Temp ADM Carla Sunday October 31st, 2004 10:02:17 PM
With his last act of magic, Father Dreem rescues Anuk from a dire situation and delivers him to his pack-mates who are in no less precarious a state. The Bloodpack experience a moment of vicarious ecstasy as the priest is reunited with his god, Alemi.
Rounds of healing are followed by rounds of hugs, as the prodigal ranger is welcomed back, and barely escapes damage in the arms of his overjoyed friends.
With the myrmarch gone to report his failure to his queen, and the survivors of the encounter with the Bloodpack long gone, all is quiet in the alcove containing the treasure. Jake, his mind in the gutter as usual looks on as Flea appraises the loot. PP and GP notwithstanding; the pack is eyeing a valuable haul. Grymash asks Flea about her near death experience, while Trellus and Mac ponder a way out. Gilan proposes a plan.
(OOC: Like DM George says, I have no knowledge of the second gem, so please save it for when he returns from his DM vacation. I will be posting a mini module (approved by DM George and CDM Jerry) during the month of November. Hope you all survive!-Temp ADM Carla)
Tishe (sub MikeK) Monday November 1st, 2004 11:47:09 AM
The girl shakes her head. "I've no picks to get us out of this web," she says.
She does help pick up the loot, though.
Trellus Monday November 1st, 2004 11:56:13 AM
"Anybody got some arrows they can give Anuk?" Trellus asks. "I got a crossbow I never use, if you want that."
"Let's grab this stuff and weave Gilan's pick," he says, leading everyone back to the only tunnel anybody knows about.
"See if you air dude can lift Gry and Jake. They'll pull us up to the next level, and then we do it all over again to get to the top."
Grymash Monday November 1st, 2004 3:53:15 PM
Grymash returns to the group after gathering his things he dropped earlier (double axe and composite bow). "'Nuk, here be uh full quivie of shady air pokies (20 masterwork arrows). Tells Gry when ya's need more."
Grymash looks over the treasure again. "Weez maybe need ta try usin' dis stuff ta get out of heres. But Gry bet there be other way out ... how them ant piggies get them big swingin' trees down heres?"
The barbarian looks through his handy haversack and then says, "Gry gots room in da magik backpack for uh treasure chest." If everyone agrees to putting one of the treasure chests in his haversack. He will step out of the room an into the huge main chamber. He looks hard for another exit other than the one they came in at. (Take 20 Spot check = 22)
Gilan d3=3 Monday November 1st, 2004 4:34:56 PM
Gilan moves back to the way up and reaches out to the threads of Mother Wold. He feels the sudden elation as he feels the powers of nature coursing through his body. "Stand back a little and give me some room." He smiles as he feels the power flood into his body and he shapes it into the desire of his heart.
"Yala onna." His outstretched hand brings forth the form of three air elementals. Gilan smiles as he cuts them a bow. "Lords of the air...I ask a boon favor from you." He points up the tunnel that is above them and then indicates his friends. "We seek passage back to the top of this passage or at least as far as you can take us." He waits to see if they give him an indication of their understanding.
Pointing to Mac and Grymash he nods his head to each to step forward. "These are the two that I need you to carry for me my friends." He takes several steps back so that they can work in unison to carry the two bigger members of the group.
[Tiev aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
[Zilia aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
Grymash Monday November 1st, 2004 4:50:35 PM "uhhh gilan?!!"
Anuk Monday November 1st, 2004 6:59:06 PM
Anuk accepts the quiver from Grymash. "Thanks, Gry," he intones as he works to fit his other three arrows into the quiver and then sling it over his shoulder.
He thanks Trellus for the offer of the crossbow. "Don't need it yet since I've got these," he says, giving the quiver a pat. "But I might ask for it again before we're out of here."
Thinking how he might help, he rummages through his cloak and produces the purple ioun stone the pack received back when their adventures began. "As I recall, it's still got a few spells in it. I think there's room for one more, too." He removes his pack and pokes around, taking stock of what he has with him. "Ummm...should be a few things here to help us out. I've still got a couple of tanglefoot bags and a few seals. If anyone's got any good ideas to put this stuff to use, I'll be happy to hand it out."
(Stone contains Pass without Trace, Shield of Faith, Expeditious Retreat, Spider Climb, and Command. Seals are Seal of Sunlight, Seal that adds a +1 to hit for your entire group for one round, Seal of Night Flying, Seal of Curing, and Seal of True Seeing.)
Jake Monday November 1st, 2004 9:10:01 PM
"Ah can still walk on them walls, no need ta worry 'bout me," Jake comments. "Anyways, ah'll lead the way, 'cause Gry and Mac'll take a bit longer it seems." Jake loads up his share, whatever that may be. "Same way out as in? Okay, let's getta goin'." Jake begins to lead the way back.
Flea Monday November 1st, 2004 9:55:41 PM
"I dunno, Gry," Flea answers the barbarian. "I knocked on the door, but no one answered." The rogue shivers involuntarily.
"Lets get this treasure packed up, and clear out of here," she calls, "we can examine this stuff later."
Flea holds out her rope*, in case someone can use it.
*50 ft. silk rope.
Temp ADM Carla dmg Gry d4=2 dmg Gry d4=1 dmg Mac d4=4 Monday November 1st, 2004 10:24:12 PM
Grymash makes a thorough examination of the cavern in the eerie red glow cast by the lichen clinging to the side walls, and ceiling. He comes to the same conclusion as Trellus, that there is only one way out...the way the party came in. The barbarian sets to work packing up the treasure, along with Tishe, Jake, Flea, and the rest of the party. Anuk scores some arrows, and inventories some of his items, volunteering to share with his pack-mates.
As Jake makes like a spider-man, Gilan calls for aid. Three agile creatures, amorphous and shifting appear. A low moaning sound gives way to a high pitched screech as the three swirl tornado-like around Grymash and Mac. Long tangles of hair fly wildly, and leather straps, loose bits of clothing, and unsecured weapons slap at the pair as Gilan's summoned creatures make a valiant attempt to do the druid's bidding. The trio picks up small bits of rock and grit from the cave bottom, (Whirlwind Damage, 3 pts subdual dmg Grymash, 4 pts subdual dmg Mac) but fail to budge the largest members of the Bloodpack.
(OOC: Max load 1 small air elemental 100 lbs., max load all 3 working together, 175 lbs. (10 Str +2, +2 ). Can move at 20 ft. per round with heavy load, total 6 rounds (5 remaining). In order to not spend a month (real time) trying to get out of the tunnel, post ideas, and multiple actions if required. I'll try to be reasonable.)
Mac (AC:18, HP: 62, 4Subdual, 800lbs + gear) Tuesday November 2nd, 2004 9:40:22 AM
Mac steps back, rubbing his nose. It smarts! He looks up again and considers the situation again.
Trellus Tuesday November 2nd, 2004 10:23:11 AM
"Dude!" Trellus shouts happily at Anuk. "You got one of them climbing spells? Shady!
Cast it on Gry. Gry get on up there with the rope, and the rest of us can get out of here."
Gry with a rope.
Trellus catches Flea's eye and puts a finger to his lips. The poor half orc has been reminded about that particular pick a few too many times.
Grymash d20-2=4 Tuesday November 2nd, 2004 10:49:05 AM "Why yooz look at Gry dat way for?" Grymash doesnt understand everyones concern with him using a rope. (Int 4)
Anuk Tuesday November 2nd, 2004 10:55:46 AM
"You got it, Trellus." Anuk brings the stone out, concentrates, and casts Spider Climb on Grymash.
(Spell lasts 50 min. Climbing speed 20ft. No loss of dex bonus to AC)
Stephen ooc. Tuesday November 2nd, 2004 11:33:31 AM
(Shouldnt spider climb still be active on those who had it cast upon themselves when we entered? The spell lasts for almost an hour. The whole battle lasted just over a minute. Took us less than 5 minutes to climb down and less than that to walk down the hallway. Throw in healing time and the Father Dreem thing, my rough estimate is that only 20 to 25 minutes have passed.)
Flea (40 lbs, less than 100 lbs with gear) Tuesday November 2nd, 2004 11:38:59 AM
"Maybe those whirly dudes can get me up to the last level" (at 80 ft.) volunteers the gnome. "Then I can help Gry get folks up at least that far." Looking down at her rope, the gnome makes a face, before adding, "this rope is only 50 ft. Anyone else have a rope?"
Grymash (hp 81/66, 3 nonlethal damage. spider climb) Tuesday November 2nd, 2004 11:50:01 AM "Forget da rope, Gry can carry everybodies up da wall." He proudly flexes his bulging muscles. Then he looks at Mac. "Uhhh ... maybe Tishe can hit Gry wit da BIG magik when it time ta carry Mac up!"
When they head back and enter the oily area, Grymash looks up to see if his rope and grappling hook still remains hanging in place from the first ledge. "Come on, load up on Gry. Gry can carry some of ya up at uh time." After a few bloodpackers load up, Grymash will head up the wall at 40' every six seconds (eta: 27 seconds = 4.5 rounds).
(Imagine the scene from Princess Bride where Andre the Giant is climbing up the rope with three people hanging on. :)
(Max carrying load is 600 pounds currently. If hit with an enlarge spell, that would more than double.)
Trellus Tuesday November 2nd, 2004 1:11:41 PM
If Spider Climb is still active, Trellus simply climbs up the bloody thing.
Gilan Tuesday November 2nd, 2004 3:43:24 PM
Gilan lets his head fall in humiliation as he realizes that Mac and Gry are just going to be too heavy to be lifted up, even by three elementals. Listening to those around him he simply nods his head in understanding.
Turning to the air elementals he shakes his head. "My friends, forgive my ignorance for asking in that task. Maybe you could take the two smaller ones up first as they are lighter." He indicates Tishe' and Flea from where they stand. "Surely they can take you two up ahead of the rest of us."
He moves over to take a spot by Gry and nods. He takes out a smaller section of rope and loops it around his big friend, then ties off himself. "Don't relish the idea of falling from any height ever again...if I can help it."
[Tiev aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
[Zilia aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
Temp ADM Carla Tuesday November 2nd, 2004 11:51:07 PM
On Trellus' orders, Anuk casts a spell on Grymash who volunteers to give those in need a lift. Gilan redirects his elementals and Tishe' and Flea get an exciting ride 80 ft. up to the opening of the tunnel leading to the formian food source. Shortly after they are deposited, the elementals disappear.
Jake, Trellus, and Grymash (with Gilan and Anuk(?) in tow) carefully climb the rough walls and join the two females. Grymash checks his silk rope and grappling hook. He had previously attached it to the strongest lip of stone that he could find, and it is still holding firm.
Looking down, the dark figure of Mac is silhouetted by the red glow from the lichens clinging to the wall. (Mac, roll x 8 checks vs DC 15 if climbing the rough walls vs DC 5 if using the rope and bracing against the wall. If you fail by 5 or more, you fall from the height achieved at the time.)
Mac (AC:18, HP:62... no 45, Subdual:4, 800lbs + gear, Blindsight 60') d20+5=21 d20+13=20 d20+4=17 d20+5=18 d20+5=16 d20+5=20 d20+5=19 d20+5=6 d20+5=11 6d6(2+5+1+6+1+2)=17 Wednesday November 3rd, 2004 6:30:45 AM
Mac waits for the rope to be lowered as far as it will unravel. 30'... maybe 40' up. Sigh He spots (21) a ledge he can get a good grip on about 20' up. "I can work wi 'thaht." he mutters as much to himself as anyone, as he backs up for a running start. Making a Running Vertical Jump (20 vs DC16) and grabbing the ledge (Reflex Save 17 vs DC15). He powers up the next 20' (18 & 16 vs DC15), and hooking up with Flea's rope, clambers up another 20' (20' from the top) before it all goes pear shaped (Natural 1 on the die). There is an exclaimation in an unfamiliar language as he tries to catch firm grip of the rope... the wall... anything but air (11 vs DC25)... its ALL air until he splashes in the remains of the pool of oil, taking 17 points from the fall.
"Ooooof!"
Trellus Wednesday November 3rd, 2004 8:36:44 AM
Standing on the second level, Trellus can only drop his head and mutter "Domi's Light" as Mac plummets to the bottom.
"Everybody just wait a minute," he pleads.
The cleric pulls out his coil of rope. "Flea, tie these two together, and throw one end down to Mac."
"Mac, tie that around you!" he calls down.
"Jake, give us a hand. You ready, Mac? Shady. Gry, lets pull him up."
Trellus grabs the rope, and helps Gry haul the minotaur up the shaft. Hopefully, Jake assists as well.
Grymash (hp 81/66, 3 nonlethal, spider climb) d20+12=18 d20+12=20 d20+12=22 d20+12=21 d20+12=16 d20+12=25 d20+12=24 d20+12=29 Wednesday November 3rd, 2004 11:53:23 AM "Ok, Gry be pullin' up Mac. Mac not dat heavy. Gry pick up Mac befores." The half-orc yells down, "Mac, make loop ta stand in. Gry pulls ya up!" When Mac is ready Grymash will start lifting the minotaur up to their level. With Trellus, Jake an whoever else helping, it should be easy enough.
(Gry's Max lift weight is 1,200 pounds. I'll add +6 to my rolls for three other packmates assisting. Strength checks: 18, 20, 22, 21, 16, 25, 24, 29)
Mac (AC:18, HP:45-4/62-4, 800lbs + gear, Blindsight 60') d20+3=22 Wednesday November 3rd, 2004 12:59:31 PM
Mac ties off a loop to stand in (Use Rope 22 vs DC10) and gets fully set before calling up, "Ready. Haul away!"
Anuk [HP 23, AC 21] d20+10=15 Wednesday November 3rd, 2004 2:18:32 PM
Reaching the tunnel opening via the Grymobile, Anuk drops to the ground and pulls his bow out. While the others bring Mac up to the entrance, he glances around, straining to see whatever he can and get an idea of this place(spot 15).
"So, these ant things...they're big?"
Gilan d20+7=9 d20+7=20 Wednesday November 3rd, 2004 6:59:31 PM
Gilan lets himself loose from the rope that he tied himself to Gry with. He takes it and reloops it up as some of the others take to hauling Mac up.
He moves over to stand by Anuk as he looks over the area. "Some are our size and some a little smaller...but their leader is bigger." He looks around himself to see if he can spot anything or hear anything.
[listen: 9, spot: 20]
[Tiev aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
[Zilia aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
Flea d20+1=9 d20+4=24 Wednesday November 3rd, 2004 9:21:53 PM
Flea examines Gry's silk rope, but before she can be of much help, Mac gets himself ready, and Gry starts to haul him up. Flea tries to lend a hand, but basically gets in the way (Aid Another, Strength check=9).
While they figure out what to do next, she methodically coils the ropes and returns them to their respective owners. (Use Rope=24, nat. 20)
Temp ADM Carla Wednesday November 3rd, 2004 10:16:43 PM
Mac makes a valiant first attempt to scale the shaft of the tunnel, but it takes a coordinated act of teamwork to eventually get the Minotaur up to the first level. As the adventurers recuperate and prepare for another bout of climbing, Gilan fills Anuk in on formian society. The ranger spots two insect-like creatures about the size of large dogs at the far edge of his field of vision. They don't stick around, but rather scuttle off down the dark tunnel away from the group.
The party has another 80 ft. of shaft up which they must climb to achieve the tunnel that exits into the valley. An aura of magic still clings to Trellus, Jake, and Grymash. Tishe' is clearly exhausted. Mac is suffering from bruises and contusions. Flea inventories the party's ropes.
Roll climb checks as needed (x 8) vs DC 15 if climbing the rough walls vs DC 5 if using a rope and bracing against the wall. If you fail by 5 or more, you fall from the height achieved at the time.
Jake Wednesday November 3rd, 2004 10:22:57 PM
"Snakes and dust! Ya guys gotta be less impatient. We have all day here, ta move up this dirty hole. So, lemme and others wit dat spidey stuff make a few extra trips, carrying that stuff, till we get to the top, so it's a lot easier." Jake shakes his head, frustratedly. "Ah mean, we can't separate now, can we?"
Anuk d20+10=25 d20+10=18 Thursday November 4th, 2004 1:09:34 AM
Anuk listens to Gilan's descriptions with interest. Pointing up the tunnel he says, "Well, that'd be them, then. Looks like we've been spotted...they know we're on our way back." He nocks an arrow and continues to look up and down the tunnel for any further signs of the creatures while the pack gathers up its gear. (spot 25, listen 18)
Flea d20+4=13 d20+4=9 d20+4=10 d20+4=16 d20+4=12 d20+4=23 d20+4=21 d20+4=17 Thursday November 4th, 2004 11:27:11 AM
The gnome pats the half-orc on the thigh to get his attention. "Can I hitch a ride up with you?" she asks, "or at least, once you get up, can you lower a rope down for me to climb up?"
Turning to Jake she says, "the sooner we're out of here the better, as far as I'm concerned."
(OOC: If Gry is unable to give Flea a lift (less than 100 lbs including gear) but is able to let down a rope, Flea will be able to scramble out of the hole - Climb checks=13, 9, 10, 16, 12, 23, 21, 17).
Trellus Thursday November 4th, 2004 2:36:24 PM
"Totally," Trellus agrees.
"Let's get out of this treadle pit while the gettin's good."
"Same picks, dudes. Gry, me, and Jake climb up and we haul everyone out."
Trellus starts up the shaft.
Tishe' (sub MikeK) Thursday November 4th, 2004 2:37:27 PM
Like Flea, Tishe' hitches a ride with the large half-orc.
Grymash (spider climb) Thursday November 4th, 2004 4:01:40 PM
When everyone is secure hanging off his various parts, the half-orc climbs up the rest of the way to the ground-level floor of the cavern. Grymash feels very relieved to be climbing out of this pit. His only regret is that he didnt get his chance to hack the Formain leader to bits. At least he grabbed a few trophies for himself.
After unloading various packmates off his back when Grymash gets to the top, he remarks, "Whew, maybe thay should call Gry, Grymash Piggieback!" After a short pause, the realization of what he just said hits him. "No, wait! Gry not mean ta say dat out loud!!"
Gilan Thursday November 4th, 2004 5:40:00 PM
Looking in the direction that Anuk indicates, Gilan is not surprised. "Not surprising that they are still watching us...there was a threat of a later retribution." He looks around as the others take a short break from their task.
Gilan will only tie himself back on Grymash if the big dude can haul his two-hundred pounds up the wall as well. Otherwise he will wait behind with Mac and keep him company.
[Tiev aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
[Zilia aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
Temp ADM Carla Friday November 5th, 2004 12:18:50 AM
With a good show of teamwork, the Bloodpack are able to eventually extricate themselves from the formian tunnel. Grymash spider climbs up the remaining 80 ft. with Gilan, Tishe, and Flea clinging onto him. Jake and Trellus follow behind, providing back-up to the big barbarian and assisting Anuk. Once the top of the hole is secured, a long rope is lowered to the 800+ lb. taur. A concerted effort results in a safe trip up for the worthy fellow.
Flea leads the way out of the tunnel, now cleaned of any traces of combat. Gry, Trellus, Gilan, Tishe follow close behind as Anuk, Mac, and Jake make up the rearguard.
As the various magics wear off, and weariness and fatigue from an incredible day sets in, the party find themselves back on the narrow trail near the bottom of the great valley. Coniferous trees cover the steep slopes and release their pungent scent into the cool air. The swiftly flowing river cuts its path through the valley. Shadows elongate as the sun hangs low in the sky. Night is coming.
Mac Friday November 5th, 2004 6:25:08 AM
"Righ', I don't know about the fastest way oot o' here , but I'd guess the surest into civilisation would be t' follow the river downstream. Y' get towns an' villages on rivers. If we get to the coast then we pick a direction an' go 'til we find us a port, or someone who knows what part of this cloth we're weavin' in."
"In the meantime we need somewhere to set camp an' watches..." He takes a knee. The adrenalin rush from the climb and fall wears off just as the minimal sleep from the previous night out here catches up with him. "An' let's do it while y' can still see what y' sleepin' on." he adds with a wry smile.
Jake d20+4=19 Friday November 5th, 2004 7:39:49 AM
Jake scrathes his pretensions to a beard. Sorta a rugged look, he thinks to himself... beards can get all dirty with all the dust and all, and so he does shave at least once in a while, when he gets the chance. But it looks shady like this, and the girls love it, he thinks to himself while grinning. "Downriver might not be best...ya know, if we follow it towards the plains, we'll come into contact with all them killer insects and such. Upriver would probably be better, into them mountains...but it would also be away from home." Jake assesses his not so great survival knowledge, gauging the area and trying to use his tricks learned from recently studying into this sorta thing to try to find out where greater life might be. Unfortunately, a lot of it is attuned to the plains-life, so he might not be as good at this as he thinks. (Survival 19)
Trellus Friday November 5th, 2004 8:19:00 AM
Trellus gives Jake a sour look. Until yesterday, the cleric had never even seen a "stream", and he knows perfectly well Jake hasn't either. The elf has got about as much chance of knowing the right pick as he does winning over Tishe.
Mac could be right, but Trellus would dearly love a second opinion.
The blond man rubs the back of his head. He eases over to Anuk and asks him quietly, "Dude, we're in someplace called the Scab. Any idea what direction to go?"
A bit louder, "Let's camp the same place as last time. Watches are Mac and Tishe, me and Anuk, Gry and Flea, Gilan and Jake."
Anuk d20+12=18 Friday November 5th, 2004 10:35:25 AM
Anuk emerges into the open air and is astounded at what he sees...trees. After so many years spent on the Plains, he'd almost forgotten what they look like.
"I wish I knew, Trellus," he says to his friend." He peers into the sky, watching the setting sun and looking for signs of emerging stars (survival-intuit direction 18). "I dunno...could be that way," he says after a moment, pointing off in the direction that seems best to him.
Taking a in a lungful of the cool air, Anuk marches with the pack toward their destination.
Light, he thinks to himself with a smile on his face, this has been one strange day.
Tishe (sub MikeK) Friday November 5th, 2004 1:29:30 PM
"Hook City is on a coast," Tishe offers. "And water flows down. Mac's pick sounds super shady."
Gilan d20+14=16 Friday November 5th, 2004 2:02:06 PM
Gilan yawns as he looks to the others. He has never expended that much magic before or channeled that much of nature's power and it is exhausting.
He slips around the area for a few minutes looking at this and that. He is pouring through all his knowledge of the outside to come up with a suitable direction to go. "I have never seen a stream of any kind near the Plains...I would doubt that this stream would lead there." He looks to the stream and shakes his head. "It would seem that following the stream in one direction or the other would be sound."
Looking to his two wasps he shakes his head and sighs loudly. "If we can camp somewhere for the night then I can see about having my wasps scout out in a direction of the packs choice."
[survival: 16]
[Tiev aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
[Zilia aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
Grymash d20+9=23 Friday November 5th, 2004 2:44:12 PM "Gry think da river must be goin' dat direction for uh reason. Why else river be goin' dat way? Prob'ly sume place shady. Why would da river goes sume place bright an sun-baked? Gry think Mac be right."
Grymash opens his haversack and dumps out several tents, cooking supplies, and other provisionals where they decide to make camp. He then turns to Anuk and asks, "'Nuk, want ta go huntin' for sume piggies. A piggie for dinner would be reals gute tonite." The half-orc grabs his composite bow and heads out from camp to see if he can bag some fresh meat. "Gry be back in uh little bit."
(Survival check 23. Can provide food and water for himself and one extra person for every 2 points that exceeds a DC 10.)
Jake Saturday November 6th, 2004 3:56:14 AM
Jake shrugs, as though saying, 'hey, do what you want, it's not my fault if we go wandering into trouble'. He walks over to the river and ponders it. "Dang...so much water. I think I could just...like...dive in. You know? But...ya think there's things living in there?? Like those..er..fish things?" He looks in the water eagerly.
Tishe' Saturday November 6th, 2004 8:57:46 AM
The small woman makes a place for herself among the pine needles and settles gratefully onto the crisp smelling carpet.
"Father Dreem said we were in The Scab on the Northern Continent. I know of stories of adventurers from a 'Northern Continent' who visited Hook City and the Sargrass. If what the legend says is true, we have an ocean to cross before getting back to Rattledam."
Seeing some perplexed faces, she continues. "Ocean: imagine a pond bigger than the Sargrass Plains and deeper than the Crystal Mountains are high. I know you don't believe me, but it is true."
Flea d20+4=21 Saturday November 6th, 2004 2:25:13 PM
Flea moves around the clearing gathering deadwood, twigs, and bits of dry bark with which to make a fire.
While waiting for Gry to return with dinner, she sorts through her gear, and makes a valiant attempt to clean her burnt cloak and oil spotted garments using water from the river. She hangs the garments on a makeshift clothesline using her silk rope and two trees spaced 20 ft. apart. (Use Rope=21)
Temp ADM Carla Saturday November 6th, 2004 2:31:27 PM
Discussions of the outside world having been forbidden in Rattledam, Trellus, Gillan, Grymash, and Jake continue to be surprised by the foreign environment. Those with experience outside the plains, Anuk, Flea, Mac, and Tishe', are not quite as shocked by what they see, but none-the-less find themselves quite lost. As the party sets up camp, they speculate on which direction to follow.
As Jake stares into a pool of calm water at a bend in the river he sees a group of little silver things dart this way and that way, together in a pack. He comes to the realization that if you don't know where you really are, knowing the cardinal directions won't be of much help. From his study of the rosy red glow cast by the setting sun, Anuk can tell that the next few days will be clear with fair weather. There are not enough stars showing to provide a reference for direction. The information provided by Tishe' tweaks a memory. Was it something the ranger had read or a conversation with his father? He knows what the spell weaver calls "stories" have a basis in truth. Gilan knows that water is the stuff of life, therefore more living things will be found close to it, and less the farther they move away from it.
As the party make camp with the gear left behind by Grymash, the barbarian searches for food. Not overly far down river, the half orc comes upon a half dozen four hoofed creatures about 3 ft. at the withers. One, slightly larger than the others has branching antlers. Four heads pop up suddenly, and with a flash of raised white tail the antlered one and his four female companions bound off through the forest leaving the smallest white spotted one behind, blinking disarmingly at the hunter.
...
The sky becomes a dark velvet blue studded here and there by tiny distant stars. The adventurers huddle about the fire trying to stay warm, their bellies full thanks to the half-orc's proficiency. Trellus suggests the watches. (Listen and Spot checks, please!)
Grymash d20+12=30 d20+2=14 d20+5=10 Saturday November 6th, 2004 5:25:27 PM
Grymash with a full belly, partially wrapped in his blanket he sits by the fire reading his Book of Gargul. He has a hard time concentrating on the words with all the strange sounds and sights of this place. This place feels so different from where he came from. He has no word for cold having never experienced it before. Tiny bumps are raised on his skin and at times he can see smoke come out of his mouth and nose. So strange. He never thought that being cool could be uncomfortable. But sitting by the fire, wrapped up in a blanket seems to make the night air more tolerable. He sees strange birds flying through the air. They look to be covered in fur. They chase these tiny little insects. The creepers are so small here. It would take over a hundred or so to make a meal.
Grymash remembers a special green cask in his haversack. He pulls it out and pours a small amount into his cup. After letting the green liquid warm by the fire for a few minutes, he swallows it all in a single gulp (fort save 30 vs. green gnomish. Is the DC lower if you sip it?). "Hmmmm, dat be gute. Hey, green gnomish chase away da bumpies. See! Gry feelin' all warm inside." Grymash will highly recommend green gnomish to everyone.
Later during his watch, Grymash decides to collect a few bones from the remains and add them to his collection. He blesses the remainders and throws them into the fire so their smoke would rise to Gargul. There are no bloodflies in this place. This is the only fitting thing he could think to do for the beast.
(Spot 14, Listen 10)
Flea d20+3+16 d20+9=20 d20+7=9 Saturday November 6th, 2004 7:45:20 PM
Flea wraps the remains of the Cloak of Comfort about her small frame, and the fire warms her face. Her tummy is comfortably full. "I'll have a taste of that!" she volunteers when Grymash makes his generous offer. (Fort Save vs Green Gnomish=16)
The gnome moves in closer to the barbarian, the better to draw a little warmth from his comforting presence as she stares into the dark, her ears alert to the sounds of the night. (Listen=20, spot=9)
Mac (AC:18, HP:45-4/62-4, Blindsight 60') d20+5=17 d20+1=11 Saturday November 6th, 2004 11:04:58 PM
"Probably are fish in there Jake", Mac says as he gets his waterskins filled some yards away.
As he settles in for his watch with Tishe', he waves away Gry's offer of a drink with a smile.
(Spot:17, Listen:11)
Tishe' d20+2=16 d20+2=16 Sunday November 7th, 2004 2:52:06 AM
The cold seeps into the small woman, and even her formal robes and a blanket aren't enough to be comfortably warm. "I wish I had a endure elements spell memorized", she says plaintively. "I took all combat spells against the ant-men."
In the morning, she studies her books closely for her spells.
Mac Sunday November 7th, 2004 6:33:33 AM
Mac smiles at Tishe's comments. "Better than having lots of comfortable spells, and not having gotten out of there."
Jake Sunday November 7th, 2004 6:54:52 AM
"Hey! Those ARE fish in there!" Jake repeats after Mac points it out, totally awed. "See, look, Trell, Gil!" He shows his buddy the little silver creatures in the water. "They're like...er...um.. Like nothing ah've ever seen." The meal that evening is weird, too. Jake finds this new meat so strange he loves it... but afterwards, strangely, he finds himself off in the grass, and all of his dinner leaving himself suddenly and violently as he retches. Coming back, looking rather pale, he comments, "How can those northerners eat that food all the time? It's just too...weird. Gimme the slugs an' grass an' prairie pigs antime."
Gilan Sunday November 7th, 2004 1:10:38 PM
Gilan eats spareingly of the meat that is provided by Grymash as he has not had that type of stuff in a long time. He mostly eats of his rations that he brought with him. "Ahh...no thanks Gry, I will be just fine." He waves off the offer of the drink as he knows what it is just by the smell.
Gilan smiles as Jake gets all excited about the fish in the water and it brings him back to some of his old memories. "There was a fountain in the town I lived in, before coming to Rattledam, that had fish in it. Multicolored ones of blue and red that darted back and forth." A small smile passes across his face till he looks to the rest of his packmates. "I use to love to watch them for hours on end....then again I never talk about my other life, I guess." He shakes his head as he puts it out of his mind and goes back to things at hand.
He falls asleep easily and wakes up refreshed for his turn at watch with Jake. He sits and offers some of his rations to the poor man, with some water. "Here...the meat did not settle too well earlier and I figured that you would not be hungry right away." He munches on a littl of the food himself, getting an early breakfast.
Waiting for Tishe' to finish with her own spell work from her book in the morning he slips over to her and nods to a secluded area off to the side of the group. "Come and we will commune with Mother Wold." He slips off to the area he pointed out and sits down cross-legged as he waits for her to join him. As he sits clearing his mind and concentrating on the sounds and smells of nature around him, he tries to explain these things to her. "My morning prayers to Mother Wold are mostly spending the time to listen to the sounds around me, smell the smells around me and let myself slip into a relaxed state. Slowly I feel as one with the rest of nature, hearing my own heart beating and the sound of my own breathing." He smiles as he talks about some of the more personal parts of being a druid and one with nature like this.
[Tiev aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
[Zilia aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
Trellus d20+8=15 d20+8=24 Monday November 8th, 2004 9:47:05 AM
The cleric tries to get comfortable in this strange land. Fish in the stream provide a moment's distraction, but not enough to remove the feeling that he's got to go a long way before last thread.
He eats whatever Gry brings back, considering the taste, and gets some sleep.
Listen 15 Spot 24
Anuk d20+10=23 d20+10=18 Monday November 8th, 2004 2:18:34 PM
Anuk cheerfully dives into the meal provided by Gry. It's a great change of pace from the grubs and scrapings he's been eating out in the grasses for the last few weeks. "*mmph*", he says with his mouth full. "Gry...this is...*swallow*...fantastic! I'd love to help hunt a few of whatever these are tomorrow." He continues to smack his lips while he greedily devours the rest of his meal.
While the fire and a swallow of the green gnomish warm him, he settles back comfortably and realizes he hasn't yet caught up with everyone. "Mac...Tishe'...I'm glad to see you are still with the pack. I didn't get to know you well before we were separated. I hope I can make up for the lost time." He spends much of the evening quietly questioning the centaur and the spell weaver to learn more of their backgrounds and time together with the pack on the plains.
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