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.
(Listen 23, Spot 18)
Mind Your Manners
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.
One Tough Bird
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)
A Little Night Music
Temp ADM Carla Lari's Perform d20+9=24, 1 means within range, 2 means out of range, Anuk d2=2, Flea d2=2, Gilan d2=2, Gry d2=1, Trellus d2=2 Wednesday December 1st, 2004 12:08:47 AM
The campfire sends sparks up into the velvet blue sky as the pack go through the motions of preparing for the night. Trellus assigns watches, but disregarding orders, Jake slips off with Adhara and the couple disappears into her tree! Intent on his carving, Gry doesn't notice the absence of the half-elf.
Tishe' moves away from the fire to better see the stars in the dark night. Hope restored by Mac's avowal that he and Tishe' 'are just friends' Lari takes out his pipes. Keeping a discreet distance between himself and the jittery mage, he plays a sweet, slightly melancholy tune hoping to predispose the woman to perceive his words and actions in a more favorable way. (Tishe, Mac and Gry - Will save vs DC 14 or be Charmed)
Gilan and Flea share childhood memories, some happy, some sad, while Anuk slumbers deeply.
The night passes uneventfully (for most). Jake slips out of the large oak tree during the last watch, just as the early morning sun restores color to the living things encamped around the great oak. The satyrs stretch and yawn rubbing their eyes along with the members of the Bloodpack. That is Querlie and Cosmo do. Lari looks a little haggard, for he has kept a protective vigil over Tishe' all night.
Poking at the embers of the fire with a stick, Cosmo enquires, "to the dwarves' farm then?"
Jake Wednesday December 1st, 2004 2:21:12 AM
Jake yawns and stretches, feeling like a million platinum. He goes over and cheerfully starts preparing a light breakfast of his spicy fried greens and some interesting juicy bugs he's been finding simply lying around this place. Who wouldn't eat this? he wonders, eyeing the juicy slugs being fried in the pan. Grilling in the juice, smelling great...he picks one particularly juicy one out and slurps it lightly. Much better than the weird food these forestdwellers eat. Especially with a pile of that spicy grass boiled in.
When breakfast is over, he cleans up the bowls and gathers up the stuff. "Dwarf city, here we come!"
Mac d20+2=4 Wednesday December 1st, 2004 4:48:11 AM
Lari... pipes... Lari is such a nice satyr! (Failed save by 10)
Come the morning, Mac practices his axemanship before joining in on any remnant breakfast.
"I'm still not sure why we didn't get there last night!" he replies to Cosmo with a scolding tone, but a broad smile on his face. "We'll move as soon as everyone is ready."
Trellus Wednesday December 1st, 2004 10:50:13 AM
The cleric wakes up and looks around in brief shock, until he remembers where he is.
"I'd never get used to all this," he mumbles.
Before doing anything else, Trellus makes his devotions to Domi.
"OK, Little Dude," he tells Cosmo. "To the dwarves."
3rd Level: Protection -- Protection from Energy (fire)*
4th Level: Protection -- Spell Immunity*
Tishe' d20+5=20 Wednesday December 1st, 2004 2:06:45 PM
Tishe' relaxes a little as Lari seems to not press his amorous advances. Instead, he plays his pipes, a nice soothing melody. (Will: 20), to be sure. Perhaps he will be content with his music as Tishe' herself is content with her weaving.
Waking in the morning, she meditates with her spellbooks and breaks her fast with the others. Oblivious of Lari's disheveled appearance, she nonetheless moves over to him with her hands behind her back.
"Thank you for weaving the music last night, and for being the night soil instead of a white hands last night." She looks away and then back at the small satyr. "For your hospitality and your pack, I'd like to give you something in return." And she hands Lari a small prayer pillow that she had in her hand. "You probably don't pick things like this too often. And with it you may remember there are others who are like you children of Mother Wold."
Abruptly, she turns on her heel and readies herself to travel to the dwarf farm.
Grymash d20+6=19 Wednesday December 1st, 2004 4:30:08 PM
The melody sounded sweet and first but quickly took a sour turn as it soon translated into noise due to his green gnomish-induced hangover. (Will save 19)
"Can ya put dat pipe away. There be people tryin' ta wax da brain pan here! Oh piggies dumps! Gry noggin gotta bug!"
Gilan Wednesday December 1st, 2004 10:20:29 PM
Gilan wakes early the next morning to go about his morning prayers. He takes his morning this fine day leaning against the dryad's tree. It gives him a calm and settling feling as he feels the solidity against his back.
His breakfast is eaten quick and finish within a short amount of time. "Yes this farm should be of some interest." He is soon ready to move out with the rest.
[Tiev aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
[Zilia aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
Flea Wednesday December 1st, 2004 11:53:38 PM
Flea will double check her pack and gear to make sure nothing is missing. She will look around to see if there are any leftovers from the night before, since Jake's fiery cuisine doesn't always agree with her.
When the satyr suggests the party move on, she silently shoulders her pack, and finds a place near the front of the line.
Temp ADM Carla Thursday December 2nd, 2004 12:13:58 AM
A cheery Jake volunteers to make breakfast, while a hung-over Grymash shows little tolerance for Lari's tune. Mac is a little more appreciative. Gilan draws some strength from the enormous oak, while the rest of the pack breaks camp.
The satyr with the goatee accepts Tishe's gift. Watching the mage walk away, Lari gently lifts the small pillow and presses it against his cheek. This time he leaves the spell-weaver alone.
The consensus is to make for the farm situated further down the valley. As the pack load up and strike out, they barely make it out of the range of the enormous canopy when a pitiful wail splits the air. Adhara materializes in front of her tree. There are tears streaming down her pretty face, and her golden hair is all disheveled. One strap of her flimsy gown slides down her arm as she reaches out towards the half-elf and cries out, "Dearest Jake,do not forsake me!"
Jake Thursday December 2nd, 2004 2:15:51 AM
Awww....Jake can't help but feel a burst of affection for the girl as she appears, whereas others might be embarassed by the public behavior. He steps forward and embraces her gently, running a hand through her silky hair smoothing it and soothingly shushing her. "Hey...hey...how could ah leave mah newest favorite thing in the world forever. Ya...you taught me all 'bout trees and stuff, and we had just about the best night ever. It's not lahk ah can just forget that." He grins and tilts her chin up to look down at her. "Ah'll be back, and with more stories ta tell ya, and who knows? Maybe ah'll find ya something nice and pretty from the dwarves. In the meantime, ah don't have much, but here, keep this." And with that, Jake takes a little necklace he once made (when he was a kid in one of those artsy classes that all the kids in Rattledam had to take under that whatsisname priest) out of string and neat crystal grass pieces. He always did like that art class. (Thought the necklace looked like rapke teeth) Jake gives her a gentle hug and a kiss that's guaranteed to curl her toes and then separates slowly from her. "It fits ya better than me."
Trellus d20=5 Thursday December 2nd, 2004 9:38:59 AM
Trellus rolls his eyes, but says nothing.
The odds of Jake ever making it back to this tree are only slightly worse than his remembering this encounter at all.
Untrained Bluff check - 5
Anuk Thursday December 2nd, 2004 10:11:14 AM
After preparing for the day's march, Anuk is all set to go when he hears Adhara's cry. He watches her distraught face as Jake attends to her and thinks to himself, "That could've been me she wanted."
After another moment, he thinks, "*whew*".
(spells: prepares entangle)
Tishe' Thursday December 2nd, 2004 3:11:11 PM
Watching the scene with Adhara and Jake makes the small woman nearly want to puke. Her little sister pined after a smooth-talking man like that and all it got her was tears and an empty life. And that Jake... "OH!"
A fuming Tishe' storms off in the direction they were going so as to be out of the range of the mewling and sweet nothings.
Gilan d20+7=15 d20+7=18 Thursday December 2nd, 2004 3:42:03 PM
Gilan moves off a little ways with the rest of the group till they are brought up short by Adhara. He shakes his head and looks to Trellus with that knowing look. "Great...another one." He turns and wanders over to a shrub to have a look at it while Jake makes a fool of himself.
When they finally do start moving again he will stay as near to Comso as possible like before to see if the satyr gives out anymore tips on the land. He does keep his eyes and ears open though as they travel...trouble could be very close (listen 15and spot 18).
[Tiev aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
[Zilia aid other - (be able to hit AC 10) hit: ()]
Mac d20+5=24 d20+3=17 Thursday December 2nd, 2004 7:28:18 PM
The taur checks that Trellus and others have Jake's back, and then heads off after Tishe', trying to keep an eye on her without cramping her space too much. [Spot: 24, Move Silently (untrained): 17]
Flea Thursday December 2nd, 2004 11:36:32 PM
The gnome just shakes her head at Jake's antics. Nudging Grymash she whispers, nodding in the half-elf's direction, "guys like him have a dryad in every tree."
Temp ADM Carla Adhara's charisma roll vs. Jake d20+4=15 Friday December 3rd, 2004 12:00:51 AM
With varying degrees of admiration, amusement, and distain, the Bloodpack and the satyrs witness Jake's antics with Adhara.
Mac hovers protectively over Tishe' trying not to cramp her style, while some of the more vigilant take their bearings. It is another lovely day in the ancient forest. Birds sing in the distance, and bright shafts of light make their way to the forest floor through gaps in the canopy of leaves overhead.
The party makes it about 200 ft. down the narrow path, when there is a plaintive sound from behind,
If it takes forever I will wait for you. For a thousand summers I will wait for you. 'Til you're back beside me, 'til I'm holding you, 'til I hear you sigh here in my arms.
Anywhere you go, Every day remember how I love you so, In your heart believe what in my heart I know, That for evermore I'll wait for you.
Adhara will beckon to the half-elven fighter, encouraging him to return to her. (Jake Will Save DC 15 or be Charmed by Adhara. Charisma check DC 15 or be drawn back to the dryad.)
Jake d20+2=14 Friday December 3rd, 2004 2:09:04 AM
Jake looks back and...awww, he can't help it. "Hey, guys, go on ahead, I can catch up with you..." he says, then starts heading back to the tree, grinning.
Anuk d20+3=6 d20=10 Friday December 3rd, 2004 10:47:31 AM
Anuk trots back to where Jake is, wraps his own arm inside the crook of Jake's elbow and gently (er, weakly -- strength check 6)attempts to drag him back in the direction the pack is heading down the path.
"Jake, buddy...we need you with us. Who's gonna make uh...um...shady grubs and stuff for dinner tonight if you're not there?" (diplomacy 10)
Trellus d20+2=4 Friday December 3rd, 2004 2:21:08 PM Oh Light, Trellus mentally grumbles. "C'mon dude, we gotta go," he says to the fighter.
Like Anuk, he makes a grab for Jake. Like Anuk, he doesn't do a very good job. (Str check 4).
"Gry, could you grab Jake?" he calls. "We need to get weaving on this walk to the dwarves."
Gilan Friday December 3rd, 2004 3:14:32 PM
"Oh brother!!" He looks up from the bush to see what Jake is talking about and shakes his head. "Blasted dryads and their like for good looking men." He looks around at the rest of the group and shakes his head again.
He starts towards the dryad herself as the others try to restrain Jake. "Adhara...the use of your charm ability to keep him here is not right. If he truely loves you then he will come back to you." He doubts that his appeal will go very far with these fickle creatures, but at least he can try. Before he has to turn to more cruel methods. He glances towards the tree and shudders inside at the thought he just had...no he would not really do it but the threat might be enough.
Tishe' Friday December 3rd, 2004 4:08:43 PM
Stopping a little ways down the road, the small woman disgustedly looks back to where the others are through the trees and is surprised to see Mac nearby. Her anger drains out of her and she wearily sits on a hummock of grass. She pats the trunk of a tree nearby inviting the minotaur closer.
"I shouldn't have stormed off, then should I?" she asks him conversationally, her anger almost forgotten. "My mother always said I couldn't concentrate on even a good tantrum." She laughs weakly at herself. "Only thing I've been able to focus on has been magic and curiosity."
"Do minotaurs act similar to humans?"
Mac d20+2=20 Friday December 3rd, 2004 5:06:21 PM
Mac lopes over to the tree and sits down cross legged. "What a strange question." Mac muses for a moment on his understanding of 'act'. "Where I come from my extended family are the only minotaurs, so we meet people of most other races. Of them our behaviour might be closest to dwarves and humans, but I guess more different to each of them than they are different to each other." Mac looks, trying to guage from Tishe's face if he has come close to answering the question.
Flea d20+1=15 Saturday December 4th, 2004 4:33:30 PM
The gnome reaches out for Jake as he passes by and tries to hold him back from the dryad [Str=15]. "Leave her Jake, we must be on our way" she pleads with him.
Temp ADM Carla Sunday December 5th, 2004 10:11:43 PM
The Bloodpack's philanderer is charmed by Adhara's plea, however, as he makes his way back to the dryad's embrace, several of his pack mates reach out to stop him. Anuk, Trellus, and Flea all make a bid for the half-elf's sanity, and as a result, the spell is broken and Jake returns his attention to the task at hand.
Gilan entreats the provocative female to relinquish her hold on his friend, promising that if the fighter's love is true, there will be reconciliation in the future. The druid's appeal to the dryad's sense of morality strikes a cord, and the unhappy female remains silent, watching mournfully as the object of her affection is led beyond the 300 ft. radius of her range by his friends, towards where Mac and Tishe' wait.
The satyrs witness the turn of events, and then huddle in a quick conference. The normally quiet Qerlie steps in front of his brothers and announces, "Lari has decided to remain behind and offer consolation to our friend." The horned man with the legs of a goat, scuffs at the dirt with one hoof, "we feel partially to blame for the state of affairs, since we...ah...introduced you all." Cosmo steps forward, "if you stick to this trail, you should reach the farm before nightfall. With one such as him," the satyr points at Gilan, "I don't expect you to have many troubles. Just stay out of the rhus radicans and you should be okay."
Looking backwards along the trail party members will spot the comely dryad, flanked by three goat-men. Her hand gripping Jake's glass grass bauble at her neck.
(OOC: This is my last post as Temp ADM. Hope you enjoyed this bit of D&D lite. Role play was great all around. With the next post, George resumes his usual sneaky evil DM tactics. Take it away, DM George!)
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