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First Steps [DM Post] 
Wednesday June 1st, 2005 12:31:30 PM
This is a large post please read carefully, Bodhi and Garret each will place Endure elements on someone. Decide in your post if that was you. Also I apologize if someone asked or said something I missed. Put it in again and I will be sure to add it

The kitten is very still and curled into a ball within the cage. It is alive but in almost a hibernation like state. The initial shock of the tremendous cold of Ice Vein seems to have almost been too much for it. Mac gently scoops it up and despite its current state seems to know the great taur is there and a small purr escapes. Seeing the poor creature, Aiden moves carefully to the large taur and adds several wraps to the kitten before Mac tucks her deep against his stomach under yet more fur.

As soon as Flea begins to look at the wall, it speaks in her mind, a feminine voice, gentle and compassionate, the glyphs are read to her. As her mind clears a last thought, faint as a mouse in the grass, Listen DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {'So you are the one, Bohdi is not all trouble'}

Garret places a protective spell at Trellus's request upon Flea. The cold instantly abandons her. Flea feels as comfortable as she was on the sun soaked beach not but a few moments ago.

Ice Peak Village is a day's march, twilight to twilight. With that the group decides to make back for Ice Peak with Frigga'Isa's body and to get some supplies before heading towards Búrfell, 'Mighty Mountain' . Thick ash covers the ice and snow making the trek through the crevice actually easier. High above the ribbon of open sky is dark and menacing with peels of thunder heard rolling across the sky. The temperature still gnaws at the edges of the Bloodpack, through thick furs and magical aide and still the cold finds a weakness to exploit. It is however very tolerable.

Outside of the cave is a great crevice some 30' wide and soaring over 300' straight up. Sheer ice walls reflect a rainbow of colors through them, despite the lack of direct sun and no wind penetrates the depths to where the party walks. Soon enough, though, the crevice is left behind and the great sky opens above. Black and grey, it stretches to the infinite horizons of North, East and West. The crevice has emerged at the northern foot of broken hills and rock. Before you reaches flat endless terrain, not unlike the Sagrass. Wind drives ash and snow into thick drifts twice the height of Mac yet indistinguishable from the surrounding ground until they are passed. The cold bites and tears deeply into The Pack. Strong and steady, the one called Aiden leads, long powerful strides through the deep ash and snow, apparently unhindered by the freezing temperatures about him. His path seemingly straight, yet never eclipses one of these great snow dunes and were it not for the rocky crags at your backs, it would be nearly impossible to tell if North was the constant direction. The other ranger, Nauthiz'Ull has handed the wrapped body to Garret and moves up and down the line making adjustments to clothing and checking on everyone's condition. Any who falls he assists, any who look in pain, he removes some of his own furs to add comfort.

An angry sky boils high above and thunder roars above the clouds, yet it almost seems that it could be touched if you were to but lift your hand. Hours grind by and muscles wear, yet still Aiden marches in flawless step with the others in harmony behind him. Three hours, five hours pass and still the pace continues. None has spoken.

The temperature falls as the day wanes and still the group is pushed. The lead, Aiden. turns and speaks "Celsiun brings the Falljökull, we must press to the village or perish." A look to the dark sky above reveals no change to even the most trained of the Blood Pack. But Gilan and Jake feel a presence and it screams at the foreign invaders. It is not the land or air, but something else a the edge of thought and it is dangerous. The last 5 hours are the harshest, the land is almost black for lack of light, ice particles rip at exposed skin and seem to penetrate through to the bone. Exhaling breath freezes to facial hair and extremities seem to disappear from the numbness.

Pack saving throws: Galea, Flea and two others disregard, recipients of Garret's and Bohdi's spells (yes this takes into account Endure Elements spells from Gilan's wand)
Fort save DC 17 fail 1d6 non lethal damage and fatigued (-2 penalty to Strength and Dexterity)
Fort save DC 18 fail 1d6 non lethal damage and fatigued (-2 penalty to Strength and Dexterity) Exhausted if prior save is missed (half speed and takes a -6 penalty to Strength and Dexterity)
Fort save DC 19 fail 1d6 non lethal damage and fatigued (-2 penalty to Strength and Dexterity) Exhausted if prior save is missed (half speed and takes a -6 penalty to Strength and Dexterity)
Fort save DC 20 fail 1d6 non lethal damage and fatigued (-2 penalty to Strength and Dexterity) Exhausted if prior save is missed (half speed and takes a -6 penalty to Strength and Dexterity)
Fort save DC 21 fail 1d6 non lethal damage and fatigued (-2 penalty to Strength and Dexterity) Exhausted if prior save is missed (half speed and takes a -6 penalty to Strength and Dexterity)

At last a village seems to literally 'appear' from the darkening gloom. High mounding walls of snow and ice blend the village to the terrain and more importantly to the cold and weary Blood Pack, shield from the unrelenting wind. Thick snow and fir covered buildings can be lightly perceived and the air caries the scent of cooked meat and fire. The large group moves through the relatively deserted looking village to a large snow mound and descend to a thick furred door covering. Inside is a hollowed out ante chamber and large bed of warm coals.

The Icers begin removing furs and physically pick up handfuls of the coals and rub them vigorously back and forth in their bare hands. "To chase to initial chill." Garret explains and has all others do like wise. Then, another thick white fur is passed through to a large probable underground chamber. It is roughly 50' in radius and a large orange-red fire blazes fully 5' across at the center. Furs, cots, benches and chairs are scattered about and plenty of food stuffs and drink can be seen in stacks against several of the curved walls.
"Excellent idea Aiden, the ceremony tent." Bohdi states rather happily.


Tishe' (AC 15, HP 7 non-lethal 37/37) Exhausted -6 STR and -6 DEX  d20+7=18 d20+7=8 d20+7=23 d20+7=11 d20+7=22 d6=1 d6=6
Wednesday June 1st, 2005 2:50:24 PM
Tishe' is immediately interested in the ash all about; "Just like the village!", but the freezing wind sucks away her words and ability to speak further.

Wrapped well in the furs that Aiden helped her don, Tishe' misses Garrett and Bohdi's spells, thinking that Gilan's Endure Elements wand will work just fine. She has no idea of the fierce nature of the icy terrain.

Ash, snow, ice, and wind assault her senses and body; after the first hour of trudging through this blasted terrain makes the small woman hope the village is not far away. And an hour passes. (Fort: 18) Another hour. (Fort:8 1dam, Fatigued) Time ceases to have any meaning, as all she thinks of is one foot in front of the other. (Fort:23) Body and mind numbed, she staggers and falls more times than she can count. (Fort:11 6dam, Exhausted) By the time the party stumbles into the village (Fort: 22), her hands and face are white and freezing to the touch.

Garrett's words do not penetrate Tishe's benumbed mind, and she only stands in the outer area until prodded by another. Haltingly, she stumbles into the warmer tent and collapses. With her last ounce of strength, her arm moves to the satchel held tightly against her body and confirms her horned lizard, Wart, is still alive.

Trellus (Endure Elements - ice vein) 
Wednesday June 1st, 2005 3:53:15 PM
Seeing that Garrett's spell effects Flea, and Gilan's spell doesn't, Trellus takes a look around. The heavy clothing the new dudes provided should take care of Gilan, Anuk, Tishe and Galea.

Flea's covered, and Mac and Grymash are the hardiest dudes he's ever seen. Which leaves...

"Put those last two on Jake and me," he answers Bodhi and Garrett. "And thanks."

He pauses, looking at Nauth. "If its shady, Mac can probably carry your packmate." Trellus indicates the massive minotaur.

The group goes outside, and Trellus can't believe how hard it is just to move around. The terrain lacks any color. How can these dudes live in a place without any plants? The journey is long, and hard, but Trellus plows on without complaint.

And then the darkness comes, and the cleric realizes even those in furs are suffering from the cold. His own discomforts evaporate with the understanding he is protected and his packmates are not. Trellus hovers over Tishe and Anuk, and occasionally races back to check on Gilan, Mac, and Gry. But it is the former with whom he spends the most time.

[Should anybody fail two Fort checks - Trellus uses his Domain Feat to impart Protective Ward: +8 on next save roll]

The sights of the village barely register as he frets over his friends' condition. When Garrett explains the purpose of the coals, Trellus leaps to aid everyone in warming up.

"This cold bites grass," he mutters to himself as he helps Gilan.

Bohdi (ooc) 
Wednesday June 1st, 2005 4:00:04 PM
ooc: oops, reposting this because Flea is covered, but Trellus and Jake are not. Got it--Bohdi's spell covers one of them.

Spell list:
Gnome Abilities: Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Prestidigitation, Speak with Burrowing Mammals
Level 0: Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light (x2)
Level 1: Color Spray (x2), Mage Armor, Endure Elements (cast)

Mac  d20+9=22 d20+9=24 d20+9=23 d20+9=22 d20+9=28
Wednesday June 1st, 2005 5:02:52 PM
Bringing up tail of the group and trudging through the ice and snow, Mac's mind wanders. Occasionally a muttering or two escapes his lips.
"...through strength comes power and the responsibility to protect those less strong..."
"...through endurance comes the power to aid those who falter..."

For any who fall back to him, Mac offers to carry their burdens. For any who falter, Mac offers to carry or otherwise aid them.



Garrett 
Wednesday June 1st, 2005 8:03:42 PM
Garrett uses his final endure elements on either jake or trellus as instructed, thinking that he can handle the cold better than the blood pack.

Previously, Garrett found Frigg'Isa's cloak, and did as Nauth requested, wrapping the body properly.

Garrett has very little to say since Bohdi's song, and seems lost in thought much of the time. Once Nauth hands Frigg'Isa's body to Garrett to carry while Nauth helps lead the way. "You honor me Wunjo." Garrett carries Firgg'Isa as if she were the most precious item in the wold, thinking that she should have as much dignity in death as she did in life.


Gilan {HP: 60/66}  d20+10=22 d20+10=15 d20+10=13 d20+10=11 d20+10=26 d6=3 d6=1 d6=2 d20+18=26 d20+2=22
Wednesday June 1st, 2005 8:11:27 PM
Gilan is not too sure how well his knowledge of survival in this natural settings will help him out but he has to try at least. If all goes well he should be able to aid himself in this cold and a ew others as well.

Gilan feels fine as he goes not really paying much attention to the freezing cold. Then as time passes he feels himself becoming weaker with the biting chill that threatens to zap him. He forces himself to keep moving though much of his human awarnesses have faded and he is going on instinct now. One thought passes through his mind as he moves...SURVIVAL.

Somehow he is able to keep enough wits about himself to not let his primal urges take over. Meaning that he remains his human form as he travels along. Finally he makes it to the village and with a little leading falls into the building that is presented. Though once inside he makes no other moves unless instructed...except to grunt.

[survival 26: +2 to fort saves and +2 to 11 others if applicable]
[intelligence to maintain his human form and not shift]
[fort saves 22+2/15+2/12/11+2/26+2; damage 3/1/2; -6 to str and dex; fatigued]

0th: create water(4)*, read magic(2)
1st: clw(2), entangle, goodberry(2), pass without trace
2nd: barkskin(3), bear's endurance, lesser restoration
3rd: cmw, diminish plants, greater magic fang(2)
4th: command plants, dispel magic, flame strike
* used

Nauthiz'Ull 
Wednesday June 1st, 2005 8:53:32 PM
As the adventurers enter into the ceremony tent Nauth helps Garret lay Frigg'Isa down gently. He looks around the room for a moment before speaking.

Placing a hand on Garret's shoulder, Nauth looks him in the eyes. A look of hte deepest thanks and respect radiat from within. The lanky man blinks, releasing another tear, and nods to the Cleric of Domi as he turns to address the others.

"I need to go and talk with Svanhvit so I will return in a moment. BloodPack, the coals are great, as Garret has said. I will gather some food for us all on my return."

Nauth has grown again in years beyond his own. The weight of his heart sags his chest lower once more. Kneeling down the lonely brother kisses the purple-blue skin of his his sister's former body.

Rest dear sister. Rest with honey sweetness and with sun-ray relaxation.

Nauth quietly gets up and leaves the tent once more, heading straight to Svanhvit's hut and hoping that he isn't hacked upon by her guards.

Aiden 
Wednesday June 1st, 2005 8:55:57 PM
(OOC: first of all apologies, work has been exceedingly hectic as the year is coming to a close (and a lightning storm didn't help last night))...

Aiden nodded, his face neutral, as he is thanked in preparing the strangers to the cold. However, seeing the kitten, some of the strangers (as well as his own fellow Ice Peak townies), notice his callused hands tenderly try to administer to the kitten. A small smile did appear on his face.

"You're welcome..." he says to the individuals who had thanked him.

(OOC: I know this is a touch off, but could people send a brief description of their characters?...thanks)

The tall muscular warrior was clothed in the winter furs that aided in keeping the cold at bay. He carried other items within his backpack, but also a large axe that is reminiscent of the ork's. For most of the time he kept quiet, his eyes carefully observing those that were summoned.

~strange...where does Bodhi know of these creatures...and why had he not mentioned them?~

He was actually quite used to the yelling of the orken warrior as many of his memories were filled with similar rantings. He was obviously a powerful warrior, perhaps one that could defeat the elders of Twin Tusks. But he wasn't going to show fear, for to do so, would be a worse insult to the gods than to be killed in battle.

He quietly listened...and waited.



Flea (Cloak of Comfort, Endure Elements)  d20+11=27
Wednesday June 1st, 2005 10:54:39 PM
Flea had heard about a princess who fell into a magical sleep. Her followers, dwarves she seems to remember, built a protective case around her until the day she would be awakened.

The gnome wonders if that is what Bohdi had in mind. No matter. The bigger folk seemed to want to bring the female back to their village. Flea's eyes narrow as she watches the bigger folk move with purpose, dressing the Bloodpack in furs and casting spells before leading them out into the forbidding cold. She didn't recognize the one leading the group, but he followed Trellus' god, Domi, and Trellus and Domi had gotten Flea out of more than one scrape. Besides, he had put an extra spell on the gnome and now she was all warm and toasty despite the bitter cold and forbidding sky.

The one leading the way though, a warrior by the looks of him, Flea knew him well enough. He had thrown his axe clear across the room in the Giggling Ghost at the winter solstice party and nearly taken out Bohdi. He couldn't be trusted. Flea would keep her eye on him!

Flea leaves the scouting to those who know the area, and takes the uncharacteristic position of following another as she marches behind the fur clad magiker. She can't help but pick up on the misery of her pack mates, but what can she do? The words, spoken for her ears only (Listen-27) in a feminine voice, reverberate in her head and she repeats them in a whisper, "he's not all trouble."

As they approach the village, the rogue reaches out to touch the fur clad shoulder of the gnome trudging in front of her. Quietly, she asks "why did you leave? Did they make you?" She lifts her chin to single out the tall wiry one with the dark complexion, "the one you call wunjo, does he treat you well? Did you ever find your red flower?"

OOC: You can read the character histories of Bloodpack in the Adventurer's Repose! I found only two Ice Vein character histories :-(

Jake  d20+7=27 d20+7=15 d20+7=27 d20+7=27 d20+7=24 d6=1
Thursday June 2nd, 2005 1:45:25 AM
Jake keeps up the pace, being a pretty hardy guy, but looks a little tired though he denies it if asked. But what's really annoying to him is this...SNOW!
His whole life he's feared it. Stinging sand, but cold instead of just ... err...stinging. So, doubly stinging. Stingerer. Irritatinger. Whatever the word is, it's more annoying than it is painful, and Jake for his life can't imagine living with it constantly.
And it's not only that, but it's really cold! Jake has never had to sleep with a blanket before, and nevertheless he remembers thinking those long nights were cold. Compared to that this is...
Jake is just getting plain annoyed at it. The cold settles past his armor, sticking to his skin, going underneath, spreading, making him numb and yet more sensitive then ever.
And stepping on the ground isn't even entirely trustworthy. It crunches weirdly. Or his boots might have no grip. Jake is glad he isn't wearing his sandles for once.
"Ah'm never coming to this s-s-sunbaked land again."

Grymash  d20-2=0
Thursday June 2nd, 2005 7:41:46 AM
Grymash answers Mac's comment. "Icy Rift no a dude?! Well ... Gry bet if Icy bleed, Gry can stills kill it!"

(Intelligence: 0)

Bohdi Nackle 
Thursday June 2nd, 2005 9:47:23 AM
Bohdi trudged along wearily in the larger footprints of Aiden and the others in front of him, his head down against the cold and his thoughts retreated within, as if they, too, needed to stay warm. The march to the village had a sameness to it as the other marches that the Ice Peak youths had made in the past week, and, to his surprise, Bohdi found himself falling into the plodding step with a welcome familiarity. There was more at work here than muscle memory, however ... something else about the silence of the walk ... was it ... relief?

Bohdi was shaken from his reverie by a gentle touch on his shoulder. He jumped slightly out of surprise as he heard a voice from his dreams speak in his ear--only this time, the voice was real, and right next to him.

"Why did you leave? Did they make you? The one you call wunjo, does he treat you well? Did you ever find your red flower?"

Bohdi turned to meet the eyes of the female gnome who was now walking alongside him, then quickly dropped his gaze to the path again. He cleared his throat and shifted his muffle. "Er, leave, eh?" he repeated nervously. "You mean, that pub, with the strange characters and the tree, and those funny drinks? Er, yes, well ... that was a lovely dream, wasn't it? Er ... yes, quite. Well, you see, darling, I thought that I was dreaming when I got there, and when I woke up, and I found myself back in the Vein, well, I thought ... well, I thought that it was just a dream--just a very vivid, and very ... er ... pleasant dream." His eyes darted back to Flea and then glanced away again just as quickly. He cleared his throat again. "Er, yes. And so, with all that's been doing out here on the ice--what with wolves attacking, and the elf-dream, and the battle with the Tusken raiders, and Skalti dying, and then us going back to the village only to turn around to come back out here--well, I'm afraid that I hadn't been able to stop and determine just what had happened there in the--in the Giggling Ghost, you see. And, uh ... yes. Ahem."

The gnome shifted his muffle again--it had never seemed quite so uncomfortable around his neck as it had this day. "And ... and I felt sure that it was a dream, you see, because ... well, because I had met you in it, and you were just so ... so ... so perfect, and amazing, and absolutely wonderful, that I was sure that I must have dreamt you. And I suppose--I suppose that I was a bit concerned that if you were real, and if that pub really did exist, then I had behaved like a royal fool, and had made a complete buffoon of myself, and that would mean that I had behaved abominably with the real person who was the real ... the real ...." Bohdi trailed off and left his thought unfinished, but the lump in his throat and the flush to his face were clearly not from the cold.

"And so," he added, changing topics quickly. "The five of us--four now, I suppose--" he corrected himself, looking sadly back down the line to where Garrett and Nauthiz'Ull carried their fur-wrapped burden-- "We've been out on the ice ever since. We found the red flower of spring, actually--it was on the same mountain that, it seems, we'll be leading you lot to next. It's been quite a week for us, really--there's a lot to tell." Bohdi seemed all too eager to relay the details of the journey that he and his companions had shared (and much of which is summarized here) --just so long as it didn't involve him talking about the Giggling Ghost.

At last the group reached the village. Aiden led the group to the flap of Karya's sacred tent of meeting. "Excellent idea Aiden, the ceremony tent!" Bohdi exclaimed. A wicked grin spread across his face. Without standing on ceremony of any sort, Bohdi walked over to the assorted bottles and skins on the far wall, located what he was looking for in a glass bottle, and pulled it down. He uncorked the bottle, sniffed, and sighed contentedly. "Ahhh," he murmured.

He glanced over at the others with the same wicked grin. Indicating the long, low benches and a collection of cups on a shelf behind them, he invited the others to sit and partake. "Friends," he announced mischieviously, "Allow me to introduce you ... to ice wine." He filled a cup and offered it to Flea first, with an unmistakable twinkle dancing in his blue eyes.

Spell list:
Gnome Abilities: Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Prestidigitation, Speak with Burrowing Mammals
Level 0: Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light (x2)
Level 1: Color Spray (x2), Mage Armor, Endure Elements (cast)

Anuk (endurance)  d20+11=21 d20+11=27 d20+11=20 d20+11=20 d20+11=31
Thursday June 2nd, 2005 11:14:34 AM
Anuk feels some confidence in the upcoming march until he stumbles out of the cave. Walls and fields of ice greet him, giving him a sense of vertigo as he looks up only to see blackness, not the familiar stars. The wind bites through to his very soul. Suddenly, the stifling heat of Gargul's realm seems almost welcoming in comparison.

"I've spent my life studying the signs of nature," he tells Garrett as the stumble forward, "Tracking creatures, following stars, finding the small comforts nature provides if you look for them. I understand trees and dirt and sky and sun, but here there's just ice and snow. How do you find your way? What signs can you look for here?"

As the packs marches forward, Anuk is grateful for the experience of the new group. He watches the leaders carefully, trying to discern what they see, how they know when to turn and where to go. He is in awe that anyone could survive in this place and his respect for the new group grows.

The hours move on and Anuk becomes numb with the cold. When he speaks at all, his speech slurs and his movements become slow and plodding, but he wills himself to continue on and find this village. (fortitude 21, 27, 20, 20, 31 (nat 20)) He fights the pain by imagining the warmth of a fire that surely must await them at the end of this trek. When at last they reach the tent, he stumbles in and collapses for a few minutes onto a nearby bench, grateful just to have survived the trip and eagerly awaiting the moment he can feel his fingers again so that he can taste the new delicacy in the cup proffered by Bohdi Nackle.

Recovery [DM Post] 
Thursday June 2nd, 2005 2:36:30 PM
The inside of the great tent offers warmth, food and drink. Bohdi is able to find several bottles of Ice wine and passes glasses to the group at large. The drink is very distinct, a near phosorscent white-blue in color the aroma carries the hint of eucalyptus, lavendar and rose. The taste is sweet and pleasant. Four massive kegs are also located in this room, each almost fully 8' in circumfrance. Warmth spreads quickly through cold limbs and bones and with the crackling glow of the large fire, the smell of fresh meat cooking, Ale and the light wine, the harsh world a scant few feet away can almost be forgotten.

Members of the Bloodpack begin to fall out as it were, sitting on benches or dropping to the fur covered ground it self. Several are in dire need and are taken care of immediately.

Tishe's numb hands discover a very unhappy Wart, squirming to get closer to the fire and away from her near frostbitten grasp.

Gilan immediately can take note of teh superb craftsmanship of teh furs and is astounished at the softness of the pelts. He can recall no creature with softer, though his mind and body are still weary so perhaps it is just a trick of the moment.

Garret will tell Anuk that navigation in the open tundra is a guarded lore of the Hunters of Ice Peak. A lore he does not know as well. Elsewhere in the Vein, it is not unlike home, stars, moons and landmarks of mountain or crag.

Any talk of the Ash will bring the conversation to the massive explosion earlier that day. The rocked violently enough to throw people to the ground and the entire Eastern horizon seemed to lift into the sky as a great pillar of black. A subsequent explosion ripped the clouds from the very sky. The ash upon the ground began falling a full day after the explosion. It burns to breathe and chokes the eyes. Hopefully it has stopped for good.

Nauthiz'Ull disappears outside and as the inner flap is moved a constant, but muted rumbling can heard. The flap closes and the sound is cut off. Outside the ash has begin to fall again, but this time thicker and far more abundant. Almost a white out. Covering mouth and nose, you make to Svanhvit's hut and enter unchallenged. The guard are missing. Inside you find the priest who greets you pleasantly enough. "At last you have returned Dreamer Child. Most of the village is abandoned as the ash came. Our people are safe, Kayra has led them to the Western Cairn until the weather calms. Celsiun I do not believe is in full control anymore. I choose to wait here and prepare the tents for you and the strangers. You have returned and now I may leave. Bjorn'Ursa, Kayra's nephew, wishes to see these strangers and will meet you in the morning."

Flea  d20+2=11
Thursday June 2nd, 2005 6:22:30 PM
"So perfect, and amazing, and absolutely wonderful..."

"Unh hunh," says Flea, not really understanding everything that Bohdi was saying, but flattered immensely by the compliments he was paying her. The strawberry blonde gnome follows the magiker into the strange tent like building, her curiosity overcoming her fatigue as they descend into a sort of underground area. Flea drops her HHHaversack, and peels off the now black coloured cloak that had kept her reasonably warm. With a sigh she unbuckles her dark leather armour, and folds it neatly placing it on top of the cloak next to the pack. The 3ft. 3 in. gnome is quite smartly turned out in a loose shirt of some light stuff, tucked into slim fitting leather pants. A crimson sash with long fringes is wrapped and knotted about her waist. She makes a vain attempt to smooth her chin length bob of reddish blonde hair, but eventually gives up. Retrieving a small pointed hat of crimson velvet from her pack, she places it on her head and takes a seat near the fire next to Anuk. Her mouth waters at the smell of meat.

Accepting the proffered cup from Bohdi, Flea sniffs at the contents (Alchemy=11), but she doesn't recognize the contents.

"Bohdi is not all trouble..."

Lifting the cup to her lips, her large pale eyes meet Bohdi's dancing blue ones and she drains the container of its contents.


Trellus 
Thursday June 2nd, 2005 8:47:08 PM
Trellus gets Tishe and Gilan to lie down next to the fire, and force feeds them some of that ice wine. His friends look like they'll be fine, and the cleric teases the druid lightly to emphasize the fact.
"You said you could find a way to handle the cold," he points out with a half-smile.

Trellus straightens up and looks around. The human is of average build, although well defined. His blond hair is very short and cut to a flat top, and he wears a bone colored, shield shaped earring in his left ear. A crimson sash, twin to Flea's is wrapped around his right bicep just below his breastplate. The Hammer of Domi is emblazoned on breastplate and shield in gold.

Trellus approaches Garrett.
"Dude, many shadows. Weaving our way here through all that was a waxed pick. But it looked like even your clothes didn't help when the sun went down. And our spells aren't working. Any ideas how to keep all twelve of us warm when we head out again?"

Gilan  d20+6=9 d20+2=15
Thursday June 2nd, 2005 8:55:18 PM
Gilan caresses the furs with a loving hand. He appears to be not all together with the rest of the group though. Part of him recognizes the furs of high quality but then he starts to question his own eyes. The cold had taken its toll at the end and he fights for what little bit of sanity that remains.

He turns as Bodhi approaches with a glass of something and growls at him his eyes flashing. For an istant he seems to be about to attack the little man and then the cloud passes and he takes the cup. Sniffing it he soon gulps it down with no comment and then plumps to the ground inside the hut. The wild look still is in his eyes and he kind of reminds you of Gry when he is beserking.

As he sits there he closes his eyes and starts to rock back and forth. There is a light hum from under his breathe as he seems to be lost in a silent song. With the furs still pulled close to him it is hard to tell much about him but he is almost six feet tall and under 200 pounds that is for sure. A single long ponytail hangs down under the furs, tied in a faded blue ribbon...much like the one that Flea has.

[wisdom check to snap out of survival instincts and intelligence check to not attack Bodhi out of turn]

0th: create water(4)*, read magic(2)
1st: clw(2), entangle, goodberry(2), pass without trace
2nd: barkskin(3), bear's endurance, lesser restoration
3rd: cmw, diminish plants, greater magic fang(2)
4th: command plants, dispel magic, flame strike
* used

Jake 
Friday June 3rd, 2005 1:34:47 AM
"Uh, guys, ah hate to mention this, ah mean, bringing us here to try this wine was nice and all," the slim guy takes another liberal gulp from the skin he has taken. "But...y'know, there's a whole town of guys who need water or they're gonna die while we're here. We gotta head back soon, right?"
Actually, Jake has filled his wineskin and an empty waterskin with the wine from the barrels. And had a few sips besides.
Jake is a well-muscled slim youth. He is just a little short, but not at all wide-shouldered or broad. His usually short wavy hair, a dark gold, hasn't been cut since they've left the Dam, and is starting to look unkempt. He's noticeably been growing whiskers, but isn't beyond the Indiana Jones stage yet. Jake is noticeably decked in stuff; steel breastplate, metal greeves, hip plates, shin guards, and so on. A wooden shield shaped like a "T" is strapped to one arm, and a magnificent long sword is sheathed at his side. Despite all the metal, he wears little clothing; slim knee-length grass-woven pants, a magnificent hat made of that mystical "leather", some rapke-hide boots, and a light-colored vest stained with blood in few places. He's supposed to have a cloak, but he's really just wearing his blanket wrapped around himself. It's not doing much good.

Garrett Jax 
Friday June 3rd, 2005 9:02:48 AM
After securing the hut and tending to Frigg'Isa's body, Garrett removes his furs and most other clothing. And begins tending to the frostbite and the chills of The Blood Pack (take 10 on heal checks for a 17).

Garrett stands relatively tall at 6'2" and his 230lb frame appears to carry little else besides solid muscle. His long black hair falls simply to his shoulders(perhaps another way to ward off the cold), and he wears a very fine set of chain male with Domi's holy symbol emblazoned into the chest in copper and silver.

After tending to the frozen, Garrett heads to one of the large casks and pours himself a rather large helping of ale as trellus walks over.

"I am not quite sure at this point brother. You must also understand that we did not even know who or what we were summoning, and were obviously a little unprepared. Most of the village seems to have left, but we will need to scrounge up cold weather clothes for all of you. Between warm clothes and Endure elements you should not be much affected by the cold as long as we only travel during the day. We will need shelter at night, as well as to carry wood along with us for a fire at night."

Garrett appears to be lost in thought for a moment or two before continuing. "The other problem is the falling ash. It chokes the breath and burns the mouth and eyes. We will not be able to travel to the mountain while it falls.... And if it does we will have to find good shelter quickly."

"The other thing that catches my mind is the words of the prophecy. "First to the mighty mountain fly". Seeming to say we will need to move very quickly to the mountain. Does your pack have any way to get us there faster?"



Anuk Greyhand 
Friday June 3rd, 2005 11:08:05 AM
Bohdi's ice wine slowly brings the feeling back into Anuk's extremeties and he breaks out his trademark grin in response -- or at least he thinks he does. His face is still quite numb from the trip, and his grin comes across more like a wild-eyed grimace. He stands and stretches his limbs, rising to a relatively short 5'7". He is broad and stocky, but as he warms his movements become surprisingly graceful for someone of his build. He removes his hat, revealing a tousled pile of curly brown hair, and yawns. He removes a borrowed fur glove from his left hand, but his right hand remains covered in a worn leather glove that extends nearly to his elbow.

"Go out again!?" he responds when overhearing Trellus' comment to Garrett. His expression saddens a bit at this thought. His entire being had become focused on simply getting to the tent, and in the renewed warmth and comfort had briefly forgotten the writing on the cavern wall. "Yeah, I suppose we must. Still...think that pick can wait until morning?" he says with a yawn.

Feeling some of the distress of his packmates throught the dragon tear embedded in his chest, Anuk sends out a heart touch to Gilan, Tishe' and the others, hoping to offer some comfort. He then takes time to assist Garrett in helping any who need it, carfully watching the way the ranger tends to frostbite, a condition Anuk has never seen before.

(Heal take 10 for 16)

Bohdi Nackle 
Friday June 3rd, 2005 12:00:54 PM
After the brief meeting with the shaman, Bohdi was glad to lead everyone back to the tent of meeting and the ale casks and ice wine bottles waiting within. Bohdi poured and served with evident relish--and partook himself with even greater relish.

"Y'shee," Bohdi slurred slightly to any who might be listening, as he rocked back on his heels. "Eyeshh wine isn't as potent as that Flaming Green Gnomishhhshtuff, but it's shtill pretty goo--<hic!>--pretty good. 'Scuze'me."

Bohdi smiled broadly at Flea and plopped himself down solidly next to her. "How amahzing," he said, perhaps a little too close. The aroma of eucalyptus was strong on his breath. "How incredible. The gods mussht be smiling at me. The gnome of my--<hic!>--the gnome of my--well, a darn pretty lass, in any event, and dropped down right here in the Vein next to me." He smiled and patted her knee gently.

He looked at the others and waved his cup loosely, in a gesture that purported to be meaningful. "Now, you muhsht unnerstand, the mountain we're headin' for, Burfell, thass' three days--" he held up four fingers-- "March across the ice to the north. An' there's naught between here and there but ice, and wohlves, and more ice. Oh, and ice ants. An' killer hail, too. An' now this ash, I suppose ...."

Bohdi's head tilted slightly sideways and he trailed off for a moment. With an exasperated sigh and a roll of his eyes, Squork fluttered over from a perch on a shelf and pecked the gnome on the top of his head. Bohdi blinked and, apparently without missing a beat, picked up where he left off.

"... an' then we'll have to find whatever it is we're meant to find. Just what is it we're meant to find, anyway? I don' unnershtand that part too well." From the slightly glazed look on Bohdi's face, it was possible that he wasn't "unnershtandin'" much all that well just then.

Bohdi turned his attention back to Flea. "Now, duckie, don'chu worry about sleepin' arrangements or anythin' here in the vill--<hic!>--villhage. These wolf fur tents may not look like muhch, but they're pretty cohhmfortable, really. Ahh'll make sure you have a nice, cohhmfortable place to sleep tonight. With all these empty tents, there'll be lotsh of good places for you and yours." He smiled again--the twinkle was back in his eye--and he was about to say something more, when his head tilted sideways again and he raised a questioning finger.

"Say," he said. "Are any of you, by chance ... a wizzhurd?"

Spell list:
Gnome Abilities: Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Prestidigitation, Speak with Burrowing Mammals
Level 0: Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light (x2)
Level 1: Color Spray (x2), Mage Armor, Endure Elements (cast)

Tishe' (AC 15, HP 7 non-lethal 37/37) Exhausted -6 STR and -6 DEX 
Friday June 3rd, 2005 12:38:15 PM
A little sandpaper-colored toad wriggles out of Tishe's cold hands and flops down by the fire. It seems to sigh then turns around and looks at the small woman measuringly, watching as the others help her with warmth and wine to revive his mistress.

The toad sees an average looking human female, wavy brown hair, brown eyes, about 5'3". Not thin or fat, and pretty plain, she doesn't seem to attract much attention. Her clothes are light travelling breeches and tunic underneath the warmer furs.

She in turn watches the toad and then smiles, her eyes alight with intelligence and curiosity. "It is a strange part of the Wold we are in, just as strange as the edge of the Sargrass where you are from." The eyes twinkle.

Tishe' is content to get warm and let others do the planning for now.

DM Daniel K 
Friday June 3rd, 2005 5:23:50 PM
I was waiting to get a majority before posting. I will post late tonight (midnight EST) or early tomorrow pre 8am EST regardless.



Nauthiz'Ull 
Friday June 3rd, 2005 7:42:56 PM
After what seems like an eternity as the groups muscles unknott the brown-grey fur door is pulled open and the lanky, dark-skinned boy walks in. The fire catches his eyes and show the unusual blue hue in them. A forced smile upon his face.

"Wunjos and Bloodpack, I talked with Svanhvit and afterwards she left to meet up with our villagers. Kayra led them to the Western Cairn to get as far away from the ash as possible."

Looking around and realizing that everyone has already dipped into the ice wine Nauth immediately turns his gaze towards Bohdi.

"Well I see that wunjo here has given you celebration drink. Drink sparingly of that and more of water or dehydration will overtake you in ouur land. Heat isn't the only way for dehydration to set in."

Nauth looks into Aiden's eyes from across the ceremony tent and nods approvingly.

"My wunjo of the lands, I hope that you will lead tomorrow as well. Your path was true and the walk easy. Your skills are great on the path. Wunjo, I will aid those needing help and keep scoouut for anything unusual if you will take the lead again."

Another nod confirms Nauth's appreciation of Aiden leading hte group so that he may help Garett with his sister's corpse. The young man turns on his heel and darts out of hte tent once more, only ot return in a matter of moments with something wrapped. An aroma of fine game whafts through the air.

"Bloodpack, please eat your fill of this and get good rest. Garret and Boh-well Garret will show you to tents that you can sleep in tonight. We meet with Bjorn'Ursa at daybreak and leave after we talk with him."

Nauth closes his eyes momentarily and another tear streaks forward.

"I must go to my tent and take care of a few things. Outside is a pull-sled with four tents and a couple bundles of wood for the next few days. We will pack food at breakfast. There is also enough of our clothing to help you, BloodPack, survive our environment. Take what fits you and what you see fit to take."

Another look over at Garett and Aiden shows an almost fearful look deep within Nauth's eyes.

"I must honor Frigg'Isa tonight. I will be preparing her funeral rights in my tent. When I am done, I will bury her."

Mac  d20+1=19
Friday June 3rd, 2005 10:14:54 PM
The taur removes his own furs and places Galea, still wrapped in the extra furs, down by the fire - not too far from Tishe' and Wart. He opens the furs so that Galea's pink nose, two longer tiny teeth and closed eyes are visible, and hopes the furs will absorb the heat and warm her slowly.

He looks at the ruined waterskins their freezing water has split, and has an idea that he thinks has some merit. [Survival: 19 (untrained)]

"If dehydration is go'n' t' be a problem, then p'r'aps we should get what ice is left from our waterskins an' get them som'thin' t' thaw in? I mean, drinkin' warm thaw isn't a problem here, is it?" he asks with, it may be said, at least some enthusiasm.

Eventually he samples the ice wine - just the one mind you! Wines and such always remind him of his family, and stories of the Isles.

Through the Tear he senses [OOC: Correct me if I am wrong, please.] that Tishe' has fared worst for the day's trek. Using the Tear to speak to her alone, and whispering the mouthed words he says, (as per the Message spell) "We are Pack - rely on us when you need help. If it comes t' havin' t' carry you an' half the pack t' get where we're goin' then I will. After t'day I'm sure I'd rather be carryin' people with a pulse an' conversation."



Tishe' (Illegal Second Post) 
Saturday June 4th, 2005 4:03:44 AM
The small woman smiles at the big 'taur, her eyes dancing in gratitude. "I will remember, sweetie." And she strokes Mac's heavily furred arm.

Morning DM Post 
Saturday June 4th, 2005 9:11:31 AM
The deep night passes and everyone falls asleep on the thick fur covered floor, bellies full and comfortably warm.

Nauthiz'Ull leaves and spends the night with his sister in remembrance. The other Icers make it a point to stop in as custom and say a few words before retiring.

The morning is bleak and dark grey outside, another full foot of choking thick pumice and ash fell. Aiden and Nauthiz'Ull both note that a west breeze is already in the air which means the trek across the tundra will be difficult. A quick conversation decides that Aiden will lead the group and they will stop frequently to warm up and shelter out of the wind. The trip may take a little longer, but everyone will arrive with all of thier extremities unfrozen.

The two pull sleds are packed with extra tents, wood and food. Garret produces long water bladders for everyone. They wrap fully about the stomach, up the back and then attach over the shoulder so as to be accessed by the wearer. Clothes, fur and armor are then put on over this.

Bjorn'Ursa arrives as the group is in final preparations. He is a massive blonde haired blue eyed man about the size of Grymash. A large recurved bow at his left side and a inverted curved scimitar at his right. He wears a thick golden fur with smaller white furs as decorations. He puts each of the pack under a scrutinizing gaze for several moments and then merely nods.

His voice, a deep baritone, "You are the Pack of Blood then. I am Bjorn'Ursa 'As 'Isa Asgir and these are proud warriors of Ice Peak. Your deeds will be remembered and sung of. Go now and may Celsiun be at ease this day." With that, he turns and begins striding through the pumice ash to the west.

Trellus 
Saturday June 4th, 2005 2:17:00 PM
Answering Garrett - "We don't have any picks to make all twelve of us weave faster," he says slowly. "I think we gotta weave the rough thread."

The blond haired man set up a watch for the night, and tries to keep an eye on Gilan and Grymash. The druid is acting oddly. And the half-orc is still confused.

To Gilan - "Dude, you shady?"

To Grymash - "I think we gotta hike to some mountain and find some kind of object. Its got something to do with the dream about the Dude with the Eyes." Trellus claps the barbarian on the shoulder friendly like. "Bright faced place, ain't it? I think the Feel good in Sticky Hot, and the Move Fast in Tall Grass spells might be needed tomorrow morning."

To Boldhi - "Ants? We're worried about ants? Oh, and what's a 'wolf'?"

In the morning, Trellus listens to the impressive looking dude with the big sword. Who ends up saying three sentences and walking out.
Dude. Really helpful.

He turns to Garrett and the Bloodpack.
"OK Dudes, let's go."

Trellus' spells:
Spells Prepared:
0 - Create Water (x2), Detect Magic (x2), Detect Poison, Read Magic
1 -- Endure Elements (x3), Bless, Prot from Evil, Remove Fear
2 -- Bear's Endurance, Hold Person, Spiritual Weapon (x2)
3 - Dispel Magic, Magic Circle against Evil, Prayer, Searing Light
4 -- Air Walk, Freedom of Movement, Inflict Critical Wounds

Domain Spells:
1st Level: Sanctuary*
2nd Level: Bull's Strength*
3rd Level: Magic Vestment*
4th Level: Spell Immunity*



Aiden 
Saturday June 4th, 2005 2:41:25 PM
Aiden's scowl about how things have worked out just gave a glimpse about his mood. ~First we lose the girl to the gods, and now we have strangers that speak in riddles....the same riddles that had already caused the village to seek shelter and the animals of the land to be frightened....~

~I care not for these omens...~ Needless to say, seeing his fellow ice runner hurting because of his sister's passing, soured his mood even further. That evening Aiden had gathered together his spare winter clothing, plus some other scraps of items that would make the travel easier. Though it turned his stomach, his winter clothing would perhaps fit the ork the best since he was by far among the tallest within the village.

While in the village, he did try to see how the wolf pup was doing. She had been quite energetic when last he saw her, and hoped that she was learning the way of the wyld.

Speaking of learning the way of the wyld, Aiden waited for the others to settle in (after Bjorn's introduction) before giving them tips on winter survival ranging from keeping the cloth over the nose, ears and mouth to prevent those extremities from freezing (and the cold air from entering the lungs), to signs of crackling ice flows or avalanches. Finally, he touches on some of the flora and fauna (and what to do) if they are encountered.

"I don't like to talk..." Aiden added gruffly, "But I like losing comrades less..."

(OOC: basically the very first introductory lessons of survival (frozen tundra) or its equivalent).



Aiden 
Saturday June 4th, 2005 2:45:23 PM
I was wondering if Aiden had any furs/items that he had been working on close to completion. This included cloaks/cowls/etc...

Actually was tempted to see if he has any fur coat (with hood) near enough to completion for the female Tishe...

Furrier roll: (Take 20 if necessary for that evening)

Aiden (DOH) 
Saturday June 4th, 2005 2:46:10 PM
Oh well...last post was meant to be dm only...

*chuckles*

Tishe' 
Saturday June 4th, 2005 4:52:04 PM
In the morning the plain-faced woman sits near the fire and contemplates the Wold Mother while memorizing spells from a spellbook. Wart sits on her shoulder and watches his mistress with interest.

"I memorized a couple of Endure Elements spells," she tells Trellus, "and I've got extra furs for me as well. So who needs help?"

She casts the arcane Endure Elements spell on herself, and her druidic Endure Elements spell on the first person who speaks up.

Wrapped up in the heavy and warm furs, Tishe' mentally prepares herself for the bitter weather. She ensures her new water skin and her satchel with Wart (with extra felt nest) are tucked up against her body for protection.

"On to the mountain?", her eyes sparkle with eagerness.

Jake 
Sunday June 5th, 2005 3:35:43 AM
Jake is totally put off by the mode of travel in the north, by the people, by everything. Okay, these guys travel by boat (Sled), but pulled by dogs??? And this blasted cold! How can one go around wearing so many furs and extra clothes? And he's still cold on his extremities! Jake sits in the back of the thing, bundled so much in blankets he can't even see...
Flea and Bodhi might as well get it over with, he thinks to himself. Obviously, the male guy is totally enamored of him...and he's even worse at hitting on girls than Jake was as a young teen. 'ah'll make sure you have a nice comforable place to sleep tonight'--- hah.
His thoughts turn to other places... where are all the women in this northern settlement? His thoughts turn to what they must be like.
Icy-cold, like the weather here. Freezing skin. They must be bald, or worse, hairy all over, on the chest, arms, face, ... in fact, maybe one of those 'guys' with the beards is a female?? Gross. From everything he knows, having fat would be better for cold things, too, so, maybe they're all like super-bloated fat too. They'd probably have like, super-sharp teeth, because they don't eat grass or vegetables here, only meat. He bets that since they're probably locked in their little huts all day they never go out and exercise, either.
Altogether, the picture he puts up of them isn't very enticing to the young half-elf.
Fighting is going to be horrible. No sure footing here, no way to move and relax. He's sure Gry will be okay, but Jake's sword-style of caution and cunning probably won't work well.
Awful fighting, ugly women...at least the wine's okay, though, Jake thinks to himself.
Still, can't seem like a wimp in this... Jake forces himself to unbundle himself slightly and get used to the cold a bit, from time to time... It's just awful, but he decides he has to get used to the cold a bit.

Garrett 
Sunday June 5th, 2005 7:31:19 AM
Garrett spends the morning preparing himself and the Bloodpack for the journey. Assisting each of them in dressing properly. Garrett then turns to Trellus "Do your casters and your wand have enough endure elements to cover your pack. It is likely that you will need them. I have enough for my pack, but will hold the spells in reserve unless we need them."

Memorized spells:
0: create water, Light x2, mending, 1st: endure elem. X3, Magic Weapon

Flea (Cloak of Comfort)  d20+5=22 d20+3=23 d20-1=2 d20+6=23
Sunday June 5th, 2005 9:33:53 AM
The drink makes Flea feel all warm and fuzzy inside. The knots and kinks in her small body start to relax and she holds out her cup for more. When the one Bohdi seems to care so much about, the one he calls wunjo, starts to warn about dehydration, she stares at him in challenge and raises the cup to her lips. She only lets the drink touch her lips though, and then sets the cup aside when no one seems to be looking. (Bluff=22).

Flea watches as the foreign folks sort through clothing and furs in an attempt to outfit the Bloodpack for the cold. Flea knows a little about the crafting of garments. Her mother was a designer and seamstress after all. People of nobility and power sought her out for unique garments of celebration or inspiration. It had even been whispered that she had collaborated with magical folk on the creation of magical garments...but this was never proved.

The gnome will search through the items offered up by the strangers. Recycling and amending what doesn't suit her purpose. Using a scrap of fur, she will use her wonderful Cloak of Comfort as a pattern, laying it out and tracing the pattern upon the pelt. Selecting strong thread and the largest needle from her sewing kit, she will sew the lining to the inside of her cloak so that the soft fur will be against her skin, trapping extra warmth close to her body. Flea will try to find a pair of gloves and a pair of mitts, which she will tinker with until she has a hybrid of the two; a pair of fingerless gloves, with an attached mitt covering. (Craft=23, nat 20!)

Showing the fighter her creation, the gnome will explain, "see Jake, this way I can use my tools or my hammer" the gnome wiggles her fingers , "but this way I can keep my fingers from freezing!" Flea pulls the mitt part over to cover her fingerless gloves.

Flea will work on her garments as long as she is able. When she is no longer able to see straight and fatigue overwhelms her, she will find a place as near Gilan as possible. She, like Trellus, has noticed the druid's strange behaviour, and hopes that all the young man needs is a good night's rest. (Sense Motive=2)

In the morning, the rogue will follow the lead of the others in packing and preparation. When no one is looking, she will slip a bottle of Bohdi's ice wine into her HHHaversack. (Sleight of Hand=23)

(OOC: Is the Cloak of Comfort enough to keep Flea safe from the elements?)


DM Note 
Sunday June 5th, 2005 11:06:21 AM
During the trip from the cave to the village everyone in the Bloodpack was covered in an Endure elements spell. Only those cast by Garret and Bohdi staved off the cold completely, hence the trellus jake and flea not needing to make saves during the trip.

In short endure elements spells and items are not working as well as they might outside of Ice Vein

Bohdi Nackle 
Sunday June 5th, 2005 10:14:26 PM
Bohdi moaned and rolled out of his cot, clutching his temples. "Bloody hell," he muttered. The light streaming in from the smoke hole at the top of his round hut struck his across the face as squarely and as savagely as Flea had done the day before. Muttering curses, he struggled to don his gear and to seek out the others in the village.

Once locating them back in the tent of meeting, Bohdi pulled out his spellbook and noticed that one of the newcomers--the plain, quiet female--was doing the same. Curiosity overcame hangover and he sat down next to her. "Name's Bohdi," he began, nodding at her book. "Mind if I take a look? I don't encounter many fellow casters out here."

He looked at the others--catching Flea's eye for a moment, he smiled a shy, embarassed smile and a mumbled "Mornin'"--and announced, "I'll prepare whatever the group proposes. You all want three spells to ward off the elements? I can do it, although that will pretty much do it for me for today."

Proposed spell list:
Gnome Abilities: Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Prestidigitation, Speak with Burrowing Mammals
Level 0: Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light (x2)
Level 1: Color Spray, Endure Elements (x3)

Nauthiz'Ull  d20+8=24 d20+8=15 d20+12=24 d20+12=24
Monday June 6th, 2005 10:02:29 AM
The night gave Nauth precious few hours of sleep but the young man was filling up with a driving force of an unknown origin. Nauth took the time to help the Bloodpack with their gear and chuckled a bit as Jake intermittently refused the aid of the furs.

"These two sleds need to be pulled so who of you are strong enough to do so. The ash may make it a bit more difficult than before."

Nauth's eyes scan the entire group and finaly rest of Garret. A look of frustration crosses his eyes.

"Wunjo, I must ask you to pull our sled. Aiden will be preoccupied as will I, unless the better idea is for Bohdi to pull for a change."

A small chuckle and smirk surface as Nauth desparately tries to get some sense of humor back into him.

After Bjorn'Ursa has said his mighty words of inspiration Nauth will move out with the rest of the group, walking about a 15-20' gap from the others to scout the lands as they go.
~~~~~~~~~~
Spot-24
Listen-15
Survival-24-looking for tracks, etc.
Survival-24-weather

Aiden (slight retcon)  d20=15
Monday June 6th, 2005 10:18:29 AM

Aiden spent the evening working on a small project. They had already lost one of their group, and now, they had a bunch of strangers with no clue on how to handle the ice.

And a woman of all things...He could only shake his head even as his fingers moved the needle through the fur.

Grumbling to himself about the exotic looking strangers with the common sense of his axe, he continued to work through much of the night.

Apparently finished he stands and moves to Tishe, and chuckles...as he hands a wolf pelt hat to her. The hat has a circular base with two exceptions. First is a rather lengthy tail of a large canine creature that seemed fanned out partially as if a scarf. These suspicions are further proven true when the head flap is pulled forward unveiling a large vicious looking canine's face. With a mostly neutral voice, a touch of bemusement underlaying it, Aiden adds towards Trellus, "That's a wolf..."

The next morning he would have to instruct them on the basics of survival. The tall kid then moves towards the sleds and readies them for the morning.

Furrier (hat: 15 + rank 3) = 18


Anuk 
Monday June 6th, 2005 11:02:06 AM
After a couple more draughts of ice wine, Anuk nods off without even realizing it. He snores loudly on the tent floor, but otherwise doesn't move for the entire night. When morning comes, he blinks his eyes and slowly makes his way into the day. After several minutes, he gets up and wipes the drool from the corner of his mouth, hoping no one noticed.

His usual morning meditation is done, used to prepare two Endure Elements spells, one of which he casts on himself. When Tishe' mentions that she has and extra, he chimes in with, "I've got another one, too, for anyone who needs it." He'll cast it on whomever requests it.

He listens carefully to Aiden's advice on dressing in this place, trying to remember it all. Aiden seems in a bit of a foul mood, though, so Anuk doesn't ask too many questions. He then spends a half-hour just trying to dress and figure out how to wear everything with the new water bladder underneath.

Ice trek DM Post 
Monday June 6th, 2005 2:49:10 PM
With the help of the Icer's, the Blood Pack is soon bedecked in properly fitted furs and thick woolen underlayers. The pull sleds are loaded and Garret is given one, the other to Mac. Each sled is about 4' long and 3' wide, carrying several portable tents, ground furs and bundles of wood. Garret and Bohdi prepare spells to ward off the cold and cast them, Garret, Bohdi, Aiden, Nauthiz'Ull, leaving two for members of the Blood Pack.

The morning air is crisp and hits the members of the Blood Pack like a fist. The ash is thick on the ground as the group moves out. Aiden takes the lead once again and Nauthiz'Ull follows him directly. About 20 back is Garret with a sled and Bohdi on his heels. The Blood Pack is strung out behind them in a long line. The thick pumice ash here is far more dense than it was at the beach village. It supports everyone's weight with ease giving way only 3-6 inches with each step. The sun is masked behind the gray and overcast sky, does it ever shine here. The open tundra expands to the limits of all vision, soon Ice Peak village is a bump on the horizon and then it is altogether gone. Time begins to lose meaning and becomes exceedingly difficult to keep track of. Before you is the Pack mate in front of you, as well as behind. To teh left and right, endless white, meeting a gray sky at some far off point. Unlike the journey from the cave, the open tundra does not even have drifts of snow to mark passage. Were it not for a trail of prints running behind you and the cry of your own muscles it would be almost impossible to know you had moved at all. Plodding across the ice pack, the wind blows lightly still, swirling the loose ash and sweeping it westward with a constant gentle push. A light snow has also started to fall, reclaiming the charcoal like ground. Aiden stops the group on the tundra after a couple hours so everyone can be checked for signs of fatigue and frostbite.

All those not covered by Garret or Bohdi's Endure Elements need to make 2 saves. Fort DC 15 and 16 failure to either causes fatigue and 1d6 damage non lethal. Because of properly worn Cold gear add +5 circumstance bonus.


Tishe'  d20+12=28 d20+12=26
Monday June 6th, 2005 3:35:46 PM
The brown-haired girl is facinated by the 'wolf' hat Aiden gives her. "Thank you, sweetie. Perhaps it will keep me warmer."

It takes less than 5 minutes for her to realize her spells are not working properly in the freezing, ash-strewn land. Her mind in a fugue, she numbly awaits Aiden's inspection of herself. She is slightly surprised the furs have been doing thier work (Fort: 28, 26)

Mindful of the tall ranger's warning about dehydration, she sips water when she's able.

The weather about her makes Tishe' even more oblivious to the intentions of others. She completely misses Gilan's antics as well as the looks between Flea and Bohdi.

Active Spells
Endure Elements [22 hours]

Garrett 
Monday June 6th, 2005 3:45:51 PM
Garrett agrees to pull the sled without complaint.

Garrett uses all his Endure elements so that all our group and 2 of the bloodpack are covered between Garrett and Bohdi. Whichever of them their group decides needs it most can receive them.

Memorized spells:
0: create water, Light x2, mending,
1st: endure elem. X3(cast), Magic Weapon



Bohdi Nackle  d20=7 d20=20
Monday June 6th, 2005 4:09:38 PM
Bohdi readily agreed to Garrett's sensible approach regarding spells. "It appeared that your ability to ward off the cold was less than ours, somehow," Bohdi would explain to any of the auslanders who inquired. "An interesting effect, to be certain, but we haven't the time to investigate more thoroughly. Apart from a spell to share between myself and my stupi--er, trusty familiar here--" Bohdi indicated the raven perched on his shoulder, which was providing an ill-favored look from one beady eye down at the gnome's nose-- "I'll have two more. Whomever needs is welcome to have."

As they trekked through the seemingly endless tundra once more, Bohdi tried as best he could to speak with the foreign spellcaster--if she would speak with him, that is. "Er, hello again," he offered to Tishe--not that he had yet been formally introduced. "I was just wondering if perhaps I could, you know, compare notes a bit. You seem much more experienced at spellcasting than me, and I was interested in your course of study. Regrettably, my own studies in Zarnan City were, um, interrupted shortly after my obtaining mastery of only the most rudimentary forms of magic. I've been limited to self-study ever since."

Walking a bit closer, Bohdi added in a quieter tone, "And, um, I was wondering ... well ... just how close you feel to, um, Furtif Aeanora over there." He indicated Flea as surreptiously as he could (Bluff or similar check for hidden signal, untrained = 7), which wasn't very subtle at all. "Has she--um, has she ever ... mentioned me before? I mean, um, you know, about ... what she thought of me?" (Gather Information, also untrained = nat 20!) As bumbling and obvious as his approach might have been, perhaps Tishe might have felt just the slightest bit of pity for the hapless gnome?

Spell list:
Gnome Abilities: Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Prestidigitation, Speak with Burrowing Mammals
Level 0: Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light (x2)
Level 1: Color Spray, Endure Elements (x3, cast one on self, 2 on others)

Aiden  d20=20 d20=20 d20=10 d20=13 d20=18
Monday June 6th, 2005 4:48:52 PM
Aiden looks over Tishe and nods with approval. He isn't quite sure how to say, 'you're welcome' since such a term simply didn't exist. At least when it came to his native Twin Tusks.

The burden of 'leading' the group as it trekked through the snowscape caused Aiden to ignore any effects that the cold may have had upon on.

Cold Survival : TWO natural 20's...*shakes his head in disbelief as he knows the laws of averages will catch up BIG time in the next fight, since he was helping people double check their stuff, does it apply to their rolls as well?*

Spot: 10 + 4 = 14
Survival (Tracking) 13 + 5 = 18
Listen 18 + 4 = 22


Mac  d20+9=18 d20+9=26 d20+9=24 d20+9=26 d20+9=23
Monday June 6th, 2005 5:16:27 PM
After the night's rest Mac kits up and again takes up the last position on the trek. He has Galea snug as a bug in a rug and his mood is much improved over the shock of yesterday.

Flea (AC 20, 47 HP)  d20+8=25 d20+8=16 d20+13=16 d20+9=27 d20+11=20
Monday June 6th, 2005 7:52:54 PM
Flea waves off both Bohdi and Garrett when they offer magic to keep her warm. Wise or not, the small female is confident in the power of her retro-fitted cloak to keep her warm.

When the party sets out, Flea tries to keep pace with the natives. Used to scouting ahead for her pack, she is at a disadvantage in this new place. Much as she doesn't like the taciturn young man, she has to admire his tracking skills as he leads the party through the blasted tundra. The fact that one of the party's magikers pulls the sled is astounding! A small pang of jealousy pierces the gnome's heart as Bohdi solicits Tishe's favour.

Flea, herself does quite well during the initial part of the trek, (Fort Save=25) and keeps alert to dangers (Search=16, Spot=27, Listen=20) but later on she withdraws into herself as it takes all of the gnome's reserves to fend off the elements (Fortitude Save=16). The small rogue is so tired. Would it be so bad to just lie here in the snow, and close my eyes for a moment? she thinks, as she stands still, weaving on her feet, her eyes closed against the snow.

She is oblivious to the one called Aiden, checking on her status.

Trellus (fatigued, -5hp non lethal)  d20+13=19 d20+13=14 d6=5
Monday June 6th, 2005 8:42:41 PM
The blond man looks at the 'wolf'.
Not all that big, he thinks to himself. Still if these dudes says its dangerous.

"Right," he responds to Aiden. "Anything that looks like that, we kill. Yes?"

When both Flea and Tishe wave off Bodhi's Endure spells, the cleric purses his lips in thought.
"How 'bout we just hold onto those two for a while and see how the trip goes?" he states thoughtfully. "Then you can cast them on whichever two of us most need them."

The trip begins, and Trellus falls into line. The ground is odd and flat. Its an awful lot like the rock plain he traversed so long ago. Except that was brutally hot, and this is brutally cold. The young man isn't sure which temperature extreme he detests more.

During a rest stop, Trellus asks Aiden to keep a close eye on the two ladies. And he asks Garrett if the other cleric would like a breather. He and Grymash are perfectly capable of pulling a sled. Heck, Jake capable, if you can talk him into it.

At some point in the walk, Trellus finds his fur hat way too uncomfortable and takes it off. Later, he can't understand why his ears are so numb.

Fort checks 19 and 14 (nat 1).


Nauthiz'Ull 
Monday June 6th, 2005 9:03:12 PM
The trek today shows itself to be one of the easier ones that Nauth can recall. The soot, albeit horrible to breathe in and even worse to look at, is helping the foots tread amazingly.

Wonder what the Bloodpack would do if the ground was its true self?

Nauth keeps his eyes as sharp as usual and takes the time to make sure everyone is okay at each stop. Eating some wolf jerky and getting plenty of water the dark skinned boy keeps limber on the stops by stretching.

The young ranger keeps his position behind Aiden and grows more impressed with his route wth each step.

Gilan {endure elements}  d20+15=18 d20+15=21
Monday June 6th, 2005 9:29:59 PM
Gilan had woken that morning earlier than any of the others. Looking to the piles of furs that would keep him warm he shakes hs head. "The ash will cover the rising sun." He sits in the ceremonial tent where he fell asleep and faces east to the rising sun. His prayers this morning bring him to a decison that he knows that he must make.

He finds Bodhi and stops the little man with a raised hand. "I want to apologize for yesterday...I did not mean to growl at you." He holds out a hand to the little man and hopes that he will forgive his behavior.

He like the feels of the furs upon him and takes to the odd clothing with a gusto, even showing off a little as he watches the others dressed. He knows that there will be small things that he missed but at least he is not a total loss.

This day he finds the cold a little easier to take as he walks along with the others. He still finds it funny that even with the ash he leaves no trail that could be followed. When they stop to check upon everyone's condition he makes an offer. "I can pull a sled for awhile if needed." The slight man seems little suited to pull a sled will be most everyone's reaction, especially with Mac and Grymash around.

[fort 18 and 21]

0th: create water(2), light, mending, read magic(2)
1st: clw(2), pass without trace(2), speak with animals(2)
2nd: barkskin(4), lesser restoration
3rd: cmw(2), greater magic fang(2)
4th: dispel magic, flame strike(2)
* used

Garrett 
Monday June 6th, 2005 10:09:44 PM
Garrett declines offers to help pull the sled. "really, it's not that heavy." and he looks as if he means it, showing little exertion in pulling it.

Garrett turns to Trellus. "It looks like you are in nned of the first reserve endure elements. It would not be right for a cleric of Domi to not be ready when called upon. Let me assist you brother."

Garret casts one of the 2 reserved endure elements upon Trellus.

"Aiden, everyone else doing good? We have one remaining should one of the pack need it. When those run out and people start feeling the cold we will need to camp."

Memorized spells:
0: create water, Light x2, mending,
1st: endure elem. X3(castx2), Magic Weapon


Aiden (illegal second post) 
Monday June 6th, 2005 11:32:52 PM
(back at the village)

Aiden looked at Trellus. "You will not find a single wolf alone. They hunt in packs of 5 to more."

And then with dread he added, "Sometimes they are led by a winter wolf...a creature that is easily the size of him..." as he nodded to the orc warrior, "and that would not be fully grown..."

----------

Hearing Garrett's response, his voice strangely quiet, "agreed...what do you know of their priest as you seem to understand him and their ways?"

<tags>


Jake 
Tuesday June 7th, 2005 6:21:15 AM
"Huh... These wolves are nothing but mini-Rapke then. Phagh. Where we come from, wolves are taller 'n men, travel in packs across the plains, eating anything they like." Jake shakes his head, thoroughly unimpressed. "Oh well, what else do ya have ta fear in these white-lands?"
Jake shakes from time to time and is just thoroughly annoyed whenever he feels that tinge of coldness throughout his being...it's just plain annoying. How can one get used to this...
"Hey, Pack, Did ANYONE listen to me? We're needed back at the other village, what with the evil Tree things? WHat do you think, time froze while we're here? The villagers are probably dying of thirst by now!"


Flea (second illegal post) 
Tuesday June 7th, 2005 7:37:00 AM
"Jake! Warp down!" yells Flea to the agitated fighter. The gnome grits her teeth against the cold and opens her eyes, wrapping her cloak tighter about her. "Do you have any way to get us back there? Do you even know where we are?" The gnome has one thread left, after all that has happened, and right now Jake Connell is pulling at it, threatening to unravel the rogue's cloth. "If what this other pack says is right, and we don't weave this pick, all our reeds will be cut! It won't matter about those others. It just won't matter..."

Flea's voice trails off, and she stands still in the forbidding landscape, eyes closed, and wishing she was back in her parents hole, or even in Rattledam. She wishes she was anywhere but this cold, grey, awful place.

Nauthiz'Ull (illegal second post...figured I'd join in as well) 
Tuesday June 7th, 2005 8:33:27 AM
As foot follows foot and body follows body Nauth and the ice boys fall in sync. Rhythm almost magically holds the trek in tune...until the one that the Bloodpack call Jake pipes up.

"Well then distant one the first pack of winter wolves that we find, you can deal with. The sly and cunning wolves are more in tune with eachother than we could ever hope to be. First a couple will show their teeth and growl all the while the rest are slowly moving around to flank you. All at once they are on you and there is nothing that you can do."

The dark skinned young man continues walking for a moment hoping that the man will start to realize what the Vein is all about.

With a smirk on his face Nauth turns slightly and adds,

"Of course one could hope for an Ice Worm instead."

Garrett 
Tuesday June 7th, 2005 8:53:59 AM
loudly enough for all to hear. "That's enough bickering. Rmember that we are all going to need each other in order to fulfill our end of the prophecy. And I believe that is the only way that the blood pack is going home. The sooner we take care of business, the faster you should be able to go home."

Bohdi Nackle (fifth in a series of illegal second posts) 
Tuesday June 7th, 2005 9:40:07 AM
Bohdi's head spun at the sound of Flea's voice. He strode over to her and wrapped his arm around her protectingly.

"Come on now, love! It's not as bad as all that! Look what wonders the Wold has in store for us! Why, not two days ago I was wondering if I would ever leave that blasted village again. And, now, look! Here I am, off on another adventure, and scarcely a complaint!" Squork looked at Bohdi skeptically, but the gnome ignored his familiar as he continued.

"I thought I'd never see another spellbook as long as I lived; well, here's your friend, er ... what was your name again?" he asked Tishe. "Well, anyway, your quiet friend over there, with the spellbook and the serious manner--I'm sure I could learn more from her in a day than I could studying in the great White Tower of Zarnan City for an age! And who knows what arcane secrets await us on yon mountain, eh?"

"And look at us, eh?" Bohdi pulled Flea closer, and smiled warmly. "Who'd have thought it possible, eh? Meeting in our dreams--living a Wold apart--never imagining that we would be together, here in the real Wold. And yet here we are--brought together by gods, and fate, and ... and who knows what else. A grand Wold design that lets that happen can't be all bad ... can it?"

He smiled and bent down to sift through the ash to scoop up a pile of clean snow. "You know, even in the simplest and most unassuming things--" he covered the snow with his hands, and a flash of light burst through his cupped fingers-- "There is great beauty." Uncupping his hands, the snow had been transformed from snow to ice, and the ice had been shaped into a delicate rose with glittering petals. He handed the rose to Flea, and met her eyes meaningfully. "You just need to know where to look."

"So, now, come, darling," he said softly. "Would it help for you to have that extra spell cast to ward off the elements? I'll gladly cast it for you."

Spell list:
Gnome Abilities: Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Prestidigitation (cast), Speak with Burrowing Mammals
Level 0: Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light (x2)
Level 1: Color Spray, Endure Elements (x3, cast one on self, 2 on others)

Anuk (endurance, endure elements)  d20+16=26 d20+16=19 d20+11=17 d20+11=25
Tuesday June 7th, 2005 11:36:07 AM
Anuk rolls along with the rest of the group, finding that the new clothing in combination with his own endure elements spell keeps him, if not comfortable, at least warm enough for the journey. (fort 26, 19) He spends the hours looking and listening in this new environment, trying to familiarize himself with the place. (spot 17, listen 25)

"Whoa, Flea, hey there," he says, when she starts to talk of napping. "No sleeping out here...wait 'til tonight." He puts an arm around her shoulder to help prop her up and keep her moving forward. He's worried until she snaps at Jake. Underneath his face covering he grins to himself...once Flea gets her dander up he knows she'll be able to remain focused for the rest of the journey.

"Jake, I'm worried, too. But if this ash is both here and there, maybe what we're doing here will help stop it. If we can stop the ash from here, that will help the villagers with some of their water problems."

He glances skyward. "Personally, I wonder where Grandma and Shady are. I hope they're okay. If they go back to the beach they'll be able to help the villagers. I imagine they could handle whatever's behind damming the lake."

The long haul continues [DM Post] 
Tuesday June 7th, 2005 12:32:30 PM
Hours surely must have passed, the Village of Ice Peak and the protective walls, a distant and fogged memory as the air saps strength of mind as well as body. Aiden leads the column north as far as any can tell. It is strange the sheer confidence of movement and comfort all the new adults of Ice Peak feel in this desolate land which only a few days ago almost killed them. Perhaps the 'Raun-Aldr Eda Iss' and the dreaming were more than they appeared.

Bohdi moves closer to Tishe and attempts to engage the woman again in a conversation of the mystic arts. Jake and Nauthiz'ull begin an exchange which Garret quickly tries to put down as counter-productive. The gray clouds build overhead even as Anuk casts eyes upward in memory of the dragons. Survival 15 Icers/19 for Blood pack Highlight to display spoiler: { A massive cold and snow front will be in the area by evening camp.}

Aiden stops the group again for a break, and this time, he and Nauthiz'Ull begin to erect shelters. "It is midday, take shelter and warm before we continue. Rebuild strength."

Blood Pack except Trellus need to make 3 saves. Fort DC 16, 17 and 18 failure to any causes fatigue (-2 Str and Dex) and 1d6 damage non lethal. Multiple failures causes exhaustion (-6 Str and Dex). Because of properly worn Cold gear add +5 circumstance bonus. Because of Survival checks add +2 survival bonus. Total +7.

During the groups break with the shelters and the ground begins to shudder lightly and a low rumbling can be heard. Looking outside far to the eastern horizon a herd of mammoth is heading south. They are perhaps 1000 yards away by Aiden and Nauthiz'Ull's count. Normally the about twice as high as Mac at the shoulder, they are still quite visible at this distance. Spot DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { A wolf pack is moving in as well}

The group breaks camp (any who were fatigued are rested, any who were exhausted are now fatigued) and continues to press North. Flat and infinite, the tundra spreads out in all directions. The light snow of the past several hours has reclaimed the land, covering it in a blanket of brilliant white. The clouds overhead continue to build and the touches of the falling temperature are starting to be felt. The group should soon be stopping, when another set of tracks in the snow is spotted. "Ice cat" Nauthiz'Ull breathes in disbelief, as it appears legend may be true. Massive predators that hunt everything from polar bears, to whales, to mammoths. The single trail cuts towards the east, maybe 3 hours old.


Tishe' 5 non-lethal, Fatigued  d20+5=18 d20+12=26 d20+12=14 d20+12=23 d20+5=21 d6=5
Tuesday June 7th, 2005 2:31:13 PM
Moving in correctly fitted wools and furs makes a difference, and Tishe' has enough energy to think and talk, albiet in short bursts. Her ears perk up at Bodhi's talk of spells and the mystic arts, and her brown eyes dance with curiosity. "I would love to talk with you when we have some time... and it is warmer!" she smiles around her muffling furs. "I learned many spells while an apprentice at Hook City."

She smiles thinking of her companion and continues talking to Bodhi. "Flea is a steadfast companion and is usually first into danger. As to if she talks about you," and she pauses with a hint of confusion, "why don't you ask her?"

Tishe' is too concerned over her slowly chilling body to notice anything as the combined group makes a day-camp. (Survival: 18). She helps as she can, but the morning's walk has left her drained and tired (Fort: 26, 14 [5dam], 23)

Huddled in the shelter, the small woman wishes heartily to once again be baked under a scorching sun. "I wwwould lllike that ennndure elemennnts spppell if you wwwould." she chatters at Garrett.

The rumbling of the ground (as well as a little time in the tent) brings Tishe's curiosity out again. She pokes her brown tressed head out and watches the mammoth with an awed expression. (Spot: 21) And then her eyes narrow.

"AIDEN!" she calls, "those animals over there look like my 'wolf' hat. She points at the approaching lupines.

Active Spells
Endure Elements- Pack [19 hours]

Trellus (Endure Elements, Magic Vestment)  d20+4=22 d20+8=24 d20+8=9
Tuesday June 7th, 2005 8:31:34 PM
Trellus' eyes drop in deep chagrin when Garrett casts the first Endure spell on him. His mind casts back to when he also succumbed to the heat, pulling a much needed spell from his pack.

"Domi's Light," the cleric mutters to himself.

Now insulated against the freezing temperatures, Trellus redoubles his efforts to watching over his friends. He sends out heart touches to Flea and Jake.
"She's right," he tells the elf. "We got no way back. And finding whatever it is we supposed to find is probably the fastest way out of here."

At midday, Trellus takes shelter and gets the feeling back in his ears. Looking at the clouds, he wonders about rain. [Survival 22]
"Dudes, didn't we get totally wet the last time we saw clouds like that? What happens when rain freezes?"

The rumbling animals are big, really big. At Tishe's comment, Trellus looks harder [Spot 24].
"Yeah, there's a bunch of those wolf things moving after the, the whatevers." Since everything seems to be moving away, Trellus doesn't worry too much about it, and soon is following after the Ice Dudes.

After a time, its becoming obvious to the insulated cleric that his packmates are getting pretty darn cold. He's about to say something when Nauthiz'Ull says "Ice Cat" in the same kind of tone the Bloodpack uses with "Giant Rapke".

"Uh, is that bad?" he asks, looking around nervously.
[Spot 9]

Regardless of the answer, Trellus insists on finding and/or building shelter. The Bloodpack won't last long in the night. "Better to fight than die in this cold," he opines. And while on that subject, the blond man will reach behind his head into a side pocket on his backback [HHHaversack], pull out a Rod, and cast a spell on his shield [Magic Vestment(extended) 16 hours duration].

As he finishes, he looks at the rod for a long moment.
Dude, sometimes you are so stupid, he tells himself.

He calls over Garrett. "Tomorrow, when you cast your Endure spells, use this. The spell will be last for two days instead of one, so you'll have three extra spells the day after that. It should give you and Little Dude the equal of 9 spells instead of 6."

Another thought, and he looks over to Tishe.
"Don't you have one of these?" he asks.

Gilan  d20+18=21 d20+8=27 d20+17=31 d20+17=18 d20+17=35
Tuesday June 7th, 2005 10:10:32 PM
Gilan is grateful for the break that they take and the shelter from the cold. He has been keeping his mind busy watching and learning what he can pick up from the IcePack. He has not really paid a lot of attention to the cold since then but when they stop he does notice it.

He does move over to Aiden, the maybe leader, and points to the sky with an alarmed look. "I am not sure if you realize and please let me know if I overstep my bounds...but a big storm is brewing." He then turns to spot the massive forms of what he would call elephants but these ones are hairy...really hairy. "What do your people call those hairy things..." His eyes narrow as the wolves are pointed out and he shakes his head as he is not sure....their combined pack would be better and easier prey. "They will find us or at least think us easier prey will they not...the wolves that is."

He looks to Garret and shakes his head at the word...Ice Cat. "Could you explain that one...Ice Cat?" There is a geniune interest in his voice as he looks to the other man for clarification. He does look to Trellus and smiles as he raises his hand to be recognized. "Not sure about Tishe' but I have one of those."

[survival 21, spot 27, fort 31, 18, 35]

0th: create water(2), light, mending, read magic(2)
1st: clw(3), pass without trace(3)
2nd: barkskin(4), lesser restoration
3rd: cmw(2), greater magic fang(2)
4th: dispel magic, flame strike(2)
* used

Made a slight change to my 1st level spells. Gilan has no reason to memorize speak with animals as he has a wand for that. He would not have made that mistake, but I would. Let me know if you want me to change it back.

DM that's cool

Bohdi Nackle  d20=8 d20+2=18
Tuesday June 7th, 2005 10:21:09 PM
"Yes, ice cat?" Bohdi echoed back to Nauthiz'Ull. "What's that?" The city-raised gnome shuddered involuntarily at the idea of a new, unencountered creature. He eyed Flea nervously.

Before he could comment further, however, Trellus commented on the weather, and Bohdi looked skyward. (Survival, untrained = 8) He could divine nothing from the clouds himself, however. He sniffed. "Well, when rain freezes, it makes sleet, or snow, or ... or hail. The hail out here is nasty. We'd better hope it's not that. Aiden, Nauthiz'Ull, what do you think?" Probably not for the last time, Bohdi thought to himself: I wish Frigg'Isa were here with us. She always seemed to know what to do in circumstances like this.

And then there was this "wolf" discussion; that didn't sit well, either. He peered off toward the direction of the mammoths, where the others were looking, (Spot = 18) but couldn't see anything more there than in the clouds. "Hail, and wolves, and some kind of ice cat? What the devil is going on out here on the tundra?"

Spell list:
Gnome Abilities: Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Prestidigitation (cast), Speak with Burrowing Mammals
Level 0: Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light (x2)
Level 1: Color Spray, Endure Elements (x3, cast one on self, 2 on others)

Flea (AC 20, 47 HP, 5 non-lethal, exhausted then fatigued)  d20-1=11 d20+8=14 d20+8=11 d20+8=16 d20+9=20 d6=1 d6=4 d6=2
Tuesday June 7th, 2005 11:50:06 PM
Flea manages a weak smile at Bohdi's eloquent words and gentle arm around her shoulder. "I'm shady," is her response to his offer of the spell. Eyes cast down shyly, she collects the delicate ice-flower. Looking back up, she follows Bohdi's line of sight and wrinkles her nose at the low hanging clouds. (Survival=11)

"I'll be all right, 'Nuk," is her response to the ranger, when he enquires after her.

Flea trudges along, her cloak pulled close about her. She tells Bohdi about her pack, "Trellus is the strong one with blond hair and blue eyes. He's dedicated his life to Domi. He makes sure we all take care of ourselves, and when we are unwell or hurt, he makes us feel better. Grymash tries to be nice, but sometimes he gets really angry. He gets angry mostly when somebody is picking on his friends. He's not too smart, but he's really strong. Jake is the skinny half-elf. Some say he's a lazy good-for-nothing, but I've seen him fight, and he's really good. He likes girls a lot, but I think he's shy. Anuk is nice to me, and we do a lot of things together. He is really good with his bow, but he's kind of nervous around magic. He's kind of artistic. Gilan is the serious one. He's really into nature and is saving up for some kind of special tree or something. Tishe' is nice, and curious about magic and everything. She can sail a boat on the plains! Mac is the best for fighting and doing really hard things where you need to be strong and brave. He's pretty smart, even though he is big like Gry. Mac got killed once, and we had to go get him from Gargul."

Talk of her friends makes the rogue happy, but the cold eventually overcomes the temporary distraction and Flea starts to slurr her words and stumble. (Fort Save 14, 11, 16, all fail)

When the group stops for a rest, she recovers a little. She sees the wolves (Spot=20) but is too tired to say anything about them. When Bohdi passes near, she hails him feebly. Eyes cast down in embarrassment, the gnome asks him if he could use his magic to help her fend off the elements.

Special Effects:

Fatigued, -2 to Strength and Dexterity
DM Note: it was a 1d6 for each failed save I added


Nauthiz'Ull  d20+12=19 d20+8=21 d20+9=29 d20+12=24 d20+12=28
Wednesday June 8th, 2005 2:04:17 AM
The keen eyes of the ranger have paid off once again{Survival-19 / Spot-21}, or maybe it was the lessons of Ull'Heimdall that paid off? Either way Nauth discovers the Ice Cat's tracks in a somewhat suprised manner. He closes his eyes and tries conjuring up the images and features that his father once portrayed of these fearsome beasts{Know:Nature-29 NAT 20!}.

As the Bloodpack begin asking questions about the weather and the Ice Cat, Nauth does his best to address them.

As he talks about the Ice Cat a bit his focus is towards the heavens as he does his best to figure out the weather pattern{Survival-24}.

Ha. Frigga would be proud that I have learned so much about the weather from her. She would know what to do right now.

A faint, pained chuckle escapes from the tightening throat of the lonely young man and he kneels down and picks up a handful of snow.

"This is snow and is the biproduct of rain and cold weather. My little wunjo over there is right though, the hail is what is to be worried about and hopefully it will not be the case this evening, as a storm is definetely rolling in."

After all questions are sufficiently answered and the few Bloodpack are thawed out, Nauth walks over to Garret and lays a hand on his shoulder.

"My wunjo you make us proud with your commitment to us. Domi has given you more than his magics, he has given you unyeilding loyalty and honor."

The ranger then decides to make a quick sweep around the Ice Cat tracks to see if there are any other tracks or signs as to why it is out and about{Survival-28}. On his way past Bohdi, Nauth ruffles his hair/hood saying, in a teasing manner, something about a girlfriend.

Jake 
Wednesday June 8th, 2005 5:27:53 AM
Jake is frustrated and in a generally bad mood most of the day, as is apparent from his frequent mutterings and annoyed exasperations. It's not just the town they left behind, it's this COLD.
For a good three hours as they plod on, he just thinks about how cold he feels, and imagines all the times he spent lying on a spot wishing it were shadier and cooler...he thinks about the sun, having made his skin a nice dark near brown, and wonders if he stays in these icelands long enough, will it turn white like the snow, like these northerners? Wondering soon leads to wishing, soon leads to just annoyed thoughts, which soon brings him to sullen withdrawnness. He finds himself sleeping a lot, and not wanting to move at all when he is awake. When someone does ask him to do something he doesn't chatter amiably, but merely does it, grudgingly.

At one point, however, he does engage in speaking to the others about what the worst part of this snow stuff is.
It's not the fact that it lies down, and you can fall in.
It's not that it becomes hard and scrapy, even sharp, and can hurt or be slippery.
It's not that it falls down in little drops all over, and there's no avoiding it.
It's not that it's everywhere; on the ground, in the air, on water, dripping off of anything still.
It's that it comes from all directions, with the wind, blowing up through one's blankets, settling down on one's sleeping bag, bringing with it the cold.
The only good thing about the snow, he admits, is that he can eat some of it, and it melts into water, cold and fresh. But, he warns the others, don't eat the yellow snow.

Grymash  d20+2=20 d20+8=25
Wednesday June 8th, 2005 7:46:22 AM
Grymash agrees with Trellus' suggestions for spell preparation. He's glad he did, Grymash would have never thought that 'Feel Good in Sticky Hot' magik would work here as well. This is everything but hot or sticky. The barbarian does his best to figure out what these 'furry rags' are worn. They're much like the little grass eater he hunted in the forest.

Throughout the day, he follows with his pack. He keeps a sharp eye for any other dangers, but he's not sure what to look for.

(Spot 20, Survival 25)
----------------------------
Spell list:
0 level - Detect magic, Guidance, Create water, Read magic
1st level - Longstrider (domain), Endure Elements (2), Protection from Evil
2nd level - See Invisible (domain), Bull Strength, Bear's Endurance


Garrett 
Wednesday June 8th, 2005 8:51:17 AM
As the assembly breaks to discuss the weather and the Ice Cat tracks, Garrett hears Tishe's request for the endure elements spell and quickly looks around to see that Flea also seems to be suffering quite harshly.

"Aiden we must camp soon for the night, some of us are succumbing to the cold. How far is it to the den that we sheltered in on the first trip? If not too far, we should try and push for that. If it is a ways, we may need to make do with the best thing we can find nearby."

"Tishe, Flea, you both need the spell. There is only one left at this time. Which of you will get it? we will try and camp soon, but it may be a little bit before we find suitable shelter for the night. I will use the rod so that it will last two days, and have more for the other in the morning."

Once it has been decided, Garrett will use Trellus' rod to cast the last endure elements as an extended spell. "This is magnificent Trellus Did your pack craft this?"

After Nauth speaks with him, Garrett clasps his arm and nods a very heartfelt thanks to his friend. "Thank you wunjo, you have no idea how much I appreciate that."

Bohdi Nackle (illegal second)  d20=1
Wednesday June 8th, 2005 10:01:29 AM
Seeing Flea in such distress, Bohdi raced to her side and supported her with one arm. "Garrett ...." He indicated the gnome next to him with pleading eyes, indicationg his vote as to who should receive the spell. Ooc: not clear to me who would cast the spell, Garrett or Bohdi. If it were Bohdi, he had already pledged the spell to Flea.

"Hold on now, love," Bohdi whispered to Flea. "We've seen this before--the tundra can take it out of the strongest among us, even the likes of Aiden over there. A little rest overnight will see you better." He tried to support her weight and help her to walk as best he could (Aid Another = 1), but he was a miserable failure at it.

"I agree with Aiden," Bohdi indicated. "We should camp soon."

Garrett (illegal second)  d20+7=8
Wednesday June 8th, 2005 10:33:13 AM
( ooc: As far as who has the last endure elements, I would assume that each Bohdi and Garrett kept one in reserve. Since Garrett used his previously on trellis, that would leave the last one with Bohdi. If Bohdi cast his last endure elements on flea once she started showing signs of exhaustion/fatigue, Garrett does the following.)

Garrett checks on Tishe to see how she is doing(heal check: 8). Probably not quite sure how she is faring, Garrett pulls his two winter blankets from his pack and tries to wrap them around Tishe to keep her warmer.
"We will be stopping to camp soon Tishe, can you make it until then?"

Trellus - second post 
Wednesday June 8th, 2005 11:51:59 AM
Cast it on Flea

Anuk (endurance, endure elements - 2 non-lethal, fatigued)  d20+18=37 d20+18=19 d20+18=38 d6=2 d20+13=20 d20+11=16
Wednesday June 8th, 2005 11:57:35 AM
Anuk continues the march forward, although, in a landscape like this it's hard to tell forward from backward. But, he trusts that these new friends know the way. For the first hour, he feels pretty confident in his ability to adapt to the cold (fort 37), but within another hour he realizes the danger of overconfidence as the cold begin to take its toll on him (fort 19 - nat 1 - fatigued, 2pts non-lethal). He forces himself to concentrate and pay better attention to his surroundings during the last part of the march, careful not to let his guard down again (fort 38 - nat 20!).

The clouds on the horizon worry him. (survival 20, spot 16) "Trellus is right -- we will need shelter soon." Anuk becomes increasingly worried about Flea and Tishe' as the day progresses. He offers a heart touch to each of them, but is unsure what other aid he can offer.

The tracks offer a bit of a distraction, and Anuk finds them intriguing. He turns to Nauthiz'Ull and repeats the same question others have. "Umm..what exactly is an 'ice cat'?"

Day Camp 1 DM Post 
Wednesday June 8th, 2005 2:10:15 PM
As part of the Blood Pack begin to feel the effects of teh bitter cold and with a large storm within hours it is agreed upon that despite the 6 hours of remaining daylight, it is more prudent to stay at the mid day camp and make it the overnight camp. More tents are erected forming a semi-circular wall and the space between filled with several feet of snow. The result is an ingenious wind wall and on the east side the ambient temperature rises noticably to teh Blood Pack. It also permits the construction of 2 small fires to further warm the group.

Discussion at camp then turn to the Mammoth herd, snow storms and Ice Cats. Mammoths are the massive 'hairy elephants' seen earlier. A good source of food and skin, but a herd is generally dangerous to attack, as they don't scatter but form up against interlopers. Ice Cats until now were strictly legend to Nauthiz'Ull and Aiden. They are great white tigers with supernatural speed and power. Depending on the stories they can be fromn the size of a large mammoth to the size of a large bear. The great prints found suggest the former however. Collectively Gilan, Nauthiz'Ull and Aiden estimate the cat at just over 30' and at least several tons. Snow storms are dangerous and first hand knowledge is about to be gained.

Within several hours, those who were suffering from the cold are feeling better. the muscle fatigue all but gone and frostbite is very minor as well. The thicker clouds continue to build and soon enough the snow beigins to fall. In massive white sheets, the wind picks up and blasts the small encampment. While certainly not as big as a storm the Icers have seen, this one promises ot be cold by thier standards and put down several feet of snow.

However, the signs read by all do not justify the power that Mother Wold calls forth. The temperature plummets as the storm increases to near hurricane proportions. Being outside is virtual suicide for any not magically protected by one of Garret or Bohdi's spells. Even with the huddled tents the increasing cold can be felt. Hours grind on and the wind maintains a constant roar, making communication heighten to near shouting levels.



Tishe' 
Wednesday June 8th, 2005 4:46:15 PM
Upon warming up, the brown haired girl feels much better. She also gets her brain functioning again, and nods to Trellus. "Yes, I also have a Rod to extend my spells. Should be no reason we can't share the rod to increase the spells."

"In fact, with the Bloodpack here, couldn't the wunjoo's study ONLY thier element spells? The Bloodpack could cover any magical attack needs while the Wunjoos take care of us?"

Tishe' is amazed at the power of the storm, but not curious enough to watch it sweep across the small camp.



Flea (AC 20, 47 HP, 5 non-lethal, fatigued, Endure Elements) 
Wednesday June 8th, 2005 7:08:21 PM
Flea closes her eyes as Bohdi works his magic. The rest of the trek isn't quite as bad, but the female gnome is still grateful when the party stops to make camp.

"I shall have to speak to the management at the Catacombs about this cloak," she stutters through clenched teeth. "It doesn't seem to work like it's supposed to."

Flea watches at the natives build an efficient camp. She feels a little guilty at not being able to contribute, but she is just so cold. Maybe if she keeps her eyes open, she can learn something and be a better help next time.

As the storm picks up, she looks at the arc of small tents, and wonders where she will spend the night. Tishe' is the only other female of the party, but it has been a long time since she has had the company of one of her own kind. She watches Bohdi surreptitiously as he sets up camp with the others. The delicate ice flower is still in her hand.

Special Effects:

Fatigued, -2 to Strength and Dexterity
Endure Elements-from Bohdi


Gilan 
Wednesday June 8th, 2005 7:17:50 PM
Gilan listens to the descriptions of the ice cat and makes mental notes to make sure and see one at a distance if possible...though he does not voice this idea, though Trellus and the others maybe able to read his ideas from past experience.

He settles into the tent and pulls out his winter blanket to huddle under once again. He pulls the extend rod that he has from his pack and lays it out upon his blanket edge. "The IcePack can make use of my rod as well if they want...I do not mind taking more healing and attack spells as needed." He pulls out a small pouch that contains some herbs in it and offers it to whoever is fixing food. "Mix this with some hot water for a lovely tea...it will also warm us from the inside."

When the storm finally hits in its full force he starts to move towards the entrance flap...that is till he most likely gets that look from Trellus. He then sheepishly sits back down and pulls out an assortment of stuff that he has collected. He has been meaning to collect the seeds from the pinecones that he collected and the flowers to examine them further. A book will emerge some time later that he starts to make noted in with drawings of the plants and cones.

0th: create water(2), light, mending, read magic(2)
1st: clw(3), pass without trace(3)
2nd: barkskin(4), lesser restoration
3rd: cmw(2), greater magic fang(2)
4th: dispel magic, flame strike(2)
* used

Trellus 
Wednesday June 8th, 2005 8:09:06 PM
To Garrett - "No, we didn't weave them. We bought them at The Catacombs." Trellus's face takes on a momentary look of concern. "You dudes can get to The Catacombs, right?"

The Wunjos describe the Ice Cat, and it gets Trellus' full attention.
"Bigger than those things?" he asks incredulously, while waving a hand haphazardly at the mammoths. "Light."

He turns to his pack.

"OK, we run into this thing, Tishe you enlarge Gry. Gry and Mac and Jake take it straight up. Stay close to Gry so I can get to whoever it hits fast. Everyone else weave from a distance."
He makes this last comment to Flea.
"Don't try to flank it," he tells her. "If it turns around, I might not get to you fast enough."

The roaring wind and shaking walls invade the young cleric's senses.
He rolls his eyes at Gilan's move toward the tent flap, and the druid returns a half smile. An entire conversation just occurred in those brief moments.

As the wind screams on, and the temperature obviously drops, Trellus looks to the Ice Dudes for guidance.

Aiden 
Wednesday June 8th, 2005 9:10:46 PM
Aiden listened to how the BLoodpack spoke of trying to take down an Ice Cat. It would truly be a battle...one he would like to fight in.

"Might want to partner in the same tents...More bodies to keep the warmth. "Priests...I would suggest praying for fire and heat spells in case this storm lasts longer than expected as well as those protective spells."

Looking at Nauthiz for his input, Aiden also adds, "we might have to create a wall to break the wind, maybe ice dome Nauthiz?"

(OOC: aka igloo...or am I reaching gm's?)

(OOC: *laughs as he re-reads that last line and decides to keep it in anyway*)

Jake 
Thursday June 9th, 2005 3:12:30 AM
Jake is utterly miserable at this extreme experience. He huddels in his blankets and is absolutely of no use. "Fight?? You guys are crazy... how are we gonna move around, let alone fight in this weather?"
Jake tries taking off the blankets and using tightly wrapped furs, then stepping around.. The COLD! cold, cold, cold, he thinks to himself... "I can only do this a little while. Can you guys boil some water and keep it ready for us if we do fight?"

Nauthiz'Ull  d20+12=18
Thursday June 9th, 2005 8:14:41 AM
The blue-eyed ranger looks around and takes in portions of different conversations. Battle tactics and Catacombs and breaking the wind.

There are definetely more bodies than the young man is used to traveling with yet his feeling of loneliness grows on him.

Ull'Heimdall. Dear sister Frigg'Isa. My body stays strong but my emotions make me weak. These new foreigners have interesting ideas but not one intrigues me in conversation as either of you did. You both are missed.

Every now and then Nauth bundles up a bit and pushes outside to judge the storm and see its progress past them{Survival-18}.

Aiden's question perks Nauth's ears and the lanky one answers according to what he has been seeing outside.

After feeling assured that everything will withstand the storm Nauth runs his hand through his twigged hair and does some quick stretches. Once he feels relaxed enough her breaks into his jerky and water and begins to talk with the others.

"Catacombs? I am not sure that I understand. That sounds like a place that you wouldn't want to go. Is this a place in you homelands? Where are your homelands?"

For the evening the young man sits with the new company and his wunjos, talking and doing his best to keep the mood light. If they all have to be stuck together then try to make it enjoyable. He keeps Ull'Heimdall's bow on his lap and cleans it, checks and oils the string and the likes. Every now and then he also removes a figurine of a small maiden. The figurine is recognized by an observant wunjo as being Frigga's.

Mac  d20+1=7 d20+14=33 d20+14=32 d20+14=23 d20-1=16
Thursday June 9th, 2005 9:00:16 AM
[Survival:7, Fort Saves:33,32,23]

With the afternoon encamped Mac tries to get involved in the conversations, but quickly gets a hint and backs off. [Diplomacy:16]

Talk of the ice cat piques his curiosity. And though he doesn't add to the conversation and agrees with Trellus' plan, he would much rather not run into it all.



Bohdi Nackle 
Thursday June 9th, 2005 12:36:20 PM
As they walked and set up camp, Bohdi listened with rapt attention to Flea's description of her companions. Bohdi reciprocated, regaling Flea with stories of the dour and taciturn ranger Aiden, the optimistic priest of Domi Garrett, and the happy-go-lucky, inwardly grief-stricken ranger Nauthiz'Ull.

And Frigg'Isa. Bohdi had lots to say about the brave, warm, compassionate witch who had sacrificed herself for the rest of them.

"'sfunny," Bohdi remarked, cocking his head sideways and gazing at Flea with a wry, quizzical expression. "I can't say as I've ever much cared for talking about people before. I've always spent my time with alchemy and academe, spellbooks and elixirs. But, somehow, talking with you ... it just doesn't seem to matter. It's all good."

Bohdi tended to the female gnome as best he could, making certain that she took full advantage of the fire to chase away the tundra's chill. He brought blankets and food to warm her and restore her energy. As the storm intensified, Bohdi huddled close to Flea--"it's the best way to stay warm," he explained.

Bohdi smiled and relaxed as he sat next to Flea. His companions had never seen him so at peace and content before--not even in the depths of his ice wine cups. He patted Squork gently on the head and spoke in low, warm tones with a throaty laugh.

"Now, Furtif Aeanora," Bohdi chided gently, his eyes glittering with amusement. "You haven't told me anything about your own life. How did a beautful, enchanting gnome like yourself happen to end up with this lot?" It was clear that Bohdi was prepared to continue talking well into the evening, and as the discussion turned to sleeping, Bohdi suggested as much.

"I usually take an early watch--but with so many of us here, surely we can watch in pairs. Perhaps ... um, perhaps Furtif Aeanora and I could share the first watch? That way ... that way she could get more uninterrupted rest to recover from the cold, and I could get more rest to prepare spells for tomorrow." He looked over at Flea hopefully. "That is--if that'd be all right with you."

Storm Watch Day ? DM Post 
Thursday June 9th, 2005 2:55:42 PM
The 4 tents have been set and staked, a wind wall erected and everyone has now saught out shelter within the tents. As the last people move to the further protection the furs provide the area enters a complete whiteout. The tent not 5 feet away turns invisible in the whirling snow.

Throughout the deepening night the storm rages and the snow blasts the area. The thickened clouds turns the Tundra into a deep set black and save for the small fires burning within each of 4 tents, no light can be seen. It is very clear to the young men of Ice Vein that Celsiun, Ás-Iss, Ás-Snjar walks in this storm and he is angry. Heat from the small fires mixes with the air and moisture and ice froms into the inner walls of each tent. Worried looks at the encroaching substance by various members of the Blood Pack are quickly calmed as the tents are designed for such to happen, it will further insulate from the deadly wind. Each Icer also seperates several hollowed long shafts of bone and slide them together. This 15' hollowed tube is then slid at an angle on the leeward side of the tent to allow the fire an escape.

The Icers are split one in each tent and Nauthiz'Ull and Aiden move between the tents early in the storm but soon enough each makes a single last trip and tells the occupance that this is the last time until the storm abates and issue strict orders against any leaving the shelter for any reason. If teh tents become completely buried we shall dig connecting tunnels while we wait out the storm.

Watches, except for those inside of a tent are quickly abandoned as the temperature plunges to levels beyond even the scope of magics provided by Garret and Bohdi. The results of exposure beyond the safety of the tents can only be imagined at.

The storm continues and the dark hours wear on slowly, Imaginations can only attempt to fill in what the outer wold must look like. Days begin to blend together and still the wind howls, the snow falls and air strips life as surely as the touch of Gargul himself. The quarters begin to feel constricted, muscles tighten and cramp, rations and more importantly fire fuel begin to wane. How long has it been? Is this day 3 or 4? The entire Wold is now 15' across and 5' high.


Tishe' 
Thursday June 9th, 2005 4:19:18 PM
Inside the tent is warm enough that the brown-haired woman's mind is alive and working. The first little while, she can keep engaged by talking about the Sargrass Plains and the great Hook City and the magic therein.

Then she brings out her drop spindle and makes wool and weaves.

Then she uses prestidigitation to entertain and amuse.

Then she is irritable, waspish, and has to forcibly restrain herself from tearing the cover off the entrance. "I'm so warped up I'm going to cut someone's threads if we don't get out of this piggie hole soon!"

Nauthiz'Ull 
Thursday June 9th, 2005 7:27:27 PM
Celsiun's frown has grown to a scowl it appears. This night will get to the Pack. Ice dementia has a way with foreigners.

The ranger enters the last tent, not sure who he will find from the Pack as his roomie.
~~~~~~~~~~~
i will continue when I know who is in the same tent as Nauth. BP go ahead and pick.

Trellus 
Thursday June 9th, 2005 8:40:29 PM
Trellus is in the same tent as Nauth, room for one more of the Bloodpack

Trellus stalks back and forth across the space available, which is all of five strides.
He has been hot before, he has been cold before, he has been fatigued to the point of giving up, he has dangled precariously from the top of a high dome, and once he was ordered to spend two days in a back kitchen doing nothing but washing dishes - Thanks, Jake.

But he has never been stuck in a dark closet for days with absolutely nothing to do.

This TOTALLY bites grass, he mutters to himself.

The need for physical activity consumes him. Trellus does some pushups. He does situps. He jogs in place. He does squats. He checks the tent. He checks his companion's health. He checks the tent again.

Finally, somewhat physically tired, he thinks of as many different ways to describe how much being cooped up totally bites. Trellus is a pretty bright guy, so that takes up a good hunk of time. Then he switches to orc, and given that language's many extra ways to describe suffering and pain, that takes even longer.

Then he does some pushups....

Will this beater baked boredom never end?!?

Gilan 
Thursday June 9th, 2005 11:10:07 PM
Gilan is not picky about who's tent he stays in but figures that it will most likely not be with Flea or Tishe', though he does share a hut with Flea.

He spends his time buried in the plants that he has collected and building up his notes in his book. He will of course spend time with Tishe' as he talks to her of things related to nature. He gets her ideas on what they have seen and lets her look over his notes and drawings. "What do you think of the mammoth and wolf drawings...do they look close enough to what they look like?" He will otherwise spend his time trying to get in tune with the forces of nature outside...during the morning hours and days, if possible he will spend some of it outside...morning prayers.

His hut had been small but this is beyond anything that he has ever endured but he knows that he can make the best of it. He even changes into a rat at one point and runs around the tent, looking things over. This makes it better as his size a lot smaller than his normal one, but he is still around a foot long or so...maybe more.

0th: create water(2), light, mending, read magic(2)
1st: clw(3), pass without trace(3)
2nd: barkskin(4), lesser restoration
3rd: cmw(2), greater magic fang(2)
4th: dispel magic, flame strike(2)
* used

Flea 
Friday June 10th, 2005 12:33:36 AM
Flea doesn't mind the size of the accomodations at all. In fact it kind of reminds her of some of the smaller holes back home. Sort of dark and cozy. She shares a tent with Bohdi, and hopes one of the Bloodpack stays as well. Maybe Tishe', Jake, or Anuk. Anyone but the sour faced ranger who is always giving her the evil eye.

Without his big fur hat and muffler, Bohdi looks younger than his first impression. His fair hair pulled back in a short queue and bright blue eyes giving him a casually attractive air that Flea finds quite appealing. His keen intelligence and willingness to share his ideas reminds her of her father.

The first day, Flea will tell Bohdi about herself. http://www.woldiangames.com/repose/repose_characters/flea.htm and fall asleep curled up next to the sorcerer, her head on his shoulder.

The second day, she will take an inventory of her gear, clean and mend her equipment, and repack he HHHaversack.

The third day she will show Bodhi some of her magic stuff like her Boots of Speed, her Seals, the weird Necklace of Molasses, and her rings (Protection and Featherfall, encouraging him to try everything out.

The fourth day, she will break out the contraband bottle of ice wine, share it with Bohdi and whoever else is in the tent. She will practice her Gnomish with Bohdi and try to teach it to whoever is their tent-mate. Later, she will tell funny and embarassing stories about her pack-mates. Like, when there was an electrical storm, and they took off all their clothes (underwear excepted) and stood in the middle of a dirt circle to avoid being electrocuted, or the time Grymash put on the belt of gender change, or when Jake ran off with a Dryad.

Nauthiz'Ull 
Friday June 10th, 2005 10:09:44 AM
There could always be a worse tent mate

These times even start to eat away at Nauth. Being cooped up with a stranger, not being able to follow tracks every morning and not sitting in the tent talking with Frigga. The dark skinned boy lets out a heavy sigh.

The need for physical activity consumes him. Trellus does some pushups. He does situps. He jogs in place. He does squats. He checks the tent. He checks his companion's health. He checks the tent again.

"NO, I will not cough for you! Trellus, your energy to stay fit added to your Ice Dementia will begin making you stir crazy. Let me tell you a story..."

The ranger will tell a couple of stories, including how he failed his first hunt. Most of the stories for some reason have one mister Bohdi Nackle lying somewhere in the punchline. Trellus can that there is a strong bond with Nauth and Bohdi however.

"Riddle me this wunjo. You and the Bloodpack are very structured and methodical when it comes to fighting. How do you know what to do?"

As the days pass Nauth will begin digging the tunnels to the other tents. On down time he will continue to tell Trellus the same stories over and over again...

"...and I have never seen someone so talented with magic as to make snow turn to such an interesting color of yellow!"


Anuk 
Friday June 10th, 2005 11:50:50 AM
As the bitter storm rages, Anuk is grateful just to be in a tent, having Flea and Bohdi's company is gravy. At first, with the numbing cold, he keeps so close to the fire that his clothes begin to smoke, backing off only when he must. He listens to the stories of the two gnomes and shares a few of his own - the time Gry tried to climb down a rope that was anchored to himself; fighting to defend the moth; his lonely weeks out on the Plains when he fell from the ship; his sudden and unexpected rescue by the pack that brought him to strange lands. Sometimes he's quiet, sometimes he sleeps. After a few days, he begins to wonder if he'll ever see the sky again.

"Bohdi, are all the storms like this here?"

(ooc: sorry for the missed post yesterday)

Jake 
Friday June 10th, 2005 12:39:09 PM
Jake isn't dealing well with this.
Jake paces his small tent back and forth, but can't do anything. He tries exercises, but like Trellus, to no avail. But he also lacks the priest of Domi's introspectiveness.
Still, what can you do?
He sits, watching the people he's stuck with. He makes jokes. He tells stories. He tries to do everything but complain. But by the time he's fallen asleep and woken up, the only thing he can think of is complaining, but through his traditional manner of joking. He tries to make games of making fun of the situation, of other packmates, of the people themselves. He teaches the people he's in the tent with how to gamble, and with some well-worn cards passes many hours.
But finally there's just that time when he wants out, when he wants freedom, and can't have it. He tries opening a tent flap and glmuly looks at the ice, and realizes he's trapped.
Trapped...in a tent...covered with snow.
The idea that they're underground suddenly disturbs them. The next time he's trying to sleep, he dreams of all the snow above him just collapsing, smothering him slowly. He knows it could happen at any moment.
"We've got to get out of here," he mumbles, and so he starts to panic.


Aiden 
Friday June 10th, 2005 3:32:25 PM
Aiden quietly watched as the various people(s) divided up into the various tents. While this was occurring, he carefully surveyed the various groups that he could 'find' himself with...

Bohdi/Flea: ~why do they call her flea? She doesn't appear filthy like some of those at Twin Tusks? They appear to be enjoying each other's company...~

A thought came to Aiden's mind and he shuddered, trying to shake the thought from his head.

Tishe: ~A rather comely, though 'small' woman. Her exotic features did intrigue him as did her knowledge of the lands beyond Ice Vein. She does seem to enjoy talking and is polite enough...but it could be sometime alone. No...the temptation would be there...~ as he knew that these foreigners obviously had different beliefs about their womenfolk, and it was tough enough as it was to adjust to those of his adopted village. No...he'd have to keep his distance.

Jake: ~they appear to have taken Nauthiz into the tent. Perhaps that would be as well as he'll need some to talk to and get his mind off of Frigga...~ as Aiden silently nodded at that set.

Gry: Aiden eyed the ork warily. He knew that orks were highly territorial, at least from Twin Tusks, and several days within the same tent would lead to very loud and physical confrontations, unless they had some wine or mead. ~perhaps...~

Gillan: When he saw Gillan move towards Tishe's tent, he knew that the decision had been made. He was perhaps the one quiet individual who Aiden could possibly had been able to spend several days with...But if he was going to share Tishe's tent...that choice was now unavailable.

He was going to stay with Jake. These strangers brought many words and ideas from foreign lands, and if Aiden was to survive, he had to learn their meaning. Perhaps some of the ideas could actually be applied to his own life (and survival).

Of course, this was contingent on Jake not MINDING having the ranger.

If this occurs, Jake finds that Aiden is quite willing to listen to his stories and adventures. He takes to learning the card games, being quite wary of any trickery. Aiden had seen many warriors kill each other over the spoils of a battle due to the roll of the bones.

Though his beard was fairly short, the young man was fairly intelligent, and quick to pick up any inconsistencies. In particular, he enjoys listening on the different creatures that the pack have encountered given the varied environments.

During the time, Jake also finds that the young man doesn't like to talk. His responses and questions are short and to the point, even with the jokes, trying to find out their 'meaning' if he didn't catch on quickly.

Eyeing Jake, he could tell that this warrior did not enjoy the lack of freedom this was causing him. And so, Aiden tried to ask or spur on Jake's stories, demonstrations of fighting or knowledge, with a quick word or question (OOC: unlike this post).

(OOC: btw, I'm going on a cruise Sunday the 12th to the 19th...if someone is willing to play Aiden, it would truly be appreciated.)

Mac 
Friday June 10th, 2005 4:43:19 PM
Mac takes a place in the tent left vacant by the Wunjos. Sealing the entrance behind him, he turns and smiles at the other occupant(s) ::Tishe' I'm guessing. Anyone else?:: and takes a look at the cramped conditions. "This will be a very tight weave." He carries the greataxe as he crawls, cautious and aware what the weapon or his horns could do to the thin wall separating them from the cold storm. "Looks like I'm going to have to take this storm lying down."

Giving Galea the freedom to enter and leave her carrier as she chooses, Mac settles in and eventually starts asking riddles and setting puzzles.

Bohdi Nackle 
Friday June 10th, 2005 5:32:26 PM
A stray thought crossed Bohdi's mind: is this really some strange delusion, a dream, perhaps the tricks of an evil djinn? After all, here he was with the gnome of his dreams, tucked away in a secluded place ...

But he suspected that the dream wouldn't include the pleasant, but otherwise oddly placed, fellow Anuk.

It was easy enough for Bohdi to keep track of the passage time. The spells that he cast to keep himself and his tent-mates comfortable in the cold would expire and leave them chilled promptly upon the "morning" of each new day. And as his capacity to memorize and cast new spells depended on his ability to sleep, Bohdi was sure to take advantage of the time to study and rest as much as possible, even unlimbering his alchemy equipment and tinkering with various possible concoctions. Unlike many of the others, Bohdi had never had a difficulty puttering for days on end. In fact, the down-time allowed Bohdi to pursue one of his pet projects: using one of the pearls that had been gifted to him upon passing the rite of passage, Bohdi cast the spell to identify the enchanted dagger that he had carried since the haunted cave on Burfell.

And Bohdi was most surprised by what wasn't happening with him as regarded Flea. With most people--male or female--Bohdi would find himself bored, irritated, and distracted by their company after just a few hours at best. Always a loner and bookworm by inclination, Bohdi had always found more interesting conversationm with the vellum of a tome of knowledge or the stopper of a test tube than with another living being. And, indeed, Bohdi had with him all of those things, including the shaman's book of High Woldian knowledge, to examine. But, strangely, Bohdi frequently found himself putting his books and beakers aside to talk, laugh, chat, and play games with Anuk and this strange, wonderful, and fascinating creature nicknamed Flea.

She was like no one he had ever met before--fun-loving and carefree, yet mature, responsible, and loyal to a fault. Entertaining, inquisitive, and intelligent, and yet not haughty or distant like so many of the spellcasters Bohdi had spent his youth with. And a gnome like none of those he had ever encountered in Zarnan City--or anywhere else. Increasingly, Bohdi began to feel the stirrings of a strange new feeling--a feeling of wanting to stay with Flea even after this adventure had reached its end--a feeling of wanting her with him. And of wondering whether that would be possible.

It was exilhirating--and terrifying, all at once.

Ooc: this post by Blackberry in the airport--sorry for any BB typos--and will, regrettably, be my last until Wednesday. We left this undecided but I'll nominate Drew to post for Bohdi in my absence.

Apart from what's said above, Bohdi will spend the time deciphering the book of High Woldian and tinkering with alchemy. If the tents open to one another and the group is still snowbound, he will confer with Tishe about the possibility of scribing scrolls or, less likely, copying spells.

Grymash 
Saturday June 11th, 2005 7:32:46 PM
The half orc watches as his pack disband and pair up with the silly weak folk wearing skins that belong to something else. And yet, it registers in the barbarian's brain that these strange garments seem to protect the stangers from the cold 'creepers'.

Gry watches as Trellus is followed by the other pack's Domi cleric, he turns to see the taciturn ranger follow Jake, and makes his decision. Better to spend the time comparing weapons and combat stories then being lectured to. The tatooed half-orc ducks in order to clear the low entry-way. Dropping his pack in a corner, he grips his double axe, and thrusts it in front of Aiden. Pointing to the ranger's weapon, he jokes with a toothy grin, "Dat not an axe. Dis be an axe!" Having a modicum of sense, he does not twirl it inside the tent.

Justin Webber (DM) Closing of the Storm 
Saturday June 11th, 2005 8:55:58 PM
(OOC:Sorry for not posting this yesterday everyone. I had some unexpected problems occur.)

Emergence from the storm is no easy task, but it finally done. Cold wet and tired the group emerges from the snowy prison that held them for so many days. The landscape is bathed anew it glittering white. White wisps of clouds float gently above and the sun, so long just a dream, shines in the sky. Though it appears almost subdued, in hues of orange and red,
instead of the normal brilliant yellow and white. The tents are abandoned out of necessity, with the promise that a wolf den can be used this evening, ice spikes as needed the next and after that a cave on Burfell. It would simply take to many days toil to excavate the hundreds of square feet of snow now 12 thick over the tents.

The young rangers will spot a crossing of tracks, recent. The storm over the last few days show the prints well and ice marks in the prints reveal the time frame, neither can determine how many wolves there could be.
Wolf packs tend to travel in column formations on the tundra to protect themselves from predators. Definitely greater than 10 and mixed with Winter Wolves, large ones at that. As the two rangers examine the ground the others begin to gather about. The size of the larger prints become a bit clearer, as they are slightly larger than Mac's. Some odd marks lend
both to believe some of the normal wolves are sickened. Probably from breathing the ash, the pack will outdistance the stragglers quick
enough. This will make them more dangerous when the troupe catches them, for the wolf trail too, leads to Búrfell. Survival DC 25 Icers DC30 Blood Pack Highlight to display spoiler: { Sets of humanoid prints along the same path}

DM Note: spell lists, order of the march column please. It has been several days with the extend rod being used so everyone should be
covered by a native Endure Elements spell and Garret and Bohdi would be tapped.


Flea 
Saturday June 11th, 2005 9:45:46 PM
Having consumed her fair share of the ice wine, Flea tosses and turns in her sleep, muttering incoherently. A few words, a cautious 'stay back', and then 'be careful Sam Buskins' followed by 'everyone be as quiet as possible' can be made out before the rogue's dream state changes and she settles into a soft rhythmic snoring.

In the morning, Flea's sensitive ears register the quiet, and she cautiously peeps outside the tent. The sun on the glittering white of this strange world causes the gnome's eyes to run with tears. Returning to the comfortable dim light of the tent, she moves in close to Bohdi. "You've been looking after me, and 'Nuk, at some cost to yourself," Flea meets the gnomes blue eyes, "'an we 'preciate it. Flea removes the weird necklace from around her neck. "I want you to have this*" she says as she places it around the sorcerer's neck. Then, flipping the top of her mitt back she removes one of her rings, "and this**." Flea grasps Bohdi's hand and slips a ring on his middle finger. "It's not much, but you're...um...important to me...um...to...ah...the pack..ah...you know what I mean?" Suddenly red faced, Flea breaks off eye contact. Pulling the collar of her cloak up high, she ducks through the flap of the tent and exits into the new day.

Flea will take a place at the end of the middle of the line behind the bigger folk making trail, directly behind Bohdi.

(OOC: If DM permits, Flea will give Bohdi Nackle her Necklace of Molasses and her Ring of Protection as permanent gifts.

*Necklace of Molasses-a ball detonates an area Slow Spell (just like the spell). Everyone in a 30ft radius must make a will save or be slowed. 3 balls. 5th level. DC 18.

**Ring of Protection (+1) p. 232 DMG-continual magical protection in the form of a deflection bounus of +1 to AC)


Tishe' 
Sunday June 12th, 2005 10:47:49 AM
Tishe' is pleased at how the Bloodpack and Ice Vien are combining magic capabilities to help both groups. Bohdi and Garrett have about three Red Spells (i.e. 1st level) each per day. With the combination of the three Extend Spell Rods (from Trellus, Gilan, and Tishe') the Ice Vein spellcasters only have to use five spells a day and five charges of the Rods to cover all ten people in both groups. That means either Bodhi or Garrett still has a Red Spell in reserve and each Rod has at least one charge left for extending another spell. Yes, thinks Tishe', that keeps spells up for everybody, and the average-looking woman doesn't mind that her Rod has two charges expended for the day.

"Trellus, Garrett", calls the small woman when they are all at the surface of the snow, "I was meditating with Mother Wold and have a spell that allows me to calm animals. If not attacked immediately, I may be able to avoid unnecessary killing."

With Mac and Garrett in the same tent as Tishe', she manages not to kill anything or anyone, and is in fact quite facinated about all three of them having such different upbringing. But now, Tishe' is ready to strike out towards the Mountain, complete the quest that they were summoned for, and then get back to WARMTH!

Spells Active:
Garrett's Endure Elements: 48 hours [extended]

Spells Memorized:
Orisons (3):
*Cure Minor Wounds: Cures 1 point of damage.
*Detect Magic:
*Resistance:

1st Level (1+1):
*Calm Animals:
*Faerie Fire:

Arcane Spells:

White 0 Level (4+1):
©Acid Splash:
**Light:
*Mending:
*Prestidigitation:

Red 1st Level (3+1+1):
*Shield:
*Mage Armor:
*Summon Monster I:
*Magic Missile: ©Grease:

Orange 2nd Level (2+1+1):
©Web:
*Knock:
*See Invisibility:
*Scorching Ray:

Yellow 3rd Level (1+1+1)
©Summon Monster III:
*Dispel Magic:
*Fly:



Tishe' 
Sunday June 12th, 2005 10:50:24 AM
Oh, and Tishe' will line up about fifth in line, right near the middle.

Trellus 
Sunday June 12th, 2005 1:33:44 PM
OOC - There are twelve of us, therefore Bodhi and Garrett are out of spells.

Trapped in the tent during the snowstorm, Trellus eagerly clings to Nauthiz'Ull's questions.
"How do we know what to do? Well, we don't really. We've just been weaving together so long we know what everyone else's first reactions are likely to be. Gry will jump right in. Mac and Jake will also attack. Anuk and Flea will support each other to flank, ususally moving to the right. I'll cast a spell and then move to heal folks. Tishe will summon that bison of hers. And Gilan's taking a liking to bringing down a column of fire -- I wonder how that'll work here?"

Trellus shrugs off the stray thought.

"Anyway, thats just an example. Its gonna weave different if its one guy, like this Ice Cat, or a mess of guys, like the wolves. Watch how your friends react to something. Talk it through. Sure, sometimes the loom breaks and you gotta make it up. But, after a while, you get the feel for what picks will get woven."

"Oh, and don't split up. We've never had good luck with that."

--
After an eternity, the storm abates. The blond man climbs upward to view the changed landscape. He squints his eyes against the glare off the ice.
"Kinda bright," he remarks sourly.

At the talk of wolves, Trellus looks over the group's marching order. And what he sees is a bunch of dudes who will want to be up front. He sighs slightly.

Well, let see if this starts a fight.

"Dudes, how 'bout we split the Ice Dudes throughout the column, to keep all us warm weather guys near someone who knows whats going on?
Flea and Anuk could scout ahead with Nauthiz'Ull. Then Gry, me, and -what is the orc talking dude's name? - uh - the big dude (indicates Aiden). Tishe, Bodhi, and Jake, Garrett, Gilan and Mac watching our backs.

Sound shady?"

Hopefully it does, and Trellus follows the huge half orc.

Spells Prepared:
0 - Create Water (x2), Detect Magic (x2), Detect Poison, Read Magic
1 -- Endure Elements (x2), Bless, Doom, Prot from Evil, Remove Fear
2 -- Hold Person, Resist Energy (cold), Spiritual Weapon (x2)
3 - Dispel Magic, Magic Circle against Evil, Prayer, Searing Light
4 -- Air Walk, Freedom of Movement, Inflict Critical Wounds

Domain Spells:
1st Level: Sanctuary
2nd Level: Bull's Strength
3rd Level: Magic Vestment
4th Level: Spell Immunity


Garrett 
Sunday June 12th, 2005 10:29:52 PM
Spells Active: endure elements

Garrett responds to Trellus' suggestion with "Sounds reasonable to me." Garrett then moves to take his place near Gilan and Mac. Not feeling ecstatic about moving to the back of the column, Garrett is also aware that in the ice vein, you can often be the hunted and the hunter at the same time. Either way he feels pretty sure that most of our traveling troupe wants the lead and more bickering will solve nothing.

Memorized spells:
0: create water, Light x2, mending,
1st: endure elem. X3(castx3), Magic Weapon

Nauthiz'Ull  d20+12=26 d20+8=28 d20+8=12
Sunday June 12th, 2005 10:35:56 PM
ooc: sorry for the delay, I have been out and came back to some minor computer problems with the internet.

The dark skinned one is eager to get out and sharpen what he feels are dulling skills. Every day in the early hours he used to walk the town and follow the tracks. He has abandoned this lately and needsd to get back into practice. As he walks and inspects the tracks that Aiden and himself have been studying Nauth notices something odd about a couple of prints here and there. Could it be? But why? Who?

"The wolves are not the only ones leaving tracks here wunjos. Here and here. Do you see? Humanoid tracks. Interesting."

As he tries to piece together what is going on the ranger runs his hand through his black twigged hair and decides to play it safe. He immediately reaches for Ull'Heimdall's bow and unshoulders it. Looking back at the group heshrugs his shoulders and says, "It helps me think sometimes."

Nauth will show the others the tracks if interested and will surely take the lead on leg of the trek, with whomever will join him.

As the group walks Nauth keeps his eyes on the tracks and the horizon, and his ears open to anything.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Survival-26
Spot-28 (NAT 20!)
Listen-12

Bohdi Nackle (sub Drew) 
Sunday June 12th, 2005 10:50:57 PM
The gnome's eyes grow to the size of saucers as Flea places a ring on his shaking finger. Once the enchanting little rogue runs through the flap of the tent, Bohdi sheepishly looks around and quickly picks his jaw up off of the frigid ground.

Wow there Bohdi boy. Think this through. She placed it on your middle finger. Okay, that is true, but she gave me a ring! and necklace!

A rather vicious peck to the skull of his master reminds Bohdi that the wonderfull Squork needs his food.

Rubbing his head, only to find a trace drop of blood sends Bohdi into momentary lapse of glee.

"Blasted bloody hell bird! You watch that thing or I'll be using it to-well-just watch it Squork!"

After a few deep breaths and a couple more introverted dialogues the gnome fixes his topknot and scrambles to the surface only to be blinded by the sunlight.

"Blast this sun! You would think that a volcano could do a better job of keeping the sky dulled for a while."

The gnome walks up behind Nauth and peeks over his shoulder and then back to Flea occasionaly. He whispers in the fur covered ranger's ear.

"Whatchya doing wunjo?" and with the rangers reply Bohdi animatedly nods his head in agreement.

"Well of course there are humanoid prints there. What else would there be with the-wolves-in-the-tundr...."

The gnome quickly realizes that his knowledge is often stored in books and beekers and tries his best to hide a blushing face before heading back to the group.

"Um, Flea my dear. I will take line in front of you. You know- to protect you from the Ice Cat and all."

Jake  d20+15=29
Monday June 13th, 2005 1:06:39 AM
In the tent with the quiet stranger, Jake may slowly get restless, but at least things eventually turn out okay. The guy is like Anuk, who also tends to be quiet in personality (at least as far as Jake is compared), so Jake tends to be okay with him. Plus he'll listen to his stories and descriptions. At the end of the harrowing experience, Jake hasn't done anything stupid, and he's talked about lotsa stuff and gone through just about every card game he knows.

Trudging through the snow, he's placed next to Bodhi and Tishe... GREAT. Bodhi, who he still is faintly a bit disgusted with, and Tishe, who though they are friends and packmates, Jake frankly doesn't understand one bit. Jake decides to take this opportunity to, well, make up for that.
He also shows off that he's an incredible gambler, knowing just about everything to it, though there's never an opportunity to use this ability around regular people. (Perform: Gambling +11!)
So, he spends a bit of talking to Bodhi about his previous girl-chasing activities. He makes sure to walk on the right side, with Bodhi in hte middle, and just far enough thta Tishe and people behind/in front can't quite hear what hes' talking about. At first he's joking, and giving his best tales, then he broaches girls in general to Bodhi, and specifically, how to get them. He gives Bodhi advice on what sort of lines to use, how to be smooth, how to be both direct and indirect, how to listen to girls just enough to get by and avoid trouble, and most of all, he tries to do so without sounding like he's dictating or teaching, but merely getting to know the gnome. To take an old expression, Jake's words almost drip with honey.

Anuk  d20+13=24 d20+11=23 d20+11=26
Monday June 13th, 2005 1:35:34 PM
The thought of escaping the confines of the tent is appealing, and Anuk works to dig out through the snow. Seeing sky for the first time in over a week, he simply stands on the surface of the snow and basks in the sunlight for a few moments. To his surprise, it doesn't make him much warmer "Don't really know what I was expecting," he sighs.

When Flea and Bohdi start getting all personal, Anuk turns slightly pink with embarrasment. "Um...say...oh...uh...wonder what the others are doing about now?" he asks rhetorically as he slinks off to see how everyone else is faring.

Flea studies the trail in the ice, then takes up a position at the head of the group with Flea and Nauthiz'Ull. "We might be new to the area, but Flea and I have had pretty good luck spotting trouble before it spots us. Mind if we help out out up here?"

Survival 24, Spot 23, Listen 26

Spells: Pass w/o trace, Hide from Animals



Anuk (ooc) 
Monday June 13th, 2005 1:37:29 PM
(ooc: whoops, that last sentence should start "_He_ studies the trail..." Gotta stop trying to work and post at the same time :-s)

Red Snow DM Post 
Monday June 13th, 2005 2:41:08 PM
DM Note: Yes to Flea and Bohdi the gifts are fine

The wind blows and a dull subdued orange red sun lurks in a hazy sky as the day progresses. The loose top layers of snow swirl and leap in the sky about you as each footfall breaks the ground into powder. A secondary effect of the wind is the appearance of high drifts forming across the tundra. Aiden blazes the trail at the head of the column with Anuk directly to his rear. The ranger from the plains is starting to get the hang of this snow stuff, but Aiden seems to so easily traverse the almost 24 inch deep powder where Anuk feels as if he is truly plodding through. There must be a secret in the step, and Anuk sets his mind to completely figuring it out. Farther back, Grymash and Trellus pound the deep snow even further down. It gets in everywhere, as if it has a mind of it's own. Flea was forced to fall back as until move heavy feet pack the snow down the gnome was almost lost in it. The rest of the column can move relatively normal.

Deep Twilight is still many hours away and the group pushes on, The mystery of the tracks will unravel itself as they are all heading the same direction. The wolf trail has an odd break in it where some of the wolves apparently split off. Suddenly Aiden stops and thrusts an arm behind him, "Wolves!" No sooner has he said this, then 5 great white wolves blast up from small buried holes. Anuk Spot 25 Highlight to display spoiler: { Just before the wolves appear a wisp of steam caught your eye where the wolves emerge from. Their breath from under the snow perhaps.} There is only seconds to act, but even before can, a section of snow and ice turn instantly to steam about 40' to the groups rear with a loud SHHHHIIIIIIIIIIISHHHHHHHH!!

Steam billows forth from a tunnel carved into the glacier ice and rising from this pit-like tunnel is a white-blue colored insect-like head covered in a thick armored exoskeletal shell fully 25' into the air. The air behind two great fan-like spine membranes shimmers and bends. All the Blood pack recognize the tell tale sign of a heat shimmer. A loud piercing SKKKRRRRRRRiiiiiiiiiiiiiiEEEEEEEECH!!!!!!! erupts from the creature as it lightly weaves back and forth, apparently studying they array before it. The ash and snow about the base of the hole has become a watery pool and the cold of Ice Vein is quickly condensing it once again to ice.

The Icers recognize the great creature as an Íss-Wurm 'Ice Worm' and a big one at that, but at least it is not a Jökull-Wurm, 'Polar Worm'. Small blessings are counted.

http://img284.echo.cx/img284/9683/sswurm6ce.jpg


Tishe'  d20+5=15
Monday June 13th, 2005 3:07:26 PM
Jake is saying something to the Ice Viener, and while she can catch the occasional word, it isn't something that pique's her interest.

And then the cry of 'wolves' is drowned out by the icy insect-like worm rising out of the snow. Tishe' only a couple months ago would have been amazed and frightened immobile, but the brown-haired girl has changed; meeting dragons, giants, and Gargul himself can do that to a person!

Being in the center, both the wolves and worm will have other targets, and it frees Tishe' for a complex spell. She raises fur-covered hands and with gesture and frigid voice, weaves on a magical loom, calling, calling, calling a Celestial Bison to fight the Ice Worm.

Trellus (AC 21, 67/67, Spr Wpn[1/8])  d20+11=13
Monday June 13th, 2005 4:37:48 PM
"Nauth, Nuk! Get back here!" Trellus bellows.

The cleric sketches a spell, and a glowing warhammer appears over the lead wolf (W5). Domi's Hammer swings down, badly disturbing the air near the creature's head.

[Atk ac 13]

Trellus spares a quick pleading look toward the heavens, and takes a 5' step to his right.

Grymash (ac22, hp94)  d20+15=30 d20+10=27 d8+7=15 d8+7=12
Monday June 13th, 2005 9:05:03 PM
As soon as the worm thingies emerge from the cave, and he realizes that Anuk is in danger, the barbarian begins to charge forward. However, before he can make a step he realizes that this white snow stuff is holding him back. He changes his plan of action and lets two arrows fly from his massive composite bow towards the nearest threat.

(-2 penalty for alien environment. HitAC: 30 and 27. For 15 and 12 points for a possible 27 points of damage.)

(Yes, my computer is working again and Im back. :)

Nauthiz'Ull (ac17 hp20)  d20+12=18 d20+9=19 d20+5=18 d20+5=25 d20+5=25 d8+2=4 d8+2=4
Monday June 13th, 2005 11:12:29 PM
As if the wolves weren't enough...

Nauth watches the five wolves and tries to decern if they are healthy or if they are the sick ones {survival-18, know:nature-19}. As the wolves growl and bare teeth Nauth silently thanks Ull'Heimdall's lessons. With his bow already drawn Nauth fluidly pulls arrow from quiver to string and nochs it. He knows that one of these must fall immediately and he knows that he is not prepared to fight the Iss'Wurm just now.

A growl comes from within as his hands fly to unleash the first and then noch and let loose the second arrow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A1-18 (13+5 (+1 w/in 30')(+4/+4 w/ Rapid Shot)(+5/+5 w/ RS & PBS)
A2-25 (NAT 20!)
Crit Check-25 (NAT 20!)
D1-4
D2-12 (4x3 crit)

Flea (AC 19(20 Hasted), 47 HP)  d20+10=29 d20+10=19 d20+12=18 d4+1=4 d4+1=3 d4+1=3
Monday June 13th, 2005 11:16:18 PM
Trudging along behind the others, eyes watching where her feet are going, Flea nearly bumps into Bohdi when the column stops. Craning her neck to see what is going on up front, the gnome is startled by the hissing sound on their right flank, and screams out as she spins around.

Out of reflex she clicks the heels of her boots together to activate their magic. Drawing her shortbow and a fistful of arrows, the gnome targets the foreign beast and lets fly with 3 arrows. (Adjusted -2 penalty) Hit AC 27, 17,and 16, for 4, 3, and 3 dmg.)

DM Sanity Info:
Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot

(*Boots of Speed-p. 250 DMG guide-act as though affected by a Haste Spell...p. 239 PHB) 1/10 rounds (not required to be consecutive rounds)

(OOC: Adjusted AC now that Bohdi has Ring of Protection. He should do the same.)



Bohdi and Squork (sub Drew) 
Monday June 13th, 2005 11:20:29 PM
"Well Flea you see it isn't so much as I left Zarnan City it was more of-um-uh-wolves and un-well-Iss'Wurm!"

The gnome is amazed at the sight of the Iss'Wurm and plays of his petrified gaze as more of an inquisitive look. He slowly pulls his crossbow from his shoulder and cocks and loads a bolt.

"Flea you had better be careful and let your big friends take care of that thing. That is what I do, especially today."

The gnome gathers about his wits and trumps in to help get the Veiners into their pseudo-normal rhythm.

"Thats right Nauth, give it to them! Garret move to Nauth's right, Aiden to his left. Remember, do not let them get around you! Squork get your blasted self out there and help."

Bohdi, in the flash of danger catches a doubting look from his hard-headed bird, who decides that stay right where he is thank you very much.

Jake (AC 27, HP 57/57) 
Tuesday June 14th, 2005 5:34:18 AM
White furry things! Jake glances at the huge thing and feels uncertain of the tactics. If only Trellus had time to give orders...
As everyone else unleashes barrages of arrows, Jake instead draws his sword as he moves (since he has a BA>+1 he can do that) towards the huge ice creature. Originally he thinks he can spend the entire round to get near the thing...but as he trudges throgh the snow, in his heavy armor, he realizes he can't even cover most of the distance!
(Since he moves 20 ft, full move to double move, but that's halved by the conditions, so I guess he gets to...PP. Unless he can full run, which I doubt, in which case he gets all the way to SS.)


Mac 
Tuesday June 14th, 2005 6:39:42 AM
"Wolves an' a giant worm! Is tha' normal? Giant warm 's more like it!"

He faces off against the big blue toothy wriggly thing - and pauses.

"Is there anythin' I need t' knoo 'bout this worm?!"

Shuffling 5' towards the worm, still half on the path, Mac readies to receive it's worst.

Garrett (AC:18, HP: 16/16) 
Tuesday June 14th, 2005 9:24:49 AM
Garrett quickly realizes they are in the middle of two threats and mumbles to himself. "Great, lunch is served."

Garrett moves forward to help out Aiden and Nauth(which should put him immediately to Bohdi's left) realizing that he is no match for the Iss'Worm

"On the way Nauth."

Memorized spells:
0: create water, Light x2, mending,
1st: endure elem. X3(castx3), Magic Weapon

Anuk (AC 21, HP 43/43 - point blank shot, rapid shot, bracers of archery)  d20+11=20 d20+12=23 d20+7=25 d20+6=9 d8+4=6 d8+4=12 d8+4=11
Tuesday June 14th, 2005 11:18:32 AM
Trailing behind Nauthiz'Ull, Anuk sees the white, dog-like creatures burst out from the surface of the snow. He deftly steps two feet to Nauth's left and three arrows fly from his bow in rapid succession, aiming for the wolf nearest the mound (#4 at J,D)

Atk 1: hits AC 21 for 6pts
Atk 2: hits AC 23 for 12 pts
Atk 3: hits AC 7 for 11 pts
(forgot to subtract 2 from my attack in the rolls, but it's reflected in the numbers above. not sure if I'm supposed to actually subtract 4 since my dex bonus is part of my attack bonus.)

"Nauth! We need to fall back to the group!" he yells out, but he doesn't move from his position until the ranger is ready.

Anuk (ooc) 
Tuesday June 14th, 2005 11:19:39 AM
(spot check 20)

Aiden [AC 16 HP 20]  d20+5=9
Tuesday June 14th, 2005 11:35:13 AM
Aiden spins and quickly takes in the opponents and decides to move forward up the column, pulling his bow as he does so. Firing once at the left wolf Gry hit. The shot goes wide left.

Calling back to Mac, "Iss-Wurms can swallow opponents whole!"

Gilan (HP: 66/66 AC: 22)  8d6(3+4+4+6+3+5+1+2)=28
Tuesday June 14th, 2005 1:29:20 PM
Gilan turns at the sounds of the hissing, much like steam he thinks to himself. He takes in the giant worm and shakes his head. Much like the rest of the pack he is not easily surprised anymore. He has weighed the opponents and figures that this worm thing is more dangerous than a few wolves...he hopes.

Gilan is not sure how effective his flamestrike will be in this environment but he has little time to think about it. Drawing on the powers of nature he feels that euphoric feeling that has driven him wild. He draws it and shapes it into the single stroke of rage that nature is known for.

A column of fire strikes down upon the worm with what would hope to be devestating effect. Maybe it will at least slow it down some or make it pause for a minute.

[flamestrike - 28 damage(half is fire based), reflex save DC 20(half damage)]

0th: create water(2), light, mending, read magic(2)
1st: clw(3), pass without trace(3)
2nd: barkskin(4), lesser restoration
3rd: cmw(2), greater magic fang(2)
4th: dispel magic, flame strike(2)*
* used

Round 1 DM Post  d20+10=22 d20+20=28 3d8(2+6+8)+18=34 d20+5=12 d20+5=6
Tuesday June 14th, 2005 2:27:26 PM
Multiple threats appear through the snow and Ice. Nauthiz'Ull and the rest of the natives know the Iss-Wurm was likely tracking the wolves for dinner. The wolves waiting in a half buried ambush is a bit new to all of them. Nauthiz'Ull can easily tell these are not the least bit sick, they are very healthy full grown males, healthier than any wolf he has ever seen actually.

Tishe spins and casts a summoning spell. The celestial Bison will arrive in seconds, but where to put it she thinks.

Trellus calls the point men back to the group as representation of Domi's might springs into being, but the wolf ducks the blow.

Grymash begins to move forward towards the wolves, but the deep snow changes his mind. Instead, he draws his bow and fires an arrow at the lead left Wolf. The arrow strikes. (Move action draw weapon. Shot Wolf at grid JD)

A wolf bearing down on him, leading a pack, Nauthiz'Ull stays steady and calm. His fathers bow hums and arrows strike deep. (2 hits Wolf grid MC)

Flea activates her magic Boots and spins towards the Iss-Wurm. Drawing her bow she lets fly a single shot. The shaft strikes the massive creature. (Free action Haste, Move Action Draw weapon, Rapid Shot requires Full Round)

Bohdi draws and loads his crossbow, as he advises Flea to let others take on the Iss-Wurm and calls to his Icer friends to push forward and take on the wolves.

Garret moves forward to get as much away from the Iss-Wurm as he does to close with the wolves.

Aiden spins and quickly takes in the opponents and decides to move forward up the column, pulling his bow as he does so. Firing once at the left wolf Gry hit. Calling back to Mac, "Iss-Wurms can swallow opponents whole!"

Jake draws his sword and starts out to circle around the Iss-Wurm, but the deep snow slows the warrior tremendously.

Mac draws his weapon as well and moves in with caution on this unknown and massive opponent.

Anuk moves just to Nauthiz'Ull's left and fires at the left front wolf bearing down on them, while calling to fall back. Two shafts strike the big canine and with the shot from Grymash the wolf falls into the snow.

Gilan eyes the heat and melting snow, perhaps here in the frigid Ice Vein the spell will be less effective, but then again. A roaring column strikes down from the heavens on the Iss-Wurm. Snow and ice about is melt away to steam in an instant. The heat of the strike can be felt all the way back to Gilan.

The Iss-Wurm emits another shriek as the fire hits and after as well. Cutting through the ice and snow as easily as the air, it moves in towards the big minotaur and strikes. The final 15' are covered by a lancing strike of it's long neck. Razor teeth tons of muscle are brought to bear upon Mac. [Hit AC 28 Dmg 34 Refelex save 34. Failure indicates Mac is prone covering grid K,W through L,X.

Two of the wolves close on Anuk and Nauthiz'Ull, while the other two move past, looking down the column for prey. Growling and weaving for a soft spot, neither wolf can land a grip on the pair of rangers, Anuk and Nauthiz'Ull.

http://img254.echo.cx/img254/5419/sswurm8qz.jpg

Clearer map notes:
No charging
Movement doubled Except along Grid M column
Deep blue areas by Iss-Wurm is water
Snow is about 30" deep off the column M path

Tishe' (AC:15 HP:37)  d20+8=14 d8+9=15 d20+5=6 d20+5=6 d20+5=14 4d6(2+4+4+5)=15
Tuesday June 14th, 2005 3:36:17 PM
The spellweaving complete, Tishe' is pleased to see the Celestial Bison appear next to Jake (at R,S). "Attack the Iss'Wurm!", she yells in Celestial

The golden bison needs little prompting, but charges through the cold snow at the Ice Wurm. He attempts to gore the Ice Worm (AC:14, D:15)

Tishe' totally ignores any movement on the wolves (Alertness nat 1) and concentrates on the Iss'Wurm. Since it didn't like Gilan's fire, perhaps a little more would help. Again, she raises her hands and weaves a quick incantation. A fiery lance darts out at the worm (used hero point for reroll) (AC 14 touch attack; Damage 15)

Spells Active

Celestial Bison [augmented]: 5 rounds: AC:13. HP:42, A:+8, D:d8+11, Smite Evil 1/day +4 dam, Darkvision 60', Dam Reduce 5/magic, Resist acid, cold, electricity 5, SR: 9, move 40'



Trellus (AC 21, 67/67, Spr Wpn[2/8])  d20+11=16 d20+6=11
Tuesday June 14th, 2005 3:42:47 PM
Trellus watches as three arrows put down a wolf, and the ice worm smooshes Mac. That pretty much takes care of the biggest threat question.

"Tishe! Put it on the wolves!" Trellus cries.

The cleric weaves another spell and taps Grymash. "Dude, I fixed it so you can walk in the air. Go help with that beater (pointing to worm)."
[Cast Air Walk on Grymash]

Given his location, it dawns on the cleric he may actually have to get into combat for a bit. He draws his mace.

Meanwhile, Domi's Hammer keeps swinging futilely at W5.
[atk ac 16 and ac 11]



Garrett (AC:18, HP:16/16) 
Tuesday June 14th, 2005 7:31:57 PM
Garrett moves 10' to k/n as his move action and then casts magic weapon.

Grymash (ac20, hp110, air walk, rage)  d20+15=29 d8+23=30
Wednesday June 15th, 2005 12:34:23 AM
Grymash drops his bow in front of Trellus (free action) and steps up into the air. Being free of the snow (im assuming he can now charge and attack without penalty) Grymash begins his charge at the worm that Trellus pointed to. Along the way, he draws out his double axe (free action when combined with a move action) and charges at the worm. He lets out all his fury on the strange icy beast.

(Charge movement: 80 ft. Powerattack -5hit/+5dam, twohanded +10dam. HitAC 29. Damage: 30 points of damage.)

The barbarian cleric of death roars with a blinding feral rage. Each slashing hack fills his spirit with a grim satisfaction.

Flea (AC 19(20 Hasted), 47 HP)  d20+10=26 d20+10=21 d20+12=29 d4+1=5 d4+1=4 d4+1=4
Wednesday June 15th, 2005 12:58:46 AM
Flea sticks with her plan of action and looses more arrows in the direction of the screaching beast. (Adjusted -2 penalty) Hit AC 24, 19,and 27, for 5, 4, and 4 dmg.)

DM Sanity Info:
Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot

(*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)


Nauthiz'Ull (ac17 hp20/20)  d20+5=19 d20+5=17 d8+2=7 d8+2=7
Wednesday June 15th, 2005 1:22:12 AM
Nauth shows a strained frown as the shafts eat into the flesh of the wolves. His heart feels for the wild animals but his mind keeps him grounded with self-preservation.

Ull'Heimdall, your ways will keep me alive again this day. Guide my shafts from your bow father.

As the wolves bear down Nauth takes a step to keep his distance and to keep a shot open on the predators.

A bit of luck shines down on the dark skinned ranger as both wolves view Anuk as the threat. Nauth does not know how to take this but he decides to reflect upon that issue later.

The twang of Ull'Heimdall's bow rings out twice again as Nauth's arrows streak to their mark.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Step 5' to NF (kiddy-corner)

Attacking Wolf @ LF
A1-19
A2-17
D1-7
D2-7

Bohdi Nackle (ac15 hp 14/14)(sub Drew)  d20+5=24 d6=2
Wednesday June 15th, 2005 1:28:13 AM
The gnome takes in the actions of everyone around him in awe. How do they react so easily? He looks from side to side for the most immediate threat and finds a wolf stalking down the east side of the column.

Blast this little bugger trying to sneak up on us!

With a dose of courage that must have been induced by the presence of a certain female gnome amonst them Bohdi lifts up his crossbow and takes aim, letting a bolt fly.
~~~~~~~~~~
Attacks wolf @PK
A-24
D-2(Boo! Hiss!)

Mac [AC:19 (Snow), HP:41/75, Reach:10']  d20+4=20
Wednesday June 15th, 2005 3:39:28 AM
Mac [AC:19 (Snow), HP:41/75, Reach:10']
[Reflex Save:20, prone in 10' square at KW.
I'm wondering why the worm's head doesn't provoke AoO in it's lancing strike.]

This wasn't where Mac expected to be, but it gives him a chance - he slips out of the backpack (one action) and gets to his feet with the greataxe in hand (the other action).

"I'll be right there Gry! Do nae let it hit you!"



Jake (AC 27, 25 in snow, hp 57/57) 
Wednesday June 15th, 2005 4:39:59 AM
Jake glances at Trellus...is he right? All three of the Pack fighters are running off to fight this worm, but none are going to face the wolves? Well, perhaps the ice pack fighters can stand their ground against those beings...in the meantime, Jake continues moving to the ice creature. This round he does not run through the snow but merely moves as speedily as he can.
(Moving a double move straight south to 10 feet north of the ice worm, approximately QW. I move 20 ft, can double move 40 ft, but that's halved, so I can't quite get to it this round. Next round, I should be able to actually attack... :) )

Aiden [AC 16 HP 20]  d20+5=17 d6=4
Wednesday June 15th, 2005 10:14:19 AM
With Grymash vacating the area, that means it is him and the foreign cleric of Domi against 2 full grown males. Aiden calmly levels his aim at the wounded wolf and fires. the arrow strikes. [Hit AC 17 Dmg 4 wolf @P,K]

The bow is discarded and the Double bladed ork axe comes out.

Gilan (HP: 66/66 AC: 22) 
Wednesday June 15th, 2005 11:33:06 AM
Gilan could not believe his luck as the flamestrike washed over the worm. Then Mac is buried under the great thing but somehow is able to get out with little effort.

Making what maybe a foolish decision he moves towards the battle with the worm so that he will be available for healing. "Mac..Gry...I have your backs."

0th: create water(2), light, mending, read magic(2)
1st: clw(3), pass without trace(3)
2nd: barkskin(4), lesser restoration
3rd: cmw(2), greater magic fang(2)
4th: dispel magic, flame strike(2)*
* used


Anuk [AC 19 (snow), HP 43/43 - point blank shot, bracers of archery]  d20+12=20 d20+12=24 d8+4=8 d8+4=5
Wednesday June 15th, 2005 11:33:08 AM
Anuk is impressed with Nauth's deliberate course of action and calm demeanor, and he follows up on the ice ranger's arrows by sending two more into the same wolf (#2 at L,F).

Atk 1 - hits AC 20 for 8 pts
Atk 2 - hits AC 24 for 5 pts

He backs away from the uninjured wolf, trying to keep himself away from its vicious teeth and claws.

(5' step diagonally to M,G)

Round 2 DM Post  d20+24=29 3d8(1+2+8)+13=24 d20+24=35 3d8(4+4+2)+18=28 8d6(5+2+5+6+1+1+6+3)=29 d20+15=31 3d8(4+8+7)+36=55 d20+39=55 d20+5=25 d20+5=14 d20+2=10 d6+2=4
Wednesday June 15th, 2005 12:57:25 PM
Tishe directs the celestial Bison against the Iss-Wurm and it plunges through the snow towards it. She then hits the creature with a fierey dart. As the Bison closes, the Iss-Wurm's head spins and strikes, tearing a deep wound in the creature. [Hit AC 29 Dmg 29-5=24]

Trellus calls for Tishe to send the Bison towards the wolves, but too late. The cleric of Domi then places an air walk spell on Grymash and tells the massive warrior to go squash the big bug. The mighty hammer of Domi's continues and this time lands a blow. [Hit AC 16]

Grymash drops the bow next to Trellus and charges across the air towards the Iss-Wurm. As he closes in, it strikes. Hitting Grymash hard. [Hit AC 35 Dmg 28] Grymash's axe lands hard and the barbarian cleric of death can feel the intense heat of the creature. Fort save 18 or weapon takes 14 Dmg.

Nauthiz'Ull backs up and fires again, this time both strike the wolf squarely.

Flea lets fly with a trio of shafts from her bow. The first and last strike the Iss-Wurm squarely, the second skips off the armored shell.

Bohdi takes courage and aim and fires his crossbow, the bolt sails true but clearly does not injure it much.

Garret moves forward and casts Magic Weapon.

Aiden fires again and pulls his axe waiting for the inevitable attack

Jake continues to plod through the snow towards the Iss-Wurm.

Mac lands unceremoniously on his back from the powerful stroke. Getting to his feet with axe in hand, he sheds his pack.

Anuk steps back and follows the example of the Ice Vein native. 2 more arrows strike the wolf.

Gilan moves up behind Mac and near Grymash to assist with any needed healing.

The Frigid air turns all the water about the creature to ice except within about a foot or so. This is boiling and even turning to steam as the Iss-Wurm becomes more enraged. Thick black molasses-like blood ooze from the score of wounds. The Iss-Wurm cries out again and strikes at the air walking Grymash. The great tooth filled maw lands hard about hum and holds fast.

[PA 9 Hit AC 31 Dmg 55 Grapple 55. Failure indicates Grymash grappled.]

Two of the wolves turn and head off, apparently having enough of this particular fight. One wolf continues down the column and spots the two gnomes, it turns their direction. The other wolf moves against Anuk. Savage jaws bite hard [Hit AC 25 no crit Dmg 4 Trip Attempt 10. Anuk roll d20 + str or dex mod which ever is higher. Under 10 you are prone]

http://img280.echo.cx/img280/7261/sswurm9zc.jpg




Grymash (ac20, hp27/110, air walk, rage2)  d20+14=31 d20+16=27 d20+16=35 d20+11=30 d20+6=21 d20+6=14 d6+9=15 d6+9=12 d6+9=13 d20+14=28
Wednesday June 15th, 2005 1:44:20 PM
(Fort Save 31)

Grymash welcomes the heat. In fact, it loosens up his frozen joints and allows him with swing his axe with even more furor. "DIE PIGGIE DIIEEEE!!"

(The worm has a +39 grapple modifier!!?? That's eqivalent to a mature adult dragon! Opposed Grapple check: 27, hero point 35.)
(If he can get off attacks with his armor spikes while grappled: Powerattack +5dam. Hit AC: 30, 21 and 14. Damage: 15, 12, 13 for a possible 40 points of damage.)


Grymash realizes, even while in his rage, that this beast has teeth. Lots of teeth! The half-orc feels them all wrapping around him. It dawns on him that this beast has the nerve to try and eat him! Grymash is too angry to care. The wurm may soon find out that Grymash will be a tough pill to swallow. (Armor spikes deal 1d6 damage.)

Trellus (AC 21, 1/67, Spr Wpn[3/8])  d20+11=15
Wednesday June 15th, 2005 4:14:38 PM
LIGHT! The thing is eating Gry!

"Cut its thread!" Trellus bellows to the warriors surrounding the worm.

At his mental command, Domi's Hammer blinks away from a wolf and reappears over the worm.
[atk ac15]

The cleric takes a deep breath, and sends a totally new heart touch to Grymash. Beneath his breastplate, the gem embedded in the young man's chest glows brightly.

Trellus hisses in pain as he sends all his energy to the aid of his friend.
Tear of Dragon - new Woldian item. Transfer hit points from Trellus to Grymash. Trellus loses 66 hp. Grymash gains 22 hp for one hour.

DM That's pretty sweet right there. That written up anywhere?

Garrett (AC: 16, HP: 16/16)  d20+9=10
Wednesday June 15th, 2005 4:52:10 PM
Garrett charges the wolf eyeing the gnomes, glad to finally be in the fight.(should be J/Q)

Missing horribly with another natural 1. ()(Witness the might of the Ice pack.) Garrett contemplates taking up knitting.

Flea (AC 19(20 Hasted)  d20+9=20 d20+10=27 d20+10=24 d20+2=27 d4+1=5 d4+1=2 d4+1=4
Wednesday June 15th, 2005 9:28:29 PM
The hair on Flea's neck stands on end with the screaching of the worm-thing, and it had attacked Mac and Gry! Now Trellus was calling for the pack to cut the thing's thread! But, earlier Trellus had warned the rogue not to try anything fancy! The rogue is confused.

Out of the corner of her eye, the gnome spots (Spot=20) something pass behind. Spinning 'round, she fires 3 arrows at the wolf attempting to flank the party. (-2 penalty applied Hit AC 25, 22, 25 for 5, 2, and 4 dmg. respectively).

DM Sanity Info:
Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot

(*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)


Gilan (HP: 66/66 AC: 22)  8d6(1+6+1+4+1+4+5+3)=25
Wednesday June 15th, 2005 9:57:40 PM
Gilan cannot believe what he is seeing. That giant slug is trying to eat Grymash whole. He cringes as he thinks of the last time the half-orc had bathed and feels his tummy roll at the thought. "Hold on Gry...help is coming." He really has no idea what he is going to do and then instinct takes over and he starts to pull on the forces of nature.

The unbridled fury of this frozen land seems to sweep into him and leaves him feeling tingly all over. So much raw power he has never felt before and he absently finds that he wants to feel it more often, though there is a tinge of something wrong in nature as well. Must think of that later he mentally tells himself as he pulls the power into another column of fire to strike the worm. His placement needs to be just right so that he does not burn Gry in the process but he knows that he can control this...he has done it before and Mother Wold has never let him down.

[flamestrike - 25 damage(half is fire based), reflex save DC 20(half damage)]

0th: create water(2), light, mending, read magic(2)
1st: clw(3), pass without trace(3)
2nd: barkskin(4), lesser restoration
3rd: cmw(2), greater magic fang(2)
4th: dispel magic, flame strike(2)**
* used

Bohdi Nackle (AC 15, HP 14/14) and Squork (AC 15, HP 7/7)  d20+5=20 d6=3
Thursday June 16th, 2005 12:45:06 AM
Bohdi couldn't believe the speed and deadly accuracy with which his newfound love interest reacted to the wolf! He tried to match her ferocity, (Attack 20 Damage 3), but was no match for her swiftness. He reloaded, eyes still wide with interest.

Mac [AC:19 (Snow), HP:41/75, Reach:10', -2 Attack (Snow)]  d20+6=25 d20+6=23 3d6(3+4+5)+23=35 3d6(3+6+2)+23=34 3d6(1+3+4)+23=31
Thursday June 16th, 2005 4:40:52 AM

"Now you've ticked me off! Time to gut some WORM!"

Mac wades 15' across the snow to be next to Gilan - to a position he can attack the worm. Looking for a nice bit of neck, he brings the adamantine greataxe around in a mighty arc...

Attack (PA:-6/+12) hits AC25 (Crit.Check hits AC23) for 35 damage (potential of 100 damage on the critical)

[i]DM Sanity info:
large adamantine greataxe +2, Imp.Crit. 19-20/x3, power attack, Wf (not GWf - reduce Attack results by 1), WS.[i]

Jake  d20+12=30 d20+7=13 d10=3 d6=4 d10=4 d6=5
Thursday June 16th, 2005 7:27:52 AM
Jake steps into a square next to the worm, almost underneath the struggling grymash, the bison almost his cover. (I suppose RX) Though the others are parting their alls in the swings, he takes very precise slashes.

(5' step and full attack: AC 30 and Ac 13, 8 and 9 damage respectively (plus 4 and 5 freezing damage if it doesn't have cold resistance).

(Getting tired...goodnight :)

Tishe' (AC:15 HP:37)  d20+8=23 d20+11=19 d20+4=20 d8=2
Thursday June 16th, 2005 7:50:26 AM
The golden bison bellows into the icy air, a great chunk of golden flesh out of it's side, but continues to try and impale the worm with its sharp horns (AC 23, Dam: 19)

Tishe's chest glows a pulsating red, and the Tears of the Dragon embedded there tells her that Grymash and Trellus are very close to the end of thier thread. "You are a sweetie, Trellus", she tells the cleric, "but now who is going to protect you?" She moves to interpose herself between Trellus and the wolf along the flank.

Tishe' holds her action, watches the wolves, and guards the weakened cleric. She will fire her crossbow at the first one that advances on her and Trellus. (AC 20, Dam: 2)

Spells Active
Celestial Bison [augmented]: 4 rounds: AC:13. HP:18/42, A:+8, D:d8+11, Smite Evil 1/day +4 dam, Darkvision 60', Dam Reduce 5/magic, Resist acid, cold, electricity 5, SR: 9, move 40'


Nauthiz'Ull (ac17 hp20/20)  d20+5=14 d20+5=20 d8+2=7 d8+2=9
Thursday June 16th, 2005 10:51:24 AM
The fur-clad ranger watches briefly as two of the wolves flee.

Be free friends and live safe. Return to my wunjos and fall from my bow.

Watching the white wolf tear into Anuk, Nauth decides that this one must die...NOW!

"My friend watch out for their paws, they are clever and will try to trip you. Hold strong against them."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A1-14
A2-20
D1-7
D2-9

Nauth will take a 5' step down to NG. He will keep a progressive move towards the Iss'Wurm IF a shot is available or until the wolf is dead.

Anuk [AC 19 (snow), HP 39/43 - point blank shot, bracers of archery]  d20+4=12 d20+12=16 d20+12=31 d8+4=7 d8+4=12
Thursday June 16th, 2005 11:11:37 AM
The wolf's jaws tear into Anuk's side, but Anuk's furs and armor help - the pain is bad but the damage is not nearly what it could have been. He manages to stay on his feet (dex check 12) and twists away, immediately loosing two more arrows at the beast then backing further away (moves 5' east to N,H).

Atk 1 - hits AC 16 for 7 pts
Atk 2 - hits AC 26 for 12 pts (2nd attack roll should have been at +7, not +12 - my fault)

With a stupefying suddenness, there is a deep feeling of pain and rage and frustration welling up inside him. The dragon's tear embedded in his chest tells him something is wrong with the pack. He looks south to see the Iss-Wurm in the distance for the first time and a mumble escapes his lips. "Gry?...Trellus??"



Aiden [AC 16 HP 20]  d20+7=9
Thursday June 16th, 2005 12:52:01 PM
The wolf moves fast down the column, too fast for Aiden to hope to folow. The grim ranger turns his attention north the Nauthiz'Ull and the stranger Anuk.

Cutting into the path marched by the front portion of the column, he quickly moves up on teh wolf and brings his axe down, but the wolf dances aside. [Hit AC 9 miss]

Die Another Day DM Post  8d6(4+6+6+6+6+2+2+6)-5=33 8d6(3+2+1+3+2+4+4+4)=23 8d6(2+6+4+2+6+5+3+3)=31 d20+5=11
Thursday June 16th, 2005 2:12:13 PM
Trellus calls the hammer back to the Iss-Wurm, but the creatures natural armor is far tougher than the soft fur of a wolf. He then pours his own life energy to Grymash, in hope that it will by him enough time.

Grymash feels his life being crushed from him and the massive coppery smell of his own blood pooling in the Iss'Wurm's mouth. His strength returns partially, fueled by Trellus, but the warrior knows he is far outmatched here. It will be up to the others to save him.

Garret moves forward and misses the wolf.

Flea spots the wolf stalking in and fires, striking three times into it's side.

Gilan brings forth a second pillar of flame and like before the power felt through the blast is aweing. The snow rips to steam instantly about the worm revealing the hidden 40' within the deep rock and ice below.

Bohdi reloads and fires as well. His shot scoring a hit, but the wolf is still on its feet.

Mac thunders through the snow and buries his axe deep in to the creature. The strike is truly impressive, and with a dying shriek the massive creature slumps over. Grymash spilling from its mouth. [Fort save 18 failure and your weapon takes 12 dmg]

Jake lands one strike as the Iss-Wurm topples as well. [Fort save 18 failure and your weapon takes 16 dmg]

Tishe's Bison thrusts into the Iss-Wurm as it falls and discovers how hot the creatures skin really is. [Bison takes 33 dmg] Tishe fires a bolt at the stalking wolf, who has definitely picked out the weak member of the herd.

Nauthiz'Ull fires at the wolf engaged with Anuk, but with the fast movements of the fight in front of him, only the second shot hits.

Anuk fire and 2 more arrows strike the wolf, however he leaves himself slightly open by using his bow in such close quarters and the wolf strikes. The jaws well off the mark this time.

Aiden marches in but his axe fails to find the wolf.

The Iss-Wurm falls and Grymash exits under his own power, though looking much the worse for the experience. One lucid thought wanders through his head, At least it's not a Jökull-Wurm

The remaining wolves vacate the area at top speed and quickly blend into the grey white horizon and snow.

The everpresent wind stirs across the snowy land, as if in slow exhale to the witnessed power. Silence hovers across the area, as if nothing lives or moves within miles.

Tishe' (AC:15 HP:37) 
Thursday June 16th, 2005 4:16:59 PM
In a flood of unimaginably hot blood, the Celestial Bison expires and dissipates back to the whence he came.

Tishe' herself rapidly reloads her crossbow (free action:Rapid Reload), and continues to move her body to stay between Trellus and the retreating wolves: you never know if they might turn, she thinks.

With the soaring blood of battle ebbing from her viens, she again realizes she is COLD, and momentarily envies Grymash being so close to the hot bowels of the Iss'Wurm. Perhaps when the leaders call the battle over, the small woman could move closer to the giant monster and warm herself near the carcass...

"That air walking spell was a great idea, Trellus. I also have a spell to make people fly. Next battle, I'll touch the nearest fighter to enable them to move about easier." The mage nods at her own cleverness.

Trellus (AC 21, 59/67)  4d8(8+8+5+5)+7=33 4d8(4+4+4+7)+7=26 4d8(1+5+2+6)+7=21 d8=2 4d8(7+8+2+8)+7=32 3d8(1+6+6)+5=18 d8=5 3d8(5+2+3)+5=15 3d8(7+6+1)+5=19 d8=3
Thursday June 16th, 2005 5:42:58 PM
Domi's Hammer hovers over Trellus' shoulder, and he shoots it a look of irritation.
Thanks for nothing, he grumbles silently.

Gulping deep breaths of air, the man looks across the snow and is thankful to see Grymash still breathing. Then he realizes he can feel that the half orc will be ok.

While pulling out a couple healing wands, he glances toward Nauth and Aiden.
"Light, Dudes." he exclaims. "Tell me those things don't hunt in packs."

Assuming nothing else happens in the next couple of minutes, the cleric makes busy with the healing wands:

Grymash - heal 81 hp (3 CCW)
Mac - heal 32 hp (1 CCW)
Trellus - heal 58 hp (3 CSW)

"Anybody else hurt?" he asks.

At Tishe's comment, he grins. "It'd worked better if the dude hadn't got eaten."
The cleric also thumps Mac on the back.
"Thanks dude. That was a totally waxed pick."

Bohdi Nackle 
Thursday June 16th, 2005 6:53:48 PM
"Furtif Aeanora! Darling, are you hurt?" Bohdi rushed to the female gnome's side with a concerned expression. He sighed with relief and smiled to find that she was unhurt, before turning--somewhat sheepishly, suddenly, as he realized the public nature of his display of ardor--to the others.

"Well," he breathed, examining the ice-worm's corpse. "I never expected to see one of those ... and live to tell about it." He looked at the Bloodpack members with evident admiration. "You all certainly know your way around a battle."

He turned back to Flea, fingering the ring and necklace that she had given to him. "These are powerful magics," he said with astonishment. "Are you--are you sure that you want me to have them?"

Gilan (HP: 66/66 AC: 22)  2d8(4+2)+8=14
Thursday June 16th, 2005 7:53:54 PM
Gilan moves slightly to lay a hand upon Mac. He once again concentrates upon the forces of nature. This time he turns them to healing and not to destruction. Healing pours into Mac's body making him feel better.

He glances around with concern as he gauges the others. "Anyone in need of healing?" He looks to both Bloodpack and Icepack to see if anyone is in need.

[cmw - 14 hp healed]

0th: create water(2), light, mending, read magic(2)
1st: clw(3), pass without trace(3)
2nd: barkskin(4), lesser restoration
3rd: cmw(2)*, greater magic fang(2)
4th: dispel magic, flame strike(2)**
* used

Garrett 
Thursday June 16th, 2005 8:13:51 PM
""Anybody else hurt?" he asks."

"Only my pride." Garrett responds. "Running from the worm left a bad taste in my mouth to start with, missing that wolf was just topping on the humble pie."

"Shall we continue on? Correct me if I'm wrong Nauth or Aiden, but won't the smell of all this blood and death bring things looking for dinner?"

Memorized spells:
0: create water, Light x2, mending,
1st: endure elem. X3(castx3),Magic Weapon(cast)

Aiden  d20+10=16 d20+10=13
Thursday June 16th, 2005 9:37:25 PM
Aiden has a new look of admiration on his face as well. It definately seems that this Blood Pack was thr right group to summon. To Trellus the ranger nods, "Indeed Jökull-Wurms hunt Iss'Wurms and yes Domi preist," looking to Trellus, "Iss-Wurms usually hunt in packs."

Aiden turns and takes to the lead again, forging a path through the deep snow, "We will reach the den by night if we push."

Grymash (ac21, hp94, air walk)  d20+15=22 d20+12=22 d8+28=36 d20+12=18 d8+28=33 d20+12=20 d8+28=33 d8+15=22 d8+15=20 d8+15=22
Friday June 17th, 2005 1:08:21 AM
(Fort save 22)

Covered in his own blood and the slippery saliva of the wurm, Grymash roars in fury. His rage, like him, very much alive (thanks to his pack :) He struggles to his feet and plants a vicious blade of his double axe into the head of the wurm.

(HitAC: 22. Damage: 36.)

And again ...

(HitAC: 18. Damage: 33.)

And again!

(HitAC: 20. Damage: 33.)

Finally satisfied, the raged barbarian reaches down and grabs a hunk of flesh from the wurms body and bites off a chunk. After a few chews, he spits it back out and yells at the carcass, "YEAHHH!! HOWS YA LIKES DAT!!".

Grymash's rage falls and he slumps down to one knee. His heavy breath billows off from him in a white cloudy trail in the frigid air. As if he were on fire. He looks up at Trellus and says, "When Gry was up in dat piggies craw, yooz be there too?! Hows ya do dat?"

(if you need me to roll Fort saves for each hit, here they are. 22, 20, 22)



Mac [AC:19 (Snow), HP:75/75, Reach:10', -2 Attack (Snow)]  d20+9=18
Friday June 17th, 2005 4:58:05 AM
[Fort save:18]

Between Trellus and Gilan, Mac is fully healed. He watches Gry 'go to town' on the poor worm and shakes his head. A grin begins to form as Trellus comments on the shot
"A totally waxed pick? It were eatin' Gry! ::pause:: 'twas a mercy killin'!"

He walks over, shoulders his pack, and makes a point of remembering to pat the lucky ball of fluff on his chest.

"'Tis too late now, but the worm's skin... 'twould fetch a good price?"

As Aiden leads on Mac takes up the back marker, prepared to push if required.

Grymash (2nd illegal post) 
Friday June 17th, 2005 9:06:18 AM
Gry eyes the carcass of the wurm and then looks up at Mac and says, "Da wurm head not be gute trophy. All smush. But da biggie body still be gute for skinin'. Jus look at all of dat skin!"

(It could probably make some fire resistant armor.)

Nauthiz'Ull  d20+12=30
Friday June 17th, 2005 9:49:48 AM
As the wolves turn and flee Nauth nochs another arrow.

Wunjos of the earth, you are hurt. Let me take away the pain before our mother does.

The ranger has a concerned look of sympathy upon his face as he knows that the injured wolves will either die slowly and painfully from their wounds or come back for a bit of revenge.

As his thoughts wander to the wolves and his frustration with his place in the circle of life the fur-clad man throws back his hood and walks over to Anuk. Placing his hand on the side of Anuk's neck Nauth squeezes gently and nods to him.

"Your skills are impresive wunjo. Thank you for the help and for youur merecy on the wolves that fled."

While everyone is busy defiling corpses and the likes, Nauth will head a bit north to pick up the tracks again, especially the humans.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Survival-30!

Flea 
Friday June 17th, 2005 10:10:00 AM
"I'm just fine," says Flea nonchalantly, taking a quick inventory of her remaining arrows, and moving the shortbow to its customary place on her back, "and, yes, I want you to keep those things. I can always get another ring, and I've still got this one." The gnome holds up her left hand, watching the sun glint off her remaining ring, before folding the protective mitt-flaps back over her fingers.

Wading through the snow, the gnome makes her way over to one of the dead wolves, and gently ruffles the thick fur. Looking over her shoulder at Bohdi, she enquires, "is this how you get your furs?"

Flea wonders if the furs of these wolves might keep the wearer warm, thus saving the natives from having to use up their magics.

Anuk [AC 19 (snow), HP 39/43]  d20+13=26
Friday June 17th, 2005 10:54:01 AM
The final wolf trails off into the distance and Anuk watches it go. With Gry's, Trellus', and Mac's healings, the knot of worry and pain inside Anuk's chest caused by the dragon's tear subsides. He begins to breathe more easily.

He responds to Nauthiz'Ull, "Thanks. You're quite shady with that bow there yourself." Although inside he thinks, Mercy? I was just trying to keep from being opened up by a big dog.

He thinks for a few moments on the idea of having mercy for the creatures he fights, like some kind of reverence for nature. He'd always assumed that sort of thing was for druids like Gilan. Being a ranger was always more about proving himself. Maybe there's something more to it. Nauth sure seems to think so.

After a moment's pause he says, "I would like to join you as you scout. Do you mind?" He follows Nauthiz'Ull northward.

(survival 26)

Jake 
Friday June 17th, 2005 12:15:58 PM
Jake stops before the steaming carrion and ponders it. He chuckles as Gry pops a few more hits, saying, "Ah'm tellin' y'all, nothin' should take a bite outta good ol' Gry...he'll bite back." At the mention of these things hunting in packs, Jake waves a hand, as though it's an exaggerated threat...though these things are bigger than rapke, in his mind, the plains creatures are more dangerous...
Suddenly he feels the biting cold as the adrenaline pumps out of his system and immediately he begins to pull his cloak over him and curse silently.
"Okay, let's just get a move on, shall we?"



Northward HO DM Post 
Friday June 17th, 2005 2:28:02 PM
The battle over, the group makes ready to head out again. Trellus and Gilan use their abilities, and some wand power, to heal all the wounds in the quick boute with the Iss'Wurm and wolves. Grymash takes a few 'Dat's right' shots at the worm and is the first to discover the rock melting heat that was being produced by the gargantuan creature is already gone.

There is thoughts about taking skins from the Iss'Wurm and the wolves, but such an undertaking would take weeks on the tundra and since all are currently wrapped head to toe in fur there seems little point to the matter.

Aiden and Nauthiz'Ull are joined by the pack ranger Anuk at the columns head where the tracks of the wolfpack are readily picked up again. the human prints are still mixed in and this time Nauthiz'Ull recognizes them for what they are. Not Humans being pursued by or pursuing the wolves, but these prints are of the Bevroren Doden. For not everything that dies in Ice Vein truly dies. The wind stirss the snow and the group moves out.

The tundra stretches to all horizons, flat, endless and unchaging. The great sky looms above, grey, cold and uncaring to the plight of those beneath it. Hours grind on as does the march.

Bohdi Nackle 
Friday June 17th, 2005 4:29:47 PM
As much as an ice worm autopsy would have fascinated him, Bohdi agreed with those who urged haste in pressing northward--"this tundra claimed one of our number on our last crossing, and I for one have no interest in joining him"--and dutifully assumed his place in the march. When the time to camp arose, Bohdi would assist in setting the tents in an unusually quiet and pensive mood. He would offer to take the first watch, as before.

Tishe' 
Friday June 17th, 2005 4:46:05 PM
Wrapped carefully in the furs, the brown-haired woman forms back into the line and follows the path of smushed-down snow formed by the leaders.

"If the land is so harsh", asks Tishe' in a wondering voice to Bodhi, "how does any community survive?" She shivers again even though bundled up in all the furs.

Gilan 
Friday June 17th, 2005 5:52:16 PM
Gilan is happy to know that everyone is healed back up and ready to move on. He watches as Gry attacks the corpse and then takes a great bite from it. He shakes his head and smiles as he laughs lightly under his breathe. "Hey Gry...why not take a few of the things teeth for trophies or something...I would not mind having a tooth to study." He just shrugs as he waits for the word, that they will be moving out.

0th: create water(2), light, mending, read magic(2)
1st: clw(3), pass without trace(3)
2nd: barkskin(4), lesser restoration
3rd: cmw(2)*, greater magic fang(2)
4th: dispel magic, flame strike(2)**
* used

Trellus  d20+7=21
Friday June 17th, 2005 8:09:12 PM
As soon as Aiden reveals there might be more, and they might be bigger, Trellus is all business.

"Let's weave. I want some a lot of space between us and that (the worm carcass) real soon."

To Gry's question, the cleric puts a hand to the barbarian's chest.
"Grandma's gift, dude. It's helping us feel the rest of the pack."

Trellus falls into position, and quickly falls into the shuffling march throught the deep snow that he's quickly growing very annoyed with.

Nauthiz'Ull's discovery of the tracks of something called 'Bevroren Doden' doesn't sound good.
"Is there anything is this sunbaked place that DOESN'T want to kill you?" he asks in exasperation.
"OK. What's a 'Bevroren Doden', and what does it do?"

If anybody mentions its something that used to be dead, the cleric tries to get some comparison to stuff he's read/heard about.
[Knowledge - Religion: 21]

Bohdi Nackle (illegal second) 
Sunday June 19th, 2005 10:09:39 AM
"If the land is so harsh", asks Tishe' in a wondering voice to Bodhi, "how does any community survive?"

Bohdi snorted. "Don't ask me, love," he muttered. "I'm a city-boy meself. Zarnan City lives on sorcery. As for these barbarians out here on the ice ...." he indicated the others with a shrug.

Mac 
Sunday June 19th, 2005 4:52:44 PM
Trudging through the snow...

"Just us Trellus. Just us."

Mac adjusts his load - slotting the axe away within easy reach of his right hand and carrying the bow and one arrow in his left hand.

Aiden  d20=20 d20=8 d20=1
Sunday June 19th, 2005 11:22:05 PM
"If the land is so harsh", asks Tishe' in a wondering voice to Bodhi, "how does any community survive?"

Bohdi snorted. "Don't ask me, love," he muttered. "I'm a city-boy meself. Zarnan City lives on sorcery. As for these barbarians out here on the ice ...." he indicated the others with a shrug.

Aiden turned, a slightly bemused look on his face, "What is a community? And what would the alternative be for a simple people who have not seen any land that did not capture and mist the breath?" A slight glint in his eyes at the talk of philosophy.

<tags for a response>

----------------

Survival (Nat 20)- finding a good spot for us, and be aware of any predators who might like the blood that is on us. Also keeping a good eye on people in dealing with the frost...

Listen (8 + 4) = 12...Figures that should hear the Bohdi/Tishe exchange. Reply is above.

Jake 
Monday June 20th, 2005 6:32:44 AM
Jake stares out over it. Endless white. Like...Endless green. He thinks of the plains. Except for the temperature difference...and the water difference...and the sun...well, okay, except for everything, there are strange similarities. People travela bout on top of the grass on boats...if it were thin enough we would dig through the snow, he imagines. Sorta. Or would that be under it? Whatever...
The new word doesn't relaly interest him. He's still kinda sore about the lack of pretty girls.


Flea 
Monday June 20th, 2005 6:46:32 AM
"Pity," says the gnome quietly, rising from the dead thing after giving its fur one last ruffle with her fingers.

Flea resumes her position in the marching order and trudges along through the snow. She is grateful for the bigger folk breaking trail, and listens to learn the answer to Trellus' question.

After a while, just to be funny, and relieve the tension she calls out, "are we there yet? Then giggles.

Nauthiz'Ull  d20+8=19 d20+8=28 d20+12=25 d20+12=31
Monday June 20th, 2005 8:18:42 AM
Once out on the trail Nauth takes the time to get to know Anuk a bit better as well as showing him anything he can about the lands of the Vein and how to survive off of them.

He keeps his ears{listen-19} and eyes{spot-NAT 20-28} open while following the tracks{survival-25} and discussed the Bevroren Doden with Trellus and any who want to know.

"The Bevroren Doden are the dead who are too stubborn to admit that they are dead. The Vein has a way of preserving corpses in an excellent manner but sometimes these corpses are raised for whatever foul reason. There hides are tough and their touch colder than the nights out here."

As the march progresses Nauth becomes more and more interested with the weather and does his best to discern the pattern for the next few days{survival-31}.

Anuk  d20+11=28 d20+11=28 d20+13=33
Monday June 20th, 2005 11:04:14 AM
"Excuse me? We're tracking dead people?!" exclaims Anuk when Nauth explains a little more about the Bevroren Doden. "Light. So...what keeps 'em from just freezing up stiff? Seems like most dead people do that anyway whether or not it's colder than a druid's thorax."

Anuk works to keep pace with Nauth and Aiden, listening and learning as he goes.

spot 28
listen 28
survival 33 (nat 20)

Wolf Den 
Monday June 20th, 2005 1:30:01 PM
The troop continues its march across the trackless wastes of the frozen tundra. Protected by the spells af Garret and Bohdi, the cold is well staved and only the change in the snow indicates falling temperatures. For now, the group no longer plows through the snow, but walks upon its frozen surface. The trail continues northward and rising in the distance the mighty gray mass of Burfell can be seen. "We shall be at the foot of Burfell this time tomorrow." the message is passed through the column of travellers.

Discussion falls to the Bevroren Doden, the Frozen Dead. For in the supernatural cold of Ice vien sometimes it can trap the souls of those who die in this realm. Robbing Gargul of his prize and the stopping the soul from reaching the Land of Rest. To Trellus it brings the thought of a more dire consequece, you can not petition Gargul to return a soul that he does not have. Perhaps no one can understand the weight of this more than Mac, as one who has returned. Conversation continues, the world of the Supernatural is powerful and prevelant here in Ice Vien, though none can offer a reason as to why, it just is. Perhpas the realm of Shadow is somehow closer here, perhaps there is other forces at work and mayhaps even Celsiun himself is responcible. All that is known for certain, is that here in the Ice Vien, the dead and the the spirits of the dead are often encountered. Sometimes for ill, like the Bevroren Doden and sometimes not, like the girl spirit the Ice Vien group itself met on Burfell not more than a week ago.

Still the march continues, the sky is darkening and clouds push in from the east. The icy snow crunches beneath your feet and the everpresent wind sweeps the loosened flakes away. Thier song, like scattering glass across the frozen yundra, to fade into the west. Anuk and others have noticed that so far the sun has never shined fully in the sky, always it is masked by clouds, it's position almost impossible to ascertain. Yet the two rangers, Aiden and Nauthiz'Ull, keep an unerring course and time of the march for meals, and warming camps.

Hours grind by in the unchanging landscape. Burfell, while visible, seems to be moving away from the group even as they approach. The group is lead on, and none of the Ice Vien seem to be concerned with this illusion. Nauthi'Ull and Anuk catch a glimpse of movement to the south, a shadow of gray and white like a low cloud or of swirling snow. Far to distant to be of concern at his moment, four maybe five hours behind the troop.

The weather mass moving in from the east suggests new snow in the coming days, but that will also mean warmer teperatures. Temperatures to teh point where Garret, Aiden, Bohdi and Nauthiz'Ull will no longer need protection beyond the furs they wear.

At long last the column is brought to a stop by a small hole dug in the snow. The wolf den has been reached. With a little effort the hole is widened and the den exposed on the western front to offer shelter from the wind. The entire troop will not fit in the den, but it would be able to accomodate 6-8 medium sized beings.

Tishe' 
Monday June 20th, 2005 4:31:25 PM
[OOC: Good News! My recon fell through and I'm not going this week. I'll be able to post and thank you Mikey for readying to take over Tishe']

The small mage worries about the frozen undead, "like an abomination against Mother Wold", she says.

She worries about the temperature and whether they will be able to survive another storm without the tents they left behind.

She worries about the wolf den only holding a portion of the group. In short, she worries most of the trek.

"I have a spell to keep eight people safe for 10 hours, but it's on a scroll and I'd like to keep it for emergencies. I've a potion to shrink one person for some more room, too. Do you think We should use any of it?"

The brown-tressed girl is more than happy to help anyway she can.

Mac 
Monday June 20th, 2005 5:19:14 PM
"I've got a shrink potion too, but I've got no clue as to how long it'll last. It makes sense I use my own first."

Bohdi Nackle 
Monday June 20th, 2005 6:12:55 PM
Bohdi walked into the wolf's den entrance with barely a dip of head. "Never thought I'd be glad to be back here," he thought aloud. He looked along the far wall to see if the ice wine bottle, and parchment in dedication to Skalti, still lay in place where he had left it in the prior week. If there, he patted it gently--"we'll see you again soon enough, dear Skalti"--and returned outside.

"I can stay out here," he volunteered. "We'll dig a tall windbreak of snow and hollow out a small chamber within. Those that stay inside will stay warm enough, so long as we stay close together. But for efficiency's sake, we should keep the chamber itself small and put the smallest of us inside ... um ...." Bohdi blushed uncharacteristically and darted a glance at Flea. "I mean ... again, if that makes sense ...." He fingered his necklace and ring and smiled as he addressed Flea. "Does that make sense?"

Aiden 
Monday June 20th, 2005 8:50:50 PM
Aiden firmly shook his head. "Save your magiks, we may need them later..." He continued in a firm voice, "I can camp outside...and whoever else does, we can attach the tents together, leading into the den to create more room..."

He took a stick and showed two tents attached and overlapping at the very ends, with the second leading into the cave. "Like this...It will allow people not to feel enclosed..."

<tags>

Flea  d20-1+14 d20+3=16 d20+2=14
Monday June 20th, 2005 9:13:38 PM
Flea spots the small hole in the snow and her heart skips a beat. A gnome hole! she thinks, but then her hopes are dashed as she follows Bohdi inside, and realizes the truth. Wrinkling her nose at the smell inside the den she follows the gnome back outside, into the coldness.

"Perfect sense, Bohdi, dear, but you must let me help this time." Flea will work alongside the illusionist using the flat of her short sword to dig and pile the snow as he instructs. She will pile the snow against the tents, if the one called Aiden sets them up as described.

Petitioning Bohdi's friend who pulled the sled (Garrett?), Flea asks if a small fire is permissible and takes what wood he gives her. If making a fire is okay, Flea will make a small one outside the den, in the sheltered area. She will melt some snow, collecting only the white newly fallen stuff. She will add some of the dried meat the party has brought to the melted snow. Using one of her last packets of mix, she makes dough which she drops onto the hot gravy. When no one is looking, she passes her hand over the pot whispering a few words of magic.*

Flea watches as Bohdi's round-eared companions eat, hoping they will like the stew and dumplings. She approaches the one Bohdi seems to care about the most. The one he calls Wunjo, and the others call Nauthiz'Ull. "Mr. 'Ull, sir," she enquires in a small voice, "is there a name for a girl 'wunjo'?"

*Prestidigitation

Survival=14
Craft (dinner)=16
Diplomacy=14


Trellus 
Monday June 20th, 2005 9:29:50 PM
Frozen undead. Light. While they walk across the endless nothingness, Trellus asks more about these undead. What kills them? Fire, he guesses, would be totally shady.

With everyone suitably protected with an Endure Elements spell, the trek becomes nothing more than a really long walk. Trellus has a lot of experience with those, and his mind wanders a bit as he looks out over the white expanse. Flea's comment brings a quick grin, but it soon evaporates under the monotony. It occurs to the man, at some point, that Garrett and Bodhi are the two most important members of the group. For only their spells are keeping the Bloodpack alive.

At the wolf den, the cleric listens for a bit.
"We'll weave whatever pick you say," he responds to Aiden. "Can your wall keep Mac warm enough?" The minotaur would have a hard time getting inside that hole.

Nauthiz'Ull  d20+10=14 d20+12=30
Monday June 20th, 2005 10:05:00 PM
As the wolf den is reached Nauth silently thanks the land for keeping the pack relatively safe. The young ranger knows that much more serious issues could have arose.

A wide, evil smirk blasts across the dark-skinned man's face as he watches Bohdi do his thing. Nauth was off thinking of other things when Flea approached him and asked her question.

"Hmm, well no little one. Wunjo is something we call those that we are close to. They are like hot wolf stew when you are sick. It is like having a fresh powder fall behind you when you need your tracks lost. Wunjo is a precious gift or treasure. Losely used as brother or sister as well but the tone changes a bit and is slick with sarcasm."

Nauth will help Aiden with whatever needs to be done in order to build wind walls and the likes then finds a place to nestle down (preferably in one of the outdoor shelters if enough room is provided).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Know:Nature-14
Survival-30
Both are used to help set up shelters and make sure that everyone will be safe throughout the night.

Aiden (illegal second post) 
Monday June 20th, 2005 10:05:06 PM
Looking at Trellus, the normally very serious Aiden quipped, "I would hope so since I shall be out here with him..."

(OOC: Question...does Mac have the typical minotaur body hair or no? If so, he might be better off in this weather than the others *chuckle*)

Grymash  d20+4=21 d20+9=20
Monday June 20th, 2005 10:06:32 PM
(Knowledge Religon check: 21. Knowledge of undead is covered by this skill in the PHB. Feel free to add more info [if any] that I dont know. :)

"How ya kills da undead ... thay be dead already! Weez take theirs bodies from thems. Chop thems to bits always works. Turns thems wit da shady energez. Gargul will get whut be his! All da blood flow ta Gargul!! Gry can read ta yas from da book of Gargul, weez be ready for thems!"

Grymash pulls out three tents from his haversack. "Gry sure dis help out lots!" He tries his best to work with the others to make a community tent outside the hole so everyone can keep warm.

(Survival check: 20)

Gilan 
Tuesday June 21st, 2005 8:34:08 AM
Gilan lets the comment pass about colder than a druid's thorax and shakes his head as he trudges along with the rest. His mind absently wanders the cold land as he sends out tentative little feelers to nature here. He is striving to understand this new climate and know her better.

When at last they reach what will be their camp he looks to the little hole and just about bursts out laughing. Light, how is he going to fit in that little hole and would he want to. "If it is advisable I would rather stay outside." A slightly wild look will appear in his eyes as he looks at that hole and anyone suggests he enters. He remembers being cooped up in that tent and does not relish the idea again. "Yes...very much rather stay out here with Mac and Aiden."

In fact he does just that and right before he is about to fall asleep he yawns. His form slowly fades and in his place is a large white bear that promply curls up in a spot and falls asleep.

SPELLS
0th: create water(2), light, mending, read magic(2)
1st: clw(3), pass without trace(3)
2nd: barkskin(4), lesser restoration
3rd: cmw(2)*, greater magic fang(2)
4th: dispel magic, flame strike(2)**
* used

Anuk  d20+11=16 d20+11=28 d20+11=29 d20+11=18
Tuesday June 21st, 2005 11:27:41 AM
Anuk reaches the cave, pauses for a moment, and stretches his short frame with a large yawn. He scans the movement on the horizon (spot 16), trying to see if he can make out what might be causing it. "Well...something seems to be on the way. Gonna be a while though. Everyone might as well get a little rest before whatever it is gets here."

If the cave is full, Anuk offers to take a watch outside for a while, trying to keep an eye on whatever it is that may be coming.

Fortitude 28 (endurance)
Spot 29
Listen 18

To Búrfell (Guest DM: RichP) 
Tuesday June 21st, 2005 1:27:00 PM
The wolf den isn't large enough to hold all seeking shelter from the harsh nights on the icy tundra of Ice Vein, but with assistance from additional tents and a wind brake everyone is warm enough for the night. Several of the campers stay outside preferring a tent to the close of a cave. A watch is kept for the movement seen early in the day but it never materializes, yet another ghost in an icy land.

Conversations through the night jump all over from Bevroren Doden and how best to combat the frozen dead to the meaning of Wunjo. Mostly the night is a time to rest for tomorrow they'll be at Búrfell.

The next morning single file the group moves out for Búrfell. The Ice Veiner's know it will be the good part of the day before they reach the base of the Búrfell and the final resting place for a fallen companion. All day the group travels a single file march through the open expanse of the icy tundra. For the Ice Veiner's the temperature is comfortable as the impending storm has brought the chill to a tolerable level. Even for the Sargrass natives, then land stays its harsh hand for the time being and the only worry for now, it seems, is the hypnotic glare off the white snowy landscape.

In the distance, Búrfell out climbs from the icy tundra its base surrounded by the foothills that envelope the lone mountain. Up into the sky the Búrfell climbs until disappears into a bank of low hanging clouds.

The march through the foothills though tiring but not difficult. The storms that tempered the cold have held off your not sure for how long. Not long before sunset and the foothills of Búrfell are behind you. Now you are able to look on the Great Mountain as it stands unhindered by the hills that surround it.

A short time more and the steps of Búrfell are in view. Closer it is easy to see that something has been dug out. Lying out of the hole in the ice and snow is the remains of a mule. Its frozen carcass is a dismal reminder of the dangers on the Ice Veins.


Garrett 
Tuesday June 21st, 2005 1:51:40 PM
The long monotonous march to Burfell continues. Garrett's mind begins to wander as he simply follows the person in front if him. Trying to keep an eye out for the unseen, but he's pretty sure that one of the rangers will see anything out here long before he does.

As more questions are asked regarding the frozen dead, Garrett responds. "Swords seem to be the best way to kill the undead that we have faced. Arrows and axes seemed to do much less damage to the dead than they would have to the living."

At that rather short statement, Garrett tries to think of something else to say but can't. Finally just calling up to Aiden and Nauth. "Do not forget that we need to visit the ants on the way. They may have some useful information for us. And we may also wish to plan on using the cave of the spirit as a base camp. Her spirit should hopefully be at rest now."

Memorized spells:
0: create water, Light x2, mending,
1st: endure elem. X3(castx3), Magic Weapon

Bohdi Nackle  d20+2=10
Tuesday June 21st, 2005 3:21:52 PM
This has not been the easiest march for Bohdi. As he marched along in line with Flea, he explained some of their previous encounters along this route.

"That wolfs' den back there, that was where we took shelter for the night. Skalti and Aiden were nearly frozen to death. When we found it, there were several adults outside--they were guarding--they were guarding the--the den. And, of course, it was--well, the choice either us, or--or them. And then, when I--when we had finished them off, we went inside the den, and we found--we found--" the gnome swallowed hard, and spoke more softly as he recalled the scene. "There were two young wolf pups inside. They were barely weaned. Aiden and Nauthiz'Ull took them in for their own, seeing as their mother--their mother was ...."
Bohdi trailed off.

"And then we reached the slopes up ahead here," Bohdi continued hastily. He pointed out features on the foothills as they approached. "You see over there, that little outcropping? We were just about parallel with that when we noticed the hailstorm coming up. It was nasty. That's when we bolted down one of the ice ants' ice spikes--they're just over there, I think, past that low ridge--and stayed down there for the night. Bloody queer creatures that lot are, I can tell you."

Bohdi nodded in the direction of their current travel. "This way is where we found that granite wall that led up to the ghost's cave. This is where we left Skalti and Yodel--Yodel was the mule--to climb up. Poor buggers. Pro'lly still frozen up there. I guess we'll find out."

As they neared the granite wall, Bohdi stared at the mule's frozen corpse, and a concerned, even paranoid look spread across his face.

"Wh-where's Skalti?" he asked the other Icers, pointing in the direction of Yodel's body. "H-he was--he was right there ... wasn't he?" Bohdi scanned around quickly, his fear mounting. (Spot 10)

Spell list:
Gnome abilities: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals
Level 0: Detect Magic, Read Magic, Flare (x2)
Level 1: Color Spray (x2), Mage Armor, Feather Fall

ooc: Please note that it is Bohdi's practice and custom to solicit input from his fellow travelers before finalizing his spells for the day. He would have suggested that approach to the rest of the party as well, including the Bloodpack. With DM's permission, if someone has other suggestions for Bohdi's spells, perhaps we can coordinate before the next post.

Nauthiz'Ull  d20+8=16 d20+7=22 d20+12=29
Tuesday June 21st, 2005 8:31:25 PM
The ranger entertains any questions that Anuk may have about the lands and silently nods in agreement to Garret's question.

Sweet sister, I wish you were here. There are so many things that I forget or do not think of and you always were there to help me out. I miss you at night and I miss you on these trips.

Nauth begins scanning the area as they approach{spot-16} and quickly make his way to the mule and the dug out area. He carefully inpsects the area looking for any clues that could help tell him what is going on, including tracks{search-22, survival-29}.

Trellus 
Tuesday June 21st, 2005 8:49:16 PM
Pretty sure Bohdi needs to be carrying 3 Endure Elements spells...

Trellus nods at Gry's words concerning undead. "But if they're just a spirit," he reminds the half-orc, "axes won't touch them."

Sure enough, Garrett mentions axes have trouble. Although it seems kinda twisted that swords don't.
"What about a mace, or a hammer?" he asks. The thought that either Mac or Gry could do more damage with his mace than with the truly waxed blades they carry strikes the cleric as totally twisted. He decides not even to bother with the suggestion.

The hike is long, and monotonous. Even the color out here is....well, there ain't any color. Its all white. The place could totally use some purple grass, or the short blue kind. Or some bright green. There is no bright green anywhere.

At the end of the day, Trellus stands before the Great Mountain.
"Shady," he says appreciatively. "THAT is one waxed hillside."

The frozen animal is a stark reminder of the danger of the cold. The missing dead man is a stark reminder of even nastier fates.

And then, there's talk of visiting ants. Trellus has recently developed a serious dislike for ants.
"Uh, what kind of ants?" he asks uncomfortably. "They don't take over your mind and make you weave twisted picks, do they?"
The blond man looks uncertainly at Gry, and then trades looks with Tishe. He hasn't memorized enough Dispel Magics to go through that again.

Grymash  d20-2=0 d20=4
Tuesday June 21st, 2005 11:03:27 PM
BEFORE we go hiking off into the great white wonder!!
---------------------------
Grymash has an uneasy nights sleep. He never stops moving from under his blanket of furs. His eyes suddenly spring open and he explodes with energy. "DUDES ... DUDES!!! GRY BE BACK! GRY BACK FROM DA FIGHT!!" At first, it seems that the barbarian is just excited from a dream or something. But he looks to have taken some injuries that cant be explained. Injuries other than the ones from the wurm. "Where be yooz guys, Gry be all by self, 'cept for da others! Da elfs, an da tall dude wit da funny snout an shaved fur, an dat little shady dude! Gry try an remembers but it be like long long time agos. Not remembers everythings." Grymash struggles to remember everything. (Intelligence check: 0) "Gry no remembers, but Gry fights biggie, biggie beasties!" Grymash looks down at his chest. There's a huge serated tooth, a foot and a half to two feet long, hanging on a thick, braided, red leather cord. Its tip is stained with blood! "SEE ... Biggie piggie!!" Grymash looks puzzled as if searching for a memory. "Ohhh, Gry brings sumething back for Bloodpack!" The barbarian goes back into his tent and pulls out a strange chest that nobody has seen before. He opens it quickly and the glare of the shiny coins momentarily blinds all who look upon it. "LOOK! Gry brings da pack lots of shiny ginglies!" When you adjust your eyes, you all stare upon a chest full of platinum coins! A stray memory darts through his fragile little mind, "Uhhh, get ta know ME ... Gargul!?" Grymash knows that doesn't sound right.

(Each of the Bloodpack receives 2,700gp worth of platinum coins. I guess that's 270 plat. a piece. Compliments of Gry's exploits at Woldcon!)

Flea  d20+13=25 d20+9=25 d20+11=18
Tuesday June 21st, 2005 11:15:59 PM
Listening to Bohdi as the party walks in the shadow of the omnipresent mountain she get the distinct feeling that this venture is going from bad to worse.

"Um, Bohdi, sweetness, who is this 'Skalti' person?" she enquires, not sure she really wants to know.

Having spent a week or so in the new environment, Flea is growing accustomed to some of the rigors of travelling on the barren land. Coping better with the cold thanks to the magic provided by her new companion, she turns her focus outward. (Search=25, Spot=25, Listen=18)

(OOC: For real, Stephen!?)


Stephen :) 
Tuesday June 21st, 2005 11:19:24 PM
Yes, that's for real! :)

Jake 
Wednesday June 22nd, 2005 5:30:17 AM
Jake looks at the platinum in surprise. "Well, gee, Gry. You surprise me sometimes." He looks around. "This whole land is weird."
Jake then tries to get Tishe to explain to him why, exactly, they're in this land...again. She's probably had to explain it to him three times now. He actually understands why, he just enjoys pestering her with questions. He'll ask something, and then suddenly, insert a question like, "Say, you have any sisters?"
or "Would y'all say a glass is half-empty or half-full? Me, ah wonder why there ain't 'nuff water to fill it in the first place..."
or "Seems ta me like we've got a pair of lovebird gnomes...ain'tcha happy for Flea?"
or "Say, Tishe, ah've been fiddling around with some new spices, since we've been away for so long, ah've been getting all sortsa weird stuff. You think ah can try cookin' tonight?"
and so on.
He's basically trying to generally chat wiht her...but to a quiet, withdrawn person after a while it can be annoying, to a talkative chatty person (like Jake) it just seems natural.

Tishe' 
Wednesday June 22nd, 2005 3:17:00 PM
The small mage feels the cold, but seems to be getting better about toughening up (or maybe it is just the Wunjo's magic...

In any case, she plods along with the others, listening to thier conversations and lost in thought.


Anuk  d20+11=12 d20+11=28 d20+9=15 d20+13=30
Wednesday June 22nd, 2005 4:07:11 PM
Anuk continues to learn all he can from Nauth, and he is pleased to see that the ranger seems to be opening up a little. "Thank you for teaching me...I don't think we could survive here without learning so much from you and your pack."

"Shady! Thank you," Anuk says as he accepts the money from Gry. He puts the generous gift safely away in his pack and for a while he is lost in thought. "Gry...I have an idea for a gift I would like to give to you. I will make it tonight when we camp," he says with a smile.

As the group gathers at the base of the mountain, Anuk can see Bohdi's concern. "I will see if I can find any sign of your lost friend," he tells the gnome. He spends time studying the area around the body, hoping to find clues that may have survived the snowfall.

Spot 12 (nat 1)
Listen 28
Search 15
Survive (track) 30

Búrfell Climb 
Wednesday June 22nd, 2005 4:18:09 PM
Tracks and markings from the hole with Skalti's mule reveal the digging started at the bottom and came up. The tracks then lead to some small handolds ripped into the granite wall of Burfell and ascend. Here to, is where the wolf pack tracks lead. The wolf pack trail seems to indicate that the wolves stopped at teh bottom and then leaped the vertical 20' to the first step.

The night, which again all of the Blood Pack will note is not really night, but more of a deep dusk, adds a further 6 inches of thick wet snow. It seems to plummet from the sky and almost instantly turns to water upon impact and this water in turn freezes to ice. Nauthiz'Ull and Aiden are immediately about the small camp of tents breaking the forming ice from the canvas and furs, "the weight will eventually crush them and all inside." Others are shown the process and the later hours of teh watch are used more in this manner than truly keeping alert for possible predators on the tundra.

The long hours are eventually passed and light again begins to brightern the wold of the tundra. Again the gray clouds blanket the sky and there is no sun. All the landscape has also again been transformed by the wet conditions of the previous eveing and 3 inches of ice coat all about you giving everything the appearance of being trapped under a thick peice of glass. Rising up directly in front of the group is the 'First Step'. A black streaked gray slab of vertical granite some 20' in height. "This is the easiest spot of Búrfell." Once this onstacle is accomplished, the rest of the 12'000 feet can be ascended realtively easily and the cave of the sprit and alpine meadow of the Kheldra flower reached. But unlike last time they were here, this time the Ice Vieners have foreigners whose climbing skills are unknown and an ice encased face to deal with.

Mac 
Wednesday June 22nd, 2005 5:36:31 PM
"Thanks Gry."

Looking at the 20' of granite Mac has an idea. "Do we 'ave an Enlarge Person spell available? I'm sure I could get everyone up o'er the edge with it, o'erwise Gry and I could do the living ladder thing - passing people up. Which seem the most shady?"

Bohdi Nackle 
Wednesday June 22nd, 2005 6:22:46 PM
"So, you're telling us that a frozen Skalti, and a bunch of wolves, all went up there ... and we're going to follow them? Wauuuuuuuggh ...." For a few moments, the gnome illusionist's knees visibly quivered, as did his lip--until he remembered that Flea was standing next to him.

"<Ahem!> Yes, right! Well, then, up we go! Right! Got it! We need to have someone get up to the top of this cliff right away and stand guard against undead, wolves, and whatever else! Right, and so I volunteer ... Squork!"

"Squork?!" the bird echoed in clear disbelief.

"Yes, you! Come on, you can fly up there and keep a lookout quicker and easier than anyone else, so go on, now. Go on, go on!"

Bohdi brushed the raven from his shoulder with a shooing gesture. Squork took to the air and flapped angrily in front of Bohdi's face, beak to 'beak.' There was murder in the raven's eyes.

Bohdi looked at Flea and chuckled nervously. "He's usually very well behaved, heh .... go!" He hissed this last part back in the raven's direction with an accompanying glare. The raven returned the glare for another moment before flapping off heavily toward the top of the cliff.

Bohdi cleared his throat again. "Now, fortunately, with the weather seeming to hold as it is, we may be able to spare more of our magical power to assist with the climb. I can memorize a number of spells to save people from a fall--ah, Feather Fall, I believe it's called in the arcane literature--or even several Unseen Servants. Or, someone else could try to memorize those spells from my spellbook ..." He looked at Tishe. "If it makes more sense for me to prepare for the weather or ... other ... eventualities. I'd actually suggest that someone else prepare a few Feather Falls and Unseen Servants, and that we skip the Endure Elements given the rangers' 'weather reports."

When Bohdi's turn came--hopefully, after several others had gone and laid a rope--he took his sweet time (Take 20 on the Climb check).


Proposed Spell list:
Gnome abilities: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals
Level 0: Detect Magic, Read Magic, Flare (x2)
Level 1: Color Spray (x2), Mage Armor, Feather Fall


Flea 
Wednesday June 22nd, 2005 8:30:22 PM
"Wait! shouts Flea, as the party makes to start climbing the slick looking ascent. "Send the biggest and strongest climbers up ahead with ropes. We can fashion a harness with the ropes, and the stong ones can pull the others up!" Flea then smiles craftily and looks to Trellus, and 'whats-his-name' who seems to be the leader of the other pack. Removing a ring from off her finger, she holds it up for the leaders to see. There is a feather pattern all around the edge. "Whoever goes up first can wear this in case of a miss-step. The ring can be lowered down so each person who is hoisted up will have added protection in case the rope breaks."

(OOC: Flea has 50ft of silk rope, and a ring of Feather Fall to contribute.)

Trellus 
Wednesday June 22nd, 2005 8:39:06 PM
Trellus looks at the sheer ice wall and then over at Mac.

"Its shady, dudes," he says calmly. "We can weave this a couple ways. If someone's feeling adventurous, we can give them Flea's ring and let em try to climb this."

"Or I just cast Air Walk on Mac. He trots up there with a rope, and hauls the rest of us up. Night soil."

Unless somebody has got a much better option, Trellus goes with the Air Walkin Minotaur Plan.

Gilan  d20+8=17 d20+8=18
Wednesday June 22nd, 2005 8:49:22 PM
Gilan is up early that morning going over his morning prayers and devotions to Mother Wold. He sits in the snow faceing the rising sun, his eyes closed and communing with nature.

When he rises at last he shakes his head as he looks to the mountain and laughs lightly. "I have asked Mother Wold for two spells that will allow two of us to hang to the side of this mountain like the spider." He takes in the rest of the group and wonders how many others will be able to make this trip safely. He smiles as Flea as she makes her own suggestions and nods his understanding.

Pulling out the extend rod he closes his eyes and pulls upon the powers of nature. He brings a spell to bear upon himself, increasing all of his natural attack abilities. "I will go on up with your raven there and watch the area for the rest of you." His shape fades once again like it did several nights before and he became a bear. When he is done there is a snowly owl standing on the snow looking around at the group, head twisting all the way around to take in each person.

He then takes off and flys around the mountain area surveying all that he can see around him.

[spot 17 and listen 18]

[Greater Magic Fang - 16hours, +1 to all natural attacks]

SPELLS
0th: create water(2), light, mending, read magic(2)
1st: clw(3), pass without trace, produce flame(2)
2nd: barkskin(3), spider climb(2)
3rd: call lightning, cmw(2), greater magic fang
4th: dispel magic, flame strike(2)
* used

Grymash  d20-2=1 d20+2=20
Thursday June 23rd, 2005 12:24:23 AM
(Intelligence: 1, Wisdom: 20)

"Gry can climb gute! Gry wills go up. No need ta use da magik. Well, Flea's Slow Fall ring be a gute idea. Flea smart! If Gry climb slow, Gry have no problems." Grymash reaches for Flea's ropes so he can put them into his haversack. "Gry climb gute! Gry not fall!"

Jake 
Thursday June 23rd, 2005 8:05:59 AM
Unlike many of the others, Jake has actually spent some time practicing his climbing skills. He's also quite strong. As a result, once shedding his gear, he quickly takes the lead in the climbing race, enthusiastically tackling the mountain. (2 ranks in climb, +4 str bonus)
But after a while he's not so pleased... This mountain keeps going up and up... And up...And up... He looks down and has a realization of how high he is, and it's different than being on the dragon. It's more real. He's there.. there's no dragon that can swoop down and pick him up. If he falls, he'd crash against the rocks. And there is no soft grass. Jake panics and clutches to his cliff for a while, glad that there's ropes holding him in place. His body is trembling, shivers going throughout him, and for a long minute he can't move... But slowly he conquers his fear, and convinces himself to cautiously move on. Afterwards he just throws off comments by saying how cold it was.. "'caused me ta chatter all frozen and stuff..."


Garrett 
Thursday June 23rd, 2005 8:25:31 AM
All the ideas being thrown around by the bloodpack seem pretty good to him. Garrett will hang back a bit and wait for the climb to be made easy for him.

To Bohdi "Although the weather report is looking good at the moment, I don't see where we have much choice but to continue memorizing and casting the endure elements. W know the weather changes fast up here, and the bloodpack can't handle the same cold we can. I would think that we keep using our spells to keep them protected, since they can handle most things that come our way with little problem."

Memorized spells:
0: create water, Light x2, mending,
1st: endure elem. X3(castx3), Magic Weapon

Nauthiz'Ull  d20+8=20
Thursday June 23rd, 2005 9:03:01 AM
Nauth weighs his options and looks towards the primal Gillan.

"If you grant me the abilities of a spider I will go up as well and use Ull'Heiimdall's bow to hold anything off that may be up at the top while the big boys pull others up."

Nauth proceeds to take in the surroundings, how little they may be, in case old Skalti is smarter in his afterlife than in his before(?)life{spot-20}.

Tishe' 
Thursday June 23rd, 2005 1:47:28 PM
"I also have a Spider Climb white magic on a scroll that I can weave.", Tishe' tells the leaders with enthusiasm. "And I've a yellow spell that can make someone fly for a short time."

She considers and is momentarily distracted by the beauty of the ice encrusted wall. "Perhaps we should save some moving spells as we go... It looks like a long climb."

Tishe' will wait for the Air Walked Mac to go up the cliff, idly twirling her Enlarging Wand about and waiting to be next or needed.

Mac 
Thursday June 23rd, 2005 3:29:15 PM
"No! 'Tis only 20 feet - save the Air Walks an' Spider Climbs an' ropes an' such for when we run into something serious. We only need the one spell here an' we knoo it works just fine!"

Mac gives Tishe' and the wand a nod. "Please?"
[OOC: Tishe' having the wand in hand and 'waiting to be next or needed.']

"Line up! Gry an' Nauth the first two - to secure the top o' the step an' bow support. The rest as you like."

[OOC: When Enlarged Mac becomes Huge, and bipedal Huge creatures have an average vertical reach of 32 feet (see Jump, pg77), so lifting people up and placing them on the top of the step should not be a problem, and he can wait until the edge is clear before lifting the next in line. Given he can already reach the top, he can put all his gear up and then simply clamber up as though he had jumped for and got the top.]

Anuk 
Thursday June 23rd, 2005 3:54:37 PM
During the encampment, Anuk digs through his pack and finds his pen and inkwell, along with a single sheet of parchment that has survived his adventures. He's been saving it for some special use. He puts pen and ink to paper, drawing carefully in what light there is for some time, careful to avoid the drips of water and ice. When he is finished, he is holding an illustration of Grymash, proud and fierce, but somehow friendly and gentle, too. After surveying his handiwork, Anuk approaches his half-orc packmate.

"Uh..Gry,...I just wanted to say thank you," he says as he hands the paper over. "You gave me my bow...you've saved my life more than once...and now this platinum. I...uh...I've never given you anything in return and I just wanted you to have something to show you how we see you."

He also hands over the pen, its nib blackened from years of use. "My father gave this to me. I used it to draw so I could chase away some of my fears. I want you to have it. I figured if it ever came down to it, you could use it to chase away some of the creatures we keep coming across. It's not Stabby, but maybe you could use it to poke out some eyes or something," he says with a grin.

The next day at the base of the mountain, Anuk agrees that the giant Mac is the best option. "Gimme a boost," he says to the Minotaur when it's his turn.

Now that's a big Taur 
Thursday June 23rd, 2005 4:24:01 PM
Mac is enlarged and begins playing elevator with Gry and Nauthiz'Ull. Squork flies recon as well, but the only thing about is the ice covered landscape and a good days climbing ahead. Gillan shifts into a bird and takes wing. Again the druid hears a whisper on the wind. Like the previous night. Instead of a faint stirring that could by the air, this time it is a distinct call. Gilan Highlight to display spoiler: {Power! Join Us! Reclaimation!} The ropes are securely fastened with hammer and spike and the rest of the troop climbs up or is helped up by Mac. Soon all are on the First Step looking up the rest of the climb that awaits. Burfell reaches to the very ceiling of the Wold and vanishes well into the clouds with perhaps a third of its massive height yet to go. None have ever claimed to reach the top of Burfell, though many have tried. Most return defeated by the mountain, some vanish and others are found broken at it's base. Your group does not have to summit the mighty mountain, merely journey part way to the Kheldra fields, and the spirit cave by night fall.

The climb commences, most of which involves walking, but now slightly up, as the trail winds back and forth across the mountain. Too soon though the trail breaks way to a great Ice Fall that seems to comprise almost the entire side of the mountain. This emmense area streches over 1200 feet and wraps underneath one of the great hangs of JkOerfell, one of the minor peaks. Sprires of ice crystals hang down like titanic daggers from the upper perpapice as the party passes underneath some 3000' below. The wind stirs and a icy hand seems to wash over the party.

The Ice fall is about a 35 degree upplane, ice encrusted rock, spanning some 500' and it is the only navigatable route. barring more extreme measures of course. Ice vien group last time clibed with roped members and there was little ice. Please list any possibly appropriate skill checks ie balance, climb rope use etc

Tishe' 
Thursday June 23rd, 2005 5:05:16 PM
Enlarging Mac is no big deal, and Tishe' loves the feel of being completely safe in the huge 'taur's hand. She enjoys the company of her packmates and the Wunjo Icepack, but tends to say little because of the amazing cold that strikes her lungs everytime she speaks.

The fantastic Ice Fall takes her breath away in a differnt way, and the small woman stares dumbfounded at the amazing spectacle. "Flea, do you remember the frozen fall by Grandma's Home? I wonder if that was a sign of where we were to be going?"

During the ice storm the day before, the curious mage discovered how slippery frozen water could be, and she appreciates any help of roping together.

"I think this is where a couple huge shady wunjos that can walk as well as a spider will come in handy," she mentions. "I can Enlarge Mac and Aiden, and Gilan and Bohdi can use the Spider Climb spells with the Extension Rods to make them last a couple of hours." She glances at the leaders questioningly, "Sounds like a shady pick?"

Gilan 
Thursday June 23rd, 2005 7:05:14 PM
Gilan is reveling in the flight and then feels something, much like a voice stir in his mind. {Power! Join Us! Reclaimation!} His head cocks to the side as he thinks back to the voice. "Who and what?" He glances around again to see if there is anything around or anyone, but he feels this more than hears it.

With a swoop he comes to land upon the enlarged shoulder of Mac. He looks to him and seems to smile as he listens in to what is being discussed. He ruffles his feathers and bobs his head as if he understands what is being said. He does wait to see what decisions will be made and then apply his spells as needed.

[Greater Magic Fang - 16hours, +1 to all natural attacks]

SPELLS
0th: create water(2), light, mending, read magic(2)
1st: clw(3), pass without trace, produce flame(2)
2nd: barkskin(3), spider climb(2)
3rd: call lightning, cmw(2), greater magic fang*
4th: dispel magic, flame strike(2)
* used

Aiden 
Thursday June 23rd, 2005 10:55:05 PM
Aiden had kept quiet as the magicks were unfurled, and individuals, apparently much stronger than he, at least physically, began the climbs. There was some amusement in his features as he silently wondered if all from the foreign lands liked relying upon magick so much.

"I do not see much that can give one shade unless in the mountain's shadow..." he said with a straight face, sounding a bit 'slow' in understanding the term, "UNLESS you mean to ask if I approve of your plan..."

"I can do that, though I wonder why the use of magicks is being used so much, including 'bird fall' and rings..."

(Aiden does have 50' of rope to help with the climbing...use rope (4) and climb (2) )



Grymash  d20+3=23 d20+7=25 d20+2=17 d20+4=7 d20+9=27
Thursday June 23rd, 2005 11:35:19 PM
"Shady ... thanks, 'Nuk! Dat do look like Gry!" He gives the ranger a solid, yet friendly, pat on the back. "Dat be gute!"

Grymash can't help but think to himself, "Hmmm, so it be true, a drawing does add about 100 to 150 pounds."

(Balance: 23, nat20. Climb: 25. Spot: 17. Listen: 7. Survival: 27.)

Bohdi Nackle  d20+3=5 d20=15 d20=13 d20+3=19
Friday June 24th, 2005 12:07:41 AM
Bohdi only stared and nodded as Tishe made her suggestions. "I'll do whatever you say," he murmured absently as he stared at the landscape that had become so much more hazardous since their last passage. "So long as it involves magic. I'll be no good to anyone in ... that." He stood ready to be enchanted and play whatever role the group decided.

Spell list:
Gnome abilities: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals
Level 0: Detect Magic, Read Magic, Flare (x2)
Level 1: Color Spray (x2), Mage Armor, Feather Fall

Bohdi's skills in this area are zero. His base STR mod is +0; his base DEX mod is +3. Some sample rolls, absent magic:

Balance: 5
Climb: 15
Jump: 13
Use Rope: 19

Jake 
Friday June 24th, 2005 9:53:34 AM
(i'm sorry i cannotpostrightnow I'lll post when i get back ina fternoon0

Nauthiz'Ull  d20+5=15 d20+9=21 d20+7=13 d20+4=13 d20+2=5 d20+2=12
Friday June 24th, 2005 10:44:19 AM
As Nauth is boosted up he has Ull'Heimdall's bow drawn and arrow noched. Noticing that there is no current threat he shoulders the bow as the group pushes on.

Upon reaching the ice fall Nauth gets the the apparent base and surveys the area as best as he can {Know:Geography-15, Know:Nature-21, Search-13} for any apparent best possible route as well as trying to recall any extreneous dangers of the ice fall.

"We need to rope together. The two heaviest in the front and the next two strongest in the back. Keep the lightweight ones in the middle, that way if someone slips and starts sliding the front line can hold them while the back line can help stop them and get them back up."

The dark-skinned young man looks at peace and perhaps a bit excited during this adventure, but a deep sign of greivance still swims behind his eyes.

Once a decent path is planned and shown Nauth will help in whatever way possible to get the ropes tied together and get the journey underway once more {use rope-13,climb-5,balance-12}.

Tishe' (Illegal 2nd Post) 
Friday June 24th, 2005 1:13:17 PM
The small mage entwines a wavy brown lock of hair around one finger while seriously considering Aiden's comment. "No, I don't think the mountain is shady, there's too much ice." She blinks and then laughs, "oh, that kind of shady. Aiden, think about a place that is hotter than your warming tent ... all the time. (She holds one mittened hand up) And the most precious thing to have is a place to get out of the sun (She holds her other mittened hand); someplace 'shady'." (And she brings her hands together as if the end of a demonstration)

"As to why so much magic, well I'm not going Walker out here any time soon, and experience has taught us not to take unnecessary chances..."

Jake 
Friday June 24th, 2005 4:44:45 PM
(My post didn't go through?)

The Ice fall 
Friday June 24th, 2005 4:56:05 PM
The party continues discussing how best to attempt the dangerous climb through the Ice Fall. Many ideas are brought forth from simple rope and climb, to wind walks to spider climbing and pulling.

Gilan Highlight to display spoiler: {Be Free! Stand with Us! Be Forever! The call heightens from a feeling to a plyable force of will}

Some attempt to move through the Fall, Gry finds teh going tricky but managable, proceeding 30 or so feet up. Bohdi has little luck in starting and Nauthiz'Ull takes a bad step, his right foot shoots out from under him, but with a quick whirl on his left foot he maintains his vertical.

Aiden  d20=5 d20=14
Friday June 24th, 2005 5:31:00 PM
Aiden nodded towards Tishe's comments, his eyes twinkling. He had learned to understand what the term 'shady' had meant, though apparently his partial jest was not caught by the female mage.

~hotter than my tent...~ he thought to himself and just couldn't comprehend such a place. He began to answer "water..." but stopped when she started to give her explanation. He then nodded in understanding at the completion of her explanation. "Ah..."

It was rather depressing to the ranger that he, alone, of the people from the lands of ice, does not understand the strange terminology of the strangers. Perhaps he was not as cosmopolitan as they...

Once people were set in securing the ropes, he double checked the knots and various parts. Aiden quietly waited for the others to begin the trek upwards, unless he is called upon.

Use rope (5 +4 = 9)
Climb 14 + 2 = 16

Flea  d20+4=19 d20+1=13
Friday June 24th, 2005 7:39:13 PM
Shrugging her shoulders, Flea slips the ring back on her finger. This was often the way of things. Bigger magics than hers, and stronger bodies too, often were the solution to the problems at hand. However, it never hurt to have a little personal insurance. Just in case.

Flea smiles at Bohdi, encouragingly, "I'll just tie some knots in these ropes to make climbing easier. If you're going up by magic, will you scout ahead to find the good handholds and tell me where they are? " (Use Rope=19 to tie some knots) If Bohdi isn't able to Spider Climb, Flea will show him how the knots make it easier to climb, and offer him words of encouragement, even following up after him. (Climb=13, Aid Another)

Flea casts a quick glance at Trellus, and much as she loves Gry, chooses the rope anchored by the Minotaur.

The strawberry blonde gnome is reluctant to be far from Bohdi. Despite the difficulty of the climb, she continues to articulate most of the thoughts that run through her head. "And what exactly are these Kheldra Fields, and what is this spirit cave? While waiting for the debonair magicker's response, Flea's mind wanders back to the strange cave on the Sargrass Plains where the party spent the night before the battle for the moth.

(OOC: the reason Flea doesn't choose Gry's rope:http://www.woldiangames.com//archives/index.html?game=plains&start=1048605229&end=1051021613 (you can start reading with Flea's April 8 post and then the next two days or so...) Sorry, Stephen, but as long as Flea is in the Wold, Gry will never live this one down, no matter what Trellus says!



Trellus  d20-1=10
Friday June 24th, 2005 8:37:42 PM
"Let's go with Garrett's idea" Trellus says. "Tie us all together. Gry and Mac up front. Aiden and me and Garrett in back. Everyone else in the middle. Grymash, take your time."

With a quick, silent prayer to Domi, the cleric begins making his way up the slope.
[Climb 10]

Drew ooc 
Friday June 24th, 2005 9:47:39 PM
thank you so much for a link to that event with Grymash. It even made some of my non-roleplaying friends laugh for more than a little bit.

Gilan  d20+8=21 d20+8=12
Saturday June 25th, 2005 1:43:44 AM
Gilan once again feels and hears that voice in his head as he sits on Mac's shoulder. With an eye to Mac and then Trellus he takes back to wing. He flies on up the mountain, unsure if that it where it is coming from or not...but he has to find out. Some part of him is curious, intrigued and maybe a little scared...but he feels the draw noone the less.

He is soon most likely out of sight of both packs as he flies on ahead. His eyes and ears searching the surrounding area for something a little more tangible.

[spot 21 and listen 12]

[Greater Magic Fang - 16hours, +1 to all natural attacks]

SPELLS
0th: create water(2), light, mending, read magic(2)
1st: clw(3), pass without trace, produce flame(2)
2nd: barkskin(3), spider climb(2)
3rd: call lightning, cmw(2), greater magic fang*
4th: dispel magic, flame strike(2)
* used

Tishe'  d20=12
Saturday June 25th, 2005 5:38:38 AM
The average-looking woman is perfectly happy with being roped together for safety, and allows any of the Pack or Wunjos to check her rope tying skills (Rope: 12). She prefers to be close to Mac or Aiden, both seemingly strong and able to help if she gets in trouble.

As Grymash passes by to become the head of the troop, Tishe' recalls the red silk scarf that the half-orc had given each of them so long ago (seemingly). He probably is sad that he can't see his red scarf while bundled up in these furs... So the scion of Hook City reaches out and touches one of the furs about her friend's broad shoulders and invokes her home city's magic. The fur changes to a bright red, a blotch of crimson in the snow.

The brown-haired woman follows it up with a 'heart-touch' to her great friend. "Lead us safe, sweetie."

And she prepares herself to endure a cold and arduous climb.

Grymash  d20+3=19 d20+7=18 d20+2=8 d20+4=7 d20+9=20
Saturday June 25th, 2005 8:35:41 AM
"Prrettyy!" mutters the half-orc. Grymash is delighted that his furs are now his favorite color, blood red. Lets hope it doesn't distract him too much while he continues to climb.

(Balance: 19, Climb: 18, Spot: 8, Listen: 7, Survival: 20)


Nauthiz'Ull  d20+2=8 d20+2=20 d20+2=18
Saturday June 25th, 2005 9:49:31 PM
The quick slip sends a rush of adrenaline through the rangers synapses as he regains his balance.

"Footing is unsure for all of us, stay as low to the ground as possible to keep your center of gravity strong."

Nauth looks over those in front of him and occassionaly back over his shoulder to those that follow him. His heart begins to ache as he remembers the time he first scaled Burfel, with Frigga's arm in his hand.

He maintains his ascent with the group and does his best to help those around him {climb-8 balance-20, aid another(climb)-18}.

Bohdi Nackle  d20+3=7 d20=9 d20=10 d20+3=23
Saturday June 25th, 2005 10:43:09 PM
"All right, off we go then," Bohdi shrugged into the rope chain and held on for dear life. Flea's support and comfort warmed him, but it still didn't make him much of a climber.

Balance: 7
Climb: 9 (+2 for Aid Another = 11)
Jump: 10
Use Rope: 23 (natural 20)

Spell list:
Gnome abilities: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals
Level 0: Detect Magic, Read Magic, Flare (x2)
Level 1: Color Spray (x2), Mage Armor, Feather Fall

Garrett 
Sunday June 26th, 2005 9:35:47 AM
(ooc: sorry, been working all weekend and don't have my char. sheet with me. Garrett will yake 10 on any checks)

Garrett looks up at the ice covered slope and remembers sliding down the hills after such an icing for fun.

"You know, I'm starting to think this is a really bad idea. Even all tied together, all it will take is a couple of slips to get the whole lot of us sliding to our deaths. This ice is going to get us all killed. Is there some other way?"

Jake  d20+6=7 d6=5 d20+6=11 d20+6=12 d20+6=21 d20+6=18
Sunday June 26th, 2005 11:40:50 PM
(My post somehow never made it to the board. It was kinda good too.)

Jake cautiously gets ready to try climbing himself. He prefers not to be hoisted by Mac or Grymash, and figures he can handle himself. He's had plenty of practice, from lots of sneaking out and climbing various buildings to sneak glimpses or more interesting meetings with girls.. He reluctantly loosens his armor and gear and loads it into a sack. "We should pullt his up with us...I'll carry just mah sword, just in case..."
Jake sheaths his sword and keeps it at his side, and tentatively tries the rope. Then, he grips the rope and tries to start climbing.
After a dozen feet, suddenly, his feet scrabble along a rock and in his overaeagerness to climb, he loses his grip and tumbles down! (Natural 1 climbing :-( )
He falls to the snowy ground with an uncomfortable sounding crunch (5 damage!)
But that's never let him down before, he launches himself up again eagerly. At first he's making slow progress, but gradually he breaks into a good patterna nd begins climbing well.
(Add 2 to all the climbing attempts when using the rope if succesfful rope use? , I think Jake starts makign it about the third fourth time.)

Note:
Jake also takes Flea's rope. He casts a concerned look occasionally at Grymash.

The Long Climb DM Post 
Monday June 27th, 2005 2:50:19 PM
Couple DM assumptions. Everyone is tied together to the person in front and directly behind them. You can not use the ropes to climb as they are not anchored to anything. There is a 10-15' gap between each climber with 20 feet of rope. Please list your bonus to climb and balance in your post. I may need to do some rolling.

Gilan flies off up the Ice Fall soaring above the dangerous ice. Quickly the druid is gone from view into wisps of smoke-like clouds of blowing snow. Gilan Highlight to display spoiler: { As you fly through the mists of the snowy mountain the Ice Fall fades behind you and Burfell towers before you, climbing to the very ceiling of the sky above. It's top shrouded in mystery and clouds. Once past the Ice Fall the route does indeed seem fall less treacherous, a few sheer steps and old ropes of earlier expeditions can be seen at most of these. Gilan has put about 400 vertical feet between himself and the party.}

Grymash takes the lead and begins a slow ascent with Mac tied and behind him. The rest of the groups waits their turn, Nauthiz'Ull, Anuk, Flea, Bohdi, Jake Tishe, Aiden Trellus and finally Garret.

Grymash and Mac have no anchor points and are making their way up on all fours and everyone else is quickly limited to similar travel. Leather and furred clad hands do their best to find holds up the Fall, inch by inch the troop continues.

Nauthiz'ull gets a bit distracted in his own climb while trying to assist those about him and slips. The Ice vein ranger again regains his balance and prevents himself from looking too foolish

Anuk begins his climb,

Flea too has troubles starting when her turn comes and can not find good footing

Bohdi slips and unceremoniously sits hard to his rear.

Jake first step on the slick angle results in a face plant in the rock and ice.

Tishe, likewise has trouble starting

Aiden waits for those before him to start up and assists where possible

Trellus and Garret each say a small prayer for those heading up the slope and given the difficulty most are having at the bottom, Garret is appearing to be very right at this being possibly suicide. 500' is a very long way off.

Climb DC 16 if failure by more than 5 you slip. Balance of 10 to stop yourself. Failure means person in front and behind must make Climb DC 18 to stop the faller. If that is missed the next person has slipped. Balance of 12 to stop.
Anuk gets climb of 10 (needed DC 16..Fails) Balance check 8 (needed DC 10 fails) This casues Mac and Flea to make climb checks at DC 18, failure indicates they also slip. Mac and Flea make Balance checks DC 12. If they do slide is stopped. If they fail, the next persons in line will need to do so. Each sliding person adds 2 to each DC.

Anuk  d20+4=9 d20+4=24
Monday June 27th, 2005 3:10:01 PM
(ooc: sorry for missing posts. I'm not sure from the above if Anuk has actually slipped or if that was meant just as an illustration. I am assuming it is meant as an illustration, but if I am incorrect, let me know and I'll re-post.) DM just an illustration

Anuk begins to make his way up the icefall face, anchored to the rope behind Nauth. In a short time he is suddenly heard to say, "Wha?!...Light!...Oh, piggie dumps!" as he loses his footing, scrabbling hard to find purchase on the ice (climb 9). By a miracle, he manages to find hand and footholds before he slips off the the face of the icefall and into the climbers below him (balance 24 - nat 20). "Gotta take this a little more slowly, I guess" he mutters.

Anuk OOC 
Monday June 27th, 2005 3:11:18 PM
(ooc: climb and balance modifiers both +4)

Tishe'  d20+2=6 d20+2=13 d20+5=21 d20+2=11 d20+2=10
Monday June 27th, 2005 3:19:57 PM
The brown-haired spellslinger tries to climb with the others, but she has never had to climb alot in the city or on the Sargrass before (Climb: 6, Balance: 13) As the climb progresses, she gets confidence from the lithe ranger behind her.

The fall begins gradually, and she notices her friends above her having trouble (Alert: 21). Hoping they will be able to recover themselves, she nonetheless prepares a Fly spell to cast to help arrest the entire group from falling to thier death.

Climb: 11
Balance: 10

[If she falls off, casts fly on whomever she can reach]

Bohdi Nackle  d20=19 d20+3=21
Monday June 27th, 2005 3:33:36 PM
Bohdi's eyes rolled with fear as he attempted the climb. "Someone cast that Spider Climbing spell on the leaders--they'll be able to hold on and keep us all from falli--oof!" He turned his attention back to the mountain to keep himself from slipping.

Bohdi has a Climb of 0, including STR mod. He has a Balance of +3, including DEX mod.

He also has a Feather Fall at the ready--should anyone slip and not catch themselves, he'll cast it and stop them from starting the domino effect.

Climb: 19 (made it!)

Balance (as needed): 21

Spell list:
Gnome abilities: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals
Level 0: Detect Magic, Read Magic, Flare (x2)
Level 1: Color Spray (x2), Mage Armor, Feather Fall

Gilan {wildshape: snowy owl} 
Monday June 27th, 2005 4:30:22 PM
Gilan sees nothing of great interest that will give him any answers so he wheels in the air, to return to his friends. His decent is fast as he gets as low to the ground as possible without being in danger.

His mind races as to how long he has been in this shape, he knows that he must be careful or he may change back while flying. If he feels that he has the time to spend then he will find a flat spot near his friends and land there. He does not change back unless eight hours is almost up and he has no choice.

[Greater Magic Fang - 16hours, +1 to all natural attacks]

SPELLS
0th: create water(2), light, mending, read magic(2)
1st: clw(3), pass without trace, produce flame(2)
2nd: barkskin(3), spider climb(2)
3rd: call lightning, cmw(2), greater magic fang*
4th: dispel magic, flame strike(2)
* used

Mac (Climb:+8, Balance:+3)  d20+8=28 d20+8=24
Monday June 27th, 2005 5:41:42 PM
Mac continues the crawling ascent, and hits his stride (Climb:28-Nat.20!).

The tug from behind is noticed, but not distracting(Climb:24). He pauses to give Anuk the chance to get his grip before proceeding.

As he goes he thinks to himself (and mutters under his breathe) "With all the ice and cold, why am I finding this so easy?". 20' of ice later the answer comes to him. "Because the last time you had to inch your way along like this your back was slashed open."

Looking over to Gry, he calls barely above a whisper "Gry, Ice Demontaur." as he makes his next reach.

Aiden 
Monday June 27th, 2005 6:42:41 PM
Aiden continued to follow the others, making sure to help them where and when he could. A steady hand, a gruff word of advice, these are what the young ranger offers to the pack as well as those who were blooded with him from Ice Peaks.

Climb (+2)
Balance (+2)

(Considering he is the last, could he take 10 or 20 to make sure to help those who are inexperienced with this?)

Trellus 
Monday June 27th, 2005 8:28:29 PM
This is not going to work.

"Stop," Trellus commands. "All you dudes come back her, cause we need a different plan."
The cleric maintains his position with Garrett, holding firmly onto the rope until everyone gets back on some decent footing.

"Its too slidey," he says, after trying in vain to come up with the right word.
"Now, Gilan can change shape, and I can cast Air Walk on Mac. He can carry Bodhi and Flea and maybe even somebody else on a rope behind him. I've also got a potion that let's you fly. Anybody else got something to help get up this hill?"



Nauthiz'Ull 
Monday June 27th, 2005 10:18:36 PM
Nauth begins his assent up the side of the ice fall as Trellus orders a halt.

'Come on Domi's Son, this is fun. We...I um mean..my sister and I that is, used to climb ice falls all of the time, just so that we could slide down them."

The young ranger immediately looks to the snow and kicks bitterly a couple of times. His eyes begin to well up momentarily before he regains control.

"I do not know any other way. Using daggers and picks and the likes does make it easier."
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Climb and Balance @+2

Grymash  d20+3=20 d20+7=15 d20+2=3 d20+4=22 d20+9=17
Monday June 27th, 2005 11:01:14 PM
Grymash is wondering how much further he needs to climb to get to the top. He has pitons and a hammer in his haversack so he can anchor a rope for the rest. By the looks of it, they're going to need all the help they can get. Not everyone can climb like a half-orc.

(Balance: 20, Climb: 15, Spot: 3, Listen: 22, Surivial: 17)

Jake  d20+6=16 d20+6=20 d20+6=19
Tuesday June 28th, 2005 12:37:42 AM
Jake is probably more skilled then others in the group, so he offers to take a position in front of and behind two bad climbers...

(2 ranks in climb, +6 total)
(Some good starting rolls for Jake :-) )
(Oh, and add 2 more for the rope use.. +8 total climbing :-) )
(My balance if I do miss is only +2)


Flea  d20+3=16 d20+11=22
Tuesday June 28th, 2005 7:24:42 AM
Flea's start is inausicious, but her balance is good and she manages to hang on. Her ring of Feather Fall will keep her from any damage, but she is concerned about the length of time it is going to take to get to the top.

She is worried about the party all being roped together, and wonders why they didn't do the climb the way they did back in the ant hole, when Mac and Gry did the spider climb thing, and folks just hung on.

"I hate climbing," she whispers to Bohdi beside her.

Climb (+1 Str +2 Rope)=16
Balance (+11)=22

Garrett  d20+4=16
Tuesday June 28th, 2005 12:47:14 PM
Climb: 16

"trellus is right." calls Garrett as he slowly picks his way up the hill. "And at the rate we're going, we'll never make the spirit cave by dark."

"If the blood pack doesn't have a way to get us all up at once, then perhaps we should split into two groups and go half now and the other half after the casters get new spells."

"Or, if the blood pack can get everyone up together if they take different spells, why don't we delay until tommorow. We could always ask to shelter with the..........THE ANTS! Nauth, weren't we suppose to go see the ants once we brought the blood pack? They seem to know alot about what is going on, and may be able to offer some insight into why the dead climb Burfell, and what other evil may await. If not, they may be able to offer assistance getting up."

"Either way, we should pull back off this ice fall and find a better way than climbing a mountain on our hands and knees. I think we should go see the ants."

Tishe' (2nd Post) 
Tuesday June 28th, 2005 2:07:56 PM
"I can cast two flying spells with the help of the pearl Gilan gave me", she tells the cleric's of Domi. "That and my enlarging wand on the fliers should can get us all off the ground, but only for about five minutes. Good for a bad patch of cliff, but not for all day."

Aiden 
Tuesday June 28th, 2005 3:00:16 PM
Aiden, after listening to the myriad of options, suggested out loud. "Perhaps cast a spell of flight upon the one named Grym and Mac. They can anchor from above, possibly pulling those who cannot climb of their own power, upwards, one at a time, while the priest..." as he nods over towards the druid, "can fly up as a bird and help..."



Ice Falls  d20+7=25 Gry d20+8=22 Mac d20+2=20 Nauth d20+4=16 Anuk
Tuesday June 28th, 2005 3:23:04 PM
The group is definately haveing troubles on the Ice Fall. The slope and lack of anchor ropes are making it extrememly difficult. Grymash pauses for a moment or two as he scans for how to continue his climb, even he finds the slope trecherous. [Climb 15 fails] Soon, however he continues up, locating a good path. [climb 25]

Mac moves steady and easy behind the Gargul worshiper. [climb 22]

Nauthiz'Ull also marks his path and moves up the Ice Fall with practiced care [Climb 20]

Anuk feels his feet fly from under him but quickly finds a hold and then with a slow breath picks up the climb again. [climb 16]

Trellus calls for a halt to the climb, Some are moving well, but it obvious that many looking up the 500' Ice Fall others could get in serious trouble. Trellus being amongst those 'others'. A little magic and the problem would be greatly reduced.

To his side, Garret again mentions the Ice Ants and sinse they are the oldest race in the Vien, may have some insight to many of the occurences as of late. After all they were the ones that directed the group to bring the Blood Pack in the first place.

Jake Bohdi, Tishe and Aiden have also begun the asent but as of yet have not proceeded too far. Tishe offers her two fly spells and coupled with a Wind Walk it should be more than adequate to traverse the relatively short distance up the Ice Fall.



Mac  d20+1=11
Tuesday June 28th, 2005 3:34:44 PM
Mac hears bits of the conversation behind him. Gry is still pushing on though.

"Gry? It looks like we're be'n' called back... and somethin' 'bout ants."

Gilan {wildshape: snowy owl} 
Tuesday June 28th, 2005 10:23:07 PM
Gilan cocks his head to the side as he watches the troop slog their way up the slope. He then turns it full around to look up the cliff that they are working to get up. When he swivels back he finds that most of them have not gotten that far as of yet.

Inwardly he thinks that this will not work out at all and they will need to find another way. Still he stays his ground and watches Trellus mostly to see what ideas he will come up with and for a signal that he is needed...in human form.

[Greater Magic Fang - 16hours, +1 to all natural attacks]

SPELLS
0th: create water(2), light, mending, read magic(2)
1st: clw(3), pass without trace, produce flame(2)
2nd: barkskin(3), spider climb(2)
3rd: call lightning, cmw(2), greater magic fang*
4th: dispel magic, flame strike(2)
* used

Bohdi Nackle  d20=7 d20+3=16
Tuesday June 28th, 2005 10:59:36 PM
Bohdi remained willing to try anything that the others suggested--so long as it got him, and his beloved Flea, off of the ice.

Bohdi has a Climb of 0, including STR mod. He has a Balance of +3, including DEX mod. He also still has a Feather Fall at the ready.

Climb: 7

Balance: 16

Spell list:
Gnome abilities: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals
Level 0: Detect Magic, Read Magic, Flare (x2)
Level 1: Color Spray (x2), Mage Armor, Feather Fall

Jake 
Wednesday June 29th, 2005 4:20:34 AM
Jake would be the last to accept any magical spells put on him, preferring to go by his natural talents. But only if the rest of the gorup is already at the top will he finally give in.
(+8 total to climb, 2 ranks, +4 str, and +2 from knotted rope :) )

"Ice is dry-baked," he mutters angrily.

Trellus (Air Walk) 
Wednesday June 29th, 2005 7:19:29 AM
Trellus looks over at Garrett.
"I think we've gotta finish this thread," he says apologetically. "Turning around looks out."

With that, the cleric casts Air Walk on himself.

Walking above the ice, he strides out to Tishe, and pulls her onto his back, piggy-back style. With magic user in hand, he heads over to Mac and Grymash.

"Cast your Fly spells on them," he tells her. And then to the two warriors. "Fly back and grab some dudes and carry them to the top. I'll get Flea and the other small dude."

Trellus waits a couple seconds to make sure the taur and half-orc are shady before hiking up to the top of the fall, dropping off Tishe, and returning for another passenger.

Grymash  d20+3=20 d20+7=26 d20+2=20 d20+3=9 d20+9=29
Wednesday June 29th, 2005 8:15:55 AM
Grymash halts to reach into his belt pouch to grab a piton. This maybe a good time to hammer one in. Then Trellus comes up leisurely strolling on the wind. Hearing his suggestion about fly magik, he waits for it to be cast upon him.

(wow, great rolls! Balance: 20, Climb: 26, Spot: 20, Listen: 9, Survival: 29, nat. 20.)

Nauthiz'Ull 
Wednesday June 29th, 2005 9:45:45 AM
Nauth looks towards Garrret with horror in his eyes. Ke knows that he has also forgotten an important ally at the moment and that the Icepack should pay them a visit.

THe dark skinned boy sits down where he is standing and looks amongst those around him. A look that is bordering on panic creeps over his face as the sun take his ice-blue eyes to a new level of lightness.

"We need to visit the ants. I am greatly sorry for forgetful mind, that was always Frigga's job." A winced smile is shot at Garret and Aiden. "The ants can give us information beyond the ages. They are the ones who have endured everything in the Vein. They are our allies and have never meant us any harm. Visiting them is a sign of respect and a sign of loyalty to our word. You" The ranger throws back his furred hood and looks at those fo the Bloodpack who are around, "are here because of them, like it or not."

Nauth tries to recall how long of a backtrack it would take to reach the ants and does some quick calculations.

"If we hurry to the spikes and the ants do not have a better way up to the cave then you can cast your flying spells and still get us up to the cave before darkness falls. We need to work fast and get down the side of Burfel quickly. Hey Flea, you think we could all use that ring. Tie it to some rope and then pull it back up for the rest touse in turn. Jumping off of the side of this old girl does look to be the quickest way down."

Anuk  d20+4=19
Wednesday June 29th, 2005 10:59:50 AM
Flying either up or down sounds good to Anuk. Anything to get him off the cold and slippery ice. From where he is now the whole ice fall suddenly feels a lot higher than it looked from the bottom. "I'll...uh...I'll just wait here for a bit," he says, hoping Trellus or Gry or Mac will be along soon.

(balance 19)

Aiden  d20=19 d20=11 d20=12
Wednesday June 29th, 2005 11:38:26 AM
Aiden waited for the others as he was to be one of the last to climb. He didn't care for revisiting the ice ants, but he also knew that they had foretold some of this.

Turning, he kept an eye out (landbased as well as looking in the sky) for animals (amongst other things) that would look upon the slow, noisy group as meals.

Spot: 19 + 4 = 23
Listen 11 + 4 = 15
Survival 12 + 5 = 17

Bohdi Nackle (illegal second) 
Wednesday June 29th, 2005 4:19:36 PM
"Nauthiz'Ull, wunjo, are you sun-baked?!" the gnome exclaimed. He paused for a moment and half-cocked his head, as if listening to his own mixed use of slang, then plowed ahead heedlessly. "We're not going anywhere but up at this point. The ants can wait for our descent."

Tishe' 
Wednesday June 29th, 2005 4:33:33 PM
The furry outer coverings are a bother, but Tishe' is able to get herself on Trellus' back and delights in the sight of him walking on air. "And I thought dancing on air was merely an expression", she tells the others.

As she arrives at Mac, a quick weave of her hands and the big 'taur can fly for five minutes. Another pause at Grymash and the big half-orc can fly as well.

She awaits both packs at the top of the Ice Fall, and wonders about the Ice Ants. "I would just as soon not go visit these ants. The last ones we visited tried to enslave us then kill us." She remembers infernos of fire, mandibles, and poisoned stingers with horror. "Nearly killed us all."

Flea  d20+13=21 d20+9=15
Wednesday June 29th, 2005 5:40:07 PM
Flea shakes her head in confusion, as the one called Nauth says the group should go back down, and then Bohdi says they should keep going up. Then Trellus air-walks by with Tishe' on his back.

Remembering the ants from the pack's last encounter, Flea has no desire to meet any of their kin. "Can we keep pushing ahead?" she enquires tremulously, feeling vulnerable and exposed clinging to the side of the cold mountain.

The rogue looks about for any kind of a nook or cranny, ledge, or cave that might provide a respite from the awful climb. (Search=21, Spot=15)

Gilan {wildshape: snowy owl}  d20+16=28 d20+8=21
Wednesday June 29th, 2005 11:03:41 PM
Gilan watches with interest though he gets the idea that some of the Icepack want to go back down the mountain, maybe they forgot something that they needed to do. Still it looks like Trellus is wanting to push on but is that a wise idea. He suddenly wishes that he could understand things while wildshaped.

Checking out the nice flat spot he is sitting on as an owl he wonders if it would be wise to take on his human shape for at least a few.

[survival 28 and spot 21]

[Greater Magic Fang - 16hours, +1 to all natural attacks]

SPELLS
0th: create water(2), light, mending, read magic(2)
1st: clw(3), pass without trace, produce flame(2)
2nd: barkskin(3), spider climb(2)
3rd: call lightning, cmw(2), greater magic fang*
4th: dispel magic, flame strike(2)
* used

Mac (Beast of burden) 
Thursday June 30th, 2005 3:14:39 AM
"Thanks Tishe'."

Mac begins catching up and helping those small enough and interested up onto his shoulders, and after putting the axe away looks at getting one or two arms around the next most likely candidate.

OOC: Mac will fly at 60' (double move for 120' per round) carrying up to 266lbs, or 40'(80' per round) carrying up to 800lbs.

"I can bear more if y' cast me a Bull's Strength, much more with another Enlarge, an' with both... yeah... okay, I'll keep movin'!"



Beyond the Ice Falls 
Thursday June 30th, 2005 9:28:09 AM
A breif discussion about returning to visit the Ice ants ensues in the middle of the Falls. Most want to continue the climb and with the Pack's last Ant encounter, none are really pro Ice Plan. The Wind Walk and Fly spells soon haave everyone on top of the Ice Fall and with Gilan, who is still in owl form.

The climb of Burfell continues and though the path remains narrow and steep there is little ice or snow. Unfortunately that is due to the constant winds the scour the mountain side clean. Like millions of quills striking exposed skin the wind whips at the group as they porceed higher. Physical stamina is pushed to its limits as the climb is not technically challenging at all, but an endurance test. Step after step is conquered and Burfell still looms beyond the masking clouds. The only testimony to the group having made any progress is the view. The Tundra rolls out from you, like a great white blanket. Wide open space seems to call to everyone, but Gilan hears it most keenly Highlight to display spoiler: {Come Brother, Loose your tether, Freedom!}. For round the last corner nauthiz'Ull has lead them to De Björg Brýr, 'the cliffs bridge'. To the left the world drops away to infinity into a glaciar rift. Far beyond sight the bottom lies, thousands of feet below. To the right Burfell towers. The sheer granite cliffs imposed partially over the path that races ribbon like under its impossible mass about 2000' long. Just about an hour beyond this point is the cave.

Nauthiz'Ull provides the warning that all Ice Vein know and then moves across "Keep your eye steady ahead. Do not linger to stare up Burfell or down the glaciar. The Mountain knows we are here."

The path is almost 15' wide. If any look up Highlight to display spoiler: {Burfell reaches higher and higher, a glint of glass or sunlight metal winks at you from the dizzying heights above you. Will save DC 15 failure indicates you back up as you looked up. The Burfell cliff is actually at a 88 degree angle and you just backed off the cliff. Balance check DC 12 to catch yourself Failure and you are hurtling thourgh space. The ground as of yet unseen.}

Those gazing down over into the Rift Highlight to display spoiler: {Away the rock flies down, down down. How deep could it possibly be. While you have only ascended maybe 5500 feet, this rift is surely deeper. What is that? A ripple of water, an optical illusion? You find yourself reaching for the surface. Will DC 15 failure indicates you over extended your self and have fallen off into the Rift. Balance check DC 12 to catch yourself Failure and you are hurtling thourgh space. The ground as of yet unseen.}


Bohdi Nackle 
Thursday June 30th, 2005 10:49:03 AM
"Waaaauuggggh," Bohdi wailed softly, barely audible above the keening wind off the mountain. "Now I remember why I hated coming up here ...."

The gnome plodded steadily ahead, checking back regularly on Flea. "You all right, love?" he asked. "That's it--keep coming--don't look down--or up, actually. Just look at me. That's it .... Keep your eyes on mine, look at my eyes, that's it .... Look at my eyes .... Has anyone ever told you before how pretty your eyes are? ... There we are, love, almost there--just a bit further, and we get to sleep in a haunted cave, now won't that be lovely? Come on, now ...."

Garrett 
Thursday June 30th, 2005 12:00:32 PM
Garrett waits his turn in the line of travelers and crosses the bridge, careful to keep his eyes from wandering up or down. "Nauth means what he says, just look forward."

Gilan  d20+16=30 d20+8=26 d20+8=24
Thursday June 30th, 2005 1:44:55 PM
Gilan takes to wing as the group starts to get up the mountain. As he lazily flies still enjoying the wind through his featers and the view, he feels the pulls again. His owl eyes scan the area to find anything that could be talking to him.

This time he keeps his mind on business at hand though, but the pull is there and he can feel his defenses waning. He flies on up the mountain and finds what must be the cave so he lands outside of it. Changing back to his human form he hudles under a blanket as he waits, rocking back and forth trying to keep his mind occupied. "Nature is talking to me...saying so many nice things...what must I do...what should I do." He lays his head in his hands and weeps.

[survival 30, listen 26, spot 24]

[Greater Magic Fang - 16hours, +1 to all natural attacks]

SPELLS
0th: create water(2), light, mending, read magic(2)
1st: clw(3), pass without trace, produce flame(2)
2nd: barkskin(3), spider climb(2)
3rd: call lightning, cmw(2), greater magic fang*
4th: dispel magic, flame strike(2)
* used

Tishe'  d20+9=28 d20+9=18
Thursday June 30th, 2005 2:39:14 PM
The short woman turns her back on the wind, the icy needles striking through her skin like a tapestry needle through a skien. "Ow!" she cries. The movement through the terrible wind saps her strength, her stamina, and her morale, and she sees the Ice Bridge with nothing short of relief.

And crossing the bridge, the brown eyes try to stay on the far side, but her curiosity eats her like a moth in a closet. She would've thought nothing of moving across until the Ice Wunjos told her NOT to...

Looking at the mountain of Burfell, and is amazed at the dizzying heights of the mountain. "It looks like glass!" she says, "so beautiful!" (Will: 28).

The mountain was so beautiful, she wants to know what is below the icy bridge, and looks down... "By the weavings of my mother, that is a long way down..." the small woman nearly takes a couple steps backwards, but remembers that she is on a narrow icy bridge and that might be a bad idea (Will: 18)

Getting her attention back on the job at hand (and curiosity satisfied) the brown haired mage continues to the other side.

Trellus  d20+10=15
Thursday June 30th, 2005 8:38:00 PM
Bent forward, Trellus pushes into the wind. Head down, eyes squinted, mouth tightly closed, the cleric wills himself forward through the piercing nettles of wind.

The tundra opens before them, a white expanse.
"Shady," the blond man say appreciatively.

The trail is not shady. Trellus is painfully aware of his balancing abilities and crams himself against the rock wall as he moves forward. He has no intention of looking down. The dome of Rattledam is high enough for him, and he's pretty sure this is going to be a lot higher.

Not looking up, however, seems too bright. What if some creature is up there? And then Tishe does her thing.

So Trellus glances up the mountain...and nearly backs right off the trail as his eyes try to find the top of it.
[Will 15]

"Light!" he gasps.

"The Ice Dudes are right," he tells his friends. "If you look up, it goes so high that you want to take a step back." He grins wryly. "And it'll be an awful long step. Just keep your eyes level."

Having said his piece, the cleric reaches back into his HHHaversack and pulls out a potion. He pulls the cork and walks with his thumb acting as a stopper. Trellus has been friends with Jake for a very long time. There is no way the half elf is gonna weave the entire length of this trail without taking a look around.



Grymash  d20+6=16 d20+9=18
Thursday June 30th, 2005 8:48:55 PM
Grymash repeats to himself over and over Nauthiz'Ull's advice. "no look up, no look down! no look up, no look down! no look up, no look down! no look up, no look down!"

It's a great test of will power not to do so, (Will save 16, good enough i guess) but Gry is able to not give in to the temptation. "Nauhtie be right, no look down an up! SO NO BE LOOKIN'! 'CAUSE GRY WILL KILLS YA IF YOOZ FALL!! Come on, follows Gry! Keep eyes on Gry's red furry skins."

(Survival check against weather hazzards. Rolled a 19. Thats good enough to give everyone a +2 bonus to Fort saves against severe weather.)

Flea  d20+1=4 d20+11=19
Thursday June 30th, 2005 8:49:35 PM
Flea had heard advice like the ranger's before, and it usually meant a denial of her inherent curiousity.

Don't dawdle, Flea" from her mother whenever they went into town and she would drop her mother's hand to rush to the windows of the shops and press her nose against the glass to see what was inside. "Keep your eyes on the prize, Flea" from old Sarlin. This meant keep your nose in the books when through the window of her room a lovely spring day tempted her out of doors.

Flea looks into Bohdi Nackle's blue eyes. His pupils are so large and dark! she thinks, makes him look like a lonesome puppy. When the gnome leading her along turns away for a second, Flea can't resist, and looks up. Something, a glint of glass or sunlight metal winks at her from the dizzying heights above and she starts to back up, slipping over the edge of the 15ft path. (Will Save=4, failed). "Aaauugh!" shouts the gnome as her arms windmill and she struggles to catch her balance. (Balance=19) Lurching forward she wraps her arms around Bohdi, crying out, "Get me out of here!"



Bohdi (illegal second)  d20+1=8
Thursday June 30th, 2005 9:39:58 PM
"Got you!" Bohdi exclaimed, as he grabbed at Flea and clutched her in his arms, oblivious to the fact that she was the one doing all of the work (Aid Another 8).

"Got you," he breathed in her hair, still holding her close. His heart splashed inside his chest. "Got you. I've got you. I've got you."

Flea's hair smelled warm and fresh, like the distant memory of wildflowers on the plains. Bohdi held her, not letting go, not ever moving, and the ice and wind fell away. There was nothing else in the Wold for him in that moment, that warm shell of humanity.

"I've got you. I've got you."

Jake  d20+3=16 d20+3=20
Friday July 1st, 2005 7:40:12 AM
Don't look up, Jake hears. First reaction...look up! Then, blinking, look down. Somehow, the fighter doesn't go tumbling backwards or falling. He keeps a firm group. Mostly because he's just too awed and impressed to realize he's holding on. Jake suddenly feels very small. and cold. He tries to think of something poetic, and says, "Pretty."

Anuk  d20+4=15
Friday July 1st, 2005 10:45:39 AM
Anuk has learned over the last week to listen to Nauth's advice, and for the first while he is able to keep his eyes level with the trail and the others. Then, he hears Flea's shout behind him. He turns and scans the area, instinct and habit taking over as he searches for sources of danger. Unfortunately, in doing so he looks down and his stomach lurches. "Gyaahhh!" he blurts out as the vast emptiness pours out before him. "Light! What is that?!...er...uh...rather what isn't that?" he asks nonsensically. He fights the urge to peer further into the abyss (will 15) and manages to keep to the trail.

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