DM Jan Friday July 2nd, 2004 11:30:07 AM
As the others look on -
Zayne sets off swimming to the far bank. The current is strong, the water is FREEZING COLD, but he looks like he'll make it in the next round with no problems. Dietrich has the rope and has dug his heels in just in case. Zayne's stuff lies in a pile at Dietrich's feet.
Vauhwyt attempts to wade across. As its fifteen feet deep in the middle, she finds herself afloat. The current drifts her downstream until she finds herself gently buffeted against Stone 3.
Vorelle tries the stepping stones and her two feet land squarely on Stone 1. But for some reason, instead of facing toward the far bank - she finds that she's facing the direction she came, and can see Olyn, Theo, Dietrich, Ryan and Rose on the bank.
Strange...
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+3=12 d20+3=9 d20+3=8 Friday July 2nd, 2004 11:45:23 AM
When she is in over her head, Vauhwyt goes under for a moment -- just long enough for Mookie to get frantic. Then she bumps up against Stone 3 and grabs for it wildly! (First Swim check 12)
"Boss! Boss!" shouts Mookie.
After a sec, Vauhwyt thinks, "Get a hold of yourself! Time is running out on the spell!"
She braces her hind feet against Stone 3 and pushes off to reach Stone 4. (It's only 3 feet away, and she is a good 12-20 feet long, enlarged).Then she does the same with the next stone, until she has her footing again. (second swim check is a 9, so maybe not!) (if she needs more time, she tries again -- this time an 8!)
With any luck she makes it across before the spell ends. Or maybe her poor swimming skills have her trapped in midstream?
Vorelle d20+1=10 Friday July 2nd, 2004 12:11:22 PM
Vorelle waits a moment, but apparantly nothing worse happens than being turned around. Cautiously she turns back to the river and eyes the next stone. If the way looks clear, she jumps to it (Jump 10; should be good enough). She pauses again, looking around to see the effects this time.
Zayne Friday July 2nd, 2004 2:03:59 PM
Swimming he realizes that this water is near freezing,but he swims on.
To keep his mid off the cold he thinks of his two favorite things,food,and how really beautiful nature really is.
Ryan and Neen d20+3=22 d20+10=19 Friday July 2nd, 2004 4:43:43 PM
Ryan decides to try the stepping stones but waits untill "Miss Valerie" is out of the way.
(Jump:22 it'll do)
Neen leaps along with him with her natural ease
(Jump:19)
Theodore and Macaw Sunday July 4th, 2004 2:55:53 PM
Theodore can do little but wring his hands on his side of the river, as he splits his attention between Zayne, Vauhwyt, Vorelle, and now Ryan. "Perhaps it isn't the best idea for us all to act independently."
Theodore directs Macaw to fly to the other side of the river and wait for the others.
DM Jan Monday July 5th, 2004 2:53:12 PM
Zayne gets to the far back on the river with no problem. He's quickly followed by Vauhwyt, who works her way across in the water, using the stones to push off from.
Vorelle tries to turn around and leap to the next stone. But for some reason, she keeps facing back toward the bank she first jumped from.
Seeing her try and make the leap, Ryan jumps to the first stone. To his surprise, there are now Ryan's two feet, and Vorelle's two feet on the stone's surface. It starts to get a bit crowded as the cat arrives. It's own four feet landing on the stone.
From the bank, Theo, Olyn, Rose and Dietrich can now see Vorelle, Ryan and his cat - all on the first stone in a little crowd.
Macaw flies to the far bank, just in time to see a bedraggled, wet-through Zayne and Vauhwyt arrive.
Vorelle d20+1=17 Monday July 5th, 2004 4:35:14 PM
Seeing that facing where she's going does no good, Vorelle tries facing where she's been. Facing the river bank she left from, she makes a jump. (Jump check 17)
Ryan and Neen d20+3=16 d20+10=24 Monday July 5th, 2004 5:05:29 PM
Surprised Ryan leaps back to the land.(Jump=16). "Sorry Miss Valerie I was a little hasty". He turns towards the rest of the group, "Er looks like we might need a plan"
Neen follows Ryan (Jump=24)
Theodore and Macaw Monday July 5th, 2004 5:39:30 PM
Theodore remains on the bank and watches the confusion between Ryan and Vorelle. (What does Theo see when Vorelle tries to go jump to the next stone leading to the opposite bank?)
Olyn Monday July 5th, 2004 10:49:53 PM
watching people swim and jump on rocks just to be turned around. Olyn starts giggling. when Vorelle attempts to jump to the next stone and is forced to face the opposite direction, his giggle turns into outright laughter. hooting and snorting and through tears he points at Vorelle, and begins laughing even harder.
turning to Theo: maybe if they jump backwards they will be ok. /giggle
Zayne d20+5=19 d20+5=22 Tuesday July 6th, 2004 11:29:53 AM
Crawling out of the water he looks around to make sure things are safe.(Listen 19 Spot 22)
Quickly heads to the nearest tree that looks like it can support a considerable amount of weight.Looking and seeing Macaw,"Hey you bird,I need your'e help. I need you to take a message back to Dietrich."
Not really knowing how intelligent the ravens actually are,"He's the one holding the other end of this rope. Tell him to find something stable to tie his end to,and I will find a tree on this end so everyone can have something to hold on to while they try to navigate the stones.." Pointing to Vorelle and Ryan,"Looks like they can use all the help they can get."
(OOC Taking 20 on tying the rope at this end too.Zayne will be looking for a tree that allows the rope to run parralell to the stones,or very close to it)
DM Jan Tuesday July 6th, 2004 12:16:31 PM
Theo's familiar perches on a nearby tree and cocked its little head at Zayne. Dietrich gets the idea anyway, but over on his side of the bank, there's nothing to anchor the rope on to.
On stone #1 - Vorelle takes her leap - and lands safely back on the bank. She is now back where she started, with Olyn, Theo, Rose and Dietrich.
That leaves Vauhwyt, and Zayne on the far bank.
It also leaves Ryan and his cat on Stone 1.
There was obviously a trick to this. Theo 'might' have seen a slight shimmer in the air as Vorelle had tried to jump before, but not this time as she jumped to the bank. What was going on? Was it some kind of spell? And what was the solution? Perhaps it made one wonder what that gnome had meant, as he yelled at the group from the passing boat.
Ryan and Neen d20+3=11 d20+10=29 Tuesday July 6th, 2004 4:12:50 PM
Giveing up Ryan and Neen jump back to the land. (Jump,Ryan=11 Neen=29)
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+7=10 Tuesday July 6th, 2004 9:30:17 PM
Vauhwyt uses a Prestidigitation cantrip to clean off all the water and river mud. Bleck.
While she is distracted, Mookie does something he almost never does ... he flies away and lands in a tree. "This place sure is nice, Boss," the black bird says. "Kinda gets inside ya, sort of."
Vauhwyt looks startled, and has a funny feeling through her link to her familiar. She starts to react viscerally, and swivels her head -- and her body follows. But then she gets a crafty look on her face.
"Come herre," she tells the bird, "What did you say, Mookie?" But her ploy is pretty obvious (Bluff check 10), and Mookie laughs at her. "Boss, I see right through you!" he chuckles as he flaps to a higher branch. "Don't get your pants in a tangle!"
Vorelle d20+1=17 Tuesday July 6th, 2004 10:53:30 PM Four are better than two...Four what? thinks Vorelle. Not stones, obviously; we have four. Four feet? Must we make the jump on all fours?
She shakes her head. That doesn't make sense, and besides....she conjures up a quick mental image of herself trying to leapfrog the stones. No.
With a sigh, she hops into the river and swims across with help from the rope (Swim 17).
Olyn d20+3=20 Wednesday July 7th, 2004 3:15:58 AM
grabbing Theo by his arm Olyn walks to the stones. looking at Theo he says: i think 2 of us have to go together.
if Theo is approving, at 3 he jumps with Theo to the first stone.
jump of 20
DM Jan Wednesday July 7th, 2004 12:24:54 PM
Ryan and his cat jump back on to the bank to rejoin Vorelle, Dietrich, Rose, Olyn and Theo.
Vorelle decides to cross via the water. Yikes - it's cold! Brrrr! But she's able to manage it quite well with the aid of the rope and reaches the other side.
Olyn has an idea. It works! Four feet on the stone counters that tricky little spell and he and Theo are able to hop across the stones to the other side.
This means that Ryan's cat is able to make its own way across, and if Dietrich carries Rose on his shoulders, he and Ryan can then cross together, too.
At this side of the river, there's a scent of lush, wet grass and the sound of birdsong coming from beneath the tree canopy.
A vague path leads west, into the interior of Blackbird Forest. It looks pretty gloomy in there.
Zayne d20+5=17 d20+5=18 Wednesday July 7th, 2004 12:57:11 PM
Before Dietrich can cross he shouts across te river,"Tie my gear to the rope,or something! I don't really feel like swimmng across that again!"
Relieved to see the group make it across safely,he begins to put on his armor and out his weapons on,there is something very soothing about having a bow in an mysterious forest.
As soon as he is finished,he begins to scout araound,for any surprises. (Listen 17 Spot 18)
Ryan and Neen Wednesday July 7th, 2004 4:35:58 PM
They both stand on the other side with the group slightly nervous looking towards the foreboding wood. "Er" he says trying to control the uncertainty in his voice "Why exactly does everyone want to go through this forest anyway?".
Vorelle Wednesday July 7th, 2004 8:58:04 PM
Dripping and shivering, Vorell stands on the river bank and waits for the others to cross.
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday July 7th, 2004 9:00:19 PM
"Good thinking, Olyn!" says Theodore when the pair reaches the other side. "I'm ashamed that I didn't think of that."
Theodore sends Macaw up into the air again to look out over the forest and the surrounding area.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Wednesday July 7th, 2004 11:17:44 PM
Answering Ryan, "Miss Veronica" explains ... "This is the Blackbird Forest -- a place new to us, but one which we think has significance to our cult. We are also on the look out for our enemy, the Unnamed, known to use this symbol" She shows him the symbol.
"Now," she says to Mookie in his tree, "are you coming down from there?"
[OOC: Jan, what is the effect on the birds? Will they act normally and stay with the party?]
DM Jan Thursday July 8th, 2004 7:09:58 PM
(Argh... sorry I'm late posting folks)
Dietrich has Zayne's stuff, which he drops unceremoniously at the young man's feet.
Macaw flies up above the trees, where he can see a flight of black doves wheeling in the sky before dropping back toward the leaves. Further to the west in a tall tree, is a rookery - a multiple nest conglomeration complete with noisy residents, all cawing away at once.
This forest is obviously home to a great many birds. There are predators of course, and going off other sounds, territory is being declared everywhere beneath the tree canopy, territory that would very likely be contested and defended. There's no intelligence here that would tell the three avian familiars 'why' this forest feels so good. It's far more basic - a gut feeling - survival, food, finding a mate, shelter, all good.
Down on the forest floor, the path leads into the lush interior. Huge horse chestnuts, chestnuts and elm; a wide-trunked oak can be seen way ahead. No signs of any people or creatures.
Zayne d20+5=7 d20+5=8 Thursday July 8th, 2004 8:42:17 PM
AS he walks into the forest he stops and takes a deep breath,as if inhaling the forest. He exhales slowly,and is very cautious as he enters further. He looks around,with a look of awe on his face.(Listen 7 Spot 8)
"This forest,is primal,and old. I think I understand what the elves meant about this place. We need to be extra careful in this place."
Looking to Vorelle,I think we should stay close."
Vorelle d20+6=16 d20+6=18 Thursday July 8th, 2004 10:39:56 PM
Vorelle nods in agreement with Zayne and takes up a position at the rear of the group, watching and listening as they move into the forest.
[Spot 16; Listen 18]
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+3=9 Friday July 9th, 2004 6:29:48 AM
"Come ON, Mookie," says Vauhwyt, and the familiar flies down.
Then she joins the group as they head into the forest. Remembering what the elves said, she sings a song in a language probably unfamiliar to everybody else (anybody know goblin?). It does not sound very sweet. [Untrained perform check 9]
Olyn d20+3=21 Friday July 9th, 2004 9:14:02 AM
coming up the 3rd from the end of the line.
looking at the majestic of the woods. having just heard stories of the great places his ancestors used to reside in. reaching out and lovingly touching a tree, then cradling a leaf gently in his hands, then again breathing deeply the wonderful smell Olyn smiles a smile noone has ever seen before. its more of a im finally free smile.
cringing when he hears V's attempt to sing he decides to start a tune himself, a lively tune where the others can join in quite easily. one that the words are not hard to remember. but can be changed with just a word or a sentence so the song can be used over and over without getting boring.
peform 21
Theodore and Macaw Friday July 9th, 2004 9:21:06 AM
Seeing that Macaw is eager to explore this enticing new forest, Theodore gives his friend free reign, as long as he stays within a mile of the party.
Theodore takes his place in the middle of the group and follows the rest as they enter the forest. He too is thoroughly enjoying this great new experience, having never before been in a forest. The fresh air is intoxicating to him, and he finds himself grinning foolishly.
DM Jan Saturday July 10th, 2004 12:48:38 AM
And so, the group enter the forest. It's a pleasant walk, with rays of sunlight breaking through the trees, and the sound of birdsong here and there. The path is firm, not particularly well established, but with two rangers in the party, fairly easy to detect. Vauhwyt tries a song, which is followed by a more melodic effort from Olyn. Oddly enough, certain trees appear to shake their leaves slightly as the group pass. Apart from that, there's nothing out of the ordinary, until mid-afternoon, when two things happen.
First up - Vorelle spots a carving on the trunk of a young elm - its the Marteaus sign, which suggests the group is on the right track.
Secondly, as the group are passing a small clearing to the right side of the path - a tree, or whats left of it, appears suddenly with no warning. It just blinks into existance, and what was a clearing before - isn't a clearing now. There's a tree there instead, and it looks as though its been half crushed. One of its major limbs comes crashing down only 5 ft away from the group. Smaller branches are twisted and bent, and part of the trunk looks cracked. The whole thing is leaning at a rather odd angle.
Up above the trees, Macaw flies along. The bird senses water. To the west, far away, but a vast expanse of water.
There are no more strange happenings for the rest of the afternoon, and twilight arrives, bringing shadow and mystery.
Zayne d20+5=12 d20+5=13 Saturday July 10th, 2004 2:14:15 PM
Walking through this forest makes Zayne very nervous. This place just does not feel the way a forest should or maybe it feels too much like a forest,he cannot decide which.
He is on the lookout for trouble as always.(Listen 12 Spot 13)
When the symbol is spotted he makes a note of it. The tree appearing out of nowhere,is sommething he was not prepared for. Standing there in awe for a moment,"Now that is just unnatural." Looking to Vauhwyt,"That could be a problem. If trees are appearing out of nowhere,whats to say they wont disapear as well. Also how permanent does that make this path? I mean the trail we have been following could just vanish." His nose is twitching nervously.
Ryan and Neen d20+3=18 d20+3=8 Sunday July 11th, 2004 5:02:16 PM
Ryan does not take much notice of the odd sign that appears on the tree. He is however quite spooked at the appearing tree reminding him that they could be in possible danger. (Spot=18 Listen=8)
Vauhwyt and Mookie Sunday July 11th, 2004 8:30:58 PM
Vauhwyt asks the rangers, "Any idea when this Marteaus symbol was carved? How old is it? Could this be a trail marker?"
She spirals around a little ways out from the cutting looking for another one.
When the tree crashes into their path, she does not know what to do. "How odd." But she tries to reassure Zayne. "Don't worry. You and Miss Valerie can find our way out. Plus the birds can fly high and direct us."
In a private moment, she asks Mookie, "Did you feel anything, oh black feathered friend, when that strange tree appeared?"
Vorelle d20+6=10 Monday July 12th, 2004 1:56:30 AM
Vorelle takes a closer look at the marking, trying to determine how fresh it is.
(Survival 10)
Theodore and Macaw Monday July 12th, 2004 6:20:45 PM
Theodore grimaces at the Marteus symbol, but otherwise says nothing. At the sudden appearance of the shattered tree, he jumps back. "Oh my!" He takes a few timid steps towards the damaged tree. "What could have done this?" he asks out loud. "It looks recent." Wisely, he keeps a safe distance so that nothing can drop on him.
Olyn Monday July 12th, 2004 11:10:56 PM
he too is a bit alarmed when the tree appears out of nowhere. and then spotting the symbol of Marteaus on its trunk he walks up and blesses the tree.
cast Bless on the tree.
DM Jan Tuesday July 13th, 2004 1:38:42 AM
Vorelle examines the carving on the elm. The indents in the carving are dried up which suggests this sign has been made a few weeks ago, at least. Vauhwyt can't find any more right now, but its right on the side of the path. Perhaps there are more further along, who knows?
Mookie - Singing brought it home. But where has it been to end up like that?
Theo keeps a safe distance from the battered, newly arrived tree, while Olyn steps forth and blesses the elm with the carving. Nothing happens, which suggests the carving was just a carving, and nothing more ominous.
Twilight is rapidly giving way to darkness. Zayne and Ryan note that birdsong is ceasing, and things on the wing are flitting through the trees. Dietrich suggests that finding a spot to camp might be a good idea. Neen's eyes adjust to the gloom. Rose yawns, tired after all the current excitement.
(Folks, if you do decided to set up camp, let me know watches, and any special arrangements you might think of.)
Olyn Tuesday July 13th, 2004 5:47:02 AM
I agree with Dietrich. a place to camp would be nice right about now. a warm fire and a hot meal sounds very inviting at the moment. but might I suggest we have 2 people per watch, 1 singing. someone who wont wake the dead or us that are trying to sleep. *looks at Vauhwyt and smiles*
Zayne d20+5=25 d20+5=18 d20+5=19 Tuesday July 13th, 2004 12:01:05 PM
"I will see if I can find a decent campsite."His voice sounding doubtful
As he heads off,he turns around,"I think I will take first watch tonight." Pausing for a moment,"I don't like this forest at all. There is something......wrong is the only word I can think of." Then he is off into the forest. (Search 25 natural 20 Listen 18 Spot 19)
Theodore and Macaw Tuesday July 13th, 2004 12:52:10 PM
"I need to replenish my spells," says Theodore. "I can take the first watch and then if you could let me sleep a few extra hours, that would be most appreciative."
"I don't know about building a fire, Olyn. I think if these trees are in the least bit sentient, they might take offense to us creating something so dangerous to them. Perhaps we should not build a fire until we leave this forest."
Vorelle d20+6=22 Tuesday July 13th, 2004 3:03:24 PM
Vorelle assists in looking for a place to camp (Survival 22), and offers to take middle watch, or whatever is needed.
Ryan and Neen Tuesday July 13th, 2004 3:57:07 PM
Ryan also feels that it is a good idea to rest. He also asks the group about watches and he and Neen are happy to take the first.
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+3=23 Tuesday July 13th, 2004 6:42:16 PM
Vauhwyt whispers to Mookie, "Let me know if you think anything else might 'come home via singing.' "
She volunteers for first watch. She teases Olyn ... "You just caught me getting my voice in tune. I'm much betterr, usually."
This time her singing is truly splendid. [Natural 20!]
DM Jan Wednesday July 14th, 2004 12:28:00 AM
Zayne and Vorelle have a scout around. A little ways along the path, Zayne sees a small sapling to the left of the vague track disappear. One second its there, the next - gone! But as he approaches - his feet crunching lightly through the indergrowth, it reappears, just like that, and there's a scent accompanying it - dry heat and iron.
Vorelle takes note of the lie of the land. There's a slight upward slope to the right, with underbrush that would give good cover. Clearings, and there are a few of them scattered around, appear to be a bad idea, so if a fire is required, a space will need to be cleared, so that the whole forest won't catch fire.
It's now full dark, and a few owl hoots can be heard. On first watch, Vauhwyt's singing is accompanied by two occasions of leaf rustling and cracking branches off in the dark beyond the camp. The sound is spooky and startling, but no creatures or monsters appear. The birds sense its the trees, returning from slumber and awakening in their true home.
Second watch - Dietrich has volunteered to stay up with Vorelle, and he tries out his vocal chords with a drinking song he picked up at the Blue Eel. For those who are trying to get some sleep - yep - its going to be one of those nights. Half way through the watch - there's another rustle of tree branches, off to the north west in the dark. This time it's followed by a low, deep thud that makes the ground shake. The ground bounces that hard, its enough to awaken everyone in the camp.
There's also a sound of rushing water.
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday July 14th, 2004 9:28:55 AM
Theodore groans at the sudden sound and rolls over grumbling. Another sleepless night, it seems.
Macaw flaps to a tree branch and caws loudly. Theodore staggers to his feet, looking quite a mess with his sleep rumpled clothes and hair. Fumbling for his staff, while trying to wipe his hair from his face, he looks about. "What was that?" he whispers to whomever is closest.
Zayne d20+5=23 Wednesday July 14th, 2004 11:12:44 AM
Waking to the sound he immediatly grabs his bow,and knocks an arrow in one fluid motion, and begins to look around for the source.(Spot 23)
Just loud enough to be heard over the commotion of everyone scrambling about,"Is eveyone alright?"
He begins to look around for Vorelle,when he sees her me motions for her to move out and flank the camp from the opposite side as him.
Vorelle d20+8=18 d20+8=16 d20+6=18 d20+6=19 Wednesday July 14th, 2004 11:46:32 AM
Following Zayne's hand signals, Vorelle melts quietly into the forest next to the camp (Hide 18; Move Silently 16), nocking an arrow as she goes. Her senses are on alert as she watches and listens for signs of trouble (Spot 18; Listen 19).
Olyn Wednesday July 14th, 2004 5:40:16 PM
waking with a start at the Thud.
rolling out from under the covers Olyn quickly gets to his feet. mace in one hand and his holy symbol in his other.
watching, looking, wondering.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Wednesday July 14th, 2004 8:15:55 PM
Vauhwyt awakes suddenly, hearing water. She immediately casts Enlarge Person (shared with Mookie) and dashes up to 40 feet over to a big tree. She looks like she is ready to grab it in case a tidal wave appears.
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