Together at last, Alone Friday September 30th, 2005 6:11:07 PM
The Blood Pack is gone and the cave is silent and dark. Some complain about the dust and since the small particles of matter are practically non existant in the land of perpetual ice, it must have brushed off from the strangers from the hot plains just before thier departure.
The Ice Vein group re-essembles at the entrance of the cave and prepares to make camp in the natural shelter. Most of the light of day is gone and trekking down the steep mountain paths in the dark would be unwise at best.
DM Note: Any and all lotto wins can be placed on charater sheets. Just send me an update Mikalus30@hotmail.com. Consider them found in the scattered destruction at the village when you were just there. XP and heo point are forthcoming. look for them early next week.
Aiden Sunday October 2nd, 2005 3:44:42 PM
Aiden wasn't quite sure what the others had been complaining about in terms of dust. True, it was sad that the gnomes were broken up, but knowing the fates, they would be reunited at another time, or place...maybe even life.
"It is time..." he said gruffly, even as he murmurred, "dust...bah..." Though soft emotions such as what was demonstrated was frowned upon at his native village, Aiden was at least familiar with it.
Aiden once again tries to take lead as one of the chief trailblazers, especially given the fact that it would allow Nauthiz to stand back and use his bow.
Garrett Monday October 3rd, 2005 8:32:07 AM
"Since it is almost dark, we should be camping here for the night. It's as good a shelter as any. It will give us a little time to discuss how we want to go about finding this avatar. And since this thing is loose in the area where the village has fled to, we will need to find it or them as soon as we can. Any ideas?"
Bohdi Nackle Monday October 3rd, 2005 8:39:57 AM
"Agreed," Bohdi nodded at Garrett's suggestion. "No sense rushing off into the bloody cold, I suppose. And it will give us all a chance to discuss amongst ourselves how best to handle a battle on our own ... now that we haven't the Bloodpack to save us any more."
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
ooc: a reminder--I will not be able to post Tuesday and Wednesday, October 4 & 5; Thursday, October 13; Tuesday and Wednesday, October 18 & 19; and Tuesday and Wednesday, October 25 & 26. CS went around by e-mail some time ago--still need a volunteer.
Nauthiz'Ull Monday October 3rd, 2005 10:27:20 AM
The murky water has finished streaking teh rangers face. the talk of camping sets in as a great notion to the ranger. His wunjos and him need some time to recollect themselves.
"THere are many things that we should talk about. The Bloodpack has much wisdom that we can draw from.. Each of the Pack knew their placec within the group and their roles. They knew what each could contribute and maximized those strengths. I myself, would like to think that my bow will one day aid us all in times of danger. Frigg'Isa has showed me the great depths of the weather and Ull'Heimdall the wonders of Mother Nature. I will take a flanking or rear position during fights in order to rain down arrows upon our foes. If a higher ground can be reached wuick enough, I will take taht advantage as well."
Neco d20+5=16 d20+5=25 Monday October 3rd, 2005 4:59:16 PM
Neco finds a spot in the line up of adventurers. She leaves the leading to the rangers and the rear guard to those who are bigger and stronger than she is. The little rogue keeps her eyes and ears open (spot 16 listen 25 Nat) .
Night and Day Monday October 3rd, 2005 5:53:28 PM
The sun drops past the western Cairn and the land is plunged into darkness. torches and lit and the larger fire at the mouth of the cave blazes to life. Orange and red light flicker as the flames dance about the wood. The Acrid smell of pine fills the area and billows forth from the cave into the deep night.
Discussions go everywhere. Garret opens the floor on finding the avatar. Bohdi starts in on battle tactics, or rather mentions the group may wish to talk about them. Nauthiz'Ull agrees and volunteers to be the mobile artillery. Aiden appears quite content to be the point man in all aspects, trail blazing and fighting. Neco and the others remain quiet, they are after all quite new.
The night deepens, the cold beyond the cave intensifies and stars disappear in the deeper hours of the night. the warmer air of the cave creates a deep fog that rolls from the mouth, like that of a sleeping giant. Outside large flakes of snow begin to drift down from the pitch sky. Soon enought morning comes, everyone awakens refreshed and ready for a new day of challenges and dangers of life in the wilds of Ice Vein.
Edgler Vess Monday October 3rd, 2005 7:03:28 PM
"Bohdi, my prayers and combat abilities would have me in a support position, but I'm sure I'll fill any niche that is required." Edgler stands by the fire as the group makes ready to leave, in an attempt to absorb as much heat as possible. While marching, he falls in to the first rank behind the rangers.
Bohdi Nackle (Sub/Al) Monday October 3rd, 2005 7:36:11 PM
The cave mouth is dark and silent. All through first watch, it remains dark and silent. Part way through second watch, it is still dark and silent. And finally, there's little choice but to hit the sack or fail to be of any use what so ever to his fellows.
"Each of them knows their place within the group and their roles ... " Bohdi mutters a paraphrase of Nauth's words from earlier in the day. She wasn't coming back. Such wishful thinking to believe otherwise.
The next morning ... is another morning. With uncharacteristic quiet, the gnomish wizard hangs his spells for the day.
"So, we head back to the village and see if we can find out where everyone went," he says at last. "It shouldn't be too hard to pick up their trail. And the Avatar should be nearby."
Bohdi gives one last look into the cave mouth. It's still dark and silent. "Lets go," he says. "No sense hanging around here."
Dregar Tuesday October 4th, 2005 2:25:19 AM
Dregar finds a spot on the cave wall, where no wind blows into. He sets his pack down, and unwraps some of the wold meat, setting it over the fire that is set. He takes the bloody blanket and washes the blood off with some of the snow on the ground. Once good he rests on his pack and stares at the meat, watching it as it cooks. After a few seconds, he stands to his squat feet.
" I am new with ye, that much is determined. But I will fight beside you all, and give you my axe. I am strong in battle, and strong in survival. Out here, you need both."
With that said Dregar sits back down and stares at the cooking meet again.
Nauthiz'Ull Tuesday October 4th, 2005 8:29:57 AM
The ranger takes normal duties on watch and reflects upon the past days. He watches with interest as the stout dwarf offers his axe.
"Looks like Aidden had some backup now for the front line. You axe may not be as intimidating as the beast of the human's over there is, but I bet it hits a bit truer than his does." Nauth throws a meaningful wink at his ranger wunjo, hoping to lighten the mood a bit with some ribbing.
Garrett Tuesday October 4th, 2005 12:02:36 PM
"Tactics will be a little tough until we get to know all our new friends a little better, and their tendencies in combat. Obviously Aiden and Dregar are the front line combatants. With Edgler wanting to be in a supporting role, that would seem to move me to the front line in instances where more than two are needed there. I have no problem with this, as I enjoy mixing it up. I guess I will position myself depending upon the battle where I can be the most useful, either on the front line, or behind the front line healing and casting spells as needed."
"Back to my first question, anyone have an idea on finding the Avatar?" If it's mortal, it may have sought shelter from the cold. It may also need to find food. Nauth, Aiden, Any ideas on a good place to start looking?"
Garretts Spell List:
0 lvl(4): Light x2, resistance x2
1st lvl(3+1): Doom, Shield of Faith, Endure Elem., Magic Weapon(d)
Neco Tuesday October 4th, 2005 5:47:07 PM
The rogue listens to the talk of strategy, her eyes wide at the bravado of the big fighters. There will be a time and a place for her to demonstrate her proficiencies.
Return to Ice Peak Tuesday October 4th, 2005 9:44:45 PM
The following morning, the group heads back through the glacial canyons towards the remnants of Ice Peak village. Moving downhill the entire way is not nearely as difficult and good time is made. Well before night fall you arrive. The fresh snow from the night before blankets the world in a soft white blanket lending a peaceful and serene look to the devastated villge. Again, footprints that are not your own are easily distinguished in the new white carpet. leading from building to building and new freshly dug holes to the areas below dot the landscape. The day has been cold and clear and the night promises more of the same. The only oddity that can be seen across the village is three sets of paw prints, almost the size of a human foot wind their way through the village as well. They lead to various dug out sections as if the makers of the tracks were searching various dug out structure entrances for something. The prints join up near the wesstern edge and head towards the foothills.
Aiden d20=14 Tuesday October 4th, 2005 10:08:48 PM
Aiden takes a moment or two to look at the strange prints (identify who/what made them, if the animals served as mounts (some heavier/some lighter), and how many made them). Grunting, a small shake of the head at Nauthiz meant that wanted Nauthiz for further confirmation.
Survival (tracking): 14 + 4 = 18 (didn't know what ground/weather modifiers there were affecting the roll)
Edgler Vess Tuesday October 4th, 2005 10:25:19 PM
The dwarven priest trudges along with the rest of the group, but his thoughts are elsewhere. He almost seems to have an internal arguement going on inside his head. But that all changes when he sees the town ahead. "We are looking for some king of 'avatar' fellow, correct? Well, following those tracks seems like as good a path as any. They can't be anymore than 12 hours ahead of us. Do we follow now? Or do we make use of shelter for the night?"
Bohdi Nackle (Sub/Al) d20+5=21 Tuesday October 4th, 2005 11:09:24 PM
"This is a big animal," Bohdi looks down at one set of tracks, following it from hole to hole. "Nauth, Aiden, tell me this is a big animal. No, on second thought, tell me this isn't a big animal. Tell me it's just a small friendly animal with big feet."
Bohdi follows the tracks with is eyes. "I wonder what they were looking for?"
"You, make yourself useful," he says to Squork. "Go fly around. See if whatever made these tracks is still around here."
"You don't wanna know," Squork replies. "Trust me, you have that I don't wanna know look on your face." Still, if a raven could shrug, this one does, and launches into the sky.
P.S. Whaddya mean, it's pointless to hope to have her back? ; )
Dregar d20+5=24 Wednesday October 5th, 2005 12:04:24 AM
Dregar walks along the village looking around for anything. He nears a set of the large footprints, not near anyone else, and examines them himself to see if he can figure out what they are. ( Survival 24) He looks up as he checks the prints and makes sure to scan the horizon for anything as well.
Garrett Wednesday October 5th, 2005 7:58:03 AM
Garrett stays away from the tracks that everyone is checking so as not to mess them up. Instead, he goes to a couple of the freshly dug holes that the creature made, and tries to determine what had been below. Obvious signs that there had been a body below, perhaps bits of flesh or blood, scraps of clothing, etc...
"Just a thought guys....If this Eberyon guy is powerful enough to break himself up into little pieces and send them all over the wold as sentient beings, then he might look like anything. I mean, what's to say that he has to look like a human, versus say a really big wolf, or an Isswurm, or something native to the area. Just a thought......I gotta quit thinking worst case scenario all the time."
Neco d20+7=9 d20+7=26 Wednesday October 5th, 2005 5:49:33 PM
Neco leaves the foot prints to those who know animals best and instead searches through the abandoned town(Search 7). "I would think," says the little rogue "that people rushing out in a hurry would miss bringing some valuables." Neco frowns and looks through the ruins of another house(Search 26). The female notices something in the piles of rubble and grunts as she shifts debris aside. Panting the rogue uncovers an axe, a strange looking sword and a bottle. "Hey guys look over here at what I found!"
(L&B swag I'd like to share with the party-MW dwarven war axe, MW double sided sword, and an Elixir of Swim)
Tracks in the Snow Wednesday October 5th, 2005 9:37:33 PM
The group moves about the village, some inspecting the prints, Edgler talks of the groups next move and if they should camp here tonight or push west and camp in the foothills.
Aiden identifies about 4-6 human prints and amybe 2-3 big wolves. Who came first and who followed? The ranger can not tell as the wind has swirled some of the prints, making a time frame harder to determine.
Garret inspects where the wolf prints went and it was not the wolves that did the digging, but rather they followed where the humanshad apparently dug out some building entrances. The cleric also muses on the power of this 'avatar ebyron' and maybe the form it took in the Ice Vein is not necessarily human.
Neco moves through the village and looks into t afew buildings. The search pays off handsomely. A well crafted double sword, dwarven axe and a small bone vial. Markings on the vial depict a figure apparently swimming.
Dregar also checks the prints and adds some information. the human prints left the village more weighed down than when they entered and the wolves definately came in some hours after.
Bohdi too, wonders what the wolves were apparently looking for and sends Squork on wing for a look about. The raven takes flight and spirals out, returning a short time later, "All is open and white. The trail continues West for some distance into the hills.
The sun streams towards the horizon, casting long shadows by it's firey orange light. It is likely the village is the safer camp site. As the group moves about Garret begins to feel a strange warmth spreading across his mid back section.
Edgler Vess Wednesday October 5th, 2005 10:08:42 PM
"Looks like we should stay here tonight, just hope we still have those tracks tomorrow." Edgler walks over to the young rogue, "What have you got there? I knew it wouldn't take you long to impress the others," the priest beams. "That is a mighty fine axe. I could make good use of it, but I imagine that Dregar would make better use... if he wants it."
Aiden Wednesday October 5th, 2005 10:28:18 PM
Aiden relayed what he discerned from the tracks to the others...
"Large wolves and humans...not at the same time."
And then he took a few moments, and listened to Garrett. "Maybe..." he commented, "or he is trying to use some beasts loyal to find the missing parts or items of his..."
He frowned as he stumbled through the thought, and trying to figure out what was going on.
Garrett Thursday October 6th, 2005 8:07:25 AM
"It looks like either way, we camp here tonight, and follow the tracks in the morning. Either to our new village encampment, or the people that raided it."
Garrett stops, tries to look over his shoulder at his back. Then reaches around trying to figure out why his back is suddenly unusually warm. he then turns his back to the group and asks...
"This may sound like an odd question, but does everything appear as usual on my back? I've suddenly got a....weird feeling in my mid back. Like a bit of sunlight just warming that up extra warm, or something."
If nothing looks odd and he can't determine the source of the warmth, then Garrett will prepare to camp for the night, and start off by removing his armor to see if he can figure out what is suddenly warm on his back.
Nauthiz'Ull d20=6 d20=9 d20=1 d20=3 Thursday October 6th, 2005 8:22:41 AM
The ranger has been no where to be seen lately and after a while he returns covered in soggy ash.
"Been diggin around the old place, seems Frigga has left a could things for me....miss her....greatly...."
The ranger has spiraled into a very melancholy mood, neck sloping forward and shoulders as wrong as could be.
Nauth will help out for the evening, quietly and take a look upon the tracks that Aiden requested help with. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ No CS on me atm...please add modifiers for the following rolls... Survival(Tracks)-6 Spot-9 Survival(weather)-1 Know:Nature-3
Bohdi Nackle d20+2=15 d20+12=27 Thursday October 6th, 2005 11:34:59 AM
"I agree--let's stay here, and set out in the morning. I'll look for ... provisions."
The gnome could be seen hunting desperately, scouring through the village. He was picking up what unbroken bottles he could, and appeared disconsolate with each empty container. Eventually, he returned to the group, forlorn.
"No ice wine," he said glumly. "But on a lighter note, I found my scribing materials, and so I was able to finish some spells I was working on. I also found a stash of stuff over there near where my hut used to be. It looks like whoever was here had planned to take the stuff, then left it as too cumbersome. Might be useful, if anyone wants some of it--otherwise I'll just add to my 'souvenir collection.'"
Bohdi studied Garrett's back (Spot 15) for signs of anything unusual, then cast a magic-detecting spell to see if anything untoward was amiss. (Cast: Detect Magic. Spellcraft check 27, if applicable.) If there was nothing arcane involved, Bohdi would take his usual watch before retiring. His thoughts were consumed with dreams ... and how to control them.
In the morning, Bohdi would discuss marching and combat orders. He would propose:
Combat: (When space permits, use a "3-4" formation with 5' gaps between, permitting Garrett to Enlarge to plug the inside gaps and take advantage of AoO's:) -- Aiden -- Garrett -- Dregar -- Neco -- Bohdi -- Edgler -- Nauthiz'Ull
For those in back combat row, Bohdi would point out that he had the ability to cast an illusory archery position with opaque sides and arrow slits, so that those using ranged weapons could hide behind the illusion and catch their opponents unaware.
ooc: The items Bohdi discovered and offered to the group to use are: --MW hide armor --MW studded leather armor --MW heavy mace --MW heavy steel shield, and --MW Greatclub. He also found, but is holding on to, an Oil of Greater Magic Weapon +2.
In other news, Bohdi leveled and his spell book has expanded. I sent the updated CS around by e-mail. I'll begin including his new spells beginning with the 'morning' post.
Dregar Thursday October 6th, 2005 5:14:58 PM
Dregar gets up from looking at the prints and moves back to the group.
" Looks like thee wolves came in after the humans. The humans though came out heavier, probally after searching the campe."
He moves towards the fire and begins to warm his hands. He reaches down and scoops up some of the snow, he waits for it to melt a bit in his hands, and he brings it up to his face and wipes away some of the now two day old blood. When he is offered the axe, he shakes his hand back and forth.
" AYe, i thank you, but I got Snowsplitter." he says as he pats the axe on his back.
Neco Thursday October 6th, 2005 5:41:33 PM
"You can have this," Neco says to Edgler after his comment on the axe. "There is no way I could use it, so it would be better in your hands." The small human places the axe in the dwarf's palms. "Now, if only I could find a use for this." She now points at the double sword in the snow.
In the morning the young female removes one of her leather gloves and tests the weather. If it is a bone chilling cold she will open the scroll case on her back and retrieve one of her four scrolls of endure elements and cast it on herself.
Neco will be keeping the sword and Elixir of Swim if no one needs them
Edgler Vess Thursday October 6th, 2005 10:03:43 PM
"Thank you, Neco, this is a very generous gift. A fine axe indeed." Edgler takes the axe and replaces his old axe with the new one. "Your tactics are sound, Bohdi, your knowledge impresses me. I will be happy to undertake any role you designate."
Following the Trail Thursday October 6th, 2005 11:06:22 PM
Garret removes his back and the warm feeling goes away instantly. Opening his pack he investigates and discovers the large iron ring from the temple has not only shrunk to normal size, but it is warm to the touch. As the cleric turns the ring in his had he notices a slft glow appear in the band and as he moves the ring the dot appears to move along the band so it is always on the western part.
More combat stratedgies are discussed and Bohdi lays out a fairly basic but sound combat orientation. -- Aiden -- Garrett -- Dregar -- Neco -- Bohdi -- Edgler -- Nauthiz'Ull The gnome is also able to salvage wuite a good deal moving through the village and adds his findings to those that Neco discovered. Bringing the total to: --MW hide armor --MW studded leather armor --MW heavy mace --MW heavy steel shield, and --MW Greatclub. --MW Double sword --MW Dwarven axe
Using a building as a wind break the group sets up a watch, stokes the fire and settles in. for the dark night. Inside the snow mounds the group finds warmth and with small fires burning just at the entrances, the shelters errected by Aiden and Edgler are very comfortable. The morning awakens all with the promise of a blazing sun headed into thehigh clear sky. Likely the day will get progressively colder with no cloud cover and the snow may present troubles seeing to far with the sun blasting off the crystalline surface.
The tracks are still quite visible and the rangers have little trouble following them. Shortly out of Ice Peak, by a few hours the Wolf tracks break north by northwest. They wind into the hills and the temperature is steadily dropping now shortly past midday. As the late afternoon approaches those natives of the Vein begin to register just how cold it is getting. Fort DC 15 failure indicates 1d6 non lethal and fatigued It takes 30 minutes to set up shelter for 2 people Survival DC 15. DC 17 for 3. DC 19 for 4. this is the max in 30 minutes. ie the best a single person can do is set up shelter for 4 people per hour.
Remember on Fort saves for Cold add +4 for Cold Weather Gear. You all have it. Those with Survival can make checks and give an additional +2 to one other person, for every 2 points above 15. Please state who you are helping.
Yes the elements are coming back into play. Don't forget to specify watches if you're setting them.
Garrett d20+3=9 Friday October 7th, 2005 8:14:07 AM
With the forecast of a cold day coming from the Rangers, Garrett changes his spell selection to include more endure elements, and encourages Bohdi and Edgler to take 2 endure elements each, so that we may all be covered.
Garrett casts endure Elements upon Himself, Neco, and Nauth. Leaving Bohdi and edgler to get themselves and Aiden and Dregar.
After Garrett takes the ring out of his pack and notices the moving dot he turns to everyone else. "Hey guys, I think I just found out how we find this Avatar. I think this rings pointing us right at him. There's a dot on here that moves around the ring when you turn it, like a compass. But instead of this one showing the way north, I think it shows the way to the avatar. maybe that's why the prophecy told us we would need to get this ring."
If we are all covered with endure elements, than Garrett will suggest we continue on, following the direction the ring points us to. If not, Garrett tries to help Aiden set up shelter, but just gets in the way(survival:9 to help).
Bohdi Nackle d20+2=6 Friday October 7th, 2005 8:38:44 AM
Bohdi shook his head with astonishment at Garrett's description of the iron ring and uttered a low whistle. "That must be powerful magic indeed, Garrett," the gnome said wonderingly. "It displayed no trace of these powers to my magical detection spell. Only the most powerful arcane items are so disguised. That ring must be among the great relics of the Wold!"
"I'm sure you'll be fine carrying it." The gnome patted the cleric on the arm reassuringly before turning his attention to his spellbook.
"If we're expecting nasty weather today, I'll gladly prepare an extra spell against the cold, Garrett." Bohdi looked at Dregar, Neco, and Edgler in explanation. "We've often found that the Vein itself can be our most deadly adversary, and so protection from the elements is always our first order of business."
Bohdi included Endure Elements spells for himself and for Neco in his preparations. He had a few new tricks in his arsenal today, too, which he gladly explained--at length--to anyone foolish enough to listen as they marched.
When the time came for the group to set up shelter, Bohdi used his powers of prestidigitation to help build and reinforce a windbreak. Bohdi would take the first watch, as usual--even offering without grumbling. His long-time companions might have noticed a subtle shift in Bohdi in the past few days; his complaining had diminished somewhat, and his willingness to help with group efforts came more readily, if still not quite eagerly. Still, for Bohdi, it was a significant change.
He suggested that the others take watches, as well. With seven companions, it would not be difficult to set four watches--only one person would keep a watch alone. Bohdi proposed:
During his watch, Bohdi would chat agreeably with his companion. He seemed genuinely interested in the stories and background that these newcomers offered--another shift in Bohdi's attitude! (Spot 6) With all that chatting, however, Bohdi's attention to the watch itself was fairly poor.
ooc: Oops--forgot to roll FORT saves as a contingency. DM, just tell Garrett, me, and the rest of us if you want us to roll them despite the spells (i.e., if you rule that the spellcasters didn't get an accurate forecast in time), and I'll gladly post supplementally.
Aiden d20=10 d20=15 Friday October 7th, 2005 7:34:27 PM
Aiden listened to Garrett's revelation, and dourly thought, ~more reliance upon magic. What are we to do after we find this...avatar? Could the ring be leading us into a trap?~
Once they had come to a stop to build the shelter, Aiden began to work on making as big a shelter (4) as possible. This was important as the larger number of individuals were grouped together, the more personal heat could be shared by all.
With Bohdi's (or whomever wished to help) aid, Aiden was able to construct a fairly solid shelter.
Surprisingly, Aiden DID ask the gnome to explain his new tricks. Questions as to the length and distance of the tricks, as well as what it cost in personal...energy...was asked by the ranger in hushed tones. It seemed as if he was processing the information, putting it away for future use, as the mage explained (truthfully or not).
DM Post d20+5=11 d20+5=23 d20+4=20 d20+4=5 d20+4=22 d20=11 d20=12 d20-1=13 d20-1=10 d8+5=7 Friday October 7th, 2005 11:23:04 PM
I wanted to wait for more posts but I will be out til Tuesday so here it comes.
Endure Element spells are cast and all but Dregar is fully protected. (Unless he puts one on himself)
Without the threat of frostbite and worse from the cold itself, Aiden is able to take his time and construct shelters for everyone. 2 Shelters each capable of holding three people. the first has Bohdi, Neco, Aiden & Dregar. 'the other for Nauthiz'Ull, Garret and Edgler. Watches are set and stories are told about the fire for a time and then people begin to retire through the first watch.
Snow begins falling in the late evening as the second watch gets well under way. Neco and Bohdi exchange a few more stories as a way to pass the time. Thier clouds of breath roll out into the deep night air. "Did you hear that?" Neco's voice becomes a harsh whisper and her head snaps about. A mere second later Bohdi hears it as well. A heavy boot in the snow. A very big heavy boot. Suddenly Bohdi is still very young in Zaran city and his grandfather is telling the story of the Sne Kjempe, the snow giants that ate little gnomes if they were not good. Bohdi strains his ears as does Neco, both casting about to see something for what seems like an eternity. In reality, it is merely 3 heartbeats before a 6' shaft of bone flies from the darkness striking Neco. [Hit AC 13 Dmg 7 flat footed AC 12]
Bohdi still does not see them as his head snaps in the correct direction and nor has he moved before another 6' bone shaft crunches into the snow just inches away. [Hit AC 10]
Combat in the dark. The shelter mounds are next to each other a small fire near the north facing doorway. Bohdi and Neco are side by side 10 north of the shelters. The attacks came from the Northeast. Sleepers Listen DC 5 to awake. You can take full round actions. remember sleepers are prone and may not be wearing armor and certainly do not have shields strapped.
Humans have vision to about 45' low light is double this and of course darkvision is darkvision at 60. Spot is now DC 5 Highlight to display spoiler: {2 giants standing about 9 to 10 feet tall covered in thick gray and white long matted hair. Thick white fur seems to cover thier upper torso. Each has a large bone spear-like object in one hand and a massive wooden club in the other. They are 15' apart and 60 away from Neco and Bohdi to the northeast}
Neco (AC 20, HP 7/14, Shield) d20+5=11 d20+3=18 d100=75 Saturday October 8th, 2005 12:09:51 AM
A scream escapes from Neco's mouth as she is struck hard by the spear. Quickly she wheels around to see her assailants (spot 11). Hastily the young human throws a protective spell over herself Casts Shield. Ready for anything the rogue sorcerer holds her ground next to the Gnome.
Fort Save vs. Cold (18) Arcane spell failure due to armour 1-10 (75)
0 level spells: 5 per day - dancing lights, detect magic, read magic, touch of fatique 1st level spells: 4 - shield #, shocking grasp
(OOC: I will be gone from Saturday to late Tuesday and will not be able to post. If someone (or the DM?) could play Neco for that time it would be much appreciated.)
In the rounds to come Neco will... Cast Dancing Lights Use Wand of Magic Missiles until in melee
Dregar d20=12 d20=16 d20=9 Saturday October 8th, 2005 1:35:00 PM
Dregar crunches on through the day. No Endure elements was cast on him, but it didn't seem to bother him (Fort sv, 12+4+7+23) as he plowed on through the snow. He actually preffered it that way, with no spells, as he didn't full appreciate soemthing that wasn't real.
As the day passed and the camp was set, Dregar helped with the shelters, as well as cooking some of the wolf for everyone to eat. When watches where called he was glad for the second, but would have preffered to be alone. No bother he thought, he would get to know his new comrades.
Dregar just started to fall into a deep sleep, one of dreams of his family. Then he hears ( Listen 16+5=21) the scream and hops up. He grabs his axe, and his wolf cloak and runs out into the fire area. He sees the bone shafts and his eyes go wide. He then looks to the horizon ( spot 9+2=11) and his eyes widen in shock.
" GIANTSSSSSS" dregar screams as his mind travels back to the days when his village would have to fight them off. " GIANNTTTSSS" he screams again trying to get everyone up so that the fight can be fair.
Garrett (AC:18, HP:23/23) d20+5=15 Saturday October 8th, 2005 1:36:46 PM
Garrett hears(listen:15)the commotion outside, and rouses from his sleep. He quickly stands, grabbing his sword and shield that had been lying next to him. Fortunately, Garrett is already wearing armor, as he finds no undue discomfort in sleeping in his Chain male(endurance).
(If Grabbing the sword and shield would be considered a move action, then Garrett is done until next round. If not, because they were laying next to him, then he will move out the tent door also.)
"Edglar, Nauth. Wake up. We have company"
Edgler Vess (AC 12, HP 21, Bless 20 rnds) d20+2=8 Saturday October 8th, 2005 4:34:45 PM
Edgler thinks he hears something in his sleep, then Garrett nudging him, and Dregar's warning quickly rouses him. One giant is bad enough, but if there were more, their small group was in big trouble. The priest's first thought is to cast something that will help the group in the upcoming battle. A quick prayer guarantees the group at least a little help. (Bless, everyone now has +1 to hit and +1 on saves vs. fear)
Spells Detect Magic Detect Poison Guidance Light
Endure Elements Bless* Shield of Faith D- True Strike
*Cast
Bohdi Nackle (AC 19, HP 20/20) & Squork (AC 16, HP 10/10) d20+2=13 2d4(4+2)+3=9 Saturday October 8th, 2005 10:26:39 PM
"Bloody hell!" Bohdi's eyes sprang wide as he watched a spear emerge from the darkness and impale his companion. A moment later, as he gathered his wits and another spear struck the snow near him, Bohdi scanned through the gloom with his keen gnomish eyesight (Lowlight vision to 90', Spot 13). Recognizing that most of his human companions could not see their assailants as he could, the gnome cried to his slumbering friends,
"Snow giants! Sixty feet to the northeast, a pair of them! On your feet everyone, quickly!"
Meanwhile, to himself, the gnome muttered, "No time like the present to try out a new trick." Pulling forth a crystal rod that glowed with a faint, phosphorescent moss, Bohdi waved his hands in an intricate pattern and pointed at the giants. "Hypnorum, hypnororum, iridenscis!" he chanted. In a moment, a twisting, multi-colored rune appeared before his face and flowed outward, enveloping the two giants.
Cast: Hypnotic Pattern. Area effect on 10' radius targeted between the two giants (overall range 130'), can affect both. Affects 9 HD worth of opponents, lower HD first (excess HD wasted), Will save 19 or be fascinated for Bohdi's Concentration (standard action) plus 2 rounds.
"I've cast a fascination spell on them!" Bohdi announced to his companions. "Hold your fire until you know they haven't been affected--attacking them breaks the effect!" Bohdi shifted his way to use the windbreak as cover between himself and the giants as he watched to see his spell's effect, his in-bred gnomish instincts granting him insights into the proper tactics against these furry beasts. (DM note: AC above includes +4 racial dodge bonus against creatures of giant type.)
Aiden Sunday October 9th, 2005 7:13:00 PM
Aiden, tired from the long trek, setting up of the tents, and then guard duty was a bit more difficult to awaken.
"*snort* g-giants?" as he tried to roll over quickly, and get ready to stand.
nauthiz'ull Monday October 10th, 2005 9:38:57 AM
Ears like a snow deer perked up on the rangers head (snow deer?). Ice blue eyes pierced the dark of the night at the shriek of the odd sounding gnome. A pisture of Bohdella quickly flashed in Nauth's mind.
The horror of a night shriek like that can send chills down a snowman's spine however and the ranger was quickly to his feet. Realizing that he slept with his armor on and oddly now tired from the discomfort (lol 3rd level ranger feat=Endurance) his hand instinctively reaches for Ull'Heimdall's bow and his quiver.
He immediately moves out of the tent as quietly and sneakily as posible and heads around the windbreak on the ooposite side of where Bohdi and Necco are.
DM Post - Combat Round 2 (DMiT RichP) Giants: d20+1=12 d20+1=10 Monday October 10th, 2005 9:56:31 PM
OOC: Sorry for the late post. Filling in for DanK and today's been very busy.
The initial attack catches the Ice Veiners a little off guard, but in quick fashion they begin to prepare to deal with approaching giants.
After taking a spear from a giant, Neco casts a Shield spell in the hopes that he doesn't find himself impaled.
Dregar paused as the spear lands near recovers and with axe in hand looks out and finds the Sne Kjempe at the edge of his vision.
In the tent, Garret roused by the calls of alarm grabs sword and shield and is at the tent opening (not outside yet). Meanwhile, Edgar slowly drifts into consciousness and instinctively calls for a blessing on himself and his Ice Vein comrades.
Bohdi having more of his wits about him sees the outlines of the giants as the light of the fire reaches out into the darkness. Two images can be seen and the gnome decides no time like the presence to use one of his new spells. Those outside can see a rainbow pattern of lights sparkle and dance before the Sne Kjempe pair. Crossing his fingers, the illusionist hopes it will hold the two at bay for a few moments...it seems to work. The two giants stand transfixed by the lights. Their heads drift back and forth between the lights and the camp, but they seem more drawn to the what's in front.
Aiden and Nauth hear the cries of alarm and muster slowly, or slower than other sleeping Icers.
OOC: Sorry no map. The Sne Kjempe are 60 feet from Neco and Bohdi. Just consider anyone else at the fire about 65-70 feet from the giants. I'll try to get one for tomorrow.
Garrett (AC: 18, Hp: 23/23) Tuesday October 11th, 2005 9:06:07 AM
Active Spells: Bless, Bulls Strength
Garrett moves 20' towards the enemy and casts Bulls strength
Bohdi Nackle (AC 19, HP 20/20) and Squork (AC 16, HP 10/10) Tuesday October 11th, 2005 9:48:49 AM
"Slowly, everyone ... slowly," Bohdi cautioned. The gnome's brow was furrowed as he gazed into the distance, and beaded sweat reflected the firelight from his brow. "No sudden moves, and keep your weapons lowered. It looks like the spell is working."
"They'll stay there for as long as I concentrate on the spell. They're helpless, but if they notice someone preparing to attack them, they might shake free. So, everyone, take your time, get dressed and ready, and when you're all set, I recommend that a group circle around out of sight, approach them from behind as quietly as possible, and then coordinate simultaneous coups de grace."
"Again, as long as we don't act hostilely to them, they should remain helpless for as long as I concentrate, so everyone take your time, discuss what you'd like to do, and then take your time to do it as carefully as possible. Once you attack one of them, the spell will break at least with respect to that one."
Bohdi's eyes narrowed and his brow furrowed further as he maintained his concentration on the spell in the middle distance.
Nauthiz'Ull d20+5=15 d20+6=9 Tuesday October 11th, 2005 10:47:48 AM
Quietly the rangers head slinks out of the tent and listens to Bohdi's wisdom. With a nod the ranger goes around the farside of the tents with bow in hand but arrows still in his quiver hanging from his side.
The wolves of the Vein have shown many how to properly encircle and finish their prey, but maybe Nauth was busy daydreaming at the time {move silent-15 / hide-9}.
Nauth will maintain a radius just within his sight radius, keepinghis prey within view but avoiding the possibility of them noticing him.
Aiden d20=8 Tuesday October 11th, 2005 11:27:22 AM
Getting up, Aiden was about ready to exit the tent with axe in hand when his ears had picked up what Bodhi had done.
"good...." he responded quietly to himself. He went back to his pack area, and began to put on his armor including the gauntlet and ring. If there was to be a fight, now he would have some better protection.
(ooc: I believe the armor should take 2 rounds to put on...studded leather...
BTW: what 'size' is the MW studded leather that Bodhi found? Aiden might ask to use that, but being that he was made to be taller than most people in the village, it might not fit...)
Dregar Tuesday October 11th, 2005 11:30:33 AM
Dregars mouth drools with the anticapation of the fight, but he hears Bhodi's wisdom and realizes he doesn't have his armor on. He turns to the tent and heads in, and starts to done his armor as well.
Neco (AC 20, HP 7/14, Shield) Tuesday October 11th, 2005 5:32:22 PM
Neco gets ready to cast a spell to illuminate the area where the giants stand. She falters, not sure if it will interrupt the gnome's hypnotic magic. The sorceress calls up the magic in her blood and waits... Waits for the moment when battle erupts. She gets ready to help the Ice Pack if they need her (Held Action-Dancing Lights).
DM Post - Combat Round 3 (Thanks Rich) d20+2=13 d20-2=2 d20+2=3 d20-2=18 Tuesday October 11th, 2005 8:37:18 PM
The large soft flakes float through the air about as the Icers move in varying directions. Garret advances to the edge of the real light of the warming fires in the direction Bohdi named and is about to cast Bull's Strength when Bohdi's warning cuts him short. The ddep night stands like an impeneratrable wall before the cleric and out beyond it's borders are two Sne Kjempe. Nauthiz'Ull quickly realizes this problem if he is going to move off to circle the Sne Kjempe. The fires at the shelters are simple and low ember brning. They only throw light to 30-35 feet. Bohdi reports them to be almost twice that distance into the pitch of night.
Dregar and Aiden both move to put on armor. Padded, leather, hide, studded leather, or chain shirt Don 1 minute Hastily Don 5 rounds Breastplate, scale mail, chainmail, banded mail, or splint mail Don 4 minutes1 Hastily Don 1 minute
The two hulking giants stand in the dark beyond all sight save that of Edgler, Dregar and Bohdi. They seem to still be transfixed on the pattern of lights Bohdi is weaving, like the Skri Ajah of the deep winter sky.
Garrett Tuesday October 11th, 2005 11:37:34 PM
Garrett decides not to cast his spell as Bohdi declares that he got both of the giants with his spell.
Garrett begins circling around behind the giants waiting for the others to get their equipment on. Sword out, but down.
Dregar Wednesday October 12th, 2005 12:36:36 AM
Dregar starts pulling on the pieces of his armor, drool coming through his teeth at the thought of fighting.
" Why didn't I just sleep in it.?" he says to no one in particular.
OOC: STudded armor, donned hastily.
Nauthiz'Ull d20+8=16 Wednesday October 12th, 2005 11:11:14 AM
The ranger stops and strains his ears to listen for the whereabouts of the giants. Hib bow is still in hand, but at his side and arrow still in quiver. ~~~~~~~~~~ Listen-16
Bohdi Nackle (AC 19, HP 20/20) and Squork (AC 16, HP 10/10) Wednesday October 12th, 2005 12:35:56 PM
"Well, bloody well get on with it," Bohdi muttered to no one in particular, the sweat beads on his forehead continuing to form and then crystallize in the cold. "It isn't getting any bloody warmer out here, or any bloody earlier, either."
He continued to focus on the giants and his eldritch pattern, his brow furrowing and his hand reaching out occasionally as if to twist or move unseen strands of webbing in front of him.
ooc: Al--back to you for Thursday's post. I will resume on Friday and Monday, then be out again Tuesday and Wednesday 10/18 and 10/19 (and again 10/25 and 10/26).
Edgler Vess (AC 18, HP 21/21, Bless) Wednesday October 12th, 2005 6:34:40 PM
Edgler hears Bohdi's directions and quickly begins donning his chain shirt and picking up his large shield.
Spells Detect Magic Detect Poison Guidance Light
Endure Elements Bless* Shield of Faith D- True Strike
*Cast
Neco d100=76 Wednesday October 12th, 2005 8:47:51 PM
The rogue/sorcerer stands at the ready with her spells. She tries hard to take in the positions of the other party members as she holds her magic in abeyance. Eventually her eyes slide from the giants to Bohdi.
When everyone is in place, she releases her spell, Dancing Lights, and 5 dots of brightly twinkling stars form a pentagon of light around the enemy.
Arcane spell failure due to armour 1-10 (76)
0 level spells: 5 per day - dancing lights #, detect magic, read magic, touch of fatique 1st level spells: 4 - shield #, shocking grasp
Aiden Wednesday October 12th, 2005 9:31:33 PM
Aiden continued to put on his armor (round 2)
OOC: what's the penalties of hastily done versus normal?
DM Post - Combat Round 4 d20-2=12 d20-2=4 d20-2=-1 d20-2=10 Thursday October 13th, 2005 12:35:01 PM
Garret moves off into the darkness to the left and soon is gone from sight to Neco Nauth and Aiden.
Dregar continues to strap on his armor. (rnd2)
Nauthiz'Ull listens for the giants, but they are silent, only the soft crunching of snow from the left where the cleric disappeared can be heard by the ranger. hopefully the giants have not hear the approaching cleric as well.
Bohdi continues concentrating grumbling as the rate of action his companions are taking.
Edgler Vess, too begins to put on his armor. (rnd1)
Neco stands ready to cast a spell that will light the area, but no one save a lone cleric is out there. She holds for now. Sounds of straps and furious movements in the two shelters easily keep her abreast of the progress the others are making. It will likely be a bit longer.
Aiden continues strapping his armor (rnd2)
The deep night envelopes the entire world past 35' of the low ember fires. Bohdi, Neco and Nauthiz'Ull stand outside the shelters gazing into it, the back of the company's cleric disappearing to all, save Bohdi. The giants, everyone knows are creatures of the night and likely can see all of them just fine.
All light vanishes to the clerics eyes and the world is pitch. A glance over his shoulder and he can make the outline of his companions some 40' behind him, barely visible silhouetted against the low orange glow. Somewhere in front of him, perhaps only 20' stand two Sne Kjempe, snow giants of terrifying power and completely at home in the dark wilds of Ice Vein.
The armor check penalty and armor bonus for hastily donned armor are each 1 point worse than normal.
Garrett Thursday October 13th, 2005 1:36:08 PM
Garrett changes his course of action. Since possibly casting a light spell may rouse the giants, Garrett moves himself back into the light of the camp.
As he nears Bohdi he asks "How long will they stay like that? Do we have time to wait for all of them to get their armor on?"
Bohdi Nackle (AC 19, HP 20/20) and Squork (AC 16, HP 10/10) (Sub/Al) Thursday October 13th, 2005 2:25:10 PM
"For as long ... " Bohdi struggled out a careful reply, " ... as ... we need. Just so long ... as ... no one ... interrupts me."
"Take your time ... do this right. Smile. Act friendly. The better they like you the better for us. Getting close to them may set them off. Save that for last. Then, when we're all ready ... all together."
Neco (AC 20, HP 7/14, Shield) and Weezle Thursday October 13th, 2005 10:20:35 PM
Sensing an unnatural stillness in the small human, the tiny mammal pokes its head out of the warm pocket to see what is going on. Beady eyes take in the hulking creatures, and Weezle ducks back to the dark safety of Neco's cloak.
Neco waits for the others.
Nauthiz'Ull Friday October 14th, 2005 9:33:12 AM
Nauth makes a forced effort to slow his riled breathing. His chest rises and falls slower and slower until he knows he is Wolf. With this acceptance of the Vein's lupine spirit a reflexive and involuntary lick of his chops emerges. A smirk like that of a wolf happening upon prey with a broken leg.
The ranger holds still, in an unaggressive manner, waiting for light and companions. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ooc: Paul, Aiden is 3rd level now and should have the Ranger bonus feat of Endurance. That allows him to sleep in light armour without becoming fatigued or exhausted. A truly magnificent feat indeed as rangers should not wear armour heavier than light. That is why mithril is so popular with rangers as well, it allows us to wear medium armour as if it were light.
Garrett Friday October 14th, 2005 11:08:58 AM
"I will go in and help them get their armor on."
Whichever shelter that two of them are in, is the one Garrett moves into. Once in the shelter, Garrett picks a spot that is out of sight of the giants and casts a light spell upon his shield.
"Now that we can see a little better, let me give you guys a hand putting that stuff on."
Garrett will then start helping someone don their armor, starting with whoever has the more difficult armor to get on.
Garrett (cont) Friday October 14th, 2005 11:10:23 AM
(Keep forgetting to add my spells)
Combat Round 4-7 DM Post Friday October 14th, 2005 9:21:19 PM
DM To speed things a bit....
Bohdi remains concentrating on his spell. It seems like an eternity but it is actually less than 1 minute. With Garrets help the armor is quickly put on though not completetly thoroughly. A lesson now learned by everyone. the wilds of the Vein is no place to not be ready on moments notice. If Bohdi's spell had failed, the lesson may have been dire indeed.
The group now stands in the glowing embers of the shelter fires. Bohdi is 10' in front of the main group and can still clearly see the giants through the snow about 50' in front of him.
Aiden Friday October 14th, 2005 9:37:34 PM
ooc: sorry about the armor thing, wasn't aware of the rules on that aspect (I have to look up studded leather and see if it is light or medium).
Aiden slowly walked out. There had been no sounds of battle, and therefore, he wasn't going to rashly attack. THat was one of the first lessons that he had learned with his 'wunjos', a strange word that didn't seem to have something of the same warm feeling for any from Twin Tusks.
Before fully exitting the tent, "I cannot exit without the axe being seen, but I am ready...." he whispered....He was ready for battle however....
Bohdi Nackle (AC 19, HP 20/20) and Squork (AC 16, HP 10/10) Sunday October 16th, 2005 5:15:22 PM
Bohdi kept concentrating.
"All right, everyone," he repeated with a heavy sigh and a continued squint. His brows were growing frosty from frozen perspiration. "Take your time, act friendly, circle around to their far sides, get out of their lines of sight ... and then whack the bleedin' buggers."
ooc: Al--back to you for Tuesday and Wednesday (I'll be around on Monday).
Garrett Monday October 17th, 2005 7:54:20 AM
Garrett starts to move as Bohdi directs, circling around to their blindside, but staying close enough so as to not move completely into the darkness.
"Let's work together on it everyone. We should all work on the same one until he goes down, then get the other. We don't want two of them fighting us any longer than we have to.
Nauthiz'Ull Monday October 17th, 2005 2:40:05 PM
Cursing the darkness and the absence of the moon as well this evening, the whitess of the ranger's eyes is all that can be made ouut as he stands at the right flank of the giants.
He watches the giants as the orbs of light illuminate around, a trick that he wish he could do.
Slowly enough an arrow is slid from a quiver and nocked to a bowstring. The faintest creaking can be heard as Ull'Heimdall's bow is tested and then pulled taunt.
Upon the recognition of the attack Nauth will let loose his first attack at the same giant that everyone elsse concentrates on. ~~~~~~~~~~ DanielK-Trying to get CS updated with all of my winnings and seals and the likes...LAst week and this week are mid-term so exams and papers are plentiful. I will work off of the level 2 CS for the time being and that will translate into Nauth being oblivious to his advancement(as he is no douubt in some depression based spiral).
Neco (AC 20, HP 7/14, Shield) Monday October 17th, 2005 5:00:09 PM
Neco casts her spell, lighting the site in order that her companions can see clearly.
...she releases her spell, Dancing Lights, and 5 dots of brightly twinkling stars form a pentagon of light around the enemy...
Arcane spell failure due to armour 1-10 (76)
0 level spells: 5 per day - dancing lights #, detect magic, read magic, touch of fatique 1st level spells: 4 - shield #, shocking grasp
Edgler Vess (AC18, 21/21, Bless) Monday October 17th, 2005 6:16:54 PM
Edgler exits the enclosure and is pleasantly surprised to see that the young gnome is the one single-handedly holding the giants at bay. Very impressive, indeed. But congratulations would have to come later. The priest moves behind the designated target then moves a throwing axe to his right hand. He holds his action until someone else makes the first attack.
Spells Detect Magic Detect Poison Guidance Light
Endure Elements Bless* Shield of Faith D- True Strike
*Cast
Aiden Monday October 17th, 2005 9:12:20 PM
Aiden frowns...he understood the tactics of the ambush, especially against physically stronger opponents.
But something just seemed quite...
dishonorable....
about this set of tactics.
~though a club strike would cure that...~ he thought wryly to himself, as he continued to position himself.
~as well as curing the fact that I'm alive...~
Tricksy Gnome Round 9 d20+2=14 d20+2=7 Monday October 17th, 2005 9:49:45 PM
The two snow giants stand somewhere in the darkness as Bohdi continues to concentrate on the spell holding them at bay. Garret has just finished the last man with his armor, Edgler and both emerge from the shelter. Aiden stands in the threshold of the other shelter. Dregar slips off into the darkness circling to the right. Quickly, the humans lose track of the dwarf.
Garret, Edgler and Nauthiz'Ull begin circling to the left. The snow crunches beneath their feet, soon Garret and Nauthiz'Ull find themselves in the deep night. Silhouetted at the camp they can make out the others but that is all.
Suddenly the two giants become as plain as Blood Ice. Small lanterns seem to float and flit about the large hair covered creatures. Both blink several times at the appearance of the magical lights and thier faces twist into deep snarls of rage. One bellows in giant Highlight to display spoiler: {"Tricks us little gnome with magics!"} The other cries as well Highlight to display spoiler: {"Sneaksy's little gnomes, Me crush you now!"}
Bohdi Nackle (AC 19, HP 20/20) and Squork (AC 16, HP 10/10) Monday October 17th, 2005 10:47:07 PM "Bloody hell ... " the curse escaped Bodhi's lips as his the Giants suddenly lost their fascination with is pattern of lights. And he and Neco were awfully close. Awfully close.
"Charge! Charge them!" he shouted. Bodhi plucked a bit of fleece from his pouch, and slapped it between his hands. "I'll call Nithhogr to attack them from behind." As the bit of fleece rose in Bohdi's palm, regaining its shape, so too did the form of a Golden Dragon rise from the snow behind the Giants.
"Nithhogr!" the gnomish wizard pointed, "Tear 'em up!" (Silent Image. Will vs DC17 to disbelieve.)
EdglerVess (AC18, 22vs giants, HP21/21, Bless 11 rnds) d8+2=8 Tuesday October 18th, 2005 11:12:51 AM
It' hard to tell if Edgler's response to Garrett was a growl or something mumbled in dwarvish, but either way he makes his way over to Neco (R14). He quickly mutters a dwarvish prayer and places his hand lightly on her side. (Cure lt wounds: 8, burns Shield of Faith)
EdglerVess Tuesday October 18th, 2005 11:32:08 AM
OOC: Forgot spell list Spells 0 lvl (4): Detect Magic,Detect Poison,Guidance,Light 1st lvl (3+1): Endure Elements,Bless*,Shield of Faith*,D- True Strike *Cast
Neco (AC 20, HP 14/14, Shield) d4+1=4 Tuesday October 18th, 2005 7:40:51 PM
"Sorry" cries Neco from beside the gnome. "I didn't think a little light would interrupt your spell Bohdi." The human pulls from her belt a small stick. A helix of runes is marked into wood and the stick is capped with a little pink gem. With a flick of her wand Neco sends a single mass of magical energy hurtling towards one of the two hulking giants (Wand of Magic Missile 4 dmg to Gt2).
Wand of Magic Missile Charges 49/50 0 level spells: 5 per day - dancing lights #, detect magic, read magic, touch of fatique 1st level spells: 4 - shield #, shocking grasp
Fe Fi Fo Fum Round 10 d20+7=8 d20+1=8 d20+1=3 d20+7=21 d12+7=16 Tuesday October 18th, 2005 8:52:41 PM
The giants are aware of the group and Bohdi calls for the for melee endowed to charge. Bohdicalls out for assistance and a quick incantantion later a large golden scaled dragon appears in the snow silently behind the giants. Garret casts a spell upon himself and charges, intersecting the giants throw line at Neco and Bohdi. A brave if not potentialy fatal move. Edgler moves to Neco as suggested by Garret and cures her (8HP) Neco apologizes for her possible error and pulls a wand. A gleaming missile of energy springs from the small stick and strikes unerreingly into the far left Giant. Dregar charges in with his great axe and a mighty cry. "Haaaaaarrrrrrrrr!" Pounding quickly across the snow he strikes at one of the giants. The great axe swings mightily into the midsection of the giant. The small side step in the snow and the cold prevents teh dwarf from maintaining a good grip to is axe and the blow is quite errant. [Hit AC 8]
The giant struck by the magic roars back and lifts his arm with the javelin, but something catches his eye in the light just behind him. Both giants glance back and appear quite started by what they think they see. Both giants yell and bolt south away from the dragon and quickly vanish into the darkness. Dregar gives the giant nearest to him a parting gift to remember his encounter with a dwarven warrior. Blood spray across the snow. [Hit AC 21 16 Dmg]
Only Bohdi and Edgler can still see teh two giants
Garrett Wednesday October 19th, 2005 8:27:39 PM
Garrett's mouth hangs open for a second in amazement. Garrett turns and looks at Bohdi before finally speaking. "Well done Wunjo, well done indeed. The only problem I see now is how to survive the telling and countless re-tellings of the story of how Bohdi the mighty defeated two giants almost singlehandedly." As Garrett spoke a smile crept upon his face and grew larger and larger the more he spoke before walking over to Bohdi and clapping him on the back. "Bohdi, Master of Giants. He can make them sit and stare, he can give them a great big scare. I believe I will have to buy you a bottle of ice wine the next time we chance across some."
Turning to the rest of the group, "Well, I guess we try and get a little more sleep while the night is not yet ended. Obviously we are in good hands with the present watch.
Bohdi Nackle (AC 19, HP 20/20) and Squork (AC 16, HP 10/10) Wednesday October 19th, 2005 9:02:08 PM
"We're not out of the woods yet, wunjo," Bohdi muttered back. He pointed to the west. "They're still out there, although they're running. Don't let anyone drop their guard yet--have everyone regroup back here. They may yet come back."
Bohdi continued concentrating on his image and brought it closer to the encampment, to have it stand 'guard' against the return of the snow giants.
nauthiz'Ull Thursday October 20th, 2005 8:26:02 PM
Everything happens so suddenly and the ranger's head flips into a spin.
"What in the bloody...?" he mumbles to himself.
Suddenly two massive frames lumber from the darkness and past the dark skinned boy. He immediately backpeddles towards the rest of the group, arrow nocked in defense.
"Wunjos, that could have been bad!"
Neco (AC 20, HP 14/14, Shield) Thursday October 20th, 2005 10:06:22 PM
Neco lets out a big sigh of relief. "That was some powerful magic Bohdi! You sure were a big help. Just think of what they could have done if ydecided to attack again?" The young female sorcerer gives a shiver. The human looks at the hole in her armour and touches the warm blood that started to crust over the leather of her armor. With her clean hand she reaches out in a gesture of friendship towards the gnome.
Aiden d20=1 d20=20 Thursday October 20th, 2005 11:40:57 PM
Aiden continued along the edge of the camp, hunching low to the ground. Though the others, for the most part, were celebratory of the gnome's effective magic (and the resulting retreat), Aiden didn't want to be surprised witha quick turnaround by the giants.
Spot: 1 (can't see a darn thing) Listen: natural 20 (without any skill rank modifiers)...guess I heard something.
Out There Somewhere Beneath the Starless Night 2d20(2+8)=10 d100=58 d100=8 d100=48 2d20(10+19)=29 2d20(19+13)=32 Friday October 21st, 2005 10:21:53 AM
Garret if left slack jawed and buggy eyed at the can't deny it impressiveness of Bohdi's spells. And you thought he talked alot before. Note to self, against beings with a mind, Bohdi has got himself some whicked stuff.
Bohdi again seemeingly possessed by some other entity, waves off the begginings of praise from Garret and cautions the group that the Sne Kjempe may well return this night.
Aiden has been thinking that as well and slides beyond the fire light where he is not silhouetted against the glow and peers into the darkness. Well, it's dark, very dark. Aiden however does have other sences and puts them to use. Not only does he hear the heavy footfalls still moving away from the camp rapidly but by the sounds of them they have actually increased speed. Aiden also more grimly notes that there is no customary verbal communication one would expect from terrified individuals fleeing for thier lives.
Neco extends a hand of thanks to Bohdi, for she more than anyone knows now knows how dangerous the snow giants of the western crags are.
Dregar moves back into camp, his great axe splashed in blue, the blood of a Sne Kjempe. the dwarf is looking tired, very suddenly tired, but the smile on his face and in his eyes is one of unmistakable joy. Rushing headlong into the dark agaisnt two giants and coming back to camp in one piece has apparently exhilerated the dwarf considerably. "We should do that more often."
Extra cautions are taken through the rest of the late night and early morning hours, but the giants do not return. The snow falls steadily through out the remaining darkness as well and a fresh 2 feet lie across teh hilly landscape. Ealry morning finds all in preparations per normal. The cold is well felt in the early hours, stinging to the face and lungs. The ring in Garrets possesion points onward into the crags. The far distance there can barely be seen some sort of towering objects. From here there is nothing familiar about them. They are not mountains nor rock spires, but something entirely different.
Survival checks for weather dc 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Today Cold but within tolerance for natives of Ice Vein with appropriate gear. Tonight Bitter Cold Dont' be out too long} dc 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {Tomorrow Cold but within tolerance for natives of Ice Vein with appropriate gear. Night, Not as bad as previous night} dc 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {Two days Cold but within tolerance for natives of Ice Vein with appropriate gear. Night, Not as bad as previous night}
DM question, would anyone prefer actual numbers in the cold or will descriptions do? as I just laid out I will start putting in actual weather rolls and survival checks, assuming you guys like this.
Bohdi Nackle d20+5=22 Friday October 21st, 2005 11:16:50 AM
Bohdi breathed a quiet sigh of relief as the giants did not immediately return. He shook the young human woman Neco's hand in gratitude. "Many shades," he replied, unconsciously adopting the speech of the Sargrass. "I notice that you have a few magical tricks up your sleeve, too, but I haven't noticed you studying. Are you ... naturally adept? I've always admired those who are."
Shortly after, Bohdi excused himself to rest, although in his dreams, he was troubled by heavy footsteps and creatures moving in the dark, just at the edge of vision.
He awoke in a foul mood--which, to his companions, probably didn't seem all that much different from his usual mood. Grumbling to himself, he prepared his spells for the day, conferring with the other spellcasters as per his wont. "What's it going to be?" he asked. "More protection for the group from the elements? I suspect that our rangers--" he indicated Aiden and Nauthiz'Ull with a nod--"Can do without magical protection from the cold. Shall we try it and see? It will allow me to prepare more spells for ... other eventualities."
If all were in agreement, Bohdi prepared his spells and cast just one spell against the elements upon himself. As the group moved out, Bohdi pointed out the two distant tall objects in the direction of the group's travel. "Can anyone make out what those are? Would everyone care to have Squork take a closer look?"
If the group agreed, Bohdi would cast an invisibility spell on Squork and directed the raven to fly out toward the two large objects, scout them out, and return to the group. "Take no unnecessary risks, even though you will be invisible," Bohdi cautioned the bird. "You are linked, you and I--if you sense danger, let me know, and come back."
When the bird returned, Bohdi would have it tell everyone what it saw.
EdglerVess Friday October 21st, 2005 3:26:59 PM
Edgler is very impressed with the way in which Bohdi handled the giants. In appreciation he merely clasps the gnome's shoulder then returns to the enclosure. Come morning, the dwarf is ready to move on. The night's encounter with the giants still fresh in his mind, he gives extra thanks to Gargul for the presence of the gnome. Once his prayers are complete, he is ready to move on. On the march, the priest takes his customary place in the marching order. Edgler squints as he tries to make out the shapes in the distance. "Strange towers... man-made perhaps," he says to no one in particular.
Garrett Friday October 21st, 2005 4:29:59 PM
(OOC: I think descriptions are fine.)(Garrett's spells are based upon the assumption that one of the rangers will make a survival check and determine that endure elements are not needed for the next day or two.)
"Sounds good Bohdi, other spells may work well, and sending squork for a closer look is a good idea."
Garrett awakens in the morning and prays for spells. Then gets ready to start the march towars where the ring points.
Neco d20+1=7 Saturday October 22nd, 2005 7:44:01 PM
"Well, yes, Gnome, I do happen to be quite adept with my magic" answers the rogue-sorceress "Although I can cast without the morning wasted in study, I have less diversity amongst my known spells. Sometimes I wish I could learn the variety of spells those who study have." Neco talks with Bohdi about magic and spells until she too becomes quite drained of energy. She then tries to find a warm place to sleep.
++++++
Neco looks to the rangers for direction, and if need be prepares herself for a morning like any other in a frozen wasteland.
Aiden d20=17 Sunday October 23rd, 2005 1:34:27 PM
Aiden nodded as he agreed with the analysis about the ranger not having to have additional protection against the cold.
"they still continue to run...." he added grimly, his eyes sparkling with delight.
Aiden would sleep through the night, and was ready to go early into the morning. Quietly, he prepared himself for the trek towards the mountains.
"Has he seen anything?" he asks Bodhi.
Dregar d20=11 Monday October 24th, 2005 12:08:47 PM
Dregar wipes his finger into the blood on the axe and then dips the finger into his mouth. ALmost imediatley he spits out the finger and a wad of spit.
" Bah. These icebrains aint even good eatin" he says as he starts to walk back to the tent.
" Wake me if they come back" he adds as he moves ito the tent and decided to sleep in his armor this time. .....
As they march Dregar looks up towards the sky an then to the snowbanks ahead.( Survival 11+5=16).
" Ahh it looks like its not gonna be that bad today, but tonight" he laughs" tonight is gonna be colder then a dead body." he says as he laughs a bit more.
Cold day in the Crags DM Post Monday October 24th, 2005 9:30:29 PM
On advise of the rangers and Dregar, apparently also accomplished in survival, the spell casters free themselves from the job of keeping the group alive in the cold and onto more diverse cases.
The weather is as promised, while very cold, it is not beyond the normal gear any of the group wears. Though this is day and so night could prove fatal to long exposure. The crags are quickly living up to their namesake, spires of shale rock split the landscape at every and while the rock is fragile it as been honed to a razors edge by wind and snow. Squork soars up and away towards the odd towering structures in the disatnce. He returns a short time later, they must be tall and fall indeed, for the raven flew almost 15 minutes and never felt he got any closer. They remain a tall dark mystery looming in the direction the ring beckons the group to follow.
Through out the day Aiden, Nauthiz'Ull and Dregar spot more tracks of Sne Kjempe. They criss cross the landscape, but no further signs are ever seen. The tracks found indicate 3-5 travelling together, and the various track sets are almost certainly not being made by the same group.
Shortly after Lunch SQourk takes another slightly longer flight. The group has losed another 6-8 miles and maybe the raven will have better luck this time. just over two hours later the bird has returned. "They are a tight copse of Fur trees. Taller than the highest spires of Zaran and no I saw none of the furry giants you seem so overly concerned about. The day is drawing to a close.
Local Knowledge of Sne Kjempe DC 10 snow giants, nocternal, not too bright, Powerful, naturally camoflauged, make weaponry, nomad hunters local to crags and further west, Solitary or paired only. DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { Ambush fighters, Family structure about 5 max} DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { family 3 male up to 3 female, do not cooperate with other families}
Neco d20+3=16 Monday October 24th, 2005 11:07:39 PM
Neco marches next to Bohdi and tries to discern more about the gnome's training in the arts of magic. When Bohdi's familiar finishes relaying his findings, the young rogue sorcerer comments upon the Sne Kjempe (Knowledge 16). "If the Sne Kjempe you people keep talking about are anything like 'Snow Giants' they'll use gorilla tactics and try to ambush their prey." The small human reminds the group of how they were ambushed the previous night. "We should watch our backs out here. They could be anywhere in these rocks."
Garrett Tuesday October 25th, 2005 7:55:19 AM
Continue on, until the rangers determine what they think is the best spot for us to camp.
"The fir trees might make a great spot to camp. Provide shelter from the wind, and hide the light of a fire. As long as there is no one else already there."
Bohdi Nackle (Sub/Al) d20+4=19 Tuesday October 25th, 2005 11:47:19 AM
It had been a hard day. Sne Kjempe, giants of the imagination had lurked behind every rock and tree. More sleep would have been nice.
"Fir trees?" Bohdi gave Squork a look of skepticism. "So tall we can see them from ... " The gnome turned, and looked back in the direction from which they had come.
"Are you saying that I didn't see what I saw?" the raven complained and hopped angry in the snow.
"No, no, no, no." Bohdi gazed off at the 'Trees' in the distance. "Bloody big trees."
"Do you think we can reach the trees before dark, Garrett?" the gnome asked. "Wouldn't be good to blunder around in the dark with ambushers out there. From what I could see last night, it looked as though the Sne Kjempe could see us just fine. I wonder if there's some way to make sure they don't find us in the first place? Nauthiz'Ull, Aiden, any way you can think of to hide our trail?"
Too Far for Fir Tuesday October 25th, 2005 10:08:38 PM
Aiden and Nauthiz, both agree teh towering trees are much too far to make by nighfall, perhaps if they push tomorrow they can be reached. nerves throughout the day are on edge, but no attacks occur, leaving the darkened night. The temperatures drop with the sun and relatively soon it becomes dangerous to be out in the unprotected crags for more than an hour. Watches are posted as the previous night, but on this night thier is no attack.
Morning finds the group and the weather holds as predicted from the previous day. a bit warmer with the promise of a relatively easy march, at least as far as the weather goes. The hunters of Ice Peak and dwarven barbarian are quick to be thankful of the towering trees in the distance, for without them to mark a line, the crisscrossing of shale rock and broken hills could easily confuse any of them.
More tracks of giants are found and on this day other trails appear as well. The crags appear also to be the home of elk. The powerful animals hoof marks run down several gullies as the group continues to follow the rings guiding course. At long last the massive trees come fully into view and they are beyond description. The tops are lost to the heavens and the bases anchor into the ground at over 45' across. A gentle breeze shakes the branches, wood creaks and needles rustle against each other. The smell of pine is powerful and soothing. The stand is large, 30 or more trees spread to the right and left of you and likely that many are before you. the ground here is strange and smells alive. no snow, not rock, it appears to be like the barren wind blown sections of the tundra, but a deeper brown and soft to the touch. One can actual scoop up a fistful and even more astonishing, the temperature seems to be well above the surrounding area.
As the group ponders the sight a deep male voice calls out in common, though the dialect is rough. "You can not come! Go! Go Home!"
EdglerVess d20+2=13 Tuesday October 25th, 2005 10:15:37 PM
"Thanks for the info, Neco, I didn't know that about them." Edgler continues marching with the others towards the fir trees, but they never seem to get any closer. "You're right, Garret, those trees would be a good shelter, but I think we are still a long way from them. This terrains makes it very difficult to judge distance. I think we had better make camp and try for them tomorrow."
Bohdi Nackle (Sub/Al) d20+2=15 d20+5=7 Wednesday October 26th, 2005 10:00:21 AM An uninterrupted night's sleep. A highly underrated pleasure.
Bohdi's arms had risen in a stretch as he awoke with the morn. Once again, after having conferred with the other spellcasters, he selected spells for the day. The gnome had wondered idly what it would be like not to require protection from the cold as he applied the daily protective spell to himself. In his mind he had tried to picture seas of grass. Standing in the middle of a circle of ... dirt.
Now, fragments of his morning's musing came back to him as the group approached the incredible towering pines.
"That's still where the ring says we need to go, right Garrett?" he asked rhetorically. How could there be any doubt? And then the voice came. Reflexively, Bohdi raised his crossbow to a ready position. He peered into the stand of trees.
"You see anything in there?" he asked his familiar.
"Not much," the bird replied. "Want me to take a look?"
No, no, thank you. But I'll make a slight change to the spell list for the day, if it's all the same to everyone--just based on what was said on yesterday's post.
DMs: assuming that the party wants to "cover its tracks" to avoid being seen, Bohdi will prepare and cast Unseen Servant, with orders to sweep behind the party and remove all traces of their passage. In essence, it will be a tiny vortex sweeping up the party's tracks in the snow as they pass. Bohdi has two such spells for the day, duration 3 hours each, which should cover two marches, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. He'll also prepare an extra Prestidigitation spell, in addition to the one he gets each day as a gnome, to use for other clean-up jobs; duration on each of those is 1 hour, for a total of 8 hours of 'no tracks' coverage.
Garrett Wednesday October 26th, 2005 3:50:25 PM
"The ring points in that direction Bohdi. But whether what we seek is there, or far beyond in that direction we will not know til we arrive. Of course, if we circle the trees, and the ring keeps pointing into them, then we will know we must go in."
Garrett yells back to the voice in the grove. "We seek shelter for the night. Surely you would not deny us a warm place to bed for the evening. We mean no harm or offense."
Edgler Vess Wednesday October 26th, 2005 10:11:04 PM
Edgler is in obvious awe when he approaches the trees... never has he seen a tree, let alone ones this huge. When he hears the voice from the trees, he places one hand on his axe, but pauses, content to let others do the talking.
Aiden d20=3 Wednesday October 26th, 2005 10:27:25 PM
Aiden listened to the others, quietly taking the lead as they went into the rather lush area, but also paying attention to Garrett's directions (based off of his ring).
Hearing the voice, he does come to a stop, his weight shifting to a more guarded stance. His eyes darted, trying to see where there could be movement (or the origin of the voice).
The echo of the voice against the trees, and the quick response of Garrett's prevented him from detecting the source of the booming voice.
Spot (3 + 4) = 7
Neco d20+1=7 Wednesday October 26th, 2005 11:10:01 PM
The human tilts her head to one side, listening to the voice in order to detect some emotion...anger?...fear? (Sense Motive-7) She shakes her head, having not really learned anything.
Neco listens to the others talk about the ring the cleric named Garrett carries. "Maybe if you hold the ring out for the one in the trees to see?" she asks, adding, "it might signify something."
The Stand of Trees Thursday October 27th, 2005 12:14:29 AM
The same voice calls out again, "Go. Not for you!" but even as the words filter through the trees another voice calls out in seeming answer to Garret. "Ah so the children of the end dream seek mere shelter then? Led by iron and carved with austlander blood to this place but with no intention other than sleep. Du'Ga Oth lyna As' Gargul, let them in." The second voice sounds as if the wind itself speaks and even as it reaches your ears a breeze of cold seems to accompany it.
Garrett Thursday October 27th, 2005 8:55:39 AM
Garrett speaks relatively quietly to the group, hoping the being in the trees does not hear
"I don't like that. Perhaps I mispoke. I think it might be a wise idea to circle the copse of trees and make sure whether or not the ring is pointing us in to the trees, or beyond them."
"If it is pointing into them, then we have probably found the avatar. If not, then we can decide if we wish to rest here or not. I'm thinking this is one powerful dude to keep this area as it is."
Bohdi Nackle Thursday October 27th, 2005 12:35:34 PM
Bohdi lowered his crossbow in unaffected awe. "I've heard of druids and their sacred groves, but I never--I mean, you would never think that--" the gnome stammered in the face of the natural powers that appeared to be at play in the grove in front of them.
"I agree, Garrett. If we have time to move on before camping, and if the ring doesn't guide us in there, then we have no reason to risk arousing the anger of whomever--or whatever--lives here. But if the ring points us in there ...." The gnome swallowed hard and gazed upward at the lofty heights of the trees.
"Well, we ought to be bloody well certain, is all. And I don't like that whatever's in there can't make up their bloody minds about us. There's been too much loose talk about the 'children of the end dream' running about." Screwing up his courage, the gnome shouted back, "Who are you, and what do you know about the Ungmenni'Sal hvarfa?"
ooc: Question for DMs--I'm assuming, without more information, that we're roughly mid-day and have marked my spells accordingly. That also would suggest that the group would not need to camp in the vicinity of the trees. Please let me know if that's not true.
DM Note and Addendum Thursday October 27th, 2005 2:45:25 PM
All of Bohdi's assumptions are accurate
we're roughly mid-day and the group would not need to camp in the vicinity of the trees.
With that said,
As the group moves across the perimeter the ring shifts and points deep into the oversized tree grove.
Bohdi (illegal second) d20=17 Thursday October 27th, 2005 4:17:07 PM
Bohdi gazed at the indicator on Garrett's iron ring and swallowed hard again. "Bloody hell."
He looked up at the grove and addressed their unseen interlocutors in as loud a voice as a frightened gnome could muster. "All right, listen up in there. We've been asked to find a--an entity--that we have reason to believe might be here in your grove. We've been tasked with making some decisions amongst ourselves regarding it. We'd like to enter your grove now and seek this creature out. We mean no harm to this place or to any other creature that dwells here. We are prepared to come and go in peace."
(Diplomacy, untrained, 17.) "Bloody hell," the gnome repeated in a quieter voice to his fellows. "I'm no bloody good at this sort of thing. Here, now, Garrett, you've got that bloody cloak--you do the talking."
Dregar Thursday October 27th, 2005 7:58:54 PM
" We suposed to kill this thing" Dregar whispers to whoever is close. " or take him quietly."
With that said, Dregar pulls his axe off his back. Puts the head towards the ground and watches for whoever is in the ring of trees.
" If hes a druid, shouldn't the ranger talk to him. Aren't you close."
Edgler Vess Thursday October 27th, 2005 9:47:56 PM
"Well! If the ring says we go in, then go in it is!" Confidently, the priest of Gargul walks into the trees.
Neco d20+8=27 d20+8=25 d20+7=21 Thursday October 27th, 2005 10:44:28 PM
The roguish human moves into the coniferous grove independently from the group. If they get ambushed she can make a surprise attack of her own. Neco moves into the cover of the trees (Hide 27) and creeps into the grove (Move silently 25). The rogue keeps the Ice Pack in view and makes sure not to miss anything (Search 21).
Through the Wood Thursday October 27th, 2005 11:39:28 PM
Du'Ga Oth lyna As' Gargul, the words the second voice spoke most definately seemed to be name and perhaps title. Within moments that suspision is confirmed as the passes the first of the massive trunks. Standing back from the path you now take is an enormous white tiger. Blood practically freezes in your veins as a mere 60' away is a legendary Ice cat. Nearly the size of an mammoth, the cat simply stares at you with unreadable blue ice eyes. The second voice calls again. "You are granted safe passage Ungmenni'Sal hvarfa. I've been expecting you and no I don't think you are kill me."
Stepping from around a massive trunk is a small rather odd being. He stands a mere 3" tall but appears to weight almost 100 pounds, but is not fat. His thick long beard and hair suggest dwarven descent but his pale skin, pointed ears and angular ice eyes suggest elven. Dressed in soft leather dyed an azure and belted with a pair of small sized long swords he smiles. In one hand he holds a snowball and the other twirls a small stemed flower.
"I am As'Frest Kjoukallur Frest and you have been touched by Maab and are the Ungmenni'Sal hvarfa. This may prove to be rather fun."
He stands with a smile, the snowball bouncing in his hand about 80' from you. The cat seems to be disinterested and in two short bounds is lost to sight exiting the massive grove and into the deep crags and snow.
Aiden Friday October 28th, 2005 7:10:20 AM
Aiden did a very strange thing, something quite unusual for someone from Twin Tusks.
When he saw the snow tiger, a creature whispered of around campfires, who represented strength and savagery (in battle)....he gawked.
His attention was brought back to the strange dwarf/elf man who kept mentioning something about 'fun', but only momentarily. His eyes went back to the broad creature, something that carried a beauty in and of itself.
The axehead seemed to lay against his foot as he watched the creature bound away, a smile creeping to his face. He seemed to remain quite silent, almost holding his breath in amazement.
How many of Twin Tusks ever laid claim to having seen the Snow Tiger, and live? Of course, those of Twin Tusks usually barked or growled a strange war cry, and would attack it on first sight.
But how could you attack such a beautiful creature?!? Something that the others would try to emulate in the village in their mock war battles.
Once it was out of sight, his attention turned back towards the dwarf/elf named Frest. His smile turned into something much more neutral. Let the others talk to this bantering .... person....perhaps they could get him to give more information about their journey.
Bohdi Nackle d20=17 d20=20 Friday October 28th, 2005 9:28:58 AM
Trying to appear nonchalant, Bohdi walked over to stand near Garrett. (Bluff, untrained, 17.) "Transmuto dicta incognitus," the gnome whispered, and pointed a darting finger at Garrett, Neco, and himself. (Cast: Message. 3 targets, range 130', duration 30 minutes.)
"Garrett, Neco, the three of us can speak quietly now, so that we can coordinate the group," Bohdi whispered. "Neco, it's probably best that you stay hidden, just as you've done. Garrett, what does the ring show? Is this As'Frest Kjoukallur Frest fellow the one we're looking for?"
Bohdi looked meaningfully at the rest of his companions, arching his eyebrows and holding up a staying hand that suggested no rash actions. In an audible voice, Bohdi addressed the strange, stout creature before them. "As'Frest Kjoukallur Frest, greetings. I am Bohdi Nackle. My companions here are of Ice Peak Village and the wastes of the Vein. We have traveled here on a mission, as you seem to know. You have us at a disadvantage. You know much about us. We, however, know little of you. Tell us, what is this place, and what is your role here? And if you know that of which we seek, where may we find it?"
(Diplomacy, untrained, nat 20!)
Whispering to Garrett, Bohdi added, "Help me out here, wunjo. I think that was about as good as I can do."
Kup edit: oops. That Diplomacy roll probably should be properly characterized as Gather Information. Both CHA-based, so same result.
Garrett Friday October 28th, 2005 11:29:28 AM
Garrett thinks back to Bohdi "I'm the strong silent type, remember. That cloak ain't gonna make me chatty all of a sudden, but I think you covered all the bases pretty well there. Hold on a sec while I check the ring, and If I can think of anything else to add to your conversation I'll think it at you."
Garrett looks at the ring to determine if it is pointing dead straight at the being before us.
DM Note: It IS
Dregar Friday October 28th, 2005 1:48:55 PM
Dregar watches as the ice cat stands a stones throw away, his eyes meeting with it for a split second, and then it was gone. Dregar shook his head to get rid of the cobwebs and then looked to the strange creature. HIs axe quietly came off his back and laid the head by his feet.
" IS this the one we seek?" he asks whoever is near him.
LOG ON