DM Kathy 2d6(3+5)=8 Monday May 23rd, 2005 1:15:01 AM
The choppers continue to chop, and Arm continues to play in order to inspire them. Mira, meanwhile, retrieves her Knock scroll and is able to cast it.
[OOC: I just read the Knock description, and although it's open to interpretation, I agree that it opens doors rather than simply unlocking them.]
The spell complete, the door suddenly swings open! Everybody make a Reflex save! [DC 12 or take 8 points of damage and be knocked down by the door]
You now have a way out of the building.
Evan d20+7=26 Monday May 23rd, 2005 5:47:37 AM
Evan dances nimbly out of the way of the swinging door. He gives a silent cheer then scoops Mira up into a joyful hug, kissing her soundly. Taking Mira' hand, he tugs her towards the now open doorway. (reflex-26)
Arm d20+3=16 Monday May 23rd, 2005 6:04:18 AM
Caught up in his playing, Arm manages to miss being hit by the door's sudden movement, although not by much (reflex=16). Ceasing his song, he grins widely and shouts to the others, "Quickly, now...before the fae decides to do something ELSE to us!!", then makes a break for the open door and hopefully freedom from this curse as well.
Kadaz d20+3=15 d20+1=3 Monday May 23rd, 2005 6:31:21 AM
As the door swing opens Kadaz jumps back. He looks outside and pauses. Looking around he locates his axe and picks it up. "Anyone trust that the fairy told the truth?" Kadaz exits the door carefully, looking for trouble but the sun is in his eyes and prevents him from seeing much. (reflex 15, spot 3)
Uriel d20+2=17 Monday May 23rd, 2005 9:40:52 AM
Uriel is able to avoid the opening door without much scrambling.
He scratches his chin at Kadaz's comment and then says, "Only one way to find out!"
He exits with his sword drawn.
Conner [AC=13, HP=26/32] d20+4=7 Monday May 23rd, 2005 12:09:26 PM
Conner is caught unawares by the opening of the door and is knocked to the floor. Looking somewhat abashed, he struggles to his feet and rubs his jaw where the door slammed into him.
Mira (AC 13, 14/22 HP) d20+4=8 Monday May 23rd, 2005 12:31:27 PM
"Ow! That hurts!" (Reflex Save-8, fail) says the sorcerer when the door swings open and catches her on the hip sending her sprawling. Mira picks herself up, and limps towards the now open door with Evan's help.
Shadow d20+6=12 Monday May 23rd, 2005 1:56:43 PM
(Is it equal to or higher?)
Shadow hopefully avoids the door (being one of the nimbulist you would think he could avoid it with a +6, but you never know) and moves with the group cautiously outside.
Wilfire Ironhouse d20+2=3 Monday May 23rd, 2005 11:16:23 PM
"Me tinks we shud..." but Wilfire's words trail off as the door slams into him. After picking himself off the ground he offers Mira a tongue lashing.
"Ya wavin dat magic aroun lik'is a'toy. An lik'aye tol'ya, a'ol is alwas a'ole."
Wilfire also has a few choice words for Evan- "An yue! Yue dancin an prancin aroun, wilst me wind been knocked oud on accoun of yer ladies spel."
"BAH!" Wilfire concludes as he wipes a trickle of blood from his lips.
DM Kathy Tuesday May 24th, 2005 1:27:19 AM
Evan, Arm, Kadaz, Uriel, and Shadow are able to avoid the swinging door. Conner, Mira, and Wilfire aren't as lucky, and Wilfire has a few choice words for the occasion.
Recovering your equilibrium, you begin to make your way out the door. The first few out have a moment of worry, for despite the fae's promise, you remain small even after crossing the threshhold. It isn't until the last person takes the last step out of the building that the spell is lifted.
You again experience a moment of disorientation, and the next thing you know you are back to your original height. Of course, there isn't nearly enough room for all of you in the five-foot square in front of the door, so there are a few embarrassed moments of untangling (and, perhaps, picking some people up off the floor).
When you have a chance to look around, you see that the city has changed quite a bit in just the hour or so you were small. The growing plants have become quite aggressive, and in many cases are pushing up through the cobbles. You turn to look at your own house, and see that the wild strawberries are beginning to do structural damage, splitting planks and breaking off bits of stone. Even as you watch, part of one of the eaves breaks off and falls to the ground with a clatter.
The street seems fuller of people than usual, and a few of them are carrying belongings, as if they are trying to evacuate.
Over the whole scene, the sky looms grey and sullen, a far cry from the sunny skies you most recently remember.
Evan Tuesday May 24th, 2005 5:45:59 AM
Evan smiles brightly to the grumpy dwarf, his arm hooked around Mira's waist, supporting her. And while he enjoys being close to Mira, the others are a bit much, so he quickly moves himself and Mira forward out of the group in the doorway. Once they are safe, or as safe as can be expected, Evan runs his hand over Mira's hip, checking for any bone damage. He looks back towards Wilfire, wishing he would do a little more healing and a little less grumping.
Arm Tuesday May 24th, 2005 5:57:12 AM
Staring grimly at the changes to the outside world, Arm rushes back inside, hoping that the curse is not renewed by his doing so. Reaching his room, he grabs his sword and the rest of his belongings...coming to the conclusion that if they need to evacuate as well, he'd best be prepared. Afterwards, he rushes back outside to await whatever the Fates have in store for them.
Kadaz Tuesday May 24th, 2005 7:02:00 AM
It's no longer a lazy care-free afternoon in Plateau City. Kadaz rushes back into his room and starts donning all of his armor. Something is going on that is not good.
Once Kadaz is fully armed and armored, with pack on back, he goes outside and starts chopping down the vegatation attacking the house.
Wilfire Ironhouse d8+3=6 d8+3=11 d8+3=5 Tuesday May 24th, 2005 10:47:27 AM
Wilfire nasty mood lasted a little longer than usual. Grabbing Conner by the arm somewhat roughly he said, "Stan still will yue. Yue git yerself a wee injurie from dat bon'headid spel."
Taking his holy symbol in hand Wilfire said a short prayer and placed his hand on Conner. Suddenly white light fell on the pair... "Addo Sanitas" Wilfire finished. (heal 6 to conner).
Wilfire then took a few minutes to grumble about wasting spells. "Bes not to wait till ya thirsty ta dig a well" he said before he cast a healing spell on himself (heal 11).
Finally he turned towards Mira, his anger finally wasshing away "'atch where yue tro dat magic nex'time, wil'yue?" And with that, he healed her as well (heal 5).
Conner Tuesday May 24th, 2005 5:48:42 PM
Conner smiles ruefully as the dwarf casts his healing spell on him and gives Mira a wink as Wilfire continues his chastizing of her spell casting. The fighter then returns to his room to collect his gear and don his armor.
Shadow Tuesday May 24th, 2005 7:07:15 PM
Shadow is very relieved that the group has returned to normal size. He looks around and sees that everything is not normal. Seeing some of the group rush back into the apartment, he will wait a few moments to see if the spell is truly lifted. He will then join them inside to see what the rush is.
Seeing the group get their stuff together, Shadow joins in. He will return to his room and gather his equipment.
"What are we going to do?" he asks the group.
Mira Tuesday May 24th, 2005 11:59:11 PM
"Sorry, little father, and thanks" calls Mira as with her arm around Evan's shoulders, she limps through the door and is manouvered through the tangle of bodies by the ranger.
The woman bats Evan's hand away when he cops a feel, her face reddening at the public display. Her discomfiture doesn't last long however, when she catches sight of the excessive plant growth.
"I'm getting my stuff. NOW!" she calls as she dashes back through the doorway, and into her room. Scooping up her gear, she sweeps it quickly into her pack. Before heading out the door, she grabs her remaining scrolls. Once outside, she drops her pack at her feet, and takes a moment to inventory the scrolls and replace them in her case.
Uriel Wednesday May 25th, 2005 12:22:44 AM
Uriel sees the changes outside and hightails it inside to outfit himself with his normal arsenal of weapons and equipment.
DM Kathy Wednesday May 25th, 2005 2:11:54 AM
A disgruntled Wilfire heals the injured, and some of the group head back indoors to collect their gear.
Fortunately, this bit of fae mischeif seems to have been a one-time thing; you remain your normal size when you re-enter the building.
Back outside, Kadaz begins attacking the vines that are attacking the house. You are able to make some progress, but it is slow going. The vines seem particularly resistant to damage, and they are practically growing before your eyes.
The rest of the party begins collecting outside, wondering what your next move should be.
"Hey! You lot!" You vaguely recognize the man who calls to you as somebody who lives and works in the neighborhood, although you don't know his name. He is carrying a shovel and an armload of sacks. "Don't just stand there--come give us a hand. We need to get sandbags piled up quick."
He shakes his head. "I never thought I'd live to see it," he says. "The Endless River is flooding!"
Wilfire Ironhouse Wednesday May 25th, 2005 2:37:06 AM
After grabbing his weapons and gear (he doesn't put his armor on yet), Wilfire takes a shovel from the man and prepares to dig.
Arm Wednesday May 25th, 2005 5:57:31 AM
At first planning on joining Kadaz in his efforts to defoliate their property, Arm chooses instead to follow the man in attempt to shore up the river where necessary.
Kadaz Wednesday May 25th, 2005 6:07:36 AM
"Flooding? On top of a Plateau? On a sunny day?" Kadaz shakes his head as he stops attacking the growing vines. "Magic" he mutters disgustedly. He follows the man to help fight the river.
Conner d20+3=16 Wednesday May 25th, 2005 7:33:19 AM
Conner lends a hand piling sand bags, forming part of the human chain that hands each bag from person to person. He keeps a wary eye [Spot 16] on the river and prepares himself to evacuate once it breaches the makeshift levee.
Shadow Wednesday May 25th, 2005 9:44:43 AM
Not sure of what to do, but seeing the rest of the party going with the man. Shadow will join them in trying to shore up the river banks.
Mira d20+2=19 Wednesday May 25th, 2005 11:34:32 PM
Mira shoulders her pack and trails after the group as they follow the man. She tries to make note of the condition of the various quarters and how they are faring. (Spot=19) "Do you think someone should call on the Dragons? You know, Valdor and his lot, to see what they know? Maybe they could give us some direction?" she asks aloud.
Uriel Thursday May 26th, 2005 12:46:15 AM
Uriel shrugs, "This is the kind of help I think I am best suited for."
With that he moves along to where they are filling and packing sandbags to help out.
DM Kathy Thursday May 26th, 2005 2:01:18 AM
Hearing of the flood, you all move off to help fight it. Looking around as you go, you realize you weren't the only targets of fae pranks. At the end of the street, you see a small group of people trying to coax three frantically bleating goats off the roof of a two-story building. Nearby, a dog opens its mouth and lets out a meow.
Turning the corner, you hear the sobs of a woman, who is trying unsuccessfully to hide her ears, which have been turned into donkey's ears. A short distance away, some people are carrying a man whose legs seem to have been fused together.
You reach the edge of the river and see that it is indeed flooding, and the water spills over the Riverside Road. The river has been the same level for as long as anyone remembers, and the architecture of Plateau City is not built with rising waters in mind. The normal course of the water is mere inches below the lip of the road, and now the river washes over the cobbles and into shops and houses across the way.
There are already people lined up, trying to fill and place sandbags. Sand is in short supply, but they are doing their best to keep the rising waters at bay. You join in their efforts, struck by the strangeness of fighting a flood in clement weather when it hasn't rained for days.
Gradually, the sandbags pile higher, and the water stops washing across the road. Looking up, you see part of the reason. Across the way, in the Outcast Quarter, there aren't as many people filling sandbags. Since the "bank" on that side is now shorter, most of the floodwaters are spilling over there.
Arm Thursday May 26th, 2005 6:12:57 AM
Arm casts about, totally helpless, "What do we do? There's not enough sand to go around, and they'll surely be inundated if we don't stop the flood waters!!!".
Kadaz Thursday May 26th, 2005 6:32:17 AM
Kadaz starts to talk while in the midst of filling sand bags. "Let's think about this. The river rising means that either more water is being added to the river or that there is a an obstruction downstream somewhere. We can't do anything if the fae are magically adding water. But if there is a dam we could help dismantle it. Let's go look."
Uriel Thursday May 26th, 2005 7:42:21 AM
"Stout friend, your logic is sound - if it is not magic at play here, which I fear is the real culprit," Uriel's voice is thick with emotion.
"These people's lives are not jokes to be delivered for your amusement wicked Fae!" he shouts into the air.
Recovering slightly Uriel says,"Maybe we could try to evacuate people to this side of the river - or maybe we could help make a dam where the river enters the city?"
Shadow Thursday May 26th, 2005 2:26:55 PM
Shadow is working with the group and not sure what good all this is doing if they do not find the reason for the flooding. "I agree we should look and see if there is anything obstructing the flow out."
Wilfire Ironhouse Thursday May 26th, 2005 2:28:32 PM
"'end one up deh river fer a look" Wilfire suggested. "Deh rest'o'us needed here."
Wilfire continued to work filling bags, knowing that he couldn't run as fast as the others.
"GA! DATS ONE BAG!"
"GA! DATS TWO!"
"HEY YOU! GA! DON"T JUST STAN AROUN. GA! GET OFF YER DUFF AND WORK"
"GA! DATS FIVE"
Wilfire continued yelling out as he worked, hoping that his efforts might inspire a few people.
Conner Thursday May 26th, 2005 7:05:27 PM
The burly fighter holds his place in teh human chain and passes bag after bag to the next man in line. He can't help but chuckle at Wilfire's attempts to cajole the tired and weak into action.
Mira Thursday May 26th, 2005 8:38:32 PM
Mira moves around until she is next to Arm. "Uh, Arm? Do you think any of this stuff," the sorcerer pauses and waves a hand at the overly lush vegetation, the animals, the water, "has anything to do with waking that sleeper guy the elves were so anxious about?"
DM Kathy Friday May 27th, 2005 3:13:54 AM
You continue to work on the sandbags. Wilfire begins yelling to try to encourage the others working on the task, and pretty much everybody feels that the bards of the Wold have nothing to worry about.
Uriel shouts his frustration to the skies--and was that a tinkling laugh he heard in reply?
Kadaz, Uriel, and Shadow are in favor of investigating the cause of the flooding, and Mira is wondering whether all of these events have anything to do with the Sleeper.
As you wonder, you hear a shout from across the river, and look up just in time to see a small form (goblin? halfling?) being swept off the bank and carried helplessly down the river. Within seconds, the dark head has slipped beneath the surface of the water and does not come up again.
Arm Friday May 27th, 2005 6:00:02 AM
Arm grimaces at Mira, and laying a hand on her shoulder says, "Aye, my dear...I believe it has EVERYTHING to do the Sleeper. On the brighter side, no one has started blaming ME for any of this yet, so I can only assume that's a GOOD thing.".
He continues to the rest, "Kadaz could very well be right...I say we head upstream and investigate what's going on...perhaps this freakish plant growth has something to do with it all.".
Kadaz Friday May 27th, 2005 6:50:27 AM
Kadaz stares at the small head disappear under the water. He is very aware of that the armor he is wearing would send him to the bottom of the river in an instant.
"Arm, rising water would be caused by a dam downstream or more water coming in upstream. I suggest we look downstream first. But I'm not hopeful."
Kadaz picks up his axe and shield and starts off downstream, parallel to the river but not too close to it.
Wilfire Ironhouse Friday May 27th, 2005 10:56:52 AM
"Pud yer back inta it!" Wilfire yelled out as he dropped the shovel and took up his flail. "Somefin duwn'strem ya say?" Wilfire asked as he took off after Kadaz.
Shadow d20+2=11 Friday May 27th, 2005 3:27:19 PM
Shadow will join the group headed downstream to see if there is an obstruction to the river. (Spot=11)
Mira Friday May 27th, 2005 8:45:35 PM "Wait!" cries Mira as the dwarfs and Shadow start off down stream, "I have a boat." Mira rummages in one of her pouches and pulls out a feather* which she places at a low spot near the banked sandbags. The sorcerer stands back and watches as a swanlike boat appears. It is large enough to carry the entire party and then some. "Quickly now!" she calls to her friends as she prepares to scramble into the boat.
*Quall's feather token-boat. A token that forms a a swanlike boat capable of moving on water at a speed of 60ft. It can carry eight horses and gear or 32 medium sized characters. Lasts 1 day.
Conner d20+4=16 Friday May 27th, 2005 8:59:00 PM
Conner looks up at Mira's call to wait just as a sandbag is shoved towards him. The fighter is just able to avoid dropping the heavy bag on his foot and smiles ruefully as he passes the bag onto the next man. "S'cuse me" he apologizes, "I'm wanted elsewhere".
Conner dashes over to Mira's boat and climbs in, taking a place at the oars if there are any.
DM Kathy Monday May 30th, 2005 12:17:12 AM
Seeing that the sandbagging is well in hand (on this side of the river anyway), you elect to move downstream to see if there is an obstruction. Mira produces a feather, which becomes a sturdy boat when she flings it into the water.
You board it, and the boat moves swiftly downstream, carried by the current and by some magical power of its own. Along the banks, you see more people responding to the flooding with sandbags. Their attention, however, is necessarily diverted from the plants that are still growing wildly throughout the city. You hear a crack! and look over in time to see chunks of masonry come tumbling off one building to land with a splash in the river. Near the riverbank, in the streets, the water is ankle-deep in places, and people are fleeing with what belongings they can carry.
You see no obstructions on the river; indeed it is flowing very swiftly. You hear a roar up ahead of you, and soon find yourselves approaching the falls.
The falls, of course, is where the Endless River tumbles off the plateau in a spectacular display of mist and falling water. Those who grew up in Plateau City (and anybody who can make a DC 5 Knowledge: Local check) know that the water is then magicked back to the beginning of the river, making it truly "Endless." Debris and pollutants in the water are not sent back to the beginning, and nobody is quite sure where those things end up. If there is an "Endless River graveyard" on the Second Plateau, where all the wreckage has fallen over the years, nobody has found it yet.
You are coming up on the falls pretty fast.
Kadaz d20+1=9 Monday May 30th, 2005 8:19:50 AM
Kadaz was nervours about getting into the boat and has held solidly onto the side the entire trip. The roar ahead reminds him about what is coming up. "Get to the shore now. There's no dam so far and I don't want to go over the falls."
Kadaz is sweating as he watches the swift water.
Uriel Monday May 30th, 2005 8:51:29 AM
"Is the boat's magick strong enough to move against the current back the other direction, Mira?" Uriel asks as they close in on the falls.
Wilfire Ironhouse Monday May 30th, 2005 3:08:41 PM
"Shud'a'kep walkin" Wilfire said, while silently cursing himself for boarding a boat on an unknown fast flowing river.
"TA SHORE!" Wilfire yelled at whoever was holding the rudder.
Conner d20+3=9 Monday May 30th, 2005 6:34:53 PM
Conner pulls as hard as he can, trying to steer the boat towards shore by pulling harder on one oar than the other. "Kadaz, Wilfire, throw a line to shore if you can!"
[Strength Check = 9, oh oh!]
Shadow Monday May 30th, 2005 7:03:15 PM
"Well that ends our theory about an obstructions." Shadow muses as the magical boat pulls against the current. He does not even let his mind think about the boat not being able to make it.
Mira d20+2=7 d20+3=21 Monday May 30th, 2005 11:07:22 PM
Mira holds onto the side of the boat and looks (Spot=7) for the small one that fell in.
When the sound of the falls is heard, Mira tries to remember if there is a dock or island nearby. (Knowledge Local=21)
DM Kathy Tuesday May 31st, 2005 12:28:26 AM
Move to shore, or head back upriver? And which shore? Momentarily confused by just what the plan is, the group and the magic boat founder, working at cross-purposes.
Mira looks around, but you can see no sign of the unfortunate figure you saw swept away. Given how quickly the current is moving, that person--whoever it was--is likely gone.
Mira also tries to remember any islands or docks nearby. You recall Moonlight Island, of course, a popular lovers' tryst situated in the middle of the river near the falls. You see the island over to the starboard side of the boat, and realize that most of it (the island, not the boat) is under water. Beyond what remains of the island, there are some piers near the temple of Domi in the Outcast Quarter--but those, too, are rapidly being submerged. There are no docks to the port side of the boat, which is just as well--the Nightmare Quarter is no place to be at a time like this.
Meanwhile, the group and the boat have reached a sort of consensus. The boat has turned and is moving toward Moonlight Island and the docks beyond; although whether either of them will be any good to you is anybody's guess.
The good news is that whatever is powering the boat seems to be able to withstand the flood current. You aren't travelling nearly as quickly as when you were going with the current, but you are making progress, and are slipping no nearer the falls.
Kadaz Tuesday May 31st, 2005 5:41:02 AM
Kadaz wipes the nervous sweat off his face. "Get to shore, any shore." He helps paddle towards Moonlight Island.
Arm Tuesday May 31st, 2005 5:53:15 AM
Arm heaves a huge sigh of relief that their impending doom has been avoided, at least for now. He then helps the others paddle towards the nearest shore.
Evan Tuesday May 31st, 2005 5:56:06 AM
Evan bends his efforts to helping the boat reach some sort of safety before being swept over the falls.
Conner d20+3=23 Tuesday May 31st, 2005 8:06:01 AM
Now that the boat is pointed in the right direction, Conner redoubles his efforts at the oars and strikes for land [Strength = 23 Nat 20]
Shadow Tuesday May 31st, 2005 7:35:42 PM
Shadow sighs with the rest of the group once they are moving in the right direction. He will help if able to get the boat to the docks.
Mira Tuesday May 31st, 2005 8:07:18 PM
Mira hangs her head in disappointment. The small figure is gone, having disapperared under the murky depths of the Endless River.
"I have an anchor as well," she volunteers in a toneless voice as she holds out another Quall Feather Token.
Uriel Tuesday May 31st, 2005 11:49:22 PM
"I don't know if the wisest choice is to go onto an island that might be flooded, if the boat can fight the current which it seems capable of, we should stay on it and move upstream," Uriel suggests strongly.
Wilfire Ironhouse d20+4=18 Wednesday June 1st, 2005 12:16:45 AM
"Wae struggle up'da current when yue can walk aroun it?" wilfire asked, obviously growing frustrated.
Wilfire will go with the majority, but his quick vote is to head towards the nearest shore as quickly as possible. And he'll help Conner to get them there. (strength check 18)
"STROKE! STROKE!" Wilfire yelled.
DM Kathy Wednesday June 1st, 2005 1:41:33 AM
You turn the boat toward Moonlight Island. Probably a good half of the island is now underwater. Trees and bushes are being pulled up and flung downstream by the force of the current, but you are able to avoid them as you approach.
Fortunately, it doesn't look as if there are any people on the island. It's really more of a nighttime spot, and it would appear that nobody was there when the floodwaters started to rise.
However, it is an island, and if you stop here your options will be limited.
West of the Island, the riverbank beckons. The docks are next to useless, but there's no reason you couldn't just pull the boat up to a convenient building and disembark there. Or, you could use the boat to continue upstream. It does seem to have enough power to battle the current.
As you ponder your options, everyone make a Listen check please.
Kadaz d20+1=4 Wednesday June 1st, 2005 5:39:52 AM
Kadaz looks over his shoulder at what is ahead. "Head for shore, the island won't be safe for long." He is so busy trying to figure a safe way out of this problem that he notices nothing. (listen 4)
Uriel d20+4=24 Wednesday June 1st, 2005 6:50:29 AM
"Wilfire, you are in something that is floating on the water, if the bank gives on whatever side of the river we get out on we won't be walking anywhere - we will be trying to swim! If there is alot of water, why wouldn't we use the boat to stay--" Uriel pauses...
"Did you hear something?" He asks everyone. {Listen:24}
Wilfire Ironhouse d20+3=7 d20+3=16 Wednesday June 1st, 2005 4:04:51 PM
Wilfire listens carefully but he has trouble hearing anything over the sound of the river (listen 7).
Wilfire scans the shore for any sign of dry land (spot check= 6). "me'd jus prefer ta hav me feet on'dry land, is all" Wilfire responded to Uriel. If der is lan, I'd rader be on it, den on dis blasted stream".
Evan d20+8=12 Wednesday June 1st, 2005 4:06:51 PM
Evan signs to the others, We should check the island to make sure no one is stuck there. The boat seems to have the power to resist the current so we should be safe and should make sure no one is in danger there. Evan reaches over to lay a sympathic hand on Mira's, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. (listen-12)
Conner d20+3=17 d20+2=15 Thursday June 2nd, 2005 12:23:01 AM
Recognizing that the boat is powered by some sort of magic, Conner turns his attention to steering the craft after locating a rudder. (Strength check=17) He will try to swing by the island without getting too close to the edge, and then head upstream, hugging the shore. (Listen=15)
Mira d20+2=15 d20+2=18 Thursday June 2nd, 2005 12:26:02 AM
Taking encouragement from Evan's gesture, Mira will keep a lookout for any other victims of the rushing water (Spot=15). "What was that?" she calls out, when she thinks she hears something above the sound of the water. )Listen=18)
DM Kathy Thursday June 2nd, 2005 2:30:20 AM
You pull the boat closer still to the island, but there is no sign of life on it. You can only hope that there was nobody there when the flooding started, because it is certain that there is nobody there now.
You begin heading back upstream, a slower process than coming downstram was. As you go, Uriel, Conner, and Mira begin to think they hear another sound above the roar of the river--an odd sort of high-pitched keening. It's very difficult to make out over the sounds of rushing water.
You move past where you first entered the river, and come to the arching bridge that connects the Trade Quarter to the Outcast Quarter. Normally, there is plenty of clearance between the bridge and the surface of the water, but the water has risen quite a bit. Looking at the distance, you think you can just get the boat under the westernmost arch, but it's going to be a near thing.
Evan Thursday June 2nd, 2005 5:32:58 AM
Evan ducks low so as to not get knocked out of the boat by the arch.
Arm d20+4=13 Thursday June 2nd, 2005 5:51:59 AM
OOC: Sorry for the missed post yesterday guys...we moved, and they shut our phone/dsl service off before we got up yesterday...:( Two weeks without dsl...I'm starting to shake already... ;)
IC: Noticing the "low bridge" (pun intended) up ahead, Arm ducks down as well, all the while keeping an ear open to determine the nature of the new sound (listen=13).
Kadaz d20+1=20 Thursday June 2nd, 2005 6:38:52 AM
Kadaz looks ahead at the bridge and behind at the rising river. "Domi save me now" he prays softly. He looks around for another option. (spot 20)
Wilfire Ironhouse Thursday June 2nd, 2005 2:34:01 PM
"Git'oud some rope!" Wilfire yelled out as he bent down low.
Wilfire then began looking to the others, hoping that one of them had some rope.
"Grab'a section of it" Wilfire said, referring to the rope. "If ya fall in, der still might be a wee bit'a hope."
Mira Thursday June 2nd, 2005 6:58:14 PM By the gods! thinks Mira as the boat heads towards the bridge, this just goes from bad to worse!
Mentally running through the magics available to her, Mira can think of nothing that might help the party. As the shadow cast by the bridge looms over the swanboat, the sorcerer closes her eyes and grips the side of the boat.
Conner d20+3=22 Thursday June 2nd, 2005 7:03:43 PM
Sweat beads the fighter's brow as he works to keep a grip on the steering mechanism. (Strength Check=22) The corded muscles of his arms bulge and the enchanted tatoos darken in reflection of the enormous effort he is making in order to steer the boat safely through the opening.
Uriel Thursday June 2nd, 2005 10:50:14 PM
Uriel says a small prayer to Domi and holds on ducking low as they near the bridge.
Evan Friday June 3rd, 2005 5:41:35 AM
Evan curls an arm around Mira, just in case something happens and she gets knocked from the boat. If someone happens to have a rope, he'll loop the rope around his waist and around Mira's waist for safety.
Arm Friday June 3rd, 2005 5:49:21 AM
Arm grips the side of the boat as they approach the bridge, and if possible, tries to hold onto a piece of the rope if available.
DM Kathy Friday June 3rd, 2005 12:36:27 PM
You all brace yourselves and make your various preparations, and then the boat is passing under the bridge. You wouldn't go so far as to say you have lots of room, but you do manage to pass through the narrow space without mishap and continue up the river.
To the port side of the boat now is the Foreign Quarter. They've had a bit more success with sandbags than the unfortunate Outcast Quarter, but even so you can see that the flooding here is becoming extensive. The Foreign Market appears to be knee-deep in water, and you can see water running down some of the streets as you pass.
Over on the starboard side, you pass the remainder of the Trade Quarter, then start sliding past the Guild Quarter. This is your part of the city, your neighborhood, and you are glad to see that the sandbagging efforts here appear to be paying off. The Open Palm Market appears to be in better shape than the Foreign Market, and the streets on that side are no more than ankle-deep.
You still do not see any obstructions on the river. All too soon you are approaching another bridge, this one connecting the Guild Quarter with the Foreign Quarter. It has a steeper arch than the bridge you just went under, and lower ends. At either end of the bridge, near the banks, the bridge is close to being under water. In the very center, there looks as if there is still enough room for you and the boat to pass under. Or you could make for one of the ends and try to lift the boat up and over.
It's your choice, but you'll need to decide quickly.
Shadow Friday June 3rd, 2005 10:53:46 PM
(OOC: Sorry for missing posts, but real life has been very hectic. Next week I should be back to normal.)
Shadow will follow along with the groups decision about which way to go.
Conner d20+3=20 Saturday June 4th, 2005 12:35:50 PM
The burly fighter steers the boat towards the center of the arch ahead, guiding the strange craft with his powerful hands on the tiller. [STR=20]
Kadaz d20+1=21 Sunday June 5th, 2005 8:56:19 AM
Kadaz tries to think how far they have to go to the waterfalls. "It's time to get off the river because the falls are coming up soon and this is the last bridge. Make for the edge of the bridge and let's get out."
(knowledge 21, natural 20)
Wilfire Ironhouse Sunday June 5th, 2005 6:41:00 PM
"I'be secondin' dat notion" Wilfire replies as he helps steer towards a spot where they can get back to shore.
Uriel Sunday June 5th, 2005 9:19:10 PM
"There does seem to be little we can do on the river," Uriel says, sounding resigned.
"I wonder how the Shanty Quarter is faring, may be that we could help out there," he suggests.
Mira Sunday June 5th, 2005 10:14:30 PM
"We are going away from the falls, my friend Kadaz!" cries the sorcerer above the sound of the fast moving water. "If we get past this bridge, we should come up to Castle Quarter on our left and Merchant on our right!"
Mira has a flashback to the nights spent with her foster father, Acamar, the river sweeper.
Plateau City would not be the shining city it was without people like Acamar. When darkness fell, and most citizens settled in for the night, Acamar would row his little skiff along the river within the confines of the city, cleaning the river and the banks, and skimming out whatever garbage he might find. For his recompense, he held the permit to collect rewards for whatever he founnd that was returned, and to keep or sell whatever remained unclaimed. When she was old enought, Mira joined him at his job.
Acamar would sleep during the day in order to work the river at night. Not particularly strong, Mira was not good at rowing the boat. Instead, Acamar taught her how to use a small crossbow for defence against beasts that lived in the river, or thieves who might plunder their recovered loot.
"Hold steady, Conner! Keep to the middle where the water is deepest and the arch of the bridge highest!"
Holding the gunnels of the Swan Boat Mira looks to those in the boat with her. "Perhaps we could seek out one of the Dragons? Arm, you could tell them about the gathering at the Giggling Ghost. Perhaps they know something of this Sleeper and how we might call on him to enjoin nature to help us!"
DM Kathy Monday June 6th, 2005 2:38:06 AM
You make for the center of the bridge, and this time the fit is even tighter; the edges of the boat actually scrape lightly against the underside of the arch as you pass underneath.
When you emerge from the bridge, as Mira predicted, the Castle Quarter is now to the port side of the boat, and the Merchant Quarter is to starboard. The Castle Quarter looks to be in pretty good shape, with sandbags keeping out the worst of the flooding, and seemingly plenty of people on hand to deal with anything unexpedted.
By contrast, the Merchant's Quarter seems to be a lost cause. Located right at the bend of the Endless River, it is surrounded on three of its four sides by water, and there clearly weren't enough sandbags or people to fill them. The streets of the Merchant's Quarter are simply awash, and you see people struggling through them knee- and waist- and even chest-deep in water. Other people have climbed up onto their roofs with what possessions they could gather, and look anxiously about them at the rising waters.
You can still see no reason for the flooding. There are no obstacles or dams blocking the river. Meanwile, the strange, high-pitched noise has continued. Everyone can hear it now, from time to time, but it's difficult to figure out what it might be.
Soon, you see another bridge ahead of you, and there's going to be no going under this one. The river is right up to the level of the bridge's surface, being kept off the actual bridge only by the decorative stone wall on the bridge's edge.
So, you have another decision to make. You may be able to lift the boat over the bridge and keep going. You could make for the west bank and the relative safety of the Castle Quarter. To the east, the Merchant's Quarter is flooded enough that you may be able to pilot the boat right through its streets--depending on dow deep the water is and how shallow the boat's draft is.
Evan d20+6=7 d20+9=17 Monday June 6th, 2005 5:35:40 AM
Evan finally hears the high pitched keening sound. While the others try to decide which way to take the boat, Evan scans his surroundings, trying to locate the source of the sound or at least which direction it is coming from. (search-7, spot-17)
Arm Monday June 6th, 2005 6:04:51 AM
Arm looks at Mira and says, "I think they already KNOW what has transpired at the Ghost, but I'll certainly give it a go anyway. For now, I say we make for the Castle Quarter side and try our luck on relatively dry land for a change.".
Kadaz Monday June 6th, 2005 7:37:11 PM
"To shore" Kadaz shouts, somewhat hysterically. All this water is too much for him.
Shadow Monday June 6th, 2005 8:00:04 PM
Shadow agrees with Kadaz (too much water) and he helps to get the boat over to the Castle Quarter. "We are definitly not doing much in the middle of this." He says.
Mira Monday June 6th, 2005 10:32:51 PM
The sorcerer shakes her head in dismay. The Quall Feather/Swan Boat had cost her dearly, and now it was to be abandoned. Furthermore, the party wanted to go ashore to the Castle Quarter and the mighty Dragon groups had their residences in the Dragon quarter on the other side of town through the Merchant's Quarter! Mira knew only of the large Outcast Castle on the edge of the Castle Quarter and she had never been inside.
"Find us a safe place to land, Conner," she calls to the thick set man at the tiller as she checks her gear and makes ready to disembark. Casting a worried glance at Evan, she signs to him, what do you make of that sound?
Uriel Tuesday June 7th, 2005 12:00:25 AM
"I am sorry Mira, isn't there any way to collapse the boat, magically?," Uriel asks.
When they reach the shore he will help with the boat.
DM Kathy Tuesday June 7th, 2005 1:34:15 AM
As the bridge looms closer, you turn the boat and steer it toward the shore of the Castle Quarter. You are able to get there before you reach the bridge, and the boat bumps gently into the piled sandbags on the riverbank. Water sloshes over the sandbags and splats to the cobbles below as your wake catches up to you.
Nearby, a group of townsfolk are working to fill still more sandbags. "What d'ye think ye're doin'?" one of them calls testily .
Wilfire Ironhouse Tuesday June 7th, 2005 2:25:06 AM
"Tis a present fer ya" Wilfire responds to the villager as he jumps from the boat onto shore. "If yue donna keep stackin, somfin tell me yue need it soon enof."
Evan d20+6=19 d20+9=22 d20+3=14 Tuesday June 7th, 2005 5:38:09 AM
Evan, remembering the last time something odd happened, dragons showed up, climbs out of the boat and looks for higher ground in order to search for the strange sound. As he looks, he signs to Mira, I don't know, love, what the sound is but it concerns me.....can you shrink to boat back down to a feather? Evan doesn't really understand how the magic boat-feather works. More importantly to him is finding out what is making that strange sound. (search-19, spot-22, nature roll to see if he recognises the sound-14)
Arm d20+4=15 d20+4=21 Tuesday June 7th, 2005 6:00:58 AM
Arm smiles a bit at Wilf's offhanded remark to the villager. He then disembarks and waits for the rest of the party to head off, all the while trying to listen for the source of the sound and spot any sign of trouble (listen=21, spot=15).
Kadaz Tuesday June 7th, 2005 6:21:02 AM
Feet back on ground Kadaz immediately feels much better. He grips his axe tightly as he answers the locals. "There's a lot of water out there and no sign of where it's coming from. Keep stacking."
Conner d20=20 Tuesday June 7th, 2005 8:15:44 AM
The fighter guides the boat to the rivers edge and is the last to leave the boat. Clambering over the sandbags gives the impertinant townsman a particularly nasty glare before moving on. The tattoo across his right temple deepens in color and gives his visage a particularly menacing appearance [Intimidate=20 - Nat 20 Yahoo!].
Shadow d20+2=20 d20+2=14 Tuesday June 7th, 2005 7:36:37 PM
Shadow jumps out of the boat in turn and is very relieved to be on dry ground. He is also very concerned with the strange noise they are hearing. (Listen=20 Spot=14)
Mira Wednesday June 8th, 2005 12:36:48 AM
With a mournful backwards glance at the Swan Boat Mira scrambles over the piled up sandbags after Evan.
"It's good for 24 hours. Put it to good use!" she calls back to the group at the bank as she follows the others.
DM Kathy Wednesday June 8th, 2005 2:00:23 AM
One by one, you climb out of the boat. It's a bit awkward to scramble down the sandbags--which were not, after all, stacked to be easy to climb--but you all manage it with varying degrees of grace.
"Look ta me like they need it across th'river," the man replies to Wilfire, but subsides when Conner glares at him. "No offense meant I'm sure, yer honor," he mumbles as he returns to his task.
Arm and Shadow realize that the strange sound is coming from the west, away from the river. Evan listens more intently to the sound, moving slightly away from the rushing water to hear it better. It sounds for all the world like the howling of wolves, which is patently absurd. Wolves, here in the heart of the city? Perhaps it's just dogs, distressed by the rising water.
However, you all can now hear another sound: the shrieks and cries of terrified townsfolk. And they seem to be headed this way.
Evan ac 18 hp 24 Wednesday June 8th, 2005 5:43:12 AM
Evan signs to the others then points in the direction of the cries from the townspeople. Wolves! The sound is wolves! Coming this way it sounds like. Evan moves forward, drawing sword and axe as he prepares to meet the charge of the wolves.
Kadaz Wednesday June 8th, 2005 5:57:01 AM
"Wolves? In Plateau City? Normally I'd say that's impossible, but not today. Maybe they'll be very small wolves." He draws his axe and readies his shield. Now he's glad he brought his armor along.
Arm Wednesday June 8th, 2005 6:02:06 AM
Drawing his sword, Arm says to Kadaz, "From what I've seen today my friend, NOTHING in this town is going to be small...best we all prepare ourselves for the worst.".
Conner d20+3=6 Wednesday June 8th, 2005 7:42:29 AM
Conner looks about for a vantage point to see get a better view of what is happening, but the throng of people about him obscures his view.
"If it's wolves, you lot had better think about getting in that boat" he looks back at the men working on the levee. "They will come fast and hard and there will be little time to escape."
The fighter adjusts his shield on his forearm and draws his longsword in anticipation.
Wilfire Ironhouse Wednesday June 8th, 2005 12:28:25 PM
"Wolves'a comin, an me wit me plate straped teh me backside" Wilfire complains as he begins casting a spell.
"MUSCURIS MAXIMUS!"
Suddenly Wilfire takes on a dull white glow, and his muscles seem to buldge and grow.
"Let dem come" Wilfire growls as he takes his two-handed flail in hand.
OOc- Bull's strength.
Mira d20+2=6 Wednesday June 8th, 2005 10:18:45 PM
Mira looks about for the cause of so much commotion amongst her group. "Wolves? In the city?" she asks, confusedly. (Spot=6)
Shadow d20+2=15 Wednesday June 8th, 2005 10:25:41 PM
Seeing his companions making ready, he decides to do the same. He will move a little bit behind the fighters and draw his new bow. He will take aim and wait to see what appears. (Spot=15)
Uriel {AC:19 HP:43/43 Blessed, Aura of Courage} Wednesday June 8th, 2005 11:35:07 PM
"May Domi favor our endeavors" Uriel says while touching the symbol of Domi on his breastplate. A brief flash of light from his chest turns to a warm glow that suffuses the group.
{Uriel casts bless on the group - sorry for no post last night, not feeling that well.}
With that, he pulls his longsword and shield and moves to the front right flank.
{Anyone within 10 feet get a +4 on Fear Checks on top of the +1 from the Bless}
DM Kathy Thursday June 9th, 2005 2:31:57 AM
Hearing the sound of the wolves, you all brace yourselves and get ready for combat. Behind you, the townsfolk at the sandbags glance at one another uneasily, uncertain what to do next. None of them make for the boat--at least, not yet.
Some of the terrified shrieking comes closer, and you see a small knot of people running toward you. A few glance fearfully over their shoulders. They come streaming past you, right up to the sandbag barricade. You hear one of the sandbaggers ask what in Domi's name is going on.
"Wolves!" somebody gasps in response. "A whole pack of wolves! In the city!"
You hear the howling and baying much closer, along with more shrieks and cries. It no longer seems to be headed your way, though. If you had to guess, you'd say it was in the next street over. And, judging from the quality of some of the screaming, not all of the townsfolk were as fortunate as the ones who ran past you.
Evan ac 18 hp 24 Thursday June 9th, 2005 5:28:29 AM
Evan takes off in a run, following the sounds of the baying of wolves and the shrieks of the townspeople.
Arm d20+4=7 d20+4=24 Thursday June 9th, 2005 5:54:28 AM
"The next street over...let's go!" Arm shouts as he takes off after Evan, trying to gauge where to best intercept the attacking wolves (listen=7, spot=24-nat. 20).
Kadaz Thursday June 9th, 2005 6:04:28 AM
Kadaz starts running after Evan and Arm to back them up. "Save one for me" he yells at them.
Conner [AC 22, HP 32, Blessed] Thursday June 9th, 2005 7:52:36 AM
Conner takes off after Evan in the general direction of the wolves. Conner has seen the bodies of men ravaged by wild dogs and knows that the townsfolk will suffer greatly without their intervention.
Wilfire Ironhouse, AC11, Bull's strength Thursday June 9th, 2005 7:42:33 PM
Wilfire does his best to keep up with the others.
"Me wit out me plate" he complains again.
Uriel {AC:19 HP:43/43 Blessed, Aura of Courage} Thursday June 9th, 2005 11:52:54 PM
In vain, Uriel shouts, "Everyone, we should try to keep some type of ranks!" He hears the cries ahead and hurries to the other street.
Mira (AC 13, 22 HP) Friday June 10th, 2005 1:05:48 AM
Before he takes off, Mira will cast a protective spell upon Wilfire. (Mage Armour, +4 bonus to AC, 1 hour, p. 249 PHB)
She will then trail after the group as they make their way towards the commotion.
DM Sanity Info: Spells: 0-level, 6 per day-Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Mage Hand######, Ray of Frost 1st-level, 6 per day-Magic Missile#, Burning Hands, Mage Armor#
DM Kathy Friday June 10th, 2005 1:56:02 AM
You rush headlong into the next street, and find yourselves in the midst of a horrific scene. People are running to and fro, frantically trying to get away from a group of five wolves. The broken and bleeding bodies of several townsfolk sprawl grotesquely on the cobbles.
Even as you pelt toward the scene, you see a woman with a child in her arms try and fail to leap up onto a stone ledge in an effort to escape the wolves. The wolf pursuing her is on her in an instant, and her terrified scream turns into a gurgling shriek of pain. The child lays motionless on the cobbles, but whether injured, dead, or too frightened to move is impossible to say.
As you move into the street, three of the wolves are to your left, and two are to your right. Townsfolk are still running about everywhere, and will make ranged attacks difficult. So far, none of the wolves seem to be targeting you.
[I'll try to do a map over the weekend, but that should give you enough to go on initially]
Evan ac 18 hp 24 d20+6=17 d20+6=15 d8+3=10 d6+3=7 Friday June 10th, 2005 5:31:12 AM
Without hesitation, Evan heads directly for the mother and child, although he's fairly certain he's too late to help the maother. The moment he's within reach, axe and sword flash towards the wolf. (sword- ac 17, axe- ac 15, dam sword- 10, dam axe- 7)
Arm AC 13 hp 13/13 d20+4=23 d8+2=10 Friday June 10th, 2005 6:02:46 AM
Joining Evan, Arm swings at another of the wolves, connecting solidly and hoping that the rest arrive soon so that their flanks don't remain exposed for long. (attk: 23 damage: 10).
Kadaz d20+10=17 d10+4=13 Friday June 10th, 2005 6:37:37 AM
"Wolves!" Kadaz yells needlessly. He moves forward towards the two wolves on the right, yelling again to attract their attention. "It's a good thing he didn't put Birdie on the boat, the dog is safe back at the house.
If Kadaz makes it close enough to swing he will do so. (attack 17, damage 13)
Conner [AC 22, HP 32, Blessed] d20+11=19 d8+3=5 Friday June 10th, 2005 7:42:46 AM
Conner charges the group of wolves on the left, slashing down on the first wolf he encounters [Hit AC=19, Dmg=5]. The fighter hopes the child is unhurt, but now is not the time to check.
Wilfire Ironhouse Friday June 10th, 2005 9:23:58 AM
"Tanks fer deh boost" Wilfire said to Mira with a wink, but his pleasant attitute disappeared when he saw the woman and baby go down.
"NO!" he screamed at the top of his lungs as he followed Evan to help.
Shadow d20+5=21 d4+1=4 d6+1=4 Friday June 10th, 2005 1:19:10 PM
Even though it will be a difficult shot, Shadow will take aim at one of the wolves (with the least amount of people around). (To hit=21 dmg=4 unless the wolves are large then dmg=4)
Uriel {AC:19 HP:43/43 Blessed Aura of Courage} Saturday June 11th, 2005 4:21:22 PM
When Uriel sees the child, he sheathes his sword (free action) and moves to the child, regardless of the wolves.
Mira (AC 13, 22 HP) 2d4(4+2)+2=8 Sunday June 12th, 2005 9:10:31 AM
Mira will follow the others. Bringing up in the rear, she will scan the wolves to see if there is one that is bigger than the others, possibly the leader, and aim her magic at it. (Magic Missile 8 pts. dmg)
The sorcerer will stay at the back of the party and away from the wolves if possible.
DM Sanity Info: Spells: 0-level, 6 per day-Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Mage Hand######, Ray of Frost 1st-level, 6 per day-Magic Missile##, Burning Hands, Mage Armor#
Magical Effects: Mage Armour, +4 bonus to AC, 1 hour, p. 249 PHB-cast on Wilfire
DM Kathy Monday June 13th, 2005 1:04:56 AM
Evan strides toward the mother and child. His sword and axe flash, and the wolf lies dead at his feet.
Arm moves over and swings at another one, wounding it badly.
Kadaz, seeing his companions move left, moves right, and single-handedly brings down one of the wolves.
Conner charges in and finishes off the wolf that Arm wounded.
Shadow fires a shot at one of the wolves to the right, and wounds it.
Mira looks for a pack leader, but doesn't really see one. She settles for firing her Magic Missiles at the wolf Shadow wounded. She doesn't quite do enough damage to bring it down, but it looks to be on its last legs.
Wilfire and Uriel run directly to the downed woman and child. They can see instantly that the woman is a lost cause. Her stomach has been ripped open, and what's spilling out onto the cobbles is best not discussed. The child, however, is now sitting up and crying at the top of its little lungs. It seems to be somewhere around two years old, and is covered in blood. It's hard to say whether the child is male or female, or whether the blood is all from the mother.
The badly wounded wolf to your right appears to have had enough and flees, yelping, into the next street. One of the wolves to your left, however, is completely uninjured and seems undeterred by the death of its fellows. It charges, snapping and snarling, at a group of townsfolk who scream and flee as it approaches. It lunges and bites, and a man goes down screaming, his foot and ankle trapped in powerful jaws.
[Okay, no map, sorry. I think you can wrap this one up pretty quickly, though.]
Evan (and anybody else who has the skill) can make a Knowledge (Nature) check.
Evan ac 18 hp 24 d20+6=8 d20+6=12 d20+3=5 Monday June 13th, 2005 5:39:25 AM
Evan leaps towards the last wolf, the child's cries adding motivation to his cause. He strikes quickly, hoping to dispatch the last wolf before it can harm someone else. Unfortunately, he slips in the blood under his feet and his swings goes wide. (sword-8, axe-12, nature-5)
Arm (AC 13 hp 13/13) d20+4=23 d8+2=3 Monday June 13th, 2005 6:01:17 AM
Arm strikes at the remaining wolf as well, but as with Evan, the blood on the ground makes it hard for him to land as accurate a strike as he would have wanted to. (attk: 23, dmg: 3)
Kadaz d20+10=18 d10+4=12 Monday June 13th, 2005 6:16:06 AM
Focused on the enemy, Kadaz moves to attack the last wolf. He quickly gets into position, plants his feet carefully seeing the trouble the others are having, and swings. (attack 18, damage 12)
Conner d20+9=29 d20+9=21 d8+3=8 d8+3=4 Monday June 13th, 2005 7:44:48 AM
Conner advances on the remaining wolf, driving his blade deep into the wild canid [Hit AC=29, threat, 21 confirmed for 12 HP]. Only after the wolf is dispatched does the fighter return his attention to the injured and dead.
"Doesn't seem right. Wolves came into the city many years ago when there was no food in the wild, but I dare say there's lots of food out there now."
Conner offers a supporting hand to any who require it.
Shadow Monday June 13th, 2005 2:59:57 PM
Shadow is ready to fire another arrow when he sees that the last wolf should be taken care of (and he would not get a good shot at it anyway). He will move over to see if there is anything he can assist with any of the injured.
Mira d8+1=4 d20+5=8 Monday June 13th, 2005 8:29:38 PM
Mira collects the child before any further harm can come it's way. She settles the toddler on her hip, one arm firmly wrapped under it's arms and around it's back, while she retrieves a vial from her pouch.
Using her teeth to hold the cork plug, she unstoppers the vial and administers the medicine to the child. (Cure Light Wounds for 4 pts cured) "There, there," she croons trying to console the tot, wincing as the tiny creature screams still louder. (Diplomacy=8, ugh!)
Uriel d20+4=18 Monday June 13th, 2005 10:03:24 PM
Looking a bit non-plussed by Mira barging by to get the child, Uriel settles for draping his cloak over the body of the dead woman, saying a small prayer to Domi for her soul.
He looks at the body carefully for a pouch or any other identification that could tell of her identity. {Spot:18}
Wilfire Ironhouse d20+9=10 Tuesday June 14th, 2005 12:28:24 AM
Wifire stood close to the child and waited for a wolf to hit (hit 10). Otherwise, he stood guard over the child, using himself as a shield if need be.
DM Kathy Tuesday June 14th, 2005 1:30:19 AM
Evan swings at the last of the wolves and misses. Arm is a bit more successful, but isn't able to do much damage. Fortunately, Kadaz and Conner are able to finish it off.
Shadow moves to the man injured by the last wolf. The man is groaning in pain, and his foot and lower leg are a torn, bloody mess. [Make a Heal check if you like; you can do it untrained.]
Mira scoops the child from the reaching arms of a startled Uriel, and puts the tyke on her hip. The child continues to bellow, and has now worked up an impressive volume of shrieking and sobbong. "Maaa-maaa!" the toddler wails. "Maaa-maaaa!" Mira uncorkes a potion and tries to force it down the howling tot. The child resists with a shrieked "Nooooo!", turning away from the (admittedly) nasty-tasting concoction. [Mira, if you want to continue to force the issue, make a Strength check.]
Uriel places his cloak over the dead woman and offers up a brief prayer. He searches the body, and turns up a pouch with a few coins, flint and steel, and a little wooden toy that probably belongs to the child. There is nothing to identify her, however.
Wilfire stood ready to defend the child, but luckily there was no need.
As Conner remarked, this is unusual behavior for wolves. And it apparantly doesn't end here. Now that you know what you're listening for, everyone can hear the howls of hunting wolves and the shrieks of frightened townsfolk coming from all around you. Everyone, that is, except Mira, who has a two-year-old screaming in her ear.
Evan ac 18 hp 24 d20+6=18 d20+8=17 d20+9=11 Tuesday June 14th, 2005 5:34:30 AM
Evan, with narrowed eyes, listesn to the sound of wolves, trying to determine which direction the next nearest pack is. He has no idea why the wolves are running rampant but something needs to be done. As he scans the area, he pauses, staring at Mira with the child. A smile quirks at his lips and his eyes sofften for a moment as he watches the two together, then his gaze hardens once against as he decides it is time to become the hunter. (search-18, listen-17, spot-11)
Arm d20+4=5 d20+4=18 Tuesday June 14th, 2005 5:55:43 AM
Like Evan, Arm marvels for a moment at Mira's mothering qualities, "Perhaps one day she'll make Evan a proud father" he muses.
However, they are far from being out of danger, so he says to Mira, "It's best we move on...there are others that need our help, and we're hardly safe ourselves.". Saying so, he scans the surrounding area, but the screaming child hinders him from hearing where the next wolf pack is located (listen=5, spot=18).
Mira d20-1=7 d20+2=21 d20+2=4 Tuesday June 14th, 2005 7:22:13 AM
The sorcerer watches in dismay as the precious potion is lost, dribbling down the ungrateful child's chin. (Strength check=7) "You've got to learn to take your potions if you're going to grow up to be an adventurer," she cajoles. Mira looks around for a motherly type, (Spot=21) and hands off the child as she makes ready to follow the guys. She sees Evan and Arm looking at her strangely (Sense Motive=4). "Whaaat?" she responds brushing past the men, down the street, not really sure where she is going.
Conner [AC=22, HP=32] Blessed d20+2=20 d20+3=10 Tuesday June 14th, 2005 7:33:11 AM
The fighter trains his ear on the sounds of howling wolves around him [Listen=20] and then points to where the wolves seem closest. "This way!" he calls out. He has already assumed the quickened pace common to trained military personnel the Wold over. He continuosly scans his surroundings [Spot=10] as he hustles towards the sound of the wolves.
Uriel {AC:19 HP:43/43 Blessed Aura of Courage} d20+5=19 Tuesday June 14th, 2005 8:10:48 AM
Uriel tries to wipe any of the mess from the woman's body and then turns back to Mira and the toddler.
"I found your toy, little one," Uriel smiles at the child and reaches out with the toy in hand. {Diplomacy:19}
When the child takes the toy, Uriel uses the contact with it to lay on hands for 2 points. He brushes away the tears and smiles.
Uriel then turns to help the screaming man on the ground, giving him as many as 10 points of healing in the same way as the child.
Shadow d20=14 d20+2=11 d20+2=19 Tuesday June 14th, 2005 10:43:55 AM
Shadow tries to bandage up the wound as best he can. (I forget is there a negative for untrained? Heal=14) "I am sorry that I cannot do more, but we are moving on." he says to the man after trying to wrap up the wound on his leg.
He will move off to help the group. (listen=11 Spot=19) He will make sure his bow is ready as the group moves off.
Kadaz [ AC21, hp 44] Tuesday June 14th, 2005 2:32:00 PM
"We must stick together. The wolves will swarm anyone they catch alone. Let's put the wounded and child into one of the homes here, then find more wolves."
Wilfire Ironhouse Tuesday June 14th, 2005 11:40:42 PM
Wilfire checks the baby over for any sign of injury. If he spots one he'll cast a curing spell on her (cure minor wounds).
Wilfire than approaches the "motherly type" woman. "Take care o'dis baby an you'll be rewarded.... I promise yue. When dis flood is straightened oud, I'll come to see yue wit deh reward. 50 gold."
"But firs yue got ta tell me where yue live."
If the woman refuses to take the baby, Wilfire will keep her with him, if Mira doesn't.
DM Kathy Wednesday June 15th, 2005 2:37:06 AM
Mira continues to grapple with the tot, as Evan and Arm watch her, lost in their own thoughts.
"Piri!" a voice calls, and suddenly a woman is rushing up the street toward Mira. "Piri!" She holds out her hands to the child, then stops, noticing the blood and the very still figure lying on the cobbles. "What happened?" she asks Mira. "That's not--? That's not Irella?"
The child, meanwhile, continues to call for its mother in a voice that threatens to shatter Mira's eardrum.
Despite the racket, Conner is able to get a pretty clear idea where some of the closest wolves are. There seem to be calls coming from all over; it's really more a question of chosing a direction and going that way. He and Kadaz are anxious to be off.
Shadow does a creditable job of improvising a bandage for the injured man [no penalty for an untrained Heal check; in fact, you get to add your Wisdom bonus]. Uriel arrives shortly thereafter and is able to cure his wound [3 points of curing].
Uriel and Wilfire examine the child but can find no wound. Apparantly, all the blood is from the mother.
The woman who approached Mira again holds out her arms for the child. "Please," she says to Mira. "Please, I'm his aunt. I can take care of him." Despite her obvious resolve, her eyes dart again to the bloody form on the ground, and her lower lip begins to wobble. "My--my sister would have wanted--" she breaks off with a sob.
Arm d20+4=17 d20+4=15 Wednesday June 15th, 2005 5:56:55 AM
Surprised a bit at Mira's brusqueness, Arm glances at Evan and shrugs. Seeing the pitiful scene with the aunt, he chooses to look away, not in disgust but with sorrow and pity. Clenching his jaw, he nudges Evan and heads off after Conner to provide backup for him, keeping a weather-eye out the whole while (listen=17, spot=15).
Kadaz [ AC21, hp 44] Wednesday June 15th, 2005 6:07:57 AM
"Miss, please take the baby and keep it safe. Also, would you please shelter this wounded man until the wolves are gone?" With that taken care of Kadaz turns to Conner. "Let's get them!"
Wilfire Ironhouse Wednesday June 15th, 2005 8:48:40 AM
Wilfire wrestled with his tears, a battle he managed to win largely because of his nasty temper.
"Wolves be payin in spades fer dis" Wilfire growled as he ran off in the direction of the wolves.
Mira Wednesday June 15th, 2005 8:41:25 PM
The sorcerer is glad to hand off the child to the 'aunt'. She watches in surprise as the tough dwarves struggle with their emotions. Shaking her head, she thinks, 'children make you vulnerable. Having a child is like tearing your heart out of your breast and letting it walk about freely.' The woman clasps the silver and green pendant hanging about neck. 'Did her unknown parents ever wonder about her?' she muses.
Wilfire's words bring her back to the present, and she lopes off after her party in search of rogue wolves.
Conner d20+3=22 Wednesday June 15th, 2005 8:47:04 PM
The fighter looks over his shoulder to make sure no one is being left behind. To be separated during this crisis would be disastrous.
When he is satisfied that everyone is following he continues down the cobbled streets, sword in hand.
Spot=22
Uriel HP:43/43 AC:19 Blessed, Aura of Courage Thursday June 16th, 2005 12:58:29 AM
Uriel urges the people to stay inside and follows the others, redrawing his sword.
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