Welcome back to mortal lands (DM Cayzle) Saturday September 17th, 2005 2:34:23 PM
The Hamleteers step out between massive tree trunks, and find that they are once again in the secret canyon off the Valley of Humiliation.
They hear familiar female voices that sound happy to see them. "Welcome! Hello! Well met again!" It is the seven dryads who guard the gate. They seem pleased to see you.
You realize that it is night, and that you are weary.
The dryads offer you drinks of pure water and fruit from their trees. And they make sure you look at the leaves of their trees. Every leaf has a strange mark on it. There seem to be, among the hundreds of leaves, three different marks. The marks are grown into the leaf, not painted on in any way.
The dryads suggest that you rest before leaving. They give you an open meadow nearby to rest in. One dryad laughs at Renik and whispers to him that if the meadow is too ... crowded, that there might be room in her tree for one visitor. She points to the last tree on that side of the canyon.
In the morning, the head dryad -- you recall her name is Anther -- asks you what you intend to do.
Renik Saturday September 17th, 2005 4:02:45 PM
As the Hamleteers wind their way towards the center of the stone circle Renik feels the positive energy suffuse him. Blissful as he feels however, he cannot resist responding in kind to Monthor.
With a grin he says "Aye Monthor, I've oft said you have an eye for a finely turned male buttock. Though in fairness it's usually Feng's. I suppose you dwarves quickly develop an affinity for the undercarriage of us big folk what with having to spend all day looking at them.
As for my gait, your pappy taught it me once I was done servicing your ma. "
The sight of the dryads is a welcome one, and Renik eats and drinks his full. The feeling of wellbeing combines with a growing tiredness, but his attention is caught by one particular dryad. He does not sleep in the meadow that night.
Morning breaks, and assuming he is still able Renik stumbles into camp looking rather more ruffled than normal. In answer to Anther's question the rogue replies that they must seek out the Fae King (or at least a portion of his fractured self), and that there is a temple in Plateau City which may hold they key to that hunt.
Before that however the Queen Maab has bid them find one of three runes, that they may choose a fate for the King when they find him.
"Yonder trees were growing three distinct marks last night. Could they be they runes we seek?"
Draax Saturday September 17th, 2005 10:06:27 PM
Draax openly laughs at Renik's remarks to Monthor.
Draax is surprised and happy to see the dryads waiting for them instead of a legion of the Fae King's followers. He partakes of the dryads hospitality by drinking the water and eating a few pieces of fruit from the tree.
Draax examine the leaves and takes note of the marks. He looks closer at the leaves when he hears Renik's question to see if they resemble the Atone, Sleep, and Die runes that were on the acorns. If they do resemble the acorn runes, Draax will look on the ground to see if any has fallen from the tree.
"You are probably correct. If they are the runes, this is probably the tree that grew from the acorns. Now what are we suppose to do with them? Do we pick them, leave them, or memorize the design for later. If we can take them, do we take one design, one of each, or each of us takes a few?"
In the morning he gives Anther a small bow and asks her a question, "Are there any rules regarding the leaves on the tree that we should be aware of. What I am trying to ask is, are we required to take some of the leaves, only one leaf, or just the knowledge of the runes with us?"
Draax wishes he was more attuned with the rules of nature in situations like this. The slightest wrong move could ruin everything.
Arien Sunday September 18th, 2005 12:16:28 PM
"If you would be so kind ladies, I would ask for three of these leaves, one of each rune. They may be of use in the journey to come." Should the dryads agree, Arien will carefully wrap the leaves and place them in between the pages of his spellbook.
Monthor Sunday September 18th, 2005 9:01:16 PM
Renik says "As for my gait, your pappy taught it me once I was done servicing your ma. "
And Monthor replies. " Boy Renik, that be some SAD comeback. Tisk, tisk, tisk.... Really, 'Me slept with your ma'? That the best ye can do? What's next, ye gonna tell me that me Mam was so fat that when she sat around the house, she really sat AROUND the house? Then ye'll ask me why the chicken crossed the road? Or better yet, ye'll start with ' knock, knock.' Your sad! Hang your head in shame Renik! SHAME me say! Shame indeed. "
Feng Monday September 19th, 2005 4:10:48 AM
Feng more or less staggers out into the valley, quickly taking a seat. He quickly strips off his heavy armor and relishes the feeling of cool air upon his skin. He had been wearing the armor for so very long and it was getting a bit irritating. Feng gladly accepts the pure water and delicious fruit. Its not the roasted meat he prefers but its food and his stomach demands sustenance.
Sarigar and Black Paws Monday September 19th, 2005 10:56:01 AM
Upon entering the mortal coil once again, the brothers immediatly begin canvassing the area, sniffing everything. No smell is to go unnoticed. They need to be sure that this really is what it appears.
As they finally readjust, Sarigar strips down and grabs clumps of grass and dirt and begins "washing" himself with it. Black Paws joins him by rolling frantically on the ground.
As they finish, the enormous number of scars covering Sarigar's body are emphasized by the dark dirt and green grass stains. How much pain must he always be in with all that? And that neck wound, although seen once before, seems even more vicious than before.
With the smells of that unnatural place finally off of him, Sarigar finally takes note of everyone's reactions to his complete lack of modesty. With a shrug, he rubs his gear with dirt and grass, sniffing it occasionally, until he finally seems satisfied and puts it back on.
Finally at some peace, they accept the dryads' offer of food and drink. They walk back to the dryads' trees and sit under them, enjoying the breeze, the sounds of animals and the warmth of the sun. Both drink so much water you'd swear they were going to burst. The food, however, they eat sparingly.
Sarigar takes out his, once again, tarnished symbol of Mittiri and Black Paws lays his head across his brother's lap as a melancholy look comes over both of them. As he holds the symbol in his hand, Sarigar scratches his brother's head and neck to comfort him. From the way they look at each other, you'd swear they were having some kind of conversation, but neither makes a sound.
Tratain Monday September 19th, 2005 5:07:01 PM
Tratain examines the Leaves checking to see if the Marks on the Tree match the ones Queen Maab showed them in the vision.
In the Morning Tratain Prays For his spells, Casts Extended Magic Vestment on his Shield Again and waits to see where the Party wants to go.
He says "I have Memorized The Wind Walk Spell Today so we can Travel Back to the City if we wish. What do we want to do? Go to the Temple of Alemi and ask if they will let us see the Artifact we saw in Maabs Dream? Should we go looking for the Three Runes that were showed to us in the Vision? And which Rune should we look for first, and I suppose we should discuss how we will vote when we find the Runes, I do not know if we must vote as one group or as individuals, but I think think it would be best if we Vote together anyway. What do you all think, I am in Favor of Makeing him atone for what he has done, but it could be dangerous to leave him awake if Queen Maabs Magic Doesn't make him behave. I think it would be wrong to choose Death, I think Nature would be decimated if he were to cease to exist. Sleep is the the only other option I think is Valid, but if we do that then we haven't really solved the problem, just left it for future generations to deal with."
Back to Normal? (DM Cayzle) Tuesday September 20th, 2005 12:53:42 AM
Renik has a night that cannot be described in words. These dryads are fair of face, and fairer -- oh so much fairer -- of form. If Renik can make a DC17 Fort save, then he has seen what very few have managed. If he fails the save, then the dryad's immortal beauty has struck the rogue blind.
Either way, it is a night to remember!
Everyone (except perhaps Sarigar and Black Paws), is interested in the runes grown on the leaves. Yes, they are the same ones on Maab's acorns in the dream. The dryads don't mind giving at least one of each type to take with you.
Tratain volunteers to Wind Walk the party away ... but to where? and for what?
Monthor Tuesday September 20th, 2005 8:09:47 AM
" Where?... and for What?... A TAVERN AND BEER!!! "
" Me needs supplies and some brews. If ye needs a place to go we can always go back to me home town. Me mammy would love to see all of ye and we can be sur that they'd be plenty to eats and drinks. Yes... Dirt City can sur be pretty this time of year. "
Sarigar and Black Paws Tuesday September 20th, 2005 10:29:33 AM
The next morning, the brothers rise with the sun and shake the dew off their bodies. With an uncharacteristic trepidation, Sarigar approaches the "alpha" dryad, still clutching his holy symbol, with his brother close behind.
"My tree lady used to be able to move from tree to tree. Dunno how far she could go, but can others be sent that way too? I need to see my tree lady in Clubber Woods. I think I felt her and my tree lady needs to know." He grips the symbol so tightly that it's edges dig into his hand causing a tiny rivulet of blood to trickle down his arm.
Should the answer be yes, he falls to his knees and hugs the dryad around the waist, tears of thankfulness streaming down his face.
Should the answer be no, he'll hang his head and rejoin the others and prepare himself for wherever and however the pack decides to go.
Feng Tuesday September 20th, 2005 10:58:56 AM
"I think we need to go to anyplace that will give us an accurate view of how bad things have gotten in our absence. I would like to think that things are better but we all know thats not true. I know anyplace doesn't really answer your question but I cannot think of where."
Draax Tuesday September 20th, 2005 5:59:28 PM
Draax joins in the conversation with the others while they ponder about their next move. "I think both Monthor's and Feng's ideas are good. We need to know what is going on in the wold and Dirt City is as good of a place as any. We can also try to find out how the war is going. If Monthor's home is secure enough we can take the time like Tratain suggested, and decide on what we want to do with the king if we do get a chance to use the runes."
Renik d20+11=27 Tuesday September 20th, 2005 6:30:43 PM
Renik sees the night through in fine fashion (Fort 27), and emerges the next day with a grin that just won't quit.
Despite his lascivious cheer he is able to focus upon the task at hand.
"If we are to windwalk anywhere Tratain, let it be to the Temple of Light. There at least we may have the chance of locating a fragment of the Fae King."
He looks to Sarigar, and feels guilt as once again his suggestion conflicts with that of the wild man. He wishes their current task could also satisfy the Lost Child's desires.
Destination discussion (DM Cayzle) Wednesday September 21st, 2005 11:34:44 AM [OOC: Sorry friends! I had started this early in the morning, but then the baby said, "Daddy, stop computing and take care of me until you have to go to work!" So now let me remember my half-completed post and finish it now! :-) By the way, that makes this the Tuesday post!]
Renik discovers that the insides of trees are roomier than one might think, and he escapes his dryad tryst with his eyesight intact.
The head dryad, named Anther, seems sad at the answer she has to give Sarigar: "Unless you can tell me her name, I can't tell which of our many Culverwood sisters you mean. Was it Calyx or Carpel? They are famous for their love of animals. Pedicel once befriended some wolves, I think?"
"And keep in mind, my friend, that there is war in the Culverwood these days. It may be hard for you to find or visit your old friend."
"But if your party wants to go to the Culverwood, I think we could work something out."
Meanwhile, the rest of the Hamleteers talk about what to do next. The nearest tavern, such as Monthor suggests, is probably in Edenmoor. The next large nearby city would be Dirt City, and of course Plateau City from whence you set out on this mission.
Arien Wednesday September 21st, 2005 4:54:19 PM
"I would like to return to Plateau City if possible, we may be able make some contacts that can help us with this quest of ours."
Renik Wednesday September 21st, 2005 6:19:59 PM
"Does anyone else have another suggestion on how we might find the Fae king? If not I'd say our best lead is to head to the Temple of Light."
Tratain Wednesday September 21st, 2005 6:20:00 PM
Tratain says "Alright, to the Temple of Light then? Lets go ask them about the artifact. After that we can head to the Culverwood to see how the war goes. Maybe after that head to Dirt City? I think our first stop has to be Plataue City though."
Sarigar and Black Paws Wednesday September 21st, 2005 6:28:45 PM
With a bit of a pouty lip, Sarigar responds to Anther, "Don't remember her name. I remember the name Calxy, but I don't think that was her. I think my tree lady talked about her sometimes. The others don't sound right either. Guess I'll just have to sniff her out.
"Thanks for thinkin' about helpin' though."
Black Paws takes a moment to nuzzle Anther and steal one last ear scratching from her. The brothers then return to the others and prepare themselves for the trip. The thought of going back to the stinky city of Plateau is unappealing, but it's where the pack needs to go.
Draax Wednesday September 21st, 2005 7:26:32 PM
Draax shrugs his shoulders, "OK, the Temple of Light."
Monthor Wednesday September 21st, 2005 8:41:31 PM
" Beer.... I want beer. As long as it has beer. Maybe someplace with beer? Hummmm... maybe beer would helpfull? I know! Somewhere were we can get beer!!!!"
In Plateau City (DM Cayzle) Wednesday September 21st, 2005 10:35:23 PM
Thanks to the divine miracle of the Wind Walk spell, the Hamleteers soon find themselves back in Plateau City.
The city is still struggling to cope with the aftermath of flooding, wolf attacks, and all manner of strange happenings.
As you fly over the city, you note that the only place that seems to be thriving is the Druid's quarter. In fact, that part of the city seems more vibrant and alive than when you last were there.
Alemi's Temple of Light is impressive as always -- or more so! Great pillars of light shine up to the heavens through the tops of the spires. The grounds are lit with a soft glow from balls of light seemingly hang in the middle of nowhere. The sweet smell of flowering plants drift through the air.
Night has just fallen, and the Temple has just closed its doors.
Sarigar and Black Paws d20-2=12 d20=5 d20+18=32 d20+16=20 Thursday September 22nd, 2005 10:56:30 AM
Upon arrival and return to solid form, the brothers immediately perk up. "Sniff, sniff. Wolves, lots of em. Smells kinda old though, I think they're gone. Why would they come here? They don't like man places and this one stinks the most of all the ones I've been in."
Grabbing the nearest citizen firmly, more to get his/her attention than to frighten. "Where'd the wolves go? Why were they here?" (Diplomacy 12, Gather Information 5)
If the trail is fresh enough, the brothers will attempt to track where the wolves might have gone and perhaps what they were even here for (Survival: Tracking 32/20).
After their investigation, the brothers will rejoin the others.
Feng Thursday September 22nd, 2005 1:52:23 PM
"Things seem worse than ever. I'm just wondering how much longer the city can take before it collapses. It's only a matter of time before people start dropping in the streets."
Renik Thursday September 22nd, 2005 3:28:31 PM
Looking around Renik cannot help but agree with Feng.
"Aye, these people have suffered greatly. We can only imagine the troubles they have faced. And when people have been greatly hurt, it is normal that they seek someone to blame.
The elves have been instrumental in the rebirth of the Fae King and so indirectly for the destruction we see around us. I suggest that those of us with elven blood would do well to disguise that heritage from the local populous."
Renik approaches the temple doors. He knocks and waits patiently.
Monthor Thursday September 22nd, 2005 8:58:32 PM
Monthor remains silent. And this is not a normal behavior for the dwarf. He is concerned. Make that very concerned. He worries for the children and the females. He worries that the devastation is likely to have have left many without their homes or means to care for themselves. The gruff dwarf worries... but he knows that there nothing more for him to do at this time then to remain with his friends and end the threat to the weak ones. Monthor's eyes water up a bit and a single tear is whiped away before anyone can see it.
" Well... where's my beer? "
Draax Thursday September 22nd, 2005 9:07:07 PM
Draax takes Renik's warning to heart and uses his hat of disguise to change into his alter ego Steps. Disguised as the young human teen, Draax/Steps joins the others as wait to see if anyone in the temple answers the door.
Tratain Thursday September 22nd, 2005 10:08:31 PM
Tratain walks to the Doors with Renik and waits to see if someone answers. If no one answers he says Lets head to the War Cathedral and come back in the morning. Maybe someone will answer then.
Feng Friday September 23rd, 2005 1:56:57 AM
"The elven nations will defend their god to the very end. We might need to mobilize forces against them. We should look at the possibility that this will go to war. I never thought I would say this but my fathers people might be the place to look." Feng says with great effort and pain. Just to think about such a thing was so hard for him to do and to speak it is worse.
At the Temple of Light (DM Cayzle) Friday September 23rd, 2005 6:48:43 AM
Sarigar accosts a laborer on his way to work early. The man is more than somewhat shaken, but manages to blurt out, "The Green Man! The Green Man! He took the wolves!"
That's all Sarigar learns from him, and the Lost Child lets the worker go on his way. Then he looks at the street, but it would take a better tracker than Sarigar to find wolf traces on a main Plateau City thoroughfare a day or two later. Frankly, the smell of horse dung covers up pretty much everything.
Monthor, concerned about the human and inhuman misery recently inflicted on this city, pauses a moment to reflect, then thinks again of drink. Well, in this city, there are bars open even to dawn and beyond, and a trained tavern-traveller such as this dwarf would have no problem finding one, if he did a little looking. By the way, tomorrow, in daylight, there will be a few hours, at least, to catch up on shopping (and then all items and such will be available).
Feng worries about the risk of further damage to the city, and he wonders what it will take to put things right. He fears the elves will resist change, and ponders alternatives.
Renik concurs, and wonders if there will be an elf-backlash.
Draax decides to conceal his blood and dons a disguise.
Tratain walks up to the Temple of Light and tries to get someone to talk to. A youthful acolyte answers the door, yawning. "Yeah? It's awful early. How's about coming back in a few hours?"
Arien Friday September 23rd, 2005 12:59:24 PM
Arien refuses to hide the fact that he is an elf from the populace. If the people of the city tried to blame him for the troubles so be it. When the acolyte opens the door Arien stands silently, letting someone else speak for the party.
Tratain Friday September 23rd, 2005 8:01:49 PM
When The door opens Tratain says "Our reason for visiting so late is important. We would like to speak to whoever is in charge of keeping the artifacts. We were recently shown a vision by the Fae Queen Maab with an Orb that is located in the vaults here, we believe it may be important to defeating the Fae King."
Monthor Friday September 23rd, 2005 10:25:54 PM
The dwarf stays behind Tratain and remains vigilant ( and quiet).
{ Hummmm... beer!!!! }
He thinks to himself
Draax Saturday September 24th, 2005 3:45:39 AM
Draax remains silent as he lets the others try to talk the group's way in.
Renik Saturday September 24th, 2005 4:48:17 AM
Renik lets the cleric handle this discussion. He has never been particularly good with the formality and strict protocol of the temples.
As he waits he ponders the news about the Green Man; has he called all the wolves into his enclave in an attempt to save the city? Or are his motives less altruistic?
Sarigar and Black Paws Saturday September 24th, 2005 9:17:01 AM
With no trail to follow, the brothers stay with the party, waiting for someone to open the door. When the acolyte finally arrives, they are tempted to just walk in, but as the others stay in place, they realize that's probably not the best course of action.
As Tratain and the acolyte begin discussing the groups reasons for entering the temple, Sarigar's mind begins to wander again. His brow crinkles in thought and he begins to canvass the area as if looking for something. After several moments, he obviously doesn't see what he was looking for, but does see something else that catches his eye, the light spires from the temple.
With a look on his face that can only mean "OOooOOOoo", he stands transfixed by the spires and hears little to nothing the group talks about.
The Orb (DM Cayzle) Saturday September 24th, 2005 2:52:47 PM
Renik wonders about the Green Man, but it would take a trip to the Druid Quarter to answer those questions.
At Tratain's words, the callow acolyte says, "Well, sure! Why didn't you say so in the first place? I have special instructions for folks like you."
Then he says to Sarigar, "Like those? You ain't seen nothing yet!"
He leads you to a chamber -- maybe an indoor garden of some sort? -- with a big skylight (basically a hole in the ceiling, since there is no glass). Overhead, stars and a glimmer of dawn can be seen through the skylight.
There are many potted plants all around the periphery of the room. If you make a Search (or Int) check vs DC12, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You note that the leaves of the plants each are marked with one of Maab's runes.}
At the center of the room, on a large block of stone, is a heavy glass bell jar. The glass is very thick and frosted, so that you cannot see inside, but nonetheless it is clear that there is a bright light inside ... maybe many bright lights, that are swirling around.
The acolyte says, "Here you go. You can see yourself out, as I understand it. Don't try to open the jar -- security for the relic, you know."
He leaves, and you are all alone in the chamber.
Feng d20+1=8 Saturday September 24th, 2005 4:18:21 PM
"If we aren't supposed to remove the jar then what are we supposed to do? This would be so much easier without the riddles and puzzles. My head hurts." Feng commented.
Arien d20+12=28 Saturday September 24th, 2005 7:06:04 PM
"Indeed, I empathize with you Feng, I have little patience with riddles and the like." Arien removes the leaves the dryads gave them and approaches the jar to study it closer. Idly twirling one of the leaves in a hand Arien stares at the jar, trying to make some sense of it.
Monthor d20=4 d20=12 Saturday September 24th, 2005 10:25:53 PM
Me thinks this guys pulling our beards. This must be a joke. (search 4, sense motive, 12)
:: Monthor throws his arms up in the air then swings his axe around a bit/ ::
" Ya can't open it but what if we smashed it? Or maybe we should just take the jar and leave? "
"Nah, this is just a bad joke. That did that tall dweeb go anyway? Let him come back, just let him. I'd give him a hot foot he wouldn't soon forget. "
Tratain d20=4 d20+10=29 Sunday September 25th, 2005 2:03:23 PM
As the group enters the Garden Tratain fails to notice the plants share the Runes shown to the group by queen Maab.
He approches the Jar and begins to examine it carefully, attempting to see inside it. Looking from the location of the Jar all about the Room to see if anything is displayed on the walls or the like. (Spot 29)
He then says to Renik "Do you still have that Invisibility Wand? The Acolyte said not to open the Jar, but we need to see inside it. We can make the Jar itself Invisible and see what is inside it."
Renik d20+9=17 Sunday September 25th, 2005 3:54:37 PM
As Renik enters the chamber he notices something odd about the plants (Search 17). "Hey, did you notice all the leaves of the plants in here bear the Queen's runes? We are assuredly on the right track.
And yet in the dream we saw the orb light up this room and reveal the location of the Fae King's fragments. We need to see that for ourselves if we are to track him down."
He ponders Tratain's suggestion for a moment and then nods. "Stay your hand Monthor, there will be a time for smashing soon enough I fear. Right now finesse is called for, and I believe Tratain has the answer."
He fishes out his invisibility wand (still tied to the leather thong Sarigar provided) and points it at the frosted glass jar. Taking a deep breath he activates the wand, and should the glass vanish he says aloud "Orb, we must see where King Ebryon's fragments have gone. Show us his whereabouts that we might enact the will of Queen Maab."
Draax d20+5=11 Monday September 26th, 2005 6:37:48 AM
Draax stands to the side as he waits to see the results of wand on the jar.
Sarigar and Black Paws d20+16=34 d20+16=32 Monday September 26th, 2005 10:30:30 AM
The brothers spot the leaves in the garden right off (Spot 34/32) but don't give it much thought. The various displays of light have them rather captivated.
Despite the enclosure, the worked stone, and the other civilized accoutrements, this place doesn't seem as bad as many other places in man's world to them. Maybe it's the almost hypnotic light display or perhaps the infusion of Alemi's power in the place keeping them more at ease than normal.
As the others ponder the jar and orb, the brothers keep to a corner, preferrably one near a plant.
Dancing Light (DM Cayzle) Monday September 26th, 2005 7:17:02 PM
While Tratain and Renik brainstorm, the other Hamleteers pause to watch what they come up with. Well Sarigar pauses, but what he and Black Paws are watching for is anyone's guess!
Tratain suggests a treatment with invisibility. Renik obliges, and speaks a beseechment as well.
Whether it is the spell or the beseechment, something works! A breeze moves through the room, and all the leaves rustle. Lights move in the Bell Jar (although there is still no sign of the Orb supposedly within it).
One light emerges from the jar, shining through the glass, and it dances around the room like a will-0-the-wisp. Or like the aquatic fey you met a while back.
This light dances around the room, faster and faster, closer to each of you with each pass, dancing closer, then closer. If you stand still, it will surely touch you.
Make a Reflex save vs DC14 to avoid the light. Or choose not to make the save.
Draax Monday September 26th, 2005 8:11:26 PM
Draax watches as the lights begin to come out of the jar. He did not really expect anything to happen so he stands transfix as the lights dance around the room. The pattern of the light makes him think that the lights are intelligent or at least sentient but it does not dawn on him to make an effort to avoid them.
Renik Tuesday September 27th, 2005 5:37:30 AM
The rogue's first instinct is to dive out of the way of the whirling light, but he thinks back to Queen Maab's dream, and decides to let the Orb's light touch him. Hopefully this will grant him some insight into the Fae King's whereabouts.
His thoughts grow grim. What if they do find the King? He will certainly be mightily powerful. Will they be able to subdue him? How will the Queen's runes work? And what will happen if the vote between them is a tie?
It occurs to him that in order to cast one of the Queen's Runes he needs one to cast. He walks to one of the plants and takes a Sleep rune. Then, on impulse he takes a handful more of assorted runes. Perhaps each of the party will need a rune to cast.
Sarigar and Black Paws Tuesday September 27th, 2005 10:23:58 AM
As the light flits about the room, the brothers each follow it intently. As it approaches, Sarigar inquisitively pokes at it. Almost as if he were jealous, Black Paws pokes at it with his snout a moment after his brother.
Sarigar swirls his finger around and around as he touches the light, as it he were playing with it, or trying to string patterns through it like one might do to a calm pool. Either way, he seems to have found a new toy that he's more than eager to play with.
Feng d20+9=26 Tuesday September 27th, 2005 12:26:43 PM
Not sure whats going on, the large paladin steps from side to side avoiding the floating lights. "I remember the last time we were helped I lost a healing potion. Who knows what these things will do."
Tratain Tuesday September 27th, 2005 12:52:45 PM
When the light appears Tratain does not try to avoid it, instead letting it touch him so he can see if it will show him anything.
Arien Tuesday September 27th, 2005 5:10:39 PM
Arien stands where he is, still holding the leaf with the rune of atonement on it and lets the light touch him.
Monthor Tuesday September 27th, 2005 7:14:46 PM
The burley dwarf sighs deeply and taps the head of his axe in the palm of his hand. Monthor stands and daydreams of nice cold beer.
The Speed of Light (DM Cayzle) Wednesday September 28th, 2005 8:54:57 AM [OOC: If you want to revise history slightly, we can say that you all picked up any needed packages or made a few fast purchases before going to the Temple.]
The mysterious light touches all of you, and you feel that it fills you up inside, somehow. You are full of light inside. You feel light ... lighter ... and you realize you have floated up through the open skylight. You move, faster and faster.
If you make an Int or Knowledge (Geography) Check vs DC10, then Highlight to display spoiler: {You realize you are travelling mostly east, into the dawn.}
If you make a Knowledge (Geography) Check (not an Int check) vs DC20, then Highlight to display spoiler: {You deduce that you are headed into the Windbourne Hills.}
You arrive, setting down as light as a feather, and as rested as if you had just had a good night's sleep. The sun is peeping over a hill, and a new day has come. (If you wish to prep new spells, you will need to take an hour to do so. Considering the avatar is somewhere, presumably, near here, that might be a good idea).
You are standing in a village nestled in a valley. There are small farmholds around-abouts. The scene would be idyllic except for the incredible devastation.
It looks like a tornado passed through the village. A few cottages are actually shredded. There are a few bodies lying in the dirt. You smell the tang of blood in the air.
You see no one, but in the distance you hear someone crying loudly. You are about 100 feet from the village. You can see the path of destruction wends from the west, through the village, and then off to the east.
[OOC: This is the Tuesday DM Post.]
Sarigar and Black Paws d20+16=35 d20+16=26 d20+16=28 d20+16=27 d20+16=17 d20+16=32 d20+18=30 d20+19=30 Wednesday September 28th, 2005 10:42:14 AM
Throughout the journey, the brothers can't help but feel elated. Although it's not natural for them to fly, they've done it enough recently that they've come to enjoy it immensely.
ooc: Haven't used his prepared spells since last time they were prepared. Keeping them the same (Longstrider and Jump)
Hearing the loud cries, the brothers use their keen hearing to pick out the direction (Listen 35 / 26) and take off in a blur of motion toward the cries (Sarigar makes a Quadruple move with Black Paws using barely over a double move to keep up and not pass him). Seeing all the destruction, they slow up roughly 30 feet from where they think the cries are coming from and open themselves up to the world around them (Listen 28/27, Spot 17/32, Survival: Scent 30/30).
Although they suspect danger is afoot and they may well have sensed it, they are more concerned with whoever is crying and begin searching for them.
Feng Wednesday September 28th, 2005 6:22:48 PM
Taking a moment, Feng calls his warhorse to his side. It has been a while since he was able to call his friend so Feng greets him with an affectionate rub on the head and pat on the neck.
Watching Sarigar run off, Feng slides into the saddle and rides after the wild man.
Tratain Wednesday September 28th, 2005 9:10:07 PM
Tratain tells the others "If the Avatar of the Fey king is near I will need to rememorize some of my spells."
If the group gives him the time he will prepare new spells for the day. If not he will go with the group where ever they go.
Monthor Wednesday September 28th, 2005 10:07:35 PM
The dwarf is becoming very agitated all of a sudden... " Someone be crying.. They may be in danger. We need to go... we need to go... WE NEED TO GO!!!! Come on friends! Why do we not go!!! "
Draax d20+1=9 Thursday September 29th, 2005 4:56:41 AM
Draax is torn between the need to go to the aid of anyone that might be hurt and the need to ensure that they are prepare for their confrontation with the king.
It does not take long for Draax to make up his mind, "There might be people that need our help at this moment. If you need to prepare spell, I suggest you do so, but if I can save one life down there I will have to try. Also if something is still down there, Feng and Sarigar might need our help."
Draax starts running after Sarigar and Feng.
Terror (DM Cayzle) Thursday September 29th, 2005 10:05:28 AM
With Sarigar and Black Paws in the lead, and with Tratain near the back but determined to stick with his friends as they approach possible danger, you all head directly for the source of the crying.
It comes from a ruined building, a small cottage with a wall missing. There is a woman crying, holding a baby, also crying.
When the woman sees Sarigar and Black Paws, her crying immediately heightens to screaming, terrified screaming! She springs up, clutching her baby, and runs out a door at the rear of the ruin. She is flat-out running as fast as she can.
[This is the Wednesday DM Post.]
Sarigar and Black Paws Thursday September 29th, 2005 10:38:19 AM "GAH! Wait! We wanna help you! Don't run!
The brothers follow after her, Sarigar continues pleading with her to stop and let them help. He points to the side and Black Paws begins taking a wide loop around to cut her off before she gets herself into an area of real danger.
If it looks like she might make it into a forested area he screams out, with real fright in his voice, "Don't go in the woods! It's not safe for you or the little one!
Arien Thursday September 29th, 2005 4:34:39 PM
Arien runs after Sarigar and the woman, while Sarigar pleads with the woman Arien keeps an eye out on the woods, ready to cast a spell at anything hostile that may come out.
Renik d20+3=17 Thursday September 29th, 2005 5:56:09 PM OOC: Apologies for the missed post, just left it too late.
Renik sighs as Sarigar goes racing in blindly. The wild man is primal; he acts purely on instinct. He hears someone in trouble, he goes to help. That's what he does. He doesn't stop to consider context, repercussions or other imponderables, he simply acts. It must be nice, the rogue thinks to himself, to live so free from self doubt and moral dilemma.
Now is not the time to be envying a fellow who's approach to personal hygene consists of rolling in animal dung, the rogue chides himself sternly. While he stands here daydreaming Sarigar and the others could be getting into trouble!
He activates his boots and flies as fast as he is able towards the woman, attempting to get in front of her to cut off her run. If he is close enough he will call out to her:
"Please don't be afraid, we are here to catch the thing that destroyed your village. Don't be allarmed at the appearance of my companion, he will not hurt you or your little one, you have my word." (Diplomacy 17).
Feng Thursday September 29th, 2005 7:00:06 PM
Feng kicks his horse into high gear and rides after the woman. Its doubtful that this will calm her but he needs her to stop running. If she tripped and fell....
Once he rides past her, Feng turns his massive warhorse infront of the woman. "Please hold. I am a Paladin and wish to help."
Draax Thursday September 29th, 2005 7:01:57 PM
Draax groans when the lady runs away from Sarigar. They should have guessed that a large wolf under these circumstances would not be the best first response for a rescue. He continues to runs but sighs in relief when Renik fly over head towards the woman.
More Terror (DM Cayzle) Thursday September 29th, 2005 7:30:50 PM
The woman fleeing on foot is no match for the resources of the party. She is quickly surrounded and prevented from escaping. She falls to the ground, sheltering the baby under her, and her shrieks continue unabated.
It is doubtful that she can even hear Feng, Renik, and Sarigar as each tries his own kind of diplomacy.
Arien sees no other movement in the area.
Monthor Thursday September 29th, 2005 9:09:28 PM
ooc> DOH! Should have been quicker!
Seeing Renik fly off after the rest of the boys, Monthor clicks his heels, sprouts the wings on his boots and flies off after him at max speed.
" WAIT FOR ME!!!! WAIT FOR MONTHY!!!!!"
Renik d20+14=34 d20+14=27 d20+9=11 d20+25=36 d20+20=27 d20+14=34 d20+14=16 Friday September 30th, 2005 5:54:03 AM
Looking to his companions he asks "Do we have any magical means of calming her? Or granting her and her child sleep's release? She is hysterical, seemingly beyond reason. The horrors she saw here must have been dire indeed."
He scratches his goattee, looking around nervously for any sign of danger(Spot 34, Listen 27).
"Tratain, do you have mundane healing skills? Perhaps a caring voice and trained hand may help where reason cannot. Either way we need to get her indoors and out of sight. Whatever attacked here may still be close by, and we can't protect out here in the open."
He looks around for a suitable building to use as a base of operations, and suggests they move there. Should they find somewhere he waits until his companions are set up, suggests to Tratain that they gently question the woman if she is up to it, and then asks Sarigar to join him in carefully scouting the area (Search 11, Hide 36, Move Silent 27, Spot 34 Listen 16).
Sarigar and Black Paws d20+18=34 d20+16=27 d20+31=38 d20+17=23 d20+26=38 d20+17=27 Friday September 30th, 2005 10:25:17 AM "<huff huff> It's ok lady, we won't hurt you. Brother and I and the pack here help people. <huff huff> Can you tell us what happened? Or where the thing went that did all this?
Seeing that the lady is still very afraid, and that fear seems to be worsening each time he or his brother step closer a flash of insight comes to Sarigar. "I better go, if what was here was in the big stinky place, brother and me ain't gonna be able to make her feel better."
That said, the brothers take up patrolling the immediate area while the others get settled in. They speficially look for wolf tracks, but any tracks in that seem to be in abundance, indicating what might have come through here (Survival: Tracking 34/27). Noting Renik's warnings about it/them still being in the area, the brothers try to keep themselves as concealed as possible (Hide 38/23, Move Silently 38/27).
Tratain d20+3=13 d20+15=16 d20+15=20 Friday September 30th, 2005 11:45:25 AM
Tratain takes his Warhammer and Shield and hands it to the nearest party member to hold for him, and then reaches into his haversack and pulls out his healing kit.
He approaches the woman with his healing kit in his hands saying "Do not worry, you are safe now. My name is Tratain, I serve Domi as one of his Clerics and Protectors, you are safe now. I will not allow anything to happen to you or your child." (Diplomacy 13)
If the Woman will allow it Tratain will examine her and the child to make sure that they are ok. (Heal checks 16 and 20)
Draax Friday September 30th, 2005 3:07:28 PM
Draax takes the warhammer and shield and gives Tratain a blanket and a full water skin. He then moves away but stays alert in case the woman tries to run again now she is no longer surrounded.
Odd Tracks (DM Cayzle) Saturday October 1st, 2005 2:35:09 PM [Welcome to the Friday DM Post!]
Tratain's soothing words and Sarigar's sensitive withdrawal help to calm the woman. She stops screaming and allows you to tend her. Tratain notices that she is in shock and is suffering from at least a sprained ankle and possibly internal injuries.
The child is fine.
Monthor, Draax, Arien, and Feng stay nearby to guard. Monthor notes -- thanks to his dwarven instincts -- that one cottage over there seems sturdy and to have escaped damage.
Sarigar and Renik make some odd discoveries. There are many many tracks all over. It looks like a herd of animals came through -- but the strangest herd ever. Each member of the herd is a different animals. Sarigar is sure he finds wolf tracks. But look! There's bear and badger! Three different kinds of hooves! Oh my! Bigger things yet!
Giant grocodiles on two feet! Something with three evenly spaced feet! Renik has the idea that one cottage was attacked by an elephant! And Sarigar is almost sure that something gigantic and fat fell on another house!
Here's the oddest thing yet -- some of the signs suggest the animals of the herd were attacking each other. Some were also attacking people: the duo find parts of four bodies.
Some of the tracks just seem to stop and start, as if the creature were lifted up into the air or dropped by some huge flying hand.
Draax Monday October 3rd, 2005 4:02:12 AM
Draax begins to gather the bodies that are out in the open and puts them in any structure other than the one the group is using that still has a roof.
When Sarigar is near, Draax ask him, "Hey Sarigar, you and your brother have the best chance of finding anyone else that might have survived. If anyone did else did survive they might be trapped under some of this rubble and your brother's nose is probably the only thing that could find them. Even if there is no one left we should gather the bodies and give them a proper burial."
Renik Monday October 3rd, 2005 4:40:36 AM
The rogue nods absently at Draax's words. He is lost in thought at the curious evidence they have uncovered. Could some great wind have deposited this menangerie upon the town, then just as swiftly plucked them away? Surely this is the Fae King's work, but to what end? Is it simple madness? Some greater design? Could the entire herd actually be the physical embodiment of the King? He was planning to split himself into many parts, perhaps this is how the division manifested itself. But then why attack this village? Why not have the component parts split up if the King's aim was to hide himself in every corner of the Wold?
Renik struggles to find an answer that fits.
Instead he returns to his companions and says "Let us stay here for a while. Those who need to memorize spells should do so now. Tratain, can you heal this woman sufficiently to ask of her what happened here? What Sarigar and I have discovered outside is making little sense to me. Perhaps she can shed further light on the mystery."
And Renik describes in detail what he and Sarigar discovered outside.
Sarigar and Black Paws d20+18=37 d20+16=31 d20+18=26 d20+16=28 d20+16=31 d20+18=31 Monday October 3rd, 2005 7:38:33 AM
At Draax's suggestion, the brothers turn their attentions toward the various buildings, looking for more survivors (Survival: Tracking 37/31, Survival: Smell 26/28). With any luck, they will find other survivors and will dig them out as quickly as possible.
When it seems they have found all they can, the brothers will return to the others. With all the devestation, they begin to wonder how this one woman, carrying a child, escaped the carnage, unlike the others in the village. With Black Paws outside as a lookout, Sarigar moves as close to her as he can without setting her off again. He looks her and the child up and down as well as he can (Spot 31) and tries to pull her scent from the air (Survival: Scent 31).
Monthor d20-2=10 d20+1=18 d20-2=15 Monday October 3rd, 2005 8:11:39 AM
"There's that one cottage over there girlies... me thinks it odd that it still be standing while everything else around it is destoyed.
:: Monthor taps the flat of his axe against his gloved hand ::
"Me go check it out. Anyone want to come? "
(Listen, 10, search 18, spot 15)
:: And Monthor goes to search the cottage ::
Tratain 4d8(2+5+5+3)+12=27 Monday October 3rd, 2005 11:17:05 AM
Tratain says "I will go look at the cottage with you Monthor. If it is empty we will move the Woman and her child there. I will also prepare my spells there, I will need an hour."
Tratain casts Cure Critical wounds on the Woman (27 Points Healed) before going to the cottage with Monthor. He tells the Woman to stay where she is until they make sure it is safe.
Feng Monday October 3rd, 2005 3:06:37 PM
Feng also helps gather the dead. This sight troubles him greatly for this was no military force. No threat to anybody. They were a simple people living a simple life. Yet the Fae King decided that having their homes crushed flat while they were still inside was what they deserved.
Arien Monday October 3rd, 2005 4:54:07 PM
Arien casts Detect Magic and surveys the town, trying to determine if magic had been involved and if so, what type. Whatever he finds, or doesn't find Arien will tell the rest of the party.
The Magic Field (DM Cayzle) d2=1 d100=17 Tuesday October 4th, 2005 12:01:35 AM
Renik tries to put the pieces of the puzzle together, but hopes that more information will help. He does not have long to wait.
Arien casts his Detect Magic and finds that the entire area is covered by part of a shifting field of magic. It is a warping aura, a pervasive blanket that waxes and wanes. There is no doubt that it is conjuration magic.
Sarigar smells the woman and does some scouting. How did she escape tragedy? He deduces that she hid under a bed that was then covered by a fallen thatched roof.
Sarigar and Draax search for more surivors, but find none. However, there are signs that several inhabitants fled into the nearby woods.
Monthor checks out the intact cottage and finds that trough quirl or intent, it is intact. He looks around but finds no occupent or danger.
Feng and Draax care for the fallen, offering respect for the dead.
Tratain casts his cure spell, but the strangest thing happens. The magic bounces back and affects himself! Of course, not being injured, he derives no benefit from the spell.
Arien, watching, sees that by chance, Tratain attempted his casting just when the magic field waxed nearby.
Sarigar and Black Paws Tuesday October 4th, 2005 10:33:39 AM
As he continues his scouting of the area, Sarigar calls out to the others, "Looks like people ran to the woods! That's not gonna be good!
The brothers move toward the edge of the treeline, following a particularly large set of evacuee tracks, hoping they didn't go too far into the woods.
"HELLO! If you can hear me, you come back! We're here to help! We'll keep you safe!
Renik d20+3=5 Tuesday October 4th, 2005 3:33:23 PM
They must find out what transpired here. The survivor must talk, and who better for her to talk to? He rather prides himself on his way with women. This simple country lass will be singing like a canary before my sophisticated charms, the Rogue thinks smugly to himself.
Renik approaches the woman and does his best to be quiet, calm and caring. His best is, frankly, woeful. He comes across as curt, pompous and aggressive (Diplomacy 5). His face burning he gives up questioning as a bad job and asks Tratain if he will give it a try. Scowling he heads off to make sure Sarigar is not getting himself into too much trouble.
Feng Tuesday October 4th, 2005 5:32:14 PM
"Before you try again let me try. My healing magic is much weaker and less needed than yours." Feng says. He concentrates and mumbles a minor healing spell.
ooc: casts CLW on the woman.
Draax Tuesday October 4th, 2005 5:45:01 PM
Draax keeps his distance from the woman as he continues to help with the dead. He looks up and towards the woods when Sarigar tell about the departure of the rest of the village. He was wondering why there were not more bodies and now he knows. Seeing the huge wolf standing at the edge of the forest he shouts to the brothers. "Hey Sarigar, maybe you should get your brother out of sight until we can explain that he is not with the other wolves. These people might not understand that there are still good wolves in the wold."
Whether or not the wolf brothers heed Draax's call, he will continue to help with the dead and then stand guard.
Monthor Tuesday October 4th, 2005 9:04:40 PM
" We can use this hutt as a base. It's still solid. "
" Me police the area to keep you girlies safe. Let me know if ye want me to do something else. "
Tratain d20+3=10 Tuesday October 4th, 2005 10:11:45 PM
Tratain says "Hmmm, that is odd. My spell backfired onto myself."
Tratain will wait and see how Feng fares with his casting of the spell, he will also see if the woman will tell him anything that happened here in the village, if there are any other survivors, and how she managed to survive. (Diplomacy 10)
Calmer (DM Cayzle) d2=1 d100=87 Wednesday October 5th, 2005 4:14:47 AM
Sarigar tries to entice other survivors to come back. With another look at the tracks, he thinks they are about a half hour old. If the people who made them kept on running, they will be out of earshot by now.
In any event, no one answers the call of the Lost Child.
Renik tries to talk with the woman, but his usual charm is useless in the face of her grief.
Draax continue to help with the dead and to keep alert.
Monthor suggests that the inside of the cottage would make a good place, better maybe with the destruction out of sight. He too is alert.
Feng casts his cure, and he also feels some strange tug that suggests an odd influence. But for some reason, his magic works, and the woman's injuries are healed. She becomes calmer.
Tratain tries talking softly to the woman, and she begins to pay attention through her tears. She is no longer as hysterical. She does continue to look around as if expecting catastrophe at any moment to return.
"The others ran away. I was trapped. And I was hiding," she says.
Monthor Wednesday October 5th, 2005 9:53:49 AM
The burley dwarf approches Renik and the others.
" Maybe we should talk strategy before facing whatever did this. That's what me pappy always does and that's always worked for him."
:: Monthor points at his belt :: " Me even stronger now then before and this amulet is helping my armor some but not by much. Me best at whacking with me axe but me defence is weak. So when we're in battle, unless someone can make me harder to be hit or heals me all the time, Me'll do a lot of damage but will be hit a lot too. "
ooc> I suggest we inventory or strenghts and weaknesses before going up against the Avatar. Monthor is at least +23 to hit on his first attack but is AC is only 22 (plus the temp bless effect from before). His damage, two handed, is 17-38 pts per hit ( with 3 attacks per round. Assuming all three attacks hit that's roughly 54-114 pts of damage per round folks.). And Monthor does have the power attack feat to help with damage as well. So, as before, Monthor will do a lot of damage but will get hit fairly easily. His self healing abilities are next to nothing with only a few 'heal moderate' potions left. Sounds like this magic aura thing will mess up our spell slingers so we shouldn't count on them to much. Any ideas?
Sarigar and Black Paws d20+31=51 d20+17=22 d20+16=21 d20+16=31 Wednesday October 5th, 2005 10:40:11 AM
The brothers stake out a spot near the treeline (about 30 feet from it), preferrably with tall grass or similar cover in which to hide (Hide 51/22) and they keep watch on the treeline and on the remainder of the village (Spot 21/31).
Despite the temptation to head into the woods to find and bring back the villagers, the brothers know that would likely be suicidal. For now, they will sit, watch and be ready for the return of whatever did all this.
Renik Wednesday October 5th, 2005 4:27:01 PM
The rogue helps ensure the woman is safely out of harms way before replying to Monthor.
"Well I can be pretty tough to lay a blade upon. My best role is probably to run interference, attempt to draw attacks away from the big damage dealers.
One thing we will need to sort out are these curious magical effects. Arien, are you able to see the magical fields around you, and cast your spells when conditions are favourable? Or are the effects entirely random? Perhaps if you tried some cantrips whilst viewing the magical auras around you you might be able to predict the outcome of your casting in this place?"
He waits to see if Tratain is able to get any more information out of the girl.
Arien Wednesday October 5th, 2005 5:36:28 PM
"I can see what I can do but I would suggest it would be best to try to leave the area where this field is, as I suspect it will interfere with any attempts to cast magic inside of it."
Draax Wednesday October 5th, 2005 11:37:03 PM
Draax moves closer to the others to hear what is being said. Hopefully whatever is affecting the magic will wear off or the group will not be required to stay in the area during their search. Feng proved that at least some magic works, but Draax does not think the group will have enough time to experiment to see what works and what does not.
As he listens to Monthor, Draax think for a few minutes but because he is not sure what they will be facing he can add very little to the team tactics.
"In the past I have relied heavily on my bow, but it we face any creatures like the ones we faced getting to Maab's land, my bow is basically useless. I can hit from a distance or stand toe-to-toe. My defense is a little better that Monthor's when I am holding a shield, but my offense is a lot weaker. My only tactic for any upcoming battles is to avoid these freaks of nature that the king has surrounded himself with. If we have to fight them let separate them and hit them one at a time, a one-on-one fight with these creatures would probably get a few of us killed."
Feng Thursday October 6th, 2005 7:42:37 AM
"It's alright now. You did the right thing. You hid from the danger and your survived. Please tell me what did this to your home? What drove your people away?" Feng asked.
Mob of Monsters, Giant Elf (DM Cayzle) Thursday October 6th, 2005 8:05:41 AM
The party starts to strategize, and the woman calms down. She answers Feng, "It was the monsters! The animals! A huge mob of them! All kinds. And in the middle was an elf. A giant elf!
If you want to cast any spells as a way to experiment, say which ones. So far as Arien can tell, the magic field covers the whole area.
[This is the Wed. Post.]
Tratain Thursday October 6th, 2005 12:38:52 PM
Tratain lets the others continue asking questions while he Begins Praying to Domi for new spells for the day.
Renik Thursday October 6th, 2005 2:56:35 PM
"A giant elf, you say? It sounds as if we have found our errant avatar. And he is surrounding himself by hordes of monsters. Very well, we will need to consider this in our strategy. Clearly we must target the Fey King, and he will no doubt do his utmost to block the route to himself with these creatures.
By blinking, flying and tumbling I may be able to bypass these creatures and reach the King himself. I will hopefully be able to distract him. Monthor, you may be able to fly your way past a lot of the creatures also. We'll need ranged attacks upon the King, and ideally we'll want the creatures Dispelled.
Does anyone have any thoughts on how we might get our heavy hitters past the creatures and into the fight proper?"
Renik waits, knowing their casters will need every spell at their disposal for the comming battle. Once again he urges that they practice some cantrips with Detect Magic cast, in order to determine if they can predict when they can reliably cast in the chaotic magic field created by the Fae King's summonings.
Monthor Thursday October 6th, 2005 7:41:42 PM
"Me can fly" Says Monthor
" But what if magic items don't work either? Maybe this 'anti magic aura' effects stuff too? "
" Me still have me flamming cross bow if someone wants to borrow it. Me prefers to use me axe. "
Sarigar and Black Paws Thursday October 6th, 2005 11:12:12 PM
Sarigar shifts into a squatting position and crosses his arms over his knees. He gazes out over the treeline, wondering when he's coming back. He sets his chin down on his crossed arms and thinks to his brother...
Highlight to display spoiler: {"You'd think we'd be able to feel him somehow. You don't feel anything, do you?"}
Feng Friday October 7th, 2005 1:14:45 AM
"I believe I am skilled enough to ride through the mass of animals to reach the giant elf. Degg is strong and armored. I believe he won't make it through unscathed but once I reach the giant elf I shall send him to his home where he will heal. I do not know if we will survive the battle but we must try to stop him at all costs. The horror he inflicts upon good folk cannot be forgiven no matter how noble his intentions might be."
Draax Friday October 7th, 2005 1:33:39 AM
"We can use a diversion to pull the animals attention while the real attack or attacks are coming from a different direction or directions, anything to keep his guard distracted or away from the king."
Strategizing (DM Cayzle) Friday October 7th, 2005 7:03:15 AM
As the party plans for a fight that may be ahead, Sarigar wonders ... but he senses nothing.
However, the trail that the mob of animals took out of the village is very clear.
The planning continues.
Monthor Friday October 7th, 2005 8:20:40 AM
"It be nice to get past the animals but what's to stop them from coming at us from behind once we get past?"
" Would it be worth challenging the Avatar to a battle? It against us without the animals? "
"Me take it that trying to talk to it is out of the question? "
" Me needs to have some protection spells cast on me, then get to the Avatar without it getting to many shots in first (ooc> i.e. AoP) Then me can whack at it until it be brought down"
" Once engaged, me suggest that the fighters take the first line with the healers behind us to keep us going. Renik hovers above and distracts it and the magic users stay back and barrage it with offensive spells. The key is going to be to keep the hackers healthy. Renik can us me cross bow if needed. "
Renik Friday October 7th, 2005 9:31:41 AM
The rogue waits until the spellcasters have had time to meditate on their spells. As he does so he chats with the others on strategy and prepares his gear.
"Given his attitude with Queen Maab I very much doubt the Fae King will be willing to submit to our decision without a fight" says Renik, running a whetstone expertly along the blade of his shortsword. The vibration causes the weapon to 'sing'.
No, we need to go in hard and fast, subdue him as best we are able. I'd like to in close melee combat, I think that's where I can do the most good." (OOC: Renik will attempt to draw as many AoO's as he can).
Once the spells are memorized he suggests that Sarigar and Blackpaws scout ahead quietly. He follows behind, on foot for now.
Sarigar and Black Paws d20+31=47 d20+17=27 d20+26=44 d20+17=33 Friday October 7th, 2005 12:44:17 PM
Black Paws ears perk up and shift from side to side as he hears Renik approach. Sarigar sniffs the air. Other than that, the brothers make no movements to his approach, staying utterly still and focused on their watch.
When asked to scout ahead of the pack, they're more than willing. As hunters, that is part of their lot in life. "Whatever did all this left a trail even a pup could follow. Followin' this won't be a problem. Sneakin' up on it might be though."
After voicing his concerns, the brothers head off in the direction the path leads and quickly disappear into the underbrush and treeline (Hide 47/27, Move Silently 44/33).
Arien Friday October 7th, 2005 4:58:36 PM
"I could dimension door them into the fray, that would put me at risk but I think I might be able to get out fast enough that I can survive." Arien packs away his spellbook and follows the others.
Draax Friday October 7th, 2005 7:34:01 PM
Draax checks his gear and follows the others as he listens to the game plan.
Tratain Saturday October 8th, 2005 10:30:01 AM
Tratain says "Let us stay here for an hour to relearn spells then follow the tracks."
On the trail (DM Cayzle) Saturday October 8th, 2005 11:37:43 AM
An hour passes in conversation about tactics and in preparing spells.
The woman mutters thanks for the healing and takes her babe into the intact cottage. She shudders when she sees Black Paws and she closes the shutters on the cottage's windows.
Sarigar prepares to scout ahead, and Renik is eager to be off. Are there any preparations? Marching order? Spells cast?
Monthor Saturday October 8th, 2005 7:37:04 PM
The dwarf keep his axe in hand and ignited. He hopes that he axe's flame will keep some of the animals at bay. Monthor suggests that he stays in front of the magic/clerical blessings slingers and let the better armored ones take the lead.
Draax Monday October 10th, 2005 6:09:39 AM
Draax readies his bow and will take up the rear guard when the group is prepared to head out.
Renik (Invisible, Blinking) d20+20=28 d20+25=43 d20+14=24 d20+14=29 Monday October 10th, 2005 7:42:08 AM
Before leaving the rogue pulls a wand from the pocket of his pants of plenty and casts Invisibility on himself, Sarigar and Blackpaws.
"This may not be of much help against foes who can smell us coming, but every little advantage helps" he comments.
Once they set out Renik follows 30 feet or so behind Sarigar and Blackpaws, keeping to the foliage and proceeding with great care (Move Silent 28, Hide 43 (+invis), Spot 24, Listen 29). He decides to activate his Blinking ring, postulating that his flickering in and out of reality may disrupt or reduce any scent he may give off to the Fae King's animal minions.
Sarigar (Invisible) and Black Paws (Invisible) d20+31=47 d20+17=32 d20+26=33 d20+17=35 d20+20=38 d20+16=36 Monday October 10th, 2005 10:08:49 AM
The brothers continue leading the party while remaining concealed (Hide 47/32, Move Silently 33/35). With so obvious a trail, one would think simply following it would be enough, but the hunters know that some of the most dangerous prey can fake or hide the real trail. So, the brothers search out the real trail (Survival: Tracking 39/36(nat 20)).
The brothers begin to breathe very slowly and deeply, attempting to hide even the sound of breath. They've hunted dangerous prey before, but this is perhaps the most dangerous of all the prey they've been after.
Tratain d20+10=26 Monday October 10th, 2005 5:17:37 PM
Tratain follows along with the others in the middle of the pack after casting Extended Magic Vestment upon Himself. He scans the Area looking for any signs of danger. (Spot 26)
The Trail (DM Cayzle) Monday October 10th, 2005 7:19:42 PM
The party moves to follow the trail ... Renik, Sarigar and Black Paws in the invisible lead. Then Monthor and the rest following.
The trail is obvious (DC5). The tracks suggest a range of animals that seem to vary. Bear replaced by wolf, lizard by fire elemental. Sometimes animals just disappear or appear on the trail.
Whatever it is, it is moving at a decent clip. If everyone is moving at 30, then if you hustle, you will match its pace. To catch up you will have to run or something. [Please post your move rate with your next post.]
Does Feng have his mount? Aside from that and Black Paws, are there any animals with the group? Familiars in pockets? Pet songbird under a hat?
Draax Tuesday October 11th, 2005 6:11:10 AM
Draax is always hesitant about moving at a pace that prevents the group from being cautious, but he can see that the group is not making up any ground on their prey. "I suggest we double our pace if we want to catch up with them. Or does anyone have another idea of how we can close the distance?"
Renik (Invisible) Tuesday October 11th, 2005 6:33:19 AM
The rogue curses silently. Any advantage of stealth they may have is likely to be lost if they have to chase full pelt after their foe. And the likelihood of running headlong into an ambush is significantly increased. However they have little choice. If they want to catch their opponent they will have to speed up.
"You're right Draax. Sarigar, riding Blackpaws you have the greatest chance of making up ground on our foe whilst remaining undetected. We'll make the best speed we can. Warn us if we are drawing close to the enemy."
Renik abandons his stealthy progress and takes off at a run (90ft, making sure he remains behind sarigar).
Rude DM Cayzle (OOC) Tuesday October 11th, 2005 9:47:31 AM
Guys, guys! What part of [Please post your move rate with your next post.] was too hard to understand?
:-)
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC 24/21, CV 145) d20+20=34 d20+16=24 d20+31=41 d20+17=23 d20+17=21 d20+31=45 d20+17=29 d20+26=41 d20+17=21 Tuesday October 11th, 2005 10:42:14 AM "I know brother, you're not a horse, but I need your speed." Black Paws gives a little growl, but capitulates, allowing Sarigar to climb upon his back. "We'll find em."
The brothers take off at stiff pace (move 100, double Black Paws movement). Until the tracks begin to look quite fresh (about 10 minutes old, Survival: Tracking 34/24), the brothers won't concern themselves with stealth. As they reach that kind of freshness in the trail, they will slow (move 50, full move for Black Paws) and begin stalking their prey once again (Hide 41/23, Move Silently 21).
ooc: Only rolled Black Paws Move Silenty since of the two, only he'd be making noise. Rolled both of their hides since Sarigar will try to conceal himself on Black Paws back (much like Native Americans once did on horseback).
As they catch sight of the Avatar or his entourage, the brothers will slow to let them regain a little distance then match their pace and wait for the others to catch up. Sarigar will also dismount and follow with his brother (Hide 45/29, Move Silently 41/21). They also keep careful note of the wind and make sure they stay downwind (or at least not upwind) from the entourage.
Monthor Tuesday October 11th, 2005 11:23:40 AM
[ooc base rate 20]
Monthor has to hurry to keep up with the others.
[occ Doubles rate to 40,triple rate to 60 if needed. ]
Arien (movement 30, AC 21) Mage Armor Tuesday October 11th, 2005 4:25:58 PM
Arien casts Mage Armor and then slows down a bit to make sure Monthor doesn't fall behind. Arien keeps an eye out for anything suspicious or interesting.
(Arien has a ferret familiar.)
Tratain Tuesday October 11th, 2005 5:09:03 PM
Tratain will move as fast as he can for as long as he can while slowing down to a walk to rest when he needs too. (Tratain Moves at 20 Normally)
Draax Tuesday October 11th, 2005 9:02:23 PM
Draax speeds up with the party members but runs slow enough to still bring up the rear (normal move rate is 20.)
Draax -correction Wednesday October 12th, 2005 3:16:56 AM
(OOC: Draax normal move rate is 30 not 20.)
Feng (move rate 60) Wednesday October 12th, 2005 1:00:07 PM
Feng does indeed have his mount. It's risky but finding this creature is important. He holds the reigns tightly in both hands and concentrates on his riding.
The Chase (DM Cayzle) 5+1+3+3+4+2+5+6+2+1+1 d20+14=16 Wednesday October 12th, 2005 4:29:24 PM
The party sets out in pursuit of what seems likely to be an avatar of the Fae King.
The terrain is lightly wooded hills. Travelling over open terrain, everyone except Sarigar is slowed by half (per PHB). Sarigar has the ability to move without being slowed by natural terrain, so he hustles at 100 feet per round. Feng, mounted on his celestial charger, hustles at 60 feet per round. The rest of the Hamleteers hustle at 30 feet per round, or 20 feet per round if they want to keep with Monthor and Tratain, the slowpokes of the group.
The invisibility spells quickly wear off. You will have a ways to go before such a short-duration spell will be efficacious.
The trail is very easy to follow, and for the first half hour nothing much happens. If you make a Survival or untrained Wisdom check vs DC20, then you realize something: Please Highlight to display spoiler: {The avatar and its crew of beasts is not travelling as fast as it could. It could be hustling at 60 feet per round, but it is only making 30, because, evidently, the avatar sometimes stops for no reason, or backtracks a little, or goes off to one side or the other, or does a little circle. These movements seem random, and you might wonder what they mean.}
Monthor, Tratain, and anyone with them, please click on this link to see your progress after 30 minutes.
Anyone who is moving at 30, please click on this link to see your progress after 30 minutes.
Feng, please click on this link to see your progress after 30 minutes.
Sarigar, please click on this link to see your progress after 30 minutes.
Also, Sarigar, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {After about a half hour of pursuit, you realize you are getting close. Moreover, with the way the avatar moves in spurts and starts and stops, it might be better to sneak up while you can. You figure you are getting very close. Suddenly, up in the air about where the avatar might be -- say within 300 feet maybe? -- you see a HUGE bird appear up in the sky! It is the size of a whale! It does not see you or Black Paws.
At this point, you also have a good intuitive judgement of where the rest of your friends might be (see link above). What do you do?}
[OOC: This is the Tuesday DM Post. Them's the breaks when you split up the party and make the DM create four seperate maps! LOL!]
Arien (movement 30, AC 21) Mage Armor d20+1=11 Wednesday October 12th, 2005 4:46:37 PM
Arien stays with Monthor and Tratain, slightly irritated at any of the others who have ranged ahead. In his slighlty annoyed state he fails to notice anything strange about the trail they are following.
Draax d20=20 d20+6=15 Wednesday October 12th, 2005 7:17:44 PM
Draax brings up the rear as he keeps pace with Monthor and the others. Noticing the odd way the avatar is traveling (roll natural 20) Draax says to the others, "Have any of you noticed that the group we are following seems to be going slower than they should be and seem to stop and backtrack every now and then?"
Draax looks behind him to make sure nothing has gotten behind them (spot check 15.)
Monthor (AC 22, HP 101) d20+1=5 Wednesday October 12th, 2005 9:24:10 PM
Monthor notices nothing as he continues on his run.
He listens to Draax and then says
" Me wonder if they know we be coming. This may be a trap. The others should not be so far ahead of us. Seperated we are weaker then together and easier to ambush. Me would have thought Renik and the rest smarter then this. Well... maybe not the Princess, but the rest should have been smarter! "
Renik d20=4 Thursday October 13th, 2005 8:56:44 AM
Renik continues his pursuit, somewhat alarmed at how spread out the party is getting. But if they don't keep up the pace they won't keep up with the Fae King...
He hopes Sarigar is able to find their quarry camped and report back, allowing the party to regroup.
He is so concerned at developments that he doesn't stop to think about anything else (Wis 4).
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC 24/21, CV 145) d20+20=40 d20+17=25 d20+17=26 d20+17=36 d20+17=23 Thursday October 13th, 2005 11:09:12 AM
Noting the randomness of the Avatar's path (Survival 40), Sarigar knows that it's not likely that the group is going to catch up following his actual trail. So as not to give away their position with any talking, Sarigar talks to his brother telepathically, Highlight to display spoiler: {"Stay with em brother. The big bird should be easy to keep in sight while you stay outa sight. I'll get the rest of the pack."}
Sarigar then cuts a straight path for where he feels Feng is most likely to be. Once he finds him..."Biggun, stay here, the Avatar's not far, just over that rise. Brother's watching him while I get you and the rest of the pack. I'll bring em all to you here, then we catch up with brother." Almost as quickly as he appears, he disappears back in to the brush and on to the rest of the party.
When he finds the party..."Found him. He's all over though, but I can short cut us to him. Biggun's waiting for it that way and brother's watching a BIG bird. He's all over though, and he keeps stopping, so we should be able to catch him if we stop following his trail." Sarigar will then lead the party as straight a path as possible to Feng and then Black Paws (whom he should be able to sense the direction of).
Black Paws on the other hand backs away from the Avatar's entougage far enough that he can still see the bird with little chance of losing sight of it, but staying as far as possible where it's not likely he'll be seen. He'll aslo keep to the trees and brush as much as possible (Hide 25, Move Silently 26, Spot 36, Listen 23)
Tratain d20+6=22 Thursday October 13th, 2005 4:34:39 PM
Tratain follows the The Trail as fast as he can, and notices the odd behavior of the Avatar they follow and points it out to those with him.
When the group encounters Sarigar he follows to where he leads.
Feng Thursday October 13th, 2005 7:17:17 PM
Knowing the wild man and his affinity for this terrain Feng halts his warhorse. He feels that he should be riding toward the avatar but if Sarigar says wait he'll wait.
ooc: I will be out of town this weekend and unable to post in case the weekend is used for catch up.
Still Chasing (DM Cayzle) 4d6(1+5+5+4)=15 Friday October 14th, 2005 2:11:09 PM
Sarigar finds the avatar and leaves Black Paws behind to watch. He reaches Feng and asks the Paladin to wait -- Feng reluctantly agrees.
Then Sarigar finally gets back to the main party. He has travelled about two miles from the site at which he came close to the avatar.
The avatar has continued to move erratically. and thank goodness! With a concerted effort, it seems the avatar would be long gone, but such an effort seems beyond it. It's meanderfulness is all that seems to keep it close to you.
At this point, you have been hustling around these hills for about 50 minutes. After an hour, penalties will start to accrue.
Feng, you do not know where the Avatar is. Sarigar, you sense through your link that the avatar has bent back on his own trail again, and is now about a mile north of Feng.
Here is the current map. A=Black Paws, F=Feng, P=Rest of Party.
Keep in mind the following:
Hustle 20 (Tratain, Monthor): 200 feet per minute. About 25 minutes per mile.
Hustle 30 (Renik, Draax): 300 feet per minute. About 19 minutes per mile.
Hustle 60 (Feng Mounted, Sarigar Afoot): 600 ft per minute. About ten minutes per mile
Hustle 100 (Sarigar plus Black Paws): 1000 ft per minute. About five minutes per mile.
Even with the avatar moving erratically, it will be hard for the slowpokes to catch up. If only those two had some option for faster movement!
[OOC: This is the -- urp! -- Wednesday post! I hope everyone, including Feng, can reply to it. I'll post again Sunday, and then on Monday evening. Hope that's okay. Sorry for the delay.]
Feng Friday October 14th, 2005 7:13:34 PM
Feng finds it hard to wait. He shifts in his saddle and squeezes the reigns in his hands. Every moment waisted puts their target farther and farther away.
Draax Friday October 14th, 2005 8:27:43 PM
Seeing that the whole group will not catch their prey at their current pace, Draax turns and asks Tratain a question.
"The rest of the group is running ahead to comfort the King. Do you have a spell or potion that will allow you and Monthor to move faster? Or just you if Monthor's can still activate his boots today? Catching up with the king and his minions a few of us at a time is not a very good idea."
Draax speeds up to match Renik's speed.
Cayzle OOC Friday October 14th, 2005 8:34:02 PM
LOL! Draax's Freudian Slip is showing! He wants the group "to comfort the King"!
Poor King! There, there!
:-)
Tratain Saturday October 15th, 2005 10:08:45 AM
Tratain says "I have no way to enable myself or another to move faster."
Tratain keep moveing as fast as he can towords the Kings Avatar.
Renik Sunday October 16th, 2005 6:00:14 AM
With a mischievous twinkle in his eye Renik says "Feng, could Monthor ride with you? That would speed things up a little.
We need to press on. I'm starting to get tired, but if we have no magical means of catching up we'll just have to do it the old-fashioned way."
And he presses on in pursuit of the king.
Monthor Sunday October 16th, 2005 12:11:30 PM
"Me could use the winged boots to increase speed but me only have 30 minutes worth of power per day. Well, any gain is a good gain me guests."
:: Monthor clicks his heals, sprouting the magical wings and sets off at full speed ::
Arien Sunday October 16th, 2005 1:51:24 PM
"How far ahead is the King? If we can get relatively close I could Dimension Door myself and some of the slower party members into the thick of things. Also I could cast fly but it only lasts for minutes." Arien keeps pace with the slowest member of the party to make sure that no one falls behind by themselves.
Draax/Stan Sunday October 16th, 2005 5:04:51 PM
(OOC: LOL, well he is a king and if we make him comfortable enough he might go back to sleep.)
Sarigar and Black Paws d20+17=30 d20+17=32 Sunday October 16th, 2005 9:44:53 PM
Black Paws keeps an eye on the entourage from as safe a distance as he can without losing sight of them (Hide 30, Move Silently 32).
Sarigar leads the others as fast as he can, but finds he's got to backtrack and/or stop for some of them. In response to Draxx's question, "Not sure how far he is now. I ran a good ways from where he was. Brother feels a little farther away than that now. Must be the king is backstepping some."
After a little bit, it finally dawns on him, "Biggun, ahh, the one with the big horse, umm, Feng, ya, Feng, he's closer. I told him to stay put a little ways away. Maybe halfway to the king. Maybe that door thingie you wanna do can reach him?"
Whether the party uses the dimension door or not, Sarigar will lead whoever can't be taken as fast as they can travel. First stop, Feng, then on to Black Paws (and the king).
Together Again (DM Cayzle) 4d6(2+3+6+5)=16 Sunday October 16th, 2005 10:01:33 PM
Another 37-odd minutes later, travelling at a 20-hustle, the group moves another mile and a half and meets up with Feng.
Monthor does NOT use his winged boots yet, since the group is sticking to Tratain's speed. The dwarf is ready to do so, but since there is a limited amount of time in that tactic, he refrains for the moment.
[OOC: Also please note, Yves, the item description: "He can fly three times per day for up to 5 minutes per flight." That's only 15 minutes by my reckoning, or about 3.5 miles with a light load and no heavy armor.]
[OOC: Philip, what's the range rules again for sensing how far away Black Paws is? We *really* have to get the Lost Child rules nailed down and put online!]
So after 37-odd minutes, the group is together again. The party finds Feng anxious to be off. Sarigar concentrates and announces that Black Paws (and so, the Avatar), is located about a mile to the northeast -- luck has been with you, and your target has doubled back!
At this point a number of tactics that have been discussed may come into play. Can Feng and his charger give someone a ride? Can Winged Boots serve to give a speed boost to a slowpoke? How about just flat-out running? It seems that unless the Avatar runs right at you (which *could* happen), this may be your best chance to catch up -- you are only a mile away!
[OOC: Oh, and this is the Thursday Post for last week! D'Oh! Sorry friends! Next DM Post will be Monday evening.]
Renik Monday October 17th, 2005 4:31:36 AM
"No, my friends, I didn't speak in jest" says Renik. "If we're going to catch this thing up we will need to speed up. Monthor, Feng, you will need to cozy on up on that warhorse. Come on, you know you want to. Then the rest of us can run flat out until we catch Eberyon. Let's go folks!"
Monthor Monday October 17th, 2005 7:20:09 AM
" Me may not be able to take Feng's sweet stench..... and being on a horse is no picnic either.... FINE THEN!!! Me will do! But Feng better keep his hands to himself or me'll lobe them off with me axe !!! "
Sarigar and Black Paws d20+17=25 d20+17=24 d20+16=22 d20+16=30 Monday October 17th, 2005 10:44:19 AM
Despite the relative ease Sarigar was able to move across the terrain, he's surprisingly winded (2hp damage). Now that they've gotten closer to the Avatar and his brother though, he's started to perk up a bit. "Whew, got a bit woozy there for a bit. Dunno why though."
As the group discusses how they're going to finish catching up with the Avatar, Sarigar shows far more anxiety than the others as he's already started walking ahead to the northeast.
Black Paws on the other hand, keeps his vigilance on the Avatar and his entourage. He too felt oddly weakened for a while there, but is beginning to feel like himself again. As confusing as his weakness was, the Avatar's movements are probably even more confusing. Black Paws continues to do his best to stay out of sight (Hide 25, Move Silently 24) but still keep the Avatar in sight (Spot 22, Listen 30).
Draax Monday October 17th, 2005 4:47:44 PM
While the others discuss the methods of travel, Draax readjusts and secures his gear to make it easier on him during the accelerated movement. He does a little stretching of his limbs as if he was preparing himself for a race. When everyone is ready Draax will start following Sarigar.
Tratain Monday October 17th, 2005 5:46:22 PM
Tratian continues to run as fast as he can in order to catch up to the others and the Fae Kings Avatar.
The Battle
The Final Stretch (DM Cayzle) d6=5 2d6(4+6)=10 Monday October 17th, 2005 8:47:42 PM
The group sets out northeast, lead by Sarigar towards Black Paws. Sarigar and Feng are not winded -- the former due to his attunement with nature, and the latter because he had a ride the whole time. Renik, Monthor, Draax, and Arien all take one hit point of nonlethal damage ... and until that damage is healed, you four are all fatigued. Tratain, what with the running you had to do to keep up, you take 10 hp of nonlethal damage ... and until that damage is healed, you are exhausted. Even if you heal that damage, you will be fatigued until you have had eight hours of rest.
You catch up with Black Paws. He is currently about 360 feet from the Avatar, but has stayed out of sight. In this terrain, you would expect to be able to see the Avatar at about 120 feet, give or take. It is hard to judge also because the Avatar tends to travel in spurts, leaping ahead, going to one side or another, pausing, etc.
You see a Dire Bat at the moment flying over the place you think the Avatar must be.
Note that at 360 feet distant, it still might present a problem to catch up if you cannot run -- especially with the already slow Tratain moving at half speed due to his exhaustion. If only the Avatar would change directions and head towards you! Well, stranger things have happened. Until then, what do you do?
Feng Tuesday October 18th, 2005 12:01:00 AM
"Hold on Monthor its time to engage the enemy. We will need to hold him until the others arrive. The chance of him getting away is too great. If we are lucky we can hold his attention and drawn him back toward the others."
Feng takes his warhorse forward closing the distance between them and the avatar. He starts sinigng an orchis war song, its the only ones he knows, hoping to alert the avatar. Though Feng believes the Avatar already knows they are there.
Renik (Invisible, Blinking, Flying) Tuesday October 18th, 2005 4:31:46 AM
Renik gulps down a healing potion (CLW) to take the edge off his tiredness. He offers 2 more to anyone who wants one. "Tratain, you look shattered. Heal yourself my friend, we need you strong for the battle ahead."
"OK, this is going to require some organization." says the rogue as the group examine their options. We need to get closer, and spread out. If we can get around him we might cut off his escape route. Arien, once we get a little closer perhaps you can dimension door the big hitters into melee range of the King..."
He looks around for Feng when the half-orc speaks, only to see him charging off singing at the top of his lungs. His jaw drops in astonishment. "Feng, what...?"
Grinding his teeth in frustration he growls "Fine. New plan. Follow the halfwit on the horse and try to stop him from getting himself and Monthor killed."
Renik taps himself with his invisibility wand and starts flying after the headstrong paladin, cursing under his breath.
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC 24/21, CV 143/145) Tuesday October 18th, 2005 10:30:07 AM
Watching Feng and Monthor ride off to engage the Avatar, then hearing Renik's plans to try to cut off its possible retreat, the hunters go to work. Sarigar casts his Longstrider spell, then the brothers then take off in two directions at triple speed (Sarigar 120, Black Paws 150).
Surrounding your prey is a common tactic that the brothers and their former pack used quite often and it's become second nature to them. They attempt to circle around the Avatar's entourage to get around behind him, circle back and meet the others at him.
With any luck, Feng's war song, the thunderous hoofbeats of his charger and the loud clanking of his and Monthor's armor will keep any attention off the brothers allowing them to make this maneuver without or at least with minimal detection.
Tratain Tuesday October 18th, 2005 1:19:52 PM
Tratain casts Mass Bears Endurence on the Party before anyone gets too far away, then heads off after Monthor and Feng.
Monthor Tuesday October 18th, 2005 7:56:34 PM
Monthor bounces along with Feng on the back of his war horse. Quite a comical sight actually. A big hairy, yet handsome for a 1/2 orc Paladin with an ugly, burley, grumpy dwarf sharing a ride on horse. A bard would have enough material from this to keep him busy for YEARS writing funny songs and jokes about this. Really, YEARS!!!!
"FENNNNNNNNNG!!!!! ME GONNA KICK YOUR UGLY SWEET SMELLING BUTT FOR THISSS!!!!!! "
:: Monthor grabs a potion of moderate healing from his new haversack and downs it before starting to yell out his clan battle cries. ::
[In dwarven]
" FOR THE CLAN!!!!! "
Arien (AC 21) Mage Armor Tuesday October 18th, 2005 8:26:08 PM
Arien watches a moment, caught off guard when Feng charges ahead. Shaking himself out of his surprise Arien casts Fly on himself and moves forward towards the avatar, hoping that he won't become bat food.
Draax Tuesday October 18th, 2005 10:08:30 PM
Draax takes a potion of CLW and begins running again. When he see Feng ride off after the avatar, Draax says in a quiet voice. "I see everything is back to normal."
Avatar Fight Round 1 (DM Cayzle) Thursday October 20th, 2005 7:58:39 AM
Note that Arien has not healed his one hit point of nonlethal damage ... and until that damage is healed, he is still fatigued. Tratain has not healed his 10 hp of nonlethal damage ... and until that damage is healed, he is exhausted. After healing, he will be fatigued until he has eight hours of rest.
Seeing that Feng is itching to go, the exhausted Tratain casts Mass Bear's Endurance on the group. (That's one creature per level, so I think you have enough uses to hit Black Paws and Feng's Charger, too?) (And although you posted after Feng, I'll let your action go first, soft-hearted DM that I am. Don't always count on that, though ... generally, posting order is acting order. Also note that you are still exhausted. Factor that in, please.)
Feng and Monthor move forward, towards the Avatar. They pass a deformed turtle as they ride up. Monthor takes a potion, ridding himself of his fatigue. Feng sings a challenge as he approaches.
Sarigar casts a spell and then he and Black Paws split up and circle around at a run. It's practically impossible to hide at the speed they're making, but by sticking to the trees, they remain concealed.
Renik is quick with potion and wand, and then heads out. (That's two rounds of action, but just this once your soft-hearted DM will let it pass. This time.)
Arien, though still fatigued, casts his Fly spell and heads forward with Renik. He thinks. Hard to tell with Renik invisible.
Draax takes a potion to clear away his fatigue and then moves up.
As Feng rides up, the Avatar must have heard him. The creatures that Feng can see stop in their tracks. Is that the Avatar up ahead? That hillock is in the way. And so is that huge snake on the hillock!
Notes on the Map
Green terrain shows underbrush and small trees. These spaces require two squares of movement to enter, offer concealment (20% miss chance), and those in them suffer a -2 penalty on move silent and tumble checks.
Light grey terrain shows a five foot rise. Going uphill requires 2 squares of movement. Characters running or charging downhill have to make a DC10 balance or ride check or end prone at the bottom. You get a +1 to attack downhill.
Dark grey terrain shows ANOTHER five foot rise. Same rules for going up and down hill. Dark grey terrain next to white terrain is a 10-foot cliff. DC15 climb to cross, and a creature on top does not threaten the creature on bottom, and vice versa (unless the creature has a ten-foot reach!).
You cannot see over a 10-foot rise. You have obscured vision through brush and trees.
The Enemy
A deformed turtle (tu) A salamander (fire snake-man) (sa) A crocodile (cr) A whale (cannot move, but is flailing around) An ape A huge snake A dire lion An elephant A genie A giant elf
It looks to Feng like the crocodile is chasing the salamander and the whale just attacked the croc with a tail swipe as it went by.
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC 24/21, CV 143/145) Thursday October 20th, 2005 3:20:30 PM
The brothers continue running around the entourage to attempt to get in front of them. Sarigar runs just to the inside of the hill to his northeast and proceeds to the northeast (AN15, off the map, but that coordinate should be right). His brother continues almost due north, weaving between the hills (16 squares takes him to the north edge of the map where he'll begin to arc his way to the east for the 14 additional squares of his movement).
Renik: AC 32 (Full Def.), HP 107 (Bear's End.) (Invisible, Blinking, Flying, Bless) Thursday October 20th, 2005 5:44:53 PM
Well that's the element of surprise gone, thinks Renik. Scowling invisibly he speeds through the air, intent upon the giant elf ahead of him. Stil, perhaps the focus of attention upon the others can play to his advantage, as long as none can see his invisible form. He rise further into the air (20 feet up) and wonders how these summoned creatures will react to their presence. They seem pretty busy attacking each other right now.
Renik flies to N24.
Monthor ooc> Thursday October 20th, 2005 7:13:30 PM
To all:
DON'T FORGET THE 'BLESS' EFFECT!!!!!
I'll post for real a bit later.
==========
[OOC from Cayzle -- WHAT bless effect? You mean the mass bear's endurance?]
Monthor ( AC 22, HP 101) Thursday October 20th, 2005 9:32:58 PM
The dwarf feels like he's just along for the ride at this point but he's now had enough.
" Hold back and wait for the others! And whatever ye do, Keep alive Princess. "
:: Monthor activates his winged boots and lifts off the horse. Monthor stays stationary where he is and waits for the others.
Monthor ooc to Cayzle Thursday October 20th, 2005 10:03:03 PM
The one from Queen Maab. You said you'd let us know when it was no longer in effect. Unless I missed it, you haven't yet. Right? Or are my meds to strong?
==========
[OOC: Nope, you are right and I am off MY meds! Per my post of Sept. 17, everyone IS under the effect of a Bless spell! Thanks for keeping me honest, Yves! Please take note, all! -- Cayzle]
Feng Thursday October 20th, 2005 10:18:40 PM
Feng eases his stallion backwards. Now that he had their attention he was indeed going to let the others catch up. They needed to prep and to focus their attacks to end their enemies quickly.
Tratain d8+5=13 Thursday October 20th, 2005 10:44:10 PM
Tratain casts Cure Light WOunds upon himself to remove the Non-leathal damage on himself, and then advances with the others as far as he is able to.
Draax Friday October 21st, 2005 12:01:14 AM
Seeing Feng stop, Draax moves with the others to catch up.
Avatar Fight Round 2 (DM Cayzle) d20+6=22 d8+6=14 (croc vs whale) d20+10=25 d20+10=21 d8+4=5 d8+4=5 (genie vs whale) d20+5=16 d8+4=9 (bat vs elephant) Friday October 21st, 2005 7:15:34 AM
[OOC Notes: Since it has been 23 hours since my last post, I feel it is fair to get moving without more waiting. Note that if you do not give the coordinates of a square you want to move in, then I will guesstimate for you. Note that Arien and Tratain are fatigued. Note that we have several fliers, marked with red borders on the map. Unless you state otherwise, you are assumed to be 10 feet up. That goes for enemies too.]
This is mostly a round for maneuvering on the field of combat. Black Paws runs for one flank; Sarigar for the other. Both brothers are somewhat slowed by the terrain; Sarigar by the underbrush and small trees, Black paws by having to go up hills. Note that Black Paws had to run down two slopes in his movement -- per the terrain notes below, please roll two balance checks, and if one fails, back him up and put him prone at the base of a slope.
Sarigar felt sure that he saw a large lion on the field last round -- now he sees a huge bat, and no sign of the lion.
Monthor flies up and waits. Feng eases back, leaving Monthor as the most exposed of our heroes. Renik, Draax, and Tratain move up toward Feng. Arien, too tired to move, maybe, hangs back.
=====
The Enemy
The Salamander speaks to you, but you do not understand the words. The Crocodile attacks the whale and bites it hard. The Whale tries to flee but cannot move on dry land. The Ape moves closer to the giant elf. The Snake hisses at Monthor. The deformed Turtle heads away from the scene southwest, but is sooo slow. You hear (and Sarigar sees) the Elephant trumpetting loudly. The Genie attacks the Whale. The Dire Bat attacks the Elephant.
The Giant Elf stands still and starts to cast a spell.
=====
Notes on the Map
Green terrain shows underbrush and small trees. These spaces require two squares of movement to enter, offer concealment (20% miss chance), and those in them suffer a -2 penalty on move silent and tumble checks.
Light grey terrain shows a five foot rise. Going uphill requires 2 squares of movement. Characters running or charging downhill have to make a DC10 balance or ride check or end prone at the bottom. You get a +1 to attack downhill.
Dark grey terrain shows ANOTHER five foot rise. Same rules for going up and down hill. Dark grey terrain next to white terrain is a 10-foot cliff. DC15 climb to cross, and a creature on top does not threaten the creature on bottom, and vice versa (unless the creature has a ten-foot reach!).
You cannot see over a 10-foot rise. You have obscured vision through brush and trees.
Note: At the very end of the round, the salamander disappears.
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC 24/21, CV 143/145) d20+3=21 d20+3=12 Friday October 21st, 2005 10:31:39 AM
With his Woodland Stride Sarigar slips through the underbrush as if it weren't there and continues to circle around the entourage (slow arc to AC3, 18 squares of movement).
Black Paws didn't weave around the hills as well as he intended, slipping slightly but keeping his feet under him (Balance 21 & 12). He continues his arc toward the east, circling around the hill he's next to then dashes east through the brush and stops north of the elf (move to X2-Y3, 20 squares of movement, including double squares through the brush).
Renik: AC 32 (Full Def.), HP 107 (Bear's End.) (Invisible, Blinking, Flying, Bless) d20+20=30 d20+21=36 Friday October 21st, 2005 12:24:34 PM
Climbing to 40 feet Renik flies on, intent upon the elf. He flies as quietly as he is able (Move Silently 30). If he notices any creatures seemingly aware of his presence he weaves and bobs through the air as he passes close by (Tumble 36).
Aiming for U12.
Feng (AC 23, HP 114, Mounted) d20+18=26 d20+13=23 d20+8=18 d8+6=11 d6=5 d8+6=9 d6=6 d8+6=9 d6=6 Friday October 21st, 2005 5:51:31 PM
Feng charges forward, flaing axe head hanging low to the left side. He moves toward the crocodile, intending to end the creature quickly before trying to deal with the wale.
ooc: well I forgot the movement/ attack rule again. I'm assuming it works the same for mounted as unmounted. So ignore all rolls besides the first. Feng it ac 26 for 11 normal and 5 fire
Monthor ( AC 22, HP 101) Friday October 21st, 2005 8:00:33 PM
ooc> Who can clarify what Bear's endurance does?
:: Monthor grips his axe a little tighter as he waits for Renik to pass him. Once he does, Monthor falls in behind and follows. ::
" Kinda silly to attack the beasts isn't it? If they be fighting themselves, why not let them do the work for us? We can get whatever survives later? "
Draax AC 25, HP 123 (Bless) Friday October 21st, 2005 8:46:25 PM
Draax wonders what is going on as the animals begin attacking each others. Are these the king's guardians or not? Could some of the animals be on their side, are they fighting out of jealousy for the king's affection or could it be something else? He hates acting without have any idea of what is going on.
Agreeing with Monthor's assessment of the situation, Draax moves to O22 and takes a moment to observe what is going on.
Philip K Saturday October 22nd, 2005 10:04:39 AM
ooc: Bear's Endurance: +4 Con for the duration, which will grant +2 hit points per character level and +2 Fortitude saves.
DM Cayzle OOC Saturday October 22nd, 2005 10:20:08 AM
If I can get an Arien or a Tratain post, I'll put up a turn. In fact, even if I don't I'll put up a turn eventually today.
And then I'll start the week fresh with a post Monday evening.
Tratain HP 116 AC 26 [Fatigued; Mass Bears; Extended Magic Vestment; Bless] Saturday October 22nd, 2005 10:58:45 AM
Tratain double Moves to K27 so that the fight doesn't get too far ahead of him. He is a little annoyed that Feng didn't attempt to speak with the Fae king before attacking his minions, but then again the King didn't attempt to speak with the Party either.
----------------------------------- Fatigued - -2 Str, -2 Dex, Can not Run Mass Bears - +4 Con (12 Minutes) Magic Vestment - +3 Enhancement to Shield (24 Hours) Bless - +1 Moral to Hit and Save vs Fear
Avatar Fight Round 3 (DM Cayzle) d20+12=32 d20+12=17 (crit hit on Arien) 2d8(7+7)+10=24 2d8(4+2)+10=16 (crit damage to Arien) d20+17=18 (Whale misses Genie) d20+16=34 2d8(4+8)+15=27 (Elephant badly gores Bat) d20+22=24 (Roc attacks BP) 2d6(1+5)+12=18 (dam to BP) d20+33=36 (grapple vs BP -- a nat 3) Saturday October 22nd, 2005 5:35:43 PM
Sarigar and Black Paws continue to move, ending up just north of the Giant Elf.
Renik moves forward carefully.
Feng charges the crocodile and kills it. The paladin thinks that the whale had already severely wounded it.
Monthor follows Feng. He wonders at the way the animals are attacking each other.
Draax concurs, and moves forward while trying to figure it out.
If you are wondering what is going on with the animals, then if you can make a Spellcraft Check vs DC24, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {The animals seems to be confused, per the magical effect.} Draax, you get a +2 bonus on this roll, seeing as you aren't really doing anything else this round.
Tratain moves up as well, leaving Arien and the deformed turtle behind.
=====
The Enemy
A HUGE bird -- a Roc -- appears in the air directly over Black Paws and Sarigar.
The Whale flops around and hits at the Genie with its tail -- but misses. The Ape moves away from the giant elf, hustling right past Black Paws -- BP can take an AoO if he wishes (see below for AC). The Snake hisses again.
The deformed Turtle charges 20 feet to close the gap with Arien. It spits a black spray at the mage's eyes as a free action -- make a reflex save vs DC15 or be blind for the rest of the round. Then the turtle snaps its jaws, hitting AC32, a natural 20, and following up with a hit on AC17 -- which is Arien's AC, per the latest PC sheet I have on file. The critical hit does 40 hp in all to the mage. His usual total is 48, but with the Bear's Endurance, that extra 22 sure is coming in handy! Arien has 30 hp left.
The Elephant attacks the Dire Bat, goring in badly with savage tusks. The Bat is badly hurt!
The Genie says something you do not understand.
The Roc attacks Blak Paws. It flies down and reaches with a talon -- Its natural 2 hits AC 24, enough to hit Black Paw's AC21. Black Paws takes 18 hp damage, and the roc tries to fly off with Sarigar's friend. The roc's grapple check is a natural 3, which, under the new Wold rules for special attacks, is an automatic failure. The Roc caws in frustration and flies back up 30 feet in the air.
The Giant Elf finishes his spell, and four Dire Wolves appear near him. He moves towards southwest -- DIRECTLY UNDER RENIK! The four Dire Wolves move with him. Then the Giant Elf casts a Heat Metal spell on Feng, Monthor, and Draax. All three please make a Will DC17 save or the metal you carry will become warm ... and getting warmer! In your next post, please mention what kind of armor you are wearing.
So far there is no sign that the enemy has detected Renik.
Enemies:
Whale - AC16 Ape - AC14 Huge viper - AC15 Deformed Turtle - AC23 Elephant - AC15 Genie - AC16 Dire bat - AC20 Roc - AC17 Dire Wolf - AC14 Giant Elf - AC22
=====
Notes on the Map
Green terrain shows underbrush and small trees. These spaces require two squares of movement to enter, offer concealment (20% miss chance), and those in them suffer a -2 penalty on move silent and tumble checks.
Light grey terrain shows a five foot rise. Going uphill requires 2 squares of movement. Characters running or charging downhill have to make a DC10 balance or ride check or end prone at the bottom. You get a +1 to attack downhill.
Dark grey terrain shows ANOTHER five foot rise. Same rules for going up and down hill. Dark grey terrain next to white terrain is a 10-foot cliff. DC15 climb to cross, and a creature on top does not threaten the creature on bottom, and vice versa (unless the creature has a ten-foot reach!).
You cannot see over a 10-foot rise. You have obscured vision through brush and trees.
Note: The crocodile's body disappears when it is slain.
Tratain HP 116 AC 30 [Fatigued; Shield of Faith; Mass Bears; Extended Magic Vestment; Bless] d20+10=26 d20+10=18 d20+10=17 d20+10=16 d20+10=28 d20+10=12 d20+10=27 d20+10=18 d20+10=11 d20+10=15 Saturday October 22nd, 2005 9:42:29 PM
Tratain moves foreward to L23 and in an instant brings up one of his shielding spells. (Quicken Shield of Faith). Then his hands flash through another spell attempting to get rid of some of the Monsters summoned by the Giant Elf. (Casting Area Dispel Magic, Targeted Under Renik, but far enough down not to hit him. Its a 20 foot Radius so I figure targeting hte spell about 15 feet above the ground should hit the Wolves, Genie, Snake, and the Giant Elf.
Dispel Checks: 1 - Beats up to Caster Level 15 2 - Beats up to Caster Level 7 3 - Beats up to Caster Level 6 4 - Beats up to Caster Level 5 5 - Beats up to Caster Level 17 6 - Beats up to Caster Level 1 7 - Beats up to Caster Level 16 8 - Beats up to Caster Level 7 9 - Fails 10 - Beats up to Caster Level 4
Not sure If I needed that many Checks but rolled them anyway.
Cayzle OOC Sunday October 23rd, 2005 5:59:15 AM
Friends, Carl asked a great question, basically about moving around in 3-D space (with all these fly spells). Here is my answer.
The Giant Elf is 10 feet tall.
Here is my on-the-fly ruling about character "volume."
Quadrupeds and Small creatures take up a volume equal to a cube the depth of which is the length of the area they occupy. Bipeds take up a volume that is five feet higher than that.
Examples:
Halfling -- 5 ft x 5 ft x 5 ft high space.
Horse -- 10 ft x 10 ft x 10 ft high space.
Human -- 5 ft x 5 ft x 10 ft high space.
Giant Elf -- 10 ft x 10 ft x 15 ft space.
If the game board is now made of cubes rather than squares, then the Giant Elf occupies the first three cubes going up from the ground. Renik is 40 ft up ... he occupies the ninth and tenth cubes from the ground. That means the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth cubes are empty. Renik would have to descend 5 cubes to be within reach of the Giant Elf. Note that if the Giant Elf can threaten any squares, then as Renik passes from the 4th cube to the 3rd cube, he would provoke an AoO from the Elf. That is highly unlikely, though, seeing as (1) the Elf is unaware of the rogue, and (2) the Elf seems to be carrying no weapon, and so cannot threaten any square unless he has the Unarmed Attack feat or some odd, unseen natural weapon.
If Renik does descend to the fourth cube from the ground, then the Dire Wolves, who occupy the first and second cubes and who have only a five-foot reach, will not be able to attack him. The exception is the Dire Wolf at S-13-T-14, who is on a slope, so it occupies the second and third cubes, and can reach the fourth.
The Snake, taking up a 15 ft x 15 ft x 15 ft space and having a 10 ft natural reach and being perched on the highest rock, might be a problem, but for now, Renik would be still 15 feet away even if he descended straight down, so that's a problem for another day.
I assume that Renik is painfully aware that his invisibility will be of limited utility within 30 feet of creatures with the Scent ability?
Nonetheless, getting back to this round, it would clearly be a move action for Renik to traverse the 25 feet of vertical space that separates him from the Giant Elf.
Renik: AC 26 HP 107 (Invisible, Flying, Bless, Bear's End.) d20+20=35 d20+24=36 6d6(6+4+3+3+2+6)+7=31 Sunday October 23rd, 2005 7:05:29 PM
Renik looks about him with a sinking feeling. Their forces are far too widely spread out. It is only fortunate their opponent's summoned creatured are attacking one another. He wishes they had sprung a better trap, but realises that they will have to play the hand they've been dealt. The longer they delay the more this crazed creature will continue to summon allies. He will need to keep Eberyon distracted whilst his companions draw closer.
Taking a deep breath he cancels his blinking and drops silently behind the Fae King (to V12, MS 35). Hovering invisibly behind Eberyon's exposed neck Renik does his best to remind himself of the deaths this creature is responsible for. Those villagers, the wider destruction across the Wold. The arrogance of the Fae King's deeds have caused destruction and misery on an enormous scale. It makes his cowardly attack upon an unarmed opponent little easier for him to stomach. Bracing himself he slams a shortsword hard toward the exposed artery (AC 36 for 31 HP).
As he flickers back into view he reactivates his blinking ring and cries out;
"Yield, Fae King! Yield and face the judgement Queen Maab bade us pass!"
Draax AC 21 (with bow), HP 123/(147hp with Mass Bear) (Bless) d20+3=23 d20+14=21 d20+7=21 Monday October 24th, 2005 12:34:27 AM
Draax tries to figure out why the animals are acting the way they are (rolled natural 20 for check, but does not have the spellcraft skill.)
Draax pulls his bow, ready to try and pull a few of the creatures away from the king. He takes aim at one of the dire wolves, but turns his attention to Arien and the turtle when he hears the attack from behind him. As he fires the arrow at the turtle Draax wonders why Arien did not fly out of the creature's reach. Making sure he does not hit Arien, Draax watches his arrow barely miss the creature (hit AC 21 took -4 for shooting into melee).
Draax notices that it is getting a little hotter in the area (Makes Will save with a 21.)
Sarigar and Black Paws (CV 149 (145+24 Bear's -20damage), AC 24/21) (Bless) d20+13=25 d20+11=25 d20+13=22 d20+12=32 d20+15=17 d20+14=20 Monday October 24th, 2005 10:41:19 AM
In a hope to prevent his brother from being snatched, Sarigar tries something rather crazy. He "whispers" to his brother to come at him (5ft steps toward each other). Sarigar leaps up on Black Paws back (Ride 25), then he has Black Paws jump as high as he can (standing Jump 25, 6ft vertical). As Black Paws reaches the top of his jump, Sarigar jumps off his back (Ride 22 to not slip off, Jump 32 (nat 20) 8 ft vertical). Having been launched that high, Sarigar attempts to grab hold of any part of the Roc he can and hold on (Attack AC 17, Grapple check 20).
Should he miss or not hold on, he braces for the fall.
ooc: Under the jump skill, medium creatures have an 8ft vertical reach, with Black Paws being more long than tall, I figure he'd have the same vertical reach. So, 8 ft for Sarigar's reach, 8 ft for Black Paws reach, +8 for Sarigar's jump + 6 for Black Paws jump should makes 30ft exactly, whew. At best, I would see all that jumping as a charge which I didn't figure in the +2 for since it was a bit awkward.
Feng (AC 23, HP 114, Mounted) d20+10=22 d20+18=34 d20+13=19 d20+8=27 d20+8=25 d8+8=9 d6=1 d8+8=10 d6=2 3d8(8+3+3)+24=38 d6=3 Monday October 24th, 2005 11:01:51 AM
Feng moves forward to bring him close to the whale. His eyes are on the giant elf and wonders if the giant bane on the other head of his axe will affect it. Well he's going to find out. BUt first he needed to get rid of this magical summons. These creatures aren't real. Solidified in his belief that they aren't real Feng raises his axe and brings it down hard into the whale.
OOC: 1st attack hit ac 34 for 9 normal and 1 fire. 2nd attack hit ac 19 for 10 normal and 2 fire. 3rd attack is a crit, ac 25 to confirm, for 38 normal and 3 fire.
ooc2: will save 22
Arien (AC 21, HP 50) Mage Armor, Flying (Posted by Carl) d20+23=40 d20+14=20 d20+23=33 d20+24=35 d20+9=16 Monday October 24th, 2005 7:08:51 PM
(OOC: I make it that Arien takes 24 HP of damage, not 40: AC 21 as per last post means no crit. Also I have his HP at 52, so current total 50.)
The bleeding mage easily avoids the Turtle's blinding spittle (Ref 20), and as he does so he notices something of interest (Spellcraft 40).
"The summoned creatures seem to be under the influence of a Confusion spell!" Cries Arien. "Let them battle one another! If we take down the king his creatures will vanish of their own accord! Focus on the king!"
He floats up another five feet (OOC: as he was flying in his last post I'm assuming Arien was at least 5-10 feet from the ground. This 5 foot 'step' should put him out of reach of the turtle), then draws a scroll from his pants of plenty. He realises that they need to stop the King from casting, and this may be the best way to do it. Unfurling the parchment he intones the inscribed runes in a hushed voice, watching them turn to pale blue smoke as he does so (OOC: Cast scroll of Silence (10th level) on Renik).
He watches the Elf and Genie carefully for their responses (OOC: Spellcraft 35, Spot 16).
(NB: 33 Concentration check if needed due to an attack)
Monthor (AC 22, 26 vs giant size. HP 124, flying, blessed) d20+3=15 d20+23=35 d20+23=42 d10=6 d6=1 Monday October 24th, 2005 7:39:20 PM
[ooc> fails the will save 15, wears 1/2 plate]
:: Monthor, still flying, charges at full speed towards the giant elf. Monthor attempts to flank the elf [s14 or S15] and attacks, two handed, with his war axe [ to hit 35 (+2 flanking, add +1 for the bless effect for 38) (ignore the 42, finger slipped), damage (1d10, + 12 strenght, + 1-6 flame, +2 weapon spec.= 21 damage)]
Avatar Fight Round 4 (DM Cayzle) d100=46 (Renik's Miss chance) d4=1 (which wolf was dispelled) d20+17=31 d4=2 (heat dam to Monthor) d8+18=19 (whale att on Feng) d20+5=19 d8+4=6 (bat hits elphant) d2=1 d20+20=29 4d6(2+5+3+5)+6=21 (large turtle kills bat) d20+21=39 d20+21=32 2d6(3+2)+12=17 2d6(1+2)+12=15 (roc tlon attacks on sarigar) d20+19=39 d20+19=34 (roc beak att crits) 2d8(2+2)+6=10 2d8(5+5)+6=16 (roc beak crit damage) d20+7=19 (giant elf tumbles away) d20+11=24 d20+11=30 (wolf attacks on Renik hit AC24 and 30) d100=16 (but miss check misses him) d20+11=16 (misses Monthor) Tuesday October 25th, 2005 1:25:06 AM
Tratain's Dispel takes effect, and there are POP-POP-POPs as magic effects are ended. A Dire Wolf disappears. The Genie disappears. And a magical effect on the Giant Elf disappears.
[OOC: Darn you to heck, you hero! There goes my villain's Stoneskin!]
[OOC to Reniik: Seems to me like you are cancelling and reactivating your Blink Ring as a free action. Per the SRD:
"Activation (of Rings in general): Usually, a ring's ability is activated by a command word (a standard action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity) or it works continually. Some rings have exceptional activation methods, according to their descriptions.
Blinking: On command, this ring makes the wearer blink, as with the blink spell."
I'm assuming that means to activate the Blink ring is a standard action. I'm also assuming that upon activation, it lasts for 5 rounds (standard Blink spell duration at minimum caster level), unless deactivated as a standard action first.
Therefore, I'll assume that Renik did not turn his ring off (nor on again) this round. Therefore, I'll roll the miss chance on the attack ... a 46 is no problem.]
Renik flies down to the Fae King and attacks. He hits! With no Stoneskin to protect him, the King takes the full 31 hp damage!
Sarigar tries to leap onto the roc and grab hold (a grapple attack). But even with five or ten extra points for style, there's no way he can hit the roc's grapple DC 43. Sarigar lands next to his friend, unsuccessful in his attempt.
Draax shoots at the deformed turtle, but misses. He resists the Heat Metal.
Feng charges the whale and inflicts some serious harm to it.
Arien, whose mage armor saved him from a crit, shouts out that the animals are confused. His five foot step up takes him out of reach of the turtle thing.He dodges its blinding spittle.
Then Arien casts Silence on Renik. I'll assume that Renik chooses not to make a save (alert me if otherwise!) The silence covers the Fey King too.
Monthor charges the King and hits for 21 hp damage.
The Enemy
First thing, a new creature appears -- another deformed turtle, but this time it is bigger. It appears next to the elephant.
Monthor takes 2 hp heat damage.
The whale whips its tail around at Feng, hitting AC31 for 19 damage. The ape and the snake howl and hiss (the latter, silently). The medium size deformed turtle spits again at Arien (another DC15 Reflex save, please) or be blinded for one round.
The elephant trumpets and the bat bites it. The newly-appeared large turtle snaps at the bat, and kills it.
The roc attacks Sarigar with talons and bite -- two talons hit AC39 and AC32 for 32 hp damage total; and the beak gets a natural 20 and crits vs AC34 for another 26 points of damage.
Two dire wolves attack Renik, and one attacks Monthor. One might have hit Renik, but he blinks out of the way. The one biting at Monthor misses.
The Giant Elf tumbles five feet out of harm's way and then moves 20 more feet, taking him just outside the silent circle. Then he uses his standard action to Ready a spell, but he does not cast it yet.
The Giant Elf calls out something in a regal voice, but Monthor and Renik, in the Silence, cannot hear.
Everyone EXCEPT Renik and Monthor, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {"Let's talk! Pull back and we can negotiate! What are your terms? Come closer or attack and I'll cast my spell!"}
On second thought, both Renik and Monthor can read the King's words if they can make a Spot check to read lips at DC16 (his mouth is big, and he is enunciating clearly!)
At the end of the round, the wounded whale disappears.
Tratain HP 116 AC 30 [Fatigued; Shield of Faith; Mass Bears; Extended Magic Vestment; Bless] d20+10=30 Tuesday October 25th, 2005 9:18:13 AM
Tratain moves to O26 and Readies an Action to use his last Dispel Magic to counter whatever spell it is that the King intends to Cast.
He Calls Out to His Friends, "I wish to Hear what he has to Say. You, Fae King will Surrender and Face the Judgement Queen Maab has empowered us to Give. We will Hear what you have to say before we decide anything. We want to know what happened at the Village we Tracked you from."
Dispel Check: Natural 20, if not an automatic Success, then beats Caster Level 19
Monthor [ AC 22, 26vs giant, HP 122, blessed, mass bears] d20-2=0 d20+24=31 d20+19=22 d20+13=16 d10=3 d6=3 d10=1 d6=2 d10=6 d6=4 Tuesday October 25th, 2005 10:07:32 AM
Monthor doesn't have a clue what the big elf is trying to say ( check 0!!! ) so he decides to whack at the giant viper (U15) instead.
( To hit, 31,22, and 16 vs AC 15 - Three hits for 20, 17 and 24 = 61 total) On the off chance that he kills it before the third blow, he'll cleave and attack the dire wolf (T14)
Sarigar and Black Paws (CV 91 (145+24 Bear's -78damage), AC 24/21) (Bless) Tuesday October 25th, 2005 10:31:12 AM
With the Roc pretty much unreachable, Sarigar ditches his attempt at getting at it and darts off after the elf, weaving through the field to avoid the elephant, turtle and wolves (withdraw move 45 ft to Z12). He stops short to avoid the elf's long reach.
Black Paws on the other hand runs to the east arcing around the ape's reach and hoping his speed can keep him away from the Roc's nasty talons and beak (withdraw, move 100ft in an arc to F4-G5).
Renik: AC 26 HP 107 (Blinking, Flying, Bless, Bear's End.) d20+14=21 d20+24=28 d100=87 6d6(4+4+3+5+2+1)+7=26 d20+21=28 Tuesday October 25th, 2005 5:57:21 PM
(OOC: Re ring activation, quite right, I stand corrected. Sorry!)
Renik is suddenly completely deafened as Arien's spell hits him. Looking around in some surprise he realises that the king is speaking (Spot 21), and simultaneously realises what Arien is trying to do with his spell. He floats up 5 feet, and gets ready to react if things turn sour.
(Readied action: if the king attempts to cast his spell Renik flies to AA13, weaving as he approaches (Tumble 28) and attacks (AC 28, blink hits, 26 HP damage. Should the king move thereafter he will shadow his movement, staying well within 20 feet of him (Spring Attack).
Arien (AC 21, HP 50) Mage Armor, Flying, Bless, Bear's End. (Posted by Carl) d20+14=23 24d6(5+1+5+2+2+4+1+6+2+5+5+6+3+1+1+6+6+5+2+3+2+1+2+3)=79 5d6(2+5+5+3+2)=17 Tuesday October 25th, 2005 6:18:45 PM
(OOC: I have no idea what spells Arien has prepared, so I'm going to wing it! Go easy on me, I've never played a spellcaster before, and I'm not too hot on the mechanics of magic.)
The half-elf snorts in mild annoyance as another glob of blinding spittle sails past him (Ref 23) . He floats up another 5 feet and then forward to N27. Drawing one of his most powerful spells to the front of his mind his finger begins to glow a baleful green. He feels it burning behind his eyes, dark and malevolent. but he keeps the spell in check. Should the Fae king prove true to his word he will hold back, but at the first sign of aggression he will cast, showing no mercy (Readied action, Arien will cast Disintegrate if the Fae King attempts to cast a spell. 79 HP damage, Fort DC 22 to take 17).
Feng (AC 23, HP 95/ 114, Mounted) Tuesday October 25th, 2005 10:57:53 PM
Feng walks his mount over toward the giant elf. He flips the double axe around in his hand so the giant bane head is prime.
"If there is a chance for peace instead of bloodshed then let us talk. It appears that something is wrong with a few of my teammates. You dismiss your creatures we put away our weapons and we can talk without fear of violence." Feng says. To back up his words Feng places the double axe in the holder strapped to his back.
Draax AC 21 (with bow), HP 123/(147hp with Mass Bear) (Bless) Wednesday October 26th, 2005 3:40:45 AM
Draax stands ready but decides to listen to what the king has to say.
Avatar Fight Round 5 (DM Cayzle) d20+19=26 d10=7 d6=2 [cleave attack for Monthor] d20+19=35 2d8(8+1)=9 (lightning bird attack on Sarigar) d100=92 (conceal chance on Disinitegrate) d20+10=16 Wednesday October 26th, 2005 6:36:33 AM
Tratain makes a small move and readies a dispel.
Monthor swings at the snake, hits it, swings again, kills it, cleaves to the wolf next to it, rolls a 26, hits it, inflicts 23 damage, then takes his third swing, hits the wolf a second time, and inflicts another 24. [The DM rolled the extra Cleave attack, above.] That's a total of 47 to the wolf, which also kills it. That's two dead animals to Monthor's credit! The bodies disappear when the creatures are slain.
Sarigar moves toward the Giant Elf. That triggers his readied action, and the Elf tries to cast a spell. That triggers Tratain's dispel, which cancel's the Fae King's spell.
Renik flies up five feet and gets ready to close if the Fae King casts a spell. [OOC: Per the Ready rules, you can ready a move or an attack, but not both. You cannot ready a charge. So I'll assume that Renik readies a move to try to stay within 20 feet of the Avatar, triggered by him casting a spell.]
Arien moves closer and readies a Disintegrate. [OOC: Note that the spell requires a ranged Touch attack. see below.]
Feng moves up closer to the Fae King [OOC: I used my discretion to avoid the Silence and to avoid attacks of opportunity on Feng.] He has a few words for the Giant Elf, and puts away his weapon.
Draax has his bow out but lends an ear, not an arrow.
The Enemy
First thing, a new creature pops in -- a large four-winged bird.
The Ape moves towards Black Paws, away from the Giant Elf. The smaller Turtle-Thing makes a strange gurgling sound; the bigger Turtle-Thing moves northeast. The Elephant runs crashing off into a stand of trees. The Roc flies 160 feet off the north edge of the map.
The Fae King yells, "There! Are you happy?" He and his dire wolves run into a small stand of trees. The Giant Elf falls prone behind. He readies an action, triggered by the movement of his wolves.
The four-winged creature flies directly over the King and points its tail at Sarigar. A bolt of lightning flashes from the bird's tail to Sarigar. The ranged touch attack hits AC35 and inflicts 9 hp damage.
The wolves, baying, run to stand between the King and his enemies. Now, in the trees, the Giant Elf he has 20% concealment -- and prone and with his wolves as cover, his AC against ranged attacks is +8. He casts a spell.
This triggers Renik's prepared move, and the rogue flies close enough to the Giant Elf to put it in the Silence; but he stays out of AoO range. The Silence ruins the spell.
But that also triggers Arien's Disintegrate. That requires a ranged touch attack. The concealment roll of 92 means that the attack is not ruined by concealment. Arien, please roll your ranged touch vs AC19. If that hits, then the King FAILS his save!
So let's see if Arien can hit an AC19. If not, the fight goes on. If he can, the battle is over!
Sarigar and Black Paws (CV 82 (145+24 Bear's -87damage), AC 24/21) (Bless) d20+12=22 Wednesday October 26th, 2005 1:39:23 PM
Bloodied and now singed, Sarigar lets out a labored cough, then spits blood on the ground. He slows his pace and moves toward the guarding wolves wiping his mouth with his arm. He speaks to the wolves in wolf and pointing around the area...Highlight to display spoiler: {"Brothers, do not help him. He's harming to you and all the other animals. Look around, they ain't right, the big fish on land, the odd hard shells and all the rest."} (Wild Empathy check 22 to calm them). Sarigar stands firm to show no fear, but also shows the wolves he will do them no harm. If they attack, he offers no resistance at all.
Black Paws continues making a large circle around the area, weaving around the hills and underbrush and careful to avoid the reach of creatures still around (double move 100ft in a slow arc). His current path should hopefully get him back to his brother in about 3 rounds.
Arien (AC 21, HP 50) Mage Armor, Flying, Bless, Bear's End. d20+10=22 Wednesday October 26th, 2005 8:28:11 PM
As the giant elf begins to cast his spell Arien responds with his own. Completing the spell, Arien points at the Fae King and a thin green beam of energy shoots from his hand, striking the prone Fae King, reducing him to dust.
The Judgement
The Fae King Defeated (DM Cayzle) Wednesday October 26th, 2005 8:41:42 PM
When Arien's spell hits the Giant Elf, the dust in an empty suit of armor is not all that is left of the Avatar.
True, every animal on the field of battle (except Black Paws and Feng's charger, of course) disappears. But still there is something left.
Standing over the Fae King's gear, in the place he was defeated, you see a ghostly image. The Giant Elf stands again, but you can see through him. This spirit looks mournfully at you. His eyes make contact with your own, and you sense that he is both full of blame as well as sorrow.
Monthor Wednesday October 26th, 2005 9:33:27 PM
Monthor stands bloody and speechless at the sight of the elf king's spirit. Monthor douses the flame of from his axe and awaits to see what will happen next.
Tratain Wednesday October 26th, 2005 10:58:42 PM
Tratain first walks over to Sarigar and casts Heal upon him. Then he walks over to the ghostly Form of the Fey King to see if it is able to speak.
He says to the others "I think we need to cast our judgements now that we have defeated him."
Draax Thursday October 27th, 2005 12:17:12 AM
Draax walk over to the Fey King and looks the spirit in the eyes. "You have damaged the wold and have killed or ruined a lot of good beings. I came on this hunt with the intention of voting for you to die, but I cannot dismiss your efforts to fight for the elves. I thought about voting for sleep but then my grandchildren will have to suffer for my actions, so I will vote for you to Atone and hope that such a thing is possible."
Draax turns to the others, "I vote ATONE."
Feng Thursday October 27th, 2005 10:15:23 AM
"I am ashamed at myself for letting things get to this level. He wished a truce, to talk and to try and work something out peacefully. The heat of battle was so strong that we never got the chance to have a meeting that could have gone down in legend." Feng says obviously distraut. He paces for a minute before speaking again.
"I vote atone."
Sarigar and Black Paws Thursday October 27th, 2005 10:32:25 AM
Holding the gash in his shoulder as Tratain heals him he glances at him, "Thanks." then immediately turns his attention to the spirit. His brother trots up beside him and they move toward the spirit.
The brothers slowly circle the spirit form, checking it from top to toe. Images flood their minds: the people drowning back in Plateau city, the attempts on their lives in the dream lands, the tormented animals strewn about this area with absolutely no regard for their well being. A look of malice builds upon their faces.
As they finish their inspection, they move back toward the others, not taking their eyes off the spirit for even an instant. Sarigar crouches to the ground, picking up handfuls of dirt and rubs it over the blood that was drawn by the elf's carelessly summoned minions. "You'll do it again..."
For several long moments, they remain frighteningly silent. Unlike other moments of stillness between them, the brothers don't appear to even be talking with each other. Finally, in little more than a whisper but carrying a foreboding conviction the brother's judgement comes, "die"
Monthor- Addition Thursday October 27th, 2005 10:48:26 AM
" Atone "
Renik Thursday October 27th, 2005 11:52:54 AM
The rogue gazes at the spirit form with mixed emotions. Here stands (or at least floats), the creature responsible for untold mayhem in the Wold. Death, destruction, despair. By rights he should be struck down where he stands for his crimes.
But there are deeper issues at work here. He cannot allow himself to forget that Eberyon is, to all intents and purposes, the living embodiment of the Natural Wold. To slay such a being (even assuming it is possible) could have horrific consequences for the Wold.
And so the question becomes; should they ask him to atone for his actions, or to sleep?
Try as he might he cannot bring himself to trust this trickster king. He is by nature a creature of chaos, fickle and random in his actions. How can he trust such a being to change his very nature?
And so the choice he is left with is Sleep. He is uncomfortable with even this option, for although it returns the Wold once more to a state of balance, it merely postpones the problem for future generations.
Renik thinks long and hard on this point; in the past that same decision had been reached, on more than one occasion. Perhaps there is a certain arrogance inherent in the fear that future generations might not be able to look after themselves. As in the past, and here today, so might their descendants thwart the Fae King's madness. There will always be heroes to stand against those who would throw the Wold into turmoil.
His mind made up at last Renik straightens, and in a deep voice cries out;
"..."
He realises that he has been so lost in thought he forgot all about Arien's silence spell. He hasn't heard a word the others have been saying. Leaping up and down and waving his arms he attempts to attract the mage's attention to his plight, pointing repeatedly to his mouth.
Assuming Arien cancels the spell he will pull out the various rune-marked leaves retrieved earlier and distribute them to the party.
He calls out to the Eberyon "Oh King, I vote you return to your Sleep of Ages. Let your next awakening be more peaceable than this."
Tratain (Addition) Thursday October 27th, 2005 1:22:05 PM
Tratain says "I vote for Atonement as well."
The Spirit Speaks (DM Cayzle) Thursday October 27th, 2005 7:56:17 PM
The spirit lets each have a say, and then answers.
(Does he look slightly embarassed that he gave you the impression that he could not speak? Or is it the DM who looks that way? Oh well!)
The Spirit nods at each in turn, and has a smile for Tratain, Monthor, Feng, and Draax.
Then he says, "I have heard now from many adventurrerrs in the Wold. Many wish death for me, or a return to the sleep that is the little death. But the Wold is beautiful and sweet, and I wish to live! Yes, I ran. Yes, if I could have hidden away, I would have."
"And it is true that Nature follows me, but I have no control over Nature. All I can do is influence, push, and pull. But I swear that if I can stay in the Wold, I will pull in directions to heal what I can, to fix what I can."
"I hope that you who have voted for Death or Sleep" -- he looks at Sarigar and Renik -- "will consider changing your choices. Let me begin to atone, before the final vote is cast. Will you hear a story? May I tell you a tale, and in a small way start to set right something that needs to be repaired?"
"Or if you have other questions, I will answer all as well as I can. And you who have not yet voted" -- he looks at Arien -- "will learn all that you need to know."
Arien Thursday October 27th, 2005 8:22:52 PM
"I wish that things had not come to this point, I helped to bring you back, to awaken you. I believe that we must both atone for this, as such I also vote Atone."
Draax Thursday October 27th, 2005 9:15:24 PM
Draax listens to the king. Is this the same king that was in the vision with the queen? He did not give the impression of being able to be humble. He gave off more of an arrogant attitude. Draax would like to hear the story to at least to ensure himself that he has made the right decision.
"I have already voted for atonement but I was still like to hear your story even if the others do not change their minds."
Monthor Friday October 28th, 2005 6:39:07 AM
" Me will listen as well. Should this prove to be a trick however, me will cleave ye head of your shoulders. "
Sarigar and Black Paws Friday October 28th, 2005 10:20:45 AM
With obvious distrust in their eyes, the brothers simply watch the spirit. They make no movements indicating whether they will or will not listen to the story. Their stare, however, makes it obvious the spirit has their full attention. It's a look of keen observation, like a cat ready to pounce in an instant.
The brothers will be difficult, if not imposible to sway.
Feng Friday October 28th, 2005 10:42:43 AM
"It is your right to speak and we need to listen. Only by hearing every story can we keep our perspective just and true."
Renik Friday October 28th, 2005 12:51:42 PM
The rogue looks wary but nods. "Aye King, you surely have the right to speak your piece. I too will listen."
He knows only too well that in the hands of a skilled speaker the truth can be like clay, maleable and capable of taking on infinite beguiling forms. He must take care not to allow oratory to sway him from good reason. Still, he will listen, out of curiosity if nothing else.
Tratain Friday October 28th, 2005 4:44:01 PM
Tratain says "I will listen, I would like to hear what has transpired, why you were sent to sleep in the first place, and what happened in that village."
The Story of the Village and Other Tales (DM Cayzle) Saturday October 29th, 2005 7:56:01 AM
The King seems glad that everybody is willing to hear him out. "Thank you for listening. Too often I myself have been slow to listen to others. That is one of the things for which I must atone."
He chuckles at Monthor's threat. "Good sir dwarf, of course you and your friends have already deprived me of both shoulders and head!"
He seems to sense Draax's uncertainty. "You may wonder that I am not as you might have expected. But when I chose to split into many parts and flee, each part held only a portion of the True Fae King. I suspect you would find other parts to be older, or younger, angrier, or wiser. I can predict confidently what I will do when I am reformed as a whole. But understand that the being before you is a shadow, a fragment, of what I am."
Then he turns to Tratain. "Hear what has transpired? Surely you do not have the decades it would take to listen to all that has happened. But ask in specific and I will answer."
"At the village, and at other places, I did no harm myself, but the creatures that follow me wrought great damage. I tried to stay mostly to the wild places, both to minimize the harm those creatures could do, and to try to stay hidden and free. But if I chanced on a village, and if a whale crushed a cottage, or a T-Rex ate more than a handful of villagers, well, all I can do is repeat that I had no control over them. My only possible course was to leave as soon as possible, which I did."
"I regret the harm that followed in my wake. I hope to have the chance to make up for that."
He pauses for other questions before launching into his story.
Renik Sunday October 30th, 2005 4:16:19 AM
The rogue says nothing, merely folding his arms and waiting. He does not expect his opinion to be swayed.
Monthor Sunday October 30th, 2005 9:35:12 PM
Monthor makes his way close to Feng and takes a good long sniff at the paladin and then at his horse.
" Hummm, horse smells better then you deary. BWHAHAHA... Humph, maybe not the right time Monthor old sock. Anywho... Me will still listening elf. Make it good. "
Tratain Sunday October 30th, 2005 10:25:50 PM
Tratain listens to the story, holding off on asking anything else until the Fae King has said what he wants.
Draax. Monday October 31st, 2005 1:11:14 AM
Draax takes a sit on the ground and listens to what the king has to say
Arien Monday October 31st, 2005 3:26:57 AM
Arien finds a rock to sit on and waits for the story to continue.
Sarigar and Black Paws Monday October 31st, 2005 10:38:04 AM
While the brothers watch the spirit, they (mostly Sarigar) talk telepathically between each other, Highlight to display spoiler: {"LIAR! If he doesn't control the animals, or at least how they popped in and out, why'd they stop when his body poofed? And then there was all the damage that started when he woke up. Either he can't control himself, or he doesn't want too. Other people have talked about the king being chaotic, so how can a word he says be trusted? He may say he's willing to atone (whatever that means), but if he's that chaotic, how can he be trusted to keep his word?}
The stare the brothers give the spirit is so cold and untrusting that were he not already dead, it might very well kill him by itself. If anything, the spirit's story has done nothing but provoke them further.
Feng Monday October 31st, 2005 1:42:24 PM
At this point Feng has no questions. So far the explinations for the destruction were believable.
The Fae King's Story (DM Cayzle) Monday October 31st, 2005 8:12:01 PM
"When I found out that Maab was sending an army of heroes against me, I figured they couldn't track down all my avatars. But I needed places to hide at least a few of the avatars away."
"A powerful and creative sage had contacted me in the meanwhile. He had an idea about those cursed acorns and leaves that Maab grew to decide my fate. I gave him a few acorns to use in his experiments. In exchange, he promised to shelter me. If you had not found me so fast, I might have made it to his shelter."
"The idea he had involved watering those acorns with elf blood."
"If I am to atone, then let me start here. I may be dead or asleep and unable to act. I hope you will help me."
"Find that sage and stop his experiments. If you do, you can save the lives of the elves he plans to bleed to death. Vote as your heart leads you -- but live, sleep, or die, I hope that you can help me atone by saving the lives of those innocent elves."
Renik Tuesday November 1st, 2005 8:33:18 AM
The rogue listens to the Fae King's words with mounting anger. Controlling his emotions as best as he is able he replies;
"O King, as you say, you are but a fragment of yourself. As such your personality is greatly different from that of the other fragments, and of your unified self. You may well believe in seking to atone for your actions. However I see no evidence that a unified Eberyon would be any different from the power-crazed despot who confronted Queen Maab.
Your actions, whether you accept responsibility for them or not, have directly led to many deaths. You claim to have no control over your summoned creatures. Did you try? You are clearly a mage of some power. Were you not able to do anything to minimise the damage your presence in that village wraught? And how was it that you found yourself in the middle of a village without realising it?
Now you tell us that you entered into a pact with a Sage, a pact that involves the slaughter of elves. And to atone you wish us to prevent your partner in crime in carrying out this deed.
Very well, we will help. The blood of innocents shall not be spilled if I can help it. But understand this, O King. It will take far, far more than the betrayal of your erstwhile co-conspirator to prove to me you are worthy of anything other than eternal Sleep."
The rogue holds up the leaf with the Sleep rune.
"But our immediate concerns are more pressing. Who is this sage? Where can he be found? How has he got the elves he needed for his experiment? And what was the aim of his dark magics?"
Tratain Tuesday November 1st, 2005 9:39:22 AM
Tratain says "Too bad we can't identify what all the pieces that you broke yourself into represent and then but the more chaotic ones to sleep, and leave the parts that will truely help the Wold awake to atone. My Vote remains the same, either way."
After listening to the Avatar answer Reniks questions, Tratain picks up any gear left by the Fae King and asks what it does.
Feng Tuesday November 1st, 2005 9:59:00 AM
"We can only judge what we have experienced. This Avatar, his actions, and his words alone. Before we can decide anything we need to save those elves."
Monthor Tuesday November 1st, 2005 10:44:33 AM
Yay, me be in as well.... but why did it have to be elves that we save? Me mean really... elves? Oh well... me job remains the same. Make sur the rest of girlies remain nice and healthy. Oh and for Feng to not have to get to dirty. Can't have the princess getting dirty. No sir, can't have that.
Sarigar and Black Paws Tuesday November 1st, 2005 1:20:35 PM RRRRRAAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHH!!!! Didn't wanna hurt anyone? And now you're killin' people with someone else!?! LIAR! Sleep means you come back and do it again. Your lies mean you can't be trusted. You deserve this more than anyone I've met, even the dark ones that killed my pack." In a fit of rage, Sarigar pulls out the death runed leaf and throws it at the spirit.
Unable to stomach any more without completely going off and trying to kill the spirit with his bare hands, the brothers storm off into the wilds. A short while later, a pair of menacing howls can be heard.
Arien Tuesday November 1st, 2005 6:28:47 PM
"You would extend your own existense at the cost of those who brought you back to the Wold? I myself helped bring you here and now I regret ever helping you. What sort of creature would betray his people in such a vile way?" Arien walks away from the King, refusing to even look at it until he has regained control of his temper.
Excuses! (DM Cayzle) Tuesday November 1st, 2005 7:20:03 PM
"Hey, wait! No! Stop! You don't understand!"
The Spirit of the Fae King flinches visibly when Sarigar throws down the rune, as if hit by some invisible blow.
"I didn't want them to die! I figured when I arrived there I could stop that! When the Sage needed blood, I would make sure he did not take enough to kill anybody! But now I won't be there to stop his excesses!"
"I love the elves," the Spirit says plaintively. "I would not let any be sacrificed in front of me! Not like that!"
The Spirit answers Renik. "Yes, it is true that I am a fragment of myself. And it is true that some fragments are different in temperment and goals. But do you doubt Maab? If the vote is for sleep or death, will I be able to resist? If the vote is for reform, then I will be forced to atone. The Queen's magic will compel me, to die, to sleep, or to work to fix what I have broken. A unified Eberyon would indeed be different. I have no choice. The choice is yours."
"I came upon the village unexpectedly, as I emerged from the forest trying to find the Sage. It was the work of less than a minute, but the creatures called by my power attacked. I did have a very slight control, and I exerted it when I could. But my control was not enough. I have that to atone for as well."
"The Sage is named Sahnhan. He has mastered both the arcane arts as well as a great deal of natural lore. He hates people, living apart with the creatures that love and protect him. Any humans or elves you see in his home will surely be under his coercion. He lives under a hill that his pets have made. He loves all manner of insects above other living things. What he is trying to do I don't know. I don't think he knows. He is a Sage and Experimenter."
When Tratain asks about the Spirit's gear, the Giant Elf tells him that he hopes they will use these mundane possessions to succeed on their mission. He tells them that the Large Dragonhide Plate is well enchanted, and he hopes that the Periapt of Wisdom will do a better job of guiding them than it did him. There is also a scroll of Call Lightning Storm, and a ring and a cloak that he describes as "trifling protections."
The Spirit looks daunted at Arien's words. "You may, of course, change your vote, until you invoke your rune, as your wild friend has done. After that, your vote is set."
Draax Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 12:30:57 AM
Draax looks at the king, "Wow! It might have been better if we did not hear your story. Although many elves would give their lives to save you, I am surprise that you would voluntarily spill elven blood just to save yourself. I have to say my respect for you have dropped tremendously. I guess self-preservation is strong in all beings but there has to be a limit on what you would do to survive. I will hold to my original vote because like you said you have a lot to set right.
I hope we will be in time to save the elves because no matter how much you make right. Unless you bring back those that have died and will die because of you, you will always be guilty."
Monthor Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 8:00:44 AM
" Me still vote for atonement and casts my rune as such. "
" As far as the gear goes... DIBS ON THE ARMOR!!" :-)
ooc> Just kidding. Let's figure out what does what and then split the gear according to who needs what most. Should we do that off board or keep it here?
Renik Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 11:07:00 AM
"So this sage lives in some sort of giant bug hill? Very well, we will go there and attempt to rescue his captives. We will attempt to set right the wrongs that you have unleashed. Let us know where we can find this sage. Transport us to him if you are able. But know this, O king; your words have done naught but reinforce my opinion of your deserved fate. I vote Sleep."
And, distaste undisguised upon his face, Renik hurls his rune at the ground before the king, just as Sarigar has done before him.
Sarigar and Black Paws Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 11:45:24 AM
Venting furiously, the brothers can easily be followed. From the sounds they make, one would think they'd been mortally wounded. At the same time, it's a sound of anguish.
When, at last, the other find them, they are obviously exhausted, panting heavily and...crying?
Feng Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 1:07:10 PM
"The fact that terrible things have happened is the truth. Why they happened is almost secondary. If we can get good things done then perhaps the senseless deaths won't be so senseless."
Monthor- Addition Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 2:17:35 PM
Okay then... DIBS ON THE ARMOR!!!!
Tratain Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 6:07:58 PM
Tratain says "We do need Directions on how to find this Sage, how far is it from here mostly. I could use a Few hours rest, I'm Very tired after that chase. With My ring I should be ready to Travel in 2 or 3 Hours. If his place is close to here I suggest that we wait a bit. If it is still some distance away I can make it until night to rest."
He continues "Hey Arien, can you cast Analyze Dweomer on all this stuff when we have time, so we can figure out what it all is. Some of it may be usefull for the upcomming battle."
Arien Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 6:52:52 PM
"My word is already set, King. I invoke the rune for atonement." Arien tosses the rune at the King and stalks away.
When Tratain asks him about identifying the items Arien responds, "Aye that I can do, after I have had a chance to rest and rememorize spells. I say that we make camp when we can so that we can prepare ourselves, I'm sure that the bug man will have lots of surprises for us."
The Spirit Fades (DM Cayzle) Thursday November 3rd, 2005 6:29:11 AM
The Spirit bows its head as the party invokes the runes created by Queen Maab:
[OOC: I repeat these so that we are all clear. If there is an error in the above, please say so ASAP!]
The Spirit says, "I was trying to find the Sage. I thought he lived right around here close by, but maybe I was wrong. You will have to find him on your own, please. All I can do is give you a secure and sound rest tonight. Fare well, Heroes."
The Spirit of the Avatar fades away. You now notice, immediately nearby, a small spring and several fruit trees, ripe with apples and pears. Those were not there before.
You make camp, and are not disturbed by any foe. You find your sleep to be very refreshing.
If you eat the fruit or drink from the spring, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You are cured of all ailments and gain 2d6 temporary hit points that will last until lost due to damage.}
In the morning, the magic items are analyzed:
Large Dragonhide Plate +3 (fits a large biped, such as a minotaur or an ogre) Periapt of Wisdom +4 Scroll of Call Lightning Storm Ring of Protection +1 Cloak of Resistance +2
Also in the morning, you think back over the long quest that brought you here, from the Green Man to the Templars of the Wild to the Pixie Lord to Queen Maab and the Fae King himself! You have learned much, seen more, and travelled where only a handful of mortals have ever been. Taking a moment to digest it all, you are amazed at all you have experienced.
[OOC: This brings the Dark Fae Rising module to a close. Look for e-mail shortly with xp awards. Moreover, PLEASE think back over past events and write me with hero point nominations.]
Monthor 2d6(5+3)=8 Thursday November 3rd, 2005 12:32:27 PM
Monthor sleeps well a feels refreshed in the morning.
ooc> :-)
Monthor examines the armor and to his shagrine
it's to big for him.
" DOH! Oh well. "
Monthor then goes up to the fruit trees and had a few delicious pears. He leaves the apples alone. He was never an "apple a day" type of dwarf. (secret role of 8 for eating the fruit).
" Gee, me really amazed by all me have experienced so far... " ooc> :-)
" Okay ladies, let's go find the 'Serge Sandhand' guy and kick his butt... and me though Feng was a dumb name. "
:: The dwarf shrugs his shoulders. ::
Sarigar and Black Paws Thursday November 3rd, 2005 4:04:22 PM
The brothers sleep under the stars, well away from the spirit's "gift". After all the King has said and done, they will have nothing to do with him or his "offerings".
Waking with the dawn as usual, they search the area for a quick breakfast and Sarigar reprepares his Longstrider spell. Once complete, they sit on the very edge of the pack's camp and watches them, waiting for something to do.
Renik 2d6(1+2)=3 Thursday November 3rd, 2005 5:52:53 PM
The rogue gathers the items in a large sack, then gets ready to make camp for the night. Deciding the King has been at least genuine in his attempts to aid the party after his defeat Renik accepts his belated hospitality and eats and drinks his fill.
That night Renik's dreams are vivid and wild. They are filled with images of their recent travels, of miraculous lands and creatures, of dread beasts and otherworldly beauties. When he awakens, surprisingly refreshed (3 rolled), the true enormity of their quest begins to finally hit home. He sits in silence for some time, turning over recent events in his mind, attempting to come to terms with what they have achieved.
At last he pulls himself together and stands.
"Well my friends, it seems there is no rest for the wicked. As one quest ends so another begins. We have us a Sage to find, and quickly, before innocents die at his hand. Tratain, might you petition Domi to grant you some insight into his wheabouts? If not perhaps Monthor and I can take to the skies and attempt to spot the Sage's complex from the air."
Feng Thursday November 3rd, 2005 9:02:23 PM
Feng relaxed by the fire now that the immediate threat had passed. He had his small bottle of polish out and was giving his armor a thorough cleaning.
"It seems thats our lot in life. No rest for the righteous."
Draax Thursday November 3rd, 2005 11:20:20 PM
Draax uses the night of rest to unwind and reflect on all that has happened to bring them to this point. He is happy to be back on the track of trying to prevent and destroying evil. He never truthfully believed the king to be evil, just misguided and selfish.
A moment of peace (DM Cayzle) Friday November 4th, 2005 6:23:51 AM
This place looks unremarkable -- stands of trees, patches of bramble, hills and meadows. But this place, the place in which you defeated the Fae King, now has a calm, peaceful feel to it. Being here refreshes you, will ye, nil ye. Even though you do not stay here long, you feel as if you have paused, that is, let go of your concerns for a moment.
But the road ahead beckons, and you also feel compelled to begin to plan for the challenge ahead.
[OOC: Base XP award for the module is 11,500 xp. That puts everyone up a level. I would really like to have updated PC sheets in hand before the next module. I also want you all to have enough time to shop in the Catacombs -- if you plan to do so, get in there asap. I will be awarding hero points tomorrow, so thanks to Carl and Yves for their nominations ... and to those who have not yet e-mailed me their thoughts, please consider doing so!]
Arien d4=3 2d6(1+5)=6 Friday November 4th, 2005 3:09:33 PM
Arien stays mostly silent during the night, eating some of the fruit from the trees. Arien awakes from trance feeling quite refreshed (6 hp rolled). He continues to rest until the rest of the group awakens then memorizes spells for the journey ahead. Before he packs his gear though he identifies the items that they had found with the Analyze Dweomer spell.
(Rolled hp for level up = 3)
Tratain d8=1 d8=7 Friday November 4th, 2005 5:00:21 PM
Tratain gets some well needed rest durning the Night, and awakes very refreshed in the morning. Tratain Prays for new Spells in the Morning, and Memorizes Find the Path, to help the group find the Sages Hideout. When everyone is ready to go he casts the spell and goes where it Leads him.
(HP for Level Up = 7)
Monthor d10+2=10 Friday November 4th, 2005 7:28:47 PM
HP role (10)
------------------
Monthor wakes up feeling much sturdier.
" Let's go girls. This Serge isn't gonna wait for us forever ye know. "
A final moment of R&R (DM Cayzle) Saturday November 5th, 2005 2:26:55 PM
That night, you are all visited by dreams. In the morning, you discover that you all had the same dreams ... dreams of the adventures you have recently had ...
Arien makes a deal with the fey creatures called Hydrae ... (gains a hero point)
Tratain has the idea of befriending the Grigs ... (gains a hero point)
Sarigar jumping onto a Sod Elemental Hillock ... and then onto a Roc ... (gains two hero points)
Renik dashing around a Sod Elemental Hillock in order to draw attacks of opportunity onto himself ... (gains a hero point)
Renik disguised as a Daisymum Grig bantering with the guardian eagles ... (gains a hero point)
Draax realizing that honesty is sometimes the best policy, and revealing himself to the Dryad Guardians ... (gains a hero point)
Monthor sacrifices himself to win a Gargulite's test by combat and thus allow the party entry into Maab's realm ... (gains two hero points)
Sarigar talks with the vines that guard the portal back to the mortal Wold from the Valley of Dreaming ... (gains a hero point)
Feng charging the forces of the Fae King, singing as he rides ... (gains a hero point)
Renik flying directly over the Fae King, then diving to attack ... (gains a hero point)
[OOC: Keep in mind that each hero point also comes with an xp award of 30 xp per level. That's 30 xp times the level you were when you gained the point, not your new level. Also keep in mind that you may have only one hero point per level -- any excess cannopt be stored but are discarded.]
Arien tosses and turns in his sleep, which is more troubled. He has a dream that is his alone.
Arien, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {In a dream you hear the Spirit of the Fae King. He says, "Remember, not all born through the sacrifice of elf blood is evil." These words are accompanied by your memory of the blood you gave the Hydrae to create the Fairipusses.}
In the morning, Tratain's spell points the group west. That's all it reveals before it expires.
[OOC: People, PLEASE get updating your PC sheets. Keep in mind other things you lost and gained this module. The scroll from Maab. The lump of silver that Sarigar picked up. The gold sacrificed to the two representatives of Domi. The invis charges used. The items lost in the valley of Dreams (including Sarigar's ax). Also any lotto winnings. Tap Seals. Etc.]
"Very well my friends, West it is. Sarigar, please lead us out when you're ready. By the way, that large lump of silver we retrieved from the Hillocks; if you like we can use that to get many, ah, 'shinies' for all of the pack. If you like I can arrange that."
He looks down at his long shadow ahead of him, pointing the way to their next quarry like some dark, spectral finger. The image fills him with an inexplicable sense of foreboding, but he quickly brushes it aside. They have fought many foes, and always emerged triumphant. How difficult can it be to battle one simple sage?
As they set out Renik mentions to Draax and Arien, "You know, we call ourselves the Windhorn Hamleteers, but unless I err only you two ever spent much time in the place. I only had a brief visit myself when we encountered that demented mage, the pit fiend Barbazou and the ghost king Hororot. But the last I saw of the place was when old Bill left us. Do you never miss your old stomping ground? Do you have loved ones you left there? I never asked about your families; are there foks back home you'd like to head back and see if ever we get the chance?"
Sarigar and Black Paws Monday November 7th, 2005 10:22:50 AM
Sarigar shrugs at Renik's thoughts about the sliver lump, reaches back into his pack and let's is fall limply to the ground.
The brothers immediately afterwords take to the hunt, leading the others to their next quarry. Oddly, they don't seem to even be trying to hide themselves.
Walter OOC Monday November 7th, 2005 2:35:17 PM
I'll update my sheet as soon as I hear about the xp award for finishing the module. Isn't xp given when hero points are awarded (not the xp bonus for the hero point)
Arien Monday November 7th, 2005 4:10:36 PM
Arien wakens from trance with the memory of the Hydrae fresh in his mind. As he rests and waits for the rest of the party to awaken Arien thinks about what the Fae King said to him. Not knowing if the King could hear him Arien thinks, "Not all sacrifice is evil, but to remove the choice and free will of any being, that is surely evil."
Renik (apologies for 2nd post) Monday November 7th, 2005 4:23:07 PM
Renik repeats his questions to Arien and Draax:
"You know, we call ourselves the Windorn Hamleteers, but unless I err only you two ever spent much time in the place. I only had a brief visit myself when we encountered that demented mage, the pit fiend Barbazou and the ghost king Hororot. But the last I saw of the place was when old Bill left us. Do you never miss your old stomping ground? Do you have loved ones you left there? I never asked about your families; are there foks back home you'd like to head back and see if ever we get the chance?"
Tratain Monday November 7th, 2005 4:49:20 PM
Tratain walks with the others, leading the way to where his spell leads.
Listen to his friends talk as they travel on.
Draax d10=7 Monday November 7th, 2005 5:18:57 PM
(HP roll: 7) Draax answers Renik's question, "I still consider Windhorn home but I have no relatives that still lives there. When I left for adventure, my aunt and uncle sold their place and when back to live among the elves. I still have a few friends there that I would help without a moments notice if I was ever needed, but other than that I have no ties to it. I guess I still miss the place and would like to see how the place held up under this advancement of nature."
Monthor Monday November 7th, 2005 6:00:29 PM
The burley dwarf sits around and picks his nose....
" Hummm, what a lovely shade of green.... "
ooc> Sorry folks. Not much else to post at thos time. Check your email for a copy of Monthor's updated character sheet.
A Quest Awaits (DM Cayzle) Tuesday November 8th, 2005 7:20:01 AM
[OOC: Final xp award is 11,500 plus hero point experience. Walter, let me know if you have any questions.]
The group follows the direction of Tratain's spell, but it seems that a lot of walking is before the party. The terrain is wild hills, overgrown with bramble and trees. Frequent meadows and game trails provide places to converse as you walk.
[OOC: Please detail marching order and spells prepared.]
Feng d10=9 Tuesday November 8th, 2005 11:56:48 AM
"I have no attatchments to that place. My family lies away from the city where the orcs are strong and many. Where my family is you do not want to go."
(ooc: feng's hp roll 9)
Renik Tuesday November 8th, 2005 4:55:24 PM
As he chats with his companions he rummages in a pocket, and pulls out two scrolls (Rary's Telepathic Bond), which he hands to Arien. "These will be of more use to you than me" he says.
Continuing his discussion he muses;
"Aye, many of us are rootless it seems. My own parents are long dead, my home town little more than overgrown rubble. My brother Tarl may still be alive, but I have nor seen him since the fall of Dunskeep. I know not whether he be alive or dead, and if he lives whether he has manage to escape the path of darkness he had taken. I hope for his sake he is at peace, one way or another."
He walks on in silence for a while, lost in memories.
"Perhaps one day I will feel the need to settle down, to end this life of wandering. But not yet, I think. Not for some good time to come."
After a while he jogs on ahead, catching up with Sarigar.
"My friend, look! I turned your one big shiny into 368 golden shines!" He hands Sarigar the purse, as he has done for each of the other adventurers.
"You seem ill at ease, my friend. Are you troubled by thoughts of Mittiri? Of what might have been? Or is there something else amiss?"
(OOC: Suggested marching order: Sarigar and Blackpaws up front, Renik and Feng next, Tratain next, Arien next, Monthor and Draax at the back. No two closer than 10 feet, with Sarigar some 30 feet ahead)
Monthor Tuesday November 8th, 2005 6:40:55 PM
" If ye girlies feel the need for some motherly love ye should come visit me mammy in Dirt City. She got love enough for all of ye.... yes Feng, even ye. After all, you so ugly only a mother could love you.... BWHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! "
Monthor stays with Draax in the rear of the party.
Tratain Tuesday November 8th, 2005 10:16:08 PM
Tratain walks where Renik Tells Him too, all the while listening to the Banter between his group mates.
Tratain casts Extended Magic Vestment Upon Himself in the morning like normal.
Draax Tuesday November 8th, 2005 11:39:31 PM
Draax brings up the rear of the party. "Hey Monthor, can your mother cook? Because I could use some home cooking."
Arien (Mage Armor) Wednesday November 9th, 2005 1:12:50 AM
"Truth to tell Renik even I did not spend much time in the Hamlet, a few months at the most I believe. As far as I know they still believe me apprenticed and studying magic in some musty library." Arien pauses a moment before continuing with a dry tone, "As you can see that didn't exactly suit me. I tend to have a less elven outlook on life then most elves." Arien then makes sure that his gear was stowed safely and casts Mage Armor on himself as usual.
A Courier (DM Cayzle) Wednesday November 9th, 2005 7:16:46 AM
As you walk, you take the marching order proposed by Renik. Sarigar is quiet. The party talks about what it means to go home.
It seems farther than you would have thought, from where the Fae King's avatar had been roaming. Maybe the Sage had mislead the King as to the location?
Up ahead, you see someone. A little closer, and it is clearly a liontaur. In fact, you might recognize her as a sometime clerk at the Catacombs magic shop.
She has packages for several of you. "At last! Took you long enough. Here you go."
She hands out bundles, all carefully wrapped in cloth and tied with either green or red ribbon. She is very clear about the instructions.
"If your ribbon is green, you can open your package now. If your ribbon is red, you MUST wait to open your package. Wait for it to turn green, and then you can open it up."
[OOC: Anyone with a completed Catacombs order gets a package with a green ribbon. Anyone with a pending or incomplete order gets a package with a red ribbon, which will turn green when the deal is complete.]
"Well, good luck," says the liontaur before she heads off.
[OOC: Still waiting for spells taken for Tratain, Feng, and Sarigar, please.]
Sarigar and Black Paws Wednesday November 9th, 2005 11:09:20 AM
The brothers all but ignore the liontaur and continue on the trail. At some point they realize that the others have fallen behind and they slow up their pace, but never stop moving.
prepared spells: Longstrider and Jump. I had noted that I reprepared Longstrider and I never lost the Jump spell.
Renik Wednesday November 9th, 2005 12:30:40 PM
Renik pats Sarigar on the shoulder and repeats his comments:
"My friend, look! I turned your one big shiny into 368 golden shines!" He hands Sarigar the purse, as he has done for each of the other adventurers.
"You seem ill at ease, my friend. Are you troubled by thoughts of Mittiri? Of what might have been? Or is there something else amiss?"
When the courier arrives Renik thanks her profusely, opens his package immediately and pulls on a shining new golden suit of armor (which is soon entirely hidden beneath his clothing) and pair of boots. He unsheathes one of his shortswords and twirls it a few times, checking it or something.
Apparently satisfied he bundles up his old armor and boots, and hands them over to the liontaur before she leaves.
He grins at the others, clearly pleased with his new purchases.
Tratain Wednesday November 9th, 2005 8:14:45 PM
Tratain walks with the others talking as they go. He says "So what next, it seems the only reason we have for returning to the Hamlet right now would be to drop in on Bill. So what do you guys think? After this should we head off to check on how the war against Parnoth is going? Or maybe go see how things are going with our Old employers? Something seemed Kind of Odd with them don't you think? or was I imagining things."
When He recieves his Parcel from teh Catacombs Tratain puts on His New Periapt of Wisdom, and Hands over the Old one. When everyone is ready to go again he resumes the search for the Sage's Lair.
------------------------------------------ OOC:The Two Spells in [] are new Bonus Spells from the Better Amulet that I will Memorize should it take another day of searching to find the Hideout.
0 level: Cure Minor Woundsx2; Detect Magicx3; Read Magic 1st Level: Endure Elements; Shield of Faithx2; Divine Favor;Prot. From evilx2;Remove
Vestment*;(Protection from Energy) 4th Level: Freedom of Movement;Death Ward;Dimensional Anchorx2(Divine Power) 5th Level: Quickened Divine Favor; Righteous Might;True Seeing;Spell Resistence (Flame Strike) 6th Level: Healx2; Find The Path; (Blade Barrier) 7th Level: Holy Word; [Summon Monster VII];(Power Word Blind)
Draax Wednesday November 9th, 2005 9:32:49 PM
Draax listens and adds little comments to the conversation as they continue to walk.
"Knowing Bill, there is no guarantee that he will be there when we arrive, but it would be nice to see him again. I agree with your assessment of our employee Tratain, they have some secret agenda that I hope is working for the good of the wold. I do want to know what is going on with the war against Parnoth. The king gathered a large army before he when into hiding and I doubt if that army has been idle."
Feng Thursday November 10th, 2005 9:47:08 AM
He thanks the Liontaur and opens the package already knowing what was inside. A large great axe, beautiful in appearence and filled with the essence of good. A weapon that he should be weilding against the battle of evil.
"Perfect timing."
ooc: 1st- CLW, Protection from evil 2nd- Bull's Strength 3rd- Magic Circle against Evil