DM George Thursday January 20th, 2005 10:21:06 PM
The group celebrates as their friend is returned to them. They ponder what a dragon is and how to find it.
Many of the Bloodpack have never even heard of the magical beast.
A wind comes from the east, kicking up the troll smell and it isn't good. Now that the stress of battle is over, the group takes stock of their situation. Do they want to stay here or move on?
Jake Friday January 21st, 2005 2:29:18 AM
Getting up, Jake pipes up excitedly, reverting almost to a more childish voice, "Aww, Trellus, ya never listened to old Nary and his stories, didja!? Ah know all about dragons from him. He told me a buncha stories about dragons, and all sorts of monsters." Realizing he sounds a bit weird, Jake gets a bit gruffer and more serious. "That is... Dragons are big, scaly lizards. Really big, like the size of ships. They gather huuuuuuge piles of treasures, like, everything. They can do all sorts of neat tricks, like breathe stuff, and cast magic, and change into rabbits, and turn invisible, and fly around. They eat just about everything, including dwarves, trees, anything they can shove in their mouth, but as they get older they prefer virgin creatures. Ummm...they live in big old rock mountains. They can speak every language, and can read your mind, and do anything they want to your thoughts if you ain't careful. Lessee... no magic can touch 'em, and only guys on horses with big old spears got a chance, but usually they gotta charge in and then go hand to hand with the big old thing. Every story I know of 'em they guard some entrance or something, too."
Tishe' Friday January 21st, 2005 1:47:09 PM
"If that is all true, I certainly hope that this bronze is a good creature like Valdor says most metallic dragons are." says the small mage fervently.
"But first, perhaps we should move from this area. And maybe find any lost dwarves that had gotten away from the trolls?" Her eyes looks around worriedly, hoping that some of the little folk were able to get away.
She stands, holding her staff. Keeping close to the big minotaur, she waits for the leaders to decide what to do.
Trellus Friday January 21st, 2005 2:21:01 PM
Taking a good whiff of the surrounding area, Trellus nods rapidly at Tishe's suggestion.
"Truly. Let's weave, dudes. We'll see if we can find some dwarves, then worry about this dragon."
The cleric grandly motions for Flea, Anuk, and Gry to start moving, and he falls into the middle of the group. Thinking.
Mostly about dragons. Sure, Jake is always happy to impart his knowledge - Trellus grins to himself - which mostly is totally bright (Guys on horses with spears. C'mon.) Still, Tishe' is weaving the same pick. The blond haired man walks with his pack, wondering what kind of pattern they're all working on.
Gilan Friday January 21st, 2005 8:29:36 PM
Gilan wrinkles his nose at the smell and then has to roll his eyes at Jake. Some of what he said may have a basis in fact, but a lot of it is not.
With a nod to the rest he smiles a little. "Moving out maybe a good idea." He wrinkles his nose again. "This smell is awful." He is ready to move out and look for dwarves, if there are any alive. Then they must look for a dragon and he swallows hard.
Flea d20+8=24 d20+12=32 d20+10=21 Friday January 21st, 2005 11:20:00 PM
"I was just joking back there," laughs Flea. "I studied dragons a bit. They're kind of like the drake we helped a while ago. I even learned a few words, so I can talk to them in their own language."*
Catching the cleric's signal, Flea says, "south then? I seem to remember bronze dragons like it warm." The rogue will lead the way, and report any interesting findings to the party. She keeps a particular look out for anything that might tell her that the pack are not the only intelligent beings in the area.
Spot=24 Search=32 Listen=21
*Flea knows draconic, go figure!
DM George Travels Sunday January 23rd, 2005 2:00:38 AM
The Pack travels in a southern direction for about a week. They hunt along the way and are astounded on how easily they can find fresh water.
Around every bend is a new adventure in fauna and wildlife. They see deer, rabbit and even a black bear from a distance. Wildflowers and towering trees become everday occurances and the pack seems to be getting used to their new surroundings.
The campfires at night are enjoyable as the group feels a new closeness that can only be brought about from sharing danger together and the joy of overcoming obstacles.
The group finds no more dwarf sign and begin to wonder if the dwarves they found battling the trolls were from the same group liberated from the formian. The continual scan of the sky only reveals birds and clouds, but not a hint of dragon.
Not all is fun and games though. Strange insects seem to love feasting on there skins. The occassional rain storm soaks them to the skin and leaves them cold and shivering in the mountain air.
Their new cat seems to find mischief as it assualted a strange looking creature and was rewarded by being sprayed with a horrible smelling spray. The entire pack is revolted by the smell which just won't go away.
The pack falls across a path that makes travelling easier. Close inspection reveals it has been used recently by several different sizes of humanoids. One small, one large but the rest normal sized. The tracks look fresh and heading in the same direction the group is going.
Jake Sunday January 23rd, 2005 1:41:12 PM
The trip along the way... Jake, of course, takes opportunity to cheer up the rest of the group through some jokes. For one, he seems to be cultivating what he'll say to the dragon if he has to fight it... STuff like, "You know, you seem to be draggin' along there, bud." "For a member of a majestic, wise race of ancient beings, you sure smell bad and look a bit chunky, if you know what ah mean." "Looks ta me like this lizard ain't no wizard." He tries to get to know Mac and Tishe, asking where they're from, what they used to do before coming to the plains, and also some fun practical questions, like what their favorite color is, what their parents were like, what their favorite food is... One day, Mac wakes up and his cat is cuddled to him particularly close for warmth. Why? Well, his hair seems to be mostly shaved off. Some of the smell is gone, though... (Jake once did the same to Grymash, getting him really drunk and then having the half-orc barbarian wake up shaven and slumped in the communal pool) When Flea and Tishe take the moment to go bathing, they discover to their horror their clothes have mysteriously vanished. Back at camp, of course, they are found in their packs, miraculously. Trellus seems to develop weird feet, though that's only appreciable in hindsight, of course. Every day, his feet seem to be getting bigger, and bigger, 'cause his shoe just seems to be getting tighter on him just slightly. It's almost imperceptible. Then, suddenly, it goes back to normal. Perhaps the best time for Jake is when he gets to experiment with his cooking. Having brought a heap of spices with him from the Plains, he experiments with all the new foods in the area. He quickly overcomes his distaste for eating non-insect meat, and perfects the art of marinating. (I imagine for some reason that Plains food has something like guacamole but in grass form...so something like carne asada venison or rollo pollo rabbit is made...) In any case, his food is generally spicy and challenging to the taste buds, and he seems to enjoy it immensely. Perhaps it's a sort of challenge to him, to eat his food without wimping out, while others, even Trellus and Anuk, who should be used to his food, seem to gasp for breath and quickly reach for the bread, fruit, or wine to die down the taste. That day, as they're traveling along, Jake listens to the description of the tracks...then grins. "Hey, Anuk, you sure we're going in a straight line? Ah mean, those tracks sound a lot like us..."
Tishe' Sunday January 23rd, 2005 4:42:22 PM
A week is an amazing time to learn many things, and Tishe' loves to learn more about thier surroundings and Mother Wold. With the recent experience with Gargul (Thank you!), the small mage can easily believe the validity of the divine Mother.
Each night, the brown haired woman weaves a set of magical alarms around thier camp to sound at the arrival of any large sized being or greater that breaks the perimeter of the camp. [Extended Alarm for 10 hours]
Tishe' accepts Jake's invitation to talk and is more than happy to tell the pack about Hook City, the great town on the north border of the Sargrass Plains. "I grew up with my parents and two elder sisters in a weaving household", she tells them. "My mother was from Rattledam, and my Da was a wandering merchant. It was a happy surprise when I was found with the magical gift; wizards are much respected in Hook City you know."
Never being a girl that others gawked at, Tishe' is mildly irritated at misplacing her clothes, but thinks nothing of walking into camp starkers to get a fresh change.
Sitting in the mornings with her spellbook and horned toad, she keeps her mind full of spells to help the pack.
The sage and buff clothed mage nods seriously at Jake's thoughts, for there is something to his observation, but she waits for Trellus to make a decision.
Flea Monday January 24th, 2005 12:32:30 AM
Each morning, before breaking camp, Flea packs and unpacks her belongings, making a mental inventory of her possessions, and fretting at the lack of civilization. The gnome hopes their path leads to a sizable town, one with a franchise of the famous Catacombs in order that she might be able to do a little shopping. She invites Anuk and Mac to participate in some playful sparing, in order to keep her sword arm in shape, and her reflexes sharp. Flea will ask Trellus and Gilan if she can examine the healing wands in order to be familiar with them. If the need arises, she wants to be able to back up the party.
Flea is glad for the unfussy female companionship of Tishe'. She teases the mage about her mini-taur admirer. The rogue tries to learn if the tight lipped woman fancies any of the Bloodpack guys. Definitely one to hold a grudge, Flea waits for a quiet night when the pack is sitting around the campfire, to cast Ghost Sound. She recreates, as best she can, the voice of the dryad calling to her "Jakey".
Jake's way with spices results in a bit of gastric distress for Flea. Unable to sleep, she sits up with those on guard. She will try to talk with Grymash, to learn a little more about his relationship with the god of life and death.
Flea practices some of the draconic phrases she learned from her mentor in order to be prepared should the party actually come upon a real live one. She mentally kicks herself for not paying more attention to her lessons, but they really didn't seem important at the time.
Trellus Monday January 24th, 2005 11:14:38 AM
Trellus walks with his packmates, like them marvelling at the abundance of plants, animals, and especially fresh water. It takes several days before the young man stops taking three steps away from each newly discoverd water source.
Over time, he also has some long talks with Anuk, renewing their bond.
Its not until day three that the cleric figures out why his feet keep hurting. And it is not long thereafter, when Jake is brushing aside a branch, that a large quantity of water suddenly inundates the elf. A good 14 gallons, in fact. [Create Water spell]
Trellus' shoes are soon back to normal size.
The food remains adventuresome, though.
Upon falling upon the new path, Trellus checks with Anuk to make sure they aren't going in circles. He doesn't think so - Mac and Gry make pretty distinctive tracks - but Anuk would know better.
Once they've confirmed the prints belong to somebody else, the cleric waves everyone in the direction they lead. "Maybe we can find somebody after all," he comments.
Gilan d20+14=26 d20+12=24 d20+7=10 d20+7=25 Monday January 24th, 2005 1:21:20 PM
Gilan is enjoying all the time that he is getting to spend outside. The new sights and sounds that he encounters brings him to a single thought, that maybe he should buy a journal of his own.
Strangely he seems to escape Jake's little practical jokes, though the last time it happened he left something suitable in his bed. Rolling over on a porcupine in the middle of the night is not something someone wants to repeat he is sure. The food is a different story and he does find himsef drinking a little more water lately as Jake uses the spices.
The sudden appearance of a garbage trail leads him to suspect that they are following something, well not really following but going in the same direction. "Remember the last time with the racoons...we have been leaving nothing behind or out." He looks to Anuk and moves around the area himself looking for sign and the like to try and help the group out. When he finally is done he will compare notes with Anuk to see if they both came up with the same things or maybe help each other out.
[survival 26] [knowledge(nature) 24:for identifying tracks or the like] [listen 10 and spot 25]
Spells to Come.
Tishe' [Second Post] Monday January 24th, 2005 1:47:47 PM
The brown eyed mage loves the female companionship that Flea brings to the campfires. Two women who are equal with the males because of the skills they bring, and not due to any 'fairer sex' myth. However, she smiles in denial of 'fancying' any of her pack members.
"Each are like the brothers I have never had. Trellus, Anuk, and Mac are as stalwart and steadfast as a stone wall. Grymash has surprising gentleness and wisdom behind his crude facade. Jake's humor keeps everyone remembering the lighter side of things. Gilan is an amazing font of knowledge of Mother Wold; I'm learning so much from him!" Her eyes glow, whether from talking about the druid or his knowledge it is hard to tell.
When it comes to teasing about Larri, the small mage becomes flustered. The experience has been too new to have a male (any male!) adore her. Blatant advances she can handle, but this... All the average looking woman can do is blush.
Mac Monday January 24th, 2005 5:53:17 PM
"It's okay Galea - it will grow back..."
Mac shares tales of his upbringing and family in Heranmar, his time working in the family forge, his working as a weaponsmith and part time armourer for the Heranmar militia, or Polismen as they were known in the region, before becoming a polisman himself. Those paying attention to Mac talking about his family note a curiosity: He speaks of his great-grandparents with reverence bordering on awe, and it is clear that the wanderings that led him to the Sargrass were inspired by their adventures. He speaks of their son [his grandfather] and his wife, with the reverence of one who has been taught to respect his elders. He speaks of their sons [his father and two uncles] and each of their wives [his mother and aunts], and their sons [his cousins, brothers and himself], over half of whom have taken wives. In past discussions Mac has mentioned his extended family are the only Minotaurs around Heranmar... For every tale Mac has about his journeys, he has half-a-dozen or more about his great-grandparents. {OOC: Given most of the players are American, imagine some stories that 3rd and 4th generation Americans whose predecessors fled Europe seeking life in the new world might tell, and you would be beginning to get the idea.} Mac spars with Flea, but with the head of the axe covered and bound. Despite Flea's devastating sneak attack, the early bouts are at quarter speed, progressing to half speed near the end of the week. It is clear Mac is holding back, but if pressed he just replies "I donnae know - some'n's just wrong." For most of the time Mac revels in being alive, being with his new family (including Galea) and generally trying to come to grips with what's just happened... a week ago.
Anuk d20+10=30 d20+10=14 d20+12=26 Monday January 24th, 2005 10:24:12 PM
It's a good week for Anuk. When the pack isn't traveling, he spars playfully with Flea, listens attentively to and asks questions of Tishe' and Mac as they weave about their homes and their past, and he begins to feel a renewed sense of trust and companionship with Trellus. When they are traveling, his sharp eyes and ears are attuned to changes in the surroundings...as much to take in the beauty of this place as to watch for danger. (spot 30 - natural 20!, listen 14)
Jake's joking brings Anuk's toothy grin out often, but Jake's spicy food is another story. Anuk puts on his best game face while eating, though it's always with plenty of water. "Shady eatin, Jake. *gulp*...*glug, glug, glug*". He wipes a litte water across his brow as well, both to cool off and to hide the fact that he's sweating so much.
Looking for a bit of playful payback, the next time Jake disappears behind a tree to "talk to an elf about a horse", Anuk makes sure everyone's a good distance away and then casts entangle on the area.
On the day that they encounter the tracks, Anuk peers down closely at them. "I'm not sure these are ours," he says to Gilan, Jake, and Trellus. "Lemme look a bit closer..."
(survival/track - 26)
DM George Monday January 24th, 2005 11:07:19 PM
Annuk easily tells that the tracks they are following aren't the Bloodpacks. The pack has to many members to it for the tracks to be theirs. These tracks look to have 5 or 6 members to them.
The pack crests a hill and can see clearly for several hundred yards around them. They look down and see a group of adventures ahead of them around 75 yards away. They will see a human male, dressed in chain, a female human, without armor or apparent weapons dressed in traveling clothes. A large ogre dressed in platemail with a huge sword, a slight looking humanoid with a cloak pulled over its head, and a 7' tall humanoid dressed in leather. They also see a young looking elf who has a chain dangle from his neck and being led by the first human.
The humanoid notices the pack and points at them saying something to his friends. They all look up and then starting running into the trees and are lost from sight.
Grymash Monday January 24th, 2005 11:28:38 PM
Grymash is silent and somewhat withdrawn. He relives every second he spent with his god. Wonders how he could have done better. He walks along, occasionally mumbling to himself.
Trellus (AC 20, Prot from Fire) Tuesday January 25th, 2005 11:09:00 AM
Trellus takes in the exchange down below with a growing frown. "That looks kinda bright, don't it?" he asks rhetorically.
"Nuk, Flea - see if you can find those dudes. Everyone else, let's get off this road. Stay shuttlecocked."
The cleric gives the ranger and rogue a little lead time, using the interval to cast a protective spell on himself. [Protection from Energy (Fire)]
"Let's weave," he tells the rest of the pack.
He leads the group off the trail, heading to the same side the other group went. Flea and Anuk are given a slight lead, and Trellus waves the rest following into two lines -Jake, Gry, Mac up front, followed by Tishe, Trellus, and Gilan.
Tishe' Tuesday January 25th, 2005 4:48:55 PM
The small woman rubs her hands against her beige trousers and moves off the path. Once hidden from casual observation, she strings her crossbow and knocks a bolt. Following the front three, she prepares to backup whatever may come.
Flea (Hasted) d20+23=33 d20+12=13 d20+8=25 d20+10=18 Tuesday January 25th, 2005 7:36:02 PM
Flea uses all of her skills to move quickly, but inconspicuously in a line designed to intersect the run-away pack. Having activated her special boots*, she checks to see that Anuk is keeping pace. If they spot the group they are seeking, she will remain hidden and try to learn of their plans.
Hide=33 Search=13 Spot=25 Listen=18
*Boots of Speed-p. 250 DMG guide-act as though affected by a Haste Spell...p. 239 PHB) 1/10 rounds (not required to be consecutive rounds)
Anuk d20+11=22 d20+12=25 d20+10=29 d20+10=24 Tuesday January 25th, 2005 9:56:55 PM
With a nod to Trellus, Anuk moves out with Flea, keeping a quiet pace with the little gnome. "First sign of anything and I think we oughtta head right back to tell Trellus," he whispers to the rogue.
Anuk peers ahead into the woods and watches for signs of a trail on the ground, looking for clues about the strangers.
Hide 22, Track 25, Spot 29, Listen 24
DM George d20+13=31 d20+13=21 Tuesday January 25th, 2005 10:27:08 PM
The others stay behind as Anuk and Flea try to move forward together. They scoot from tree to tree move quickly. They seem to hide themselves very well but they don't seem to concerned with moving quietly and step on several twigs and leaves as they move forward. (OOC Guys you guys forgot about moving silently?)
They come upon a clearing and only see one individual in it. It is a female, who is looking in their direction and leaning against a large boulder. She is weaving some grass together as she says, "Who are you and why are you following us?" She adds with a smirk, "You might as well show yourselves...a herd of cattle would make less noise."
The woman is around 50 away from Anuk and Flea who are 50' ahead of the others.
From a distance behind her, you here a muffled voice yell something uninteligable.
Gilan d20+7=14 d20+7=12 Tuesday January 25th, 2005 11:26:47 PM
Gilan looks around to the rest of the group and sighs. As the two scouts move out he looks to those that remain and shakes his head. "Should we not be moving out to follow." He looks around at all of the surrounding and then thinking to what he saw earlier. "I have a bad feeling that we are in trouble here...Anuk and Flea possibly more than us." He starts to move out in that general direction, with out without the others.
[spot 14 and listen 12]
Flea (Evasion, Uncanny Dodge, Trap Sense +2) d20+5=20 d20+12=18 d20+8=17 d20+10=22 Tuesday January 25th, 2005 11:59:08 PM "Shhhh! 'Nuk, stay hidden and cover me...she doesn't know how many we are!" whispers the gnome.
Flea steps into the clearing to face the woman, and answers brightly, "why, Lady, it is only me in these woods! I have run away from my group to see if you are real or a mirage! My pack, I think you spotted us earlier, and I have been lost in these woods, and we haven't seen anyone in ages!" (Bluff=20) Flea keeps her hands palm out, a little out from her body, in a sign of peace.
Dispite her friendly demeanour, the rogue is no fool. All of her senses are on alert as she stays primed to evade a trap.
Search=18 Spot=17 Listen=22
Grymash d20+5=20 d20+2=4 Wednesday January 26th, 2005 12:00:56 AM
Grymash breaks his silence and whispers back to Trellus. "Uhh, whut goin' on ahead? Do yooz hears dat?!"
(Listen 20, Spot 4)
Jake Wednesday January 26th, 2005 2:11:24 AM
Jake draws his sword and readies his shield, just in case a fight is coming up. Most situations like this seem to of late have drawn into a big fight... And they're way off in the middle of nowhere now...
Trellus (ac 20, prot vs fire) d20+8=22 d20+8=25 Wednesday January 26th, 2005 10:36:01 AM
Trellus nods, agreeing with both Gilan and Gry. The blond haired man indicates for Gry and the rest to keep following after Flea and Anuk. "Don't get too far ahead of me," he quietly cautions the faster moving half-orc.
The shuttlecocked cleric moves steadily forward [double move - 40'], keeping his eyes and ears open, looking for signs of the other group.
Listen - 22 Spot - 25
Anuk (AC 21) d20+8=18 d20+10=19 d20+10=22 d20+11=29 Wednesday January 26th, 2005 11:26:50 AM Careful, litte friend, thinks Anuk as the tiny rogue steps into the clearing. Remaining hidden in the bushes, Anuk QUIETLY draws an arrow, nocks it, and trains it on the stranger, alert for any sign of danger. As he watches the woman, he strains to make out the sound in the distance.
(move quietly 18, spot 19, listen 22, hide 29)
TIshe' d20+3=23 d20+3=17 Wednesday January 26th, 2005 3:45:19 PM
Tishe' pushes a stray wavy brown lock of hair away from her face and continues to follow Jake through the woods, crossbow in hand.
"Wart", she says quietly, "watch my back, sweetie, we don't know if these strangers have black or white hands."
Spot: nat 20 Listen: 17
Mac d20+5=17 d20+1=4 d20+3=15 Wednesday January 26th, 2005 5:25:34 PM
Maintaining pace with the main of the Pack, Mac tries to blend in a little more.
Spot:17, Listen:4, Move Silently:15
Grymash d20+3=15 d20+3=10 d20+5=23 d20+2=14 Wednesday January 26th, 2005 7:36:51 PM
The barbarian takes his mighty bow and draws an arrow. He moves forward slowly (half movement 20ft. Double movement 40') He does his best to keep quiet and hidden. He continues to listen and keep his eyes peeled.
(Move Silently 15, Hide 10, Listen 23, Spot 14)
Gilan Wednesday January 26th, 2005 10:16:50 PM
Gilan looks around at the group as they begin to prepare for the worse. He cannot blame them and he is curious as to what is going on. Was that girl a prisoner, captive or just a lure to get them off guard.
Moving over to keep pace with Trellus he shakes his head. "A trap maybe?" He looks to Mac and taps the big guy. "If things go bad I will hit you with a barkskin spell first as you will most likely move to melee." He glances to Gry as he strings his bow and smiles. "I will get you next with the barkskin spell...as you seem ready to fire off that giant bow of yours." Looking back to Trellus he shakes his head again. "Anyone else you think may benefit before they join battle totally?"
DM George Wednesday January 26th, 2005 10:57:27 PM
Flea tries to bluff the strange lady as the Bloodpack moves forward to support her and prepares for battle.
"You lie little one. We saw your group crest the hill. Now you are coming forward to spy on us. I don't appreciate that. We are not looking to make new friends. Go now in peace but if you follow me and my friends again, know you will find blood...your own."
The woman starts backing away towards the treeline but keeps her eyes on Flea and the surrounding woods.
Flea and Anuk easily hear a muffled yell of someone in distress.
Flea d20+12=32 d20+8=27 Thursday January 27th, 2005 9:21:32 AM
The gnome doesn't move. She keeps her hands away from her weapons, and observes the strange woman, wondering how she was able to see through the rogue's ruse.
Flea knows her ranger friend has her back. She hopes the rest of the pack are close behind.
The gnome doesn't say a word, but scans the clearing quickly to see if she can pick up any information, before her eyes return to watch the suspicious female. (Search=32 (nat. 20!), Spot=27)
What would Trellus do? thinks the gnome. She struggles to keep a serious face as despite the precariousness of her situation the thought of what Jake might do crosses her mind.
Trellus (ac 20, prot vs fire) d20+8=11 d20+8=13 Thursday January 27th, 2005 9:37:10 AM
Trellus nods at Gilan, but doesn't say anything. From the way the cleric is peering through the woodline, its obvious he's concerned about somebody moving around the group as well.
With a wave of his hand, he encourages the pack to keep moving forward. He stays 10' behind Gry while continuing to head toward Flea and Anuk. [Double move - 40']
Listen - 11 Spot - 13
Tishe' d20+3=13 d20+3=11 Thursday January 27th, 2005 12:46:40 PM
Maintaining her hold on her crossbow, the small woman tries to keep her eyes and ears open while she keeps up with Trellus.
Spot: 13 Listen: 11 Double Move 40 feet
Grymash d20+5=22 d20+2=10 Thursday January 27th, 2005 7:47:08 PM
Grymash tried his best to be quiet as they advanced, but since no one else was doing so, he saw no need to continue. The barbarian wonders, "Whut would Gry do?" He quickly recalls, "Oh yeah, Gry knows!" He stomps forward, toward Flea and 'Nuk, having little to no regard for anything in his path (including Thumper!). He moves forward until he breaks into the clearing (total double movement 80ft). As he does, his tree-sized bow is lowered slightly in order to not appear so threatening. But not too low, if you know what Gry means.
(If he sees the woman) "Flea, who dat be?" Grymash turns to the stranger, "Who be yooz?" His ear perks up. "Whut be dat?"
(Listen 22, Spot 10)
Mac d20+5=7 d20+1=10 Thursday January 27th, 2005 7:55:40 PM
"Thanks Gilan."
Mac maintains pace with the group, though possibly not with Gry. this should be a surprise for them he thinks to himself Gry playing the diplomat!
Spot:7 Listen:10 ::sigh::
Anuk (AC 21) d20+8=11 d20+10=27 d20+10=27 d20+11=29 Thursday January 27th, 2005 9:28:08 PM
Anuk remains hidden and tries to remain quiet -- he will not leave until Flea can leave safely.
His arrow remains trained on the woman and he watches and listens for signs of the woman's companions.
(move quietly 11, spot 27, listen 27, hide 29)
Gilan d20+7=21 d20+7=25 Thursday January 27th, 2005 9:40:23 PM
Gilan moves on with the rest, keeping his ears and eyes peeled for trouble. He acknowledges Trellus's nod with one of his own as he can tell the cleric is worried.
He lets Gry go on ahead of them figuring that he can catch him if needed. With a smile and nod to Mac he lets the big man know that he heard him. Otherwise he is keeping an eye out for Flea as well. Worry creases his face for his litte sister...as it does for all his pack.
DM George d20+16=17 Thursday January 27th, 2005 10:45:40 PM
The lady keeps moving back and says, "Stay away from us. You have been warned." She slips away into the trees moving very gracefully and with poise.
The group hears several crashes and a gutteral yell. Through the trees, the elven boy can be seen running towards the pack. He looks behind him and suddenly is jerked from his feet onto his pack. He yells out "Help!" in common but is quickly dragged back out of sight.
This occured across the clearing but around 15 yards to the left of the lady who was talking to Flea.The elf was around 20' into the woods but still visible. The lady looks to be trying to hide behind a tree but see can be seen easily by most of the pack.
The pack has moved up and rejoined Flea and Anuk. Grymash has joined Flea out in the open but the others have stayed more discretely in the woods.
Jake (AC 23, hp 52/52) Friday January 28th, 2005 1:00:28 AM
"This has gotta be a trap, guys. Trellus, let me set it off, so that the rest of ya can take care of whatever it is. Ah can take whatever they throw at me."
When Trellus gives his permission, Jake then moves forward into the woods, chasing after the elven boy. He gets as close as he can, trying to get a better view and hopefully closing in on whatever's grabbing the boy. But if Trellus does not, Jake merely keeps his position in the pack or follows his pack leader's advice...
Gilan Friday January 28th, 2005 12:31:07 PM
Gilan glances to Jake as he makes the offer to set off this trap. Though he realizes that it will be dangerous he knows that this maybe their only option. He moves forward to get near Jake and lays his hand upon his shoulder. "Vara tel seldarine." He nods to Trellus and then grasps Jakes shoulder more firmly. "I have boosted his protection as best I can...we can also cover him with missile fire pretty well." He waits to see if Trellus will agree to this little plan.
Tishe' (AC 16 (20); HP 37/37) Friday January 28th, 2005 1:32:19 PM
The brown-haired mage keeps pace with Trellus (move up to 30') and pauses to give herself some more protection, weaving the pattern for a magical shield.
"Looks like we're weaving a fight." she comments to no one in particular. The deadly crossbow never wavers from the other side of the clearing.
Spells Shield: [50 rounds] +4 AC tower shield
Trellus (ac 20, prot vs fire, owls wisdom[1]) Friday January 28th, 2005 4:13:44 PM
"No need, Jake," Trellus responds wryly. "I'm pretty sure Gry'll take care of that part."
The young man quickly looks left and right. His mouth sets as he realizes it will simply take too long to go around this clearing. There's nothing for it but to blast on through.
"OK dudes, let's get across this thing quick!" he calls out. "Gry, get that lady as fast as you can." Trellus pauses long enough to cast another spell on himself [Owls Wisdom] and starts hurrying across the field. [20' move]
Mac d20+5=7 Friday January 28th, 2005 5:29:06 PM
The taur keeps pace with Gilan, who he hopes is keeping up with Trellus. With expectations of a trap, Mac is looking for individuals that are lying in wait or posing a threat.
Spot:7
...of course, the trees are quite lovely this time of year...
Flea (Hasted, AC19+1, +4 vs Giants/HP 41, Evasion, Uncanny Dodge, Trap Sense +2 ) d20+13=24 d20+12=26 d20+8=21 Friday January 28th, 2005 9:17:22 PM
Flea tastes the bile rise in her throat when she sees the elven youngster yanked off his feet. She runs pel-mel (up to 2x normal speed of 20 ft.) across the clearing, tumbling past the lithe female (Tumble=24) in an attempt to get behind her. The small female keeps her eyes peeled for any others from the foreign pack (Search=26, Spot=21) as she rises, pulling her hooked hammer from her belt. From her flanking position she watches her companions rush forward through the clearing.
*Boots of Speed-p. 250 DMG guide-act as though affected by a Haste Spell...p. 239 PHB) 2/10 rounds (not required to be consecutive rounds)
Grymash d20+11=29 d20+6=26 d20+6=12 d8+6=12 d8+6=14 d8+6=7 d8+6=10 Friday January 28th, 2005 10:04:18 PM
Grymash snarls menacingly when Trellus says, "Get the lady!" His bow instantly rises and off goes one of his large arrows. As soon as the first arrow cuts through the air and lands with a thud, a second one quickly follows.
(full round attack. 1st arrow, HitAC: 29. Damage 12. 2nd arrow, HitAC: 26 crit threat, 12 crit hit [a miss, im sure]. Damage 14. Total Damage: 26. If a critical: 43 damage.)
Anuk (AC 21, HP 34) - Dodge (AC 22 vs woman) Friday January 28th, 2005 11:32:41 PM
Springing from his hiding place, Anuk races with Flea across the clearing, stowing his bow and drawing his longsword as he goes. Whoever these people are, they clearly intend to harm the youngster. He stops short of the woman, flanking her with Flea.
"Let the lad go," he snarls.
DM George Combat round 1 d20+16=22 3d6(5+6+1)+18=30 d20+14=20 d20+9=18 d20+11=23 d10+5=15 4d4(1+3+4+1)+4=13 Saturday January 29th, 2005 12:58:55 AM
The clearing is an oval in shape deepest at the middle where the main group is. Here it is around 70' deep. The clearing extends around 200' wide and slowly gets more narrow towards the end.
I will try and make a map this weekend but this is how I see the groups. Flea and Anuk raced across the clearing. Flea is in the lead with Anuk not far behind.
Grymash was about 20' into the clearing when he takes his shots. Trellus, Mac, Jake, Gilan and Tishe are all slowly moving into the clearing and are about 10' after this round.
Jake offers to spring any traps but only can watch open mouthed as the littlest member of the Bloodpack races across the clearing to confront the strange lady.
He looks back as he feels a touch on his arm as Gilan casts a spell on him raising his AC.
Tishe casts a protective spell and moves up into the clearing staying with the main group.
Trellus casts a spell as he too moves up.
Mac is to stunned by Flea's brash behavior to notice much detail but that oak tree over there is just beautiful in this light.
Grymash takes careful aim but Flea jumps into his sights just as he is about to shoot. He pulls the shot up and just misses the lady. He notices that she has some cover from the trees and carefully plans his next shot. He hits here for 12 points of damage (ooc The lady got a +4 due to Flea and +4 for cover)
Anuk charges into a mess as he is suddenly hit with a huge sword. A large ogre armed with a very large great sword becomes visible around 8' away from him. The ogre follows up with two savage strokes but Anuk is able to avoid both of them. Anuk take 30 points of damage and is feeling decidedly unwell. He knows if he takes one more hit from this brute, he will be pleading his case in front of Gargul.
The lady turns towards Flea and smiles an evil smile even though she was hit with one of Grymashes arrows. She dances forward incredibly fast and kicks Flea in the chest for 15 points of damage.
Mac is struck by four missiles coming from the woods to the left. They zoom in on an angle and do 13 points of damage.
Trellus (ac20, prot vs fire, owls wisdom) Saturday January 29th, 2005 12:29:06 PM
Trellus sighs, wondering when the gods are going to stop forcing the pack to attack prepared defenders.
Looking about, his mind rapidly goes over the situation. Anuk and Flea are engaged with the lady and the ogre on the far side of the clearing. Just to their left is where the chained elf got yanked back by another dude (treadle #3). To the left of that, a mage (treadle #4) just shot a spell across the formation to nail Mac. Gry is 50' from the combatants, and everyone else is about 60' away.
Treadle #5 is still unaccounted for.
Trellus starts barking orders.
"Nuk! Drop back!" "Gry - help Flea!" "Jake and Tishe - the ogre." "Gil - wrap up that wizard!" "Mac, stay with me."
The cleric sprints across the clearing, pulling out his healing wand as he runs.
[Run - 60' move. Trellus will not outrun either Gry or Jake. He expects to end up linked up with Anuk, some 5 feet behind a battle line of Jake and Gry and whatever Tishe does.]
Gilan [HP: 57/57, AC: 18] d20+7=10 d20+7=26 Saturday January 29th, 2005 3:57:09 PM
Gilan lays his hand upon Mac's shoulder and says a few quick words. "Vara tel seldarine." He smiles as his spell goes off and increases Mac's defense even higher.
He then takes off at a run in the direction of the missiles that were fired upon Mac. "On it Trellus." He quickly goes through the spells that he has left to use in a magic fight. He does his best to hear or spot the mage as he moves along.
Anuk (AC 21, HP 4) - Dodge (AC 22 vs ogre), rapid shot, point blank shot Saturday January 29th, 2005 5:38:31 PM "Unngghhh..." Anuk feels the bite of the ogre's blade as it slashes through him. The sudden spray of blood gets in his eyes as he turns to face the huge assailant. Suddenly, he wishes he had Gry's ability to lose himself in a rage. Instead, he feels fear welling up inside him.
Somewhere behind him he hears the voice of Trellus. Gotta remain focused, he thinks to himself. If I run, he's gonna tear me apart. In a split-second, he makes his decision - a quick step backwards to get himself outside of the ogre's reach (5' step back). As he does so, he drops his longsword to the ground, draws his bow and fires two arrows into the hulking creature.
Anuk OOC d20+10=17 d8+4=9 d20+10=16 d8+4=8 Saturday January 29th, 2005 5:41:38 PM
(OOC: accidently hit submit before rolling. 1st arrow hits AC 17 for 9pts, 2nd arrow hits AC 16 for 8 pts. *sigh*)
Jake (AC 25, 23 due to charging, hp 52/52, barksin +3 (but wearing an amulet of natural armor +1)) d20+9=23 d10+10=16 d6=5 Saturday January 29th, 2005 10:14:22 PM
Time ta follow the plan, Jake thinks to himself. Wish that Flea had done so, he sighs. Gathering his energy, he yells menacingly, "Face me, ya mudfaced dunglicker!", charging straight at the ogre who just clubbed his bud 'nuk. He hacks into the thing with full force, swinging with all of his strength behind his sharp steel. (The ogre might get off his attack before I charge in. I don't think Jake got his new armor yet...if he did, his AC will be a whopping 32 with the barksin. But if he didn't he's a bit more vulnerable... Power attack at full +5, which I found was on my character sheet btw George, hit AC 23, did 16 damage on this first attack plus 5 freezing damage)
Flea (Hasted, AC19+1, +4 vs Giants/HP26/ 41) d20+13=14 d20+10=18 d20+10=15 d6+1=2 3d6(4+3+5)=12 d6+1=4 3d6(6+4+6)=16 Saturday January 29th, 2005 11:18:13 PM
Flea's eyes cross as the woman kicks her in the chest, and momentarily winds her. The gnome stumbles past the lithe female in an attempt to get behind her.(Tumble=14) Gathering her wits about her, she strikes out with her gnomish hammer once (Hit AC 18, for 2 pts dmg, +12 Sneak Attack dmg) then a second time (Hit AC 15 for 4 pts dmg, +16 Sneak Attack dmg).
*Boots of Speed-p. 250 DMG guide-act as though affected by a Haste Spell...p. 239 PHB) 3/10 rounds (not required to be consecutive rounds)
Tishe' (AC 16 (20); HP 37/37) Sunday January 30th, 2005 8:58:51 AM
The violence of the trap sprung on the Bloodpack gives Tishe' a moments pause, but then Trellus' clear orders rings out.
"Shuttlecocked!" she answers the cleric's instructions.
The first pick is to take that monster off his feet. Jake is close, and Anuk nearby, so the small mage has to target the ogre carefully. Her hands rise and her voice weaves a spell while she casts a handful of ground mica into the air.
Suddenly, centered five feet behind the ogre, a cloud of golden particles surrounds the beast, getting into its eyes and trying to blind the beast. (Will Save DC 17 {10+4[int]+2[sp lvl]+1[sp focus]} or blind for spell length [5 rounds]
Spells Shield: [49 rounds] +4 AC tower shield Glitterdust: [5 rounds] 10 foot radius, -40 Hide, blinded DC 17
Mac [AC:21, HP:62/75] Sunday January 30th, 2005 5:28:59 PM
The taur keeps easy pace with Trellus (60' - double move) with greataxe at the ready.
Grymash (ac18, hp81) d20+13=32 d8+19=26 Sunday January 30th, 2005 11:37:22 PM
Grymash growls as Flea goes charging off in front of him. "Flea think she Gry again," thinks the barbarian to himself. He drops his bow (free action) and charges toward the "lady" who just kicked Flea. His speed is swift and daunting. Along the way, he draws his double axe. With one wild and deadly stroke, he brings death upon his victim.
(Charge+2hit/-2ac. Max movement 80'. Powerattack+5, +10 twohanded. HitAC: 32. Damage: 26.
DM George combat round 2 d20+15=35 d20+15=19 3d6(3+3+5)+18=29 d20+11=14 d20+2=15 d100=30 d20+14=22 d20+21=29 d20+21=36 d20+16=22 d100=80 d100=39 d100=22 3d6(4+1+2)+10=17 3d6(1+1+2)+10=14 d20+15=19 d20+15=34 d20+15=25 d20+9=21 d20+15=17 d20+15=35 d20+15=26 d20+9=10 d8+8=14 d8+8=14 d8+8=9 d4+8=11 d4+8=10 7d6(2+5+4+1+4+6+1)=23 Monday January 31st, 2005 5:51:02 PM
Trellus barks several orders and moves up with a double move to support Anuk careful not to get into range of the Ogre and his huge sword.
Gilan goes to cast Barkskin on Mac but Mac doesn't wait around for the spell to be cast doing a double movement to stay with Trellus. (Gilan can cast the spell on himself or save it and take a double movement instead. Let me know which.)
Anuk steps back and hastily tries to shoot the Ogre but misses with both shots. Still he is out of range of the lethal sword being at 13 feet.
Jake charges forward to his friends aid. He comes within the Ogre's range for an AOO and the ogre swings at him connecting and doing 29 points of damage. Jake is staggered but swings back and does 16 points to the ogre.
Flea tries to tumble past the mean looking lady but fails. The lady takes a swing at her with an AOO but misses. Flea swings twice but because she failed her tumble, she doesn't get her flanking bonus and missed with both swings.
Tishe casts her spell on the ogre. Unfortunately she affects Jake with it as well and Jake must make a saving throw as well. (OOC Since Jake is in combat range with the ogre, I gave Tishe a 50% chance to effect him too and she did)
The Ogre blinks his eyes several times and screams in anger and rage. He seems to swell up as he does and even looks more intimidating but he obviously can't see his opponents.
Grymash was around 50' away from Flea and the evil lady Flea is fighting. He drops his bow and draws his axe but can't swing this round. He will be able to next round.
There turn:
Katrina tumbles away from Flea and Grymash and gets up and runs. She is incredibly fast and move 60' in one turn, disappearing into the thick woods.
The Ogre slashes around with his sword slashing into Jake twice doing 31 points of damage. Jake falls to the ground, glittering but pumping blood at -8. (I don't see where blinded creatures get minuses to hit. I gave Jake a concealment bonus but it didn't help. If anyone can enlighten me where some minuses are, I will take them into consideration.)
Grymash roars in surprise when he is attacked by a whirlwind of swords, expertly swung by a man who materializes beside him. He is armed with longsword and dagger. (I gave Grymash his normal ac of 20 because he couldn't charge last round) Grymash gets hit 3 times 2 of them being critical hits. One critical hit does 28 points of damage, the second sword strike does 9 and the dagger hit that was critical does 21. Grymash takes 58 points of damage.
Gilan is looking for the wizard and sees a dark skinned elf standing by a tree. His attention is brought to the elf when a lightning bolt leaps from his fingers and hits Gilan for 23 points of damage 12 points if reflex save of dc 16 is made.
Carla to DM George Monday January 31st, 2005 7:19:50 PM
With all respect, I don't feel capable of posting wisely for Flea during this combat without a map.
Stephen ooc Monday January 31st, 2005 7:28:45 PM
Again, as I have said before and have posted page number and verse from the book, one can draw their weapon along with their move action as long as they have a +1 Attack bonus or greater. Page 142 in the players handbook, in the section called "Draw or Sheathe a Weapon." I quote: "If you have a base attack bonus of +1 or higher, you may draw a weapon as a free action combined with a regular move."
Second, in a charge you can double your movement and get off a single melee attack. You get a +2 to hit, and a -2 to AC. Its all on Page 154. Grymash can charge up to 80 feet and get off an attack. If the "lady" has an AC 32 or less, Grymash does hit and deals full damage as stated in my post.
Third. From the last round. Flea would have had to attack the Lady first before you apply penalties to ranged attacks on the target. Flea had only moved into position and not attack the lady in the last round. Both arrows should have hit.
Gilan [HP: 45/57, AC: 21] {barkskin} d20+6=18 7d6(2+4+2+4+3+1+1)=17 7d6(5+6+4+4+3+6+1)=29 Monday January 31st, 2005 9:18:19 PM
Last Round
Gilan slips the spell onto himself as he moves, seeing as Mac moved sooner than he had expected.
This Round
Gilan feels the lightning pass over his body and he shudders with the feeling, but it brings some amount of pleasure more than pain. He even laughs at the mage for a few seconds as his natural abilities allow him to shrug off most of the damage. He nods to the mage as he flicks his wrist in his direction as he speaks. "Pelekta yassen runya!" He grins even wider as his spell finishes.
A sudden gout of flames slams down upon the mage with devastating effect upon the area. When the smoke clears what will be left for the druid to deal with, that is his one question now.
[reflex 18] [flame strike - 29 damage, DC 19 for half, used HP]
George Monday January 31st, 2005 11:53:06 PM
Hey folks,
I realize with the frustration of some of the players lashing out both here and the DM board that I am not doing the job you need to have a good time.
I feel it is time for another to step forward and take over the DMing of this game. Mike you can stay. I will go.
Stephen, I have to admit that your post hurt me deeply. Yes I am not the rules guru that you are. I freely admit it. Still I post everyday, more than I can say for some of you and give it my best effort. I didn't need your nasty and hateful post. Good luck with you next DM
The Battle Ends [CDM Jerry] Tuesday February 1st, 2005 4:50:30 AM
Suddenly overhead there is the sound of wings. Huge powerful wings. Looking up, you see the incredible form of a dragon. Goldish bronze in color, it ROARS!
The ogre, seeing the huge beast, screams like a baby without it's momma!
OOOOHHHHEEEEEIIIIIHHHHH!
Immediately it runs. The party gets several attacks of opportunity upon it as it leaves injuring it further. Squealing in pain it doubles it's effort to escape the FEAR!
Jumping off a nearby short cliff it impales itself upon a sharp upturned stump of a tree, broken off from recent lightning.
It is dead.
The dragon wheels and with a popping sound, disappears.
[Don't read alot into all this folks. I'm simply ending the combat. ADM Carla will now take over the game for the moment. George has resigned for now. Trust that I am working on things.]
Temp ADM Carla Tuesday February 1st, 2005 7:53:21 AM
The Whump...whump...whump... of great wings beats the air and waves of warmth and humidity wash over the party. For a brief moment it is as if you are not alone with your thoughts. There is the sensation of a hand brushing back a curtain, the fog lifting from the ground in the morning as the sun shines through. There is the sensation of an intelligent curiousity, and then the sensation is gone as the beast wheels through the air a second time.
The human sword brandishing male, the female monk, and 7ft. tall humanoid dressed in leather run through the forest and disappear, abandoning their captive.
The young looking elf, a chain still dangling from his neck stands alone on the edge of the forest and turns towards the pack, his eyes shining with excitement. "Naa lle ele ya?"*
*Did you see that?
Flea Tuesday February 1st, 2005 8:01:12 AM
Flea rocks back on her heels as the dragon soars overhead. The sensation of a gentle probe into her mind causes her to resist at first, but as she feels no fear, she relaxes, and then it is gone.
Looking about the clearing she briefly notices the young elf, but then her eyes are rivetted by the gruesome sight of the bleeding fighter and she screams.
"Jake!"
Trellus 4d8(3+8+8+5)+7=31 Tuesday February 1st, 2005 10:50:08 AM
Trellus stares open mouthed at the form of the retreating dragon. That was REALLY big- is about all his mind can come up with.
Flea's cry brings the young man out of his reverie. In two quick steps, he is beside the fighter and laying his hands upon him.
[Cure Critical Wounds on Jake - 31 hp healed. (cast over Inflict Critical)]
Anuk (HP 20) 2d8(2+8)+6=16 Tuesday February 1st, 2005 12:29:48 PM
Anuk can barely contain himself at the sight of the dragon and the retreating enemies. A real dragon! he thinks. What a magnificent creature!. However, all that comes out of his mouth is "Shady."
He watches Trellus working over Jake's body and realizes he's still losing blood himself. He sinks to his knees, takes a moment to gather his strength, and then fishes through his pack, eventually producing a vial of liquid which he opens and drains into his throat. (potion of cure moderate wounds - heals 16 hp).
Feeling his strength returning and watching his wounds knit, he turns to Gilan. Holding another vial he says, "You look a little singed, Gil. Need this?" If Gilan (or anyone) needs it, he offers a potion of Cure Light Wounds, or will cast Cure Moderate Wounds from the ioun stone.
Tishe' Tuesday February 1st, 2005 3:56:28 PM
Readying another spell, the weaving dies on Tishe's lips as the clearing is swept by the wind of the magnificent reptile's passage. Standing in awe (and a little fear) the small woman watches breathlessly as the dragon flies about and disappears.
Moving slowly as if coming out of a trance, she tucks an errant brown tress behind her ear and moves to retrieve her crossbow then see if she can help with Flea.
"And Valdor wants us to track down something like that?" she wonders aloud when she comes near the lady-gnome.
Mac (HP:62/75) d20+5=20 Tuesday February 1st, 2005 4:05:37 PM
Mac ignores his wounds as he watches the dragon in more than a little awe. He hears the elf's words and though he does not understand them, he agrees with the sentiment. With a burst of speed he gets as near as he can to the point the dragon 'popped' away. "We have to find that dragon again. I cannot ignore the debt." Spot:20
Gilan [HP: 48/57, AC: 21] {barkskin} d8+1=3 Tuesday February 1st, 2005 6:48:10 PM
Gilan looks to Anuk as he offers up the potion and just shakes his head as he holds out his hand. The shadow that had passed over them earlier had unnerved him to say the least. He drinks the potion without choking, somehow, even with his trembling hand.
Looking to Trellus he shakes his head and swallows again. "And we agreed to hunt one of those down?" He looks again to the sky and shakes his head. "Wold Mother preserve us."
Grymash d20+10=18 d8+21=26 2d8(6+1)+3=10 2d8(6+2)+3=11 d8=6 d8+3=8 d8+3=8 Tuesday February 1st, 2005 9:42:37 PM
The barbarian takes a wild final swing at the human (the one fighting with the two weapons) as he makes a run for it. Grymash nashes his teeth and growls at the coward and prepares to chase the treadle down. The sudden rush of wind and a shadow from above draws his attention instead. He eyes grow wide at the sight of the flying lizard. He pulls off his helmet and casts it aside to get a better look. He's totally confused and dumbfounded. He's never seen anything like that in all his life. Except for the giant birds of the Sargrass. When Nuk calls it a dragon, Grymash totally loses it. "Wha!! DA DAT BE WHAT?! YOOZ SAYS DRAGON! DAT BE UH DRAGON?! DAT BIG BEATER UP THERES ... UH DRAGON! DAT HALF-HUMAN VOIDOR SENT PACK AFTER DAT!? BRIGHT BURNIN' SKY BEATERS OF of uh, err ... PIGGIE DUUMMPPSS!!"
Grymash paces back and forth cursing in orc. Stopping only momentarily to point at the sky and growl and spit. His frustration gets the best of him and he sits down on a log to catch his breath and calm down. After a short moment, a calmer Grymash says, "Gry say ta Voidor dat Gry will rip dat dragon apart wit me own hands. How Gry gonna do dat?" He sighs and casts two cure moderate wounds spells on himself.
(Rerolled the 1 on my cure moderate roll, house rule. Healed Gry for 26 points.)
Still injured from the short battle, Grymash decides to spontaneously cast two cure light wound spells. (Healed 16 more points) Grymash feels much better but his wounds are still not completely healed. He sighs again. He wonders if this is one of his tests from Gargul. Just days ago the half-orc could command the dead back to the living and now he cant even heal himself completely. He tries not to let that bother him but his expression reveals his disappointment.
Temp ADM Carla Tuesday February 1st, 2005 10:47:12 PM
"Vedui! Mae govannen!"* calls the elven lad. He continues to speak in his language, using his hands to make his points as he waves first in the direction of the run-away outlaws, and then into the sky where the bronze dragon had suddenly appeared and then just as suddenly disappeared. (Those who understand elvish Highlight to display spoiler: {understand that he doesn't remember what happened to him, but woke up in the care of those who ran away. He had the collar on his neck with the chain attached. The woman with the group said they were transporting him to his new master. })
The youth isn't much younger than those in the pack, maybe a little closer to Trellus' sister Jenny's age. He is dressed in very well made clothes of fine fabrics in subtle colours as well as a padded leather vest. He doesn't appear to carry any weapons. His hair is cut to shoulder length with bangs that are a little long, but do not hide his green eyes.
As the boy carries on, the pack members tend to themselves and each other, and the healing process commences. The impact of their promise to Valdor unsettles some.
*Greetings! Well met!
Flea Tuesday February 1st, 2005 11:07:17 PM
Flea turns away from the males, and gingerly lifts her shirt to show Tishe' her bruised chest and side. "I heard a crack when she kicked me, and it is hard to breath. Can you mend broken ribs?" asks the gnome hopefully.
As the elf chatters on, Flea asks the curly haired mage, "do you know what he's going on about?"
Jake Tuesday February 1st, 2005 11:37:57 PM
Jake wakes up from Trellus' touch and gets up quickly, somewhat ashamedly from falling down so suddenly. "Battles over already?" he asks Trell, then looks around puzzled by the lack of carnage or bodies. Then, hearing the others talk of the dragon and stuff, he sighs. "Shucks, ah missed seein' it..."
Grymash d8+3=10 Wednesday February 2nd, 2005 2:02:50 AM
Grymash turns to Flea, just now realizing she is injured. "Flea, Gry got one mores feel good magik in me. Comes here an Gry gives it to ya."
(Cast Cure Light Wounds: 10 points of curing.)
Grymash then whispers in Flea's ear, "Do Flea knows whut pointy ears over theres be talkin' 'bout?"
Trellus d8+5=11 d8+5=8 2d8(1+1)+7=9 2d8(8+1)+7=16 d8=3 4d8(5+6+1+7)+7=26 d8=6 Wednesday February 2nd, 2005 10:26:09 AM
Trellus keeps healing his friends. As he does so, he calls out to the elf in the lad's tongue.
"Please wait young one. I attend my friends, and then we may talk." Ignoring his own advice, the young man continues speaking. "Do you know how to return to your people?"
Meanwhile, the blond cleric of Domi makes with the healing: He casts a healing spell on Flea [CLW (over Bane) - 11 hp healed]. Another on Gilan [CLW (over Bless) - 8 hp healed]. Another on Grymash [CMW (over Silence) - 18 hp healed (rerolled a bunch of ones)]. And another on Jake [CCW (over Spell Immunity) - 31 hp healed].
And he hands Mac a potion [CMW (CL3)].
"Anybody else?" he asks with a grin.
Tishe' Wednesday February 2nd, 2005 1:06:56 PM
The small woman spreads her hands at Flea's question, and is very happy Grymash and Trellus come to her aid. "I've got a potion, but I think we should save those for dire circumstances." She shrugs again. "Never know when we'll have an opportunity to get more."
With the dragon and enemy gone, the brown-haired girl focuses on the most interesting thing in the clearing: the elf. Not understanding the language, she stands near the conversation absolutely facinated at the musical language between the elf and Trellus.
"Why was he a prisoner? Does he know where is home is? If we brought him there, would he be able to help us?" The questions pour out as curiosity brims over her brown eyes.
Gilan [HP: 56/57, AC: 21] {barkskin} 2d8(2+5)+7=14 Wednesday February 2nd, 2005 1:14:30 PM
Gilan justs continues to shake his head until Trellus comes over and hits him with some healing. "Thanks Trell...did we really agree to hunt that thing...I guess we did at that." He seems to be rambling a bit as he moves over to stop Mac from taking the potion. "My magic is easier to replace and that potions easier to use in combat." He lays his hand on the minotuars arm and starts his own chant. "Poika tuulo kshapsae mod." Looking to Mac he smiles. "If you need more than I have one more spell."
Mac (HP:75/75) Wednesday February 2nd, 2005 3:48:45 PM
Mac thank Trellus for the potion, but doesn't get it unstoppered before he is thanking Gilan for the healing. "Thank ye, noo - tha' were plenty. So wha' are we do'n' 'bout the dragon?"
Anuk (HP 20/34) d20+10=24 Wednesday February 2nd, 2005 7:53:34 PM
Anuk's ears perk up at the elf's words. It's been many years since he heard the language, and even then it was more book learning than really used. But it was always beautiful to hear it spoken well.
As everyone gathers together, Anuk approaches the boy and says in halting elvish, "I'm Anuk. What is your name?" While they speak, he looks the collar over to see if it can be easily removed. (spot? 24)
Temp ADM Carla Wednesday February 2nd, 2005 9:26:57 PM
Those with the innate gift of healing tend to the wounded. (OOC: Please keep all potions intact during this transition period) As hurts are healed, and the adrenaline rush of combat recedes, the pack starts to ask questions.
Tishe', Flea, and Gry wonder at the strange elf-boy. Jake, Gilan, and Mac ponder the logistics of snagging a dragon. Trellus' and Anuk occupy themselves with the boy.
As Trellus' translates for the party, Anuk introduces himself to the lad and makes some discreet enquiries. The boy's green eyes cloud for a moment, and then he hangs his head mumbling something in elvish. Those who are familiar with the language understand that the kid can't remember much, not even his name. He thinks he was struck with something, and winces when he touches a sore spot at the back of his head. When he woke up he had the collar around his neck. Suddenly the darkness lifts from his eyes as he remembers something, and brushing the shaggy bangs back from his face, he smiles lopsidedly. Pointing at the ranger he says, "Ah-nuk" then, thumping his own chest, he adds, "Shaai-dee!"
The lock that attaches the chain to the collar is quite simple (DC 20) but the collar is another matter. It is an apparently seamless band of metal fitting close to the boy's neck. There are etchings and something that looks like runes inscribed all over its surface.*
*(OOC: Please post languages known by the character if s/he is going to attempt to read the collar.)
Jake Thursday February 3rd, 2005 4:25:55 AM
Jake grins at the elven boy. "Yeah, he's nukky allright. I'm Jake, and that's Trell." He examines the locks, appearing to do so with great pontification, but really has no clue what they say.
Trellus Thursday February 3rd, 2005 12:33:48 PM
Trellus happily takes back the CMW potion. "For next time then," he grins.
The elfin boy is likable enough. "Dude wants us to call him 'Shady'?" he asks with a laugh. "That could be confusing."
The cleric peers at the collar [langs - elf, orc]. "Looks like writing," he comments. If he can't read it, he'll ask "Anybody make sense of this?" Trellus casts DETECT MAGIC and gives the collar the once over. If its magical, he'll try READ MAGIC to see if that clears up the markings.
"Flea - can you do anything about this chain and collar?" he asks the nimble rogue.
Breaking back into elfin, he asks Shady, "Do you remember anything about your home? Where it is? How to get there?"
Tishe' d20+13=14 Thursday February 3rd, 2005 3:44:12 PM
The small woman keeps out of the immediate activity around the elven boy, not wanting to crowd anyone. Seeing Trellus perform a spell, she becomes suddenly interested in a hopping insect among the grass and doesn't hear the debate on the collar (Spellcraft: nat 1!)
Flea d20+13=28 Thursday February 3rd, 2005 5:58:29 PM
Flea smiles broadly when Trellus' calls upon her to help out with the chain and collar. She takes out her tool-kits, all three of them. Squinting at the mechanism where the chain is attached to the collar, she decides to use the special tools (masterwork). The lock is easily picked. (Open Lock=28)
The collar is another matter. The rogue will study the markings on the metal to see if there is anything to learn about it. (Languages: Draconic, Dwarven, Gnome, Orc)
Gilan [HP: 56/57, AC: 21] {barkskin} Thursday February 3rd, 2005 6:41:17 PM
Gilan listens to what the boy has to say but does not reveal that he can personally understand him. He looks on as the rest of the group go about thier business with the elf lad and the collar.
If given a chance though he will move in close enough to at least get a look at the collar. He will take a look at the writing on it but is sure that he will not know any of it.
Mac Thursday February 3rd, 2005 10:15:20 PM
Mac takes a look at the ring around the elf's neck - his family tradition of smithing making it somewhat relevant. [speak: Common, Minotaur, Tauric, Dwarven]
Grymash Thursday February 3rd, 2005 11:11:48 PM
Grymash watches Flea work with the collar and chain. He's never seen her perform this task before. Gry finds it fascinating. "Ya know Flea, if ya has troubles wit da lock, Gry gots me double axe! Gry sure ya can hack it off da elf. If Flea wants ta use its."
Temp ADM Carla Friday February 4th, 2005 12:25:56 AM
Jake makes introductions and the youth ducks his head in acknowledgement. Hooking a thumb at his chest, he repeats, "Shady". Trellus can tell the collar is magic, all right, but he can't read the inscription. Neither can Gilan, or Mac, although the taur recognizes that he who created it was a very fine craftsman.
The lad looks at Grymash in trepidation as the half-orc thrusts his great axe at the rogue picking the lock. The chain falls to the ground, but the gnome is unable to find a way to prise open the collar. She can however read the inscription on the collar. It is Draconic.
Remove not this hasp of steel, Or die before the morn. Teeth and claws you will feel, If this advice you scorn.
The elf retrieves the chain from the ground, and holding the bulk of it in one hand strings out a length in the other. With measured flicks of his wrist he starts to whirl the chain in a small circle. It grows larger as he feeds more chain from one hand through the other. The whipping chain starts to make a whistling sound in the air, and then the whirling circle slows down, and stops. The youth picks up the chain smiling at the barbarian, and wraps it loosely around his waist.
The boy's face crumples when the cleric asks about his home. He informs the man that he doesn't remember where his home is, but he does remember the route the kidnappers took, and can backtrack. He points in the direction of the mountains from whence the pack has come...the opposite of the direction in which the group was heading.
Flea Friday February 4th, 2005 12:30:30 AM
With a worried look on her face, Flea will translate the inscription for the pack. She will keep her voice low, and speak in Common, since the kid doesn't seem to understand that language.
Jake Friday February 4th, 2005 1:12:19 AM
Jake watches the kid whirling the chain and grins. "Shady, allright. Ya know, we ain't headed in his direction right now...but maybe he can tag alon' with us a while, till we get a-done with that draggin, then we'll help him return to his land. Well, Trell?" Jake then explains to the kid what he said in elvish, though he finds it hard to copy his drawl over to that unfamiliar tongue.
Anuk d20+12=17 Friday February 4th, 2005 10:37:57 AM
Anuk smiles at the boy as he listens to Flea read the inscription. Turning to face the pack and replying in Common, he says, "You know, when that dragon was here a few minutes back, all I could think to say was 'shady'." He turns for a moment to grin at the boy again at the mention of his name. "You suppose Shady here overheard me and he's trying to tell us something about himself? He seems like a nice enough kid, but that collar makes me a little nervous."
As the discussion goes on, Anuk spends a little time looking in the direction that Shady indicated, seeing if he can make out the trail of the kidnappers. (track 17) Looking the area over he finds Gilan and asks, "What do you think? Anything worth following here?"
(languages - elven, common)
Tishe' Friday February 4th, 2005 12:36:21 PM
The brown-eyed mage soberly listens to Flea relate the inscription.
"Try this weave", she tells the others, "what if Shady is under the protection of the Dragon we're supposed to find? Dying with teeth and claw and written in draconic sounds like a Dragon pick."
"So if we help Shady back to where he came from, we'll find the Dragon and ask her to be nice!"
Her face falls. "And if she doesn't, I don't know how we'll twist her thread..."
Trellus Friday February 4th, 2005 3:24:58 PM
Trellus leans in close to Grymash. "Dude," he whispers confidentially, "if you whack the collar, your axe will go through the elf too. Could be messy. And bright for the elf."
Concealing a grin, the young man turns to think on Jake's idea. His mouth sets. Babysitting Shady like Jake wants seems sunbaked.
He nods at Tishe's comment.
"I think she's right," he says. "Shady here is the only thing we've found in days web and weft with dragons. I say he gets to steer."
Gilan [HP: 56/57, AC: 21] {barkskin} d20+14=27 d20+5=15 d20+12=15 d20+15=28 Friday February 4th, 2005 5:41:48 PM
Gilan glances to Anuk and nods his head in understanding. "I will have a look...though you know more of what to look for." He slips around the area to find any other tracks that he can find. He also looks for traces of dragon as well.
He thinks back to what Flea said about the collar as he slips around the area. As he thinks he has an idea. As he moves back to the rest he slips up to Trellus and whispers in his ear. "I had a thought...what if this lad is really a young dragon, transformed." He looks to the elf lad and shakes his head with another thought. "That would explain a good dragon going mad." He also ponders the idea of amnesia that the boy may have. "His lack of memory could also be something called dragon's bane...I hear it does strange things to dragon and dragonkin."
Spells Memorized 0th(6): create water, detect magic, mending(2), read magic(2) 1st(6): entangle, pass without trace, speak with animals(2), produce flames(2) 2nd(4): barkskin(3)**, bull's strength 3rd(3): call lightning, cure moderate wounds(2)* 4th(2): dispel magic, flame strike * used spell
Mac Friday February 4th, 2005 6:12:49 PM
"Back up into the mountains... okay..." Mac take the moment to wet and grind some dried meat/rations for Galea.
Grymash Friday February 4th, 2005 11:07:48 PM
Grymash answers Trellus, "Pluzzt! Gry wuz'nt gonna swing it dat hard. Gry knows better thun dat."
The barbarian looks at the chain belt the elf boy gave him. At first he thinks its shady, then his eyes go wide in terror. He vigorously pats himself down, making sure all his body parts are the right ones for his gender. Grymash sighs with relief. All is good! The embarrassed half-orc forces a big smile and says, "Gry say thanks for belt ... good belt!"
Jake Saturday February 5th, 2005 1:07:54 PM
"Well, whatever ya guys think... ah really don't know what ta do, ah was jus' thinkin', he don't seem so bad or nuttin'. It'd be kinda nice, havin' a short stalk aroun' named Shady." Jake shakes the kids hand and shows him to the others in the pack, and sees how he speaks elvish. "Ah'll be the Slim Shady, he'll be Kid Shady...we'll have Gry be the Big Shady..."
Jake Saturday February 5th, 2005 10:22:09 PM
(Just a note to our new DM; I placed an order in the catacombs recently and since we were almost simultaneously thrust into an encounter I haven't received the goods yet in character. I dunno at what point I'm supposed to receive them; if it's between adventurers or after encounters, but that's up to you. Thanks)
(OOC: Looking into this. Will try to have an answer this week.-Temp ADM Carla)
Temp ADM Carla Sunday February 6th, 2005 6:08:53 PM
The Bloodpack muses over the meaning of the collar and the cryptic inscription warning against it's removal. Theories are advanced regarding the nature of the rescued youth. Anuk wonders if the boy might somehow be linked to dragons, while Tishe' speculates he might be a dragon's ward, and Gilan suggests he might be an actual dragon transformed.
Grymash proposes a solution that would free the collar from the boy, but has his energies directed elsewhere by Trellus' admonition and the boy's display with his makeshift weapon. (OOC: The youth wrapped the chain around his own waist, not that of Grymash. Sorry for any confusion.)
Anuk and Gilan have no trouble locating the tracks of the group that attacked them. By backtracking the ranger and druid can see they meander individually through the forest, then regroup in a place not far from where the Bloodpack first spotted the other party. Just as the elf had said, they lead back towards the mountains from whence the pack has descended, and continue in a northerly direction.
At the sight of Mac feeding his kitten, 'Shady' grins widely, and hunkers down reaching out a hand to pet the small beast. He looks at Mac and asks, "Aa amin tyava aiea?"*
The sun is directly overhead, and the day is half spent.
*May I touch the little one?
(OOC: There remains a moratorium on purchases in the Catacombs until the DM instructs otherwise. Appears there aren't any franchises in The Scab)
Mac d20+1=14 Sunday February 6th, 2005 6:58:33 PM
Sense Motive:14 Looking up, Mac catches the last part of Shady's question (pitch going up at end of words?), and given he doesn't appear to want to eat Galea, he beckons the elf-lad closer. Galea is now standing on Mac's closed left fingers, eating the chewy paste out of the depression in his palm. "Galea." he says in common to the lad.
Tishe' Monday February 7th, 2005 3:05:34 PM
The brown haired mage nods at the wise words of Gilan, they very well could be right. "If Shady is under some drug, time will help get it out of his system."
She shruge her shoulders and settles her backpack, and prepares to leave in whatever direction Trellus suggests.
Trellus [Temp SteveK] Monday February 7th, 2005 3:13:44 PM
The blonde cleric sees just about everyone is ready, and glances at the sun moving across the sky.
"Dudes, let's get walking. We can help Shady and us by going back to where the elf dude's from. Don't want to hang around here for the white hands to come back, either."
"Jake, you stay with Shady. Flea out front. 'Nuk, watch our backtrail for those beaters and if you can obscure our trail...?"
Smiling at the 'pack, Trellus shakes out into line near Shady to get any information while moving.
Gilan {barkskin} Monday February 7th, 2005 6:45:47 PM
Gilan looks to Trellus as he starts to give orders and then smiles. "I can do you one better there Trell." He gathers all those near him that he can and closes his eyes as he communes with Mother Wold. At last he opens his eyes and starts to speak as he moves around to touch each person. "Quella tuulo elea." with a last smile he looks around at those that most likely feel no different. "This will allow some of us to leave no traces as we move along."
Spells Memorized 0th(6): create water, detect magic, mending(2), read magic(2) 1st(6): entangle, pass without trace, speak with animals(2), produce flames(2) 2nd(4): barkskin(3)**, bull's strength 3rd(3): call lightning, cure moderate wounds(2)* 4th(2): dispel magic, flame strike * used spell
Anuk d20+12=23 Monday February 7th, 2005 7:12:29 PM
Anuk feels Gilan's spell move through him and then presses forward, still awed by what magic can do. "No footprints...nothing...glad I'm not trying to track us." He focuses on the task of following the trail of the other party.
(track 23)
Jake Tuesday February 8th, 2005 12:31:31 AM
"Allright, Trell," Jake grins. "Hey, Shady, sella tann-me..." ---translated: "Hey Shady, Hang out by my side." (Jake's elvish is a bit weird, since he never really studied his verbs well.) "Essell sudemain thello benn, Shady? Nosestrada thello the Plains...san bellam ess beullantrell ress, nenochs, ent sule messer cannts." -"So, where do you lounge in, Shady? We're packguardians of this area called the Plains... Totally beautiful with grassystuffs all over, no trees like here at all." Jake basically tries to get a few things outta the kid...really quite silly, fun chatter; where the kid's from, what his parents are up to in life, whether or not he can use a sword like jake's, isn't jake's sword nifty, did he know jake had beaten like ten guys with his sword, or that his sword has the ability to freezify things, which is better; pie or cake, what his favorite song is, and so on. Jake tries to keep up the elven kid in some good chatter and buddy up with him.
Flea (Pass Without a Trace) d20+13=19 d20+12=15 d20+8=17 d20+10=22 Tuesday February 8th, 2005 1:36:28 AM
Flea sets out to scout ahead, but before she does, she accepts the gift of magic from Gilan. The gnome sticks pretty close to Anuk as he follows the tracks made by the group that had taken the boy.
Move Silently=19 Search=15 Spot=17 listen=22
Temp ADM Carla Tuesday February 8th, 2005 1:43:01 AM
Mac senses only a natural attraction for the tiny creature as the youth gently strokes the soft fur of the fuzz ball. (Mac and Tishe', Listen DC 10 to Highlight to display spoiler: { hear the lad speak to Galea not in the musical language he had spoken earlier, but in a quiet throaty guttural sounding language. })
When Trellus establishes the marching order, the boy bows politely to Mac, and then takes the place he is directed to. He looks expectantly at the dark haired druid as Gilan moves through the pack casting his spell. With the magic cast upon most of the party, they will be virtually untraceable as they make their way back into the mountains.
Walking beside the lanky fighter, Shady, listens to what he has to say, looking appropriately impressed when Jake tells him about his sword, and jaws on about his adventures. Unfortunately the boy doesn't seem to remember much about his past. As he converses openly in elvish, those who understand the language pick up that he thinks he lives somewhere back in the mountains in a temperate valley dominated by a deep blue lake. He seems to remember a tune his mother would sing to him, but can't remember the words. He doesn't have a clue what cake and pie are.
With no need for him to obscure the party's tracks, Anuk backtracks over the trail made by the party that had held the young elf captive. Flea scouts, but doesn't notice anything out of the ordinary.
Tishe' d20+3=22 d20+3=21 Tuesday February 8th, 2005 1:24:35 PM
The small mage is near enough that she hear the elvish boy speak to the cat (Listen: 22) and her eyes open in surprise, then narrow in speculation. Whatever thoughts she has she keeps to herself, but during the afternoon's march, she keeps watching the elf for, well, for anything (Spot:21).
Trellus [Temp SteveK] Tuesday February 8th, 2005 1:26:12 PM
"Dude" and Trellus smacks himself lightly in the forehead with his heel. "I shoulda remembered your picks."
The rest of the afternoon, Trellus enjoys some good work and great company.
Mac d20+5=7 d20+1=10 Tuesday February 8th, 2005 4:42:14 PM
[Spot:7, Listen:10]
Falling into the travelling order, the taur tries to keep one eye on Shady whilst keeping the other on the surroundings. Eventually, when Galea is on his should he softly asks (in common) "What did the boy say to you? Hmm?", not expecting an answer but paying more attention to the kitten than where he is putting his own feet.
Gilan{barkskin} Tuesday February 8th, 2005 7:14:13 PM
Gilan follows along with the rest of the group. He keeps his eyes and ears open for signs of trouble.
He pats Trell on the back and laughs lightly. "Hey...it is my specialty." He knows that Trell knows his own strengths better than he knows the rest of the group. It is that way with all of them and that is to be expected
Spells Memorized 0th(6): create water, detect magic, mending(2), read magic(2) 1st(6): entangle, pass without trace, speak with animals(2), produce flames(2) 2nd(4): barkskin(3)**, bull's strength 3rd(3): call lightning, cure moderate wounds(2)* 4th(2): dispel magic, flame strike * used spell
Flea Tuesday February 8th, 2005 7:28:07 PM
All the while keeping a vigilant eye on their route, Flea wonders where the party are going to end up and what they're going to get themselves into.
"'Nuk?" she asks the ranger, "ever want to go back? Home? Your real home?"
Anuk d20+10=16 d20+10=29 d20+12=29 Tuesday February 8th, 2005 11:10:18 PM
"Home?..." Anuk pauses. "You must have read my mind, Flea. Talking with Shady brought back a lot of memories. My father used to teach me elven--he wanted me to learn spells...I was never very good at it, though." He tugs absent-mindedly at the fingers of his worn leather glove as he speaks. "For a long time after I left, I never wanted to see Floating City again. But now...I dunno. It doesn't sound so bad anymore. Maybe someday..."
They continue the trek forward and after a while Anuk asks, "How 'bout you, Flea. Got any roots you wanna return to?"
(listen 16, spot 29, track 29)
Jake Wednesday February 9th, 2005 1:31:45 AM
Jake tries to explain what cake and pie is, but gives up somewhere along the way. He wonders at the lake, saying he's only seen a river once, and some pool, never a lake. And he tries a few songs, whistling a tune or so, trying to catch the song the kid likes. He explains what the kid said to Mac, and then starts telling the kid some fun stuff about the others. Like, how Grymash tried to climb down a rope that he was holding. Or, how Grymash put on this belt they found and turned into a woman...and so on.
Temp ADM Carla Wednesday February 9th, 2005 8:05:14 AM
The party makes their way through the woods without incident. After conferring with Tishe' (who clues in right away) and Galea, Mac understands that the elf was talking to the cat in its own throaty purring language. Although they don't understand the 'words' they recognize that the lad can speak with animals. (OOC: Sorry for the obscure hint. My bad.) Mac can also sense that his little fuzzy friend does not fear the kid.
Flea and Anuk keep the party on track and talk of home. Trellus and Gilan relax secure in the knowledge that they've done their duty to the pack. Jake continues to gab with Shady, who looks back over his shoulder at the half-orc drawing up in the rear.
After several long hours of eventless travel, the shadows start to lengthen as the sun moves across the sky. Shady makes a sign to Jake and asks him if he's got anything to eat.
Trellus [temp SteveK] Wednesday February 9th, 2005 1:42:50 PM
The blonde cleric looks around as the shadows lengthen. "Hey, Grymash and 'nuk. Pick a good spot for us to rest. Let's weave a fire and some grub!"
Trellus gets busy at the campsite by getting a good sweat on and gathering wood.
During the evening, he makes sure to get Gilan and Tishe' alone at some point. "Since Shady is still here, perhaps we can find out more about his collar or past if you have some special spells to study in the morning."
Tishe' d20=16 Wednesday February 9th, 2005 1:48:45 PM
The mage takes off her pack with relief at the campsite. Tying her wavy brown hair into a tail, she helps make the dinner tonight. (16 to cook dinner or assist another)
Listening to Trellus, Tishe' nods and plans. "An identify spell may find more about the collar. I'll cast a Detect Magic on the collar to see what kind of dweomer it contains."
The next morning, Tishe' will study Identify instead of her glitterdust spell.
Grymash d20+8=28 Wednesday February 9th, 2005 7:34:10 PM
Grymash growls a little bit at Jake for recalling things he wish everyone would forget. He almost had!
The barbarian looks for a good place for the night. A nice small clearing where they can put up their tents and build a good campfire, but secluded enough to not draw unwanted attention. (Survival 28, nat. 20! woot!)
Satisfied with what he found, Grymash looks to his pack for approval. Then a question begins to gel in his brain pan as he begins to think about what to have for dinner. "Uhh, has nobody asked da elf if der be towns nearbys?" He normally wouldnt be concerned but his keg of green gnomish is getting low.
Flea Wednesday February 9th, 2005 10:18:16 PM
Flea shrugs her shoulders in response to Anuk's question. "I kinda' like it at Gilan's place back in Rattledam. It would be great if it wasn't for the beater monks, and the Black Pack," she says, adding, "but I don't like that there isn't any singing or story-telling, you know, bards?"
When a site for a camp is picked out, Flea will help by gathering lots of deadwood for the fire. She secretly hopes Jake won't be doing the cooking, and is glad to see that Tishe' is hovering around, looking ready to help.
Gilan{barkskin} d20+7=25 d20+7=11 Wednesday February 9th, 2005 11:20:29 PM
Gilan spends his time watching the surrounding area and taking in the new plants/animals that he is seeing. With a look to the sky he shakes his head knowing that they will stop before long. When they do finally stop he drops his pack lightly on the ground and then meets up with Trell and Tishe'. "I believe that I may have a spell to help out...you will have to let me do some thinking on it." It is easy to see that the druid is tired but he still pitches in to help out around the camp.
That night as everyone sits to eat, he brings out his pack and opens it. Looking to each of his packmates a smile breaks out across his face. "I have something for each of you...something for Giving Day, but I missed it with all the excitement." He makes his way around to all of the packmembers and hands them a wooden box.
Spells Memorized 0th(6): create water, detect magic, mending(2), read magic(2) 1st(6): entangle, pass without trace, speak with animals(2), produce flames(2) 2nd(4): barkskin(3)**, bull's strength 3rd(3): call lightning, cure moderate wounds(2)* 4th(2): dispel magic, flame strike * used spell
Each box is a foot long, five inches wide and four inches deep. It is made of black cherry with a removable top that fits on solid. On the top of each is the persons name carved in common and sylvan.
Anuk d20+12=26 Thursday February 10th, 2005 12:00:12 AM
Once a suitable campsite is found, Anuk heads out into the forest, looking for edible roots, plants, and critters (survival 26). Returning with his catch, he tries his hand at a stew, but finally asks Jake, "uhh...mind lending a hand here?" He hopes the half-elf doesn't remember the little jokes played on him over the last week.
Munching dinner happily, he tells Flea, "It's true...the monks sure are a sober bunch. Honestly, I think having to deal with Jake over the last few years has done 'em a world of good. I even saw Brother Riscus smile once when he thought no one was looking."
When Gilan presents his gift, Anuk is quite touched. "Thank you, Gilan," he says and tentatively opens the lid.
Jake Thursday February 10th, 2005 12:18:41 AM
Jake pats Shady and says he'll whip up some food in a jiffy...or whatever the equivalent is in Elvish. He looks around Grymash's choice of a campsite and seems pretty satisfied, studying it more for the possibility of a fight than anything else. "ah'll get ready with the cookin'!" he announces, probably to some consternation. But he doesn't seem to notice, or takes a secret glea in it... While the others get wood and stuff, he takes out his good ol' cooking pan and begins preparing some of those greens they've been finding along the way that are pretty good... he gives the elvish boy a knife and has him peel a few of those orange root things of their coarse outer skin and cut them up. After boiling up some water, he tosses in the carrots, some meat, and the vegetables. He sets it in the kettle to slowly cook and produce a stew that he's pretty sure won't get any complaints. But unable to really stay complacent with just that, he also begins to fry up some sticks of crumb-covered meat with those little spicy grasses over the fire directly, occasionally dipping it into the remaining juices in the pan for flavor. Then, he suddenly is presented with the gift. He takes it and grins, patting good ol' Gil on the shoulder. "Hey, a box...." In reality, he has no clue what to do with it...but he's sure he'll find something. This time around, his food is rather good; the stew is excellent and fulfilling, probably some of Jake's finest. While the sticks of pepped up meat, which he calls Rapke's Delight, are fiery, crunchy, and juicy, they do need something not there to cool the taste down. (Like some dip or bread) Jake asks the elf if he saw any villages or anything while they eat, and then tells the others his response. Then, Jake gets out some cards and plays a few hands of solitaire on the grass, relaxed and content...
Grymash d20+8=14 Thursday February 10th, 2005 12:36:04 AM "Ohh, Gry want gooey spider kabobs. Gry no have dat for long ago! But no make them too much spicy dis time." Grymash begins to look around for some juicy spiders.
(Survival 14)
Tishe' d20+3=12 d20+3=5 Thursday February 10th, 2005 3:59:45 PM
Helping with the cooking, Tishe' tries to see which grasses Jake uses for the hefty taste sensations (Spot: 12) "They certainly are a bright tapestry across the mouth!" she tells the warrior while reaching for a new mug of sweet water.
At the gift from Gilan, the small woman beams with pleasure and immediatly studies the box for an opening catch to see what is inside. (Search: 5)
Temp ADM Carla Thursday February 10th, 2005 5:40:17 PM
Grymash does a wonderful job locating a clearing at the base of a rock wall. A narrow trickle of fresh spring water trails down the face of the rock creating a clear pool in a small natural basin. While the barbarian searches for spiders, Anuk locates some wild tubers and onions, ripe berries, and catches couple of conies.
Camp is established and Trellus and Flea gather armloads of deadwood sufficient to keep a campfire going all night.
The young elf tries to make himself useful, but the pack get the impression he's not likely been in a situation where he's had to fend for himself. The youth becomes quite animated when the ranger returns with his harvest, but when he spots the dead rabbits, his eyes well up with tears, and he turns away.
As folks dig in to the victuals, Shady picks out a few vegetables, then pushes the remains of his stew away, looking like he might get sick. He hangs around the spring and drinks a lot of water, and later eats a few berries.
As the night stars make their appearance in the sky, the youth moves closer to the group and joins them around the campfire.
Mac d20-1=0 Thursday February 10th, 2005 9:35:29 PM
"Thanks Gilan!" Mac examines the box {the craftsmanship, etc} and after some consideration (and a goodly portion of dinner) he sets about getting the gem, platinum pieces and as many gold pieces into the box as he can - expecting to still have a good deal of gold amongst his silver and copper in the pouch.
He talks away the pre-watch evening and hums an old tauric tune from his childhood [Perfomance:0, nat.1], but guaging the reaction of others he falls quiet, and plays a game with Galea and Shady if he's interested.
Flea d20+8=24 Thursday February 10th, 2005 10:45:22 PM
"Did you make it?" asks the rogue, when Gilan presents her with the cherry-wood box. The gnome's eyes shine with pleasure, as she gently turns the box this way and that, examining the fine craftsmanship. When the druid moves off, Flea will take out her two spare sets of theives tools, her remaining opals, and the platinum and gold coins, and fit them neatly in the box.
As she rifles through her pack she comes across two slightly crumpled scrolls* in one of the secret pockets on the side of her pack. Slapping her forhead in remembrance, she brings the rolled parchment over to Tishe'. "I totally forgot I had these. I had meant to give them to you earlier," she says apologetically.
Noticing the elf doesn't seem to like the stew, (Spot=24) Flea offers him a small sack from her trail rations containing a mixture of nuts and dried fruit.
*(OOC: The scrolls are Mage Armour.)
Jake d20+8=22 d20+5=23 d20+5=15 Thursday February 10th, 2005 10:51:01 PM
Jake picks up Mac's song, humming it, grinning at the minotaur. His joking voice carries the tune surprisingly well for a bit, and he adds just a little bit, then stops humming, turning his attention carelessly back to the cards. "Ah know there's a queen behind one of these piles..." Jake offers to take the usual middle watch, since his sharp half-elven eyes can usually catch shifting shadows pretty shadily. (During the night, Jake will concentrate on his fine ears, but also keep watch, too. Listen 23, Spot 15)
DM MikeK Friday February 11th, 2005 11:51:23 AM
Watch order and spot/listen checks please.
Trellus d20+8=15 d20+8=19 Friday February 11th, 2005 1:37:58 PM
Trellus beams as Gilan hands him the box.
"Shady!" he remarks happily, before hastily telling Shady, "No, not you. This." The young man eagerly opens it to see what's inside.
As people are bedding down, Trellus offers up shifts. "How 'bout Tishe and Mac, Jake and Me, Gry an Gilan, and Anuk and Flea?"
With that, the cleric removes his gear and hits the sack.
[Listen 15 Spot 19]
Mac d20+5=13 d20+1=2 Friday February 11th, 2005 3:50:52 PM
Mac does a double take as Jake briefly runs with the tune. "How do you know that?"
Mac settles in for the watch with Tishe, and they speak of things barely above a murmur as the opportunities permit. Spot:13, Listen:2{Nat.1} Galea curls up near Mac's left ear and proceeds to purr well beyond her lung capacity.
OOC: Adding the Lotto won bow to Mac's list of pending items.
Tishe' d20+3=6 d20+3=23 d20+3=20 d20+6=23 d20+6=16 Friday February 11th, 2005 3:54:45 PM
The small woman nods at Trellus' watch suggestion, first watch suits her fine.
She uses the watch time to talk quietly with Mac and study the box to try and open it. (Search: 6)
She is much better at looking at the surrounding countryside (Spot: nat 20, Listen: 20) along with her horned lizard, Wart (assist other: 23, 16)
Gilan d20+7=26 d20+7=26 Friday February 11th, 2005 7:16:34 PM
Gilan is happy to see that his gifts went over so well. With a nod to Flea he speaks. "One of my spells and then some carving that I am proud of." He slips off to get his gear ready for the night and nods when his watch is mentioned. "That watch will work out just fine with me." He eats some of the stew as he listens to those around him.
His watch time is spent in silent comtemplation as he leans against one of the many trees. He smiles at Grymash as he sits some ways away.
[listen 26 and spot 26]
Spells Memorized 0th(6): 1st(6): 2nd(4): 3rd(3): 4th(2): * used spell
The boxes open easily but the lid will not fall off if turned upside down. The lid is almost seemlessly hidden with the rest of the wood of the box. They are currently empty of any contents.
Sorry for no post yesterday...have a sinus and ear cold. With the medicines I was in no condition to do much of anything yesterday. :)
Anuk d20+10=30 d20+10=25 Friday February 11th, 2005 8:57:27 PM
Anuk sits examining his new box. "Gilan, this will be perfect for holding pens and inks. I'm hoping to find paper to start a new journal if we ever find some civilization here. Thank you again."
Before settling in for the night, Anuk approaches Shady. He brings out his best elvish and says, "I am sorry about dinner...I didn't realize the coney's would be a problem. If you'll let me know what you like to eat, I'll see what I can find next time." He hesitates for a moment then asks, "Were the rabbits friends of yours?" Inside, Anuk wonders if he may have somehow harmed a special companion of Shady's in finding food for the pack.
Early the following morning, following a solid rest, Anuk wakes and joins Flea for the final watch.
(spot 30 (nat 20!), listen 25)
Flea (second post) d20+8=14 d20+10=30 Friday February 11th, 2005 11:34:27 PM
Knowing she has to be up early in the morning for her shift at watch, Flea makes a comfortable nest with her bedroll and Cloak of Comfort. She falls asleep to the sounds of Mac and Jake making a little night music.
Flea is surprisingly quiet during her watch. She stares into the low flames of the campfire, and doesn't see much past the circle of the camp (Spot=14), but no sound escapes her slightly pointed ears (listen=30, nat. 20!)
Tishe' Saturday February 12th, 2005 4:18:27 AM
{OOPS} And Tishe' is delighted at the gift of scrolls from Flea. "Thank you, sweetie! I can use these to help a little before a battle!"
Bumps in the Night (DM MikeK) Saturday February 12th, 2005 10:38:14 AM
Shady gratefully takes the rations from Flea, and looks at Anuk with sad eyes. "They are not friends. But.." The elf struggles to find the words. "They were living things," he says with empathy.
Everyone thanks Gilan for his generosity. Soon, each falls into their accustomed camp routine.
That night, the first three watches are without incident. However, on the last watch, both ranger and rogue start at the same moment.
Flea sees nothing, but her ears pick up noises - a slightly misplaced footfall, the soft brush on cloth on vegetation. Anuk hears nothing, but his eyes spot a shadow crossing a small patch of moonlight, a branch moving slightly out of place.
Something, possibly two somethings, is very carefully circling around open face of the campsite. Both adventurers wonder at their luck to pick it out, for it is moving far too quietly and carefully to be an animal. It is about 60' into the woodline, moving parallel to the camp.
Flea(AC19, 41 HP, Low Light Vision) d20+12=32 d20+8=27 d20+13=32 Saturday February 12th, 2005 11:31:16 AM
When her ears tell her something is out there, Flea's head jerks up and she scans the spot where she thought she heard the sound (Search=32, nat. 20! and Spot=27, big rolls!)
Figuring that whatever is out there can see her by the campfire, she remains at her station, but hisses out a warning, "Bloodpack! We are not alone!" hoping that those near her will wake up.
Ever so quietly (Move Silently=32) she reaches for her hammer.
Tishe' (AC 16, HP 37) Sunday February 13th, 2005 1:52:14 PM
Tishe' sleeps through Flea's hurried whisper, but Wart awakens, and the horned lizard climbs onto his wizard and nudges her cheek until her eyes open.
"Bouncing Insect says to wake up, the clutch is not alone." Wart informs Tishe'.
Tishe' is now wide awake. (No alarm, so nothing attacking right now, she thinks, therefore I should be subtle.) Trying to maintain some secrecy, she turns over as if in her sleep to see where Flea is looking, readying to spring into action if the need arises.
Gilan d20+7=15 Sunday February 13th, 2005 5:52:11 PM
Gilan shifts in his sleep and looks up at the sky with half open eyes. It had been nearing his time to get up anyways to commune with the Wold Mother.
He continues to keep up the act of sleeping as he listens to what is going on around him.
[listen 15]
Spells Memorized 0th(6): 1st(6): 2nd(4): 3rd(3): 4th(2): * used spell
Mac d20+5=14 d20+1=2 Sunday February 13th, 2005 8:20:47 PM
With as little motion as possible Mac looks out into the near forest. Spot:14(Darkvision 60') Listen:2 (Nat. 1 AGAIN!)
Anuk d20+10=15 d20+10=11 d20+8=28 d20+11=13 Sunday February 13th, 2005 9:55:06 PM
Anuk sees the sudden movement, but remains motionless for a moment, hoping not to give away the fact that he has seen something. Suddenly yawning and stretching his arms, he turns to Flea with a wink and says, "Well, 'bout time for me to turn in. I'll wake Jake for his watch."
He rises and shuffles toward the sleeping packmembers as if to wake the half-elf, but somewhere along the way he disappears into the shadows (hide 28 - nat 20!).
From his hiding place he tries to get a bead on who or what he may have seen earlier, but the night noises and the sudden change in light make it difficult for him to make anything out (listen 15, spot 11 - nat 1 :-(
Remaining hidden, he draws his bow, but accidently drops a couple of arrows that clatter to the ground (move silently 13). He picks up an arrow and nocks it, chiding himself and hoping he hasn't given away his position.
Jake d20+8=13 Sunday February 13th, 2005 10:26:13 PM
Waking hearing the hiss, what with his keen breed ears, Jake comes to without a snort. He reaches out and grips his sword in its sheath next to his bedroll, and concentrates on his hearing for anything to happen. (Pick up an item, as an action if I can for this premature round) (Listen roll of 13)
Trellus d20+8=11 Monday February 14th, 2005 9:05:00 AM
The cleric's eyes pop open. He could have sworn he heard someone say something, but he's not sure.
Trellus remains motionless, trying to figure out what is happening.
Spotted (DM MikeK) d20+12=30 d20+12=22 d20=11 d20=5 Monday February 14th, 2005 9:23:09 AM
Concentrating hard, Flea scans the leafy forest. In a few moments, she finds she can pick out the curved shape of a cloaked head. The figure strides easily, if somewhat noisily, through the underbrush. As the gnome reaches for her weapon, she sees it is not approaching any closer.
Anuk tries to be casual as he starts walking toward Jake before ducking low and semi-steathily moving to a hopefully unseen position. After some difficulty with his arrows, the ranger hurriedly scans the woodline with drawn bow.
The rest of the pack silently wakes. Hands slowly move for nearby weapons, and eyes watch Flea for any signal.
As soon as Anuk ducks into the underbrush and starts messing with his bow, Flea sees the figure freeze. Moments pass, with nothing but heartbeats filling the silence.
The noises resume, and everyone can hear the figure moving away from the campsite. Leaves and twigs crunch as it pulls back. Both Flea and Mac can just make out the retreating shape, now some 90' from the campsite and fading into the darkness. Anuk, unfortunately, cannot make it out, and has no target to fire at.
[DM Note -- except for Anuk and Flea, I'm assuming everyone is not wearing armor.]
Tishe' Monday February 14th, 2005 3:42:41 PM
One hand on her dagger, and another on Wart, Tishe' thinks about spells and wishes she had cast Alarm tonight.
Flea Monday February 14th, 2005 5:32:27 PM
Flea watches the figure disappear into the gloom of the forest, thinking it might not be wise to follow on her own or with the pack unprepared.
"Whoever it is knows we're out here now," says the gnome pointing out the direction taken by the cloaked and hooded figure. She tells the party as many details as she can remember about the appearance of the figure. Flea then points at the pack's new ward, and in common says, "I wonder if that is someone looking for Shady, over here?"
Grymash d20+5=9 Monday February 14th, 2005 7:27:13 PM
Grymash remains partially asleep by the fire. A watchful eye is always weary of possible dangers. The barbarian appears peaceful and docile, but unbeknownst to most, this half-orc sleeps with deadly bedfellows. Grymash's bedtime dagger, Stabby, is aways in his tight, slumbering clutches, ready to strike like a uhh ... err dagger!
(listen 9)
Gilan d20+7=19 d20+7=11 Monday February 14th, 2005 7:39:19 PM
Gilan rolls up and out of his bedroll and looks around. "This maybe trouble." He shakes his head as he slips his hands down to pull up his armor, he starts to put it on.
He glances around at the rest of the group as he shakes his head. "Seems that we may have to be more careful in the future."
[listen 19 and spot 11]
Spells Memorized 0th(6): 1st(6): 2nd(4): 3rd(3): 4th(2): * used spell
Anuk d20+8=17 d20+10=18 d20+10=16 d20+12=17 Monday February 14th, 2005 11:28:31 PM
Anuk moves into the firelight from his hiding place. "Sorry about the noise...I was hoping we might surprise our friend in the woods. I'll see what I can find out about him. Or her...Or it."
Anuk quietly moves out to where he first noticed the stranger, looking for prints and clues as to who or what it might have been, and what direction it left in. He does not move more than 60' from camp.
(move silently 17, spot 18, listen 16, track 17)
Jake Tuesday February 15th, 2005 2:55:57 AM
Someone in the darkness...moving after them...now moving away... The others seem to have stopped, and rationality tells Jake that staying put may be the best course. There is no real danger, and it could be a trap. Still, he gets up, shield ready, sword drawn, wearing merely some cotton undershorts with little shiny sword-badges sewn into it. It's very chilly, so he also grabs his cloak and pulls it about himself. (Plus, those shorts are embarassing.)
Trellus Tuesday February 15th, 2005 8:10:10 AM
Like Gilan, Trellus pulls off his bedroll, yawns, and starts pulling on his armor as he watches Anuk look for tracks.
"We're gonna have to weave cold camps for a while," he says, annoyed with his own decision.
The young man rubs a hand over his short blond hair and gets a look at Jake.
"Dude," he remarks. "Nice pants."
Daybreak (DM MikeK) Tuesday February 15th, 2005 9:30:31 AM
Anuk tries to find the intruder's trail, but is thwarted by the darkness. The ranger looks up at the lightening sky. It will be dawn in about an hour, he can try again then.
Given that the day is practically upon them, many of the pack start to rouse themselves. However, some, including Shady, seem determined to get those last few moments of shuteye.
---
Time passes, and the sun gradually makes its appearance in the East. Nothing else bothers the pack in the meantime.
Shady gets up, practices swinging his chain around some more, and looks around to see who's doing something interesting. Right now, that's Anuk, who is carefully searching the ground at the camp's perimeter. The elf tramps through the vegetation to join him. "What are you doing?" he asks politely in elvish.
Anuk -- Survival (Track) DC 17 -- Highlight to display spoiler: { The ranger finds one set of humanoid prints. They approach from the northeast, stop about 60' from the camp, move southward along the perimeter, and then move away -- again toward the northeast.}
Tishe' Tuesday February 15th, 2005 4:04:39 PM
False dawn sees the brown-haired mage stretching and settling down to munch a cold roll while studying her spellbook. Two spells she studies are
After breakfast, she casts Detect Magic and studies the collar. Then, she crushes two pearls in some wine. Drinking, she touches the collar to Identify its properties and history.
Wart, the horned lizard, looks unblinkingly on.
Gilan Tuesday February 15th, 2005 5:10:29 PM
Gilan finishes donning his armor and slips off to the side for a few private moments. He settles on the ground to commune with his mistress. He smiles as he listens to the sounds of nature around him.
After what may seem like hours to most, he stands and makes his way back to the camp. He steps up to Trellus and shakes his head. "I have no spells that will help with the collar...I am sorry." He looks to Tishe' and smiles as she seems to be ahead of the game in that department. "I think that is more your area and the mages."
Grymash Tuesday February 15th, 2005 8:01:02 PM
Grymash wakes completely after everyone starts making noise. He sighs when he notices that he sliced another small hole in his blanket. He holds Stabby up to his face and chews it out. "Gry tells yooz not ta dooz dat no mores. Augh!"
He looks around and notices everyone all tense and nervous. "Whut wrong?"
Anuk Wednesday February 16th, 2005 12:42:41 AM
Anuk rises from studying the tracks on the ground. Still looking at them he tells Shady in elvish "Something came by early this morning to get a closer look at us." He points the tracks out to the elf. "See, it came from that direction, kinda made it's way around the camp, then went back where it came from. Don't know what it was, but it certainly walks on two legs. If it didn't want to see us, we need to be wary. It might be scouting us and looking to see if we've got any weak points." He looks Shady in the eye seriously, then breaks out in a grin. "Luckily, we don't have any weak points," he laughs. Inside, though, he's still a little nervous about the tracks.
When he and Shady return to camp, he reports his findings to Trellus and Flea. "It's humanoid, but I'm not sure what it was. It came in from the northeast, checked us out out for a bit, then followed it's thread back the way it came. Only one set of tracks...could be a scout."
Flea Wednesday February 16th, 2005 3:09:53 AM
Flea nods when Anuk shares his information. "That's the direction we're heading in, right?" she says, adding, "it seemed to move pretty fast."
Without much ado, the gnome breaks camp, packing what needs to be stashed away, and generally getting ready to hit the road. Her stomach rumbles, and she secretly hopes Jake won't be making breakfast.
Trellus d20+8=10 Wednesday February 16th, 2005 8:04:40 AM
Like the other spellcasters, Trellus spends the early morning hour receiving his daily allotment of divine spells.
Rising from his out of the way place near the rock wall, he greets Anuk and Flea with a grin. The grin fades as he hears about the visitor. "We're gonna hafta be more shuttlecocked," he responds to the gnome. "You and Anuk should scout out ahead, but stay together. Jake, you take rear guard when we move. And Mac, you and kitty stay in the middle with Shady."
Partially out of interest, and partially to delay eating whatever Jake is calling breakfast, the young man moves over to Tishe. He waits impatiently while she goes through the spells. He tries to get an idea of what she's doing, but is too distracted by the weird frog to pay proper attention [Spellcraft 10].
So what is this thing? (DM MikeK) Wednesday February 16th, 2005 9:49:46 AM
Shady is attentive and curious as Anuk shows him the tracks. The elf compares his footprint to the one the ranger points out (it smaller), and retraces the path several times. Eventually, he tires of the game and ends up next to Mac, playing with the cat.
Tishe and Trellus go over to inspect the boy's collar. As the cleric looks on, Tishe' casts a DETECT MAGIC spell and concentrates intently. The collar radiates an aura of strong abjuration. Following that spell, the sorceress crushes a pearl and casts IDENTIFY.
The collar has been magically fortified so as not to break. It also magically shrinks to maintain a tight fit even if the wearer becomes smaller. It takes a password, which Tishe' recognizes as the draconic word for "Freedom", to make the collar expand. Otherwise, there is no provision for the collar to expand if the wearer gets larger.
While all this is going on, the rest of the pack readies themselves for the day. By the time Tishe has completed her detections, it is mid-morning.
Mac Wednesday February 16th, 2005 3:57:50 PM
Mac and Shady tire Galea out and Mac puts her to bed at the top of his pack. When all are readied (he helps those as want some) he takes up a near rearguard position in the party order.
Tishe' Wednesday February 16th, 2005 4:52:12 PM
Tishe's brown eyes sparkle at the answers and mysteries revealed from her spells. She tells the others about the collar and prepares to move out.
"I can weave Shady's collar open right now, but should we do it? If he's the dragon, or even a dragon, removing the collar should bring a lot of gratitude. If Shady is the servant of a dragon, removing the collar may bring vengeance."
Her buff colored horned toad nudges her hand from his satchel and looks at her with its large eyes. And Tishe's eyes soften.
"I think we should open that collar now. Anyone who will collar another being is a big bully!"
Anuk Wednesday February 16th, 2005 7:14:13 PM
After reporting to Trellus and Flea, Anuk finds a few moments to wander off by himself and meditate.
(prepares entangle)
Flea d20+2=18 Wednesday February 16th, 2005 7:58:36 PM
Remove not this hasp of steel, Or die before the morn. Teeth and claws you will feel, If this advice you scorn.
Flea remembers the draconic words inscribed upon the collar, and reminds Tishe'. Tugging open a buckle of her own leather shadow armor so that it is not so tight around her neck, she volunteers, "I'm not happy that Shady here has to wear that collar either, but we're not leading him around by a chain attached to it, and he doesn't look like he is in any immediate distress."
Flea rolls her eyes, "I'm more worried about our night visitor. Maybe someone looking for the kid. I think we should try to hide him, maybe with a disguise? He looks about Jake's height, eh?"
If the party is in agreement about disguising Shady, Flea will help, possibly by loaning the kid her Cloak of Comfort (Disguise=18, Aid Another?)
Jake Wednesday February 16th, 2005 9:18:39 PM
"Ah think we should let him go..." Jake says from where he is, finishing up his little meal stewy rabbit goodness.. Even he is loath to experiment with food that early in the morning. "No real reason not ta...ah mean, comeon, 'Trell, he may be a bit funny, but he's just a kid. Hey, Shady!" (still in Common) "Tell me," Jake smiles, "who your buddies are... Bloodpack, right? Right." Jake gives the elven boy a hair tussel and grins, then turns his attention to some exercises that he does every morning...y'know, stuff ta make the chicks all gasp and oo and ah.
Gilan Wednesday February 16th, 2005 10:15:34 PM
Gilan shakes his head as he listens to the pack talk. "It would not be a wise idea to do either at this point." He had also thought of the warning on the color and was not really ready for that thought. "He is better off with us than he is by himself...at least this way we can protect him." Silently he thinks also that they can keep an eye on him as well.
Moving over to stand by Trellus he leans in close and whispers in his ear. "You have heard of lycos, I would suspect...or werewolves and thier like." He looks to Shady and shivers some as his thoughts take shape in his head. "That collar may suppress his needs to kill and turn." He glances to the rest and waits to see what Trell has to say. Speaking back up so that all the pack can hear him, knowing that some will know of what he speaks. "My Master that tought me the druid ways always said....'Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.' and that is sound advice." He does not want to offend anyone but he will not endanger the pack for those less naive and not sure of what that warning could mean. He hopes to be safer than sorrier.
Trellus Thursday February 17th, 2005 8:22:32 AM
The young man lips make a thin line as he thinks about Shady being trapped, but he's forced to agree with Gilan and Flea.
"Just like the gem," he says, half out loud. Trellus' eyes pop open. "Oh Light, I don't have that spell!"
"OK, dudes. Let's leave the collar on today. Tomorrow I'll get the right spell to ask Domi--Like I did with the gem. That should tell us."
To Flea he grins and bows. "Disguise away."
Moving Out (DM MikeK) d20+12=15 d20+17=34 Thursday February 17th, 2005 10:07:39 AM
Several members of the group have a quiet discussion about what to do with Shady's collar. So far, it remains on the elf.
Flea loans Shady the use of her Cloak of Comfort, and goes about trying to disguise him as well. Part of this involves dirt, and Shady happily darkens the color of his face and hair with any material the rogue provides. What a great game! He stands there, beaming happily. "Pak Shai-dee!" he chirps in response to Jake.
Eventually, the group breaks camp and heads back up the trail toward the mountains. [marching order?] Shady moves about, hanging mostly with Mac (well, the cat anyway) and Jake.
The day passes as the trail gradually climbs through rolling hills. The trees bordering the trail gradually make way to evergreens. The high branches seem to have an effect on the ground vegetation, as nothing but brown needles cover the forest floor.
Everyone please make a Spot check DC 15 -- Highlight to display spoiler: { As the trail passes under a low rock cliff rising 20' to the right, a cloak covered humanoid head is spotted looking down upon the party. The head quickly pulls back from the cliff's edge.} and a Listen check DC 34 -- Highlight to display spoiler: { As the trail passes under a low rock cliff rising 20' to the right, movement is heard from above. It sounds as if something is quickly running away from the cliff edge to the northeast (same direction as the party's movement).}
Tishe' d20+3=23 d20+3=23 Thursday February 17th, 2005 12:19:53 PM
The small mage doesn't like the decision to keep the collar on Shady, and a stubborn pout crosses her face. This is followed by a surprised look, for Tishe' realizes that with her knowledge she can pop the collar by uttering the command word. And she can do it right now!
But no, (comes the resolution on her face) she is part of the Pack, and she will abide by the decisions.
To take her mind off the collar, Tishe' moves ahead of Mac and Shady, and keeps an eye on the surrounding wilderness
Spot: nat 20
Listen: nat 20 (wow!)
As the party passes under a low cliff to the right, Tishe's head swiftly moves to the cliff top and she gasps.
She grabs the nearest packmate by the arm. "There was a cloaked person looking at us from the cliff-top! I think we're getting close to Shady's home."
Flea (Hasted) d20+8=28 d20+10=29 d20+13=21 d20+12=29 Thursday February 17th, 2005 1:30:35 PM
The rogue takes her usual place, scouting up ahead of the pack with her ranger pal. As the trail passes under a low rock cliff rising on their right, she spots (Spot-28, nat 20!) a cloak covered humanoid head looking down upon the party. She grabs Anuk by the arm, and raising a finger to her lips to signal him to be quiet, she points to the head at the cliff's edge. When the head disappears, she clicks her heels and quickly takes a path through the forest. The pine needles littering the ground muffle her footsteps. (Move Silently=21) Hearing nothing but her heartbeat, (Listen=29) the gnome peers through the gloom of the shadowy forest (Search=29) for clues to what might be trailing them.
(*Boots of Speed-p. 250 DMG guide-act as though affected by a Haste Spell...p. 239 PHB) 1/10 rounds (not required to be consecutive rounds)
Mac d20+5=13 d20+1=20 Thursday February 17th, 2005 3:48:39 PM
[Spot:13, Listen:20]
Mac maintains a steady pace - hearing a good deal of the local sounds but oblivious to the specifics ahead.
Gilan d20+7=20 d20+7=27 Thursday February 17th, 2005 7:43:37 PM
As he travels along near the middle of the group he keeps his eyes and ears open for signs of trouble. He also spots the thing on the cliff and narrows his eyes as he takes a better look around. "That does not bode well...maybe." He looks to the rest of the group as some move off to scout.
"Remember to stay near me some of you so that I can armor you for battle...Gry especially if you will be seeing your rage." He goes over his spells in his head as he moves along slowly with the group. "Keep an eye out for traps of all kind."
Grymash d20+5=6 d20+2=18 Thursday February 17th, 2005 9:20:40 PM
Grymash takes Gilan's advice. However, the barbarian isnt himself today. He has the sweats and he holds his gut. He is seen taking frequient little trips into the overgrowth. Maybe those spiders from the night before weren't as good as the ones from back home.
(Listen 6, Spot 18)
Anuk d20+10=24 d20+10=29 d20+12=14 d20+8=19 Thursday February 17th, 2005 9:58:33 PM
"I see him," Anuk whispers to Flea. When the cloaked figure disappears, Anuk follows the little gnome into the forest, but sees and hears little to clue him into the identity of the stranger.
Anuk Thursday February 17th, 2005 9:59:49 PM
(OOC: whoops, that should read "Move Silently 19 :-S)
Jake d20+5=12 Friday February 18th, 2005 1:00:21 AM
Jake doesn't catch sight of the guy, probably 'cause he's busy in teaching Shady many well-kept secrets passed from generation to generation: of how to belch out interesting songs, how to make farting sounds through one's armpit, the art of spitting, and a dozen other interesting things that the poor kid probably hasn't had anybody teach him. Silly elves. This stuff is USEFUL. "Someone watching us...? Cloaked, too, huh? Hey, do ya think it was a woman?" Jake has a sorta sixth sense about these things...at least he hopes he does.
Trellus d20+8=26 d20+8=14 Friday February 18th, 2005 7:57:57 AM
Listen 26 Spot 14
Trellus is too busy watching Jake and wondering how he's going to explain this to Shady's family to notice anything.
But Flea and Anuk taking off gets his full attention. "Careful!" he hisses to them as they depart. "Jake, stick close to Shady. Keep shuttlecocked."
She looks familiar (DM MikeK) Friday February 18th, 2005 11:50:29 AM
Flea activates her boots. With a burst of speed, she races ahead of the group, dashing into the forest once she passes the end of the low hill. Anuk hurries to keep up, while the rest of the Bloodpack braces for what may come.
The little rogue enters the woodline. Her feet pad silently on the brown needles and soft loam of the earth, while her eyes pierce the half light of the wood. She sees movement. Some 50 to 60 yards ahead of her, a human female races away to the northeast, parallel to the footpath the pack is using. The woman is fast, really fast. Unaware or unconcerned with pursuit, she quickly disappears behind the trees.
Flea recognizes her. It's the lady from the clearing. The one with the hands and feet that hit like hammers. The chances of the rogue catching the lady are slim. Anuk is some 60' behind the rogue, and approaching quickly. He can't see anything but Flea.
The rest of the group, still beside the cliff wall, see nothing at all.
Mac d20+5=21 d20+1=5 Friday February 18th, 2005 5:39:34 PM
The taur start paying more attention to his surroundings, but only he knows he is on the look-out for a lion. [Spot:21, Listen:5] As he slows up, he drift back down the party order to nearer Gilan.
Flea (Hasted) Friday February 18th, 2005 6:35:43 PM
Flea runs back towards the pack as fast as her boots allow her. "It's them!" she cries as she runs by the ranger. "We've got to tell the others!"
No longer sensing any need for stealth, Flea calls to the pack as soon as they are within view. "It's them! The ones the dragon chased away! The ones that had Shady!"
(*Boots of Speed-p. 250 DMG guide-act as though affected by a Haste Spell...p. 239 PHB) 2/10 rounds (not required to be consecutive rounds)
Gilan Friday February 18th, 2005 11:13:39 PM
Looking in every direction as Flea comes running back he shakes his head. "We know that at least one is dead...but that still leaves that large ogre one." He looks to the group and waits to see what the battle plan will end up being.
Jake Saturday February 19th, 2005 12:59:33 AM
Jake will hesitantly, but soothingly, try to talk to Shady about what's happening...after all, ya can't leave the poor kid completely in the dark. He comradely puts his hand on the elf's shoulder and explains to him, (e) "Those fellows who had you earlier? It seems they're following us. But don't worry, you're like one of the pack now... we won't let them elfnap you again. Not as long as Trell's in charge. 'sides, 'tain't nobody can take the pack down." Jake turns his attention to Flea as she gets back. "So, was ah right, it was a woman, huh? Ah swear, ah've got a sense about these things."
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