Justin Webber (CO-DM) Camp and Ice Spikes Saturday February 12th, 2005 12:42:16 AM
The group talks about making camp and some try to figure out what the ice spikes are for. Nauth and Aiden take the time to take care of the wolf pups and Bohdi also takes time to care for his bird.
Frigg can tell the weather will be cold for the night atleast and that there will be possibly snow but the snow is unsure. Her aim with the snow ball isn't bad either as she launches it at Nauth.
Nauth and Bohdi can remember being told that the ice spikes are home to the ice ants of Ice Vein. The ice ants are a special breed of very large ants that hunt wolves and are known to also attack pack animals but of yet has never been known to attack a person. Most times pack animals are safe if they have people with them.
The ice spikes all have a rather large opening towards the top and off to the side as to make the snow harder to get inside.
Nauthiz'Ull d20+7=21 d20+3=14 d20+8=13 d20+8=26 Saturday February 12th, 2005 12:14:11 PM
"Just seeing how active these spikes are. From kowledge, the ants do not pose a threat to us, but you can never underestimate nature in all her fury." Upon walking up to the ice spikes, Nauth waves off the rest of the grouup and starts walking slowly and methodically. He pauses for a moment and kneels in the crusted snow. After a moment of sliding his handle smoothly across the ground he stands and resumes his stalking. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Survival-21 (Tracks and the like) Move Silently-14 (after ac penalty) Spot-13 Listen-26
Frigg'Isa (subDrew) d20+3=15 d20+4=9 Saturday February 12th, 2005 12:21:31 PM
The young, radiant girl of the group just knows that she knew something more of these creatures and their niche. Frigg'Isa stops at her brother's words and looks upon him with a smirk. There he goes. Frigg, your brother is good. Look at him move with such ease and purpose. Father Ull'Heimdall, you sure raised one of your likeness. Frigg'Isa then waits with contrained breath to find out what her twin has found. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Know:Ice Vein-13 Listen-9
Nauth'Ull (illegal 2nd) Saturday February 12th, 2005 12:23:12 PM
Sorry guys, forgot to add my +2 to spot and listen and survival for favored enemy:magical beasts Survival-23 Spot-15 Listen-28
Aiden d20=18 Sunday February 13th, 2005 4:09:10 PM
Aiden quietly listened to the others as they spoke about the ice ants. He tried to reflect upon his own possible knowledge of the creatures as well as what the others may know.
He shifted the pup slightly as it may have whimpered at hearing that the ice ants hunted wolves. "quiet...you shall not be given to them..." Aiden coaxed the pup.
(rolled an 18, figured it was a good time for the pup to whimper.)
Bohdi Nackle Sunday February 13th, 2005 4:15:46 PM
Bohdi wrinkled his nose. "No one's ever heard of those ants attacking people--but I'm not eager to be the first to bloody well find out." He shivered. "Maybe no one's ever heard of them attacking people because they eat anyone daft enough to stay near them. I say we move on, and find somewhere else to camp."
On the idle thought that it might help, Bohdi chanted the words of activation and a yellow detection rune appeared in front of his eyes (cast: Detect Magic). He sweeped the area with his enhanced vision, checking to see if the ice spikes or their surroundings displayed any signs of enchantment.
Skalti Sunday February 13th, 2005 6:02:25 PM
Skalti eyes the formations uneasily. "I for one prefer to camp a little further from these formations...for Yodel's sake of course."
Garrett Jax Monday February 14th, 2005 8:19:32 AM
"I think that we all pretty much agree we want to camp a safe distance from the ice mounds. since it's getting later in the day, it would probably be wisest to camp down below them and head up the mountain in search of the flower in the morning."
No Hiding Place [DM Post] Monday February 14th, 2005 12:22:30 PM
Nauth inspect the grounds around the Ice Spikes for recent activity and can find none. There has definately been no activity in this area on this day, though the storm of yesaterday would have vanquished any earlier tracks.
Aiden knows as much as any, the Ice ants hunt wolves, there are no stories of humanoids being attacked and the Ice Vein is littered with the spikes.
The group decides to be cautious and moves back south a distance, so as not to tempt the creatures if they do emerge in this area.
The sun falls to just below the horizon and the temperature falls with it. It will be cold this evening, but not nearly as bad as the first days the young ones spent on the tundra.
Twighlight is quickly blackened though as a large storm moves across the mountains. Flashes of purple-white lightning highlight the massive thunderhead and the deafening thunder bounces from the mountain in deep echoes. All have seen this type of activity before, but never from such a vantage point. That of directly beneath it. It is that thought that sparks concern in the minds of all. For often with such storms they have heard of the falljökull storms. The storms when deadly ice falls from the sky.
Without hard shelter, they may all be doomed.
Bohdi Nackle d20+4=7 d20+2=12 d20=19 d20+9=19 Monday February 14th, 2005 3:54:55 PM
Bohdi quaked and quailed at the approaching storm. "Waaauuugh! Why, oh, why did I ever leave Zander City?"
He looked about for a hollow tree or a covered depression in which to take shelter--even a small hole was enough for a gnome to successfully hide, when needed. (Depending on which applies: Search 7, Spot 12, Survival (untrained) 19, Hide 19)
With eyes round as saucers, the panicked gnome stared at the others. "What'll we do? What'll we do? You don't think we should ...." He swallowed nervously and looked back in the direction of the ice spikes.
Nauthiz'Ull d20+10=24 d20+10=29 d20+9=29 d20+4=12 Monday February 14th, 2005 11:23:07 PM
The dark-skinned boy recalls many stories of falljökull storms and knows it is time to move quickly. With a desparate attempt at a chuckle and a calming voice; "Wh, Why yes wunjo, I do suppose! We must do what we fear most right now and head for the ice spikes. For those of you who have heard stories of the ice ants that create these, you know that they are not known for attacking humans. Aiden and I will keep the pups close and our scent should keep the ants at bay." Nauth then, without thinking tugs on his sisters furs and begins heading to the spikes....again! Upon reaching the spikes, Nauth cautiously approaches on of the spikes, listens and then peers in if he hears nothing. He will take time to see how thick the walls of the spikes are, how wide the spikes are and the like. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Listen-24 (w/ fav. enemy) Spot-29 (w/ fav. enemy) Search-12 (closer look inside spike) Survival-29 NAT 20! (to see if he has an idea of how to build a shelter out of the spikes)
Frigg'Isa d20+9=19 Monday February 14th, 2005 11:30:24 PM
The quiet young lady hangs her head at the rumble coming fromm the heavens. "Nauth, you know what that sound is don't you?! We need shelter and I doubt that anyone wants to trek back to the wolf den." As Frigsa throws her cloak back over her head her arm is yanked by Nauth and she spins on the icy-compacted snow that the group has tramped down more than once now. On the way back to the spikes Frigsa eyes the storm. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Survival-19 (Weather predictions for length and for weather that may follow the falljökull)
Aiden Monday February 14th, 2005 11:53:42 PM
Aiden looked at the others, and then to the sky. Frowning, he did not like the choices that they had stated, but there didn't appear to be any other options left.
Nodding, "I agree Nauthiz..." he said short and to the point. Patting the bottom of the backpack, he wanted to make sure that the pup was there (and not doing anything mischievous).
<tags>
Skalti Tuesday February 15th, 2005 1:29:46 AM
Looking hastily back and forth between the storm and the spikes Skalti sighs heavily "Looks like we have a lot of choice in this matter....guess we head back to the spikes."
OOC: I have a busines trip tomorrow and will be out of town until Monday. I will probably have a chance to post tomorrow but nothing after that. Can someone run Skalti and take care of Yodel for me?
Garrett Tuesday February 15th, 2005 10:50:37 AM
"The spikes it is" as he moves quickly toward them with the others.
With a saddened look toward Skalti, "How in the vein are we going to get Yodel in there".
Shelter from the storm [DM Post] Tuesday February 15th, 2005 3:09:53 PM
The sky continues to darken and the intensity of lightning increases as the party moves back the Ice Spikes.
They arrive as teh first of the sleet and hail begins to fall. The tiny impacts of millions of ice crystals create a sound similar to a vast applausing audience upon the snow about you.
The group of spikes number 8 all together and each stands 6-8 feet in height. To one side is a hole large enough for a medium sized creature to crawl into about 4 feet up. The only sound is the steady roar of hail and ice hitting the snow.
Nauth peers inside, it is a thick conical shape, that slopes away and under ground towards the rough center of all the spikes. Given the substance and the angle some caution is going to be needed to control ones descent.
Lightning flashes and the roar of thunder is almost immediate. The falljökull is almost upon you and it sounds to be a grand show.
Nauthiz'Ull Tuesday February 15th, 2005 8:00:10 PM
Upon arriving at the spikes Nauthiz'Ull makes haste.
"We need to head in. I need a torch and some rope, but I have neither. I will head down first, unless Aiden would rather go. The rope needs to be tied around the spike and then we must climb down."
Nauth then smacks the spike with his palm and grunts.
Ull'Heimdall protect us now. We are in danger and we need to take refuge in a foreign place.
The dark-skinned boy looks at his sis with a sideways smile. He slighty shrugs his shoulder and then turns and heads back to the spike.
Frigg'Isa Tuesday February 15th, 2005 11:35:53 PM
Frigg'Isa moves over next to the spike with the hole in it. She quickly throws her heavy pack to the ground. Moving with determination, she immediately pulls out a torch and hands it to her twin with one hand. The other hand quickly follows. In it is a coil of rope.
"Next time, little brother, you should come prepared," the girl quips. Friga winks at Nauthiz'Ull and bumps him lightly with her shoulder.
"Be careful."
Garrett Wednesday February 16th, 2005 8:47:05 AM
Garrett prepares to go down right after Nauthiz'Ull. turning to him, "The ants have never attacked humans before, but I doubt anyone has been foolish or desperate enough to invade their home before either. Perhaps we Shall be the first then, after you good sir."
Aiden Wednesday February 16th, 2005 12:55:24 PM
Aiden looked at the others, "We should get inside and tie a rope around each other to not get lost."
He then frowned, "Though I will be last as I will be the slowest, and Yodel will be behind me." It was easy to see that since it was only 4 foot tall, he was going to be the one that had to scrunch himself the most to fit (and move). That and the fact that by having the others step forward, it may hide the scent of the pup that was hidden in his pack.
"But we should be quick..."
Bohdi Nackle d20=13 Wednesday February 16th, 2005 3:28:04 PM
Bohdi followed the others, and looked thoroughly miserable doing so. When the rope was prepared, he stood ready to climb up and into the ice spike. "I have only a limited ability to produce magical light today," he said, almost apologetically, as he eyed the spike. "Didn't suppose we would need it. Still, if you can't see down there, I can help--for about a minute--with magic. But I do have a sunrod--one of my own, actually--and that'd be good for a few hours, if we need it."
"What'll we do about Yodel?"
ooc: (Climb check, as needed--13--may have to take 20, if he doesn't have help.)
Spell list: Level 0: Detect Magic (x2), Flare Gnome abilities: Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Prestidigitation, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 1: Endure Elements (cast), Color Spray, Silent Image
Hail, Hail [DM Post] Wednesday February 16th, 2005 3:46:43 PM
The rope is tied and Nauth descends into the spike, the human slides along on his belly as that is all the room he is aforded. Rope in one hand he quickly moves out of sight of those outside.
Light drifts in for about 20' in a beautiful prism of blues and green. The spike itself seems to almost allow what little light is out side to pass through them giving a fairie like glow to the world below them. This however is gone after 30', and would plunge the young man into complete darkness, save for his torch. By this point the slope has leveled and on hands and knees, it is possible to crawl along the slippery surface.
An ice shaking thuderclap rips through the heavens above and an arcing line if light pierces though the darkness. Another deafening boom, and a purple white lance tears towards the south before dipping abruptly and striking the ground several hundred yards away.
The rest of the group begins to desend and while not easy, Yodel is lifted to the hole and stuffed in.
Hail the size of a human thumb, begin striking the area like a swarm of meteors.
Deep in the hole it is black, never has any encountered a night so deep. Nauth's torch provides the only flickering yellow orange cast about.
The group is strung out in a line currently, barely enough room to crawl, but with effort positions can be exchanged. Nauth believes he can see where the tunnel may open to a small chamber 30' ahead of him.
Nauthiz'Ull d20+8=26 d20+8=20 d20+3=6 Thursday February 17th, 2005 8:12:53 AM
Nauthiz'Ull is wide-eyed at the thought of what he is doing.
Ull'Heimdall, this is a feat which I never thought I would be doing. Let your infinite wisdom guide my decisions.
Before moving on, the lanky-boy stops and tries to bring forth his senses. First he tries to gather what he can see with his eyes, and then closes them for a couple of moments. After getting in tuned with the natural sounds, Nauth allows his hearing to peak. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Spot-26 (+2 if favored enemy comes into play) Listen-20 (+2 if FE comes into play) Move Silent-6
Garrett Thursday February 17th, 2005 1:33:27 PM
"It may be a little tight in here, but it sounds like it's better than outside. Let's see if we can find a place big enough to stand up and space out."
Bohdi Nackle Thursday February 17th, 2005 3:30:37 PM
Bohdi looked about wide-eyed in the darkness. Gnomes might be racially predisposed to burrowing--but oversized insect warrens were not part of that genetic heritage. "I can send lights up ahead, if you think it's advisable. Ah, heck with it. Gyrus globus illuminare!" (Cast: Dancing Lights) A set of multi-colored, cheerful lights appeared in front of Bohdi and darted off down the tunnel in the direction of the chamber ahead of them, clearly illuminating the passage and the chamber for all to see.
Aiden Thursday February 17th, 2005 4:08:27 PM
Aiden, being the tallest of the group, came in last. Things were difficult as he was still trying to overcome the previous day's embarrassment and defeat by the wolves.
The clatter of the hail striking brought him out of his melancholy thoughts. He tried to take his time to allow his senses to adjust to the dark and the sounds within the spike warren.
However, as the gnome started to wave his hands around and talk gibberish, Aiden looked at him directly to see if something was afflicting Bohdi. When the light flashed out, it caught the young man completely unawares, causing spots to appear in his vision.
There was a 'ugh' of surprise as he wasn't ready for the dancing globes to appear in his vision. As he took a few minutes to try to 'wipe' away the spots in his vision, his mind pondered what dark tortures he could remember from his old village to apply to the helpful gnome.
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