Temp ADM Carla Monday November 22nd, 2004 11:57:53 PM
Mac and Flea watch as on one side of the clearing Grymash looses two arrows at the very large, very strange, feathered beast. One arrow strikes true while the other sails over the now half charging, half flying bird as it launches itself at the half orc emitting a terrible blood chilling gobble. (Hit AC 21, for 1 pt dmg.)
Meanwhile, Tishe' backs away from her unlikely suitor as the satyr maneuvers her away from the rest of her pack mates. "Oh her," he says nonchalantly, "she's just a friend. She doesn't mean anything to me."
Gilan makes an assessment and fills in the guys, as Trellus, Anuk, and Jake look on in slack jawed amazement. The smile on the dryad's face disappears when the druid shakes his head, and discusses her as if she wasn't even there. "Ad-d-d-hara Q-q-q-uercus" she stutters in response to Anuk's request for introductions.
Slowly the sprite backs away from the adventurers
Mac Tuesday November 23rd, 2004 1:28:17 AM Light dawns in the primeval forest That is to say, Mac's brain starts putting two-and-two together. I'm not sure he's coming up with a four, but his answer will at worst be a number:
1) Whether or not there actually is a farm (not that I would doubt the word of the Giant), the pack isn't going to be getting to it anytime soon, and certainly not in time for dinner. 2) The bird is fighting back. Gry will appreciate that. I expect Gry and Flea will have the bird in check shortly, but I'll keep half an eye out... 3) Introductions. Yes! Fine idea!
He nods back to Gilan and takes a deep breath before begining introductions. "Adhara? May I introduce Trellus, Gilan, Jake, Anuk, Tishe'... Tishe'? Lari, Let her through! No, really!" having already let the decorum slip he returns to the introductions, "This is Flea, and the one your cassowary has taken a shine to is Grymash. BloodPack, may I introduce Adhara Quercus." He thinks it isn't quite the way he would have introduced visitors to the captain back in Heranmar, but it will have to suffice. Something got missed! Someone else will mention that we are from a distant land or somesuch. Mac steps back for the introductions to 'take', quite unaware that in the confusion over Tishe' he neglected to introduce himself.
[OOC: Sorry for the lengthy post.]
Jake d20+1=20 Tuesday November 23rd, 2004 8:20:15 AM
Jake steps forward. "At your serice, ma'am. Anythin' ya need doin', whether it's er... ta sweep up your leaves or gather up some flowers, or teach ya how to swim... Ah wouldn' mind doin'. As it is, ..." Jake reaches forward, and amazingly, with all the grace of his half-elven blood, he produces from nowhere (pickpocket check dc 20 woo!) a beautiful flower that hopefully he wil impress the girl with.
Grymash (ac20, hp80) d20+12=23 d20+6=19 d20+7=27 d20+7=14 d3+6=7 d3+6=7 Tuesday November 23rd, 2004 1:27:07 PM
Grymash is completely surprised that this bird has the 'giblets' to actually attack 'him'! A big toothy grimacing smile forms across his face and he taunts the bird.
"COME ON, BIRDIE! YOOZ WANTS SUM GRY ... THEN BRING IT!! AUUGGHH!!" Grymash drops his bow and makes a grab for the crazed bird. (Grapple attack. Hit TouchAC: 23, Strength check 19.) When he has the bird pinned underneath him, the barbarian strikes the gobbler with a mighty, five-knuckled slobber-knocker! (Hit AC: 27 threat, 14 crit. 7 points of damage. Or if Critical, 14 points of damage. Gry is wearing studded gauntlets, so the damage is lethal.)
Tishe' Tuesday November 23rd, 2004 4:22:26 PM
Completely flabergasted about the continued suave yet bold approach of the satyr, Tishe' grabs any thread that comes her way. And in this case, it is in the shape of a very large minotaur.
"MAC!" she nearly shouts with relief. "Yes, Adhara, this is Mac, the minotaur. He's my friend and I'm very close to him." This last is said towards Lari as the small woman moves to put an arm around the minotaur's waist.
Anuk d20=20 Tuesday November 23rd, 2004 4:50:17 PM
Jostling his way in front of Jake, Anuk takes the dryad's hand and is as surprised as anyone to hear himself say, "Adhara, we have followed your friends into this forest haven hoping only to find food and shelter. But we never dared to hope that we would find rest in your incomparable gaze. Adhara, I am Anuk, and I am at your service." He bows low, to hide the expression on his face while he wonders where in the world that came from.
(charisma check = nat 20)
Trellus Tuesday November 23rd, 2004 8:22:24 PM
"Many shadows," Trellus responds automatically at the introductions.
This pattern has got way too many threads in it.
Grymash is hugging a...something...to death. These three minitaurs are making no sense at all. And Adhara, I mean, Dude! Look at her!
The young man is reduced to rubbing his hand on the back of his head, tightly closing his eyes, and waiting for all the spinning to stop.
Flea Tuesday November 23rd, 2004 11:31:19 PM
The gnome jumps up and down in excitement as Gry tackles the bird. "Knock him out! Wring his neck!" she shouts, "Don't let him get away!"
Temp ADM Carla Anuk=1, Gillan=2, Jake=3, Trellus=4 Who's the lucky guy? d4=3 Wednesday November 24th, 2004 12:00:41 AM
Adhara stops her retreat as Mac makes the introductions, and Jake and Anuk compete to make the best impression.
"Look at her!" says Lari to Qerlie. "So shy and girlish, I think she is trying to play hard to get, eh? That is what human women do?" The satyr circles around to the other side of Tishe' and starts to sing in a quavering falsetto.
Where do I begin to tell the story of how great a love can be, The sweet story that is older than the sea, The simple truth about the love she brings to me
There is a brief struggle and a final muffled gobble under the great bulk of the barbarian, and the wild turkey's life is extinguished. Meanwhile the satyr with the goatee continues to woo Tishe'.
With her first hello, she gave meaning to this empy Wold of mine, There'd never be another love another time. She came into my life and made the living fine.
Adhara looks over her shoulder at the great oak, and whispers, "we are so very secluded here. We seldom have visitors. Will you stay for a while? Make camp until tomorrow?"
She fills my heart, she fills my heart with very special things, With sirens songs, with wild imaginings.
Adhara looks deep into Jake's eyes, and asks "will you stay for a while and keep me company?"
How long does it last, can love be measured by the hours in a day? I have no answers now, but this much I can say, I know I'll need her till the stars all burn away. Will she be there?
Gilan Wednesday November 24th, 2004 12:58:12 AM
Gilan can not help it but shake his head at the sudden amorousness of all those around him. Maybe it is the fact that he feels a deep connection to Kaili or maybe it is just the fact that he knows what she could do to his friends if she really turned on the charm. Still he bows deeply as he is introduce. "I am so sorry Adhara...I did not mean to offend you with my earlier comment." He looks to the satyr that is woeing Tishe' and barely conceals a snicker as he shakes his head again.
Looking to Cosmo and then to Adhara again he speaks for a more level head. "If it would not inconvenience you and it would be safer...a night here would not be a bad idea." He gives the dryad a smile as he drops his pack lightly to the ground and stretches. "I have never seen a tree of this splendor before or age." Indicating the tree he asks sheepishly. "May I?" It appears that he wishes to feel the firmness of its flesh under his fingers and the texture of the bark...a new sensation for him.
[Tiev aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
[Zilia aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
Jake Wednesday November 24th, 2004 2:26:30 AM
Jake is shocked at Anuk's attempt (and rather impressively done, he must silently admit) to charm the young girl out of what little clothing she has. Admittedly, it can't compare to Jake's natural charms, the half-elf proudly thinks, as the dryad throws that last comment his way. He puts a hand on Anuk's shoulder and steps forward, gently but firmly guiding Anuk out of the way. Smiling warmly, with all the crooked charm of an eighteen year old who knows he's handsome and used to getting what he wants from the girls, he speaks to the fae in a deep but warm manner, almost a purring slyness behind each word. "Well, ah've never been one to deny a lady a request. Ah'm sure we can camp here, right Trell?" Before the leader can respond, he continues right on, "Sure, so anyways, miss Adhara, why don't you show me this lovely tree of yours?" He steps forward, offering a hand to the lovely vision, and raises his eyebrows in the manner that best displays his dark, exotically shaped eyes in a puppy-dog manner. "Please show me your world..."
Tishe' Wednesday November 24th, 2004 11:00:02 AM
The poor confused Tishe'doesn't know what to think of Lari's amorous song. Her curiosity is no help, he hasn't attacked so magiking him is out, she has no basis for reacting to this at all!
A low moan escapes her lips and she does something she's never done before... she faints.
Grymash d20+2=22 Wednesday November 24th, 2004 3:38:05 PM
Grymash feels the bird go still in his grasp. He turns to Flea and spits out a mouth full of feathers then grins with a grim satisfaction. "Weez be eatin' gute tonite. Dis biggest birdie Gry ever see. Full of fightin' spirit too. Ahhhh, dis be gute."
Grymash stands up holding his prize. His eyes go wide with an idea. (Wisdom 22, nat. 20)"Ya know Flea, weez come to dis far away land and weez all doin' gute. Maybe weez should invite thems minitaurs ta feast wit us. Weez can give thanks ta Gargul for our lifes and not lettin' death take us yet. Shows our thanks for all da gifts Gargul give pack!"
Mac d20+1=13 Wednesday November 24th, 2004 3:55:20 PM
Mac crosses to the swooned Tishe', still trying to work out if Lari is serious, or if this is just another game [Sense Motive: 13]. As he unravels his red sash and moistens an end with his waterskin to cool her brow, he says "Lari, 'twould be well time to see what your brothers are up to."
Flea d20+11=15 d20-1=16 Wednesday November 24th, 2004 5:51:09 PM
"Yes! Lets have a party!" agrees Flea. "Gry, you pull out the feathers, and I'll collect some wood for a fire.
The gnome searches around the clearing for dead branches for kindling. (Search=15) Ordinarily not very wise, Flea picks up some vibes that all is not well around Tishe', Mac, and the satyrs (Sense Motive=15). Grabbing Lari by the arm, she pulls him along with her, saying, "lets search for mushrooms or something."
Anuk Wednesday November 24th, 2004 8:11:21 PM
When Adhara makes her choice and starts making eyes at Jake, Anuk breathes a little sigh of relief. He hasn't had much experience with women in his short life and just wasn't sure what to do next. He watches the pair of them together--a nice couple. He grins at them and gives Jake a knowing wink.
Heh, heh...he probably doesn't know what to do next either, he thinks to himself, then he turns to help Flea gather wood for the fire that night.
Temp ADM Carla Wednesday November 24th, 2004 8:53:13 PM
Unaccustomed to such romantic ardor, and flustered by the satyr's unrelenting pursuit, Tishe faints dead away. Lucky for her, Mac picks up on the mage's distress, and although he is unsuccessful at dissuading the stalker, he is on hand to catch the unconscious Tishe'. His suggestion that Lari 'please get lost', doesn't go over well. The Minotaur recognizes the green eyed monster jealousy in the creature's hurt expression as he is led away by Flea.
Holding onto Jake, the dryad shows Gillan her tree. "You can hug it if you want," she says in a breathless whisper. As if to press the point, she drops the fighter's hand and reaching her arms around the trunk presses her cheek and lithe body against the silent oak. With a giggle, she moves back to Jake, threading her arm around the half-elf's waist and snuggles next to him, watching to see what the druid will do.
Anuk prepares a fire, while Gry prepares the bird. Cosmo starts pulling items from his satchel: 5 bottles of wine, "from the farm" he says, shrugging his shoulders as he adds a dozen large plant tubers. Qerlie hands over a cloth sack full of golden and red coloured apples, and Lari, returned from his exile in the forest, dumps a small pile of morels near the fire, all the while casting dirty looks at Mac.
(OOC: I realise some U.S. folks might post sporadically over the Thankgiving holiday, and Jerry has decreed a posting amnesty. No one should get killed (I think!) during this module, but I need to press on in order to wrap up for Dec. 1 when DM George returns.)
Gilan d20+14=19 d20+12=20 Wednesday November 24th, 2004 11:28:23 PM
Gilan smiles weakly at the dryad and then steps up to the tree. He lays his hand gently on it as if touching a long lost friend or lover. He finds the bark deceptively smooth to his touch, though rough at the same time. Much like his true loves skin he thinks to himself. "Would never have thought...I would be touching a dryad's tree." He turns with tear filled eyes to Adhara and gives her a nod in thanks. Then maybe much to everyone's surprise he does just what she said he could do and hugs the tree. He holds this maybe weird pose for some five minutes before he separates himself from the tree and steps back. Tears still streaming down his face he tries to compose himself. "This is most definitely a day for thanks."
With a backwards glance to the tree and the dryad he moves on to make himself more useful to the pack. He will also look around the area to see if he can find any wood that would be suitable for carving (survival 19, knowledge nature 20).
George, have I gotten an updated character sheet to you yet? If not then I will send one out ASAP. Sorry.
[Tiev aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
[Zilia aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
Last character sheet I have for Gilan was updated in June. Go ahead and send me another one if you have a more recent version.
Jake Thursday November 25th, 2004 5:25:18 AM
Jake smiles as the girl shows off her tree, much like any musician would display their favorite song, or an artist her sculpture. He leans forward and puts a hand on the solid side and gently but firmly presses along it, feeling the supple give of the bark. "Ya know, this is beautiful. We don't have anything like this back in the Plains. This is probably the first 'tree' ah've ever really looked at. It's a loss, not ta have these beautiful things 'round." He turns his attention to the fine fae, now, and smiles at her warmly. "So, you're the girl of the tree? You're another thing it'd be nice ta have around, Adhara..." the name floats off his lips evenly, something he likes. Tishe, he thinks to himself... how could ah like something like Tishe? It sounds like I'm scolding someone, just saying her name. (no offense ooc!) "Ah'll have to give both of ya a hug to see which is nicer," he says softly to her.
Mac Thursday November 25th, 2004 1:59:53 PM
Mac continues to make Tishe' as comfortable as possible. When Lari returns from the forraging he beckons him over. "There's no point being like that. When she awakens she may yet answer your question. Your song was beautiful, and while I would like to learn to sing so well, I would not wish your voice taken from your throat. I look out for my friends - I was watching Gry and the bird, I've still half an eye on Jake and Adhara. Tishe' will stir soon enough, and what she does then is her choice, but I will not be turning her against you or speaking against you to her. Does this satisfy you?"
Flea d20+3=18 d20+23=29 Friday November 26th, 2004 12:04:14 AM
Hoping to avoid Jake's spicy take on trail vittles, Flea fishes around in Gry's equipment and rigs up a spit for roasting the big bird snagged by the barbarian. When it is about an hour away from being done, she buries the tubers provided by the satyr in the smoldering ashes of the fire. When no one is looking she teases open a cork on one of the wine bottles and takes a swig, hiding the bottle near her pack, under her cloak.
Craft (meal?)=18 Hide=29
Anuk Saturday November 27th, 2004 11:42:58 PM
Anuk helps get the fire roaring and then steps back for a moment to look at his friends and new surroundings. Was it really just yesterday he was alone out in the grasses just trying to find enough to eat? Now look...a good meal...good friends...life turns are strange. Life is good.
He fishes through his backpack for a moment and brings up an old wineskin with just a little something left in it. Giving a smile to Flea he raises the wineskin in the air with his gloved hand and says, "To the Blood Pack!" and takes a swig.
Tishe' Sunday November 28th, 2004 5:14:48 PM
The small woman wakes in a comfortable nook of underbrush. After a moment of confusion, she understands what had happened and wonders whether it was Mac or Lari who put her here. She is unaccostomely quiet during dinner, watching Lari and Mac and listening to what is happening more than venturing opinions of her own.
Graham OOC Monday November 29th, 2004 1:26:32 AM
Is the holiday over yet? : )
Jake d20+2=18 d20+2=4 Monday November 29th, 2004 3:37:31 AM
Jake enjoys the meal with gusto, tho somewhat sad that they can't attempt a much more tongue-challenging cuisine for the centaurs. Afterwards, he waits for the appropriate time. When everyone's busy building up camp sites or going about the various duties just before bedtime. He waits till everyone's busy, then quietly asks the dryad/girl if she wants to go for a walk... Stealthily, he sneaks off with her in his cloak and regular clothes, taking only his sword with him into the dark. (Hide roll of 18. But only a move silently of 4...still, I tried to choose a moment where people aren't paying attention to their surroundings.)
Trellus Monday November 29th, 2004 4:27:26 PM
Light, its getting friendly around here.
With a grin, Trellus shakes his head in rueful acceptance of Jake's antics. Its not like its the first time the elf has snuck off with a pretty girl.
The bird Gry got is actually quite tasty, and the cleric marvels at the feast that suddenly appears.
"To the Bloodpack," he answers Anuk's toast.
Trellus puts the cares of the day away, and gets busy enjoying the food and his friends.
Grymash d20+9=16 Monday November 29th, 2004 5:27:27 PM
After the meal, the barbarian begins to scratch is bare and bulging stomach. He loosens his belt to get more comfortable. "Dat bird be soo gute, Gry think we should stay in dis land if weez eat dis gute all da time!" He gently slaps his belly repeatedly like a drum. "Yawn!! Gry not know why me gets soo tired all of sudden. Gry know whut fix dat!" Grymash reaches into his haversack and takes out the green keg of Red Wyrm Inn brand, Green Gnomish. He fills his cup and throws back in a single gulp! "Auughhh!" (Fort save 16)
Gilan d20+14=26 d20+14=26 Monday November 29th, 2004 8:56:12 PM
Gilan eats some of the bird that Gry caught and some of the other things that were prepared. He slips into a comfortable spot on the ground, leaning against a tree.
After some time he slips off to have a look around and find any other interesting stuff around the area...needles, leaves, plants and the like (knowledge nature 26 and survival 26).
[Tiev aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
[Zilia aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
Temp ADM Carla Monday November 29th, 2004 11:41:14 PM
A co-operative approach pulls off a very fine forest feast with Gry's golden roast bird as the centerpiece. The satyrs open the bottles of wine, and contribute some additional victuals. With sated stomachs, the party sit about a roaring fire built by Anuk. Gry gives thanks to his god, Gilan gives thanks to the bounty and beauty of the Wold, and Trellus just sits back and relaxes, carefree for at least a little while.
While Tishe' regains her composure, Mac makes peace with Lari. The satyr looks puzzled for a moment, then looks hopefully at the big taur, "she's not your woman, then?" A grin spreads across his face, and he looks past Mac at the object of his affection.
Meanwhile Jake attempts to sneak off with the dryad, but Adhara, having indulged in a little too much wine stumbles, and starts to giggle.
Mac Tuesday November 30th, 2004 1:13:17 AM
Mac tries very hard to not toy with Lari's mind. "No Lari, Tishe' is more like a sister to me. To me they are all brothers and sisters - the Pack is family."
Anuk Tuesday November 30th, 2004 1:23:07 AM
Belly full and warmed by the fire, Anuk wraps a blanket around himself and gets a little shuteye. Throughout the night, he snores and snorts bit, but is otherwise quiet.
Jake Tuesday November 30th, 2004 6:59:42 AM
Jake gives up on trying to sneak away with the dryad...instead, he just giggles along with her and plies both of themselves with wine. Night passes by quickly, and who knows what would happen with that mood for the two of them? (Which is a nice way of saying fade to black ;) )
Trellus Tuesday November 30th, 2004 11:49:22 AM
The cleric lets the time pass. Should anyone suggest it, he's willing to resume the walk toward the dwarf farm, but he's just fine staying here too.
If they stay the night, he does rouse himself enough to designate watches: (Gry-Jake, Flea-Gilan, Trellus-Tishe, Anuk-Mac)
Tishe' d20+2=9 d20+11=20 Tuesday November 30th, 2004 3:45:49 PM
Sitting with Mac close by, Tishe' will eat sparingly for though the food is excellent, she has scant appetite.
She smiles tentitively at Lari, and tries to keep his conversation on neutral topics, but the brown haired woman is not very good at manipulating conversation (Diplomacy: 9)
As night descends, she grabs her chance. "Have you ever wondered about the patterns of the stars? They are absolutely facinating." She rummages in her pack to get her star wheel and fills the time til sleep with learning more about the local starscape (Astronomy: 20).
During watch of the night, she keeps close to Trellus and idly pets Wart, her horned toad familiar.
Flea Tuesday November 30th, 2004 6:53:20 PM
Flea partakes of the feast. In an attempt to keep Lari's mind off Tishe' she tells the story of the pack's battle to defend the cocoon that looked like a giant opal, and how a Drake hatched out of it. The gnome waves a large drumstick about as she gestures.
"That was before Mac and Tishe' joined up with us," she adds.
Flea will take the watch designated by Trellus, but spend most of it wrapped up in her cloak sitting next to the fire. She will tell Gilan of her happy childhood, and enquire about his. If he lets her, she will sit quite close to him as they keep the watch...just to keep warm...
Gilan d20+7=18 d20+7=12 Tuesday November 30th, 2004 8:37:02 PM
Gilan sits down that night for his watch with Flea. He listens to her as she talks of her childhood. It had not been something he had ever done before, but he talks for once of his childhood. He tells of his life in the city and growing up in a merchants home. How his father and mother had made themselves wealthy by selling high quality wares instead of gauging the customers.
With a sigh he tells of the boat ride over the grasses that left him abandoned with his parents dead in the plains. Though he tries to keep the talks at least a little upbeat, you can tell that it takes him effort. Still he is able to keep an ear open and his eyes peeled for problems (listen 18 and spot 12).
[Tiev aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
[Zilia aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
Grymash d20+2=4 d20+5=25 Tuesday November 30th, 2004 8:46:19 PM
Grymash soon falls fast asleep. He grumbles a bit when its his time to watch. He adds a few logs on the fire and sits back reading his book of Gargul. However, he feels a strange compulsion to take out the bones he had collect from previous meals. Heating the sharp edge of Stabby, his favorite bedtime dagger, in the fire, he begins to burn runes into the bones. He calmly and quietly mutters a repetitive chant as he worked. Grymash doesnt know why he does this, only that it seems like a good idea. He does however keep a keen eye and ear to his surroundings during his watch. Well, at least his ears were keen. (Spot 4, Listen 25, nat. 20)
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