DM George Wednesday June 30th, 2004 10:21:48 PM
The 3rd day is rolling to a close and the Bloodpack is enjoying the respite from any serious activities. Only Trellus seems to be doing any serious work. He was last seen peeling breadgrass for the groups dinner.
The lookout calls down from the mast, "Captain, I see something ahead! It looks like a clearing in the grasses with some kind of building in the center."
The Captain orders the Grass Swift in that direction but starts reefing sails to slow the ship.
Jake Thursday July 1st, 2004 7:52:53 AM
The lanky half-elf is in the midst of a game of solitaire when he hears the notice from above. Eagerly, he straps on his armor and gets his weapons ready, which will probably take a few seconds.
Trellus d20+8=22 Thursday July 1st, 2004 8:47:28 AM
Trellus has devoted the last few days to Domi. There is nothing quite like the sheen of sweat on your body to make you feel alive, Praise the Protector.
But, like Jake, he also hears the lookout's call.
Curious to see if this building will look anything like the chapel Flea described in her dream, the young man climbs up and looks out at their likely destination.
[Spot 22]
Grymash d20+2=22 d20+5=6 Thursday July 1st, 2004 9:22:05 AM
Grymash barely feels the boat go from a small halfling's walking speed to an even slower crawl as they approach the 'building'. In fact it's always difficult to feel any movement out of the old barge at all. Gry normally has to put his hand down in the grass to feel the green stalks slowly run through his fingers to get any sense of forward progression. As they approach, at what seems to take hours, he watches and listens. (Spot 22, perfect 20, Listen 6, natural 1).
The half-orc sees things with perfect clarity but a bug flies into his ear and gets stuck! Gry proceeds to root it out with his pinky.
Tishe' Thursday July 1st, 2004 9:31:51 AM
At the lookouts call, Tishe' moves from sailor to conjurer. She brings her equipment on deck and prepares for departure.
"Why would a building be in the middle of a sea of grass." she wonders allowed.
Mac d20+5=22 Thursday July 1st, 2004 10:08:07 AM
"'Tis a fine blade. I know of a place that would welcome such as could make such weapons... Sorry Nain, would I be right in assuming you to be a local?"
He looks about as the call goes up [Spot Check: 22] and replies to Tishe', "I doon't knoo, but I'm still learnin'."
Flea d20+11=16 Thursday July 1st, 2004 11:26:38 AM
Flea runs for the rail and tries to find something to stand on in order to have a good view of the building being pointed out. She strains to see it (Search=16) and discern if it resembles that which was featured in her dream. If it is, she will call out to the rest of the group.
Nain Thursday July 1st, 2004 1:33:55 PM
" Yes Mac, I am a local of sorts. I am from TurakNor, the Dwarven city south of the plains. You seem to know much of blades yourself. I think we will get along well, my new friend."
Nain gently slides the axe into the straps on his back, but does not tighten them so that he can remove the axe quickly if he needs to do so. He rises, but waits patiently for more information on the building just ahead.
Gilan d20+18=35 d20+7=18 d20+7=16 Thursday July 1st, 2004 5:13:50 PM
Gilan does not stand from his seated position at the front of the ship. Though he hears the call he can see just fine from where he is. His first thoughts are of the natural stuff around the church and how it looks to his senses(survival 35).
With some reluctance he turns his attention to the church itself and looks it over as well(spot 18). Though it seems ok he strains his ears for any sounds that can be heard outside or maybe from inside the church(listen 16). Figuring that Trellus is nearby as most have rushed to see the church he poses a question to the cleric. "What do you make of it....religious order?"
DM George "BBaaaaaa" Thursday July 1st, 2004 9:48:09 PM
The Grass Swift will ease up to the clearing and all will see the following:
The cleared area has one large building in the center of a green field. The field is made up of grasses but very short grass and unlike the normal grasses of the Sargrass Plains.
Several four legged and very furry creatures seem to be grazing on the grass and seem content and unafraid of the arrival of the Grass Swift.
The building is obviously a church of some kind. It is a large building with an A-frame room made of slate. The church is around 45' wide and 75' long and made of stone. Beautiful colored windows pierce its sides. A double wooden door stands open on one end, almost seemingly inviting the Bloodpack in.
Flea remembers seeing the church from her dreams.
The Grass Swift can not get any closer than 60 yards from the church as the church is centered in the field. The Captain is afraid that the ship will bottom out if they try to venture onto the strange grasses.
OOC I will not be around tomorrow or Saturday but will post for Friday on Sunday. Going out of town to a karate tournament and won't have a computer available.
Trellus Friday July 2nd, 2004 9:42:39 AM
Gazing at the church and the clearing, Trellus thinks about casting a detect magic spell, but quickly discards the notion. A strange building on strange grass with strange animals just sitting in the middle of the plains. OF COURSE its magical.
"Mac?" he asks, picking the only person with a reasonable chance of knowing, "Any idea what those furry creatures are? Are they dangerous?"
The Grass Swift pulls up, and the cleric looks around a the party. "Guess this is where we get off."
Trellus climbs down the ship's ladder to the ground below, and waits for the pack to all come down.
Once at ground level, he lays his hands on Flea's head, intoning "Domi protect you." [Protective Ward on Flea. +6 bonus on next save roll. Duration of 1 hour.]
"What do you think dudes? I say we just go straight in."
Mac Friday July 2nd, 2004 11:08:59 AM
"Nain? I don't knoo 'ow many visitors your city gets, but would you know of a young dwarf called Naden?" *
Catching the cleric's question he replies, "Aye Trellus. They'd be sheep. They'd also be hungry, otherways they'd be more skittish... wary of us. They eat their grass, an' make a good meal themselves. Not something we should have any fears 'bout."
*I hope I have the name right. It's his old captain's nephew that he's keeping an eye out for in his travels.
Jake Friday July 2nd, 2004 2:18:41 PM
"Those are cows! Wow..." Jake seems lost in disbelief. "Ah've always heard there were creatures 'at could eat *all* grass and ain't sluggies, but really...never expected ta see 'em. Ya can tell, 'cause all sheep is black. Ya know.. baa, baa, black sheep, ave ya any wool?" Jake looks to Trellus, eagerly. "Ah wanna have one."
Tishe' Friday July 2nd, 2004 2:27:21 PM
The small woman laughs joyfully at her companions naivete'. 'Tis all the more joyful knowing they had no problems with her lack of knowledge about Rattledam and the 'Plains.
"Those are definitely sheep, as Mac says. The weavers in SkyHook use thier wool to weave cloth. Why, what do you use in Rattledam?" she asks perplexed.
The questions and answers do not deter her from sliding down a boarding rope to the grass below. She hefts her staff and looks inquiringly at the others. "well, what next?"
Gilan d20+7=14 d20+7=22 Friday July 2nd, 2004 6:27:13 PM
Gilan glances over these new animals with some interest and then shakes his head. They make clothes out of the fur...how interesting. With a glance to the others he slips down one of the ropes himself to land in the grasses below.
Looking around him again he will slip to the very edge of the clearing, but not enter it. He silently waits for the others as he studies the church some more(spot 14, listen 22).
Flea (Protective Ward) d20+1=6 d20+11=27 Friday July 2nd, 2004 8:20:35 PM
Flea gets all warm and fuzzy feeling when the cleric of Domi lays his wonderful spell on her. When she opens her eyes, Trellus is gone. Clambering over the side of the Grass Swift in order to join her pack, Flea isn't very careful (Climb=6), but she salvages the fall with an acrobatic summersault, and jumps up none the worse for wear (Tumble=27).
"What is this place?" escapes the gnomes lips.
The rogue starts to move towards the building. Maybe the door is locked? she thinks hopefully.
DM George "Mooooo" Saturday July 3rd, 2004 7:10:00 PM
Flea takes a better look at the doors and realizes that she is going to be disappointed. Not only are the doors not locked but are standing open, almost inviting the group in.
Flea suddenly stops short and her mouth drops open as a huge monster comes around the corner of the church. It is also on four legs but is much larger than the sheep. It has fearsome horns similiar to Mac's and is trotting towards Flea and a ground eating pace. Even more strange is it seems to have a bell around its neck.
Before Flea can react, it bumps into her, pushing her off her feet and on to her rearend. At this distance, Flea notices the eyes, which are a beautiful liquid brown. She is even more shocked when a huge raspy tongue licks up one side of her whole face.
Flea (Protective Ward) Saturday July 3rd, 2004 10:31:21 PM
Flea lies really quiet, with her eyes squeezed shut, slobber from the enormous beast on the side of her face.
Through gritted teeth she mutters a promise to the god who has protected her so far, even though she hardly knows him, "Domi, if you get me out of this alive, for the rest of my life I'll do stuff for you, just like Trellus."
Jake Sunday July 4th, 2004 2:43:32 AM
Jake knows *Exactly* what to do. "It's a horse!" he yells out in an insanely happy voice. And before anyone can react, he's off, running forward and jumping onto its back, to attempt to ride it. So many times he's heard of the horse-riding paladins, the proud mounts that lead great warriors into battle...and here's his chance. If he can tame it...'cause wild horses always buck and kick, are wild, and difficult to control, well, then, he'll have a mount of his own to charge into battle. He pictures himself, on top of this fearsome creature he now clings to, wielding a thirty foot long lance and shield, the 'horse' wearing full chitinous plate, gleaming with silver... For some reason, the image is not quite right, it just doesn't match with the few pictures he'd seen, but Jake isn't thinking too clearly right now. "Get back Flea! I'll get it under control!" and he holds it around the head and clasps his legs, waiting for it to go wild. (Perhaps, the skinny fighter might not cause the whole cow to collapse...he only weighs about 190 with armor and all)
Mac Sunday July 4th, 2004 9:26:59 AM
"Now, thaht's a cu." says Mac, silently thankful the cow isn't tending a calf, or ::shudder:: a bull deffending his territory.
"Jake!" He rolls his dark eyes, and turns to see Tishe' and Trellus. "Are we seekin' the occupants?"
Tishe' Sunday July 4th, 2004 5:11:13 PM
If the situation weren't so serious, Tishe' would have a terrific roll in the grass laughing her hair off. As it is, she still smiles at the antics, and, as no one is in danger, turns her energetic attention to Trellus and Gilan.
"Domesticated animals and a shrine of some sort in the middle of the Plains. Even the grass is different from Grass (though I don't know the type). It is almost like an entire circle of somewhere else was transported here. The big question is how, followed closely by why, and then who?"
Trellus Monday July 5th, 2004 3:02:27 PM
"Jake!" Trellus calls in his standard 'I know you won't listen but I feel compelled to yell something at you right now anyway' voice.
"Don't..." he trails off, ending with a resigned "Light," which is the standard ending when dealing with the crazy fighter.
The cleric sighs heavily.
"OK, let's weave. Gry and Mac up front, Nain watch the left. Flea, check out the door. Tishe and Gilan with me. Jake....<exasperation> dude, get off the cu and watch Gry's right side."
Hopefully the Bloodpack is now approaching the door.
Gilan Monday July 5th, 2004 6:15:01 PM
Gilan slips over to stand by Tishe' for a minute as he digs in a hidden pocket for something. He pulls out a wand and hands it to the little mage. "Here...this is that enlarge person wand...it is not a spell that I know or could even use so I need you to use it on the big guys when the time arises." He lays his other hand on her shoulder in support to let her know that he has trust in her. After she takes the wand he turns in time to see Flea getting licked by the large animal.
As he moves to get near Trellus and closer to Flea in case his skills are needed he spots Jake running that direction. "Bother..." He gets out nothing else as Jake jumps on the back of the thing and he is forced to shake his head. "Hopefully if he gets anyone hurt then it will be only himself." Though he hopes that does not happen either, but Jake does know how to get into trouble.
As Trellus speaks up he turns his focus back to the church and the open doors. "Sounds like a plan to me." He waits for the others to fall into their spots before he moves out himself.
[Tishe' can add the Enlarge Person Wand with 50 charges to her character sheet. I am giving it to her to make use of.]
DM George Monday July 5th, 2004 10:56:22 PM
Jake leaps on the back of the strange monster and startles the poor beast. Its only reaction though is to turn its head and look at the crazy young fighter. It's huge brown eyes reflex the question it asks, "MMMooooooo?"
The rest of the group forms up and starts to head to the church. They climb the stairs and peer through the doors. Muted multi-colored light filters down from the stain glass windows and lines of wooden benches lead up to an alter.
A figure can be seen kneeling in front of the alter with its head bent. It looks like an elderly man saying prayers.
Jake Monday July 5th, 2004 11:59:07 PM
"Cow?" Doh...Jake thinks to himself. Horses say 'Nay!', cows say moo. The thing is a blasted cow! Jake hops off it and pats it apologetically... "Sorry, bud." He looks down at his feet, which are wearing fine leather boots, made from this mythic creature. "Er...sorry again." Then he heads on over to help with the others. SEeing only a harmless guy at prayer, he nudges Gilan. "Remind you of anybody?" and points over at Trellus. The poor kid used to pray 2 hours a day. Two hours!
Flea Tuesday July 6th, 2004 7:09:42 AM
Flea swipes at the slobber on her face as she follows the others into the temple. She stares at the fellow kneeling in prayer. Was he the one who had visited her in her dreams?
Mac d20+5=20 Tuesday July 6th, 2004 8:06:29 AM
The taur keeps an eye out for the something that Gry will inevitably go after [Spot check = 20] while others decide whether or not to speak to the old man.
Trellus d20+8=11 d20+7=24 Tuesday July 6th, 2004 11:04:58 AM
The young cleric also stops at the threshold of the church, trying to make sense of what he sees.
He tries to hear what the old man is saying [Listen 11], and scans the interior to get some kind of idea who the church is dedicated to [Knowledge Religion - 24].
Bending close to Flea, he whispers "Is that him?"
Nain Tuesday July 6th, 2004 11:44:42 AM
Nain follows near Mac, waiting and watching for trouble.
Grymash d20+2=22 d20+5=11 Tuesday July 6th, 2004 1:32:41 PM "Jake, me think da, uhh ... horse be tellin' ya ta mooove! Is dat whut ya call it ... uh horse?" Grymash makes a double take between the "horse" and Mac with a puzzled expression. He notices the similarities between the horns, hooves and facial features. "Mac, is da horse uh demontaur like yooze?"
Grymash doesnt feel threatened by these strange creatures, so it doesn't take long for him to refocus his attention on the man kneeling in the church.
(Spot 22, nat. 20. Listen 11)
Tishe' Tuesday July 6th, 2004 3:38:34 PM
Absently replacing a stray lock of wavy brown hair, Tishe' accepts the wand from Gilan. "It's a waxed gift, Gilan. I'm sure Mac and Gry will agree, too." And she smiles thinking of the large warriors.
She closes up and follows Trellus into the church, staff in one hand and the Enlarge Person Wand in the other. Nothing seems of interest except for the praying man. And despite Jake's humor, Tishe' has been taught (strenuously) to never disturb a meditating spellcaster. So she also waits.
DM George "Greetings and Salutations" Tuesday July 6th, 2004 5:48:27 PM
The man will look up and notice you entering the church. He will jump to his feet with the agility of a much younger man. He will hurry over to you. "Welcome my friends!" he will say in a booming but friendly voice. "Welcome to my home! I am Father Dreem and I have been waiting for you for a long time."
He will look down at Flea and say, "I am so glad you have finally arrived. I hope I didn't disturb your dreams to much."
Gilan Tuesday July 6th, 2004 6:31:05 PM
Gilan gives Tishe' a smile and nods to her. "We have to have it in the hands of someone that can use it." He glances through the door of the church with the others and contemplates the kneeling figure. He smiles slightly as Jake makes his comment about Trellus and then shakes his head. "Yes...but I also pray to Mother Wold for several hours in a day." It is more a communion but it is more or less the same thing.
When the man jumps up and starts towards them he looks around sharply and sees nothing otherwise. With the man's declaration of his intent Gilan relaxes visibly as he looks to Flea. It would be her that would recognize him easiest, he did not remember dreaming of this man.
Flea Tuesday July 6th, 2004 6:43:08 PM
Flea will nod at the smiling man and answer, "they were not bad dreams." Then remebering the first one, she will tilt her head and ask, "do you know about the golden door?"
Jake Wednesday July 7th, 2004 3:14:22 AM
The lanky fighter just scratches his head and mumbles, "ah just drink ah guess..." Then it flashes into his mind how much time he practices with the sword, all the hours at dawn and such...and he bites his tongue. Okay, maybe it's not so stupid, he thinks, but doesn't say anything.
Trellus Wednesday July 7th, 2004 8:05:29 AM
"Uh, hi," Trellus responds uncertainly. The cleric's eyes dart between Flea and Father Dreem, as his mind tries to work its way through all these inconsistencies.
"Waiting for us for what?" he finally asks.
Mac Wednesday July 7th, 2004 9:37:33 AM
"Gry, noo. Tha' is a cu. Fromitye'get milk. Tha' is *not* a demontaur." It's only a fraction of a second later that he should have just continued the line that there are no demontaurs.
Tishe' Wednesday July 7th, 2004 5:06:14 PM
The plain-faced woman sees it is not a battle to be had, but rather talking. It would probably be best if the ones who know more about Rattledam and the Sargrass and Father Dreem would steer the conversation, but Tishe's curiosity gets the best of her. One can only bite one's tounge so often.
"Greetings, Father Dreem. We were wondering how you managed to get your home and lawn into the middle of the Sargrass. It seems like this is much too dangerous a place for a peaceful kirk. And the animals are lovely, but don't you think they would quickly become Rapke breakfast?"
Flea Wednesday July 7th, 2004 5:21:14 PM
Stepping back from the holy man, Flea moves over next to the big taur, and with a hand up to her mouth whispers, "Gry's an oxy-moron. Don't know nothin' about ruminants and stuff, other than what's on the plains."
DM George Wednesday July 7th, 2004 10:31:02 PM
Father Dreem smiles at the questions flying his way. He will center in on Tishe's and say, "Ah my child but I am not really here. In fact either are you. You are all asleep on the strange looking barge you call a ship. I am communticating to you in your dreams."
He will smile and say, "No you are still gliding around on that ship. The church, the animals, everything you see and feel is just a dream.
Still I need your help. I am a prisoner. I have been held against my will for hundreds of years. I have been searching for a group of brave adventurers to search me out and free me. Are you willing to help?"
Gilan Wednesday July 7th, 2004 11:24:14 PM
Gilan glances to Father Dreem and then to the rest of the group. To suddenly find out that they are dreaming is hard to swallow, but how would they truely tell if they were not.
Glancing to Trellus he shakes his head and then poses a question. "Do not take this wrong Father Dreem...but how can we be sure that helping you would be the right thing?" He has seen many things in the past few years of his life and he just wants to make sure that this man can give him some proof. "Maybe if you explain about yourself, your imprisonment and those that hold you it would ease my mind." It is nothing more than caution on his part but if this man is legit and in danger as he says...why should he not help him out.
Flea d20-1=2 Thursday July 8th, 2004 12:03:42 AM
Focusing all of her energy on the dream-man, Flea stares at him through narrowed eyes and tries to discern his true motives. (Sense Motive=2) Unfortunately, the waking dream is more than the little gnome can take, and she throws up her hands in exhasperation and waits for Trellus or one of the others to say something smart.
Trellus Thursday July 8th, 2004 8:12:11 AM
"Duuuude," Trellus exclaims smartly. "That's a totally waxed pick."
But Gilan does have a point.
"Uh, yeah," the cleric chimes in. "Where are you? How did you get there?" <pause> "How do WE get there?"
Tishe' Thursday July 8th, 2004 10:33:03 AM
"You weave a strange tale," ponders the plain-faced mage. "And what Gilan asks is a truly shady question. Yet I'm worried about your magic putting us asleep."
The small woman continues as if piecing a puzzle together. "If what you say is true, and we're all asleep on our ship, and you did it to us, then we are your prisoners. Why should we help our jailer." She waits to let that sink in.
"On the other hand, you could be weaving a tale, and then why should we help a liar?" The brown haired woman doesn't look at all hostile, more curious for an elusive answer.
DM George "Dream Feast" Thursday July 8th, 2004 11:06:16 AM
Father Dreem smiles at the others and says, "Well this could take a long time. We might as well be more comfortable." With that statment he waves his hands and the church remains but the pews disappear.
A large table appears with comfortable chairs surrounding it. Food and drink cover the table from one end to the other. Most of the foods are things the residents of the plains have never seen before but they smell wonderful. Mac recognizes roasts of beef, ham, sweet potatoes, wild rices, creamed onions, roasted chickens, pastries and more.
Bottles of wine and a cask of ale sit on a seperate table with mugs and glasses begging to be used.
Father Dreem will gesture to the table and say, "Please be my guests but I must warn you. The food isn't real, so when you wake up full, it is only your mind talking. Eat breakfast. That being said, gorge yourselves. You won't gain any weight.
Please make an old man happy and join me in a meal. I so rarely get to enjoy others company."
Father Dreem will hold his arm out to Flea to lead her to the table.
Trellus (detect poison) Thursday July 8th, 2004 11:50:02 AM
The cleric's face clouds as Father Dreem invites them to eat.
"Uh, no offense, dude. But we don't know you all that well." Like, at all. "I hope its shady if I do a little checking first."
Whether its shady or not, Trellus stands next to the table and casts DETECT POISON. [It says a 5' cubic area. I'd like to cover the whole table top. If I can't do that, then I'll cast on the biggest dish he can find]
Once everything checks out, Trellus takes a hesitant bite, and washes it down with some wine.
Trellus doesn't detect any poison----George
Jake Thursday July 8th, 2004 1:23:06 PM
"Well, sure!" Suddenly this old guy isn't so bad, Jake thinks to himself. He takes a bottle and starts pouring glasses for his friends, and asks, politely, "So, you're a prisoner, and want us to rescue you? That's interesting." Meanwhile, thinking this guy's totally insane. When the guys' not looking at him, he makes the 'bonkers' hand-gesture to the pack.
Nain Thursday July 8th, 2004 1:52:21 PM
Nain sits and begins eating and drinking. " I'll eat real food later, but this will do for now. Tell us, as we enjoy this pseudomeal, what is your situation? "
Flea d20+2=9 Thursday July 8th, 2004 9:26:25 PM
Not wanting to offend Father Dreem, Flea takes his arm giving him a weak smile (Diplomacy=9). Quickly she holds out her other hand in the direction of Grymash and looks beseachingly over her shoulder, "Won't you come sit by me too?" she asks.
The gnome isn't too sure about the dream weaver and wants her big friend around for protection.
Gilan Thursday July 8th, 2004 9:35:17 PM
It is a small hand gesture from Trellus that puts him at ease for the food anyways. He sits and nibbles a little but not much. He drinks some of the juice that is on the table but does not fill up on anything. This whole thing has put his tummy a little off. "If you would be so kind as to enlighten us Father Dreem."
As soon as the good Father starts to talk he forgets about all the food and drink before him. He listens to what the man has to say and judges his words carefully. It bothers him that the man is strong enough to effect them with magic on the boat, but not to escape from a prison...that would speak of someone stronger than this Father Dreem. That little fact he files away to bring up at a later time, after the talks.
Mac Friday July 9th, 2004 12:21:25 AM
Mac moves over to the table and takes a seat. Feeling like he's stepped out of line he looks about and says, "Cannae we 'least be civilised 'boot it?" He turns to their host and remarks. "'tis a fine feast ye've laid on for us. 't smells like the Eve of Festival." Mac takes the time to serve up plates for those interested, with some consideration for any preference he's noted over the last little while. He'll offer a goodly portion of roast cu and vegetables to Jake and Gry if they are interested.
Grymash Friday July 9th, 2004 9:39:28 AM
Grymash grows a huge toothy grin and hurridly leans his double axe against the wall and grabs the first bird-looking carcass he can see. The half-orc starts to ripping and tearing into the poultry, chewing huge mouth fulls of the succulent meat. As the barbaric cleric stands their ravenously gorging himself with the bird he notices everyone staring at him. He pulls his juice and oil dripping face away from his prey and mumbles, "Whuh?!" Gry then grabs a potato that's offered by Mac and crams it into his mouth. Gry mumbles again, "happu noow?!"
DM George Friday July 9th, 2004 9:58:51 AM
Father Dreem stares at Trellus for a long minute and sighs and sits down. "I guess I can't blame you for your caution. Looking out for your flock and all..." the cleric voice drifts off as he seems lost in thought for a moment.
He looks up and Grymash and a big smile crosses his face. "Yes! Enjoy the food.
Well on to my story. I was once the spiritual leader to a group much like yours. We adventured, womanized, ate and drank to much, and generally enjoyed life together. One day we tackled more than we could handle.
An evil wizard was enslaving a small town in a valley far from here. We heard about it and decided to stop him. Simply said, we failed. He was much to powerful for us and quickly killed my companions.
He had different plans for me. With powerful magics, he sucked my very soul from my body. He imprisioned me in a gem, and used me in his magics." Father Dreem looks pained at this admission and stops talking for a while. "It was horrible. My essence some how made his magics even more powerful. He grew in strength because of me.
Well in time, like all men he made his own fatal error. He was contacting other planes of existance and summoned something stronger than even him and he was killed. This was all hundreds of years ago.
Now I am trapped here in this ghost like state. I can't go to be with Alemi. I need someone to find that gem and smash it. To free my soul and end my torment."
Father Dreem looks at the group and holds up a hand pleading. "Will you do it? Will you free my soul so I can join Alemi?"
Tishe' d20+9=10 Friday July 9th, 2004 2:03:33 PM
The small woman is still very suspicious, but Mac reminds her of her manners, and his talk of Festival reminds her body (even if a dream) of the fantastic smells comming from the table.
She accepts a plate from her large minotaur friend and indulges on the best tidbits.
At Father Dreem's mention of a gem, an evil wizard, and all the magic, she idly wonders about what spells they could be (Spellcraft: nat 1), but it doesn't really matter right now, this food is really good!
Jake Friday July 9th, 2004 6:03:58 PM
Jake listens in, and of course he's still skeptical at first. But then the story grows, and by the time the old man's finished, he chimes in, "Of course we will! Wow!" What a great sounding adventure, he thinks to himself. Just like one of those storybooks! "Ah mean, ah suppose we ain't got nuthin' better ta do."
Flea Saturday July 10th, 2004 7:47:06 AM
Flea watches the others to gauge their response. The talk of gems has the rogue intrigued.
Trellus [SteveK] Saturday July 10th, 2004 5:28:21 PM
"Dude", sypathizes Trellus, "that's a totally waxed pick. "You keep shady with us, and we'll cut the weave that the white hand put on you, and your thread can go to Alemi."
He grins an easy smile, but then his bright eyes cloud. "Uh, dude? How do we get there, and how do we know which gem is you?"
Nain Monday July 12th, 2004 3:57:24 PM
" The freedom of your soul is a thing which must be allowed. I will help even if it means my own death. "
Gilan Monday July 12th, 2004 5:19:29 PM
Gilan listens to the story and nods his head at the end of it. So the natural order of nature had been interrupted...that just would not do. "If the others all agree...I will join in to help." As he takes a drink of juice he swallows and then speaks again. "The natural order must be restored."
He does not ask the questions that he had been wanting to ask. He had no need...Trellus had beat him to them. But then he thinks of something else. "More importantly...how do we break the gem if it is a magical thing?" The sundering of magic could be a dangerous thing...deadly even.
DM George Monday July 12th, 2004 10:11:56 PM
Dreem smiles brightly at the groups acceptance of his questions. "Thank you... I just knew you were the ones."
He turns to Trellus and says, "I have the ability to transport you to my location. For some reason, I can manifest myself on these plains and my abilities are enchanced. The magic here is very strong. Once you get near my prison, I won't be able to help you. I wish I could. I currently reside in a brillant and large red ruby. It will pulse with magic."
Flea d20+2=3 d20+2=19 Monday July 12th, 2004 10:55:32 PM
"A trip! A magic trip!" Flea jumps up and down. "How will you transport us? Do we go through a Golden Door? Do we dive through a fountain? Fall into a pit and travel through tunnels?" The words spill out without any guile on the gnome's part (Diplomacy=3, nat. 1!) as she tries to gather information. (Gather Info=19, better)
The rogue pushes away from the table, "I'm going to get my things...uh...I guess I can get them when I wake up?"
Tishe' Monday July 12th, 2004 11:47:21 PM
The small woman smiles at Flea's enthusiasm, not with patience, but because she is caught up in the excitement herself. "Magical transportation. That will be something!" She begins by tucking in one more morsel, "If it's not real, you can afford to overindulge", she says with a wink.
And then a thought stops her flat. Turning her brown ponytail in her hand, she faces the imprisoned cleric. "If you only manifest in dreams, and this is a dream, will you transport us in the real Wold? Otherwise, we'll only travel in a dream and only dream of breaking the pulsing ruby, not in real life."
She bites the end of her hair in consternation.
Trellus [SteveK] Monday July 12th, 2004 11:49:14 PM
The easy grin is in place as Trellus stands. "Come on pack, let's get ready to wake up!" He counts noses to see that everyone is ready for the quest.
Nain Tuesday July 13th, 2004 11:37:38 AM
" Yes, let us wake, eat some real food, and begin this important quest. "
Gilan Tuesday July 13th, 2004 10:18:28 PM
Gilan shakes his head and then nods in understanding. He is also wondering if the cleric means to transport them in the real world or this dream one that they are in. That does not sound too good as he has little of his gear with him.
DM George "Instructions" Tuesday July 13th, 2004 10:42:02 PM
Father Dreem says in a kindly voice, "Yes I will let you wake up. You will see the plains as normal before you. In 2 hours I will open the portal to my valley. Sail your ship to the portal but not in it. Then with your gear and supplies, jump into the portal."
The Bloodpack individually wake up from a very strange dream. Was it real?
OOC Take the next few days to get yourself settled. I am heading on a cruise next week so you will have a temp ADM to fill in. She will take you on your first stage of your adventure.
Trellus [SteveK] Tuesday July 13th, 2004 11:53:27 PM
Trellus wakes quickly, and looks around the ship at the pack. From thier own wondering expressions, they all remember the Father Dreem dream. "Totally waxed.", he exclaims.
"All right, packmates, you heard him. Make sure you bring all your stuff. Father Dreem may be the night soil, but I bet the white hand that put him in the ruby still has some nasty picks laying around the place."
A portal in two hours, the blonde cleric ponders, "and we may be gone awhile."
Trellus also finds the Captain and gives him the news. "There's a portal opening up, and the pack is going in to make sure it won't open again. That'll keep Rattledam safe. You can get back to the Council and tell 'em what's happening."
Might as well try and keep on some of their good sides, he thinks. "Domi give me strength."
Tishe' [SteveK] Tuesday July 13th, 2004 11:58:29 PM
Sitting bolt upright, the small woman immediately rummages through her pack and finds ink and paper. "Facinating magic", she is heard to murmur. Anyone looking at her busy hand can see spell types and spells written and hastily crossed out. "Illusion? Maybe. Abjuration? Necromancy? Hmmm..." It takes a tap on the shoulder to get her out of her new-found concentration.
"Oh" she says brightly, and a scarlet tint moves from her cheeks down her neck. "Get packing. Right." Again, a flurry of activity and brown hair, and the conjurer efficiently stowes her gear, and readies herself on deck.
Jake Wednesday July 14th, 2004 2:02:04 AM
The fighter wakes up, his arm holding up an imaginary fork to his mouth and taking a bite out of something not there... Jake wakes up, looks around, and sighs, mumbling something about treadles. He looks at the others. "Heard who? Ah have no idea whatcher talking about." he'd have a hard time admitting something magic happened to him.
Mac Wednesday July 14th, 2004 10:04:15 AM
Mac nods, slipping his olive arms through the straps of his backpack, and then sets about helping anyone who needs an extra hand.
Grymash Wednesday July 14th, 2004 3:31:17 PM
Grymash looks right and left. He suddenly finds himself alone in the church with Father Dreem. The feast was such a distraction and his own munching drowned out all their words that he is completely unaware what has transpired.
Partically chewed food begins to tumble out his mouth as he shouts and spits at Father Dreem. "Where be Gry's friends?! Wheres thay go ... whut ya dooz to them! BRINGS THEM BACK!!" demands the half-orc accusingly! The angered barbarian grabbs his double axe and advances on the clergyman. ---------------- In the real world ...
Gry remains asleep as the others awake. He has several fingers in his drooling mouth. However the peace of his slumber seems agitated and his arms and legs begin to tense up and jerk slightly.
Flea Wednesday July 14th, 2004 5:29:58 PM
Flea rises yawning and stretching. She then scratches her belly, and rubs at her eyes, as she tries to make sense of the dream. Seeing the half-orc jerking and muttering in his sleep, she gives him a little prod with her foot and calls, "wake up, Gry! There's white hands somewhere, and we've got to find 'em!"
DM George "nightmares" Wednesday July 14th, 2004 10:14:34 PM
Grymash sees the old cleric smile at him and say, "You shouldn't still be here. You must go join your friends." When Grymash grabs his weapons, the old cleric wags a finger and says, "Now be good or I will take steps."
Suddenly Grymash feels a very cold breeze on the bottom half of his body. When he looks down, to his shock and dismay, all of his equipment is gone and he is standing there without any clothes on. His beloved double axe is gone and he is holding a huge bouquet of some strange but beautiful flower. They are red and white and much to Grymash's grief he discovers they have thorns.
Suddenly he is back on the ship, and Flea is prodding him, telling him to wake up.
The others wake up and start gathering their equipment.
Gilan Wednesday July 14th, 2004 10:59:24 PM
Gilan wakes up slowly and looks around the ship. As he stands he slowly stretches and then looks to his pack where it lays, out of the way, on the deck. He shakes his head as he double checks his gear that he has on him.
He makes his way over to Trellus and lays his arm across his shoulder. "So...another good deed for Rattledam." He shakes his head slightly as he lets out a sigh. "Maybe one of these times we will be able to spend some time home...I miss somethings there." He removes his arm and leans against the rail looking out over the plains.
Trellus [SteveK] Wednesday July 14th, 2004 11:53:06 PM
Trellus laughs with Gilan's comment. "And you want to lay money that we'll get yelled at for doing this instead of reporting what we found, too."
Tishe' Wednesday July 14th, 2004 11:57:46 PM
The small woman is again dressed in her working biege and sage, her carved oaken staff with a green gem winking from the top in her hand.
As she waits for the portal to open, she moves over to Gilan. "The feat with the elementals was very impressive", she says. "And your knowledge of how the Wold works together is something I don't know much about." she looks up and guages the effect of her opening gambit.
Grymash d20+5=8 Thursday July 15th, 2004 5:45:08 PM
The slumbering half-orc barbarian feels the sudden jab from Flea. He suddenly bursts awake with a growl, produces the dagger he sleeps with and slashes at the unsuspecting gnome. (Disoriented and prone penalties -6 to hit. Hit AC 8)
"Whahh ... whah happened?! Where'd dat treadle go? Huh, Flea?! Why ya do dat Flea, Gry's sleepin' dagger almost cuts yooz. Is Flea ok?" Grymash puts down the dagger and tries to collect his thoughts. "Dang! Gry just dreamin'. Gry dreamed dat he eats all dis food an then dis dead teadle makes yooz all go away. Then he make Gry naked!! Gry swear ... next time Gry see dat dead treadle, Gry KILLIN' 'em!!"
Flea (AC18) Thursday July 15th, 2004 10:21:46 PM Hey! cries the rogue as she dodges the barbarian's slashing 'sleepin' dagger'. "You almost scratched my new boots!" Flea bends down and rubs at a non-existant mark on her fancy new footwear. She narrows her eyes and makes an 'angry face' at the half-orc, then slaps her hands over her mouth as she starts to giggle at the idea of a naked Grymash.
DM George Thursday July 15th, 2004 10:28:02 PM
The Bloodpack scurries around the deck preparing for activity. This is noticed by the Captain who will ask, "What is going on? Why are you packing up your stuff? Something happening that you haven't told me about?"
OOC Please tell me what you want the Captian and the Grass Swift to do while you are away?
After two hours have passed, you will see a bright light out on the plains
Gilan d20+5=9 Thursday July 15th, 2004 11:11:34 PM
Gilan looks back to Trellus and nods his head. "Most likely we will...but where is the fun in doing things the way the beaters want all the time." He cannot help but smile as he says this. Though he respects Malafret for all her patience and fondness for them, she is one of the few he likes or cares about opinions from.
He turns his head to Tishe' as she pulls up near him and starts to speak. He listens to what she has to say and smiles slightly. He knows that she is asking for something specific or at least he feels that way, but it eludes him at this time. "Thank you Tishe'...you have an interest in nature and Mother Wold??" He is not sure why he asked that but it seemed that maybe she was interested. Well it would not hurt to help her in that area for survival at least...The Plains were a dangerous place for anyone. "I would be happy to teach you about the plains."
He looks up suddenly with the sudden appearance of the light in the distance. He will let Trellus take care of the Captain and explain things. Well he is the unofficial leader after all.
Trellus [SteveK] Thursday July 15th, 2004 11:33:29 PM
Trellus thinks the Captain is a little sunbaked. He was sure he spoke with the man already. But maybe the black hand isn't familiar with magic, so the cleric tries again. "Dude, we've got some information that we haven't before.", nodding slyly like how they got it is a trade secret. "There's a portal opening up, and the pack is going in to make sure it won't open again. That'll keep Rattledam safe. You can get back to the Council and tell 'em what's happening."
"Don't know how long we'll be, but we've 'Walked' before, and we can get back to Rattledam on our own." With this is a patented Trellus smile, easily confident that the pack can take care of themselves.
Tishe' Thursday July 15th, 2004 11:38:44 PM
"Mother Wold, yes." The small woman smiles brightly, pleased Gilan ahows intelligence and wisdom. "Being able to conjure elementals picked my interest, since I've made a special study of conjurations, but I've also seen how you care for the land and the people's relationship to her. That gives you a more intimate knowledge of the Sargrass, and I would like to learn more."
Her brown eyes look up at the druid, bright and eager for knowledge, and a hint of needing a deeper understanding of the Wold around her.
Jake Friday July 16th, 2004 6:15:33 AM
Jake considers how best to taunt Grymash with his dream. Later on, he wanders by Grymash, and mentions, "Ya know, ah hear if ya dream yar nekkid, that means yar insecure." He pats the poor half-orc on the back consolingly. "As a warrior, ah mean. Ah mean, bein' nekkid means yar exposed, an' all, and everyone knows yer lackin' in a certain area. Yar weapon, so ta say. It's okay, though buddy. Ah mean, ah hear that it's not in how equipped ya are, it's how skilled ya use 'em." He again nudges Grymash. "Tha best way ta fix it is ta find a gal, someun ya can ..." Jake goes on to describe his suggestion for fixing what he sees as Grymash's image problem. Probably the most annoying thing to Grymash throughout this is Jake's friendly tone; he's obviously just wanting to help, not insult the poor half-orc. And yet, there's just a bit of that teasing glint in his eye...
(Er...Really don't know if I can get away with this post.)
Grymash d20+7=27 d20+7=20 d20+7=18 d3+8=10 d3+8=10 d3+8=9 Friday July 16th, 2004 4:35:59 PM
Grymash hears Jake's words and first answers his remarks with a perplexed expression, "whut is Jake talkin' 'bout?! Then suddenly the half-orc arrives at his own conclusion and his face grows flush with blood and fury.
"Let Jake get one thang STRAIGHT!!" Grymash's huge fist strikes down at Jake's face with an awesome blow (Jake is flatfooted. Power attack +2. Hit AC 27 crit theat, hit AC 20 crit.) A equally huge left hand comes in for a landing on Jake's other cheek. (Hit AC 18. Damage: 20, 9 = 29 non-lethal damage) "DON'T EVERR BE COMIN' TA GRY FOR LOVIN' TOUCHES!! GRY TEACH YA DA DIFFERENCE B'TWEEN DUDES AN GIRLIES!"
The barbarian is really ticked-off and he doesn't look satisfied with just a few punches.
Flea Friday July 16th, 2004 9:28:16 PM
Flea watches Grymash lay a pounding on Jake, and wonders if the pack is going to have to pay a visit to Gargul anytime soon.
DM George "Go into the light" Friday July 16th, 2004 11:09:28 PM
The Swift Grass goes towards the bright light and as you get closer, you see a shimmering disk.
Suddenly, the Bloodpack members hear the kindly voice saying, "Go ahead and jump through. You won't feel anything but a slight chill."
OOC OK Carla, your on! Hope you guys have fun next week, I will be stuffing my face at the midnight buffet on the cruise. Be well George
Trellus [SteveK] Saturday July 17th, 2004 3:50:45 AM
Trellus passes a hand over his short blonde hair and looks at the shimmering portal. "Okay, dude. We're going."
He turns to the pack. "Dudes, we don't know what's on the other side, so be ready to fight just in case. While I'm waxed we'll help Father Dreem, remember we're doing this for Rattledam, to close the portal." He pauses and sends a heart touch to all the pack.
"Talki Fresal, dondit liki: the land, my life."
And through the portal strides Trellus.
Tishe' d20+8=27 Saturday July 17th, 2004 3:56:01 AM
The small woman ties her wavy brown hair into a pony tail with quick movements. "Right, let's see the pattern of this magic." She tries to guage the type of spell [Spellcraft: 27], facinated by new knowledge.
The heart touch by Trellus warms her to her toes. "Talki Fresal, dondit liki: the land, my life." she responds, warmed that she has been accepted as part of the group.
Sticking close to Gilan (to talk more of Mother Wold), she waits for a couple warriors to move through the portal before she herself walks into the light.
Mac Saturday July 17th, 2004 9:44:44 AM
Mac interposes himself between Gry and Jake. "I had a dream once... an' I'll tell ye all 'bout it when we get back. Right now, we need to be go'n'." With a distinctly masculine slap high on Gry's back the taur steps into the light.
Nain Saturday July 17th, 2004 1:36:58 PM
Nain holds his axe tightly and jumps into the light.
Gilan Saturday July 17th, 2004 4:40:57 PM
Gilan sends a heart touch to the group after he feels the one from Trellus. He glances to the rest of the group and then steps through the portal. Just before he does you hear him speak. "Talki Fresal, dondit liki: the land, my life."
Once on the other side he will fall into a more defensive postioning, ready for almost anything. He just hopes that he has the time to talk to Tishe' again before they get back to Rattledam. After all the plains itself is the best place for someone to learn...hands on experience.
Jake Sunday July 18th, 2004 6:47:52 AM
Cartilage snaps as Jake is smashed back by Grymash's fist. So unexpecting of it, the usually quick-witted fighter didn't even turn his face slightly, and now he stumbles back, obviously stunned, blood streaming from his nose, his eyes going completely cross-eyed in a puzzled and painful fashion. The first fist probably broke his nose quite thoroughly, and gave him perhaps a minor concussion as well, or at least sends his ears ringing endlessly. Certainly it will leave a black eye and probably a bruise along his entire face the size and shape of Grymash's fist. The impact sends him reeling right, and he begins reaching out woozily to grasp anything to stop his turn. Then the second fist comes out of nowhere from the other side, smashing into that smooth unshaven jaw he has, probably shattering it. And probably freeing a few teeth that had been loosened by the first blow. Following Grymash's fist is an impressive spray of blood, saliva, and a tooth and Jake's head's momentum is abruptly reversed. His head going one way, the body going the other, Jake stumbles around dizzily once, lurching without any direction from his unresponsive brain, and finally falls face first down into the wooden planks. He begins frantically trying to crawl away, practically smearing blood all over those traveling clothes he's wearing (his armor being still packed and such) as well as leaving a congealed trail on the deck. But sadly, he has no real grip on where he is or how his hands fall, instead he only manages to look pathetically off balance as he tries to grab for things that are two feet to the right, or moves his body disorderly so as to just slump the wrong way. He tries to whimper, but due to the saliva and blood he's been forced to swallow (along with another tooth almost caught in his throat), it merely comes out as a gurgle. Finally, this all only having taken perhaps three seconds, he rolls onto his side and pulls up into the fetal position, the utmost betrayal of weakness, and begins crying as he hasn't since he was really drunk and talked about how much he loved being in a pack. Of course, those were different types of tears for a different situation...
It is an extremely impressive display of brute strength from Grymash combined with surprise and bad luck for Jake.
Flea Sunday July 18th, 2004 11:06:36 PM
Flea grabs one of Jake's arms and drags it over her shoulder. She helps the wimpering elf to his feet, and half drags him towards the potal of shimmering light.
Substitute DM Carla Sunday July 18th, 2004 11:21:26 PM
A cool, but not unpleasant breeze greets the Bloodpack after they pass through the portal. The shimmering disc shrinks, and disappears with a "pop!" The view that greets the party is quite unlike anything the Rattledam natives have ever seen, and although the newer members from other lands might find the environment familiar, it is not a place they recognize.
The party find themselves on a narrow trail near the bottom of a great valley. Coniferous trees cover the steep slopes and release their pungent scent into the cool air. Strange birds float above the tree tops gliding on updrafts. Down below a swiftly flowing river cuts a path through the valley.
Shaken by the beating from Gry, Jake is further discomfited to find his wounds magically healed by his passage through the portal.
(OOC: Posting this week for a vacationing DM George.)
Trellus Monday July 19th, 2004 10:05:04 AM
Trellus entered the portal just as Grymash started beating the snot out of Jake.
"Light. Gry!" he starts consolingly. He means to continue, but the words die in his throat as his senses suddenly devote all their attentions to trying to understand what they are experiencing.
"What?...Where?...But...." The flowing water finally commands the most attention. "That's WATER!" He exclaims fearfully. The young man frantically looks around. Which way to run? He doesn't know. The sounds are wrong, the smells are wrong, the sights are wrong.
Trellus is not enjoying his first trip to wherever.
Mac d20+2=22 Monday July 19th, 2004 10:35:08 AM
The taur gets his bearings a little. He tries to catch a sea-salt taste to the air, but is pulled up short by the Cleric's response to the river. He tries to collect his thoughts in some understandable order [Int Check: 22, Natural 20!] "Water here is plentiful. The animals an' plants have all the water they could possibly need, an' so they don't... swarm over it like the animals in the Sargrass. Fo' the most part ye have naught to fear from being this close... just don't fall in - it's movin' at a pace." In a show of his confidence, he carefully makes his way to the river to top up his waterskins, and any others that get passed his direction.
Nain Monday July 19th, 2004 11:47:56 AM
Nain trusts that Mac knows what he is doing, but still remains on alert. " Careful, Mac. Where there is water, there is life and we don't know what lives here yet. "
Grymash d100=11 d20-2=0 d20+2=18 Monday July 19th, 2004 2:04:33 PM
Grymash reels with fury. The orc blood throbs wildly within his veins. Jake's fall and display of weakness and pain at first tastes sweet as honey. Gry wants more. The primal and feral beserker within demands it. Jake doesn't look like Jake anymore. He's a fellow orc. One of many from his past. The raiders that stole him away in the night. The orcs that beat and tortured him with little or no reason other than for sport. Their constant taunts ringing in his ears. Being striped of all identity other than the orc word for slave. Grymash grabs his double axe and jumps through the portal after his misunderstood friend and packmate.
The new terrain doesn't yet grab his attention. All he sees is the orc, Jake, in the arms of a smaller orc. All he can think is that it's this orc's time to die. Suddenly he hears his name spoken by a familiar voice. He looks over to yet another orc. The voice wasnt an orcs. Nor the voice of the really large orc with the horned helmet standing next to him. The barbarian becomes confused. Grymash starts to back away in a defensive posture. He shouts in orc, "Stay away from me ... you wont take me again!! I'll kill you all! I'M STRONG, WILL KILL YOU ALLLL!!"
Grymash is looking rather desperate. He doesnt recognize anyone. The feel of the ground, the scent and coolness of the air, the sound of the babbling brook ... nothing is right!! He whips his head back and forth surveying the party and the surroundings. He is completely and totally confused and looks like he is about to make a run for it.
(Int 0, Wis 18)
Tishe' Monday July 19th, 2004 2:36:51 PM
The land on the other side of the portal disorients the small conjurer. Water and trees and birds she understands, but the river she is used to is the wide and slow moving one going through SkyHook, not this mountaineous rill.
Her revery is broken by the shouts of Grymash. The normally sweet half-orc is towering in rage, and this is a side she hasn't seen yet, at least not against his own friends.
"Grymash!" she says in common, "Grymash, it's us! Your pack!" She runs over and tries to help pull Jake away from their raging friend.
Gilan d20+5=9 Monday July 19th, 2004 3:13:29 PM
Gilan reels under the sudden transportation to this new area. He looks around with wonder and then shies away from the water, even as Trellus makes a comment. He is somewhat satisfied with the comments by Mac, but still it is hard to let go of ingrained habits.
His attention is suddenly turned to Gry, who seems to still be in a rage. He takes a step further back from the half-orc as he is still seeing red. "Gry...remember your pack, your friends...remember Talki Fresal, dondit liki: the land, my life." He pleads with the larger man as he takes another step back.
He takes in the scents around him as he tries to do other things too. His skills with nature do not seem to be of much help here as he recogninzes nothing from his studies or anything, but that maybe do to his distraction.
Flea Monday July 19th, 2004 11:20:58 PM
Flea continues moving through the portal with Jake, but she is too focused on avoiding the crazed barbarian to take in much of the new environment. "Look out Tishe'!" cries the gnome, "Gry's gone crazy!"
Temp ADM Carla Monday July 19th, 2004 11:37:32 PM
Confused by the strangeness of the valley, Trellus and Gilan approach the new environment warily, whereas Grymash, like a child who has become separated from its mother, is confused to the point of terror. Tishe' and Flea try to deal with the barbarian. Mac makes a quick reconnaissance and orients himself quickly, trotting along the path towards the river. Nain bears witness to all that transpires.
The path winds along the valley parallel to the river and widens at the bottom where it leads up the valley alongside the river. Here, large boulders dot the landscape, likely deposited by glaciers that long ago carved the valley.
Jake Tuesday July 20th, 2004 5:10:09 AM
Jake, being utterly confused and suddenly the pain gone, stares in astonishment around him and at the roaring Grymash. Dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb Grymash. Luckily, and out of weird insanity, he appears healed and in armor now..and he pulls out his shield and goes on the defensive, prepared to be whooped by Grymash. (AC 25 while on the full defensive.)
Trellus d20+4=24 d20+4=21 Tuesday July 20th, 2004 9:20:53 AM
Trellus is somewhat mollified by Mac's acceptance of the surroundings. And Gry's shouting reveals the cleric has got more immediate problems.
Trellus understands orcish, and realizes his friend has gone back to his time with the raiders. [Wis check - nat 20]
"Everybody step away from the orc," he intones to the group.
Ignoring his own instruction, Trellus raises his open hand and approaches the barbarian. "Easy Gry," he soothes. "It's me, Trellus. Warp down, dude. Everything's shady." The young man sends a heart touch to Grymash. As if speaking to a scared child, he continues is a soft, calming tone. "You're with the pack, Gry. The orcs are gone. Gargul helped you. You're shady now. Everything is shady."
[Diplomacy 21]
Mac Tuesday July 20th, 2004 9:47:54 AM
Mac thinks that maybe now isn't the best time to be filling waterskins. Life is simple enough when you think about it, but it's when it catches you by surprise that you see what you're really made of. Instinctively he had attempted to remove/distract Grymash from the moment he found himself in, but it clearly hasn't helped all that much. If this were out-and-out rage they would all be on their way to dead by now, but Grymash would have invoked the name of Gargul if that were his intent. Maybe...
Mac tries to regain Grymash's attention. "Ave a drink, Gry." he says in his own dialect of common, handing him a less empty waterskin with his left hand, whilst softly dropping his backpack off his right shoulder and onto the ground behind him. The taur is remaining keenly aware of Gry's actions, and is not attempting to snare or grapple Gry in any way.
Tishe' Tuesday July 20th, 2004 3:45:39 PM
The small woman pelts to Jake's side before she sees that the fighter is coherant, in armor, and clearly able to defend himself. She, on the other hand, is without armor or ready weapon and is standing right behind Jake and in front of the towering half-orc.
"Oh...my"
Staring at the larger Grymash like a mouse staring at a snake, she elects to look as defenseless as possible as she takes a small step backwards, and then another.
Grymash d20-2=7 d20+2=15 d100=76 d6=5 Tuesday July 20th, 2004 6:15:24 PM Trellus says, "Everyone step away from the orc."
Grymash snorts and grunts at the statement. The half-orc is running on pure instincts now. What few thoughts remain in his head, they all tell him the 'orcs' are scared and this could be a quick fight. Gilan's speaking the words of the Manfri confuses him even more. These orcs know the common tongue and sound familiar to him. "How yooz know these thangs? STOP SAYIN' THEM WORDS!!"
As Trellus approaches, Grymash gives his double axe a simple yet menacing twirl in his hands. His muscles tense even more with each step the young cleric of Domi takes closer to him. The orc continues to spew lies from his tusk-filled mouth. This angers Grymash even more. The barbarian is just a second away from severing the orcs head for his crime until he feels the heart touch. Grymash's eyes widen with surprise. He looks down at his chest and puts his hand over his heart. He quickly looks back up and sees Trellus for who he really is ... his friend. "My godd!" Gry drops his double axe to the ground. He looks around at everybody. He finally sees his friends for who they really are. Gry sees the fear in their eyes as they look at him and it cuts him to the quick.
Grymash drops to his knees and pounds the dirt with his fists. "AAAUUGHH!! GRY THOUGHT YOOZ ALL BRING GRY HERE TA LEAVE WIT DA ORCS ... LIKE BEFORES!! Like whut dat BEATER did when Gry wuz little! OH MY GOD! Gry remember now!! Gry not get lost from hunting pack ... Gry wuz given to da orcs an dat monk jus stood there an lets it happen!! AAUUUGGHH!!"
Whatever it took: having his friends and belongings taken from him in the dream, Jake's taunts, his rage, being lost in this strange new land; they all beamed a light onto a very dark place in Grymash's life. The repressed memories reveal a betrayal by one of the monks in Rattledam. Grymash remembers the horrors, while in the orcs care, that no living creature should have to endure. They open old wounds so deep that they would reduce the most hardened of warriors to a child pounding the dirt.
Nain Tuesday July 20th, 2004 6:58:35 PM
Nain come near Gry, " Is there anything we can do to help you friend?"
Gilan d20+4=13 d20+6=26 Tuesday July 20th, 2004 9:55:02 PM
Gilan can see that Trellus has things well in hand and turns his attention back to the surroundings. He no longer fears for his life like before but he does keep an eye out for other things.
His first step will be to check out one of the pine trees that he had noticed earlier. He will collect samples of the tree; from some bark to needles and even a cone if he can find it. Any flowers in the area also draw his attention as he tries to pour through his knowledge again...hoping that being less distracted will help. "Curious plants and open water here...how amazing." He cannot help but shudder when he looks to the water though...the plains is so different.
[knowledge, nature: 13, survival: 26]
[Gilan will collect samples of things that he sees and store them away for future reference and study. Just let me know what I am able to find.]
Flea d20+7=25 d20+11=23 Tuesday July 20th, 2004 11:41:44 PM
Nonplussed by the barbarian's histrionics, Flea moves over to the druid's side. "What'cher looking at, Gilan?" she asks, as she has her own look about the place. (Spot=25, Search=23)
Temp ADM Carla Tuesday July 20th, 2004 11:56:29 PM
Grymash experiences a horrific flashback to an early betrayal, as the veil to his subconscious is blown aside. Fortunately, the bonds of friendship are stronger than those horrors, and the half-orc is able to snap out of his stupor with some firm guidance from Trellus. Nain and Mac offer assistance, as Tishe' and Jake try to stay clear of trouble.
Gilan and Flea check out the area, each in their own way. The pair notices large depressions at regular intervals across the valley floor. Gilan recognizes them for what they are. Highlight to display spoiler: {Huge booted footprints that only a giant could make!}
Jake d20+4=21 d20+5=16 Wednesday July 21st, 2004 12:12:01 PM
The thin half-elf is less than amused by Grymash's behavior, not really thinking about the horrors the poor guy's been through. It's pitiful, but buckle up! is what he thinks. Realizing his words will probably only invite more hurt feelings, he wanders over to look at the big things. (Survival roll 21) Meanwhile, puzzled by this area, and still annoyed, he keeps his ears peeled for weird noises. (Listen 16)
Trellus Wednesday July 21st, 2004 1:45:55 PM
The blond man sighs heavily.
Light. They LET him go!?! His mind races. And Trellus doesn't like what he's thinking. The monks of Rattledam are both foresighted and arrogant enough to have let Gry go in the hopes he'd be woven into the warrior he's become. And if they've been directly involved in Gry's life, why couldn't they have woven his own conversion to Domi half a decade ago?
It's a thought he's not comfortable with.
But not now. Right now, they're all in a really twisted spot, and his friend needs help.
Leaning down, Trellus places both his hands on his friend's shoulders. "Lean on Domi's strength," he prays. At the same time, the cleric channels the positive energy of his god into his friend's body. [Used Turn check to channel positive energy. Got no clue what kind of effect that'll have]
"C'mon Gry," he says softly. "You're with us now." He flashes an amused grin at the barbarian. "Wherever that is."
Trellus looks around at the rest of the pack. "Any guesses on which way we go?" he asks the group.
Tishe' Wednesday July 21st, 2004 4:34:57 PM
The small woman sighs in relief as Grymash lets his axe fall, then is worried again over the implications of the half-orc's words. The Rattledam monks? Bullies like the Barons? Too confusing for this conjurer, who is more at home in sciences that don't involve emotions or motives.
She adds her own heart touch to Grymash and Jake, telling them without words that they are part of the pack.
Then she turns businesslike, and looks to see what the others have found.
Gilan d20+7=19 d20+6=15 Wednesday July 21st, 2004 5:43:12 PM
Gilan moves his hands over the ground lightly to mark out the impressions. His mind races as he ponders this new one then it hits him...giants. "Ooohhh light...Trellus, we have problems." With a smile he pulls Flea down to look at the tracks as well, pointing them out to her so that she can get a good look. He will wait for the cleric to come over before pointing out the impressions and tracing them out partly to make them easier to see. "Giants." The one word is all that he has to say as he scans the area. He tries to make heads or tails out of the tracks, see if they go one direction or not.
With a look to the rest of the group he cannot express how much trouble they maybe in, still he figures they can figure it out. With a smile to Gry and Mac he shakes his head. "Hope you two are up to maybe meeting some big competition." He glances to Tishe' as he listens to the others around him and motions her over. Once she is over he points out the tracks to her as well and explains how she can notice them, as opposed to normal markings. He also shows her the things that he has gathered in a pouch for further study. "Once we get out of here...these should make some interesting things to study...maybe even get some seeds from them." His enthusiasm for this is catching but not great enough to make him forget current problems.
He takes the time to move over to Gry after he is settled more and holds out a potion to the big man. "Gry, this is my last make big potion...use it well." He gives the big man another smile as he gives him a heart touch. "It is good to have you back."
Flea d20+11=14 Wednesday July 21st, 2004 7:58:01 PM
"Giants?" Flea repeats Gilan's word, scarce believing what she heard from the young druid's lips. The gnome looks about for a place to hide. (Search=14)
Temp ADM Carla Thursday July 22nd, 2004 12:16:21 AM
Gilan alerts the Bloodpack regarding his discovery. He uses the opportunity to educate some of his tribe on the finer arts of survival-following tracks, avoiding natural hazards, and guiding a party safely through the wild. The druid, Jake, and Flea all notice what appears to be a cave entrance cut into the easternmost wall of the valley. Jake thinks he hears something. Actually, the fighter is pretty sure he hears something, and its coming down the valley straight in their direction!
Mac Thursday July 22nd, 2004 5:06:56 AM
Mac's head nods in the direction of cover - probably the cave. "Be movin' - Gry an' I 'll bring up the rear. Let's not be killin' som'thin' tha' ain't askin' for it."
Grymash d20+8=13 d20+2=6 d20+5=21 Thursday July 22nd, 2004 11:31:19 AM
Grymash sits there on the ground catching his breath. However there is still a low growl rumbling inside him. As he calms down all he can think of is what he is going to do to the monk when he finds out who he is. Knowing why isnt too important to him right now. However, even his negative vengeful thoughts are chided a bit by a rush of positive energy from Trellus.
"Thanks Trellus an Nain, Gry be better now! Gry not confused no mores." After Jake's remark, Grymash tugs on his straps and belt. "Jake, me buckles are tight, no worries there!" The barbarian takes his first good look at his surroundings. The soil sticks to his hands. It's moist and full of rich organic matter. Very much unlike the coarse, dry sand back home. (Survival 13) "Why weez not be swarmed by da creepers, there water everywheres?!" Gry gives it a final sniff before flicking the mud off.
With all the talk of giants, Grymash rises to his feet and grabs his double axe once again. He accepts the potion from Gilan with a toothy grin. Grymash likes these potions. Silently agreeing with Mac's suggestion, he keeps his eyes and ears on guard while the pack makes it to the cave. (Spot 6, Listen 21)
Trellus Thursday July 22nd, 2004 11:45:37 AM
The young man slaps Grymash on the back. "Shady," he responds as the half-orc says he's OK.
His first reply to Gilan is a bit confused. "Giant whats?" he asks playfully. Once he gets a look at the footprints and the druid explains things, he sobers up quickly. "Oh."
The cleric is in complete agreement with Mac's suggestion. "Right. Nain, could you and Flea take the lead? Let's get into the cave quick, dudes."
Trellus joins the general flight into the cave, positined in the middle of the pack.
Nain Thursday July 22nd, 2004 11:46:50 AM
Nain unbuckles his axe, spits in each hand and grabs his axe tightly as he prepares for whatever is headed this way.
Gilan d20+7=14 d20+7=9 Thursday July 22nd, 2004 12:09:45 PM
Gilan nods in agreement with the rest and starts moving towards the cave. He stays near the middle of the pack were he can be of the most help.
As they move he continues to search the area for other signs of movement. He tries to gauge if they will make the cave before whatever it is reaches them.
Tishe' d20=10 Thursday July 22nd, 2004 2:18:36 PM
The small woman idly tugs a brown lock of hair as intently listening to any information the druid may give her.
But her mind switches quickly on hearing the rumble of 'something coming'.
Grabbing her Wand of Enlarge Person, she hastily moves with the party to the saftey of the cave. "Get shuttlecocked, pack, sounds like company!"
Jake Thursday July 22nd, 2004 2:29:26 PM
"Head's up! Gry, this is no time ta cry about spilt glass grass! Something's coming!" So saying, Jake draws his sword with a shnick...and realizes he forgot something. "Um...anyone remember what my sword's named again?" (He stands ready, and with ears listening. Listen 22)
Grymash Thursday July 22nd, 2004 2:50:17 PM "Wha?! Gry not spill no glass grass!" Grymash is beginning to think he hit Jake too hard. :)
Flea Thursday July 22nd, 2004 11:06:21 PM
Noticing the cave, Flea starts to make her way to the easternmost side of the valley. To Jake's query she responds, "don't know that you named it, but you said something about it being like Frostbrat. Funny name, that."
Temp ADM Carla Thursday July 22nd, 2004 11:31:28 PM
With Flea and Nain in the lead, and Mac and Gry making up the rearguard, the pack makes their way towards the cave entrance. Gilan judges the opening to be about 50 ft. from the party's present location. Looking over his shoulder, the druid is astonished to see a muscular humanoid of enormous proportions making his way down the valley. "Get out of my valley!" he bellows as his stride quickens. The giant's skin is a milky white, tinged with blue, and his silvery white hair streams out behind him. His blue eyes have a glazed, angry look. "Get out, I say!"
Those who are moving towards the cave will spot a compactly built woman standing at the entrance, beckoning to the pack. "Hurry! Run!" calls the dwarf, before disappearing into the cave.
Grymash Friday July 23rd, 2004 12:41:39 AM
Grymash continues to head up the rear with Mac. He looks back at the so-called giant. "He not dat big," bellows the half-orc! However, he quickly recounts his accessment as the giant gains some ground, "But he gettin' bigger da closer he git!! RUN FASTER!" Grymash is feeling quite anxious trotting behind the pack at half speed in order to protect his slower packmates.
Trellus Friday July 23rd, 2004 10:32:19 AM
When you live in the Plains, you get very accustomed to running for your life, Trellus muses.
The cleric looks over his shoulder at the blue giant bearing down on them. "Light, he's bigger than a rapke," he pants.
He runs into the cave without hesitation.
Jake Friday July 23rd, 2004 3:29:35 PM
Jake points his sword towards the giant, images of grandeur enfusing him. "Prepare to be slain by Frostbrat, then, vile gi.." Looking to the side, he sees Trellus run away. "Er...maybe later." He finishes, and turns and runs after his packmate.
Tishe' Friday July 23rd, 2004 3:59:45 PM
"The best way to help her pack", mumbles Tishe', "is to run like a badly dyed tunic!"
She stops any pretense of dignity or defense, and sprints to the cave.
Mac Saturday July 24th, 2004 8:04:34 AM
Ensuring everyone else has entered the cave, Mac follows directly - picking up stragglers as he goes if necessary.
When he stops he looks at Tishe' and chuckles. "Running like a badly dyed tunic indeed! Tha' were a good one!". He looks in the direction of Nain and Flea (assuming he's not carrying them) and asks "Wha's up ahead?"
DM George Sunday July 25th, 2004 9:45:30 PM
Carla! Great job. I really enjoyed reading the posts from the last week. I should go away more often! I will post either later tonight or in the morning.
George
Flea (Trap Sense, Low Light Vision) d20+16=19 Sunday July 25th, 2004 10:25:24 PM
Without hesitation, Flea heads for the opening in the rock face where the dwarven lady disappeared. On entering the cave, she looks about checking for anything untoward. (Search/Detect Traps=19)
George, I didn't read any further than the 1 week scene of the module you assigned me to ADM, so the rest of the module remains a mystery.
LOG ON