DM George Battle of the GG round 21 2d6(5+6)=11 Sunday July 17th, 2005 10:55:37 PM
Lang still carrying Sunshine heads for the stairs. He puts him down and tries to wake the dog up. Sunshine stirs but doesn't seem very alert.
Tionel flying carries the children downstairs but can't quite get there this round. (I am taking the stairs entrance to be at the bottom part of the depicted map. Not quite sure why, just the way I envisioned it.)
His hippogriffs flank the door and don't let anyone else in.
Xenia stalks over to an orclet and smashes it. Since it was already wounded in slumps to the ground.
Wynn and Angus gang up on the other and their combined efforts see the creature dead on the floor.
Syr starts herding the kids away. They only seem to anxious to go.
Florin, to his horror, sees yet another child fall. He tries to grab him but the burden is to much and the child falls and lands on his head. He lands hard and from the obvious distorted neck the child is dead.
Ajax starts stomping and biting and puts down another wortling.
******************************************
The remaining wortlings finally decide that this prey is to tough and withdraw avoiding any AOO.
Florin looks around and sees a large group of Wortlings run down the street away from the Ghost and can hear explosions of spells and the sounds of battle.
Battle ends....for now
Tionel d20+3=21 Monday July 18th, 2005 2:49:32 AM
Tionel gets to work downstairs as best he can, looking at unconscious child first as best he can. Belkior, the healer, will do a much better job bandaging any youth, he knows, so he merely does that. He saves his healing wand unless the case seems critical (the kid is at -6 or more). (Healing check DC 21 for examining youths) (An examination action) Next, Tionel prepares the kids for further tilting of the tree. If it tilts suddenly anymore, they could all fall again, and he doesn't want that to happen to any of them. So, he finds all loose objects that are still above the tilt and moves them so they won't fall on top of anyone. Barrels and wine counters are pulled to the side or staggerred out of the way. He has all the kids move towards the tilt's bottom, and press against the wall. Just in case it tilts anymore, they will not fall a distance. "Okay, kiddies, I know you've been in a panicked state, but I want all of you to move down the tilt, to the bottom. Okay, now just in case anything happens, we won't fall...Good!" ((This is speaking but takes two rounds, as Tionel probably spends moving stuff like barrels and such, then does this:)) "Okay...we're almost secure. Just wait." Tionel ties a rope to the railing of the stair, just in case the room tilts so much that they need to climb to get out. (take 10 on the knot) By then everyone should be down in the basement with the kids. He heads upstairs, saying, to his companions "While you guys secure the bottom here, I'm going to go out and search for any survivors that need aid, as a bird. They can't catch me, and changing makes me heal.. Close the doors behind me!" Tionel immediately changes into an eagle and flies out through the open doors or a window. By then his hippogriffs should be shimering out of existence.
Of course, that's merely a rough guess at what will happen in the next few rounds. If anyone else wishes to suggest to Tionel he take a different or additional course of action, he will do so. But he wishes to go out and check the town's area, especially hte fighting. Other survivors would be incredibly good to rescue.
Belkior (AC 21; HP 20/40) Bless, Group Fly Monday July 18th, 2005 9:09:49 AM OOC - Assuming that we're out of combat sequence. If nto, please adjust accordingly.
The halfling cleric will tend to the wounded, both the members of the Crimson Shields, the children and Happy. First priority is to stabilize any person in danger of dying, using either healing skill. Belkior has +18 with Heal, so if you're allowing him to Take 10, should be able to stabilize everyone.
Then, he patches up all of the members of the Crimson Shields using his wands. I'll roll the healing spells in another post and adjust the wands accordingly.
Finally, he rummages in his pack and passes out some flasks of Antitoxin to the frontline fighters. 4 flasks, to whoever wants them.
To the other Shields, he asks "Are we going to fortify the Ghost and hole up here? Or are we going to go out and try to help those other people to reach the Ghost?"
Xenia (HP 31/35) d20+17=29 d20+12=30 d20+8=12 Monday July 18th, 2005 4:22:40 PM
One drop. Two drop ....
Xenia holds stock still griping her mace in two hands. Children cry. Sounds, fighting, screaming, other sounds drift in through the open windows.
But no more purple orcs. It's over.
Is it over?
It would be so nice to just stop. Drop down on this slanted floor. Hug one of the kids and have a good cry. It would be so much easier.
But they might come back. Who knows when the next bunch will show up. From the looks of the vines outside, there could be more. Tons more!
The dark rogue takes a cautious peek out the window. (Spot 29, Listen 30) Looks ok for now. Still, they could be back at any moment. What's safe? Can they be safe? Where can they go? For now ...
... maybe just dig in.
"Alright kids. Lets go. Down the stairs. We gotta all collect together so the big people can protect us better, 'K?" C'mon. Lets go."
Xenia takes a moment to hug her special guy. "Thanks Wynn." She reaches up on her toes to give him a peck on the cheek. "For comin' with me."
With the other arm, she hooks Syrdeth in as well. "Thanks, Syr. For comin' to rescue us."
"Alright kids, lets go. No running! Just keep moving steady. It's tricky walking on this floor."
At the top of the stairs, a coil of silken rope drops from the haversack to plop down onto the slanted floor. Xenia ties off knots before tossing the end down the stairs. Some of these kids climb like monkeys. But, for the others, the rope should help.
Its a comfort to see Tionel tending to the fortifications below.
Rolls and Actions Spot 29 Listen 30 Rope Use 12 /or, heck. We have time. Take 20.
Syr (20/62 AC17/16) Bless,Inspire, Fly Monday July 18th, 2005 8:25:11 PM
Syr has the grace to look guilty for his earlier comments as Xenia includes him in her group hug. Seeing the threat gone, he replaces the healing potion in his purple glove. He continues to herd the kids gently down to Happy in the cellar. Looking around he makes sure everything is secure so that no barrels or casks will roll into them if the building tilts again. As Belkior offers the antitoxin he takes it with a shameful bow of his head, "Sorry about earlier and all that, I never thought I would be the weak one to fall asleep. I'll make it up to you in the future."
Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:59/60 Monday July 18th, 2005 8:46:12 PM
Florin covers the child he carries eyes just incase he is awake and so that he doesn't see all the dead children on the ground and slowly floats to the ground and then places the kid down on the ground, "Stay by me for the moment."
Florin takes the time to sheath his sword and feeling guilty about all the kids laying dead outside he takes his rope and eases as many on to the back of Ajax and ties them down to atleast get them into the GG. Florin can also carry one since the child he saved should beable to walk.
Once the kids are secured and everything he will lead Ajax into the GG and get help to unburden his horse. Florin will go back out to carry any kids in he was not able to get in already.
Once he finally makes it inside he looks around and sighs deeply at how much carnage has been done and speaks up, "Okay everyone, how are we all doing? Just incase we need to be ready to move, remember the Float has been tipping and we do not want to be here if it is pulled all the way over."
Florin glances outside when the comment on helping the others is made and he closes his eyes as he speaks up, "Most of us are weakened, tired and need rest and everything. we could really do little more for anyone out there other then being in the way or possibly becoming a casualty ourself." Florin is pained at saying this since he feels obligated to protect the people out there but also knows his sword arm is getting tired and weakened right now with need of rest.
DM George Monday July 18th, 2005 10:42:24 PM
All of group gather back into the Giggling Ghost. Many of the children are to scared to try and climb down the stairs and the group resorts to picking them up and flying them down.
In about a minute, the merchant wakes up with a start and bolts to his feet. He is crouched in a fighting stance staring wide-eyed around him. Terror is in his eyes as he looks for foes and a weapon.
It takes around 5 minutes but all of the children are taking down into the basement where Happy is trying to entertain them and comfort them. He has broken out some honey mead and is giving it out to the overdistraught children in an attempt to calm them down. He takes a couple hits himself as he looks around at his wrecked bar.
The whole 5 minutes passes without much of anything happening.
Belkior has plenty of time to cure people, just let me know who and how much please.
Both Angus, Wynn, and Lang seem strangely quiet. Could it be they are in shock?
Tionel Tuesday July 19th, 2005 4:49:13 AM
Tionel spends much of that five minutes boarding windows and using nails and hammer to get everything shut but the main entrance. That he leaves halfway open, but puts plenty of tools next to it for sealing it if need be. Then he goes up to the rooms and retrieves blankets and pillows, bringing them downstairs for the kids to use to cushion each other and so that everyone can rest some. All of this is a lot more difficult with the room at a slant. Now Tionel realizes something else. "We cannot stay here forever, just hoping this will go away, you all know. If the City continues to tilt... well, we'll have to get out of here. Somehow get to the water and make boats to the shore. Also, I bet you the upper level is more guarded. There's probably plenty of mages and such there, that can help us. If we could only bring the children to them... We should try if we can rest tonight, to bring them there tomorrow. But in the meantime, I am going to scout out there to see if anyone is about.
And so, Tionel changes into an eagle and soars out of the inn. He flies about at an altitude, watching the streets for signs of activity.
Wynn [AC=19;25/46 HP] Blessed, Spider Climb, Fly, Inspire Courage (sub JohnP) Tuesday July 19th, 2005 8:04:49 AM
Wynn works alongside Xenia, moving the children into the basement. He jokes with them in an attempt to keep up their spirits. Eventually, Wynn stays with the children and dredges up some memories of childhood and begins to sing some songs with, and for, the children.
As he does so, his mind is turning over with the effort of devising a funny song about the plant monsters. But he can't manage, right now, to find any lightness in the day's events.
OOC - Power failure last night kept me from posting for Wynn.
Belkior (AC 21; HP 20/40) Bless, Group Fly Angus d8+1=4 Belkior 2d8(6+4)+3=13 d8+1=5 Lang d8+1=5 d8+1=5 Syr 2d8(3+5)+3=11 2d8(4+5)+3=12 2d8(7+7)+3=17 Wynn 2d8(7+7)+3=17 Xenia d8+1=3 Tuesday July 19th, 2005 8:20:24 AM
The halfling cleric has been busy with his curing magic, patching up all the members of the Crimson Shields. At the end of it, his wands are quite depleted but he has the satisfaction of knowing that his companions are fit to face more horrors.
Items Pearl of Power = used today Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds = 20 charges remaining Wand of Cure Light Wounds = 45 charges remaining
Xenia (HP 34/35) d20+12=18 d20+12=13 d20+17=37 Tuesday July 19th, 2005 10:08:56 AM
"Thanks," Xenia gives the halfling cleric a tired smile as he touches her and her bumps and bruises fade away. The dark girl watches Wynn as he entertains the kids. Something in her heart swells three sizes bigger and feels like to bust out of her chest. She blinks away the tears that sting at her eyes. Is it bad to feel so happy with all of the terrible things going on?
"Um .. " she chokes back a sniffle " ... I'm gonna go upstairs and keep watch on the street. Won't be far."
The dark rogue takes up a position in the second floor window. The spot offers concealment, and a prime view of the street. But it screens off sound of possible approach.
Active Effects Fly (10 minutes from round 15 ????)
Syr (60/62 AC19/18) Fly Tuesday July 19th, 2005 6:08:13 PM
He looks longingly out the door as Tionel speeds away. "Anyone know how much longer this flying thing lasts? It's kinda neat." He rises a couple feet off the floor before dropping to the ground. Moving over to the halfling he tenderly shows all his wounds, "You know, if it wasn't for those two mound thingies, I'd be in alot better shape."
As Belkior touches him with the wand he thanks the small figure, "Remind me to bring it up the next time we have any loot to split but I think a full share should go toward healing items. You are doing a great job of watching everyone's back."
Moving over to Florin he whispers, "Umm how about we bring the bodies inside and put them in a side room. I'd prefer the children stay in the cellar and not see the ... results?"
Lang (ac 21; hp 50/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47) d20+6=14 d20+6=26 Tuesday July 19th, 2005 8:15:01 PM
Lang will carefully carry Sunshine over to the top of the stairs going down into the basement. Once all the kids are secure, Lang will station himself at the top of the stairs, next to Sunshine and wait and see. He will have his bow in his hands.
Spot 14/16; listen 26/30; natural 20).
Lang N3. Sunshine O3.
Spells: Speak with Animals Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours)
Arrows used 26.
Angus, Mage Armor/Fly/Bless AC 14, HP 21/25 Tuesday July 19th, 2005 8:23:13 PM
Angus flies down to the street level and picks up any dead children left on the street. He carries them back into the Giggling Ghost and finds a hiding spot for them until they can have a proper burial. He moves over towards the group and thanks Belkior for the healing.
Angus then grabs a chair and seats himself near Lang & Sunshine, glad for a chance for some rest.
Spell Slots:
0 level 0 of 6 1 level 4 of 8 2 level 4 of 6 3 level 2 of 4
DM George Tuesday July 19th, 2005 10:07:24 PM
The Crimson Shields all react to the horror of the last battle in their own unique way. Tionel starts fortifying the Giggling Ghost. It takes him much longer than 5 minutes to find wood and tools. Happy helps provide some but he mutters, "This is a bar, not a lumber yard."
Tionel after 20 minutes is able to somewhat repair the front door from the shambling mound attack.
Others gather the children close and comfort them. Angus brings in a dead child and sadly lays him down.
Belkior goes on a healing spree much to the relief of the others. His wands are smoking from overuse but everyone is pretty happy.
Sunshine wakes up and licks Lang's face. He seems happy to be alive as well.
Syr starts cleaning up the bodies. It is a large job moving the shambling mounds and dragging the wortlings is just plain tiring as well. With the tilt and the vines it will take quite a while to move the bodies.
Xenia goes up the stairs and keeps watch. She watches a parade of plants skitter by. Mainly wortlings in two's and three's, the occassional mound and even a large tree like creature slowly moves by. Nothing seems to want to come into the Inn though.
20 minutes have passed during this interval. The group is feeling better, and the children have calmed down. Happy is even able to break out some provisions and feed the group and the children.
Please reflex the 20 minutes on your existing spells. The fly spell is gone.
Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:60/60 Tuesday July 19th, 2005 10:17:02 PM
(OOC:Putting Florin at full hitpoints, the post will explain.)
Florin takes a moment after getting the kids inside and nods to Syr when he comments on what he does, for a split second he touches himself and uses a single point of his lay on hands to heal his minor wound from the fall he took earlier.
Florin thinks a moment and will help move the dead kids to any room that will be easy to close up. Once all the dead kids are inside Florin kneels for a moment and whispers a silently prayer, telling Domi how brave the children were and to give them his blessing and also to ask Gargul to guide the Children's spirits home and let them find peace.
Florin looks up after his prayer and sighs before his mind kicks into gear on something, "Jella! is she alright? I haven't seen her since the fall....is she down stairs?" Florin stands, worried about Jella and his mind cycling through their argument earlier and he hopes she doesn't hate him for being like he was, even if he had to help his friends and she should know that.
Tionel (hp 23/44) Wednesday July 20th, 2005 6:58:19 AM
Tionel sticks to fortifying the inn and looks about concernedly. He continues working on the windows, and basically busies his body so that his mind will stay distracted from the true horrors going on just beyond the inn itself. A few nails in one hand, a hammeri n the other, and every bit of spare boarding about goes into shuttering windows and sealing gaps...
Xenia (HP 34/35) d20+12=29 d20+12=30 d20+17=19 Wednesday July 20th, 2005 10:42:22 AM
Report. Food. Potty break.
Xenia leaves the window and scurries down the rope.
Making some quick food in the kitchen, (Sam Witches and other finger food) she lays it out on a table for the kids to take. To the guys, at work on various things, she brings a separate plate and a glass of water.
She stops by Wynn, taking some time out to massage his shoulders and the muscles at the back of his neck.
"Maybe we should just leave," she whispers. "I mean, things are so wrecked. Maybe this is the end of the City. I don't know what we can do. I don't know what's left here for us."
"Maybe we can go to where your from, huh? Or maybe Dirt City and I can introduce you to Marcus and Sliver." The dark rogue rolls her thumb and forefinger across his skin at the juncture between neck and shoulder.
"But you've got your oath to Bralin, right? That's pretty important." She leans down to place a soft kiss just below his ear. "I'll stay. If you stay, I will too. We'll fight this. And ... and we'll make it better."
Quickly, she wraps her arms around the bard from behind and gives a gentle squeeze.
"We will."
Then the dark rogue grabs some food and water and returns to her lookout on the second floor.
Rolls and Actions Hide 29 Listen 30 Spot 19
Belkior (AC 21; HP 38/40) 2d8(7+3)+3=13 2d8(5+3)+3=11 Wednesday July 20th, 2005 1:31:16 PM
The halfling cleric realizes that he has failed to heal Tionel, probably because the druid was so busy securing the doors of the Ghost. Belkior moves over towards the doors and uses his wand to heal the druid. Healed for 24 hitpoints
The healing completed, Belkior returns to the basement where the party has placed all of the surviving children. He looks about the room, seing the injuries and the fear of the children. He's not very good at this part of healing, but he's heartened to see that Wynn has taken it upon himself to entertain the children. Still, there is something that no Shepherd is without, especially a halfling. Belkior reaches into his pack and removes some of the high-energy snacks that he always carries. Rather than simply passing them out, he moves to beside Wynn and suggests a singing game with the candy as prizes.
Items Pearl of Power = used today Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds = 18 charges remaining Wand of Cure Light Wounds = 45 charges remaining
Wynn [AC=19; 42/46 HP] (Sub JohnP) Wednesday July 20th, 2005 1:45:41 PM
Wynn sits in the basement room, trying to keep the children's thoughts away from the horrors that they have just witnessed. When the darkr rogue slips into the room with a tray of finger foods, he leads the children in a hearty cheer for their provider.
"Hooray! It's Xenia with the food, the food, the food! Who's our favourite one? Xenia with the food!"
When Xenia massages his neck, he rolls it and feels the cracking that has been getting worse over the last while. The strong, supple hands of the rogue manage to ease the knots in his neck.
While the children devour the food, Wynn whispers back to Xenia. "It's been a rough couple of days, hasn't it? Getting away sounds so good, right now. Going someplace where there aren't any plants trying to kill us or destroy the city."
"But you're right. I did make that promise to Bralin. And I haven't completed that yet."
When Belkior suggests a singing game with his halfling trail snacks, Wynn wracks his brain for ideas. After a moment, he launches into a song that gradually draws the children in.
Syr (60/62 AC19/18) Wednesday July 20th, 2005 1:51:51 PM
Syr begins to move the bodies then realizes the only bodies that he has to move are the children's (shoulda specified that). With some effort, he takes the kid's bodies into a side room and out of sight from everyone. He makes sure that the shutters are tight preventing any orc things from entering before leaving them. Moving over to Belkior he nods with his head and says with a hushed voice, "Not sure if you want to say a small prayer but the ones that didn't make it are in that room."
Looking at the others, "Well, I've had a much needed rest. Do we take the kids to the dock and take our chances on land or hole up here and wait for things to settle down?"
Lang (ac 21; hp 50/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47) d20+6=22 Wednesday July 20th, 2005 9:44:35 PM
Lang tries to put the thoughts of the dead children out of his mind. If he dwells on it there may be more if any more of the plant scum try to enter the Giggling Ghost and he is distracted. He spends some of his time helping to secure the building and gather the dead. Lang will also look out the window and try to determine what is going on in the city (spot 22/26).
What to do that is the big question. Lang mulls over the Shields options, not happy with any of them. Lang will address the group at a time when all or most are present to hear him.
"Well this is not exactly the best situation to be in. We do not know what is going on in the city. Leaving the building may prove deadly for anyone. Staying here may be worse in the long run. We must make contingencies to try to move this large group down to the docks to get off the island. Do we send out a scouting party to scope out the surrounding area? Do we sit still and hope for the guard to regain the city?"
Spells: Speak with Animals Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours; probably just about 2 ½ hours left)
Arrows used 26.
Angus, Mage Armor/Fly/Bless AC 14, HP 21/25 d20+8=14 Wednesday July 20th, 2005 9:59:23 PM
After a while Angus goes down into the basement and tries to lighten the kids' spirits by playing his flute.
Perform 14.
During a break from playing, Angus hears Lang's questions.
"I think 2 or 3 people should make an attempt to scout towards the docks to gather info and possibly help the citizens of the Floating City. If they meet heavy resistance then they can retreat back to here. Perhaps Happy knows of some covert ways to move around the city."
Spell Slots:
0 level 0 of 6 1 level 4 of 8 2 level 4 of 6 3 level 2 of 4
DM George Wednesday July 20th, 2005 10:53:49 PM
The group mills around still recovering from the battle. Tionel keeps up his work while the others prepare food, comfort the children, and clean up after the battle.
The discussion starts where to go next. Should you stay holed up? Right now your situation seems safe enough. What if the city tips completely over? Basically a death sentence for everyone but especially the children. Of course taking the children out into the monster fill streets, seems suicidal as well. Should you send a scouting party out to explore? Very risky. Splitting the party up is always something that can come back and bite you.
The streets still seem quiet...almost to quiet. Is something out there waiting for you?
Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:60 Thursday July 21st, 2005 12:53:41 AM
Florin glances outside and sighs, scratching his horse's nose for a moment as he thinks over this whole situation, "We have a serious problem no matter which way we go about this. Stay here we have a certain death if the place tips over and if we go out there then we might become monster food. I don't like the idea of drowning but I certainly don't want to be eaten or see kids eaten on the way to the docks...anyway, where from there? the woods that is trying to kill us? who knows if the elves will even except us there now."
Florin racks his mind for any idea and sighs as he looks to Syr, "We are running a risk either way we go here." Florin walks to the basement stairs and calls down, "Hey Wynn, come up here for a moment...everyone meet in the main area of the GG."
Florin waits for everyone to gather before speaking up now, "Okay everyone, here is our problem. We stay here we risk the place being tipped with us and the kids in it. We leave we risk the monsters getting us if they so desire and I think some of us are to tired to really fight a whole lot more. I'm the leader I know but I will not risk the kids and all your lives on my call this time.:
Florin looks from face to face, "Personally I hate the idea of drowning if it comes to this place being tipped, however I want all your opinions. We risk the docks and leaving and maybe shelter away from the Float or we risk staying here."
Florin motions towards Ajax, "If we leave for the docks I can ride slightly ahead of all of you and atleast give warning if we are coming onto a possible fight. Ajax I think can move faster then anyone here. Thats leaves you all with the kids to protect them while I ride point."
Florin rolls his vizor helment in his hands and smiles slightly as his ice blue eyes show a steeled resolve, "Also you all know I would hold the front as long as I could for you to possibly get the kids well protected." Florin smiles, still, he is proud to adventurer with such noble people and is willing to risk his life in this case to make sure they make it away safe, "If we go, Lang you better hang on to those arrows I lent you to use. You might find more use for them. Sorry there not of better quality but my archery isn't the greatest."
Tionel Thursday July 21st, 2005 6:16:55 AM
Tionel looks to Florin at his plan and shakes his head. "Bad idea... and besides, where were you when we were being attacked, Florin? You weren't helping us at all down here.." The elf glares at their leader, frustrated, then calms down. "I'm sorry. You tried your best, I'm sure. It's just..." he sighs. "We can't go right now, no matter how much we might want to. We have to hold out. Maybe tomorrow, when our spells return, we might have a chance."
Belkior (AC 21; HP 38/40) Thursday July 21st, 2005 7:22:21 AM
The halfling cleric looks about the Ghost, seeing the damage that the assault on the Floating City has caused. While listening to FLorin, Belkior thinks upon the options available to the party.
"I agree with Tionel. Each of us who cast spells is too spent and wearied to risk venturing out. And we're too few to protect all of the children out in the open."
"If we're downstairs and the Float tips further, we can simply move to the walls. Or, if it goes all the way over, onto the ceiling. I mean, the Ghost looks to be holding together better than most of the new construction in the City."
Belkior thinks for a moment of where the Ghost is located in the Floating City. For the life of him, he cannot recall right now whether the Ghost is on the "down" or "up" side.
"Plus, I don't know enough about the City to know if this level would even be underwater if the entire City turned over."
Wynn [AC=19; 42/46 HP] (Sub JohnP) Thursday July 21st, 2005 7:26:15 AM
Wynn is worn from his efforts to entertain the children. While he climbs from the basement to the common room, he keeps listening for sounds of distress from the basement. Once he is on the main floor he drifts over beside Xenia.
"I can't decide right now. Maybe we should go, maybe we should stay."
Unconciously, he reaches over and grasps the hand of the rogue. Then he leans over and whispers, What do you think?"
Xenia (HP 34/35) Thursday July 21st, 2005 11:22:43 AM
Florin's voice drifts up the stairs from below. Meeting?
Xenia holds Wynn's hand tight. Should we stay or should we go now?
"I been watching the street," she says addressing the group from Wynn's side, "and all I see are plant monsters. Orcs and shamblers and this big tree thing. That's it. Not a person in sight. It's like we're all alone. We're the last ones in the city. Maybe everyone else is dead. Or maybe they've all gone too. I mean, we had the idea, right? We can't be the only ones thinking to get out."
"What do we do if we make it to the dock and there are no more boats left?"
The girl rogue heaves a visible sigh. She gives Wynn's hand a squeeze before releasing and pacing back and forth across the slanted floor.
"Look. All we know now is what we got here and the street outside. Sure it's a risk to stay here. But it's also a risk to go out too. And we don't know which is bigger. But we know that it seems sorta safe right here now. And we know that we could probably decide better if we knew more about what's out there. Right? And that means someone going out to take a peek and coming back alive."
"To me, that means moving fast and not being seen. A small party. Maybe only one. That will leave most of us here to guard in case of attack."
"Syr, I've seen you move wicked fast. And you're also pretty quiet. Angus, can you still make someone invisible? If you can, I think we got this scouting thing licked. We can turn Syr invisible, and he can run down to the docks. We'll get a good idea of what's there along the way. We'll find out if there are any boats left. And Syr could also check what it's like outside. There was all that floaty stuff in the water when we came over. Can we even get a boat across now?"
"How does that sound? After we find out what's out there, then we decide to leave or not."
DM George Thursday July 21st, 2005 9:31:51 PM
During the Shields debate, a frantic knocking can be heard on the front door to the Giggling Ghost.
Rap Rap Rap Rap Rap.
Sounds like someone is banging a stick against the door. If anyone peers out a window, they can see a very short individual standing next to a very very large bear.
Lang (ac 21; hp 50/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47) d20+6=22 d20+6=26 Thursday July 21st, 2005 10:06:44 PM
"Florin, I agree with you that we need to try to make it towards the docks. I also agree that the spell users need to rest and get their magic resources back up to full strength. I am hesitant in trying to move 50+ people towards the water when we do not even know what is down there. My suggestion, like Xenia's, is to send a small group out to scout down to the docks and get the lay of the land. The spell users can rest and if we are lucky we will not be disturbed. The rest of the group can keep watch and start instructing the children on the evacuation down to the docks. You are our leader so the final will be up to you."
Lang then hears the pounding on the door. He moves quickly over to a window and tries to peer out without being seen, and sees the lion and the short individual. He tries to spot any identifying marks on the person (spot 22/26). If he can identify anything on this person that may mean he is a friend/citizen of the city, Lang will address him. If not, then Lang will remain silent.
"State your purpose, are you friend or foe of the Floating City?"
Listen 26/30; natural 20.
Spells: Speak with Animals Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours; probably just about 2 ½ hours left)
Arrows used 26.
Angus, Mage Armor/Fly/Bless AC 14, HP 21/25 Thursday July 21st, 2005 10:10:52 PM
Angus nods in agreement at the talk of resting the spell users.
"My spells are more than half depleted. I can cast 2 invisibility spells that will last 12 minutes and 2 that will last 6 minutes. But then my spells will be practically all used up.
Angus looks up quickly toward the front door when the pounding occurs. He moves behind a table/furniture for cover as Lang approaches a window.
Spell Slots:
0 level 0 of 6 1 level 4 of 8 2 level 4 of 6 3 level 2 of 4
Tionel Friday July 22nd, 2005 6:35:41 AM
"I don't think invisibility would help against many plants; they don't all have eyes, you know..." Suddenly the knock at the door. He peers through a slot in a window. "It's not a plant! He has to be on our side, guys!" He stats pulling chairs and blockaded stuff from the door.
Belkior (AC 21; HP 38/40) Friday July 22nd, 2005 7:33:54 AM
The halfling cleric was about to sit down and remove and re-adjust his armor but the knock at the door interrupts his preparations. Standing once more, Belkior moves to a position to support Tionel and the others.
Thinking for a moment, Belkior asks the group. "I've got three more Antitoxins. Does anyone want them?"
Wynn [AC=19; 42/46 HP] (Sub JohnP) Friday July 22nd, 2005 7:36:25 AM
Wynn was admiring Xenia's grace in pacing on the slanting, vine covered floor of the Giggling Ghost. He had been thinking that it might be time to head back downstairs and perhaps sing some soothing songs that might help some of the children nap, but he became distracted.
The knock at the door shakes him out of his daydreams and focuses him on the here and now.
Xenia (HP 34/35) Friday July 22nd, 2005 9:38:42 AM
The rogue peeks out at what's making the rapping on the door noise, and her jaw drops nearly to the floor. A guy with a lion? I mean, hasn't she been watching the street for the past oh-so-long? And hasn't there been, like, nothing out there but people eating plant monsters? Even with a lion to protect you. How does that happen?
And, what's with this knocking on the door thing? No 'Hallo'. Or no 'I'm here from the City Guard, it's all over you're safe'. No. Nothing. Just knocking at the door. Like everything's alright. Like nothing's happened.
"Ti'nel. Ti'nel, you don't know that. Stop that. Sump'n 'bout this doesn't smell right. Ask him some questions first. Ask him some questions."
"Lang, ask him how he got through all the plants. Ask him if he's with the City Guard. And ask him if there are any boats at the dock."
Xenia draws in close to Wynn. With the mace now stuck in her belt, the dark rogue grips the new shortbow in one hand. Ready is good. At least, it couldn't hurt.
Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:60 Friday July 22nd, 2005 1:07:07 PM
Florin looks down when Tionel starts leveling his comments at Florin and Florin whispers just loud enough for Tionel to hear and in a saffened and abit hurt voice, "I was dealing with Jella...she was scared and it's hard to put on my half plate with her clutching my leg...I'm sorry for the lateness of my coming to all your aid." Florin glances at the stairs to the basement, having not spoken to Jella since the end of this and having not received word if she was alright really.
Florin glances to Xenia and the others and nods, "Then I agree we scout and see whats out there first."
When the knock comes he quickly perks up and snaps a hand to his longsword before calling out, "As my friend said, state your purpose?"
Syr (60/62 AC19/18) Friday July 22nd, 2005 5:26:55 PM
Looking at the room where he placed the small bodies he tries not to break down. "Poor kids, they have been through so much this year, with Mother dying, Gordo, and know these. Why can't the world just leave them alone. They have been through enough already." Moving out to common room he sits on chair and dwells on his dark thoughts.
Syr perks up at the knock on the door. Seeing no cause for concern, he stays seated and rests.
DM George Friday July 22nd, 2005 7:09:25 PM
Upon hearing the questions, the small person pulls off her hood revealing the pert and attractive features of a mature female halfling. The face is pretty but looks worn. Dark circles surround her eyes and her cheeks seem rather gaunt for a halfling. She is holding a small quarter staff in her right arm which she must have used to knock on the door.
A high pitched but clear sounding voice pipes, "My name is Rosana Thistlefoot. I am a member of the Circle of Aldur." She points at the huge bear and continues, "This is my companion and dearest friend Brundy. Please let us in. We have seen much battle and could use a safe place to rest for a while.
Xenia (HP 34/35) Saturday July 23rd, 2005 10:11:39 AM Circle of Alder!
That explains stuff. Xenia visibly relaxes. The rogue puts her bow up.
"Maybe she knows what's going on. Maybe we won't have to send out scouts afterall."
Xenia grabs another plate from the bar. On it she throws a sam witch, a bunch of grapes, and a medium sized pickle. The she pauses and turns slowly to the door. How they gonna get enough food to feed a bear?
Belkior (AC 21; HP 38/40) Saturday July 23rd, 2005 2:10:45 PM
The halfling cleric pauses, thinking about what this could mean. Circle of Alder. We'd done some things for them, and then got caught up in this attack by the Crying Forest. Maybe she knows something, or at least has some news about the City.
Belkior pipes up. "Let her in."
Wynn [AC=19; 42/46 HP] (Sub JohnP) Saturday July 23rd, 2005 2:12:43 PM
Wynn leans over and whispers to Xenia, You think that is best?
Wynn moves to stand to Xenia's side, resting a hand gently on her shoulder. Once there, he waits for Tionel and Florin to let the druid in.
DM George Supplimental post Saturday July 23rd, 2005 2:45:19 PM
OOC Shields! Great news! We are going to be having visitors. Welcome the Children of Chaos!
Children of Chaos welcome. I normally play Savin but Al will be taking over for Savin for the next few weeks while we do our crossover. Some quick notes on me and posting times. I will usually post between 9-11 eastern standard time. Please try to post before me. There are so many players right now, I won't be able to wait for anyone. If we get into combat, daily posts are gonna be huge. If you miss a post, you might cause the death of your character or someone's elses. If you are gonna have problems posting, please find a sub.
Enough of the grimness...onto the fun!
As the Shields decide to open the battered front doors to let the halfling and her bear in, pounding footsteps can be heard threading their way down the street. A large group of people, a dog, and another bear can be seen heading towards the Giggling Ghost.
The Children see a little halfling standing next to an absolutely huge bear. When the bear sees them coming, it rears up on its two hind legs and roars a challenge at them. It is easily 12' tall and heavy enough that no one wants it to fall on them.
Yorrick also comes to his hindlegs and roars back.
Xenia (HP 34/35) Saturday July 23rd, 2005 9:25:25 PM "Wazzat!"
Sam Witch fixings fly across the counter as the dark rogue abandons food preparation in favor of bow and a nocked arrow. She trains a bead on the front door hoping that whatever is making that noise isn't as big as it sounds.
Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:60 Sunday July 24th, 2005 1:57:47 AM
(OOC:I will do my dangdest to get in a post on time each day George.)
Florin frowns when he hears the roar outside, this interupting him from greeting the halfling lady from the Circle of Alder better and he pulls his longsword and readies it as he gets his shield ready to, thinking mainly to himself "great, another fight and we aren't even really ready for it"
Firn'gaer Sunday July 24th, 2005 7:39:39 AM
The tall wizard, 80" tall in standard wizardly garb with a well trimmed beard, Firn'gaer standing next to one of the bears places a gentle hand on Yorrick. "Easy, Yorrick, easy." He says.
To Peerimus Highlight to display spoiler: {I'm no judge of these things, but it might feel like a challenge and I'm no in the mood to handle two fighting bears let alone Yorrick.}
"Can you call your bear down. We're not looking for a fight. Just a place to get off the street for a bit." The wizard says.
Sly Foxx and Luke Sunday July 24th, 2005 8:04:02 AM
Sly are running for the portal, but there seems to be another party ahead of them, "Oh! this is crazy! Hold it every one!" Yells Sly. "Lets calm our animals! Luke are they friend or foe?"
Luke advances and sniff at the party, them answers Sly, "They all are Fiends!"
Sly will ask Savin, "Monk Savin! Please come forward and speak to this Good Party."
Tionel d20+9=12 Sunday July 24th, 2005 8:16:12 AM They are all Fiends?? Tionel looks somewhat confused. Surely he meant friends. Too much is going on, and much of it out of view of his limited eyesight range at the boarding of the door. He tries speaking to the bear, to calm it down, using his knowledge of animals.. "Calm down, there, big fella... No need to fight anyone, we're not wanting to mess with you or your little lady." (Great...got a 12 on my Druid Animal Empathy roll)
Peerimus and Yorrick d20+17=33 d20+13=24 Sunday July 24th, 2005 1:45:17 PM
Peerimus says a silent prayer to Mother and Father for the bears sacrifice. Thought their deaths were not real the pain they had to endure was. Knowing Assassin Vines could be on the ceiling and rooftops of the are, Peerimus descends to about 25' off the ground and tries to keep as much in the middle of the street as he can.
Shooting over the group, he calls out to Yorrick, Highlight to display spoiler: { It is good to see you my friend, let us on to the ghost. } Peerimus shortly wheels about and lands just in front of them and shifts to human. Moving quickly to him, the druid is almost knocked prone by the great kodiak. "EN'Gahgrrrr" "I was worried too my friend."
Closing with the Ghost, Peerimus takes the lead on seeeing the woman and the animal at her side. "We come from Gold Level, some of these people need shelter." The bear beside her rises in challenge and Yorrick answers back in kind. Peerimus puts a hand to his friend [Handle animal 33] "It is ok. They are just scared." Peerimus moves out towards the bear, suspecting that the woman beside it has a connection similar to he and Yorrick. "There is no challenge here my friend." [Handle animal 24] Callinginside the Ghost, "I say again, we have come from Gold Level and seek a rest in the Ghost."
(Side note: use [spoiler} and then end it with [/spoiler}, I fixed your post for ya. :) )
Sly Foxx and Luke(a nauthy Second Post) Sunday July 24th, 2005 4:07:09 PM
"I'm soory that the Dog said Fiend, I'm sure this Barbarian Dog meant Friends, Did You Not Luke?"
Luke answers to all "Yeap!"
Niobe Sunday July 24th, 2005 5:08:27 PM
Niobe stops next to Luke and Sly and looks over at the boarded door of the Ghost.
For the moment Niobe is bruised; probably still bleeding from a cut here and there, her long dark hair has half come undone from its braid and her clothes look a right mess - a highly unusual appearance for the normally well-kempt rogue.
"So much for that inn's rep of always being open. I guess we will just have to crawl down the chimney..." Niobe chuckles wryly (remembering that so far she has stepped through green flames to get into the ghost).
She casts a glance to the side looking down the road they just ran up; checking to see if either the purple orcs or the shamblers have decided to follow.
Savin (HP 85/95) (Sub/Al) Sunday July 24th, 2005 6:57:32 PM
Now that the immediate danger has passed, the woman that they rescued looks shaken and none too steady.
"We'll get you through this. Terrible things happen to test our will. Sometimes good things pass from our lives," Savin explains. "We need to hold to the faith that good things will come along again."
Or, at least that's what the Master had said.
"Sometimes enjoying the simple things in life can help you find that faith. Or, take your mind off of the problems you have now. I just restocked my spice collection. I'll cook you something when we get inside." The monk smiles. "What do you say?"
Then Yorrick gets a call of the wild going with another bear. With a single calm step, Savin places himself in front of the woman. Let Peerimus sort out what he does best. Just in case, though ...
Angus, Mage Armor AC 14, HP 21/25 Sunday July 24th, 2005 10:18:04 PM
"Happy we have visitors that want to enter the Giggling Ghost that are not Plants, for a change. This is your inn do you want to let them into it? Or do you want us to keep them out?"
"So far we have not met any enemy that hasn't been plant-like, so they are probably ok. But then again they must be pretty powerful to move around the city with all the plant creatures moving about. And we have not seen any of the guard at all which makes there appearance even more confusing."
"Lang how many can you see? Are there any of the purple plants or shambling mounds chasing them?"
Angus stays back from the door behind some chairs or tables.
Spell Slots:
0 level 0 of 6 1 level 4 of 8 2 level 4 of 6 3 level 2 of 4
Lang (ac 21; hp 50/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47) d20+6=21 d20+6=20 Sunday July 24th, 2005 10:42:09 PM
Lang stays in his position looking out the window at the bear and halfling as the group decides to let them in. Glancing down at Sunshine, he figures that the bear and an Alder Druid is not a bad thing to have around. Perhaps she can tell the Shields what is going on in the City. But then again how did the 2 of them move around the city with all the plant scum moving about. The bear isn't that big if a few shambling mounds wanted to eat it. He stays alert hoping they do not have to fight them after they get in the Giggling Ghost.
When the new group arrives, Lang wonders if letting the halfling and the bear into the Ghost might be a moot point as it seems a battle may break out among the animals. Should be interesting if it happens Lang thinks, but the halfling and bear will probably be overwhelmed. Maybe a few well-placed arrows might help even the odds out a little.
Lang hears Angus's questions and he breaks out of his musings to get a head count of the people and animals outside the ghost. He also looks for more plant life that are missing his arrows from sticking out of them. He quickly relays the info back to the Shields.
Spot 21/25 Listen 20/24
Spells: Speak with Animals Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours; probably just about 2 ½ hours left)
Arrows used 26.
Ilsidur (AC25, 72/107 hp) Sunday July 24th, 2005 11:44:53 PM
Ilsidur shuffles up the street, cleaning his axe blade as he goes. "An Inn, is that where we are going? Will they have beer, and maybe food? That plant-hewing sure makes a dwarf thirsty!"
When the two bears face off, Ilsidur calls out, "Who belongs to this bear out here? Please ask him to move out of the way. Tired, thirsty and hungry inn guests are here!"
Syr (60/62 AC19/18) Monday July 25th, 2005 2:19:35 AM
Seeing more than the just the Circle Druid, he stands and surveys the new arrivals. "Your presence is most welcome. Pretty much as long as you speak, I'm inclined to think you are not a threat. Darn plants have been hitting us steadily for a while now. To top that off, we have many children to protect. Any assistance you can gives us is welcome."
The short elf's ears perk up at the word 'monk' and he eyes the newcomer with interest. Having learned a similar style on the streets he is curious about the differences from a properly trained style of fighting.
Belkior (AC 21; HP 38/40) Monday July 25th, 2005 7:26:22 AM
Hearing that another party of survivors has arrived at the Ghost, the halfling cleric becomes slightly more hopeful. If a party could survive the chaos of the streets, there's hope for the Crimson Shields and the orphans here.
Belkior pipes up, "Let them all in! More hands makes lighter work, as the master of novices always used to say."
Wynn [AC=19; 42/46 HP] (Sub JohnP) Monday July 25th, 2005 7:28:57 AM
The bard leans closer to Xenia and whispers into her ear, "More people. Maybe the streets aren't as bad as we feared. Or maybe they're just stronger than us."
After this confidence, Wynn moves slightly to stand between the doorway and the cellar stairs.
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