Aiden d20=17 d20=20 d8=8 d20=11 2d8(2+3)=5 Tuesday September 6th, 2005 11:10:14 PM
Aiden felt the fear, the bile building in his throat, his chest constricting. He then grew angry at himself, his raw hands twisting and clutching the shaft of his axe. Aiden then thought back to an old lesson he had learned at Twin Tusks.
Seize the fear and anger and use it for greatness. He was not going to let such a creature take him down without his axe tasting the flesh and blood of the foul.
Moving quickly (charging if possible), Aiden swings his axe (both hands) to strike as great a blow (most likely his last) on the creature.
To save: 17 + 2 = 19 (WOOP) Attack: 20 (*head hits desk in total suprise*) + 5 + 2 (if charge)
Crit possibility 11 + 5 + 2(charge) = 18
Damage: 8 + 4.5 = 12.5 (If crit: +5 more additional points of damage for a total of 17.5)
[sorry if I'm gumming things up, I'm still a bit out of sorts with 3.5 ed rules AND the shock of making two rolls during a battle, and both being 'good'.]
Gilan [HP: 67/67 - AC: 23]{wildshape: snowy owl, greater magic fang, haste} Tuesday September 6th, 2005 11:32:21 PM
All conscious thought flees Gilan as the vision slams into him of what is going to happen to Anuk. With his head down now he charges towards the portal, much as some of the others have. His form wavers as his body jerks slightly with the sudden changes and he is flying, having taken the form of a snowy owl.
His dire wolves flank him as he moves, knowing that they will most likely be seeing the druid for the last time in the state he is in.
[dispel magic for summon nature ally IV - Dire Wolf(3)-HP: 32/21/32 - AC: 15, 3 rounds]
Will adjust HPs and AC when I look the stats up in the MM. Did not have it available when I made this post.
Mac (AC:12, HP:0/60, Str:2, Darkvision 60', Level Loss(3), 1 Standard Action or 1 Move Action ONLY) Wednesday September 7th, 2005 3:06:07 AM
Quick change of plans!
Mac reaches out towards Jake and Anuk with the potion he pulled out last round. "Give it to him!" he bellows, not letting go of the potion until Jake has it.
Item: Potion of Cure Serious Wounds(heals 3d8+5 damage)
Current effects: Level Loss(3): -3 on all skill checks, ability checks, attack rolls and saving throws, -15 hit points.
Grymash (ac22, hp52/94, exhausted, air walk, divine favor, barkskin, bullstrength) d20+2=12 d20+17=32 d8+9=15 Wednesday September 7th, 2005 7:58:24 AM
With a bit of apprehension, Grymash hesitates jumping threw the portal. Being cold, exhausted and a seed of deep, dark dispair gripping him tighter with every passing moment. He gathers what courage he has left, and not knowing what the heck will happen, Grymash lumbers through the portal after the undead treadle and Trellus (wisdom 12). When or if he sees the beast, he will proceed to plant his axe into his back.
(no powerattack. HitAC: 32. Damage: 15 points.)
Nauthiz'Ull [ac17 hp20/20] d20+3=11 d4=4 Wednesday September 7th, 2005 10:31:15 AM
The ranger stands with his arms cocked ready to deliver a devastating blow to the heart when the touuch of Death itself encapsulates his soul. A coldness beyond anything the ranger has ever felt ambushes him and is only heightened by the immense sense of hopelesness that immediately follows.
The ranger barely catches a glimpse of the epitome of despair before his eyes flutter to the back of his head. A loud clatter follows as his scimitar hits the floor. ~~~~~~~~~~ WILL-11 Rounds stunned-4
Tishe (HP 37/37) Wednesday September 7th, 2005 11:49:01 AM
From far, far away, the Tears of the Dragon tell the plain-faced mage of Rattledam of her packmate's immenant death. Pouring her own lifeforce into the magic of the gem embedded within her chest, Tishe' wills 30 hit points to Jake (3/1 ratio gives Jake 10 hit points)
Jake (hp 21/50, AC 23) 3d8(5+3+5)+5=18 Wednesday September 7th, 2005 12:06:13 PM
Jake fails again, and stands there feeling really dumb. Twice now, he tried to do what he was supposed to, twice he failed. Really failed. And now the guy's gone through. He takes the potion he's given and bends down and gives the potion to the pour Anuk. "Ah'm sorry guys...ah shoulda just hacked him, ah guess, but... man, ah bite grass." He sounds more angry then sad, though. (18 hp to Anuk)
End Game Round 12 Wednesday September 7th, 2005 5:11:23 PM
The creature steps through the portal and most of the Ice Vein natives freeze, thier blood turning to ice in their veins. Never have any experienced such sheer despair and felt such heart ache and loss. Something within Garret and the ranger Aiden scream in thier minds and force them into action. Garret brings a last powerfulful blow to the heart while Aiden commits an act more brave than he has ever known. Aiden steps in front of the powerful creature.
The Creature looks to Garret "Ösnjallr udødelig av falsk Åsir, Min förstörelse ge's Ebyron udødelighet." Garret and Aiden Highlight to display spoiler: { Foolish mortal of false gods. My destruction gives Ebyron immortality}
Trellus is right behind it with Gry, the portal acts as if it were no more than a hole in the wall and they easily pass through. But even as teh Bloodpack heroes close, Garret's sword stirkes. The Ice Heart shatters and the creature with it. There is no sound with either, save the sound of bits of ice skittering across the floor.
The heroes look about them, all have survived though many show the grevious wounds in this end struggle. Some are poisoned and the secondary effects may be coming soon. Trellus can tell from the wound recieved by himself that it is festering and unnatural.
Jake feels healing from Tishe of all people, Her Dragon Tear touches him even from her great distance.
Anuk is given healing from Flea and a potion, the machine disappears from his vision, but the screams echo on in his mind.
We ned to stay in Round actions.....
Trellus (26/67 hp, ac 27, -1 lvl, diseased, magic vestment, MagCirEvil, fly, +6str 4d8(3+1+7+4)+7=22 d8=7 Wednesday September 7th, 2005 7:52:17 PM
Trellus takes the time to let out one choked sob of relief, and then refocuses on the myriad tasks at hand.
Everyone here is at least upright, so the cleric steps through the portal to the side where that isn't the case. Striding quickly to Mac, he taps the minotaur with the healing wand. [Heal 28 hp]
"Many shadows," he says in thanks for the Tear Gift the taur gave earlier.
Trellus feels the sickness of Red Eyes gathering strength inside him. "Anybody else feeling sick," he asks his pack. "Not that I can weave anything till tomorrow."
Bohdi Nackle (AC 19, HP 14/14) and Squork (AC 15, HP 7/7) Wednesday September 7th, 2005 8:59:57 PM
Bohdi remained motionless, still frozen with the fear that had paralyzed her moments before.
Aiden d20=13 d20=19 Wednesday September 7th, 2005 9:10:12 PM
Aiden looked over towards Garrett and the others. It would be up to them (Garrett/Aiden) to safeguard the others until they could move about once again.
...or perhaps the wand could help...
"The wand Garrett.." he said firmly, "make use of it while we have a few moments..."
A part of him actually hoped that the BloodPack was fairing better than they. There was no way to know for certain, unfortunately.
Aiden continued to stand guard over the others, trying to listen and see if anything else will try to make its presence known (whether for good or ill).
listen: 13 + 4 = 17 spot: 19 + 4 = 23
Flea ( AC19, 18/40 HP) 3d8(6+1+4)+5=16 Wednesday September 7th, 2005 9:53:04 PM
Flea keeps watch over Anuk. "Its okay Jake," she consoles the fighter. "We all tried our best," Flea reaches into her HHHaversack and retrieves a potion. She pulls the cork out with her teeth and spits it to the side before tipping back the contents. (Potion CMW=16 HP restored.)
"I dunno what it takes to battle things in this place," she continues looking ruefully at her hooked hammer. "If we make it out of this place alive, and get to any kind of a city, I'm going to get me one of those wands that shoots magical balls of energy."
Nauthiz'Ull [ac17 hp20/20:stunned 3/4] Thursday September 8th, 2005 12:04:43 AM
The ice blue eyes of the ranger stare at where the monstrosity stood. Lethargicaly his eyes shift to the floor where the body shattered. With mouth agape the ebony man stood with the faintest sound of a gurgle in the back of his throat.
Gilan [HP: 67/67 - AC: 23]{greater magic fang, haste} Thursday September 8th, 2005 12:11:16 AM
Gilan slips through the portal with the others and lands a short distance away, taking on his human form once more. He watches as the heart is destroyed and he wonders what is next. "Seems that we won that round." It is a statement that tells everyone that they were most definitely lucky this time around.
He nods as Trellus talks and shakes his head. "I also can do stuff for people that are affected as you Trell...but not now." A quick inventory of his last spells tells him that he is close to be out...not a promising thing to have happen.
Garrett Thursday September 8th, 2005 1:08:36 AM
Garrett moves to the wand and picks it up.
"I got the wand Aiden, get that ring. That is what we were sent to recover."
Mac (AC:21(less over encumberance), HP:28/60, Str:2(-4), Darkvision 60', Level Loss(3)) Thursday September 8th, 2005 4:29:20 AM
"Domi's blessings.", Mac replies to Trellus whilst he unwraps Galea - perhaps the only living thing here that he is still stronger than - and gives her a pat. "So, what does the proph'sy say we sh'do now?"
Current effects: Level Loss(3): -3 on all skill checks, ability checks, attack rolls and saving throws, -15 hit points.
Gulioth Uhdono - AC 13, HP 12/20; Frozen w/ Fear (1 round), Fatigued (RichP DMiT) Thursday September 8th, 2005 7:19:20 AM
Gulioth's adenaline leaves him and the coldness of tomb comes over him. Still frozen with an supernatural fear, he holds on until his nerves harden
Grymash (ac22, hp52/94, exhausted, air walk, divine favor, barkskin, bullstrength) Thursday September 8th, 2005 7:39:08 AM
If there is anything left of the corpse, Grymash raises his axe one last time and severs the creatures head from its body. After that, he collapses to the floor, breathless and exhausted.
Anuk [HP 13/43, AC 21] Thursday September 8th, 2005 10:44:59 AM
Anuk feels a sudden warmth in his chest and the grabbing hands seem to let go. The next thing he knows, he is coughing and sputtering and is pulled back into the world he knows, the magic of the dragon's tear and the potion having done their job. He sits up suddenly, a look of terror in his eyes as the screams and voices echo in his mind.
"Did you see it? Did you hear them?!" he asks Flea...a note of despair in his voice.
Aftermath Thursday September 8th, 2005 4:04:43 PM
There nothing left of the dark creature for Grymash to take any anger upon. Just some ash flakes within a cloak. A black plain ring and a headband of the same dark material also lies with the no longer tattered appearing cloak.
Anuk looks to Flea and Gilan, the voices fading to a dark and disturbed nightmare in his mind and he sees upon them both they have too seen the truth of this place. An angry and dreadful power is at work far below in the ice.
The secondary effects of the poison begin to manifest against Jake, Flea and Anuk. Jake Please roll 7 Fort saves DC 13 failure indicates 1d2 Con for each failure Flea Please roll 4 Fort saves DC 13 failure indicates 1d2 Con for each failure Anuk Please roll 5 Fort saves DC 13 failure indicates 1d2 Con for each failure
If everyone is still with us....We are stepping out of combat. The groups gather in the room where the final blow was delivered, healing and inspecting wounds. It appears Trellus is the only one with any sort of festering wound. The very skin under his armor can be peeled away with the gentlest of touches, as if it were dead.
The supernatural fear that paralyzed Guloith, Bohdi and Nauthiz'Ull passes and they gain their senses again.
The large ring in the far wall is excavated, it tumbles to the floor with a hollow [I]Bong![I] like that of a lone church bell strike in a deserted town. The ring is massive, about 8 inches across and fully 3 inches thick. The metal is dark and cold. The melting ice seems to run from it and it almost has a grit-like feel yet it looks smooth.
Ulgren and Bohdi and any other who may cast Detect Magic confirms that the cloak ring and headband are magical Cloak Spellcraft DC 17Highlight to display spoiler: {Transmutation} Ring Spellcraft DC 18Highlight to display spoiler: {Abjuration} Headband DC 18 Highlight to display spoiler: {Evocation}
A strange silence fills the place, the portal is still there.
Ulgren : AC 23 Hps 11/33 Mage Armour, Shield d20+14=34 d20+14=22 d20+14=29 Thursday September 8th, 2005 4:23:37 PM
Ulgren bursts through the portal Wand outstretched to see, well, nothing. The treadle no where to be seen and a ring, cloak and headband lay upon the floor. "Where is he?" What do you mean gone? dead?" Ulgren looks confused until he sees Trellus healing everyone and the young drow begins to concentrate on the magical items. <DC 34, 22, 29>
Bohdi Nackle (AC 19, HP 14/14) and Squork (AC 15, HP 7/7) d20+11=31 d20+11=25 d20+11=20 Thursday September 8th, 2005 5:03:40 PM
Bohdi revived herself with a shake and, after a moment, so did Squork. She looked to the others. "Is--is it over?" she asked wonderingly. "Is everyone all right?"
A look of concern crossed her face as she saw the Bloodpack, bloodied and weary from their battle. "I'm so glad that all of you are here, and--and safe," she glanced meaningfully at Flea.
Her attention turned to the dessicated remains of their dark, menacing opponent. "What was that thing?" Catching a glimpse of the objects remaining in the debris, Bohdi stooped closer and peered down her nose at them with apparent curiosity. She was quickly lost in the examination. (Spellcraft check 31, nat 20! Others, as needed: 25, 20)
"The cloak displays elements of the transmutation school, which makes some sense, I suppose--changes forms and provides special powers, don't you know. Many magical cloaks can do that, I've heard. That ring is abjurational--a protection ring of some kind. Might be handy to someone. The headband shows signs of evocation--usually, those are the flashier spells. Hmm. Can't think of what the headband might be--that's powerful stuff. All of these are." She paused, as she noticed Ulgren studying the items, too. "Would you concur?"
Sighing and stretching herself upright once more, Bohdi began walking over to Flea. "Oh, I'm so relieved that you're all right. I was worried that I'd never see you again, and I wouldn't have a chance to tell you that I'm--I'm--"
Bohdi stopped mid-sentence. Her foot froze in mid-air. Her mouth gaped.
Gilan [HP: 67/67 - AC: 23]{greater magic fang} Thursday September 8th, 2005 6:18:00 PM
Gilan looks to the flakes and then moves over to Anuk. He lays a supporting hand upon his shoulder and nods his head, fear and pain still present in his own eyes. "It is enough to steal the resolve from anyones' bones." He offers a hand to the man to help him up.
As the others discuss the new little items that they have found he looks to Ulgren and then to Bodhi. "Either of your feel like a little identifying?" He then looks to Trellus and quirks an eyebrow. "Do we have time and where to camp if we do...you are not looking too good yourself." He pulls a small sack out of his pack and a scrollcase. "I also have a few items that we may want to look at later."
Flea ( AC19, 18/40 HP) d20+3=21 d20+3=14 d20+3=4 d20+3=21 d20+3=16 d20+9=29 Thursday September 8th, 2005 10:46:10 PM
Flea feels feverish, but is able to shake off the effect (Fort Save=21, 14, 4 (burned my 1 Hero Point to re-roll and got a 21), 16).
The gnome gets up off her knees as Anuk comes too. "This place is very bad. I don't like it here one bit. Lets go!" At the sound of a female voice calling her name, she answers, "Tishe'? Is that you?" Turning around she sees a fair-haired female gnome in Bohdi's furs, and Bohdi's familiar, the necklace she gave Bohdi around her neck, and the ring she gave Bohdi on her finger. "Where's Bohdi?" she asks. Reaching out and grabbing the female by the shoulders she starts to shake the other gnome, asking frantically, "what have you done! What have you done with my Bohdi!?" Then, Flea spots the belt about the gnome's waist (Spot=29, nat. 20!) and screams...
"JAKE!!!!!"
Nauthiz'Ull [ac17 hp20/20] Thursday September 8th, 2005 10:46:24 PM
Watching those around him, Nauth notices that their lips are moving for a moment before his senses pick up any signs of sound. The complete horror that struck him quickly disolves as the BloodPack joins up with them again.
With shoulders slumping, Nauth kneels to pick up his dropped scimitar and his body decides that sitting on the steps would be a better idea. His head hangs low and the occassional sniffle is heard.
I am a disgrace. I do not deserve to be an adult and I do not deserve to have a destiny. Ull'Heimdall, I fail you still.
Nauth still cannot speak as a giant knot is caught in the back of his throat, but for those who look into his eyes, they can see embarassment fighting with sadness and doubt.
Garrett Friday September 9th, 2005 1:37:05 AM
Garrett looks at the oversized ring taken from the ice. "I believe that is why you are here." He says to everyone and no one at the same time. "Hopefully it or some other force will be able to take you all home. Before it does, perhaps we should split up these couple of items, and hopefully one of you can fix Bohdi's.....condition."
Garrett then walks over to Nauthiz'Ull. "You take too much upon yourself Wunjo. It was a magical effect, and it got more than half of our group. He was very powerful."
"Rejoice instead my friend, for you fought well. We all fought well, and the only casualties belong to our enemies."
Jake (Con -3) d20+9=20 d20+9=13 d20+9=16 d20+9=24 d20+9=17 d20+9=17 d20+9=28 d2=1 d20+11=24 d20+5=19 d20+5=16 d20+12=27 Friday September 9th, 2005 3:46:41 AM
Jake, in his slightly weakened condition, suffers just slightly more from the poison. (Made all but one of the seven saves!) Of probably more deadly immediacy, however, is the gnomes. "Hey, whatcha weavin' 'bout? Ah told you, the belt would make ya less likely ta be attacked, since women're usually ignored as targets, probably more liable to hit guys, since women usually get more 'motional and all, and most importantly, ya'd stop caring so much 'bout Flea, and y'know, ah'm right." He grins at Flea and Bodhi, and then points behind them in shock. "WOuldja Look at that grassbiter!" (Bluff 24) When they turn to look, there's nothing there, but a pillar. turning their head back, Jake has vanished, along with his sword. Only a keen observer would be able to find the sneaky fighter as he uses Mac as a big wall to hide behind. (Move silently, 27-5=22, Hide 19-5=14... Gotta put more into those rogue skills)
Anuk (con -4) d20+7=11 d20+7=17 d20+7=16 d20+7=18 d20+7=12 d2=1 d2=2 d20+11=16 d20+11=18 d20=4 Friday September 9th, 2005 10:37:05 AM
Life begins to return to Anuk's face when he looks around and sees that not even this place can suppress Jake's sense of humor. Though he doesn't hear Jake when he slinks off (opposed listen check 16) He does notice a bit of movement behind Mac (opposed spot check 18). If Bohdi asks where Jake went, Anuk puts on an innocent face and points to another column a ways off. "That way, I think," he says, unsuccessfully trying to hide a grin. (bluff 4) It feels good to have a little of what passes for normalcy with the Bloodpack.
He stands only to find the stabbing pain from the needles is still growing (failed two fort checks, con damage 3). "Looks like I'm gonna have a little reminder of this fight for a while," he says, wincing.
(ooc: Don't have my PHB with me, but Anuk has moved from a Con 14 to a Con 10, so I think that means he's lost 2 hp total from the poison (his hp bonus). If I'm wrong about that, just let me know.)
DM would have lost 2 HP per level so if you are 7th level you lost 14HP off your current total and your max.
Anuk [second post, HP -1, con -4) Friday September 9th, 2005 12:53:45 PM
(ooc: Anuk is 6th level so that'd be 12pts off his hp. so...)
Anuk watches the proceedings and discussions, but in the back of his mind, the lingering echoes of the damned resonate. He realizes suddenly that the voices are growing louder and louder, calling to him.
"No," he whimpers simply before collapsing again to the ground.
Who Needs a Nap? Friday September 9th, 2005 3:55:42 PM
Some discuss the apparent magic and who may be able to 'identify' the true characteristics of the items worn by the creature. Gilan brings up leaving this cursed place and seeking refuge for a camp to recover. If Trellus has gauged the still spreading disease correctly, the young cleric is going to need his rest and strength to combat it. A place of death, necromancy and purposefully hidden from the natural World so does not sit well with the druid on any level.
The creatures final words still echo in Garret and Aidens mind. Having been witness and participant to such Wold altering events and prophesies lately could all of what the creature said be merely bravado?
Bohdi and Flea put one and one together fairly rapidly and turn towards the culprit of the 'joke', Jake. Pleading innocence at first Jake then explains the powers the belt bestowed. The gnomes appear to not quite see it in the same light. So with quick thinking and quicker feet Jake performs his own brand of magic and disappears. Or at least very quietly slinks away.
Some mirth returns and places smiles on a few faces, but this is not the place for joy and dark powers soon rise to drown the laughter in cries of pain.
The poison runs its course and Anuk succumbs to the lingering death that seems to be ever vigilant about the group. With a quiet whimper, Anuk slumps to the floor and into a torment only he can see and hear.
Garrett d8+1=9 Friday September 9th, 2005 5:17:58 PM
Garrett already holding the wand of CLW in his hand after picking it up off the floor, quickly touches it to Anuk after seeing him fall to the floor. (heal 9hp)
"Just so you all know, That things final words were "My destruction gives Eberyon immortality". I don't know who this Eberyon is, but I'm sure it's got something to do with what you are going to be doing with this ring."
"For now, why don't we grab this stuff and get out of this accursed place. We can return to the cave and shelter there."
Gulioth Uhdono Friday September 9th, 2005 5:40:12 PM
The dull-witted barbarian stands as things happen around. Screams at Jake for his joke and Anuk succubs to the poison. As if he just understood a joke told hours before, Gulioth stops and says looking at the new Bohdi "Who little girl? Gulioth not see you before...before one girl now two?" He pauses with confusion as he knows something but doesn't know what it is. "Where Bohdi?" He continues to think until he hears of leaving and then forgets about two little girls and a missing Bohdi.
Status Hit Points -- 12/18
Mac (AC:21(less over encumberance), HP:28/60, Str:2(-4), Darkvision 60', Level Loss(3)) 2d8(2+3)+3=8 Friday September 9th, 2005 7:43:54 PM
Mac draws another potion from the furs and administers it to Anuk - healing 8 HP.
Item Used: 1 Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds(Heals:2d8+3)
Current effects: Level Loss(3): -3 on all skill checks, ability checks, attack rolls and saving throws, -15 hit points.
Gilan [HP: 67/67 - AC: 23]{greater magic fang} Friday September 9th, 2005 9:17:15 PM
Gilan watches as Anuk falls again and he shivers. He knows what it is that the man will soon be once again feeling seeing that vision. "Yes lets get out of here..." He starts for the entrance to this temple with purpose of leaving. "We need to find that cave again and make use of it or some of us may not make it out of this place alive."
Bohdi Nackle Saturday September 10th, 2005 10:49:05 PM
Bohdi the male gnome might have been expected to sputter and rage. Instead, Bohdi the female gnome just stared coldly at Jake. She pointed at Jake's colleagues.
"Your joke nearly cost your friends their lives," Bohdi said simply. She turned away.
"Yes, let's go find a place for those in need to heal. We place ourselves in danger here. Someone take these things, including that ring, and let's go."
Flea ( AC19, 18/40 HP) Sunday September 11th, 2005 10:13:13 AM "I'm gonna get you Jake Connell" whispers Flea under her breath, "by all the gods of the Wold, I will!"
Flea prepares to follow Gillan out of the cave but stops at the iron ring lying on the floor. "If someone can shrink this big iron ring, I will carry it," she volunteers.
Trellus (51/67 hp, ac 27, -1 lvl, diseased) 4d8(4+6+2+1)+7=20 d8=6 4d8(3+6+3+3)+7=22 4d8(5+2+6+4)+7=24 4d8(2+6+7+6)+7=28 4d8(6+2+6+8)+7=29 4d8(7+4+7+4)+7=29 4d8(6+2+8+6)+7=29 4d8(6+1+3+8)+7=25 4d8(7+6+5+6)+7=31 4d8(3+1+5+4)+7=20 d8=8 3d8(7+6+6)+5=24 Sunday September 11th, 2005 11:11:36 AM
Trellus manages a soft chuckle at Jake's joke, but it quickly dissolves into a coughing fit. The blood from his broken nose is beginning to dry up, and with his very skin peeling off to the touch, the blond man doesn't feel much like laughing.
Still, he's got a job to do, and he starts with healing up the Bloodpack with his Cure Critical Wounds wand:
Trellus - 25 hp Mac - 22 and 24 hp Grymash - 28 and 29 hp Jake - 29 hp Anuk - 29 and 25 hp Ulgren - 31 hp Flea - 27 hp
"OK, Dudes. Let's grab the stuff and get out of here. Its gonna be a twisted night, but in the morning Gilan and I should be able to straighten out everyone's threads. Including the belt pick."
Aiden d20=13 Sunday September 11th, 2005 2:55:38 PM
Aiden refused to allow himself the luxury to relax. The tension that his body felt from trying to be as alert as possible as well as the adrenalin was the only thing that kept him from noticing his wounds. Aiden well knew that his energy would soon run out, but he was not going to fall...too many were injured far more severely than he at the moment. There would be time to rest later.
Quietly, he nodded with Garrett's repeating of the words that they had heard. Bohdi's change was just starting to register to him. There was some small amusement as to the irony of it all, but, also a bit of irritation.
Bohdi was having difficulty separating himself from the gnome female, and this additional complication could very well distract Bodhi at a very bad time.
However, why is it that everyone assumed that Jake had known about the powers of the belt. All that the mages spoke of were some strange words, but nothing about physically changing the gender of the gnome.
Making his way over towards Bohdi, the ranger put his hand on his (her) shoulder. "We shall battle this spell as we did with those creatures" he bespoke firmly. "But now we need to figure out what evil it was that spoke, and how to stop it...or them."
Looking at the Blood pack and his fellow Icers, "there were some strange things in the room where we entered, including a dark heart and runes on the walls. Perhaps we can work together to understand what is going on by having the wizards and priests consult each other? That could also give the wounded a chance to recuperate...."
Heal: 13 + 2 = 15 (to try and use his healing proficiency on any of the wounded he can. I wasn't sure who had received magical healing (thereby making the skill check moot).)
Jake (hp 44/44, con -3) Sunday September 11th, 2005 7:41:06 PM
Jake takes the threats and annoyed glances in stride. He thinks it was an amusing joke, and nobody actually got hurt from it. And if anyone did, they all came out okay. So, what's the point of complaining? The point is payback, which Jake will take when necessary, as due punishment. The only problem will be seeing if he can somehow retrieve the belt to use it again for another prank... still, he's not sure if that'd be entirely great, since the jokes already been successful once, you can't really do it twice. Jake picks up his shield and gets ready for anything else. They've already seen two battles, but who knows, there might be more. "After this, what're we gonna do... walk back to the plains? And what about that stupid jungle, anyways?"
Nauthiz'Ull Sunday September 11th, 2005 11:02:15 PM
The ranger lifts his head slowly to take in the actions of the others. With a numbness throbing throughout his skull he stays seated and rises only when he knows that everyone is leaving.
Ulgren : AC 23 Hps 33/33 Mage Armour, Shield Monday September 12th, 2005 12:54:57 AM
Ulgren looks at Bohdi with a look of appreciation, "Thats exactly correct, master, err mistress gnome," Ulgren smiles at the gnome and nods at Trellus, "thanks for the heal and I agree, we should be leaving as quickly as feasible." Ulgren notices Anuk on the ground, "Can I help? If necessary I can summon a disk to carry people or gear." Ulgren scratches his chin and extends his hand to Anuk, "about 700 pounds of it I should think."
Gulioth - HP 12/18 Monday September 12th, 2005 7:36:21 AM
The young barbarian will offer his assistance to the wounded as they move out.
Grymash Monday September 12th, 2005 7:50:01 AM
Grymash lifts his head from the icy floor. Parts of his sweat-soaked hair remain frozen to the ground. An unpleasant "RIP" helps to wake up the exhausted half-orc. "Gry hates dis place! Can Gry go home now?!!" It isnt clear who he is talking to, but they dont appear to be in the room.
Anuk [HP 31/43] d20+11=22 d20+11=31 d20+9=22 d20+13=30 Monday September 12th, 2005 10:46:01 AM
The healing potion from Mac and Trellus' spell revive Anuk, though he can tell he's carrying some permanent damage from the needles (permanent hp reduced by 12). He takes Ulgren's proffered hand, "Thank you, wunjo," he says, "I'll be able to walk now, I think. No need to carry me."
While discussions happen and plans are made, Anuk goes to Nauth. "You and your pack got us here and got us through this. You helped me survive here in this land. And you've been a good friend. I...I just wanted to say thank you." After a moment's pause he says, "How about you and I check this place out and see if there's any way out other than the way we came in?"
Anuk begins examining the rooms, seeing what secrets they might hold.
Listen 22 Spot 31 (nat 20!) Search 22 Survival (track) 30 (in case any of the zombie footprints lead anywhere)
(ooc: Trellus, keep one of the CCW spells. Mac's potion and the first healing on Anuk were enough to bring him to full strength)
Garrett Monday September 12th, 2005 3:51:23 PM
Garrett puts the wand in his belt and picks up the oversized ring. "I got it flea, no need to use a spell."
Garrett looks around at everyone talking and not moving and decides to help things along, as he really wants to get out of this place.
Garrett then stows his shield on his back and picks up the cloak, ring, and headband in his left arm and starts heading for the exit.
"figure things out here, or figure things out at the cave, I'm for the cave. This place is cursed."
Relocation plans Monday September 12th, 2005 4:22:33 PM
The group gathers about and healing is bestowed to many.
Trellus heals the following: Trellus - 25 hp Mac - 22 and 24 hp Grymash - 28 and 29 hp Jake - 29 hp Anuk - 29 hp Ulgren - 31 hp Flea - 27 hp
Garret heals Anuk 9hp
Mac uses a potion on Anuk heals 8hp
The *joke* is hashed out and while he still maintains it was a good one, Jake knows Flea will return the favor someday and the target of the joke, of course, found it far less than amusing.
Garret has the Wedding Ring that needs to be returned to The Cave of the Ancients and the smaller black ring, cloak and headband are also gathered.
Aiden and Anuk discuss exploring the tomb a bit more, but the idea is put down almost unanimously. The group makes it's way back out of the dark and cursed temple. Blood freezes and hairs stand on end as the group moves through the first low pillared entrnace room. The body of Skalti and the head are both missing. Black icor and scuff marks make it apparent to all, it got up, collected itself and plodded back into the open vast plains of the Ice Vein.
With little other choice the group moves back intot he open Cold, though still very protected by the great chasm walls of Burfell rising on either side. The Narrow 5 mile long trek shows continuing sogns to the rangers that a creature shambled forth from the temple and within moments of exiting began to walk and soon after, run.
The cave is beyond the groups reach before nightfall makes the climb of Burfell a practice in planned death. The group will need to spend a night outside. Aiden and Nauthiz'Ull both agree that the cliffs will provide the best shelter and that tonight should not be too cold. Anuk puts all his senses to the task, but is still a bit dumbfounded on how the natives have a clue on the upcoming weather. To the left and right for miles long and 1000's of feet high is rock. Only the faintest line of blue can be seen above, but then as he turns his head from the sky he feels a small pop in his ear. Perhaps a clue to the ways of this land, perhaps more workings of the poison.
By the mani chamber Mac's strength has mostly returned and the exhaustion has left Grymash's body. Mac and Trellus are still affected by the negative levels. Tomorrow will be a real challenge. The negative energies will try and steal parts of the lifeforce in the bodies they inhabit and the disease will reach it's second stage.
Bohdi Nackle Monday September 12th, 2005 4:45:44 PM ooc: Before leaving the Temple, Bohdi retrieved her crossbow.
Bohdi the female gnome participated awkwardly in the group's march and climb. Bohdi had never been the best person for long hauls, and now she had a new body to contend with as well. She struggled with the ice and snow and tried as best she could to climb, but with great difficulty.
As they moved, Bohdi could be seen, too, shooting glances at Flea, but quickly looking away to avoid eye contact. A worried frown creased her brow. On her shoulder, Squork peered down at her with curiosity.
"How does it feel to be a girl, mast--er, mistress?" Squork asked. Bohdi shushed the bird.
"Does it feel any different?" Shush.
"Do you--you know--do the furs feel any different, you know, like, where--" Shush.
The bird would fall silent for a time, before resuming. "Hey, mistress, do you think that you're going to stay this way? I mean, what if the Bloodpack can't change you back?" Shush.
"What's that going to mean for you and Flea? I mean, you two--you won't--I mean, you can't--can you?" Bohdi's eyes grew wide with astonishment, embarrassment, and reproach, and she clasped the raven's beak tightly closed. SHUSH!
The observant might notice a few other things as well. Like, for instance, how quiet Bohdi had become, without his usual complaining, griping, and moaning. How she set her lip with her chin jutting forward, and steadfastly narrowed her eyes to the cold. How she offered no comments about the weather or the mission, but merely took her place in the march and did as instructed. How, in short, very un-Bohdi-like the new female Bohdi was.
Once the group had camped, Bohdi used her powers of Prestidigitation to help mold a windbreak as best she could. She offered to take a watch, but--eyes studiously averted from Flea--made no special requests for when, or with whom.
Ulgren : AC 23 Hps 33/33 Mage Armour, Shield Monday September 12th, 2005 7:57:50 PM
Ulgren watches Mac struggle with his gear and with a smile touches the taur on the arm, "Need help?" Ulgren turns his left hand so that that palm faces the floor and makes a quick circular motion, a faint circular disk pops into existence. "Drop your gear there and lets get out of here!" Ulgren quickly falls into place with everyone else and heads out to the cave. "Sheesh its cold," the drow mutters as he pulls his cloak closer and looks for a pair of gloves for his hands. Ulgren will help set up camp to the best of his ability, "I have a pole and canvas to help with cover, if you think that will help" Ulgren says with a shrug as he pulls them out of pockets on his pants. Ulgren will then wrap up in his heavy blanket and look for a place to get warm.
Trellus (51/67 hp, ac 27, -1 lvl, diseased) Monday September 12th, 2005 8:30:24 PM
The blond cleric is tired and sore and can feel his body rebelling against him. It is going to be a very long night, and he simply can't muster the strength to be interested in much beyond getting one foot in front of the next. Trellus takes his cues from Anuk and Gilan. Only at the mention of watches does he stir himself and actually attempt to think out a plan. He's supposed to do this, he recalls.
"How bout me, Bodhi, Mac, and Gulioth then Jake, Aiden, and Gilan then Garrett, Grymash, and Flea then Nauth, Ulgren, and Anuk
Trellus hunkers down to get out of the cold. Its going to be a very long night.
Flea ( AC19, 45/40 HP(due to Con dmg usual 47) d20+13=27 d20+11=13 d20+13=18 d20+11=18 Monday September 12th, 2005 9:28:33 PM
Flea hustles to get into position as the party troops out of the cavern and makes for the cliffs. She is worried about her pack mates, especially Anuk. Unconsciously she rubs at the places where the darts had pricked her. She is even more worried about all this talk of leaving.
Manoeuvering to get close to Bohdi the rogue opens her mouth once or twice to say something, but the little blonde magiker won't even look in Flea's direction. Flea finally gives up and puts her effort into getting through the snow to where ever the rangers are leading.
When Trellus assigns her to the third watch she opens her mouth to protest that she wants to stay with Bohdi, but when the blonde gnome averts her eyes, Flea's face burns hot with shame and tears spring to her eyes. The words remain unspoken.
When it comes time to wake the last watch, Flea whispers, "let 'nuk sleep. I'll take his watch." Flea doesn't say much, especially with the ranger, Nauth nearby. Eventually curiousity gets the upper hand, and after introducing herself, she begins to interogate the drow, Ulgren.
Third Watch: Search=27 Listen=13
Forth Watch: Search=18 Listen=18
Nauthiz'Ull Tuesday September 13th, 2005 12:38:57 AM
It seems that the lithe ranger's demeanor has shrunk in the past day or so and his strides through the snow are shorter than what they usually are. On the trail, foot after foot, the young boys eyes watch for the tracks of the persistent Skalti. With his head held low and his shoulders slumped a bit he strides forward until the camp is reached.
He absent mindedly works efficiently and quickly to get the shelter, whatever it may be, set up. Only when he is finished does he realize that he did so.
The cold air seems a bit less embracing during the trip. Most days a deep lungfull of air makes the rangers senses explode with energy. Today the air tastes foul.
During the night watch Nauth looks over the two from the Pack and eyes them intently. He is not sure how to start a conversation with either of them; they ae completely different people. however, Nauth will offer Ungren soime extra furs for the evening as he knows that the newcomers garments are useless.
Gilan Tuesday September 13th, 2005 2:15:47 AM
Gilan makes his exit with the rest of the two groups and despite his best intentions cannot keep his mind off of Bohdi and Flea. It is obvious from the way the little guy...err woman is acting that he/she is not holding up too well under the effects of Jake's joke. He makes it a point to get closer to Trell as they march along. "We have to do something about that belt when we get Bohdi cured...I think that he may have just put a kink in a budding relationship." He looks back to Flea and he cannot help but think of her as a sister...he knows that at one time she was interested in him but that had passed. "We will have to do something to get them to talk or something when Bohdi is back to normal...if they do not sort it out themselves." He cannot help but be angry at Jake this time around though he had not meant to hurt anyone.
That night after camp is set up and he huddles in his blanket he once again moves over to sit by Trell. "Ok...what spells are going to be needed and in what quantity." His eyes take in the group and he tries to remember who is ailing and who is fine. "We have to make sure that between the two of use we can help out everyone and not limit ourselves too much." With a sigh he thinks of what they may have to face tomorrow and shakes his head. "We have no idea what tomorrow will bring."
He rolls out of his bedroll as he is awakened for his watch and yawns as he looks to Jake and Aiden. He moves over closer to them to share body warmth in this cold climate and then sets his eyes on Jake. "You know that the belt will have to go...I also know that you thought you were helping out." He sighs as he tries to think of how to explain this and then cannot find a way to do it. "Would you be happy if we had done something like this to a certain BlackPack member that you are sweet on?" He will let Jake mull it over though he thinks the guy can be funny at times...making him laugh is one thing that he thanks Jake for...he knows that he is a serious minded druid. Heck, he has been on the receiving end of a lot of Jake's jokes because of that very problem. Waking up with a bedroll of ants once was not his idea of fun but after awhile he had to laugh at it...jumping around wildly waving his arms and shedding clothes, while racing to the pool. A smile plays across his face as he remembers and also the fact that he has never gotten back at Jake for that.
Mac (AC:21(less over encumberance), HP:60/60, Str:2(-4), Darkvision 60', Level Loss(3)) d20+1=15 d20-2=-1 Tuesday September 13th, 2005 5:26:18 AM
Mac looks at Ulgren, and after a pause he places his backpack, Galea's carry cage, the large longbow and the nigh on full quiver on the disk. "Thank ye. It won't hold me though."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ...trudging through the ice an' snow... +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Talk of tents snaps Mac out of the 'one foot in front of the other' zone he had been in pretty much all day. He thinks to 'suggest' an alternative arrangement, but the two packs have already begun to split into the four tent groups, so he cans that idea.
Too much hurtin' goin' on, an' others ha' it worse 'an you he thinks to himself.
As he goes through his pockets and pack before feeding Galea and turning in, he pulls out a potion, and after a short consideration he passes it to Bohdie. "For if an' when you're ready, but it is nae."
He takes the mid watch - sitting, watching and listening not being too taxing.
Spot: 15, Listen:-1
Current effects: Level Loss(3): -3 on all skill checks, ability checks, attack rolls and saving throws, -15 hit points.
Grymash Tuesday September 13th, 2005 7:44:49 AM
As they try and leave this high and frozen place, Grymash looks hard to see any sign of the sun. Home must be closer to the sun than this place. It might be a good idea to follow it.
Aiden d20=17 d20=7 Tuesday September 13th, 2005 8:06:00 AM
Aiden made sure to keep an eye on the others through the trek, and subsequent watch. Eyeing the others, he made sure to help where he could in setting up the shelter as well.
The wounds were difficult but Aiden continued to hide the pain.
All the while, he continued to think of how he could do more for the group to alleviate the struggles that the Blood Pack may have been having with their wounds and the climate.
Guard rolls: Spot: 17 + 4 = 21 Listen: 7 + 4 = 11
(OOC: I believe 4 ranks in those skills, I'm at work so its tough to view. If it isn't +4, then it's +3)
Gulioth Tuesday September 13th, 2005 8:08:08 AM
Gulioth offers his assistance to Mac on the journey back to the cave.
Anuk d20+11=22 d20+11=16 Tuesday September 13th, 2005 10:30:13 AM
Anuk trudges along after the others in the freezing cold. the fight and the long march have drained him of his energy...he is tired. When the time comes for the miserable encampment, Anuk helps with whatever he can and then rests until it's time for his watch.
Nauth and Ulgren are quiet but pleasant company, so to keep his mind off the numbness in his limbs, Anuk asks Ulgren, "So...uh...how're things back in Rattledam? Warm, I hope. How'd you end up here?"
Spot 22 Listen 16
Jake Tuesday September 13th, 2005 1:28:53 PM
Jake hates stepping back into the cold, icy weather. He munches on an icicle, idly watching his breath mist. He looks at the icicle in appreciation. "Ah'm gonna miss munchin' on water, that's for sure..." At Gil's words he looks over and grins. "Yeah, it was a dumb idea, all-right." But I'd do it again, his eyes seem to say. "Ah wonder, tho, what kinda guy some women'd make, and what kinda guy... This belt is pretty amusin', no need ta hate it so much."
Mac - illegal 2nd post Tuesday September 13th, 2005 5:06:36 PM
Item given to Bohdi: Potion of Remove Curse
The Deep Dark Night Tuesday September 13th, 2005 5:43:05 PM
Within the canyon, the darkness becomes almost completely opressive. No stars, no moon, no distant smokey line of a horizon. Darkness settles into the area and without light it becomes impossible to see. Torches are lit and jammed into the snow to cast their warm orange glow about the area. Watches are set and everyone prepares themselves for the inevitable cold of night that no blanket or spell of this land can keep wholly from one's bones.
Things are peaceful enough, the wind blows outside of this canyon and only the faintest sound reaches anyone's ears. Gilan can once again feel the great embrace of Nature, even in this rather confined space.
Countless hours move slowly by when the last watch of Flea, Ulgren and Nautiz'Ull hear something moving in from the darkness. Snow crunches under probable boots and certainly more than 1. The sound of muffled metal carries down to those on watch as well. A female voice calls from the dark and it is evident it comes from a body ravaged by the elements "We are friends, I am Neco from Zaran City and with me is Edgler, A dwarf from the deep realms. Please let us share your fire." She speaks loud enough to clearly hear and wake any light sleepers.
Gilan suddenly snaps awake with a cry, Highlight to display spoiler: {Gilan within your head a deep voice resonatesIt has begun}
No sooner has the woman's voice echoed across your ears then it seems a Haze of grey falls about everyone's eyes.
It begins almost with where the last vision left off. Eyes the color of the sea and the sky spring open as the Sleeper awakens. All over the Wold, you see Nature responding. Plants grow, rivers overflow, birds and beasts multiply and spread with alarming swiftness. Your vision seems to whisk across the surface of the Wold and turns due south and picks up alarming speed. The vast ocean flies underneath you and as you rocket upwards a great eruption rips open the land and black ash covers the whole of the Southern continent.
You hear teh call of Mountains and across the peaks in the land of ice and snow your vision is hurled. Great flocks of birds move across the sky and pull you vision to teh west and intothe sun. Mountains drop away below and the great grass plains can be seen spreading ever further out. Trees spring forth and with them the Fey themselves. All seem to rejoice and the abundance of all life is nothing short of breathtaking.
The Fey, giddy with joy and a sense of fullfillment, they venture from their normal hiding places and begin to work both mischeif and deeds of love. But it is soon evident they have been away from the Noble races too long, and certain frailties inherent in Men go unseen. The Noble races begin to strike back at what they percieve as acts of agression and war and so the fey begin to work things that go beyond mischeif.
A satyr is born, and you know his name. Ebyron, the Fae King. Centuries ago, he was put to sleep, thought to be too dangerous, too chaotic, too unpredictable to be allowed loose in the Wold. His Queen, Maab, ruled in his stead. But now the Sleeper has been awakened.
A flurry of scenes rush past you. Some seem familiar--you are sure you catch a glimpse of a flooding Endless River and packs of wolves. Most of the scenes make no sense at all.
Then you find yourself in a wooded glade.
Ebyron's smile is both indulgent and condescending. Both emotions fail to register in his handsome eyes, however, as though the eyes know the true odds.
"All this time," he begins, "I knew you'd cling to that crown. My dear Queen, did you think I would not anticipate this? Did you entertain the foolish notion that I would come meekly? Be your puppet?"
The satyr king gives a sharp stamp of his cloven hoof, and nearby branches veer away fearfully, only to return, swooning, as Ebyron stretches wide his arms.
"See the power I have! See nature's love for me! You have neither the right, nor the strength to deny me!" He turns slowly, his arms still outstretched, his fingers beckoning. Energy gathers there at those fingertips - a wisp of flame, a tiny cloud of sand; drops of moisture and the tiniest, perfect little whirlwind.
And with such small gestures, the entire Wold comes to rest - no wind, no rain, no fire, no tremors of earth. The elements gather around their king, cloaking him in a strange mist.
"You want me tame and compliant, my Queen?" his voice cries through the billowing cloud. "Then first, you must catch me."
The blast comes with no warning, bringing with it a power that only Maab could withstand without falling. Across continents, dwindled fires burst to life again, blasting outward. Seas and lakes thrash, the earth quakes, and howling winds tear at everything in their path. Fragments burst from the cloud, being the essence of Ebyron, torn into a multitude of pieces and carried away by the elements.
In moments, it iss over. But not before the fae queen has acted swiftly, gathering light into tiny, dazzling stars. "Show me," she urges.
Hot on the heels of the fragments of Ebyron, the stars hurtle outward. "You can't hide," she whispers. "Not from me. Now, show them. Let your own power betray you."
In seconds, each pinpoint of light reaches its destination, and once there, changes trajectory and converges...
A familiar woman's voice speaks out to Nauthiz'Ull and the others, "Come to the Cave of the Ancients, the Blood Pack must return Home." The great Black ring bursts into a radiance of blue white light and turns into an innertwined ring of iron and gold.
Within the walls of the Cathedral of Light, in the middle of Plateau City, the Room of Artifacts suddenly bursts into life. The source? Ebron's orb, so recently brought back, at great risk and loss of life, from a time gone by. Colors and shapes reflect on the walls, and light surrounding the orb grows outward, becoming the great disks of the Wold. Pin points of brilliance flicker here and there, scattered across the Land. Here lies Ebyron. Here. And here. Two such locations are within the very city of Rattledam and caves near the Village of Ice Peak.
Back in the Valley, the Fae Queen Maab uncurled her fingers and looked down into the palm of her hand. Three small acorns lie there, each enscribed with a unique rune - LIVE, SLEEP, DIE.
"The choice you should have made, will now be left to others," she says, her voice tainted with a raw sadness. "Let the runes grow where they may. I have done all I can. I can do no more."
The three acorns drop listlessly from her hand, where the ground swallows them....
The veil lifts and all is becoming light. The dawn has broke and everyone feels refreshed. Lying next to each of you are three acorns. One says LIVE; one says SLEEP; one says DIE. You hear the Queen's voice as if carried on the wind: "Defeat the Avatar, then make your choice."
Flea ( AC19, 45/40 HP(due to Con dmg usual 47) Tuesday September 13th, 2005 6:19:57 PM
Flea jumps to her feet when she hears the voice outside the camp. "Who goes there?" she asks, when suddenly all is grey and misty. Flea experiences the vision as if it is all happening in mere seconds, a vision in her mind's eye. As the grey mists clear, her eyes once again focus on the dark. The rogue bends down to scoop up the acorns, dropping them quickly into an empty pocket.
With a soft *shnick* she unsheaths her short sword and calls out boldly, "I said, who goes there?"
EdglerVess (AC18, 21/21 HP) Tuesday September 13th, 2005 7:52:06 PM
Edgler bolts upright as the 'dream' ends. Quickly, he looks to the ground beside him to see the acorns lying there. "Hmm, no dream." First he makes sure that Neco is awake before he approaches the small voice that is harshly making a demand. From around a drift a rather tall, solidly built dwarf crunches through the snow. He wears the typical winter furs, with a black cloak overall. Bulges underneath show that he is armed and armoured.
"I hear ya, missy. Sorry if our response took a good hour or more, but it would seem I needed a quick nap before approaching. "The name's Edgler of the Vess clan."
Trellus (52/67 hp, ac 21, -1 lvl, diseased) Tuesday September 13th, 2005 9:07:33 PM
As night falls, Trellus tries to rouse himself long enough to answer Gilan. "I think Mac gave Bodhi a potion that'll remove the curse. I'll weave picks on this", he says, moving his arm slightly to show the peeling skin. "Lesser Restoration might help Mac get back the strength he sent me. But I think I'll need the full pick to fix everything else, and I only got three a day."
The cleric goes to sleep contemplating who to cure first. His rest is fitful. He wakes often to numbing cold or painful, piercing coughing fits. Silently suffering, the blond man wills himself through the night.
Then, the newcomers.
Then, the vision.
Some of it made sense. Some of it didn't. One part was crystal clear. fragments of Ebyron...within the very city of Rattledam "We have to get home," he groans through chapped lips. "We have to get home now."
Flea challenges the newcomers, and the cleric of Domi turns to look at them. They're flesh and blood, not undead. Trellus has developed himself a VERY healthy respect for the power of the undead, but these two do not look like much trouble.
"Garrett, I think they're Ice Dudes," he comments.
Picking up the small brown balls - LIVE, SLEEP, or DIE? - he calls out to the group. "Let's gear up people. I gotta study, then I'll fix up Mac and Anuk. Then we gotta weave ourselves back to that cave. Everybody else has gotta wait till tomorrow...or later."
Trellus prays to Domi. When he's though he casts Remove Disease on himself, Restoration twice on Mac (removing two negative levels), and Restoration once on Anuk (removing all CON damage).
Ulgren d20+1=13 d20+1=21 d20+1=18 Tuesday September 13th, 2005 9:35:25 PM
Ulgren tosses and turns as he sleeps, the cold eating into him through the furs he gratefully accepted from Nauth. Ulgren takes out his spellbook to study as he assists Nauth and Flea in standing watch. Ulgren using the traing taught to him on the traders boat manages to study and keep watch at the same time. <Spot 13, Listen 21, Search 18.> Ulgren quickly stands hearing the voices from the dark and cast dancing lights in the shape in laterns, Drow spell like ability, sending them fifty feet towards the voices. Ulgren shakes his head slightly as the haze lifts and spies the acorns on the ground, sweeping them up in his right hand Ulgren drops them in his right pocket and draws his rapier. "Why are you here?" the drow demands.
Neco (AC16 HP14/14) Tuesday September 13th, 2005 10:42:40 PM
"I...I am so cold. I saw the light of a fire and came to see if it was real," says the slender female through chattering teeth. "I mean no harm."
Neco carefully holds out the three small acorns in a gloved hand. She makes sure that the acorns don't fall out of her numb and cold fingers and asks "did you get these? What do you think they mean?"
The small human whith straight auburn hair brushes her long bangs aside to reveal gray blue eyes set in a small face.
Gilan Tuesday September 13th, 2005 10:50:37 PM
Gilan snaps awake with a start as he feels the beginnings of the dream hitting him. Feeling drawn to this meeting he takes it all in with interest tinged with awe. Some of what he sees he knows as if he has seen it before or felt it.
With a cocked head he takes in the Fae King and Maab though he is sure that neither is in anyway better than the other. Then he wakes up laying on the ground again and shakes his head to clear it. He had thought he heard voices right before he nodded off for that dream. "What..." He is about to address the two people that have just appeared but the acorns take up his attention as he picks them up and studies them. "Live...Die...Sleep?" He thinks of what was last said and the fact that the Fae King or at least part of him is in Rattledam.
Looking to Trell he nods his head. "Be ready in a minute." He slips off to pray to the Wold Mother, not for just spells but also guidance in what is to come. He fears that he has a decision ahead of him that may have drastic effects upon nature...if what he heard is true.
Let me know what spells are needed for people to recover...I have 2 lesser restorations and 1 neutralize poison.
Garrett Wednesday September 14th, 2005 5:23:12 AM
"Yeah Trellus, they seem to be from around here. Definitely not from your end of the Wold. Just glad it isn't Skalti or more undead again."
Garrett turns to the newcomers. "come by the fire and warm yourselves. You'll have to forgive our demeanor, it's been a bit of a rough day."
Garrett looks down, and with a grimace picks up the 3 acorns. and then looks back toward Neco. "It would also appear as if you have inadvertently joined our quest. I am Garrett, pleased to meet you. You will have to excuse me for a bit, I have some preparations to make before we leave."
Garrett turns and prepares to pray for new spells as he carefully puts the three acorns in his pocket(Spell list to follow, don't have it with me)
"Well Trellus, looks like your pack shall be going home soon. Also looks like there is another fight to be had, although I have the impression that this one is ours alone. Either way, it's been a pleasure. We should make haste as soon as our spells are prepared."
Garrett (Illegal Second) d8+1=5 d8+1=6 d8+1=6 Wednesday September 14th, 2005 5:49:18 AM
"My apologies Aiden. I had completely forgotten about you r wounds in the haste to leave the cave. Let's take care of that, as it appears a new battle looms."
Garrett uses the wand of CLW on Aiden healing him for 5hp(17chg). And then again for 6hp(16chg) as it was obvious that the first one didn't do enough.
"How's that my friend, better?"
Garrett then turns to Guloith. "It appears that you are also still injured." Garrett uses the wand on Guloith for 6hp(15chg)
Garrett looks at the wand with a bit of wonder at it's magnificence and then walks it over to Trellus. "Here is your wand back Trellus. It surely is an amazing thing. Thank you for letting us borrow it."
Nauthiz'Ull Wednesday September 14th, 2005 10:37:48 AM
The ranger jumps to his feet, bow string drawn and arrow nocked as the sounds of crunching snow approach. Nauth watches in awe as the tiny Flea bolsters up enough courage for them all.
Then the dream hits... "A familiar voice"?
Frigga? Wait where are you going?! Dear sister why have you left us? We have needed you. I have needed you!
As the newcomers approach, the ranger slides the hood off of his head sot aht they can see his face. A young face stares at them, dark as night with the iciest blue eyes to match his native lands. He rests his bow and runs a hand through hair that looks like twigs. Short black dreadlocks that stick out like spikes spring back into place as the hand passes over them.
"I am Nauthiz'Ull, son of Ull'Heimdall and brother to the never-forgotten Frigg'Isa. Where have you come from and why do you come this way?"
Anuk Wednesday September 14th, 2005 12:27:39 PM
When the vision ends Anuk stares for a while at the acorns in his hand and then sighs. "So...anyone know where this 'cave of the ancients' is?" The warmth of home sounds nice, but the prospect of continued cold marches until then is a little daunting.
Trellus' healing spell settles over Anuk and he feels a renewed strength inside himself, brightening his prospects a little. As the strangers approach he is a little standoff-ish, but not threatening.
Jake Wednesday September 14th, 2005 1:09:21 PM
At the sound of the people, Jake draws his sword and shield and moves forward, taking the front of the group. Examining the people, he decides after a moment that they just might not be too dangerous... "Yeah, okay, Neco and, ah, Edgler. You can come on over to our fire. Sorry, ah thought you were something... icy. Or whatever." Jake puts down his sword and offers Neco a hand, clasping hers in his currently-ungauntleted, warm fingers (still warm from being shoved under as many blankets as possible). "Jake O'Connell, of the Bloodpack, at your service, ma'am. This here's the rest of the Bloodpack and the, er, Icepack, ah suppose." The handsome half-elf smiles charmingly and uses his opportunity of the introduction to get a closer look at her. After all, she IS the first human girl he's met out in these wastes, and so far doesn't match the archetype of a sasquat-like hairy huge woman he was expecting. (What's her character description?)
Bohdi Nackle Wednesday September 14th, 2005 4:33:20 PM
Bohdi the female gnome accepted Mac's proffered potion with a sigh and a look of clear relief. "Thank you," she smiled, and quickly downed the vial's contents. In a few moments, the belt that had tightened itself around her waist loosened and she cast it off and into the campfire, destroying it forever.
As Bohdi stood guard over the burning belt, her features slowly changed once more--her chin sprouted the old, familiar goatee, her chest diminished, and her hips grew less curvaceous, until she was again himself, Bohdi Nackle, the male gnome.
"Bloody well more like it," the male gnome grumbled, rubbing his chin whiskers like he was greeting a long-lost friend.
It wasn't long before Bohdi the male gnome was back to exhibiting his old form. Awakening from the dream, Bohdi picked up the acorns at his feet, shook them in his fist at the sky, and exclaimed, "Another bloody elf-dream! Bloody hell! What's with these bleedin' elves and their bleedin' King? Why can't they all just sod off and leave us bloody well alone?" Remembering only after his rant that he was now in the presence of elves from the Bloodpack, he added sheepishly, "Sorry."
Squork merely rolled his eyes.
As the newcomers approached, Bohdi eyed them carefully. "More new faces? It seems like we meet more people out here in the wild than we ever did back in Ice Peak Village. Sure, come on in--as long as you're not more bevroden doden or bloody elf-dreamers, you're welcome here. And besides," he added, looking at the other newcomers in the group, particularly Gulioth and Ulgren, "We have many stories still to hear of how people came to be here in the wild, as we are."
Before unpacking his spellbook to begin his morning preparations, Bohdi sought out Flea and--darting in suddenly--planted a quick kiss on her cheek. "I just wanted to say--thank you, for everything you did back there in the Temple. And sorry that I was such a--such a--such a clam yesterday. I just had a lot on my mind."
He smiled at the female gnome before finding a quiet spot to review his spells. As always, he solicited requests from the others as to the appropriate spells to prepare. "If we're to stay here and recover strength, then I could prepare several spells to help identify those items we found," he observed. "And I have the pearls we'd need to do it, too. But then, that would be it for me for the day. Or, I could prepare spells for the weather, if we think it's warranted. Otherwise, I'm just going to prepare more spells for battle--so far, we've needed them."
Mac (AC:21(less over encumberance), HP:60/60, Str:3(-4), Darkvision 60', Level Loss(3)) Wednesday September 14th, 2005 5:04:51 PM
Mac rests up until Trellus' study and magic is complete. He hears the newcomers arrival, but leaves that in others hands while he chews up some dried meat for Galea.
Post Restoration - Mac (AC:21, HP:75/75, Darkvision 60')
+++OOC+++ One use of Restoration will: Dispel negative levels. this is our Level Loss, yes? Restore one drained experience level. Cure all temporary ability damage. Restores all of the permanent ability damage of a single ability. Eliminate any fatigue or exhaustion the target suffers.
So, Mac is back to perfect health after one casting of Restoration. Trellus still has the second one up his sleeve. If the Con loss from the darts was temporary, then a Lesser Restoration each should have Flea (and others?) fully robust.
Of course, Mac doesn't have a clue! ; )
Some Catching Up Wednesday September 14th, 2005 5:24:52 PM
The belt burns darkly in the fire, the leather crackling in the heat, Bohdi stnads in victorious satisfaction the cursed item is meeting a pernament end. It does not appear to anyone Jake will be getting that back.
The female human and male dwarf approach with some ccaution and as they enter the light it is very apparent, neither are in any condition to threaten anyone. Both are tired, but neither are near as cold or hurt as one might expect wilderness travellers to be without the appropriate gear, which they do not have. Obvious magic is at work and from the prominent symbol of Gargul about the dwarf it is easy to guess the source.
Both tell tales that have similar cords. A massive explosion shook the very ground and blasted through the air, allowing one to escape her captors and casused a great deep earthquake resulting in the other being cut off from his deep homeland. Both wandered and felt drawn to this mountain and have now been drawn here and to the dream of the Sleeper, Ebyron.
The name pulls at Gilan and Garret and indeed all of them. The last words the undead horror in the temple spoke were of Ebyron. A temple encased in necromancy and wholley designed with a single purpose. To keep a ring hidden from the forces of nature.
Minds reel at the massive information download, but there are a few things that must be done.
Trellus casts Remove Disease on himself Restoration twice on Mac (removing two negative levels) Mac Fort DC 15 or pernament level loss Restoration once on Anuk (removing all CON damage).
Leaving Flea poisoned and Jake poisoned.
Trellus finds his spell of curing to be useless against the insidious affliction ravaging his system. The Undead horror may still yet at least cause the battle to be a draw. Trellus Fort DC 19 or lose 1d6 Con and 1d6 Cha and that his body has not healed naturally with the evening.
Nauthiz'Ull and Jake along with some others intoduce themselves.
Morning discussions speak of 'The Cave of Ancients', which is where the Pack was first brought into Ice Vein, identifying some of the objects and possibly healing other wounds. But the choice the vision implied is to be all of thiers in the future is almost purposefully avoided and what consequences that decision may entail.
DM second Post Wednesday September 14th, 2005 5:30:30 PM
Mac cures himself with the restoration potion. assunming trellus is using Restoration and not Lesser restoration. one spell does Flea one does jake and one does Anuk
Ulgren: Mage Armour(extended), Endure Elements(extended) Wednesday September 14th, 2005 6:26:05 PM
Ulgren looks over the newcomers and shrugs, "I am Ulgren D'athen a drow of Rattledam, the plains before and currently a drow of ice and snow." Ulgren looks over the two of them and says, excuse me for a moment I need to continue my studies." Ulgren finds a quiet spot and pulls out his spellbook. The drows long fingers lovingly caressing the pages as the drow very carefully mouths each word and syllable as he prepares his spells for the day. Ulgren stands after about an hour and works the kinks out of his legs and back. "Not knowing what is left I have memorized mostly combat spells." Ulgren casts two spells holding a short rod in his left hand, "in order to make them last longer," Ulgren says quietly if any asks. "I have the following spells left and my wand with 41 charges as well." Ulgren takes the time to stow his gear in the appropriate pockets and makes sure his goggles are over his eyes as the sun rises. Ulgren takes the time to walk around and shake each of the Bloodpacks hand and learning their names. When he finishes Ulgren looks at Trellus, "where do we go?"
Aiden Wednesday September 14th, 2005 7:24:41 PM
Aiden nodded, and grunted slightly as the spell of the wand knit his wounds together. "Thank you..." he said to Garrett.
All of this magic amazed him, and the Blood Pack had been so free with the items.
And then the dream of Ebyron and his struggle against Maab. A part of him wanted to let the two of them battle it out, but a stronger part of his self wanted to enjoin into this battle not only to keep the balance, but to gain glory.
It is just that there is so much of the spirits and magic that just made him uncomfortable. And now the three acorns: Live, Sleep, Die? He could only take them and shake his head in disgust and disbelief.
Glancing over towards Nauthiz, there was still some worry in Aiden, seeing that his fellow had lost his sister in this battle, and still carries those scars. A slight pang rippled through him as he was attracted to the comely woman. And then, the strange mage from the sand lands of the Blood Pack...and she disappeared. All of this only made Aiden shake his head with a wry smile.
He hadn't earned any respect yet from the fates with either his skills in arms or knowledge of the lands. ~I will have to remedy that...~ Aiden silently promised himself.
Now with all of these blasted dreams (and for once the ranger nodded with Bohdi's outburst in agreement) and the acorns, Aiden could feel the frustration...he was a simple ranger, what role does he have with this war of the spirits and gods?
"I am Aiden..." as he introduced himself quickly and succinctly. Those of Twin Tusks always had respected the dwarves, not necessarily liked them (due to ork bias), but respected them due to their martial skills. As to the other, Aiden quietly gauged the newcomer, trying to see (and deduce) what skills she bore....(ooc: descrip please?)
(Aiden: tall, lanky/wiry muscled ranger with blond/brown hair and growing beard. He carries a rather nasty looking double bladed orken axe.)
Edgler Vess Wednesday September 14th, 2005 9:00:07 PM
"Nice to meet you all and thanks for welcoming us to your fire." The dwarf tromps over to the fire and throws back the hood of his black cloak, revealing long red hair and a long neatly braided beard. A symbol of Gargul is proudly displayed on his chest. "It would seem that I'm not the only one to wake up with a handful of nuts this morning. Can anyone tell me what's going on?"
"Ummm, Aiden right?" he says to the tall blond ranger. "Do tell me the story of how you came by that wicked weapon of yours... 'over his dead body' I hope."
Neco (AC16 HP14/14) Wednesday September 14th, 2005 9:05:40 PM
"Thanks...um...Jake." says Neco as she lets him lead her to a place next to the fire. Removing her battered pack she sits and places it between her knees. Neco reaches into a deep pocket in her backpack and pulls out a small white ball of fur which she proceeds to stroke gently.
The slender human pushes the thoughts of cold from her mind and tries to focus on what is going on. She smiles shyly at the fighter who is not much taller than she but she looks over his shoulder at those who speak of magic.
Her fur lined leather armour adds a little extra weight to her thin frame.
Flea Wednesday September 14th, 2005 9:47:52 PM
Flea's eyes narrow and she flexes her hand around the hilt of her short sword until she finds a comfortable grip. "I'm no missy," she mutters under her breath as the strangers--the dwarf and the human female, enter the camp, but she moves a little closer to Ulgren.
The sudden flare of the fire draws her attention, as does the sudden outburst from Bohdi. In one quick glance Flea takes in all the information she needs to--the burning belt, the furious gnome his tan skin, fair hair and blue eyes ablaze with indignation. "Bloody hell," she whispers and a huge smile spreads across her face exposing the gap in the middle of her even white teeth. "Bloody hell! It's you, Bohdi! You're back!" Sheathing her sword, Flea tilts her head to receive the kiss on her cheek, then throws her arms around the magiker. "I'm so sorry about Jake," she apologizes giving the gnome a hug. Flea shakes her head and points to the lanky fighter making time with the newcomer across the fire. "He'll get his," she says ominously, giving Bohdi a knowing look.
Flea moves around the camp collecting what victuals she can from folks and tries to cobble together a hot breakfast. She divvies up the food into portions of equal size and serves it to everyone in the camp, including the newcomers. She serves Jake last and gives him the overcooked and somewhat burned bits from the bottom of the pot.
All the talk about leaving to go home from the rest of her pack makes Flea uneasy.
(OOC: Can I assume Flea is no longer poisoned?)
Gilan Thursday September 15th, 2005 2:27:57 AM
Gilan stretches as he looks to the newcomers and they move towards the fire. He steps off to the side not seeing a use for some of his spells at this time. With a slight yawn, despite the nap, he slips to the ground and looks over the acorns. "Seems that this Maab may not want to give up her hold on nature...wonder if the Fae King is as bad as it would seem." He cannot wonder if he had been put to sleep for so long if he would not wake up in a bad mood as well. Will that kind of link to nature it is no wonder it would reach to his feelings like that.
He does glance to Trellus and then nods his head. "The young wizard may have a point...we have a few spare moments...how about going about some of this loot we found." He can maybe see some arguements coming and holds up a hand that holds the acorns clenched in it. "We may have use for some of it with what is to come."
Anyone not cured of poison now? Anyone in need of anti-level draining or the like?
Garrett Thursday September 15th, 2005 8:35:05 AM
After Garrett finishes praying for spells he stands and stretches and begins packing up his equipment. Garrett will then walk over to the Bloodpack members that are due for Their Endure Elements today and cast his three endures upon them. Same as he's done every day since they arrived.
"We probably have a few moments to split up these items. But not knowing what they actually do makes it a bit tricky doesn't it?"
"I feel safe to assume that from all of the Bloodpack's magic, that the pack has found some before. How do you guys handle splitting it up?"
As he is talking, Garrett pulls out the cloak, the ring, and the headband that were recovered from the main bad guy. He then also gets out the Gauntlets and the ring taken from Skalti.
Jake Thursday September 15th, 2005 12:53:52 PM
The slim human takes a bite and stops... He slowly tries to unobtrusively get out the icky overcooked piece he'd accidentally chomped on and tosses it into the fireplace. He has one good guess whose idea that was. He gives Flea a look, like, 'I'm trying to pick up a girl here, wouldja be helpful?' "So, you have these acorns, too? Some dream, right?" He grins and ponders his own choice. "Ah dunno who ah'm about to pick...hey, is that a kitten? Hey, Mac, bring over the Bloodpack's smallest member..."
Bohdi Nackle Thursday September 15th, 2005 2:18:42 PM
Bohdi thanked Flea for the breakfast and ate heartily--better than hardtack, any day. While others engaged the newcomers in conversation--those that seemed willing to talk, anyway--Bohdi's own eyes were drawn to the surface drow's mystical preparations.
"A wizard!" Bohdi crowed, and clapped happily. It was as if someone had told the gnome that he had won first prize at the fair. "I had hoped that you were. You know, I haven't had contact with another arcane researcher since Tishe' disappeared--and she was never much of a talker, anyway. Come to think of it, I wonder what happened to her?" Bohdi shrugged. "Well, no one else seems worried about her, so I suppose I shouldn't be, either."
Bohdi returned his attention to Ulgren. "Anyway, we keep trying to get started on this conversation and never seem to make it through. So you're from the same place as the Bloodpack, eh? That's very interesting. I'm from Zarnan City myself. Trained in the White Tower--surely you've heard of it--under the great Hogswallow and Rumpledoodle themselves. Maybe we can compare spellbooks."
Bohdi crouched closer and lowered his voice. "You know," he whispered. "I was wondering how you managed to get here from there--the Sargrass, I mean. You see, everyone keeps talking about you all going back there, and I was kind of wondering if--well--if there was a way to, you know, pass back and forth. Maybe, like, one or two people, every now and then."
Then, louder, Bohdi announced to the others, "I'm just about done with my spell preparation for the day, so here's the last chance for anyone to comment. And then--shall we be off? After all, it would seem that there's some bloody avatars to be done away with, and they won't be doing away with themselves."
Barring any of the rangers telling him that the weather would be poor, Bohdi would forsake his element-enduring spells in favor of more combat-minded ones. He prepared his pack and crossbow and readied for the day's first march.
Mac (AC:21, HP:75/75, Darkvision 60') - hopefully Thursday September 15th, 2005 5:16:07 PM
Mac clambers out of the tent, tentatively testing his slowly returning strength.
He greets the newcomers from a distance and looks at Jake with some bemusement - wondering why Jake thinks he doesn't already have the smallest..., until he notices the kitten. "Ah!" Light dawns in the primeval forest. He pulls Galea gently from her pouch and give the cats a chance to say hello.
Hi Ho Hi Ho Off To Home We Go Thursday September 15th, 2005 6:31:02 PM
Morning breaks and the ever growing group talks over some food and a warm fire. The debilitatin effects of the fighting the day before all but gone, except for Trellus. The disease continues to spread and starts to take its toll on the cleric.
Flea beams at Bohdi, He was back and Bohdi beams at, Ulgren? The little gnome wastes zero time coming in to be near the other wizard, starved for contacs with the other arcane students he strikes up a conversation. Perhaps if there is time he may be able to copy a spell or two. If Ice Peak was packed before the ash destroyed it, he should be able to find the spell writing material he needs.
Other discussions go to the identification of some of the magic, to which Bohdi volunteered he possesed the ability to accomplish with 2 pearls in his possesion.
Edgler and Neco exchange some pleasantries and breakfast is served to everyones delight, save maybe Jake.
As promised, the next day is not unbearably cold and as the group breaks from the canyon into the sun it almost feels warm. The breath clouds billowing from everyone and the frozen condesation from that breath upon furs tells a different tale of the current temperature though. Soon enough, the initial warmth from the sun fades to a distant memory and the everpresent cold settles back in.
The Climb back to the cave will be long and grueling, but will also be the first steps home. Ulgren casts his Endure Elements spell and quickly finds out what the rest of the Bloodpack learned almost 2 weeks ago, magic cast by outsiders does not protect as well as it should from the elements. The climb will be extra long for Uogren.
Trellus (52/67 hp, ac 21, diseased) d20+8=28 d20+8=9 Thursday September 15th, 2005 8:33:02 PM
Fort 28.
Trellus can hear people talking to him, but the cleric doesn't respond. All his focus seems to be directed inward as he fights his own body through clenched teeth. Even after all the pack is healed, and talk turns to treasure and the cave, Trellus' is still battling himself.
His face is pockmarked and ravaged, and his breath is shallow, measured, controlled. Mostly he's trying not to breathe at all, or at least not deeply, for the pain of his ribs rubbing against his armor is searing.
Remove disease wasn't the pick? Fine, I've got more. Trellus casts Remove Curse, followed by Neutralize Poison (from his wand), followed by (if necessary)a Dispel Magic against the effect [Caster check 9!]
EdglerVess Thursday September 15th, 2005 8:57:22 PM
The dwarf sees that the others are on the move. He readjusts his cloak and pack and makes ready to follow. As they leave the camp he trudges beside Neco. "Here ya go, missy. You need this more than I do. (casts Endure Elements) To no one in particular he says, "I was merely looking for my home, but it would appear that I need to find out why we have a dream in common. Can anyone tell me what's going on"
Gilan Thursday September 15th, 2005 9:09:24 PM
Gilan shakes his head and gathers up what little gear he had layed out. As he looks to Trellus he moves over that way. "You going to be alright?" It is easy to tell that his packmate is in serious trouble and pain. "This will most likely not be an easy trip to this cave...do you need another day of rest to comtemplate this effect upon you?" He does not want to leave if there is any chance that Trellus will not be able to make it. "You know that if this is a nice sheltered place and we will not find another one the way back...most likely." He knows it is his friends decision but he looks to the other packmembers for support of some kind.
Neco (Endure Elements) Thursday September 15th, 2005 10:15:33 PM
Before the camp breaks for the march, Neco answers Jake's question, "no silly! This is Weezle!" At the sound of its name the small mammal awakens and climbs to the top of the small human's shoulder. It looks around in confusion and then at Neco as if trying to communicate something.
The fair skinned rogue with lightly freckled cheeks throws her aged pack onto her other shoulder and smiles demurely at Jake. The young woman pulls her cloak hood up to protect her face from the wind.
"Thank you Edgler. I am grateful for your help. I would not count on the weather to be this 'nice' for long" says Neco. Speaking in a hushed voice she continues, "some of these people don't seem to know what they are doing. Others, like them" she points to both Nauthiz'Ull and Garrett "seem to be better able to deal with the environment. Perhaps we should ally ourselves with them?"
*Endure Elements from Edgler*
Flea Thursday September 15th, 2005 10:54:25 PM
Flea helps break down the camp and packs up for the hike. Every now and then she glances over at Bohdi and smiles, happy that the illusionist has found a kindred spirit with whom he can talk mystic energies. After a watch shared with the strange drow, she is a little less startled by Ulgren's dark appearance. Moreover, if his company makes Bohdi happy, then he makes Flea happy too.
Flea watches Trellus struggle with his illness. She winces when he tries many magics to dispel the effects. "Here, maybe this will help?" she says offering her remaining vial of CMW to the cleric, but not really sure that it will be of any use. "Maybe we can go back to the village?" she asks hopefully. "Maybe they've got a shaman or something?"
Pulling her cloak about her, Flea will follow the trail set by the natives, staying as close as possible to the only other gnome in the party.
Garrett d20+7=17 Friday September 16th, 2005 8:40:35 AM
Walks over to Trellus. "That thing was steeped in magic, perhaps it is a magical effect more than a disease. Or even a magical disease. If there is anything I can do....Obviously if your spells are not working, what I have to offer is not going to work either. Perhaps your wizard could try and dispel the effect, maybe it is something affected more by the arcane than the divine."
"Either way, your pack needs to try everything they have to cure you before we make this journey."
Garrett will attempt a heal check(17) on Trellus to see if he can determine the nature of this disease, or learn anything that might be helpful in curing it.
Aiden d20=6 d20=13 Friday September 16th, 2005 9:26:35 AM
There is a wry smile on Aiden's face as he noticed the change in the temperature. Turning, he kept an eye on the others, again, working, almost listening, to the words of his former master, the closest thing to a caring 'mentor or father' that he had. It was easy for him to let nature takes its course, and let those not hardy enough fall to the elements, much like Skaldi.
However, his Ice Peaks master had taught him different, and it would be a disservice for him not to at least try to help, through advice and some nudging, those not used to the elements (including the newcomers).
He also knew that he was one of the few that felt comfortable in the wilds, and so being alert for the dangers indigenous to the lands, was very important.
spot: 6 + 4 = 10 listen: 13 + 4 = 17
Anuk Friday September 16th, 2005 12:42:20 PM
Seeing that the strangers pose no threat, Anuk introduces himself. He is short for a human, and out here in the cold he appears mostly as a bundle of fur with legs, though a bit of curly brown hair does peek out from underneath his cap. He moves easily though and extends a gloved hand.
"I'm Anuk Greyhand. I'm with the Bloodpack, but...uh...we're not really from around these parts."
Ulgren: Mage Armour(extended), Endure Elements(extended), Cloak of Comfort Friday September 16th, 2005 1:03:56 PM
Ulgren smiles at Bohdi as the gnome questions him on all things arcane and does his best to answer each and every one of them. "I havent heard of you instructors, sorry Bohdi, I was trained first in the drow undeercity then on a ship sailing the Sargrass plains." Ulgren sighs, "As to how I got here? I am not realyy sure I just remember the old man.." Ulgren stops a moment midsentence and shakes his head, "he said go this way and between one step and the next I was here, the heat of the plains ended and the cold of this frost bitten realm began." Ulgren shrugs, "I hope there is a way to get back, I don't see why not if I can get here."
Nauthiz'Ull d20+10=19 d20+10=23 d20+8=20 d20+8=26 d20+9=11 Friday September 16th, 2005 1:06:42 PM
The ranger watches intently as the Icepack gathers for the morning and eats some tasty vitals.
Nauth savors every bite fo his warmed food and nods appreciatively towards the tiny cook. "This will stick to the ribs a bit. I thank you Flea." with another nod the ebony skinned amn drops his head back to his food to finish it off. When he is down he grabs a handful of snow and cleans out his dish then stores it back in his backpack.
"Trellus, I agree with Gilan. None of us want to see you deteriorating. If you need more time just say so."
After he addresses his concerns to the foreign cleric he begins walking away from camp a bit up the path, doing his morning tracking ritual, all the while looking out for foreign tracks and the possible gate of Skalti yet again.
His return back to camp will be spent studying the weather as his sister, Frigg'Isa, taught him how to do. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Survival-19-tracking Survival-23-weather Spot-20 Listen-26 Know:Nature-11
Bohdi Nackle Friday September 16th, 2005 3:02:40 PM
As they retraced their steps to the cave--again--Bohdi chatted amiably with Ulgren and tried to include Flea, as well. "What's this? Never heard of Hogswallow and Rumpledoodle? What kind of a place is this Rattledam for right proper mage such as yourself, anyway? Here, now--Furtif Aeanora, my dear, tell me--what's this Rattledam place like, if they haven't heard of the likes of the magnificent magical academy of Hogswallow and Rumpledoodle, masters of the arcane?"
"My dear," Bohdi addressed himself to Flea. "When we get back to civilization, I plan to show you all of the wonders of Zarnan City. The amazing ice walls--the sublime City Center--the White Tower--yes, my dear, they'll be the oyster, with you as the pearl."
Whether Bohdi's thoughts of the far-off metropolis had distracted him from the rigors of the icy march, or whether this third? fourth? journey along the same path had finally grown him accustomed to it, Bohdi's complaining had reached an all-time low, to the undoubted relief of all around him.
"Now, about those marvelous flame spells of yours, Ulgren," Bohdi continued, his focus returning to the drow. "Are you relying upon an inverse pyrodynamic matrix to stabilize the aerosol? Or do you prefer Waldremor's Parallel Incantation? Personally, I haven't met many who do--you know what they say about having too many Waldremors about, heh heh heh ...."
Jake Friday September 16th, 2005 3:46:54 PM
The slim fighter grins at the woman's response. "Weasel, huh?" he tentatively gives the thing a stroke, then withdraws his hand with a slight smile. Then he goes back to pondering the acorns an waht the rest of the group is pondering. "Ah can't wait to get outta this cold... Trell, you don't look too good. March next to Mac today, dude..."
Burfell's Climb Friday September 16th, 2005 5:46:07 PM
The remove Curse spell, Trellus is delighted to note, halts the rotting disease and he feels his lungs clear. normal healing should finish it off completely. With this Trellus assures everyone he will be fine quite shortly.
Aiden and nauthiz'Ull begin picking the lead way up the mountain crag and towards the next camp, that of the haunted cave. Several things stand out to all during the climb, the most noticable is the growth of dozens of towering furrier trees that were not there just a day ago. Another is the heavy cloud cover, which nauthiz'Ull recognizes as the kind not needed during a mountain climb. The kind that generate snow, a massive amount of snow. The good part is he believes the group should make the cave before it starts.
The Climb requires DC 15. You can take 10. Failure indicates a fall. Reflex DC 15 or 2d6 damage.
The wind howls in the disatnce, higher up the mountain and snow swirls off the top reaches of Burfell. The Cold begins to take it's effect on those not protected by the magics of the Ice Vein. Ulgren and Egdler begin to feel the debilitationg effects of the sub zero temperatures.
Ulgren and Egdler Fort DC 15, 16, 17 and 18 Each failure cause 1d6 nonlethal damge and causes fatigue. A second failure causes 1d4 lethal damage and exhaustion.
The cave is still several hours away. Also each save is at 1 hour intervals, so action can be taken between them to cure the damage or what not, but the saves continue to increase in DC
Gilan 60/67(4lethal){wildshape: snowy owl, endure elements} d20+10=23 d20+10=23 d20+10=14 d20+10=17 d6=3 d4=4 Friday September 16th, 2005 8:14:03 PM
Gilan looks to the rest of the group and then to the climb down they will have to make and shakes his head. "This bites grass." He does take the time to hit himself with the endure elements wand, knowing that it will only reduce the effects of the cold and not get rid of it.
Looking to the rest he shakes his head again. "I will be your aerial scout as I have no intention of trying my luck with that climb." He closes his eyes and lets the power flow into him that signals his change into another shape. His bones snap and pop as they change to accomodate a new form...one meant to fly. Soon in his place on the ground is a large snowy owl, who takes the the wing.
[Fort 23,23,14,17*not modified for endure elements*]
Mac (AC:21, HP:75/75, Darkvision 60') d20+5=11 d20+9=24 d20+9=24 d20+9=25 d20+9=26 Friday September 16th, 2005 8:31:20 PM "Like last time - I'll climb up the first step wi' a rope, along wi' anyone else who'd prefer t' climb. We lo'er the rope for those who're happier climbing with it, an' we haul up those who're left." He pauses for a second - looking around, before adding, "An' while we're stretched an' vuln'rable, the people at a loose end need to be lookin' out for the rest!"
Mac accepts a rope and climbs (Take 10 for 18). At the top he checks for threats [Spot:11] and either braces the rope for the next climber or one of the other climbers can tie it off.
-----
Fort Checks (for the course of the climb): 24, 24, 25 & 26.
Edgler Vess (AC:18, HP:21/21, Darkvision 60' d20+11=15 d20+11=22 d20+11=17 d20+11=24 Friday September 16th, 2005 9:24:55 PM
"Climbing was never my strong point," growls Edgler. "I guess I'll wait for 'haulin'." The dwarf tries to give no sign that the cold affects him in the least.
----- Fort checks include +5 for cold weather gear: 15, 22, 17, 24
Garrett d20-1=12 d6=1 d6=4 Saturday September 17th, 2005 8:09:05 AM
Garrett looks at the formidable hill and realizes this will be a tough climb in chain male. Especially since he's not a very good climber anyway.
At the first loose stone, Garrett goes tumbling back down the hill(5 hp dam.) Cursing the climb, Garrett checks to make sure all his limbs still work.
"Guys, there's pretty much little chance of me making this climb without either ropes or magical assistance. Either would be greatly appreciated. If the ropes would slow us down too much to beat the snow, or magical help is not a good idea, I can strip off the chainmale and haul it behind me. But that may be just as hard to climb, and leave me much less battle ready when we reach the cave and the "avatar".
"What do you guys think here?"
Garrett Saturday September 17th, 2005 8:13:59 AM
Garrett waits for the rope. (ooc. Sorry, missed the rope option)
Bohdi Nackle (HP 11/14) d20=4 d20=6 d20+3=12 2d6(2+1)=3 Sunday September 18th, 2005 11:50:46 AM
"We really ought to move," Bohdi said worriedly as Nauthiz'Ull related the weather. "We don't want to be caught out in the open when that snow hits."
Bohdi looked at Flea. "I'd offer you my assistance, but experience tells me that you're better at this climbing thing than I am. If I make the top, I'll try to help."
Taking Mac's rope firmly in hand, Bohdi began his ascent. Squork did his best to help Bohdi climb, flapping overhead and telling Bohdi where to place feet and hands. (Aid Another 4, fails!) But the bird couldn't help the gnome much when it came to the practicalities of scaling a mountain, and Bohdi had to try his best on his own.
(Climb, untrained, +0--the presence of the rope might lower the DC of the climb from 15 to something less, but in any event, Bohdi's check without aid is a 6, meaning a failure unless the DC is <= 5. REF check 12 also fails, 3 HP damage.) The gnome illusionist was clearly better off with his tomes of lore and his alchemy--misjudging a snow-covered rock, the gnome slipped and tumbled, landing on a jagged section of ice that tore into his skin. "Owww!" He dusted himself off and, eventually--with much more slipping and sliding--finished the climb bruised and slightly battered.
"Where's a nice bottle of ice wine when you need one?" he grumbled.
Flea d20+1=3 d20+1=20 Sunday September 18th, 2005 3:40:10 PM
"Here, Mac. Take my rope*1," volunteers Flea. She winces when Bohdi hits the ice, but her first attempt isn't much better than her friend's (Climb Check=3). Fortunately, her magical ring*2 saves her from any damage as she floats lightly to the ground. The gnome's second attempt is better. (Climb Check=20). "Thanks Mac!" she says patting the taur on the shoulder.
"Or a Flaming Green Gnomish!" she responds with a wink to Bohdi.
"Anyone else want to use the ring?" she calls down to those waiting to climb up. If any respond, she will send the ring down for them to use, collecting it when everyone is up.
*1 50ft. silk rope *2 Ring of Feather Fall p. 232 DMG
Neco (Endure Elements) d20+2=18 Sunday September 18th, 2005 5:00:00 PM
When it becomes her turn Neco scales the wall using the rope (Climb 18). One gloved hand over the other the human makes her to the top without a pause. Neco looks up at the Minotaur and says "Thanks Mac. Having you at the other end sure makes one feel safe when climbing a rope."
Aiden d20=13 d20=15 d20=4 d20=10 d20=8 d20=15 Sunday September 18th, 2005 5:18:38 PM
Aiden kept quiet, occasionally looking over the knots that some of the adventurers had used to secure themselves (using his and rope that the others had provided).
"We will make the caves..." he said firmly, even as he looked up towards where they intended to travel as well as the sky.
"If there were any magics to make anyone lighter or to fly, that could help speed the heavier of people..." he suggested. "Or for the lighter ones, perhaps they can be tied by rope and harness onto the stronger climbers"
Climb (13 + 2) = 15 Survival (15 + 4) = 19
Jake Sunday September 18th, 2005 6:27:22 PM
Jake takes his time, first putting his pack of armor to the side. He sends his backpack, shield and armor in one big pack first, the skinny youth as usual carrying in his packs just about everything for an emergency making this just a bit too heavy to go in one try. After seeing his pack safelyt up, his sword at his side, teeth chattering slightly from the cold, he grips the rope and pulls himself easily up with slow, sure strokes. (+5 nat, +2 with rope use, takes 10 to make it on 17) "Just like sneaking outta Rattledam," he mumbles. "Except for the snow. And the cold. And, er, everything." He sighs at the top, feeling suddenly very homesick. "Ah'd even take a lecture from stodgy old Galabutt to be back there..."
Ulgren: Mage Armour(extended), Endure Elements(extended), Cloak of Comfort, exhausted d20+5=23 d20+5=8 d20+5=10 d20+5=13 d6=6 3d4(4+2+1)=7 d20-3=8 d20-3=3 d20-3=0 d20-3=-1 Sunday September 18th, 2005 7:06:26 PM
Ulgren sets his jaw against the biting cold and attempts to climb the rope, however the wait down below and the cold have numbed the mages hands and dulled his senses. The mage manages to make the first ten feet but falls shortly after that, trying an additional3 times the mage finally falls face first into the snow and ice and groans softly.
Trellus d20-1=7 2d6(1+4)=5 2d8(5+2)+8=15 Sunday September 18th, 2005 8:17:24 PM
Trellus' spirits rise considerably as he eliminates the remnants of the undead's hold upon him. He attacks the morning walk with gusto, talking with Garrett on the way.
"If we can identify a couple of those items tonight, we'll have a better idea of how to split them up. Otherwise you take first choice and we'll take second and we'll split the four items up that way. I'm pretty sure that big ring won't be going anywhere once we hit that Cave."
At the climb, Trellus decides he will also wait for the rope.
[Climb 7 - not including rope bonus. Probably not good.]
One way or another, the cleric gets himself to the top. And there, he quickly hits Ulgren with a cure spell. [Cure Moderate Wounds = 15 hp healed.]
"Mac, I think you may need to carry our newest packmate awhile," he advises.
Mac d20+5=23 Monday September 19th, 2005 8:54:27 AM
Bracing against whatever is available, Mac plays anchor while those happy to scale the rope do, and then hauling up those who weren't. [Indicative Str Check:23]
He responds with a "You're welcome!" to Flea, a "Thanks, but the 'Pack prob'ly would nae agree wi' you." with a smile for Neco, an "Ouch! Tha's gotta hurt! Ulgren, we'll get ye up here. In the meantime, stop throwin' you'self at the wall!" to Ulgren, and a "Yeah, I'll carry 'im." to Trellus
Anuk Monday September 19th, 2005 10:18:57 AM
Anuk stays behind for a while, helping others stow their gear for the climb. When his turn comes he grabs the rope securely and carefully makes his way to the top. (following Jake's lead: taking 10 + 4 ranks in climb + 4 ranks in use rope. Total 18)
At the top he turns to the big minotaur. "Mac, I don't know how we ever climbed anything without you," he says with a grin.
Nauthiz'Ull [hp7/20] d20+2=9 2d6(4+3)=7 d20+2=4 d20+2=19 2d6(1+5)=6 Monday September 19th, 2005 10:39:29 AM
Nauth heads straight up with Mac, or so he thought he was going to. After a moments walk he looks back to see how the others are and looses his grip, tumbling back down and hitting his head hard on some compacted snow [7hp damage].
After he regained his bearings he decided to climg behind another and try to help them up along the way, only to be knocked back down by Ulgren as he fell [6 hp damage].
The battered ranger's cheeks burn with embarassment as he knows these lands better than anyone (save maybe Aiden) and he is doing the worst out of all of them.
Do you see me now Ull'Heimdall? I fail further. I am an embarassment.
With a grunt and some deep sense of need to accomplish this without anyone's help the ranger grips the snow with foot and hand and makes the ascent.
"Now we move on to the hard stuff."
Climbing the Rift Monday September 19th, 2005 4:45:45 PM
For 5 gruelling hours the group picks and climbs the steep slopes of the rift of Burfell. Many encounter several problems during the climb and are roughed against unyeilding ice and rock. The climb is not vertical On various small sections of flat rocks during the ascent, Trellus is able to make his way to an injured comrade and heal them. Trellus heals Ulgren shortly after his fall as well as Flea (The climb is not vertical so the Feather Fall ring never activates), Nauthiz'Ull, Garret, Bohdi and himself. During the climb, Trellus is called upon a total of 12 times. The more experienced climbers and the naturally stronger members of the group do thier best to minimize damage and teh fact that everyone ereaches teh top alive is a testment to thier skill and determination. The cave is now just a short 3 hours hike through the snow with a howling wind crossing the side of the path they trudge. The sun slips behind the peak as it moves ever westward and the temperature noticeably drops to all.
Anuk spies it first, being fairly close to the drow wizard. Darker black skin seems to be forming on his cheeks, chin and nose.Anuk remembers the warnings in his conversations with the native rangers of this land. They called the Black skin 'frostbite' and it could eventually render limbs worthless. Ulgren sees the concern on Anuks face and it is a bit puzzling. Sure, he's tired but the feeling of the deeply biting cold had passed some time ago.
Ulgren and Edgar 3 saves Fort save 19 20 and 21 Edgar First Failure cause 1d6 nonlethal damge and causes fatigue. A second failure causes 1d4 lethal damage and exhaustion Ulgren First failure causes 1d4 lethal damage and exhaustion.
Despite these difficulties the cave is reached by dark and the real weather sets in. Once again the group can feel teh outer temperatures plunging beyond survivability by anyone for any real length of time.
The old man, left by the group a few days ago, still lives and cracks a wry smile from his place by the fire. "Just too stubborn wunjo." A dry cough breaks from his lips. "Kept your fire up, thought if you returned it would be apprciated."
Edgler Vess (HP 17/21 nonlethal, fatigued) d20+11=29 d20+11=18 d20+11=30 d6=4 Monday September 19th, 2005 6:01:46 PM
As the dwarf reaches the top he thanks the big minotaur. "Thanks, laddy. Your strong arm is very appreciated... doubt I coulda done it on my own."
He marches a long with the others as he tries to rebundle his clothing in a vain attempt to fight of the cold. At one point he stumbles and falls face first into the snow. After a brief moment of just laying there, he forces himself out of the snow. Those close enough can hear him mumble, "Get up you lazy dwarf! You haven't done enough to warrant a rest yet!" He stumbles along to the cave. Once inside he greets the old man. "A beautiful fire, you have there. Never have I seen one so appreciated."
He collapses by the fire where he unbundles to the let the heat in. He then begins the long process of removing ice and grooming his long red beard.
Neco (Endure Elements) Monday September 19th, 2005 7:29:08 PM
Neco enters the shelter of the cave and is surprised to see it inhabited. She moves to the fire and seats herself beside Edgler. "Edgler my friend, you look weary. Although I am gratefull for the protection from the weather you have given me. I do have magics of my own, therefore you should reserve yours for you own purposes."
Crossing the cave the small female seeks out the dark skined ranger with the twigged hair. "You," she says in a small voice" seem to know best these areas. I would like to know if it would be possible for me to follow you and your group?"
Ulgren: Mage Armour(extended), Endure Elements(extended), Cloak of Comfort, exhausted d20+5=10 d20+5=11 d20+5=7 3d4(3+3+2)=8 Monday September 19th, 2005 9:05:48 PM
Ulgren doesn't struggle as the minotaur carries him up the mountain and into the cave however teh cold continues to bite into the drow. Ulgren staggers to the fire as Mac sets him down in the cave and tries to absorb as much of the heat as he can. "Ahhhhhh!" Ulgren maons hands outstretched, "Thanks Mac," Ulgren says with more enthusiasm than his face shows. Ulgres sighs and turns to Trellus, "Now what? where? and when? I am exhausted, but I will carry on as best I can. If we wait I can conjure a better shelter to keep us warm and sleep if not I need a bit of time to rest up."
If the group waits Ulgren will cast Leomunds Secure shelter in the most appropriate spot. If not Ulgren will prepare to move on.
Gilan 60/67(4lethal){wildshape: , endure elements} Monday September 19th, 2005 10:31:03 PM
Gilan continues his watch over the group from the air, his eyes not so good in the morning hours but having little choice. He rides the currents and revels in this shape...in fact he is finding that he is enjoying his time in animal shapes even more lately.
Some time later he lands a short while before the rest of the group make the cave and shifts back into his human form...something that is becoming even easier. When at last they show up he pats Mac and Trellus on the back as he loops a arm over Trell's shoulder. "Let us break out the scrolls I have a have our resident wizards have a gander at that treasure you mentioned." Once inside and finding the warmth of the fire he gets a little more comfortable and then pulls back out the scroll case from earlier. "Bohdi and Ulgren...would you mind joining me over here?" He is near the fire but not too near to cause problems. He hands both Bohdi and Ulgren a piece of parchment with the same spell upon it...IDENTIFY. "I believe that you both could make use of these on those new items?" He sets back and will let them get to work as he has more scrolls in the case...ten in total.
Nauthiz'Ull [hp 7/20] d20+9=15 d20+4=19 d20+12=19 Monday September 19th, 2005 11:36:38 PM
The ice blue eyes reflect the dancing flames of the fire still alive. He watches as some start prepping spells for various purposes and a confused look at some of the conversations. He wearily watches as the female woman approaches. A smile melts the harsh features of his face as her words spill out.
"Little one, first let me ask you what you can do for my wunjos and myslef. Dead weight is a burden that we will not carry. If you have something to lend to our group then you can come. I am sorry if that sounds harsh or rude but that is how life has been lately."
The lanky boy looks her over again for a moment and a smirk flashes across his mouth.
"And if you die out there and decide to come back and kill us, you will be my personal toy to deal with. I am sick and tired of the Bevroren Doden and we need not another companion deciding to hunt us down."
Turning back to the rest of the group, the ranger calls upon his knowledge of healing and of the impact of the Vein on the body to help Ulgren out as much as possible. ~~~~~~~~~~~ Know:Nature-15 Heal-19 Survival-19
Flea (AC 19, 40/47 HP) d20+9=12 2d6(2+5)=7 d20+8=23 Tuesday September 20th, 2005 12:14:23 AM
After thanking Mac, Flea brushes at the snow and ice clinging to her garments after her tumble. (Rolled the Reflex=12, fail, dmg=7) "#%*)(@!" the gnome curses, "first the cloak and now the ring! Does nothing work in this gods forsaken place!" Alternately cursing and muttering to herself, Flea follows the party towards the cave. At the entrance, she hesitates. This was the place where she picked up the knife. The knife in her pack. Wrapped in her special embroidered shirt. The one that gave her the vision of the girl who talked about her kin getting their heads taken off.
Flea shivers at the threshold of the cave, hesitant to go in until she sees the little bits of treasure spread out for identification. "I might be able to get an idea on the value of the items," Flea volunteers as she peers over the shoulders of those circled around Gillan. The rogue will try to estimate the value of the items displayed. (Appraise=23)
Trellus Tuesday September 20th, 2005 7:34:11 AM
Trellus spends a lot of time healing people.
Its totally amazing anybody survives out here at all, he wonders silently.
At the cave, the cleric grins at the old weaver. "Many shadows, truly," he thanks the man.
He nods at Gilan's request to take a look at the items gathered from the undead, and then he goes to have a really good look at Ulgren. Tishe had that house spell pick, too. So the blond man has some idea what the drow is talking about. "This place was warm enough last time, so I think we're OK for now. But if it starts getting too cold, we can use your shelter," he says.
Afterwards, he calls Garrett and Grymash over. "Tomorrow, we'll need an Endure Elements on Ulgren," he points out. The young man turns to Grymash. "Can you make it through this cold for a day?"
Grymash Tuesday September 20th, 2005 7:50:34 AM
Grymash grunts. "Gry no need magic for dis cold. Gry got furry skins on. Dat be gute enough for Gry."
Garrett d20+7=18 Tuesday September 20th, 2005 8:52:01 AM
"I will have three endure elements for your pack Trellus. That is all the spells I have of that nature. Since we decided to use that rod of extend on the endures every day, the three I cast upon yesterday will be good for an extra day. So if I do three more tommorrow and Bohdi does one, everyone from your pack should pretty much be covered for the day."
"Thanks for the healing Trellus. That climb was not fun. You must be truly favored by Domi to be granted such an assortment and number of spells."
Garrett moves over to join Nauth and take a look at Ulgren(heal check: 18), and offer any assistance that he may be able to offer.
"we shall spend the night Ulgren. And depending upon this storm, perhaps longer."
Bohdi Nackle d20=20 d20+11=22 d20+11=27 Tuesday September 20th, 2005 9:57:05 AM
"Never thought I'd be glad to see this place again," Bohdi muttered as they reached the cave's mouth. The warmth and flickering light of the fire made his eyes widen with surprise and delight--and then they narrowed again, just as quickly.
"Ah, suuuuure, alder opa," Bohdi addressed the old man warily. "Thanks ever so much for keeping our fire going. Must have been an interesting time for you up here ... all this time ... in the haunted cave ... in the wilderness ... all alone. Yes, bloody cheerful, I should imagine."
Bohdi looked over at the friends who were blithely examining items and warming their weary limbs. "I'll be right there," he called to Gilan, Ulgren, and Flea, in as calm and nonchalant a manner as he could muster (Bluff, untrained, nat 20!). For a change, it worked! He seemed cool and unruffled. "If I had known that we would be examining items tonight, I would have saved open some arcane space to memorize a few more identification spells. As it is, each of those scrolls will only work on one item. Here, I have a spell that will help begin the process. Presto ensorcelsior revelorum," he declared, and an orange rune flamed into existence in front of the gnome's face. (Cast: Detect Magic.)
The rune shaped itself into a pair of glowing spectacles, which Bohdi donned. He peered carefully at the fire, at the old man, and then swept his vision through the cave. "Yes, this is usually a very helpful spell to begin the process of identifying enchantments," Bohdi continued. "Helps to see what's really there." (Spellcraft check, as needed, 22, or 24 against illusions.)
If Bohdi noticed anything unusual about the old man, the fire, or the cave, he would warn the others--if time permitted, by casting Message and whispering a warning to Garrett and Trellus, or by shouting a quick warning and preparing an offensive spell if not. Otherwise, Bohdi crossed the cave and examined the magical items with Flea, Ulgren, and Gilan. He would offer to cast the Identify spells from Gilan's scrolls, if it would help. (Spellcraft to read the scroll, 27, success.)
Aiden d20=2 d20=16 Tuesday September 20th, 2005 10:23:37 AM
Aiden looked at the elder, his eyes scanning him (as well as the others) to see if there were any 'ill effects' that could become permanent from the cold. Wordlessly, he would go about and observe....as well as making sure that the cave was made as hospitable as possible for the overnight stay. Should any need treatment for the frostbite, Aiden would quietly try to approach the people, and alert them to this in a hushed, dry voice.
If they did not want suggestions or treatment, then so be it....
Nauth'iz's response about the walking frozen seemed to mildly surprise the ranger. Though he tried not to show it, it was pretty obvious that Nauth'iz was going to need someone to watch his back for his anger and emotion could lead into mistakes.
However, Aiden also agreed with the fellow ranger's response about not wanting to face fellow packmates in combat...
spot: 6 heal (frostbite): 19
Anuk d20+6=22 d20+13=19 Tuesday September 20th, 2005 11:15:21 AM
In the twilight created by the gathering clouds, Anuk notices the darker patches of Ulgren's skin are not just shadows. "Hold up there, Ulgren. Looks like you've gotten yourself a little sunbaked--er, icebaked out here."
Having watched Nauth treat this before, Anuk carefully begins adjusting furs and wrappings around the drow to be more protective and hopefully stop the damage before it gets worse. (heal 22, survival 19). He knows, though, that the skill to actually reverse the damage lies with others, so he calls out for anyone who can help to do so.
DM Note Tuesday September 20th, 2005 11:49:34 AM
DM post will be later this evening....
Mac Tuesday September 20th, 2005 4:37:39 PM
Herding the last of the travelers into the cave, Mac removes his baggage, returns to Flea her rope, and takes up guard against the frozen walking dead , wolves, wurms and worse.
Cave of Wonders Tuesday September 20th, 2005 7:46:23 PM
Voices still call to Gilan as he soars across the heavens. Power...Freedom...Life...Awaken Even under the cloud gathering sky the sun seems to shine into his very soul. Another voice seems to suddenly cut in. It oddly sets you at ease despite being completely foreign. I call to you, my charge that I may need to become your ward
The cave is to be the groups home for at least 8 hours and Trellus remembers last time it was plenty warm, even when beyond the cave became like cold death himself. Ulgren spell would not be needed this night, but for the next two days only a small wolf den provides any shelter before the ash filled remains of Ice Peak Village will be reached. And the cleric recalls the group spent almost 1 week buried under almost 12 feet of snow.
Several drop by the fire more than eager to feel its warmth. Others know some of the tricks of the Vein and their mind screams to them caution. Neco approaches Nauthiz'Ull about becoming more than a passing friendly face and the ranger finds the past weeks events has greatly soured him to easily say yes. Garret, Aiden, Anuk and Nauthiz'Ull move to Ulgren and examine the Frostbite upon his nose and chin and then quickly begin stripping him from his furs. All have seen worse and there should be no permanent damage, a few more hours and the story might have been different. Anuk notes happily to himself that all they others did in examination and treatment, he had thought of. If need be, he could be called on in this extreme place of cold.
Gilan busts out 10 identify scrolls and as the two resident wizards begin to prepare, Flea gives the items an appreciative look. Most seem fairly common and not really worthwhile. She finally identifies the dull black metal however, Cold Forged Iron. The small ring and gauntlets the creature Skalti wore, as well as the headband and ring the more powerful creature was wearing are all cold forged iron. The frayed belt looks to be nothing more than a worthless piece of rope. The Cloak, however practically changes before her eyes as she touches it. Reds and Greens seem to spring to life overtop of the dull grey blank palette that was just there. Birds embroider themselves almost before the gnome's eyes. It seems the more she looks the more detailed and extravagant the cloak appears. A small thin voice as if carried from a great distance reaches Flea's ears Pretty
Bohdi casts detect magic and again all 6 items register to the gnome. The fire and the Hunter lying beside it have no aura of any kind to his magical sight.
Ulgren and Bohdi: There are 6 items Are you identifying all 6 with 6 scrolls? As it will not have immediate impact I will continue a bit.
The old hunter nods to Edgler as he practically collapses next to the fire. "By Asir never thought I would see a dwarf." He then continues as his still keen eye glosses quickly over the group plunging in covered in frost and ice. "I escape the Tuskers with naught but a few skins and a knife, travel near on three days across the tundra, dragging a small Halfling girl with me, climb Burfell to this cave for nigh 4 days and you're surprised to see me by the fire you left not a day ago?" with a coughing chuckle he adds, "The Vein is full of more wondrous things than that uskyldig litens."
The deep night passes, Mac nor any other on watch or asleep feel disturbed in any way. The spirit that has been encountered is quiet, the winds across the face of the mighty mountain are relatively peacful and all sleep fitfully.
Morning rays find all in there daily preparations.
Neco d20+7=8 Tuesday September 20th, 2005 8:13:21 PM
Nauthiz'Ull's bitter response takes the tiny rogue by surprise. "I-I-I didn't get this far to be insulted by an insolent youth!" the girl's voice falters and red faced she looks down at her feet (Bluff 8)to hide her embarrassment.
"Dead weight is a burden that we will not carry."
"I have a sixth sense when it comes to avoiding danger. I have skills in the arts of stealth, evasion and sneaking up behind the enemy. I have some small magics and can cast from scrolls and activate wands," with a heavy sigh, and almost as an afterthought, Neco admits "and I can cook."
Turning to Aiden she continues "I have no intentions of becoming a Bevroren Doden thingy."
Flea Tuesday September 20th, 2005 8:29:01 PM
"Cold forged iron," volunteers Flea as she moves the various items about with the edge of her sword. Then, suddenly there is a vision.
The cloak. It practically changes before her eyes as she touches it. The rogue pushes her way through the others to gather it up more fully. Reds and Greens seem to spring to life overtop of the dull grey blank palette that was just there. Birds embroider themselves almost before her eyes. "It is more detailed and extravagant a cloak than ever I have seen!" she muses aloud. "Yes!" she whispers "Pretty! Very pretty!"
Flea has eyes for nothing but the pretty cloak before her.
Gilan d20+2=22 d20+6=12 d20+14=32 Tuesday September 20th, 2005 9:34:23 PM
Gilan leaves the scroll case with Bohdi and Ulgren as they have a go at the items. He knows that he will at least get part of his scrolls back and they may have use of the treasure in the immediate future. He does glance to Flea as she picks up the cloak and then nudges Ulgren so that he will also notice. "If that is magical...do it first." He wants to see what Flea's reaction will be to be parted from the cloak...something just does not seem right about this interest.
His night is spent settled in the corner of the cave, close enough to the fire to have warmth but not too much. He wakes in the morning to sit outside the very entrance of the cave and enjoy the morning. This morning though he spends in not only silent prayer to Mother Wold but also in contemplation of the voices he keeps hearing. "What does it mean?" His eyes speak of some hidden thing that he cannot understand but is striving too.
[Intelligence 22, Wisdom 12, Knowledge(nature) 32*all to figure out something, anything about the voices he is hearing]
Use 6 of the scrolls if you guys want to. Who exactly gets the endure elements spells in the morning from the IcePack? Was never sure about that one.
Edgler Vess (AC18, HP 2/21) d8+2=7 d8+2=4 Tuesday September 20th, 2005 10:19:03 PM
"Neco, the young ranger meant no disrespect. I know you are capable, he will learn as well."
The dwarf stiffly gets to his feet and moves over to Nauthiz'Ull. "I know that we are strangers, but that dream we shared means we are linked on some other level. That little girl may not look like much, but I know she will prove her worth. "Now,let me take a look at those wounds...
Burns Bless and casts Cure Light Wounds (+7) Burns Shield of Faith and casts Cure Light Wounds (+4)
Edgler returns to the fire and the old hunter sitting there. "I can see the surprise in your face, friend. Which can only tell me that I've ended up farther from home than I thought I was."
The next morning, the dwarven priest lays his emblem of Gargul on the floor in front of him, while he performs his morning ritual. Once complete, he is ready to follow the group wherever they may lead.
Detect Magic Detect Poison Guidance Light
Endure Elements Bless Shield of Faith D- True Strike *cast
Ulgren: Mage Armour(extended), Endure Elements(extended), Cloak of Comfort, exhausted d20+16=25 d20+16=36 d20+16=22 d20+16=27 d20+16=24 d20+16=35 Tuesday September 20th, 2005 11:08:54 PM
Ulgren sits quietly as Anuk places the furs around him. As various members speak of casting Endure Elements the drow shakes his head from side to side, "I cast that this morning, it didn't do any good. Neither did my cloak. That gnome said it was good for negative 50 degrees to positive 150 degrees fairenhiet." Ulgren looks up," he lied." Ulgren looks at Bohdi and smiles, "In the morning we can discuss your spectacles, but for now lets identify these items, Ulgren cast as many of the spells from scroll as needed. Spellcraft 25,36,22,27,24,35 for success. Ulgren then does his best to find a quiet spot to get warm. "Thanks Mac." Ulgren says sincerely, "you saved me today."
Aiden Wednesday September 21st, 2005 8:03:41 AM
ooc: Hey, just a note to Neco. Aiden didn't say a word but just contemplated/thought things through. I wasn't sure if she was pleading her case to the quiet ranger or arguing with him.
Aiden nodded, "I understand..." as he looked down towards the rogue (being taller than she). He then lowered himself down (bending knees or what have you) so that he was a more respectful eye to eye contact with the young female.
"We have lost..." as he hesitated to find the proper word, since friends nor family really applied for him, "some of us have lost loved ones to this....blight...one of which hurt many of us having been corrupted."
"If you have such skills and knowledge such as you claim...then you will be quite welcome..." He waited for a moment for the (if any) response, before quietly getting back to work and helping prepare the cave for the evening, and the next day(s) travel.
Garrett Wednesday September 21st, 2005 8:47:46 AM
walks over to Neco shortly after the exchange with Nauth and talks quietly to her.
"Mind not what he said girl. He has suffered more than any of us in the past weeks. He is a good man and a good friend. You will get to know him this way also, and I for one would be happy for you to travel with us." Garrett looks at her as if he thinks he should say something else, but the quiet Priest just smiles and walks away. Over to Nauth.
"Wunjo, you were a bit tough on the girl. pretty much saying she'd be dead weight is a little harsh, especially since she made it here. Which is more than we can say for Skalti. Let us give her a chance." He then looks to Nauth, shrugs his shoulders and prepares for the day.
(ooc: am I correct that everyone is fully healed. I was under that assumption after Trellus did all that healing.)
Garrett will suggest to all those from the vein that they "take as many endure elements spells as they can in order to make sure everyone is covered. The journey back will be likely long and cold."
(OOC: As far as Garrett's endure elements, I was under the assumption that I was the one using the Bloodpacks rod of extend for my three spells each day, allowing me to keep 6 people covered at all times with endure elements. I have been covering 6 of the Bloodpack, counting on my Icevein heritage to help me out a little. That still leaves 8 people including myself without the protection of EE, so it is likely that both Edgler and Bohdi will need to take as many as they can to help us make the journey home.
Garrett will be keeping the following 6 people protected every day.
Flea, Gilan, Ulgren, Trellus, Jake, Anuk.
This leaves Mac and Gry as the only bloodpack not protected by me. )
Bohdi Nackle d20=17 d20=12 Wednesday September 21st, 2005 10:20:54 AM
Bohdi watched Flea's interest in the magical cloak and saw Gilan's careful nudge to Ulgren. (Sense Motive, untrained, 17) He wasn't sure what Flea's interest was in the cloak, but his instincts--such as they were--agreed with Gilan's. There was something a bit ... unhealthy ... about Flea's interest.
"Here, love, let's have a closer look at that bit of cloth, shall we? We've had enough encounters with false enchantments to know to be cautious." With gentle hands, he slowly pried the cloak from his sweetheart's hands, watching her eyes all the while with a smile. "I'm sure it would look good on you once we know it's safe." (Diplomacy, untrained, 12.)
So long as Flea complied, Bohdi set to casting spells from Gilan's scrolls, beginning with the cloak, until all of the six items were identified. The process took through Bohdi's watch to complete, but he went to sleep with the exhausted exhilaration of discovery, eager to share his results with the others in the morning.
As the dawn sky lightened once more, Bohdi was up early and ready to go. The glow of casting so much magic the night prior still shone in his face. He agreed with Garrett--"right, I'll prepare three spells to help endure elements. I suppose the newcomers should get them, first," he nodded at Neco and Eldgren. "If they're going to journey with us."
Having ended the day prior in the unusual circumstance of having spells still hung and unused, Bohdi started by casting a protective dweomer on himself (cast: Mage Armor) before preparing to hang his new spells for the day. Then, once he was satisfied that there was a consensus on what to prepare, he opened his spellbook and began his preparations.
Nauthiz'Ull [hp7/20] d20+8=14 d20+8=19 d20+12=29 d20+12=29 Wednesday September 21st, 2005 10:25:26 AM
Nauth shakes his head in frustration as the scolding comes in from all sides. He quickly eyes the human woman and a pain wells up within him. Immediately he averts his eyes and pats Garrett on the back.
The eagle-like eyes flash over the symbol of Gargul and Nauth finds himself walking over to the dwarf.
"I have not seen that symbol in some years. Within the past week it has come up quite a bit. Gry over there speaks to Gargul and now you hold his symbol as well. MY father, Ull'Heimdall, talked of the powers of Gargul."
He waits for no response but heads out of the cave to do his morning wandering and tracking routine.
Ull'Heimdall, today we need your guidance once more. Frigga, I hope you fare well sis.
Nauth finishes helping everyone gather and melt snow to fill their body-wrapped waterskins and then to secure the furs about them. When the group is ready he will silently walk out with Aiden and Anuk is he chooses to take the lead as well. Once they are on the trail the lanky ranger will try teaching Anuk how to read the weather in these parts as he himself tries to figure out what the next couple fo days will hold. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Listen-14 Spot-19 Survival-29-morning tracking routine Survival-29-weather
Jake Wednesday September 21st, 2005 11:22:19 AM
The sleep and the confusion fo the lack of the sun causes the fighter to be pretty erratic. Still, the sight of a new pretty lady usually has him up and about. He offers to cook a meal, strangely taking on extra duties, and that lunch is a shockingly spicy mutton-sticks, something no Icelander would ever have tasted no doubt. Somehow he finds a reason to help Neco set up her stuff. Or carry her belongings. Or seems just relaxed enough to casually talk with her about any which subject. He tries to find out what she likes to do in life, what her goals are, and what she, in particular dislikes. He explains the Pack's situation, as well. "We're here, out of nowhere, due to a magical spell. But we're gonna help fix some problems while we're about...it's what the Pack does. Back home, we were a bunch of kids trying to learn about the Plains...out here, it seems like we're now a bunch of heroes tramping around getting rid of ancient evils. Not that we're really that heroic...it's just we're good at getting rid of nasty stuff, I suppose. Flea over there can pick just about any lock, Gry and Mac are about the strongest guys in the world, Trell's amazing with Domi's gift, and 'nuk and Gil both handle nature stuff and sorta fill in spots, along with me of course."
Jake doesn't mention that his own specialty is usually getting along with people, in particular, girls. Jake tries to get the girl to talk about herself, but doesn't press her too hard at all.
Anuk d20+11=25 d20+11=28 d20+13=27 d20+13=19 Wednesday September 21st, 2005 1:56:59 PM
Anuk pays close attention to Nauth's tutoring. So much to read in a cloud or a snowdrift, more than he ever would have expected. "Nauth, this is amazing. Back home clouds are rare and snowdrifts are non-existant. I had no idea they could carry so much information."
He stays near the front of the group, spying out all he can and comparing what he sees with what Nauth sees.
Mac Wednesday September 21st, 2005 5:21:13 PM
"Ulgren, you are welcome. We don't like leaving people behind - even more so out here. It's like my grandfather says: While you can walk - walk tall. Only when you can no longer walk do you crawl. And when you can no longer crawl you find someone to carry you." Mac says with a pause before continuing, "'Cept he did not mention that outside the family that would have to be 'several people'."
Trellus Wednesday September 21st, 2005 8:24:47 PM
The blond cleric looks worriedly at the snow. The pinpoint of light signifying a danger loose in Rattledam bounces around in his memory.
"We gotta get out of here," he mumbles to himself.
"How far to that Cave of Ancients, again?" he asks the assembled group of heroes.
Forward Mush Wednesday September 21st, 2005 9:58:40 PM
The mystery of magic wraps Bohdi like a warm fur and puts the largest grin on his face ever seen by mortals. The cloak shimmers breifly as the he excuses Flea from its touch. Now ice blue with softening patterns of white and ever so faint symbols of the arcane illusion runes hBohdi studied in the White Tower appear upon the Cloak. The identify scroll reveals it to be a Cloak of Charisma +2. The other items are a Monks belt, Gauntlets of Ogre Power, Ring of Greater Fire resistance, Ring of Protection +2 and a Circlet of Minor Blasting.
Ulgren begins to seeth a bit at the apparent mistake in the Catacombs, but natives and fellow Bloodpacker alike inform him that spells to protect against the Utter Cold of Ice Vein from Austlanders are far less effective. Garret offers the The Cold One, Celsium as the source of this. A powerful entity spirit of Ice Vein.
Gilan ponders and tries placing the voices he seems to continously hear in this place. He might consider he were to be going mad if they were not so poinent, peaceful and yet full of passion and unbridled love of the land itself. It almost feels as if he can hear from across the great sky and tundra the animals calling to each other and to Mother Wold herself and possibly this Fae King in jubilation at his nearness to them.
Jake strikes a pleasant conversation with Neco. This stranger is definately socialable and seems to have a true desire to simply learn about those he encounters on his journeys.
Anuk and Nauthiz'Ull examine the morning air and the Bloodpack ranger picks up quickly on the cues of this new land. They are all ther, just like home. Just here they take different forms. The clouds here are in multiple levels and genreally move in different directions, the over preassure can be felt in a changing pattern of cloud, While it never seems warm enough to melt the ice and snow, direct sunlight diminishes it in a specific way, thus revealing the past weather of the area. Today is going to be a good day, Burfell will be blocking the wind as they descend her and the low clouds will be kept at bay too. A deep black line of cloud is tearing across the far southern sky and Anuk begins to ask even as Nauth points it out. "Our good weather will hold at least 3 days, maybe longer. We will keep our eye on that line. as it moves further away, our weather will grow worse."
The trek to the Cave of Ancients and home is almost 4 full days in good weather with 3 of those being across open tundra. Ice Wurm and wolf country as well as nothing resembling shelter. Ulgren's promised magical abode will be most welcome by days end. A full 10 members of the group can be protected by native spells of the elements. Garret takes care of six, Flea, Gilan, Ulgren, Trellus, Jake, Anuk. Bohdi takes care of himself, Mac and Edgler. the dwarven cleric of Gargul places a spell upon Neco. Leaving Gry unprotected by magic as Trellus and the half orc discussed.
Edglar speaks breifly with Nauthiz'Ull on Neco's behalf. The matter will be settled soon enough in the wild to everyone's satisfaction. Gear is assembled and the group looks to move on. The wolf den is the next marker towards home and every minute in the cave is a minute of daylight burned.
The Hunter makes his feet with some effort and steadies himself a thick shod of wood. taking a small bit of fur from his pocket, he kisses it and lays it upon the ground near the fires dying embers. "Sorg modig liten jente. I slå feil'd." He slowly stands again and moves well, but with a limp to the cave entrance. Looking at Aiden and Nauthiz'Ull he speaks, "Lead on jägares (Hunters)"
The journey down the final slopes of Burfell is arjoyous but not all together dangerous. Soon the mountain and the ice spikes are left behind on the open Tundra. Hours grind by on the open trackless terrain. The group is steered true by the native rangers, holes, covered by impossibly thin layers of snow and ice are circumvented the course to all seems straight and true. Glances to the rear confirm this lands isolation and the everpresent wind blows clean the groups trail. Muscle and mental fatigue begin to set in, left, right, left, right, the mindless plodding and no terrain to mark progress begin to seep in. But then across the trackless snow a strange low cloud, small and localized and perhaps to the keen of ear a drift of sound beyond the blasting breath of your companions or the ruthles crunch of the snow. Listen DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {male voice "I'll not be food fer ye or yer pack mates." ring of steel, a growl, "You'll earn this meal." grunt, crunch, bone snap. Anyone hearing this guesses 200 or so feet north by north west to be the source. the white of the snow and drifts makes visual identity impossible.}
Aiden d20=7 Wednesday September 21st, 2005 10:33:28 PM
Aiden carefully doused the fire, and made sure that any tracks or signs of the groups overnight stay was covered.
While he was still squatting by the now dead ashes (and snow used to douse the ashes), Aiden takes a moment to quietly murmur to the spirits, "guide us to the death of our enemies..."
Rising upright, "let us go..." as he began to once again help lead the group onto the trail.
(failed listen roll)
Flea d20+11=23 Wednesday September 21st, 2005 11:59:47 PM Pretty...
Flea clings to the garment for a moment, and then it slides through her fingers as Bohdi gently removes it. With a whistful sigh, she turns away from the highly decorated cloak. "Probably wouldn't be very warm, anyway," she says under her breath.
The spell of the cloak broken, Flea prepares for the next leg of their trip. She lines up with the rest in order to have the protective magic cast upon her, then she takes her usual spot in the middle of the group. She scans the pack, wondering at Anuk's increased self confidence. And Gillan, why the druid seems to thrive in this forbidding environment! Jake, well, Jake seems pretty happy to have found a friend who will listen to his stories.
In front of her the familiar shape of the fur wrapped Bohdi trudges evenly through the snow and the rogue wonders if maybe this place isn't so bad after all?
+++++++
"What's that?" asks a startled Flea and she points to the snowdrifts north to north west of the path the party is taking. "Who's out there?" she adds in a hushed voice. (Listen=23)
Gilan (wildshape: eagle, endure elements) d20+8=13 d20+18=22 d20+18=34 Thursday September 22nd, 2005 12:08:32 AM
He has started to appreciate the voices that he hears. Many of them feel to him the emotions of the animals that surround him around the Wold. He feels the pleasant touch of nature herself as he moves, maybe the Fae King is in there too but right now he does not care. For a druid this is the most alive he has been in a long time and he revels in the understanding and oneness he is feeling.
Trudging along with the rest he does not hear anything in the distance or on the wind. He does silently ponder the idea of changing shapes, it has become second nature to him now. He tries to read the skies and surrounding area as he moves, to learn the ways of nature in this land. He moves up to walk near Trell and nods to the sky. "I think that I will take an aerial view of this land...scout from the air for awhile." He stops and falls into the rythms of nature as they surround him. Little discomfort is felt this time around and soon a large eagle is standing on the snow but seems unharmed by the weather. He takes to wing to have a better view of the area around them.
Mac d20+1=17 Thursday September 22nd, 2005 3:36:36 AM
[Listen:17]
Much with the trudging. From the back mark he doesn't catch Flea's question, and continues to maintain the pace of the being in front of him.
Trellus d20+9=13 Thursday September 22nd, 2005 7:55:13 AM
Trellus listens carefully to the identified items. He turns to Garrett, hoping his packmates don't cut his thread for speaking out of turn.
"Dude, that Ring of Fire Resistance is worth just a bit more than the rest combined. You dudes don't have access to The Catacombs like we do. So how bout the Bloodpack takes that ring, and you Wunjos take the rest? We'll end up splitting the money, and you get some shady magic help."
After that, its a whole lot of walking through the cold. The cleric keeps an eye on Grymash. If anyone can survive this place without magical help, its the half orc. But Trellus watches his friend carefully anyway.
[Listen 13] "What's what?" he asks Flea. Trellus swings his shield around while calling out to the Pack - "Get shuttlecocked dudes. Flea hears something."
Garrett d20+4=14 Thursday September 22nd, 2005 8:09:34 AM
Garrett hears once again nothing but the crunching of snow and blowing of wind as the mind numbing march across the open plains continues. He finds his mind beginning to wander and tries to shake his thoughts back to the here and now. He wanders over to Trellus.
"Well Trellus, we know what the items are. Although I'm not quite sure on the fairest way to split them up. Any ideas? We can talk about ti a bit as we walk and hopefully have it decided on by tonight's camp"
Grymash d20+9=21 d20+14=27 d20+4=9 Thursday September 22nd, 2005 8:14:26 AM
(Survival 21, Fortitude 27, Listen 9)
"Pretty!!?? Yooz call dis pretty!!?? It no feel pretty!" Grymash stomps on mumbling to himself and trying to see if they are getting any closer to the sun.
Bohdi Nackle d20+4=14 Thursday September 22nd, 2005 10:11:43 AM
Bohdi heard Trellus's suggestion about the magic items and nodded his head. "Yes, that's--that's shady, Trellus," he agreed. "Many--many shadows."
He looked at Garrett and his other Ice Peak companions. "The Bloodpack can sell and buy things easily. But out here on the tundra, we need as much magical help as we can muster. I say we divide these things up and use them, until we can find a place like this 'Catacombs' that the Bloodpack has told us about. Then we can reconsider as a group whether to sell any of it."
Bohdi paused and considered the items in front of them. "That cloak could help you turn back more of those bevroren doden, Garrett," he observed. "You should take that. Aiden, we rely on your strength so often--you should take those gauntlets to make you even stronger."
In one hand, Bohdi held the plain, unadorned belt; in the other, he cupped the ring. "Each of these things grants protection. But for the belt to work best, it requires the user to be both wise, and without other armor or other encumberances. I don't wear armor, but--I'll admit it--no one has accused me of being overly wise. That's not for me. But Nauthiz'Ull, maybe you could make use of it. Aiden--with all the fighting you've had to do for us, you should probably wear this ring. Besides, I've--um--I've already got one." Bohdi blushed as he looked down at the ring that Flea had given him.
"That leaves this headband. I'm usually in the back when it comes to fighting, so I'll take that. Agreed, wunjos?"
Once the Icepack had agreed and the items were distributed, Bohdi cast his Endure Elements spells as the group had decided before settling into the march for the day. Although the going could be treacherous, at least it was mostly downhill; it gave him the opportunity to chat with Flea some. The Ice Vein gnome metropolis was on Bohdi's mind--and Flea's indicated willingness to visit there with Bohdi.
"You'll love Zarnan City," Bohdi enthused. "The shops have merchandise from around the Wold, and the restaurants! Why, you've never tasted such food! You know, the White Tower sends apprentices every year to work for the finest chefs in the City, and the food they prepare, with the magic of the White Tower at their disposal, is simply amazing!"
"And the houses are very comfortable, too," Bohdi added. "You wouldn't believe what magic and gnomish engineering can do with ice and stone. You're never cold, like it is out here. It's always ... very ... pleasant ...." Bohdi trailed off.
"You know," he mused. "My parents still live in the City. They're very well connected on the Council, you know. I haven't seen them since--well, not for a while. Not since I was sent to Ice Peak Village. You could meet them--my parents, I mean--if we went there. To the City. You could see what they're like. I wonder what they'd think." Bohdi looked down at his furs, and fell silent for a time. "I wonder what they'd think," he repeated, broodingly.
Flea's hushed warning roused Bohdi to possible danger, and he readied his crossbow. (Listen 14) "What is it?" he whispered back.
Spell List: Gnome abilities: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Detect Magic (x2), Light, Message Level 1: Endure Elements (x3, all cast), Silent Image
Nauthiz'Ull [hp7/20] d20=17 d20=18 d20=4 d20=6 Thursday September 22nd, 2005 10:16:47 AM
The agonizing sounds of the snow crunching quickly fade from the young man's ears. These sounds are droned out by his thoughts and his lessons.
Like a wolf catching a scent, Nauth's head snaps up and turns in the direction of the sound. He silently points and immediately unshoulders Ull'Heimdall's bow. Witha grace that resembles that of the wolf Nauth begins towards the sounds. His strides are true and long and takes him aptly around any apparent dangers of the land. When the sounds get nearer he will stay low and climb to the peak of the last remaining snow drift to see what he can see. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ I so not have my sheet on me so I am rolling just the d20s. I can post my bonuses later.
listen-17 (I know I beat a 20) spot-18 move silent-4 hide-6
Anuk d20+11=16 d20+11=24 Thursday September 22nd, 2005 1:32:30 PM
Anuk scans the snow and tundra ahead, but sees only a sea of white. Suddenly, he stops, one ear perched higher than the other as he strains, obviously listening for something. He puts up a hand to signal for the group to stop.
"Listen," he rasps. "There's a voice on this wind. Sounds like a fight up ahead."
Spot 16 Listen 24
Jake Thursday September 22nd, 2005 1:49:32 PM
Jake politely denies any magical items. "Ah need cash more than ah need items... ah spent all my dough getting mah stuff upgraded." Jake looks up ahead... A voice? He strains his ears and peeks up ahead...
DM addendum Thursday September 22nd, 2005 6:51:57 PM
Everyone is fully healed at this point.
Neco (AC16 HP14/14) d20+5=15 d20+5=25 Thursday September 22nd, 2005 7:58:04 PM
During the next days travel Neco trails with the rear guard staying close to the friendly fighter. The girl marches in the back of the group, listening and looking for anything out of the ordinary (Listen 15)(Spot 25 nat). The rogue finds the march through the snow much easier with the path beaten down by those in front of her.
Ulgren Mage Armour (extended), Endure Elements d20+1=7 Thursday September 22nd, 2005 8:03:11 PM
Ulgren wakes feeling rested albeit still cold. The drow steps out of his furs and blankets just long enough to grab his spell book then pops back underneath to study his spell book. Finishing his studies Ulgren places his book in his pocket and stands up, quickly accepting Garetts endure elements spell. Ulgren then casts Mage Armour on himself extending it with his rod and prepares to march through the snow. Ulgren watches and learns from his travel mates and wraps his waterskin in furs and the places it around his body. Ulgren walks keeping his mind occupied by discussing magical treatise with Bohdi. "What were those 2 methods of controlling and shaping fire? I prefer Flousios/Xorn Warping. It allows me to have greater control. The nice thing is with a subtle change in the incantation it can be used on any of the elements." Ulgren is so engrossed in the conversation he never hears anything. <Listen 7>
Bloodied ends Thursday September 22nd, 2005 10:05:22 PM
The troup is moving at a good pace, the sun blasts down and the wind is less than upon the heights of Burfell. It is almost easy to forget the air about is well below the freezing level. billowing clouds of breath which quickly form ice of fur and beards is a constant reminder though. The there is a noisse. Flea, Anuk and Nauthiz'Ull pick it from the air. the gnome informs those about her while Anuk and nauth take more direct action. Like hunting wolves, they part the air before them, stalking towards the source.
Shortly they come with in visual. Two powerful male wolves lie dead, another bleeeding is limping off and a forth bolts across the tundra. Tottering among the blod soaked snow is a fur cald humanoid some 4 feet tall and almost as thick. A bloodied axe lies in the snow near him, fallen from his weakening gasp. His breath comes steady, but hard. Not unlike Grymash, after a particularly engaging fight. As the two rangers approach the man turns and retreives his axe. "More ov ya dogs then?" he begins, but the look of combat is quickly replaced with a grin. "Hail there Ice Peak. My name is Dregar Icenblock. Kayra bid me to search toward Burfell for you as I told her of my dreams and 'The ants'."
He has been bitten and is bloodied and if there were but one more wolf he likely be dead, but Dregar seems in good spirits all around.
There is little time for much talk in the open tundra, but Dregar falls in with the group and acknowledges that he set from the wolf den this morning, hoping to make Burfell by nightfall. The group bcacktracks the dwarf's passage towards the den. The long day moves much as it did before.
Gilan shortly after takes to the wind and is soon lost from sight. The majesty of untamed wilderness rolls below your wings. Above endless blue sky crowns your head. here only the strongest and most clever creatures survive for long. Those that form communities, wolves and men, those of singular power, the Iss Wurm and those of unparallelled cleverness, the snow rabbit. for even as his keen vision picks up the creature not 8 feet from the marching troup, it flicks its feet a in a blur of motion and vanishes beneath the snow. Safe and secure from any threat to it.
The long day grows towards an end and the wolf den is reached. impossible for all to seek shelter within, Ulgren conjures a building to house some. The next few days are similar in weather and event. Cold, yet bearable, and much plodding through the snow. Soon enough, the outskirts of Ice Peak Village are reached. Still deserted and buried under ash and new snow it server as only a waystation to the Ancient Caves and what many hope is a way home.
Gilan (wildshape: eagle, endure elements) d20+18=35 d20+18=26 Thursday September 22nd, 2005 10:26:55 PM
Gilan does not land as the rest of the group follow along to this newest den. His eagle eyes scan the surrounding are for wolves...maybe a lone one if possible. He also looks for other small rabbits or other animals that maybe around. He is looking to make a kill for what he has planned to do next.
He sends a hearttouch out to his fellow Packers letting them know that he is safe but doing something important.
Daniel - Let me know if I spot any small bands of wolves, 4 or less, or a lone wolf on his own. I am looking to aquire a new animal companion of the wolfish persuasion. Yes, much like I have in the DFR3 game. :) I need to make a kill so that I have fresh meat for the attempt to get one to follow me and maybe appease the others if I run into more than one.
DM POST. there are two fairly lone wolves from the small pack thta attacked the dwarf. one pretty wounded the other not. with that survival you shoot down and pick off a rabbit no problem. now you just want to picka wolf and do your thing. Just put in how you want to go about it.
Garrett Thursday September 22nd, 2005 11:08:07 PM
"Welcome Dregar. always good to have another blade on our side. Especially one that handles wolves so well."
"I suppose Bohdi, that what you have suggested is probably the best way to split things up. I must admit that I would love to get my hands in those gauntlets, but it would probably make more sense for Aiden. Either way, I am good with the division of things with the blood pack, and among ourselves."
Aiden Friday September 23rd, 2005 12:27:40 AM
Aiden quietly took whatever spoils that came to the group and was given to him. It was strange to hear the two packs discuss whom should take what. He shrugged, but accepted whatever decision the group arrived at together.
"If it helps us...and there are no other claims from any..." as he did look at the Blood Pack, curious on their responses, "then I shall take them for now, until I earn them properly..."
Slowly placing the ring upon his finger, ~I feel no different...such strange trinkets...~ and then the gauntlets upon his hands, Aiden's beard showed a slight twitch. He then flexed his hand open and shut, trying to see if it did indeed, improve, his strength. ~we shall see where these magicks bring us...~
His eyes were sharp and bright, as it was quite apparent that the young ranger was far from pleased with his battle performances thus far. Perhaps through this honor (or dishonor from needing magical 'crutches', depending on his mood), his axe would strike truer.
Aiden looked at the wounded (or killed) wolves, and some thoughts began to wander towards the pups that he and Nauthiz had begun to take under their care. A small smile could be barely seen under his growing beard as he remembered the floppiness of the young pups.
"How do you think the pups fare Nauthiz?" he asked quietly...
It was well needed as a part of him was still yet saddened by the devastation to the village. He had not arrived that long ago to pillage Ice Peaks, but found himself becoming a part of the permanent encampment (well permanent until recent events).
Flea Friday September 23rd, 2005 1:12:38 AM
After the dwarf is rescued and falls into step with the party, Flea continues her conversation with Bohdi. "Zarnan City sounds wonderful," she sighs wistfully. The talk of gourmet fare causes the gnome's mouth to water. "What I wouldn't do for a truffled vegetable pot pie, roasted lemongrass chicken and creme fraiche panna cotta with pomgranate molasses served with a nice Aisuldurian red!"
When Bohdi speaks of his parents, Flea can't help but smile, remembering her happy childhood and her beloved parents. "They must be wonderful parents to have a son like you, sweetness!" she enthuses.
When the dark mage shows a desire to confer with the illusionist, Flea falls back to provide the magikers with some privacy. As she trudges through the snow Flea wonders what she is going to wear to this auspicious meeting...and what is she going to do with her hair!
Dregar Friday September 23rd, 2005 1:25:14 AM
Dregar looks at the group that took him in so easy. He laughed inside his head thinking he must look a mess. He picks his burly hand up and wipes the blood from his face, which leads to it smearing in just a little more.
" Aye, tis good I found you when I did, or else the wolf would go extinct." Dregar says as he lets out a hearty laugh. What a pitiful sight he is. His skin white from exposure to the elements. His beard wich goes from red on the sides, to blonde near the middle, to bone white in the center, is full of snow and ice made up of spit and mucus. The blood smeared on his face.
" So who wants to help me cut these dogs up. Good eatin' if you get to the meat before it freezes." He says as he starts to drag one of the wolves towards the group.
While the group is stopped, Dregar precides to cut off the legs of the wolves, quickly pours some snow around them, and wraps them in his blanket. He stuffs the blanket into his bacpack, and smiles to whoever is near.
" You'll be thankin' me later lads and lasses." he says as he falls in step with the group heading out into the unknown....
Nauthiz'Ull Friday September 23rd, 2005 9:54:50 AM
The young lanky man shows a look that says "impressive" on his face as his eyes meet with Dregar. The ebony skin of the ranger is eerily offset by the iceblue eyes that pierce from within. These crystalline eyes show a long story of sadness and great loss which reveals a wisdom well beyond his years.
"My name is Nauthiz'Ull, son of Ull'Heimdall and brother of the never forgotten Frigg'Isa. Did you say that i]Kayra sent you? Where is she and the people of our village? Do they fare well?"
As he is asking questions to the sturdy dwarf, he helps skin the wolves with a precision of a true hunter.
Upon arrival of his decimated village the ranger begins to meander through the once beautiful village that he called home. Now the soggy ash clings to everything like a slimy frost to a beard. He makes his way over to his tent, his former house, and tries to get inside.
As the group makes preparrations for the evening, Nauth will move about the village to see what tents are still intact and what shelter they will provide.
Bohdi Nackle Friday September 23rd, 2005 9:56:12 AM This post assumes that several days have passed, and the party has now reached Ice Peak village. I apologize if that's mistaken--just let me know, and I can provide a more specific set of actions.
Day followed plodding day on the tundra for Bohdi, leaving the gnome time to contemplate many topics. There were arcane discussions with Ulgren; and, of course, there was Flea--her company always seemed to make the trek so much less of a burden. At nights, he had the chance to examine Ulgren's spellbook, if the drow permitted it, and there was that tome of High Woldian writings that the Ice Peak shaman had given him to study as well. And, should Bohdi find himself alone with his thoughts while they walked, there was always the idea of bringing Flea to Zarnan City, and his parents ....
But no. There was something that troubled him about that, like a tooth that felt suspiciously tender. He didn't want to linger on that for too long, for fear of uncovering an old wound. Pushing the thought out of his head for a time, Bohdi instead went to find his old friend Nauthiz'Ull.
"How are you feeling, wunjo?" Bohdi asked the twig-haired ranger as they walked. "I know I'm scarcely the one to call the kettle black, but you seem ... distant, recently. Ever since--ever since we lost Frigg'Isa. Are you okay?" Bohdi raised a gloved hand and placed it gently on Nauthiz'Ull's back as they walked. "Is there something that I can do?"
"Y'know, it's strange," the gnome observed, continuing. "There are so many new faces that we have met out here on the ice! Some disappeared again scarcely after they had arrived. I think about that halfling, Mund, and the old man we met in the cave--and then that strange barbarian Gulioth who arrived to aid us in the dark temple, only to disappear again just as mysteriously, when no one was looking. And now, new companions! This Neco, and the dwarves, Edgler and Dregar--we've only just met, and yet they seem so like us, and seem to fall in so naturally with the group! I wonder if it has always been like this on the ice--I mean, that people become companions so quickly and easily. I suppose they have to--no one is strong enough to face the Vein alone." Bohdi paused and looked at his friend meaningfully. "Know what I mean?"
Bohdi regarded the dark ranger seriously for a moment, then smiled. "There's nothing that a good bottle of ice wine won't cure once we reach the village again. I'll buy."
The gnome's eyes gazed southward for a while, before returning to the track. "Wunjo," he said quietly. "I've asked Furtif Aeanora to come back to Zarnan City with me, and she said yes. Isn't that wonderful? I've told her all about the place--all of the sights, and the hustle and bustle. She's very excited about it. And I am, too, I suppose. It's just--" he stopped and frowned, before struggling to continue.
"She's a lovely girl, don't get me wrong. But, my parents--they're very demanding. They have very high expectations--they have aspirations to the Council, you know. And when they sent me away to Ice Peak Village, you know, I knew it was because--because they didn't approve of me. I hadn't lived up to their expectations."
"I haven't seen them since I came to the village. And now, with all of the things that we've experienced together--well, it's different now, you know? Like, things have changed for me. And I've come to appreciate things that I didn't before. I've come to understand--" Again he paused, and glanced back down the column toward Flea. "I've come to value things differently. Come to care about things that I wouldn't have before."
"And I don't know what my parents will think." He looked at Nauthiz'Ull. "I don't know what they'll think of me, or the choices that I've made. You know? I know that you lost your parents early, wunjo, but have you ever felt that way--like, what would your parents think of you, if they could see you now?" Bohdi shook his head. "I don't know. Maybe none of this makes any sense." He lapsed into brooding silence.
As the site of the village neared, Bohdi's apprehension grew. "Do you think the villagers made it through the ash storm?" he asked aloud. "I wonder if anyone's there--I wonder if there's anything left."
His eyes widened with a sudden, horrible thought. "I wonder if there's any ice wine left."
Spell List (assuming the same for each day of travel): Gnome abilities: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Detect Magic (x2), Light, Message Level 1: Endure Elements (x3, all cast), Silent Image
Anuk Friday September 23rd, 2005 10:33:02 AM
On the trek home, Anuk introduces himself to the new dwarven companion. He extends a gloved hand in greeting and says from behind a pile of fur, "Many shadows, friend. I'm Anuk Greyhand, a ranger with the Bloodpack. You are in good hands here in Ice Peak. And, uh...after seeing what you did to those wolves, I think Ice Peak is in good hands, too." He flashes a grin and over the next few hours of travel tells Dregar of the groups' recent adventures, particularly the things he learned from Nauth.
At last Ice Peak appears on the horizon. Stumbling into the village and numb with the cold, Anuk croaks out, "So, uh...where do I find a little more of that ice wine?"
Nauthiz'Ull [illegal second post...for roleplaying purposes of course] Friday September 23rd, 2005 10:39:51 AM
The sound of his truest wunjo's voice surprises the ranger as he polds through the snow, completely focused ont he village ahead.
"Wha-well, yes I am fine...well- I mean. Wunjo, I think of her all the time. I send prayers and tributes to her and Ull'Heimdall alot. I do not know if that is what I should be doing. I was unable to undetand when my mother dies because I was way too young. When Ull'Heimdall never returned I was too immature to face it properly. Now I believe that my thoughts of Frigga are my only true thoughts of mourning."
Immediately the thoughts force his eyes to well up. A lone tear streaks his cheek as it shoots from the corner of his eye.
"I feel that I did not pay my father proper dues, and now it is too late. Maybe that is why I still do not have his spirit within me."
A cloud of snow is quickly blown away as frustration causes the young boy to kick a small snow drift.
"To be honest, wunjo, I have not thought much of the appearance and disappearance of the others. I have lost Frigga barely two weeks ago, and have thought of little else besides her and my failings. I admit that it will be nice to have these fresh faces amongst us. Father told me many stories of the dwarves and I believe that Edgler and Dregar will be a great addition. We shall see about the girl."
A look of surprise and a bit of pain devour the void behind the ice blueness of Nauth's eyes.
"I have seen that you and Flea have taken greatly to each other. I am-well-I am happy for you wunjo...tr-truly. I am sure that she will love to see Zarnan City. I imagine that it is wonderful there. As for your parents, they should be of no concern to you anymore. I know these words are going to sound harsh, but I-we are your family now. They have no idea what could have happened to you out in the Vein. Stuffy elitists who care moe for reputation than for blood."
::spits harshly at their feet::
"You know wunjo, I can tell that you long to be with Flea and to return home. I only hope that you will visit us from time to time."
The lanky young man watches the gnome intently for a read of his expressions, and openly accepts some ice wine when/if a bottle is found.
Edgler Vess Friday September 23rd, 2005 12:14:09 PM
"Hah! A fellow dwarf! Well met, Dregar. I am Edgler Vess of Turak Nor." Edgler has neatly combed red hair and a long braided beard. A symbol of Gargul, proudly displayed on his chest. He is wearing warm furs, while over his back and dwarven waraxe sticks out. The dwarven priest helps Dregar clean the wolves then falls into step beside him, questioning him on his travels and where he is from. The next few days seem much easier to bear with someone of similar heritage to speak with. But his mood changes to quietness as the ash covered town comes into few. "Gargul... what has happened here?"
Jake Friday September 23rd, 2005 1:28:06 PM
Jake waits for his chance to meet the dwarf and happily claps him on the back. "Great job with the wolves there. My name's Jake O'Connell, o'the Bloodpack o'Rattledam, and let me introduce you to Grymash, 'causea remind me of him'n some respects..." Jake leads him over to Grymash, on the way explaining, "He's a priest of Gargul, too, and he tends to do what ah think you do, with yer temper and all that back there? He's a half-orc, and a bit slow, but y'know, he's actually met Gargul, well, we all have once." Before Jake can continue on with that line, though, he's introducing Grymash to the dwarf, then wanders off.
The days are boring to him. Traveling and walking. Walking and sludging. Cold and boredom. The worst part of being an adventurer, he thinks to himself, and doubly so, because of the cold. He tries to pass his time by chasing after Neco and trying to draw her into a little tryst or two, seeing if the girl is playful and willing enough to enjoy the young roguish man's company. But even if she is willing to distract him for a day or so, pretty soon the long march takes its toll. He gradually stops playing with the snow or enjoying little jokes and conversations. Instead, he starts privately mentioning his concerns, "When are we going back?" "Are we ever going back?" "Are we stuck here?" "What do you think's going on in Rattledam?" but most importantly, "I'm so bored I could puke."
To bypass the time, he tries practicing, and this is the only thing that really allows him to retain his sanity. Long hours after march are spent with the sword, swinging at imaginary opponents, practicing followups, duelling with other pack members, and so on, till Jake tires himself out into exhaustion.
Ulgren: Mage Armour, Endure Elements Friday September 23rd, 2005 5:20:35 PM
Ulgren walks and talks with whomever is near. The topics vary snow, magic, Rattledam, snow, ice, grass, snow, undead, wolfs, and more snow. At the end of each night the drow is wet and exhausted but manages to castLeomunds secure shelter for his traveling companions and get a solid nights rest. When the ash covered village comes into view Ulgren is not elated, "Where are we?" Ulgren looks around shocked, "Where are all the people? houses? help?"
Neco (AC16 HP14/14) d20+5=7 d20+5=19 Friday September 23rd, 2005 7:31:22 PM
Throughout the march Neco keeps to herself. She will sometimes join Jake in a conversation to pass the time, but she mostly spends time with her small arctic weasel. The two interact in a way that looks as if they can understand each others thoughts and feelings. The animal's and the rogue's attention turn to the ash covered buildings as the group nears the town (Spot 7) (Listen 19).
Gilan (endure elements, speak with animals) - illegal second post d20+8=13 Friday September 23rd, 2005 9:56:14 PM
Gilan lands lightly on the ground, changing as he does about a foot from the ground. He lands lightly on his feet in a half crouch. He pulls out a wand and taps himself with it and then slips it away. In his hand he holds a freshly killed rabbit and he eyes the wolf some distance away.
With a look around he slips to the ground and calls out to the wolf in the voice of it's kind. "Wolfkin...I come in peace with a meager offering of peace between us." He holds out the rabbit for the wolf to see and smell. "I seek a companion of spirit and cunning...I offer friendship and care in return...become part of my pack...let us run together." He tosses the rabbit out some five feet from him and watches the wolf carefully. With a smile he falls into the power of nature and sends out his prayers to Mother Wold....the wolfsong filling the air as he signs his praises to her in the voice of the wolf.
Trellus Saturday September 24th, 2005 8:06:09 PM
Like Jake, Trellus wants to get home. That dream vision was very specific, and the young man is seriously worried about his family.
After determining the newcomer isn't a threat, the cleric approaches the bloodied dwarf. "Many shadows. I'm Trellus of Rattledam. You look like you could use a little mending."
Trellus wears silver colored breastplate armor and carries a silver shield. Each carries the emblem of Domi's Hammer upright in gold. With a grin the blond man casts a couple Cure Moderate Wounds spells on the wounded dwarf.
Feeling Gilan's heart touch, he fires one back, idling wondering what the druid is up to. He hopes the man comes back soon, cause this pick with Flea and Bodhi has got him a bit worried, and he needs someone to talk to about it. Gilan usually fills that need.
Later, at Ice Peak Village, he answers Ulgren's question. "The exploding mountain buried this place. They all got out before it happened."
Trellus prepares for a quick stay. They need to get to that Cave.
Aiden d20=18 d20=20 d20=11 d20=7 d20=5 Monday September 26th, 2005 7:03:47 PM
Aiden watched as Bohdi began to speak to Nauthiz.
~good...~ as he agreed that the gnome was actually one of the best individuals from the Ice Pack to speak to Nauth about his loss.
He watched as the various individuals went about to speak to the dwarf who had just introduced himself. Aiden had a small quirky smile appear on his face as he remembered how much those at Twin Tusks HATED dwarves due to many things, including their skill in war.
The quiet ranger then moved away from the others, making sure to check for tracks of any creatures leaving (or coming to) the village. ~best not to be surprised while everyone speaks....~
"I will watch for scavengers...and then help with the skins and meat of the kills..." spoke the tall, taunt muscled ranger whom carried the dual bladed orken axe.
For such a tall and lanky warrior, he moved quite effortlessly melding into the shadows.
Flea Monday September 26th, 2005 11:45:53 PM
The rogue moves up to stand beside Bohdi and stare at the devastated village. She reaches out to take the gnome's mittened hand in her own.
dm apology Tuesday September 27th, 2005 9:02:11 AM
Sorry I have lost connection at home....will do one from work, but it will be abit still.
Mac Tuesday September 27th, 2005 10:31:31 AM
"Dregar, Edgler, I was wondering if either of you have met a fellow dwarf called Naden in your travels?"
Edgler Vess Tuesday September 27th, 2005 11:56:40 AM
"No, Mac, I have not. Although my 'travels' consist of not much more than the city where I was raised. "Do you know if this 'Naden' was from Turak Nor?"
Bohdi Nackle (supplemental during pause) Tuesday September 27th, 2005 12:51:11 PM
Bohdi grasped Flea's hand and squeezed back. "It wasn't--I never--I didn't think of it as my home, you know? Just a miserable little collection of squat, primitive little huts. Abominably chilly, never comfortable ... I hated it. And now ...."
"Now--well, I know I'll be all right. I have my wunjos and my magic to take care of me. But what about all of those families? Their homes, their lives? What about them? What will they do?"
"I once heard a wise man say that 'Home is the place where, when you have to go there, They have to take you in.' Now I wonder--where will these villagers go? Who will take them in?"
The Cave of the Ancients Tuesday September 27th, 2005 3:19:01 PM
The village stands buried in snow, ice and ash. The massive eruption of not long ago had a long reach indeed. Those from the scorching plains can only wonder just how far this devastation may have reached. For not long ago they stood at another village buried in the choking debris. How fared Rattledam itself from this, this monstrous event the Blood Pack could see, feel and hear from the tiny island hundreds of miles out to sea? Old human footprints dot the village-scape at various locations, likely evidence that Ice Peak villagers have made return trips since the ash fall to collect further supplies or memorabilia.
The day is almost over and bedding down in the abandoned village will provide more shelter from predators and elements than the hilly terrain towards the Cave of the Ancients. Watch is set and the deep night passes. Trellus looks for Gilan but as darkness falls the druid is no where to be found, having never returned from his flight. Inquiry to the dangers he may be facing are quelled by not only a feeling of love through the Dragon Tears, but also by the Ice Vein natives. Large aerial predators are simply not part of the natural area. Only in the deep mountains of the Jagged Teeth.
Finally in the early waking hours Gilan walks wearily into the village, it is obvious he has slept little, but otherwise seems unharmed. Just to his right and slightly behind him a powerfully muscled white wolf strides easily upon the snow. Gilan's hand rests upon the animals head and it is obvious to all the wolf and the druid have come to a deep understanding of each other.
Soon the group is prepared to head into the southern mountains and is off. Unlike the open tundra, the snow and ice is not piled as deep heading into the foothills. The cold biting wind is also soon left behind and the higher peaks shelter the group in their travels. These facts are a small consolation as the constant uphill hike is just as grueling as moving through the deep snow of the tundra. Aiden and Nauthiz'Ull lead with a steady pace if not slightly grueling. It is as if the two rangers could never tire of hiking in any of the harsh terrain of this dangerous land. Hours pass and the incline continues steadily upwards through the rock. Soon the group moves into the chasms of the southern mountains, soaring high overhead, immense spans of ice and rock hang at impossible angles over the path upon which the group moves. Distant groans and cracking can be heard echoing through the area as large packs shift against each other.
As the sun clips across the peaks of the mountains and shadows fall upon the traveling group, the Cave of the Ancients comes into view. Within moments the mouth is reached. The vast cave stretches back into the darkness and all have a feeling of being carefully observed as if the cave itself were aware of your intrusion and was still in debate about what course of action it would take.
Trellus Tuesday September 27th, 2005 8:21:42 PM
Thoughts of home and what may be happening there continue to pull at the young man from Rattledam. Gilan's appearance pushes away those worries for a few moments.
He rubs the back of his neck thoughtfully as the druid approaches. The wolf follows him like the wasps used to. I hope that creature will be shady back home, he wonders to himself.
Then, another thought strikes. One which makes him laugh out loud. "Galafar is gonna LOVE that," he observes with a chuckle.
The next day is not so funny. In fact, its a lot of work. The cleric moves up and down the column, checking his friends and especially the unprotected barbarian. The overhanging ice and snow of the mountain passes garner his full attention, and he carefully follows whatever instructions Anuk and especially Nauth give out.
Finally, they are at the Cave. Trellus has that itch between his shoulder blades, but doesn't much care. The way home leads inside, and he's going.
"Let's weave," he prods, motioning Flea ahead.
Flea (Trap Sense, Evasion) d20+13=23 d20+14=24 d20+14=29 d20+9=25 d20+11=31 Tuesday September 27th, 2005 11:18:56 PM
"I'll do the pick," says Flea when Trellus gives her a nudge. The rogue slips by the column of marchers, as they stand at the mouth of the cave, dark and dangerous like the maw of some great beast. The gnome casts a quick glance back, and smiles reassuringly at Bohdi, giving the spellcaster a wink.
Flea concentrates on searching the area, checking for traps (Search/Detect Traps=23).
If the rogue senses that the area is safe for her and the others, she will move a little way down the corridor and mumble a bit casting one of the few simple spells she knows. Four lights resembling lanterns appear, and cast their faint glow down the entrance of the cave. Flea proceeds carefully down the tunnel (Move Silently=24), sending the lights ahead of her. Her eyes and ears alert to any unusual sound. (Spot=25, Listen=31, nat. 20!)
+++++
If the rogue detects a trap, she will take out her special rogue's tools and go to work on the device (Disable Device=29) before leading the way down the tunnel.
Gilan Tuesday September 27th, 2005 11:38:15 PM
Weary but satisfied he walks into the ash covered village. He sends out a heart touch to the pack as he enters and gives a weak smile. His hand upon the snow white wolves head is stroking the fur lightly as he speaks to it softly.
As Trellus speaks to him he nods his head and smiles weakly. "So it will...really I do not care what he thinks...the Bloodpack has ever been on his bad side." His mouth pulls back in a slightly feral grin as his hand ruffs up the wolves fur. "I doubt those that matter will care." He looks to the wolf and then back to Trellus nodding his head again. "I will of course have to use endure elements while he adjusts to the Plains...but wolves thrive everywhere." With a sigh he sees that everyone is ready to leave and he falls in line.
When at last they reach the cave he looks to Flea as she enters and smiles. "So this is the way home?" He is right behind her some eight feet. His one hand pulls the wolf's head up and he touches his nose lightly. The wolf seems to understand and you notice that he starts to scent the air as well...danger will not escape his keen nose or so the druid hopes.
Flea (second illegal post) Wednesday September 28th, 2005 12:26:18 AM
"Home?" Flea echos the druid, as she pulls up short.
Grymash Wednesday September 28th, 2005 1:22:29 AM
Grymash takes to the trip across the mountains with spring in his step. Bloodpack be gettin' closer to da sun. Da air no bite so hard!" He takes much pride in the fact he has survived this place without the use of magic. He can hear the land growl at him for doing so. And for that he gives the ground a little jab with the blunt end of his double axe, which was often used for extra stability while hiking along the trail.
Dregar Wednesday September 28th, 2005 1:36:14 AM
Before they set out, Dregar makes sure to introduce himself, or be introduced to everyone. He gives the same response and hearty handshake. When his eyes set on the half-orc his demeanor changes a bit. After a tense minute he extends his short arm to the half orc.
" Your lucky your only a half, that way i only hate half of you." he says as he smiles a toothy smile.
" Me father was killed by one of your blood," he says as his eyes get a bit hazy. " He died and they thought they got me," he adds pointing to the wicked scar on his forehead. " But enough of that, if you travel with good people, you must be good people."
As for the march to the cave, Dregar plods on, chittering a bit, but mostly used to the weather. When they get in front of the cave he drops his bag on the ground, and takes up his great axe. He turns to the horizon and scans to see if anything followed them.
Garrett Wednesday September 28th, 2005 9:24:33 AM
Garrett walks up to Trellus as we approach the cave of the ancients.
"You know Trellus, I've been thinking about this whole going home thing for you guys, do you know how? I'm not sure if it will help much, maybe you'll just disappear when we go in, but if not I have a thought... When we brought you here, we were standing on the platform and reading the words carved into the wall. Perhaps to go home, now that your job is done, perhaps you need to stand on the platform and read the words again. Like I said, just a thought. I am sure there are much smarter people than me here who have already figured out the way for you to get home......Either way, It's been an honor fighting alongside you and your pack. should you ever find yourselves back this way, you will always be welcome in our camp."
(OOC: garrett offered Trellus back the wand of CLW a few days ago with 13 charges still on it. I don't recall Trellus ever accepting or taking it back, so I wanted to double check as to who has it before the pack takes a poof pill.)
Bohdi Nackle Wednesday September 28th, 2005 9:26:31 AM
Bohdi's heart had been palpitating erratically all day, but he had neither the words nor the insight to grasp the meaning of it. Now, one word uttered casually by one of his companions set the gnome's heart racing once more.
"Home ...."
"Right, hold on a bit," the gnome stammered. "Let's get this sorted. Somewhere near here there's one of these Fey King avatars, right? And it's just waiting for us to ... I don't know ... to put the hex on it, ennit? But we saw back in the Dark Temple how useful it is when we all stick together, didn't we? I mean, really, didn't we?"
Bohdi looked at Garrett, Nauthiz'Ull, and Aiden in turn, pleadingly. "The Bloodpack should stay with us until we've dealt with this avatar thing, right? I mean, Garrett--remember how useful it was to have all of their healing powers available? And Aiden--do you really want to have to face this avatar thing without Grymash and Mac to back you up? What if it's another one of those mummy-lich things? What if it's worse?"
"And Nauthiz'Ull--remember how Skalti just picked himself up and walked off, headless and all? And what about those others from back at the Temple--what if they've ended up bleedin' popsicles, like his lot? Do you really want to face something like that on our own, without the likes of Ulgren, or Trellus, or--or any of them?"
"Don't you see?" he addressed his companions. A plaintive, pleading look was in his eye. His back was turned to the entrance to the Cave of the Ancients--beyond him, Flea was doing her trap-finding work. "Don't you see that we need them? We can't part from them. We can't--we just ... can't."
Spell List (assuming the same for each day of travel): Gnome abilities: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Detect Magic (x2), Light, Message Level 1: Endure Elements (x3, all cast), Silent Image
Nauthiz'Ull Wednesday September 28th, 2005 10:44:21 AM
The ranger is enveloped in a stage sensation caused by the words of his little wunjo. This feeling made him hurt, but not for himself but for his gnome companion.
"Wunjo. The dream. Our dream did not have those of the Bloodpack in it. I think that this is where we have to say goodbye."
He places a heavy hand on Bohdi's shoulder and his eyes once again begin scanning those around him. They rest on Anuk. This man is his elder yet he humbly put that aside and became the pupil of Aiden and the ranger. What dedication. To his wunjos, to himself and to his Purpose.
He moves onto the others and rests upon the back of the object of his wunjos' affection. This will not end good for either of them I fear.
As the group follows the skilled gnome down the corridor, Nauth slides over to Gilan and the new companion. He eases a hand over to the wolf and if allowed, will run his fingers behind the lupine's ears.
"Nice work wunjo. Your connection to nature is the strongest I have ever seen. You are truly blessed by the All Mother."
Jake Wednesday September 28th, 2005 12:06:20 PM
Jake picks up a handful of the ash/snow and sifts his hand through it. When he tires of this, he dusts his hand, only to see it left a gray smudge, which he wipes against a bitof his cloak. "Hey, Mac, we've gotta introduce our lil friends to each other." He wonders frankly how that little kitty will get along with the dog around, and cautiously picks Galen out of Mac's hat and skritches her, letting her see the dog and holding her gently so she doesn't bolt away into the wild. Last thing they'd need.
Anuk Wednesday September 28th, 2005 3:13:31 PM
During the long trek to the cave, Anuk does his best to help lead the group through this land, but as always, he follows Nauth's lead whenever he encounters some new land. Standing at the cave's entrance, Anuk nods at Gilan and asks, "I wonder if even the sun on the Plains will be able to warm my bones again?" It feels as if the chill has become a part of his very being.
A new thought hits him. "I know the prophecy says we're needed at home, but we were on an island when the cave brought us here. Think it'll send us straight home or somewhere else?" He looks for a while into the cave, wondering at the fate of Shady and Grandma, the island villagers, the Ice Peak villagers, Rattledam, and everyone else affected by the whims of the dream-makers.
Neco d20+7=19 d20+9=17 d20+8=23 d20+8=18 Wednesday September 28th, 2005 5:21:06 PM
Neco makes her way from the back of the group to the very front. The little rogue investigates the cave. She creeps quietly trough the darkness (Move Silently 23, Hide 18) helping Flea find what she it looking for (Aid another Trap Finding 19). "Here, maybe I can help," she says as she approaches the glow of the magic lights. If she or Flea finds a trap Neco will help the gnome prevent it from activating (Aid another Disable Device 17).
(OOC Flea gains +2 on Trap Finding and Disable Device)
One Step Beyond Wednesday September 28th, 2005 5:39:51 PM
Flea investigates the front of the cave, barren cold rock is all she discovers. The thought then sinks in. Through this cave is Home. Through this cave separates her from the enchanting wizard Bohdi. The rest of the crew moves behind her and into the cave.
Slowly the group enters, the cave seems dark, even through the magic lanterns flitting about directed by Flea. Even to the enhanced low light seeing gnomes and even too, to the darkvision possessed by Mac. It seems as if the cave itself is keeping its secrets hidden from casual and even trained observers. A slight warm draft comes from deeper within, like that of a great beast at rest and you are moving into its maw. The wolf at Gilan's side bawks a bit at the entrance, his nose possibly catching a scent the animal does not like .
Bohdi takes a moment to try and persuade the groups that for everyone's good health they should remain together. 'Dealing' with an Avatar of all of the natural Wold, does indeed seem like a daunting task. Nauthiz'Ull places a sympathetic hand to the gnomes shoulder for the real reason behind Bohdi's arguments are quite obvious.
Neco moves up with Flea and together the rogues move deeper into the cave. The original Ice Peak men, Garret, Nauthiz'Ull, Aiden and Bohdi all quickly recognize the lack of the high Woldian script upon the right wall. It is not gone, but a shadow has fallen upon the wall obscuring it even from a scant few inches away under torchlight.
A drip of water and a skipping rock across the ground rip everyone's attention to the dark beyond their eyes. Slowly a soft blue white glow falls from the high ceiling and a lights a large round dais. The platform upon which the Blood Pack first appeared.
Ulgren : AC 19 Hps 33/33 Mage Armour Wednesday September 28th, 2005 8:28:41 PM
Ulgren wakes up in the morning and immediately rolls over and draws his spellbook out of its pocket. Ulgren takes the times quietly studying his spells and half listening to the conversations around him. Ulgren stands and casts an extended Mage Armour on himself, then looks around at everyone, "I was unsure of what spells were necessary so I have memorized primarly combat spells." Ulgren shrugs a bit, "of course thats mostly what I have." The young drow smiles and stretches a bit. Ulgren walks with his new companions and attempts to absorb as much information as he can about the cave. Ulgren keeps his goggles over his eyes until he enters the cave and casts dancing lights in the form of laterns for his friends. Ulgren pulls his goggles up so they rest on his head and looks at his friends, "What is this place?"
Edgler Vess AC 18 Hps 21/21 Wednesday September 28th, 2005 8:58:43 PM
The dwarven priest was about to ask why everyone is so nervous, despite the fact that the group was here before. But the presence here was unmistakeable. He takes the dwarven waraxe of his back and grips it tightly in his right hand, a large shield in his left. "Somethings not...right... here," he mumbles
Trellus Wednesday September 28th, 2005 9:57:37 PM
Trellus slowly follows Flea and the others, feeling the presence of the Cave upon him. He answers both Ulgren and Edgler. "This is where we appeared when the Wunjos summoned us. Its...well...alive somehow."
The drop of water. The skip of stone. The light on the platform.
"Think its telling us something?" The question is quietly asked and rhetorical in tone.
Trellus turns to Bodhi. He still doesn't like the gnome all that much, but his plaintive question echoes about. And the cleric is sure Flea's mind is totally twisted.
"We have to go," he says softly. "We've fulfilled all the prophecies we've seen. And you and your friends have proven yourselves more than ready to take on whatever challenge you face." The young man glances toward the platform, his voice shifts, almost pleading with Bodhi. Well, not Bodhi really. But that is who he looks at as he speaks. "You saw the lights as well as we. Yours is right here. But another is in Rattledam. My home. My parents, my sister, my friends, everyone I've ever known is back there with this...this...this whatever it is. And the land. The land, my life. That's my oath, my promise to be a protector of the Plains. I have to go."
The blond man turns toward the platform. Stops. Turns again to Flea. "We are the Bloodpack. Bound together as a family. We are also individuals, making our own choices." He shrugs uncertainly. "Sterlin went Walker, so its happened before." Trellus stops again, and spends several long moments studying Flea's face. At last he sends her a Heart Touch, a gentle acceptance of whatever she chooses.
Without another word, the cleric climbs onto the platform.
[ooc - Garrett, keep the wand]
Gilan Wednesday September 28th, 2005 11:55:04 PM
Gilan smiles at Nauth and the wolf does hold still to allow the other man to scratch his head. His master seems to have no worries so he does not either. "I have spent the better part of my life serving Mother Wold...I will serve her till I die most likely." His smile seems to be grim as if he is hearing things that noone else can. "I hear her talking to me more often lately..along with other creatures of nature."
Looking to Anuk his smile is one of acknowledgement. "You are right...this place is much different from our home Nuk...but with the help of new friends we have made it." He takes in the whole Icepack with a sweeping glance. "They have proven themselves to be very resourceful." He nods as Anuk speaks more and looks to Trellus. "He is right...we have to do something for that village we came to if possible...we have given our word and that cannot be given lightly if possible either."
Looking to Garrett he shakes his head and waves his hand in dismissal. "I gave you that wand...keep it and keep your pack safe from harm." His smile takes in each one but lingers on Bohdi. "If anything should happen to one of your number...we will never hear the end of it." His jest he hopes is taken right but he is not sure about the high strung Bohdi.
Gilan moves further into the cave, issueing low murmurs to his wolf friend as to the safety of the cave. He hand lays protectively upon it's head till it starts to move forward. He stops by Flea and lays his other hand upon her shoulder. "Trellus is right...many have left to return or follow thier own path...you must decide on your own." He fiddles with the ribbon in her hair lightly and then gives her a smile. "Remember that no matter your choice we are family and care for you...my friendship and love travels with you." He moves off to take his place by Trellus a sad smile upon his face. It must be hard on both of them and he would not blame Flea for staying. The wolf at his side looks up at him and whines, so he drops his hand back down to the large head. "Yes...a terrible decision." This is said lightly enough that only Trellus and the wolf would be able to hear him.
Flea Thursday September 29th, 2005 12:32:32 AM
Flea spots the platform bathed in blue light, and starts to shake her head slowly.
No she thinks. What about the other's? They know about this place...this cold place... but they are neophytes in combat...they need the Bloodpack.
Flea takes a step back, away from the platform. Then Trellus starts to talk to Bohdi.
What about Zarnan City? She had said she would go with him...meet his parents.
"Talki fresal, dondit liki," whispers the gnome, her eyes wide as she stares at Trellus, "The land, my life," she repeats, when the cleric sends her the heart touch. Flea raises her hand to cover the gem embedded in her chest (oh! How she wants to tear it out at this moment!) and her eyes are glassy with unshed tears.
In great torment of mind she turns her eyes upon Bohdi. "Great deeds...a time will come soon when there will be a need for valour..courage. That is your appointed path...Bohdi...luv...that is your duty...to your family your...your wunjos...and mine...mine...to the Sargrass Plains."
Tears start to slip down the gnome's cheeks and she twists to face the platform as Gilan goes by. Clutching her hand to her chest she cries a little strangled cry, "why does it hurt so?"
Flea looks about, but everything is a blur. She stumbles forward, not knowing which direction she is heading.
Garrett Thursday September 29th, 2005 8:08:49 AM
"Thank you Gilan, that wand is a very handy thing, we will use it soon enough, I'm sure. Good luck to all of you, and thank you for all your help. Good luck."
Garrett steps back and away, trying to give Bohdi and flea a moment of privacy.
Bohdi Nackle Thursday September 29th, 2005 10:05:33 AM "Great deeds...a time will come soon when there will be a need for valour..courage. That is your appointed path...Bohdi...luv...that is your duty...to your family your...your wunjos...and mine...mine...to the Sargrass Plains."
The words echoed in the cold, cold chamber. Bohdi stood frozen. His hands and feet were numb; the blood had drained from them, from his face, from his arms and legs, rushing to his core in a vain attempt to warm him from the icy, unyielding chill. His tongue lay dry and useless in his mouth, frostbitten. The very air had been sucked away in the vacuum of bitter, bitter cold.
In disbelief, Bohdi watched as if through a sheen of ice as it happened, again. Only this time, there would be no magical fire on the far side--no miraculous reunion, no joyful journey together, nothing but the barren, snow-bound wastes of the Vein.
No more Flea. No seasons of joy. Only unending winter.
"Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories," came a voice from Bohdi's shoulder. Astonished, Bohdi turned to look at his raven familiar, Squork, whose black eyes registered a deeper wisdom than Bohdi had ever before noticed. Bohdi opened his mouth as if to speak, but nothing came.
"Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories," the bird repeated. "And we've already missed the spring!"
With that, a spark rekindled in Bohdi's eyes. He looked up and across the chamber to the form of the female gnome, still clutching her chest, as she mounted the platform.
"FLEA!"
Bohdi raced across the chamber's floor to grasp her by the shoulders and spun her to face him, his head moving forward even as he did so. Leaning in, he brought his lips to hers and his arms wrapped around her, as if willing in that moment that all the fire and life in him could enter into and become one with hers. Time slipped out of memory and the Wold stood still for him then, and there was nothing in existence but him, and her, and the heat of her heart beating near his. Together, the vitality of their fire beat back the deadly chill of the Vein, defying it for as long as it could.
Then, Bohdi pulled back away, his eyes lowered and filled with tears. Wordlessly he stepped down from the platform away from her, and went to rejoin his wunjos, those that would defy the Ice Vein, together.
Spell List: Gnome abilities: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Detect Magic (x2), Light, Message Level 1: Endure Elements (x3, all cast), Silent Image
Jake Thursday September 29th, 2005 3:32:23 PM
Jake looks over at the platform and nearly races off to go to it, but holds back when seeing that everyone is concerned about Flea. He looks at the two little lovegnomes and can't help but feel a bit bad about his previous trick... Well, it all got fixed, didn't it? Even as he wonders, he can't help but feel the pain of the two at their separation. He looks over at Neco and ponders if he knows her well enough to give her a swooning kiss and decides probably not. He looks over the others, whom he has barely met, barely spoken to. Probably didn't leave a great impression, either. And this land wasn't that nice either... too COLD. The only thing neat about it was the frozen water that you could eat instead of drink. "Ah'm just about ready to go back to the plains," he calmly says, and walks on over to the platform. "If'n that's where we're going."
Dregar Thursday September 29th, 2005 3:33:26 PM
Dregar follows into the cave, watching to see if anything is waiting for them. HIs eyes scan the cave, and he has a pleasent scare at the light and latform but quickly regains himself.
He doesn't understand what is going on right away, not realizing it is goodbye for some. WHen he realizes he stands back and lets the others say their goodbyes. He hardly knows any of them, and to say goodbye wouldn't feel right.
When Bohdi rushes forward and kisses Flea, Dregar drops his head. His mind races back to his mother kissing him goodbye. WHat it was like to have loved ones around you. HIs head down facing the snowy cave floor, a tear drops from his eye and enters the snow.
Nauthiz'Ull Thursday September 29th, 2005 4:13:16 PM
The ebony face stays still, chiselled. A boulder settled in the back of his throat. His feelings of loss explode and grow exponentially now that it is his wunjo that is experiencing them.
Looking at Flea and the others, "I will take great care of this bloody gnome don't you fret. My life ends before his. May our paths happen upon eachother once more...wunjos."
THe ranger shows pride and admiration to those of the Bloodpack and watches with interest adn reverance as they leave the Vein.
Fare Thee Well Thursday September 29th, 2005 5:12:30 PM
Bloodpack members say there goodbyes but most is lost in events of Flea and Bohdi. The two had quickly grown close and after an all too breif period of time, were being forced apart. Many make it known that no worse would ever be thought of Flea were she to stay. As all the Blood Pack step onto the platform, Bohdi breaks from his cataonic state with some surprising words of wisdom from his familiar. Rushing the platform he leaves Flea with a propoer good bye.
The glyphs begin to glow, and suddenly the platform is empty. There is no noise, no flash, no dramatic effect whatsoever. One instant, the group is looking at the Blood pack of Rattledam and the Sagrass Plains, and in the next instant, it is empty.
The silence seems to deepen about the young adults of Ice Peak Village and the Ice Vein. There is little time for self indulgent thoughts though. An Avatar, a direct incarnation of divine power itself lurks somewhere in the very hills about the remnants of Ice Peak Village. Precisely the same hills those same villagers are using as temporary shelter. Unaware of the danger they may be in. Another task is before all of you. Live, Die, Sleep.
DM Accolades Thursday September 29th, 2005 5:16:45 PM
Blood Pack....
Thank you very much. it was a priveledge to have you and for so very long. much longer than originally intended. You all dove right in to the sprirt of Cold beyond cold and being wholly unprepared for it. great job all around.
ice Vein, excellent work as well. the roleplaing was top notch and thank you so much for indulging this long break from our planned programming.
Again thank you all. Blood pack you can hit your own board again. Mike K they are all yours I will get Mike xp for the cross to hand to his guys as well as get us Ice Vein folks our just rewards.
Neco Thursday September 29th, 2005 6:07:16 PM
The young girl is not sure of what had transpired between the Ice Pack and the Blood Pack but she is very sure that what has happened will change the shape of the Ice Pack forever.
Neco feels sorrow for those that have lost dear friends and in her own heart will miss some of the Blood Pack. Looking at the saddened group the small human speaks in a quiet but audible voice "Staying here will not fix our problems. It would be best if we were to leave. We have more business to attend to." The rogue reaches into her pocket and pulls out the three acorns and examines the inscriptions, Live, Die, Sleep.
Garrett Thursday September 29th, 2005 6:40:05 PM
"Right she is" says Garrett with sadness in his voice. Garret takes one last look at the platform where the bloodpack had been, then turns and silently walks toward the entrance of the cave.
Edgler Vess Thursday September 29th, 2005 6:45:42 PM
Even though he doesn't really know what is going on, Edgler clasps hands with each of the Bloodpack as they prepare to leave. He stands to the side as Bohdi and Flea say their farewells. Despite being battle-hardened the priest can't help but cough and wipe his nose with the back of his hand. "Damned dust," he mumbles. Turning away, he tries to wipe the dust away. Seeing that Dregar is having a similar problem he moves to stand beside the other dwarf and drops a heavy hand on his shoulder, but says nothing. As the last of the Bloodpack steps on the platform, Edgler merely waves goodbye. In a flash they are gone. He looks around at the remaining Icepack. He sees good and strength in each of them. He thinks of his home and how much he is needed there, but it would seem that Gargul has other plans for him.
Aiden Friday September 30th, 2005 12:08:23 AM
ooc: *insert ARGH from work computers being down and duty*
Aiden quietly watched as the Blood Pack stepped onto the device. Giving a slight nod of respect, the quiet man whispered, "good luck and stay in the shade..."
A slight smile broke onto his features as he saw Bodhi make his final goodbyes to Flea. Shrugging, he realized that the Blood Pack taught them quite a few things, and in some ways, he hoped that the same had happened with them.
Aiden resisted the urge to chuckle as he heard the dwarf complain of dust. The Blood Pack with their strange ways of fighting, magic, and even speaking, were now heading home.
And some part of him believed that this was not the last that they would see of them.
"She is right...we must now talk, and plan what to do next..."
Dregar Friday September 30th, 2005 3:53:40 AM
Dregar looks up as the Dwarf puts his hand on his shoulder. Pools of tears rim Dregars' eyes as he looks at dwarf.
" Reminded me of me mother" he says as he puts his head back down. He brings his grimy hand up to his face and wipes the micture of tears and mucas across his cheek. " Your right, this dust is killing me eyes." he adds with a chuckle.
After a few seconds of staring at the floor, DRegar looks up.
" I was sent here as I stated before, but I know not what lies a head. I will fight with yous because I cannot got back to me village. I offer my axe, as a friend what we have to do. But I am a little lost, I do not know what we must do. Can somone let me know?"
Nauthiz'Ull Friday September 30th, 2005 10:01:55 AM
The ranger chokes a bit as he swallows while takinga deep breath to fight back his tears. Saliva down the wrong pipe has a way of staying there for a while. He continues choking and when he finally gets his windpipe cleared, the BloodPack is gone.
Nice farewell you motherless runt.
His eyes are running, seemingly teh spit in his windpipe evacuated through his eyes. He wipes then furiously.
"Damn the dust."
Bohdi Nackle Friday September 30th, 2005 2:55:12 PM
Bohdi stood quietly gazing at the empty pedestal. For a time, no reaction displayed itself on his face. Then, his pointed gnome ears rose for a moment, as if listening to a far-off sound, and softly, he murmured--as if repeating another voice:
"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."
The verse ended just as suddenly and as quietly as it began, and Bohdi pursed his lips, as if deep in thought. He stroked his chin whiskers reflexively as he stared down at the ring on his finger. Then, shaking his head slightly as if to clear it, Bohdi looked around at the others. Seemingly oblivious of any tears they might have shed, he nodded toward the entrance to the cave.
"Well, shall we be off, then?" he inquired semi-rhetorically, his usual sardonic tone restored. "The sooner that we find this bloody avatar thing ... the sooner we can leave."
But as the group made its way out of the Cave of the Ancients, a sad, small smile played on the gnome's lips, and he softly repeated,
And in dreams, we will meet again...
Spell List: Gnome abilities: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Detect Magic (x2), Light, Message Level 1: Endure Elements (x3, all cast), Silent Image
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