Temp ADM Carla which watch d4=4 move silently checks d20+13=28 d20+13=26 d20+13=32 hide checks d20+13=15 d20+13=30 d20+13=32 Monday November 8th, 2004 6:06:30 PM
The night is calm, but the air is cool. A warm blanket or cloak, or sitting in proximity to the fire, keeps one comfortable. During their watches Mac and Tishe' notice a dodgy shadow in the forest. They pass the information on to the next watch. Anuk notices the shadow, but Trellus actually thinks he sees something. It resembles a smallish version of Mac! The cleric rubs his eyes, and it is gone. Gry and Flea don't see or hear anything during their watch, possibly due to the Gnomish. Gilan and Jake omit precautions. Oblivious to dangers that might lurk in the forest, they fall asleep during their watch.*
The sun rises on a chaotic scene as the party awake to find their packs open and their belongings strewn about. The recently acquired treasure has been stacked into piles of platinum and gold and a small horned man with the legs of a goat is putting the final touches on a structure that looks much like a castle. Flea's faded blue ribbon is tied around his neat chestnut brown goatee. A second fellow with unruly reddish hair is holding up a belt filched from Jake's pack. "Wonder what this is Lari?" he says in a loud whisper. "Put that away, Qerlie! You don't know where that's been," admonishes a third resembling the first, but without the goatee. He has the goods recently acquired from the formian nest, and appears to be trying to activate the wand.
(OOC: No Spot or Listen rolls from Jake or Gilan...)
Gilan d20+14=26 Monday November 8th, 2004 8:23:58 PM
Gilan awakens to a ghastly sight and feels his cheeks redden in shame. He had fallen asleep during his watch and now look what had happened.
Sitting up he looks to the goat men as they play around with the goods. He ponders through his nature lore (knowledge nature: 26) and comes up with an idea of what they are. Trying to keep the creatures from running he speaks up in sylvan. "Good morn creatures of Mother Wold...can we talk a little??" He looks around at the rest of the group and tries to signal them with his hands to keep a lid on thier emotions. Switching back to common, but not knowing if the satyr know the language. "Try to mind your manners and do not offend them if you can...they are satyrs and curious creatures." He looks back to the satyrs and stands slowly, while switching back to sylvan. "Would you be interested in having breakfast with us this day??"
[Tiev aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
[Zilia aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
Grymash lets out a snore as he continues to nestle with his favorite bedtime dagger, 'Stabby'. Most in the pack have already learned to allow Grymash a wide berth while he sleeps with Stabby. Because when half-orcs sleep, half-orcs dream. And when half-orcs dream with sharp pointy implements of death, those within their reach can become unfortunate bedfellows.
The slumbering barbarian seems to become perplexed and fidgety all of a sudden. He begins to mumble out loud, "uhhh fleaa, whut ya mean 'belay' da rope?! weeee!"* Grymash remains asleep with no sudden loud noises to alert him.
(* referencing a post made by Flea on Tuesday April 8th, 2003. :)
Jake Monday November 8th, 2004 11:08:50 PM
It musta been the danged food, Jake thinks to himself. He couldn't stay awake on an empty stomach! When he comes to and sees the creatures with all the stuff, he can't help but begin feeling extremely angry. He gets up and snatches his belt from the creature, and opens his mouth to say something...when suddenly, and perhaps fortunately, his stomach rolls from the sudden movement and he makes an emergency trip to behind some trees. (Sorry about that...)
Anuk Tuesday November 9th, 2004 12:18:06 AM
A bit bleary from even the slight mouthful of green gnomish the night before, Anuk opens his eyes.
Hmm...furry people, he thinks as his eyes fall shut again. Nice belt for the furry people. Nice belt.
...FURRY PEOPLE?
His eyes open wide this time and he bolts upright. He takes in the sight of the two creatures and grins. While Gilan takes the lead on talking to the small people, Anuk just watches and thinks, Sure wish I still had my journals with me.
Mac d20+1=21 Tuesday November 9th, 2004 1:20:45 AM
[Listen Check:21, nat 20 - what a waste!]
...small, two-legged, silly goat-taurs... he thinks to himself. Not that he's ever seen a Goat-taur, but he's heared many of the stories about Centaur, and these... guys seem to fit a similar hole. He hears Gilan's sing-song, and leaves the initial contact to him.
Flea Tuesday November 9th, 2004 8:10:23 AM
Flea wakes up. Her body is stiff and sore from the combat of the previous day, and a night spent sleeping on the hard ground. Her head hurts and her tongue feels fuzzy.
"What happened?" she asks weakly spotting the ruined camp, and trying to remember what she and Grymash had done during their watch. Hearing strange sounds come from the druid, she focuses her bleary eyes and spots the mini-taurs to whom he is speaking.
"Gry! Better wake up!" she calls.
Trellus Tuesday November 9th, 2004 10:40:55 AM
The blond man's eyes flash awake at the sight of the three mini-Macs. I knew I saw something!
And right now, the somethings are twisting up the campsite.
Trellus springs to his feet, as Gilan's words register. The cleric holds his tongue, but he just waiting for one of these dudes to try something.
[Ready action - Hold Person spell if one tries to attack or flee with any of our stuff - Will save DC 16]
Grymash Tuesday November 9th, 2004 11:43:59 AM "Huhh?!"
Tishe' Tuesday November 9th, 2004 5:07:18 PM
Sleeping in her bedroll is comfortable, and Tishe' dreams of weaving fantasic tapestries of the stars. They clink as she weaves them into the dark fabric. Clink, clink, clink.
Clink?
She opens her eyes to the morning. Kurli? No one in the Bloodpack is named Kurli. She sits up, momentarily forgetting she took off her clothes in the bed roll. "Eeep!" she squeaks and dives under to eventually reemerge in her halter and drawers.
Temp ADM Carla Tuesday November 9th, 2004 6:24:39 PM
Trellus, Mac, and Anuk check their actions, while Flea calls to Gry. Gilan, confidant that he has successfully identified the three newcomers generously invites them to join the party for breakfast.
The satyrs exchange glances, eyes dancing and faces pulled to avoid laughter as they listen to Gilan's heavily accented Sylvan.
"Yes! Mind your manners" mimics the redhead in perfect Common, as Jake snatches the belt away from him. He snickers when the elf makes a dash for the bushes, and is joined by his hoofed brothers who guffaw at the fighter's expense.
Dropping the wand, the clean cheeked one gets a serious look on his face and Mac spots him reaching into the leather bag hanging by a strap from his shoulder as he trots over to the minotaur. "What happended to you, dad?" he asks as he approaches "fall off a cliff?"
The one with the goatee grins back at the smiling ranger, "Hey! Did you hear the one about the two orcs who walked into a bar..." His voice drifts off and his head swivels 'round as Tishe' makes her appearance.
Gilan d20+14=16 Tuesday November 9th, 2004 8:31:44 PM
Gilan smiles still not sure how well the group is prepared for this, but if he is right then they are satyrs. Fun and mischief is their bread and butter, but they seem curious enough right now. Deciding to stay in common so that the others can understand him he gives a smile. "Could we be of service for you or help you out in some way??" He sends out a heart touch to the whole pack to let them know to be on thier guard.
Gilan mentally slaps his head as Tishe' appears, in her birthday suit none the less. "Oh light." He cannot help but see complications here. He furiously flips through all the knowledge that he holds of satyrs and tries to come up with a way out (knowledge nature: 16). He tries to pull the leaders attention back to himself as he asks a simply question. "Would you rather talk in common or sylvan?? Let me apologize for the accent on your native tongue." Maybe they can get some information from them if they are careful.
[Tiev aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
[Zilia aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
Jake Wednesday November 10th, 2004 4:38:01 AM
The half-elf (for future reference) comes back after having ejected anything remaining of last nights dinner, and sighs, lying on his back on the short, short grass. "Man...those outworlders 're crazy, eating meat like this everyday. Gimme grubs and grass anytime..." He slowly gets up and heads back to the group. Grabbing an empty sack, he goes over to their money and begins taking it back, figuring that the best hting is to let others distract them while he first gets back the group's property.
Anuk Wednesday November 10th, 2004 10:25:20 AM
Anuk looks at the small, goateed creature with wariness and curiosity, wondering if it might have information that could help the pack prepare for a possible Orc encounter. He looks the satyr in the eyes and says, "No I haven't. Please, tell me about these orcs."
Grymash Wednesday November 10th, 2004 12:03:37 PM "Hey! Who be talkin' bout orcs? Thay gots orcs an bars here?" The half-orc stands up and stretches with a big yawn. After he rubs the sleep from his eyes he spots the fey standing before them. "Uhhh!? Whut thay be ... minitaurs? An whut all pack stuff doin' out?!" The half-orc grabs his haversack and searches through it. "Why nobodies wake Gry up? Whoz do all dis?!"
Trellus Wednesday November 10th, 2004 1:41:23 PM
Faced with three mini-Macs, in the middle of more trees than he thought possible, next to a "stream", and a thousand miles from home, Trellus just sits on the ground furiously massaging his forehand with his right hand.
Jake and Gry seem to be getting back their stuff, and Gilan - I guess - is dealing with the little taurs.
I think I'll just sit and watch the weaver for a bit, he finally decides.
Mac Wednesday November 10th, 2004 4:13:37 PM
There is no point denying it, or arguing the finer details... "Yes, I fell. Does it show?" Pausing to grin and offer a handshake he adds, "They call me Mac."
Tishe' Wednesday November 10th, 2004 5:00:18 PM
Completely oblivious to the stares of the mini-taur, (mini-taur, that's a good name for them she thinks), the plain-faced woman emerges from her bedroll in a halter and trews. She ties her red Bloodpack sash at her waist and smiles at the hearttouch from Gilan.
She stands and moves to her pack to help Jake retrieve their items while keeping an eye on the mini-taurs. Gilan seems to still have them talking and they don't look hostile...
Flea Wednesday November 10th, 2004 7:20:51 PM
The gnome moves through the camp picking up her belongings and stuffing them into her pack. Her jaw is visibly clenched, but she says nothing when she spots one of her blue ribbons, a gift from Gilan, tied around the satyr's beard. "...you would have thought one of them would have seen it," she mumbles under her breath in response to that one's joke.
Temp ADM Carla 2d4(4+4)=8 Wednesday November 10th, 2004 8:50:41 PM
"You can call me Cosmo," says the satyr standing in front of Mac. "The one with the straggly beard is Lari, and the other one is Qerlie." Removing his hand from his satchel, Cosmo drops 8 Goodberries into the 'taur's outstretched hand adding "Eat these. They will make you feel better." (8 HP restored to Mac over the next 24 hours.) Turning to Gilan he adds, "Common is a good tongue."
Lari looks at Anuk incredulous that the ranger is such an innocent, "why, you would have thought one of them would have seen it!" he concludes, laughing. "Bar...walked into the bar...get it?" he adds, poking the man in the ribs. His head swivels 'round again as he follows Tishe' as she tidies up the camp. "Who's the looker?" he enquires, a toothy grin on his mischievous face, "can she cook?"
The red-headed Qerlie trots over to Cosmo and Gilan, and volunteers, "I think it is we who could be of service to you!"
As Trellus assesses the situation, Tishe, Jake, Gry, and Flea tidy up the camp and re-pack. (Search DC Check x 7 vs 15) to locate the loot from the formian treasure (a wooden box with a ring in it, a pair of boots, a quiver, a wand, a horn, a pearl, a large red ruby.)
Gilan Wednesday November 10th, 2004 8:59:24 PM
Gilan can not help but laugh at the joke as he gets the pun behind it. "I will have to remember that one." He stays with speaking in common since it does not bother the satyrs. With a nod to the others he smiles. "These are my friends and pack." With a look of shock he shakes his head. "I am sorry...my name is Gilan and one of the Wold Mother's children."
As the others clean up around the camp and gather stuff he takes a seat on the ground. "Please, how may you be of help to us...it is for sure that we need it." He cannot help but think of how far from home they are and his thoughts turn to Kaili. He digs into his own pack and pulls out some of the foodstuffs that had not been taken out. He lays out some nuts, dried berries and bread as he digs for a waterskin. "Please enjoy as we talk and maybe get some other breakfast going." He hopes that some of the group will take the hint of breakfast.
[Tiev aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
[Zilia aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
Tishe' 7d20(10+6+17+6+20+10+7)+4=80 Thursday November 11th, 2004 3:49:24 AM
Searching amongst the grasses, Tishe' almost finds a couple of things, but doesn't have much luck (2 out of 7 successes)
With Gilan's suggestion of breakfast, the small woman is reminded of other needs. Getting the pack together, she then takes to her own pack and removes her precious spellbook, sitting quietly in study while someone else more skilled takes care of food.
Mac d20+2=9 d20+2=16 d20+2=3 d20+2=12 d20+2=9 d20+2=21 d20+2=19 Thursday November 11th, 2004 7:45:43 AM "Thank you Cosmo." Mac munches down the berries, and restrains the urge to cough when Lari comments about 'the looker' - unsure if he meant Flea, Tishe, or someone else, but confident whoever can readily take care of themselves, and if help is needed then he is here.
He repacks his backpack and assists with the tidy and Search. He may have helped find one item, but he is hopelessly distracted (natural 1) and provides little subsequent assistance.
Trellus d20+2=19 d20+2=8 d20+2=8 d20+2=17 d20+2=21 d20+2=5 d20+2=19 Thursday November 11th, 2004 11:55:45 AM They seem friendly enough, Trellus decides.
Gilan is weaving well, so the cleric lets him go. Mac and Tishe are having trouble finding their stuff in the grass - This ain't grass. It's green and way too short - so he decides to help them out.
He doesn't do too badly, but this is harder than he thought. [Search checks - 19, 8, 8, 17, 21, 5, 19]
Maybe its because he keeps thinking 'you'd have thought one of them woulda seen it', glancing at Gry, and giggling to himself.
Jake d20=16 d20=16 d20=10 d20=4 d20=6 d20=7 d20=1 Thursday November 11th, 2004 1:55:23 PM
Jake manages to find two of the possessions and retrieve them for the group (Search 16). Finally, a bit calmed down, he wanders back over to the goattaurs. "So...er.. Ya native to this here tree area? Know any good places ta get a drink or look fer some fun times?" Jake jokingly adds, "Or are ya this forest's version of a movin' bar?" Jake nudges the redhaired one in the side with an elbow and whispers to him. "Ah'd watch out. She's got some magic spells and hexes. She can make even the strongest branch wither before its time, with just a look, if ya know what ah mean." Raising his voice, he adds, "Still, she ain't tha cook; that's my job usually...well, others do it when it's weird stuff, like that tiger or whatever we ate yesterday. Still, ah use this grass that we gots on the plains; called chilly-grass...funny thing is, it ain't chilly at all, it's hotter 'n a sun-crusted slice of slivershade grass. 'nyways, ah make some stuff with it 'at'll knock your hooves off. See me?" he takes off his hat. "Mah hair used ta be black. No kiddin'. Hey, you fellers wanna try some of our glass grass? My own special brew... Ya look like the type which can take a swig or two without suffering permanent damage." Jake offers them one of his glass grass skins.
Flea d20+11=15 d20+11=23 d20+11=31 d20+11=27 d20+11=31 d20+11=25 d20+11=30 Thursday November 11th, 2004 6:53:32 PM
Very keen on retrieving all the hard won loot from the formian tunnels, Flea makes sure nothing is left lying around for the strangers to pilfer. When she is sure the camp has been set to rights, she will stow her pack in a safe place and volunteer to help Jake with breakfast.
(OOC: Why can't I roll like this in combat!)
Anuk d20+8=13 6d20(11+15+13+2+3+19)+8=71 d20+8=25 d20+8=16 d20+8=11 d20+8=27 d20+8=23 d20+8=21 Thursday November 11th, 2004 8:56:59 PM
"Yes, you would think that. Orcs generally have good eyesig-- oh." Anuk flushes red and smiles in embarassment. As the creature walks after Tishe' Anuk tries to think of something clever, gives up, and spends his time looking for the scattered belongings.
(ooc: ignore that big roll in the middle. My dice-fu is weak today.)
Grymash d20-2=2 d20-2=18 d20-2=7 d20-2=4 d20-2=6 d20-2=13 d20-2=9 Thursday November 11th, 2004 9:13:28 PM
Grymash tries his best to remember all the different items they got from the formain and to put them back where they belong.
(Search checks: 2, 18/nat.20, 7, 4, 6, 13, 9)
He looks at the minitaurs and says with a big smile, "Gry want ta build uh fort too. But yooz use up all da stuff. Gry can build uh better fort than youz can. Let Gry have your stuff an Gry show yooz who be right!"
Temp ADM Carla Friday November 12th, 2004 12:17:35 AM
The pack are successful in locating all their goods and the camp is in good order as the sun of the new day takes the chill out of the air. Jake volunteers to fix breakfast, and Flea helps. Pickings are slim as the half-elf works with Gilan's trail rations and some of his more unique ingredients. The satyrs take swigs of water from the proffered skins, and sniff curiously at the skin containing the glass grass juice.
"You don't look like you're from around here, and when there's folks like you in the woods, they're usually from away. Down the valley there's a big farm. Kept by dwarves. Other than that, 'tis mostly folks like us." Cosmo shrugs his shoulders, as if that is enough explanation for his offer of help.
Taking in Jake's advice, Qerlie, nods solemnly, then pointing at his companion he adds, "I doubt Lari will listen to reason now. He's smitten," he says watching the fellow with the goatee as he approaches Tishe'.
With a toothy grin and a lascivious look in his eye, Lari leans close to the spell-weaver and whispers, "are you the goddess, Flower?"
Gilan Friday November 12th, 2004 9:53:14 AM
Gilan nods to the satyr named Cosmos as he speaks again. "That will help out greatly and you are right we are not from around here." He glances to the other satyr that is pursueing Tishe' and shakes his head. It has not gotten out of hand yet so he will leave it alone. Turning his attention back to Cosmos he falls into more interesting topics. "Then you would know the lands here about. Could you instruct me in some of the wild plants that grow here?" His eyes light up with anticipation if the satyr can help him gather more knowledge in his favorite area...nature.
[Tiev aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
[Zilia aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
Tishe' Friday November 12th, 2004 10:21:38 AM
As she has proven in the past, the brown-haired woman proves remarkably dense in picking up signals from the opposite sex. She looks up from her spellbooks and hastily makes a childhood sign for warding off ill-luck.
"No, little taur", she says seriously, "I am not even one of her followers. As a child, I learned the ways of Pantheon, but the good druid, Gilan, has recently been instructing me about Mother Wold."
She stays seated, tailor fashion, with a finger holding her place in her spellbook which she closed before answering.
"I do not wish to be rude, but I have some meditation to complete. I'll gladly speak with you later." She says. Pointedly.
Trellus Friday November 12th, 2004 3:35:10 PM
Trellus rolls his eyes. 'Are you the goddess'. What a sunbaked pickup line. Heck, Jake can do better than that.
He concentrates on the talk between Gilan and Cosmo. A farm sounds good. He jumps into the conversation
"Shady. Dude, how far to the farm? Is there anything past it? Where does this (the stream) go?"
Mac Friday November 12th, 2004 7:18:05 PM
"The farm the Dwarves told us about, where the food those working for the Formain was grown?"
Flea Saturday November 13th, 2004 12:55:26 PM
Flea eats sparingly of Jake's breakfast fixings. She is tempted by the glass grass juice, but instead drinks some water from the stream in order to cool her tongue.
She straightens out her clothes as best she can, adjusting her weapons, those that are visible and those that are hidden. Her pack, neat and tidy now, leans against a nearby tree.
"We'll be off soon then?" she asks.
Jake Sunday November 14th, 2004 6:09:58 AM
Jake wasn't too impressed by Tishe's nakedness...and that's 'cause, everyday at the pool in the center of the town, most people would come to have a swim publically. (I think that's true for everyone in Rattledam) "Yeah, yeah, plants and stuff. A farm nearby, you say. No big piles of gold or evil dangerous dark creatures around, huh? Ah mean, we're lookin' for interesting things, not farms and regular people. Ya know?"
Anuk d20+10=26 d20+10=12 Sunday November 14th, 2004 10:10:57 AM
Pack loaded and on his back, Anuk takes another quick look around the clearing for any signs of further creatures, just in case the little taurs are there to divert the pack's attention away from the surrounding woods.
Anuk Sunday November 14th, 2004 10:11:52 AM
(ooc: forgot to state, the rolls were spot 26, listen 12)
Temp ADM Carla Sunday November 14th, 2004 10:48:09 PM
"Food is grown at the farm. Livestock like steer, pigs, and chickens. Produce as well. There are big ovens too, and hearths to prepare vast quantities of food. I have seen some brought up into the caves, but most of the food is for the cloud giant that roams this valley. He has a huge appetite." Cosmo recounts this solemnly to Gilan, Trellus, and Mac as he partakes a little of Jake's breakfast. "We could bring you to the farm, but we could bring you to other places also. We could show you this forest and the wondrous things that live in it, things that are...elusive."
To Jake's question Qerlie just shrugs his shoulders, "the dwarves make a pretty good wine, but I don't know about gold." The satyr then assumes a very serious look, and volunteers, "but I know where there's a scary monster."
Anuk hears a few birds singing their morning songs, but nothing else from the woods. He does notice the satyr paying close attention to Tishe'. The fellow removes some sort of instrument from the sack tied about his waist. It resembles a series of short pipes graduated in length and fixed together with the mouthpieces in line.
Trellus Monday November 15th, 2004 2:54:48 PM
Trellus looks over to Gilan and Jake. He hopes they don't get sidetracked by all this.
"I think we should just go to the dwarves and see if they know the way out of here," he says.
Mac Monday November 15th, 2004 3:30:24 PM
"Shaedee!" agrees Mac with a nod to Trellus. "I'm sure we can continue our chat on the move."
Tishe' Monday November 15th, 2004 4:30:57 PM
With the minitaur not talking anymore, the brown-haired mage is soon engrossed in her spellbooks.
"Just an hour, and my spells will all be back", she mumbles.
Anuk Monday November 15th, 2004 6:11:06 PM
Anuk approaches the satyr holding the pipes. Tapping him on the shoulder and pointing to the pipes, he asks, "So, uh...what's that do?"
Grymash Monday November 15th, 2004 8:19:05 PM
The half-orc looks a bit confused. "Ok, whut pack be doin'? Gry no care, as long as weez get movin'!"
Gilan Monday November 15th, 2004 8:37:12 PM
Gilan gets a look of pure rapture on his face at the mention of a tour of the woods and the elusive things. He is just about ready to comment that this would be an excellent thing, when he hears Trellus in the background.
He shakes his head as he sighs lightly and nods. "Yes...maybe it would be best to go see this dwarven farm." He looks around at the others as he takes another bite of the breakfast that Jake has cooked up. He washes it down with a liberal amount of water as he does. "If I can find you later Cosmo, maybe I can take you up on that tour of the forest and the elusive things." He cannot help but be interested in the flora and fauna of this forest, having spent little time here.
[Tiev aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
[Zilia aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
Flea Monday November 15th, 2004 9:56:15 PM
Anxious to be on her way, Flea shoulders her pack and stands next to Grymash looking expectantly at the leaders of her pack and the satyrs.
(OOC: Had to laugh! The relationship between Trellus and Gilan is just like Capt. Jack Aubrey and Dr. Stephen Maturin in Master and Commander!)
Temp ADM Carla d3=2 Monday November 15th, 2004 10:46:15 PM
"This?" answers the satyr with the goatee in response to Anuk's question, "why it's a musical instrument." Lari holds out the series of hollow reeds bound together for the ranger to get a better look. "Would you like me to play?" he asks a glint in his eye as he raises them to his lips.
Flea and Grymash are anxious to be on their way. Tishe' finishes her studies. Trellus and Mac suggest the farm might be a good destination. A chagrined Gilan falls into step as the satyr, Cosmo, leads the way. Passing by Lari he admonishes, "put that away! There will be time for music later."
Cosmo, and Qerli lead the party away from the stream and the valley floor, climbing until the burbling of the flowing water can no longer be heard. After a short struggle to get through the medium density undergrowth lower in the valley, the party discovers what appears to be a well trod game trail. Lari is close behind Tishe. (The PC following behind Tishe' and Lari roll a Reflex vs DC 15 or Highlight to display spoiler: { or be struck by a branch held, then released by the satyr for 2 pts. non-leathal dmg})
Although the party must walk in single file down the game trail, Cosmo frequently calls over his shoulder and points out interesting plants and trees. There are several species of trees, and the satyr explains that some of the trees, called conifers, never loose their leaves, which are thin and green, like needles. He stops in front of another. Its needles are much shorter, and soft to the touch. It is a graceful tree, pyramidal and slender. Cosmo explains that this tree, a Larch is an exception and will shed it's 'leaves' when the cold season comes.
(Need marching order. Cosmo and Qerlie are first and Lari is right behind Tishe')
Flea Monday November 15th, 2004 10:53:19 PM
Flea will struggle through the undergrowth, ducking under branches, rather than trying to push past them. When she reaches the trail, she will situate herself near the front, preferably right behind Gilan.
A hand moves nervously to the small of her back, as the rogue checks that her daggers are still there. Assured that they are, she continues down the trail with the rest of her pack.
Jake d20+5=11 d20+6=14 Monday November 15th, 2004 11:08:29 PM
Jake ponders the words of the weird creatures. They're obviously tricksters, he figures, and wonders how he can get the message not to trust them to Trellus... He glances at the young cleric, hoping that something along the same idea is going through his head. Jake sticks to the back of the group, figuring Gry and Mac will take the front as usual. Feeling very out in the open, he keeps an ear out for anything weird in this strange forest. He also wonders how long a cold season lasts in these parts. It's as this thought enters his head that he gets thwapped by a branch. Great. (Listen check 11. Probably masked by the goatheads playing.)
Mac d20+4=20 Tuesday November 16th, 2004 3:09:31 AM
Mac falls in behind Cosmo and Qerlie. He takes the opportunity to keep an eye out for something more unusual than ...trees... [Spot Check: 20] Besides, there will be enough of the pack paying them attention. :)
Tishe' Tuesday November 16th, 2004 3:59:51 PM
Feeling much better now that she has spells again, the plain-faced woman is most content to learn more about the land and Mother Wold.
She pushes the branches away and tries to imitate Gilan's easy walk through the unfamiliar woods, staying with the druid in order to ask even more questions.
"It's fortunate we have such good guides as these minitaurs", she comments.
Grymash d20+2=11 d20+4=20 Tuesday November 16th, 2004 5:03:52 PM
Grymash walks along down the trail in or near the front. He still isnt used to all all these unusual sights, sounds and smells. But he has a lot on his mind. When he prayed this morning, he felt that Gargul had bestowed upon him even more blessings than he normally had up till now. It pleased Grymash to be in his favor. Maybe even Gry be Gargul's favorite cleric in all da Wold, he thought! Oh well ... he continues to keep a watchful eye on the surroundings.
1st-Level Spells: Longstrider (domain) Divine Favor Protection from Evil Bane
2nd-Level Spells: See Invisible (domain) Bulls Strength Spiritual Weapon
Gilan [HP: 57/57, AC: 18] Tuesday November 16th, 2004 7:52:21 PM
Gilan looks down to the little Tishe' as she follows along behind him. He motions her to his side so that they may talk easier. "Actually they are satyrs...one of the few forest folk that are helpful to lost travelers." He looks to Cosmos and smiles as he says his next few words. "Though they are notorious pranksters at times." His own path is not hampered by the undergrowth as most of the others are.
"You have been practicing the exercises that I have taught you to become more one with yourself and the wild?" He looks to Tishe' and gauges her reaction to his words and her comments. "Tonight we will go over some of the plants that I have collected and help you to learn some of the uses for the more common ones."
[Tiev aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
[Zilia aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
Trellus d20+6=20 Tuesday November 16th, 2004 8:53:41 PM
With Gilan and the big guns in front of Tishe', Trellus walks behind her and the minitaur.
[Reflex 20]
The cleric stops suddenly to avoid a swinging branch. Yeah, this dude needs watching alright he decides, keeping a closer eye on Lari than on anything else going on.
Temp ADM Carla Secret DM Rolls Hide d20+7=26 Move Silently d20+7=21 Poison dmg d6=2 Tuesday November 16th, 2004 11:48:53 PM
Cosmo continues his narrative, as the party moves through a changing forest. There is the occasional ancient deciduous tree amongst the younger conifers. These majestic specimens have great branches that reach into the sky with enormous spreading canopies that block out the light. The earth smells pungent and earthy, rich with decaying organic matter. The satyr points out some low creeping shrub like plants with prickly canes. "These are wild roses. They bloom small and pink in the spring and in the season of falling leaves there is a reddish fruit. It makes a very good jam." A little later he points out a fern. Its fragrance is obvious. "And this makes a nice cup of tea," he says.
With eyes and ears open, Jake, Mac, and Grymash pick up nothing that is unusual for this forest. Mac spots a small grey and white mammal with extremely long ears, and short puff of white tail. Gry picks up on a deep, repeating 'whoo whooo' but can not locate the source of the sound.
Lari stops where he is on the trail, forcing those behind him to walk around. Jake, Trellus, and Anuk must make their way through the rambling vines of shiny leaves punctuated by tiny white berries that grow just off the trail. (Jake, Trellus, Anuk, Fortitude save vs 13. If fail, Highlight to display spoiler: { take 2 dmg and start to feel uncomfortably itchy from the knees down next round.})
Mac Wednesday November 17th, 2004 1:53:28 AM
"How far away is the farm?"
Mac doesn't bring the coney to Gry's attention - what with a farm coming up it would be a shame to kill it, sitting there... perfectly still... attempting to avoid people's attention...
Jake d20+9=17 Wednesday November 17th, 2004 9:08:15 AM
Jake reserves his comments, following silently as usual. He kinda likes these guys, but at the same time doesn't trust 'em one bit. Especially since he still hasn't figured out what their game plan is. He eyes those strange furry creatures wearily. They look harmless...but from what he knows, several have potent attacks, like smell-assaults, or vicious teeth and claws...
Grymash Wednesday November 17th, 2004 12:52:12 PM
Reminiscing about last nights meal, Grymash wishes he had bagged the larger beast with the red nose! He, at least, would've had some leftovers for breakfast.
Anuk d20+6=17 Wednesday November 17th, 2004 1:39:56 PM
Moving easily along the trail (fort 17) Anuk listens to Cosmo's running commentary while picking a few sample berries and leaves from the flora surrounding the group. He tucks them into a small pocket inside his cloak, thinking they might be a nice souvenir from this place when the pack gets back home.
Trellus d20+8=19 Wednesday November 17th, 2004 2:27:58 PM
The young man tramps along, stopping when the little dude stops. Trellus waits for him to continue, but he just stands there.
Frowning, the cleric tramps past through the strange vegetation [Fort 19]. He's sure mini-Mac is up to something whitefaced, but he's got no idea what.
It does give him an opportunity to place himself between Tishe and the dude, anyway.
Tishe' d20+1=21 d20+1=10 Wednesday November 17th, 2004 3:45:40 PM
Brown hair bobs eagerly as Tishe' stays in conversation with Gilan, listening to the... the satyrs, that is it.
"Yes I have, and there is so much more here. It is kind of strange to not see grass as far as I can see, but still part of the Wold. Like a tapestry can be of many threads!" She looks pleased at her comparison.
And continues to look at the Wold around her. (Listen: nat 20; Spot: 10)
Flea d20+7=20 d20+9=13 Wednesday November 17th, 2004 6:31:37 PM
Since Gilan seems more interested in talking about nature stuff with Tishe' and the goat-guy, Flea sticks closer to Mac and Gry.
Nudging the barbarian in the back of his massive tatooed thigh, she whispers, "seen anything that would make a good dinner? I don't fancy any more or Jake's improvisations with trail rations."
Spot=20, Listen=13
Gilan Wednesday November 17th, 2004 8:48:31 PM
Gilan takes the time to gather a few of the wild roses and slips them into a specially designed pouch for herbs. He also gathers a nice supply of the fern needles for a tea. He has all plans to try them out when he can get around to it.
He glances around at the group and is glad that they stopped for at least a few as he gathered the few items. Nodding at Tishe' as she makes her comparison he smiles. "That is very much what I think...still from my studies I would say that nature gets even more diverse than this." He continues on after the others, now nearer to the back of the group after his stop.
[Tiev aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
[Zilia aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
Temp ADM Carla d6=4 Wednesday November 17th, 2004 11:57:46 PM
The order of the group changes a bit. Qerlie leads with Mac, Gry, and Flea close behind. The articulate Cosmo is next, followed by Gilan, Tishe', and Trellus. Jake and Anuk bring up in the rear, with the trickster Lari last.
The last three Bloodpack members avoid contact with the green vine, but a curious Anuk gathers some of the leaves and berries! (Anuk, Fortitude vs 15 or Highlight to display spoiler: { take 4 dmg as hands and wrists start to break out in small painful blisters!})
The satyr guides lead the group along the path which seems to parallel the river valley, going South. Gradually it dawns upon all that they are in a darker more ancient part of the forest. There is a great deal of space between the enormous trees, but fallen logs standing 3-5 ft. and huge twisting roots make passage more difficult. The nimble satyrs have no trouble negotiating the twisting path. It is more difficult for the Bloodpack, used to roaming through the Sargrass Plains.
"The farm is a full day's journey from the caves," volunteers Cosmo in response to Mac's question.
Tishe' notices it is very quiet in this part of the woods. She, too, hears a whoo whoo repeated at regular intervals, along with the far off twittering of a song bird. There is something else. Is it a sigh the spell-weaver hears carried on the wind?
Mac d20+5=23 d20+1=13 Thursday November 18th, 2004 1:26:44 AM
"Glad we made an early start then!" [Spot:23, Listen:13]
Mac helps those who want it at the obstacles.
"So, is it just the three of you, or do you have family as well?" he asks Qerlie.
Anuk d20+6=20 d20+10=28 d20+10=23 Thursday November 18th, 2004 2:17:08 AM
Anuk follows the pack and the satyrs deeper into the forest. He finds the dense, overhead cover it provides a bit unsettling. As they walk, he mentions to Lari, "Where we come from, you can always look up and see the sky when you're outside. Here I feel like I'm inside and outside at the same time."
As the day proceeds, he feels his stomach begin to rumble, so he keeps an eye out for any game that looks like it might make a good dinner for the pack.
(fort 20...*whew*...spot 28, listen 23))
Jake Thursday November 18th, 2004 7:04:07 AM
"yeah! how many of ya guys are there in this forest? And after ya take us to this farm of yers, where'n is that big dragon or whatever it is ya told me has got huge treasure and stuff?" Jake asks from his position in the rear.
Tishe' d20+1=11 d20+1=19 Thursday November 18th, 2004 3:46:55 PM
Listening [11] and Looking [19] around the primeval forest, the brown hair cocks at the, what was it, the sigh. Curiosity lights in her eyes, and she moves next to Cosmo.
"I thought I heard something; a sighing on the wind." Her brows knit together. "Is there any large creatures in these woods we should be aware of?"
After that conversation, she leans a little towards the druid. "Gilan, how do we know they are taking us where we want to go instead of where they want us to go. I liked the look of the sparse trees better."
Gilan d20+7=15 d20+7=16 d20+5=12 d20+12=22 Thursday November 18th, 2004 6:27:33 PM
Gilan looks to Tishe' and shrugs his shoulder at her question. "There is little way to know if they are leading us on a wild rapke chase or leading us to a farm." He looks around at the others and cannot help but feel a little more at a loss. "Not knowing the area...we cannot send a scout ahead to check out thier story." He pulls up closer to Cosmo and keeps his eyes on the forest around him.
"Cosmo...you say it will take at least a day to get to the farm?" He thinks back for a few minutes as to the direction of the river...have they been following along it, even at a distance?? He does look to the last group of plants that Anuk had stopped to pick and gasps. What game was that satyr playing at as he had to of known what that plant was.
Grymash d20+2=15 d20+5=25 d20+8=19 Thursday November 18th, 2004 9:28:01 PM
The barbarian asks the front minitaur, "Whut be some gute eatin' beasts in dis treeland. Weez had some last nite but it all gone now."
He looks around to see any tasty-looking beasts wandering about. (spot 15, listen 25/nat 20, survival 19) If Grymash sees anything, he will quietly point it out and ask if it's edible.
Flea Thursday November 18th, 2004 10:31:35 PM
"Hey Gry," the gnome continues, "how much of the glass grass juice have you got left?"
Temp ADM Carla Thursday November 18th, 2004 11:16:49 PM
Gilan identifies Anuk's specimens as coming from rhus radicans, a rambling plant that secrets an irritant oil from its leaves. Luckily the ranger appears to have handled the leaves with his gloved hand, and thus avoided any direct contact with the poison.
The party starts to doubt the good intentions of their guides as they are led ever deeper into the darker more ancient part of the forest. To their enquiries, Cosmo responds cryptically, "We will get where we need to be when we need to be there."
At the back of the line, Lari sings out,
Tell all the Truth but tell it slant- Success in Circuit lies Too bright for our infirm Delight The Truth's superb surprise
The satyr smiles widely as if at some great joke.
As the party rounds a tight bend in the trail, the path widens into an unusually flat and even area. A few shafts of light pierce the far reaching canopy of an enormous oak tree under which the ground is almost bare. The tree is branch free for almost two-thirds of its height and then divided into a few large branches that support a wide spreading uneven shaped crown with a rounded outline. The tree is almost 100 ft, in height and the trunk 4 ft in diameter.
On the lookout for food, the barbarian almost immediately spots a large game bird. Its dark plumage covers a plump body. As it cocks its head at the party, and makes a peculiar chuckling sound the red wattle at its neck jiggles.
Anuk hears something other than the bird, and looks up in time to see Mac zero in on something. Tishe' follows Anuk's gaze. Anuk, Tishe' and Mac Highlight to display spoiler: { see a medium sized creature of exquisite beauty peering out from behind the trunk of the massive tree. Her dark golden hair tumbles past lightly tanned shoulders. Violet eyes stare out from a symmetrical face with high cheekbones. Her arms are bare, and her curvaceous body is draped in a filmy shift of amber colored cloth.}
Mac Friday November 19th, 2004 1:44:33 AM
Mac stops mid-stride, creating an unexpected obstacle for those behind him. He attempts to assess the scene - who is hunting who - but the briefest moment yields nothing. With no hint its a bad idea, and guessing Gry will have a bead on the bird before his second word is uttered, he asks the being, Can we be of some assistance?
Trellus Friday November 19th, 2004 8:20:45 AM
The cleric plods along behind Tishe, lost in thought. The closeness of the woods around him is oppressive, and he finds himself looking up a lot, searching for the friendly blue of the sky.
In this state, the young man misses a lot of the conversations. A day? Light.
Sighing heavily, he keeps up with Tishe, but he'd really like to get out in the open.
Anuk Friday November 19th, 2004 12:21:31 PM
Anuk stops in his tracks, staring up. He is entranced by what he sees, being quietly reminded of Dancer back home in Rattledam. Motioning to Jake, he points in the direction of the...distraction--Jake'll like this. Then he grins, sighs, and waits to hear the reply to Mac's question.
Tishe' d20+1=10 d20+1=19 Friday November 19th, 2004 2:24:46 PM
Once in the clearing, the curious mage looks around attentively until Anuk stops with this strange look on his face. Following his gaze, the small woman also stops short, creating an obstacle for the wool-gathering Trellus.
"Gilan," she says almost conversationally, "I think the satyrs have taken us to where they wanted us to go." She makes no threatening move, but thinks of her spells just in case.
"And she's even prettier than my sisters, too." comes a petulant comment.
Search: 10 Listen: 19
Gilan d20+12=18 Friday November 19th, 2004 9:46:26 PM
Gilan looks to see what it is that Tishe' is telling him about and shakes his head. This could be very bad he suddenly realizes. "I do believe I know what that creature is..." It is on the tip of his tongue but he looks to Cosmo first to see what his reaction is.
Turning to the satyr he cannot help but question him about this little side trip. "This is a strange farm or is this just a coincidence??" He seems to think that they had just been taken in by the satyrs and he berates himself for his ignorance.
[knowledge(nature): 18 to realize what it is that he is seeing]
[Tiev aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
[Zilia aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
Jake Saturday November 20th, 2004 4:07:30 AM
Feeling pretty good at this brisk walk through the strange area, Jake is admiring the really big tree-thingie when 'nuk nudges him. He looks in the direction of Anuk's motion and does a double take. (I went and highlighted the text to see what I'd see just so ya know.) "Sweet shade and cool grass! Ah feel like a piggie in a frying pan," he can't help but utter out loud, hopefully not too loud to carry to the woman herself. He doffs his hat, running a hand through his sandy blonde hair, looking over to his packmate. "Ah tell ya, 'nuk, it's like ah've died and gone to heaven. Only Gargul sent me back ta have more fun."
Flea d20+7=23 Sunday November 21st, 2004 11:40:53 PM
Flea stares 'round Grymash and spots the bird. (Spot=23) "Looks like it will feed the whole pack, Gry!" she whispers excitedly to the barbarian.
Temp ADM Carla Monday November 22nd, 2004 12:18:07 AM
Mac volunteers the party's services to the unknown maid, as Gilan racks his brain to remember some of the more foreign lore he has learned about nature spirits. The female's uncommon beauty and her proximity to the remarkable oak makes him think she is a tree sprite known as a Dryad.
Anuk and Jake admire the comely female, while Tishe' sizes up the competition. Trellus nearly bumps into the stalled mage, while Flea and Gry appear more interested in the potential of dinner.
Cosmo protests his innocence to the party druid, "we're going south to the farm, just like you asked!" "Yah!" chimes in Qerlie, "via the scenic route!" Cosmo slaps Qerlie on the back, "good one, you old fur ball!" and the two satyrs start to laugh. Lari creeps up beside Tishe' and looks up into the plain woman's face. Tishe' doesn't have to search hard to see the adoration in his eyes.
Staring for a moment at the enormous taur, the attractive woodland creature leaves his question unanswered and runs up to Cosmo. Grabbing the satyr's hands with both of hers, she skips around him, causing him to spin in a circle. "You have brought visitors!" she chimes in an airy breathless voice. Stopping in front of the pack, she lets her violet eyes light on each adventurer in turn, before her gaze turns nervously back to the large tree. Toying shyly with a strand of her hair, she says, "my name is Adhara."
Grymash d20+11=29 d20+6=13 d8+6=14 d8+6=7 Monday November 22nd, 2004 10:14:15 AM
Grymash looks to Flea and says, "Flea, dat one uggy bird. Dat must mean it taste real gute!"
He takes out his bow and quickly fires two arrows. (Hit AC: 29, 13. For 14 and 7 points of damage.)
"Hee hee, an stupid too," chuckles the barbarian.
Trellus Monday November 22nd, 2004 2:55:51 PM
Tromping through the woods, Trellus nearly crashes into Tishe'.
"Now, wha....." the young man trails off, open mouthed, as he gets a good look at the dryad.
"Uh, yeah," he responds intelligently to her greeting. Trellus can't take his eyes off of her. Rattledam don't got nuthin' like this.
Mac Monday November 22nd, 2004 4:34:37 PM
Mac meets Adhara's gaze. ...brought visitors. You mustn't get out much. he thinks to himself.
As she looks to other members of the pack, his attention turns first to the bird, and then to the tree...
Tishe' Monday November 22nd, 2004 5:22:19 PM
The lady in the tree is whisked away from Tishe's mind as she is brought face to face (literally!) with Lari's infatuation.
Uncomfortable, she tries to take a step backwards, only to bump into Trellus. Now that she's confronted by Lari, she understands what he's thinking. I mean, the boys in Hook City were always looking at her sisters that way. But no one ever looked at Tishe' like that, not with her sisters in the same city. And since then, she's really been too busy to worry about being a girl. And from the confident, curious, powerful mage comes a very uncharacteristic blush and a shuffling of the feet.
"Uh... shouldn't you say hi to your tree-friend?" she asks hesitantly.
Anuk Monday November 22nd, 2004 6:06:53 PM
Anuk sidles up alongside Mac. Addressing Mac, but looking at Adhara, he says, "So...you gonna introduce us?"
Gilan Monday November 22nd, 2004 10:59:18 PM
Gilan looks over the dryad with an appraising eye and then shakes his head. He guesses it could not hurt to at least get a little more information about dryad life as well. "Well...for a druid you have made this an interesting trip so far Cosmo." He cannot help but get a little closer to hear anything else that is spoken by the dryad, but he is not interested in her the way most men are.
He looks to Cosmo again and smiles as he tries to get his voice slightly low. "Any other wilderness wonders and friends that we will possibly meet along this route??" Standing next to Trellus he nudges him with his elbow. "She is a dryad by the way...one of the tree folk." He then motions his attention to Tishe' and the uncomfortable look on her face and movements. "We may have to help out Tishe'...I do not believe she is use to that kind of attention and maybe not ready."
[Tiev aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
[Zilia aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
Flea Monday November 22nd, 2004 11:18:34 PM
"I think you got him!" cries Flea in excitement as Gry looses his arrows at the bird. Visions of crisp golden brown skin, juices dripping into the camp fire, as the bird is twirled over a camp fire on a spit, fill the hungry gnomes head.
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