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."
Tishe' Monday February 21st, 2005 10:49:54 AM
"This pattern is looking bad", worries Tishe', "I think we need to be ready for the next few hours."
With that, she takes one of the Mage Armor spells Flea just gave her and casts it on Mac. "You keep healthy this time, sweetie."
The small woman smiles at Jake's confidence about women, but it doesn't stop her from double checking the loaded bolt in her crossbow and readying for anything.
"Perhaps we should stay away from cliffs and other ambush sites?" she suggests. "And maybe Shady can tell us more about the folk who had him captive?"
Spells Mage Armor [5 hours] +4 AC to Mac (doesn't stack)
Trellus Monday February 21st, 2005 2:46:00 PM
This sounds sunbaked. Trellus wishes he felt as confident as Jake is. Tishe' is right, though. The pack is likely to get jumped up there, again.
Getting the story from Flea, he ponders.
"Maybe if we followed the lady instead of weaving down this trail, we might twist their plans," he muses. "Nuk, can you and Flea follow where the lady went?"
The cleric plans for Flea and Anuk to track the lady, with the rest of the group 60-90' back or so. That ought to keep things quiet enough so the two scouts can find those treadles without getting spotted this time.
Now What? (DM MikeK) Monday February 21st, 2005 9:15:35 PM
Flea quickly returns, a startled Anuk in her wake, and relays her discovery. The fact that one or more of Shady's captors is nearby generates some intense planning by the Bloodpack.
At Tishe's suggestion, Jake asks Shady if he remembers more about his captors.
Out of nowhere, a cool breeze passes down the trail, bringing with it the fragrance of wildflowers in full bloom. None of the pack have noticed any flowers hereabouts. Shady looks blankly at Jake and replies, but not in Elven. The language is lyrical, musical. [Anyone who knows Sylvan -- Highlight to display spoiler: {"Nature senses her own"}]
The breeze passes. Shady blinks his eyes and passes his hand in front of his face, as if brushing away a cobweb. As if the last minute or so didn't happen, he answers Jake, in elven, that he doesn't rememeber much about his captors.
[DM Note - The pack knows the ogre is dead. The other four ran off.]
Gilan Monday February 21st, 2005 9:56:30 PM
Gilan looks to Shady as he comments and his eyes narrow. When the young lad seems to come as if out of a trance he looks at the boy closer. "That is a strange thing to say." He looks to the others as he tries to ponder exactly what those words could mean and then shakes his head in defeat. "Nature senses her own??" With another start he shakes his head and returns to what he knows and that is the score against them so far.
With a look to Trellus he smiles slightly. "The ogre died remember...so that leaves us with the female and that mage...who I have a score to settle." His smile turns more wicked as he cannot help but wonder exactly how that last encounter would have turned out.
Grymash Monday February 21st, 2005 10:13:40 PM
Grymash rises up from being down on one knee. The spasms in his gut hit him with sharp pains and nausia. Drool and mucus flow from his snout and mouth. He spits and snorts to clear them. Doing his best to purge the sickness from him. After clearing this throat, the barbarian mumbles, "Wha .. wha wuz dat yooz say? Wha be dat?!"
Flea d20+23=30 d20+10=18 d20+13=27 d20+12=19 d20+8=19 Monday February 21st, 2005 10:47:12 PM
The rogue shrugs her shoulders when the youth goes all mystic, and starts talking in another language she doesn't understand.
"You want us to follow that white-handed witch?" asks Flea incredulously when Trellus suggests she and Anuk scout out the speedy human female. Shaking her head, a habit she's picked up from Gilan, Flea hustles after the ranger muttering something about, "eating grass."
Anuk d20+10=25 d20+10=24 d20+8=16 d20+12=18 d20+11=29 Monday February 21st, 2005 11:54:07 PM
Anuk returns several seconds behind Flea. Huffing and puffing, he listens as Trellus offers up his plan. "Sounds shady...you got it, Trellus," he gasps. Then he turns back in the direction from which he just arrived. Touching the rogue on the shoulder he grins and says, "Little slower this time, huh Flea? Some of us haven't got the legs on us you've got."
Jake Tuesday February 22nd, 2005 2:25:05 AM
(e) "Little guy, you confuse me," Jake shakes his head at Shady. Turning back to common, he explains Shady as not remembering, then asks Trellus, "Hey, Gry looks a bit green... perhaps you can do something for him? Also, Gilan, do you know what's going on? I'm a bit confused by all this nature actin' up..."
Trellus d20+8=15 Tuesday February 22nd, 2005 10:44:20 AM
Trellus' head swivels from Shady to Gilan and back again. "Dude," he replies to the druid, "if you don't know what he's weaving, the rest of ain't got a chance."
Gilan's remarks about the number of treadles left sparks a memory. "There were five," he points out. "The lady, the ogre, the mage, the dude with the swords, and whoever was holding on to Shady."
Flea's reaction is puzzling. Lot of twisted stuff going on here. "Why not sneak up on them instead of letting them sneak up on us?" he asks the air as Flea and Anuk set off.
The young man takes the moment available to give Gry a once-over [Heal 15] "You OK Gry?" He looks at Jake. "Probably something from breakfast," he teases lightly.
Once Flea and Anuk have gotten a decent 90' lead, Trellus leads the pack after them. "Mac first, then me and Gry, Gilan and Tishe, and Jake and Shady. Mac, stay close enough so you can reach them in a hurry."
Tishe' d20+13=24 d20+2=18 d20+2=9 Tuesday February 22nd, 2005 3:07:47 PM
The small woman tucks a stray hair behind her ear. "Nature senses her own? What language was Shady weaving? And that smell of blooms is too much of a coincidence. I wonder if there was magic?" (Spellcraft: 24, Know: Nature: 18)
"Gry, sweetie, if you can find some mint leaves, they can settle your stomach. At least that is what my mother always said."
Whatever the answer is, it will have to wait, for the pack is moving out. Tishe' takes her place to the right of Gilan, and scans the woods to the right while they move out.
(Spot: 9)
Gilan d20+7=13 d20+7=16 Tuesday February 22nd, 2005 5:54:29 PM
Gilan moves out with the rest of the group as he ponders what he just heard. Turning his head slightly to Tishe' he shakes his head. "It was sylvan...the forest language...but as to the meaning..." His only finishing reply is a shake of his head as he is not sure. "I think the flower scent along with the phrase was an omen of sorts....or a portent of things to come." He looks to the small mage and smiles slightly as he shakes his head again.
He lets his mind slip back to the things at hand as he moves along though. He figures that he will have time to figure this out later. It is clear that he is still trying to figure out the portent than anything else.
Daffodil Hill (DM MikeK) d20+13=27 d20+13=25 d20+15=23 Tuesday February 22nd, 2005 8:37:17 PM
Anuk and Flea take off, shortly followed by the rest of the group.
The rogue leads the ranger to where she last saw the lady, and Anuk is able to pick up her track in the soft loam fairly easily. The chase is on.
Mac finds he can't let the two out front more than 60' before he loses them among the trunks of the many pine trees. The minotaur closes the distance, with the rest of the group fanned out behind him.
The trail doesn't go more than a few hundred feet before veering left and making back toward the game trail. Anuk sees it leads straight up another small hill overlooking the trail. The top of the hill is bathed in bright sunlight and inexplicably covered in daffodils.
From the center of those daffodils, on the top of the hill, two voices break out in startled conversation. Anuk can't make out the words, but he can tell something is up there.
No one else hears or sees anything.
And then, Anuk hits a hidden twig. It snaps.
On top of the hill, a female voice hisses "Shhhh!"
And then, movement. Something is descending the hill. The ranger can hear the scrape of feet on the flowers as the unseen whatever comes southeast down the hill to a position just west of he and Flea.
The rogue, despite Anuk's obvious interest in the west, sees and hears nothing.
Jake notes that Shady is looking around curiously, but sensibly making as little noise as possible.
Grymash d20+2=18 d20+5=21 Wednesday February 23rd, 2005 12:02:59 AM
Grymash feels his stomach twisting and churning with great discomfort. Those around him can easily hear his gut moan and squeal. "Uh oh!!" mumbles the barbarian as his eyes go wide with panic. He turns his head, away from his packmates, and up comes a spewing vomitous mass. After a series of spitting and clearing his throat, Grymash turns back to his pack with a disgustingly drool-filled smile and says, "Gry feelin' betters now ... Whoooh!!"
He takes his double axe in both hands and starts off after the rogue up the trail, staying in the formation Trellus suggested. After his little evacuation, his stomach quiets down and he is able to move ahead quietly as possible.
(Spot 18, Listen 21)
Jake Wednesday February 23rd, 2005 1:30:08 AM
Jake keeps pretty quiet, waiting for Nukky and the Flea to get back to their group. He puts a finger to his lips, motioning to Shady to be quiet. He draws his sword and shield as quietly as he ca...
Anuk (AC 21, HP 34) d20+10=28 d20+10=21 d20+8=15 d20+11=18 Wednesday February 23rd, 2005 2:35:54 PM
Anuk freezes at the sound of the voices. Getting Flea's attention, he motions toward the hilltop with his gloved hand, hoping she might see something he can't.
When the twig snaps he curses under his breath and draws his bow immediately. As quickly and quietly as he can he disappears behind a pine tree, but tries to keep a good view of the area from which he hears the sounds.
Spot 28 Listen 21 Move Silently 15 Hide 18
Tishe' d20+2=16 d20+2=3 d20+2=11 Wednesday February 23rd, 2005 3:09:57 PM
Still moving behind Mac and beside Gilan, the small woman keeps trying to move as silently as possible and watching the woods to the right.
Move Silently: 16 Spot: nat 1 Listen: 11
Trellus d20+8=10 d20+8=13 d20-4=-2 Wednesday February 23rd, 2005 3:54:44 PM
The cleric keeps moving forward, hoping his idea isn't gonna get them all creamed...again.
His breastplate clanks with every step.
[Listen 10, Spot 13, Move Silently -2]
Gilan d20+7=14 d20+7=9 Wednesday February 23rd, 2005 4:55:05 PM
[listen 13 and spot 16]
Gilan looks around and smiles at the change in surroundings. This will be just fine as far as he is concerned. Turning his head slightly to look at Tishe' he speaks. "Let Trell know what I just did." He hands a potion to Mac before he makes any other moves. "Barkskin and my only one...use it well." As he walks his body slowly begins to melt until he is once again in his wasp form. He takes off at a faster pace now and buzzes right by Trellus's ear. If it was possible for a wasp to laugh he would be doing just that. He silently wonders if he should be flying alittle higher so that his view is not blocked so much, but the flowers are pretty and smell good.
[listen 14 and spot 9]
[barkskin potion is one of my old ones and caster level is 6th]
Flea d20+23=39 d20+10=28 d20+13=26 d20+12=23 d20+8=16 Wednesday February 23rd, 2005 6:01:03 PM
Flea takes in Anuk's move and cautiously heads up the incline towards the yellow flowers. She tries to stay out of sight as she makes her way from tree to tree. She will try to catch the attention of the other Bloodpack members and after first holding a finger to her lips in the universal sign of silence, she will point out the direction of anything of significance.
Company (DM MikeK) Wednesday February 23rd, 2005 10:31:08 PM
Anuk frantically tries to get somebody to understand the group is not alone. Flea tries to get Trellus to stop sounding like a walking forge to pay attention, before turning and heading very stealthily up the hill. The others are too far away to pick up the ranger's signals.
Gilan goes wasp and buzzes towards the flowers on the hilltop.
The rest of the Bloodpack continue to advance upon the stationary Anuk. They are nearly upon the duo before Mac finally stops, and the rest with him. Except for Shady. The young elf has stopped, and is sitting cross legged on the ground, with his back resting against a nice pine. He is playing with three pinecones, laying them in a row over and over and over again -- horizontal, vertical, diagonal -- he arranges and rearranges the row of three pinecones.
A voice pierces the forest. The voice of the lady. "They're behind us!" she cries. Both Anuk and Flea could swear the woman must be within 30' of them - Anuk to the west, Flea to the southwest - but neither see her.
Gilan sees the flowers on top of the hill flatten, as if someone was stomping around on them. "Where?" A male voice hisses in reply from the hilltop, practically in front of the druid/wasp, but unseen. Footprints form in the flowers, indicating slow movement in the direction of the party.
Flea hears the man on the hilltop. In fact, it sounds as if something is come right at her and is nearly on top of her. She also hears movement of something approaching around the north end of the hill, and another something approaching from the south end. The gnome is convinced all four sounds are close enough that she should see whatever is making them, but nothing but empty forest, and daffodils loom before her.
Mac, Grymash, Trellus, Tishe, and Jake hear only the "They're behind us!" cry of a woman. They place it somewhere around 30' -- 40' to their northwest.
Jake d20+5=22 Thursday February 24th, 2005 1:35:15 AM
"What's going on...?" Jake asks confusedly. "They're over there!" He moves towards the sound of the voice, using his shield to push the area ahead of himself, just in case it hits anything. He's trying to go by sound, to the source of the woman's talking. (Listen, DC 22)
Anuk (AC 21, HP 34) d20+2=8 d20+2=5 d20+2=7 d20+2=14 Thursday February 24th, 2005 2:49:42 PM
As the sounds and voices get louder, Anuk points his bow this way and that, searching for a target.
Light!...Can't hit what I can't see! he thinks in frustration.
Then, he recalls the ioun stone. Quickly, he lowers his bow and draws the stone out of his cloak. Concentrating on the area around Flea, he mutters a few short words of incantation then hopes for the best.
(Casts Dispel Magic - area dispel: 8, 5, 7, 14
Not certain if multiple spells are active in the area, so I made 4 checks in total (effect described below). Sadly, my rolls are, of course, abysmally low *sigh*)
Area Dispel: When dispel magic is used in this way, the spell affects everything within a 20-foot radius. For each creature within the area that is the subject of one or more spells, you make a dispel check against the spell with the highest caster level. If that check fails, you make dispel checks against progressively weaker spells until you dispel one spell (which discharges the dispel magic spell so far as that target is concerned) or until you fail all your checks. The creature's magic items are not affected. For each object within the area that is the target of one or more spells, you make dispel checks as with creatures. Magic items are not affected by an area dispel. For each ongoing area or effect spell whose point of origin is within the area of the dispel magic spell, you can make a dispel check to dispel the spell. For each ongoing spell whose area overlaps that of the dispel magic spell, you can make a dispel check to end the effect, but only within the overlapping area.
Tishe' (AC 16, HP 37/37) d20+13=17 d20+3=16 d20+5=20 Thursday February 24th, 2005 2:57:55 PM
The small mage thinks why voices would come from the air (Spellcraft: 17), and quickly determines a possible answer. "They're all invisible! Remember how the ogre appeared out of nowhere?"
Tishe' moves 30 feet towards the flower-covered hill and looks for tell-tale movement through the white and yellow blooms (Spot: 16) Identifying what she thinks is movement, the brown-haired Tishe' weaves her hands in a complicated pattern, casting an area Dispel Magic (Dispel Check: 20)
Flea (AC 19, 41 HP) d20+12=25 d20+8=17 Thursday February 24th, 2005 5:34:37 PM
When folks decide to let loose with their magical effects, Flea tries to stay out of the way and backs up. Instead of looking up and around, she looks at the ground in front of her to see if she can spot a pattern of depressed flowers or grass which might indicate someone is nearby. She unconsciously reaches for her hooked hammer and prepares to defend herself.
Search=25 Spot=17
Trellus (Prayer[1]) Thursday February 24th, 2005 7:51:30 PM
Trellus walks forward, keeping pace on Tishe's right side. When she casts her spell, he does likewise. The Bloodpack immediately feels the inspiring power of Domi flow into them.
"Get ready, dudes," he growls.
[Prayer - +1 Atk, damage, saves, and skill checks w/in 40' of caster. -1 to enemy for same.]
Gilan d20+7=18 d20+7=15 Thursday February 24th, 2005 7:54:27 PM
Gilan buzzes off to the side of the mashing grass and lands on one of the flowers nearby. He watches the grass and flowers to get an idea of the person's location. He buzzes and wiggles his antennae as he casts a spell of his own.
Grymash (ac22, hp81, prot. from evil, blind fight feat) d20+2=10 d20+5=13 Thursday February 24th, 2005 8:51:17 PM
Grymash hears the words "invisible" and remembers how those treadles just appeared out of no where. This time he knows and is ready for the beaters. He keeps his senses wide open, waiting for them to strike. The barbarian can feel them getting closer. He mutters a few words of power and calls upon himself protection from his god. (Casting Protection from Evil)
Grymash humms a continuous deep moan as he concentrates on his prey. Anticipating their every movement*.
(*Blind Fight feat: Gry doesnt lose his dex, nor does his attackers receive any bonus for being invisible with melee attacks. Gry also gets to reroll hit/miss chances.)
Visibility (DM MikeK) d20+10=29 d20+10=19 d20+5=17 d10+5=15 d10+5=8 d10+5=7 Thursday February 24th, 2005 9:05:52 PM
Jake pushes forward, seeking the lady he hears speaking.
Flea backs up to Anuk, searching the ground in front of her for any sign of an approaching enemy.
Trellus moves forward and casts a spell to strengthen his friends.
Gilan moves to the side and casts a spell.
Grymash casts a spell and waits, senses alert.
Anuk and Tishe both cast Dispel Magics. Anuk's spell is ineffective. Tishe's spell succeeds in spectacular fashion. Around the hill, three figures pop into existence. On the north side, the man with the two swords -- on the east side, virtually underneath Gilan, the hooded mage -- and on the southeast side, a bugbear dressed in leather armor and wielding a Morningstar appears before Jake.
The three suddenly visible attackers react immediately to the new situation.
The mage (S) casts a spell, sending a bolt of electricity at Anuk. [Lightning Bolt -- Reflex DC 16 or 7d6 hp damage]
The bugbear (C) casts a spell, and Jake feels his limbs getting heavy. [Hold Person -- Will DC 14 or can't move]
Two swords (R) advances on Anuk, and is quite surprised to find Flea standing there in the way. [Flea gets an AoO]
Trellus lets out a yelp as he's pummeled by an unseen opponent. The lady (L) appears just as she's finishing off a nice roundhouse kick into the cleric's jaw. [hit ac 29 for 15 hp hit ac 19 for 8 hp hit ac 17 for 7 hp]
Flea (AC 19, 41 HP-Bless) d20+8=16 d6+2=6 d20+14=26 d20+8=22 d6+2=8 Thursday February 24th, 2005 11:07:56 PM
Flea swings her hammer at the fellow in front of her (Hit AC 16, for 6 dmg) before tumbling (Tumble=26) past him into a position directly behind him and opposite Anuk. The rogue swings her hammer again (Hit AC 22, for 8 dmg).
"Lets squeeze 'im good, 'nuk," calls the rogue.
Notes: -Bless from Trellus -Anuk gets +2 flanking bonus if he steps 5ft. into square vacated by Flea
Jake (AC 23, hp 50/50, prayer) d20+2=13 d20+11=28 d10=5 d6=6 Thursday February 24th, 2005 11:55:50 PM
Jake feels his limbs become leaden. His eyes close halfway and he wavers on his feet, whobbling as the world is suddenly so heavy. it is only that divine pulse of energy filling him that barely keeps back the force of the bugbear's spell. (That +1 to my check saved me! Whew!) Suddenly his eyes snap open, and he smiles at the --whatever the thing is. Not a gnoll, or an orc. Must be something else. "Nice try, wormface!" he cheerfully announces, then swings himself into action. He decides not to test his luck with wild swings, but this time aim carefully, jabbing forward with his sword precisely at just below his midsection, at around his belt where the leather armor ends. (Hit AC 29, with the prayer bonus. Did 13 slashing damage and 6 freezing damage)
Tishe' (AC 16, HP 37/37) d20+5=22 d8+11=14 Friday February 25th, 2005 12:39:54 AM
Tishe's first thought is to take out the mage, but the appearance of the weaponless fighter beating on Trellus is more important.
She raises her hands and weaves a golden pattern flanking the enemy assaulting Trellus. And her favorite bison appears and attacks.
The bison immediately tries to gore the monk (Ac 22, Dam 14)
Spells Augmented Summon; Celestial Bison [5 rounds] AC 13 HP 45 A +5 D d8+11 (Darkvision, Resist Cold/Electricity/Acid: 5, Damage Reduction 5/magic, Smite Evil 1/day +4 damage, Spell Resistance 9)
Grymash (ac20, hp81, prot. from evil, prayer, blind fight feat) d20+2=14 d20+12=28 d100=89 d100=39 d8+20=26 Friday February 25th, 2005 2:36:16 AM
The barbarian sees combatants suddenly appear. He then sees Trellus' head getting whipped around like a bag full of dirty undies. Trellus' face takes on a distorted, mushy pulp-like appearance. (Wisdom 14) His blood was pretty, but no one does that to Trellus and lives to brag about it!! Judging from which direction the attacks are coming from, Grymash charges forward and unleashes his own attack at the invisible beater.
Trellus (AC 20, hp 44/59, Prayer[2], Spir Wpn [1]) d20+10=18 d8+3=10 Friday February 25th, 2005 10:31:03 AM Prayer: +1 bonus to atk, dam, saves, and checks if within 40' of Trellus.
The woman's first blow catches Trellus right in the nose. "Ow!!" Instinctively ducking, the cleric lucks out, deflecting the next two off of his helm.
Still, he's very happy to see a bison on one side and especially Gry on the other. He happily takes the opportunity to get out of punching range. The young man backs up a step, and then peals around Grymash toward Anuk.
Trellus pauses a second to weave a spell toward the only unoccupied opponent. A glowing warhammer appears above the shrouded mage, and slams down upon him.
[Spirtual Weapon - atk ac18 for 10 hp damage]
Anuk (AC 21, HP 7, Prayer, Dodge) d20+9=12 7d6(5+1+5+3+5+5+4)=28 d20+11=21 d8+1=8 Friday February 25th, 2005 11:52:08 AM
Anuk is startled by the sudden appearance of so many figures. He tries to get a bearing on where to direct his attention when he is suddenly blasted by a bolt of electricity. (reflex 12, 27 hp dmg (-1 for Trellus' bless)). His teeth clench and he muscles sieze, causing him to painfully grip his bow, then drop it to the ground as the bolt of energy dissapates.
"OWWWWW!!" Smoke rises from his hair and clothes and the air around him smells vaguely of barbeque. Luckily, his glove protects his hand from his now electrically-heated longsword. He draws it, steps into the area just vacated by Flea, and meets Two-Swords head on.
Hits AC 21 (+2 flanking, +1 Prayer) for 8pts (+1 prayer) Anuk's AC is 22 vs 2-swords - Dodge
Gilan(HP: 57/57 ; AC: 18) [prayer, waspform] 7d6(2+4+4+2+4+1+1)=18 Friday February 25th, 2005 1:34:56 PM
Gilan smiles in his wasp form, well actually buzzes happily as he is being ignored. Then again who would worry about a single wasp when they have Gry out there.
He wiggles his antennae again and buzzes lightly from the flower with a growing sense of purpose. A column of divine fire slams down on the spot that the mage is standing at.
[flame strike: Ref DC 19, 18 damage] [call lightning: 6min 50sec, Ref DC 18, 7/7bolts]
Battle Royale - rd1 (DM MikeK) d20+10=18 d20+9=16 d20+12=23 d8+5=12 d20+10=13 d20+10=27 d20+5=9 d10+4=11 d20+9=28 d8+5=11 Friday February 25th, 2005 8:32:46 PM
Flea swings her hammer at Two Swords. He flicks the weapon away with his longsword. She dives between his legs, and comes up swinging. He flicks the hammer away again.
Anuk follows the gnome, driving his sword at the man. He almost effortlessly deflects blow away with the dagger in his off hand.
[Two Swords is actually armed with one longsword and a dagger. His AC is 24]
Jake fights off the effect of the spell, and steps into the bugbear. His sword flicks out and draws a red line across the beast's belly, eliciting a hiss of pain.
[Bugbear is AC 20]
Tishe summons a bison. It appears next to the startled monk and rips into her shoulder with its horn. Grymash also arrives next to the beleaguered cleric, and rips into the suddenly defensive woman. She barely manages to turn in time to avoid a fatal blow. But the half orc barbarian should be quite satisfied at the splashing blood all over the place.
[Monk is AC 18]
Trellus looks to pull around Gry and starts for Anuk. The lady takes a swing at him as he goes, but misses. [AoO - hit ac 18] His glowing hammer crashes down on the mage with a solid "thunk".
[Mage is AC 14]
Gilan casts a spell. The druid notices a very odd effect. Instead of the normal pillar of fire, the spell comes down as a row of three smaller columns. The result looks about as expected though. The fire catches the mage full force, blasting the cowl off his head.
The stunned, smoking mage looks over at Gilan. Without his cowl up, the druid can see he has elfin features, but his skin is the color of night. Understanding crosses the features of the white haired mage, as he figures out the large wasp isn't what it seems.
[Gilan can only turn into a Small or Medium animal. So this wasp is about two and half feet long.]
Two Swords gives Flea a superior grin. "Nice move," he allows. The man steps to the side to keep his opponents generally in front of him, and slashes at the wounded ranger with his longsword. [5' step -- no AoO] [Attack Anuk -- hit AC23 for 12 hp damage]
The bloodied monk is not smiling. She's not happy at all. Frantically, she launches a frenzy of chops into Grymash. One lands, ringing the half-orc's head like a bell. [atks 13, 27, 9. 11 hp damage + Fort save DC 17 or stunned]
The bugbear is also cranky. He unleashes a huge swing with his Morningstar at Jake. It connects hard as well. As it does, Jake feels a strange tingling sensation in his brain. [hit ac 28 for 11 hp damage + Will Save DC 15 or roll d100 (1-50 is bad)]
The drow mage casts a spell, and disappears. The glowing hammer, deviod of a visible target, returns to Trellus and hovers over his shoulder.
Mac (AC:20, HP:75/75, Large) d20+13=30 3d6(4+5+5)+11=25 Saturday February 26th, 2005 2:27:48 AM
...Lion...?
...Sweetie...?!
The taur paces 25' north(? - up the map!) and 5' NE, building up a swing, pulling up behind and left of Anuk, and striking hard at the ranger bothering Flea and Anuk.
Attack hits AC:30 for 25 damage.
"So, what have I missed? Let me know who needs support!"
OOC: My apologies to the pack, I've had a [insert colourful colloquialism here] of a week. Back on track!
Tishe' (AC 16, HP 37/37) d20+5=18 d8+11=15 Saturday February 26th, 2005 4:51:33 PM
The golden bison bellows in triumph and continues its attack into the monk. The horns are lowered and barely get through the agile woman's defenses (AC 18), but the horns score deeply (Dam 15). Figuring the monk is done for, the summoned creature moves to assist Jake.
Tishe' is pleased with the way the battle is going so far. Jake and the bison are on dog-boy; Mac, Anuk, and Flea are teaming up on two-swords; and ... where is the mage?
Looking at where the mage was standing, she doesn't see any flower movement, and so raises her hands and weaves a spell. A pinch of ground mica is tossed in the air, and a cloud of golden sparkling dust strikes around where the mage had been standing.
Spells Augmented Summon; Celestial Bison [4 rounds] AC 13 HP 45 A +5 D d8+11 (Darkvision, Resist Cold/Electricity/Acid: 5, Damage Reduction 5/magic, Smite Evil 1/day +4 damage, Spell Resistance 9) Glitterdust; [5 rounds] Will DC 17 or blind in 10 foot radius; -40 Hide
DM addendum Saturday February 26th, 2005 10:09:08 PM
NOTE - The monk didn't drop, and therefore, the bison stays on the monk. Jake is still on his own.
Jake (AC 23, hp 39/50, prayer) d20+2=7 d100=75 d20+11=31 d20+11=25 d10=6 d10=6 d6=5 Sunday February 27th, 2005 8:44:18 AM
Even with the holy energy infusing him, Jake feels that unnerving feeling of helplessness as the swinging flail of his opponent strikes him and infuses him with blindness. (I assume that's the effect from the descriptioN) Suddenly the world has become dark, and though it's just a barrier in his mind, Jake just can't overcome it. Dang these magicians! "Ah can't see!" he yells out frustratedly, hoping his packmates will realize his situation and help him shortly. Trusting his instincts, he feints towards the left just slightly, then instead moves to the right, swinging his sword at where the ugly guy's side should be if he moves as Jake predicts. Not only is Jake satisfied to feel his sword thunk into something, but he's startled to realize that he somehow pierced straight through the seams of his opponents' armor! (rolled the 75 on the blindness attack, nat 20 crit, confirmed against AC 25) (Did 6+7+6+7+1=27 damage plus 5 cold damage to the guy) Jake is impressed by his luck so far...but wonders what he'll do after he defeats this ugly guy. It'll be weird running around blind...
Another DM Addendum Sunday February 27th, 2005 9:27:01 AM You know what they say about people who assume...
Jake is not blind. As far as he can tell, the tingling sensation had no effect whatsoever.
Anuk (HP -5, unconscious) Sunday February 27th, 2005 7:18:21 PM
Anuk's sense of confidence is briefly shattered by Two-Sword's easy deflection of his attack. It disappears altogether along with everything else as Two-Sword's longsword pierces the young ranger.
Anuk's knees buckle and he crumples silently to the ground, bleeding profusely.
Gilan(HP: 57/57 ; AC: 20) [prayer, waspform] Sunday February 27th, 2005 9:54:05 PM
Gilan buzzes loudly as he gets a little annoyed. Well he figured that a wasp his size would not be able to stay out of it for long. Still he had hoped for a little bit more of a reprieve.
He slips up into the air and once again casts a spell into the area that the mage had been in. He tries to place it so that only the mage will be caught, maybe some of the other enemies but not his friends.
[call lightning: 6min 40sec, Ref DC 18, 7/7bolts] [entangle: 7min 00sec, Str DC 20 or Escape Artist DC 20 to break free, Ref DC 18 or be caught, can move half speed if successful]
Flea(AC19 (20 while Hasted) Bless, 41 HP) d20+14=26 d20+10=28 d20+10=30 d20+10=22 d20+10=16 d6+2=8 d6+2=7 3d6(5+3+6)=14 3d6(3+2+3)=8 Sunday February 27th, 2005 10:14:43 PM
Flea sees Anuk fall to the ground and calls out his name, before launching a furious retaliatory strike on 'Two Swords'. The gnome moves at a frenzied pace, sliding into a flanking position across from Mac. [Tumble=26 if req'd]. From her position behind the enemy she strikes a series of blows with her hammer. [Hit AC=28, AC 30 (22 to confirm critical - fail), and AC=16 for total of 37 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)
Trellus (AC 20, hp 44/59, Prayer[3], Spir Wpn [2]) 3d8(2+3+5)+5=15 Sunday February 27th, 2005 11:07:16 PM Prayer: +1 bonus to atk, dam, saves, and checks if within 40' of Trellus.
Trellus was already heading Anuk's way, and seeing his friend fall doesn't make him want to slow down any.
The cleric ducks in front of the incoming minotaur, and crosses to the southeast side of the ranger. He pulls out his wand as he hurries to Anuk's side.
Trellus taps Anuk quickly. "No worries, dude. I got you"
[Cure Serious Wounds - 15 hp healed]
Grymash (ac22, hp70, prot. from evil, prayer) d20+15=17 d20+10=24 d20+5=21 d8+20=26 d8+20=27 Monday February 28th, 2005 2:01:04 AM
Delighted by the spray of monky blood. Grymash begins to swing again when a flurry of blows slam into his face. The attack whips his head to the left and dazes the barbarian for a second. (Fort save 17, barely got it! Im glad I didnt roll a 1.) His head slow turns back to face the female monk. If eyes were daggers, she would already be dead. "DAT ALL YOOZ GOT, PIGGIE?! NOT GUTE ENOUGH! AUUGGGHHH!"
Grymash unleashes his own series of slashing attacks with his double axe.
(Full Attack. PowerAttack+5, two-handed+10. HitAC: 24 and 21. Damage: 26+27=53 points of damage.)
Battle royale? - rd 2 (DM MikeK) d20+9=26 d20+6=8 Monday February 28th, 2005 9:09:46 AM
Mac shakes off a very weird daydream in which his kitty, and her two sisters, play follow the leader through a large patch of incredibly green clover. Noticing there's a fight, the minotaur takes several long strides and slams into Two Swords. Mac's weapon rips a huge gash in the stunned ranger.
The summoned bison attacks the monk, wounding her badly. Meanwhile, its summoner looks to see if she can spot signs of the invisible mage. However, the intervening trees and the difference in elevation prove too difficult to overcome. Tishe doesn't know if the man moved or not. Nevertheless, she pops off a spell encasing an area in sparkly lights. The spell effect comes uncomfortably close to Gilan, but doesn't reveal the mage.
Jake shakes off the whatever it was, and rips open the bugbear's shield arm and shoulder muscle.
Anuk collapses into unconsciousness.
Gilan hovers into the air and wiggles his antennae. The forest explodes into energetic life. In a circle some 80' in diameter, weeds, flowers, grasses, and even small shrubs erupt through the needle covered forest floor like speeded up Plains Grass. Even a portion of the hard packed game trail disappears within a frenzied, lashing, explosion of plant life. The druid's aim is good, as both Flea and Jake watch a wall of green matter rise up within a few feet of them.
The bugbear is caught up in the grasping grasses, but manages to sidestep the entangling vegetation.
Flea takes a step to line up Two Swords. The gnome finds herself right beside the crazy acting plant growth, but maintains her concentration. She slams her hammer into the man's knees, which buckle under the blow.
Trellus steps around Mac, and hits Anuk with a healing spell.
Grymash clears the ringing in his ears, and launches a furious assault upon the doomed monk. By the time his axe stops swinging, his opponent is barely recognizable and very, very dead.
Bleeding and limping, and now isolated against four of the Bloodpack, Two Swords makes a run for it. He avoids as many blows as he can, and only Flea gets the opportunity to hit him as he pelts northward. If she doesn't bring him down, he is soon hidden by the intervening trees. [Flea AoO. 6 hp drops him.]
The bugbear also tries to run, but the plant wall forces him to try and slip past Jake as he does. If Jake doesn't bring him down, the monster disappears into the trees to the west. [Jake AoO. 6 hp drops him]
Anuk (AC 21, HP 10, Prayer, Point-blank-shot) d20+8=11 Monday February 28th, 2005 3:03:20 PM
Anuk blinks rapidly, fighting his way back to consciousness. Feeling disoriented he looks up at the figure of Trellus. Realizing what's happened, he smiles weakly and says, "Thanks, Trel. I'm feeling much shadier."
Then he remembers who it is that put him on the ground in the first place. He scrambles to his knees and reaches for his dropped bow.
"Where'd he go?!" he yells and then he spots Two-Swords in retreat. Still kneeling, Anuk fires off an arrow, but it goes wildly off course and thuds into the trunk of a nearby pine.
(Hits AC11, -4 firing into melee)
Gilan(HP: 57/57 ; AC: 20) [prayer, waspform] 3d6(3+4+1)=8 Monday February 28th, 2005 5:07:29 PM
Gilan is taken by the unexpected results of his spell and nearly falls into his own entangle spell. He looks around and shakes his little wasp head. He had hoped to see the wizard but it appears that he might have gotten away.
If he spots either of the retreating forms of the other two from his aeriel position then he will call upon the powers of lightning to blast one of them.
[call lightning: 6min 30sec, Ref DC 18 for half, 6/7bolts, 8 damage] [entangle: 6min 50sec, Str DC 20 or Escape Artist DC 20 to break free, Ref DC 18 or be caught, can move half speed if successful]
Flea (AC 19, 41 HP-Prayer) d20+8=24 d6+2=4 Monday February 28th, 2005 6:42:24 PM
Flea swipes at the escaping swordsman, hitting him again with her hammer. [Hit AC 24 for 4 HP damage]
Tishe' (AC 16, HP 37/37) - Sub/Al d20+3=18 Monday February 28th, 2005 8:13:03 PM "Oh piggy." Tishe' curses under her breath as no mage appears outlined in golden glitter.
"At least we know where he's not," she shouts.
The golden bison, now bereft of its reason for being on this plane casts about for enemies to attack. Its nostrils flair as it scents the air for opponents, prepared to make off in pursuit at the slightest wiff. (Scent: if the wizard is within 30 feet, head in that direction.) Lacking no clear scent, it wanders to the west around the hill in dogged pursuit of it knows not what.
Tishe' lifts her eyes to the trees upon the hill. "I wonder ... " she muses. (Spot 18)
Spells Augmented Summon; Celestial Bison [3 rounds] AC 13 HP 45 A +5 D d8+11 (Darkvision, Resist Cold/Electricity/Acid: 5, Damage Reduction 5/magic, Smite Evil 1/day +4 damage, Spell Resistance 9) Glitterdust; [5 rounds] Will DC 17 or blind in 10 foot radius; -40 Hide
Jake d20+11=12 d20+5=9 Monday February 28th, 2005 11:01:36 PM
Jake takes a parting slash at the ugly guy, and nearly drops his sword as it awkwardly thunks into one of those wooden rising things. So the creature escapes. Jake turns to his companions and they all look okay... Gilan's that prairie-pig sized slug, Anuk's down but hopefully they've all got that covered, the others seem okay. But...where's their little elf friend? He looks around for Shady. (Spot 9)
Mac Tuesday March 1st, 2005 5:51:40 AM
"Okay - what has just happened?!" snorts the taur. "Do we pursue?"
Trellus (AC 20, hp 44/59, Prayer[4], Spir Wpn [3]) 3d8(1+3+1)+5=10 d8=7 d8=8 Tuesday March 1st, 2005 8:29:23 AM Prayer: +1 bonus to atk, dam, saves, and checks if within 40' of Trellus.
Trellus shifts a bit as Anuk scrambles for his bow, but doesn't leave his friends side. The dude is still smoking.
The cleric taps Anuk once more while calling out loudly, "Gilan! You wove the grass pick, right?" Cause otherwise, we got another problem, he finishes silently.
[CSW on Anuk - 23 hp healed.]
And then there were none (DM MikeK) d20=13 Tuesday March 1st, 2005 9:21:51 AM
Flea thwacks Two Swords as he passes. The man grunts in pain, but moves on.
Anuk scrambles to grab his bow and get a little payback, but by the time he does, Two Swords is gone.
Jake misses the bugbear, and can only watch in frustration as the creature seemingly escapes.
Gilan watches his entangle spell go nuts. The area of effect is nothing but a twisting, ever moving green mass. Maybe the mage is trapped, and maybe he isn't. There could be a giant rapke trapped in there, and the druid might not know it. Looking about, the large wasp notices the bugbear making a run for it. A quick wiggle brings an electrical bolt down upon it. Just before hitting the bugbear, the lightning bolt (like the flame strike spell) splits, forming a tine of three bolts which strike with a "Kaboom". The bugbear falls by the game trail.
Tishe looks into the trees, seeing nothing. The bison stands near the corpse of the monk. He bends down to get a hunk of grass and chews contendedly.
Mac asks for some clarification. Trellus heals Anuk. Gry gloats over his victory.
Jake looks around for Shady. He doesn't see the young elf. Neither does anybody else.
Situation - bugbear and monk down, Two Swords ran off, mage unknown.
Anuk (AC 21, HP 33 - prayer) d20+11=21 d20+11=29 d20+13=29 Tuesday March 1st, 2005 3:16:07 PM
Anuk's strength returns and his wounds knit as Trellus hits him with another healing spell. "Thanks again, Trellus."
He takes a minute to check in with Flea to make sure she's okay. "Everything shady, Flea? You all right? I...uh...kinda blacked out there for a bit," he says sheepishly.
When the pack realizes that Shady is gone, Anuk immediately begins to look for the elf's trail. If he finds anything, he brings it to everyone's attention.
Listen 21 Spot 29 Survival (track) 29
(added +1 to all rolls due to prayer spell)
Gilan(HP: 57/57 ; AC: 18) [prayer] Tuesday March 1st, 2005 5:12:43 PM
Gilan flies over and lands by Trellus as he changes back into his human form. He looks to the great writhing wall of vegetation and shakes his head. "Err...yeah, that was me...but as to what is going on..." He just shrugs at the unknown effects of his spells and lets out a breathe. "That is strange and I am just glad that it did not get anyone else."
Glancing around to see what the others are doing he shakes his head again. "Did you see my lightning and flamestrike...it split into three separate bolts." He purses his lips and shudders as he knows that something is amiss. "You think the mage is in that mess somewhere?" He looks again to the wall of vegetation and laughs lightly, though it is forced.
[call lightning: 6min 20sec, Ref DC 18 for half, 6/7bolts, 8 damage] [entangle: 6min 40sec, Str DC 20 or Escape Artist DC 20 to break free, Ref DC 18 or be caught, can move half speed if successful]
Flea d20+12=16 d20+8=23 d20+10=22 Tuesday March 1st, 2005 6:37:04 PM
Flea sticks her hammer through her belt, then answers her friend, "I'm okay 'Nuk. You?"
Looking around (Search=16, Spot=23) she tries to locate the party's ward. "Last time I saw Shady, he was playing with some pine cones. In some sort of a trance, it seemed," she volunteers, a worried look on her face.
Cupping her hands to her mouth, she calls out, "Shaaaa-deeee, oh, Shaaaa-dee!" Then listens (Listen=22) for a response.
Grymash Tuesday March 1st, 2005 7:37:58 PM
The half-orc continues to gloat. "Yeah Piggie! Dat whut ya git when ya mess wit da Bloodpack. Stupid, Stupid Piggie. Yooz grass is mine now, Piggie! Gry's an Gargul's!" He spits on her pieces parts and turns to face the pack. "Is pack ok? Weez show thems who da beaters are!!"
Trellus Tuesday March 1st, 2005 9:03:00 PM
The cleric looks from Gilan to the crazy plant growth. "Light, Gilan," he responds with a wry chuckle. "Half of Rattledam could be in there."
Trellus joins in the general hunt for Shady, but not before reminding Flea to come back afterwards and check out the lady and bugbear for goodies.
Tishe' (AC 16, HP 37/37) - Sub/Al Tuesday March 1st, 2005 9:30:11 PM
Tishe' stalks toward the bison and looks up into the cow eyes with her fists planted on hips.
"A lot of help you are." With a wave of her hand, she dismisses the celestial animal. "Go home. You did well. For a while."
Then, scratching her head, she looks around and calls out to her fellow druid. "What do you make of this?"
Jake d100=24 d100=7 d100=11 d100=77 d100=62 d100=38 d100=93 d100=30 d100=67 Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 1:47:23 AM
Jake stares off into space for a good while, seeming thoughtful. Then he looks to the others. "Hey guys, Shady's gone!" He tells them...though they've just noticed (in fact, he almost says this simultaneously with Flea's calling for the kid). He scratches his head. "So, we won pretty good there, didn't we? Ah took care of that ---" He pauses,... "---ugly guy pretty easily. Could use a little toucha---" He stops, mid-sentence, then continues after a bit, "---healing from you, Trellus."
Mac Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 7:38:22 AM
The taur shakes his head, removes his backpack and checks on Galea
Nice pinecone (DM MikeK) Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 9:54:13 AM
The Bloodpack goes about tying up some loose ends.
Mac checks on Galea, and finds the kitten is purring contently in his pack. Tishe dismisses the bison. Trellus heals Anuk. Gry gloats. Gilan wonders what happened with his spells.
Jake is acting kinda weird.
Eventually, everyone goes on a Shady hunt. After a few minutes of searching, during which Jake alternates between actively participating and just standing there, they find the boy. He is still sitting by his tree, having never charged forward with the rest of the group. It looks like Shady has been very busy playing in the dirt. For a good ten feet all around him, the collared elf has been placing objects in a row of three - three rocks, three pinecones, three flowers, three piles of squirrel poop -- repeated seemingly endlessly around the forest floor. As the group approaches, Shady looks up somewhat blankly and again spouts a phrase in that sing song language he used once before.
Gilan swears he just said "Don't forget your coat," in Sylvan.
Shady's eyes regain their focus, and he looks around in some confusion at his handiwork before looking at Jake quizzically. (In elfin) "What is happening here?".
A check of the bugbear and monk reveals the following gear:
Monk -- 350gp, 8 potions and a curious necklace with 3 pearl like balls attached to it. The balls appear to be detachable. On the monk's arm is a tattoo of strange looking symbol. [Knowledge (History) DC 15 to id as High Woldian] [Spellcraft DC 18 to id as Brahmah Tattoo]
Bugbear -- 275 gp, leather armor, an exceptionally well made pair of soft boots, an exceptionally well made cloak, a morningstar, a ring, and 3 potions
Tishe' - Sub/Al d20+13=20 Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 4:52:05 PM
"Sweetie, you've been playing triplicate out under this tree while we've been fighting and *you* ask what's going on?"
Tishe' just shrugs and walks over to where the bugbear and the monk are being examined. She casts Detect Magic and plays the cone over everything, reading their auras. (Spellcraft 20)
Raising an eye at the markings on the Monk's arm. "That tattoo," she says, "is divine magic."
Gilan(HP: 57/57 ; AC: 18) [prayer] d20+2=4 Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 7:13:41 PM
Gilan looks to the settling of three that are set out before the group and shakes his head. "An omen...like the one that he spoke earlier." He tries his best to think of what this could mean but is distracted by Shady's next words.
He runs them over in his head a few times to make sure that he got them right. "Don't forget your coat?" He looks to the rest of the group and shrugs as he thinks again. "That was sylvan again and I would say that we are going someplace cold." He looks to Shady and holds out his hand to help him up. Speaking in elven he smiles to Shady. "Come on Shady...we may need to move on along and I hope you were having fun." His smile broadens as he wishes that he could go back to those times and just have some fun and not worry about life and death.
[call lightning: 6min 10sec, Ref DC 18 for half, 6/7bolts, 8 damage] [entangle: 6min 30sec, Str DC 20 or Escape Artist DC 20 to break free, Ref DC 18 or be caught, can move half speed if successful]
Trellus Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 10:18:23 PM
Trellus' eyes watch Jake play Red Light-Green Light for a while, then briefly scan Shady's nature display, flick over to Gilan, and then take in the warm spring day enveloping the forest.
"Dude," he sighs in exasperation, "None of that makes any sense at all."
In an attempt to grasp something a tad more tangible, the cleric walks up to Tishe'. He silently watches her examination of the hard won equipment, waiting for her verdict.
Flea d20+12=24 d20+8=17 d20+9=20 d20+2=21 Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 10:21:54 PM
When Gilan translates for the boy, Flea moves in front of the elf, and reaches her hands up to grab his tunic as best she can. "And don't you forget to bring my cloak!" she admonishes. Letting go of the lad, she wraps the Cloak of Comfort more tightly around him, and then smiles, hoping she didn't scare him, but also hoping that he takes good care of her stuff.
Satisfied that she got her message across, Flea follows Tishe' over to inspect the bodies of the fallen. (Search=24, Spot=17). She casts an appraising eye (Appraise=20) over the gear and other items. The rogue pays special attention to the cloak and boots on the bugbear, comparing them to her own Boots of Speed and Cloak of Comfort.
These might fit Grymash, and if they're anything like mine... she smiles at the thought.
"I could sniff the potions, and maybe taste them," she volunteers looking up at Tishe', "but lets see if there are any labels first."
(OOC: Flea is familiar with Common, Draconic, Dwarven, Gnome, and Orc. She has +2 Alchemy, and I rolled 21. She will sniff one of the 3 potions from the bugbear, if there are no labels.)
Jake d100=94 d100=29 d100=55 d100=11 d100=73 Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 11:47:28 PM
"Ah'm not wearing any of that 'till if'n we get 'em washed, y'know? Smells like cow ta me." Jake shakes his head at the corpse of the bugbear, then looks to the others. He shakes his head at the elven boy, amused. (elven) "Whatcha got there, a game, Shady?" Then...he stops again, staring at nothing for a good little bit. After a bit, he glances around. "Say, uh, guys, is something weird going on?" Jake, by the way, has no gear for cold weather whatsoever, a fact that he's complained about these last few nights as they get into a more temperate area. It's okay as long as one has a nice blanket wrapped around one, but Jake hardly has anything like that. He walks over to the body of one of the guys and midway halts for a good while. Then he continues as though nothing happened and examines the body, curiously.
Anuk Thursday March 3rd, 2005 12:24:25 AM
While everyone starts looking in on Shady and the fresh corpses, Anuk takes a moment to rest.
He smiles as he watches the activity of his friends, and he reflects on how many times his packmates have nearly died recently.
Nearly? he thinks. He realizes that one of them did die. Mac has been to the underworld and back.
Determining to make good on his promise to get to know Mac better, he approaches the minotaur during a quiet moment.
"Say, Mac...tell me a little about that weapon of yours," he says with a grin.
Mac Thursday March 3rd, 2005 7:53:06 AM
The taur lightly scratches at the kitten's tummy, and the stretch and purr is a good sign. He drops the flap of the pack back over lightly for shade for Galea. In response to Anuk's question he takes a knee and brings the large greataxe around to show. "It's my greet-grandfather's axe. There are more stories about where it came from than I could possible remember. Now, you would be hard pressed to find 24lbs of adamantine from head to haft. One side is covered in etchings and knotwork and the plain side is mine to fill..."
Treasure Hunting (DM MikeK) Thursday March 3rd, 2005 11:44:41 AM
Back at the assembled loot, Tishe casts a spell and inspects the pieces. There's a lot of magic:
2 potions w/ grey stopper -- Faint Divination potion w/ dark green stopper -- Faint Transmutation 3 potions w/ blue stopper - Moderate Conjuration potion w/ black stopper -- Faint Abjuration potion w/ light green stopper -- Faint Transmutation potion w/ red stopper -- Faint Illusion Necklace -- Faint Transmutaion
Flea does some comparison shopping, and finds that neither the cloak nor the boots resemble items currently owned by the Pack. None of the potions are labeled. They are color coded with different colored stoppers. She tries out one of the blue stoppered potions from the bugbear. It is a clear blue liquid with an odor and taste reminiscent of almond. The rogue knows these are the characteristics of healing potions.
Shady can't remember making any of the pine cone arrangements, and is seriously confused by the whole thing. He wordlessly allows himself to be wrapped up by Flea, and led off by Gilan. The collared elf can't take his eyes of the antics of Jake.
The Bloodpack fighter is acting very oddly. He's fine for a minute or so, then just stops for a minute or so, then continues on with whatever he was doing as if the intervening empty time never occurred.
Tishe' - Sub/Al Thursday March 3rd, 2005 4:01:17 PM
Tishe' describes her findings to the others.
"The armor and the morningstar are obvious. But it will be difficult to have an exact idea of what they do unless we have them identified."
"Then," she smiles at the others, "there's always the direct approach."
Taking up the cloak, she throws it over her shoulders. "Hope it isn't cursed." Illusion, hmmm. She wills herself displaced.
Flea d20+2=21 d20+2=13 d20+2=5 d20+2=3 d20+2=16 d20+2=19 d20+2=14 Thursday March 3rd, 2005 5:54:12 PM
Hunkering down over the potions, Flea lets her curiousity get the better of her. "These ones are for Curing she calls, waving the blue stoppered vials around with a big grin." Setting those ones aside, she picks up the white stoppered one. Carefully removing the stopper she sniffs at it, then dips a finger in and tastes it. The gnome will call out her findings (smell, taste, Alchemy Check=21) in case someone else might be able to identify them.
She will continue with her experimentation to learn as much as she can about the various potions, assuming that if the enemy were prepared to consume them, they likely had some benefit.
The rogue is so engrossed with her task, she is oblivious to Jake's strange behavior.
Grymash Thursday March 3rd, 2005 6:03:10 PM "Ohhh, boots! Yeah, theze boots of Gry's are gettin' worn down," in response to Flea's statement. "Do ya knows whut all dis stuff be magiked or whut?"
Grymash looks down at all the stuff the girl had on and is a little reluctant to touch it. He isnt sure if she was a real girl or a victim of gender bending magic.
Gilan(HP: 57/57 ; AC: 18) [prayer] d20+7=25 d20+7=16 Thursday March 3rd, 2005 7:59:57 PM
Gilan wanders over to stand by Tishe' and Trellus as the look over the treasure. "Well...got anything good there?" He smiles as he looks to Shady and shakes his head. Contemplating what was said by Shady he makes a decision to get some endure elements spells for the next few days.
Looking around at the rest of the group he notices Jake and wrinkles his brow, he nudges Trellus. "I think we may have a problem with Jake...he pauses for a few seconds once in awhile, but does not seem to remember it." Looking to Trellus again he makes another suggestion. "I think Tishe' should have a few of my identify scrolls left...you think we should try?"
[listen 25 and spot 16]
[call lightning: 6min 00sec, Ref DC 18 for half, 6/7bolts, 8 damage] [entangle: 6min 20sec, Str DC 20 or Escape Artist DC 20 to break free, Ref DC 18 or be caught, can move half speed if successful]
Jake d100=35 d100=12 d100=77 d100=79 Friday March 4th, 2005 1:15:22 AM
Jake doesn't seem to take offense at Gilan's comment...instead, he stares fixedly at the corpse for a bit. Then he looks over the treasure. "Dang, we've scored out again. Ah should probably refrain from accepting any treasure...ah'm just about broke after that last trip to them cat combs. Uh...Tishe, ya shouldn't try on magic items. Ah mean, Grimmy can tell y'all why."
Trellus Friday March 4th, 2005 9:41:48 AM
"Let's see if we can figure some out, and then we can go to the Identify spells," Trellus answers Gilan.
Observing Jake, the cleric nods at the druid's words. Something is sunbaked with his friend.
He approaches the fighter. "Dude, you shady?" he asks. "You're acting pretty bright with this starting and stopping pick. Anything happen in the fight?
How 'bout you remove all you magic stuff so I can check you out?"
What's This Stuff? (DM MikeK) Friday March 4th, 2005 10:12:04 AM
Tishe throws on the cloak, and mentally tries to displace herself. Nothing seems to happen, although those watching her notice she seems to blend into the surroundings more than without the cloak.
Flea checks out all the potions, calling out their characteristics. [Gry -- Int check 10 to remember the characteristics of the potion with the dark green stopper match the Haste potion currently in his possession]
None of the other potions are familiar to any of the Bloodpack.
Stopper Color - Clear/Opaque - Color - Odor - Taste - Feel Red - Cloudy - Yellow - Peach - Peach - None Light Green - Opaque - White - None - None - Floating Sensation Dark Green - Clear - Orange -Orange - Orange - Tingling in arms and legs White - Clear - Clear - Lemon - Lemon - Tingling in feet Black - Opaque - Yellow - None - None - Lightness of body Grey - Opaque - Yellow -Ginger - Bitter(slight) - Dry Mouth
Gry thinks about putting on the boots. Past experience makes him reluctant.
Trellus and Gilan discuss Jake.
Shady watches curiously as the group messes with the equipment. The elf bends down, picks up the ring, and tries to mimic what Tishe is doing.
Mac (would be an illegal second post if the first one had appeared!) Friday March 4th, 2005 10:17:17 PM
Mac continues to talk about the axe and his family with Anuk whilst assisting with the trial and error identification of the items.
Tishe' - Sub/Al d20+13=31 d20+13=20 d20+13=32 d20+13=25 d20+13=22 d20+13=27 Saturday March 5th, 2005 9:16:06 AM
Tishe' glances down at herself. "Well, that's interesting. Flea, Sweetie, this might help you creeping about."
Then the plain and practical woman sets her mind to the potions. Flea's description of the white stoppered potion rings a bell.
"Shady, don't play with that. It may turn you into a woman. Or a cockroach. Or three cockroaches."
Knowledge Arcana to ID the Potions from Flea's descriptions:
31 Red - Cloudy - Yellow - Peach - Peach - None 20 Light Green - Opaque - White - None - None - Floating Sensation 32 Dark Green - Clear - Orange -Orange - Orange - Tingling in arms and legs 25 White - Clear - Clear - Lemon - Lemon - Tingling in feet 22 Black - Opaque - Yellow - None - None - Lightness of body 27 Grey - Opaque - Yellow -Ginger - Bitter(slight) - Dry Mouth
TTYTT, I know what the white stoppered potion is. But that's knowledge from a different character in a different game.
Jake d100=46 d100=92 d100=22 Saturday March 5th, 2005 9:30:03 AM
Jake stares pointedly at Trellus. For a good minute or so. If his young friend moves or waves his hand, the fighter doesn't seem to deviate from staring in the same direction. Then he shakes his head. "Ah feel fine. But if ya want, here." He takes off his ring, an amulet, and his sword, and puts them down. Then, he waits, staring over at Shady for the others to do their thing.
Trellus Saturday March 5th, 2005 11:31:39 AM
Trellus shares a look with Gilan. "The dude is warped," he agrees with the druid. He flashes a quick grin. "I mean, even more so than usual."
With Jake, sometimes its kinda hard to tell.
Once the fighter has removed his magic stuff, Trellus casts a DETECT MAGIC spell and concentrates intently on his friend.
If that comes up empty, he gives Jake a thorough physical. [Take 10 on a Heal check - 18]
Gilan d20+5=8 Sunday March 6th, 2005 1:20:24 AM
Gilan nods to Trellus as he speaks. "Yeah, even for Jake that is odd." He looks over to the others as they continue with the loot. Turning back as Trellus gives Jake a physical he lends a hand as best as he can.
[aid other: check versus 10 to add a +2 to Trellus's Heal check; rolled an 8]
[call lightning: 5min 50sec, Ref DC 18 for half, 6/7bolts, 8 damage] [entangle: 6min 10sec, Str DC 20 or Escape Artist DC 20 to break free, Ref DC 18 or be caught, can move half speed if successful]
Flea Sunday March 6th, 2005 3:35:23 AM
The rogue rubs her nose. All the stange sensations have her feeling a little ill, although she likes the floaty feeling the the white stoppered potion gives her.
"Gry! Mac!" she calls, "you guys have taken potions before. What do you make of these?" Flea repeats her findings.
"Let 'Nuk try the cloak," the answers Tishe. "He might need help hiding more than me."*
*(OOC: Flea has +23 to hide, due in part to +2 Shadow Armor)
Jake Monday March 7th, 2005 1:46:02 AM
"Whatchoo say, Trellus??"
(Try saying that line out loud...)
"Nothing's wrong with me...y'all are acting real weird, tho, like, under a spell or sumfin," jake complains while he's being examined by Trellus. And if he has to go through the further physical examination, he starts yammerin' typical Jakerisms.
OOC - ADM MikeS Monday March 7th, 2005 11:12:20 AM
(Just an update -- MikeK is gone for the week and I'll be DMing in his place for a few days. Unfortunately, due to server problem at my webhost I don't have access to my email this morning and so don't have the notes Mike sent to me. As soon as it's resolved, I'll do the DM post for the day. I'll try to keep to Mike's schedule of at least 24 hours between posts once that happens.
Sorry for the slowdown--I'll post as soon as I'm fully informed :-)
Anuk Monday March 7th, 2005 3:16:11 PM
Anuk listens to Mac, engrossed in the tales of his family and lands. "It must've really been a different place in your land than the Plains. Was it much like this place?" Anuk asks, indicating the forest around him.
At the mention of his name, he looks up at Flea and sees her with the cloak. "Shady idea, Flea...I'd love to use this...thank you," he says, trying it on over his regular garb. "You've always been better'n me at disappearing...maybe this'll help me play a little catchup," he says with a smile.
ADM MikeS Monday March 7th, 2005 3:35:32 PM
While Mac and Anuk talk, Gilan and Trellus look over Jake. Trellus' binds Jake's wounds and the fighter seems okay except for his sudden starts and stops. However, Trellus' detect magic spell reveals a strong aura about the half-elf. The poor guy appears to have been cursed.
Tishe' and Flea take a closer look at the goodies leftover from the fight. Tishe' spends several minutes going over the vials, checking them again for color, consistency, and flavor then comparing her results with memories of her training. After a bit, she is certain that she knows what most of them are -- all but two, in fact.
Tishe' identifies the following: Tongues - 2 potions w/ grey stopper CSW - 3 potions w/ blue stopper Non Detection - potion w/ black stopper Displacement - potion w/ red stopper Jump - potion w/ white stopper CMW - 2 potions w/ blue stopper
The identity of the green stoppered potions remains a mystery to her.
While the pack is busy with healings and identifications, the mass of plants brought out by Gilan's entangle spell begins to return to it's normal state. All appears as before, with the exception of a white, flat object lying on the ground in the middle of what had been the spell's area, about 40' away from Tishe' and Flea. It's light color stands out easily against the dark greens and browns of the forest.
Mac d20+2=15 d20+2=6 d20+2=12 d20+2=8 d20+2=16 d20+2=20 d20+2=6 Monday March 7th, 2005 3:36:37 PM
"Aye Flea!" Mac recalls as best he can the potions he has drunk (Bull's Strength, Cat's Grace, Enlarge Person, Cure Light, Cure Moderate, Fly), and those he is carrying (Cure Serious and two awaiting introduction to the game: Reduce Person and Remove Curse).
[ADM MikeS: For Recalling purposes I've made 7 Int checks for Mac.]
Grymash d20-2=14 Monday March 7th, 2005 7:16:09 PM
(Int check?! Gry?! Ok. 14, woot!)
Grymash looks at the green potion and a spark finally pops in his head. "Hey! Dat magik water looks like dis one!" The barbarian reaches into his belt pouch and pulls out the potion that similar in color and smell. "Dis be uh Make Swift & Speedy magik water. Gry thinks dat be da same. Takes a look, Flea."
Then Grymash gets up the courage to try on the boots. He clicks them together and tries several command words. "Make Gry speedy! Run! Shady fast! Flea, whut be da magik words ta get these boots ta workin'?" The half-orc takes a few strides around the pack to see if he's any faster.
Trellus (Subbed by Mikey) Monday March 7th, 2005 7:53:54 PM
"Looks like a good haul. Pack, Jake seems a little warped under the sun. If we continue, he'll just slow us down. It might go away, but I think I might have a spell for getting rid of it... Perhaps we should stop for the night and try to get rid of the magic in the morning." The bloodpack's leader looks to his fellows for confirmation, then eyes the bodies. "Perhaps not *here*, I mean, but not too far ahead. Next time, Gil, you keep an eye on Shady, we don't want him disappearing in one of those trances again. He could get in trouble."
Jake d100=78 d100=71 d100=87 Monday March 7th, 2005 7:56:20 PM
Jake looks absolutely stricken when finding out he's cursed. His tanned skin goes very pale, and he looks a bit off for a second. "Ah'm not gonna turn into a gal, am ah?" Upon finding out he's not, Jake breathes several sighs of relief. "Well, then, let'sall getta movin'. Hey, Shady," he switches over to elven, and asks the kid if he saw him taking on that bugbear with the mace. He very enthusiastically repeats the fight, trying to get Mac or Gry to take the part of the bugbear...about hafl the time, though, he suddenly freezes in place, mid-swing. Kinda ruins the reinactment.
Flea d20+12=24 d20+8=23 Monday March 7th, 2005 8:32:31 PM
"Shady Gry!" Flea laughs as the great half-orc dances around in the bugbear's boots. "Nah! They're not like my special boots, but Tishe' did say they're magiked." Flea scratches her head, then rubs her nose. "Try jumping around," she finally says.
When she catches sight of the white, flat object lying on the ground, Flea carefully makes her way over to check it out. (Search=24, Spot=23)
Tishe' - Sub/Al d4+1=2 d4+1=3 d4+1=3 Monday March 7th, 2005 8:51:49 PM
"Careful, Flea. We still don't know where that wizard went."
Tishe' follows Flea, though tending to the opposite side. She readies a spell that just may work to break a spellcaster's concentration.
OoC: Ready Magic Missile. Trigger: See the wizard casting a spell. 8hp damage.
Gilan d20+7=10 d20+7=19 Tuesday March 8th, 2005 1:11:26 AM
Gilan nods in understanding. "Great, Jake has a curse." With a slight smile he looks to Jake, staring for a few minutes and shakes his head. "Does he seem to be getting a little bit of a girlish figure there?" He turns to check out what Flea and Tishe' are off to before he totally cracks up.
He will move over to look at the white thing that they are looking at. He does keep his eyes open for others things as well. That wizard is still not accounted for and that does bother him.
Anuk Tuesday March 8th, 2005 3:08:05 PM
Anuk plays with the cloak for a while, trying it on and seeing if anyone else can spot him.
"Seems like a nice cloak...not enough pockets though...hafta fix that. It's got a hood...should be a good way to keep shady in the heat."
ADM MikeS Tuesday March 8th, 2005 3:25:51 PM
Mac looks the remaining potions over and realizes that one of them, the one with the light green stopper, is the same as his Fly potion. Gry's sudden flash of insight correctly identifies the potion of haste in the vial with the dark green stopper.
As Gry moves around the the packmembers, no one notices any improvement in the big guy's speed, but everyone notices that he's not making nearly as much noise as usual. Anuk inspects the new cloak, noticing that it blends well with his surroundings, and Jake is relieved to find out that his curse is not going to turn him into Janet.
While Trellus' makes plans for the pack to move on before making camp, Flea, Tishe' and Gilan move cautiously into the clearing toward the white object. No sign of the absent mage can be detected, but a closer inspection of the object reveals it to be a bleached, flattened piece of bark, about 9 inches square, covered on one side with runes and inscriptions.
Shady, meanwhile, waits patiently for the pack. He hums idly to himself and plays with a small beetle of some kind that has crawled out of the grass and on to his hand. When he tires of that he stands, yawns, and stretches. As he does so, his stomach growls loudly, and he rubs it, a hungry look covering his face.
Gilan d20+7=8 d20+7=10 d20+2=5 Tuesday March 8th, 2005 7:20:29 PM
Gilan looks to Gry and smiles. "You seem to be making less noise Gry and that cloak...I think I have heard of that kind before." He pours through what little he can remember of cloaks with that type of property(int 5), but remembers nothing.
Gilan moves a little close to the white disk and looks at the runes upon it. He tries to read it if it is in a language that he knows. He looks to Tishe' and Flea as they are next to him. "Any ideas what it could say?" He glances around a litte as he motions Trellus over.
Flea Tuesday March 8th, 2005 10:23:58 PM
Flea studies the runes to see if they are a language she knows.*
"Lets push off, and find a good place to make camp," announces the rogue. "Gry, can you find us something to cook up for dinner? I'm almost out of rations." Flea opens up one of her last packages of dried fruits, nuts, and seeds. After taking a handful, she hands the package to the party's young ward.
*Flea knows Common, Draconic, Dwarven, Gnome, and Orc.
Tishe' - Sub/Al d20+10=26 Tuesday March 8th, 2005 10:42:14 PM
"How odd, Gilian," Tishe' studies not only the runes and inscriptions, but the material itself, "written on a piece of *bark*. She gives her fellow druid a significant look.
"Look familiar to you, Flea?" Regardless of the language, it must have a pattern. Tishe' sets her mind to sussing it out. (Decipher Script 26)
Languages: Common, Draconic, High Woldian, Celestial, Druidic
Trellus Wednesday March 9th, 2005 12:38:54 AM
The blond cleric moves up to join the others at the white post. His eyes still infused with the spell, he looks over the pillar for any traces of magic. (Detect magic still up I believe?) If he sees anything, he makes note, trying to stare long enough to identify the school as well. "Strange. The mage could have dropped it...or it could be a trap. Flea, can you check for that sort of thing?"
Jake d100=99 d100=52 Wednesday March 9th, 2005 12:41:08 AM
Jake goes on over to Shady. In elven, he asks the kid, "Hungry, huh? Come along, little bro, we'll get some food in you in a bit. What sort of things do you usually eat, anyways?"
Mac Wednesday March 9th, 2005 7:57:08 AM
Caution to the wind, Mac peers over Tishe' and Flea to see if he recognises the rune.
*Mac knows Common, Minotaur, Tauric, and Dwarven.
Anuk Wednesday March 9th, 2005 4:16:56 PM
Anuk joins everyone standing near the piece of bark. "What is that?" he asks, echoing the question of the moment. He bends down for a closer look to see if he can make out any of the writing.
(languages common, elven)
ADM MikeS Wednesday March 9th, 2005 4:17:27 PM
(OOC: Sorry if my previous description wasn't clear. The white object is not a pillar, but rather a flattened piece of bark, much like a sheet of paper.)
Tishe', Flea, Gilan, Trellus, Anuk, and Mac all gather 'round the white piece of bark, curious as to it's identity. Trellus can tell that this is a magical object - much like a scroll - and Anuk sees that large portions of the inscription are written in Elvish, though he can't make a lot of sense of it.
Tishe' gets down to work studying the writing and after a while she determines that it is a spell allowing someone to be able to see in near darkness, like the elves do (identified scroll of elven sight).
Flea joins Shady, Gry, and Jake. The elf gratefully accepts Flea's offer of a snack, and munches the food greedily. But afterwards he tells Jake that he's still hungry. "Are there more of the delicious fruits the small woman gave to me?" he asks hopefully in Elvish. "If not, could I help you look for some?"
The sun is getting low. It will be night soon.
Grymash d20+8=22 d20+2=4 d20+5=6 Wednesday March 9th, 2005 7:06:56 PM
Becoming aware of the boots magical effects, the barbarian leaves them on, grabs his composite bow and treks off a little ways looking for the packs next meal. He is so concentrated on finding some food, Grymash seems completely oblvious to the rest of the world.
(Survival: 22, Spot: 4, Listen: 6)
Gilan d20+14=21 Wednesday March 9th, 2005 9:32:59 PM
Gilan can make no sense of the writing on the piece of bark. He looks to the rest of the group and just shrugs as he moves off to the side and has a look around. He has the slight feeling that not all is right with nature. His spells from earlier had been amplified or even out of control. With a last shake of his head he steps into the wooded area that surrounds the area to look for berries, nuts and other edibles(survival 21).
Tishe' - Sub/Al Wednesday March 9th, 2005 9:41:11 PM
"It's a spell," Tishe' says. "And as far as I can tell, it allows sight in near darkness. In the same way that elves can. How convenient."
"I'll need to copy this into a spell book at the first opportunity." She reaches out to lift the square of bark, then pulls back at Trellus' warning. "Well yes, Flea. I don't suppose such things just find themselves lying around like this." Tishe' steps back to allow Flea to do her thing.
Flea (AC 19, 41 HP, +2 Trap Sense) d20+12=18 Wednesday March 9th, 2005 10:19:25 PM
Flea starts when Trellus' calls to her to recon the area for traps. The pack had been out in the wilds so long, the rogue's senses for that sort of thing had become dulled.
Gingerly the rogue makes her way around the strange scroll and the area previously enchanted by Tishe'. (Detect Traps=18)
Jake d100=60 d100=50 d100=21 Thursday March 10th, 2005 1:50:34 AM
"Well, if ye're lookin' for more of them things, follow Gil around. That guy knows his slugs from his snails, allright." Then Jake takes a while to just stare in place...
Trellus (Subbed by mikey) Thursday March 10th, 2005 1:51:40 AM
"Hmmm. Who do you think would leave this sort of thing lying about? I mean, it's not the regular sort of thing those guys would be carrying, is it? Well, we won't find out by staying around here. Let's move on a bit, then set up camp. Anuk and Flea are in the lead again."
Mac Thursday March 10th, 2005 8:33:30 AM
Falling back into the more common party moving order, Mac's footfalls return to the beat of the old song he'd sung the night before (Was it only last night!?!).
Anuk d12=8 d20+10=12 d20+10=11 d20+12=16 Thursday March 10th, 2005 10:43:32 AM
As the march begins, Anuk spends a few minutes with Mac, listening to his song. "Nice tune...mind if I join in?"
He opens his mouth to sing, but what comes out could hardly be called singing. To everyone but Anuk it is apparent that he wouldn't know a tune if it came up and bit him. He squawks out a few random notes, oblivious to the aural distress of everyone nearby.
"Hmm...the bass notes are a little low for me, Mac. I'll keep working on it. Maybe tomorrow we could work out a duet?" he suggests.
Soon he joins Flea near the front of the march. "Shady night, eh? I have to say, if we ever get back to the Plains I'm going to miss this kind of weather."
As they march, he keeps an eye out for a suitable campsite for the pack, but the tune from Mac keeps going through his mind, and his continued "humming" keeps him from noticing most of the night sights and noises.
(spot 12, listen 11 (nat 1), survival 16 - d12 roll was a mis-click)
ADM MikeS Thursday March 10th, 2005 11:06:01 AM
(OOC: Since everyone has already responded to yesterday's post, I'm posting a little earlier today. DM MikeK should be back in the saddle tomorrow.)
Gry and Gilan forage for a bit, gathering enough grubs, roots, and other food for the pack's evening meal. When Shady sees the bounty, he smiles broadly, clearly looking forward to a full stomach. Gry is pleased with how quiet his new boots make him. (+2 boots of elven kind)
Flea carefully goes over the bark and it's surrounding area, finally announcing that it seems to be free of danger. Tishe' tentatively reaches for the sheet, and when she picks it up she is relieved to find that nothing out of the ordinary happens. She is able to store it away for adding to her spellbook later.
As the march toward the mountains begins, the pack moves slowly, waiting from time to time for Jake to finish another one of his "pauses". It's also noisy as Anuk tries to add "harmony" to Mac's song. Just as darkness falls, Anuk and Flea tell Trellus they have found a clearing that will provide a suitable campsite for the night.
(Need watch order for the night.)
Tishe' - Sub/Al Thursday March 10th, 2005 3:52:25 PM
A quiet camp after a day's march.
Tishe' removes the white bark from her pack and settles on a soft piece of ground to study the spell. After a cursory review of the spell as a whole, she explores each stanza, it's meaning within the whole, how it adds to the whole, how it weaves with the whole.
Later would come a study of each individual word in much the same way. And then, even later, a study of the spell's place within the universal play of arcane forces.
When Tishe' lifts her head from the bark the light is low. Her eyes burn with fatigue. And a familiar ache rests at the back of her neck.
"If you don't mind," Tishe' yawns and stretches, "I'll rest now and take last watch in the morning."
Mac d20+5=17 d20+1=6 Thursday March 10th, 2005 7:07:19 PM
Mac speaks up, "Okay, how 'bout the reverse watch to last time: Anuk an' Flea, Gry an' Gilan, Jake an' Trellus, and Tishe an' m'self?"
The taur ensures Galea is fed and tended to, getting in some play and pounce time, which everyone is welcome to join in on.
[Spot:17, Listen:6]
Gilan d20+7=17 d20+7=21 Thursday March 10th, 2005 8:17:28 PM
Gilan is happy with his bounty that he found and pulls out the old red sash that he got in a trade during the last Giving Day. He packs away part of the goodies in it and hands it to Shady, as he speaks in elvish to him. "Eat a little as you go if you are hungry...but I will need that sash back when it is empty." He smiles to the elf kid and moves out with the group.
When they finally reach the area that is indicated for sleep he smiles and sets up his own stuff for the night. "That watch sounds ok to me...you don't mind standing a watch with me do you Gry?" He snacks on some of the nuts and berries that he found earlier, adding in a little bread and water.
Anuk d20+10=20 d20+10=14 d3=3 Thursday March 10th, 2005 11:19:01 PM
"Sound good to me, Mac. I'm still feelin' awake, so first watch suits me fine."
Anuk eats from Gilan and Gry's catch, finding the sweet berries of this land to be quite tasty. "Hey, Jake...think we ought to pack some of these away? Might taste good mixed in with a little Glass Grass back home."
When it's time for his watch with Flea, Anuk settles in to a comfortable spot where he can see just outside the firelight. "That was nice, giving Shady some of your food," he tells the gnome. "You've got a good heart, Flea."
If things get a little boring during the watch, Anuk plays a game of "Rock, Scroll, Knife" with Flea to pass the time. "Rock breaks knife, knife cuts scroll, and scroll wraps rock." He tells her. He counts to three with her and then displays his pointer finger. "Knife!" he calls out.
(rock = 1, scroll=2, and knife=3 on a d3. I got a three :-)
(Listen 20, Spot 14)
Trellus (Subbed by Mikey) Friday March 11th, 2005 1:11:48 AM
"Sounds like a good idea to me. A bit of variety never hurt anyone. Someone make sure Shady knows not to wander off, especially." The sandy haired cleric goes about preparing himself for sleep and his devotions.
Jake Friday March 11th, 2005 1:13:37 AM
Jake eyes the berries. "Yeah, they're good...a bit sweet... ah dunno, wine takes those special grapes we got once in a while from traders, y'know? But let's try 'em a little..." Jake doesn't know...not much can beat glass grass, in his opinion. He goes on watch, letting Shady know about not to wander and all the rules, and the dangers of getting away from camp.
Flea d20+10=21 d20+12=24 d20+8=19 Friday March 11th, 2005 4:01:00 AM
During the watch, Flea wonders about the folks that got away. She keeps her eyes and ears open for anything unusual. But is glad to turn in when her shift is over. It has been a long day.
Listen=21 Search=24 Spot=19
Dawn (DM MikeK) Friday March 11th, 2005 6:02:12 PM
The party beds down. The weather is brisk. The sky is clear. It is obvious the group will be climbing into higher and colder elevations tomorrow. Pine scents waft silently down from tall conifers, and a peaceful darkness slides over the camp. Out in the woods, a soft "whoo, whoo" calls out. Otherwise, all is calm and peaceful. It is a quiet, content feeling, and the Bloodpack cannot help but feel they've done a good job this day.
The dual moons that hang over the Wold seem particularly bright. It is easy to imagine them as two eyes of a giant, smiling, benevolent face.
Morning creeps up on the heroes, the night having passed undisturbed.
Shady wakes up, and immediately his hand goes to the cruel collar that still encircles his neck.
During their devotions, both Gilan and Trellus find another spell offered to them. Interestingly, it is the same one Tishe found on the bark. Tishe, Gilan, Trellus: Elf Vision -- Highlight to display spoiler: { Elven Vision
Transmutation Level: Cleric 1, Druid 1, Bard 1, Sorcerer/Wizard 1, Witch 1 Components: V,S,F Casting Time: 1 standard action Range: Personal Target: You Duration: 10 min/level Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless) Spell Resistance: Yes
The spell grants the spellcaster elven sight. The caster gains low light vision. In addition, he receives a +2 bonus to Spot and Search, and can automatically check for secret doors when he passes within 5 feet of one. These bonuses are similar to the elven ability and does not stack with natural elven sight. }
Gilan d20+7=23 d20+7=24 Friday March 11th, 2005 7:46:17 PM
Gilan is up early for his morning devotions to Mother Wold. He is surprised to find that a new spell has been opened to him by the powers of nature.
As he goes about his normal morning he takes time to get a bite to eat and try to figure out this turn of events. "A new spell...hmmmm." He cannot believe it really. After all how long has it been since any druid recieved a new spell.
[listen 23 and spot 24]
Spells Memorized 0th(6): 1st(6): 2nd(5): 3rd(3): 4th(2): * used spell
Grymash d20+8=24 d20+6=12 d20+6=12 d20+6=24 d20+6=9 Saturday March 12th, 2005 5:12:56 PM
During the nite, Grymash replies to Gilan, "Why yooz think Gry not like sitin' up wit ya? Yooz Gry's shady buddy." Grymash gives Gilan a playful push on his shoulder.
In the morning, Grymash gets up before most of his pack and goes out looking for some fresh eggs. He hasnt seen any of the sightless birds from the Sargrass in this land, but he figures the birds that are here have tasty eggs as well.
(Survival: 24, Climb: 12, 12, 24, 9. If necessary, to climb trees.)
Tishe' - Sub/Al Saturday March 12th, 2005 7:57:53 PM
Tishe' wakens to the monochrome world of the false dawn and sits in watch with Mac.
This forest. Such a different world. She can feel it even through the darkness. Many a prayer to the Wold come to mind as Tishe' sits through her watch.
And, when the dawn comes. There is study. Tishe's nose is in her spell book even as she breaks her fast.
Day's Spells
Divine Spells:(DC 10+1+lvl) (bonus spells (1-1st) Orisons (3): Resistance, Resistance, Guidance 1st Level (1+1): Produce Flame, Faerie Fire
Anuk Sunday March 13th, 2005 5:19:54 PM
After the uneventful watch with Flea, Anuk falls quickly into a deep sleep. He wakes in the morning slowly and comfortably, lazily drifting into the day.
"Amazing how cool the mornings are here, isn't it," he tells Gilan while eating the delicious eggs Gry brings back. "It's like swimming in Rattledam pool without getting wet."
When he finds a few minutes to himself, he spends a little time in meditation, preparing for whatever the day may bring.
(prepares entangle)
Mac Sunday March 13th, 2005 7:47:15 PM
The taur completes his watch, but remains still and silent watching the dawn... until Galea gets up and goes for a short walk to do what kittens have to do of a morning. "Are we going up into snow lands, Shady?" he asks, aware that most of the pack aren't familiar with snow that stays around, and that his own clothing isn't suited to it.
Jake Sunday March 13th, 2005 10:53:45 PM
Jake is still a bit off in the morning... (That's a weird question, but, when he sleeps, does he sleep in the times when the curse activates? Luckily, he isn't a wizard, so he won't be fatigued by it...) He probably wasn't good at keeping watch either. And when snow is mentioned, he either doesn't display an action or he's still paralyzed... "Uh...what is snow?" he asks, trying not to look too dumb. "It's like..ice stuff, right? Only not as hard?" He doesn't have any snow or winter clothes, and really not much knowledge at all that will help them in this case...
Trellus (Subbed by Mikey) Sunday March 13th, 2005 11:02:00 PM
In the morning, observing that Jake is still within the effects of that strange spell, Trellus goes about preparing a different spell than usual. After that, he goes over to explain to the pack's joker about what he's about to do, but seeing Jake paralyzed, he just goes ahead and casts 'Remove Curse'. he waits to see what the reaction will be. Afterwards, he gets the pack together and assumes the same marching order as usual. (I assume, btw, that's Flea or Anuk in the front of the group, then the group itself, which will probably be Mac and Gry in the front, Trellus and Tishe next rank, Jake and Shady following, and Gilan and Flea/Anuk (whoever isn't guiding at the time) in the back. If anyone wants to change anything, suggest it in the next post and make it so. We're probably not all clumped together, but comfortably following each other, a la fellowship of the ring scene).
"Let's keep a sharp lookout on the sky, for that one who escaped, and any other weird pieces of bark..."
Flea d20+10=25 d20+12=22 d20+8=9 Monday March 14th, 2005 9:00:02 AM
Flea is slow moving the next morning. The combats, long hikes, and strange foods area wearing a bit on the gnome and she wakes up grumpy. After breakfast, she packs up camp along with the pack. When talk turns to the weather and concerns over the cold, she glances at Shady and the cloak he is wearing. "That cloak will keep the wearer comfortable in all weather conditions, so we don't have to worry about Shady," volunteers Flea as she buttons her leather jacket up to her neck.
Listen=25 Search=22 Spot=9
The Falls (DM MikeK) Monday March 14th, 2005 1:19:02 PM
Morning dawns, bright and clear. It promises to be another glorious day.
Trellus, Gilan, Anuk, and Tishe go about preparing their morning spells.
Mac asks Shady about snow, generating some confusion among the Rattledam contingent. The young elf looks at him in confusion until Jake translates the question into Elven. Absently fingering his collar, Shady thinks for several long moments before shaking his head. "No, its not that cold" he tells the elven fighter. Trellus, Jake, Grymash, Gilan, and Tishe' have no clue. Flea and Anuk will have to decide whether they have any experience with colder climates or not.
Figuring there's gotta be some eggs around somewhere, Grymash purposefully meanders through the area. It occurs to the half orc that perhaps eggs could be found in the tall trees. He scurries up a couple and finds his guess to be correct. The long branches are not as strong as a good rope, but Gry is able to collect quite a few multicolored treasures. Gry -- Int check DC 12 to avoid climbing too far out on a branch that can't support his weight. Failure means an ignoble trip to the forest floor -- d6 damage
Regardless of how they are acquired, eggs are yummy.
After breakfast, Trellus casts a Remove Curse on Jake. The elf stops exhibiting his peculiar behavior, and is back to normal.
Gear is packed, and the Bloodpack starts up the mountain trail. As Shady predicted, the weather doesn't change much (call it high 60's -- uh Fahrenheit ). About mid-morning, the party finds themselves next to a swift moving mountain stream. A few hours later, they come upon a sight none have seen before. The woods stops at the base of a granite wall, soaring upwards some 150'. Water careens off the top of the precipice, falling downward in a solid stream, and splashing in a continuous roar into a small clear lake at the group's feet.
Shady points to the top of the waterfall. "That way," he says.
The granite wall is not completely sheer. Flea's sharp eyes can pick out abundant handholds. However, there is no convenient ledge to rest upon. A climber is going to have to go all the way up before s/he reaches safety. (Climb DC 17)
Trellus Monday March 14th, 2005 4:11:07 PM
Trellus grins at Jake as his friend walks around for several minutes without that annoying stopping. "Shady," he notes to no one in particular.
While walking with the group, he muses on the unusual addition of a new spell Domi offered him. He never had just one additional offered before, and this one didn't seem all that great. "Why would He want me to see like an elf?" he muses aloud.
The waterfall is totally shady. "Light," the cleric breathes in admiration.
Looking at Shady for confirmation that the Pack has got to scale that thing reminds Trellus of the collar.
"Flea, can you check that thing out?" he asks while waving at the cliff. "I need an hour or so to ask Domi about taking off Shady's collar."
With that, the young man pulls out his holy symbol, finds a quiet place, and starts casting his spell [Divination]. The Pack may recall that last time he did this, it took a while.
Tishe' - Sub/Al Monday March 14th, 2005 5:00:49 PM
Tishe' approaches the towering fall of water. So much water that it roars like thunder. So much water that it throws itself up into the air. The water fills the air. How long had it been since she'd seen such abundance? A touch to her face reveals a dampness not entirely from the mist of the falls.
Wiping her face with the cloth of her sleeves, Tishe' turns back to her companions.
"Do we have enough rope?" she asks? "If we do, I might be able to conjure a friend willing to fly one or two up to the top of this cliff. From there, they could fasten the rope and drop it down."
Gilan d20+7=19 d20+7=26 Monday March 14th, 2005 8:42:44 PM
Gilan takes his time to look over the waterfall as they stop. It is breathe taking and a marvel of nature. He silently thanks Mother Wold for this gift and then looking up at the higest part that Shady says they need to climb. "I can get up there easily and I have one spider climb spell as well."
He waits to see what the rest of the pack has to say. He nods as rope is mentioned. "I have fifty feet of it myself." Looking to Trell he waits for him to find out something for the collar problem.
Grymash d20-2=-1 d6=6 Tuesday March 15th, 2005 12:16:21 AM
(Int check?! Oh, ok. -1. sigh!)
CRACK!
"Uh oh!"
SNAP!
"AAUUUGGHHH!!!"
THWACCKK!
"UUUUFFF!!"
WHAACCKK!
"DOOHHH!!!"
THUUDD!!
"auuurrggghhh!"
Grymash lays motionless on the ground, still holding onto the branch he was on. He tries is best to fill his lungs with air. At least enough to say, "Gryy ... gotss, uhh, breakfast!" Later he ponders if that is how the first meal of the day got its name.
(6 points damage)
Jake Tuesday March 15th, 2005 6:31:02 AM
It takes a while for the fighter to realize that the magic's gone. He keeps expecting it to suddenly reemerge, and to notice things are different again. Suddenly, Grymash falls down...the first thign is panic, as Jake rushes over to the half-orc, but then, two steps later, as the half-orc begins to groan, he starts chuckling. He doesn't say anything at first, but the ribbing begins over breakfast. "Ah don't wanna *egg* y'all on, Grymash, ah was wonderin' 'bout our *trip* so far, if ya enjoyed our little *break* from Rattledam. Ah mean, we haven't *fallen* outta favor, and ah don't wanna *branch* off here, what with yer *wooden* disposition, it's sometimes takes a bit of a knock ta get anythin' outta ya." A while later, having mentioned all the other puns he can, Jake is ready to go over to the waterfall. It is perhaps the most beautiful thing he's seen outside of Rattledam, and he can't help but wander up to it and stick out his hat in it...watch the play of water over it, mesmerized...
Flea d20=16 d20=15 d20=18 d20=1 Tuesday March 15th, 2005 9:05:31 AM
"Sure thing!" answers Flea in response to Trellus' request, "I'll be down in a bit."
Flea drops her pack at the base of the granite wall and takes a few steps back. After a cursory examination of the surface, she is satisfied there are sufficient handholds for her needs. After a few stretches to warm her muscles, the gnome climbs about 10 ft. up, then jumps down.
Climb=16 plus modified Jump=15 plus modifier
Grymash's recent attempt at tree climbing still fresh in her mind, the rogue returns to her pack to report. "I suggest we plan this one out very carefully and use all our resources to get up to the top. It's not as easy as it looks.
The rogue returns to an examination of the rock wall to see if there is any other way up.
Search=18 plus modified Spot=nat 1
(OOC: Doh! Posting from work and don't have my PC sheet. DM, please be so kind as to add Flea's modifiers?!?!)
Anuk d20+8=17 Tuesday March 15th, 2005 11:01:43 AM
The falls are awe-inspiring. Anuk stares upward into the heavens, trying to get a clear view of the top of the cliff. The edge of the cliff, outlined by sky, gives him a sense of vertigo and he looks down to the ground again.
"Should be a fun climb," he mumbles. At Tishe's suggestion, Anuk pulls off his pack and begins fumbling through it, sorthing through the bits and pieces he's collected during the pack's adventures. Finally, he brings up a length of rope. "Here's another fifty feet," he says. "Looks like we'll need a couple more of these."
He digs back into his pack and comes up with a small kit containing bandages and a few ointments. He gets up and walks over to Grymash. "Thanks for breakfast, Gry," he says has he works to patch up a few of the half-orc's battle-wo--uh, breakfast wounds.
(heal 17)
Tishe' (Second Post)(SteveK) Tuesday March 15th, 2005 1:25:17 PM
While her pack moves in thier various directions, the small woman stares in rapt amazement at the cascading water from the stone far above. She finds herself surprisingly standing next to the quiet ranger.
"It is like the Hook River coming straight down." And perhaps a minute later, "By Mother Wold, the beautiful power of it all!" She barely breathes taking it all in.
Divination (DM MikeK) Tuesday March 15th, 2005 4:45:50 PM 50 xp to Grymash for making the DM bust out laughing at work.
While some of the group prepare for the climb ahead, and others simply admire the incredible view, Trellus prays to Domi for guidance. The last time the cleric cast this spell, he sat quietly for nearly an hour before telling everyone the answer. This time is quite different.
In only a few moments, the young man stands bolt upright. His arms are pinned to his side, his fists are clenched tightly, and he blankly stares upward. He speaks, loudly, but in a voice not his own -- a voice deep and powerful and old, very old.
Tooth and claw confined by band Will not turn on freedom's hand
Three will merge into one ring Nature rises to greet the king
Guard the portal in icy rift The children find the wedding gift
As the echoes fade from these last words, the waterfall stops. It looks almost as if the water is suffering from Jake's curse, as an arc of unmoving crystal descends to the quiet lake. [Mac will recognize that its frozen over]
Trellus' eyes snap awake. His spell is over.
After five minutes, the ice shatters, and the waterfall resumes.
Gilan d20+7=22 d20+7=23 Tuesday March 15th, 2005 8:23:14 PM
Gilan looks to Trell as he starts talking in an voice not his own. He takes a step close so that he can get a good listen to what is said. He looks around at the others and shakes his head. "Seems that we are getting into something big." He waits for Trell to finish and then moves over to stand near him.
"Well Trell, from what you said I think that we can let Shady go." He looks to Shady and nods his head in his direction, then speaks in elvish. "I am sorry for pressing to keep you in that collar Shady...please forgive me." He gives a bow to Shady as he waits to see what the others will do.
Grymash d20-2=6 d20+2=13 Wednesday March 16th, 2005 12:45:52 AM
Grymash's head hurts. A familiar feeling. Happens way too often. It aggrivates the half-orc to no end. He finally gets up and spits at the tree for dropping him. His first inclination is to take his axe the chop the darn thing down. He quickly grabs his axe to do so. But a sudden dizziness holds him back. "The tree will probably only fall on me anyway," and the idea of the added pain just doesnt sound too appealing. It's just a stupid tree after all!
Jake's attempt at humor is completely lost on the barbarian. He doesn't get it (Int check 6). Grymash feels better after a little patching up and the prize of eggs for breakfast. They taste differently from the ones back home, but they're still good!
Later down the trail and at the base of the big rocky mountain, Grymash takes in the size and scope of everything. When the waterfall freezes, Gry doesn't know what to think. "Whut happen ta da fallin' water?! Water be hard like rock?! Whut magik be dis?" The whole event sets off alarms with Grymash. His eyes dart all about trying to find the source of the disturbance.
(Spot 13)
Jake Wednesday March 16th, 2005 2:49:31 AM
Having been watching and playing with the water, Jake is shocked when suddenly, the water does that weird hard thing right over his hat! He tugs it, gently, and then the spell ends and he's tugging it again and splashing water over himself. Shaking his hat and cursing, he turns to Trellus. "Hey, watch out with your magic there, Trell..." He thinks over the words. He realizes a few things, but keeps them to himself. Instead, the fighter decides to joke, "Doesn't sound like any womin in that riddle...hey, Trell, ya think ya can cast it again?"
Flea Wednesday March 16th, 2005 8:59:40 AM
Making her way back to the pack, Flea picks up her gear. She stops suddenly, watching slack-jawed as the strange voice comes from Trellus' mouth.
Flea knows about freezing water. Ice and snow. Back home at least a quarter of the year the family burrow is covered with the stuff. Thank goodness she had so many brothers and sisters. They always made quick work of clearing the path in front of the burrow. Mother always had hot chocolate and cookies for them when the job was done.
Flea closes in with the others and listens to what folks have to say.
Anuk Wednesday March 16th, 2005 10:35:08 AM
Trellus' incantation and his sudden distantness bring back some of Anuk's old feelings about magic. It's hard to trust something that can change your friends on a moment's notice.
When the waterfall changes to ice, Anuk is astounded. He's known of snow and ice before, but he spent so much time near his home city and locked up studying dusty books that he never actually saw it before. He holds some in his hands, feeling how cold and jagged it is -- like an enchanted blade of some kind -- when the spell ends and it turns to water in his hand.
Later, when the spell is done, Anuk tells Trellus, "You know, I like it when magic helps people and stuff--healing and stuff like that--but when it takes someone over I...well...it's just not shady, you know?" After a moment he asks, "You doin' okay after goin' through that?"
As the pack discusses Shady's collar predicament, Anuk asks aloud, "Did we ever figure out how to get that thing off of the kid?"
Trellus Wednesday March 16th, 2005 10:38:56 AM
Trellus blinks several times, gathering his wits.
"Whoa," his remarks intelligently. "What was that?"
Jake breaks the tension a bit with his request to cast it again. "Are you totally sunbaked?" Trellus cries, voice rising in anger. "It ain't supposed to work....." the cleric's voice trails off as he starts to suspect the elf wasn't serious. "Uh, no" he finishes lamely.
"OK, Gilan's right. I think we can take off the collar," he says, although the 'Tooth and Claw' part is a bit bothersome. "Tishe said she knew the password."
"But what's the rest of all that? Who's the King? Shady? And what's the Wedding Gift? And what's 'Icy' mean?" Flinging out a hand at the waterfall, he adds, "and what's the pick with that?"
Rounding on Shady, Trellus asks, "Is all this, this, this stuff NORMAL around here?!?"
After he settles down a bit, Anuk asks him if he's OK. The cleric nods. To the ranger's comments regarding the brightness of magic that just takes a dude over, he nods again. "Totally" he replies. "This bites grass."
Tishe' d20+13=19 Wednesday March 16th, 2005 1:57:55 PM
The young woman whips her head around, divination spells don't do that! (Spellcraft: 19), she watches for a moment then rushes to Trellus. Knowing better than to interrupt, she waits until the cleric moves again, and then moves to steady him.
Only after the blond man is OK does his words penetrate her worry. Turning to look at Shady, the brown eyes flash with triumph. A finger points at the elf's collar and she growls in a voice that should come out of a much larger, reptilian creature. (Freedom in Draconic)
Mac d20+2=3 d20+13=30 Wednesday March 16th, 2005 3:59:02 PM
Mac slips off his backpack as he stands agog at the waternotfall, totally failing [Int check: nat.1] to take into consideration what might be happening upstream where the fluence of water is meeting a wall of ice. Enthralled, he steps out slowly onto the frozen river, expecting the ice to be thin, at least too thin to support his bulk. But it takes his weight without sound or sign of strain, so he sets about examining the scattering shards and solid column of ice - even taking to it with his axe to see how solid it is. He hears Trellus and the subsequent conversation, and everything is great.
...for 5 minutes. The ice suddenly returns to liquid and Mac's exclamation as he is dunked is drowned out by the return of the roar of the waterfall. [Swim check: 30] A short distance downstream Mac hauls his very cold and wet self onto the bank, and gathers his breath and composure before returning to the removal.
Presenting... (DM MikeK) Wednesday March 16th, 2005 4:40:00 PM
The friends discuss what happened to Trellus, and come to few conclusions but one. Its time to take off the collar.
Tishe growl/spits a phrase, and the collar expands. And keeps right on expanding until it ends up a 5' diameter circlet lying at Shady's feet.
The young elf rubs his neck and beams at the group. "Shai-dee!" he cries.
Despite the expectations of a few of our heroes, the small elf boy remains a small elf boy.
The frozen waterfall unfreezes, making for a very wet minotaur. Mac clambers onshore, and the Bloodpack is right back where they started -- at the bottom of a 150' cliff they all need to get to the top of.
Gilan's eyes pick out a patch of whiteness to his left. The young druid takes a couple steps, bends down, and comes up with a piece of white bark. Written on it is a divine spell that is becoming awfully familiar -- Elf Vision.
Gilan d20+7=8 d20+7=22 Wednesday March 16th, 2005 8:22:16 PM
Gilan looks to the piece of bark that he finds on the ground and picks it up with a start. "You think someone is trying to tell me something?" He laughs lightly as he does not seem to notice anything else.
He does finally look up to find Shady free of his collar and absolutely beaming about it. He smiles and speak in elvish. "Feel better Shady?" He looks back to the waterfall and then shakes his head. "You do of course realize that we will not get up this thing like this...right." He pulls out his own fifty foot of rope and drops it on the ground. "Now who would best make use of my spider spell?" He waits for the group to make a decision.
Jake Thursday March 17th, 2005 1:36:59 AM
Jake looks at the circlet and rolls it up. Is it made of gold? What sort of metal? Is it valuable? He doesn't know anything about this sorta thing... "Hey, Flea?? This thing worth anything? Ah mean, it must be magical too...let's keep it!" And so the fighter takes it as his personal quest to lug the thing along. He'll tie a rope around it, and when they climb to the top lug it up...roll it along up and down hills, carry it over bad terrain, and so on. He refuses not to. Inwardly, he imagines himself finding a sleeping, evil dragon and slipping this on it...
Flea Thursday March 17th, 2005 9:07:11 AM
Flea drops her pack and fishes around inside it until her hand lands on the coil of silk rope. "Lets do like last time," she says, "you know, someone gets the spell, and climbs up with the rope. The rest can climb up the rope, and those who have spells can climb or fly along beside in case..." her eyes slide over to Grymash..."there is a problem."
Flea looks at Gilan's rope and adds, "we need at least one more, and if we had a forth, I could tie knots in it to make climbing easier."
Flea locates the elf playing with the large hoop. "Jakey?" she asks, "can you find out if Shady knows anything about climbing?" The rogue looks at the 5 ft circlet, and grins, "reminds me of a game I used to play as a kid. We'd put a hoop like that around our waist and go like this." Flea moves her knees and rotates her hips keeping her upper body in one place. "We'd try to keep the hoop going around and a around."
She watches to see if Jake will give it a try, wondering what would happen to the fighter if the ring should suddenly shrink.
Tishe' d20+13=19 Thursday March 17th, 2005 1:39:30 PM
The brown haired woman also offers her memorized Spider Climb spell. "I and Gilan can bespell Mac and Grymash and I can Enlarge them. They would be able to carry each one of us up the face without the need of ropes at all!"
"Oh, and Jake sweetie," she turns to the elvish fighter, "perhaps I can look at the ring and find the word to shrink it again..."
Tishe' looks carefully at the golden ring to find a activation word (Spellcraft: 19)
Anuk Thursday March 17th, 2005 3:12:18 PM
Anuk chuckles at the sight of Mac swimming around in the stream. He offers a hand to the minotaur as he emerges from the stream, though he's not much help due to their size difference.
"Is Galea okay after that swim?" he asks with a smile.
Standing with the pack as they weigh their options, Anuk agrees with Tishe. "I think we'll get up there more quickly and in one piece if we can piggyback on Mac and Mr. Mountainback."
Mac Thursday March 17th, 2005 3:41:26 PM
"Thanks Anuk. It's not that bad once you're in! Galea should still be in the pack." he says nodding to where it sits nearer the rest of the pack. He heads over, picks it up and checks in on Galea.
"Sure! What do I need to know about the Spider climb spell Tishe'?"
Trellus Thursday March 17th, 2005 4:31:41 PM
Refocusing on the task at hand, Trellus pulls out his own rope and hands it to Mac.
"Let's cast it on Mac and let him go up with all the ropes. Then everyone go up however they can. I can walk up on the air, so I'll follow whoever's climbing, just in case."
Getting out the climbing shoes (DM MikeK) Thursday March 17th, 2005 4:34:09 PM
Discussions abound regarding the plan to get up.
Shady merely shrugs when asked about climbing. "I can't remember if I've climbed before," he answers sheepishly.
Tishe cannot find a way to shrink the very wide collar.
Grymash Thursday March 17th, 2005 9:47:35 PM "Whut ever da pack thinks, Gry have ropes in da backsack. Gry got one, twos, threes ropes. Gots climbin' hook too. If ya can make Gry big an spidery, dat be shady."
Gilan d20+7=22 d20+7=16 Thursday March 17th, 2005 10:48:26 PM
Gilan looks to Mac and nods his head as he moves over to stand by him. He gently lays his hand upon the big guy and casts his spider climb spell upon him. "Naar cam." He looks to the others and then to the waterfall. "Mac can now scale the wall as a spider."
He leaves his rope for the others to make use of and then changes into the form of a wasp. He is soon zipping around enjoying his time in a form that can fly.
Jake Friday March 18th, 2005 2:47:01 AM
Suddenly asked by the two girls of the party questions, Jake immediately becomes his confident, enthusiastic self. Though he must tell them Shady doesn't have the ability, he does try out Flea's game. It turns out to be kinda fun...except this hoop is way heavy and falls down easily. After a bit of tries, he feels aches in parts that usually don't ache... And he immediately realizes it's another great exercise option. The circlespin! It will be a good exercise, as long as they carry this circlet along. "Okay...Gil and Mac, up at the top. First you can pull up Gry, Flea and Tishe...Then, we'll send up Shady, tieing the rope around him to secure him, and after that, we'll all come up. Uh...ah've never been good at knots...anyone here wanna make little knots so we can climb up easier? Or tie up Shady so he won't fall?" Jake explains to Shady that they'll climb up the thing...he tells him that they'll have a rope to climb up, and he, Jake, will be right under the elf, ready to catch him. And, they can tie a knot around him so he won't fall so long as Mac remains strong...
Jake runs a hand along his half-elven ears..pondering. Then he starts taking off his armor, and securing everything but his sword into his pack. Luckily, he's practiced climbing at home as a kid, on just about anything around.
Tishe' d20+2=13 d20+2=16 d20+2=3 Friday March 18th, 2005 5:54:20 AM
Her eyes frown as the short woman fails to find any way to shrink the collar.
Turning back to the cliff and her companions, she sees the plans are already afoot to climb the cliff. She takes a small thing out of her spell pouches and weaves a simple spell. "Here sweetie," she tells Grymash, "swallow this and you can climb like a spider." She hands the cleric of Gargul a small wriggling arachnid.
Then with four of them flying or walking up, Tishe' waits with Jake, Shady, Flea, and Anuk for the ropes to be ready.
She idly toys with the white bark that has the arcane spell on it. "This elven sight spell is soon all around. I wonder if the scrolls are a trail to follow." She glances at Anuk and Flea, but shakes her head. "If so, it wouldn't be divinely inspired from the gods and from Mother Wold."
When the rope is ready, she looks for Trellus airwalking behind her, then she carefully if uncertainly climbs up the rope. (Climb: 13, 16, nat1! oh no!)
Trellus (Air Walk) Friday March 18th, 2005 11:21:26 AM
Trellus finds the sight of Jake wiggling around like a prarie pig to be hilarious.
Shaking his head at the crazy elf, he finally gets around to casting a spell on himself. [Air Walk]
The cleric traverses back and forth up the cliff, keeping as close to the climbers as he can.
Anuk d20+3=15 d20+3=9 d20+3=21 Friday March 18th, 2005 4:51:34 PM
Anuk looks up the side of the cliff as the rope is lowered down to him. "Well, here goes nothin'..." he says. He grabs hold of the bottom and begins to make his way up.
(climb 15, 9 (yeesh), and 21)
Mountain Climber (DM MikeK) d2=1 Friday March 18th, 2005 7:29:32 PM
Grymash and Mac are enhanced with climbing spells and start the ascent. Massive shoulders ripple as the two find the going so easy it soon becomes a race. Mac reaches the top only a few moments before the half-orc.
Each take the time to survey their surroundings before messing with any ropes. They are in a mountain valley. The land is covered in short, green grass with blossoms of white and yellow dotting the countryside. The small stream flows down the middle.
Neither warrior can find a threat, and they set to work getting the others up the cliff. It takes awhile, especially given Jake's insistance on hauling the golden hula hoop up with him. But, by the end of the afternoon, everyone is up, safe and sound.
Shady points up the valley. "We came from that way," he says (in elven). "I don't think its too far."
But, it is getting on supper time. So the Bloodpack settles down to rest from the climb and get some grub. It's looking like a very peaceful evening is descending on the Wold.
LOG ON