The Big Dream [CDM Jerry] Saturday March 19th, 2005 12:54:05 PM
The group settles in for a rest. The weather is nice. A slight breeze. But Shady looks restless.
Suddenly Shady looks at Jake and Jake returns the look. Surprise and wonder are on their faces.
The two of them begin to glow with extraordinary light and power!
Shady says, "Come touch and join us!"
As the party reluctantly does so, each of you are surprised to find that a blending of minds has begun.
Shady adds, "Something's happening." Some sort of collective elven effect is at work!
As you struggle to come to grips with these events, their conscious minds fade and a waking dreamlike state begins.
There is then a joining of minds. Elven minds. Minds that look at life in terms of centuries instead of years.
Nearby elves join in. Some join to a lesser extent being half-elves or other relates species.
The pool of collective thought grows until it becomes Woldwide!
The overwhelming thought becomes "Why?"
An ancient being joining the mix replies, "This has happened twice before. This is the third time."
"What has happened before? comes the overwhelming response."
"This. Prepare and listen."
A common Elven Dream begins. ---------
You are floating...in space..?
You can see The Wold turning lazily beneath you, so very far below--slow but steady, the planet rotates, basking blissfully in the light of the bright golden disk hanging above it. Sunlight dapples the large fertile brown expanses of land dotted with areas of green forest...it sparkles across the waves of the blue-green ocean.
The Wold is as it is.
Suddenly you become aware that there are three smaller discs approaching the bright one, also at a slow but steady pace...you realize that the bright disk must be the sun, and the others are the moons of The Wold.
The three new discs align to cover the sun completely, leaving it and The Wold in darkness. But there--right in the middle of the now-black sun-disk--a pair eyes blink open, as though awakened from sleep.
The almond-shaped eyes--the bright, brilliant hue of sky and sea--look down upon The Wold. They widen in surprise, as though viewing the burgeoning world for the first time in a very, very long time...then the expression in the turquoise eyes grows rather sad. A tear forms and falls from one of the eyes as it blinks.
The eyes in the black sun narrow slightly--as though the unseen person to whom they belong has suddenly begun contemplating...and then the eyes blink again, once more brightening with the enlightenment of a great idea..!
The eyes glow warmly--if there were a face to go with them, you just know that it would have a happy, friendly grin in place--and The Wold, turning in its slow, steady pace, begins to grow green. Focusing on the planet, you can see that the forests of The Wold flourish and grow lush once more, spreading their fertile growth across the faces of the both the continent of Yrth and the Fragmented Lands, as the owner of the eyes laughs delightedly.
You swoop down from your lofty perch and find yourself standing in an ancient forest, Culverwood, breathing in the good green scent of the ancient trees. There is a dark, malevolent blot at the edge of your senses whom the collective knows to be Parnoth the oppressor--then suddenly, the blot disappears from sight and you hear the great beast's agonized screams.
More screams and cries ring in your ears now--the voices of those who oppose and harm Nature, the voices of those who would hold back the elves and make them lesser beings, the voices of evil. Too long they have been allowed to run free, but now they face their just reward. Through it all, the owner of the eyes continues to laugh.
The dream ends and the personal you physically awakens with laughter still ringing in your ears.
Tishe' Saturday March 19th, 2005 3:23:53 PM
Eyes open but seeing nothing, Tishe' slowly understands that she is once more standing in the small valley above the waterfall, holding hands with Anuk and Mac.
And she is also holding her breath.
A great 'whoosh' of air escapes her mouth and the brown-haired girl begins to breathe once more. "Mother Wold", she breathes, "Panthenon and Lord Gargul preserve us. What great tapestry is being woven in the stars?"
As soon as it gets dark, she resolves to get out her starcharts and study the skies above the Wold.
And she looks with new respect at Shady and Jake.
Flea Saturday March 19th, 2005 7:01:10 PM
Flea is drawn inexplicably to the group and reaches out to take hold of Jake's hand on one side, Anuk's on the other. Crazy images flash through the uncomprehending mind of the small gnome, and flash after flash of bright light from the suns and the moons and the eyes...those eyes...until her mind's eye is blinded with the brillance.
When it is over, she drops her companions' hands, and pulls away from the group. Turning her back on the pack, she retreats a bit and falls to her knees, hands pressed to her eyes.
What does it all mean?
Trellus Saturday March 19th, 2005 9:44:43 PM
"Light," Trellus breathes in an awed whisper. Something is happening. Something totally waxed. The enemies of nature and the elves are getting cut? Does that mean the Barons?
Jake and Shady are elves. Elves are doing this. The blond man turns to his longtime friend. His hand almost frantically rubbing the back of his head, seeking comfort in the routine. "Dude," he asks Jake, "What does that mean?"
Gilan Saturday March 19th, 2005 10:45:48 PM
Gilan joins the circle as the call comes to him and he watches in awe as nature destroys all the enemies of the elves and nature herself. As the dream goes on her opens his mouth to scream but nothing comes out, so he weeps. As the vision is finally broken he looks around to the rest as he drops hands.
With a start and tears still in his eyes he moves off to be by himself for the time being. He sits against a tree holding his head in his hands and wonders. "Why Wold Mother...I do not understand." He cannot grasp onto it. The idea that nature would destroy so wantonly is just beyond him...survival has always been the norm. She has always exhisted, even with the cities growing around her and always would...nothing could change that.
He holds up the piece of bark that he found with the divine spell upon it and shakes his head. He brings it to his forehead and closes his eyes. "Wold Mother...your child is lost and cannot find his way." Looking further into the area he shakes his head and replaces the bark in a pouch but does not stand to return to the others. He just sits and cries as he tries to make sense of all this.
Jake Saturday March 19th, 2005 11:36:17 PM
"Dude, I don't know... I'm a HALF-elf..." And yet, there's a lot of him that does understand, or at least feels that something good has happened. Something part of nature, something he felt for just a few seconds, but hardly ever feels. That feeling whenever he stares out over the planes, whenever he's just sitting there relaxing and feeling the grass between his fingers. It's funny, hard to explain to his non-elf side, his side that he knows is just somehow different. The human side, that loves having fun in other ways; chasing women, lying and joking, fighting and winning at gambling. Or are they different? At that moment, he feels no real conflict between his elf and human blood, yet somehow, he is aware of it more than ever in that moment. He doesn't know what to say to his packmates... and for some reason, the whole feeling, of immense happiness and delightful success in the universe, only makes him aware that he is not whole, that his father and mother both gave him up. He has never really felt his outsider status too much, what with Rattledam's acceptance of so many races. He never felt, until now, the complete difference in his blood.
He doesn't know what to say...just that he wants to be alone. He heads off and stares over the falls...and somehow, the wonder he felt at that disturbs him, so he goes and stares at just some stupid rock, and feels uncomfortable.
Mac Sunday March 20th, 2005 4:49:45 PM
<OOC> When we saw Yrth and the Fragmented lands did we see or get any inkling as to what would happen in the Sargrass, or out in the Taur Isles? </OOC>
Mac's grip lightens, but doesn't drop. "Tis a sign o'things to come." he states awe-fully, then adds, "an' I believe we'll get a be'er handle of when we get Shai-dee 'ome. Once he is pu' right, then we may 'ave a way home, or we may have given up a few days t'do the right thing. We're not lost Gilan - we're 'xactly where she wants us to be." Mac's smile is something to behold.
Anuk Sunday March 20th, 2005 11:31:18 PM
Anuk hesitates before joining the circle between Tishe' and Flea. After watching Trellus be overtaken by magic, he's not sure he wants to surrender himself to the same thing.
But...but...Jake and Shady don't seem to be in pain. No frightening other voices...no heads spinning around. He waits a moment longer, then steps up and joins the circle.
The vision is awe-inspiring and terrifying at once. Though Anuk has once stood before a God, he did not until now understand the raw power that can be dealt out on a whim. He sees the destruction of those in opposition to nature. The indifference of nature to the fate that awaits them. Though he's glad not to feel that he is in danger, he can't help but wonder if that power will one day be turned against him.
When it's over, he simply drops to the ground. The vision plays through again in his head. As he thinks of nature's fury, he recalls that he has pledged to help protect it. He had thought he was protecting only the Plains...his home...but now he thinks perhaps the pledge was to all the Wold.
He takes the leather glove from his right arm, revealing the withered remains of his hand underneath. He reaches down and scoops up a bit of earth, holding it up at eye level and breathes out a single phrase.
"The land...my life."
Questions (DM MikeK) Monday March 21st, 2005 9:47:04 AM
Kind hearted laughter still rings in the minds of the Bloodpack as they pull back from their trance-like state. It takes a few moments for everyone to reorient themselves. Somehow, it's morning. When Shady and Jake called for their friends to join them in the dream, it was early evening. But the sun is definitely peaking up over the eastern side of the valley, and not descending in the west.
All are refreshed, as if they'd slept for nearly 12 hours. All are also hungry, as if they'd missed supper.
To the myriad of questions, Shady can only shrug. Like Jake, he has no answers as to what this dream means. Looking back on The Dream, the heroes realize a great number of those in the chorus were demanding the same answers.
Anuk's reaction reminds all of their oath to the land.
Parnoth, a great evil near someplace called Culverwood, was snuffed out in the dream. Instinctively, the group understands the same fate awaits The Baron in the Sargass Plains. And that fate awaits another - one equal to The Baron in power and intent, a rival to both The Baron and The Land. But one faceless and nameless, even in The Dream.
On the subject of Taur Isle, The Dream gave no clues.
Tishe' Monday March 21st, 2005 3:13:42 PM
The brown eyes of Tishe' narrow as she realizes that she won't be able to see the stars immediately. And that the grumble in her middle reminds her of more practical matters. "Well, you thread the needle before you sew, as my mother often said. Let's a quick bite to eat, settle our spells, and get Shady home."
As she moves off to a spot a little off to study her spells, she sends a heart-touch to the others. Reminded by Anuk of what she and the Bloodpack promised, the small woman settles in by breathing over and over, "The land, my life"
And she makes sure to take Elven Sight as a 1st level druid spell instead of Faerie Fire.
Mac Monday March 21st, 2005 6:46:47 PM
"Talki fresal, dondit liki"
"Talki fresal, dondit liki"
"Talki fresal, dondit liki"
Mac ensure Galea gets some breakfast, but partakes of the barest portion himself. "Tis good to be a wee bit hungry - keens the senses." When breakfast is done with, Mac loks about to all and sundry. "Shae-dee to get home, a dragon to call in on, and a safe passage home!" he bellows as a rallying cry!
Grymash d20-2=5 d20+2=5 Monday March 21st, 2005 7:09:09 PM "Whoah!!!" the barbarian says as he shakes his head. "Did ya all hears dat? Someones say da word, uhh da letter ... I!! Who did say dat? Whut do dat mean?"
The thought quickly leaves Gry's fragile little brain when he spots Tishe offering him a juicy spider. "Hmmm, sargrass spider! Gry not knows Tishe had sargrass spiders!"
(Intelligence check: 5, Wisdom check: 5, sigh)
Gilan Monday March 21st, 2005 7:26:09 PM
Gilan munches absently on some of his rations as he thinks over what has been seen some more and shakes his head. For some reason it still feels wrong to him that nature would rebel that much. With a look to the others he just shakes his head and says nothing for now.
Trellus Monday March 21st, 2005 8:30:52 PM
The erstwhile leader of the group looks around, pondering. Jake doesn't look happy, and Gilan doesn't look happy. Based on what they all just shared, both should be estatic. But they don't look it.
Talki fresal, dondit liki, he whispers. Is there something else the monks aren't telling him?
Tishe and her spellbook reminds him of his own need for prayers. The cleric finds a quiet spot and prays to Domi for guidance.
Then, he get his breakfast, and sends a heart touch to the pack. "We're still shady, dudes", he encourages them. "Mac's right, let's concentrate on getting Shady home. Then, we get us home. Then, we worry about the eyes."
Flea d20-1=18 Monday March 21st, 2005 10:00:47 PM
Removing her hands from her eyes, Flea sees that nothing has really changed. They are still lost in the strange area. Everything still looks the same. Her pack looks the same. Even Shady looks the same.
Flea moves back inside the circle of the group. The rogue winces a little as her friends repeat their oath to the land. She had made the pledge, but what did it really mean? The beaters were going to mess with her head if she didn't!
If you swear to protect the plains and their secrets with your life, then simply cover your heart in front of the Mankif and speak, Talki fresal, dondit liki. The land, my life."
As she munches on the very last of her trail rations, Flea studies Jake, suspicious that he might know more than he is saying. (Sense Motive=18)
Anuk d20+12=18 Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 12:34:31 AM
Anuk stares for a few moments longer at the earth he holds in his pale hand, then lets it crumble and fall back to the ground. Still mulling the vision over in his head, he finds himself comforted by the heart touches coming from his friends and sends one out in return.
While the others get ready for the day, Anuk spends a few minutes alone himself. He settles into the familiar routine of thinking of the land until he is aware that he can cast a spell (prepares entangle). He must remember to add the spell to the ioun stone tonight if it is not needed before day's end. He hopes it's not.
Then, he rises and sets out a little way from camp, looking for nuts, berries, and anything else he can bring back to the pack for breakfast.
(survival 18)
Jake Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 3:59:40 AM
Jake sighs and gets up, ready to continue. And slowly brightens. It just isn't in his nature to be moody too long. Instead, he whimsically ponders over something to say or do. Wandering next to Trell, he says to him softly, so that Flea and Tishe don't hear, "Been a while since we've seen any friendly faces, huh, Trell? Ah miss girls..." he winks, "Ah mean, y'know, real girls. Available shady femmes. Though, we have been fightin' some pretty good battles of late...ah miss home, ah think."
Homesick (DM MikeK) Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 8:52:47 AM
Thoughts of home reverberate through the minds of the lost heroes. This latest vision only serves to intensify them. Resolutely, the Bloodpack gets through breakfast and their morning observances, and again take to the trail.
Thanks to the invitation of Shady and Jake, everyone, even Grymash, fully partook in the dream. Questions remain - Who sent it? Who, besides the friends from Rattledam, received it? And, of course, what does it mean?
Lost in their own thoughts, the group makes its way across increasingly rough ground. The valley narrows and rises. Grass fields alternate frequently with rocky trails. The adventurers climb and descend, and climb some more. And always in their minds remains the vision of the elven eyes, laughing merrily as the Wold becomes green.
In the late afternoon, the group crests a hill, and in front of them is a huge mountain. It rises thousands of feet into the air and must be a good half day's journey away. Shady has been very quiet, sensing the subdued mood of his new friends, and perhaps struggling with thoughts of his own. But, at the sight of the mountain, he starts. Then he beams, raises his hands, and points excitedly at the mountain. "Home!" he cries. Shady picks up the pace, skipping from stone to stone as he hurries forward. He turns, and waves at the group, encouraging them to keep up. "Home!" he cries again. "Home!"
Anuk d20+10=25 Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 2:14:13 PM
Anuk hurries to keep pace with Shady, calling out to the boy in elven, "Shady, slow down! We can't get there until tomorrow--we'll need to rest." His plea is only half-hearted though. Clearly, Shady is excited to be so near to home.
As he follows the elf, he scans the huge mountain, looking for signs of life. If Shady is from here, there should be more elves nearby, Anuk thinks to himself.
(spot 25)
Tishe' Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 2:30:40 PM
The small woman walks with the pack and casts worried glances at Jake and Gilan. "I wonder if they got the same dream", she wonders aloud. Glancing sheepishly around, she'll explain to anyone who is listening, "can't they hear the joyful laughter, see the gentle eyes? Perhaps they know something more than we saw? I mean, Jake is part elf and Gilan is more in tune with the Wold than I or Anuk..."
When Shady runs ahead, Tishe' is ready to take some of her worry off with a pleasant jog through the valley. She lets her wavy hair blow in the wind of her passage and just enjoy for a minute. "I bet I can catch Shady first!", she yells.
Trellus Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 7:17:02 PM
Walking beside Jake, Trellus nods his head in sympathy. He wasn't after as many 'shady femmes' as Jake - Light, NOBODY went after as many shady femmes as Jake - but the young man would be real happy to see a couple members of the Black Pack right now...
They walk on, and the cleric tries to keep an eye on Gilan and Jake. The pack needs to get home. Malafret can help. She'd know what to do.
Then, Shady takes off. "Dude!" he yells, trailing off as Anuk also yells and the boy ignores them both anyway. And, of course, Tishe takes off too.
"Light," he grumbles. Trellus hates running. But Shady can't keep it up all day, can he?
The cleric picks up the pace, intent on chasing down the rest.
Mac d20+5=8 Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 7:51:40 PM
"Trellus? Imagine you are a local Elven Archer or Ranger out patrolling the woods when Shai-dee shows up running at a good pace with our Pack in pursuit. What would you do?" Mac maintains a solid walk, but doesn't run or even hustle, an keep an eye out for trouble ahead. [Spot: 8]
Gilan d20+7=15 d20+7=11 Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 8:37:47 PM
Gilan trails along with the rest of the pack still trying to make sense of what he has seen. The idea of all evil being taken care of is not such a bad thing, but what would nature or an "Avatar" of nature consider evil. His feelings of ecstacy had been tempered with the realization that things may not turn out as shady as the dream had cast.
Moving up to keep pace with Trellus he looks to his friend. "Do you think that Domi would allow such a thing to happen...the nature covering the Wold and taking out evil." He looks ahead to those that run on towards Shady's home and shakes his head. "I mean...sometimes evil is not too easily defined and all." He looks to Trellus seeing him as being wiser in this area than himself. After all Domi is a god and a good one at that, while the Wold Mother is nature herself and works by a different set of rules.
Jake Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 1:34:17 AM
The youth takes off and the others take off after him and shout at him. Jake doesn't add anything to that voluble, just laughs. "Well, we're almost there...wherever there is! Gil, you're taking it too walker. Nature's always shade...evil always grass-bites and corrupts. Ah mean, undead are like, that example, right? The ultimate evil, an' also against nature. Ah ain't never heard of no druid skeleton." Jake has never seen an undead, but in his nightmares, they're the worst. He's never really mentioned this to his packmates tho...
Company (DM MikeK) Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 5:13:35 PM
A few of the Bloodpack chase after Shady. A few do not. Either way, the young elf soon figures out that he's got an awfully long run ahead of him, and gradually slows down to allow everyone to catch up. He's a seriously excited lad for the rest of the day, though.
Near evening, Flea rounds a bend, and stops. The rest of the Bloodpack quickly halts as well. Sitting inside a small, natural ampitheater are six large, incredibly attractive humans, four men and two women. They are in the midst of an instense conversation when the group happens upon them. Their startling good looks even break through the normally dense Tishe, and Jake can't help but be jealous of all the good looking men he's happened upon. Oddly, it is hard to determine the age of the people.
Those making a Spot check DC 12 notice, with some curiosity, that they have no equipment whatsoever, just well made travelers outfits.
As the pack appears, the others size them up. All eyes remain fixated upon Shady, and slowly recognition crosses the features of each of them. One of the women stands, and steps toward the elf boy uncertainly. "Glimmer?" she asks.
Shady has been staring at the group in surprise and shock. When the woman addresses him, he responds, "Grandma?". Then, he repeats the name. Sure and strong and laced with relief and happiness. "Grandma!" he yells, and runs toward her. The two embrace.
The woman looks up. She sure doesn't look like a grandma. Flashing perfect, white teeth she turns to the group, and hugs each person in turn, and a very pleasant hug it is - Grymash ("Thank you for bringing back Glimmer"), Mac, Tishe ("We thought Brightmarous had killed him"), Gilan, Flea, Trellus("How can we ever repay you?"), Jake.
She stops at Jake. Stares at him. Looks back to her group. Stares at Jake again.
"You're an elf." she states reverently. Her voice drops to a low tone. "Tell me," she says. "Tell us. Of what event do the elves dream? We can't see it. We know something is coming, but we can't see it. But you have. You have saved my grandson, and have proved your worth. " The woman is nearly pleading," Please. You must tell us what you see in your dreams."
Grymash Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 8:13:09 PM
(You say they are large, like 8-ft or taller in height?)
DM NOTE - No. Large for a human, but not that large. The men are 6 and half feet tall, the women are a good 6'.
"Whoah!" is all an awe-struck Grymash can say. When he gets his hug, the barbarian doesn't know how to react. He looks back at his pack and gives them a raised eyebrow and a slight grin. If the barbarian's expression could speak, it would say, "Shaaddy, check her out!!"
Flea Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 9:34:22 PM
"Oooff!" is all that escapes Flea as she is squeezed by the very tall, very beautiful woman.
Taking in the incredibly tall and beautiful people, the rogue looks at Shady/Glimmer with newfound respect. Elbowing Trellus' she asks, "are they gods?"
Gilan d20+7=22 d20+7=12 Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 9:38:56 PM
Gilan looks to Jake and shakes his head. "Not all nature is shady...some of it is dangerous and unpredictable." With a smile he goes through some of the things that he knows of. "Some of the things are natural...like earthquakes and fires on the plains...but others are different, natural animals that Mother Wold has had a hand in making." He looks to hear the exclaims of excitement from not only Shady but some other people that have shown up.
Looking again to Trellus who has been silent for some time, maybe he was thinking over his questions. "Seems we have found Shady's parents." His eyes roam over the group and he shakes his head. "They carry no gear for traveling or the like...this seems strange." He looks to the others but is interrupted with the sudden hug from the woman in the group.
Trellus d20+8=25 Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 10:41:43 PM
Mac's advice slows Trellus down immediately, and he's relieved when everyone else drops down to a liesurely stroll, too.
Gilan's question about Domi allowing Nature to take over elicits the standard 'Trellus is thinking' response. Rubbing his hand over the back of his head, the cleric ponders. "Domi's realms are Protection, Strength, and War," he replies slowly. "Depends on who Nature went after I guess. Domi might oppose it, might favor it, or might not really care. He'd want to protect the weak, the innocent, and the upright. Can Nature tell the difference?"
Shortly thereafter, they run into The Beautiful People. "Many Shado-urp!" Trellus gets part of his greeting out before being engulfed by Shady's 'grandma'.
Like Gilan, the young man notes the lack of traveling gear. [Spot 25] Flea's question brings back the ol' hand over head motion. The phrase Tooth and Claw keeps rummaging around in his mind as well.
"Not sure," he answers both. "But, I think we want to be very polite." Trellus waits, with some trepedation, for Jake's response.
Jake Thursday March 24th, 2005 2:18:50 AM
Jake takes off his hat and holds it, "Half elf, ma'am...ah'm not really a true elf, just a half-elf." He looks to the others with his warm brown eyes and shakes his head. "Afraid ah can't tell ya much, other 'n what ya felt. That the Wold is.." he searches for a word. "Purgin', gettin' rid of some evil from beyond our sorta knowledge. Ah'm sorry, ma'am. But we did bring your grandson." He tries not openly admire the curves of the women...after all, it'd be really awkward if he hit on some kid's grandma.
Mac d20+1=17 Thursday March 24th, 2005 6:19:12 AM
"You are welcome." the taur replies. It is a moment or three before the least of incongruities catches his attention. "You call the boy 'Glimmer' and clearly he recognizes you, but he had us call him 'Shae dee'. Do you know why?" [Sense Motive: 17]
Anuk d20+10=16 d20=6 Thursday March 24th, 2005 12:40:37 PM
Anuk is surprised to suddenly stumble on the group. "I must be gettin' sunbaked...I gotta start keeping better lookout for signs and tracks," he says quietly to Flea. "Did you see any sign of this group before we ran into them?"
As they meet the strangers, Anuk finds their friendliness disarming, and he can't help but grin at the sight of Shady rejoining his family. Still, a few questions about who they are and how they got here (spot 16) linger in the back of his mind.
Deciding that Shady's "grandma" seems friendly and open, Anuk decides to ask the question foremost in his mind. However, it comes out more bluntly than he intends (diplomacy 6).
"Greetings, ma'am," he says, bowing low. "My name is Anuk. It's great to see Shady...er...Glimmer back with his family. I can't help noticing, though, that Shady is an elf. You're...uh...not. How did an elf come to be part of a human family?"
Tishe' Thursday March 24th, 2005 1:17:46 PM
The average looking woman takes a few moments to compose herself among the adonis. They are more beautiful than even her sisters, and a surly thought wonders if they have anything in thier heads than air. But she quickly stifles her resentment over thier beauty, 'grandma' is much too sure of herself and her hugs too genuine to be so petty.
"We don't like bullies lording it over the weaker, good lady", she tells the 'grandma'. "Was Brightmarous one of the group that held him? We were able to slay three of the bullies, but two are still at large."
Privately, she thinks that Anuk has a very good question. Half-elf surely, but how can even beautiful humans have a full elf grandson?
Who are you? (DM MikeK) Thursday March 24th, 2005 4:24:34 PM
The woman pulls back from Jake, disappointment registering on her face. "That's not good enough," she responds unhappily.
When Tishe asks about Brightmarous, and mentions killing the thugs, one of the men springs up angrily. "Kill ME!?!" he snorts. "Never! You should never have brought him back! He doesn't belong here!" He's younger than the others, although the ages are still deceiving. He stalks toward the party, but doesn't get two steps before he is grabbed by two other men. 'Grandma' rounds on Brightmarous. "You'd sell your own brother?" she hisses through clenched teeth. "Get out. Get out right now!"
Brightmarous shoots the group a withering stare, wheels about and leaves the ampitheater.
Grandma and Glimmer/Shady talk quietly a few moments about his experiences. The other folks stand, waiting for her verdict.
When the boy is done, she smiles at the Bloodpack.
"It seems Glimmer lost his memory, and only now it is returning. Have a seat, some explanations are required." Grandma invites the group to pull up a log, and her own people sit down. Once everyone is comfy, she explains, "These forms, both human and elf, are not our true selves. We merely assume them for convenience sake. Glimmer tells me you rescued him, and then brought him back here without any knowledge of who he was or where you were going. That is a noble deed that takes great courage. Your reward for that is to learn our true forms."
A couple of her people start at that, but she waves them off dismissively before returning to the group. "We are dragons," she says. "You would call us bronze. Glimmer's parents were killed in the Dragon Wars, and I have raised him and his brother. "
"I tell you this, because I must again ask this half-elf to relay to us the dream he had. We have seen signs and portents of a great upheaval, and are desperate to learn all we can about it. None of us had the dream, But we know that elves throughout the land experienced it. Please, tell us what you saw, and in return I can provide another reward.
"And finally, I've another favor, which carries a greater reward yet. But first, elf, your dream. Please."
She looks at Jake pleadingly.
Mac cannot find any reason to doubt her words.
Gilan Thursday March 24th, 2005 11:20:22 PM
Gilan nods as his first assumption about the young elf had been right and shakes his head. He did not really like getting involved in dragon matters, but in these times you helped the ones that needed it.
Looking back to the woman they call Grandma he listens as she speaks and then turns his head to regard Jake. "Just tell her all the dream as you saw it Jake." He gives his friend a smile as he does and a nod in encouragement. He had let the interplay with the one that was now banished pass by without showing great interest, though he is sure that it will come back on them later. He just smiles and sighs.
Grymash d20+8=27 d20-2=7 d20+2=6 Friday March 25th, 2005 1:04:54 AM
Grymash tenses up and places his hand behind his back, ready to grab his double axe when Brightmarous has his outburst. The barbarian can't help but return his stare with a grimacing scowl. (Trying to look as intimidating to Brightmarous as much as he can. Intimidate 27, woot!)
He can't help but admire the strength of the woman as she forced Brightmarous to leave. Strange feelings start to grow in his gut. He wonders why his heart is pounding so hard and fast in his chest. Grymash isnt raging! Why is it doing that? He doesn't care. He cant keep his eyes off her.
(Intelligence: 7, Wisdom: 6)
Grymash doesnt understand much when they start talking about changing form and shape. His only observance of such activity is when Gilan changes into bugs. And right now, he doesnt care. Maybe dragons are even more beautiful.
Jake Friday March 25th, 2005 3:34:13 AM
"Well, okay, ma'am... "First there was just a floating sensation, lahk lying on water, and then ya became aware of the Wold below ya. All arrayed out, y'know, like, a circle. Ah never thought about what it'd look like, but it was so small. Above it was the sun, shaped like up there..." he points at the sky. "Anyways, then the moons came along and tried to cover up the sun. But suddenly, ah noticed, like, some eyes there in the moons. Weird eyes...crying for some reason as they looked down. Then they started getting happy, an' all the world went green and good. "Then we swooped into a sylvan setting, the Culverwood. A malicious presence, the Parnoth, became known to us. A blight upon the land, an enemy of the elves, its presence could not withstand the pureness of the eyes. Its agonized cry rang silently throughout the cosmos, its hatred dissipating before that which was good and pure. "And all was well. Laughter, love, joy subsumed all sense of self, suddenly and endlessly a loving pull emanated from those orbs, radiant in the darkness."
Tishe' Friday March 25th, 2005 10:04:20 AM
The young woman is startled by the beautiful man's outburst. Upon knowing they are dragons, her heart begins beating faster and she gets a little weak in the knees, and thankfully pulls up a stump. Almost got into a fight with a dragon! And like it or not, the Bloodpack has made an enemy...
She sits quietly, leaning forward in silent encouragement while Jake relates the dream, nodding at the similarity to what she saw and felt. "Happy eyes and laughter. That is what I most remember."
She plays with the crimson sash at her waist, and wonders what these noble beings will make of the dream.
Trellus d20+8=27 d20+4=24 Friday March 25th, 2005 10:23:23 AM
Trellus swallows convulsively upon the realization he's in tha middle of a group of dragons. The young cleric still isn't quite sure what a dragon is, but if it took a Valdor to go hunt one down, Trellus isn't all that sure he wants to find out.
Nodding along with Jake's recitation, he notices Gry is acting totally shuttlecocked. [Spot 27] What's Gry staring at? he wonders silently. Trellus follows the stare. He's looking at Grandma. Grandma - Gry. Gry - Grandma. Bells start going off in his head [Sense Motive 24 (nat 20).
Trellus' face draws up into a pained expression. Domi's Light. Gry's gotta a crush on a dragon. The blond man stands quietly, trying to look natural, while he fervently prays to his god for Gry not to do anything too sunbaked.
Flea Friday March 25th, 2005 1:32:23 PM
Snippets of conversation re-play in the gnome's mind.
The beautiful matriarch,"We are dragons. You would call us bronze."
and Valdor, "If it were not a chromatic, being gold, silver, bronze, or even brass, I'd say kill it without reservation."
Flea looks at each beaufiful face, and at Shady/Glimmer. Could this Brightmarous be the one the half-elf had wanted them to investigate? she wonders.
Flea listens as Jake says his piece, all nice and mystic like a weaver, and she shakes her head. "Jake's going walker," she mutters to herself, "what is the Wold coming to?"
Anuk d20+12=29 Friday March 25th, 2005 2:58:23 PM Dragons?! Well, at least I know why I didn't spot any tracks, thinks Anuk.
He watches and listens to Grandma and the others intently, trying to picture in his mind what their true forms must be like.
Throughout the conversation, Anuk keeps quiet, but he also keeps glancing nervously at the sky (spot 29). The last dragon they saw was more than enough to easily frighten away the beaters that had kidnapped Shady. He's a little worried about what Brightmarous might do if he decides to return in his true shape.
I Have a Dream (DM MikeK) Friday March 25th, 2005 9:57:51 PM
Grymash's intimidating stare definitely attracted the attention of Brightmarous. The man/dragon meets the half-orc's eyes and stays fixed on him for several moments before he goes stomping off. Did the barbarian have a part in the dragon's departure? He doesn't know.
Anuk keeps his eyes peeled on the skies. He sees no sign of a highly agitated bronze dragon returning. Which doesn't stop him from continuing to look.
Grandma is far too interested in Jake's retelling of The Dream to pay either Grymash or Anuk much attention. She and her fellows listen raptly to the half-elf. When he finishes, they are all silent, deep in thought. Finally one speaks, and then another, conversing with each other in rapid sentences, spoken in Common for the benefit of their guests.
"A new power." "Related to the elves" "The power to destroy Parnoth? Inconceivable." "Does It have that power, or merely dreams of such?" "Or perhaps It needs help to achieve the power." "If It does, how do we help? To destroy Parnoth......" "The conjuction of moons and sun is key. A sign. Surely that has happened before."
"Those humans saw it, too"
The last comment is delivered by a man who's been quiet until now. Grandma asks him what he meant. "Those two (Trellus and Tishe). They knew what the elf was going to say. They've seen it."
Grandma addresses Tishe. "Have you? Did you get The Dream? How?
Tishe' d20+9=25 Saturday March 26th, 2005 4:56:31 AM
A new power? What is 'grandma' talking about? And then the man makes all the dragons' attention focus on HER.
"Ulp. Ah, yes, Great One", she begins, "I saw, we all... um, all saw the dream. Ah, um, Shady and Jake, they invited us into.." she pauses to collect her thoughts under the gaze of the dragons. "We held hands and stood in a circle", she concludes, "and saw the Dream."
Warming to something she knows, she braves two more sentences. "It was an eclipse", she tells the others secure in her knowledge of astronomy (Knowledge: 25), "an eclipse of the sun by both moons. That's when the eyes opened."
Gilan Saturday March 26th, 2005 5:41:01 PM
Gilan listens and watches in interest as the dragon talk among themselves and then the attention turns to the group. Well not all of it really just Trell and Tishe'.
He smiles as he puts his hand over his mouth to hide it. Trellus may not mind the attention but that is not poor Tishe''s thing. As he sits he waits to see what else will be said and lazily draws on the ground three small circles lining up and then he draws them interlocking as if passing over one another. Lastly he draws just one circle with almond shaped eyes in the middle of it and sighs.
Mac d20+5=16 Saturday March 26th, 2005 9:07:59 PM
Remaining observant, silent and wary Mac keeps an eye on the going on. [Spot:16]
Flea d20-1=8 Sunday March 27th, 2005 5:32:26 PM
Flea watches Shady's grandma, and wonders why the woman is so interested in the dream. (Sense Motive=8)
Anuk d20+10=22 d20+10=13 Sunday March 27th, 2005 10:50:26 PM
Anuk nods in agreement with Tishe' when she says that everyone saw the dream. He thinks back on the experience and how it was oddly comforting and frightening at the same time. He wonders if more dreams are in his future.
He continues to keep and eye out for anything out of the ordinary skyward.
(spot 22, listen 13)
Jake Monday March 28th, 2005 12:45:40 AM
Jake can't help but feel relieved now that the attention's off him. And he begins to consider what he's been told, about how they're dragons...and he looks up at them, amazed. They're dragons, really?? No. All those tales he read, of fighting dragons and stuff...he suddenly blurts out a secret wish, hoping more than anything, "Can you fly me? I mean, take me up into the air?" He looks at them with eyes full of hope, almost like a child suddenly.
Trellus Monday March 28th, 2005 10:20:12 AM
Trellus has got the feeling this is one of those 'speak only when spoken to' moments. He nods along in agreement with Tishe'.
He also keeps an eye on Gry. He's never seen the half-orc infatuated before. No telling what pick the dude might weave.
Too Much Information (DM MikeK) Monday March 28th, 2005 1:59:58 PM
Grandma listens quietly to Tishe and Trellus. "I see," she says as they finish.
The quiet, observant male is standing. The same one who noticed Trellus and Tishe knew the dream. "Wait a moment. 'Shady' invited you also? Not just the half-elf?"
Grandma tries to ignore him, instead smiling pleasantly at Jake. "Perhaps. After we've discussed your vision. What do you think the dream meant?" She awaits the fighter's response, but her comrade isn't backing off.
"None of us saw it," he persists. "Just the elves." He looks at the party. "And those invited by elves. Or half elves...." At this point, the man's voice trails off and his eyes widen as he looks again at Shady/Glimmer.
"Enough." Grandma snaps out the word, and discussion stops. "I will speak with these nobles alone." Her comrades, still looking oddly at the young elf/dragon, practically fall over themselves leaving the amphitheatre. Everyone clearly hears multiple "fwoomp" sounds, as if a series of sails suddenly filled with a strong wind. The sound repeats at disparate intervals, gradually fades, and finally disappears altogether.
[Wis check DC 12 to realize Shady ain't pure dragon]
Tishe' d20+1=15 Monday March 28th, 2005 4:21:51 PM
Something clicks in Tishe's brain. 'Grandma' and the others are dragons but didn't see the dream, but Shady saw the dream: therefore, Shady is.... "He's half-dragon?" blurts the mage incredulously.
Mac d20+3=13 d20+5=13 Monday March 28th, 2005 4:35:41 PM
[Wis:13, Spot:13] ...and in deference to Grandma, Mac silently waits for her to speak, whilst continuing to keep an eye on the surroundings.
Flea d20+13=19 d20+23=42 d20+16=22 d20+10=22 d20-1=13 Monday March 28th, 2005 8:19:07 PM
Flea's eyes flick from face to beautiful face as the 'dragons' are dismissed by 'grandma'.
This is just so twisted thinks the gnome, and she starts to back away quietly (Move Silently=19) seeking the shadows at the edge of the clearing (Hide=42).
There are the ominous sounds and the rogue cranes her neck to see over the tree tops (Search=22, Spot=22) before her gaze returns to the youth they had rescued. One should never judge a book by it's cover, she thinks (Wisdom Check=13) remembering the old saying, oft quoted by her patient teacher, and then the irrational fear returns.
Gilan d20+5=25 Monday March 28th, 2005 9:18:08 PM
Gilan watches in some amazement as the other dragons are sent off by Grandma and shakes his head. A slight smile touches his face as he thinks of another certain teacher that gets the same respect. With a start he nods his head in understanding, Shady is a half-dragon then and one of his parents was an elf(Wis 25).
Still he sits and listens to what is said as he ponders the meaning of the dream again. He has an idea but he is not sure if it is the right one and he will not make statements without knowing all the facts.
Trellus d20+4=9 Monday March 28th, 2005 10:26:44 PM
[Wis check 9] Trellus is thinking about Grymash and Grandma. The half orc falls to one knee and blurts out his undying love- no, no, that won't be it. The half orc draws his shady blade and pledges to slaughter all her enemies - possibly. The half orc...
"He's half-dragon?" Tishe blurts.
"Huh?" Trellus responds, coming out of his daydream. Where'd the other dudes go? What's up with Flea? What's Tishe talking about? He looks around. Oh light. What'd I miss?
Trellus shuts up and pays attention. Hopefully he can figure out what's going on before he does something stupid.
Jake d20+1=13 Tuesday March 29th, 2005 12:27:28 AM
Jake looks over to Shady, realizing it about the same time as Tishe says it. He suddenly feels a surge of empathy for the half-elf, half-dragon. It overcomes his desire for flying around on dragons. He goes over and gives Glimmer a pat on the back. In elven, he comments, "So, we got you home, Shady. But ya know, if ya want, ya can come along with us... ah'll even teach ya how ta fight, if ya want." Then, before the kid can give an answer, he turns his attention to the grandmother. "Now, uh, ma'am, we met this hero, a world-famous adventurer, named Valdor, and he asked us to look for this bronze dragon that was causing a problem. Apparently, it was rampaging around and stuff. Ah don't know if we've figured out what's goin' on, but, anyways, ah'm wantin' ta ask ya about it."
Anuk d20+2=20 d20+10=16 d20+10=19 Tuesday March 29th, 2005 10:34:43 AM
Anuk stops looking at the sky as grandma and the others make their hasty exit from the amphitheater. "So, Shady's got some elven blood in him, eh?" he says with a smile (wisdom 20). It doesn't really change much in his mind, as until recently he thought Shady was an elf, anyway. He's still trying to wrap his head around the idea that Shady is actually Glimmer...a dragon.
The loud sounds bring Anuk's attention back to the present and he looks skyward again (spot 16, listen 19). He watches and listens until the sounds disappear and then he ambles over to Jake.
"Hey, Jake...you still got Shady's collar? I was thinkin' maybe we oughta give it to grandma. If she finds something like that on us, she might question our...uh...intentions."
Follow Me (DM MikeK) Tuesday March 29th, 2005 1:12:03 PM
The pack reacts to the knowledge in various ways, although Flea is the only one to pull back and make herself small.
Glimmer's face is full of questions. "I...I'm not a dragon?" he asks fearfully. Grandma enfolds him in a hug. Your mother was a dragon, Glimmer. Your father, well, was not." She pulls away to hold the boy by the shoulders and look him in the eye. "You can be whatever you want. Anything you want. Never forget that."
Grandma sighs heavily, and takes a moment to gather herself.
Turning to Jake, she replies, "Take him with you?" She considers. "That may actually be an idea." She is silent for a moment, before clearing the thought away and shifting gears to his other statement. "Everybody knows of Valdor Dragonstone. The dragon he seeks is Brightmarous. Glimmer went through the right of adulthood recently, and the treasure his parents bequeathed upon him became public knowledge. Brightmarous felt slighted and became agitated. This latest revelation will not help."
Grandma glances at Tishe with a half smile. "Does it surprise you there are half-dragons. We take other forms after all." The woman turns to look directly at Grymash. "And they are fully functional." Her eyes linger in the half-orc's before she turns away.
"If you would all please follow me, we can address your half-elf's ideas. Grandma proceeds though a small crevice in the right side of the hill, wide enough for but a single person at a time. It is not the way the rest of the dragons went when they left.
Tishe' Tuesday March 29th, 2005 2:23:06 PM
The young woman has had too many surprises today, so it is understanding she completely misses 'grandma's' reference to being fully functional. she puts a hand in her satchel to pet Wart, taking comfort in his very normal reactions.
"So, is there anything you can do to help stop Brightmarous?" she asks the beautiful woman as they walk to the caves. "And do you have any ideas about what the Dream means?"
So full of questions, she pays scant attention about going into a dragon's cave.
Flea d20+10=29 d20+12=14 d20+8=15 d20+23=28 d20+13=23 Tuesday March 29th, 2005 5:17:27 PM
Confused by dreams of vengeful laughing elves, and the reality of dragons who don't look like dragons, the rogue will draw up in the rear. Flea keeps a low profile and guards the party's flank.
Grymash d20-2=0 d20+2=5 Tuesday March 29th, 2005 8:16:35 PM
(Sorry, I lost my web access for the past couple of days. Im back now.)
Grymash doesn't hear any of the conversation. His eyes transfixed on the female dragon's muscular and near perfect form. Strong arms and shoulders, Gry bets she can swing an axe with the best of them. Load-bearing ... ahh, bare back, Gry can see it would take a lot of weight to encumber her. Don't get Gry started on the legs. She could crush a man to death with those powerful legs. Not to mention kick and run. Her voice, so commanding and forceful. Gry wonders how sharp her teeth are.
Anyone near the barbarian might hear a very faint, low guttural growl rumbling within him. But its not a growl of anger, he's smiling. Like a wolf to a lamb, if he knew what a wolf or a lamb was. When she mentions, "fully functional" his axe drops to the ground with a "clang"! A small bead of drool runs out the corner of his mouth. His muscles tense up very tightly. As she walks away, the half-orc can't help but step forward to follow. His double axe remains behind on the ground, as if he hasn't yet realized he dropped it.
(Intelligence 0, Wisdom 5)
Gilan Tuesday March 29th, 2005 8:57:21 PM
Gilan looks to Gry and shakes his head. Wasn't this suppose to be Jake's thing...and now Gry is acting like a love-sick pup. He shakes his head and follows along but stops to pick up the fallen doubleaxe with care. "Gry may just need this sooner than he thinks." He cannot help but smile as he looks to Jake and shakes his head again. "Want to make a play Jake?" He laughs lightly as he looks back to Gry and the fact that the woman shows some interest. He shakes his head again as he shudders with a image of little Grymash-Dragon babies running around. "Stranger things have happened..."
Trellus Tuesday March 29th, 2005 9:48:38 PM Oh I wish she hadn't said that.
"CLANG" goes Gry's axe.
Light
Rubbing his forehead slightly, Trellus exchanges a look with Gilan, ruefully shakes his head, and follows the lovestruck barbarian into the cave.
Jake Wednesday March 30th, 2005 3:47:18 AM
Jake steps back and picks up the big hoop he has been rolling along for the time being. "Here it is," he comments to the others. Just then he notices Grymash leaving his axe behind. He's about to comment when he sees the eye wagging and exasperated looks of his companions. Ah, he thinks to himself. Gry's attracted to the woman. She's okay, he thinks to himself. Definitely one cool piece of shade. But she seems...he doesn't know how to describe it, but not his type. Nice, but like an older woman nice. Jake ponders the merits of some of the mature women in Rattledam, and smiles in memory. Perhaps he should say something...But not to this one, not when Gry's like this. He'll have to pay more attention to the other dragons. They have different customs, too. And Grandma was definitely married at one time...who knows if she's not married still. And besides, Shady's still right by them. Doesn't the dumb barbarian see the little kid is gonna probably get all weirded out? Jake decides the others are right in this case. It's not a time to be lovesick and stuff. Still... Wouldn't it be fun to see Grymash get himself into a mess? Jake decides he has to see this, so let the half-orc go. In fact, encourage him if he can.
All these thoughts go through his head in just a second or so, and a smile comes to his face. He goes into the cave, after the half-orc.
Mac d20+1=13 Wednesday March 30th, 2005 4:53:02 AM Well, it could be worse. the taur thinks to himself. [Sense Motive: 13]. He glances about the pack. Well, it could still be worse - but I'd rather not think of how! he thinks again. He says nothing, but it is not difficult for any of his packmates too sense his unease.
Anuk d20+12=14 Wednesday March 30th, 2005 10:25:33 AM
Anuk trails behind Jake as the group heads toward the cave. As they walk, he says to the half-elf in a low voice, "You know, thinkin' about it, maybe that collar would be good to keep instead. I mean, that thing was probably keeping Shady...uh...shady. You know--in his elf form. If we end up going after Brightmarous, the collar could come in handy."
Anuk slows a bit more, and spends a little time covering the tracks of the group and the trail of Gry's drool (Survival (track) 14). "No sense making it too easy for someone to figure out where we've gone," he tells Flea as he enters the cave with her.
More Surprises (DM MikeK) Wednesday March 30th, 2005 11:10:02 AM
Grandma leads the way downward through the winding crevice. Gry follows on her heels, with the rest of the party spread out behind him. Gilan carries Grymash's axe. Anuk and Jake debate the wisdom of presenting her with the collar. Trellus and Gilan debate the wisdom of the barbarian. And Tishe keeps on about the dream and Brightmarous.
To her, Grandma replies "I imagine the dream is a prophecy of something which may happen. Given that the elves received the dream, they are likely the ones who will or will not cause it to happen. Which is why we've been so interested on what your friend has to say about it. As for Brightmarous...."
She trails off as she enters a small chamber. At the other end is doorway. Floating above the doorway is a transparent sign with bright red lettering:
Welcome to The Catacombs
Grandma reaches into an alcove and draws out a large wooden chest. She sets it on the floor and opens it to reveal a whole mess of gold pieces.
She smiles at the group. "As I said before, you took a great risk in bringing Glimmer back to us. This is your reward."
"I can keep Brightmarous from causing further trouble. But, now, I won't be able to keep Glimmer out of danger." She nods to Jake. "You asked to take him with you. And now I ask the same. Will you take him back to your home? Will he be safe there?"
DM Note - The Catacombs are now open to the Bloodpack. The treasure chest contains 10,000 gp. Experience points are coming via email.
Tishe' Wednesday March 30th, 2005 12:31:44 PM
[OOC: Woo-Hoo!!! Catacombs, here comes Tishe'!]
The average-looking woman is still nervous around the beautiful people... dragons... whatever. She absently tucks a stray lock of wavy brown hair behind her ear and stammers thanks to 'grandma' for the gold.
And Shady will be going with us... "Back to our home. Back to Rattledam? That's certainly the safest place I know about, but we don't know how to get there right now." The small woman shrugs, all will come clear in time. Right now, they have other things to do.
"I've never been to the Catacombs before, I'll have to think carefully of what I should get..."
Flea Wednesday March 30th, 2005 7:46:55 PM Gold!
A chest full of little round pieces of gold. 10,000 perfect, wonderful, shiny coins.
Flea forgets about elves. She forgets about the dream. The rogue fogets about Shady, Grandma, and Brightmarous. The gnome even forgets about the Bloodpack as she rushes up to the wonderful golden pile, and falling to her knees, lays her head on the golden heap.
Gilan Wednesday March 30th, 2005 9:29:29 PM
Gilan glances to Trellus as the idea of taking Shady with them is presented. "We could very well take him with us...that is not a problem really." He shakes his head though as he brings forward another point that someone else may have pointed out. "Still I think that we do not return home right yet...I feel that we have another duty to perform farther away." Still he would not be above taking the half-elf with them, but could they guarantee his safety.
Mac Thursday March 31st, 2005 12:18:52 AM
"Thank you Grandma." he says earnestly. The Catacombs... he thinks to himself, where have I heared of The Catacombs...? Finally, light dawns in the primeval forest. "We should sit down an' work out what we've got an' what want to sell an' buy an' enhance b'fore we go in there!" Mac systematically empties his backpack, puting the purring Galea and her bedding back in the now part full pack. The contents are: 1 pole(10') 2 Large Masterwork Heavy Steel Shields 1 Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds(2d8+3) 1 Potion of Cure Serious Wounds(3d8+5) 1 Potion of Rage 1 Potion of Reduce Person 1 Potion of Remove Curse 1 Large Mighty [up to +3STR damage bonus] Composite Longbow (20/x3, 2d6[+3], 110')
"What else 'ave we?" he says with a smile.
Grymash d20+2=12 d20-2=11 Thursday March 31st, 2005 2:34:32 AM
Flea feels a warm drip on the back of her neck. When she looks up, she will notice that Grymash is now drooling out both sides of his mouth. The glint of a thousand hundredteen gold ginglies has been the only thing up till now to distract the barbarian from his desires. But only for a moment. His sultry gaze returns back to her. Grymash pulls off his helmet and slicks back his hair. In a breathless voice he says, "Thaank yyooz!"
He's trying his best to resist his natural orcish impulses.
(Wisdom 12, Intelligence 11)
(I think we should take this to email. We need to pool together all our treasure we plan to sell. We're still carrying loot from the last adventure.)
Jake d20+10=26 d20+11=16 d20+10=23 d20+8=18 Thursday March 31st, 2005 2:44:13 AM
The half-elf grins and nods at Nuk's suggestion. "Ah toldja it'd come in useful." The nice dragon lady shows them the treasure and explains about Brightmarous. Jake listens and nods, but can't help but laugh as Flea reacts to the treasure with such adoration. He follows after her and picks out a handful of gold. "Nice," he comments. "Oh, wait.." He frowns, suddenly, touching the halfling's shoulder. His manner tries to be serious, but a perceptive soul might note he's got a teasing manner.. (Bluff 16) "Something's wrong with this! Look!" Jake shows Flea the gold, frowning. "Ah coulda sworn there was.." He pulls his hand back, looking at the gold, then shows her again. "See!" She is shocked to see that he's holding half the gold he was a second go! At least three coins have vanished! (Spot/Sense Motive check DC 26 to notice he's palmin' em) He pull his hand back, looking at it... "No, wait!" He tilts his hand as he shows it back to her (Spot/Sense Motive check DC 23 to notice him tucking them inbetween a cut fold in his glove), displaying only one coin left! "You'd better keep a hold of this one, make sure it doesn't vanish!"
He walks back over to the dragon lady a few seconds later, pondering something. He starts off in elven, for the benefit of Shady. "Lady, we'll take Shady here if he wants to go, heck, he can do whatever he wants. Ah mean, the kid'd love Rattledam, but it'd be up to the Elders if they wanted him. He's a nice 'nuff kid. But ya haven't given him a chance to speak for himself." He changes back over to common. "But speaking of dreams..y'know, on the way, we asked a question about all this, and, Trell got into this weird mood..." Jake pauses, collecting his thoughts, and impersonates Trellus's voice pretty well. (Disguise 18! woo!)
Tooth and claw confined by band Will not turn on freedom's hand
Three will merge into one ring Nature rises to greet the king
Guard the portal in icy rift The children find the wedding gift
That say anything to ya, ma'am?"
(I had some real problems with the dice roller, btw.)
Trellus Thursday March 31st, 2005 12:02:50 PM
Trellus gives Jake a speculative look. He didn't know his friend could impersonate him like that. The things Jake might try with this new found ability takes Trellus to places he'd rather not think about.
The treasure and access to the Catacombs are totally shady.
Tishe's response reminds the cleric of something.
"Uh, yeah," He adds. "Taking Shady home with us would be totally, uh, shady. But, like she said, we're kinda lost. We don't know where we are or how to get back to Rattledam."
"Could you help us get home?"
Catacombs (DM MikeK) Thursday March 31st, 2005 12:24:41 PM
The sight of a trunkful of gold and The Catacombs is quite the attention getter. Flea, Grymash, and Mac start making plans for the treasure, while Jake takes his life into his hands by teasing the gnome.
Grandma responds to Grymash with a demure "Your welcome."
Tishe, Trellus, Gilan, and Jake all agree to take Shady back to Rattledam, and then present the issue of not knowing where it is. Shady/Glimmer is looking mighty confused. Speaking in draconic, he and Grandma have a very emotional discussion that ends with the tear filled boy fiercely hugging the equally tear filled woman. Tishe -- Highlight to display spoiler: {Shady wanted to know why he had to leave. Grandma explained that it wasn't safe. Many of the other dragons would consider Shady inferior. His brother would organize them, and sooner or later, they'd attack and kill the boy. He needed to leave. Neither one of them are very happy about it.}
Pulling back from Shady, Grandma tells Trellus, "Rattledam is in the Southern Continent, correct? I can take you home, and give your half-elf his wish as well. But it will take some time to prepare."
Jake asks about Trellus' prophecy. And Gilan can't help but feel something remains. "You feel the pull of the Dream," she responds to the druid. "The event foretold by the Dream is still coming, but has not been acted upon. You are well tuned to the natural Wold to feel it so."
To Jake she says -- 'Tooth and claw' I think is poor Glimmer. The Wold becoming green would fulfill the second stanza, although I don't know who the King of Nature is. The last stanza? There is no ice here, nor Rattledam. I don't know."
Grandma looks around. "This place should be safe. I will return tomorrow morning to take you home." With that, she strides out, accidentally(?) brushing against Grymash as she passes him. The half-orc will notice she smells very nice.
Tishe' Thursday March 31st, 2005 2:57:16 PM
The small mage agrees with Mac to bring all the treasure together and make a list of what needs to be sold and bought at the Catacombs [OOC: taking the treasure to email]
She listens without realizing to Grandma and Shady. The girl is concerned. Tishe' doesn't want to tell everyone what is obviously a private conversation, but what she overheard could affect the 'pack. Her indecision is obvious, but she doesn't say anything. Yet.
The riddle on the other hand... Try as she might, Tishe' can't think of anything more than Grandma has already said.
Jake and Shady (DM MikeK) Thursday March 31st, 2005 8:11:43 PM
A strange look momentarily passes across the faces of Jake and Shady.
Jake - Highlight to display spoiler: {It feels like someone stole your shadow. The feeling is odd, but not unpleasant. And it doesn't effect your abilities in any way.
Your dream self has been summoned to the Giggling Ghost. Please go there and post.}
Flea d20-1=10 d20+8=9 d20+8=25 Friday April 1st, 2005 12:10:23 AM
The rogue looks up when Jake addresses her. "Whaaa?" she exclaims when he shows her the gold. (Sense Motive=10, fail) Her eyes go big and round when half of it just seems to disappear! (Spot=9, fail) But, then she catches the prankster palming the coins (Spot=25) and her cheeks grow red.
With a growl, she launches herself at the half elf, only to skid to a stop at his feet when his face momentarily takes on a strange blank look.
"Trellus, Jake's looking at me funny," whines the gnome.
Jake Friday April 1st, 2005 1:13:20 AM
Jake's eyes go all weird and he looks confused...blank as a sleeping babe. But a moment later, he sorta recovers a bit...and as Flea has just diverted her leap to turn her plaintive voice to Trellus for support, he takes advantage. "Okay, okay, here's your gold!" Jake says, then giggles as he sweeps up the case in his hands. Grabbing the whole chest of gold coins, he upends it on the halfling in a shower! Not all at once, but enough to keep up the assault and cover the halfling in fancy little coins. (Lessee...imagine if one hundred packs of those $1 pennies started to drop on you... And you were the size of a halfling...) Jake makes sure to pour them out slowly, letting the halfling pounce on his leg or whatever if she wants, heck, it makes it easier to dump them on her. Afterwards, grinning, he sweeps the coins off her and gives her hand up. "Ah'm sorry," he says, flashing his best big puppy dog eye-look at her.
Grymash Friday April 1st, 2005 2:28:20 AM
Grymash takes advantage of all the commotion Jake and Flea are making as he follows the sweet smelling dragon woman out after her not-so-subtle invitation.
The barbarian has no concept of what a dragon really is. Right now, he could care less. All he knows is what he sees ... ahh, and smells, in front of him. The barbarian's orcish blood is boiling at this point. His "appetite" is beyond ravenous. As far as he's concerned, there's only two souls in the Wold right now.
Gilan d20+14=34 Friday April 1st, 2005 12:19:25 PM
Gilan bows to the the lady and speaks. "Maybe that is so...this is hard on one that likes completion." He moves off to the side of the cave and takes a seat as he pulls his pack closer. He pulls out a set of scrolls that he has left and holds them up. "Still have five of these identify scrolls if interested."
As he sits he ponders the meaning of the dream some more. This has happened before that is what was said so he goes back through his knowledge of nature to see if he can nail it down.
[knowledge(nature) 34]
Trellus Friday April 1st, 2005 4:26:48 PM
Trellus doesn't know what Grandma and Shady are saying, but it sure looks like a tearful farewell to him. He turns away to give them some privacy, and finds Jake burying Flea in gold.
He opens his mouth to say something, but "Dude stop pouring gold on Flea" just sounds silly. So, he stands there, open mouthed, trying to think of someway to get Jake to stop without sounding like a beater.
The cleric eventually gives up, and turns back to Grandma in time to catch an important statement. "You can take us home?!?" he cries. "Totally shady!"
Regaining his composure a tad, he adds, "And sure, we'd love to have Glimmer with us."
Many, many thanks (DM MikeK) Friday April 1st, 2005 4:33:02 PM
Jake and Shady both quickly recover from whatever. And Jake still has the energy for a joke or two, much to Flea's dismay.
While most of the pack settles in for the evening to discuss identification and division of the treasure, Grymash trails Grandma back through the crevice to the larger ampitheatre. There, the two discuss Grandma's heartfelt appreciation for Shady's return. Those discussions last for quite some time, and the barbarian isn't likely to forget them for a good long while.
Eventually, Grandma slips away.
And the Bloodpack is alone for the night. In the ampitheatre, Grymash will note the stars are especially bright and twinkly this evening.
Jake Saturday April 2nd, 2005 1:08:36 PM
Jake notices Grymash has left and spends his time coming up with a few jokes to spare for his expense. Then he has a talk with Shady, asking the kid what he wants to do, if he really wants to go to Rattledam, what it's like there, all the other kids/packs there... Since he's lived there all his life, Jake can give a wonderful account of life in the plains. Sometime afterwards, he switches back to common to ask the others if they're done shopping.
Trellus Saturday April 2nd, 2005 1:24:09 PM
Trellus notices Grymash leave with Grandma, and gets a bit anxious. Maybe its a trap. Maybe she'll go dragon and eat his friend.
The cleric actually starts after the other two, and gets about halfway to the ampitheatre when he starts hearing sounds that don't resemble combat.
Maybe I better leave it alone, he judiciously decides.
Going back to the group, Trellus avoids Jake and heads for Gilan and his scrolls. "We still don't know what this stuff is from the Shady-nappers, right?" he asks, gathering up some of the magic items. "How bout you weave your picks on these?"
Trellus points out the necklace, leather armor, cloak, morningstar, and ring.
Grymash Saturday April 2nd, 2005 5:30:31 PM
Grymash eventually lumbers back into the cave with the others. His face is frozen with a huge, toothy grin. His eyes are glazed over from euphoria. His hair is a tangled mess (just like Nick Nolte's mug shot, except happy!). After letting out a loud yawn, he gives Trellus an affectionate slap across the back and pets Gilan on the head.
"Yooz dudes doin' gute. Been playin' wit da gold ginglies, Gry sees, hee hee hee? Ahhh, Gry not says it lots, but Gry likes da Bloodpackers. Yooz all Gry's bestest friends ... even Jake."
Grymash finds an empty section on the cavern floor and lays out his bedroll. "Gry really sleepyz ... YAWNN! Yooz all can get whut ya need from Gry's backsack." The half-orc squeezes out of his armor and clothes, lays down and falls asleep almost immediately. He didn't even get out his favorite bedtime dagger, Stabby! He looks so relaxed and serene.
You're all not sure, but it looks like Grymash has grown some since you all left the Sargrass. He looks to have added 40 to 50 pounds of muscle mass. (Guess where his level 8 ability point bonus went!)
Flea Saturday April 2nd, 2005 7:46:42 PM
"Aaarrgh! Rachh! Ptewie!" Flea extricates herself out from under the pile of gold coins.
Looks like the little dude is coming along for the ride, she thinks to herself, not really seeing herself as the shortest of the bunch.
Since it appears like the pack are going to set up camp in this interesting place with it's special conduit to that most wonderful of stores, The Catacombs, Flea decides to take inventory of her loot.
Tishe' d20+10=18 d20+10=19 d20+10=12 d20+10=25 d20+10=13 d20+10=11 d20+10=18 d20+10=16 Sunday April 3rd, 2005 9:22:52 AM
Excitement creeps into her eyes about using some magic and in finding out what the Shady-nappers had on them.
"I'll use four of those scrolls, Gilan," she calls, "and I've one memorized already for the ring." Tishe' begins her casting [crushing 100gp worth of pearls for her memorized spell], and soon learns the secrets of the armor, necklace, morningstar, ring, and cloak.
She then carefully studies the potions to determine thier properties. Alchemy skill 10; will take 20 if possible, or rolls of (18,19,12,25,13,nat 1, 18,16)
Gilan d20+13=30 d20+13=29 d20+13=17 d20+13=17 d20+13=33 d20+13=14 Sunday April 3rd, 2005 6:22:00 PM
Gilan nods as first Trellus comes over and then Tishe' shows up. He hands over the four scrolls and puts the last one back. "Glad to be of help." He watches with interest as she goes about the identification of the items and shakes his head in wonder.
As she pulls the potions closer her sits across from her and helps her out. He aids in tasting little bits of the potions and comparing his ideas with Tishe'. "Well...what do you think?" He will pick up any of the potions that she was not sure of and retest them himself, trying to help out more.
[aid other: spellcraft 30, so +2 to all Tishe''s checks]
[spellcraft: 29, 17, 17, 33,14]
Anuk Monday April 4th, 2005 12:27:30 AM
All the gold and dragons and hiking and talk of home and everything gets to Anuk, and soon he's lying back against a stone stretching and yawning widely. He grins at Gry's return, then with another yawn he says, "Wake me for my watch."
He draws the cloak around him and is soon asleep.
What do we have here? (DM MikeK) Monday April 4th, 2005 11:11:38 AM
Tishe and Gilan work on identifying the unknown magic. They do a very good job.
potion w/ light green stopper -- Fly (This is the only potion that hadn't been identified)
leather armor -- Leather +2 cloak -- Cloak of Elvenkind morningstar -- Spell Storing ring -- Ring of Climbing Necklace of molasses (new magic item similar to necklace of fireball): The ball detonates an area slow spell (just like spell) but everyone in a 30' radius must make a will save or be slowed. The necklace will have 3 balls all at 5th level will save dc 18
Shady and Jake talk of Rattledam. Shady is reluctantly accepting that he must go. Jake helps with his description of the pool itself. The elf/dragon boy finds it fascinating. Shady's big question is "Will there be any mountains I can go to?"
Both elves occasionally zone out, as if distracted by something else going on in their brains.
Gry sleeps it off.
The rest of the Bloodpack seriously considers doing the same.
Tishe' Monday April 4th, 2005 2:27:48 PM
"The 'Necklace of Molasses' is interesting, but perhaps someone who doesn't cast spells should have it.", says the mage in a considering manner. "It would really come as a surprise for an arcane spell coming from an unexpected direction."
The brown haired girl isn't really interested in any of the magic items, and will be content to hold any of the potions for the party.
Once the watch is set, she cuddles up with Wart and goes to sleep.
Trellus Monday April 4th, 2005 10:16:00 PM
"Flea? What do you think about taking the necklace? It might be a shady pick if you get in a tight spot." Trellus suggests. Like you sometimes do, he finishes silently.
The cleric listens to Shady's questions and realizes the boy wants a home of his own. "Anybody know anything about any mountains near the Grass?" he asks. "I don't think the Crystal Range would be very shady."
Gilan Monday April 4th, 2005 11:52:26 PM
Gilan is content with what he has helped in doing though he did little. He looks up and shakes his head, he does not know if there are any other mountain areas near the Plains.
With a sigh he settles back against his pack and closes his eyes as he relaxes. "What kind of watch do we set?" He questions their leader as he settles more comfortably into the pillow of his pack.
Flea d20+12=30 d20+8=24 d20+10=19 Tuesday April 5th, 2005 12:21:32 AM
"Why sure thing Trellus!" Flea answers brightly. With a backwards glance at the golden pile of coins in the chest, the rogue turns to examining the other stuff.
The she picks up the ring and turns it this way and that. Not exactly what she was looking for, although a ring is on her list of 'must haves' once the store opens up.
"I'll take middle watch, since I don't as much rest as most folks, or last watch 'cause I can see when its dim." Flea will accept whatever watch she is assigned. Gazing past the flames of the campfire into the darkness beyond the mouth of the cavern.
Search=30 Spot=24 Listen=19
Grymash Tuesday April 5th, 2005 12:29:48 AM
Grymash dreams of a grand maw of teeth. Oh soo pretty and sharp.
"SNORE!!!"
Anuk d20+10=17 d20+10=13 Tuesday April 5th, 2005 10:30:51 AM
Anuk sleeps fitfully, being awakened now and then by Gry's rapke cry of a snore. When the time comes for his watch, he blinks, bleary-eyed into the darkness, looking for any unusual movement and listening for any odd sounds.
spot 17 listen 13
Tears of the Dragon (DM MikeK) Tuesday April 5th, 2005 6:42:18 PM
The Bloodpack settles in to their night routine. Watches are kept, fires are burnt, stories are told, Grymash snores like a sunfaced rapke.
Shady continues to ask about the presence of mountains in Rattledam. "I would so wish to assume my real form," he tells Jake. "Will your people let me do that?"
Other than Shady's question, the night passes uneventfully. In the morning, Grandma returns with the dawn. She is well rested, and graces Grymash with a smile. She also opens her hands to reveal eight large red rubies, which have been cut into beautiful teardrop shapes.
"These are Tears of the Dragon," she tells the Bloodpack. "They are my gift to you for sheltering Glimmer, and to cement the bind you share with each other. Place one to your chest, and it will bind with you. You will find you will be able to speak with each other over great distances."
Grandma presents each member of the Bloodpack with one of the tear shaped gem stones.
Gilan Wednesday April 6th, 2005 1:02:03 AM
Gilan is up again early the next morning and doing his daily prayers to Mother Wold. This morning he is listening to the light drip that is off to the side of the cave that they are in. His breathing slows as he slowly falls into tune with all things that are around him.
Feeling better he moves back over to sit with the group and takes out some of his rations to munch on. "I have something for you Tishe'." He pulls out the pearl that was given to him earlier in their adventures and lays it upon six small pieces of wood that he has on the cave floor.
Closing his eyes he concentrates on the image in his head as he casts a single spell. This time he mutters the words under his breathe as to not disturb his image. Anyone watching will see the small pieces of wood, about six inches long, twist and bend themselves into a druid knot. They weave themselves around the pearl as he slowly opens his eyes with a satisfied smile.
"What do you think?" The pearl is now bound in an armlet that he hopes will fit nicely around Tishe's upper arm. "Think of it as a present and if you ever need it removed." He lets the last drop as you watches the young gnome, with that stupid smile still upon his face.
When the older dragon-Grandma comes in he looks to her and nods his head in welcome. "Thank you for the safe place to spend the night...it is a rare treat." He lightly takes the gem as she offers them to the group and shakes his head. "This is a rare gift indeed." He looks to Grandma and shakes his head again. "This is way too much payment for the little kindness that we did...I mean we would have helped Shady out no matter what." He looks to the rest of the pack but knows that they will not be able to refuse the gift too adamently. "It is an honor that you bestow upon us." He absently wipes away a few tears that form at the edge of his eyes before they can fall.
[Used wood shape spell to do this. One of the spells I will put on my spell list for this day.]
Grymash Wednesday April 6th, 2005 1:54:53 AM
Grymash gets up earlier than normal. The half-orc actually "grooms" himself. Washes with water, combs his hair, brushes his teeth, paying special attention to his tusks, with a stringy stick he found earlier. Gry also polishes his armor to a brillant shine. He still finds bits of ogre here and there. While Jake sleeps, Gry sticks his hand into his backsack and fishes around for his bottle of smelly water. He cringes when he smells it. He personally never liked the scent, but Jake's girly friends seemed to like it.
When Grand Maw arives he greets her with a big toothy smile. His eyes go wide with awe when he's given the dragon tears. Grymash doesnt know what to say. For the first time in his life he feels a bit self conscious. He doesn't want to risk saying something stupid.
Anuk Wednesday April 6th, 2005 10:27:45 AM
Anuk's morning starts slowly as they all do -- he's really not much of a morning person. When he see's Gry's preening and preparations, Anuk pinches himself. "Am I dreaming?" he wonders aloud. Frankly, it wasn't a sight he ever expected to see in this lifetime.
A few minutes of contemplation alone are enough for Anuk to prepare his mind for the day ahead (prepares entangle), but when he's done he reaches into his pocket and draws out the purple ioun stone. He stares at it for a few seconds, then approaches Trellus.
"Trellus, I...uh...I think maybe this could be put to better use," he says, placing the stone in the cleric's hand. "I've not really done much with it, and I think that the pack could benefit from selling it or...I don't know...anyway, I'm not much good at making these kinds of decisions. Do you mind?"
The gift of the tear-shaped stone from Grandma is unexpected and quite humbling. "Thank you," Anuk manages to mumble. He places the stone to his chest, wondering what will happen.
Tishe' Wednesday April 6th, 2005 1:03:28 PM
In the morning, the young woman does her ministrations and ties her unruly brown hair behind her in a tail. She then sits and contemplates her spellbook and meditates over Mother Wold. Idly, she wonders if the two styles could be meshed into a greater whole...
The small human smiles as the more experienced druid sits down and together they talk of the wonder of Mother Wold. Seeing the spell move around the pear, Tishe' smiles and is amazed that the weaving is meant for her. "Why thank you, Gilan, you are such a sweetie!" She immediately tries on the armband, already feeling more druid-like.
With Grandma's gift, Tishe's eyes sparkle with gratitude and anticipation. "Thank you, Great One", she says sincerely, "we will ever walk with your generosity and wisdom."
She bares her chest, caring not a piggie for accidentally flashing her friends. Reverently, she places the tear shaped ruby between her breasts and steadies herself for anticipated heat or pain.
Gilan Wednesday April 6th, 2005 9:32:23 PM
Gilan nods to Tishe' and smiles. "You will make better use of it than me." He takes the stone given to them by Grandma and pulls off his shirt to place it against his own chest.
Looking up to the rest of the group he shakes his head. "So...is it straight to home then that we go?" He is suddenly feeling a little homesick.
Trellus Wednesday April 6th, 2005 10:29:44 PM
Trellus takes the small prism from Anuk. "If you're sure, dude," he says.
He'd probably have said more, but Grymash is acting totally sunfaced. Before the man can figure out a way to broach the subject with his normally unsanitary packmate, Grandma shows up.
Averting his eyes from Tishe, Trellus removes his armor, and sets the gem against his chest.
Surprises (DM MikeK) Wednesday April 6th, 2005 10:34:37 PM ooc - where is everybody? It ain't THAT boring
Trellus, Tishe, Gilan, and Anuk place the stone against their chests. Immediately the stone fuses with their skin, partially embedding itself into their bodies.
The embedded gems flash brightly.
Grandma looks surprised. "That's not what is supposed to happen," she says. "Are you alright?"
The four are better than alright. Almost instinctively, they understand that the gems have somehow tapped into the Manfri heart touch. But there is only one way to find out how.....
Flea (Boots of Speed-Hasted) Thursday April 7th, 2005 12:09:31 AM
Catching on to what the others are doing, Flea loosens her tunic at the throat and places the gem against the pale white skin of her small chest.
Shedding her pack and weapons in order to be as unencumbered as possible, the rogue clicks her heels and sprints off until she is just a dot on the landscape.
Turning to face the miniscule figures at the edge of her sight, Flea bows her head to be closer to the gem and begins to sing in an off key, wavery voice,
I am tired and weary but I must toil on, till Gargul comes to call me away, Where the morning is bright and the Blind Swallow is light, and the night is as fair as the day.
Without waiting acknowledgement, Flea adds, "well, does it work?"
Grymash Thursday April 7th, 2005 9:33:20 AM
Grymash takes the dragon's tear and places it on his chest like the others. He marvels at the way it "absorbs" into his skin. For some reason, he knows what it means and what he must do. Grymash sends all a heart touch with the words, "who say blind swallow, yooz gots some? Gry hungry."
Anuk Thursday April 7th, 2005 1:20:08 PM
Anuk is momentarily taken aback when the gem embeds into his skin. But rather than pain he is filled with the same sense of calm that accompanies the heart touch he learned back on the Plains.
He looks to Flea in the distance, but hears her voice in his head as though she were right with him.
"Uh...roger that, Flea," he responds. "That's a good poem...know any good drinking songs?"
Jake Thursday April 7th, 2005 1:21:33 PM
Jake takes his own gem and looks at the others. That fusing thing is REALLY weird. The fighter has sorta gotten a grudging appreciation of magic over these last few expeditions, but that is a bit overboard. He almost feels like whining that he doesn't want to, but realizes what a bad impression that would be. So, instead he watches the others curiously. "Nice poem, Flea...very shady!"
Tishe' Thursday April 7th, 2005 2:55:21 PM
The brown eyes widen as the tear-shaped gem fuses to her breast, and, instead of pain, she feels a widening of her awareness of all her freinds and... and more.
Grandma feels that the glowing gem is unusual, and does she feel something more? She can hear Flea's poem from far away, and Tishe' tries her own experiement. She thinks of the Bloodpack mentor in Rattledam so far away, and sends a heart touch and her thoughts; "Good teacher, we are well and can once again communicate with the Second Circle."
And she waits, her hands cupped around the Tear of the Dragon, and hopes for a response.
Trellus Thursday April 7th, 2005 8:29:08 PM
Trellus recoils from the initial contact of the gem, but then smiles broadly and sends a heart touch out to all the pack.
Grymash Thursday April 7th, 2005 8:44:42 PM "Well ... whoz gots da blind swallows?!"
Tears of the Dragon - part 2 (DM MikeK) Thursday April 7th, 2005 10:34:15 PM
With the heart touch, the Tears of the Dragon reveal their full powers. Judging by the look of surprise on Grandma's face, it is a bit more that she expected.
Please add this write-up to your PC sheets: The Tears of the dragon
Once the gem is "installed or implanted" into the chest the character's will have the following abilities.
As a standard action, the Tear bearer will be able to send a message like the message spell in PhB 3 times a day. The message can only go to other characters who have the tear imbedded in their chests.
Any character who has been graced with a tear will be able to tell the general health and emotional state of another tear wearing character
Once per day, as a standard action, any Tear bearer can send strength and/or hitpoints to another character with the tear. It can only be sent on a 3/1 ratio. Example would be Grymash could send 3 strength points to Anuk and Anuk would receive one. Same with hitpoints,
The recipient's temporary hit points and strength will fade after one hour.
People who send strength with get it back naturally 1 point per day. A restoration spell will restore it but only after it has faded from the character who received it. Hitpoints sent can be recovered immediately by means of healing spells/potions.
If a character dies, while implanted, all the others will feel immense pain and take 5 points of permanent hp loss. Only a wish will restore these lost hitpoints
Grandma quickly recovers herself, and indicates the crevice. "Follow me," she says. "It is time to take you home." She walks back through the crevice toward the ampitheatre.
Shady reluctantly follows.
Just before the group turns to go, Trellus makes a fast dash into The Catacombs. He returns and divides up the loot:
Gilan -- 6279gp, Leather +2 (4,000 gp) Tishe -- 8783gp, Potion CSW (750 gp), Potion Fly (750 gp) Flea -- 9883gp, Potion CMW (300 gp), Necklace of Molasses (please keep write up of what it does on your sheet) Mac -- 8033gp, Potion CSW (750 gp), Potion Haste (750 gp), Potion Displacement (750 gp) Jake -- 7033gp, Potion CSW (750 gp), Cloak of Elvenkind (2,500gp) Anuk -- 9683gp, Potion CMW (300 gp) Trellus -- 10,283gp Grymash -- 10,283gp
Gilan Friday April 8th, 2005 12:23:04 AM
Gilan is suddenly lost in the flood of feelings that bombard him through the gem. He closes his eyes and concentrates on keeping his own emotions in check. He sends out a heart-touch to all of his packmates and smiles.
When it is time to leave he follows Grandma through the crevice. He takes the time to get his money from Trellus. "Thanks...this will come in handy."
Flea (Boots of Speed-Hasted) Friday April 8th, 2005 1:12:28 AM
Flea runs back to the party. "I don't have any blind swallows, Gry. I was just singing 'bout them!"
The rogue picks up her pack, and her new treasure. The rogue forms up on Grandma, and marches out of the crevice.
Jake Friday April 8th, 2005 4:36:15 AM
Jake has been trying to sadly explain the lack of mountains to Shady in a positive way, but has been somewhat troubled. He looks to the grandma for help, explaining that there, Shady will be able to have as much time as he wants to grow up and discover himself, how nice some (not all) of the teachers are, how the packs all have fun, some previous adventures of his, and so on.
The money comes and he looks at it somewhat dumbfounded. Six thousand gold...and just after he'd spent all his cash the previous times getting the plate mail and stuff... Sigh. Which still hadn't come! So now he had to go bug the Catacombs staff. Jake trudges through that door...fearing the weirdoes he'll see there.
Tishe' Friday April 8th, 2005 6:47:44 AM
Putting her tunic back on, Tishe' is so pleased to understand the Bloodpack is growing closer through magic and friendship. She doesn't feel the least worry about the consequences of the Tears.
Shouldering her pack and happily accepting the treasure Trellus divies up, she gladly follows Grandma, thinking to see the free Plains once again.
Mac Friday April 8th, 2005 9:59:53 AM
Thanking Grandma Dragon, Mac places the tear against his chest and soon is coming to terms with the link it provides.
Thanking Trellus again for fencing... sorry... negotiating the sale of the party's gains, Mac relaxes, and is ready when Grandma calls for all to be heading home.
Trellus Friday April 8th, 2005 7:44:45 PM
The cleric touches the gem implanted in his chest once before hastily donning his armor. Shady!
He hurries out after Grandma and the pack.
Grandma, what big teeth you have (DM MikeK) Saturday April 9th, 2005 9:39:08 AM
The Bloodpack follows Grandma through the amphitheater and out the back, following the route her comrades took the other day. The opening leads to a wide, grassy plain. The party doesn't get much of a look at the plain, because the creature standing in it instantly commands their full attention.
The Bloodpack has seen their first dragon. It's a good 30' long, and it's head sits twice the height of Mac's eye level. Small horns protrude from the lower jaw and chin of a head large enough for Flea to build an apartment in. It has a beaklike snout and a small head frill, as well as a tall neck frill. Wrapped around its body, around huge wings, is some kind of box. The box is about 10' long and 7' wide. The dragon has been looking at the group, and dips its head in greeting.
"Maurantaous," Shady says in recognition. "He's a friend of Grandma's."
Grandma continues to walk forward, building some space between herself and the group.
Quite suddenly, Grandma isn't there. Well, she is, but not as a human. Another gigantic creature sits beside the first. She also has one of those boxes strapped to her back. You get your wish, elf a voice that is Grandma's, but much deeper, says. Maurantauous and I shall carry you home. He shall take the taur, the gnome, and two others. I shall take Grrrrrrymash (she purrs the name), and three others. Glimmer, you must fly.
Shady nods, and suddenly HE'S a dragon. The place is rapidly filling up with bronze scaled creatures. His coloration is just like the others, although he's smaller. About the size of a Rapke, except with wings. Shai-dee! he sings, winking at Jake.
Mac Saturday April 9th, 2005 9:59:26 PM
Mac replies to the slight bow in kind, then recalling that some folks don't consider his bowing a sign of anything but threat and straightens up quickly. When all are ready he assists Flea and the two others up into the howdah and follows them up.
Tishe' Sunday April 10th, 2005 5:02:34 AM
While not QUITE as awesome as standing in front of Gargul, the sight of not one, but THREE dragons, thier bronze scales glittering in the sun, the slightly acrid odor of a smithy in the air... all is quite enough to stop the short human woman in her tracks.
"Oh. My."
As if in a trance, she slowly walks towards the majestic beasts, instinctively moving towards the scant protection of Mac's side. As she comes to the box, she reverently touches Maurantaous' side, stroking the scales harder than iron.
"By the many souls of Pantheon", she murmurs brought to a childhood oath. "Great One, we thank you for your help. I cannot weave any way to repay you other than my heartfelt awe and admiration."
Meekly, and still filled with amazement at the dragons, she lets Mac lift her to the box and sits quietly.
Mac Sunday April 10th, 2005 8:10:48 AM Room for one more here!
Grymash Sunday April 10th, 2005 12:02:19 PM
The half-orc stares on, frozen in shock. His face making the most stupefied slack-jaw expression anyone has ever seen. After Grymash's heart starts beating again, all he can say is, "mooga baalooga!!" Grand Maw is soo big! Grand Maw is soo strong! Grand Maw can chomp Gry in half with a single bite! "OOOHH SHADDY!!" Grand Maw is the woman of Gry's dreams! He never imagined that a dragon would be like this.
Grymash climbs on her back in awe and amazement. "Gry not know yooz could fly. Gry wish me be uh dragon too. Then weez can goes flyin tagether ... without da others."
Jake Sunday April 10th, 2005 2:57:54 PM
Jake looks utterly awed by the dragons offering the chance to fly, and then laughs when Shady turns into the smaller dragon. He goes over to his friend and pats him on the back. "You know, if I were you," he says in elven, "I'd use this form to pick up the girls. They'd come in the dozens!" Then he goes over to the other big dragon, figuring that being on Grandma the focus will likely be on Grymash. So he goes up to Mauraunta..well, the other one. "Tish, ah, do ya mind, can ah sit in the front? Ah mean, ah've always dreamed of this..." Jake looks hopefully at his packmate, as wella s anyone else who joins on the second dragon.
Gilan Sunday April 10th, 2005 4:07:20 PM
Gilan will move over and take a spot upon Grand Maw's carrier. He moves towards the back of the carrier as he closes his eyes and settles back. "This should be interesting." You know that he is not talking about flying as he has done that before.
Flea Sunday April 10th, 2005 8:22:00 PM
Flea goes quite pale, but accepts Mac's assitance into the contraption secured to the back of the big bronze dragon. She crawls to a back corner. When Tishe' gets in, Flea signals her over, and whispers, "have you got anything for, you know" and the gnome points to her stomache, adding, "I'm really more into burrows, tunnels, caves, and the like."
Trellus Sunday April 10th, 2005 9:13:43 PM
"Great Domi's Light," Trellus gasps in utter shock.
They're huge!
At Gry's "Shady" and Jake's laughter, the cleric can only nod, still stupefied by the sight before him.
They want to split the party. The thought comes to him late. A distant clamoring that he should split the group up in the best possible defensive groups. But Mac has already lifted Tishe and Jake on board. And really, what are any of them going to be able to do should Grandma and Mauritany guy decide to dump them all from a thousand feet up?
Swallowing convulsively, Trellus climbs up on Grandma and sits.
Anuk Monday April 11th, 2005 11:00:08 AM
Anuk simply stands slack-jawed at the sight of the three dragons. It takes a moment for the idea that they're going to actually ride on these creatures to sink in. When it does, a big grin crosses his face. Passing the young elf/dragon he says, "So, is flying shady, Shady?"
He clambers up to Grandma's carrier and takes a place where he can stand and see while still avoiding Gry's drool.
Tishe' [2nd Illegal Post] Monday April 11th, 2005 1:18:02 PM
Tishe' graciously gives Jake the forward view, content to be kept safe with Mac and Flea.
"Don't worry, sweetie", she says to the gnome-girl, "the motion shouldn't be any different than sailing on the Sargrass."
I hope, she thinks to herself.
Please fasten your seatbelts (DM MikeK) Monday April 11th, 2005 3:24:58 PM
Awed by the sight of the incredibly large creatures, the Bloodpack quietly ascends onto the backs of the dragons.
"You might want to hold on," Grandma comments dryly. Inside each box is a series of ropes. It appears a person can tether feet, hands, and waist to the box fairly easily. The two large dragons wait patiently for the pack to secure themselves, while Shady leaps into the air and cavorts around the group.
At a sign from Mac and Grymash, the wings of each dragon unfold. They are impossibly large. Each slams downward with a deep "fwoomp" sound, rises up, and slams down again. By the time the group can stop staring at the wings, they find themselves several hundred feet above the ground, and climbing fast.
The dragons soar through mountain passes, and beat majestically across green valleys and forests. From a height of 400 feet or so, the terrain takes on a miniature, toy-like feel. The wind stings the eyes and whistles past the ears, all the while accompanied by the "fwoomp" of the wings. Those who enjoy such sensations will find it exhilarating. Those who do not are gonna want to hunker down in the middle of the box and hold on.
Shady swoops up, down, and around, flying loop-de-loops around the two elder dragons. Grandma shouts something at him, but whatever she said has little effect.
Several hours later, the younger dragon isn't nearly so energetic, and is struggling to keep up. But the two elder dragons continue to move, forcing him to follow. None of the Bloodpack is familiar with flying speeds, but sometimes it feels like they slow down for a bit, and then pick up speed again. Perhaps they really do slow down, or perhaps it's a figment of the wind. Regardless, Shady gamely stays with his elders throughout the day.
As the sun sets, the dragons set down. Yet another wonder presents itself to the Bloodpack. They are on sandy ground -- fine white granules that give way under their feet. Behind them are large green cliffs climbing up to the mountains. In front of them....
In front of them is nothing but water.
The entire horizon. From side to side and as far out as they can see. Water. Millions upon millions of gallons of it rolling in slow, small waves that crash softly on the sandy shore.
To Mac and Tishe, it is merely another beach. To Anuk and Flea, it is something they have heard of, or perhaps experienced in another life. To Jake, Gilan, Grymash, and Trellus - it is unthinkable.
Jake Tuesday April 12th, 2005 6:25:39 AM
Jake enjoys his ride, cheering at the wind at first, then enjoying the breeze quietly. He waves at Shady and cheers his acrobatics on. As the day goes on, he enjoys the feeling immensely. Towards the end of the day he finds the new terrain mysterious. "Dust!" he exclaims, seeing all the sand and the water at first. "There's more water than that river!"
He simply can't get over how big it is, till they land. He takes off his armor as fast as he can, tossing everything aside, then runs over to it and tries to run into it, splooshes into it. What fun!
Gilan Tuesday April 12th, 2005 1:12:36 PM
Gilan sits in the back of the basket, eyes closed and enjoys the feeligs of flying. This experience is different from doing it yourself and he smiles as he sighs. "Sometimes I wish I had permanent wings." He settles back into the basket even further and relaxes.
He opens his eyes sometime later, having been relaxing and also communing with the Wold Mother. He looks at the water before the group and all the white stuff. Shaking his head he climbs out of the basket and drops to his knees. "Curious." He scoops up some of the sand and it pours through his fingers with ease. He smiles as he places some of it in on of his empty pouches and makes sure it would not leak. "We have seen some great things in the past few weeks." He looks out to the water and watches the sun as it dips down, hopefully to set on the water.
[Gilan is from a big city originally. He may have seen sand before and maybe the ocean as well. He is not as big a country bumpkin that he lets on.]
Anuk d20+12=26 Tuesday April 12th, 2005 2:18:07 PM
The exhilaration of the ride is a feeling that will stay with Anuk for a long, long time. When they set down, Anuk asks Grandma hopefully, "Will we travel again tomorrow?"
While he lounges by the water, he removes his boots and squeezes the damp sand between his toes. He plays with leaving footprints on the shore and watching the oncoming waves wash them away. He is happy and thinking of home.
As the sun continues to set, Anuk goes about looking for some way to build a fire and for food for the pack (survival 26). A good meal will make a great end to a great day.
Trellus Tuesday April 12th, 2005 4:14:43 PM
Trellus likes to think of himself as a fairly intelligent, level headed kind of guy.
But this day is sensory overload.
He laughs gleefully as the wind whips through his short hair, and leans over the side of the basket or whatever to look at the ground below. He's flying! This is so shady!
The cleric just enjoys himself until he gets to the water. He stares, dumbfounded.
His first reaction is to retreat to the relative safety of the large dragons. I mean, that's a lot of water. Slowly comes the understanding he won't be eaten where he stands.
But, there is no way he's going into that. Trellus watches Jake with some trepidation, waiting for a giant water dragon to snap the elf up.
Tishe' Tuesday April 12th, 2005 4:43:43 PM
The tremendous power required to not only lift the dragons but the entire Bloodpack is incredible, and Tishe' can barely comprehend. It therefore takes a little while before she gets used to the movement of wing and wind. As it goes through the day, she begins to enjoy it, and (well tied down) even leans out to see the land move beneath them.
The beach is strange, but since HookCity is only a couple days upriver of the ocean itself, it is not as strange as the forest in the Scar. And it takes a little while before whe realizes that not everyone has her same experiences. She keeps at the shore watching Jake to make sure he doesn't get pulled in by a big wave. "Careful there, sweetie!", she calls, "ocean water is not as calm as Rattledam spring!"
If she has time this night, she goes over her newly acquired spell scrolls to begin the process of writing them in her spell book.
Mac Tuesday April 12th, 2005 5:46:46 PM
Mac recalls the other pertinent piece of information about the ocean. Jake, just don't get a mouthful. It's saltier than sweat and tears.
Mac spends some time a little ways down the beach building a sand structure (not really a castle - more half-conical and rounded at the top, some 4' or 5' tall, with the mostly flat side facing further down the beach) up near the high tide mark. When he is finished he practices with the bow at short but then incrementally greater ranges at his constructed target as his confidence with the bow returns.
Grymash Tuesday April 12th, 2005 8:39:09 PM
Grymash feels faint. So much water! He didnt know there was this much water in all the world. Is water rising and covering the lands. He's not that good of a swimmer. Eventually it will over take him. "Is dis all dat is left of da Sargrass?! Is dis Gry's home, now?! How do weez stop da water?!"
Your seats also act as floatation devices (DM MikeK) Tuesday April 12th, 2005 9:27:00 PM
Jake strips and launches himself into the small surf in the bay. Tishe's warning is unnecessary. The protected bay flattens the surf and the tide is barely noticeable. Mac's warning proves more prophetic. The half-elf surfaces spitting out salt water.
Grandma transforms back into a human, and moves to Grymash. "Its the sea," she tells him. "A huge valley full of water that lies between us and your home. We shall have to fly for many more days. And nights."
She raises her voice so all can hear. "We have many days of travel ahead, so we'll need to rest each night. Have patience, you'll be home soon enough."
The night passes, and in the morning the dragons once again take flight. This time crossing a vast expanse of blue.
Flea d20+8=17 Tuesday April 12th, 2005 10:47:39 PM
Flea is obviously grateful to have her feet on solid ground again. She carefully puts her boots in her pack, rolls up her leggings and spends some time exploring the shallows looking for rocks, shells and any other treasures that catch her eye.[Spot=17]
Flea takes whatever watch is asked of her and then settles in for the night.
The next morning the gnome reluctantly takes her place in the box atop the dragon. She finds a secure spot at the very bottom of the box, near one of the corners and straps herself in. When the dragon takes wing, Flea closes her eyes and puts her head between her knees and wills her stomach to cease it's incessant churning.
Jake Wednesday April 13th, 2005 4:35:30 AM
"Ugh." Jake says as he splashes about. "This water tastes horrible! Why is it so salty??" Jake doesn't wait for an answer, but dives down underwater more. After a while, he emerges from the water and joins the group for dinner. "Fish are so hard to catch," he complains. The next morning, he's ready to go dragon riding again. He hopes the dragons don't mind the hula hoop...in fact he's wondering if he should discard it yet. He tries a few more hula twists.
Tishe' d20+3=6 Wednesday April 13th, 2005 4:49:20 AM
The plain-faced girl watches Jake's cavorting with amusement and follows Flea on her shoreline exploration (Spot: 6) but enjoys the vastness more than any shell or animal found. "It has been ages since I've been able to actually see the horizon!" she exclaims gratefully.
After her morning studies, she climbs back in beside Mac, Flea, and Jake. But begins to worry. "Um, many days and rests? But this is the ocean, where are you going to rest? I don't know how well we float, and I don't think we have enough food in our packs to sustain you great Bronzes." Despite any soothing remarks, the small mage will worry the day through. So far away from land! If an accident should happen, the ocean could swallow the Bloodpack without a trace.
An Hour of Silence - DM Donna Wednesday April 13th, 2005 1:14:23 PM
This board will now observe an hour of silence in honor of Lynn Beck (and her husband Dave) who was taken away from The Wold before her time...
Good-bye Dave & Lynn Beck - DM Donna Wednesday April 13th, 2005 2:14:40 PM
The hour of silence is over now. Posting may resume. Thank you and let's all hope for the best for young Alex Beck.
Gilan d20+2=17 d20+8=15 Wednesday April 13th, 2005 4:17:37 PM
Gilan wanders the beach in the opposite direction of Flea. He is also combing the beach for oddities that he can add to what he has in his small pouch already. He also looks for creatures that may live nearby that he could also make a study of and wonders if he should buy a journal like Anuk. It would be nice to keep records on what he finds out here.
When the time comes to leave again he smiles and takes a seat upon the great dragon's back. Though this time he slips to the front so that he can maybe talk a little to Grandma. "What can you tell me of dragons....what I have seen of your kind so far they are extremely fascinating creatures." There is a great deal of respect in his voice as he asks his questions about dragons. He asks about breathe weapons and flying and dragon lives.
[search 17 and spot 15]
Trellus Wednesday April 13th, 2005 8:24:03 PM
The blond cleric is still somewhat dubious about all that water. He stays well up on the sand and watches the others with a worried mother expression.
After a while he settles down, and waits for Grandma's response to Tishe. Where are they going to stop in all that?
Anuk Thursday April 14th, 2005 7:55:14 PM
In the morning, Anuk wakes on the sand, feeling the heat of the morning on the beach around him. The sand and sun remind him of the Plains and of Rattledam. He spends the morning sitting and watching the other pack members playing in the surf and thinking of the pool back home.
When the time comes to fly away, Anuk eagerly climbs up into the box atop Grandma's back and secures himself. The first lurching swoops cause his stomach to drop and his head to spin -- but in a good way. "Whooooooooo!" he cheers over the rushing wind as they travel over the vast blue expanse of water.
ADM MikeS Thursday April 14th, 2005 8:28:46 PM
Flea, Tishe', and Gilan wade through the shallows, finding beautiful shells, rock formations, and interesting creatures -- tiny fish-like animals that burrow into the sand and disappear each time someone tries to get near them.
A glint of light catches Flea's eye and she reaches into the water to retrieve a strikingly beautiful, iridescent shell; wide and flat with a perfectly scalloped edge, as though carved by some master artisan. Tishe's search yields no such sparkling objects, but the plain woman is able to find numerous shells, plants, and rocks that strike her fancy.
Gilan discovers many small plants living underwater not far from shore, the like of which he's not seen on the Plains. They are strange, alien looking things and they fill him with the wonder at the variety of life provided by Mother Wold.
Jake plays on the beach, much to everyone's amusement, and the dragons seem unbothered by the hoop he swings round his hips.
The time comes to leave, and the everyone climbs again onto the backs of the dragons. For many hours the pack sails through the skies above the seemingly endless water. Grandma tries to soothe Tishe's concerns. "Do not fear, young woman. There are many such islands between here and your home. We will rest on solid ground by nightfall, and there we will find food enough to feed us all. The journey is long, but you are all safe while with us."
To Gilan she responds, "The tale of the dragons is a long one, and not something we often share. To tell who and what we are is to tell our history. I sense no malice in your question, but I do not think you are ready yet for all I would say. I would ask you first, young one -- who are you?"
As night begins to fall, an eerie red glow appears on the horizon. As the dragons approach it, the pack can see that it's another island, larger than the last. It is covered with trees and vegetation, and from its center rises a large mountain, the top of which seems hollowed out. The red glow emanates from within the crater at the top of the mountain.
The dragons circle slowly down from the sky and come to rest on another beach. "It is nearly night," says Grandma. "We are weary, but must gather food for ourselves. I suggest you do the same. We will return soon."
With a rushing of wind and sand, the three dragons leap in the air and disappear over the tops of the dense trees marking the edge of a deep jungle forest.
Grymash d20+9=20 Thursday April 14th, 2005 10:29:47 PM
Grymash whispers in Grand Maw's ear, "So, how many nights do weez have till Gry gets home?" He then gives her a wink and a goofy smile.
After the dragons leave, Grymash will do his best to find food in this strange and very watery place.
(There should probably be penalties for Gry's Survival check in this place. Survival check 20)
Gilan d20+18=25 Friday April 15th, 2005 12:46:35 AM
Taking the time he gathers up little bits of the different rock and shells that he finds. Maybe he will be able to identify them later. Though he would love to take samples of the vegetation he knows that it would never last and with a sigh leaves it.
Gilan nods in understanding to Grandma's question to his own question. He smiles as he settles back into the basket to ponder this new puzzle, but he does speak to Grandma first. "Of course you are right...to know ones' self is in essence to understand someone else. Self knowledge must come first so that you can better know those things around you." Lost in thought he does not even notice the passing of time, till they land. Simply getting out of the basket he steps out of the way to allow the dragons to go, still lost in thought.
When at last he notices his belly rumbling he shakes his head and then looks to the rest. "I will help Gry to gather what we can...I have heard that you can fish great fish out of the ocean." He looks to the water and shakes his head at the thought. "But I have none of the gear needed for that...water is so rare at home."
[survival 25]
Jake Friday April 15th, 2005 1:45:45 AM
"Nah, Gilan, that's impossible. Ah've been tryin ta catch fish for hours; they're too fast." Jake looks at this all new environment. Lotsa trees. Lots. And lots of weird plants, grass that dangles off trees sideways, weird sounds... He picks up a big brown sphere off the ground and looks at it confusedly. "What in tarnation's this?" He notices it growing on trees, ... "like some kinda fruit..." Jake decides it must be something weird. Sitting down, the half-elf pulls out a dagger and begins cutting into it. "This thing is harder than Gry's head..." he mumbles, finally cuting through and cracking the thing open, spilling weird milk all over the place. "Milk...from a fruit?" Jake looks at his friends, completely bewildered. "Is there anything to eat this place?"
Tishe' d20+8=11 d20+5=9 Friday April 15th, 2005 4:47:35 AM
The glowing mountaintop holds Tishe's attention on the long glide down to the beach. The brown haired woman is visibly disappointed that the beach is so far away from the glow that there is no way the pack will be able to explore the curiosity.
With the others looking for food, the average looking girl turns her attention to more practical matters. "If there is fish in the ocean, we need tools to catch them." The mage scours the treeline for vines or other fabric that she can weave into a net. Weighing down the ends by weaving in rounded stones, she surveys her work (Weave Craft: 11) "Adequate, but not great.", is her assessment.
However, she uses the net to try and catch the elusive fish in the shallows (Survival: 9) "Anyone else want to try?"
Flea d20-1=17 Saturday April 16th, 2005 10:45:41 AM
Flea climbs down from the box atop the dragon, staggering unsteadily as she tries to find her legs. She watches as the bronze beasts fly off in search of something to eat, and then her thoughts turn to her own stomache.
"I'll make a fire," volunteers the gnome, and she sets off to collect dead wood, twigs, and dried grasses. Flea piles the fuel carefully, encircling it with a ring of stones, before going to work with flint and steel.
As the rogue tends the fire, her thoughts drift, and she relives recent events. Wondering if the frozen waterfall was a portent of things to come, she locates her special cloak* and checks its condition, shaking her head in dismay at its shabby appearance. When no one is watching, she smoothes it out carefully, mumbling under her breath. (Prestidigitation) Pleased with her work, she folds it carefully and packs it away, before returning her attention to the fire.
*Cloak of Comfort
Anuk d20+13=28 Saturday April 16th, 2005 3:27:45 PM
Anuk climbs down from the back of the dragon, a little disappointed that the ride is over. He tells Grandma, "Thank you for sailing us through the air...I can't tell you how much I love that feeling."
When the dragon leaves, Anuk joins Tishe' and inspects the net. "Nicely woven...this is good work," he says as he runs the cords through his thumb and fingers. "Mind if I give it a shot?" He takes the net a little further out into the shallows, trying his luck at catching a few fish. (survival 28)
ADM MikeS Saturday April 16th, 2005 3:56:34 PM
(OOC: Sorry about the delayed DM post. I will not post again until Monday evening so that everyone has time to respond.)
The stars begin to appear in the cloudless evening sky as a warm breeze comes up from from the south. The chirps and chatters of many strange birds and beasts can be heard coming from the nearby jungle, but no creatures come near enough to be seen.
Grymash, Tishe', Gilan and Anuk do their best to gather food for the pack, but in this strange environment and the fading light what is food and what is not is hard to discern. They are able to gather a few small fish and Gilan locates some leaves and roots that seem edible. Cooked over Flea's fire, the meal is meager but tasty. And the strange drink that Jake finds in the plentiful round brown things washes it down nicely.
The evening has changed to night, and as the darkness increases, the chatters and squawks from the trees increase, too. The dragons have still not returned.
(If everyone decides to set up camp, I'll need a watch order)
Tishe' Saturday April 16th, 2005 5:06:45 PM
Reading by firelight is not her idea of a good time, so Tishe' finds her bedroll early. She expects to be woken for the last watch of the night like normal...
Flea d20+10=13 d20+12=29 d20+8=17 Saturday April 16th, 2005 8:34:49 PM
Not requiring as much sleep as the magic folk, Flea will accept any duty assigned, including the middle watch. Huddling under her cloak, she keeps a sharp watch.
Listen=13 Search=29 Spot=17
Mac d20+5=14 d20+1=21 Saturday April 16th, 2005 11:09:55 PM
Mac keeps the first watch company until Galea settles down after dinner, looking forward to the early rousing for the last watch. [Spot:14, Listen:21 (Nat 20!)]
Grymash d8+24=29 d8+24=31 d8+24=27 d8+24=30 Sunday April 17th, 2005 4:13:07 AM
Grymash is restless. He worries about Grand Maw and the others. So he goes a little ways off to bring back wood for the fire. Prehaps try and make a brighter fire for the dragons to see. He takes a couple of minutes to look for a suitable tree (take20 on Survival check 29). After finding a good candidate, takes his newly acquired adamantine double axe and lines up his shot (automatic hit on inanimate objects). The steely blade easily hacks off huge chunks of the soft wood (adamantine ignors an object's hardness).
(PowerAttack+7, twohanded +14. Automatic hit. Damage: 29, 31, 27, 30 = 117. Enough damage to chop through 11 inches of wood [10hitpoints per inch according to PHB pg166])
The big halforc picks up the tree and balances it over his shoulder. He then carries it back to camp (his max load is 700 lb). He plops the tree down next to camp. He then chops the tree into logs. It doesnt take much time, his new axe slices through the wood like warm piggie jelly. Then he notices at the top of the tree a score of those brown round things like what Jake had found. "Shady!"
After the fire starts roaring Grymash sits down and begins to relax. All his nervious energy he had was spent on the work he just completed. He now has no problem falling asleep. Until its time for his turn to watch, which is usually the last watch.
Jake Sunday April 17th, 2005 3:57:22 PM
Jake's stomach gets queasy after the weird foods, and Jake opens a secret skin of glass grass he's been saving and takes a few gulps to help steady his stomach. Much better. He recorks it and hides it in his pack again...eyeing a strange belt hidden in the same area with amusement. "Ah'll take the middle watch, 'cause ah've got them elfie-eyes an' all," he announces companionably to his friends. He stops by to scritch Galea teasingly behind the ear and grins in amusement as she begins to bat at his finger.. He plays with the little kitten, enjoying it trying to gnaw on his knuckles. Then he goes over to sit on the beach, staring across the big blue. So much water. "Hey guys, look at the sunset!" he announces, pointing across the water... (I'll assume, since we're traveling southeast, that the sun's setting on our side of the island). The myriad of colors reflected on water is unlike a Plains setting, unlike anything he's ever seen.
Afterwards, Jake decides to go for a little swim again. He probably doesn't get too much sleep that night, as exotic as this locale is, and as wired up as he is.
Trellus Sunday April 17th, 2005 4:03:28 PM
The sandy-haired cleric of Domi makes a tour of the beach, looking for anything weird. He eyes this strange forest with amazement and joins Grymash in a little tour of it. Now that night is settling in, he sits down near the fire, and comments, "Good. It sounds like we'll have three watches... Each person sleeps two, stays up one. Since there's seven of us, let's have Anuk join Mac and Tishe on the first watch, Flea and Jake will take the second, and Grymash and I have the final one." Trellus makes sure he will have time to get a full sleep to have time to make his devotions to Domi.
Jake and Trellus (Mikey) d20+8=14 d20+8=16 d20+6=9 d20+6=12 Sunday April 17th, 2005 4:08:50 PM
(Subbing for Trellus, I realized I hadn't rolled watch/listen for either of them.)
Gilan d20+8=28 d20+8=10 Monday April 18th, 2005 3:53:02 PM
Gilan shrugs from the spot that he is sitting at as the comments about watches are set up. It appears as though he will get a full nights rest as he was assigned no watch.
A little bit of horror fills him as Gry comes back with the tree and he winces in pain. With a silent prayer to the Wold Mother he asks her not to visit her vengeance upon the big man. He will make his way over to the tree to see if it has any seeds upon it of it's type.
Not knowing why he gets some sleep that night but wakes every once in awhile. He gives it up to the strangness of the place and being far from home or maybe it is that stir in nature that is doing it to him. Something comes and he feels that it may not be what they are looking for, but may pull the Wold together and apart at the same time. Strange throughts and dreams for sure.
[listen 28 and spot 10]
Mike - Tryning to get my Catacombs transaction completed but am waiting on a reply from JayB. Not sure if my armor thing is slowing it down or what but do you want me to send you a character sheet without my purchases for now??
Anuk d20+11=18 d20+11=24 Monday April 18th, 2005 7:30:17 PM
"First watch...gotcha," Anuk tells Trellus. He stays up late with Mac and Tishe', talking about his home in Rattledam and even a little of his life before he came to the Plains. Stoking the campfire with a bit of the wood Gry brought back, he tells his companions, "I used to think that someday I'd go back home...thought maybe I had something to prove. But..after being away from Rattledam for a while I guess maybe I don't have much to prove after all. It feels like my thread is woven tightly in with the pack now...I guess I just don't feel like I used to." He looks up from the fire suddenly. "Whoa...sorry 'bout going on all sunbaked there...sometimes I just ramble, y'know?"
Throughout the conversation, he keeps eyes and ears open to anything new or strange. (spot 18, listen 24)
ADM MikeS Monday April 18th, 2005 7:49:00 PM
The brilliant sunset is admired by all as the sun disappears below the watery horizon. Grymash hews easily through the great tree, and is quite the sight stalking out of the jungle with the huge piece of lumber atop his shoulder. Gilan's inspection of the tree yields no immediate clues as to how it reproduces, but he does suspect that the hard, brown fruits containing the milky drink may have something to do with it.
The warm breeze from the south continues throughout the night and the pack members alternate sleeping and taking watch. The time passes uneventfully except for a moment during the second watch. For a moment, the constant noise from the animals hidden by the trees goes silent. Then, Flea and Jake are alarmed to hear a low rumble followed by a shifting of the ground. The sky glows red briefly, and a cloud can be seen drifting upward into the night sky from the top of the mountain at the center of the island. This is followed by many, many birds suddenly and noisily taking flight. Soon, the chatter resumes. No more movement occurs through the night.
Near the end of the third watch Grymash and Trellus hear the familiar *thwoomp* of dragon wings in the distance. It gets louder, and then the forms of Grandma and Maurantaous appear above the treeline. They land quickly on the beach and Grandma transforms into her human shape. She rushes to Grymash, a worried look in her eye and anxiety in her voice.
"Please, tell me that Glimmer has returned to you already."
Anuk Tuesday April 19th, 2005 1:06:28 PM
Anuk wakes from his sleep with a start when he hears the voice of Grandma talking to Grymash. He had been dreaming of flying on the dragons, and it takes a moment to orient himself.
He springs to his feet and joins Gry, Trellus, Grandma and Maurantaous. "What's going on? Where's Shady?" he asks.
Trellus Tuesday April 19th, 2005 3:09:01 PM
Trellus sits, contemplating the rolling waves and breeze filled beach. Its all totally relaxing.
At least until the two dragons show up.
"No," he replies. "He went with you. He didn't come back here." Reflexively, the cleric looks around, trying to spot Shady.
Tishe' Tuesday April 19th, 2005 3:40:25 PM
Missing all the excitement in the night, the mage pulls her wavy hair into a ponytail for her morning meditations. The arrival of two worried dragons puts the thought of her spellbook right out of her mind.
She also shakes her head after quickly looking around. "Shady isn't here, Great One. When did he separate from you last night?" She worriedly thinks of her spells, but none she knows can find a lost dragon.
Flea Tuesday April 19th, 2005 4:50:59 PM
"Uh, wasn't he with you?" responds Flea brilliantly, when a worried 'grandma' asks after Shady.
The gnome siddles up to Gilan and tugs at his sleeve. "You don't think they'll leave us here if they go off looking for the dude, do you?" she whispers, a worried look on her face.
(OOC: DM MikeK, CC transactions wrapped up, and PC sheet just about ready.)
Jake Tuesday April 19th, 2005 5:02:45 PM
Jake wakes up to see the two dragons back, in the dark, and hops up quickly drawing his sword...He stops, looking somewhat embarassed at his combat reaction. "Ah haven't seen Shady...but ah did notice some weird ground-shakin's. Ah've never seen such magic power." (On the plains, I imagine earthquakes have never happened...) "Ya know, the kid's curious. Ya sure he didn't go check out that big ol mountain thing there? He likes mountains, ya know." Jake points at the volcano.
Gilan Tuesday April 19th, 2005 6:48:02 PM
Gilan wakes up with a start and shakes the sleep from his body. He rubs his eyes as he looks to the two dragons and yawns.
When Grandma changes and runs to Grymash, inquiring about Shady he is suddenly very awake. He glances around and does not see the half-dragon anywhere and groans. Great now Shady is missing and they have no idea where they are let alone where he is at.
Standing he slowly moves around to gather his gear and look to the east to see how soon the sun will rise. "Do we wait long enough for those of use that need to...to go through our morning prayers and communion?" He is worried about Shady but knows that he will be of little help without a full load of spells.
Ignore part of this post if the sun is already starting to rise or has risen. Gilan would have been up with the rising sun, going through his morning commune with Mother Wold.
Search Party (DM MikeK) Tuesday April 19th, 2005 8:53:56 PM
Grandma's face becomes even more worried as the Bloodpack answers that Glimmer is not around.
"We must find him!" she cries. Maurantaous moves in to comfort her, and she stands rigidly. Head lowered, she stares hard at a point near her feet, boring a hole into the sand.
"He would not have gone far," she declares emphatically. "Not after the last time. He has to be on the island."
"Or just offshore," her comrade adds. At this she starts, as if having just thought of something. "Yes," she agrees. Turning to Grymash, she explains. "We bronze dragons adore a good swim."
She looks at Jake, whom she still assumes is leader. "We will search the water. You must search the land. We will meet back here at sundown." A quick nod to Maurantaous, and they are both sprinting down the beach, turning dragon form, and swooping into sky.
The Bloodpack turn as one to face the teeming jungle island, and the sun peaks over the eastern horizon, bathing all in a pink glow. Even a casual inspection will reveal several game trails leading into the island's interior. Additionally, a small river empties into the sea only a half mile or so up the shore.
Grymash - Will Save DC 10. If failed,Highlight to display spoiler: { the half orc hears a small voice in his head. It sounds vaguely feminine, and far off. The voice squeaks pleadingly "Release me!"}
OOC - Once you've completed your catacombs transactions, please send me your sheet.
Grymash d20+6=18 Tuesday April 19th, 2005 9:08:02 PM
Grymash nodds with Flea's question about the whereabouts of the young dragon. He thought Glitter was with them. Though he tries to be comforting, even though he's never played that part before.
Then the suggestion of a swim! "In all dat water!!" (Will save 18) "Gry can go for swim, jus no far out. Let Gry take off da armor." The half-orc walks back to camp to deposit his armor and gear. He strips down to his loincloth, except for his favorite dagger, which he ties to his blood red sash.
Jake d20+11=13 Wednesday April 20th, 2005 5:31:45 AM
"Grym! Come on, we're supposed ta search the island, not tha water!" Jake chides his friend. "Still, ah wouldn't mind takin' a bit of a mornin' swim before we go in that jungle. Might as well." Jake's already dressed in just his skivvies, so he just hops into the water and takes a refreshing morning swim. As dawn breaks he hops out. Since Rattledam, he hasn't really 'grown out' like Grymash. He still doesn't stand even five and a half feet tall. But where before he was wiry and slim, now he's just solid lean muscle. (Like Rocky IV.) He has gained a little, and firmed up quite a bit. (+1 to strength, and probably +1 to Con when I hit 8th level). He's even more of an eyefull for the ladies. Jake heads back to shore and unpacks his stuff, asking Trellus for some help with his new full plate armor. Buckle after buckle, breastplate, greaves, gauntlets, shield, swordbelt, dagger in boot, bow on back, cloak trailing after him, Jake looks down at all of the stuff he's carrying around. "Shucks.. few weeks ago'n ah'd never 'magine ah'd have so much stuff ah'd be carrying." He combs his hair with a fancy brush and admires himself in a little mirror. I look like one of them real knights, he thinks to himself admiringly. He puts on his brand new fedora over the hair stylishly, and alltogether can't help but feel all dressed up in brand new everything. He tugs on his heavy backpack, filled with rope, flasks, clothes, and all the stuff you'd need to survive in the plains. Finally, the half-elf gets over himself and begins to move towards the forest. You'd expect with all the stuff he's carrying and the armor he's in, he'd be noisy, but no. He moves with such care and practice from watching the Flea sneak about, and his fine elven boots muffle his feet enough so that he isn't a walking marching band.
"We should zig-zag through the jungle, heading for that mountain we saw. Lahk ah said, Shady likes mountains, and maybe he saw something he wanted while he was floating around it. Or...there could be weirdoes on this island. Huh. Uh, Flea, or Tishe or Mac, you guys know what sorta stuff lives here? I mean, it's surrounded by water, so it's gotta be like, um, something that lives in water, like a lizard, right? I mean, we didn't see any boats or villages, so we know there can't be any people around...right?"
Mac d20+1=21 Wednesday April 20th, 2005 6:46:06 AM The mountain... yes. he growls. Prob'ly no people, but maybe something else. Don't be worried about leavin' tracks - if he gets back here we want him to be able to find us eas'ly. he says as he packs and gears up. Mac feels there is something odd but hasn't put his finger on it yet.[Sense motive: 21, nat.20]
Trellus (Magic Vestment) Wednesday April 20th, 2005 9:12:19 AM
Like Gilan, Trellus is worried about Shady, but senses the need to attend his morning rituals. "Go ahead and weave in the water," he tells Grymash. "I gotta pray first anyway."
The cleric finds a spot, and prays to Domi for strength and protection over the coming day. When he's done, he gets up and looks over at Jake putting on all that steel.
"Dude, you're gonna be baked when we get home," he points out uncertainly.
Like everyone else, Trellus has got some new toys. His shield now matches his breastplate. Both sport an upright warhammer emblazoned in gold upon a circle of silver in their centers. Pulling out a small rod, the cleric casts a spell on the shield. [Magic Vestment (extended): +2 on the shield for 16 hours.]
Once he's geared up, the blond man looks around at his friends to make sure their ready. They are. "Shady. OK, Mac, keep an eye on our back. Flea, Anuk, let's weave."
Trellus falls in behind Flea, Anuk, Gry and Jake, letting the rest of the Bloodpack fall in behind him.
Tishe' Wednesday April 20th, 2005 4:39:57 PM
After her meditations and spellbook research, Tishe' is ready to join the search party.
"I've seen the ocean, but I don't know everything about the animals that live there." she tells Jake. "I think we would be best to look at the mountain anyways." She looks eagerly at the glowing top, anticipating finding new information.
She also prepares by casting her divine spell, Elven Sight, and holding her new magical rod casts Mage Armor (Extended)
Gilan Wednesday April 20th, 2005 6:35:16 PM
Gilan sets up near the waters edge and goes through his morning ritual of communion with the Wold. The sun rises over the ocean and touches his face, much like a kind mother. He smiles as he nods his head and stands slowly.
As he walks back to the group he smiles again and shoulders his pack. "I am ready now...sorry for the wait." He looks to the jungle that lays before them and the mountain beyond. "It seems the mountain would be the best bet and it will be hard to track Shady if he was flying."
The good news is, we found him ... (DM MikeK) Wednesday April 20th, 2005 9:33:49 PM
Having prepared themselves for the day, the heroes plunge into the verdant jungle. Flea and Anuk choose a game trail that seems to be heading toward the glowing mountain.
The jungle is alive with brightly colored flowers. Reds, yellows, oranges, and purples decorate the green canopy. Curiously, every bloom appears in triplets - three red flowers, three orange flowers, three purple flowers. Triplets are everywhere. Three brightly colored birds flutter past. The small lizards break from three bare rocks and take cover at the group's approach. Reminders abound that some momentous event is still out there.
The mountain is a lot further away than anyone supposed. The trail is broken up by tree roots and streams and an occasional clearing. About mid-afternoon, Flea is just entering one of these clearings when she spots movement on the far side.
Entering the north end of the oval, 90' opening are three large humanoid figures. They look like hunched over humans, except they're a good 10-12' tall. Each deeply tanned giant wears little more than a loincloth, has a bag draped over a shoulder, and carries a large club in one hand. Two carry a long pole between them, and the third walks behind.
A familiar looking dragon is lashed to the pole. He hangs below it, bound to the pole by his forelegs and hindlegs. He is not moving.
The giants are walking casually, heading straight for the very trail the Bloodpack is using. As of yet, the have not seen Flea. The leader is about 75' away.
Anuk is 10' behind Flea. Gry is 30' behind Anuk, with Jake, Trellus, Tishe, Gilan, and Mac trailing along at 5' intervals.
Only Flea, and now Anuk have spotted the giants.
Flea (AC 20, 47 HP, +4 Dodge vs Giants, Tears of the Dragon) d20+23=42 d20+14=23 d20+13=16 d20+9=18 d20+11=31 Wednesday April 20th, 2005 11:42:33 PM
Flea steps off the trail and tries to blend into the vegetation (Hide=42). Lowering her head to the gem embedded in her chest she whispers, "three big guys have got Shady. I'm going to hide and wait for them to pass me by, then come at 'em from behind." The rogue is nearly breathless with excitement, but she continues to whisper into the gem, "hide in the bushes, then let's take them by surprise so they don't hurt the little dude. I'll let you know when the last one goes by."
The rogue will remain very quiet (Move Silently=23) careful not to miss any details as the seconds tick by. (Search=16, Spot=18, Listen=31)
Ever so slowly she draws her retro-fitted gnome hooked hammer.
(OOC: Sorry for missed post. Good news is, I got my updated PC sheet in, and Flea has some new toys!)
Mac d20+3=14 Thursday April 21st, 2005 3:02:29 AM Hide? How am I supposed to... he thinks as he tries to hide, but he doesn't feel very convinced about his cover. [Hide:14] To Gilan he quietly says, I cannot attack them out of the bushes - it doesn't sit well. But I can make a noisy stand further down the path. That way they are looking at me an' no' at you. He then moves back down the path some 30' and awaits the arrival of the big guys with shady.
Jake d20=12 Thursday April 21st, 2005 4:07:16 AM
Shady's captured!? Jake touches his heartstone and...well, sends out an impulse of anger, really, not much thought. Let's get them!!! is the main impulse behind it. Flea wants to wait for them, though, so Jake moves into the woods as silent as ever...but not really able to hide very well in his armor. All of his focus from Flea so far has been on learning how to move quietly like the little one. He sends another thought to the others.. Gil, Tishe, can ya make me invisible like the Flea . He depends more upon the shrubbery to disguise himself. With a quiet shnick, his sword slips out, and he straps on his shield. Sitting there, he concentrates...and sweats. Man, this armor and gear weighs a lot... (Move Silently, 12 total what with my -13 from all the stuff he carries.)
Trellus (ac23, magic vestment, prayer[1/8]) d20-3=11 Thursday April 21st, 2005 11:54:25 AM HIDE?!? Trellus thinks increduluously. Flea is gettin sunbaked.
Mentally shrugging, the cleric crashes into the underbrush and tries to conceal himself. For his very first attempt, he doesn't do too poorly. [Hide 11]
Squatting amongst the trees, he casts a spell to help in the coming battle.
PRAYER - +1 to hit, damage, and saves if within 40' of Trellus. -1 to enemies for same
Gilan [HP: 66/66 , AC: 17] {} d20+2=16 Thursday April 21st, 2005 2:23:00 PM
Gilan looks to Mac as he slips into the undegrowth (hide 16) with the rest of the group. "Ok, but wait a second." He lays a hand upon Mac and casts a spell upon him, speaking in a low whisper. "Vara tel seldarine." He watches the retreating form of Mac as he goes back down the path a ways and shakes his head.
Laying a hand over the gem on his chest he thinks to the whole group. {"We are going to have to time this perfect...Mac went back down the path...he cannot attack from ambush."} There is no accusations in his words as he says this. He knows that the minotaur race are a proud and honorable one and not given to dirty tactics very often.
He lays his pack and shield upon the ground at his feet. He breathes lightly as he calms himself and smiles. Oh yes, he has a new bag of tricks to play and he intends to try one out right now.
Barkskin - 80min 00sec, +3 to Armor
Tishe' (AC 19 [mage armor] HP 37/37) d20+2=13 Thursday April 21st, 2005 3:44:32 PM
Tishe' is startled at the message through the gem; she had nearly forgotten about the Tears of the Dragon! But it doesn't stop the brown-haired mage from reacting swiftly. Moving up to Jake she hands him a potion. "Invisibility", she explains.
And then she moves into the undergrowth and tries to find large plants or trees. It is unnecesary to see the enemies because Flea will tell her when to come out, so even being completely covered is OK. (Hide: 13)
She touches her gem and sends a message, "At Flea's mark, I'll hit the last one with a web spell if I can."
Anuk d20+12=18 d20+9=13 d20+11=15 d20+11=18 Thursday April 21st, 2005 4:09:06 PM
Anuk stops short when he sees the giant humanoids with Shady. He puts his hand up to signal Gry to stop when Flea sends her message. Touching the gem embedded in his own chest he thinks Almost forgot about this. Gotta remember that this is better'n hand signals.
He disappears into the bushes on the side of the trail opposite Flea and whispers through the gem, "Whaddya think? Shall you and I take on the last one as he passes or should we wait and both get behind the group? I'm thinking we let 'em all get between us and the rest of the pack."
He quietly draws his bow and watches the procession, hoping that Shady is okay.
(Hide 18, Move Silently 13, Spot 15, Listen 18)
Jake (Add-on) Thursday April 21st, 2005 5:17:15 PM
Instead of heading into the bush, Jake merely takes a swig of the potion and moves off the path slightly, then holds still. In plain view, if they can see invisible, but if not...
Grymash (ac24, hp94/94, protect from evil, prayer) d20+3=10 Thursday April 21st, 2005 7:39:14 PM
Grymash darts into the overgrowth and hunkers down as best as he can. (hide 10) From his hiding place, he casts Protection from Evil on himself.
Jungle Ambush - PC Actions (DM MikeK) Thursday April 21st, 2005 9:13:36 PM DM Note on those Tears -- You can whisper a message that one other person can hear. You have to point to that person. You can only do this three times a day. Please designate whom you are speaking to in future posts.
Flea steps silently into the underbrush and uses her Tear to quickly whisper a plan to Anuk. The ranger sends his own Tear message back to Gry, who waves at the rest of the Bloodpack to hide.
The barbarian crouches down in the leaves and casts a protective spell on himself.
Mac can't justify springing out of bushes into a combat. The minotaur lets Gilan know, and backs off a few dozen paces down the trail. He is plainly in sight.
Jake quickly grasps the situation, and sends out a pulse of anger that all the Bloodpack feels. He sends a Tear Message to Tishe, asking for a bit of magical help. The sorceress hands the elven fighter a potion. He drinks it, and disappears.
Trellus crashes into the underbrush, and casts a spell, imbuing his comrades with the guiding hand of Domi.
Gilan taps Mac with a barkskin spell, hardening the taur's skin. The druid fades into the calming jungle.
more coming...
Jungle Ambush - NPC actions (DM MikeK) d20+3=19 d20+3=18 d20+3=13 d20+6=23 Thursday April 21st, 2005 9:28:20 PM
Somebody was too noisy, because the leader suddenly stops. "Whazzat?" the leader grunts. He pauses, looking and listening. His companions just stop and wait.
Not seeing anything, but still not quite satisfied, the leader waves his little troupe forward. He advances cautiously to the trail head, and is beside Flea and Anuk when he spots the waiting minotaur.
"Dessert!" he cries happily.
The leader (g1) readies his greatclub and advances on Mac, while the other two giants let go of the stick. Shady slams to the ground, emitting a loud "Whoof!" when he hits.
Then, they follow their boss. G2 gets even with Flea and Anuk when he happens to glance into the trees, right where Trellus is vainly attempting to hide.
"Hey! 'nother one!" he calls. G2 tromps into the jungle, intent on bagging some nice cleric.
Grymash (ac22, hp110/110, rage, protect from evil, prayer) d20+14=34 d20+14=22 d20+9=26 d8+24=29 d8+24=25 d8+24=31 d8+24=29 Thursday April 21st, 2005 10:06:39 PM "YOOZ NO EATIN' GRY'S LIL' BUDDY!! AUUGGHH!" roars the halforc. Rage takes over and he swings into the giant as it makes a play for Trellus. His new adamantine double axe has its first taste of blood... and it likes it!
(Full Attack. Powerattack+5, twohanded+10. HitAC: 34threat, 22crit, 26. Damage: 29, (25+31crit), 29 = Possible 114 damage. If he crit, then the giant must make a Fort save DC 15 or die instantly from massive damage. Wow, thats a great first attack with a new weapon!)
Stephen: post revision Thursday April 21st, 2005 10:16:00 PM
ooc: OK, I make a revision to my post after seeing the game map. Grymash cant get off all his attacks because the giant is too far away. Instead he will charge at Trellus' attacker and get off one attack. Possible 85 points of damage. If he did crit, the giant must do the Fort save 15 or die.
Flea (AC 20/24 vs Giants, 47 HP) d20+14=30 d20+10=17 d6+2=7 4d6(4+5+1+6)=16 Thursday April 21st, 2005 11:31:08 PM
Flea slides in behind the last giant (G3) tumbling (Tumble=30) if required to get past him and taking up a position opposite Anuk. The gnome strikes out with the bludgeoning end of her hooked hammer, aiming for the tendons and sinew behind the creature's knee (hit AC 17 for 7 dmg, 16 sneak attack dmg).
Jake (AC 27, no longer invisible) d20+12=30 d10+5=6 d6=5 d6=4 d6=1 Friday April 22nd, 2005 2:42:24 AM
(Note to Gry and all; beware, since they're giants, they probably provoke attacks of opportunity unless you tumble like Flea or have reach like Mac) Looks like the battle's begun, Jake thinks to himself as Gry goes tearing off into the guy. The half-orc obviously doesn't need any help, Jake thinks to himself. Then again, it'll probably be best to help him finish off that guy if it's still standing. If the second giant is still up after Gry's gruesome hack, Jake deftly moves in. Being invisible, he doesn't have to worry about an itinerant swing. However, he probably can't get into flanking opposite Gry, what with the bush obscuring his movement. Standing on the giant's left side, just south of him, Jake suddenly becomes visible when he slashes low, cutting into delicate organs in the giant's belly, or at least trying to... (Hit AC 30. Did 6 hacking damage, 5 freezing, 5 sneak attack, 16 total damage.)
Mac (????) d20+9=27 3d6(3+2+1)+21=27 d20+4=18 3d6(6+6+1)+21=34 Friday April 22nd, 2005 7:37:55 AM Dessert am I? he snorts at the giant as he takes one good sized step towards him (5' on the diagonal) and swings his axe across, around and down upon him. ------- Full Attack, Power Attack(-6/+12) Attack 1: d20+9= AC27 for 27 damage Attack 2: d20+4= AC18 for 34 damage ------- <OOC> My situation is unusual, so let me explain. As some of you would already be aware I have lost my PHv3.5. No clue where it might be. My computer no longer runs windows so until my tech.sup. friend decides to respond to the message I left him on Monday I don't have access to Mac's character sheet - making the above rolls etc educated guesswork. Apologies for any mistakes I make. Could DMMikeK please send the updated Mac sheet back to me?</OOC>
Convergence (DM MikeK) Friday April 22nd, 2005 9:05:47 AM
The battle is joined!
And then, all feel a sudden chill as a the heretofore constant southward warming breeze changes direction and temperate. From the south, all cool breeze stirs the warm late afternoon air. Birds of the nearby trees break into cacophony of song, then silence. Everyone in the party not totally engaged in battle can pick up faint strains of some ethereal music. While the two engaged giants continue to attack, G3 actually stops in the middle of the clearing, cocking his head to pick out the sounds.
Jake does not get off his attack. He is stopped midstride (and still invisible) by the tune and the words only he can hear.
Jake - Highlight to display spoiler: { It is time! The invitation to join the dream-song and raise the sleeping king!
Starless night will cover day, the veiling of the sun, Dark sleep broken, here comes the one!
No more will you wander, on dark journey of dreams. The woods have awoken, the power of living things!
Our love for this land is deeper than the deepest sea. The bonds are sundered, and we will have our king!
Jacob, you are compelled to sing and vote. Yea or Nay?}
From the tied up form that is Shady, a strong tenor voice arises in melodious song. It joins the etheral voices, falling into tune with the joyous melody. Those who speak elven understand he is agreeing with something, although (other than Jake) no one knows what question was asked.
Trellus (ac23, magic vestment, prayer[2/8], spirtual wpn[1/8]) d20+14=15 Friday April 22nd, 2005 10:18:14 AM PRAYER - +1 to hit, damage, and saves if within 40' of Trellus. -1 to enemies for same
Trellus' ears register the singing, and his mind files it away to wonder about later. Because at this very moment, a 10' tall giant is bearing down on him. And that tends to get one's attention.
Fortunately, Gry comes to the rescue. The cleric exhales in relief. Gry is such a shady weaver sometimes.
The half-orc seems to have g2 under control. Light, that dude hits hard!
So, Trellus backs away (due south) about 10' to get out of the way, and turns to help Mac. A twist of his hands and a quick incantation, and Domi's Hammer appears above G1.
The weapon slams down. [Spiritual Weapon. Atk ac15 nat 1]
Anuk [AC 21 (ac22vsG3-Dodge), HP 43, Prayer, Point Blank Shot] d20+13=26 d20+8=18 d8+5=6 d8+5=8 Friday April 22nd, 2005 11:17:13 AM
Anuk rises from his hiding place as Flea attacks the giant. The music is distracting, but he is careful to ignore it, not wanting to lose his concentration. Taking careful aim at the hulking figure (G3), he lets two arrows fly into it's chest.
(Hits AC 26 for 6pts, AC 18 for 8 pts)
Tishe' (AC 19 [mage armor] HP 37/37) Friday April 22nd, 2005 3:29:16 PM
The sounds of battle arrive and Tishe' bursts from her concealment to see where the giants are. Looking around, she focuses where she told Flea she would.
The mage's hands raise and she begins to weave voice and hand into a tapestry of tiny strands that rapidly expand and anchor themselves in the trees around the last giant. And soon, the huge man is in danger of being ensnared by a conjured web! (DC Reflex 17)
Spells mage armor [extended] [I'm assuming 3 hours left if the afternoon] Web [50 minutes] 20 foot radius
Gilan [HP: 66/66 , AC: 17] {prayer} d20+11=22 d20+6=26 d20+6=26 d4+2=5 d4+2=3 d4+2=3 Friday April 22nd, 2005 5:01:28 PM
Gilan is able to ingnore the song but files it away to ask about later. He quickly decides to make a risky move and sends a pair of sling bullets at the giant that is heading in Mac's direction. He is hoping that it will at least give Mac some distraction time and allow him to get in some good shots.
[hit: 22/26(crit26) and damage: 5/3(crit6)]
Barkskin - 79min 50sec, +3 to Armor
DM Note Friday April 22nd, 2005 9:04:43 PM
OOC - Graham - apologies for not being more detailed. The Convergence post was an interruption, not the start of the next round.
I deleted your last post, as the combat round hadn't turned over yet.
Jungle Ambush - rd 2 (DM MikeK) d20+15=19 d20+12=22 d20+3=6 d20+15=27 d20+10=18 2d8(2+1)+9=12 d20+15=31 d20+9=24 2d8(2+5)+9=16 2d8(5+1)+9=15 d20+7=25 Friday April 22nd, 2005 10:01:16 PM
Synopsis -- (Work with me, here) The Bloodpack has been bound for home for many, many days. Grandma and Maurantaous have bourne the heroes across and endless expanse of ocean, stopping at secluded island after secluded island each night. Sights that were marvelous have become mind-numbingly boring. But, at this last stop, their young charge has disappeared.
A search effort was quickly organized, and the Bloodpack headed toward an odd glowing mountain. But, there trek was interrupted by the sight of three giants and the captured Glimmer. The pack attacked, and battle was joined....
DM NOTE -- Giants are AC 20
Shady continues to sing with the melody.
Grymash roars a feral challenge, bursts out of his hiding place, and launches himself at G2. The grinning giant turns, and swings at the approaching half-orc. Fortunately for Gry, the giant badly misjudged his speed. The club misses. Gry does not. His blade bites deeply into the stunned giant, ripping a huge hole in his side. Blood spatters for a dozen feet from the force of the blow.
Flea rolls in behind the distracted G3. She attempts to thwack him in the back of the knee, but he shifts at the last minute, taking the blow on his well muscled thigh for little effect.
In the middle of the trail, a little ways removed from g2, Jake's voice rises to join the song. He doesn't sing that badly really, although the sound of a disembodied voice in the middle of the trail at this particular point in time is a bit disconcerting. [Jake is still invisible]
Mac takes one step toward G1, and rips off a large hunk of an upraised arm with the first blow of his axe. The canny opponent is able to avoid the second blow.
Trellus steps away from G2, and tries to help out on G1. But the glowing weapon totally misses the giant.
Anuk rises from his hiding place, and launches two arrows at G3. The first draws blood. The second ricochets off thick skin.
Tishe fires a spell at G3. A sticky mass soon engulfs the giant. It threatens to engulf Flea as well. [Flea -- Reflex DC 17. If successful, you can move within the web by 5' for every 5 full points that the check result exceeds 10] The giant is totally encased in the gooey mess.
Gilan fires sling stones at G1. Shoulda named the druid David, cause both stones bonk off the giant's noggin, causing him to growl in pain.
[DM NOTE - Mac and Flea are currently outside of the range of Trellus' prayer spell and get no bonus]
G1 ignores the glowing hammer and flying stones, and gets to work on the real battle. The great club swings hard at Mac. The first blow is crushing, the second misses. [Hit ac 27 and ac 18. 12 hp damage]
G2, hissing in agony, launches an assault on Grymash. Both blows crash heavily into the half-orc. [Hit ac 31 and ac 24 for (16 + 15) = 31 hp damage]
G3 bellows in anger. The giant twists and turns and stomps, ripping himself free of the stickly webbing. [DM Note - G3 has cover from all but Flea, and if she moves, he'll have cover from her. Effective AC 24]
Awakening Saturday April 23rd, 2005 2:58:27 AM The Wold stirs....
A breeze springs up, seemingly from out of nowhere. On the Sargass Plains, the unending grasses begin to move and toss, and the rapkes pace, restless and uneasy. In the Windbourne Hills, horses whinny and break into a run for no reason. In the tunnels beneath Dirt City, sewer rats begin to flee their hiding places, running into well-traveled corridors while the people wonder what it all could mean. And in the Emerald Kingdom, the anticipation is very nearly palpable as the animals awaken and the trees stir in the wind.
Something is coming.
The Wold seems to hold its collective breath as the Sleeper stretches, turns, sighs...and awakens. Eyes the color of the sea blink and focus as the Sleeper regards the Wold around him. The expanse of New Elanna, the great bulk of Shadow Mountain, the mysteries of the Southern Continent, even the wonder that is Floating City--all of these are known to the Sleeper in a heartbeat. A frown of concentration crosses his face, then a satisfied smile as he begins to know what must be done.
The Sleeper takes a breath and stretches out his hand...
All -- Listen check DC 4. Off to the south, as if way off in the distance, there is a distinctive deep "thump". (Like a really large firework)
Jake Saturday April 23rd, 2005 3:18:34 AM
Unlike the others, Jake falls into the song. He does not know how to sing well, though his voice is okay...
Starless night will cover day, the veiling of the sun, Dark sleep broken, here comes the one!
No more will you wander, on dark journey of dreams. The woods have awoken, the power of living things!
Our love for this land is deeper than the deepest sea. The bonds are sundered, and we will have our king...
Jake pictures in his mind the hand outstretched, and his soul stretches towards it...in the middle of the path, invisible luckily, Jake falls to his knees and drops his weapons, supplicating to the image in his mind.
Tishe' (AC 19 [mage armor] HP 37/37) d20+2=11 d20+2=18 Saturday April 23rd, 2005 6:09:20 PM
[OOC: I'm really bad and never told anyone that I'm going on vacation Sunday through Thursday. :( Could someone PLEASE play Tishe' so she can help during the battle?]
The brown-haired mage hears the crack of large fireworks [Listen: 11] and it distracts her for a second. "What was that?" She looks around wildly [Spot: 18], but all she sees is the giant easily ripping away her webbing and Flea perhaps caught. Not the scenario she had in mind!
She raises her magic about her again, this time weaving with a pinch of mica, and aims her spell just above the giant in the ruined web. A 20 foot glittering cloud appears, getting in eyes and making it impossible to see. [Will DC 17 or blind for duration, otherwise blind for while in cloud]
Mikey Saturday April 23rd, 2005 6:45:42 PM
[Sure, I will take over Tishe. Since Jake is outta the fight and all, we'll need the help. Email a character sheet to me, at mikey_powell@hotmail.com, with what sorta things you'd think you'd cast as well.]
Mac (AC: 21+Gilan's Barkskin in which case less one for the Amulet of Nat.Armour, HP: 63/75 - stand-up slog fest) d20+14=33 3d6(4+6+4)+11=25 d20+14=30 6d6(3+3+1+2+6+6)+22=43 d20+9=23 3d6(2+3+4)+11=20 d20+8=22 d8+5=10 Saturday April 23rd, 2005 6:54:15 PM
Keeping his feet after the giant's club struck true, Mac continues his war of attrition. Full Attack Axe @+14 hits AC:33 for 25 damage. Crit. check hits AC:30 for an extra 43, making 68 damage from the attack - potentially warranting the Massive Damage Save? Axe @+9 hits AC:23 for 20 damage Horn @+8 gores AC:22 for 10 damage
Grymash (ac22, hp110/79, rage, protect from evil, prayer) d20+14=28 d20+9=21 d8+24=29 d8+24=31 Saturday April 23rd, 2005 7:15:30 PM
Grymash is knocked left and right from the giants bludgeoning attacks. He hit hard! Really hard! He normally doesn't feel pain when he rages. It usually only makes him meaner. For a brief moment he felt the earth move. His vision blurred. He shakes off the buzz of the attack. A massive spray of blood in the face, from the giants wounds, was all he needed. Look for blood, follow with axe, repeat. "AAUUUGGHHH!!" He hears nothing of a boom, only the beating of his enemies heart, which he has hopes to silence.
(Powerattack+5/+10. Fullattack. HitAC: 28,21. Damage: 29+31=60 points of damage.)
Flea (AC21/25 vs Giants , HP 47, Hasted) d20+9=19 d20+9=18 d20+9=25 d6+2=7 d20+1=20 d6+2=7 4d6(6+2+6+1)=15 4d6(6+2+3+2)=13 Sunday April 24th, 2005 7:37:58 PM
Flea manages to avoid Tishe's web, ducking neatly between the sticky strands[Reflex=19]. She then manages to fight off the effects of a second spell [Will=20]. As the Giant struggles to free himself from the web and fight the effects of the Glitterdust, the rogue activates her boots of speed and lashes out at her opponent. [Hit AC=25 for 7 dmg]
[OOC if the giant is blinded, Flea may have also struck with her first attempt Hit AC=18 for 7 dmg (giant loses dex bonus?) and she may also get sneak attack damage on both blows (additional 15+13 HP)for a grand total of 42 HP]
Trellus (ac23, magic vestment, prayer[3/8], spirtual wpn[2/8]) d20+8=17 d20+14=15 d20+9=24 d8+3=8 Sunday April 24th, 2005 7:48:49 PM PRAYER - +1 to hit, damage, and saves if within 40' of Trellus. -1 to enemies for same
Trellus cringes inwardly as Mac and Gry hack and slash. Light, those two dudes are nasty.
He hears the popping sound, but like the music, he pushes it out of his mind. Jake is being totally sunbaked though. What is with the singing?
Mac and Gry are getting hurt, and the blonde cleric is forced to make a choice. Figuring Gry can survive just about anything, Trellus heads for the minotaur, taking care to keep out of the giant's long reach.
The Hammer of Domi swings some more. [atk g1 - hit ac15 (nat 1) and ac 24 for 8 hp damage]
Anuk [AC 21 (ac22vsG3-Dodge), HP 43, Prayer, Point Blank Shot] d20+11=16 d20+13=31 d20+13=14 d20+8=21 d8+5=12 d8+5=12 Monday April 25th, 2005 1:06:57 AM What's that sound? Anuk thinks, hearing the popping noise in the distance. (listen 16) The question leaves his mind as quickly as it arrived...Flea suddenly disappears in a sticky mass of web.
Not certains of where she is, but able to make out the chest, head, and shoulders of the giant above the gooey mess, Anuk lets two more arrows fly.
(Hits AC 31 for 12 pts, AC 21 for 12 pts -- ignore second +13 roll as 2nd attack was only +8, not +13)
Gilan [HP: 66/66 , AC: 17] {prayer} d20+11=21 d20+6=13 d4+2=5 d4+2=6 Monday April 25th, 2005 6:46:21 PM
Gilan takes no note of the pop or any other sound as he continues to pelt the giant with rocks. He shakes his head and wonders what real good such a tiny weapon can do.
He shrugs as he sends another pair of stones at the giant's back and head. He then moves five feet closer to the giant, while keeping an eye upon Mac.
[hit: 21/13 and damage: 5/6]
Barkskin - 79min 40sec, +3 to Armor
Jungle Ambush (DM MikeK) d20+4=14 Tuesday April 26th, 2005 8:17:08 AM OOC - Apologies all for the missed post. A hectic day yesterday.
Jake sings, and joy fills his heart. The Sleeper awakes! Shady too, sings. His muffled voice emerges in complicated melody from his tied up form lying in the middle of the clearing.
Some wonder at the booming noise that came from the south. Others are far too busy to worry about it.
Tishe blinks at the noise, and at the unintended victim of her spell. She tries again. G3's hands fly to his face as he struggles to see.
Mac turns his full focus on G1. Axe and horn rip into the giant.
Grymash recovers his wits quickly after getting knocked around by G2. With another roar he rips at the giant once, and again. Two more gaping holes appear in the giant's side. He cannot recover from the fatal blows, and collapses to the jungle floor.
Flea dodges around strands of sticky webbing, and continues the risky tactic of melee with a giant. Her first swing misses, but her second strikes true.
Trellus makes his way toward Mac. His spell strikes out at G1, thumping him soundly on the skull. Combined with Mac's ferocious attack, the hammerblow is too much. G1 topples over.
Anuk sends another arrow into G3.
Gilan prepares to fire another stone at G1, but there is no need.
G3 comes down with a serious case of mortality. Blinded and alone, the giant wheels about and stumbles away from the sounds of combat. [Flea get AoO]
Pursuit of G3 is interrputed as the voices of Jake and Shady cry out in joyous accord. The Sleeper is awake! The Fey King has come!
The entire avian population of the island calls out at once and launches itself skyward. Birds of every imaginable color and size swoop and bank and roll in unison in the skies over the island. Every tree and plant blooms, a joyous panorama of violet and indigo and teal and crimson.
Nature joins the elves, rejoicing in the dawn of a new age.
A flash.
Nearly felt rather than seen. A flash in the southern horizon.
The very clouds flee from it, a semicircle of cloud racing away from an unseen point over the horizon. The clouds pass over the top of the island, bringing with them the sound of a single, echoing bass beat of a large drum.
BOOOOOM
The sound is felt more than heard, a vibration that rattles one's very bones. With the sound comes a slight movement in the land itself. Trees sway and pebbles dance on the trail, and then stop.
As one, the birds wheel and flee northward, escaping the noise.
Silence.
Jake Tuesday April 26th, 2005 12:27:02 PM
Jake gives a spontaneous, "YEEEEeeehaaaa!" and excitedly gets up and throws his hat far off... his brand new hat. But he doesn't notice. He's too excited. "We did it! Right!?" And suddenly he notices that the fight's all over. "Man, ah missed another fight? Hey, Shady!" Ignoring the giant who is still tottering around blindly, Jake gathers his sword and shield, then hurries over to the tied up dragon and begins to cut him loose. He speaks to him soothingly in elven as he does so...
Gilan [HP: 66/66 , AC: 17] {prayer} Tuesday April 26th, 2005 4:43:24 PM
Gilan looks around to the two fallen giants and then to the one making it's escape. He calls out not really caring one way or the other. "Anyone in need of healing?" He pulls out the wand he has as he asks.
Then there is the flash and boom from the south and he turns in that direction. "Now what was that all about?". He looks to Jake as he speaks and shakes his head. "How is he Jake?" He listens for anyone to speak up about healing as he waits to see what will happen next.
Looking back to the corpses of the two giants he has an idea. "You think they have anything of interest on them?" He looks to Trellus as he is the closest and then to the giant getting away. "Want we should finish him...it seems kind of unfair though...now." He will help in searching the giants and then look to the retreating one again with another idea. "I could follow him."
Barkskin - 79min 30sec, +3 to Armor
Trellus 4d8(6+6+5+5)+7=29 Tuesday April 26th, 2005 8:54:56 PM
When the nearest giants drop, Trellus gives Mac and Gry a very fast visual, and changes direction.
The cleric heads for Grymash, pulling out his new wand on the way. Reaching his half-orc friend, he taps him with the healing wand. "Its shady, Gry," he tells the barbarian in a soft soothing voice. "It's just Trellus coming with the feel good stick."
Based on what he just did to that giant, Trellus is eager to avoid any possibility of mistaken identity.
[CCW - heal 29 hp]
The blond man turns and the flash, sound, and vibration. The third giant is forgotten. "Uh, Jake?" he asks uncertainly pointing at the clouds. "Is that supposed to happen?"
Mac (HP:63/75) Wednesday April 27th, 2005 8:24:15 AM
As Trellus tends Gry Mac calls up the slope to his Packmates. If we willnae pursue the other one, then p'r'aps we should get us all back to the beach. Grandma should see we have Shaidee back away from the trees.
anuk OOC Wednesday April 27th, 2005 10:30:34 AM
As the third giant departs, Anuk springs toward the remains the sticky mass. "Flea? You in there? Everything shady?" he calls out as he tries to dig through the remains of Tishe's webbing to locate his friend.
The flash and rumble, combined with the sudden departure of all the birds gives him pause. "I've never been to a place like this island before, but I don't think that's...uh...normal. I'm with Mac...I think we ought to get back to the beach."
Gilan d20+2=17 d20+8=18 Wednesday April 27th, 2005 1:07:45 PM
Gilan does not bother with the last giant and since noone is interested he begins to search over the closest of the two giants with as much care as he can.
He only looks up at the rumbling and his eyes narrow. "That does not sound good and I have the feeling that Mother Wold is protesting or maybe rejoicing." Still he will move to the other giant to search it as well, gathering up anything of note on them.
[search 17 and spot 18]
Barkskin - 79min 20sec, +3 to Armor
Flea Wednesday April 27th, 2005 6:25:01 PM
The rogue wipes the bludgeoning end of her hammer with the end of the crimson sash tied about her waist. "Well, that was fun!" she says grinning up at Anuk, non-plused by his look of concern. Looking around at her companions, she enquires brightly, "what's next?" and then the earth moves.
The calm before...more calm (DM MikeK) Wednesday April 27th, 2005 7:56:35 PM
Jake rejoices at the arrival of the Fey King. He ignores the trembling of earth or the fluttering in the sky.
Gilan looks around for anyone to heal, but Trellus beats him to the only seriously wounded member of the Bloodpack, Grymash.
The druid wonders at nature's reactions, but is able to check out contents of each giant bag. Among the large, round rocks, half eaten pigs, and coconuts, Gilan recovers a wand, a ceramic vial, a wooden scroll case, 4 pearls, and 90 pp.
Anuk goes digging into the webbing in a frantic effort to find Flea, but the rogue is just fine.
Mac suggests getting back to the beach. Others agree.
The silence IS somewhat unsettling. Not a bird, not an insect, no sound at all escapes from the inhabitants of the island.
The last blinded giant uses the opportunity to escape northward.
The rope encased form of Shady still lies in the clearing, attached to the pole. His voice cries out in speech of the elves, Highlight to display spoiler: {"Jake? Can you get me out?"}
Grymash (ac24, hp89/94, protect from evil, prayer) d20+2=17 Wednesday April 27th, 2005 8:24:51 PM
(sorry for not posting, got in late last night.)
Grymash hacks off the head of the fallen giant for good measure. He roars in celebration as its blood sprays into the air. He spins to face the next victim and has his bloodied axe ready to strike! (wisdom 17) However the soft voice and a face that seems familiar halts his axe in mid-swing. "Trellus ... uhhhh, ohhh, Gry almost ... yooz ok? Ya need Gry ta cures any hurtin'? At that point the barbarian realizes that it is him who is injured and accepts his friends healing touch.
Grymash then hears Shady. He doesnt know what he said but even a half-orc could figure it out. He runs over to the tied dragon and begins cutting ropes with a dagger.
Jake Thursday April 28th, 2005 2:57:51 AM
Even as Grymash arrives, Jake finishes cutting free the dragon. He tries to pick up the dragon, and grunts with effort. He chatters in elvish to calm the young dragon, "Ugh...you're too heavy to pick up in this form, Shady. I'd say you've been consuming too many dragon deserts." Jake helps the dragon get onto his legs but keeps a hand settled down on his shoulder. "Just relax. If you try to move too much at first, you'll feel like you're on fire. Once, the black pack tied me up as a joke and left me in a hut for a whole day...when I was freed, I tried jumping for joy, but it didn't work out at all. Just stay still and let Trellus or Gil heal you." While he's talking, Jake motions for Trellus and Gil to come over and check the poor dragon for wounds.
Tishe' d20+5=8 Thursday April 28th, 2005 4:57:59 PM
"That boom..." the mage shakes her head out of her reverie and dismisses the Web spell, allowing everyone to be done with the sticky stuff.
She then turns to help the newest member of the 'pack, and helps untie Shady.
"I'm not sure what all this noise was (Knowledge: Nature 8), but perhaps we should find the other dragons and be ready to go just in case?"
Anuk Thursday April 28th, 2005 7:09:37 PM
Anuk joins the others near the young dragon. Using his elvish, he asks Shady, "Everything all right? Did the giants hurt you?"
The quiet jungle creeps into Anuk's bones. "This doesn't feel right. Is there anyway we can contact Grandma?"
Trellus Thursday April 28th, 2005 9:15:39 PM
The blond man looks around. Everybody's shady. Shady's shady. Gilan's got some shady stuff.
Now might be a good time to leave.
"C'mon dudes. Let's weave back to the beach. Quickly."
Trellus starts back at a fast walk.
Shady is shady (DM MikeK) Thursday April 28th, 2005 9:19:57 PM
Shady seems fine, once he's untied. He shifts into elf form. "I just lied down on some rocks for a little rest, and when I woke up, there I was," he explains to Jake in elven.
And then in common - "Not shaidee"
The young dragon/elf looks fine.
"I'll get Grandma," he tells Jake. And then, he's a dragon, leaping into the sky.
The pack starts thinking about getting back to the beach.
Gilan d20+6=25 Thursday April 28th, 2005 10:17:12 PM
Gilan is quick to gather up the stuff that he has found on the giants. He then hurries back to his pack and shield to get ready to head back to the beach. "It seems we may want to get out of here soon." He glances to the others but does head for Shady to check on him.
He will then head back to the group with the utmost haste, well he does not run.
[heal 25]
Barkskin - 79min 10sec, +3 to Armor
Flea d20+13=22 d20+9=15 d20+11=14 Thursday April 28th, 2005 11:52:16 PM
Flea tucks her hammer through the sash at her waist and heads back in the direction from which they came. As usual, she scouts ahead...just in case...her eyes peeled for traps and such. She doesn't do the best of jobs, being a little unnerved by the trembling of the ground.
Search=22 Spot=15 Listen=14
Jake Friday April 29th, 2005 1:46:28 AM
"Well, I guess we'd better go. Ah kinda wanted to see why that mountain was all rumbling lahk Grymash's belly." Jake looks at the smoky mountain curiously, but joins the others in getting ready to go back.
Grymash Friday April 29th, 2005 3:18:17 AM "Gry's belly no rumble! Oh, oohh ... huh, it do be rumblin'!! Gry hungry!" Grymash darts off with his pack, down to the beach.
Anuk d20+9=17 d20+11=26 d20+11=21 Friday April 29th, 2005 10:35:36 AM
Anuk heads down the trail after Flea, keeping a lookout for whatever else might be living on this island. "If there are giants here, there's probably more. Don't wanna get into something sunbaked before we get back to the beach." He tries to keep things quiet, painfully aware that in the silence that surrounds them, all of the pack's movements will sound that much louder.
move silently 17 spot 26 listen 21
Tishe' d20+3=14 Friday April 29th, 2005 11:00:45 AM
Unsteady on her feet and wondering when the next unusual event will happen, the plain-faced woman quickly moves with the others back down the path and towards the beach. She keeps a good hold on her crossbow and watches the forest for signs of danger. (spot: 14)
Spells Mage Armor [3 hours]
Trellus d20+8=20 d20+8=18 Friday April 29th, 2005 5:10:32 PM
Trellus hastens back to the beach with the others. Like them, he's veteran enough to pay attention as he moves.
listen 20 spot 18
Mac d20+5=9 d20+1=13 Friday April 29th, 2005 6:22:17 PM
As he heads back to the beach Mac thinks aloud, 'Tis a small island. Maybe there were only three giants here. P'r'aps not...
spot:9, listen:13
Garden Lunch (DM MikeK) Saturday April 30th, 2005 11:32:55 AM
The Bloodpack hurries back to the beach. As the time passes, normality seems to return to the island. The birds flock back. The insects and animals resume their calls. The warm south wind again flows across trees and grasses.
The heroes emerge into the open beach. Grandma, Mauratanous, and Shady, all in dragon form, are lying off to the group's left. All three are alert, and it doesn't take long to determine why. Off to the right, the beach seems to have been converted to a garden. Yesterday, it was sand. Today, its a good acre of fully grown (and blooming) fruit trees, melons, and berries of endless variety.
The veritable bonanza has attracted many critters. Small mammals, insects, birds, and monkeys have fallen upon the garden and are gorging themselves on the food.
The three dragons continue to watch. Plainly, they are considering whether to start the buffet now, or wait to see if something a bit meatier shows up.
Tishe' d20+13=30 d20+5=19 Saturday April 30th, 2005 4:37:15 PM
Moving onto the, the beach? Tishe' stops in confusion and curiosity. Her inquisitiveness gets the better of her, and the small woman quickly moves towards the Garden, touching leaves and fruit, wondering at how this bounty could have arrived at the beach. (Spellcraft: 30. Know Nature: 19)
Spells Mage Armor [1 hour]
Mac d20+1=18 Sunday May 1st, 2005 6:13:08 PM
Somewhere high on the shore Mac takes a seat. As he wonders about the Garden he looks back to their dragon friends, and gets their intentions. There'd still be at least one giant up the hill... He wonders if giants are on a dragon's menu. He's heared all sort of tales about dragons, and is still trying to determine what was truth and what was fanciful. Taking some time he get of the backpack and lets Galea out of her newly bought comfortable travelling case for a chance to roam around before having something to eat.
Gilan Monday May 2nd, 2005 12:30:26 AM
Gilan stops as he gets out on the beach a ways and stares at the growth. He shakes his head and even rubs his eyes to see if it is a figment of his imagination, but it is still there.
Watching the animals he tries to check them out at a distance, not only for type but also for sickness as they eat. "Nature seems to be..." He shrugs as he cannot find a word for it, though he does wonder if this is magical in anyway.
Barkskin - 79min 00sec, +3 to Armor
Jake Monday May 2nd, 2005 7:40:08 AM
"-a bit sunbaked?" Jake finishes for Gilan, looking at the buffet going on. Weird. "Uh...well, ah suppose one of us should try it out, see if it's poison or somethin'..." Jake reaches out, grabs a thing, and takes a chomp from it. He makes a face, looks at the thing he took a chomp of, unpeels back a layer, and then takes a little bite of the interior. "Hmmm...okay, I suppose."
Anuk d20+11=13 d20+10=28 Monday May 2nd, 2005 11:04:48 AM
Anuk does a double-take, looking up and down the beach to verify that this is indeed the place they had come from. (spot 13) Despite his final conclusion that this must be the same beach, he still has a hard time wrapping his head around the idea.
On the other hand, food is food, and this stuff looks tasty. He finds a tree containing a roundish fruit with a thin red skin that looks tempting. He takes a small bite and discovers it is crunchy and sweet. Juice running down his chin, he devours nearly the whole thing, until only the center core of it is left -- all stem and seeds.
Anuk's big grin spreads across his face as an idea suddenly forms. He waits until Jake's back is turned, then with a flick of his wrist he tosses the pulpy remains of the fruit, hitting the half-elf square between the shoulder blades. (hits ac 28)
"You're it!" he says with a chuckle.
Flea Monday May 2nd, 2005 6:53:59 PM
Flea selects one of her daggers and spends some time dissecting interesting fruits. She will take a taste of each one, before moving on to a new one, being somewhat wasteful in the process of experimentation.
Trellus Monday May 2nd, 2005 7:57:40 PM
The cleric looks about the garden. Jake is right. Sunbaked just about covers it.
He wonders for a moment if perhaps its a trap of some kind, but his friends are already sampling the goods.
Smiling wryly, the blond man takes a seat next to Mac. With a sidelong glance at the kitten, he idly pulls a wand out of his pack. If somebody starts gagging and turning shady colors, he's ready.
[Neutralize Poison wand]
This little pig went to market (DM MikeK) Monday May 2nd, 2005 8:45:16 PM
While Mac and Trellus take a seat, and Grymash just stands there trying to get his tiny brain wrapped around the concept of an instantaneous garden, the rest of the Bloodpack decide to join the smaller animals in sampling the fare.
The dragons' heads drop to the ground in dismay. With their friends in the garden, their ability to sow some widespread destruction on the area is severely curtailed.
Mac pulls the cat out of the bag, and she responds by purring fiercely and walking against his knee in a tight figure eight. Up and back, up and back Galea passes, rubbing her head against the taur. This keeps up for almost 5 minutes, until the kitten spies movement in the garden. Lots of movement. Including that of some delightfully bite sized grasshoppers. Crouching low, the feline slowly stalks her prey.
From the far side of the garden, loud grunting noises break up the cacophony of bird and beast. Monkeys scramble to the trees, while birds and insects rouse into the sky to settle down again in another corner of the garden. Flea, who is farthest out into the food filled area, is the first to catch a glimpse of four enormous creatures. They look a lot like those things Mac called 'pigs' back at the farmhouse. Except these are hairier, uglier, meaner looking, and a whole lot bigger. These things are 6 or 7' at the shoulder, and longer than the giants were tall. Using long, sharp tusks, the quartet of super-pigs is slowly but surely eating a path through the garden.
Naturally, they're heading straight for the Bloodpack's resting spot.
Jake d20+8=13 d20+3=16 Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 1:18:43 AM
Jake laughs and tosses a juicy, soft half of a tangerine back (AC 13), probably missing, but follows it up with the other half and a direct hit! (AC 16) Then he catches sight of the superpigs. "Yipe!" he gasps and runs as fast as he can away from the garden, terrified of the monstrous tusked things.
Gilan Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 1:55:11 AM
Gilan watches some of the group wander out into the garden and start to eat. He shakes his head as that was not really a good idea at the time. He was just checking out the plants and animals as a whole. After a bit he wanders back to those still seated and takes out a book to look over, smiling. "I hope that this is not a poison garden?" He looks to Trellus and his ready wand with a shake of his head.
Barkskin - 78min 50sec, +3 to Armor
Anuk Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 10:47:42 AM
Anuk manages to dodge Jake's first tangerine, but the second gets him with a satisfying *splat*. Laughing, he looks around for more fruit to throw when he spies the giant creatures.
Anuk quickly backs out of the garden. "If these things are just eating, they'll probably leave us alone as long as we stay away from the food." Unless, of course, we are the food he thinks. He pulls out his bow and nocks an arrow, but tries to keep the point down and unthreatening until absolutely needed.
Tishe' (AC 19, HP 37/37) Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 3:08:22 PM
Seeing (and feeling through the 'Tears') that the fruit is not harmful to her friends, the mage/druid happily eats some of the wonderful bounty. Not being able to read humans well, the woeful dragons are right over her head.
The appearance of the "Giant Pigs!", shouts Tishe', "they must be picks from the giant's farm. Do giants have farms?" She shakes her head. "Since we've eaten, let's pull back and let Glimmer's Family have lunch."
She moves back towards Trellus and Mac, preparing to defend the 'pack.
Spells Mage Armor [1 hour]
Mac Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 5:27:42 PM
There is something pleasing about watching a kitten chasing grasshoppers. By the same token there is something less than pleasing about the betusked quartet approaching. Dragon fodder! Cover me while I get Galea out of there! The taur then dashes over to gather up the pouncing Galea before this playground turns into an indiscriminate feeding ground.
This scene isnt right. It holds him still for several rounds before it dawns on him. It must be a trap of some kind. It reminds him of some of the traps he's left behind to catch food. He sees the dragons hiding over to the left and decides to trot on over to where they are hiding. He squats down next to Grand Maw. He whispers in her ear, "Do thems big piggies be supper?"
Trellus Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 8:37:10 PM "I hope that this is not a poison garden?" Gilan asks with a smile.
Trellus grins back. "Don't look like it," he replies. As Anuk and Jake escalate the fruit war, the cleric lies back in the sand, hands behind his head.
"Sure is peaceful right here," he remarks.
No sooner has he uttered the words than his friends in the garden are beating a hasty retreat. "Light," he growls. Trellus quickly stands, stowing his wand. This might call for something else.
Wee Wee Wee, all the way home (DM MikeK) d20+8=13 d20+8=11 d20+8=25 d20+8=24 Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 9:01:11 PM
Mac rescues Galea and joins the rest of the Bloodpack in fleeing the gardan and taking up a defensive position.
The four super-pigs continue munching their way through the garden. Eventually, they spot the heroes, and turn in unison toward them, grunting threateningly.
Grandma sighs heavily. Actually, we don't like red meat much she tells Grymash. But we can help, I think
A nod to Maurautanous, and the two enormous dragon burst from the rocks. The pigs squeal in terror as the immense reptiles crash down in front of them. Each dragon emits a cone of some kind of gas cloud.
Immediately, all four pigs turn tail and dash back into the jungle. So do the birds. So do the mammals. So do the grasshoppers and all but the most immobile of insects.
In fact, there are extremely few volunteers willing to stand their ground in the face of Grandma and Maurautanous.
Having cleared the garden, the two return to the rocks. The garden is ready for the plundering. Any type of fruit or berry is available, as much as one can carry.
Nothing else bothers the group as night settles in.
Tishe' Wednesday May 4th, 2005 7:05:15 AM
"That bronze dragon breath sure is a handy pick." comments the brown-haired girl.
Joining with Gilan, she moves back through the garden, picking fruits for the night and slightly less ripe ones for the days ahead. "There is no telling how little food we will have at the next island," she explains, "it's probably a good idea to bring some unripened fruit with us."
She takes her usual 'first-watch' and settles for the night.
Gilan 2d4(3+1)=4 2d4(1+3)=4 2d4(3+1)=4 Wednesday May 4th, 2005 3:14:24 PM
Gilan shakes his head and smiles as the dragons help them in avoiding another fight. He looks to Tishe' as she mentions the idea of food for the longrun and nods. "You maybe right, but there is an easier way." He moves through the garden only picking berries but has to test them to see if they are harmful or not.
Having, hopefully, gotten a large amount of edible berries he lays them out on the sand before him. "I have access to spells that will help out in keeping them fresh and most useful." He pulls out the rod that he has newly aquired and uses it to enhance his three spells.
Flea d20+14=17 Wednesday May 4th, 2005 6:37:03 PM
Flea backs off slowly, and carefully (Move Silently=17) when the giant pigs move in. When the dragons chase them off, she resumes her exploration of the natural feast. This time she stays closer to her pack, Gry and MAc in particular.
Anuk Wednesday May 4th, 2005 6:42:17 PM
Anuk breathes a sigh of relief as the giant pigs turn tail and run back into the jungle. He returns his arrow to his quiver and slings his bow across his back. While everyone returns to the fruit, he talks to Grandma.
"Thank you for helping us. May I ask how you did that? I had thought that your attack would kill everything in its path, but instead everything survived but ran away."
After talking with Grandma, Anuk happily settles in to collecting fruit for whatever journies might lie ahead. He experiments with wrapping the fruit in cloth and placing the package inside his magic quiver and testing to see if it can be retrieved as easily as his arrows. If it works, he tells the rest of the pack "I can store food in here if anyone's tired of carrying it."
Later that night, he volunteers for a middle watch.
Trellus Wednesday May 4th, 2005 10:20:23 PM
Trellus watches open-mouthed as the dragons drive off the monster pigs.
"Oh, that was totally waxed," he comments. "Truly"
The cleric still isn't too sure about this foreign food, and decides to stick with what he's got.
Trellus takes the late shift.
The journey continues (DM MikeK) Wednesday May 4th, 2005 10:31:26 PM
To Anuk, Grandma replies, Its a gas and an arcane spell combined together. We Bronzes don't like to kill if its not needed.
The Bloodpack gathers some extra food, and Gilan uses his recently acquired rod to preserve the goodberries further.
The night passes without incident. It is cool and clear and peaceful.
In the morning, they are off again. For several more days, the group journeys southward, flying by day and sleeping by night. Each island they stop at is teeming with ripened fruit and game. No one is hurting for food of any type. It as if the group is moving from one paradise to another to another to another.
The only damper on anyone's mood is a dark cloud that hangs on the southern horizon. It is black and ugly and it doesn't move. And since the dragons keep flying toward it, it is beginning to look like that cloud is dominating the landscape of their final destination.
[Spot and Listen checks please]
Mac d20+5=16 d20+1=17 Thursday May 5th, 2005 7:40:54 AM
[Spot:16, Listen:17]
During one of the evenings in amongst the nearly routine island hopping by Bronze Dragon, Mac asks Maurautanous, How many days are we from the Plains, and how many days in which direction would Heranmar and the Taur Isles be? Thinking not only of the place that he is beginning to call home, but both the journey he has taken to get there, and the journey he will one day need to take.
One morning Mac sits 'witness' to Trellus' prayers to Domi. After that is done and a long solemn silence, he speaks at barely above a murmur. There is a matter of a debt that I believe I owe to The Pack, the information owed to Valdor, and what I would like done if my life is permenantly taken from my body...
Tishe' Thursday May 5th, 2005 8:36:16 AM
The brown-haired woman stares grimly at the dark cloud on the horizon. "I hope that the Plains are not hurt by all we have seen." A wild thought goes through her mind. "What if these gardens of fruit are all over the Sargrass? Wouldn't that hurt the balance of the land?" She frets on and off about the possibility.
Until Mac gives her something else to think about. "We need to contact Valdor and tell him of the dragons!" she cries. "But, we're now many, many days from the Northern Continent. I know no magical pick to communicate that far."
With the closeness of the black cloud, Tishe' keeps her rain cloak about her. "Black clouds herald rain, after all." she says to no one in particular.
Jake d20+8=16 d20+8=24 Thursday May 5th, 2005 6:48:23 PM
"Rain? I would love to see that..." In his mind, Jake sees an image of an ocean...in the sky! Falling down on people, in little drops at a time. Having never seen an actual rainstorm before, he simply can't imagine it. "Why're they so dark, anyways? I mean, I never understood what clouds are. I'd only heard about them a little." He peers at the 'clouds', wonderingly. (Listen 16, Spot 24)
Trellus Thursday May 5th, 2005 7:50:33 PM
The cleric turns from his prayers one morning and sees Mac standing there. Trellus waits. This may be important, and can't be rushed.
Mac says something, but the young blond man can't make it out.
"Uh dude? Are you shady?" he asks quietly.
Gilan d20+8=28 d20+8=11 Thursday May 5th, 2005 10:00:57 PM
Gilan each morning goes through his morning prayers. This morning he moves back to the group, absently munching on one of his berries for breakfast. "Anyone want a berry...it will make you feel as if you have eat a full meal." He smiles to his fellow pack members.
He is often lost in thought these days. Mostly pondering the many things that he has seen and the question that was posed to him by Granma.
[Listen 28(natural 20) and Spot 11]
Tishe' (2nd Post) d20+3=12 d20+3=10 Friday May 6th, 2005 1:13:57 AM
While worrying about everything else, the small woman looks around at nothing in particular.
Spot: 12 Listen: 10
Mac (illegal 2nd post - conversation & no actions) Friday May 6th, 2005 3:11:45 AM
The taur nods. Shady... yes. Mostly. No. It is many things. He draws a long, deep breath - much like a long sigh in reverse. Heranmar - where I grew up - is right on the coast. I've seen storms that whips up the seas. But tha's somethin' else again. he says, staring straight out into the night black clouds. It bodes not at all well. And that's just one thing. He sits quietly and listens.
Anuk d20+11=18 d20+11=15 Friday May 6th, 2005 10:41:46 AM
Anuk spends his mornings a little lazily, as usual. He takes short walks after their rests, thinking and meditating (prepares entangle and jump each day).
Anuk accepts Gilan's offer of a berry "Delicious. Thank you, Gilan," he says as he savors the treat. Munching the treat and looking out on the dark cloud, he asks the druid, "Any ideas on what's happening out there? I hope that's not the Plains under that shadow."
Flea d20+9=18 d20+11=24 Friday May 6th, 2005 1:45:56 PM
Flea walks along the edge of the water on the beach of the latest island paradise. Her magic boots dangle from one hand as she combs the beach for interesting trinkets that might have been washed up by the sea. From time to time she looks towards the darkness on the horizon, her senses alert for danger. She remains quiet, keeping her own counsel.
Spot=18 Listen=24
ADM MikeS - Friday May 6th, 2005 7:05:22 PM
(ooc: MikeK has had a lot of extra work to do recently and asked that I step in for a few days.)
"We are still far from the place you call the Plains," Maurautanous tells Mac, "it will still be several days' journey if all goes well. However, we are nearly at the sea's end. We will soon be flying over land which is dangerous. There will be many days where we must travel after dark so as to avoid the gaze of those who would seek to harm us. As for Heranmar and the Taur Isles, my travels have not taken me there before...I am sorry to tell you I do not know how far they are or in which direction they lie."
The dark cloud on the southern horizon grows larger as the dragons approach, causing many of the pack members to wonder what it could be or might mean. Jake's keen eyes are the first to see that the dark mass is actually both a black cloud and a great mass of land shadowed underneath it. This is no island you're approaching, but something much larger -- perhaps even a continent . The black land and cloud soon stretch from one end of the horizon to the other. However, where you expect to see the sandy beaches and greenery found on the islands you have visited, there appears only to be a single mass of dark gray. Even the waters of the sea become murky and gray the closer you get to land. The air begins to stink of sulphur. Occasionally both Gilan and Flea hear distant rumbles -- was that thunder?
The dragons begin their descent and eventually land on a beach. Once you are at sea level, you realize that the gray mass you saw from the sky is actually a layer of dark ash covering everything as far as you can see. The stuff is nearly an inch thick on the sand of the beach, and it makes the water that washes up on shore black and grimy. Occasionally, flakes of ash continue to drift down from the black cloud. You can also see that whatever has caused the plentiful fruit trees to appear on the islands is also affecting this place -- underneath the layer of gray ash are more of the fruit-laden plants. Food, it appears, will not be a problem.
Grandma speaks to the pack. "We have reached the northernmost part of the continent where your home lies. The Plains are still many days' journey south of here. We will rest for a few days...the constant travel has been wearying. Glimmer, Maurautanous, and I will scout ahead. I do not know the source of all this ash and I wish to find out where it comes from before we travel further."
Once again the three dragons take to the skies and are quickly lost from sight in the gray twilight that surrounds you. It is difficult to tell what time of day it is, but your travel was the longest flight so far. It will soon be time to make camp. As before, the shoreline appears to be lined with trees marking the edge of a dense jungle.
Tishe' d20+5=17 d20+3=11 Saturday May 7th, 2005 3:23:23 AM
Many times since leaving the Plains has Tishe' been amazed; forests, mountains, Gargul, dragons, the endless seas attesting to how large the Wold actually is... it boggles the mind. And now a land of ash and gray, but with lush plants and fruit underneath. How has this come about?
Resting the day through, she thinks she has come up with an answer. "The only time I've seen ash at all is in the fire. With this much ash, that would be an enormous fire; and pretty recent if it hasn't hurt the plants below." (Know: Nature: 17) "Gilan, we should make sure the ash hasn't hurt the plants here before anyone eats the fruits."
As she helps Gilan (Survival assisting: 11) assess the fruits, she idly twirls a wavy lock of brown hair in an unconscious gesture and her brown eyes are alight with learning new things.
Jake Saturday May 7th, 2005 2:22:26 PM
"Hey, this ain't water!" Jake angrily hollers. "Goshdarnanframbulatins! Ah wanted ta see a rainstorm 'fore we up'n got back ta the plains. 'stead, we got dust here. Like that beach, all of it was sand..." He mumbles a few annoyances, picking up and sifting through some of the ashes. The lanky half-elf looks over at Flea, thinking about what she's said. He tries to wonder over the few times there'd be fires in the plains...what with the lack of water, he'd always wondered what would happen, and never really learned from the elders how they dealt with them.
Gilan d20+17=19 d20+18=27 d20+14=33 d20+8=28 d20+8=14 Saturday May 7th, 2005 8:57:50 PM
Gilan moves over to stand by Tishe' and nods in understanding. "Yes...if this is what I think it is the food maybe nonedible." He is quick to check everything out, taking bites but not swallowing of the nearest fruits and berries.
He takes the time to point out many things that he notices to Tishe' as he moves along. As he scoops up a handful of the soot that litters the ground he smells it and then gingerly tastes it. "Volcanic...I think." If the berries are ok then he will pick some more so that he can use his goodberry spell upon them.
[b]DM - How many days are suppose to have passed already. Trying to keep track of my goodberries and make more. :)
Graham Saturday May 7th, 2005 9:15:40 PM
2nd test post - please ignore again Sunday 11:16
Flea d20+13=29 d20+9=28 d20+11=28 Sunday May 8th, 2005 7:51:45 PM
Flea wears a troubled look on her face. She isn't too keen on the dragons just taking off without some sort of an agenda regarding their return. "Are we supposed to just sit and wait for them?" she whines, looking to Gilan and Trellus for guidance. The rogue eyes the lush vegetation (Search=29, Spot=28) and will point out anything of interest, to the others. She will walk along the edge, listening carefully (Listen=28) and make a report of anything she hears.
The rogue looks a little thinner than usual, not having adapted well to the travel by dragon and haven eaten mostly fruits during the past many days. The lack of clarity over their real destination, and her concern about the rumblings coming from the ominous darkness only add to her ill humour and crankiness.
If any of the pack attempt to engage her in conversation, her responses will be curt and abrupt.
Trellus d20=14 Monday May 9th, 2005 7:54:08 AM
Trellus looks about with growing concern and confusion.
To Flea, he merely answers - "I guess."
To Gilan, he asks "What's 'volcanic'?" although he's not real sure he wants to know.
The cleric tries to keep his misgivings to himself. Flea, Mac, Jake...the pack is getting warped, and somebody is gonna have to stay shady. And 'somebody is me. Light. Domi grant me the strength.
Trying to keep the tension out of his voice[bluff 14], Trellus makes his rounds about his friends, asking Grymash if he thinks there is some meat about, talking with Tishe and Gilan about the dust, encouraging Anuk to mess with Jake, and generally letting Flea have her space.
Anuk d20+11=22 d20+11=20 Monday May 9th, 2005 2:35:41 PM
Anuk shuffles through the ashes on the beach, kicking up a cloud of dust as he does so. After a moment he's coughing and sputtering. "Light--don't breathe this stuff in," he says through a fit of coughs and gasps. It takes him a moment to regain his composure.
Like everyone else, Anuk takes a moment to check out the new surroundings. Everyone seems a little on edge, and he's never sure what to do in those situations. So, taking the path of least resistance, he disappears for a bit just inside the jungle's edge to examine the plants and fruit he finds there.
spot 22, listen 20
Shades of Gray (ADM MikeS) Monday May 9th, 2005 3:16:43 PM
(ooc: it's been six days since the pack was on the island where Gilan's goodberry spell was cast.)
Tishe' and Gilan discuss the possible origins of all the ash, then they and Anuk test the fruit to see if it's edible or not. They discover that the fruit on the outer edges of the trees, where the ash rests, has become withered and inedible, but fruit found on branches deep within the trees remains relatively untouched and still perfectly edible. Clearly the ash has not been here long.
Flea makes an inspection of the place, finding ash, ash, and more ash, along with more vegetation. If anything, the bounteous fruit trees seem even more plentiful here than on the island. Flea's search also reveals that there seems to be no nearby source of drinkable water.
Jake looks at the filthy water and feels frustrated about never having experienced a real rainstorm, while Trellus does his best to keep the pack's spirits up, though nearly everyone seems to be in a somber mood.
The distant rumblings continue to roll through the gray sky, but otherwise the landscape seems oddly quiet. Most sounds seem muffled by the presence of all the ash. The sounds of jungle birds and animals die down almost as soon as they're made. Gilan, however, hears a sound that's differs from the others -- for a moment, he could swear he heard a high-pitched voice. Perhaps that of a child. And Flea briefly sees the reflection of a pair of eyes peering out from the darkness of the jungle trees a few feet into the foliage about 60 feet from where the pack is gathered on the beach.
The light fades further, and as the darkness begins to set in it becomes even more difficult to make out the differences between the different parts of the gray landscape that surrounds you.
Gilan Monday May 9th, 2005 7:55:09 PM
His head whips around as he could have sworn that he had heard a child's giggle. He scans the hungle and tries to hear it again but it seems to have gone now. With a last shake of his head he turns to Trellus and goes back to what he was saying. "I have read of this in books back in my original home...volcanoes are like large mountains with a core of molten rock. Sometimes pressure can build up inside and then it must find a way to release itself." He pinches some of the ash from the ground and runs it loosly through his fingers. "Usually the mountain blows and can send this stuff for hundreds of miles in all directions...could be more as I have never actually seen one." His voice takes on a sort of pure pleasure...err no it is a look of need. "It is one of nature's most greatest happenings."
Flea Monday May 9th, 2005 8:12:07 PM
Flea takes the edge of her crimson sash and holds it up to her nose and mouth in order to filter the air a little. Siddling up to Gilan, she removes her hand momentarily, and whispers, "I think I saw a little kid or something else small. There. Hiding in the bushes." The rogue points to where she last saw the eyes.
Trellus Monday May 9th, 2005 8:49:45 PM
Trellus gives Gilan the ol' Dude, you're interested in the brightest stuff Look, then just shakes his head and grins.
Flea comes by, but the cleric is still chuckling to himself and doesn't take the threat very seriously.
"Hey dude!" he calls out. "You in the woods. C'mon out. We're just visiting. Totally harmless. Truly."
Grymash Monday May 9th, 2005 10:24:46 PM "Gry not know 'bout whut Gilan says, but Gry think da ash come from fire ... an da smoke too!" The half-orc looks to everyone to see if they agree. He seems perplexed why Gilan doesn't know ash comes from fire. Maybe he got hurt back in the battle with the biguns?
Jake Monday May 9th, 2005 10:43:16 PM
"A kid?" Jake softly questions. He readies his shield with his left hand and nudges Trellus with his good right. "Ah'll go take a look, 'kay?"
Jake d20=11 d20+8=13 Monday May 9th, 2005 10:43:51 PM
(Btw, Spot 19, Listen 13, witht he +8 to my rolls, for Jake to find what's in the bushes...)
Anuk d20+11=26 d20+11=28 d20+9=14 Tuesday May 10th, 2005 12:57:13 PM
Anuk returns from checking the plants and fruit to see Flea pointing into the dense foliage. Following Jake, he draws his bow, but keeps the arrow tip pointed down. "Just in case it's something not too shady," he whispers to the half-elf.
Spt 26, Listen 28, Move Silently 14
Tishe' d20+3=22 d20+3=10 Tuesday May 10th, 2005 1:39:53 PM
The brown tressed woman is non-plussed at Gilan's casual remark. "Hundreds of miles. HUNDREDS?" And she mentally calculates how many days of sailing on the Sargrass would make 'hundreds' of miles. A low whistle is her answer.
Her mercurial curiosity doesn't let her ponder when there is another mystery about. "What would a child have picks so far from anywhere?" she wonders, "More like is a small humanoid like a halfling or pixie." She sobers and warns the others. "In any case, they should pretty much be able to take care of thier own threads, I'd wager."
She tries to see and hear through the lowering gloom
Spot 22 Listen 10
Mac d20+5=16 d20+1=10 Tuesday May 10th, 2005 5:24:50 PM Well, we shouldnae sleep in it. Mac walks a handfull of yards into the forest in search of one of a few good sized branches that may have fallen under the burden of inches of ash. [Spot:16, Listen:10] When he returns he begins to sweep an area of ash covered beach back to sand.
Come Out, Come Out, Wherever You Are...(ADM MikeS) Tuesday May 10th, 2005 9:58:36 PM
While Mac clears a camping spot and Gilan explains the idea of a volcano to Trellus and Grymash, Flea points out the location where she saw the eyes.
Trellus calls out for who or whatever it is to come out as Jake and Anuk move in for a closer look, keeping in mind Tishe's suggestion that it could be more than just a child.
As Anuk and Jake reach the jungle's edge, two small figures leap forward out of the darkness, brandishing small sharpened sticks. The taller of the two is about a foot higher than Flea and the other one is a good six inches shorter. Both are covered from head to toe in dark gray ash, making their eyes appear abnormally bright. They have matted hair and seem to be wearing only some kind of loincloths, though it's hard to tell with all the grime covering the two figures.
The taller of the two stops about 10 feet from Jake and waves the pointed end of the stick in the half-elf's direction. His voice is that of a young boy as he yells out "Hold your ground, strangers! Ummm...you'll not move closer or you'll face my spear!" He hesitates as he sees the figures of Grymash and Mac in the distance. "Wha- what do you...uh...want? We are the guardians of this village!"
"Yeah...guardians!" says the smaller one, her high-pitched voice clearly marking her as a girl. She waves her stick back and forth in what is apparently supposed to be a menacing fashion.
ADM MikeS Tuesday May 10th, 2005 10:02:03 PM
(ooc: Almost forgot - Grymash, please make a will save DC 12)
Gilan d20+14=18 Tuesday May 10th, 2005 10:51:58 PM
Gilan glances up at the sudden outburst from the jungle line. He takes in the two kids but with all that grime and ash it is hard to tell too much about them. Still he lets his memory wander to all the little tales of fey and the like that he has studied...maybe they fit.
Looking back to Tishe' as some of the others seem to be taking care of it, unless he remembers something important. "Yes and if it was...with the boom being able to be heard by us it was either close or big." He looks back to see how Jake is making out with the two kids, not wanting to startle them with a big crowd. "Of course this ash comes from a fire which has already been pointed out but it is just as dangerous if not more so than the lava that also comes out. I have read tales of something scholars call "lavabombs" that are molten on the inside and hard on the outside but can explode upon impact." Though he is talking about something dangerous he still has that intrigued look upon his face and he smiles at Trellus.
"I know...nature fascinates me...even the most dangerous things." He shrugs as if to say he cannot help it and most of his old packmates will know this to be true.
[knowledge(nature) 18*for fey and other nature related creatures*]
Flea Tuesday May 10th, 2005 11:35:13 PM
The gnome just stares at the little folks brandishing sticks. She nervously twists one of her new rings around her finger.
Trellus d20+6=19 Wednesday May 11th, 2005 11:51:00 AM
Trellus looks skeptically at the two intruders. You gotta be kidding
"Now hold on, dudes," he replies in his I'm a nice guy voice. "We just sorta ended up here. We're not gonna weave anything bad here."
He follows the gaze to Grymash and Mac. Not exactly the most peace loving looking dudes he admits to himself.
The cleric turns back to the little folk. "Truly. We're just stuck here awhile. We mean you no harm.
Uh, what village?"
[Diplomacy 19]
Tishe' Wednesday May 11th, 2005 1:07:44 PM
The brown eyes are bright with amusement as the children brandish thier sticks. The fact they are filthy only registers a little later.
"A village? And how many more of you are there, sweetie?"
Anuk d20=15 Wednesday May 11th, 2005 3:38:28 PM
Anuk relaxes on seeing the two "guards". After listening to them he puts his bow away and raises his hands into the air. Then he drops to one knee in order to be at eye-level with the children.
"Hey, you've got no problems here with us," he says, flashing a smile (diplomacy 15). "We're just wondering where we are, that's all."
Mac Wednesday May 11th, 2005 4:56:02 PM
With the camping area cleared, Mac lets Galea out to play - hoping against hope that she doesn't go playing and hiding in some many inch deep piles of ash.
Grymash d20+6=22 Wednesday May 11th, 2005 7:19:17 PM
(Will save 22)
Grymash's piercing gaze stares down at the fierce little guardians and their dire-looking pointy sticks.
His expression becomes very serious as a low growl grows deep in his throat. Then suddenly he couldn't hold it any longer. "Hahahahahaha ha ha ha ha uhh, hahahahahaha ... hee hee hee hee hee hee, ohh!! Make it stop, make it stop!! Hee hee hee!" Grymash continues to chuckle as he wipes away the tears.
(ADM MikeS) d20+1=21 Wednesday May 11th, 2005 10:31:17 PM
While Galea tumbles playfully through the dust on the beach near Mac and Gilan, the "showdown" near the jungle edge continues.
Clutching their sticks, the two children tremble as Gry pins them with his stare. At the sound of his growl, their eyes widen further. The shorter one shrieks, drops her stick and hides behind the taller one. "Griffin--make it stop!" she cries.
Clearly making a huge effort (will save 21), the taller one sets his legs in a wide stance, puffs out his small chest, points his stick at the huge half-orc and calls out in a quavering voice, "Leave us alone, monster!"
When Gry begins laughing, the young boy becomes confused. He looks warily to the faces of Trellus, Tishe', Jake, Flea and Anuk, his eyes darting back and forth between them. When they begin asking questions, all he can reply with is a nearly whispered, "Uhhhh....". He seems at a loss for words, but he continues to hold his stick fast and stand protectively in front of the girl.
(OOC: Spot and Listen checks, please.)
Jake d20+8=14 d20+8=14 d20+15=31 Thursday May 12th, 2005 12:47:36 AM
Jake has held back, unsure how to talk to these kids, letting Trellus take the initial step. Or are they kids...they could be Flea's relatives, he realizes. He walks over slowly, slouching and casual. "Aww, shucks," he drawls disarmingly, as the one shivers protectively in front of the girl, "don't worry about Grymash. And hey, we won't hurt ya little guys." Jake stretches relaxedly, to show that he's really at ease and not tense (while at the same time keeping his senses tuned for other halflings, Spot 14, Listen 14), he then crouches in front of the little guy with the stick to be eye-level. "Griffin, is it? Mah name's Jake, an' we all 're outta Rattledam. That tusky guy is Grymash, and we call our big fellow there Mac, Trell over here's our leader mosta the time, this here natureboy's Gilan, here's mah friend Anuk, an' the two gals are Tishe and Flea." He extends a hand to shake slowly. "Now, ah know y'all prob'ly don't get many visitors around here, but we're just a-passin' through. We're headed home to a place called the Plains, a land of grasses taller than trees. We don't wanna get into any fights with anyone, if ya want, we'll stay here on the beach. But if ya need some help, well, part of what we do when we're travelin' around is helpin' friendly folks; so far while away from home we've saved a couplea dwarves and helped transport a dragon-kid to his family. So, if y'all need some help, ya can feel free to ask, otherwise we won't, y'know, bug ya." Jake stays as he is, watching the youth for his response.
(Diplomacy 31. First time I've ever gotten to use this particular skill for the recalcitrant Jake...since he's a half-elf, got a good charisma, full ranks in it for picking up women, and a magic hat to boot, he's just plain awesome at that skill.)
Tishe' d20=7 Thursday May 12th, 2005 1:25:35 PM
The brown-haired woman stands in awe at her packmate (Diplomacy: 7) Jake has always been nice, taking things easy, but this time he is exuding so much charisma he is practically glowing.
"wow."
Gilan d20+8=28 d20+8=28 Thursday May 12th, 2005 1:58:55 PM
Gilan glances over to the two young people and shakes his head as Gry growls and then laughs. He stays seated as he keeps his ears and eyes open. A village of some kind had been mentioned and that could mean trouble as more could be lurking around, still he stayed relaxed.
Looking to Trellus he nods his head in the direction of the two kids. "Maybe they could use something to eat and a little clean water...I am not above sharing what I have if they would like." He dives into his pack and pulls out a waterskin, hard bread, some hard cheese and some of the fruit he had gathered before. "It all appears to be in good condition."
[listen 28*natural 20* and spot 28*natural 20*]
Well, there go my future combat rolls. :)
Flea d20+9=24 d20+11=13 Thursday May 12th, 2005 4:33:02 PM
Flea tries to look past the small-fry, since Jake and the others seem to have things well in hand.
Spot=24 Listen=13
Anuk Thursday May 12th, 2005 4:48:21 PM
Anuk stammers, trying to come up with something to say to the children to calm them down. Jake's sudden persuasive friendliness surprises Anuk not so much for it's perfect timing, but for it's sincerity.
"Jake, I've never seen you use that on anyone but girls before. And you almost look like you mean it this time," he says, grinning at his friend.
Trellus d20+8=27 d20+8=19 Thursday May 12th, 2005 5:01:32 PM
Trellus gives Jake a sideways look, and mentally files that little talent under "Picks Jake can weave, if I can get him to want to help" It does explain his ability with the girls, he admits.
Since his elf buddy seems to have covered it nicely, Trellus shuts up and waits to see what happens.
Listen 27 Spot 19
Mac d20+1=8 d20+5=13 Thursday May 12th, 2005 6:30:21 PM
[Listen:8, Spot:13]
Keeping one eye and ear on the kids, Mac watches Galea's antics.
(ADM MikeS) Friday May 13th, 2005 1:18:31 AM
When Griffin hears Jake's soothing tone, he calms down a bit and lowers his stick. The half-elf is even able to coax a smile out of the apparently human boy. "It won't hurt us then?" he asks, casting a sidelong glance at Grymash.
Griffin doesn't seem too interested in Gilan's offer of food, but he greedily slurps up the water offered, then hands what's left in the skin to the little girl. "It's water, Bek...real water," he tells her. She takes the skin and drinks as eagerly as he did.
Griffin turns to Jake. "Ever since the sky fell down a few days ago," he says, indicating the ash everywhere, "we've had no real water to drink. We get lots of juice from the fruits that grew up through our village here the next day, but no water." He takes the waterskin back from the little girl and tries to squeeze out a few more drops, but no water remains. Disappointed, he returns the skin to Gilan. "Thank you."
At that moment, Trellus hears sounds of movement coming from the foliage -- something is moving quickly toward the pack. Flea sees the silhouette of a grown human-sized figure stopping just inside the darkness created by the trees. A male voice calls out, "What are you doing with my children?!"
Only Gilan notices the other eight shadowy figures with bows and arrows drawn spread out along the jungle's edge on either side of the speaker. He can see that each arrow is aimed at a different pack member.
Trellus d20+6=9 Friday May 13th, 2005 10:20:43 AM
Trellus looks up, annoyed at the man's tone.
"We're giving them water," he snaps back. "If you're a bit more shady, we might give you some."
[Diplomacy 9]
Tishe' Friday May 13th, 2005 1:29:46 PM
Tishe' may not be the most sensitive person when it comes to personal interaction, but she thinks the man must be concerned for the kids' safety and not really hostile. Certainly the mage would be concerned if strangers were around piggies she loved.
"We're all shady here. Don't have any picks with you, just weaving time with the piggies!" she calls out reassuringly.
Gilan Friday May 13th, 2005 3:24:59 PM
Gilan glances to Trellus and shakes his head. A little louder so that those closest to him can hear he speaks up. "Keep your hands away from weapons and try to be a little friendlier...he has friends with bows and I do not want to be a pincushion." He looks back to Trellus with a look of exasperation. "You need to be a little more careful there."
He looks back to the man as he puts the skin back into his pack and pulls out another. "Hear that you have not had real water for awhile...would you be willing to share what I have left and talk?" With a thought he smiles to the man and invites him to sit by him if he wishes. "I you have storage containers I would not mind supplying you with water...maybe that in trade for information?" Diplomacy is not his fortay and he would not even try, he just speaks to the man as someone that is worried about his kids and maybe in charge at this village mentioned. "If you do not mind I have another skin of water here...may I give it to your son and daughter if they are still thirsty?"
Anuk Friday May 13th, 2005 9:00:16 PM
While Trellus is talking, Anuk reaches slowly into his backpack and pulls out his own waterskin.
"Want some more?" he offers to the two kids.
Mac - 60' Darkvision d20+5=25 d20+5=19 Saturday May 14th, 2005 4:25:02 AM
Nodding to Gilan and scooping up Galea, Mac takes a more careful look into the shadows of the trees. [Spot:25 - Nat.20] "They might not take kindly to their bairns being called 'piggies', though I hope they realise we mean them and their kin no insult nor harm." Mac looks again over to the children, hoping to discern some family resemblance. [Spot: 19] Continuing to scritch under the kitten's chin, he make no motion towards the weaponry by his backpack.
Who Are You? (ADM MikeS) Saturday May 14th, 2005 2:06:27 PM
Taking a cue from Gilan, Mac looks more intently at the treeline and sees the outlines of the figures standing silently but with weapons poised.
The center figure steps forward into what's left of the light. He is a middle-aged man with black and gray hair. Like the children, he is filthy - covered in soot from head to toe. He wears a tunic and sandals, but is otherwise unarmored. Griffin sees him and calls out, "Father! They have water with them!"
"So I hear," says the man. "Come here, children." The two youngsters run to his side. Bek, the younger one, stays behind the man, occasionally peeking out at Grymash with wide eyes.
He turns to Trellus. "When my children are in danger, I will speak to you in what manner seems best to me. Life in our village has turned upside down in the last few days. The sky is always thick with smoke...ash covers everything we have...trees have grown through our homes...we hear voices in the forest at night. An hour ago winged monsters flew overhead. But you are the first strangers we have seen since these ill signs have come to pass."
He looks over the pack for a moment, then makes a motion with his hand. The eight men step forward from the trees, lowering their weapons.
"Your offer of water is kind and I want to believe you mean to harm us. Our cleric died and we have no wizards or druids in our village. With all this ash, we have had no clean water to drink. I am Halnir and this is...was...the village of Sipton. Is there any help we can offer to you in exchange for the water?"
Trellus Saturday May 14th, 2005 9:11:08 PM
Trellus' head drops, and his cheeks flush with embarrassment. Waxed pick dude he sarcastically berates himself.
Looking up, the cleric answers. "Sorry dude. Its been a strange day for us too. We don't need anything in exchange, we'll be happy to help."
He steps forward, extending a hand. "I'm Trellus of Rattledam, priest of Domi. These are my packmates. How can we help you?"
Jake Saturday May 14th, 2005 10:58:01 PM
Jake moves back from his position to beside and slightly behind Trellus. Lack of water...that's always a problem with Rattledam, too. The secret, he thinks to himself, was under the ground, wasn't it? He nudges Gilan and speaks softly to him, "Hey, if they can't find any water, and everything's covered in ash, do ya think there'd still be fresh water underground? Do ya have a way of findin' it?" But then a thought hits him. "If we dig too deep, will we hit the ocean...or, um, will the entire island sink?"
Grymash Sunday May 15th, 2005 3:02:52 AM
Grymash looks dead serious during the whole introduction. The visor of his horned helmet casts a shadow across his face. Only the reflection of light gleams off his glassy eyes. He doesn't say a word. He just stands there with his muscles tense and solid like a statue. It's fortunate for these stick chuckers that Trellus, Gilan and Jake are good with the happy words, the half orc thinks.
Grymash pulls off his helmet and hands it and his double axe to Trellus. "Weez got more than dat!!" He removes his haversack and pulls out a keg of water. "Will dis be nuff for everyones ta wet der tongues?"
Tishe' Sunday May 15th, 2005 3:01:58 PM
The young woman's heart goes out to these hard working villagers who have had a terrible string of luck. She heartily agrees with Trellus that there doesn't need to be any talk of payment. "I don't have the right spells today, but I can be ready to create water tomorrow."
"And perhaps there are other things that we can do to help clear some of this ash and make the lives of the people better?"
Flea Monday May 16th, 2005 1:24:59 AM
A troubled looks crosses the rogue's face when her packmates start giving away all their water, after the strangers tell them of their plight. When Tishe' volunteers her magic for the morrow, Flea relaxes a little.
Unconsciously she rubs the place on her chest where the red gem is now embedded.
Anuk Monday May 16th, 2005 10:45:53 AM
Anuk looks from his small waterskin to Gry's keg. "Yeah...that oughta just about do it."
Halnir's Story (DM MikeK) Monday May 16th, 2005 8:38:23 PM
The Bloodpack quickly offers water to the men and the village. Grymash produces an entire keg, which rapidly changes the young Bek's opinion of the large half orc.
"Father, he's got a whole barrel of water!" the boy points out, in an awed voice.
"I see it," the man answers. "Why don't you two go tell mother? We'll be along in a bit." [Sense Motive DC 12 to understand the man is more interested in getting his kids out of the area than actually relying upon them to deliver a message]
The man watches the kids run off, and several of the shadows disappear to keep an eye on them. He turns back to Gilan. "Thank you for the water. But I ain't sure it'll do much more than drag things out."
He looks down, ashamed. And embarrassed of his shame.
"There's a lake overlooking the village. We've told the kids its too dirty. It's a bit dirty, but that ain't the problem. A bunch of trees grew up. Overnight. Dammed up the river just like that." He snaps his fingers.
"Priest went up there. Cleric of Domi too. He never came back. Couple of men went after him, an' they never came back either. Then me an a couple dozen guys went after them."
Halnir looks up, face pale at the memory. "Trees surround the lake now. A ring maybe 60 feet deep. Darn near see the water on the other side. We took three steps into that ring an' a high voice says 'Stop'. An I say, 'we're looking for some folks'. An it says, 'they tried to get water' An I say, 'well where is they now?' An then the head of our priest comes bouncing along the roots and stops at my feet."
Halnir looks back to the ground. "Well, we run and ain't been back."
He continues in a whisper, almost to himself, "all we gotta do is break that dam."
Gilan Monday May 16th, 2005 9:40:04 PM
Gilan looks to Trellus and the rest of the pack as he tries to not speak for all of them. "It maybe that we should help before we move on...the man is right, what little water that we could provide would be gone in maybe a week." He looks more towards Trellus as he talks, but he does glance around to the others. "I don't think it would hurt to at least check it out...but I do not speak for anyone but myself in this." He looks back to the man and nods his head in understanding. "I will at least follow you to your village and make sure you have water for awhile...more I cannot do unless our pack is unanimous." Waiting he looks to see what the others have to say. He is sure that Gry will jump at the chance, especially since a chance to prove himself in battle is present or at least looks that way.
Flea Monday May 16th, 2005 10:17:31 PM
Flea listens to the man's tale, then pipes up, "isn't there some other place you could go? Another village, or something?"
The rogue worries that even with a source of water, the future of these folks is grim. She stares up at the dirty grey sky.
Grymash Tuesday May 17th, 2005 1:03:25 AM "Whut da problem. Gry an Mac can cut down tree wit da axes, easy greazy! Like slicin' up warm nutty dodder curdles." Suddenly Grymash feels hungry.
Mac d20+1=15 Tuesday May 17th, 2005 8:16:20 AM "What could so desperately need a lakeful of water that it couldn't spare any, and would kill to protect it?" He turns to Gry, and then to Halnir [b]"We could remove the trees, but I think that the trees aren't the real problem here. Looks like there will have to be some more talking - up there." he states, not entirely sure where the village and the lake are, but confident they will see them soon enough.
[Sense Motive:15]
Trellus d20+4=7 Tuesday May 17th, 2005 11:59:23 AM
Still stewing about his last bright comment, Trellus doesn't notice the man's move to get his kids clear. So, the little speech comes as a bit of a surprise. [Sense Motive 7]
The blond man blinks at Halnir's story, and pauses a moment to get his bearings. By then, Gilan has finished speaking, and the cleric finds himself nodding along in agreement. Unlike his friend, Trellus has no problem speaking for group.
"Truly," he adds on after Mac. "Let's get up there and help these dudes out."
In an aside to Flea he adds, "These dudes are just like folks back home. Its their village. They've too much time in it to leave. The village is their identity, their strength." Trellus thinks a bit more. "Besides, look at this place. Where are they gonna go?"
Tishe' Tuesday May 17th, 2005 12:27:20 PM
Twirling a wavy brown lock of hair around one finger, Tishe' frowns at the man's story. "Someone is using the power of nature to be a bully," she states. "That alone would get my agreement to help these shady people. They are only trying to weave thier own tapestry in peace. I think the Wold Mother needs some help as much as the villagers."
Tishe' suggests to get a good night's rest before tackling the problem of the water in the morning.
Anuk d20+2=16 d20+11=16 d20+11=29 Tuesday May 17th, 2005 4:19:31 PM
Hearing of the extent of the problem faced by the strangers, Anuk wonders aloud "I imagine having the dragons back would help. Wonder when they'll return?"
He looks skyward for any signs of their friends.
(sense motive 16, spot 16, listen 29)
A Drink for Sipton (DM MikeK) Tuesday May 17th, 2005 8:55:58 PM
Halnir searches the faces of the Bloodpack, searching for something that will tell him these strangers are capable of backing up their offer of help. He pauses for a moment on the massive axe of Grymash warm nutty dodder curdles??
As Halnir evaluates them, Anuk recalls the dragons saying they would not likely return for a couple more days.
Nodding his head slowly, the dirt covered man meets your eyes. "Thank you again. Come on, I'll show you what's left."
Halnir turns and leads the group along a ash covered game path. After a few hundred yards, the party comes to a clearing. Sort of. The village of Sipton extends for a quarter mile along a dry, dust covered riverbed. It consists of perhaps twenty buildings. Several of the buildings have enormous, ash covered oak trees growing out of them. It looks as if someone planted a seed in their kitchen, only to have a 60 foot high tree spring out of the ground.
A watermill and a couple wooden docks extend over the riverbank, mute testimony that the twenty foot wide bed very recently held water.
The villagers are standing in the square, silently watching the approaching heroes. There are about 90 souls. They are covered in dirt and ash, only the whites of their eyes break up the monochromatic look of the place. The people look at the Bloodpack, and say nothing. They just stand and watch.
Halnir steps forward, and addresses his neighbors. "This is Trellus, a priest of Domi. And his friends. They have some water to share with us. Send the little ones first."
The people come forward. Slowly. They do not push, or fight, or struggle. The children come with cups, drink, and then pass the cups to older siblings and parents, who also drink. In no time at all, Grymash's keg is empty, and the people still watch.
On the far side of the village, a road extends a half mile through farmlands teeming with ash covered fruits and grains. The road ends at a green woodline. No ash covers those trees.
Gilan d20+14=31 d20+8=23 d20+13=18 d20+8=11 d20+18=27 Tuesday May 17th, 2005 11:28:11 PM
Gilan watches the faces of the people and shakes his head. His heart is hurting at the way they stand and watch...it is all he can do to keep from crying himself. When the water is gone he looks around and then speaks to the leader of this village. "Do you have other clean large containers to hold water in...I can get you near to sixteen gallons of water...fresh and clean for drinking and cooking." He waits to see if they can supply him with at least part of what he asks for and then he will cast his create water spell...he will of course fill back up the keg of Gry's as well.
Looking to the line of trees that are not covered in ash he wanders that way to have a look. "Did you clean off these fruit bearing trees?" He also takes note of the trees that have grown in the middle of some of the houses. "May I also have a look at the trees that grow within?"
*checking to see if the trees are natural, he will also check to see if any magic lingers near them and what kind*
Flea d20+9=10 d20+11=16 Wednesday May 18th, 2005 12:35:50 AM
Flea wanders off towards the area marked by the trees that are free of ash. Her curiousity gets the better of her, and she isn't particularly mindful of her surroundings.
Spot=10 (nat 1) Listen=16
Grymash Wednesday May 18th, 2005 7:36:42 AM
Grymash doesnt know what to say. Things look pretty bleak. I guess they need to find the beater going around planting trees everywhere. A tree in a house, how stupid!
Tishe d20+5=7 d20+5=25 d20+8=12 Wednesday May 18th, 2005 2:43:17 PM
[OOC: Grymash, great post! Laughed for all of my 5 minute fix!]
The plain-looking mage's heart goes out to these villagers; taking whatever comes and making the best of it. It's NOT FAIR! A very stubborn look comes over her and her brown eyes flash.
While the children line up, she weaves a white spell with her rod in one hand, and uses her prestidigitation to clean the children. Going into a house, she begins cleaning the ash out of there as well. "They may have dust everywhere else, but we can give them a clean place to sleep!"
While cleaning she looks around trying to make sense of the trees.
Spot: 7 Listen: nat 20 Knowledge Nature: 12
Spells Prestidigitation, Extended [2 hours]
Trellus Wednesday May 18th, 2005 3:41:24 PM
Trellus looks at the villagers. Tries to say something, stops, and looks again. Sweet Domi, help them! he cries silently.
At Gilan's words, the cleric nods emphatically. "I can give you sixteen more. And tomorrow..." He meets Gilan's eyes. "Tomorrow we'll really start weaving."
In concert with his friend, Trellus casts Create Water and fills every recepticle he can find.
Jake d20+15=23 Wednesday May 18th, 2005 3:56:08 PM
Jake takes in the villagers and their plea quietly, staying in the background. When they arrive in town, he takes in the ash-streaken and dust-smoted buildings, and their inhabitants, with a bit of quiet interest. Inwardly amazed at the amount of dust here, he wonders worriedly about what might have happened to Rattledam if, well, the grasses grew way high, or something. For once, he wonders if this abundance of nature thing might not be so great... Then his eyes take in one or two of the ash-covered women of the town and an upward twitch comes to his lips. Even at their dirtiest, a bit of their beauty shines through, to the half-elf's keen and discerning eyes. Whether married or not, the half-elf wastes no time in being charitable to these ones. As the others gather around for water, he inevitably finds his way over to stand near a pair of the most attractive women of the town. After Grymash has given the children all of his water, he pulls out a waterskin of his own, and offers it to one of the two ash-covered beauties.. "Here, ah'm not thirsty," he smiles, throwing her a charming smile, and inwardly reflects, at least, not thirsty for water. He talks to the two of them softly, while no doubt most of the rest of the town glances at him but he pays no heed. He keeps his voice just soft enough that only they can hear him well. "So, mah name's Jake O'Connell. Ah know your chief is named Halnir, and this village is Septon, but ah'm afraid ah don't have the privelege of knowing the name of Septon's most precious pair of treasures; two valuable jewels whose beauty is beyond compare...you two," he confirms, smiling at them. (Diplomacy 23 for the initial wooing...tempted to spend a hero point to reroll that... :P )
Anuk d20+13=20 d20+11=22 d20+11=16 d20+9=28 Wednesday May 18th, 2005 7:52:32 PM
Anuk spends time with the children of the village, playing a few games and trying to help them feel more cheerful. While Gilan and Trellus begin creating water, Anuk follows Flea out to the trees not covered with ash, searching for clues and explanations as to what caused this extreme growth, as well as food for the pack and the villagers.
Survival 20, spot 22, listen 16, search 28
The wood (DM MikeK) Wednesday May 18th, 2005 8:59:45 PM
The villagers quickly leave and return with a startling assortment of buckets and jars. Their collection easily captures all 32 gallons of water created by Gilan and Trellus. [Grymash's keg is still empty]
Between the water, and Tishe's whirlwind of cleaning, the villagers loosen up and begin talking with one another and the group.
Gilan receives permission to investigate the trees in one of the houses. He and Tishe see no evidence of anything unnatural. Its an oak. The druid figures its about 60 years old. Other than the fact that it wasn't there last week, there's nothing unusual about it at all.
Jake finds one of his marks is married, and would like to stay that way. So would her husband, who quickly joins the little party. The other girl, however, shows some real promise.
All the party hears that the ash fell from the sky about a day after a loud flash and boom was seen/heard to the south. Not surprisingly, the timing of that episode matches the flash/boom experienced by the Bloodpack while battling the giants.
In between the explosion and the ash rain, the trees grew up into the houses. The timing of this event coincides with the appearance of the garden.
Halnir calls for Anuk and Flea to take care. "Them's the trees blocking up the lake," he tells them. "Sprang up a couple days ago."
As Anuk and Flea approach the wood, the ranger notes the fields to either side of the road are overflowing with ripened produce, just like the islands he recently visited. The difference is the melons and berries and grains are covered in about an inch of dust. Still, it should be possible to brush them off and eat them. And it appears that's just what the villagers have been doing.
The wood itself appears unremarkable. It is composed of fully mature oaks, maples, ashes, walnuts, and birch. Again, the only thing odd about it is it wasn't there last week.
Tishe' Thursday May 19th, 2005 1:19:09 PM
After her spell has run its course, Tishe' has no magical means of assistance, but she will help as she is able.
She is undoubtedly dirtier by the time the 'pack settles down for dinner and planning, but she is alive with curiosity at how they will be able to help the villagers.
Anuk Thursday May 19th, 2005 2:50:51 PM
When Flea is ready, Anuk returns to the pack to report their findings and deliver some fruit he gathered. "Whole lotta trees out there...some shady fruit trees like everywhere else, but the trees surrounding the lake are like the ones coming up through the village houses. No fruit, but they're big. I was thinking maybe I'll climb one of the outer ones in the morning to see how big the forest is. Maybe help us weave our next pick."
Standing by Thursday May 19th, 2005 9:17:36 PM
Waiting for some more posts....
Jake Friday May 20th, 2005 1:07:14 AM
Jake leads Trellus on over to the side. "Okay...in the morning, we tackle those woods, right? Great. In the meantime, ah've got some business ta do...ah'll meetch'all in the morning." And Jake takes off. He's wanting to show the girl he's met the unique glass grass drink...as well as learn more about the island's beauty... Nothing like a tropical island vacation.
Mac d20+5=12 d20+5=13 d20+5=20 d20+5=21 d20+5=7 Friday May 20th, 2005 4:22:43 AM
"Day or night is fine by me. Let me know what I can do... has anyone tried felling one of these new trees?" If none has, Mac sets about finding a suitable tree with the villagers help (so it is unlikely to fall on something valuable) an sets about dropping one of them before spending the first part of the night seeing what happens.
[PHB3.5, pg165: Vulnerability to Certain Attacks; - DM's call]
Attacking once per round and keeping a full move action up his sleeve to get out of the tree's way (just in case), and with the normal Hardness, HP/", Damage and PA in play (target has AC:1 or there abouts), Mac carves through about 2' 4.5" of lumber per minute.
Once he completes the task, Mac takes up a position about 20' from the stump and felled tree, and watches to see if the magics bring regrowth to the tree. Spot Checks at regular intervals: 12, 13, 20, 21 & 7
Tishe' d20+15=25 d20+15=33 d20+15=35 d20+13=29 d20+13=17 d20+13=23 d20+13=32 d20+13=15 d20+13=24 Friday May 20th, 2005 3:30:10 PM
While waiting, the brown-haired mage looks over her spellbooks, happy to know the long dragon-journey gave her time to scribe spells...
Trellus Friday May 20th, 2005 4:31:10 PM
Trellus looks at Jake and sighs theatrically. "Try not to catch anything serious," he jokes with a smile.
To all his says, "Let's get some shuteye, and go clear out them woods in the morning. Gilan don't forget to ask for a bunch of Water Creation spells tomorrow."
The young man asks around for a place the group can crash, and assigns watches: Mac and Tishe, Flea and Anuk, Trellus and Grymash, Gilan and Jake - and be back in time to weave your turn, he warns his friend.
Morning (DM MikeK) Friday May 20th, 2005 10:46:34 PM
Mac decides to investigate a tree by chopping it down. The villagers point out one that grew up near a house but not actually inside it, and invite him to help himself. The minotaur makes like Paul Bunyan, and in no time at all, the tree comes crashing to the ground. Mac waits around for something interesting to happen, but nothing does. The tree stays down. Nothing grows from the stump. No bolts from the blue appear to zap him. Nothing at all.
Jake decides to spend the night doing what he does best.
Trellus asks for a place to spend the night, and the Bloodpack ends up in a mostly destroyed house. But it keeps out the wind, and after a couple weeks of camping on beaches, at least there is a floor.
Watches are posted, but the night passes without incident.
Morning dawns. The stump is still just a stump. And the Bloodpack sets about to prepare their assault upon the tree dam.
Tishe successfully copies all spells, with the exception of Haste, into her spell book. That one is still on the scroll (DC 18). All other spells have disappeared from the parchment.
Jake Sunday May 22nd, 2005 12:08:31 PM
Jake actually missed his watch... He's glad no one notices, as he comes in just two minutes before the end of his watch and acts like he was there the whole time. But he still feels pretty guilty about it...
As it is, in the morning, he's feeling great though. He does some of his usual exercises with the hoop, and jokingly offers some locals a try... He promises the smaller ones if he has time, he'll make a lot thinner, lighter ones for them to practice with.
Then he puts on his gear and gets ready to head out. Man, it's hot in this stuff, he thinks to himself..
Grymash Monday May 23rd, 2005 3:13:53 AM
After his morning prayers, Grymash seems eager to test his new admantine double axe on the trees.
Trellus Monday May 23rd, 2005 9:51:12 AM
Trellus notices Jake missed his watch, cause the the dude was supposed to relieve him. The cleric pulls a double watch, and glares at the elf when he comes back.
But, by then its morning, and the blond youth has to make his morning devotions to Domi. And by the time he's finished, his mind has already moved on to the tasks of the day. Jake has escaped again....
Spell List -
0 - Create Water (x5), Detect Magic 1 -- Comprehend Languages, Endure Elements, Bless, Prot from Evil, Remove Fear, Command 2 - Hold Person, Silence, Spiritual Weapon (x2) 3 - Dispel Magic, Invisibility Purge, Prayer, Searing Light 4 -- Air Walk, Freedom of Movement, Sending
Flea Monday May 23rd, 2005 12:25:43 PM
With a sigh, Flea collects some of the fruit from near the strange trees, and brings it back to the ruined house provided for the group by the villagers. She leaves the food where others can help themselves. The gnome eats a little. Just enough to satisfy her hunger, while she dreams of a roast joint of beef, cheeses, and bread.
After an uneventful watch, Flea makes ready to follow her party into the great unknown.
Tishe' Monday May 23rd, 2005 3:20:54 PM
The young spellweaver takes the rosy dawn in silence and curled up under an oak tree with her spellbook; content with all the magic about her.
Once spells are ready, she ensures weapons are likewise oiled and functioning before joining her pack and waiting for the plan to go into the wood.
Anuk Monday May 23rd, 2005 4:49:22 PM
Anuk wakes up when the sun hits his eyes through a hole in the roof. He blinks rapidly and sits up groggily, getting his bearings. "Oh yeah...the house...the village...guess it's time to get goin'..."
After inspecting his pack and other gear, Anuk spends some time alone in the nearby grove of fruit trees, eating some breakfast and meditating.
(prepares entangle, jump)
The Wood (DM MikeK) Monday May 23rd, 2005 8:37:38 PM
Morning has come, and the Bloodpack prepares for the day. Spells are learned. Fasts are broken. Small kittens are played with.
Halnir is waiting as the packmates emerge from their resting place. He walks with them toward the forest. At the edge of town, the villagers have erected a large empty wooden basin. It could easily hold Mac and Gry within its confines.
"We use it for wine making," Halnir explains. He looks about in embarrassment. "We, uh... we was wondering if maybe you could fill it up first?" The man scratches a cheek, uncomfortable with making this last request, but making it all the same.
Once the basin is dealt with, the wood remains...
Jake Tuesday May 24th, 2005 9:40:18 AM
Jake makes the calm, time-taking process of getting into his armor and checking all his weapons, sharpening and polishing where necessary. He hums somewhat offkey as he goes along.
Anuk Tuesday May 24th, 2005 11:39:14 AM
Anuk peeks over the edge of the basin and gives a low whistle. "Wine, eh? Hey, Jake...imagine how much glass grass could fit this thing..."
Trellus (Magic Vestment) Tuesday May 24th, 2005 2:13:18 PM
Trellus looks at the basin, back at Halnir, back at the basin.
"Doesn't like our odds much, does he?" he comments to Gilan. The cleric casts five consecutive Create Water spells, dumping 80 gallons of water into the basin.
That chore done, he leads the group up to the treeline. "So, do we try and talk with somebody, or do we just start cutting wood and see who tries to stop us?" Based on the irritated man's tone, its pretty easy to tell he'd prefer Option B.
But before that, he'll pull out a Rod and cast a protective spell on his shield [Magic Vestment (extended)].
Tishe' Tuesday May 24th, 2005 3:00:57 PM
With Trellus and Gilan able to provide much more water than she can, the average-looking woman concentrates on things that she can do best. Holding her magical rod, she weaves an extended Mage Armor about her. She also weaves an extended See Invisibility spell. "If there is anything invisible, I'll be able to pick it", she tells her pack.
"I vote to ask politely", she tells Trellus, "perhaps we can find the reason for the dam without destroying things we know little about?"
Spells Mage Armor [Extended] 10 hours +4 AC See Invisible [Extended] 100 minutes
Mac Tuesday May 24th, 2005 4:52:07 PM "I 'ave to agree with Tishe' - talk first."
Grymash Tuesday May 24th, 2005 7:12:45 PM "Whuh?! Yooz all think da biggie trees will tries an eats ya? Thays be plants ... too stupid ta do anythings!"
Hello? Anybody home? (DM MikeK) Tuesday May 24th, 2005 8:22:39 PM
Gilan and Trellus fill up the basin with water, while the others prepare for battle. Once the water creating spells are expended, the pack covers the rest of the distance to the woodline.
At the suggestion of Mac and Tishe, Gilan calls a few "hello"s at the woods.
There is no response.
The friends are some 60' from the towering trees, with little but grass in the intervening space. To the right is the dry streambed. At the intersection of treeline and riverbed, the trees become larger and more tightly intertwined. It is easy to see how a few rows of trees could easily block up the lake behind them.
Gilan d20+8=23 d20+8=23 Tuesday May 24th, 2005 11:01:05 PM
Gilan looks around the wooded area and shakes his head. "No answer to our hellos...do you think that maybe a different language would be more useful?" He will call out in not only elven but sylvan as well to see if he can get an answer.
He looks over the trees as he tries to make heads or tails out of what is going on here.
[spot 23 and listen 23]
I am alright with the summoning of creatures and figure that I had at least four create waters to use. Will put a spell list up with my next post, have to look up my character sheet again. My old computer got fried and I am using our old dinosaur.
Flea d20+13=20 d20+9=20 Tuesday May 24th, 2005 11:51:17 PM
Flea rubs her nose and looks about. "With all this wild food and stuff, there's bound to be critters about," Flea thinks to herself scanning the environs for some small burrowing mammal she may be able to echange 'words' with.
Search=20 Spot=20
Jake Wednesday May 25th, 2005 1:40:32 AM
"Okay, guys, here's a plan... Y'all let me get attacked. Ah mean, let's face it, whenever Gry or Mac is in front, they get hammered pretty near death, but ah've got mah fancy new armor on, and ah'm bettin' no plant can get through it." Jake pats his full plate with his big ol' shield to accent his point, and looks to see what the others think. "Ah mean, lemme just y'know, stumble on up. Ah'll be fine with a few weaves."
Tishe' Wednesday May 25th, 2005 3:18:14 PM
The mage shrugs. Someone has to go in first, and Jake is probably the best one to go and not get hurt. Just the same, she gets ready to back him up.
Keeping her crossbow at the ready, she scans the trees for movement or invisible creatures. "First thing that pokes a weapon at one of my packmates gets webbed to a tree.", she growls.
Spells Mage Armor [Extended] 10 hours +4 AC See Invisible [Extended] 100 minutes
Anuk d20+11=29 d20+11=12 Wednesday May 25th, 2005 6:15:57 PM
Anuk ranges along the edge of the treeline again, looking for any signs of life within. He does not enter the forest itself, though.
Spot 29, Listen 12 (nat 1, ugh)
Grymash Wednesday May 25th, 2005 7:43:53 PM
Grymash takes his double axe in hand and heads for the the nearest tree. "Yooz all want ta start wit dis one?"
Trellus d20+8=19 Wednesday May 25th, 2005 9:20:03 PM
Trellus pretty much agrees with Jake and Grymash. But, they've started weaving one pattern, might as well stick with it for awhile.
"Hold on, dudes," he cautions the fighters. "Let's try the talking pick first."
The cleric keeps his eyes on the woods, looking for signs of attack.
[Spot 19]
Nobody here but us chipmunks (DM MikeK) Wednesday May 25th, 2005 9:23:11 PM
Grymash and Jake are ready to go, and Trellus and Tishe are ready to let them.
But, more peaceful heads prevail for the moment.
Gilan tries a couple more languages, and still gets no response.
Flea and Anuk both note that the woods seem to be home to the same kinds of creatures that dotted the landscape up north. They both note the odd chipmunk, squirrel and several varieties of bird.
Gilan Wednesday May 25th, 2005 10:08:30 PM
Gilan glances to Trellus and shakes his head. "Nothing...I am starting to think that maybe we should maybe chop down a single tree." You see him shudder with the very idea and he seems to be thinking a little different though. "I could always try and talk to a tree if you want...they maybe able to give me some information?" He seems to like this idea better than hurting a tree...though he will do what he has to, to help those villagers.
Flea (AC 20, 47 HP) Thursday May 26th, 2005 12:06:55 AM
Flea waits, a few steps behind Grymash. She takes her hooked hammer in hand and makes a little chopping motion in the air. "Well, dude," she chides Grymash, "whats stopping you?"
(OOC: Ready when you are, MikeK!)
Jake d20+8=24 d20+8=10 Thursday May 26th, 2005 1:17:22 AM
Jake suddenly halts Grymash, grabbing upper arm and holding him back. "Yeah, Gry, lay off the cuttin' of the trees. Ah mean, that pretty gal lived in one of them...ah can't stand the idea of cuttin' one down, it might hurt another pretty fem, y'know? Still, ya can take apart as many of 'em bushes an' fake trees as ya want. Tell ya what, let me try this..." Jake steps forward, drawing his sword and shield, and begins trying to climb over/make his way through the piled up vegetation. (Spot 24, Listen 10 as he moves along... AC 26 to all them nasty attacks, AC 25 flatfooted)
Cold beyond description (Guest DM Daniel K) Thursday May 26th, 2005 11:18:40 AM
Suddenly the world of the Bloodpack is changed in almost everyway. Day becomes night, the world around you in encased by rock and most notably the temperature is far below anything you have ever experienced. Billowing clouds of steam roll from your mouth with every exhale and pours off of you skin forming a cloud above each member of the blood pack. Within a smallest fraction of time, skin tightens, blood flow constricts and muscles clench and release in an effort to maintain body temperature. But The environment is not the shift the Blood pack must deal with.
However surprised they might be from their sudden appearance, however chilled they might be from the air, eight pairs of eyes immediately scan the area. They quickly focus 4 targets. A powerful built youth, standing well over 6 feet and the largest of the small company, stands in a proud stance a double bladed axe sits easily in his hands. Wrapped in several layers of thick furs of grey and whites he almost disappears into the cave surrounds. Another larger than average human, standing at 6'2" with piercing blue ice for eyes and built of muscle, is clad in more great furs, but worn proudly outside is a fine weave of chain mail and a silvered emblem of Domi grafted into the chest piece. His black hair falls to his shoulders. A Longsword hangs to his right side, and a crossbow to his left.
Lying on the ground is what appears to be a fetchingly beautiful young woman. Her shoulders are just a bit broad for her slight frame. Her long dark brown hair is mostly kept in a braid, covering her ears, that is thrown over her right shoulder. She is covered in soft, supple furs of white with eyes closed and look of peace upon her face.
Kneeling by the woman is a young man on lanker build than the other humans, but equally tall. His skin and hair color match that of the prone woman and he seems wholly absorbed in her state. Fine brown and gray furs cover him head to toe, like the others. At his side is a curved sword and white wooded longbow.
A slight goatee has just begun to grace his chin. Standing just 3' 4" tall and weighing just 42 lbs., the last is a halfling or possibly a gnome. His tan skin, fair hair, and blue eyes hide behind his prominent gnomish proboscis, but for all of that he is not unattractive. Thick overdone furs, hat, and gloves--beguard him. A noisy, black shot bird noisily flaps upon in squawking protest to something.
Within mere seconds of their arrival, the eight foreigners begin to react, and react as a team. Minotaur, half-orc, and platemailed figure reach for weapons and step forward. They reach for a greataxe, a huge orcish double bladed axe, and longsword respectively. The gnome flows to her right, producing a curious shaped hook/hammer. The bow wielding man pulls his weapon as he moves in practiced harmony with the gnome. The cleric, the woman, and the last man begin moving their hands and fingers, in preparation of various incantations.
Game shift to Ice Vein board The Icers have responded to your arrival please post as well. You have time to take one standard action (or say something).
DM MikeK Wednesday September 28th, 2005 1:03:02 PM
OOC - Please wait for my post...
Flea d20+1=17 Thursday September 29th, 2005 5:50:33 PM
Flea stands on the platform, her eyes on the gnome from Ice Vein. Slowly, and freely a sad song escapes her lips (Perform=17) as in a thin untrained saprano she sings:
When the cold of winter comes, starless night will cover day. In the veiling of the sun we will walk in bitter rain.
But in dreams, I can hear your name And in dreams, we will meet again.
LOG ON