Tishe' Monday August 23rd, 2004 12:21:13 PM
Tishe' follows the others into the dwarf living quarters. She takes the time to open her ruck sack and change her tunic that was shredded by the troll's claw.
Unselfconsciously, she stops half-stripped, and turns to Grymash, pointing at her chest and the ugly claw wounds. "Before I put on a new tunic, would anyone mind healing me?"
Grymash ( hp41/72, exhausted ) d8+1=6 d8+1=2 d8+1=5 Monday August 23rd, 2004 7:47:50 PM
After puting the last of the troll parts on the fire, Grymash lumbers back to the edge of the bloody intersection and plops down to finally rest a bit. The coagulating blood of the ogres, trolls and umber hulk completely coats his body like a thick paste. He sighs deeply as he see's that nobody else has taken up his shovel and tried to help with the work. A task made even more taxing with his exhaustion from one of his most bloodiest battles. He does appreciate the heal from Trellus, but he wonders where he's gone. Tishe helped with the fire and as she limps by, he pulls out his 'Feel Good Stick' and gives her a tap on the foot (6 points of healing). He gives himself one as well (reroll 1's, 5 hitpoints of healing).
Grymash decides that the ogres and the umber hulk can wait. At least they arent going anywhere, he hopes! He reaches into his haversack and pulls out a large iron pot. He mutters a few words of power and the pot fills with four gallons of water. Grymash is impressed! He's never been able to summon that much water before with only one magik spell. He begins the tedious task of washing the blood from his face and hair. He wants to get it out before the blood completely drys hard and black. "Grrrrr," he mumbles, "Gry gonna be pickin' blood crust outta hair for lots days!" He tears up one of his burlap sacks into rags to help scrub. Good rough texture, he thinks! As the barbarian washes himself, he wonders what kind of loot the ogres carry.
Gilan [HP: 49/49, AC: 21] [barkskin] Monday August 23rd, 2004 10:05:32 PM
Gilan loosk around to the others that are still outside and sighs as the loot is collected, if any. His spell goes off shortly after that so that the area is cleaned up, though it will most likely not wash away the bodies.
Slipping inside of the room with the others he looks around at the dwarves and shakes his head. "Could we get a little rest if possible?" He feels exhausted as the flurry of spell casting finally catches up to him. He pulls out a wand and smiles as he looks to Flea. "Here...use this to heal anyone that may still need it, it is only a clw but it should help out." He will slide down the wall if he can find a spot that is big enough for him.
[barkskin - +3 to AC, 59 minutes 20 seconds]
[call lightning - damage: , reflex save 18 for half damage, 5/6 bolts, range 160 feet, 3 minutes 40 seconds]
DM George Monday August 23rd, 2004 10:54:30 PM
Crondarik looks around as his kin are packing food and belongings into rough sacks. 3 of them slip out of the room and pass by the carnage giving the Grymash a wide berth. One will say to him, "Your companions are in the other room." pointing in the direction they came from.
Crondarik will looked startled at the question that Trellus asked and then say, "I am not sure. Braken, please take Preena out of here for now." Another dwarf rises and leads the young female dwarf away.
Crondarik's eyes follow the two as they leave the room and then he looks back to Trellus. She is my niece and often dominated by the Formians. She is young and easily overwhelmed.
The masters live on two levels below us. We have only been to the first level down. We aren't allowed to travel down to their nest, which we think is the level below that.
The first level is their farm. They grow strange and huge mushrooms that they use for food. You can normally find workers there guarded by some warriors.
Be careful of the tunnel down though. It is a tough climb and the damn ants are very good at climbing.
Flea (AC 19, 30/35 HP) d20+8=24 d8+1=6 Tuesday August 24th, 2004 12:05:21 AM
When the druid offers his wand to Flea, she accepts it with trembling hands. Giving Gilan a grief stricken look, she stutters, "a-are you sure? Wh-what if I-I break it?"
When a very battered Gry comes into the room, Flea will gingerly activate the wand handed to her. It springs to life (UMD=24), and she taps the half-orc. (healed for 6 dmg)
Mac (AC:18, HP:51/62) Tuesday August 24th, 2004 6:31:51 AM
Mac surveys the scene for a moment. People are talking, or healing up, or both. "Where are we?" he asks, as the realisation that he could be much closer to Heranmar than he has been in over a year, hits home.
Jake Tuesday August 24th, 2004 8:05:39 AM
"We'd better get some rest before going downstairs to get those guys...but do you think they'll let up?"
Trellus (ac 20, hp 40/50) Tuesday August 24th, 2004 9:26:20 AM
When Jake starts getting serious, you know you've got problems.
"Jake's right," the cleric agrees. "We could really use some rest. Can we come with you dudes? And have you ever seen a large red gem? Kinda special looking?"
Tishe' Tuesday August 24th, 2004 3:03:06 PM
Tishe' sighs as Grymash heals her of most of her wounds. "Can I make use of your water, too, sweetie?" she asks the half-orc. She washes and also washes Grymash's back, then combs his hair to get out the largest flakes of dried blood. "I'm glad Jake and Nain helped us with the troll bodies. And you were terrific."
After washing, the small woman puts on a fresh shirt and thinks about the information the dwarves have given. "Is there a pattern of a plan in your brain, Trellus?"
Grymash ( hp54/72, exhausted) d8+1=7 d8+1=7 Tuesday August 24th, 2004 8:02:05 PM "Uhh, yeah. Tishe can use water too." He wonders if his ears heard her right. Did she just call Gry 'sweetie', ponders the half-orc. He thinks she must have meant to say 'sweaty'. After removing his breastplate, he's greatful that she is washing his back. It would have taken forever to get all the blood out of his back hair. Grymash takes his 'feel good stick' and taps Tishe and himself once again (Both get 7 points of healing). He feels so tired that he didn't see Flea tap him with a wand as well.
Grymash then takes off his boots and pours out the bloody contents. Grymash shutters with the thought about where else he's going to find ogre bits. "Aaaughh, piggie dumps!" To change the subject, Grymash asks, "Anybodiez loot da big uglies? Could be sum good stuff an gold ginglies!"
Gilan [HP: 49/49, AC: 21] [barkskin] Tuesday August 24th, 2004 9:40:12 PM
Gilan smiles at Flea and lays his hand on her shoulder again from his seated position. "Do not worry about it...the wand can be replaced, you cannot." He closes his eyes as he leans back into the wall and listens to those around him. He really hopes that they do not move anytime soon, but he knows there is logic in it.
Without opening his eyes he laughs lightly. "I believe that Trellus or one of the others got something maybe from the bodies." He sighs as he settles against the cool wall.
[I believe that someone mentioned getting it, not sure who though. George never mentioned it either.]
DM George "Cheap DM" Tuesday August 24th, 2004 10:04:13 PM
The group rests and cleans up and heals. No treasure was found on any of the bodies, but you got sticky fingers trying to search them. I won't mention sticky with what as this is a family channel.
The dwarves continue their packing but one of them answers Mac's question and says, "Your in the Scab. How do you not know where you are?"
Crondarik says, "We are going to try and slip by the giant. Yes we are that desperate. We might have to kill my niece as is, so the masters don't know where we are going. The giant might let us go but I doubt it. We are going to just have to scatter. It is better than staying here though and having them take over our free will.
Now that you have killed all their shock troops, they will try to seize us to fight you and protect them."
Flea d20+9=26 Tuesday August 24th, 2004 10:44:01 PM
Gilan's support added to Trellus' earlier words brings tears to the gnome's eyes. They love me! They really love me! she thinks to herself.
She watches as the dwarves make preparations to flee. As the last one leaves, she leans against the door and volunteers, "I can take a watch while you all sleep a bit." She sticks Gilan's wand in her belt, and sheaths her sword. Flea sits with her back against the door, her hooked hammer resting lightly on her knees, and her ears attuned to the slightest sound from the hallway (Listen=26).
Mac (AC:18, HP:51/62) d20+2=18 Wednesday August 25th, 2004 8:24:10 AM
"The Scab...", he says to himself, trying to recall hearing of it at anytime since leaving Heranmar. [Knowledge(Geography) default(Int) check: 18]
"I can see ye' keen t' be gone, but, you've worked these corridors... could be a need for some folks to look after all this... for themselves, not someone else."
Trellus Wednesday August 25th, 2004 11:54:28 AM
The young man answers Crondarik. "We got sent here through some portal. We're looking for a red gem, kinda special looking. Have you heard of it?"
"Is the giant controlled?"
Since the dwarfs seem intent on leaving, Trellus looks around the room to see if there are any more doors beside the one leading to the hallway. If there are, he asks Crondarik where they can find a more defensible spot.
"We really need a day to warp up," he agrees with Flea.
Tishe' Wednesday August 25th, 2004 1:49:30 PM
Grymash taps Tishe' with his 'feel good stick' and the young woman feels back up to normal. She pulls her tunic away and looks down her front. "Yes, the wounds are all healed." She heaves a full sigh. "Thank you."
While she combs Gry's hair, the brown haired woman wonders aloud. "If the dwarves are running for thier minds, how safe is it to sleep here? I wouldn't want to lay down just to be controlled by the ant-men."
"I can still weave perhaps half of my spells, and with the curing picks, we can be healthy. And as the dwarf said, we've killed all thier black hands."
The plain-faced woman pauses then continues. "It may be better to push on."
Grymash (hp60/72, exhausted) d8+1=6 Wednesday August 25th, 2004 7:31:37 PM
Grymash starts to rub himself down more vigorously with the burlap rags. A stream of bloody water trails away from him. "Thank yooz, Tishe," replys Grymash. He takes his wand and uses it again on himself (6 points of healing).
A thought hits Gry, "Hey Mac, yooz kill sum of thems ants did ya? Weez should drags them back here and looks thems over. Thays maybe gots stuff on 'em!"
DM George Wednesday August 25th, 2004 10:35:50 PM
Nain stands up and says, "I think I should go with the dwarves. They don't have much protection and will need someone to help them get past the giant if need be."
OOC Nain/Kevin has decided to leave the game.
Crondarik welcomes Nain's help and adds, "I understand you are wounded and tired. Rest seems welcome but I wouldn't give the masters to much time. They are very smart and will prepare well for you.
Also know that their are 4 kinds of Formians here. You have seen the task masters, who dominate and turn you against each other. They have warriors who fight with claw and stinger. They are poisonious so be careful. The have workers who are much smaller and not much of a threat but be aware of them. They can band together and cure the others.
Finally there is the head master. He is incredibly swift and strong. He has magical powers and can dominate like the taskmasters.
I have never seen this gem you are talking about, but I have never really seen any treasure. It must be on the lower levels."
When Grymash starts looking over the dead bodies of the ogres, he finds very little of worth. The clothes are well made, (dwarven) but not remarkable. The ogres used giant clubs. One ogre had a relatively grime free pocket and in it wrapped in paper was a delicate pastry. (ogre struddle)The umberhulk had nothing on him.
Gilan [HP: 49/49, AC: 21] [barkskin] Wednesday August 25th, 2004 11:21:47 PM
Gilan listens as the group goes about thier tasks and he relaxes. With the announcement that Nain will be leaving he opens one eye and shakes his head. "Another one leaves...called to a different path." He closes his eye and goes back to relaxing.
When the dwarf mentions the other fomorians that they will have to face off against he leans forward and pays attention. " Great...just great." He looks to the others and shakes his head as he ponders their options at the present. "Maybe the idea of being one hundred percent may not be a bad idea?" He can see where they may have some problems in the future part of this battle. "A change of spells maybe in order as well." He is already going over the spells in his mind that Mother Wold would grant him anew.
Mac (AC:18, HP:51/62) Thursday August 26th, 2004 1:02:07 AM
"Okay, how much of a rest do we need?" Mac looks about again, gathering it won't be too soon. He reaches to his belt, draws a dagger, and begins to scrape the slowly drying remnants of battle from the intricate engravings on the head of his axe. He mutters once or twice under his breath, before finally saying, "If everything's shady here, I could give Nain and the Ironhook clan a hand with the giant..."
Jake Thursday August 26th, 2004 4:03:27 AM
"Formians, huh? Ah thought these were the glass grass mountains or sumfin. Well, anyways, no need ta fear about these bugs. We'll go swat 'em up some. Hey, ya should get some more of those negation things. Only magic ah like is anti-magic." Jake pats Trellus on the back, then wanders over to peek at the dwarven women. Do they have beards? A question that has bothered him since he was small...
Tishe' Thursday August 26th, 2004 10:50:13 AM
The small woman is clearly worried about resting too long, and going off half-cocked and is struggling between the two.
"I don't like facing poison stingers and domination ants alone." she finally says. "To get some dispel spells, I need to rest and then study an hour or so."
Grymash (hp66/72, exhausted) d8+1=6 d20+9=28 Thursday August 26th, 2004 11:15:06 AM "Gry thanks weez need ta rest. Gry's 'Protection' magik stopped da Ant peoples from controllin' me. Gry only have dat one magik spell, me can remumber mores tomorrow day. Trellus, yooz could remumber a whole bunch of thems, cant ya?"
The half-orc takes the ogre strudel and gives it a sniff. "It smell like berries!" He hands it off to Tishe'. (Survival check 28) "Hey Gilan, Gry can skin da big bug thang," says the barbarian as he points at the umber hulk, "its hard hide can be made inta breastplate, just like Gry's ... uhh, except Gry not wearin' bug armor! Yooz druidz can wears bug hide, cant ya?"
(I think some really cool armor could be made from an umber hulks exoskeleton! Just look!)
Trellus Thursday August 26th, 2004 1:39:13 PM
Trellus' head bobs in agreement with the others. "Yeah, we need to sit tight till morning, and get some spells back. I got nothing left to overcome that mind pick of theirs."
The cleric asks Crondarik another question. "Do the Masters have to see you do that domination pick? Or can they do it from anywhere?"
To Mac's question, Trellus silently shakes his head. Splitting has proven to be a sunbaked plan.
Continuing what planning they're able, he informs Tishe', "I got a wand to deal with poisons. Concentrate on preparing Dispels."
Flea Thursday August 26th, 2004 7:14:19 PM
The rogue stays at her post, back against the door and hooked hammer across her knees. When there is a lull in the conversation, she asks, "if anyone has anything that will help me keep my mind closed to those...those...creatures, I would be much obliged if you could share it with me." Her face reddens, then becomes deathly pale as she looks up and says in a louder voice, "I would rather die than be a slave to the...the...formians. If they get into my mind again, be merciful and kill me.
Gilan [HP: 49/49, AC: 21] [barkskin] Thursday August 26th, 2004 8:05:30 PM
Gilan will agree with the rest on getting a little rest, especially when it comes to new spells. He would much rather have some different ones with the upcoming situation.
He glances to Gry and smiles. "It would depend Gry on how heavy the armor would end up being. Steelgrass is light but gives good protection...I like to travel light." He glances to the armoring of the creature and ponders it for several seconds. "It would also be a little hot it would appear as well, not good for the plains."
DM George d6=5 Thursday August 26th, 2004 9:27:02 PM
The last of dwarves slip away and the group settles down to get some rest. If you are spending the night, I would like a guard duty rotation.
Also list any new spells you will be studying for or praying for in the morning.
DM George Thursday August 26th, 2004 9:28:42 PM
OOC Hey guys, I requested new character sheets from you folks several weeks ago. Only got a couple. Please get them to me pronto. I have your old ones and will go by them if I have to. You might not like that!
Flea d20+11=13 d20+7=18 d20+9=28 Thursday August 26th, 2004 11:03:58 PM
Flea will take whatever rotations Trellus' thinks it best to assign her. She will volunteer for a middle shift since she can get by on interupted sleep. During her rotations she will keep her ears and eyes alert to any sound coming from outside the room.
Search=13 Spot=18 Listen=28
(OOC: Flea level 5 just sent to you via e-mail. Sorry for being one of the late ones.)
Trellus Friday August 27th, 2004 11:41:16 AM
Trellus considers the watch for a moment. "OK. Gilan and Jake first. Then Gry and Flea. Then me and Mac. Tishe', you get some sleep."
The cleric will wake Tishe' with a hour left in his watch. He'll make his devotions then so that he's ready to go while the rest of the group's spellcasters are studying up.
Tishe' Friday August 27th, 2004 2:11:01 PM
The brown haired woman frowns at the mention of watch assignments. "I feel like an unneeded thread in the pattern without helping out." But she shrugs and accepts, after all, Trellus is thinking about the whole pack.
She moves over to the little gnome girl. "Flea, I'll spell you to help against the formian mind powers. It's not much, but we all do what we can." She smiles and gives Flea a sisterly hug.
Tishe' will sleep and study, stretching from her morning studies ready to go.
Gilan Friday August 27th, 2004 9:20:20 PM
Gilan nods to Trellus as he turns out a good order of watch. "That is fine with me." He will take the first watch with Jake and keep his eyes open for any trouble out in the tunnels.
In the morning he will spend his time in silent commune with Mother Wold and gain his new spells. He just hopes that they are enough. "I can also send out a plague of animals to help in our battle."
Jake Friday August 27th, 2004 10:33:57 PM
Jake ponders something. "Wait a sec...isn't there only one way in,through those doors? Why don't we just sit next to 'em and make ready to attack if any of them open? Oh wait...can these guys dig too? They're ants, right?" Jake ponders the possibilities. "Ah wish ah had that glass piece...we could fry 'em like when we was shrubs."
Grymash (hp66/72) d20+3=16 Friday August 27th, 2004 11:47:25 PM
Grymash is feeling better after he's had a little rest and a good washing. His opinion about the umberhulk armor isnt swayed by Gilan's remarks. The barbarian takes his dagger and begins the task of harvesting choice pieces of the umber hulks hard exoskeleton (an umber hulk has a +8 natural AC!). The barbarian takes his time and makes precision cuts. The hide of the umber hulk is segmented and its easy to find seams to cut into. (Gry is going to make multiple Take20 attempts to do the job right. His take20 Survival roll is 27.) Many of the pieces he harvests are already shaped and formed to fit over and around body parts. Many pieces would need some additional cutting and molding, but that was going to be the armorsmiths problem.
After removing many large sections and joint pieces, he takes a long look at those huge, sharp mandibles that had cut into him in the battle. He removes them as well. They may be useful in some way. (they do 2d8 damage!)
Grymash returns to the party with his newly acquired exoskeleton sections and 10 pounds of some kind of strange looking meat in his iron pot. "Gry got dinner! Who want ta cook it?" He sets down the pot and sits against a wall. After dumping the 'meat' on a plate from his haversack, Grymash summons another four gallons of water into his iron pot. He takes one of the cleaner rags and begins to clean his steelgrass armor, buckler and weapons. After everythings clean, he puts it back on. He wants to be ready at a moments notice for anything that might happen. He then takes his whetstone, from his beltpouch, and sharpens his double axe. Sparks trail off his blade with every pass.
After finishing with his chores, Grymash finally relaxes and reads his Book of Gargul before he going to sleep. He contemplates the actions of the ant-men and the connection they made with him. Grymash then prays for Guidance (guidance spell) from Gargul on how to better deal with the ant-man menace. (Wisdom check or Sense Motive 16) ---------------------- Grymash's spells in the morning: Level 0: Detect magic Guidance Create water(2)
Mac Saturday August 28th, 2004 9:26:02 AM
Mac settles down - sitting on the floor with his back pressed against a wall, backpack on his lap, axe at his side. He breaks out his wrapped rations and a water skin, offering them around to pick and sip while Gry gets his cooking underway.
With eating underway, he relates a story about his father's father's parents, much as it was related to him by his father's father. The tale runs to a quarter of an hour or so, and whilst it isn't laboured, the moral is (for all Taur stories have one somewhere) that everyone contributes in their own way, or if you prefer, that there are no unneeded threads in the pattern.
He sits up until rest overtakes him and isn't too difficult to stir come his watch.
DM George "Did anyone bring marshmellows" d20+12=22 Sunday August 29th, 2004 9:54:21 PM
During the second watch, Flea and Grymash are having light conversation when Grymash feels a slight breeze behind him and Flea's eyes get like saucers as she sees a huge Formian and a much smaller formian just appear in the room.
The large one is hanging onto a leaning barrel which he then dumps over, spilling galleons of fluids (smells like lamp oil) over the sleeping Bloodpack and splashing and soaking Grymash and Flea.
Flea screams as she notices the smaller one tossing a lite torch into the oil setting it ablaze.
The room erupts in flames, quickly setting furniture and belongings alike aflame. Smoke quickly billows up making sight and breathing difficult.
OOC Everyone needs to make a reflex save DC 25 to avoid having oil spilled on them. If you have oil on you, you will take 1d6 points of fire damage a round. You will take this every round until you figure a way to put yourselves out. Everyone also needs to make a fortitude save vs constitution dc 15. This one will be every round and get +1 consecutively harder. Round 2 16 will be needed. Round 3 you will need a 17 etc. If you fail this saving throw you spend that round choking and nothing else. If you choke for 2 rounds, you take 1d6 points of damage nonlethal.
Since this happens in the middle of the night, no new spells will be available yet. Also remember since you were all resting for the night, you don't have your packs on with your equipment.
Before I get complaining emails figure between 30 and 40 gallons of oil was spilled. That is a lot of oil.
Grymash (ac20, hp64/72) d20+3=17 d6=2 d20+12=19 d20+8=20 d8+19=25 d20+8=22 d8+19=23 Sunday August 29th, 2004 11:13:00 PM
(Reflex 17, 2 points fire damage. Fort 19 vs. smoke.)
Gry instantly roars, "BLOODPACKKK ... FIRE!!" The barbarian comes alive with another savage growl when the heat of the fire begins to burn at his legs. He move forward, between the two ant-men, and swings a powerful blow at the smaller one. (Powerattack+5, two-handed+10. HitAC:20. Damage: 25.)
(If the small one drops) Grymash continues his swing and cleaves into the larger one. (Cleave attack. HitAC: 22. Damage: 23.)
Mac (AC:18, HP:45/62), 10' reach d20+4=18 d6=6 d20+8=20 d20+7=27 d20+7=21 3d6(4+3+3)+10=20 6d6(1+3+2+1+1+1)+20=29 d20+7=14 3d6(1+6+2)+10=19 Monday August 30th, 2004 10:04:44 AM
It's the searing pain {Reflex:18, 6pts fire damage} that wakes Mac, but despite it he holds his breathe {Fortitude:20} and grabs his axe. If he can strike at a formian he will, attacking from prone hits AC:27 (Crit.AC:21) for 20pts (49pts) damage. A potential Cleave would hit AC:14 (probably not) for 19 damage. If no formian is initially in reach, Mac takes the opportunity to get to his feet.
Gilan [47/49 HP, 18 AC] d20+6=23 d6=2 d20+9=29 d20+5=21 Monday August 30th, 2004 6:23:00 PM
Gilan is sleeping soundly when he starts to have a dream of being back in the plains in that fire. He jerks in his sleep as he whimpers, then suddenly snaps awake with a start. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" He does not hear anything else but his own screams as he looks to his legs and the fire that is burning at his clothing (reflex 23, fire damage 2).
He is able to keep the smoke from filling his lungs as he screams on (fortitude 29). Despite all the thoughts that are going through his head and the pain, he somehow keeps his wits about him (wisdom 18). Still he can only think of one thing and that is to get out of the flames, yes out of the fire. He minds screams at him...NOT AGAIN. He scoops up his pack as he heads for the door, not caring that anything else is going on. His eyes are wide and he has that caught in the headlights look.
Flea(AC19, 30/35 HP, Evasion) d20+8=25 d20+2=16 Monday August 30th, 2004 6:28:14 PM
Having spotted the ant-like creatures and called out a warning to her pack mates, Flea jumps to her feet, her hooked hammer in her hand. Although oil spots her clothes, she escapes the flames by the narrowest of margins. (Reflex=25; Evasion)
Grabbing her pack and slinging it over her shoulder, she opens the door against which she was leaning. Since the smoke isn't bothering her (Fort=16) she calls out loudly, "Bloodpack! To me!"
Trellus (AC 20, 34/50 HP) d20+6=7 d6=6 d20+8=17 Monday August 30th, 2004 7:54:57 PM
"Light!" cries the cleric awakened by the rogue's cries and a white searing pain as the flames from the formian's fire lick at his legs. (Reflex=7, 6 pts. dm.) Jumping to his feet Trellus tries to collect his gear, cursing the fact that when given the opporunity he didn't ask his god for Protection from Fire. Despite the smoke (Fort=17) he is able to cry out, "lets weave for the tunnel!"
(Carla posting this week for the vacationing MikeK.)
DM George d20+3=12 d6=6 d20+6=15 d20+3=13 d20+9=17 d6=5 d6=1 Monday August 30th, 2004 10:24:09 PM
OOC sorry guys but trying to keep the action moving so I rolled for both Jake and Tishe. Tishe failed both saves and took 6 points of fire damage adn 1 points of non-lethal smoke damage. Jake failed for the fire, but made fort save. He takes 5 points of fire damage.
Grymash ignores the pain of the fire and turns and moves 10 feet and swats down the little ant, killing it quickly.
Flea sees the fire and retreats out of its way, trying to rally her friends.
Gilan gets to his feet and picks up his gear as well, while on fire.
Tishe and Jake wake in horrible pain and writhe on the floor. Tishe can't breath and starts to hack and cough.
Mac, being to far to swing, rises to his feet.
Trellus wakes and rises to his feet and starts to collect his gear, while on fire.The large ant creature, with the bronze helmut, blinks out and is gone.
Everyone but Flea take damage next round. 1d6 every round until you extinguish the flames. I am assuming everyones packs, except Grymashs, were on the ground and were doused in oil and on fire as well. Flea's pack in sitting in the room as she left it behind.
Everyone in the room must make a dc fort save of 16 or take 1d6 points of smoke damage. Flea only needs a dc 15 as she is in the doorway.
DM George Tuesday August 31st, 2004 1:33:28 AM
OOC Wierd... I had put in a post for the big ant but I must have erased it in error.
Stephen I am deleting your post as it won't apply this round. Sorry feel free to repost.
The Giant ant who is wearing a helmut on his head, disappears with a whoosh.
OOC Stephen you missed with your cleve attack.
Jake (36/52) d20+10=30 d20+10=11 d100=74 d10+7=16 d20+9=21 d6=6 Tuesday August 31st, 2004 2:37:31 AM
Jake grabs his pack and sword, and rushes towards where the ant with the helmet on his head was. He swings his sword, yelling "Aaaaaaaaa!" in both pain and fury... (If there was a 50% concealment/missing, I think i might have hit him, 74 on that roll... hit AC 30, did 16 damage.) If he misses, he then runs out of the room after Trell. He also tries putting the cold sword to the fire on his leg. (Actions for both this and last round I guess) (Can my cold sword put out the fire?)
Mac (AC:18, HP:39/62) d6=6 d20+8=27 d20+3=18 Tuesday August 31st, 2004 3:11:12 AM
The flames continue to lick at Mac's skin (6pts) as he hooks his backpack with his axe. Hearing Tishe's coughing he moves towards her. "It's just me." he says as he attempts to bundle her and the things about her over his left shoulder, and makes after the rest of the Pack.
Trellus (AC 20, 34/50 HP) d20+10=30 d20+8=16 Tuesday August 31st, 2004 8:08:15 PM
Trellus quickly wraps his Cloak of Comfort around himself and his pack, smothering the flames [Reflex=30*, Nat 20]. Bringing the cloak up around his nose and mouth, he avoids inhaling the toxic fumes and moves towards Tishe' and Mac careful to avoid the flaming oil.
[* +4 to reflex save for using cloak to smother flames, DMG p. 303-304]
Grymash (ac20, hp60/72) d6=4 d20+12=30 Tuesday August 31st, 2004 8:18:11 PM
(fire 4. Fort 30 vs. smoke)
Grymash doesnt have time to become angry that the formain cheated death. "JAKE ... ANT-MAN GONE! GET YO," COUGH!, "GEAR AN GET OUT!!" Grymash spins around to see his pack. "FLEA, GET OUT! GRY GET STUFF!" He's glad to see Mac scooping up Tishe. The half-orc then grits his teeth and growls through the pain as goes after his packs supplies. He grabs Flea's pack and whatever else is in reach and makes a run for the door.
Flea (AC19, 30/35 HP) d20+12=16 d20+2=12 Tuesday August 31st, 2004 8:18:27 PM
"My stuff! My stuff!" cries the gnome as she sees the flames lick at her abandoned pack. On impulse, she dashes back into the room, pulling her cloak from her shoulders and wrapping it around her belongings as she snatches up the pack (Reflex=16) and smothers the flames. Unfortunately the gnome breathes too deeply of the contaminated air and starts to cough and gag (Fort=12, fail)
Grymash d20+11=31 Tuesday August 31st, 2004 8:25:08 PM
Grymash grabs the choking gnome (HitTouchAC: 31, natural 20), if she already got her backpack, and will run with her instead.
Gilan [45/49 HP, 18 AC] d6=2 d20+10=19 d20+9=16 Tuesday August 31st, 2004 9:48:55 PM
Gilan stumbles his way out through the door despite the flames that still burn at his legs (damage 2). Once out and off to the side of the doorway he drops his pack and pulls his cloak tight about his body (reflex 19), trying to smother out the flames on his legs. Luckily he had not inhaled any of the smoke that is filing the room (fortitude 16).
His tearfilled eyes find the other packmembers as they exit the room. He tries to give them a weak smile as he looks to the blazing inferno that is the room. He grits his teeth together but still finds himself backing away from the sight of them.
DM George Tuesday August 31st, 2004 10:03:28 PM
The group successfully gets out of the room and help each other put out the flames. The equipment was saved but packs and cloaks are singed and boots as well.
You are standing out in the corridor, when Grymash starts to curse. He realizes that his umberhulk breastplate is still inside.
The group starts to head down the tunnel and turns north at the intersection. Mac realizes that the two antmen he put down are gone or at least their bodies are.
Jake Wednesday September 1st, 2004 1:43:22 AM
"Awww dust!" Jake curses, stamping out his gear. "Mah stuff's ruined! And ah'm burned! Why...we aughtta go after 'em now!" He looks at the others, then revises his opinion. "Maybe we'all should get some sleep...but how do we stop 'em from attacking us mid-sleep again?? Can we find someplace locked and safe?"
Mac (AC:18, HP:39/62) Wednesday September 1st, 2004 2:51:06 AM
Mac looks at Jake and shakes his bovine head. "If it w' half-baked t' go straight in after them instead of restin' up then it's totally baked now! We pull back to the stream! We'll see 'ow the Ironhooks dealt with the giant, and then we'll wash our burns, the oil and the blood off an' we'll rest... on the other side of the stream if neccesary! Then we'll take 'em on again." "'ow's tha' for a plan?"
Grymash (ac20, hp60/72) d20+2=21 Wednesday September 1st, 2004 5:32:07 PM
Grymash curses alright. He thought his umber hulk hide pieces was in his haversack. "Piggie Dumps!! OK, Mac be smart. Pack spend night outside. Jake, lockin' door be no good. Thems bug things got in wit magik. Thay pop ins and pop out. Gry saw it wit eyes." Grymash looks back through the open door at his burning umber hulk hide pieces. He's more upset about that then being set on fire. "Dat be ok yooz ANT PIGGIES ... Gry makes armors outta yooz hide instead. HEAR GRY!! GRY MAKES ARMOR FROM ANT SKINS, YOOZ ROODY POOH PIGGIE TREADLES!!"
As the group gathers themselves and makes it down the caves entrance, Grymash asks Flea and Mac some questions. "Mac ... Flea! Yooz hear da ant thangies in yo head like Gry, right? Did ya gets da feelin' dat thays all be talkin' all at once. Gry think me hears lots many ant voices. All tellin' whut ta do. Likes Gry be just a part of bigger body. Like Gry bein' ah fist or sumthin' tool-like! Gry not know how ta say! Can ya tell Gry whut me thinkin'? Gry not be knowin' how! Too much order! Too clean cut for Gry ta explains. Yooz know dat word Gry mean, dont ya?"
(Wisdom check 21)
Flea (AC 19, 30/35 HP) Wednesday September 1st, 2004 6:46:54 PM
After a cursory examination of her burnt pack, her scorched boots, and her singed cloak, the gnome gets a very angry look on her face. The pupils in her light eyes dilate to the size of pin holes. "Yes, Gry, I heard the voices of those white handed treadles," Flea says with disgust, "and I'm not going to hear them again!" She shouts with vehemance as she shoulders her pack, and starts down the tunnel towards the formian hole, oblivous to the pack's plans and heeding only her own need for revenge.
Gilan [45/49 HP, 18 AC] Wednesday September 1st, 2004 9:36:12 PM
Gilan glances around at the rest of the pack still a little tired from his ordeals lately. He sighs inwardly with the idea of more sleep, but part of him worries about it. "Please decide on something and I will follow." He looks at his mostly burned breeches and shakes his head.
Trellus (AC 20, 34/50 HP) d20+6=15 Wednesday September 1st, 2004 10:28:28 PM
Trellus reaches out and snags Flea's collar [Touch attack = 15]. "Warp down Flea! The pack must weave together. Mac and Gry, you lead us out of here, everyone else, stay together." The cleric pushes Flea in front of him as they retrace their steps to the cave opening.
DM George Wednesday September 1st, 2004 10:29:21 PM
Some of the group believe it is wisest to flee the lair for now and come back when you are refreshed and respelled.
Flea is bent on revenge and is heading for the hole/tunnel down to the lower levels.
OOC need to know what the party is going to do? Are you going to split up? DM starts to grin evily and rubs hands together.
Tishe' Thursday September 2nd, 2004 7:15:36 AM
(Andrew Posting for Tishe) Scilent until now Thishe adds her 2 cents worth, "I for one could use the rest. I need some time to study or I will feel almost useless against these things. Besides, if they are getting in our heads perhaps I can find a way to get them out again."
Flea (AC 19, 30/35 HP, Trap Sense) Thursday September 2nd, 2004 8:09:36 AM
Flea 'warps down' at Trellus' request, and lets the cleric push her along in front of him. Not one to dwell on things for very long, Flea snaps out of her funk, and trots ahead to join the leaders. "I'll check for traps," she volunteers.
Grymash Thursday September 2nd, 2004 4:48:45 PM
Grymash leans down to Flea and whispers in her ear, in a tone and manner uncharacteristic for the half-orc. "the bloody blade of vengence will be yours to wield soon enough little one, and I will help you." He quickly returns to the upright position and continues with the pack to the cave entrance. "Gry hopes dat big stompin' beater be gone ta bed!"
Mac (AC:18, HP:39/62) Thursday September 2nd, 2004 4:55:22 PM "Noo Gry, I doon't remember the voices, just remember findin' m'self standin' still an' facin' the wrong way. I'm sorry." As Flea catches up, Mac gives her a smile and a nod. "Thanks Flea. I swear we will be going back in there."
Jake Thursday September 2nd, 2004 8:17:29 PM
Jake goes along with the others, quietly...feeling angry and resentful, 'cause his sleep was interrupted. "Ah hope tomorrow we teach them ants ta not bug us."
DM George Thursday September 2nd, 2004 9:04:24 PM
The group successfully leaves the caves and heads towards the stream where they first came in.
The giant doesn't seem to be around and the dwarves are missing to. Of course it being the middle of the night, it is tough to see anything.
Are you lighting fires? Torches. Going back to sleep. Setting up guards? Need all the pertinent information.
Gilan [45/49 HP, 18 AC] Thursday September 2nd, 2004 9:52:54 PM
Gilan follows along mostly going on instinct now as fatigue sets in. He listens to what is going on around him but he makes no comments. His only thought is to catch some more sleep and let his wounds heal even better.
Mac (AC:18, HP:39/62) Thursday September 2nd, 2004 10:39:04 PM
Mac helps those that want it over the stream, giving him a chance to give the burns on his legs a good, cool soak.
There are times when 60' Darkvision is a wonderful thing.
"Gry? Can we find a hollow or something a little up the hill away from the stream for you all to rest? I'm goin' to find a spot I can keep an eye on things from."
Flea (AC 19, 30/35 HP, Trap Sense, Low Light Vision) d20+7=15 d20+11=31 d20+9=21 Thursday September 2nd, 2004 11:42:59 PM
Flea stumbles about in the darkness, not really able to see all that well. Wish I had one of those glowing rods I've seen back in Rattledam she thinks to herself. As she carefully picks her way after Mac, she thinks of quite a few things she'd like to have.
When they come to the stream, she will accept Mac's help.
After a suitable place is located, Flea will volunteer to keep the watch. She will make a circuit of the camp (Spot=15)(Listen=21) and collect dead branches and twigs along the way (Search=31, nat 20) After she is satisfied the area is safe she will try to start a small fire with her flint and steel.
Grymash (ac20, hp60/72 Darkvision) d20+7=26 d20+2=12 d20+5=18 Friday September 3rd, 2004 2:52:30 AM
Grymash has no problem seeing in complete darkness. He turns to Mac and says, "Yep, Mac thinkin' whut Gry be thinkin'. Dudes, no use lights tills weez be found dat is. Mac can sees wit eyes for yooz."
The barbarian scouts off ahead looking for a suitable shelter for the pack. He wonders why there are no stars or moon in the sky. Most of the pack could see if there was at least some moonlite.
(Survival 26, Spot 12, Listen 18)
Tishe' Friday September 3rd, 2004 5:34:07 AM
(Andrew posting for Tishe) The slight woman takes a grip on Mac's armor and allows him to lead her into the night, standing on the far shore until he moves to rejoin the party. When a suitible place is found she sinks wearily to the ground, asleep even before her head hits her pack.
Graham (to Andrew) Friday September 3rd, 2004 9:16:34 AM
Just letting you know that Mac doesn't wear armour. His outfit at the moment stands at bracers, black boots, black belt, black trousers and a red sash that he is currently sporting as a bandana.
Otherwise, keep up the good work! : )
Trellus Friday September 3rd, 2004 9:59:08 AM
"No light," the cleric agrees. "Stick with Mac and Gry."
Trellus follows Mac, trusting the taur and half-orc to find a defensible spot.
Gilan [45/49 HP, 18 AC] Friday September 3rd, 2004 11:13:23 PM
Gilan lets himself be lead or even carried if needed across the water. Though he could assume wasp form and fly across as well, but he is not sure if he could make it.
Once across and things are safe he will get some sleep, if possible.
DM George "BZZZZZZZZ" Saturday September 4th, 2004 1:18:06 PM
The group settles down and tries to get some sleep. Most of you realize that it is much cooler here than on the plains and you are chilly without a fire.
Suddenly Jake slaps his cheek and comes away with a bloody insect. He will say, "Hey what is this thing. It is sucking my blood!"
The others will soon be slapping and suffering through a barrage of insect bites. Whatever these things are, they are nasty and you don't have them on the plains.
Morning finally comes without any major incident and the sun starts to peek over the tall and unfamiliar trees. With the light, Gilan gets a better look around and stifles a laugh when he sees Jake was sleeping in a bed of poison ivy.
Everyone can get their spells back. Please list them with your character's post.
Mac (AC:18, HP:39/62) Saturday September 4th, 2004 5:57:43 PM
Mac naps once the spellcasters begin to commune or study and others awake.
When he finally comes to, he grabs his gear and heads down to the stream for a wash - finding the splash of cool water about his face refreshing. He returns several minutes later, chewing away.
"'ow's everyone feelin' this day-break?"
Gilan d20+5=22 d20+5=16 Sunday September 5th, 2004 11:32:22 AM
Gilan is up early the next morning and seated looking out across the water. He is in deep meditation with Mother Wold and will not be disturbed easily. Soon he stands though and starts back to camp with a look of renewed possibilities on his face.
Getting back the others are stiring or up already, when he makes a shocking dicovery. "Lights...Jake you let me know if you start to itch man." He busts out laughing as the fighter gives him a look and he calls everyone over to where Jake was sleeping. "This plant is poison ivy and will make you itch something fierce, even make you sick, unless you are lucky enough to be immune to it." He points out the distinctive three leaf pattern to each of you, though a few could find it he figures anyways. "Leaves in three...leave it be."
With a last little laugh he starts to search around the area to see if he can find any plants that may give a soothing effect to the itching that may develop (survival 22). He also looks for something that may be useable as a repelent to the biting bugs that inhabit this area (survival 16).
Jake Sunday September 5th, 2004 6:02:05 PM
Jake scratches his head in confusion. "Ahve never been outta teh plains before...this stuff wasn't grass, right, so it's okay? Ah mean, ...umm, are those tree things all poisonous too?" Jake's developing knowledge of nature only extends to the area of his birth, and being out here is weird. "And why are there so many dang-frabbed bugs out here??"
Tiev and Zilia Sunday September 5th, 2004 7:41:28 PM
It has been a very long trip for the two wasps, but with the light of a new day, they finally find what they are searching for.
Tiev and Zilia dive-bomb their companion in a frenzy of ecstasy, then proceed to zip around him in tight concentric circles until even they are dizzy!
(OOC: James, I never forgot the wasps, but I didn't know how to negotiate the portal, and then the tunnel seemed too foreign for them to just show up! They would have been helpful in combat though.-Carla)
Flea Sunday September 5th, 2004 7:49:48 PM
The gnome wakes up quite grumpy. Her Cloak of Comfort kept her comfortable during the cool night, but the insects that suck blood negated a truly restful sleep. What sleep she did have was plagued by bad dreams. Dreams of ant-creatures with large blank eyes, and twitchy limbs, that 'talked' to her and bade her do things she did not want to do.
Flea follows the minotaur to the edge of the water. After a perfunctory toilet, she surveys her singed gear in an effort to determine what is salvagable.
Jake Sunday September 5th, 2004 11:51:35 PM
"More bugs!" Jake mumbles, and grabs his crossbow...then recognizes the wasps. "Er... I mean, hey, guys."
Tishe' Monday September 6th, 2004 12:47:28 PM
Waking from a restless night, the small woman puts her wild brown hair in order using a simple ponytail.
Scratching the odd red bump on her skin, she studies her travelling spell book...
She pulls some peeling skin from her nose and looks at the others. "So, are we ready to tackle the ants?" she asks while readying her crossbow.
DM George d8=3 d20+10=25 2d8(5+3)+12=20 Monday September 6th, 2004 8:18:42 PM
The peaceful morning is broken up with a shock. The 18' tall cloud giant steps out of the trees around 250' away and launches a rock which hits Grymash as he is raises his arms in a morning stretch. The rock slams hard into Grymash's chest causing 20 points of damage.
The giant seems happy to keep his distance as he starts pulling another rock from a huge bag he is carrying.
OOC Sorry Stephen but I gave him -6 for range and cover but he still got you. If you decide to shoot back, remember to take your range minuses. He is 250' away.
Gilan [49/49 HP, 18 AC] Monday September 6th, 2004 10:23:25 PM
The sudden appearance of a boulder hitting Grymash is enough to put Gilan on edge right away. He moves to the nearest cover that he can find and hopes that it will be enough. "I think the giant is still around." He looks to the others to see where he can be the most help.
Jake Tuesday September 7th, 2004 5:59:23 AM
"Frampin' dusty dirty sunbaked treadles! Let's get back in the caves!" Jake makes a break for the caves, after grabbing his pack and everything else near it.
Grymash (ac20/cover28, hp46/72) d20+8=25 d8+5=13 Tuesday September 7th, 2004 10:33:54 AM
Grymash cries out in surprise and gut-wrenching pain. He grabs at his chest as the boulder hits and rolls away. Seeing the huge giant laugh, Gry forces his wits back into the game and grabs his bow and quiver and scurries behind the closest tree big enough to give him cover.
Grymash strains to speak as he tries to gather enough air in his lungs. "Gry covers ... uh, yooz! Make wit da runnin' ... errr, or fight wit Gry!" The barbarian peers around the tree and fires an arrow from his massive bow. (-2 for distance. Hit Ac:25 for 13 damage)
Stephen, Sorry you get -4 for the range. After 110' you get -2, after 220' you get -4. Giant is at 250'.
Trellus (Ac 20) Tuesday September 7th, 2004 1:41:27 PM
"Light!" Trellus cries in surprise.
He looks at the giant, and then toward the caves, getting a gauge on the relative positions of everything.
"Get down behind a tree or something!" he yells.
The cleric moves about 40' toward the giant [double move] before crouching down behind the best available cover. [Taking cover has priority over making a full move]
Tishe' (AC 16 HP 29/29) d20-2=14 d8=7 Tuesday September 7th, 2004 2:56:26 PM
The brown-haired woman yelps at the sudden appearance of a large stone on Grymash's chest, and the obvious enjoyment of the giant who put it there.
She grabs her satchel with Wart inside, and scrambles for some trees. "I've got a spell to conceal us as we run for the caves!" she shouts to Trellus, "want me to use it?"
While waiting for the cleric, she efficiently loads her crossbow and fires a quarrel at the giant. (AC 14, dam 7)
Flea (AC19 +4 Dodge vs Giants; Uncanny Dodge) Tuesday September 7th, 2004 5:38:30 PM
"Want me to go after him, Trellus? Hunh? Can I?" volunteers the cranky gnome, pulling her short sword from it's sheath.
Mac (AC:18, HP:39/62) Tuesday September 7th, 2004 8:36:51 PM
"Right!" Mac assesses the situation, like he has had to do from time to time back in Heranmar.
"Tishe', please provide cover to those headin' straight for the cave. Take cover, but watch oot for traps an' such. A few of us will try an' keep Trellus in one piece an' bring doon the giant." Mac turns to chase, but stops to ask, "Does anyone 'ave an equaliser up their sleeve?" He figures he can catch up with the armoured Trellus in pretty short order.
DM George d20+6=24 2d8(6+5)+12=23 Tuesday September 7th, 2004 8:39:56 PM
Grymash grabs his bow and ducks behind a tree, taking up all his movement for the round. He will be able to fire next round.
Tishe grabs her stuff and gets behind cover as well. She isn't able to shoot this round either.
Trellus makes a double move towards the giant (he is now 210' away) and ducks behind a tree for cover.
Gilan dives to a large rock and is lying prone behind it.
Mac stands in the clearing, wondering where this big fellow came from.
Flea watches Trellus run towards the giant and follows him. (OOC making the assumption she would follow Trellus. If not, let me know and I will revise.)
The giant sees Jake making a run for it and says in common. "Sorry little man. I must squash you now." He carefully measures the distance and launches another rock at running fighter, hitting him for 23 points of damage.
Gilan [49/49 HP, 18 AC] Tuesday September 7th, 2004 11:20:47 PM
Gilan digs into the scroll case that hangs from his belt and pulls out the two scrolls that he has. He flips over them quickly and then place one back into the case. He peeks out from behind the rock in time to see Jake take a nasty hit. "Don't forget that we are on the wrong side of the water to make it to the cave."
[I am assuming that we never crossed back over in the morning and that the water is between us and the giant?? Otherwise he may have just come up and clubed someone??]
Jake Wednesday September 8th, 2004 1:58:08 AM
Whatever the case, Jake is taking the best route to the cave. And is totally confused why nobody is following him. Take on a giant?? Light! Are they crazy!?? One hit and he's already nearly out...maybe if the giant was asleep or something...
Trellus (Ac 20) Wednesday September 8th, 2004 10:02:47 AM
"I bet he's controlled, too" Trellus calls back to the others. "If I can get closer, maybe I can fix his warp."
More soflty to Flea, "Let's not be attacking him quite yet."
Trellus closes another 40' on the giant, ending his movement behind the biggest tree he can find on the way.
Flea (AC19 +4 Dodge vs Giants; Uncanny Dodge) d20+11=24 Wednesday September 8th, 2004 10:22:03 AM
Gripping her short sword tighter, Flea creeps along behind the party cleric, holding herself in check until Trellus gives the signal.
Hide=24
Grymash (ac20/cover28, hp46/72) d20+2=17 Wednesday September 8th, 2004 11:44:15 AM
(Wisdom 17)
Grymash understands that Trellus has a plan. However he doesnt want to him to take a full attack, like he did. "Human's after all are puny and not too tough," he thinks. Grymash thinks of a plan to draw the giants attention. He gets out from behind his tree and hustles forward and to the right, away from Trellus (but toward the giant. movement 80'). He gets behind the best cover he can find, either tree or rock, and yells out to the giant. "HEY, BIG PI.. uh, DUDE! WHY YOOZ CHUCKIN' ROCKS AT GRY? GRY DO NO HURTIN' TA YOOZ! WHY YOOZ MAKIN' WAR ON PACK?" Grymash keeps his arrow notched in place.
(Gry isnt getting too far from Trellus and Flea where he couldnt help them if he has too. He is moveing forward with them, only veering off to the right. Enough to make the giant look away from Trellus' position.)
DM George d20+6=24 2d8(4+3)+12=19 Wednesday September 8th, 2004 8:44:36 PM
Trellus runs forward but only travels 30, but finds wonderful cover behind a large tree.
Flea follows him, keeping to natural terrain as best as she can.
Trellus and Flea are about 180' away from the giant.
Grymash sprints forward quickly this round but on a diagnal. Becuase he didn't move directly at the giant, he is 200' away.
Gilan pulls out some scrolls and starts sorting through them.
Jake is still racing towards the cave. The giant isn't blocking his path but he will be exposed to giant boulder fire for a while.
Tishe stumbles and has problems loading her crossbow this round but will be able to shoot next round if she chooses too.
Mac moves to follow the others but a boulder crashes into him and does 19 points of damage to the hardy minotaur.
The giant bellows with glee in his voice. "Your aren't much of a challenge! Dodge more quickly or you will all soon be dead! You shouldn't have threatened my masters and killed their beloved servants!"
The stream isn't much of a stream. It is only a 1-2 feet deep and around 6-8 feet wide. Still to those raised on the plains, that is huge!
Gilan [49/49 HP, 18 AC] Wednesday September 8th, 2004 9:20:52 PM
Gilan keeps his position behind the boulder and waits to see what is going to happen next. It would seem that Trellus has a plan of attack or action at least.
He peeks back out to see what is going on with the others and mutters under his breathe. The scroll in his hand is the one he wanted, but should he use it already.
Mac (AC:18, HP:20/62) Wednesday September 8th, 2004 11:30:56 PM
The taur struggles to his feet. Mentally he adds Boulders to his list of inconveniences, and remebers to check later where the bruises will be.
He sets about getting across the stream those that aren't and then works with Tishe' to get everyone back up and into the cave.
"Maybe we can make friends when he's a little less POSSESSED!?"
Tishe' (AC 16 HP 29/29) Thursday September 9th, 2004 12:04:41 AM
Normally able to load her crossbow so well, the small woman becomes flustered that the bolt won't fit into the groove.
"What?", she wonders aloud at what everyone is saying, "Controlled and better at dodging? Well, at least one of those I can help with."
Placing her hand in her handy satchel, Wart gives her a scroll. A quick look and command word later, and an Obscuring Mist forms around where Tishe' and some of the others wait.
Obscuring Mist; [5 minutes] close attacker 20% miss, further away 50% miss; 20 radius sphere
Jake Thursday September 9th, 2004 7:15:11 AM
(I don't get it. How far is it to the caves?) Jake moves behind some trees and gets cover, since it seems like he'll never get to teh caves without the rest of his pack anyways.
Trellus (AC20) d20+6=9 d20+6=13 Thursday September 9th, 2004 8:32:37 AM
"Last thread," Trellus mutters, almost to himself.
The cleric moves forward 20' and casts a spell on the giant. [Move to the best partial cover available, but he needs that 20']
This pick better work, he thinks anxiously.
[Dispel Magic caster check 13. Used hero point]
Grymash (ac20/cover28, hp46/72) d20+7=26 Thursday September 9th, 2004 6:00:47 PM
Grymash mumbles a few garbled words of power and his eyes and the arrow begins to slightly glow. (Casting TrueStrike) Grymash rushes forward 40' and takes cover again.
"Weez not come here ta fight or takes yooz lands. Weez come heres lookin' for uh shiny rock ... dat all! Da ant-people had der slaves attack us, so weez kill'em, dat all! Tell ya masters dat all weez want is da shiny rock. Then weez stop killin. Otherwize, Gry an pack wills kills every last one of them bugs! Dat little blood bath in da cave is nothin' ta whut weez do ta thems!" (Intimidate 26)
Grymash can help but feel that the ant-men can hear him. Their minds, he feels, were all connected. Like the hives of bees and creepers back home. He hopes that his words spread fear throughout the numbers or at least distract the giant a little longer.
Flea (AC19 +4 Dodge vs Giants; Uncanny Dodge, Domi's Ward; HP=35) d20+23=28 Thursday September 9th, 2004 7:27:49 PM
Close on Trellus' footsteps, the rogue weaves ever closer to the giant, taking cover each time they stop (Hide=28). She tries to judge the distance from their current spot to the cave entrance, should they have to run for it!
DM George d20+6=26 d20+6=24 2d8(6+1)+18=25 2d8(2+1)+18=21 Thursday September 9th, 2004 9:20:47 PM
OOC Clarifications. The pack didn't camp right outside the front door. Assume you walked from 5 to 10 minutes last night to get to the stream. The direct path to the caves is open but the giant will be able to throw rocks at you for quite a distance.
Trellus rushes forward 20' and casts his spell. Unfortunately he failed in his attempt.
Grymash moves closer and shouts out his threats to the giant.
00C Stephen be careful in trying to do to much in any given round. I want you to shout out what you wrote while watching a second hand on a watch. I had problems saying all of it in six seconds. You did that while running 40'. I am not allowing the spell this time.
Jake slows down as he realizes he is running alone and takes cover.
Mist rises up around Tishe helping hide her location.
Flea moves forward and tries to hide.
Gilan ponders his scrolls.
Mac crosses the steam and gages the distance to the caves
The giant feels the spell wash over him but he is still feeling friendly towards the masters and must attack the fiends who are attacking them. With glee he lifts his hands and launches a boulder at the one who cast a spell at him. He tries to throw hard, to kill the hate foe who threatens his beloved master. (power attack +6 to damage)
The giant's boulder to the horror of all the bloodback crashes into Trellus's chest crushing him to the ground. He doesn't get back up. (rolled critical hit, gave partial cover but it didn't help.) Trellus takes 46 points of damage. I believe this puts him at negative numbers but my character sheet is old.
Gilan [49/49 HP, 18 AC] Thursday September 9th, 2004 10:24:39 PM
Gilan slips the scroll back into the case as he sees Trellus go down. With a shake of his head he starts the change into his wasp form. He only has one thought at this time and it is not a good one for him, but....
Flea d20+8=25 3d8(8+2+5)+1=16 Thursday September 9th, 2004 11:24:44 PM Noooooooo! screams Flea when she sees the rock roll away from the cleric's horribly crushed body. With one deft movement she retrieves the now bloody wand from Trellus' belt and activates it (UMD=25). Please be okay! Please be okay! Please be okay! runs through the gnome's panicked mind.
(OOC: Flea recognizes the wand of Cure Serious Wounds she had previously used and then returned to Trellus. 16 points restored.)
Tiev (AC 16, 33 HP )and Zilia (AC 21, 13 HP) Thursday September 9th, 2004 11:57:30 PM
The wasps excitement as their human transforms is palpable. They are a blurr of sparkle and colour as they move into formation, flanking their companion.
(Jim, correct me if I'm wrong with the AC and HP of your wasps.)
Jake Friday September 10th, 2004 7:18:54 AM
"TRELL!!!" Jake yells out in confusion and anger. "No...Noooooooo!" He takes a nervous step out, then stops. Is he really going to charge forward? What should he do? Attack the giant? Save his friend? He stands there, feeling absolutely useless for a good few seconds, then moves behind cover again. Trellus can't die, of course. He'll pull himself together, just take a spell or so. Good ole magic, Jake thinks to himself, for once.
DM George Friday September 10th, 2004 7:32:24 AM
OOC Hey guys, if you already read my post above please reread it. It has changed slightly. Stephen asked me a question that caused me to change things slightly.
Realized that giants can't be affected by dominate monster. It is to large. Since I couldn't just have him disappear, things changed slightly.
Trellus (Ac 20, 20/50) d20+6=12 d20+6=23 Friday September 10th, 2004 8:33:08 AM
"Whoooooofff"
The pain to his ribs is excruciating. Trellus can barely breathe. He thinks about waving off Flea, but thinks again. The healing wand gives him a bit of feeling again.
"Thanks," he grates.
Well, Flea's gonna think he's off the loom, but "If at first you don't succeed..."
The cleric fires off another spell at the giant. [Dispel Magic check 23. Used Last hero point.]
Then, he ducks down behind some cover.
Tishe' (AC 16 HP 29/29) d3=3 Friday September 10th, 2004 4:44:03 PM
In the middle of a cloud of mist, Tishe' doesn't see much of anything, but she hears the yells of consternation of the Bloodpack, and knows that whatever Trellus tried, it didn't work.
Therefore, she needs to help the giant focus on other things.
Concentrating on voice and hand, her body weaves a pattern that eventually forms into three Celestial Bumblebees that appear 35 feet in front of her and speed towards the giant.
Spells Obscuring Mist [5 minutes] 50% miss Summon III: [5 rounds] with Augment Conjuring: 3 Celestial Bumblebees (AC:14, HP:19, Attack:+4 Dam:1d4+poison Fort:11 for d4 Con)
Grymash (ac20/cover32, hp46/72) Friday September 10th, 2004 10:23:27 PM
Grymash tries to draw the fire of the giant and save Trellus from another hit. He moves 5-ft(move action) out from behind his cover. Gry then readies an action while he starts waving his arms and yelling obscenities (free action) at the giant. If the giant begins to take aim and throw a boulder at the barbarian, he will jump back behind his cover(move-equivalent action) and goes prone(free action).
(+8AC cover, +4AC against ranged attacks when prone).
Gilan [49/49 HP, 22 AC][waspform] Saturday September 11th, 2004 12:34:04 AM
Gilan zips out from behind his cover and makes his way towards Trellus. His flight is not a straight line but a zig-zag pattern that will make him harder to hit.
[Carla - These are the HP and AC for my two wasps. Tiev (37/37 HP, 20 AC) and Zilia (26/26 HP, 20 AC)]
DM George Saturday September 11th, 2004 9:59:07 PM
The giant has a strange look come over his face as Trellus's spell washes over him. He lowers the rock he was hefting to throw and seems confused.
He mumbles something in a language none understand but then more firmly asks, "Why am I fighting you?" Even more strongly, "Blast those buggered insects. I will make them pay!"
He is still on guard but doesn't intitiate combat this round.
Flea (AC19 +4 Dodge vs Giants; Uncanny Dodge, 35 HP) d20+8=14 d20+8=24 3d8(8+8+7)+1=24 Saturday September 11th, 2004 11:47:04 PM
Flea listens to the mumbling giant, on the off chance she might understand what he is saying*. Absentmindedly she taps Trellus with the magical wand, and it fizzles slightly and doesn't go off. (UMD=14, fail) Sensing the importance of her task, Flea regains her focus drawing deep on her reserves and tries again with the wand (used a Hero Point, UMD=24, for 24 pts healing).
*Flea understands Common, Draconic, Dwarven, Gnome, and Orc...but I bet he was speaking Giant, eh?
Jake Sunday September 12th, 2004 3:09:43 AM
"Oh, like we're gonna fall for tha tone... he's probably just trying to get you guys closer! Watch out!"
Tishe' (AC 16 HP 29/29) Sunday September 12th, 2004 3:19:56 AM
The sage green shoulders sag in relief as the giant stops his mumbling and talks louder in a common language. "Thank Mother Wold!", she says.
Then she becomes alarmed. If the bees that she conjured attack the giant, the battle may start over again. Running forward, the plain-faced woman shouts in Celestial. "My freinds, come back! Stay by me!"
And she repeats in common, "Bees! Do not attack!"
Mac Sunday September 12th, 2004 4:49:41 PM
Mac stands quietly, thinking there are enough voices out there.
Gilan [49/49 HP, 22 AC][waspform] Sunday September 12th, 2004 6:21:12 PM
Not being overly large he lands on Trellus's shoulder and buzzes lightly in his ear. Though he has no idea what is going on he has the sense that the fight is over for the minute at least.
Trellus (AC 20, 44/50 hp) Monday September 13th, 2004 10:29:30 AM
"Thank Domi," Trellus breathes in relief. Whether his remark is in response to Flea's healing or the giant not squishing him with another rock is left open to interpretation.
A buzzing in his right ear causes him to glance sideways, and the cleric nearly jumps out of his skin at the sight of a big wasp on his shoulder. "Light!" he shrieks.
It takes his brain a couple moments to check the memory banks and realize the creature is probably one of Gilan's.
Trellus takes a breath to collect himself, and returns his attentions to the dude with the boulders.
"We'd be happy to help you with the ants," he calls. "But they're expecting us to weave into that hole."
"Maybe we can go somewhere out of their range and plan a bit?" he asks hopefully.
DM George Monday September 13th, 2004 6:42:49 PM
The giant stoops with a smile on his face and says, "Thank you for freeing me little ones. I would like to get some revenge but don't want to fall under the influence of those beasts again."
He looks at Trellus and says, "I am sorry to have battled you and caused you harm. I won't stay here but you can find shelter farther up the valley. The formain have a farm up there to help grow food for their slaves. You might find some peace there.
He pauses and goes on, "I doubt it though. I believe the Myramarch has powerful scrying spells at his disposal. That is how I found you so quickly this morning."
He goes on with a wolfish smile, "I can tell you they are very put out with your group. You have killed all of their slaves. Now they have to defend themselves against you with their own kind."
Gilan [49/49 HP, 22 AC][waspform] Monday September 13th, 2004 11:27:43 PM
Gilan looks around at the others while still perched on Trellus's shoulder and wonders what is going on, but does not change back as of yet. He realizes that they may not be able to wait to take out the ants, but they will have a hard time of it.
Flea Monday September 13th, 2004 11:49:48 PM
The rogue stands beside Trellus keeping her eyes on the giant. Without looking at the cleric she reaches out the hand holding the wand, so that he can take it back.
Great white handed ants! thinks the rogue. Flea remembers back to when she was a much younger gnome, and had pinched a broken pair of glasses from her pa's workshop. She had had fun with ants then! Directing hot beams of the sun's light on their tails! That was until her older sister had gone and told her mum, and Flea's pa had thrashed her but good over it. Yes! She'd show those overgrown ants what sunbaked really meant!
Jake Tuesday September 14th, 2004 2:08:23 AM
Jake wanders near the giant, somewhat carefully. He waits till the giant's done explaining, then says, "Well, we're gonna take on them guys...how many of them do ya think there are?" Jake wanders. "Oh, and, um...ah've always wondered. Do ya raise like, giant sheep and stuff? Do ya have giant carrots or such?"
Trellus Tuesday September 14th, 2004 8:33:08 AM
Trellus glances at Jake with a pained expression. He can't help but wonder, and not for the first time, just what plane that elf is actually from.
Absentmindedly taking back his wand, he responds to the giant with a smile of his own. "You think they're put out now, just wait a couple days."
The young cleric ponders a minute. They're gonna have to go in after the ants, but they'll be expected. Unless...
"Is there any way into those caves beside that one?" He asks the giant hopefully while pointing to the known entrance
Tishe' Tuesday September 14th, 2004 2:36:01 PM
Breathes a great sigh of relief when the giant wants to talk instead of continue the fight. Concentrating on her giant bee friends, she dismisses the celestial beings with her thanks.
And then she turns to ponder the great man's words.
"We are going to have to go in there now." she states simply. "Any delay on our part, and the ants will change the weave."
"Although", continues the brown-haired conjurer, "I've got a pattern for a spell called Rope Trick that will allow seven of us a rest for a few hours."
DM George Departures Tuesday September 14th, 2004 9:51:35 PM
The giant will answer Jake, "I don't know how many of them there really are. I know there are 4 types. The leader, the taskmasters, the warriors and the workers.
The workers are non combative but still dangerous in their own way. They can some how do curing spells. Not sure if it is magic but the same effects happen.
The taskmasters will grab your mind and enslave you. They are the most dangerous but not very physical.
The warriors are dangerous but if you were willing to fight me, they shouldn't be much trouble for you.
It is the leader who is the most dangerous. He directs all the others, has powerful magics and is extremely intelligent. Don't underestimate him. In fact, I must go. I don't want to fall under his sway again."
The giant turns to leave but pauses and says, "I must apologize. I never introduced myself. My name is Stratos. If I can ever be any service, please contact me. I am in your debt." He will look directly at Jake and say, "No we don't raise giant vegatables or gaint sheep. You raise chickens, we raise elephants."
With that he will turn and stride down the valley away from the caves.
Grymash d20+2=15 Tuesday September 14th, 2004 10:20:19 PM
(Wisdom 15) Grymash sighs with relief that the giant is free from the formain's influence. Even though this is a new day, his heart full of wrath, his wisdom takes command and makes an unusual suggestion. "Gry think weez need ta leave, make camp in da tall sticks and make uh plans. Gry thinks thems ant-treadles all wurk like one piggie. If one thinks, thay all thinks. If one sees, thay all sees. Gry felt dat when thay wuz in Gry's head. All those noggins be thinkin'bout killin' us, those piggies be shady smart right now. Thay be ready for us. Let's make them think weez be leavin'. Thay's stop bein' ready, then weez surprise attack!"
Flea Wednesday September 15th, 2004 12:09:20 AM
Flea continues to stand beside Trellus, looking as if she is watching the cloud giant as he moves down the valley, but in reality, the rogue is a million miles away...
The gnome remembers back to when she first joined the pack, and swore her allegience to the plains. It was either that, or submit to brainwashing by the monks.
Flea doesn't have to think twice. The last thing she wants is to have someone (or something) tamper with her mind and memory.
Flea steps out of the shadows, clutches her right hand over her heart, and covers it with her left. She bows her head and in an emotional whisper commits herself to the Plains: "The land, my life."
"Hunh?" asks Flea, looking up at Gry. "You say something?"
Gilan Wednesday September 15th, 2004 12:16:50 AM
The wasp buzzes off of Trellus and lands to his left as he slowly takes back the form of the druid he is. "That went well it would seem." He listens to what the others have to say and then shakes his head. "Waiting maybe a mute point...it is likely they will want some kind of retribution on us." He looks back to the cave and shivers with the thoughts that run through his head.
Jake Wednesday September 15th, 2004 1:57:27 AM
"If we go away, then they're gonna sneak up on us and attack us in the middle of our sleep, or organize and get us all at once. If only we had some unexpected way of attack, lahk, through some mines o somethin. As it is, tho, we gotta attack now, or else they're gonna keep on harryin us and stuff." Jake sighs. He really doesn't like fighting all these guys with magic and stuff... Jake puts a hand on Trellus shoulder. "You okay, bud?" He looks really concerned. "Ah mean...ya got pretty hit hard on the head there, like one or two half-orcs ah know when they was yougn."
Trellus (46/50 hp) Wednesday September 15th, 2004 8:43:40 AM
The cleric grins at Jake, "I'm shady," he answers. "Flea fixed me up."
Trellus ponders the problem for a couple minutes. "Stratos said they scried us Gry. That ant leader probably's got magic to see us no matter where we are. He used it yesterday to find us with the dwarves. And he just used it this morning to send the giant at us, so maybe they don't know what we're up to right now."
"I'm with Gilan and Jake. I think we should go in now. We wait, and they'll just find us again. Let's force the issue."
"Gry and Gilan, use your healing wands to fix everyone's pattern. Mine's near last thread."
Once everyone is healed, the cleric leads the group to the cave mouth.
Mac Wednesday September 15th, 2004 10:54:03 AM
"So, if it's no' a dwarf, we hit it 'ard, righ'?"
Mac soaks up a good deal of healing (42pts), and thanks Gry and Gilan as appropriate.
George Wednesday September 15th, 2004 11:28:32 AM
Ooc Please tell me who is carrying the wands and how many charges on each one. Keep trying to burn them out but you guys are making it difficult! ;-)
Tishe' Wednesday September 15th, 2004 3:36:09 PM
The plain-faced woman agrees with the others, nodding: they need to attack now.
She makes sure Wart is still in his satchel and then hefts her crossbow and staff.
"So far we've always rested after a fight with them. Let's surprise them by going straight for the bugs!"
She moves a little way back to the cave to urge the others on.
Grymash d20-2=12 Wednesday September 15th, 2004 5:03:33 PM "WOW!" Grymash thinks. He wonders what the heck has happened to him. He just proposed waiting and being careful and the others are ready to charge in and taste blood. This must be some kind of crazy backwards world!
"Too bad weez cant smokes them out an fights thems out here." (Int 12) "WAIT UH MINUTE ... waait uh minute! Why not weez SMOKE'M out. Cut down sume of da big tall sticks and starts uh fires in da cave. BUGZ HATE SMOKE!!"
DM George Wednesday September 15th, 2004 10:09:11 PM
The group casually strolls up to the cave entrance discussing tactics and doing some healing. (still waiting on who has the healing wands and how many charges they have left. I hope a evil pixie doesn't steal them!)
The cave entrance looks different. It takes a second but you all realize that the tunnels were light up before with torches. They have either burned out or been removed as the cave is pitch place after around 50'.
Flea Wednesday September 15th, 2004 10:33:19 PM
Flea walks up to the mouth of the cave with her pack. She listens to the different ideas. If it were up to her, she'd just get one of the stronger folk to roll a big rock in front of the tunnel and block it up. Then she remembers something the dwarf, Crondarik had said...
The masters live on two levels below us...The first level is their farm. They grow strange and huge mushrooms that they use for food. You can normally find workers there guarded by some warriors.
"Gry! We can't smoke 'em out. There are folks held prisoner down there to do farming work for the ant-guys." Flea gets a look of resolve on her face. "We'll just have to be brave, and go down in the tunnel and route 'em out one by one."
(OOC: Trellus has one wand of CSW. # of charges unknown, but Flea just used three (one misfire) before she gave it back. The CMW wand was 'broken' when the formians' commanded it. *sigh* Flea doesn't have any wands.)
Mac Thursday September 16th, 2004 4:37:37 AM
It dawns on Mac as his view of the tunnel shifts from dim to crisp black and white that most everyone behind him will soon be stumbling about in the darkness. A torch will surely let them know we're on our way. Does someone ha' a rope? I could lead you in. It would still be a good idea to have a torch or something at hand though.
Grymash (hp72) d8+1=6 d8+1=4 d8+1=2 d8+1=9 d8+1=3 d8+1=3 d8+1=6 Thursday September 16th, 2004 11:17:45 AM
Hits himself with his 'feel good stick'. 6, 4, 9, 3, 3, 6,
Gry has two more charges left on his 'feel good stick'. Did Trellus heal Mac completely?
Gilan Thursday September 16th, 2004 12:13:39 PM
Gilan follows along with the others to the cave and shakes his head. "Do you think a little water around them on the floor and a little lightnging would lite them up?" He has a smile on his face as he remembers the way the grass conducts electricity on the plains.
As they draw closer and notice that the light ends further in the cave he has a sneaky suspicion that the bugs are getting ready. "Seems we maybe expected." He looks to Gry when he comments about a rope and shivers as he remembers another accident involving a rope. "You will tie it off this time...right Gry."
[Gilan gave his clw wand to Flea to make use of as she was having a bit of good luck with the others. It has 50 charges on it.]
Grymash Thursday September 16th, 2004 12:18:18 PM "Tie whut off?"
Trellus (ac20, 46/50) Thursday September 16th, 2004 1:53:50 PM Trellus has a CSW wand with 13 charges
"Flea or Gilan, whichever one of you has got that wand, heal Jake and Mac."
He thinks about the ropes, also recalling Gry's proficiency with them.
"No. We're gonna have to move around a lot once the loom starts, and the ropes'll twist us. Mac, you go in first with Flea.
I'll give about 30', and then me and Gry and everyone else goes in with light. That way maybe you surprise 'em cause you're ahead of us. Plus, Flea can see cause there'll be a little light in the hallway."
The cleric hands Gry a potion. "It makes you weave faster," he says [Haste].
Then, he casts Domi's Ward on Mac. [+6 bonus on next save]
"Let's warp up, dudes," he says, and waits for Mac and Flea.
Tishe' Thursday September 16th, 2004 4:25:27 PM
The plain-faced woman nods at Trellus' plan and falls in behind the half-orc, waiting for the others to go in.
She then moves forward to Flea, and out of her spell pouch pulls a miniature cloak. Draping it around Flea's one shoulder, she whispers a spell of resistance.
[Flea: Resistance: +1 saves for one minute]
She then removes the cloak and hurries back to her place in line.
Grymash (darkvision) d20+2=19 d20+5=11 Thursday September 16th, 2004 4:58:19 PM
Grymash takes the potion from Trellus and puts it in his side belt pouch. Gry becomes disgusted with the sight of a stray ogre eyeball in his pouch. Evidentally left over from their previous battle. He flicks it out and says with a low hissing voice, "piggie dumps!"
As they move into the cave, Gry readies an action to cast a spell as soon as he sees or hears movement or hears magical words being spoken in that strange ant-man tongue.
(Spot 19, Listen 11)
Mac (AC:18, HP:20 or 62, Domi's Ward: +6, Darkvision 60') d20+5=20 Thursday September 16th, 2004 8:40:02 PM "Right!" Mac offers Flea a lift up to perch/sit on his shoulder. He then heads up the passage at 30'/round, keeping an eye out for troubles ahead. [Spot check: 20]
Gilan Thursday September 16th, 2004 8:43:48 PM
Gilan falls into step with the others but remaining with the other group that will need light. He just hopes that they can get some kind of warning before something bad happens.
He glances to Trellus before they enter and nods. "Well...this is either going to be very bad or very good." He only hopes that it is very good.
Stephen: The Mac Relief Fund d8+1=6 d8+1=9 d8+1=8 d8+1=4 d8+1=9 d8+1=7 Thursday September 16th, 2004 9:15:15 PM
(I asked earlier who healed Mac. I offer up my last two charges from Gry's 'feel good stick' to heal Mac. 6+9=15. That's all I got. Did you add 1 hitpoint per level for a nights sleep? From Gilan's wand: 8+4+9+7=28. Mac is healed up. Mark 4 charges off Gilan's wand.)
DM George Thursday September 16th, 2004 9:26:30 PM
The group moves into the tunnels with Mac and Flea. They proceed on into the darkened tunnel and run into nothing unexpected in the first 30'.
Then the main body starts to follow with lit torch. (ooc need to know who is carrying the torch and if there is only one torch or more)
The group works its way up to the first intersection where the battle took place. All the bodies have been removed and besides some bloodstains, the evidence of the epic battle is gone.
You now can go right or left. You remember from the right is where the ogres and trolls came from. There is 2 doors down that way. To the left is 2 more doors. The umberhulk came from one and the dwarves from the other.
Further down the north corridor are 2 more doors on the right of the corridor. Haven't been explored yet. Then the corridor to the left where the taskmasters emerged from. Farther down the tunnel to the north was the hole leading down.
OOC Please give a marching order.
Flea (AC19, 35/35 HP, Resistance+1, Trap Sense) d20+7=22 d20+11=27 Thursday September 16th, 2004 10:02:36 PM
Flea accepts Mac's boost, and from her improved vantage point atop his shoulder she scans the area (Spot=22, Search/Detect Traps=27)as they lead the way. "I'm for going down the hole, Mac. I know you're strong, but can you climb? I've got 50" of silk rope*."
* Silk Rope +2 on use rope checks but I don't think it helps climb.
Jake Thursday September 16th, 2004 11:23:51 PM
Jake embarassedly runs a hand through his hair. "Ah need a few taps of that there wand too," he admits. (Taken 23 damage) "But after that, I'm ready. You know, ah bet this'll be full of traps and stuff, like really hard to navigate through. I mean, it's not gonna be easy. These guys are pretty smart."
Mac (AC:18, HP:62, Domi's Ward: +6, Darkvision 60') d20+5=25 Friday September 17th, 2004 12:27:55 AM
Mac whispers, "Flea, normally I'd be makin' sure these doors an' rooms are clear, but we're goin' in 'ard an' fast, so we'll check 'em out later. As f' climbin', I ne'er did practice it much, bu' I got some nat'ral talent." Spot Check: 25 [Natural 20!]
Tishe' Friday September 17th, 2004 3:47:16 AM
[OOC: Trellus posted that Flea and Mac followed by Grymash and Trellus. If no one objects, lets have Jake, then Tishe', then Gilan in the rear. Hard and fast, right?]
Loaded crossbow in hand, the small woman follows Jake into the caves. She nods to herself at Macs wisdom. "Straight to the ants", she whispers to herself.
"Jake, if we've got room in a fight, I can tap you with the Enlarge Person wand Gilan gave me." she informs the drawling fighter.
Trellus (ac 20, hp 46/50) Friday September 17th, 2004 2:40:01 PM
The cleric watches with fixed determination as Mac and Flea enter. Giving them a 30' lead, he pulls out his silver holy symbol, and enters the tunnel with Gry.
The small silver hammer emits a torch-like light [Continual Light] as Trellus holds it high.
At the intersection, the young man pauses. They are totally twisted if they get ambushed. But, the giant said only ants were left, and last night proved they could pop in whenever they felt like it, so really no point in time lost to exploration.
Still... "Jake, take rear-guard," he whispers.
[Marching order - Mac and Flea, Gry, Trellus, Tishe, Gilan, Jake]
Jake Friday September 17th, 2004 3:10:13 PM
Jake smiles at Tishe and nods...even though he's afraid of magic, which probably wouldn't make sense to anyone watching. But when he takes his place in the back of line, he whispers to Gilan, so no one else can hear "Only way ta get her ta touch me is with her magic, ah figure. Maybe ah can build it from there. Is there a spell that requires a bit more touching, Gil?"
Jake Friday September 17th, 2004 3:19:05 PM
(Still have 23 damage btw)
Stephen ooc: d8+1=8 d8+1=6 d8+1=4 d8+1=8 Friday September 17th, 2004 4:06:39 PM
(Here is 4 more hits from Gilan's wand on Jake. 8+6+4+8=enough to top you off. Whoever has Gilan's wand, mark off 4 more charges. That's 8 total between Mac and Jake. This all took place before we entered the cave.)
Gilan Friday September 17th, 2004 10:02:00 PM
Gilan is more than happy to be near the back of the group. He smiles at Jake as he speaks of spells and touching. "There are several spells of my type...but for the arcane, I am not sure." He lets his attention focus back on the duty at hand.
[Carla - Did you want to have Flea still have the clw wand or did you want to have given it back to Gilan. I kind of figured with you moving about in combat it may not be a bad idea to have another mobile healer.]
DM George Saturday September 18th, 2004 4:42:33 PM
The group pushes on straight down the north corridor. As the pass the two doors on the left, they can see they are standing open now. They were not before. The first door is the entrance to a large and elaborate kitchen. The second door is the entrance to a large room that has many tables and chairs in it.
When the group passes the corridor on the right, a quick glance down reveals six more doors, 3 to a side, all evenly spaced out.
The group finally ends up where Flea, Mac and Gilan all stopped on the last incursion of the the cave. It is a dark and tunnel leading down. Their are no stairs but this tunnel unlike the walls isn't smoothed out and looks climbable.
No sign of the formian has been seen.
Flea (AC19, 35/35 HP, Resistance+1, Trap Sense) d20+6=18 d20+1=13 d20+7=18 d20+9=16 Sunday September 19th, 2004 6:46:55 PM
Flea stares down the dark hole. "I'll climb down and check it out. Just to be safe, how about I tie this rope around myself, and Mac, you hold on to the end."
The rogue looks at Gry out of the corner of her eye, and whispers to Mac. "Whatever you do, don't ask Gry to hold the other end for you. Come down last, or tie it off against something...just don't let Gry hold it last."
Flea will tie a knot with two loops into which she will step (Use Rope=18), and then she will start to rappel down the hole (Climb=13). Although she concentrates on the task at hand, she keeps her wits about her. (Spot=18, Listen=16)
Tishe' Monday September 20th, 2004 4:23:10 AM
Holding crossbow ready, Tishe' turns around and guards the group while Flea checks out the hole.
Mac d20+5=16 Monday September 20th, 2004 8:22:03 AM
The taur steadily lowers Flea down on her rope, prepared to haul her back up if required. [Spot: 16]
Trellus (ac 20, 46/50 hp) d20+8=18 d20+8=18 Monday September 20th, 2004 11:15:35 AM
Trellus puts a reassuring hand on Grymash's shoulder. Flea is weaving that pattern a few too many times, he thinks. Sure, Gry's a bit slow, but he doesn't make mistakes that big more than once.
Before Flea starts down, he invokes a spell and touches the top of her head. [Protection from Evil - duration 6 minutes]
The armored man evaluates the climb ahead of him, pulling out a potion just in case.
Then, he waits, keeping his eyes and ears open. [Spot 18, Listen 18]
Grymash (ac20, hp72, prot. from evil) d20+6=25 Monday September 20th, 2004 2:59:29 PM
In a low voice, Gry suggests, "Gry think me goez down next. Gry not like Flea down theres by Flea self!" Grymash then mutters a few words of power before he heads down the rope after Flea clears the bottom. (Casting Protection from Evil) (Climb check 25)
Gilan Monday September 20th, 2004 7:15:02 PM
Gilan keeps glancing around the lite up area as he waits for the others to make thier own moves. The knot in his stomache has seemed to have pulled tighter as they start down the hole. "Mother Wold watch over us in this time of peril." He mutters lightly as he tries to shake off the bad feelings that he is getting.
He keeps his weapon at hand as he tries to keep his mind in the moment. He glances back to those going down the rope till they are gone, then shakes his head. "Into the demons mouth...."
DM George "Fishing with Flea" Monday September 20th, 2004 11:03:10 PM
OOC...very important detail. How long is your rope?
Flea heads down the tunnel into the darkness. After she leaves the torch light with her companions, she decends 40' bumping into the wall as she clings to the rope. She starts to see a dim red light coming from an opening around another 40' below. (around 80-90' below)
The others wait anxiously above staring at shadows waiting for the hammer to drop.
Flea (AC19, 35/35 HP, Resistance+1, Trap Sense) d20+1=11 Tuesday September 21st, 2004 12:29:48 AM
Flea reaches the end of her rope (50 ft.) notices the dim red light a further 40 ft. below and realizes she won't be able to make it to the bottom.
Bracing her feet against the rough sides of the passageway, and using the rope, the rogue makes her way back up to the opening in the tunnel floor. (Climb=11) She sits on the edge, her feet dangling over the side and breathlessly recounts all that she has seen.
"I wonder if there is another way down?" she asks.
Jake Tuesday September 21st, 2004 3:55:32 AM
Jake sighs, since Gilan didn't get his joke. He almost feels tempted to tell the next person in line, but it's Tishe there... He tries to ponder what sort of pick up lines wizards must use on each other. 'Hi, can I be your familiar?' 'Hey baby, check out my wand!' 'I'd like to see a scroll of her alignment!' 'Oh, baby. Protect me from bad thoughts.' 'Detect hotty at two o' clock.' He starts to giggle noticeably.
Trellus Tuesday September 21st, 2004 9:40:06 AM
Trellus shoots Jake a look, wondering what is so funny about this pick.
The cleric reaches into his pack and silently withdraws another 50' silk rope. He hands it to Flea, letting the gnome tie the two ropes together. He also pulls out a grappling hook, and looks around for someplace to wedge it.
"We need more than one dude going down at a time," he decides. Since Flea has already been down and up, he asks her how difficult the climb would be without the rope.
"I've one flying potion," he announces. "Can anyone else get down without using the rope?"
Tishe' Tuesday September 21st, 2004 4:16:53 PM
The small woman listens to Trellus but it is hard. Her attention keeps wandering to the chortling Jake. Maybe he really likes the thought of spells on him...
She is bumped by Wart holding a scroll and the brown haired woman stamps her foot. "I am spinning without thread. I've got two Spider Climb spells on a scroll and a third in my memory. I can get three of us down without use of rope!"
"So", she says brightly, "who should it be?"
She prepares to cast three Spider Climb spells on whomever Trellus suggests.
Gilan Tuesday September 21st, 2004 7:33:08 PM
Gilan glances to Trellus and shakes his head. "I could take wasp form again, but I would rather hold onto that ability for later." He has a few plans that may help the group out in the coming combat.
With another smile he shakes his head at Jake. He had decided to let his comment pass without any other comments, but his earlier ones. Jake has a thing for females and he was sure that Tishe' can handle herself. "I could make use of one of those spells...my climbing ability is not that great." He hates to admit it but he has a thing against climbing since his last accident. He absently rubs his shoulder area of his arm that had been wounded badly that day.
Grymash Tuesday September 21st, 2004 8:11:43 PM "Gry no care whoz do it. Gry ready ta go down. Gry hold ground while pack come down. If Gry sees any ant-piggies, Gry kill'em!" Grymash holds his actions and waits for whatever spells would be cast upon him. Just before he heads down the hole, Grymash will cast his Protection from Evil spell.
DM George Tuesday September 21st, 2004 9:17:21 PM
OOC OK Jake that was an excellent post. Not often I break out laughing when reading the posts. Give yourself an extra 50 experience points
Hint: The dwarves told you that there was two sublevels, the first dedicated to hive food production and living quarters down farther below. Flea saw a dim red glow coming from an entrance in the wall, but the tunnel kept going down. The red glow seemed to be around 80' down.
Back into the game: The Bloodpack organizes and starts to tie ropes together, pull out scrolls and get themselves ready for battle.
Suddenly the group has a weird feeling. It almost seems like someone or thing is watching them.
I need to know who is planning to go on the first wave and who is gonna stay and hold the rope. You don't see anything to secure the rope to in this cave. Are you going to have torches on the way down? Is there gonna be light at the top? All important questions.
LOG ON