT MAGIC and slowly circles the cavern. Nothing of interest jumps out at the druid.
Xenia, Syr and Bralin huddle around the secret door, trying to get it open. Bralin and Syr find the sneaky little outcropping at the same time. Their hands meet as both move to push on the switch.
Silently, the door appears in the wall, and swings outward. Behind it is a carved corridor. Both the door and the hallway behind it are oval in shape, generally about 7' high, and wide enough to allow a single person passage. The dimensions are not even, appearing to follow the contours of an existing crack in the rock. It slopes up at a fairly steep angle, but still climbable. After ascending about 20', the darkened passageway veers left, out of view of the trio gazing up it. The floor of the passageway seems to have been crafted to be slightly rough, so as to allow good footing. Layers of dust cover the floor.
An intelligence check DC 12 will show the passageway (and door) are expertly crafted. A craft(stoneworking) check DC 25, will show its not of dwarven make, but may be better.
Everyone please roll a Spot check.
Xenia d20+2=18 d20+10=25 d20+9=16 d20+9=26 Thursday March 11th, 2004 9:58:24 AM Now how in framble heaven did I miss that? the half-elven rogue pouts as both of her comrades find the secret door switch. Hmph. More concentration, Xenia. Less enthusiasm.
"Um, let me take a look at this passage way first." Already absorbed in this fascinating little niche in the wall, Xenia speaks the words half to herself. This stuff is good.
In the flickering torchlight, Xenia squats in the doorway examining the floor, walls and ceiling of the passageway. Her gloved thumb brushes at her lower lip as her eyes move. Occasionally, she breaks off her search and lifts her head to glance about like a deer raising it's head from the grass. She pricks up her ears and her low light vision roves the torchlit gloom. Then she returns to her search. She has companions to watch her back now, but the habits of a solo rogue die hard.
Florin Thursday March 11th, 2004 3:59:39 PM
Florin allows the much keener of sigh and knowledgeable on being careful look now that the door is open and he glances to Bralin, "I hate to say it my friend but you are probably going to be more comfortable in there so if you don't mind you may lead yet again. I can help pack some of this stuff or we better do something to hide it for the moment."
Florin grins thinking of the hiding comment and speaks to Tionel, "Tionel, your knowledge of the woods and everything would allow you to hide this treasure easier outside wouldn't it? we could pick it up on the way out."
Tionel d20+7=13 Thursday March 11th, 2004 6:04:43 PM
The elf hums to himself speculatively, and sighs, glancing to the dead bodies. Then he looks to the secret passageway. With his magical vision still on, he scans down the passageway for anything of interest.
Syr d20+8=15 Friday March 12th, 2004 5:25:39 AM
As the doorway slides open, the elf drops to a crouch. He remains at Xenia's side as she examines the floor but doesn't advance until she gives the all clear.
Angus d20+3=11 Friday March 12th, 2004 8:10:28 AM
After cleaning his silver flute, Angus get up and moves over to the group by the stone door, taking very little interest in it. Angus still has on his detect magic, but is not being that observant (spot 11) as he is being carefull to put his flute back in its case.
"So what did we find guys and gals anything fun or interesting?"
Bralin d20+5=17 d20+12=21 d20+2=9 Friday March 12th, 2004 8:21:24 AM
[Spot 17] [Craft 21] [Int 9]
Withdrawing his hand quickly from the accidental touch with Syr, the dwarf shoots him a look. But Syr has already moved on, so Bralin gazes up the passageway to see if he can find anything.
He actually cracks a smile at Florin's comment. "Much more comfortable," he remarks.
Like Syr, Bralin waits for Xenia to give the all clear before proceeding.
All Clear (DM MikeK) Friday March 12th, 2004 8:45:16 AM
Xenia carefully examines the visible part of the passageway. It hasn't been used in a long time, and its expertly constructed. Other than that, its just a plain ol' tunnel.
The rest of the party waits for the rogue's signal to proceed. Neither Tionel nor Angus find any signs of magic in the tunnel.
Xenia Friday March 12th, 2004 3:09:04 PM
Xenia nods quietly to herself and then swivels on the balls of her feet to face those behind her.
"Looks clear. From the dust on the floor, doesn't look like anyone's been through here for a long time." She takes her haversack out of the waterproof bag and fits her arms through the straps.
"Who you sending in, Florin? Me? Syr?"
Florin Friday March 12th, 2004 11:59:59 PM
Florin smiles and motions for Bralin to lead the way as he looks to the others, thinking to himself before speaking, "Bralin leads us through the tunnel and I'll take up the rear just incase something happens to come up behind us."
Florin glances to the pool where the anvil hearts had left through and sighs abit as he thinks to himself and wishes there was a way to set up a warning of some type. Florin snaps his fingers and looks to Xenia real quick, "can you set up something to give us warning is something comes behind us? I have some rope and maybe Angus can make it invisible." Florin thinks for abit on this.
Xenia Saturday March 13th, 2004 9:32:24 AM
The dark rogue's face drops into a small frown of concentration as she considers the items in her haversack and what she might be able to rig. Finally, she sighs.
"I could maybe rig something, Florin," she says, apology in her tone, "but it would be very easy to spot. And it wouldn't give us any warning if we moved too far away from the door."
"I've heard of a stone that you could stick to the door. It sets off an alarm that you can hear from a long ways off when someone touches the door. But they're too expensive for me to be carrying around with me now."
"Sorry, Florin. If you're worried about someone sneaking up on us," and she indicates the pool with her head, "the best I can suggest right now is for one of us to keep their eyes and ears peeled toward the back of the group. Which," Xenia continues, "means Syr, I suppose."
Then, Xenia falls into line behind Bralin.
Bralin Saturday March 13th, 2004 9:41:14 AM
Nodding to Florin, the dwarf pulls out his axe and enters the tunnel.
Syr Monday March 15th, 2004 7:08:40 AM
Syr shrugs his shoulders, unworried. "I don't think they'll be back anytime soon. I think she wants to go talk to Jonas first." The elf marvels at how silently Xenia can move when she wants to and follows her into the tunnel.
Company! (DM MikeK) Monday March 15th, 2004 8:59:13 AM
Xenia's rogish instincts are proving to be right on.
As she gives the pool a last glance, two figures surface before her eyes. At first sight, they both appear to be human males. Their equipment is bundled up in water proof sacks. They are both of slender build.
The taller one, about 6' in height, carries a bow and wears two sword sheathes at his waist. The other man, 3-4" shorter than his companion, is armed with a longsword.
No isignia is immediately apparent on either man.
Both men look to the three bodies lying on the far ledge, and then see the party.
----- [ooc - Bob and Matt, you're on]
Angus Monday March 15th, 2004 9:05:56 AM
Angus seems very alarmed. "More creatures from the lagoon!" Angus yells to the group in and by the door.
Angus readies a magic missle spell but does not cast it, instead waiting for his groups and the recomers reaction.
Angus backs away from the pool at the same time. There has been too much combat for his likes today anyway.
Xenia d20+11=16 d20+10=18 Monday March 15th, 2004 9:52:03 AM
Without a word, Xenia reaches up to tap Bralin on the shoulder. She places a finger to her lips in a warning of silence, and then jerks a thumb in the direction of the cave and pool outside the tunnel door.
The dark rogue flattens herself against the side of the door, a move which provides more concealment for herself, while, at the same time, allowing passage for Bralin as well.
[[ Move Silently 16 / Hide 18 ]]
Bralin Monday March 15th, 2004 11:48:48 AM
The black armored dwarf swiftly turns, strides past Xenia, and emerges back in the cavern.
Dwarven Waraxe in hand, he waits for the strangers to exit the pool.
"State your purpose," Bralin demands bluntly.
Florin Monday March 15th, 2004 2:03:27 PM
(OOC:I don't remember rather I stated it in earlier posts, did Florin retrieve his bow and glaive outside or should I consider them already pickedup again?)
Florin sighs when he sees the two people emerge from the pool and readies his longsword as he watches the pair, "As my dwarven friend said, what are you doing here? I see no emblem of the anvil heart on you but that doesn't mean you may not be a enemy." Florin is careful and watches the two while waiting an answer.
Once this issue is resolved and if Florin hadn't picked up his glaive and bow outside then he will go do that real quick and return.
Wynn Brightsong Monday March 15th, 2004 5:37:26 PM
Wynn emerges from the water and looks about the cavern. Three corpses catch his immediate attention and his hand reaches for his longsword. When the challenge is issued from behind him, he shifts his focus to the group on the shore.
"Creatures indeed!" Wynn moves his hand away from the hilt of his sword and takes another step towards the shore. The water is now below his waist. "I am Wynn" the half-elf says. "I do not know what an 'Anvil Heart' is, nor do I know if you are my enemies. Your actions will decide that." Wynn takes a meaningful look back over his shoulder to the three corpses. "Friends of yours?" he asks with an impudent smile. Wynn puts his sack on the shore and wipes the water from his face. "My companion and I have come in search of one Bralin Stoneminder of the Clan Corregan. Do any of you know him?"
Lang Madchel Monday March 15th, 2004 7:36:11 PM
Lang's awe of the water-breathing potion is quickly subdued as he sees the dead bodies in the cavern and the group of people challenging Wynn and him.
Lang will move towards dry land along with Wynn. Once there he will set down his water-proof sacks and his bow. Lang will position himself next to Wynn and will remain silent, waiting to see the group's response to his associate's question.
Tionel Tuesday March 16th, 2004 1:32:48 AM
Tionel, still quiet, silently watches these others, and carefully moves to the rear of the group. He mutters something very softly to himself and then sighs.
Syr Tuesday March 16th, 2004 5:12:58 AM
The elf's ears pick up and he calls out to the strangers, "Bralin, you say? That might be our long-winded friend here." He nods his head toward the dwarf. "And who might you be?"
Feeling out process (DM MikeK) Tuesday March 16th, 2004 8:15:19 AM
The conversation continues.
Bralin Tuesday March 16th, 2004 8:20:59 AM
The dwarf's eyebrows go up at the formal pronouncement of his name and clan. Ignoring the crack about the bodies, he stows his axe, and approaches Wynn.
"I am Bralin Stoneminder, of the Clan Corregan," he announces. He stands waiting for Wynn to do/say whatever it is he came all this way to do.
Angus Tuesday March 16th, 2004 9:11:45 AM
Angus looks slightly exasperated. "I thought this was a secret cave. Who does not know about it."
Cracking a smile he looks to the two new wet adventurers "You two must be great trackers to track Bralin and us over and under the water, or you have very good information. Please explain yourselves?"
ANswering Wynn "Those three departed are or were of the Anvil Heart association. Not a healthy profession. I turst you two have choose a different line of work or affiliation...." Angus leaves the question hanging.
Wynn Brightsong Tuesday March 16th, 2004 6:13:24 PM
"It is not difficult to track a man when you know where to look", Wynn replies to Angus. "Tarketh of the Alder Circle gave us directions"
The half-elf searches inside his vest and retrieves a small granite disk, some 3" in diameter and 2" thick. He hands it to the dwarf.
"Bralin Stomeminder, I have been sent by the Clan Corregan to find you and send you home. Your Chief has perished in an avalanche and all clan members must be present to select his successor. You will know my words to be true by this stone which does not lie."
Wynn takes a single step back, and then speaks to the group as a whole, "I owe the Clan Corregan a life debt and at their pleasure assume Bralin's own life pledge."
Xenia Tuesday March 16th, 2004 6:56:05 PM
Xenia steps out into the doorway of the tunnel as the guy who's called himself Wynn says stuff about stones, and life pledges, and Bralin going home.
"What? What? What does that mean?" she asks, green eyes wide in her dark face. Spying the newcomers, she's immediately kind of embarrassed, her orange red hair is tied back into it's usual ponytail, but it's still wet and all from their earlier trip underwater and up through the tunnel into the pool.
"Your not going anywhere, are you Bralin? I was just getting to like you."
Lang Madchel Tuesday March 16th, 2004 8:46:04 PM
After Wynn has spoken, Lang will step forward and say to the group of people in front of him, "I am Lang Madchel. I have been working for the Circle of the Alder for the past year. The Anvil Heart association is not a group that I am familiar with. Tarketh of the Circle of Alder has sent me along with Wynn, to assist your group on its mission in this cavern".
Lang will then step back, gather up his possessions, get them sorted onto his person and get ready to move with the group out of the cavern.
Florin Tuesday March 16th, 2004 9:40:52 PM
Florin looks to Bralin and looks down a moment thinking of his family and knowing his own father is still alive but yet lost to him he sort of understands what is said.
Florin steps up by Bralin and places a hand on his friends shoulder, "My deep sympathy over your loss my friend. I will pray to Domi for you and your father." Florin then looks to Wynn and Lang and sighs abit to himself before offering his hand to one and then the other to help them out of the pool of water while his other hand still holds his large steel shield with the symbol of Domi shown on it, "MY name is Florin Jadenth a commoner of the Floating City. Let me help you out of the pool and I am sorry for such a less then warm welcoming. I fear you will find out more about the Anvil Heart then you are ready for in a short time." Doubts anyone will comment on him being actual noble by birth since Florin refuses that part of his life.
Florin also looks to Xenia and smiles saddly to her, "If you can carry some or all the stuff we gathered from our battles then please do. Also this is a matter Bralin must attend. Everyone but me and those who maybe have no parents or don't like their parent would attend a funeral or for a dwarf what they do as the rites." Florin smirks only slightly and whispers to himself more then anyone, "I would dance on my fathers grave if he died."
Hello, Goodbye (DM MikeK) Wednesday March 17th, 2004 10:42:47 AM
Bralin silently accepts the disk from Wynn and stares at it a moment. Covering it with both hands, he makes some kind of movement, and the disk splits in two. On each piece, intricate runes are carved in the stone. The dwarf looks them over, sighs, and turns to Florin.
"Tis not my sire who died. Yet, I have been summoned and must depart."
The dwarf reaches into his pack and withdraws four vials, which he hands to the paladin. One is the ointment of healing (Keoghtem's Ointment -- 3 applications), and the other three are healing potions (Cure Light Wounds).
"I held these for the group. They are yours."
Bralin gives Florin a handclasp, pulls him closer, and says in a low voice, "Ye lead well. Trust yourself, and ye shall continue."
The dwarf works around a circle, silently shaking hands with the rest of the group, and asks Tionel for a shot from the Water Breathing wand.
Finally, he turns to the newcomers.
"Wynn," he announces, "know ye that I have pledged my arm to this company for 5 times 100 days, and have served but 20. The charge is now yours."
With that, Bralin Stoneminder walks into the pool, sinks beneath the surface, and disappears.
Leaving the group standing in a torch lit cavern next to the opening of a very dark tunnel. Oh, and Florin's weapons are outside.
[Wynn and Lang - make a Spot check please]
Angus d20+7=10 Wednesday March 17th, 2004 11:30:49 AM
Angus is caught off guard as he always wants friendly warriors around him. "You are leaving us Bralin?" Angus takes his hand and says in dwarvish "Long life and may earth be steady under you feet for all of your days." Switching back to common. "Bralin, I time together was not long, but I wish to call you friend. Good luck in you travels and your task at hand. I am sure your clan will benifit from your wisdom as our small group has. THis is not good bye, but till we meet again." Angus takes Bralins sturdy hand in his frail one and shakes it with as much strenght as he can muster.
Angus moves off and takes out his silver flute while everyone says there goodbyes. Angus is racking his brain for a dwarvish traveling tune. (Perform 10) Not Angus's best effort, but then again he does not know any dwarven traveling tunes that start in the water, so he is making it up as he goes.
Xenia Wednesday March 17th, 2004 11:44:56 AM
Xenia's dark lips pull into a pout as Bralin starts talking about leaving. I mean, sure, he's kind of cranky, and he doesn't talk a lot. But, he's kind of cute. And he's steady, and he's sensible, and, in this way, he reminds her of her father.
When he comes to her for goodbyes, her eyes get kind of watery, and she kneels in front of him, wrapping him in a big hug. "G'bye, Bralin. Don't, don't forget to, like, you know, get rest and drink plenty of liquids," she says quietly to the dwarf. Then she stands aside and watches until he disappears beneath the dark surface of the water.
Xenia is quiet after Bralin's departure. She looks at the two newcomers with interest, but says nothing. Following Florin's request, she goes to where they stashed the Anvil Heart gear and fits as much as she can into the dimensional voids of her haversack.
Florin Wednesday March 17th, 2004 1:40:42 PM
Florin takes what Bralin says with a respectful nod and looks to the others now as he heads out of the cave long enough to grab his glaive and bow, putting them both up before coming back into the cave and looks to the rest of the group once more. Deciding it is best to finish this matter so he can make plans of what to do with up comming events he speaks gently, "With Bralin gone we have few now I think with night vision. If no others can scan ahead well then I will lead us through the tunnel and hopefully we will find the item we seek shortly."
Florin glances to Wynn and Lang unfortunetly not knowing these two well yet so he smiles abit, "I hope neither of you mind my request of you being in the middle of the group. I do not know either of you yet or your combat capabilities." Florin hopes that the two new people will understand his comment considering for now Florin is still acting leader of the party, he just hopes his decisions will be good ones and hopes that the latest ones are good ones.
Xenia Wednesday March 17th, 2004 2:40:40 PM
"Um, Florin, maybe we should just have Angus make us a light," Xenia suggests.
"We can even hide it a bit at the end of the line. Me and Syr and Tionel can see pretty far with just a tiny bit of light."
Wynn Brightsong d20+6=21 Wednesday March 17th, 2004 6:48:00 PM
Wynn waits for Bralin to say his goodbyes and when the dwarf tells him of his life pledge he accepts it with a nod of his head. "I would ask a favor of thee" the half-elf replies, "my family does not know my fate. They may believe me dead after the loss of our ship. Please get word to them at the Brightsong Trading Co. in Magpie Crossing". Wynn removes a gold earring in the shape of a musical clef and places it in Bralin's hand, "it was a gift from my mother and she will know it."
Wynn watches Bralin disappear into the water before scanning his surroundings [Spot=21].
"The middle of the pack is acceptable to me. I am proficient with sword and bow, and I can cast a few simple spells." His comments are directed to the large man with the black pony tail and the symbol of Domi.
Wynn shoulders his pack after stowing the waterproof sack that had protected it. He inspects his longsword before sheathing it and restrings his bow. The bard acknowledges the group around him, offering his hand to each in turn. He lingers momentarily when greeting the dark-skinned half-elf, his eyes hold hers for a moment, a smile graces his lips.
Angus Wednesday March 17th, 2004 9:07:50 PM
Angus ears perk up. "Xenia you need a light!"
Angus pulls his never used daggar and cast a light cantrip on it and hands it to Xenia very dramatically
Lang Madchel d20+5=11 Wednesday March 17th, 2004 9:57:54 PM
Lang will step to one side and silently look around the cavern (Spot = 11) and watch as the group says goodbye to their companion Bralin. As Bralin sinks into the depths of the pool, he will remember his own sad farewells from his family as he went off to find his place in the Wold.
When Florin addresses Lang and Wynn he will step forward and say, "I too have some skill with sword and bow. And if the need arises I also have the ability to track. A position in the middle of the group will be good as I will be able to provide cover fire with my bow".
Lang will finish gathering his gear, checking for any possible water damage. He will then string his bow. As Lang takes his spot in the middle of the group, he will shake hands and greet everyone.
Tionel d20+2=12 d20+2=14 Thursday March 18th, 2004 1:22:11 AM
The normally quite outspoken and cheerful elf seems locked into a quiet reservedness.
Syr Thursday March 18th, 2004 4:23:31 AM
The elf snaps out of his revere and clasps Bralin warmly before he leaves. After he is gone he walks over to Tionel, "Do ya think you should have used that wand thing? I'm not quite sure how he is supposed to swim to the surface with all that armor and a short amount of air?" Grinning he nudges the other elf, "You okay? I've never known you to be silent.... especially around strangers."
After waiting for an answer he moves to the newcomers, with plenty of energy, he holds out a hand, "I'm Syrdeth but most call me Syr. If you have half the honor of Bralin, you two should be alright."
Tionel Thursday March 18th, 2004 8:26:32 AM
Tionel ponders that perhaps it would teach the dwarf a lesson in humility to swim without the wands effects, to see how it felt to suffer needlessly at the whims of others, and then feels bad for wishing that pain upon another...he taps the dwarf with the wand, saying the word to activate it, and letting him begone, not replying to Syr's comment.
Waiting for the Go (DM Mike) Thursday March 18th, 2004 9:24:13 AM
Wynn gives a final request to Bralin, who nods in acknowledgement before he disappears.
Most of the group discusses strategy while Tionel harbors some doubts.
The tunnel beckons. The newcomers can see it is wide enough for just one person at a time as it climbs into the gloom.
[Need marching order, and who's holding a light]
Xenia Thursday March 18th, 2004 10:20:48 AM
"Hi, um, my name's, uh ... uh, Alexandria. Uh, Alexandria Merryman Next," the half-elven girl stammers as the bard meets her eyes. "But, but, call me Xenia. I mean, too. I mean, everyone calls me Xenia." If her skin weren't so dark, her face would probably be as red as her hair.
She extends a gloved hand to Lang as well. "Hi, my name's Xenia," she says, much more in control of herself now.
Xenia grins at the glowing dagger that Angus hands her. "Neat trick. Somebody else want to hold this, though? I don't need to hold it to see, and I'd rather not be lit up like a festival lantern."
"I think either me or Syr should go first. But, if you're bound and determined, Florin," she says touching the paladin's arm, "you should have me, or Syr or Tionel behind you. We see better in the dark."
[[ OoC: Not in character for Xenia to say this sort of thing, so I'll OoC. How about Xenia or Syrdeth first with Florin second wielding his glaive for extra reach. Don't know about the middle, but either Xenia or Syr on the end to watch the party's back. Maybe someone good with a bow second to the end to work in concert with the rear guard. [[ How tall is the tunnel, Mike? Tall enough for a certain girl rogue to climb over, say a six foot paladin?
DM MikeK says, roughly 7ft. Florin would have to crouch or go prone. Tunnel has at least one twist, you can't see beyond that]]
Angus Thursday March 18th, 2004 10:43:46 AM
Angus yawns "Marching order. Put me in the middle. I want to be surrounded by friendly warriors. I can hold my daggar, but will drop it if it comes to combat. Can't have the daggar slow me down."
Angus waits for everyone else to get ready as he already is.
OOC: How much spacing between group memebers? Also, did the tunnel twist and turn or was it straight?
Wynn Thursday March 18th, 2004 6:51:00 PM
"Xenia it shall be then", Wynn releases her hand and takes up position next to her. "I wish I had asked Bralin what the nature of this quest is" the half-elf thinks to himself.
Lang Madchel Thursday March 18th, 2004 8:43:50 PM
Lang will say to Xenia, "I will hold the dagger if you would like and take a position near the back of the group. I am capable of fighting with it along with one of my short swords. If need be, I can drop it and use my bow instead. Plus my vision in the dark is poor so I do not mind having the light near me".
"Florin" asks Lang, "Do you mind telling Wynn and I what we should be looking for? Tarketh did not supply us with that much information".
Lang will then take a spot in front of who ever decides to go last in the line.
Florin Thursday March 18th, 2004 11:24:57 PM
After retrieving his bow an glaive he listens to what is commented on by Xenia and nods. keeping his sword and shield ready instead though.
Florin glances to Lang and Wynn and smiles, "The druids believe there is some source of magic down here that will get rid of the poinsonous flowers growing on the trash level of the Floating City. We are hunting for this item in return for them to move a sea monster and it's eggs from the flood lock of the trash level. Since the mother sea monster was guarding it's eggs we though it best to find a peaceful way around the issue."
Florin thinks of the members of the group and nods before speaking, "Okay, Xenia is more agile and her skills may come in handy in the front so Xenia will lead, I'll go next Angus behind me with your light please..the rest should be Tionel, Lang, Wynn and Syr. If this formation is okay then we should get moving." Florin smiles to Xenia and taps her shoulder gently after his comment on her skills, hoping his gentle nudge about her skills will help her in agreeing if not just get a smile from her.
Xenia d20+10=12 d20+9=12 d20+9=24 Friday March 19th, 2004 12:33:20 AM
Xenia smiles and nods at Florin. She starts into the tunnel and then suddenly turns.
"The Flowers!" she shouts excitedly. "That Anvil Heart. She said they were here to collect flowers. Maybe that's how they're getting into the Trash Level. The Anvil Hearts are bringing them in. And, and, maybe some of them, some of them, you know, escape and go wild."
...
"Can flowers escape?" Still puzzling the question, Xenia turns and enters the tunnel, her eyes and ears alert for danger.
[[ Search(Traps) 12 / Spot 12 / Listen 24 ]]
Syr Friday March 19th, 2004 10:09:21 AM
Syr smiles at the marching order and falls into line in the tunnel. Still a bit unsure of the newcomers, he keeps a wary eye on them from his position in the rear.
LOG ON