DM Jan Friday August 6th, 2004 11:55:24 AM
From his perch, Macaw is able to peer inside the structure. The interior is the size of a small hut. It's a tangle of knotted rugs, old pots and herbs hung up to dry. Windchimes are strung up everywhere, each one having a slightly different sound than the next. Outside at the cauldren, Theo sees some kind of shallow pot suspended over boiling water. The sweet cake smell is coming from the pot. Neen's keen eyes pick up the sight and scent of a pile of small animal bones not far away from the cauldren, while Ryan notes that the entire horse-like structure is almost completely covered with black feathers, giving it a VERY weird appearance. The structure of the legs give the impression that they're capable of moving.
When some of the others break into a run, it becomes obvious something is up. Olyn gives the signals to move out.
Vorelle, presumably followed by Zayne, run WEST down the path, with Rose hurtling along behind as fast as her smaller legs can carry her. As they come over a slight rise, they are greeted with the view of a distant expanse of water. That would be quite a nice view if it wasn't for what lay in the foreground. Stumbling toward them is an orc, cursing up a storm and rubbing his eyes. It's obvious that he can't see them. To the right of them, north of the path - some kind of commotion is going on in the trees.
Just south of the path, Dietrich sees the blind orc, and behind that to the north, a few figures partially hidden by the foliage, their backs turned. He hears "Drag her down!" in orcish. "Chop off her ugly head!"
Vauhwyt and Mookie, flanking Dietrich and so moving north of the path but still in a westerly direction. They find themselves approaching the commotion directly. Something seems to be up a tree, and something bigger looks to be trying to get that other something down.
Theodore & Macaw Friday August 6th, 2004 12:06:24 PM
When most of his group decides to take off towards a noise that Theodore did not hear, the teenager has little choice but to follow behind in a very perplexed state. "What's going on?" he hollers.
Macaw swoops ahead after the others. Theodore sends him the signal to go above the trees and glean what he can from the situation up ahead.
Vauhwyt (hp19, AC17 while charging) and Mookie (hp 9, AC19) d20+7=20 d20+4=19 2d6(2+5)+5=12 d6=5 Friday August 6th, 2004 12:51:34 PM
Vauhwyt whispers instructions to Mookie -- "go talk to the witch in the tree."
Then, wrapped in her blood red armor, she creeps up behind the creature at the base of the tree (move silent 20). When she is 25 feet away, she pounces! With her longspear at ready, she stabs at the creature!
[Hopefully Vauhwyt has surprised the foe. If so, then her target is flat-footed, loses any dex bonuses and is susceptible to sneak attack damage.]
She hits AC19! Her longspear bites deep, inflicting 12 hp damage with an additional 5 hp sneak attack damage (17 total). After she hits, she yells, "Ha! Take that, foul creaturre!" Her accent (not to mention her lashing tail) betrays the adrenaline coursing through her veins.
[Note, a longspear has a 10' reach, so Vauhwyt actually ends 5 feet away from the enemy.]
Mookie, meanwhile, flies up into the tree, calling, "Hello! Miss Witch! Don't hurt me! I'm a friend! We're here to rescue you."
Rose d20+7=13 d20+6=23 d20+7=11 d20+5=23 Friday August 6th, 2004 2:35:01 PM
Rose slows down a bit as she runs and starts muttering while she touches her leather belt. she suddenly thinks and hides in the woods while she quietly moves towards the fight, what does she see?
hide: 13 listen: 23 move silently: 11 spot: 23
active spells mage armor +4 ac 1 hr
daily spells cantrips: ray of frost, prestidigitation, prestidigitation
level 1: unseen servant
Ryan (AC:17 Hp:11) Neen (AC:119 Hp:5) (Mage Armour) Friday August 6th, 2004 4:33:47 PM
Caught totally by surprise at Rose's shout Ryan stays where he is. "Stay close Neen" he says, and casts Mage Armour upon them both. He prepares his Bow.
Dietrich AC 17; HP 24 d20+6=19 d8+3=8 d20-1=5 Saturday August 7th, 2004 5:48:49 AM
Dietrich continues his flanking moving through south-west when he sees the blind orc and the other figures. He leaves the blind orc for his friends in the centre to deal with and suddenly sees, with satisfaction, Vauhwyt attacking the orcs from the other side.
He moves till he has a better sight of the partialy hidden orcs and releases an arrow at the back of the nearest orc not involved in close combat with the huge liontaur, shouting and preparing to draw his mighty greatsword:
"Surrender foul pack, you're surrounded from all sides!"
Hits AC 19 (assuming he is attacking them from the rear) damage: 8 Bluff: 5
Vorelle Saturday August 7th, 2004 12:18:55 PM
The blind orc does not seem to present an immediate threat, so Vorelle merely sidesteps it, intent on what's going on up ahead.
Zayne d20+1=16 d20+1=21 d20+1=18 d6=2 d6=2 Saturday August 7th, 2004 1:13:11 PM
Following Vorelle,the young ranger is startled by the orc. His nerves already on edge he fires two arrows at the blind orc before he can actually survey the scene.(Ac 16 AC 21 natural 20 AC 18 to confirm the crit Damage 2 2(6 if a crit)
DM Jan d20+8=15 Monday August 9th, 2004 12:09:40 PM
((OOC - see map in email))
At the horse, Ryan gets prepped up for battle. He and Neen can already hear the beginnings of a skirmish.
The scene becomes more evident as the rest of the group advance toward the tree.
Theo arrives just as Zayne's arrows hit the blind orc (#6) with a sickening thud. The creature howls and staggers off, south of the path. Macaw gets a good birds eye view similar to the map. Rose gets a halfling's eye view of the same, although she can't see at that moment what's on the other side of the tree from her view point. That's about the change however.
Dietrich's arrow hits Orc #2, who stumbles, rights himself, turns and snarls. The warrior's cry alerts the others, and they all, with the exception of the ogre, turn toward the approaching party.
It's right at that very moment, that some members of the party feel something weird as they get closer to the tree. Part of the ground they cross makes their feet tingle slightly, and their heart shiver. It isn't pleasant - it's a cold, indifferent darkness, very odd, and almost feels as though they have crossed another path, one hidden to the eye. Dietrich felt it, so did Vorelle, and Vauhwyt.
It might be worth pondering further, if it wasn't for the fact that various angry demi-humans were now bearing down on the group and looking to do grievous harm.
Vauhwyt lands a tremendous blow to the Ogre and gets it's attention. The thing turns, brandishing what looks like half a tree in its fist, and swipes hard toward the liontaur, just missing! (Rats)
With an angry charge - Orcs 2 and 3 charge toward Dietrich and Vorelle respectively, getting in melee range.
Orcs 4 and 5 come around the other side of the tree, heading for Theo and Rose. They'll be in melee range after the next round.
Orc 1 isn't moving, in fact it doesn't really look like an orc at all. It's form seems to shift.
Mookie, atop the tree, sees a rather odd-looking human female looking up at him for a moment before trying to scramble down the side of the tree trunk.
Vauhwyt (hp19, AC21) and Mookie (hp 9, AC17) d20+5=17 d20+2=20 d20+2=11 2d6(2+3)+3=8 Monday August 9th, 2004 1:24:32 PM
Vauhwyt steps back five feet, out of reach of the Ogre. She casts Enlarge Person on Mookie (share spells). Mookie flies down to the other side of the Ogre (Tumble 17), and uses the Aid Another action in defense of his mistress (succeeds with a roll of 20, boosting Vauhwyt's AC by 2 vs the ogre's next attack). Vauhwyt taunts the ogre, saying, "You're not very tough, are you? What a big baby!"
[Both Vauhwyt and the ogre have ten-foot reaches, so they can fight each other without closing. If an orc closes with Vauhwyt for a melee attack, she will get an attack of opportunity on it as it closes. Any potential AoO hits AC11 for 8 hp.]
Vorelle d20+6=18 d8+1=3 Monday August 9th, 2004 2:59:04 PM
Vorelle steps back toward Zayne (five-foot step) and fires an arrow at Orc #2. It's a decent shot, but misses hitting anything vital (hit AC 18 for 3 points damage). She then puts her bow away (move-equivalent action) and draws her handaxes (free action), ready for the orc's approach.
Zayne d20+1=17 d20+1=17 d6=3 d6=5 Monday August 9th, 2004 3:34:02 PM
Caught up in the heat of the moment,he looses another arrow athe now retreating orc.(AC 17 Damage 3)
Quickly turning to see how the rest of the group is doing he spots orc #3 and fires an arrow at him too before dropping his bow and drawing his battle axe.(AC 17 damage 5)
Theodore and Macaw HP 8 AC 13 (with dodge against first attacker) d20+1=16 Monday August 9th, 2004 4:03:40 PM
"Oh, goodness!!" exclaims Theodore as he comes into sight of the battle. His eyes dart back and forth as he takes everything in. At the moment, he's most concerned for Vauhwyt facing the huge ogre. But he sees a couple of orcs moving to cut off his path to her and his attention is also caught by the one peculiar orc further off that is acting strangely.
Deciding that he has enough time, he pulls forth a tiny seal and breaks it. Then he trains his vision on orc 1.
He commands Macaw to help Vauhwyt. The bird joins his brother Mookie in flapping about the ogre to hamper his movement.
(Activate seal of true seeing to see what the dealio is with Orc #1. Macaw succeeds at aid another with a 16 to boost Vauhwyt's AC by another 2 to 23)
Ryan (AC:17 Hp:11) Neen (AC:19 Hp:5) (Mage Armour) d20+4=17 d20+1=4 Monday August 9th, 2004 5:48:29 PM
They move west towards the road aiming to be in line with Theo and Rose. Ryan lets fly an arrow in the direction of orc 4 and 5. (Hits AC:17 for Hp:4)
rose d20+6=10 d3+3=4 Monday August 9th, 2004 6:00:08 PM
Rose throws a dart at the nearest orc (within 20').
attack: 10 damage: 4
ooc: jan what is the distances between pc's & npc?
Dietrich AC 17; HP 24 d20+7=22 2d6(5+6)+4=15 d20+7=17 2d6(3+2)+4=9 Tuesday August 10th, 2004 6:00:14 AM
Dietrich swears when he realizes his bluff attent did only warn the enemy and draws his sword. He feels the strange dark presence of the tree and prays silently to Domi and Gargul, dashing forward to attack the charging orcs.
Seeing that Vorelle hits orc 2, Dietrich attacks orc 3 with a battlecry.
Hits ac 22; damage: 15! **If this drops orc 3, and if orc 2 is still alive, Dietrich's sword continues its deadly move, hitting ac 17; damage 9
DM Jan d20+5=25 d20+5=18 d6+2=4 d20+5=25 d20+5=17 d3+2=3 d20+8=25 d8+3=6 Tuesday August 10th, 2004 12:18:00 PM
As the orcs charge, arrows start to fly!
Vorelle's arrow gives Orc #2 a nasty flesh wound, but not enough to stop it from getting into melee range, where it looks at her drawn axe and grins.
Zayne's next arrow sends the blind orc #6 down in a roar of painful confusion. It lies at the side of the path, bleeding.
Ryan's arrow hurtles through the trees, piercing the flesh of Orc #4 - who roars in defiance.
Rose's dart falls short, and the young halfling now has the scary prospect of two orcs - #4 and #5 bearing down on her. "Halfling meat!" growls #5.
Zayne looks around, ready to tackle orc #3, but is beaten to it by Dietrich, who power-slams his sword into the creature, dropping it immediately. The orc falls with a startled look on its face. The sword doesn't stop there either. Driven by momentum, it succeeds in cutting into the flesh of Orc #2, who howls in surprise.
As the blood starts to flow, Theodore pops the seal of True Seeing, as his familiar flies off to help Mookie. His eyes take in the strange figure - Orc #1 - and he sees that it is indeed an orc, who's flesh and clothing is covered in flies! The many tiny insect's bodies shift like liquid over the orc's flesh, and - the creature doesn't appear to be bothered by this one little bit - in fact, he's smiling, and starting to move toward the humanoid female, who's now at the base of the tree.
Meanwhile, the Ogre takes a sidestep and hefts his club, his eyes taking in the liontaur who dared puncture his flesh. He was feeling mean before the injury, and now - The birds are nothing. He wants this four-legged &*#$!!
Orc #6 - unconscious Orc #3 - dead
Orc# 2 swings wildly at Vorelle with a crude sword that has a deceptively keen edge - hitting the female ranger for 4 DAM (missed crit).
Orc #4 diverts - he sees where that arrow came from, and charges toward Ryan. Dang that thing is fast! It'll be in melee range in the next round.
Orc #5 flicks a dagger in Rose's direction, still closing. He'll be in melee range with the halfling in the next round and looks as though he's looking forward to the prospect. The dagger slams into poor Rose for 3 DAM (missed crit again).
Orc #1, his skin appearing to shift as the swarm of flies crawls over his body, creeps menacingly toward the female at the base of the tree. They both start yelling curses at one another, neither of which are pretty to listen to.
Mookie and Macaw flap around the Ogre, but the brute proves to be very single-minded, taking a mighty swipe at Vauhwyt. Wham! It's not a perfect shot - but it connects for 6 DAM.
Vauhwyt (hp13 of 19, AC19) and Mookie (hp 9, AC17) d20+4=15 d20+7=16 2d6(2+3)+3=8 d6=5 d20-1=1 d20-1=8 Tuesday August 10th, 2004 1:07:01 PM
Vauhwyt and Mookie flank the ogre. Vauhwyt grins to see Macaw's help! Mookie tries to aid his mistress in her spear attack. He does!
Vauhwyt flicks a button on her shirt, and then feels a little more in tune with the fight. [Activate Combat Seal (a free action): note that *everybody* gets a +1 to attack this round!]
The liontaur takes another poke at the ogre, helped by the flanking aid of her familiar. She hits the ogre (she hopes), or at least AC16 for 8 hp damage plus an extra 5 flanking/sneak attack damage -- total 13 hp damage. [Jan, ACs for orcs and ogre?].
Then she takes a five-foot step up and rears on her hind feet as she swipes with her paws -- but both of those attacks miss.
[AC may be up by 2 if Macaw helps again.]
DM Jan Tuesday August 10th, 2004 1:31:22 PM
((Oops, sorry folks - Ogre AC 18, orcs AC 15))
Dietrich AC 17; HP 24 d20+8=22 2d6(2+1)+4=7 Tuesday August 10th, 2004 1:41:09 PM
Dietrich is covered by blood as the masterwork sword cuts the orc's head off and wounds the second orc. The warrior is now completely absorved in the fight and feels the excitement of adrenalin and blood rush.
He is quite amazed at his opponents toughness and nods respectfully to the arrow pierced and wounded orc, before he attacks him again. Hits ac 22; damage 7
Zayne d20+3=19 d8+1=8 Tuesday August 10th, 2004 2:07:26 PM
Moving up to flank #2 with Vorelle he swings his axe as hard as he can.(Ac 21 forgot to add the flanking bonus Damage 8)
The adrenaline is rushing through his veins and he is acting on instinct alone right now.
Rose hp: 9/12 AC 18 d20+2=4 d20+3=16 d4+2=3 Tuesday August 10th, 2004 5:13:42 PM
rose pulls out her sickle and attacks #5.
attack: 16 (ignore previous roll had wrong bonus) damage: 3
Vorelle [AC 17; HP 13/17] d20+4=15 d20+4=22 d6+1=6 d6+1=7 Tuesday August 10th, 2004 5:50:29 PM
Vorelle lets out a hiss of pain as the orc's weapon connects.
[If Dietrich has finished off Orc #2, Vorelle will step up next to Rose and attack #5 when he gets there. If not, she will attack #2.]
Vorelle's axes slash out in two vicious arcs, hitting twice and biting deep both times.
[Hit AC 15 for 6 and AC 22 for 7]
Theodore and Macaw HP 8 AC 17 (mage armor and dodge against fly-covered orc) d20+1=5 Tuesday August 10th, 2004 7:51:36 PM
"Rose, are you okay? I'm going to help that woman out!" He weaves his fingers to give himself an extra boost before heading off towards the the base of the tree where the fly-covered orc is headed. He makes sure he keeps out of melee range with any orcs or ogres, going out further than necessary if he has to.
Macaw continues to flutter about the ogre, but fails to assist Vauhwyt this time.
(Cast mage armor for 2 hours. Macaw fails to aid another with a 5)
Ryan (AC:17 Hp:11) Neen (AC:19 Hp:5) (Mage Armour) Wednesday August 11th, 2004 8:41:36 AM
Ryan muttering a curse at the Orc who didn't fall, drops his bow to the ground to save time. He casts Sleep directed at orc 4 and5. he then (if there is time) draws his gleaming Rapier ready for the melee. Neen keeps behind Ryan as is his wish.
DM Jan d20+8=12 Wednesday August 11th, 2004 12:17:39 PM
The battle rages on, and blood is spilled onto the forest floor.
Those fighting in the immediate vicinity of the ley line experience a momentary jump in power, that makes them shiver. All those tackling Orcs 2, 3 and 5 can feel it.
Dietrich and Zayne, powered by adrenalin, round on Orc #2, their combined efforts making mincemeat of the creature. It drops.
Vorelle turns to help Rose against Orc 5, and both axe and sickle leave bloody weals in the creature's flesh.
Ryan faces off against Orc 4, who's running headlong toward him and Neen, yelling a bloodcurdling battlecry. The Sleep spell goes off as the Orc is in mid-leap, and immediately it comes crashing down. The momentum barrel-rolls it forward, and both Ryan and Neen need to get out of the way fast or get knocked over by the thing. ((Dex check DC 13, or both take 2 subdual damage))
Over at the tree, the Ogre, it's face lined with cunning, keen eyes evaluating the opposition, manages to dodge both spear and claw. Mookie and Macaw wheel around, doing their best to cause a distraction.
Theo sets off toward the other side of the tree, to see what he can do to help the female.
Orc #6 unconscious Orc #3 dead Orc #2 dead Orc #4 asleep Orc #5 badly injured but active Orc #1 active Ogre injured but active
Orc #5, on seeing #2 drop dead, turns and makes a break for it, away from Rose and Vorelle. In the confusion, it seems he's making straight for Theo!
The air whistles as the huge Ogre swings his club again. He's fully intent on bashing the brains out of Vauhwyt. Not so this time, however. The club whooshes past, causing all kinds of air current mayhem for the birds.
Theo is now on the north side of the tree, and has noted that tingly feeling as he crosses over the ley line. He can now see the female a little better. Her back is turned, and she appears to be wearing a cloak made out of a multitude of fabric scraps. He can see Orc #1, too, who glances in his direction. It is then that the flies rise from the Orc's body into a thick, black cloud. The cloud shifts in the air and heads straight for Theo!
Free of flies, it's possible to see the Orc's features. They look rotten and diseased.
Theodore and Macaw HP 8 AC 17 (mage armor & dodge against orc #1) d20+1=13 d4=1 Wednesday August 11th, 2004 12:39:22 PM
"Servant of Marteus!" Theodore hisses at the diseased orc. "We've got a magic-user!" he shouts to the rest of his group.
Theodore continues to move as close as he can to the female before beginning to chant a spell. His fingers flick about as he weaves the magic together. And then a misty cloud begins to form about himself and nearby. "Are you okay?" he asks of the woman, touching her if she is near enough to touch.
Macaw continues to follow his brother's example pecking, cawing, and raising all sorts of hullabaloo.
(Cast obscuring mist around Theo, and hopefully the woman, lasting for 2 minutes. Macaw succeeds in aid another to give Vauhwyt a +2 bonus to her next attack roll. Ignore the second roll.)
Vauhwyt (hp13 of 19, AC19) and Mookie (hp 9, AC17) d20=6 d20-2=7 d20+4=15 d20+6=15 Wednesday August 11th, 2004 12:56:00 PM
Close up to the Ogre, Vauhwyt sees that Macaw has help give her a great opportunity to swipe at the Ogre. She slashes the large foe with both paws [one at +2 from Macaw, both at +2 from Mookie's flanking]. Alas, both paw strikes miss [hits AC6 and 7].
Mookie flutters at the ogre, distracting it. [Mookie aids another roll is 15.] He caws, "Back off boss!"
Vauhwyt says, "I know!" and she takes a five foot step back. Now she can bring her spear to bear. She misses, though, and her spear fails to penetrate the ogre's thick hide [hit AC15].
"Your friends are dead," she tells the ogre. "Run away!"
Dietrich AC 15; HP 24 d20+9=27 2d6(3+5)+6=14 Wednesday August 11th, 2004 1:30:14 PM
Dietrich makes a satisfied grunt when he and Zayne finish off the enemy warrior. Then he sees another orc running towards Theo, but before he can think about helping his learned friend, they disappear in a cloud of mist. So Dietrich dashes forward and charges the Ogre from behind, putting all his strenght in the blow.
Hits ac 27 (+2 charge, +2 flank, -2 power attack) Damage: 14
Vorelle [AC 17; HP 13/17] d20+5=20 d6+1=5 Wednesday August 11th, 2004 4:48:22 PM
As Orc #5 retreats, Vorelle takes the opportunity to aim a slash at it. She hits and draws blood.
[AoO? Hit AC 20 for 5 points.]
If she doesn't get an Attack of Opportunity, or if her attack doesn't drop the creature, Vorelle takes off after it.
If she is able to cut it down, she moves cautiously toward Orc #1.
Rose d20+6=20 d3+3=6 d20+3=23 d20+3=19 d4+2=4 d4+2=4 d6=1 Wednesday August 11th, 2004 11:34:44 PM
Rose runs towards orc #5 and throws a dart (aoo). If he's alive she will then attack him with her sickle, if he's not she will attack whichever orc/ogre is closest. Rose will try to flank.
if flanking add in flanking bonus and sneak attack: 1
Zayne Thursday August 12th, 2004 12:17:04 PM
OOC I am having internet troubles. I am using the library computers to post. For some reason I can't stay on the net for longer than five minutes or so. I guess Jan will have to NPC Zayne until I figure out what's going on
DM Jan d20+8=23 d8+3=7 3d8(5+6+2)+6=19 d20+3=6 Thursday August 12th, 2004 2:31:35 PM
While Ryan deals with the prospect of getting bowled over by the sleeping Orc #4, Vorelle and Rose go after the retreating Orc #5 and bring it down. It dies.
Leaving Zayne to make sure the others are dead, Dietrich leaps in to help Vauhwyt with the Ogre.
Theo casts Obscuring Mist around himself and the female. "Come to help stir the soup, boy?" he hears her say in a low voice, before a firm hand grabs his collar and attempts to drag him backward out of the mist cloud. "Stay away from the flies," she adds, "and don't get blood on me! And don't touch that thing!" If Theo wants to resist he must better her STR check of DC 6. (Gee whiz)
The fly swarm enters the mist cloud!
The Ogre takes a large step back after Dietrich deals it a nasty blow. Both the liontaur and the warrior can see it losing focus. "Run. Away -" it repeats, faltering over the words, then puts all its effort on a mighty swing aimed at Vauhwyt. The weapon bludgeons into the liontaur for a bruising 7 DAM.
But thats not all -
Orc#1 steps forward quickly now that Dietrich has come in range, and delivers a touch attack against the warrior, who suddenly feels a nasty sliver of negative energy tear through him!
Casting Inflict Serious Wounds - 19 DAM. Will Save DC 16 for half damage.
All the other orcs are dead, unconscious or asleep.
Still active - the Ogre (barely) and Orc #1.
Theodore and Macaw HP 8 AC 17 (with mage armor & dodge against female) d20=17 d20+2=4 d4=4 Thursday August 12th, 2004 3:31:06 PM
Caught by surprise by the woman's grab, he reacts by pushing her away. "I'm trying to help you! Just sit tight." He quickly pulls forth his wand of burning hands. "Don't make me use this on you."
If she continues to get aggressive Theodore will loose a cone of fire on her. Otherwise, if the swarm gets within range, and he can see them, he'll use the wand on the flies. Whichever presents the more immediate danger.
Macaw is distracted by the appearance of the mist and troubled by the DISappearance of his master. He halts his flurry on the ogre for the moment to perch in a branch of the tree and see what's going on.
(Strength check = 17 to resist woman. Macaw gets a 4 to aid another, failing. 4 damage against woman or flies.)
Ryan (AC:17 Hp:11) Neen (AC:19 Hp:5) (Mage Armour) d20+3=12 d20+2=16 d6+1=7 d6=3 Thursday August 12th, 2004 5:46:11 PM
They are bowled over by the orc and taken down with him. Ryan, catlike and quick, scrambles to his feet and stabs the orc finaly in the back, where he lies. Dex:12 vs DC:13 failed (Hits AC:16 for Hp:7+3 (sneak attack)=10)
Vauhwyt (hp 6 of 19, AC19) and Mookie (hp 9, AC17) d20+4=24 d20+6=23 2d6(3+1)+3=7 d6=1 d20-2=18 d20-2=4 d20-2=16 d4+1=4 d20+2=19 2d6(4+2)+3=9 Thursday August 12th, 2004 6:07:16 PM "OUCH!" yells Vauhwyt at the Ogre. "You'll pay for that!"
Mookie yells, "Boss!" Vauhwyt replies, "Stick to plan! You know what to do if I go down!"
Mookie tries again to help Vauhwyt flank the ogre and open a vulnerability. He does a splendid job [Aid Another roll natural 20]!
Vauhwyt stabs the ogre as Mookie distracts him. She hits for 7 hp damage, plus another point of sneak attack damage, for a total of 8.
Then she moves in five feet to finish, rearing up on her paws. One connects for an additional 4 hp damage. (nat 20 is not a crit).
Then the bleeding and bashed liontaur turns to Dietrich. She wonders how he is faring. Seeing the foul diseased orc, Vauhwyt braces for an attack. [If an enemy comes near enough for an attack of opportunity (ie, within 10 feet), Vauhwyt hits AC19 for 9 hp damage.]
Vorelle [AC 17; HP 13/17] d20+3=5 d20+3=6 Thursday August 12th, 2004 6:21:57 PM
Vorelle swings at Orc #1 with her axes, but both attempts miss wildly.
[Hit AC 5 and AC 6]
Dietrich AC 19; HP 5 of 24 d20+2=7 d20+5=8 Friday August 13th, 2004 5:55:52 AM
Dietrich was so concentrated at the melee that he made the dangerous mistake of ignoring the rotting orc. The fighter suddenly feels the terrifying dark energy dropping his soul and instinctively jumps away of it, almost fainting because of pain and disgust. But it's not the first time the warrior gets wounded in combat and he preserves enough spirit of mind to keep his guard (fighting defensively now, +2 AC, especialization feat) and to attack back.
hits ac 8
Dietrich still feels the shock and can't hit the nasty enemy. He looks desperatly for Olyn to help them (realizing that Vauhwyt is bleeding a lot too) and calls for his priestly friend.
Rose hp: 9/12 AC 18 d20+6=25 d3+3=5 Friday August 13th, 2004 1:12:25 PM
Rose grabs another dart and throws it with all her strenght at the remaining orc.
attack: 25 damage: 5
DM Jan d20+4=24 d20+4=13 d8=1 Friday August 13th, 2004 1:26:17 PM
A blast of flame bursts forth from the misty cloud, like there's some kind of pocket-sized, fire-breathing dragon in there. The flies go wild, zipping in and out of the cloud in an effort to find their quarry. Inside the cloud - "I'm trying to get us away from the flies, you st -" the woman stops as Theo's spell goes off. "Oh!" she exclaims. "Got any more tricks up your sleeve, like that?"
Meanwhile, Ryan and Neen scramble to their feet and Ryan's knife ensures that Orc #4 won't getting up too soon, if at all.
Not too far away from Ryan, Olyn fires a crossbow bolt toward the diseased Orc #1. It's a good shot, but he's a little too far away for the bolt to make much of an impact. (1 DAM) "Don't let him touch you!" he warns, and starts to move toward the injured Dietrich and Vauhwyt. He'll be there in the next round.
Zayne aims his bow at orc #1 and moves position to get in a clear shot.
Dietrich, moves into the defensive after Orc #1's hideous touch attack. Vorelle moves in to help, but misses on this occasion. Rose fires a dart that sinks into the creature's leg.
With a flurry of powerful blows, Vauhwyt smacks into the Ogre. The creature falls with a resounding THUD on the ground.
The diseased Orc #1 reaches out, but this time, not for a member of the party. Instead, it reaches for the fallen, dying Ogre. Something passes between them, and the Ogre gives up a final gasp. It suddenly looks dried up - as though it's been dead for weeks. (Casting DEATH KNELL) Orc #1 in comparison looks invigorated, and the damage from Rose's dart ceases to bleed.
"Very well, my children," the creature cackles, "lets play!"
Vorelle [AC 17; HP 13/17] d20+3=22 d20+3=6 d6+1=6 Friday August 13th, 2004 1:43:33 PM
Vorelle gasps in shock when she sees the orc steal the ogre's lifeforce, then wades in again with her handaxes. Her first blow is solid, but the second misses.
[Hit AC 22 for 6 points; Hit AC 6]
Theodore and Macaw HP 8 AC 17 (with mage armor & dodge against flies) d4=3 Friday August 13th, 2004 3:01:25 PM
"What can the flies do?" Theodore asks of the woman, still brandishing his wand. He moves slowly back, allowing the woman to guide him, but not take control.
Hearing that some of his party is in trouble, Theodore pops another seal and hollers. "Heal yourselves!" If the flies, or another enemy, gets within range, Theodore will again blast with his wand of burning hands.
Macaw sits on a tree branch and keeps an eye out on the remaining orc.
(Break seal of cure light wounds. Everyone in the party can cast cure light wounds once. Wand of burning hands hits for 3 damage.)
Dietrich AC 19; HP: 8 d8=3 d20+7=17 2d6(6+5)+4=15 Saturday August 14th, 2004 8:59:23 AM
Dietrich overcomes his initial shock after being seriously wounded by the rotting orc and is relieved and impressed when Vauhwyht kills the big ogre. He continues on the defensive, but, very enraged, attacks the orc from his flank when he is casting another terrifying spell at the dead ogre. "Die *@#~&$#, by Domis' sword!"
attack: 17 (-2 defensive, +2 flank) damage: 15
Then the fighter feels a strange, but very welcomed, energy and is a little revigorated. (I'm not sure about the cure light wounds spell, suppose it's d8 hp?)
Ryan (AC:17 Hp:11) Neen (AC:19 Hp:5) (Mage Armour) d20+4=10 d6+1=2 Saturday August 14th, 2004 2:41:44 PM
Picking up his bow Ryan identifys his new target, Orc 1. He moves forward to get in range and lets an arrow fly. (Hits AC:10 for Hp:2)
Rose d8+1=8 Sunday August 15th, 2004 4:27:43 PM
Rose quickly heals whoever is closest to her and needs healing.
clw: 8
dietrich add 1pt clw is 1d8+1
Vauhwyt (hp 17 of 19, AC19) and Mookie (hp 9, AC17) d8+1=5 d8+1=6 d20+2=18 2d6(5+2)+3=10 Monday August 16th, 2004 10:39:02 AM
Vauhwyt wants to attack, but she cannot waste Theo's sacrifice. She casts Cure Light Wounds on herself.
If Mookie can do the same, he will flutter over to Vauhwut and cure her too.
[OOC: V's CLW = 5, M's CLW = 6]
Vauhwyt has her spear ready to attack if she is approached. Possible AoO if the enemy comes within 10 feet -- hits AC18 for 10.
DM Jan Monday August 16th, 2004 1:07:59 PM
Vorelle's and Dietrich's weapons slice into Orc #1. Ryan's arrow whizzes past and embeds in a nearby tree.
Right up until the point that steel hits flesh, the orc is cackling madly, and reaching back toward the dead Ogre. He appears to have something in his hands. Something small, dark and shiny. But whatever he was going to do, it is cut short, and he falls dead at the group's feet, a victim of considerable wounds.
"How should I know what the flies can do?" growls the woman sharing Theo's mist, "But would you want them anywhere near you, after they'd been crawling over him?"
The flies stop buzzing. The dead lie still. It is over, and there is silence save fora distant twittering of birds.
Theodore and Macaw Monday August 16th, 2004 1:20:44 PM
"Is it over? I can't see!" Theodore calls to his friends. The mage waves his hands about in a futile attempt to disperse the vapors. "Could someone call to me so I can hear where you are...please?"
Macaw hops down to a lower branch and calls to his master. Following his familiar's caws, Theodore runs squarely into the big tree and falls to his rump. "That wasn't nice!!"
It sounds as if Macaw chuckles to himself as he leaps into the air to get a view of their surroundings and make sure there aren't any more baddies sneaking up on them.
Zayne d20+5=19 Monday August 16th, 2004 1:40:26 PM
(OOC I fixed my problems so I am am back!! Yay me!)
Looking around at the carnage and trying to put together everything that just happened. Looking around to see if everyone is alright.(Spot 19)
Seeing Theo surrounded by a cloud of flies he begins to search his belongings for a blanket or something else appropriate for swatting the flies from around his friend.
Vorelle d20+6=13 Tuesday August 17th, 2004 12:47:51 AM
Cautiously, Vorelle examines the body of Orc #1, trying to find some clue as to why he was covered in flies.
[Heal check 13]
Dietrich HP 17 of 24 Tuesday August 17th, 2004 6:26:26 AM
Dietrich lets ROse heal him again and thanks her and Theodore. The fight was much closer than he'd like to. When the rotten orc falls dead, the warrior looks satisfied to his friends and makes a short pray to thank DOmi. He cleans his weapon, carefully avoiding to touch the foul flesh and blood of orc #1, and goes after his bow, saying: "Friends, look after survivers. What about that blind orc, is he dead? We need a prisoner for information!" He quickly counts the fallen foes to see if anyone escaped.
Vauhwyt (17 hp) and Mookie Tuesday August 17th, 2004 7:34:35 AM
Vauhwyt looks for the small dark shiny thing the orc cleric was holding. She wants to be sure it is not lost. She wonders if it is something to create undead, since the orc was about to use it on the ogre.
Then she calls out in order to draw folk from the mist. "Theo! Miss Witch! Come on over this way! We need to talk!"
Vauhwyt also asks Olyn to help Dietrich with salvaging an unconscious orc for interrogation.
Zayne Tuesday August 17th, 2004 11:23:06 AM
Still a little confused on all the events that happend in the past few moments,he looks around and wonders,how much of this carnage was he responsible for? Scratching his head with his free hand he just stands there looking lost.
DM Jan Tuesday August 17th, 2004 3:05:34 PM
As Zayne looks around, he can see that Dietrich, Vorelle and Vauhwyt in particular have taken a few knocks. Rose's and Theo's spells seem to absorbing some of the damage. Dietrich does a quick reconnaissance and discovers all the orcs are dead, even the blind one, who looks to have bled to death, and the one that bowled Ryan over.
Vorelle examines the corpse of orc #1 carefully. It's skin is covered in festering sores, and even in death, the body heat coming from the thing is quite considerable. Some of the sores look to be of a different type to the rest. Close up, the smell isn't too pleasant, either. The dead creature has some kind of medallion around its neck, stamped with the now familiar symbol of Marteaus.
Vauhwyt discovers the creature was holding two shiny black stones of Onyx in its hand.
There are no sign of flies and the witch walks out of the dissipating fog, shaking her head at Theodore's antics.
She has the rounded ears of a human, and looks to be in her late thirties, perhaps. She wears a robe made up of scraps of fabric, tied at the waist with string. The long cloak over her shoulders is constructed in similar fashion. Her red hair shows strands of grey, and is loosely braided. Two of the fingers on her right hand are missing.
She looks on in horror at Vorelle and Vauhwyt. "What are you doing?? Don't touch it! Burn it! Destroy it!" She starts to wave her arms around excitedly.
Up in the trees - Macaw spots a lone figure on the path, 70 yards distant. Heading this way.
Ryan and Neen Tuesday August 17th, 2004 3:24:26 PM
Ryan heads over to Vorelle, "What does that symbol mean Miss Valerie?" He says slightly curious.
Theodore and Macaw Tuesday August 17th, 2004 4:00:10 PM
"Someone's coming," Theodore informs his group as he rubs his forehead. He comes to stand with the others to look on the carnage strewn about. "It's alone, whoever, or whatever, it is."
Theodore gives the woman a speculative look. "I'm sorry about pushing you, back there. You kind of took me by surprise." He extends his hand. "I'm Theodore. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Rose hp: 9/12 AC 18 Tuesday August 17th, 2004 4:33:45 PM
Now that the fighting is over Rose goes over to a clean patch of ground casts Prestidigitation to clean herself and the others.
"Vauhwyt, be careful you dont want to catch whatever it has!"
Vorelle Tuesday August 17th, 2004 10:05:58 PM
By now, Vorelle has completely forgotten that she's "Miss Valerie," but in this case it doesn't matter. "M-M-Marteus! P-p-probably d-diseased," she warns the others. "K-keep b-b-back."
Dietrich hp 17 of 24 Wednesday August 18th, 2004 6:02:59 AM
Dietrich feels much better now that he has been healed and his terror of the dark magic he has felt is vanished. He swears when he realizes all orcs are dead. Then he tries to remember if this orcs are similar to the orcs they met at the inn. He searches the dead bodys, except for orc #1, and looks after insignia etc (knows orcish, military knowledge) He's not surprised when his friends find Marteu's symbol.
He takes a quick look at the witch, but keeps behind. When Theodore warns them about the newcomer, Dietrich prepares his bow and takes a defensive position, awaiting him.
Vauhwyt (hp17) Wednesday August 18th, 2004 8:51:32 AM
Vauhwyt uses her longspear to poke those onyx stones away from the servant of Marteaus. She says, "Can anyone Detect Magic before we burn these bodies? And try not to walk around and ruin their footprints. We have to track these creatures back to whatever foul place they have made for a camp."
To Ryan, she adds, "The servants of Marteous are so disgusting that all good folk should be glad to kill them on sight. But they are for us particular enemies, who we have faced in the past and destroyed."
"Tell him, Boss," says Mookie.
The liontaur pauses for a moment of thought, and then nods. "In truth, we came here because we hoped to find these enemies here and to expose their plots and schemes. To do that, we travel incognito. In reality, we come from Dirt City ourselves, and we serve the Prince."
She introduces herself and the others -- and apologizes that she had to keep their identities secret.
Then realizing that she said all this in front of the witch, Vauwyt laughs at herself and then bows to the human woman. "Now you know all our secrets, but since our foes are no friend to you, I am sure we can trust you. May we ask your name, and what you know about these putrid folk?"
Then she sees a figure approaching. She grabs her spear and calls out, "HO, STRANGERR!" Her slight accent reveals her alertness, as does her lashing tail.
Zayne d20+6=16 d20+6=19 Wednesday August 18th, 2004 11:17:45 AM
Hearing the news of someone aproaching he shakes himself awake,and darts to the nearest cover,bringing his bow.(Hide 16 Move silently 19)
Watching and waiting for the newcomer. Mentally praying that the stranger is not a threat.
Ryan and Neen Wednesday August 18th, 2004 2:33:47 PM
Ryan smiles,"Thank you for telling me Vauhwyt it makes more sense now, I remember now and again when I had to use a false Identity."
"The prince?" he thinks to himself "that's someone to fight for." He is starting to trust the group more.
Shadeos d20+5=12 d20+10=16 d20+8=27 Wednesday August 18th, 2004 2:36:26 PM
Shadeos hastened along the trail towards the sounds of battle. He pauses to listen as the battle sounds cease(Listen check 12 ).
After hearing, "HO STRANGER", Shadeos moves forward knowing that he has likely been spotted. He curses silently as he keeps a watchful eye out for any surprises(Spot check 16).
"I HEARD THE SOUNDS OF BATTLE. DO YOU NEED AID?", Shadeos responds loudly taking comfort only in the fact that the stranger did not have an orcish accent.
As Shadeos approaches the battle scene, he surveys everything and everyone trying to gain some information as to the motives of the people there (Sense Motive 27).
Rose hp: 9/12 AC 18 Wednesday August 18th, 2004 5:15:10 PM
Rose keeps an eye on both the witch and the stranger. She also retrieves any daggers/darts she threw during combat & cleans them with prestidigitation.
DM Jan Wednesday August 18th, 2004 6:21:51 PM
((Sorry this is late folks))
Dietrich notes the following about the dead orcs - they don't appear to be the same group as those who were at the Inn; this group is much more unkempt, their weapons are rusty, their clothing torn and dirty. The orcs back at the Inn looked like Plateau City guards in comparison.
The lady gives Theo a three fingered handshake. Her grip is strong, despite her lack of digits. "Heh, I'm Priscilla. Probably a good job you people came when you did. I'd still be up a tree otherwise, with those critters baying like hounds for my blood."
She grins at the liontaur. "Know about them? Well they're not my friends if thats what you mean. If you ask me, I reckon they were heading for the Lake. A lot of them go to the Lake. Normally they don't bother me, but that-" she points at the dead Marteaus worshipper "- took exception to the line. Thought I'd 'cast an evil spell' on the path. Like he has room to talk." She wrinkles her nose. "Normally the line doesn't cross the blasted path, but it decided to move, you see - so there we are! Thought him being a cleric, he might have been smarter. Obviously not. Daft as a brush. Just like the rest of them."
Priscilla falls quiet as the group prepare to meet whoever is on the path. She stays where she is as others blend into the trees.
As for Shadeos, he emerges on to a killing ground. Dead orcs (and a dead ogre) lie everywhere, and a motley group of strangers are looking his way.
((OOC - folks, it might be an idea to include a description of your character in your next post - basically what others can see. Welcome aboard, John.))
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday August 18th, 2004 8:34:47 PM
"It's nice to meet you, Priscilla. I'm glad we could help you." Theodore bites at his lip with the approach of Shadeos. He assumes the rest can handle him should he get rowdy, so he mumbles some words and walks about the battlefield, looking at the corpses in a peculiar manner.
Shadeos will see Theodore as a teenager still growing into his body. He is dressed in an overly large tunic and pants, though he appears not to notice. He has unoriginal brown hair, which is more than a bit mussed. In a nutshell, Theodore looks like he shouldn't be anywhere near this forest, let alone a battlefield.
(Casting detect magic over all the corpses and loot.)
Vorelle Thursday August 19th, 2004 12:17:33 AM
Hearing Vauhwyt's challenge, Vorelle pulls another arrow from her quiver and turns to face the new threat.
If the newcomer notices her at all, he'll see a female figure whose features are largely hidden by the hood of her voluminous cloak. She stays near the back and avoids drawing attention to herself. The arrow she has nocked is pointed at the ground. For now.
DIetrich; hp 17 of 24 d20+2=8 Thursday August 19th, 2004 6:14:32 AM
Dietrich, a very tall and robust man wearing plate mail and highquality weapons, whose face is hidden behind a closed iron helmet, looks with suspicion at the newcomer. What kind of coincidence is this? He keeps his bow ready and observes how the stranger behaves, letting Vauhwyt do the conversation. (sense motivation 8)
He tells his friends what he's dicovered about the orcs. His first thought was that Marteus's servants were gathering an orc army, being the new 'leader' they have heard about in the inn. But the dead orcs don't seem to confirm this theory.
He curiously examines Priscilla and hopes she may give them more infos about the orcs. He asks her how long the orcs have been using the path, how many they are, how many ogres and other diferent creatures, other spellcasters, supply-weagons, mounts etc.
Then Dietrich asks the rangers to examine the surrounding area for tracks and hints, while he starts preparing a place to burn the bodys.
Vauhwyt (hp17) Thursday August 19th, 2004 9:26:44 AM
"Thank you," Vauhwyt tells Priscilla.
Vauhwyt motions for the stranger to come closer. "No need to get hoarse with shouting," she says. Vauhwyt is a liontaur -- like a centaur, but half lion instead of half horse. Her thick mane covers half her face -- the exposed ear sports a green leaf-shaped earring. She carries a longspear. But most striking of all, she is blood red from head to tail -- skin, fur, and shirt -- and so is the eagle-sized crow on her shoulder.
"What?!" says the crow, "You've never seen a red liontaur before?" Vauhwyt says, "Hush, Mookie."
She continues, with a faint accent, "We have just defeated our enemies, as you see herre. A minute earlier and you would have had the chance to test your weapons with us. What brings you to this enchanted forest, if I may ask, almost in the nick of time?" She smiles.
Shadeos Thursday August 19th, 2004 1:17:08 PM
The stranger moves forward confidently. He has the broad shoulders and easy movements of an athlete. It is clear from his appearance that he has spent many days on road and is well armed enough to have survived it.
"I am Shadeos," the stranger states calmly.
Shadeos' deep brown eyes seem to miss little as he continues to approach the group. It does not escape him that most, if not all, of the group seem fairly young. An eyebrow arches beneath his curly brown hair as sees and hears the Liontaur.
Moving very slowly, Shadeos lifts Pantheon's holy symbol from beneath his gray shirt, "I am a Pantheon Justice. I heard the sounds of battle and sought to help."
Rose Thursday August 19th, 2004 3:31:18 PM
You see a halfling with curly brown hair escaping from a braid who is wearing a cream colored shirt and brown pants, she has a brown belt with a bunch of objects on it, bag, a sickle, a dagger, and several darts. She has a quiver and bow slung over her shoulder and is going around standing beside one of the group and the blood, guts, dirt, and stuff just dissapear so that they are clean again.
Ryan and Neen Thursday August 19th, 2004 4:56:44 PM
The stranger sees Ryan quite slender young and nimble. He is wearing a black hooded cloak over a brown top witch is splattered with blue ink (thanks to the last encounter). A small shabby black cat rests by his feet. His hands are gripped tightly on his bow; he draws back his hood to reveal short blond hair and narrow features of a young man. "How long have you been in these woods?" he asks. ((OOC: this desctiption will probably benefit all of the other players too.))
DM Jan Friday August 20th, 2004 12:47:50 AM
As Vauhwyt and Ryan talk to Shadeos, Rose sets about trying to clean everyone up, Zayne, Vorelle and Dietrich stay watchful, and Theo tries to determine if there's anything magical amongst the dead. The Marteauan cleric lights up like a roman candle at the spell.
Suddenly, there's a flapping of wings, and a large, unkempt bird lands on a nearby branch. It's bigger than an eagle, black-feathered up to it's neck, and completely bald above. Bright pink mottled skin surrounds beady eyes and what looks like a very sharp beak.
"Oooooh, what have I missed?" says the vulture, in well articulated common. Immediately it hops down and starts ripping off a piece of flesh from the corpse of Orc #4.
"Warwick (pronounced Warrick) you old buzzard, NOW you decide to turn up!" growls Priscilla. "You could have waited until you'd been introduced before you began to stuff your face." The witch turns to the others. "Warwick is a spirit friend of mine. No manners at all."
"I was at the shore, and anyway, what do you expect, you old hag? The most brilliant mage of all time, locked in the body of a vulture. Hello everyone!" The creature carries on pecking.
Olyn, who's been following Theo around and checking the corpses, clears his throat to get everyone's attention. "I hate to mention this, but some of these other corpses seem to be showing the beginnings of illness, and I suspect that at least one of us, maybe two, may have contracted something nasty. We need to do a thorough clean-up and sterilization, and - as has also been suggested, we need to torch these corpses." He wraps his cloak in his hands and helps Dietrich build a dead orc bonfire.
Priscilla tells the group they can get cleaned up back at her place, adding to Dietrich with a grin - "I'm not telling you anything until you take that bucket off your head. Then I'll tell you anything you like."
Vauhwyt Friday August 20th, 2004 8:21:26 AM
Vauhwyt uses her longspear to seperate the dead orc cleric from his magical gear, as directed by Theo. If need be, she will use her old blue-ink-stained shirt like a glove and remove stuff by hand. Then she throws the sirt on the funeral pile.
The liontaur mage casts Prestidigitations to use up all the remaining slots in her head (including a first level slot). With the magic at her command, she does her best to clean her friends, the witch, valuables from the enemy, and the site. She uses her longspear to push bodies into a pile.
Mookie, meanwhile, greets the witch's spirit friend. "Hey, Baldie! Hope you're immune to disease, since the corpse you're snacking on is chock full of corruption! By the way, I'm Mookie, and the treasure-scavenging liontaur over there is my Boss, Vauhwyt."
By this time Vauhwyt has made her way over to the talking birds, and the last body. "Excuse me, Warrick," she says. "And it's nice to meet you." This as she pokes the last corpse into the pile with the others.
"Let's set this mess on firre!" she says.
Theodore and Macaw Friday August 20th, 2004 11:07:09 AM
Macaw doesn't like the appearance of the bigger bird. A fellow scavenger is all fine and dandy, but one several times the size of himself puts Macaw a little on edge.
Theodore informs the rest that the cleric is outfitted with magic, and watches as Vauhwyt attempts to ease the corpse of his burdens. He assists with his own staff, if necessary.
While the others pile the bodies and create a large bonfire, Theodore excuses himself from the gruesome scene and retreats to the witch's home with his sleeve covering his mouth and nose.
Zayne d20+6=20 Friday August 20th, 2004 11:11:00 AM
Staying hidden until he is convinced that the newcomer is no threat.
He hopes he is not responsible for too many of the deaths,they may be orcs,but and he hopes it was for a just cause,but they were alive and now because of him some of them aren't.
Zayne Friday August 20th, 2004 11:11:40 AM
(OOC Forgot to post my hide check Hide 20)
rose Friday August 20th, 2004 12:36:39 PM
Rose stays well away from the bodies as she continues to clean everyone up. [b]"Make sure I got my daggers and stuff.....um, maybe we should burn them, do you think it would be ok to use them?"
Ryan and Neen Friday August 20th, 2004 5:05:45 PM
Seeing that the newcomer is no threat he adresses all who are nearby: "Lets get started on these corpses and find a good place to start a fire" He gets to work.
Shadeos d20+8=16 Saturday August 21st, 2004 7:37:32 AM
Shadeos nods in silent agreement as the young man named Olyn warns of disease and suggests burning the dead. He shakes his head as he watches the others attempt to loot the bodies. "Greed often leads to folly," Shadeos whispers to himself.
Shadeos scans the dead until his gaze falls on the glowing orc, "What business did you all have with that orc?" (Sense Motive 16)
Zayne d20+6=24 d20+5=10 Saturday August 21st, 2004 12:04:23 PM
Sitting tight just to make sure the newcomer is no threat he stays hidden.(Hide 24)This forest has produced very little that he trusts at all. He looks around but little garners his attention as much as the stranger.(Spot 10)
Vorelle Saturday August 21st, 2004 1:26:55 PM
Vorelle pitches in and helps burn the diseased bodies, taking care to touch none of them directly. She keeps a wary eye on the stranger.
She shakes her head when Rose wants to keep some of the items. "Th-they c-c-c-carry d-d-d-disease," she says softly, her stutter more pronounced in front of the stranger.
Dietrich Saturday August 21st, 2004 3:31:11 PM
Dietrich is glad when the newcomer shows Pantheon's symbol and relaxes a little. He takes his helmet off, showing a scarmarked face of an adult in the early twenties, with a two weeks old beard, short blond hair and grey eyes. The warrior greets Priscilla (though he didn't like the comment about the 'bucket') and Shadeos and would offer them his hand, hadn't he just been carrying the dead orcs to the bonfire. He also salutes Warwick, as he is getting used to talking birds, red liontaurs etc. He also gives Ryan his true name, Dietrich the Bear of the Windbourne Hills.
The young knight trusts in Olyn, and now also Shadeos, to protect the group from diseases and don't bother too much about it.
Dietrich asks the rangers to take a look for tracks nearby, for he fears there are probably more orcs not so far away. This makes him dislike the making of a great fire, but he knows it's the only thing they can do. He is eager to get away fast from this 'beam light' and to get the information about the enemy.
Rose Sunday August 22nd, 2004 7:37:15 PM
Rose decides to leave her daggers and darts stuck where they are. "I guess I have to buy new weapons"
ooc: jan or anybody do you know how many i threw or do i have to go back and look it up?
DM Jan Monday August 23rd, 2004 1:27:34 AM
The bonfire is lit, and a cooked meat smell drifts through the air.
"Right, back to the cabin then!" announces Priscilla. The witch takes a few steps and pauses for a moment. She looks down at the ground and stamps her foot. "Got your fill there, Gargul you old devil, eh? A few more souls for you. Should keep you satisfied, you old rascal! Hehehehehe!" She then resumes her short journey toward the rather strange-looking hut on legs.
As the group follow, and as they step past that particular piece of ground, they will feel the strange, unpleasant lurch to their stomachs, coming from the ley line. Power lies beneath their feet at that point - pulling and drawing at the mind, causing distress to a living creature's natural instinct, to live at all costs.
Warwick bounces along the ground in the bird equivalent of walking, trying his best to look unfriendly. Whether it's for real or just an act to spook Macaw, Mookie and Piper - it's hard to say.
Dietrich has discovered, like Theo before him, that Priscilla seems to have none of the politeness and cordiality deemed necessary to get by in a city environment without getting your throat cut. Her outspoken tongue suggests little contact with outsiders, and an irreverence for the Gods. "Thats better," she chortles, as he takes his helmet off. "Now - orcs and the like. They've been coming along here in dribs and drabs for months now, like lost souls, they are. Small bands of them. Not seen many humans - they're mostly the stuff you'd find in the wilds of Izen - at least those with a smattering of a brain. No wagons, and - they all head for the lake. Then some of them come back. It's like there's something out there, but I've no idea what. Ho, ho! You wouldn't get me out into that lake for all the black feathers in the forest. The line leads out into the lake at one point, I reckon there's a nexus out there somewhere, not that [you] folk will know about these things, I'm sure - blast! I bet my sweet cakes are ruined!"
At the witches dwelling, Shadeos will get his first look at it - a hut, shaped rather like a large hollow horse - on legs, covered in feathers. The cauldren is still steaming out front, and over a dozen windchimes tinkle in the slight breeze.
Olyn suggests it might be an idea to sterilize any weapons they've used, and has told Rose to collect her daggers providing she doesn't get much gunk on them.
Vauhwyt has managed to appropriate two rings and a scroll case with a warding glyph on it.
Theodore and Macaw Monday August 23rd, 2004 9:23:55 AM
"May I ask you, Priscilla, just what this line is?" he asks about the ley line. "I've never felt anything like it."
Macaw does his best to keep away from the vulture. He flits from tree to tree, following the group back to the strangely shaped house.
Shadeos d20+4=11 d20+2=7 d20+8=12 Monday August 23rd, 2004 10:44:38 AM
Shadeos frowns as his question concerning the dead orc goes unanswered. He is somewhat surprised at how trusting the party is but also relieved to have found potential companions. Most people did not survive alone in the Badlands.
Feeling that he has few options, Shadeos follows the witch. His eyes widen momentarily as they cross the ley line. Shadeos searches his memory for any information regarding ley lines(Knowledge: Religion Check 11 & Untrained Common Knowledge Check 7).
Shadeos watches Priscilla very closely as she speaks trying to gather what role the witch may play in the unfolding tableau(Sense Motive 12). The strange hut does not really surprise Shadeos given Priscilla's odd behavior and appearance.
"It may be best to move away from this area," Shadeos finally speaks up,"the fire will likely attract others. Especially, if this area is as well traveled as the Lady claims."
Dietrich Monday August 23rd, 2004 12:23:50 PM
When the bonfire rises, the fighter remembers similar scenes he has seen and keeps very silent, marching away with the party.
Dietrich hadn't seen the hut before and is a little amazed with its sight. He doesn't like it at all and wants to leave as soon as possible. He also dislikes her commentary to Gargul and instinctvely touches his amulet and makes a silent pray to appease the God.
The warrior listens to Priscilla's account and is relieved that at least they are not dealing with a big organized army of MArteus servants.
Dietrich helps Olyn with the preparations to desinfect the group. He is glad Shadeos agrees with him about the fire and the necessity of getting away fast, but waits for the desinfection and perhaps more information from the strange witch.
Zayne d6=3 d20+5=21 Monday August 23rd, 2004 1:14:59 PM
At Priscilla's comment about the sweet cakes,he comes out of his place of concealment. Still eyeing the newcommer warily. He shakes some leaves from his clothing.
He looks around briefly,and then,politely offers to assist with the sweetcakes.
(OOC Zayne is short and has an extremely long nose,his overall facial features resemble a small rodent. He is pretty heavily armed despite his small stature.)
Vauhwyt (hp 17 of 19) Monday August 23rd, 2004 1:49:54 PM
The liontaur uses her still-active Prestidigitation spell to clean her spear and the two rings and the scroll case. If Olyn thinks that's not enough, she'll ask Rose to boil up a pot of water to soak and wash things in.
Vauhwyt listens intently to the witch's talk of orcs in the area. She tells Priscilla, Ryan, and Shadeos her opinion of that. "We are vehemently opposed to these orcs, especially those devoted to the God of Filth. Our mission here is to find out about more about them, and why they have been making trouble back in our home town. We can't take on a huge hoard of them, but we want to learn morre." She reveals a slight accent in her enthusiasm.
"We would be glad to have help. These orcs are known lawbreakers, so a follower of Pantheon might be glad to help us. Please join us, if you think our paths might lie together for a while." She seems a little shy when mentioning Shadeos's god of justice.
Mookie, the raven familiar on her shoulder, pipes up. "And we're very glad to have friends who make sweet cakes!"
"Hush up, Mookie," Vauhwyt tells the bird. "But Miss Priscilla, I think we would be most obliged if you could give us shelter for the night and any other details you might remember about those who follow the Foul God. I just love your house!"
A little later, she asks if either Theo or Rose can identify the magic of the rings and scroll. "Be careful with the scroll case," Vauhwyt adds. "It looks like it might have some magic protection."
Vorelle Monday August 23rd, 2004 9:25:30 PM Pantheon
The full meaning of the newcomer's introduction finally sinks in and Vorelle stifles a shudder. He might turn out to be a useful ally against the Martaeus cult, but he represented a degree of order and inflexibility that they weren't used to dealing with. They would all have to be on their guard against him.
All? an insistent voice whispers in her head. Don't you mean you'll have to be on your guard? He'd send you back to Targo, you know.....
Surpressing another shudder, she keeps a wary eye on the Justice of Pantheon.
Rose d20+5=23 Tuesday August 24th, 2004 12:36:57 AM
Since olyn says it's ok, Rose gets her daggers and darts and cleans them with prestidigation. She wraps them in a clean piece of cloth till she can boil them & get them checked by a cleric.
She notices that Vorelle seems uneasy around the justicar so she makes sure to keep between them at all times.
DM Jan Tuesday August 24th, 2004 1:09:20 AM
At the witch's hut, after Vauhwyt has enlightened Shadeos, Priscilla and Ryan about the mission, Olyn asks if they can use the cauldren to sterilize everything - weapons, clothing - "Now is not the time to be proud or shy," he tells the others. "If you were in spitting distance of those things, boil your clothes. Now I happen to have two Remove Disease potions. I'm going to give those to Dietrich, and Vorelle, who had melee contact. The rest of us - we're going to have to do what we can, unless Shadeos has a similar spell."
"Gargul's teeth, boy!" exclaims Priscilla as Zayne pops out of nowhere, drawn by the food. "Are you trying to give me a heart attack? Here, help me! Hold that and don't burn your fingers."
Once they're out of the pot, the cakes look quite good and not spoiled at all - light, fluffy cakes peppered with wild raspberries. "We'll need some more water from the well over there!" Priscilla yells at no one in particular. "We eat after everyone's cleaned up - eh - THEN I'll tell you about... what was it?" She looks at Theodore and Vauhwyt. "Oh, the lines, and the orcs, and goodness knows what else. I'll have died of old age by the time I'm done telling you what you want to know!"
Warwick the vulture hop-skips over toward Dietrich and Shadeos. "She's quite excited you know. We don't get much company out here." he sighs, and both warrior and cleric get a whiff of carrion breath. "I'm going up top. Keep my eye on things. I'll call if I see anything nasty."
The bird takes to the air, sweeping past Vorelle and Rose, it's wingspan as broad as Dietrich is tall.
The day rolls on. There are weapons and clothing to sterilize, orcs to be on the watch out for, but at least this looks like a sanctuary - and there is food.
Olyn hands potions to Dietrich and Vorelle. "Tastes like dirty socks, but get it down - all of it."
The rings and scroll case also await inspection.
Zayne d20+3=16 Tuesday August 24th, 2004 11:22:50 AM
Flashing the witch a mischevious grin he washes up and help her with the sweet cakes careful,not to drop any. His stomach is clearly audible as the smells from the kitchen fill his nostrils.
He waits until he the buzzard has gone away,and Priscilla to turn her back before he pinches a corner from one and stuffs it into his mouth.(Untrained Sleight of Hand 16)
Dietrich d20+2=19 Tuesday August 24th, 2004 12:23:41 PM
Dietrich smiles at Zayne and Mookie, now a little more relaxed. He is still worried about the fire and the possibilitie of an enemy attack, but is satisfied when Warwick leaves to take guard.
The fighter drinks Olyn's stuff, thanking him, and immediatly afterwards drink some of his last beer to get rid of the bad taste. He offers a swallow to Vorelle too.
Dietrich perceives Vauhwyt's and Vorelle's uneasiness with Pantheon (sense motivation 19) and wonders what might be the reason for it, remembering Vorelle's strange behavior in Dirt City. He is no particular follower of Pantheon, but justice is a great value, and a little more organization will do the party good, though he hopes the priest is not too rigid.
The soldier happily eats the cakes and waits for a more detailed account of the witch.
Theodore and Macaw d20+6=22 d20+6=23 d20+10=25 d20+10=23 Tuesday August 24th, 2004 12:38:49 PM
Theodore retrieves a bucket, and saunters off to get some water for Priscilla. Coming back, he staggers slightly, water slopping here an there, giving those near him a little spray. After having completed his task, he sets the bucket down near the cauldron.
When Vauhwyt asks Theodore for help in identifying the rings and scroll case, he responds, "I agree that the scroll case could be a potentially dangerous situation, right now. I can learn more about it tomorrow morning, with the proper spell, but for now I recommend that no one open it. It could be very dangerous."
Theodore remembers and incident when he had disobeyed his Master Geoffrey and opened one of the forbidden scrolls. Theodore was a curious youth, but would no longer wonder what it was like to be a hairy spider. He shuddered at the memory.
"I can also determine more about the rings tomorrow morning. Again, I would stress that no one put them on until they have been properly scrutinized. If you'll let me take a look at them now, I might be able to glean a little bit of information."
(Theodore appraises each ring 1st = 22, 2nd = 23; and then uses spellcraft on each 1st = 25, 2nd = 23.)
Vauhwyt (hp17 of 19) and Mookie (hp9 of 9) Tuesday August 24th, 2004 1:52:05 PM
Vauhwyt seems undecided. "Should we try to follow the orc and ogre trail right now back to whereever it was they came from? The trail is fresh."
"On the other hand, all my spells are cast, and maybe we should rest the night."
"What do you all think?"
==========
Vauhwyt and Mookie are both protected by the liontaur's "blood armor" spell (just like mage armor but turns you blood red). With only about a half hour left on the spells, they have actually changed color to a dried reddish brown color.
Shadeos Tuesday August 24th, 2004 3:05:43 PM
Shadeos speaks with a hard edge to his voice, "I know where they came the orcs and ogre came from. A few days ago, my fellow Justices and I found a small farming settlement that was ravaged with disease. We discovered that a cleric of Marteaus, an orc, had been spreading the disease. He was captured and made to stand trial for his crimes. The orc was found to be guilty and sentenced to death. Before we could carry out the sentence, we were attacked. I was the only Pantheon that survived. That orc cleric was among the those slain by your party."
Shadeos pauses for a moment clearly debating whether it was his place to suggest a course of action, "Perhaps we should investigate the lake that Priscilla mentioned earlier. It seems that may have been where the orcs and ogre were heading and might hold the answers to many of our questions."
"It may be prudent to rest here and tend to the wounded before moving on. Those skilled in woodcraft can scout around the perimeter to ensure that we are not surprised."
Shadeos waits in silence to see how his suggestions to the party are recieved.
Vorelle d20+6=10 d20+6=15 d20+8=10 d20+8=11 Tuesday August 24th, 2004 9:06:32 PM
Vorelle volunteers to fetch water as it will take her out of Shadeos's unnerving presence. When he suggests that someone scout the perimeter, she jumps at the chance to once again leave the strange little cottage. She takes a look outside, keeping her ears open as well and trying to remain unnoticed. Distracted and worried, she makes a poor showing.
[Spot 10, Listen 15, Hide 10, Move Silently 11]
DM Jan Wednesday August 25th, 2004 12:14:16 AM
It's late afternoon by the time everyone has all their stuff cleaned up.
Priscilla mentions that its about a half hour walk to the lakeside, so - there are a few choices: The party can continue their journey to the lake. The party can do a quick reconnaissance and return to the witch's house for the night. One or two could investigate the lake and report back. Everyone could stay and resume their journey tomorrow morning.
What does the party decide to do? Shadeos has offered another aspect to the story. Priscilla appears to be looking for a campfire chat, which hasn't happened yet.
Out near the path, Vorelle doesn't see anything out of the ordinary. There's no sign of Warwick.
Theo takes a look at the rings. Both are fashioned out of pewter, with a crude scroll design circling the outer edges. On the face of it, they'd be lucky to get 5 silver each for them. However, they both tingle in his fingers. One of them actually feels damp to the touch, even though it isn't, and from the other, he gets a feeling that something is watching over him, making him feel safe.
The cakes are very tasty, and Neen spends some time batting tiny bones, found at the site, around with her paw.
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday August 25th, 2004 9:21:47 AM
Theodore returns the rings to Vauhwyt. "Right now, if I had to guess, I'd say that one of these rings is a ring of swimming, which might be beneficial when we reach the lake. I believe the other ring affords the wearer some kind of protection. I can perhaps discover a little bit more tomorrow morning, but I don't think I'll be able to give you a definite answer until I have the proper materials and time."
He puffs his cheeks out. "I guess that I would like to go to the lake in the morning," he adds his two coppers. "I'm tired and need to rest to be at full strength should we run into any...difficulties."
Zayne Wednesday August 25th, 2004 11:12:16 AM
Gleefully he begins to eat the sweetcakes at an alarming rate. Eating like it's his forst meal in days,he pays little attention to his surroundings. Although he does keep an eye on Shadeos.
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+4=21 d20+2=11 d20+3=7 Wednesday August 25th, 2004 1:40:33 PM
Seeing Vorelle take off, Vauhwyt decides to follow. "A little scouting sounds pretty good," she tells Shadeos and the rest of her friends.
She sends Mookie aloft to look for Vorelle. She is a little worried that Vorelle will forget that she has to keep singing to keep the forest awake. Vauhwyt's Spot 21 beats Vorelle's Hide check, so with any luck she locates her friend.
"Hey," she says as she gets nearer, "Remember that you have to keep singing. Hows about looking for the disease orc's tracks for a little bit, and then back to the witch's house before nightfall?"
"That ogre should be easy to track." Aid another roll to give Vorelle a +2 on tracking succeeds, barely. [Aid Another check 11 works]
As Vauhwyt follows Vorelle around, she sings a noisy tune in an odd language (goblin). Oddly, to any who understand goblin, the song seems to be about tracking down and killing goblins. [Perform check 7]
"Boss, please, you're hurting my ears!" says Mookie. Vauhwyt ignores the bird.
Shadeos d20+8=18 Wednesday August 25th, 2004 2:30:19 PM
Shadeos moves towards Priscilla. 'What does she know?' he wonders, 'what part does she play in all of this?' Shadeos does his best to let his distrust of Priscilla show.
"Can you tell us anything about the happenings in the woods lately? Anything that seems unusual?" Shadeos asks Priscilla. (Sense Motive 18)
Dietrich HP 17 of 24 Wednesday August 25th, 2004 3:20:03 PM
Dietrich listens interested to Shadeos story. Then he asks him for more details: "How many were in your group and what exactly were the atackers? How many clerics and ogres did they have?"
In general Dietrich prefers to go fully prepared to any encounter, so he'd suggest to wait till the next day, have the spellcasters prepared and the wounded healed (including himself)and the orcs have nightvision, what would be another advantage for them if the party continues now. But in this case there is something to remember.
"Friends, the lake is only half an our from here and the orcs we just eliminated were heading there. Their absence will be certainly noticed and it won't take long, specially with the bonfire, for the enemy to send troops towards us. So, if we're going to stay here tonight, we have to take special preparations for that. If they come, I'd like to have them trapped."
Shadeos d8+2=9 Wednesday August 25th, 2004 5:07:12 PM
Shadeos responds to Dietrich's questions, "I traveled with a Pantheon Court. There were two other Justices besides myself and one Justicar. I am not sure how many attacked us as I was knocked unconscious during the attack."
He nods his agreement with the young warrior's suggestions and offers to heal Dietrich's wounds. If Dietrich accepts, Shadeos steps up to the young warrior and rests his left hand on the wound while grasping Pantheon's holy symbol in his right hand. Shadeos focuses on the wound as he begins to chant, "Pantheon, Judge, let your healing grace fall apon this warrior so that he may seek justice in this life."(Cure Light Wounds spontaneously cast using Bless slot cures 9hps)
Vorelle d20+8=20 Wednesday August 25th, 2004 6:05:21 PM
Vorelle had forgotten to sing until Vauhwyt reminded her. Humming a Dirt City children's song under her breath, she starts looking for tracks.
[Survival check 20 with Vauhwyt's assistance]
DM Jan Thursday August 26th, 2004 2:10:28 AM
Vorelle and Vauhwyt approach the track and take a look, further along. The trail leads past the 'bonfire', and ends abruptly - right about where that weird tingling sensation from underground crosses the path. There's nothing fresh after that, and it looks as though the group took an about turn and headed back, presumably in search of the witch. The group of orcs and the ogre were originally heading for the lake it seems.
Assuming the group decide to stay here for the night -
Priscilla keeps the fire going under the cauldren, and she settles down to answer more questions.
"Everything's unusual in this forest, lad," she tells Shadeos, "although... the trail of orcs and the like - that's fairly new. Something is attracting them to the Lake. I have no idea what, but something, or 'someone' is." She looks at the others. "You say they could be causing trouble down in the City? That's odd. Warwick tells me there's some kind of new leader out in the wilds of Izen. I'd expect trouble from him, but these orcs that trail through the forest seem... leaderless."
Priscilla also tells Theodore about the Ley lines. "Do you know what happens when you die, boy? Your soul gets sucked into the ground. There's woldsblood down there - and it carries your soul to Gargul. Woldsblood is power - power beyond measure; power beyond imagining. Touch the blood - and you die, simple as that. "It travels in lines, in rivers, and occasionally its concentrations are such, that you can actually feel it beneath your feet, in the living Wold. "Of course you can't just dig it up. You'd never find it that way. You wouldn't want to either. The Shadowlands is where Woldsblood is, and you don't want to be going there!"
A flapping of wings announces the vulture's return. "Ooooh, I see you're telling them cheerful stories again, you old bag" drones the bird.
"Yes, well, you'd already know all about the Shadowlands, wouldn't you, Warwick."
After a disgruntled "Hmph," the bird keeps silent and gives the crows the ole' vulture stare-down.
It's dark, and getting late. Perhaps time for more questions, but also time to prep up for watches and the like.
Theodore and Macaw d20+2=14 d20+2=18 Thursday August 26th, 2004 9:16:50 AM
Theodore yawns widely as the sky darkens. He blinks away the sleep and gives Priscilla a foolish grin. Sitting Indian style, across from her, he asks, "Do these orcs actually go INTO the lake? Or do they take a boat to...somewhere?"
Needing his sleep, tonight, Theodore offers Macaw to take his place at watch.
(Macaw's Listen = 14, Spot = 18 for watch)
Shadeos Thursday August 26th, 2004 11:50:14 AM
Shadeos closes his eyes and breathes deeply once Dietrich is healed. He enjoys the euphoric feeling of Pantheon answering his prayer. During that brief moment Shadeos' tortured soul is at peace. As the euphoria fades and the war raging in his soul resumes, Shadeos sighs and opens his eyes.
"Perhaps you and I can take first watch?", Shadeos remarks to Dietrich. He hopes the young warrior can tell him a little about the rest of the party while they share the watch.
After his watch ends, Shadeos will try to get some sleep. In the morning, Shadeos will ask if any wish to join him while he prays to Pantheon for justice. Shadeos will then say his morning prayers and renew his spells.
Zayne Thursday August 26th, 2004 12:54:32 PM
Stopping the stuffing of his face at Priscilla's comment on the new cult leader,he blurts out,"What were those wierd clerics talking about,the one with the wierd pulsating chest? Theo you were talking to them. What was it they said about true happiness? You don't think that they might ne a cover for Marteus?" Crumbs from the cakes are spilling over his chest,"We should have talked to them in depth,there was just too much going on." Slamming his fist on the table."Vauhwyt,what are we going to do? We are in the middle of his Gods forsaken forest that is just spitting out left and right,there is no set path because the bloody forest keeps changing,and we all know where you find a few orcs,the rest of them aren't too far behind." It appears that his control has slipped from his grasp.
"I say we hurry up and get out of this forsaken woood. I have had abad feeling about this palce since we crossed those stones. What are we going to do."The young ranger's eyes are wide with fear. "I say we forget about thr blasted Prince and head our own way,we are nothing to him anyway,but a cheap and disposable way to get some information." The hatred for the Prince is clearly in his voice. He sits looking to Vauhwyt for answers.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Thursday August 26th, 2004 1:42:28 PM
After returning with Vorelle at dusk, Vauhwyt reports what they found and has dinner.
She compliments Priscilla on the delicious food. "You should give Rose the recipe!" she enthuses.
After dinner, Zayne expresses his frustration at the pace of developments. Vauhwyt is a little surprised at his passion, but less so since she has seen him get excited before.
She says, "Well, I don't care two figs about the Prince eitherr, but these disease-carrying orcs are bad folk. Remember how we all met in the first place? They tried to drown two boys. And remember what they did to that poor boy, I forget his name, who Ba'Bac killed?"
"I'm glad to be hunting these foul folk. I'd do it for free. I'd give money to do it!"
Mookie squawks, "Boss! Hey! No paying to kill orcs, please! There's plenty to kill for free!"
"Fine," says Vauhwyt. "But I would definitely pay to kill goblins!"
"Anyway, I say hunting these sick things down is a great idea. And this forest has been good to us so farr, mostly."
"I say that tomorrow we should head out to the lake, just over therre. You rangers can find the place that orcs tend to walk out of the woods. Maybe we can set up some blinds and make an ambush. Wait a few days and kill Marteaus folk that come by. That sounds fun to me!"
Mookie mutters, "Yeah, funny as an ulcerated sore!" Vauhwyt ignores him. She adds, "Maybe we can capture one or two and get more info that way."
The liontaur sleeps for the first two watches and rises early for the third.
Dietrich d20+2=9 d20+4=23 d20+2=21 Thursday August 26th, 2004 4:21:36 PM
The young warrior is very grateful to Shadeos and will have the first watch with him happily. Although the newcomer is a complete stranger, Dietrich doesn't have any problems with authorities and, in the contrary, respects priests quite a lot.
He doesn't like Priscilla's explanation about woldblood and lines of power etc., but keeps silent about this wizard stuff.
Dietrich watches with dislike, though without comments, to Zayne's outburst, but is satisfied with Vauhwyts diplomacy and doesn't intervene. He listens to her other ideas and likes the part of ambushing the orcs and getting hostages for interrogation. So he says:
"This night, I'd suggest that everybody who doesn't really need to rest takes position in a place ahead Priscilla's house from the direction of our tracks. We should choose a place that dominates a narrow path, and than control it with our bows. If nothing happens, better so, but if they come we meet them appropriately.
Tomorrow we scout to the Lake and get more information before we get back to Dirt City. (looking at Zayne) I'm afraid that this is very serious to the security of this whole region and many innocent people."
Then he take his watch at exactly that position.
Listen: 9 Spot 23; Military knowledge 21
Vorelle Thursday August 26th, 2004 7:49:38 PM
Vorelle is silent through most of the meal, and hesitantly volunteers to take midnight watch, careful to avoid the gaze of the Pantheon Justice.
DM Jan Friday August 27th, 2004 12:15:35 AM
"Boats, laddie - boats," says Priscilla in a half-whisper in answer to Theo's question. "And off they go - into the mists."
She listens to Zayne's outburst keenly. "Sounds to me like you've crossed paths with Aisildurians - followers of Ga'al. Seems like they wander the entire Wold these days - but they never come here. No one to convert I suppose. No one to subjugate, except me - hahahaha. Sometimes I think Ga'al is a bigger demon than Marteaus. Sometimes." Priscilla shoves half a currant loaf into the boy's hands. "Eat. You'll need your strength."
There's room for another two people to sleep in the witch's strange hut overnight - or alternatively, outside with the clinking windchimes and the cauldren. At least their noise will keep the trees attentive and awake.
Out by the path, Dietrich's expertise finds him a decent spot to set a trap, should any orcs come by. As it happens, the warrior finds himself in for a quiet night, except of course for all the crashing around as distant parts of the forest decide to take their leave, or return from wherever they went off to.
(I'm assuming everyone knows the drill now - never, ever, complete silence, just in case)
Dawn paints a layer of moisture over everything. Those on 3rd watch see Warwick fly off, only to return a short while later with a rabbit, which he then promptly disembowels; it perhaps illustrates why vultures never have plumage anywhere near their heads. Gore drips from his face, and he seems to care not a jot.
Rose hp: 9/12 AC 18 Friday August 27th, 2004 1:35:50 AM
Rose strips (hopefully behind a curtian) and tosses her clothes in the cauldron. She checks her bag, if it has any blood or gore on it she will wash it down and anything in it. if it doesnt she gets out a clean set of clothes after she washes.
After making sure Vorelle and Dietriech take the potions she will go to Olyn and let him know that she was in contact and got hurt also, and asks if he might be able to cast the remove disease spell on her in the morning.
She eats a good meal, asks Pricilla for recipies, and curls up beside Vauhwyt for the night.
Shadeos d20+8=18 Friday August 27th, 2004 1:59:10 PM
"Ga'al? Do you think his followers have allied themselves with those of Marteaus? Why would they be interested in the lake? What lies beyond the mists?" Shadeos wonders aloud thinking that he might not want to hear the answers to the questions.
Shadeos decides to follow the groups' lead, whatever that may be, for now. He stays alert for any trouble and keeps his weapons handy. (Spot check 18)
Dietrich Friday August 27th, 2004 2:31:54 PM
Dietrich is a little disappointed that no orc appeared the whole night and that his watch was useless. Yawning, the fighter returns to the camp and trys to have at least some sleep. Fortunatley he is spared of the sight of Warwick.
He doesn't think Ga'al is conected with the Marteus problem, but there is always a possibility and he curses both in his worst orkish.
Before breaking camp, DIetrich examines the groups rations. They have been marching for quite a while now and he wants to make sure they'll have enough to drink and eat. If their stocks are low, he asks Priscilla to help them with some stuff, letting the details for Rose, with whom he eats together.
When the party leaves, he says farewell to their strange new 'friends' and suggests the group assume normal march procedures.
Theodore and Macaw d20+10=21 d20+10=24 d20+10=13 Friday August 27th, 2004 2:38:45 PM
Theodore stretches as he wakes. While the others busy themselves with preparations, he sits down in a quiet corner to study his spells for the day, munching on some bread from last night.
Afterwards, Theodore asks to borrow the two rings and scrollcase from Vauhwyt, again. He sits down with the three items spread before him and trains his mental faculties on deciphering their mysteries.
Being very systematic, Theodore focuses his attention on one item at time, sometimes spending several minutes just gazing at the item of interest. When he is finished, he gathers up the objects and returns them to Vauhwyt for safekeeping.
Then, he reports his findings...
(Detect magic on each ring, to determine magical strength and what school of magic each spell exudes [Spellcraft check #1 = 21, #2 = 24]. Cast read magic to determine if warding on scroll case is glyph of warding and if so what type it is [Spellcraft = 13])
Ryan and Neen Friday August 27th, 2004 4:31:30 PM
He tells Olyn that he hasnt been in contact with any of the deseised orcs and he should be o.k. "Have you got any way to remove these blue stains," he asks Priscilla curiousley. If not, he doesnt mind, he also throws (most of) his cloths in the cauldren and goes to sleep to recover his spells.
Vauhwyt (hp18 of 19) and Mookie (hp9 of 9) Friday August 27th, 2004 7:15:59 PM
At sunrise, Vauhwyt has only a small bruise to show for yesterday's battle. She looks forward to Theo's further analysis of the magic items.
She enjoys breakfast and gets ready to head to the lake. "Do you have any advice for us, friend Priscilla? Would you like to come orc hunting?"
Vorelle Monday August 30th, 2004 12:07:53 AM
Vorelle dutifully drinks the vile concoction (if she hadn't already), and volunteers to be one of the ones sleeping outside.
DM Jan Monday August 30th, 2004 1:28:19 AM
Breakfast is a rather haphazard affair due to the fact that Priscilla isn't too awake in the mornings. However, she manages to pull together some rations for Dietrich - dried fruit, sweet biscuits, and a huge bag of walnuts to share out.
Theo manages to unravel the mystery of the rings, and he is correct in his earlier assumptions. (Ring of Protection +2, Ring of Swimming) As for the scroll case - the glyph suggests some kind of explosive. The case rattles lightly, as though there is a rolled up piece of parchment inside.
Ryan, along with the others, discovers that clothing washed in the cauldren has got rid of the blue stains! A lot of other stains, too! Things might have shrunk a little though, and everything smells of lavender.
"Don't go out on the lake," Priscilla tells Vauhwyt, by way of advice. She also decides to stay put. Warick announces that he might venture to the lakeside with the group, just for a morning romp.
The day is young. The Lake is a half hour away. The path ahead looks clear.
Dietrich Monday August 30th, 2004 11:25:08 AM
Dietrich thanks Priscilla for the rations and is ready for action, thinking: `The group has its full force, full magic, enough rations and a new powerful ally. What are we waiting for?'
He is happy to have Warwick with them, despite any disgusting habits, as a local guide is exactly what he would like to have.
Marchig ahead he says: "Let's go folks. March formation and battle-readiness." The warrior is excited and deep inside he is eager to have some good fights, although he rationaly wants to avoid them if possible.
Theodore and Macaw Monday August 30th, 2004 2:47:16 PM
Theodore suggests that the rings be used, as they could only be beneficial at this point. "Give the rings to whomever is the worst swimmer, and whomever is least protected. When we get into a more leisurely atmosphere, we can decide how to properly divvy them up."
"The scroll case, I would recommend stashing for safekeeping, at this moment. If it was opened...KABLOOIE!!! Perhaps with the right password, which could be any number of things, it could be safely opened. When we return home, I can have my master look at it." He looks around at the others. "Or, we could try words such as 'Marteus' or 'Servant of Marteus'. Perhaps in a different language..."
After delivering his speech on the importance and necessities of the newfound magic, Theodore shoulders his backpack and sends Macaw ahead to take a bird's eye view of the trail leading to the lake.
Vorelle d20+6=24 d20+6=9 Monday August 30th, 2004 4:09:49 PM
Vorelle quirks an eyebrow. She has never marched in formation in her life, and isn't about to start now. She drifts to the back of the group, staying alert for any signs of danger and humming softly to the trees.
[Spot 24; Listen 9]
Rose d20+7=27 d20+6=19 d20+7=19 d20+5=12 Monday August 30th, 2004 4:34:22 PM
In the morning Rose thanks Priscilla for letting them stay and for the food. She will try to get recipies both for the cookies and other food and for the stain remover. Rose will put a biscuit and some fruit in her pocket for snacking on before putting the rest into her magic bag. She walks in the back near Vorelle singing a little lullabye song to let the trees know she's around.
hide: 27, nat 20 listen: 19 move silently: 19, take away stuff for singing spot: 12
note for rings swimming is +2 and ac is 14
Zayne d20+5=16 d20+5=15 d20+5=21 d20+5=19 Monday August 30th, 2004 8:25:12 PM
Thanking the witch for the bread he takes her advice.
He camps outside,cary during his watch.(Listen 16 Spot 15)
In the morning he thanks the witch for her hospitality and compliments her on her cooking.
When the groupdecides to leav he decides to bring up the rear.(Listen 21 Spot 19)
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+4=9 Monday August 30th, 2004 8:52:47 PM
Vauhwyt smiles at Dietrich's ways but is happy to take point. She tries to keep alert but is distracted by Rose's lullaby (Spot 9).
"Pay attention, Boss!" says Mookie.
Vauhwyt wonders what they will find at the lake.
Shadeos d20+8=11 Monday August 30th, 2004 9:29:25 PM
Shadeos joins the group as they head towards the lake. He watches the woods looking for any sign of danger. (Spot check 11)
He looks often at Zayne and silently vows to speak with the woodsman regarding his anger. For a moment, Shadeos' mind drifts back to the past when anger and revenge ruled his soul. During that moment, Shadeos' eyes seem very distant and sad. Shadeos shakes his head and says a whispered prayer to Pantheon.
DM Jan Tuesday August 31st, 2004 1:25:01 AM
With a mixture of caution and enthusiasm, the group make their way back to the path after saying goodbye to Priscilla. Rose now has a tiny bag of herbs that should help out with stain removal. The recipes funnily enough were very similar to her own family's, apart from the wild raspberries.
As for the scroll, the glyph seems to dim slightly for a moment as Theo speaks the words 'Servants of Marteaus'. Why could that be? Is it the words, or some of the words? Perhaps the language? Hmmm... a bit of both? You know with a bit of careful thought...
Vauhwyt takes point, the two rangers take the rear, with everyone else in between. After about 15 mins the path starts head gently downward. Ahead in the distance, it looks full of grey cloud and mist. Macaw and Warwick the vulture give the all-clear.
The shore of the lake is arrived at abruptly, around a slight twist in the path. There's a pebble beach, with the lake about 20ft beyond it. On either side, the water stretches for miles and miles, edged up against the forest. Shallow waves lap the pebbled shore with a soft sigh. There's no other sound, lending the atmosphere an overall feeling of calm and quiet. Out on the lake - a heavy mist hangs there, obscuring everything ahead from view.
In the foreground - is a medium-sized longboat; made of dark wood, with what looks like a small figurehead at the bow. The vessel has been dragged partially out of the water and it's stern rests on the stones..
LOG ON