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Jungle Fever
Celebration


Party Time (DM MikeK) 
Thursday October 7th, 2004 9:39:26 AM
Wynn and Xenia turn down Florin's invitation to visit with Jella, and instead spend the day shopping. They have a fine time and thoroughly enjoy themselves until Xenia drops a question that sounds an awful lot like the big 'M' to the bard. The evening ends quickly, and the bard escapes to his room.

Angus, Lang, Tionel, and Syr spend the day lounging around and taking care of personal matters. The sorcerer sends a bunch of candy to Gordo's Orphanage.

Florin and Braxton go back to the apartments. Florin takes everyone to a local children's theatre where everyone has a fine time. Mort, the bodyguard, seems impressed by Braxton's capabilities, and the dwarf is fascinated by how such a large human can be so gentle and patient with the child. Following a rousing game of tag, in which Jella is delighted to learn she's speedier than the dwarf, its bedtime.

The night passes.

Wynn spends the better part of the next day secluded in his room. He emerges in the afternoon, grabs up Syr and Lang, and heads for the local bathhouse for a nice soak and some male conversation.

Florin fires off a letter to his parents, asking to meet them. Then he, Braxton, Mort, and Jella spend some time talking, training, and teaching. Mort is proving to be a benevolent taskmaster, kind and yet insistent that the girl actually learns her lessons.

Angus returns to the Guardhouse and is able to corner the elusive Capt Elvaran. However, his normal charm escapes him this day, and he is only able to generate the blandest of answers.
"You're more irritating than usual," the blue eyed elf remarks at one point.

She does tell Angus the Tigers and Hearts are charged with Attempted Murder, and aren't getting out anytime soon. She turns down dinner, both for herself and her men. The interview ends rather quickly after that.

Tionel heads down to the Ghost and gets a jump start on the festivities. He's able to watch as the party decorations go up (streamers, balloons, lots of crepe paper), and is still able to get enough service for a pint or two (or three).

That evening, the group finally reassembles at the Giggling Ghost. The decorations are up. Drinks are flowing. Laughter and music fill the air. Daphne flits from table to table beaming from ear to ear. The place is packed with friends and adventurers from around the city. The fun has begun.


Xenia  d20+9=28 d20+9=22 d20+9=23 d20+9=21 d20+9=11
Thursday October 7th, 2004 2:21:40 PM
Xenia's green eyes are a reflection of her confusion and worry as Wynn withdraws and calls for the bill. Several attempts to ask him what's wrong die unasked, casualties of his distance and discomfort. Then they return home, and he leaves her standing at the bottom of the stairs with her mouth open in an "oh" of shock and miserable dismay.

Funny how acute unhappiness makes for a sleepless night. Most of this night is spent thinking. Thinking and pouting. And frowning and crossing her thin arms across her small chest.

It's not hard to figure out what put him off, and the dark rogue ain't dumb. But why not just talk to her? Why go off and figure that when someone talks about babies they wanna go off and have them right then and there. So what if she's sorta kinda in love with him. Doesn't mean she wants to get married or anything. Not now, at least. Maybe not ever. Did she say anything about getting married? No. Nothing. What is he thinking anyway? They just met really. What's it been? Less than a month. Really. Seriously. Idiot.

As the thin rays of morning signal the beginning of the new day, the dark girl has gotten herself pretty steamed about the whole thing. And as time comes round to roll out of bed, she's cranky and still very unhappy, and she's pretty much decided that the only explanation for this whole mess is that men must all be born with an extra dose of stupid.

The next day is spent moping, pretty much by herself. Xenia packs a lunch of roast beef samwich and bacon, and goes down to the docks to watch the boats. It doesn't make her feel much better.

When evening rolls around, she heads back to the apartments and dresses for the party. Sullen, with this tight achy feeling in her chest, Xenia avoids the guys. Catching Daphne sort of alone, she gives her the crystal pendant. Finding a special place, she hangs it so that it will catch the light. It's hard not to smile when you're around Daphne, and the ghost makes her feel a little better for a while.

After that, she sits alone. For a bit the dark rogue contemplates having another drink. Even after what happened last Christmas the idea doesn't sound that bad. Instead, though, she heads over to the dagger lanes. Maybe throwing things will cheer her up. Gathering up five steel blades, Xenia takes a stance at the intermediate mark. Five times she draws back her arm and hucks that dagger at the target as hard as she can. Five times, she screams out all of her anger and frustration as her arm propels the blade toward the target. Two times she hits the target. Only two times, and it shoulda been four. She coulda sworn it shoulda been four. The last throw even flies from her hand and almost sticks her in the foot.

Oh yeah. The fun has begun.

Angus  d20=9 d20+6=15 d20=1
Thursday October 7th, 2004 2:34:16 PM
Angus is disturbed that is charms have not worked on the captain, but is releived to hear that the scum will remain behind bars for a long time. Angus thinks to himself, dead is a more permanent solution, as he is still concerned about what happens when they eventually get out.

Angus works his way over to the GG ghost, looks for any of the party members (spot 9) and it takes awhile to find Tionel. "Hi Tionel, it looks like you have a head start on me." Angus sits with Tionel orders a glass of wine and begins to play his flute (perform 15). Angus is happy that his music improved over yesterday, but it is still not as good as he would like.

Angus scans the room, after taking a break from playing to see if there are any other female that he can attempt to practice charming. Angus wants to make sure he is just not getting rusty after his meeting with the captain (spot 1, either there is no one in the GG or they are having a testosterone convention, or the wine is stronger than Angus thought!!!!)

Braxton 
Thursday October 7th, 2004 6:40:20 PM
Sticks close to Florin for the next few days, anxious to observe the paladins beliefs and ideals. Braxton is fascinated with Jella and Florin's devotion to her.

{testing 1,2,3}


Florin Jadenth  d20+2=16
Thursday October 7th, 2004 6:45:40 PM
Florin after his morning prayers, training and such finally dresses nicely along with helping Jella get ready and leaves for the GG with Mort also since he figures Mort would like to join also.

Florin smiles when he enters the GG and looks around (spot:16) after a few moments he notices some of the group, expecially Xenia who he sighs when he sees how bad of a time she is having.

He quickly visits with Daphne since she is the highlight of the party being her birthday and wishes happy birthday and also hopes she liked the mirror he picked out for her.

After abit Florin moves over to Xenia, just after she gets done with dagger throwing and picks up Jella and speaks softly to Jella, knowing Xenia will hear, "Hey Jella look, it's Xenia. I think she might need alittle company what do you think?"

Florin walks over to Xenia now more and stands alittle ways back yet, he uses his free hand to brush back hi hair and make sure his pony tail is pulled tight yet and also checks his outfit of royal blue cloth since he wants to stay presentable at Daphne's party and also with the suprise he has set for the group, "Uhh Xenia, I was hoping since your the only lady here I know beyond Daphne that you might be willing to have a small dance with me. I know I'm not the best dancer and all though. Anyway, soon my suprise should be showing up for the whole group."

Florin will cetch Happy also and speaks to him, "Hey Happy. I hope you don't mind but could you gather all my friends at a table together? We decided on a name for the our group and I have a delivery coming in honor of that. Not meaning to take any of this special occasion from Daphne, this will most deffinetly make this day stand out in my and I hope the groups memory also." Florin is doing hi best not to sound offending to Happy over having alittle group celebration also.

Wynn  d20+8=28
Thursday October 7th, 2004 11:35:59 PM
Wynn moves comfortably through the tavern telling jokes and flirting with any comely females. (Diplomacy=28, nat. 20!) He locates Tionel and Angus and takes a seat at their table. The bard wonders how the thin elf and the even thinner human handle their liquor, but decides challenging them to a contest in order to find out would not be a wise idea at Daphne's birthday.

The half-elf slouches comfortably in his chair and enjoys watching the goings on. He takes in Xenia's outburst over the missed targets, and then shakes his head when the paladin tries to make nice with the dark-skinned rogue.


Tionel 
Friday October 8th, 2004 3:15:06 AM
When the party is fully underway, Tionel steps out, then reenters in a surprisingly quick entrance, bursting through the door quickly. "Happy Birthday!" He calls out cheerfully, and immediately begins pulling and tossing glittery dust stuff about the room with his right hand. It seems to float in the air, and any object it touches it sticks to relentlessly. With his other hand, he pulls out a wand that sends out dazzling lines of yellow, blue, and green ... stuff in a near continual pour. Coincidentally, those who accidentally taste the dust find it extremely sour with a dash of sweetness...and the streaming stuff is actually quite chewy and tastes like apple-grapejuice. What with the combination of sparkling dust and streaming goo, he devastates most of the area within just five seconds of his entrance.

He jumps onto a table, and announces with great flair and eagerness, "Happy Birthday to my dear Daphne, without whom, I would not have an excuse to eat cake!
"The ghost with the most lives here with Happy,
"There's no place on the Wold's face that I'd rather be.
"So I do honor unto her birth,
"This inn's cheer, fine beer, and good mirth,
"To the most handsome of all phantoms, to sweet Daphne!"

With that, he presents unto Daphne a cute gift; a bag of pixie dust (apple flavored of course) that has been enchanted to be ghost touched...that is, Daphne can touch it. So, she has yet another weapon in her mischevious arsenal, should she choose to use it.

Then the thin elf takes a seat, intent upon quaffing a few beers before heading out.


Syr 
Friday October 8th, 2004 3:26:27 AM
Seeing Xenia over in the corner he saunters over and says with a smile, "Careful now, the president of Daphne's fan club is required to mingle at her party. You know.... if we hang you by your toes from the balcony then most people will actually think you are smiling and having a good time. "

Sliding up next to her he peers at her solemnly, "You want to talk about it?"

Florin's Gift (DM MikeK) 
Friday October 8th, 2004 11:09:26 AM
Xenia works out some frustrations on the throwing lanes, but becomes even more agitated when the knives don't fly true.

Both Florin and then Syr approach the slim rogue to check on her.

Angus has troubles of his own finding some female companionship, which is unusual for the dapper sorcerer. He takes a seat to commiserate over an ale or two while Lang looks on. Wynn arrives shortly thereafter with a girl on each arm.

Tionel makes a big entrance, spreading tasty treats all over the place. The crowded hall roars in appreciation, and calls for drinks to wash down the candy like goo rise up from various points of the floor. The druid makes his gift to Daphne, who air kisses him in thanks, and joins his friends at the table.

Daphne bounces about, bubbling acceptance of gifts. She beams at Xenia, although her eyes show the ghost seems to understand the rogue's mood. She nods along in time to Angus' tune, and claps happily at Florin's mirror.

Happy nods emphatically at Florin's request, replying "Oh yes. In fact, I've something to show you all after the party. So don't go anywhere." He beams pleasantly as he speaks, but mischievously won't reveal the surprise.

Various waiters scour the room, urging Xenia, Florin, Braxton, and Syr to sit down with the other four. Cake greets them as they sit, followed by an extraordinarily loud chorus of "Happy Birthday" to Daphne, who barrel rolls in delight.

At the end of the song, an immaculately dressed gnome "pops" out of the nothingness, and presents Florin with a wood-bound box. Leaning in close, the Catacombs messenger speaks into the paladin's ear. "Whachu guys do to Gronk? I ain't seen him that mad since that half orc dunked him in the Rattledam."


Xenia 
Friday October 8th, 2004 12:38:14 PM
Bat bat ba-bat. Peh.

Xenia bats floaty bits of candy streamer goo from out of her face with several annoyed flicks of her wrist.

She reaches up to put a hand on her paladin friend's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Florin. You are so sweet. You really are." Raising up on tiptoes, she kisses him lightly on the cheek. "Thank you so much for asking. But really I ... I don't feel at all like it. I just couldn't right now. I think ... well, I think I might just go home early."

Still, she doesn't. Not quite yet, at least. Finding a seat by herself again, she tries her best not to look at Wynn. It's really hard not to. Or at least to not think that you are even when you really aren't. It's a relief when Syr saunters over. She smiles at his joke. When he slides in next to her and offers to listen, the dark girl just flops her head down on his shoulder and lets it all loose.

"Oh man, Syr. I like him so much. Maybe you shouldn't oughta like someone so much. Maybe you just shouldn't."

"I dunno. But it hurts. It hurts a lot." Sitting back up in a sudden motion, she turns earnest eyes on the elven monk. "You ever, you know, fall for anybody like that? Is this ... not normal?"

Gathering together with the others delays Xenia's exit even longer, and she sings along with the whole crew as they wish Daphne a happy birthday, a happy birthday to her. And there's cake and stuff. And, you know, the cake looks kinda good, so she takes a plate with some choco-raspberry filling, and it is good. So, well, you know, she just kinda stays.

Florin Jadenth  d20+2=16
Friday October 8th, 2004 4:12:12 PM
Florin nods when Xenia replies and speaks softly again to her before letting her be, "Thats alright Xenia, you just looked really like you could use abit of cheeringup. Maybe my gift to come will cheer you up some." Florin blushes alot even knows he tries to cover it up quickly when Xenia kisses his cheek and then he is gone in the crowd, he does glance at any ladies he passes and even speaks if one or so stop to talk to him, figuring the ladies here have to be better then the ones he met at other places.

Florin sings happy birthday to Daphne and smiles as Jella joins in. It's a hastle to keep little Jella from the cake early but some how Florin succeeds.

When the gnome suddenly appears and gives Florin the box he beams even brighter now as he nods and speaks back to the gnome in a whispers, "I think the big guy was upset over no tips except from me. Here, is a few silver from me for you and for all the deliveries yesterday can you give Gronk these 2 gold pieces?" Florin hands the gnome 4 silver and the 2 gold.

Waiting for a few moments after the singing Florin stands and taps his glass with a fork since we're eating cake, "Everyone, I'm happy to say that we have picked a name for our group. I with Syr's help got something for all of us to honor this moment." Florin goes around the table now to each of his friends and lays a single silver ring on the table infront of them, Xenia's ring being abit thinner banded and such for a female. (The ring is pure silver with a ruby cut in the shape of a shield on the front, in the shield is a carving of a dove)

Once every has their ring Florin smiles abit worried that someone won't like the ring, "The ruby is crimson in color and cut into the shape of a shield, the dove is a symbol of hope." Having spent his couple moments under the spotlight now which is making him feel very uhhh nervous Florin sits down and takes a big sip of his drink. To get his attention away from his nervousness he looks to Daphne, "I'm glad you liked the mirror I got you Daphne. I wasn't sure what to get you but I know all ladies love mirrors." Florin also turns his attention back to Happy, "An you said you had something you wanted us to stay abit longer for my good friend?" Florin smiles as he talks and besides watching Jella to make sure she doesn't eat to much is enjoying himself greatly, he does pull Jella onto his lap after while and hold her as he talks to her personally, asking her what she thought of Daphne's party and also telling her that she has to tell him sometime when her birthday is and everything. After a few mins a thought does hit him and he glances around for Mort, knowing that the big bodyguard has to be somewhere near and watching <spot:16> if Florin sees Mort then he waves him over and talks to him real quick, "If it gets to late Mort let me know and I will escourt Jella home tonight, with you along to of course."

(OOC:Stupid storms here. I really wanted to get in and get my post in first so I could see everyones reaction to the ring, Xenia's for sure. :( .)

Xenia 
Friday October 8th, 2004 4:59:46 PM
Xenia smiles down at the little silver ring cradled in the palm of her hand. In her state of distress and lack of sleep, the world seems to focus way down until the red shield shaped stone and thin silver band are the only things that exist in the whole wide Wold.

She picks it up by the band and looks up real close at the white dove carved in the center of the shield.

"It's beautiful, Florin. That was such a thoughtful idea." The dark rogue stands and gives him a hug. A big hug. "Thank you, so much. That was so nice."

And then she sits back down. Her eyes just kind of stare into the middle distance. "I'm tired," Xenia says to no one in particular.

Wynn 
Friday October 8th, 2004 10:03:52 PM
Daphne's party is the first happy social event Wynn has been to in a long time. He gets to know the ranger Lang, and the goofy magic user Angus, a little better over a few ales. Only Xenia's despondency puts a damper on the evening, and, the bard has a pretty good idea who's responsible.

Having grown quite fond of the copper haired beauty, he regrets the part he has played in her misery. But kids? Wynn had only just begun to repay the pledge-debt he assumed from the dwarf, Bralin. Kids?

Quietly leaving his seat, Wynn sneaks up behind the rogue as she contemplates Florin's gift. Lips pressed against her hair, he whispers,

Not with a Club, the Heart is broken,
Nor with a Stone--
A Whip so small you could not see it
I have known.


Before she can turn around, Wynn retreats back to his seat, just in time to collect one of the signet rings from the paladin.


Braxton 
Saturday October 9th, 2004 8:47:33 AM
Looks down at the ring, admiring the stellar craftsmanship.

Picks of the ring and puts it on.

"Thank you Florin"

Angus  d20+1=13
Saturday October 9th, 2004 12:11:40 PM
Angus heartly thanks Florin "Very nice craftmanship and excellent symbolism for us all."

Angus talks with Wynn and Lang at the table and sips his drink. He know it does not take much to put him over the edge and things just do not feel right, maybe it is Xenia's mood that is rubing off on him....

Angus scans the room again after the festivities with Daphne, looking for ladies of interest that may take is mind of other worries.(Spot 13, at least this time he is looking beyond the table top)

Lang & Sunshine -- Members of the "Crimson Shield's of Hope" 
Saturday October 9th, 2004 12:15:41 PM
Lang enjoys the party in the Giggling Ghost. He is a little overwhelmed with all the people in such a small place and is starting to feel a little claustrophobic. He bears through it keeping Sunshine close to him.

It also helps when Florin focus's the party's attention to just their table with presentation of the rings. The rest of the crowd melts into the background as everyone receives their ring. Lang picks up his ring and studies it for a short time, admiring the creativity of the design and the craftsmanship.

Standing up he addresses Florin and the rest of the group. "Florin, we had many ideas for the name of our group. We struggled, as a group, to figure out exactly what the name should imply about ourselves. But this (as Lang gestures to the rings) is just as important. We now have a visible symbol of our unity that people will identify as us. We are now one, let us go forth and show the rest of the world what it means to be a Crimson Shield of Hope."

Lang raises his glass in toast to Florin and the rest of the member's of the Crimson Shield's of Hope.

Tionel 
Sunday October 10th, 2004 5:02:43 AM
Tionel simply adores the ring, and admires it splayed against his finely manicured nails. "Marvelous gift, I admit! Thank you, my friend. Here, have an ale." He offers it to his friend.
And something is wrong with Xenia, he notices. Ah, yes, his bright eyes note as the bard comes swooping in. Relation problems. How amusing. The spice of life...
And all is back to normal, he suddenly realizes.
He sits back in his chair, totally at ease, guzzling his ale with one easy swoop, then setting it back. Utter relaxation sets in. No anvil hearts, no worries..the orphans are cared for, the things are safe, no enemies, nothing out there. And friends, people he likes...He reaches out and puts a hand on Syr's arm, and another on Lang's, patting them both. He looks over to Xenia's sad, tired expression, waits for her to look up, and then sing-songs in a soft, lilting voice...
"I found a bird, and it went up a tree.
I learned how to ride on a pony for free,
And I looked at a girl, and she knew it was me
When I went to the Summerhill Fair.
"The fishpond was fine, they had monsters and toads,
My dad got a plant and it broke in the road,
And I think I remember the pony she rode,
When I went to the Summerhill Fair.
"Next year there's a fair at the very same place,
I hope I run frontwards and win in that race,
And I'll recognize her by the dirt on her face,
When I go to the Summerhill Fair."

He smiles sweetly, gives Xenia a nice little wink, as he refills his mug, and takes another sip, and looks to his friends. "Times like these, my friends... Times like these." He seems to just have nothing else to say.

Syr 
Monday October 11th, 2004 2:36:25 AM
He accepts his ring with a beaming smile and a hug for the paladin. "Florin, you are too generous with your praise. I would lay all of the credit for this wonderful idea at your feet. I just happened to be frugal." The elf slides the ring on his finger and

Looking around the table at the others he gestures to Tionel, "Feels good doesn't it? Here with family and friends with less worries than normal. Just curious but any one give any thoughts as to what we are going to do next?"

Answering Xenia's question after contemplating it for a while, "Honestly? I've never been like that. Everyone in the orphange was family and all you guys came along and kinda fell into that same feeling. I'm certainly not the one to ask anything about love." Yawning in response to Xenia, he gets up and asks, "Need an escort home?


Games and Rewards (DM MikeK) 
Monday October 11th, 2004 9:51:24 AM
Florin tips the gnome, who bows low.
"That should help his mood," he replies to the paladin with a grin. The gnome winks out of existence.

The other Crimson Shields sit at the table, joining in song and refreshments, and generally enjoying a well earned respite from troubles and travails. Angus is even relaxed enough to spot a couple ladies that appear to be in need of company.

Mort hovers protectively over Jella. As the cake course finishes and the ale course starts up in earnest, the large man leans over to Florin and suggests perhaps it is time for tutor and child to retire.

Happy appears at the table about the same time.

"My friends," he declares, "and it is by Wardd's good grace that I call you friends. You have worked very hard over these past few months, and have performed marvelously. My gift to Daphne is also a gift to you. We have cleared the Nobleman's Suite tonight. A four bedroom extravaganza of palatial pampering, with sheets and sweets unparalleled in Floating City. Please accept our invitation to stay the night."

Happy walks around the table, backslapping or hugging (as appropriate) each of the heroes.

"But first!" he goes on, raising his voice for the whole room to hear, "Games!"
"Who wishes to try out our newest? Bowling!"

At the word, the dagger lanes suddenly sprout grass. At the near end are two sets of grapefruit sized wooden balls, one set painted red, and the other blue. At the far end is a target of three concentric circles painted in yellow on the ground.

Not many move to the new bowling ground, and Happy looks pleadingly at the party.

At a nearby table, a deep bass voice rumbles, "Barkeep! They get a suite?!? How bout some love for the Conquerors of the Wood?" A large minotaur gives the party a challenging look, then drains his ale.


Florin Jadenth 
Monday October 11th, 2004 3:06:49 PM
Florin looks to everyone and smiles at the comments on the rings and nods, "I'm glad everyone likes them. I was worried someone might be mad that I picked out the design myself."

Florin looks at the now bowling lanes and shakes his head abit. After seeing no one get up to try them though and Happy's look towards the group Florin stands and shrugs, "Well, I might make myself look like a fool but I'll try. I never been to great at games that don't involve the handling of a weapon."

Florin glances to the minotaurs and shakes his head but stays silent not wanting to start a fight with the minotaurs. He glances to the others of the group and whispers, "Lets try to avoid a fight, we have a image to uphold now as the group we have become." Florin looks to Happy and speaks up, "Will you show me how this game works please Happy and also it might be a good idea to let Xenia get some sleep already. We don't want her falling asleep here in the tavern area with all these people."

Braxton 
Monday October 11th, 2004 3:13:20 PM
Braxton gets up and ambles over to the balls and lifts one and turns to Angus.

"Well my friend, care to try your hand at besting me," he challenges with a smile on hs lips.

Xenia 
Monday October 11th, 2004 3:57:50 PM
A melodic voice plays just behind her head, playing softly into her hair, and Xenia's first instinct is to turn and slug him one. But then he's gone. And it was so sweet. And it makes her miss him so much more. Which makes her so much angrier and frustrated, and she wants to slug him again.

Why is this so hard? She wants to break down in tears. She wants to scream. She wants to kick and hit and flail around, and let all of this feeling stuff out in a wild fit of temper.

But all she manages is to sit and look more miserable.

Raising her glass of grape juice with Lang's toast, makes the girl rogue feel a bit better. And Tionel's song makes her smile. He's such a loveable goof. It's not a surprise that she kinda liked him first.

But that gets her thinking about Wynn again, and the achy longing comes back. She could just go talk to him. Tell him ... tell him that she doesn't really like babies. No. That's dumb. And it's not true. And it just sounds like one of those things that would only make things worse. Maybe she could just say that she's sorry for asking dumb questions and that she won't do it again. Just so long as ... Just so long as ... No. Nothing sounds right.

Maybe just go home. Snuggle into bed.

"Sure," she answers as Syr asks if she wants an escort. Her voice sounds so mopy. But then Happy brings up his bowling idea. And he looks so disappointed when nobody goes for it.

"Um, why don't we try the bowling first, Syr. I mean, one game and then go home, huh?"

She steps up with Florin and Braxton into the lane with the red balls.

"How does this work?" she asks.

Angus 
Monday October 11th, 2004 7:30:53 PM
Angus looks to Braxton "Kind sire thank you no. I am not build for games of strength or of coordination, but I will certainly wager on you winning!"

Angus sits back and gets ready to watch the game, but keeps an eye on the two ladies he spotted for later pursuit.

Wynn Brightsong 
Monday October 11th, 2004 10:10:52 PM
As the bard settles back in his chair, something digs into his kidney and he realizes that he still has Daphne's present. He leans forward and pulls out the rocket, examining it to make sure it has not suffered any from it's mistreatment. Wynn rises and walks to the bar to present Daphne with his gift.



Lang 
Monday October 11th, 2004 10:45:05 PM
Lang takes a seat closer Angus to watch the bowling game. "Angus, I have a gold piece on whoever plays Braxton. You want to bet?"

As Lang talks to Angus he will look at the table with the Minotaur and see if he is alone or sitting with anyone.

Tionel 
Tuesday October 12th, 2004 12:43:49 AM
"None of you has done this before? Oh, I simply adore bowling. Originally, the people on the street would play it, albeit with different tools and a less irregular environment...then it became a more upper class 'posh' sport, where no doubt its rules became codified. Obviously those fellows have no clue of the rich background, and the skill required for this delicate game.
"Mind you, I know only the idea of bowling itself. The rules are as varied and interesting as poker, you see. So, how do we play this, dear Happy? I will give it the first go."
He is really not in a mood to get into an argument with another group, especially so soon after a fight.

Florin Jadenth 
Tuesday October 12th, 2004 3:32:06 AM
<Small Ammendment to last post>

Florin looks to Mort and nods as he thinks and whispers to the man, "Since Happy has set us up to stay here I will inquire if you two can stay also and in the morning you both can eat a better meal then I could ever fix, plus you will have the good Daphne to wake up to in the morning."

Florin speaks to Happy when he gets chance, "Happy since you were going to allow us to stay here would it be possible for Mort and Jella to stay also? As you might of heard Jella is my adopted daughter. I also need wokeup early tomorrow to go meet with my father about some issues." The last part is spoke with alittle bit of a sour note, clearly he is not looking forward to it.

Florin takes a moment after the rules are explained for bowling to also speak to the group, "Tomorrow morning I wish to go see my father on some business, I would be really happy if you all would come with me. It would give you all a chance to see the nobles level of the Float and I guess if you were interested my x-home and x-family......anyway, cooler heads prevail and I would be much calmer and comfortable if you all came along."

Practice Time on the Bowling Green (DM MikeK) 
Tuesday October 12th, 2004 10:36:55 AM
Florin glances over at the other table and notes there is only the one taur. He is at a table with 4 other adventurer-looking types -- two humans and a couple half elves.

Angus notes that the half elves and one of the humans are of the female variety.

Wynn gets up and gives Daphne her present. The ghost beams and gives the bard an etheral hug, which is kinda weird feeling.

Happy agrees to put Mort and Jella up at the inn as well.

Florin, Braxton, Xenia, and Tionel step up to the bowling lanes, and Happy explains the rules.

"Simply takes a set of balls, and roll with your opponent, alternate shot style. One point for the outer ring, three for the middle, and five for a bullseye. Knocking another ball out of the way or into a circle is legal."

[Make three missile attacks. Tell me who's playing whom, and I'll resolve both matches next round]

Meanwhile, the large minotaur is speaking in fervent low tones with a couple of his female companions. He keeps gesturing toward the bowling lanes, while the two ladies seem unsure.


Xenia  d20+8=18 d20+8=23 d20+8=22
Tuesday October 12th, 2004 11:47:02 AM
"Ho-gay," the red-headed half elf says looking with a dubious eye at the colored balls. "Just throw 'em, right?" She picks up one of the red balls.

"Hey, how 'bout you and me, Ti'nel?"

Winding up, the dark rogue throws. It's not like she knows what she's doing, but throwing is throwing, right? In between balls, she takes sidelong looks at what Wynn is doing. It's bad, but it's also not something she can really help doing.

"Alright. Now what happens?"

Angus  d20+5=12
Tuesday October 12th, 2004 11:54:02 AM
Angus stands and adjusts his new cloak and announces to Lang "Lang you take care of the betting for our side, I will find us some spectators." Angus heads over to the female adventurers he just noticed.

Angus is feeling less than sure of himself, but will make the best attempt to convince the ladies to come over and watch his hero's take on all comers at the bowling lanes for small wagers. Angus will offer to buy the ladies drinks and point out Lang as the keeper of bets.



Tionel  d20+5=21 d20+5=19 d20+5=16
Tuesday October 12th, 2004 8:29:06 PM
"Drat...you're sure this is your first time, Xenia? You're a natural!"
So he puts forth his own skill, in an impressive display. Afterwards, he figures she'll win, since she mopped him up on both the second and third shot, but the first he won, at least.


Florin Jadenth  d20+3=23 d20+3=8 d20+3=21
Tuesday October 12th, 2004 8:29:46 PM
Florin pats Bralin on the shoulder and winks, "I will play against you although you have a edge on me I think. My aim is no where near good."

Florin tosses the first ball and watches to see where it lands (a perfect roll 23), then he tosses the other ball and watches as it flies wildly at the circles (rolled a 8), the last roll though he watches as he releases and it looks like it is rolling pretty good though (rolled a 21).

(OOC:Holy cow! a first and last good roll.)

Wynn Brightsong 
Tuesday October 12th, 2004 8:38:24 PM
Wynn wanders back to the table, a fresh pitcher of ale in his hand. He watches his friends as they try out the new game and wonders how he will make amends with Xenia. In between drinks he keeps a careful eye on the taur who continues to watch the Crimson Shields.

Braxton  d20+6=21 d20+6=21 d20+6=11
Wednesday October 13th, 2004 4:45:36 AM
Will play the winner of Florin & Bralin.

Throws his first ball down the grass (21). Picks up the second ball and lobs it also (21).
And then concentrating as he tosses his last ball and cringes (11)


ADM Jim 
Wednesday October 13th, 2004 7:59:49 AM
The Minotaur clomps over to the bowling lanes and muscles his way in. The Minotaur is in dirty breast plate armor and his exposed fur is matted and dirty, but their is an air of strenght to him.

The Minotaur stops right in front of Braxton and looks down on him, hands on hips with his feet spread wide and snorts "I want you dwarf. Lets see if you can do a friend of mine justice or not. 100 gp says I stomp you on the lanes." The Minotaur then tosses a purse from his belt to Lang. "I take your bet human! Care to add to it dwarf or do you not have the balls for it!" The Minotaur then bellows at his own foul humor.

Braxton can smell stale ale on the Minotaurs breath as he shoulders by him to the lanes.

Two female half elves follow in the Minotaurs shadow followed by Angus. The females seem to be appraising the men of our group and give a discouraging look to Xenia and the females with Wynn. One of the women is dressed in robes and the other in oiled leather armor, both are diseveled, but still attractive in a rugged sort of way.

Angus 
Wednesday October 13th, 2004 9:08:12 AM
Angus trails after the two female half elves and calls to Daphne "Daphne we need a new bottle of wine!"

Bowling for Dollars (DM MikeK) 
Wednesday October 13th, 2004 10:36:34 AM
Tionel and Xenia are first to try their hand at the bowling match.

Xenia's first attempt stops in the outer band. Tionel bests that by rolling his first ball into the middle band. Xenia responds with a bullseye. Tionel gets sneaky, rolling his second ball into the outer band and knocking Xenia's ball out of the target altogether.
Xenia's third shot hits Tionel's ball in the middle band. His rolls to the outer. On Tionel's final throw, he's short of everything for no points.

Final Tally -- Tionel -- two in the outer band for 2 points.
Xenia -- one bullseye and one middle for 8 points.
Even though she won, the rogue can't shake the feeling she should have done better.

[Bralin is in a different part of the Wold guys.]

Braxton and Florin go next.

Florin goes first and chucks a bullseye. Braxton manages the middle band.
Then Florin gets over enthusiastic, and launches his second ball well past the target. Braxton gets a second ball in the middle band, to take the lead.
Florin wedges his third ball in the middle band, where its getting rather crowded.
Braxton's attempt at finessing one past those three balls sails wide, for no points.

Final Tally -- Florin -- bullseye and middle band for 8 points
Braxton -- two in the middle band for 6 points.

As the dwarf and paladin finish, the minotaur arrives to make his challenge. The two ladies behind him eye the paladin appreciatively.

Angus, who is eyeing the ladies appreciatively, arrives soon thereafter with a brand new bottle of wine Daphne provided with a wink.


Florin Jadenth 
Wednesday October 13th, 2004 3:24:26 PM
(OOC:Sorry for the Bralin slip. I was thinking Braxton and typed Bralin.)

Florin slaps Braxton on the shoulder and smiles, "Close game Braxton." Florin smiles and whispers to the dwarf, "Beginners luck for me."

Florin begins to step away when the minotaur and the half-elf ladies comes over. Florin watches the minotaur carefully before nodding to the two half-elf ladies and smiles to them.

Florin speaks to the minotaur before stepping to the side, "Just a friendly game sir, remember, it is a party." Florin looks over the ladies once more and ponders before stepping over to the leather armor wearing one and speaks to her, "I been hoping for a dance all night so far, would you do me the honor m'lady?" Florin looks to the other lady and motions towards Angus, "My friend has brought a nice wine, I bet he would like to share it with you." Florin looks to Angus hoping he just didn't step on his friend's food.

NPC: Fiddle and Faddle by ADM Jim 
Wednesday October 13th, 2004 3:59:19 PM
Angus pours wine for the two half elf women and they put their heads together for discussions. Fiddle, the dark haired one in leather armor and Faddle, the silver hair one in grey cloak and white staff can be hear whispering "...I want him....don't worry about her...you witch...you can be such a itch...alright"

The silver haired Faddle walks up to Florin and says as she extends her hand palm down "I'm Faddle, what's your name?" Faddle lets out a giggle as the wine Angus got for her does not seem to be her first.

The dark haired Fiddle saunters up to Wynn and his two lovlies and pulls a dagger out to clean a dirty fingernail and says to the Wynn's companions. "Good night ladies." The ladies take the hint and beat a hasty retreat. Once there is no competition Fiddle looks Wynn up and down and says with as much sugar as possible "Want to play a game?" and motions over to the lanes with her dagger.

Fiddle grabs Wynn by the hand with her free hand and playfully trys to lead him to the lanes and looking over her shoulder adds "I'm Fiddle, who are you handsome?"

Xenia  d20+15=28 d20+1=5
Wednesday October 13th, 2004 4:13:11 PM
"Poo."

Xenia blows a puff of breath out at a loose strand of red hair to punctuate the sentiment. That last ball should have gone right in the center. Her eye tracks across the room to see if anyone's messing with her. (Spot 28) Pretty much, though, she just kinda sees the other girls sitting around the room. And that makes her think of you know who.

Oh, poo. Forget it.

"Thanks, Ti'nel," and she gives the dapper elf a congratulatory hug, even though she won.

"That was fun, Happy. I'll ... have to try that again sometime."

All these things, but her mind is elsewhere. Her hands are cold, stomach all achy, and the world was all blurred and out of focus.

...

"wynn ... " Her voice sounds small and far away. " ... I'm sorry. Whatever I said, I'm sorry. I mean, I didn't mean you and me ... I mean, unless you wanna, that is. It's just that kids are cute. And I was thinking of kids. And so I asked. But that doesn't mean that I wanna have any. I mean, not right away."

"I ... I ... I want you to understand. ... Because, I really like you. A lot. And ... well ... if you don't like me that much ... I guess that's ok." Xenia tries so hard to not really look at anything and to keep that miserable look off of her face.

But it's just not something she's very good at. (Bluff 5)

Braxton  d20+6=8 d20+6=18 d20+6=16
Wednesday October 13th, 2004 6:08:14 PM
Braxton looks the minotaur up and down and snorts. Turning around he grabs the first ball (8) and shakes his head in disgust. Grabbing the second ball he tosses it (18) and then grabs the last ball and throws it (16) and turns to let the minotaur step up.

NPC: Kurgen the Minotaur - ADM Jim  d20+6=15 d20+6=25 d20+6=10
Wednesday October 13th, 2004 8:03:57 PM
Kurgen bellows in laughter at Braxton's bowling attempt. "Let me show you how it is done. I have another 100 gp on the line for you and your skinny friend." Kurgen points to Lang, who has Kurgen's purse in his lap.

Kurgen takes the balls and hurls them down the lane with tremendous force (15, 25 (nat 20) and 10). "What a shot!!" Kurgen roars "Did you see that Faddle and Fiddle." Kurgen flexes for the ladies.

A human female with a golden eagle on her arm arrives at the table left by Kurgen, Fiddle and Faddle and sits down with the human male still there. The female lets the eagle off onto the back of one of the chairs as she watches the bowling game. There seems to be alot of equipment and weapons on and around the table.

Wynn Brightsong 
Wednesday October 13th, 2004 8:48:03 PM
Wynn eyes the dangerous looking female in leather appreciatively as she sends the other ladies packing. "Fiddle..an interesting name...how did you come by it?" The bard plays over a couple of scenarios in his mind before agreeing to follow the tough but shapely female over to the grassy lanes.

When he spots Xenia, still obviously put-out by his earlier reaction he feels a pang of guilt and wonders how he might have handled the situation more delicately. Just then the minotaur bellows out and saves the bard from having to deal with the mess he has found himself in.

"Oh, well done" Wynn calls out to the taur in a playful tone, "that was remarkably good considering everything..."

Fun and Games (DM MikeK) 
Thursday October 14th, 2004 9:03:02 AM
I'm going to slow this down to one throw per post

Florin graciously makes way to the loud (and large) minotaur, and makes some moves on the ladies. The silver haired mage, Faddle, makes some moves of her own on the paladin.

The dark haired Fiddle drinks Angus' wine, and then promptly goes over to talk with Wynn. Wynn agrees to accompany the lithe ranger to the dagger lanes just as Xenia shows up to talk to him.

Tionel and Lang find themselves ignored at their table.

Braxton agrees to bowl, and chucks a ball down the lane. He is woefully short.

The taur, Kurgen, bellows in derisive laughter, and then promptly launches his ball too far. He offers to up the bet anyway.

Round 1 score: 0 -- 0

Game - Ranged attack roll ac17 puts it in the 1 pt band, ac20 in the 3 pt band, ac 23 in the 5 pt bulls eye. Can aim for opponents ball instead (called shot - add +2 to AC roll to hit ball in a particular band -- hit ball moves one band, hit by better than 3 moves two bands


Xenia 
Thursday October 14th, 2004 12:38:15 PM
Wynn walks off with the leather girl, and Xenia's lips tremble and bend downward, drawing tears that well up in the dark rogue's eyes.

Turning away, she gives her head a fierce shake, breathing shallow in a vain attempt to hold back the sobs.

"Ha-ha-ha Happy, I-I have to g-g-go now." She hugs the barkeep, burying her face into his comforting girth. "Th- thank you so much."

"Th-th-thanks D-Daphne," she calls out, her shot of forced cheer quavers in the air. "H-h-happy Birthday." And then she rushes out the door.

Ah, life has it's ups and downs. What Hell is this when they're so very up and so very down.


Angus 
Thursday October 14th, 2004 1:11:28 PM
Angus is frustrated with his recent attempts with the softer sex having lost the two women he brought to the table. Angus sits down at the table and begins to work on what is left in the bottle of wine he pruchased. Angus takes a chair with a good vantage point to watch the bowling. "Easy come easy go." Angus says to himself.

Seeing Xenia leave is a huff Angus calls after her "Xenia....", but does not pursue "Not my day, and no sence in pushing it." Angus finishes to his wine glass.

Florin Jadenth  d20+2=3 d20+5=12
Thursday October 14th, 2004 2:50:50 PM
Florin gently takes Faddle's hand and kisses the top before speaking to her, deciding to give his full name since he doubts she will know the Jadenth name, "My name is Florin Jadenth a humble defender of Domi. If you would like we could have a dance or would you rather sit m'lady Faddle?" Florin smiles as he stays polite, he is curious though as to the sudden interest in the group by these people and even knows he is charmed by this lady he is careful. (Spot:3 Nat:1, must of been very captivated.)

Florin will escourt the lady to the dance floor to dance or to a table depending on her preferance. Pulling the chair out for her once they do finally sit. While dancing or at the table he will speak to her, "So, you work with those who are working on the shoreline? Must be rather dangerous work. How long you been working that area? I have to admit I only been over by and in the woods a few times myself, most of my time is spent here in the city. Every once in awhile though something or someone interesting comes along though, looks like this is one of those days or nights." (Diplomacy:12 *think there should be a nother +1 to that but currently having computer problems)

Tionel 
Thursday October 14th, 2004 3:17:36 PM
Tionel, watching the little flirting and such going on, smiles and sits back. Ah, love and hatred, girls and their little entanglements...humans are so amusing! Elven females, he's sure of (in his mind), would never stoop to such tactics. Humans' hot-headedness always get them into such delightful troubles. And half-elves, they seem to be worse for some reason!
The beer seems to be adding to his mirth. In any case, he cheers on his home team whenever they get the chance at bowling, and whoever's the underdog when it's otherwise. And when nobody's up, he gives it a few practice throws as well.

NPC: Kurgen - Minotaur ADM Jim  d20+6=16
Thursday October 14th, 2004 3:36:21 PM
Kurgen Howls in delight and looses himself up for his second throw by head butting a support column. "I'm next stump! You better have my money ready when I beat you!" He says as he looks down on Braxton.

Kurgen lets the ball fly (AC 16 if the 25 does not count from last time) and gives as much body english as possible to help. "I plan on taking you money stump to add to our recent take from the woods." Kurgen looks up from Braxton and bellows across the bar. "Barkeep another keg of you best ale and a bigger mug, I'm THIRSTY!"

NPC: Torak - Human, ADM Jim 
Thursday October 14th, 2004 3:42:07 PM
Torak, a human at the table Kurgen, Fiddle and Faddle came from stands at Kurgen's latest remarks. "Shut up you great Ox and remember Gorlin's sacrifce for the gold you are spending." Torak is removing the more uncomfortable pieces of his half plate armor and placing them on the pile of equipment by their table.

Torak the traces symbols in the air, bows his head and drains his mug and whispers "To Gorlin."

Kurgen just scowls at Torak and goes back to the game.

NPC: Fiddle Half Elf - ADM Jim  d20+8=18
Thursday October 14th, 2004 4:07:00 PM
Fiddle looks at Wynn appreciatively. "So bold of you to ask." she adds coyly. "Fiddle was a nickname a former lover gave to me, that I like and stuck to me, and for the time being lets leave it at that." Fiddle ends with a note of promise.

"Now lets play a game. Remember ladies first." Fiddle added excitedly as she puts away her dagger and throws a ball down the lane (AC 18). After seeing her result, she adds "What is our bet?"

NPC: Faddle - Half Elf, ADM Jim 
Thursday October 14th, 2004 4:23:59 PM
Faddle takes the seat offered by Florin. "We are just back from the woods and this is the first place we came to once we were back in the city." Faddle get reflective for a moment "Yes the woods are hard and we were in them for too long, we lost a friend there."

Faddle looks at Florin with a keen eye "So you have traveled to the woods also, how have your forays profited? I need to know so I can decide who is buying dinner. Oh not to have to eat trail rations or Torak's cooking." Faddle adds with a hopeful sigh.

NPC: Lilith Human Female - ADM Jim  d20+10=16
Thursday October 14th, 2004 4:31:56 PM
The tawny haired woman at the adjacent takes some scraps of meat off of their table and feeds the golden eagle. Lilith spots Sunshine and she crouches down and calls the dog over, while offering a piece of meat (handle animal 16). The eagle screeches in defiance and Lilith speaks to it "Its ok Ginger, I love you the most."

Lilith calls out from her crouch as she waits for Sunshine. "I'll add 100 gp to Kurgen's bet, that he stomps the dwarf. Who will take my bet? You?" and Lilith points to Tionel.

Lang & Sunshine 
Thursday October 14th, 2004 9:41:30 PM
Lang stays at the table with Sunshine & Tionel. He does not pick up or accept any of the money that the other group has tossed towards him. He gets a little concerned as the group is being distacted by these other adventurers. He stays quiet, trying to have fun while keeping an eye on his friends.

Wynn Brightsong  d20+8=18 d20+8=25 d20+1=18
Thursday October 14th, 2004 10:18:21 PM
Wynn sees Xenia walk away, obviously upset and is about to turn and follow, but Fiddle presses him forward and he finds himself watching her roll her ball down the lane with an athletic gracefulness that he can't help but admire.

Wynn picks up one of the balls and judges it's weight before sending it down the lane. He tries to impart some side spin to the ball to allow it to curve back into the middle of the circle [AC 18].

"I've little in the way of gold." Wynn replies before the ball has come to a stop. "What do you suggest we play for?"

In between balls, Wynn continues the conversation. "I'm Wynn, and these are my friends" he waves his arm to indicate his fellow members of the Crimson Shields. "Who is this Gorlin, and how was he lost?" Wynn asks as delicately as he can [Diplomacy 25]. "It must have been quite a struggle if a group as obviously able as yours lost a comrade." The bard tries to determine how much of the truth the girl reveals in her answer [Sense Motive =18]

Mike - Braxtyn 
Friday October 15th, 2004 5:11:23 AM
OOC - I need someone to run Braxton for a few days. Email me at mkhailvw@yahoo.com


More Fun and Games (DM MikeK)  d20+6=23
Friday October 15th, 2004 10:05:34 AM
Xenia, by now an emotional wreck, bolts from Giggling Ghost into the street.

Wynn watches her go, but is stuck in a game with Fiddle. The bard strikes up a conversation as the two both get their first throws into the outer band.
Round 1 -- Wynn 1, Fiddle 1

Beside them, the drunken Kurgen misses again with his next toss. Braxton silently rolls a bulls eye.
Round 2 -- Braxton 5, Kurgen 0

Florin and Faddle also get to know one another better.

Tionel, Angus, and Lang do their best to follow all the action. The last female of the other group makes an betting offer to Tionel, while the male seems to be annoyed with his taur companion.

All kinds of stuff going on.


Braxton (Sub/Al)  d20+6=19
Friday October 15th, 2004 10:52:50 AM
Braxton says nothing as his ball unerringly finds the mark. Instead he looks up at the minotaur, slowly crossing his thick arms across his chest.

The tiny pull of a satisfied smile tugs at one corner of his mouth.

Taking up the last ball, the dwarven cleric sights down the lane, working for a protective shot. The ball rolls into the 1 point zone, placed hopefully, to prevent the minotaur from knocking his ball out. Or, better yet, possibly from even striking the bull's eye.

Braxton steps back, folds his arms across his chest again and fixes his opponent with an expectant stare.

Xenia 
Friday October 15th, 2004 11:32:32 AM
The night streets have never been so distant and cold. Arms wrapped about her shoulders, Xenia makes her way through the few short blocks to the apartments. Her steps echo through the urban canyons drawing the scrutiny of each dark building that she passes. They look down upon her, all watching, coldly impassive as the stupid girl with her foolish heart make a battered withdraw for the dubious escape of home and bed.

The front door opens with a click louder than any she's ever noticed before. The front rooms of the apartment glow with a near palpable emptiness.

She mounts the stairs, and entering her room, she throws herself, fully clothed, upon the bed. The dark girl pulls the blankets to herself, holding them, trying not to think, trying not to feel, trying not to be so damn miserable.

And as Xenia drifts off into a troubled sleep, the last thought in her mind is that, well beyond any physical hardship she's ever experienced, this has to have been the worst day of her entire life.

Angus  d20+5=23
Friday October 15th, 2004 12:26:42 PM
Angus sets his wine glass down, puts his feet up on the table and takes out his flute. He is enjoying the games, but not his fortune with the ladies and begins a melencholy tune on the flute (perform 23) that is much more to his satisfaction. Angus can still not shake the feeling that something is not right with him....



Florin Jadenth 
Friday October 15th, 2004 2:00:53 PM
Florin nods his head at the comment of a lost companion and can't help but bring the holt symbol he wears around his neck up and runs a figner along the symbol while whispering a short prayers for the poor person who died. Florin whispers afterwards, "I'm sorry to hear about your groups loss. It must of been a hard battle or something of that sort sicne you all look confindent enough."

Florin motions for a waiter/waitress to come to the table and looks to Fraddle, "Our latest dealings actually had to do with the Anvil Heart and Tiger Shields. I used most of my money for better armorment but I have enough yet for a meal for a beautiful lady." Florin smiles and orders a simple light wine since he has already had something to eat and allows Fraddle to order what she wants, "I hope you do not mind the wine I ordered. It is getting rather late also, please do not take my asking wrong but have you a place to stay the night Fraddle?"

Tionel  d20+10=30
Friday October 15th, 2004 2:56:00 PM
"A hundred gold?? Are you crazy?" Tionel blinks a few times. That sorta money tossed around so casually, like nobles, this is crazy! Tionel finally says, apologetically, "I'm afraid I can't bet that kinda money. However, if you want to go by drinks or some-such thing, how about this...The losing group buys the bar a round of drinks?" He smiles, trying to put a good face on his cheapskatedness. (Diplomacy 30!)

NPC Lilith: Human Female - ADM Jim  d20+10=23
Saturday October 16th, 2004 7:18:48 AM
Lilith laugh heartily from her crouched position at Tionel's retort. "Torak, these men here seem to be lacking spine or worse, but Fiddle and Faddle will find that out. Alright then penniless elf a non monetary wager for you and me. Your room for the night up against ours and my promise to be nice to you." Lilith finishes with a wink as tawney treshes of her hair cascade over her face as she looks to sunshine again.

Lilith makes kissing noises to sunshine with the piece of meat in her hand (handle animal 23) as she adds to Tionel without looking at him "Do you have what it takes to accept a ladies challenge?"

NPC Torak: Human male - ADM Jim 
Saturday October 16th, 2004 7:21:26 AM
Torak seems to have gotten himself to a comfortable state of disarmour and just chuckles as he watches the games afoot. Torak grabs a mutton leg and has at it, although grinning eye seem to watch everything.

NPC Fiddle: Half elf female - ADM Jim  d20+3=20 d20+8=20
Saturday October 16th, 2004 7:26:39 AM
Fiddle picks up Angus's tune and with bowling ball in hand does a short little dance for Wynn (perform 20). There is much gyration, but she pouts playfully "Play something fun minstral" and she throws her ball (AC 20). "Top that Wynn." as she gets behind him and places her hands on his hips as she attempts to be as distracting as possible. Fiddle whispers in Wynn's ear "We need more wine"

Wynn Brightsong  d20+8=21 d20+8=15 d20=8
Saturday October 16th, 2004 9:43:26 AM
Wynn admires the lithesome form of the half-elf as she performs her dance and throws her ball towards the circles. When it is his turn, it is hard to ignore Fiddle's hands upon his hips. "A little to the left...that's it!" Wynn releases his shot and watches it roll down the lane [AC 21].

The bard gives Angus a warm smile in appreciation of his fine tune and orders more wine from one of the passing barmaids.

"You haven't told me what happened to this Gorlin fellow", Wynn hands Fiddle her next ball. "He was lost to you in the forest?" [Diplomacy 15, Gather Information 8]

Lang & Sunshine 
Sunday October 17th, 2004 3:05:30 PM
Lang relaxes a little bit as the other group does not appear hostile, just outgoing and pushy. Absent mindedly he reaches down and scratches behind Sunshine ears.

"Wynn certainly seems to be putting himself into the frying pan", Lang says to Tionel and Angus as Xenia hurries out of the Giggling Ghost, obviously quite upset.

"So do you think Wynn and Braxton will win this bowling game against these guys", Lang asks Tionel and Angus.

NPC: Faddle - Half Elf, ADM Jim  d20+6=15
Sunday October 17th, 2004 6:51:56 PM
Lilith slams her palm on the table and ice flashes in her eyes "My name is FADDLE, the other you called is a vile curse!" Faddle gets ahold of herself and her demenor calms as she seems to realize that Florin ment no harm (diplomacy30 Florin, Diplomancy 15 Lilith). "I am sure you did not know. I apologize for my outburst. I need a drink, what are you drinking, I am buying." Lilith is attempting to flag down a barmaid.

NPC Kurgen: Minotaur - ADM Jim  d20+6=17
Sunday October 17th, 2004 8:40:04 PM
Kurgen launches his last ball at Braxton's ball attempting to knock it out and grunts as he feels it will go wide. Kurgen spins to face Braxton, snorting hot breath. "Double or nothing!! That goes for you too small fry, and your little dog too!" As Krugen stares down Braxton and points to Lang.

Syr 
Monday October 18th, 2004 1:09:03 AM
Looking around he watches a sad Xenia leave and wonders if he should follow. His eyes become sad as he thinks of the heartache that she must be going through.

Syr stairs down at the others from the balcony above. Grinning at the dwarf's win he calls out, "Brax, quit while you are ahead." The competitive spirit urges him to move down the stairs to join the others. Unconciously, he twists his rings as he descends.

(Okay, life is settled down now. I will resume normal posting. Can someone send an email with everyone's addresses? new email:scottehansen@gmail.com)

Party continues (DM MikeK) 
Monday October 18th, 2004 8:53:55 AM
Xenia makes it to her room, and seeks the comfort of her bed. It is long in coming.

Meanwhile, back at the inn...

Despite the obvious distractions of his companion, Wynn matches Fiddle's shot. Both rolls stop in the middle band. It comes down to the final shots.
Round 2 -- Wynn 4, Fiddle 4

Braxton scores another point, and looks on with satisfaction as the minotaur is only able to match his shot. Kurgen, however, seems unwilling to lose gracefully.
Final score -- Braxton 6, Kurgen 1

Syr watches the games from the upper balcony, calling advice to his newest comrade. The monk finally descends the stairs to get in on the action.

Tionel gets the bet reduced to a room swap, although he hasn't agreed to it yet. Angus and Lang both watch Xenia's departure with sadness, which the sorcerer combines with his own difficulties in finding some companionship and pours into a well played mournful tune.

Despite Lilith's compliments, Angus remains convinced he's not playing as well tonight as he normally does.

Florin and Faddle work out names, and then get on with being friendly.


Braxton (Sub/Al)  d20+6=18
Monday October 18th, 2004 9:49:04 AM
"Alright you," the dwarven cleric of Domi matches the minotaur stare for stare. "Alright. You'll have your double or nothing. But, as winner of the last round, I claim the right to place one more condition upon you should you lose."

"Your friend is right." Braxton breaks off the stare-down to acknowledge the now unarmored human with a nod. "If you've lost a companion, you do his memory no service with this drinking and gaming. Should you loose this time, you will cease all drink for the rest of the evening. You will also refrain from gaming *and* fighting, on your honor."

"Those are my conditions."

Then, without another word, Braxton picks up a ball and tosses.

Xenia 
Monday October 18th, 2004 10:07:21 AM
Night passes in the darkened apartments. Xenia sleeps curled up in a ball, knees pulled up, covers bunched around her in disarray.

Eyes twitch behind closed lids. Her hands clench and unclench around the blankets. A small string of drool escapes the side of her mouth before her lips close, her face pulling down into a frown.

Florin Jadenth 
Monday October 18th, 2004 11:59:11 AM
Florin does his best not to look dumb as he quickly back peddles, realizing he has said the wrong name on accident, "I'm dearly sorry Faddle. I'm not offended either, I understand how someone would get upset at being called the wrong name, it is insulting to have someone say your name wrong." Florin smiles with a slight blush considering his mistake and how nice this lady is and maybe it is just him tonight but she is quite beautiful, "I'm drinking a light wine. I try not to drink to much or to heavy of stuff."

Florin nods and speaks gently as Faddle offers to pay for the meal and such, "I have no real way of paying you back for your kindness m'lady Faddle. Please do not take the offer wrong but Happy has offered me and my friends one of his best rooms. I can offer to share my room with you. I can hang a curtain as to give you privacy of course. I suppose the room would have one bed so I can use the floor and let you use the bed. I am a paldain and use to rougher circumstances where as a noble lady should have to endure harsh things less." Florin thinks on his comment a moment and quickly speaks again so his comment isn't taken wrong, "Not meaning your not tough enough to rough it though, just saying you have had a rough time with the loss of your friend I would imagine and you have bought the meal so this is the least I could do in return."

Florin thinks a few moments and decides to also just chit chat more, "I was thinking, I have a place on the merchant level near the wall. If you like to come visit then I would be honored. I live their with Jella my adopted daughter and Mort her teacher and bodyguard. I'm not the greatest cook but I can offer you a homemade meal then and it would be nice to get to know you more Faddle."

Angus 
Monday October 18th, 2004 1:05:07 PM
Angus stops playing after Kurgen's outburst, waiting to see what happens. Angus looks to Lang to see how he reacts and says in hushed tones "I hope he was speaking to you and not me."

NPC Faddle: Half elf female - ADM Jim 
Monday October 18th, 2004 1:15:32 PM
Faddle waves off Florin's apology with a willowy roll of her hand. "Do not worry yourself Florin." Faddle then begins to play with her silver hair and adds "I will pay for the food and drink, but I order for both of us."

Faddle motions for a waiter and orders a steak and potatoes for both of them along with a light Rose and a bottle of whiskey. Faddle looks to Florin and says very smoothly "I am eating a meal to my friend Gorlin's memory and I am happy for you to join me. This is Gorlin's favorite meal." Faddle get quite for a moments and adds without looking at Florin "Payment and sleeping arrangements can be worked out later." and she turns to watch the bowling match.

NPC Kurgen: Minotaur - ADM Jim 
Monday October 18th, 2004 2:57:09 PM
Kurgen spits and stammers before he can respond to Braxton "You accept the bet or not, NO CONDITIONS! What kind of COWARD are you stump!" Kurgen reaches into one of his large pouches an pulls out a head sized rock that is streaming with lines of what appears to be pure gold.

Kurgen slams the rock on the nearest table, denting it and breaking the rock, exposing more gold. "That is to cover my bet for dog boy and you, Coward!" Kurgen takes a deep breath and snorts down on Braxton. "Do not bring my friend Gorlin into this. I am drinking and gambling in his memory as that is what we did each day we knew one another. Now he lies stinking in a shallow grave, next to a river no less, and he HATED water!"

Kurgen grabs the ball and through grinding teeth "Well COWARD are we on!" and he brings his head down low just inches from Braxton's.

Braxton (Sub/Al)  d20+6=19
Monday October 18th, 2004 3:18:04 PM
"Then we won't talk about your friend," Braxton replies. Unflinching he stands looking up, face to face with the minotaur. "Lets talk about you. Your behavior is insulting, a disgrace to your group. Your refusal to see this convinces me even more that it's what you need."

"Will you face yourself?" The dwarven cleric looks the minotaur right in the eyes. "Domi grants me the courage to face myself every day." He turns away, taking up another ball.

"What about yourself? I've made up my mind, and I'll not back down from it. The condition stands."

Braxton throws another ball, rolling easily into the middle zone.

NPC Torak: Human male - ADM Jim 
Monday October 18th, 2004 4:59:18 PM
Upon hearing Kurgen spout off Torak jumps out of his chair and shakes his mutten leg. "Shut up you great Bafoon! It is bad enough that Gorlin was rended by that gaint plant thing, that you have to go and shoot your mouth off about our find!"

Torak takes a breather from yelling and downs another flagon, takes a bite of mutton and starts to yell again and shake the mutton leg. Unfortunately, no one can understand him, and Lilith moves over toward Tionel, Lang and Angus to get our of the spraying mutton and ale.

NPC Lilith: Human female - ADM Jim 
Monday October 18th, 2004 5:06:19 PM
After moving away from Torak, Lilith calls Ginger over and puts her on the back of a new chair. Lilith looks to Angus, Lang and Tionel "You guys make friends easy...what is your problem." as she picks up two full tankards of ale and stands before the three. "If you will not bet, which one of you three is man enough to drink with me." Lilith proclaims as she holds a tankard out expectantly.

Tionel 
Monday October 18th, 2004 5:21:25 PM
Tionel regards the angry drunkenness, the gambling, and the general debauchery and feels both happy and slightly disgusted. Danged prudish elvish morales, he tells himself. He accepts Lilith's offer with a hand and a full downing of the tankard in two strong gulps. Wiping away the foam, he smiles apologetically... waving for Happy to refill his tankard, he speaks in an easygoing tone. "It's not that betting isn't in my blood, which it isn't, it's that we've been in trouble and fighting other groups for so long, my lady. If your fellows are friendly betting, let the stakes not be so high, let us not be so competitive...but instead, let us just enjoy each other's company. If I may say so, most of your company is extremely beautiful and entrancingly seductive...and the rest is minotaur. Though I'm sure by the time morning comes he and Braxtyn will still be fighting valiantly to empty tankards, recounting old war stories, and no doubt, on the way to being best of friends. At least, if similarities are endearing." Happy returning with two mugs for Tionel, he downs one easily again, and waves Happy off with a smile and nod towards the bowlers.
"Anyways... I'll match any pretty lady's ability to race to the bottom of a mug, but I must warn you, this throat has much practice in ale-quaffing, being a graduate of the school of barhopping."

NPC Fiddle: Half elf female - ADM Jim  d20+8=23
Monday October 18th, 2004 5:39:42 PM
Fiddle tosses the ball and jumps for joy and giggles before slowly turning to Wynn "It looks like I will win you after all." Fiddle winks at Wynn and adds very softly "If you want to throw at all....to save your strenght."

Fiddle moves behind Wynn again and attempts to be as distracting as possible.

Wynn Brightsong  d20+8=24
Monday October 18th, 2004 8:07:37 PM
Wynn briefly considers throwing the game to the leather-clad filly but instead lobs a high arcing shot towards the dead center of the rings.

"And what have I won?" the bard asks with a mischevious grin as he turns around, placing his hands around her waist.

Syr 
Tuesday October 19th, 2004 12:34:08 AM
The elf moves through the retreating crowd toward Torak. Smiling broadly he suggests, "Big Guy: Swallow!" Pulling up a chair he sits next to the large figure unconcerned with the splashing ale. In between the 'taurs incoherent ranting, "Plants you say? We've been to the woods too, was it the creeping kind that gets you in your sleep or the beserk vines that lift you high?"

As he leans back in the chair, he carefully watches the exchange between Braxton and Kurgen ready to come to his friend's aid.

Love and War (DM MikeK) 
Tuesday October 19th, 2004 10:05:10 AM
Xenia huddles under her blankets, seeking sleep.

Meanwhile, back at the inn...

Wynn matches Fiddle's shot again as both roll bulls eyes.
Final? -- Wynn 9, Fiddle 9

Braxton and the minotaur, Kurgen, exchange words, and the dwarf opens a new round with a strike in the outer band.

Syr joins the human male, Torak, and the table and asks about the group's lost companion.

Florin and Faddle discuss who's sleeping where.

Tionel and Lilith agree to drink each other under the table.

Leaving Angus and Lang alone to ponder all the activity. And also ponder the rather sizable hunk of gold laced rock Kurgen just slammed on the table. It's really big. And its really heavy. And if its not worth at least 5000gp, Angus will take up pot scrubbing.



Xenia 
Tuesday October 19th, 2004 1:14:44 PM
Xenia rolls in a tangle of covers. Her eyes open. The ceiling is a dark landscape above her.

Despite the fatigue of the previous evening's sleepless night, something, or rather someone, drives her from the haven of dream.

Florin Jadenth 
Tuesday October 19th, 2004 2:19:24 PM
Florin nods and smiles as he looksto Faddle, "I understand Faddle and I would be honored to eat this meal with you. Gorlin was a lucky guy to have careing companions."

Florin goes quiet on the subject when the food arrives at the table and he takes a small sip of the whiskey, coughing slightly afterwards and smiling, "Don't usually drink something this strong but this is a special occasion." Florin waits for Faddle to begin eating before he does, mainly out of politness. He speaks little as he watches Faddle, enjoying the company and figures it is clear since he watches her face and eyes.

Lang & Sunshine 
Tuesday October 19th, 2004 8:52:54 PM
"Angus, I guess he means me since he said dog, but I am going to ignore him and maybe he'll leave us alone."

"So how much do you think that rock weighs?"



Braxton(Sub/Al)  d20+6=24
Tuesday October 19th, 2004 11:26:40 PM
Braxton quietly watches the minotaur fume for a while longer. Then he picks up another ball and throws.

Angus 
Tuesday October 19th, 2004 11:44:12 PM
Angus looks to Lang "I bet it weights more than me, but that is not hard."

Angus takes a sip of wine and slowly goes over what he might purchase with 5000 gp........If he had his own gold mine.

NPC Torak: Human male ADM Jim 
Tuesday October 19th, 2004 11:48:36 PM
"Whoa there you sneaky sone of a buck, where did you come from." A startled Torak stammers while swallowing and shakes his mutton leg at Syr.

"Don't you go sneaking up on me like that or you will get yourself brained! AND do go asking questions about or looking for Gorlin!" Torak covers his mouth like he has said too much and turns red with anger.

NPC Fiddle: Half elf female ADM Jim  d20+8=22
Tuesday October 19th, 2004 11:54:06 PM
Fiddle looks Wynn up and down for a moment "I hope your stamina for the game proves to be a forecast of things to come. We are now in sudden death. My toss."

Fiddle uses as much hip as possible in the toss, but only for Wynn's benefit as she is very skilled (AC 22). "Beat that pretty boy" And Fiddle takes her normal position behind Wynn, hands roaming....

NPC Faddle: Half elf female ADM JIM 
Wednesday October 20th, 2004 12:03:04 AM
To start the meal Faddle offers a toast of whiskey and waits for Florin to join her. "To Gorlin, who did not die how he wanted, but is the provider of our feast." Faddle eats heartily and explains "Torak is a terrible cook and this is excellent, In fact, a toast."

Faddle refills Florin's whiskey "To all things fine. Especially wealth and the comfort it brings." Faddle drains her whiskey and is feeling the effects. "That forest is nasty, I do not miss it one bit and am looking forward to a nice warm bed....somewhere." Faddle adds before attacking her meal again.

NPC Lilith: Human Female ADM Jim 
Wednesday October 20th, 2004 12:07:46 AM
Lilith seems quite please to have a drinking companion and strikes Tionel a staggering blow to the back in congratulations. "Good Job! Now give me a shot back." Lilith open up her midsection and seems to be asking Tionel to hit her. "Come on, you can go first."

NPC Kurgen: Minotaur ADM JIm  d20+12=25 d8+6=14
Wednesday October 20th, 2004 12:15:35 AM
Kurgen is insenced that Braxton turns his back on him to return to the game. "I am not done talking to you COWARD! You are a disgrace to dwarf flesh."

Kurgen takes a big step behind Braxton and smashes his big horned head ontop of Braxton (Hit AC 25, for 14 damage subdual).

Kurgen steps back arms wides, his left still holding the bowling ball, and exlcaims for all to hear. "What do you got Stump! Is there any dwarf blood in you, do Gorlin proud! Or are you truly a yellow bellied slug."

Tionel 
Wednesday October 20th, 2004 5:11:39 AM
"Punch you in the stomach? Why not just take a double shot from Rubdar's Bullette-breathe-brew? I bet you can't handle one of those. I've seen grown men cry after that." Tionel waves Happy over and asks him to pour a couple of doubleshots for the two of them.
"Where'd you get that hunk of gold? Looks as big as a gnome's nose..."

Wynn Brightsong  d20+8=22
Wednesday October 20th, 2004 7:55:12 AM
Wynn takes his place on the line, ball in hand and prepares to throw. He doesn't like this idea of "sudden death" and hopes it is not meant literally. The bard throws his ball [AC=22] and turns to face Fiddle just as Kurgen delivers his devastating head butt.

"Whoa!" the half-elf moves towards Braxton and the enraged minotaur.

Syr 
Wednesday October 20th, 2004 8:07:35 AM
Seeing Braxton get beaned the elf springs up in support. Yelling at Torak, "You better stop your friend or I will!" He moves over behind Kurgen.

Bull in a china shop (DM MikeK) 
Wednesday October 20th, 2004 9:56:10 AM
Xenia stays in bed.

Back at the inn, all kinds of interesting things are going on --

Wynn and Fiddle again match throws, this time they both land in the middle band.

Florin and Faddle discuss meals and lost comrades at a quiet table.

Tionel finds Lilith is not adhering to the standard of femininity, but he gamely attempts to change the discussion from belly shots to double shots.

Angus and Lang look over that really large hunk of gold.

And then the minotaur, Kurgen, decides to switch to a new game. Braxton, once the bells in his head stops ringing, finds himself facing a grinning taur who is practically begging for a return shot.

Syr and Wynn move quickly in support of their new comrade. The monk issues a warning to Torak to stop things now.

Some of the neighboring tables have been watching the show at the bowling lanes.
"Well go on!" an encouraging shout is heard, "Belt that cow!"


Braxton (AC 20, HP 52/52 -14 Subdual) (Sub/Al)  d20+6=18 d20+8=27
Wednesday October 20th, 2004 11:07:33 AM
Stars ring planets, and then, one by one, they go out as light returns. Braxton shakes his vision clear.

"You're out of control, minotaur," is all he says before reaching in to climb the towering form, and take him by the neck.

[[ Grapple: Melee Touch, hit AC18, Grapple check 27 ]]

Xenia 
Wednesday October 20th, 2004 3:23:55 PM
Xenia sits up in bed. Her room is a dark empty box around her. She pulls her legs in, hugs her knees, and stares off into a matrix filled with people, places, events and decisions. Her father and mother, her ex-roomies in the bell tower, Gordo, Bralin, Kyria, the Anvil Hearts, Happy, Daphne, Florin, Tionel, Syrdeth, Angus, Lang, Braxton ... and Wynn. All there. And at the center of this matrix is herself, small within the myriad paths and branchings.

Finally, she rolls out of bed. In the pitch black, she strips out of her party clothes and dons instead, full armor. Her hair, she pulls back and ties into an extra tight ponytail. She kits up with tools and weapons.

Quietly closing the door of her room, she descends the stairs. She moves in darkness around the furniture in the living room and out the front door into the cool night air.

The dark rogue looks first up the street and then down. And when she's sure no one has seen her, Xenia heads off for Gold Level.

Florin Jadenth 
Wednesday October 20th, 2004 8:42:09 PM
Florin nods and sips his second glass of the whiskey Faddle poured, not wanting to get drunk when he is not use to such drinks, "Those are all good toastes m'lady Faddle. As for the room you may share mine tonight, I owe you that much and would be hurt if you refused."

Florin smiles and finishes up his meal as the lady tells him of the woods and such and Florin nods, "I remember the feelings while being in the forest and can understand your feelings. It is starting to get late to and I would guess we both have a early day in the morning. I myself have to go visit my father who is on the nobles level concerning my adopted daughter."

NPC Fiddle: Half elf female ADM Jim  d20+13=22
Wednesday October 20th, 2004 11:02:37 PM
Fiddle is pleased to see that she and Wynn are tied again and get to extend their game, but then everything get exciting and Wynn tries to leave her.

Fiddle hangs onto Wynn and begs "Stay and play with me, let Kurgen have his fun and we can have ours." As Wynn leaves, Fiddle will attempt to relieve him of any weapons that she feels she can (Sleight of hand 22)get away with, dagger, sword or if she has to purse.

NPC Torak: Human male ADM Jim 
Wednesday October 20th, 2004 11:06:38 PM
Torak finds himself addressing empty air as Syr moves to Braxton. "Come back here! I was talking to you!" Torak chases after Syr pointing the mutton leg in front of him "You have no respect for your elders!" Although Torak looks barely thirty himself.

Angus 
Wednesday October 20th, 2004 11:08:49 PM
Angus gets up from the table as soon as things get hot and back up, knowing full well that one of the Taurs legs weights more than him. "Go get him Lang!" ANgus yells from the saftey of the back wall.

NPC Faddle: Half elf female ADM Jim 
Wednesday October 20th, 2004 11:13:09 PM
At Kurgen's outburst, Faddle adds matter of factly. "Finally, Kurgen is getting on with his mouring. He needs this to help the passing of Gorlin. Shall we watch." Faddle finishes with a giggle as she turns to watch.

NPC Lilith: Human female ADM Jim (AC 18)  d20+8=17 d3+2=5 d20+3=12 d2+2=4
Wednesday October 20th, 2004 11:24:04 PM
Lilith seems to get into the flow of Kurgen attack and swings at Tionel with her now empty mug (AC 17 for 5 subdual)shattering it on Tionel's head. Lilith follow up her mug attack with a grapple (AC 12 for 4 subdual if it hits) but it appears she put too much into her first attack. "Look Kurgen I got a little one!" Lilith yells with a big grin on her face.

NPC Kurgen: Minotaur ADM Jim (AC 19)  d20+16=27 d4=2
Wednesday October 20th, 2004 11:31:36 PM
Kurgen smiles as Braxton attackes, but is alittle surprised that he starts to climb him. Kurgen drops the bowling ball and encases Braxton in his powderfull arms (opposed grapple check 27, tie, but Kurgen wins the tie with the higer grapple check) and he squeezes the dwarf (2 +6 for 8 subdual damage). "Nice try stump! Now it is time to make you shorter!"

Lang & Sunshine 
Wednesday October 20th, 2004 11:51:32 PM
Lang is not really sure what to do to help his friends, but a thought crosses his mind on how to get this rowdy group thinking about something else.

"Sunshine defend."

Moving quickly, he picks up the large piece of Gold and tosses it towards the largest group of people in the Giggling Ghost and yells, "Kurgen, your gold is getting away!"

Tionel (AC 12, with +2 from dex)  d20+2=17 d20+4=17 d2+1=3
Thursday October 21st, 2004 12:11:51 AM
Tionel might be a pacifist when it comes to the lives of people, but he also loves a good harmless fight. So, when she clomps him over the head, he acts as though his aching skull nearly knocked him out. (Bluff check DC 17...no affect, or anything, just a RP affect)
Then, suddenly, Tionel charges into her full-speed! He grabs her by the shoulders, and knees her in the stomach, hard. (AC 17 to grapple, did 3 subdual damage) "Hah! Take that!" q

Syr  d20+8=18 d20+8=11 d8+5=13
Thursday October 21st, 2004 12:40:08 AM
Syr sees Braxton go at the minotaur and seeks to aid his partner. Careful to strike with the edge of his hands he attempts to subdue the minotaur (attack 18,11 subdual damage 13).

Seeing the gold rock go flying he points and laughs loudly at the stone being passed around.

Wynn Brightsong  d20+6=14 d20+11=30 d20+6=23 d3+2=5
Thursday October 21st, 2004 7:41:59 AM
Wynn pulls himself free from Fiddle to come to Braxton's aid. He fails to notice Fiddle's theivery. The bard runs across the top of the long table and launches himself towards the heavy iron chandelier that handgs from the ceiling. [Tumble=30] and as he swings towards the taur lets fly with a kick [hit AC=23 5 hp subdual]

Fight! (DM MikeK)  d20+2=4 d20+3=7
Thursday October 21st, 2004 9:58:17 AM
Braxton gamely ascends the minotaur like a mountain climber. As he grabs a horn, Kurgen finally reacts by clamping the dwarf in a taur hug and putting the squeeze on.
[8 hp subdual to Braxton]

Syr, sitting next to Torak, surprises the man completely when he pops out of his chair and flips over the table. The nimble monk lands directly behind the minotaur and thwacks him soundly in the kidney. Pain races up the monk's hand. Minotaur hide is tough stuff.
[Taur is Ac 19, no damage]

Meanwhile, Wynn (minus a pouch containing his Cats Grace potions) dashes across a table accompanied by the sounds of crashing plates and exclamations of surprise and anger. The bard launches himself into the air, grabs a low hanging chandelier, and glides through a graceful arc into the minotaur's head.
[Kurgen has lost a total of 5 hp subdual damage]

Lilith happily joins in the action by crowning Tionel with a coffee cup. The pieces shatter over the druid's head and he swoons into semi-consciousness.
[Tionel -- 5 hp subdual]
The woman reaches hesitantly for the half elf, only to find herself on the receiving end of a surprise knee to the stomach. Good thing she's short.
[Lilith -- 3 hp subdual]

Faddle moves her chair a bit to get a good view, takes Florin's arm, and watches the show.

Angus calls for everybody to charge, while he himself backs up for safety.

Lang grabs the hunk of gold and tries to heave it into the crowd. Unfortunately, the ranger severely underestimated the weight of the rock, and did not take the proper grip. [Strength check rolled for Lang - 4].
While nearly herniating a disk, the best the man can do is shove the rock off the table. It lands on the floor with a resounding crash.

While Kurgen is a little too busy to notice, the ranger does succeed in garnering Torak's complete attention. The man springs to his feet, and Sunshine growls menacingly at him. The man's gaze quickly moves from Lang, to the teeth baring dog, to the hunk of gold lying on the floor a few feet away.

The merchant Pratalis was having a great time. The party was excellent, and his companion had imbibed enough wine to ensure the evening would continue for some time. Even the bothersome squabbling by the mercenaries at the next table was proving entertaining. And now, Wardd had dropped an enormous block of gold practically at the man's feet. Pratalis' quick eyes pick out Torak's intentions to reacquire the loot. With a speed unused in many years, Pratalis launched himself toward the prize.

Which looked a lot like launching himself toward Lang.
Who had just commanded Sunshine to defend.
The German Shepherd, barking ferociously, springs at the merchant. His teeth snap loudly before the startled man's eyes.
[bite atk ac 7, miss]

Xenia steals out into the night, her purpose unknown.


Syr AC 18  d20+8=21 d20+8=11 d8+5=8
Thursday October 21st, 2004 10:40:29 AM
Laughing now he takes a swipe at Torak's retreating back (attack 21, 8 hp subdual) landing a short blow before following the big minotaur. (save vs DC 18 or be stunned)

Noticing the sorceror backing away, "Angus, anything in your bag of tricks to put these guys to sleep?"

Xenia  d20+11=27 d20+12=24 d20+3=17
Thursday October 21st, 2004 3:19:32 PM
Xenia stands before one of the great pillars that would take her from Fence to Merchant to Gold. She feels oddly awkward and uncomfortable. Her memory not jumping the gaps for information that she knows she knows.

The trick was not necessarily to remain hidden, but to remain unmemorable. Wouldn't it be nice to have that disguise hat thing that ...

Wrong thought.

Stick to the shadows. She could hear her father's words. "Getting good information is sometimes even more difficult than the break in, Alexandria. Choosing the right target can be even more important than great skill."

Maybe she'd just walk through this time. But the urge to strike out is so strong. The urge to do something. Patience is hard. But that's why she's here. To learn to do for herself. It's the original plan.

The gray girl pauses before entering, turning back to look out at the Fence Level. Houses full of people. People with lives. People who feel loss. Some of them she knows.

Gold Level, they can afford it. It's natural to, well, prey upon them. Sure. Right.

Xenia takes the silver band with the small red gem out of her pouch and looks down at it. Her lips purse into a frown. Remember why you're here. To learn to do for yourself. It's the original plan.

She puts the ring back into the pouch.

[[ Hide 27, Move Silently 24, Knowledge Local 17 - For the layout of Gold Level and possible targets for burglary ]]

Tionel  d20+4=14
Thursday October 21st, 2004 8:03:06 PM
Tionel grabs the wriggling girl and twists her arm behind her back, or attempts to at least. (opposed pin check, DC 14 to break it). "You're a pretty good brawler," he culls her, "Isn't it a shame you were taken down by a weak elven bard?"

Florin Jadenth 
Thursday October 21st, 2004 10:06:19 PM
Seeing no reason to join in on the brawl right now and since he is enjoying the company of Faddle and also it is keeping her spells out of the works he smiles and takes her hand in his for a moment as she holds his arm.

Florin looks to Faddle for a moment as he remembers he is unarmored and only has his longsword at the moment which is quite enough to detour most people probably. His fingers of his free hand run the outline of the silver dragon handle as he looks back to the fight and speaks up, "My friends and yours are both quite capable of fighting well. All though I may have to help depending on how rowdy your minotaur friend becomes." Florin watches the minotaur particularly as he waits to see if any of his friends will need aid, "I might be more inclined to join them but most deffinetly don't want to loose the company I have and the possiblity of some company later tonight."

Angus: AC 14 
Thursday October 21st, 2004 11:27:21 PM
Angus thinks what to do to best help his friends and decides to cast mage armor on himself and keep a safe distance.

Angus yells out to Syr "Sorry, I only deal in the lethal kind. Go get em, your doing great."

NPC Faddle: Half elf female ADM Jim 
Thursday October 21st, 2004 11:31:22 PM
Faddle is enjoying the show and is giving plenty of OOOHS and AAHA. Faddle gets concerned when Floring suggests that he may have to join the mayhem and does a quick dance with her fingers (Suggestion DC 17 will save) "Why don't you stay right here and recite your best poetry for me." Faddle waits to see the effect and if Florin starts prattering on, she will turn to watch the show.

NPC Fiddle: Half elf female ADM Jim 
Thursday October 21st, 2004 11:35:53 PM
"Hey sweetie pie!" Fiddle calls to Wynn holding his purse in one hand and one potion in the other. "You forgot something!"

Fiddle will then soft toss one potion in Wynn's direction, but not at him, in an effort to draw him away from the conflict. "We are still in sudden death! Catch!"

Fiddle scampers away reaching into the pouch again.

NPC Torak:Human male ADM Jim  d20+6=10
Thursday October 21st, 2004 11:39:10 PM
Torak attempts to entice Sunshine with his mutton leg in order to get to the gold "Here pup.. Nice doggy." Only to get smacked in the back by Syr and stunned (10 save).

NPC Lilith:Human female ADM Jim AC (18) +3 for dex  d20+8=23 d3+2=3 d20+3=4
Thursday October 21st, 2004 11:44:48 PM
Tionel felt his knee connect with some sort of armor, but Lilith still lets out an "OMPF"

Lilith deftly reverses Tionel's pin (opposed grapple 23) and head butts (3 subdual) "Two can play at that game Kurgen" Lilith screeches. Lilith follows her head butt with a knee (AC 4) but does not find the soft target she was seeking.

NPC Kurgen: Minotaur AC 19 ADM Jim  d20+16=27 d20+11=24 d4+6=7 d4+6=8
Thursday October 21st, 2004 11:50:45 PM
Kurgen is roaring, but it sounds more like laughter than battle lust.

After Wynn kicks him in the face he bellows "Is that all you got little man! You need to go back an play with the ladies before you get hurt!"

Kurgen has Braxton in a vice grip and squeezes (AC 27 for 7 subdual) and then readjusts and flexes again (AC 24 for 8 subdual) "Gorlin I think stump is shorter than you now!" Kurgen yells to no one in particular.

Wynn Brightsong  d20+6=15
Friday October 22nd, 2004 7:56:16 AM
As the bard swings back on the iron chandelier he sees Fiddle with his pouch and dives forward just in time to catch the potion before it hit's the ground [Dex 15]. Wynn will chase after the half-elf for the remainder of his action.

Braxton  d20+6=21
Friday October 22nd, 2004 8:36:46 AM
OCC - Thank you Al

Braxton grunts and thinks reflecting on a youth spent learning how to defend himself.

Taking both hands he forms them individualy into points locking the bones and muscles in hos fingers and wrists and jabs the cow loving ingrate in the eyes (21).

Bar brawl continues (DM MikeK)  d20+8=22
Friday October 22nd, 2004 3:41:52 PM
[ooc -- Syr -- I think you're confusing the human Torak and the minotaur Kurgen. I'm assuming you meant to attack the taur. Sorry in advance if I'm wrong]

A laughing Syr slugs Kurgen in the back. This time he hears a satisfactory bellow in pain.
[Kurgen - 8hp subdual]
[Fort save - 22ish]

Unpreturbed by the monk's strike, Kurgen continues to squeeze his dwarf.
[Braxton 15 hp subdual]

Braxton tries the good old eye gouge. He slams both of his thumbs into the taur's eyes.
[Kurgen -- Fort save 18 or drop Braxton and blinded d2 rounds]

Tionel tries to pin Lilith, but she rolls over on top of him, and then slams him with her head. [3 hp subdual]. Except for that last part, the elf is enjoying himself immensely.

Florin stays put. Faddle tries to make sure he stays that way.

Wynn launches himself from the swinging chandelier, and flips to the floor while simultaneously catching the potion in one hand. The bard takes off after the fleeing Fiddle.

The merchant Pratalis scrambles away on all fours from the madly barking Sunshine. Satisfied, the dog gives the merchant a parting "Woof!", and then turns to stare at Torak, who is carefully offering him a chicken leg. The armored man slides slowly toward the rock of gold.

Angus and Lang offer encouragement from a safe distance.

Xenia pads softly into the Gold Level. Mansions and boutiques line the uncrowded streets. The place smells of money. Money to afford all kinds of magics.
[Xenia knows the layout of the Gold Level as detailed in the Travel Agency site]


Tionel  d20+4=13
Friday October 22nd, 2004 7:14:47 PM
Tionel attempts to apply pressure again, (Opposed grapple check DC 13) but is pretty sure that this girl is stronger than him.. "Hey, Angus! Some help over here. If we both grab her we can throw her into the horse trough!"

Xenia 
Friday October 22nd, 2004 10:32:16 PM
Xenia climbs to Gold Level. The streets seem less grand at night. Night is a great equalizer. Fence or Gold, they are now just streets.

At first she simply wanders lost in a cloud of her own thoughts. She finds herself on Silver Street walking north towards King's Way. Following a twinge of instinct, she turns off a block from the corner onto The Way moving east through a still side street. Her green elven eyes wander upward to eaves and second story windows. They roam the locks of doors. She walks a long crooked circuit as the street winds east then south then turns north again to end up where biting its own tail.

Xenia sighs. She continues around for a second walk, this time, however, she takes another side street north onto a small long crooked courtyard. The dark rogue surveys the facades of the buildings. And then she sits on a stoop across the way. Removing a pen and paper from her haversack she begins to draw. A reasonable likeness of the buildings begins to take shape upon the paper before her.

Florin Jadenth  d20+5=16
Friday October 22nd, 2004 11:47:46 PM
(Will DC:16, 1 point off, guess Florin can't resist a woman.)

Florin not knowing any poetry really just starts rambling to Faddle about how nice she looks and how much he is enjoying her company. Rather she notices or not Florin even compliments the way she is dressed how how he likes the color of her eyes since that was one of the places his eyes were glued to throughout most of the meal. The fight seems to be in the back of his mind as he concentrates on talking to Faddle now.

Angus Mage Armor 
Saturday October 23rd, 2004 3:59:46 PM
Angus considers Tionel's request, but only briefly. "Your doing great! I will only get in the way. It is not my night with the ladies." Agus does edge closer, just in case, out of desparation he may have to intervene. Angus is actually paying more attention to the large chuck of gold.

NPC Fiddle: half elf female ADM Jim 
Saturday October 23rd, 2004 4:04:47 PM
Fiddle is darting between tables leading Wynn away, laughing the whole time. Fiddle produces another potion and glances back over he shoulder to spy Wynn before launching it two table over from him. "Another round sweetie! Try again, but it won't be easy." The potion sails high overhead and Fiddle turns to watch Wynn with a huge grin on her face. Fiddle seems to be rooting for Wynn. "You can do it!"

Kurgen: Minotaur ADM Jim  d20+9=19 d20+16=35 d4+6=8 d20+7=9
Saturday October 23rd, 2004 4:11:40 PM
Kurgen just twists away from Braxton's thumbs (Save 19). "Fighting dirty, does you proud stump! My turn."

Kurgen applied an unbeliveable crushing lock on Braxton. (AC 35 damage 8) The lock has made Kurgen head butt ineffective (AC 9).

Kurgen bobs his head to those not fighting, looking for praise. Kurgen spins to see how everyone else is faring. "Lilith you found a runt too. Make quick work of him."

Wynn Brightsong  d20+6=24 d20+1=2
Saturday October 23rd, 2004 4:41:40 PM
Wynn alters course mid stride and dives as the rogue tosses another of his potions overhead. [Dex 24]. He seems oblivious to the motives of the girl leading him on a merry chase [Wis=2]

Wynn Brightsong  d20+6=24 d20+1=2
Saturday October 23rd, 2004 4:41:40 PM
Wynn alters course mid stride and dives as the rogue tosses another of his potions overhead. [Dex 24]. He seems oblivious to the motives of the girl leading him on a merry chase [Wis=2]

Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=17
Saturday October 23rd, 2004 8:54:11 PM
Lang looks around the Giggling Ghost for Happy (spot 17). Readying his Quarterstaff in a threatening manner and glaring at anyone who gets in his way, he and Sunshine quickly move over to where Happy is standing.

"Happy where are your bouncers to break this fight up? Our group cannot afford to get into trouble again. If the guard come here to break up this fight it will not look good for us."

NPC Torak: Human male ADM Jim  d20+2=22
Sunday October 24th, 2004 10:13:57 AM
Seeing Sunshine retreat with Lang Torak pounces on the big gold nugget. Torak waves the mutton leg at anyone who approaches. "Stay back all of you I warn you. This gold is ours, we paid dearly for it!" Torak will then pick it up and put it back on the table (Str roll 22, beer muscles and all!)

NPC Lilith: Human Female ADM Jim  d20+8=22 d2+2=4 d20+3=16 d2+2=3
Sunday October 24th, 2004 10:34:16 AM
Ginger screeches as Tionel grasps Lilith. Lilith answers Ginger "Its Ok girl, I have him where I want him." and again she reverses Tionel's hold and sucessfully knees Tionel this time (AC 22 subdual 4). Lilith follows the knee attack with an elbow to Tionel's back (AC 16 subdual 3). "See I'm Ok! He's just a little fellow." and the golden eagle flaps its wings, but does not screech.

NPC Faddle: half elf Female ADM Jim  d20+4=19
Sunday October 24th, 2004 10:22:35 PM
Faddle watches the interplay of her friends with great interest with her back to Florin and comments "Florin that is music to my ears, tell me more."

Faddle sees (spot 19) Lang start heading for Happy and get a frown on her face. "We can't stop Kurgen's fun." she says to herself as she cast hideous laughter on Lang (DC 17 will save)

Syr  d20+10=16 d20+10=17
Sunday October 24th, 2004 11:47:06 PM
Syr winces in sympathy as Braxton is squeezed. Trying to help the dwarf, he makes a couple short jabs at the 'taur but both are ineffective.

Frowning at the result, he calls to Braxton, "Let's take this big guy down." The elf drops down on his hands and knees behind the large minotaur and looks up from the minotar's knee level, "You know what to do?"

Getting Brawled (DM MikeK) 
Monday October 25th, 2004 10:31:51 AM
Tionel tries to pin Lilith beneath him, but the girl knees him in the stomach, flips him around and then elbows him in the back. The druid finds she has pinned his arm behind him in some kind of wrestling move.
[Tionel loses 7 subdual]

Syr tries a couple more strikes on Kurgen, but is getting nowhere. The monk drops down behind the taur.
Kurgen, meanwhile, avoids the blows to his eyes and keeps the squeeze on.
[Braxton -- 8 hp subdual]
The dwarf is unable to respond.

Florin recites some extraordinarily bad poetry.

Happy seems remarkably unconcerned about the fracas, watching with a bemused smile.

For his efforts, Lang draws the attention of Faddle, who casts a spell at him.

Torak retrieves the hunk of gold.

Wynn flies across a table to retrieve his second potion. Fiddle dashes on, although her sack is now empty.

Xenia strides through the streets of the Gold Level. No one notices her. After a time, she sits down to map out the level. Its so clean up here.


Xenia  d20+15=35 d20+11=23 d20+15=34 d20+12=24
Monday October 25th, 2004 11:44:32 AM
After a bit, the map takes shape. Xenia adds little bits, notes and such, with arrows pointing to various interesting architectural features. Occasionally, she chews the end of the pen as she works.

Then Xenia pulls the haversack around front and puts the stuff all away. The haversack is the best. Just throw stuff in. No need for the discipline of efficient packing. That's something she'll have to fix. Maybe get another pack just for practice.

Reaching into the haversack, the dark rogue comes out with a leather wrapped bundle of tools. As surreptitiously as one can sitting on someone else's stoop in the dark, she survey's the street for prying eyes. Then, keeping to the shadows, she chooses a door at random and moves to it. This is a timed test. Speed and silence both count. She's done it many times before.

First the inspection of the target for traps. The lenses perched on her nose come off, to be replaced by a different pair designed for close work. When she's satisfied that there are no nasties, Xenia goes to work. Unrolling the tools, the rogue takes slim picks with which she works the lock. Time, time, time. This has to happen fast. And quiet.

Unlock. And then lock back up again. No sound. No marks. And then leave.

Why don't the picks feel right? Why is everything so ... off?

[[ ROLLS ]]
Spot 35
Hide 23
Search 34
Open Lock +13 (Take 20 but it would be nice to know the time it took.)
Move/Work Silently 24
Relock Open Lock +13 (Take 20 but it would be nice to know the time it took.)
[[ EndROLLS ]]

Wynn  d20+7=22 d20+6=23 d20+6=7
Monday October 25th, 2004 10:24:41 PM
Wynn draws up quickly, and bends forward, hands on thighs, and chest heaving. Straightening, he pushes his hair back off his face in a careless gesture. Mouth open, and breathing heavily he eyes the leather-clad half-elf just out of his range, and calls after her, "you're too fast for me, Fiddle!" as he continues the feint of being winded. (Bluff=22).

If Fiddle falls for the ruse, Wynn will lunge for her, grabbing her about the waist, attempting to hold her close. (Grapple=23, to Hold=7)

NPC Fiddle: Half elf female ADM Jim AC 17  d20+1=5 d20+5=13 d20+13=24
Monday October 25th, 2004 11:18:56 PM
Fiddle stops and turns to face Wynn (sense motive 5) and laughs. "You need to show more stamina!"

Fiddle laughs and wiggles and attempts to get behind Wynn, again: opposed grapple 13 and attempts a new slight of hand for something small and easy to take item sleight of hand 24.

Angus Mage armor AC 14  d20=15 d20=15
Monday October 25th, 2004 11:23:36 PM
Angus is now resigned to help Tionel (against his better judgement) and is looking for a very light chair, nothing too heavy mind you as he can not strain himself too much. Once he has a light chair he will move forward as quietly as possible (move silent 15) and from Lilith's flank (hide 15 while moving -5???).

NPC Torak: Human male ADM Jim  d20+4=5
Monday October 25th, 2004 11:26:21 PM
Torak breaths a heavy sigh of relief as his gold rock seems safe and scans the room for potential thieves, besides his own....(spot 5, nat 1), but seems too enthralled by the gold to notice much beside the rock.

NPC Lilith: Human female ADM Jim  d20+8=11 d20+3=13 d2+2=3 d2+2=3 d2+6=7 d2+6=7
Monday October 25th, 2004 11:32:19 PM
Lilith looks to press her advantage on the smaller Tionel, but gets cocky and swings with a wild haymaker (AC 11 3 subdual if it connects) and a kick to the ribs (AC 13 3 subdual). "Defend yourself small fry, your taking the fun out of it! Well not all of it."

Lilith is totally engrossed in fighting Tionel and does not notice anything else going on around her (spot and listen 7 & 7 two nat 1???)

NPC Kurgen: Minotaur ADM Jim  d20+16=26 d4+6=8 d20+11=22 d4+6=10 d20+2=9
Monday October 25th, 2004 11:39:11 PM
Kurgen readjusts Braxton again in the bear hug. "Time to crack your shell stump!" (AC 26 for 8 subdual). Not senseing much resistance out of the dwarf, Kurgen slams Braxton across his knee (AC 22 for 10 subdual). "Sleep tight stump!"

Kurgen then places a hoof on Braxton and his dented armor, Flexes one bicep, looks around (spot 9)and bellows. "Next!"

Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=13 d20+6=15 d20=1 d20+2=5
Monday October 25th, 2004 11:40:11 PM
As Lang gets closer to Happy, he is dismayed by Happy's apparent unconcern for the groups plight (spot 13). He also notices some small pastries tossed at him from the general direction of Wynn and one of the females (spot 15). He wonders, for a very short time, why someone would throw tarts at him (intelligence check natural 1), before he is overcome by the hilariousness of the whole situation (will save 5).

Lang falls to the ground, next to Sunshine laughing hysterically.

Tionel 
Monday October 25th, 2004 11:48:53 PM
Defend myself?? Tionel shouts inwardly, and then, he gets a rather interesting idea. He concentrates, shuddering, and before Lilith can fully react, she is suddenly wrestling with a fully-grown bear that towers over her. (Wild shape into a bear this round )

Florin Jadenth 
Tuesday October 26th, 2004 1:19:03 AM
Florin continues sitt and rambling off his head about this and that he has enjoyed about being here tonight with Faddle. He does his best not to repeat himself since he had only met Faddle a short time ago and for some reason he just can't stop himself.

Syr  d20+10=19 d20+10=30 d8+5=11 d8+5=11 d8+5=7 d20+10=21
Tuesday October 26th, 2004 4:18:13 AM
Syr jumps to his feet in fury as Braxton is bent over the minotaur's knee. With a foot he kicks the best in the thigh. (attack 19, damage 11). Reaching over he lifts up a chair and swings it at the minotaur's back shattering the wood on Kurgen's back (critcal damage 18 more). Between clenched teeth, he mutters, "Will you just go down?"

NPC Faddle: Half elf Female ADM Jim 
Tuesday October 26th, 2004 8:30:46 AM
Faddle quickly looks at Florin "You are sooo sweet. Tell me about my hair now." Faddle turns back and flips her silver hair.

Faddle raps her white staff on the floor in excitment as Kurgen drops Braxton.

"Ohhh!!" Faddle exclaims as Tionel turns into a bear. "Now that is just not fair!" Faddle casts a new spell on Lilith and she increases greatly in size herself (enlarge spell).

Turning Points (DM MikeK) 
Tuesday October 26th, 2004 9:44:08 AM
Wynn bluffs being exhausted, and Fiddle falls for it. The girl tries to slip past and filch something else, but the bard grabs her and pulls her close to him, wrapping his arms over hers. Fiddle is trapped in the elf's embrace.

Angus finds a nice, light, chair, and walks around behind the thrashing Lilith and Tionel. The girl kicks the druid in the ribs. And then things get interesting when she finds herself astride a very large bear.

Florin continues spouting poetry. Lang is rolling on the floor in convulsive laughter. Sunshine looks curiously at his master, but remains vigilant. In the presence of the dog, nobody comes near the ranger.

Faddle tries to even things up by turning Lilith into an 11 foot human.

Kurgen drops the unmoving Braxton, and strikes a pose. Syr takes advantage of the opportunity, slamming the minotaur with a well placed kick, and following that with a chair that disintegrates over the fighter's back [29 hp damage].

Daphne materializes next to Happy. The ghost says something to the innkeeper. He shrugs a reply, indicating the mass of fighting folks. Daphne stamps her foot, but Happy can only shake his head.
--

Xenia satisfies herself that no traps exist. She looks about, and sets to work. The lock is good. Very good. And Xenia is not herself. It takes 96 seconds to pick the lock. It takes 93 seconds to reset it. That is a very long time.

Just as she is finishing up, she sees, or maybe senses, something. A shadow. A movement. Something behind and above.


Xenia  d20+7=22
Tuesday October 26th, 2004 11:05:34 AM

Uh oh. Fram!

Hokee, first lesson: Stay cool. Think first. You're not doing nothing wrong. Yet. 'K, girl?

Breathe.

'K.

Xenia begins humming a tuneless melody as she quickly wraps her tools. "Num num-nee num ... " She stands and turns on the balls of her feet. And as she does so, she slips the leather packet into her haversack. (Slight of Hand 22)

Angus Mage Armor AC 14 
Tuesday October 26th, 2004 11:22:31 AM
Angus see the now furry Tionel and the enlarged Lilith and looks down at his small chair and says "Tionel you are on your own." Angus backs up and sits on the chair he was carrying.

Florin Jadenth 
Tuesday October 26th, 2004 10:21:07 PM
Florin smiles and raches out, touching Faddle's hair a moment before speaking gently to her, "Yes, you hair is quite beautiful Lady Faddle. I bet it looks even better in the moon light." Florin continues talk off his head about Faddle's hair and being more romantic or as romantic as he can be.

Lang & Sunshine 
Tuesday October 26th, 2004 10:41:25 PM
"Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha", is all that is heard from Lang as he rolls around laughing.

Sunshine cocks his head slightly and looks at Lang expectantly.

Wynn  d20+6=18
Tuesday October 26th, 2004 11:07:58 PM
The bard slides his hands down the half-elf's arms and pins both her wrists in front of her. (Grapple-18) Still holding her close, he looks into her eyes and whispers, "what is this game you're playing at?" His voice is stern and there is an intense look in his eyes.

Syr 
Tuesday October 26th, 2004 11:21:21 PM
The elf lets out an explosive grunt, "Finally!" Picking up another chair, he flips it at the minotaur slowly, "There ya go, now your turn tall, dark, and ugly." He presents a shoulder to Kurgen and braces himself for a retaliatory blow.

Calling over to the human, "Torak, stop staring at a rock and get Kurgen and I a beer."


Tionel  d20+9=10
Wednesday October 27th, 2004 12:25:23 AM
With his new bear strength, Tionel attempts to capture the girl in a crushing hug. Unfortunately, he's a bit disoriented from changing shape. (Attack roll of 10 :P) Plus she's a lot bigger. So, he ends up with a gentle, warm, furry hug.

michael aka braxton 
Wednesday October 27th, 2004 5:35:53 AM
whoever has been running braxton please do so for a few more days, and email me a copy of his character sheet. my pc is fried and i am in the process of reformatting or rebuilding the damn thing. thank you

Braxton (Sub/Al)  d20=18
Wednesday October 27th, 2004 7:19:32 AM
Braxton groans and moves on the floor a bit.

The groan is very convincing for some reason. (Groan 18)

NPC Kurgen: Minotaur ADM Jim  d20+12=25 d8+6=7 d20+7=12 d4+6=7
Wednesday October 27th, 2004 7:37:22 AM
Kurgen snaps his head in Syr's direction as the chair crashes on his back and he smiles "Someone new to play with."

Kurgen's great bovine head comes crashing down on Syr (AC 25 for 7 subdual) and he follows it up with a wild uppercut (AC 12 for 7 subdual if it connects)

NPC Torak: Human Male ADM Jim  d20+6=19 d6+2=6
Wednesday October 27th, 2004 7:41:21 AM
Torak grabs on of the chairs at the table that holds the big gold nugget and smashes it over Syr's back (AC 19 for 6 subdual). "Two can play that game! Watch out Kurgen he is a sly one."

Torak goes steps back to the gold nugget table to grab a new chair and check on his rock and mumbles to himself "Only three more chairs?" as he looks at the three remaining chairs at the table.

NPC Fiddle: Half elf female ADM Jim 
Wednesday October 27th, 2004 7:43:32 AM
Fiddle sighs breathlessly and does not struggle against Wynn. "You win." Fiddle melts her body into Wynn's and just purrs softly, eyes closed.

NPC Lilith: REAL BIG human female ADM Jim AC 16  d20+9=16 d20+4=24 d20+4=20 d6+3=8 d6+3=4 d6+3=5
Wednesday October 27th, 2004 7:49:32 AM
Lilith is excited about growing and calls out to Faddle "Thanks girl, I needed that!" The 11 foot woman glances at he body quickly with an appraising eye and smiles before renewing her attack.

Lilith that puts her hands together and clubs the bear standing in front of her (AC 16 for for 8 subdual) and follows it up with a crushing backhand club to Tionel's head (AC 20 critical AC 20 so sucsessful for 9 more subdual)

NPC Faddle:half elf female ADM Jim 
Wednesday October 27th, 2004 7:52:55 AM
Faddle blows a quick kiss to Florin over her shoulder. "That was wonderful Florin. The ladies must melt in your hands. Describe to me using your excellent prose, how you will romance me again later tonight."

Faddle again turns her attention to the interplay of her friends. Faddle seems to consider action again as she cracks her knuckles, but does nothing but watch.

Unexpected Company (DM MikeK) 
Wednesday October 27th, 2004 9:22:01 AM
Syr opens himself up to get slammed, and both Kurgen and Torak oblige. The taur crowns him with a head butt, while the human breaks a chair over his back.

Tionel/bear tries wrapping up Lilith, but she wriggles free and clubs him a couple more times.

Fiddle and Wynn cuddle to one side of the fracas.

Florin drones on and on about Faddle's hair. The mage watches her taur buddy.

Lang laughs hysterically while Sunshine gives him a friendly lick.

Angus retreats from the large combatants.

Without warning, Daphne appears right next to Kurgen, and emits a piercing wail. The sound of it rips through all thoughts and emotions, eliciting childhood fears of nighttime frights. The sound is nothing short of horrifying, sweat inducing, terror.
[Everybody -- Will Save DC 17 or panic (flee in terror for 2d4 rounds). At the very least, it ought to get your attention]

"Stop ruining my party!" the normally bubbly spirit shrieks.

---

Xenia turns. Some 5' above her head, a figure in black robes floats on a cushion of grey smoke which appears to emanate from his very form. His uncloaked, bald, roundish and meaty head is scarred and bruised from years of weathering and fights.

"Ah, she does have senses, if not sense," he says in a dry, high pitched voice. "You need not fear me, Child," he continues. "I merely stand by to see your spirit safely to the One Eye. You just keep going, so I can do my job and get some dinner. I'm hungry, and you're taking too long."


Angus Mage Armor  d20+5=16
Wednesday October 27th, 2004 9:49:39 AM
Angus falls over backwards in his chair from Daphne's wail (Will save 17 as Angus gets +6 and not +5). Angus thinks to himself, Daphne does have a point.

Angus stands and brushes himself off, but just can't shake the feeling that something is not right with himself.

Angus watches those in various forms of struggle to see how they react.


Xenia  d20+15=26
Wednesday October 27th, 2004 10:04:59 AM
Craspik! This is not what the dark rogue was expecting at all.

Xenia takes a look around the street just in case there's more to this than just ... well, this. (Spot 26)

"I'm ... I'm not afraid."

"Well," she hehe's a bit here, "maybe a little. I mean, well, you're kinda scary looking."

She makes no attempt to hide her half-dubious, half-curious examination of the figure's non-legs.

"You're not a, well, um, a ghost, are you? Well, no." She purses her lips as the beads of logic drop down through the black box of her brain. "No. If you were a ghost you wouldn't be hungry, right?"

"I know some ghosts," she explains. "Kinda sorta got a fan club going."

Now, there's something to be said for the phrase 'Misery loves company.' And, maybe that's the reason for her offer. A neutral stranger who seems nice enough, even though he does look kind of scary. Maybe someone to just talk to.

"You know, if you're hungry," Xenia begins, "I could maybe buy dinner."

Wynn  d20+4=22
Wednesday October 27th, 2004 5:52:51 PM
Still holding Fiddle's wrists tightly in his hands, Wynn looks up at the sudden shreik from Daphne and frowns. (Will Save=22) He then looks at the leather clad half-elf trying to snuggle up to him. Trying to steal something, again he thinks, I'd probably wake up in the morning to find all my belongings, and the wench, gone.

He thinks of another. Slender and dark. Her honest affection showing in her green eyes, and he pushes the sly, manipulative Fiddle away from him saying, "Frankly my dear, you're not my type."

The bard makes his way back to his companions, voicing his opinion that it is time they called it a night.

NPC Fiddle: Half Elf female ADM Jim  d20+3=21
Wednesday October 27th, 2004 7:19:31 PM
Fiddle falls to the floor as Wynn walks away. "WHAT!" Fiddle looks over to Daphne as she shrieks (will save 21) and begins to do so herself "You miserable curr! You do not know what you are giving up! You can not spurn me!"

Fiddle stands and begins marching toward Wynn. The look of a woman scorned in her eye...

NPC Lilith: Very Big Human female ADM Jim  d20+4=23 d20+9=16 d4+3=5
Wednesday October 27th, 2004 7:22:39 PM
Lilith brings a knee up into the Tionel/Bears now hairy gut (AC 16 for 5 subdual), but does not follow up her attack as She looks to Daphne and somewhat sheepishly says. "Sorry about that, I think we got carried away." Lilith then pats the bear on the head. "Sorry to you too."

NPC Torak: Human male ADM JIm  d20+7=9
Wednesday October 27th, 2004 7:25:52 PM
Torak gets a good look at Daphne is full wail and goes white. Torak knocks over the table with the gold nugget and goes screaming out of the GG. "She is after my treasure, save me!!"

Torak is so terrified that he almost falls as he steps on the nuggets as he escapes the Daphnes wrath.

NPC Kurgen: Minotaur ADM Jim  d20+1=5
Wednesday October 27th, 2004 7:28:59 PM
Kurgen is stunned for a moment as the wail penetrates his thick skull. The look of glee that was on his face while brawling is replaced by one of horror and he too takes off at a dead run. "Gorlin wait for me! Ghoooooost!!"



Lang & Sunshine  d20+2=19 d20+1=16
Wednesday October 27th, 2004 9:16:55 PM
Lang is too busy laughing to hear the wail from the ghost (will save 19). He actually finds it rather amusing and continues to laugh.

Sunshine is not happy with the wail and immediately runs away from the ghost and tries to find a place to hide or exit (hide behind the bar or out through the door into the kitchen I guess).

Florin Jadenth  d20+5=22
Wednesday October 27th, 2004 9:24:26 PM
(OOC:I don't know if Daphne's shriek will break the spell on Florin or not so I will just post as if it didn't, if it did then I will make a new post.)

Florin doesn't seem to effected by the shriek of Daphne (Will Save:22) and looks to Faddle as he speaks to her now, "Well, tonight I was thinking of sharing a bottle of wine and talking alittle of life mainly and what you might like out of it."

NPC Faddle: HalfElf female ADM Jim  d20+6=21
Thursday October 28th, 2004 8:59:15 AM
Like a slap in the face, Faddle is startled by the wail, but remains in her seat (will save 21). Faddle looks to Florin "Can you please escort me for a moment, Florin." Faddle gets up and approaches the fallen gold nugget. "Florin would you be a dear and place the rock on our table over there." Faddle give Florin a peck on the cheek, but has to stand on her tippy toes to do so.

Settle down, boys (DM MikeK)  d20+10=16 d20+6=23 2d4(4+1)=5
Thursday October 28th, 2004 10:09:42 AM
Torak and Kurgen run screaming from the Giggling Ghost.

Lilith looks sheepish and tries to make amends. But finds herself talking to the back of the bear, as Tionel is also heading for the nearest exit.
[Rolled Will for Tionel. 16. Failure. Tionel panicked for 5 rounds]

Faddle and Florin go over to secure the gold rock.

Lang finds it particularly funny that his pooch is cowering under a nearby table.

Wynn decides he's had enough and go back to join his comrades. The spurned Fiddle finds it difficult to let go.

Syr absorbs the shriek without affect, but finds both his fighting buddies have suddenly left.
[Rolled Will for Syr. 23. Save]

----

One half of the figure's mouth ticks upward. He descends down to ground level. Xenia sees he does have legs, they were just obscured by the odd mist the man seems to generate.

"From suicidal to charitable so quickly?" he asks the air. "Hm. How schizophrenic. Very well, child. Let us eat and toast the dead, thankful that we - or rather, you - haven't joined them this night."
The man leads the rogue to a nearby bistro, and takes the liberty to order some wine and a dish for the lady. The prices are jaw dropping.


Xenia  d20+2=11
Thursday October 28th, 2004 11:09:37 AM
"My name's Xenia," the dark rogue says as she follows along with the scary guy. "You, uh, hang out here? I mean, on Gold Level. I mean, no offense or anything, but, you don't dress the same as the other noble types I've seen up here. Not that that's a good or bad thing. But, you know, it's curious, if you know what I mean."

The guy's still kind of scary, especially with his talk of suicide and dead and all. But the half-elven girl is feeling like she really doesn't give a crack, and it just feels good to talk so she does. Or maybe that's not quite what the feeling is either. Part of it, but not all. Part of it's kind of being so tired, and, like, wrung out that she's outside her own self, looking down as this meat-puppet Xenia does all this stuff. And, she could take control if she wanted to, but it's just so nice and comfortable being away from all of Xenia's pain and problems that she just can't bear to do it.

The restaurant is kind of astounding in an understated way. And the prices make this kind of really sharp-ish sort of impact through the fog of her senses. Still, it's all disconnected and not a part of her. The food must be good, but the taste doesn't really make much sense. Maybe 'cause it's not what she's used to. Maybe not.

"You ever, um, you ever think that you were in love with someone?" She catches a glimpse of the scary guy across the table as he's eating. As weird as the question is to this cloud-feet guy with the scars on his face, the girl rogue still has this feeling that anyone could, like, you know, be in love, and it's not so entirely strange for this scary guy to know what she's talking about. Optimism? Naiveté? Sleep deprivation?

Probably.

"I mean, like, you know, really in love?"

[[ INT 11 to clue in on all the "Dead" references he's dropping and ID him as connected with Gargul. ]]

Angus Mage Armor  d20+6=26
Thursday October 28th, 2004 12:54:00 PM
Angus walks over to Daphne "I am sorry we let things get out of hand. Another tune for the birthday girl?" Angus does not wait for a reply, but takes out his silver flute and begins playing a light hearted melody (Perform 26, nat 20, all bonus taken into account).

NPC Lilith: Very large Human Female 
Thursday October 28th, 2004 12:59:27 PM
Lilith pets air as Tionel/bear runs growling from their inpromptu boxing match. "Oh well, guess I got caught up in the moment and the whiskey."

Lilith looks to Braxton "I trust there is no permanent damage to anyone, maybe some dented armor and pride. Kurgen is rough when he celebrates."

Lilith goes to seek out Happy (with several large strides)to pay for the two broken chairs. "Happy! I want to settle up for the furniture." Lilith is careful not to step on the laughing and rolling Lang.

NPC Fiddle:Half elf female ADM Jim 
Thursday October 28th, 2004 8:38:52 PM
Fiddle crosses her arms over her chest and begins to tap her foot. There is a reddish pallor that is creeping from Fiddle's cheeks to the rest of her face. "Well pretty boy, what will it be? Are you coming back here?"

NPC Faddle: Helf elf female ADM Jim 
Thursday October 28th, 2004 8:47:41 PM
Faddle looks up to Florin. "Thank you sir, you are truely kind. Is it possible to compare me to the gold in the river rock you hold? I would love to hear."

Faddle sets one of the toppled chair up and sits in it and waits for Florin's words.

Faddle mouths to Daphne, "Sorry for the noise, we will keep it down now."

Faddle calls after Lilith "Lets down grade to wine, bring a few bottles for our new friend." and stealing a glance at Fiddle she adds under her breath "Maybe it will call everyones nerves...."

NPC's Torak and Kurgen 
Thursday October 28th, 2004 8:48:28 PM
AAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! in stereo

NPC Lilith and Faddle: Bonus post 
Thursday October 28th, 2004 8:56:55 PM
Faddle ends Lilith's enlarge spell after she returns with several bottles of wine and flagons for all. Lilith pours the wine in several flagons and takes two and goes and escorts Fiddle to another table and they sit down for some girl talk.

Faddle ends the laughter spell and motions for Lang to take a flagon of wine, which she also does for Angus and Syr.

Faddle reluctantly ends her poetry suggestion on Florin and gives him a full minute of a standing ovation and a bow, before offering him the last flagon of wine.

Florin Jadenth  d20+4=11
Thursday October 28th, 2004 9:36:38 PM
Florin just about begins to talk on what Faddle last asked him to when she ends her spell and he stands blinking and starts coughing as his mind goes through the things he has been rambling off about. Florin looks quite embarassed as he takes the wine and takes a small sip, "My my, I have sure spilled off alot of stuff tonight. It must of been the alcohol or maybe the good company."

(OOC:Not sure if I needed to but Florin got a 11 for a str check on picking up the gold rock. Either way Florin will continue trying till he gets the rock up off the floor and on the table.)

Lang  d20+6=12
Thursday October 28th, 2004 9:54:33 PM
As abrubtly as it started, the laughing attack ends. Lang slowly picks himself up off the floor, rubbing his side where it aches. He looks around the inn spotting Sunshine cowering under a table (spot 12).

He immediately walks over to Angus and explains the moments preceding the laughter attack. He includes the part where someone throws pastries at him. "Angus, this laughter attack was not natural. Do you think someone cast a spell on me? Did you see anyone casting a spell?"

After talking to Angus, Lang will walk over to Sunshine and comfort him until his fear goes away.

Wynn Brightsong  d8+3=5
Thursday October 28th, 2004 10:51:22 PM
The bard ignores the angry half-elf and picks his way through the debris towards Braxton who remains prone on the floor. Wynn utters "Tanka Harwar" and kneels to touch the dwarf on his shoulder. [Cure Light Wounds - 5 HP]

Tionel  d20+10=16
Thursday October 28th, 2004 11:17:44 PM
Tionel is unrelentless...in seeking refuge from the battle. When Daphne calls over, he stops, rolls away, and pads over to her, somewhat apologetically. He seems to say some words, but they don't translate well from bear-ish. And it only seems then that he realizes he changed into a bear. Looking confused, he eyes his big paws and furry torso. Suddenly, he imagines something most amusing, and without further ado, he begins to pick up and juggle some nearby items, somewhat clumsily in his new form. He looks at Daphne with those big bear eyes and waggles the brows.. As though apologizing by saying 'I'm the dancing bear entertainment.'

Settling down (DM MikeK) 
Friday October 29th, 2004 12:11:43 PM
With the intervention of Daphne, the bar settles down from rowdy to businesslike drinking.

Tionel, the dancing bear, does some parlor tricks while the Giggling Ghost looks on and claps delightedly.

Lilith, Fiddle, Faddle, Lang, Angus, and Florin decide its time for some wine. The paladin retrieves the hunk of gold for the ladies, although it takes him a couple tries.

Wynn wakes up Braxton.

Sunshine allows himself to be coaxed out by his master.

---

The man breaks out in a roaring laugh at Xenia's question. It takes him several minutes to get the air required to answer her.
"Child, it may be hard to believe, but I was a young man once. And young men think they're in love on a daily basis."
The dark man settle down.
"Now, 'really in love'? No. 'Really in love' requires the use of some parts of the body most young men find too difficult to employ."

The man studies Xenia.

"Most young women, too, I'd wager."

Xenia  d20+2=19
Friday October 29th, 2004 4:09:15 PM
Xenia purses her dark lips in a bit of a pout when the scary guy laughs. Still, she gives a good thought to what he says.

First thought is that he's wrong. Next thought is, maybe he's not. At least about part of it. Then, again, maybe he's right about all of it.

A dozen questions flash across the screen of her mind. How do you know? How long should you wait? How can you tell? ...

Lots of questions. But, this time, instead of letting the questions have their way, flying from the belfry of her brain. This time, she holds them back and carefully examines each one in turn. And the half-elven girl finds that she has most of the answers already.

"It's one of those things you have to go through before you understand, huh?" she says at last.

"My dad always says, 'If you live through it, you can learn something. Just make sure that what you learn is worth it.' I dunno. I dunno what to do. But I guess I'll figure that out when I get there."

"But I'm not giving up. My mom and dad love each other. I know it's possible, and I'm not giving up."

Xenia looks up from her internal dialog for the man's reaction.

"You kinda knew what I was up here to do, didn't you?"

"You show up just before people die, don't you?"

"I wasn't going to go in. Really, I wasn't. Not this time."

"I guess I oughta thank you. Do you mind ... do you mind if I ask your name?"

[[ INT 19 Not too bad, even with bonuses. ]]

Florin Jadenth 
Friday October 29th, 2004 11:13:06 PM
Florin looks to Faddle and the others and motions to the gold rock after taking a small sip of his wine, "I would advise someone of your group Faddle takes care of that rock before something actually happens to it you know."

Florin looks to everyone and finishes one last drink of the wine, "An now before anything else happens I think I will be bidding everyone goodnight since I have a early morning meeting with my father which I hope to have my friends attend."

Florin looks to Faddle a moment wondering if she still wanted to join him before walking over and speaking to Wynn also, quietly, "Not meaning to butt in to others buisness my new friend but in the morning you might want to find the star of your eye and talk to her. We all know you two like each other. Anyway, I really like Xenia also and even knows she doesn't think me and her are a good match I think you two are. Don't loose a good thing my friend. Take it slow and just tell her how you feel and such." Florin thinks a moment and adds to his comment, "Just think of it as a delicate song you been working on or poetry. It takes time to make it become whole."

Not even meaning to while standing next to Wynn yet Florin whispers mainly to himself but Wynn can probably hear, "Good god I'm giving love advice and not even in that field of work let alone....ahh sheesh...must be the wine and everything getting to me." After this Florin will go to Daphne and smiles to her before speaking, "I'm sorry to do this Daphne but I have a early morning ahead of me and probably not a pleasant one so I will be retiring for the night. I hope you had fun at your party fair and beautiful Daphne and I hope we didn't ruin it to much with the small cheer. Your bubbling spirit and always friendly nature just brings out the...ummm...playful side of people."

NPC Faddle: Half elf female ADM Jim 
Saturday October 30th, 2004 7:51:34 AM
Faddle looks to Florin with admiration "Thank you for your concern Florin. I will babysit our rock until the boy come back. Kurgen can carry it then. Do not worry about its saftey in the mean time, the three girls know how to take care of ourselves. We paid too much to let it go." Faddle sits back and start to sip her wine, but is keeping a watchful eye on the gold rock and everyone else around. Faddle half raises her flagon and gives a quite toast "Gorlin."

Angus  d20+12=30 d20+3=15
Saturday October 30th, 2004 7:58:55 AM
Angus will put away his flute and just relax and people watch as his interacting skill have gone haywire. Angus will answer Lang (spellcraft 30) "It appeared you we under the influence of magical forces, but they could have come from anywhere. I have not known you that long, but I trust that that is not normally how you behave at birthday parties...." Angus finishes with a smile.

Angus will pay particular attention to Fiddle and Lilith while observing the room (spot 15), but he still finds it difficult not to look at the giant gold nugget, on the table next to Faddle, every now and then....

Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=8
Sunday October 31st, 2004 12:54:41 PM
"Thanks Angus, I wonder who may have cast the spell. And I wonder who would have wanted to."

Lang looks at the remaining members of the group that the Shields were quarrelling with and notices which ones wear armor and which ones don't.

Lang then looks around the bar to see if anyone is looking at the group (spot 8).

Wynn Brightsong 
Sunday October 31st, 2004 6:54:09 PM
Once he is assured that Braxton is again concious, the bard will bid goodnight to his fellow Shields, thank Florin for the ring, and make his way back to the apartments. On his walk back he tries to figure out just how to start the conversation with Xenia.

michael aka braxton 
Monday November 1st, 2004 10:22:45 AM
OOC - to my normal sub player - play braxton. will be a week or so while i am without a pc. fried the motherboard

ty

End Game (DM MikeK) 
Monday November 1st, 2004 10:29:16 AM
Wynn and Florin bid the group adieu, and make for the exit. Happy intercepts them and asks again if they will accept his invitation to stay in the Nobleman's suite.

Angus and Lang discuss who may have cast the laughing spell on the ranger. Faddle, wearing no weapon or armor, tries to appear inconspicuous.

Torak and Kurgen come back into the bar, looking a lot more sheepish than they did before. The taur scoops up the rock. The two mumble some apologies to Daphne. Kurgen offers a hand to Braxton and Syr, "nice little fight".

Torak then gathers up his group and the five of them head upstairs.

Syr, Braxton, Angus, Tionel, and Lang are left to figure out what to do next.

------

The man ponders Xenia.
"Experience helps in all things," he replies philosophically.

"As it was, I merely happened upon you. I saw you did not have the skills for thievery on the Gold Level. Had you entered that door, you would be dead."
The man shrugs.
"My name is Baronel. I serve Lord Gargul. Time and experience, child. You are of elven blood. You have the gift of time. Use it."
Baronal nods politely, drops a large hunk of change on the table -- "for the meal", and wafts out of the bistro, leaving Xenia to her own thoughts.


Angus Mage Armor 
Monday November 1st, 2004 12:54:04 PM
Angus approaches Happy "We would be glad to try our your excellent accomodations. You are too kind to us, especially under the recent rauchous circumstances. One question, if I may Happy, You seems unconcerned about the brawl taking place in your establishment? Why is that?"

Angus will listen to Happy's explaination and then go the the offered room to retire for the evening (if they are still offered).

Syr 
Monday November 1st, 2004 2:03:11 PM
Grinning widely, he claps Torak on the back, "Nothing like a bit of fun with new friends, eh?"

As the group gathers together he looks over, "Wynn, did you see the size of that stone? It must be worth quite a bit. Anyone else get the urge to go back into that jungle upon seeing that?"

Xenia 
Monday November 1st, 2004 3:50:19 PM
Xenia remains in the comfy chair of the bistro thinking about everything the scary guy said. Well, not so scary after all. "Baronel." Kind of a nice stately name.
Time.

And Experience.

Xenia sighs. Time.

Then she notices how, without Baronel's aura of ... well, whatever kind of aura people with plenty of time and experience under their belts have - without Baronel, she looks pretty out of place in this Bistro for the well heeled. It's almost like The Crying Woods except with it's nose in the air. Xenia gets out fast.

On the way home, the dark half-elven girl has lots to think about. And, maybe, you know, that's the thing to do. Think about them. Think about The Plan. Think about this whole Crimson Shields thing. Think about ... Wynn. The dark girl's heart beats faster, her breath comes shorter and more shallow. There's just so much to think about. They all pile up with no good clear way to do anything about any of them.

By the time Xenia steps out of the pillar onto Fence Level, she feels like holding her head, or screaming, or just running away or something. Instead, she just takes a deep breath and holds it for a moment before letting it out. One foot after another, she sets out for the apartments.

Time, she thinks. Time and experience.

Wynn Brightsong 
Monday November 1st, 2004 5:43:42 PM
Wynn looks again at the large golden rock and thinks back to the comments of earlier in the day. "I wonder if this Gorlin thought it profitable. I would venture with you Syr if you choose to go, but I wouldn't mind getting a better lay of the land from this lot," Wynn nods at the taur and his friends.

The bard politely declines Daphne's generosity, makes his excuses to the rest, and makes his way back to the apartments.

On arriving he searches out Xenia, and finding nobody home, writes a small note which he leaves on a shelf in her room.

As a moth to a flame
drawn to fire and light
wings singed and burned
I return just the same

W


Tionel 
Monday November 1st, 2004 9:13:16 PM
Eventually, after playing a few tricks and exploring life as a bear, Tionel wanders around and finds himself suddenly back to regular. Wandering up to his friends at the bar, he orders an ale, then comments, "You know, it looks like going through that side of the woods was very profitable and dangerous. Perhaps tomorrow, I'll ask them what areas they've been to, and they can suggest what we should do, if we were interested in going up to that area of the woods. Did you see that hunk of gold? What do you think, my friends?"

Florin Jadenth 
Monday November 1st, 2004 10:13:16 PM
Florin chuckles when Happy stops him and nods to Happy, "I'm sorry Happy, I had completely forgot about your offer do to the small fight and all. You understand I bet. I would be honored to spend the night here, specially since it allows me to see the giggling ghost herself in the morning. You and Daphne have done alot for us and I'm glad to beable to call you both friends."

Florin smiles and nods to Faddle about her comment on the gold and his kindness and finds himself going up at the same time as Faddle and her group. One the way up he tries to cetch up with Faddle and speaks gently and personally to her, "I'm sure the room has a blanket m'lady Faddle that I can use to cut the room off for your privacy. My offer still stands to share my room with you that Happy has offered, I owe you for the meal and everything and being a paladin of Domi I like to pay my debts or atleast repay kindnesses given by another."

Rather Faddle agrees or not Florin will go to the room Happy has offered guessing that Happy was offering relatively seperate rooms for whoever stays here. If Faddle agrees to spend the night in his room then true to his word he will try hanging the blanket so the room is politely cut off for Faddle inless charms proof otherwise.

NPC Faddle: Half Elf Female ADM Jim 
Monday November 1st, 2004 11:54:54 PM
Faddle hangs back from her friends when Florin approaches and leans on her white staff. Faddle throws her silver hair back as Florin takes her eys taking everything in. When Florin is done Faddle answers quitely as Torak is waiting in the doorway of their shared room. "Florin I do wish to test your chivalry some day. Unfortunately, it can not be tonight. My friends and I have much to discuss and prepare for. Perhaps we can have breakfast tomorrow morning. My treat for the trick I played on you. Although, I greatly enjoyed your cajoled prose."

Faddle give Florin a quick kiss and with a flurry of her cloak she is off into her room.

Torak frowns at Florin and slams the door.

Lang & Sunshine 
Tuesday November 2nd, 2004 12:04:03 AM
Lang frowns a little as he realizes he may never know for sure who cast the spell on him, although he has his suspicions. At least it did not cause any permanent damage he thinks to himself.

"Angus, Sunshine & I will bunk up with you if it is two to a room."

Lang will quickly walk Sunshine outside before thanking Happy for the room and heading off for some sleep.

Nice Room (DM MikeK) 
Tuesday November 2nd, 2004 9:47:46 AM
Angus asks Happy why the man seemed unconcerned with the fight.
The innkeeper gives a small shrug, "Oh, a little brawling here and there isn't unexpected when the wine flows. And as long as it doesn't get out of hand, I don't mind folks mixing it up a bit."
He winks at the mage, "Besides, Daphne can really clear a room if she wants to."

Syr and Tionel both remark on the hunk of rock, and ponder how they might acquire such wealth for themselves.

Wynn ponders the cost, and begs off of Daphne's invitation to seek out a certain half elven rogue. He leaves a note, which Xenia finds upon her return.
[Where is Wynn?]

Faddle begs off Florin's invitation, and the other five adventurers retreat up to their rooms.

Angus and Lang go check out the Nobleman's Suite. Happy leads them to the top floor of the Inn and opens a door to reveal luxury rivaling anything the two have ever seen.
Elegant white archways grace the ceiling over floors of multicolored mosaics covered in luxurious white bearskin rugs. Intricately stitched tapestries cover the various walls. Several windows sit in the walls overlooking an emerald green valley with a crystal blue lake. Which is impossible, because Lang is dead sure there's nothing but a the street on the other side of that wall. There is a center room filled with futons and hardwood tables containing fresh fruit and wine carafes. Four bedrooms, each holding two four poster, canopied beds can be found off the center room.

Elegance cannot begin to describe this place.

[Where is everybody spending the night?]


Angus 
Tuesday November 2nd, 2004 12:59:17 PM
Angus lounges on a comfortable futon, not far from the wine carafes. Angus samples the excellent selection of wines and tosses scraps of food to Sunshine.

Angus looks to Lang after finishing a carafe and comments off handedly "Oh, by the way, Faddle was the one that cast the spell on you."

Angus then goes and checks out one of the immpressive bed and flops down to sleep. The day has not gone Angus's way and he hopes to start fresh tomorrow.



Xenia 
Tuesday November 2nd, 2004 3:58:15 PM
There's just something about a place that's really empty. Something that you can feel with senses deeper than your eyes, senses deeper than your ears. Or, maybe there isn't, and Xenia just feels better after having talked things out. Who can tell? Which ever it might be, the apartments don't have that empty feel anymore. Though it would be nice to come back to her roommates in the bell tower, this is pretty much home now. And, as Xenia moves through the front room toward the stairs, she feels them clothe her. The apartments, the comfy sofa, the kitchen down the hall, the little garden outside, all the little details of the place, she feels them clothe her in home.

A yawn and that drifty feeling your eyes get when they try to shut all by themselves, these both catch Xenia as she climbs the stairs. It's been a long day. A long two days. She opens the door to her room, and it's another one of those sixth sense things. She knows someone else has been here even before she spots the note. The half-elven girl's heart races as her mind jumps ahead to areas of speculation into which it should not be going. The moment is a agony of fears, hopes, doubts and speculations. But the note isn't going away. And the note won't explain itself just sitting there on the shelf.

Finally, that rational sinks in, and Xenia reaches for the note. Her fingers are sure as they lift the bright white scrap of paper from the shelf. The moment builds and then explodes as the note resolves into a few short lines of verse. The footer at the bottom becomes a 'W'.

Emotions war within her. What to do? What to do? What would be the smart thing to do? Time and experience. How can you know what to do when you don't have the experience? Xenia reads the note. For a moment, she gives in to pure feeling and crushes the note to her breast. Then she pulls the frail white token away, straightens a crumpled edge, and places it back upon the shelf.

Time and experience. It's late. Time. Perhaps time will tell.

Wynn Brightsong 
Tuesday November 2nd, 2004 8:16:58 PM
Wynn returns to his own room in the apartments and lies on his bed, staring at the ceiling until sleep overtakes him.

Lang & Sunshine 
Tuesday November 2nd, 2004 10:36:16 PM
"Wow", Lang thinks to himself. "I could get used to this", as he samples the food and beverages that have been laid out for them.

Taking a glass of wine over to the "window", Lang stares out it for a long time thinking of woods where he grew up.

Lang tries to "open" the window. Turning to Angus he asks, "How is this possible?"

"Faddle cast the spell on me. I'll remember that," Lang says softly to himself after Angus reveals the spell caster.

Sleep comes easily and quickly for Lang on one of the plush beds.

Florin Jadenth 
Tuesday November 2nd, 2004 10:36:17 PM
Florin looks to Torak and can't help it so nods to him and smiles. Florin does smiles and even kisses Faddle back before whispering, "Another time then and in the morning I look forward to breakfast with you. If you do not mind though I would love to introduce you to Jella, I think you would like her." Florin watches Faddle go and grins when Happy comes up the stairs with Lang and Angus to the room and falls in behind them.

Florin smiles when he sees the room and whistles, "Very nice Happy, this room probably costs a fortune to rent. I'm honored you and Daphne think so much of us."

Florin looks to Lang and Angus as he steps in, "I decided to stay here in the offered room tonight since Jella and Mort are staying at the GG tonight also." Florin looks to Angus and blinks, "So Faddle cast a spell on Lang also. She admitted to doing something to me and I know I was acting strangely at the one point but I couldn't stop myself." Florin shrugs to himself and looks to them as he gets himself a small glass of wine and sit down in a comfortable chair, "The hunk of gold was impressive. You guys think maybe I should see if I can get any info from Faddle in the morning?" Florin blushes abit and hopes his two friends have not noticed that the wizardess has captured his attention quite abit, "I hope you both are willing to come and be with me when I meet my father in the morning also. I would honestly like to have all my friend by my side."

Florin looks to Lang since he is new to the group, "You might not know since your newer to the group, my father is a noble of some standing in the city. I however broke off from my family for personal reasons that will surely come up tomorrow at the meeting. It's going to be a trial to talk to them and try and win their support for Jella's sake but I must do it for she needs more family in this city then just me, my sister and this group. I will explain more if you wish more answers."

Florin now while waiting on replies looks at his cup and slowly sips the wine, truely brooding over tomorrows meeting as his worries set in on the meeting to come. His mind swirls on the fight he has had with his mother and father and his life they have tried to rule over.

Syr 
Tuesday November 2nd, 2004 11:18:46 PM
The elf looks sheepishly at the destruction caused by the brawl. Rather than take advantage of the free room, he calls over to Angus, "I'm gonna go back to the apartments, at least there I won't be able to hear your snoring." He makes his way quietly back to the apartment and goes directly to the bedroom he shares with Angus. There he rests until the morning light.

Tionel 
Wednesday November 3rd, 2004 1:43:31 AM
Tionel notices two more tankards that seem to have been abandoned by him earlier, so he drains both swiftly, while talking to Daphne about the magnificent decorations, and complimenting everyone else within earshot. Then, Tionel decides to explore the rooms they have been given a bit, then head back down to the inn to finish off the night. As it is, he finds the rooms upstairs so magnificent, (and being slightly inebriated, is too distracted by them to wander back down) that he finds himself lolligaging about each part, exploring it. "Wow...Neat! Woops.." Being slightly off balance makes the exploration even more amusing. Sleepers, like Angus or Lang, will be slightly confused as the elf makes his way through their room, dizzily examining the curtains, and seeming quite distraught if they interrupt his explorations. "Oh, sorry...thought this was my room. Hey. Nice doggie..." Eventually, though, he'll find himself sitting at a couch in the main room and sitting there dizzily as the full effects of the last dose hit him. Eventually, he slumps over on the couch, feeling quite dizzy, and time passes by in a blur to the poor drunk elf.


Braxton (Al/Sub) 
Wednesday November 3rd, 2004 8:35:34 AM
Braxton follows Tionel stiffly around. (Someone has to take care of the drunken ... elf.)

Outwardly, he is impassive; a representative of Domi. Inwardly, he fumes at the indignation and thinks very unworthy thoughts about the minotaur.

Suite Life


Noisy guests (DM MikeK) 
Wednesday November 3rd, 2004 9:00:38 AM
Wynn, Xenia, and Syr take to their own rooms in the apartments.

The rest find places of relative comfort in the Nobleman's Suite.
Lang finds the windows do not open. They appear to be a solid pane of glass.

A peaceful night's slumber in the Ghost is interrupted by some kind of commotion down the hall. Apparently, even the Nobleman's Suite is not immune to noisy neighbors. Angry shouting, both male and female, can be heard through the suite's walls. The exact wording is indistinct, but several people are yelling at each other and banging loudly on the walls.

[Everyone sleeping in the Ghost make a Spot check]

[Tionel -- Fort DC12 to be awakened out of your drunken stupor by the noise]


Angus  d20+3=14
Wednesday November 3rd, 2004 1:05:00 PM
Angus rolls over and looks around (spot 14) after being awoken by all of the noise and mumbles to himself "I thought they got it out of their system, pummeling Braxton....." and he drifts back off to sleep.

Angus drifts back to sleep with a smile on his face and he can be hear to utter the words "laughter....poetry.....priceless...." and the smile grows wider.

Braxton (Sub/Al)  d20+6=20
Wednesday November 3rd, 2004 2:45:40 PM
The sleep of the righteous, though sound, is not necessarily heavy. Then again, an evening of bruising can keep a body from restful sleep just as well.

"Domi," the dwarf mutters under his breath as he wakes to the commotion. He's far from being a conciliator, still, whoever's making the noise might need some assistance. Braxton rises and pulls on his pants. Taking up his warhammer and a pillow, he makes toward the row. (Spot 20)

Wynn Brightsong 
Wednesday November 3rd, 2004 5:43:23 PM
His sleep disturbed by dreams, the bard lies, eyes open on his bed and listens to the sounds of night. The sound of lone footsteps on the cobblestones, amorous cats in the distance, the sound of his own pulse throbbing in his ear drums. "Did she come back to the apartment? Did she find the note? Did she read it?...Wynn fights the impulse to get up and check for noises at her door.

Xenia 
Wednesday November 3rd, 2004 8:06:24 PM
The note burns like a presence in the room as Xenia strips out of her armor and dresses for bed. Reaching behind her head, she lets down her hair.

As tired as she is, it's hard to fall asleep. Not that there's anything to do. Just lay huddled up under the covers with a hazy fog of thoughts and ideas rolling this way and that through her brain. Occasinally one comes clear as it comes close. Nothing too important, though as it moves away again without staying long enough to make an impression.

Finally, she just can't take it anymore. Rising up out of bed, the girl, dark as the night, pads to the door and out into the hallway. She makes her way to Wynn's door. He must be here. Who else would have left the note.

*rap* *rap* *rap*

"Wynn?" she calls in a soft voice.

Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=19 d20+2=17
Wednesday November 3rd, 2004 8:30:24 PM
Lang & Sunshine awaken from the noise in time to see Braxton grabbing his hammer and heading towards the door.

Grabbing his quarterstaff and a quick "heel" to Sunshine they silently fall in behind him.

Florin Jadenth  d20+2=12
Wednesday November 3rd, 2004 10:00:47 PM
Florin finally goes to sleep after staying up for awhile and sipping the glass of wine, staying up way later then normal and buried in his own thoughts. His is half thankful that Lang didn't want more info on Florin's parents and growingup life but yet maybe it owuld be better to talk about it. Florin thinks of Xenia, Wynn, Faddle and others he has met and who arep art of the group. Finally after having drank enough to get himself feeling good he lays down for sleep.

Sleep just starts to come and he dreams of the meeting tomorrow and abit about his raising in the temple when the voices and yelling comes up. Florin frowns and sits up in bed as he looks around and sighs <spot:12>, "Dang it, finally get ready for bed and they make a racket loud enough to wake all the gods of the Wold."

Florin stands and gets dressed, grabbing his longsword just incase and walks to the door, noticing Braxton and Lang. Florin thinks and moment as he keeps his eyes out and waves down Braxton, "Braxton, cautious my friend. Peek out the door first and then we head out. We don't know what the trouble is and we don't want no suprises." Florin can't help but hope this is nothing and yet he also half wishes he might beable to rush to Faddle's aid to since the lady was very charming and he would love to get the chance to make himself look better in her eyes. Florin shakes his head quickly though and wonders where these thoughts are coming from, he whispers under his breath, "Domi is probably laughing at me right now. Strong hardened steel weakened by a beautiful woman."

Tionel  d20+7=8
Wednesday November 3rd, 2004 10:26:54 PM
The normally stolid elf is just way too lost in his dreary drunken haze. Perhaps it's in the elven reverie, but perhaps, he's in that mode of drunkenness where the only way to get his attention is through the promise of an end to his suffering. At some point in the night, he had changed position, as suddenly, the world seems to spin and turn on the couch, and Tionel slumps off of it, face first into the ground, skinning his jaw and lying there awkwardly. At the sound of the noise, he merely lies there, looking awkward, uncomfortable, and dazed.

Wynn Brightsong [Supplemental] 
Wednesday November 3rd, 2004 10:36:00 PM
"Wynn?"...

The door opens, and a hand reaches out to clasp about the she-elf's slender wrist.

It opens a little wider as the rogue is drawn inside, and then closes behind her with a click.

Syr 
Thursday November 4th, 2004 11:17:22 AM
The elf rests through the night peacefully, untroubled by any noises or sounds in the apartment.

That don't sound good (DM MikeK) 
Thursday November 4th, 2004 2:29:54 PM
Syr sleeps the sleep of the just.

Tionel sleeps the sleep of the just passed out.

Wynn and Xenia.....aren't sleeping.

Angus hears the noises and grumbles a bit, but goes back to sleep.

Curiosity gets the better of Braxton, Florin, and Lang. The three pull on some clothes, grab a couple weapons, and step in the hallway to see what the deal is.

Peeking out the door of the Nobleman's Suite reveals an empty hallway. But there's a lot of shouting coming from around the corner.

The three cautiously pad down the hall and turn the corner into an area occupied by "standard" inn rooms. Several doors are slightly open, with bleary eyed occupants peaking out. One sight of the three armed warriors striding down the hall is enough to convince just about all of them that whatever is going on, it isn't THAT interesting. Doors silently close.

As the three reach the door they seek, the noises fall silent for a single heartbeat. The newfound silence is shattered by (in rapid succession) animal like roar, a male voice shouting "No!", the sickening 'smack' of metal on flesh the warriors are all too familiar with, the splatter of liquid against a solid surface, and an ear-piercing female scream.

Angus hears the scream. Heck, most of the neighborhood hears it.
Tionel, another Fort DC 12 to wake up.


Braxton (AC 20,HP Unknown 52/52) (Sub/Al) 
Thursday November 4th, 2004 3:12:36 PM
"Hammer 'o Domi! the dwarven cleric curses. For but a moment he stands, gripping the symbol of his order and calling down Domi's protection. Then, like a stone set into motion, Braxton rolls down the hall in the direction of the sounds of mayhem.

[[ Cast Sanctuary ]]

Xenia  d20+11=15
Thursday November 4th, 2004 3:28:49 PM
"Oh my god, Wynn! Oh my god!"

"Did you hear something?" The lithe dark half-elf wills her breath to calm, her pounding heart to still, the better to catch a repeat of the sound.

"Thought I heard a scream. hehe. Musta been me."

[[ not likely, but: Listen 15 plus "bonuses" ]]

Al: Editted per request. Hope this is better.

OOC - It Ain't that loud 
Thursday November 4th, 2004 4:30:41 PM
OK, Sorry. A little DM exagerration there.

The folks in the apartments are too far away to hear the scream.

Xenia might want to repost.

Angus 
Thursday November 4th, 2004 6:36:39 PM
Angus snorts and gets up. "You guys are soo loud. Some of us are trying to sleep." Then Angus hears the blood curdling scream and quickly puts on his new cloak and exits the suite.

When Angus sees his friends in the hallway he calls out in a half whisper "Whats happening?!"

Florin Jadenth  d20+4=10 d20+2=3
Thursday November 4th, 2004 7:07:35 PM
Florin growls now underh is breath and motions to his friend with a motion to the door and a follow me motion.

Florin pulls his sword quickly and wondering if Faddle is okay as he figures this is the room with Faddle and such in it? He quickly rushes forward and ducks his shoulder to slam shoulder first into the side of the door with no hinges. (Str:10 more if he gets a bonus for rushing the door from a few steps back.)

If Florin doesn't get through the door then he will rush the door again. If he breaks through then Florin will scan the room quickly and holds his sword at ready which glimmers in the slight light, "Whats going on?!?" (Nat:1, roll:3 on spot check so Florin must of been preoccupied from bashing in or through the door.)

Lang & Sunshine 
Thursday November 4th, 2004 8:59:28 PM
After Lang hears the animal like roar he casts Speak with Animals upon himself (duration 2 minutes). He listens for anymore animal noises and tries to understand them.

As Florin attempts to bust through the door, Lang kneels down at Sunshines side and asks, "Sunshine what do you smell? What can you sense?"

Syr 
Thursday November 4th, 2004 11:12:32 PM
Syr's sore body forces his slumber even deeper. While asleep, his dreams are filled with action. In one he is pared with a tiger as the two of them fight a dark force together. In another, his body grows into that of a bear as his foot is chained to a post. With several grunts throughout the night, his sleep is uninterrupted.

Wynn Brightsong 
Thursday November 4th, 2004 11:19:36 PM
"Shhh!" the bard clasps his hand over Xenia's mouth. "I don't think we're alone in the apartment".

Xenia [Supplemental] 
Friday November 5th, 2004 12:39:01 AM
Strong white teeth nip gently at the palm of Wynn's hand.

"I thought they were all staying at The Ghost tonight."

Tionel  d20+7=24 d20+6=16
Friday November 5th, 2004 7:44:11 AM
This time Tionel is shaken out of his drunkelverie (reverie/drunkery?) by the sound of the screen. He immediately falls forward more, rolling onto his back, and then gets up somewhat shakily. "What? What? Whas going on?" he slurs at the darkness. "Wheresat everyone? Hey! 'm... Am here, guys. Guys?" He waves
(He spends the round orienting himself and getting a load of his bearings. Listen check, 16, for further things)

Twilight Zone (DM MikeK) 
Friday November 5th, 2004 8:51:53 AM
Braxton casts a spell upon himself. Lang braces with Sunshine. Florin launches himself at the door.

Florin bursts open the door revealing a bizarre, macabre scene. The room is a standard 30' x 30' room containing a bed on each of the side walls, a sofa against the back wall, and a table with four chairs in the middle of the room.

On the table is Faddle. She is crouched, on all fours, curled protectively over a large bag. In her hands she clutches an intricately carved staff. At Florin's entrance, her head whips toward him. Head down, eyes wide, she shrieks "It's mine, it's mine, it's mine, it's mine, it's mine!" Her voice raises in both pitch and volume throughout her claim, until she reaches that piercing scream that everyone heard before.

Not 5' away from the table stands Kurgen. The minotaur is splattered with blood and is windmilling his greataxe around his head in wide arcs. With another feral roar, he brings down the axe onto one of the chairs. It splinters into a thousand fragments, sending shrapnel throughout the room.

Faddle pays not the slightest bit of attention to the raging taur.

"You came!" calls a voice from the left bed. Throwing off the sheets, Fiddle rises from the bed and sashays seductively toward Florin. She pulls off her loose fitting blouse as she does so. Kurgen's swing into the chair misses the woman by maybe half a foot. Neither of them acknowledge the near miss. Like Faddle, she completely ignores the taur, and everything else for that matter.

On the right bed lies the body of Torak. The man has been cut in two, along with the bed he was lying in. Straddling his legs is Lilith. Her hands are in the man's torso, her head is cocked slightly to the side, and she is quite calmly singing a song in a childlike voice
"Rain, rain, go away"
She repeats the refrain endlessly.
Each time she does, she pulls out a handful of body parts from inside Torak and throws them into the air with glee. Guts drip unnoticed down the woman's hair and face.

The entire right side of the room is covered in blood and gore.

----

Wynn and Xenia spend the night.
[Be careful with these posts please :)]

Syr sleeps.


Braxton (AC 24,HP Unknown 52/52) (Sub/Al) 
Friday November 5th, 2004 3:22:53 PM
Braxton stares aghast at the scene of blood and madness.

"Paladin," he says to Florin, by his side, "we must subdue them. They'll do harm to themselves ... " The dwarven cleric winces at Tordek on the bed. "Already have done harm to themselves."

"Lang Madchel, can you send your wee friend for help? It would be good to have the monk here at this time."

"Put the girl in the hall," he says, indicating Fiddle. Then Braxton steels himself. "I'll see what can be done with yon berserker cow."

And with warhammer poised to deflect blows, Braxton moves into the minotaur's whirling blade.

[[ Sanctuary still up - DC15. Plus, Total Defense adds +4 to AC ]]

Lang & Sunshine  d20+9=24 d20+2=16 d20+6=16
Friday November 5th, 2004 8:40:41 PM
Lang has been in alot of fights and battles in his short life. He has seen alot of death and destruction of both humans and creatures so the sight of blood and gore doesn't usually faze him. But this scene in front of him is unlike anything he has seen before. He shudders at the horror in front of him (spot 16 for anything that might explain this bloodbath).

"This ... this could be better, a whole lot better", Lang says to know one in particular as he glances at his unarmored body and the stick he has in his hands. "I wish I had my bow and my short swords right now."

He is so engrossed in the strangeness in front of him that it takes a few moments to realize that Braxton has spoken to him and is moving into the room.

Lang quickly tries to grab Braxton and pull him back into the hallway (touch attack 24 including +4 for dexterity and a strength roll of 16).

"Whoa Braxton. We need a better plan than wading in unarmored and just the 3 of us against this mad Minotaur and his group. Maybe we can coax the other 2 women out of the room and lock the Minotaur in there until reinforcements arrive. The last thing we need is for you to go in there and get hurt or go crazy yourself."

OOC - If Lang gets the chance this round he will say the following to Sunshine.

"Sunshine, go get the tall, skinny one and get him back here quickly", Lang will Speak with Animals to Sunshine.

Florin Jadenth  d20+2=9
Friday November 5th, 2004 9:31:08 PM
Florin nods at the comment and his eyes for a moment follow Fiddle's movements before he motions her to him, "Yes I have come to your and your friends aid also. Come here please." (Spot:9) Florin glances to Faddle who he was firting with earlier and calls to her and Lillian, "Faddle, Lillian, please come out here also. I have no interest in your gold Faddle and you know that from earlier. It is safer out here with me."

Florin looks to Braxton and Lang and speaks quickly, "Lang is right, Braxton stay back, something feels wrong and I have a feeling some curse or such may be at work here. Maybe thet hunk of gold was some how cursed or something. No matter what everyone stay out of the room for the moment. Let us hope the gold isn't cursed or something if Faddle leaves the room with it."

Florin then looks to Lang and speaks quickly to him, "No one will leave this room besides those we get out, you better get Happy since he should be here, tell him the situation and tell him he better summon the guard quickly. Our group is spread out to much to be handling this and we have no idea what all we're up against yet. Anyway, as long the big guy is destroying the room we are safe for the moment, the door is more defendable. However if the lady over there come into danger we will need to act."

Florin looks again to Braxton and with a quick gesture motions toward his own knee, "If all else fails on the berserker, we can see to healing later but if he can't stand then it up's our odds."

Florin moves his sword point down as to seem less threatening as he stands there and also moves his symbol of domi out from under his shirt and whispers a prayer, "By Domi's strength and wisdom watch over me and my friends and protect us from any evil within this room. If you hold any aid for your faithful servant then please aid me now my lord Domi."

Tionel  d20+7=9
Saturday November 6th, 2004 3:51:38 AM
Tionel hears the noises continue and realizes there's trouble! "Drubble! 'M c'ming guys..." He lurches to the door in the barely lit room, managing to do it with some actual finesse, then steps out into the hall. "Guuuuuuuyyys! Where're'ooo? I'm coming!" And standing there, still down the hall from the others, he leans against the open door for support.
(I figure it will take another round movement to get to the scene)

Wynn Brightsong 
Saturday November 6th, 2004 10:30:58 AM
Wynn gets up and pulls the covers over the sleeping form of the rogue. Restless, he dresses and steps out of the room and into the common area.

A dull light creeps into the apartment from outside and provides the half-elf with sufficient illumination to jot down his thoughts in a small journal he has been keeping. The journal is a mixture of poems and unfinished songs as well as an impromptu log of the events that have befallen him since coming to Floating City.

Xenia 
Saturday November 6th, 2004 11:05:23 AM
Exhausted, yet warm, with a glow of contentment that radiates from her center, Xenia none the less stirs as Wynn pulls the blankets over her and tucks her in. Eyes closed in the dark, the full bow of her mouth pulls into a happy smile.

She hears the rustle of clothing, and then the soft click of the door. Rising, Xenia feels around for her jammies. She pulls them up off the floor and clutches them to her chest. Peeking cautiously out the door, she runs lightly to her own room, and quickly changes.

Then, once again emerging, the dark rogue creeps quietly down the stairs. Xenia stands quietly in the doorway. In the soft night light from the magic underside of the Merchant Level, she watches the bard write.

Angus 
Saturday November 6th, 2004 3:23:56 PM
"Lang get Braxton out of there!" Angus yells from the hallway as he catches a glimpes of what is going on. "The taur nearly killed Braxton a few hours ago and he can't take another round!"

Angus casts mage armor on himself again. This feels like deja vu all over again, but with a more permanent edge....

Syr 
Sunday November 7th, 2004 10:59:54 AM
Syr's dreams are now of a creature bounding through the forest, each time it's paws touch the ground a rock of gold is revealed. He races through the forest trying to catch up but the weeds and roots rise to slow his nimble feet down. After one particular fall, he wakes, staring slowly around his bedroom he exhales and ten closes his eyes for more rest.

Ward 5 (DM MikeK) 
Monday November 8th, 2004 6:51:39 PM
Lang grabs Braxton before the dwarf can boldly stride into the room. Sunshine gives the ranger a little "ruff!", and dashes back toward the Nobleman's Suite.

While Angus looks on, Florin tries to get the occupants of the room to come out.

Fiddle stands in the doorway, blocking the access to the room. She smiles seductively at Florin while removing more of her clothing.
"Oh, I don't want to go out," she purrs. I want you to come in." Her gaze shifts to the others. "Your friends, too." She giggles. "There's enough of me for everybody!"
Fiddle raises her hands high, as if to prove her point."

Faddle just screeches again, "It's mine!"

Lilith continues her insane little song.

"Gorlin's ghost!" cries Kurgen. The taur's head follows something unseen. His gaze traverses from Torak's bloody bed across the room to the table top.
"He's after the gold!" Kurgen yells, bringing up his axe over his head.

"It's MINE!" Faddle screeches at the taur, bringing her staff up crossways to block the incoming blow.

Braxton (AC 20,HP Unknown 52/52) (Sub/Al) 
Monday November 8th, 2004 7:26:56 PM
Braxton stands in the doorway aghast.

"Let go o' me! Florin, do you not see what they're doing to each other!"

The dwarven cleric struggles from the ranger's grasp and lays hands on the undressed human woman in an attempt to both drag her from the room and to clear the doorway.

[[ Sanctuary down ]]

Wynn 
Monday November 8th, 2004 8:16:37 PM
Head down, with a lock of hair obscuring his face, the bard scribbles in his journal...

Florin has selected a name for our group after much discussion. We are to be the 'Crimson Shields of Hope' and we each have a handsome ring bearing an engraved dove on a crimson shield-shaped stone to bear witness to our friendship. Florin presented us with our rings at the Giggling Ghost during a birthday celebration for Daphne, the Inn's owner, I believe. While there is much to rejoice, I find myself in a quandary. Untroubled by women in the past, I find myself over my head with Xenia. She is at times quiet and demure, and then in an instant ablaze with intensity. I have never met such a girl. Part drow, part human, she vexes me...

Florin Jadenth  d20+9=25
Monday November 8th, 2004 10:24:52 PM
Florin sighs and moves forward, grabbing Fiddle and pulling her from the door way if possible, looking to the group as he tries thats assembled, "We can't wait and longer and allow the minotaur to injure Faddle as he has killed Torak, everyone do what you can to stop him now."

Florin if he is able to move Fiddle looks to Angus and speaks quickly, "You have any spells to help stop the brute or keep Faddle from being cut in two then please save her Angus." Florin's eyes look half pleading to Angus and the others since Florin does like Faddle alot, all though Fiddle is doing a good job of trying to tempt the paladin of Domi.

(Grapple:25 I think I rolled right.)

Lang & Sunshine  d20+9=29 d20+7=18
Monday November 8th, 2004 11:01:49 PM
Lang lets go of Braxton as both Braxton and Florin try to get Fiddle out of the room. He is torn on what to do. Does he leave his comrades and try to find Happy and help or does he stay and try to save these strangers who appear to have gone mad.

Lang is also has concerned if the gold rock is causing all the problems because he handled it earlier in the evening.

Not wanting to abandon his friends, if the opportunity presents itself he will rush into the room towards the bed with Lilith on it. Lang will attempt to grab and move Lilith out of the room (touch attack 29 and grapple check 18).

Sunshine will look for Angus.

Tionel 
Monday November 8th, 2004 11:10:01 PM
The rather drunk elf staggers down to the corridor where the light is coming from and finds his way to the door. He pauses, looking at the others at the doorway. "Whazz goin on?" He peeks inside and blinks, confusedly. "Woah...Hey, stop fighting!"

Xenia 
Tuesday November 9th, 2004 12:45:09 AM
His silhouette is so strong in the soft light.

Xenia feels the pull of emotions as they swirl around inside of her. Each of them tugs her in a different direction. Each adds it's own vector to a beautiful chaos of love and desire into which it would be so much simpler to just surrender.

'Really in love' requires the use of some parts of the body most young men find too difficult to employ."

"Most young women, too, I'd wager."

But what's wrong with it?

It makes you stupid.

No it doesn't.

Yes it does. You give in to impulse without really thinking things through. Look at tonight? What was that?

Ok. It does. A little. So what do I do about it? What's so bad about it? I mean it's love right?

Is it? Just keep a clear head. Think before you act. Time and experience. You'll figure it all out.

Alright. Time and experience. Her own voice sounds dubious within her head.


Angus Mage Armor  d4+1=4 d4+1=2 d4+1=3
Tuesday November 9th, 2004 9:18:34 AM
Angus knows he has nothing to stop the taur in one blow, after witnessing his battle prowess in the bar, so he trys a new tactic. Angus launches three magic missles at the taurs great axe in an attempt to break it (9 damage).

Angus is hoping it will at least get his attention and is glad all of the fighters are in front of him.

Angus yells at Kurgen now that he has his attention. "Leave the girls alone! Drop the axe and back away!"

Syr 
Tuesday November 9th, 2004 8:22:12 PM
The elf still sleeps "zzzzzzz". *grin*

Kaboom (DM MikeK)  d20+5=6 4d6(6+2+3+4)=15 2d6(4+1)=5
Tuesday November 9th, 2004 10:16:36 PM
Braxton and Florin both grab the naked Fiddle. The woman is surprisingly strong, but can't pull free.

Lang looks for an opening to rescue Lilith, but with the three people in the doorway, he can't get past.

Angus blasts the minotaur's axe with a series of magic missiles. The weapon does not break.

Tionel arrives with Sunshine to cry out in surprise.

Kurgen's axe flashes downward.
The axe meets Faddle's staff.
With a sharp "CRACK", the staff snaps in two.
The axe never reaches the mad sorceress.

A series of concussive explosions rocks the Giggling Ghost. Successive blasts of ice and snow rip through the small room. Kurgen and Faddle are obliterated. Fiddle takes the brunt of the blast, shielding the four outside the room, but even then, they still get rocked.

Florin and Braxton - Reflex save DC 16 or take 15 hp damage.
Tionel, Lang, and Sunshine - Reflex save DC 16 or take 5 hp damage.

It's over in seconds. And in those seconds, the inn's room is transformed into an icy wasteland. The bodies of the five adventurers lay unmoving on the floor. Their equipment is strewn about, along with the contents of the inn.

Guests peek out their doors in stunned silence.

Daphne materializes in the hallway.
"Great Wardd," she mumbles in shock. "What happened?"

---

Xenia, Wynn, and Syr are lost in their own dreams.

Syr 
Tuesday November 9th, 2004 10:46:43 PM
Syr groans in his sleep as if his comrades danger somehow reaches him in his slumber. Punching his pillow once he repositions his head and drifts back off.

Tionel  d20+3=9
Wednesday November 10th, 2004 4:52:18 AM
Tionel's only reaction as the explosion starts is to blink in bleary confusion. He falls back against the other side of the wall, and crawls away a little, then gets up and looks even more lost. When Daphne shows up he coughs and responds, "I have no clue what's going on...they were all, crazy and stuff."

Braxton (AC 20,HP Unknown 37/52) (Sub/Al)  d20+3=8
Wednesday November 10th, 2004 7:48:46 AM
The cold burns over Braxton, searing as it blasts. But from the blast, still the cleric of Domi arises.

"Hammer o' Domi" this time the words come out in hushed tones of awe.

And then Braxton is in motion. Quickly he turns Fiddle over to check for signs of life, administering healing where necessary before moving on to the rest still within the room

Angus Mage Armor 
Wednesday November 10th, 2004 7:59:55 AM
Angus is shocked by the frigid carnage, but happy that all of the fighters were in front of him to take the blast.

Daphne shows up and shakes Angus out of his shock. "There was a rucus that woke us up and we came to investigate. We heard screams coming from the room and tried to aid, but then this happened." Angus finishes with some shock in his voice.

Angus calls to Braxton "Anyone make it."

Xenia 
Wednesday November 10th, 2004 8:45:09 AM
A yawn steals up on Xenia and catches her by surprise. Half way through, the dark rogue blinks and stifles, as though non-completion of the yawn would somehow make her less tired. Her eyes turn to Wynn again in the darkness. They linger on his silhouette. Then with a sigh, she turns and makes her way back upstairs.

At her doorway, she stops. He had left her in his room. She stands at her door, looking down the darkened hallway. The darkness breathes the choices to her in shadowy whispers. Finally, she opens her own door, changes, and drops into bed.

Florin Jadenth-HP:37  d20+5=10 d20+6=25
Wednesday November 10th, 2004 11:31:59 AM
Florin gasps as the cold blast hits him and after being blasted to the floor by it he lays for a couple moments, cetching his breath mainly as the cold air knocked the wind out of him for sure.

When Daphne showsup he allows the others to answer he as he quickly jumps to his feet, his mind racing to the people they were trying to save. Florin looks to Braxton, "Is Fiddle okay Braxton? let me know if I can help out at all. I have some healing abilities."

Florin rushes into the room now and rushes to Faddle first to check on her and then will slowly make his rounds to check on each person in the room to see if he can help them at all. (Heal check:25) Florin hopes he can help Faddle out and the others but clearly will linger on Faddle for abit thinking as he does "great, find a nice lady finally and this happens...what rotten luck, please Domi help out" and even call out to Angus, "Angus, if anyone is alive in here we will need a blanket to warm them, please go get some blankets. Lang, we will need a priest or priestess quickly. Tionel, you have some healing powers don't you? come help also, it might take all of us to stablize anyone in here that could be alive."

If Florin can stablize anyone in the room to help them last till a priest can get there then he will use his lay on hands ability.

Lang & Sunshine  d20+8=9 d20+5=22 d20+6=7
Wednesday November 10th, 2004 12:49:01 PM
Lang does not even move as the blast of ice and snow hit his body (reflex save 9; natural 1). Sunshine, on the other hand, is a little more nimble and is able to scurry out of the icy blasts path (reflex save 22).

Once Lang recovers from the blast he looks around and sees that all his companions appear to be not seriously injured. Of the other group he sees Fiddle in front of him being attended to by Braxton, no sign of Faddle and Kurgen as that area of the room is pretty devastated and no sign of Lilith on the bed in the right side of the room (spot 7; natural 1).

"Does anyone see Lillith? Is she still alive?"

HP 41/46

Winter Wonderland? (DM MikeK) 
Wednesday November 10th, 2004 8:39:19 PM
Braxton, Florin, and Lang endure the blasts, and quickly enter the room in search of living souls. They find none. Fiddle and Lilith are frozen to death. Kurgen and Faddle appear to have been frozen and then shattered like ice statues. Large pieces of them lie like shards of ice around the room.

Snow and ice blanket the room, giving an almost pristine quality to the horrors hidden beneath the whiteness.

Florin's inspection of the bodies does turn up an unusual trait. Faddle's skin is light green, and the whites of her eyes are dark green. The paladin inspects the rest. All share the same greenish characteristics, even Torak.

[Any others will be able to see the same thing with a Heal Check DC 15. If Florin points it out first, he gives a +2 Aid Another bonus]

Angus and Tionel wait by the door in stunned amazement.
Daphne disappears.

----

Syr, Wynn, and Xenia, now all in their own rooms, sleep on.

Wynn Brightsong 
Wednesday November 10th, 2004 11:46:51 PM
Wynn closes his book and stows it and his pen in one of the pockets of his pack before returning to his room and bed. Xenia's absence gives him cause for reflection "She must need some time for herself" he thinks before drifting into a restful sleep.

Angus Mage Armor 
Wednesday November 10th, 2004 11:51:07 PM
Angus looks to Tionel "This is not good." and then steps in the room. Angus takes out his little used dagger and starts poking through the wreakage of the room. "Anyone see a big gold rock?"

Angus thinks to himself, maybe his night was not as bad as he thought. Angus stands in the middle of the room and shivers and calls off his half hearted search for the rock.

Syr 
Thursday November 11th, 2004 9:58:10 AM
Syr, catching a chill, pulls a blanket over himself.

Xenia 
Thursday November 11th, 2004 1:06:59 PM
Xenia snuggles into the covers more secure and relaxed than she's been at any other time in the past few days. Sure, there are some things that still need taken care of. But isn't there always. Life no longer has that bleak and hopeless light. The earth is firm beneath her. Her bed is warm and safe as she sleeps on. It's just the place to be.

As she drifts off into a satisfied sleep, she wonders how the other guys are liking the luxury suites at the Ghost.

Braxton (AC 20,HP Unknown 37/52) (Sub/Al)  d20+5=23
Thursday November 11th, 2004 1:15:44 PM
What a night. Braxton pulls up the girl's eyelid and draws back in surprise. (Heal 23)

"Florin, have a look here. Her eyes, they're green." A closer look and the pass of a thick fingered hand over frozen flesh. "Her skin as well."

Braxton shakes his head. "Have you seen the like?" Then the dwarf darts a suspicious eye around the room. "Do you feel the presence of evil in the room, Paladin?"

Tionel 
Thursday November 11th, 2004 1:57:05 PM
Tionel looks shocked at what's going on, and that sure has sobered him up a bit. "I don't htink there's anything we can do...they just...shattered." He shivers, horrified by that. "And they're green...it must be some sort of magic curse. From the woods. I ... I... could it be a disease? It might be...contagious..." this last a whisper, and he looks suddenly, and horribly, afraid.
"We should see our druid friends in the morning. I believe they're the only ones who can help us."

Florin Jaden  d20+2=10
Thursday November 11th, 2004 3:17:44 PM
Florin frowns as he nods at Braxton and also Tionel's comment and quickly speaks up, "Braxton, we already been exposed to what ever these people had wrong with them. Lets see if we can find the gold they had, we need to have it checked to see if it's the cause or something else."

Florin uses his detect evil ability in the room in hopes it might turn up something. An also starts searching the table are a and such for the bag that Faddle had. (Spot:10) Florin also thinks and quickly speaks up, "Fiddle was really buddying up to Wynn, someone better hurry and check on him just incase and the others. If this is something we can look forward to do to being in contact with them then we need to be aware. Angus can you use a detect magic spell in here? I think the snow might of been Faddle's staff, if it was magic then I guess it could of released some spell when it was broken. I know little of wizard enchantments and what they could do in this situation."

Florin thinks and comes to a conclusion also, "Tionel, I hate to say this but I don't know if we should wait to get someone in on this. You don't want any of us going beserk like these guys do you? A priest and one of your druid friends should be summoned. If all else fails I might have to see if the temple of Domi would be willing to try and raise Fiddle so we might beable to get some info. I'm not to excited about speaking to dead people even if we had that type of spell."

Angus (second Illegal post)  d20+3=23
Thursday November 11th, 2004 4:42:13 PM
At Florin's prompting Angus casts detect magic and scans the room (spot 23, nat. 20), concentrating hard.

Angus comments offhandedly to Tionel. "If I caught their sickness none of you have to worry much from me if I start a fist fight."

Lang & Sunshine 
Thursday November 11th, 2004 9:59:35 PM
Lang finds his Quarterstaff amid the debris and checks it for any damage. Moving over to Sunshine he says, "Sunshine can you sense or smell anything?" Lang will walk around the room with Sunshine and see if he picks up anything (unless Florin or Angus's probes find something).

Aftermath (DM MikeK) 
Thursday November 11th, 2004 10:40:06 PM
Fearing a curse, and possible contamination, the party performs various detections in an effort to figure out just what happened.

Angus' detection spell locates a small black sphere, about the size of a pearl, that registers as Moderate Evocation. Other magical auras exist in the room, but they all turn out to be destroyed items - Kurgen's axe, Faddle's staff, and the torn bag under what's left of Faddle's body. Of the gold rock that was in the bag, there is no trace.

Florin detects no evil.

Lang helps search, and finds a smaller bag containing some gold pieces, and a gold necklace bearing a ruby pendant. Neither registers as magical.

Sunshine picks gingerly throught the wreakage. The dog soon goes back to the door and sits down. He doesn't like it in there, but doesn't light on any threats either.

Happy arrives a few minutes later, and takes in the scene, horrified. Then, he reverts back to a businessman, urging his staff to keep the other guests out of the area and summoning more to clean up. He's especially concerned with the remains of Kurgen and Faddle.
"When that starts to melt....." he says, shuddering at the thought.

The innkeeper will go along with whatever suggestions the party has, and dispatches a runner to the Temple of Domi to get some help.

Another runner arrives at the apartments. The trio there get a very early morning wake up call thanks to a pounding on the door.
"Some people got killed at the Ghost," the messenger reports. "Happy says you might wanna come."

Wynn Brightsong 
Friday November 12th, 2004 12:28:00 AM
Wynn recieves the message from the Giggling Ghost and proceeds to wake Syr and then Xenia with the news that they are wanted. He lingers for a moment in the rogue's room as she rises, then returns to his own room to get ready. The bard slips into his armor and straps his longsword around his waist. Ready to leave he waits by the door with his bow and pack at hand.

Angus Mage Armor  d20+6=24
Friday November 12th, 2004 8:11:38 AM
Angus is releived to see Happy and lets him go about the business of organizing the clean up after which he pulls Happy aside for a brief work "Happy this is terrible, but worse those five seemed even more irrational later this evening. Do you know them at all or at least of them and as to why they may have acted in such a way? Maybe you know someone who may know then that I can speak with. This is highly irregular. We are concerned that they may be sick in some way and want to make sure it does not happen in the city again." (gather information 24)



Syr 
Friday November 12th, 2004 12:43:22 PM
Syr wakes at Wynn's touch and comes lightly to his feet. "Why didn't they come get us? Something must have happened. Why send a messenger?" As sense of dread creeps it's way into his thoughts, "I knew I should have stayed there. I could have monitored Tionel's drinking. I bet his mouth started something. That Kurgen guy probably took offense."

Impatient to leave, he shouts up the stairs, "Xenia! Hurry up!"

Xenia 
Friday November 12th, 2004 1:38:54 PM
Xenia's eyes flutter open. She smiles an places a soft kiss against Wynn's hand.

Then she remembers that she's in her own room. And it's still dark, not yet morning. The story is in the bard's eyes, and Xenia rolls up out of bed. Messengers in the middle of the night. The rogue is in full motion a fraction of a second before she even registers what she's doing. She grabs up her studded leather leggings off of the back of a chair. Her arms around Wynn's neck in a brief but fierce hug, a shared moment of concern that mirrors the worry on his face.

A flurry of clothing and equipment later, the dark rogue runs down the stairs chasing Syr's voice. She laces her jacket as she takes two stairs at a time. At the doorway she tags a seal at the side of her leg.

[[ Activated: Seal Against Surprise Attack. Active rest of this module. ]]

Tionel  d20+10=28
Friday November 12th, 2004 3:45:12 PM
Tionel is in no big rush to cause a panic, as usual. "Everything can wait till morning... man, I'm tired..." he mumbles. Nevertheless, he takes his time in a thorough search of the room (Taking 20, so my total would be 26). He wonders at the nature of what has happened...
(Knowledge: Nature, DC 28, to know if anything like this can be caused by a disease or something natural...well, tho it's very unlikely.)
Finally, though, he's resorted to just looking a little stumped. "I think it's important we wait for the priests... um, I'll go get the druids myself," He suggests, eager to have something to do. Taking a lamp, he heads to the streets.

Braxton (AC 20,HP Unknown 37/52) (Sub/Al)  d20+2=11
Friday November 12th, 2004 4:14:06 PM
Braxton enters the room and walks to the center of the explosion of frost. He nods at the Master of the Inn's comment as he bends to examine the wreckage.

"I suppose we should help clean this up," he comments. "If it is a disease then we're already exposed. Save someone else from catching it if we do the work."

[[ Spellcraft 11 to tell whether the frost came from the staff ]]

Florin Jadenth 
Friday November 12th, 2004 10:49:25 PM
Florin nods and looks to Happy as everyone continues their work, "Happy, if you get us something I will help my friend Braqxton take care of atleast the body mess here. However I like to leave one of the complete bodies for a priest and druid to look at before they are removed."

Florin looks around and sighs as his eyes fall on the remains of Faddle and he whispers to himself but loud enough that it can be heard in the room in the silence of the cold, snow covered area, "No luck what so ever...maybe I should just go to the temple of Flower and see if there are any ladies there for company purposes and also maybe later a nice person to be with Jella."

Suddenly a thought hits Florin and he looks to Happy, "Oh shoot!...if this isn't all settled come morning then I need you to tell Mort to take Jella home for me Happy. I don't want to come in contact with either of them till I know it is safe for sure. You might have to explain the situation to Mort but away from Jella, you know discreetly which I bet your great at." Florin says the last piece with a wink and a smile.

Florin looks to Angus and at the small things the group found magical wise and money wise and speaks up, "We know the groups name and I'm sure they signed in or something with a last and first name so we better see if any of these people had families. The items would rightfully belong to their families inless of course one of those items might be the cause of this which I doubt. Otherwise I plan to have each persons personal items buried with them even knows the staff, etc is broken. I will speak to one of the priests about that."

Clean up (DM MikeK) 
Saturday November 13th, 2004 8:46:49 AM
Wynn, Xenia, and Syr arrive at the Giggling Ghost in time to see the remains of Torak, Kurgen and Faddle placed in large watertight sacks.

Happy tells Florin, "No worries about your kin, Florin. I'll take care of that."

The innkeeper also relays that a contingent from Domi's Temple is on the way. A quick check of the guestbook reveals the five checked in as "Gorlin's Group" from "New Elenna".

Braxton can't positively discern that all the snow came from the staff. He can't tell that it didn't either.

Tionel discovers the small black sphere that Angus had located, but not recovered.

The meager belongings that have survived the blast are gathered up.
Lilith and Fiddle are laid on the floor and covered up.
Small air elementals appear to clean up the snow and ice, leaving the party members to explain things to the newcomers, wait for the priests, and decide what to do next.

Wynn Brightsong  d20+6=24 d20+7=24
Saturday November 13th, 2004 9:23:13 AM
Wynn enters the room and sees the bodies of Lilith and Fiddle. He does not reach out to them but instead offers a silent prayer to the gods on their behalf. "What caused this carnage?" he asks Braxton who stands the closest. "Do you think it could have been that rock they guarded so casually downstairs?"

The bard examines the bodies and what he can see of the room [Spot=24]. "Has anyone come across a journal? It might explain where they have been and where that rock came from."

As he leaves the room his eyes fall once again on the bodies of the two dead females and linger for a moment on Fiddle's naked body. He notices the green tinge to her skin and rakes his memory for any recollection of such a symptom [Bardic Knowledge=24]



Syr 
Saturday November 13th, 2004 10:48:31 AM
Syr arrives at the Inn and quickly takes a head count. "WHERE is Tionel? What did they do with him? I knew his mouth would be the end of him?" The elf begins to breath heavily and spins Angus around by the shoulder searching for answers.

Xenia  d20+15=29
Saturday November 13th, 2004 2:16:50 PM

Wow.

Large scale craziness in a small space. It looks to be the same group the woman who put the make on Wynn was in. She must be in there.

Somewhere.

The side of Xenia's mouth pulls taught in an unconscious gesture of irony. Still not sure how to think of all that. Still waiting on Time and Experience. None the less, she stifles one of those Well, that's what you get, now doncha kind of feelings and moves on.

Xenia's eye sweeps over the space for anything unusual. (Spot 29) Well everything is pretty much unusual. And it looks like things are pretty much in the cleaning up phase of things as well.

So ... So what?

Things look like they're cleaning up ok. So ... What's the wake up thing for?

"I bet Tionel's around here somewhere, Syr. At least I don't see him in any of those bags."

"So what's the deal, huh guys? What couldn't, like, wait till morning? I thought one of you was, like, really hurt or dead."

Angus Mage Armor 
Saturday November 13th, 2004 4:29:59 PM
Angus answers the Crimson shield newcommers "It was not Tionel. This time they did it to themselves...and very messy, or it will be once everything thaws. It does seem that Kurgen's group was exposed to something as Florin and Braxton has discovered strange eye and skin colorations. We might all also be exposed, except maybe Xenia, since she was the only smart one to steer clear of this crew."

Angus sighs. "We may have to do some investigating to see if we are in trouble ourselves. Xenia, maybe you should refrain for getting too close to the rest of us as we may be contagious. It could be a touch thing you know. That goes for you too Florin. May want to stay away from Jella and Mort until this is sorted out."

Florin Jadenth 
Saturday November 13th, 2004 4:44:28 PM
Florin nods at the comments made and looks to Xenia, Syr and Wynn, "Yes, it seems that this may be a problem for awhile. Inless Xenia has been exposed in some way she may wish to keep her space for just alittle while anyway. The rest of us till this is figured out need to just stay close I guess is all we can do. At the sign of any trouble we can only hope that one of us may beable to get help or something."

Florin hears about the priests coming and sighs in relief, "Maybe the priests can give us some info. I hope someone can for I do not know what type of boon I would have to take by asking the temple to raise one of these two for us to get answers from."

Florin noties Wynn and remembers how Fiddle was in the GG with him so steps over and for a brief moments lays a hand on his shoulder, "Even knows you didn't like her like that it is quite a loss none the less since she could of been a friend eh my friend?" Florin looks to the side and whispers to Wynn since he wasn't here to really know and since Wynn would know that Florin was starting to like Faddle, "Faddle became frozen and then shattered. My luck just gets better I guess."

Lang & Sunshine 
Sunday November 14th, 2004 7:48:10 PM
Lang stands silently as everyone discusses the messy situation. "Well do we stay here or do move back to the apartments?"

Quarantine (DM MikeK) 
Monday November 15th, 2004 10:03:12 AM
Tionel heads for the Gold Level, as Wynn, Xenia, and Syr join the rest of their company trying to understand what just took place.

Wynn's eyes roam over the small room, but he can't find anything new. He also cannot recall any tales describing the symptoms he sees.

Syr arrives expecting Tionel to be drawn and quartered. Happy pulls him aside to tell him the druid went to get help.

While the group discusses what to do next, Father Dremond and an elf arrive from the Temple of Domi. The graying man gets a quick briefing from the group, then he and the elf inspect the bodies themselves.
Another conference between the two priests follows.

With a look of puzzlement, Dremond turns to Florin.
"We have never seen this, either. We think it's a disease, but I suppose it could be a magical curse of some kind. I think we may need a true Healer for this."
Father Dremond casts a spell, speaking into the air. After a minute or so, he refocuses on the group.
"I've sent a message to a friend of Alemi. He should be here soon. In the meantime, I agree you need to keep away from everyone else. I suggest retiring to your inn room."


Xenia 
Monday November 15th, 2004 2:56:05 PM
Xenia watches Wynn from the corner of her eye. What really happened earlier tonight? Wakened from bed, all her happy dreams seem no more than that: Dreams. What was said? What was done?

What's more, how could she so quickly forget the pain? The horrible feeling of loss and betrayal? Think. Would it be smart to walk into that again? What do you know about Wynn anyway? This guy comes out of a pool in a cavern and sweeps you off your feet. That doesn't tell you anything. He makes your knees go weak. Is that good or bad?

The dark rogue thinks of Bralin, and with a part of her, she wishes he were back. He wasn't much to talk to, but, with him, you sure knew where you stood.

Xenia finds herself looking at the others, wondering who can and who can't be relied upon. Her eyes fall on Syr and she stops, a feeling of shame burning within. They're all good guys, and they deserve her trust.

She sighs. So much to learn from life. Pretty clear why Marcus sent her away. Would never have thought these things at home.

Retire to the room.

Sounds like as good an idea as any. What does she know about disease anyway. Maybe it's a disease that's been making her flub up everything she's tried the past few days. Maybe ask the priest about it when he shows up.

In the meantime:

"Um, Wynn," Xenia taps the bard on the shoulder, "can we ... I mean, I know it's not a good time right now. But sometime. Can we talk? I mean, about us? I ... I really need to know where things stand. It's ... Well, it's just something I need."

Not really sure what else to say, she says, "Thanks," and turns to find these luxury room she's been dying to see.

Syr 
Monday November 15th, 2004 5:39:35 PM
Seeing Xenia talking quietly to Wynn, he puts on a wry smile. With a shake of his head, he vows that he will never ever be so undecided and confused. There must be someone else out there that is just as upfront and honest with their feelings.

Looking at the group's icicles he feels a momentary loss when thinking of Kurgen and the beer he and Torak shared. Rather than voice any opinions, he stands and listens to what the others had to say about the incident.

Having had enough rest, Syr talks to the others, "I think I'm okay. Why don't you guys sleep and I'll keep a watch." He proceeds to station himself outside the group's door.

Lang & Sunshine 
Monday November 15th, 2004 6:40:24 PM
Great. Diseased or possibly even cursed. Magical or un-magical, either way it is disheartening. Hopefully the Temple of Domi will be able to figure out its source and the cure if any of the party members are infected. More importantly, who would be behind "it". Was it enemies of the dead group or enemies of the Crimson Shields using these people to get to us? Perhaps Jonas is still after us even though he still is in jail.

Too many questions and, of course, too few answers.

Not knowing what else to do and now that all the excitement is starting to settle down, Lang and Sunshine head back towards the room they were sleeping in.

Wynn Brightsong 
Monday November 15th, 2004 7:09:42 PM
"It's true Florin" Wynn confides in the leader of the Crimson Shields, "I did fancy her forward ways, but even at the party I felt something was not right with Fiddle. Whether it was that, or my feelings for Xenia that kept me from pursuing her further I don't know." Wynn shakes his head and continues, "I certainly would not have wished this fate on any of them. I am sorry you will not get the chance to know her friend better..." Wynn trails off, not knowing what to say. "The man needs to think more carefully about his choice in women" the bard thinks to himself "he's got a child to think about after all."

"Women... his thoughts spin from Fiddle to Faddle to Xenia, tough to read... Wynn glances over to the rogue and sees her biting her lower lip. His eyes follow her lithe form as she makes her way over to him and he remembers the warmth of her embrace a few short hours ago. However, his reverie is dispelled when she speaks those words...Can we talk?...

Wynn feels the tension build in his body as the three words spill out. He tries to concentrate as she continues, but her words seem disembodied. He can see her soft lips mouthing the words, flashes of white even teeth behind them...Thanks...and then she turns and leaves.

Unsure if he is meant to go or stay, the half-elf gathers himself, takes a long slow breath and follows Xenia down the hall.



Florin Jadenth 
Monday November 15th, 2004 7:43:47 PM
Florin looks to everyone and nods at the choices figured, he also looks to Wynn and nods to him, "Maybe this is just Domi's test for me. I only knew her alittle while so I will recover. It is nice to see you and Xenia working everything out. I was worried I might of been to forward with my comments earlier. Xenia is right on us I believe, we are not a good match but it does leave one wondering what if. No worries though, I have no plans on making rifts in the group over this and she has chosen." Florin gives Wynn a friendly hit on the arm as he turns to Father Dremond.

After thinking a moment Florin quickly speaks up, "Father, would my resistence to disease the the Lord Domi gives me resist this if it's a disease? I would like to help my friends out if anything happens."

Either way Florin will head to his room with the others. He looks to everyone and nods to them before moving to a corner and sitting as he thinks over this whole situation.

Angus 
Monday November 15th, 2004 8:53:24 PM
ANgus thoughts echo Lang's words, cursed and or diseased that may explain some of my problems.

Angus works his way back to the apartments wanting to see if he shows any signs of green. That would definately clash with his new cloak....

Angus seeks out Wynn descretly "Ah, Wynn, how much contact did you have with Fiddle? May want to clean off those postions she handled and get your cloths cleaned."

Tionel  d20+9=13
Monday November 15th, 2004 11:47:39 PM
Tionel finally arrives at the druid's house. He politely knocks, repeatedly, and slowly louder, till he gets their attention. When he does, he tells them first, to stay back, then, of the strangeness in the inn, and pleads with them to send a member as soon as possible. He finishes with a polite apology for having woken them up at such a late time.
Then he heads back. When arriving, upon hearing the news affirming his guess at its being a curse or disease, he gets pale. "This could be bad. I have a feeling that this is not related to the Anvil Hearts, but to their trip into the wild... The Great Forest has many secrets, and they indicated that they had encountered many hardships in its depths."
Then he ponders how mysterious and rather impressive that sounded and looks pleased with himself for a second.
"Well, anyways, can't be helped too much. Maybe we should all just turn in for what little sleep we can still get and discuss this at a decent hour."

Braxton (Sub/Al) 
Tuesday November 16th, 2004 8:22:58 AM
Braxton turns his head, looking once more around the room.

"What a waste," he mutters to himself as he follows the others back to their own more luxuriously appointed rooms.

Time for your physical (DM MikeK) 
Tuesday November 16th, 2004 9:50:36 AM
Tionel delivers his message to a sleepy doorman, and then returns to the Giggling Ghost.

The others wait in various stages of panic.
Dremond tells Florin, "if it is a disease, I see no reason why Domi cannot protect you from it. Let us wait for my friend before we decide anything."

Twenty minutes later, Tionel arrives back at the inn at the same time a tall, golden elf strides calmly to the room. Just standing next to him gives the druid a peaceful feeling all over.

The elf enters the room, where he and Father Dremond enter into a quick conference. The elf leaves.

Ten minutes later, he is back again.

"I am Arafal, a servant of Alemi," he introduces himself. "Dremond has told me of the troubles here."
The elf finds a comfy spot on the sofa, and sits down, his calm, kind face looking out at the assembled heroes.

"I investigated one of the unfortunates in the next room. She was infected with a most strange malady. A disease I've never seen before. Arafel looks at Tionel, taking in his druidic garb. "It appeared as if some form of plant life had taken root in her brain. The pressures of the growing plant eventually damaged her mind. A very unusual disease, to be sure."
Arafel falls into thought for a few seconds, before refocusing on the group.

"Well, let us see to you first."

The elf annexes a bedroom and brings our heroes in one by one, where he proceeds to inspect everybody most thoroughly, peering intently into eyes, ears, noses, and open mouths; checking out the skin on arms and legs; and generally getting to know everyone a whole lot better.

He finds nothing.

"None of you show any signs of disease," he announces.
Arafel turns to Dremond, "Unless there is something else, I think I should get back to the temple. This new disease must be brought to the attention of my brothers and sisters, that we may discern a means to combat it."


Xenia 
Tuesday November 16th, 2004 12:58:01 PM
Xenia sits, relaxed and still while the elf kinda pokes and prods at her.

"Um, you know, as long as you're here," she begins, "I een a'ing is ob'em." Xenia closes her mouth, smacking her lips and wrinkling her nose to clear some imaginary distaste.

"I mean, I've been having this problem. It's like, things just don't go right. I do things, and I know I should be doing better, but they don't turn out better. I mean, kind of like something's keeping me from doing as well as I should, you know."

"You think that could be a disease? Or maybe a curse? Can something be both a disease and a curse?"

The dark rogue frowns. "Maybe it's just a slump. But if it was a curse, how would you know? I mean, who would you go see? How would you fix it?"

The it comes to the red-headed girl that she's probably running at the mouth because she's just a tad nervous about being examined by this strange guy.

"Um, sorry, about, well, asking so many questions and all, you know. Guess I'm just kinda nervous. And thanks," she says. "I mean, thanks for taking a look at us, and all. It's nice to know someone's out there when you need them."

And, in a flash, her own words kind of sum things up for her. Nice to know someone's out there when you need them. Funny how you have to remind yourself of what's always right there under your nose the all the time.

Her thoughts drift to Wynn and what she's gonna say to him. How she really feels. How she can make that work with how he feels.

The rest of the examination goes quickly.

Florin Jadenth  d20+2=4
Tuesday November 16th, 2004 1:33:02 PM
(OOC:Okay MikeK, you just asked for me to have fun with this one.)

Florin waits till it's his turn and goes into the room with the cleric of Alemi, inside he quickly glances around, <spot:4> "No Daphne peeking I hope or anyone else."

Florin allows the cleric to check him out, stripping since he is being checked so carefuly and out from the room you hear Florin talking, "So, some type of disease involving plants growing in a person...is nice to see my peingtu is not sprouting a tree....uhh hey what you doing with that "FINGER" ouch!! Couldn't you atleast bought me a nice meal first?"

After while Florin walks out rather carefully and glares to the cleric abit, "I hope you wash that finger before eating or touching anyone else."

Wynn Brightsong 
Tuesday November 16th, 2004 5:58:28 PM
Wynn takes his turn in line and submits to the examination from the follower of Alemi. It is with some relief that he accepts the pronouncement from Arafel that he has no signs of the disease that killed Fiddle and her companions.

"Nothing to worry about Angus" he whispers to the sorcerer. "There was nothing...er...intimate between Fiddle and I, and Arafel has declared us healthy, has he not? I am worried though about where the gold stone went and whether the black pearl you found was not inside it and perhaps the source of this evil. Please be careful with it and refrain from touching it directly until it is identified."

The half-elf does not further pursue conversation with Xenia given the number of people around. Perhaps it is better held in private.


Syr 
Tuesday November 16th, 2004 8:09:54 PM
Syr impatiently endures the examination. Wincing as he rotates his shoulder, he calls out to Bralin, "How are those bruises doing?" struck by a thought he wonders out loud, "Hey, what did we do with that rock?"

DM note to Angus 
Tuesday November 16th, 2004 8:44:29 PM
To be deleted --

Angus will recall that when he cast Detect Magic in the room, the torn bag which Faddle was hovering over did radiate a dim aura of magic.

Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=22 d20+3=9
Tuesday November 16th, 2004 9:56:36 PM
Lang endures the slightly embarassing inspection by Arafel. It is not much worse than the healing administered to him after past battles. Lang tries to spot any spell casting done by Arafel (spot 22). Lang will hold Sunshine still if Arafel decides to inspect him for signs of the illness.

"Arafel, do you have any thoughts on the nature of this disease and where it may have originated?" Lang asks Arafel during his time spent with him (knowledge nature 9).

Lang is happy when Arafel declares them disease free.

Angus  d20+12=28
Tuesday November 16th, 2004 10:01:09 PM
If Arafel casts any spells during his examination, Angus will attempt to determine its nature and school (spellcraft 28).

After he is done with his exam and back with the group Angus says, "Well that was rather unpleasant. I hope I do not have to do that again any time soon."

"Well I am off to take a bath to wash off all the unpleasantness of the evening," Angus says after the group is cleared of being diseased.

Tionel 
Wednesday November 17th, 2004 9:06:26 AM
Tionel looks extremely relieved...so much, he actually hugs the priest of Alemi in (drunken) thanks. Then, staggering back to his chair, he sits down, exhausted. He promptly starts talking nonsensically to anyone nearby about how worried he was, and halfway through some sentences, he falls into that elven reverie. Or perhaps it's just another drunken stupor.

All Clear (DM MikeK) 
Wednesday November 17th, 2004 9:23:06 AM
The inspection goes by, with differing levels of embarrassment.

At Xenia's question about a curse, Arafel stops.
"A curse is magical, while a disease usually is not," the elf responds.
"If you'll remove all magic from your person, I can check if you're under some spell."

After the rogue gets down to her skivvies, Arafel casts a spell, and stares intently at her for a full minute.
"You radiate a magic from the school of necromancy," he announces. "Which would be consistent with a curse. I haven't the spell readied to counter the curse, but someone in your group may be able to deal with it. If not, the Temple of Alemi is prepared to help you," he smiles apologetically, "although they may wish you to make a small donation to the Temple fund."

As for the rest of the group, Arafel casts no spells, so there is nothing to check.

To Lang's question concerning the origin of the disease, Arafel asks where the other group has been. Upon learning they just came back from the Crying Woods, the elf makes the bold leap that the disease likely originated from there.

Several members of the group comment about the absence of the hunk of gold.
[Knowledge (Arcana) checks please]

As Arafel is wrapping things up, a new voice sounds from the door.
"Is..is it safe to come in?" asks the hesitant voice of Tarketh (the bubbly liason between the party and the Circle of the Alder).


Xenia 
Wednesday November 17th, 2004 11:47:08 AM

Xenia stands in the middle of the room. Light t-shirt, pink panties, and her jaw on the ground.

A curse!!! A curse.

She had been half joking. Not really expecting anything to come of it. Everyone has slumps. But a curse!

Xenia pulls up her leggings and slips on her jacket. She sucks in a deep lung-full of air, and puffing out her cheeks, blows it out.

"Thanks, Doc. I think I'll probably need to stop by the temple. Thanks."

"Wow. A curse." she mutters to herself in disbelief.

"Hey! I'm cursed," Xenia announces as she walks out of the room lacing up her leather jacket. "The Doc says I'm cursed! Where would I have gotten a curse? Nobody else is cursed, right? Then why me? Maybe it's 'cause I stuck my head into that shelf in the tree back at that temple in the Crying Woods. Maybe it's from one of the Hearts. I knew there was no way I missed those dang bowling pins. I was dead on."

Xenia paces back and forth, gesturing wildly with her hands. The guy from the Alder Circle, the one who gave them the 500 gold, show's up, but it's like he's not really there.

"Fram," she swears quietly to herself and then turns to the rest of the guy with her hands out in a gesture of pleading.

"Um, anyone here know how to remove a curse?"

Florin Jadenth 
Wednesday November 17th, 2004 3:15:16 PM
Florin looks to Xenia and pats her shoulder gently, "I am not a strong enough healer to deal with a curse but I can go to the temple with you tomorrow to try and get you healed."

Florin thinks and looks to the cleric of Alemi and Father Dremond if both are still there, "Do eiter of you have the remove curse spell known? I would be willing to make a donation to the temple for the spell which you can take with you." Florin smiles softly, "Anyway, it is still some time before actual morning and a good nights sleep would help us all after this ordeal. I think Xenia would sleep better knowing she is no longer cursed."

Florin will wait for any reply and if neither cleric can help and no one else in the group Florin will look to Xenia and speak to her gently, "Xenia, I can take you to the temple on Ajax that way it would be quicker and you can rest soon. It has been a long night for us all." Florin does glance to Wynn wondering if maybe he should of offered to let Wynn use Ajax this once and take Xenia.

Depending on the replies Florin will let the others speak to the druid, mainly Tionel as Florin goes to rest, his mind on Faddle and this whole thing and wondering why everytime he finds a nice lady she turns out to be a lady of the night or have something wrong with her. His sleep is plaqued mainly by these thoughts and before long he is up and dressed. Checking on Jella and Mort and heading to his home to get his armor and train some, this whole thing having made him wonder on all this and also knowing soon he will be meeting with his parents. He will stop long enough to bid anyone good morning who is up already and tell them that he plans to meet them later when he goes to see his parents.

Wynn Brightsong  d20+7=21
Wednesday November 17th, 2004 7:06:54 PM
Wynn searches his memory for any memory of magical stones or rocks that might either carry a disease or explode into ice and snow [Knowledge Arcana=21].

As the conversation continues Wynn asks "What is this 'Crying Woods'? Is it anything like the Culverwood back home? I mean, do the trees come alive and talk?"

When Xenia declares that she is cursed the bard begins to wonder about his own fortunes but quickly decides that recent events would dictate otherwise. Wynn helps Xenia pick up her outer garments and armor but can offer no help with the curse. "Sorry Xenia, but removing curses is way beyond any magic I have. I think you should head for the temple at the first chance. I'll tag along if you wish."

If a few hours of rest is still in order, the half-elf will find a quiet spot and record the strange new happenings in his journal.

Syr  d20=20
Wednesday November 17th, 2004 10:42:33 PM
Syr looks confused as Xenia announces that she is cursed, nudging Lang he whispers, "Cursed? Maybe her love life, that would explain alot."

Coughing to hide his grin, "Seriously though, were we all checked for curses or just her? Did I miss something? Is it something everyone should be concerned about? Do the ice chunks radiate a similar type of magic?" (wow, knowledge arcana a natural 20)

Lang & Sunshine 
Wednesday November 17th, 2004 11:58:05 PM
Lang looks at Xenia when she declares she is cursed. She doesn't look cursed - she hasn't grown any warts or another head or something like that. She hasn't done anything to make it seem like she's cursed. But then again what do I know about curses, Lang thinks.

Lang chuckles at Syr's comment about Xenia's love life. "Yea and Wynn's cursed too, he just doesn't know it yet," Lang whispers back to Syr.

Lang has felt like himself all along, but just the same he says he would like to know if he has been checked for curses.

Angus 
Thursday November 18th, 2004 12:02:37 AM
Angus is on his way towards the bath when Xenia announces that she is cursed.

Stopping short, Angus says mostly to himself but aloud, "I haven't felt the same these past few days. Sometimes things just do not work the way I think they should work."

"Arafel, was I checked for curses? If not, could you check me also?"

If Arafel checks Angus, he will thank him profusely.

Tionel 
Thursday November 18th, 2004 7:02:40 AM
Tionel looks confused... "I .. I was convinced it wasn't a disease," he mumbles, disbelievingly. "I.. This is horrible. I can't die! I'm too young to die!" And perhaps its the drink, or perhaps the rushing of his mortality is too true and real for the elf, but he bursts into tears...not even the sight of a skimpy Xenia can stop them...
He staggers into another room, sobbing.

Braxton (Sub/Al) 
Thursday November 18th, 2004 8:35:24 AM
The dwarf raises an eyebrow as the girl rushes into the room caterwauling about a curse. Then the elf breaks down and begins crying.

"Sorry," Braxton mumbles and then mutters something about not being able to dispel curses. Then he turns to the door and the voice calling from outside.

"Er, yes, it's safe to come in," he calls out and turns a brief eye back to the room full of crazies that he's gotten himself mixed up with. "I suppose," he adds.

So, who's cursed? (DM MikeK) 
Thursday November 18th, 2004 4:21:00 PM
Florin offers to help Xenia get rid of the curse. However, neither Arafel nor Father Dremond have the proper counterspell prepared at this time.
"Usually not much need for it," Dremond apologizes.

Wynn and Syr rack their memories for exploding or diseased rocks. They come up empty. Both do recall stories concerning bags that magically hold a lot more than it appears they can be able to handle. The bard in particular remembers a tale concerning a young man who put all his belongings into the bag. It tore open when he tried to put a rake in it, and all his possessions disappeared.

Tionel starts sobbing about being diseased, even though Arafel just said they were fine.

Angus worries about being cursed.
Arafel tells the group he only cast a detection on Xenia. If anybody else wants similar assurances, they need to step into the next room, and divest themselves of all magical items.
The elf looks over the assembled males. "Let's do everyone at once," he suggests.

Meanwhile, Braxton calls for Tarketh to come on in, which the man does, with some trepidation.
Spying Tionel, the fellow druid rushes over. "Brother, are you OK? The elders couldn't quite make out your message. They sent me over to find out what you wanted."
Tarketh's eyes roam the hotel room.
"Really excellent accommodations," he marvels.


Xenia 
Thursday November 18th, 2004 5:32:16 PM
"Thanks, Florin. Thanks, Wynn. Thanks, guys, I mean for offering" Xenia replies. "It'd be real nice if you could go with me to the temple. I mean, I'd really appreciate it. I'm kinda nervous about it."

She watches Wynn's face. If only everyone else weren't around. She wants so badly to talk to him. But she's not even sure what she's going to say.

Xenia sighs. If only he didn't have that effect on her. Something about the way he holds his mouth. Or something about the look in his eyes. Or something.

If she were just sure about the way he though of her it would all be alright. If she knew for sure he didn't really care for her and that it was pretty much hopeless. If she just knew that then it would be alright. She could just deal with it and move on.

Maybe.

Meantime, the waiting is just so awful. And now she's cursed. How could ... how could he like someone who's cursed? Xenia's face begins to glow hot with shame and embarrassment.

Weird how Xenia gets really quiet and not looking at anybody.

Florin Jadenth 
Thursday November 18th, 2004 7:13:47 PM
Florin thinks and looks to Wynn and Xenia before nodding, "If you don't mind Wynn I will take Xenia to the temple on Ajax and I think I will return home to stay. You two can borrow my room to talk."

Florin now will look to Xenia, "if you like come on." Florin will go ahead and leave the room and go to check on Jella and Mort, not sure if the bodyguard would of left already or not and then lastly leave the GG and call on Ajax, "Come to me Ajax, tonight you can help me out on getting around my friend." Florin waits for his friend Ajax to come.

Wynn Brightsong 
Thursday November 18th, 2004 7:37:55 PM
Wynn holds Xenia's hand reassuringly and tries to calm her anxiety. "It'll be fine Xenia, I'm sure the temple has dealt with far worse afflictions." He gives her hand a gentle squeeze before letting it go.

The bard turns to the group, and Angus in particular, "I'm beginning to think that the explosion may have been caused by a bag of holding. I recall a tale where one was ruptured by a rake and all of its content's vanished in the aftermath. I wonder if the gold stone was in the bag and it was sundered by the minotaur's axe? With any luck, it was the source of this strange disease and has been taken care of by the explosion."

Lang & Sunshine 
Thursday November 18th, 2004 10:11:20 PM
Lang and Sunshine move into the room that Arafel motions to. They wait patiently while Arafel works his magic to see if either of them are cursed.

They then move back into the main room and wit for the results.

Angus 
Thursday November 18th, 2004 10:19:34 PM
Angus practically runs into the room that Arafel suggests. Well maybe not run, but definately a fast walk.

Panting heavily, Angus impatiently waits while Arafel checks to see if any more of the group is cursed.

"Hurry up! Please, I may be cursed", Angus pleads to Arafel.

"Lang, how can you stand there so calmly knowing you may be cursed?"

"Oh gosh. What am I going to do if I am cursed?"

Braxton (Al/Sub) 
Friday November 19th, 2004 7:57:33 AM
"And who, might I ask, are you?" Braxton asks as the man enters. When the man rushes by, goes to the sobbing elf, and calls him 'brother,' the dwarf simply shrugs.

As Braxton makes his way into the Really excellent accommodations he shakes his head. What has he got himself into?

Syr 
Friday November 19th, 2004 3:10:43 PM
Shrugging to show it doesn't matter to him, the elf moves into the next room and puts everything except his belongings in the corner. Standing on the far side by Angus, "Well, what next?"

Answering Angus, "Don't panic. Curses we can deal with, as long as they don't turn me berserk. You didn't see the priest run around stressing."

In an attempt to distract his hyper ventilating friend, "Angus, since you are a sorceror, doesn't that make you magical by default? I mean what's the difference between you and me, except for the fact that you do neat things and why can't I?"

When it rains... (DM MikeK) 
Friday November 19th, 2004 9:49:17 PM
Wynn imparts some Magic Item knowledge on the group, then he, Xenia, and Florin leave the Giggling Ghost.

With Florin gone, Father Dremond sees no reason to stick around, and he also leaves.

At the paladin's call, Ajax appears.
[Has Florin bought barding for the horse yet?]

Meanwhile Lang starts for the side room, only to be nearly run over by Angus. The sorcerer practically stampedes everybody to get himself looked at.
Syr also goes, trying to calm the highly agitated man down a bit.

To top off the evening for Angus, Arafel declares the sorcerer is indeed cursed, while Syr, Lang, and Sunshine are not.

Tarketh continues trying to get some kind of answer out of Tionel.
And Braxton is left to his own rather serious second thoughts.

Tionel 
Saturday November 20th, 2004 4:08:33 AM
Tionel sobs a bit more, feeling sorry for himself, and thoroughly drunkenly miserable. "I don't know, I don't know... I'm soooo confused. I think I drank too much, and I'm going to die of a curse or a disease or something I don't know what but I feel really sick, do you have a bucket...?"

Florin Jadenth 
Saturday November 20th, 2004 4:10:08 PM
Florin pats Ajax and smiles as he looks over Ajax in his new barding of breastplate and it's saddle and such. Florin looks around before patting Ajax's neck, "you look great in your new equipment my friend. I hope you like the armor."

(OOC:Yep, Florin bought armor, saddle and such for Ajax.)

Xenia 
Saturday November 20th, 2004 8:51:18 PM
Xenia walks between the two guys as they make their way out of The Ghost. Her green eyes are turned inward, and she says not a word the entire time. She touches her shoulder where runs the strap of her own loyal and much cherished haversack. Bags of holding, huh?

When the emerge out onto the street, the rogue folds her slim arms just under her breasts and waits as Florin's magnificent steed approaches. It's all decked out in armor this time, and the sound of steel and leather accompany the clop clop of it's feet against the stones of the street.

"You think they'll be open now," she asks. There's no good reason why she should be cold right now. But she is.

Wynn Brightsong 
Sunday November 21st, 2004 1:37:16 PM
The bard accompanies Xenia and Florin out of the Inn. He says nothing as Florin summons his charger but keeps a close watch on Xenia who has grown introspective since discovering her affliction. Sensing that she is cold, he will drape his cloak over her shoulders if allowed.



Lang & Sunshine 
Sunday November 21st, 2004 1:57:02 PM
Well Lang is glad that he and Sunshine are not cursed. But he feels for both Angus and Xenia being magicked after the recent laughter spell cast upon him against his will.

Seeing most everyone leaving the Giggling Ghost, Lang tries to figure out what to do next.

"Syr, should we see if Tarketh has news for us? If he does not, should we eat here and then head back to the apartment?"

Braxton (Sub/Al) 
Sunday November 21st, 2004 2:41:30 PM
Braxton laces the front of his mithril shirt after the examination. The paladin leaves with the half-elven bard and the half-elven rogue. And the elf is still babbling in his salty tears. So who does that leave?

The ranger seems a level head. And he defers to the elven monk.

"Domi's Hammer, but you people lead interesting lives," Braxton says to Syrdeth. Then, with some thought. "If this is a disease, would it not be best to find the source and ensure that it is to stay where it is? We've already seen it enter the city with this lot. What's the chance others won't stumble upon it too? That could be bad. Very bad indeed."

Angus  d20+2=13 d20+12=13
Sunday November 21st, 2004 3:25:31 PM
Angus exclaims upon finding out he is also cursed. "Just Great! How do I get rid of it, being cursed that is?" Angus finishes pleading.

Angus thinks to himself, That may explain abit of my recent misfortune.

Angus attempts to figure out when he an Xenia may have been cursed (Int 13, Spellcraft 13, not great, must be residual curse effects.....)

Syr 
Sunday November 21st, 2004 8:43:46 PM
Bidding fairwell he escorts Father Dremmond to the door and gives him 10 gold pieces, "Thank you for the quick response Father, please take this donation for the church from us?"

Stepping outside to see the new horse's accessories, Syr breaks into a smile, "Not exactly going for the stealth approach, eh? Oh well, I guess if ya can't sneak pass, may as well 'Ajax' them."

Listening to the dwarf he sizes the newest member up. At 4'10", he tries to compare his height and general build to the dwarf's. In the back of his mind is the brawl that rendered Braxton unconcious. But before dismissing the dwarf he also recalls his own near death ordeal when the dwarf joined them and slumps his shoulders slightly. "I am not learned enough to deal with this curse. The curse could be as minor as Xenia growing facial hair," He looks at Wynn out of the corner of his eye as he says that. He concludes with, "Or maybe something more serious. It would probably be best to take Angus to the temple too. Besides, I think we need to get our elven friend," as he nods at Tionel, "away from further liquid temptation."

"Come on Tionel, and ask Tarketh to join us. Maybe he has some thought as to this ex-group or it's explorations?"

Moving beside the dwarf he continues the conversation, "Arafel said we were free from disease although you do have a good point Braxton. The source of the disease should be investigated. Although, without any more direction than the Crying Woods it'll be like finding a rowboat on the ocean. Did we learn anything from searching their belongings that would hint at a more general direction in the forest?"

Off to see the Wizard (DM MikeK) 
Monday November 22nd, 2004 9:05:00 AM
Florin and Wynn help Xenia clamber up on the huge war horse. Ajax turns his head to give the lithe half elf an appraising look. He turns back to the paladin and whinneys questioningly.

Father Dremond takes the money from Syr with a "Thank You", and hits the street just about the time Xenia is loaded onto the steed.
"Are you coming to our temple, or that of Alemi?" he asks Florin.

Arafel answers Angus.
"A Remove Curse spell should counteract the curse. My temple can provide the spell if one of your company is unable."

Syr rounds everybody else up, including a rather sick Tionel, and gets them all outside in time to catch a glimpse of the retreating from of Ajax.

He's able to run them down, and soon the whole group is back together, heading somewhere in the middle of night.

As Syr is walking out, Tarketh looks around, most confused.
"Um, why don't I meet you fellows at your place later this morning?" he says.

The liason goes back home.


Angus 
Monday November 22nd, 2004 10:46:56 AM
Angus is ready to be uncursed as soon as possible. "Arafel, kind sire, thank you for your assistance. I would be most appreciative if you could escort me to your temple for the removal of the curse as it appear that none in my company can work the spell. Please tell me of temple and following?" Angus will let Arafel answer and if he offers to take him to the temple Angus will add. "What is the cost for such a spell, remove curse?"

Xenia 
Monday November 22nd, 2004 3:46:21 PM
Guys being nice to her. *sigh*

It's so much better to enjoy how good it feels when you're not so confused as to whether you should be feeling good about it or not. What if it turns out that he doesn't really like you? What if he just does this for all the girls? Letting yourself feel your heart beat when his hand touches your shoulder, letting yourself feel the warmth when the cape settles protectively around you, letting yourself feel all that can't help but make the hurt just that much worse when ... when the dust settles and you know that he doesn't like you in the same way you like him.

Things would be so much easier if you didn't have to feel. You could just take all the nice things that everybody did for you and not care how they felt. To just not feel. To just not care.

Easier said than done. Xenia's head turns reflexively to brush Wynn's hand with her cheek. It's just not something she thinks about till she's halfway there. Stopping herself, she still covers his hand with hers.

"Thanks," she says, and gives Wynn's hand a little squeeze. "Thanks, Florin," she says climbing up onto Ajax. "Oh yeah thanks, Syr," she says with dripping irony, "that's all I need now, facial hair."

[[ OoC: Temple of Alemi is up on Gold Level, isn't it? In fact, it's just across from the door where Xenia picked the lock. ]]



Florin Jadenth 
Monday November 22nd, 2004 3:53:55 PM
Florin thinks over what Father Dremond asks ad suddenly stops as he pats Ajax's neck, "ummm, would the temple of Alemi be better suited to heal my friend here Father?" Florin looks to Xenia and also at Angus when he comes out, "Of course my loyalties lay with Domi and I donate my money and services there so I should ask you your position on this father Dremond."

Florin chuckles at Syr's comment and nods, "Ajax needs protection as well and my armor will clink enough to give him away so he might as well be as safe as I can make him also."

Florin pats Xenia on the knee rather quickly as he doesn't want his gesture to be taken wrong by her or Wynn and speaks up also, "Even if you grew facial hair we would all love you Xenia. I have no doubt in that."

Florin leans in close to Ajax and whispers gently in his friends ear, "It's alright Ajax, this is Xenia. You met her before remember and she is one of my friends. We have to go to the temple to get her and Angs cured of a curse my friend. No, she isn't in any way attached to me either if your wondering, she is Wynn's lady so be nice and careful with her." Florin pats Ajax on the head gently and smiles before speaking now out loud to Ajax, "Jella will have to see you in your new armor also."

(OOC:For some reason my post was sent before I was finished and also sent twice so please if someone will delete my previous post.)

Wynn Brightsong 
Monday November 22nd, 2004 9:45:35 PM
The bard walks quietly behind Ajax and the others, his mind alternately occupied by his unanswered questions about the Crying Woods and the potential source of Xenia's curse.

Lang & Sunshine 
Monday November 22nd, 2004 11:12:34 PM
Lang & Sunshine fall in with the group as they walk towards the temple.

"Don't worry Angus, the clerics will get you fixed up good as new."

Lang stays alert as they move towards the temple as it is still night time.

Braxton (Sub/Al) 
Tuesday November 23rd, 2004 12:03:11 AM
So the druid fellow comes in all atither. He sees Tionel a sobbing drunken mess. And he runs off till tomorrow.

Braxton walks to the side of the group. And now they're of to see the wizard or the cleric or whatever.

Tionel 
Tuesday November 23rd, 2004 8:37:23 AM
Tionel just sits where he is, sobbing and feeling drunk and horrible and disgusted by the blood and everything, until someone helps him out. He's way too gone to do anything on his own accord. But perhaps its' better if nobody helps him just as much. He could use a lesson or two.


Syr 
Tuesday November 23rd, 2004 9:53:36 AM
Seeing Tionel dragging behind Syr returns to his side. "I'll save the I told you so's until you feel better. For now, hold on." With that he grasps the elf around the waist and tosses him over his shoulder.

Calling out in a slightly strained voice, "Hey Flo, chivalry is nice and all that but how about giving another elf a ride?"

The Temple of Alemi 
Tuesday November 23rd, 2004 8:14:39 PM
Father Dremond smiles at Florin.
"I'm sure our order can handle a simple curse. But you should probably go see Alemi, just in case."

With those encouraging words, the confessor takes his leave.

The group ascends to the Gold Level. Floating City is quiet, all civil people are still in bed, and the uncivil ones aren't in a mood to be heard.

Angus is visibly sweating.
Tionel is very barely conscious, and Syr is just about carrying his full weight.
Braxton tries to figure out just what kind of people he's thrown in with.
The others are lost in there thoughts.

After a bit, they arrive at the doors to the Temple of Alemi. The doors are open, and a greeter waves the group into the broad, well lit entry way of the temple.

He stands, looking with concern at Tionel, and asks, "How may we help this poor soul?"

Xenia 
Tuesday November 23rd, 2004 10:05:49 PM
For the second time tonight the dark rogue comes up to this very block on Gold Level. From her high vantage atop Ajax, Xenia looks around to see if Baronel might still be around floating on his cloud somewhere.

No. But around her the rest of the guys walk along with Florin and Ajax. And, it comes to the girl rogue that she's really glad they've all come along. It feels better. Less dark and alone.

"Thanks guys," she says to all of them. "Thanks for coming with."

And then they're there.

"Um, it's not him," she says to the greeter as he fusses over Tionel, which is really understandable 'cause Tionel doesn't look too well at all. "It's me. Forgive me, Father, for I am cursed."

"I mean, me and Angus here. We got this curse from somewhere and we need to get rid of it. Um, if you please."

Florin Jadenth 
Wednesday November 24th, 2004 12:17:24 AM
Florin smiles and nods to Dremond before he leaves, speaking to him once more before turning to his friends, "Thank you Father Dremond and I will lead my friends to Alemi's temple."

Florin nods to Syr and his comment and laughs softly, "Yeah, Ajax here probably wouldn't mind a good workout anyway." Florin will have Syr help him get Tionel on the back of Ajax and will also help lead Ajax to the temple of Domi.

Florin helps Tionel and also Xenia down from Ajax's back and looks around as the priest comes up. Florin glances the man over before bowing to him in repsect, "Sir, as the lady here says. She and my friend Angus are both cursed and we seek your assistance or the help of your brethern. Tionel there is alittle shall we say tipsy and if there is any aid you can give him it would be helpful also."

Florin looks to the man and pulls his holy symbol of Domi out from under his shirt as to give the man a idea of why he has bowed and spoke so nice to him, "I hope that your temple does not mind defenders of Domi beyond it's door good sir. I know little of your religion."

Wynn 
Wednesday November 24th, 2004 12:29:27 AM
The bard stays close to Xenia and the horse, intending to help the rogue down, once they reach their destination. Lost in thought as he puzzles over the mysteries of the last 24 hours, he misses his cue.

Wynn scowls darkly as the smiling paladin seems to keep his hand on the she-elf's waist a little longer than is required.

Tionel 
Wednesday November 24th, 2004 2:40:58 AM
Tionel pleads without looking up... "Father, I am dyyyyyyying..." He then proceeds to groan and say random things like.. "Cursed.....am accuuuuuuuurrrsed.... 'cause of that gold...thingie... Nice horsie..."


Angus 
Wednesday November 24th, 2004 9:53:41 AM
Following Xenia lead Angus adds. "Thank you for seeing us. What is your name priest of Alemi? As my companion has mentioned, she and I have been cursed and need to have it removed. Can Alemi help us in this regard and at what cost."

Angus falls on the top step of the temple to rest.



Braxton (Sub/Al)  d20+2=5
Wednesday November 24th, 2004 1:07:43 PM
The greeter reveals no sign of rank or function to Braxton's eye. (Knowledge Religion 5)

"Most of us here represent Domi," he explains on the heels of Florin's introduction. "But Alemi's healing hand is well respected with the ranks of our church. Pleased to be here," he says.

Lang & Sunshine 
Wednesday November 24th, 2004 2:41:00 PM
Lang and Sunshine do not enter the Temple.

"Since I do not need anything, I'll just wait outside here with Sunshine until they are finished with you guys", Lang will say to the group as they walk into the temple.

Lang will find a comfy seat near the Temple. Seeing as this is his first visit to the gold level, he will enjoy watching the goings on of the "upper class" of the floating city.

"Smells better than the trash level Sunshine."

You Don't Have Insurance? (Sub DM/Al) 
Wednesday November 24th, 2004 3:57:28 PM
"A curse?" the greeter says, eying Tionel with a frown. "People with many different forms of curse come to us for succor. Yours as well," he says wagging a finger at the inebriated elf. "As long as you're here you might as well take a cure as well. We brew a kaffe here that some have said is just short of divine."

"I am Silas Journer," the man says turning his attention to Angus and Xenia. ("Er, we don't call ourselves Father and such here, Miss," Silas Journer says in an aside to Xenia. I think you have us confused with another order.") "Indeed we will be able to help you as well. Though your problem is beyond my meager talents, Healer Janus is on duty now, and I believe she would be just the person to help you. Please, do come in. All of you." Silas smiles at the two followers of Domi. "All of you are welcome within the House of Alemi. Most certainly adherents of Domi. Please, come this way."

The group enters through the columned portico, all save Lang. Silas chats as he leads the group through the interior of the Temple. "Domi was once in service to Alemi, did you know? Servants of Domi have a special place in Alemi's heart as friends and protectors." The group moves through halls and corridors filled with clear clean air and white light. On the way they stop in a small room with comfortable furniture and pick up a mug of kaffe for Tionel. The mug has a spill-proof lid, and the material that it is made of seems magically warded against breakage.

"Followers of Alemi do not sell our services as such. However, we do live in a world driven by commerce. And we, as all who live in a polite society do, require funds to sustain our good works. Healer Janus may request a donation, or, perhaps, a deed. You'll have to consult with her on the matter."

Silas Journer stops outside a set of wide double doors. "Well, I will leave you here and return to the entrance. Healer Janus is within. I wish you health and well being." And with that, he leaves.

The double doors lead into a long room with walls lined with gold braided tapestries. At the far end a figure in white robes stands before a marble altar. A generous mass of bright golden hair is pulled up and secured at the back of her head in a braided chignon. Her back is to the group as they enter and her head is bowed. Her shoulders shake as though with strong emotion or strain.

Florin Jadenth  d20+2=5 d20+3=16 d20+5=14
Wednesday November 24th, 2004 10:06:34 PM
Florin misses the dirty looks given to him by Wynn as Florin has not thought he did anything wrong. He does pat Ajax and asks the man who met them, "May I leave Ajax here please?"

After that Florin walks in with the man and walks along listening to the man and nodding, "I really had no idea on the relation between Domi and Alemi. I will remember this good sir since it was not something I knew previously." He does bid farwell to the priest though and slowly enters the room looking at the lady within the room and wondering to himself as he sees she looks to be weeping or something. (Spot:5 for anything else)

Florin slowly walks over towards her but stops part way, "Umm are you Lady Janus? ohh I mean Healer Janus." Florin smiles sheepishly when the lady turns his way, "I'm sorry to of interupted you m'lady, my friends here could use your help...you see Xenia and my friend Angus were both cursed and could use your aid."

Florin looks at the lady a moment and then speaks lower and directly to her, "If you don't mind may I ask what is wrong? I'm a servant of Lord Domi and do not like seeing other people in any form of pain if possible." Florin steps to the side quickly though to let the lady go about which ever she wishes to do first, talk or healing. He does try as much charm and diplomacy as he can to help. (Cha:16 Diplomacy:14)



Tionel 
Thursday November 25th, 2004 5:17:30 AM
Tionel sits in the nice, still, not-moving, solid chair. He is very glad that it stays put, not moving like most of the rest of the world. And then there's that great big mug in his hands that he occasionally sips from. The brew is simply ... bitter and unforgiving on one hand, and yet, lifegiving and renewing on the other. He cradles it in his arms like a loved infant, and sits back in the chair looking at nothing in particular. He seems just a bit put out.

Xenia  d20+15=18
Thursday November 25th, 2004 8:16:10 AM
It's probably not a good idea, but Xenia's just too darn curious.

And, besides, she's cursed. And that's serious. So far it's made her kind of forget where things are. It's made her throw badly. It's probably why she took so long on those darn locks. All kinds of things!!!

Unless she's just in a slump.

And, maybe ... it's effecting other things as well. Serious. Serious stuff these curses.

So, while Florin tries to talk to the lady in the white robe, Xenia cranes her neck and tries to see what might be wrong. (Spot 18. Darn curse.)

Lang & Sunshine 
Thursday November 25th, 2004 10:14:12 AM
"Florin I will watch Ajax outside the temple if he will let me." If Florin and Ajax allow it, he will lead the horse a short distance from the temple and the three of them will get comfortable and watch as morning takes over the Gold Level.

Thinking about the recent events, Lang wonders if/how they are all connected. "The Anvil Hearts, this group, plants and the Crying Woods. How do they all fit together?" Lang thinks to himself.


Angus 
Thursday November 25th, 2004 10:20:38 AM
Angus walks quickly, right behind Silas Journer as he leads them to the room with Healer Janus. Angus enters the room with Florin and tries his best to keep patient until Healer Janus acknowledges their presence.

"I am Angus and I am one of the two who have been cursed", Angus will say to the lady when she notices the group and approaches them.


Braxton (Sub/Al) 
Thursday November 25th, 2004 11:30:23 AM
Braxton follows quietly along, taking in the trappings and furnishings of the temple. Each religion has its own character. Can't help comparing it to what Domi has.

Syr 
Thursday November 25th, 2004 12:59:57 PM
Moving beside Tionel he whispers, "Do you have an empty flask, maybe we should take some of that stuff to go for... emergencies?"

Syr takes in the temple briefly and then focuses on Silas, "A deed? I hope it refers to a good deed. I'm not giving up our apartment just to save Xenia from shaving everyday."

As he moves toward the Healer Janus, he coughs once politely, "I really hope you can help us, healer, some of our group has been afflicted by a curse. Also, is there any way you can tell what the curse is doing to these two?"


All Better (Sub DM/Al) 
Thursday November 25th, 2004 1:28:51 PM
"Uh uh uh uh uh uhhhhhhh ... "

The figure in the white robe whirls around revealing an attractive middle aged woman. At present her face is contorted in lines of pain or possibly rage.

"Oh bother! Can you get this persnickety thing open?!?!"

She thrusts out an arm robed in pure white trimmed with gold. In her well manicured hand, she clutches a ceramic jar with a twist top.

"You have no idea how aggravating this is. Believe me, you do not." She takes a deep breath and regains a measure of composure. Her posture straightens and her face takes on a demeanor of wisdom and calm. "I apologize for the immediate lack of welcome. There are some things, though, that would try the patience of a saint. I consider jars that will not open to be one of them, pet peeve if you will."

"Now, you say you have been cursed?" Healer Janus steps down off of the dais upon which the altar rests to reveal that she is fully three or four inches taller than even Angus. "It is you," she says placing a hand upon Angus' shoulder. "And you," Healer Janus gently touches Xenia's cheek.

"Please come with me," she says leading the pair to a corner where a credenza is made small by the imposing dimensions of the room. "And," she turns back for a moment, "if you gentlemen could get that blasted thing open for me, I would be ever so grateful."

Healer Janus pulls out the top drawer of the credenza, revealing a neatly arrayed row of wands resting on a bed of gold velvet. She chooses a smooth rod of polished walnut. "Alright, hold still now." She speaks the word 'Vishtan' touching first Angus and then Xenia on the brow.

"There you are," she smiles, and the smile lights a halo about her head of golden hair. "All done. I don't think you'll feel differently. But, then you most likely didn't much when the curse took hold, did you?"

She smiles as well at the elven monk. "I'm sorry," Healer Janus apologizes, "with my gifts I can tell you that the type of magic from which the curse was effected is necromantic I can also tell you that it is relatively weak. Necromantic curses feed from the body's life energy, and the net result tends to be a drop in performance. Nothing life threatening. Unless, of course, you are in a dangerous profession which demands the best from your abilities. Aside from that, it's difficult to be any more specific."

"How are you faring with the jar, by the way, Gentlemen?"

Meanwhile, outside, Lang keeps company with Ajax and Sunshine. (Roll spot vs DC20 to see a heavy set man riding on a cloud of smoke as he makes his way across the roof-line toward the center of Gold Level.)

[[ Roll STR, INT or WIS to get the jar open. ]]

Florin Jadenth  d20+4=22 d20+3=7
Friday November 26th, 2004 1:35:14 AM
Florin takes the jar and looks it over before trying to open the jar for the lady, allowing her to take care of Xenia and Angus while he tries to open it. If he is unable then he passes the jar to one of his friends to try and open. (Str:22 Will:7)

When the lady walks in he simply shrugs and smiles rather he got the jar open or not and speaks to her nicely, "Some jars are more stubborn then others. We all have things that are harder to do then others. Myself I'm not very good with the ladies it seems like. Tonight one I was interested in died in a nasty explosion. You probably heard something of it since one of your priests was dispatched to the Giggling Ghost to check us out."

OoC - Only One, Please (Sub DM/Al) 
Friday November 26th, 2004 8:22:24 AM
Sorry. Apologies for not making this clearer. Use STR, IN *or* WIS to try the lid on the jar. Only one of them, please.

I'll take your STR roll, Justin. As it was first and higher.

Xenia  d20+15=21
Friday November 26th, 2004 8:43:18 AM
Xenia looks up (kinda way up) at the very Holy looking Healer.

"Um, no Ma'am," she says, just a bit awed by all of this, "I didn't feel anything at all."

"You think I should, maybe, try something just to make sure?"

Tentatively, the dark rogue raises her hands and arches backward. Her hands catch the ground as she falls, and, with a lazy kick of her legs, she moves through a slow backwards walkover. (Tumble 21)

"Yeah," the dark girl's chuckle is chocked full of relief, "that feels kinda ok. Thanks. Um ... I mean, Thank you ever so much." And Xenia curtsies deeply.

Now maybe other things will get better too.

Xenia watches the guys try the jar and just kind of lets it go. Looks like a guy thing. Best not to butt in.

Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=21 d20+6=21
Friday November 26th, 2004 5:35:19 PM
Resting comfortably outside the temple, Lang alternates between the two animals, scratching and petting them.

A stange movemement on the roofline catches his eye. Lang sees a most strange sight, a man riding a cloud of smoke.

"Well that isn't something you see everyday. But then again maybe it is normal up here on the Gold Level."

Lang looks around to see if anyone else notices the strange sight (if there is anyone else around - spot 21).

"At least he is not moving towards the three of us."

Angus 
Friday November 26th, 2004 5:46:11 PM
Angus follows the lady over to the separate area, barely noticing that she is taller than him. He sits still as she uses the wand.

"I do not mean to be rude, but I would like to make a donation to the church for the service you perfomed, and not knowing how much to give perhaps you can give me a idea of what other people have donated in the same situation."

Angus ingnores the jar as he is probably not strong enough to open it and he doubts that he can charm the lid off.

Wynn Brightsong  d20+4=6
Friday November 26th, 2004 10:11:35 PM
Wynn tries to open the jar with a sidden twist of his wrist. The lid remains firmly in place [dex=6].

The bard is surprised by the simplicity of the procedure to remove the curse, but delighted to see the rogue's enthusuastic response...that girl can really move he thinks to himself.

Braxton (Sub/Al) 
Saturday November 27th, 2004 11:00:19 AM
Braxton also stands aside, deferring to the paladin of his order to serve Alemi in this holy task of the jar. He watches with interest, though. He is a warrior and protector in the ranks of Domi. And yet, as such, healing is not without the sphere of his duties.

Call It a Night (Sub DM/Al) 
Saturday November 27th, 2004 11:01:34 AM
Healer Janus once more smiles her beatific smile. She lightly places a hand against Angus' arm, and the touch itself conveys a sense of well being.

"Thank you," she replies to his offer, "donations come from the heart. What is the price of health after all? As such, we receive quite the full range of donations, even for the simplest of healings. Some donations are embarrassing in their extravagance. And yet, we see such things less as commercial transactions, than as the donors casting the fruits of their good fortune unto the less able using us as their vehicle. Therefore, to those who cannot give we heal without charge."

"If you would like to place a market value upon the blessing that you have just received, however," and she steers both Angus and Xenia back toward the others, "the cost of the spell from this wand is relatively inexpensive as such things go. It's under 100 gold pieces."

"Whatever it is that you decide to give, please leave it with Silas at the door. He handles accounting matters so much better than I."

Wynn takes the jar and gives it a quick twist of the wrist. It's pretty firmly wedged on there. Florin tries his hand at it next, grasping the jar firmly in both hands. With all his strength, he twists the top.

* pop *

With the sound of a released vacuum, the lid turns and comes up off the jar.

"Oh, thank you ever so much. Alemi bless you." Healer Janus graces Florin with another of her wondrous smiles, and takes the jar. "Dry chapped hands can be so uncomfortable."

++++++++++++

Silas Journer emerges out onto the portico in time to notice Lang with his attention directed upward toward the roofline. The devotee of Alemi follows Lang's gaze.

"That's Baronel. He's with Gargul," Silas calls across to the ranger resting with the two animals. "Don't see him on Gold Level much. Death is so much more prevalent on the lower levels. But, when he does come up here, he often makes a pass at the Temple of Alemi. Those on the way here are often hurt and on their way to the Unblinking Eye, if you get my meaning."

The rest of the Crimson Shields emerge a short time later. They make their way down toward Fence Level. It's late into an already very eventful night when they arrive back at the apartments. The normal demands of sleep tug at most of them. As they enter the apartments, Syrdeth notices that Tionel still has the rather nice spill-proof mug from the Temple. It is white. Painted on it's side is a stylized golden symbol of two hands praying. Beneath the symbol, printed in angelic script, is the phrase, "In health there is freedom. Health is the first of all liberties."


Angus  d20+8=10
Sunday November 28th, 2004 2:58:14 PM
Angus is greatly relieved to be rid of the curse. Now maybe things will improve he thinks to himself.

Angus bows to Janus "Thank you mistress for your help, it is truely a gift, health that is."

Angus will leave 150 gp at the front for the service and will leave the temple with a flurry of his cloak and a song on his lips. Angus takes out his silver flute and begins playing (perform 10). Angus knows it is not his best effort, but does not care. There is a spring in his step and he goes out to see what the day has to offer

Lang & Sunshine 
Sunday November 28th, 2004 3:53:03 PM
Lang, Sunshine and Ajax rejoin the group when they emerge from the temple.

"Did everything go according to plan?"

"I saw the strangest sight while I was waiting your return. A large man riding on a cloud of smoke, went along the roofline there in that direction. Silas said he was Baronel, a follower of Gargul."

Lang will join the rest of the group as they head back to the apartment.

Xenia 
Sunday November 28th, 2004 7:52:01 PM
Xenia's pretty tired. But mostly pretty happy. You could say that the best thing about being cursed is becoming uncursed.

"I saw him!" the rogue perks up excited as Lang mentions seeing Baronel. "I mean, earlier tonight. He bought me dinner. He was pretty nice. In fact, you know, most everybody on Gold Level has been pretty nice."

At that, a tiny thoughtful frown steals its way across her dark face.

They have all been pretty nice. There's just something about stealing from someone who's nice to you that comes across as basically wrong. Finding someone to thieve from is gonna maybe take some careful study.

As they make their way back home through the dark, Xenia makes sure to walk next to Wynn. She takes a lot of small glances at him that hopefully he doesn't notice. Or maybe hopefully he does. She walks through the dark trying to work up her nerve. But, then again, it's so comfortable just walking in the dark next to him. Feeling his shoulder, separated by a couple of feet of night, but still feeling it right next to yours anyway. And who really knows if they love someone or not? Sure you can say it. You can say, "I love you." as much as you want. But who really knows for sure?

Xenia walks along next to him. She takes in a breath and sighs. A sigh after a long and very bad day. But still, in the end, kind of a happy sigh after all.

Florin Jadenth  d20+4=9
Sunday November 28th, 2004 11:34:46 PM
Florin smiles and nods to Healer Janus, "I'm glad to be of help m'lady Janus. Helping is one of few gifts I can do without fail."

Florin bids Janus goodday and bows to her gently but deep, "When the temple of Alemi is of need of help then just send word to me that you need help m'lady. My name is Florin Jadenth and usually I'm easy to find, if all else fails leave word with the temple or Happy at the Giggling Ghost."

Florin walks out with the others and looks to everyone as they talk and Florin thinks of his own little things. He does smile and pat Ajax on the head as he listens and comments, "This man does sound different then most people I know, except all of you and certain others. I plan to get abit of rest before having my meeting with my father so I guess I will see you all later."

Florin taps Xenia on the arm gently and speaks to her gently also, "I'm glad you uncursed Xenia and hope everything starts out better for you now." Florin points to the amulet he gave Xenia which should be under her shirt or in the open, "Domi watches over you as do I."

With this said Florin grabs the horn of the saddle and swings himself up on Ajax's back and holds the reigns, "Good night all, I plan to head to my house." Florin thinks and looks to Xenia again as a thought comes to his mind, "Later when I have spare money I might beable to persuade a cleric of Domi at the temple to enchant your necklace to give you aid against curses and such."

With everything said Florin slowly turns Ajax and begins riding off to his house.

(Ride Check:9, maybe higher depending on any bonus for bonded mount if any.)

Tionel 
Monday November 29th, 2004 3:27:44 AM
As they head back the dapper elf has begun recovering from the sour effects of his inebriation. Hugging his mug to him, he's feeling better (if not perfect) and finally seems to be catching up with the others. He lurches over to Xenia to cheer her up, 'cause she looks too darned moody right now.
"You're fine!" he announces, smiling and putting a gentle hand on her shoulder. "I bet you..in a day or so, you'll once again be the prettiest lady in the float. You'd get my vote, anyways. Hey look!" Tionel displays his new mug proudly. "Somebody gave me this! I think it's great...as soon as we get back to the inn I'll fill it with some ale!" He looks around at the others, then guiltily renounces, "or maybe just some juice." Juice with something to strengthen it up, he thinks to himself.
Thankfully, Tionel is trying not to speak at full volume in the empty streets, but in that attempted hush that somehow carries nearly as much.

"Say, I've noticed you and what'sisname...er..Wynn, are paired up now! That's GREAT!" He waves his arms (and mug) about, "I mean, you two are both so troubleseeking and sneaky and ya talk alike and you're both half-human...perfect match. I'm soooooooo happy for you two."
Putting one arm around each of his current favorite persons in the world, Tionel chatters on somewhat quieter about nothing much in particular; how he met this one elven chick who he thought he was in love with once (turned out she was a sorcereress who claimed he was too carefree for her), about how he was pursued by this one elven noblegirl for ages when he was still living in the forest, and so on... all his love life stories. Most of them involve him in the end running to the hills for cover from angry relatives.

Wynn Brightsong 
Monday November 29th, 2004 9:13:30 AM
Wynn walks beside Xenia as they return from the temple. She still seems strangely quiet and untalkative so he places a reassuring hand on her lower back as they walk.

When Tionel stumbles over and begins to talk of 'pairing up' and of his own brushes with romance, the bard can only wonder as to how an elf, presumably one of the nobler races, could have developed such a well honed lack of diplomacy as this one.



Syr 
Monday November 29th, 2004 2:40:23 PM
The elf looks at Tionel with a grimace over his use of the words 'gift' and 'ale'. He looks skyward and offers a small prayer to Domi for the elf's health.

As he starts talking about the relationship between Xenia and Wynn, Syr subtly grabs his elbow and steers him away from Wynn before his brow furrows any more.

Can we sleep now? (DM MikeK) 
Monday November 29th, 2004 9:28:31 PM
Having accomplished their purpose, the heroes return to the various places of rest. It is a really uncivilized hour, and except for Syr, nobody has gotten a whole lot of sleep.

Perhaps thats why the monk has the foresight to steer Tionel away from Xenia and Wynn.

---

The morning dawns, followed by the early morning, mid morning, and late mornnig. Eventually, people get up and start milling about.

There are many things to discuss.

The most imminent of which is Florin's preparation on meeting his parents. Which of his comrades will brave the upcoming familial storm?

Angus 
Tuesday November 30th, 2004 12:29:34 AM
Angus's elation of being uncursed quickly wears off and he realizes how tired he is. Angus sees several of his shield mates in front of the temple and calls out. "I am off to breakfast at the GG and then a nap. I am buying breakfast. Any takers?"

Florin Jadenth 
Tuesday November 30th, 2004 12:47:36 AM
When Florin finally reaches home he goes in to take a very long nap before his chaotic meeting with his parents. Later that morning though Florin wakes and goes about his routine of sword practice along with having Jella out to watch so she can pickup on the use of a sword if she wishes.

After practice and his small workout Florin goes in and fixes something to eat for Jella and Mort (taking 20 on the check if ones required). While eating breakfast with Jella and Mort, Florin begins talking to them, "Mort and Jella, I will be going to see my parents today. I want to make sure Jella has more then my sister and you Mort to stay with her. I would like both of you to come along but I will be meeting with my parents first to see what happens before Jella can see them."

After finishing eating Florin walks over, kneels and kisses Jella's cheek, "Now Jella, I need you to go and get something pretty to wear on and I'll have Mort and you meet me at my families house." Before heading out Florin gives the directions to his parents house to Mort.

Outside Florin once again calls on Ajax, Florin himself dressed in his armor now also and he smiles when he sees Ajax showup, "Ajax my friend, we need to go to my friends apartment and then we are going to see my parents. I hope your ready for abit of a ride my friend." Florin pulls himself into the saddle and heads for the group apartments now to meet up with everyone and see who wishes to come with him.

Tionel 
Tuesday November 30th, 2004 7:01:20 AM
Tionel comes out of his state feeling horribly aware of half the things he did last night and aware that there were even worse things he'd forgotten. He sticks to himself for the first few hours, hoping to catch Xenia, Syr, and Wynn privately to apologize for his actions. He looks a bit sickish today.

Xenia 
Tuesday November 30th, 2004 8:46:14 AM
Wynn puts his arm around her. He puts his arm around her.

Smart thing or not, Xenia lays her head gently against his shoulder as they walk. It's a power she just can't seem to fight. It's a power that even seems to hold out Tionel, blasted out of his skull, and regaling them with stories.

The rogue lifts her head only to watch Florin ride off to his new place. And when they reach the apartments, and the time comes for she and Wynn to retire to their respective rooms, her lips say 'Goodnight', but her eyes say something different.

Come waking, Xenia changes her routine and dresses fully, brushing her hair and tying it back into its tight ponytail. She's soft cotton and tough leather when she comes downstairs to make her morning kaffe. She sets out the mug with the dancing halflings and pours another cup, leaving it on the counter. Then, recalling Tionel from the night before, she pulls out another mug and pours him a mug as well.

So, when Florin arrives, she is ready. The only question remaining ...

"You're father's a noble right?" Xenia asks with a dimpled frown. "What am I gonna wear?"

Syr 
Tuesday November 30th, 2004 2:44:58 PM
Syr comes out to the common room and sees everyone preparing to depart to Florin's parents house. Joining the others, he says, "Mind if I tag along?"

The question of what he is going to wear never even crosses his mind and when Xenia asks he replies, "Just wear that, nobles are people too, right? Besides, you look fine. Don't worry about it."

Wynn Brightsong  d20+6=15
Tuesday November 30th, 2004 5:56:46 PM
Once they arrive at the apartments the bard eases his cloak from Xenia's shoulder and sees her to her room. Wynn has seen that 'come hither' look in a woman's eyes before and he is delighted to be back in good graces. Unable to resist her charms he slips into the room behind her.

On waking the bard returns to his own room and readies for the day.

When Xenia mentions nobles he recalls his own upbringing in one of the wealthier trading houses. "The main thing is to be clean and your clothes should be in good repair. It's probably unwise to pretend to be other than what we are." The half-elf spends a few minutes inspecting his own appearance, and once satisfied offers his assistance to any that would have it. "I have some experience in preparing for the stage and would help any that are interested." In a quieter voice he whispers to Xenia "You look fine just the way you are". [Disguise=15]

Time to visit the relatives (DM MikeK) 
Tuesday November 30th, 2004 8:33:02 PM
Various activities occupy the Crimson Shields throughout the night. Most are tired enough to make sleeping one of them.

Angus grabs an early breakfast, returning in time to find Xenia and Tionel imbibing the first cup of kaffe of the morning.

Then, Florin arrives on his valiant steed. The group discusses clothing options, but one thing is clear. The entire group plan to accompany the paladin on his difficult task.

The group gets ready, and travels to Florin's house to pick up Jella and Mort. The large bodyguard/tutor is decked out in all black -- shirt, trousers and leather boots, with only a gold emblem of a crossed sword and hammer on his left breast as a counterpoint. He looks rather imposing, which may be the point.

Jella wears a pink and white dress with a lot of ruffles. A pink bow holds back her hair. The five year old is cute as all get-out.

As they walk to the House of Jandath, Mort asks, "How shall we enter? Or shall we wait for a signal?"


Lang & Sunshine 
Tuesday November 30th, 2004 9:07:57 PM
"Florin, do you want us to wear our armor and weapons also when we visit your family?"

If he does, Lang will put on his Mithral Shirt and his weapons, making sure they are as shiny and clean as possible. Hopefully this display will help Florin when he meets his family, Lang thinks to himself.

Lang will then give Sunshine a quick brush to get his coat shiny too.

Florin Jadenth 
Tuesday November 30th, 2004 9:21:17 PM
Florin looks to Lang and the others when they speak and nods, "Wynn is right, you all just need to look clean and well groomed. Not a problem for any of you though, specially the fair Xenia and Angus who likes to dress up also."

Florin nods to Lang and speaks up, "You can wear your armor and weapons if you wish. I unfortunetly wear mine for specific reasons."

After the group is ready and gathered he leads the way to pick up Jella and Mort. Florin smiles seeing Mort and nods to the man, "I will let you know when you may enter my friend Mort. Let us pray to Domi this goes better then I have a gut feeling on." Florin picks up Jella and pats her on the back, "You look great little lady, all grownup looking. Just like a little princess that you are."

Florin walks over to Ajax and whispers to his friend, "Ajax, I would like to let Jella ride you, you be careful with her now and be good." Florin slowly slips Jella into the saddle, having Mort help if need be and looks to Lang mainly and whispers, "Help guide if needed, your know animals well."

Florin now will lead the way to his parents house, his hand now and then seeks the comfort of his sword which rests at his side and even his holy symbol at his neck. Once the group and him reach the gate to his parents house he stops and takes a very deep breath as he looks over the place and whispers under his breath, "...home...dear sister in Flower's temple, please pray this meeting goes well to and my brothers and sisters at the temple of Domi....Domi grant me strength also, so I don't send my parents packing to Gargul's gate this day." Florin crosses himself once and looks back at the others, "The door greeter should remember me so everyone just follow me."

Tionel 
Wednesday December 1st, 2004 2:26:10 AM
Tionel is very well dressed, in a suit that consists of ruffles and colorful silk. Somehow, it fits the thin, dapper elf. Of late, he's been doing a lot of wandering through woods and stuff, and looking in the mirror, he wonders if he's lost a few pounds...everything looks loose on him! He's so gaunt now.
He tries not to think about last night. Drank a bit too much this time, he thinks to himself. And now it's off to see.. a noble? Or whatever.

Angus  d20+8=14
Wednesday December 1st, 2004 7:50:41 AM
After Angus's quick nap he takes a bath in preparation of meeting Florins parents. Angus's dress in his finery and dones his colorful colak of charisma. Angus anounces to the group as he spins around. "How do I look?"

Angus then has a small glass of wine and gets ready to leave. To pass the time ANgus works on a new tune for the possible court they may be entering (perform 14).


Syr 
Wednesday December 1st, 2004 2:26:22 PM
Syr takes in everyone's pimping and preening and smirks a bit. In a simple black tunic, he walks impatiently in front of Ajax glancing back to Florin occasionally to make sure he is heading the right way.

Xenia  d20+7=21
Wednesday December 1st, 2004 4:28:30 PM
Swayed from a change of clothing by the encouragement of her fellow Shields, Xenia makes the trip in her dark leathers, pony tail bobbing at the back of her neck.

"You look great, Angus," she replies to the sorcerer as he pulls out his silver flute. Xenia takes a good look around. Everyone looks good. Maybe it's starting a new day, uncursed. Maybe it's other stuff. Things just look better today.

The rogue knows who looks best though, and she walks next to him with a spring in her step. Maybe it's discipline. Maybe it's caution. But she doesn't say anything. Time and experience. Maybe they would tell. Then she'd know where her heart needs to be, and what you need to make love really work.

In the meantime, just walking by his side is fine.

Xenia just can't resist when they arrive at Florin's place, and Jella comes out in frilly pink.

"Don't you look the sight, Punkin," she coos over the five-year-old. "You know what would go great with your bows? I bet you do. Sure you do. You got one right here." The rogue kneels before the little human girl and places her left hand on her shoulder. With her right hand she reaches up and pulls a small silver bell from behind the girl's ear. (Slight of Hand 21)

"Here you are." The tiny bell tinkles. "Now, what are you doing with a think like that stuck in your ear, huh? Silly. I think you need to guard it. It's a sacred object from inside your ear and the evil forces of the Anvil Hearts are coming to steal it. It's up to you. Young paladin. Protect the Bell!"

Xenia smiles and pats the little girl on the head.

[[ OoC: the bell was won at the Xmas fishing tree last year. It is now Jella's. ]]

The House of Jandeth (DM MikeK) 
Wednesday December 1st, 2004 10:08:07 PM
Mort nods at Florin's instructions, placing a hand on the man's shoulder, and then leads Jella across the street to a small park.

After a cleansing breath, the paladin strides to the courtyard gate and rings the welcoming bell, announcing his presence. To his comrades, the man appears as if he is about to enter deadly combat.

The doors open, and an elderly gentleman waits inside.
"Master Florin," he says gently, sympathetically. "Welcome home."

The graying man beckons all inside, leading the group through a flower filled garden. A small alcove, dedicated to the goddess Flower, sits prominently to one side.

As they walk, the man says nothing. He occasionally glances at Florin, poised to speak, but then reconsiders and looks to the ground. This happens several times during the short walk.

Entering the main building, the manservant takes everyone to an alcove. The room is furnished well, with padded chairs and finely crafted tables. Ornate tapestries cover the walls, and a large picture window overlooks the garden. Again the alter of Flower is prominent.

The man looks again to Florin, sadness in his eyes.
"The master and mistress will be down shortly," he announces formally. Then, a small addition, given unhappily. "He has not changed, I'm afraid."

The servant leaves.

The minutes stretch by until more than a half hour has passed.

Angus 
Thursday December 2nd, 2004 12:39:35 AM
Angus is greatly impressed with the surroundings and thinks to himself, Florin's family is loaded. I grew up on a farm and we did well for ourselves, but this is to the max.

After admiring the furniture and gardens Angus ventures to Florin cautiously "So Florin, do you visit home often?"

And if Florin is not offended by the first question, Angus will venture another. "Are your parents usually busy during the day?" Angus leaves the actual question of why we are still waiting unasked.

Florin Jadenth 
Thursday December 2nd, 2004 1:28:02 AM
Florin sighs when he is lead into his once upon a time home and looks about and shakes his head, "Been years an nothings changed."

Florin lets the servant lead them and once in the waiting room he nods to the man, "I understand that fully. I'll just have to hope Domi grants me enough strength to not try and change the owner of this place today."

Florin spends most of his time in a corner by himself, tapping the hilt of his sword rather impatiently. He quickly snaps out of his personal thoughts when Angus walks over and speaks to him. Florin shakes his head when he hears Angus's first question, "No, I haven't been here since I was sent to the temple of Domi at a young age. I vowed back then to never sit foot back in this house except when the day came for retrubution against my parents at their treatment of me and my siblings. However Jella needs more family then just me and my sister so..."

On the next question Florin laughs abit and shakes his head, his eyes holding back anger that could melt steel, "not usually, this is their way of showing their unhappiness probably. I was to be quite blunt a disappointment to them. You see my parents want power and being noble isn't good enough. My older brother is a bodyguard in some noble house, the info guarded by my parents of where he is. My sister was sent to the temple of Flower to become one of the high priestess there. Infact they pushed her to do so...and me...well I was sent to the temple of Domi." Florin turns his eyes to the window showing the outside and sighs, "I showed a love for swords but being less agile and having broke alot of cups and stuff here they had hoped sending me there would simply get me out of the way. Boy did their hopes flair when I become one of the highest honored when I finished my paladin training. Thats why I have some pull with the temple of Domi and they both hoped I would be a "good son" and help their position out more but then I turned my back on their plans and pulled away from this house....as my father would probably say, noble birth but not noble acting."

Tionel  d20+10=26
Thursday December 2nd, 2004 2:20:32 AM
The thin elf admires the dedications to Flower. Neat, he thinks to himself...not having had too much experience with that particular deity, he takes his time examining that thing. But he also doesn't wander from the group, not wanting to embarass his friend. He lets the time pass by, trying not to look concerned or give voice to annoying thoughts creeping up as the minutes leak by.
With his knowledge of plantlife, he also lets others know what the various interesting plants are, as well as how rare they are and what sort of famous thing they are known for. He tries to be somewhat entertaining, telling exciting myths about the origins of them, so as not ot bore his friends about such an exciting thing as...flowers.

Wynn Brightsong  d20+16=31
Thursday December 2nd, 2004 7:54:08 AM
Wynn puts on his 'Hat of Disguise as they approach the mansion and a brief rippling effect can be observed as his armor fades into his clothing. "No sense alarming anyone" he speaks more to himself than any of the party. [Disguise=31]. Once inside, the bard takes the opportunity to wander about the waiting area, examining the art and furnishings.

Xenia 
Thursday December 2nd, 2004 7:57:37 AM
The second house she's ever been in on Gold Level.

(Well, if you don't count the temple. Which isn't really a house, you know. 'Cause it's a temple.)

Ritz looking house, and, you know, the eye just can't help wander a bit ... in a very professional manner. Art, ceramics, wall hangings. The position of windows, doors, possible magic alarms. Um, well, wow.

But, profession aside, being a guest is being a guest and politeness is politeness.

"Nice house, Florin," the dark rogue says. Still he doesn't look very happy to be here.

In the waiting room (wow, some waiting room!) Xenia just can't get herself to sit. Something about the richiness of the place, maybe mixed with the not too comfortable way Florin is looking. Instead, she looks out the window at the garden. Florin's voice, in conversation with Angus, draws her attention from the view.

" ... That's why I have some pull with the temple of Domi and they both hoped I would be a "good son" and help their position out ... "

"Hey, Florin," she turns from the light outside, "just what kind of things does your dad want you to do to help his position?" Xenia's got this little smile at the corner of her mouth that says that gears are turning inside her head. "You know, people who want things can be lead around by the things they want. I mean, like, controlled. That's what my dad always said."

Syr 
Thursday December 2nd, 2004 6:20:08 PM
Seeing the size and decor of the house, "Wow, no wonder you didn't want to stay at the apartment, it's a bit of a step down from temples and mansions."

Hearing Xenia's question he adds on, "Yeah, what does your family do anyway?"

Master and Mistress Jandeth (DM MikeK) 
Thursday December 2nd, 2004 8:49:14 PM
Before Florin can answer Syr's question, a man and woman sweep into the anteroom, she just ahead of him. The man is tall, with short cropped, black hair. His nose and chin so greatly resemble Florin's that it is apparent he is the paladin's father. However, where Florin is muscular, this man has let himself go and is rather pudgy.

The woman, of average height and build, but regal bearing, displays very little resemblance to Florin, with one notable exception. Her ice blue eyes, like his, rip into the very soul of those she chooses to gaze upon. And while the paladin's gaze generally brings comfort, his mother's are cold, merciless, and predatory.

She stands in the center of the room, regally surveying her son and his companions. Without a word, in fact with barely a break in her stone cold countenance, she makes it quite plain that none of them measure up. Her husband, still a step behind her right shoulder, also evaluates the group. He sighs heavily, cutting off suddenly at the glare his wife shoots him. Neither make any move to embrace their youngest child.

"If I recall," his mother begins haughtily, "you stomped out of your home and heritage vowing never to return."
She pauses, letting her words hang for their full effect. Wynn is sure she's never been formally trained as a speaker, but the bard must admit she is a natural. Her tone and cadence drip superiority and disapproval with every syllable.
"And yet, here you stand. With your....friends (she hisses the word). Begging an audience. How poetic."

She glides down into a nearby chair. Her husband, on cue, flops down into the chair beside her.
"And to what do we owe this pleasure?" she smugly queries her son.

The rest of the group could be so many plants in the garden for all the notice she's given them.


Angus  d20+4=15
Thursday December 2nd, 2004 10:21:13 PM
Angus does not utter a sound as this is clearly Florin's show and he does not want to make it more difficult for him. Angus does his best to act as one of the plants and in fact gets slightly distracted admiring one he seems less than familiar with (Herbalism 15).

All this talk of family has made Angus think of his own loving mother and all she taught him about plants. Angus promises himself to go and visit the family farm again, but he knows that he will not as he has promised himself that on numerous occasions recently. The city is just to intriguing to leave at present....

Lang & Sunshine 
Thursday December 2nd, 2004 10:42:54 PM
"Interesting response to a son and his companions. I am glad my family life wasn't like this", Lang thinks to himself.

"Man, my enemies treat me better than this lady has."

Lang will stand still and try not to draw attention to himself.

Florin Jadenth 
Thursday December 2nd, 2004 10:48:17 PM
Florin glares at his mother and father both from where he stands and moves to be before any of his friends, "Such words from you, you claim to be noble then you should act it mother! These are my friends and they have done many noble deeds in this city already. Anyway, I'm not here to argue with you or father. You both burned your bridge with me when you hoped to use my position in the temple of Domi to help benefit your little power game." Florin glares harder at his mother, "Yes mother, I know about the power games now. I'm not the child you once escourted to the temple and left there. I do not break cups and plates with every step and I learned to bare the armor of my trade and weild the sword to bring judgement on those evil and against Domi's cause. If it wasn't for my code of conduct and ethics I swear here I would strike you both down and you both know my brother was one of the few who ever could defeat me when I was younger and that was in practice and dear father...look at you. Once solid muscle and and my tutor in the blade, my the years have not been kind have they....still mother's shadow to huh? can't stan on your own two feet? I was told it was her that wanted me at the temple the most and you just went along with her word."

Florin sighs and slashes the air with one hand as he stares at his mother, "I find myself in a different position now also. I have a daughter and she deserves the best life I can give her and that means grandparents and that means you two. I want you in her life but not like you were in mine. I don't want her a pawn in your schemes, I offer here and now you a chance to be in her life. An I also know that to acomplish that your going to demand something of me." Florin's ice blue eyes flicker from his father and mother, "Domi's word is one of mercy and forgivness so as one of the top paladin students and now full fledged paladin of Domi I show I have those qualities and Domi willing you will except. Now it's your turn to decide, my daughter waits outside with her bodyguard if you agree to my terms."

Florin speaks once more as he thinks and waits, "An what you going to demand of me in return? a blood oath to never turn sword against you? To kiss your feet and beg to be back in the family? Name it but also speak to my friends with repsect, just like you would a visiting noble since you both and I know that you both speak with flowered words to the nobles who visit."

Xenia 
Thursday December 2nd, 2004 11:37:11 PM
Normally expressive, proven hot-tempered, Xenia, this time, wears a mask of stone. Her arms fold across her chest and she stands unmoving as the play of personal forces rolls across the room.

Outside, an as of yet innocent five-year-old girl stands waiting. To this point, the girl rogue would have thought her as lucky as she herself had been when Marcus and Sliver found her. Now, she's not so sure.

Why Florin has gotten it into himself to do this thing, and why Florin is presenting it to his folks in this way is beyond comprehension. Unless there's some special magic to becoming a grandparent that melts a cold chip in a person's heart, this is like getting wolves to baby-sit sheep. And the more Florin talks, the more Xenia watches Florin's folks, the more she gets the feeling that this was a very very bad mistake.

Tionel 
Friday December 3rd, 2004 2:11:05 AM
Ah, typical nobles, the elf thinks to himself. Now we'll be stuck trading words and bitter comments with them, unless one of us takes up a nice tact...watching his companion's response, he sighs. Now they're not gonna get anything out of it. And he has such a headache...

Wynn Brightsong 
Friday December 3rd, 2004 8:01:40 AM
The bard can only stand and listen as the war of words erupts in the noble's house. "A tremendous burden to bear have these paladins" Wynn thinks to himself, "forced to speak their mind on all occassions, no matter the situation".

Mommy Dearest (DM MikeK) 
Sunday December 5th, 2004 9:56:59 AM
Florin responds in kind to his mother's greeting, while still working in a request/demand that his parents take in their first granddaughter. His friends and companions, suddenly way more uncomfortable than they were mere minutes ago, do their best to get out of the way of the family feud.

Florin's father turns red with anger at his son's insults. He springs up and steps forward, as if to respond, but his wife upraised hand stops him in his tracks. Sulking, the man flops back down into his chair.

"'Top student and full fledged paladin' is it?" his mother's voice drips honey laden malice. "You've done very well for yourself, Florin Ledarnas Kryton Jandeth. Don't forget your work with those orphan children. Lady Firiona fairly glows when speaking of the merry band striving to help them."

She sips her tea.

"Well, you're making a name for yourself in spite of, or perhaps because of, our small efforts to guide you toward greatness. And of course, we would be most pleased to meet and care for our granddaughter."
Her tone is sweet and pleasant, her smile is tooth filled and heartless, her eyes are ice.
"And who are we to make demands? I only bore you, raised you, provided you with every conceivable comfort it was within my power to give. Nothing worth asking for a little success."

She puts down her tea, and locks her eyes onto her son's. Neither wavers so much as an inch.

"We will take in your waif. We will provide her with a name and the security that name provides."

"You will acknowledge that name as well. You will be Florin Jandeth, and you will add the coat of arms of House Jandeth to your arms."

She waves uninterestedly at his armor. "I'm sure you can find a clever way to incorporate OUR House's seal and that of Domi to your surcoat and shield."

With that, Mother Jandeth, retrieves her tea, and takes another sip.

"We await your reply, Florin"



Florin Jadenth 
Sunday December 5th, 2004 5:27:10 PM
Florin shakes his head as the so called un demands are made and Florin speaks up, "Yeah, you gave birth to me and raised me till I was old enough to aid you in your power hunger....no matter though, I will wear a ring with the family crest on it if that will be good enough. An I will not deny being of this family if questioned but that is as far as I'm willing to go. Take it or leave it."

Florin looks to his father also after his actions and then getting huffed down by Florin's mother and a grin sprouts for a moment before diappearing, "Jella will live with me except when I have to leave the city. I have a nice apartment rented that I wish your help keeping when I'm away and also if I happen to become short on funds to pay the payments. I will bring Jella around to visit you but Mort will be with her. Mort is Jella's bodyguard and teacher." Florin thinks and adds, "Get a ring to both of us and Jella and I will wear your symbol. If you agree I will have Jella and Mort come in."

Florin does take a moment to walk over to his mother and leans close to her inless stopped, his hands no wear near his weapons either as he whispers, "An mother, if I hear word at all that your pushing Jella towards anything, anything at all that will increase your power and that Jella doesn't want to do it...then there isn't a force in the whole Wold that will stop me for bringing judgement. I will cast off my colors and forfeit anything to exact judgement on anyone who threatens the happiness of my daughter....<whispering lower> in life or death there will be nothing to stop me."

Florin steps back now and looks to his parents, forcing a grin only partly though, "Now if this is settled then I guess I am home for abit. Will you greet my friends warmer now and possibly ask your servant friend to show us around. I'm curious myself on if the place has changed at all.....by the way father, you would be happy to know my sword arm is much better then it was. Maybe some day you will be up for a practice, then again though maybe not."

Florin awaits now and turns to his friend and looks to each one and mouths silently to each, "thanks for being here with me....I'm thankful for the support of you just being here."

Wynn Brightsong 
Sunday December 5th, 2004 6:20:26 PM
Wynn shifts his weight from foot to foot as the negotiations continue. 'How can the paladin even consider leaving his ward with these people" the bard thinks to himself. He has not experienced such personal malice in the few years of his existence and it makes him uncomfortable. His first thought is to openly council Florin against this arrangement, but it is unlikely the paladin would listen.

If Florin's parents agree to the paladin's terms, Wynn will make excuses and depart. Until that time he will try to choke back his feelings and remain silent.

Xenia 
Sunday December 5th, 2004 9:07:23 PM
The mother is slick. She comes off nice. Cold but reasonable. Florin is openly hostile. He makes himself look the bad guy. He's out matched and out classed. He's made himself look smug and he's baiting his folks like he enjoys it.

Xenia remains stone faced and unmoving, resisting the urge to shake her head in sadness. They're going to eat him alive. They're gonna turn Jella and poison her against him while he's gone. And it will all be stuff that the little muffin will wanna do 'cause she won't know any better.

The girl rogue can't help comparing the situation to the time her adopted father sat her down and admitted to her that he had originally taken her in order to use the half-drow girl someday. She had seen the pain in his face, how much the admission had cost him. She had seem the worry too, at what she might think once she knew. And yet, he had said it anyway. For her sake.

Xenia's thoughts return to the present. And suddenly she realizes that she's all tense, balled up tight as a clenched fist. Who knows? Just like her dad, these people might change. She wouldn't bet on it, though. Poor Jella. Poor Florin.

Lang & Sunshine 
Sunday December 5th, 2004 9:44:26 PM
Not at all in his element, Lang tries his best to turn into a statue.

Lang prays, for Florin's sake, that this is the best direction Florin can take for his newly adopted daughter.

Syr 
Monday December 6th, 2004 2:25:30 AM
Syr listens to the exchange in shock. He wonders if his parents would have done the same thing if he returned home. This bitter exchange is one of the few times that he is thankful that he grew up in the orphanage. He begins edging his way toward the door when he hears "Landeras Kryton". The corners of his mouth turn up as he quietly prnounces, "Lando?"

Tionel 
Monday December 6th, 2004 2:48:36 AM
Tionel opens his mouth to give his two cents, but realizes that anything he says will probably not be taken well by any of the parties present. Even being ameliorating will probably only increase their anger...it's obvious people here want a fight, when all that's relaly needed is a home for a little girl. As usual, it's the child who will suffer...oh well, he thinks to himself.

Out of the Lion's Den (DM MikeK) 
Monday December 6th, 2004 8:37:21 PM
Florin's mother doesn't bat an eyelash when the paladin leans in close to whisper in her ear. Her prim and proper smile remains frozen in place. But Florin thinks he sees a muted look of panic cross her features for just an instant. Maybe.

"Of course we agree," she says magnanimously. "Bring the dear child in."

What follows is a very brief introduction. All the adults are unfailingly civil to each other in the presence of Jella, who bounds about the room curiously. Florin's mother and father make separate attempts to pick her up, but are foiled every time by the hulking presence of Mort. The tutor has obviously picked up on his employer's forebodings, and seems determined to be in the way as much as possible.

The interview ends quickly after that, as all of Florin's friends are eager to leave the scene just as fast as decently possible.

The group keeps up the appearance of normalcy until Jella and Mort are returned to the apartments. But after that, it is a quiet company indeed that returns to their own apartments.

It is nearly lunch, and the morning has been most interesting.

Florin Jadenth 
Monday December 6th, 2004 9:55:55 PM
Florin takes the brief time in his parents home while introducing them to Jella in as much stride as possible and keeps a smile on for Jella's sake.

Afterwards though on the walk home since he has allowed Ajax to return to his home he carries his daughter gently and softly speaks to her and Mort, "Thanks for watching over her Mort....Well Jella, what did you think of my parents?" Florin rubs his little girls back and talks to her gently, "Now and then you can visit them if you like. Mort will be with you though like always and if I'm home I will be with you also. My sister will surely see you off and on also and the temple is always open to you. My teacher even said he would teach you to become a paladin if you decide at a later date. Ohhh that reminds me honey, we never spoke of what you would like to do when you get older. Your going to have to start letting me in on some of your hopes and dreams so I can start seeing about helping you towards what you want to do. Please remember to sweety that you must decide your own path. No one else can decide this for you. True happiness will only come from making your own decisions on your future, but you have time to think on that."

At his, Jella's and Mort's home Florin gives Jella a kiss on the cheeek and looks to Mort, "I want to stop by the Giggling Ghost and will see about having something special sent for you and Jella to eat. Today has been a interesting day for both of you and for that I owe you both something special." As Florin thinks he looks to Mort and speaks privately to him, "Mort, if a messenger comes with two rings with my family's crest hold onto them till I return. I want them both checked out before being warn by me or Jella." Florin looks to the group and thinks, "I have an idea, Angus and Tionel both know some nice places to eat so why don't we all go out to eat. I owe you all for coming with me to. I'm sorry though that you had to bear wittness to such words and uncomfortable conditions. I was kind of hoping things would of went over different."

Florin also pulls Wynn and Angus to the side and whispers to both, "When my parents send the rings with the family crest on it I would like them checked for magic, etc. Can one of you do that for me by chance? If they radiate magic then I'm going to have them checked to find out what type."

Florin now also pulls Syr to the side and speaks to him also, "With the help with taking care of my apartment I can also start paying you back the money I owe you for the help with the rings." Florin smiles and whispers, "I don't like being in debt to anyone, specially friends so for the moment this is the best I can do." Florin pulls a pouch from his belt and hands it to Syr.

(OOC:Deducting 100gps from my charactersheet inless Syr some how wiggles his way out of excepting some of the payment for the rings ;).)

Wynn 
Monday December 6th, 2004 11:24:56 PM
Having no appetite after what he has just witnessed, Wynn moves along with the group. Coming up beside Tionel, he addresses the druid, but speaks loudly enough for the others to hear. "Friend, this winter scene back at the inn puzzles me greatly as do the green eyes of the victims of whatever magic was unleashed there. Would it not be wise to seek out your friend Tarketh, of the Circle of the Alder I believe, to learn what he thinks?"

The bard lets the question hang in the air. He hopes others are as curious as he is about the mystery and find it a lead worth pursuing.


Xenia 
Tuesday December 7th, 2004 8:32:39 AM
This whole thing with Florin's parents has left a really bad taste in Xenia's metaphoric mouth. Just when she was starting to almost like the folks on Gold Level. Then again, in a way, these are just the kind of people she's been looking for. The wheels start turning again. Still. Poor Jella. All you can hope for, though, is that she's a strong girl with her own mind.

Xenia moves in next to Wynn as they all walk. This time, she looks up into his face first to see if it puts him off or anything. Then she leans in, putting a arm around his waist, laying her head against his shoulder. It feels better. To be like this, and not to think of anything else.

"Yeah," Xenia says in a half comfy voice, "we're up here on Gold anyway. And Tarketh asked us to drop by. Why don't we do that?"

"Um, so what happened after I left. At the Ghost, I mean?"

ANgus 
Tuesday December 7th, 2004 9:09:44 AM
ANgus answers Florin nonchalantly "Detect magic, no problem. Just say the word."

At Florin's suggestion of lunch Angus adds. "Why don't we go to the GG and see how Happy and Daphne are doing after the scene last night."

Angus will pull Florin aside later "Are you really planning on leaving Jella with your parents for extended time periods? I know this question may be rude, but I must ask it. How much love was in your home growing up and is that where you want her to grow up?"

Syr 
Tuesday December 7th, 2004 6:20:38 PM
Shaking his head at Florin he raises a palm outward toward the paladin. "I empathize with your feelings. I too never like being in debt. Right now though, I can't take your money. You have too many mouths to feed to give away such sums." Smiling he pats the paladin on the back, "If you are really serious about paying things back, wait until we find some more?"

Turning to Tionel, "Speaking of which, what are we going to do? Tionel, do you think the druids will 'fund' an expedition in the forest to discover the source of that disease? If we stumble across one of those gold rocks, so be it?"

Tionel 
Tuesday December 7th, 2004 8:17:59 PM
"I doubt they'd fund an expedition...druids are guardians of nature, not explorers of it. On the other hand, we might just want to risk similarly exploring such areas for the bonuses of said large chunk of gold...or whatever it was...because if it was dangerous, next time someone should bring one in to study." Tionel pontificates. "I am in a mood for a little adventure myself...it's strange, usually they strike at the worst time, but for once, I'm ready for one, and nobody's running up to me with worries."

Interlude (DM MikeK) 
Tuesday December 7th, 2004 9:14:57 PM
Its been a very full morning for The Crimson Shields. Their neighbors at the Giggling Ghost exterminate themselves in a frightening bit of insanity, two of their own are discovered to be cursed, and their leader gives his estranged parents care of his adopted daughter.

Recovering from their trevails, some of the group speak of dropping in on the Circle of the Alder. Others long for another adventure. Some just want lunch. All wonder about Florin's decision.

So, what do our heroes do next?

Lang & Sunshine 
Tuesday December 7th, 2004 10:45:44 PM
"I think we should talk to the Druid's. They may want us to try to find out where that other group was when they contracted that strange disease. I guess we can wait and talk to Tarketh. He did say he was going to come back to our apartments later today."

"We also have to decide what to do about the items we found in the room. One is magical and we may want to figure out what it does."

"Happy always seems to be up on gossip. Maybe he has heard some more about what happened in his inn or where this group had adventured."

OOC - Angus' detection spell locates a small black sphere, about the size of a pearl, that registers as Moderate Evocation ...

Lang helps search, and finds a smaller bag containing some gold pieces, and a gold necklace bearing a ruby pendant. Neither registers as magical.

Wynn 
Tuesday December 7th, 2004 11:43:30 PM
Wynn looks down on Xenia's slender face, and exotic features. As she threads her arm about his waist, he puts his arm around her shoulders and pulls her in closer to him. "Not much happened, and I left soon after you," he says responding to her query.

"So an adventure into the woods to discover what might have driven those poor unfortunates mad," says the bard, "sound a fitting task for the Crimson Sheilds."


Angus 
Wednesday December 8th, 2004 8:30:25 AM
Angus nods agreement with Lang. "We also need to get the items apprasied that we found in the winter room, and carefully mind you. We just got uncursed, we do not need to pay to have a disease removed too."

Angus is inwardly upset by Florin's decision to leave Jella with his cold cold parents. Would it not have been better just to leave her with Gordo at the new orphanage. Angus makes a mental note to go buy Jella some toys and have them sent to her at her grandparents, very loud toys.......

Xenia 
Wednesday December 8th, 2004 10:03:07 AM
Xenia sighs, then steals a second sidelong glance at Wynn. With her green eyes she watches his face. Then she lays her head back on his shoulder, walking along with him matching his rhythm. Thinkin'. Just thinkin'.

"'Kay," the rogue says, and it's not real clear whether she's talking about the Not-much-happened or about the adventure-into-the-woods.

[[ OoC: The pearl thing ... Please, don't drop it. ]]

Florin Jadenth 
Wednesday December 8th, 2004 2:29:28 PM
Florin nods in reply to everyones comments and pats Syr's shoulder and smiles at his comment on paying him back.

Florin looks to Angus and speaks to him a moment on his parents issue, "They used my brother, me and my sister for their own good and pushed us to become what "they" wanted but otherwise it was a decdent home I would guess. Mother and father spent quite abit of time with us when we were younger. When we got older though they started tappering off and we were left more to our own devices for intertainment. Of course we had our responisabilities to the house also."

Florin looks to the group now and nods at Wynn's comment, "I'll go with you guys then. We can always get something to eat alittle later after we find out more about the Giggling Ghost thing and Faddle and party."

Florin goes with the others now, glad to stop by the GG where he speaks to Happy about having some food dropped off at his apartment for Jella and Mort, asking for a really nice selection too for them and dropping Happy some money. He also talks to Happy about everything that has happened since the incident earlier.

Syr 
Wednesday December 8th, 2004 7:25:04 PM
Showing his impatience Syr states, "Rumors or not, I say we get supplies and get our hands dirty. As long as we avoid those vine things that love slinging angus around, we should be okay. I've almost had enough with the talking, it's time for the doing!"

Angus (Second Illegal Post) 
Thursday December 9th, 2004 12:40:11 AM
Angus is slightly distrubed by Florin's family history and asks "Your parents will not use Jella as a pawn for their own devices or against you will they?"

After listening to Florin's answer he will ask another of him "If we go back into the forest, have you made arrangements for Jella if things do not go as planned or we can not return tot he city in a timely manner? We do not want Jella to worry about her Father."

Tionel  d20+2=5
Thursday December 9th, 2004 3:40:24 AM
Thinking it over, Tionel doesn't know what to think. The girl doesn't belong exactly wiht those sorts of people...but then again, he can't imagine who anyone belongs with. Maybe they'll be good...they raised this guy after all...
Shoving his hands into his pockets, he mulls over their options. "Well, for now, let's go looking for information on events happening in the city. Maybe we'll find some juicy rumors..."
Tionel will head off to a bar and spend a few gold drinking with some old acquaintances, putting his ear to the city's gutter for info. Perhaps its just not his day for this task, though...all of his usual friends are busy with work, and people seem gruffer than usual. (Gather info of 5)

Lunchtime at the Ghost (DM MikeK) 
Thursday December 9th, 2004 8:51:06 PM
Ideas concerning Florin's choices with Jella, what to do with the unfortunates' treasure, and the general plan for the future direction of the group, abound. Many side talks are held.

For the moment, getting some grub and talking to Happy seems to be the consensus view, and everyone heads on down to the Giggling Ghost for some lunch. Except for Tionel, who goes bar hopping instead. The druid probably would have been better off staying home, because he doesn't find anyone who wants to drink with him and swap stories.

Back at the Ghost, Happy gets bombarded with various requests, and does his best to answer them all. The proprietor is delighted to receive a delivery order for Mort and Jella, and promises the fare will be exquisite. He's also quick to get lunch out for the assembled group. As for what has gone on this morning,

"We got the room cleaned up before the guests got too nosy," he says. "You can't believe how bad for business something like that is. Wardd's own luck it happened in the middle of the night."
Happy pauses to make a quick thank-you to the gods, and then to remember what the topic was.
"Oh yes. Some of them Alder folks came by and took a look-see. Said Tionel sent for 'em. Anyway, they looked at the dead people and the room and talked to themselves a bit and left. Didn't say anything to me, though."

As to what the other group was doing in the Crying Woods, Happy can only shrug.
"They're Adventurers," he says, emphasizing the capital A. "Surely you all have heard about the Lost City of Gold out there. Bunch of folks out looking for it. Not many coming back though."
Happy shrugs.
"They almost would've been better off working that town Perimon was building."

The innkeeper breaks out into a chuckle.

"Now THAT was funny."

Upon learning the group doesn't understand the reference, he grins widely, glad to be able to tell someone who hasn't heard.

"The town got eaten," he laughs. "No, not the people. No sooner had those wood walls gone up than three of the biggest bugs you've ever seen crawl out of the woods and chew em down to the ground. Then, they go to the buildings and do the same thing. Place is pretty much leveled. Most of the loggers had to head down to the Trash Level to find any kind of work."

"I hear Perimon's gonna try again, though. How a fool like that got rich......" Happy shakes his head at the injustice of it all.


Lang & Sunshine 
Thursday December 9th, 2004 10:17:54 PM
Lang chuckles at the story Happy tells to the Shields.

"Maybe one day we can get down there and see this town he is trying to build."

"Anyone have more ideas on what the Crimson Shields should do next? Do we want to go adventuring with no real purpose or should we find a cause to fight for?"

Xenia  d20+3=8
Thursday December 9th, 2004 10:28:22 PM
Xenia picks up the pickle laying at the side of her plate and takes a crunchy bite as Happy relates a narrative of the events that occurred after they all left for the Temple of Alemi.

Wow. It's a good thing we didn't send the orphans out to that settlement, Xenia thinks. And when Happy mentions the bugs, she looks at the others. "Hehehe. Max," she says with that in-the-know kind of look.

"See," she says wagging the pickle at Wynn, "you were right. We shoulda gone to the Druids' place. I bet they know something."

Xenia wonders if she knows anything. Especially about this 'Lost City of Gold.' (Knowledge Local 8) The rogue shrugs her slim shoulders.

"What's with this Lost City of Gold, Happy," she asks. "I mean, you know, like, how'd it get lost? Who'd build a city out where it could get lost?" She crunches on the pickle again while she thinks of just how Perimon might have gotten rich. And how that might be connected to this settlement he wants to build out where good chance it's gonna get Lost. "Where's this Perimon live, Happy?" she asks as well. "Mmmm. Nice pickles," she adds.

Angus 
Friday December 10th, 2004 7:17:36 AM
Angus will eat lunch and listen to all and think to himself. Lost city of gold and gaint bugs, must remember to stay behind the warriors and away from the nasty vines.....

Syr 
Friday December 10th, 2004 6:56:25 PM
"If no one has any objections, I say we head over to the druids to see if they know anything? And the next step is venturing out of the city." He looks around at the rest of the group, "For the time being, I'd like our cause to be our own. I mean, right now, we don't really have a reputation. While we do a good job of finding trouble on our own, I think once we get more famous then causes come looking for us. Whatcha think Wynn?"

Searching the Ghost with a glance, "Where did Tionel go off to? He, of all people, would do a good job of telling others what we can actually do."

Wynn Brightsong 
Friday December 10th, 2004 9:20:03 PM
"I agree with Syr" the bard pipes in. "Let's find these druids and ask for guidance." The half-elf spots an unused cloth napkin and wipes drops of pickle juice from his sleeve. "If we get lucky, we find this lost city of gold, and if not, we can at least find the source of the disease. It would make for an epic tale though, 'The Lost City of Gold'" Wynn's mind drifts off into musings about his own heroic role in tale.

Florin Jadenth 
Saturday December 11th, 2004 2:47:49 AM
Florin eats some while and the Giggling Ghost, making sure he has enought to run him for awhile just incase he and the group gets caught up in everything and misses any meal. Can't have him getting tired in the middle of a fight or something after all. As he eats he also looks around the bar curiously.

Florin thinks over what I said and what Happy tells them and scratches his chin lightly in thought and nods, "I agree, we should go see the druids and then set out depending on what they tell us."

Florin looks to Syr as Florin stands, "We should check in with someone from the town on the shore that got eat to. It might be connected in some way as was commented on so why not investigate it and atleast see if someone can give us an idea of where the big bugs come from. The bugs might give us an idea of things. Alot of bugs like that probably nest somewhere and where they nest might be what were looking for. Either way it's worth looking into."

When Florin stands he also looks to Happy, "Uh Happy, how much do I owe you by the way? I really don't want to be running a bill with you bud." Florin smiles to Happy when he says that though.

Tarketh Returns


Tarketh Returns (DM MikeK) 
Sunday December 12th, 2004 9:27:06 PM
Happy shrugs at Xenia's questions.

"I dunno. Big ol jungle out there, you figure its gotta have something in it. Then the rumors just started circling about a Lost City out there made entirely out of gold. Don't know who started it. Don't know if I even believe it. But some do."

The bartender waves for a server to come over and clean off the table. A boy starts clearing dishes.

"Perimon's place? Oh, up on the Open Level somewhere," Happy answers distractedly. He heads off to another customer.

Meanwhile, the boy hands Florin the bill.
[OOC -- We'll handle cost of living stuff offline]

After lunch, the group, with Tionel in tow, heads on up toward the Gold Level.

Halfway up the grand staircase, they hear a familiar voice hailing them.
"Tionel! Fellows! Fancy running into you here!"
Its Tarketh, the bouncy fellow from the Alder House.
"I was just on my way to your place! Where are you bound?"

On hearing the group's destination, Tarketh laughs.
"Oh that's marvelous! A delightful coincidence!"
Recovering his composure, the man continues with a smile, "Well, I've much to tell you, and your place is so much nicer. Not as stuffy, really......"
He looks at Tionel hopefully.


Tionel 
Sunday December 12th, 2004 10:49:50 PM
"How about we talk about it inside of our house? I mean, over a glass of wine or cup of tea..." Tionel offers, smiling. "Follow me!" Taking the lead, Tionel leads the group to their apartments, whereupon he immediately begins heating a pot of tea. "Have a seat, Tarketh, everyone!"

After they make themselves comfortable (and anyone makes any comments suitable), Tionel passes out cups of tea. "You say you were on your way to see us? Was there something important the druids wished to ask us?"

Angus 
Monday December 13th, 2004 12:36:55 AM
Angus takes a cup of tea and makes himself comfortable and waits for Tarketh to have a sip of tea also before begining "Kind Tarketh, how is the Alder House? Any word on what happened to the bowl we dropped off to you or who's temple we took it from? We just need to be sure, if we did get someone upset at us, who to watch our backs for? Anyone or sect in particular?"

Angus will let Tarketh answer and sip his tea before begining again. "You have heard about or recent problems at the GG, you know the strange disease and all. Thankfully, we appear not to be infected. Has Alder house found out what it is or what caused it and how to counteract it?"

Again Angus will see how Tarketh answers before continueing "What is the relationship between Alder House and Perimon? Is there some dispute over the Crying Woods? By the way, why are they called the Crying woods anyway?"

"I think I have talked too much again. Anything to add friends" Angus will finish with a sweep of his hand to those in attendance.

Xenia 
Monday December 13th, 2004 8:11:54 AM
Xenia takes a cup of Tionel's tea and gives it an experimental sip. Her eyebrows raise and her mouth dimples in a small gesture of approval. It's not kaffe, but it smells good. And it has a clear-ish sort of warm-ish taste.

The druids are nice enough. And she gives Tarketh a smile, a sort of an I-met-you-before-remember-me smile, and she says, "hi" in am I'm-not-sure-if-you-remember-me-but-here-I-am sort of way. Certainly a casual enough sort of greeting around the tea tray.

Then she sits on the couch and watches. Watches and listens. Maybe that's what Baronell meant by 'using the other organ.' Watching and listening. Helps to have a cup of something in your hands, though.

Syr 
Monday December 13th, 2004 9:28:38 AM
Syr sits quietly while Angus rambles on. He is very curious about the Crying Woods but allows Tarketh time to finish what he came here for.

Florin Jadenth 
Monday December 13th, 2004 3:19:22 PM
Florin nods and follows the others to the group apartment and listens to what Tarketh might have to say, he does greet the man nicely and smiles, "Nice to meet you again Tarketh."

Florin glances to Xenia while she sits and drinks her tea, thinking of something but then turning his attention back to Tarketh before saying or possibly saying anything.

Wynn Brightsong 
Monday December 13th, 2004 5:13:37 PM
Wynn greets the young druid who he had previously met through Lang. Curious, he sits next to Xenia and listens as Angus rambles on with his stream of questions. Pen and journal at hand, the bard readies to write down anything of importance that Tarketh might reveal. He has already tentatively titled the next chapter of his journal, "The Lost City of Gold"

An Offer (DM MikeK) 
Monday December 13th, 2004 8:44:01 PM
"Fantastic!" Tarketh cheers, and quickly accepts Tionel's invitation.

Back at the apartments, he takes the tea and happily sips it. "Oh, marvelous stuff," he sighs, lounging back in the chair and quietly enjoying the moment.

Angus' many questions shatter his reverie.
"Ah yes," he says, quite unperturbed. "I did show up to give you the news, didn't I? Where to start, where to start."

The man cheerily sets down his cup. None of the group recalls him doing anything uncheerily.

"Well, the Circle sent me here to tell you we've cracked the secret of the bowl and activated the magic. Every flower on the Big Float should be history. Now, uh, we just need someone to go through the Trash Level and, uh, check." Tarketh's looks around the room leave little doubt as to who that 'someone' ought to be.

"The Temple...Well, they're stumped. We believe its the product of some kind of civilization out in the Crying Woods. In fact, The Circle is offering a reward for any information that can be found concerning its builders."

"Those poor souls at the Giggling Ghost were infected with some kind of plant. We guess they contracted it out there (Tarketh waves a hand in a general 'outside' direction). The plant takes root in the victim's brain and grows." The druid shudders. "It must be terribly painful. At the end."

The Crying Woods - "Well, I don't know actually." Tarketh grins and chuckles. "I've never actually heard anyone ask before. Remarkable."

"Anyway," Tarketh takes on a comical Important Voice, although his twisted grin gives away he's teasing, "The Official Purpose of my visit is to ask you, on behalf of the Circle of The Alder, to inspect the Trash Level and verify it is, in fact, free of those little white flowers."

"Quite a mouthful there, wasn't it?"
Tarketh takes some more tea while awaiting the group's reply.

Lang & Sunshine 
Monday December 13th, 2004 11:41:36 PM
Back at the apartment, Lang lets Sunshine out into the garden to do his business. He will also get Sunshine some food and water.

Lang will then join the group and listen to Tarketh's proposal of searching the Trash Level for white flowers.

"Tarketh, do you know what has happened to Jonas and his group? Will we have to worry about the Anvil Hearts when we are down on the Trash Level?"

"Hmmm, searching the Crying Woods for some info on the bowl sounds interesting. We could possibly find out the origin of the plant disease. At the very least we can check out this village that this guy is trying to build."

"What kind of reward is being offered?"

Tionel 
Tuesday December 14th, 2004 1:31:26 AM
Just as chipper as the other druid, Tionel pipes up "We'll be glad to go check out the trash level. And then...well, as you can see, we have a little urge to go poking around in the forest as it is...your plan for us to find info on it matches perfectly! In any case, try some of these little biscuits dipped in the tea, they're simply marvelous." Tionel passes out a plate of little interesting crackers and treats. "I added a few little spices I've been cultivating in my garden to the basic recipe mama flaust taught me. It's quite interesting."

Wynn Brightsong 
Tuesday December 14th, 2004 6:35:04 AM
"Checking out the trash level is fine Tarketh, and I'm sure we will agree to perform this task, but it is hardly the stuff of epic tales. What can you tell us of this Lost City of Gold".

Wynn leans forward in his seat in anticipation of the young man's answer.

Xenia 
Tuesday December 14th, 2004 11:34:14 AM
Xenia pulls her legs in side-saddle and shifts a little closer as Wynn settles next to her. She watches covertly the intensity in his blue eyes. It's a light, kinda like, well, like getting an idea ... Inspiration. That's what it is.

Lost City of Gold. She can see it in his eyes.

First the Trash Level. Then ... Xenia reviews a mental list of what they might need for the next expedition into The Crying Woods. With inward eyes, she sips her tea.

After all discussion of business is said an done, the girl rogue asks off-hand. "You know how momma-seamonster is? You settled her and her babies in a safe place, didn't you?"

Angus 
Tuesday December 14th, 2004 1:03:04 PM
Angus reflects on the Tarketh's responses and his friends questions and adds more of his own after a big sip of tea. "What can you tell us Tarketh, about the magic of the bowl and the people who may have made it? we just need to know what we are up against. Also is there a cure you can supply us with so that we do not contract the plant disease?"

Florin Jadenth 
Tuesday December 14th, 2004 8:37:06 PM
Florin shrugs and looks to Tarketh, "I think we can handle a check of the trash level with no problem. Can you give us any info on the city that my friends here are curious about?"

Florin is interested but wonders why this rumor reminds him alot of a city in a book he read that had a city called El Dorado in it.

Beginnings of a Plan (DM MikeK) 
Tuesday December 14th, 2004 8:53:12 PM
"Really excellent biscuits, Tionel," the other druid gushes. "What is that flavor?"
Tarketh gazes upward, concentrating hard. "Sarsaparilla?" he guesses.

"Oh, the reward. One of those 'depends on the value of the information' things I'm afraid," he responds to Lang.

"That's just it," he replies to Angus. "We've got no idea who built the bowl or the temple. The markings on the bowl don't relate well to any work of art any of the known races produce. The bowl itself is extraordinarily old, possibly thousands of years. The whole mystery of it and the Temple you found has the Council members aflutter."

Tarketh has another biscuit. "Mint," he says, sure of his answer.

"I'm afraid we don't have anything solid on the Lost City. Frankly it sounds a bit farfetched."

"Momma sea monster should be fine. They took her and the eggs to the east side of the lake. Everybody here is trying to go west, so she's out of the way," he tells Xenia.

He looks curiously at Angus when the sorcerer asks about cures to the disease.

"I'm not sure what the cure is, and I really can't promise any provisioning like that."
He thinks a while, slowly munching on another biscuit, and then grins.

"How about you come to Alder House after you go to the Trash Level to give your report on the flowers yourself? And then as long as you're talking to the boss people anyway..." Tarketh lets the sentence hang with a conspiratorial grin.

"Tomorrow afternoon? The next day? How long do you fellows need?"


Wynn Brightsong  d20+7=25
Tuesday December 14th, 2004 10:25:33 PM
The bard slumps back in his chair, realizing that the young man has little information to offer and that any trip to the Crying Woods will have to wait.

Wynn then turns his mind to the task of confirming the demise of any of the flowers in the trash level. He tries to recall if he has ever heard what the flowers were actually being used for, what they were called, and if any specific individuals in the trash level were associated with the smuggling or cultivating of the flowers, other than Jonas and the Anvil Hearts. [Bardic Knowledge = 25]

"Tarketh, will evidence of dead and dying flowers be sufficient? I cannot imagine being able to conduct a door-to-door search of the entire trash level, but if the Alder Circle has some clue as to where to start our search we might be able to infiltrate a specific group and find out what has become of the flowers". Wynn looks across to Syr and the others for further ideas about how to proceed.

Xenia 
Tuesday December 14th, 2004 11:16:14 PM
Xenia's copper brows come together in a frown upon her dark face when she Wynn's words bring a full appreciation of the what they'd need to do to tell if *all* the flowers were really gone.

"Yeah, um, we were down there earlier in the place where we found a big patch the first time we went down. They weren't there anymore. It was ... down by the lock where the momma seamonster was."

"I mean, they were gone. Would that be enough?"

Angus 
Wednesday December 15th, 2004 12:01:55 AM
Angus thinks to himself before speaking (which is rare)"Flowers should be no problem compared to the other problems we have rooted out down there recently. How do we collect these flowers, dead or alive for you Tarketh?"

Angus goes to try one of the biscits Tarketh is raving about. "Not bad" Angus exclaims, mostly to himself.

Tionel 
Wednesday December 15th, 2004 12:29:30 AM
Taking a nip at one of the crackers for himself, Tionel ponders. Munch, munch...quite good. Really just not too much of that spice.
"Yes, yes... We'll go check it, and after cleaning ourselves, tell Alder House of how things fared down below. And then we'll see what happens." Tionel takes another nibble. "I imagine we should watch out for any trash gang members still wishing to bother us...but we shouldn't attack them first, and we should come prepared for some unwelcome missiles." Like rotten tomatoes, he thinks to himself. Already, he can picture trash gang supporters, urchins and the like, heaping abuse upon them from the shadows. "Perhaps we can go disguised somewhat..."

Florin Jadenth 
Wednesday December 15th, 2004 11:21:03 AM
Florin chuckles at the diguise thing and looks to Tionel, "I know Wynn is good at that stuff but how is he going to disguise my armor or me? I'm born to stand out since becoming a paladin of Domi." Florin gently slaps Tionel on the sounder as a friendly gesture and smiles, "Anyway, should be a quick search all and all."

Florin looks to Tarketh, "I agree with the search comments here. I am more then willing to go but searching the whole Trash Level is going to take some time and not practicle in the sense of how the people living their react to us, or probably anyone."

Syr 
Wednesday December 15th, 2004 1:35:13 PM
Leaning forward from the couch, "I could be wrong but I don't think the druids actually expect us to search EVERY building down there? I mean if that was the case, the city guard would be mobilized. Tarketh, am I correct that they just want us to search all the public areas, streets, and alleys? That shouldn't take more than a couple days." Under his breath he adds, "and another day to bath afterwards." Putting on an false enthusiastic smile, "It could go faster but I think we've all learned what happened last time we split up."

Rising he lingers with the others but is obviously impatient as he whispers to Florin, "No time like the present!"

Mission Accepted (DM MikeK) 
Wednesday December 15th, 2004 10:08:08 PM
Wynn can't come up with any groups who might be in line for smuggling flowers. Now, there are a couple rather unscrupulous groups down there, so you never know.

Tarketh's face falls as the objections come pouring in.
"No, no. Of course not," he answers. "They grow in patches, so if you make a circuit or two of the byways, and don't see anything, that would be good enough for us. They should either be all over the place, or gone."

General agreement seems to be in order, so the druid rises to leave.
"Well, fantastic talking to you all again as always. Really fine cooking, Tionel. I'll tell the Council you'll be at Alder House the day after tomorrow. Say mid-afternoon?"

Tarketh leaves.

Everyone does remember the Trash Level is a dark, dank, dreary, smelly place. Each adventurer makes their preparations, and then come together for a quick planning session.

[So, what's the plan?]

Angus  d20+8=20
Thursday December 16th, 2004 8:48:27 AM
Angus stands after Syr rises. " I am ready. Lets get this over with, so I can get back home and take a bath. I say early is better than late as the nastier elements may be sleeping off the nights activities."

Angus takes out his silver flute and starts playing a happy marching tune in preparation (perform 20). Angus is pleased with his tune and thinks to himself, It is good not to be cursed.

Xenia  d20+3=10
Thursday December 16th, 2004 12:33:51 PM
Hokay, the rogue thinks, just outside in the streets. And they grow in patches. If they're the size of the patch we saw before, shouldn't be too hard to spot. She thinks about what she knows about Trash ... (Knowledge Local 10)

The wheels start to turn.

"Ya know," the dark rogue says from her place on the couch, "we could maybe hire a bunch of guys to help us with this." Xenia rises to her feet, still talking as she thinks. "I mean, remember all those guys that the Hearts hired to take us out in that alley? I mean, they couldn't have had more than a couple of silver a piece on them. And, if that's how much it cost to put their necks on the line, I bet they'd jump at the chance to make two silver a guy just looking for flowers."

She begins walking back and forth in this small space, kind of forming her ideas with her hands as she speaks. "Ten guys. We could all start in one corner of Trash and work our way along the side. We go up the center and send these guys up the little byways to have a look. That way we can take a bigger bite out of each sweep as we search."

"Ya know," she says spinning on a tight dime, "we could even tell them they get a bonus for spotting a patch of flowers. Another silver. Then, you know, if we don't find any, maybe give them an extra silver a piece anyway."

"Couldn't hurt our rep, huh? Give some guys some good honest work. Pay 'em well. Could it?"

Syr 
Thursday December 16th, 2004 1:03:50 PM
The elf shakes his head slowly at Xenia, "I dunno, while it could be good with the people on trash level. It also means we are staking our reputation with the druid's on someone elses work. What's to say they take the silver and sit drinking ale for an hour then report back that they found nothing. I suggest we buy some clothes pins for our noses and do the dirty work ourselves. Heck, with Florin out front riding point in his nice armor that should scare most of the troublemakers away."



Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) 
Thursday December 16th, 2004 1:20:29 PM
"Well, I didn't mean we just hire 'em and let them do the work," the rogue replies. "We go with them. We go as one big group. Send them running down short alleys to check them out and report back to us. Maybe send them in pairs. If they have to be gone more than a minute or two it's something we should all check out together."

"Use them to extend our reach, like, you see. Still plenty of work for us, but a lot more coordinating. We can cover more ground without splitting up. And we get to get to know some Trash folk by working with 'em."

Florin Jadenth 
Thursday December 16th, 2004 3:51:27 PM
Florin shakes his head at the idea and looks to Wynn, Tionel and the others as he walks out of the apartment with Syr, "First off let's get down there and some of us can look around while a few others ask around abit. I say the best talkers go and ask around to see if the citizens of the Trash Level have seen anything so moreless Wynn, Tionel and Angus of course Xenia should probably go with Wynn. The rest of us can look about and we can meet up and see what we come up with before deciding on anything else."

Florin smiles and gives Syr a gentle shove, "Ready to get dirty?" Florin now leads on to the Trash Level.

Wynn Brightsong 
Thursday December 16th, 2004 4:19:31 PM
Wynn prepares to follow the Crimson Shields out of the apartment. His pack and bow shouldered for the journey, he pulls on his gloves and dons his hat. A quick check that his longsword and daggers are in place and he is ready to go.

As he walks, the bard makes a mental note of the street names, shops and businesses he passes. There is still much to learn about this new city.

Tionel 
Friday December 17th, 2004 1:42:32 AM
Tionel says goodbye to the leaving Tarketh and gives him a good handshake. Rushing up to his room, he puts on his 'trash clothes' as he thinks of them now... the same outfit he wore before down into the underlevel. He's washed it at least three times, but the mud and other stains will just never leave, he knows. Still, it makes a good 'getting down and dirty' outfit, he thinks to himself. He combs out his hair, and grabs a few other items he just might need. Almost belatedly, he dons some of that leather armor and grabs a huge wooden shield he'd recently acquired. There might just be some trouble, he thinks to himself. Lately I've become such a troubleseeker, he thinks as well...pondering how much he enjoys adventuring now..

Trash Level Recon


The Trash Level (DM MikeK) 
Friday December 17th, 2004 8:04:09 AM
Feeling the need to be out and about, The Crimson Shields quickly don their 'trash clothes', and head on down to the lowest level of the Big Float.

The Trash Level remains unchanged, its dark - only a few far spaced Everburning torches pierce the gloom -, its dank, its smelly, and the people either shuffle or skitter from place to place.

After a bit of discussion, the Shields split up (yes?no?). Wynn, Xenia, Angus, and Tionel head down one street, while Florin, Lang, and Syr take another.

It being mid-afternoon, plenty of Trash Level denizens are out and about, selling meager wares from small shops, bartering for meager wares from small shops, or just sitting out and contemplating their lot in life.

Angus 
Friday December 17th, 2004 8:26:05 AM
Angus complains to his search group "How long are we going to stay down here. I have not seen anything yet. I certainly do not want to stay down here long enough to have to take food and drink."

Angus takes out his wine flask and takes a drink, before passing it around. "This should take the taste out of our mouths for a little while."

Xenia  d20+1=14 d20+7=25
Friday December 17th, 2004 3:41:19 PM
"Hi, you look like a guy who might be interested in earning a couple of easy silver." Xenia stands with one hand on a cocked hip standing over one of the cleaner more diligent looking of the just-sitting-around guys. "Maybe a two day job, and all you do is follow us and look for flowers."

Xenia holds up a gloved hand and two silver coins appear, one braced between her second and third fingers and the other between her third and fourth. (Sleight of Hand 25)

"The flowers are poisonous. But we ain't gonna be touching them. Just looking to see they're all gone. We walk the streets. If there's a side street, you tell us what's down it. Maybe you run down to the end and back tell us what you see. If you actually come up with some of these white flowers, you get another silver."

With a quick flip of her wrist the dark rogue catches the two coins in mid air. When she opens her fist, they're gone.

"Deal?" she asks.

(CHA Roll 14)

Wynn Brightsong  d20+8=18 d20+4=21
Friday December 17th, 2004 5:45:48 PM
While Xenia attempts to entice a couple of the locals with silver, Wynn approaches one of the local street vendors and purchases whatever goes for a small snack on the trash level.

"I'd like one of those if you please" the bard points to the item he is interested in "How much are they?" [Diplomacy=18]

After he has paid Wynn purposely keeps a gold coin in his hand. "I am also interested in information you might have. I have been sent in search of white flowers that have apparently naturalized here in the trash level, do you know where I might locate some? I would be willing to pay for your assistance." [Gather Information=21]

Florin Jadenth  d20+2=19
Friday December 17th, 2004 5:46:46 PM
Florin splits off with Syr and Lang if the group doesn't complain about splitting up and keeps an eye out as he walks along with his two fellow shields, "Figured we were finally done with this place you know? of course it's not as bad down here as I thought. I mean it could be alot worse."

Florin glances over to Syr and smiles to the man, "I'm with you, I want to get out into that forest and start looking around, let alone investigate into that town that was eaten up by the bugs. I think Jella is in good hands since the temple, Mort and my sister will watchout for her in my adsence. My parents will atleast make sure she is safe from people like the Anvil Hearts so everything should be okay." Florin sighs thinking of little Jella and smiles, knowing that gift day is coming up and he will need to get something for Jella, Mort and the group.

Thinks Florin glances to Lang, he being newest to the group and Florin not knowing him as well, "Hey Lang, you looking forward to seeing the forest with us? I bet you will be alot of help out there. Just seems like your type of place."

(Spot:19)

Syr 
Friday December 17th, 2004 8:40:50 PM
Syr raises an eyebrow when the group splits up but doesn't say anything. Shrugging he trails the paladin.

Sighing as he thinks of their visit to Florin's parents, "Not offense meant but I'm not a big fan of your parents. Just a bit too... inhospitable for me. You are the one that knows best for Jella however."

As he walks along with his two partners, "Hey, Flo! How did you come by that huge horse anyway?"

Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=14 d20+6=11 d20+5=18
Friday December 17th, 2004 10:57:22 PM
Lang adjusts his gear, checking on his short swords strapped at his side and his quiver on his back. It feels good to have his weapons close after that last encounter at the Giggling Ghost.

He listens as the group decides to split in two and search. Eyeing Florin and Syr, Lang doesn't think too many people will bother them. Looking at the other group, he hopes that they do not draw any unwanted attention.

With his Quarterstaff in his hand, Lang and Sunshine quietly fall in behind Florin and Syr as they start to search down one of the streets on the Trash Level.

Lang lets Syr and Florin do most of the searching for the flowers. He tries to keep an eye and ear on the locals as they perform their search (spot 14 & listen 11).

"Yes Florin, Sunshine and I cannot wait to get out of the city and into a more natural setting. Although, giant bugs and attacking vines are not something I am used to seeing in the forests I grew up in. The Crying Woods seems to hold many surprises and secrets. Hopefully my abilities will be useful if we are able to get out there and search around."

Spot flowers 18 (-5 distracted and +4 favorite enemy).

Searching for Mr. Goodbar (DM MikeK) 
Saturday December 18th, 2004 9:10:18 AM
Xenia finds a couple very willing accomplices, who happily go scouting down alleys for her little quartet. She finds she does have to hire two of them, though, as no single person is willing to explore the dark alleys of the Trash Level all by himself. In fact, they push for at least three.

Wynn's approach of asking the local foodsellers also works well. The lady smiles a dirty smile, and replies "The white ones that burned like all get out? Couple patches down thataway. But they all dead now. Came out the other morning and there ain't nothin but green goop. Made the skeeters all ticked off, but they flew off after a bit, too."

Xenia's little helpers also find 'green goop' and not much else.

Everywhere the separate groups go, it appears the efforts of the Circle of The Alder have borne fruit (so to speak).

Xenia  d20+5=17
Sunday December 19th, 2004 9:39:48 AM
Drips and drops of conversation from the past two days start fitting together, little bits about this other group Xenia saw only briefly two nights before. Green in their eyes. Disease. Crying Woods. Plants invading the brain.

"Hey, guys," she says to her three hirelings, "I don't think you want to be touching that green stuff. In fact, I think you want to be telling your friends not to touch it too. Nothing solid until we check it out, but until we have these smart guy druids up on Gold look at it, best not to touch."

"I think I'm gonna need to get some of that goo, but before I do my name's Xenia, er, Alexandria Next. This is Angus Deminof, Tionel Galanodel, and Wynn Brightsong." She introduces Wynn with a smile that says he's someone special to her. Unless these guys are getting any ideas, that is. "We have a place up on Fence," and she gives them their address on Rogue's Alley. "You see anything weird going around, you come tell us, 'k?"

"Now, what are your names? Might have more work for you in the future," she adds with a wink.

Xenia pulls her copper brows together in thought when the guys lead them to a mess of goo. "I'm gonna get a bit of this to take up to the druids," she announces. She draws an empty vial from her haversack. (on Character Sheet. Used to contain CLW.) Collecting dirt and bits of garbage, the rogue builds a small mound and sticks the vial into it standing upright. Then she searches for a stick. About three feet ought to do it. Yeah. Three feet. She hopes. Getting a bit of goo on the end, Xenia begins to collect the stuff in the vial. (DEX check 17) It's like working with traps. Only knowing it's real life is kinda spooky.

When she's finished, she gingerly stoppers the vial. And, without touching it, collects the dirt, garbage and all into a sack. Note to self: Get another sack. On the verge of stowing the sack in her haversack, the girl rogue abruptly changes her mind. *yuck* Instead, she cuts a bit of rope, and selecting another stick, ties the sack to the end, holding it out and away from her as they conduct the rest of the search.

Angus  d20+8=27
Sunday December 19th, 2004 9:51:14 AM
Angus will let Xenia's hirlings do the dirty work as he does not want to get his new cloak dirty, but will not part with it even in these filthy circumstances. "Good Job Xenia and Wynn."

Angus is inspired by the work everyone is doing around him and attempts to lift the spirits and their work efforts further with song (perform:Flute 27).

Wynn Brightsong 
Sunday December 19th, 2004 11:44:55 AM
Wynn listens to the vendor woman's story about the plants and is relieved to hear that that the magic of the bowl has worked. "Thanks luv" he presses the gold piece into her hand and joins Angus in watching Xenia collect the denatured remains of the plant.

"Delicate work, that" he winks conspiratorially at Angus. "Requires a very steady hand...nerves of steel...one little mistake and it could spell our doom...a sudden gust of wind...or the bite of a fly..." Wynn continues his endless stream of warnings until the rogue is finished her work, or until she reacts to the teasing.

Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) 
Sunday December 19th, 2004 12:27:05 PM
Ok. Concentration. Concentration. Don't let the peanuts in the gallery throw you off ...

When she's through, Xenia slugs Wynn on the shoulder a bit and gives him an angry pout. "Hey, how 'bout we get some of this disease stuff on you, huh?" she whispers so the hired guys can't hear. "hehehe. Gonna eat your brain and make your eyes green."

She picks up the stick with the goop on one end, and makes kinda sorta to threaten with it.

But, it's not a real good thing to play around with, and so she stops that real quick. Putting the stick carefully back with the end in the goo, she just turns and sticks her tongue out at Wynn. beah.

"You're mean. I don't know why I like you so much. Yup. Mystery to me," she says, walking off with a little wiggle to her bottom, her sample secured in it's sack.

Florin Jadenth 
Sunday December 19th, 2004 6:27:42 PM
Florin smiles at Lang's comments and nods as he finds one of the piles of green goop (Guessing that our group found some also.), "Yeah, the vines were abit nasty, ones the grapple and bash you and the ones that suck blood."

Florin looks to Syr and thinks back on his dream about Ajax and smiles, "I had a dream about Ajax where he was granted to me by some man that I have never seen before. He said Ajax was the name of a old hero and that I should stay true to myself moreless." Florin smiles and shrugs, "Ajax is the best friend I have had other then all of you guys. I think that he will be of alot of help in the future too and he likes Jella."

Lang & Sunshine 
Sunday December 19th, 2004 6:57:06 PM
Lang keeps Sunshine close to his side. He doesn't want Sunshine to accidentally come in contact with any of the green goop that appears to be all that is left of the flowers they are looking for.

"Well, do we collect any of this stuff to bring back to the Druids?" Langs says motioning to the green goop.

Syr 
Monday December 20th, 2004 12:35:14 AM
Taking the time to inspect the green goop without touching it he flinches away. "Bethcha didn't think you joined up for this, eh Lang? So far so good, only half a day more of this exciting job and we can move on to a much more exciting place!" He grimaces in sarcasm after stating the last.

Angus (Second Illegal Post) 
Monday December 20th, 2004 1:18:27 PM
Angus watches Xenia and Wynn's interplay during his flute playing and changes the tune to one of dark overtures and doom when Xenia brandishes the goop covered stick and then to a light and airy "Can-Can" as she shakes her backside.

A Cry from the Wilderness (DM MikeK)  d20+1=3
Monday December 20th, 2004 9:03:25 PM
Xenia's two helpers, Barkal and Federol, are more than happy to stay away from the goo. They promise to bring her word of any goings on.

The rogue, with helpful inspiration from Angus and not-so-helpful back seat driving from Wynn, manages to scoop up a sample of the goop without actually touching the stuff.

As evening approaches, the two groups meet up and compare notes. Just when it looks like everything is working out just fine, Federol comes pelting up the street.

"Help! Help!"
The boy is nearly beside himself in panic as he screeches to a halt in front of Xenia.
"They got Barkal! They're going nuts! Help him!"

Federal makes to grab the rogue by the arm (a move she can easily avoid).

"C'mon!" he yells, taking two steps back the way he came before realizing he doesn't have Xenia. Eyes wide and pleading he looks back to the group, wondering why they haven't come with him yet.

Xenia 
Monday December 20th, 2004 9:42:10 PM
Wary of the grabbing stuff, Xenia fades instinctively as Federal reaches for her. She looks to the others first in a moment of silence.

"I gotta go," she says. And the dark rogue lights out after the boy.

Calm this down. Slow it. "Who's they?" she asks as they move through the streets. "Tell me who they are, how many, and why they'd be after Barkal?"

Wynn Brightsong 
Monday December 20th, 2004 10:07:35 PM
Wynn chuckles at Xenia's raspberry and watches with an admiring eye as she sashays away. When Federol appears in a panic the bard is quick to follow Xenia and the boy down the street. "Come on then!" Wynn calls over his shoulder to Angus and Tionel, "we need you two." If Wynn spots any of the other Shields he will call for their support.

Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=10
Monday December 20th, 2004 10:16:26 PM
Ahh, some action finally.

"Come on Sunshine. Let's not let her get away from us. Could be a trap"

Lang and Sunshine move off after Xenia and the boy, keeping an eye on the surroundings (spot 10).

Tionel 
Tuesday December 21st, 2004 2:01:38 AM
Having not really much clue what's about, Tionel nods to Angus' question. He'd been about to suggest going into the sewers themselves...but this is a much better option, he thinks...
Then suddenly it happens. Involuntarily, thinking of the need for speed, he finds himself falling forward, his hands changing before his startled elongating eyes, his body sprouting fur all over and clothing fading into his body...The next second, he's a lanky, large cat, whitish-gold with dark spots all over him.
Even with his animal features puzzlement is apparent. He looks as though this sorta thing is really new to him...and really, not something he expected to happen. He looks at the others with dark feline eyes and shrugs his head. Then he takes off after the others, loping easily, surprised at his new speed.

Angus 
Tuesday December 21st, 2004 9:34:06 AM
Angus gives a sigh and trots after the group and thinks to himself 'More physical exertion! Oh Well, My bath will have to wait'.

Angus calls out to Xenia. "Wait up Xenia! Slow down your friend and get so more information! We do not need to stumble into another trap."

Florin Jadenth  d20+3=8
Tuesday December 21st, 2004 1:46:44 PM
Florin shakes his head as he sees everyone making haste to cetch the boy and feeling that this situation is something not very good and sounding alot familiar he calls out to his horse Ajax, "Come Ajax, I need your speed since your faster then me." (Ride check:8 to get into the saddle and ride after his friends.)

Florin will waiting also calls to his friends a quick warning, "Beware everone, remember the Giggling Ghost."



Xenia - OoC 
Tuesday December 21st, 2004 1:49:26 PM
BTW, Seal Against Surprise Attack active for the duration of this module. Would you like me to list that in my posts?

Welcoming Committee (DM MikeK) 
Tuesday December 21st, 2004 8:45:50 PM
The Crimson Shields tear out after the panic stricken Federol.

He turns a couple corners, cuts down an alley, and emerges into a side street, where he skids to a halt and points a trembling finger.

The group finds themselves looking down a dead end lane. Several bodies lie in the street, apparently bludgeoned to death. Their battered and broken faces appear to cry out in horror at their fate. A ways down the 30' wide street, a group of figures surrounds something lying in the middle of the road. The shrill screams of the victim are barely heard over the incoherent roaring of the attackers.

One of the attackers turns, spots the group, and with a snarl, launches himself toward the party. The rest, just over a dozen men, quickly follow.

They appear to be regular, human males. Yep, regular, homicidal, unarmed, human males. They are 30' from the party, and closing en masse. The street is 30' wide, several hundred feet long, and clear of debris.

Federol gets behind the party, and hesitates, unsure whether to see what happens to his employer, or just run.

[I need Spot checks from everyone.]

Wynn Brightsong  d20+6=26 d20+3=4
Tuesday December 21st, 2004 9:43:11 PM
Wynn skids to a halt directly behind Xenia and surveys the destruction before him [Spot=26; nat 20]. His mind races to take in the scene and he immediately remembers the carnage in the Giggling Ghost. "Could these men be afflicted by the same disease as Fiddle and the others?"he thinks to himself.

The bard takes a defensive posture and will slash out at any of the men that press their attack. [Fighting defensively; Effective AC=21, Hit AC=4].

"Do we take them here, or in the alleyway?" he asks Xenia. Wynn will follow Xenia's lead.


Xenia (AC23 - HP 28/28)  d20+15=30 d20+7=16 d6=3
Wednesday December 22nd, 2004 1:33:53 AM
Xenia surveys the scene. Kinda what she expected. Kinda what she had been afraid of. (Spot 30) Her eyes narrow. This is serious stuff.

"Take 'em out in the open. Alley way is too restricted." she answers Wynn, "they're unarmed. We have the power advantage. We want to bring it to bear. We also need mobility if we want to keep them at bay."

"I say we form ranks, shoulder to shoulder, form a line at five feet intervals across the width of the street." She draws her short sword. "Angus, keep to the back of the line and magic them from back there. Florin and Syr in the center. If they can't break through, they can't flank or overwhelm us."

"Watch out for pools of that goo." She gives a last bit of warning, then advances up the left wall to strike at the nearest rabid maniac. (Hit AC18, Damage 3)

Note
Fighting Defensively +3 to AC/+2 plus 1 from five ranks in Tumbling.

Angus Mage Armor AC 14  d20+3=16
Wednesday December 22nd, 2004 9:26:57 AM
Angus skidds to a halt at the back of the group and says under his breath "Again, we ran into an ambush."

Angus stays to the back and casts mage armor on himself and watches to see how the group attempts to deal with the rabble. Angus will also see if he can discern any plant sickness in the attackers (spot 16). Angus will also check behind the group to make sure they do not get surrounded again. Angus calls out a warning "Be careful, in case they are diseased. Lets catch at least one for questioning."

Florin Jadenth 
Wednesday December 22nd, 2004 12:46:04 PM
Florin frowns on the back of Ajax as he watches the scene infront of him and looks to the others as he listens to comments made, "We should only inflict bodily harm, serious harm if left with no choice what so ever. We do not know if these people are attacking do to a disease or spell or something so no harming inless you have to."

Florin slides from Ajax's saddle and motions Ajax back, "Stay by Angus and protect him if needed Ajax, aim your hooves for the arms and such, not the head or chest."

Florin pulls his glaive from his backpack and looks it over as he falls into full defense, "I'll have to use the shaft of this weapon to defend myself, like a staff."

DM MikeK 
Wednesday December 22nd, 2004 8:52:20 PM
Will wait for a couple more...

Lang (AC 20; HP 46/46) & Sunshine (AC 16; HP 15/15)  d20+6=10 d20+7=22 d6+3=8 d20+7=24 d6+3=6
Wednesday December 22nd, 2004 10:46:22 PM
Lang positions Sunshine behind him and says "Defend".

Lang pulls out his shortswords and eyes the group of 12 or 15 unarmed and unarmored men coming towards them (spot 10). This is not good if these guys have no hesitation attacking.

Let's see if we can do this without killing too many of them.

Using the flat of his blades, Lang swings at the nearest opponent (AC 20 for 8 pts). If this guy falls, Lang will swing at another opponent. If not, he will swing again at the same guy (AC 22 for 6 pts).

OOC: Attack for non-lethal damage. Attacks should have been at +5 not +7 (+9 normal and -4 for non-lethal).

Tionel 
Thursday December 23rd, 2004 6:58:26 AM
The cheetah/Tionel has a sudden inspiration and before he can think about it finds himself abruptly changing once more! He shrinks to half size and finds himself a dark black color, with a brilliant white streak down his main body continuing throughout his long bushy tail. Perhaps what is most noticeable, to those who get too close, is the unmistakable smell that will peel away through any madness (or so Tionel hopes).
Before this group can get too gruesome, he moves forward and, making sure not to get Xenia or the others in it, ejects a spray of gruesome smell that can send even a grown man crying and helpless.
(I'm not sure about the rules about skunk smell...but I'm sure it's like a stinking cloud or something ;). I'll give it a try)

Trash Road combat - rd 1 (DM MikeK)  d20+2=7 d20+2=5 d20+2=22 d20+2=7 d20+2=11 d20+4=11 d20+7=23 d20+7=24 d20+7=20 d20+7=19 d20+7=9 d20+7=24 d8+3=9 d8+3=7 d8+3=6 d8+3=8 d8+3=9
Thursday December 23rd, 2004 9:26:18 AM
The Crimson Shields quickly fall into a line, and prepare for the onrushing horde of humanity.
Xenia, Wynn, and Angus -- Highlight to display spoiler: { All of the men have light green skin, and the "whites" of their eyes are dark green.}

As the company forms, a skunk ambles out in front of Xenia, turns its business end toward the attackers, and cuts loose.
Four of the opponents involuntarily stop, eyes watering, and gagging reflexively. But, just as quickly, they resume their attack.
[5, 6, 9, 14 are sickened]

Sunshine takes position behind Lang.

Angus looks behind him, and sees nothing but empty street. Turning back to the front, however, the sorcerer finds a large warhorse has planted itself between him and everybody else.

The men close on the party.
Wynn slashes at #5, but misses.
#6 races to Xenia, stomping over the skunk (Tionel) in the process.
Tionel -- 6 is attempting to overrun you. You may avoid, by sharing a square with Wynn or Xenia, or you may attempt to block.
If you block -- Highlight to display spoiler: { You have (take 10)-4(size)+1dex = 7 for your overrun check. He rolls 9, blasting you back under Xenia's feet. }
Xenia hits #6. The man seems to ignore the blow.
Lang pops #3. Like Xenia's opponent, he doesn't acknowledge the hit.

Syr, Florin, and Sunshine get AoO.

All men are AC 15.

#1 slams Florin with his arm. These guys are a lot stronger than they should be.
[hit ac 23 for 9 hp damage]

#2 strikes at Syr
[hit ac 24 for 7 hp damage]

#3 strikes at Lang.
[hit ac 20 for 6 hp damage]

#4 strikes at Lang.
[hit ac 19 for 8 hp damage]

#5 strikes at Wynn
[hit ac 7]

#6 strikes at Xenia.
[hit ac 22 for 9 hp damage]

Xenia (AC26 - HP 28/28) 
Thursday December 23rd, 2004 9:51:08 AM
"Only inflict bodily harm!!!" Xenia shouts over the melee. "Did you see the guys with their heads bashed in back there?! I say hit 'em with everything you got! That or we're dead!"

"These aren't normal guys! They're green. Lookit they're eyes!. Angus, hit 'em with something magic."

The rogue crouches as a greenie aims a punch at her and just barely manages to turn the blow aside with her blade.

"Federol," she cries out to the kid. "You see Barkal out there? He ok? Is he moving?"

Determined to hold them here, the dark rogue buckles down and concentrates on defense. At the same time she reaches behind her and pulls a flask from her haversack.

Notes
Total Defense +6 to AC (Extra 2 from 5 ranks in Tumble)
Flask of Alchemist Fire in hand - Move Action

[[ OoC: Do we get AoO for unarmed attacks against us? BTW, good call on the fighting defensively, Bob. And thanks, Mister Skunk. Probs, would have had me if he hadn't been sickened. ^_^ ]]

Wynn Brightsong [AC=19, (23 vs AoO Mobility); HP=35; Courage+1]  d20+7=15 d8+3=9
Thursday December 23rd, 2004 11:34:19 AM
Wynn echoes Xenia's sentiments and calls out to the group, "Be careful, they are diseased like those at the Giggling Ghost who destroyed themselves!' Wynn slashes with his longsword at the deranged man immediately before him [Hit AC=15 for 9 dmg], and prepares to dodge any blows the man may return [effective AC=20].

Sensing the worry in his own heart and remembering the carnage in the Giggling Ghost, the bard struggles through dry lips to enbolden his friends through song.

For battle prepared in the people's just cause,
Their loss to avenge and support all their laws;
As fierce as the tyger, as swift as the roe,
The Crimson Shields rush on their foe.

Though rebels unnumber'd oppose their career,
Their hearts are undaunted, they're strangers to fear;
No obstacles hinder, relentless they go,
And death and destruction attend every blow.

[Bardic Music to inspire courage, all allies get +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls and saves vs. charms and fear]


Angus Mage Armor AC 14  d4+1=4 d4+1=5 d4+1=2 d4+3=7
Thursday December 23rd, 2004 11:51:42 AM
Angus spots the greenish tint to the humans and calls out "Fun and games over. Pour it on!"

Angus lets three magic missles fly at the green maniac attacking Xenia (11 additional damage). Angus watches for the effect the missles have on the human and also keeps track of the surroundings (spot 7), but is distracted by the rush of humanity.

Angus calls to Federol "Stay behind me!"

Lang: AC 20 HP 40/46 and Sunshine: AC 16 HP 15/15  d20+9=14 d20+9=25 d6+3=6 d20+3=16 d6+3=4
Thursday December 23rd, 2004 1:38:19 PM
Lang is momentarily shocked by the blow from the human and he thinks to himself, This is the first time I have been hit since meeting my new friends, and it will be the last thing this human ever does. "You die for touching me you green skined gutter trash!"

Lang twists his short sword blades in his hands; no the points are out front. No more hitting with the flat of the blade. Lang tares of some of the humans cloths with his first stab (AC 14 not including a +4 if the human is a plant: favorite enemy). Lang's left hand sword stabs deep into the human (AC 25, for 6 damage).

Sunshine dashes forward barking and flashing teeth as he bites at the humans legs (AC 16 for 4 damage).

"Good boy!" Lang yells as Sunshine bites down, but he is worried about his friend as these humans may be contagious.......

Jim for Angus and Lang/Sunshine 
Thursday December 23rd, 2004 1:39:59 PM
OOC: Did not take the Bardic singing into effect if it effects everyone this round.

Florin Jadenth-AC:18-HP:52/43  d20+9=22 d10+6=7 d20+9=24 d10+6=12
Thursday December 23rd, 2004 6:13:23 PM
When Florin sees the man is still coming in at him even knows Florin is well armored and armed he sighs and quickly stabs at the man. (Can hit AC:22 Damage:7)

Florin frowns when the blow slams into him from the man and he looks at the man from the slits of his helmet as he hears his friends call out and Florin realizes the chances of not killing he is probably slim.

Florin calls out as he quickly stabs his glaive forward to hit the man attacking him, "So much for thinking we could end this without a real bad fight." (Can hit AC:24 Damage:12)

(MikeK: The first attack and damage was for the AoA Florin got, the second is his real attack.)

Tionel (Stats on skunk I dunno?, AC 16 in human form) 
Friday December 24th, 2004 1:11:35 PM
The skunk tries to keep out of the way of the many feet that are clattering out of it, barely avoiding a clomping boot stepping on his brilliant tale. When finally there is no more stepping around him for a brief second, he will let loose another venomous cloud if he can get six or more people again... if he can't, then he spends this entire round changing back into Tionel-form with great effort.

Syr (AC 18 HP 48/55)  d20+8=10 d20+8=10 d20+8=22 d8+6=11
Monday December 27th, 2004 4:24:45 AM
Seeing the crazed man coming towards him, he strikes to subdue the man and misses once when he steps close and then immediately thereafter. However, his last blow lands squarely on the jaw of number 2 (attack 10,10,22 damage 11).

Trash Road combat - rd2 (DM MikeK)  d20+7=9 d20+7=8 d20+7=26 d20+7=27 d20+7=15 d20+7=18 d20+7=8 d20+7=20 d8+4=6 d8+4=9 d8+4=7
Monday December 27th, 2004 10:50:06 AM
The Shields realize their attackers are more than mere ruffians, and the battle is joined in earnest.

Xenia weaves and dodges to avoid being hit. Federol's voice answers her from somewhere behind Angus. "I don't see him!"

Wynn belts out a song of courage as he cuts into #5. At least the man bleeds, but he's still coming.

Angus' magic bolts slam into #6. He screeches with pain, and resumes his attack.

Lang stabs #3. Sunshine bites into #4 eliciting a yelp of pain.

Florin's glaive impales #1 through the shoulder. Grimacing in agony, the fellow continues to attack.

Tionel looks around, but there just ain't no safe place for a skunk. He drops behind Xenia and resumes his human form.

Syr lays into #2. Like everyone else, the monk does enough damage to drop a normal man, but not enough to stop his opponent.

The men continue to attack. Those in the back mill around, looking for a place to join in. On the right side of the heroes' line, Lang finds himself hard pressed. The ranger avoids the blows, although his companion is not as fortunate.

#3 attacks Lang [hit ac 9}
#15 attacks Lang [hit ac 8]

#4 attacks Sunshine [hit ac 26 for 6 hp damage]

In the center, the warriors are hard pressed.
#2 attacks Syr [nat 20 crit threat, ac 15 - no crit - for 9 hp damage]

#1 attacks Florin [hit ac 18 for 7 hp damage]

On the left, the skunk has had an effect, as the men are not striking well.
#5 attacks Wynn [hit ac 6]

#6 attacks Xenia [hit ac 18]

[Men are ac 15.
They are not plants. No Favored enemy bonus for Lang.]


Angus mage Armor AC 14, HP 15  d20+3=18 d4+1=5 d4+1=3 d4+1=2
Monday December 27th, 2004 11:19:07 AM
Angus thinks to himself, two to one odds is not good, we should take them, but will take our lumps.

Angus scans the area (spot 18), looking for surprises, and does notice that everyone is at least holding their own. The yelp of pain catches Angus's ear and he sends three magic missles into the human that struck sunshine (10 damage, 13 if the bardic knowledge helps).

Lang AC 20 HP 40/46 and Sunshine AC 16 HP 9/16  d20+10=16 d20+10=14 d6+4=5 d20+3=9
Monday December 27th, 2004 11:36:07 AM
Lang twists and turns as he avoids blows from his two opponents and his horrified to see Sunshine get smashed as he yells "No!"

Lang redoubles his efforts to kill human #3. This time it is Lang's left sword that just cuts clothing and not the scum in front of him (AC 14), but the right cuts deep (AC 16 for 5 damage). "Die scum!" Lang yells as he deftly ducks a wild swing. "And you!" Lang points to human scum #4 briefly with his sword. "Touch my dog again and I will cut your hands off!"

Sunshine shrinks away from his attacker and then lunges for his throat (AC 9), but the memory of the smash makes his attack tentative.

OOC: I only took the bardic song assistance for Lang as I did not know if it will also help Sunshine, not that it would have made a difference this round anyway.

Xenia (AC23 - HP 28/28)  d20+4=22 d6=3
Monday December 27th, 2004 11:52:08 AM
"Ti'nel! Angus!" Xenia calls, "You got anything to tie these guys up for a while?"

Shortsword weaving in a net of complex parries, the dark rogue lofts the alchemist's fire over the heads of the front row of attackers, aiming at a green guy in their center. Foosh! It goes up, splashing fire all around. Still not as good as she thought it was going to be. She dips into her haversack again, and removes a flask of oil.

"How we doing over there!" Xenia calls over to the other end of the line.

Rolls
Throw Splash Weapon Hit #9 AC22 Fire Damage 3
Splash Damage 8,1,13,5,14,6 Take 1hp Fire Damage

Notes
Fighting Defensively -4 to Hit +3 to AC
Flask of Oil in hand, Move Action
#9 still burning Next Round unless Extinguishes.

Xenia Addendum 
Monday December 27th, 2004 11:55:00 AM
Right, Bardsong. That should be:

Rolls
Throw Splash Weapon Hit #9 AC23 Fire Damage 4
Splash Damage 8,1,13,5,14,6 Take 2hp Fire Damage

Also Dodge vs #6 bringing AC to 24 vs #6.

OoC: BTW, what's the Touch AC for these guys?

Syr  d20+8=15 d20+8=10 d8+6=10
Monday December 27th, 2004 12:20:40 PM
"I'm giving as good as I'm getting. I think this one is almost done. Who needs over there?" (attack 15,10, damage 10 more to #2)
As the monk lands a kick to the midsection of his opponent, "I wasn't there last time but these guys aren't gonna explode are they?"

Wynn Brightsong [AC=19, (23 vs AoO Mobility); HP=35; Courage+1]  d20+8=25 d8+4=7
Monday December 27th, 2004 4:28:08 PM
Wynn neatly sidesteps the clumsy swing of the enraged human attacking him and slices across the man's exposed side, the blade of his sword making a quiet hissing sound as it parts the flesh. [Hit #5 AC=25 for 7 HP; Dodge vs #5 effective AC=20]

Through the general din of the battle he recognizes the voices of his companions and the yelp of a wounded dog. He continues his singing to bolster the spirits of his friends, fairly belting out the words of the new verses...

'Cross the deep-gullied vale, up the mountain's steep side,
Through the rough foaming river's impetuous tide,
O'er the fortified redoubt, close wedged in array,
Regardless of safety they follow their prey.

The alarm of the drum and the giant's loud roar,
The dragon's hot breath but inflames them the more.
No dangers dismay, for they fear no control,
But glory and hope inspires every soul.



Florin Jadenth-AC:18-HP:52/36  d20+9=11
Monday December 27th, 2004 7:21:27 PM
Florin winces as the blows fall on him again and he shakes his head as he presses his attack against the man, "Everyone keep a eye on your wounds. We don't want no one dropping." Florin frowns as his attack misses his enemy and he looks back and calls to Ajax, "Ajax, get in and help Sunshine if you can. Stomp the man with all you got buddy."

Florin gives a quick glance and nod to Lang since the man should know how Florin feels when he says his next peace, "Watch over him Lang."

Tionel (AC 16, hp 44/44)  d3=3 d20+5=17 d20+5=25 d20+5=8 d20+5=9 d6=3 d6=4
Tuesday December 28th, 2004 1:31:01 AM
"I'm afraid I don't know whether much will be useful here," Tionel mumbles as he begins pulling on some mistletoe and ginger root. "But these'll keep them busy!" He waves his hands and tosses as far as he can over the heads of the enemies...and poof! Three tiny clumps of dirt start to animate themselves and advance on the rear of the enemy. Each animated clump moves forward and attacks...
(Let the gamemaster decide who they attack, I cast the spell as far forward as I could, ie, about 40 feet in front, tryingto get behind the enemy or in their ranks.)
(E1 hits AC 17 for 7 damage (+1 if the enemy is touching the ground), E2 hits (not critical) for 8 damage (+1 if enemy is touching ground), E3 misses. Note; the elementals get +1 to attack and damage if the enemy is touching the ground as well.)
(Each elemental has AC 17, hp 11.)

Trash Road combat - rd 3 (DM MikeK)  d20+10=24 d6+4=5 d20+7=14 d20+7=12 d20+7=12 d20+7=12 d20+7=11 d20+7=10 d20+7=14 d20+7=13 d20+7=17 d20+7=20 d20+7=21 d8+4=10 d8+4=10 d8+4=5
Tuesday December 28th, 2004 11:02:06 AM
Angus doesn't see anything sneaking up on the group. He lets three MAGIC MISSILES fly at #4, getting a screech of pain from the man for his efforts.
[Bardic inspire doesn't add to the spell]

Lang continues to fight #3, getting a good slice in. The ranger bellows a warning to #4, who ignores him.

Sunshine misses #4.

Xenia pastes #9 with a burning flask, and splashes several of his comrades. The man screeches in pain and agony, but makes no attempt whatsoever to extinguish the flames.
[Touch AC 10]

Syr slams a foot into #2. He's still up.

Wynn's sword lashes into #5, while he continues his inspirational song.

Florin misses #1, concentrating more on Sunshine and Ajax that on the man in front of him.
Ajax seems to get the gist of Florin's comment. The warhorse lets loose a challenging whinney, reaches Sunshine in two strides, and flings a hoof out at #4. It connects with a thump.
[hit ac 24 for 5 hp damage]
Sunshine, being a fairly intelligent puppy, backs up so the huge, armored equine doesn't stomp him.

Tionel calls out, and three small lumps of earth appear to attack the rear of the mob.
E1 hits #13
E2 hits #12
E3 misses #11
[Everybody is touching the ground]

The men continue to attack.

#1 attacks Florin [atk ac 14]

#2 attacks Syr [atk ac 12]

#3 attacks Lang [atk ac 12]
#15 attacks Lang [atk ac 11]

#4 attacks Ajax [atk ac 10]

#5 attacks Wynn [atk ac 14]

#6 attacks Xenia [atk ac 13]

#11 attacks E3 [hit ac 17 for 10 hp damage]

#12 attacks E2 [hit ac 20 for 10 hp damage]

#13 attacks E1 [hit ac 21 for 5 hp damage]


Angus Mage Armor AC 14 15 HP  d4+1=4 d4+1=5 d4+1=2 d20+3=8
Tuesday December 28th, 2004 11:16:11 AM
Angus is please to see the elemental arrive. "Nice Job Tionel, the odds are improving!" Angus is feeling the strain of battle as a bead of sweat slides down his face. All of the shifting from one foot to the other is taking its toll.

Angus launches three magic missiles at the crude human fighting Xenia "Ladies first!" Angus exclaims as the missiles do 11 more damage.

Angus keeps his vigil on the group (spot 8), but is clearly distracted as Sunshine and Ajax change places. "Sunshine, come hear boy." Angus calls gently.

Spell Slots used:

0 Level 0 of 6
1 Level 4 of 8
2 level 0 of 5

Lang AC 20 HP 40/46 & Sunshine AC 16 HP 9/15  d20+10=21 d20+10=29 d20+10=20 d6+4=6 d6+4=7 d6+4=6
Tuesday December 28th, 2004 11:23:36 AM
While executing a parry and spin move, Lang yells to Florin and Ajax "Thanks Florin! Stomp him Ajax!"

Lang concentrates on human #3 with both attacks (AC 21 left hand and AC 29 right hand crit threat AC 20 for 6 dam. LH and 13 dam. RH). Lang looks the human in the eye as his sword enter his body and yells " Will you just die already, your friend is waiting!" Lang's bloodlust is up since Sunshine and to a lesser degee himself were struck.

Xenia (AC23 - HP 28/28)  d20+4=24 d20+4=17 d6=3 d6=3 d6=3
Tuesday December 28th, 2004 11:47:08 AM
"We're doing ok here, Syr," Xenia shouts back. She has just enough time for a quick grin at Wynn by her side. His beautiful song tugs at the strings of her heart filling her with the will to win through this.

With the side of her hand, she tags a seal on the side of her leg.

"Dunno if this is gonna work, but maybe help coming your way." The party's weapons glow with holy light. (All party weapons are Holy for one round).

Then, in a defensive stance, she lofts a flask of oil at the burning Greenie striking him directly between the eyes.

"Sound off if you're getting in trouble," Xenia shouts down the line. "I got a trick that will maybe work."

Rolls
Throw Splash Weapon Hit #9 AC24 (Crit Threat, AC17 Critical)
2nd round Damage Previous Alchemist's Fire 3 +1 Inspire Courage
Oil Fire Damage 3 + 3 Crit +2 Inspire Courage
Total Fire Damage this round 12hp

Splash Damage 8,1,13,5,14,6 Take 2hp Fire Damage Each

Active Effects
Inspire Courage +1 to Hit and Damage +1 vs Fear

Notes
Fighting Defensively -4 to Hit +3 to AC
Activate Seal, Free Action
-Seal of Holy Presence. *
This seal makes all the weapons of the party Holy Weapons for a period of 1 round. Holy weapons bypass many evil creature's damage reduction
Flask of Oil in hand, Move Action
#9 still burning Next Round unless Extinguishes.
Dodge vs #6 bringing AC to 24 vs #6.

Lang & Sunshine (Illegal second Post) 
Tuesday December 28th, 2004 12:51:07 PM
Not looking behind him as he fights, Lang calls out to his trusty four foot friend. "Stay behind me boy, let Ajax take that one."

Sunshine barks in return, showing as much teeth as possible.

Wynn Brightsong [AC=19, (23 vs AoO Mobility); HP=35; Courage+1]  d20+8=19 d8+4=5 2d6(4+6)=10
Tuesday December 28th, 2004 4:18:54 PM
Wynn continues his attack on #5 [Hit AC=19 for 5 HP (15 HP if the man is evil). The bard can't help but wonder about the considerable fortitude exhibited by these crazed humans, and prepares to dodge #5 again if necessary[effective AC = 20]

Regardless of his concerns, Wynn continues with his song,

"Whenever the foe stands arranged in their sight,
With ardour impatient they pant for the fight.
Rout, havock, confusion - they spread through the field,
And hope springs eternal behind the red shield."


Florin Jadenth-AC:18-HP:52/36  d20+9=24 d10+6=16
Tuesday December 28th, 2004 8:22:35 PM
Florin growls and presses his attack on the man who is still trying to beat him to death. He is happy though when this time his glaive finds a firm hit on the man and leaves a nasty wound.

(Can hit AC:24 Damage:16)

(OOC:MikeK, hope you don't mind taking care of Ajax's attacks.)

Syr (AC 18, hp 42/57?)  d20+8=18 d20+8=11 d8+6=7
Wednesday December 29th, 2004 1:41:04 AM
Syr grunts in disbelief as his attacker is still standing. "What does it take to put these things down???" He misses half the time again as he lands a right hook to the jaw of his assailant (attack 18, 11 damage 7) Feeling good he wonders if it would help if he sang like Wynn but then quickly remembers his poorly tuned voice and fights on in silence.

Tionel (AC 16, hp 44/44)  d20+5=12 d20+5=8 d20+5=12
Wednesday December 29th, 2004 2:10:39 AM
Tionel casts cure minor wound and will move forward to touch any man who falls to the ground beyond unconsciousness, but is still not dead. Because he hopes that these people can be brought back from their disease.

Meanwhile, his elementals beat up some more guys...
(E1 hits AC 13, E2 hits AC 9, E3 hits AC 13, did d6+5 if they hit.)

Trash Road combat - rd4 (DM MikeK)  d20+10=13 d20+10=18 d6+4=8 d20+5=7 d20+7=24 d20+7=12 d20+7=22 d20+7=8 d20+7=26 d20+7=14 d20+7=16 d20+7=15 d20+7=20 d20+7=24 d8+4=9 d8+4=11 d8+4=9 d8+4=5 d8+4=9
Wednesday December 29th, 2004 10:30:46 AM
Angus fires more missiles into #6. He's hurt badly now. But, he ain't down.

Lang rips into #3. He is also bleeding badly. He is also still fighting.
The ranger cautions Sunshine, without need. The German Shepherd has no intention of getting underneath Ajax. He contents himself with barking ferociously at the attackers.

Xenia activates a seal, making everyone's weapons Holy. This has no effect on the men attacking them. She sends another burning vial into #9. He screams horribly. The burning oil splashes around his companions, eliciting similar shrieks of pain.

Wynn inflicts another wound on #5. He keeps coming.
[Not evil]

Florin rips a gaping hole in #1. The man is barely upright, but continues to attack.

Ajax rears up and kicks out at #4. One hoof connects with a solid thump.
[hit ac 13, 18 for 8 hp damage]
The horse follows with a bite attempt that misses.
[attack ac 7]

Syr keeps swinging, landing another solid blow on #2. He's still not down.

Tionel looks to heal an unconscious attacker, but there aren't any of them down yet. Additionally, the druid realizes he's going to have a heck of a time getting in there when/if one does go down.
E1 misses #13
E2 misses #12
E3 misses #11
[Everybody is touching the ground]

The men continue to attack.

#1 attacks Florin [hit ac24 for 9 hp damage]

#2 attacks Syr [hit ac12]

#3 attacks Lang [hit ac 22 for 11 hp damage]
#15 attacks Lang [hit ac8]

#4 attacks Ajax [hit ac26 for 9 hp damage]

#5 attacks Wynn [hit ac12]

#6 attacks Xenia [hit ac14]

#11 attacks E3 [hit ac15]

#12 attacks E2 [hit ac20 for 5 hp damage]. The elemental collapses into a pile of dirt.

#13 attacks E1 [hit ac24 for 9 hp damage]. The elemental collapses into a pile of dirt.

[With the exception of the disappearance of the two elementals, the map is the same as last round, so I'm not resending it]


Xenia (AC23 - HP 28/28)  d20+11=27 d6=4 d6=3
Wednesday December 29th, 2004 11:16:33 AM
Two of Tionel's mud guys go down and all of the Greenies are still standing.

Not good.

Xenia tags another one of the Seals on her outer thigh. Awareness floods her body. She lofts another oil up and over at the same Green Guy. With her new clarity of insight it's easy to sink another flask on top of his head.

"Ti'nel! Can you help our guys hold the line?" she shouts to the druid somewhere behind her. "Give 'em healing maybe. Or extra protection?"

Another flask of oil slips into her hand. Good thing she bought ten of them.

Rolls
Throw Splash Weapon Hit #9 AC
2nd round Damage Previous Flask of Oil Fire 4 +1 Inspire Courage
Oil Fire Damage 3 +1 Inspire Courage
Total Fire Damage this round 9hp

Splash Damage 8,1,13,5,14,6 Take 2hp Fire Damage Each

Active Effects
Inspire Courage +1 to Hit and Damage +1 vs Fear
Insight This round +6

Notes
Fighting Defensively -4 to Hit +3 to AC
Activate Seal, Free Action
-Beautiful Dreamer Seal:
Gain a +6 insight bonus on any one action, then get a +4 insight on your next action, and a +2 insight bonus on your very next action afterwards.

Flask of Oil in hand, Move Action
#9 still burning Next Round unless Extinguishes.
Dodge vs #6 bringing AC to 24 vs #6

Angus Mage Armor AC 14 HP 15  d4+1=3 d4+1=5 d4+1=5
Wednesday December 29th, 2004 11:49:23 AM
Angus is getting concerned that he may run out of spells before the battle is complete or worse his friends in front of him go down and let the nasties through.

Since Angus see that the green human attacking Xenia is hurt he will only pump two magic missiles into it and send one at a neighbor (If possible, if not all three slam into #6 for 8 and 5 dam. or just 13 dam.).

Angus echos Xenia's thoughts "Tionel, worry about keeping your friends standing and not the green zombies! Can you summon more elemental for a flank attack...Now is a real good time!" Angus is sounding frantic as he watches blows rain down on his friends.

Angus 
Wednesday December 29th, 2004 11:50:48 AM
Spell Slots used:

0 Level: 0 of 6
1 Level: 5 of 8
2 Level: 0 of 5

Sunshine AC 16 HP 9/16 
Wednesday December 29th, 2004 11:52:10 AM
BARK!!!BARK!!WOOF!BARK!WOOF!SNARL!!!BARK!

Lang AC 20 HP 29/46  d20+6=7 d20+10=26 d6+4=6 d6+10=13
Wednesday December 29th, 2004 12:01:41 PM
Lang realizes too late that he should have bobbed instead of weaving and recieves a solid smash for his mistake. Lang is starting to worry that his blows may not be as effective (4 strikes for 30 dam. on #3) and attempt to inspect his wounds (spot 7, nat. 1), but is too busy shucking and jiving too get a good look.

Lang swings at human #3 with his right hand (AC 26 for 6 dam.)and looks to see if the human goes down. If #3 falls out of the fight, Langs left hand will stab #15 (AC 13, but misses as he sidesteps #3 falling (hopefully!!!)

OOC:What is the touch AC of the green humans????

Al in Answer 
Wednesday December 29th, 2004 12:07:40 PM
Touch AC is 10.

Florin Jadenth-AC:18-HP:52/27 (Sub/Al)  d20+9=27 d10+6=15
Wednesday December 29th, 2004 12:37:25 PM
Florin fights on. His current opponent on his last legs, the paladin leaves him to the flames splashing from Xenia's oil. Instead, Florin's glaive drives over the green man's head, and the blade catches the green man behind tearing into his neck. (To Hit #8 AC27, Damage 15)

Florin gives a grim smile. "Tionel," he calls behind him, "loathe as I am to admit it, I've taken some bad hits. I could use a boost here."

Wynn Brightsong [AC=19, (23 vs AoO Mobility); HP=35; Courage+1]  d20+8=25 d8+4=11 d20+6=13
Wednesday December 29th, 2004 5:26:55 PM
Wynn again dodges an attack from his adversary and again feels his sword slash into the flesh of the man in front of him [Hit AC=25 for 11 HP]. Unsure of just how these diseased men can stand so much punishment, the bard tries to see if their wounds remain open or if in their diseased state they appear to be healing themselves.[Spot=13]

Wynn continues his singing, although his voice cracks periodically from the exterion of the battle.

[OOC Wynn dodges #5 if the man still stands, otherwise he will dodge whoever steps up into the vacated space - effective AC=20]

Tionel (AC 16, hp 42/42)  d8=6
Thursday December 30th, 2004 3:48:22 AM
Tionel looks to and fro, but none of the enemy is falling yet. He needs to aid his friends as they say...heal Florin, he decides, would be the best course of action. He murmurs a spell and pats his friend on the back, boosting him back up.
(I assume Florin's hit points isn't 52/27, but 5/27, or something like that... doesn't make much sense his post otherwise. Tionel's cure light wounds heals 11 hp to him)

DM Note - Florin posts backwards. Read it as 27 left of 52.

Syr (AC 18, hp 42/57)  d20+8=16 d20+8=19 d8+6=14 d8+6=10
Thursday December 30th, 2004 9:03:42 AM
Finally landing two blows on the tough skinned human, Syr's hopes momentarily rise that he will drop (attack 16,19 damage 14,10). He thinks to himself that if this doesn't do it, he and his companions should probably flee and summon the guard as these things are too tough.

Trash Road combat - rd5 (DM MikeK)  d20+10=25 d20+10=25 d20+5=11 d6+4=10 d6+4=9 d20+5=21 d6+4=5 d20+7=26 d20+7=27 d20+7=24 d20+7=12 d20+7=11 d20+7=22 d20+7=12 d20+7=8 d20+7=22 d8+4=12 d8+4=11 d8+4=5 d8+4=5 d3=1 d8+4=9
Thursday December 30th, 2004 9:54:07 AM
Xenia sends another vial flying through the air, adding to the pain of the already torchlike #9. Burning oil again splashes about.

Angus sends two missiles at #6, and the man falls! Another missile slams into #5. He's still coming, but the sorcerer has shown the enemy will go down.

Lang hits #3 again. His foe's wounds looks terrible, but he is still coming. The ranger's follow up blow is wide.

Florin's glaive slides past #1 and catches #8 in the shoulder. It's a very nice hit.

Wynn inflicts a wicked slash across the abdomen of #5. The bard is pleased to note the man's wounds are not closing. His opponent has just been operating well beyond the pain threshold that would fell most men. The operative word being "has been". Wynn's latest blow is too much for the man to fight through, and he collapses to the ground.

Tionel moves behind Florin, and administers a curing spell.

Syr, getting frustrated, lashes out at #2. His first blow causes the man's eyes to glass over. His second snaps the man's neck. He drops to the ground, lifeless.

Ajax rears up and kicks out again at #4. The warhorse's two hooves slam into the man's head, dropping him to the ground.
[hit ac 25, 25 for 19 hp damage]

E3 slams #11
[hit ac 21 for 5 hp damage]

The men continue to attack. The second rank merely steps on their fallen foes to get at the Shields:

#1 attacks Florin [hit ac 26 for 12 hp damage]

#7 steps forward and slams into Syr [nat 20, hit ac 24 (critical) for 16 hp damage]

#3 attacks Lang [hit ac12]

#15 slides up to attack Ajax [hit ac11]

A flaming, screeching #9 moves up and hits Wynn with his flaming arm. [hit ac20 for 5 hp damage + 1 hp fire damage]

#14 steps up and attacks Xenia [hit ac10]

#11 attacks E3 [nat 1]

#10 turns and also attacks E3 [hit ac 22 for 9 hp damage]. E3 collapses back into the earth.



Wynn Brightsong [AC=19, (23 vs AoO Mobility); HP=29/35; Courage+1]  d20+8=25 d8+4=6
Thursday December 30th, 2004 10:56:27 AM
Wynn shudders as the flaming green human strikes his shoulder, but instinctively he stabs forward with his sword and feels it penetrate the man's torso [Hit AC=25 for 6 HP].

If any of Wynn's clothing is set alight he will start to extinguish it with his free hand, and hope that #9 succumbs to the flames and it's wounds before it can strike again.

Angus Mage Armor AC 14 15 HP  d20+2=12 d6=3 d6=4 d6=2 d6=2 d20+3=9
Thursday December 30th, 2004 10:58:36 AM
Angus is relieved to see 3 green guys drop and decides to try something new. Angus points his finger at green guy #14 and a searing ray of flame streaks toward him (scorching ray ranged touch attack: 11 damage, could have been much better).

Angus calls encouragement to Xenia "Just trying to keep them off you so you can keep tossing fireballs! Go Girl! Remember to duck often!"

Angus will see if he can notice if fire has more effect on the green guys than blades or force (spot 9).

Spell Slots used:

0 level: 0 of 6
1 level: 5 of 8
2 level: 1 of 5

Sunshine AC 16 HP 9/15 
Thursday December 30th, 2004 10:59:45 AM
Sunshine lets out a long and low GROOOOOWL!

Lang AC 20 Hp 29/46  d20+10=28 d6+4=6 d20+12=32 d20+12=20 d6+4=8 d6+4=10
Thursday December 30th, 2004 11:07:01 AM
Lang is warding off blows from green guy # 3 and he call out to Tionel "Nice job on Florin, how bout me?" Lang redoubles his attack on #3 and lashes out with his LH (AC 28 for 6 dam. making 36 total). If Lang drops human #3 with his LH he will flank #15 to help Ajax with the RH (AC 32 critical threat AC 20 for 18 damage) if not he hits # 3 again.

Lang is a whirling dervish with his blades and feels that lease green guys must have something to do with the plants as he does not like them very much, especially #3 that has hit him twice.

Xenia (AC23 - HP 28/28)  d20+9=24 d6=2 d6=3
Thursday December 30th, 2004 11:12:12 AM
"WYNN!" Xenia shouts as the bard is struck by the flaming Greenie. In a fit of reflexive anger she lashes out at the burning green guy with her sword. (Hit AC24, Damage 3hp - 2nd round fire damage 4hp) Wynn's song inspires her strike and she finds a way to cut a little deeper.

"Back out for the alley," Xenia shouts. "Five feet at a time!"

"Florin has a reach weapon and so do I. We can attack in two ranks. They can't." Xenia growls under her breath as she defends herself against the green guy in front of her. "We can keep two defenders up front and replace them in cycles for healing and rest. We can even lob things up and over into their ranks. I've got more oil."

She tags another seal on her leg.

"READY?" she cries. "Everyone step back." And Xenia moves five feet backwards.

Rolls
Shortsword to hit AC 24, Damage 2 + 1 Inspire Courage
2nd round Damage Previous Flask of Oil Fire 3 +1 Inspire Courage
Total Damage this round 7hp

Active Effects
Inspire Courage +1 to Hit and Damage +1 vs Fear
Insight This round +4 (2nd Round -Beautiful Dreamer Seal:
Gain a +6 insight bonus on any one action, then get a +4 insight on your next action, and a +2 insight bonus on your very next action afterwards.
Triple Blessing of Wardd Seal

Notes
Fighting Defensively -4 to Hit +3 to AC
#9 fire goes out this round.
Dodge vs #14 bringing AC to 24 vs #14

-Triple Blessing of Wardd Seal *
Once activated, it adds 3 to your next save assuming that a save is needed during the next 10 minutes. If it is not used in that time duration, then the seal's power is lost

Florin Jadenth-AC:18-HP:26/52  d20+9=24 d10+6=15
Thursday December 30th, 2004 11:48:22 AM
(OOC:Changed my hit points around so maybe it will help out.)

Florin winces as the next blow to fall on him sends a rush of pain through him and he does what Xenia says and begins to fall back some also, "This isn't looking good guys and girls. They can do alot of damage and soak it up also."

Florin feels pain rushing through his body as he falls back, not the first time in his life for that but this is the first time he feels like he is being beaten down so bad.

Florin hopes to fall back abit and then stab at the man attacking him, trying to use the distance of his glaive for aid. (Can hit AC:24 Damage:15) As Florin tries to attack (not sure if he can fall back alittle distance and then attack or not) he ponders telling someone to use Ajax and rush for help, like the city guard or something but then that might not be a good idea since the group may need all the help it can get instead he just calls back, "If this starts going really bad guys someone might want to use Ajax and get help, the city guard or something."

Florin thinks of the bottles of oil in his backpack and nods abit to himself mumbling, "Can always get everyone out of the ally and I can hold some of them off with more fire. I can throw a good distance and they will burn abit before reaching me." Florin also thinks of his wounds though as so many things run through his mind, mainly the safty of the group and not letting these men get out or they might beabel to infect other people and poor Jella's face flashes in his mind when he thinks that.

Syr (AC 18, hp 26/57?)  d20+10=30 d20+10=16 d20+10=28 d8+8=16 d8+8=16 d8+8=13
Friday December 31st, 2004 3:31:26 AM
Syr gasps in pain as his foe finds a soft spot. "Guys, this attacking individually isn't working. Everyone team up and take these things down one at a time. Head to head they will beat us! C'mon, fight together."

He will first turn to fight the one attacking Florin. Landing a ferocious kick followed by a punch. If that one falls then he will attack #7 instead. (Attack crit, confirm, and 28. Damage 14,14,11 Sorry, It is +6 damage not +8) After landing his blows, he moves back with the rest of the group.

Tionel  d3=3
Friday December 31st, 2004 9:08:04 AM
Tionel sighs...time to bring in some bears or something again, he thinks to himself.
A moment later, a sprig of mistletoe, and three big dark furry guys pop into existence and roar, moving in to flank the enemy.
(Bear's stats:

Hit Dice: 3d8+6 (19 hp)
Initiative: +1
Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class: 13 (+1 Dex, +2 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 12
Base Attack/Grapple: +2/+6
Attack: Claw +6 melee (1d4+4)
Full Attack: 2 claws +6 melee (1d4+4) and bite +1 melee (1d6+2)
)
(I'll let dm attack/decide how theyog...my brain is totally gone)

Trash Road combat - rd6 (DM MikeK)  d100=1 d100=78 d100=18 d20+6=26 d20+6=11 d4+4=8 d20+10=17 d20+10=29 d6+4=6 d6+4=5 d20+5=9 d20+7=20 d20+7=20 d20+7=18 d20+7=23 d20+7=8 d20+7=10 d20+7=26 d20+7=21 d20+7=18 d8+4=12 d8+4=8 d8+4=10 d8+4=11 d8+4=9 d8+4=7
Sunday January 2nd, 2005 9:09:16 PM
Wynn ducks the fiery attack of #9 and strikes back quickly. His opponent is starting to wobble, but still has some fight left.

Angus sends a ray of fire into #14. The sorcerer can't see much of a difference in their reactions to blades and flame.

Lang slams his blade into #3, and feels the man sliding away from his blade. Instinctively, he whirls and slams his other blade into #15.
[Lang and Ajax are not in flanking positions. Didn't matter here, though]

Xenia goes to the aid of her bard. Her blade stroke and the fire have turned #9 into a mess, but he is still attacking.
The rogue calls out for everyone to back up, and follows her own advice.

Florin looks to fall back. But with both Tionel and Sunshine back there, the only real way back cuts off Wynn. The paladin stays where he is and runs #1 through. The man limply slides off his glaive.

Syr looks to help Florin, but sees the paladin has already taken care of him. The monk turns back to #7 and just beats the stuffing out of him. In the span of 6 seconds, Syr turns his opponent's condition from uninjured to barely mobile. But he's still attacking.
Following Xenia's call, the monk steps back, with Sunshine nimbly stepping out of the way.

Tionel brings in some more help. Only one of the men attacking them is without injury, and the druid decides to amend that problem. A large bear appears behind #10, and swipes a large paw at him.
[crit threat, ac11 (no crit) for 8 hp damage]

Ajax rears up on #15
[hit ac 17, 29 for 11 hp damage.]
And then tries to bite him.
[atk ac 9]

The men continue to attack.

#8 steps forward and attacks Florin [hit ac20 for 12hp damage]

#7 pursues Syr [hit ac20 for 8hp damage]

#15 attacks Lang [hit ac18]

#9 attacks Wynn [hit ac23 for 10hp damage]

#14 steps forward and attacks Xenia [nat 1]

#13 steps into the opening to attack Wynn [hit ac10]

#10 attacks the bear [hit ac26 for 11hp damage]
#11 attacks the bear [hit ac21 for 9hp damage]
#12 attacks the bear [hit ac18 for 7hp damage]

The bear drops and disappears.


Xenia (AC23 - HP 28/28)  d20+7=21 d6=5
Sunday January 2nd, 2005 9:34:19 PM
"Good idea, Syr!" Xenia shouts.

"Get ready to pull out." She steals a precious moment from defense to glance down the line. Everyone's hurt except her; some pretty bad.

"Angus, you and Ti'nel get into the alley now. Take Federol and the animals with you. Before you go, see if you can figure out the Spell that makes these guys stand up to our weapons so good. May not be much use now, but maybe later. And I'm sure the guard will be interested too."

"This time, Wynn, Florin, Lang five feet back. Syr and I will hold where we are. Hold 'em so the others can get into place. Fight defensively if you have to. We can do all the damage we need once we're in the alley."

"Next time, we move. Just withdraw. We'll take up position five feet into the alley. Me and Wynn will hold the front, fighting defensively. Florin, behind me or Wynn. Attack over our heads with your pole thingee. Lang, see if you can pop off some of the ones in the back with your bow. Syr, get healed and be ready to replace Wynn."

The dark rogue finds an opening and stabs at the greenie in front of her.

"I've got healing potions in my haversack. Three of the small ones and two of the medium ones. Take 'em if you need. I've got a sling if you can use it. Two more alchemist fires and eight flasks of oil."

"Hold 'em for just a bit, guys! Then we move!"

"And, hey, somebody still have that pearl thing?"

Rolls
Shortsword to hit #14 AC 21, Damage 6 = 5 + 1 Inspire Courage

Active Effects
Inspire Courage +1 to Hit and Damage +1 vs Fear
Insight This round +2 (2nd Round -Beautiful Dreamer Seal:
Gain a +6 insight bonus on any one action, then get a +4 insight on your next action, and a +2 insight bonus on your very next action afterwards.
Triple Blessing of Wardd Seal (Activated Turn 5)

Notes
Fighting Defensively -4 to Hit +3 to AC
Dodge vs #14 bringing AC to 24 vs #14

-Triple Blessing of Wardd Seal *
Once activated, it adds 3 to your next save assuming that a save is needed during the next 10 minutes. If it is not used in that time duration, then the seal's power is lost

Wynn Brightsong [AC=19, (23 vs AoO Mobility); HP=19/35; Courage+1]  d20+8=19 d8+4=11
Sunday January 2nd, 2005 10:38:22 PM
Wynn manages to extinguish the flame on his upper arm only to have a blow takes him solidly in the ribs. He can hear the bones crack under the force of the man's fist and the air being driven from his lungs. Doubled over, the bard manages to avoid the flailing arms of another of the diseased men before bringing his longsword up in a violent, desperate slash, directly into the chest and shoulder of #9. The attack takes all Wynn's strength and he roars in defiance as the blade strikes home [Hit AC=19 for 11 HP].

His breath comes in ragged heaving gasps, but above the din and through the pain he hears Xenia marshalling the Shields into order. Wynn takes a 5 foot step backwards to fall into line and prepares to dodge the first opponent that steps into the space he just vacated [Effective AC=20].

[OOC 4 of 5 round of inspire courage remain]

Angus Mage ARmor AC 14 15 HP  d4+1=4 d4+1=5 d4+1=4 d20+4=12
Monday January 3rd, 2005 9:16:32 AM
Angus fires off three more magic missles, two into #9 and one into #7 if they are close enough, if #7 is not close enough the closest green guy (9 and 4 damage).

As everyone starts to back up 5 feet, Angus will back up 10 feet and attempt to call Sunshine with him. "Here boy! Here Sunshine! Heel!" (Handle animal untrained 12).

Angus frantically calls to Tionel. "Tionel get Ajax, he is too big for me, and try to cure someone, no not just someone but one of our group!"

Lang AC 20 HP 29/46  d20+10=27 d20+10=15 d6+4=6 d6+4=7 d20+10=29
Monday January 3rd, 2005 9:29:33 AM
Lang will press his attack on #15 as he takes a 5 foot step back. Lang will also try to encourage Ajax to back up as it may take some time. "I got him Ajax, go back with Tionel and Angus." Without looking back Lang will add "You too Sunshine, go with Angus!"

Attack:

RH AC 27 dam. 6
LH AC 15 dam. 7

Handle Animal for Ajax and Sunshine 29: Very convincing!!!!

Angus Supplimental 
Monday January 3rd, 2005 9:31:09 AM
Spell Slots used:

0 level: 0 of 6
1 level: 6 of 8
2 level: 1 of 5

Florin Jadenth-AC:18-HP:14/52 
Monday January 3rd, 2005 7:19:22 PM
Florin hurting badly quickly falls back like was commented on and falls behind Wynn where he quickly speaks to the man, "Hold still alittle please."

Florin will use his lay on hands to heal Wynn of 12 hit points of damage. (Think thats all of his lay on hands healing.) Florin also calls back at everyone, "Guys, I'm barely hanging on here, others need help also I believe."

Syr (AC 22 HP 18/57)  d20+3=11 d20+3=14
Monday January 3rd, 2005 7:25:41 PM
Syr staggers under the blow and turns or a second. He bgeins to fight very defensively (both misses).

Tionel  d4+1=5 d4+3=7 d4+3=7 d4+3=5 d4+3=5 d20+3=17 d20+3=6 d20+3=12 d20+3=13 d20+3=8 d6=6 d6=6
Tuesday January 4th, 2005 12:43:13 AM
Tionel sacrifices his other most powerful spell to bring into being five snarling behind the enemies once more. That should make them take a long time.
Each of the wolves moves forward, teeth bared, and engages the enemy...
(Five wolves: Each
Hit Dice: 2d8+4 (13 hp)
Initiative: +2
Speed: 50 ft. (10 squares)
Armor Class: 14 (+2 Dex, +2 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 12
Base Attack/Grapple: +1/+2
Attack: Bite +3 melee (1d6+1) )

The wolves move forward, biting. (Rolled d4's by accident... they hit AC 17 [7 damage if it hit], AC 6, AC 12, AC 13 [7 damage if it hit], and AC 8.)

Then Tionel says "Very well, back up, my friends!" And begins to withdraw himself to the back...


Trash Road combat - rd7 (DM MikeK)  d100=3 d100=88 d100=30 d20+10=16 d6+4=10 d20+7=15 d20+7=11 d20+7=25 d20+7=11 d20+7=27 d20+7=13 d20+7=12 d8+4=11 d8+4=9
Tuesday January 4th, 2005 8:31:20 AM
Xenia calls out a plan. She holds her ground to wait for the others, and slashes #14.

Wynn, fighting hard, slams his blade home into #9. The man finally crumples to the ground. The bard backs up a step to be on line with the others.

Since his primary target is down, Angus sends his three magic missiles into #7. This opponent also collapses. The slim sorcerer backs up ten feet and tries, without much success, to get Sunshine and Ajax to drop back as well.

Lang slams two attacks into #13. The man is staggering, but not down. The ranger calls out to the animals. Sunshine immediately drops back beside Angus. Ajax is not so sure. He lets out a questioning whinny, while watching Sunshine withdraw. The horse decides to compromise.
He kicks out once at #15, and then pulls back to cover both dog and sorcerer. The kick is a good one, and the man crumples, lifeless.
[hit ac16 for 10 hp damage]

Florin drops behind Wynn, and lays hands on the bard.

Syr finds he's got no one to fight. The monk waits for someone else to come forward.

Tionel stands fast, and brings five more friends into the fight. Only one succeeds in hitting [w1 on #13], but the druid has managed to temporarily halt the advancing hordes.

The men attack.

#14 attacks Xenia [hit ac13]

#8 attacks w2 [hit ac11]

#13 attacks w1 [hit ac 25 for 11 hp damage]

#10 attacks w4 [hit ac11]

#11 attacks w5 [crit threat, ac13 (no crit) for 9 hp damage]

#12 attacks w3 [hit ac12]


Xenia (AC23 - HP 28/28) 
Tuesday January 4th, 2005 8:48:29 AM
Perfect!

"Ok! Go!" Xenia shouts, dodging the greenie swinging wildly at her.

"Angus, Ti'nel, Federol, and the Animals first. Syr, Lang next. Florin, fall back with Wynn and I. Five feet into the mouth of the alley."

"Don't worry about hitting anybody once we get into the alley, we'll have plenty of that."

With unrelenting trust in her companions, the dark rogue withdraws to position.

Active Effects
Inspire Courage +1 to Hit and Damage +1 vs Fear
Triple Blessing of Wardd Seal (Activated Turn 5)

Notes
Double Move Withdraw - No AoO
Fighting Defensively -4 to Hit +3 to AC
Dodge vs #14 bringing AC to 24 vs #14

-Triple Blessing of Wardd Seal *
Once activated, it adds 3 to your next save assuming that a save is needed during the next 10 minutes. If it is not used in that time duration, then the seal's power is lost

Angus AC 14 HP 15  d4+1=4 d4+1=4 d4+1=3
Tuesday January 4th, 2005 8:54:19 AM
Angus smiles at Sunshine "Good boy." as he comes to rest next to him and then exclaims. "We got them now! The odds are in our favor, finally!"

Angus lets lose three more magic missiles at #14 engaging the red haired rouge (dam. 11 more)"Pick on someone your own size!"

Spell Slots:

0 level: 0 of 6
1 level: 7 of 8
2 level: 1 of 5

Angus Supplimental again  d20+4=23
Tuesday January 4th, 2005 8:56:12 AM
Angus will again back up 10 feet into the alley and attempt to convince Sunshine and Ajax to follow him (animal training untrained 24, forgot a +1) "Come on you two follow me."

Wynn Brightsong [AC=19, (23 vs AoO Mobility); HP=31/35; Courage+1]  d20+10=26 d8+4=12
Tuesday January 4th, 2005 9:09:27 AM
Wynn feels the warmth of Florin's healing touch and immediately his breath comes easier. The sight of several of their opponents falling to the ground is also encouraging to the bard.

When the wolves appear, Wynn sees his opening and darts forward to slash at #8 [Hit AC=26 for 12 HP, flanking] and then darts back to his original position beside Xenia, careful to dodge #14 upon his return [Spring Attack to move before and after attack]

AC vs AoO = 23[Mobility], Effective AC vs #14(normal attack)[Dodge] = 20, 3/5 rounds left from inspire courage

Syr ( AC 18 32/57) 
Tuesday January 4th, 2005 6:34:12 PM
The monk is glad for the moment's respite and takes the opportunity to draw a deep breath. Laying a hand on his wound, he concentrates on mending his torn flesh (Heal 14hp). Following that, he proceeds to move back with the others. He readies an attack in case a foe approaches.

Florin Jadenth-AC:18-HP:14/52  d20+9=10
Tuesday January 4th, 2005 7:57:06 PM
Florin now that Wynn is healed up atleast alittle speaks to Wynn as he stabs at the man attacking Wynn, "Hope the healing helped friend."

Florin also falls back abit if needed still. Florin also calls back to Ajax, "It's okay boy, just be ready if we need you buddy."

(Can hit AC:10)

Lang AC 20 HP 29/46  d20+12=30 d20+12=26 d6+4=5 d6+4=9
Tuesday January 4th, 2005 9:31:23 PM
Lang takes the opportunity to strike at one of the creatures while it is occupied by a wolf (flanking #10).

Hit AC 30 & 26 for 5 & 9 points of damage.

"Sunshine, Ajax move towards Angus," Lang will say as he motions the creatures into the alleyway.

Lang then moves back along with the group and stays in formation.

Tionel 
Wednesday January 5th, 2005 12:00:46 AM
The elf retreats readily, spending the entire round moving back, and waiting for the others to follow along.

Trash Road combat - rd8 (DM MikeK)  d100=73 d100=24 d100=55 d20+7=26 d8+4=10 d20+7=20 d20+7=12 d20+7=17 d20+7=16 d20+7=11 d20+3=19 d20+3=18 d20+3=20 d20+3=23 d20+3=9 d20+3=4 d6+1=5 d6+1=6 d6+1=7 d6+1=2 d20+7=14 d8+4=11 d8+4=12 d8+4=12 d8+4=11
Wednesday January 5th, 2005 8:36:47 AM
[Stability checks on 5, 6, 9]

Xenia feints a swing and pulls back.

Angus sends three more Magic Missiles into #14. He retreats into the alley behind Xenia, and tries to get the animals to accompany him. Ajax follows the sorcerer. Sunshine does not.

Instead of backing up, Wynn moves forward. The bard strikes the back of #8. Only then, does he retreat, trying to ducking the blow of #14 as he goes by. He doesn't.
[AoO - #14 hits ac24 for 10hp damage]

Syr takes a moment to heal his wounds, and then drops back into the mouth of the alley.

Florin drops back a little. He stays on line with Wynn.

Lang pulls back.
[Lang cannot move forward, engage, and then pull back. He doesn't have the feats that Wynn has.]

Tionel pulls back behind everybody.
The wolves continue to attack:
w2 attacks #8 [hit ac19 for 5 hp]

w1 attacks #13 [hit ac18 for 6 hp]

w4 attacks #10 [hit ac20 for 7 hp]

w5 attacks #11 [nat 20, ac9 (no crit) for 2 hp]

w3 attacks #12 [nat1]

Encouraged by Lang, the animals continue to fall back.

#14 pursues, attacking Wynn. [hit ac18]

#8 attacks w2 [hit ac12]

#13 attacks w1 [hit ac17 for 12 hp damage]
The wolf disappears.

#10 attacks w4 [hit ac16 for 12 hp damage]

#11 attacks w5 [hit ac11]

#12 attacks w3 [hit ac14 for 11 hp damage]



Xenia (AC23 - HP 28/28) 
Wednesday January 5th, 2005 8:57:18 AM
"Pull back more. We'll take a stand here," Xenia shouts. She sees the brutal hit that Wynn takes and her heart beats faster.

"Syr, can you take stand in here beside me in place of Wynn? Florin, get in behind me. You can attack over my head with your spear thing. Wynn, anybody who needs them, I've got healing potions in my pack. Just reach in. I'll make it the first thing on the top."

"Lang you can probably best nail the one's in back with your bow."

"Good job with the wolves, Ti'nel" she whispers to the elf. "Think that one saved our bottoms."

"Get ready for 'em."

Xenia palms a healing potion, ready to pass it off to whoever needs it. (CMW)

Active Effects
Inspire Courage +1 to Hit and Damage +1 vs Fear
Triple Blessing of Wardd Seal (Activated Turn 5)

Notes
Ready Action - Pass potion to person who needs it.
Fighting Defensively -4 to Hit +3 to AC
Dodge vs #14 bringing AC to 24 vs #14

-Triple Blessing of Wardd Seal *
Once activated, it adds 3 to your next save assuming that a save is needed during the next 10 minutes. If it is not used in that time duration, then the seal's power is lost

Angus AC 14 Hp 15 
Wednesday January 5th, 2005 9:51:08 AM
Angus looks to Tionel "Great job with the critters, but do not forget to keep the team standing up. Why are you not healing Florin!"

Angus casts true strike on himself in inanticipation of the scums paying the group a visit in the alley. "Hey you green human scum, come and get it if you dare! We are ready to send you on your way!" Angus loudly boasts, and he make sure he is behind the front row of fighters, but still wants to be able to see the oncoming scum. attempting to bait the wounded humans.

Spell Slots used

0 level: 0 of 6
1 level: 8 of 8
2 level: 1 of 5

Florin Jadenth-AC:18-HP:14/52  d20+9=21 d10+6=10
Wednesday January 5th, 2005 3:43:53 PM
Florin calls out quickly to his friends, "I have a bow and two quivers of arrows on my backpack if someone can use them and help with these creeps."

Florin steps over quickly behind Xenia as to allow Wynn to back off more and hopefully get healed, "Wish I could aid you more Wynn." Florin stabs at the greenie attacking Xenia and grins as his glaive stabs deep into it. (Can hit AC:21 Damage:10)

Florin grins and whispers to Xenia low just a teasing comment and hopefully nothing she will take bad, "Don't usually get to cover your backside Xenia. Not that I don't mind the view." Florin glances over at Wynn hoping if the man heard that he knows Florin's comment was not meant as anything.

Wynn Brightsong [AC=19, (23 vs AoO Mobility); HP=21/35; Courage+1]  d20+8=18 d8+4=7
Wednesday January 5th, 2005 5:38:23 PM
Wynn again feels the crushing blow of a powerful attack from his foe and questions his own sense of optimism. Regardless of his own physical state, the odds have changed substantially and he can't help but wonder if a more aggressive course of action would not win the day.

The bard takes the middle road, slashing out at #14 with his longsword [Hit AC=18 for 7 dmg] before retreating behind Syr and next to Xenia.

Lang AC 20 HP 29/46  d20+6=12
Wednesday January 5th, 2005 9:15:06 PM
Not having an opponent gives Lang a chance to switch weapons. He sheathes both his short swords and draws his trusty long bow.

Lang then looks for the opportunity to fire a shot, between Syr and Xenia, at the enemy (hit ac 12; -4 for shooting into combat).

If Lang is not able to fire this round, he will get ready to fire next round.

"Someone back there should search down this alleyway in case we have to make a hasty retreat."

Tionel  d8=6
Wednesday January 5th, 2005 11:55:47 PM
"Sorry, sorry!" Tionel says...a bit panicky. This organized fighting thing is so confusing! He feels like he should be fleeing, or fighting, but instead, he forces himself to calmly draw out his wand and tap Florin with it, murmuring the activation.
(Cured 7 hp)

Trash Road combat - rd9 (DM MikeK)  d100=27 d100=73 d100=30 d20+3=8 d20+3=22 d20+3=23 d20+3=5 d20+3=6 d6+1=3 d6+1=4 d20+7=8 d20+7=22 d20+7=27 d20+7=22 d20+7=24 d20+7=15 d8+4=10 d8+4=6 d8+4=8 d8+4=5 d8+4=5
Thursday January 6th, 2005 8:52:31 AM
Xenia calls more instructions and pulls out a healing potion, just in case.

Angus gets ready.

Florin wants to move behind Xenia, but can't because Angus is standing there. The paladin has to settle for beside the rogue instead.

Wynn lashes out at #14. The bard can tell his opponent is on his last legs, but he moves to retreat. However, his chosen spot is now occupied by Florin.

Wynn and Syr swap locations, but that's about the best they can do.

Lang sheathes his swords, and frees up his bow.

Tionel squeezes in beside Lang, and taps Florin with a healing wand.
[Tionel and Lang take an addition --4 penalty on any attacks they make next round due to the close quarters.]

The wolves continue to attack:
w2 attacks #8 [hit ac8]

w4 attacks #10 [hit ac22 for 3 hp damage]

w5 attacks #11 [crit threat, ac5 (no crit) for 4 hp damage]

w3 attacks #12 [hit ac6]

The men also attack.

#14 pursues the group, walking straight into Florin's ready glaive. The man collapses in front of Syr.

#13 steps up and attacks Syr. [nat 1]

#8 attacks w2 [hit ac 22 for 10 hp damage]

#10 attacks w4 [crit for 14 hp damage]

#11 attacks w5 [hit ac24 for 5 hp damage]

#12 attacks w3 [hit ac15 for 5 hp damage]

All the wolves but w2 fall and vanish.



Angus Mage Armor Ac 14 Hp 15  d20+22=23 d6=4 d6=2 d6=2 d6=4
Thursday January 6th, 2005 9:38:32 AM
Angus thinks to himself, Excellent we have turned the corner, literally. Now it is time scum # 13 have it.

Angus moves to his right slightly to make sure he can see #13 and announces "I need a clear shot, duck Syr!" and lets loose a scorching ray (16 damage).

Angus yells into the main corridor "Come on you green scum. We got some more for you!" Angus makes sure he is not in the front row after his exclaimation.

Spell Slots used:

0 level: 0 of 6
1 level: 8 of 8
2 levle: 2 of 5

Xenia (AC23 - HP 28/28)  d20+7=15
Thursday January 6th, 2005 10:19:35 AM
Frang! This isn't what she had in mind.

... But it will work.

Wynn's on the front line now. "Wynn!" Xenia shoves the potion in his direction. If they can't back up a bit more, he's gonna need it. Her hand lingers on his for just that little bit longer than it needs to.

"Back up!" Xenia calls over her shoulder. "We need five more feet or the front line is gonna have two greenies on 'em at a time."

From her haversack, the rogue pulls a long spiked chain and readies to smack the next greenie who pulls up in front of Syr. With half an eye behind her, she prepares to step five feet back should the opportunity present itself.

Active Effects
Inspire Courage +1 to Hit and Damage +1 vs Fear
Triple Blessing of Wardd Seal (Activated Turn 5)

Notes
Move Equiv - Take Spiked Chain from Haversack
Ready Action - Attack greenie if one moves in front of Syr (Hit AC15, MISS )
Move Five feet back if Angus clears the way.
Spiked Chain Attack 9 -4 not-proficient +1 Masterwork +1 Inspire Courage = 7 (10 foot range)

-Triple Blessing of Wardd Seal *
Once activated, it adds 3 to your next save assuming that a save is needed during the next 10 minutes. If it is not used in that time duration, then the seal's power is lost

Wynn Brightsong [AC=19, (23 vs AoO Mobility); HP=21/35; Courage+1]  2d8(4+8)+3=15
Thursday January 6th, 2005 5:54:25 PM
Wynn takes the potion from Xenia's hand and consumes it in a single gulp, all the while keeping an eye on the battle in front of him. "Thanks" he casts a meaningful eye in Xenia's direction, and then back at Florin "both of you." [CMW=15 hp - now at 35/35]

Lang AC 20 HP 29/46  d20+6=13
Thursday January 6th, 2005 9:20:42 PM
Things are getting a little tight in the mouth of the alleyway. Not wanting to risk hitting any of his comrades with his longbow, Lang decides to do something else this round.

Squeezing past Ajax, Lang will investigate where this alleyway goes (spot 13).

"Sunshine heel!"

OOC: Will head down the alleyway a short distance with Sunshine to see where it goes.

Florin Jadenth-AC:18-HP:21/52  d20+9=10
Thursday January 6th, 2005 11:01:19 PM
Florin nods to Wynn when he hears the thanks and speaks up to Wynn, "No problem Wynn."

Florin now also glances back to Tionel and nods to him, "Thanks Tionel for the healing."

Florin backsup more to help out if he is needed to anyway, mainly following the route the others are or Xenia's instructions since she has been doing a good job with tactics. Florin looks back to the enemies now and stabs quickly forward at the one attacking the person infront of him, he winces as his glaive pokes way over the enemies head, "Darn it."

Thinks Florin glances over at Xenia and speaks up, his voice sounding abit apolagetic, "Sorry for no tactics. I wasn't really thinking this was going to be so hard. I will stay on my toes more next time as leader."

Syr (AC 18 HP 26/57)  d20+8=12 d20+8=19 d20+8=24 d8+6=13 d8+6=14
Thursday January 6th, 2005 11:40:17 PM
As #13 moves into range, Syr makes a tentative swipe which misses. Then hearing Angus' plan the monk drops to the ground for the spell to take effect. Bouncing up his fists rain down on the thug (Attack of opportunity 12, regular attacks 19,24 damage 13,14).

Tionel (AC 16, hp 42/42)  d8=6
Thursday January 6th, 2005 11:57:44 PM
Tionel wonders what to do... he taps Florin again with the wand, then withdraws to the back of the group, somewhat frenetic... Should he summon more creatures, or flee, or what?
(Another 7 hp healed )

Trash Road combat - rd10 (DM MikeK)  d100=80 d100=33 d100=49 d100=59 d20+3=6 d20+7=23 d8+4=7
Friday January 7th, 2005 11:21:23 AM
Lang squeezes past Ajax and makes sure no one else is coming up the alley. Sunshine accompanies his master. The ranger sees Ferderol cowering wide eyed behind a wall, but nothing else.
[This is the alley the group used to enter the street in the first place. It leads to another Trash Level road.]

Tionel heals Florin again and then drops back.

Angus fills the void left by druid and ranger, and casts a spell. Unfortunately the sorcerer slips on a wet spot just as he finishes the spell. A ray of fire arcs harmlessly into the air.
[Not sure where the +22 came from, but you did roll a natural one on your ranged touch attack, which is a miss]

Xenia hands Wynn her potion, and retreats while pulling out her spiked chain.

Wynn drinks the potion, but doesn't back up, risking seriously annoying his girlfriend.

Florin attacks #13, but misses.

Syr waits long enough to wonder why Angus told him to duck, then lays into #13. The man is dead before he hits the ground.

w2 attacks #8 [hit ac6]

Having dispensed with most of the wolves, the men refocus on the party. Three of them head over to the group, while the last finishes off the wolf.

#8 attacks w2 [hit ac23 for 7 hp damage]. The wolf disappears.



Xenia (AC20 - HP 28/28)  d20+9=16 2d4(1+1)=2
Friday January 7th, 2005 1:43:18 PM
Don't look like that many left. At least not from where she's standing. Still, not much sense in getting hit more than you need to.

"Angus, Ti'nel. Move back!" she shouts. Seeing Wynn facing off against two of the greenies is making her kind of bossy and a little bit cranky.

*sigh* "You guys ... " she sighs.

The chain makes a soft whir as she turns the end in a tight spinning disk off her right hand. Leaving space for Syr to back up, she waits for one of the greenies to come within range.

Rolls
Hit AC16, Damage 2hp

Active Effects
Inspire Courage +1 to Hit and Damage +1 vs Fear
Triple Blessing of Wardd Seal (Activated Turn 5)

Notes
Ready Action - Attack greenie if one moves into the 10 foot striking range.(Hit AC16, Damage 2hp )
Spiked Chain Attack 9 -4 not-proficient +1 Masterwork +1 Inspire Courage = 7 (10 foot range)

-Triple Blessing of Wardd Seal *
Once activated, it adds 3 to your next save assuming that a save is needed during the next 10 minutes. If it is not used in that time duration, then the seal's power is lost

Wynn Brightsong [AC=19, (23 vs AoO Mobility); HP=35/35; Courage+1]  d20+8=27 d20+8=19 d8+4=11 d8+4=11
Friday January 7th, 2005 5:45:22 PM
Wynn slashes out at the diseased human in front of him (#10) slashing a deep wound into the man's abdomen [Hit AC=27 threat, AC=19 to confirm critical for 22 hp of damage]. If the man drops, Wynn will hold his ground and focus his attention on #11, dodging any blows that might come his way. Otherwise he will dodge #10 [effective AC vs selected opponent = 20]

"I think we've got them now!" he yells back to Xenia and the rest, "press them hard!"

[OOC this is the final round in which the courage inspired by the bard's song has any effect]

Florin Jadenth-AC:18-HP:28/52  d20+9=25 d10+6=11
Friday January 7th, 2005 7:50:44 PM
Florin looks to those around him and frowns as he is getting tired of falling back and wonders if they have fallen back actually far enough. Florin stabs at the nearest enemy to help the person infront of him. (Can hit AC:25 Damage:11)

Florin looks back at the others and calls out, "Tionel, better having healing ready for people. We will be needing some healing on some people in alittle bit."

Tionel (AC 16, hp 42/42) 
Saturday January 8th, 2005 12:25:31 AM
Tionel will heal whoever in the back is within reach and wounded. Other than that, he decides his best option is to just sit tight and wait for the enemy to give up or fall...
Meanwhile, his thoughts race. Strangely diseased...and maurading... If this was a disease, then they had it removed, but surely an epidemic traveling from one to another would be something the Alemites would be most likely to deal with. Yes, that's what they should do next, he decides...after answering to the guard.

Syr (AC 18 HP 26/57)  d20+8=28 d20+8=26 d8+6=11 d8+6=10
Saturday January 8th, 2005 9:54:08 AM
Syr retreats to the point where only one man can approach him directly at a time. There he stops for a momemt to catch his breath and readies himself for any foe that might approach (Attack of opportunity crit and confirm damage 21! The browser that I'm on doesn't support my email so I'm guessing at the map.)

Lang AC 20 HP 29/46  d20+10=11 d20+6=20 d20+6=21
Sunday January 9th, 2005 8:59:07 PM
Lang & Sunshine will move back towards the group. They will position themselves between the group and Ajax (moving Ajax back if needed).

Lang will stand with his bow ready to shoot if he can (nat 1 - miss if he gets a shot). Otherwise he will stay alert.

Spot 20
Listen 21

ANgus Mage Armor AC 14 HP 15  d4+1=3 d4+1=3 d4+1=4
Sunday January 9th, 2005 11:06:29 PM
OOC: Last Round +22 for the ray was from true strike +20, +1 to hit and +1 from Wynn's Song.

Angus ducks below the flying chain and goes to one knee. Angus stands after Xenia's attack and launches three magic missles at the approaching greenies (10 damage).

Angus calls behind him "Tionel I am running low on spells, you may want to actually help out now that the warriors are stabilized!!!!!!!!!"

Spell Slots Used

0 level: 0 of 6
1 level: 8 of 8
2 level: 3 of 5 (used a 2 level slot for the last MM)

Trash Road combat - rd 11 (DM MikeK)  d100=69 d100=78 d100=56 d20+7=25 d20+7=23 d8+4=8 d8+4=7
Monday January 10th, 2005 8:23:51 AM

Xenia continues to implore her comrades to back up into the alley.

Wynn continues to ignore her pleas. The bard slashes a deep wound into #10, staggering the man badly.

Florin lashes out past Wynn's shoulder and puts another hole into #11. That man still is in fighting shape.

Tionel looks around. The only people within immediate reach are Xenia and Angus. Neither of them need healing, so the druid stands fast.

Syr steps back 5' into the alley.

Lang and Sunshine squeeze back in front of Ajax. The warhorse gives the ranger a warning snort, but does drop back to give the man room.

Angus fires three Magic Missiles at #10, felling him.

With Syr falling back, and Wynn staying where he is, the bard is suddenly the only person extended out into the alley. The three remaining men converge on him.

#8 moves all the way over.

#11 attacks Wynn [hit ac25 for 8 hp damage]

#12 steps over and attacks Wynn [hit ac23 for 7 hp damage]



Angus Mage Armor AC 14 Hp 15  d20+1=20 d6=6 d6=6 d6=2 d6=6
Monday January 10th, 2005 9:33:09 AM
Angus says a little prayer to himself for better aim and curses himself for missing with his last true striked ray. Angus lets loose a scorching ray at human scum #12 (AC 21 for 20 damage)"Now that is more like it" Angus intones as he pumps his fist.

Angus sees heavy blows falling on Wynn and get concerned for the bard. "Could an armored warrior please step up and relieve Wynn. NOW!"

Angus will step back a few feet and press his thin frame against the alley wall in order to make room. "Now I will have to clean my cloak." Angus mumbles to himself as his new cloak is rubs against the alley wall.

Spell slots used:

0 level: 0 of 6
1 level: 8 of 8
2 level: 4 of 5

Xenia (AC20 - HP 28/28)  d20+6=11
Monday January 10th, 2005 10:24:33 AM

*THUMP* *THWACK*

The blows fall on Wynn, and all of the rogue's cool, tactical perspective evaporates like a drop of water hitting a red hot griddle.

"Yyyyrrroooooowwwwww!!!"

Xenia screams like a feral cat. Hands hooked into claws, she half climbs over Syrdeth and flails wildly at the first greenie she finds. Unfortunately, in her thoughtless anger, the weapon in her hand at the moment is the spiked chain.

Rolls
Attack #12 Hit AC11 *MISS*

Movement
Move 10 feet north in front of Syr

Active Effects
Triple Blessing of Wardd Seal (Activated Turn 5)

Notes
Spiked Chain: 9 Attack, -4 non-proficient, +1 Masterwork = 6 Base Attack (10 foot range)

-Triple Blessing of Wardd Seal *
Once activated, it adds 3 to your next save assuming that a save is needed during the next 10 minutes. If it is not used in that time duration, then the seal's power is lost

Syr (HP 26/57 AC 18)  d20+7=19 d20+7=26 d8+5=6 d8+5=7
Monday January 10th, 2005 12:17:07 PM
Getting out of the way of the crazy woman he only receives a few scratches from her hands as she races past. He calls out a warning to Wynn, " 'Ware Wynn, Xenia has lost it."

Syr waits patiently for the dark elf to either fall or move. Either way he readies himself to enter the fray once again. "Hey Flo, for someone who had some good tactical ideas, she sure does toss it all out the window quick?" The elf barks at the thief in front of him, "Xenia move out of the way and let those better equipped deal with this. You do more harm in front than at the rear."

Florin Jadenth  d20+9=29 d20+9=16 d10+6=14 d10+6=15 d10+6=12
Monday January 10th, 2005 3:16:07 PM
Florin aims his glaive at #11 if he can still hit it and grins as his weapon hits hard and very true. (Can hit AC:29 (nat:20) crit AC:16 Damage:14 (if crit hit:41)

Florin looks to Syr and nods, "I have to agree with that." Florin now looks to Wynn and calls to him, "Start falling back more Wynn or your going to be in alot of trouble. Maybe worse trouble from Xenia then the enemy."

Florin looks to Xenia also and shakes his head abit, "Xenia, I know hei s your man but cooler heads will prevail not hot tempors."

Wynn Brightsong [AC=19, (23 vs AoO Mobility); HP=20/35]  d20+7=22 d8+3=11 d20+11=28
Monday January 10th, 2005 7:31:41 PM
Surprised at how quickly the men were able to close on him, the bard finds himself sorely wounded. He slashes back at #11 hoping to fell the already injured foe, and takes at least some pleasure in the knowledge that he has returned the favour. [Hit AC 22 for 11 dmg]. Finding no room for retreat behind him, Wynn tumbles [tumble=28] past his opponents, moving diagonally to his right as far as possible.

"Hurry" he yells, "surround them!"

[OOC if #11 is already down, Wynn will swing at #8]

Tionel 
Tuesday January 11th, 2005 1:24:31 AM
Reaching out, Tionel taps Syr, who seems to be close enough (at least, judging by the map). He stays back, tho, not wanting to interfere with the other fighters.
Apologetically, he glances to Angus. "I don't really use offensive sorts of tricks...I never learned those well," he explains.

Trash Road combat - rd12 (DM MikeK)  d100=26 d100=3 d100=7 d100=34 d20+7=26 d8+4=6
Tuesday January 11th, 2005 8:13:07 AM
Angus sends a ray of fire slamming into #12. He screeches in agony.

Xenia launches herself past Syr intent on avenging herself upon those who dare attack her man. She doesn't venge very well, however, missing with her spiked chain.

Syr mentions he like to be back in the front, now.

Florin drives his glaive through the eye socket of #11, making him very dead.

Wynn quickly changes targets, and runs through #8. That man also crumples. Sensing the opening, the bard throws a quick shoulder roll, springs up and is 30' away from the melee in an eyeblink.

Tionel does something to Syr.
[Tapped him and did what?]

#12 turns on Xenia. [hit ac26 for 6 hp damage]



Xenia (AC20 - HP 22/28)  d20+15=30 d20+6=8
Tuesday January 11th, 2005 8:43:17 AM
"Ai!" Xenia bites off the end of the yelp of pain as the greenie's club-like fist takes her in the shoulder. She follows the momentum, tumbling out into the alley past the greenie. Rolling to her feet she sprints to Wynn's side and whirls into a crouch. A low growl still lingers on her lips.

Rolls
Tumble 30

Movement
Double move withdraw with tumble. Half speed for 10 feet. Move to east southeast diagonal to Wynn.

Active Effects
Triple Blessing of Wardd Seal (Activated Turn 5)
If 12 pursues, Spiked Chain gets AoO. Can Hit AC8.

Notes
Spiked Chain: 9 Attack, -4 non-proficient, +1 Masterwork = 6 Base Attack (10 foot range)

-Triple Blessing of Wardd Seal *
Once activated, it adds 3 to your next save assuming that a save is needed during the next 10 minutes. If it is not used in that time duration, then the seal's power is lost

Hp 15Angus mage armor AC 14  d20+2=21 d6=6 d6=6 d6=2 d6=4
Tuesday January 11th, 2005 9:05:00 AM
Angus is spirits are raised at the sucess of his last scorching ray and that the group is now only facing one foe, but that foe has struck Xenia. "Hey green face! Don't pick on our girl! You are none to smart and will pay with your life."

Angus unleashes a new firey ray from his index finger at the lone green guy (#12)(Hit AC 22, Angus gets +2 on his own it turns out for 18 dam.). Angus looks at his finger and exclaims " I am getting the hang of this."

Angus looks over to Tionel"Your critters are pretty darn offensive and effective. We do not need them now, but they may have been nice 20 seconds ago. See if you can wake up Lang as he seems to have fallen asleep."

OOC: Only 0 level spells left and not happy about it.

Wynn Brightsong [AC=19, (23 vs AoO Mobility); HP=20/35]  d8+3=7
Tuesday January 11th, 2005 5:12:33 PM
Wynn reaches out to Xenia and squeezes her arm in acknowledgement. He closes his eyes momentarily and begins reciting an ancient elvish verse. A blue aura surrounds his arm and hand before travelling to the site of Xenia's wound. [Cure light wounds=7 HP]

Syr (AC 18 HP 26/57)  d20+7=8 d20+7=27 d20+7=27 d20+7=10 d8+5=11 d8+5=7
Tuesday January 11th, 2005 6:30:24 PM
Syr moves quickly forward 5' into the hole left by Xenia's tumble and takes a couple swings at #12. Calling to Wynn across the alley, "Make sure there is no one else around. We don't want any of these mindless things to escape."

(Attack 8, crit and confirm, ignore the last roll just wanted to see if 3 natural 20s were possible, damage 18)

Florin Jadenth-AC:18-HP:28/52  d20+9=16 d10+6=14
Tuesday January 11th, 2005 9:58:41 PM
Florin moves in close enough to hit the last remaining enemy with his glaive. He stabs at it hard. (Can hit AC:16 Damage:14)

Florin looks over his shoulder and calls to the others, "After this one is handled we better look over our wounds some. I will try a heal check and make sure no one is infected in anyway and Tionel can you pump some more healing out?"

Florin feels the wounds he has taken starting to take effect now and is happy that the battle is almost over.

Tionel  d8=8 d8=5
Wednesday January 12th, 2005 12:08:17 AM
(Er...the tap was Tionel healing Syr for 9 hp. Forgot to roll and state it...braindead from too much work/school :P)
Tionel nods at the comments from the others... well, he did summon creatures, and htey did well, the elf thinks to himself. He is about to say something, when he realizes they're still in a battle...albeit one almost over. Looking to the others, he chooses Florin, and moves up then taps him with the wand this time for some healing. (6 points)

Victory! (DM MikeK)  d100=89 d100=18 d100=75
Wednesday January 12th, 2005 8:06:42 AM
Xenia and Wynn pitch forward and turn for a flanking attack. But by the time Angus, Syr, and Florin are through, there is very little left of #12.

Tionel applies some more healing.

The party remains standing among the remains of their attackers in the suddenly quiet alleyway.

After a brief pause, Federol creeps back up to the group.
"Wow!" he exclaims nervously. Then, he shuts up and just looks around.

Angus Mage Armor AC 14 Hp 15  d20+3=9 d20+7=25
Wednesday January 12th, 2005 8:21:35 AM
Angus looks around and surveys the damage "Is everyone alright? The street sweepers are going to have a rough day."

Angus moves over to the initial battle site and sees if any of the greenies are still alive. If he finds one or more he will announce "Found one alive. Do we want to keep them that way." Angus is careful not to touch the greenies during his examination (spot 9 and knowledge arcane 25)

Xenia 
Wednesday January 12th, 2005 8:45:38 AM

pant pant

The low growl subsides.

Not a greenie remains standing. Xenia's slim shoulders slowly lower as they relax.

*sniff* *sniff*

The chain drops to the alley floor. The girl rogue wraps her arms around Wynn and buries her head in his chest. Her shoulders quake, and every bit of the previous adrenaline born rage rushes into her sobs.

Her words come out muffled, broken between tears, "I thought you were gonna get killed."

sheesh, hormones ...

Florin Jadenth-AC:18-HP:28/52  d20+7=14
Wednesday January 12th, 2005 3:18:37 PM
Florin slowly moves his glaive back and attaches it back to his backpack as he moves to each person in the group to look them over, only the ones injured anyway. (Heal Check:14) If he finds anything he lets the person know but otherwise he looks around at the people they just had to kill and sighs deeply, "For the first time I feel more like a animal then anything. These poor people didn't know what they were diseased and might not of known what they were really doing in their maddness."

Florin looks to the others and comments before walking back towards Ajax, "The city guard should be dispatched if they already haven't been summoned this way. I can get there pretty quick on Ajax and back so I will get them. It might be a good idea if no one is allowed near these bodies also."

Florin inless stopped or the guard shows up first will slip into the saddle of Ajax and rush off to get the guard and also summoned a healer just incase.

Wynn Brightsong [AC=19, (23 vs AoO Mobility); HP=20/35] 
Wednesday January 12th, 2005 7:13:36 PM
Wynn holds Xenia close against his chest as she sobs in relief. "I'm fine" he murmers into her hair, "everything is fine!" He squeezes her lightly before letting her go.

"Lets find out of Federor's friend is alive, and then if anyone knows any of these men. I want to know if they are locals who have become infected here , or if they are from elsewhere and have brought the infection with them."

Lang AC 20 HP 29/46  d20+2=19 d20+6=25 d20+6=18
Wednesday January 12th, 2005 7:32:55 PM
If the immediate threat is neutralized and nothing else attacks the group, then Lang follows Florin around as he checks over the wounded in our group, the green men and whoever the green men were attacking. He offers any advice or comments as he sees fit (heal check 19).

Lang will also check over his own wounds and his equipemnt for anything unusual.

Once done with the wounded, Lang will stand guard per Florin's direction until the guard arrives (spot 25 & listen 18).

OOC - sorry for the missed posts. I am in year-end hell.


Syr (HP 35/57) 
Wednesday January 12th, 2005 11:30:07 PM
Syr mumbles, "Thanks." over his shoulder as he feels Tionel's healing wand course through him. Moving ouyt into the alley he begins checking the bodies searching for any signs of affection or where they came from.

As Florin proposes getting the guards he calls out, "Sound idea, I'm one for keeping everything above the table after our experience with the Anvil Hearts. You may want them to send a runner for the druid's also as they were involved in this investigation last time." After searching the bodies, he moves to one end of the alley to prevent anyone but the guards from entering, "Wynn, wanna take the other end if you can PRY yourself away?"

Tionel 
Thursday January 13th, 2005 12:36:40 AM
The thin elf moves forward and begins trying to stop the diseased men from dying with some light curing spell (minor wounds I have one memorized) followed by taps with the wand...if another person stands by ready to knock 'em unconscious with a fist if they're that close to life... For the first time, he realizes that he's neglected another side of his druid training; healing and mending wounds. Never really needed to do that before, he ponders...

Now What? (DM MikeK)  d100=12 d100=80 d100=4
Thursday January 13th, 2005 9:28:25 AM
In the silence of the alleyway and street, The Crimson Shields stop to take stock.

Angus, Lang, Syr, and Tionel scatter through the street to check on the status of both the green men and their victims.

Federol finds his friend. The boy simply shakes his head and sighs in resigned acceptance. The other boy is dead, as are all the victims lying in the street.

Of the green men, the group finds four already stable, and one alive but bleeding. Tionel takes care of him, making for a total of five unconscious green guys.

Wynn proposes asking around to see if anyone knows the infected folks.
[Gather Information check please]

Florin mounts Ajax, and rides off in search of the City Guard. He meets them about halfway to the ramp. Cpt. Elvaran leads a troop of nearly 40 Guardsmen in a quick jog toward the fracas. Trash Level resident scatter as the Guards double time in double column down the street.


Xenia (HP 28/28)  d20+15=18 d20+15=32
Thursday January 13th, 2005 11:09:26 AM
"Oh stars! Barkal!" Xenia exclaims as Wynn brings her back to the task at hand. She gives him a quick squeeze before she's off.

Kneeling next to Federol, she puts a hand on his shoulder as they look down upon the battered body of his friend. "I'm sorry," she says, "I'm sorry I got you guys mixed up in this. I am so sorry."

"But, we're going to try our darnedest to make sure this doesn't happen to anybody else." Following suspicions she had before, the rogue gives the ground in the area a good look, starting with the area they first spotted them and then tracking back. Moving to that spot, she switches lenses to get a better look at the ground.

"Hey, Lang," she calls, "any chance of tracking these guys back to where they last were? Sure be interesting to find out how a big group of Greenies like this gets into the middle of the Trash without folks getting into something of an uproar."

Rolls
Spot 18
Search 32


Wynn Brightsong  d20+4=15 d20+6=9
Thursday January 13th, 2005 3:50:23 PM
Wynn takes a close look at the men to see if he recognizes any of them from previous trips to the trash level and then calls out to any of the bystanders. "Do any of you recognize these men?, It's really important to find out where they came from...Please!" The bard scans the onlookers for any signs of recognition [Gather Info=15, Spot=9]

Syr 
Thursday January 13th, 2005 4:14:40 PM
Seeing the situation is under control, the elf takes some rope from his bag and begins tying up the unconscience green guys. He looks up interested when Xenia mentions tracking them back to where they came from.

Florin Jadenth 
Thursday January 13th, 2005 7:42:48 PM
Florin slows his horse and tries to keep up with Cpt. Elvaran, "Ma'am, I'm glad your on your way. I was going to summon you to help with the matter. We were investigating for the druid's about the white flowers that have been all over the trash level when we were told by one of the kids helping that some people were acting funny, when we went to investigate they attacked us. It looks like they were aflicted with the same disease as those at the GG. I'm not trying to tell you your job m'lady but you have summoned a priest right? We also need to get a member of the druids down here to help out with this, seeing as how we are dealing with some type of plant disease they might be of even more help."

Florin thinks and adds as he rides beside the lady, "You have the offer of the Crimson Shields of Hope for help in this matter. I hope we can be of some help and we all are sorry for the loss of live in our defense of ourselves, we were left with little other choice." Florin since he is saying the truth figures his words would ring true with the captain and did not need to be sweetened with sweeter words.

Lang AC 20 HP 29/46  d20+11=18 d20+5=17
Thursday January 13th, 2005 10:21:06 PM
Lang cleans and then stows all his weapons in his quiver and retrieves his quarterstaff. With a quick look at the green guys to make sure they are still subdued, Lang follows Xenia advice and begins to look around for tracks or anything else that may help them.

Tracking 18.

After that, Lang will cast Speak with Animal upon himself. He will then talk to Sunshine and see if he can pick up any trail of the greenies.

Tracking by scent 17.

Tionel  d20+2=20
Friday January 14th, 2005 12:45:51 AM
Moving about, the elf looks at the five unconscious fellows. He uses a rope of his own (Got it in the christmas thing) to tie up one of them securely. (Use Rope of 20)
Looking amongst the dead, he feels an immense pity swell in his heart. And yet, at the same time it isn't as horrible as the evil that men will do upon each other... This disease, as far as he knows, seems a horrible thing, but not maleficient. And yet, if it is... Tionel hopes to find out.. Soon.

Angus Mage Armor  d20+6=25 d20+3=9 d20+2=18
Friday January 14th, 2005 7:23:41 AM
Angus seeing that things are getting under control stands up and takes a break and cautions the group. "I am beat, this fighting is hard work. Also, if we go and track these guys you will lose most of my spell support if we run into more nasties as I am spent. I need a good eight hours to recover at least, and that does not include my bath and cleaning my cloak."

Angus will wander over to the crowd to see what he can find out about the greenies, working the other side of the crowd from Wynn. (Gather info 25, spot 9 listen 18). Angus will use a silver piece or two to help loosen tounges if necessary.

Tales of interest (DM MikeK) 
Friday January 14th, 2005 9:47:01 AM
Angus and Wynn look about, and see a few dirty faces cautiously peeking out of now opening doors. They set about calming the locals while at the same time trying to learn if anyone knows the attackers.

The answer is a resounding yes.

"Sure I know 'em," one fellow snorts. "Been living here fer years. Terkal went off couple weeks ago to build that Perimon place. Said he was getting off this boat. Came back when the bugs ate it. Been kinda crazy ever since. Then, he the rest go nuts, screamin an killin an...by Alemi." The man shakes his head.

It turns out that every one of the crazies recently returned from the failed attempt to build Perimon.

Xenia and Lang (and Sunshine) set about tracking the green guys to see where they came from. The ranger and his pet don't get very far, though. All tracks lead to various doors on the street itself. It appears to Lang like the people didn't come from anywhere. They've been here all along.

Tionel and Syr tie up the unconscious men, ensuring they don't cause more harm.

Elvaran halts her troops at the sight of Florin, and mutely takes in his report.
"Somehow, I thought you'd be involved," she replies by way of greeting. Her eyes flick to Ajax. "Nice horse."

"Druids are a good idea." At her quick command, two Guardsmen break ranks and jog quickly back the way they came.
"As for healers," she throws her chin toward a child sized figure in white just now catching up to the tail end of the column. The halfling looks to the front and recognizes the figure on the horse. He's just as Janus described him.

"I don't even have to ask," Elvaran continues to Florin. "They just show up. He was sitting on the stoop of your place when we went by. Been following us ever since. Well, enough standing around. Let's go see your diseased attackers."

"MOVE OUT!" she bellows. And the troop heads off toward the recent fray.

[OOC -- Welcome JohnP and Belkior]



Belkior  d20+5=7 3d8(3+4+5)+6=18 2d8(8+1)+6=15 2d8(4+7)+6=17 d8+5=7 d8+5=8 d20+17=27
Friday January 14th, 2005 12:27:27 PM
Belkior comes to a stop by Florin, breathing heavily from the effort of keeping up with the long-legged Guard. The halfling quickly surveys the scene, seeing the dead and injured lying on the ground and the walking wounded of the party. At first glance he doesn't notice anything unusual about most of the injured (Spot = 7). He thinks to himself, "There is definite need here for the healing that Alemi provides."

"You must be Florin Jadenth, Janus described you to me. I am Belkior Orvisson, a simple Healer of Alemi and student of Janus. Maybe she has mentioned you to me?", Belkior asks.

Glancing at Florin quickly, Belkior determines that the human paladin has been injured. Examining Florin's wounds, Belkior states "That looks like some rather nasty wounds there. Were they caused by these fellows laying about?" While he speaks, the halfling's hands glow with a soft white light while he pauses and mutters a quick prayer. (Cure Serious Wounds - 18 hp).

Moving over to the elf warrior, Belkior continues, "I've been studying with Janus and she suggested that I return to the field, to use my skills and abilities for the good of the city." Again, the halfling pauses and mutters a quick prayer. (Cure Moderate Wounds for Syr - 15 hps).

The halfling then moves to the human ranger. "I haven't been adventuring much lately," Belkior continues as he examines the wound. "If these were caused by human scratches or bites, there's a chance of infection afterwards. I should continue to check all of you." Again, a prayer and the glowing warmth flows into Lang. (Cure Moderate Wounds - 17 hp).

Finally, Belkior moves to the half-elf. "Hmm, more of the same. All of you have taken several bumps and bruises, haven't you?". The halfling considers the wounds on Wynn and twice the half-elf feels a small surge of warmth. (Cure Light Wounds twice - 7 + 8 = 15 hp)

(OOC - I think that is everyone that is injured. If I've missed someone or thing, Belkior will continue to heal.)

After healing the party, Belkior turns to the injured lying on the ground. He examines one of the dead quite closely, (Heal check = 27).

Spells memorized and remaining
==============================
Level 0 (
Level 1 (Bless (x2), Sanctuary + Cure Light Wounds)
Level 2 (Hold Person + Aid)
Level 3 (Prayer + Magic Circle Against Evil)



Wynn Brightsong  d20+6=25
Friday January 14th, 2005 7:19:36 PM
Wynn recognizes Captain Elvaran as she enters the street and and calls out to her, "My dear Captain, I see we may be of service to you yet again." He accompanies his words with a smile and a bow before continuing [Diplomacy=25]. "We have determined that these men are all from this part of the City, but recently returned from Perimon. They may have been infected by a disease while there. Perhaps the druids will be able to tell us more. In the meantime, how might we assist you?"

The bard relaxes as the soothing effects of Alemi's gift wash over him. "Thank you, Belkior. I am Wynn Brightsong of the Crimson Shields."



Angus Mage Armor 
Saturday January 15th, 2005 6:38:16 AM
Angus marvels at the healing gifts of the halfling. "Nice job little guy. You are quite handy. We could have used you in this scrap just a few moments ago." Angus finishes with mirth in his voice.

Angus walks over to the halfling and bends over his very tall, but very thin frame and extends his hand to the new comer. " I am Angus Deminof also of the Crimson Shields. What kind of field work do Janus and Alemi have in store for you? Does Alemi have any in at the local laundry and I will have to get my cloak cleaned after this debacle" Angus shows Belkior the small smug of dirt on the bright and colorful cloak he is wearing.

Xenia 
Saturday January 15th, 2005 11:08:57 AM

Whew. Xenia follows Lang out to several doorsteps before giving a sigh of relief.

"Well, at least we can kinda figure it's not something they got down here, huh?" she says to the ranger.

Uh oh ... Xenia's deeply ingrained reaction at seeing "The Guard."

"Um, Ferdol," the girl rogue says, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder, "if you wanna stick around and talk to The Guard, I'm sure they'd, you know, appreciate it. But, ah, if you're like me, you'd just rather not be around when they are, you know what I mean? Lest they get to know your face, huh?"

"I gotta stay. But, if you wanna, you know, like, fade, you go ahead." She presses a gold coin into the boy's hand, her dark hand against his, pale from the dark of the Trash Level. "Either way, you were very brave. You didn't run. I'm proud to've worked with you. You spend this good, huh? Maybe we can work together some other time."

Her eyes take one last look at the other boy. Barkal. Battered to death. Then she puts on a professional face for the guards that come streaming up the alley.

Dark of skin and darkly clad, her slim shape makes it's way casually back in the only sensible way, through the shadows of a convenient wall. Her ponytail of bound red curls sways slowly to her movement. And her green eyes take in the scene of increasing order through the lenses perched upon the bridge of her nose.

"Hi!" she waves to the butch Guard Captain, and she smiles a smile that's always somewhat overly self-conscious in the presence of The Guard. Pulling up at Wynn's shoulder, she peers around at the white clad cleric. The rogue pictures in her mind the tall tall Janus with her halfling student. "We just saw Janus," is all she says though. "She's nice."

Gotta remember to go up to Gold and make a donation. she thinks.

"Oh, pleased to meet cha," she waves a gray gloved hand again, this time in the direction of the little cleric. "Alexandria Merryman Next," she adds by way of introduction. "But call me Xenia."

A halfling! They're so cute.

Tionel  d20+2=11
Saturday January 15th, 2005 12:36:09 PM
Looking over the bodies, Tionel straightens himself up when the guard shows up. He approaches them, hands raised to show they're holding nothing, then greets them with a sad nod towards the fellows. He watches the halfling bustle about skillfully mending wounds and shakes his head in dismay at his own ineptitude with such techniques. When the halfling introduces himself and the others begin introductions, Tionel chimes in, "Most people just call me Tionel."
Tionel begins to do the questioning thing, asking anybody if they saw what triggered the event. (Gather info 11)


Florin Jadenth-HP:48/52 
Saturday January 15th, 2005 3:39:43 PM
Florin smiles and nods as he looks to Elvaran, "True, we do our best to keep the city lively."

Florin nods again and pats Ajax's neck, "Yes, he is a great horse. You have yet to except my offer of a drink and meal m'lady. If you except like maybe tonight I will allow you a better look at Ajax here." Florin smiles to her before dismounting and mocing to his friends, leading Ajax.

Florin looks to Belkior and nods to the halfling, "Greetings Belkior, it is nice to meet you. The healing is very useful also and my gratitude." Florin leans down and holds out his hand, "My name is Florin Jadenth, also a member of the Crimson Shield of Hope and currently the leader."

Florin looks to the others and speaks up mainly to Xenia, "The child you had help should be checkout just incase. We do not want him to be infected and turned loose." Florin looks to the others and whispers, "This is part of why I didn't want to involve other people, we risk spreading the disease to others since we have no idea how it can be spread."

Syr (hp 52/57) 
Sunday January 16th, 2005 11:38:53 PM
The elf feels the healing touch and brightens, "Belkior you say? Your aid and your touch are most welcome! My name is Syr." His ponytail bobs up and down with his firm handshake as he smiles at someone shorter than him. "You say you have experience in adventuring? Do you by chance have any immediate plans?"

Lang AC 20 HP 46/46 
Sunday January 16th, 2005 11:46:58 PM
Lang nods in agreement at Xenia's comment on how these guys became infected. Hopefully these guys were all that were infected and that it is not contagious.

"Xenia, isn't it strange that these men became infected, start to do things that are probably against their morals, but yet, they do not attack each other and actually work as a group. Quite perplexing."

Lang heads back with Xenia when the guard shows up. He stands quietly as Belkior heals him, listening to all that the captain may have to say.

"Thank you Belkior for the healing. Normal infection is not what I am worried about right now."

Investigations (DM MikeK) 
Monday January 17th, 2005 8:28:48 AM
Belkior arrives, heals up various party members, and investigates the condition of the infected men. The halfling notes their skin has taken on a light green hue, while the "whites" of the eye is now dark green. Some of the infected fellows have been opened up quite nicely (for medical purposes), and the halfling hovers for some time over one that Lang took apart with those swords. The healer is positive the victim contracted some type of strange virus. Most disconcerting is the man's brain is interlaced with root-like tendrils, almost as if a plant was growing in his head. The internal pressures generated from such an infection would almost surely drive the victim mad.

Wynn makes nice with Cpt Elvaran. The Guardsman can't help but release a slight smile at the bard's charm. Her eyes slip over to Xenia, and she leans in close next to Wynn's ear. "I'd love to discuss it, but I believe your services are spoken for," she whispers. Half smile never leaving her face, she turns back to her troop.
"Quarantine the area. Nobody in or out."

Thanks to Xenia's quick thinking, however, Federol (with gold coin in hand) has already made himself scarce.

Cpt Evaran is still sporting her half smile as nods to Florin.
"I accept your invitation, good paladin of Domi."

The area is quickly cordoned off. Soon enough, several druids appear, all brandishing the emblem of the Guard. None appear to be from the Circle of the Alder. With them are a couple more clerics. One uses a wand on one of the unconscious victims, and is quite upset when nothing seems to happen. One tries to leave, but Elvaran won't let her go. After a heated discussion, the Captain waves over another Guardsmen who breaks out a set of signal flags and flashes some signs down the small alley. A set of flags on the other end wave back. It seems to satisfy the cleric.

Questioning of the neighbors continues. The men are all locals. Some have lived on this road all their lives. All went to Perimon, and all came back a few days ago with the story that giant beetles had eaten the wooden walls and buildings of the town. All were uncommonly agitated upon their return, but it was dismissed as shock from the events. Nothing really triggered the massacre. They just suddenly, and quite independently, erupted from their homes and beat on anybody who had not been to Perimon.

Meanwhile the druids circle up with the clerics to discuss what they're looking at. Any of the party can join without challenge. The group is of the opinion that the men are infected with an especially potent disease contracted during their stay at Perimon. The worrisome part is they can't find an obvious carrier. Some quick inspections of the neighbors shows no sign of infection. News which worries the healers.


Angus Mage Armor  d20+7=9
Monday January 17th, 2005 9:20:36 AM
Angus will work his way over to the cirle of druids and clerics and attempt to get their attention by bringing up the incident at the Giggling Ghost as a possible second outbreak. Angus will attempt to get names and affiliations of the Druids and Clerics, concentrating on the Druids. Angus is very interested in what the Druids relationship is with the Alder Druids that he and his friends have had so much contact with recently. Angus also want the healers opinion on how people can contract a disease that grows in their brain and what can be done once the disease takes hold????(Gather information 9: not Angus's best effort as he still seems to be worrying about the smug on his new cloak)

Belkior  d20+5=22 d20=2
Monday January 17th, 2005 9:50:02 AM
Belkior responds to Syr (?), "I used to be with the militia in Crescent Valley and some of us would make short expeditions from the valley. I have been too busy with my studies here in the city for any adventure, but Janus has suggested that I practice my skills. Would your group welcome a healer?"

Belkior also moves over to the group of druids and clerics discussing the disease. Belkior will provide his insights form examination of the victim, and his examination of these victims. He also contributes what he knows of human physiology and posisble responses to the growth of the plant tendrils (Knowledge: Physiology = 22).

Belkior is interested in the fellow clerics, specifically their names and what temples they serve. He asks the cleric who used the wand what he was trying to accomplish. (Gather Information = 2)

(OOC = no character sheet at work, so I'll get back later with what modifers, if any, apply to the roll).

Oh, and Belkior will ask whether the quarantine applies to himself and the party.



Xenia 
Monday January 17th, 2005 11:30:39 AM
Xenia bristles a bit from behind Wynn's shoulder as The Captain gives him the eye. But, then, what the hey. She shrugs it off. Yeah, Wynn's the best. And other folks see it too. hehe

She wanders over to the circle of cleric guys and druid guys. The rogue's dark lips are pursed together as she mulls Lang's question. Inside her head she chases along the path of facts in the same way she would trace a trap from the trigger to the trap itself.

"We, um, saw some other guys who were kind of green too," she says, kind of half to herself and half to the cleric-druid guys. "It was ... um, well, it was someplace. And the guys that came down to look at them said they had the same green stuff inside their heads. Said it wasn't contagious."

"These guys, you said, were messing around in the Crying Woods too, right?" She directs the question at the rest of the guys. "But, then again, didn't you say they were fighting each other or sum'in?" This she directs at Lang. "And these Greenies here, you're right, Lang. I didn't see any of them hitting each other."

"So, maybe it's a different thing. Or ... maybe it's the same thing, but different parts of the same thing. Like, maybe it makes Greenies fight each other for a while, and then after that, you know, like, after it gets control of them, it makes them work together."

"And," the rogue begins pacing, as though hot on the trail of some invisible quarry. Her voice builds as she nears her conclusion. "If it is the same thing, the green thing that got those adventuring guys and the green thing that took over these folks. If they are the same thing, then whatever it is that's doing this, is probs out there in the Crying Woods."

She looks up at the others for confirmation, eyes bright with the chase. "Right?"

Wynn Brightsong  d20+2=14
Monday January 17th, 2005 6:10:13 PM
Wynn has a careful inspection of the victims, including the one eviscerated by Lang before joining the others in discussion with the druids and clerics.

He first tries to discern from the conversation what relations these druids might have with the Alder Circle, directly asking the question if necessary. He then tries to understand the significance of the failed healing spell from the wand, pulling aside the cleric who used the wand specifically [gather information =14].

Finally, as long as the bard is satisfied that the druids and clerics are not opposed to the Alder Circle he will express another idea, "Perhaps the onset of the disease is tied to the disappearance of the white flowers. Both outbreaks of this madness have occurred very recently, about the same time as the flowers were destroyed. Is there a chance they served as an antidote?"


Florin Jadenth 
Monday January 17th, 2005 10:03:10 PM
Florin looks to the others and can't help but smile when captain Evaran accepts his offer of the drink later he smiles and whispers a quick comment to her before going to buisness at hand, "I will meet you at the GG tonight then m'lady inless you have a prefered place."

Florin looks to the others but lets the more knowledgable go about checking the dead men and such. He does stand in on the talks and looks to Xenia when she speaks up and thinks over abit before talking to her, "I say later at a very soon date we go over and look over the area where the bugs attacked and go from there."

Florin looks to the group and speaks up, "I will tell Jella in the morning that the Shield's are going across to the shore and checking out somethings. So tomorrow we should make our way over to check things out before anything of interest or mainly clues are gone farther then they might already be."

Florin thinks abit and nods, "We should head back if everyone is ready also. We all should enjoy the rest of the night since it looks like things may get abit hectic the next few days and nice hot food and warm beds are going to be harder to find."

Lang AC 20 HP 46/46 
Monday January 17th, 2005 10:05:17 PM
Lang hunkers down next to Sunshine and listens to the conversations around him. He remains silent unless spoken to and will answer any question as truthfully as he can.

He also thinks on what Xenia said about the differences between these guys and the group at the giggling ghost.

Syr 
Monday January 17th, 2005 10:21:58 PM
Syr's eyes open wide, "Crescent Valley Militia? I've only been to the shores of this lake. You sure travel alot." Calling over his shoulder, "Hey Flo, do we have use for this healing halfling?" The elf rubs his wounded shoulder for emphasis, "He's got my vote!"

Syr raises an eyebrow when Florin gets a date with the Captain when days earlier another member of the group was rejected. Rather than painfully pointing that out he chooses to change subjects instead. Moving up to Florin and whispering, "You know, with all these different temples, druids, and guards involved, we should try to get some sort of legitimate sponsorship to check out this ruined Perimon?"

Tionel  d20+10=27
Monday January 17th, 2005 11:58:11 PM
Tionel wanders over to the discussion with his typical interest in conversation. When they are considering what sort of thing this may be, he pipes up, adding to Xenia's words,
"This is the second time where recently we've seen a weird disease caused by people returning to the Float. Perhaps we should examine other recent returnees, including fishermen and the like? Also, if we're looking for a source, we might be advised to talk to the captains of the boats, or even to go out and investigate the town.
"My friends and I were interested in an excursion towards that area as it was...certain events had already triggered that. Perhaps we can get out of your hair, since we do seem to be tripping in your way of late, and do you a favor as well, captain? I mean, we'd have to discuss it more, but I'm sure my group wouldn't mind going into that area, perhaps accompanied by an Alemite or someone more familiar with diseases so that we can find a root cause for this catastrophe and thus discern a remedy?"
The elf tries to speak softly and gracefully, not intruding into the conversation abruptly but instead just adding his two copper worth.

Some Answers (DM MikeK) 
Tuesday January 18th, 2005 10:35:30 AM
Belkior asks whether the quarantine applies to the party. The Guard Captain looks at him and replies "Definitely. NOBODY leaves until I'm sure we're not infected."

The halfling joins Angus and Wynn with the circle of conferring druids and clerics. The three clerics apparently serve Gargul, Alemi, and Domi respectively, although all also sport the insignia of the Guard. So do the to druids, and Angus determines they're not associated with any group, although both have heard of, and in general agree with, the view of the Alders.

The cleric of Domi with the wand is named Mordeth.
"The wand is supposed to remove disease," he replies to the bard's question. "And if that's not a disease, what is it?" He sighs. "We sent for my Captain. Let's see what he says."

Despite the inability of the wand to cure the unconscious man, the conferring healers (with supporting evidence from The Shields) are of the opinion that it is a disease, it comes from the Woods, and that it is not contracted from exposure to an infected person.
"Otherwise, this whole street would be infected," Mordeth points out. As to Wynn's question about whether the white flowers may be an antidote to the disease, they can only speculate, and not very well at that.

In time, another cleric of Alemi, a Guard Captain, enters the road. He listens to the group, thinks for a moment, walks over to an unconscious man, and casts a spell. The green hue disappears from the man, much to the relief of the gathered healers. The Captain, however, makes a sour face.
"It's a disease, all right. But its resistant. We'll need healers of my power or better to cure them, and of course these wands are made by priests as soon as they're granted the capability." He snorts. "Cheaper that way. Well, this'll keep the Shepherds busy."

He walks up to Elvaran, where Florin and Lang await.
"Everyone's free to leave. Take those four to the Temple of Alemi and request the aid of Janus. The standard healer won't do. Burn the dead, right here, right now. I want nothing growing around inside them that'll turn up later."

Elvaran gives a quick "Yes, sir" and gets her people to work.

The party is free to go.


Angus Mage Armor 
Tuesday January 18th, 2005 10:49:14 AM
Angus is happy to leave and says mostly to himself. " Time for a bath and rest."

Angus attempts to gather up his friends and motions for Belkior to join them. "How about we get cleaned up and go see the Circle of the Alder for their input about this disease and maybe we can get their assistance to investigate Perimon. I do not believe they were thrilled with the idea of the city in the first place."

Angus looks to Florin "If that is alright with you. I do not know how far away Perimon is and do not know how much time you wish to spend away from Jella."

Angus then turns to Xenia and exclaims excitedly "Maybe we can see Max again and go for a ride."

Angus starts to rub filth off his cloak again after his brush with the alley wall.

Xenia 
Tuesday January 18th, 2005 12:21:31 PM
Xenia laughs. "I'd love to see Max again. But I don't know how we'd tell one bug from another, you know."

"About this Perimon guy, though. I was talking to Happy about him the other day. Happy says this guy lives up on Open Level somewhere. I mean, all the way on Open. And, the place they were building out there, well Happy says there's some rumor of a lost city somewhere. A lost city built entirely of gold. Maybe the two are connected."

Xenia watches the Guard Captain of Alemi wandering off. "Wonder how high you have to be before you can cure that stuff?"

Poor Barkal, she thinks before following the rest of the guys out of the Trash Level.

Belkior 
Tuesday January 18th, 2005 9:05:31 PM
Belkior turns to Angus and Wynn, "I will follow the Guards to the Temple and provide whatever assistance that I can. I might gain some information that is useful."

Before he hustles off, Belkior stops and turns to his recent acquaintances. "If I learn anything that may help with discovering the source of this disease, I will try to catch up with you at the Circle of the Alder. If I don't find you there, I will look for you at the Giggling Ghost, I believe it's called. Oh, and you really should ensure that your armor is still okay after a fight like that. I can look at it for you, if you like."

Since the Guards hauling the bodies of the victims has moved off somewhat, Belkior hustles to catch up.

They seem like good people. I will ask Janus more about them, since they seem to know her. And I must learn more about this disease, especially whether I am capable of curing it.



Lang 
Tuesday January 18th, 2005 10:45:27 PM
Lang joins the rest of the group as they make there way back to the apartment.

"I agree Angus. I could go for a good cleaning for myself and for my clothes. I want to wash all of this battle off of me as soon as possible."

"How are we going to protect ourselves from this disease? That is if we end up going to check out this town that was being built."

Syr 
Tuesday January 18th, 2005 11:12:47 PM
Syr gives a dismissive glance to the bodies, "Protect? I'm not sure we need protection, as long as we are careful that is. Maybe that halfling, Belkior, will learn the signs of the disease and the curing process to help us?" Impatient to be off, "All signs seem to be pointing us toward a visit back to the woods. What's the holdup?"

Florin Jadenth 
Tuesday January 18th, 2005 11:24:52 PM
Florin smiles and looks to Belkior, "He'll most deffinetly be of help. The more the better in my opinion. Anyway, he looks quite capable and Janus I highly doubt would send someone to meet us that wasn't worth his weight in gold."

Florin nods as he listens to everything and once the group is dismissed he quickly speaks to Elvaran, "I'll look for you tonight at the GG m'lady, if I can be of any assistance before that then do let me know." Florin gives and bow to the lady before going off to his companions.

Florin thinks as he walks along with them, "Yes, a quick stop at the apartment with your guys and then we should see the druids."

Florin gives Syr and gentle push, "Another adventuer into the woods. We'll head off in the morning if nothing delays us. I think one night to prepare, have one last rest in a bed and all will do us all good before setting out." Florin whispers after that mainly to Syr, "Plus I will need some time to talk to Jella and Mort about the next few days that I'll be gone to help defend the city moreless since we are hoping to get rid of this green plant people disease."

Florin also does his best to hide a grin since he can't wait to see what the group says about the things he has waiting for them at the apartment.

Wynn 
Wednesday January 19th, 2005 12:34:59 AM
Standing beside Xenia, Wynn watches the little cleric waddle off after the guards. "He seems the steady sort. It would be good if he could join us on our next adventure," says the bard. Then, he adds in a conspiratorial tone, his lips close to Xenia's ear, "maybe The Lost City of Gold?"

The half-elf nods agreement when Angus suggests a trip to see the Circle of the Alder, and nods again, the corner of his eyes crinkling as he smiles widely, when Florin suggests they head off the next morning.

"I'm for a bath and some food. Care to join me Miss Next?" The bard offers his arm to the rogue, and leaves it to her to speculate about which activity he means to have her company.

Tionel 
Wednesday January 19th, 2005 1:00:42 AM
"Well, I don't know about all of you, but once we get out of this, I plan on going back and taking a nice long bath. Then a few ales..then we'll go have a nice chat with some of the druids or something." Tionel pats Angus on the back, "Good job back there...I think we all did a good job, right guys?"

Surprises (DM MikeK) 
Wednesday January 19th, 2005 8:31:29 AM
Belkior hurries after the contingent of Guards carrying the four unconscious men to the Temple of Alemi. The Guards hurry, obviously wishing to be free of their burdens as quickly as possible. None of them say much during the trip.

At the Temple, Janus meets them and directs that the four be placed in a side room. She gives the halfling a warm greeting, bids him stay, and sets to work. First, she also attempts using a standard Wand of Remove Disease, getting the same negative results as the Guard's healer. Next, she almost negligently casts the spell herself, instantly curing one of the men.
"Have you prepared Remove Disease today, dear Belkior?" she asks.
Learning he does not, the Paragon calls in various healers of varying experience and asks each to try the spell. At the end, the cutoff appears to be right around where the halfling is (Caster Level 7).

--

Cpt Elvaran gives Florin a businesslike nod as she marches off.
"The Giggling Ghost then."

The group trudges back to the apartments for some refreshments and a very much needed bath. Once there, a surprise awaits each person. Upon each bed lies a gift, sender unknown:

Xenia - An ash(white or ivory colored) carving of a angel.

Tionel - A walnut(dark colored wood) carving of a bear.

Angus - A masterwork flute with a nice velvet lined case and locking brass clasp.

Wynn - Leather bound blank book, 100 pages, with ink pen.

Syr - An oak carving of Domi in his wrestler form.

Lang - A oak carving of a eagle taking flight.

Additionally, upon the table in the entry room are three gold rings, two large and one child sized. All bear the coat of arms of House Jandeth, embossed in silver and diamonds. A handwritten note accompanies the rings:

For my dear son, granddaughter, and manservant. Wear these well, for the honor and glory of House Jandeth.

-Mother



Angus  d20+9=12 d20+8=9 d20+8=16 d20+9=26 d20+5=25
Wednesday January 19th, 2005 9:27:10 AM
Angus is excited to see the new flute and immediately takes it out and inspects it. "Wonderful" Is all Angus says for a few moments.

"I wonder who left this for me." Angus muses and then he begins to play first the new flute (perform 12) and then his silver flute (perform 9)and is not satisfied by his attempts. "I need a bath and rest before trying again." As Angus sets his two flutes down and gets cleaned up.

Angus is in a much better mood after his bath and the cleaning of his new cloak and trys the flutes again. This time he starts with his silver flute (perform 16). "Much better, it is amazing what the right attitude can do for my playing." Angus picks up the new flute and plays an exceptional tune (perform 26). "That is more like it" Angus exclaims with deep satisfaction. "A marvelous gift. Ok who made my day?"

After playing with the new flute Angus suggests "Everyone ready to head over to the circle of the Alder now? I think we all have questions for them. Does anyone know anything more about this Perimon character?" (Knowledge local: untrained 25, nat 20) As Angus attempts to recall anything about Perimon from his stay on the big float.

Xenia 
Wednesday January 19th, 2005 10:46:14 AM
"I would follow you anywhere, Handsome Man," Xenia grins, linking arms with the bard. She lifts up on tip-toes before they move off together. "Gold." hehe she whispers into the shell of his ear.

Back at the apartments the girl rogue pops into her room to toss her haversack. There, cradled in its own small depression in the duvet is a small white object. huh? The rogue lifts the pale wooden carving in her gray gloved hand. Her eyes run over the tiny details that fill the small carving. The fingers on the two hands, clasped together. The face, so delicate, eyes closed in an expression of bliss.

The embodiment of suppressed joy, Xenia skips out of her room and down the hall to Wynn. Throwing an arm around his neck she kisses him soundly. "Thank you, Handsome Mister Brightsong. It's beautiful." And she holds the carving up in the palm of her hand.

Belkior  d20+17=28
Wednesday January 19th, 2005 1:14:41 PM
"Mistress, it seems that removing this disease from the affected is beyond my capability at present." Belkior pauses to gauge the reaction of his mentor.

Belkior goes over to one of the wounded who have now been healed. "I know a little about the disease, having seen the corpses of some others affected. Can you tell me anything more about what might cause it, or how to treat it?"

While speaking, Belkior tends to the wounded and now cured - tucking in sheets, placing arms in more comfortable positions, checking for fever. I know I'm being a fuss-budget, but I can't help it. While doing so, Belkior takes the time to determine if the people have suffered any lasting effect. (Heal = 28)

The thought strikes the halfling and he turns back to his mentor. "Mistress, even though these people have been cured, will there be lasting effects? I saw how the tendrils had grown inside the cranium and affected behaviour. Will there be lasting damage to their intellect?"


Lang & Sunshine  d20=12
Wednesday January 19th, 2005 9:48:58 PM
Lang is glad to be back at the apartment. The killing of these men does not sit well with him. Grabbing some food, water and a brush, Lang goes out into the garden with Sunshine. While Sunshine eats and drinks, Lang will thoroughly brush his coat and try to put the battle into the past.

Once he is finished, Lang will go inside and clean himself and his equipment. Once in his room he finds the eagle carving and admires its detail and skill, all the while wondering where it came from.

Heading downstairs to tell everyone about the carving, before he can say anything he sees and hears each of the other members in the group commenting on their own finds in their rooms.

Sitting down on a couch he listens to Angus compare his two flutes. When Angus poses his question about Perimon, he also tries to remember what he know about the fellow (knowledge local 12; untrained)

"I am ready to fo see the Circle".

Wynn 
Wednesday January 19th, 2005 10:11:38 PM
Wynn looks up from where he is sitting on the side of his bed when Xenia comes bursting into his room. There is a fine leather bound book in his lap. Looking a little sheepish after accepting the welcomed exhuberence of the rogue, he pulls her down to sit beside him on the edge of the bed.

"Sorry, to disappoint you, but I can not claim responsibility." Holding up the book, Wynn looks quizzically at the half-drow and asks "an anonymous patron?"

There is a sudden flash of white teeth from a quick smile, as the bard takes Xenia's treasure from her, and places it along with the leather bound book, and pen, on a nearby desk. A swift kick with a booted foot sends the door slamming shut, and the half-elf moves in on his companion mumbling,"the baths can wait."

.....

His back to the rogue, Wynn fills a plain sack with a few necessities. "Bath-house, Circle of the Alder, Giggling Ghost, pack for trip," he lists aloud. "You think there will be enough time to pick up some items at the Catacombs?" he asks, turning to face Xenia.



Tionel 
Thursday January 20th, 2005 12:46:09 AM
"A bear!" Tionel grabs it and holds it up high, proudly. He shows it to the others, and when they display their own gifts, he cheerfully has his wooden bear munch on the eagle, wrestle with the Domi, and roll around the Angel, enthusiastically adding sound effects. Afterwards, he goes to take a bath, and then lounges around the garden humming that little tune Angus was playing on.


Florin Jadenth  d20+3=8
Thursday January 20th, 2005 1:35:50 AM
Florin picksup the rings on the tabe and looks each one over before sighing gently and then just pockets them for the momemy and turns back to see his friends.

Florin chuckles when he sees the various reactions and when a comment from Angus comes up on who the gifts our from Florin does his best to look innocent (untrained Bluff:8, wow, poor bluffer), "Maybe the sender wil reveal his or herself later."

Florin glances up when Xenia goes running to Wynn's room with the angel and almost laughs but holds it back before he turns and moves to the door, "I'm heading home to have a bath and will meet you at the druids house." Florin turns quickly after thinking and once again removes the rings, "Ohh Angus you happen to have that detect magic spell handy?"

Florin's main plans at the moment is now heading back to his rented house to wash and check on Jella and Mort, giving the two their ring and then meeting the others at the druid's house. He figures with his poor bluff on who gave the gifts that the cat is surely out of the bag.

Back to Alder House 
Thursday January 20th, 2005 8:48:16 AM
The various members of The Crimson Shields fall upon their gifts with glee. Any who look at Florin and make a Sense Motive check DC8 will note the paladin is insufferably pleased with himself.

Florin takes the rings off the table with much less enthusiasm.
[Though a Detect Magic spell will reveal they are not magical]

Angus and Lang try to remember what they've heard about the noble Perimon. The sorcerer recalls he is part of the Overlord's counselors, and is considered 'new' rich (he made his own money). He is an aggressive risk taker, and confident to the point of arrogance (he named the town after himself after all).

The group splits up for baths and meals and personal errands.

---

Belkior's mistress shakes her head. "I've not seen this disease before," she admits, "so I can only guess. I'd say the contaminant is inhaled or ingested, and must originate from the jungle. One cure we've established, although if many catch the disease, our healers with the requisite power may be overwhelmed."

"As to the lasting effects..." She sighs. "Again, I do not know. But the point is a good one, Belkior. And we will monitor these four to find out."

The halfling healer leaves to join his new found companions.

---

Eventually, everyone joins back up at the Alder House. Tarketh is there to meet them.
"You're back? Fantastic! Really, that's just fine! Come in! Come in!"

The druid escorts the group to the side room and bids everyone take a seat. Tea and cakes are served.
Tarketh gazes at Tionel like a kid on Christmas morning. "Did it work?" he asks eagerly. "Are the flowers gone?"


Angus  d20+2=13
Thursday January 20th, 2005 9:17:42 AM
Angus was not paying a great deal of attention to the others as he was playing with his flutes, but suspects that the gifts came from Florin (sense motive 13) and reminds himself to give him a surprise thank you later and see.

As the group walks to the Circle of the Alder Angus suggests. " We should stop by and see that halfling healer, Belkior, and see what he found out. Belkior may have questions for the Alder also."

Just before entering the Circle Angus adds to the group. " We may want to purchase a remove disease or two if we are planning on going into the forest again."

When Tarketh asks his question of Tionel Angus answers. "The flowers are gone, but in there place are roving bands of plant zombies! We were forced to kill 11 of them and brought 4 for the temple of Alemi for curing. It appears that a plant took up residence in the zombies brains, not fun." Angus takes a moment to catch his breath before continuing.

"What can you tell us about Perimon city and any association that the Circle of Alder may have with it? The disease seems to originate in the forest as all of those infected were recently in Perimon's city. Any thoughts?" Angus finishes forcefully.

Xenia  d20+2=5 d20+1=2
Thursday January 20th, 2005 11:28:55 AM
Xenia sighs and looks up from the bed. "Mmmm? Yeah. Bath, Circle of Alder, The Ghost. I'm packed already. And, yeah," the dark rogue pops up and begins throwing on clothes. "Lets take a trip to The Catacombs. I need to resupply."

On the way back down, Xenia pops back into her room for her haversack. She tips her head to one side as she places the carving gently on a shelf. Where is it that this thing could have come from? Coming down with Wynn on the way to the baths she looks at each of the guys in turn, especially Florin. (Sense Motive 5) Last time everybody got something like this, it was Florin what did it. Except, this time he got something too ...

She continues to puzzle over it at various times during the day.

+++++++++++++++++

Later at Alder House, Xenia presents the sample of green stuff left by the mysterious white flowers.

"Dunno if this is dangerous or not," she says to the Tarketh, who reminds her a lot of Tionel for some reason, "but there must be piles of it down there. Probs better to check it out, you know," she says with a very earnest face. "I mean, kids could play in it or something."

"Um, yeah," Xenia echoes Angus' question, "can you tell us what might be out there? I mean, you must send guys like us in to the Crying Woods a lot to check things out." Xenia is thinking furiously from the look on her face. "Maybe this isn't just something natural. Maybe those guys out there got attacked. Could be there's maybe another city out there, you know. A city that maybe got Lost. Something nobody knows about yet, huh?" She flashes a wink at Wynn. (Bluff 2 - Nat 1)

Belkior  d20+1=14
Thursday January 20th, 2005 3:19:48 PM
Belkior turns to his mentor, "Thank you, Paragon Janus. May the grace of Alemi travel with you."

With that, the halfling cleric checks his armor, clothing and equipment to ensure that he is properly attired and sets out for the druidic Alder House. Hustling down the street, he thinks to himself, "Now, which way is the best way to get there from here? The Floating City has so many good and bad ways to get there from here."
(Untrained Knowledge: Local = 14)

After making a few twists and turns in his route, mainly to avoid human sized stairs, the halfling finally arrives at Alder House. Belkior glances inside and sees his new met companions inside. It's apparent that he hasn't missed too much of the discussion.

"Excuse me, excuse me. Sorry to be late. I was at the Temple of Alemi, with the infected ones."

Belkior stops to take in the discussion for, while he knows quite a lot about healing and the human body, his knowledge of the area surrounding the city is very limited. This is all new to him.



Lang & Sunshine 
Thursday January 20th, 2005 8:55:50 PM
Lang nods in agreement as Angus explains what has transpired recently. He adds after Angus is done.

"The infected group at the Giggling Ghost acted strangely when we first met them in the bar and acted real crazy when they were killed. it was very chaotic. This group we met recently acted crazy as they attack people, but they did not attack each other and actually worked together."

Lang then looks to the others for anything else to be added.

Wynn 
Thursday January 20th, 2005 11:33:28 PM
Wynn leans against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest, head bowed, listening to what is said. Without changing his position, the bard looks up, and asks, "could there be a link between the removal of the bowl from the temple, the disappearance of the white flowers, and this new disease?"

Florin Jadenth 
Thursday January 20th, 2005 11:48:52 PM
Florin is happy with the small bath and is glad to see Mort and Jella are doing okay. Florin gives Mort and Jella the ring with his house crest on it and looks to both, "Well, they arrived so he we go. I had them checked for magic of any type and nothing so there safe." Florin kneels by Jella and hugs her tightly, "I have to talk to you alittle later darling. I got to meet my friends at the druid's house for now so Mort here will be watching you. I bet your not done with your lessons yet either."

Once Florin is done spending just abit of time with Jella and Mort to cetchup with what they been doing and just abit of chit chat, he heads out to the druids house. He smiles as he sees Belkior and moves over to give the man and nod in greetings, "Nice to see you again friend."

Florin listens to what is said by the druid and what his friends bring up and thinks to himself to see if there is anything that is being left out but can't think of anything.

Tionel  d20+10=14
Friday January 21st, 2005 2:18:15 AM
The dapper elf smiles at the other druid's question and is about to reply when the others cut in. He lets them have their say, taking a sample of the tea and then trying one of the little breads. "Lightly bitter, with a tang of something dark...fascinating.. Nutmeg, ginger, cinammon, molasses... Quite good." Perhaps he doesn't come off as suave as usual, with his little taste-show. (Diplomacy 14)
Looking to the other, enthusiasm fills his eyes. "No more flowers... it is as though they simply disappeared! All the people seem quite amazed and no more will suffer from their effects. It's excellent! Especially the little brown cracker crispies.
"So, I think what my friends are saying is... some malady has struck several people. Maybe one or two. And it seems connected with weird forest diseases. Though the Alemites can probably heal it, I think that it's disrupting the forces of the natural order. I mean, it makes people become ravenous attackers, without even the simple instincts and sense of regular animals.
"Some were explorers, going after hidden gold...others were failed settlers... In any case, it's the sort of thing that I think could threaten the stability of the area. Not to be serious or anything. This sort of investigation needs calm, rational sort of planning. Tea breaks help." *sip*

Tea with Tarketh (DM MikeK) 
Friday January 21st, 2005 10:55:11 AM
Tarketh physically pulls back from Angus as the sorcerer launches into a series of questions about "plant zombies". Clearly the druid wasn't prepared for an interrogation.

Xenia chimes in, and tries to hand the young man a bag full of goo.

And then Wynn tacks on his theory that the removal of the flowers is a cause of the malady.

Tarketh's slack jawed face flits from one hero to the next. Even Tionel's smoother entry into the business at hand is of little relief to the poor man. Hopelessly out of his element, he looks pleadingly to the manservant. The butler swoops in, takes the bag from Xenia, and asks politely "Shall I inquire after Master Keran, sir?"

Tarketh swallows and blinks a couple times. "Keran? Oh, Keran! Yes, yes. That would be lovely. Uh...ahem...would you be so good as to asking him if he could come down? Thank you." The butler nods and leaves.
Having successfully overcome this latest obstacle, Tarketh has some tea.

After several minutes, which Tarketh fills by being as busy eating as he possibly can, Keran enters the study, shoots the younger druid a sympathetic smile, plops into a chair, and fields questions with a friendly, easy going air.
"I hear you waylaid poor Tarketh", he remarks -- a twinkle in his grey eyes taking any heat out of the comment. "Let's see if I can do any better."

"The goop is just plant matter. Didn't seem dangerous, but we'll give it once over. I doubt that flowers and disease are related, but we'll check that out too.

We've heard of a few more cases of this disease, all coming from folks who've been in the Wood, and particularly Perimon last week. So that place seems a good starting point for anyone who'd be up to investigating it." Keran's face holds an open invitation for volunteers.

"The Circle of the Alder is opposed to the establishment town of Perimon, and, quite frankly, rejoices that it has been abandoned. But, we didn't do it. Nemochloria defends herself." He slams his hand down on the chair. "Which is EXACTLY why we opposed that blasted hovel in the first place!"

The man rubs greying temples, and takes a moment to regain his composure.

"Moving on. Yes, we've sent groups out. And yes, we've tried to talk to other groups who've gone out on their own after the..."
Keran pauses dramatically, bringing his palms up to emphasize his next words, which he delivers like an over-the-top campy tale teller...
"Lost City of Gold!"
The man gives Xenia a playful wink. Clearly, he doesn't believe the stories.

"Most seem to be using a large river a few days sail north of here as a starting point for their explorations. Easier to get deep into the interior, I'd imagine."

"Our position is this: Nemochloria has declared war on Floating City. The flowers and this new disease are just for starters. Its going to get worse. We want, no, we NEED people to go out into the Woods, discover its secrets, and bring back both the information and resources our city requires to defend itself."

"And while...someone...does that, we can work with the Shepherds to help with the victims of this war."

Keran sets down his cup, and looks at the group expectantly.


Belkior 
Friday January 21st, 2005 11:20:23 AM
"Excuse me," the halfling says. "I just realized in the excitement that I have missed my tea time. May I have a cup?"

Barely waiting for the butler to pour, Belkior assembles a towering plate of cookies and other dainties. Without meaning to, Belkior examines the trays and the teacup for cleanliness. After the butler pours, Belkior takes an appreciative sip.

"Ah, an excellent tea. I personally believe that drinking tea or similar boiled beverages is extremely beneficial for a person's digestion. Perhaps it's the slight stimulation provided by the tea, or maybe it's the quiet while you sit and converse with your comapnions. Either way, boiled water is preferable. That's why beer is so good for you, because it's boiled during making."

Pausing to nibble a cookie, the small cleric continues. "Excellent, excellent cookies. Ginger is also very good for the digestion, if I have to say so. And these ones seem to be made with oatmeal. Everyone, especially small people like myself, should ensure that they eat sufficient roughage." Belkior nows spreads some marmalade on a biscuit. "Marmalade is much better for you than jam. It's the citrus, you know. Would you like to know about the research conducted by the Temple of Alemi in the Taur islands? They have successfully treated scurvy with oranges. Amazing, isn't it?"

The halfling is oblivious to the fact that his companions and hosts have stopped paying attention. Still, if anyone pays any attention he will feel free, compelled even, to discuss proper nutrition with them. Seeing that Xenia has slackened a bit, Belkior speaks to her. "Now, not everyone needs to eat as much as a halfling mind you. We're small and have very high metabolisms. My mentor once mentioned that halfling's have the metabolism of a squirrel. And if you think on it, squirrels spend all their time thinking about food, just like most halflings. If we didn't have to work so hard climbing human-sized stairs and the like, we'd get too heavy which is bad. You, you're an acrobatic type so you need to keep your weight down, too. If you like, I can help design a daily nutrition plan to keep you in peak fighting form."

At this point, Belkior paused to take one of the few remaining biscuits. He happened to hear Keran. Unfortunately, he didn't hear all of Keran's statement, so he pipes up, "Certainly, certainly we'll work with you!".



Xenia  d20+3=7 d20+2=11
Friday January 21st, 2005 12:48:00 PM
"Um, yeah." Xenia watches the halfling as he works through the tea stuff. Frange, look at that huge mound of the cookies! She pours herself a cup of the tea for herself. No kaffe. But tea's not bad. The little cups are nice too. Delicte little handles. And so thin you can see light through them, adding luster to the gold trim around the edges. They got the good stuff up here on Gold. Nice stuff.

Tasting the tea, however, brings a whole different reaction. Very politely, she places the delicate cup back onto it's delicate saucer. She swallows the rest of the weird bitter tea without making a *peh* *peh* *peh* face. A cookie. A choco cookie should get rid of the taste.

No Um's and You-know's, alright? Xenia speaks up, trying not to wreck the impression she had set up with Keran before. (I mean he might give them more money!!!) "Excuse me, Keran," she begins, "do you think you might have a map of the area handy? I mean, it could help us get around out there. And, if we find some other stuff, we could add to the map, you know." Ouch. That wasn't so good. (Diplomacy 11)

"Um," she continues, "what's Nemochloria?" (Knowledge Local for both Nemochloria and The Shepards 7, bleh)

"Hey," she whispers to the new guy as a new thought comes to her, "do you cook?"

Angus 
Friday January 21st, 2005 12:52:01 PM
Angus is glad to see Keran come down to speak with the group. Angus echoes "Nemochloria." When Keran speaks of it. When Keran is done speaking Angus pipes up again. "Thank you for seeing us Master Keran. Please explain to us lay folk what Nemochloria is? I am not sure I grasp your entire meaning and want to be educated on the subjuct. I am very curious why Nemochloria would declare war on a movng city?"

Angus waits patiently for Keran's answer and then asks a further question. "Besides gold, were there any other goals of the adventurers that you sent out into the woods? We may be interested in seeing the woods but are concerned about the rampant diseases we have witnessed. Can you lend us healing magics to prevent there occurance or a way to rid our bodies of them if we become infected? We can return the protection items upon our return to the Floating city."

Again Angus waits for Keran to answer and continues "I wanted to follow up on the question from my wise friend Wynn. Does the bowl we recovered for the Circle of the Alder have anything to do with the attacks on Perimon City or the war that Nemochloria is waging?"

Angus tries the tea while Keran is answering the groups questions. "Very excellent brew."

Florin Jadenth  d20+5=15
Friday January 21st, 2005 8:12:06 PM
Florin nods as he listens and does speak up also, "I have to admit I'm curious if this bowl we found you all might be some cause to this. The forest was quick to move in when we aquired it."

Florin shrugs and looks to both druids now, "I plan to lead the Shields out tomorrow to where the town was to be constructed and have a look around. We can't have this plant disease continuing to spread among the people of this city. Any help you might be able to give us will be of great help though considering." (Diplomacy: 15) Florin thinks and adds just to maybe get more of a reaction on possible help, "Anyway, if we can succeed in helping the city and you druids have helped us in succeeding in that then you all will get some of the benefits. Also your knowledge of such things and guidance and help will be of alot of help to us and help prepare us for the worst case."

Wynn Brightsong 
Saturday January 22nd, 2005 10:22:58 AM
Wynn sits next to Xenia and listens as Keran explains the position of the Circle of Alder and the need for further information about the Crying Woods. His eyes light up at the mention of the Lost City of Gold and when there is a pause in the conversation he asks "Keran, what more can you tell us about the legend of the Lost City. Are their poems or songs about it, perhaps an exerpt from an explorer's journal?"

Lang 
Sunday January 23rd, 2005 10:14:48 AM
Lang has nothing more to add to the conversation at this point. He stands quietly wondering who this Nemochloria is and how it can be defeated.

Lang also wonders if the Lost City of Gold and this Nemochloria are tied in to each other.

Tionel 
Sunday January 23rd, 2005 1:49:56 PM
"Now, now, Keran. You know that we have no animosity or allegiance towards the destruction of the woods. Obviously there has to be some sort of balance, and I agree that the spread of people to beyond the floating city could be bad for the future of the surrounding environment. Within ten generations, it would all look the same; cultivated and habitable, certainly, but lacking the pristine beauty of nature. Certainly, if we could find settlers willing to live at one with the land it would be best. That is what elves generally do; rather than changing their environment, they adapt themselves to its needs and hazards. in that way, they do not harm that which is around them, but make it greater. Perhaps this is what our order...er, well, not really my order, but what we should look into? I mean, I'm obviously not the sort to make such suggestions, but perhaps you could suggest it to the elder druids?
"In any case, I think we'd like to learn more about the woods themselves. So far, I've seen other groups' reactions to the wild and they seem to come out a lot worse than we do. So, I'd like to think we're more suited to the task."

Syr 
Monday January 24th, 2005 8:43:58 AM
The elf looks very skeptical at the prospect of a plant being involved in a war but holds his tongue out of politeness. He nudges the paladin and quietly whispers, "Get us a ship?"

The offer (DM MikeK) 
Monday January 24th, 2005 9:37:26 AM
[DM Note -- Common knowledge - "Shepherd of Alemi" is the common title of clerics serving that god.
Floating City is located about 200 yards offshore of the Crying Woods. The colony of Perimon was set up at the closest point. It is visible from the city, and anybody in a boat could easily get there. Heck, you could probably swim it.]

Keran looks about.
"Oh, sorry. I'd assumed you knew that. Nemochloria is the Crying Woods. Same place, different names."
He leans forward, "And by war, I mean. Well, surely you've felt the malevolence of the Woods when you enter. The Circle believes the Woods are alive. There's a consciousness there. And it doesn't like people. And, since we've been chopping down trees and generally making a nuisance of ourselves, it has noticed us. Thus, the flowers. And now this disease. And next? Who knows?"

Keran takes a drink.

"Many of your questions are good ones, but we don't know the answers. By the Wold, we didn't even know where this city was located until several weeks ago."
He sighs.
"The removal of the bowl may have triggered a response. Or not."
"There are no legends or songs about the Woods. We haven't been here long enough to gather any. The Lost City bit is just a rumor" Keran waves his hand dismissively. "People see a huge jungle, and immediately start conjecturing about treasures and all."

"We've sent a couple groups on short excursions into the Woods to see if they could find out anything about whoever it was that built your temple, and to find any Float people messing around in the Woods. We've met minimal success.

What we need is a longer expedition. What dangers exist in the Woods that we must prepare for? What defenses do the indigenous creatures possess that we can emulate? Who built that temple? Where are they? What happened to them?"

Keran sets his cup down.

"We are prepared to fund an expedition. But frankly, you folks have a better idea of what you're going to need than we do. You come up with a list, and we'll fund it."

The man gets up to leave, then thinks a moment about the blank check he just handed the group. A slight smile creases his face.
"Uh, let me amend that. We'll fund up to 5000gp for transportation, protections, and magics and the like. Is that acceptable?"


Belkior 
Monday January 24th, 2005 10:45:26 AM
Belkior realizes the nature of the druid's request, but doesn't feel comfortable with making a commitment for the entire group. Especially after his previous error. His thoughts are, "I must pay attention and stop prattling on about diet and the like. Even if it is important. And I'm definitely not about to commit this group to anything, having just joined them.

He does contribute, "I may be able to ask Janus for some assistance, as well."



Xenia 
Monday January 24th, 2005 11:13:07 AM
Money!

Shopping!

Potions, and scrolls, maybe a wand or two.

The wheels turn visibly within the dark rogue's head. Bugs and vines and ... that weird invisible thing. Lizards, ghosts, witches. Wow! How you gonna prepare for all of that?

"Um ... " Xenia says, as usual beginning with some variation of Um, "5000 gold would be pretty good for an expedition." She spreads her hands in a gesture of explanation. "We could get together some ponies, food for the duration, tents, supplies for maps and notes. Stuff like that."

"But, from what we've seen, and you've said it yourself, you know, er, Mister Keran. From what we've seen, this is a war. The Necrochloria Crying Woods doesn't like people, and, for example, every time we've set foot in there, we've been attacked by vines."

"So, what I'm saying here is that 5000 gold is good for an expedition. But it looks more like we're going to be fighting a war. And, you know, it might be nice to have war funding too. 10,000 gold might cover that," she says.

Then she frowns. Not so much at the money, but at something the druid had said earlier.

"Um," that Um again, "you know, what you were saying before about the Crying Woods maybe sicing those flowers on us. I mean, we know that some guys called The Anvil Hearts were bringing the flowers into the city. And, you know, if it's the Crying Woods doing all of this, then ... Well, you know, it's a crazy idea, but, you know, maybe you got people in the city working with the Crying Woods. Whether they know it or not, you know what I mean?"

"I dunno," Xenia shrugs, "Maybe something you might want to look into."

Angus 
Monday January 24th, 2005 1:04:59 PM
Angus's eyes twinkle when Keran mentions the 5000 gp and then recovers as he listens to Xenia. "Thank you for your kindness, but I have to agree with Xenia. We have already run into quite a few nasties in the Crying Woods and now diseases. We would be most appreciative of remove disease potions or the like for our entire expedition. Maybe a few other trinkets too."

Angus thinks a moment and adds. "Master Keran are there any other temples in the Crying Woods you want us to investigate that may have something to do with the Perimon city? Do you have any idea what might be giving the Crying Woods conciousness as you so described it?"

Angus will nibble a cooking while waiting for Keran answer.

Florin Jadenth 
Monday January 24th, 2005 3:31:42 PM
Florin listens and thinks things over, stopping for only a moment as Syr nudges him and Florin grins and nods, "I will see to the ship. Shouldn't be to hard I wouldn't think."

Florin looks to Xenia and the others and frowns abit as the comments on more money comes up, "First we should look into what we need for sure before going to far. Belkior might beable to get a wand or two from the temple of Alemi for less money or gift since we can always return the wands if not used up." Florin thinks and nods, "I can also ask the temple of Domi for any assistance they can give in this matter."

Florin looks to Syr and Belkior, "Good Belkior, would you like to come with me to the temple of Domi while I ask them for help, and you two of course Syr." Florin looks to the others, "The rest of us should look into the things we need also before continueing on." Florin looks to the two druids, "Can we get back to you on the funds we need and such sirs?"

Florin's mind currently is not on his date later but is keeping track of time in his mind anyway as he notes things the group might need. He also glances to Syr, kind of curious what he thought of the gift of the statue of Domi in his wrestler form that Syr should of found.

Wynn Brightsong  d20+6=15
Monday January 24th, 2005 9:43:15 PM
Wynn smiles as Xenia and Angus negotiate with their potential sponser.

"Perhaps we should retire to the apartments to discuss our needs and plan for the expedition. Once we have determined our needs we can submit a proposal for your approval" Wynn directs his last comment to Keran and awaits his response [Diplomacy=15].

Wynn does his best to restrain his enthusiasm and look professional in the eyes of the Druid. Nonetheless, all he can think about is the 'Lost City of Gold' and the tales he will have to tell upon their return. If he has any thoughts of his own mortality they are quickly brushed aside in his excitement.

Lang 
Monday January 24th, 2005 9:44:48 PM
Supplies ... hmm, Lang thinks to himself. What will we need for an extended trip into the Crying Woods. We will need a food source and a water source.

"Keran what kind of food and water will be able to find in the Crying Woods? In other forests in my past I was able to hunt and gather food. Will the Crying Woods be able to supply the group with food and water or will we need to bring our own?

Tionel 
Tuesday January 25th, 2005 12:56:43 AM
"Five thousand? Ah..well, that's a great offer, Keran, especially for something we were interested in doing as it is. I'm sure we'll have to come back to talk about the details, like getting some protective measures, but it looks like general interest at the very least." Tionel nods, not sure why most his party seems hesitant at accepting the fantastic sounding adventure. Then he volunteers, "But I, at the very least, will definitely go...these woods are so fascinating to me."

(Btw, did the flowers growing back in Tionel's garden also go to mush? He was cultivating a few, secretly)

End of Barter town (DM MikeK) 
Tuesday January 25th, 2005 8:46:35 AM
Keran beams at Xenia. His eyes twinkle.
"What am I, a bank?" he asks, half seriously. "No, five thousand is about as much as we can afford. It will have to do."

To Angus, he replies, "no one else has found signs of a local civilization. And, no, we don't what gives the Woods its consciousness." His kindly smile continues. "Maybe that's something you can find out."

Florin, Wynn, and Tionel propose coming back later with a complete list. Keran nods. "Makes sense," he says.

Lang's question causes the man's eyebrows to shoot up in surprise. "It's a jungle," he points out. "There should be animals and water all over the place."

The party takes their leave to make plans and write up lists.

[Tionel's secret stash of flowers has also been destroyed]


Xenia 
Tuesday January 25th, 2005 11:56:39 AM
Xenia grins and holds her hands apart in a gesture of acquiescence. Can't blame a girl for trying.

On the way back, the rogue's mind works overtime matching price to need. There's so much spiffy stuff. But in the end, they can all pretty much take care of the day to day stuff with what they got. It's going to be the special situations that are gonna be a problem. And, face it, most of that is gonna fall on the magic guys to deal with. Scrolls are the cheapest. Start with that.

Ok, so that being the case ... When she gets back to the apartments, first thing Xenia does is sit down with pen and paper. Occasionally, she looks up and gives one of her companions an appraising look. Finally, with a sigh that says this could be much better, she puts the pen down.

"Hey guys, what do you think of this?" And she read off her list.

"By the way, Florin, try not to get the old pervy guy we got last time, huh?" Xenia adds in reference to the boat.


Scrolls
See Invisibility x1 =150
Grease x2 =50
Wood Shape x2 =300
Soften Earth and Stone x1 =150
Stone Shape x1 =375
Spider Climb x2 =300
Restoration, Lesser x1 =150
Speak with Animals (Divine) x3 =75
Speak with Plants (Divine) x1 =150
Locate Object (Arcane) x1 =150
Tiny Hut x1 =375
Neutralize Poison (Divine) x1 =375

Other Stuff
Necklace of fireballs type I x1 =1650
Wand of CLW x1 =750

TOTAL: 5000


[[ OoC: Belkinor is a L7 Cleric, right? ]]

Angus 
Tuesday January 25th, 2005 1:12:54 PM
Angus is pleased with the meeting. It is just great to have a sponsor when you go adventuring. Angus makes a mental note to himself to seek out more sponsers in the future.

Angus listens to Xenia patiently "I am concerned about the need of items we can duplicate already? I am assuming that Tionel and Belkinor can each cure, so why do we need the wand. Also we already have cure wands in the group. The other issue are the spells that Tionel and Lang can perform already, as in speak with animals and plants."

Angus scratches his head a moment. "I like the rest of the list though. We may want to get the see invisibility as a potion. We also need to get some remove diseases, as I think that was only way to be cured once you were infected with the mushroom brain affliction."

Angus turns to Belkinor. "How much will a remove disease of the correct strenght cost the group? Once we decide how many remove diseases we need then we can purchase the rest of the goodies, starting the the fireballs."

Belkior 
Tuesday January 25th, 2005 2:12:33 PM
Belkior has been caught up in the enthusiasm of the group. This is so different from the quiet study and contemplation of the temple. After going to the apartments used by the group, he allows the others to speak and discuss before he contributes much.

Responding to Angus' question, "I am not quite certain what a Remove Disease scroll would cost. My mentor, Janus, has determined that it requires a 7th level cleric to cast the spell. Unfortunately, that is just a bit stronger than what I can cast myself."

"I may be able to request some scrolls from the Temple of Alemi, but I am not certain if they can make many scrolls."

Turning to Xenia, "I should be able to handle most of the healing needs of the party, between my own abilities and my wand of Cure Moderate Wounds."

Taking a moment to consider what they might be facing, Belkior continues, "It may be wise to purchase whatever alchemical supplies or other goods that can provide added resistance to the disease. Preventing infection among ourselves is of first importance, before we can even think of curing anyone we encounter in the Woods."

The little halfling decides that it's undignified to haul himself up onto a chair so instead moves a footstool off to the side and uses it as a stool. "If I return to the Temple of Alemi, Janus may be able to provide some scrolls of the appropriate level. And she may be able to tell me more about this disease. Considering the pattern of infection, I am concerned that this disease may have lasting effects on anyone infected."

[OOC - Belkior casts Curing and Healing spells at 6th level.]





Florin Jadenth 
Tuesday January 25th, 2005 4:49:17 PM
Florin returns to the apartment with the others and on the way moves over to Angus, deciding to finally comment to his friend, Florin whispers "Glad you like the flute Angus. I realized gift day was recent so tried getting everyone something they might like." Florin smiles and gives Angus a gentle shove.

Inside the apartment he listens and glances at the list and smiles abit, "I can learn the use of Restoration, Lesser. I currently have the spell bless ready. Of coure my use of magic is extremely limited and I could only cast it once."

Florin does look to Xenia and the others, "I still think it would be a good idea to see if either of the temples our group has members of might be willing to help us out. We might beable to save the druids money or outfit ourselves better then we though. It might be a good idea for those who don't have one to get a tent as to put something between you and the ground, remember those stupid small blood sucking vines. The tent can also be zipped which will make getting to you harder."

Florin looks to Wynn and Xenia thinking and chuckles abit before speaking, "Also it might be a good idea to make sure the tents are more the one person tents. Having a buddy with you might not be a bad idea. Once again we have no idea what to expect so it would be best to have someone else with you at as close to all times as possible."

Florin smiles as he thinks of his comment, "I made the mistake of splitting us all up when we had our last fight against the anvil hearts and such and will not risk splitting us up again and our group and more importantly my friends, getting harmed bad or killed."

Florin looks to Syr and comments to him, "The temples should be seen first and then tonight at the GG some of us should see Happy and see if we might beable to get extra food suplies and such from him." Florin smiles and nods, "Now we actually have alot to work to do before night fall so we can be ready come morning to start out."

Florin moves to the door to head to the temple of Domi, "Anyone wish to join me? Ohh and Belkior, if you join me I can give you a ride to the temple of Alemi which will make you getting there faster. Of course only if you don't mind me having to give you a hand into the saddle and down."

(K, to sum up Florin's plans: Florin plans to go to the temple of Domi and tell them of this new mission he and his fellow Shields are taking and see if they would be willing to give any help to the group (healing equipment, etc.) Next he will seek out someone who can take the group and possibly a pack animal if we need one to the shore in the morning. Lastly Florin will head to the aprtments to check up on the group and head to the GG. I know thats alot of stuff but I don't know what time it is currently in the game or if he will have enough time.)

Lang 
Tuesday January 25th, 2005 10:14:23 PM
Lang does not share the same opinion with Keran of the amount of food and water the group will find in the jungle.

"I do not expect to find many animals living in the jungle if the vines that attacked the group need meat to survive. But then again maybe the vines only attack humanoids and not the animals. That would kind of verify that the jungle has a purpose in regards to humanoids."

"Xenia, perhaps we should have some everburning torches that we can use at night when we camp. Having a campfire may only induce the woods to attack us more."

Syr 
Tuesday January 25th, 2005 10:23:23 PM
Syr notices Florin's particular glance at him but does not comment as he has not actually been back to his room yet.

As Xenia presents the list to the group, the elf's eyes glaze over, "Whatever you think is best, O dark one. The only magic that I need is the new guy nearby." With a wink and a smile at Belkior he pats the halfling on the back.

As Angus adds his two cents Syr is about to turn away when he adds a thought, "We may not need the super cure disease immediately. Remember all of those folks made it back to the city after being infected and acted normally. We should have enough time to get back here for the cure. Knowing what we face is half the battle."

Nodding at the paladin he addresses Angus, "Hey roomie, want to get us a tent?"

"Florin you have alot on your plate, want me to arrange the ship for everyone?"

Looking at Lang, "Everyone think we should leave at first light tomorrow?"

(OOC: Sorry guys, this travelling job is really starting to get to me, I'll make sure I post daily.)

Wynn Brightsong 
Tuesday January 25th, 2005 11:03:42 PM
Wynn disappears out onto the balcony for a while and adds the most recent events to his journal. His entry is short and to the point as his mind races ahead to the coming challenge and the requirements of the party.

Upon joining the discussion of what magic to buy he finds himself in disagreement with at least two of the party. "Do you think it is either right or wise to be using fireball in a living forest. Once the spell is cast there may be no way to stop the ensuing conflaguration! Perhaps there is another option, one that has fewer risks." Wynn listens some more before adding "I vote we obtain some higher level remove disease potions or scrolls. I have seen what that disease does. Who knows how long those poor souls were infected, it may have been much less time than we know."

Tionel 
Wednesday January 26th, 2005 2:10:17 AM
Tionel is hard to find for the next while. In the garden, fixing up some plants, writing notes on how to care for others, and wondering who will take care of them, particularly some new sproutlings that will need particular interest. Finally, he decides he can ask Gordo to maybe use a kid or something, perhaps, and so, he heads off to the orphanage for a visit. There, he ends up paying the little kids all a song and hanging around to watch them while Gordo takes this bit of fresh breath to do some chores and get out of his house. Babysitting them proves much more exhausting than he thought, and so he takes a break afterwards at a pub nearby. Scrawling some notes in his journal about what's happened, he meets an old friend or two, and before he knows what's happening, he's entertaining a bar of strangers with some interesting song he's swiped from Angus. Afterwards, by now a bit tipsy, he goes shopping, which is not as smart as it sounds when intoxicated... But nevertheless, by night he comes back into the house.

Plans (DM MikeK) 
Wednesday January 26th, 2005 8:35:25 AM
The group splits up for some fact finding and boat hiring.

Belkior finds the Temple of Alemi will sell him healing type potions and scrolls (including Remove Disease) at 90% market value.

Florin determines the Temple of Domi will sell him protection type potions and scrolls (AC enhancements, Prot vs ..., etc) at 90% market value.

Syr has no difficulty procuring a skiff for the quick jump over to Perimon.

The others take care of personal business. Everyone meets up at the Giggling Ghost that evening. Happy will not give away any grub, but he'll sell you his own version of trail rations for the standard trail ration price. His version tastes much better.

I suggest you do this planning off line, or we might be list making for a while here.

Xenia  d20+2=20
Wednesday January 26th, 2005 10:51:44 AM
"Hokay," Xenia kinda does a little throwing up her hands gesture, "you guys decide what you want. I can price it up."

"Just so you know, though, you can't get a potion up to high enough to cure that plant stuff. Least I've never seen them like that in the stores. And a scroll up that high is gonna run you upwards of 2000 gold a piece. Probably more like 2500."

The rogue smiles when Wynn pulls out his notebook. He's got this kind of peaceful intensity when he writes that she can just watch for hours.

But, there's other stuff to do. Striking out on her own, Xenia starts on the docks, getting names of folks who've gone out to Perimon. How hard could it be to track one or two of them down? Stories of what happened would be nice. Maybe some important stuff too. What they tried to protect themselves with that worked. What they did that didn't work. And a map. Yeah. A map. Kind of out to where they explored to before they left. Yeah. (Gather Information 20)

After a long day of talking to folks, she pulls into the Ghost for maybe a grape drink. Talk to Happy. (He might know something too.) Chat with Daphne. Tell the guys kinda what she found out.

And get a load of what they decided for gear. Guys and shopping. She rolls her eyes.

Angus 
Wednesday January 26th, 2005 1:04:18 PM
Angus yawns and says he is off for a nap and will me everyone at the GG later. "My only suggestion for the money is to purchase at least one remove disease of the proper strenght, the necklace of fireballs, and camping supplies for the journey." Angus adds that he is unconcerned about stting the Jungle on fire as it was awfully humid on the last two visits and Keran said that their is water everywhere."

Angus sleeps to recover some spells and then does some shopping of his own. Angus purchases a new set of bright yellow and green cloths (5gp)that are tasteful but functional and more wine for his skins (5gp). Angus is hoping that the plant creatures are color blind, because between his cloths and his cloak he will stand out in the jungle. Angus will purchase 10 gp each worth of candy and toys for delivery to the orphanage.

OOC: I will deduct the money for the above purchases from my funds.

Florin Jadenth 
Wednesday January 26th, 2005 3:24:23 PM
Florin nods to Syr and smiles, "Thanks Syr, that will help alot." If Belkior decides he wants to then Florin will summon his horse and take Belkior to the temple of Domi first and then take Belkior to the temple of Alemi, being more then happy to have the company of the small fellow and new friend.

Florin leaves for the temple and gets the info on the protection potions and such and then makes his way to the Giggling Ghost. Once there he awaits the arrival of the others and also talks to Happy. He smiles when the comment on buying food from him comes up and he nods, "Okay, thanks Happy. I'm sure we will buy food from you rather then heading out with normal rations. Your food is to good to pass up if you ask me."

Florin smiles, "Ohh yes, if you happen to notice the female captain of the guard come in here then please let me know. I'm suppose to meet her for a meal and talk."

When people start arriving he smiles and moves over to them, "Well the temple of Domi will sell items for protection at 90% of the normal cost. We just have to make our list and let them know what we need."

Wynn Brightsong  d20+2=10
Wednesday January 26th, 2005 5:59:33 PM
Realizing that he has only succeeded in muddying the waters, the bard announces that he will let more experenced heads prevail and retires back to his room and his journal.

When evening approaches he makes his way to the Giggling Ghost for the evening meal and some company. He will pay extra attention to any discussions about the Crying Woods and Perimon. [Gather Info = 10]

Belkior  d20+17=32 d20+2=22
Wednesday January 26th, 2005 9:19:51 PM
Seeing where the conversation and planning has gone, Belkior thanks Florin for his offer. "Certainly, I will accompany you to the temple of Domi, and then we can go visit my fellow shepherds."

As he and Florin go outside, Belkior waits for the paladin to summon his horse. However, the horse is far too imposing. "Friend paladin, please ride if you like, but your horse is far too large for me. I do not like to be so far above the ground on something so unpredictable as a warhorse. If you don't mind, I will walk alongside."

Following the warhorse to the temple of Domi, Belkior politely waits while the paladin deals with his fellows. After that business is done, Belkior leads Florin to the Alemite temple.

As soon as he enters the temple, Belkior heads to the hospital wards where the once-infected men are being cared for. He acknowledges his fellow clerics there, and checks the patients. (Heal check = 32)

If Janus is not in the wards, he seeks her out and asks if she has any additional information. Then, politely, he asks whether it is possible to get some scrolls of Remove Disease for a donation, and exactly how much of a donation would be required.
(Diplomacy check = 22)

Having got what information and prices he could, he accompanies Florin to the Giggling Ghost. He's heard a great deal about this tavern, but never spent much time there while he has been in the city.


Syr  d6=6
Wednesday January 26th, 2005 10:08:56 PM
Syr returns from the docks and announces to everyone, "The boat is taken care of. I think it's small enough that we'll have to take two trips though. We leave at first light tomorrow." He proceeds up to his room to get some rest for the following day. Opening the door he sees the carving placed on his bed and picks it up carefully. Thinking to himself that he must buy a well crafted table to display the wrestler he smiles happily before going to sleep.

Lang 
Wednesday January 26th, 2005 10:28:19 PM
"Does whoever is going to buy the supplies need a hand with lugging it back to the apartment, because I will help. While we are getting our supplies we should have that magic black gem we retrieved from that group at the Giggling Ghost identified."

If not, Lang will head off to his room to get some rest before going to the Giggling Ghost.


More planning (DM MikeK) 
Thursday January 27th, 2005 9:07:37 AM
Xenia does some checking around. She finds most of the previous inhabitants of Perimon are unaware of the disease. A bit of cross checking reveals those that stayed inside the fort were not infected. The Trash Level boys made up a crew that went around the outside of the walls and clear cut the ever encroaching vegetation back from the town.

She's able to get someone to sketch a crude map of Perimon as it used to exist, but thats about it.
[map coming in email]

Belkior can purchase Potions of Remove Disease (CL7) for 945 gp each. He can purchase a scroll of the same type for 475 gp. The patients look like they will make a full recovery.

Happy points Florin at a side table where Cpt Elvaran sits and watches him, a slightly amused expression on her face.

The rest of The Crimson Shields gather at the Giggling Ghost, still making plans.

Xenia 
Thursday January 27th, 2005 10:38:04 AM
"Well, 'k, here's the sitch." Xenia plunks the map down in the middle of the table. "This is the way the compound was. Before the bugs ate it, I mean. Maybe a first thing to do would be to take a sift through the wreckage. Looks like the folks who stayed in the compound didn't get the disease either. And that tells me a couple of things." She takes a seat next to Wynn and tells the guys everything she's found.

"First thing," she says leaning back, thinking while she talks, "is that the compound might still be safe from the disease. It might be a good place to set up some sort of base camp."

"Second thing is that we shouldn't need to go far to find what caused the disease. I mean, the guys who went out to clear cut the brush couldn't have gone too far, right? Wish I could have talked to one of those guys who got the Greenies. But, I guess they're not in much shape to talk, huh?" Xenia directs the last question to the new healer guy, Belkior.

"But, you know," Xenia frowns, "before we jump out into the Crying Woods, I kind of want to ask you all ... what are we trying to do out there?" she asks. "Are we just looking for the disease? Are we exploring? I mean, like, exploring what?"

Xenia nibbles on a bit of tasty pancake stuff and looks into the future. Where would I be if I were a Lost City of Gold?

Florin Jadenth 
Thursday January 27th, 2005 1:11:40 PM
Florin chuckles as Belkior comments on Ajax's size and shakes his head as he pats Ajax's neck and whispers to his friend, "Go on home my friend. A nice lady will be seeing you tonight. She thought you were a nice horse remember." Florin walks along with Belkior and nods to him, "The walk will be good for me. Domi likes his followers to be strong in mind and body." As Florin walks along he chats with Belkior, clearly trying to get to know the man better, "Anyway, may I ask about how you become to be a cleric of Alemi? does it run in the family? sorry to become questioning here, is nice to know who I will be working with. You look like a sturdy sort of guy though and your healing is deffeintly will be of help. Not that I doubt you will be of help either."

Florin is happy to deliver the news on the discount to the group and tells Xenia gently as he looks to her, "Now that we know how much we have to spend or close to it you and the others can plan out what all we need. I added in my two cents on the tents, etc."

Florin leaves that as it is and speaks to Xenia once more before moving off to join his date, "Xenia, think you could drop the maps off at my house for me? I would like to take a small look at them before I get some sleep tonight."

Florin once he reaches Cpt Elvaran's table smiles and bows low to her as he smiles, "Greetings kind Elvaran, I do hope you haven't waited to long for me to come." Florin pulls up a chair and sits down infront of her, "I was thinking after our meal maybe we could take a ride on Ajax, you know the city better then me and we could cetch a nice sunset together or see the night sky." Florin smiles now and glances over to Happy or the nearest person to order from and waves him/her over, "I do not wish to come off as showing off or anything but since I asked you out I must offer to pay for your meal."

Florin smiles as he uses his natural charm to help the night pass and hopefully get Cpt Elvaran enjoy herself. If the subjects seem suitable then he asks her how she became a guard, if it runs in the family, etc. On his part Florin will talk about adopting Jella, his time at the temple of Domi and such.

Angus 
Thursday January 27th, 2005 1:12:43 PM
Angus looks to Xenia. "Excellent map. Nice work there carrot top." Angus adds affectionately. Angus drops some large chunks on chocolate on the table for everyone to nibble while pouring over the map.

Angus continues "I agree that we should use the remnates of the city for our base camp, but I do not agree that it is necessarily safe. Trees encroach on a meadow over time and the plants we have seen in the Crying woods move much faster. I think we have to make a sweep of the city to make sure it is safe before going outside. I want to make sure our rear area is secure. No sence returning home from a tough fight only to have a new one spring up."

Angus looks to Syr. "The boats are a nice touch. We should keep their captains in mind, since we are so close to the Floating city, we should be able to resupply ourselves often. Maybe even treat ourselves to a night out at the GG and a bath now and then."

Angus announces to all at the table "I am ready for a little exploring tomorrow. My concern Xenia is keeping the Crying woods and its nasties out of the Floating city and all of the orphans. If we happen to find the lost city of gold on the way, all the better."

Wynn Brightsong 
Thursday January 27th, 2005 8:46:02 PM
Wynn watches Xenia as she explains what she has learned about the fate of Perimon and who did and didn't become infected while they were there. He enjoys the confidence with which she relates her knowledge to the group, and her obvious enthusisasm for the venture.

The bard thinks about his own reasons for going on the expedition before answering the rogue's question.

"I go on this venture, first to honor my pledge to the Clan Corregan, secondly to protect the city from the Crying Woods and just maybe to protect the Crying Woods from the City, and lastly because it would make a great tale. We would be famous across the Wold. Imagine... the Crimson Shields of Hope, protectors of Floating City and discoverers of the Lost City of Gold!"

"Besides" he thinks to himself as he looks at Xenia, "Someone has to keep you out of trouble."

Belkior 
Thursday January 27th, 2005 9:13:47 PM
The halfling cleric sits with his newfound companions, enjoying the ambience of the tavern. He cautiously sips his beer, knowing that it will probably be the safest beverage here.

He smiles slightly, listening to Wynn. Belkior thinks, "I'd rather just get us home safely in one piece. Being famous is all right for some, but it's not what Alemi has called me for."

After Florin steps away, he begins planning with Xenia. Careful preparation is very important for a safe journey. "I would like to get one scroll for each of us, so that's eight scrolls or 3800 gold. But I don't think that we can get the other things that we might need. We may be able to get away with 4 or 5 scrolls."

"We also need food, light sources, and I should probably carry an extra healing kit. Something to protect us from insects or vermin might be good, too."


Lang  d20+6=12
Thursday January 27th, 2005 9:40:23 PM
Lang peruses Xenia's map while he scratches Sunshine's ears. He takes a quick look around the bar for anything unusual, remembering the last time they were here (spot 12).

"Do you think it might be wrthwhile to look up this Perimon character before we leave?"

Tionel 
Friday January 28th, 2005 1:55:32 AM
Yawning, the elf nods at the conversations of the others, wondering what will be awaiting them in the woods...
"I suppose we'll go take the boats tomorrow? We'll need to find someone to take us to the edge..."
(Sorry...really tired tonight)

Syr 
Friday January 28th, 2005 5:34:27 AM
When Wynn announces what his plans are the elf raises an eyebrow, "Save the grand speeches until we make it back safely O storyteller." He smiles fondly at the bard.

Turning to Xenia, "As for myself, I'm all for finding a hunk of gold like that group from the bar had!"



More Planning (DM MikeK) 
Friday January 28th, 2005 9:47:25 AM
While Florin goes to schmooze with Cpt Elvaran, the remainder of The Crimson Shields continue to discuss the upcoming expedition.

Florin is on his most charming behavior. But Elvaran seems determined to keep the evening on a "just friends" level. She opens up a bit about her day to day life in the guard, but stays away from life history and truly personal stories. She also begs off the evening stroll, claiming a previous engagement.

Xenia 
Friday January 28th, 2005 11:02:05 AM
Xenia cast an eye across the floor of the Ghost to Florin and the Commandress of The Guard. Her eyes lower for a moment of ... sympathy? guilt? Sump'n like that. She scrunches just that little bit closer to Wynn and it goes away. Mostly.

"The tops of carrots are green," she says to Angus, a tone of faux indignity in her voice. "But, uh, yeah. The more legwork we can get done where your safe and dry the less improvising you'll have to do once you get inside. Least that's what my dad always says."

"So, you guys get together a list of supplies? Tents. 'k. That's good. How about four scrolls and one potion?" she says in response to the new halfling guy, who seems to be making lots and lots of sense. "That would leave us pretty much half of the money left for other stuff. And I got light. Everburning torch. I think we got a couple."

"Hey, aren't some folks just kinda, you know, naturally healthy?" She looks at Syr and Florin. Pretty much the sturdiest guys. "I mean, like, you don't get sick, right?"

"If we can get protection cheap from the Temple of Domi, that would be great. But what do you think we'd need? I still think we should go with some Fireballs. I mean, Keran said this is a war, and he's, you know, like, a druid and all."

"Anyway, I was think that if we're going in to protect the City or to protect the Crying Woods or something like that ... Well ... I think we're gonna be out there for a long time. You know, it's just so big and I don't think it's going away. Just thought you might wanna think about how long you wanna be in there. And, if we wanna be in there for a long time, maybe think of trying to build a base somewhere."

"Just, um, well, thinking, you know."

The dark rogue suddenly whirls toward Syr in a wide eyed double-take. "What hunk of gold?!?!?"

Angus 
Friday January 28th, 2005 4:06:58 PM
Angus laughs with Xenia. "The tops of carrots I am used to are normally shaved. I have not picked any carrots since my days on the farm."

Angus thinks about all the supplies. "I agree with Xenia's division of potions and scrolls and must also put my vote toward the necklace of fireballs. Remember, my spells are not infinite. I just ran out during the last, battle, but if there were a few more greenies, it could have been trouble. A low grade fireball would have been a big help to start that last battle."

Angus looks to Lang "How much do you need for tents and pillows for all of us?"

Angus has all of his belonging and just need a good night sleep before taking the boat trip in the morning. "Hey Syr, lets sleep in a bit and have a good hot breakfast before we leave. How about 9:30 am sailing time?"

Once Florin returns from his date, Angus seeks him out. "Florin do we need any hirlings for our new adventure. Say a cook or guard for the camp. Maybe even a nice massuse for the long days of marching. If we need a massuse, I volenteer my service to go find a good one."

Florin Jadenth 
Friday January 28th, 2005 4:59:10 PM
Florin is happy for the bit of talk, specially after he begins to get the feeling this date isn't going overly well. He does a good job of putting on a happy face though about all of it and after eating a small meal he stands and offers his hand to Elvaran, cutting the date short, "Well, I really don't want to hold you up on your inportant buisness m'lady Elvaran. As I promised though I will escourt you back to the guard house and you may have a ride on Ajax as we go."

Florin escourts Elvaran outside at which time he whispers, "Come to me Ajax." When Ajax appears, armor, saddle and all he pats his frineds neck and speaks to him, "I've offered this nice lady a ride back to the guard house with me coming along of course so be on your best behavior."

With that said and inless Elvaran refuses the ride even Florin will escourt her back to the guard house and then return on Ajax to meet up with the group, stopping along the way for something hard to drink to help ease the date. He goes to the group apartments and knocks on the door before entering and sits down with his bottle of ale, taking a sip of it as he listens to what Angus says, "Well, hmmm....might be a good idea to get a guard or two for the base camp but then we would be risking more people's lives like back in the trash level remember that? I don't really want to get anyone hurt."

After chatting alittle bit and answering questions Florin stands with whatever is left of his bottle of ale, "I better head home. A rather less then good date wasn't exactly how I planned to spend this night." Florin smiles and moves to the door, wobbling just abit from the hard drink he has had but clearly not to the fall down, pass out stage since he wouldn't want Jella to see him like that, if she is up anyway. On his way out Florin looks to Angus, "By the way, I hope to hear some more music on that new flute of yours sometime." Florin winks to Angus, "Hope it was a good gift day present bud."

Xenia (2nd Illegal Post)  d20+11=21
Friday January 28th, 2005 5:46:22 PM
"Hope it was a good gift day present bud."

Xenia stand bolt upright, an accusing gray gloved finger pointing straight at the paladin.

"It was you!!!" (Listen 21) She goes to Florin and gives him a hug. "Thanks," she says, "the angel is beautiful."

Giving him a little sideways look she adds, "I shoulda known it was you. Huh?"

Belkior 
Friday January 28th, 2005 8:59:09 PM
Belkior nods in agreement with Xenia's argument. "We can go purchase the scrolls and potion at the Temple of Alemi. While there, I would like to get some more healing supplies. And it might be useful to spend whatever remaining money we have on protective items."


Wynn Brightsong 
Saturday January 29th, 2005 5:43:51 PM
Wynn leans back and drapes his arm around Xenia's shoulders when she snuggles in. Whatever the group decides re. provisions is fine with him. Images of ancient stone walls draped in foliage run through his mind. He imagines peeling back the vines to discover an expansive and ornate frieze inlaid with gold...

Xenia's outburst brings him back to the present. "I forgot that you weren't there. One of the adventurers from the group we met at the Giggling Ghost had a large hunk of gold, about the size of a skull. It was lost in the explosion, but it does give creedence to the idea of a 'Lost City of Gold', doesn't it?"

When it becomes clear that Forin was responsible for the gifts, Wynn silently mouths "thank you" to the paladin.

Tionel 
Sunday January 30th, 2005 1:01:24 AM
All seems to be in order. After getting supplies and such, they will be leaving on board a ship to the shores of the forest. Tionel wonders what adventures await.
Upon finding out that the gift was from his friend, Tionel pops up and gives his friend a warm hug. "That was a wonderful gift!" he enthuses, and then settles back to take it out and show it off again. And again make little bear growling noises as it tears apart an imaginary finger-monster.

"Since we're leaving tomorrow...a little song to inspire us!

(Sung, btw, to the tune of Old MacDonald had a farm. Suggested by the original lyrics of the actual Renaissance song)

Oh Sally was fine and Sally was fair,
And she wanted me to wed.
And I would marry Sally my love,
But me Father up and Said;
I'm sad to tell you sonny,
What your mother never knew,
But Sally here is a daughter of mine
And so is kin to you!

Then next I met my Jenny fair,
And she wanted me to wed.
And I would marry Jenny my love,
But me Father up and Said;
I'm sad to tell you sonny,
What your mother never knew,
But Jenny here is a daughter of mine
And so is kin to you!

Then next I met my Xenia fair,
And she wanted me to wed.
And I would marry Xenia my love,
But me Father up and Said;
I'm sad to tell you sonny,
What your mother never knew,
But Xenia here is daughter of mine
And so is akin to you!

Oh never did you see a lad
So sorry as I was.
All the girls in town me kin,
And Father was the cause.
If things should keep a-goin' this way
I'll die alone and with no miss.
So, I went to tell my mother and
Complain to her of this.

She said, Well son, haven't I taught you
Forgive and to forget.
Your father sowed his oats tis true,
But doesn't know this yet:
Your father may be father
To all the girls, but still --
He's not the one that sired you,
So marry who you will!"

Tionel grins and downs his last ale, bowing to any accolades.

Syr 
Sunday January 30th, 2005 11:47:41 PM
Looking startled at Xenia's outburst, "Gold? You know, that hunk those guys were passing around that only that huge minotaur could pick up. Wynn's right about it's disappearance."

Syr grins at the sorceror, "I know you too well Angus, let me just send a runner to the harbor to make sure our boats wait a bit." The elf steps outside for a moment and catches a passing youth giving him a silver to relay the message.

Entering again he catches Tionel's song and gives him a mighty roar of approval at the end. Looking at the dark elf, he tries to gauge her reaction to the composition.

Resolving to thank the paladin later the elf just msiles and nods at him.

Getting closer? (DM MikeK) 
Monday January 31st, 2005 9:42:11 AM
Chatting about provisions goes on well into the night. Most of the Crimson Shields seem happy to let a few take care of all that planning stuff, while they get on with the partying.

Florin is just a bit disconcerted when Ajax doesn't appear.
[A paladin's mount may only be called once per day. You called him earlier to give Belkior a ride]

Morning is approaching quickly.

Belkior 
Monday January 31st, 2005 10:32:54 AM
Belkior looks at the elven rogue and says to Xenia, "This will probably go better if you and I make a list."

The halfling cleric reaches into his belt pouch and finds a scrap of parchment. Making sure that it isn't one that he uses as a spell component, he removes a writing utensil and starts making a list.

"Ummm, let's start with the scrolls and potions." Belkior writes down:

Remove Disease potion 945 gold
Remove Disease scrolls (4) 1900 gold

And then he hurriedly scratchs a total, 2845 gold.

"Hmm, more than half of our seed money. Umm, what else were we considering? Oh yes, you wanted a necklace of fireballs. And that would be how much?"

Waiting for Xenia's reply, Belkior then scratches down a third figure.

Necklace of Fireballs - Type 1 1650 gold

And then figures out the total and writes it down.

4495 gold

Speaking to Xenia again, "We'd have to go down to only two scrolls of Remove Disease if you wanted a Type 2 necklace. Do you think we'll need firepower or healing more? I'd be more comfortable with healing, myself."

Without waiting for her response, Belkior continues, "If you're happy with that, we can spend the balance on things like alchemical devices, small potions, or other essentials."

(OOC - There's a partial list. I'll make a second (illegal) post from home when I can review the e-mails, etc.. Hopefully, by the next GM post we can finalize the list, buy the goods in the morning and head out.)

Angus  d20+8=17
Monday January 31st, 2005 12:54:00 PM
Angus has said his piece and is getting board with the list making and leaves it up to Xenia and Belkior. Angus excuses himself and goes to find his own massuse for the night, even if the group is not interested for base camp.

Angus finds a quite spot at the GG away from the list making and takes our Florin's gift flute and begins to play (perform 17). Angus is attempting to finds some companionship for the evening as one never know what will happen when one goes into the Crying woods......

Xenia 
Monday January 31st, 2005 4:05:49 PM
About the size of a skull. That's a big hunk of gold ...

"Um, yeah, the Type I should be fine for now," Xenia says in reply to little Belkior. "We'll need those tents. That's at least 50 to 80 gold there. Hmmm. Not much left. Maybe some protection stuff from Domi, huh? Shield of Faith maybe, I dunno."

She thinks on it for a bit. "Wonder if the Crying Woods is evil," she muses.

Belkior (2nd Illegal Post) 
Monday January 31st, 2005 9:31:23 PM
Continuing on with the list making, Belkior adds the other items that people have suggested.

"Hmm, Lang suggested some scrolls or potions. I think it was these ...". And he writes some more.

See invisibility 150 gold
Knock 150 gold
Dispel Magic 375 gold
Rope Trick 150 gold

"And you wanted some tents, Xenia, but I have no idea what they would cost."

"Hmm, that puts us way over 5000 gold. In fact," and he makes some furious scribbling, "It comes out to 5320 gold. I suppose that we could go with only three Remove Disease scrolls, and that would leave us with 155 gold to spend on sundry equipment. So our final list looks like this:"

Remove Disease potion 945 gold
Remove Disease scrolls (3) 1425 gold
Necklace of Fireballs I 1650 gold
See Invisibility scroll 150 gold
Knock 150 gold
Dispel Magic 375 gold
Rope Trick 150 gold

TOTAL = 4845 gold

"Now, if that's what we've settled on, we can purchase these items in the morning and set out. I'll leave it up to you to decide."

The little cleric attempts to stifle a yawn then. "But I have to get to sleep. Everyone needs a good night's sleep. Small people, especially halflings, need sleep more than big people. It's our high metabolisms, you know." With that, the halfling healer downs the last of his beer and heads off to his cell at the temple.



Lang 
Monday January 31st, 2005 9:50:52 PM
"Belkior, that list sounds pretty good to me. About all I would add to it is the Identification of the magic item we recovered last time we were here at the Giggling Ghost."

Lang reaches into his pouch belt and removes the bag containing the gold necklace bearing a ruby pendant and some gold pieces. This is the bag he had retrieved from the devastated room.

After a moment of counting he says, "I guess we could use this money to identify the stone", stating how much there is.

OOC -- "Lang helps search, and finds a smaller bag containing some gold pieces, and a gold necklace bearing a ruby pendant. Neither registers as magical."

Florin Jadenth 
Monday January 31st, 2005 11:29:58 PM
Florin when Ajax doesn't showup aplogizes to Elvaran, "Sorry dear lady. I forgot that Ajax can only be summoned once a day. I promise on my honor that I will let you ride him another day."

Florin in his state of almost drunkedness hugs Xenia when she hugs him in thanks for the angel and after a few moments is able to think clearly enough to speak straight, "Your welcome Xenia. I thought the angel comes the closest to fitting a lady such as yourself."

Florin nods back to Syr and smiles to him before turning. Hearing Tionel's comment though he pats his frined on the shoulder and speaks to him also after getting his words straight in his mind, "Your welcome Tionel. Figured the bear was most fitting for you. Some find a bear cute and cuddly looking while they can also be quite dangerous."

Florin nods to Wynn and gives the man a smal wave gesture meaning, "your welcome." With this pretty much done he heads home now. Wanting to get some rest before the next day of traveling out.

Wynn 
Monday January 31st, 2005 11:46:58 PM
The half-elf gaffaws loudly in appreciation of the risque conclusion to Tionel's song. He gives Xenia a poke in the ribs and attempts a lecherous expression when her name comes up.

Rising, Wynn adds his voice to Lang's, "sounds okay to me, too." The bard gives the half-drow a kiss on the cheek, noting she is fully engaged in negotiating logistics with the little cleric. Giving those of the party still up a salute, he heads for his bed, alone.

Syr 
Tuesday February 1st, 2005 1:12:56 AM
Syr stands at his towering 4'9" height and looks at the halfing talking about needing sleep. With a frown he thinks to himself that only the lazy need more sleep.

Seeing Wynn and Xenia, his mood immediately improves. With a grin, he kisses Wynn on the cheek and dances nimbly away before he can react.

Wynn (supplemental) 
Tuesday February 1st, 2005 1:22:28 AM
Wynn just shakes his head when Syr pulls his stunt. File that one away for future reference he thinks, time we get out of this city and go adventuring!

Preparations (DM MikeK) 
Tuesday February 1st, 2005 9:13:36 AM
Angus, the charismatic hero with the golden tune, finds plenty of takers for his last night of civilization.

The Crimson Shields take to their beds, and dream of adventure and treasure and fame.

In the morning, the group reforms, and makes their way to Alder House, where they present their list to Keran:

Remove Disease potion (CL7) 945 gold
Remove Disease scrolls (CL7) (3) 1425 gold
Necklace of Fireballs I 1650 gold
See Invisibility scroll 150 gold
Knock scroll 150 gold
Dispel Magic scroll 375 gold
Rope Trick scroll 150 gold
2 man tent, with floor (4) 44 gold

By mid morning, the group is equipped.

[DM Note - Last chance to change the list. I'm cheating, and bypassing the Catacombs on this one since its taken so long, and I adjusted pricing. However, if you want to ID the pearl, you need to do that through the Catacombs.]

Xenia 
Tuesday February 1st, 2005 10:36:39 AM
Xenia frowns at the list. "I can do this," she says and crosses the Knock scroll off the list. "How about something more like Glitter Dust? Or Detect Thoughts? Or maybe some oils of Magic Weapon or potions of Shield of Faith?"

"Anyway ... " the rogue returns Wynn's kiss with one of her own and a quiet "Night." "Anyway, I'm gonna run down to the Catacombs and see if they can tell me what that black pearl thingie is."

"I'll see you guys tomorrow." She grabs the pearl and dashes out of the front door and down the street.

OoC: On a Take20 Xenia has an Open Lock of 33.

Angus  d20+8=11 d20+6=23
Tuesday February 1st, 2005 10:55:20 AM
Angus is getting board with the shopping and says to the group. "Pick me up at the GG when we are ready to shove off. I agree with Xenia and Lang, lets get the pearl ID'ed and lets save the money from the knock spell and get an oil of magic weapon."

Angus waves to all as he heads out to the GG for lunch. Angus attempts to play Florin's flute for his lunch and drinks (perform 11), but seems much too overconfident and tries his silver tounge (diplomance 23), if not he pays for his own.

Angus second Illegal post 
Tuesday February 1st, 2005 1:22:37 PM
OOC: Did not read the first line of your post Mike.

Angus will say the above and then go back into his room to finish the massause interview. It is exhaustive and with many level. Later that morning, Angus will take his female companion to brunch, while others shop.

Lang 
Tuesday February 1st, 2005 8:14:32 PM
Lang has nothing more to add to the list of supplies to be purchased.

OOC - Mike, how much gold was in that small bag?

Belkior 
Tuesday February 1st, 2005 9:02:01 PM
Belkior meets up with the group outside their apartments before their expedition.

During the last minute shopping, Belkior adjusts their list of purchases using the input from Xenia and Angus. So it finally ends up looking like:

Remove Disease potion (CL7) 945 gold
Remove Disease scrolls (CL7) (3) 1425 gold
Necklace of Fireballs I 1650 gold
See Invisibility scroll 150 gold
Magic weapon oil (3) 150 gold
Dispel Magic scroll 375 gold
Rope Trick scroll 150 gold
2 man tent, with floor (4) 44 gold

"Hmm, that comes to 4849 gold. Plus some for the rations, and other things and it should all be spent."

After the group has assembled all of the items, Belkior turns to his companions. "We'll divide the items up after we cross over in the boats. It's probably best if we give the scrolls to the people who can use them, but we'll have to decide about the necklace and the potions."



JohnP (Second illegal post) 
Tuesday February 1st, 2005 9:03:36 PM
(OOC - Or, we could buy a second Rope Trick scroll to use up the cash.)

Florin Jadenth 
Tuesday February 1st, 2005 9:31:57 PM
Florin sleeps at his home after bidding all his friends goodnight. Since Jella and Mort will most likely be slips in pretty well unnoticed and falls asleep shortly after he hits his bed. His dreams though are filled with a city of gold and nasty plant creatures trying to eat him and his companions.

In the morning Florin wakes and stretches before quickly getting dressed and grabbing his gear. He exits his room and sees to Jella, taking the time to fix a breakfast for both Mort and her before kneeling and hugging Jella tightly, speaking to her afterwards, "Now Jella. I told you yesterday that I have to go across the lake to the shore and see about protecting the city from nasty plants. I want you to be a good girl now and Mort will watch over you. My sister should come by to see you also and you always have the temple of Domi to visit and the orphanage and of course my parents house if you must."

Florin pats Mort on the shoulder and whispers to his friend and servant, "If a rent comes up then you get a message to my parents about it and I will deal with the rest when I return. I hope to be back sometime soon but don't know when. You be safe and take care of Jella for me."

Syr 
Tuesday February 1st, 2005 11:18:45 PM
The elf watches as everyone picks up the scrolls and potions. "No scrolls or necklaces for this elf. For caution's sake, I will carry any cure disease potion to split the items up? Just let me know Belk?"

After everyone is assembled, he leads them down to the docks and looks for the two skiff captains to get them ashore. Spotting the boats he waves enthusiastically, "All aboard!"

Tionel 
Tuesday February 1st, 2005 11:41:29 PM
Tionel, in his usual compliant way, goes with the others' shopping list and queries. When they finally come to the ship, he hops on eagerly, then offers a hand to anyone else who might need it.
"It's off to the sea, then to the woods... The beginning of a marvelous adventure, I think."

Wynn 
Wednesday February 2nd, 2005 12:15:23 AM
The bard prepares for bed, but the clean pages of the new journal call to him. He sits at the table that serves as his desk and writes until the candle burns down and starts to sputter. With a yawn and a stretch, he rises, finds his bed and crawls under the covers. The half-elf falls into a deep and dreamless sleep.

....

The next morning Wynn dresses, packs the last of his equipment and lays his weapons out neatly on his bed. He heads for the kitchen to see what's cooking for breakfast since it could be the last hot meal he has in a while. The half-elf will pour a second cup of Xenia's brew into his cup with the dancing halflings on it, and savour it while he waits for the rest of the party to assemble.


Perimon (DM MikeK) 
Wednesday February 2nd, 2005 8:58:07 AM
While Angus attends to some personal business, the party presents their final shopping list to the Circle of the Alder, and end up with the following:

Remove Disease potion (CL7) 945 gold
Remove Disease scrolls (CL7) (3) 1425 gold
Necklace of Fireballs I 1650 gold
See Invisibility scroll 150 gold
Magic weapon oil (3) 150 gold
Dispel Magic scroll 375 gold
Rope Trick scroll 150 gold
2 man tent, with floor (4) 44 gold

[Please split up onto your various character sheets]

The party awakes the following morning to a day promising excitement, adventure, and possibly riches. Adrenaline flows through bodies. Today is going to be different, new, exciting.

Most of the group gets breakfast at the apartments.
Up a couple Levels, Mort assures Florin that he will take care of little Jella.

And, after what seems like an eternity, but is really no more than an hour, The Crimson Shields of Hope arrive at the docks. Swiftly, they load and board two fishing skiffs, and are hopped across the small interval of water separating them from a foreign world.

The dock of Perimon is still intact, an unassuming 10' wide wooden platform pushing maybe 25' into the lake. The boats pull up, one to each side, and quickly disgorge their passengers.

The dock ends at a sandy beach, which in turn extends about 20' before ending at what used to be a clearing and the town of Perimon. The space is rapidly becoming part of the jungle. The town walls are but a memory, with knee high ferns and twisting vines growing where walls stood mere weeks ago. Full grown trees stand in places, and dark green, eye high bushes grow throughout the former clearing. Of the town, nearly nothing remains to so much as hint at its existence. Only in the center of the area does a man made structure still stand. Concealed by trees, and at a distance of several hundred feet, its hard to make out. But, it appears at least one building still marks the colony of Perimon.

[The small bag of gold recovered from the adventurers at the Giggling Ghost contained 455gp]


Xenia  d20+15=24 d20+11=29 d20+11=12 d20+12=15
Wednesday February 2nd, 2005 10:38:55 AM
Could get to like this boating thing. Xenia snuggles in close to Wynn for the trip across the lake. The lulling motion of the boat is a balm that belies the danger into which they will soon be going. Sure could get used to this boating thing, yes sir.

"Oh, by the by guys, the Catacombs says the pearl thing is a Bead of Force. Guess the way it works is you throw it and it blows up. Then after it blows up, there's this force thing that holds whoever's there inside."

"Mighta come in handy," she says in a languid voice, "with those greenies back on Trash. Oh well."

"Who wants to hold it?"

Things change as the boats draw near the dock. Xenia kneels in the ... whaddya call it? ... the front of the boat scanning the forest where it meets the beach. Gotta get your eyes used to how things are here. Things move here different than in the city. Leaves and stuff blow in the wind. It's hard to tell what's dangerous and what's not. Go figure.

Armored and ready, Xenia leaps to the wood planks of the dock and pads softly to the sand.

"Maybe we'd better make camp on the beach first while we check out what's left of the town," she says, holding a hand to shade her eyes while surveying the woods through the lenses perched on the bridge of her nose.

"Remember the creepy feeling you get when you, you know, get into the Crying Woods?" Xenia strides with a quiet watchfulness up the slope of the beach. "I'm gonna see if the same feeling is up there in the town. I'm not going in, just to the edge. I'll be right back," she says.

Rolls
Spot 24
Listen 29
Hide 12 (Nat 1. Yeah, hide on a beach. Right.)
Move Silently 15

OoC
Xenia paid for the ID out of her own pocket.
And sorry Mike, thought I'd speed this along. I'll send you the requisites for Xenia's character sheet once the transaction is done.

With regard to the Necklace of Fireballs and the Bead of Force, Xenia has a Base Range Attack of +8 that would go toward any thrown weapons.


Angus 
Wednesday February 2nd, 2005 12:13:10 PM
Angus watches as the City of Perimon approaches, or what is left of it, and thinks, the Crying Woods is not wasting any time in reclaiming her own. Woods do not work that fast, something nasty is behind this.

To answer Xenia questions "I certainly do not want to hold the necklace or bead. I do think either you or Wynn should each hold one. We can try to keep you two as secondary fighters to Syr, Florin and Lang and I expect you each are good at throwing things. Wynn was excellent in his bowling match with Faddle."

Angus continues. "I suppose I should hold the arcane scrolls. Which ones were arcane, besides rope trick?"

As the group unloads the supplies, Angus calls over to Florin. "Are we going to set up camp or recon? Should we recon in force or should our stealthy woodsy types give it a try first?" Angus awaits an answers as he watches everyone else unload the boats.

Belkior  d20+5=6
Wednesday February 2nd, 2005 12:49:28 PM
The halfling cleric hurriedly clambers out of the small boat. Despite what the others say, he doesn't trust the craft. As he does so, he casts a cautious eye over the dock, beach and clearing. (Spot = 6, with natural 1)[/]

Confident that there is no danger lurking nearby, he carefully lifts his packs and armor out of the boat. Stepping lightly on the dock, Belkior moves onto the beach and begins donning his armor. There was absolutely no way that he was going to compound the dangers of boating with wearing armor at the same time.

After he is properly dressed for an expedition into the wilds, he moves over to the newly purchased supplies. Taking out the three scrolls of Remove Disease, he says to the group, "I'll hold onto these, since I have a better chance of using them than anyone else." He searches for a good place to keep the scrolls, then shrugs and tucks them into his backpack. [i]Well, we aren't likely to need these in a hurry. I should have brought a scroll case, however.

"Angus, you should probably carry the rest of the scrolls since they're all arcane. Well, the Dispel Magic could be either and I don't remember specifying."

"The warriors should probably carry the Magic Weapon oils. I don't know who should carry the potion of Remove Disease, however."

After saying his piece, the halfling carefully studies the surrounding jungle. Mentally, he runs through the list of misfortunes that could befall the party. This time, however, he stifles the urge to lecture anyone on the dangers of drinking unboiled water, or eating seemingly harmless fruit or other food found in the jungle.



Florin Jadenth  d20+2=6
Wednesday February 2nd, 2005 7:00:42 PM
Florin follows the others and also moves onto one of the boats. He though in his armor and everything. He looks to Belkior and chuckles, even more so when they reach the other side of the lake and he moves off the boat just alittle bit behind the man.

As he watches Belkior a moment he shakes his head, "I never met someone as careful as you Belkior my friend. Maybe it will rub off on the rest of us."

Florin hear's the comment on the magic weapon oils but shakes his head as he slides his longsword from it's sheath, the high woldian runes along both sides of the blade which spells the sword's name glows faintly as he moves to follow Xenia, "I will go with you Xenia. As I said, no one moves out here along. Everyone stays in atleast pairs."

As he begisn to follow he hears Angus's questions and he glances around abit (spot:6 wow), "We should set up camp atleast for today here and I say we check out the place more together after camp is pretty well made and ready." Florin has clearly learned his lesson from the fight with the anvil hearts and tiger shields.


Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=19
Wednesday February 2nd, 2005 9:49:26 PM
Lang enjoys the short boat ride with Sunshine and the rest of the Shields. The open air, even if it is sea air, feels good after being confined in the Floating City.

Lang grabs one of the 2-man tents and attaches it to his backpack. He gives the other items the once over.

"I cannot use any of the scrolls as they are above my ability. I already have some Magic Weapon oil so I will not carry any of that. In regards to the necklace and the bead my throwing ability is pretty good, but if I am not fighting hand to hand then I will be using my bow so I may not be the best person to carry either of them."

When the boat pulls along side the dock, Lang jumps out and calls Sunshine to him with a quick "Heel".

As Xenia and Florin move towards the woods, Lang will pull his bow and an arrow out of his quiver. He will pace a short distance behind the two of them while he scans the area (Spot 19/23; second # is for favorite enemy plants +4 bonus).

OOC #1 - I know we talked about it and asked Happy about it, but did we ever decide on how much food to buy?

OOC #2 - What is the weather like? If it is cold then I will switch my spell to Endure Elements. Otherwise, I will switch it to Longstrider.

Wynn  d20+3=22 d20+6=12
Thursday February 3rd, 2005 12:18:22 AM
"Her name was Fiddle, Angus," corrects Wynn.

Recognizing the blunder, Wynn busies himself unloading the gear from the boats and making camp. He shoots an angry look at the sorcerer, as he passes by.

"If no one claims it, I'll hold on to the Bead of Force, but someone else should claim the necklace."

Once the tents have been set up and gear stowed, the half-elf marks a neat circle with stones collected from around the dock. Searching for deadwood between the shore and the edge of the clearing, Wynn keeps his eyes open for any signs that the Crimson Shields might not be alone. (Search=22, Spot=12)



Tionel 
Thursday February 3rd, 2005 4:19:54 AM
Along the trip, Tionel was somewhat curios about their new halfling companion and asked him a few questions... How old is he, how long has he been at the temple, what sorts of skills he has, and so on.
When they arrive, Tionel hops off and onto the beach and looks around excitedly. He's wearing an explorer's outfit, "Ah, the wild." He takes a deep breath. "I do so love a little jaunt into the woods... I'll go along with you, Xenia." He quickly heads forward before the half-elf girl can respond, moving very fast and somehow shuffling his feet so as to not leave any tracks along the sandy shores.


Syr 
Thursday February 3rd, 2005 7:40:43 AM
Syr hops out on the dock and follows Lynn's action by grabbing a tent. He waits patiently while the trio heads out scouting.

Turning to the others, "How about Tionel for the necklace? While he does have magic, it isn't generally offensive."

Anybody Home? (DM MikeK) 
Thursday February 3rd, 2005 8:13:17 AM
Xenia, Florin, and Tionel traipse up the beach toward the clearing.
Lang sets himself up to provide cover.

The weather is mild and sunny.

Meanwhile, the others unpack gear and prepare to camp on the beach itself. Wynn cannot find enough stones on the sandy beach to create a fire circle. Which is fine, because he can't find enough driftwood to make a decent fire, either. The bard comes up with only a few pieces, which he estimates won't last more than 4 hours or so.

The jungle is just that. At the edge of the beach, tall trees and thick vegetation create a green wall punctuated by oranges, reds, blues, and purples of flowers. Only where Perimon existed is there any break at all to the thick foliage. No animals can be seen, but ears pick up the buzz of insects, and yowls, shrieks, and cries that must belong to far off animals.

Nothing sounds particularly close, and the scouting trio steps up the line separating beach from plant life. Xenia takes a breath, and crosses that line. For about half a second - EVERYTHING in the jungle goes completely silent, and then starts up again as though nothing happened.

Florin and Tionel follow the rogue. No one goes more than a couple steps into Perimon.
All three feel it. Like before, they can't see anything, smell anything - but coming from somewhere is a gut feeling of shock, hostility, and someone or something watching.
[Survival check DC14 -- feeling is acute, kicking the fight/flight instinct into high gear. Take +2 bonus for having been in Woods before. Take +4 bonus if have been exposed to the acute feeling before.]


Xenia  d20+6=23
Thursday February 3rd, 2005 10:49:05 AM
Fiddle Faddle, Xenia thinks as she walks up the beach. The thought dampens with the realization that, whichever is which, they are both now dead. As every footstep brings the Crying Woods that much nearer, the feeling of solemn respect for the dead, mingles with that peculiar prickly sense of heightened awareness always brought on by danger.

Then she crosses that invisible line ... and it's there.

Hoo-boy ...

Having had it in her brain before, the dark rogue is pretty much ready for it. Still, doesn't make it any nicer. (Survival 23)

"Um, that's all I wanted to know," she says out loud, turning to head back down the beach. "It's there. The Crying Woods," she calls back to those still out in the sand. "You can feel it."

"Nice camp," half to make herself feel better after walking into the Crying Woods, she lifts up on tip-toes and gives Wynn a peck on the cheek, "I think we're gonna need it."

Looking up at the sun to figure the time of day, Xenia looks again out to Perimon.

"Whaddya say we take a look at that building out there while there's still some light." She thinks back to the map. "Looks like that's the Smith and Headquarters building."


Angus  d20+8=19
Thursday February 3rd, 2005 11:57:32 AM
Angus takes off his leather traveling hat and soaks up the suns rays, but not for long as his fair skin can not take too much of a good thing.

Angus thinks to himself, Wynn is correct, I got the girls mixed up. Angus wonders to himself that a little chaos is never a bad thing as he watches Xenia shrug off the comment.

Angus strolls the beach, all the while sizing up the Crying woods. "I agree Xenia, lets have a look around while it is still light. Maybe we can find more firewood also. What is the best order for us to trek into the forest? I suggest the middle for me. What should be our spacing also? Any thoughts Florin." At the mention of Florin's name, Angus takes out his flute and tips his hat in Florin's direction and begins to play (perform 19), attempting to lighten the mood of the forest and setting up camp.

Belkior 
Thursday February 3rd, 2005 9:40:26 PM
Belkior glances about at the nearby jungle. This is his first expedition to the jungle so he has no idea what to expect.

Belkior responds to Tionel's questions while he is checking his pack and other supplies. "I've been at the temple in the Floating City for just under two years. Before that I was in the temple where I grew up, in the Crescent Valley. I came here to Floating City to study with Janus, since she's renowned within the Shepherds. I've learned a lot with her. I've focused on healing, but I've also spent a lot of time learning other things useful to a field healer. I used to adventure in the Crescent Valley, so I've picked up a few otehr skills also."

After Angus mentions marching order, Belkior volunteers, "I'd feel better being in the middle of the group also." With that, he shoulders his pack and moves to stand near Angus. Then he waits for the group to move towards the ruins of Perimon.



Florin Jadenth 
Thursday February 3rd, 2005 10:49:02 PM
Florin thinks over Angus's comment and nods and he spins his sword once but keeps ahold of it just incase, "Xenia would be alot of help towards the front with her lens, Lang why don't you come up here and take to the front also, I and Syr will follow off to either side and Wynn I hate to do this but can you take towards the back leaving Belkior and Angus in the center of us. Kind of like a circle with those to in the center. Tionel you can also be in the back if you like or towards the center with Angus and Belkior...this sound good to everyone?"

Lang  d20+9=17 d20+1=9 d20+11=20
Friday February 4th, 2005 12:38:40 AM
Well that was interesting, Lang thinks to himself when the jungle becomes silent for a split second.

Lang & Sunshine move into position per Florin's instruction. He will take up position on Xenia's left with Sunshine on his left.

With his bow still out, he will nod towards Florin to let him know he is ready to move out, looking for tracks as they move.

Survival - 17 without FE plant bonus
Survival Sunshine - 9
Survival tracking - 20 without FE plant bonus

Wynn  d20+6=9 d20+2=5
Friday February 4th, 2005 12:53:57 AM
"Wherever I can help the most" the bard replies when Florin suggests he take the rear of the column. The bard does his best to keep his eyes open and his ears tuned, but the noise of the others distracts him, and memories of the green tendrils invading the diseased men's brains dull his senses [Spot=9, Listen=3]

Tionel  d20+10=22
Friday February 4th, 2005 1:31:57 AM
(oh, and that's another +4, so it'd be 26...)
Having been in this forest before and being used to woods of all types, Tionel barely even stops at the feeling. But he does notice it..
"These woods are strange. You know, so far, not even the druids really understand it? And they're druids, I mean, REAL druids, unlike me. I'm more of a city druid, y'know? But anyways...and then there's those weird ruins that we saw. Druidic runes...but who made them, and how long ago? Is it tied in with that disease, with those flowers, with the Jack?
"Well, I doubt we'll find any real answers. But maybe we'll have fun..."


Syr  d20+10=28
Friday February 4th, 2005 5:13:06 AM
Syr falls into place on the right side of the formation with a whispered comment to the paladin, "Swap Lang and Wynn? eye's bow will be more effective from the rear and you recall what berzerk woman up there did when Wynn was in danger? Best to keep those two close..."

Angus (second illegal post)  d20+6=15
Friday February 4th, 2005 8:12:19 AM
Angus needs all the bonuses he can as he barely shakes off the effects of the Jungle. "Strange place" he mumbles to himself.



The Smithy (exDM MikeK) 
Friday February 4th, 2005 10:09:01 AM
The Crimson Shields gear up, and head into Perimon.

As before, as soon as Xenia crosses an invisible line - for about half a second - EVERYTHING in the jungle goes completely silent, and then starts up again as though nothing happened.

Everyone is again subjected to the feeling - coming from somewhere is a gut feeling of shock, hostility, and someone or something watching.
[Survival check DC14 -- feeling is acute, kicking the fight/flight instinct into high gear. Take +2 bonus for having been in Woods before. Take +4 bonus if have been exposed to the acute feeling before.]

Regardless, the heroes move forward, intent on exploring this last remaining structure.
Xenia, Lang, and Sunshine move forward as a unit. Some 15' behind come Tionel, Angus, and Belkior. Florin splits out from this trio about 15' to the right. Syr does the same 15' to the left. And 15' to the rear is Wynn, silently taking up the rear guard.

The group moves in and around vines, jungle plants, and tall trees. Nothing moves. Nothing is seen.

Perimon was not a big colony, and in a few minutes the group is approaching the lone building. It was apparently the smithy. The building is about 90' wide and 40' deep. The entire south wall (the side the party is approaching) has collapsed, while the other three walls and most of the roof remains intact. The rubble of the south wall, the rest of the structure, and the interior of the two visible rooms are coated in grasses and vines, obscuring the floor.
Map coming

The larger room on the west side contains a forge and a long shelf along the back wall. The smaller room on the east side appears totally empty. Vegetation and shadow make the assessment difficult, however.

Spot checks, please.


Belkior  d20+4=16 d20+5=20
Friday February 4th, 2005 11:45:20 AM
Belkior flinches when he first experiences the feeling of hostility emanating from the jungle, but he manages to withstand it and press on. (OOC - Survival check = 16)

Still, he unconciously moves closer to Tionel and Angus and clutches his quarterstaff more tightly. He's never been into the jungle before and doesn't know what to expect. There could be any sort of enemy hidden in the undergrowth, watching and plotting. Not to mention poisonous snakes, insects or other hazards.

As the party approached the ruins of the smithy, the halfling cleric peers into the gloom and vines. (OOC - Spot = 20)

Spells Memorized
0 - Detect Magic (2), Detect Poison, Mending, Read Magic
1 - Bless (2), Command, Sanctuary (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bull's Strength, Delay Poison, Hold Person (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic, Prayer (D - Cure Serious Wounds)



Xenia  d20+11=26 d20+6=14 d20+15=30 d20+11=19 d20+12=16
Friday February 4th, 2005 12:04:58 PM
"Syrdeth Redbow," Xenia says in a very lowish sort of voice. (Listen 26) "I heard that. You don't want me to come back there and punch you one, do you?"

Yeah. As if. Still, you know, you wouldn't say that sort of thing unless you kinda sorta thought they'd play along with it. For a moment, the girl rogue wonders, in one of those off hand kind of wondering ways, if this is what it's like to have a big brother.

The new shortbow comes out of the haversack, and Xenia nocks her first arrow, testing the tensile strength of the bowstring with an experimental pull. Feels good.

For some reason, the Woods feels worse the second time. Stronger memory of the feeling, maybe. Dunno. Xenia gives a mental shrug and shakes it off. Don't like it.

Bow at the ready, the rogue moves out with Lang and his pup. This is different. This is The Woods. She keeps her eyes peeled and her head down.

Rolls
Listen 26
Survival 14 (Whew)
Spot 30
Hide 19
Move Silently 16

ADM Jim 
Friday February 4th, 2005 1:00:13 PM
OOC: Great Job Mike. Good luck with your new assignment.

A posting note: Please provide spells memorized on a list at the bottom of your character post: similar to what Belkior provided, that would be Tionel, Florin, Lang and Wynn in addition to Belkior. Angus will post spell slots as he uses spells.

Thank you and now lets have some fun

Florin Jadenth  d20+2=7
Friday February 4th, 2005 7:22:18 PM
Florin looks to Syr and nods, making a quick comment to the group lineup, "Didn't think of that, Wynn you should change places with Lang."

With this said Florin begins to move foreward with the others and also laughs and comments over to Syr, not lowering his voice either, "Yeah, an you said I acted like a raging barbarian against that wood like creature. I think she had me beat with that fight." Florin grins at his comment and continues moving foreward and keeping his eyes open. (spot:7 wow, another bad roll)

Spells:
1st level: Bless (1)
(OOC:Only listing the spell my character has loaded up and he only has one spell currently)

Wynn Brightsong  d20+3=15 d20+6=26 d20+2=17
Friday February 4th, 2005 8:22:32 PM
Wynn moves forward in the group, exchanging positions with Lang. The Crying Woods are a strange place, and they seem to invade his thoughts. The bard pushes his fear aside [Survival=15] and draws his sword in anticipation. He peers into the smithy, looking for any movement or other obvious danger and keeps his senses focused on his surroundings [Spot=26, Nat 20, Listen=17].

Spells 0-Level; Dancing Lights, Daze, Detect Magic, Light, Message, Read Magic. Level-1; Cure Light Wounds,Disguise Self, Sleep

Angus  d20+6=23 d20+3=10
Friday February 4th, 2005 8:53:38 PM
Angus remains in his customary spot in the middle of the group, surrounded by the capable members of the Crimson Shields.

Once again he is able to cope with the Crying Woods's presence. He is even able to look around as they move towards the building.

Survival - 23
Spot - 10

Spell Slots (unused/total):
0 - 6/6
1 - 8/8
2 - 5/5

Lang & Sunshine  d20+9=20 d20+1=19 d20+6=19
Friday February 4th, 2005 9:03:16 PM
Lang & Sunshine let the rest of the group pass as Wynn moves up next to Xenia. They fall in slightly behind the group and follow them as they move towards the decaying building.

The presence of the woods makes itself known and both Sunshine and Lang are able to withstand its effects (survival 20 & 19).

Keeping a sharp eye out for any possible enemies, Lang maintains covering the group with his trusty longbow (spot 19/23).

As the group enters the building, Lang and Sunshine will stay outside and keep lookout.

OOC - I will split the rolls (like the spot check above) where the favorite enemy bonus may be applied.

Tionel  d20+7=12 d20+10=18
Saturday February 5th, 2005 1:12:48 PM
Tionel walks fearless of the woods (+14 with bonus to survival). Even so, he keeps a sharp lookout, not feeling at all natural around these strange woods. But perhaps it's all the strangeness, he doesn't see very much sticking out of the vegetation. (Spot 12)
He keeps an eye out for any strange plants as he goes along, especially dangerous ones. And if so, he describes them to his pals, hoping to avoid any catastrophes. (Knowledge: Nature roll of 18) Other than that, he keeps silent, as the forest has simply unnerved him slightly.

Tionel (Spell List) 
Saturday February 5th, 2005 2:23:25 PM
[0: Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Cure Minor Wounds, Know Direction, Purify Food and Water.
1: Pass Without Trace, Entangle, Charm Animals, Speak W/Animals.
2: Barkskin, Bull's Strength, Lesser Restoration, Hold Animal.
3: Neutralize Poison, Diminish Plants, Dominate Animal. ]


Lang (spell list) 
Saturday February 5th, 2005 6:48:47 PM
1st level: Longstrider

Smithy  d20+12=15 d20+12=16 d20+12=30 d20+12=32
Monday February 7th, 2005 9:50:32 AM
The group of adventurers each shake off the effects of the strange woods, but are still cautious as they approach the only structure they can see. Everyone passes through ferns and broadleaf plants that are 5 feet high. The ground is moist and squishes underfoot. The undergrowth reduces in height as everyone starts to get close to the smithy to a general height of 3 feet high.

OOC: The group is arranged at this point as follows, Xenia is in the square "e" in the word forge. Angus is 15 feet back at the square maked "f" for forge. Tionel is 5 feet to Angus's right and Belkior is 5 feet to his right, just off the map. Florin is 15 feet further off the map to Belkior's right. Syr is 15 feet to Tionel's left in the "q" for square. Lang and Sunshine are 15 feet in back of Angus.

Xenia notices a large bit mark in the top of the smithy that resulted in the wall falling and causing the wood and stone rubble pile to the groups left. The bite mark seems incomplete in the tar covered roof. Roll DC 17 survival or Knowledge nature to indentify the bite mark.

The sharp eyed and eared Xenia is also positive that she heard and saw the bush in the back of the smithy move five feet.

Wynn is also very observant as he spots a pot of brilliant purple tulips on what appears to be a wide stump 100 or so feet in front of him. What also catches his eye was what appeared to be a large vine that just stop moving as soon as the group stopped in front of the smithy. The vines loops dropped back under the ferns 70 feet in front of Wynn's postion.

Lang and Belkior each see a large vine attempting to creep up on an unsuspecting Florin, but it is still at least 30 feet from his position.

Smithy Continued 
Monday February 7th, 2005 9:54:10 AM
Group positioning update:

Tionel is to Angus's left not right and Wynn is to Xenia's right.

Xenia  d20+2=3 d20+15=33 d20+11=25 d20+11=31 d20+11=12
Monday February 7th, 2005 12:10:14 PM
On the job. Serious business brings out the business end of the dark rogue. Senses come into full play. An instinct for the physical gained through years of training take it's place at the forefront of her mind. That instinct doesn't like the ground. Too soft. The grass too high. Movement will be difficult.

Without a word, Xenia points to the half bite mark at the top of the roof. She says nothing about the implications of a creature that could make such a visible bite. Nor does she mention how high it is up on the wall. Business time is not the time to state the obvious. In the back of her mind, however, she stores the notion that whatever took that bite might not like something in that tar roof. (Survival 3 nat 1)

Then the bush moves. It picks up and walks. Her hand shoots straight up in the air and closes into a fist. This before the thought that the others might not know what the gesture means. Instincts work quickly in business time.

"That bush is walking," she says, plain, simple, and quiet. "Moving in on us." (I assume that it moved 5 feet in our direction. Please correct me if I'm wrong.)

"Anyone see any of those vines?"

OoC: Is the beach to the west or the south? BTW, who has the Necklace of Fireballs? Tionel or Xenia?

Rolls
Survival 3
Spot 33
Listen 25
Hide 31
Move Silently 12 (Nat 1)

Active Effects
Seal Against Surprise Attack. Activated earlier. Lasts entire module. Allows action on surprise round as though not surprised.

Notes
Ready Action: If a killer vine shows up, shoot it.

ADM Jim Position Update 
Monday February 7th, 2005 1:01:39 PM
The group was moving north so the beach is due south of their current position, by a 300 feet.

The smithy is West of the group, albeit only 40 or so feet west.

Syr  d20+7=27
Monday February 7th, 2005 7:19:50 PM
Having been here before, Syr shows a little less hesitancy as he steps through the grass. Showing even less regard for the silence of the place, he calls out to the halfing, "Hey Belkior, think the creature that made that mark would even notice you? I think anyone less than half a bite would be safe." Keeping an eye out for any moving plants he looks ahead of the group (spot natural 20, what a waste).

Florin Jadenth  d20+2=4
Monday February 7th, 2005 8:05:30 PM
Florin looks around and frowns as he doesn't really see the stupid plant move (spot:4), he does hold his longsword at the ready and swings his shield around and into his free hand just incase and frowns, "Dang plants. Here for two mins and they already want to eat us."

Spells:
1st level: Bless (1)


Belkior  d20+5=19 d20+5=15
Monday February 7th, 2005 9:09:16 PM
Trying to pitch his voice so it doesn't carry more than necessary, Belkior calls out to Florin. "Ware, Florin. There's a vine moving towards you out there, beyond you." (OOC - Survival = 19)

Hearing Syr's attempt at humour, Belkior looks nervously at the size of the bite mark in the smithy. Hopefully, the beast that made that mark would be too big to notice him.

Seeing the other movements, Belkior draws his sling and loads a bullet. Still, he won't act until the group is attacked.

(OOC - I didn't roll for identification of the bite mark since I didn't think that was directed at the entire group. If it was, Survival roll is 15.)


Wynn  d20+6=20 d20+2=15 d20+3=9
Monday February 7th, 2005 9:36:00 PM
Moving up a little closer to the dark rogue, Wynn silently points out the bizarre purple flowers in a pot on the stump, and then waves his hand in the direction of the disappearing vine 70 ft. away. In a whisper he confides, "I saw it too, Xenia. Best to be on our guard."

The bard selects a potion from his pouch, and prepares to take it.

Ready action -- quaff potion of Bull's Strength

Spot=20
Listen=15
Survival=9



Angus  d20+2=11 d20+3=16
Monday February 7th, 2005 10:44:04 PM
Angus peers at the bite mark in the top of the smithy trying to account for its origin, but is not able to (survival 11). Shrugging his shoulders in bafflement, his attention is drawn towards the moving bush that Xenia points out (spot 16).

Glancing around at his companions, Angus holds his position and casts mage armor.

Spells cast:
Mage Armor

Spells:
0 - 6/6
1st - 7/8
2nd - 5/5

Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=24 d20+9=23 d20+10=20 d8+2=10
Monday February 7th, 2005 11:13:37 PM
Lang & Sunshine stop when they see the Shields in front of them stop moving. A movement over by Florin catches his eye and he becomes concerned when he sees a large vine attempting to creep up on Florin. Lang sees Florin move his sword and shield into position to defend himself, so he does not call out to him.

Lang turns himself slightly to try to keep an eye behind the group as well as in front (spot 24/28). He notices the bite mark in the smithy and wonders what made a bite mark that big and that far off the ground (survival 23/27).

Readying himself he waits to see if the vines/plants attack and if they do he will shoot them with his bow (ready action bow; hit ac 20; damage 10/14).

In a low voice to Sunshine he says, "Defend".

1st level: Longstrider

OOC: If anyone would like to play Sunshine, please let me know.

Tionel 
Tuesday February 8th, 2005 12:33:29 AM
"Guys, can't we just avoid this plant...?" Tionel looks at the thing and ponders his knowledge of plants. "Let's just edge back, and then to the right around it, if it keeps after us, we'll do something. But we can't afford to fight every plant in this woods...and we don't want to anger it by burning stuff unneccessarily."
(Xenia has the necklace, btw. At least, Tionel would give it to her...)

ADM Jim: The Smithy  d20+4=18 d20+4=9
Tuesday February 8th, 2005 9:17:25 AM
Xenia is getting concerned as she sees a second bush move, or at least the roots around it twitched. This bush is on the right side (north) of the front entrance of the Smithy, just over the rubble pile. The red headed rouge also sees some of the lower branches of the bush by the forge lean toward the group. No one else has seen any movement (DC 30 and 32 spot required) and Xenia realizes that she must concentrate hard to catch any movement at all from the two srubs. Xenia is now wary of the other srubs in the Smithy as she points with her loaded bow for any of her friends that will look into the Smithy.

Wynn is able to track the movement of the vine approaching the group from the north (DC 18 spot check to contine tracking next round from anyone looking that direction). The vine is still a ways off as it is not making much headway (65 feet from Wynn's position).

Lang takes a quick glance at the roof of the Smithy and thinks the bite mark looks like an oversize mandible bite from an REALLY big beetle. Lang thinks he remembers Angus and Xenia talking about a big bug named Max they met in the Crying Woods.

Lang is also able to track the vine coming in from the east toward Florin even though it is doing its best to hide itself in the ferns (DC 9 spot check next round to continue tracking).

Florin still is unsure what everyone is worried about until the grasses start entwining his boots, the ferns and broadleaf plants grab his thighs, a small bush to his left starts grabing at his shield and a low lying branch of a tree reaches for his sword arm. (Reflex save DC 13, wis based vs entangle: sucessful save means Florin can move at half speed). The vine is 20 - 25 feet from Florin.

Angus coats himself in mage armor, knowing from bitter experience what nasty plants can do to his body.

Tionel is expressing caution. Sunshine does not agree as he lets out a low growl and raises his hackles.

Syr speaks to Belkior and also notices the vine that Lang pointed out sneaking up on Florin.

Belkior eyes the bite mark and readies his sling. Belkior is concerned about possible large nasties and what they could do to a halfling, at least he is not alone in the woods.

Xenia (AC20, HP 28/28)  d20+15=34 d20+11=28
Tuesday February 8th, 2005 11:20:14 AM
Potted plants!!!

"We got movement!" Xenia drops all pretense of stealth. "That bush and that bush." She points them out explicitly and with emphasis.

"And something out here is putting up potted plants."

"If you wanna die, you just keep this up," she shouts out into the grass. "Ti'nel! Talk to them."

"Vine!?!" The dark rogue whirls as the new halfling guy says something about vines. Eyes wide, she positions herself back to back with Wynn.

"Talk to them, Ti'nel or I'm gonna start burning."

Rolls
Spot 34
Listen 28

Active Effects
Seal Against Surprise Attack. Activated earlier. Lasts entire module. Allows action on surprise round as though not surprised.

Notes

Florin Jadenth  d20+5=14 d20+11=15 d8+5=7
Tuesday February 8th, 2005 7:30:32 PM
Florin frowns when the vine tries to entangle him and this makes it deffinetly stand out to him.

Florin not liking the fact that the plant just tried to feel him up growls, "Forget this noise." Florin spins his sword and slashes at the vine that tried to entangle him. (Can hit AC:15 Damage:7)

Syr 
Tuesday February 8th, 2005 7:58:24 PM
Syr moves closer to the front preparing to aid Florin. "Fight or Flight?" (If possible, aid another helping Florin attack).

Belkior  d20+5=6
Tuesday February 8th, 2005 9:46:52 PM
Belkior sees the plants moving towards his companions and doesn't think that standing in the jungle is such a good idea. He moves 5' to stand beside Angus in the clearing.

(OOC - into the square with the o & r)

Once he's out in the clear, he continues to glance about looking for any other plants creeping up on himself, or his companions. But he's too nervous to notice much of anything. (OOC - natural 1 on the Spot roll)

Otherwise, he holds his action.



Wynn  d20+6=13 d20+2=21
Tuesday February 8th, 2005 11:44:29 PM
Standing with his back to Xenia, he tries to track the shrubbery but looses sight of the distant vine. "I have a funny feeling about this," he says as he grips the potion tighter, but holds his action. "Do we stay or do we leave?" he asks.

Spot=13
Listen=21



Angus  d20+8=27
Wednesday February 9th, 2005 12:01:52 AM
Angus wonders if all this plant and vine activity is magical in nature. He casts Detect Magic while looking at the plant life trying to wrap itself around Florin.

Cast Detect Magic (defensively with concentration check of 27).

Angus will state to the group the results of the Detect Magic spell.

"Should we move back to the beach and re-group and re-plan? We do not want to get separated and attacked from all sides."

Spells cast:
Mage Armor (+4 to AC; lasts 5 hours)
Detect Magic (60 foot cone shaped emanation; lasts 5 minutes)

Spells:
0 - 5/6
1st - 7/8
2nd - 5/5

Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=17 d20+10=29 d8+2=8 d20+3=18 d6+3=9
Wednesday February 9th, 2005 12:17:26 AM
Echoing Angus & Syr, "We should move back to the beach and decide a course of action that can deal with these threats."

Keeping a wary eye around him (spot 17/21), Lang holds his position and keeps his bow ready to shoot (ready action bow; hit ac 29; damage 6/10).

Sunshine remains defending Lang's back ready to attack anything that tries to get his master (ready action bite; hit ac 18; damage 9).

Spell:
1st level - Longstrider

Tionel 
Wednesday February 9th, 2005 1:36:23 AM
"I'm going to do something to make most of the regular vegetation back up...hopefully this will scare it back. If not, then get ready to put up a little fight, guys..."
Tionel waits till the vegetation is at about 50 feet, then holds forth a bit of mistletoe and dirt and murmurs some words...Suddenly, all the vegetation before him in a semi-circle (180 degrees) shrinks down, appearing to suddenly have been pruned and shortened. Except for any plant-creatures or whatnot...
Hopefully, this ruining of cover and slight brush against nature will cause the plants to withdraw their advance, but Tionel is also pretty sure that they will continue on heedlessly.

ADM Jim: The Smithy  d20+3=5
Wednesday February 9th, 2005 10:54:21 AM
OOC: Please post the spells you have memorized and list any spells you cast, in this cast Diminish Plants, so that I do not have to look everything up on your character sheets. Also, Florin you forgot to roll you entangle save, which I did for you, which you failed (I gave you a +2 bonus for wis modifier, a larger bonus will not matter as I rolled a 2 for you).

The grasses and ferns anchor Florin's legs and he feels his feet compressed into the soft wet ground. The bush next to Florin has a good grasp on his shield arm. Florin shortens the tree branch attempting to hold his sword arm only to have a second branch grap his arm and hold him fast.

Syr moves over to aid Florin and passes Belkior, Angus and Tionel, but realizes to do so will subject him to the entangle also (DC 13 reflex save wis based, sucessful save results in half movement).

Xenia and Wynn are back to back and are keeping watch on the Smithy as Xenia pointed out two bushes that she suspects are more than bushes, even though Wynn can not tell any different. Wynn has temporarially lost sight of the northern vine, but Xenia has a bead on it.

Lang is watching the eastern vine as it is approaching Florin and now it is 15 - 20 feet away from Florin, possible striking distance.

Tionel casts his Diminish plant spell and the grasses, ferns and bushes all become nicly cropped. This exposes the eastern vine for all to see and gives Florin another attempt to resist the entangling plants (DC 13 relex save, wis based). The northern vine is now just making its way into the Diminsihed zone and is partially visible to all, but is still over 50 feet from Wynn.

OOC: The smithy was uneffected as Tionel did not describe what areas he wanted to target, so I targeted the areas with the vines.

The sun is beating down on the hero's and several begin to sweat and maybe not from the heat...

Belkior, Xenia and Lang have missile weapons at the ready and Wynn has his potion in hand.

Angus casts his detect magic, but all he can detect that is magic is on his friends and the work of the Diminish plants spell as it washes over the area.

ADM Jim: The Smithy addition 
Wednesday February 9th, 2005 11:50:41 AM
OOC: In reviewing Florin's posting (Thanks Matt), it appears that he may have made his saving throw(14), but it was not listed in the post. I apologize for missing the roll, but in the future please put the explaination of all rolls in the body of your post, so I do not miss anything. Thanks.

If Florin made his saving throw he can attempt to move at half speed and does not need to make a new saving throw.



Xenia (AC20, HP 28/28)  d20+15=31 d20+11=13 d20+9=19 d6=6
Wednesday February 9th, 2005 12:52:54 PM
Wah, wah, wah, wah, wah!

"Me too," she replies to Wynn at her back.

"Hey you!" Xenia shouts out. "You bushes! We're not here to fight. We want to talk. But if your vine guys keep coming, I'm gonna peg 'em with an arrow."

Rolls
Spot 31
Listen 13

Active Effects
Seal Against Surprise Attack. Activated earlier. Lasts entire module. Allows action on surprise round as though not surprised.

Notes
Ready action. If *any* of the vines come closer, peg the Eastern Vine.
Hit AC19, Damage 6hp

Angus (AC 14; HP 15/15)  d20+3=15
Wednesday February 9th, 2005 8:57:00 PM
Angus turns away from the area spell cast by Tionel. He turns towards the Smithy and uses his Detect Magic while looking at the plant life near the forge. He also tries to discern any movement from the plant life there (spot 15).

If anything magical comes up, Angus will tell the group.

"Florin what do you want to do? Stay and fight or re-group?"

If the group moves back towards the beach then Angus will move with the group and not scan the forge area with the detect magic spell.

Spells cast:
Mage Armor (+4 to AC; lasts 5 hours)
Detect Magic (60 foot cone shaped emanation; lasts 5 minutes)

Spells:
0 - 5/6
1st - 7/8
2nd - 5/5

Belkior (AC 21; HP 34/34)  d20+5=15 d20+5=24
Wednesday February 9th, 2005 9:23:12 PM
Belkior keeps close to Angus, peering about nervously. (OOC Spot roll = 15)

Hearing Angus' question to Florin, the halfling cleric turns towards the paladin. He studies the plants twining about his companion and may recognize the effect.
(OOC Spellcraft roll = 24, which should be enough to identify existing spells up to lvl 4)

If he does recognize the effect, Belkior calls out to the group with the possible class(es) of caster.

Having done that, he waits with his loaded sling in case anything larger moves to attack Florin.

Spells Memorized
0 - Detect Magic (2), Detect Poison, Mending, Read Magic
1 - Bless (2), Command, Sanctuary (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bull's Strength, Delay Poison, Hold Person (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic, Prayer (D - Cure Serious Wounds)


Lang (AC 20; HP 46/46) & Sunshine (AC 16; HP 15/15)  d20+3=19 d20+8=26 d20+8=20 d8+2=6 d8+2=5 d20+6=24 d20+3=9 d6+3=8
Wednesday February 9th, 2005 9:24:34 PM
Lang thinks into his past to try to determine what kind of plant creature or creatures they are fighting (knowledge nature 19).

He also decides that a couple well placed arrows may deter the creature or creatures from attacking any further. He fires one arrow at the east vine and one arrow at the north vine (Spot check on the north vine 24/28).

East - Hit AC 26; damage 6/10
North - Hit AC 20; damage 5/9

Sunshine remains defending Lang (ready action bite; hit ac 9; damage 8).

Spell:
1st level - Longstrider

Wynn Brightsong  d20+6=17
Wednesday February 9th, 2005 10:45:58 PM
Wynn continues to keep an eye on the vines, a task made much easier by Tionel's spell. He maintains his position by Xenia, sword in one hand and vial in the other. "You've fought these before, what can you tell me about these vines?" he asks his companion.

Florin Jadenth 
Wednesday February 9th, 2005 11:48:23 PM
(OOC:Jim, sorry about not posting Florin's relfex roll. I honestly completely forgot about it. If I'm suppose to use a ref save, adding Florin's will instead of dex then the ref save would of been a 16 or so.)

Florin frowns and looks to his friends as he speaks up, "Fall back everyone. Let us get into atleast a area where we can see these stupid vines coming in easier."

Florin begins falling back, since the vines are only trying to grapple him he doesn't drop into a defensive fall back though. He does keep his sword ready and shield, "Also we don't want to use all of are fire stuff yet so everyone should probably hold onto that for a last resort or a dire needed area."

Tionel  d20+8=24
Thursday February 10th, 2005 12:33:32 AM
Tionel tries something a bit desparate, perhaps... Most druids seem to have an intuitive connection to animals and creatures of nature, able to befriend them without words to a degree. Usually, in doing so, one can make them at least a little less violent, if not nicer. These plants seem a bit far gone in their malice, but perhaps he can soothe them... he knows they can't fight every step of their way into the forest, especially if they wish to sleep at night.
He tries to be soothing towards the plants, and speaks/hums to them a gentle tune... (Druid friendship roll of 24)

ADM Jim: The Smithy 
Thursday February 10th, 2005 11:03:04 AM
The eastern vine coils to strike as Florin retreats and is struck by two arrows (Xenia's and Lang's, ready action). The vine recoils from the arrows and has smaller vines pull the protruding arrows out of its main stalk. The eastern vine is no longer moving toward Florin and turns north, slowly dripping sap from two wounds.

Lang also sends an arrow into the northern approaching vine and it also has smaller branching vines remove the arrow. The vine adjusts it movement slightly and is slowly edging toward where Florin was and Tionel now is standing attempting to communicate with the eastern vine. The northern vine is completely visible now and seems to be larger than the eastern vine.

Florin has moved 20 feet back toward the beach putting him next to Land and Sunshine.

Tionel has moved forward in an attempt to communicate with the eastern vine. As Tionels footfall start in the direction of the eastern vine it stops and redirects itself toward the group again, specifically Tionel. Tionel's humming does not seem to be getting through to the vine in any positive manner. Tionel is still out of what the group percieves as the vines striking distance, but not by much.

Xenia gets no response from the Smithy, but does notice that a large root by the shrub near the forge moved slightly. No one else notices any movement in the Smithy.

Wynn is remaining vigilant by Xenia's side.

Angus does not notice any magic in the Smithy.

Belkior sees the natural rendition of an entangle spell effect in the area that Florin left. The entangle stopped when Florin left the area, but seems to be starting up again as Tionel is advancing.

ADM: Jim 
Thursday February 10th, 2005 11:05:22 AM
OOC: Belkior, Lang and Angus are posting spells. Florin, Wynn and Tionel please post spells in memory each round. Everyone Post AC please. The vine AC is 15

Xenia (AC20, HP 28/28)  d20+15=33 d20+11=28 d20+9=24 d6=4
Thursday February 10th, 2005 11:59:06 AM
Xenia draws another arrow.

"They wrap you and squeeze," she replies over her shoulder to Wynn. "You can ask Angus about that. Lifted him up into the air. Last time they hit too. Kind of like a snake."

"I hate these things, Wynn. I really do," she whispers.

"Bush is still moving over by the smithy!" the rogue shouts out to the others.

"Pull back? Xenia whispers over her shoulder again. She takes a tentative step. Feeling Wynn's presence at her back, she takes cues from him, withdrawing should he go, staying if he does not, turning with his movement, syncing her action to his.

The dark rogue's eyes and ears monitor the surrounding greenery. She makes a brief motion to peg an arrow at the vine to the east. Then she returns to her synchronous movements, following Wynn's lead.

Rolls
Spot 33
Listen 28
Hit AC24, Damage 4hp

Active Effects
Seal Against Surprise Attack. Activated earlier. Lasts entire module. Allows action on surprise round as though not surprised.

Notes
Pull back if Wynn does.

Syr 
Thursday February 10th, 2005 6:53:19 PM
Syr stays far enought away from the vines to give anyone closer an exit. "I really want to get into that smithy to see if there are any clues... Do you guys think we can take one of these vines one at a time and clean this place out? Plus we still need a basecamp..."

Florin Jadenth 
Thursday February 10th, 2005 8:56:03 PM
Florin stops where he has backedup by Lang and Sunshine. He stays there and frowns when he sees Tionel move foreward, "You better start backing off Tionel or we might have to dice in there to help you out."

Florin readies to charge back in if Tionel doesn't fall back.

Wynn Brightsong [AC=19, HP=46/46]  d20+6=26
Thursday February 10th, 2005 9:20:11 PM
Wynn slowly turns through 360 degrees to scan the area, careful to maintain contact with Xenia as he does so[Spot=26, Nat 20]. Sizing up the situation, the bard Wynn nods at Syr. "I think we should be able to hold them off, it's the plants inside the structure that have me worried. How about it friends, do we make for the smithy as Syr suggests?"

Wynn prepares to make for the building if the group agrees and will dodge the nearest vine should it lash out [effective AC=20]

Spells 0-Level; Dancing Lights, Daze, Detect Magic, Light, Message, Read Magic. Level-1; Cure Light Wounds,Disguise Self, Sleep


Lang (AC 20; HP 46/46) & Sunshine (AC 16; HP 15/15)  d20+6=19 d20+8=15 d20+8=28 d20+8=21 d8+2=5 3d8(6+8+7)+6=27 d20+3=5
Thursday February 10th, 2005 10:24:26 PM
Lang holds his ground and takes a quick look around for any more approaching vines (spot 19/23). He then reaches into his quiver and grabs some arrows to provide more missile support for Tionel so that he can get out of the combat zone.

Fire one arrow at the east vine and one arrow at the north vine.

East - Hit AC 15; damage 5/9.
North - Hit AC 28(21); critical damage 27/31 or 39; not sure if this + is tripled.

Sunshine remains defending Lang (ready action bite; hit ac 5; damage N/A).

Spell:
1st level - Longstrider

Angus (AC 14; HP 15/15)  d20+3=11
Thursday February 10th, 2005 10:27:38 PM
Angus rotates away from the Smithy and uses his Detect Magic in an area that he has not looked at yet.

He also looks for any movement from the plant life where he is trying to detect magic (spot 11).

Spells cast:
Mage Armor (+4 to AC; lasts 5 hours)
Detect Magic (60 foot cone shaped emanation; lasts 5 minutes)

Spells:
0 - 5/6
1st - 7/8
2nd - 5/5

Tionel (AC 16) 
Thursday February 10th, 2005 10:46:19 PM

"Yes, let's back up...Whatever this thing is, there's no need to fight it if we can." Tionel backs up swiftly, keeping an eye on the vines. He even backs up past the rest of the group, in a little bit of a rush to get away from these menacing vegetables.

[0: Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Cure Minor Wounds, Know Direction, Purify Food and Water.
1: Pass Without Trace, Entangle, Charm Animals, Speak W/Animals.
2: Barkskin, Bull's Strength, Lesser Restoration, Hold Animal.
3: Neutralize Poison, Diminish Plants (Cast), Dominate Animal. ]

Belkior (AC 21; HP 34/34)  d20+5=18 d20+7=20 d3=2
Thursday February 10th, 2005 11:01:38 PM
"Whatever we do, we should keep together. There's more advantage to fighting as a group than spread across the clearing."

The halfling cleric stays with Angus, keeping an eye out for anything approaching the mage. (OOC Spot = 18)

If any vine moves to attack a party member, Belkior will fire his sling.

Ready Action
Fire sling, hit AC 20 for 2 damage

Spells Memorized
0 - Detect Magic (2), Detect Poison, Mending, Read Magic
1 - Bless (2), Command, Sanctuary (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bull's Strength, Delay Poison, Hold Person (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic, Prayer (D - Cure Serious Wounds)


ADM Jim: The Smithy 
Thursday February 10th, 2005 11:53:28 PM
The group of heros is starting to consolidate with Tionel moving back toward Belkior and Angus.

Lang and Xenia's arrows find their mark on the east vine and it again pulls them out. As Tionel move back, the east vine takes notice of his footfall and seems to think of pursuing, but then starts heading for cover, slowly, in the direction away from the arrows, northeast. The east vine is several rounds from full cover, as a result of Tionel's fern grooming.

The north vine takes a direct hit in the middle of it center stalk and is pinned to the ground by Lang's well placed arrow. It takes a few moments of wiggling and yanking, but the vine frees itself and heads due north away from the party, slowly, toward the potted purple tulips on the rough stump. The secondary vines attempt to extract the arrow but are unsucessful, at least so far.

Xenia sees both of the bushes in the Smithy carefully pull up more roots and vines and other vegetable matter. Wynn tries hard, but can not see what Xenia is seeing for all his efforts.

Wynn and Belkior do notice that the area of ferns and broadleaf plants that Tionel cropped contains some real BIG insect tracks in the soft earth. More disturbing is the fact that Wynn and Belkior notice very slow growth of the cropped plants and each think that you are not suppose to see plant grow.....Although it only took a fortnight for the jungle to reclaim Perimon City or so say the survivors.

Angus does not notice anything magical to the south.

Syr and Wynn toss out two possible courses of action for the group: The Smithy or the Beach and basecamp.

Xenia (AC20, HP 28/28)  d20+15=28 d20+11=20 d20+9=21 d6=4
Friday February 11th, 2005 8:35:02 AM
Wynn begins to turn, and Xenia matches his rotation, even unconsciously syncing her footfalls to his to confuse the casual or not so casual listener. As they turn, the rogue takes in the situation.

"I say we go," she votes. "It's not going to be any different if we go away and come back. We already know nighttime is bad." The rogue barks out ideas as she moves with Wynn.

"Looks like that tangly area is just over in that spot. We know not to go there. Lets pull into tight formation and move toward the smithy. If the brush starts tangling, we move away. Move around. Three pairs. Triangle around a center. Ranged and Melee. Me and Wynn. Tionel, Lang and his pooch. Syr and Florin with his glaive. Angus and Belkior in the center."

"Keep the vines away, and keep a sharp eye out for the tangly areas. If we spot a tangly area, we move away in formation."

"When we get to the smithy, watch for the bushes. They're picking their ... um, whacha-call-em ... roots up out of the ground. I think, maybe, they can walk."

"Hey Angus. If that hands thing you're doing is magic, see what's up with the potted plants over on the stump there. Weird thing."

"Knowing weird things can be useful."

With a quick movement, the rogue fires another arrow, this time at the wounded northern vine.

Rolls
Spot 28
Listen 20
Hit AC21, Damage 4hp

Active Effects
Seal Against Surprise Attack. Activated earlier. Lasts entire module. Allows action on surprise round as though not surprised.

Notes
Move with Wynn.

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:52/52  d20+2=19
Saturday February 12th, 2005 12:32:02 AM
Florin glances about the smithy and holds his sword at the ready as he hears Xenia's comments and sighs gently to himself as he speaks up, "This time I will stick with my sword, it slashes better." (spot:19)

If Florin notices the pot with flowers he frowns and motions towards it, "Can someone plug a arrow or two into those flowers to see what happens?" If Florin doesn't notice the flowers then of course he doesn't say nothing.

Florin awaits to see what happens or what the group does before making any movements, he does call over to Xenia, "I know we will have to deal with these most likely anyway but it would be nice to get a clear kill area where we could see the vines coming easier."

Spells:
1st level: Bless (1)
(OOC: Sorry for forgetting to post the spell Florin has ready Jim, I keep forgetting that.)

Syr 
Sunday February 13th, 2005 11:27:56 AM
"I'm ready for the sprint," Syr says as he bounces up and down a couple times. Pausing for a moment he turns to Lang, "Just a thought before we go in but why not use a 'distraction' on those vines? I doubt they are smart enough to distinguish between movement. Why not fire a couple well placed arrows to draw the vine in the opposite direction?"

Lang (AC 20; HP 46/46) & Sunshine (AC 16; HP 15/15)  d20+6=26 d20+8=26 d20+8=23 d8+2=7 d8+2=5
Sunday February 13th, 2005 2:05:16 PM
Lang is happy to see both of the vines retreating from the arrow shots by Xenia and him. He tries to spot the movement of the bushes in the Smithy (spot 26/30 natural 20). Reaching into his quiver, he grabs 2 arrows and fires one at the retreating north vine and one into bushes (or the east vine if he fails to see the movement of the bushes).

North - Hit AC 26; damage 7/11.
Bush or East - Hit AC 23; damage 5/9.

Sunshine remains by Lang's side.

Spell:
1st level - Longstrider

Angus (AC 14; HP 15/15)  d20+3=10 d20+2=15 d3=2
Sunday February 13th, 2005 2:14:19 PM
Angus stops concentrating on his Detect Magic spell. Hearing Xenia, he responds, "None of the plant activity is magical so far as I can tell."

Angus tries again to see the movement of the bushes in the Smithy (spot 10). If he is successful he casts the spell Ray of Frost at it (hit touch ac 15; damage 2). If he is not successful at spotting the movement he will instead cast the spell at one of the retreating vines, if they are still moving (first choice north then east).

OOC - Angus will move closer if he needs to get in range to cast the spell to hit a target.

Spells cast:
Mage Armor (+4 to AC; lasts 5 hours)
Detect Magic (60 foot cone shaped emanation; lasts 5 minutes)

Spells:
0 - 4/6
1st - 7/8
2nd - 5/5

Wynn Brightsong [AC=19, HP=46/46] 
Sunday February 13th, 2005 5:22:48 PM
The bard continues his dance with Xenia, and when it finally looks like the group will make a dash to the Smithy, he consumes the potion of Bull's Strength he has been holding.

"This is it. Are you ready 'X'?" he asks.

Belkior  d20+5=8 d20+7=15 d3=1
Monday February 14th, 2005 7:10:28 AM
Belkior continues to stick close to Angus, moving with him if needed. Belkior doesn't notice what everyone is concerned about in the smithy. (OOC Spot = 8)

From the actions of the other people, Belkior decides that distracting the vines may be a good idea, so he fires at the nearest one. (OOC - Probably the east one that was attacking Florin. Provided that it is less than 50 feet away, hits AC 15 for 1 hp.)

After doing so, Belkior reloads his sling and continues to protect the mage.



ADM Jim: The Smithy 
Monday February 14th, 2005 12:32:44 PM
Several member of the group quickly throw out ideas on how to enter the Smithy, but everyone is holding position except for Angus. Angus moves to the east 10 feet to make sure he is in range for his Ray of Frost spell. The Ray strikes the eastern vine and coats one of the secondary vines in ice.

Belkior adds to the eastern vines misery as he plunks it with a sling bullet. The easter vine does not look well and is making for cover as best possible speed, which is not much.

Lang send one arrow at the northern vine and the arcing projectile finds its mark again, just as the vine is finding cover. The northern vine is trailing sap and also does not look well, at least for a moving vine.

Xenia has to the two bushes marked that she saw move in several moments ago, but they seem still now.

Lang reloads his bow and takes a much closer look into the Smithy and notices the bush that Xenia pointed out in the back by the forge move. The bush is bringing up additional roots and vines. Lang quickly sends an arrow at it and is statisfied with a thud as it finds its mark.

The bush that Land shot seems to rise up out of the ground. The bush is only part of the creature. The Creature is about six feet tall, with the bush folding into its chest. The creature is made up of a mass of vegetable matter and has long vine and root like arms and legs. Strange as it may seem, but the creature has no head. Lang's arrow is sticking out of the creatures chest as it is moving quickly at the group.

The closest to the vine and root creature are Xenia and Wynn.

Wynn just wipes his lips after drinking his potion to see this mass of plant matter charging at him and Xenia. The plant mass is just over the rubble wall at the end of the round.

Belkior is intent on watching the eastern vine and Angus and each of them do not initially see the plant mass uproot itself and charge at the group.

Syr realizes that his suggestion of an arrow distraction did not work as he may have hoped.

Florin has his sword and shield at the ready.

OOC: We are now in combat rounds so please post AC/HP and spells in effect.

The marching order as I see it is based on everyone previous movement:

Xenia/Wynn

Belkior Syr Tionel Angus

Lang/Sunshine Florin



Xenia - OoC 
Monday February 14th, 2005 1:11:42 PM
You missed Xenia's shot at the Northern Vine last round. Hit AC21, Damage 4hp.

Xenia (AC20, HP 28/28)  d20+9=14 d6=4 d20+15=28 d20+11=30
Monday February 14th, 2005 2:00:26 PM
Frang Matter!!! Xenia swears as the bush rears up out of the ground and shambles over the rubble to around 30 feet away.

There's more than one in there, she shouts. "We can try and take them one at a time. Lets try and draw it back to the beach and gang up on it.

Then in a more quiet voice. "All set, Wynn," she says. "Split."

The dark rogue lets loose an arrow at the fake bush guy, and begins backing away. She's seen Wynn dart in and out of a melee, and he doesn't need her there to slow him down.

Xenia backs 30 feet cautiously along the path the group took to get here. No telling what sort of tangly areas there could be to the sides. As she goes, her eye roves the grasses for sign of other enemies that might be creeping on them from the flanks.

Rolls
Hit Bush Thing AC14, Damage 4
Spot 28
Listen 30

Active Effects
Seal Against Surprise Attack. Activated earlier. Lasts entire module. Allows action on surprise round as though not surprised.

Notes
Did Xenia start in the square "e" in the word forge?
Dodge vs Foremost Bush Thing, AC21

Question: The group has encountered a Shambling Mound before. Is this recognizable as such?

ADM: Jim 
Monday February 14th, 2005 2:08:48 PM
Xenia started at the "e" in forge and this is a Shambling Mound: AC 20

Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) 
Monday February 14th, 2005 3:17:13 PM
Recognition comes slowly. (One plant looks like then next, right?) But recognition comes.

"Hey!" Xenia shouts, her eyes going wide.

"HEY! That's one of those things that almost ate Gordo!!!."

"Watch out for it's mouth! It's in there somewhere. It's got these tentacle things that wrapped Gordo pretty tight."

Xenia estimates it's reach. And she begins to worry.

Wynn Brightsong [AC=19, HP=46/46, Bull'sStrength]  d20+10=28 d8+5=7
Monday February 14th, 2005 7:12:43 PM
Wynn waits until the bush is about 15 feet away before darting forward to strike the creature with his longsword [Hit AC=28 for 7 dmg]. As soon as he has struck, the bard dances away, returning to where he started a brief instant before [Spring Attack]. Wynn will dodge the bush should it attack him [Effective AC=20]

"I bet this thing doesn't like fire!" the bard calls out as he darts away from it.

Spells 0-Level; Dancing Lights, Daze, Detect Magic, Light, Message, Read Magic. Level-1; Cure Light Wounds,Disguise Self, Sleep


Lang (AC 20; HP 46/46) & Sunshine (AC 16; HP 15/15)  d20+8=26 d20+8=12 d8+6=14
Monday February 14th, 2005 9:02:44 PM
Lang is surprised as the rest of the group when his arrow strike into the bush provokes a plant monster to rush towards them.

He quickly fires 2 more arrows at it, hoping to injure it some more before it reaches his comrades.

Shambling Mound - Hit AC 26 & 12; damage 14.

Lang will then move 5' closer to Xenia and Wynn. Sunshine remains by Lang's side.

Spell:
1st level - Longstrider

Angus (AC 14; HP 15/15)  d20+3=11 3d4(3+3+1)+3=10
Monday February 14th, 2005 9:20:40 PM
After the initial shock of having the plant start running towards them, Angus feels a little exposed with 2 of the fighters not between him and the plant monster.

Angus is also concerned that more plants may try to attack them from the Smithy (spot 11).

Realizing that his Scorching Ray spell probably cannot reach the monster he insteads casts Magic Missile at it (damage 10). He then quickly moves towards Lang and Florin.

"Belkior we must seek the protection from our brave fighters!"

Standard Action - cast Magic Missile
Move Action - 30' move towards Lang and Florin

Active Spells:
Mage Armor (+4 to AC; lasts 5 hours)

Spells Left:
0 - 4/6
1st - 6/8
2nd - 5/5

Belkior (AC 21; HP 34)  d20+5=9
Monday February 14th, 2005 9:51:48 PM
Belkior turns to look at the smithy after hearing the shouts of Xenia and the others. He doesn't spot anything beyond the large animate plant-thing moving towards his companions. Thinking that his companions may need some assistance, he casts Prayer.

Believing that Angus has the correct idea, he hurries towards Lang and Florin although he can't keep up with the mage.

Standard Action: cast Prayer
Move Action: move 20' towards Lang and Florin

Active Spells:
Prayer (+1 to attack, damage, saving throws, skill checks, for party within 40 feet; -1 to all enemies with minds)

Spells Memorized
0 - Detect Magic (2), Detect Poison, Mending, Read Magic
1 - Bless (2), Command, Sanctuary (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bull's Strength, Delay Poison, Hold Person (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic, Prayer* (D - Cure Serious Wounds)
* = cast

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:52 
Monday February 14th, 2005 10:41:11 PM
Florin sighs and moves in to help out now, seeing no other choice and not wanting to leave his friends hanging on their own. Florin is moving in defensively.

Spells:
1st level: Bless (1)


Tionel (AC 16) 
Tuesday February 15th, 2005 2:52:22 AM
"Syr, wait!" Tionel casts a spell then touches the other on the shoulder, moving up if he needs to. Energy pulses into Syr's limbs, making his muscles thrum with new power. (Bull's Strength)

He holds off summoning any animals yet, uncertain what they'd do if summoned in a strange forest such as this...they'd follow him, wouldn't they? Or perhaps there might be an adverse effect...

[0: Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Cure Minor Wounds, Know Direction, Purify Food and Water.
1: Pass Without Trace, Entangle, Charm Animals, Speak W/Animals.
2: Barkskin, Bull's Strength (cast), Lesser Restoration, Hold Animal.
3: Neutralize Poison, Diminish Plants (Cast), Dominate Animal. ]

Syr (AC 18, hp 57/57) Bull's Strength  d20+9=27 d8+7=10
Tuesday February 15th, 2005 6:46:10 AM
Syr pauses for a moment when Tionel yells at him and feels a rush of addrenaline flow through his veins at the druid's touch. He quickly tries to position himself at the center of the front line when Xenia and Wynn spread out. "Nice move Wynn, I didn't realize you had that kind of speed in you." He drops into a combat stance and prepares to meet the mound (AoO 27, dam 10).

ADM Jim: The Smithy  d20+13=17 d20+13=32 d8+7=11 d20+13=16
Tuesday February 15th, 2005 9:52:56 AM
The speed of the attack catches Xenia off guard and her arrow flys wide of the mark.

Wynn darts in and slashes at the Shambling Mound with effect. The montrous plant swings and misses the quick Wynn (No AoO as a result of the spring attack as the SM has a 10 reach, AC 17) on the way in. Wynn's retreat is another story as the Shamblers other vine and root arm connects solidly with Wynn (AC 32 for 11 damage). This Shambler press the attack on Wynn.

The second larger bush that Xenia had pointed out that was right next to the Rubble, clambers over and charges at the group to assist the first Shambler and attacks Syr once (Hit Ac 16 -1 for prayer), just missing the fleet monk. Syr returns the favor landing a solid attack (10 damage), by cracking a root on the beast and finds that it will be difficult to damage (AC 20).

Angus Launches three missles at the first Shambler and sees vegetation fly off the monster as each missle strikes it. Angus moves closer to the battle, but in a more protected position.

Belkior follows Angus to the best his little legs will carry him after casting his Prayer spell.

Lang fires two arrows at the first Shambler one hitting solidly and the other harmlessly passes through its branches. Sunshine barks once and waits expectantly for more commands.

Florin moves up in position to help either Wynn of Syr.

OOC: Battle Position basic: Each Line is 5 feet

SM SM
Syr Florin Wynn
Xenia

Tionel Angus Belkior

Lang/Sunshine


Belkior (AC 21; HP 34) Prayer  d20+9=16 d20+5=23
Tuesday February 15th, 2005 2:08:46 PM
Belkior stuffs his sling into his belt and moves forward to stand immediately behind the fighters, although he is prepared to back up if they do. He accepts the possibility of being attacked while moving up.

Once he is there, he intones the words and actions to cast Bull's Strength on Florin. (OOC Concentration roll = 16 vs DC of 12 + damage)

All the while, he is trying to peer into the gloom of the smithy to see if there are more of these things that the others call "Shambling Mounds". (OOC Spot = 23)

Free Action: sheathe sling
Move Action: move 10' to beside Xenia and behind Florin.
Standard Action: cast Bull's Strength (+4 STR for 5 rounds)

Active Spells:
Prayer - this and 4 more rounds

Spells Memorized
0 - Detect Magic (2), Detect Poison, Mending, Read Magic
1 - Bless (2), Command, Sanctuary (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bull's Strength*, Delay Poison, Hold Person (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic, Prayer* (D - Cure Serious Wounds)
* = cast

(OOC - On my last post, I should have stated that Prayer affected NON-plant enemies with minds).



Belkior (2nd illegal post) 
Tuesday February 15th, 2005 2:11:39 PM
(OOC - After casting the spell myself, I forgot to include the effects of Prayer on skill rolls.)

Concentration = 17
Spot = 24


Xenia (AC23 - AC24 vs Western Shambler, HP 28/28)  d20+15=21 d20+7=23 d6=2 d20+15=21 d20+11=22
Tuesday February 15th, 2005 3:43:55 PM
No mouth ... Maybe these things aren't what she thought they were. Sure are big, though. And looks like they could grab a hold of you too.

The rogue drops the bow. And, as she dives into a tumbling roll across the grass, she hope to the stars that these things aren't intelligent. 'Cause, you know, who knows how many there are? And, she's, like, putting herself way out into no-man's land.

As she moves, Xenia draws her shortsword. And, when she comes up on the other side of the planty things, the rogue takes a cut at one of them.

Rolls
Tumble 22 (To avoid AoO vs DC15, DC20 if terrain is unacceptable.)
Hit Shambling Mound One AC24, Damage 3 (-4 Fighting Defensively, +2 Flanking, No sneak against a plant.)
Spot 22
Listen 23
Forgot to add for Prayer. They are included in the numbers above, though.

Active Effects
Seal Against Surprise Attack. Activated earlier. Lasts entire module. Allows action on surprise round as though not surprised.
Prayer - this and 4 more rounds

Notes
Fighting Defensively AC23
Dodge vs Western Shambler, AC24

Move to here. With the Shambler as Large size, that should provide Flanking for everyone.

--Xe
S1S1 S2S2
S1S1 S2S2
Sy Fl Wy

Wynn Brightsong [AC=19, HP=35/46, Bull's Strength, Prayer]  d20+11=23 d8+6=13
Tuesday February 15th, 2005 7:25:10 PM
Wynn staggers back after being lashed by the mound's root but recovers sufficiently to stab the creature somewhere near the middle [Hit AC=23 for 13 hp]. The bard prepares to defend himself against the next expected attack [Dodge vs SM1; effective AC=20] and begins to sing the first song that comes to mind. [Inspire Courage; +1 to atk and dmg rolls and saves vs fear]

Come all ye maidens young and fair
And you that are blooming in your prime
Always beware and keep your garden fair
Let no man steal away your thyme

For thyme it is a precious thing
And thyme brings all things to my mind
thyme with all its flavours, along with all its joys
Thyme, brings all things to my mind


[OOC the way I read Spring Attack the entire attack, including the movement in and out of range is free from attacks of opportunity]

Angus (AC 14; HP 15/15)  d20-2=17 4d6(1+1+3+4)=9 d20+3=23
Tuesday February 15th, 2005 9:36:02 PM
Angus feels better now that he has more of the group between him and the 2 Shambling Mounds.

He also realizes that he is now in range for his Scorching Ray spell. Being careful not to hit his friends he casts the spell at the larger of the 2 plant beasts (hit touch ac 19; damage 11).

Angus keeps a watch on the Smithy for any more creatures (spot 24; natural 20).

OOC - numbers above include +2 to hit and damage for Prayer and Inspire Courage that were not in the die rolls.

Active Spells:
Mage Armor (+4 to AC; lasts 5 hours)

Spells Left:
0 - 4/6
1st - 6/8
2nd - 4/5

Lang (AC 20; HP 46/46) & Sunshine (AC 16; HP 15/15)  d20+6=20 d20+6=20 d8+8=10 d8+8=15
Tuesday February 15th, 2005 9:55:09 PM
"Ahh a second one of the vile beasts!" Lang says as the new plant creature moves towards his friends. Lang thinks for a moment if he should stow his bow and rush forth and attack with his short swords, but decides to fire his bow at least one more round.

Two more arrows find their way from his quiver into the body of the smaller Shambling Mound.

Shambling Mound - Hit AC 20 & 20; damage 10 & 15.

These #'s include the +'s from the Prayer and the Inspire Courage, and the --4 for firing into combat.

Lang and Sunshine continue to move forward (5' move).

Spell:
1st level - Longstrider

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:52 (Bull's Strength, inspire song)  d20+14=29 d20+7=14
Tuesday February 15th, 2005 11:02:36 PM
(OOC:Not sure what Wynn's song is classified as on mod so I just put it along with the bull's strength notation.)

Florin moves to backup Syr, slashing his longsword at the enemy nearest or attacking Syr. (Can hit AC:29 Damage:14) He frowns as his attacks the plant creature and calls over to his friends, "Make sure to call out if you get injured to bad, we want everyone staying on their feet."

Spells:
1st level: Bless (1)


ADM Jim: The Smithy  d20+11=19 d20+11=25 d20+11=31 d20+11=27 d20+11=24 d6=2 d6=3 d6=3 d6=1 d20+13=14 d6=4 d6=4 d6=4 d6=5 d6=6 d6=5
Wednesday February 16th, 2005 9:07:04 AM
The Shamblers are ravaged by numerous attacks, but both continue their assualt on the group of heros.

Syr is looking for an opportunity on the Large Shambler, Unfortunately it whips and lashes Syr twice (AC 19 and 25 for 12 and 11 hp of damage) and latches on and attempts to squeeze Syr (grapple check 14 for 15 more unless Syr can beat the grapple check).

Wynn is darting in and out and slashes the smaller of the two Shamblers (I did not give the SM an AoO on you last round). The Shambler seems to be very annoyed if that is possible and unleashes a horrific attack on the bard (it may not like the music). Wynn is struck twice (AC 31 critical threat AC 27 yes and AC24 for 42 hp damage) for horrific wounds. The unconcious Wynn looks to be ripped apart at any moment.

Xenia finds the terrian difficult to tumble on (DC 20) as it is wet, uneven and covered with hidden debris. Xenia rolls up, covered in wet leaves cropped from Tionel's spell and stabs the smaller Shambler hacking off a branch.

Lang sends two arrows into the the smaller Shambler and pins two of its smaller nasty root vines to its body.

Angus also strikes the smaller Shambler with a scorching ray (ranged touch attack AC 9 required) and blackened one side.

Leaves and small branches are now falling off of the small Shambler with each of its movements. It does not look like it has much fight left in it.

Tionel is shocked by the ferocity of the Shamblers and takes no action.

Belkior has moved dangerously close to the front line now that each Shambler is holding one of his new friends as only Florin and he face the vile beast head on.



Belkior (AC 21+1; HP=34) Prayer  d20+10=28 3d8(4+3+4)+6=17
Wednesday February 16th, 2005 10:12:27 AM
Belkior is alarmed by the violence of these animate compost heaps. He had never imagined that the Crying Forest could contain such vicious predators. He thinks to himself, I'll never think of a salad in the same way, ever again. I've got to get Wynn back up and into the fight again.

His concern doesn't delay his commitment to his fallen party members. First, he draws his mace so that he can attack the walking piles of fodder if given an opportunity.

Then, the halfling cleric gestures and speaks the words to cast Cure Serious Wounds on Wynn, healing him for 17 hitpoints. He is casting defensively to avoid any attack of opportunity. (OOC Concentration check = 28 vs DC of 18)

Hopefully that gets Wynn back into the fight, either to dispatch the piles of herbaceous menace or to withstand further attacks.

Free Action: draw light mace
Standard Action: cast Cure Serious Wounds on Wynn

Active Spells:
Prayer - this and 3 more rounds

Spells Memorized
0 - Detect Magic (2), Detect Poison, Mending, Read Magic
1 - Bless (2), Command, Sanctuary (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bull's Strength*, Delay Poison, Hold Person (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic, Prayer* (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast


ADM Jim: The Smithy  d20+13=15 d6=3 d6=6
Wednesday February 16th, 2005 10:49:12 AM
Wynn has to beat a DC 15 grapple check to escape the clutches of the Shambler and avoid grapple damage of 16

Xenia (AC20 - 21 vs Western Shambler, HP 28/28)  d20+17=29 d6+6=10 d20+15=27 d20+11=24
Wednesday February 16th, 2005 1:02:25 PM
"WYNN!" Xenia's wail fills the thick jungle air with horror and despair.

The rogue's left hand darts to her outer thigh, slapping one of the round seals that decorate her dark leathers. Furious energy bursts from the broken seal and bathes her and each of her companions in a white, black and orange stripped light. The strength and ferocity of a tiger fills the limbs of all, and they feel Grrrrrrrreat!

With a snarl, the dark rogue launches herself at the smaller veggie-ped that holds captive her life and her heart. Reversing the grip in her hands, she drives the point deep and rips downward opening a long gash in the fetid plant matter.

Rolls
Hit Shambling Smaller/East? AC29 (+2 Flanking, +4 Tiger Seal, +1 Prayer, +1 Inspire Courage)
Damage 10hp (+4 Tiger Seal, +1 Prayer, +1 Inspire Courage)

Spot 27
Listen 27

Active Effects
Seal Against Surprise Attack. Activated earlier. Lasts entire module. Allows action on surprise round as though not surprised.
Prayer - this and 3 more rounds
Tiger Seal: Everyone +4 on attacks, damage and saves (2 rounds remaining)

Notes
Dodge vs Western (large) Shambler, AC21

Activate Tiger Seal:
Brings Out The Tiger (This is a Green Seal/Expires 09/05): Instills a great sense of courage in you and your companions. Break this seal at any time as a movement action to provide a +4 morale bonus, which will give all PCs in range 20' radius +4 on attacks, damage and saves for 2 rounds.

BTW, if these are Shamblers per the book, then it doesn't look like you're giving them the -1 for the Prayer effect.

Belkior (2nd Illegal Post) 
Wednesday February 16th, 2005 1:09:49 PM
Correction: Drawing mace is Move Equivalent action


Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) 
Wednesday February 16th, 2005 1:30:02 PM
BTW, so is putting away a sling, I believe.

Syrdeth (HP 34/57 AC 18) Bull Strength, Tiger seal,  d20=13 d20+13=23 d20+13=22 d8+11=15 d8+11=19
Wednesday February 16th, 2005 1:48:52 PM
Syr nimbly dodges the outstretched arms trying to grasp him (grapple 13, not sure of the modifiers with my traveling but I'm fairly sure that he evades).

At Xenia's scream, he glances over to see Wynn fall. Thinking to himself, 'oh no, here we go again. I better finish this soon.'
Yelling above the dark elf's wail he commands Florin, "Take Wynn's spot in the line so that Belkior can get to him!"

Galvanized into action, the elf becomes a one man force against nature and tears into the mound with a ferocity he has not displayed before, (Attack 24,23 damage 16,20-forgot prayer)

(OOC: If Wynn is down, we don't get the bonus from his Inspire Courage, do we? phew, we are lucking out on these grapple checks)

Xenia (3rd Illegal Post) 
Wednesday February 16th, 2005 2:09:58 PM
Inspire Courage should last for 5 rounds after the song itself ends.

Tionel  d8=6
Wednesday February 16th, 2005 9:28:07 PM
For a few seconds, the onrush of combat is just too much for the poor bard. He watches the gigantic mounds and memories strike him then they are shattered as his friends move amidst them and fighting begins. He shakes his head, shoving aside those interfering thoughts, and concentates on what to do next...

[0: Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Cure Minor Wounds, Know Direction, Purify Food and Water.
1: Pass Without Trace, Entangle, Charm Animals, Speak W/Animals.
2: Barkskin, Bull's Strength (cast), Lesser Restoration, Hold Animal.
3: Neutralize Poison, Diminish Plants (Cast), Dominate Animal. ]

But of course his friendis most important...if he can get to him, he will tap him with his curing wand, *boink* and curing is done.
(7 hp to be exact. btw, only 27 charges left. We use these things a lot...)

Wynn Brightsong [AC=19, HP=17/46, Bull's Strength, Prayer, Inspire Courage, Xenia's Tiger Seal  d20+9=21 d20+12=15 d8+3=10
Wednesday February 16th, 2005 10:42:29 PM
Wynn emerges from the fog of unconsciousness and is able to free himself from the confining embrace of the monster. (Grapple Check=21). He tumbles out of the way, back behind friendly lines (Tumble=16) and weaves a quick spell (CLW=10).

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:52 (Bull's Strength, inspire song, Tiger Seal))  d20+18=23 d8+11=18
Wednesday February 16th, 2005 11:25:19 PM
Florin nods at Syr's comment and sees Wynn go down also as he rushes to cover Wynn's spot and to attack the plant creature if possible. He calls out to Xenia as he moves, "Keep your head about you Xenia, calm heads prevail." (Can hit AC:23 Damage:18)

(OOC:Sorry about my last combat post. That d20+7 was actualy a d8+7. Have a really bad sinus cold right now which is messing stuff up for me. Sorry once again Jim.)

Angus (AC 14; HP 15/15)  3d4(1+2+3)+3=9
Thursday February 17th, 2005 12:12:29 AM
Angus will cast Magic Missile at the Shambling Mounds, if they are still standing (larger then smaller if they are both still standing; damage 9).

Active Spells:
Mage Armor (+4 to AC; lasts 5 hours)

Spells Left:
0 - 4/6
1st - 5/8
2nd - 4/5

Lang (AC 20; HP 46/46) & Sunshine (AC 16; HP 15/15)  d20+10=14 d20+10=23 d8+12=19
Thursday February 17th, 2005 12:21:38 AM
Lang eyes the vile plant creatures as they assault 2 of his companions rather viciously. Gathering all his skill he shoots 2 more arrows at any Shambling Mound that remains alive, connecting solidly once.

Shambling Mound (larger then smaller in preference) - Hit AC 14 & 23; damage 19.

These #'s include the +'s from the Prayer, Inspire Courage and the Tiger Seal, and the -4 for firing into combat.

Lang and Sunshine move forward another 5'.

Spell:
1st level - Longstrider

ADM Jim: The Smithy  d20+11=30 d6=4 d6=5 d20+11=28 d20+11=13 d6=4 d6=3 d20+11=13 d20+11=16
Thursday February 17th, 2005 2:22:11 PM
The heros and the Shambler are still locked in mortal combat.

Wynn revived by his new and old friends Belkior and Tionel wiggles out of the grapple from the smaller Shambler and tumbles away. Wynn also comes up wet and covered in cropped leaves similar to Xenia.

Xenia screams and opens a great rent in the back (or so she thinks)of the shambler attacking her man. Florin does likewise, hacking off roots and vines at will as the Shambler has its attentions on Tionel.

The small Shambler takes an AoO on Tionel curing Wynn in an attempt to stop him from taking his lunch (Hit Ac 30 for 14 damage) and then follows up the attack with two more lashes (AC 28 and 13 for 12 more damage). The second attack missed because Florin has mostly severed one vine arm.

Lang shears off the second arm of the small Shamber with an arrow and the beast falls into a large pile of mulch. Belkior finds that he is waste deep in the fetid vegetation.

Syr also escapes the wrapping vines of the Shambler and falls to its feet and gives the larger Shambler a terrific beating as he snaps roots with sucessful stamp kicks. Angus follows up Syr's attack with three magic missiles.

The last remaining Shambler is not looking well and attempts to take out its frustrations on Syr, but misses with both swings (AC 13 and 16).

Xenia (AC20 - 21 vs Shambler, HP 28/28)  d20+17=22 d6+6=10 d20+16=33 d20+12=30
Thursday February 17th, 2005 4:59:58 PM
"Calm Heads, FARBLE!" the girl rogue shouts, jerking her sword from the fallen heap of veggie mess, and falling into a very satisfying back swing into the big one facing off with Syr.

It's amazing how much tension you can release by hitting stuff. Just as long as you don't get hit back.

"You alright, Wynn?" With reflexes set to dodge the overgrown pile of sticks and leaves, Xenia takes a few quick looks back toward the smithy, eyes open for the movement of more of these bush guys.

Rolls
Hit Shambler AC22 (+2 Flanking, +4 Tiger Seal, +1 Prayer, +1 Inspire Courage)
Damage 10hp (+4 Tiger Seal, +1 Prayer, +1 Inspire Courage)

Spot 33 (+1 Prayer)
Listen 30 (+1 Prayer)

Active Effects
Seal Against Surprise Attack. Activated earlier. Lasts entire module. Allows action on surprise round as though not surprised.
Prayer - this and 2 more rounds
Tiger Seal: Everyone +4 on attacks, damage and saves (1 rounds remaining/Ends after this round)

Notes
Dodge vs Shambler, AC21

Syrdeth (HP 34/57 AC 18) Bull Strength, Tiger seal,  d20+13=28 d20+13=27 d8+13=19 d8+13=17
Thursday February 17th, 2005 7:59:18 PM
Enfused with magic, the small elf eagerly steps up to meet the mass of vegetation. Trying to connect with anything solid, he attacks the creatures midsection and hits solidly twice (Attack 28,27 for damage 19 & 17). Grinning and sure that the creature will not move, he steps back slightly and looks at the others, "How is Wynn?"

Angus (AC 14; HP 15/15)  d20+3=12
Thursday February 17th, 2005 10:10:56 PM
Angus holds off casting any more spells for the moment as his companions seem to have things in control as they gang up on the remaining plant beast.

He does look around to see if anything is moving towards them (spot 12).

Active Spells:
Mage Armor (+4 to AC; lasts 5 hours)

Spells Left:
0 - 4/6
1st - 5/8
2nd - 4/5

Lang (AC 20; HP 46/46) & Sunshine (AC 16; HP 15/15)  d20+10=29 d20+10=15 d8+12=20 d20+15=31 d20+6=19 d20+6=17
Thursday February 17th, 2005 10:25:44 PM
If the remaining plant creature is still
standing then Lang will shoot it 2 more times.

Shambling Mound - Hit AC 29 & 15; damage 20.

If it is not standing, then Lang will stow his bow and draw his short swords as he moves to pick up the trail of the 2 vines that have escaped (track 31, spot 19/23 & listen 17/21).

If he finds the trail he will say. "I found the trail of the vines, do we follow and exterminate them?"

Spell:
1st level - Longstrider

Belkior  2d8(4+1)+6=11 d20+6=11
Thursday February 17th, 2005 11:08:59 PM
"Feh! This stuff stinks! It smells like overripe compost, and that's not good." Belkior shakes the plant matter off his clothing as best he can, then moves back away from the remaining shambling mound.

"Wynn, more healing coming if I can get to you."

Belkior moves to stand beside Wynn, then uses Hold Person to cast Cure Moderate Wounds on Wynn.

When he thinks to, Belkior keeps an eye out for any remaining vines or mounds. (OOC Spot = 11)

Move Action: move to be beside Wynn
Standard Action: cast Cure Moderate Wounds on Wynn for 11 hps

Active Spells:
Prayer - this and 2 more rounds

Spells Memorized
0 - Detect Magic (2), Detect Poison, Mending, Read Magic
1 - Bless (2), Command, Sanctuary (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bull's Strength*, Delay Poison, Hold Person* (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic, Prayer* (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast


Tionel (AC 16, hp 15/42)  d8=4
Friday February 18th, 2005 1:05:03 AM
Taking some vicious hits from the shambler, Tionel sees a few stars. He takes a step back, out of any range, and gives himself a tap of the wand, making little pathetic noises of "ouch ouch ouchie"...
(Self-cured for 5 hp)

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:52 (Bull's Strength, inspire song, Tiger Seal))  d20+18=34 d20+11=15
Friday February 18th, 2005 1:37:35 AM
Florin presses his attack on the shambler he hit last time. He glances to Tionel and speaks to him as Florin swings to hit the shambler, "You okay Tionel?"

(Can hit AC:34 Damage:15)

ADM Jim: The Smithy  d20+11=12 d20+11=14
Friday February 18th, 2005 7:34:38 AM
The Shambler seems desparate as the group knows there is no way if can escape them now.

Xenia takes a quick step toward the remaining Shambler and adds a nasty slash through its side. The leaf covered half elf is wreaking havoc on the back sides of the beasts.

Syr strikes the Shambler with lightning speed and snaps two main branches on the beast. The creature is shaking badly and attempts to lash out at its elven attacker (AC 12 and 14), but to no avail. The Shambler literally shakes itself apart as it attempts to take Syr with it into whatever afterlife the beast has.

This Shambler also falls into a fetid pile of mulch that covers Syr and Xenia to the thighs.

Belkior moves over to Wynn and renders assistance.

Tionel cures himself with his wand and Angus keeps watch.

Florin makes sure the first Shambler is not going to get back up, by stabbing the mulch pile with his sword.

Lang, seeing the large Shambler fall moves over 20 feet toward the sap trail of the eastern vine and actually sees the creature 20 feet in front of him in the fern cover (out of Tionel crop circle). Lang and Sunshine must make a DC 13 reflex save verses entangle as the ferns and bushes start to entwine their legs. The vine is attempting to make a hasty (?) retreat.

Wynn Brightsong [AC=19, HP=38/46, Bull's Strength, Prayer, Inspire Courage, Xenia's Tiger Seal  d20+6=19 d20+16=34 d8+11=18
Friday February 18th, 2005 7:42:08 AM
Wynn nods his head in appreciation of the healing from his friends as he feels the renewed strength coursing through his frame. "I'll be fine" he calls out somewhat sheepishly.

The bard keeps his eyes open for any further threats and should any plant or vine approach within striking distance he will strike at it most malevolently [Spot=19, Hit AC=34 for 18 hp]

Belkior  2d8(7+3)+6=16 d20+17=27
Friday February 18th, 2005 8:06:07 AM
Belkior moves towards Tionel. "I will provide more healing, friend."

With that, Belkior's hands glow slightly as he intones the words taught to him by Alemi. (OOC - Use Delay Poison to cast Cure Moderate Wounds on Tionel, for 16 hp)

Recalling the fetid stink of the mobile mulch piles, Belkior would like to take the time to examine the wounds of his companions for any infection or other signs of disease. (OOC Heal check = 27, although that's probably an action for once we're out of combat.)

Move Action: move to be beside Tionel
Standard Action: cast Cure Moderate Wounds on Tionel for 16 hps

Active Spells:
Prayer - this and 1 more rounds

Spells Memorized
0 - Detect Magic (2), Detect Poison, Mending, Read Magic
1 - Bless (2), Command, Sanctuary (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bull's Strength*, Delay Poison*, Hold Person* (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic, Prayer* (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast




Xenia (AC20 , HP 28/28)  d20+2=19 d20+16=36 d20+12=14
Friday February 18th, 2005 10:02:41 AM
Xenia wades her way through the drift of dead dandelion demon on her way to Wynn. Her arms go around his neck as she reaches his side. Her hug is chocked full of relief. She clings to him for that moment in which life soars in the face of death. Then she breaks a way, giving the bard a quick smooch.

"Your a sexy guy all covered in leaves," she whispers. Hmmm. Wynn and her all covered in wet leaves and twigs and stuff. Maybe there's some use for this *outdoors* stuff after all.

Then she falls away to the spot where she dropped the bow. Those pesky vines are still out there. Somewhere. And if they show their heads, they're gonna get pegged.

Rolls
Smooch 20 (+1 Prayer) - untrained even
Spot 36 (+1 Prayer) (Nat 20) - for the vines or more Shamblers.
Listen 14 (+1 Prayer)

Active Effects
Seal Against Surprise Attack. Activated earlier. Lasts entire module. Allows action on surprise round as though not surprised.
Prayer - this and 1 more rounds
Tiger Seal: Is Over

Notes
Smooch - Free Action
Xenia moves to bow.
Xenia picks up bow.

Tionel (36/42) 
Saturday February 19th, 2005 1:09:51 AM
The thin elf pats Belkior on the shoulder in thanks for that last curing...his wounds nearly bound and fixed. Enough for now at least...especially when he notices the vegetation's still messing around with them.
"It looks like they don't like us, but don't really want to fight us. I wish they'd know that we are not their enemies... Let's explore this village more fully while we've scared 'em away, than back up to the beach. What do you guys think?"

Lang (AC 20; HP 46/46) & Sunshine (AC 16; HP 15/15)  d20+8=19 d20+5=13 d20+11=19 d6+3=4 d20+3=17 d6+3=4
Saturday February 19th, 2005 3:12:50 PM
"I found one of them", Lang yells back to the group. Recognizing the entangling feeling from the grasses and plants and realizing it is coming from the vine creature, Lang and Sunshine surge forward (reflex save 20 & 14).

Lang and Sunshine attack the vine, attempting to end its life, thus stopping the entangling effect.

Lang short sword - Hit AC 21; damage 6.
Sunshine bite -- Hit AC 19; damage 6.

OOC - All numbers in die rolls are pre-Prayer and Inspire Courage. Numbers in text are adjusted.

Spell:
1st level - Longstrider

Syr (HP 48/57) 
Saturday February 19th, 2005 3:47:03 PM
The adrenaline rush over, the elf slowly makes his way out of the mass that was once moving and uses his hands to dust himself off. As he brushes his palms down his body, he concentrates on finding that healing touch that he has used far too often lately. Straightening, "As soon as you guys are done sniping, let's check this place out for any leads to the golden city."

Florin Jadenth 
Sunday February 20th, 2005 12:48:28 AM
Florin moves quickly over to Lang and speaks as he goes, "Need help there Lang?" Florin keeps his sword and shield ready as he moves and thanks Domi that the group wasn't hurt more then they were thus far on their first day out.

Spells:
1st level: Bless (1)


Angus (AC 14; HP 15/15)  d20+3=19
Sunday February 20th, 2005 12:11:02 PM
Angus remains with the bulk of the group as they get organized after defeating the Plant Mounds. He stores in his memory that the Plant Mounds seemed to resist his Scorching Ray spell. Angus thinks that it is probably due to the amount of moisture in the creature.

He keeps looking around for any enemies (spot 20 with Prayer).

Active Spells:
Mage Armor (+4 to AC; lasts 5 hours)

Spells Left:
0 - 4/6
1st - 5/8
2nd - 4/5

ADM Jim: The Smithy  d20+7=14 d100=21 d100=22 d100=2 d100=40 d100=31 d100=87 d100=32 d100=9
Sunday February 20th, 2005 2:31:12 PM
Most of the heros dust themselves off after the battle with the Shamblers. Healing is quickly doled out. Wynn and Xenia quickly get reaquainted.

Lang and Sunshine spot the eastern vine attempting to escape. The vine attempts to entangle its antagonists, but to no avail. Left with no option it rears up and whips at Lang, but misses the fleet Ranger (AC 14). Lang runs the vine through and Sunshine bites off a large chunk. The grasses and ferns are no longer attempting to entangle the ranger and his pup as the vine is very dead.

Angus now spots the strange pot of purple flowers off to the north as he scans for more enemies.

More bushes can be seen in the Smithy, but no movement. The Smithy awaits.

Belkior checks everyone out and is concerned about the color of Xenia's eyes.......

Xenia (AC20 , HP 28/28)  d20+16=22 d20+12=29 d20+15=26
Sunday February 20th, 2005 5:30:06 PM
There's another vine out here. There were two of them. The rogue nocks an arrow and turns from side to side searching the grass and stuff for movement.

Pairing up with Wynn again, she takes her place in the formation.

"We moving out for the smithy again?" she asks as her eyes continue to rove the surroundings. "Kinda funny that it's still standing when the rest of the place is plowed under. Could be a'cause it was in the center. But maybe not. I mean, it's even got part of its roof left on."

What kind of places could you look for out here in the woods? Well, there must be a foundation of sorts, right? Parts of the smithy still left standing. Maybe close examination might show some clues as to what happened, and how the building stood up to all of this.

Rolls
Spot 22 (+1 Prayer) (Nat 20) - for the vines or more Shamblers.
Listen 29 (+1 Prayer)
Search 26 (Prayer must have ended by this time. If the group gets up to the Smithy, switch from Eyes of the Eagle to Goggles of Minute Seeing and search the Smithy.)

Active Effects
Seal Against Surprise Attack. Activated earlier. Lasts entire module. Allows action on surprise round as though not surprised.
Prayer - Last Round

Notes
None.

Lang (AC 20; HP 46/46) & Sunshine (AC 16; HP 15/15)  d20+11=29 d20+6=20
Sunday February 20th, 2005 11:38:02 PM
"Good job Sunshine", Lang says to his faithful companion. "One more left. Let's find it."

Lang looks around after killing the vine, searching for the other one or its trail. Swords ready, he hopes the other vine hasn't escaped.

Track 29/33 and Spot 20/24.

Spell:
1st level - Longstrider

Angus (AC 14; HP 15/15)  d20+3=22 d20+2=22 d20+2=10 2d3(2+1)=3
Monday February 21st, 2005 12:08:15 AM
Holding his position, Angus remains where he is with the group. If he is close enough (range 35'), Angus will cast a Ray of Frost at the strange pot of purple flowers off to the north, before the group gets any closer to it (ranged touch 22/10; critical damage 3).

OOC - Look at that a critical hit with a ray spell!

He keeps an eye on Lang & Sunshine, making sure they do not get into too much trouble (spot 22).

Active Spells:
Mage Armor (+4 to AC; lasts 5 hours)

Spells Left:
0 - 3 or 4/6
1st - 5/8
2nd - 4/5

Tionel  d8=7
Monday February 21st, 2005 3:55:39 AM
"Yes, let's go to the smithy... something seems noticeable about it. It was the center of town before, now perhaps by studying it we can learn more about the forest..."
Tionel stays in the middle of the group, clutching his wand, tapping himself once more with it just to get those last bits of cuts away. (Boink with the wand on self.)

Belkior (AC 21; HP 34) [Prayer]  d20+6=16 d20+3=7
Monday February 21st, 2005 8:25:55 AM
Belkior thinks to himself, "Oh my, my, my. That isn't good at all, not at all." Still, he keeps his concerns to himself for the time being. He casts a critical eye about the clearning, looking for more of these shamblers.
Spot = 16

"Tionel, your idea is excellent. Search the smithy, find out what we can and then retreat to the beach."

Belkior turns back to pick up his dropped sling, having to find it among the muck. (Untrained Search = 7)

If he finds it, he will pick it up while trying as much as possible not to get any muck on himself.
(OOC - Next round if we're in combat still, otherwise during everyone's searching. Since I screwed up previously, treating it as if Belkior had dropped the sling instead of sheathing it.)

Move Action: move to spot where sling was
Standard Action: searching muck for sling

Active Spells:
Prayer - this round

Spells Memorized
0 - Detect Magic (2), Detect Poison, Mending, Read Magic
1 - Bless (2), Command, Sanctuary (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bull's Strength*, Delay Poison*, Hold Person* (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic, Prayer* (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast


Wynn Brightsong [AC=19, HP=38/46, Bull's Strength, Prayer, Inspire Courage]  d8+1=7 d20+6=17
Monday February 21st, 2005 4:30:31 PM
Now that the plants have retreated the bard exhales a sigh of relief. "Thanks, mmblmm, guys" he says around Xenia's kiss. Wynn pulls a wand from his belt and taps himself on the leg, where the worst of his wounds now heal [CLW=7].

The bard stays in step with Xenia as they approach the Smithy. Longsword in hand, he keeps a wary eye for more roots and vines [Spot=17]


Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:52  d20+2=10
Monday February 21st, 2005 6:19:24 PM
Florin moves along with the others to inspect the forge more <spot:10> He does step over by Belkior though and whispers to him, "After we get done checking this place out we hold a full check of each person to make sure that everyone is safe. We do not know how anyone gets infected yet like those in the city. I should be safe atleast do to the protections my lord Domi gives me."

Florin also moves over to Tionel and speaks to him in a whispered tone, "Tionel, after we get done I like your help on looking over each person in the group for any signs of problems. This being a plant like disease we need your help also. We don't know how the disease is spread and none of us want a companion going beserk."

Florin keeps his sword and shield ready otherwise as they move forward into the smithy.

Spells:
1st level: Bless (1)


Syr (48/57)  d20+9=25
Monday February 21st, 2005 10:13:18 PM
Syr spends the next few moments searching the Smithy for anything unusual (search 25). He also takes a quick look around and tries to figure out if the Smithy would be a safe place to set up a basecamp.

Nodding aat Florin, "Wynn was the most hurt, he should probably get checked again. I feel fine for now."



ADM Jim: The Smithy  d100=21 d100=37 d100=83 d100=70 d100=24
Tuesday February 22nd, 2005 8:42:29 AM
THe group of heros seems to be splitting up. Lang and Sunshine leading Angus north of the Smithy to track the escaping vine. Syr and Xenia go and search the Smithy, while the rest of the group watches.

Lang takes a minute to find the northern vine sap trail and tracks it to the base of a tree 20 feet from the purple flowers in the strange pot. Lang notices that the pot is not a pot at all, but a human skull. The flowers have burst out of the back of the skull. Lang sees the skelton scattered at the base of the stump/fragment of palisade. Upon Langs much closer inspection the skull is not on a stump but a piece of the town wall.

Angus unleashes his ray of frost on the purple flowers, killing them.

Lang turns his attention back to the sap trail going up the tree and finds that he has an attack of the sneezes.

Lang Sunshine and Angus are now about 70 feet north of the Smithy

Xenia and Syr find a deep mulch bed in the Smithy and Xenia notices several small six inch plant creature run between Syr's legs and out a hole in the back of the Smithy. After several minute of searching Xenia and Syr find the top of what appears to be a flat metal box, two feet wide by four feet long of unknown depth.

Belkior (AC 21; HP 34)  d20+5=20
Tuesday February 22nd, 2005 9:01:29 AM
After picking up his sling, Belkior moves towards the smithy. Better to stay together, he thinks, than to get separated and attacked again.

While he notes the discovery of the box with interest, Belkior is more concerned with watching his surroundings in case more vines or mounds come back. Spot = 20

"Tionel, Florin and I will check you all again once we return to the beach. We'll decide who does what once we get out of here."

Spells Memorized:
0 - Detect Magic (2), Detect Poison, Mending, Read Magic
1 - Bless (2), Command, Sanctuary (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bull's Strength*, Delay Poison*, Hold Person* (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic, Prayer* (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast



Xenia  d20+10=14 d20+15=35 d20+11=29
Tuesday February 22nd, 2005 10:20:20 AM
"Wazzat?!" The dark rogue's terse jumpy whisper cuts the air as she swivels for a shot at the tiny fleeing creatures. Too late. She squints her eyes for a better look. (Spot 14) Without her other lenses, the focus doesn't quite zoom in like she's used to. Too bad. Darn things. That's the problem with beging out in the wild. You just don't know what anything is!

+++++++++++++++++++++++

Aha! Box!

"Hehehe," Xenia chuckles to herself, "boxes are meant to be opened."

"Hey Wynn," she calls out, "everyone, we got a box here."

Getting up for a close look, the rogue trains the lenses of her goggles on the minute details of the metal box. (Search 35) You never know the lengths folks will go to to protect their stuff. You'd think there was someone out there trying to steal it or sump'in.

Rolls
Spot 14(for more description on the small six inch plant creatures)
Search 35 (For traps or clues on the box. Nat 20)
Disable Device 29 (If necessary to move the story along)
Open Lock 33 (If necessary to move the story along Take 20)

Active Effects
Seal Against Surprise Attack. Activated earlier. Lasts entire module. Allows action on surprise round as though not surprised.

Notes
None.

Syrdeth (HP 48/57 AC 18) 
Tuesday February 22nd, 2005 8:50:59 PM
Syr stands back while Xenia examines the box with skilled hands, "You seem to know things... Did you Dad teach you that? Let me know if it's clean? If so, I will give it a heave to get it out of the dirt."

Lang (AC 20; HP 46/46) & Sunshine (AC 16; HP 15/15)  d20+6=25 d20+11=25 d20+8=24 d20+8=28 d20+8=10 d8+2=4 d8+2=6
Tuesday February 22nd, 2005 10:17:48 PM
Lang tracks the injured vine to a tree. He looks around the ground area (spot 25/29) for any other threats and puts away his short swords and withdraws his longbow and a couple of arrows if none are apparent. After the sneezing attack subsides, he tracks the slime trail up into the tree (track 25/29), attempting to locate the vine so he can destroy it.

If he is able to see the injured vine in the tree, he will shoot it (hit AC 24 & 28(10); damage 4 & 6). Hoping he has finally finished the monster off, he and Sunshine will head back towards the group.

"Come on Angus let's go see what this box is that the group found."

On his way back, Lang contemplates the sneezing attack and decides to have Belkior give him the healing once over when there is time. Hopefully it was just sneezing and nothing more serious.

Spell:
1st level - Longstrider

Angus (AC 14; HP 15/15)  d20+3=18 d20+2=11 d3=2
Tuesday February 22nd, 2005 10:30:23 PM
Angus follows Lang and Sunshine towards the purple plants. He chuckles wryly when his Ray of Frost defeats a purple plant. Turning towards the tree Lang has stopped at, Angus scans it for the vine creature (spot 18).

"I do not see anything Lang. Can you see it?"

If need be Angus will fire off another Ray of Frost to help kill the vine (hit range touch ac 11; damage 2).

Angus is more than happy when Lang suggest they go back towards the group, as he is feeling a little conspicuous this far away from the group.

"Lang, if we get the chance, we must come back and search the area around that skull and palisade to see what clues it may reveal to us on how these plants overtook this area so quickly."

"Xenia, do you want me to cast a Detect Magic on the box before you attempt to open it?", Angus calls out as they move back towards the group.

Active Spells:
Mage Armor (+4 to AC; lasts 5 hours)

Spells Left:
0 - 2 or 3/6
1st - 5/8
2nd - 4/5

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:52 
Tuesday February 22nd, 2005 11:35:37 PM
Florin looks to Xenia when she mentions finiding a box and nods as he speaks up to her, his voice showing he knows that she will becareful but he just wants to voice his concern, "Becareful Xenia, we already been met with some resistence and don't need any human suprises like a trapped chest or something."

Florin looks to the others waits to see what happens. As he does he calls over to Angus and Lang, "Keep us informed on stuff over there you two."

Wynn 
Wednesday February 23rd, 2005 12:20:58 AM
The bard remains by Xenia's side as she moves to the smithy and searches the area. Once the chest is found he steps carefully back to give the lithe rogue adequate space.

ADM Jim: The Smithy  d20+6=23 d8=8 d20+6=24
Wednesday February 23rd, 2005 8:53:59 AM
ANgus is pleased with himself, but wants to get out of the high ferns.

Belkior is scaning the area and sees what looks to be struggles from Lang 70 or so feet in front of him in the high Ferns.

Lang switches weapons and thinks he spots the offending vine 10 feet away and fires and arrow into it. It comes to life and lashes out at Sunshine and ravages the dog badly (AC 23 for 13 roll an opposed grapple check of 24). Lang puts another arrow in the vine critically wounding it, but not killing it. The vines hidding spot is found and it seems to have no choice now than to fight.

Angus sends a ray of cold at the vine hiting it, but does not step any closer. The cold send a shiver through the vine, but it maintains its grip on Sunshine.

Xenia is a little disturbed that she did not get a good look at the small fleeing plant creaturess, could they have been baby Shamblers....will not know unless we catch one and they are now on the other side of the wall.

Xenia turns here attentions back to the metal box. Xenia determines that the box is in good shape, but must be dug out to be opened. Hinges or the like are not visible since only the top is exposed. Xenia does not see an opening mechanism on the box or any overt signs of traps, maybe outside the nasty Shamblers the groups just killed.

OOC: Minor digging and a combined str. score of 60 will lift the box or 10 min. of digging and a combined str. score of 30. More diging will further reduce the str. score required. Four people can attempt at one time and because of the wet sucking earth you can not take a 20, but can take a 10.

Please make a search check of 20 or spot check of 25 for everyone working around the metal box.

Once lifted the box has a combination lock and needs a DC 25 to open. Thieves tools do not grant any bonus with the lock, only a good ar and fast fingers.

Belkior (AC 21; HP 34)  d20+5=20 d20+3=14
Wednesday February 23rd, 2005 9:45:58 AM
"Hey! Lang's fighting with something over there!" Belkior points off to the north in the direction where Lang, Sunshine and Angus went.

Belkior can't see much besides the commotion because the ferns are probably over his head. There's no way I'm going into that jungle without someone to break trail for me.

Right now, Belkior is standing at the smithy. He doesn't notice anything unusual with the box or it's immediate surroundings. Spot = 20, Search = 14

Thinking of the small plant creatures, Belkior says "I've got some sacks in my backpack if anyone wants to try capturing those little plant-things."

Since Belkior thinks he would be more hindrance than help with heaving the box out of the ground, he decides to stand back and let the bigger party members do the heavy lifting. What he will do depends on whether someone goes to assist Lang.

Action:
If someone goes to assist Lang:
Double move to keep up while they break trail, moving 30'

Otherwise:
Move Action: Pull sack from backpack
Move Action: 15' around to back of smithy

Spells Memorized:
0 - Detect Magic (2), Detect Poison, Mending, Read Magic
1 - Bless (2), Command, Sanctuary (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bull's Strength*, Delay Poison*, Hold Person* (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic, Prayer* (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast



Xenia  d20+15=32 d20+10=24 d20+11=25 d20+9=24 d6=6
Wednesday February 23rd, 2005 11:32:14 AM
"Huh? Know things?" the rough talks kind of over her shoulder to Syr. "Um, yeah. Dad's good at this kind of thing. Taught me how to crack box like this wide open. Doesn't work that much now a days. ... um ... " She tried to feel down around the edge. "Mostly he just trades in stuff now, you know. Buys from guys who got stuff to sell, if you know what I mean."

"Framble nation," Xenia curses under her breath. "This darn thing is buried! I can't even get to anything." She reaches to the haversack behind her and two shovels clatter to the swampy ground. "Yeah, Syr, I think we're gonna have to haul this thing out before we can get a look at it."

"Huh? Huh? Huh?!?" Commotion out beyond the rubble. The little guy yelling about Lang being in a fight. And something about catching the little plant things. Then he runs back around to where they're at!!!

Eew! What for?

Ok, well, like, taking a look at one of them might tell them about something else? I mean, like, who knows what means anything to anything else out here in the woods?!?

Everything just seems to be working together to take her away from her box!

Oh great. Now she thinks it's her box.

Standing protectively over her, the rogue takes out her bow and prepares to peg anything and everything.

Rolls
Search 32 (As requested)
Spot 24 (for other enemies)
Listen 25 (for other enemies)
To Hit AC24, Damage 6hp
Vine is first priority. If she can shoot at it from the smithy minus appropriate penalties.
One of the little critters are second priority. If one shows it's head, peg it.
Open Lock 31 (Even without Thief's Tools, Take 20 on Open Lock is 31)

Active Effects
Seal Against Surprise Attack. Activated earlier. Lasts entire module. Allows action on surprise round as though not surprised.

Notes
Would the two shovels help the Digging time any? I made a point of buying shovels after our last attempt at burying the dead Anvil Hearts.

Wynn Brightsong [AC=19, HP=38/46, Bull's Strength, Prayer, Inspire Courage]  d20+8=20 d4+4=5 d20+6=7
Wednesday February 23rd, 2005 6:43:19 PM
Wynn, lost in thought about how to get the chest out of the mud recognizes the rising tone in Belkior's voice. The bard spins to look where the halfling points and immediately races towards Lang by the most direct route.

If Wynn gets within 30 feet and can throw a dagger at the vine he will. [Hit AC=20 for 5 dmg]. In his rush to aid Lang and Sunshine the half-elf notices little of his surroundings [Spot=7]



Florin Jadenth  d20+1=15
Wednesday February 23rd, 2005 7:10:17 PM
Florin watches what happens and glances back to Belkior, "Follow Wynn and help Lang if he needs it yet, he is a skilled fighter also." Florin listens for any comments made by Lang over his comment <listen:15>

Florin does pickup on Xenia moving to defend the box and about freaks till his military like trained mind kicks in, "Hey Xenia, you need alittle help getting the chest out?" Florin takes a few steps closer to Xenia and her chest to see her reaction, not any good at not making his moves odvious he doesn't try to hide the fact that he is testing her reactions to him approaching the chest and her.

(OOC:Don't need a screaming demoness launching a attack at Florin if Xenia is planted :) .)

Lang (AC 20; HP 46/46) & Sunshine (AC 16; HP 2/15)  d20+3=17 d20+3=20 d6+3=7 d20+4=9 d20+4=8
Wednesday February 23rd, 2005 9:45:36 PM
Sunshine yelps in pain as the vine attacks him from out of the tree. He struggles mightily but is unable to break the grasp of the vile creature (grapple 17). With only one thing left to do, Sunshine bites at the creature hoping it will loosen its hold (bite 20; damage 7).

"No!", Lang yells as the repulsive vine attacks his trusty companion. He watches Sunshine struggle to free himself to no avail. Taking careful aim at the creature to make sure he does not hit Sunshine, he shoots at the creature 2 more times (hit AC 9 & 8; damage 0), only to see his 2 arrows sail wide of their mark.

Spell:
1st level - Longstrider

Angus (AC 14; HP 15/15)  3d4(1+1+3)+3=8
Wednesday February 23rd, 2005 9:50:48 PM
Angus quickly fires off Magic Missile at the vine creature when he sees it attack Lang's dog.

Magic Missile damage 8.

Active Spells:
Mage Armor (+4 to AC; lasts 5 hours)

Spells Left:
0 - 2/6
1st - 4/8
2nd - 4/5

Syr (48/57) 
Thursday February 24th, 2005 12:13:41 AM
The elf takes a brief look around the box (Failed Search 11 but accidentally refreshed). Hearing Sunshine's yelp, the elf looks at Xenia and says, "I'm outta here, start on this box." He races off to help Lang with the vines.

Tionel  d20+4=9
Thursday February 24th, 2005 1:37:01 AM
Tionel tries to throw his dagger at the vine...but tosses it underhand, rather badly. Like a girl. Except Xenia throws way better. Okay, like a girly-girl.

(Feeling a bit silly form lack of selep :) )

Belkior (2nd illegal post) 
Thursday February 24th, 2005 7:32:46 AM
OOC - It looks like Belkior was running after Wynn towards Lang & Sunshine.

ADM Jim: The Smithy  d8=4
Thursday February 24th, 2005 8:31:40 AM
Xenia and Florin are left in the Smithy staring at each other and the metal box as Syr and Wynn dash out and scramble over the rubble pick in response to Belkior's warnings. Belkior takes off after Syr and Wynn as it is obvious that they will blaze a trail through the high ferns. Wynn does not throw his daggar as he is over 70 feet away.

Tionel attemps to help by soft tossing a dagger. Tionel hears the daggar thump in the wet ground in and amongst the ferns.

Lang is horrified that his pup has been picked up and squeezed and it effects his aim badly. Sunshine seeks retribution from the vine and rips out a large chunk of the vine. The vine constricts (10 damage) as Angus's three magic missils knock it out of the tree. The vine lands in three pieces on top of a now unconcious Sunshine.

OOC: The shovels will greatly expedite the removal of the box. No str check required after 5 minutes of digging. Xenia notices a decomposed large burlap sack during her digging. It will take Xenia 60 -31 open locks roll or 29 minutes of quite dialing to open the box.

ADM Jim: The Smithy continued 
Thursday February 24th, 2005 8:33:59 AM
Xenia does not notice any other plant enemies in the Smithy. After digging out the metal box, Xenia does not notice any traps that she can determine.

Xenia - OoC 
Thursday February 24th, 2005 10:28:31 AM
Shouldn't that be 60 -31 open locks rolls (6 second rounds) or around 3 minutes?

Xenia  d20+11=18
Thursday February 24th, 2005 3:44:49 PM
"Hey Xenia, you need a little help getting the chest out?"

"Um. Yeah sure, Florin. Looks pretty dang heavy. I mean even after we get it all dug out. Probably better to drag the whole thing down to the beach. Maybe you and Syr ... "

The afore mentioned who is currently zipping off with everyone else to kill the stupid vine. Knew there was another one out there.

Bow in hand she calls out over the tall obscuring grass. "Hey, you guys ok out there?" I mean, everyone's pretty much standing and all. But you never can tell. Not out in the woods. Not like the city. No sir. Anything can happen out here! How can you deal with that?!?

So. Ok. Start on box. That's fine. Can do. Can do that.

The dark rogue gets down and swampy with the shovels while the guys go kill themselves a vine. Sump'in like that. In the process of digging, Xenia pokes the edge of something cloth. A little hand digging uncovers a sack. Now, sacks are fine. Sacks all covered in dirt, however, are another story. No telling what wormy crawly things could have gotten into them.

"Um. Florin, look what I found," the rogue says gingerly lifting the sack out of the hole with a pair of gloved fingers. "Why don't you see what's inside?"

From where she's digging, the rogue watches with half an eye to see what might come out of the bag.

Later, when the chest is uncovered, Xenia turns a frowning eye on the combination lock. This would take finesse. That, or time. Hopefully not a lot of time. But, for what's in her box, it would have take as much time as it takes.

Rolls
Open Lock 18 (first try failed. But, take 20 on Open Lock 31)

Active Effects
Seal Against Surprise Attack. Activated earlier. Lasts entire module. Allows action on surprise round as though not surprised.

Notes


Wynn Brightsong [AC=19, HP=38/46, Bull's Strength]  d20+6=10
Thursday February 24th, 2005 6:20:35 PM
The bard continues running untill he reaches Lang and Sunshine. He sheathes his dagger in his boot and keeps his longsword at the ready and his eyes open [Spot=10]. "Belkior! can you help sunshine?"

Lang (AC 20; HP 46/46) & Sunshine (AC 16; HP -8 to -3/15)  d20+4=16 d8+1=5 d20+6=17
Thursday February 24th, 2005 9:41:59 PM
"Sunshine!", Lang yells as both the vine and his dog fall to the ground. Lang immediately lets go of his bow and drops to Sunshine's side, hoping that the dog is still alive.

Getting a faint pulse, Lang provides first aid to stablize Sunshine and stop the bleeding(healing 16). Lang then reaches into his pouchbelt and retrieves a potion and administers it to Sunshine.

Potion of healing cures 5 points.

Lang looks around to make sure that the creature is in fact dead (spot 17/21). Lang reaches back into his pouchbelt to find his other healing potion.

Spell:
1st level - Longstrider

Angus (AC 14; HP 15/15)  d20+3=5
Thursday February 24th, 2005 9:50:49 PM
Angus moves quickly to protectively stand over Lang and Sunshine as Lang dispenses first aid. Eyeballing the now prone vine for movement, Angus is ready to cast an offensive spell on any opponent that shows its face.

"Lang I have healing potions if you need them."

Spot 5

Active Spells:
Mage Armor (+4 to AC; lasts 5 hours)

Spells Left:
0 - 2/6
1st - 4/8
2nd - 4/5

Belkior (AC 21; HP 34)  d8+5=10
Thursday February 24th, 2005 9:59:59 PM
Belkior runs carefully along the trail broken through the ferns by Wynn and Syr. This doesn't seem like a good spot to be rolling around in the dirt.

{OOC - If we're not in combat rounds, keep going.)

He pulls up beside the injured dog, quickly assessing it's injuries. "Lang, let me. I can probably do far more for Sunshine than you can."

With that, the halfling healer kneels carefully beside the animal and intones the prayers taught to him in the temples of Alemi. His hands glow as the Cure Light Wounds spells is cast, healing Sunshine for 10 hitpoints.

Action:
Run, double move action to advance 30' towards Lang & Sunshine

If out of combat, get up to the injured animal and cast Cure Light Wounds (using domain spell slot).

Spells Memorized:
0 - Detect Magic (2), Detect Poison, Mending, Read Magic
1 - Bless (2), Command, Sanctuary (D - Cure Light Wounds*)
2 - Bull's Strength*, Delay Poison*, Hold Person* (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic, Prayer* (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast



Florin Jadenth  d20+2=19
Thursday February 24th, 2005 10:06:57 PM
Seeing that the battle looks to be pretty much over for now Florin moves fully over to Xenia, also noting that she doesn't seem to be having problems like he was first worried about.

Florin eyes the bag and nods before taking it from Xenia and slowly opening it, keeping his sword in his free hand and laying his shield to the side. Florin glances in the bag <spot:19> and will tell Xenia what he sees inside inless it is something he thinks would be best left unmentioned.

After checking the bag and as long as nothing nasty happens he first calls over to his friends, "Everyone okay over there? We need to get our quick check of this place finished and then make a full camp soon. I also would like to get those who have taken some harm checked out for sure for any signs of problems."

Florin looks to Xenia and smiles as he motions to the chest she is trying to dig out, "Let me know if you need help digging and I will help, otherwise I can help drag it out of here once we finish. I hate to say this but lets leave the breaking of the lock for once we check the rest of the place out and we get back to our camp outside of this jungle gym."

Florin will wait till the group regroups more together before asking rather they think we should check the rest of the place out more. Florin stresses his point on making camp and having everyone checked out also, not meaning now but soon.

Tionel  d8=5
Thursday February 24th, 2005 11:59:19 PM
"Uh...does someone want to help me find my dagger?" Tionel is somewhat edgy about going near that vine... He does go over with Florin or someone else, but tries to not trigger any more attacks from the forest while doing so.
He leans over and taps Wynn with his wand, giving him a little healing. (6 more points) Looking at the dirty, slimy half-elven bard, he jides, "You know, some girls have a thing for the mulch-covered, muddy leaf look."


Syr (48/57)  d20+6=7
Friday February 25th, 2005 2:26:47 AM
Rushing through the jungle he reaches the dog's side and casts a worried frown. As Lang and then Belkior use their magic on healing the dog, he becomes slightly less worried.

Echoing Tionel's comments, the elf chimes in loud enough for Wynn to hear, "Girls? Troll-girls maybe but no one I know!"

Syr looks over at Tionel and volunteers to help. "It's over here right?" (Search=nat 1) He wanders around looking for a while but shrugs his shoulders helplessly. (Take a natural 20 if necessary but not going too far into the jungle.)

ADM Jim: The Smithy 
Friday February 25th, 2005 11:14:25 PM
Lang is sure the vine is dead and quickly attends to Sunshine.

Half of the adventurers rush to Lang and Sunshines aid. Belkior infuses additional healing into the dog and he rises, unsteadily and shakes off some of the remaining vines. Sunshine looks Belkior in the face and licks his cheek.

Syr quickly gives up his search for Tionel's dagger that was lost in the high ferns. It may be lost for good.

Wynn, the well dressed bard, does not see any other plant creatures near by, but is taking a good ribbing from his friends about his leafy appearance.

Xenia is digging around the metal box as Florin looks on. Xenia has herself a sneezing fit while watching Florin extract the burlap bag. Xenia notices that this is a very well constructed box and may fetch a pretty penny in its own right. The lock itself is exceptional. Xenia know she can open the lock given some time and quite.

Xenia has dug around the box, but it would be easier if two people lifted it out of the hole. Xenia can drag it out as it is not as heavy as she thought or hoped it would be. It is still not light (maybe 100 pounds or so, but how much of that is the box itself??), but does have side handles.

Florin pulls out the decomposing burlap sack and it starts to fall apart. What Florin pulls out of what remains of the bag is a fine looking battle axe. The head of the axe is a smokey white type of metal he has never seen before (DC 30 metal working or Arcane Knowledge to get more details). Florin also finds a smaller velvet bag that is ruined but still functional as a bag. Inside the smaller bag is a blue gem the size of a halflings fist, 120 gold pieces, two black pearls, and a large brass ring (very masculine)that has a picture of a ram inset like a signet ring. In fact there is what may be dried ink on the rings face.

Xenia *choo!*  d20+15=19 d20+4=23
Saturday February 26th, 2005 8:30:17 AM
*choo* *choo* *choo* *choo* *choo* *choo* *choo*

"Aaaaaah ... I don laige id here, Florin," the rogue says on the tail end of her sneezing jag.

She cranes her neck to get a look at how the vine stomping is doing out across the rubble. Pretty quiet out there. That's usually very good or it's very bad. Just the guys standing around looking at stuff. Must be good.

"Hey guys ... " *CHOO!!!* FRAMBLE MATRON! WHAT IS IT WITH THIS OUTDOOR STUFF ANYWAY?! "Um cad you hepbe drag dis jest down do da beach?" Xenia sniffles and sighs.

Then, all thoughts of the chest are pushed back as Florin comes up with, not a bag of creepy crawlies ... but a bag of loot!

"Wow, wow, wow! Hey," *sniff* "lebee see dat stuv." With the goggles designed for just this kind of close work still on her face, the dark (and sniffly) rogue examines each piece in turn, placing each one on top of the chest when she's finished.

"Wee-erd, huh Florid. sigh I mean Florin." *sniff* "All these goodies lying out next to a locked box instead of inside." She frowns at the box with a puzzled look. "Wonder what is inside?"

Then, reaching behind to her haversack, Xenia comes up with a magnifying glass. Starting with the really big blue gem, then moving on to the pearls, and finally going over the ring, she makes an appraisal of the worth of each item. Yup. Right there on the spot. That's right. Girl's gotta know.

Rolls
Search 19
Appraise 23

Active Effects
Seal Against Surprise Attack. Activated earlier. Lasts entire module. Allows action on surprise round as though not surprised.

Notes
Question: Is it Spring, perchance?

Lang (AC 20; HP 46/46) & Sunshine (AC 16; HP 7/15) 
Saturday February 26th, 2005 3:13:37 PM
"Thank you Belkior for healing Sunshine."

"Perhaps we should re-group with the rest of our companions and decide our next course of action," Lang says in a subdued voice as he picks up his longbow.

Standing protectively by Sunshine, the two of them make their way back towards the Smithy where Xenia and Florin are working on the box.

Spell:
1st level - Longstrider

Angus (AC 14; HP 15/15)  d20+3=20 d20+7=18
Saturday February 26th, 2005 3:21:55 PM
Angus keeps a watch out for any more nasty vines or plants (spot 20). He is glad to see Sunshine stand up under his own power.

"I agree, let's get back together as one group."

He moves with the group as they go back towards Xenia and Florin. Once there, he watches Xenia examine the contents of the bag.

Angus will cast Detect Magic and examine the items himself, commenting to the group on the ones that radiate magic, if any.

Knowledge Arcana on the axe 18 - failed.

"Who in our group has any local knowledge on family crests? Does the Ram link to any family in the Floating City?"

Active Spells:
Mage Armor (+4 to AC; lasts 5 hours)

Spells Left:
0 - 1/6
1st - 4/8
2nd - 4/5

Belkior (AC 21; HP 34)  d20+4=11 d20+7=11 d20+17=25
Saturday February 26th, 2005 10:38:26 PM
Belkior moves back to the smithy with Lang and Sunshine. While walking he wipes the dog's saliva from his face, hopefully doing so in a way that the ranger and his companion do not notice.

Once there, Belkior looks over the goods that Florin has found but is unable to provide any advice on the axe. He's concerned by Xenia's sneezing but, for all he knows, she might be reacting to one of the plants nearby.
Knowledge - Arcana = 11, Craft - Armor = 11, Healing = 25

"Hey, do you think any of those small plant-things are still around?" With that, Belkior roots through his backpack looking for a sack. After finding it, he shakes it out and looks around at his companions.

Spells Memorized:
0 - Detect Magic (2), Detect Poison, Mending, Read Magic
1 - Bless (2), Command, Sanctuary (D - Cure Light Wounds*)
2 - Bull's Strength*, Delay Poison*, Hold Person* (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic, Prayer* (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast



Tionel 
Sunday February 27th, 2005 8:47:13 AM
Tionel looks over the ring and shakes his head...he feels a bit tired, unexpectedly. "I don't really know what we should do now, guys...somehow, this whole mission feels like it's not even started yet. We should get back to the beach and get some sleep...and hope we don't encounter those sorts of dangers every step of the way. We should definitely have a watch, too..."

Xenia (2nd Illegal - but approved - Post)  d20+11=29
Sunday February 27th, 2005 9:55:14 AM
Still grinning from the sparklies. (And still sniffling a bit.) Xenia sets down to suss out this combination thing. There are some tricks to this, depending on the kind of combination lock. This one looks to take a bit of listening, and a lot of fingertip feel.

The rogue spins through the dial. Her grin goes even wider. Looking up, she yanks on the hasp, and it opens with a click-clack of metal.

Rolls
Take 20 on Open Lock = 31
Oh, heck. I'll roll to see how long it takes. ...
Hey, what do you know?
Open Lock 29

Active Effects
Seal Against Surprise Attack. Activated earlier. Lasts entire module. Allows action on surprise round as though not surprised.

Notes
Question: Is it Spring, perchance?

Florin Jadenth  d20+6=21 d20+2=5
Sunday February 27th, 2005 9:25:15 PM
Florin nods and allows Xenia and angus to both look over the rings and other items from the bag and such. Afterwards he picks the ring back up and looks it over carefully <knowledge nobility:21> trying to figure out if it's a noble's crest.

Florin glances to Xenia as he thinks and smiles, "I hate to ask this Xenia but could you help Tionel find his dagger if he or no one else was able to find it? You have much sharper eyes then most of us." Florin motions to the chest Xenia just opened, "I will drag that down to the beach while you do and we can all take abit of time to relax and checkout everything before making any more moves for the day."

Florin looks to Belkior and chuckles, "We'll see about the plant things in a moment my friend. I want to keep a check on everyones health first." Florin nods to Belkior, thinking the man would agree that having a plant growing in any of their friend's heads would be very bad.

(Florin will take 10 on dragging the chest down to the beach or having someone help carry it down with him, which ever. Str:14 all together)

Wynn Brightsong  d20+7=20
Sunday February 27th, 2005 9:49:08 PM
Wynn grins at the merriment made at his expense. He thanks Tionel for the additional healing and makes his way back to the Smithy once Belkior has healed their canine companion.
Seeing the ring he searches his memory for any recollection of anything similar [Bardic Knowledge =20].



Syr 
Monday February 28th, 2005 12:52:16 AM
Nodding at the box, "Let's get this box taken care of and then rest and regroup?"

ADM Jim: The Smithy 
Monday February 28th, 2005 11:44:04 AM
Lang with a slightly limping Sunshine, Angus, Wynn, Belkior and Syr make their way back to the Smithy to see how Tionel, Xenia and Florin are making out.

Xenia inspects the loot from the burlap bag and determines that the two black pearls are each worth 450 gp. The battle axe is of the highest quality (all can see this). Xenia has not seen a gem like the blue one that Florin found and can not put a solid value on it, very nice though. The brass signet ring is worth approximately 50 gp. Once open and inspected the metal box could fetch 100 gp itself. The 120 gp look normal to Xenia.

Florin and Wynn each inspect the ram signet ring and can not recall the ram being used by any of the nobels of the open air level.

Angus cast detect magic on the loot and determines that the battle axe, blue gem and brass ring are magic.

Xenia drags the metal box out of the mulch she dug it out of and wet and damp when done, but attacks the combination lock with zeal and after an agonizingly long time (20 minutes) opens the box.

Inside the box are several glass containers, a book with quill and ink, a scroll case, a box of bones and a box of rocks (heavy). Xenia immediately notices an inscription in the lid of the box "TO GARETH FROM PERIMON GOOD LUCK ON YOUR EXPEDITION."

The first glass container holds what appears to be the skull of an elf. There is a tag on the bottom of the glass container that says "NATIVE". The second glass container holds a human skull that has dead purple flowers that have burst out the back of it. On the bottom is listed "HUMPFREY". The third glass container holds what appears to be a foot long dead Shambler. The bottom is listed as "LOCAL PLANT LIFE"

The box of bones seems to be that of an elf skeleton, but it is missing the skull. The second contains several large rocks that appear to be lightly marbled with gold with a value of approximately 500 gp. These rocks do not seem to contain nearly as much gold as the one that Kurgan was carrying around.

The scroll case contains a crude map depicting the shore line, Perimon city, and a river further up the coast. Down stream on the river is an "X" and a notation the says "NATIVE TAKEN". There is no scale on the map.

The book contains notes:

Native very difficult to capture.
Native uncooperative.

Humpfrey is sick and not acting like himself.
Humpfrey attacked the laborers.
Humpfrey is not getting better and had to be restrained.
Humpfrey is dead.
Note to self, bring plant back for inspection.

Some local plant life can move under its own power.
Some of the plant life is VERY dangerous!!!!
Had to fight off some plants that got inside the walls, killed eight men, before it SWAM away.
Remember to increase laborers wages next week.

There are 22 blank pages in the book.

Angus does not notice anything magic in the box.

As everyone is going through the loot, Belkior is passivly inspecting the health of his new companions and is concerned why Xenia and Lang are now sneezing.......


Belkior (AC 21; HP 34)  d20+8=12 d20+17=22 d20+8=10 d20+17=21
Monday February 28th, 2005 12:45:28 PM
"Ahhh, ahem. Let me look at those skulls, please."

Belkior carefully picks up the glass container labelled "NATIVE". The halfling healer peers at it through the glass.
Knowledge - Physiology = 12, Healing = 22. OOC - Looking for any distinguishing marks, etc. to tell how the skull was collected, whether a live native can be distinguished from an elf, etc.

Humming quietly, Belkior sets the container down gently then picks up the container labelled "HUMPHREY". Continuing to hum, the halfling again peers at it. "I'd like to take it out for examination, but that's probably a bad idea."
Knowledge - Physiology = 10, Healing = 21
OOC - as above

The halfling cleric continues after thinking for a minute. "Just a second. Do you think that we should determine whether the purple flowers that we saw were growing from a skull like that one?" Belkior gestures with "HUMPHREY" while asking this question. Then he places "HUMPHREY" back into the chest.

"When we get back to the beach, I can examine everyone for signs of infection." Belkior glances quickly at Xenia and Wynn when he says this. "Anyone else skilled in healing can assist me, of course."

Spells Memorized:
0 - Detect Magic (2), Detect Poison, Mending, Read Magic
1 - Bless (2), Command, Sanctuary (D - Cure Light Wounds*)
2 - Bull's Strength*, Delay Poison*, Hold Person* (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic, Prayer* (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast


Xenia 
Monday February 28th, 2005 3:36:37 PM
Wee-erd stuff. All in all, the stuff in the grody bag was much better than the stuff in the rather nifty locked box. Somebody here definitely has their priorities screwed up.

Well, I mean, it's all kind of interesting stuff. And Xenia's smart enough to see how the dots connect together with this stuff. But, Puck and Puckette, why put it all into a locked metal box?!?!?

"Hey, um, maybe we'd better head back to the city with all of this stuff, guys," the girl rogue says with a certain amount of hesitation. "I mean, it's only a short boat trip, right? And, well, look at this stuff. We got this guy Garath who we don't know nothing about. And maybe he got this signet ring that might be his or might not, but might tell us something about why he's out here. And it might tell us more about what Perimon's up to too." *sniffle*

"We got Humphrey here with the flowers that look like they kinda burst out the back of his head. And, when you think about what the healers back on The Float were saying about plant stuff growing on those guys' brains, we can kinda guess how the flowers got to busting out this guy's skull."

"We got an elf skull that this Maybe-Garath thinks is native to these Crying Woods parts. Maybe it goes with this skeleton in the box. But you gotta ask yourself why one is not still attacked to the other."

"We got this mini-version of the big guys that attacked us. All this could be important stuff. Specially Humphrey and his flowers. Maybe the druids or the healers can tell something about it that could be, you know, important."

"The, uh, map and stuff we can kinda keep for ourselves. And I could hop down to the Catacombs to get this magic stuff identified too."

Xenia wanders over to Wynn as the folks start coming back from the vine-roast. "I'm snuffly. she whines in a soft coquettish voice. The rogue plucks a wet leaf from the bard's shoulder. "You look nice, though. All covered in leaves and grass and stuff. Elemental God of Nature sort of stuff, yeah?" Her pink tongue sticks just a bit out from between her teeth, and she gives Wynn a meaningful little smile.

Then the little guy comes up wanting an examination.

The red-headed rogue's face just kind of falls, and she looks all kind of surprised and worried. She looks at Wynn. Then she looks at Belkior. Her voice is hesitant when she asks, "Um, ah, what kind of infection are we talking about?"

Florin Jadenth 
Monday February 28th, 2005 4:36:46 PM
Florin looks to Xenia when she brings up the comment on the box and stuff and then once again when she brings up what type of examination. To help Belkior out Florin speaks up, "Xenia, we simply want to check everyone out to make sure no one is infected with the plant disease. We don't want to have to fight each other I'm sure."

Florin motions to the jar with the skull full of flowers, "Anyway, none of us want to end up like that do we?"

Florin looks over at Lang and the others, "Uhh guys, isn't Gareth the name of the guy the group from the GG spoke about? The group that were infected and blew up in the ice storm?" Florin frowns as he thinks, "If I'm right then the map will most likly lead us to where we want to go, if not then the map is as good of a starting spot as any."

Florin motions to everyone, "Lets head back to the beach now everyone."

Wynn Brightsong [AC=19, HP=46/46]  d20+1=21
Monday February 28th, 2005 6:55:59 PM
Concerned with Xenia's sniffles and sneezing, the bard tries to examine her discreetly. He cups her face in his gloved hands and looks into her eyes for traces of green while gently feeling for swollen glands or other abnormalities around her neck and ears [Heal Check=21 (nat 20)]. When the rogue smiles provocativly at him he places is gloved finger on her lips. "Later" he whispers.

Angus (AC 14; HP 15/15) 
Monday February 28th, 2005 8:37:07 PM
Angus thinks back to that night at the Giggling Ghost and the unfortunate adventurers they met that night, trying to remember their names.

"Gareth doesn't sound right Florin. If I remember correctly the man's name was Gorlin that met his demise out here in the Crying Woods."

Angus heads back with the group to the beach.

"When are the boats coming back to pick us up?"

Active Spells:
Mage Armor (+4 to AC; lasts 5 hours)

Spells Left:
0 - 1/6
1st - 4/8
2nd - 4/5

Lang (AC 20; HP 46/46) & Sunshine (AC 16; HP 7/15) 
Monday February 28th, 2005 8:52:05 PM
Lang examines all the items with interest, taking joy in the fact that the plant creature is dead and on display. He is a little dismayed at the dead elf being displayed that way. Seeing the skull with the flowers bursting out reminds him of the one he just saw.

"Angus and I saw a skull and skeleton exactly like Humpfrey's there. Those purple plants were not in a pot, but were in a skull just like that", Lang says as he points with his longbow towards the area where the skull is.

Well I think we have a few different things to do at this point. Which one do you want to tackle first?

To do:
1. Return to the Floating City and show the Druids their discovery.
2. Return to the Floating City and look up this Perimon fellow and return the stuff to him. Possibly get him to finance an expedition into the woods (if he still wants to that is).
3. Follow the river to the point where the elf was found and do some info gathering.
4. Go to the Catacombs and have the magic items identified.
5. Have ourselves looked at by the Clerics to make sure we are not infected, especially Xenia and me as we are sneezing and I for one did not have a cold when we came over here.
6. Search around here some more.

Spell:
1st level - Longstrider

Tionel  d20+10=21
Monday February 28th, 2005 11:14:41 PM
"Perimon...that sounds familiar. Wasn't he that guy we met? I think...I don't remember. Hmmm."
Tionel takes a good long look at the shambler...doesn't seem to be very normal, does it? He tries to see any peculiarities in it, compared ot what he knows about the creatures, which isn't very much. (Knowledge: nature 21)
He considers their options... "I say we camp a while, the head off down the river. Let's find out as much as we can about the shores. Then, we might go on an excursion into the area on the map...I really wish we could meet this native. If he's an elf, well, perhaps he's wild, but I could still probably charm and talk to him."


Syr (HP 48/57) 
Monday February 28th, 2005 11:22:13 PM
The elf kicks the box with is toe. "Hey guys, just a thought but this metal box looks great for keeping the plants and other creatures out. I'd suggest leaving it here for when we come back. If we are making this place our base camp, I say we put the majority of our supplies in hereand return tomorrow to see what is at that X on the map?"

Looking at the Tionel, "It seems most want to return to the city. I'll swim the 200 yards and get us a boat or two...?" He then pauses for a moment, "Anyone else wonder why the swimming plant doesn't just swam out to the city and wreck havoc?"

DM George 
Tuesday March 1st, 2005 2:49:33 PM
The group is sitting around the smithy looking at the new stuff they have found and discussing possible alternatives. They haven't decided which direction to go yet.

Suddenly everyone notices a change. It is hard to put a finger on at first but the world around them seems brighter somehow. The sky looks bluer...they flowers brighter....the very air itself seems crisper. Then it dawns on the Crimson Shields that the heavy weight of hostility that has been coming from the jungle is gone. The group doesn't feel the hatred coming from all around them since they stepped foot in the jungle.

Syr suddenly is looking crosseyed at his nose as a beautiful butterfly lands on it and starts flexing it wings in the sunlight.

Angus Mage Armor 
Tuesday March 1st, 2005 3:12:05 PM
Angus looks around in bewilderment "Ok, someone pinch me as I must have fallen asleep. Has anyone noticed a change for the better? I wonder if the Cirlce of Alder is behind the change?"

Angus goes and looks outside the Smithy to see what happened to the creatures (vine and Shambler) they recently killed, wondering if they turned into butterflys also.......

Wynn  d20+2=17
Tuesday March 1st, 2005 7:27:28 PM
The sudden change in temperment of the Crying Woods catches the bard off-guard. "I don't know what just happened, but I won't argue with it." The thought strikes him that whatever changed the demeanor of the woods may have also rid their party of any of the plant disease. He re-examines Xenia for signs of the disease [Heal= 17]

[OOC what was the result of the last heal check?]

Florin Jadenth 
Tuesday March 1st, 2005 8:24:56 PM
Florin stills plans to help drag the box back to the shore and go from there. He wants a check of each person and then possible see about where to head from there.

Florin looks to Syr and nods to his friend, "Once we get everything to camp and check everyone out we will see about the ship or what not."

Just as Florin is getting ready to drag the box back to shore he feels the sudden change and frowns as he isn't sure if this is a good sign or not, "Well, good or bad it looks like the jungle has settled down. Maybe it doesn't consider us a threat anymore. Anyway lets get moving everyone."

Xenia 
Tuesday March 1st, 2005 8:32:53 PM
Xenia puts her hands on Wynn's. "I feel fine," she says in a voice softened by his concern. "I mean, except for the sniffles. And, I mean, don't folks just get that out in the woods?"

"But, maybe you're right. Couldn't hurt to check, huh?"

Then the weirdness begins.

Just when you think you've got this Into the Woods thing figured out ...

"Um ... Ti'nel? Lang? Is this, you know, normal?"

OoC: BTW, didn't we come by ourselves in those boats? I got that feeling from the description. So the boats should still be there. Shouldn't they?

Belkior (AC 21; HP 34) 
Tuesday March 1st, 2005 9:42:20 PM
Belkior looks up when the feeling of oppression fades. Whatever it was, he is relieved that it has ended.

"That's quite the list of possible actions, Lang." Belkior taps his chin for a moment while thinking. "I think it would be prudent to do a final check here, then head back to the city. Unless we're unduly delayed, we can journey to this river tomorrow."

Belkior glances around at his companions. "I think that I should check everyone for infection. I can do it here, or down at the beach, or wherever. I could probably use a second or third set of eyes for the examination, however."

OOC to George - There wasn't any feedback on Belkior's examination of the skulls. Does that mean that nothing was learned, or ...?

OOC - would the examination be something that Belkior can Take 10 or Take 20 on? And how many assistants can participate?

Spells Memorized:
0 - Detect Magic (2), Detect Poison, Mending, Read Magic
1 - Bless (2), Command, Sanctuary (D - Cure Light Wounds*)
2 - Bull's Strength*, Delay Poison*, Hold Person* (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic, Prayer* (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast


Lang (AC 20; HP 46/46) & Sunshine (AC 16; HP 7/15) 
Tuesday March 1st, 2005 10:21:35 PM
Well that is quite a noticable change, Lang thinks to himself as the oppressive nature of the Crying Woods disappears.

"It is not normal at all Xenia. But then again I had never felt anything like the Crying Woods before in any of my travels. Maybe we should head back to the beach where it is 'safer'"

Lang tries to see if the change in the Crying Woods has also relieved him of his sneezing fits.

"Belkior, I have some healing skill. Perhaps I can aid you in your examinations."

Syr 
Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 12:09:35 AM
The elf's eyes cross as he examines the creature on the end of his nose. Giggling for no reason, he quickly moves his head causing the orange butterfly to begin flying around. For a minute or two he happily pursues the insect around the area. Stopping for a breath, "Do ya think the feeling is gone or is it just shifted toward a bigger threat than us?

Tionel 
Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 1:52:41 AM
"Nothing about this forest is normal, I think. I didn't bring any of my animals because I was afraid they'd act strange here...Perhaps we should go back and bring back a few of them. Besides, we've already fought enough for today."
Tionel will lead others back to the beach, seeming considerate. "I'd hate to say this guys...but we might want to put all the stuff back in the box. I think if we find this Perimon, it's his stuff, right? We should find and return it to him. I'm sure he'll reward us...especially if it's personal stuff. But we shouldn't just take it, right?"

Belkior - OOC 
Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 7:19:50 AM
In my previous post, the second reference to "examination" refers to checking party members for signs of infection.


Sweet Flowers


DM George 
Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 4:00:00 PM
OOC I have been asked when I am most likely to post. I don't have a set schedule but most likely will post in the evening. Now if everyone has posted and I happen to check in in the afternoon, I will post if time allows.

The group still discusses what they should do next. Some want to go home after their fill of battle, others think a trip to the Catamombs is warranted. Others still want to push on. With the jungle acting nice, it could be a good time to explore.

Both Lang and Xenia both suddenly feel better. Neither has had to sneeze for the last few minutes and examination of them reveals that they look healthy. Of course they didn't look very unhealty before.

Belkior looks at the skull and can determine that it is elven. That is interesting because it calls it native. Are their native elves in the jungle? Could they be directing the attacks against The Floating City? The map does show where they might live. The jungle seems quiet now, for the first time.......

Wonder how long it might last like that?

Angus Mage Armor 
Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 8:03:58 PM
Angus is still amazed at the Crying Woods transformation. "Hey Tionel, what should we call the woods now? The Happy Wood?"

Angus looks at his friends "We may need new supplies if the woods are now changed. We may want to visit the Catacombs and split up our loot. Also do we want to continue to keep the cure diseases or sell them? How long do you think the woods are changed for? Could it be permanent?"

Xenia 
Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 8:49:00 PM
It's like things just suddenly, kind of, dry up.

"Um, I feel fine now. I think. I ... wow, weird. I think I feel fine now, Wynn."

She looks about at the tall green grass that hides what she knows is wet swampy ground. The sun shining down on green and brown trees. Green and green, without the pall of darkess.

"I don't trust it, Wynn," she says quietly. "I don't trust it much at all."

Then, in a much louder voice. "My dad says that when things change this big, it's either very good or it's very bad. If there's something right there you know you can grab, might as well gamble on it being very good. Grab it and run. But, if you don't know what you're after, and you're just gonna be poking about. Best to figure it's really bad. That way, if it is, you're ready."

She draws a little closer to Wynn. "I say we head back to the city. Crying Woods ain't going nowhere."

Syr (48/57) 
Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 10:26:34 PM
Syr cocks his head to one side and gazes out into the jungle, "See, we get all this camping gear and never get a chance to use it! I wouldn't have a problem staying here but we do need a good night's rest." He turns around and looks toward the city, "Well, it looks like most of us want to head back. As long as we get an early start tomorrow, I'm fine with that. I don't want to dally around the city. How long do you think the woods will be like this? We don't want to miss this opportunity." He starts heading toward the pier.

Belkior (AC 21; HP 34)  d20+17=33 d20+17=22 d20+17=34 d20+17=21 d20+17=36 d20+17=19 d20+17=28 d20+17=28 d20+17=26
Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 10:38:58 PM
"Before we do anything, we need to confirm that no one is infected. Or, if they were, that the effects have passed. So line up and I'll check you all out. Unless you want to kneeel, bring that box over here for me to stand on since so many of you are big folk." Belkior is staring upwards at the humans and half-elves as he says this.

"Anyone who wants to assist can do so."

OOC - If Belkior can Take 10 on the rolls, he gets Heal = 27 without any assistance. I'm also going to roll for everyone in case this isn't a Take 10 situation.

Proceeding alphabetically:
Angus: Heal = 33
Florin: Heal = 22
Lang: Heal = 34
Syr: Heal = 21
Tionel: Heal = 36
Wynn: Heal = 19
Xenia: Heal = 28
Sunshine: Heal = 28
Belkior: Heal = not sure since die roll box won't scroll there.

Belkior wipes his hands when all of that is done. "Does anyone have a pen and paper? I seem to have come out without any. I should make some notes to compare with the Shepherds within the city."



Wynn Brightsong  d20+2=8 d20+2=19 d20+2=5 d20+2=14 d20+2=14 d20+2=20 d20+2=6 d20+2=12
Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 11:19:06 PM
"I agree, lets head back to the city and see what all of this stuff really is." Wynn gives the rogue a quick squeeze and fetches the box for Belkior. The bard does his best to assist the halfling in his ministrations before preparing the break camp.

Angus [Heal=8]
Florin [Heal=19]
Lang [Heal=5]
Syr [Heal=14]
Tionel [Heal=14]
Xenia [Heal=20]
Sunshine [Heal=6]
Belkior [Heal=12]

Tionel 
Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 11:41:53 PM
"None of you seem to have listened to me. I said, this stuff seems to belong to Perimor or Periman or whatever his name was. Shouldn't we go looking for him to return it to when we get back?" The thin elf sighs. It's not like he'd have too much of a guilty conscience...it's just he'd rather play by the law so he doesn't get in trouble. From experience, too many times that one bends the law just a little and the punishment turns out to be a bit too much. Better to just do what's nice...
"Although we might not really have to return it immediately..." he adjusts himself, looking at the magnificent jewel they've acquired. He wonders how it would look adorning a brooch and compares it against his skin and hair.
"Let's go..." Tionel starts heading back to the boat. "Happy Happy Woods. I like that."

Lang (AC 20; HP 46/46) & Sunshine (AC 16; HP 7/15) 
Wednesday March 2nd, 2005 11:45:42 PM
"I also agree that we should head back to the Floating City. We should meet with the Druids and let them know what happened and see if they want us to explore the Crying Woods any further."

"We might also want to drop in on this Perimon guy and get his take on the Crying Woods."

"And I think everyone is hearing the Call of The Catacombs and probably wants to visit the store to re-supply."

Florin Jadenth  d20+5=24 d20+5=13 d20+5=7 d20+5=10 d20+5=10 d20+5=15 d20+5=19
Thursday March 3rd, 2005 12:15:37 PM
Florin nods and looks to Belkior and then the others. He also goes and helps drag the box over for Belkior to stand on and assists the look over of each person.

When it comes to Florin he gives Belkior a wink, "Domi protects me friend and has rendered me immune to diseases."

Angus [Heal=24]
Lang [Heal=13]
Syr [Heal=7]
Tionel [Heal=10]
Xenia [Heal=10]
Sunshine [Heal=15]
Belkior [Heal=19]

After the checkup and on the way to the pier and the beach Florin glances over at Tionel and speaks up to him, "Tionel my friend, I know I'm a paladin of Domi and a law abiding citizen or try to be anyway but let me just say this my friend. When this place was attacked Perimon probably wrote off all this stuff as lost for good and he certanly didn't end anyone out here to find it which shows a lack of interest in it. Therefore we found it so I think we should lay claim to it and do as we wish with it."

Florin gently nudges Tionel, "Anyway, even a druid needs money and you clearly have a taste for the finner things in life so no worries. For now lets get back home to a good meal, and everything. Maybe a drink or two?"

Florin looks to Angus and grins as he thinks, "That reminds me, Jella has been begging to hear you play Angus. You really have to come over and play your flute for her."

Florin is clearly looking forward to getting back to the Float, seeing Jella and just relaxing abit more. Big, ugly diposits of angry plant matter just ins't his cup of tea even if a paladin's life was for the battlefield.

Florin does look over his shoulder at Belkior and speaks up to him, "I think we better brings the skulls with us also in their jars. Someone better bag them and bring them so we can show them to the druids and the temple of Alemi. We need all the help we can get on this problem and helping this city in anyway on combating it will be great also."

Florin looks to Syr and speaks to him more privately, whispering to him, "I don't like this Syr, if this swimming plant we heard about is the cause of or spreader of the disease then it could be at the float already. I mean, the flood lock...just like big mama sea monster. That could very well be why the jungle just seemed like it died in it's angryness, what if the swimming plant is connected to it and the feeling left because it is no longer here or we're not a threat because it's little friend is off at the city or something?" Florin sighs and whispers again, "Probably just worrying about nothing right?"

Florin can't help but worry about his thoughts and all this, specially as images of Jella, the orphans, Gordo and such flash through his mind as green eyes plant monsters.

DM George "Boiling Seas" 
Thursday March 3rd, 2005 6:57:11 PM
The group decides to head back to the city. The troop down to the boats dragging chests, skulls and new items with them. They load themselves and their new found loot into the boats and start the row back to the city.

Halfway through the journey, the waters around the boats start to get choppy. Suddenly the water is boiling around them. Tionel is shocked when a large fish suddenly jumps out of the water and into his lap!

Soon everyone is shouting as hundreds of fish...bass, sunnies, trout, catfish and more start jumping into the boat. Fish are everywhere and footing is treacherous. Quickly the boats fill up and look like they are going to swamp with flopping, gasping fish.

Syr (48/57) 
Thursday March 3rd, 2005 8:12:05 PM
Syr lines up with the others and endures the three figures poking and prodding him with little patience.

As Florin is speaking to him, he looks nervously at the water surround them for any sign of movement.

As the seas begin to boil, the elf looks around for any areas that are less turbulent. Grabbing an oar, he begins rowing furiously to get the boat out of the way. He yells across at Lang, "Row, let's just get to the city!" At the others he barks, "Bail the fish before we sink!"

Belkior  d20+5=12
Thursday March 3rd, 2005 8:39:32 PM
The halfling cleric starts throwing fish out of the boat as quickly as he can. Since he didn't get a chance to remove his armor before setting out, the last thing that he wants to do is end up in the water. He's also scanning about to see if there is a part of the lake where there aren't any fish leaping from it.

OOC - Spot = 12



Wynn Brightsong 
Thursday March 3rd, 2005 9:50:55 PM
Wynn starts shovelling fish overboard as fast as he can. "By the gods!" he exclaims as the fish begin to swamp the boat.

Lang (AC 20; HP 46/46) & Sunshine (AC 16; HP 7/15)  d20+6=10 d20+6=18
Thursday March 3rd, 2005 10:13:53 PM
Lang will help wherever he can. Rowing the boat if he is rowing or scooping fish out of the boat if he is a passenger.

Spot 10 for fish activity
Listen 18 for "boiling/steam" activity

OOC - Does "Boiling" mean it is hot or does it mean a lot of activity? Does it appear that the fish are trying to get into our boats or just that the fish are jumping around us and just happen to land in our boats?


Xenia 
Friday March 4th, 2005 12:14:04 AM
"Haha!!!" Xenia laughs at first as the big fish flops into Tionel's lap.

Then they start flying in. Kind of from everywhere. Which is a little scary, but mostly harmless. Right? But Syr shouts something about bailing fish. And sinking!!! And Wynn starts chucking fish out of the boat as fast as he can.

Not harmless.

Xenia takes a frantic look at how far from the city docks they are. She looks back the other way towards the shore of the Crying Woods. Uh-oh.

With both hands, the girl rogue starts chucking fish out of the boat.

"Ti'nel! Lang! Are they attacking? Talk to them! Do something!!!"

Tionel  d20+8=21 d3=2
Friday March 4th, 2005 1:42:04 AM
"Woah! I've heard of catching fish on the fly, but..." Shaking his head, the elf is alarmed as more start jumping into the boat. This is really weird! Calls for some clever druid magic, he thinks to himself. Now where's a really clever druid when you need one. Like Dad or Mom... Guess I'll have to try something, he thinks, hearing Xenia's imploring.
Tossing the bass out of the water, he reaches over and daintily pokes the water with a handkerchief, then tests the temperature of soaked water.
He leans back and begins spellcasting...trying to retain his abilities while fish flop about him. (Concentrate check 21)
Upon finishing, he casts his hands to either side...
(Used up a third level spell for spontanoues summoning)
"Attack the fishes!" he commands the strange funnels that begin to appear in the water. He wishes he could be more specific...like, push htem back, or something, but off the top of his head he doesn't know much the elementals could do.
(Two water elemental appear in water, begin attackign the fishes, trying to lessen the flow of fishes)



Angus Mage Armor 
Friday March 4th, 2005 8:08:04 AM
Angus also is amused with the fish at first and then concerned. "If I did not need a bath before, I will certainly need one now." Angus exclaims to no one in particular as he starts to throw fish overboard.

Seeing how close the group is to the city he attempts to spur on the rowers "Only 100 yards to go! Dig in hard! Paddle! Row!" Angus will continue to throw fish overboard, but not lift a finger to row as he know strenght based activities are not his forte, but giving direction may be?

"Nice Job Tionel!" Angus adds. "Maybe get some elementals to push us too?"

Florin Jadenth  d20+2=17 d20+2=8 d20+4=23
Friday March 4th, 2005 12:03:21 PM
Florin frowns when the fish come leaping into the boat and shakes his head as he looks to Syr, "Looks like things are going to continue getting interesting. Lets try to make it to the city as fast as posible."

Florin glances to Tionel and nods to him, "Good work with the elementals, with luck they will allow us to get to the city easier."

Florin will help with rowing if possible but otherwise will be throwing fish out of the boat.

(Spot:17 Listen:8 Str:23 for rowing)

DM George "Fish Stew" 
Friday March 4th, 2005 12:36:17 PM
Checking the temperature of the water quickly reveals that the water is normal and the boiling sensation is being caused by thousands of fish leaping around the boats.

The boats quickly fill up even through the efforts of the party trying to bail them out. It is surprising hard to even grap one slippery fish, but the difficulty is compounded by dozens more jumping on you while you try. Very little forward progess is being made as the boats get heavier and less people row.

The elementals smash around them in glee. Fish with mutilated bodies go flying but it doesn't seem to stop the flow.

Unless something drastic is down, there is a very good chance the boats will swamp soon

Angus Mage Armor  d20+3=4
Friday March 4th, 2005 2:31:44 PM
Angus is very concerned about be drown in water or fish and extolls the rows to greater effort. "Put Your Backs Into It! Hang on to the magic and money if we have to swim for it." Although Angus is dreading that option.

Angus looks over the side of the boat as he is scooping out fish to see if he can spot the bottom (spot 4), but is obviously to preoccupied to notice. Angus wonder to himself, Could Florin walk to the City in Plate Mail? "ROW FASTER!" is the how he vocalizes his thought.

Angus thinks he might get his bath early......

Xenia 
Saturday March 5th, 2005 9:40:38 AM
"Pushing boat! Pushing boat! Good idea, Angus. Have 'em push the boat, Ti'nel!" Xenia's not sounding real happy about any of this. In fact, that's just possibly a note of panic in her voice.

"Hey Wynn ... " Still bailing fish, the rogue works her way next to the bard. "Can you swim? I never took too much time to learn. I mean, I said I was. But I never got around to it. I'm kinda scared."

"Oh Stars!" A small cascade of lights goes off in Xenia's head. "The stuff!"

Leaving off the bailing, the girl rogue jumps ahead to the contingency of failure and a spot on the couch in a guy named Davy Jones' locker.

The loot she tosses into her haversack. Axe, pearls, ring, gem, cash. (Can't forget the gem.) Oh, book, and ... Xenia stops at the weird samples all looking up from within their glass cases. That and the bag full of rocks. Rocks fer Star's sake! One rock. She takes one of the gold shot rocks and leaves the rest.

OoC: How far are we from the Floating City docks, George? Estimate?

Oh, also, what's the ruling on Heward's Handy Haversack and penetration by water? In another game it's submersible, but once you try and get anything from it, water rushes in and it bursts. How about here?

Tionel  d20+8=11
Saturday March 5th, 2005 11:35:20 AM
The thin elf produces from his backpack, of all things, a spade, and drops it to the ground, letting whoever want pick it up. (Move action to do that I think)
Then, he goes through the motions of spellcasting again. This time, a big fish smacks him right in the face! It doesn't hurt, but he's stunned enough to mess up his incantation. "Frazzbangit!" (Concentration check 11...I don't think that's high enough to cast with this sorta thing going on? But if it is, he summoned another air elemental, to help pick up fishes in the boat and dash them off.)
"Guys, I'm going to get in the water and see if I can find whatever's causing this thing. Or get help..."
With that said, he hops as far off the boat over/onto the fish themselves and a moment later becomes a wriggling shark that tries to swim its way past the boiling fish thing.
(I'm going to try to swim around the edges of the fish, find out how large an effect it is...and see if I can find anything weird causing it. Plus, one less person's weight on the boat might help...)

Belkior 
Saturday March 5th, 2005 8:43:59 PM
The halfling cleric stares around the boat at the bizarre behaviour of the fish. He's never seen anything like this in his life before. One of the drawbacks, obviosuly, of living in a floating city.

During this deliberation, he takes a moment to review the spells that he prayed for that morning. Nothing seems to be of use to calm the fish, or to prevent them from entering the boat.

So, it's back to throwing fish out as fast as he can. His biggest regret is that he failed to remove his armor and his pitiful swimming skills will be sorely hindered by the weight of the armor.


Wynn Brightsong  d20+6=19
Sunday March 6th, 2005 8:56:58 AM
Wynn continues to do his best to bail the wrigging fish from the boat. "Swim? I'd hardly call hanging on to flotsam for 3 days swimming," The bard prattles on not realizing Xenia has dashed off again. Whenever he can, the bard tries to snatch a look to the horizon and shore, judgin the distance if possible [spot=19]

Syr (48/57)  d20+4=18
Sunday March 6th, 2005 11:03:14 AM
Syr looks at the quickly filling boat and frantically strokes for the city (str check 18). Looking at the docks he yells for help, "Get us a bigger boat!!!"

Glancing at the others, "If the boat sinks then fish will probably swim out. Keep hanging on to the boat if it gets submerged. It will help keep us afloat slightly more than just swimming."

(OOC: do I remember right that it is only 200 yards between the pier and the city?

Lang & Sunshine 
Sunday March 6th, 2005 4:36:39 PM
Lang continues to row as strong and as fast as he can, hoping to pull his boat away from the jumping fish. Looking around (spot ), he tries to find an opening out of the area with the leaping fish into calmer waters. Lang wonders how his heavily armored companions are to going to manage if the boat submerges.

"Does anyone have any water breathing potions left over from our trip to the caves?"

Sunshine stares around the boat bemusedly at all the activity and all the smelly fish that have suddenly appeared in the boat with him and his master.

Florin Jadenth  d20+4=18
Sunday March 6th, 2005 5:48:30 PM
Florin will continue to help Syr paddle if possible or otherwise continue throwing fish over board. Florin does not like this at all and his mind races for various things that might help them or if worse comes to worse will help everyone get to shore safely.

(Str:18 for rowing if able)

Lang (2nd post for missed spot roll)  d20+6=19
Sunday March 6th, 2005 10:11:53 PM
Spot 19

DM George "Calm Waters" 
Monday March 7th, 2005 8:31:02 AM
As quickly as it started, the lake calms down and the fish disperse. After a quick scare, the Crimson Shields are able, with the help of the water elementals, to travel the second 100 yards and dock up to the city.

They are soaked and smell less than delicate, but at least they have their choice for dinner..trout, base, or catfish.

OOC Hey folks, I don't want to spend a long time in town. I am working two modules here, the rest of the one you started and the crossover for June. We have a lot to do.

Angus Mage Armor 
Monday March 7th, 2005 8:46:34 AM
Angus quickly gets out of the boat and shakes himself off similar to Sunshine. Angus then takes the odd fish out of his pockets and throws it back into the lake and announces to all. "Well that was fun. I say we head for the apartments and get cleaned up. I have first dibs on the bath."

Angus makes sure all of the gear is secure on the dock before heading out with the rest of the group.

Angus is thinking of all he can purchase with the groups new found wealth.....Will also have to pay Gordo a visit and get the kids all riled up.

Bellkior 
Monday March 7th, 2005 11:32:09 AM
The halfling cleric clambers out of the boat, never so glad to reach solid ground. He makes a mental note to himself never to go boating while wearing his armor. Ever again.

Once he has helped to unload the boats and securely stack the gear and equipment, Belkior turns to Xenia. "Here, we shouldn't need these anymore." With that, Belkior sorts through his pouches and cases to remove the scrolls and potions of Remove Disease. "I can trust you to do what is best for the group?"

The halfling then carefully sorts through the gear. Once he has got to the box, he opens it and peeks inside. Hopefully the glass containers with the skulls and the dead baby shambler haven't been broken. That would be very bad.

if they haven't broken, Belkior removes tham and packs the containers into a sack. He cushions them with some spare clothing from his own pack, then places the book on top. "Where should I take these too? Do you think that we should locate Perimon first? Or go to the Alder Circle with the information that we have?"

While he does this, Belkior makes a shopping list in his head of all of the items that he might quickly acquire while in the city.


Florin Jadenth 
Monday March 7th, 2005 3:21:18 PM
(OOC:I won't be able to send any emails for awhile do to a couple bugs in my computer. So Al, just sell the stuff if my vote and let us know our share ;) I really don't want to spend nothing till I know how much we have coming and also the money gets passed out in game if possible.)

Florin climbs out of the boat when they reach the pier. He helps tie the boat up and then unload some of the stuff. Once he hears Belkior's comment he nods and looks to the rest of the group, "I think we should tell the circle of Alder first and then we report to the temple of Alemi in hopes what we have found out also may help them out in defending this city from anything."

Florin will otherwise returning home for a bath and to clean his armor. Beyond that he spends some time with Jella since he is home for abit.


Xenia 
Monday March 7th, 2005 3:47:01 PM
On hands and knees, Xenia crawls up out of the boat and onto the dock. She flops over onto her back.

"Wanna bath ... " she whines. "Wanna bath ... "

Then the halfling is standing over her giving her scrolls and stuff. "Ok. Ok. I'll handle the shopping. But I still wanna bath. Gathering up the scrolls and potions and what not, Xenia climbs with mock exhaustion to her feet. From the top of her armor she pulls a little tiny fish, holding it in two fingers as it wiggles to be free.

"Swim away little fishy," the girl rogue says, red curls plastered in fish slime and water. With a flick of the wrist the fish returns to Turtle Lake and speeds off in a flash of silver.

With her dark lips pulled into a pouty frown, Xenia staggers over and leans on Wynn. "Be nice to me. I'm not happy." Sometimes it's nice to just let go and be a whiny girl.

Tionel  d100=75 d20+2=3
Monday March 7th, 2005 8:08:14 PM
The shark noses along with the water elementals, nudging the boats to the docks. Almost unconsciously, he finds himself chasing after one silvery fish and snapping it up. It is utterly delicious, almost like the strongest drug ever, to Tionel's shark mind...
Pulling himself to the surface, he dives high out of the water and, with a fluttering of scales then feathers, changes into a large, handsome swan. He ruffles his feathers and glides serenely next to the boat, occasionally honking at the group.
As Tionel had stated, he really didn't have much to do in town. Get cleaned up, ask a few questions about Perimon and probably make a mistake, asking about the Ferryman instead (Gather info roll of nat 1). The others go to sell their gear, and Tionel tosses his share of the loot into the bank, watching the sum grow even more.
He does need a good night's sleep, to get his spells...and then, hte next morning, he's ready to row!

Wynn Brightsong 
Monday March 7th, 2005 9:44:46 PM
The bard steps nimbly to shore, steadies Xenia, and then reaches back into the boat for two of the larger trout. "Guess what's for dinner?" he smiles broadly at the thought of the two trout grilled to perfection. Wynn will drop by the Giggling Ghost for a bottle of Happy's finest on the way back to the apartments.

Lang & Sunshine 
Monday March 7th, 2005 9:45:08 PM
Lang & Sunshine will head back to the apartment with everyone else. Once there they will get cleaned up and get prepared to meet with the Druids.

Syr (48/57) 
Tuesday March 8th, 2005 3:32:58 AM
Syr ignores all the others and mumbles something about rest. He heads straight for the house and immediately to bed.

DM George 
Tuesday March 8th, 2005 8:25:37 AM
The group trudges off to their home and fight over who gets the bath first and then who is gonna lug the firewood and water. It is finally settled and everyone eventually gets rid of the fishy smell on their bodies. Their clothes and armor is another story!

The main group decides that they are needing to talk to the druids and go off in search of them.
They reach the council chamber only to find the place in chaos. People are running around and having heated conversations.

The Shields quickly realize that their fish episode wasn't the only one where nature went screwy.

They hear several snatches of different stories, "All the apple trees suddenly grew mature apples in just minutes!"

"It was raining on only one house on the street!"

"Every chicken in the coop, squatted and laid 3 eggs all at the same time!"

These are only a few of the stories you hear but all of them confirm that the natural order is being played with. Nothing bad is happening, in fact most things seem benficial.

After several minutes you are able to track down a harried looking younger Druid you recognize but don't really know. He stops and gives you a quizzical look. "Aren't you supposed to be exploring Perimon City? I thought we paid you good money to do that? Why are you still here?"



Xenia 
Tuesday March 8th, 2005 10:33:25 AM
Mmmmm ... The dark rogue purrs.

"A man who cooks."

It's nice to be back too. The expedition in the woods didn't take near as long as she'd figured. Next time, though ... Oh well, gotta do the camping thing sometime.

For now though, nice bath, nice dinner. Happiness.

Xenia wrinkles her nose at the smell. Fishy leather armor. Gonna have to do something about this. Something for the future too. And ... what's the perfect thing to fix this? Shopping!

Meantime, though, this calls for a change of clothes. Looking at her stuff, she picks out the green outfit that Florin had given her so long ago. Over the top, she wears the black velvet shirt she got from the Year End bash. A big smile lights the dark rogue's face as she runs her hand through the fringes on the sleeves. Coming down from her room, Xenia is ready, once again, to face the public.

+++++++++++

Up at the druid's place is sort of pandemonium.

"We gone already and come back," Xenia says with just the slightest hint of ire. "I mean, we found some stuff that might be important. Thought you might wanna look at it."

"You look, um, kinda busy, though." Xenia turns her head to all the druids running here and there. "Maybe we should just leave the stuff and come back later."

"You don't think they'll lose it, do you?" she says to the others in a polite whisper.

Angus 
Tuesday March 8th, 2005 11:24:56 AM
Angus does his best to clean his colorfull new cloak and drops off the rest of his smelly cloths at the laundry.

Angus marvels at the chaos in nature all around him and know his Mom would have loved it as she is a Druid. Angus thinks to himself that alittle chaos is always good.

Once at the Druid's, Angus will comment. "Xenia, I think the Druid's have enough on their hands. Lets take the stuff we found and come back later to discuss it with someone in charge, as there does not appear to be much order currently."

Angus will leave the Druid's and head to the nearest Catacombs outlet store for some shopping. "See everyone back at the apartments. Time for some shopping before we attempt camping again. Anyone want to come along?"

Wynn Brightsong 
Tuesday March 8th, 2005 7:31:53 PM
Wynn arches a single eyebrow at Xenia's cooking comment. "Well...I suppose I could cook it...If that's what you really want." The bard heads to the kitchen muttering something about a waste of fresh fish and how the fire will take all the flavor out of it.

The half-elf guts and cleans both fish and decides to cook one of them over the open flame, grilling it until the skin begins to bubble and the pinkish-white flesh breaks into firm flakes about the size of coat buttons.

The second fish he prepares au natural (the fish that is). He cuts the the raw flesh into thin strips and lays them out on purple seaweed from the local shop. He spreads a layer of rice over the fish and sprinkles on a few spices from the rack before rolling the entire lot into tubes. He cuts the tubes into into slices and arranges the individual wheel shaped spirals of rice, fish and seaweed around the edge of a large platter with the cooked fish in the center.

Wynn enters the common room of the apartments with a flourish and serves up his gastronomical treat to the party.

"Don't be shy", he encourages with a flourish. "It's not like I haven't cooked before. I even won a set of kitchen knives at the Giggling Ghost for a beef dish before I met up with you." If Xenia does not pick one of the circular concoctions, Wynn will hold the tray in front of her until she does.

"There's wine on the table if anyone wants any" he reminds his companions.



Xenia - 2nd Illegal Post 
Tuesday March 8th, 2005 7:58:23 PM
Xenia looks dubiously at the fish rolled into rice things. wee-erd Her pink tongue wets her dark lips, and she tries not to crinkle her nose into the start of a yucky face.

Cautiously, she reaches out and takes one of the raw-rice-fish things. Carefully, she takes a bite out of one small corner.

...

It's pretty good. Kinda lighter flavor. Not fishy tasting. The red-headed rogue packs away seven or eight of these things before she realizes that they're bigger than they look. *ook* Feeling kind of gorpped.

Full and well satisfied, the rogue scoots her chair right up next to Wynn's, and gives him a kiss on the cheek.

"You're a pretty amazing guy, you know Mister," she whispers in his ear.

Belkior 
Tuesday March 8th, 2005 9:24:52 PM
The halfling cleric hurries to the temple of Alemi to deliver his news and to see what has happened there.

Hopefully through any confusion, he can locate Janus and check on the condition of the previously infected men from Trash Level. Given a chance, he will report what he observed and how the "event" seemed to result in spontaneous remission of what he believed to be infection by the illness, and his suspicions that the disease was due to contact with some kind of plant material.

After doing all that, he retires to his cell and goes to the refectory to find something to eat. He understands why his companions would eat flesh, but he is too devoted to the preservation of life to eat the flesh of another being.



Lang & Sunshine  d20+2=8
Tuesday March 8th, 2005 10:09:42 PM
Lang checks on Sunshine wounds once the group gets back from theie meeting with the Druids.

Heal 8

Lang samples the fish that Wynn prepares and enjoys it. After satisfying his hunger he sees to Sunshines food needs.

"So did we get a final tally of the sales of the items to the catacombs?"

Syr  d8=7
Tuesday March 8th, 2005 11:39:33 PM
Syr spends the day/night in the room resting. He comes down for a minute to grab some of the fish but stays away from the uncooked portion of the feast. After eatting he returns upstairs for more rest.

Tionel 
Wednesday March 9th, 2005 2:28:12 AM
Tionel eyes the dishes and watches Xenia's reaction, then takes one himself. Then, he scoots his chair up, leans over, and gives Wynn a kiss on his other cheek. "You're a pretty amazing guy, you know!" He bursts into laughter, especially if the poor Wynn reacts any particular way. He gives Xenia a wink and heads out to get a beer. For some reason, the fish just doesn't match the taste he had when he was a shark.
He tries to find out more about all these weird things...is it just related to natural occurences? What are the wizards and priests finding out about it? And the druids? He'll ask them if there's time before leaving...

DM George 
Wednesday March 9th, 2005 7:52:36 AM
Belkior hurries to the temple and finds that all who were infected with the disease seem to be cured now. He is unable to find Janus but is able to get this information from under priests.

Back at he apartment, all enjoy their rest and a nice meal. Early the next morning, some would say, "Much to early a pounding can be heard upon the door."

When the door is opened, a women dressed in druids robes will be standing there. She will be pretty with green eyes and blonde hair. She stands around 5' tall and doesn't seem to be wearing any weapons. Just looking at her though tells you, you are dealing with a serious and dedicated young woman. She is holding a scroll in her hands.

Florin Jadenth 
Wednesday March 9th, 2005 11:03:32 AM
Florin enjoys his time at his own apartment and also spending time with Jella and Mort even knows Mort is to dang quiet most of the time.

In the morning Florin smiles and watches little Jella eat and then looks to Mort, "You have to fill me in on how her weapon training is going, along with her other studies." After eating and talking to both of them Florin makes his way his friend's apartments and meets up with them.

Florin probably arrives shortly after the green eyed lady does and he knocks on the door before entering, even waiting to see if anyone goes ahead and invites him in.

Florin is dressed in his armor and everything this morning like normal. He has spent some of the night cleaning and taking care of his sword and armor so both should shine nicely.



Angus 
Wednesday March 9th, 2005 12:55:23 PM
Angus calls out from his bed "Someone Get the Door!" and rolls back over and tries to get back to sleep. After a few moments, he realizes that he is fully awake and gets up and slowly dresses making a mental note to pick up his laundry early today. Angus mumbles to himself "Should'nt Sunshine scare of too early callers."

Once dressed, Angus leaves his and Syr's room and goes to get some toast and asks those already up. "So who was at the door?"

Xenia 
Wednesday March 9th, 2005 1:57:24 PM
"HEY!" Xenia shakes a fist at Tionel as he retreats out the door. "Weirdo!"

But ... that's Tionel. Xenia shrugs. It's hard to get really mad at him.

+++++++++++++++++++

Next morning, Xenia's standing in the kitchen, still in her jammies, the pink one's with the happy gryphons on it. A mug of kaffe's in her hand and she's just about to walk barefoot out into the garden.

Someone knocks on the door. Franjit, who could that be? Angus yells down for someone to get it. Might as well be her.

"Hi," the red-headed rogue greets the woman who's even shorter than she is. That she's holding a scroll in her hands when she comes to someone's door usually says that the scroll is for someone in the house. "Um, c'mon in," Xenia says stepping out of the doorway. "Sorry, um, bout the pj's and all. Did you want to talk to someone?"

"Here," she ushers the woman in, "have a seat. I'll get changed and call everyone down."

*Knock* *Knock* *Knock* Now what!!!

Xenia gets the door again! It's Florin.

"I'm gonna change," Xenia whispers. "We got a guest. Why don't you keep her company. I'll call the rest of the guys down."

Belkior 
Wednesday March 9th, 2005 5:34:47 PM
Belkior has been enjoying his time at the temple of Alemi, but it is probably time to rejoin his companions. Not to mention shopping at this place that they called the Catacombs, whatever that is.

Belkior barely remembers the way back to the apartments of the group, seeing as how he was there only once before. He asks for directions from people on the streets but, despite his care, he manages to somehow make the wrong turns. It`s almost as if the people were not telling him the truth. However, he meets Florin on the street and with the paladin`s help, the halfling cleric makes his way to the apartment. The two trudge up the stairs together.



Tionel 
Wednesday March 9th, 2005 7:26:09 PM
Tionel comes out of his room, finely dressed, groomed, and wide awake. The reason behind this is simple; that he had gone through most of his reverie, and had then meditated as he most felt comfortable...in his newest outfit.
"Greetings, young lady...er.. ma'am," he corrects himself, realizing that this other druid is probably of higher rank than he...Tionel never really got past the 'apprentice' recognized rank, though his abilities did. "I am Tionel Galadonel, of the Crimson Shields of Hope, here is Florin, our leader... it is rather early, the rest still sleep, but perhaps you can tell us what you seek at this time of ni---, morning?"

Wynn Brightsong  d20+6=17
Wednesday March 9th, 2005 10:41:21 PM
Wynn leans in to receive the kiss from Xenia, but is caught completely off-guard by the young druid's prank. He can only shake his head as Tionel darts away. "There better not be any lipstick there" he calls out as he wipes his cheek with the back of his hand.

The bard helps finish the fish and spends the rest of the evening cleaning his gear and preparing for their next excursion.

He is already awake when the young women comes knocking at the door and greets her just after Xenia lets her in. "Please, come in and sit. The others will be here shortly." Wynn escorts the woman to the common room and makes her comfortable. [Diplomacy = 17]

DM George 
Thursday March 10th, 2005 5:17:23 PM
The young druid marches into the room and looks around with an arched eye. When introduced to Florin, she will smile and say, "Hi! My name is Brina. I have been sent by the druid council to get your official report.We were surprised that you came back so fast. What did you find?" She sits down at the table and fishes out an ink vial and a quill. She unrolls the parchment and holds her quill expectantly over the scroll.

"So tell me. What did you find in Perimon City?""

Angus  d20+7=26
Thursday March 10th, 2005 8:40:58 PM
Angus comes down late to the meeting and pours himself a small glass of wine and helps himself to some of the stawberries and make a mental note to himself to find out where Happy finds all of this fresh food.

Angus finds a comfortable chair and sits down with his plate and glass and announces to all. "Did I miss anything?" Angus then turns his attention and charms to the female druid. "I am Angus, and who are you that I may have the pleasure of meeting. I am sure the council picked you for your ability, but you beauty is also amazing." (Diplomancy 26, not bad)

Xenia 
Thursday March 10th, 2005 9:16:28 PM
When Xenia finally makes it down the stairs introductions are over, she's got no idea who this woman is or what she's here for or who got that scroll that she was holding when Xenia answered the door. But the rogue's hair is brushed, and she's dressed in comfortable clothes. So, maybe just sitting nearby and listening wouldn't be a bad thing. Sometimes it's just better to do that.

"Would you like some kaffe? Tea?" she asks politely. "Anyone?" Then she slips into the kitchen to fill the orders as well as freshen her own mug.

Coming back, Xenia serve the drinks out and then takes a quiet seat next to Wynn.

Wynn Brightsong 
Thursday March 10th, 2005 10:43:47 PM
The bard holds his tongue in deference to Florin. He will do his best to add in any details they miss as he recalls them. In the meantime he opens his journal and jots down his own recollections of the excursion to Perimon.

Lang & Sunshine 
Thursday March 10th, 2005 11:24:43 PM
Lang & Sunshine will come downstairs and join the group talking with the Druid. He will remain silent, but will talk about the vile plant monsters that will have to all be eradicated from the crying woods.

Syr (55/57) 
Friday March 11th, 2005 1:15:50 AM
Syr yawns as he walks down the stairs joining the others, "I'll let Florin tell ya about Perimon but I can say on the way back we almost sunk by thousands of fish. Wierdest thing I ever saw! Fish just jumping into the boat."

As Xenia offers tea the elves eyebrows come together and he whispers quietly to Tionel, "Hey does Xenia officially live here now or what? If not, she does a great job of playing hostess in someone elses home." He smirks slightly and then pauses before continuing more loudly, "Hey Belk, I may not have been around when someone invited you but just in case... Why don't you take over the Dwarf's bed, he won't need it anymore."

Tionel 
Friday March 11th, 2005 1:25:36 AM
Tionel will let Florin explain, but if that guy doesn't have much to say, he'll put in some details. He makes sure to mention the abandoned camp, the journal, the strange artifacts they discovered, as well as the hints of the elven natives.
"We were going to ask the druids if they knew of any races indigineous to the forest. When we head back, we'll probably skirt along the river to get to the point at which they found the native, and try to search around there for anything interesting."


Florin Jadenth 
Friday March 11th, 2005 1:29:05 AM
Florin greets the lady politely and smiles before nodding, "Well to keep a long story short, when we landed on the shore where Perimon was building his city we did a look over of the single half standing building there. We had a small fight with some plant monstersbut afterwards we found a weird chest and some info that you druids might be interested in. There seems to be some type of swimming plant monster, this could be the source of the infection that has been seen in the city. Also we brought a couple items back that the druid order may be interested in. Also a thing of note would be that right after the fight the forest which is usually radiating a feeling of anger or such at us, the feeling just seemed to vanish."

Florin looks to Xenia and the others and speaks to them, "Uh, I don't know where you stored them so can someone get the glass jars and whats inside them."

Florin looks back to the pretty lady and speaks up, "We figured that a return trip with this info might be a good idea. If this swimming plant monster is the cause then some type of defense needs to be made in the city to insure it doesn't find it's way here. Also with the items we brought you might beable to find out something more about the disease from them."

Hearing the comment on the fish from Syr, Florin smiles to the lady and comments to her, "When we dropped by the druid house we heard quite abit of things nature related were messedup. As my friend stated also, we were almost sunk by a whole bunch of fish acting up. Do you have any info on what might or could of caused this? Is it related to the forest or something?"

Belkior 
Friday March 11th, 2005 9:56:38 PM
The halfling cleric settled onto the foot stool that he used the last time that he was here in the group's apartment. He blushed slightly when he heard Xenia's invitation and stammered, "Ummm, thank you ... I appreciate the invitation ... umm, can I check with the temple?"

After Xenia handed him a mug of tea, Belkior's belly made a rumbling noise. "Excuse me, is there anything to nibble on in the kitchen?" After getting permission, Belkior goes into the kitchen and comes back with a tray of cookies. He passes them around to the group after first offering the treats to Brina.

After he has nibbled on a cookie, Belkior volunteers. "Well, what did we find in Perimon? The others have told you about the fight." The group can tell that Belkior is shifting into lecture mode. "One reason we went over was the possibility that the mysterious illness originated in the jungle. Following the fight, I suspected that some members of the group may have become infected. However, the mysterious event seems to have healed them completely, if they ever were infected in the first place."

"Also, the last expedition left some samples of what they called a native and a party member who may have died of the mysterious illness. I examined the skulls and concluded that the "native" was an elf, very much indistinguishable from the residents of the city. Well, if the resident of the city was reduced to a skeleton, of course."

"The notes left by the original group described symptoms and suggested a disease course similar to what we have seen in the men from the trash level. In their case, the disease seemed to run its complete course. And the sprouting of a plant from the victim's head, which would have killed him if he wasn't dead yet."

Belkior turns back to his cookie and looks thoughtful. "Umm, the sensation when I first entered the jungle was like nothing that I have experienced before."

OOC - I've changed computers and don't have our GM's e-mail address. Can you either put it on the message board, or send it to me at petherick AT personainternet DOT com.



DM George 
Friday March 11th, 2005 10:26:42 PM
Brina listens patiently to the stories of battle and treaure, swimming plants and strange jungle illnesses. She takes the occassional note but when the group starts talking about the natives of the jungle her interest perks up.

She asks, "Did you see any natives? This is very interesting. We always knew the jungle had ...." She seems to struggle for words..."an awareness. If these natives are directing the awareness, then a lot could be explained."

She straightens in her chair and she looks sternly at all of you. "You must go back out. We need to find out more about the natives. Are they directing the attacks or innocent bystanders. We need this information quickly. The fate of the Floating City might depend on it.

You have noticed that strange things are suddenly occurring in nature. I feel in my bones something is coming." The last wasn't really said to the party but more to herself.

She stands up with a start. Get started as soon as possible. The council will be waiting for your report! I must go report this!"

She scurries to the door and looks back one and says, "Get going! What are you all sitting around in your PJ's for!" Then she is gone. She will ignore any questions thrown at her being to deep in thought.

Angus 
Saturday March 12th, 2005 12:21:47 AM
Angus listens intently on the converstations and is startled as they end so soon. Angus is slightly perturbed that Brina made no comments to him directly; what is happening to his charms.

After Brina departure, Angus turns his attentions to the group, "Apparently the druid council does not think we are done with our task?" Angus scratches his chin. "Do we go catch ourselves a Native who may not want to come willingly? Any suggestions on how to transport or persuade one back to the floating city for questioning by the druids? I am certainly not carrying one."

Angus stands and announces "And I was so hoping not to have to sleep in a tent. Hey, maybe we can make day trip excursions into the jungle and return to the city at night. Florin this way you can still have breakfast with Jella every morning?" Angus ends hopefull.

Florin Jadenth 
Saturday March 12th, 2005 1:01:25 AM
Florin frowns when Bria leaves so quickly but simply shrugs before turning to the group and listening to Angus's comment. He smiles to Angus and chuckles, "My friend, I know how much you like the city and all but I think these natives may have something to do with the x on that map we found. If that is the case then returning to the city would be quite a feat since we will be traveling such a long ways."

Florin thinks over stuff and taps his pointer finger on the handle of his sword Glimmer before speaking again, "Before worrying about how to get one of the natives to come back with us we need to worry about finding them and the map is the best start we have on anything so we should go with that. I want to warn that if we find the natives they may be infected too, we do not know nothing about this or even if they are the cause of any of this trouble."

Florin glances to everyone again as he thinks and he stands up, "Also we stick with the no one goes anywhere by themselves while we are out. I also would like after any fight with any plant life and such a check of everyone to make sure no infection happens among the group. We do not need any of our friends turning against us."

Florin thinks of things he might beable to do to help upgrade his equipment and such and ponders a trip to the Catacombs also. After a few moments he does speak to Belkior, "If the natives have a small infection problem you may be one of our best bets to get them on ourside. You have the ability to cure the disease."

Lastly Florin will pull Syr to the side and speak to his friend, "Since we obtained some money I can pay you back all or some of the money I owe you my friend. I owe you my thanks for the help with the rings for everyone also. I just am glad the design was okay with everyone."

Xenia  d20+5=18
Saturday March 12th, 2005 10:46:13 AM
Xenia just kind of watches as the druid-girl puffs off in a rush.

"Well, you know, we were going back anyway," the rogue says half to herself.

"Right?" This delivered to the guys. "So ... um .... we going today? And, do you think we need manacles? I mean, if we're going to be capturing folks, that is."

"That's one thing I don't have."

"Hey, Angus." Xenia draws a thin wooden rod from inside her black velvet shirt. "Look what I got. While we're out there we can use this to clean up and stuff. I hear it also makes food taste better too." The red-headed rogue shakes the wand a few times, just for luck, or maybe to prime the thing, who knows, who can figure. Then she speaks a trigger word.

"So, uh, how's this supposed to work?" (UMD 18) She shakes the rod again with a bit of an irate look on her face. "Can you figure this thing out, Wynn? I think it's really important that we get that fish smell out of our stuff, you know." (Burn a few charges off the Wand of Prestidigitation for the RP effect. Assuming that Wynn or Angus get it working.)

"Um, Wynn," Xenia tugs at the bard's arm with a secret sort of look on her face, "I got something else too." She produces a vial. "I won it. Dunno exactly what it does. But from the way it's, you know, named sounds like we could, you know, maybe experiment with it. If you know what I mean." (Potion of Eagle's Splendor to Wynn)

Rolls
UMD 18

Lang & Sunshine 
Sunday March 13th, 2005 1:03:53 PM
Lang watches, mildly upset, as the Druid Brina hastily leaves the apartment on a rather rude note.

"We bring her hard evidence of intelligent plant life that seems to have no fear of humans and a taste for flesh and she hardly cares. Mention a passing notation in a journal, found in a pit in the woods, about an elf that may or may not be a native of the woods and she practically has a stroke."

"Do you think she knows more than she is telling us?" Lang says sarcastically.

"Well I am ready to go back across to the Crying Woods, but Sunshine is still injured and is not ready to go yet. I am looking forward to exterminating more of the vile plant creatures. I hope we run into a few of them."

"I am not exactly comfortable with the idea of capturing an elf or other humanoid just to bring back to the Druids so they can study it. perhaps we can convince one to come with us. Do we need to get more supplies before we leave?"

OOC - was the river inland wide enough for boat travel?

Xenia 2nd Illegal Post 
Sunday March 13th, 2005 2:22:16 PM
"Well um, Lang" the girl rogue quips in, "maybe intelligent plant life that seems to have no fear of humans and a taste for flesh sounds familiar to her. Maybe she's married to one?" And Xenia hehehes into her gloved hand.

Tionel  d20+9=17
Sunday March 13th, 2005 11:15:41 PM
"The druids already know about the plant life, and as for having one in the forest...I don't know if we could convince them."
Tionel doesn't feel hurt at all that the guys don't really consider him a druid. He isn't, really. Not like his dad or mom was...
"Hey Wynn, have you heard this song?"
He proceeds to sing, giving a passable performance, to a song, that sounds a bit weird...

"Ah, my love he is a knight so bold,
Impressive in his ardour
Or a minstrel or a pirate
With his thighs and arms so firm
With a mandolin or an angry grin and a dead wife in the larder
And somewhere around this point in the song someone normally gets transformed into a loathly worm.

Sing dum-a-diddle, dum-a-diddle, dum-a-diddle dee
I'm singing of the forests or the tavern or the sea
Sing dum-a-diddle, dum-a-diddle, dum-a-diddle die
You can cross out or forget about the bits that don't apply.



Syr (57/57) 
Monday March 14th, 2005 12:30:41 AM
Syr shrugs his shoulders casually as Florin thanks him, "Think nothing of it." He stares intently at the ring, "Maybe one day when we are more famous we can make them magical!"

He pauses to rub his side tenderly gently massaging the muscle until he is satisfied that it feels fine. (heal 2 hp)

Syr listens to Brina intently, "I like that woman, Brina, very direct and to the point. Less time for talking and more time for action. Let's get going."



Belkior 
Monday March 14th, 2005 8:42:53 AM
"Well, Brina has set us an interesting challenge, hasn't she?"

The halfling pauses to stroke his hairless chin for a moment. "Consider this. She is not concerned with the plants that attacked us. Is it because these plants were known to the druids already? Or, based on our description of it, does Brina not consider it a threat? I mean, druids often times are quite adept at dealing with plant life so she may not be threatened."

Belkior pauses to gather the remaining crumbs of the cookies from the plate. "Do you suppose that the druids know, or suspect even, what we're likely to find when we search out these natives? That it's not really a mystery to them, only to the rest of the city?"

"If we're to bring one of these natives back to the city, how would we go about it? Does anyone besides myself speak Elven? I could always, if needed, ask Alemi for the spell that allows communication with any speaking thing."

Lang's comment now sinks in to the halfling cleric. "My apologies, Lang. We were so rushed when we returned to the city that I did not heal any remaining wounds. Besides Sunshine, is anyone else still wounded? If so, I am capable of healing any wounds before we venture out again."

OOC - Belkior will cast Cure Light Wounds, Cure Minor Wounds or whatever is needed to bring all party members up to full hitpoints. And that includes Sunshine.



Wynn 
Monday March 14th, 2005 9:10:06 AM
Wynn stares. First at Xenia as she proposes experimenting with a potion, and then Tionel when he sings his bizarre song. The bard remembers the druid's strange behaviour the night before, and shakes his head.

Moving over to Belkior as he checks on the Crimson Shields Wynn whispers, "better give Tionel a thorough going over, if you know what I mean." The half-elf raises his index to his temple and makes a little circle.

Returning to Xenia, he reaches out for the potion. Turning the vial so that he can read the lable, he looks to see if there is a little blue diamond under the inscription. He had heard about these types of potions, but thought they were for older humans. He wonder's why Xenia is suggesting he use it, and he blushes uncharacteristically.

DM George 
Monday March 14th, 2005 6:56:13 PM
The group discusses their options. They seem surprised that the druid's were not more concerned about the plants. Could they be missing the point? Maybe the druid's are very concerned about the plants but want to understand better the intelligence guiding the plants on such a systimatic attack of the Floating City.



Xenia 
Monday March 14th, 2005 9:15:58 PM
He looks hurt. And a bit discomforted. And, now, maybe more than ever before, she loves him with all her heart.

"They said it was Eagle's Splendor, Wynn. And, the first thing I thought of was you. I dunno what it does." Xenia touches his arm. "But Eagle's Splendor has gotta be you."

"I gotta go change," she says. "Get ready, you know. To go back across. But, Wynn ... " She's lost. Fighting through all of the words that she wants to say, not knowing which ones are right. "I love you, Wynn," she says at last. And then she has to go. Not because she's got to get ready. But because her feelings are too intense, and if she doesn't move, work, do something, then whatever's inside of her is going to break or break out or some other really drastic thing that there just isn't time for right now. Or, maybe she's just afraid.

When Xenia comes back down, she's dressed in a new black shirt of Mithral links. The fluid elven craftsmanship doesn't make a sound. At her hip the rogue's short sword is replaced by a slim rapier. When she speaks, she's all business.

"I speak Elven, Belkior," she says. "And I speak Undercommon too, but most all of that is book learned." The dark rogue dumps her pack on the table and begins double checking the contents. "And, if you want my thoughts on why the druids aren't worried about the plants attacking us, I think it's because the plants always attack. This is the third time I been in the Crying Woods, and each time some plant thing has tried to eat us or suck our blood or sump'tin. I guess they gotta eat, and we're on the menu. It's just what they do."

Lang & Sunshine 
Monday March 14th, 2005 9:58:19 PM
Lang chuckles at Xenia's comment about the potential mate of the Druid Brina.

Lang catches a hurtful look on Tionel's face after he is done talking. Thinking back on what he has said, he says to Tionel, "I did not mean convince a Druid to come with us, I meant convince an elf or whatever to come back with us to the Floating City."

Lang then brings Sunshine over to Belkior for some more healing (he is down 8 hp's).

"Well I guess we are ready to go back now."

Angus 
Monday March 14th, 2005 11:24:31 PM
Angus looks around the group and announces. "Does everyone have what they need to go back to the jungle? If not, I say we wait a day before going to make sure we have all we need. If there is time, I want to stop by to see Gordo and the kids too."

After Xenia goes upstairs to change Angus elbows Florin and says none to quitely. "Oh Man, she has got it bad."

Angus goes and seeks out the cookie eating halfling too. "Just to be sure, you may want to start to cure disease the whole group, maybe over a week. Just to be sure no one starts sprouting plants out of our ears. I think the look is entirely unbecomming."

In a conspiratorial tone Angus adds "Belkior, this is a unique group of people and one may never know if we are behaving strangely or not. Angus winks before going to his room to check his supplies.

Florin Jadenth 
Tuesday March 15th, 2005 12:01:43 AM
Florin smiles and watches Xenia go for a moment when Angus elbows him. Florin nods and smiles to his friend, "Yeah, seems like not to long ago I was trying to get to know her in the GG." Florin shakes his head and looks to Angus and Belkior now and suddenly thinks of something, "We will have to see about getting you a ring like ours so it is known your with us for sure Belkior."

Florin looks to Syr and thinks over his comment about making the rings magical later and nods, speaking to him after a moment, "I like the idea of adding a ability to these rings. Maybe sometime we should look into something that will aid the group or such."

Tionel 
Tuesday March 15th, 2005 7:10:41 AM
Tionel wonders why Lang thinks he cares...obviously they need a druid along for this sort of trip, and Tionel really doesn't have any knack for the whole nature thing...he thinks he's proven that.
But he doesn't want to make a big deal over anything. He rolls his eyes behind Xenia's back but if she looks at him he's smiling allowingly...
The poor girl is so dumb, he thinks to himself. Well, it's not her fault...she's a half-elf. That human part of her is messing her up, making her too emotional and overly dramatic...ohwell. IF she were an elf, after two or three little affairs...heck, Tionel would tumble her once or twice for fun, just to get her over him. And if a long-erm, e]ell

...(afalling sleep sorry)

Wynn 
Tuesday March 15th, 2005 10:54:35 AM
"Hunh?"

Wynn looks at the departing form of the comely dark half-elf, then scans the faces of his smiling companions. With a shrug of his shoulders and a sheepish grin on his face he lopes up the stairs two at a time.

Catching Xenia outside her room, he lifts her chin with a finger and stares into her green eyes for a moment before pressing in for a kiss. His arms encircle her lithe form for a moment drawing her to him. He thinks of asking her to stay behind, safe in the apartment, while he goes off exploring. Or, maybe, he could send her to his mother. She would be safe there.

But that is not who she is, he thinks, in a rare moment of insight.

"We must take care of each other," he whispers, "and the others," he adds releasing her, and opening the door to her room in one smooth movement. The half-elf turns, and without looking back goes to his room and prepares for departure. The image of the elvish skull from the the woods disturbing his thoughts.

Syr 
Tuesday March 15th, 2005 7:22:53 PM
Shaking his ponytail in frustration, he taps his foot impatiently and is jumps into the lead back to the docks and jungle if the group is ready.

Belkior 
Tuesday March 15th, 2005 9:42:01 PM
"I have a few items that I would like to purchase, but otherwise I am ready to travel. When I pray to Alemi, I will request both some disease healing spells and those that allow me to speak with those who I do not share a language with."

Belkior cleans the remaining crumbs from his surplice and then moves to gather the mugs and plates. Unfortunately, it seems that the washbasin is too high for him. Without asking, he moves the stool that he often uses into the kitchen and prepares to clean up. He needs to make sure that these mugs are carefully cleaned before putting them away.


DM George 
Wednesday March 16th, 2005 4:34:06 PM
OOC Sorry Folks! I really thought I posted yesterday. I must be going senile.

The Crimson Shields finish whatever shopping they need to do and gather equipment and supplies to prepare themselves to go into the jungle again.

They troop down to the boats and once again row themselves over to the farside around 200' yards away. Though they anxiously scan the waters, nothing strange happens on this leg of the journey.

You have beached the boats and are standing on the beach. Which direction will the Crimson Shields go this time?

Xenia  d20+17=26 d20+11=15
Wednesday March 16th, 2005 5:56:08 PM
" ... take care of each other ... "

His words still ring in her ears. Xenia heaves a small involuntary dreamy sigh as she looks out across the beach and into the green cacophony of the Crying Woods.

"Who's ... um, oops." Xenia does a small kip-step as she catches her foot on some unevenness of the ground. She glances around to see if anyone's noticed before continuing. "Who's idea was it to take the boat up the river? I think that's a good idea."

"Anyone know anything about boats?"

With a weather eye out for danger, the rogue, with bright red hair pulled back into a tight business-like ponytail strides, up the beach.

"I'm gonna check see if it's back. The feeling, I mean."

Stopping at the place, that invisible demarcation between the normal world and the malevolence of the woods, Xenia cautiously takes a single step in.

Rolls
Spot 26
Listen 15

Angus 
Wednesday March 16th, 2005 7:24:08 PM
Angus steps out of the boat and takes of his fine floppy leather hat and looks up at the sun. "Nice day. Maybe we search out whats left of Perimon City before going upriver. We really did not look at much the last time we were here."

Angus looks at Xenia and Lang "Do we scout by stealth or recon in force?"

"Hey Florin." Angus calls out as he approaches the Paladin. "What do you say to camping here for at least a day to check out the area by the Floating City, since it is the Jungle that was making all of the problems for the city. This is most likely the point from which the Jungle was attacking. After our investigation we can quickly report back to the Druids since we are so close, before heading upriver like Xenia is suggesting."

Florin Jadenth 
Wednesday March 16th, 2005 10:15:49 PM
(OOC:I been looking over the books to decide on things Florin might get so I wanted to ask George. Is it to late to have Florin jump in the catacombs?)

Florin looks around when they reach the beach when they land and sighs softly at being back. He looks to the others and then Angus, thinking over everything before replying, "I think making camp here might be a good idea. This would probably be a good spot for our first camp but lets search the jungle around this are just abit to see if we can get any signs of anything at all."

Florin sees Xenia move off to test out the jungle and quickly jogs to cetch up with her and speaks to her when he cetches up, "Remember, no one does anything alone Xenia. This place is to unpredictable and no one should stray to far just incase a attack would happen." Florin thinks over his words and quickly stutters for just a moment as a thought crosses his mind, "I...I uh..mean inless it is something personal that is needed to be taken care of since you are the only female among the group."

Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=18
Wednesday March 16th, 2005 10:53:38 PM
Lang & Sunshine jump off their boat and help pull it up onto the beach. Lang pulls out his bow and an arrow moves quickly after Xenia and Florin.

"Come on Sunshine. Let's see if we can rustle up some more plants to send to back into the earth."

Spot 18 regular / 22 favorite enemy plant

Spell:
Speak with Animals

Tionel 
Thursday March 17th, 2005 1:33:00 AM
"A day here, then we go right up that river to where the elf was found. Right?" The elf looks to the others, grinning still from Florin's embarassment.

Tionel stands on the boat moored boat and listens to the waters...he hops into the air, and with surprising fluidity, mutates into a majestic eagle that spreads its wings far...and splooshes into the water clumsily.
He splashes and manages to get onto beach, then stamps with his bird feet along the sand. For a bit he ruffles his feathers and tests his wings, trying to learn the mechanics of flying. Finally, he hops again, and soars a little before touching the ground with a scamper of his feet. After a few tries, he's gliding along the ground and jumping, almost flying.
Tired, he changes into a Tionel form and lies on the beach, exhausted. "Man, my arms are tired..."
Of course, his whole experiment was intended to make a patrol of the area, but new at this whole druid thing, he failed to even take off once.
If the others decide to patrol, he joins them in Tionel form, and marches along somewhat tiredly...not taking as much interest in the forest as he did last time.

Belkior 
Thursday March 17th, 2005 7:32:32 AM
The halfling cleric looks around at his companions, some of whom seem to be bent on dashing off into the jungle and Tionel exhausting himself by learning to fly. Bah, flying! He's simply going to fall further and hurt himself more! Looking at Tionel in eagle form the halfling scratches his chin. I wonder, would it be easier or more difficult to heal him in animal form. Of course, if he could turn into a tree we could plant him in a sunny spot and simply water him once in a while. It might make amputation easier, too.

Breaking out of his reverie, the halfling speaks up. "I vote for looking around the ruins of Perimon City. For a day, maybe, before we head towards the spot marked on the map. And I definitely agree that we shouldn't separate."

"Does anyone have a map or know the layout of the city? Would there have been a headquarters or some place like that?"

The halfling thinks that flying is overrated and simply increased the distance that you could

Syr 
Thursday March 17th, 2005 10:09:39 AM
The elf's eyes pop out of his head as he watches Tionel changing back and forth into a bird. He starts running toward the water when he sees the eagle take a splash but slows when the bird appears to be okay. As he appears to be getting the grasp of it he wanders over near Xenia, "Methinks the advantage of height will help relieve some of your solo scouting hazards."

At Florin's suggestion, the elf nods, "Set up camp in the Smithy and do some group exploring tomorrow." He proceeds to the smithy and begins cleaning things up a bit.

Wynn  d20+6=14
Thursday March 17th, 2005 7:50:35 PM
Wynn helps unload the boat and scans the area for any signs of trouble. [Spot=14] "I agree, let's check out what is Left of the settlement before heading up river."

DM George 
Thursday March 17th, 2005 8:12:20 PM
The Crimson Shields decide to go back to Perimon City and do some more scouting around. They head off into that direction and again notice that the hostility that they first experienced when entering the jungle, is still missing.

After walking for a while, they realize that they should have reached the outpost by now, but can't seem to find any sign of it. Fully grown trees, bushes and shrubs now occupy the space where the outpost was. It almost looks like 25 years of growth happened overnight.

Upon some searching, a scrap here and there can be found but no building are still standing. Only the andvil from the Smithy is still standing in its location, though it is totally overgrown with vines.

Belkior  d20+5=7
Thursday March 17th, 2005 9:58:43 PM
The halfling cleric surveys the vines covering the anvil in the abandoned smithy. Then he turns to look at the wild growth covering the former townsite.

"Well," Belkior intones in a calm, thoughtful voice. "There goes our plan to camp in the smithy. And I don't think that we'll have a chance of finding anything in the former headquarters either. But, we won't find anything unless we try."

Turning to Xenia, Belkior continues. "You said the headquarters was about how many feet to the east from the smithy?"

Waiting for a response, Belkior moves that approximate number of feet in the correct direction. "Well, this should be where the headquarters used to be. Does anyone see anything around here? Because I certainly don't."

Spot = 7



Xenia  d20+17=27 d20+12=30
Thursday March 17th, 2005 10:05:18 PM
What!?!?!?

What!?!?!?

WHAT!?!?!?

"Where'd everything go??? Look at these trees!!! Hey Ti'nel, is this supposed to ... " Um, all things considered, maybe not the best person to ask. "Hey Lang, is this supposed to grow this fast? I mean, it's like nothing was ever here. This is weird. This is really weird."

But then, Xenia remembers the way the Crying Woods had creeped in on the temple. And how it could creep on you and try to suck your blood. And maybe it doesn't seem so weird after all. And, maybe three times doesn't a Crying Woods expert make. Oh well.

The dark rogue heaves a sigh that speaks a bit of impatience and a bit of exasperation.

"So, you guys still wanna camp out here? Looks like everything's gone."

"Weird stuff," she mutters under her breath.

"Alright, so, what? So we travel in pairs now? All together? And how far away is too far? I mean, I was only going to the edge of the beach. I mean, I'd go that far just ducking behind a bush, if you know what I mean, Florin."

Xenia goes to stand next to Wynn. Handing the map of Perimon to Belkior as she goes. She looks out into the riot of green as she continues talking.

"You know, I was thinking, if there's a few plant things out there that swim, maybe it's not such a good idea to take the boat up the river. I mean, if the thing can push the boat over, we'd pretty much be done for, right? Especially the folks in armor. Specially if we don't have anyone who knows anything about boats."

"Whaddya think, huh? Who's got the map?"

Rolls
Spot 27
Listen 30 (Though how she can listen while talking the whole time is a mystery.)

Angus  d20+3=17
Thursday March 17th, 2005 11:05:50 PM
"Very Interesting" Angus muses to no one in particular.

Angus thinks to himself, will have to try a few things with the local plant life before we bed down for the night, and a large smile comes across his face.

Angus makes sure he stays in the middle of the group and keeps a causal eye out for trouble (spt 17).

Tionel 
Friday March 18th, 2005 2:51:21 AM
"Y'know... I don't think we have to be worried about anything *malicious* in these woods so long as we don't feel that...hate again. I mean, it might pop up at any second, but other than that, we still should be careful. There are big plants and dangeorus animals without the evilness, y'know..."
Tionel realizes he's blathering and he has a seat on the soft grass. "Ahhh...man, my arms ache."

Belkior - OOC 
Friday March 18th, 2005 8:43:31 AM
OOC I didn't include this with my main post, but if Belkior has had time to pray these are the spells that he has memorized. If he hasn't had time to pray and change his spells, this is what he will ask for next time.

0 Level (5)
Detect Magic (2), Detect Poison, Mending, Read Magic

1st Level (3+1+1)
Bless, Comprehend Language (2), Sanctuary, Cure Light Wounds (D)

2nd Level (3+1+1)
Hold Person, Lesser Restoration, Resist Energy, Silence, Aid (D)

3rd Level (2+1+1)
Dispel Magic, Prayer, Remove Disease, Magic Circle Against Evil (D)

no problem...he had time to make changes


Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=7 d20+6=16
Friday March 18th, 2005 9:28:27 AM
Lang & Sunshine stay with the group searching the area around the Smithy for anything of interest (search 7; natural 1).

Disgusted with his search efforts, Lang instead tries to spot any plant creatures or any of the purple flowers that were seen last time they were here (spot 16/20).

"Plant life does not grow this quick. I think it might be growing even quicker than before."

"At least this helps us with where to make our campsite. We should finish scouting out this area for creatures or info and then maybe move up to the river to see if the boats can travel down it. After that maybe make some short forays into the woods to end this day, campout on the beach tonight and then travel down the river, by boat or on foot, towards where the elf was found tomorrow. Maybe camping out here overnight will help us solve some of these strange happenings."

Spell:
Speak with animals

Florin Jadenth 
Friday March 18th, 2005 1:37:40 PM
Florin's glad that his tongue tied part went by Xenia un-noticed from the looks but does hear her other comments and sighs gently, mainy to himself, "I just don't want no one out of sight from the group or to far away to get help easily."

Florin looks to Xenia for a moment longer and steps away and looks to Syr now as he moves over by him, "We can set up camp on the veach here I guess, then move on. If anytone thinks it's a good idea to try and find anything in that mess then we can try."

Wynn  d20+6=8 d20+3=11
Friday March 18th, 2005 10:22:13 PM
"This can't be natural", the bard speaks out. "Even the Culverwood with all of it's guiles does not conceal a settlement with such haste. Perimon, or what remains of it is still there, beneath the foliage. I suggest we see if we can find it. Remember Florin's advice, stay together and keep your eyes open."

If they do enter the area of the old settlement, Wynn will pair up with Xenia and search likely locations based on the map of the settlement. [Spot=8, search =11]

Xenia (2nd Illegal Post)  d20+15=20
Friday March 18th, 2005 10:41:34 PM
With Wynn by her side, Xenia switches lenses and searches close to the ground, trying to comb the tall grass for signs of what once was Perimon. (Search 20)

DM George 
Saturday March 19th, 2005 10:24:33 AM
The group spreads out and searches the remains of Perimon City. After careful exploration, they do finds signs of things. Broken Crockery, a wood spoon, rumble of foundations. It looks like nature went crazy here and actually attacked the city. Not with blunt force but in the way nature slowly will destroy manmade works, unless it is fought against. With root and vines, slowly crumbling the stone around it. Only what normally takes years happened in minutes last night.

The group plods down to the river and explores. They find they can navigate the boats up the river for the short way they explored. (ooc How many boats do you have?} They see beautiful jungle life all around them. Brightly plummaged birds, crimson and violet flowers, and much animal life. A small shy deer on the river bank, small squirrel like creatures climbing through the trees and huge amounts of insect life.

Beetles chewing on leaves, Lang, sees a bug that looks so much like a stick, he is tempted to use it as kindling for the fire and of course mosquitos. The group quickly finds themselves being chewed on by the nasty little buggers. Nothing magical in the attack, just mosquitos being themselves.

After a long day of rooting around, the Crimson Shields gather back on the beach. They are all telling stories of the things they saw and realizing maybe the jungle isn't just a source of conflict but something beautiful in its own right.

As the group settles down in their bedrolls, they are started by a huge CCCrrrraaacccckkkk!
The jump up from their comfortable positions to see a tree split down the middle and slightly on fire. Angus is standing not far away with a strange grin on his face. Belkior saw him cast a lightning bolt from his fingers and hit the tree.

The Big Dream [CDM Jerry]


The Big Dream [CDM Jerry] 
Saturday March 19th, 2005 12:01:12 PM
Angus looks stares in surprise at the tree as well. The stricken tree is beginning to glow. Reaching out it's branches in agony, it seems to draw the party to it in an effort to share it's pain.

It now glows with extraordinary light and power!

The tree seems to reach out to you with it's branches and limbs. The effect is strange and wonderful. The minds of the Crimson Shields begin to join, become one.

The Crimson Shields now are singular. One. Unified in spirit and purpose.

The area lights up with the tree and the glowing heroes. The ground begin to sing with their efforts.

Some sort of collective elven effect is at work! Yet all our heroes are hearing what is an Elven collective?.

As our heroes struggle to come to grips with these events, their conscious minds fade and a waking dreamlike state begins.

There is then a joining of minds. Elven minds. Minds that look at life in terms of centuries instead of years.

Nearby elves join in with this union. Some join to a lesser extent being half-elves or other relates species.

The pool of collective thought grows until it becomes Woldwide!

The overwhelming thought becomes "Why?"

An ancient being joining the mix replies, "This has happened twice before. This is the third time."

"What has happened before? comes the overwhelming response."

"This. Prepare and listen."

A common Elven Dream begins.

---------

You are floating...in space..?

You can see The Wold turning lazily beneath you, so very far below--slow but steady, the planet rotates, basking blissfully in the light of the bright golden disk hanging above it. Sunlight dapples the large fertile brown expanses of land dotted with areas of green forest...it sparkles across the waves of the blue-green ocean.

The Wold is as it is.

Suddenly you become aware that there are three smaller discs approaching the bright one, also at a slow but steady pace...you realize that the bright disk must be the sun, and the others are the moons of The Wold.

The three new discs align to cover the sun completely, leaving it and The Wold in darkness. But there--right in the middle of the now-black sun-disk--a pair eyes blink open, as though awakened from sleep.

The almond-shaped eyes--the bright, brilliant hue of sky and sea--look down upon The Wold. They widen in surprise, as though viewing the burgeoning world for the first time in a very, very long time...then the expression in the turquoise eyes grows rather sad. A tear forms and falls from one of the eyes as it blinks.

The eyes in the black sun narrow slightly--as though the unseen person to whom they belong has suddenly begun contemplating...and then the eyes blink again, once more brightening with the enlightenment of a great idea..!

The eyes glow warmly--if there were a face to go with them, you just know that it would have a happy, friendly grin in place--and The Wold, turning in its slow, steady pace, begins to grow green. Focusing on the planet, you can see that the forests of The Wold flourish and grow lush once more, spreading their fertile growth across the faces of the both the continent of Yrth and the Fragmented Lands, as the owner of the eyes laughs delightedly.

You swoop down from your lofty perch and find yourself standing in an ancient forest, Culverwood, breathing in the good green scent of the ancient trees. There is a dark, malevolent blot at the edge of your senses whom the collective knows to be Parnoth the oppressor--then suddenly, the blot disappears from sight and you hear the great beast's agonized screams.

More screams and cries ring in your ears now--the voices of those who oppose and harm Nature, the voices of those who would hold back the elves and make them lesser beings, the voices of evil. Too long they have been allowed to run free, but now they face their just reward. Through it all, the owner of the eyes continues to laugh.

The dream ends and the personal you physically awakens with laughter still ringing in your ears.


Angus 
Saturday March 19th, 2005 1:55:13 PM
"Amazing!" Angus exclaims looking from the tree he struck to his finger and then back to his friends. "Think we should try that again!" Angus asks somewhat expectantly.

Not waiting for an answer Angus come back over to the group and exclaims. "I have never had visions before when I cast spells...this was a new spell, and what a whopper." Angus just smiles pleased with himself.

Xenia 
Saturday March 19th, 2005 3:00:51 PM
It stirs. From some place deep down inside herself. It stirs.

One generation? Two? Three? How far down goes the white shock of hair, the pink eyes, the scheming, devious, war-like drives of the drow?

Too long they have been allowed to run free, but now they face their just reward. The laughter rings in her ears.

Something turns the dark rogue's eyes toward each of her companions. Quiet, cold assessing eyes. A smile tugs at corner of the dark rogue's full lips. A smile that verges upon a sneer.

Xenia blinks. There is thunder in the air, and it is the sound of her own rapid pounding heartbeat.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

Outwardly, Xenia's lip trembles as inwardly she flails and beats at the feelings within her, driving them away, driving them from her. But ... how do you escape from yourself?

Her long dark fingers reach out beside her, searching, questing for the warmth of Wynn's hand.

"I-I I d-don't think so, Angus. I d-don't think I liked that ver-ver-very much."

Syr 
Saturday March 19th, 2005 3:02:58 PM
The elf scrambles to the side as the tree is split in half and looks at Angus with something akin to awe. Tying the two boats off he joins the others appreciating the tree healing itself.

Syr's heart reaches out to embrace his fellow elves in the vision and reacts to the evil rather strongly. Syr thinks to himself and mumbles the thoughts aloud, "uhoh, the last time I had a vision like that, I lived as a dead person for a while." He shivers with the memory of the experience.

Tying the two boats off, he

Wynn 
Saturday March 19th, 2005 8:02:54 PM
Wynn awakens from the dreamlike trance when he feels Xenia's discomfort. "Manke tanya tuula? [Where did that come from?] he asks aloud.

He gives Xenia's hand a reassuring squeeze before continuing. "That was amazing, did each of you see that? My mother was always studying the stars, charting their position, drawing diagrams of the planets, and trying to predict everything from romance to the timing of the harvest based on her measurements, but nothing like that!"

Wynn's eyes sparkle with excitement as he babbles on, thinking aloud at the meaning of what he has seen, and felt.

"I think my mother called it a convergence, when the sun, the moons and the Wold align in perfect unison. There will be songs written about this my friends, great songs!"

"Could you feel it Xenia? It was...well it's hard to describe...but I could feel you...and Syr, and my mom, all in my thoughts at the same time, with thousands of others."



Xenia 
Saturday March 19th, 2005 9:25:59 PM
"Yeah. I felt it." Xenia holds to Wynn's hand tightly. Her face is a mask of doubt and hesitation. Again she looks to each one of her companions, this time, for support, validation, the sheer comfort of togetherness.

"It was a good thing. Right, Wynn? Wasn't it?"

Tionel 
Saturday March 19th, 2005 11:43:19 PM
Awakened by the noise, somehow Tionel is more awakened by the dream. He comes out of it and is yelling in triumph, laughing in exuberance, running around like someone with the wind knocked out of them trying to breathe again. ALIVE!
He can't help but strech out his arms and jump around, again and again, avoiding tree roots and snagging branches without looking, feeling a part of the world like he never has.
It's great.
He has no clue what's happening...and wishes he felt this more often.


Florin Jadenth 
Sunday March 20th, 2005 3:18:04 PM
Florin blinks and looks around not sure where he is at first as his mind is in a complete daze from all of this.

After collecting himself as best as he can and slowly sitting up Florin whispers and touches his holy symbol of Domi, "If that was some type of vision Domi then I'm not sure if I want another." Florin looks to everyone and speaks up, "I'm okay, looks like the rest of you are okay too thank Domi."

Lang & Sunshine 
Sunday March 20th, 2005 8:38:03 PM
Lang & Sunshine stand around in amazement and confusement along with the rest of the group.

"What was that?" he thinks.

Belkior  d20+8=20 d20+18=33 d20+18=35 d20+18=22 d20+18=20 d20+18=23 d20+18=24 d20+18=20 d20+18=33 d20+18=26
Monday March 21st, 2005 9:00:48 AM
"Great Alemi! What was that!"

The image has flustered the normally cautious halfling and Belkior springs to his feet. His eyes flit around at his fellows. When his eyes come to Angus, Belkior motions towards Angus' finger and blurts out, "Careful where you point that thing!".

His alarm fading, Belkior takes a moment to more carefully survey the group. "Was anyone hurt? Do I need to heal anyone?" Seeing that no one was injured, Belkior takes a moment to regain his composure.

Having done that, he walks around the campsite and examines the fallen tree. "I assume that everyone had the same vision? I mean, I felt that you were all there with me, along with everyone else in the Wold, somehow. Give me a moment and I might be able to provide some insights."

Knowledge Religion = 20

After a moment, Belkior expounds on the cosmology and symbology of the vision, particularly the potential identity of the Being who was central to the vision.

Then, as a thought came to him, Belkior turns to the group. "How could I be so stupid! We spent the day tramping through the remains of the settlement and I didn't check any of us for infection. Line up over there and I'll get it over with."

Since it makes sense to his cautious and orderly mind, Belkior orders the group alphabetically by first name, starting with Angus and ending with Xenia, leaving himself to last.

OOC - here goes for the results of the heal checks:

Angus = 33
Florin = 35
Lang = 22
Sunshine = 20
Syr = 23
Tionel = 24
Wynn = 20
Xenia = ? (I can't scroll the Die Rolls window to see the results)
Belkior = ?



DM George "A new day" 
Monday March 21st, 2005 3:21:18 PM
The group settles down after experiencing the shared vision. They discuss what it means and how it made them feel.

Belkior checks over his companions and is surprised but happy to see that their is no sign of infection.

The group eventually drifts off to sleep for the night and awaken to a glorious sunrise. The sky is aglow with pink and orange. Everyone feels especially refreshed and ready to tackle the challenges of the day.

As you pack up camp, many of you wonder about the strange occurrances of the last few days with nature and now this vision. Could they be connected?

Belkior - OOC 
Monday March 21st, 2005 3:37:55 PM
OOC Did my Knowledge Religion check provide any useful information?

sorry no...George


Xenia  d20+17=24 d20+12=16
Monday March 21st, 2005 4:48:10 PM
What a fresh cool morning. Maybe there is something to this outdoors stuff after all.

Xenia scratches her arm.

Wonder if the mosquitoes will be better today?

The dark rogue walks a short wasy to the nearby river for a bit of morning business. The weirdness of last night is hazy. Far away. Almost like a dream. ... A dream they all shared ...

Nope. Still weird. Then again ... touching the minds of others. Wynn was right. He was there.

Xenia looks around before stooping to the river's edge. (Spot 24, Listen 16) She kneels an splashes water on her face, up her arms. She looks up again. Everything is so green. When she stands again, the rogue plucks a pink blossom from a tree and puts it in her hair.

The Crying Woods is not what it was before.

"So, we taking the boats?" the Xenia asks a she strides back into the center of camp.

OoC: BTW, when DM MikeK first set us out on the initial trip to Perimon, there were two boats.

Syr 
Monday March 21st, 2005 10:10:44 PM
Syr drops lightly into the boat and takes the oars preparing to go upstream. Gesturing to Angus he steadies the rocking boat, "Hop in, dreams are nice but I'm one for looking for rocks covered in gold."

Wynn 
Monday March 21st, 2005 10:45:28 PM
With nothing left to find in what remains of the settlement, Wynn joins Syr in one of the boats and offers a supporting hand to Xenia. "Come on. Syr's right,lets find the place where this native elf was captured and see if there are more. We may find the Lost City along the way. If the native elves know more about the dream they may tell us."

Florin Jadenth 
Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 3:31:02 AM
Florin takes a few moments in the morning and after Xenia is finished as to give her privacy to wash and such himself and also takes the time to shave nicely and check his ponytail before moving out, no reason why he shouldn't look his best.

Florin moves to join Syr at the boats and nods to his friend, "I'm interested in this city of gold of course but I would like to also make sure the Floating City remains safe from stuff....I have a funny feeling whatever that vision had to do with may be a threat to it also so..guess we just press on and see what clues we find about both as we go."

Florin gives Syr a nod and gets ready to help row if needed, "I will help row if I can. I could use the workout and I think some of us areb etter suited for rowing then others." Florin smiles to Angus and nods to him since he knows Angus doesn't like physical labor.

After getting in one of the boats he does comment, "Was funny being united with all of you too in the vision or dream. Guess we have a even bigger connection now then before. Of course I hope no ones secrets leaked out either." Florin eyes Xenia for a moment mainly after his comment, not wanting the rogue to know his feelings or maybe just were feelings on her.

Tionel 
Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 4:09:48 AM
Tionel hops onto the boat, eager to head down the river to the mysterious "X" at where the rogue elf was found. What sort of elf will he be? Wild and uncivilized, murderous and mean-hearted, kind and utopian...? It could be anything, what lies in these woods or beyond.

Belkior 
Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 7:55:19 AM
After blathering on regarding the potential meanings of the collective dream, it may become apparent to his companions that Belkior doesn't really know anything but is just guessing.

After performing his morning prayers, Belkior carefully prepares for travel by boat. He wraps his breastplate and other armour carefully, polishing any possible spot of tarnish then secures it to his backpack. Then, he makes sure that all of his pouches and pack compartments are closed as tightly as possible. Looking around, he realizes that he might be holding everyone up. Boats are tricky things, and I'm not taking any chances, he thinks to himself.

Lifting his pack into a boat, he secures it to a seat or another seemingly secure bit with rope. Then he clambers over the side, trying to do so with as much dignity as he can muster. Big people sized boats. At least the sides are high and there's plenty of room. Since he isn't big enough to offer much in the way of rowing, the halfling finds a place to sit near his pack that won't be in the way.

After seating himself, Belkior realizes that he's almost the last one in the boat.


Angus  d20+8=24
Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 8:59:21 AM
Angus wakes and stretches his long thin body. "Not a bad night, but I still prefer a feather bed."

Angus takes up Syrs offer and hops into his boat and leans back. "Do we stop by the Giggling Ghost for breakfast before we head upriver? Angus asks all those in his boat. Not waiting for an answer Angus takes out the Flute that Florin gave him and starts to play (perform 24) a lite and airy tone to make rowing easier.

DM George 
Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 1:55:35 PM
The Shields take to the boats and start moving up river. They travel most of the day, taking frequent breaks to rest their weary arms. They are making headway but it is slow going against the current.

OOC Please give me who is in which boat and who is rowing?

As the day starts to wind down, the group smells smoke coming from up ahead.

Xenia  d20+17=20 d20+12=21
Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 4:13:28 PM
The sound of the oars as they plow up water to spray in the wake of the boat. Sounds from the woods along the banks.

Xenia had taken Wynn's gracious hand and stepped lightly aboard the boat. "You're so smart," she whispers, and her eyes glow with something more than admiration. Tunnel Vision. It makes passions so much more intense. It turns the full focus of skills upon a problem. But, it misses so many more things as it flies in pursuit of it's goal.

Now the dark rogue kneels in the center of the boat, bow in hand. Maybe these forest elves can help them with this dream thing. Maybe they can help them with the Crying Woods thing. And the disease thing too. But, for the moment, there's plants out there that want to eat them and who knows what else.

Xenia turns a sharp eye to the ripples in the water. To the foliage along the banks. Even to the sky. Eyes and ears open for danger. (Spot 20, Listen21)

"Hey," she whispers, "what's that smell?"

OoC: In boat with Wynn. Same boat as Syr, per Wynn's last post.

Wynn  d20+6=18
Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 8:52:37 PM
Wynn takes a turn at the oars. He pulls with long steady strokes, enjoying the feeling as his muscles warm to the task. His pack rests at his feet. When the smell of smoke drifts towards him he looks up wind for the source.[Spot=18]

Syr 
Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 9:03:51 PM
When Wynn volunteers to row, the dark haired elf gingerly switches places with him. Careful not to upset the balance of the boat he eases his small body down on the bottom with his hands behind his reclining head. Looking at Wynn, Xenia, and Angus (I'm guessing we are boat #1?), "Any of you guys ever want to take up sailing? Ever think that is a good investment? I need to look into making a profit from my money."

(OOC: I never noticed, did Florin pay back Syr? I know it was discussed, did I miss it?)

Belkior  d20+4=14 d20+5=6 d20+6=23
Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 9:27:42 PM
Belkior sits quietly in the rear of the boat, or stern as the more nautically inclined have called it. He looks across at the other boat holding Wynn, Xenia, Syr and someone else.

"If your arms are sore, I can surely mix up a poultice or linament that will provide some relief. You should be careful of blisters, too. Nasty things, those. They can become infected. Then I'd have to lance them. For that matter, it's good that you're wearing gloves because splinters can be bad too. Sometimes I recommend removing them, sometimes the more stubborn ones have to stay in until the flesh becomes proud and then they can be expressed. Did you know that?"

During a break in his monologue, Belkior takes a bit of halfling trail snack from his pack and begins to nibble. Being polite, he offers it to the person rowing. The sweet honey has made him thirsty so Belkior next removes a cup from his pack and leans over the side to gather some water. Before drinking, he sniffs it carefully. Then sips a small amount, just enough to taste. Concluding that it is safe to drink (Survival = 14, untrained), he sips the water. Swishing out the cup, he offers some water to the rower.

Despite his chatter, he keeps an eye on the shores of the river. He is too distracted by the colourful foliage of the newly changed Forest to notice much. However, his ears and nose remain alert.

His delicate halfling nose wrinkles as he takes in the scent of smoke. He can't judge anything about the size of the fire because he does not know precisely how far it is to the village, or more properly, the fire.

"Hssss. Do you smell that smoke, too?", Belkior asks quietly to his companions in the boat. "Wonder what it means?"

Spot = 6, natural 1
Listen = 23, untrained


Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=16
Tuesday March 22nd, 2005 10:04:38 PM
OOC - I guess I am in the boat with Florin, Belkior, Tionel and Sunshine if the other boat has Wynn, Syr, Xenia and Angus.

Lang focuses on rowing when it is his turn. Trying to keep an even pace to his strength and to the other boat. When he is not rowing he will make sure to drink a lot of water and to eat a little bit. Lang will feed and give water to Sunshine during this time too.

Lang will monitor the shore line during his rest periods, relying on the rest of the group to warn him of danger when he is rowing (spot 16/20).

Lang smells the fire at the same moment most of the rest of the group asks he they smell anything.

"Perhaps we should get off the river and onto dry land before we come upon the fire."

Florin Jadenth  d20+1=19
Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 1:12:14 AM
Florin will be in the same boat as Lang, Belkior, Sunshine and Tionel. To save the others from starting the rowing he takes first turn at the oars and enjoys the exercise even if the current is working against them.

Florin doesn't both trying to spot anything while rowing since it is hard to keep your mind on rowing and watching for possible rocks, etc while spotting for danger. When Florin is free and someone takes over rowing though he watches the shoreline cautiously.(Spot:19)

(OOC:Florin offered but didn't pay nothing as of yet since Syr didn't say nothing. If Syr wants full or half payment then please let me know so I can minus it from my sheet ;) Was what, 1,000gps total?)

Tionel 
Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 2:03:27 AM
(As far as I can tell, one boat has Xenia, Syr, Wynn, Angus. Boat two has Florin, Belkior, Tionel, Lang, Sunshine.)
"Row, Row, Row, Row! Rowing my Rowing River Boat!
Gee I love to float!
In my riverboat!
Heave ho, to and fro, don't you dare to stop!
Don't jump or hippity hop!
The boat will go kerplop!"

Tionel ponders that first song.
Nah...need more serious lyrics.
"There's no earthly way of knowing
Which direction we are going
There's no knowing where we're rowing
Or which way the river's flowing
Is it raining?
Is it snowing?
Is a hurricane a-blowing?
Not a speck of light is showing
So the danger must be growing
Are the fires of hell a-glowing?
Is the grisly reaper mowing?
Yes, the danger must be growing
'Cause the rowers keep on rowing
And they're certainly not showing
Any signs that they are slowing!"

Tionel sits there and smiles, running a hand through the water. Then he looks up at his companions and chipperly announces, "Man, this is great! Say, I could turn into a giant turtle or a fish or something! It'd be great!"

Of course, he asks this just as he's about to have his turn rowing.

Angus  d20+8=10 d20=8
Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 9:05:51 AM
Angus tires of flute play after the hours on the water (perform 10) and stops. Angus lazily drags his hand over the side of the boat, until he remembers what the notebook said about swimming water plants.

Angus suggests to his boat (Xenia, Wynn, Syr)"We may want to approach the smoke cautiously. Maybe we scout the situation from the opposite bank or beach the boats and send scouts and give people time to don their heavy armor?"

Angus tries to determine if food is being cooked or if it is some other type of fire (smell check untrained 8, need Sunshines nose)

Angus calls over to Tionel. "Do you want to investigate in your bird form and report back?"

The Village


DM George "Surprise!" 
Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 2:49:22 PM
The Shields slow the boats and sniff the air. As they are discussing tactics, they are startled by a loud piercing scream. An elven child is standing on the riverbank holding a basket of some kind of berries. She is staring wide-eyed at the two boats in shock. She quickly recovers and drops her basket and darts away down the path yelling in elvish. "Help! Monsters! Monsters on the river!"

She is dressed in strange garments that seem to make her blend in with her jungle surroundings. You quickly lose sight of her as you runs deeper into the jungle.

Xenia  d20+17=21 d20+12=17
Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 3:57:26 PM
"HEY! Xenia jumps up.

Bad move.

The boat slides and rocks, and Xenia crouches, eyes wide as a cat.

"I'm ... I'm with you Angus, beach the boats. We're sitting ducks for arrows in these floating things." The rogue keeps an eye on both banks as they figure out what to do. (Spot 21, Listen 17)

"I mean, then again, looks like they got kids around. Maybe if we just go in with, like, weapons down, we can, you know, like, just talk to them, huh?"

Angus 
Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 4:45:36 PM
Angus is surprised by the childs scream and reaches for his wand, but it is too late.

Angus grabs the sides of the boat as Xenia stands then sits in order to steady himself and the boat. "Whoa Xenia, I don't want to swim to shore."

Angus speaks softly to his comrades in the boat." Lets beach the boat where we saw the child and take the basket of berries back to her and her people."

Angus looks from his boat to the next. "Besides the elves and me, who else speaks elvish, as it may be important?"

Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) 
Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 6:19:26 PM
"Me, I do," the dark half-elf replies. "Doncha remember the first time we met? You taked to me in elvish."

Wynn 
Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 7:00:08 PM
Wynn looks to the shore on hearing the child's scream and calls out Mellonea, mellonea! (Friends, friends!) as the girl flees down the path.

"I agree, lets put ashore here and wait to see if these elves will seek us out. We can prepare to meet them, and I too would feel less vulnerable along the river."

The bard pulls hard on the oar farthest from the shore where they wish to land, and the nose of the craft veers towards the bank.

"Let's prepare to meet them as friends, for we may have much to learn from them."

Angus (second illegal post) 
Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 7:44:31 PM
Angus smiles at Xenia, "Of course I remember. I was including you among those of elven blood."

Angus looks at Wynn. " I agree, lets try to make friends, but I still think those that want to don armor should."

Angus calls out to the entire group. "Lets not spook them by trying to capture anyone, at least not right away. We need to find out more about them first."

Belkior  d20+5=8
Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 9:07:03 PM
Belkior grabs quickly for anything secure in the boat. As an afterthought, he makes a grab for his pack also.

"I really don't know why she would respond that way. Maybe an adult wouldn't, but that's for us to determine."

Glancing at the riverbanks which now seem to hold untold numbers of lurking natives armed with longbows, Belkior motions carefully so as to not rock the boat any further. "Let set ashore some place over. Those of us who use armor should put it on, I think."

Spot = 8, to notice anything on the shore

Thinking for a moment, Belkior continues to speak as his companions row closer to shore. "It's possible that we aren't the only non-elves that they've encountered. And maybe those encounters weren't very friendly."



Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=26 d20+6=15
Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 9:46:32 PM
"I agree. Let's beach the boat where we saw the girl. However, I think we should wait a while and give the elves a chance to come to us. They may not be too happy if 8 armed and armored people storm into their village. We can also prepare ourselves in case it turns ugly."

Lang helps Florin get their boat to shore and secure it so it does not drift away.

Moving up onto the riverbank, Lang retrieves his quarterstaff swords from his quiver and straps the swords to his sides. He also removes some studded leather armor from his backpack.

"Come here Sunshine. It is time to try out your new armor."

Lang straps the specially made studded leather onto Sunshine. He checks to make sure that it fits snugly and will not chafe too much.

Standing up, Lang holds his quarterstaff and waits (spot 26/30; natural 20 & listen 15/19).

OOC - Is the smoke coming from this side of the river and from the direction that the girl ran to?

Syr 
Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 10:24:56 PM
Syr blushes and ducks his head, "Not me, I was put in the orphanage when I was much younger." He stops on that and looks downcast remembering the past. Looking up once again he says quietly, "What did she say?"

Assuming they do reach land, the elf is the first to leap out and uses the rope at the bow of the boat to drag it further on shore so that everyone can safely disembark.

Florin Jadenth  d20+1=15
Thursday March 24th, 2005 12:30:18 AM
Florin helps get the boat to bank with Lang and looks to Xenia, Angus and Wynn before coughing abit since this might be abit funny to be heard from him, "Ummm, actually my parents had me learn elven. A diplomatic skill moreless as they seen it and a worthless one I had thought since I have never had need for the language till now. I mean all my elven friends here or half-elven friends know common."

Florin looks to Lang and walks over to give him a hand smiling, "I've done this with my horse also, he is a good dog Lang." Florin thinks and whispers to Lang, "My tracking skill is kind of limited but I would be honored to help and hopefulyl learn more if you like to track for us."

Florin also looks over to Angus and grins as he jokes with his friend, "Good idea about the basket Angus, you can carry it since it was your idea." Florin smiles to his friend and looks to the others, "I agree, we go with no weapons pulled but we must be ready none the less since we have no idea how these people react. An also may I say that the last stranger out here did see a native and look and how we found that native. They might think we are possessed by that plant."

(Spot:15)

Tionel 
Thursday March 24th, 2005 2:26:59 AM
"Sitting ducks? Yes...we should be. I'll go look ahead, and keep in the air above, watching."
Having said that, Jake takes the form of an animal common to these jungles, something large enough to change into, yet not too unusual. A bird, possibly, or an animal that is usually seen here. if land-bound, he hops off the boat and scurries into the forest and begins to patrol the area...if air-bound he finds some trees and makes a methodical following of the kid. He probably stops pursuit after about a hundred yards, if the kid goes that far.

(When you say jungle, I'm really unclear on the animals that live here. Would an eagle be innappropriate? What about a large squirrel? Or an owl? I want to change into something that won't attract notice and Tionel can move about as in the woods.)


DM George 
Thursday March 24th, 2005 9:15:11 PM
The group is startled by the elven girl as she bolts away. They decide to try a diplomatic approach first and Angus picks up the basket of berries. He is delighted to find it isn't very heavy. Even he can pick up as much as a small elven child.

The entire group, beaches (or shores :-)) the boats and ties them off. They collect themselves and start to move down a path in both the direction the girl ran and where they smell woodsmoke.

Tionel turns into a squirrel and takes to the trees. He scouts ahead but stops after about 50' when he stumbles into a house. The house is in the trees with him. After carefully looking around, he notices a whole village. Tionel is very impressed as the whole village is in the treetops and each individual house is very difficult to see. They seem to naturally blend into the trees.

He notices the elves of the village mobilizing after the girls shouts of warning. He sees no armor but lots and lots of bow wielding elves.
They are dressed in the same garmets as the little girl and seem to blend into their surrounding very well. A quick count tells him the shields are facing overwhelming numbers. At least 100 elves are mobilizing.

Tionel 
Friday March 25th, 2005 3:41:58 AM
Tionel, in his squirrel form, eyes the troops uneasily. It'll be seconds before his friends land and make their entrance, and who knows how they'll be treated? He wishes to make himself known, but at the same time, who knows what sort of reaction they'll have?
He resolves upon a silent course of action. He'll watch the elves. If his friends get captured, as it seems they might, he will somehow find a way of getting them out. Maybe he could even sneak into a tent and get some clothes and fit in...
But in the meantime, he stays hidden in the tree, watching and waiting. Who knows how this will go?

Wynn  d20+6=10
Friday March 25th, 2005 9:05:16 AM
Wynn helps drag the boat ashore, high enough to ensure that rising water won't wash it away. He quickly checks his equipment, making sure that all is in order before heading off down the path. He whistles a melody as he walks, trying to recall the words.[Spot=10]

Xenia  d20+17=23
Friday March 25th, 2005 10:30:02 AM

Weird. Watching Elf Tionel suddenly shrivel all down and become Squirrel Tionel. Just weird. Didn't never see him do that until recently.

Xenia picks up along the trail next to Wynn. It's hard not to take out the bow. Just something in her itches to have it ready. But, it's a discipline thing, right? To keep her hands busy, the rogue takes Wynn's arm as they walk along. She smiles what she hopes is a not-too-uncomfortable smile. She matches her pace to the metre of the bard's tune, almost a walking dance.

In the green and flowers it's almost nice. Still, the rogue keeps her eyes peeled. (Spot 23) That little girl was bound to call out a welcoming party.

A welcoming party of some kind ...

Syr 
Friday March 25th, 2005 10:32:45 AM
The elf looks briefly at the basket in Angus' hand and considers trying a berry. Thinking that would be rude, he shakes his head and falls into line at the rear of the group as everyone else passes him by.

Angus 
Friday March 25th, 2005 12:51:50 PM
Angus holds the basket out in front of him as an offering and waits to see what happens. Angus is hoping that someone will step forward to take it.

In fact Angus will add in elvish "A small girl dropped his basket of berries by the river and we have come to return it."

Angus (second illegal post)  d20+7=18
Friday March 25th, 2005 5:58:25 PM
Angus is attempting to be as diplomatic as possible (diplomancy 18).

Belkior  d20+5=16
Friday March 25th, 2005 9:26:41 PM
After scrambling ashore from the boat, Belkior hauls his backpack ashore and moves it up from the water.

"Should we armor up, guys? And, uh, you too, Xenia, sorry."

Belkior decides to take the time to don his armor, then slides his backpack unto his back again. When the group sets off, he moves into the centre of the party. He glances to each side at the undergrowth, trying to imagine what might be lurking there.

Spot = 16

When the party reaches the village, he hangs back. I've no idea what these elves think of halflings, humans and others. Better to play it safe, than to wish that I had.


DM George 
Friday March 25th, 2005 11:09:26 PM
The group heads towards the village and are astounded by the same sights that Tionel was. They see a town built into the trees. From small homes to large meeting halls, all are suspended above the ground. Some only 20' up while others are over 75'.

Never has the party seen any civilized dwellings that not only use nature but seem to celebrate nature. The buildings not only use the natural beauty of the jungle to enhance them, they enhance the beauty of the jungle.

Tionel sees the jungle elves prepare to meet the Crimson shield. Archers are covering them from almost every possible angle. A group of 20 climb down the the ground level and walk out to meet the group.

At the center of the group is a very aged elf. His bearing and carriage are straight and strong, but his hair is silvered and he has wrinkles around his eyes. He is propping himself up with an intricately carved staff and has a robe made of feathers hanging over his shoulders. On his brow is a large ruby in a circlet.

He stops in front of the group around 15' away and keenly looks at all of you. A brightly colored bird settles down on his shoulder and he cocks an ear to it listening. He then casts a sharp glance up at Tionel's position.

He clears his throat and in rusty common says, "Welcome to Elvenguard? My name is Prionel. I am the guardian of these children and Sabara. It has been many many years since we have had visitors. Frankly we are very surprised that Sabara let you through. May I ask you why you are here?"



Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=8 d20+6=19
Friday March 25th, 2005 11:11:27 PM
Lang & Sunshine stick to the back of the group, letting the elvish speaking individuals stay up front.

Keeping alert (spot 8/12 and listen 19/23) Lang & Sunshine move with the rest of the group after the elven girl.

Angus 
Saturday March 26th, 2005 9:28:13 AM
Angus stands up straight and replys in elvish "Well met, Prionel of Evenguard. I am Angus Deminoff, recently of the Floating City. We are the Crimson Shields of Hope." Angus motions to all of his friends including Tionel.

Angus continues "We were traveling on the river and one of the children of your village spotted us, yelled, ran and dropped her basket." Angus motions with the basket as he sets it before him. "We did not know that their were elves in the jungle and came to investigate and return the basket. We are just investigating the recent changes in the Jungle at the behest of the Cirlce of Alder."



Belkior  d20+5=10 d20+6=22 d20+4=17 d20+4=8 d20+8=11
Saturday March 26th, 2005 9:50:33 AM
The halfling cleric remains in the centre of the party, looking at the elves that have come to greet them. I've still no idea what these elves think of halflings. Or, for that matter, clerics of another deity.

For the time being, Belkior keeps silent and watches for signs of spellcasting or magic use among the elves. Hearing the aged elf refer to "Sabara", Belkior wracks his brains for any mention of that name in the lessons that received on history, religion or the planes.

[i]Spot = 10
Spellcraft = 22
Knowledge History = 17
Knowledge Planes = 8
Knowledge Religion = 11
Sense Motive =

Belkior (completing my post)  d20+5=19
Saturday March 26th, 2005 9:51:06 AM
Sense Motive = 19

Wynn 
Saturday March 26th, 2005 10:59:50 AM
"Vedui Prionel" Wynn uses the elvish word for greetings and then switches to common. "My name is Wynn Brightsong, only recently of Floating City. My friends and I have been sent by the Circle of the Alder to investigate the cause of a disease that has plagued those who have visited the Crying Woods. Those that contract this disease have their brain taken over by some kind of plant material and eventually die, but not before going violently insane."

Wyn bows slightly, in deference to this elder spokesman. "Sabara? is this the name you give this forest? If so, we too are surprised by our ease in travelling so far. Our first steps into these lands were met with the overwhelming feeling of hostility that seemed to emanate from the forest itself, but this is no longer so."

Xenia 
Saturday March 26th, 2005 12:09:51 PM
Xenia says nothing in her place next to Wynn. She curtsies low and respectful. And maybe that in itself is too much. Best, maybe not to draw any attention at all.

People get funny ideas when they see the color of her skin. Not necessarily the wrong ideas, when you think about what the drow are.

Best not to draw any attention. At all.

Florin Jadenth  d20+1=12 d20+5=23
Sunday March 27th, 2005 3:59:52 PM
Florin glances about as they are greeted and stays back moment to allow them to introduce the group (spot:12). After the beginning introductions are made Florin steps forward and speaks politely to the elf who greets them, of course keeping a respectful distance, (diplomacy:23) "Good sir Prionel, as my friends said. We are here on a mission from the druid's of the Circle of Alder. We have had some unexpected things happening in the city and we seek out the problem to see about possibly finding a means of stopping any problems from occuring again. We had found a map that lead us hear and thought maybe if there were people living out here we might beable to find out some info."

Florin bows low to Prionel and speaks gently but with clearly honest words, "I know not your standings on the gods of the Wold but I am a servant and defender of Domi. You have my word sworn on Domi's name that I and my companions do not seek to harm any of you, we just wish some info and possibly a place to relax abit before moving on."

Syr 
Sunday March 27th, 2005 9:34:16 PM
The elf withdraws into himself as the others speak in gibberish around him.

Tionel 
Monday March 28th, 2005 12:50:18 AM
The squirrel chitters angrily at Angus as he gives his name, then Tionel dives midst the trees and vanishes into them, only to appear a moment later at another point, watching from around a bend.
For some reason, Tionel thinks to himself, he feels much less self-conscious in this form. Being a squirrel is so easy; one is always confident and capable, and hardly has to worry about looks or words. Tionel decides to stay this way for a while, or change into some other animal form shortly..

DM George 
Monday March 28th, 2005 6:33:29 PM
The elder elf will listen to all the questions and statements and pause and think for a few moments. " It seems we live in momentous times." He will scan the group again and say, "I would like to hold conversations with all of you, but I think as host, I can provide a more comfortable location."

Prionel strides away beckoning for the group to follow. He goes to the base of an enormous tree and starts to climb. The tree seems to have grown steps to make the climb easy. No one has any trouble.

A quick and easy climb brings you to a large meeting room. Upon closer inspection you realize that very little of this room seems to be handmade. It looks like either by magic or the trees consent, it grew the room.

Several elven ladies are waiting for you. One holds a ceramic bowl, another a pitcher, and yet a third a large towel. Prionel will stop and say, "Please refresh yourselves. Know that no harm will come to you here, you may feel free to divest yourselves of your arms or keep them if you are more comfortable. I will arrange for a light meal."

The elder turns to leave but looks back over his shoulder and says, "You might want to have your shapeshifting friend join you. His talents are very good but he isn't from the jungle and so close to the heart of our magic, we know when a stranger is among us. I will send a meal and then join you shortly"

He leaves but is quickly replaced by several other elves. They are carrying trays of fruits, breads and cheeses. Others carry wooden flatware and wooden bowls and goblets. Another follows with several bottles of some kind of amber liquid which he pours into the goblets. All then leave the group alone to talk.

Xenia 
Monday March 28th, 2005 9:23:05 PM

Relief turns to admiration which, in turn, turns to amazement.

This isn't half bad. Not at all what she had expected. But not half bad. She could get used to this. Really get used to this. Living in and around the birds and flowers. Climbing around on trees. Get herself a skimpy little leopard skin outfit.

Xenia smiles at the thought. It's beautiful here. This could be a good life. She looks at Wynn. He's like it. Maybe. For a while. But you know he'd wanna move on. Moving on is where the stories are. And, as nice as this place is, for Xenia, there's no contest. She'd rather be with Wynn.

Xenia picks a strawberry out of a bowl of mixed fruit and takes a bite of the large ripe juicy red berry. She wanders around the edge of the floor which seems grown from the very trees on which ... well, it is the trees.

"Hey," she muses half to herself, "this familiar to anyone? Kinda like that temple we found out in the woods, huh? The one with the Druid Bowl?" Her eyes drop at the memory of the temple going dark, and the Crying Woods creeping back in around it. "Wonder if these guys would know about the temple. Wonder what the guy meant by 'momentous times?'"

Belkior 
Monday March 28th, 2005 9:57:04 PM
After the relatively easy ascent, Belkior looks approvingly around the meeting room. The steps, while obviously shaped for big people, were not so great that a halfling would have problems climbing. And in this room, too, there are chairs and furniture more suited for Belkior's stature. Moreover, the place seems to be clean, bright, and airy. It seems healthy, and that is good to a Healer of Alemi.

Still, it's never a bad idea to be cautious. Since he is not too badly discomfited by his armor, Belkior will continue to wear it for the time being.

"What do all of you think?," Belkior asks the group. "Have you encountered anything like this before?"

Before drinking any of the beverage, Belkior carefully sniffs the goblet. He doesn't recognize the odour, so he takes a small sip. "Hey! This is quite good!"



Florin Jadenth  d20+3=19
Monday March 28th, 2005 10:26:54 PM
Florin follows the elf and is glad for the steps the man makes. Once inside the room he nods to the elven ladies holding the various cleaning objects and moves over to wash his hand and face, straighten his pony tail, etc. As he does he smiles to one of the elven ladies and speaks to her considering why not speak to a nice young elven lady, deciding just incase he will speak to her in elven too, "Greetings noble lady, I and my friends thank you for greetings us."

While waiting for his friends to finish he speaks to them and smiles, "This is quite nice, I think Jella would love this place. All the climbing and such she could do."

When the food arrives and if the elven lady he spoke to before is still around he will speak to her again in elven, hoping to atleast have abit of relaxing time before having to go back to buisness again. If she is then Florin will approach her and speak to her "I hope I'm not bothering you but I was hoping you might be willing to join us for some of this food that you all are offering us. It would be my honor to have a noble lady join us."

(Charisma:19)

Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=14 d20+6=9
Monday March 28th, 2005 10:30:00 PM
Lang & Sunshine follow Prionel along with his fellow Crimson Shields to the large tree. If Sunshine is not able to climb the steps, Lang will order him to "stay" at the bottom of the tree.

Lang enjoys all the wondrous sights he is seeing in the elven village. It is truly enjoyable to him to see nature and man, or in this case elf, working together.

Lang will use the water and towels to wipe away as much grime as he can from the boat ride. Once finished he will stow his swords and bow in his quiver, but leave his armor on and his quarterstaff handy.

Lang will then join the Crimson Shields in the light feast prepared by the elves. He will relax and contemplate the events that have lead them to this village as he waits for Prionels return.

Spot 14
Listen 9

Wynn 
Monday March 28th, 2005 11:23:09 PM
Wynn climbs easily into the trees and is reminded of the temple from a previous visit. The bard takes the opportunity to look out at the rest of the village from his lofty perch. "Why would Perimon hold one of these elves captive?" he wonders. "They seem amiable enough".

Wynn spends some time pondering the relationships between races in the Wold. His own mixed ancestry had never seemed important before, but his experience with other cultures was admittedly narrow.

The Squirrel 
Tuesday March 29th, 2005 3:40:52 AM
The black huge squirrel scurried back and forth, happy with the home it has found. A tree owl's nest, recently uninhabited. Flurry of digging and work has removed the twigs and cumulated trash and left a very small burrow too high up for most animals but the birds, but being twice as large as most squirrels meant certain differences would have to be made. He'd have to dig it out a lot more, of course, but it was big enough to fit in with a pinch.
He scurried to the ground and began immediately gathering the many acorns, and chittering at all of his new neighbors in greetings and warnings. Then it was racing back up to his high up hideaway, where he stuffed the few choice nuggets with him into the hole. Then it was time to wander around, back on the ground, inevitably coming back towards that clearing where he was so interested in. Scurrying between many of the buildings, he keeps on going around this large tree, which finally he breaks for and begins climbing swiftly in its shadow. He crawls around to a doorway and comes inside, creeping quietly amidst these tall people who easily see him come into the door and eye him weirdly.
A moment later, he's back into Tionel, feeling weird.
"Hey guys. Man, this town is a lot like the town I grew up in, but bigger. Sorta. Well, less a jungle, more an actual forest. A lot colder, too. We had big trees like this, quite a few of them, but we didn't really have nearly as much bushes in the area. I don't miss that at all, really, I prefer this kinda forest. Well, sorta. I mean, it's hard to tell, you know, since I don't really live in the forest. I really prefer the city."
Tionel realizes he's chattering like a squirrel still and shuts up abruptly, looking embarassed.

Syr 
Tuesday March 29th, 2005 8:43:01 AM
Hearing the elder freely admit that he knows about Tionel puts Syr on edge. He looks around the room warily as everyone gets settled.

The elf glares at Xenia at the mention of the temple. He pulls her aside and holds her left arm quite tightly to prevent her from moving, "Temple? Why on the Wold would you think of bringing that up? If it was their's how kindly would you be to those that destroyed it? Yes, they seem peaceful but they are alot more than that to survive in this jungle."

At Wynn's mention of Perimon, Syr actually shudders a bit, "Guys, call me paranoid but just because we are alone doesn't mean we aren't overheard. In case anyone forgets, we are in the middle of a well armed town. I think we MIGHT need to watch what we say a bit more? Although it may be too late for that..."

Angus  d20+8=14
Tuesday March 29th, 2005 9:10:57 AM
Angus is careful in the climb up to the meeting room as falling is not high on his list of things to do.

Once in the room and the elaborate hospitality, Angus relaxes and samples some of the fruit and cheese. "Quite good."

After listening to some of the groups banter, Angus will add. "Syr, I agree with Xenia. I think we should ask about the temple, but maybe not the bowl. We are here to gather information on the recent transformation of the jungle. The jungle seemed to be sprouting in the floating city before anyone visited the temple. To find a race of elves living in the jungle is a fantactic find. We must find out as much as we can."

Angus will take out his block of chocolate and offer some to anyone who asks, but will attempt to get the serving elves to try some as payment in kind (diplomacy 14). Angus will also attempt to discern if the elves are speaking a different dielect from the elvish he knows.

Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) 
Tuesday March 29th, 2005 10:26:22 AM
A hard hand on her arm always seems to draw the reflex to pull away.

"Ow! You're hurting my arm. Ok already. I get it."

Still, it's not something we meant to do. Right? And I tell ya, Syr," she whispers. "You didn't go with us. But I tell ya, they didn't seem to know what the heck to do with it. Those Alder Druids, I mean. They were talking about studying and stuff. But you could tell they didn't even look like they knew why they even wanted that bowl."

"If these tree-elves know how to make the temple come back, like, by getting the bowl back or sump'in, well, I think, maybe that wouldn't be such a bad idea."

Jager (second Illegal post) 
Tuesday March 29th, 2005 1:20:55 PM
Angus looks from Xenia to Syr. "Friends can be very helpful along with information. The bowl may be theirs and this elf clan may prove to be valuable allies to the floating city and the Circle of Alder."

Angus stands up to his full height and adds. "I always say the more friends you have the easier you life will be. I do not want to hide too much from the elves. We do not know that much about the Circle to begin with and what their motivation are regarding the jungle. We can keep friends on both sides of the fence."

Wynn (second illegal post) 
Tuesday March 29th, 2005 6:30:14 PM
Wynn spins on his heels and strides towards Xenia and Syr when he hears the red-head's exclamation. Scowling at Syr, he whispers hoarsley, "I didn't say anything, I only thought..." The words are barely out of his mouth, when the scowl is replaced by a look of astonishment. His voice high, and a little tight, he asks, "Syr, how did you know what I was thinking?" The bard's thoughts return to the dream he had shared with...so many. Traces of thoughts remain, but he had thought them mearly echos of remembrance, and he had pushed them from his mind with the more pressing concerns of here and now. "What does this all mean?" he says, the words barely audible.

DM George 
Tuesday March 29th, 2005 9:03:35 PM
The Shields enjoy their meal and almost start to feel relaxed in their new surroundings. Belkior discovers the wine isn't wine but some kind of delicious brandy. It has quite a whallop but goes down oh so smooth.

All attempts to talk to the serving staff is met with smiles but no one joins them and they quickly do their tasks and leave. They do seem to be staring at the party though. Almost like they haven't seen many non elves.

Prionel returns after a suitable time for you to talk and refresh yourselves. He will sit down at the table and give all of you a look. He seems to tune into Tionel and says, "You are what outsiders call a druid, yes? You mention other druids in this "Floating City?" that you mentioned you are from. What do druids do there? Who is this circle you mentioned? They sound like they have authority over you. Why do they attack Sabara? She is a natural thing. They should be protecting her...not attacking her."

The elder is talking in common but it seems rusty from disuse.

Angus 
Wednesday March 30th, 2005 9:23:52 AM
Angus switches from elvish back to common to let Prionel practice. "Thank you for your hospitality and wonderful accomodations."

Angus gets back down to business "It is our understanding that the Druids from the Circle of ALder are attempting to protect the jungle or as you call it Sabara. In fact we witnessed them attempt to stop the construction of the city on the shore not far from here."

Angus clears his throat before continuing. "The Druids of the Circle of Alder contracted the Crimson Shields of Hope." Angus again motions to the group. "To investigate the recent happening in Sabara. I must defer to our Druid who may have more information on the inner working of the Circle of Alder."

Angus steps back for others and Tionel to contribute to the converstation.

Xenia 
Wednesday March 30th, 2005 11:09:18 AM

Know. What. He. Was ...

Thinking???

Xenia looks at Wynn. Then at Syr. Then at Wynn.

"Anybody notice how things have gotten so much weirder than usual lately?"

And speaking of which ...

"You know," the girl rogue chimes in right on the heels of the short bit by Angus, "I don't know if you've noticed or not, but this Sabra ain't exactly what you'd call 'Freindly', you know. I mean, every time we come here, even before the druid's got interested in things, every time, we get attacked by something. Vines and mounds and all kinds of stuff trying to suck our blood!"

Xenia's getting kind of worked up, and when she gets worked up, she does this throwing her hands up into the air kind of thing.

"And I don't know how you can live here with that creep-o feeling. I mean, it's not here now. But every time we'd come in from the beach, as soon as we'd step into the woods, we'd get this, you know, feeling. It's like, you know, like an evil presence. It's like something really doesn't like you. There's a word for that. What's the word, Wynn? Like a feeing of hate."

Freeze. A light goes on under the cap of red curls.

"Um, just what exactly do you mean, when you talk about Sabra?" she asks the Prionel elf-guy. "I mean, I'm thinking that maybe, just maybe ... Um, how do I say this? Maybe, when you're talking about Sabra, you're talking about the trees and the flowers and, um, well, I mean, the normal stuff in the woods, you know?"

"And maybe, just maybe, this thing that we've been feeling, this bad hate feeling, is something else. Do you know what I'm talking about? Is this making sense to you? Have you ever felt this hate thing before? I mean, did you notice it when it suddenly went away a couple of days ago?"

Tionel  d20+10=23
Wednesday March 30th, 2005 11:44:55 AM
Tionel looks pensive, then responds, "As Angus says, we're here from the circle of Alder. One thing you must realize, sir, is that in a society as large as the Floating City, there is no one motivation or propounded idea. It is, like most human cities, quite chaotic. Nobles and rich merchants plot and compete with one another, priests intercede or sometimes even heighten interest in other areas, then there's just the basic economy and what ordinary people move in mass to do. It is not one organism, like most elven communities, with a head that chooses and relegates control, but more like an octopus, or hydra. And sometimes just as destructive.
"So you will have some groups that seek to come to the forest and colonize it, while others will try to mingle with it. Some groups plunder the ancient ruins for glory and treasure, others plunder one another in closed alleys.
"The Alder House knows of the Crying Woods' might and how it is angered by settlers and profiteers. They are one of the few groups who seek to prevent harm of the forest and reign in the expansion. And recently, certain elements of the forest have been affecting the town, such as invading animals, weird addictive flowers, and alien diseases.
"So, they sent us to come to understand these woods more. We do not wish to damage the forest, merely to understand it better. Also, there are many lost secrets that seem of great interest, magics which may be powerful enough to still do good. Those might be recovered.
"That is our current state of affairs, as well as what we wish."
Tionel has tried to phrase himself as best as he can, and so he smiles warmly at this last, and hopes that he's come off okey-dokey.
(Diplomacy 23)

Belkior  d20+5=22 d20+2=9 d20+8=24
Wednesday March 30th, 2005 1:50:30 PM
The halfling cleric follows the conversations as they ebb and flow around the table. To Belkior, the elderly elf callign himself Prionel certainly seems ... unworldly ... might be the most polite term. It certainly seems as if the elf has no concept of such things as cities, or concepts like property or employment. While they know and recognize druids and one of the means of veneration that druids follow. Not to mention, Belkior still doesn't have a good idea of how these elves feel about himself and the other non-elves in the party. Belkior agrees with Xenia, this all seems a little strange.

Sense Motive = 22

When there is a break in the conversation, Belkior will contribute what little he knows of the situation. Belkior speaks mainly in Common for the benefit of his companions, and because Prionel seems to want to practice his Common. "Maybe someone who knows more of the history of the Floating City can describe how it came to be here, where it is now. I can't do that very well since I came to City after it had moved to this location."

Turning to Prionel, Belkior will continue when he has a chance. "The Floating City is a large community, many times bigger than your community here. While there are mainly humans living there, there are also other races such as elves and halflings, like myself. There are even some far stranger people."

Once started on his lecture, Belkior doesn't really want to pause, but he will if anyone else wants to interject.

"Tionel, or someone else, can probably far better explain the workings of the Circle of Alder. They don't really have authority over us. Instead, our group was asked to investigate the Crying Woods that surround the new location of the Floating City. Our group agreed to do this and accepted payment to do so, so we have an obligation to follow through and complete our investigation."

Belkior does pause now to sip at his goblet. Belkior now swings into a discussion of religion. While he tries to be considerate of Prionel's beliefs, the halfling sounds rather condescending to anyone who may not follow the Gods of the Wold. However, he manages to recall many of the basic lessons in Woldian theology and cosmology taught to him in the temples.
Diplomacy = 9, Knowledge Religion = 24

"Myself, I submit to the authority of the Temple of Alemi because I have dedicated my life to service of the Temple. And, through to Temple, to all living things. Alemi is the first of the Gods of the Wold, one of the group of gods that most people worship. He was once a mortal man but was in the past elevated to his position as a god. I venerate and serve Alemi, attempting to do his work in the Wold. In return, I am granted certain abilities to further Alemi's work in the Wold."

"You speak of Sabara, which I understand to be the forest where you live, as a living thing. Which it most assuredly seems to be. How exactly do you protect Sabara? Does she provide anything to you in return?"



Syr 
Wednesday March 30th, 2005 6:26:32 PM
With a bob of his ponytail the elf nods agreement with his dark skinned team member, "This jungle is still new to me. Can you explain things a bit? Is there some person or being that you communicate with to speak with Sabara?"

Looking at Belkior, Syr follows along as he explains the tenants of his faith. Gaining a new respect for the halfling he ventures, "What started you on this path?"

OOC: Sorry about that last post, just for future reference I always assumed anything in " " was something said aloud. I've always steered clear of putting 'thoughts' in Syr's posts. I thought the whole purpose of posting in third person was for that. Or if I elaborate on 'thoughts' it's usually accompanied by an action?

Florin Jadenth 
Wednesday March 30th, 2005 8:14:35 PM
Florin looks to the elf andl ets his friends speak as he thinks over everything that is said. He does look to Syr and the others as he thinks and just stays quiet now as he takes in the details and info given.

Lang  d20+6=25
Wednesday March 30th, 2005 9:19:24 PM
Lang does not have anything to add to the conversation. Or at least anything that may not be conceived the wrong way. He holds his tongue about wanting to get back into the forest and kill some more plants.

Lang wanders over to a window or opening and takes a look outside (spot 25/29).

DM George 
Wednesday March 30th, 2005 10:10:19 PM
Prionel listens to the explainations and questions. He smiles when asked about Sabara. He will say, "Sabara is incredibly powerful and totally helpless. She is childlike but with great wisdom. She can be patient and hurried at the same time. I can't explain her...you have to live with her."

The elven elder looks at the group and steeples his hands together. "I wish to impose upon you. I would like to travel to your Floating City. I have a very important meeting I must attend in a restaurant called the Giggling Ghost. It is a very strange name for an eating establishment. I was only going to travel by spirit but after listening to you, would like to see this "City" of yours. Will you escort me?"

The elder goes on to say that he needs to be at the Giggling Ghost in 2 days time. (ooc yes folks, He needs to be there in two days of real life time.)

Wynn  d20+6=24
Thursday March 31st, 2005 12:00:00 AM
Wynn smiles and nods his head in understanding when the elven sage explains Sabara.

In my youth I spent time in the Culverwood. It is sentient, like your Sabara, and just as...complicated. For a moment he locks eyes with Xenia, then turns back to speak directly to Prionel. "I would be most pleased to escort you to the Big Float, but in return, could I ask a favour of you?" With an engaging smile, the bard adds, "On our return would you give us a tour of your Sabara and share with us her exotic delights?"

Diplomacy=24

Florin Jadenth 
Thursday March 31st, 2005 1:11:35 AM
Florin looks to the elf and leans his head to the side, thinking to himself before speaking up and looking to each person of the group also, "We will guide him to the Giggling Ghost. This gives us time to find out more of all this and also increase his and the other elves here trust of us."

Florin looks to Prionel as he thinks and speaks up, "From the way you have spoke our home is much different then your own good sir. We will help defend you and such as needed but may I advise you bring a person or two with you also as company while your in strange surroundings? I have come to trust all the people I'm here with as I would a brother or sister. I can't imagine what it would be like being here alone without them for atleast the support. No offense but your home is as different to me as ours will be to you I would guess."

Florin glances to Tionel and smiles thinking, "An I believe we might beable to get you a meeting with the Circle of Alder if you would so like Prionel."

Florin also glances to Angus and the others thinking a moment before continueing, "I hope we all are not to tired from our travels here. I think the small rest should suffice for alittle while inless we have the time for abit longer of a rest."

Tionel 
Thursday March 31st, 2005 3:00:03 AM
*hear that, Xenia, he's saying you're complicated!*
Tionel opens his mouth but doesn't say it. That guy is DUMB around women, he thinks to himself. It must be his human blood. Nah, probably that just makes it worse.
Poor Xenia. She's definitely too young to be in real love, and fooling around with a guy like Wynn will at least teach her a lesson or two, but it might not be too quick. Tionel feels glad he skipped out on the girl, as he imagines all the maintenance and constant pandering he'd have to do to please her.
(OoC: J/k. I love Xenia...but this is what Tionel would think, and I think it's entertaining to post some of it. Sometimes, thoughts are just funny.)
Prionel sounds a lot like Tionel, he thinks to himself. This guy even looks a bit like grandfather. Tionel decides not to ponder that further, or ask if he knows any Galadonels...
Instead, he agrees to take the old man along. "We'll go by boat, we should get there in time if we leave soon."


Xenia  d20+2=13
Thursday March 31st, 2005 7:33:43 AM
Xenia returns Wynn's look with a slight nod of the head. Not really sure what it means ... But, if he's got an idea, then the idea is to follow his idea.

So, instead of saying anything else, she walks demurely to Wynn's side and takes his arm. With a curtsey, she addresses the Prionel elf-guy. "We would be pleased, thank you," is all she says. (Diplomacy 13)

Maybe later, Wynn could maybe tell her about Culverwood. That would be nice.

Xenia's back is straight and she turns her head only ever so slightly speaking from the corner of her mouth as she replies in a whisper to the elf behind her. "All girls are *complicated*, Ti'nel. Sump'in you'd know if you stuck around long enough."

What need to say anything more?

Angus 
Thursday March 31st, 2005 9:07:09 AM
Angus is glad to hear that the group will be heading back to the Floating City. It is always better to sleep in a bed than on the forest floor....and to have access to a bath.

Angus pipes up. "Prionel, We would be honored to escort you and any entourage to the Floating City. The Floating City is very different than your village and we can be your guides. We are very familiar with the Giggling Ghost as it is very close to our residence. The Giggling Ghost is an excellent establishment and aptly named for the beautiful Ghost, Daphne, that works there. We can have dinner there the first night we arrive, wonderful food, just wonderful."

Angus takes a moment and adds. "If you do plan on bringing others of your village with you, we may need another boat. Do you have boats in the village?"

Lang 
Thursday March 31st, 2005 9:50:36 PM
Standing by the window/opening, Lang listens to the conversation with Prionel and his interest returns when Prionel mentions having the Shields escort him back to the Floating City.
Lang moves back towards the group.

"Prionel, you mentioned that you have not had any visitors in quite some years. How then do you know that you have a meeting at the Giggling Ghost if no one has come and told you?"

"Also, is your visit to the Floating City going to be peaceful? You have stated that you are protector of the elves in this village and of the woods, Sabara, but you also think that people from the Floating City are attacking the woods. And a young elf child did not exactly react like we were friendly neighbors. In fact she called us monsters."

"Our group would not like to be part of a hidden agenda."

Belkior 
Thursday March 31st, 2005 10:24:51 PM
After speaking for so long, Belkior sits back and listens to the ebb and flow of conversation. The news that Prionel wants to return to the Floating City with them is surprising. From many little things, Belkior had the impression that Prionel wouldn't voluntarily leave Sabara.

After Lang's question, Belkior asks "Prionel, excuse me, but would you be travelling to the Floating City by yourself, or would anyone else from your community be accompanying? I ask, because our boats would not accomodate many more people."


DM George 
Thursday March 31st, 2005 10:33:52 PM
Prionel looks around the group and seems to center on Lang's question. "All elves everywhere will be summoned to this Giggling Ghost. Most will only be their in spirit. They will have no choice. Even the elves amongst you will be there.

By escorting me, all of you will have a chance to witness this gathering. Of course only elves will be allowed to speak. If you choose not to escort me, then I will stay here and travel by spirit like most of the rest. Still I would like to see your city."

The old elf stands up and says, "Either way, I must prepare myself. If you are going to take me, then we must leave now. Only I and my daughter Prillana will be travelling with you.
Surely you and your famed city can handle two elves."

Xenia 
Thursday March 31st, 2005 10:52:27 PM
Worry pools in Xenia's green eyes. She looks to Wynn, Syr, and Tionel.

Not a word. She doesn't say another word.

Still, she grips Wynn's arm just a little bit tighter.

Wynn 
Friday April 1st, 2005 12:31:30 AM
Intrigued by the idea of the large gathering, Wynn is unable to hide his excitement. In his enthusiasm, he misses Xenia's cues. "This will be great!" he says, patting the hand that grips his arm.

"To the boat!" he calls, opening an arm and waving towards the exit for the sage to pass first.

Tionel 
Friday April 1st, 2005 1:15:43 AM
"Of course. Here, sir." Tionel will help the man on board the boat. Along the way, he'll be pretty quiet. "I'm sure there will be no problem...many druids will be there."

(What does Prillanna look like?)


Belkior 
Friday April 1st, 2005 7:31:38 AM
Belkior considers the request from Prionel, and the news that all the elves in the Wold have been summoned to the Giggling Ghost. That will be strange indeed, if they are all there. From what he saw of the Ghost, it would certainly be crowded.

"Prionel, it's not for me nor any of us to say whether the Floating City can handle two more elves. However, I believe that my companions are in agreement that we can help you and your daughter travel to the City. Our boats are small, however, so we may need to separate you in the boats in order to make a safe crossing."

With that, Belkior drains the goblet of the delicious beverage served by the elves.

"Shall we head back to the boats?" Belkior slips from the halfling sized chair and moves to the stairs. When his companions and Prionel haev descended, Belkior will follow.

Acompanied by the two elves, the short walk to the boats is uneventful. But the forest seems to possess a slightly different spirit, the path being smoother and the scents of the flowers and plants being more pleasant.

When they reach the boats, Belkior will carefully remove his armor and stow it in his pack. Turning to the elves, "I'd suggest taking some precautions in the event that our boats may take water or we end up in the water. I don't know what you would have to do."

Once his armor is packed securely, Belkiro will heave his pack into a boat and clamber over the side. Taking his seat towards the rear of the boat, he makes room for whoever will be sitting near him.


Angus  d20+8=17
Friday April 1st, 2005 8:07:10 AM
Angus is pleased and sorry to leave the Jungle elf village. It will be good to be back in the Big Float, but there is so much to see and learn from in the elf village. Angus makes a mental note that they have to come back and learn more from the jungle elves.

Angus takes his place in his boat, although it is slightly more crowded with an additional passenger. Angus again attempt to make the row easier by playing an upbeat tune (perform 17).

Angus will ask Prionell "Why are all the elves of the Wold meeting at the Giggling Ghost?"

Florin Jadenth 
Friday April 1st, 2005 1:21:48 PM
Florin looks to Prionel and nods, "Once you and your daughter are ready sir we shall leave."

On the way to the boats Florin is lost in thought on all this and wonders exactly what is going on. Suddenly he kind of feels like the group is caught up in something BIG, he can only hope that it isn't to big. As he thinks he slips his helmet off and brushes his pony tail back and looks to the group, his blue eyes scanning each person he has come to know as a friend and would gladly risk his life for and suddenly smiles softly thinking to himself "come what may, I will protect them as best I can."

Syr  d20+13=15
Friday April 1st, 2005 3:57:29 PM
Syr spends the first portion of the walk thinking about what the elder has said. An edge of nervousness regarding the sense of impending events has him striding up to Tionel. The elf sidles up to Tionel, "Do you think it's true that only elves may speak? I'm not quite sure that I want to speak in front of all those people. I have no problem leading others with my actions but standing around talking is a whole different thing. You are much better at that showy stuff, do ya mind speaking for me?"

At the boats, he carefully helps the old man into the boat (#1) and offers his support, "Sir, if I might give a bit of advice? The inhabitants in the City recently tried to settle on the edge of 'Sabara'. Needless to say, they did not seem to find the harmony with it that you have and many lives were lost. I would suggest that you not reveal your settlement's location or your origin unless you are sure of the reaction?" The elf looks at the elder trying to plead with his eyes (Diplomacy 15).

To balance out the boats he turns to Lang, "Can you take Prinalla in yours on the way back? Besides she may like Sunshine."

DM George 
Friday April 1st, 2005 5:39:01 PM
The group gathers back at the base of the trees and Prionel introduces his daughter, Prillana. Prillana has long raven hair that reaches her behind. She has the typical slight elven features that all elves share but she is simply gorgeous.

She reaches out and kisses the cheeks of all the elven and 1/2 elven members of the Crimson Shields (Picture how the French do it) and murmers "Cousin" into their ear.

She with grasp the hands of all the others with both of hers and give a polite greeting in halting common.

The group loads up and heads on back down the river. They seem to make good time and soon have the Big Float in sight. They dock the boats without any problems and guide their two passengers to the Giggling Ghost.

Both elves' heads are on a swivel taking in all the sights. It is tough to tell but Prionel looks a little sad as he sees all the stonework and little of the wildlife.

Once you enter the Giggling Ghost, the elves take some seats but continue to look raptly around.

Florin Jadenth  d20+1=8
Friday April 1st, 2005 6:16:28 PM
Florin greets Prillana politely and if allowed he bows a kisses her hand as a nobleman's greeting to a noble lady, "It is a pleasure to meet you Prillana."

Florin partl wonders if Prillana will be anything like the head of the guard's in the Float since she pretty well showed she cared less about anything no matter how much charm Florin tried. However he isn't really trying to flirt with Prillana as just being nice.

Florin helps Prillana into the boat that Florin is going in and will also help row to the city. As he travels he watches both Prillana and her father as he is interested in their reactions to the sites. (spot:8)

At the city Florin will help Prillana out of the boat she rode in and looks to bother of them before leading them to the GG. As he walks along with the group and the two elves he thinks and moves up beside Prionel and speaks to him, "Good sir, after you both are done at the Giggling Ghost would you permit me to take you both out for a nice meal? I learned your language from a elven teacher I had when I was young and would love to know more of your way of live."

Florin also hopes that Prionel will not take his offer as just trying to get to know his daughter. Florin will admit she is stunning but he highly doubts a noble elf such as her would have any interest in him. If Prionel says anything of that then Florin will tell him kindly and politely that his luck with ladies is far from good and nobles were always way out of his reach even if he is a noble himself.

Belkior 
Friday April 1st, 2005 9:44:16 PM
Belkior carefully settles into a seat away from the centre of the action. As much as this event may prove to be very interesting, he doesn't want to lose sight of his companions in the Crimson Shields or the two elves that they have brought to the city.

Looking through the legs of the taller patrons of the Giggling Ghost, Belkior can see some of the other halflings that he has seen here before. Seeing one of them beckon, Belkior moves over to join his fellows. Before he goes, he makes a point of making his intentions and destination known to his fellows.

OOC - And I might post on the GG board.


Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=12 d20+6=22
Friday April 1st, 2005 11:45:56 PM
Lang is quite disappointed when none of the plant creatures show themselves as the group moves back to the boats. He was looking forward to slaying a few more of the vile beasts.

Once back to the boats he removes Sunshine's new Studded Leather armor and stows it in his backpack. Lang leaves his armor on as it will not hinder him if he ends up in the water.

Lang does his share of rowing back to the Floating City. Once in the Giggling Ghost, Lang takes a seat with the group and idly scratches Sunshines head as he waits to see what happens.

Spot 12
Listen 22

Xenia 
Saturday April 2nd, 2005 8:04:16 AM
Xenia eyes at the elven princess with something akin to a jealousy that once had children with despair. It's like, she's gotta be a princess, right? And she's so beautiful. *sigh*

She manages a little curtsey before the princess does the kissy thing. Her touch is so light and delicate. Xenia curtseys again before the princess passes on, and flashes her this sort of unsure-mouth-turned-up-a-bit-at-the-corners smiley thing. And you know she doesn't even (can't really) look when the princess moves on to Wynn.

This is good. Right? This has gotta be good. The Crying Woods is normal now. They found this beautiful village in the trees full of elven princesses. This has gotta be good. Yeah. Sure. It's gotta be. ... It's gotta be.

Xenia doesn't say much on the boat trip back, sitting wrapped in her own thoughts. No plague of fishes this time. And she doesn't even notice.

Before you know it, they're in The Ghost.

Look at all the elves ...

Angus 
Saturday April 2nd, 2005 10:59:49 AM
Angus will play his flute during the row back and enjoy the scenery. Angus will attempt to engage Prionel in conversation."Wonderful Jungle your Sabara, do you and your people draw power or magic from it? I ask, becasue I am always interested in the working of magic. Anything you could teach a humble human?"

Once at the Giggling Ghost, Angus is amazed at all the elves and boy does his six foot frame feel tall now...

Tionel 
Saturday April 2nd, 2005 1:20:46 PM
"Of course I'll try to lend your thoughts with my voice, Syr." Tionel pats his friend on the back and smiles. "Don't worry, I don't think this has much to do with us, specifically.

Priscilla is treated courteously and animatedly. Tionel hopes that she can become a friend, and he makes occasional glances at her to see if she's looking at him, to see if she likes him. But other than sly looks, he doesn't want to embarass himself.

When they get back to the city, Tionel truly gains back his animation. "Think of the houses as the trees, the people as the animals of the forest. At some point, this becomes true, the city itself becomes alive, full of energy. I think we druids have become so tied to 'natural animals' and 'plants', we cannot feel the naturalness that can be a city. This city, for example, I think of as a woman..."

Tionel will go along this friendly discourse a while, explaining his own peculiar philosophy a bit. Then, his subject filled and not wanting to babble, he switches over to describe some of Floating City's most famous landmarks. "There's Bendrick's famous sausages...and look, there's Aelman, he made my boots for me. If you want a nice pair to wear, no better fare."



Wynn 
Sunday April 3rd, 2005 9:57:36 AM
"Saesa omentien lle mellonamin" the bard replies at the greeting from Prillana. His eyes tarry a moment as he takes in her beauty.

Wynn takes his place in the boat, and takes his turn at the oars. If either Prionel or Prillana is in the same boat he will ask them more of Sabara and the names and history of any unique looking places they pass.

Once in the city, the bard remains quiet and listens to whatever information Tionel and the others provide for he too is relatively new to the city.

Syr  d20+13=19
Sunday April 3rd, 2005 11:17:04 PM
The elf embarrassingly accepts the kiss on the cheek and mumbles a polite greeting while trying to hide the fact that his cheeks have gone red.

Switching subjects, he speaks to the elven elder, "You know I'm sure your people have alot to offer those on the Floating City. I imagine that you use many products that aren't readily available here. Have you considered trading with others? If you do, I would like to assist in any way that I can?" Speaking very straightforward, Syr tries to establish a business relationship with Prionel.

DM George 
Monday April 4th, 2005 5:54:02 PM
The elven woman seems to be very quiet and shy as she is kissed by Florin and asked many questions by the others.

Prionel will say cryptically that the Jungle Sabara is alive and has a strong magic all of her own. It may even become smarter and more aggressive if the King returns.

He will say no more as the group continues to question him.

OOC guys please check the Giggling Ghost board as well as this one, durning the next few days.


Xenia 
Monday April 4th, 2005 6:13:46 PM
Roll up a pancake and daub the end in the cream a bit.

Xenia takes a delicate bite of cream soaked pancake. Her eyes fall on the elf-guy, Prionel.

"Hey, Wynn," she whispers out of the corner of her mouth, "what do you think he meant by 'the King returning'?"

"I mean," she munches more of the pancake, "if Sabra is The Crying Woods, and it gets smarter, and if it gets more, like, you know, well, aggressive, I mean like, that can't be a good thing. Right?"

Wheels turn in the rogue's head, and her eyes turn again to the elder elf that the group had escorted across the strait of Turtle Lake.

"I wonder if that's why he had to come here. To this meeting, I mean. Maybe he's here to get help bringing this King back so he can make Sabra smarter and more aggressive. And here we are, brought him right over!"

"Framble-matic!" the dark rogue swears.

"This could be bad. This could be really bad. What do we do?"

[OoC: Posted both here and on the GG Board.]

Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=7 d20+6=8
Monday April 4th, 2005 9:25:48 PM
Lang becomes oblivious to the noises and sights around him as he hears Prionel say that the jungle may become more intelligent and agressive if this King returns.

Spot 7
Listen 8

He wonders if they should have gotten more information from this elf before they brought him back to the city.

Florin Jadenth  d20+1=5 d20+1=4
Monday April 4th, 2005 10:56:26 PM
Florin observes what is going on from where ever he can go. Florin highly doubts that any non elf can be on the main floor with the other elves. Of course he might be wrong about this.

Florin however notices Prillana shyness and such towards him and when he gets a moment does speak to her to hopfully smooth that over, "I'm sorry if I done something wrong Prillana. I was merely greeting you with the respect that noble ladies deserve where I come from." Florin smiles to her and steps away now, "Anyway, till we can talk more I hope this all goes well at the Giggling Ghost."

(spot:5 listen:4. Wow crappy numbers)

Wynn 
Tuesday April 5th, 2005 1:23:07 AM
Wynn has no appetite for food, and his drink goes untouched. The bard is clearly excited to be part of something so momentous.

He listens to the speakers.

The magic is intended to awaken dormant love between all, break down the barriers of ignorance, fear, and hatred, heralding the dawning of a new era of peace and harmony...

Arm around the rogue's thin shoulders, he squeezes Xenia, and nuzzles her ear. "Did you hear that, amin cormamin? We are going to bring back a sleeper!"

He turns back to the stage, waiting for the next speaker.



Angus 
Tuesday April 5th, 2005 8:49:09 AM
Angus is more quite than usual as he is concerned about what Prionel said, Sabara may be more intelligent and aggressive when the King returns. That does not sound good as the Jungle was none too friendly to the Crimson shields recently and what will happen when it becomes more aggressive. Not good, not good at all.

Belkior - 2nd Post 
Tuesday April 5th, 2005 9:33:54 AM
OOC - If we're playing this in the GG, Belkior's last post should be deleted. He got escorted away from the "elves only" portion of the GG so he isn't with the rest of the party.

I'm going to repost here, then, as Belkiro watches from the balcony.

Belkior is trying to make his way to the rest of the party through the crowd inside the Giggling Ghost. Partly out of concern for him but mostly to keep the meeting elves-only, Happy intercepts him and steers the halfling cleric to a balcony area.

Once there, Belkior is able to look across the crowded tavern and wave to his companions who are participating in the meeting. After trying to gesture that he will be staying there, Belkior looks around the balcony and sees a table of other halflings. After approaching the table Belkior asks, "May I join you?". With their consent, Belkior seats himself on a halfling-sized chair provided in this section of the inn.

After introducing himself, Belkior settles in to watch the meeting.


Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) 
Tuesday April 5th, 2005 10:51:42 AM

" ... amin cormamin ... " The words roll off his tongue and into her ear.

Oh ... Mmmm ... Oh no ... Xenia leans into the bard. Her eyes drift closed. "Um, you know, Wynn, it's really hard to think when you do that. It's, um, not like I want you to stop or anything, but ... well, it's, I mean, what does that all mean really?"

"I mean, peace and love and harmony are great. I guess so. But, I mean, how does that fit with The Crying Woods getting stronger and meaner? We got one guy saying one thing and another guy saying something else. And how's waking up one guy supposed to ... And if it's the eyes guy how can ... "

*sigh*

Xenia's hand finds its way to Wynn's, and the dark rogue succumbs. Far more comfy to sit with him, to watch and listen, than to speculate upon dire and foreboding portents. But from the back of her mind a tiny voice speaks to the dark rogue through the misty haze of love and hormones: Is this trust? Or is an escape from the fight against rightful fears.

Syr 
Tuesday April 5th, 2005 2:12:55 PM
Syr's brow crinkles at the word 'aggressive' recalling the swimming creature, he wonders if such a creature could be used to attack the city itself?

Florin Jadenth (Illegal 2nd post and copy from the GG) 
Tuesday April 5th, 2005 3:15:31 PM
Florin notices Belkior and moves over to his friend since he really notices no one else he knows up on the balcony. Once he reaches Belkior he smiles and speaks up, "Hi Belkior, glad to see you made it okay."

Florin looks back over the balcony at whats going on below and sighs softly as he thinks of his leadership roll in the Shields and wonders how he can keep all of them safe.


DM George 
Tuesday April 5th, 2005 9:14:09 PM
The Shields are split up and some head for the balcony and while others stay on the main floor. They quickly discover that Prionel is a well respected sage for elvenkind and watch as he stands and delivers a short speech.

OOC Since you are all on the Giggling Ghost, I will make these posts short until the action is done there.

Syr 
Wednesday April 6th, 2005 12:07:03 AM
Syr nudges Tionel and whispers quitely, "Did I miss something? Who or what is a sleeper? He watches the woods?"

The elf frets by biting his lip that his talk of business with the elven elder has come to naught but realizes that more important events take precedence.

Belkior 
Wednesday April 6th, 2005 7:28:19 AM
The halfling cleric greets Florin when he comes up to the balcony and gestures to a nearby seat.

Belkior has a brief conversation with the halflings that he is sitting with on the balcony.

Belkior's attention returns to the discussion among the elves below. Particularly, he is considering the words of Prionel. Exactly what would the awakening of the Sleeper mean to the Floating City? And exactly how would the actions of the Crimson Shields since he joined them be viewed by this new conciousness?


Angus 
Wednesday April 6th, 2005 9:43:02 AM
The tall thin human is feeling uncomfortable on the floor with all of the elves and excuses himself from his friends Xenia and Wynn. "I'll see you in a bit." Angus adds quickly.

Angus heads up to the balcony, where he can see better and maybe think better. Angus spots Florin his fellow Chrimson Shield and heads over to him. "Florin, I am concerned with what Perimon had done recently. Are we watching a gathering storm?" Angus adds gloomily.

Xenia 
Wednesday April 6th, 2005 11:14:44 AM
It's warm and comfy by Wynn's side. And it's so much better to just sit here and not think about all this stuff going on. I mean, you know, it's all stuff she doesn't know anything about, right?

Right?

"No. Hey. Wait a minute." The thin red-headed part-drow girl stands up and holds up her gloved hands.

"Hey! WAIT A MINUTE, WILL YA?!?"

"You know, I don't have all the learning that you guys have and all, so maybe I'm wrong. And maybe 'cause you guys know all of this stuff, you can set me straight. Maybe all of us."

"But, you know, I hear you talking living in peace and harmony and stuff. Elves living with dwarves. But, you know, at the same time, you're talking about fighting against encroachments and Dreads and Rapkes and all that. So, which is it? Peace or fighting?"

"You're asking us -I guess it's us- to call back this guy to do all this stuff for us. I mean, you're just gonna put it in his hands to let him make things right. Right? But I gotta ask you this, who's he gonna make it right for? I mean, if we're gonna be empowering and defending and all that stuff, who's gonna decide who gets empowered and who gets defended against?"

"I mean, I'm sorry if this sounds bad, but it looks to me like you're calling up this guy to do the job that you should all be doing yourselves. Like, you figure this is gonna come and it's gonna solve all your problems. I mean, I'm not a sage or nothin', but I've never seen nothing good come of something that you didn't work out yourself. You need to get down into things and make up your own mind. And it seems to me that one guy making decisions for all of us everywhere is gonna take away from that."

"What are we talking about here? Who we gonna be fighting against for peace? When are we gonna stop? And who's this Sleeper? It's not that Eyes Guy from the dream, is it? 'Cause, if it is, I don't know about this. I'm not sure 'bout this at all."

Her mind spoken, the weight of the crowd suddenly settles upon her. "Um, that's all I wanted to say. Maybe, um, you can teach me where I'm wrong." Not really looking at anything, Xenia takes her seat again next to Wynn, hoping, really hoping, that he isn't going to be mad at her.

Angus (second illegal post) 
Wednesday April 6th, 2005 7:36:31 PM
Angus is very happy to hear Xenia, his fellow Crimson Shield, echo his thoughts. Angus attempts to catch Xenia's eye and gives her a nod of appraisal from the balcony.

Angus takes careful thought of his words and stands to his full height of six feet
and throws his long blond hair back. The thin human sorcerer then attempts to get the attention of the crowd. "Hail Elven Sages! A humble human wishes to address the council of wisdom." Angus bows to the elven speakers.

Angus will pause a moment before continuing to make sure he has not offended anyone. "I am Angus Deminoff currently of the Floating City. The young Xenia speaks wisdom beyond her years. How will everyone be judged and on what grounds and by whom? My questions is for my race. In what standing is the race of Man in the eyes of the Sleeper?"

Angus will back up and listen to rebutal still not sure if he should have spoken

DM George 
Wednesday April 6th, 2005 10:24:46 PM
The Crimson Shields are wary of the sleeper and speak up with questions. What about the other noble races? Will the Crying Jungle become more aggressive? All good questions but it seems more and more elves seem to be excited about the coming of this Faire King.

Could he be a good thing?

Florin Jadenth 
Wednesday April 6th, 2005 10:39:45 PM
Florin greets Belkior and smiles at his friend, "Glad I'm not the only one up here."

Florin nods and greets Angus before speaking of Angus's comment and speaks to him quickly before he speaks up, "I know what you mean my friend, however I also think that this has more to do with the rest of us then the elves are letting us in on. I mean if something happens that threatens them then doesn't it threaten us? It kind of gives you the idea that what is to come threatens the elves alone and not us also."

Florin bites his lip as his friend speaks up to the elves and Florin awaits any reply that might be given.


Lang & Sunshine 
Wednesday April 6th, 2005 11:08:38 PM
OOC - Am I on the main floor with Prionel or was I escorted up to the balconies with Angus, Florin and Belkior?

Lang listens to all the talking about bringing back this Watcher guy and is glad that more than one person is questioning the wisdom of this action.

Wynn 
Thursday April 7th, 2005 12:19:20 AM
Wynn's arm drops from around Xenia's shoulders when the dark-elf stands up. He looks at her with something akin to shock when she confronts the scholars.

Didn't she feel the positive energy? Wasn't she listening? It was only a song to call back one of their own. Some sort of supernatural gardener!

Would he have to sing by himself?

The bard hears another dissenting voice and hangs his head, looking at his hands. He can't bear to look the dark-elf in the eyes when she sits down.



Xenia 
Thursday April 7th, 2005 8:31:04 AM
He won't look up. He won't look at me.

"Wynn?" A large stone sinks into the well of Xenia's heart. "Wynn? I'm sorry. I hadda say it. I mean, you gotta check things out. If the scholar guys give an answer, that's great. But you gotta check things out."

"I'd do this soul giving thing if you did. If you did it, I would too." The dark rogue takes the bard's hands. "I love you, Wynn. Even if I thought we were gonna die, I'd do it with you. Even into death, I'd do it with you. It's my choice. Doesn't matter how I feel about the Eyes Guy or the elf thing. It's my choice to have faith in you. People gotta think and make their own choice. Otherwise it ain't right."

"Whether this Sleeper thing is good or bad, I choose you," Xenia whispers fiercely. "And cause of that, it can't be bad. Look at me, Wynn. Please. I love you."

Syr 
Thursday April 7th, 2005 10:05:58 AM
Syr sighs at the emotional roller coaster that is his friends. Shaking his head, he waits silently listening to the words around him.

Belkior 
Thursday April 7th, 2005 11:25:06 AM
Belkior nods to the two halflings that he has been sitting with and excuses himself. He walks over to the table where Angus, Florin and Syr are seated.

"Do you like how this meeting is going? Xenia certainly expressed her doubts, and I have to agree."

Belkior looks around for a waiter or waitress. Wouldn't you know it, none come by when you want to order something, but take a mouthful of something and they're hovering.

"Florin, you have a good point. As do you, Angus. Whatever is decided by the elves, it will affect everyone. Not just here in the Floating City, either."

"How long do you think that this will go on, anyway? Do you think that I have time to run out and pick up an order at the Catacombs?"

[OOC - I will be out of town tomorrow and probably miss a post.]


Florin Jadenth 
Thursday April 7th, 2005 7:46:20 PM
Florin listens to what is said and can not hold back any longer so stands and walks to the end of the balcony to speak up.

As he approaches the balcony he also hears Prionel's comments and is happy to hear atleast one elf speaking words that make some sense to him, still he speaks up to get his point also, "I'm sorry to interupt all of you. I know we are hear simply as spectators but I must speak something. Before hand I applaud Prionel for adding some explanation as to why the other races are left out of this to a higher degree."

Florin takes a deep breath before continuing, "My name is Florin Jadenth, a noble born of the Floating City and faithful servant of Domi who I defend with my life. I like to comment that leaving the other races out I think is atleast partly a bad idea. Some of you make it sound like this is strictly elf buisness and also make it sound like that the other races either have nothing to do with it or should follow what the elves decide. I will stand by my comrades and will aid them as much as possible but by leaving the other races out or expecting them to just follow along could make other races angry at the elves." Florin sighs deeply and continues, "Elves are proud people but as you all know so are the other races. We may not be as long lived as all of you but we all have a place in the Wold."

Florin turns away now, letting his word either go blindly into the dark or be heard by whoever might be listening. Anyway, he is a simple paladin of Domi and defender of his lord, what he wills Florin will do. Florin does call over his shoulder, "If I have caused problems by my words then I can leave. It is just something that you all should think over also."

(OOC:Sorry everyone and hope that this post causes no problems. As we all do we play "our" character's as we designed them and this is Florin's opinion.)

DM George 
Thursday April 7th, 2005 9:48:06 PM
Action moves forward on the Giggling Ghost board. Soon the debate will be over and the slaying can begin.....Uh I mean we can get back to our game.

Wynn 
Friday April 8th, 2005 8:08:51 AM
Wynn looks up at Xenia with a heavy heart and a confused mind.

"I'm sorry...you are right....we must each do what we know to be best. I am just disappointed at the level of distrust in the Wold. It seems to me that a ray of light has penetrated our darkened room, and if we were to but open the curtains we could bask in it's warmth, but instead we hide behind them, afraid to look outside in case it hurts our eyes."

The bard reaches out for the exotic half-elf and holds her hand. "Let's go outside and leave these troubles behind."

Xenia 
Friday April 8th, 2005 10:47:58 AM
Xenia takes his hand and holds it to her like it's the most precious thing in the world.

"Wynn. I have faith in you. I'm scared. This thing scares me. So I gotta say what I think. But, I have faith in you. I believe in you. And if you think we should do this elf soul singing thing, then I'm in it with you. I mean, together. 'Cause that's what ... I mean, a'cause that's the way it should be. Between ... I mean ... "

Xenia's voice falls. Words fail to express the feelings of the heart. She rises to stand by his side, and leaves, her hand in his.

Syr 
Friday April 8th, 2005 12:53:12 PM
Syr perks up at the mention of slaying but then becomes quiet again as he realizes it was just a passing thought.

As the meeting in the Giggling Ghost continues his thoughts turn to action. Looking at Prionel, he wonders what the elf is going to require of the Shields and what is the next step in the Wold's peril...

Looking around at the other elves in the Inn, all he sees is fear. Even the great Gold Dragon reacts from fear...



Tionel 
Friday April 8th, 2005 8:33:14 PM
Tionel is so hopeful that this will come about. Yes, it will be exciting, he thinks to himself... And the others are so disappointing, but when the time comes, of course they'll come about. It will all be good.

Angus 
Friday April 8th, 2005 8:55:40 PM
Angus leaves the GG gloomy, but he waits outside for Prionel and his daughter. Angus quitely mention to Lang "I do not like the idea of one race thinking it has to take care of the wold and the over races by itself. It seems wrong."

Florin Jadenth 
Saturday April 9th, 2005 12:13:39 AM
(OOC:Didn't post in the GG today. Sorry about not getting my CS in today George, it will get in soon I promise. Stuff just came up today that was unexpected.)

Florin leaves the GG and waits for his friends to come out. See Angus he walks over to the mage and lays a hand gently on his shoulder, "What times we live in my friend, what times." Florin's words hang heavy in his own ears and he speaks again to his friend, "I hope these elves know what they are doing. I do not like the idea of helping cleaning up any mess I had no say so in the first place. Of course I do not blame them either, they are looking towards a better future for themselves, just maybe without any thought to the other races."

Florin shakes his head and whispers, "Only time will tell and hopfully Domi will guide my actions to the best one for the road ahead."

Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=17
Saturday April 9th, 2005 10:37:30 AM
Lang & Sunshine leave the Giggling Ghost with the rest of the Crimson Shields. He nods his head in agreement with Angus.

"Yes, it is never good when the people in authority think and act with their hearts instead of their minds."

Spotting Prionel and his daughter Lang asks, "Prionel, do you and your daughter need the Crimson Shields to escort you back to your forest city in the Crying Woods?"

Belkior 
Saturday April 9th, 2005 11:23:01 AM
The halfling cleric listens to the debate between the elves, which seems to be coming to an end. Seeing Prionel prepare to leave, Belkior begins collecting his goods in preparation for excorting the elf and his daughter back to Sabara.

DM George 
Saturday April 9th, 2005 4:52:53 PM
OOC Sorry for the delay in the post. Thought there was going to be more to the Giggling Ghost debate but guess I was wrong.

Prionel and his daugher come out of the Giggling Ghost. The old elf looks very tired but there seems to be a gleam in his eye. He looks over to Angus and smiles, "I am sorry I didn't answer you in there. I guess the easiest answer is how will we get the opinions of all of the other races?

The convergence is coming soon! The elves will still have to vote on the issue, but I think we convinced most that the awaking of the Fairy King is the proper course of action.

I would like to stay and query your Council of Druids on many things, but must get back to my people and Sabara. I would appreciate your escorting me back to the village. These old legs aren't what they used to be and I don't think my arms could row a boat anymore."

Leaning on his daughter's arm he starts heading back towards the docks.

Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=18 d20+6=22
Sunday April 10th, 2005 10:00:23 PM
Lang nods after hearing that Prionel and his daughter would like an escort back to their home in the forest.

Moving quickly, Lang and Sunshine head to the front of the group to keep a path clear for Prionel and his daughter.

After the heated discussions inside the Giggling Ghost, Lang takes no chances and holds his quarterstaff and keeps his short swords close. He keeps alert, looking for anyone who may want to harm the two elves.

Spot 18
Listen 22

Wynn 
Sunday April 10th, 2005 11:49:39 PM
Wynnn holds Xenia close to his side as they walk alongside Prionel and his daughter. "We'd be happy to see you safely back to Sabara. I know I would like to see more of the Crying Woods if you could arrange it?"

Tionel 
Monday April 11th, 2005 4:21:08 AM
Tionel follows along, happily humming to himself. Worrying about things will only make it worse, and he knows in his heart that he's right...that's what matters.
Going back through the town, he politely asks Prionel, "Perhaps, while you are in this city, you would care to meet the druids of the Adler house? I know you are tired, but I'm sure you would find it worth meeting them."

Xenia 
Monday April 11th, 2005 7:38:15 AM
Xenia walks along, arm around Wynn's back. She leans out and talks across him to their two guests on the other side.

"It would be nice to take a tour. Your city is so beautiful."

"Um, if you don't mind me asking, why do you think your Sabra is being so, well, so nice to us right now? I mean, from what I know, it's been years and years and years and years and years. Now he's ... she's ... well, changed."

Belkior  d20+2=19
Monday April 11th, 2005 8:35:16 AM
Thankful that Prionel is feeling his years, Belkior is able to keep up as the party moves from the Giggling Ghost back to the docks. When he has a chance, the halfling cleric will catch up to the elf and his daughter. "Would delaying your return to Sabara by an hour or two be possible? Meeting briefly with the Alder Circle might help both your cause and the Floating City. It would be a first step in helping the City exist peacefully with Sabara."

Diplomacy = 19

Belkior cocks an eye to gauge the position of the sun. Yes, they probably have enough time for a meeting.

As they trot down the streets and stairs of the Floating City, Belkior continues to speak with the elves. "Among your people, I assume that you have healers. I would like to speak with them, if possible, to exchange knowledge. I could teach them what I know of the illnesses and other problems that people here have, and I might learn of the illnesses and poisons found in Sabara. And treating broken bones ... living in trees, I think that your healers might know a great deal about setting broken bones, or want to learn from me."

Belkior will continue to inquire and chat about the respective states of health care in Sabara and the Floating City as long as the elves display minimal encouragement or, at least, don't express a desire not to speak.



Angus 
Monday April 11th, 2005 9:24:38 AM
Angus reflects on the GG meeting and Prionel's recent words. "Prionel, when is the vote to awaken the Sleeper to take place?" Angus pauses before adding. "Shall we all go to the Circle of Alder and see their thoughts on the recent changes in your Sabar, Prionel?"

Syr 
Monday April 11th, 2005 12:39:17 PM
Syr moves to leave with the others. Escorting the elder's daughter out, "When or where is this convergence? How do I vote?"

Florin Jadenth 
Monday April 11th, 2005 9:28:40 PM
Florin walks along with the others and keeps his mouth shut as he doesn't like some of the things he heard and chews his lip in thought before speaking up to Prionel, "Good sir, I would like to talk to you in private on something I personally thought I heard at that meeting. Will you be willing to talk to me on it as I am not a elf?"

Florin thinks and looks to the sky and speaks up, "Also I think we should leave come morning if you would not mind good sir. I understand your wanting to talk to your fellow elves on matters but if you do not mind me saying, all this has left us all something to think on. I think we should leave come morning to your home and allow everyone to rest and think over all that has happened."

Florin's mind swirls on everything that has happens and isn't sure on any of this. He keeps his mouth shut on all his personal thoughts.

DM George 
Monday April 11th, 2005 10:38:05 PM
Prionel will hold up his hands trying to slow down the flow of questions and remarks. "Please young ones, I am only an old elf who is away from his home. I feel the need to return to my village and being away for another night distresses me.

I wish to forgo seeing these Druids of Alder. I really don't understand how they call themselves druids? Aren't druids supposed to live with and protect nature? I have lived for thousands of years and never heard of city dwelling druids."

The elf will look up to the sky and his eyes will go unfocused for a long second. He will snap out of it and continue, "Besides I feel my Sabara getting restless without my presence. She can be a moody lady and can turn nasty without a calming influence. I need to get home."

Prillana will look at Syr and say, "I assume we will be contacted like most other elves...in our dreams. We will vote then. I am not sure of the exact time of the convergence but it is soon."

Wynn 
Monday April 11th, 2005 11:12:19 PM
Wynn moves in beside the elder Prionel and offers him his other arm in support. "Of course mellonamin, we will escort you back to the Crying Woods as you wish."

Tionel 
Tuesday April 12th, 2005 6:49:49 AM
"Okay, sir. We'll take you back, no worries about it."

Along the trip back, Tionel will try to explain to him about how he is a city druid, not a forest druid.
"You see, I was born in a large forest, and raised in the woods like many in your tribe were. But when I came to my first city...well, it was a different world entirely. I suddenly changed. I was never a particularly good druid, though I tried. It wasn't memorization or spells or even that natural balance understanding... It was the call of the city.
"A real city is just like a forest; it's alive, and all the people inside are its animals. The buildings are trees, the roads are its paths. And the emotions of the people are much richer and more rewarding than that of any forests' animals..."
Tionel falls silent, unable to explain his connection further, and worried what the wise elf will say. He doesn't really know his own feelings on this subject entirely...

Xenia 
Tuesday April 12th, 2005 8:48:02 AM
"Sure, we'll take you back," Xenia at Wynn's side chimes in. "It's tough not sleeping in your own bed sometimes. And we can't have you try and row across by yourself. You or your prin ... daughter."

"But, um, listen, do you think there's anything you can do if Sabra, well, like, you know, decides she doesn't like us anymore? I mean, she wasn't too keen on us before, you see. And, have you thought that, if she does decide we're not good people, and that if we're with you, she might decide not to like you too?"

"I mean, have you thought about this guys? We've rowed up the river, we've rowed down the river, now we're going to row up the river again. And maybe what's waiting there might not like us."

Syr 
Tuesday April 12th, 2005 10:42:43 AM
Syr walks alongside the others down to the boats and talks with Prillana, "Assuming everything is resolved, and the watcher is awakened... what role do you see you people taking in regards to the city and Sabara after it? I can guarantee, now that people know you are there, they will have contact. Sometimes it will not be of your choice."

Belkior 
Tuesday April 12th, 2005 12:34:02 PM
The halfling cleric falls back in the group as they proceed down to the docks. It sounds like they're going directly to Sabara again, so Belkior could have the chance to speak with the healers there.

After navigating a section of stairs, Belkior again moves up close to Prionel. "After we take you back to your village, what would become of our party? Would we have to leave right away, or can we stay overnight?"

Pausing to think briefly, Belkior continues on with his one-sided conversation. "Syr is correct, of course. The news of your visit to the Floating City will be spread throughout the city very soon. Like it or not, there will be more people from here going out to Sabara. Prionel, you may want to return to the city to meet with the druids of the Alder Grove and other leaders in the city."

Belkior's conversation stops as the group nears the docks and they look for the boats that they had used before.


Angus 
Tuesday April 12th, 2005 3:03:11 PM
Angus walks with the group and is strangely quite as he is lost in thought about the sleeper and not being able to have a vote in its possible awakening. Angus also thinks to himself that not consulting with the Circle of Alder may be an oversight by Prionel or a planned diseption; Angus can not tell which, but he begins to watch Prionel and his daughter closely.

Lang & Sunshine 
Tuesday April 12th, 2005 7:33:23 PM
Lang stays silent as the group tries to persuade Prionel to stay in the city and meet with the Druids. He is more than happy to help the elf and his daughter back to their city.

DM George 
Tuesday April 12th, 2005 10:22:53 PM
Prionel looks at Tionel like he has grown two heads when he explains about city druids. He will put his hand on his shoulder and say, "Son, holy men that live in the city are called priests or clerics. They do exactly what you described. Tend to the humans and glorify their Gods. They look for recruits and converts and collect cash in the offerings which they use to build stone structures to glorify their Gods even more.

Druids look to the natural order. Our worshippers can't pay us in gold but show us how to live. The live in harmony with nature. They understand it can be harsh and unforgiving but also understand its strength and beauty. I have to wonder if you City Druids have lost sight of that.

When Xenia pipes in about it being safe for them, Prillana bursts into laughter and says, "Don't worry. Mother wouldn't hurt us."

Prionel will listen to Syr's concerns about others coming to the Crying Jungle and respond, "My Sabara has always been able to defend herself. With the awakening of the Fairy King, She will only get stronger. Woe to any who visit her without good intentions in their hearts."

As the group moves towards the docks, a crash of steel can be heard and the sound of marching feet. The group is suddenly surrounded by armored men with weapons in their hands and grim expressions in their eyes. They are dressed in the tunics of guardsmen of the Floating City.

One steps forward and says, "By Lord Perimon's command, we are charged to take the elf Prionel into custody. He is to be questioned on the destruction of Perimon City and the murder of her citizens."

The group looks around and sees at least 20 guardsmen armed with sword and spear.

Florin Jadenth  d20+5=11 d20+3=4
Tuesday April 12th, 2005 11:04:46 PM
(OOC:Sorry for missing a post. Being informed of what happen to Lynn struck a blow this morning.)

Florin looks to the guards and sighs, stepping forward to the guards he holds up a hand to show he means no harm, "Good guards, we will not fight you in the middle of the city so please lower your weapons. I'm Florin Jadenth a defender of Domi's faith, you may trust me good sirs on there will be no violence." (Diplomacy:11 ignore the second roll)

If Florin doesn't see his first attempt at getting the guards to calm their approach then he tries another route also, "This is no way to treat quests to the city. Do you intend to make a bad impression and posibly a enemy? An if you intend to take these two elves then we will be going with them. We escourted them here and will not leave them to be judged that easily." Florin narrows his eyes and looks at the guard who spoke and speaks in a slightly sharp tone, "Refuse and I will seek actions of my own since you know Domi is a god of protection and untill these two elves are found guilty of anything then it is in my right to protect them. Lead us or let us all go, your choice sir guard."

Tionel 
Wednesday April 13th, 2005 4:40:06 AM
"NO, Florin, you can't allow them to take him. He is important to Sabara...there would be extremely bad consequences if he doesn't go back." Tionel turns to the guards, and in his mind he's already summoning creatures to defend the old druid...

Angus  d20+7=8
Wednesday April 13th, 2005 7:51:38 AM
Angus thinks to himself that this could get ugly, but what an interesting way to see if Prionel can defend himself....

Angus coats himself in Mage Armor.

Angus speaks up after Florin. "Florin is correct. Prionel is more than a guest, he is an ambassador from the Crying Woods. This is Prionel's first visit to our fair city and this is how you treat him. Please make way." Angus is attempting to be his diplomatic best (Diplomancy 8, nat.1), but too much sarcasim is dripping from his voice.

Wynn Brightsong  d20+6=18 d20+6=25
Wednesday April 13th, 2005 8:20:27 AM
"Florin is right, where Prionel goes, we go." The bard turns to the guard. "We have been charged by the Alder Circle to investigate the destruction of the settlement of Perimon and the hostility of the Crying Woods itself. As such, Prionel is under their protection. I suggest you send a runner to fetch one of the Circle immediately. A diplomatic incident may still be avoided by some quick action on your part guardsman" Wynn hopes his words of reason resonate with the guard and he begins to look about for a comfortable place for the elderly elf to rest while they wait.

[Diplomacy=18, Spot=25]

Xenia  d20+2=19
Wednesday April 13th, 2005 8:50:05 AM
The dark flame-headed girl's eyes narrow to slits and she plants her fists on both hips. Her full lips squish together working up the words to blast these metal-clad morons.

"These things I'm teaching you, Xenia, do you know why I don't do them anymore? Oh sure, they're dangerous and risky. But that's not it." He touches a finger to the end of her dark nose. "No my little girl, it's because negotiating with people is so much more interesting than dealing with locks and traps and second story windows."

"Someday, you'll find that out for yourself."


Xenia's face relaxes, and a sigh breathes out the accumulated wrath. Most of it anyway. She eyes the guardsmen that ring their smaller group.

"Listen guys, this Perimon sent twenty of you, with weapons, to take in one old guy and his daughter. You gotta ask yourself why. Don't cha? And, you gotta figure that he hasn't thought about this much. And you also gotta figure that he doesn't care much what happens to you. 'Cause, if I though one old man and his daughter were dangerous, I'd have sent a mage or a battle cleric along. You know what I mean?" Xenia makes a show of looking out over the heads of all the troops. "I see spears and swords."

"Tell you what. We got this well in hand. And I don't think it's a bad idea for this Perimon guy to come down and get some answers. Maybe it'll cool his head a bit." Xenia smiles. Just a little joke. "So, why don't we take Prionel and his daughter to our place. It's just near here. Perimon, he can come down, and they can talk together on neutral territory."

"How's that, guys?" She turns in an arc, presenting the proposal to the full circle of troops.

"Hey, Angus," the dark rogue whispers, "can you turn them invisible?"

[Diplomacy 19]

Belkior  d20+2=8 d20+5=17
Wednesday April 13th, 2005 10:23:21 AM
Belkior instinctively moves closer to the centre of the group, near to Prionel. If things go badly his healing and curative powers will very likely be needed.

"Prionel, I'd suggest remaining here for a bit. Defying these guardsmen could cause an irreparable rift between Sabara and the City."

Diplomacy = 8

Unfortunately, Belkior's words may not carry much weight with the elf.

Looking out at the guard who spoke, Belkior tries to gauge whether the words of his companions have had any influence. Speaking to the entire group of guardsmen, Belkior continues. "I am a Healer of Alemi, studying with Janus in the Temple. Wynn has spoken the truth, we were charged by the Alder Circle with investigating what befell Perimon City and its occupants. Part of that investigation was to locate any inhabitants of the forest and learn more about what we now know is called Sabara. Obviously, both Lord Perimon and the Alder Circle have an in interest in Prionel. Perhaps you really should contact the Circle. They may not take kindly to the representative of the forest being detained."

Sense Motive = 17



Syr  d20+8=19 d20+13=15
Wednesday April 13th, 2005 12:17:30 PM
Syr steps in front of the father and daughter and looks up at the guard, "Listen to the girl." (Intimidate 19) Looking at the guards uniform very carefully, "How do we know that you have the authority? Why don't you go get Captain ... What's your girl's name Florin? We know and trust her. She's not too far here. In the meantime, why don't we do as the dark elf suggests and stop by our place for a few minutes?" (Diplomacy 15)

An Hour of Silence - DM Donna 
Wednesday April 13th, 2005 1:13:27 PM
This board will now observe an hour of silence
in honor of Lynn Beck (and her husband Dave)
who was taken away from The Wold before her time...


Good-bye Dave & Lynn Beck - DM Donna 
Wednesday April 13th, 2005 2:13:40 PM
The hour of silence is over now. Posting may resume. Thank you and let's all hope for the best for young Alex Beck.

DM George 
Wednesday April 13th, 2005 10:18:18 PM
Prionel looks on with distaste as the Crimson Shields come to his aid. He tries to speak several times but someone else always beats him to the punch.

He finally steps forward and says, "No I will go with these gentlemen." He will look at Florin and say, "I charge you to bring my daughter back to Sabara. She must meet her destiny. She can not stay here in the city. It could have grave consequences if she does. Promise me you will bring her home!" He ends his plea by grabbing Florin's arm and staring deep into his eyes.

The guardsmen who spoke before seemed to be getting very angry at the Crimson Shield's interference. He says, "It is a good thing for you that this gentlemen has decided to come along. You would have faced the wrath of the council and my Lord Perimon if you interferred anymore.

You can run to your precious Circle of Aldur and tell them whatever you please. My orders come from his lordship and I will not wait to carry them out."

He lets out a big breath and goes on, "You may escort your friend if you wish, but we are leaving now." He makes a signal and 8 guards make a box around the old elf and 2 of them gently but firmly grab his elbows. They start to march away.

Lang & Sunshine 
Wednesday April 13th, 2005 11:29:31 PM
Lang is not sure what to do as the guard starts to surround Prionel. He looks toward Florin for direction.

He turns to the leader of the guardsman and says, "Since when does the Floating City's jurisdiction include the Crying Woods?"

"Florin, we may need to split up. Some to escort Prionel's daughter, some to get the Circle and some to go with Prionel."

Angus  d20+7=20
Wednesday April 13th, 2005 11:51:27 PM
Angus is horrified at the behavior of the guards. "Be careful with Prionel, your bumbling fools, he is 1000 years old. Remember he holds all the power of the Crying Woods within him, so be gentle with him or it is your peril." Angus bluffs (bluff 20).

Angus calls to Prionel's back as he is surrounded. "We will take care of your daughter for you. Be well Prionel and remember not all City dwellers have such bad manners." Angus has a bad feeling that this could be the last time he lays eyes on the elven leader.

Angus will move to over to Prionel's daughter to see how she is holding up. "Are you alright my lady? We should move quickly from this area before there is more trouble."

In a low voice Angus will conspire with Xenia and Syr. "You two deal in stealth. Do you want to follow the metallic rabble and see what happens. You can meet us at the docks in a hour. If you want, I will make each of you invisible for part of your stalking?"

If Xenia and Syr decide to follow the guards, Angus will make them invisible and caution. "Remember this will only last about six minutes, good luck."

Florin Jadenth 
Thursday April 14th, 2005 2:00:04 AM
Florin glares down the guard as he speaks and his hand strays to his sword, so close that the hilt is only inches away. Clearly dangerous thoughts run through his mind but at that moment Prionel steps forward and speaks. When he turns to Florin, he stands there and listens to what the man says and clenches his fist near his sword to keep his hand from grabbing it, "Your daughter is as good as home good sir, on my word, on my vow and on my lord Domi's name."

Florin glances behind him and speaks up, "Not all of us are going. I don't like splitting up but a couple of people go with Prionel and please return as soon as possible or send word to me."

Florin turns and moves to Prionel's daughter, his eyes show yet the dangerous look of murder in them since he wants to defend the elf and get him home since they were the ones who lead them here, "Miss, we need to get you home. My friends will do what they can to see your father safe. I'm terribly sorry for this all and can only hope it does not change your opinion of us humans or all of us in this city. My daughter is being raised to welcome elves and the other races."

Florin holds out his hand to Prionel's daughter and forces a smile, "Please, let us be on our way as your father wished and of course before the silly guard decide they need to take you also."

Florin turns to go when Prionel's daughter is ready, he can only hope Tionel or no other questions him letting Prionel go considering his is visibly angered, the elf meeting might of made him upset but nothing like how Prionel's being treated.

Tionel 
Thursday April 14th, 2005 4:45:48 AM
The young elf calms down, somewhat, feeling weird. Inwardly, he examines himself. He decides, after a few moments of introspection, that what really angered him wasn't the guards, it was the old man's comments about the city druids losing their way.
Darnit, I was explaining my view, what perfectly made sense to me, and the old, wise sage, he, he, had that same attitude as my parents did!
Tionel looks visibly angry, staring off at the guards. "Damn it..." He hisses the words softly, but with such utter hate, such malice and feeling... it's rare from the usually easygoing, reserved elf. Of course, observers do not know the innerworkings of his mind...



Xenia 
Thursday April 14th, 2005 7:31:01 AM
Again Xenia's temper flares. What is with this elf guy! First he's got to go home. Now he wants to stay! Some far-framblin Sage he is!!! More like an idiot old man! Can't even make up his frang-makin mind!!!

Again, however, her presence of mind saves her from bitter words. (Diplomacy 18. Dang.)

"Prionel, Sir, I don't mean to, you know, question your judgment. But, I wanna remind you that you were saying earlier about how Sabra would be getting restless without you, and that she might turn nasty without you there. And now you're willing to risk that, to go with these big ape types to see a guy who might be into not respecting your basic civil rights in the way of like, you know, maybe torture."

"Who knows what folks can be capable of when their minions go 'round saying stuff like 'face the wrath of the council and My Lord Perimon.' Excuse me, Prionel, Sir, but I think you're making a mistake. Not only for yourself, but for your people too. And, I'll tell you the truth, I wouldn't be saying this, I mean what you decide is up to you, but I think that what you decide might be a bad thing for my people too. My friends. This city that I live in."

"If you want to talk to Perimon, that can be arranged later. Maybe on the beach. Some place else. I mean, neither of you are really thinking of kicking the bucket any time soon, right? There's plenty of time for a meeting."

"I guess what I'm asking you to do, is to forget these goons and come with us."

Belkior 
Thursday April 14th, 2005 7:45:52 AM
The halfling cleric looks on as the guardsmen move away with Prionel in their midst. From Prionel's words, it seems to Belkior that there are more things happening than are immediately evident. He thinks to himself, "The elderly elf was insistent on his return to Sabara, then now meekly goes with the guardsmen. And this talk of his daughter ... "

He moves up beside Prillana, the elf's daughter. "Do not worry about your father, miss. Some of my companions will accompany him and bring word back." If need be, Belkior will provide a handkerchief to Prillana.

After a moment, Belkior continues. "As Florin said, we will follow your father's wishes and take you back to your village."

When the party moves off, Belkior will go with Prillana. The halfling cleric will remain by her side since her safety and security seemed paramount to Prionel.


Syr  d20+11=21
Thursday April 14th, 2005 3:11:01 PM
Amazed at how meekly the elder surrenders to the guards, he just stands there watching them leave. As they round the corner he hears Tionel and nods quickly, "I'm on it. Give me an hour to determine the situation and then get his daughter back." He proceeds off to follow the guard group. (Hide 21)

DM George 
Thursday April 14th, 2005 9:16:39 PM
As Prionel is marched away, he will reach out and grab his daughter's hand and give it a squeeze. "You must be there for the convergence, I'm not important."

The guardsmen and the sage are soon out of sight around a corner. The group converge upon the Prillana and she seems composed. Lost in thought but composed. She snaps back to attention when Angus inquires about her well being. She smiles feeblely and says, "I will be alright. My father is more than capabale of taking care of himself."

She frowns and a small tear appears in the corner of her eye. She continues, "He foresaw difficulties, but insisted on coming. I think he wanted this to be part of my education."

A look of alarm crosses her face which is quickly followed by smugness. She whispers to herself, "Besides if they hurt him, mother will get very upset. They thought Mother was bad before..."

She turns and starts walking towards the dock, "Please, will you escort me home? I need the feel of trees around me."

Xenia  d20+2=11
Thursday April 14th, 2005 10:52:52 PM
The dark rogue has finally had enough of her self-centered, full-blooded brethren. (Diplomacy 11. Good, that's low enough.)

She rounds on the sage guy's daughter. "I heard that. Listen Princess, you tell me. Do you give one wit for out city? For our people? For anybody but yourself!!! 'If they hurt him, mother will get very upset,' she mocks. What about you? He's your dad, fer Framble's sake! If they hurt him, they ain't just gonna slap his wrist a bit. You might never see him alive again! How can you just walk away like that?! If it were my Da there would be blood spilled on this street right now. And if it's my blood that's spilt, well that's the way I'd rather have it."

"Guys, this is not good. If this Sabra gets mad, and if this Convergence thing makes her stronger, I think the city is in for some bad times. I don't even know if getting this Prionel back to the woods is gonna do any good."

"I'm sorry, Wynn." Xenia turns to the bard. "I am so sorry. But the more I look at this, the more I see us on the bad side of this Sleeper wakening thing. We're the ones who get purged under. Unless ... "

Xenia lifts her hand and looks down on the ring. The thin silver band. The crimson stone embossed with the dove. She lifts her free hand, turns the ring as though to pull it off.

"No." She releases the ring, still on her finger. "I pledged to my Da that I would come her and make something of myself. And I'm not gonna give it up. I can't. I can't, Wynn. I'm so sorry. I am so sorry, Wynn. I love you. I love you, but I just can't do this soul-singing thing with you. Not if it will wake up this Sleeper. I'm sorry. Please don't hate me. But I can't."

Xenia's eyes close. Her head drops. The muscles in her jaw quiver under the dark of her skin.

"You!" The dark rogue's eyes snap in the direction of the elven girl from the Crying Woods. "Your Forest is not going to hurt one single person from this city, do you understand? Even if they deserve it. Do you understand that?"

Tionel 
Friday April 15th, 2005 1:52:06 AM
Tionel looks at the girl and nods slowly, understanding why the man came suddenly. To make this girl grow up... he looks over to Xenia and hears the anger in her voice, and for a second he's going to silence Xenia, but then he stops himself. Perhaps Prionel deserves it...or maybe dealing with Xenia will help the elven girl understand humans better. The half-elf certainly acts more like a human than any elf he's met. Tionel smiles at Xenia, obviously thinking something.


Florin Jadenth 
Friday April 15th, 2005 3:24:17 AM
Florin upon hearing Xenia words, spins on his heel and looks to Prillana, "I made a vow to get you back to your forest Prillana but rather your father is hurt or not this city better not be attacked. I have a daughter in this city, she is very precious to me. I do not know your elven views on us humans but elven or human or any other race should not be killed, specially the innocent. I raise arms in defense of my lord Domi and also in defense of my friends who I consider family....all of them too, no matter their race they are my family."

Florin's eyes narrow dangerously, "I made a promise as I said but be warned that if innocents of this city are hurt, I will beseach my god and every man I can get to get revenge on the person, persons or forest responsible. That is my duty as a paladin of Domi."

Florin now glances to his friends and speaks up, "Those wanting to go check on her father should go and hurry. Otherwise we go to the docks, as I promised."

With that said Florin begins moving towards the docks, his anger evident at the thought of Jella, Mort, Gordo, the orphans or anyone he considers friends hurt or killed. Florin as he walks has clearly hit his anger level for the day since he starts whispering prayers to Domi, "Domi for who I follow, grant me more patience. One of your most devoted followers needs you to temper his soul more in this mission before I loose it. May you guide my path."

Wynn Brightsong  d20+6=13
Friday April 15th, 2005 7:41:42 AM
Wynn steps between the elven princess and his two companions, Xenia and Florin. "Stop and listen to yourselves, Prionel has just been taken from the girl and now you two are issuing ultimatums? What kind of diplomacy is that? We are not going to build peace between the Crying Woods and Floating City by threatening it's denizens. What makes you think that the elves control Sabara? If Sabara is anything like the Culverwood, it simply defends itself and it's inhabitants from outsiders."

Wynn turns to Priscilla. "Please, come with us and we will escort you home. Perhaps there we can seek some solution to this unfortunate set of events...and please do not judge mt friends harshly, these are confusing and emotional times.[Diplomacy=13]"

Angus (Mage ARmor) 
Friday April 15th, 2005 8:30:35 AM
Angus see the storm clouds on the horizon darken after the recent exchange and says t himself. "I hate always being right."

Angus looks at the backs of the guardsmen as they escort Prionel. "I almost feel bad for the guards." Angus turns back to his friends. "Lets go get this over with and get Miss High and Mighty back to her mother."

Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) 
Friday April 15th, 2005 8:41:55 AM
"Wynn!" Xenia's voice is full of incredulity. "I did try diplomacy! Do you hear them listening to any Diplomacy? Do you hear any of them listening?"

"Those guys didn't take the Sage. He left with them. Like, willingly!!! He had a choice!"

"And I'm not saying any ultimatums any more than she is. 'They thought Mother was bad before. I need to feel some trees.' The dark half-elf mocks again. "Yeah. Ok. Things could get bad. But do you see her even a little bit worried about it? All she wants to do is feel up trees!"

"I think we should alert the guard. We should warn the druids. And even the Council."

"And I think you should SWIM home, Princess!"

DM George "Conversation" 
Friday April 15th, 2005 9:39:51 AM
Prillana's eyes turn to granite with all the accusations flying back and forth. He hands ball into fists as she squares up with Xenia.

"You are young and foolish. My father only went willing with them to protect me and all of you! You obviously don't have children because if you did, you would realize that you don't do things that might endanger your children!"

The elven woman blows out a big breath. She visibly calms down. "My father is a peace loving elf. He will defend himself but wouldn't allow any of you to get hurt trying to defend him. He feels the same responisbility for you that you feel for him.

"She will then look to Wynn and add,"You are right and wrong about the elves and Sabara. Sabara is my mother. She was once an elf like me but years ago gave up her body and joined with the jungle. Her conciousness is part of the jungle now....only she is getting tired. She is becoming more primeaval everyday and less elflike.

That is why my father wanted me to get home. I am her replacement. It is my sacred duty and honor to become the guide of the jungle. To reign in its anger and help it flourish."

OOC I pushed this post a little sooner than I normally would in the day. If you haven't posted, no worries, I will respond to your actions either tonight or over the weekend and then post again on Monday.

Angus (Mage Armor) 
Friday April 15th, 2005 12:53:09 PM
Angus will rush and get in between Xenia and Prillana. Angus will hold up his hands to the women and look down on them before speaking. "Ladies, Please. Now is not the time or the place for this...activity." Angus will pause before continuing. "Lets try to make nice. I have grave concerns about the direction events are taking us, but we did promise to take the Princess back and it may do some good between the Floating City and the Sabara, or one can hope."

Angus will take a deep breath. "Xenia you have a very good idea. Why don't you inform the Circle of Alder what has transpired while we get the Princess ready to travel. You can meet us at the docks also. We will wait for you and Syr to return before we shove off. I think you could use some time away."

Xenia  d20+2=4 d20+2=13
Friday April 15th, 2005 1:15:05 PM
"I'M FOOLISH!!!!" Xenia explodes. (Diplomacy 4, Wisdom 13) "You got your Crying Woods Sabra kicking out the folks down on Periomon And your Da brings the future of your Woods right into the city. Ok, so maybe it's important that you see this meeting for yourself. But your Da asks us to escort you both, and neither of you bother to tell us how important you are? That's either foolish or you don't trust us. But if you don't trust us, why did your Da leave someone so important with us, and why did he try to protect us from the guards?"

Flame head ticks each point off on her fingers as she rattles them off in quick succession. Then, jaw clenched in a stubborn gaze, she plants fists on her hips.

"Listen Princess," Xenia sighs and shakes her head, "being smart and wise and all isn't just about being old or being an elf. It's gotta be in the stuff you do. Like, maybe telling us in the first place how important you are."

"Or, maybe not even trusting us in the first place woulda been a smart move. Making the trip by yourself. Have you though that now that they got your Da, they don't have to hurt him? They can just threaten to hurt him. You better hope that they don't find out that he's your Da, and then find out about you. I'm not saying they'd do this, mind you, but you might just see them sending parts of your Da to the Woods in little boxes unless you do what they tell you."

Xenia sighs and throws up her hands.

"Letting them have a hostage was *not* a good idea. But, then, going around making a big deal out of it now is probably worse. Angus, I think telling anybody about this now would be a bad idea."

"Farng," she swears, "We should at least get her out of the city now."

Belkior  d20+2=5
Friday April 15th, 2005 9:24:29 PM
The halfling cleric steps back away from Xenia and Prillana as the argument begins to grow in intensity. Or, it would grow if Prillana pushed harder.

Diplomacy = 5

"Prillana, Xenia ... let's take this discussion somewhere more private. Do either of you want everyone in the Floating City to learn of this? Maybe we should get into the boats and head back to the forest."

Belkior motions towards the boats. Unfortunately, this is probably a time when more "bedside manner" would be beneficial.

"Do you two want to be standing in the streets shouting at one another like two fishwives? Get in the boats and we can settle this elsewhere. What's done is done, we can't turn back time and do this over again."

The conflict with the guards and watching his companion argue with Prillana, who says she will become the future spirit of the forest has obviously rattled the healer. Life in the temples was never this complicated.


Florin Jadenth 
Friday April 15th, 2005 10:03:55 PM
Florin glances towards Wynn and whispers to the man as he steps near to him for a moment, "You are a friend Wynn so I will only explain this to you, I do not threaten her without reason. If anything happens because her father dies then the victims better not be no innocence, specially the orphans we cared for, my daughter or any of you. As long as it's those who deserve it I have no problem."

Florin turns and walks to a boat and looks to Prillana, thinking he also pulls a peice of parchment from his belt pouch which is folded up and holds it out to her, "Look at this while we go to your forest. I mean no offense Prillana really, I just want to make sure you understand that there are people in this city that are not evil, who do not wish the elves ill will."

Lang & Sunshine 
Friday April 15th, 2005 10:54:35 PM
"Florin, are we all going back to the forest? Are we going to wait for Syr to come back? I think we should take 1 boat and the rest of the group stays here to try and sort things out."

"Perhaps Wynn, Angus, Belkior, Sunshine and I can take the princess back to the woods. Tionel can go to the Circle of Alders and let them know what has happened, Xenia can follow after Syr and you can try and get some information on the arrest of Prionel."

"I bet the elf captain would be a good start and perhaps Happy will know something. Even your parents might be able to shed some light on the situation."

"Either way we need to move fast to get the princess back to the forest and then ourselves back to the Floating City."

Tionel 
Saturday April 16th, 2005 3:49:28 AM
"Tell you what, let's save some time. Guys, I'll meet you at the docks...I can always catch up by flying or swimming, if need be." Tionel winks to his friends, especially amused by the two girls' behavior, if displeased with their criticism. He smiles at Prionel. "Don't forget...parents have to let their kids grow up, and that inevitably involves some danger. But don't worry...with the Crimson Shields around, I don't think you have anything to worry about."

Wynn 
Saturday April 16th, 2005 5:55:22 PM
Wynn can accept criticism from Xenia, but the self righteous paladin and his patronizing tone are too much for the bard.

"Save your vehemence for those that deserve it" he returns Florin's comments in the same low tone.

Wynn looks to the others, "This child has done nothing to harm any of you. It is this Lord Perimon that deserves our attention. It is his arrogance that we must guard against. Perimon invaded the Crying Woods. It was he who captured and perhaps murdered one of the elves. It was he who arrested Prionel with no cause. It is Perimon who threatens to upset Sabara...not this child. Let us return her to her home with all the speed and dignity we can, and let us all hope that this fool Perimon does nothing to jeopardize all of our futures."



Florin Jadenth (Illegal second post) 
Saturday April 16th, 2005 11:59:14 PM
Florin looks to Wynn and speaks to him, this time calmer then before, "Wynn, you aren't really from the Floating City and only know some people. I'm saying if anyone else innocent is hurt. I'm not saying she is threatening the innocent, I'm saying if it comes to the woods fighting back that she try to do everything she can to keep it from leaking to the innocence. Even you can't blame me for wanting to protect innocence, do you?"

Florin thinks and looks to Wynn once more and holds out a hand to him as a friend, "I'm a friend Wynn, not a foe. I wish to protect all innocence if at all possible. I would risk my life for this group, for Prillana, for her father if he would of gave us the choice. I'm not asking you to step on that path but ask that only she and hopefully you understand that the innocent have no reason involved in something they know nothing about and such."

Florin thinks as he boards the boat now and await to leave, Prillana can board the same boat if she wishes or another but he still intends to give the paper to her to look at. As Florin does he speaks over his shoulder, "If what I think or have thought is to hard to stand beside then maybe a new leader should be made that everyone can believe in or trust. Doubt in any of us can break us, specially when one or more doubts the leader. I don't want to be in a fight and find that someone is offended and doesn't have my back. Either way my blade and my shield is always there to help defend all of you."

Florin now sits and falls completely quiet, understanding more now then before why the old paladin of Domi who trained him said on many occassions that being the leader of a group is the most lonely jobs. Florin's ideas are so different then everyones it seems of late and sometimes it seems they are to different and the differences are causing gaps in the group.

DM George 
Sunday April 17th, 2005 1:32:42 AM
OOC Hey Folks, I sent an test email out to everyone today. Or at least I think I did. If you didn't get it, please email me at Jasjen577@aol.com. Please include your character name.

Syr 
Sunday April 17th, 2005 3:16:33 AM
Syr continues to follow the guardsman oblivious to commotion behind him and hoping the DM will acknowledge him :).

DM George  d20+8=26
Sunday April 17th, 2005 11:35:27 AM
Prillana glides gracefully up to Wynn, catches the back of his head in her hand and pulls him into a kiss. After slipping him some tongue, she will pull away and say, "Thank-you for your kind words. I am so glad at least one of you understands."

Turning to the others, she continues, "We elves of the Crying Jungle don't want war. We don't wish to harm any innocents. We didn't invade your lands. We didn't cut down your friends and hunt others. You must understand that the jungle is sentinent. It is very wise, in its own way, but also very childish in others.

Like a child, if you keep hurting him, it is going to strike back. If you want to keep your city safe, you will need to move it away from the jungle and stop your incursions. We want to live in peace with our neighbors. Do you want to live in peace with us?"

As she talks, the elven woman keeps walking and you find yourselves down at the boat level quickly enough.

When the Shields and Prillana finally arrive, Prillana will turn and look at Xenia. "You inquired about trust. Of course we don't trust you. We hardly know you. We all have to take risks to accomplish our goals sometimes. We, the guardians of Sabara, have to know what your intentions are. My father wouldn't let anyone else take that risk. He felt it was his responsiblity. Still it was a test. Not just for you, but for the leaders of this fine city. Why do you think my father went along with the guards? If they harm him, then we will know the truth about your leadership's character and can plan accordingly."

She settles down into one of the boats and folds her hands into her lap and adds, "And stop calling me princess. I am not a princess!"

Syr follows the guards to the Northeast support piller. The march up to a steel door which is guarded by even more guards. He shows the symbol of his office and is allowed to pass through. The head guardsmen pauses and turns and looks at where Sly was slinking along and yells, "Are you coming? I don't have all day! I mentioned earlier that you were welcome to come along. Not quite sure why you are hiding in doorways."

OOC Spot check 26 vs hide check of 21

OOC I remember someone was trying to get Prillana to look at some paperwork. I can't find it in the posts after a quick scan. Please email or private post me on who it was and what the paperwork was about. Thanks

Angus (Mage Armor) 
Sunday April 17th, 2005 12:31:53 PM
Angus waves to Tionel as he leaves. "We will save you a spot on the boats. See you in a while. Good luck with the Druids."

Angus is shocked at Prillana's ploy and quickly turns his attentions to Xenia shielding Wynn from view. Angus considers picking up Xenia, but if she wiggles it could throw out his back. "Xenia what kind of weather do you think we will have for our journey back into Sabara?" Angus throws out as a bit of distraction.

Angus is sure he was too late to be a distraction and adds. "Let it go Xenia. Wynn did not start it all Prillana is doing is getting under your skin."

Angus turns his back on Xenia and faces Prillana attempting to keep them from looking at one another. "Well Princess, do you play us for fools now. What kind of game is this? We are keeping our word and trying to gain information about your Sabara through discussion, sometimes heatedly, and you take this action. Explain youself as you are acting very unprincess like." Angus stands over Prillana wating for an answer.

Xenia (AC 20, Dodge vs Prillana AC21, HP 35/35)  d20+9=29 d20+9=23 d3=3 d3=1 3d6(4+3+1)=8
Sunday April 17th, 2005 3:43:53 PM
"I know, Angus," the words are spat to the street. And those are the only words the dark rogue says.

On the way down to the docks, she is silent still. Her eyes, however, are slits. The muscles at the sides of her jaw are taut. With a good imagination, you could see steam rising off the top of her head.

"Yeah, ok," she says stepping into the boat with The Princess, "I'll show you what I'm gonna call you."

*POW*

The boat rocks as Xenia catches the elven girl with a clean hit to the jaw. (To Hit/Unarmed/Subdual: AC29, Crit Threat AC23, Non-lethal Damage 3hp (+1 if Crit), (+8 if she wasn't ready for it/Sneak Damage))

Belkior  d20+5=16 d20+5=13 d20+2=9 d20+2=4 d20-8=1
Sunday April 17th, 2005 7:10:22 PM
The halfling cleric has been keeping up with the group as best as he can in a city designed for big people. He manages to see the interaction between Prillana, Xenia and Wynn but can't figure out what Prillana means by it.

Spot = 16, Sense Motive = 13

Once they get to the boats, Belkior hears what Prillana has to say. The concept of someone, anyone, merging with something as large as Sabara is beyond him. Retaining any part of their conciousness after, that bothers him too. But what would I know, I'm only a simple halfling Healer.

He is lost in thought, planning how best to enter the boats when the sound of a fist striking flesh causes him to whip his around.

"Hey! Stop that! You're causing a spectacle and not solving anything!"

Diplomacy = 9

Wanting to keep the peace, Belkior tries to scramble into the boat to break up the fight. Unfortunately, he misses his footing and lands in the water with a loud splash.

DEX check, for untrained Balance or whatever = 4 ... so I figure that he's in the water.

KER-SPLOOSH

Belkior starts scrambling to keep himself above water, but isn't particularly successful.

Untrained Swim check, with armor penalty = 1


Lang & Sunshine  d20+2=14
Sunday April 17th, 2005 7:46:11 PM
Lang watches as the two elf women make fools of themselves in different ways. He and Sunshine remain seated waiting for the cat-fight to end so that he can start rowing towards the Crying Woods. The sooner he can help get Prillana back to the forest the better.

Great, Lang thinks as Belkior clumsily falls into the water. How does a halfling trip over his own feet? They are usually quite dexterous. Not wanting the poor chap to drown, Lang reaches his quarterstaff over the side of the boat so that Belkior can grab onto it. Once he does Lang lifts him back into the boat (strength check 14).

"Can everyone just sit down and keep to themselves! All of us want Prillana back to the Crying Woods. All of ... this is not helping."

Tionel 
Sunday April 17th, 2005 11:42:53 PM
Tionel heads to the Druids doubletime. So, unfortunately, he misses out on Xenia's attack.


Wynn Brightsong  d20+1=7
Monday April 18th, 2005 8:20:32 AM
Wynn is caught completely unawares by the elven beauty's embrace. Unsure of what to do he returns her kiss. Despite the awkwardness of the situation he cannot escape from noticing how soft her skin is against his cheek or how gently her lips caress his own.

He manages to shake free from his reverie and takes a step back. "You're...you're welcome" he replies, and looks abashed at what has transpired.

The bard accompanies Priscilla to the boat and helps her in before offering the same assistance to Xenia. When she brushes past him into the boat he knows he is in for some fireworks on this trip.

Before he can react Xenia's balled fist catches Pricilla in the jaw and sends her reeling. Wynn reacts quickly, placing himself between the sprawling daughter of Prionel and the dark rogue. "Xenia!...relax, it was nothing, really." Wynn tries to pin Xenia's arms at her side as he speaks to her.

Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) 
Monday April 18th, 2005 12:36:28 PM
Xenia struggles but weakly in Wynn's arms. Tears of anger stream down her dark face.

"Ya didn't haveta kiss him. Ya didn't haveta. Ya didn't!" she screams past Wynn's shoulder through lips trembling with emotion.

Finally, she gives in entirely, burying her face in Wynn's chest.

"I'm sorry, Wynn. I'm sorry. I tried not to. I really did," she says between sobs.

Florin Jadenth  d20+5=25
Monday April 18th, 2005 1:38:33 PM
Florin shakes his head abit as he thinks he must of really got Wynn's dander up for him not to reply at all to any of his last comments. He watches as Xenia slugs Prillana and Wynn moves to stop her from any farther exploits.

Florin thinks it over for a moment and since Belkior is busy in the water and Lang is helping him out, Florin stands and moves to Prillana, kneeling by her as best he can depending on how bad she was hit anyway and checks to make sure she is okay. (Heal:25 nat 20) As Florin checks her he bites off a sigh and if she even allows him to touch her in his checking he calls on some of the healing his god has given him and uses his lay on hands ability to sooth the punch abit <healed 3 points> Florin speaks afterwards, "You could end up with a black eye yet but I think you'll be okay."

Florin pulls out a small cloth that has his family's crest on it and uses some of his water from his waterskin and hands it to Prillana, "It's not cold but it's cool, press this to your eye and it should help also."

If Prillana happens to be knock out then Florin will still look over her eye and also put the wetted cloth on it to help with the bruising that might happen, including the healing also which may help her wake quicker.

Florin glances to the others, "We may wish to go before anything else happens. We can't be returning her harmed and it might be bad enough if she is with a black eye." Florin begins to move back to his previous spot from everyone and sets, looking out over the lake before pulling out his dark wood comp. longbow and checking it out and then his greatsword which he had to remove from his back so he could sit easier. After all this he just stares out over the water pondering things and thinking to himself.

When Belkior is back in the boat he will turn to the little guy and speaks to him, "You okay Belkior? You should come over her for a moment." Florin pulls out a towel he carries for drying ever since his first water episode out here and places it around Belkior, "To help dry and keep you warm friend, we can't have our healer coming down with a cold." Florin gives Belkior a smile as he pats his shoulder too and tries to help raise Belkior's possible hurt pride, "Shame that the boat had to rock just as you were turning. Maybe a big fish or something bumped the boat."

DM George 
Monday April 18th, 2005 7:32:33 PM
Xenia comes up and punches Prillana in the jaw much to the amazement of everyone. Prillana not expecting it, falls to the bottom of the boat. She rises gamely to her feet and looks ready to throw some leather herself before several of the others step between them.

"What is your problem?" she calls out to Xenia and then comprehension dawns. "Is he your mate? Are you married? I am so sorry. I acted in haste and not enough thought. Please forgive me."

She sits back into the boat and rubs her jaw, "Nice punch though."

Tionel is hurrying off to the council. He sprints the entire way and is sucking wind by the time he gets there. The council offices are open but where is he going to go?"

Belkior climbs back into the boat after taking several swallows of lakewater. He coughs and hacks as Lang hauls him back in.

Angus scolds the elven woman and she stands up and puts a finger into his chest poking him rather hard. "I have told you before. I am not a princess."

Florin Jadenth 
Monday April 18th, 2005 8:00:15 PM
Seeing as how the punch landed on Prillana's jaw he will still check to make sure there is as little bruising, etc as possible, adding the wetted cloth also and speaking gently to her since this is sort of his field of work beyond fighting, "Now please keep the cloth on your jaw, it could swell and it will help keep the swelling down." Expecting to be brushed off anyway otherwise he will go back to his seat only adding some of his healing touch (lay on hands) if Prillana gives him a half a chance too.

Angus (Mage Armor)  d20+2=9
Monday April 18th, 2005 8:10:57 PM
Angus takes Prillana's poke in stride. "I am sorry my lady if I elevated you to standing higher than you deserved."

Angus will look from Xenia to Prillana. "Are you two going to be civil or should Xenia stay home. We are going on your turf and I do not want your Sabara to come and snatch her away if we have another scuffle for any odd reason." Angus will attempt to read Prillana's intentions for the group once in the Sabara (sense motive 9, not great).

Angus looks to Wynn for guidance on the Xenia emotional front, pleading with his eyes, as he does not want to vocalize any more.

Xenia 
Monday April 18th, 2005 8:47:08 PM
Mate? Married? Xenia's heart beats a tattoo at the thought.

She pulls her arms up into the comforting circle of Wynnn's arms and, with sniff and snuffs, quickly dries the tears from her eyes with the back of her hands. Finally, with a deep jagged sort of sigh, she pulls back and looks up into Wynn's face first before speaking.

"I'm sorry too. I ... " *breathe* " ... shouldn'a hit you. I should have more control. You're our guest. And we should take care of you."

Xenia's eyes flick to the Princess' face. "I'm. Sorry." *sniff*

Her eyes return to Wynn, miserable inside, before she pulls away and goes to sit in the front of the boat where, maybe she won't have to see everyone looking at her for causing such a scene.

Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=9
Monday April 18th, 2005 11:38:54 PM
First the anger and then the crying ... so typical of women. Lang wonders if the boat trip will ever get started.

Lang waits patiently until the TWO princesses give him the ok to start rowing.

Lang looks around to see if anyone is showing any interest in the 2 women and the shields (spot 9), but he is obviously distracted by the events in the boats.

Wynn Brightsong 
Tuesday April 19th, 2005 7:45:27 AM
Wynn looks helplessly at Angus, thinks about going to comfort Xenia in the bow, and the decides she probably wants some privacy. The bard helps cast off, and takes his turn at the oars. He passes the trip in quiet, contemplating the dream, the party's fearful reaction, and mentally prepares to meet Sabara.

Syr 
Tuesday April 19th, 2005 9:48:25 AM
Syr rolls his eyes and sighs heavily. With his head downcast, he moves along with the guards as they lead Prionel away. Moving up beside the older elf, he tries to assess the man's mood. With a sheepish grin he blurts out, "So... Do you come here often?"

Feeling that his banter is slightly inappropriate the elf lapses into silence and takes in his surroundings. Having never been in the support pillar before he is naturally curious as to the workings of the city.

As they ascend, he wonders how the rest of the group fares. His face takes on a worried frown at the thought of them making the journey without him and his brow wrinkles at the thought of them getting into trouble without him. Shaking his head at his fears, he recalls the three newest additions to the party and smiles to himself. Between Lang, Wynn, and Belkior they can take on most challenges. With a final thought that the trip to the elven village went very quietly so he imagines the return should be the same.

Belkior 
Tuesday April 19th, 2005 12:39:19 PM
The halfling cleric lies sputtering in the bottom of the boat. Lifting his helm, he allows the water to run out. After a moment to regain what composure he has remaining, he finds a safe place to sit.

After looking about sheepishly, Belkior says, "What's so funny? At least you stopped fighting or discussing or whatever you want to call what you two were doing."

Belkior pauses to remove a boot and pour the water over the side of the boat. "My apologies, Prillana. I'm simply not at my best after being dunked in a lake. And you, too, Xenia. I apologize for my earlier words."

His boot makes a sucking sound when he forces his foot back in. When Belkior empties his other boot, a small minnow swims away.

Belkior will continue speaking. "Prillana, I feel that I should correct something. To my knowledge, no one in the City "brought" it here. I wasn't in the City at the time, so the others might correct me, but I doubt that it will be easy to move."


Tionel 
Tuesday April 19th, 2005 5:07:21 PM
Tionel stops, gasping for breath...huffing a bit, he slowly goes inside and asks the first fellow he sees that he has to give a message to the council.
He looks around for one of the druids he's met before. At that point, he'll tell them the message.
The first thing he makes sure to mention is the success of their venture so far; their discovery of the elven village, of this mysterious 'Sabara', an elven woman who melded with the forest, and the old elder elf of the village coming back with them to the giggling ghost. Second, he makes sure to tell them of the elven dream, and the old man's position on it. Then, he makes sure to go on to mention that as they were heading back to deliver the old man, the guards of Lord Perimon taking the man capture. And finally, the old elf's reaction, as well as the importance of his daughter supposedly...
Tionel tells the druids that he and his friends have to make sure to take the daughter back, and to find more about Sabara as well as the elves and other things in the forest. But they have to work to have the old man freed from Lord Perimon's grasp.


DM George 
Tuesday April 19th, 2005 9:45:31 PM
Syr's scene: Prionel seems to stumble for a minute and grabs Syr the arm. He has a blank expression on his face and seems to be frowning in concentration. His eyes open and he says, "You must go back to your companion's. You have to hurry. Somehow I am sensing that they are going to need you."

Syr takes sage at his word and hurrys back towards the group arriving just before the boats are about to pull out from the dock.

Tionel's scene: Tionel finds a face he recognizes at the council and relates his news. The druid's seem excited that the group has such success so quickly and tells Tionel to hurry back and keep this elven woman safe from harm and to get her home. They will try to interceed for Prionel and keep him out of the dungeon.

Tionel runs back to the dock area and almost bumps into Syr as he hurries from the other direction. Tionel also is able to join the boats before they head out onto the lake.

General scene: The boats head out and start heading towards the lake. Prillana excepts Xenia's apology. "Don't worry about it young one. I am sure he loves you. Your to beautiful not to be loved and I can attest to your inner fire." She rubs her jaw thoughtfully.

She shoos away Florin's healing attentions saying, "I am fine. She packs a good wallop but we junle elves have to be tough."

She will pull out the paper that Florin gave her before and open it. A smile leaps to her eyes as she regards the drawing. "This is so cute. Who drew it?" she asks the young paladin.

The boats pass into the river leading to Prillana's home. The group momentarily tenses but the expected anger from the Jungle is still missing.

OOC Sorry for the heavy handed handling of Tionel and Syr, but the group might be away for longer than expected and I didn't want those two to become bored or resentful for missing all the fun, bloodthirsty combat and the minimal loot!



Florin Jadenth 
Tuesday April 19th, 2005 10:13:59 PM
Florin nods and still tries giving the cloth to Prillana, simply saying one thing, "Humor me then atleast. I rather not us return with you having a swelled jaw or something. I'm simply worried about the reaction of your people and also your own health."

Once that is done Florin sits back where he was and when Prillana looks at the paper he smiles and nods, "My daughter Jella drew it. She grewup in a orphanage and after the place was burned down I took it on myself to adopt her. She is the light of my life and want makes me do my best to make sure I and my friends make it back from any challenge we face. She sees my friends here as a family to considering how much help we gave with the orphanage, some of my friends helped more then I have though since some of them have been together longer then myself."

Florin runs a hand for a moment in the water and continues, "Jella knew Syr before me so she knows elves pretty well. She likes the forest and the view from the city to it. She hopes one day to see the forest up close."

DM George 
Wednesday April 20th, 2005 7:19:14 AM
OOC I have sent a reminder email about the leadership question to all. If you haven't received it, let me know here. I want to get this decided and move on. Thanks

Angus (Mage Armor)  d20+8=21 d20+3=17
Wednesday April 20th, 2005 7:49:31 AM
Angus arranges his big floppy leather hat to keep the sun out of his eyes and will sit back and enjoy the boat ride and as usual take out the flute that Florin gave him and begin to play a light hearted tune to lift everyones spirits (perform 21) "Wynn sing with me, lets make this a concert." as Angus continues to play.

Angus will watch Prillana carfully as her recent words of the Sabara concern him greatly (spot 17).

OOC: George tell me when my Mage armor wears off - 6 hours.

Wynn Brightsong  d20+8=19
Wednesday April 20th, 2005 7:57:31 AM
Wynn waits a moment to catch his thin companion's tune and then joins in, his voice clear and strong.[Perform=19]

To the wind I will sing the tale of the king,
that reigned in peace and love
Of the one of the man who crossed the path,
of the ancient forest of elves

Old lands and red dragons filled his open eyes
Kings, queens and proud warriors in his magic dreams
Mystical energies led him straight there
To the lonely holy wild path

To the wind I will sing the tale of the king,
that reigned in peace and love
Of the one of the man who crossed the path,
of the ancient forest of elves



Belkior 
Wednesday April 20th, 2005 9:39:01 AM
The halfling cleric sits dejected in the front of one of the boats. He's wet, uncomfortable and his armor might rust. And he's seen how the lower levels of the City dispose of waste.

Belkior spends his tims wiping down pieces of armor and wringing out his socks. The passing panorama of jungle foliage doesn't catch his attention. Hopefully the tree village will have a place where he really dry out his armor and work on it.

When he pauses in his labours, Belkior will speak to the elf if she happens to be in the same boat. "Prillana, I'm not certain about what you mean when you speak of Sabara. You've called it your mother because she merged with it. But you also speak of Sabara as "it" being childlike but wise. Did it exist, as Sabara, before your mother joined with it? Will your joining with Sabara change it's character?"



Xenia  d20+3=10
Wednesday April 20th, 2005 10:46:51 AM
Xenia sits quiet in the pointy front part of the boat. She just looks out over the rippling waves of Turtle Lake as all kinds of different thoughts and feelings just kind of go through her like wind over the water. The music. Wynn's strong clear voice. The steady splash of the oars playing counterpoint to the sound of waves hitting up against the outside of the boat. It all wraps her in a slow lazy blanket. This boat is relaxing. Kinda. Not like the sailboat that old letch guy had. Or like the turtle ferries. Maybe Tionel could turn into a turtle ferry and carry them across for day trips to the beach.

One small part of her mind catches the snippets of conversation that pass between the others in the boat.

"'S not a secret or nothing." Xenia's voice is distant and laconic. "The city used to float around the lake. One time there was this thing. Don't know much about it. Underneath the city. Fight in some levels under Trash, I think. Anyway, it sunk. Floating City doesn't float anymore." (Knowledge Local 10)

Xenia takes a sidelong peek in the direction of the forest girl, feeling kind of bad for hitting her. She scooches down a bit to be kind of by the new halfling guy. He seems to know about this kind of thing.

"Belkior," she asks in a kind of sort of low voice, "is it, you know, normal to feel so strong about people? I mean, you know, can it ever be a bad thing?"

Tionel 
Wednesday April 20th, 2005 4:58:55 PM
"Wonderful start!" Tionel cheers and claps Wynn on the back. "I wish I had your talent..."
Tionel hums a tune to himself and begins trying to make up something.

He looks over at the sopping wet halfling and wants to make a comment, but refrains. And Prillanna looks a little bruised...he glances at the others, picking up that something happened, probably Xenia going a little wild. Oh well.

"I wonder... Prillanna, do your people know of any other inhabitants of the woods? Or of its history?"

DM George 
Wednesday April 20th, 2005 10:54:17 PM
OOC Sorry guys, the masters of sleep are claiming me tonight. I am totally beat. I will post in the am tommorrow and then again in the PM.

Lang & Sunshine 
Wednesday April 20th, 2005 11:01:16 PM
Lang takes his turn at the oars and rests with Sunshine when he is not rowing.

He goes over his equipment making sure everthing is in its place and ready to go.

Belkior - Illegal 2nd Post 
Thursday April 21st, 2005 7:42:30 AM
[OOC - Assuming that Belkior and Xenia are in the same boat. There wasn't assigned seating on this dinner cruise ...]

The halfling cleric moves aside from Xenia, trying to keep his wet clothing away from hers. The half-elf seems dejected already and having wet clothing won't make her any happier.

Belkior pauses to consider Xenia's question. "Well, before I answer, I have to tell you that I'm not speaking from personal experience. I've just seen an example of how you feel about Wynn and the only being that I feel near that strongly about is Alemi. And that's different."

Belkior casts his mind back to some of the people he had treated when he was training as a healer. "Before I really answer your question, are you speaking about positive or negative feelings? I mean, are you talking about how you feel about Wynn, or about Prillana?"


DM George 
Thursday April 21st, 2005 8:33:25 AM
The group makes steady progress rowing and soon iis out of the lake and moving down the river. Progress slows as they are fighting the current this way, but still make decent time.

Florin tries to nurse Prillana and she sensing that he won't stop until he gets his way, allows him to put the cool cloth to her cheek.

Angus and Wynn break out into song with voice and flute while others have conversation.

Tionel questions Prillana on the jungle and she smiles at the silliness of his question. "Of course there is other inhabitants in the jungle.
How like a city dweller to ask that question. There are millions of birds, insects, and animals who live there."

She smiles warmly at Tionel and adds, "I would guess you are asking about humans or humanoids who live there. Yes, there several villages of elves who live in peace in Sabara. She also houses much other intelligent life, not all of it friendly even to the elves.

You are much better talking to my father on the history of the Jungle. He has been around far longer than I have and lived much of it."

Xenia 
Thursday April 21st, 2005 10:32:49 AM
"Huh?" Xenia blinks and a moment passes before she puzzles through the halfling's question.

"Oh." *hehe* (Sort of soft and low) "It's about Wynn. I feel kinda bad hitting the, uh, doesn't she look like a princess to you?" *sigh*

"You know, my Da and Ma love each other so much. I can tell the feeling they have by just watching them. You can feel part of it yourself by watching the way they look at each other. But they're ... I dunno, both so much more ... sensible about it."

Xenia sighs again, this time deeper and more heartfelt.

"Me, I just seem so outta control sometimes. I don't know if it's positive or negative or what." She touches her chest. "I got this feeling inside, and it's like, you know, 'Happy.' It feels like being happy, but it's so strong that sometimes it's like it wants to build up and bust out all over the place. And that kinda makes me wanna cry from being happy, and I think how I'm the luckiest person in the world, and that it's so perfect to be alive right now and to be me."

"I mean, it doesn't feel like a bad thing. But, you know, I do stuff that, you know, might not be the smartest thing to do. And I know that it's, like, not the best thing when I do it. But, you know, I just don't seem to care, and I do it anyway."

"Until it's over. Then I think how that was not the thing to do, and that I should have more control over myself."

Xenia watches the waves and the approaching greenery of the Crying Woods.

"Is this normal? Angus and I got ourselves cursed a while back. Just before we met up with you. I mean, you think this might be a curse? I don't know anymore. It turns me around inside. I love Wynn. I think. But should it make me this crazy?"

Angus (mage armor)  d20+8=24
Thursday April 21st, 2005 1:13:41 PM
OOC: George, still waiting for a ruling on time elasped for my mage armor spell.

Angus overhears some of what Xenia and Belkior are discussing and has to stifle a laugh and must take a break from his flute playing. "Xenia, men and women are just different. I think most men consider women to be crazy in some sense, mostly becasue we just do not understand the opposit sex. I do not speak for Wynn, but mostly myself." Angus quickly adds and goes back to flute play.

The talk of love has inspired Angus's flute play and he starts up a more romantic tune (perform 24). "Tionel are you going to join in here, come on jump in."

Florin Jadenth 
Thursday April 21st, 2005 5:32:35 PM
Florin tends to Prillana's chin for abitand then finally quits when he is satisfied that it looks like it won't swell, etc.

Florin hears Xenia's comments only partually anyway since he isn't really trying to listen in but stays quiet as he leans back in the boat alittle and relaxes just abit, his mind swirls with all that the group has learned and he wonders what the future still holds.

Wynn Brightsong 
Thursday April 21st, 2005 9:18:50 PM
Starfire burning upon the silent lake
While sleep is welcome thanks to my dear elves
Shadows are coming to take his brave soul
To bring it in the lost forgotten world

And may the time spell clear his last sin
Ride on the comet to make him free
And may his brave mind endure the pain
Of cosmic evil trying to prevail

"And so a new legend begins...
The borders of space and time are broken once again
and the wise energy of cosmos calls for another hero...
There in the twilight lands of the north,
where the laments of suffering souls rise!"

To the wind I will sing the tale of the king,
that reigned in peace and love
Of the one of the man who crossed the path,
of the ancient forest of elves


Wynn finishes his song as Angus succumbs to laughter. The bard's face flushes when he overhears the subject of Xenia's conversation with Belkior, and he redoubles his efforts at the oars.

Belkior 
Thursday April 21st, 2005 9:19:23 PM
The halfling cleric pauses to consider Xenia's words. With due consideration, he attempts to answer the half-elf's questions.

"People are different, Xenia. I haven't adventured much, but I've spent some time in the Temples of Alemi treating and dealing with adventurers."

Belkior looks out over the river to survey the passing foliage.

"I'm going to guess that your parents aren't adventurers. Or, they aren't anymore. I used to see couples like that come to the temple. They've spent so much time together that they've grown together, supporting one another. You've probably noticed that sometimes they seem to communicate with each other without speaking."

"Umm, I may not have mentioned it, but I sometimes like to work in the smithies. Making armor, mainly. A couple that has spent a long time together is like a fire that has been banked. You might not see any flames, but the fire of their love is still burning and as strong as ever."

"Adventurers ... well, what can I say?" Belkior shrugs his small shoulders.

"People drawn to adventure aren't like that. Their fires burn hot and fast, needing to be continually fired. They always need something new in their lives, whether it be a new ruin to investigate, a mystery to solve," Belkior makes a sweeping gesture at the forest, "... Or a new partner."

"What you describe about your feelings ... I saw it many times with adventurers, and with those who stopped."

DM George 
Thursday April 21st, 2005 9:33:32 PM
The boats row on into the night. Fatigue finally forces the boats to stop. Prillana says that they are close to her village and should be able to reach it in the morning. She directs you to a good place to camp and scampers about helping prepare the camp.

As everyone pitches in collecting firewood, securing the boats and setting up their bedrolls, Prillana slips away from camp. She is gone for around an hour but comes back with her skirt full of fresh fruit, roots, tubers and other ingrediants. When the fruit is tasted it is juicy and sweet.

Prillana makes herself busy around the fire and cooks the Shields a special dinner from ingrediants collected from the jungle. She hands Xenia a toast like substance with an amber coating spread on it. When tasted, Xenia finds that it is wonderful. It has a sharp taste which is bitter and sweet at the same time.

"To my people, this is a delicacy. It is called Squiggly in your tongue. I offer it to you as a sign of truce between us. I never meant to cause you distress. I hope you accept my apology."

Lang & Sunshine 
Thursday April 21st, 2005 10:06:25 PM
Lang looks up from scratching Sunshine's ears and back as the talks turn towards men, women and relationships.

Lang softly says, "I know enough about women to run away as fast as you can when one gives you a second look. They are nothing but trouble, always looking for ways to change you, to make you better."

"Well most of them at least", Lang says as he looks at Xenia and the forest elf.

"But then again what do I know. None of them ever looked twice at me", Lang says quietly as he looks away towards the forest.

Looking back towards the group, Lang says in a much firmer voice, "What are we going to do after we drop her off in her forest city?"

Lang & Sunshine (2nd post)  d20+9=23
Thursday April 21st, 2005 10:15:01 PM
Lang helps secure the boats and set up camp. He and Sunshine head off into the woods a short way to attend to some personal business.

Back in camp Lang helps cleanup from the meal, thanking anyone who helped cook it.

Lang takes a special interest in the food for future reference if he needs to gather food in the forest (survival check maybe 23/27).

He and Sunshine then bed down to get some much needed rest.

Angus  d20+8=26
Thursday April 21st, 2005 11:15:06 PM
Angus finds a nice soft spot to sit down and rest after watching everyone row for the day.

Angus again takes up his flute for dinner music and to calm the group or at least himself after Prillana leaves the group (perform 26). Angus harbors thoughts of the Sabara making nasty while Prillana is away, but it must just be his discomfort with the elf meeting. At least all of this flute practice is paying off as Angus is pleased with the caliber of his play.

Angus will sample some of Prillana's fare, but not too much, as it does not take much to keep him going. "Nice fare Prillana. Are these delicacies easily found in your Sabara?"

Angus says to Lang after dinner. "The key is to not stay around women long enough to give them a chance to change you." With a laugh Angus adds "You must bath more as women are peculiar about sharing fleas."

Tionel 
Friday April 22nd, 2005 2:25:04 AM
Tionel hums along and laughs at the suggestion to join in. "I'm still working on something new, give me a break, Angus." The thin elf hums, trying to come up with a tune of his own, but Wynn's is just so catchy.
Most of the voyage he hums and sings along, and plies Prillanna with questions about creatures he has seen so far in the woods. When they make landfall, he sits down to the meal of the 'squigglies'. "Not bad," he admits. "Delicious, in fact. Okay... Uh, Florin and I will stay up the first watch, then Angus and Syr, followed by Xenia and Wynn, and Belkior and Lang last. I suppose."
As for the women and men conversation, Tionel throws in a few laughs but keeps out of it. However, at some point as they're getting ready to go to bed, heading back from the woods he stops and sits next to Xenia.
"I couldn't help but overhear some of what you were saying and," he idly nudges some branches with his foot, "go ahead and laugh at me, but I figure you're doing okay, kid. Take it easy. Enjoy life. Live your emotions, and learn from them. And go on loving Wynn if it makes you happy, it certainly makes you cute!" Tionel gives her a quick hug, the kind a girl gives another girl gossiper, and hops up.
"I know if Prillanna didn't look so much like my mother, when I was young of course (Elves don't age hardly at all anyways tho), if she were a singer, and loved the city like I did, I might just as easily fall head over heels. Or, who knows, if I met some human maiden, dwarven girl, a guy, a dragon-faerie, a vampiress.... Love knows no boundaries, and shouldn't be inhibited. So, go be happy."
Tionel then skips off merrily... "I'll be up in the trees!" He changes into a new form, that of a large owl, and hooting, hops up and flaps awkwardly into a tree nearby to watch the group.

Xenia 
Friday April 22nd, 2005 11:28:31 AM

Banked fire. Like a fire.

The idea rolls around in Xenia's mind for a long time. Just the way it sounds makes all kinds of sense. Like fire. Just like fire.

Later, Xenia takes a bite of the Squiggly. Her eyes go wide at the sharp mix of flavors.

"This is so good! mUmm. Mmm. mmmmmm." A smile that speaks of pure luxury rolls down her face. "Squiggly, huh?" She licks the tips of her dark fingers.

"But, you don't have to offer any truce to me. It was my fault. I'm sorry. I shouldn't oughta have hit you. I ... I guess I'm burnin' too much."

"And I'm sorry that I called you Princess. I mean, if you don't like it. I didn't mean anything by it. But you're beautiful, and you're graceful, and you're Da's an important guy in the place you got up in the trees. I just thought, kinda, well, like, maybe, you were a princess. I'm sorry."

Xenia takes another bite of the Squiggly.

"It's nice out here. I mean, now that it's not trying to kill us and all. And I really like your place up in the trees. I grew up in a city. And I always thought cities were kinda the best thing, you know. But I really like your, um, town. It's so beautiful. I hope we can come visit you a lot."

But then, Xenia remembers that the princess girl ... No, Prillana. Her name's Prillana. Xenia remembers that she's going to be taking the place of the elf who's in the Crying Woods right now. No telling how that's supposed to be done. But it doesn't sound real good. The thought makes the dark rogue quiet, and she eats her squiggly without saying much more.

After Tionel flaps up into the trees (weirdo ... kinda), Xenia goes to be near Wynn. Impulsively, she wraps her arms around him and buries her face in his chest. It's warm. And it's safe. And it fills her with a feeling that must be near close to heaven. She holds tight to this for a moment and lets it wrap her all up in itself.

"I love you, Wynn," she whispers. Then she pulls back a bit and looks up into his face. "I'm sorry if I do dumb things. And, well, I don't think I can promise you that I won't do anything dumb anymore. But I'll try."

"And, and, and I want you to know ... I, I want you to remember this. That whatever you do, who ... whoever you're with ... I still love you. I will. I'll be there for you."

Syr 
Friday April 22nd, 2005 12:29:44 PM
With a rare personal note the elf adds to the conversation, "Not that I am the one to ask, but finding the woman whose view of improving you matches your own is the key. Otherwise, there is trouble down that path."

Taking up another thread he asks Prinalla as she cooks, "Good question! What sort of dealings with creatures or others in the forest does your village have?"

Belkior 
Friday April 22nd, 2005 1:33:42 PM
After alighting from the boats, Belkior will strip off his armor and begin drying and polishing it as soon as he is able. Not to mention checking the straps and buckles, or any other component of his equipment. Being prepared is all important.

During his work, the halfling cleric sniffs appreciatively as Prillana prepares the evening repast. He doesn't recognize many of the fruits, vegetables and other ingredients but the combination certainly does smell inviting.

When it comes time to be served, Belkior accepts his portion of the food. Most of the food is completely acceptable to him, even if he couldn't specifically identify it. But this "Squiggly", Belkior isn't so sure. If he is offered any, he will ask "Prillana, excuse me. What exactly is 'Squiggly'?"

After a moment he will explain, "Part of my commitment to Alemi bars me from consuming the flesh of any animal." If the answer doesn't involve any animal, Belkior will gladly partake in the treat.

Afterwards, he will prepare for bed. Before sleep, he makes his final prayers of the day to Alemi, thanking the deity for all that was provided and the chance to share with others. Nodding to his companions, Belkior will roll himself in his bedroll and sleep the sleep of the innocent.


Florin Jadenth  d20+1=5
Friday April 22nd, 2005 2:21:12 PM
Florin having remained silent for the end part of their trip helps out with the camp and eats lightly when Prillana comes back with food.

Deciding to check on his horse while the others talk he steps alittle ways from the camp, listening as best he can to any of the conversation so he knows anything that might be important <listen:5 if needed>, As he stands at the small distance from the others he whispers to himself, "Come to me Ajax, I want to check your gear and see how your doing before calling it a night."

When his horse shows up he runs a hand gently over the horse's side and pats it's head, the breastplate still shiny and new looking and the new MW lance also with his horse. Florin smiles and rubs Ajax's nose, "Hello friend, I hadn't seen you in awhile. I'm glad to see your okay and the equipment doesn't seem to be bothering you."

After careing for Ajax and iintroducing him to Prillana if the horse suddenly appearing suprises her, he will send Ajax back home, pating the horse once more on the nose, "Go home my friend, I'm sure we will see action soon my friend. Domi's blessing go with you."

(OOC:Everyone, me and my brother will be loosing out internet access it looks like for alittle while. I will be needing someone to run Florin for me if this happens for alittle bit.)

DM George 
Friday April 22nd, 2005 10:46:55 PM
The night is restful for all and the Shields are not disturbed by anything during the night larger than a grasshopper.

Prillana will smile at Belkior and say, "I don't know if squiggly is for you. Basically it is made from the stick insect that so well blends into the Jungle. You only take the back portion of its body and squeeze out the guts into a bowl. For a group this size, you need around 8 of them. Then you take a ripe guava fruit and mash up the fruit and mix in the insect guts. You let it sit for around 20 minutes and serve it on Shopo fronds. Delicious but you can see where the name comes from. Hardest part is finding the bugs. They blend in so well.

The next morning you push off the boats and after several hours of rowing come upon Prillana's village. You are greeted by many smiling elves but their is concern that the sage isn't with you.

Unexpectedly all of the elves, including pary members seem to go quiet as if they are listening to something.

The elves start of hear a distant harmony. It swells in power and all of elven blood hear clearly:

Now comes time to raise the King. Sleeper waken Summer bring,
The wise wind soft to bless the Wold, and wreathe glade in healing song.
Sing righteous chorus. Ring out the wrong.

Tis time for choosing. Reach out your hands. Tis time
All brethren o'er through sylvan dream. Tis time
We come our voices, a course elect. Tis time
Sing chorus. Tis time
Ring chorus. Our path select.

A counter song also starts to swell. One denying the awakening. Which song will our elves join. This is the vote discussed in the Giggling Ghost.


Awakening 
Saturday April 23rd, 2005 2:57:36 AM
The Wold stirs....

A breeze springs up, seemingly from out of nowhere. On the Sargass Plains, the unending grasses begin to move and toss, and the rapkes pace, restless and uneasy. In the Windbourne Hills, horses whinny and break into a run for no reason. In the tunnels beneath Dirt City, sewer rats begin to flee their hiding places, running into well-traveled corridors while the people wonder what it all could mean. And in the Emerald Kingdom, the anticipation is very nearly palpable as the animals awaken and the trees stir in the wind.

Something is coming.

The Wold seems to hold its collective breath as the Sleeper stretches, turns, sighs...and awakens. Eyes the color of the sea blink and focus as the Sleeper regards the Wold around him. The expanse of New Elanna, the great bulk of Shadow Mountain, the mysteries of the Southern Continent, even the wonder that is Floating City--all of these are known to the Sleeper in a heartbeat. A frown of concentration crosses his face, then a satisfied smile as he begins to know what must be done.

The Sleeper takes a breath and stretches out his hand...

Tionel 
Saturday April 23rd, 2005 3:20:09 AM
Tionel joins in the song softly at first, then louder and louder...his well-practiced voice carrying the tune almost magically, not quite as well as a real bard, but wonderful nonetheless.
He must bring the being here, he must...


Angus 
Saturday April 23rd, 2005 10:39:21 AM
Angus is glad to be at the elven village as he is tired from watching everyone row the boats. Angus get out of his boat and streches his long thin body. Angus announces "Lady Prillana, you are now home."

As Angus understands elvish, he is concerned when he hears the song, but heartened when he hear a counter song. Angus watches Prillana carefully....and then Tionel as he sings to awaken the sleeper.

Angus is very disturbed not to be getting a voice vote and remains uncharacteristically quite in voice and flute as he surveys the scene.

Wynn Brightsong 
Saturday April 23rd, 2005 10:06:35 PM
Wynn takes his lead from Prillana and Tionel and begins to sing. Like Tionel, he starts tentatively, and then it is as if he has known the words since childhood. The bard's voice grows stronger and more resonant with each line. He looks hopefully towards Xenia, offering her his hand.

Xenia 
Sunday April 24th, 2005 12:01:27 AM
Xenia turns, her eyes searching the trees for the source of the music. It's nowhere. And it's everywhere at the same time. The wonder of it takes her, even though it feels wrong.

And there he is with his hand out to her. ... whatever you do, I'll be there for you whatever you do ...

She takes his hand, and her voice, a pleasant alto, lifts in song. She follows his lead, the notes rising and swelling with his. Her rhythm dances with his harmony. She sings with her being, with her soul, her voice joined to his, lifting up into the forest, up into the trees, into the branches above.

Syr 
Sunday April 24th, 2005 12:59:42 AM
Syr hears the voices of the others and is taken aback by the number of elves joined in song. Before joining he thinks about all that has been said both at the village and in the Ghost. recalling how calmly an old elf went away he decides to trust his instincts. Trusting in Prionel and in nature he raises his voice in song with the others.

Lang & Sunshine 
Sunday April 24th, 2005 12:42:59 PM
Lang is troubled when all the elves, including his elves in his group go quiet, as if listening to something far off. He is even more disturbed when the singing starts and all the Crimson Shield elves are singing the same song as the forest elves.

Lang hopes that the first order of this "Sleeper" isn't to kill all humans or to kill all intruders or to kill all who did not believe in the Sleeper. He hopes that the Sleeper will have the best interests of all the races in his plans.

Lang also wonders what is to become of all the elves who did not sing for the return of the Sleeper, if he is truly brought back.

Lang takes out his reliable longbow, wood oil and a rag. He carefully polishes his bow, having the feeling it is going to be used quite a lot in the upcoming days.

Florin Jadenth 
Sunday April 24th, 2005 4:21:28 PM
Florin is glad to have Prillana home and begins to say something to her when he watches all the elves go into their song. Florin sighs deeply before sliding his mithril longsword from it's sheath and pushes the tip into the ground as he leans on it, he scans the crowd of elves, slight unhappy that so many are willing to welcome the sleeper and honestly wonders about it all.

He glances to Angus, Belkior and Lang since they are the closest to him and whispers, "If this sleeper turns out to be some bad guy I can see a big "I told you so" coming."

Florin glances to the high woldian runes on the blade of his sword which glow lightly and spell the name of his sword, some how Florin knows that "Glimmer" will be seeing battle before long.

DM George 
Monday April 25th, 2005 8:53:36 PM
The sleeper is awakened....only time will tell if the elves were right and balance will be restored to the Wold or the worst fears of the other races will be realized...

The song ends and many of the elven villagers look at each other and smile. Some grab each others hands and start to dance! The are quickly interrupted by darkness. You look and are amazed to see a beautiful sight. Both of the Wold's moons start to glide in front of the Sun, darkening the Wold.

The surprises continue when a dull roar is heard. It must be something huge but from a great distance away. Suddenly Angus stumbles into Lang, who grabs his arm and keeps him upright. Lang is about to say something caustic when he too feels a slight tremor in the ground.

Florin Jadenth  d20+1=16
Monday April 25th, 2005 9:17:46 PM
Florin jerks his sword from the ground and looks around quickly as he holds the sword tightly, "What in Domi's name....what the heck did you elves do?"

Florin glances around as he frowns more. <spot:16>

Syr  d20+5=20
Tuesday April 26th, 2005 4:15:55 AM
The elf balances easily on the swaying ground. Marvelling at the sensation, he jumps up and down for effect. Smiling at Florin, he calls "I guess someone just woke from their nap and is a wee bit grumpy?"

Wynn Brightsong 
Tuesday April 26th, 2005 7:55:58 AM
Wynn wraps Xenia in his arms, "did you feel it? wasn't it wondrous being connected to all those thousands of elves and half elves?" Wynn has never experiences such a sense of community before, and is clearly enthralled by the idea. When the moons align with the sun and the sky darkens, the bard leans in and steals a kiss.



Angus 
Tuesday April 26th, 2005 9:42:32 AM
Angus stands and shakes himself "Thanks Lang."

Angus looks to the elves of the Chrimson Shields "I just hope you know what your are doing. What ever that was it was big."

Xenia 
Tuesday April 26th, 2005 10:32:31 AM
Xenia meets Wynn's lips with her own, two petals of a dark flower reaching for the light.

With her body caught up in his embrace, the earth moves.

Wonderous.

Tionel 
Tuesday April 26th, 2005 12:24:51 PM
Tionel laughs and hops up and down...sending the boat almost tipping over. The elf totters over the side and splashes away, laughing still, towards the shore.
"That was magnificent," he calls out as he lazily kicks and backhands it to the shore. "No need to worry, Florin. Remember the dream? I bet all that nastiness was something really big just went BOOM!" He splashes as emphasis, and drags himself up onto shore, drenched.
"It is a new time, i tell you, something has happened which will help us all, even here in the Floating City, where that is nobody knows..."



Belkior 
Tuesday April 26th, 2005 4:32:49 PM
The halfling cleric stares around at the shaking ground. The only thing that could be worse would be being up in one of the tree houses when the ground shook.

He is speechless with the effects of the vision and the earthquake.

OOC - Sorry ... couldn't get access until today.


DM George 
Tuesday April 26th, 2005 8:15:35 PM
Prillana dances forward and greets many of her kinsmen and friends, delight in her eyes at the joy and excitment of those who are celebrating the awakening.

She suddenly seems to remember something and gathers many of the older looking and important elves together. Their mood seems to dampen as she tells them some news. She points to the group and goes on explaining.

She then comes over to the Shields and says, "You have been invited to stay the night and feast with the village. Many of the elders have questions for you concerning the status of my father, politics of the city, and future relations between our people. Will you stay or do you wish to go back to your city."

Lang & Sunshine 
Tuesday April 26th, 2005 8:19:08 PM
Lang helps Angus right himself after the ground is done shaking.

"I wonder when the last time the two moons moved in front of the sun like that?"

"I wonder how long it wil stay like that?"

Lang & Sunshine (2nd post) 
Tuesday April 26th, 2005 8:49:02 PM
Lang watches the celebrating elves. He moves closer to the group as Prillana comes over to talk to them.

Lang looks toward Florin on what the group will do.

Florin Jadenth 
Wednesday April 27th, 2005 12:26:06 AM
Florin looks to Tionel as he speaks and even splashes around and shakes his head abit and whispers to himself, "Why does it seem like the non elves alone have a bad feeling about all this?"

Florin spins his longsword and slides it in it's sheath before looking to Prillana, his mind quickly goes over the situation before nodding and looking to the group, "Seeing as how the elves among our group would want to stay no matter...and politics "need" to be talked over I see little choice in the matter."

Florin looks to the group and speaks up, "Tonight the Shields stay here. Come morning we will decide what to do from there. Most likely return to the city to check on Prillana's father."

Florin looks around abit and nods to himself not liking the idea of being in the tree houses this night and speaks to Lang and also Prillana as he motions to the open area here, "Prillana, if it is safe I would like to sleep down here tonight though when I decide to retire for the night. Will it be okay to set up a tent down here?"

Florin after asking Prillana this turns to Lang, "Umm Lang...hate to ask this but since your more of a out doors type, you mind giving me a hand with my tent?"

Angus 
Wednesday April 27th, 2005 1:43:13 AM
Angus is cautious in preceedings with all the elves Sabara and Floating City, too much joy that Angus does not feel like sharing. Angus silently agrees with Florin on staying the night as it would be impolite to leave. Angus feels like a tool that has been used and thrown back in the toolbox...forgotten.

Syr 
Wednesday April 27th, 2005 3:50:46 AM
Syr comes up and give Florin's armor a tug. Whispering quietly, "Given the reception they gave us last time, I think that Prillan can probably find us a place to stay for the night. No need to pitch a tent. Think of Tionel's aching back from sleeping on the ground..."

Syr spends the time in the village looking around at how everything works and asking villages questions regarding their arts, crafts, and how they coexist with the jungle. If any of the elders ask him specific questions, he directs them to the paladin gazing at his tent.

Xenia 
Wednesday April 27th, 2005 12:02:43 PM
Xenia floats on a little cloud. All doubts sweep away on a flood of love and hormones.

Out here. With Wynn. In this beautiful forest. With all these elves. And they don't think anything of her dark skin! Why had she been so worried before?

Her only nagging concern is for poor Prillana. They're gonna take her and put her in the Crying Woods some how. It's so tragic and so beautiful at the same time. She might as well be a princess. Born to station and privilege. And yet, born to duty as well.

Wynn Brightsong  d20+6=22
Wednesday April 27th, 2005 5:57:19 PM
The bard nods his head in agreement with Florins decision. "Thank you for your kindness" the bard addresses Prillana and all the gathered elves. "We welcome the opportunity to share our knowledge with you. I am anxious to learn more of 'Sabara' and the forest and of your customs and ways. Perhaps while we are here you can show us something of this forest and its special places, as I would show you the Culverwood if we were at my home."[Diplomacy=22].

Wynn gives Xenia a gentle squeeze around the waist, "It will be fantastic, sleeping aloft under a canopy of leaves." The half-elf remembers back to his boyhood and the small tree house he had built from discarded packing crates. He had slept outside for three nights until his mother had finally ordered him back inside.

DM George 
Wednesday April 27th, 2005 10:36:12 PM
The party is escorted up into the trees. Each is given a native guide, strangely enough, all of the opposite sex. Prillana steps in with a sharp word and neither Xenia or Wynn is given a party.

The Shields are led to an large meeting house in the trees. It is at least 100' up but you are able to walk to it easily, traversing rope bridges and wooden pathways. You keep an eye on the eclipse and the moons move yet again and sunlight springs up the jungle once more.

The meeting room is very comfortable with many long tables and plenty of seating. It looks to easily accomidate 100 souls. The room quickly fills up with happy looking elves who find their seats. Each partner guides their guest to a long table raised on a dais. Obviously seats of honor and respect. Prillana steps forward and shows Wynn and Xenia to their seats at the same table.

Florin, who is recognized as the spokesman of the group, is seated next to well dressed and important looking elf. He smiles and introduces himself. "My name is Silano." He reaches forward and offers his hand. When Florin grasps it, he immediately realizes he is shaking the hand of a warrior. It is heavily callused and very firm.

After the group is seated, more elves stream in carrying diverse and abudant platters of food. Roasted meats, steamed veggies, turines of soups, trays of yellow cheeses and others of bread. Everything is delicous. The atmoshpere seems estatic.

A pretty elfmaid grabs Angus's arm and asks' "Please tell me a story of the outside world. I have never left the jungle. I have heard so many things. I can't imagine living is a huge city where you can't even see the sun!"

Syr is seating next to a man who engages him in a conversation about weaving. He is obviously a weaver himself and is asking Syr about cloth found outside the jungle.

Belkior is sitting next to a healer and they quickly fall into shop talk. Belkior is entranced when he hears about a bark that will take headaches away and lower fevers.

The feast lasts into the evening hours. Whenever a Shield tries to ask a question about anything to serious, the response will something like, "Tonight is for celebration. Tomorrow will come soon enough and we will talk about serious matters then. Let's just celebrate the freeing of the Sleeper!"

Moonlight soon replaces sunlight, and a young elf child rushes in to the room and shouts, "Prillana! Come quickly! Sabara your mother is here!"

Lang & Sunshine 
Wednesday April 27th, 2005 11:12:48 PM
Lang enjoys the feast, but is worried about Sunshine who he left down on the forest floor. He tries to think of a way to excuse himself when the feast is over and the room turns from eating to conversation.

Before he can think of an excuse, an elf child interrupts with a rather startling announcement. He will follow Florins lead if the group heads toward forest.

Florin Jadenth 
Thursday April 28th, 2005 12:29:36 AM
Florin is quite shocked as he is given a female elven guide to show him around and such and even more at how warm of a welcome they have in the meeting hall. When the elf greets him and holds out his hand Florin grasps it with a firm and steady hand shake, Florin's hand also showing the wear of combat and the lessons of the sword and other weapons, "Greetings Silano, I figure most here already know but my name is Florin Jadenth, a defender of Domi's faith and protector of his word and the people." Florin shrugs and decides why not enjoy this so he has abit of food and alittle drink, mainly water to keep his senses sharp and speaks to the man, "I have to admit I like your homes Silano and also have to admit I see why you all wear lighter armor. I think a fall from one of these trees in my armor would surely leave me very bruised and hurt or quite dead. Are all of your people good shots with the bow? I have to say that from the position you all have up here and any attackers who would come in that it would give you a perfect adantage in combat." Florin quite clearly is talking shop talk for he is a fighter after all and the ways of these people are of some interest.

When the child comes in Florin looks to Prillana and quickly stands, "Miss Prillana, I ask that you allow us to meet your mother with you. I do not mean to intrude on such a occasion but you see, you have spoken much of the Sabara and I would like to see this with my own eyes as would my friend I would believe. This would help us greatly understand all this and maybe ease some of our concerns on these matters." Florin looks to his friends and then back to Prillana, "If this is not exceptable then please arrange for us to meet her later on this night or come morning."

Florin glances to Angus and such thinks and looks to his friends and wants to tell them to keep their witts about them during all this but figures it probably is abit late when some are already enjoying themselves more then others.

(OOC:I believe you offered Jim so if you would could you make a post tomorrow for Florin if there is no post from me by mid afternoon or shortly after the DM posts. We been told that if the internet goes down it will be tomorrow and I should be back sometime friday. Thanks.)

Tionel  d20+9=20 d20+9=20
Thursday April 28th, 2005 3:40:40 AM
Tionel is simply happier than he's been since...well, since the unfortunate events of the orphanage. But no...now there's something of serious greatness, of utterly impossible joy and possibility happening. He can't help himself.
When guided along by his female guide, he can't help but feel like he's skipping on the air. He speaks excitedly about what's happened, and about how grand the new age might be. Taking the young elf maid's hand, he speaks to her seriously of how he feels more like a druid, more connected to the woods and to nature, than he has in a while.
That night, at the party, he's still enthusiastic. At first, he sings a few elven songs from back home. His voice is sonorous and sweet, like honey on the ears, and the music itself is something he hasn't really sang around the group before. Technically demanding, aesthetically pleasing, soft and resounding, not at all like the earthy drinking songs Tionel is known for...
(Perform 20)
The songs, for those who speak elvish, are each a scene taken from a much larger epic. Some are romantic scenes, others telling of bravery. They are all native tales from Tionel's homeland, far far away from the Floating City, from a weird land called Culverwood.

Afterwards, he relaxes and enjoys the fine food of the woods. He talks extremely fast in his native tongue, and very lightly entertains a few elven maidens with attention. He partakes in the food and drink lightly, like a break between entertainment. He tries to persuade Angus to give his flute a try, and then capture as many girls as he can in dance. After at least one dance with every girl, he swoops by Xenia in the midst of her being entertained by Wynn and pulls them both onto the dancing floor, laughing. In fact, he tries to get all of his group to join in the dancing, Florin, Syr, Lang, even Belkior.
Above all, perhaps Tionel imbibes just a bit too much wine, as towards the later end of the dancing, he starts singing some lightly bawdy human songs, and starts freely translating verses into suggestive elven.

Syr 
Thursday April 28th, 2005 7:00:22 AM
Other than the weak attempts for pleasant conversation with his escort, Syr acts the part of the gentleman around his lady companion. He seems a bit lost at times and looks to Tionel for how to deal with this female attached to his arm.

As they are eatting, Syr engages the man in conversation and describes the vast array of cloths that are available in a place like the city. During the course of dinner, Syr promises to give him an example of the city's wares, a spare shirt from his backpack.

When the commotion starts he races outside with the rest of the village and makes a last ditch grab for his female companion's arm as everyone goes rushing outside "Wait a second, I thought we were waking the sleeper? What is this about freeing? Does that mean he/she was imprisoned?"

Xenia  d20+3=17
Thursday April 28th, 2005 10:48:47 AM
Xenia curtsies to 'Lanna in thanks as she leads Wynn and herself to the feasting table. Lots of good stuff. It's a wonder how the girl can pack it all away and still stay as skinny as she is.

She claps to the music. She dances slow when Tionel pulls Wynn and herself up. Her body sways. She steps lightly, forest free before the bard. Her lips are parted and the rogue's green eyes catch the glint of moonlight. (Dance 17)

Then the child runs in.

Xenia looks off into the moonlit night. Off in the direction from which the child had come. Sabra. The Crying Woods. The dark rogue braces herself. From all previous experience, 'Lanna's mother would be sour, unfriendly, and very possibly nutty as pecan sandies.

Angus  d20+8=20
Thursday April 28th, 2005 4:43:01 PM
Angus is happily guided to his seat by the attractive you elf maid. Angus converses in elvish. "What is your name beautiful?" Once introductions are made Angus will go into hours of disscusions about the Floating city concentrating on the nice places to take a pretty you lass.

Angus will take out his flute an even play alittle for his attendant. (perform 20).

When the elf comes in to fetch Prillana, Angus will attempt to follow as he is interested in meeting Prillana's mother.

Belkior 
Thursday April 28th, 2005 4:54:21 PM
The halfling cleric enjoys his converstion with the elven healer. The information about the tree bark sounds interesting and it may be something that he needs to investigate further when given the chance.

The child's news that Sabara has come surprises Belkior, although it really shouldn't. He excuses himself from his dinner companion and prepares to go with the rest of the Crimson Shields if they move out to see Sabara.

OOC Sorry ... still having problems getting access. I should be able to post tomorrow, tho.


DM George "Mother and Daughter" 
Thursday April 28th, 2005 8:16:39 PM
As Florin calls out to Prillana he notices the look on her face. It isn't joy but shock. She runs out of the room without answering. As the Crimson Shields go to follow, Silano grabs Florin's arm and stops him. His look is also shocked, as he says, "I know you aren't from here and don't know our customs, but this has never happened before. When one of the chosen joins the jungle, they never come back. They can communicate and let their wishes known but they never come back. Something very strange is happening here. We must respect their privacy as they haven't seen each other in hundreds of years.

He will lead the group to a terrace and they can see a glowing figure down on the ground in the center of the village. It looks like a ghost or spirit but it has the form of a beautiful elven women. The family resemblence even from this distance is obvious. Prillana is definitely the daughter of this spirit.

Prillana can be seen entering the clearing after climbing down from the trees and approaching her mother. They are engaging in conversation for many minutes when Prillana turns and points to the Crimson Shields. The Shields must wonder what she was saying?

Florin Jadenth  d20+1=18
Thursday April 28th, 2005 8:48:13 PM
Florin nods at Silano's comment and looks to the elf for a moment as he thinks, "I understand what you say sir. If we get the chance I think it would be nice to meet her but if not then I also understand. If you don't ask then you never know, am I right?" Florin smiles to the elf and will follow outside to look at what is going on.

Florin will glance to the elven lady that has been placed as his guide and thinks over stuff as he keeps his eyes on what is going on down below also, "They look very much alike. I must admit that the elven ladies have a beauty to them that surpass many of the human ladies I have seen. It must be quite a wonder to live so long and even more so for a pair in love."

When Prillana turns and points up at the Shield's, Florin has to bite his lip as a quick "ohhh crap" runs through his mind. For some reason the thoughts of the temple that sudden was destroyed comes to his mind and the fight with the jungle at various points, he can only hope that nothing comes about from all that or this has nothing to do with it.

Florin glances over at Syr and makes a quick gesture for him to come over. If Syr moves over Florin whispers to him, "If this has something to do with certain things we have done in the forest, this could be bad for us atleast. Be on guard till we know for sure."

Tionel 
Friday April 29th, 2005 1:48:43 AM
"Tradition? This can't be... I mean, she hasn't had a child yet, who will be her successor if she joins the forest? Or, has she already had one?" Tionel muses out loud. He looks over to Florin and wonders at his forebodings. He might be right, the elf realizes. But it would be bad. One can only hope for the best.
"Perhaps we should leave them..."

Xenia  d20+12=21 d20+17=35
Friday April 29th, 2005 11:58:42 AM
Xenia leans out to get a better view.

"Yeah." And it's unclear as to whether Xenia replies in response to Florin's comment or Tionel's. "And it must be pretty weird to come back and have your daughter all grown."

"And ... And your husband all feeble and sage-like, you know. Maybe it's better that he's still back in the city."

"Wonder what they're talking about?" Xenia strains to listen. Or at least to get a sense of what they're saying by reading their lips. (Listen 21, Spot 35-for reading lips)

Syr  d20+7=23
Friday April 29th, 2005 7:30:08 PM
Syr nods at Florin and slowly edges to the back of the group where he can watch the village with his back to the tree trunk.

From his vantage point, he watches the other villagers and their reaction to this development. (Spot 23)

Angus 
Saturday April 30th, 2005 12:11:32 AM
Angus stows his flute and goes to see what is happening. Angus watches for a bit and then says in a soft voice to the Crimson Shields. "Do you think it is time to leave?" Angus is thinking of the jungle temple that the group raided and is no longer happy about taking the spoils. Angus dons his large floppy leather hat and adds. "The boats are not too far away. The party looks over. I say it is time to check on Dad, while Mother and Daughter are reaquainted? What says everyone?"

Wynn Brightsong 
Saturday April 30th, 2005 9:08:26 AM
"Relax Angus. We've done no wrong and no harm should come to us while we are under the elves care." Wynn puts a reassuring hand on the mages shoulder. "I wonder if Sabara will speak with us?"

Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=11
Saturday April 30th, 2005 2:36:12 PM
Lang follows the rest of the Crimson Shields out onto the terrace. He is also amazed at the sight in front of him. Lang sees Prillana point towards them and knows that it is probably not a good sign. What about the Shields could Prillana think could possibly interest her mother?

Leaning over the edge of the terrace, Lang looks for Sunshine and to see how far up they are (spot 11).

DM George "Warnings" 
Saturday April 30th, 2005 3:48:13 PM
Prillana looks up to the party and beckons to them. She seems to be motioning them to join her. The group is a little confused on the best way to get to her and is guided by one of the escorts from dinner to the ground.

When the Shields get to the ground, Piillana will be smiling but also will have tears in her eyes. "This is my mother, Sabara. She wanted to meet you."

Sabara will glide forward, her legs not touching the ground. She looks like a ghost but you sense nothing evil about her. She seems to study you intently and the group is bathed in a warm breeze. Upon the breeze faintly can be heard a voice. Her speech seems somehow formal and archaic at the same time. Like she hasn't spoken in hundreds of years. The group isn't sure if the words are heard or somehow placed in their heads.

Welcome to the Crying Jungle. I am Sabara. I am the soul of the jungle and its guide. The jungle has grown suddenly in strength and will. This is the only reason I can communicate with you now. Normally I can only make my presense felt to those closest to me. My family and select other elves.

My daughter has explained that one of the sleepers was awakened. His power is already extending to nature. Reinforcing her natural strengths and giving new and different ones.

She will pause and look pensive for a moment and then continue, My time is almost finished. My strength almost gone. Soon my daughter will have to take my place. The jungle is angry. If feels it has been invaded by this strange floating city. You must move the city away! You must move the city awwwayyyyyyyy....

The ghostly image is gone and her warning lingers on the winds for only a moment. Prillana will drop to her knees and bury her face into her eyes and start weeping.


Xenia 
Saturday April 30th, 2005 4:57:31 PM
Xenia goes to the elven princ ... well, um girl. She kneels beside her and cradles the weeping girl's shoulders in her thin arms.

"That's alright, 'Llana. We're here. It's alright." She rocks Prillana gently, sharing with the girl the warmth of another, a light of companionship that pushes back the burden, the despair and loneliness of responsibility.

"We're here with you. We're here."

Not sure what we can do ... But we'll do what we can. Poor 'Llana. We gotta. We just gotta.

Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=14
Sunday May 1st, 2005 1:48:43 PM
Lang calls for Sunshine when the Shields reach the ground. As they move towards Sabara he says "Heel".

Lang listens to the forest guardians warning message as he carefully observes her (spot 14) for anything useful.

Lang remains where he is after Sabara leaves and Xenia comforts the grief stricken Prillana.

"I have a few questions Florin, but now may not be the best time to discuss them," Lang says with a meaningful glance towards the forest elves.

Angus 
Sunday May 1st, 2005 2:37:08 PM
Angus treks down to meet Sabara with the erst of the Shields and keeps a wary eye on all the elves. Angus listens to the spirit of Sabara and gets even darker thoughts. Angus mutters under his breath. "Just great, now all we have to do is move a city to make Sabara happy."

Angus catches himself and hold his sarcastic tounge from wagging further.

Angus looks to the two humans. "Florin, I agree with Lang, there is much to discuss now that we have critically valuable information." Angus bends down to scratch Sunshine and whispers "Want to go home boy?"

Belkior 
Sunday May 1st, 2005 4:39:07 PM
The halfling cleric follows the group down to the forest floor. His short legs get him there just in time to see the spirit of Sabara approach Prillana and hear the spirit's words.

When he sees Prillana drop to her knees, Belkior will rush forward and tend to her. Standing beside the kneeling elf and Xenia, Belkior considers what they have seen and heard. Once Prillana's tears have eased, Belkior will return to his companions. "Florin, this news is very important to the council. I agree, however, with Lang and Angus. We should hurry back to the city with this news."

Moving closer to the others, Belkior will continue in a lower voice. "And maybe discuss what we, ourselves, should do with this information."


Florin Jadenth  d20+1=13
Monday May 2nd, 2005 3:16:52 AM
Florin comes down with the others and has remained silent as he listens to Prillana's mother's words and then looks to Prillana when she drops to her knees crying.

Florin is lost as to how to react at the moment as his mind goes over the moving the float away from the forest. He will move over and pat Prillana on the shoulder once before turning to the group, "This should be interesting to say the least...move a whole city? I do not know if the Floating City can be moved. These are things we will have to look into and discuss."

Florin kneels down beside Prillana and speaks to her when she has calmed down, "In the morning we have to leave Prillana. We will check on your father and see what we can do to help this situation, however I will say now that I do not know if the Floating City can be moved and most of all I don't know if the nobles and such will even allow that."

Florin sighs and looks to Prillana, "If there is anyway then we might have to try and meet each other half way. There is alot we can learn from all of you and I think some things you all could learn from us. Telling us to move farther away to some will be considered a act of wanting to get rid of us and not become allies."

Florin sighs deeply and shakes his head, "I can only do so much to try and help, I can speak to some of the nobles and maybe persuade some to agree but I do not know. I mean no offense Prillana, just neither of us want to see anyone hurt I believe."

Florin looks to the group and moves over to them, glancing to Xenia and speaking gently to her, "Over here for a moment Xenia, please." Once everyone is around him he will look to each person, "This doesn't bode well in my mind. If we can't move the Float, what will the forest do? Is this a threat or warning to us? If we bring it to the nobles and such attention, how will they react? We will have to discuss this as a group but I say we do it some where else then here, to many ears and to many eyes. Tomorrow we should head home and check on Prillana's father and also maybe if he's free we can get some info from the man, however I don't expect much since he seemed rather secretive on things." Florin takes in a deep breath and looks to everyone, "Okay, other then that we should just enjoy the remaining of our visit and be ready to head out in the morning. I want us all fresh and ready, just incase so we leave come morning."

Florin lets that go and allows everyone to go do what they wish now and whispers as he watches each member go or if someone is still standing near him they would hear him say it anyway, "Everyone should have some fun while they can, I have a gut feeling that things are coming thats going to put are weapons and will to the test."

Decideing to take his own advice Florin will go ahead and glance around for the elven escourt he was given <spot:13> and go to her, asking nicely if she would like to have a drink and maybe show him a elven dance or two and he will show her a dance or two from the Floating City in return. If he has a shot at all he will go ahead and ask the lady back to his room for some talk or whatever comes depending on how the night goes.

Tionel 
Monday May 2nd, 2005 7:43:50 AM
"The Float can be moved, Florin.. I know that much at least. See, the Floating City used to be in a place far away from here...on a continent that was mapped out, in the middle of a lake. Then, one day, it vanished. But people teleporting back from there could come back to the Floating City, and hence, through teleportation, others came, like me. But nobody really knows where the Floating City is now, in comparison with that continent..." Tionel stops, smiling. "Though I heard a story, once, that the whole city was carried on the back of a giant turtle, and one day, it grew wings and flew across the sky... Many other stories explain how it happened."

Wynn Brightsong 
Monday May 2nd, 2005 7:55:16 AM
Wynn jumps to the ground from one of the overhead walkways and gently coems to rest near SabaraRing of Featherfall. The bard watches the apparition carefully and listens closely to every word.

The bard remains silent during subsequent conversations, mulling over what he has learned. When Prillana regains her composure Wynn will ask her for a tour of the nearby jungle.

Syr 
Monday May 2nd, 2005 1:05:50 PM
With the echo of Sabrara words, 'move the city' phrase in his head the elf frowns in frustration. He had such hopes for a flourishing trade between the village and the city. He wanted to be that liason in the process, "So much for my thoughts of a trading outpost. Now, it seems a moot point if the city moves." He looks sadly around the village as if memorizing it's appearance and people.

DM George 
Monday May 2nd, 2005 3:27:41 PM
The group seems to come to the concensus that it is time to go home and warn the council about what they have found.

Xenia and Belkior try to comfort Prillana and she quickly regains her composure. "I just haven't seen her in so long and I miss her so much."

Lang looks around but sees nothing else but concerned elves looking on. They seem to be surprised that Sabara is here as well.

When Wynn asks for his tour, Prillana will glance at Xenia, rub her jaw and beg off. "I am so sorry, but I must plead exhaustion. To much has already happened. Please enjoy the rest of the party. I will see you off in the morning." Prillana makes her escape, heading to her rooms in a different set of trees.

The Shields have a good time for the rest of the night. They dance, eat, and drink their fill. They are shown to a large room which has been given over for their use. Florin tries to get lucky but it isn't in the stars for tonight.

Morning rolls around and the air seems different. The hatred that the group originally felt isn't back but the jungle seems more tense somehow.

Prillana meets them and says, "I want to thank you for returning me home. I know you will do your best to get the city moved if possible. Please look after my father. He is getting old and is in poor health."

After any goodbyes and last minute questions, the group moves off down the river. They wave one last goodbye as they round the river. They wonder in their hearts if they will see the marvelous village ever again.

Xenia 
Monday May 2nd, 2005 6:34:33 PM
Xenia hugs the elven girl and kisses her on the cheek.

For the briefest moment, Xenia just doesn't get onto the boat. I mean, 'Llana's gonna need someone, right? This is a tough time for her. She needs someone to stick by her.

But then, the sun of reason and perspective beams down from behind the clouds of rampant emotionalism and bathes the landscape of the girl rogue's mind in light.

She's probably got her own friends. Lots of friends. I mean, she must. Right? Anyone that beautiful has got to be popular. She takes one last long look at the town up in the trees, and then steps into the boat.

"You know, sometimes I miss my folks too," Xenia says to the lazy sound of the oars as they dip from the river. "Not my Da so much. He's always talkin' to me. You know. Up here." And she taps a gloved finger against her temple. "But, you know, my Ma, she was always there. She never said much, but she was always there. And you know, just be being there, she'd make you feel warm, like you were home."

Xenia dips a finger in the river as they float downstream. Her eyes see off into some far distant place.

"You ever miss your mother, Wynn?" she asks.

Angus 
Monday May 2nd, 2005 10:54:52 PM
Angus spends an anxious night waiting for dawn. The sorcerer normally sleeps like a rock, but not tonight, Angus just does not feel welcome here.

In the morning, Angus is an early riser, which should be shocking to most. Angus even helps load the boats, but draws the line at rowing.

Angus inquires loud enough for both boats to hear. "Do you think we can make it back in one day with this current?"

Lang & Sunshine 
Monday May 2nd, 2005 11:42:07 PM
Lang says goodbye to Prillana and enjoys the rest of the night.

In the morning he helps get the boats ready and will take first turn at the oars.

Tionel 
Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 1:15:33 AM
Tionel lies back, glad it's not his turn at the oars, and lies back on the seat and stares up at the sun. He hums, wondering at the miracles he's seen so far. Idly, he comments, "Well, nobody's ever been able to figure out why the city got transferred in the first place, or at least no one's talking. At least, that I know of. Hey, Florin, your parents are natives, and nobles to boot...they ever say anything of how the city got here in the first place? Belkior, do you Alemites in this area say anything about it?"
After a bit of resting, he decides to hop off the boat and swim alongside it as a slim, strange sort of fish he once saw, called the mariner's friend. As a dolphin he swims around the boats excitedly, occasionally making spectacular jumps out of the water.


Florin Jadenth 
Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 2:29:22 AM
Once morning arroves Florin helps everyone prepare for the boat ride back to the Float and bites off a laugh when the comment on making it back to the Float in one day.

Florin does take a moment to see Prillana, "I wish you luck Prillana and we will do out best. If you can truely talk to your mother and this great forest then please while we are away try to tell her that not all of the people in the city our bad. Some of us do want to live in peace with the elves and this forest. I hope one day your world and ours will find common ground and become better friends. I also do not know if you, the forest or your people will want us to but I hope one day to return here. Maybe even show my daughter Jella your wonderful city." Florin out of respect for Prillana and her village bows low to her and her people, "Till we meet again Prillana and we hope to see your father released safely to your home also."

Florin afterwards makes his way to the boat and helps shove off. As he relaxes abit he speaks up, "Let me know when you like me to take over rowing and I shall." When Florin hears Tionel's question he shakes his head, "I heard nothing of how the Float was moved. I guess they deemed in not important to talk about or be taught to me but then again I wasn't my parents most liked son."

Florin looks over to Wynn, Syr and the other elves in the group and nods to them, "If your cities are like that one then they are truely wonderous. They are much more natural like then where we call home, even if I would miss the paved roads and buildings around me there is a peace there."

Florin looks at the water as they move along, his mind on the things to come and wondering how to apprach this matter. After the group gets away from the elven village Florin looks to the group, "How we going to deal with this? I do not know how to apprach any of the nobles and such about moving the float and can only imagine their reply if we tell them the warning."

Belkior  d20+18=21
Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 7:25:02 AM
The halfling cleric spends an uneasy night, filled with dreams of camping in a rainstorm surrounded by a huge pack of wolves. Perhaps it's sleeping in a treehouse which is simply unnatural for halflings, in Belkior's opinion

When morning comes, Belkior will perform his devotions to Alemi. Once that is complete, he will share the repast that the elves have surely provided. Now that he knows what sort of "delicacies" the elves enjoy, he won't eat anything that he doesn't recognize.

Belkior's ears perk up when Prillana asks that they care for her father. "He is unwell? Is it something specific that ails him, or simply the infirmities that plague the elderly? Have your healers prescribed any restoratives or other medicines? Is there something that we should be taking to him?"

If there is, Belkior will listen carefully to understand what Prillana and / or the elven healer describes.
Heal = 21, to understand instructions

Once that is complete, Belkior will travel down to the boats with his companions. Before venturing out on the water of the river and lake, the halfling will remove his armor and secure it to his pack. His little misadventure while trying to separate Xenia and Prillana has emphasized the folly of wearing armor when boating.

After stowing his gear, Belkior will look around at his companions. "What? Is it my turn to row?"



Syr 
Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 3:41:06 PM
Syr gets small and quiet when the others began talking about their parents. Staring out over the bow of the boat, he wonders if his mother and father would be like Prionel and Sabara if they were allowed to grow old. Again when Florin asks the question about the elven cities he withdraws from the group. Thinking of all his dreams for creating some sort of business he then ponders everything he is missing in the rest of the world.

DM George 
Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 8:01:55 PM
The Shields have been rowing for a couple of hours and are making good time with the current.
Tionel notices the jungle has gone strangley silent and then it errupts with noise. A loud and angry squealing can be heard just up the river ahead.

A large sow is protecting her young from 10 purple colored orcs. The orcs spring to the attack and club the mother pig with their hands. The pig seems to freeze and fall over. Then the young quickly fall prey to the orcs. The hunters gather up their prey and move off into the jungle quickly lost from sight. One stays behind and gives the Shields a hard look, then seems to scan the rest of the shoreline and then follows his friends.

This occurance seems very strange. The group have never seen a purple orc before and they used no weapons. Something else is bothering you too. Make a intelligence DC check please DC15.

Wynn Brightsong  d20+2=5 d20+10=24
Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 8:54:58 PM
Wynn takes his turn at the oars and watches the shoreline for any signs of lost civilizations or ruins. "Yes, I miss my mother...she encouraged me to seek out new things, music, art, adventure. I hope Bralin managed to get a message to her..."

The bard watches in facination as the purple orcs finish off the sow and her litter. He searches his mind for any recollection of purple orcs [Bardic Knowledge=24, Int=5]

Belkior  d20+3=9 d20+4=5
Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 9:20:40 PM
The halfling cleric watches aghast as the orcs club the pigs to the ground. He realizes that most things choose to eat the flesh of other creatures, but the suffering of the animals is painful to watch. That the orcs were purple, and that they used no weapons is strange but not particularly so.
Int check = 9

"Let's row over there! There might still be one left alive that I can save!"

If Belkior is at the oars, he will row towards the shore and beach the boat. Clambering out of the boat, Belkior will survey the scene of the slaughter to determine if any are left alive or might have escaped. Unfortunately he is unable to determine anything (Untrained Survival = 5, natural 1). "Lang, did any escape?"



Xenia  d20+2=20
Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 9:21:11 PM
Xenia's full dark lips pull up at the corners. "Your mother sounds like my father," she says over her shoulder to Wynn.

And then the squeelings and the attacked pig family.

"Hey you! Stop that!" Xenia shouts, and jumps up in the boat.

Having momentarily forgotten, of course, that "jump up" and "in boat" are not a very good combination. A quick crouch calms the rocking, and the dark rogue whips shortbow and arrow into position.

Too late.

"Farblation," she mutters. "Farblation, did you see that? Wonder what that was about?" (Int 20) "Did you see that? Purple orcs. And I thought this place was weird before."

Angus  d20+2=3
Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 10:56:20 PM
Angus is enjoying the boat ride as his unease has abated since the Shields left the Elf village. The calm is shattered by the purple orcs.

Angus sits up and watches the pig beating. "Well someone is having pork chops tonight." Angus does not give the purple orcs a second thought (Int roll 3, nat. 1).

Angus is alarmed when he sees Belkior steering the second boat to the shore. "Not a good Idea." Angus calls out to Belkior's boat.

Angus attempts to measure distances from the middle of the river to shore and then again to the trees that the orcs dissappeared into.

Lang & Sunshine  d20=16 d20+3=12 d20+11=21
Tuesday May 3rd, 2005 11:33:45 PM
Lang enjoys the exercise from rowing. He also enjoys the time when he is not rowing, lazying about in the boat with Sunshine.

Lang watches with interest as the orcs go about their business. He contemplates pulling out his bow and shooting a few arrows, but decides against it. Hmmm purple orcs he thinks (intelligence check 16; Knowledge nature 12). He wonders if it is the same shade of purple as those flowers they saw by the smithy.

"It is just a pig Belkior. All creatures need to eat. We must not forget our mission by this minor distraction."

If the Shields decide to land the boats then he will search the immediate area looking for tracks and clues (track 21).

Tionel 
Wednesday May 4th, 2005 1:59:35 AM
Tionel warbels angrily, then emerges on the land, a sleek black large wolf. He roars angrily to his friends, encouraging them to follow him, and begins trotting after the orcs.

(Wanna go after them? I vote yes!)

Syr  d20+1=10
Wednesday May 4th, 2005 3:51:15 AM
Taking a break from rowing, he stops to stare at the orcs. Judging their unarmed skills with an experienced eye, he observes their competency as they kill the beast. "Now, while I didn't grow up in an elven village. Even I know that elves and orcs are mortal enemies, what would Prionel say about these purple things?" He resumes paddling and gradually steers the boat to the shore near the spot where the orcs disappeared.

Florin Jadenth 
Wednesday May 4th, 2005 11:41:55 AM
Florin watches the display between the orcs and the wild boars/pigs and frowns at what goes on between them. Florin glances to the others as he gauges their reactions and speaks up quickly, "Slow down Belkior, and the rest of you also. We were spotted and orcs are a intelligent enough and war like enough to possible have something planned for us if we land."

Florin thinks and speaks again, "Land alittle ways down from where the pigs were attacked and we'll go from there." Florin figures some arguement might come up about they were suppose to be returning to the Float so quickly speaks up also, "I never seen purple orcs before so I think it would be a good ida to investigate this. Anyway, any knowledge we can pick up on what lives out here would be a help."

Belkior - 2nd Illegal Post 
Wednesday May 4th, 2005 9:27:44 PM
Stymied in his efforts to reach the shore and search for any wounded, Belkior reacts badly to Lang's suggestion. Belkior turns towards Lang in the other boat and speaks slowly and carefully.

"Just a pig? What do you mean it was "just a pig"?"

Belkior's voice is beginning to rise as he launches into a tirade. "How would you like it if one of the elves back in the tree village found you hurt and said, "It's just a human." Huh, have you thought about that? It may be "just a pig" but if it's hurt and in pain, I have a duty to heal it."



DM George 
Wednesday May 4th, 2005 10:11:30 PM
Lang and Xenia both realize that the orcs made their attacks totally silently. Their wasn't a grunt, they didn't call out to each other, and they seemed very coordinated.

The boats land upon Belkior's insistance and the party spills out of them. They don't find any surviving pigs but a rather large trail leading off into the jungle.

Lang while looking at the tracks notices that the tracks are strange. The orcs were not wearing any kind of footwear and they only have 4 toes each. A very interesting mystery.

Angus 
Wednesday May 4th, 2005 11:13:46 PM
Angus gets out of the boat and comments to Belkior. "I was beginning to get the feeling I was only a human in the elf village. I did not see any halflings or humans get to vote if the sleeper fellow got to be awaken. We do not count in their eyes."

Angus will wait for the Shields to form up and make sure he is in the middle, if the group is planning on tracking the hopfully now well feed and tired purple orcs. As the group, starts into the woods, Angus will cast mage armor on himself. "I hope I don't need it" he adds to no one in particular.

Syr 
Thursday May 5th, 2005 1:37:25 AM
The elf stares in surprise about the fervor that is in the small halfling's voice. "Belk, I understand they are living creatures and all but I have to ask... Do you have a smiliar love for nature that Tionel seems to? I mean, any Druid lurking in that wee frame?"

Syr steps out of the boat and looks toward Florin for the next course of action regarding the orcs.

Tionel 
Thursday May 5th, 2005 6:53:19 AM
Tionel stays in his wolf form, at the front of the group. He paces back and forth, looking towards where the orcs came from. He obviously wants to continue after them into the woods. In his current form, he can't really communicate well.
Seeing people still talking, he whines a little in his current form. If necessary, he will even go over to a person and gently tug on their shirt...
Time's awasting!

Xenia  d20+17=28 d20+12=24
Thursday May 5th, 2005 10:32:32 AM
Xenia frowns. But it's not an unhappy dissatisfied sort of frown. It's a thinking concentrating sort of frown.

"Um, guys," she says, "remember the greenies and how they, you know, kind of sort of worked together." She stares off into the Crying Woods in the direction in which the troop of purple weirdoes had disappeared. (Spot 28, Listen 24) "I dunno, but this just sorta smells like the same set up to me. And if they're anything like the greenies they're gonna be tough." Shortbow in one hand, she fingers one of the beads on the necklace hanging between her small breasts.

"And, you know, if there's something new out here in the Crying Woods, it might be a good idea to see what it is. But, then again, it's like, new stuff shows up all the time in the Crying Woods. And we're the only ones that know what Sabra said about moving the City away. We're, kinda, 'Llana's only link to her Da, too. We get nixed and all that goes away."

"'Sides," Xenia's voice drops with a note of sadness, "I think mama pig and baby pigs have pretty much had it by now."

Rolls
Spot 28 (To see if the purple orcs might be coming back)
Listen 24 (Same)

Lang & Sunshine 
Thursday May 5th, 2005 2:29:27 PM
Lang looks up from studying the Orc tracks. Gathering his thoughts on the tracks he turns towards Belkior and the rest of the group, responding in a calm manner to Belkior's accusations.

"Belkior, every creature has its place in the Wold and on the food chain. Pigs, for the most part, are food for other creatures. They are an unintelligent creature whose only instincts are to eat, sleep and produce offspring. Orcs, on the other hand, are an intelligent race of humanoid. While not exactly the best representation of what a creature can do with intelligence, they nevertheless have some. I am not a big fan of Orcs and I have hunted and killed many of them in my past. But who am I to deny their existence? Who am I to deny them from hunting for food for their women and children? Since when do the Orcs NOT have a right to exist in these woods? The Crying Woods has made many attempts to keep us from entering it, if it did not want the Orcs here wouldn't it attack them like it did us? If the elves thought the Orcs were a danger, do you not think they would have told us? Speaking of elves, yes, the elves may decide to leave me injured and not help me, but then again maybe they will decide to nurse me back to health. A pig will always leave me injured, it will never attempt to help me as it does not have the brain capacity to even make the effort. Creatures die all the time for other creatures. It is the way of Life."

Lang then turns towards Florin and relates what he has determined from the tracks.

"Florin, I advise you against leading us after the Orcs. For one, these are not normal Orcs. I cannot even say they are even Orcs. Their actions, coloring, lack of footwear and only having 4 toes confuses me. It is not what I have seen in my past from Orcs. Secondly, we are already on 2 missions. One to inform the council of Sabara and the elves warning about the potential danger to the Floating City. The second, from Prillana, is to find out about her father's well-being."

Done speaking, Lang awaits Florin's decision on the direction the group will be going.

Belkior  d20+6=16
Thursday May 5th, 2005 3:41:02 PM
The halfling cleric looks around the clearing, seeing the signs left by the orcs' slaughter of the pigs. So much blood, and he still hears the sounds of the pigs squeeling as they were killed still rings in his ears.

Belkior hears the opinions of his companions. After taking a moment to compose himself, he replies in a measured voice. "I realize that orcs and wolves," gesturing at Tionel, "and people have to eat. And that this is part of the natural cycle."

Belkior looks out into the forest, listening to the sounds of life within it. Listen = 16 "I choose not to consume the flesh of living creatures, but I don't insist that all of you follow suit. What bothers me, though, is suffering. Instead of killing the pigs quickly, with the least pain possible, the purple orcs beat the pigs to death. With their fists! Even if they were tremendously strong, that would take longer than a quick stroke of a sharp knife, or an arrow striking true."

"Hearing the pain of the pigs was what made me try to rush over here. But, seeing what's left here," Belkior gestures at the trampled ground, "there isn't anything that I could do."

"You're right, too, Xenia and Lang. We've agreed to help both Prillana and the Alder Circle. Rushing off into the forest will just delay our completion of those tasks. And, you're correct about the pigs likely all being dead."

Florin Jadenth 
Thursday May 5th, 2005 8:45:06 PM
Florin looks to everyone when the beach the boats and also listens to the comments and suggestions given before speaking up and motioning to the boats, "We have made a promise to Prillana and in this case we have to judge the most important."

Florin looks to Belkior and comments to him, "The warning given us by Prillana's mother needs to be dealt with first, it involved the whole Floating City and none of us want to see anything happen to the city, being side tracked now could cost the Float dearly. Plus remember Prillana's comment on if anything happens to her father."

Florin pats Belkior on the shoulder and looks to everyone, "lets get going before the orcs possibly come back."

As he gets ready to get in the boat he comments to Wynn and Angus mainly, "You two like to take note of those orcs as much as you can so we can maybe find out some info on them?"

Wynn Brightsong 
Thursday May 5th, 2005 8:56:11 PM
Wynn nods in Florin's direction and makes a mental note of what he has seen. The bard takes his place at the oars and when the party is ready, navigates the boat to mid channel.

DM George 
Thursday May 5th, 2005 9:26:20 PM
The group struggles with what to do. Obviously there is a mystery. A stange new monster was sighted. It was silent and an efficient killer. Is it organized? Is it a threat to the Floating City? The party decided to forgo the chase and honor earlier committments.

They all gather back into the boats and make their way downstream making good time. Even Angus is tempted to row as it looks easy with this current. In fact the current seems stronger than it did the other day. Was there a storm up river? The group doesn't know but as darkness descends they break into the river's mouth and see the city in the distance.

Angus (Mage Armor) 
Thursday May 5th, 2005 11:06:50 PM
Angus is getting impatiant as he is thinking of a warm bath and a warm soft bed. "What will it be Shields, Orcs or City? Lang, Florin, Syr why don't you just go catch on for questioning to see if they are a threat to the city or the elves. Anyone speak Orc?"

Wynn Brightsong 
Friday May 6th, 2005 7:54:09 AM
"Even the currents tells us that it was the right decision to leave the Crying Woods, Florin. The river sends us home as sure as Domi." Wynn relaxes at the oars and lets the current expell them from the forest. He contemplates all he has learned over the past days and can't help but wonder how the full tale of Sabara and Prillana will play out over the weeks and months to come.

Florin Jadenth 
Friday May 6th, 2005 10:12:30 AM
Florin nods and will take his turn at the oars for sure since he might beable to help the group make head way with the currents help. Florin likes the rowing since it's a nice work out.

When Wynn speaks up Florin smiles and nods, "I noticed that Wynn. The orcs will be a good thing to possibly look into when we have taken care of current buisness. I'm pretty sure we can find that spot again and use it as a point of reference. Maybe even Prillana's father knows something of these orcs. We can only know more once we get back to the Floating City."

Florin glances to Lang since he figures the man would agree with his thinking the most, "Know as much about your possibly enemy as possible. Thats what I was taught by my teacher, it keeps you and your friends alive is what he said."

Xenia 
Friday May 6th, 2005 12:20:24 PM
Xenia kneels at Wynn's feet in the bottom of the boat. This all feels so out of her depth. Maybe they should have gone after the purple orcs. At least thats a thing they might be able to do something about.

But framblenation! How are they supposed to get the city moved? And even simpler, how are they gonna get 'Llana's Da away from Perimon?

"So, what we gonna do once we get back?" she asks. "I mean, we gotta see to 'Llana's father. I don't think it'll be too hard to bust in and get him, but what if he still doesn't wanna go? Maybe he'll change his mind when we tell him his wife is back."

"And how in all the Starry Sky are we gonna get the city moved?"

With a small sigh of frustration the dark rogue puts a hand on Wynn's knee and rests her chin upon her fingers.

Belkior  d20+18=30 d20+8=10
Friday May 6th, 2005 1:31:38 PM
The halfling cleric sits in the boat, mulling over what he has seen and heard this day. Life in the temple was so much simpler, with it's almost predictable daily routine. But he wanted to get out and see the world, so he's actively involved now.

Addressing no one in particular, Belkior asks "When we get to the City, do you think that we can get in to see Prillana's father? Would Perimon be trying to prevent contact? If need be, I'm sure that Healers from the Temple sometime go to where prisoner's are held to minister to their needs. I might be able to get in that way."

"You know, I'll have to consult the texts back at the Temple, but I'm pretty sure that it isn't a normal disease that would make them turn purple and lose a toe on each foot." Heal = 30, Knowledge Physiology = 10



Syr 
Friday May 6th, 2005 3:34:08 PM
Enjoying the ride back he comments to the others, "Maybe this stronger current will push the city further out in the lake?" Thinking for a few for moments, "Considering that I've lived there most all my life, I know surprisingly little about the city. It seems to me that the easiest way to move the city is to get it floating once again. I heard it said that the Overload and his crown contain the knowledge of the workings of the city. I'm sure we won't be able allowed an audience but Prionel... Do you think he has made some friends with the time he has spent there?"

Tionel 
Saturday May 7th, 2005 1:09:24 PM
"It's not as weird as you think. I've lived many years on the Floating City, and I never even visited other levels while I did so." The elf remarks, having resumed human form on the boat. "I think we should go after the orcs...but...I see your guys point about getting Prionel released. Though I don't think we really can do anything about it. I mean, do you think the city council would listen to us? They obviously don't care about it, they've already arrested him. The orcs, well, that at least seems like something we can find out more about and do. But we should go back nonetheless, to at least try and research the whole moving the city thing..."
But he can't help but look back at the path. The only fresh indication of the orcs. For all they know, they might never see them again...


Lang & Sunshine 
Saturday May 7th, 2005 2:27:21 PM
"Florin, I agree that it would be best to try to gather as much info on the Orcs as we can before we start searching for them. Especially as they do not seem to be normal Orcs. Hopefully we can see Prionel and he can inform us about the Orcs and give us his opinion on what to do with them."

"I guess after we report into the Circle of Alder about Sabara and after checking on Prionel's status then we are free to do whatever we want."

DM George "Pretty flowers" 
Saturday May 7th, 2005 4:34:06 PM
As the group rows closer to the city, they notice something strange about it. Where the outer walls of the city used to be an offwhite, they are now brown. As they move even closer, they see that the outer walls are entirely covered with vines that seems to be growing in front of their eyes. Small flowers seem to be sprouting along the vines in brillant color. They air is filled with their fragrance which has the scent of wild roses.

As the group docks up at the docking level, they notice the vines starting to spread inside the city as well. It seems years of growth have been accomplished in one day.

Angus 
Saturday May 7th, 2005 8:39:11 PM
Angus tips back his floppy hat to get a better look at the city as it comes into view and says "Very Pretty, Pretty Amazing, I think Sabara may have her own plans for the city. A little exterior decorating before WE move the city. I know you are strong Florin, may be can hitch a rope to our boat here and you can start rowing."

Angus continues to scan the vines and flowers "I liked our chances with the orcs better. I don't know about this. I hope the Council has a clue. Lets head there right away."

Xenia  d20+17=20
Sunday May 8th, 2005 8:45:17 AM
Flowers and smells be damned. Xenia's mind leapfrogs ahead with dire conclusions. Xenia herself nearly jumps up in the boat again.

"We're too late." She grips Wynn's knee hard with tension. Slowly she stands. A gloved hand rises to shade her eyes as she strains for a better look at what is going on at the gate by the docks. (Spot 20)

"It's vines," she says stating no more than the obvious. "We're too late. The Orphanage! We gotta rescue folks."

"The Crying Woods is here!"

Florin Jadenth 
Sunday May 8th, 2005 6:35:44 PM
Florin looks over the city and frowns as he sees the flowers and wonders what the inside of the city looks like. After a few moments thought he speaks up, "I agree, we'll check with the druid's about Prillana's father after we see about getting the Float moved or how we might go about doing it."

Florin looks to the others now and nods, "Lets hurry to the city everyone."

Florin chuckles when he hears Angus's comment and smiles to the man, "Thanks Angus but I'm no Domi. If I had even a fraction of his strength I could probably move this city without trouble."

Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=18
Sunday May 8th, 2005 9:41:08 PM
Lang, like the rest of the Shields, grows concerned with view of Floating City as they get closer to it.

Looking closely, he tries to determine anything that may explain the situation or help in their understanding of what is going on in the city (spot 18/22). One thing he is looking for is movement among the vines as if people are trying to cut them back. He is also trying to see if the towns' people are avoiding or scared of the vines.

After the boat docks Lang and Sunshine quickly hop out of the boat. Lang quickly puts on Sunshine's new armor and retrieves his short swords from his quiver.

A small smile forms on Lang's lips as he realizes that he may be able to slay some more of the vile plant creatures.

Wynn Brightsong 
Monday May 9th, 2005 12:48:32 AM
"If it weren't for the warning from Sabara I'd question our sanity for thinking the presence of such beautiful greenery could be anything but a good sign, but now...well, now I think we had better hurry." The bard has a worried look on his face for he cannot imagine how they are going to move an entire city.

Tionel  d20+12=23
Monday May 9th, 2005 2:34:07 AM
"You really think this could be dangerous? I mean, couldn't this be a great chance, for the entire city to become at one with nature? The feeling I get when I see them is what..."
Tionel falls silent suddenly, and looks at the vines. He tries to fall back on his intuitive druid sense, his instincts and nature-connection.
(I'm not sure if it's a druid ability, or like a knowledge/nature check, or a nature attunement thing...but can Tionel sort of measure the intent behind these vines? The feelings animating them? Are they restless, struggling against the city? Are they pulling against it, ripping it apart? Or are they building it up, supporting it? Are they separate, or joining the city? What about the buildings? And so on. I think if anyone could tell the intent of nature to live with the city, or vice versa, Tionel would be the first one to be able to decipher it. He could see it in both the feel of nature to the city, and the peoples' response or views about it. I rolled a knowledge: nature roll of 23, and have a few other rolls I could make, but I figured it's more of an rp thing. What sort of emotions can I read from the city itself, as a living being?)

Syr 
Monday May 9th, 2005 3:14:59 AM
Looking up at the walls, he exclaims, "Flowers? not very imposing but they are sure a break in the flow of the walls. I'd guess nature is taking over the city. Waking Sabara may not have been a good thing?"

Belkior 
Monday May 9th, 2005 7:54:04 AM
The halfling cleric looks at the rose vines creeping across the exterior of the Floating City. While the leaves and flowers cover some of the ugly spots on the exterior, they are also starting to block some of the exterior windows and doors. Belkior wonders whether the vines will continue to grow into the interior of the city where there is no natural light.

Cautiosuly picking his way over the vines, Belkior retrieves his armor from his backpack. Finding a place where he won't puncture himself on a rose thorn, he begins to don it. While doing so, he thinks and prepares to share hsi thoughts with the group.

Considering his words, Belkior states in a calm, measured voice. "I agree with Florin. Seeing this, I think that the Council needs to hear the message that we bring from Sabara and the Crying Woods. If nothing else, it may provide them with information to aid their decisions."

"After that, we can go to the Circle of the Alder afterwards. If need be, I can speak to Janus about providing healing to the prisoners in order to get in to speak with Prionel."


Belkior - OOC 
Monday May 9th, 2005 7:55:28 AM
OOC

Sorry for the delay, I missed the Sunday post.

Catacombs visits = is it assumed that we can get to the Catacombs any time that we are in the Floating City, or do we need to make a specific post and take time to visit.

[i] Feel free to visit the catacombs while in the city. I will tell you when they stuff is delivered.


DM George 
Monday May 9th, 2005 11:17:39 PM
The group examinines the flowers closely, many doing spot checks but everyone sees the samething. The roses are spreading very fast, but just seem to be latching on to the stonework, not ripping it apart. Still it is amazing to see a plant grow right before your eyes.

The group hurries off to the council chamber again. Many are experiencing deja vu during this period. Seems like you just did it the other day.

Once you reach the council chambers you realize your not alone in your urgency. Hundreds of frightened citizens seem to be ahead of you. Everyone is talking about strange occurances from nature. Some snippets of conversations overheard:

"I swear my cat started talking to me! Told me it was tired of the same food everyday and please for me to catch him a fish."

"I swear I didn't steal any piglets. My sow gave birth to 26 pigs and they all grew this size over night!"

"Would you just look at this cucumber! It grew to 3' long last night."

"While my kids were catching lightning bugs, one of them scorched my daughter's hand! Had to take her to a cleric of Alemi to get her cured,"


The druids seem very busy trying to call a panicky populance and the group has trouble getting near the doors of the council building.



Angus 
Tuesday May 10th, 2005 8:38:09 AM
When Angus sees the throng in front of the Circle of Alder, he does not feel like waiting. Angus casts several light spells in a row over the heads of the crowd to light the way for the Shields and announces with as much authority as possible. "Make Way for the Crimson Shields! We bring Important news from the Crying Woods and Leaders of the Jungle elves!"

Angus motions for the Shields to take the lead as he knows he can not push his way through a crowd.

Xenia 
Tuesday May 10th, 2005 1:32:54 PM
USELESS!!! Government toady frogy men! Framble macking USELESS!

"They're not going to be able to help," Xenia laments to the guys. "I mean look around. They got enough problems already just keeping the people from, like, you know, popping their tops."

"I guess someone has to tell them what we know. But it doesn't have to be all of us."

"I'm gonna head down to Merchant Level and talk to Gordo. I mean, hey, I figure one way to move the city would be to move the people. Cause what's the city without the people, right? And maybe we can get the elves out in the forest to take in the kids. The kids can grow up in the forest and learn to, you know, like, get along with it and everything. They'd be friends with the Crying Woods. Like the elves, and not like Perimon's crew, cutting stuff down and all."

"I mean, you gotta start somewhere, right? And it might as well be with kids."

The rogue goes up on tip-toes to kiss Wynn on the cheek before heading toward the central stairs.

"I'll meet you guys down at The Ghost. I wanna ask Happy what he thinks about getting everyone to move out of here. And, if we have to, what would be a good place to move to."

Syr 
Tuesday May 10th, 2005 6:36:26 PM
Following in Angus' path he pats the group hearld on the back, "Nicely done, Let's see how far we can get up the ladder before someone stops us. We may want to mention that lord...Perimon? a few times too."

Wynn 
Tuesday May 10th, 2005 6:55:49 PM
Wynn catches Xenia 'round the waist when she zeros in for a peck on the cheek. "Not so fast, Miss Next," he says pulling her in close, her back to his front. In a serious voice he continues, his mouth close to her ear, "no splitting up the party or taking off by your lonesome." The bard releases his grasp and sighs. "I'll come with you, but, lets check in with Florin first and set up a rendez-vous point for later." Looking around quickly, he adds more to himself, "in case things get crazy."

Belkior 
Tuesday May 10th, 2005 9:06:08 PM
The halfling cleric sticks close to his larger companions as they approach the crowd. While it might be possible for Belkior to squeeze through below the worst of the press, he could also get trampled very easily.

Watching Angus' actions, Belkior thinks of other ways that they could contact the council with information. Perhaps Janus has influence with them, thinks Belkior.

"Wynn, your plan of an established rendezvous is a good one and Florin should decide where we meet up. If we get separated, I will go to the temple of Alemi to see if Janus has heard anything, then back to our rendezvous? Would your apartment be a good place to meet, too?"


Florin Jadenth  d20+5=13
Tuesday May 10th, 2005 10:26:11 PM
Florin looks over all the stuff going on around him and shakes his head while whispering, "Seems like maddness is just griping the Wold around us here of late."

Florin perks up when he hears Wynn and Xenia's comment and looks back to them and nods, "The Giggling Ghost would be a good place to meet up at. Happy will probably have a place we can use in quiet once we meet up there."

Florin tries moving forward with Angus and speaks up, <diplomacy:13> "Hold on people! Like my friend here says, we have information to give that we learned while in the wilds. Please let us through so we can deliver this info and help aid this city."

Florin glances to Belkior and nods to the man and speaks to him quickly, "Alright but meet up at the Giggling Ghost when you get done there. An becareful, the people here seem to be frantic enough that they might accidently hurt you....you..umm, being smaller and all." Florin smiles but is trying to phrase the small comment as nicely as possible as to not wound his new friends pride.

DM George 
Tuesday May 10th, 2005 11:18:58 PM
Xenia and Wynn decide their time could be better spent in other places and make a rendevous point with the others and leave to find Gordo.

Angus and Florin after much shouting, pushing, shoving, and plain threatening finally make their way with the others behind them into the council chamber. It seems that it isn't quite a crazed in here as it was outside.

After the group is recognized and admitted they are brought to a room with a long table and many chairs around it. The doorkeeper asks them to wait and will find someone for them to report to.

After several minutes of waiting, the door opens and the druid who took your report last time, marches into the room. Brina looks harried but not unhappy to see you. She brusquely sits down and opens a scroll and sets out a quill with ink. When prepared she looks up and asks, "Did you find any natives?"

Lang & Sunshine 
Wednesday May 11th, 2005 12:09:12 AM
Lang takes a seat at the table and Sunshine lays down at his feet. Lang does not respond to Brina's question. Instead he looks at Florin to respond to the lady who once again is rather abrupt and to the point.

Xenia 
Wednesday May 11th, 2005 12:09:26 PM
Xenia snuggles herself back into the bard. "I was hoping you'd say that," she whispers.

Xenia's mind is full of questions and ideas on the way down the central stairs from Gold to Merchant. So much is changing. And so fast. It's all got a bad feel to it. Like things are happening that they have no control over. Just kind of coming down right on top of them. When stuff like that happens, the only thing the girl rogue knows to do is to jump aside.

"You know Wynn," Xenia says from out of the depth of her thoughts, "if we had to leave here, where would you want to go?"

Angus 
Wednesday May 11th, 2005 12:48:25 PM
Angus does not take a seat and if fact slams his hand on the table when Brina mentions any natives "Have you been under a rock!" Angus rubs his hand before continuing. "Two days ago, we brought the leader of the Elves to the Floating City for a meeting at the Giggling Ghost and he was then arrested. We returned his daughter back to their Jungle home." Angus rolls his eyes. "Can we speak to someone of authority here, you do not seem to have a clue or are to wrapped up in strange natural occurances of late." Angus crosses his arms over his thin chest and waits to see how Brina and Florin react.

Belkior 
Wednesday May 11th, 2005 9:45:02 PM
The halfling cleric waves to his companions as he departs for the Temple of Alemi on the highest level of the Floating City. As he trudges through the streets, there is more evidence of the rampant growth of plant life. Here and there he sees the leading edges of the roses that were growing up the exterior of the City. And, whereever he went, the people in the streets continued to speak of the marvels they had recently observed or heard about.

When Belkior enters the Temple grounds, he makes abeyance to Alemi. After a period of prayer, his mind cleansed, Belkior seeks out the Paragon Janus. If he is able to find the Paragon, Belkior will relate what has happened.

"Janus, I believe that I last spoke to you after the Crimson Shields rounded up some infected people from the Trash Level of the city. Since then, we've been out to the remains of the settlement started by Perimon where we were attacked by some plant creatures. We also found some records of the settlement and some artifacts suggesting infection by a plant like that in the people from the Trash Level."

Belkior pauses for breath. "After returning to the city for supplies, we followed up some clues contained in the records from the settlement and travelled to a village in the forest. The village was occupied by elves who have resided in the forest for a very long time. We found out that the forest is sentient and shares a link with the elves. The events here in the city are bound up with the forest and with larger events in the entire Wold."

"After meeting with the elves, one of the elders and his daughter returned to the city with us. We brought them to the Giggling Ghost to engage in some kind of Woldwide meeting of the elves where a decision was made to awaken something known as the Sleeper. When we were returning with Prionel, the elder, and Prillana, his daughter, the guards loyal to Perimon seized the elder. We took Prillana back to forest."

After another breath, "When we did, there was another event. Apparently, in the past an elf would somehow join with the forest, exactly how we didn't learn. It seems that Prillana is fated to be the next such mergent, following her mother. After getting a message from the forest, which was apparently unprecedented, we returned here to the City."

"The message from the forest is that the City has to be moved. We had no idea how to do that. And, we were asked to look after the well-being of Prionel, the elf elder."

"Do you have any influence with the Council, who could get one or more of the Crimson Shields in to see the elf?"


DM George 
Wednesday May 11th, 2005 10:35:57 PM
OOC Guys, I have noticed that the posting has gotten a little erratic lately. Certain of us are having more trouble than others. If you need some time away from the game, there is no shame in it. Please email me with your concerns. Otherwise it isn't fair to the people who do post. Tonight I am working with only 4 posts out of 8 players.

Angus shouts at the young druid and she stands and shouts right back. "You are speaking to the only person your gonna get right now." She points her finger at Angus and stamps her foot. "Do you realize what is happening out there? Nature is going berserk! Every druid is spending day and night trying to figure out why! Yes we know about the elvish convention. We no some elven protector has been awakened, but we don't know if that is a good thing or a bad thing. No, I didn't know one of them was from the Crying Jungle. That is very interesting. So why don't you sit down and tell me about it, instead of throwing a fit and acting like a 6 year old who just dropped his candy in the mud."

Belkior goes the his church and after waiting for over and hour is given an audience with Janus. (OOC Need to research Janus but needed to post before I had the chance. Please forgive any inconsistancies)

Janus smiles at Belkior and says, "My you have been busy. This news is very interesting. Yes the city can be moved but only the underlord can order it. No one else can. You need to get this news to the Overlord of the city. She can make an appeal to the Underlord."

Janus thinks for a few minutes and continues, "I can try to get an audience with the Overlord. She is very understanding, but also the city is in quite the flux right now. Please come back tomorrow morning. I can't promise anything but I should have more news then."

Janus stands and waves for an assistant to show Belkior out and calls out for others to bring her writing materials.

Wynn 
Wednesday May 11th, 2005 11:26:22 PM
"Where would I go?" Wynn answers vaguely. "Hadn't really thought about it, you know. What with my life-debt to Bralin, and all."

The bard follows the shapely rogue down the stairs. He doesn't say anything for a while. When they gain the street, he adds, "maybe back home to Magpie Crossing." Catching up with Xenia he adds, "would you like to see it? Come with me I mean? You could meet my mother."



Tionel 
Thursday May 12th, 2005 12:58:14 AM
Tionel turns to his fellows.. "Guys, let me try dealing with the druids. Angus, calm down, friend, I'll take this over." He draws Brina over and begins to speak to her of their mission so far, of the elves, their quest back to the city, then the return...along with the capture of Perimon, the reawakening of the Sleeper, and the mysterious orcs.
"It's important that the druids know the situation with Sabara. She is the Forest, somehow. She told us that the forest must be moved... And it seemed beyond her ability to prevent any disaster that may occur. We must try to convince the Overlord to use his influence on the Underlord, or whoever, to get this city moved back.
"Now, that's what you druids must do. In the meantime, I think the Crimson Shields should investigate the Purple Orcs. They don't fit into this schema of what's going on...we need to know more about them. We'll probably go back soon to investigate once we've asked people around here about things that are going on."



Xenia 
Thursday May 12th, 2005 11:30:27 AM
Xenia looks up askance at the handsome bard walking by her side. She takes his arm, and lays her head against his shoulder.

"Yeah," she replies, and the single word is a soft as the deepest sigh.

At the orphanage the first person Xenia looks for is little blonde Kyria. "Hey, Punkin," Xenia lifts the little girl and swings her up in the air. "How'd you like to live up in an elven town in the trees, huh?" she asks. "Where's Gordo, Sweetheart?"

Angus 
Thursday May 12th, 2005 4:18:07 PM
Angus is unfazed by Brina's reaction and waves a hand in her direction. "Is it not obvious that nature has gone wild. We do not need a druid for that. Get us someone who can make a decision regarding our information or we will just have to take it to a higher authority."

Angus exhales in a great sigh. "We just thought you may find the information useful, but apparently you can not handle nature in this state. I hope you have not lost your touch."

Angus looks to Florin. "Do you want to go see Perimon?"

Florin Jadenth 
Thursday May 12th, 2005 9:03:50 PM
(OOC:I'm terribly sorry for Florin's silence the other day. We had some nasty storms roll through alittle before the time I would be posting.)

Florin looks to Brina and sighs, letting Tionel speak to her as he figures a druid would be best to speak to a druid and looks to Angus, "Let the druids speak over the matter. They probably are the best to speak what has happened out. Lets try to find out about Peerimon before making any other moves."

Florin looks to Tionel and thinks for a moment before speaking to him, "Better bring up the comment we got made to by Prillana's mother to Brina too. They might want to be aware that the cities closeness to the jungle may be the cause of some of this too."

Belkior 
Thursday May 12th, 2005 9:06:08 PM
The halfling cleric will bow before leaving the presence of his superior in the Temple.

Ackonwledging the greetings of his fellows in the Temple, Belkior will leave the place where he learned so much about healing and the faith of Alemi.

His passage back down through the city is like the upward journey - dodging groups of people chattering about the strange occurences and sighting evidence of the wild growth of plants. He pauses once to minister to a child who has fallen and skinned a knee. After some brief ministrations, the child runs off before Belkior can launch into a lengthy discussion of how to care for a minor wound like that.

After some time, Belkior is avoiding some gossiping sailors while walkign down Dagger Point Street on Fence Level when he spies the welcoming sign of the Giggling Ghost. Entering through the door, he crosses to the balcony railing and looks around the tavern for his companions.

Not seeing any of them here yet, Belkior will slide into a booth and wait for table service. He's fairly bouncing with his news from Janus, but it looks like it will have to wait.

Syr 
Thursday May 12th, 2005 9:29:41 PM
Syr watches the others explain the city's predicament to Brina. As they group turns to leave, "If it helps, I can show you which tower that Prionel went to for questioning? Do you think Perimon will be there? It has been a couple days after all. for now, how about we get to the Ghost?"

DM George 
Thursday May 12th, 2005 10:31:35 PM
Brina concentrates on her conversation with Tionel and seems to ignore Angus all together. She listens carefully and takes occassional notes and frowns at the mention of purple orcs.

When she hears about Sabara and the elves, she is intrigued. "This is incredible information. You have found out more about the jungle in a few short days than most have found out in a lifetime. Course when most enter the jungle, their lives are very short."

After Florin mentions the comments of moving the city, Brina frowns. That might be difficult. I hear that the Overlord is out of the city right now. Only she can ask the Underlord to move the city from what I understand. Still I will bring this informatiuon to my superiors."

She casts a sidelong look at Angus and sniffs, "I think the council would want more information on these 'purple orcs'. We were surprised to hear about any races living in the Jungle. It seems to kill any of the noble races who visit it. If it is allowing a group of orcs to live there then maybe we can find a way to have it allow us to be close for a time."

The thief and the bard arrive at the orphanage and quickly see a friend. The little girl laughs with pleasure when Xenia swoops her up.
"I think he went shopping. He is very worried about food for some reason. Heard him say we will need to tighten our belts."

Belkior arrives at the Giggling Ghost and sits and waits for his comrades.

Wynn 
Friday May 13th, 2005 12:20:58 AM
Wynn waits patiently while Xenia seeks out Gordo and chats with her young friend. The bard finds a quiet spot and begins making an entry into his journal, he pauses frequently, recalling the details of each event that has occurred since they left for the Crying Woods.

Xenia 
Friday May 13th, 2005 7:40:38 AM
Oh bother. He's not here.

Xenia looks around at the people moving about in the streets. It shows in their movements. In the looks on their faces. The anxiety. Fear in the face of the unknown.

"Gordo's right, Honey," Xenia says to the little blonde girl. "You listen to him. He'll take care of you."

"Listen, Punkin," Xenia unslings her haversack and takes out pen and paper, the first things right on top, "we can't stay. But I gotta get a note to Gordo. Can you give this to him when he gets back?"

The girl rogue pulls the haversack up onto her knees and uses the back as something of a writing table.
Dear Gordo,
This is Xenia. How are you. We are doing fine. Remember the Crying Woods, and the thing out there that almost ate you? ...
Xenia goes on to write about their most recent trip to the Crying Woods. She describes how the bad feeling looks now to be gone. She tells him about Prionel, under guard in the City, a captive of Perimon. She tells him of Prillana, Prionel's daughter and the beautiful elven city in the trees. And she says how she thinks that maybe, just maybe, it might be a good place, if they had to go someplace, to take the kids to the elven city where they can grow up and learn of the elves and the Woods and maybe build a better future for the Woods and the people of Floating City.

She signs it Xenia. And, as an afterthought, she draws a rough map on the back leading up the river to the city in the trees.

Then she pulls her stuff over to sit by Wynn, as he's kinda writing too. And she pulls Kyria along too, hugging her on one side with Wynn on the other. She shows the note to Wynn.

"What do you think, Wynn? Did I miss anything?"

Angus 
Friday May 13th, 2005 7:57:17 AM
Angus smiles at Brina's retort. "Finally a useful suggestion. Florin, I have a few things to take care of, but I will meet you and Tionel at the GG." Angus looks back at Brina. "It might be good to be out of the city, there seems to be too much panic here. Lets see what is up with the orcs. Maybe we can catch one and bring it back for Brina to question." Angus winks at Brina before leaving.

Angus makes his way past the throng outside the Druids and goes to visit his toy maker. Angus orders 10 gp worth of toys to be sent to the orphange, before heading to the GG.

Tionel 
Friday May 13th, 2005 4:56:26 PM
"Well, for one, these orcs may serve a darker side of the forest, killing pigs and all. It might not be an altogether pleasant way of joining the forest in union...but part of the circle nonetheless. But anyways, you will pass on our words to the druids, right?" After she nods, Tionel makes a quick trip to the catacombs...

Belkior 
Friday May 13th, 2005 9:49:17 PM
Having a sudden thought, the halfling heads towards the bar. Once the bartended comes up, Belkior asks for directions to the nearest outlet of the Catacombs.

Leaving the Giggling Ghost, Belkior goes to the Catacombs and makes his transaction, then returns in time to meet his companions. With luck, none of his companions will notice his departure.


Florin Jadenth 
Friday May 13th, 2005 9:52:29 PM
Florin nods and looks to Syr, "Yeah, lets head to see about Prionel and then head to the GG for info from the others. Lead the way."

Florin smiles and nods to Brina before speaking, "We will look into the purple orc matter soon also."

Wynn Brightsong 
Friday May 13th, 2005 10:51:30 PM
Wynn reads Xenia's note and nods his head in approval. "I think you've covered it! Now let's get back to the Giggling Ghost and meet the others." The bard packs his journal away and offers his hand to the seated rogue.

Lang & Sunshine 
Friday May 13th, 2005 11:39:25 PM
"Do we need any supplies before we head back to the forest?"

Lang & Sunshine will head to the Giggling Ghost to meet up with the rest of the Shields.

Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) 
Saturday May 14th, 2005 7:46:05 AM
Xenia nods and takes Wynn's hand. "'Kay."

She kisses little Kyria on the forehead and hugs her as though this is maybe the last time she'll see her. "You take care of yourself, Punkin. Listen to Gordo, and you take care of yourself."

Then, she rises and follows the bard out into the streets of Merchant Level.

DM George 
Sunday May 15th, 2005 11:01:01 PM
The group finishes up reporting to the various heads of councils and churchs, does some shopping at the catacombs and other shops and meets up at the Giggling Ghost to plan their next moves.

Lang questions if they have enough food and after inspection of their packs, they do realize that they are getting short. They all realize that they can buy food at the Giggling Ghost but not trail rations.

Xenia is upset she missed Gordo but enjoys her visit with the young orhpans. She leaves a note behind with directions to the elven village.

The group decides that tracking down the purple orcs is the next logical step. Will they leave today?

Wynn 
Monday May 16th, 2005 1:42:04 AM
Arriving first at the Giggling Ghost, Wynn orders a pitcher of ale and steers Xenia towards a secluded booth away from prying eyes. Despite the seriousness of their mission, he can't resist the temptation of the rogue's delicate pointed ears, slender neck, and full lips. When the Crimson Shields start to show up, he sits comfortable with his arm draped over the rogue's shoulders and waits to learn what Florin has to say.

Syr 
Monday May 16th, 2005 3:08:56 AM
The elf leads the group to the same door that Prionel was admitted to previously. He raps loudly on the door and calls out, "Open up. We are here to visit Prionel! We bring word from his village." A moment after he yells he looks over at Florin with a look of chagrin on his face. "Umm, got carried away, I wanted to see those wierd orcs and all."

DM George OOPs post 
Monday May 16th, 2005 7:28:47 AM
OOC Sorry I misread Florin's last post. Thought you were going to the Giggling Ghost.

Syr leads several of the party to the pillar where he and Prionel went to. The pillar is being guarded by 2 guardsmen dressed in livery of the Floating City. Before anyone can knock, they question you.

Upon hearing your inquiry about Prionel, the guardsmen will stiffly say, "I am sorry but you aren't authorized to enter here. You must take your inquiry to the High Council. They sit and pass judgement on the complaints from the commonors every third Tuesday. I believe that is next week."

Xenia 
Monday May 16th, 2005 10:04:57 AM
A curve comes to Xenia's lips as she follows Wynn to an out of the way booth. One hand in his, she snags a Snappy Grape Silverline with ther other hand as he pulls her languid and sort of floaty behind him.

When the rest of the guys start showing up, she snuggles into Wynn's arm and sips at the Snappy Grape.

"Didn't you say something 'bout being able to forage food and hunt animals, Lang?" she asks the ranger casually from the crook of Wynn's arm when he brings up the topic of supplies. "I mean, knowing what we know 'bout Sabra and all now, you think it's safe to eat that stuff?"

[OoC: What time is it, George?]

Tionel 
Monday May 16th, 2005 3:17:13 PM
Tionel shows up at the Giggling Ghost rather fast, without much of his usual eagerness to drink and relax. "Let's get going," is his greeting, and he looks ready to go running off into the woods.
"Something tells me this is the time for speed and action, while there's still time for whatever sort of danger may come."

Angus 
Monday May 16th, 2005 6:30:54 PM
Angus shows up at the GG and finds his friends. "What is the plan?"

Upon hearing discussions about going back to the woods Angus puts his foot down. "I am not going back in the woods until I sleep in a warm bed! Wake me at 9:00 in the morn. I should be ready by then. It will take at least that long to get everyone organized. Where are Florin and Syr?"

Belkior 
Monday May 16th, 2005 10:15:33 PM
The halfling cleric slips in the door of the Giggling Ghost and looks for his companions. Seeing them there, Belkior lets a momentary frown of displeasure slide over his face. It won't do his reputation for being careful and measured if he arrives late.

Moving over to the booth where his companions are seated, Belkior hears the last parts of the conversation.

"For food, we can try to purchase some before we leave the city. Failing that, Lang might be able to find some for us. If you're concerned about the possible effects of eating food from the Crying Woods, I might be able to help. One of the earliest spells that I learned was one that purifies food and drink, removing any harmful influence. Hopefully that is sufficient to prevent any effects. Otherwise, I could even create food for us but at the expense of a higher level spell."


Florin Jadenth 
Monday May 16th, 2005 10:27:46 PM
Florin frowns as he looks to the guard who replied to the questions on Prillana's father and shakes his head, "Kind of sounds like they have charged tried him already. We will return for sure and I would ask that you get word that Prionel is as well taken care of as possible. I can not stress how important that diplomacy be used in these matters. Deliver that message and tell your Peerimon that it would be a good idea to take that into consideration. He will know why when we are able to meet him but do stress that I, Florin Jadenth say that Prionel should be treated with the up most respect and that explanation will come when we can meet with him."

Florin pats Syr on the should and smiles to him, "No offense taken on speaking back there Syr. Lets head to the GG, meet with the others and see where to go from there. Before we leave the city in any case I want to check on Mort and Jella and make sure my daughter is okay."

DM George "Moving right along" 
Monday May 16th, 2005 11:23:25 PM
Angus demands a soft bed to sleep in, Florin wants to see his kid, others are worried about food. Everyone gets their wishes and spend the night taking care of final preperations.

The morning finds the Crimson Shields rowing away from the city and up the mouth of the river. Again the current is against them and the going is slower. Much slower. That strong current seems to still be there.

Halfway through the day, it starts raining on our adventurers. The rain starts to come down in sheets and the Shields are soon drenched. Angus is in an especially foul mood. Since everyone else has rowed, including Belkior, the bailing falls to him.

By the end of the day, the group finds themselves at the famous pig slaughter site. No purple orcs can be seen but their tracks are still visible where the pigs were dragged away into the jungle.

Xenia  d20+17=32 d20+12=24
Tuesday May 17th, 2005 10:24:49 AM
A bath.

Nice as it is out there, that's one thing they don't got. A bath. Just laying back in the hot water. And feeling all clean afterwards. You could almost purr.

Hair unbound and still damp from the bath, Xenia puts on a pair of deep magenta jammies with little pictures of dancing dwarves on them. Sitting cross legged on the floor with Wynn, she goes through her haversack, inventorying her stock for the coming day before turning in for bed.

The next morning it's a mug of kaffe and some buttered toast with strawberry jam. Yeah right. Forage this in the Crying Woods, she thinks as she crunches a bite of sweet buttery goodness.

Ahh, the little joys of civilization ...

... so soon left behind.

Rain. Rain and rain and rain and rain. Thank the stars for this magic cloak thing she bought. Warm in winter, cool in summer too. Still, it's a long gray day in the boat. And when the bottom of the boat finally bumps against the river bottom at the pig killing spot, the red-headed rogue is ready. Ready to be out of the boat. And ready with her bow in hand. Her eyes scan the tree line for danger and her ears listen for movement as she crabs left, clearing space for the others to debark.

Rolls
Spot 32
Listen 24

Tionel 
Tuesday May 17th, 2005 11:59:16 AM
Tionel finds himself reluctantly heading to bed. He's somewhat worried, though, and around two in the morning, after his reverie, he starts wandering around the garden. It's blooming unlike anything he's seen...in fact, too much, perhaps. He takes a large load of fresh vegetables and puts them in his backpack, and leaves a fresh, elegant flower for each member of his party at the breakfast table. Something that fits them... A fully bloomed chrysantheum for their paladin, a stargazer lily for his fellow elf, a gathering of irises for the flutist, a big cheerful sunflower for Belkior, and tulips for Xenia and Wynn (White and yellow). He ponders, as he leaves them at the table, that if he were not going on an adventure, he'd give them away to couples...

Then the rainstorm comes. Along the way, he becomes a giant squid, so that the rain is not even a nuisance to him, but merely a curiousity. On dry land, he again assumes his regular form. "This looks like a job for Sunshine..."

Syr 
Tuesday May 17th, 2005 1:14:00 PM
Waking with the others he is delighted to see the lily at his normal spot on the table. Looking over at the druid he smiles and gives him a quick wink. "Well, at least we are off on a great note. Let's go find some purple orcs."

Taking his turn at the oars, he eyes the sky muttering, "I might have spoken a bit too soon." As the rain starts to fall, the elf removes his shirt and quickly stores it in his backpack where it stays dry. Commenting to Belkior, "I dunno about you but this jungle is bad enough without walking around in wet clothes." As the shirt comes off, it reveals a well honed chest with sharply defined muscles. His black pony tail shows in stark contrast to the white of his back. A long scar shows along his left ribcage where the skin is puckered and tight.

As soon as they land he jumps out and ties off the boat that he is in "Lang, any chance you and the pup can follow the trail if it gets harder to see?"

Angus 
Tuesday May 17th, 2005 5:19:49 PM
Angus enjoys his night sleep, but sitting in a boat bailing is not his cup of tea. Angus's big leather hat can do nothing to keep him dry while seated.

Once on pseudo dry land Angus calls out to no one in particular. "Lead on to the killer of pigs."

Angus will make sure he is in the middle of the group when they start tracking. After a few minutes of tracking Angus will coat himself in Mage Armor.

Florin Jadenth 
Tuesday May 17th, 2005 6:34:09 PM
Florin enjoys his time with Jella and Mort and gives Jella a big hug before leaving and tells her to be good. He also looks to Mort and asks his to please take Jella to the temple, he also explains what has been going on and also tells him that he thinks it will be safer at the temple.

On the way Florin enjoys the going but when the rain starts Florin's mood sours some and he looks at his armor, "Great, I'll have to tend my armor later when it stops raining or people might hear me squeeking a mile away."

Once on shore he looks around and nods as he looks to Lang and smiles to him, "I have a small bit of tracking and would try to aid you if you like Lang."

Since Florin knows his tracking is of little use right now he just tries to aid Lang in his attempts.

Wynn  d20+2=19
Tuesday May 17th, 2005 7:33:36 PM
Wynn casts a rueful look at Xenia in her jammies. His mind wanders as he wonders what she might look like in something a little more...diaphanous.

+++++++

The next morning he shoulders the pack which carries most of his worldly goods and heads for the docks. Wynn spends his fair share of time at the oars as the party manoeuvre the river. The exertion keeps him warm. Looking up, he squints into the grey sky, then opens his mouth to let the drops quench his thirst.

+++++++

When the party gains the shore, the bard occupies himself with hauling the boat(s) as far up on the beach as he can. He will offer to assist the small cleric onto the beach (Aid Another Str. Check=19). Useful fellow, but a little clumsy, he thinks to himself as he watches the ungainly and fastidious halfling fuss about.

Lang & Sunshine  d20+11=21
Tuesday May 17th, 2005 9:30:28 PM
Lang & Sunshine once again enjoy the short boat ride back to the river, at least until it starts to rain.

Lang and Sunshine disembark from the boats as does rest of the shields when they reach the spot where they saw the Orcs. He quickly arranges his weapons and equipment and gets Sunshine into his armor.

Surveying the fight scene Lang easily picks up the trail of the Orcs (track 21/25 for favorite enemy plants).

"Syr, there is always a chance I can lose the trail of the Orcs, especially if it continues to rain. But at this moment it is pretty easy to find."

"Florin, how do you want us to react if we run into the Orcs? If they are not hostile what do you want us to do?"

Lang will point out the trail to his comrades and will lead the group in following it.

OOC - Quarterstaff is in hand.

DM George  d20+7=12
Tuesday May 17th, 2005 9:38:40 PM
Lang and Florin lead the way into the jungle. The trail is easy to follow and both are able to do it without problems. After several hundred yards the jungle uncharactisticlly opens up into a large clearing. The clearing is dominated by several very large trees with thick trunks.

The Shields easily see the "purple orcs". Many of them are wandering around the trees. The group notices a new group enter the clearing from the opposite end. 6 are working together to carry something. They walk up to one of the trees and lift up their prize. It is a human male. He is dressed in the clothes of a sailor and seems to either be dead or unconcious.

The orcs hold up their offering to the tree and the tree comes to life. Two large looking ropey vines seize the human and lift him to the trunk of the tree. A large crack opens and a maw with spiny teeth is revealed. The human is stuffed into the maw and quickly disappears.

The group is shocked by the quickness of the action and horrified that a man was just eaten possibly alive!

Syr, who is in the back, hears the snap of a twig and spins around to be confronted by another group of orcs. The are 20' away and heading for the group. They are heading towards the clearing following the same path the Shields followed from the boats.

OOC...OK I will need AC, HPs and any spells on in the heading of each post. Please put durations in the post as well.

Belkior (AC 22; HP 40) Prayer  d20+5=23 d20+12=19
Tuesday May 17th, 2005 10:05:28 PM
OOC Sorry about missing the post ... got busy at work today and it slipped. I wanted to post my spell selection, but I'll do so as if we were planning a multi-day trip.

The halfling cleric quickly tries to count the orcs in the clearing and behind them. Spot = 23

Believing that the Crimson Shields are about to enter combat, Belkior decides to strengthen his companions. He intones a prayer to Alemi to strengthen his companions and weaken their opponents, casting the spell Prayer.
Concentration = 19, if needed

After doing so, Belkior decides that the centre of the party is the best place to be. So he moves there, however distance that might be.

Actions
Free = Spot check
Standard = Cast Prayer
Move = to centre of party, however much that is

Constant Effects
Endurance

Active Effects
Prayer - +1 Attack, Damage, Saves and Skill checks for party, -1 to those for opponents within 40' at time of casting - 6 rounds remaining

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Command, Sanctuary (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Hold Person, Resist Energy, Silence, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Create Food & Water, Dispel Magic, Prayer* (D - Magic Circle vs. Evil)
* = cast



Angus Mage Armor AC 14 HP 25 
Tuesday May 17th, 2005 11:03:30 PM
Angus is surprised to see that the Shields now seem to be surrounded. Angus faces the threat from the rear and wonders about the groups boats. It is too long a swim back to the Floating City.

"Who speaks Orc in the purple dielect?" Angus questions "and are we talking to this group or what." Angus holds his spells for now...waiting.

OOC: Florin what is our marching order besides Belkior and Angus in the middle and Lang in the Front?

Spell Slots:

0 level 0/6
1 level 1/8
2 level 0/6
3 level 0/4

Wynn (AC 19, 46 HP)  d20+8=21 d20+5=8
Wednesday May 18th, 2005 12:45:05 AM
Wynn rests a hand on the hilt of his sword, and gives it a little shake, to make sure it can be easily drawn. He runs a hand over his vest pockets and wonders if now is the time for one of the potions?

From his position near the back of the group, he tries to take in the location of each of his party members along with the strange hued enemy.

Search=21
Spot=8

(OOC: Map?)



DM George 
Wednesday May 18th, 2005 7:36:19 AM
OOC...I sent a map this morning via email. It was made in word. Let me know if you didn't get the email or have trouble opening it.

Xenia (AC20, Dodge vs. O1, HP 35)  3d6(3+6+5)=14
Wednesday May 18th, 2005 7:57:32 AM
Xenia gapes. Her mouth hangs open and her green eyes blink as the tree grabs the guy from the purple orcs and pops him in it's big teethful mouth.

*ahgk*ahgk*ahgk*ahgk*ahgk* ... "DID YOU SEE THAT!!!" "IT ATE THAT GUY! IT JUST, JUST, JUST, JUST ... IT'S CRUNCHIN' HIM NOW!!!"

Despite the capital letters, Xenia is actually whispering. Whispering in a very intense and upsettish sort of whisper while she grips Wynn's arm in a very intense and upsettish sort of grip.

"WAHG!!!" Another whisper when she turns to find them trapped by more purple orclets. "Frang this!" the dark rogue curses. Jerking one of the smaller beads from her necklace, Xenia lofts it up into the air and down into the midst of the six orcish things. (Fireball from Necklace of Fireballs: 3d6 variety Damage 14hp, Reflex vs. DC14 for half. Minus one to the Orcs on the Save, if Prayer is in effect. 20-foot radius should get them all.)

Active Effects
Prayer - Duration 6 Rounds Remaining

Movement and Position
None. Same as before.

OoC: Map's fine, George. Belkior, what's the duration on that Prayer Spell?

Belkior - OOC 
Wednesday May 18th, 2005 9:48:11 AM
OOC Editted my post to include Prayer duration - 6 rounds.

Syr (AC 16, HP 55, Prayer) J4  d20+9=20 d20+6=15 d8+6=14
Wednesday May 18th, 2005 3:19:12 PM
Seeing the man thrown into the maw, Syr chokes down the bile rising in his throat. From the corner of his eye he sees as Xenia hurls the fireball. Forgoing any suprise as the explosion alerts anyone nearby he charges. Just before he hits O1, he recalls their reason for being here. He lashes out with a foot trying to connect on the creature's head for a knockout blow (Attack 20, damage 14, subdual).

Tionel (Hp 44/44, AC 16) 
Wednesday May 18th, 2005 4:02:53 PM
Tionel takes a five foot step back, "Dear me..." He definitely doesn't want to be in the front line, but somewhere in the middle of the group. Following his usual tactics, the thin elf begins weaving a spell, concentrating one summoning something forward to help his companions...
(Summoning Nature's Ally III spontaneously cast in place of my neutralize poison I had memorized. Something I found out inbetween this and previous games is: Summoning creature takes a full round, so they should appear and attack on my next action.)

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:60 
Wednesday May 18th, 2005 8:44:10 PM
(OOC:Forgoing comments on marching order sicne combat broke out and everyone will be moving about quite abit. Hope thats okay for now.)

Florin was going to tell his friends that they would fight these purple orcs since they are clearly evil but was also going to demand that one be left alive atleast.

Seeing his comments were going to come to slow though as people move into action. Florin pulls his sword and readies his shield as he moves towards the nearest threat.

As he does this he calls out to his friends, "Okay everyone, Lets stay alive here. Angus or Tionel, if you have something to slow these purple people eaters down then be my guest. Having less of them on us at once is better then all of them."

Florin glances to Belkior and thinks to himself before calling out also, "Be mindful of your injuries, call out if you become to injured so a healer can get to you."

Florin will not move to far from the group and if no one moves to cover his back then he will place a tree, hopefully a none people eater one to his back.

Spells: Bless, Restoration(lesser)

Lang (ac 21; hp 46) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 15)  d20+6=21
Wednesday May 18th, 2005 9:36:13 PM
Lang takes the opportunity to stow his quarterstaff and retrieve his bow from his quiver.

Looking back he sees Xenia throw the fireball bead at the approaching 6 Orcs. He hopes it was a smart move.

Lang holds his position and concentrates on the Orcs and plant monsters in the clearing (spot 21).

"Sunshine defend!"

Active spell(s):
Prayer (from Belkior)

Spell:
Speak with Animals

DM George Combat round 2  d20+3=6 d20+3=19 d20+3=18 d20+3=15 d20+3=23 d20+3=22 d20+5=16 d20+5=11 d20+7=13 d20+7=12 d20+7=22 d3+2=5
Wednesday May 18th, 2005 10:56:34 PM
Belkior looks around and with a quick count sees 3 trees that look to be man eating trees. They are well over 50' tall and have a strange pod like growth in the branches.

There is another 30 or so orcs in the clearing scattered about. Seems like 6 are in range to get to you next round.

Belkior then casts his prayer spell.

Angus wonders if reason is possible and voices his question if fighting is the right choice here.

Wynn loosens his weapons and prepares himself mentally for battle.

Xenia is horrified by what she sees. She snatches a globe from her necklace and throws it at the party of six orcs causing a big explosion.

Syr darts forward and kicks O1 with a solid blow rocking the orc back. It quickly slumps to the ground.

Tionel moves back 5' and casts a summon nature's ally. (ooc I always thought you got them right away. Will question in on rules board but since you didn't tell me which kind of creature you summoned, I will let it appear and attack next round.)

Florin moves forward after drawing his weapons.

Lang switches out his weapon and readies his dog for battle.

*******************************************

The fireball explodes among the 6 purple orcs but all seem to slide away but one and take minimal damage. Other plant life seems to suffer though. Underbrush wilts away and small brush fires seem to spring up.

The jungle seems to roar its fury at the group after the explosion and the oppressive weight of the rage is on the group once again. It seems like the very jungle is wishing for their deaths now.

Sly is surrounded and attacked by the remaining orcs. They have no weapons and make no sound but slash at him with claw like hands. O2 and O5 attack normally but the other 3 flank the monk.

Only one manages to hit the fleet monk but Sly takes 5 points of damage and must make a save vs dc 11 (fort save)

6 more orcs travelling from the clearing will be able to attack the group next round. The round after that 12 more will join them.

OOC Please remember to put where you are on the map. Several of you didn't and I had to guess this round. You might not like my guesses but you will be stuck with them.


Angus Mage Armor AC 14, HP 25  6d6(6+4+1+5+3+2)+1=22
Thursday May 19th, 2005 9:09:56 AM
Angus thinks to himself, well there goes negotiations. Seeing the human sailor thrown into the maw of the tree Angus comments for all to hear. "I guess the sailor did not vote for the Faire King..."

Angus steps in front of Xenia (A5/G1) and unleashes a lightning bolt at purple orcs (O3-O6-O1). "This is my vote!" Angus screams at the purple orcs as the lightning CRACK can be heard by all near and far (DC 20 - prayer, reflex save for 22 or 11 damage).

Angus tries to get Florin's attention. "There are more coming Florin, but plenty of room to maneuver, why don't you lance and trample some while we fight to the boats."

Spell Slots

0 level: 0/6
1 level: 1/8
2 level: 0/6
3 level: 1/4

Syr (AC 17, HP 51/56, Prayer) I3  d20+8=19 d20+8=17 d20+8=17 d8+6=14 d8+6=11 d8+6=8 d20+6=20
Thursday May 19th, 2005 3:50:23 PM
He winces when an orc strikes him and looks quickly down at it's claws wondering if that was how they were able to slay the pig and get the sailor unconcious (Fortitude save 20). Searching around as he is swarmed he immediately regrets his decision to charge, considering he is the lone Shield in combat. Calling out, "Guys?? Guys???" Suddenly his calls are cut short by the crack of a bolt of lightning next to him. Letting out a weak cheer for Angus he focuses on his foes.

As the other orcs swarm around him, he sends a fist flying at an approaching one (Attack of Opportunity 19 vs #5, damage 14) Backing up to I3, he concentrates on the orc in front of him O4. He tries to evade any blows from this orc (AC 18 vs O4) as moves on the offensive sending a series of kicks at the creatures chest (Attack 17,17 Damage 11,8)

P.S. It's Syr as in Syrdeth, not Sly, that's another game (*grin*)

Xenia (AC20, Dodge vs. O1, HP 35)  d20+8=24 d6=1 3d6(3+4+2)=9
Thursday May 19th, 2005 5:33:52 PM
"Grrrrrrrr." Xenia grr's as she moves in a semi-circle to gain a flanking position with her bow. Fetching up opposite Syrdeth, she fires into the purple orclet's back.

Active Effects
Shortbow To Hit O6 25 (+10, -4 Fire Into Melee, +2 Flanking) Forgot to add +1 for Prayer
Damage 11hp (1hp Normal, 9hp Sneak, +1hp Prayer)

Active Effects
Prayer - Duration 5 Rounds Remaining

Movement and Position
J1/A8

OoC: What are AC's on these bad boys?

Wynn (AC 19, 46 HP)  d20+9=22 d8+4=10
Thursday May 19th, 2005 7:11:16 PM
When Xenia takes off, Wynn crosses behind Angus and to his right in order to get around the opposite side closer to the beleaguered Syr. (Position I1/A3) He swings out with his longsword anticipating a connection with the strange purple creature in front of him. (Hit AC 22 for 10dmg Target O4)

Special Effects:
Belkior's Prayer +1 - 5 rounds remaining

DM George combat round 3  Saves d20+3=5 d20+3=22 d20+3=6 d20+5=22 d20+5=15 d20+5=14 d20+5=14 d20+5=10 d20+5=21 d3+2=3 d3+2=5 Lang d20+6=24 d20+6=9 d20+6=10 d20+6=26 d20+6=16 sunshine d20+5=24 d3+3=5 d3+3=4 d3+3=6
Thursday May 19th, 2005 9:30:18 PM
Angus moves forward and summons his magic and shouts his challenge. It seems effective as his magic lances out and hits o1,o6, and 03. It kills O1 and O3 falls unconcious. (OOC I will remove any dead or unconcious orcs from the map, for ease) O6 is hurt but still is fighting.

Syr steps away from the group and attacks O4 doing 19 points of damage and causing his opponent to slump to the ground. (OOC sorry you don't get any Aoo when they engaged. You have the same reach.)

Xenia slides to the side and shoots her bow at O6. She easily hits it but is very disappointed at the damage done. He arrow barely seems to pierce its hide and hands limply there. 1 point of damage

Wynn steps up and engages O5 (OOC Had you move a little closer and engage O5 since O4 was unconcious) He chops into the orc doing 10 points of damage.

Florin, Tionel, Belkior and Lang were amazed at the combat prowness of their opponents and took no actions this round.

******************************

The three orcs moves mirror Syr's movements and claw out with 2 hands each. They hit him twice for 3 and 5 points of damage respectively. Syr needs to make 2 fort saves dc 11.

Lang finds himself quickly surrounded as well. Sunshine is able to ward one away but the other 5 go to him. He wanted to shoot but is studying these "orcs". They make no sound, they are feeding man-eating trees.....THEY ARE PLANTS! He realizes. He likes fighting plants!

Lang is hit twice and Sunshine once. One was almost a critical but missed follow up blow. Lang takes 9 points of damage and needs to make a two fort saves dc 11.

Sunshine takes 6 and needs to make a fort save dc 11

12 more of the orcs will be able to fight next round. 6 more will be there two rounds after that.

OOC o1 dead
02 wounded
03 unconcious
04 unconcious
o5 wounded
06 seriously wounded
07-12 unwounded and unaffected by prayer.

AC or the orcs is 16

I realized my grids on the map were tough to read so revised them. Hope they are easier now.

Guys only getting 4 posts during combat is horrible! It is a sure way of getting characters killed off. I devise my tactics against 8 active players and expect you to fight effectively. If you don't post, you don't fight effectively.



Belkior (AC 22; HP 40) Prayer  d20+12=31
Thursday May 19th, 2005 10:04:08 PM
OOC George ... I was about to post and realized that you had already completed the turn. Last round, Belkior would have done some casting and moved but I was waiting to post until some other people had done so ... I'm defense and reactive, not offense.

I'm also not seeing any actual grid on the map, just lining up the rows and columns. Back to the regularly scheduled game.

Belkior invokes the prayer to cast Sanctuary, casting defensively to avoid any attacks from the purple orcs. Belkior's Pearl of Power briefly glimmers, retaining the spell.
Concentration = 31, vs DC 16 = no AoO

Then, Belkior moves to F6, possibly drawing attacks from the orcs if they can resist the halfling cleric's spell. Will vs DC 15, wisdom

Then Belkior continues to H6.

Actions
Standard = Cast Sanctuary
Move = to F6 and then H6

Constant Effects
Endurance

Active Effects
Prayer - +1 Attack, Damage, Saves and Skill checks for party, -1 to those for opponents within 40' at time of casting - 4 rounds remaining
Sanctuary - 6 rounds

Items
Pearl of Power - used today

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Command, Sanctuary (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Hold Person, Resist Energy, Silence, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Create Food & Water, Dispel Magic, Prayer* (D - Magic Circle vs. Evil)
* = cast



DM George 
Thursday May 19th, 2005 10:48:28 PM
OOC I find that interesting that your aren't getting a grid on your map...I am on mine.

If it helps I am using a 3" grid available on word. Let me know.

Lang (ac 21; hp 37/46) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 9/15)  d20+6=12 d20+6=21 d20+5=9 d20+12=32 d20+12=28 2d6(2+2)+14=18 d20+3=21 d6+3=5
Thursday May 19th, 2005 11:41:32 PM
Lang makes both of his fortitude saves (fort saves 13 & 22 with Prayer). Sunshine, unfortunately, tries his best but is unable to resist (fort save 10 with Prayer).

Lang draws a short sword with his right hand and swings at O10.

Hit AC 33(29 for critical confirmation; including Prayer).
Damage 10 or 20 if critical (including Prayer).

Sunshine, if possible after his failed saving throw, bites at the creature that struck him (O12 I think).

Hit AC 22 (including Prayer)
Damage 6 (including Prayer)

Lang in D5; Sunshine in D6.

Active spell(s):
Prayer (from Belkior)

Spell:
Speak with Animals

Xenia (AC20, Dodge vs. O2, HP 35)  d20+9=17 d6=6
Thursday May 19th, 2005 11:44:04 PM
Xenia Grr's some more. The vitals on these purple orclets aren't really vitals at all!!!

"C'mon!" Xenia shouts. "Grab one and lets get out of here."

Wonder what 'LLana would think about this? The dark rogue thinks to herself as she circles to the left and more back in the direction of the boat. She lines up against Syr again. This time she sinks one in the back of the orclet's head. Take that, you.

"Bet they eat elves too," she adds to the guys without considering the fact that they have not been privy to the thought that prompted this comment.

Rolls and Actions
Shortbow To Hit O2 AC17 (+10, -4 Fire Into Melee, +2 Flanking, +1 Prayer)
Damage 7hp (6hp +1hp Prayer)
BTW, should have been 2 damage last round to O6. One more for Prayer.

Active Effects
Prayer - Duration 4 Rounds Remaining

Movement and Position
M7

Yes your right. Sorry Al...nice call and it helped you this round! George

Al - OoC Re: Word Drawing Grids 
Thursday May 19th, 2005 11:50:59 PM
For those of you having trouble with the grid on the map.

If your Draw Toolbar is not displayed, go to View -> Toolbars -> Drawing.

Once the Drawing Toolbar is displayed, Select the Draw popup on the left hand side of the Toolbar and then select Grid. Make sure the "View Grid on Screen" checkbox is checked. The default should be 3x3.



Tionel (AC 16, Hp 44/44, Prayer, Summon Monsters Rd 1/6)  d3=1 d20+6=19 d20+6=11 d20+1=12 d4=3
Friday May 20th, 2005 1:18:02 AM
[I admit, I can be a lax poster, I apologize. Of late have been swamped by losing/gaining jobs.]

Finishing his incantation, the thin man waves his hands and lets out a shout, "There!" pointing behind Lang's opponents. A single bear appears, lumbering up at the enemy orcs from behind. Silently, Tionel is disappointed, as he had been expecting two or three to appear. He begins summoning again, this time discarding a wood warp spell so as to summon a few wolves...

[Bear stats: hp 19, AC 13, +6 to hit, 2 claws +6 to hit 1d4+4, 1 bite +1 to hit 1d6+2]

The bear appears behind O10, and begins to swat at it angrily, only hitting it once.
(Hits Ac 19, does 7 damage to it.)



Angus Mage Armor AC 14, HP 25  6d6(2+6+2+6+6+1)+1=24
Friday May 20th, 2005 8:41:32 AM
Angus is concerned about their leaders panic and yells at Florin. "Wake Up! We have to get out of here or we will be overrun! Lets form a defensive circle and work back to the boats!"

Angus moves to G4 and and lets loose another lightning bolt on (O8-O8-O7, O8 is listed twice)three plant orcs by Lang: DC 20 reflex save for 24 or 12 damage.

Angus is looking at the odds and yells again. "Forget a prisoner, lets get out of here! I bet the orcs voted for the Faire King!"

Angus looks to Xenia "Got anything left to throw at the group coming down the path?!?"

Spell Slots

0 level: 0 of 6
1 level: 1 of 8
2 level: 0 of 6
3 level: 2 of 4

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:60 (Sub/Al)  d20+13=25 d8+6=8
Friday May 20th, 2005 7:58:37 PM

"Pull Back!" Florin cries. "Pull Back toward the boats!"

Seeing Lang and Sunshine in a crashing wave of purple orcs, Florin strides forward.

"Syr, Wynn, Xenia. Clear our flank. Then make sure they don't get behind us."

"Belkior, take Sunshine if he can't move."

The young paladin's longsword rises above the fray, and descends upon the head of an attacking purple orc.

Move to D7 Attack O12 Hit AC25, Damage 8hp Including Prayer

Spells: Bless, Restoration(lesser)

[OoC: Sorry, Justin. If you get online tonight, go ahead and delete this and substitute your own post.

BTW, George, If this continues, I'm thinking of Summoning Ajax for some mounted combat. That will mean expanding the map. -Al]

Syr (43/56 AC17, Prayer) J4  d20+7=12 d20+7=20 d20+8=22 d20+8=12 d8+6=7
Friday May 20th, 2005 8:41:00 PM
Syr's unclad torso shows signs of small scratches and sweat as the elf defends himself from the mob. (fortitude saves both made 12,20)

Hitting O2 once with a fist (attack 22,12 dam 7) he moves over the corpse of the creature (assuming it's dead). "Escape route just about secured!"

Looking at their situation he adds to Florin's plan, "Belk! Get your stumpy little legs further down the path. If we break for the boat, I'll stay a second longer than everyone but that won't buy you much time."

Seeing how little the group is hurt he adds to Florin's comments, "Lang, give me a moment and I'll be standing beside you. I'm not quite ready to turn tail and run yet. Let's play a bit more and see what happens?"

DM George 
Friday May 20th, 2005 11:03:47 PM
Hey Folks, I am not going to post tonight since Wynn hasn't yet. Want everyone to post if possible and since its Friday night, I will allow some slack.

Wynn Brightsong [AC=19, HP=46]  d20+9=27 d8+4=8 d20+12=24 d20+6=23
Saturday May 21st, 2005 9:04:19 AM
Wynn slashes out at O5 with his longsword, his blade slicing across the creature's chest [Hit AC=27 for 8 dmg]. If the creature falls, Wynn will slide behind O2 and take up a flanking position with Syr [Tumble=24]. Otherwise, the bard continues to engage O5 in combat and does his best to avoid the creature's claws [Dodge vs. O5 - effective AC = 20]

"I'm with Syr!" Wynn calls out above the fray, "It's too soon for retreat. But watch out for those trees, I don't know how far they can reach!" The bard's head is on a swivel as he scans the area [Spot=23]

DM George Combat round 4  d20+4=23 d20+4=22 d20+4=7 bear d20+4=10 d20+4=22 d20+4=10 d20+4=20 d20+4=18 d20+4=18 d20+4=13 d20+4=20 d20+4=21 d20+4=18 d20+4=19 d3+3=5 d3+3=5 d3+3=6 d3+3=6 d3+3=5 d3+3=4 d3+3=4 d3+3=4 d3+3=5 Lang d20+4=20 d20+4=7 d20+4=19 d20+4=22 d20+4=17 d20+4=23 d20+4=20 d20+4=5 d3+3=6 d3+3=4 Syr d20+3=9 d20+3=23 d20+3=19 d20+3=13 d20+3=4 d3+3=5
Sunday May 22nd, 2005 9:26:19 AM
Belkior casts his spell without difficulty and moves himself to H6

Lang makes his saves and thrusts with his shortsword. He makes a hit but not as solid as he was expecting to. Seems that piercing weapons aren't as effective against these critters. (piercing weapons only do 1/2 damage) O10 is wounded but still fighting.

Sunshine fails his save and falls down in slumber affected by some strange poison.

Xenia shoots her bow once again striking O6. Again she notices that his arrow didn't drive as deep as she hoped but the creature still falls in defeat.

Tionel places his bear at B5 in the path of the 12 new orcs coming. The bear swatts O10 but the sturdy orc will not go down. Tionel starts more summoning. (ooc nice placement on the bear, just saved Lang's life...for at least this round)

Angus summons his magic and casts his lightning bolt scorching 3 of the orcs who neatly lined up in a row for him. 2 seem to make their saving throws but one falls to O9 falls to the stroke.

Florin moves up and chops into 012 wounding the creature for 8 points of damage.

Wynn slashes into O5 for 8 points of damage but it still is standing.

Syr strikes O2 for 8 points of damage but he too is still standing and Syr doesn't move.

*******************************************

The 12 "orcs" swarm all over the bear, squeezing together and working very efficiently. Too efficiently. They do 44 points to the bear and cause him to disappear to where he was summoned from. The orcs seem upset about this as they glance around for his body. Still no noise comes from their mouths.

Lang is only hit twice as his armor saves him from some nasty scratches. Lang takes another 10 and needs to make two fort save dc 11

O12 squats down drawing an AOO from Florin and lifts sunshine to his shoulders. If Florin doesn't kill him, the "orc" will carry Sunshine away to be fed to his tree. (OOC Sunshine needs to make another dc 11 fort save)

Syr is attacked 4 times by the "orcs" but only hit once. Unfortunately that was a critical hit and Syr takes 10 points of damage and must make a save dc11

The last 6 are a round away.

O2 wounded
O5 wounded
O7 wounded
O8 wounded
O10 wounded
O11 healthy
O12 wounded and carrying Sunshine away

OOC Yes I know I put several of them in a 5' square while attacking the bear. They have the ability to do this.



Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:60 (Sub/Al)  d20+13=27 d8+6=11 d20+13=19 d20+8=26 d8+6=9 d8+6=12
Sunday May 22nd, 2005 10:21:05 AM

"NO! THIS WILL NOT BE!!!"

Florin cries out inside as the orcish minion of the trees stoops to take Sunshine.

"RELEASE HIM!" the young paladin shouts as he strikes downward at the kneeling orc. (Hit AC27, 11hp. Hope that's enough. Otherwise, he's plantfood.)

Florin turns in blind fighting instinct and follows with two cuts in a figure eight to the next orc to the left. (Hit O11 AC19, AC26, Damage 9+12= 21hp)

"Nice bear, Tionel. We need to keep them busy, and their minds off of us."

"Someone help Sunshine. Clear the area around him, Lang!"

Rolls and Actions
AoO vs O12 Hit AC27, Damage 11hp
Full Round Action Hit O11 AC19, AC26, Damage 9+12= 21hp

Active Effects
Prayer Duration 3 Rounds Remaining

Spells: Bless, Restoration(lesser)

[OoC: Sorry, again Justin. If you get online please delete this and substitute your own post. -Al]

Xenia (AC20, Dodge vs. Nearest Orc, HP 35)  5d6(4+6+4+1+6)=21 d20+17=33 d20+12=25 d20+11=31 d20+11=27
Sunday May 22nd, 2005 10:49:21 AM
Framblmation!!!

"Lookit how they can get themselves all bunched up like that!!!" Xenia gapes at the way the orclets slide in and work together to pound that poor bear.

"Well ok then ... " More grr'iing from the dark rogue. She plucks another bead from the Emergency Necklace. This time, it's the biggest one on the strand. "You stand together, you get nailed together."

"IN COMING!" Xenia shouts, just 'cause it sounds like the right and dramatic thing to shout.

She lofts the bead high through the air as far as she can throw. It lands just behind the purple plant people to catch everyone north of Florin and Lang in a big fiery blast.

Then a quick look East, West, and South. Don't want to be caught unawares.

Rolls and Actions
5d6 Bead from Necklace of Fireballs. Loft to Max distance 70 feet. Should land off the grid at (A Minus 2)/6. 20 foot radius should catch all those little orcies. Even the one's in the row fighting Lang and Florin.
Damage 21hp (Ref vs DC14 for half)
Spot 33
Listen 25
Range ??? Roll: 31 Crit/Threat 27 (If that means anything)

Active Effects
Prayer - Duration 3 Rounds Remaining

Movement and Position
M7 (No Change)

Tionel (AC 14, hp 44/44, prayer)  d20+3=19 d20+3=11 d6=4 d20+3=6 d20+3=23 d20+3=8 d6=1
Sunday May 22nd, 2005 11:59:48 AM
Tionel finishes his spell and channels it to summon a more motley assortment of creatures...these intended to keep the orcs busy. He channels it into wolves instead of bears. The two grey wolves appear on the outskirts of the group (I'll place one at D3, and one at B7) and move in to attack.

(Wolves: AC 14, hp 13, 1 bite attack +3 to hit 1d6+1 damage, Trip attack as a free action on any successful bite attack and if attempt fails opponent cannot make an attempt to trip the wolf)

The first, at D3, attacks O8, biting him savagely for four damage. (And, make a dex/str check to avoid trip attack vs. 11 or be prone) The second one misses O12, unless he's dead from Florin's attack, in which case it moves in and attacks O11 (hitting AC 23, doing 2 damage, and requiring an opposed str/dex check vs. 8 to remain standing).
Tionel wishes he could do something else, but summoning is what he seems to do best, and his creatures are keeping the enemy distracted. He wishes he had the stupid bag he was thinking of purchasing at the catacombs when they were leaving...
So he takes a five foot step back (G7 or so), shouts out, "Keep on holding them back!" and continues his summoning, this time getting rid of another of his more powerful spells.


Lang (ac 21; hp 27/46) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 9/15)  d20+12=29 d6+7=9 d20+6=12 d20+6=7 d20+6=9 d20+5=8
Sunday May 22nd, 2005 4:40:10 PM
OOC: I think Lang would get an AoO against 012 as the Orc moves into Sunshine's square to pick him up (within 5' of me). And I think Lang (and Florin) will get an AoO if the creature moves away without withdrawing or 5' moving (assuming Lang makes his saving throws and is not sleeping).

1st AoO -- Hit AC 30 with Prayer. Damage 10 with Prayer.

OOC - George is it damage reduction? If it is half weapon damage then is it 5 points of damage (1/2 of 10)? Or is it 1/2 of weapon damage plus full bonuses (2/2+8 = 9 points of damage)?

2nd AoO -- N/A failed Fort save.

Lang looks in dismay as Sunshine falls to the ground. The wound does not look that serious (spot 13 with Prayer) so Lang knows something else is causing Sunshine to slump to the forest floor. Lang's dismay is short lived as he himself succumbs to the poison and collapses to the ground (fort saves 8 & 10 with Prayer), dropping his short sword and longbow in the process.

Sunshine cannot resist the poison as it courses through his body (Fort save 9 with Prayer).

Lang in D5; Sunshine in D6 (maybe).

Active spell(s):
Prayer (from Belkior)

Spell:
Speak with Animals

I agree with your AOO scenerio, especially since I said that the orc was stepping forward and picking sunshine up. In the future with smarter opponents this might not be the case. The could just reach down and grab a leg and drag the quarry to them, which wouldn't allow an AOO.

It is half the damage of the weapon, so yes you did 9 points of damage.

Belkior (AC 22; HP 40) Prayer 
Sunday May 22nd, 2005 10:09:51 PM
The halfling cleric hears the plan from Florin and then Syr's instructions. For the moement ignoring his companions' injuries, Belkior moves south down the path.

"Anyone who is hurt, come to me!"

Actions
Double Move = to N6

Constant Effects
Endurance

Active Effects
Prayer - +1 Attack, Damage, Saves and Skill checks for party, -1 to those for opponents within 40' at time of casting - 3 rounds remaining
Sanctuary - 5 rounds

Items
Pearl of Power - used today

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Command, Sanctuary (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Hold Person, Resist Energy, Silence, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Create Food & Water, Dispel Magic, Prayer* (D - Magic Circle vs. Evil)
* = cast

Wynn Brightsong [AC=19, HP=46]  d20+10=24 d8+3=11
Sunday May 22nd, 2005 11:53:15 PM
Wynn slides 5 feet behind his adversary (O5) until he is flanking the purple orc with Syr. he slashes again with his longsword, this time opening up a larger gash in the creature [Hit AC=24 for 11 HP]. Seeing the arrival of fresh reinforcements, and the difficulties of Lang and Sunshine, the bard breaks into song hoping to inspire courage in his companions and spur them on to victory. [Bardic music, inspire courage; +1 to attack and damage rolls]

Forget not the field where they perish'd,
The truest, the last of the brave,
All gone - and the bright hope we cherish'd
Gone with them, and quench'd in their grave!

Oh! could we from death but recover
These hearts they bounded before,
In the face of high heav'n to fight over
That combat for freedom once more;

Could the chain for an instant be riven
Which tyranny flung round us then,
No! 'tis not in Man nor in Heaven
To let tyranny bind it again!



Syr (33/56 AC17, Prayer) I4  d20+7=19 d20+8=12 d20+8=12
Monday May 23rd, 2005 3:35:34 AM
Syr staggers to the left under the force of that last blow (Made save, now in I4). Shaken, he makes a weak two attempts at the plant-orc in front of him. Despite his partner's combat song beside him, he growls at himself in frustration as his attacks prove ineffective.

"Angus, ya got any more of those bolts? Why not loft one in there where they all seem to be standing?"

Angus Mage Armor AC 14 HP 25  6d6(3+2+4+1+4+6)+1=21
Monday May 23rd, 2005 8:44:50 AM
Angus sees Lang and Sunshine fall and whispers "Not good, not good at all."

Hearing Syr and seeing the fireball go off, Angus yells "My thoughts exactly! A vote for Lang, the Human!" (Lightning bolt O7-O8-O13-O14-O14-O15-O17 for 21 or 10 DC 20 reflex save for half).

Angus sees Belkior move away and call to the wounded. "Belikor the wounded can not go to you, help Lang!"

DM George Combat round 5  fireball saves d20+4=23 d20+4=24 d20+4=20 d20+4=9 d20+4=11 d20+4=10 d20+4=13 d20+4=9 d20+4=12 d20+4=17 d20+4=24 d20+4=14 d20+4=13 d20+4=9 d20+4=14 d20+4=21 d20+4=9 d20+4=17 d20+4=11 d20+2=14 saves lightning d20+4=22 d20+4=22 d20+4=12 d20+4=11 d20+4=22 d20+4=9 d20+4=21 d20+4=9
Monday May 23rd, 2005 2:13:49 PM
Florin takes his AOO on O12 and wounds him but doesn't finish him off. He then attacks O11 twice and cuts deeply into the orc like plant.

Xenia pulls the orb off her chest, takes careful aim and perfectly lops the mini-fireball to exactly where it needed to go. Not only did she catch the ones engaging the bear but she caught the next 6 coming into to engage the group this round. The explosion is terrific and anyone in the front row gets splattered with burning body parts and the orcs are blown apart.

Tionel and his wolves! W1 attacks O8 and does minor damage. (I am counting a bite as a piercing weapon so it will only do half) O8 stays on its feet.

W2 attack O24 but misses since the opponents named are already dead..from fireball and attack of opportunity.

Tionel summons even more creatures to come to the groups aid.

Lang slashes out with his AOO taking down O12 saving Sunshine before he succumbs to the poison coursing through his veins, and falls into slumber.

Belkior moves down the trail calling to hurt party members to come to him for healing.

Wynn with a nifty sidestep slashes O5 and puts him down.

Syr is tired and sore and it shows in his combat as he misses with his two swings.

Angus lets loose with another lightning bolt and kills everything else in sight except for O7 who is gravely injured. He even kills one farther down the field O25 (not on the map)

******************************************

The "orcs" pick up their heads like they are hearing something and decide they have had enough of this combat. The all withdraw, taking a double move and head back towards the north and the man eating trees.

O2 heads east straight into the forest, which doesn't seem to bother his movement at all.

Since they withdrew, they don't take AOO.

OOC nice work guys. you killed over half of them and no one died......yet


Belkior - OOC 
Monday May 23rd, 2005 2:59:37 PM
OOC - Are we still in combat, or out of it for the time being?

Depends on you. Do you chase them into the big clearing and take on the man eating trees?


Angus Mage Armor AC 14 HP 25  3d4(2+1+3)+3=9
Monday May 23rd, 2005 3:59:39 PM
Angus smiles at the retreating Orcs and takes carful aim at an launches three magic missiles an one of the retreating Orcs, mostly to see how they are effected by the force magic (9 damage).

Angus looks to Florin "Are you going to charge! maybe Tionel can send some more creature out in the meadow for distraction and you can run more of the Orcs down."

Angus call down to Belikor. "Check out the unconcious Orcs and see what you can learn."

Angus takes off his hat and wipes his brow and exhales "Wow! That was different."

Lang - OOC 
Monday May 23rd, 2005 4:20:41 PM
OOC -- George can we have some distances to the trees, size of the clearing and a current head count of purple Orcs retreating and in the clearing.

Will give a lot of that information in my next post


Wynn Brightsong [[AC=19, HP=46] Inspired  d8+1=4 d8+1=6 d8+1=9
Monday May 23rd, 2005 6:21:36 PM
The bard continues his singing while reaching into his belt for the wand of healing he carries. He will touch Syr with it as many as three times until he sees the monk's wounds close over. [Cure light wounds for 4+6+9=19 points]

But 'tis past - and tho' blazon'd in story
The name of our Victor may be,
Accurst is the march of that glory
Which treads o'er the hearts of the free.

Far dearer the grave or the prison
Illum'd by one patriot name,
Than the trophies of all who have risen
On Liberty's ruins to fame!




Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:60 (Sub/Al) 
Monday May 23rd, 2005 8:52:18 PM

"Lets pull out!" Florin calls. He kneels by the fallen ranger and hoists him in a fireman's carry. Eyes still on the retreating purple orcs, the paladin calls into the divine ether. A smile comes to his face as he hears the familar clop of his soul-friend.

"Ajax," he calls out, "we have need of your strength my friend." Florin heaves Lang over the saddle, before stooping for Sunshine. "Grab one of the orc and lets leave."

Florin backs down the trail in the direction of the boats, and Ajax knows enough to follow.

Rolls and Actions

Active Effects
Prayer Duration 2-??? Rounds Remaining

Spells: Bless, Restoration(lesser)

Xenia (AC20, Dodge vs. Nearest Orc, HP 35) 
Monday May 23rd, 2005 9:01:32 PM
"Hey, Ti'nel," Xenia calls out as she reaches back for paper and pen, "why doncha send some of those wolves over to the trees so we can see how far they reach out."

The dark rogue starts writing stuff down as she walks over to stand by Wynn.

Feeds people to trees with teeth.
Trees have grabbing vines.
Can jump all into one small space.
Make people pass out when they get hit.
Works on dogs too.
Walk right through heavy brush just like Tionel.
Got purple guts like they're plant things. (yuck)
Can't stick them in the vitals cause plants don't have vitals.
They don't say anything.

Rolls and Actions

Active Effects
Prayer - Duration 2-??? Rounds Remaining

Movement and Position
Move next to Wynn

Lang (ac 16/21; hp 27/46) & Sunshine (ac 17/19; hp 9/15)  d20+6=20 d20+6=20 d20+5=8
Monday May 23rd, 2005 9:39:16 PM
Lang & Sunshine remain prone on the ground, next to Lang's short sword and bow. That is until Florin hoists the two of them up onto his horse, Ajax.

Fort saves if needed:
Lang 21 & 21 with Prayer.
Sunshine 9 with Prayer.

Active spell(s)/effects:
Prayer (from Belkior)
Inspire (from Wynn)

Spell:
Speak with Animals

Belkior (AC 22; HP 40) Prayer, Sanctuary, Inspired  2d8(2+1)+7=10
Monday May 23rd, 2005 10:22:22 PM
OOC - I'm still confused about whether we're in combat time still or not, so I'm posting as if we are.

The halfling cleric considers the condition of his companions. He quickly sees that Lang and Sunshine are the most sorely wounded. Belkior moves to where Florin has hauled the ranger and his companion, and converts one of his memorized spells to a healing spell. He heals the ranger for a total of 10 hitpoints.

Actions
Move = to whereever
Standard = cast Cure Moderate Wounds on Lang, using Silence

Constant Effects
Endurance

Active Effects
Prayer - +1 Attack, Damage, Saves and Skill checks for party, -1 to those for opponents within 40' at time of casting - 2 rounds remaining
Sanctuary - 4 rounds remaining

Items
Pearl of Power - used today

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Command, Sanctuary (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Hold Person, Resist Energy, Silence*, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Create Food & Water, Dispel Magic, Prayer* (D - Magic Circle vs. Evil)
* = cast


Syr (hp 52/56) 
Tuesday May 24th, 2005 3:26:45 AM
Syr quietly thanks Wynn for the healing with a weak smile and nod. He then turns to their retreating foes... "Had enough have you? Next time, we're coming back with fire!" Looking at the fighter beside him, "I'm not so sure about this Sabara character, if this is nature unleashed, I'm voting for a collar."

He moves to one of the unconscious figures and begins to bind it thoroughly.

Tionel  d4=4
Tuesday May 24th, 2005 9:46:24 AM
Tionel continues his casting and summons another 5 wolves... These and the others start chasing after the orcs and attack them. Tionel looks over to Xenia and shrugs.
"I don't have expert control over them, I'm afraid. They either attack or don't. I can talk to them a little, but only basic things."
Tionel finishes up and draws his sword, jjust in csse

Tionel - Add-on 
Tuesday May 24th, 2005 4:17:43 PM
(The wolves will attack and harass the orcs for the next minute or so, but if the orcs just run away, the wolves will not get more than one attack till they disappear)

DM George End of combat 
Tuesday May 24th, 2005 10:44:11 PM
Angus sends his missiles darting after one of the orcs and watches with satisfaction as they strike the hapless creature and sends it tumbling to the ground.

Tionel sends the wolves after the creatures and the go off nipping and howling in glee at the fleeing prey.

The others heal and get their friends ready for travel. Lang wakes up after about a minute and shakily gets to his feet. He takes a good look at Sunshine and is relieved to see that his dog is only sleeping.

Syr binds one of the orcs securely. It seems to be bleeding a sap like substance. It looks like without some kind of treatment it will die.

Angus, after watching his missiles down another foe, takes a good look at the man eating trees.
They are around 50' tall, have long ropey vines along with normal leaves. In the branches are large man sized pods. One drops to the ground and it splits open. One of the purple orcs rises out of the pod looking sticky but able to fight.

The hairs on the back of Tionel's neck start to bristle. Something isn't right.
Something feels wrong. Something bad is coming. He can sense it. The entire jungle seems to go quiet for a moment and then all of the trees start shaking and quivering. Upon examination not only the trees are doing it, every plant seems to be. Then every thing around the Shields starts to grow. The grass grows twice its size, a wild rose bush double in size, the trees around them start shooting for the sky.

Angus looks around him with wonder and then a feeling of dread comes over him. He glances back to the man eating trees and they too have doubled in size. They now stand 100' tall and have many many pods among the branches.

Syr jumps back in amazement looking down at his "orc". It is gone and in its place is a sapling. It is growing amazingly fast. Quickly it rises to 10 feet and ropey vines dangle from its branches. A small pod can be seen forming in a fork of one of the branches. As the group stands there, it continues to grow.

Xenia (AC20, Dodge vs. Nearest Orc, HP 35)  d20+17=31
Tuesday May 24th, 2005 11:13:27 PM
"Um. Guys? Like, leave? Like now?"

Xenia stuffs her notes back into the haversack and begins tugging Wynn's arm and backing in the direction of the boat. Her green eyes dart quickly around at the riot of vegetation, alert for those little bits that just might want to do them harm.

I mean, who can tell with this stuff anyway? Like, really!

Rolls and Actions
Spot 31

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:60 (Sub/Al)  d20+4=24
Tuesday May 24th, 2005 11:25:19 PM
Florin swings up into the saddle as Lang comes around and begins to move under his own power. He cradles the ranger's dog across his lap.

"Ajax and I will take Sunshine. Lets move out! I think we know plenty about this. But it's not going to do anyone any good if we don't make it back with what we know."

"Syr, Lang, take the rear. Make sure we've got everyone. We'll clear the path ahead."

"Ajax! Ride!" the young paladin cries.

As Florin hacks with his long sword at any obstructing growth, his mystic mount pushes it's way through the brush. The two clear the path leading back to the boats.

Rolls and Actions
Ride 24 (Nat 20, to guide Ajax with knees)


Justin Webber 
Tuesday May 24th, 2005 11:46:24 PM
Just wanted to drop a note to let people know I'm back and sorry for being gone. My computer got fried which some of you may know. I do need someone to please email me a copy of Florin's charactersheet and I will resume posting tomorrow for Florin. It is nice to be back too. Please be patient as I'm using a old computer and it is veryyyy slow. (This message can be deleted sometime tomorrow or so, just wanted to make sure everyone knew.)

Lang (ac 21; hp 37/46) & Sunshine (ac 17/19; hp 9/15)  d20+11=22 d8+6=10 d20+6=17
Wednesday May 25th, 2005 12:21:44 AM
Lang slides off Ajax after he regains his senses. He quickly checks Sunshine and realizes that he is sleeping as was Lang.

Lang moves over quickly to where his weapons are lying on the forest floor and picks them up. He sheathes his short sword and draws an arrow.

Lang quickly takes up position at the rear of the group as directed by Florin. His hatred for plant creatures tempered by the fact that the group and Sunshine are injured.

But before the plant creatures are out of sight as the group heads back to the boats, Lang looks back and lets 1 arrow fly at the newly formed tree, testing its defenses (hit ac 22; damage 4/2+6 = 8).

Lang stays alert as the Shields move towards the boats (spot 17/21).

Active spell(s)/effects:
none

Spell:
Speak with Animals

Tionel 
Wednesday May 25th, 2005 1:45:41 AM
"Oh my..." Tionel says, looking about him, his tone filled with foreboding, just before everything starts growing. Frantically, he grips his mistletoe on his neck and chants back at the grasses...Forcing all of his will into a Diminish Plants centered on him, trying to force the plants to withdraw, to make the menace lessen immediately. Around him in a 100' radius circle all the normal vegetation begins to shrink and reduce itself, becoming untangled and less bushy. All affected vegetation looks carefully pruned and trimmed.
But note that's all "normal" vegetation... these pods might not be affected..
After casting his spell, he begins to withdraw with the others, moving swiftly.

Wynn Brightsong [AC=19, HP=46] Inspired  d20+6=17 d20+9=14 d8+4=8
Wednesday May 25th, 2005 7:42:51 AM
Wynn needs no further encouragement from Xenia to retreat from what looks to be insurmountable odds. He keeps his longsword in hand and will attack any plant that threatens either Xenia or himself as they withdraw. [Spot=17 to notice a threat, Hit AC=14 for 8 HP; Spring Attack if required]

Angus Mage Armor AC14 Hp 25  d20+4=8 d20+4=19 d3=3 4d6(6+1+2+5)=14
Wednesday May 25th, 2005 8:04:43 AM
Angus yells to no one in particular "Just Great! Again, why did people vote for this Faire King!" Angus backs up and moves out down the path made by Forin and Ajax.

Seeing Lang test the new saplings defenses he does the same and throws a ray of cold followed by a scorching ray at it (AC8 for 3 damage andAC 19 for 14 damage).

All Angus can be heard muttering is "Just Great." as he gets in the boat.



Belkior (AC 22; HP 40)  d20+18=36 d20+8=20 d8+5=8 d8+5=12
Wednesday May 25th, 2005 9:30:17 AM
Belkior was kneeling to tend to the group's prisoner (Heal = 36, Knowledge Physiology = 20, either of which might be useful for learning something) when Angus called his attention to the "birth", if it could be called that, of another creature.

There's barely a trace of alarm in his voice when Belkior speaks. "I've never seen anything like that before. Those ... those things are obviously some kind of motile plant and not a humanoid." Poking into the wound on the creature's leg, Belkior demonstrates that it doesn't feel much, if any, pain and that it is seeping sap rather than blood.

When the sudden surge of plant life occurs, Belkior barely scrambles out of the way of the new sapling. "Someone cut a sample of the tree, before we go!" If no one else moves to prune a portion of the tree, Belkior will attempt to break a limb or twig from the tree.

When retreat is called, Belkior will move with the group. Given a chance, he will heal both Lang and Sunshine so that both are fuly healed.

Actions
Non-combat
Cast Cure Light Wounds on Lang, using Command, healing 8 hitpoints
Cast Cure Light Wounds on Sunshine, healign 12 hitpoints

Constant Effects
Endurance

Active Effects
Assume that spells have ended

Items
Pearl of Power - used today

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Command*, Sanctuary (D - Cure Light Wounds*)
2 - Hold Person, Resist Energy, Silence*, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Create Food & Water, Dispel Magic, Prayer* (D - Magic Circle vs. Evil)
* = cast



Syr (hp 52/56) 
Wednesday May 25th, 2005 1:26:07 PM


As the orc is transformed in front of him he echos the others, "Yup! Time to go. I'm sure Angus remembers these rope trees very well and I don't want to be around in 5 minutes when it grows up."

With one final look at the pod growing in front of him he shakes his head, "Sorry Belk, too risky, with everything else growing fast, I am not taking the chance of getting caught in the middle of that tree." Syr trails the others back to the boat.

DM George 
Wednesday May 25th, 2005 5:03:31 PM
Syr wisely pulls Belkior away before the halfling can cut a sample. The tree snaps out a vine trying to grab the halfling but he is able to scoot away. Even as they back away, the tree gets bigger. It waves its tentacles angrily but doesn't show any other sign of damage from the attacks directed at it.

The group makes it back to the boats and after much struggling, are able to push the boats into the river. Many vines had grown up around the boats anchoring them to shore. Though the day is getting late, the Shields push on through the night, shifting rowers to rest their already tired bodies.

The current helps them but they seem to get snagged on more underwater plantlife than any of their other journeys up river. Finally at dawn, they round the bend and see the Floating City.

Belkior is the first to notice that something isn't right. It seems like thousands of ropes are attached to the upper half of the city and are being pulled taut. Upon closer inspection the ropes are the rose vines which attached themselves to the city. One end is attached to the city and the other end trails off into the Crying Jungle. The Big Float look top heavy and is tilting towards the Crying Jungle. It is listing at least 10 degrees. It looks like the Jungle is trying to pull the city over!

Unexpectedly the boats are rocked back and forth in a strong wind. Xenia gasps in shock when she sees thousands of yellow spores flying from the jungle and heading towards the city.

Angus 
Wednesday May 25th, 2005 7:48:29 PM
Angus looks at the Floating City and exclaims. "Just Great! My bed will be clear across my room when I get back."

When Xenia mentions the spores and comment "Was it spores that turned people into plant zombies before? I think I know the answer, but I need to hear someone say it. I just can't"

Angus takes a long hard look at the leaning City and comments to no one in particluar. "Time to tell friends and family about this, forget the Druids."

Xenia  d20+17=27 d20+12=24
Wednesday May 25th, 2005 10:31:37 PM
"Plants, plants, plants! What's with all the plants," Xenia says in a nervous mutter as her eyes rove the waters of the lake, heavy with plant detritus.

"Frack and framble ... " The half-elven girl's voice trails off as she takes in the spectacle of huge cables of vines that span the water, reaching up, and up and up and up to really high places on the outside of the city.

"Oh stars." She takes Wynn's arm. "Oh stars."

"What are we gonna do? Whadder we gonna do?"

Then the wind picks up, and the air between the Crying Woods and the City clouds with dust. Not dust.

"I dunno, Angus," the dark rogue replies. "I don't think anyone knows what made the greenies 'cept it was something in the woods probably."

"It looks pretty bad. But we won't know how bad till we get over there. Maybe someone's doing something. Maybe they got a plan to burn down the vines. Lets go find out. Then we can give whatever help we can."

"I mean, that's what we put these rings on for, right?" Xenia holds up her hand with the ring on it. The ring with the crimson gem in the shape of a shield.

"Right?"

As they row across to the docks, the rogue keeps her eyes peeled, both for a glimpse of the activity in the city as well as for danger that may lurk in the plant-life that now fills Turtle Lake.

Rolls and Actions
Spot 27
Listen 24

Wynn 
Wednesday May 25th, 2005 11:17:06 PM
Wynn is strangely quiet during the boat trip across. Lost in self doubt about his decision to join in the song of awakening, the bard watches the water pass by the boat's stern and wonders just what else the awakening might bring.

Xenia's excited rambling about more plants draws his attention to the bow. Wynn can only stand, mouth agape at the sight of the city, listing to one side under the weight of the vines.

"By Domi. What have we done?"

Lang (ac 21; hp 45/46) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 15)  d20+6=19
Wednesday May 25th, 2005 11:27:25 PM
Lang gently holds Sunshine in the boat until the poison wears off.

"Thanks Belkior for healing us".

Lang does his share of rowing and is just as amazed as everyone else when the Floating City comes into view. He wonders what the elves have done. Lang is also concerned by how much force is being used against the Floating City. Lang wonders what is going on in the other places that were brought up during the meeting that seemed more of a problem than here?

"I think we need to find Prionel and get him back to the forest. We may need to spring him from Perimon's grasp by whatever means is neccessary.

Spot 19/23

Florin Jadenth 
Thursday May 26th, 2005 12:27:28 AM
(OOC:Sorry for not posting till now George, my post will be in sooner tomorrow I promise.)

Florin is quiet and lost in thought as the group heads to the Floating City again. He frowns when he sees how the Float is tipping and then the plant spores that Xenia points out.

Florin at this point can't help but call out to everyone, "Okay guys, I know we just had a hard fight but lets put on all haste to the city now."

Florin's mind works in over drive on what to do and also a deep worry for Jella. He shrugs off the one part though as he can only figure Mort as a cleric of Domi is taking care of Jella as well as possible and he had asked Mort to spend most of the time at the temple.

Florin does look to the others and nods, "We need to look into getting Prillana's father out, maybe he can calm the woods some how along with his daughter. The guard is probably looking to the vine situation so all we can do is handle one problem at a time. No splitting up once we hit the city and by all means do not relax your guard at all. The streets could be crawling with plant people by the time we get there."

Tionel 
Thursday May 26th, 2005 1:22:19 AM
Tionel quickly lapses into his spellcasting upon seeing the spores...a vision comes to him of what might be upon them... He spends the last three spells he has of suitable power to summon wind elementals to harass and push the spores back, and into the water or away...
Although this does probably not stem the total tide of all the pollen, Tionel nevertheless tries.
"Guys...I'm beginning to feel out of my depth, I have to admit. I'm not a great druid here...what you guys need is a Master Halden, or Myrridan...I feel useless against this."

Belkior  d20+5=17 d20+6=25
Thursday May 26th, 2005 7:17:05 AM
THe halfling cleric looks upon the Floating City with alarm when the boats carrying the Crimson Shields round a bend in the shore of the lake.

"Look! Look at the City!", Belkior cries out, calling everyone's attention to the City.

It had always seemed so immense ... six levels above the water, and who knows how many below. To see this immense thing, not to mention all of the people within it, tipped over this way is simply astounding. During the time that the cleric had spent in the Temple of Alemi, Belkior often forgot that the City floated in a lake someplace, that it wasn't a normal city like New Elenna or Plateau City.

Belkior simply looks on in silence until someone else points out the clouds of yellow dust being carried towards the city. His first thoughts were of his fellows at the Temple - dealing with the people injured or scared by the tilting of the city, and now this cloud.

"Can't the Underlord, or whoever can move the city, do anything?", Belkior askes his companions. "Has the City been dragged closer to the shore and been caught on the bottom?"

Hearing Florin's cautionary tone, Belkior agrees. "I am capable of curing the infection that we encountered before, but not for all of you. Besides, who knows what might have been disturbed from the parts of the city that were previously underwater and are now tipped out of the water."

To whoever is currently at the oars, "Where are we going to be able to dock? It looks like the dock we set out on is either underwater, or high above it now."

Spot = 17
Listen = 25



Syr 
Thursday May 26th, 2005 1:20:55 PM
Thinking of the valuables they normally keep at the house, he bites his lip hoping everything is okay.

Syr looks overly slyly at Angus, "I don't care how close they are,we are NOT sleeping in the same bed."

Syr nods at Lang's suggestion, "Not a bad idea, maybe Prionel can talk some sense into his wife. Let's go find the elder!"

(OOC: Yeah! Florin's back)

DM George "Whirlwind" 
Thursday May 26th, 2005 7:23:52 PM
Tionel summons his elementals to come and feels a huge rush of power flow through his body. He only summons one elemental but it is huge! Tionel instinctively knows this elemental is the largest and oldest of its kind. When given its instructions, it darts into the air and forms a huge whirlwind scattering the spores all over the place and sending them dancing away on the currents of air.

Tionel is amazed at the spell and how it turned out. He has never felt so powerful. It is as if nature is coursing through his blood. He feels the Faire King. He feels nature growing strong and with it his own powers. He likes the feeling.

After Tionel summoned the Elemental, and it turns into a whirlwind, the boat is buffeted about. The group hangs on and no one falls overboard but it does inspire the others to pull on the oars a little faster. As the Shields close on the city, they hear a loud creaking noise. It sounds like a 1000 doors, whose hinges need oil, all opening at once. The city is even pulled farther over and now lists at 15 degrees.

The entrance to the boat area, was well above the water. The boats where launched by crane and lowered to the water. Now one end of the dock area is nearing the water. The cranes don't work anymore but obviously scared dock workers lower ropes and the group is able to scramble up. Angus is puffing a little but he eventually makes it.

The group looks around to see that the rose vines are now everywhere. Walking is difficult. One worker says, "This is getting crazy. Why didn't the Underlord move the city away. They are talking about evacuating the city soon if it keeps tilting. Many of the newer building aren't meant for this kind of stress and the engineers are warning that they might collapse. Who would have thought that the city is defeated by a bunch of plants!"

Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=21
Thursday May 26th, 2005 11:01:16 PM
"This does not look good. I think we need to head back to our apartment and gather our valuables before we try to do anything about this problem. If we need to leave the float in a hurry I would like to do it with some money in my pocket."

Lang looks around for anything that may be of interest (Spot 21/25).

Florin Jadenth  d20+1=15
Thursday May 26th, 2005 11:51:31 PM
Florin glances around abit as he gets up the rope and sighs to himself as thoughts swirl again on everything. (spot:15)

Florin nods at Lang's comment and speaks up quickly, "I don't know how much we can do to help the Float out of this current problem but it would be best to be prepared for the worse. Better get everything you need from the apartment now or atleast have it ready to grab quickly. I have to get to my house and the temple to check on Mort and Jella. From there we meet back up to check on Prillana's father. No delay and no side trips people."

Florin begins to move through the streets stopping for a moment and glancing over his shoulder, "If any of you like to follow me or meaning you have no reason to go to the apartments then you can come along. I just have to check on Jella and Mort's well being and then we see about this problem here."

Inless stopped Florin will head straight for his rented home and see if Jella and Mort are there, if not he heads to the temple where they should be otherwise and checks up on them. Once this is done he will head to check on Prillana's father, waiting for the others to arrive depending on who gets there first.

Syr 
Friday May 27th, 2005 7:03:50 AM
Syr hangs on to the side of the boat until the environment calms around them. Once on the dock, he races to the apartments to clean out their stash.

Belkior  d20+5=18
Friday May 27th, 2005 7:38:48 AM
Since the halfling cleric hasn't yet moved into the apartments, he will go with the paladin to the orphanage. Besides, there's usually work for a Healer anyplace where children gather.

Belkior would like to go to the Temple of Alemi, but he agrees with Florin's proposed course of actions and that separating isn't a good idea while the city is in crisis.

Trotting alongside the paladin, Belkior will watch for anything of interest in the streets of the Floating City. Hopefully his meeting with Janus before the Crimson Shields went out to confront the purple orc-things has made things easier for the Shields when dealing with the Guard.

Spot = 18

Xenia  d20+17=25 d20+12=16
Friday May 27th, 2005 7:47:35 AM
"HEY! Hey, hey, hey!!!" Xenia shouts after Florin. "What did you just say about not splitting up, huh? What did you just say!!!"

The dark rogue throws up her hands. But, finally, she does no more than sigh. Worrying a corner of her lip with her teeth she watches the hurry and scurry across the slanted floor. Next to Wynn, she walks at bit of an angle herself. With darting eyes, she scans the crowd for recognizable emergency activities. Xenia listens for bits of conversation, as well.

"The Ghost, Florin!" She calls out again. Lets meet up at the Giggling Ghost. Happy always knows something a what's going on. I wanna know what he thinks should be done about this."

Rolls
Spot 25
Listen 16


Angus  d20+3=10 d20+2=8 d20+7=23
Friday May 27th, 2005 7:58:04 AM
Angus also calls after Florin as he and Belkior race away. "Bring Jella back or drop her an Mort with your sister or parents. Do not leave them alone."

Angus heads to the apartments with the remaining Shields and picks up his few belongings. Angus attempts to get a feel for the town by watching (spot 10) and listening (listen 8) to the going ons of the people.

Once at the apartments ANgus reinforces Xenia's earlier comments "I agree with Xenia. Lets go see Happy and have dinner together to plan our next move. We have to check on Gordo also."

Angus will leave for the GG immediately and attempt to talk to people from the Floating City to find out how the guard and the leadership of the FLoating City are reacting (Gather info 23).

Tionel 
Friday May 27th, 2005 7:55:28 PM
Stunned by his own power, Tionel ponders as the others race about. "Yes, the Giggling Ghost..."
He looks to the others, and grasps Syr's arm, figuring the other elf the most likely to understand. "I think the solution could be something else...use nature to offset nature. It seems like our powers over nature have increased...perhaps we druids can get together and do something. Ummm...I'll go ask the druids, if we split up, but let's meet back at the giggling ghost. BUt really, I want to go with Florin, too..." Tionel seems torn on which way to go, and will accede to the will of the group.

Wynn 
Friday May 27th, 2005 8:54:52 PM
The bard follows Xenia down the slanted streets of the Floating City. "We need to get an audience with this Overlord, or perhaps with one of the Dragon Groups who can influence things around here. We have to tell them about Prionel and Sabara."

Xenia (Illegal 2nd Post) 
Friday May 27th, 2005 9:00:35 PM
Xenia's head falls upon Wynn's shoulder. On her breath is a soft sigh of despair.

"The Overlord has her palace way up on Open Level, Wynn. I dunno that they'd even let the likes of us up there, let alone give us an audience."

"Who's gonna listen to us? I mean, like, who?"

DM George  d100=4 d100=3 d100=23 d100=17 2d6(5+3)=8 2d6(6+6)=12 2d6(1+5)=6 2d6(6+6)=12 2d6(2+5)=7 2d6(6+6)=12 2d6(5+5)=10 2d6(2+6)=8
Friday May 27th, 2005 10:18:13 PM
OOC This will be my last post, then you are in the capable hands of ADM Jim for the next month.

The group seems confused. Some want to get to their apartment and clean out there belongings. Other want to check on yet another apartment and friends and family left in the city. Some just want to drink their woes away at the Giggling Ghost.

Florin and Belkior hurry to Florin's apartment to check on Jella and Mort. The going is tough. People are in the streets pointing at the vines, wringing their hands and falling down a lot.

As Florin and Belkior get to the apartment, Florin sees Jella leaning out a window. She sees him and waves at her adopted father with a happy grin on her face and relief in her eyes. At that moment disaster strikes. The city shifts yet again. It snaps forward causing foundations to shift and supports to collapse. Florin can only watch in horror as his apartment building collapses. Jella disappears into the dust and rubble.

Both Belkior and Florin also have to make a reflex check dc 20 or fall to the ground. The pair can only shield their heads as another building collapses almost on top of them showering them with debris. Belkior takes 8 points of damage and Florin 12 points.

The others start heading to the apartment to gather their belongings. They are almost there when they also feel the city snap forward. The experience the same as Florin and Belkior having to make reflex saves of dc 20 or be thrown to the ground.

(ooc anyone thrown to the grown takes 1d6 points of damage)

A building also collapses on the remaining Shields and they all are hit with falling debris. Xenia takes 6 from a chair hitting her. Wynn is hit with a brick and takes 12, Angus is hit with a flower pot and takes 7. Tionel has a beam hit him and takes 12. Syr is hit with many roof tiles and he take 10. Lang is brained by a sign and takes 8.

As the group picks themselves up, they see that their apartment building is now lying in the street in rubble. Both groups see dazed, injured, and many dead citizens in the streets and rubble around them. Upon closer inspection, it seems that any Teucri building, or the buildings designed by the orginal builders fared much better than any buildings built by less skilled hands. The tilt of the city is now at 25%.

OOC Sorry to be so harsh folks but the 100 sided die was just down right mean to you. I had to roll under 25% to see if your apartments were going to stay intact. I rolled a 4 and a 3, then I rolled the 100 to see if any other building fell on you again needing 25% and rolled a 23 and a 17. Well guess I am going out with a bang! Jim take over!

Lang 
Friday May 27th, 2005 11:30:06 PM
OOC: Is this all real damage? Or is any of it non-lethal?

OH its real alright! George

Xenia (AC20, HP 29/35)  d20+10=23 d20+3=18
Sunday May 29th, 2005 8:56:23 AM

Owwwwwwww!!! the girl rogue wails inside. Less from the pain, than from hopelessness and confusion. The Wold is all wrong. Everything they had, everything they know is destroyed. Clasping the side of her head, vision blurred, Xenia stumbles toward Wynn, the only port of comfort in this desperate storm of destruction.

Waaaah!!! she wants to fling herself into his arms and have him make everything better. But something inside her toughens and bites down. Something inside her knows better.

"Wynn? Are you alright?" She reaches out to touch him. "Is everybody alright? Sound off. Call out if you're really hurt." Xenia blinks to steady her vision and bring the things back around and into focus.

She takes on last despairing look at the collapsed tangle of fragile stick and mortar that was their home. No more morning kaffe. Watching the stars at night from the roof. No more garden.

"Alright, we need to find Florin and Belkior. And we need to find someplace that's safe. The orphans, we gotta take them there. I don't know if that new building they got is gonna hold up any better than our Apartments. Question is, where? The whole city's coming apart. We can't take them out into the Crying Woods. Not with it going wild like that. I don't even think the lake is safe, what with all the plant stuff that we saw. And I bet the Teleport Ring is jammed with people trying to get out. They probably got it guarded and locked down tight."

The dark rogue takes in the situation, putting aside all of the carnage and misery to see things with a more analytical eye. Those buildings ...

"Hey, look at the buildings!" she calls out, and begins pointing to specific ones. "You see how they took much less a hit from the shaking around? I think they're the ones put up by the ... whacha call 'em, Teucri guys. They built the city, and I bet they build to last." (Knowledge Local 18?)

"Lets get the orphans together and get them into one of those. Both the place Florin got for Jella and the Orphanage are up on Merchant Level. I say that's where we need to go."

The dark skinny red-headed girl stands in the street strewn with wreckage. "Whaddya say?"

Rolls
Reflex Save 23
Knowledge Local 18

Question: The Giggling Ghost is just around the corner from the Apartments. Can we see if it's still standing from where we are? Any chance of recognizing it as Teucri architecture?

Syr (43/56)  d20+7=23
Sunday May 29th, 2005 9:05:43 AM
Syr maintains his balance as tiles pelt him about the head and shoulders (reflex 23). Turning to the others, he yells above the noise of collapsing buildings, "Okay, the city is collapsing around us, time to make an executive decision? I vote we abandon ship. How about we forego the Ghost and go straight to the boat? I'll race to Florin's place and then the Ghost if he isn't there. We'll meet you down at the docks." Pausing for a brief moment to smile, "Besides, running on an incline is a good workout for my calves." Pausing for a brief moment beside their ruined apartment, "If you decide to sift through the rubble, don't take too long." He stays with the others briefly to hear their opinions and then races off.

(OOC: Wow, poor Florin)

Belkior (HP 37/40)  d20+2=17 d6=4 d8+5=12 d20+18=20 d8+5=9 2d8(8+8)+7=23 d8+5=12
Sunday May 29th, 2005 4:50:43 PM
The halfling cleric stumbles and eventually falls to the ground. Between the falling masonry and the fall, Belkior has been hurt during this trip.

Belkior picks himself up from the street and dusts himself off. Then he looks around at the other injured. As the group assembles in front of the ruins of the apartment building, he begins to heal the others.

First, he heals Syr for 12 hitpoints (use domain spell). Then, seeing that Xenia is not wounded as severely, he calls upon the power of Alemi to take the wounds from her. (Draw Wounds to heal 6 hps, Heal = 20 vs DC16, taking 3 hps on Belkior).

Then, he heals Angus for 9 hitpoints (use Bless). Florin is healed for 23 hitpoints (use Resist Energy). Finally, Belkior heals his own wounds for 12 hitpoints (use Bless).

Rolls
Reflex save = 17
Damage = 4
Draw Wounds = 20, so 50% of amount healed suffered by Belkior

Items
Pearl of Power - used today

Cast Spells
Cure Light Wounds - Syr, 12 hps, use domain spell
Cure Light Wounds - Angus, 9 hps, use Bless
Cure Moderate Wounds - Florin, 23 hps, use Resist Energy
Cure Light Wounds - Belkior, 12 hps, use Bless

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2)*, Command, Sanctuary (D - Cure Light Wounds*)
2 - Hold Person, Resist Energy*, Silence*, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Create Food & Water, Dispel Magic, Prayer* (D - Magic Circle vs. Evil)
* = cast



Wynn Brightsong [HP=42/44]  d20+8=24 d8+3=8
Sunday May 29th, 2005 6:06:06 PM
Wynn feels the city lurch to one side and just manages to keep his footing, bracing against the wall of a nearby building to steady himself [Reflex=24]. When the building itself starts to crumble, the bard scurries for cover, but not until a loose brick grazes his temple.

Wynn puts his hand to his head and feels the sticky warmth of his own blood. He looks about to make sure Xenia and the others are alright, but Belkior is already seeing to them. The bard sings under his breath in elven and a gentle glow surrounds the wound. [CLW=8]



Florin Jadenth-HP:48/60  d20+5=10 d20+2=14
Monday May 30th, 2005 12:43:27 AM
Florin is thrown to the ground by the sudden shift and the tumbling buildings before anything can come from his mouth when he sees the apartment he called home cave in. (reflex:10)

He fights off the pain with the steel like will power that he has been known for at the temple and worry burns in his eyes as he races as quick as he can towards his ruined apartment, "Jella, speak up if you can so I can find you. Mort!, you in there?"

Florin looks over the ruins of his apartment, searching for Jella and whispering as he does, "Lord Domi, please lend your guiding hand, protector her now. Mw oath, my vow and my life for you Domi, ask what you may but let her be okay." (spot:14) If Florin spots anything that may be covering Jella then he puts every ounce of strength he has into lifting it. Florin will also call to the others if he sees any of the group as he works to get Jella out, rather she be wounded, dead or anything, "Get to a boat and get out of this city now, I see no way of stopping the place from going over and staying only insures someone being injured or killed."

If Florin sees Syr he nods to the man and smiles faintly, "Go now, I have buisness to finish here. Get the group to safty without delay." Florin will set back to work of finding Jella after saying this or if he sees Syr to say it. Florin continues to whisper prayers to Domi as he does, Florin knows the group can make it out okay but he must find Jella...Florin can only hope the group understands his reasoning, he knows they can make it out and that right now at this moment his daughter needs him more.

Tionel  d20+3=10 d6=1
Monday May 30th, 2005 6:50:34 PM
Tionel is buffeted about and stunned a bit by the falling beam. He looks around, getting up dazedly, and moves to help the others, getting debris off them, etcetera.
"Well, now there's no telling what will happen...We have to find the Overlord and convince him to move the city, or see what we can do to help others meanwhile... Quick!"
Tionel moves to people, pulling out his healing items, and will use his wand liberally to help those closest to death or unconscious to bring them closer. (I'll use my wand 10 times on NPC's) Then he resorts to trying to organize people to help others out of the rubble, trusting Belkior's skill more than his own...
(my wand has been used officially 21 times now)


ADM Jim: Confusion in the Ranks 
Monday May 30th, 2005 7:07:11 PM
Belkior can only heal Florin as he is the only one around and Florin is busy climbing over the rubble of his former house.

Neither Jella nor Mort answer Florin' calls. IT will take much time and caution to remove the debris. A large dust cloud is settling over his former home. Florin wonders also what may have become of his parents and sister....

Syr runs after Florin and Belkior. Syr races off to Florin's although even for the flee footed monk it will take awhile. Syr wonders what may have befallen the orphans....

Xenia see that the GG is still standing and is made of the older more foreign construction.

Tionel takes out his wand and cures everyone up.

What are the Crimson Shields to do? THey are split up and the city seems to be falling down around them. City folk are dead and hurt around them. People are calling for help for themselves and their loved ones that are trapped. What will everyone do?

Xenia (AC20, HP 29/35) 
Monday May 30th, 2005 9:24:21 PM
"I'm not going anywhere without the kids," Xenia shouts after Syr's retreating back. "You hear me, Syrdeth Redbow!!!"

Especially, Kyria.

"But he's right. We gotta work fast. Who knows when this place is gonna shake it up again. We gotta get those kids and get 'em into a place that's gonna hold."

She gives the Giggling Ghost another eye over to make sure she's right on this one.

"I say we use The Ghost. I mean, look at it. It looks Teucri. And it's still holding up."

She gives Wynn a look that just says, Please come with. Oh please.

"I'm gonna head up to Merchant Level. Maybe I can swing by Florin's on the way, and we can all get the orphans and bring them down."

"You coming?" Xenia runs off in the same dust and debris into which Syr had disappeared. "You coming?"

Lang (ac 21; hp 37/46) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 15)  d20+6=19 d20+5=9
Monday May 30th, 2005 9:28:15 PM
OOC - Is this right, at least as Lang knows?

Florin & Belkior together going towards Florins house.

Syr heading towards Florin's house, just leaving the below group.

Lang, Sunshine, Angus, Wynn, Xenia & Tionel near apartment building.

Lang watches as Syr rushes off, wondering if he should try and stop him. Look at the remaining Shields near him, he sees that they are not too seriously injured. He quicky goes over the options that are available to them and he is dismayed by how many there are. Addressing the group he hastily goes over the options he thinks they have available.

"Too many things to do and too little time and man-power. This is what I think our options are, what do you guys want to do?

1. Abandon ship or more more correctly abandon island back onto their boat and head back to the crying woods.
2. Go to the Giggling Ghost as it appears to be a safe place for the time being.
3. Go to Florin's house and try to get the party all back together.
4. Go to the orphanage and see how it is doing and how to get the children to safety.
5. Search through the rubble for their valuables.
6. Go find someone in power and see what we can do to help. Probably the Circle of Alder, the Council or one of the churches.
7. Try to destroy the vines that are pulling at the Floating City.

"My vote is for #4. I think the orphans will need us the most."

Reflex Lang 19
Reflex Sunshine 9

Florin Jadenth  d20+2=18 d20+1=2
Monday May 30th, 2005 9:35:00 PM
Florin will continue the search of his home for Jella and Mort. He refuses to give up no matter what harm may come to him.

(Don't know if I needed a new spot or anything but here. Spot:18 (ignore the second d20 roll).)

Wynn Brightsong 
Tuesday May 31st, 2005 7:37:03 AM
Unsure of the proper course of action, the bard hesitates a moment before agreeing to go to the orphanage. "OK the orphanage it is, but after that we had better try to see this overlord or underlord and we had better s3ee about freeing Prionel."

Belkior (HP 40/40)  d20+5=20 d20+6=14 d20+18=20 d20+18=35
Tuesday May 31st, 2005 7:39:33 AM
OOC - Sorry, I got confused about who was where in George's last post. Mainly because I didn't realize that Florin's apartment building was not the same as the group's apartment.

To correct the healing, then, Belkior did not use the spells for Syr and Angus, or the Draw Wounds ability on Xenia. That means that Belkior should be at full health.

The halfling cleric continues to tend the wounds of the neighbours, using first aid and healing spells as required. Once the immediate needs of the people are met, Belkior will move to the side of Florin and lend his meagre strength to the search effort. While he does so, he attempts to detect any signs of the paladin's loved ones.

"Florin, how long are you going to search for them? We can't delay here for too long, the entire City is in danger of overturning!"

Spot = 20, Listen = 14 (not modified for moving bricks, etc.)
Preparatory Heal checks (in case someone is found, for diagnosis) = 20, 35

Items
Pearl of Power - used today

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Command, Sanctuary (D - Cure Light Wounds*)
2 - Hold Person, Resist Energy*, Silence*, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Create Food & Water, Dispel Magic, Prayer* (D - Magic Circle vs. Evil)
* = cast



Syr (43/56) 
Tuesday May 31st, 2005 11:49:59 AM
Syr freezes for the moment when reminded of the kids then continues running. Thinking to himself that after all, Mother Flauset drilled in him the importance of family and right now, his family is those around him. As Xenia sends off a parting comment he can't help but question it, muttering to himself as he runs, "The others were so eager to distance themselves from the orphanage even going so far as to change our name. With probably Florin as the exception, the orphanage is just a convienent excuse for them to feel good about themselves." He snorts in anger and from the exertion. "Besides, they are kidding themselves if they think Gordo will sit on his hands while the city turns upside down. They underestimate his abilities."

Angus  d20+3=6 d20+7=19
Tuesday May 31st, 2005 12:50:55 PM
Angus agrees with the group that their efforts should be to make sure the orphans are safe and sound. He moves with the group towards the orphanage.

Along the way he looks around at the damage and tries to gather information from the floating city citizens.

Spot 6
Gather Info 19

ADM Jim: Shields Divided 
Tuesday May 31st, 2005 5:12:54 PM
Florin is frantic and he seaches for Jella and Mort. Florin is exerting himself as he removes brick, morter and beams. The dust is chokeing as he works and the armor is not helping either.

Florin roll a DC 18 listen check to hear into the rubble.

Belkior helps those in the surrounding buildings. Not all of the buildings have fallen, maybe 15%, but another 10% show signs of damage. As soon as Belkior starts helping the wounded, by setting bones and binding cuts, he get a large following. Belkior is tending to 27 injured people and more are arriving every minute. Belkior is hearing "Praise Alemi" over and over again.

Syr arrives and does not immediately notic Belkior as he is surrounded by the injured. Florin is obvious as he carries away debris. Syr notices Florin is completely covered in dust and is sweating profusly in his armor.

All hear a scream down a rubble strewn street. DC 18 spot check to see what is going on.

------------------

Angus, Lang & Sunshine, Xenia, Wynn and Tionel head for the orphanage. Tionel does not seem to be himself, but does not say a word, but has a big satisfied grin on his face.

Angus attempts to talk with people on the way, but just gets pleadings for help and people asking why this is happening and where is the guard. Most people are attempting to rescue trapped friends and family.

The group passes areas of devestation and areas that are not so hard hit. It is easy to see the buildings that are of the original constructions as they are all standing. Dust is everywhere and most people are coughing.

The group arrives at the orphanage and from a distance it seems fine, but something is off. Wynn notices it first. The building is shorter. As the group approaches they can see several orphans sitting outside crying and some hanging out of windows looking sad and forelorn. The first floor of the orphanage has been compressed or caved in, but the upper floors look ok for now.

There are a group of guardsmen running toward the Shields with weapons drawn. Several young boys, orphans Xenia thinks, are trailing behind. The guards are kicking up a tremendous amount of dust and people scramble out of their way as they run by. They are heading right for the Shields



Wynn 
Tuesday May 31st, 2005 8:18:42 PM
Wynn notices it first. The building is shorter, and several orphans are sitting outside crying while some are hanging out of windows looking sad and forlorn. The first floor of the orphanage appears to have caved in.

Xenia...

Wynn turns around to block the rogue's view and holds his arms out in order to block her physically from what he has just witnessed. "Don't look, Xenia," he mumbles, trying to physically block her from the devastation. The bard's mind reels at the horror and mayhem.

"You guys, help the kids. Get the orphans out of there" he calls to the others.

Belkior (HP 40/40)  d20+6=15 d20+5=13 d20+2=21
Tuesday May 31st, 2005 9:49:04 PM
The halfling cleric continues to tend to the wounded, injured and simply scared people. The crowd of people around him muffle the scream, so much so that Belkior doesn't really notice it over the sharp intake of breath from the man whose broken arm is being set.

Listen = 15 You didn't mention which skill, but this seemed appropriate

During a slight pause in the arrival of injured people, Belkior stands to his full height. Not being able to see over the crowd, he scrambles onto a fallen piece of building and looks around. He spots Syr, after a time, and sees that Florin continues to dig through the rubble of the building.
Spot = 13

The pause gives him a chance to begin trying to organize the uninjured and barely wounded people to look after the more seriously injured. He rises to the occasion and manages to communicate what he wants in a polite fashion.
Diplomacy = 21

"You, I think your name was Mireire, can you start moving the people who have had their injuries treated to make room for anyone coming? Thank you, for Alemi."

Gesturing to a teenage girl, "Hello, can you and your friend take any children who can't find their parents over across the street? Maybe play some games with them?"

To a burly shopkeeper sitting on a block with a splint on his arm, "You surely know the people from around here? Can you watch for anyone looking for their children?"



Lang (ac 21; hp 46/55) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47)  d20+6=12 d20+12=21
Tuesday May 31st, 2005 10:21:35 PM
It takes Lang a long moment after Wynn's plea to Xenia not to look at the orphanage to realize what has happened to the building. Thoughts then run through his mind at a quick pace.

Where is Gordo ... Sunshine will be able to hopefully sniff out survivors ... we need to figure out how to safely excavate the area to search for survivors ...

Lang's thoughts are interrupted by the sounds of the armored men approaching. Seeing their weapons drawn Lang quickly draws his shortswords and looks around quickly for an enemy (spot 12). Realization of the intent of the guardsman comes even quicker than drawing his trusty shortswords. There can only be one reason for the guards not helping the residents of the Floating City. They are looking for someone and that someone is probably the Crimson Shields.

With a grim look on his face Lang moves quickly and positions himself between the group and the guards. They will not stop the Shields from helping the orphans. As he moves, Lang is amazed at how light and fast his swords seem to have become. He wonders if he will be able to test his new found skills.

Positioning Sunshine in front of him, Lang orders him to "Defend" (handle animal 21). In this ever-increasing strange day he is surprised that Sunshine does not immediately move at his command. He is even more surprised that Sunshine appears to be out-growing the new armor Lang just bought for him.

"Angus I may need your magic if things get ugly."

"Xenia, Wynn, Tionel stay alert."

Xenia (AC20, HP 29/35)  d20+17=36 d20+2=17
Tuesday May 31st, 2005 10:45:03 PM
"No ... " Xenia feels her jaw tighten and a bright sting come to the corners of her eyes. "No, please." The girl rogue pushes blindly to get past Wynn, to get to the orphanage, climb in the upper floors and dig down to whoever might be trapped, anything ... Anything.

"No," she sobs again, pushing at Wynn. Pushing and pushing, until she realizes that she's really holding to him and sobbing into his chest.

Her breath comes in sharp jags as she fights to control herself, and to speak. Her hands roam aimlessly over the comforting expanse of the bard's chest, and she looks up into his face for strength.

"I'm *sob* alright now. I think. Lets *sob* go help the others."

"Huh?" Xenia's eyes narrow as the armed men approach at a fast trot and Lang prepares for violence.

Rolls
Spot 36
Sense Motive 17 (Guards: Do I get a +4 Favored Enemy bonus against Guards? ^_^ )

Angus (AC 10/14 w/Mage Armor; HP 18/25)  d20+2=7
Tuesday May 31st, 2005 11:01:03 PM
Upon seeing the collapsed orphange, Angus thinks through his spells for anything that might help in the search for surviving children. Nothing he has will help outside of Light spell if it gets dark.

Frustration starts to set in as Angus realizes that his magic and frail body will not be much help in clearing the rubble of the orphanage.

Angus turns towards Lang when he hears the Ranger issue a warning to the group. Hope goes through Angus as he sees the guard approaching. With all these extra men the searching will go much quicker. The hope fades as Angus sees Lang move towards the guard with his weapons drawn and a determined look in his eye.

A wry smile comes across Angus's face as a plan develops in his head.

"Lang, give me a chance to diffuse the situation if it starts to escalate towards violence."

Angus positions himself towards the rear of the group, trying to blend in and look like someone of no importance. He does keep a clear sight line to the guards and tries to determine which one of them is the leader (spot 7).

Spell Slots (used/total):

0 level: 1 of 6
1 level: 2 of 8
2 level: 1 of 6
3 level: 2 of 4

Florin Jadenth  d20+2=17 d20+4=24 d20+2=8
Wednesday June 1st, 2005 1:59:55 AM
(Listen:17, almost there.)

Florin continues working as fast as he possibly can but also being careful. His fears mount as he continues in his work of his wrecked home. When Florin sees Syr he shakes his head to the man, Florin's face is showing his worry and alittle hope of finding Jella alive is starting to slip from him and as it does he is starting to become slightly angry.

Florin closes his eyes as he hefts some of the ruined apartment up and whispers, "Domi...please lend me some type of aid here my lord. I've devoted myself to you but still, Jella is my life also."

Florin grits his teeth as a few tears roll down his face and his eyes look to darken in worry and anger at how long it's taking to find any clues.

(Str check: natural 20=24 Spot:8)

Taking a moment as a thought hits him Florin calls to Syr, "Jella is in here so I must find her now....if you like to help then please do but otherwise Belkior might need help with those injured. Tell him I will lend aid when I can."

Tionel 
Wednesday June 1st, 2005 2:47:21 AM
Tionel whispers to Angus, "I'm about out of magic, so I hope it doesn't resort to violence..."

This whole thing has upset his entire world. Tionel tries his best to cope, but really, he's at a loss at what to do. But he can't give up...
"We have to do something. But what can we do...?" he muses out loud to his companions. "I'm not a healer, not trained that way, and my magic's all gone, and the Overlord is probably being bugged by everyone... Maybe we should start trying to leave the city..." He mumbles the last though, almost an admittance of defeat...

Syr (49/62  d8+1=6 d20+4=20 d20+8=28 d20+13=32 d20+9=16
Wednesday June 1st, 2005 10:21:39 AM
The elf rounds the corner to Florin's apartment and slows to a jog as he stares in amazement at the pancaked building. Seeing the paladin climbing atop the rubble he joins him. Hearing that Jella is inside the rubble the elf pauses for a moment of silence (Listen 20). Excited he calls to the paladin, "I think I hear something there," as he points to a spot in the rubble and moves closer. Seeing that Florin is moving with a purpose, he says, "I'm going to check on Belk, he looks swamped."
Making it to the halfling's side, he sees the predicament and hears his words. He nods in agreement, "Hey Belkior, let's put your back to Florin's apartment." Assuming he complies, he guides the halfling to the new location. Jumping above him on the debris, he yells out to the crowd, "EVERYONE! Please form a line to the right around the building. The most holy of priests, Belkior, will assist all that he can. Let all who come here praise Alemi and his disciple Belkior (diplomacy 32, woohoo)." He beams down at Belk and shrugs his shoulders at the embelishment, "Gotta make someone a hero out of this?"

Pointing to three of the able shop keepers that Belkior has helped he gestures, "You three, I need your help with crowd control, make sure everyone forms an orderly line so the priest can help all as efficiently as possible (Intimidate 16)." He smiles down at them kindly to soften his words. At that moment he looks up as he hears a scream (Spot Nat 20).

ADM Jim: Hope & Death 
Wednesday June 1st, 2005 6:24:16 PM
Syr reaches Florin as he is attempting to single handedly move his former house. Syr is sure he hears a whimper and shows Florin where to concentrate his efforts. Florin is crushed he did not hear it himself as he strains to listen, but he digs on. It could take hours to remove all the rubble safely and Florin is tiring.

Florin Roll a DC 8 Fort save or become fatigued.

The crowd injured or not are taking direction from Syr and Belkior when the scream is heard.

Sry spots the trouble not 100 feet away, it appears a group of two men and one women have grabbed an injured man and are beating him to death. Syr also notices a green tint to the attackers, that is getting splashed with red. The victim falls under the attackers blows.

The injured are moving as best they can to put Belkior between them and the assailants. "Alemi save us." is heard from many a mouth.

------------------------------

Wynn attempts to comfort Xenia to limited effect as the full weight of what has occurred hits Xenia.

Lang prepares for battle with Sunshine as the guards approach.

Angus fades into the background, but keeps a watchful eye.

Tionel is concerned about his limitations to help the wounded.

The guardsmen pull up short on Lang and the fierce looking dog. There are at least a score of them, well armed and armored. Several of the guards look concerned, especially since the large dog is biting at its slightly undersized armor in a pecular fashion. The guards fan out in a semicircle.

One of the trailing young boys steps though the closing noose of guards and says. "Not him." pointing at Lang. "He's a good guy. In there." The lad points at the orphanage and is shocked to see the damage. "What happened?" the lad, Barkley, Xenia seems to remember asks no one in particular.

One of the crying girls, Lilly, Angus is sure her name is, speaks up. "Those bad green men came in after the last tilt and killed George, before Godo pushed us up stairs." Lilly can not continue as she breaks down in tears, head in hands.

Another lad speaks up. "Gordo could not keep them from the stairs so he took out the cracked center beam. I saw it from outside." The lad falls down cross legged with head bowed and begins to cry again.

The guard is taken aback by the scene and one, the leader speaks to Lang. "You know these kids? If so, help them. We will leave two of our number with you to help as you see fit. The rest of us have to go to the trash level. Major problems down there." The rest of the guards take off at a trot.

Off in the distance, something akin to rolling thunder can be heard. It is not in the Floating City, but must be outside.

+++++++++++++++

There is a slight correction is the tilt of the Floating City back to verticle (20 degree tilt), which does not do too much damage, but there is a whole bunch of screaming, scared people, all throughout the City.

A new dust cloud settles down on everyone and everything.

OOC: I will have to post by 4 pm EST tomorrow, so please post accordingly. Thanks

Lang (ac 21; hp 46/55) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47)  d20+12=16 d20+6=20 d20+6=18
Wednesday June 1st, 2005 10:04:09 PM
Lang sheathes his weapons and relaxes a bit after the leader of the guard has spoken and the intention of the guardsmen is not the Shields.

"Yes, we just arrived here and are trying to get organized to find any orphan survivors in the wreckage of the building. Thank you for the assistance of two of your guardsman."

After the bulk of the guard moves off, Lang turns to the two men and says, "What are your names? We need to get inside the orphanage and rescue anyone who is alive. We also have to be ready to fight any infected people we encounter."

"Ok, let's spread a bit around the building and see if we can hear or see anyone alive. Xenia, if you think it is safe can you climb up and get into a window and search around a little. Angus can you organize the children into a group and keep an eye out for those plant infected people."

"Does anyone think we should not concentrate our efforts here and should go somewhere else?"

Before moving off towards the orphanage, Lang attends to Sunshine. "Sunshine come here. Sunshine heel. Let me look at that armor." As Lang takes off Sunshines armor he hopes it is the reason the dog is acting ornery (animal handling 16).

"Are you growing boy? I do not think armor can shrink," Lang says in amazement as he looks at the stressed straps and buckles on his dogs armor.

Spot 20/24
Listen 18/22

Angus (AC 10/14 when Mage Armor is on; HP 18/25)  d20+2=12
Wednesday June 1st, 2005 10:17:29 PM
Angus watches the guardsmen move off, thankful that he will not have to use his magic against them. He silently thanks the guard leader for the two soldiers that will help them in their efforts to rescue orphans.

Angus listens to Lang's instructions and responds to his question, "The orphans need us. Who else will help them? They are our responsibility."

Angus surveys the area (spot 12) looking for an area to gather the children that will also provide a place to help the injured and provide some defense if needed.

"Tionel can you help me gather the children? Your healing wand may be needed for any injuries out here and for anyone brought out of the rubble."

"Ok children come over here, gather around me. Are any of you injured?"

Angus attends to the children.

Spell Slots (used/total):

0 level: 1 of 6
1 level: 2 of 8
2 level: 1 of 6
3 level: 2 of 4

Florin Jadenth  d20+10=18
Wednesday June 1st, 2005 11:35:39 PM
Florin looks over at the commotion going on down the road from his ruined apartment and frowns as he wipes sweat from his brow and was working <Fort:18>.

Knowing he is getting tired and that he will need help he calls out to some of the men standing around that might be in good shape, "Hey you guys, can you give me a hand here. My daughter is inside this rubble. I'll even help take care of the rukus down there is you all help and be careful please."

Florin will leave his house to help with the green skin people if a few guys come over to work at digging his daughter out.

Wynn  d20+1=15 d20+8=28 d20+5=10 d20+7=25
Thursday June 2nd, 2005 12:01:02 AM
The bard folds his arms around Xenia for a moment, then lets her go and steps back as he eyes the approaching guards. When the city guard take off for the trash level, he visibly relaxes, removing his hand from the hilt of his sword.

"You are right Lang, we must search for any survivors," is Wynn's response. He watches Xenia carefully, trying to guage her emotions (Sense Motive=15) as he follows her into the orphanage. "Watch our backs!" he calls to those who stay behind, ministering to the children and wounded.

Search=28
Spot=10
Listen=25

Tionel (hp 26/44) 
Thursday June 2nd, 2005 1:25:21 AM
Tionel feels good that he has a job...he gathers the kids, whom he has had long experiences telling stories to, with quick words. "Children, come here and you'll be safe. Now, I want each of you older ones to assign yourselves into pairs with the youngest kid you can find...Timmy, Sank, Yel'ta, Mellam, Rhea, Shay, you all keep watch for any green men, while you three, Thrull, Pellin, and Nike, watch the ceiling for any falling rocks and warn us if it's falling towards us. Okay, stay here in a group, and we'll be okay."
Tionel gathers the kids in a group and begins having them organize themselves tentatively, and treats it seriously, but gives it the positive flavors of being sort of a game or task to keep them off the horrors itself...


Belkior (AC 22; HP 40/40)  d20+2=8 d20+8=12 d4+2=5 d8+2=4 d20+6=13
Thursday June 2nd, 2005 7:46:52 AM
The halfling cleric is still directing the crowd when their movement directs his attention to the commotion up the street.

"Everyone! Watch out for more infected people!"

Attempting to organize the group, Belkior tries issuing some commands. "Anyone who can fight, protect the children and injured. Try to keep them at a distance!" Whatever influence Belkior may have had seem to be dissipating. Diplomacy = 8

Deciding that the Shields may need to deal with this themselves, Belkior invokes a prayer to Alemi. A small glowing weapon springs into being and streaks towards the nearest of the green-tinted people. Those closest to Belkior recognize the weapon as a sap. Once it arrives, it swings at the head of the person.

Attack = +4 BAB +4 WIS +4 = AC 12
Damage = 4 (first roll was in error)
Caster level check vs. spell resistance = 13, if needed

Belkior then moves to put himself between the green-tinted people and the injured, shrugging on his shield as he moves.

Actions
Standard = cast Spiritual Weapon, hitting AC 12 for 4 pts of non-lethal damage
Move = move 15' towards green-tinted opponents
Free = ready shield

Wielding
Left = Shield
Right = empty

Items
Pearl of Power - used today

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Command, Sanctuary (D - Cure Light Wounds*)
2 - Hold Person, Resist Energy*, Silence*, Spiritual Weapon* (D - Aid)
3 - Create Food & Water, Dispel Magic, Prayer* (D - Magic Circle vs. Evil)
* = cast



Xenia (AC20, HP 29/35)  d20+8=16 d20+9=29 d20+7=24 d20+17=35 d20+12=18 d20+14=20 d20+12=18
Thursday June 2nd, 2005 8:33:25 AM
Greenies in the orphanage.

Xenia's hands tighten into fists against Wynn's chest.

"Oh stars. Greenies in the orphanage!"

"Wynn, we gotta go in." She lifts up on her toes to give Wynn a quick kiss, heartfelt thanks for nothing more than simply being there, strong and solid when she needs him. Then she reaches to her haversack.

"Sweetheart," as the dark rogue secures her rope to the loop at the end of a grappling hook, she calls out to Lilly, "is there anyone else still up on the second floor of the orphanage? Did you hear anything from inside? Anything at all?"

"It's gonna be crumbly and dangerous in there, Wynn. But we gotta make sure everyone got out. Maybe there's even someone still trapped alive down in a pocket on the first floor. Maybe Gordo. Maybe even Greenies. They're pretty tough."

Second story work's easy when they bring the second story down to you a bit. Xenia pushes the bit of humor away, and then quickly changes her mind and embraces it.

Swinging the grapple in a widening arc, she lets loose. The prongs catch on the edge of a window sill and almost sink themselves into the wood.

"Watch my back, Hon?" She turns to Wynn for one last kiss before going quickly and quietly hand over hand up the silk rope to the window above.

Roll
Rope Use 16
Ranged Touch 29
Climb 24
Spot 35
Listen 18
Move Silently 20
Hide 18


Syr (AC 19/18 (dodge) hp 49/62)  d20+10=19 d20+10=29 d20+5=19 d10+4=5 d10+4=12 d10+4=10 d20+13=23
Thursday June 2nd, 2005 11:47:02 AM
He moves beside the priest and comments, "Try not to get hit?" Seeing Florin join them he glances over, "You okay big guy?"

Ordering the injured, "Those of you that are able, get some make shift clubs from the debris and be on watch for any more people that are infected. Look for the green tint to their skin and irrational behavior." (diplomacy 23)

If the 'greenies' (nice name Al) approach, Syr drops into combat stance and attacks (Attack 19,29,19 for damage 5,12,10).


ADM Jim  d20+5=17 d20+5=11 d20+5=19 d8+4=8
Thursday June 2nd, 2005 1:44:34 PM
It is strange that after all of the building shifting and damage, vines and flowers can be seen growing in and amongst the debris already.

---------------------

Upon Syr's orders the injured and others fall back. Two strapping men pick up clubs and stand guard over Belkior, but behind Syr and Florin. The two have a look of fear in their eyes.

Belkior sap did not seem to have any effect on the "greenie" and he swats at it as if anoyed by a bug, but goes on beating the man underneath him.

After beating the man to death the three "greenies" move on Syr and Florin with murder in their eyes. Two of the "greenies" attack Syr and one Florin.

AC 17 and 11 for Syr

Two "greenies" swing wildly at the fleet footed monk and he drops one with three well placed blows.

OOC: Why does Syr get three attacks?

AC 19 for Florin for 8 damage

The last "greenie" take a double handed swing a Florin that rocks the Paladin.

No one is digging for Jella, as all eyes are on the combat.

++++++++++++++++++

Xenia easily climbes up into the last two levels of the orphanage and if followed by one lad. The two remaining levels are in reasonable shape as they are the boy and girls dormatories. Xenia finds 37 kids in the orphanage ranging in ages from 2 - 14 years, mostly human, but the occasional elf and half elf.

Xenia does find Kyria on the top floor. Kyria is crying and whispering Gordo's name.

All of the kids are gathering around Angus and Tionel, and are complaining about being hungry as the kitchen and pantry were on the first floor and basement. There are 11 youths outside the orphanage.

None of the kids go close to Sunshine as he does not seem as nice as he was the last time he came to the orphanage. Sunshine seems to snap and growl much more than normal.

Angus does not see a building that could house so many children in the area, and everyone he speaks with is busy looking for a loved one to offer much help.

The two guards introduce themselves to Lang as Frank and John Necal, they are brothers. "How do you want us to help." John the older asks Lang.

One of the lads pulls on Lang's Mithiral vest and asks. "Where's Gordo?" There are tears welling in his eyes as he waits for the answer.

OOC: Remember that I will not be able to post until Monday. Thanks and have a great weekend.

Xenia (AC20, HP 29/35)  d20+8=27 d20+17=20 d20+12=29
Thursday June 2nd, 2005 3:34:26 PM
"Come here, Sweetie," Xenia collects little blonde Kyria into her arms. "We'll look for Gordo, but for now we've got to get you out of here. The building's not safe anymore."

"C'mon kids," she calls out as she lifts the little girl and heads for the exit. "We're leaving now. Lets buddy up! Everyone grab a partner! Now everyone's responsible for each other. We're gonna all march quietly out of here and head for the Giggling Ghost. You remember the Giggling Ghost, right? We had a fun time there."

The dark rogue moves through the building gathering together her army of children, and leading the way back to the window and the rope of escape.

Unhook the grapple and tie it down firm to something firm. (Rope Use 27)

"Alright, big kids first. Climb down the rope."

Sticking her head out the window she calls down to the guys below. "HEY! I NEED SOME HELP GETTING THESE KIDS OUT!!! CAN SOMEONE GIMME A HAND?"

" ... thirty three, thirty four, thirty five, thirty six, thirty seven ... " she counts the heads to see that everyone's still with her.

Between calming the kids and moving them along, Xenia turns eyes and ears to the building itself, listening to the creaks and groans, listening for anything that might just be another person.

Rolls
Rope Use 27
Spot 20
Listen 29


Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:52/60  d20+11=18 d20+6=13 d8+5=13 d8+5=12
Thursday June 2nd, 2005 10:16:46 PM
Florin growls as he is hit and speaks to Syr first before making more actions, "Fine as expected my friend."

Florin before attacking calls out over his shoulder, "A couple of you people in okay shape get to work on my house like I asked. We have this taken care of. Or would you rather I go back to digging and let this fellow here at you all."

Florin moves his shield in his hand to defend as best as possible as he swings his longsword in a quick slash and then a quick slash back in a double cut. (Can hit AC:18/13 Damage:13/12)

Tionel  d20+5=15
Friday June 3rd, 2005 1:16:29 AM
Tionel takes out his waterskin. "Okay, smallest ones share first. And I have some food..." He empties his backpack. He even has treats saved from that elven dinner a few days ago. Since he's become more used to shapeshifting he's been eating other things, not really his own food anymore.
"Okay...Xenia has a good idea. The Ghost is gonna be safe. It has to be. When she gets down, we're gonna head down there."
While the kids picnic, Tionel ponders the rocks. "I could become a giant badger, and dig through the rubble...but I fear we'll need my powers later on," he quietly comments to Angus. "For now, I guess we'll just have to search as best we can..."

While the children are safe and before Xenia descends, Tionel slowly searches the remains of the orphanage, keeping his ears tuned for anything under rubble..
If he does find anyone still around, at that point he will consider becoming a badger to rescue them.


Belkior (AC 22; HP 40/40) Spiritual Weapon  d20+8=14 d8+2=10 d20+5=21 d4=3
Friday June 3rd, 2005 7:22:15 AM
The halfling cleric's Spiritual Weapon continues to swing at the head of the greenie. It swings, hitting AC 14 for 10 pts of non-lethal damage.

(OOC - assuming that the original target is still standing. If not, Belkior will spend a move action to re-target the spell.)

While his spell continues to work, Belkior hurries to take his place behind Syr and Florin. While moving up, he loosens his mace and prepares to swing it if one of the greenies comes too close.

If one is in range, Belkior will swing his mace trying to disable the greenie. He does connect (AC 21, no reduction for non-lethal attack due to class feature) and does 3 hitpoints of damage.
(OOC - If Belkior had to re-direct his spell, no attack is possible.)

Actions
Free = Spiritual Weapon attacks, hitting AC 14 for 10 pts of non-lethal damage
Move = move 15' towards green-tinted opponents
Attack = hits AC 21, 3 pts of non-lethal

Wielding
Left = Shield
Right = mace

Items
Pearl of Power - used today

Active Spells
Spiritual Weapon- attack d20+8; damage d8+2 (non-lethal); 5 rounds

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Command, Sanctuary (D - Cure Light Wounds*)
2 - Hold Person, Resist Energy*, Silence*, Spiritual Weapon* (D - Aid)
3 - Create Food & Water, Dispel Magic, Prayer* (D - Magic Circle vs. Evil)
* = cast



Syr (49/62 AC 18/17)  d20+10=24 d20+10=30 d20+5=22 d10+4=12 d10+4=8 d10+4=9 d10+4=5 d20+5=10 d20+13=17
Friday June 3rd, 2005 11:30:26 AM
The elf slides over to the remaining foe. He lands two solid kicks and a punch to the green figure. (Attack 24,30,22, crit confirm fail, damage 12,8,9)

Trying to reassure the two shopkeepers standing near Belkior (Diplomacy 17) "Well done! It takes a brave heart to stand and face the unknown. Do you mind if I ask your names?"

OOC: monk 8th = 3 attacks. PS I hate posting from hotels that make you log in... Gotta love losing the 1st post.

Lang (ac 21; hp 46/55) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47)  d20+12=26 d20+6=26 d20+6=8
Saturday June 4th, 2005 12:11:52 PM
Lang is glad to see that a lot of children survived and are up on the upper floors of the orphanage.

Taking a quick head count of the children outside, Lang calls out to everyone, "Does anyone know how many children were in the orphanage? So far we have found 48 alive with 1 child confirmed killed. Does 49 sound correct?"

Lang looks to the older children and the Shields to see if he gets any confirmation of the amount of children in the orphanage.

Turning to John and Frank he says, "Help get the children down from the upper floors. Then please help escort them along with Angus and Tionel to the Giggling Ghost. If that fulfills your obligation to us, then I thank you in advance otherwise you may come back and help us search for survivors."

After all the children are down and on their way to the Giggling Ghost Lang will re-group with Xenia and Wynn.

"I do not think that Gordo made it through the collapse of the building. I think he sacrificed himself to save the children. What more do you want to do before we head to the Giggling Ghost as it is getting into the evening?"

Sunshine is obediant and follows Lang around with little disruption (animal handling 26).

Spot 26; natural 20
Listen 8

Angus (AC 10/14 when Mage Armor is on; HP 18/25)  d20+3=14 d20+2=7
Saturday June 4th, 2005 12:19:01 PM
Angus does his best to keep the children quiet and in one place. He tries to remember how many children he has seen at the orphange.

OOC - If he knows the head count or approximate head count he will tell Lang and the rest of the group.

Angus will help the 2 soldiers with the task of getting the children off the upper floors. Once that is done he will lead the group towards the Giggling Ghost. He hopes that happy has enough room for everyone.

"Tionel and I will take the front of the group. John and Frank please take up the rear of the group as we move towards the Giggling Ghost."

He will also stay alert, looking for any of the infected people.

Spot 14
Listen 7

Spell Slots (used/total):

0 level: 1 of 6
1 level: 2 of 8
2 level: 1 of 6
3 level: 2 of 4

Wynn  d20+6=23 d20+2=10
Saturday June 4th, 2005 12:40:30 PM
Wynn helps the children out of the rubble and keeps them grouped until all are out. He keeps a wary eye for danger [Spot=23] as well as listening for sounds from within the collapsed building itself. [Listen=10]

Frank and John Necal 
Saturday June 4th, 2005 4:47:49 PM
"We'll hang with you, Sir," Frank says. Or is it John? "John there has chillen of his own a'home."

No, must be Frank. "I'm sure he be liking to be with 'em now. The little ones and his Mary. All this crashing about and to do. But we know our duty too. We takes protecting folk as important work."

John Necal lifts his arms up as one of the older boys slides out of the window and begins climbing down the rope. "Just a bit more, Lad. Don't ye worry. I'll be here to catch you."

"Not too many at a time on the rope! We ken do without any more injuries during the evakuashun."

ADM Jim: Evacuation & Battle  d20+4=17
Monday June 6th, 2005 1:40:57 PM
Lang give Frank and John instructions and they go at it with gusto.

Xenia sets up the rope and helps the kids get started on their climb down to Frank, John and Wynn. The climb is not difficut and all of the children eventually make it out of their former home.

As the kids leave the orphanage, Tionel attempts to organize them and give the hungry ones something to eat. Several are now thirsty and some need to go to the bathroom.

One of the older girls, tells Lang that there were 51 kids at the orphanage, she give a wary eye to Sunshine.

After Tionel is done with the kids, Angus sets them up for the walk to the GG. Angus sets up a buddy system to keep the kids together, based on what Xenia started for the climb.

-----------------------------------

Florin is clearly frustrated. Now he has to save people, when his own daughter could be dying. No one is heading his call for help, as they are all to shocked by the attack and the destruction around them.

Florins only recourse is to take action into his own hands and he slashes the "greenie" twice and severs one arm and a leg. The "greenie" will never get to sprout as it falls to the ground dead.

Belkior's sap strikes again, but the non lethal damage does not seem to bother these creatures. Belkior grabs his mace, readying himself for combat.

The last "greenie" attempts to time Syr's movements as he closes, but the quick monk is too much for him, AC 17 (miss), as he shatters air. Sry presses his advantage and those watching gasp as they hear bones breaking under Syr's blows. The "greenie" attempts at breathing fail and he falls dead in the dust of Florin's house.

All of the townsfolk that can walk press in on the three heros for saving them and taking care of them. After several moments of congradulations and back slapping one store keeper with a bandaged arm asks Florin "Which house was yours?"

Tionel 
Monday June 6th, 2005 2:27:39 PM
Tionel will spend his time with the kids well, making sure they're all buddied up and watching out for each other. The smallest tired kid he'll pick up and carry.
"Let's get going... I don't think we'll get the chance to rest for the evening. I know I wouldn't be able to sleep while people are still suffering..."


Xenia (AC20, HP 29/35)  d20+17=19 d20+12=17
Monday June 6th, 2005 3:32:23 PM
"Hey!" Xenia shouts from the window. "Gordo could still be under here somewhere. Still alive! He could be hurt."

"Ok, so maybe not. Maybe he's dead. But if you were under there, trapped with the only hope you had was someone to dig you out, how would you feel if you heard folks just leaving???!!! Just walking away to leave you to die! Buried alive."

"Gordo used to be a member of this group. He caught you when you fell from out of the coils of that vine. Remember, Angus? We owe it to him to at least look."

"Um," the dark rogue things fast, "maybe Sunshine can sniff him out, Lang. I heard someplace that they do that for people who get buried under snow."

Xenia turns an ear to the place listening for voices, any calls for help.

"What do you say, guys. We owe it to him, huh?"

Rolls
Spot 19
Listen 17

Angus (AC 10/14 when Mage Armor is on; HP 18/25)  d20+3=22 d20+2=13
Monday June 6th, 2005 9:20:38 PM
Angus joins Tionel at the front of the group as it moves towards the Giggling Ghost.

"John and Frank please take up the rear of the group as we move towards the Giggling Ghost. Everybody please be on alert for any more of the infected people. If you see any, let one of the adults know as soon as possible."

Angus stays alert, looking for any of the infected people.

Spot 22
Listen 13

OOC: If needed Angus will cast Light spell(s).

Spell Slots (used/total):

0 level: 1 of 6
1 level: 2 of 8
2 level: 1 of 6
3 level: 2 of 4

Lang (ac 21; hp 46/55) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47)  d20+6=8 d20+6=15 d20+12=21 d20+7=8 d20+5=9 d20+5=8
Monday June 6th, 2005 9:45:40 PM
Lang walks over to Tionel and Angus.

"Keep the children safe. By my count we are 3 children short, 1 of which we are pretty sure is dead. Xenia, Wynn and I will be along shortly after we search little more for Gordo and the missing children."

Lang will stop by John and Frank as he walks back towards Xenia and Wynn.

"Thank you for your help. After you escort the children to the Giggling Ghost, you are free to go back to your guard duty or go back to your families."

After the large group has left and the noise quiets down, Lang will look & listen carefully around the rubble for any movement or sounds of life.

Spot 8
Listen 15

Lang looks at Sunshine, wondering if all this Elf craziness is what is causing all the changes in Sunshine. Lang is not happy that Sunshine does not immediate obey him and that he appears to be in some discomfort.

Lang will cast Speak with Animal upon himself (duration 3 minutes). He turns to Sunshine and says, "Sunshine there are still people in the rubble here. Can you sense anyone?"

Lang will lead Sunshine around the building and to see if Sunshine is able to pickup any scent or sound or noise.

Animal Handling 21
Sunshine Survival 8
Sunshine Listen 9
Sunshine Spot 8

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:52/60 
Monday June 6th, 2005 11:16:45 PM
Florin whips his sword quickly down to make any blood on the blade clear off and then sheathes his sword. Seeing a shop owner asking him about which house is his, Florin points out his house and moves over to it, "Syr said he heard noise coming from that spot there." Florin points out the spot and then sighs as he prepares to start digging again, "If anyone can help then it would be helpful sir. If your arm needs looked at more then please ask my friend there named Belkior or I might beable to lend alittle aid."


Syr (49/62 AC 18/17)  d20+13=33 d20+13=19
Tuesday June 7th, 2005 12:02:27 AM
Syr marches past the onlookers and goes to the spot where he heard the sounds in the shattered home. "Everyone! Listen up! I want a chain of people formed right here to clear the debris faster. There is a little girl buried under here and I want her out now!" (Diplomacy critical!)

Belkior (AC 22; HP 40/40) 
Tuesday June 7th, 2005 7:16:35 AM
The halfling cleric looks down at the bodies of the green-tinted city residents. He had wanted to simply subdue them, not kill them. However, the infection seemed to render them invulnerable to his attempts. Since he realizes that the people were not responsible for their actions, Belkior prepares to send their souls on. With a thought,he dismisses the Spiritual Weapon that remains hovering over their bodies.

"Anyone who can help Florin search for his daughter please do so! In a moment, I will tend to anyone who is injured."

"Does anyone know who these people are?" Since the men and women were from the neighbourhood, several people volunteer their names.

Pointing to a pair of men who were too injured to help move rubble, Belkior asks, "Can you two move their bodies over to the side of the street? Once I have healed all of the injured, I will perform a brief service for the fallen."

Belkior returns to his aid station on the opposite side of the street. "Does anyone here know anything of healing? Enough to assist me?" With no response, Belkior takes a moment to reorganize the people into lines, getting some teenagers to look after the children and some of the slightly injured to tend to the seriously wounded.


Wynn  d20+6=25 d20+5=12
Tuesday June 7th, 2005 8:10:22 AM
The bard immediately begins searching for gaps in the rubble, through which they might find Gordo or any of the missing children. [Search=25]. He carefully begins moving rubble aside to enlarge any opening to the now collapsed lower floor and continues to work with silent determination [Fort=12]

ADM Jim: Searching 
Tuesday June 7th, 2005 5:12:19 PM
Syr call out to help and organizies an additional 9 men to help dig for Jella. The effort is much more efficient and safe for those digging and those that may be trapped alive.

After several minutes a torn and bloody dust covered boot with the foot still in it is found. Florin identifies it as Mort's. Shortly there after Mort's body is found.

One of the men helping, yells out. "I found a pink dress and a leg." Everyone carefully evacuates the debris around the leg that looks broken. A weak cry can be heard under the large table on top of the body of Jella. Jella is covered in dust and blood; she is grey from loss of blood, but she lives, even if she is not concious.

Belkior determines that Jella has a broken leg, arm and pelvis and has lost much blood.

The crowd gives an estactic cheer when they find out Jella lives. Too many people are being found dead.

An innkeeper answers Belkior "They just moved to the city a few weeks ago. They were staying at my inn. Nice folk, always paid on time. What a shame. Why do these thing happen to us, healer? What have we done to deserve this fate?"

Belkior says a few words over the bodies of the fallen, but he is alone. People are attending to the living at the moment.

------------------------------------------

Tionel and Angus with an escort from Frank and John, lead the children to the GG. each of the adults, even Angus, ends up carring at least one child. The children are tired and hungry and ready to go to bed.

The group notices that as they travel closer to the GG there are more roses and vine than when they left earlier. Some of the older girls even pick some of the flowers and put them in their hair.

Happy is outside the GG, giving food and water to his neighbors. Happy notices the rag taggled train of children and ushers everyone inside.

Frank and John take their leave of the children upon reaching the GG as they go searching for their patrol.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Lang organizes the search for Gordo and the missing kids, with Xenia's help from the upper floors.

Wynn can not see much, but from his searching it appears that the basement of the orphanage has caved in.

Lang talks with Sunshine and he goes sniffing around the base of the structure and relates. "I smell only death here and much new growth." Lang thinks he might smell the new growth also. It is almost as if there is pollen in the air.

Xenia hears a weak banging on the second floor. It appears that a small boy was knocked unconcious in a closet, during the collapse of the building. The door is jammed shut and must be broken down.

It is late and everyone is tired it has been a long day that started with rowing, before buildings started to fall.

Xenia (AC20, HP 29/35)  d20+2=16
Tuesday June 7th, 2005 6:07:38 PM
"Framble macking togar bending %#@& ... " Xenia swears a blue streak as she tugs on the solid and unmoving doorhandle.

"Hey! I got someone alive up here," She cries out to those below. "But this door is stuck. Gonna have to maybe break it down. Can someone give me a hand here?"

The rogue takes pulls a crowbar from her haversack, and pries at the crack in the door.

"Any luck finding Gordo?"

Rolls
STR 16 (+2 for Crowbar. Not bad. Must be good leverage.)

ADM JIM: A crowbar and 10 minutes and Xenia can open the stuck door.


Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:52/60 
Tuesday June 7th, 2005 9:41:33 PM
Florin nods a silent thnks to Syr and helps as best he can. When Mort's body is found he sighs deeply and pulls his water skin up and uses alittle bit of the water to mark Mort's head and whispers gently as he looks to the man, "I'm sorry Mort, you watched over Jella great. Domi would be very proud of you and may Gargul welcome you with open arms and with the knowledge that he is receiving a good man."

When Jella is uncovered finally and found alive he rushes to her and dorps down beside her, he would hug her to him if it wasn't for he is afraid he might hurt her more then she is.

Looking to Belkior he speaks in a calmer but still very worried tone, "Can you give her any aid Belkior my friend? I have some healing potions if it will help." Florin pulls a potion of cure light wounds from his backpack just incase it will help.

Florin does bend down lower to Jella and gently washes her face with some of his water and whispers to her, "I'm sorry I couldn't protect you better darling. I'll do my best to get you better though. Just hold on and don't give up on me here." Florin brushes Jella's hair back as he thinks and begins to stand, "We need to see about getting people to one of the temples. There probably flooded with people who need help though so taking them all to one place might be a bad idea."

Angus (AC 10/14 when Mage Armor is on; HP 18/25)  d20+3=22 d20+2=9
Tuesday June 7th, 2005 9:49:49 PM
Angus gets all the children into the Giggling Ghost and settled for the night. He then goes downstairs to the bar and orders a glass of fine wine and waits for the rest of the Shields to arrive.

"Happy, thank you. Once again you have shown the goodness within all humans."

Spot 22
Listen 9

Spell Slots (used/total):

0 level: 1 of 6
1 level: 2 of 8
2 level: 1 of 6
3 level: 2 of 4

Lang (ac 21; hp 46/55) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47)  d20+6=20 d20+6=24 d20+12=28 d20+3=17
Tuesday June 7th, 2005 10:27:42 PM
Lang helps Xenia recover the last child from behind the door. He will climb up the rope if need be.

"Xenia, Sunshine was not able to sense any life among the rubble, just death. I am afraid that Gordo is dead."

Before leaving the area, Lang will take out a piece of chalk and write on a part of the building.

"Gordo, we hope you find this message. We have taken all but 2 of the children to a Happy place. Please join us there."

On the way to the Giggling Ghost Lang will take a quick detour by the apartment building. He glances at the main buildings damage, but is more interested in how the garden and its walls are holding up.

Spot 20
Listen 24
Animal Handling 28
Climb 17

Syr (49/62 AC 18/17) 
Tuesday June 7th, 2005 11:42:56 PM
Watching as Jella's body is uncovered, he looks over at Belkior. Seeing how tired he appears and occupied tending to the townfolk, he decides to act. Carefully moving around Florin he places his hands on her small frame and concentrates. Feeling the healing power flow from his body to hers he breathes a sigh. Once finished, he leans back exhausted from the effort.

(OOC:I'm on the road but doesn't the monk healing ability work on others? Also, how many hps did that use up?)

Tionel 
Wednesday June 8th, 2005 5:16:49 AM

Tionel will stay late in the night, trying to help survivors and various people find shelter, do as best as he can, but at around midnight he returns to the Giggling Ghost and finds a quiet spot in a room to reverie and meditate in. It's a disturbing meditation, his angst and fears trying to come out his natural peacefulness, but one he conquers.

Tionel has changed his spell selection notably, trying to memorize spells that limit plant growth in particular. (Diminish Plants will be his 3rd level spell 3 times...) Perhaps if he tries to cast one at a crucial part of the Floating City when the vines are overthreatening... It's an idea that he grasps onto, as something that might be able to get done...


Wynn Brightsong  d20+6=15 d20+5=22
Wednesday June 8th, 2005 7:49:37 AM
Lost in his own thoughts, the bard continues moving rubble aside in hope of finding Gordo. The work is hard and his hands bleed from where he has mishandled some of the more abrasive pieces, but Wynn hardly notices as he focusses on the task at hand. [Search=15, Fort=22]

Belkior (AC 22; HP 40/40)  d8+5=13
Wednesday June 8th, 2005 8:04:08 AM
After drawing his vestments from his haversack, Belkior delivers a quick service for the deceased.

"Alemi, First among Equals,
Healer and Protector of the Wold.

These beings were beyond the ability of your humble servant to heal and protect, for which I am eternally sorrowful.

Shepherd their souls into the care of Gargul,
Where they may find eternal rest from their pain and troubles.

Blessed be Alemi and the Gods of the Wold.

Stowing his vestments, the halfling cleric will move to Jella's side. After determining that she has been sorely wounded, Belkior prepares to cast a healing spell upon her. Unlike the others that he has treated so far, Belkior judges that Jella may not survive without the magic of Alemi.

Belkior kneels and prays over the injured girl, then a warm glow surrounds his hand as the halfling transfers the healing energy granted him by Alemi into the girl.

Items
Pearl of Power - used today

Spells Cast
Cure Light Wounds - 13 ps healing for Jella, using Command

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Command*, Sanctuary (D - Cure Light Wounds*)
2 - Hold Person, Resist Energy*, Silence*, Spiritual Weapon* (D - Aid)
3 - Create Food & Water, Dispel Magic, Prayer* (D - Magic Circle vs. Evil)
* = cast



ADM Jim: Coming Together 
Wednesday June 8th, 2005 1:11:54 PM
Xenia rescues little William from the closet and brings him down to street level with no problem. William is a 10 year old human that now stands behind Xenia, using her for cover where ever she goes. William is very terrified by his ordeal.

Despite is best efforts, Wynn can not make any headway to free Gordo. There is just too much debris.

Lang escorts Wynn, Xenia and William back to the GG. The Shields arrive just as Tionel, Angus, Happy and Daphne finish getting all the kids to sleep. Both groups of Adults and Ghost looks very exasperated and tired from the trials of the day.

Lang inspects the garden next to the former Shields apartment. Some of the building fell on the gardens, but what remains looks like a Jungle and it is grown outward in all directions, at least by four times.

--------------------------------

Syr attempts to heal Jella to no avail, then it dawns on him that he can only heal himself.

Belkior completes the job of curing Jella, fully. Jella wakes up screaming. Florin can calm her down, but she will not be put down as she clings tightly to his neck and whispers "Daddy I love you, please don't leave me again. Where is Mort? Where am I going to sleep tonight?"

The un and less injured city folk are going back to cleaning up each others houses and tending to the hurt as Belkior instructed. There are many thank yous to Florin, Syr and Belkior for their assistance and promises to return the favor.

Angus (AC 10/14 when Mage Armor is on; HP 18/25) 
Wednesday June 8th, 2005 8:59:32 PM
Angus is glad to see Lang, Xenia and Wynn arrive at the Giggling Ghost, but is dismayed upon hearing that Gordo was not found alive.

"Do we send someone out to find Florin, Belkior and Syr? Or do we wait for them here?"

Spell Slots (used/total):

0 level: 1 of 6
1 level: 2 of 8
2 level: 1 of 6
3 level: 2 of 4

Lang (ac 21; hp 46/55) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47)  d20+6=13 d20+6=15 d20+12=22
Wednesday June 8th, 2005 9:14:14 PM
Lang breathes a sigh of relief upon entering the Giggling Ghost. He thinks it could have been a lot worse even though losing anyone is bad enough.

After hearing that some of the Shields haven't arrived yet, Lang realizes that their work is not yet complete.

"Why don't the rest of you go to bed. Sunshine and I will wait up a few hours to see if they show up. I will wake up everyone in 2 or 3 hours if they have not arrived and we can decide at that point what we want to do."

Lang scrounges up some food and water for Sunshine and himself. Grabbing a chair he takes the food, water and Sunshine and goes outside and seats himself by the door and watches and waits.

Spot 13
Listen 15
Animal Handling 22

Xenia (AC20, HP 29/35)  d20+15=26
Wednesday June 8th, 2005 11:14:55 PM
"Oh Wynn, what's happening?" the dark rogue whispers. Things are so bad. It would be so easy to just collapse into his arms. To let him take her away from all of this within the warmth of his strong arms.

But if things are so bad, then they'll need everyone to help. And the more that stand strong and help out, the more folks will likely come out of this with their own skins.

The frightened boy, William is testament to that. Can't let go now. She's just gotta stay strong.

"Hold on, Lang. I'll go with you," Xenia calls to the ranger as he heads out to the ruins of the Apartments. "Maybe I can recover our emergency loot. We may need it."

Out at the Apartments, the rogue paces off the dimensions that would put her over the spot where the secret compartment would be. Switching the lenses on the end of her nose, she begins searching for the package that would contain their emergency cash.

Rolls
Search 26


Florin Jadenth 
Thursday June 9th, 2005 12:02:13 AM
Florin grabs up Jella when she awakens and starts her panic and worry. Holding her close he strokes her hair and whispers to her gently, "I know Jella, please calm down darling." Florin looks at Jella after a moment, "Me and my friends are to meet up with the others at the Giggling Ghost and then make plans from there. I'm taking you to the Giggling Ghost with me and you will be spending the night there and then I'll arrange something come morning."

Florin looks to Belkior and Syr before laying a hand on Jella's shoulder, "I'm sorry Jella, Mort didn't make it. When we found him he was already gone." Florin hugs Jella tightly and whispers to her, "You got to be strong Jella. Mort would laugh at you if you went to pieces now. He was training you to be a strong girl." Florin stands, picking Jella up when he does and being gentle with her, "We need to get you cleaned up and some clean clothes."

Florin looks to Belkior and Syr and nods to them before looking to the crowd around them, "Everyone, we need to stay as calm as possible. becoming frantic over any of this will not help. My advice right now is some of you should help get anyone seriously injured to one of the temple in the city. Your going to need to be patient and careful as things are settled here and also since the temples will most likely be very busy. If everyone here is not seriously injured or wish to come along with us then me and my friends need to get back to our friends at the Giggling Ghost and you may come along with us. I'm sure Happy and Daphne would be happy to see all of you doing well and it would have food and drinks to help out for now."

Tionel 
Thursday June 9th, 2005 3:05:02 AM

"Florin...what are we going to do tomorrow? Confront the Overlord? Ask the druids? Calm mobs, do riot control, save people...? What can we do in the face of this...?" Tionel seems a bit desperate...

(Uh, and I guess i'll put most of my yesterday's post applying for today's post :) )

Wynn Brightsong  d20+6=7
Thursday June 9th, 2005 7:58:24 AM
The bard is pulled away from the rubble by his friends and they make their way to the Giggling Ghost. The enormity of the situation has a quieting effect on the normally talkative half-elf.

With no better plan in mind, he accompanies Xenia to the apartments and keeps a watch as she searches through the debris. His mind occupied by the death of Gordo and the potential destruction of the city, he notices little about his surroundings [Spot=7]

Belkior  d20+2=15
Thursday June 9th, 2005 8:22:36 AM
The halfling cleric returns to his impromptu aid station. The few people left there have only minor injuries. It seems that they want the reassurance of beign examined by a Healer.

When that is done, Belkior packs up his kits and prepares to leave. Stepping up on a block, he addresses the people remaining. "Everyone, my friends and I are needed elsewhere. As my companion said, you should stay outdoors or in one of the older, original buildings."

"Trust that the Overlord and Underlord are making plans to protect the City and its people. Wait for word from them and please, please follow their commands."

"I have done what I could to assist all of you. If anyone is still injured, or more shocks occur, seek aid at one of the Temples."
Diplomacy = 15

Belkior moves over to Florin, Syr and Jella. "We'd better get going, before anything else happens."

As the halfling cleric prepares to head towards the Giggling Ghost, he muses on how rapidly people adapt. The tilted streets and buildings are beginning to seem normal and, when he looks about, people are already beginning to adjust to moving about in this altered streetscape.



Syr 
Thursday June 9th, 2005 12:31:43 PM
Syr frowns in frustration as he now realizes he is unable to help little Jella but as Belkior rushes over his expression evaporates. Patting the tired halfling on the back, he says, "I knew it was good having you around?"

Looking to himself he covers his wounds and concentrates, healing all damage done. Feeling better and more relieved that his power still works he makes a mental note to only use it on himself in the future. Shaking his head, he just thinks how selfish that is and looks down on the halfling with a smile of appreciation.

As the three of them move to leave, Syr takes a moment to shake the hands of all those that helped, "The Shields appreciate your help and your good hearts will carry you through this troubled time." He gives each a smile meant to instill confidence in their own abilities.

ADM Jim: The dawning of a new Day 
Thursday June 9th, 2005 7:00:54 PM
Later That night after the kids are asleep, Lang, Xenia and Wynn search the ruins of the apartment and get a good fix on the Shields loot. It is buried under a few tons of debris, but it is all in small enough pieces to move, it will just take a long time.

========================

Florin, Syr, and Belkior take their leave of the survivors around the remnants of Florin's Home. All are said to see their healer and protectors leave, but wish them well and are thankful.

------------------------

The Shields finally are whole when everyone meets up at the GG. There is talk of Gordo and the orphans and the calamity at hand, but mostly the group is tired and hungry.

Happy provide for the group, but is concerned. "We do not have much food left. We always used fresh and there have not been any deliveries for two days. Take what you need though."

Tionel questions what course of action to take tomorrow.

--------------------------

Tomorrow arrive early and with a SCREAM! One of the young girls was collecting all manner of flowers from in front of the of the main entrance to the GG, it is a veritable garden; she drops them and is just pointing down the street.

When you wake up, you see that vines and roses have invaded the GG. It is a joy to your eyes and noses. When you take a look outside you see a horrible sight.

There are several score of the purple orcs carrying people away. There are even two shambling mounds ripping apart homes so the orcs can get in. They are only 100 feet down the street.

The Shields witness a shopkeeper jumped on by 5 of the purple orcs after a Shambler ripped off his door. He collapes and two take him back down the street the way they came, with many many more surging forward looking to repeat the process.

OOC: Everyone gains normal nightly healing back. Please post spells, AC, HP, and spells in effect.

I will not post on Friday, but early Saturday

Angus (AC 14 with Mage Armor on; HP 24/25) 
Thursday June 9th, 2005 9:32:52 PM
Angus casts Mage Armor upon himself. He then turns to the fighters in the group.

"Quickly get into your armor! I will help you."

Angus helps the fighters get into their armor. When the group moves outside he takes his customary position in the middle of the group.

Active Spells:
Mage Armor (duration 6 hours)

Spell Slots (used/total):

0 level: 0 of 6
1 level: 1 of 8
2 level: 0 of 6
3 level: 0 of 4

Lang (ac 21; hp 52/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+12=32
Thursday June 9th, 2005 9:51:04 PM
Lang views the scene unfolding in front of him, wondering how all the people who voted for the return of the elf are feeling now.

Well at least I get to kill more of the disgusting plant monsters Lang thinks to himself.

Lang quickly runs up to his room and grabs his Mithral Shirt and puts it on. Lang eyes Sunshines armor, but decides against putting it on due to time and the fact it may not fit anymore. Shouldering his backpack and quiver, he then runs downstairs and helps anyone else put their armor on. Drawing his weapon, calling Sunshine to his side, Lang then strides purposefully outside ready to deal some violence.

Lang wonders if Sunshine is over his weird behavior from yesterday. (animal handling 32; natural 20).

OOC - If the battle is close to the GG then I will have my short swords out. If it is still a ways away I will have my bow out.

OOC - need at least a minute to put my armor on plus the time needed to run to my room and back to the entrance.

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider

Wynn Brightsong [AC=19, HP = 46] 
Thursday June 9th, 2005 10:59:16 PM
The bard spots the mound of vegetation and purple orcs attacking the townsfolk and reacts instinctively. He unshoulders and readies an arrow, moving forward all the while, until he gets into range. [Double move - no attack]

Xenia (AC20, HP 35/35) 
Thursday June 9th, 2005 11:37:15 PM
The Wold is coming apart. The Wold is coming apart and plants are coming up through the cracks.

What to do?!? Holy Stars, what to do?!?

Xenia rushes out the front door of the Giggling Ghost and scoops up the young girl.

"Get inside, Honey. NOW! Have everyone work on barricading the windows and doors. Do it quick."

"We need to get everyone inside and off the streets!" the rogue shouts. "It's the only way we can defend against all of 'em!"

Xenia runs back inside and grabs up the masterwork mace she has yet to use. "Happy! You need to board up all the entrances!". She bites her lip and spares a glance back out the door to where Wynn had gone with his bow.

What do you do when the Wold is coming apart at the seams? What do you do when everything you've built with loving hands is coming down around you?

You fight for it with everything you've got. Down to your last dying breath.


Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:60 
Thursday June 9th, 2005 11:43:23 PM
Florin awakes and goes about his morning rituals if able but is slightly happy and unahppy about the flowers.

When the rukus starts outside he breathes out a heavy sigh, "Sure yesterday even ended, we went from one horribly thing to another."

Florin will do his best to get his armor on in a hurry but half-plate only goes on so fast even if it is +1. He readies all his gear afterwards and calls out to those who are ready quicker, "Get down stairs just incase they come here also. The rest of us will be down as quick as possible. Warn Daphne and Happy and all others here also. There are children here who deserve defense after the horrors they have already been through also."

Florin thinks and glances to Tionel and Angus, "if you have any spells that might help slow them down then that would be of a great help."

Tionel 
Friday June 10th, 2005 8:02:46 AM
{I don't have access to my spell list yet, I'm not at home, I'll post it tomorrow... But I think I can presume his first actions for this round}

Tionel sees the action and blinks in amazement. "We have to get everyone we can in here... You guys be prepared to stop them, I'll send monsters to slow them down!" He begins summoning. (since it takes a round to cast I can post next time what he's summoning/using :) )

Belkior (AC 21; HP 40) 
Friday June 10th, 2005 8:26:28 AM
The halfling cleric has jsut completed his prayers when her hears the screams from outside the Giggling Ghost. A quick glance out the window shows Belkior what he feared would happen - a full assault on the Floating City by the creatures of the Woods.

Belkior jumps back down from the window ledge and begins donning his breastplate. He had removed his armor to sleep, as he normally does, but on reconsideration it may not have been wise. Eying Florin's progress with his armor, Belkior hastily dons his armor , opting to get ready and guard the party until Florin is ready.

"Florin, where are we going to take the children to? One of the temples, or to one of the upper levels?"

OOC Belkior will take one minute to don his armor, so -1 AC until he gets a chance to adjust it.

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds*)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic, Prayer, Searing Light (D - Cure Serious Wounds)
* = cast



ADM Jim: Battle at the Ghost 
Saturday June 11th, 2005 8:56:24 AM
Angus coats himself in Mage Armor and goes to see how he can help Lang, Florin, and Belkior don their armor.

Wynn just reacts and runs out into the flower covered street to help those in need, without his armor. Wynn sees what appears to be an entire family of seven that is unconcious being dragged away from their home.

Wynn is concern when all of the purple orcs turn and look at him in unison. Twenty break off and head toward the Bard, they are 50 feet away.

Several animals appear between Wynn and the purple orcs, giving the Bard some protection at least for the moment. Wynn is unsure how long the creatures will last though.

OOC: Tionel, in the future at least tell the DM the level of the summoning spell you are casting and they can roll the creatures up for you. You are effecting the stories flavor with lack of information.

Tionel stands in the main doorway to the GG and watches the purple orcs surge toward his creatures.

Xenia grabs the girl that was picking flowers in the street and hustles her into the GG. Xenia then calls for help to barricade all of the windows and doors.

Xenia is standing in the doorway with Tionel watching nature on the rampage and moving toward her man. Little William also looks out on the scene from between Xenia's legs.

Happy appears and quickly assesses the situation. "Move tables and chairs in front of the doors! I will grab a hammer and nails for windows!" Happy disappears into a back room, only to reappear moments later with a hammer in hand and a fist full of nails.

Florin starts to Don his armor, but is having some problems as Jella is hanging onto his leg. Jella looks up at Florin and with soft eyes full of tears she asks "Daddy please pick me up. I am scared."

Belikor starts to don his armor and questions Florin about leaving the GG.

Syr snores.

Sunshine barks uncontrollably and his hackels raise, but he stays at Lang's side.

Several of the children are screaming and even more are crying as they pick up the excited activity of the adults.

OOC: Two combat rounds elapsed for those doning armor.

Xenia (AC20, HP 35/35) 
Saturday June 11th, 2005 1:56:14 PM
The children. They need something to do.

"William, Honey," Xenia says in a firm and commanding voice. "See the halfling over there. That's Belkior. He's a healer of Alemi. Go help him with his armor, please."

"Kyria!" she calls to the little blonde girl. "Take Jella and both of you help Florin with his armor, Sweetheart."

"We need to be brave, Everyone," Xenia calls out to the children scattered across the floor. "We need to be brave, and we need to do something to help. We're here, and we're all here to help. And we're here to save the one's that we love. 'Cause that's what Heroes do in a bad situation. AND I KNOW THAT ALL OF YOU ARE HEROES! EACH AND EVERY ONE!"

"Start moving the heavier furniture toward the doors," she says to a group of older boys. "Start collecting wood that Happy can nail to the windows," the dark rogue directs a group of girls.

Glancing out the door, Xenia catches the purple orclets moving on Tionel's summoned animals.

"WYNN! TI'NEL! WE'RE SEALING UP THE GHOST. GRAB AS MANY FOLKS AS YOU CAN AND GET IN HERE!"

Standing anxiously by the door, the rogue readies her mace to bash anything plant-like that tries to get in while watching both the action inside and outside the Giggling Ghost.

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:60  d20+3=23
Saturday June 11th, 2005 9:22:13 PM
Florin looks to his daughter and gently pats her head before speaking to her, "Jella darling you must be brave okay? I promised no harm will come as long as I can help it. Your daddy needs to help defend your friends from the orphanage and you and also help his friends who are also trying to protect all of you."

Florin hopes he can calm his daughter enought to get his armor fully on and then he kneels and hugs his daughter tightly, "Listen my little princess, Your daddy has to do his best to make sure those monsters don't get in here to hurt anyone including you. I want you to stay safe and out of harms way. I'll be fine but you have to stay safe for me."

Florin hugs Jella tightly and whispers in her ear, "Our home might be wrecked for now but you have to protect this place right here for me and stay safe while I protect you too." Florin looks into Jella's eyes and kisses her cheek, "Your a amazing girl Jella and will grow up to be strong. Now come on and stay with the other kids. You can help by pitching in and also being a example for the other kids at how strong you are."

Florin will rush down stairs to help his friends now, moving what he can to help block the GG off and speaks loud enough to the others while he glances over his shoulder at Jella and the other kids, "Okay Shields, nows the time to prove ourselves as being worthy of the name we uphold. This is a goal we all can choose to stand under at THIS moment. These kids here need us and we will protect them no matter what. I chose the design for the ring and now will tell you all that the shield on the ring is our goal of defending those who need it. We all chose to help the orphans in the past and we have always tried to side with the right side. The dove ingraved in the ring is for the hope we offer the people we defend. We hold lives in our very hands when the enemies attack here and I say they will not make it past us and harm these children." Florin pulls his mithril+1 longsword from it's sheath and holds it into the air, the high woldian runes along it's sides that give the sword's name glows in the light, "Show me your courage my friends." Florin hopes to boost spirits of his companions, the last day and hours have been frightening and dispearing and he had to try and boost spirits with his words as leader. (Charisma:23 nat:20)

(OOC:I know Florin is not a bard to try and encourage people but being the leader and seeing past events in the city I figured a good leader speach might help. Hoefully decent rp anyway :).)

Wynn Brighhtsong [AC=14, HP=46]  d20+10=13 d6=4
Sunday June 12th, 2005 10:29:12 AM
It is only after Wynn has reached a position from which he can engage the enemy that he realizes the precariousness of his position. When a sore of purple orcs pick him out of the crowd, the bard realizes he is in too deep.

Wynn looses an arrow at the nearest of the purple orcs [Hit AC=13 dmg=4] and beats a hasty retreat back towards the Giggling Ghost without even watching where his arrow ends up.

"FALL BACK, FALL BACK!" he yells out as he runs. "Fall back to the inn, we can defend ourselves there!"

Matt C. 
Sunday June 12th, 2005 12:04:57 PM
OOC - Jim or anybody - Do we have a map of the GG?

[There's one at Duncan's Travel Agency. Right here. -Al]

Angus (AC 14 with Mage Armor on; HP 24/25)  6d6(4+5+2+5+6+5)=27 d20+3=4
Sunday June 12th, 2005 12:24:07 PM
Angus sees all the armor-wearing members of the shields rush off to their rooms to get their armor. As none are back in the main room yet for Angus to help, he decides that it may be best to try and slow down the purple Orcs a little bit. But then again maybe this will just draw more attention to the Giggling Ghost. Taking position in one of the windows facing the Orcs, Angus will cast Lightning Bolt at the advancing Orcs, trying to hit as many as he can. He picks a window so that he does not include Wynn in the Lightning Bolt's path, and tries not to hit Tionel's summoned animals, but will if necessary. He will not cast the spell if it will hit Wynn.

Lightning Bolt -- Reflex save 19; damage 27/13.
Spot 4; natural 1

Active Spells:
Mage Armor (duration 6 hours)

Spell Slots (used/total):

0 level: 0 of 6
1 level: 1 of 8
2 level: 0 of 6
3 level: 1 of 4

DM JIM: Matt, Angus got a full nights sleep and thus all of his spell slots are full prior to casting the Lbolt.

Lang (ac 21; hp 52/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+12=32
Sunday June 12th, 2005 9:50:28 PM
OOC - After seeing the map from Al's link above. I would imagine that after 12 seconds Lang would just be reaching his room whether it is on the 2nd or 3rd floor.

OOC - Map clarification - Is there just 2 entrances? Dagger Point entrance which appears to be the main entrance which enters onto the balcony level that is actually ground level? Happy Park Entrance which appears to be a stairs down entrance into the tavern which is below ground? Does this mean that we are on the balcony level looking out the the Dagger Point entrance (those not in their rooms that is)?

Lang continues putting on his armor up in his room. He wonders where the guard is and why there was no warning before the creatures reached this far into the Floating City. He also wonders if there are some traitors within the Floating City leadership.

"Sunshine be quiet!"

Animal Handling 32; natural 20 once again; wasting them here instead of in battle.

OOC - need at least 10 combat rounds to put my armor on plus the time needed to run to my room and back to the entrance (est. at 4 combat rounds; 2/14).

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider

Tionel (AC 12, hp 32/42) 
Monday June 13th, 2005 1:20:04 AM
(I apologize. I imagine Tionel would start off with a small spell, probably a spell to harry and annoy the monsters more than attack or stop them. So it'll be Summon Monster I.)

Tionel finishes his summon spell (takes a full round) and on the second round, as he moves next to the entrance to the Giggling Ghost, he calls,

"Come to the Giggling Ghost, the Crimson Shields of Hope will stand against these fowl beasts!"

Then he begins casting again.

(He doesn't know the outcome of the # of creatures he will summon, and it takes a full round for his spell to go off, so GM, he's casting a Summon Nature's Ally III in place of his Diminish Plants. He's going to be attempting to summon 1d3 2nd level creatures. I imagine him using Black Bears, since that's an animal he's familiar with)
For once, Tionel feels this...hatred...towards nature. He can understand how people in cities fear and hate what he had always felt was just peaceful and serene. Then he has to remind himself, these purple orcs are anything but natural. This whole thing is unnatural! His elven blood calls out in anger against it...

(Eagle's stats:
EAGLE

Small Animal
Hit Dice: 1d8+1 (5 hp)
Initiative: +2
Speed: 10 ft. (2 squares), fly 80 ft. (average)
Armor Class: 14 (+1 size, +2 Dex, +1 natural), touch 13, flat-footed 12
Base Attack/Grapple: +0/--4
Attack: Talons +3 melee (1d4)
Full Attack: 2 talons +3 melee (1d4) and bite --2 melee (1d4)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: --
Special Qualities: Low-light vision
Saves: Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +2
Abilities: Str 10, Dex 15, Con 12, Int 2, Wis 14, Cha 6
Skills: Listen +2, Spot +14 )

Spell list:
Druid Spells Per Day: 5 0-level, 4 (3+1) 1st-level, 4 (3+1) 2nd level, 3 (2+1) 3rd level.
0: Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Cure Minor Wounds, Know Direction, Purify Food and Water.
1: Pass Without Trace, Entangle, Charm Animals, Speak W/Animals.
2: Barkskin, Bull's Strength, Lesser Restoration, Hold Animal.
3: (Unusual change as mentioned in earlier post): Diminish Plantsx3.

(Oh, and did Tionel get his Bag of Tricks from the Catacombs yet?)

DM JIM: I have no word on the Bag of Tricks. Also, Tionel get +1 creature on all of his summonings.

Belkior 
Monday June 13th, 2005 7:30:05 AM
The halfling cleric is still struggling into his armor. Somehow, the process always seems longer when you're trying to hurry.

As he dons his armor, Belkior attempts to speak to his companions. "If we can bar the doors ... oomph ...", as Belkior gets a tight buckle cinched.

"... And the windows shuttered ... ouch ...", as his greaves pinch him in a delicate place.

"... The Ghost should probably stand up to their attacks for a while." The room resounds to a clanging as Belkior stamps his small foot to secure it within his boot.

Suddenly, an idea comes to Belkior. During the elf conclave and other visits here, he had seen people entering the Ghost in many different ways. "Hey! Does anyone know how to activate thsoe tapestries? Or the other magical entrances to the Ghost?"

"Could we send the children through to someplace safe, then bring them back when or if the city is secured? Or maybe retreat there with them?"

Once his armour is in place, Belkior will move to the common room since he expects that to be the centre of activity. Belkior will provide what assistance he can to the staff who are barring doors and securing windows. "Where's Happy? Is Happy around?"

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic, Prayer, Searing Light (D - Cure Serious Wounds)
* = cast



Syr (HP 62 AC 19/18) 
Monday June 13th, 2005 10:27:20 AM
Through his peaceful rest, the elf faintly hears Xenia's call to action. Rising and kicking the growing vine off his leg, he moves to the main portion of the Inn. Seeing the others, he jumps down from the balcony closest to them (slow fall). Stifling a late yawn, he moves to the doorway to examine the action.

ADM Jim: Battle at the Ghost  2d6(2+1)+2=5 d20+5=10 d20+5=9 d20+5=17 d20+5=11 d20+5=13 d20+1=21
Monday June 13th, 2005 1:26:06 PM
Wynn fires his arrow and turn and runs back to the relative saftey of the Inn. Wynn is unable to save any other city folk and will have to be happy with his skin for the time being.

Tionel summons bears to assist his two eagles. Tionel knows the beasts will not last long, but they will buy the Shields time.

Angus also try to buy time and a clap of thunder is heard as he unleashes a lightning bolt, hitting five. All five of the purple orcs were caught off guard by the lightning bolt and three die a horrible death, with two not very happy at all.

Syr finally wakes up and comes down to help close up the Inn.

Xenia attempts to organize the Shields and the Orphans. The children are scare, but understand what the excited half elf wants and slowly get to the tasks at hand: helping to board up the windows and get the small children upstairs. William reluctantly leaves Xenia's side.

Lang continues to don his armor and quites Sunshine.

Belkior continues to don his armor.

Florin attempts to console Jella, but she begins to cry. "You are going to leave me again, arn't you? the young girl sobs. Florin's consoling is slowing down is armor preparation.

Florin gives a rousing pep talk to the Shields.

Xenia slams the doors to the Inn and locks it. Several of the older male orphans help her put tables in front of the door.

Happy nails shut two windows, but is clawed by a purple orc as he works on a third window(made save). Happy steps away as it attempts to climb through. Many of the children scream at the sight of a purple orc that has obvious scared the adults.

Happy drops his hammer and clutches at his bleeding forearm.

Daphne helps move children up the stairs. "Must go faster young ones, much faster." she cooes.

----------------------------------

8 more combat rounds have gone by.

Tionel knows all of his animals have been killed, but they finished off the two scorched purple orcs and killed one other.

====================================

Scratches can be heard on the door and then nothing for a moment. Finally a loud band is head against the door. Dust falls from the ceiling as the frame and support structure a shaken. The door holds for now.



Lang (ac 21; hp 52/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+6=18 d20+12=19 d20+5=17
Monday June 13th, 2005 9:27:52 PM
Lang hears alot of noise coming from down below (listen 18). Lang continues putting on his armor, but as he is getting close to having it all buckled up, he starts to move back towards the group hoping to get back quicker (trying to move and finish up that last bit of buckling on the run to save some time. Dexterity check maybe, 17).

"Sunshine heel!"

Animal Handling 19.

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider

Angus (AC 14 with Mage Armor on; HP 24/25)  3d4(3+1+1)+3=8
Monday June 13th, 2005 9:34:10 PM
"Fighters where are you? We have enemies penetrating the building."

Angus moves away from the window where the Orc is coming in. He will ready action Magic Missile if the orc moves towards him (damage 8).

Active Spells:
Mage Armor (duration 6 hours)

Spell Slots (used/total):

0 level: 0 of 6
1 level: 1 or 2 of 8
2 level: 0 of 6
3 level: 1 of 4

Wynn Brightsong [AC=19, HP=46] 
Monday June 13th, 2005 9:58:13 PM
Wynn dashes upstairs and hastily dons his chain shirt and readies himself for battle.



Xenia (AC20, HP 35/35) 
Monday June 13th, 2005 11:08:39 PM
Already armored and fully kitted up, Xenia scrambles up the tilted staircase with Wynn to help him on with his armor. This Mithral ain't bad stuff. And it kinda pays not to expose yourself when the Wold is coming down on you like it is now.

"WAH!!!" Xenia almost slips down the slanted floor as something shakes the building and little clouds of plaster dust drift from the ceiling.

"Framble macking heaven, Wynn," her green eyes take a turn around the room as though whatever it might have been could be all around them, "what was that?"

Tionel  d20+10=14 d8=2
Tuesday June 14th, 2005 5:19:29 AM
They're surrounding the place. Ravenous, inhuman beings... When the door shakes from the boom, Tionel shivers all over and nearly yelps himself. He's spent the last few rounds trying to reinforce the door, putting chairs up against windows, and so on. He's holding himself together, but only due to willpower (will save 14 for game effect). He draws the slim wand at his side.
"Everyone, get all non-combatants to the stairs! We have to be prepared to fall back inch by inch, hurting them every step! Happy, here..." Tionel touches the innkeeper with the wand of healing, knowing it has precious few charges left.. (3 hp back) He keeps it out in his hands, as he really figures he'll need it.
A panicked thought enters his mind... he could just change into a bird, fly away, get away from all this mess...but instantly he berates himself, hates himself with all his might for even thinking such a thought. He couldn't leave his friends, the children, everything like that. He would never be able to forgive himself.
"Happy, grab as many supplies as you can while you go up." Tionel pushes a large sack into the innkeeper's hand. "Food, strong drink, supplies... You have about 20 seconds."
Tionel turns to the door and waits near the bar. "Everyone, hold them, and I will summon the most powerful creatures I can to keep them at bay for as long as possible."
He begins casting a summon nature's ally II in place of his lesser restoration. (You said I get +1 creature, does that include for spells that summon just 1 creature?) He plans on bringing into being air elementals to whip and inflict pain upon the creatures at the windows...

ADM JIM: Yes

Belkior (AC 21; HP 40) 
Tuesday June 14th, 2005 7:13:43 AM
The halfling cleric stands after finishing with the final buckle on his armor. It's not seated completely correctly, but it will have to do.

Looking about, Belkior rushes into the common room. Seeing that the only injured person is Happy, Belkior will move to assist the cook and proprietor of the Ghost. While tending to Happy's wound, Belkior will question her.

"Happy, do you know how to activate the magic portals from the Ghost? The tapestries or the other entrances?"

Note:
Armor is hastily donned in 1 minute / 10 rounds for -1 to AC, +1 to armor check penalty

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic, Prayer, Searing Light (D - Cure Serious Wounds)
* = cast


Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:60 
Tuesday June 14th, 2005 8:19:21 AM
Seeing Jella as more of a problem right now since his friends need him Florin picks Jella up for a moment so she is eye level with him before talking to her, "Now listen Jella, I have to protect you as best as I can. Those purple orcs out there with the plants want to hurt people. An those purple orcs feed people to trees who eat you. This is a serious threat and you need to be a big girl and let me do what I can to save you and the others."

Florin puts Jella down and will finish his armor as quickly as possible before joining his friends and reading his sword and shield for the attack that is surely to come, "Well, everyone, looks like it's time to fight." Florin nods on the comments and thinks, "Happy, these kids need to be in the safest place. Those orcs can probably climb so we need a secure place."

Xenia-OoC 
Tuesday June 14th, 2005 8:38:11 AM
As far as I know, you exist within the Tapestries in dream. Your bodies are still physically here.

Syr (HP 62 AC 19/18) 
Tuesday June 14th, 2005 10:45:35 AM
Syr stands defensively near the door awaiting any creature or creatures that may burst through. As he listens to the plan he chimes in, "Maybe it's just me but I would think the MOST defensable position would be the cellar?" Just two of us can hold the stairs with ease. As you said these things can climb." He offers the alternative but will go along with whatever the group decides.

Belkior - OOC 
Tuesday June 14th, 2005 9:17:54 PM
Well, let's kill some people off in the Taps and get their bodies up and helping us!

/grin

DM JIM: That is great!!! Very Funny!!

ADM Jim: Battle at the Ghost  d20+6=12 d20+6=17 d20+6=12 d20+6=26
Wednesday June 15th, 2005 12:21:30 AM
Syr takes up a defensive position by the front door and offer an alternative place to fight from, the celler.

Most of the kids were in the process of running up stairs, but now a few are running down in the cellar.

Florin is more stern with Jella and her only reaction is to sit down on the floor and start to cry. Jella seems very very scared, as she has had a tough day or two as have the other orphans.

Tionel cures Happy and calls for all Shields and kids to fall back.

The children are panicing. Most are running upstairs, some downstairs, some jumping up and down, some still moving tables, some crying, and some screaming. PANDIMONIUM!

Belkior moves Happy away from the purple orc that is now stuck in the window and treats Happys injury.

The purple orc struggles mightliy, but can not get in the Inn. The orc struggles again and get itself back onto the street outside.

At Tionel's instruction, Happy goes can gathers food and drink and runs up stairs.

Wynn and Xenia run upstair to make sure Wynn is properly dress for the coming engagement.

Lang and Sunshine run down the stairs fighting the tide of those coming up. Lang is hastily finishing his armor.

Angus is left downstairs to wonder where all the warriors are?

=========================

Something big is attempting to smash the now reinforced door.

BANG!

The door holds.

Screams outside of the Inn.

Bang!

The door holds again.

BANG!

THe door is woobling.

SMASH!

The door caves in with an explosion of dust and splintered wood.

All that is seen is a big green mass with long tendrils and root like feet, a Shambler.

The opening is now significantly larger, but the Shambler must pass though a sea of tables and chairs.

========================

Five more combat rounds go by for those doning armor and preparing defenses or calming and/or organizing children.



Tionel 
Wednesday June 15th, 2005 4:32:33 AM
Tionel's two air elementals are whipping around, attacking any creature that attempts to come through the windows. Someone else will deal with the chaos that is behind him, Tionel hopes. The children will find their way, someone in the pack will help them. Florin, assuredly, or Wynn...the bard, the true musician, will play them to safety, he imagines warmly for a second. But meanwhile, it is the duty of the elven druid to fight this thing, to hold it back as much as possible.
As the door booms, he begins chanting. He finishes chanting on his next action, whereupon he summons the most ferocious kings of the wild to protect him.
(Replacing yet another of my 3rd level Diminish Plants to spontaneously summon a 3rd level creature. As you said, an extra one will appear? So, that makes two of these:

Lion's stats:
Hit Dice: 5d8+10 (32 hp)
Initiative: +3
Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class: 15 (--1 size, +3 Dex, +3 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 12
Base Attack/Grapple: +3/+12
Attack: Claw +7 melee (1d4+5)
Full Attack: 2 claws +7 melee (1d4+5) and bite +2 melee (1d8+2)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Pounce, improved grab, rake 1d4+2)

(They act again on my turn).
Tionel wonders if they must continue retreating...is this a war of time? Is there a chance of them surviving this? He doesn't wonder, he knows he just must fight. For the children.

Florin Jadenth-AC_19_HP:60 
Wednesday June 15th, 2005 11:52:10 AM
(OOCLI don't know if Florin has his armor on yet or not so I will post if he does.)

Florin sighs and looks to Jella, "Jella, I know you this has not been a easy time but I really need you to be strong ad help me out. Those kids frm the orphanage need help to and I need your help right now. Now stand up and try getting as many of them to one single room while we work on getting rid of the enemy. Things will be fine but we really have to have your and everyones help."

Florin will go out the door now and to the aid of his friends. If he sees Happy he motions to his room or where ever Jella is and calls out to him, "Get the kids as gathered together as much as can and in the safest room."



Wynn (AC 19, 46 HP)  d20+8=18 d8+3=11
Wednesday June 15th, 2005 8:27:26 PM
Wynn shrugs on his equipment with Xenia's help, then races down towards the commotion. When the floor tilts, he reaches out to grab the rogue's arm as much to lend her support as to steady himself. The bard-fighter uses the opportunity to slip past the half-drow in order to get between her and whatever it is they will be facing that comes through the door. He holds his longsword high, ready to slice down on an attacker.

(Held Action until some enemy comes within reach. Hit AC 18, 11 dmg)



Lang (ac 21; hp 52/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+10=23 d20+10=15 d20+5=21 d8+2=3 d8+2=3 d8+2=9 d20+12=25 d20+6=25
Wednesday June 15th, 2005 9:32:17 PM
From Lang's position on the stairs he can see the Shambling Mound as it breaks down the door. Seeing no other creatures to shoot at (spot 25), Lang fires his composite longbow 3 times into the beast.

Hit AC 23 for 3 damage.
Hit AC 15 for 3 damage.
Hit AC 21 for 9 damage.

Sunshine remains by his side, ready to protect Lang should any enemy approach them.

Animal Handling 25.

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider

Angus (AC 14 with Mage Armor on; HP 24/25)  3d4(3+4+1)+3=11 d20+3=20
Wednesday June 15th, 2005 9:43:39 PM
Angus realizes he must try to create more time for the fighters to get into position. He is happy to see 3 arrows fly by and strike the Shambling Mound (Spot 20).

"Hurry kids. Keep moving upstairs and stay away from the monster. Hide if you must, but stay away from it."

Angus moves towards the stairs where Lang and Sunshine are making there way down. Knowing that his spells are limited against the Shambling Mound, he casts Magic Missile striking the beast with the 3 missiles.

Magic Missile damage 11.

Active Spells:
Mage Armor (duration 6 hours)

Spell Slots (used/total):

0 level: 0 of 6
1 level: 2 of 8
2 level: 0 of 6
3 level: 1 of 4

Belkior (AC 21; HP 40) Bless 
Wednesday June 15th, 2005 9:59:33 PM
The halfling cleric completes his tending of Happy who seems to be unable to answer Belkior's questions.

He takes a moment to mutter one of the earliest prayers taught to him in the temples. A rush of holy power spreads from the small cleric to all of the Crimson Shields and everyone else close enough to him, reducing any fear of the plant creatures and strengthening their arms.

His Pearl of Power flares briefly, preserving the Bless spell for later use.

"Children! Follow Happy or me, we'll take you to safe places!"

If he can encourage the children up from the basement, he will do so. Even though it might be more defensible, Belkior thinks that keeping the children all in once place will be better.

If he can't get the children back from the cellar, Belkior will lead some children there to protect and encourage all of them.

Actions
Standard = Cast Bless affecting all allies within 50', so many of the children will also be affected
Move = towards either stairs up to the inn, or down to the cellars

Items
Pearl of Power = used today

Active Effects
Bless = +1 attack, +1 saves vs. fear, 60 rounds

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic, Prayer, Searing Light (D - Cure Serious Wounds)
* = cast



Xenia (AC26, HP 35/35) 
Wednesday June 15th, 2005 10:22:15 PM
Yeek! Another mound thing. Xenia hides behind Wynn's shoulder clutching the light mace. Looking at the size of the thing, and the way it reaches out with those wavy, ropy things, the rogue makes a mental note to stay well outside 15 feet of it unless she's really serious about moving in and attacking.

"Wynn, it's one of those mound things again," she whispers," feeling too terrible close even now.

(Total Defense +6 to AC, Dodge vs Shambler +1 AC, Total vs Shambler AC27)

Question
Are we in combat rounds?

ADM JIM: We will start next round with the lions and mound clash.

ADM Jim: Battle at the Ghost - Combat Round 1  d20+12=27 d20+12=23 2d4(2+1)+6=9 2d4(1+2)+6=9 2d6(3+6)+6=15
Wednesday June 15th, 2005 11:29:40 PM
Tionel's air elements harried the purple orc out the window.

OOC: Forgot the elementals last post. Tionel remember this is the 6th round for them.

==========================

The large moving mound of vegatation moves into the GG, pushing tables as it goes. This Shambler looks larger than the one the group faced previously in the jungle.

Three arrows strike it and so do three magic missles, but it shrugs them off.

Two rope like appendages reach out and grab a lion.

AC 27, hit 9 damage
AC 23, hit 9 damage

Rend damage 15 damage

The lion disappears in its grasp, which only seems to enrage it more.

Wynn bravely interposes himself between the Shambler and Xenia and he slashes the Shambler and leaves fly with the satisfying swing.

Xenia watches the Shambler, and sees that most of the children are either up the stairs or in the celler, but there off to her left is William not 15 feet from her.

Tionel and Belkior noticed at least four or five boys had headed down in the celler. One calls up to Belkior. "You want us to what now?" as he looks up from the bottom of the stairs.

Belkior cast bless on the heros and all seems fine for the moment.

Belkior notices two or three kids hiding in the back of the inn and not too well, but he also notices that most others are safe for the moment.

Syr watches the Shambler advance.

OOC: Everyone downstairs (Syr, Angus, Tionel, Wynn, and Xenia, and Belkior) had time to prepare and can position themselves accordingly n relation to the Shambler. It was not attempting to surprise anyone as it knocked on the door.

===========================

Florin is upstairs attempting to reason with and upset five year old, at least he has hastily put on his armor. Jella is crying and pouting. "Daddy you don't love me anymore do you!" as she kicks her feet against the floor.

Happy and Daphne are rounding the kids into several of the upstairs bedrooms.

==============================

DC 15 spot check for everyone but Florin to see what is pressing in behind the Shambler.

A group of a dozen purple orcs in an impossiblely tight order behind the Shambler and they immediately break into two groups as they enter the room, looking to move on the flanks of the Shambler. All of the Orcs will be visible next round with no spot check.

Tionel (AC 12, hp 42/42) 
Thursday June 16th, 2005 7:19:48 AM
Tionel notices the orcs moving and realizes there's very little they can do to stop them... he casts slowly, and if he were to start doing that now, they'd swarm him.
"You kids in the cellar! GO upstairs, all children go upstairs as many floors as you can! We fall back!"
Tionel hopes that the stairways-entrance will hold the shamblers, and knows that standing at the top will prevent more than one orc from coming up at a time, hopefully.
He steps up the stairs and to the side of the passage, and begins casting. (Full round casting another spontaneous summon, on my next action, this time I'm going to summon a single brown bear in the midst of the orcs, hopefully to cause as much trouble as possible. 2nd level spell: Barkskin used up)

Bear stats:

BEAR, BLACK

Medium Animal
Hit Dice: 3d8+6 (19 hp)
Initiative: +1
Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class: 13 (+1 Dex, +2 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 12
Base Attack/Grapple: +2/+6
Attack: Claw +6 melee (1d4+4)
Full Attack: 2 claws +6 melee (1d4+4) and bite +1 melee (1d6+2)

ADM JIM: Tionel, are your elementals still around? How long do they last? Also, is your lion attacking this round?

Remember that you get +1 creatures per summoning.

Xenia (AC26, HP 35/35)  3d6(6+3+4)=13
Thursday June 16th, 2005 1:13:41 PM
WAH!!! More of those orclets. More and more and more and more.

Xenia buckles down and rips the last bead from the Necklace of Fireballs. Worked last time.

Tossing it while they're still bunched up behind the walking Mound, the dark rogue skips to the side before she even registers the results.

Dodging around to the far side of the mound, she shouts back to Wynn. "We gotta hold it till till Florin and Syr get out here. I'll try and flank it, Wynn."

"Kids! Get Up Stairs!" she shouts. "I'm not sure that thing can climb. And if we burn out the stairs below it might not be able to get up to us!"

"Angus! Do you think you can take out the stairs with a lightening bolt?"

Rolls and Actions
Fireball Damage 13hp

Position and Movement
Try to move in a semi-circle to the other side of the shambling mound and flank vs Wynn. Do NOT approach within 15 feet of it.

Are we getting a map? I know from personal experience how hard it is to create a map of the GG.



Syr (62/62 AC 19)  d20+10=26 d20+10=24 d20+5=9 d10+4=11 d10+4=12
Thursday June 16th, 2005 3:45:32 PM
Fearing for the children's safety Syr steps in front of the Shambler and attacks.
(Attack 26,24,9 Damage 11,12)

After hitting the mound, he moves slightly to the side allowing Tionel's Bears to become the focus of it's attacks. Looking up the stairs, he calls out, "Florin! Hurry up and get your turtle suit on and get down here."

(OOC: sorry guys, was staying at a hotel room with no access)

Lang (ac 21; hp 52/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+6=21 d20+10=30 d20+10=21 d20+5=11 d20+10=18 d8+6=7 d8+6=12 d20+5=6 d20+12=24
Thursday June 16th, 2005 9:27:31 PM
OOC -- Jim I forgot to add in my +4 favorite enemy bonus last round. Please add it for any of my shots that damaged the shambling mound last round.

Ahhh, things are starting to come together for the Shields. The group is starting to converge on the Shambling Mound, attacking it from all directions. It will not last much longer from all this concentrated firepower. But the real problem may be the multitude of purple Orcs that are starting to enter the Giggling Ghost (spot 21). Lang realizes that the Shambling Mound is still the biggest threat and once again fires his bow 3 times into the beast. Lang is amazed that he is able to fire more arrows, but maintain his accuracy.

Hit AC 30 for 7 damage; critical roll 18 for 7x3=21 damage.
Hit AC 21 for 12 damage.
Hit AC 11 for n/a damage.

Sunshine remains by Lang's side, eyeing the large plant beast in front of him, oblivious to the purple Orcs entering the building (spot 6; natural 1).

Animal Handling 24.

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider

Angus (AC 14 with Mage Armor on; HP 24/25)  d20+3=19 3d4(1+2+4)+3=10
Thursday June 16th, 2005 9:35:14 PM
Angus sees the purple Orcs trying to squeeze past the Shambling Mound and into the building. He thinks that they must finish off the Shambling Mound as quick as possible so they can then concentrate on the smaller plant creatures (spot 19).

Angus moves up the stairs and takes position behind Lang and Sunshine. He casts the ever-dependable spell magic Missile striking the mound with the 3 missiles.

Magic Missile damage 10.

"We must defeat the Mound quickly and protect the children from being taken by the purple Orcs."

Active Spells:
Mage Armor (duration 6 hours)

Spell Slots (used/total):

0 level: 0 of 6
1 level: 3 of 8
2 level: 0 of 6
3 level: 1 of 4

Wynn (AC 19, 46 HP, Bless)  d20+9=24 d8+3=9 d20+6=23
Thursday June 16th, 2005 9:37:45 PM
Wynn acknowledges Xenia's instructions with a grunt as he brings his longsword down heavily upon the green monstrocity. There is added power to his sword arm, as he is infused with a devine power.(Hit AC 24, 9 dmg)

The bard sees the purple orclets and hopes the rogue or one of the magic types will take it upon themselves to dispatch the creatures.

Active Effects
Bless, from Belkior = +1 attack, +1 saves vs. fear, 60 rounds



Belkior (AC 21; HP 40) Bless  d20+2=17 d20+5=16
Thursday June 16th, 2005 9:41:27 PM
The halfling cleric will move to shoo the children from the back of the inn, taking them upstairs to be with Happy.

"Children, can you come with me upstairs? Happy will take care of you up there, and we will be down here getting rid of the nasty garbage heap."
Diplomacy = 17

When, or if, the children move, Belkior will remain between them and the approaching danger of the shambling mound and the purple orc-things.
Spot = 16

"Hurry, children! Let's be quick up the stairs.!"

Actions
Move = staying between the children and the monsters

Items
Pearl of Power = used today

Active Effects
Bless = +1 attack, +1 saves vs. fear, 59 rounds

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic, Prayer, Searing Light (D - Cure Serious Wounds)
* = cast


ADM JIM: Battle at the Ghost Round 2  d20+5=23 d20+5=12 d20+5=6 d20+5=11 d20+5=14 d20+5=8 d20+5=25 d20+5=25 d20+5=7 d20+5=15 d20+5=17 d20+5=21 d20+5=20 d20+5=12 d20+5=13 d20+5=8 d20+5=21 d20+5=20 d20+5=17 d20+5=6 d20+5=24 d4=2 d4=2 d4=3 d20+5=25 d20+5=20 d20+5=15 d20+5=16 d20+5=11 d20+5=11 d20+5=11 d4=1 d4=4 d20+12=28 d20+12=13 2d6(2+6)+6=14
Friday June 17th, 2005 12:11:53 AM
OOC: Sorry about no map, just not had time this week to hone my map making skills. Will attempt to work on it.

===============================

Florin remains upstairs debating with his daughter.

===============================

Tionel brings more animals into the fray, but they take no action. In fact those that are here are watching the mound kill them.

OOC: Round 7 on elementals, 2 on Lions, 1 on Bears.

Tionel yells for everyone to fall back up stairs. At Tionel's prompting 3 boys and a girl come up from the celler. All four stare wide eyed at the battle arrayed before them.

Belkior rounds up the children in the back of the inn and asks them to go upstairs. One runs to stairs, but the other two kids are frozen with fear and stick by the Cleric of Alemi.

Xenia does her best to not injure the Shields with the fireball and in doing so does not get the Shambler with it, but does get the six other orclets coming into the inn.

Save verses Fireball DC 13 ?

6 failed and 12 made it. All Lived, to Xenia's dismay.

Syr lands heavy blows on the Shambler and come away holding a branch. Syr sidesteps to make room for Tionels animals, but they do not take the opening. Syr steps into the path of six orclets.

The purple orclets swarm over Syr and they take up much less space than expected when they attack the much smaller elf.

AC 8, miss
AC 21, hit damage 2, DC 11 fort save or fall asleep
AC 20, hit damage 2, DC 11 fort save or fall asleep
AC 17, miss
AC 6, miss
AC 24, hit damage 3, DC 11 fort save or fall asleep

Wynn lands a nasty slash on the Shambler and leaves go flying. The six orclets that round on his side size him and Xenia and must decide that Wynn is larger and better tree food as they all attack him. The orclets are able to squeeze together and all attack Wynn, much to Xenia's horror.

AC 25, hit and critical AC 20 for 5 damage, DC 11 fort save or fall asleep.
AC 15 miss
AC 16 miss
AC 11 miss
AC 11 miss
AC 11 miss

Lang and Angus rain missiles down on the Shambler from the stairs of the normal and magical variety. The Shambler takes a step back from all the damage it has absorbed this round. It does not look in good shape.

The Shambler lashes out at the lion before it that just watched its brother ripped in half.

AC 28, hit for 14 damage
AC 13, miss

The lion ROARS in pain. Several of the children on the main floor scream when the lion roars.

Syr (55/62 AC19/18)  d20+8=15 d20+8=21 d20+8=16 d20+12=20 d20+12=25 d20+12=17 d20+7=16 d10+4=10 d10+4=8 d10+4=9
Friday June 17th, 2005 2:39:11 AM
As he is beset by the 6 orcs he shrugs off their blows, "Tionel, you are the nature guy, these plant-orcs are getting annoying! Is there anything we can do about them?" (Made saves 15,21,16)

Focusing on the mound still, the monk tries to grab another thick branch from it's torso. (Attack 20,25,16 Damage 10,8,9)

Belkior (AC 25 (21+4); HP 40) Bless  d20+2=3
Friday June 17th, 2005 9:18:24 AM
The halfling cleric continues to move towards the stairs, speaking words of comfort to the children standing beside him.

"Let's go upstairs to Happy. I may not be any taller than you two, but I'm going to be between you and those nasty things. I will protect both of you." However, a note of impatience may be heard in Belkior's voice.
Diplomacy = 3, natural 1

Hoping that the children will follow him, Belkior moves to the stairs. Belkior will stand between the children and any attacker, fighting with total defence.

Actions
Move = staying between the children and the monsters
Total Defence = +4 AC, no AoO possible

Items
Pearl of Power = used today

Active Effects
Bless = +1 attack, +1 saves vs. fear, 58 rounds

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic, Prayer, Searing Light (D - Cure Serious Wounds)
* = cast

Tionel (AC 16, hp 44/44 (modified in new form to 56/56)) 
Friday June 17th, 2005 12:09:12 PM
The thin elf bites the compulsion to start chewing on his nails. "Druid magic isn't working right..." he responds to Syr, peering at his sitting animals.
He wonders what he can do. Maybe...no, his hold animals spell won't work on these, they're plants. However weird they might act. His diminish plants spells affects only regular vegetation. Nothing will work.
Except...
Tionel crouches over, falling on his knees, as he follows natural instincts. His clothing almost seems to transform into black fur and his form grows, his face becoming a thick mask, his arms and legs becoming powerfully thick, as he takes on the form of a giant pig.

(Full round action to transform...hope everyone survives long enough...)

Spell list:
0: Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Cure Minor Wounds, Know Direction, Purify Food and Water.
1: Pass Without Trace (used up), Entangle, Charm Animals, Speak W/Animals.
2: Barkskin (used up), Bull's Strength, Lesser Restoration, Hold Animal.
3: Diminish Plantsx3. (1 used up)

(Btw, the air elementals are gone now)

DM JIM: Please roll attacks for your animial if you want them to attack!

Wynn (AC 19, 41/46 HP, Bless)  d20+5=20 d20+9=19 d8+3=8 d20+9=16 d20+9=25 d20+9=10 d20+9=11 d20+9=22 d20+9=19 d8+3=9 d8+3=7 d8+3=6 d8+3=8
Friday June 17th, 2005 12:18:05 PM
Wynn shrugs off any negative effects of the attack from the purple orclets[Fort=20]. Surrounded on all sides by the shambling mound and the six orclets he braces himself and springs into action, slashing his sword in a furious spinning action as he launches himself into the air [Whirlwind Attack - Hit AC 19 for 8 Dmg to the shambling mound and hit AC 16, 25, 10, 11, 22, and 19 for 9,7,6,and 8 HP damage to the 4 orclets I hit]

ADM JIM: Wynn you must roll and attack on each opponent. The orclets are AC 16. - BOB - I adjusted the post accordingly]

Yaaaugh! he cries out as he feels his sword strike home.

Xenia (AC20, HP 35/35)  d20+11=21 d6=4
Friday June 17th, 2005 1:17:09 PM
With a two handed swing, Xenia takes bash at the nearest thing standing between herself and Wynn. Then she gets back to back with him. "Head for the stairs?" she asks.

Rolls and Actions
Hit AC21
Damage 6hp (4*1.5 for wielding one handed weapon with two hands.)

Active Effects
Bless (58 rounds remaining)

Question
Aren't elves and half-elves immune to sleep magic?

ADM JIM: The ruling from our DM is that this is poison and effects elves. So no dice.

Angus (AC 14 with Mage Armor on; HP 24/25)  d20+3=14 3d4(2+2+2)+3=9 d20-1=13 4d6(3+2+3+2)=10
Friday June 17th, 2005 9:51:05 PM
Angus looks to see if any more of the purple Orcs are entering the building (spot 14). If the Shambling Mound is still standing then Angus will fire another magic missile at it (damage 9). If it has fallen, Angus will cast Scorching Ray at one of the uninjured Purple Orcs attacking Wynn (hit touch ac 14 w/Bless; damage 10).

Angus remains in his position on the stairs.

Active Spells:
Mage Armor (duration 6 hours)

Spell Slots (used/total):

0 level: 0 of 6
1 level: 3 or 4 of 8
2 level: 0 or 1 of 6
3 level: 1 of 4

Lang (ac 21; hp 52/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+6=17 d20+8=20 2d8(3+6)+12=21 d20+12=20
Friday June 17th, 2005 10:14:24 PM
Lang watches as the group rips apart the Shambling Mound, wishing he was down there finishing it off with his short swords. He turns his eyes towards all the purple orcs, smiling as he realizes there is still sonme more fun to be had.

Spot 17 on the battle for anything new.

Lang fires his bow at the Shambling Mound if it is still alive or at a Purple orc if it has died.

If they are within 30' (2 arrows at +8):
PBS Manyshot Hit AC 21 for 21 damage if Shambling Mound.
PBS Manyshot Hit AC 17 for 14 damage if Purple Orc.

If they are over 30' away (1 arrow at +12):
Hit AC 24 for 9 damage if Shambling Mound.
Hit AC 20 for 6 damage if Purple Orc.

OOC - above numbers adjusted for +1 bless, -4 for shooting into combat and 1/2 damage for piercing weapons against the orcs. I calculated half damage for my weapon damage, strength damage and weapon magic damage. I took full amount for Ranger favorite enemy.

"Come on Sunshine let's go."

Lang and Sunshine move down the stairs towards the Purple Orcs. As Lang moves he will draw his shortswords (Animal Handling 20).

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:60 
Monday June 20th, 2005 12:22:59 PM
(OOC:I'm really sorry everyone, RL really dragged me down the last few days. I know you needed Florin this whole time so once again sorry.)

Florin shakes his head and slams his foot down hard to get Jella's attention, "You know I care for you Jella and you know from hearing about it that I did my best to dig you out of that rubble alone. If your trying to hurt me with your words your doing a great job of it. If you can't be a big girl and try to help when things are getting hectic then stay here in this room. You should be safe and WE will finish this once I'm done helping my friends and trying to protect YOU and the others here."

Florin tries to give Jella's shoulder a gentle squeeze, getting on to her ripping at him but he HAS to help his friends so now after shutting the door to his room he quickly moves to help the others, readying his sword and shield as best he can as he moves, "Florin thinks as he moves and yells to his companions, "If there are kids in the celler a couple people need to fall back to the celler to protect them, us the smaller space to your advantage. Everyone else should move to the stairs where the orcs have to come less at a time."

Florin thinks over things and sighs, "I have oil in my backpack that can be used against the flesh eating vegitable there."

(OOC:Doing my best to get Florin ready to combat.)

ADM JIM: Battle at the Ghost Round 3  d20+6=23 d20+6=24 d20+6=13 d20+6=22 d20+6=24 d20+6=18 d20+6=23 d3+3=6 d3+3=6 d3+3=6 d3+3=6 d3+3=5 d20+6=11 d20+6=9 d20+6=23 d20+6=8 d20+6=20 d3+3=6 d3+3=5 d20+6=8 d20+6=10
Monday June 20th, 2005 7:17:46 PM
Wynns blade becomes a blur as he strikes out at all opponents around him, wreaking damage everywhere. Syr follows up Wynn's dancing blade attack on the Shambler and comes away with two branches this time. The Shambler shakes and attempts to reach out, but just falls into a pile of mulch.

OOC: Wynn is combating Orclets 7 - 12 now with more moving in. Wynn hit orclet 7, 8, 11, and 12. Syr is being attacked by Orclets 1 - 6 with more moving in. Orclets 13 and 14 will be attacking Wynn, with 15 attacking Xenia. Orclet 16 is going to help the Syr battle with 17 and 18 looking for softer targets past Syr. All orclets have taken some sort of fire damage.

Lang sees the Shambler fall apart and sends three arrows at orclet 8 knocking it to the ground.

Xenia goes to protect her love and stabs orclet 7 and it is very damaged now.

Angus just hits Orclet 9 and piles on the fire damage and it goes down is a charred heap.

Tionel turns into a large pig and his two bears and lion turn to it looking for direction. The lion turns its nose up at the stinking pile of dead Shambler.

Belkior gets two of the kids moving, but the are real scared. There are animals and plant monster showing up all over the place. The kids latch onto the Cleric of Alemi, but there seems to be one missing.

There is a child at the top of the celler steps that sees two orclets round Syr and head for him. THe boy runs back down the stairs.

Other hiding kids make for the stairs up.

Florin admonishes his daughter and whimpers but is quite. FLorin closes her in their room, but as he heads to go downstairs, he sees her standing in the doorway, getting ready to follow.

Syr Attack

AC 23, hit 6 damage
AC 24, hit 6 damage
AC 13, miss
AC 22, hit 6 damage
AC 24, hit 6 damage
AC 18, miss
AC 23, hit 5 damage

The orclets swarm over Syr and he is no longer visible. The orclet claws are visibly red with blood.

Syr must make 5 DC 11 poison saves or fall asleep.

Five orclets close on Wynn:

AC 11, miss
AC 9, miss
AC 23, hit 6 damage
AC 8, miss
AC 20, hit 5 damage

Wynn move as fast as his blade and only two strike home. Two DC 11 saves needed or fall asleep.

Two orclets head to Xenia:

AC 8, miss
AC 10, miss

The orclets are not prepared for the quick rouge and launch poor attacks.

Plant parts litter the GG as orclets are cut up and vines and flowers are trampled.

Wynn (AC 19, 30/46 HP, Bless)  d20+5=17 d20+5=15 d20+9=17 d20+9=23 d20+9=11 d20+9=17 d20+9=20 d8+3=8 d8+3=11 d8+3=10 d8+3=11
Monday June 20th, 2005 10:18:33 PM
Wynn shrugs off the attacks from the surrounding orclets [Fort=17 and 15] and launches into yet another spinning flurry of blades. Again he strikes home and cuts deep into several of the maurading plant-like creatures [Whirlwind Attack - Hit AC=17,23,11,17,20 for 8,11,10,11 HP].

Wynn can't help but notice how easily Xenia evaded her adversary's attacks, but the bard grows worried about Syr, who seems overwhelmed by the orclets. "Hang on Syr! Help is coming" Wynn casts his eyes to his friends, "Help Syr if you can, Xenia and I will make short work of these stinking eggplants!"

Angus (AC 14 with Mage Armor on; HP 24/25)  d20+3=21 d20-1=12 4d6(6+5+3+2)=16
Monday June 20th, 2005 10:33:50 PM
A loud "Yes!" escapes from Angus's mouth as the Shambling Mound falls to the ground into a pile of rotting sticks and leaves.

Angus looks over the battle scene to see who is in the most trouble (spot 21). Unsure of what is going on, he sticks with his current game plan of attacking the largest mass of purple Orcs and casts another Scorching Ray. This time targeting an Orc attacking Syr.

Hit touch ac 13 w/Bless; 16 damage).

Angus holds his position on the stairs.

Active Spells:
Mage Armor (duration 6 hours)

Spell Slots (used/total):

0 level: 0 of 6
1 level: 3 of 8
2 level: 2 of 6
3 level: 1 of 4

Lang (ac 21; hp 52/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+6=14 d20+13=30 d6+3=9 d20+7=10 d20+12=21
Monday June 20th, 2005 10:47:11 PM
As the Shambling mound crumbles to the floor into a pile of mulch, it reveals to Lang as he is moving towards the battle, Orcs heading towards some unprotected and defenseless children (spot 14). Lang and Sunshine move past the fighting involving the rest of the Shields and close on the 2 Orcs, giving them something a little more dangerous than defenseless orphans to worry about.

Lang standard attack hit AC 31 w/Bless; damage 8 (9/2 = 4 +4 = 8).

Sunshine standard attack hit AC 11 w/Bless; damage none.

Animal Handling 21.

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider

Xenia (AC20, Dodge vs Nearest Orclet, HP 35/35)  d20+11=18 d6=4 d20+16=23
Monday June 20th, 2005 11:04:46 PM
"Aaaaaaaaah-AH!" Xenia whacks at another purple orclet with an overhand swing.

"Gotcha, Wynn!" The slim rogue uses the back swing of her mace to turn her body, and she throws the momentum into a spring away from the attacking orclets. Tucking into a roll, she rises up behind one of the little purple monsters, providing Syrdeth with some flanking distraction.

Rolls and Actions
Hit AC11
Damage 4hp
Tumble 23 (Mobility also adds +4 to AoO from movement. AC Becomes 24)

Active Effects
Bless (57 rounds remaining)

Belkior (AC 25 (21+4); HP 40) Bless  d20+6=22 d4=2
Tuesday June 21st, 2005 7:42:54 AM
The halfling cleric calmly tells the children clinging to his shoulders, "Go up the stairs, I'll be right behind you, keeping these things away from you."

IF the children let him loose, Belkior turns and moves to interpose himself between the approaching orclets and the child on the basement stairs. As he moves he works his fingers through the loop on the end of his mace and pulls it from his belt.

When he reaches the orclets, Belkior makes a looping overhand swing at the closer one with his mace and screams, "Leave him alone!". Belkior's swing connects with the shiny pate of the purple orclet, doing only slight damage but hopefully attracting it's attention.

Actions
Move = to interpose himself between orclets and child on basement stairs
Free = draw weapon
Attack = hit AC 22, for 2 pts blunt

Items
Pearl of Power = used today

Active Effects
Bless = +1 attack, +1 saves vs. fear, 57 rounds

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic, Prayer, Searing Light (D - Cure Serious Wounds)
* = cast


Syr (31/62 AC19/18) Bless,zzzzzzzzzz  d20+8=10 d20+8=28 d20+8=12 d20+8=9 d20+8=12
Tuesday June 21st, 2005 1:09:33 PM
As the very first blow lands, the elf begins to feel his eyelids drooping. He fights to stay awake but the orcs continue to swarm over him. As the poison begins flowing through his veins, he surrenders to it's power and barely feels the last blows that land on his body.

ADM JIM: Battle at the Ghost Round 4  d20+6=15 d20+6=22 d20+6=9 d4+3=4 d20+6=26 d20+6=15 d20+6=20 d4+3=4 d20+6=11 d20+6=20 d3+3=4 d20+6=25 d20+6=21 d20+6=26 d20+6=8 d3+3=5 d3+3=4 d20+6=26 d20+6=21 d20+6=21 d3+3=4 d3+3=6 d3+3=4
Tuesday June 21st, 2005 9:06:24 PM
OOC: We are in combat folks, missing post is not healthy for the group.

==========================

Wynn and his dancing blade carve up orclets left and right. Wynn only faces 3 orclets now and they all look shaky, but are still coming.

AC 15, miss
AC 22, hit 4 damage
AC 9 miss

One DC 11 fort save or sleep.

Xenia tumbles away and slashes at the two attempting to make her fertilizer, but it is a monor wound. They press the attack.

AC 26, not critical 4 damage
AC 20, miss

One DC 11 fort save or sleep

Syr must make a DC 11 save for all the saves he failed or sleep for an additional 10 minute. The first fail is for one minute.

Angus eliminates one of Syr orclets as it dies to his ray of fire.

Two orclets pick up Syr and head for the door. The remaining 4 head for over targets: 2 to the lion, and 2 to the pig.

Tionel under attack:

AC 11, miss
AC 20, hit damage 4

DC 11 fort save or fall asleep.

The two bears and lion look to the pig for guidance, but it gives none.

The Lion is hit twice and fails one save and falls asleep. The lion takes an additional 9 damage and appears to scowl at the pig as it falls asleep.

Belkior convince the kids hanging on him to make a run for the stairs up and the do. Happy is at the top of the stair urging them on. "Come on! Hurry!"

Lang, Sunshine and Belkior bravely attempt to save the kids by and in the celler. The shields do just that and interpose themselves between the plants and the kids. Land and Belkior each damage the already burned orclets, but neither drops.

Two orclets attack Lang

AC 26 hit and critical 10 damage
AC 21 hit 4 damage

DC 11 fort save or fall asleep.

Florin is full of indecision and stays at the top of the stairs watching his daughter and the battle below.

Angus (AC 14 with Mage Armor on; HP 24/25)  d20+3=7 d20+3=12 4d6(4+3+2+4)=13
Tuesday June 21st, 2005 9:38:05 PM
"Not so fast!" Angus says as the 2 purple creatures start to move away with Syr in their arms (spot 7). Angus aims and fires off a Scorching Ray at the lead Orc that is carrying Syr hoping that when the Orc dies the other one will drop Syr.

Hit touch ac 13 w/Bless; 13 damage).

"Hurry up they are trying to take Syr away!".

Angus moves to the bottom of the stairs.

Active Spells:
Mage Armor (duration 6 hours)

Spell Slots (used/total):

0 level: 0 of 6
1 level: 3 of 8
2 level: 3 of 6
3 level: 1 of 4

Lang (ac 21; hp 38/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+7=15 d20+7=19 d20+11=29 d20+11=31 d20+6=20 d20+6=25 d20+11=27 d20+6=17 d6+3=7 d6+3=7 d6+3=4 d6+3=5 d20+12=27 d20+7=27 d20+7=13 d6+5=6
Tuesday June 21st, 2005 10:03:13 PM
Lang responds with renewed energy after the Orcs injure him and Angus yells out for help for Syr. Lang swings his short swords, almost too quick for the eye to see (saves 15 & 19).

Right Arm hit AC 30 w/ Bless; damage (7/2 = 3+4 = 7).
Left Arm hit AC 32 w/ Bless; damage (7/2 = 3+4 = 7).
Right Arm hit AC 21 w/ Bless; damage (4/2 = 2+4 = 6).
Left Arm hit AC 26 w/ Bless; damage (5/2 = 2+4 = 6).

OOC -- ignore 27 & 17 rolls for critical as these creatures are immune to criticals.

OOC -- if one Orc falls will attack the other with remaining attacks. If both Orcs fall Lang will move 5' closer towards Syr.

Lang points to the approaching Orc and says "Attack!", commanding Sunshine (Animal Handling 27) to attack the evil plant creature.

Sunshine standard attack hit AC 28 w/Bless; damage 6/2 = 3.

Sunshine immediately follows up his successful bite attack with a trip attempt on the purple Orc.

Sunshine's trip attack roll of 9, failing in his attempt.

OOC -- 13 roll should have been at +3 not +7 for trip.

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider

OOC: As you pointed out, the Orc that is heading your direction is smoldering from Angus scorching ray and it dies at Sunshines feet.

Wynn (AC 19, 26/46 HP, Bless)  d20+5=11 d20+9=24 d20+9=25 d20+9=16 d8+3=7 d8+3=4 d8+3=11
Tuesday June 21st, 2005 10:17:55 PM
Wynn shakes his head as the poison courses through his body and barely manages to fight off it's effects. Realizing that Syr is in trouble and needs their assistance the bard gathers his strength for what he hopes to be a final attack on the remaining orclets [Hit AC=24,25,and 16, for 7,4 and 11 HP]

Xenia (AC20, HP 31/35)  d20+3=6 d20+11=23 d6=5
Tuesday June 21st, 2005 10:52:51 PM
Xenia's mouth becomes a round "O" of horror as Syr slips to the floor. As the nearest one stoops to scoop up the fallen elf, Xenia clubs at it from behind.

Then she feels a cut from the side. The Wold gets soft and warm.

"Wynn?" calls a voice from far away. It sounds kinda sorta like her own. She blinks her eyes to stay awake, but the floor just keeps coming up for her until she's ...

Rolls and Actions
AoO Hit AC23, Damage 5hp
Fortitude Save 6

Active Effects
Bless (56 rounds remaining)
Asleep (10 rounds remaining)

Question: Xenia tumbled to a position one of the Orclets from Syr. Wouldn't she get an AoO from one of the Orclet's tha bend to pick him up?

ADM JIM: I will give you and AoO, standard attack, on the rear of the two orclets hoisting Syr up, before the sandman strikes Xenia down.

Tionel (AC 13, hp 50/50 in bear form)  d20+7=27 d20+7=18 d4=4 d20+8=28 d20+7=10 d20+2=11
Wednesday June 22nd, 2005 5:39:17 AM
Why won't his animals attack the plants?? They're supposed to! Automatically! He doesn't even have to command them, heck, he can't command them, since he can't speak animal tongues. At least they're targets...
Syr!!! Tionel's heart races... BUt he can't do anything about it, there's two orcs upon him! He turns to one of them and attempts to savage it.
(Claw attack at #1: Natural 20, threatens 18, but these are plants so it might not work... if not, it does 8 damage, and I think my other two attacks in this form missed. (AC 10 and AC 11) )

(fortitude save DC 11: 28 made)

ADM JIM: Tionel, you are responsible for the actions of your creature. You must roll for them.

Belkior (AC 25 (21+4); HP 40) Bless  d20+5=8 d20+5=16 d4=2
Wednesday June 22nd, 2005 7:42:03 AM
The halfling cleric continues to stand beside Lang, protecting the child huddling on the stairs to the basement. He notices the two orcs lifting and carrying Syr out, but doesn't notice Xenia falling to the floor.
Spot = 8

Since Lang and Sunshine seem to be capable of holding off the two orclets, Belkior will move to rescue Syr from the orclets carrying him. He will move by the orclets, accepting the possibility of an attack but trusting in his armor and fortitude to save him.

When he gets close to the orclets, Belkior will swing his light mace at the back of the nearer one, hoping to drop it and slow the other one. He manages to land a blow on the orclet's purple skin, again doing a small amount of damage.
Hit AC 16 + 1 (Bless), 2 damage blunt

Actions
Move = to orclets carryign Syr
Attack = hit AC 17, for 2 pts blunt

Items
Pearl of Power = used today

Active Effects
Bless = +1 attack, +1 saves vs. fear, 56 rounds

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic, Prayer, Searing Light (D - Cure Serious Wounds)
* = cast



Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:60  d20+5=25
Wednesday June 22nd, 2005 9:53:24 AM
(OOCLSorry about yesterdays post. I was waiting for our computer to finish it's defragmenting and fell asleep.)

(OOC:Jim, how far is it from the stiars where Florin is to the floor? I know you can fall so far without taking falling damage.)

Florin frowns when he sees Jella leaving the room and speaks quickly to her, "I'm trying to save you from the dangers of whats going on out here. Look below at whats going on. These our my friends and I have to help them. There fighting for everyones lives in here. Now do as I say Jella please and stay in the room or atleast up here." Florin is dearly hoping the Jella will realize more when she sees the fighting below. Figures that truely seeing it may prove to her how serious this is.

If the floor looks to be a safe distance and he has a clear landing area or he won't break no bones, etc from this height then Florin will swing himself over the side and jump to the floor. (Ref:25 *nat 20* for keeping his footing)

Florin takes in the situations once he is on the main floor with the fighting and calls to Syr, "Coming to help Syr, sorry I'm late." Florin holds his sword and shield tightly as he glares holes in the purple piglets around Syr and calls out to them, "Hey piglets, why not try a fresh person. Or did the sow of a mother of yours give you chicken blood."

Syr (31/62 AC19/18) Bless,zzzzzzzzzz  d20+8=16 d20+8=13
Wednesday June 22nd, 2005 11:59:33 AM
His mind foggy, Syr struggles to regain conciousness. As the orcs move to carry him away, he manages a weak moan (made next two saves, only out 1 minute).

ADM JIM: Battle at the Ghost Combat round5  d20+6=9 d20+6=21 d20+6=22 d20+6=11 d20+6=8
Wednesday June 22nd, 2005 7:47:37 PM
Florin again attempts to reason with his daughter as he watches the Shield locked in mortal combat. Florin realizes that the jump would not be prudent and opts for the stairs. Florin dodges kids running up the stairs screaming. Florin will be able to engage foes next round.

============================

Wynn's blade deals out death again as two orclets drop. The last looks hurt but unconcerns, as there is fertilizer in front of it.

AC 9, miss

Lang frees up Belkior as he chops the two orclets in front of him into more manageble pieces.

Belkior charges forward and lands a weak blow on one of the two orclets holding Syr. Reflex save of 21 and 22, the orclets ignore Belkior's damage and Angus's fire as the two head out of the Ghost carrying Syr.

Xenia is at Belkior's feet, sound asleep, but with two orclets picking her up and preparing to follow Syr.

Tionel tusks one of the orclets, but the two facing the pig claw back, but to no avail.

AC 11, miss
AC 8, miss

The two orclets by the lion attempt to move it but are unsucessful, they pause and all of a sudden 4 more orclets appear in the former doorway.

The two bears wait to attack again.

OOC: Tionel, please roll to attack if you so choose.

Angus (AC 14 with Mage Armor on; HP 24/25)  d20+3=17 6d6(4+1+5+4+2+5)=21
Wednesday June 22nd, 2005 9:26:34 PM
Angus is not happy that his Scorching Ray did not kill the plant creature (spot 17). He is even more unhappy as the 2 purple scum head out the opening carrying his trusted friend Syr. Just as Angus decides to give chase, 4 more enter the doorway. Well at least they are conveniently grouped for me. Reaching into the arsenal located in his head, Angus casts a lightning bolt, targeting the 4 new Orcs.

Lightning bolt damage 21/10 with save DC 19.

"You must hurry! They have taken Syr away!".

Angus moves towards the opening in the wall.

Active Spells:
Mage Armor (duration 6 hours)

Spell Slots (used/total):

0 level: 0 of 6
1 level: 3 of 8
2 level: 3 of 6
3 level: 2 of 4

Matt C. 
Wednesday June 22nd, 2005 9:31:15 PM
Did the Scorching Ray hit the Orc and it lived or did it miss? Remember it is touch AC for S.R.

ADM JIM: ANgus hit the orclet and it lived, barely. It made its reflex roll not to drop Syr.

Wynn (AC 19, 26/46 HP, Bless)  d20+9=21 d20+9=25 d8+3=4 d8+3=5
Wednesday June 22nd, 2005 10:27:14 PM
Wynn watches the two orclets drop before him with grim satisfaction when he catches sight of two more trying to carry Xenia away just behind him. He turns and slashes at the two of them [I assume it was only a 5-foot step as Xenia was flanking with me earlier]

"Sana Sina K'sherea", "Take that evil ones" he cries out in elvish as he rips his sword across their bodies. [Hit AC=21 and 25 for 4 and 5 HP]

ADM JIM: Note there is still one orclet on Wynn, and Xenia tumbled last turn, and she is at least 10 feet away, so you can slash one orclet.

Lang (ac 21; hp 38/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+6=21 d20+12=22
Wednesday June 22nd, 2005 10:28:19 PM
Having dispatched his immediate enemies, Lang takes a quick moment to survey the battle scene (spot 21). Seeing the Orcs run off with Syr, Lang quickly casts the spell Longstrider. As he is casting his spell he sees the Orcs enter the building, quickly followed by a Lightning Bolt from his companion Angus.

Sunshine "Heel!"

"Florin we need you! They are trying to take Xenia and have already taken Syr!"

Lang then moves towards the opening, engaging the 4 Orcs if they are still alive or moving through the opening to try and catch the Orcs carrying Syr (movement 40').

Animal Handling (22).

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours)

Xenia (AC15, HP 31/35) 
Wednesday June 22nd, 2005 10:51:14 PM
Rough purple hands lift the limp form of the red-headed rogue. Her head lolls on her neck as the orclets try to make off with her.

Rolls and Actions
Sleep

Active Effects
Bless (55 rounds remaining)
Asleep (9 rounds remaining)

Tionel (AC 16, hp 46/50 in bear form)  d20+5=12 d8=4 d20+7=17 d20+7=21 d4=3 d4=1 d20+2=6 d20+6=17 d20+6=17 d4=2 d4=4 d20+1=9 d20+6=22 d20+6=26 d20+6=9 d4=3 d4=3 d20+1=16 d6=5
Thursday June 23rd, 2005 8:01:20 AM
Tionel snorts.
(My apologies about my last attack, made some mistakes about the rolling and stuff, accidentally giving Tionel the stats of a different animal...he still would have hit on the first attack, just wouldn't have had more attacks)
He barrels his tusks into the orc he hit last round, trying to tear him to pieces. However, he misses.
THe lion roars and bursts into action, attempting to claw the orcs who are trying to move it. (AC 17 and AC 21, 8 and 6 damage respectively on the claws) Its mouth goes wide due to its roar, but perhaps that shakes the bears into action.
They two black bears stand on their legs and move to take on the orcs facing Tionel. The first one slaps at the one Tionel hit twice (AC 17 6 damage, AC 17 6 damage) and misses it with its bite (AC 9), while the other one attacks the other orc twice (AC 22 and AC 26 crit uncomfirmed, damages 7 and 7) and tries to chomp into its shoulder as well (AC 16, 7 damage if successful).

(The bears are around 3 more Tionel rounds, the lion 2 more.)

Belkior (AC 25 (21+4); HP 40) Bless  d20+6=16 d4=4 d20+6=21 d4=2
Thursday June 23rd, 2005 8:27:13 AM
OOC Some conditional things here since I'm uncertain whether Belkior can keep up with the orclets, among other things.

The halfling cleric takes a swing at the back of the orclet as it continues to carry away Syr. Belkior's light mace lands with a muchy thump, hopefully dropping the orclet.
AoO = hit AC 16, 4 hps blunt

If the two continue to carry away Syr, Belkior will keep pace and continue to rain blows upon them. He lands another light blow upon the back of the orclet.
Hit AC 21, 2 pts blunt. If Belkior could not keep up / catch the orcs or if doing so meant going through the group of soon-to-be electrifried orclets in the door, Belkior will be swinging at the orclets lifting Xenia. That would include the AoO, too.

Actions
AoO = hit AC 16, 4 pts blunt
Move = to keep up with orclets carrying Syr
Attack = hit AC 21, for 2 pts blunt

Items
Pearl of Power = used today

Active Effects
Bless = +1 attack, +1 saves vs. fear, 55 rounds

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic, Prayer, Searing Light (D - Cure Serious Wounds)
* = cast


Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:60  d20+12=22 d20+7=8 d8+5=10
Thursday June 23rd, 2005 10:48:48 AM
Florin rushes down the stairs as quickly as possibly, doing his best not to knock kids down as he does. Once he reaches the bottom of the stairs he judges the best course of action for himself.

If he can reach to help Syr then he will, if not then he will move towards any orc/s in that direction, "I'll try and help Syr, Wynn you got things handled with Xenia over there?....good job Belkior, try slowing those orcs down as much as possible, I'm coming to help." Florin also uses his gift of detect evil so he can know if his smite evil might be of use.

(Just in case Florin can reach something, if not then I guess he can hold this attack for when he does reach something. Can hit AC:22/8(nat:1) Damage:10/miss)

ADM JIM: Battle at the Ghost, Combat Round 6  d20+6=7 d20+6=13 d20+6=23 d20+6=17 d20+6=19 d20+6=15 d20+6=24 d3+3=4 d20+6=24 d3+3=6
Thursday June 23rd, 2005 1:22:39 PM
Belkior rushes after Syr and just gets out the door before the four orclets block the entrance.

Belkior sees many more orclets up and down the street, they are roveing in bands of 4 or 5 and seem to be helping those orclets that have put prey to sleep. None of the orclets make any sound.

Belkior swings at one of the orclets carrying Syr, the burnt one, and it falls to the ground under his blow. Syr topples to the ground. DC 11 to wake up.

The orclet that is still up turns to face Belkior. All of a sudden several more down the street seem to take notice that prey has fallen and are moving in Belkior's direction.

=====================

The four new orclets just enter the Inn and are blasted by a lightning bolt. One creature avoids some of the blast, two drop in spasms, and a third does not look good at all. The two active orclets are stopped by Lang's and Sunshine's movement.

The two orclets attack Lang, but are not effective.

AC 19, miss
AC 15, miss

Wynn leaves one orclet to attempt to help Xenia.

AoO attack

AC 24, hit, 4 damage DC 11 fort save or sleep.

The orclet follows Wynn

Normal Attack:

AC 24, hit damage 6, DC 11 fort save or sleep.

Wynn strikes out at one of the orclets hold Xenia and drops her as he feels his body start to fight the poison.

The orclet dies and the other drops Xenia. DC 11 save to wake up.

Tionel's two bears help him attack and finish off the two orclets in front of his pig form.

The two orclets by the lion are attempting to move it and are doing so very slowly, it looks like they need four more to be effective. The lion snores and does not roar.

Florin joins the battle and strikes at the orclet that raked Wynn and wounds it terrible.

===================

Map comming

Xenia - OoC 
Thursday June 23rd, 2005 1:28:27 PM
What are the Saves to Wake up? Fortitude or Will?

Xenia (AC16 Dodge vs Orclet in G9, HP 31/35)  d20+3=23 d20+9=25 d6=3
Thursday June 23rd, 2005 2:31:40 PM
*BUMP*

*ow* huh? WAH!

Xenia comes instantly awake taking in the figures of Wynn and the purple orclet framed against the ceiling. Her rogue's mind puts Two and Two together, subtracts the spatial differences and comes up with a sum that says she's lying on the floor.

Her heart tells her to go to Wynn, but her training says she'd be more use rolling the other way to flank the orclet. Xenia listens to her training. The mace is somewhere on the floor, so her hand goes for her rapier, slashing upward from hands and knees to cut a thin purple line in the orclet's side.

Rolls and Actions
Save 23 (Rolled with the Lower. Nat 20!)
Draw rapier and Attack from Prone
Hit AC23, Damage 3hp (-4 for Prone, +2 for Flanking, +1 for Bless)

Position and Movement
Five Foot Crawl to F8
Flanking to Wynn vs Orclet in G9

Active Effects
Bless (54 rounds remaining)

Wynn (AC 19, 16/46 HP, Bless)  d20+5=20 d20+5=21 d20+11=22 d20+9=21 d20+9=25 d8+3=4 d8+3=7 d8+3=6
Thursday June 23rd, 2005 5:55:14 PM
Wynn groans under the pain that shoot through his torso as the orclet slashes across his back. Undeterred [Fort saves = 20 and 21] he once again carves a complete circle with his longsword using every ounce of his remaining strength and notes with grim satisfaction the hissing sound of his blade slicing through the orclets.

[Whirlwind Attack, Hit AC=22(flanked w/ Xenia), 21 and 25 for 4,7, and 6 HP OOC: not sure if there are 2 or 3 orclets in melee range)



Syr (47/62 AC19/18) Bless  d20+8=18
Thursday June 23rd, 2005 7:53:50 PM
Syr drops to the ground as the orc carrying him falls over, "Uhhh". He rises slightly groggy and feeling pain all over his body. Taking a moment, he heals his wounds (heal 16) while he asseses the situation. "Everyone back inside, we must protect the children, I'll be fine!" At the last he cringes slightly, recalling only one other time in his life when he felt so helpless. He takes a quick look around the street before stepping inside the Ghost.

Belkior (AC 21; HP 40) Bless  d20+6=14 d4=2
Thursday June 23rd, 2005 9:16:55 PM
The halfling cleric stands beside Syr, watching the elven monk awaken from his slumber. "Get up, Syr! I'll be right behind you!"

Trying to create some breathing room, Belkior swings at the orclet. He barely connects and his arm is tiring.

Belkior steps back towards the door, keeping his attention on the orclet standing over Syr and the others approaching. Unless, of course, his swing was enough to drop the orclet. Then Belkior will try to get back into the Ghost.

Actions
Attack = hit AC 14, for 2 pts blunt
Move = 5' shift from c9 to d10

Items
Pearl of Power = used today

Active Effects
Bless = +1 attack, +1 saves vs. fear, 54 rounds

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic, Prayer, Searing Light (D - Cure Serious Wounds)
* = cast


Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:60  d20+12=13 d20+7=13
Thursday June 23rd, 2005 10:00:54 PM
Florin continues moving to help his friends out, fighting the nearest orcs as he moves and is happy that Xenia's necklace of fireballs weakened the enemy down so much. However his next two swings at his enemies makes him frown as he seems to be off in his swings this time badly.

Florin calls over to Xenia as they fight to save the kids and everyone, "We really have to get another of those necklaces Xenia or something just as useful." Florin thinks and grins as a thought comes to mind and he scans the room to see how many enemies are left.

ONLY if the group is still out numbered badly Florin thinks and calls out mentally, "Come Ajax, a noble fight awaits, what we were born for my noble friend. Let us fight together once more."

(Can hit AC:13(nat:1 again!)/13 Damage:miss/miss)

Lang (ac 21; hp 38/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+11=20 d6+3=9 d20+12=15 d20+7=22 d6+5=9 d20+3=13 d20+11=25 d20+6=15 d20+6=8 d6+3=5 d6+3=7 d20+6=8
Thursday June 23rd, 2005 10:56:45 PM
Lang ,distracted by the Orcs attacking him, cannot see where Belkior and Syr are at this point (spot 8). Hoping Belkior can hold his own for a few moments, Lang decides to try to clear out the room in the Giggling Ghost of any live Purple Orcs so that there is a safe retreat location.

Lang swings his Short Sword at the plant scum standing in front of him. "Sunshine attack", Lang says commanding Sunshine to engage the other Orc in front of them (Animal Handling 15). Sunshine hesitates momentarily, then sinks his teeth into the Orc with a vicious bite. Using his bite for leverage, Sunshine then twists his body into the Orc, tripping it to the ground.

Lang hit AC 21 w/ Bless; damage 9/2 = 4 + 4 = 8.
Sunshine hit AC 23 w/ Bless; damage 9/2 = 4 + 4 = 8.
Sunshine Trip 14 w/ Bless; I think successful as these guys would need 18+ strength or dexterity to avoid.

If any of the 3 Orcs within range are still alive Lang will finish his full round attack action swinging at them. If they are dead at that point, he will 5' move towards the 2 Orcs attempting to lift the tiger.

Lang hit AC 26 w/ Bless; damage 5/2 = 2 + 4 = 6.
Lang hit AC 16 w/ Bless; damage 7/2 = 3 + 4 = 7.
Lang hit AC 9 w/ Bless; damage none

If the 3 Orcs are dead after Lang and Sunshine's standard action then they will move towards the 2 Orcs attempting to lift the tiger (move action up to 40').

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours)

Angus (AC 14 with Mage Armor on; HP 24/25)  d20+3=23 d4=2 d20+3=7
Thursday June 23rd, 2005 11:09:23 PM
Angus is a little concerned by the 2 Purple Orcs by the lion. Knowing that the lion will disappear soon, Angus decides to hold his spot near the bottom of the stairs in case he needs to make a hasty retreat.

But still wanting to make an impact this round, Angus draws his sling and launches a sling bullet at one of those Orcs.

Sling hit AC 24 (critical 8) w/ Bless; damage 2.

Active Spells:
Mage Armor (duration 6 hours)

Spell Slots (used/total):

0 level: 0 of 6
1 level: 3 of 8
2 level: 3 of 6
3 level: 2 of 4

Tionel (AC 16, hp 46/50)  d20+7=25 d8=7 d20+6=20 d20+6=25 d4=1 d4=1
Friday June 24th, 2005 12:30:59 PM
The lion snores on, though pushing it around does make it growl in its sleep unhappily.
(I'm sorry, my computer does not have excel, so I could not look at the map...my other computer is at my dad's, being worked on)

He motions and grunts, and the two bears move with him to attack the orcs just blasted by hte lightning bolt. He tears into the first one with his tusks (7 damage), and each of the bears gets one good swing at the orclets standing. (5 damage to the 1st one if still standing or to the second one if not after Tionel's hit, and the other did 5 damage to the second one.)

ADM JIM: Battle at the Ghost, combat round 7  d20+6=20 d20+6=26 d20+6=16 d3+3=4 d3+3=4
Friday June 24th, 2005 1:06:40 PM
The Crimson shields all leap into action, slashing and hacking and biting at foes. There are purple orclet parts littering the area around the fallen Shambler. There are also large droplets of human and elf blood among the leaves and vine covering the floor of the inn.

The combined force of Wynn, Xenia (after a real big yawn) and Florin drop the remaining orclets by them. The same is true for the orclets in the doorway. Sunshine knocks one of its feet and Lang, the big pig and the bears finish off the least scorched orclet. Lang had to give way to make room for the creatures.

The only two remaining orclets in the Inn are the two by the snoring lion.

Those two orclets take up a defensive position over their large lump of tawny fertilizer and seem to be waiting with claws up and weaving.

=======================

Syr regains his sences and cures himself. The orclet next to him is not pleased with the awakening of his plant fertilizer and launches into a full attack.

OOC: I have just realized that the orclets get two claw attacks for their full attack.

AC 20, hit for 4 damage
AC 26, failed critical, for 4 damage

The prone monk once again feels the poison from the orclets claws seep into his veins. DC 11 fort save or fall back asleep.

Belkior and Syr see the various plants in the street start to pay attention to them and move toward the inn's entrance, as if drawn by some force or knowledge.

====================

OOC:

Map coming.

Please do not make me guess your position, please post it.

Please post time elasped for spells and a spell list with those used.



Xenia (AC16 Dodge vs Orclet in G9, HP 31/35)  d20+12=13 d20+17=28
Friday June 24th, 2005 3:55:42 PM
Xenia clutches the hilt of her rapier in two hands. Her chest heaves as she pivots slowly on the balls of her feet.

Gone. They're gone. Well mostly. For now. Time to breath. Breathe more slowly.

Wynn! "Oh Wynn!" Xenia springs to her feet. His poor body is torn and rent. Still, he stands so tall, sword ready.

Just a step and the girl rogue is by his side. Wordlessly, she presses a potion into his hand. She need say noithing. Her eyes speak for her. All those poor cuts and bruises.

"The boy! I saw someone go downstairs!" Xenia hurries to the cellar door. "C'mon up," she shouts. "It's all clear! Hello! It's alright, honey. You can come up now."

Then, carefully she listens.

Rolls and Actions
Hand Wynn CMW.
Listen 13 (Nat 1)
Spot 28

Position and Movement
Moving toward the Stiars Down.
Realistically, now at K5

Active Effects
Bless (53 rounds remaining)

Wynn (AC 19, 24/46 HP, Bless)  2d8(1+4)+3=8
Friday June 24th, 2005 5:39:12 PM
Wynn allows his sword arm to drop and he accepts the potion from Xenia. He gives her a grim smile before she goes after the young boy and drinks back teh curing elixer (CMW=8hp).

"Barricade the doors and windows!" he cries out to whoever is listening. "We have to keep them out."

Position: H-10

Spells: Cure light wounds, disguise self, sleep

Affects: Bless-from Belkior (53 rounds remain)


Belkior (AC 21; HP 40) Bless  d20+6=14 d4=4
Friday June 24th, 2005 9:34:18 PM
OOC - JimF, I had posted to only make a 5' shift to d10 if the orclet was still standing, mainly to avoid an AoO.

The halfling cleric swings his mace at the purple orc again, hoping to knock it to the ground. Belkior's swing barely hits the purple orc.

Hoping that he has created an opportunity for Syr to act, Belkior moves back towards the doorway. Standing in the middle of the ruins of the inn's doorway, Belkior fishes a wand from his haversack.

"We're trying to get in, Wynn! But we can't leave anyone outside!"

Position
d11

Actions
Attack = hit AC 14, for 4 pts blunt
Free = 5' shift from d10 to d11
Move Equivalent = retrieve Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds from HHHaversack

Items
Pearl of Power = used today

Active Effects
Bless = +1 attack, +1 saves vs. fear, 53 rounds

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic, Prayer, Searing Light (D - Cure Serious Wounds)
* = cast



Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:60 
Friday June 24th, 2005 10:02:32 PM
(OOC:Jim, I'm having some problems with email so can not see the map. I'm really sorry.)

Florin thinks of how this situation is going and thinks over the various locations before calling to Xenia and the others, The landing upstairs should be a decent place to fight from where the kids can be safely back from combat and that celler would be esy to defend also."

Florin looks to everyone and nods before going on with his thoughts, "It will take to long to get the kids in one place so we will have to split up and cover both while using the terrain to our advantage. We have only those orcs over there for now so this is a good time to get positioned and ready for the next attack since one is probably coming."

Florin pulls one of his quivers of arrows off his backpack and tosses it to Lang, "Here, your one of our best archers so being upstairs would probably be one of the best places for you so you can help weaken the enemy down as they come in. Anyone else that is a decent shot wth a missi;e weapon should be upstairs to to help weaken the enemies down as they come in."

Florin yells out to Syr as he continues with his plans, "Syr! you going to beable to make it back in here? I'm going to need your help guarding the kid/s in the celler when more enemies come."

Angus (AC 14 with Mage Armor on; HP 24/25)  d20+3=11 d20+3=20 d4=3
Saturday June 25th, 2005 9:05:36 AM
Angus sees the group starting to organize a retreat up the stairs (spot 11). He realizes that more of the enemy must be coming from the outside and that Florin wants the group together and in as defendable a position as they can get.

Angus slings a sling bullet at the same Orc he hit last round (k12), wounding it once again.

Sling hit AC 21 w/ Bless; damage 3.

Angus then moves towards the stairs ending up in position P19. He then starts to urge the children up the stairs.

"Happy get all the children together upstairs and get a head count. We need to make sure all the children are together."

Active Spells:
Mage Armor (duration 6 hours)

Spell Slots (used/total):

0 level: 0 of 6
1 level: 3 of 8
2 level: 3 of 6
3 level: 2 of 4

Lang (ac 21; hp 38/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+6=15 d20+13=27 d20+7=13 d6+3=8 d6+5=10 d20+3=10 d20+12=20
Saturday June 25th, 2005 9:24:11 AM
Lang sees the Orcs coming towards the broken opening into the Giggling Ghost (spot 15). He does a quick head count of the enemy getting to about 15 or 16 when he sees the Shambling Mound. He also sees that there are 2 Orcs still alive within the inn.

"We have almost 20 more of the Purple Orcs heading this way along with another one of the Shambling Mounds!"

Hearing Florin's directions, Lang quickly agrees that a short retreat up the stairs and re-grouping is the best course of action. Catching the thrown quiver of arrows Lang and Sunshine move to K13 and J13 and attack the Orc in K12.

Lang swings his Short Sword and Sunshine bites at the plant creature standing in front of them. Locking onto the Orc with his teeth, Sunshine attempts to trip the creature, but is unsuccessful.

Lang hit AC 28 w/ Bless; damage 8/2 = 4 + 4 = 8.
Sunshine hit AC 14 w/ Bless; damage 10/2 = 5.
Sunshine Trip 11 w/ Bless; unsuccessful.

Animal Handling 20.

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours)

Tionel (AC 16, Hp 46/50)  d20+6=11 d20+6=25 d4=1 d4=2 d20+7=22 d8=4
Sunday June 26th, 2005 3:35:27 AM


Tionel snorts some sort of command, and the bears move out into the street towards those vines which rise up towards them and take angry swings. (first will move up to d14 and attack orc at d15, AC 11 towards one and if it hits, 5 damage to that one, and the other moves to d9 and attacks the orclet still standing next to Syr, AC 25 towards it, 6 damage to that one).
Meanwhile, he moves straight at the purple orclet waving its claws menacingly, and thrusts his nose, er, tusks, straight at it. His tusks dig into purple flesh, er, roughage, and he pulls to the right hard, tearing a big hole in it. (Hit AC 22, did 6 damage to it)
(The bears are around one more Tionel round, the lion just faded.)
Then, as the lion blissfully snores and the orcs guard it fiercely, it simply seems to pop out of existence! Probably enraging the orcs even more.

Spell list:
0: Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Cure Minor Wounds, Know Direction, Purify Food and Water.
1: Pass Without Trace (used up), Entangle, Charm Animals, Speak W/Animals.
2: Barkskin (used up), Bull's Strength, Lesser Restoration, Hold Animal.
3: Diminish Plantsx3. (1 used up)


Syr (39/62 AC 19,18 Bless) e11  d20+10=21 d20+10=28 d20+5=6 d10+4=5 d10+4=6 d20+8=26 d20+8=22
Sunday June 26th, 2005 3:36:24 PM
Syr looks thankfully at Belkior and then glances away (fort sv 26,22) Feeling the blows against his back, he attacks the orc (Att 21 28 dam 6,5). Whether the orc falls or not he joins the others in the ghost.

Stepping back inside, he shamefully faces the others and reports dully, "there are more than a dozen orcs heading this way."

Feeling an ache inside, Syr thinks about his failure to the group. He looks around at the other's feet unable to make eye contact. He especially avoids Belkior thinking it an added dagger that he had to be woken up by a halfling...

ADM Jim: The Plant Calvary is Coming!  d20+6=15 d20+6=26 d20+6=24 d20+6=22 d20+6=13 d20+6=16 d3+3=4 d3+3=6 d3+3=4 d3+3=5 d3+3=6 d20+6=14 d20+6=24 d4+3=5 d20+1= d8=3
Sunday June 26th, 2005 11:06:40 PM
The combinded combat power of the bear, Syr and Belkior smash the purple orclet like a dropped eggplant. The second bear looks to by the Shield a round as it gets swarmed by orclets. Unfortunately, the bear swings wildly at the closing orclets.

Bear

AC 15, hit 4 damage
AC 26, hit and critical, 10 damage
AC 22, hit 5 damage
AC 13, miss
AC 16, hit 6 damage

25 total damage and 4 DC 11 fort saves.

The bear growls in pain as the orclets surround it and tear into its flesh.

=====================

Syr and Belkior move back into the inn and report all of the plants moving up. Syr and Belkior did notice that two of the orclets were moving away as they were carrying off what looked to be an unconcious shopkeeper.

=====================

The two orclets guarding their lion fertilizer are shocked when it disappears and attempt to take it out on Lang and the big tasty looking porkchop.

Lang

AC 14, miss

This orclet is too distracted with the lion disappearing that he misses Lang and falls under his blows. Sunshine is also getting the hang of biting these plants, but it is not real meat......

OOC: Str and Dex of 16 for the orclets for future trip attempts.

Tionel

AC 24, hit 5 damage

Tionel savages the orclets leg, but it rakes him across the back for his effort.

=================================

Xenia coaxes a small boy up from the celler and her, quickly grabs onto her leg and starts crying. "There are monsters everywhere!"

===============================

Happy calls out to the Children on the stairs. " I have candy, lets go." The kids start to move and there is a severe lurching sensation as the inn pitches forward. Everyone realizes that the Floating city has just been pulled to a 45 degee angle.

DC 21 reflex check or be thrown to the ground and take d8 damage.

There is much commotion and yelling, mostly from the kids. Florin sees a pink dress cartwheel down the stairs and scream until it hits the floor. Jella is unmoving in a pile of kids and Happy at the bottom of the stairs.

Tables and chairs slide wildly around the room, but all towards the shambler expanded doorway.

===========================

Syr and Belkior notice that the orclets are much less effected by the sudden change in floor angle as it seems that they had advance warning.

Map coming tomorrow

Wynn (AC 19, 24/46 HP, Bless)  d20+6=15 d8=2
Monday June 27th, 2005 7:40:51 AM
Wynn heads towards the door to help Syr and Angus inside when his feet slide out from underhim and the floor rushes towards his head. He manages to put out an arm and soften the blow [Balance=15, dmg=2].

Xenia (AC20, Dodge vs Nearest Orclet, HP 31/35)  d20+10=26 d20+9=18 d20+2=14
Monday June 27th, 2005 8:34:17 AM
"C'mon, sweetheart. We're gonna go upstairs. With all the other kids. See?" Xenia peals the small boy's arms from around her legs, then lifts him up into her arms.

"Ohf, your a heavy one. You're gonna grow up to be big and strong. And brave too, I bet."

Then the Wold jumps and rolls. Screams mix with the horrible deafening roar. Rogue instincts kick in, and her thin legs find their footing. She dodges a table as it slides by.

"You alright? You alright?" Her voice sounds high and panicky, and some quiet analytical part of her brain wonders if she's asking herself as well as the little boy. "Hang on tight, sweetheart, we're moving now."

Balancing with the small boy in her arms, the girl rogue makes her way across the crazy tilt of the floor in the direction of the tangled pile of bodies at the foot of the stair.

"You gotta help me now, sweetheart. Alright? Help me get everyone up. We gotta get everyone up, alright?"

"You ok, Wynn?" There's so much more she wants to say. Words that beg for comfort. Words full of hopelessness and despair. But Xenia holds all these words inside. For the sake of the children, for the boy in her arms, she holds all of the words inside.

Healing's not her thing, but the rogue fully intends to try and sort out those who are wounded bad from those who aren't.

Rolls and Actions
Reflex 26
Heal 14 (To examine injuries for Triage)
Ignore the heal. No way Xenia's getting all the way across the room.

Position and Movement
Move action, Pick up Boy.
L10/Next to Wynn

Active Effects
Bless (52 rounds remaining)

Syr (39/62 AC 19,18 Bless) e11  d20+11=31 d20+10=26 d10+4=7
Monday June 27th, 2005 4:07:42 PM
As the room tips, he adjusts quickly with a small lean and continues looks out the door, "Guys, the orcs are toting away any citizens they are finding." He reaches out and grabs Belkior by the back of the shirt hauling him inside, "Time for you to get out of harm's way. Folks we have more than a dozen coming for dinner."

The elf seems to have forgotten his earlier failure and doubts as he readies himself for combat (Attack of Opp 26 damage 7). He lashes out at the first orc that approaches. "Florin, Wynn get up here and hold the door."

Calling over his shoulder to the tossled Happy at the bottom of the stairs he asks, "Do you have any secure place that you can lock yourself and the kids into? Maybe any areas that no one knows or some very secure room? We have a responsibility to rescue all that we may. Assuming we finish these guys, we have work to do out there and need you and the kids safe."

Belkior (AC 21; HP 40) Bless  d20+5=24 2d8(2+1)+3=6 d8=6
Monday June 27th, 2005 11:17:00 PM
The halfling cleric moves back into the remains of the Giggling Ghost. As Belkior does so, the building shifts further and he stumbles trying to keep his balance. Somehow, despite his armor, Belkior is able to keep his feet when the others are thrown to the floor.

"Like Syr says, there's a lot of them out there!"

Belkior ends up 15 feet closer to the centre of the Ghost. After he gets there, he points the wand at Wynn and invokes the command phrase. The bard feels a rush of healing energy from the small cleric of Alemi.

"I've got Antitoxin in my pack ... sorry, I'd forgotten that it was there."

Position
g11

Actions
Reflex = 24
Move = to g11
Free = sheathe mace
Standard = activate Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds to Wynn, healing 11 hps (rerolled the one)

Items
Pearl of Power = used today
Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds = 27 charges remaining

Active Effects
Bless = +1 attack, +1 saves vs. fear, 52 rounds

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic, Prayer, Searing Light (D - Cure Serious Wounds)
* = cast


Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:60  d20+3=14
Monday June 27th, 2005 11:45:25 PM
Florin is pitched to the floor with the sudden shift of the float again and this time is rather upset when he sees Jella go flying also and when he is able he sits up and growls, "Thats it, the balcony area isn't safe, we might as well get all the kids into the celler now."

Florin looks to Syr and Belkior, "I HATE the idea of sticking our heads in a hole moreless but we all get into the basement and defend that place. They can't all get to us at once there."

Florin looks over at Happy, "Happy? is there anything in the celler that can be used to help slow the orcs down? wine holders or such?"

Florin looks to the kids, specially the older ones and speaks quickly to them, "listen kids, the safest place now is the celler, help each other get down there now. This is important so do as I say. The older kids help those injured if you can and get them downstairs in the celler now."

Florin can only pray to the gods that the building is secured enough not to drop it on their heads but being upstairs to fall all that way could be just as bad."

Florin looks over at Lang since he might be closest to Jella and motions towards Jella with sad eyes, "Check her and get her downstairs please Lang. Becareful with her."

Another thought springs to Florin's mind and a grin crosses his face, "Syr! The alcohol in here...by Domi's fist I didn't think of it till now...alcohol burns...if we can get a fire going in the door way area then the orcs would have to figure a way through it. It would atleast slow them down." Thinking a possibly arguement might come from Happy Florin looks to him, "Saving the kids, our lives and yours is top priority Happy, we need anything good enough to cause a decent fire. Your tavern should have plenty of booze doesn't it? or enough to possibly do the job?"

(OOC:Graping at straws since using the balcony to weaken enemies down with missile fire fell through. Hope my character is still holding up to the leader roll everyone.)

Tionel (AC 14 due to charging, hp 34/50)  d20+1=6 d8=7 d20+9=18 d8=6
Tuesday June 28th, 2005 12:33:17 AM
In his current form, Tionel isn't quite his agile self, and hooves skitter helplessly against the ground, he goes tumbling over smashes into glasses of all kinds. (7 damage..ouch!)
He snorts as he gets up and his hooves scrabble as he charges uphill. Whinnying a battlesnort, the war pig tears into the same orclet he just tore in before with all his force! (AC 18, 8 damage)

He'd say something really smart at this time, but he can't seem to...

Tionel  d20+4=13 d20+4=23 d8=4 d20+4=18 d4=1
Tuesday June 28th, 2005 6:06:07 AM
Tionel note:
The first bear, already surrounded by animals, blissfully unconscious from the hits, blips out of existence. The second one is still standing, but is bowled over by the tilt. Still on the ground, it gets out one last snarling attack (prone, -2), and swats at an orcs leg with a fat paw. (5 damage) Then, it follows its brother back to the realm it was summoned from.


ADM Jim: Battle at the Ghost Combat Round 9  d20+13=26 d20+6=10 d20+10=25 d20+10=26 d20+3=13 d8=7 d8=1
Tuesday June 28th, 2005 9:36:37 AM
The Wold tilts as do so many of its residents. Kids and tables and chairs slide this way and that. No one know what will happen next. The GG groans under the new strain but holds. Dust floats down on the heros from the tilted ceiling. Children can be heard crying upstairs. Those at the bottom of the stairs are not moving, including Jella and Happy.

Wynn falls, but easily recovers. Belkior runs to the brave warriors side and cures him.

OOC: How much did you cure? 11 point cure!!

Xenia moves with with tilt and keeps hold on her new samll friend as she moves to Wynn's side.

OOC: Syr you do not gain an AoO.

Syr grabs what is left of the doorjam to steady himself and watches the orclets dismantle the bears.

The orclets take the round to either attack the bears or attempt to pick up the unconcious one. All of their heads snap in unison to face Syr, when the bears disappear. The orclets make no sound, but do not look happy, with all orclet faces on Syr. The orclets advance together.

Florin yells to Happy, but he is not moving. Florin also calls to anyone to move the kids down to the celler, but there seems to be no one available to act.

Florin fell but did not roll damage, damage 1

The pig that is Tionel, ravages the remaining orclet in the inn, it spends all of its time standing upright and only get off a weak attack.

AC 10, miss

The orclet goes down hard.

Lang and Sunshine are shocked by the tilt and do not act. The ranger and his dog both keep their feet under them.

Angus is not so lucky and the tilt also send him down the stairs. Damage 7. Angus lands on top of Happy with a grunt.

Xenia (AC20, Dodge vs Nearest Orclet, HP 31/35)  d20+12=22 d20+2=17
Tuesday June 28th, 2005 4:32:48 PM
"Wynn, I'm going to go help the kids. I'll be right close, 'k?"

Moving across the sloped floor, Xenia kneels and places the boy on his feet.

"I need to help your friend now, sweetheart. Alright? Be a good brave boy and help Xenia to get your friends on their feet, 'k? Anyone that I get up on their feet, you take them over to the stairs and keep them there. Make 'em brave, huh? Just like you. It's gonna be ok. Uncle Wynn will protect us with his sword."

The rogue wipes a tear from the boys face and rumples his hair with a bravado that she uses to try and boost her own mood.

"Why don't you help Uncle Angus to get up on his feet, huh?"

Then the rogue begins examining Happy and the kids to determine the extent of their injuries. Or, not being a healer and all, you know, at least the extent to which the can't move around and stuff 'cause of how badly they're hurt.

Rolls and Actions
Search 22
Heal 17 (To examine injuries for Triage)

Position and Movement
H19

Active Effects
Bless (52 rounds remaining)

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:59/60 
Tuesday June 28th, 2005 7:14:22 PM
Florin frowns when he sees his comments or orders not going anywhere since most of the poeple he spoke to is busy or injured. he slowly stands and begins moving to the bar to look over the bottles there for any that have a decent alcohol content and will start grabbing the ones that might make a decent fire.

Florin glances to the others and speaks up, "We might need some more stuff to burn, we can not face overly big odds with the kids to defend and such so must resort to other tactics. If you have a better idea then hurry up and say it but otherwise someone better help me or those things will be in here soon."

Belkior (AC 21; HP 40) Bless  3d8(3+1+1)+7=12 d8=4 d8=6
Tuesday June 28th, 2005 9:49:00 PM
The halfling cleric makes a cursory examination of the condition of the elven monk and realizes that he needs some healing. Belkior makes a short movement closer to Syr and mutters the prayer to invoke the healing energies of Alemi. Syr feels significantly better after Belkior heals him.
Cast Cure Serious Wounds on Syr = 20 hitpoints, after re-rolling the ones

"There, almost as good as new. Want the Antitoxin?"

After healing Syr, Belkior moves his wand into his left hand, behind his buckler.

Position
f10

Actions
Free = 5' shift from g11 to f10
Standard = cast Cure Serious Wounds to Syr, healing 20 hps (rerolled the ones)
Move Equivalent = switch hands with Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds

Items
Pearl of Power = used today
Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds = 27 charges remaining

Wielding
Left = buckler, holding Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds
Right = empty

Active Effects
Bless = +1 attack, +1 saves vs. fear, 51 rounds

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic, Prayer, Searing Light (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast


Wynn [AC=19, 33/46 HP] Blessed, Inspired  d20+10=17 d8+4=11
Tuesday June 28th, 2005 10:12:06 PM
"Don't you worry lad." Wynn calls back over his shoulder to the youngster that Xenia has enlisted. "Syr and I will look after these eggplants" The bard heads for the door, sword in hand, and as he joins his companion he breaks into song"

Oh, list to the tale of a poor Valley harper
And scorn not the strings in his old withered hand
But remember these fingers could once move more sharper
To waken the echoes of his dear native land

How I long for to muse on the days of my boyhood
Though four score and three years have fled by since then
Still it gives sweet reflections, as every young joy should
That merry-hearted boys make the best of old men


If Wynn can reach the door (15') and there is an orclet in reach he will attack [Hit AC=17 for 11 HP]

[OOC Bardic Music to inspire courage; +1 to atk and dmg rolls and +1 vs fear effects]


Angus (AC 14 with Mage Armor on; HP 17/25) 
Tuesday June 28th, 2005 10:39:36 PM
Angus picks himself up off the ground, wincing in pain from the fall, when the ground tilted. Angus helps sort out the fallen bodies, getting everyone back on their feet. If anyone is seriously injured he will use his 2 healing potions to cure them and the call out to Belkior for help.

Once everyone is standing he will try again to get everyone upstairs and together will the other children up there.

Active Spells:
Mage Armor (duration 6 hours)

Spell Slots (used/total):

0 level: 0 of 6
1 level: 3 of 8
2 level: 3 of 6
3 level: 2 of 4

Lang (ac 21; hp 38/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+6=19 d20+12=30 d20+3=14
Tuesday June 28th, 2005 10:52:21 PM
Lang and Sunshine are able to stay standing when the world tilts. They see the nearby Orc drop under Tionel's attacks. Looking around, Lang looks for anymore enemies (spot 19).

"Florin we cannot retreat into the basement. Too many children are upstairs and we do not have enough time to safely get them down there before the Orcs and Shambling Mound try to enter the building."

"Everyone we must retreat up stairs and re-group. We cannot defend this large area against almost 20 Orcs and a Shambling Mound. We are too scattered and disorganized. Help me get everyone upstairs and then we can make a plan on re-taking this level and pushing outside to try and help other citizens of the Floating City."

"Sunshine heel!"

Animal Handling 30.

Lang & Sunshine head over to the pile of people at the bottom of the stairs. He quickly looks for anyone seriously injured and performs healing skill on any that need it (Healing 14/16 w/bandages). Lang urges anyone healthy enough to help the injured get upstairs.

OOC -- The opening is 15' wide -- Was that all door or was some building destroyed?

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours)

Tionel (hp 40/46) 
Wednesday June 29th, 2005 4:16:23 AM
Tionel spends the entire round changing back from boar to man. "No downstairs, get upstairs...who knows, but we might soon be climbing to the roof! Syr, Wynn, and others, Hold the front door long enough for us to get the children and Happy up the stairs!"
(Note, when Tionel changes back, he's still holding the wand of cure light wounds in hand)
"Belkior, keep the warriors strong, I'll heal the kids and get everyone upstairs."



ADM JIM: Battle at the Ghost, Combat round 10  d20+6=18 d20+6=23 d20+6=26 d20+6=26 d20+6=21 d20+6=17 d20+6=20 d3+3=5 d3+3=4 d3+3=6 d3+3=6 d20+6=25 d20+6=22 d20+6=20 d20+6=9 d20+6=23 d20+6=21 d3+3=6 d3+3=5 d3+3=5 d3+3=4 d3+3=4 d20+6=12 d20+6=9
Wednesday June 29th, 2005 12:31:17 PM
OOC: It was fun DMing for George, but it is coming to an end. George will take over starting tomorrow. Thanks everyone.

And now back to our battle.

=======================================

Wynn start to sing and jumps into the breach that was once the front double doors of the Inn. The sturcture was damaged by the first Shambler and widened as a result. There are pieces of doorway and wall littering the area.

Belkior cures Syr in anticipation of battle.

Six orclets close with Syr and attempt to take back the fertilizer prize their friends works so hard to grab just moments ago.

AC 18, miss as the quick monk dodges the claw.
AC 23, hit for 5 damage
AC 26, hit and critical (another 20) for 10 damage, nasty rake.
AC 21, hit for 6 damage
AC 17, miss

Roll DC 11 fort save for poison or fall asleep.

Six more orclets attempt to get their poisonous claws into Wynn, before the dancing blade can wreak havoc again, but these orclet are undamaged unlike his last foes.

AC 25, hit for 6 damage
AC 22, hit for 5 damage
AC 20, hit for 5 damage
AC 9, miss (Finally!)
AC 23, hit for 4 damage
AC 21, hit for 4 damage

Wynn feels claws all over him and the poison injected. DC 11 fort save or fall asleep.

Could it be possible that these orclets learned from the ones Wynn just cut down?

Two orclets push past the two Shields in the breach and attack Belkior.

AC 12, miss
AC 9, miss

Belkior feels the claws scrape over his armor, but not penetrate. Syr and Wynn did a good job of slowing these two down and it seems to have effected their attack on the halfling.

==========================

Florin is halfway to the bar, but he can see rows of distilled beverages for the taking.

==========================

A small whimper can be heard from the pile of humanity at the bottom of the stairs, "Daddy" and then quite.

The only child concious is the small boy that followed Xenia over. All of the other kids are in sad shape. Xenia and Lang can see broken bones in most, it will take time to properly heal them.

Happy is less than pleased with his situation. "Uh, Please get off of me." Happy is up, but has a broken arm.

Angus stands and surveys the seen and is not happy. Orclets pushing into the room and hurt children at his feet.

Tionel arrives in his own form with wand out.

Sunshine looks from Lang to the ruined front door and back again.

Those at the bottom of the stairs can hear many kids crying and Daphne attempting to console them

=================

Map coming

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:59/60  d20+3=15
Wednesday June 29th, 2005 3:44:47 PM
Florin frowns and has had quite enough of this and calls out quickly, "Ajax, come my friend, enemies are here...blood and death await."

When Ajax shows up Florin will quickly pull himself into the saddle and this time pulls up his lance that is with Ajax (ride:15). Once on Ajax Florin pays his noble horse's neck and speaks gently to it, "We break the line as best we can my friend, those kids and our friends depend on us. This is a hour we may remember forever."

Florin yells to Syr and Wynn at the door, "Be ready friends, I'm coming through soon! The alcohol is still a good idea for a barrier maker and someone should try it if able."

(OOC:Next round Florin is charging with his lance and hoping to use his horse to trample the enemy or overrun.)

Syr (38/62 AC 19,18 Bless) e9.  d20+10=19 d20+10=23 d20+5=22 d10+4=5 d10+4=9 d10+4=6 d20+8=20 d20+8=16 d20+8=14
Wednesday June 29th, 2005 6:46:35 PM
Syr staggers under the blows but stands his ground (saves 20,16,14). Lashing out at one of the porcs (Plant Orc) in front of him he hits several times (Att 19,23,22 damage 5,9,6).

Hearing Florin's words he moves to the side slightly but still guards the door.

Wynn [AC=19;18/46 HP] Blessed, Inspired  d20+5=19 d20+5=23 d20+5=11 d20+5=19 d20+5=18 d20+11=26 d8+3=9
Wednesday June 29th, 2005 7:52:17 PM
Wynn reels under the combined attack of the 6 orclets at the door. Despite the poison running through his veins, the bard remains concious [Fort Saves= 19,23,11,19,18].

Weakened by the attack, Wynn tumbles back out of the way of both the orclets at the door, and Florin and his mount [Tumble=26]. Chanting a short elvish verse, the bard channels positive energy through his hands [CLW=9 HP].

Bless - 50 rounds remain
Inspire Courage - 5 rounds remain

OOC: Remember that everyone gets +1 to atk and damage rolls for Wynn's song for 5 rounds

Xenia (AC20, Dodge vs Nearest Orclet, HP 31/35)  d20+9=25 d6=6 d6=4
Wednesday June 29th, 2005 9:33:59 PM
"Oh Stars. These poor kids," Xenia mumbles.

"WE CAN'T TAKE THEM UP STAIRS!" the dark rogue shouts. "WE CAN'T MOVE THEM AT ALL. We gotta hold the critters right here!"

With that she glides across the slanted floor. As she goes, she pulls a flask of Alchemist's Fire from her haversack. And, as Wynn tumbles back, she launches the flask at a mass of purple orcs.

Rolls and Actions
Range Touch Attack AC25 (+1 Bless, +1 Inspire Courage, -2 One Range Increment)
Damage 6hp Woooo!!!
Each orc in D12 take 6hp flame damage.
Both orcs in E11 take 1hp splash damage.
Next round all of the orcs in D12 take an additional 4hp flame damage.

Position and Movement
H13

Active Effects
Bless (51 rounds remaining)
Inspire Courage (5 rounds remaining)

Belkior (AC 21; HP 40) Bless  3d8(3+1+3)+7=14 d8=6
Wednesday June 29th, 2005 10:20:50 PM
The halfling cleric is jostled by the feeble attacks of the two purple orclets. Taking the time to get his armor on turns out to have been a wise decision.

Seeing that both Wynn and Syr have been injured, Belkior knows that he has to keep healing them. From behind him, he hears Florin's shout and the sounds of Ajax pawing the floor. He moves to left, just enough to get out of the reach of the two orclets. Then, concentrating on the prayers taught to him by Alemi, he prepares to cast a healing spell on Syr. Since the orclets aren't using any magic, Belkior uses his Dispel Magic spell and Syr feels another surge of healing magic.
Cure Serious Wounds = 19 hitpoints to Syr

Following that, Belkior reaches into his HHHaversack and retrieves a potion vial of Antitoxin.

Position
f9

Actions
Free = 5' shift from f10 to f9
Standard = cast Cure Serious Wounds to Syr, healing 19 hps (rerolled the 1, using Dispel Magic)
Move Equivalent = retrieve Antitoxin from pack

Items
Pearl of Power = used today
Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds = 27 charges remaining

Wielding
Left = buckler, holding Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds
Right = Antitoxin

Active Effects
Bless = +1 attack, +1 saves vs. fear, 50 rounds
Inspire Courage = 5 rounds

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic*, Prayer, Searing Light (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast



Angus (AC 14 with Mage Armor on; HP 17/25)  d8+1=6
Wednesday June 29th, 2005 11:04:07 PM
Angus hands Happy a potion of Cure Light Wounds (heals 6 if he takes it). He then picks up the smallest child who is on the ground, grabs the hand of the conscious child (in I19 I think) and runs up the stairs to the next level.

"Happy let's get these kids upstairs."

If Angus sees any older children on the stairs or at the top of the stairs he will call out, "Please come down and help us get these children upstairs."

OOC - What are the sizes of the 7 unconscious children? Where are the teenagers? Is the conscious child in I19?

Active Spells:
Mage Armor (duration 6 hours)

Spell Slots (used/total):

0 level: 0 of 6
1 level: 3 of 8
2 level: 3 of 6
3 level: 2 of 4

Angus amended 
Wednesday June 29th, 2005 11:14:25 PM
OOC - I just re-read the DM's post and picked up on the magnitude of the injured children.

Angus, instead of moving the child will start to move tables and chairs to form a barricade/hiding place for the injured children.

He will instruct Happy to take the conscious child upstairs and to try and keep the upstairs children quiet.

Lang (ac 21; hp 45/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d8+1=7 d20+13=25 d6+3=6 d20+7=21 d6+5=6 d20+3=10
Wednesday June 29th, 2005 11:31:58 PM
Lang realizes that the children cannot be moved until their wounds are stabilized. He also realizes that he needs to protect them at all costs.

Lang and Sunshine move closer to the opening positioning themselves between the opening and the children. He sheathes his shortswords and draws his bow to provide air support for his comrades fighting on the front lines. He also quickly drinks a potion of CLW (cures 7).

If any enemy approaches Lang & Sunshine as they move closer to the battle he will swing his shortsword instead of sheathing it.

Lang standard attack 27 w/ Bless and song; damage 6/2 = 3+5 = 8 with song +1.
Sunshine standard attack 23 w/ Bless and song; damage 6/2 = 3+1 = 4 with song +1.
Sunshine trip 10; unsuccessful.

Lang move to G14
Sunshine move to F14

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours)

Tionel (AC 14, hp 40/46) 
Thursday June 30th, 2005 5:41:06 AM
Tionel is about to move to help the kids, but sees the problem of the humongous amounts of orcs... His companions simply can't hold them, he worries.
"I'll heal them in a second...more bears coming in!" he shouts to his companions, changing his tactics. Ignoring his own words, he changes his battle tactics abruptly, and begins summoning. He uses up another of his most powerful spells, figuring the ten orcs can be slowed with two bears, perhaps taken down if more bears appear...

(When you change forms, you recover as though you rested, aka, 1 hp/level. Also, Tionel's hp is adjusted by the constitution of his current form, thus he had more hp when he was a boar, counting as temporary hp)

Spell list:
0: Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Cure Minor Wounds, Know Direction, Purify Food and Water.
1: Pass Without Trace (used up), Entangle, Charm Animals, Speak W/Animals.
2: Barkskin (used up), Bull's Strength, Lesser Restoration, Hold Animal.
3: Diminish Plantsx3. (2 now used up)

(I'll let the dm roll if he wishes for hte number of bears that appear... it's 1d3, plus one if the special nature's ally summoning rule for this situation is still in place)


DM George Battle at the Ghost Round 11  d3=1 d8=2 d100=93 d20+12=16 d20+12=29 2d6(5+1)+7=13 d20+6=14 d20+6=7 d20+6=9 d20+6=7
Thursday June 30th, 2005 4:14:18 PM
Florin summons his warhorse and is able to mount but realizes it will take some serious riding to charge. Many chairs, bodies and tables in the way. Ground is tilted 45 degrees and there are thick plant vines growing all over the floor.

Syr swings at one of the orcs in front of him, pummelling it to the ground.

Wynn tumbles away to J18. He stops singing his song but the others still are inspired for 5 more rounds. He casts his cure healing himself.
(Please post where you want to be on the map or you might not like where I put you. Had you travel you entire 30')

Xenia moves to H13 and throws here Alchemist fire. (Al told me via email what it was.) She watches in glee as it spatters the orcs in d6 and sets them on fire. The don't seem to start rolling around but do thrash in pain.

The other 2 orcs take minor damage.

Belkior retreats to f9 but cures Syr 19 points of damage killing dispel magic for it.

Angus looks at the stairs and realizes with the tilt of the building (building is tilted towards the door) he would have trouble pulling himself up the stairs yet carrying any children. He hands a potion of healing to Happy, who quaffs it down. He feels much better but not happy about the situation and the condition of his bar!

All the children seem to be from the ages of 5 to 9. The child in question is unconcious.

Lang moves forward and puts his weapons away and pulls out his bow. He can't get a shot off this round. If he dropped his weapons maybe but not putting them away.

Tionel casts another summon spell. You can do the rolling. 1d3+1. Please post where they will appear and attack rolls for them.

******************************************

Reprieve seems to take place as the two groups of 6 orcs, one group flaming, move away from the door. Syr can see them start climbing the vines heading towards the second floor. Syr also gets an AOO on one of them.

The orcs also attack Syr but he easily avoids them.

Belkior while healing Syr notices another Shambling mound moving towards the door. He is large as well but not quite as big as the one coming in the door now.

The reprieve is short lived though when the large shambling mound rumbles forward attacking Syr hitting him once for 13 points of damage

please mark down on the map your grid location

Wynn [AC=19;25/46 HP] Blessed, Inspired  d8+1=7
Thursday June 30th, 2005 6:15:13 PM
Wynn reaches into his belt and withdraws the Wand of Cure Light Wounds and taps himself once with it [CLW=7]. The healing power of teh wand begins to close some of the numerous wounds left by the orclets.

"Xenia" he calls out, "toss another of those at the mound in the doorway!

OOC: Wynn tumbled last round which means his max distance of travel would be 15 feet. I have him in F15

Bless 49 rounds remaining
Inspire Courage 4 rounds remaining

Yep your right, only 15' of movement. Learn something everyday.



Xenia (AC20, Dodge vs Nearest Orclet, HP 31/35)  d20+7=14 d6=4 d6=6
Thursday June 30th, 2005 7:34:57 PM
"I'm with you, Wynn!" the half-drow girl calls back. She moves left, then right, searching for a spot to deliver her payload. Somewhere that won't endanger Syr.

"Hey! Where did those Orclet's go?" she shoots the question at Syr as she draws another flask of Alchemist's Fire from her pack. "They're not trying to come around and flank us from above, are they? That's not good. Very not good."

Finally, she takes refuge behind Lang and lobs the flask from there. It's a bit far, but the target is big. The flask breaks against it's side and bursts into flames. Less spectacular a burn than before. But that can be fixed too.

Rolls and Actions
Range Touch Attack Target Square C11 AC14 (+1 Bless, +1 Inspire Courage, -4 Two Range Increments)
Damage 4hp
Next round shambler takes an additional 6hp flame damage.

Position and Movement
H14

Active Effects
Bless (49 rounds remaining)
Inspire Courage (4 rounds remaining)

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:59/60 
Thursday June 30th, 2005 9:08:02 PM
Florin frowns at the siutation and hears some of the comments made and frowns even more, "The orcs are climbing up the vines?" Florin glances the way of the stiars and calls behind him, "We have unexpected guests heading upstairs from the sounds.....get the kids down stairs now!"

Florin begins riding towards the door and hears the comments on shambling mounds also and sighs, "I need more running room in here to charge him and make best use of my lance."

If there is no way of getting some of the floor cleared quickly which I doubt then Florin plans to go ahead and use his lance since it will allow him distance.

Belkior (AC 21; HP 40) Bless, Prayer, Inspire Courage 
Thursday June 30th, 2005 10:36:53 PM
The halfling cleric sees the approaching shambler come up to the doorway.

"Syr! Do you want this Antitoxin?"

If Syr wants it, Belkior will pass the potion to Syr. If not, Belkior will carry when he moves away from the doorway.

Belkior will move back to G10, then begin praying loudly.

Alemi, I beseech you,
Please aid your humble servant,
And aid my companions true,
Grant your favor, here and now,
For protection, hope and true,
I humbly beseech you.

Belkior casts Prayer for his companions.

Position
g10

Actions
Free = 5' shift from f9 to g10
Standard = cast Prayer
(Possible) Move Equivalent = pass Antitoxin to Syr

Items
Pearl of Power = used today
Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds = 27 charges remaining

Wielding
Left = buckler, holding Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds
Right = Antitoxin (maybe)

Active Effects
Prayer = +1 to attacks, damage, saves, and skills, 6 rounds
Bless = +1 attack, +1 saves vs. fear, 49 rounds
Inspire Courage = 4 rounds

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast


Syr (44/62 AC19/18) Bless,Inspire  d20+12=26 d20+12=29 d20+12=24 d20+12=25 d10+4=11 d10+4=12 d10+4=13 d10+4=8
Friday July 1st, 2005 3:04:49 AM
Seeing the fleeing orcs he takes a final swipe at one of them (AoO 26, dam 11) "Lang, it's bow time, 'ware the balcony, they are going up! Upon Belkior's healing touch he looks down at the halfing, "Pray to Alemi for us."

Looking at Florin order the kids down to to the basement, Syr stops for moment and smiles amidst all the confusion, "Didn't I suggest that 10 minutes ago?" With a wink he turns slowly toward the door.

What he sees fills him with dread. As the next large mound approaches, he prepares to face it whispering a small prayer to Domi. Thinking to himself, so tired... he draws deeply on his need to protect the children. Muttering to himself, "ihavetokeepgoing, ifailedthemonce alreadytoday." He calls back, "Get the children downstairs NOW. I will hold it or fall but there is another of Angus' friends behind it!."

(Att 29,24,25 dam 36, forgot the inspire courage bonus)

Tionel (AC 14, hp 40/46)  d3=2 d20+6=17 d20+6=17 d20+6=11 d20+6=11 d20+6=17 d20+6=8 d20+1=4 d20+1=21 d20+1=3 d20+1=4 d4=4 d4=2 d4=3 d6=1 d8=7
Friday July 1st, 2005 7:33:10 AM
(I'm afraid I still don't have access to the excel stuff... :( I'll try to make my ideal placement clear in words, though)

Tionel finishes his summoning. Three black bears appear, but the young elf instead of placing them inside the inn puts them outside.(Can put them anywhere up to 45 feet away)
They appear just behind the orclets, almost within arms reach, and they begin tearing into the orcs savagely. They attack orcs at the rear of the enemy, whichever is farthest from the group.

(Bear 1: AC 17 and 8 dam, AC 17 and 6 dam, bite AC 4)
(Bear 2: AC 11, AC 11, bite AC 21 crit unconfirmed AC 3, 3 damage from bite)
(Bear 3: AC 17 and 7 dam, AC 8, bite AC 4)

(bears are hp 19, AC 13, fort +5)

Tionel, meanwhile, moves to an unconscious child or the most wounded looking one and taps him with the wand. (8 hp restored) The child hopefully comes awake, healed mostly.

Angus Mage Armor Hp 17/25  d20-1=16
Friday July 1st, 2005 8:35:43 AM
Angus calls out to his friends. "I'll go get the kids. Come on Happy." Angus will attempt to climb the stairs as best he can with Happy hopefully.

climb 16 if needed.

OOC: Put Angus and Happy where you will based on how far they can travel on the tilted stairs.

Looking down Angus calls to Tionel. "Watch over the kids as you heal them and be wary as I fear some may be dying from their wounds. Please check Jella for Florin."

Angus hopes the kids will be able to climb better than himself.

Lang & Sunshine  d20+10=26 d20+13=16 d20+7=12 d20+1=21 d20+1=13 d8+6=8 d8+6=9 d8+6=10 d8+6=9 d8+6=13
Friday July 1st, 2005 9:06:41 AM
Lang and Sunshine will hold their ground.

"Heel Sunshine."

Animal handle 26

Lang will unleash arrows on the walking compost pile.

AC 16, 8 damage
AC 12, 9 damage if hit
AC 21, critical threat AC 13 for 10 or 32 damage.

"Eat Wood the hard way filth." Lang yells at the plant monster.

Sunshine growls loudly at the Shambling mound.

DM George Battle at the Giggling Ghost round 12  d20+12=32 d20+12=31 2d6(6+3)+7=16 2d6(1+5)+7=13 orcs on bears d20+5=10 d20+5=21 d20+5=19 d20+5=10 d20+5=6 d20+5=23 d20+5=16 d20+5=8 d20+5=21 d20+5=22 d3+3=6 d3+3=5 d3+3=4 d3+3=5 d3+3=4 Syr d20+4=10 d20+4=17 d20+4=17 d20+4=24 d20+4=17 d3+2=4 d20+11=29 d20+11=13 2d6(4+6)+6=16 d20+11=12 d20+11=29 2d6(3+1)+7=11
Saturday July 2nd, 2005 12:41:46 AM

Wynn pulls out his wand of healing and taps himself with it curing some damage. (I placed him on the map where he was supposed to be. Please mark off a charge on your wand on your character sheet)

Xenia slides to the right and throws her second vial of Alch. fire scoring a hit on the shambling mound and a splash on the 2 orcs still battling Syr.

Florin riding Ajax moves forward but is very tentative and decides not to attack. (If you don't give me a square, you might not like where I put you.)

Belkior tries to give a potion to Syr but Syr is tied up right now and doesn't accept it. He tries to move to G10 but draws an AOO from the Shambling mound and his long reach. It lashes out with one of is long vine looking arms and slams Belkior on the head doing 29 points of damage (Critical hit). Belkior is staggered but he does manage to get his spell off casting prayer to aid his friends and hurting his enemies.

Syr bravely stands up to the mound hitting it 3 times doing 42 points of damage to it. (Added in prayer and inspire courage) The monster is staggered but still stays up.

Tionel taps one of the kids on the ground, seeing a very nasty head wound. The child is up but looks woozy. He was at -7

Tionels bears appear outside and attack one of the groups of orcs who are trying to climb the wall.

Angus starts to climb the stairs. Between the normal angle of the stairs and the tilt of the building, the stairs are about on a 60 degree angle. Added to the difficulties are the many rose vines that are all over the place. (DC 15 needed to climb the stairs.) Angus climbs up the stairs just making it up about halfway with a double move.

Lang has Sunshine stay at his side and launches 3 arrows at the mound hitting with one doing 11 points of damage to the mound. (Added in the prayer)

***********************************
The orcs attack one of the bears killing it and having disappear to where it was summoned.

The other set of orcs start climbing and soon disappear from Syr's view.

The 2 orcs still fighting Syr attack and hit once. Syr takes 4 points of damage and must make his save dc 11 vs the poison

The mound swings at Syr twice only hitting once, but does 16 points of damage to the brave monk.

The second mound moves over and attacks one of the bears severely wounding it.

The battle is grave and desperate. Many children are sick and hurt. The Shields are feeling desperate and worn. Do they fight or do they heal the children? Do they rush upstairs or guard the door? Will help come in time or will they be overwhelmed?



Xenia (AC20, Dodge vs Nearest Orclet, HP 31/35)  d20+7=15 d6=5 d6=6
Saturday July 2nd, 2005 8:19:17 AM
This time Xenia pulls a flask of oil from her haversack. She narrows her green eyes and targets the still burning rear portion of the shambling mound.

"Yyyyah! Flask away.

"Who's upstairs, Happy? Who's still upstairs! If we move down in the cellar, we'll be fighting them as they come down from above. But at least they shouldn't be able to come in behind us. Unless there's another entrance to the cellar. Happy?"

"I dunno nothing 'bout healing, but the kids are bad. Can we move 'em?" Xenia's voice sounds kind of panicky. "Can we move 'em?"

Rolls and Actions
From the flailing around that the shambler has done so far, how long does its reach appear to be?

Rolls and Actions
Range Touch Attack Target Square C11 AC16 (+1 Bless, +1 Inspire Courage, +1 Prayer, -4 Two Range Increments)
From Last round shambler takes 6hp flame damage. (If you hadn't already counted it.)
Damage 5
Next round shambler takes an additional 6hp flame damage.

Position and Movement
H14

Active Effects
Bless (48 rounds remaining)
Inspire Courage (3 rounds remaining)
Prayer (5 rounds remaining)

Angus 17/25 HP's  d20=11
Saturday July 2nd, 2005 2:18:36 PM
Angus tries to continue to climb up the stairs, but is unsuccessful.

Climb 11.

Active Spells:
Mage Armor (duration 6 hours)

Spell Slots (used/total):

0 level: 0 of 6
1 level: 3 of 8
2 level: 3 of 6
3 level: 2 of 4

Lang (ac 21; hp 45/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+10=22 d20+10=19 d20+5=18 d8+6=7 d8+6=13 d8+6=7 d20+12=14
Saturday July 2nd, 2005 2:30:54 PM
Lang fires 3 arrows at the vile plant beast.

Hit AC's 25, 22 & 21 with Bless, Prayer & Inspire Courage.

Damage 9, 15 & 9 with Prayer & Inspire Courage.

Animal Handling 15 with Prayer.

Lang G14 (no access to map; I think this is where I am.)
Sunshine F14.

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours)

Wynn [AC=19;25/46 HP] Blessed, Inspired, Prayer  d20+11=24 d8+5=12
Saturday July 2nd, 2005 5:27:40 PM
Wynn sees an opening and darts in to slash at the mound and then bounces back out [Spring Attack = 24 for 12 dmg]. The bard is careful to avoid the lashing tendrils of the shambling mound [OOC spring attack results in no AoO from the mound]

Bless - 48 rnds remaining
Inspire courage - 3 rnds remaining
Prayer - ?

Position - same square as I started in F15

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:59/60  d20+14=28 d20+9=17 d8+5=13 d8+5=10
Sunday July 3rd, 2005 12:15:52 AM
(OOC:George, I'm having big loading trouble with my yahoo like taking hrs to load it up so I can't look at the map easi;y at all. I will just have to go with where you place Florin and live with it.)

Florin will continue moving in at the nearest orc or grassy mound and attack it with his lance. Florin is happy about the distance the lance gives him from the enemy though. (Can hit AC:28/17 Damage:13/10)

Tionel (AC 14, hp 40/46)  d8=2
Sunday July 3rd, 2005 1:50:46 PM
Tionel is very happy to see the boy come back...he looks over the hurt children, all so small and helpless. He trusts in his creatures and fellow Shields to hold the plants off longer, and focuses on healing. On the most wounded or unconscious looking child, he taps with a wand. (3 hit points restored)
Also, as his move action, he draws a potion from a pouch. To one of the youths still conscious, he asks, softly, "Terrif, take this potion and give it to Sinth."
(Hopefully, that youth will use his actions to take the potion and heal someone else unconscious.)

Belkior (AC 21; HP 20/40) Bless, Prayer, Inspire Courage  2d8(4+2)+3=9
Sunday July 3rd, 2005 1:53:35 PM
The halfling cleric wobbles after that ringing blow to his head. Fortunately, he remembered to don his helmet while preparing for this battle or he'd be a lot worse off.

Belkior had been tending the wounds of the party, but now he has to use some healing for himself. He mutters the command phrase for the wand of Cure Moderate Wounds clutched in his left hand and heals himself for 9 hitpoints.

Resolving to remain out of the grasp of that shambling mound, Belkior stuffs the Antitoxin back into his pack. He thinks, "Good idea, if we get a chance to regroup".

Position
g10

Actions
Standard = active Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds, healing himself for 9 hitpoints
Move Equivalent = put Antitoxin into HHHaversack

Items
Pearl of Power = used today
Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds = 26 charges remaining

Wielding
Left = buckler, holding Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds
Right = empty

Active Effects
Prayer = +1 to attacks, damage, saves, and skills, 5 rounds
Bless = +1 attack, +1 saves vs. fear, 48 rounds
Inspire Courage = 3 rounds

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast



Syr (24/62 AC19/18) Bless,Inspire Prayer  d20+12=28 d20+12=16 d20+12=30 d10+6=16 d10+6=10 d10+6=11 d10+8=15
Sunday July 3rd, 2005 9:19:59 PM
Rallied by the help from his comrades he looks at the mound in front of him. Whether it's a pile of leaves or still moving, he take the offensive with the next mound. If necessary, he moves outside the building to attack with deadly efficiency, (Attack 28,16,30 damage 16,10,11). Without turning, he calls out to Tionel, "Somebody give me the status on the children? I'm breaking even out here."

(OOC:I'll rely on DM's judgement for the best placement)

DM George Combat round 13  d20+4=23 d3+2=3 d20+4=5 d20+11=24 d20+11=15 2d6(1+1)+5=7 d20+5=19 d20+5=25 d20+5=23 d20+5=17 d20+5=16 d20+5=11 d20+5=17 d20+5=10 d20+5=13 d3+3=4 d3+3=6 d3+3=6 d3+3=4 d3+3=4
Monday July 4th, 2005 11:53:02 PM
Xenia throws her flask of oil and laughs in delight when the fire leaps up around the Shambling mound. Of course the room is getting a little smokey and one has to wonder if she is gonna burn down the building in her zeal.

When she asks, "Who is upstairs?" Happy calls back that their are lots of kids up there! "Only some of them fell to the first floor when the city tilted. Must be another 30 orphans trapped up there."

Angus hears this and tries to climb up but his weakened condition and his normally weak muscles fail him and he isn't able to make the climb.

Lang fires his 3 arrows missing the mound once, but still his arrows put the flaming shambling mound out of his firey misery. It falls to the floor almost on top of Syr.

Florin still on Ajax rides up and thrusts his lance at one of the orcs hitting it twice and along with previous wounds puts it down.

Tionel concentrates on healing and stablizes a child but the young man doesn't regain conciousness. He pulls out a potion and another youngster takes it from him and kneels down to administer it to another hurt kid.

( OOC You did no rolling for your bears this round. You need to fight them as well. I won't do it for you.)

Wynn darts in and slashes at the other orc and then darts away. The wound is grevious but the orc is still on his feet.

Belkior heals himself some and replaces his potion deciding the wisdom of not getting to close to big plants.

Syr decides to engage the shambling mound out in the street. He diengages from the purple orc allowing an AOO. The orc hits causing 3 points of damage (Syr needs to make a dc fort check of 11 or go to sleep at the mounds feet! I am assuming you make it here or otherwise your attacks don't go off this round.) Syr pounds a fist and then a knee into the mound hitting twice out of his 3 attacks doing 27 points of damage.

Syr also sees alot of activity on the street. The orcs are climbing the wall and trying to get through some windows but it looks like the kids are putting up a fight! The seem to be trying to defend the windows but it can only be a matter of time.

Syr also notices a civilian in merchant garb being attacked around 20' away by 3 orcs. He is armed with a rapier but it doesn't look good for him.

**************************************

The orc turns and attacks Ajax but misses badly.

The mound swings at Syr since Syr was so effective in cause it pain this round. He hits once for 7 points of damage.

5 of the orcs tear another bear apart causing it to disappear.

Wynn [AC=19;25/46 HP] Blessed, Inspired, Prayer  d20+11=30 d20+11=17 d8+5=6 d8+5=11
Tuesday July 5th, 2005 8:08:01 AM
Wynn rushes in to attack the last orclet in the room, slashing at it with his sword [Hit AC=30, Confirmed critical AC=17 for 6+11 damage]. "Florin!" the bard yells out, "help Syr outside, your mount will be more effective on the street."

Position = E12
Bless = 47 rnds
Inspire Courage 2 rnds
Prayer 4 rnds

Spooky Ghost 
Tuesday July 5th, 2005 8:26:51 AM
Link to the latest Map

Xenia (AC20, Dodge vs Nearest Orclet, HP 31/35) 
Tuesday July 5th, 2005 9:56:16 AM
"All those kids? Upstairs?"

The dark rogue eyeballs the situation down here. Looks ok for now.

"I'm not sure we can move the kids. We're gonna have to split up."

Xenia picks her way across the slanted floor, drawing a potion from her haversack as she goes. (Everything you need always on top. And all those girls who are always re-organizing their handbags. *grin*) She reaches the wall and gulps the potion. Her feet lift off of the ground as she begins to levitate.

"Hang on, Angus. I'll throw down a rope."

Question
Is the 2nd floor an open balcony?

Rolls and Actions
Drink potion of Levitate

Position and Movement
I20

Active Effects
Bless (47 rounds remaining)
Inspire Courage (2 rounds remaining)
Prayer (4 rounds remaining)
Levitate (20 rounds remaining)

Angus Mage Armor AC 14 17/25 hp  d20-1=14
Tuesday July 5th, 2005 1:34:56 PM
Angus is releived to hear Xenia offer help. " I will never make it up on my own. I agree we have to split up. Some in the street and some up stairs."

Not being able to wait for Xenia's action, Angus trys the stairs again (climb 14).

Angus looks back and yells encouragement. "Hold the front door from the street side. Protect the kids."


DM George 
Tuesday July 5th, 2005 9:24:21 PM
Can't post with only 3 player posts. What happened?

Lang (ac 21; hp 45/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+10=22 d20+10=30 d20+5=10 d8+6=13 d8+6=7 d20+8=24 2d8(6+6)+12=24 d20+12=13
Tuesday July 5th, 2005 10:37:15 PM
OOC - If Lang can see the live Shambling Mound he will shoot at it without moving.

Lang fires 3 arrows at the plant beast attacking Syr.

Hit AC's 25, 33 & 13 with Bless, Prayer & Inspire Courage.
Damage 15 & 9 with Prayer & Inspire Courage.

OOC - If Lang has to move to fire at the Shambling Mound he will move to the door opening D12 and shoot using PBSm.

Hit AC 27 with Bless, Prayer & Inspire Courage.
Damage 28 with Prayer & Inspire Courage.

Animal Handling 14 with Prayer.

Lang G14 or D12.
Sunshine F14 or E12.

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours)

Florin Jadenth-AC_19-HP:69/60  d20+12=27 d20+9=17 d8+5=9 d8+5=10
Tuesday July 5th, 2005 10:55:23 PM
(OOC:Sorry for not posting sooner. Hope everyone had a great 4th!)

Florin notices the new orc move in on his horse and quickly thrusts his lance at it. He smiles in satisfaction as his lance finds home atleast the first time if not both. (Can hit AC:27/17 Damage:9/10)

If his enemies is dropped by his attacks then he gives Ajax a small kick to get him moving to help Syr.

(OOC:George, does the lance afford Florin a AoA on a enemy moving into attack him? Didn't know if it would or not so wanted to ask.)

No not this time. You moved in on him, not vice versa.

Justin Webber 
Tuesday July 5th, 2005 11:00:16 PM
Those hitpoints for Florin should of been 59/60

Belkior (AC 21; HP 20/40) Bless, Prayer, Inspire Courage  d20+5=6
Tuesday July 5th, 2005 11:38:50 PM
OOC - Apologies for not posting earlier today. I was doing other things today.

The halfling cleric sees Syr heading outside the tavern. He knows that the monk will need healing again soon, so he moves towards the door. Unfortunately, there is a purple orc in the way.

As he moves, Belkior draws his mace and swings at the purple orc when he gets close.

Position
e10

Actions
Move = forward to e10 (moving to f9, then e10)
Free = draw mace
Attack = AC 6 (natural 1)

Items
Pearl of Power = used today
Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds = 26 charges remaining

Wielding
Left = buckler, holding Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds
Right = light mace

Active Effects
Prayer = +1 to attacks, damage, saves, and skills, 4 rounds
Bless = +1 attack, +1 saves vs. fear, 47 rounds
Inspire Courage = 2 rounds

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast



Syr (14/62 AC21/20) Bless,Inspire, Prayer, fighting defensively  d20+8=12 d20+8=24 d20+8=23 d20+3=14 d10+6=14 d10+6=10
Wednesday July 6th, 2005 12:42:21 AM
Syr sees the merchant battling and calls out to him, "Make your way to the inn, there are friends in there ready to help!"

He turns his attention to staying out of harm's way from the mound (fighting defensively). Despite his conservative stance, he manages to hit the creature twice with a knee and an elbow (att 24,23,14 dam 14,10).

(OOC: if the mound falls from the others attacks, he attacks the orcs versus the merchant. If not, he finishes the mound off before moving.)

Tionel (AC 14, hp 40/46)  d20+6=25 d20+6=19 d20+1=14 d4=1 d4=2 d6=6 d8=1 d8=6
Wednesday July 6th, 2005 5:24:14 AM
((my poor bears. to think of all the suffering they do on my account...and I abandon them!))
The last bear growls (4th round of its appearance btw), and swings at an orc (AC 25, 5 damage), swats another one (AC 19, 6 damage), and tears into a third one with its jaws, tearing deeply. (AC 14, 8 damage)

(Btw, thanks, that link to the map works for me :) Also, sorry I don't post on the july 4th, that's a US holiday (Independance day), so I was at bbqs)
Tionel pulls out another potion, offering the same tactic to the same kid, and leans down with his wand, tapping one of the unconscious ones and healing her. (2 hp with the wand. The potion will cure 7 hp) Though he onyl has one more potion, this seems like the most effective way to heal the kids.. "Syr, we'll keep the kids safe...
"Crimson Shields, fight for the orphans!"


DM George Battle of the Giggling Ghost round 14  d20+11=20 2d6(3+5)+5=13 d20+5=21 d20+5=20 d20+5=18 d20+5=20 d20+5=14 d20+5=12 d3+3=4 d3+3=6 d3+3=4 d3+3=5 d20+5=14 d20+5=6 d20+5=8 d20+5=19 d3+3=6 d3+3=5 2d6(6+5)=11
Wednesday July 6th, 2005 12:53:49 PM
Xenia moves over to the stairs and pulls off her haversack and grabs a potion out of it. (Sorry Al to many actions. I would have allowed you to drink it if you hadn't moved this round)

Angus falls and bruises his shin (no damage) on his latest futile attempt to climb up the stairs.

Lang stays where he is and takes two shots at the mound hitting it twice.

Florin jabs at the orc twice and finally manages to kill the pesky creature. Ajax moves forward towards Syr and the Shambling Mound drawing an AOO. Ajax takes a hit for 13 points of damage. (Justin, don't forget to fight Ajax too)

Belkior not having to worry about the orc Florin just killed moves forward with no problems. (Nice idea staying out of AOO range but Ajax and Florin would have taken it this round anyway. You could have moved forward further)

Sly feels a buzz in his ear as Lang's arrows shoot by him. He ignores them and keeps fighting hitting for 24 points of damage. The mound slowly seems to fold in on itself and slumps to the ground.

Tionel heals another child stabilizing them and hands out his next potion. His bear tears into one of the orcs hurting it badly but realizes that he will soon be joining his friends back to the forest awaiting another summoning.

******************************************

The bear's prediction soon comes too as the 5 orcs tear into him and rip him to shreds. They seem frustrated that their kills keep disappearing. How will their Daddy eat?

The merchant is also hit and seems to fall to the ground unconcious his rapier at his side. Two of the orcs scoop him up and start to carry him away, the opposite direction heading away from the Shields.

Syr and Florin look on in horror when the hear a scream and a crash. One of the orphans screaming in fear and panic is pulled out the window and thrown to the hard ground below. The little waif girl hits hard and doesn't move. The other orc moves over to pick her up.

The screams coming from above is truely horrifying. The orcs have climbed into the room and are attacking the kids.

When they look to the west, they see more orcs heading their direction. First 5 are coming soon but others are following. No more mounds are visible right now.

The stairs do not open into a balcony but a closed hallway. To get upstairs you will have to climb/fly up the stairs into the hallway

Wynn [AC=19;25/46 HP] Blessed, Inspired, Prayer,Spider Climb 
Wednesday July 6th, 2005 5:48:20 PM
The bard watches on as the others finish off the last of the purple orclets in the downstairs of the ghost. He turns his attention to the stairs on hearing the terrified screams from above and retrieves a vial from his vest pocket. Wynn gulps down the potion of Spider Climb as he moves towards the stairs. He will climb as far up the stairs as possible this round.

Position = ?
Bless = 46 rnds
Inspire Courage = 1 rnds
Prayer = 3 rnds
Spider Climb = 20 rnds


Angus Mage Armor AC 14, HP 17/25  d20+3=20
Wednesday July 6th, 2005 7:32:55 PM
Angus is happy to see Wynn sprint up the stairs past him "GO get'em Wynn." Angus is thankful he does not have to attempt to climb those acursed stairs again.

Angus will look over to Tionel and give encourangement "Keep up the good work T, we will keep them off your back."

Angus heads to the doorway and stands in the middle of it and takes in the surroundings (spot 20). Angus readies himself to support anyone from all angles (up or down the street or inside the GG).

Mapper 
Wednesday July 6th, 2005 7:53:47 PM
Link to the latest Map

Xenia (AC20, Dodge vs Nearest Orclet, HP 31/35) 
Wednesday July 6th, 2005 8:06:51 PM
The dark rogue could have sworn she drank the potion. But there it is in her hand. Gonna have to put them all in a pouch or something.

Oh Stars, the screams. Gotta get up there.

Xenia downs the potion. Then scrabbling against the wall, she floats up and across at a maddeningly slow rate of climb.

Question
How high is it to the next floor?

Rolls and Actions
Drink potion of Levitate

Position and Movement
L20 10 feet in the air

Active Effects
Bless (46 rounds remaining)
Inspire Courage (1 rounds remaining)
Prayer (3 rounds remaining)
Levitate (20 rounds remaining)

Belkior (AC 21; HP 20/40) Bless, Prayer, Inspire Courage, Group Fly 
Wednesday July 6th, 2005 9:40:12 PM
The halfling cleric suddenly has a flash of insight. Knowing that the group needs to get to the upper floors of the inn, Belkior withdraws a Seal from his haversack and slaps it against his thigh.
Activate White Seal = Group Fly, 10 minutes

Suddenly, every member of the Crimson Shields feels themselves lift off the ground into flight. Belkior moves upwards towards the second floor of the inn.

Position
e10 (hovering)

Actions
Withdraw seal & activate

Items
Pearl of Power = used today
Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds = 26 charges remaining

Wielding
Left = buckler, holding Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds
Right = light mace

Active Effects
Prayer = +1 to attacks, damage, saves, and skills, 3 rounds
Bless = +1 attack, +1 saves vs. fear, 47 rounds
Inspire Courage = 1 rounds
Group Fly = 60 rounds

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast

OOC - I've been kind of preoccupied lately and forgot about this Seal. I can't remember the time required to activate a seal.



Lang (ac 21; hp 45/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+8=22 2d8(6+1)+4=11 d20+12=19
Wednesday July 6th, 2005 10:35:20 PM
Lang moves to the door opening D12 and shoots an Orc using PBSm (the one picking up the girl).

Hit AC 25 with Bless, Prayer & Inspire Courage.
Damage 11/2 = 5 + 10 = 15 with Prayer & Inspire Courage (+10 = +4 for FE for 2 arrows and +1 for Prayer and +1 for Inspire Courage).

Animal Handling 20 with Prayer.

Matt what does Pbs stand for? I assume it is point blank shot. I am not seeing how you are getting your damage. Why are you rolling 2 d8?

OOC - Which Orcs are the ones around the fallen child? Can we see the Orcs in the window?

Lang D12.
Sunshine E12.

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours)

Florin Jadenth-AC-19-HP:59/60  d20+13=25 d20+8=10 d8+5=12 d8+5=11
Thursday July 7th, 2005 12:05:36 AM
(OOC:George or Al, I'm going to download a update of Word tomorrow so I can open my charactersheet without it being a jumble of words, letters, etc. Could one of you handle Ajax's attacks for me till tomorrow please if this is exceptable, otherwise Ajax will just have to serve as a mount for the moment.)

Florin's anger rises when the plant hits Ajax and he moves in quickly with Ajax and stabs at the plant with his lance twice. (Can hit AC:24/10 Damage:12/11)

Justin, What are you stabbing? Mound went down last round. George

Syr (23/62 AC17/16) Bless,Inspire, Prayer, fighting defensively  d8+2=9 d20+14=19 d10+5=8
Thursday July 7th, 2005 3:04:41 AM
As Syrdeth's feet begin to leave the ground he scrambles madly until everything is back on earth. Relieved to not be attacked for a change, he drinks a potion of healing (heal 9).
Seeing the merchant fall, he is propelled to action. "Florin, you save the girl and I'll go for the man." Making a charge at one of the orcs carrying the man he hits (attack 19 dam 8).

Ajax (Sub/Al) 
Thursday July 7th, 2005 4:39:49 AM
Ajax moves as Florin guides. Moving no more than five feet, the warhorse snorts and stamps.

(I'm assuming that, as you made a full attack, Justin, Ajax moved no further than five feet. At such a distance, he cannot attack as his reach is only five feet. The only target I can see is the purple orc.

Also, I sent you a Text based version of your character sheet via email. It won't have any spiffy formatting, but at least you'll be able to read it.)

Tionel  d8=4 d8=1
Thursday July 7th, 2005 7:09:56 AM
The last bear is gone...Tionel wants to summon more, and decides after this round, he will have to switch to that. His wand has only six charges left anyways...
He taps yet another horribly injured kid, and watches as soothing magic goes over his body. And, he pulls out another potion and offers it out to the same kid... Two children a round, but how many more are suffering.. He will be going upstairs next round, or maybe summoning more.
(5 hp for the wand, 2 hp fromt he potion)

DM George Battle of the Giggling Ghost round 15  2d6(3+3)=6 d20=20
Thursday July 7th, 2005 5:07:20 PM
OOC OK folks, lesson time. I have noticed many of you trying to do to many actions in one combat round. You only get a move action and a standard action. Ex. Getting a potion out of a pouch is a move action. Drinking a potion is a standard action. Your done for the round.

If you move more than 5', you will only get one attack. Otherwise you are doing a full attack and can't can't move more than 5'.

I am not trying to pick on any one person. I have seen if from several players. Believe me I understand. When you are in combat, you want to get a lot of things done. My character does it too.

I am not trying to be condesending so please bear with me. I will post the move action and the standard action as I see them in my responses to your posts. If you think I am doing something wrong, please email me and let me know.

Back to the game, Wynn pulls out a potion (movement round) and drinks it. (standard round) He doesn't get to move this round.

Angus moves to the doorway(double move because of distance) and looks around. (free action) He sees the orcs both to the east and the west and he can hear the sounds of yelling and battle not far away.

Xenia drinks the potion she already had in her hand (standard action) and starts to float towards the ceiling. The ceilings here are 20' tall to accomidate those minotaurs.

Belkior activates his seal allowing the Shields to fly for 10 minutes. Only the Shields...not Ajax or Sunshine, the Kids, or Happy. (ooc I think breaking a seal is a free action, not entirely sure but since you didn't try to to anything else this round, the point is moot.)

Lang squeezes past Angus and ends up at c12 and shoots one of the orcs. (Matt see your post for a question.)

Florin sees that the shambling mound is dead, so he moves an engages the orcs attacking the merchant. He only gets one swing since he made a move action and jabs his lance into the orc. The lance doesn't seem to be as effective as normal against this creature and he only does 9 points of damage.

Syr pulls out a potion (move action) and drinks it curing himself. (standard action)

Tionel heals another child. He seems to be getting the better of it and the children on the ground between the potions and the healing seem to be on the mend and out of danger.

*****************************************

The merchant is picked up and carried away by two wortlings. He is still visible.
Florin is allowed an Aoo as they try to leave.

The little girl is also carried away. She is just off the map but also still visible.

The 5 bear fighting wortlings start climbing the wall heading for a window.

Another terrified scream is heard from above then a sickening thump follows it. A young boy hits the ground and a wortling starts to climb out the window. The child is unconcious and bleeding.

From the rooms above the kids are still crying and you can here them scrambling around. Cries of "Stay away! Stay back! I want Gordo! NOOOOOO! can be heard from above. Sceams of pain followed by the cries cutting off can be heard to.

Happy with a sick expression on his face says, "They are killing those kids. We have to help them." He starts to climb the vines with ease and determined look on his face.

Syr finds himself surrounded again as 5 more of the wortlings surround him but can't attack this round.



Matt C. 
Thursday July 7th, 2005 6:06:12 PM
PBSm is the feat Point Blank Shot Manyshot. It allows me to fire 2 arrows using 1 die roll as a standard action. Thus the damage is 2d8 plus bonuses.

MANYSHOT [GENERAL]
Prerequisites: Dex 17, Point Blank Shot, Rapid Shot, base attack bonus +6
Benefit: As a standard action, you may fire two arrows at a single opponent within 30 feet. Both arrows use the same attack roll (with a --4 penalty) to determine success and deal damage normally (but see Special).
For every five points of base attack bonus you have above +6, you may add one additional arrow to this attack, to a maximum of four arrows at a base attack bonus of +16. However, each arrow after the second adds a cumulative --2 penalty on the attack roll (for a total penalty of --6 for three arrows and --8 for four).
Damage reduction and other resistances apply separately against each arrow fired.
Special: Regardless of the number of arrows you fire, you apply precision-based damage only once. If you score a critical hit, only the first arrow fired deals critical damage; all others deal regular damage.
A fighter may select Manyshot as one of his fighter bonus feats.
A 6th-level ranger who has chosen the archery combat style is treated as having Manyshot even if he does not have the prerequisites for it, but only when he is wearing light or no armor.


Map 
Thursday July 7th, 2005 7:35:42 PM
Link to the latest Map

Xenia (AC20, Dodge vs Nearest Orclet, HP 31/35) 
Thursday July 7th, 2005 7:55:49 PM
Xenia feels the extra *zing* kick in as she floats in a painfully slow crawl up the wall. Forget the wall. The dark rogue wills herself, and zips up the stairs. Someone has some pretty spiff magic.

"HOLD ON! WE'RE COMING!!!" she calls out to the kids.

Question
How high is the ceiling on the 2nd floor? Same 20 feet?

Rolls and Actions
N/A

Position and Movement
Off the Map on 2nd Floor /120 foot double move
Ascend 10 more feet at half speed. (Use 20 feet)
60 more feet to the top of the stairs.
That gives Xenia 40 feet to be anywhere within 3 dimensions on the 2nd floor.
... somewhere ...

Active Effects
Bless (45 rounds remaining)
Inspire Courage (Done)
Prayer (2 rounds remaining)
Levitate (19 rounds remaining)
Fly (10 minutes from round 15)

Wynn [AC=19;25/46 HP] Blessed, Inspired, Prayer,Spider Climb, Fly 
Thursday July 7th, 2005 8:49:14 PM
Just as he finishes downing the potion, the bard feels himself begin to lighten and with a powerful push he launches into flight and up towards the second story of the Giggling Ghost.

Wynn should be able to fly up the stairs and arrive on the upper landing this round.

Position = ?
Bless = 45 rnds
Inspire Courage = 0 rnds
Prayer = 2 rnds
Spider Climb = 19 rnds
Fly = 10 minutes


Belkior (AC 21; HP 20/40) Bless, Prayer, Inspire Courage, Group Fly  d20+7=14
Thursday July 7th, 2005 10:02:49 PM
The halfling cleric will swing his mace at the purple orc standing to his northwest. His attack is ineffective, missing the creature.

Expecting that his healing magics will soon be needed, Belkior will move upwards and to the northeast. He finishes his move hovering 5' or more above the ground, just to the east of Syr.

Once there, he looks about to determine what direction the purple orcs carried the little girl and merchant.

Position
c11 (hovering)

Actions
Attack = hit AC 14 (miss)

Items
Pearl of Power = used today
Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds = 26 charges remaining

Wielding
Left = buckler, holding Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds
Right = light mace

Active Effects
Prayer = +1 to attacks, damage, saves, and skills, 2 rounds
Bless = +1 attack, +1 saves vs. fear, 46 rounds
Inspire Courage = 1 rounds
Group Fly = 59 rounds

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast


Lang (ac 21; hp 45/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+10=16 d20+10=29 d20+5=25 d8+4=12 d8+4=11 d8+4=8 d20+12=31
Thursday July 7th, 2005 10:33:05 PM
Lang continues to pepper the plant scum with his longbow arrows. This time using the full round action Point Blank Shot Rapid Shot. He shoots at three different creatures attacking Syr.

Hit AC 15; damage 12/2 = 6+4 =10 (with Bless, Prayer, Inspire Courage & firing into combat).
Hit AC 28; damage 11/2 = 5+4 = 9 (with Bless, Prayer, Inspire Courage & firing into combat).
Hit AC 24; damage 8/2 = 4+4 = 8 (with Bless, Prayer, Inspire Courage & firing into combat).

Lang commands Sunshine to move into square C11 and "Defend".
Animal Handling 31 with Prayer.

Lang D12.
Sunshine C11.

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours)

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:59/60  d20+12=13 d20+7=9 d20+12=24 d20+7=25 d8+5=9 d8+5=6
Thursday July 7th, 2005 11:55:28 PM
(OOC:Not sure if the orcs or whatever will be in range of Ajax's hooves, etc so if they are let me know and I can make a attack for Ajax or Al can if he notices a reply sooner ;).)

Florin frowns when the merchant is being pickedup and packed off and also calls to Syr, "Sorry friend, I figured being on horse back, helping the merchant would be eaiser for me and you take the closer of the rwo, plus your pretty fleet of foot." Florin gives a quick nod to Syr before thrusting his lance twice at one of the fleeing orcs. Florin frowns though when his chances of hitting the orcs while they try to flee is not going well. (Can hit AC:13*nat 1*/9 Damage:missed both times I figure.)

Upset at his missing though he quickly moves after the orcs as quick as he can or has to and tries again. This time he is happier when his lance finds it's mark nicely. (Can hit AC:24/25 Damage:9/6)

(OOC: Was just guessing that with the lances range and all that Florin would get both attacks on moving and hitting the orcs for his actual move turn. If not then take his first attack or however much of his action he can do.)

Tionel 
Friday July 8th, 2005 6:05:07 AM
Tionel feels satisfied with the kids here...they should be okay. Time for more reinforcements, he thinks to himself, and lapses into spellcasting.
(Full round casting, they will appear on the beginning of my next action.Giving up my last 3rd level spell, to Summon Nature's Ally III, but I'm going to summon 1d3+1 (i'll roll if the DM doesn't)hippogriffs, which can fly. He'll place them outside of the front.)


Angus Mage Armor AC 14, HP 17/25  d20+4=19 4d6(5+1+5+5)+1=17 3d4(2+4+4)+1=11
Friday July 8th, 2005 8:53:41 AM
Angus feels the power of flight fill him and he pushes off the ground and in the direction of the small girl orphan being carried away.

Angus tries hard to remember the girls name, but she may be a new orphan. Angus thinks the orphanage will be doing an unfortunate brisk business soon.

Angus is careful to stay away from any purple orcs in his flight and move to D1 and fires off a scorching ray at the purple orc carrying the orphan.

AC 19, hit (touch AC is 13 correct?) for 17 damage.

If Angus is too far for the Scorching ray, I do not think he is, he will magic missile for 14 damage.

Angus will level off at 30 feet high. How far to the next level? How high can Angus go? Angus will take this opportunity to scan all directions, so that he can relate the information to the Wildcards.

Spell Slots Used

0 level 0 of 6
1 level 3 of 8
2 level 4 of 6
3 level 2 of 4

Prayer, Fly and Bless in effect

Syr (23/62 AC19/18,c19) Bless,Inspire, Prayer,Fly  d20+12=16 d20+12=26 d20+7=16 d10+6=11 d10+6=8 d10+6=15
Friday July 8th, 2005 11:39:09 AM
(OOC: Syr was using the potion of healing that was in his glove of storing, which I thought was a free action. Drinking the potion a standard action and the charge was the move action. After doing some reading, the charge is a full round action so can that please be changed to just a move? That puts him adjacent to the merchant. I'll rely on the DM's discretion, sorry I didn't include the glove of storing.)

Catching up to the orcs carrying the merchant with ease he attacks the orc at d20 (att 16,26,16 dam 11,8,15)

no problem with the glove of storing. Just let me know when you are going to use it.


Wynn - Illegal Post 
Saturday July 9th, 2005 9:37:41 AM
[OOC - Off to UK for a month - John P. is taking over Wynn. Be nice to Xenia!! and thanks.]

DM George Battle of the Giggling Ghost Round 16  d3+1=4 d20+4=7 d20+6=8 d20+6=13 d20+6=22 d20+6=14 d20+6=15 d3+3=4 d20+6=9 d20+6=25 d20+6=15 d20+6=17 d20+6=13 d20+6=9 d20+6=12 d20+6=15 d20+6=11 d20+6=19 d3+4=6 d3+4=5 d3+4=5 d3+4=6 2d6(2+1)=3 2d6(5+4)=9
Saturday July 9th, 2005 8:05:51 PM
Xenia moves up the stairs. She sees a wide and long corridor heading to her right as see comes to the top. The ceiling is at 10'. As she flies down the corridor she sees it branches off to her right. She can hear whimpering and sounds of people running around buy doens't see anyone.

Belkior takes his swing but misses and then moves to up to 5' off the ground and to C11

Lang shoots 3 times hitting twice wounding 2 orcs who are fighting Syr. Sunshine moves forward to defend his human friend.

Florin thumps Ajax in the side moving the warhores forward. He is able to stab the creature once with his lance. He thought he would do a little better but still did 7 points of damage to the wortling. (ooc piercing weapons due 1/2 weapon damage to these creatures. Justin I suggest you read about mounted combat in the PHB. You need to make a ride check when you get into combat. Rolled for you this time and you made it but you will need to roll in the future. George)

Tionel summons hippogryphs. The will come next round and he gets 4 of them.

Angus moves forward and casts his spell scorching ray burning the orc badly. It falls to the ground having already been injured in previous battle.

Syr does get to drink his potion last round decides to try try and run down the orcs carrying the merchant away. He opens himself to all kinds of AOO. He only takes one hit and 4 points of damage but must make his fort save 11 vs sleep. Assuming he saves he runs over and kicks one of the wortlings holding the merchant. (after movement he only gets one attack) He attacks the same one as Florin causing it to drop dead. The merchant spills to the ground and is being dragged by the remaining wortling.

****************************************

The 5 remaining wortlings after being abandoned by Syr move upon the easiest and closest prey who happens to be Sunshine. Since they only have to move 5' they can get full attacks. Sunshine is hit 4 times and falls unconcious at -7 hps

Up above 2 more children are thrust out the window. One is fighting and screaming, the other seems to be asleep. They first hits, landing almost in the standing position, and screams in pain as you can hear his ankle snap. The boy immediately faints from the pain. The slightly older girl lands on her head and you can see that her neck is broken and she is dead.

Two wortlings climb out the window climb out the window and start working their way down towards their prey.

The final wortling singlemindedly tries to drag his prey away getting 40' further and off the map.



Maps 
Saturday July 9th, 2005 9:36:01 PM
Ground Floor
2nd Floor

Xenia (AC20, Dodge vs Nearest Threat, HP 31/35)  d20+12=24 d20+17=24 d20+11=23 d6=5 d20+12=30
Saturday July 9th, 2005 10:18:38 PM
Xenia takes a quick look behind at who's maybe coming up this way to help the kids. Her heart leaps in her throat when she sees that it's Wynn.

"I hear the kids, Wynn," she sends a terse whisper behind her.

Her rogue's sense of orientation says the front of the Ghost is to the right. Cautiously, she peeks around the corner. The poor kid who got thrown out the window was down the street to the right. That means they'd be in a room to the right.

Ok. Lets go. Wonder if there's anything in the hall

Rolls and Actions
Listen 25 (Forgot Prayer)
Spot 25 (Forgot Prayer)
Light Mace Hit AC24, Damage 6hp (If you need the rolls)
Hide 31 (Forgot Prayer)

Position and Movement
Can attack anything in the hall up to Row M
Scenario (I apologize, but this is the best I can do in the face of so many unknowns)
(At least it's reasonably thorough)
IF (Hall contains Enemies) And (Enemies are Many) Then
-Fly up to ceiling and down hall to M9 /10 feet up
-Draw Alchemist Fire
-Look through door to Left
ELSE
-IF (Hall contains Enemies) And (Enemies are < 3)
--IF Enemies are beyond Row M
---Fly up to ceiling and down hall to M9 /10 feet up,
---Draw Alchemist Fire
----Look through door to Left
--ELSE
---Fly up to ceiling and down hall
---Hit one with mace /Dodge vs that one /Position depends on Enemy
----Look through door to Left if possible
--END IF
-ELSE
'This is case where there are no enemies in the hall
--Fly up to ceiling
--Fly down hall
--Look through door to Left as passing
--Look in door to the right
--IF (Room contains Enemies)
---Pull back and Hide /Position J10 /10 feet up
--END IF
-END IF
END IF

Active Effects
Bless (44 rounds remaining)
Prayer (1 rounds remaining)
Levitate (18 rounds remaining)
Fly (10 minutes from round 15)

Tionel (AC 14, hp 40/46)  d20+6=20 d20+6=19 d20+6=24 d20+6=12 d20+6=25 d20+6=25 d20+1=14 d20+1=13 d20+1=9 d4=4 d4=4 d6=5 d4=2 d4=3 d6=5 d4=3 d4=4 d8=8
Sunday July 10th, 2005 3:20:34 PM
(Hippogriff stats:
Hit Dice: 3d10+9 (25 hp)
Initiative: +2
Speed: 50 ft. (10 squares), fly 100 ft. (average)
Armor Class: 15 (--1 size, +2 Dex, +4 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 13
Base Attack/Grapple: +3/+11
Attack: Claw +6 melee (1d4+4)
Full Attack: 2 claws +6 melee (1d4+4) and bite +1 melee (1d8+2)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: --
Special Qualities: Darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +6, Ref +5, Will +2)

Tionel summons his hippogriffs just outside the front, and hopes they will attack the orcs from behind. The three are devastating to the ranks of orcs.
(placing them each along B8-9 C8-9 and D8-9)

(First one attacks p3 at B10: AC 20 (8 damage), AC 19 (8 damage), AC bite 14 (7 damage)
(Second one attacks p2 at C10: AC 24 (6 damage), AC 12 (7 damage), bite AC 13 (7 damage))
(Third one attacks p3 (mistake on the #?) at D10: AC 25 (7 damage), AC 25 (8 damage), bite AC 9)

Hopefully that destroys all of them. And somehow, Tionel can fly...
First he taps the poor girl, Jella, Florin's favorite, with the wand. (9 hit points restored) Hopefully the kids are fine now, and the hippogriffs will be able to handle most of his surrounding enemies, Tionel thinks to himself...for he hears cries from upstairs and outside. That means only...the kids are being thrown outside.
He speeds through the air towards the doorway and steps outside (fly at 60 feet, right?, first towards F11, about 45 feet, forward to E11 5 feet, takes an attack of opportunity if the p3 orclet at D10 is still alive, as he moves to d12) and gauges the situation. He is still holding his wands.

Belkior (AC 21; HP 20/40) Bless, Prayer, Group Fly  2d8(8+1)+3=12 d8=6
Sunday July 10th, 2005 10:26:14 PM
The halfling cleric sees Sunshine fall to the attacks of the orcs below him. He drops 5' to the ground, avoiding any attacks from the orcs, then activates his wand to heal the animal.
I'm assuming a 5' step can be made vertically, too, and that I need to be in same square as an unconcious target.
Activate Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds, healing 17 hitpoints for Sunshine

Then, Belkior will pick up the unconcious Sunshine, preparing to take any attacks from the surviving orcs.

Position
C11 (on ground)

Actions
Free = 5' shift down
Standard = activate Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds
Move = pick up Sunshine

Items
Pearl of Power = used today
Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds = 25 charges remaining

Wielding
Left = buckler, holding Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds
Right = light mace

Active Effects
Prayer = +1 to attacks, damage, saves, and skills, 1 rounds
Bless = +1 attack, +1 saves vs. fear, 45 rounds
Group Fly = 58 rounds

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast



Wynn [AC=19;25/46 HP] Blessed, Prayer,Spider Climb, Fly (sub JohnP)  d20+10=13
Sunday July 10th, 2005 10:40:29 PM
Wynn will race along in the wake of Xenia, trying to keep the rogue in sight.

"Right behind you, Xenia!"

Wynn rounds the corner behind Xenia, expecting it to be filled with purple orcs. If there are orcs in the first part of the corridor, he will attack them.
Any opponents in rows R, S, T or U can be attacked by Wynn. And missed.

If there are opponents beyond that, Wynn will stop 10' from them and allow them to approach.

If not, he will follow behind Xenia, potentially entering either of the two rooms. He will stop 10' from any opponents.

Position = ?
Bless = 44 rnds
Prayer = 1 rnds
Spider Climb = 18 rnds
Fly = 58 rounds



Matt C. 
Sunday July 10th, 2005 11:08:08 PM
OOC - Sunshine is AC 19 and has 47 HP's now. I'll re-send our characters so you have them. You must be looking at an old version of Sunshine before Lang went to 6th level.

In loooking at the #'s I see hits of
d20+6=9 d20+6=25 d20+6=15 d20+6=17 d20+6=13 d20+6=9 d20+6=12 d20+6=15 d20+6=11 d20+6=19

Only 2 hits for AC 19

And damage of:
d3+4=6 d3+4=5 d3+4=5 d3+4=6

So 11 total.

Syr (20/62 AC17/16) Bless,Inspire, Prayer,  d20+8=26 d20+12=17 d20+12=19 d20+5=15 d10+6=16 d10+6=9 d10+6=16
Monday July 11th, 2005 11:35:15 AM
Wincing at his now slashed at tattered tunic, he thinks to himself, 'why doesn't this ever happen to Tionel?' (made fortitude save)

Syr continues to attack the creature carrying the merchant, "Florin, we are spread way too thin. Either fly up and stop the things from dropping the kids or catch the kids. Give me one moment to retrieve that merchant and I'll join you. Maybe use Ajax to cushion their fall slightly as you fight?"
(attack 17,19,15 damage 16,9,16)



Angus Mage Armor/Flying AC 14, 17/25 HP  d20+2=8 d20+3=18
Monday July 11th, 2005 11:54:58 AM
Angus sees the purple orc that was holding the girl orphan fall under his scorching ray. Angus swoops down to pick up the little girl, enjoying the power of flight.

Angus is very careful to avoid any orcs and quickly kicks off up in the air again, holding the girl. Angus takes a moment to check the girls injuries (heal 8)and looks for Belkior or Tionel for healing (spot 18).

Angus see the two new kids fall out the window and marks it for his attentions soon, very soon.

Angus calls to Lang "Protect the kids in the Alley!"

OOC: George how high is the ceiling between levels; for flying purposes.

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:59-60  d20+4=16
Monday July 11th, 2005 9:32:14 PM
(Ride Check:16. George, I looked over mounted combat in the PHB and it says I need to roll a Ride DC10 for fighting with warhorse and DC5 if the horse is hit to stay in the saddle. Am I missing something or looking in the wrong area?)

Florin nods and sighs when he hears and sees the kids going out the window and gives Ajax a gentle kick, "We need to help those kids Ajax, come on buddy."

Florin looks to Syr and speaks quickly and with some concern, "becareful Syr."

Florin will ride Ajax as fast as pssible to where the kids are falling and give Ajax orders to stay and try to cetch or do what he can for any kids going out the window.

(I figure it will take Ajax a full movement to get to the window landing area. If not then Florin will start using the flying ability granted him by the seal used to go up there. Good job on the seal also.)

Lang (ac 21; hp 45/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 36/47)  d20+10=30 d20+10=21 d20+5=18 d8+3=8 d8+3=11 d8+3=6
Monday July 11th, 2005 9:33:59 PM
Sunshine falls to the ground motionless after the Wortling's attack him. A careful look at him does reveal that his chest is still moving as he breathes.

Lang shoots the Wortlings, again using the full round action Point Blank Shot Rapid Shot. He shoots at the creatures he injured last round trying to kill them off.

OOC -- Will shoot at the Wortlings in the following order, moving on to a new one as he kills them:
1. The ones Lang damaged last round, IF they are not engaged with a Hippogriff.
2. Injured ones not engaged with a Hippogriff.
3. Uninjured ones not engaged with a Hippogriff.

Hit AC 32; damage 9/2 = 4+4 = 8 (with Bless & Prayer).
Hit AC 23; damage 12/2 = 6+4 = 10 (with Bless & Prayer).
Hit AC 20; damage 7/2 = 3+4 = 7 (with Bless & Prayer).

Lang D12.
Sunshine (prone) C11.

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours)

DM George Battle of the Giggling Ghost round 17  d20+6=18 d20+6=14 d20+6=11 d20+6=8 d20+6=7 d20+6=13 d20+6=15 d3+3=6 d20+6=14 d20+6=23 d3+3=4
Monday July 11th, 2005 11:16:05 PM
Xenia, flying, rounds the corner of the hallway ands sees an empty hallway. She starts moving up the hallway when the door on the right bursts open and out in a panic come several screaming terrified children. "Help!!!! Auggghhhhh..... I want my Mommy.....I want to go home....plus general crying and sniffles. The children see Xenia and hope re-enters their eyes. The start moving towards here with arms outstretched.

"Help us...Please help us!" Just then the door on the left is thrown open and several purple orcs come out. The children scream and draw back in terror."

Al because of the confusion of the situation, I will say you pulled out an alchemist fire and have it ready.

Tionel's hippogriffs rip into three of the wortlings. Two fall to the ground with their wounds from previous combat and one stays up.
OOC Their are 5 of them...the numbers represent how many are in the square, not an identification number.

Tionel cures Jella and see looks around and asks, "Where is my Daddy? I want my Daddy!"
Tionel flies to the door ignoring the little girl and arrives to attack next round. (By healing you took your chance to attack away this round)

Belkior drops to the ground and heals Sunshine for 17 points of damage but the dog sleeps on.
When he did this the remain 3 wortlings got AOO on the cleric. (ooc you moved down into range of the wortlings. Typically you can take a 5' step back and cast to avoid the Aoo but you did the opposite.) All 3 of the wortlings miss so the spell goes off without problems.

Wynn is on the heels of his lady love and rounds the corner to see the children coming out and then the door bursting open revealing the wortlings

Syr moves forward off the map and attacks the remaining wortling dragging off the merchant. He easily kills it with his first 2 blows. The merchant is sleeping but alive at his feet.

Angus swoops down on the little girl he saved from being carried off. Tears leap to his eyes when he sees that she is dead. The fall combined with the claw wounds must have killed her. (Jim figure the bottom of the window is around 20' up in the air)

Florin guides his horse under the window which is only around 15' away and leaps into the air. (What weapon are you using? Right now you are carrying a lance) He flys past the decending wortlings and looks into the window. He sees a wortling at the window carrying a sleeping child in its arms. It tosses the child out the window. To the street below. Florin recognizes the girl. Her name is Tina and is one of Jella's playmates. Florin needs to make a dc save 15 to catch the girl vs reflex

Lang shoots 3 arrows. The first strikes deeply into the one the hippogriff is fighting, killing it. The second 2 wound the fourth one.

***************************************

The two orcs jump down on Ajax and attack him, both miss horribly.

The two left fighting the hippogriffs seems overwhelmed. One attacks Tionel hitting once for 6 points of damage. Tionel please make a fort save dc 11 or go to sleep.

The second slashes a hippogriff for 4 points of damage and it also needs to make a save dc 11

Maps Round 17 
Tuesday July 12th, 2005 12:05:36 AM
Ground Floor
2nd Floor

Tionel (AC 14, 34/40 hp)  d20+7=16 d20+6=17 d20+6=21 d20+6=26 d20+6=12 d20+6=22 d4=4 d4=4 d4=4 d4=1 d20+6=7 d8=3
Tuesday July 12th, 2005 8:11:15 AM
Tionel resists the sleepiness of the creatures, even while in real life, his player resists the sleepiness of late night tv while posting!
Two of the hippogriffs stay to savage the two orcs still remaining before them. (1st one his AC 17 (8 dam) and AC 21 (* dama), 2nd one hits AC 26 (Crit uncofnirmed AC 12 ndall (8 aam and 5 dam)))

The third hipogriff will choose a new target based on who is free and flying around. it charges that person to no avail.

Tionel himself moves to one of the unconscious bodies that is still alive (healijng of 19 to figure that otut) and taps him with the wand to heal him once...(4 hp) "Move to the house and get inside," he says he curtly.

(*Sorry really late for me tonight can't think at all and hoping I did good on my ideas of what to do)

Xenia (AC20, Dodge vs Nearest Threat, HP 31/35)  d20+4=17 d20+4=24
Tuesday July 12th, 2005 9:05:55 AM
Oh Stars!

"RUN KIDS! RUN FOR IT!!!"

Xenia swoops in out of pure instinct, dodging and weaving. Like a mother bird, she draws the attention of the orcs to herself while the orphans escape.

"Go to Uncle Wynn! He'll protect you. RUN!"

Rolls and Actions
Will Saves if Hit: DC17, DC24

Position and Movement
Swoop from K9 to J9 taking AoO's.
AC25 vs 1st orc (Dodge & Mobility)
AC24 vs 2nd orc
Retreat to J10, then fly back with kids to S9.
Rear-most orphan should be just behind Wynn at T10, if they take a double move. At least that's the theory.

Note
Still should have Mace in Primary hand.

Active Effects
Bless (43 rounds remaining)
Prayer (0 rounds remaining)
Levitate (17 rounds remaining)
Fly (10 minutes from round 15)

Angus Mage armor AC 14, HP 17/25  d20+2=20 d20+3=16
Tuesday July 12th, 2005 1:16:14 PM
Angus will carry the child while flying and will head over to the windows the purple orcs climbed into. Angus will listen (20)to determine which window has the most noise coming from it.

While flying Angus will avoid the hippogriffs and any plant creatures.

Once at the window, Angus will set the dead child on the sill, assuming there are no orcs within attacking range and survey the scene (spot 16), ready to enter the window or supply magical assistance.

Active Effects:

Bless
Prayer
Flying
Mage Armor

Belkior (AC 21; HP 20/40) Bless, Group Fly 
Tuesday July 12th, 2005 2:27:48 PM
The halfling cleric stands over the healed, but still sleeping, Sunshine. The hippogriffs seem to have accounted for all of these orcs, so there are other things to do.

Belkior will fly up and back from the orcs, heading towards the window where the children have been thrown from. If the orcs move to attack him, Belkior will trust his armor.

Position
unknown

Actions
Move = to window, up to 40' horizontal or 20' vertical

Items
Pearl of Power = used today
Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds = 25 charges remaining

Wielding
Left = buckler, holding Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds
Right = light mace

Active Effects
Bless = +1 attack, +1 saves vs. fear, 44 rounds
Group Fly = 57 rounds

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast


Wynn [AC=19;25/46 HP] Blessed, Spider Climb, Fly (sub JohnP) 
Tuesday July 12th, 2005 2:33:34 PM
I've got your back, Xenia!

Thinking that this is a time when some encouragement is needed, Wynn starts to chant a rising song of courage. Hopefully, the children will listen to Xenia and his song.

Then, while the song still rises from his lipe, Wynn readies his longsword to take on this group of orcs.

Position = s10, upper floor
Bless = 44 rnds
Spider Climb = 17 rnds
Fly = 57 rounds
Inspire Courage (still singing)


Syr (20/62 AC17/16) Bless,Inspire, Fly  d20+4=24
Tuesday July 12th, 2005 6:25:02 PM
Syr bends over and slings the sleeping merchant over his shoulder (str check 24). He turns and sprints back to the door. He runs with little care for the merchant in mind, hoping the rough ride will jolt the fellow awake. Giving the Hippogriffs as wide of berth as possible he heads toward the cellar. (can't make it all the way but should be close)

Lang (ac 21; hp 45/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+10=20 d8+2=10 d20+10=12 d20+5=18 d8+2=4
Tuesday July 12th, 2005 8:30:48 PM
Lang eyes the two remaining Wortlings, if they are still alive from being attacked by the Hippogriffs. If they are still alive, then Lang shoots at the one in B10 first then D10. If they are both dead then, Lang will move to Sunshine's side and try to wake him up.

If any alive: Standard Action Hit AC 21; damage 8/2 = 4+4 = 8 (w/ Bless).
If both dead at this point; Move Action to Sunshine's side and try to wake up.
If any alive then complete Full Round Action: Hit AC's 13 & 19; damage 4/2 = 2+4 = 6 (w/ Bless).

Lang D12 or C11.
Sunshine (prone) C11.

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours)

Arrows used: 20 + up to 3 this round

DM George Battle of the Giggling Ghost round 18  d20+6=21 d3+3=4 d20+7=21 d20+6=23 d20+6=25 d3+3=5 d3+3=6 d20+6=8 d20+6=8 2d6(6+1)=7 d20+6=19 d20+6=12 d20+6=23 d20+6=7 d20+6=7 2d6(6+1)=7 d3+3=4 d3+3=4
Tuesday July 12th, 2005 11:08:13 PM
Tionel's hippogriffs attack. 2 tear into one and kill the orc. The third tears into another and wounds it.

Tionel thinks the closest person in the need of saving is the merchant or possibly one of the kids from the falling window. The kid is the closest. He rushes over there giving the wortling and AOO which hits the yound druid. To keep the game going, I rolled Tionel's save and he made it so he only needs to take the damage.

Unaware of his surroundings, Tionel bends to cure the boy setting himself up for 2 more AOO from the wortlings attacking Ajax. He is hit twice and takes 11 more points of damage and needs to make 2 more saves which I will allow you to do.

Xenia throws herself at the wortlings and they try to grab at her but miss with their AOO. The children follow her advice and dart down the corridor behind Wynn. Xenia follows them there still flying

Angus flies to a double window and keeps his hold on the girl. He isn't able to see much because a Wortling is climbing out of it, while another monster throws a kicking boy down to the cobblestones below. He is basically next to Florin at a twin window.

Angus can try to catch the boy with a reflex check of 15. He would have to drop the girl if he does.

He does hear the sounds of crying and whimpering. It sounds like a lot of kids are still in that room.

Belkior flies up to the windows but can't get in as Angus and Florin are already there.

Wynn starts to sing, inspiring courage...The only effected ones are the children and Xenia. Everyone else can't hear him.

Syr picks up the merchant and flys into the Giggling Ghost (only get 60 movement while flying but it is faster than running at this point.)

Lang shoots the remaining orc and kills it but it takes both arrows to finish the pesky creature off.

Florin is stunned into inaction by what he sees and Jella's friend falls screaming and clutching at Florin all to no avail. She lies in a crumpled heap down by Ajax. Ajax too is stunned by the horror he feels in his connection to Florin and does nothing this round.

Florin can take an AOO on the wortling who is climbing down this round.
***************************************

Ajax is attacked by the 2 wortlings who climbed down last round twice and once by the wortling who climbed down this round. Ajax takes 8 points of damage and needs to make 2 saves dc 11

Xenia sees the 5 wortlings ignore her group but rush across the hall where she hear fresh screaming. Sounds like they found easy prey.

Maps Round 18 
Tuesday July 12th, 2005 11:16:12 PM
Ground Floor
2nd Floor

Tionel (AC 14, hp 23/46)  d20+7=15 d20+7=10 d20+7=21 d20+4=7 d20+8=22 d20+8=24 d20+8=28 d20+8=9 d4=4 d4=2 d4=3
Wednesday July 13th, 2005 6:11:18 AM
Tionel moves in and cures the girl, but risks deadly sleep... He's almost asleep, almost...but...must...stay...awake! (used a hero point for a reroll if htat's okay :) )

(I looked at the maps and really can't tell which orclet's attacking me. I got attacked by 1 for going into its square and 2 more aoo for bending down to cure someone...that's 3 orclets, and I only see one that can attack me at D15, and that's on E16)

Tionel draws his scimitar (doesn't provoke according to table) and attacks the orclet, but misses. (AC 7)

(Also, according to the maps, there's no more orclets on the first floor, so the hippogriffs have no viable opponents there, hence this):

Tionel gives an order to his hippogriffs: attack the orclets attacking the merchant! They charge down the street, and tear into the orclets. (Unless there are orclets that are near us, I'm totally confused at this point)
Hip1: AC 22: 8 damage
Hip2: AC 24: 6 damage
Hip3: AC 28 not crit (AC 9): 7 damage.

Once a wortling/orclet is killed, I remove him from the map. You might want to look at the previous map first. Two of the 3 wortlings were killed by your hippogriffs. You were attacked by the third with an AOO when you left to go over to help the kids being dumped out the window. Then Lang shot the third wortling, causing me to remove it from the map. You drew two more AOO when you used bent down to cure one of the kids. These were from the wortlings who climbed out the window after throwing kids down. Hope this helps....George

Xenia (AC20, Dodge vs Nearest Threat, HP 31/35)  d20+17=28 d20+12=29 d20+9=16 d6=5 d6=4
Wednesday July 13th, 2005 10:37:32 AM
Framble macking STARS! How could she have failed to hear the other kids still in the room?!?!?

"Run, kids! Run for the stairs. Uncle Ti'nel is down there. He's taking care of your friends. You have to be brave and help him out as best you can. 'k?"

The dark rogue zips down the hallway. "We'll rescue the kids up here!" she calls back over her shoulder.

Fast approaching the first door on the left, Xenia listens for activity, before glancing in to make sure nothings gonna be coming out and attacking them from behind.

The door on the right reveals the orcs. And lots more kids!!! The rogue launches the flask of chemical fire at one of the orcs in the center of the action.

"HEY YOU! Come on out of there!" she shouts.

Rolls and Actions
Spot 28 (To detect anyone in the room to the West)
Listen 29 (To detect anyone in the room to the West)
Ranged Touch against Orc in J12 AC18 (Forgot to include Inspire Courage and Bless in the Roll. They're added here.)
Damage 5hp initial damage, 4hp 2nd round damage
H13, K13, J12 all take 1hp splash damage.

Position and Movement
L8

Active Effects
Bless (43 rounds remaining)
Levitate (17 rounds remaining)
Fly (10 minutes from round 15)
Inspire Courage (On going)

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:59/60  d20+12=14 d20+7=21 d20+14=19 d20+7=9 d8+5=12 d8+5=7 d8+5=13 d8+5=8 d20+10=17 d20+1=9 d20+1=20 d20+1=15 d20+6=14 d4+6=10 d4+6=9 d4+6=9
Wednesday July 13th, 2005 3:40:51 PM
(OOC:Dang it, would of tried saving the girl but we had storms roll in yesterday. Florin would of left his lance down by Ajax, would it be possible to say he pulled his sword as he was flying up? Feel bad about the girl now :(.)

If Florin has his sword ready then he makes his attacks on the orc trying to leave. (AoA attacks. Can hit AC:14/21 Damage:12/7)

Florin then makes his normal attacks on the orc as it tries to escape. (Can hit AC:19/9 Damage:13/8)

Ajax is able to shake off the sleeping poison (Fort:17) and raises up and kicks at one of the orcs attacking it and tries biting it. (Can hit AC:9/20/15 Damage:10/9/9 realized I didn't add in Ajax's str to to hit and damage. Also have to update the sheet to add the whole celestial bit in.)

Syr (20/62 AC 19/18) Fly, Inspire, Bless 
Wednesday July 13th, 2005 7:09:32 PM
Syr flies down the stairs of the basement and lays the limp body of the merchant at the bottom. While there, he takes a quick look around to see how secure the area would be if the group retreated to it. Assuming everything apears normal, he flies toward the center of the inn.

Looking around he is dismayed as he sees the entire group spread out throughout the building and surrounding area. Raising his voice he calls out to all who can hear, "GUYS! We are running around with no purpose! Everyone outside come back in and regroup. The 'griffs can protect the door. Anyone upstairs, block that darn window and let me know if you need reinforcements. I want all children in the basement, NOW! Any that can't make it have to be helped." Trying to add some order to the situation, he looks up hoping for an answer.

Angus, Mage Armor/Fly/Prayer/Bless AC 14, HP 17/25  d20=5 3d4(1+2+4)+4=11 d20+3=23
Wednesday July 13th, 2005 8:33:32 PM
Angus attempts to react quickly at the sight of the child about to be dropped, as he tosses the dead girl to Belkior and reaches for the new child (reflex 5).

The child falls to Angus's horror and a rage wells up in him. Angus speaks a few words of magic through clenched teeth and launches three magic missiles at the offending orclet.

11 damage.

Angus will swoop down and pick the the just dropped child and call to Belkior. "Belk, need some help now."

Angus will scan the area and look to get into the inn and quick, heading Syr's words of wisdom. (Spot 23, nat. 20!!)

Spell Slots

0 level 0 of 6
1 level 4 of 8
2 level 4 of 6
3 level 2 of 4



Lang (ac 21; hp 45/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+6=12 d20+6=18 d20+10=24 d20+10=13 d20+5=21 d8+2=7 d8+2=7
Wednesday July 13th, 2005 9:07:00 PM
Lang stands still in the midst of all the dead plant creatures and a sleeping Sunshine and looks and listens (spot 12/16; listen 18/22). If there are no immediate threats to Lang he will drop down to Sunshine's side and attempt to wake him up. If he cannot wake him up, Lang will carry Sunshine back into the Giggling Ghost.

If there are threats to Lang he will shoot them with his tried and true longbow.

Hit AC's 25, 14 & 22; damage 7 & 7 (7/2 = 3+4 = 7 w/ Bless).

Lang D12 or C11.
Sunshine (prone) C11.

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours)

Arrows used: 23 + up to 3 this round

Belkior (AC 21; HP 20/40) Bless, Group Fly  d20+5=15 d20+18=35 d20+6=21 d4=3
Wednesday July 13th, 2005 9:12:27 PM
The halfling cleric responds by reflex to Angus' thrusting the dead child to him.
Reflex = 15

A quick glance at the fallen boy tells him whether he requires any healing.
Healing = 35

Then, burdened with the child's body and believing that Florin can hold the window, he also flies downward.

Position
a15

Actions
Move = Catch child
Free = skill check
Move = to ground

Items
Pearl of Power = used today
Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds = 25 charges remaining

Wielding
Left = buckler, holding Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds
Right = light mace

Active Effects
Bless = +1 attack, +1 saves vs. fear, 43 rounds
Group Fly = 56 rounds

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast

Wynn [AC=19;25/46 HP] Blessed, Spider Climb, Fly (sub JohnP) 
Wednesday July 13th, 2005 9:16:51 PM
Wynn's song is continuing, trying to give these children the courage to follow Xenia's orders. While singing, he tries to shoo them behind him as he moves ahead to protect the lithe form of the rogue.

Hey, Love! Watch where you throw those flasks, as the alchemist's fire goes past him.

Position = k10, upper floor
Bless = 43 rnds
Spider Climb = 16 rnds
Fly = 56 rounds
Inspire Courage (still singing)


DM George Battle of the Giggling Ghost round 19  d20=18 d20+6=25 d20+6=19 d20+6=12 d20+6=14 d20+6=17 d3+3=5 d3+3=5 d3+3=5 d3+3=5 d3+3=4 2d6(3+5)=8 d20+6=24 d20+6=15 d3+3=6
Thursday July 14th, 2005 1:06:39 AM
OOC Guys, real life got to me today. I am gonna make this one short and sweet.

Florin gets his aoo on the orc as it climbs down but doesn't get his follow up attack. He is still at the window. (Sorry Justin, the orc is already gone. Wasn't sure if you wanted to move so left you where you were.)

The hippogriffs fly over and attack the wortlings near Ajax. All three hit, wounding the vile purple orcs.

Tionel darts bravely in and cures the young girl stablizing her. She reaches up and throws her arms around his neck sobbing uncontrollably.

Xenia rushes into action. She sees the room on the left is empty but the room on the right is filled with enemies and innocent bystanders. She hurls her Alchemest fire starting one of the plants on fire.

Ajax starts rearing and stomping the orcs as well and one falls dead under his deadly attacks

Syr runs the merchant down the stairs and then comes back up. He barks some sound advice. Wonder if anyone will follow it.

Angus in a rage wounds one of the orcs, (please identify which one please by his location.) He then swoops down and will be able to pick up the girl next round.

Lang looks down at his friend and then up at the remaining orcs. Though they aren't threatening him, he still decides to shoot them and kills another one off.

Belkior, tears streaming down his cheeks carries the dead body down to the ground, immediately knowing the boy is beyond his ablities.

Wynn shoos the children down the stairs while keeping up his singing. All the children, run for the stairs but aren't quite sure how to get down them. Several of them fall in the hallway over roots and the sloop of the building.

The children already downstairs herded by Happy start making their way to the basement.

**************************************
The wortling who dropped the child last round start climbing back down the side of the building.

Xenia and the others look on in frustration as the other attack children in the room. All 5 are successful in hitting children and blood and screams again fill the room. Each child hit wounds cause them to fall unconcious.

Florin gets another chance to redeem himself as another wortling walks calmly up to Florins window and tosses a child out and then starts to climb out the window. Florin catches the tyke with a dc check of 15 but he will have to drop his sword to attempt it. Otherwise the child takes another 8 points of damage. Looks like it will die if that happens.

The last one orc on the ground attacks Ajax again and hits once for 6 points of damage. (please list Ajax's current hitpoints.)

I will send updated maps tommorrow.



Tionel (AC 14, hp 23/46)  d20+6=20 d20+6=12 d20+6=13 d20+6=24 d20+6=10 d20+6=16 d4=2 d4=2 d4=1 d4=1 d20+1=21 d20+1=5 d20+1=2 d20+1=5 d6=3 d20+8=15 d20+8=13 d20+8=13 d4=3 d4=4 d4=4 d20+4=24 d20+4=14 d6=3 d20+4=24 d6=4 d6=6
Thursday July 14th, 2005 5:01:05 AM
The hippogriffs tear into the orclets with a vengeance. If the orclets are still surrounding that they attacked last round, they get in more attacks.
The first (claw AC 20 6 dam, claw AC 12, bite AC 21 crit not confirmed damage 5) is perhaps the most devastating, the second (claw AC 13 6 dam, claw AC 24 5 dam, bite AC 2) does allright, but the last (claw AC 10, claw AC 16 5 dam, bite AC 5) is pathetic.
But more likely, the orcs have moved. If so, hte hippogriffs each choose their own nearest orclet and charge! (AC 15 damage 7, AC 13 damage 8, and AC 13 damage 8)

In any case, Tionel uses one arm, his free one, to pick up the girl who is sobbing against him. His other arm uses his scimitar to catch the orclet off guard with a quick stab that catches it in the neck! (AC 24, crit confirm AC 14, if it's not a crit it does 5 damage (+1 from bardsong), otherwise he gashes it through the throat for 13 damage).
If the orc is not standing anymore (which, given Florin's closeness, is likely), Tionel follows Syr's advice. He picks up the other boy lying there, the one who is hurt, and carries both of the children in his flight inside and towards the basement entrance.

Xenia (AC23, Dodge vs Nearest Threat, HP 31/35)  d20+8=17 d6=6
Thursday July 14th, 2005 10:47:09 AM
Clutching her mace, eyes cat-wide, Xenia answers the voice from below.

"SYRDETH REDBOW! WE GOT KIDS DYING UP HERE! We got purpose! We gotta save these kids. Why don't you get your purpose up here and help us with these orcs on the second floor."

Xenia wades into the room. Raising her mace, she clubs the burning orclet that she had just hit with the chemical fire.

"RUN KIDS! Run down the hall and to the stairs. We'll try and hold them here!"

Then, she pulls into a defensive stance, waiting for orcs to come at her.

"HELP! HELP! SOMEBODY HELP!!!"

Rolls and Actions
Hit AC17, Damage 7hp (-4 Fighting Defensively, +1 Bless, +1 Inspire Courage /forgot Inspire on the Damage.)
Try to hit the one she got with the Alchemist's Fire last time.
AC23/AC24 vs nearest Orc.

Position and Movement
Unknown.

Active Effects
Bless (42 rounds remaining)
Levitate (17 rounds remaining)
Fly (10 minutes from round 15)
Inspire Courage (On going)

Belkior (AC 21; HP 20/40) Bless, Group Fly  d20+5=19 d20+18=35
Thursday July 14th, 2005 2:16:07 PM
The halfling cleric gently lays the dead child on the ground and says a quick prayer to Alemi over his body. Then, thinking to prevent more injuries, Belkior prepares to catch the next child being thrown from the window. If need be, he will fly into position to catch the child. He'll make a quick examination to determine if the child can be saved and, if necessary, use a spell to patch their wounds.
Reflex = 19, Heal = 35, cast Cure Minor Wounds (if needed)

If now child is thrown from the window, Belkior will fly up to block the window to prevent the exit of the ortlings.

Position
a15, or by window

Actions
Move = Catch child
Move = to window, maybe

Items
Pearl of Power = used today
Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds = 25 charges remaining

Wielding
Left = buckler, holding Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds
Right = light mace

Active Effects
Bless = +1 attack, +1 saves vs. fear, 42 rounds
Group Fly = 55 rounds

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast



Wynn [AC=19;25/46 HP] Blessed, Spider Climb, Fly (sub JohnP)  d20+8=24 d8+4=10
Thursday July 14th, 2005 2:22:49 PM
Wynn stops his song and will move into the room alongside Xenia, trying to cut down as many of these plants as possible before anymore children are killed.

He hits the nearest orcling, nearly lopping it into two parts.
Attack - AC26 (forgot Bless and Inspire Courage), 10 hps cutting

Position = inside room
Bless = 42 rnds
Spider Climb = 15 rnds
Fly = 55 rounds
Inspire Courage (5 rounds)



Syr (20/62 AC 23/22) Fly, Inspire, Bless, fighting defensively 
Thursday July 14th, 2005 6:34:06 PM
Before heading up he sees the druid's friendly face popping through the door,"Tionel, if you can persuade your feathered, furry friends to guard the main door and prevent any more orcs from entering and splitting us again that would help. For the moment, just stay here and help Happy with getting these children to the basement." If anyone else makes it back inside, "Everyone else upstairs to help carry children or kill the orcs."

Syr avoids the wreckage of the stairs and flies straight up to the 2nd floor. Seeing Xenia he smiles weakly, "Purpose reporting for duty, ma'am! Move out of the way and get them downstairs, we've got help coming." He uses his flight to sail over the intervening children and tries to get into the room with all the kids. Normally, this flying would cause him t pause and play with it more but the urgency of the kids plight has him focused on ending the threat.
(OOC: Sure wish I could bold and use Italics)

Belkior - OOC 
Thursday July 14th, 2005 9:21:07 PM
Syr

You can add italics by enclosing your text in the tags [ i ] and [/ i] (no space in actual tags.

The same with bold, using a "b" in the tag.

Or underline with a "u".


Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:59/60  d20+5=16 d20+10=29 d20+5=18 d20+5=16 d20+5=21 d4+6=9 d4+6=8 d4+6=10
Thursday July 14th, 2005 10:34:37 PM
(OOC:What is it about my luck. I tried logging into the Wold four times now and the first three my connetion drops.)

Florin sees the kid getting tossed out the window and with little else to do lets go of his sword, making sure it will miss Ajax and barely grabs the kid from the air (Reflex:16). he holds the child tight as he gets ready to drop the kid back in the room if it's safe.

Ajax-AC:19-HP:38/48
Ajax once again resists the sleeping poison and makes another series of attacks on his attacker. (Can hit AC:18/16/21 Damage:9/8/10)

DM George Battle of the GG round 20  2d6(3+2)=5 d20+6=10 d20+6=15
Thursday July 14th, 2005 10:58:38 PM
As the group runs and fights weariness is starting to set in. Moving on the roots with the slope of the city and exhaustion is starting to take a toll. Everyone must make a consitution check dc15 or get -2 on the hit rolls and skill rolls.

Tionel watches his 3 hippogriffs pounce on the lone remaining orc this round tearing it to shreds. He gathers up the children and moves back into the Giggling Ghost.

Xenia calls for aid and then rushes to attack smashing her weapon into an orc staggering it for a second. It is hurt and on fire and holding a child who is also being burned cradled in the fiends arms.

Belkior tries to get to a window but finds Angus and Florin in the way. He decides to fly under Angus and see if he can catch any falling bodies. He does! He catches a small girl which is thrown out the Angus's window. She is hurt and he casts a healing spell on her. (You can roll it.) The bleeding stops and she wakes up and smiles a sleepy smile into his eyes.

Wynn charges up next to Xenia and delivers the death blow to the burning wortling causing it to fall to the ground and the burned child to spill from its arms.

Syr starts flying up the stairs and down the hallway but can only get partially there. He can arrive next time.

Angus is stunned for the round and can only watch in a sick fascination as children are snatched up and carried towards him to a window.

Florin successfully grabs the kid and craddles it in his arms.

Lang bends down and scoops up Sunshine and staggers into the Giggling Ghost.

*********************************************

Two more orcs drop their children burden and push their way out the windows. Belkior catches one. What will Florin do? He already has one child in his arms, can he catch another? DC 20 reflex save to succeed.

All the orcs crowd around the window. Only 2 are left carrying burdens which the will surely drop next round.

One orc swings at Florin after he catches his prey but misses.

The other having no child to scoop attacks Ajax but misses.

Happy herds the kids down the stairs hopefully to safety in the cellar.




Lang (ac 21; hp 45/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+6=8 d20+6=24 d20+10=12 d20+10=15 d20+5=24 d8+2=10 d8+2=5
Thursday July 14th, 2005 11:06:35 PM
OOC -- My round will be the same as last.

Once more, Lang looks and listens around him (spot 8/12; listen 24/28). If there are no immediate threats to Lang he will drop down to Sunshine's side and attempt to wake him up. If he cannot wake him up, Lang will carry Sunshine back into the Giggling Ghost.

If there are threats to Lang he will shoot them.

Hit AC's 13, 16 & 25; damage 9 & 6 w/ Bless.

Lang D12 or C11 or inside the GG.
Sunshine (prone) C11 or inside the GG.

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours)

Arrows used 26+ up to 3 this round.

Matt C. 
Thursday July 14th, 2005 11:09:54 PM
George, please delete my post as I posted at the same time as you (and you did what I wanted to do, thanks).

Lang & Sunshine cont.  d20+2=20
Thursday July 14th, 2005 11:22:47 PM
Constitution check - 20

Lang moves towards the stairs going up (move 40' towards it; probably around J17). Lang gently lays Sunshine down and tries to wake him up.

Tionel (AC 14, hp 23/46) 
Friday July 15th, 2005 6:21:07 AM
Tionel nods in response to Syr, hoping that his fellow elf doesn't see all the tear streaks and redness under his eyes... He hugs the two kids to him under his arms, holding his wand still somewhat dumbly. The hippogriffs take a flanking position outside, waiting for any orclets to come near the entrance. Meanwhile, Tionel hurries down the stairs after Happy and puts the two kids on the ground. He glances at them to make sure they at least look okay (Any obvious wounds, or are htey like dead? I didn't roll very well on my healing glance (DC 8 and DC 13 respectively) but I hope it's obvious they're condition. One was just healed, the other might still be bleeding and dying)

(move action: move to stairs/down (flying goes fast) and standard action putting them down gently and looking them over)



Maps Round 19 
Friday July 15th, 2005 7:33:40 AM
Ground Floor
2nd Floor

BTW, are you guys finding these map links useful or not? -Al

Xenia (AC20, Dodge vs Nearest Threat, HP 31/35)  d20+3=20 d20+12=31 d6+1=5
Friday July 15th, 2005 8:46:25 AM
No! No! No! No! They're killing them!

"Run Kids! The hall is clear!" Oh stars! "Someone help this one!" Xenia points to the poor child charred by the traces of Alchemist's Fire.

Fatigue threatens to overwhelm the dark rogue. The night trip back from the Crying Woods. The return across the tilted city to the Giggling Ghost. And the endless, futile struggle to save the kids from the orclets. Then she hears children crying. Screams of pain and terror. She collects all of these things into her, and turns them into blind determination. Stalking across the room, she raises the mace high.

"You put her DOWN!!!"

Rolls and Actions
Fort Save 20
Hit AC31 (+1 Bless, +1 Inspire)
Damage 5 (+1 Inspire)

Position and Movement
C15

Active Effects
Bless (41 rounds remaining)
Levitate (16 rounds remaining)
Fly (10 minutes from round 15)
Inspire Courage (5 Rounds Remaining)

Belkior (AC 21; HP 20/40) Bless, Group Fly 
Friday July 15th, 2005 11:49:05 AM
OOC Intended to use 0-level Cure Minor Wounds, for 1 hp and stabilize.

The halfling cleric moves downwards with the injured girl. Belkior knows that there are more children who may be thrown from the window but he doubts his ability to hold more than one human child at a time.

So he flies down and into the Ghost, depositing the girl at the head of the basement stairs.

Position
n3

Actions
Double move = to n3

Items
Pearl of Power = used today
Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds = 25 charges remaining

Wielding
Left = buckler, holding Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds
Right = light mace

Active Effects
Bless = +1 attack, +1 saves vs. fear, 41 rounds
Group Fly = 54 rounds

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink*, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast

Wynn [AC=19;25/46 HP] Blessed, Spider Climb, Fly, Inspire Courage (sub JohnP)  d20+10=28 d8+4=12
Friday July 15th, 2005 11:55:09 AM
Wynn will charge across the room towards the window, trying to cut down the remaining ortlings before they have a chance to drop any more children from the room.

Standing beside Xenia, Wynn swings his longsword and again nearly carves the ortling in two.
Attack - AC 28, 12 pts cutting

Position = C16
Bless = 41 rnds
Spider Climb = 14 rnds
Fly = 54 rounds
Inspire Courage = 4 rounds



Angus, Mage Armor/Fly/Bless AC 14, HP 17/25  d20+1=18 d20+3=16 4d6(1+5+2+4)=12
Friday July 15th, 2005 1:24:00 PM
Angus constitution check 18.

Angus sees the Orc approaching the window with the child in its grasp. Hoping to kill the creature before it drops the child, Angus Scorching Ray's the Orc in the window in front of him.

Hit Range Touch AC 16.
Damage 12.

Spell Slots:

0 level 0 of 6
1 level 4 of 8
2 level 4 of 6
3 level 2 of 4

Syr (HP 20/62 AC 17/16) Prayer, charging, Fly  d20+1=16
Friday July 15th, 2005 6:25:37 PM
Tired though he is Syr continues on in this fight (Constitution save of 16). Arriving in the room in question, a look of relief crosses his face.

Seeing the rest of the group attacking and hitting the two remaining creatures he looks over at Xenia, "I thought you said things were bad up here?" Muttering under his breath, "Women, always panicking and blowing things out of porportion."

Raising his voice once more, "Hey Florin, what's the situation out there? Are you three able to get back in or are there more walking veggies coming?"

Without waiting for an answer, he examines the frightened children and assumes a reassuring look trying to mimic Mother Flauset as best he is able. "It'll be okay guys, let's just go downstairs and see if we can get some food from Happy." He begins to gently herd the kids out of the room and down the stairs. Picking up any that need assistance (OOC: up to two).

Tionel (Add-on)  d20+7=22
Friday July 15th, 2005 9:29:45 PM
((Just rolled my fort save, made it. And yes, I find the map links very useful, because my computer doesn't seem to work with the excel files))

Florin jadenth-AC:19-HP:59/60  d20+5=11 d20+5=16 d20+5=23 d20+5=19 d6+4=7 d6+4=5 d4+4=6
Sunday July 17th, 2005 1:41:13 AM
Florin frowns and tries to cetch the other kid getting pitched out the window but is not successful, maybe it it the shield he still has on his other arm but he frowns when he sees the child go plummeting towards the ground.

Ajax feeling his master's regret at not being able to grab the second child but knowing he can not do nothing to aid in helping the child raises up and once again flails at the orc attacking him. (Can hit AC:16/23 Damage:7/5 Bite AC:19 Damage:6)

(George, was the child asleep? I would figure so but if he wasn't then maybe Florin could tell him to try and aim for Ajax's saddle. Being a child he shouldn't way enough to hurt Ajax I don't think.)

child was either asleep or unconcious. Still how would he aim?

DM George Battle of the GG round 21  2d6(5+6)=11
Sunday July 17th, 2005 10:55:37 PM
Lang still carrying Sunshine heads for the stairs. He puts him down and tries to wake the dog up. Sunshine stirs but doesn't seem very alert.

Tionel flying carries the children downstairs but can't quite get there this round. (I am taking the stairs entrance to be at the bottom part of the depicted map. Not quite sure why, just the way I envisioned it.)

His hippogriffs flank the door and don't let anyone else in.

Xenia stalks over to an orclet and smashes it. Since it was already wounded in slumps to the ground.

Wynn and Angus gang up on the other and their combined efforts see the creature dead on the floor.

Syr starts herding the kids away. They only seem to anxious to go.

Florin, to his horror, sees yet another child fall. He tries to grab him but the burden is to much and the child falls and lands on his head. He lands hard and from the obvious distorted neck the child is dead.

Ajax starts stomping and biting and puts down another wortling.

******************************************

The remaining wortlings finally decide that this prey is to tough and withdraw avoiding any AOO.

Florin looks around and sees a large group of Wortlings run down the street away from the Ghost and can hear explosions of spells and the sounds of battle.

Battle ends....for now


Tionel  d20+3=21
Monday July 18th, 2005 2:49:32 AM
Tionel gets to work downstairs as best he can, looking at unconscious child first as best he can. Belkior, the healer, will do a much better job bandaging any youth, he knows, so he merely does that. He saves his healing wand unless the case seems critical (the kid is at -6 or more). (Healing check DC 21 for examining youths) (An examination action)
Next, Tionel prepares the kids for further tilting of the tree. If it tilts suddenly anymore, they could all fall again, and he doesn't want that to happen to any of them. So, he finds all loose objects that are still above the tilt and moves them so they won't fall on top of anyone. Barrels and wine counters are pulled to the side or staggerred out of the way. He has all the kids move towards the tilt's bottom, and press against the wall. Just in case it tilts anymore, they will not fall a distance. "Okay, kiddies, I know you've been in a panicked state, but I want all of you to move down the tilt, to the bottom. Okay, now just in case anything happens, we won't fall...Good!"
((This is speaking but takes two rounds, as Tionel probably spends moving stuff like barrels and such, then does this:))
"Okay...we're almost secure. Just wait."
Tionel ties a rope to the railing of the stair, just in case the room tilts so much that they need to climb to get out. (take 10 on the knot)
By then everyone should be down in the basement with the kids. He heads upstairs, saying, to his companions
"While you guys secure the bottom here, I'm going to go out and search for any survivors that need aid, as a bird. They can't catch me, and changing makes me heal.. Close the doors behind me!"
Tionel immediately changes into an eagle and flies out through the open doors or a window. By then his hippogriffs should be shimering out of existence.

Of course, that's merely a rough guess at what will happen in the next few rounds. If anyone else wishes to suggest to Tionel he take a different or additional course of action, he will do so. But he wishes to go out and check the town's area, especially hte fighting. Other survivors would be incredibly good to rescue.

Belkior (AC 21; HP 20/40) Bless, Group Fly 
Monday July 18th, 2005 9:09:49 AM
OOC - Assuming that we're out of combat sequence. If nto, please adjust accordingly.

The halfling cleric will tend to the wounded, both the members of the Crimson Shields, the children and Happy. First priority is to stabilize any person in danger of dying, using either healing skill.
Belkior has +18 with Heal, so if you're allowing him to Take 10, should be able to stabilize everyone.

Then, he patches up all of the members of the Crimson Shields using his wands.
I'll roll the healing spells in another post and adjust the wands accordingly.

Finally, he rummages in his pack and passes out some flasks of Antitoxin to the frontline fighters.
4 flasks, to whoever wants them.

To the other Shields, he asks "Are we going to fortify the Ghost and hole up here? Or are we going to go out and try to help those other people to reach the Ghost?"



Xenia (HP 31/35)  d20+17=29 d20+12=30 d20+8=12
Monday July 18th, 2005 4:22:40 PM
One drop. Two drop ....

Xenia holds stock still griping her mace in two hands. Children cry. Sounds, fighting, screaming, other sounds drift in through the open windows.

But no more purple orcs. It's over.

Is it over?

It would be so nice to just stop. Drop down on this slanted floor. Hug one of the kids and have a good cry. It would be so much easier.

But they might come back. Who knows when the next bunch will show up. From the looks of the vines outside, there could be more. Tons more!

The dark rogue takes a cautious peek out the window. (Spot 29, Listen 30) Looks ok for now. Still, they could be back at any moment. What's safe? Can they be safe? Where can they go? For now ...

... maybe just dig in.

"Alright kids. Lets go. Down the stairs. We gotta all collect together so the big people can protect us better, 'K?" C'mon. Lets go."

Xenia takes a moment to hug her special guy. "Thanks Wynn." She reaches up on her toes to give him a peck on the cheek. "For comin' with me."

With the other arm, she hooks Syrdeth in as well. "Thanks, Syr. For comin' to rescue us."

"Alright kids, lets go. No running! Just keep moving steady. It's tricky walking on this floor."

At the top of the stairs, a coil of silken rope drops from the haversack to plop down onto the slanted floor. Xenia ties off knots before tossing the end down the stairs. Some of these kids climb like monkeys. But, for the others, the rope should help.

Its a comfort to see Tionel tending to the fortifications below.

Rolls and Actions
Spot 29
Listen 30
Rope Use 12 /or, heck. We have time. Take 20.

Active Effects
Bless (42 rounds remaining)
Levitate (15 rounds remaining)
Fly (10 minutes from round 15)
Inspire Courage (4 Rounds Remaining)

Syr (20/62 AC17/16) Bless,Inspire, Fly 
Monday July 18th, 2005 8:25:11 PM
Syr has the grace to look guilty for his earlier comments as Xenia includes him in her group hug. Seeing the threat gone, he replaces the healing potion in his purple glove. He continues to herd the kids gently down to Happy in the cellar. Looking around he makes sure everything is secure so that no barrels or casks will roll into them if the building tilts again. As Belkior offers the antitoxin he takes it with a shameful bow of his head, "Sorry about earlier and all that, I never thought I would be the weak one to fall asleep. I'll make it up to you in the future."

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:59/60 
Monday July 18th, 2005 8:46:12 PM
Florin covers the child he carries eyes just incase he is awake and so that he doesn't see all the dead children on the ground and slowly floats to the ground and then places the kid down on the ground, "Stay by me for the moment."

Florin takes the time to sheath his sword and feeling guilty about all the kids laying dead outside he takes his rope and eases as many on to the back of Ajax and ties them down to atleast get them into the GG. Florin can also carry one since the child he saved should beable to walk.

Once the kids are secured and everything he will lead Ajax into the GG and get help to unburden his horse. Florin will go back out to carry any kids in he was not able to get in already.

Once he finally makes it inside he looks around and sighs deeply at how much carnage has been done and speaks up, "Okay everyone, how are we all doing? Just incase we need to be ready to move, remember the Float has been tipping and we do not want to be here if it is pulled all the way over."

Florin glances outside when the comment on helping the others is made and he closes his eyes as he speaks up, "Most of us are weakened, tired and need rest and everything. we could really do little more for anyone out there other then being in the way or possibly becoming a casualty ourself." Florin is pained at saying this since he feels obligated to protect the people out there but also knows his sword arm is getting tired and weakened right now with need of rest.

DM George 
Monday July 18th, 2005 10:42:24 PM
All of group gather back into the Giggling Ghost. Many of the children are to scared to try and climb down the stairs and the group resorts to picking them up and flying them down.

In about a minute, the merchant wakes up with a start and bolts to his feet. He is crouched in a fighting stance staring wide-eyed around him. Terror is in his eyes as he looks for foes and a weapon.

It takes around 5 minutes but all of the children are taking down into the basement where Happy is trying to entertain them and comfort them. He has broken out some honey mead and is giving it out to the overdistraught children in an attempt to calm them down. He takes a couple hits himself as he looks around at his wrecked bar.

The whole 5 minutes passes without much of anything happening.

Belkior has plenty of time to cure people, just let me know who and how much please.

Both Angus, Wynn, and Lang seem strangely quiet. Could it be they are in shock?

Tionel 
Tuesday July 19th, 2005 4:49:13 AM
Tionel spends much of that five minutes boarding windows and using nails and hammer to get everything shut but the main entrance. That he leaves halfway open, but puts plenty of tools next to it for sealing it if need be. Then he goes up to the rooms and retrieves blankets and pillows, bringing them downstairs for the kids to use to cushion each other and so that everyone can rest some.
All of this is a lot more difficult with the room at a slant. Now Tionel realizes something else.
"We cannot stay here forever, just hoping this will go away, you all know. If the City continues to tilt... well, we'll have to get out of here. Somehow get to the water and make boats to the shore. Also, I bet you the upper level is more guarded. There's probably plenty of mages and such there, that can help us. If we could only bring the children to them... We should try if we can rest tonight, to bring them there tomorrow. But in the meantime, I am going to scout out there to see if anyone is about.

And so, Tionel changes into an eagle and soars out of the inn. He flies about at an altitude, watching the streets for signs of activity.


Wynn [AC=19;25/46 HP] Blessed, Spider Climb, Fly, Inspire Courage (sub JohnP) 
Tuesday July 19th, 2005 8:04:49 AM
Wynn works alongside Xenia, moving the children into the basement. He jokes with them in an attempt to keep up their spirits. Eventually, Wynn stays with the children and dredges up some memories of childhood and begins to sing some songs with, and for, the children.

As he does so, his mind is turning over with the effort of devising a funny song about the plant monsters. But he can't manage, right now, to find any lightness in the day's events.

Bless = 39 rnds
Spider Climb = 12 rnds
Fly = 52 rounds
Inspire Courage = 2 rounds

OOC - Power failure last night kept me from posting for Wynn.


Belkior (AC 21; HP 20/40) Bless, Group Fly  Angus d8+1=4 Belkior 2d8(6+4)+3=13 d8+1=5 Lang d8+1=5 d8+1=5 Syr 2d8(3+5)+3=11 2d8(4+5)+3=12 2d8(7+7)+3=17 Wynn 2d8(7+7)+3=17 Xenia d8+1=3
Tuesday July 19th, 2005 8:20:24 AM
The halfling cleric has been busy with his curing magic, patching up all the members of the Crimson Shields. At the end of it, his wands are quite depleted but he has the satisfaction of knowing that his companions are fit to face more horrors.

Healing Summary
Angus - 4 hps
Belkior - 18 hps
Lang - 10 hps
Syr - 40 hps
Wynn - 17 hps
Xenia - 3 hps

Items
Pearl of Power = used today
Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds = 20 charges remaining
Wand of Cure Light Wounds = 45 charges remaining


Xenia (HP 34/35)  d20+12=18 d20+12=13 d20+17=37
Tuesday July 19th, 2005 10:08:56 AM
"Thanks," Xenia gives the halfling cleric a tired smile as he touches her and her bumps and bruises fade away. The dark girl watches Wynn as he entertains the kids. Something in her heart swells three sizes bigger and feels like to bust out of her chest. She blinks away the tears that sting at her eyes. Is it bad to feel so happy with all of the terrible things going on?

"Um .. " she chokes back a sniffle " ... I'm gonna go upstairs and keep watch on the street. Won't be far."

The dark rogue takes up a position in the second floor window. The spot offers concealment, and a prime view of the street. But it screens off sound of possible approach.

Rolls and Actions
Hide 18
Listen 13 (Nat 1)
Spot 37 (Nat 20)

Active Effects
Fly (10 minutes from round 15 ????)

Syr (60/62 AC19/18) Fly 
Tuesday July 19th, 2005 6:08:13 PM
He looks longingly out the door as Tionel speeds away. "Anyone know how much longer this flying thing lasts? It's kinda neat." He rises a couple feet off the floor before dropping to the ground. Moving over to the halfling he tenderly shows all his wounds, "You know, if it wasn't for those two mound thingies, I'd be in alot better shape."

As Belkior touches him with the wand he thanks the small figure, "Remind me to bring it up the next time we have any loot to split but I think a full share should go toward healing items. You are doing a great job of watching everyone's back."

Moving over to Florin he whispers, "Umm how about we bring the bodies inside and put them in a side room. I'd prefer the children stay in the cellar and not see the ... results?"

Lang (ac 21; hp 50/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+6=14 d20+6=26
Tuesday July 19th, 2005 8:15:01 PM
Lang will carefully carry Sunshine over to the top of the stairs going down into the basement. Once all the kids are secure, Lang will station himself at the top of the stairs, next to Sunshine and wait and see. He will have his bow in his hands.

Spot 14/16; listen 26/30; natural 20).

Lang N3.
Sunshine O3.

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours)

Arrows used 26.

Angus, Mage Armor/Fly/Bless AC 14, HP 21/25 
Tuesday July 19th, 2005 8:23:13 PM
Angus flies down to the street level and picks up any dead children left on the street. He carries them back into the Giggling Ghost and finds a hiding spot for them until they can have a proper burial. He moves over towards the group and thanks Belkior for the healing.

Angus then grabs a chair and seats himself near Lang & Sunshine, glad for a chance for some rest.

Spell Slots:

0 level 0 of 6
1 level 4 of 8
2 level 4 of 6
3 level 2 of 4

DM George 
Tuesday July 19th, 2005 10:07:24 PM
The Crimson Shields all react to the horror of the last battle in their own unique way. Tionel starts fortifying the Giggling Ghost. It takes him much longer than 5 minutes to find wood and tools. Happy helps provide some but he mutters, "This is a bar, not a lumber yard."

Tionel after 20 minutes is able to somewhat repair the front door from the shambling mound attack.

Others gather the children close and comfort them. Angus brings in a dead child and sadly lays him down.

Belkior goes on a healing spree much to the relief of the others. His wands are smoking from overuse but everyone is pretty happy.

Sunshine wakes up and licks Lang's face. He seems happy to be alive as well.

Syr starts cleaning up the bodies. It is a large job moving the shambling mounds and dragging the wortlings is just plain tiring as well. With the tilt and the vines it will take quite a while to move the bodies.

Xenia goes up the stairs and keeps watch. She watches a parade of plants skitter by. Mainly wortlings in two's and three's, the occassional mound and even a large tree like creature slowly moves by. Nothing seems to want to come into the Inn though.

20 minutes have passed during this interval. The group is feeling better, and the children have calmed down. Happy is even able to break out some provisions and feed the group and the children.

Please reflex the 20 minutes on your existing spells. The fly spell is gone.

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:60/60 
Tuesday July 19th, 2005 10:17:02 PM
(OOC:Putting Florin at full hitpoints, the post will explain.)

Florin takes a moment after getting the kids inside and nods to Syr when he comments on what he does, for a split second he touches himself and uses a single point of his lay on hands to heal his minor wound from the fall he took earlier.

Florin thinks a moment and will help move the dead kids to any room that will be easy to close up. Once all the dead kids are inside Florin kneels for a moment and whispers a silently prayer, telling Domi how brave the children were and to give them his blessing and also to ask Gargul to guide the Children's spirits home and let them find peace.

Florin looks up after his prayer and sighs before his mind kicks into gear on something, "Jella! is she alright? I haven't seen her since the fall....is she down stairs?" Florin stands, worried about Jella and his mind cycling through their argument earlier and he hopes she doesn't hate him for being like he was, even if he had to help his friends and she should know that.

Tionel (hp 23/44) 
Wednesday July 20th, 2005 6:58:19 AM
Tionel sticks to fortifying the inn and looks about concernedly. He continues working on the windows, and basically busies his body so that his mind will stay distracted from the true horrors going on just beyond the inn itself. A few nails in one hand, a hammeri n the other, and every bit of spare boarding about goes into shuttering windows and sealing gaps...

Xenia (HP 34/35)  d20+12=29 d20+12=30 d20+17=19
Wednesday July 20th, 2005 10:42:22 AM
Report. Food. Potty break.

Xenia leaves the window and scurries down the rope.

Making some quick food in the kitchen, (Sam Witches and other finger food) she lays it out on a table for the kids to take. To the guys, at work on various things, she brings a separate plate and a glass of water.

She stops by Wynn, taking some time out to massage his shoulders and the muscles at the back of his neck.

"Maybe we should just leave," she whispers. "I mean, things are so wrecked. Maybe this is the end of the City. I don't know what we can do. I don't know what's left here for us."

"Maybe we can go to where your from, huh? Or maybe Dirt City and I can introduce you to Marcus and Sliver." The dark rogue rolls her thumb and forefinger across his skin at the juncture between neck and shoulder.

"But you've got your oath to Bralin, right? That's pretty important." She leans down to place a soft kiss just below his ear. "I'll stay. If you stay, I will too. We'll fight this. And ... and we'll make it better."

Quickly, she wraps her arms around the bard from behind and gives a gentle squeeze.

"We will."

Then the dark rogue grabs some food and water and returns to her lookout on the second floor.

Rolls and Actions
Hide 29
Listen 30
Spot 19

Belkior (AC 21; HP 38/40)  2d8(7+3)+3=13 2d8(5+3)+3=11
Wednesday July 20th, 2005 1:31:16 PM
The halfling cleric realizes that he has failed to heal Tionel, probably because the druid was so busy securing the doors of the Ghost. Belkior moves over towards the doors and uses his wand to heal the druid.
Healed for 24 hitpoints

The healing completed, Belkior returns to the basement where the party has placed all of the surviving children. He looks about the room, seing the injuries and the fear of the children. He's not very good at this part of healing, but he's heartened to see that Wynn has taken it upon himself to entertain the children. Still, there is something that no Shepherd is without, especially a halfling. Belkior reaches into his pack and removes some of the high-energy snacks that he always carries. Rather than simply passing them out, he moves to beside Wynn and suggests a singing game with the candy as prizes.

Items
Pearl of Power = used today
Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds = 18 charges remaining
Wand of Cure Light Wounds = 45 charges remaining



Wynn [AC=19; 42/46 HP] (Sub JohnP) 
Wednesday July 20th, 2005 1:45:41 PM
Wynn sits in the basement room, trying to keep the children's thoughts away from the horrors that they have just witnessed. When the darkr rogue slips into the room with a tray of finger foods, he leads the children in a hearty cheer for their provider.

"Hooray! It's Xenia with the food, the food, the food! Who's our favourite one? Xenia with the food!"

When Xenia massages his neck, he rolls it and feels the cracking that has been getting worse over the last while. The strong, supple hands of the rogue manage to ease the knots in his neck.

While the children devour the food, Wynn whispers back to Xenia. "It's been a rough couple of days, hasn't it? Getting away sounds so good, right now. Going someplace where there aren't any plants trying to kill us or destroy the city."

"But you're right. I did make that promise to Bralin. And I haven't completed that yet."

When Belkior suggests a singing game with his halfling trail snacks, Wynn wracks his brain for ideas. After a moment, he launches into a song that gradually draws the children in.


Syr (60/62 AC19/18) 
Wednesday July 20th, 2005 1:51:51 PM
Syr begins to move the bodies then realizes the only bodies that he has to move are the children's (shoulda specified that). With some effort, he takes the kid's bodies into a side room and out of sight from everyone. He makes sure that the shutters are tight preventing any orc things from entering before leaving them. Moving over to Belkior he nods with his head and says with a hushed voice, "Not sure if you want to say a small prayer but the ones that didn't make it are in that room."

Looking at the others, "Well, I've had a much needed rest. Do we take the kids to the dock and take our chances on land or hole up here and wait for things to settle down?"


Lang (ac 21; hp 50/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+6=22
Wednesday July 20th, 2005 9:44:35 PM
Lang tries to put the thoughts of the dead children out of his mind. If he dwells on it there may be more if any more of the plant scum try to enter the Giggling Ghost and he is distracted. He spends some of his time helping to secure the building and gather the dead. Lang will also look out the window and try to determine what is going on in the city (spot 22/26).

What to do that is the big question. Lang mulls over the Shields options, not happy with any of them. Lang will address the group at a time when all or most are present to hear him.

"Well this is not exactly the best situation to be in. We do not know what is going on in the city. Leaving the building may prove deadly for anyone. Staying here may be worse in the long run. We must make contingencies to try to move this large group down to the docks to get off the island. Do we send out a scouting party to scope out the surrounding area? Do we sit still and hope for the guard to regain the city?"

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours; probably just about 2 ½ hours left)

Arrows used 26.

Angus, Mage Armor/Fly/Bless AC 14, HP 21/25  d20+8=14
Wednesday July 20th, 2005 9:59:23 PM
After a while Angus goes down into the basement and tries to lighten the kids' spirits by playing his flute.

Perform 14.

During a break from playing, Angus hears Lang's questions.

"I think 2 or 3 people should make an attempt to scout towards the docks to gather info and possibly help the citizens of the Floating City. If they meet heavy resistance then they can retreat back to here. Perhaps Happy knows of some covert ways to move around the city."

Spell Slots:

0 level 0 of 6
1 level 4 of 8
2 level 4 of 6
3 level 2 of 4

DM George 
Wednesday July 20th, 2005 10:53:49 PM
The group mills around still recovering from the battle. Tionel keeps up his work while the others prepare food, comfort the children, and clean up after the battle.

The discussion starts where to go next. Should you stay holed up? Right now your situation seems safe enough. What if the city tips completely over? Basically a death sentence for everyone but especially the children. Of course taking the children out into the monster fill streets, seems suicidal as well. Should you send a scouting party out to explore? Very risky. Splitting the party up is always something that can come back and bite you.

The streets still seem quiet...almost to quiet. Is something out there waiting for you?

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:60 
Thursday July 21st, 2005 12:53:41 AM
Florin glances outside and sighs, scratching his horse's nose for a moment as he thinks over this whole situation, "We have a serious problem no matter which way we go about this. Stay here we have a certain death if the place tips over and if we go out there then we might become monster food. I don't like the idea of drowning but I certainly don't want to be eaten or see kids eaten on the way to the docks...anyway, where from there? the woods that is trying to kill us? who knows if the elves will even except us there now."

Florin racks his mind for any idea and sighs as he looks to Syr, "We are running a risk either way we go here." Florin walks to the basement stairs and calls down, "Hey Wynn, come up here for a moment...everyone meet in the main area of the GG."

Florin waits for everyone to gather before speaking up now, "Okay everyone, here is our problem. We stay here we risk the place being tipped with us and the kids in it. We leave we risk the monsters getting us if they so desire and I think some of us are to tired to really fight a whole lot more. I'm the leader I know but I will not risk the kids and all your lives on my call this time.:

Florin looks from face to face, "Personally I hate the idea of drowning if it comes to this place being tipped, however I want all your opinions. We risk the docks and leaving and maybe shelter away from the Float or we risk staying here."

Florin motions towards Ajax, "If we leave for the docks I can ride slightly ahead of all of you and atleast give warning if we are coming onto a possible fight. Ajax I think can move faster then anyone here. Thats leaves you all with the kids to protect them while I ride point."

Florin rolls his vizor helment in his hands and smiles slightly as his ice blue eyes show a steeled resolve, "Also you all know I would hold the front as long as I could for you to possibly get the kids well protected." Florin smiles, still, he is proud to adventurer with such noble people and is willing to risk his life in this case to make sure they make it away safe, "If we go, Lang you better hang on to those arrows I lent you to use. You might find more use for them. Sorry there not of better quality but my archery isn't the greatest."

Tionel 
Thursday July 21st, 2005 6:16:55 AM
Tionel looks to Florin at his plan and shakes his head. "Bad idea... and besides, where were you when we were being attacked, Florin? You weren't helping us at all down here.." The elf glares at their leader, frustrated, then calms down. "I'm sorry. You tried your best, I'm sure. It's just..." he sighs.
"We can't go right now, no matter how much we might want to. We have to hold out. Maybe tomorrow, when our spells return, we might have a chance."


Belkior (AC 21; HP 38/40) 
Thursday July 21st, 2005 7:22:21 AM
The halfling cleric looks about the Ghost, seeing the damage that the assault on the Floating City has caused. While listening to FLorin, Belkior thinks upon the options available to the party.

"I agree with Tionel. Each of us who cast spells is too spent and wearied to risk venturing out. And we're too few to protect all of the children out in the open."

"If we're downstairs and the Float tips further, we can simply move to the walls. Or, if it goes all the way over, onto the ceiling. I mean, the Ghost looks to be holding together better than most of the new construction in the City."

Belkior thinks for a moment of where the Ghost is located in the Floating City. For the life of him, he cannot recall right now whether the Ghost is on the "down" or "up" side.

"Plus, I don't know enough about the City to know if this level would even be underwater if the entire City turned over."

Wynn [AC=19; 42/46 HP] (Sub JohnP) 
Thursday July 21st, 2005 7:26:15 AM
Wynn is worn from his efforts to entertain the children. While he climbs from the basement to the common room, he keeps listening for sounds of distress from the basement. Once he is on the main floor he drifts over beside Xenia.

"I can't decide right now. Maybe we should go, maybe we should stay."

Unconciously, he reaches over and grasps the hand of the rogue. Then he leans over and whispers, What do you think?"



Xenia (HP 34/35) 
Thursday July 21st, 2005 11:22:43 AM
Florin's voice drifts up the stairs from below. Meeting?

Xenia holds Wynn's hand tight. Should we stay or should we go now?

"I been watching the street," she says addressing the group from Wynn's side, "and all I see are plant monsters. Orcs and shamblers and this big tree thing. That's it. Not a person in sight. It's like we're all alone. We're the last ones in the city. Maybe everyone else is dead. Or maybe they've all gone too. I mean, we had the idea, right? We can't be the only ones thinking to get out."

"What do we do if we make it to the dock and there are no more boats left?"

The girl rogue heaves a visible sigh. She gives Wynn's hand a squeeze before releasing and pacing back and forth across the slanted floor.

"Look. All we know now is what we got here and the street outside. Sure it's a risk to stay here. But it's also a risk to go out too. And we don't know which is bigger. But we know that it seems sorta safe right here now. And we know that we could probably decide better if we knew more about what's out there. Right? And that means someone going out to take a peek and coming back alive."

"To me, that means moving fast and not being seen. A small party. Maybe only one. That will leave most of us here to guard in case of attack."

"Syr, I've seen you move wicked fast. And you're also pretty quiet. Angus, can you still make someone invisible? If you can, I think we got this scouting thing licked. We can turn Syr invisible, and he can run down to the docks. We'll get a good idea of what's there along the way. We'll find out if there are any boats left. And Syr could also check what it's like outside. There was all that floaty stuff in the water when we came over. Can we even get a boat across now?"

"How does that sound? After we find out what's out there, then we decide to leave or not."

DM George 
Thursday July 21st, 2005 9:31:51 PM
During the Shields debate, a frantic knocking can be heard on the front door to the Giggling Ghost.

Rap Rap Rap Rap Rap.

Sounds like someone is banging a stick against the door. If anyone peers out a window, they can see a very short individual standing next to a very very large bear.

Lang (ac 21; hp 50/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+6=22 d20+6=26
Thursday July 21st, 2005 10:06:44 PM
"Florin, I agree with you that we need to try to make it towards the docks. I also agree that the spell users need to rest and get their magic resources back up to full strength. I am hesitant in trying to move 50+ people towards the water when we do not even know what is down there. My suggestion, like Xenia's, is to send a small group out to scout down to the docks and get the lay of the land. The spell users can rest and if we are lucky we will not be disturbed. The rest of the group can keep watch and start instructing the children on the evacuation down to the docks. You are our leader so the final will be up to you."

Lang then hears the pounding on the door. He moves quickly over to a window and tries to peer out without being seen, and sees the lion and the short individual. He tries to spot any identifying marks on the person (spot 22/26). If he can identify anything on this person that may mean he is a friend/citizen of the city, Lang will address him. If not, then Lang will remain silent.

"State your purpose, are you friend or foe of the Floating City?"

Listen 26/30; natural 20.

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours; probably just about 2 ½ hours left)

Arrows used 26.

Angus, Mage Armor/Fly/Bless AC 14, HP 21/25 
Thursday July 21st, 2005 10:10:52 PM
Angus nods in agreement at the talk of resting the spell users.

"My spells are more than half depleted. I can cast 2 invisibility spells that will last 12 minutes and 2 that will last 6 minutes. But then my spells will be practically all used up.

Angus looks up quickly toward the front door when the pounding occurs. He moves behind a table/furniture for cover as Lang approaches a window.

Spell Slots:

0 level 0 of 6
1 level 4 of 8
2 level 4 of 6
3 level 2 of 4

Tionel 
Friday July 22nd, 2005 6:35:41 AM
"I don't think invisibility would help against many plants; they don't all have eyes, you know..." Suddenly the knock at the door. He peers through a slot in a window.
"It's not a plant! He has to be on our side, guys!" He stats pulling chairs and blockaded stuff from the door.

Belkior (AC 21; HP 38/40) 
Friday July 22nd, 2005 7:33:54 AM
The halfling cleric was about to sit down and remove and re-adjust his armor but the knock at the door interrupts his preparations. Standing once more, Belkior moves to a position to support Tionel and the others.

Thinking for a moment, Belkior asks the group. "I've got three more Antitoxins. Does anyone want them?"


Wynn [AC=19; 42/46 HP] (Sub JohnP) 
Friday July 22nd, 2005 7:36:25 AM
Wynn was admiring Xenia's grace in pacing on the slanting, vine covered floor of the Giggling Ghost. He had been thinking that it might be time to head back downstairs and perhaps sing some soothing songs that might help some of the children nap, but he became distracted.

The knock at the door shakes him out of his daydreams and focuses him on the here and now.

Xenia (HP 34/35) 
Friday July 22nd, 2005 9:38:42 AM
The rogue peeks out at what's making the rapping on the door noise, and her jaw drops nearly to the floor. A guy with a lion? I mean, hasn't she been watching the street for the past oh-so-long? And hasn't there been, like, nothing out there but people eating plant monsters? Even with a lion to protect you. How does that happen?

And, what's with this knocking on the door thing? No 'Hallo'. Or no 'I'm here from the City Guard, it's all over you're safe'. No. Nothing. Just knocking at the door. Like everything's alright. Like nothing's happened.

"Ti'nel. Ti'nel, you don't know that. Stop that. Sump'n 'bout this doesn't smell right. Ask him some questions first. Ask him some questions."

"Lang, ask him how he got through all the plants. Ask him if he's with the City Guard. And ask him if there are any boats at the dock."

Xenia draws in close to Wynn. With the mace now stuck in her belt, the dark rogue grips the new shortbow in one hand. Ready is good. At least, it couldn't hurt.


Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:60 
Friday July 22nd, 2005 1:07:07 PM
Florin looks down when Tionel starts leveling his comments at Florin and Florin whispers just loud enough for Tionel to hear and in a saffened and abit hurt voice, "I was dealing with Jella...she was scared and it's hard to put on my half plate with her clutching my leg...I'm sorry for the lateness of my coming to all your aid." Florin glances at the stairs to the basement, having not spoken to Jella since the end of this and having not received word if she was alright really.

Florin glances to Xenia and the others and nods, "Then I agree we scout and see whats out there first."

When the knock comes he quickly perks up and snaps a hand to his longsword before calling out, "As my friend said, state your purpose?"

Syr (60/62 AC19/18) 
Friday July 22nd, 2005 5:26:55 PM
Looking at the room where he placed the small bodies he tries not to break down. "Poor kids, they have been through so much this year, with Mother dying, Gordo, and know these. Why can't the world just leave them alone. They have been through enough already." Moving out to common room he sits on chair and dwells on his dark thoughts.

Syr perks up at the knock on the door. Seeing no cause for concern, he stays seated and rests.

DM George 
Friday July 22nd, 2005 7:09:25 PM
Upon hearing the questions, the small person pulls off her hood revealing the pert and attractive features of a mature female halfling. The face is pretty but looks worn. Dark circles surround her eyes and her cheeks seem rather gaunt for a halfling. She is holding a small quarter staff in her right arm which she must have used to knock on the door.

A high pitched but clear sounding voice pipes, "My name is Rosana Thistlefoot. I am a member of the Circle of Aldur." She points at the huge bear and continues, "This is my companion and dearest friend Brundy. Please let us in. We have seen much battle and could use a safe place to rest for a while.

Xenia (HP 34/35) 
Saturday July 23rd, 2005 10:11:39 AM
Circle of Alder!

That explains stuff. Xenia visibly relaxes. The rogue puts her bow up.

"Maybe she knows what's going on. Maybe we won't have to send out scouts afterall."

Xenia grabs another plate from the bar. On it she throws a sam witch, a bunch of grapes, and a medium sized pickle. The she pauses and turns slowly to the door. How they gonna get enough food to feed a bear?

Belkior (AC 21; HP 38/40) 
Saturday July 23rd, 2005 2:10:45 PM
The halfling cleric pauses, thinking about what this could mean. Circle of Alder. We'd done some things for them, and then got caught up in this attack by the Crying Forest. Maybe she knows something, or at least has some news about the City.

Belkior pipes up. "Let her in."



Wynn [AC=19; 42/46 HP] (Sub JohnP) 
Saturday July 23rd, 2005 2:12:43 PM
Wynn leans over and whispers to Xenia, You think that is best?

Wynn moves to stand to Xenia's side, resting a hand gently on her shoulder. Once there, he waits for Tionel and Florin to let the druid in.



DM George Supplimental post 
Saturday July 23rd, 2005 2:45:19 PM
OOC Shields! Great news! We are going to be having visitors. Welcome the Children of Chaos!

Children of Chaos welcome. I normally play Savin but Al will be taking over for Savin for the next few weeks while we do our crossover. Some quick notes on me and posting times. I will usually post between 9-11 eastern standard time. Please try to post before me. There are so many players right now, I won't be able to wait for anyone. If we get into combat, daily posts are gonna be huge. If you miss a post, you might cause the death of your character or someone's elses. If you are gonna have problems posting, please find a sub.

Enough of the grimness...onto the fun!

As the Shields decide to open the battered front doors to let the halfling and her bear in, pounding footsteps can be heard threading their way down the street. A large group of people, a dog, and another bear can be seen heading towards the Giggling Ghost.

The Children see a little halfling standing next to an absolutely huge bear. When the bear sees them coming, it rears up on its two hind legs and roars a challenge at them. It is easily 12' tall and heavy enough that no one wants it to fall on them.

Yorrick also comes to his hindlegs and roars back.

Xenia (HP 34/35) 
Saturday July 23rd, 2005 9:25:25 PM
"Wazzat!"

Sam Witch fixings fly across the counter as the dark rogue abandons food preparation in favor of bow and a nocked arrow. She trains a bead on the front door hoping that whatever is making that noise isn't as big as it sounds.

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:60 
Sunday July 24th, 2005 1:57:47 AM
(OOC:I will do my dangdest to get in a post on time each day George.)

Florin frowns when he hears the roar outside, this interupting him from greeting the halfling lady from the Circle of Alder better and he pulls his longsword and readies it as he gets his shield ready to, thinking mainly to himself "great, another fight and we aren't even really ready for it"

Firn'gaer 
Sunday July 24th, 2005 7:39:39 AM
The tall wizard, 80" tall in standard wizardly garb with a well trimmed beard, Firn'gaer standing next to one of the bears places a gentle hand on Yorrick. "Easy, Yorrick, easy." He says.

To Peerimus Highlight to display spoiler: {I'm no judge of these things, but it might feel like a challenge and I'm no in the mood to handle two fighting bears let alone Yorrick.}

"Can you call your bear down. We're not looking for a fight. Just a place to get off the street for a bit." The wizard says.

Status
Current HP -- 44/50

Active Spells
extended mage armor -- 20 hours
extended elf sight -- 137 minutes
extended see invisibility -- 137 minutes
neutralize poison (potion) -- 46 minutes
telepathic bond (Peerimus) -- 47 minutes

Lesser Extend Rod -- 1/3 uses left.
Wand of Magic Missiles (charges used) -- 1

Prepared Spells
0 -- detect magic, light, prestidigitation, read magic

1 -- elf sight*, magic missile x2**, ray of enfeeblement x2, shield

2 -- extended mage armor*, knock, mirror image, scorching ray*, see invisibility*

3 -- deep slumber, dispel magic, fly, lightning bolt

4 -- black tentacles*, dimension door*, empowered scorching ray, polymorph

5 -- heightened resilent sphere*, heightened slow*, telekinesis*

* -- Spells cast

Sly Foxx and Luke 
Sunday July 24th, 2005 8:04:02 AM
Sly are running for the portal, but there seems to be another party ahead of them, "Oh! this is crazy! Hold it every one!" Yells Sly. "Lets calm our animals! Luke are they friend or foe?"

Luke advances and sniff at the party, them answers Sly, "They all are Fiends!"

Sly will ask Savin, "Monk Savin! Please come forward and speak to this Good Party."

Tionel  d20+9=12
Sunday July 24th, 2005 8:16:12 AM
They are all Fiends??
Tionel looks somewhat confused. Surely he meant friends. Too much is going on, and much of it out of view of his limited eyesight range at the boarding of the door.
He tries speaking to the bear, to calm it down, using his knowledge of animals.. "Calm down, there, big fella... No need to fight anyone, we're not wanting to mess with you or your little lady."
(Great...got a 12 on my Druid Animal Empathy roll)

Peerimus and Yorrick  d20+17=33 d20+13=24
Sunday July 24th, 2005 1:45:17 PM
Peerimus says a silent prayer to Mother and Father for the bears sacrifice. Thought their deaths were not real the pain they had to endure was. Knowing Assassin Vines could be on the ceiling and rooftops of the are, Peerimus descends to about 25' off the ground and tries to keep as much in the middle of the street as he can.

Shooting over the group, he calls out to Yorrick, Highlight to display spoiler: { It is good to see you my friend, let us on to the ghost. } Peerimus shortly wheels about and lands just in front of them and shifts to human. Moving quickly to him, the druid is almost knocked prone by the great kodiak. "EN'Gahgrrrr" "I was worried too my friend."

Closing with the Ghost, Peerimus takes the lead on seeeing the woman and the animal at her side. "We come from Gold Level, some of these people need shelter." The bear beside her rises in challenge and Yorrick answers back in kind. Peerimus puts a hand to his friend [Handle animal 33] "It is ok. They are just scared." Peerimus moves out towards the bear, suspecting that the woman beside it has a connection similar to he and Yorrick. "There is no challenge here my friend." [Handle animal 24] Callinginside the Ghost, "I say again, we have come from Gold Level and seek a rest in the Ghost."

(Side note: use [spoiler} and then end it with [/spoiler}, I fixed your post for ya. :) )

Sly Foxx and Luke(a nauthy Second Post) 
Sunday July 24th, 2005 4:07:09 PM
"I'm soory that the Dog said Fiend, I'm sure this Barbarian Dog meant Friends, Did You Not Luke?"

Luke answers to all "Yeap!"

Niobe 
Sunday July 24th, 2005 5:08:27 PM
Niobe stops next to Luke and Sly and looks over at the boarded door of the Ghost.

For the moment Niobe is bruised; probably still bleeding from a cut here and there, her long dark hair has half come undone from its braid and her clothes look a right mess - a highly unusual appearance for the normally well-kempt rogue.

"So much for that inn's rep of always being open. I guess we will just have to crawl down the chimney..." Niobe chuckles wryly (remembering that so far she has stepped through green flames to get into the ghost).

She casts a glance to the side looking down the road they just ran up; checking to see if either the purple orcs or the shamblers have decided to follow.

Savin (HP 85/95) (Sub/Al) 
Sunday July 24th, 2005 6:57:32 PM
Now that the immediate danger has passed, the woman that they rescued looks shaken and none too steady.

"We'll get you through this. Terrible things happen to test our will. Sometimes good things pass from our lives," Savin explains. "We need to hold to the faith that good things will come along again."

Or, at least that's what the Master had said.

"Sometimes enjoying the simple things in life can help you find that faith. Or, take your mind off of the problems you have now. I just restocked my spice collection. I'll cook you something when we get inside." The monk smiles. "What do you say?"

Then Yorrick gets a call of the wild going with another bear. With a single calm step, Savin places himself in front of the woman. Let Peerimus sort out what he does best. Just in case, though ...

Angus, Mage Armor AC 14, HP 21/25 
Sunday July 24th, 2005 10:18:04 PM
"Happy we have visitors that want to enter the Giggling Ghost that are not Plants, for a change. This is your inn do you want to let them into it? Or do you want us to keep them out?"

"So far we have not met any enemy that hasn't been plant-like, so they are probably ok. But then again they must be pretty powerful to move around the city with all the plant creatures moving about. And we have not seen any of the guard at all which makes there appearance even more confusing."

"Lang how many can you see? Are there any of the purple plants or shambling mounds chasing them?"

Angus stays back from the door behind some chairs or tables.

Spell Slots:

0 level 0 of 6
1 level 4 of 8
2 level 4 of 6
3 level 2 of 4

Lang (ac 21; hp 50/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+6=21 d20+6=20
Sunday July 24th, 2005 10:42:09 PM
Lang stays in his position looking out the window at the bear and halfling as the group decides to let them in. Glancing down at Sunshine, he figures that the bear and an Alder Druid is not a bad thing to have around. Perhaps she can tell the Shields what is going on in the City. But then again how did the 2 of them move around the city with all the plant scum moving about. The bear isn't that big if a few shambling mounds wanted to eat it. He stays alert hoping they do not have to fight them after they get in the Giggling Ghost.

When the new group arrives, Lang wonders if letting the halfling and the bear into the Ghost might be a moot point as it seems a battle may break out among the animals. Should be interesting if it happens Lang thinks, but the halfling and bear will probably be overwhelmed. Maybe a few well-placed arrows might help even the odds out a little.

Lang hears Angus's questions and he breaks out of his musings to get a head count of the people and animals outside the ghost. He also looks for more plant life that are missing his arrows from sticking out of them. He quickly relays the info back to the Shields.

Spot 21/25
Listen 20/24

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours; probably just about 2 ½ hours left)

Arrows used 26.

Ilsidur (AC25, 72/107 hp) 
Sunday July 24th, 2005 11:44:53 PM
Ilsidur shuffles up the street, cleaning his axe blade as he goes. "An Inn, is that where we are going? Will they have beer, and maybe food? That plant-hewing sure makes a dwarf thirsty!"

When the two bears face off, Ilsidur calls out, "Who belongs to this bear out here? Please ask him to move out of the way. Tired, thirsty and hungry inn guests are here!"

Syr (60/62 AC19/18) 
Monday July 25th, 2005 2:19:35 AM
Seeing more than the just the Circle Druid, he stands and surveys the new arrivals. "Your presence is most welcome. Pretty much as long as you speak, I'm inclined to think you are not a threat. Darn plants have been hitting us steadily for a while now. To top that off, we have many children to protect. Any assistance you can gives us is welcome."

The short elf's ears perk up at the word 'monk' and he eyes the newcomer with interest. Having learned a similar style on the streets he is curious about the differences from a properly trained style of fighting.

Belkior (AC 21; HP 38/40) 
Monday July 25th, 2005 7:26:22 AM
Hearing that another party of survivors has arrived at the Ghost, the halfling cleric becomes slightly more hopeful. If a party could survive the chaos of the streets, there's hope for the Crimson Shields and the orphans here.

Belkior pipes up, "Let them all in! More hands makes lighter work, as the master of novices always used to say."


Wynn [AC=19; 42/46 HP] (Sub JohnP) 
Monday July 25th, 2005 7:28:57 AM
The bard leans closer to Xenia and whispers into her ear, "More people. Maybe the streets aren't as bad as we feared. Or maybe they're just stronger than us."

After this confidence, Wynn moves slightly to stand between the doorway and the cellar stairs.


The Giggling Ghost Crossover


The Rogues (DMiT JohnP) 
Monday July 25th, 2005 8:17:16 AM
The three rogues arrive at the Giggling Ghost with the Children of Chaos, apparently having guided them. Faced with the sight of a druid and her animal companion, they hang back with the Children instead of pressing into the inn.

DM George 
Monday July 25th, 2005 8:31:46 AM
OOC Yeah I know, I said I would post at night but looks like most of everyone has posted and I want to move this along.

A sharp but soothing word is issued by the halfling, "Brundy down. You can make friends later." The large cave bear settles quickly to his haunches but keeps a keen eye on Yorrick.

Consensus among the Crimson Shields is to let the strangers in. Quickly the doors are unbarred and the small halfing women strides confidently in. She is quickly followed by her massive friend lumbering in crushing rose vines under its feet.

When the Children of Chaos follow they see a sight that grieves their hearts. The friendly inn where many of them have tilted a green gnomish is in shambles. The tilting of the city has caused any of the furniture to slide forward to the front of the building. Dead wortlings (those pesky purple orcs) lie oozing sap all over the floor. Huge piles of leaves, sticks and ropey vines show that they too have been visited by shambling mounds.

By the amount of bodies, littered on the floor, a reasonable deduction can be that the individuals in the Giggling Ghost are also a group of heros. They look battle worn and tired. Some clothing is torn and scratches can be seen on most of them. Their wounds don't match the rents in their clothing however and Ilsidur recognizes the pink scars of recent healing.

In turn the Shields notice that the group entering has also seen battle. Many of the telltale rips and scars are present on the group entering.

A strange sound is suddenly heard by The Children of Chaos. It is faint and low but unmistakable. Its singing. Singing coming from somewhere close. The voices sound sweet, young and innocent. They sound frightened but somehow hopeful.

Angus mage Armor AC 14 HP 21/25  d20+3=22
Monday July 25th, 2005 9:23:29 AM
Angus recognizes the three rouges (spot 22) and call out a warning. "Beware Shields! This group is in league with the Anvil Heart Assassins!" Angus quickly points an accusing finger at the three rouges that entered the Inn.

Angus stays on the second level looking down at the new arrivals with a very suspect eye. Angus remembers Jonas, Specialty Johnson and their lap dog half orc all too well.

Angus steals a quick look to Lang, since he is wearing much of the Anvil Hearts gear.

Firn'gaer  d20+8=27
Monday July 25th, 2005 10:05:41 AM
Firn'gaer comes into the Giggling Ghost. "Freod," He says using an ancient word for peace holding his hands up with palms outword. "I don't know what league you think we belong. These three were prisoners when we came on them." He says looking up to Angus. "But right now isn't there more important goings on with your city. Whatever their crimes are or were they have as much at stake as the rest. So until this current crisis is ended I suggest freod between all parties concerned."

He looks to his new found travel companions, "There will no hostilities."

[Spot DC27]

Status
Current HP -- 44/50

Active Spells
extended mage armor -- 20 hours
extended elf sight -- 137 minutes
extended see invisibility -- 137 minutes
neutralize poison (potion) -- 46 minutes
telepathic bond (Peerimus) -- 47 minutes

Lesser Extend Rod -- 1/3 uses left.

Prepared Spells
0 -- detect magic, light, prestidigitation, read magic

1 -- elf sight*, magic missile x2**, ray of enfeeblement x2, shield

2 -- extended mage armor*, knock, mirror image, scorching ray*, see invisibility*

3 -- deep slumber, dispel magic, fly, lightning bolt

4 -- black tentacles*, dimension door*, empowered scorching ray, polymorph

5 -- heightened resilent sphere*, heightened slow*, telekinesis*

* -- Spells cast

Xenia (HP 34/35) 
Monday July 25th, 2005 10:19:41 AM
"WHA!?!?" The dark girl's green eyes go wide as Angus uncovers the identity of some of the new 'guests'.

Scooting across the room, the slim rogue takes position next to Wynn. Her bow is taut. Without heed to the words of the thin wizard looking guy, she trains an arrow out the door.

"WEAPONS DOWN! ON THE FLOOR, YOU!!!" The grrr of a growl tickles the back of her throat.

"DUNNO HOW YOU GOT OUTTA THAT CELL, YOU CHILD KILLING SCUM. BUT WE'RE GONNA SEND YOU BACK, OR SEND YOU TO GARGUL!"

Lang (ac 21; hp 50/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+6=26 d20+10=29 d20+10=30 d20+10=17 d20+5=10 d8+2=3 d8+2=5 d8+2=9 d8+2=6 d8+2=4 d20+12=17
Monday July 25th, 2005 10:57:09 AM
After Angus's warning shout, Lang looks over the group in front of him and spots Jonas and the other Anvil Hearts that they put in jail (spot 26; natural 20). Lang hears the stern advice from the elf (?) and responds back.

"There will be no peace with child killers. Don't you think there was a reason why these 3 were behind bars? No child killer has left the walls of the Giggling Ghost alive today, and that is not going to change now. If you want to be included in their fate then stand by them, otherwise step aside."

Lang fires 3 arrows at Jonas hitting AC's 29, 30 (critical 17) & 10; damage 3, 20 & 4.

Sunshine sensing Lang's anger growls menacingly, waiting for Lang's to command him to attack (animal handling 17).

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours; probably just about 2 ½ hours left)

Arrows used 26 +3 this round.

OOC -- Sunshine is a dog that looks bigger than your average dog. Lang is a human dressed in nondescript browns and greens. A flash of armor and weapons can be seen under his cloak as he shoots his longbow.

Peerimus [AC 26 HP 73/73] and Yorrick [AC 19 HP 73/73]  3d8(8+7+2)+5=22 d20+17=24
Monday July 25th, 2005 12:09:43 PM
Peerimus knew the ones they traveled with at the moment were not exactly upstanding citizenz in the City's eyes, but the accusations and pure unchecked hatred being spewed by this group in the Inn caught the man off guard. What Peerimus did know is that hostilities between those in the room had to cease immediately.

Peerimus moves to Jonas's side a wand coming to his hand as he does. With a touch the wounds just received vanish almost in their entirety, [CSW Wand 22]
As he does, Yorrick steps closer to defend him from any reprisals.

"Those are powerful accusations which Lord Lorbius of the House Ursidae and Lady Celine, of the House Stizein did not see fit to level. I can see nothing that shows you have authority to meet out death at your will and until you can I will not let unbridled hatred and emotion overstep their bounds. You will restrain yourself sir."

Peerimus will also make sure Jonas has no ideas of retaliation as well. "As will you."

Level 0:
Detect magic, Mending, Read Magic, Create water, Guidance, Purify Food and Drink

Level 1:
Jump, *Longstrider, CLW, Endure Elements, *Speak with Animals

Level 2:
*Extended Produce Flame, Animal Tance, Reduce Animal, *Barkskin, Cat's Grace

Level 3:
*CMW, *Greater Magic Fang, Nuetralize Poison, *Summon Nature's Ally III

Level 4:
*Dispel Magic, *Anti-Plant Shell, *CSW

Level 5:
*Animal Growth, *Wall of Thorns

Active spells: Peerimus only
Longstrider 9 hours +10 Speed
Greater Magic Fang +1 all attacks 9 hours
Barkskin 192 minutes +4 AC
Antiplant shell 94.9 minutes 10'radius
Speak with Animals 38 Rounds

Peerimus physical description
Peerimus is of average height and size. (5'10" and 188lbs. His hair is long and slicked back using various wild berries. Giving it a bluish green color and making it very stiff hanging off the back of his head. His face appears to have not seen the sun for some time and his clothes appear to be lined with fur and are quite plain in cloth grey and brown. He is dressed in leather with a large wooden shield and club. A large grey wolf fur adorns his back as a cloak.

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:60 
Monday July 25th, 2005 4:22:21 PM
Florin frowns at how everything is breaking down and at the fact of who a couple of their new guests are.

Florin however steps forward with his sword still readied and holds up a hand to his own group, "Hold your attacks now! Listen Shield's, we don't need another tough fight right now. we are weary, tired, bruised and such and don't need a fight right now. Let's not start making more enemies while the streets are full of them already."

Florin turns and looks to Peerimus who spoke up and speaks calmly to him, "Good sir, I would simply ask that you know the blood between our group and the Anvil Heart ganag you just lead members of here before deciding somethings. Forgive me but I do not remember seeing any of you there when these Anvil Hearts tried killing us, I do not remember any of you there either when they burned down a orphanage and killed innocent children within and I doubt you shed tears for the dead since you weren't here. All beacause we used a turtle barge of theirs to get acorss a lake and got in their way of some grand evil scheme."

Florin glares at Jonas and speaks clearly, "We shed each others blood before and "I" warned you I would kill you on my oath to Domi if anything happened. This city is in shambles, your group is weakened and right now you have no real place to run to as a rat. For the moment, and this very moment only I won't let my friends kill you and I won't kill you but the very moment you do something against us again I will kill you Jonas."

Florin looks to the Peerimus and the group he is with and speaks once again politely, "Now sir, if our problems are behind us and this is settled. My name is Florin Jadenth, a follower of Domi and defender of his will. The people behind me are my friends who along with me make the Crimson Shield's of Hope or Shields as we shorten it to."

Once introductions are given Florin nods and offers his hand to those who except or show no hostility, "It is a honor to meet you and if you like we can see what we can get to eat for you all and some drinks too. I ask you simply to keep the three with you away from my friends if possible."

Florin sheathes his mithril longsword now that has the word Glimmering which glows slightly on both sides of the blade and turns to his group to look them over abit.

Florin is almost 6ft tall, heavil muscled which might be hard to tell under his half plate armor and carried with his backpack a single comp bow, a longsword, a greatsword strapped to his back that looks to be good quality and his large steel shield which bears the emblym of Domi on the front. Florin's armor which is usually cleaned to a nice shine is currently dirty and sweaty from all the fighting, however he has taken off his vizor helmet and his eyes are ice blue in color and his black hair is pulled back in a pony tail.

Savin (HP 85/95) (Sub/Al)  d20+13=26
Monday July 25th, 2005 6:09:45 PM
Savin does not much more than to smile. The woman, he puts a finger to his lips in a polite gesture of silence.

Quietly, he slips up next to the trio. (Move Silently 26)

"We'd have pretty poor memories not to remember how we found you," he whispers in a light hearted voice. The monks hands are tucked behind his back, and he looks out at the buildings, the street, any place but at the three rogues. "Still, whatever you deserve or don't deserve, I'd think you'd be running a pretty big risk to run off now. A Tendriculos has no mercy." Savin shrugs.

"I think this is probably the safest place to be right now. Don't you think?"

Niobe (50/73HP, 19AC) 
Monday July 25th, 2005 9:01:18 PM
Niobe stands back and watches the hostility building.

"If anyone wants to kill anyone else I suggest that they take it outside. Plants or no plants. Those children have seen more than enough death."

The Half-Elven rogue pointedly looks at the corpses strewn about the room. She sheathes
her rapier.

Niobe searches the room for a place the change clothing so she looks less ragged and dirty. If she finds a place then she will change clothes and if there is time (i.e. nothing attacks the place right away) begin to mend some of the tears in her other clothing. She will also comb out her hair and rebraid it.

Niobe seems awfully calm considering the heated atmosphere here and the looming plant threat...

Belkior (AC 21; HP 38/40) 
Monday July 25th, 2005 9:50:57 PM
The halfling cleric has no concept of what just occurred. If his companions had encountered these people before, it was before his time with them.

"As Florin said, come in if you're willing to be peaceful. I am Belkior Orvisson, Healer of Alemi."

Belkior will try to make a comfortable place for the new group. If need be, clearing a spot for the three unwanted visitors might be prudent.

"As for them, maybe they should be watched while they are here."


Wynn [AC=19; 42/46 HP] (Sub JohnP) 
Monday July 25th, 2005 9:54:12 PM
Wynn stands ready to defend Xenia, remembering well the Shields' experience with the Anvil Hearts. He rubs the spot where he was wounded in the fight.

"That's right! You three there, drop any weapons you have and sit on the ground!"


The Rogues (DMiT JohnP)  Specialty d20+5=12
Monday July 25th, 2005 10:04:42 PM
The three rogues realize who is inside the Ghost.

When the arrow strikes Jonas down, both of the rogues react with instinct. Roach, the half-orc spins and thinks to dash into an alley way to get away from the Shields and any other snipers they might have. His way is blocked by Yorrick, however, so he ends up spinning in place.

Specialty is quicker witted, so she moves to place herself in the midst of the Children. Speaking to all of them, she pitches her voice so it doesn't carry into the inn. "They attacked us before, a dispute over some property in the city."
Sense Motive DC 12 Highlight to display spoiler: {Specialty's voice betrays her small untruth.}

After receiving the healing from Peerimus, Jonas stands and calls back to the inn. "You say that now, after shooting me down from hiding. You're no better than we!"

To the Children, he continues in a lower voice. "Go ahead, ask them who they took their arms and equipment from. If you check them you'll find a nice sword, a mithril shirt and some other equipment that they stole from us. If they haven't pawned it off already, that is."

As he says this, Jonas remains close to Peerimus, rubbing at the freshest of the bloodstains on his clothing.


Ilsidur (AC25, 72/107 hp) 
Monday July 25th, 2005 11:42:19 PM
Ilsidur watches the conflict unfold before him, unsure exactly what has gone on in the past to bring such wrath from the party in the Ghost. However, the fact that the three recent arrivals to the party were being held in criminal cells gave him a fairly clear indication that they were no innocents.

"Lord Lorbius, do you know anything about these three?" he asks, indicating the three rogues. "I suggest that we hold them here until we figure out who in authority can take possession of them back again."

"Now, is anyone seriously hurt? I have some healing still remaining."

Ilsidur is a dwarf, dressed in dwarven plate mail and carrying a waraxe and shield.

The Lord and Lady have left you for a while. Not there to answer your question...George

Tionel 
Tuesday July 26th, 2005 5:36:45 AM
Though he had initially let them in, Tionel had been busy barring the door behind them, and had only just now paid attention to who they were.
He doesn't look too good right now. Well, h is elegant clothes seem all right; light hardened leather brown vest, dark purple velvet sleeves, thin cloth pants with little dragons crawling up the sides, a fine courtier's ruby ring, a necklace of jade with a small golden lizard, and a rich purple silk cloak. But he looks like an elf who has been beaten up, and not just by recent events. Tionel is normally about regular elven weight (which is to say thin to humans), but lately has turned gaunt and his clothes seem to droop on him. He also has some circles underneath his eyes, along with some bruises and a dried smeer from a bloody nose. His normally combed out golden hair is frazzled falls about, tinged with sweat from all the hard work he's been doing. Bits of goo and plant juice, poison and blood from the orclets, besots his clothes. His excellent hat is gone, lost when the room tumbled about, and probably is crumpled under a table somewhere.
The words escape him as he takes in the three figures and sees the other group. "NO! They will not stay here. They will go out into the streets. NOW!" Out of spells and fatigued, he draws his scimitar with a tug of effort and points it at the three... Especially at Specialty Johnson. Utter rage fills his voice, making him softer, but more guttaral, almost animal-like. "You! Lied to us... burned the children... Laughed at us, later. And you," he turns his sword to Jonas. "Threatened the lives of innocents. For your petty, stupid, lost turtles, you said you would kill children! And then you did!"
He turns his attention to the people they're with...reasoning and pleading filling his voice. "I know that you don't know what's going on..and I know you are almost seemingly bystanders in this." Tears fill his eyes, "But you don't know what they've done. They killed Mama Flaust...the caretaker of our orphans.." his voice almost breaking at this point, he stops, and draws a deep shuddering breath, then continues resolutely.
"Kill them now. That is the best we can do to them, for their crimes, for their punishments, and for the children we guard. There are dozens of children downstairs, children we saved from the plants, children we saved from a fire, children that THESE (swear words) tried to murder! I will not have them near them alive!
"As for what surely will be your next suggestion, holding them in a room, tying them up, or some such method of keeping 'watch on them', they are the type that if you lock up, they only break out and kill someone you live in your sleep. We would have to assign someone to watch them, and we can't do that now. We are surrounded by an army of man-eating plants. I don't want to put my back to them at any moment, for I know they'll stab me. I will not trust them, and I will not take your word that they won't do it... for they would murder babies. Please. Don't get in the way again. Or leave with them, and don't return."

Sly Foxx and Luke 
Tuesday July 26th, 2005 6:04:01 AM
"Does anyone have a cure poison Spell or Potion? Luke here has been poisoned. Please! Hepl him. After all he is an altered Beast, He some how as a sole! He's getting to be more human than dog, Look how much he has grown already!" Pleads Sly.

Luke look to Sly "It is starting to hurt!!"

Firn'gaer  d20+1=20 d20+1=16 d20+8=20
Tuesday July 26th, 2005 11:17:49 AM
The arrows go flying by Firn'gaer and out the door. The wizard steps in one step further. "We've no time to listen to this. Everyone's coming in." He says. "Soon a few of the larger or should I say huge plants will decide to venture their way back this way. We and you don't want this door open when that happens." He says.

"Whatever your conflict with those three is second at best to me. Your city is being destroyed. That is the first concern. Next is what we need to retrieve. Then your issue falls in line somewhere after that."

Firn'gaer looks at Tionel. "It appears that they are skilled. You made need their help and they yours. They must have as much interest as you in stopping the city from being destroyed. So I would suggest a temporary cease to your hostilities." He says. "Or is your hate for them that blinding?"

"We're coming in now. At least until we can decide our next move, which shouldn't take long. After that do what you will."

He looks to the archer. "And if there are anymore happy trigger fingers the plants will be preferable to what I'll do." Still holding a wand in each hand. [Intimidate check DC20] Bluff DC16 Highlight to display spoiler: {Plants are worse.}

The wizard moves in cautiously keeping an uneasy eye on the Shields. [Spot DC20]

Peerimus Highlight to display spoiler: {This is going to get bad. I can feel it. I may added fuel or water. We'll see.}

Status
Current HP -- 44/50

Active Spells
extended mage armor -- 20 hours
extended elf sight -- 137 minutes
extended see invisibility -- 137 minutes
neutralize poison (potion) -- 45.9 minutes
telepathic bond (Peerimus) -- 46.9 minutes

Lesser Extend Rod -- 1/3 uses left.

Prepared Spells
0 -- detect magic, light, prestidigitation, read magic

1 -- elf sight*, magic missile x2**, ray of enfeeblement x2, shield

2 -- extended mage armor*, knock, mirror image, scorching ray*, see invisibility*

3 -- deep slumber, dispel magic, fly, lightning bolt

4 -- black tentacles*, dimension door*, empowered scorching ray, polymorph

5 -- heightened resilent sphere*, heightened slow*, telekinesis*

* -- Spells cast

Physical description -- Firn'gaer is a tall lanky man, 6'6" and 173 pound, with icy blue eyes with dark brown hair that is starting to turn silver. His face is chiseled and he wears a beard short and well trimmed. His clothes are not expensive, but well kept. He wears a full robe and a hooded cloak.

Syr (60/62 AC19/18)  d20+9=28
Tuesday July 26th, 2005 12:25:26 PM
Seeing the Hearts, the elf springs from his resting position and moves to the door. Syr steps up to the wizard and ignores the wands (Intimidate 28), "We do not wish to fight you so please stand aside." His small frame and dark pony tail twitch slightly as he prepares for action.

Pausing for a breath,"I fear many are correct in this argument. Their crimes ARE unforgivable. There is NO chance that we will fight shoulder to shoulder with these villians. Might I suggest a compromise? I would vote to evict them except I don't want them escaping. Everyone comes in, we restrain these three until we can turn them over to the authorities when their can finish their sentences."

Xenia (HP 34/35) 
Tuesday July 26th, 2005 12:51:34 PM
"We don't need to *spit* to be better than you, Jonas!" The slim drow-skinned girl shouts from inside. Strands of red hair fly loose and unruly, escaped from the tight cap of her ponytail.

"The City Guard *gave* us your stuff after they let *us* and kept *you* in that cell."

"And it was *you* what ambushed us when we set up that meet. And it was *you* what burned down the orphanage. And it was *you* what extortioned us into getting rid of momma-swimming-dinosaur."

"And I don't believe that turtle we used was even yours. It was there with no one around. Tolo and his idiot brother said we were to use it and all we have is your word that it was yours. Why should we believe you? You're a liar!"

The dark rogue thinks about what the new guys have said about the kids and death and all. It makes sense, but Mister Wizard is looking for an arrow in the eye waving that wand around and all.

"Alright! You can come in. Syr's right. But Jonas and them, they don't get weapons. They sit together where we can watch 'em, and if they get out of line, they get nailed!"

"And you're going back to jail after this, you hear?"

DM George Combat begins 
Tuesday July 26th, 2005 1:40:00 PM
Hands tighten on weapons, hackles are raised, accusations are thrown into the air. Arrows are shot and wounds are healed all in the first few seconds of the meeting between the two heroic groups. There is even a call of aid which is largely ignored...poor Luke

Both groups are shocked when a loud pitched scream of dispair launches from the halfling.
No! No more! Please no more! To much blood! To much death."

Her face is pinched and her eyes are blazing with insanity. She runs to the corner of the room followed by her large bear companion and shouts out a spell. A large wall of thorns cover the corner, obscuring the pair from view.

More murmering can be heard from behind the wall. Peerimus please make a listen check dc 15

OOC Not quite sure if we are in combat, but please limit your actions to rounds until we figure it out. I will need everyones hps AC and any spells they have on with durations listed on the post. Please list ac's and hps in the header.

Map

Angus Mage Armor AC 14 HP 21/25  3d4(1+3+4)+3=11
Tuesday July 26th, 2005 1:41:21 PM
Angus is shocked at Florin's words "Florin, you let them go the first time and looked what happened. Do you want Jella to be next and not just her playmates. The scum must die and NOW!"

Angus is not even paying attention to the two crazed Druids with the bears and is concentrating on the evil Specialty Johnson. "Time for you to pay for your CRIMES! You will never harm children again!"

Angus unleashes a magic missile spell at Specialty Johnson and three missiles race at her. (11 damage)

Spell Slots Used:

0 level 0 of 6
1 level 5 of 8
2 level 4 of 6
3 level 2 of 4

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:60 
Tuesday July 26th, 2005 2:46:51 PM
Florin glares at Angus just slightly though and speaks clearly to him, "Angus, I'm not saying let them go. Keep your friends close and enemies closer. An to get to the point look out that door, look around the Giggling Ghost. We can't afford a fight like this at the moment. Which is more important, the kids or the Anvil Hearts? Right now those kids and all you guys and girls are my primary concern."

Florin glances to the Shields, "You voted me as leader everyone and I say at this moment stand down. We allow them ALL in and for the moment we just deal with the current situation." Florin glances back to Angus, "What good is it to kill them now or anything if we all don't even make it from the city...an I made the wrong choice before maybe but I followed my heart and my oaths to Domi. I regret those decisions but I can do nothing about them now but mourn the losses and move on."

Taking out of his speah Florin whirls around and sees the lady from the circle of Alder go strange and whispers, "Great, just great. Now what." Florin glances to Tionel, "You know what she is doing Tionel? Shields prepare for combat."

Florin will ready his longsword and shield if he has time.

(OOC:Shields, sorry for the one part of Florin's talk. I do not mean to offend anyone so please keep in mind it's nothing personal. Mainly worried at upsetting JimF.)

Peerimus [AC 26 HP 73/73] and Yorrick [AC 19 HP 73/73]  d20+4=18 d20+5=17 d20+17=18
Tuesday July 26th, 2005 2:47:01 PM
Sense Motive 18 Listen 17

To Firngaer Highlight to display spoiler: {We are dealing with blind hatred and possibly with great cause. It is a fight we will not be able to win}

Peerimus nods to Florin as he introduces himself and his comrades. "I am Peerimus, Child of Mother and Father Wold and these are my freinds." Florin continues to tell of the atrosities and Peerimus remains attentive and nods again, "These three were identified by several guard who were with them as criminals, Lord Loribus saw fit to allow them to fight rather than remain in the guards custody on the mark they would not be pardoned upon the righting of the Floating Cities problems." This is said very graciously and with the hopes to impart Peerimus's sincerity that it is what will happen.

Then more shouting occurs...

Peerimus looks at Specialty as she speaks and he moves to capture her eyes. "Do not think to play us as fools. You will be silent. And you too Jonas. I will take your weapons for now as well"

Peerimus continues to those of the Crimson Shield, "Your man Florin has vision past hatred for the better of all. Please listen to him for I know what assaults this city."

The Halflings cries arrest the druid's attention. Peerimus will tell Yorrick to guard Jonas and stride through the Wall of Thorns about the halfling. [handle animal nat 1 what joy]

Level 0:
Detect magic, Mending, Read Magic, Create water, Guidance, Purify Food and Drink

Level 1:
Jump, *Longstrider, CLW, Endure Elements, *Speak with Animals

Level 2:
*Extended Produce Flame, Animal Tance, Reduce Animal, *Barkskin, Cat's Grace

Level 3:
*CMW, *Greater Magic Fang, Nuetralize Poison, *Summon Nature's Ally III

Level 4:
*Dispel Magic, *Anti-Plant Shell, *CSW

Level 5:
*Animal Growth, *Wall of Thorns

Active spells: Peerimus only
Longstrider 9 hours +10 Speed
Greater Magic Fang +1 all attacks 9 hours
Barkskin 191.8 minutes +4 AC
Speak with Animals 37 Rounds

How are you walking through the wall of thorns? Woodland stride doesn't get you through magically enhanced natural barriers, only those found in nature.

Wall of thorns states those with Woodland stride can pass freely through it

How about that. Your right. Missed it when reading the spell. Sure you want to go through the wall with a really really big nasty bear who has empathy with its insane halfling companion?

unfortunately I don't know about the insane part. Peerimus As far as I know has no reason to think he will be attacked by the bear or the druid.

Xenia (AC 20 HP 34/35) 
Tuesday July 26th, 2005 3:41:02 PM
huh???

"What's with her?" Xenia whispers to Wynn and Syr. "She gone splah?"

"Don't you move," she shouts to the Hearts. "Don't you even think of moving!" She draws a bead on Jonas, but all these new guys are in the way. This big dog is standing right in her line of fire.

"Hey, doggy. Nice doggy." The dark rogue gives a terse whisper as she watches the Anvil Heart leader's every move. "Get outta the way, will ya?"

Rolls and Actions
Ready Action: Shoot Jonas if he moves from that spot.

Position and Movement
No Move

Savin (HP 85/95) (Sub/Al) 
Tuesday July 26th, 2005 5:53:56 PM
These ... "Shields" appear to be working through the disagreement they have with the stragglers from up above.

Savin's eyes move about the room. Things appear volatile.

"Please come this way." The monk gently takes the elbow of the unnamed woman who they had rescued in near the central pillar. With swift assurance he guides her to the nearest wall. A stairwell appears to lead down. Nearby are the armored halfling and the thin man who calls for blood. Neither seems an immediate threat.

Savin eyes the wall of thorns as Peerimus slips within and out of sight.

"It will be safer here. If things get wild, take cover at the top of the stairs."

His eyes turn again to the wall of thorns across the room. With a running start, he might be able to clear the top of that wall. Peerimus may need backup.

Rolls and Actions
Double Move with Woman

Position and Movement
Woman is at L1
Savinais at L2

Question
How high is the Wall of Thorns?

Niobe (50/73HP, 19AC) 
Tuesday July 26th, 2005 9:07:21 PM
((I had the impression that we were all let into the GG the last round. Was I incorrect and we are still standing out on the street?))

Niobe will be having no part in this argument. She is almost itching to ask Firn'gaer if the majority of "northerners" are just as obsessed as this lot seems to be in general.

"I am seriously wondering if the Crone dropped us in the right place. We are about to get involved in something that really isn't our business," Niobe speaks fairly lowly and in a dry voice.

Niobe glances sternly at the 3 rogues and then glances briefly; but not sternly, at first Florin and then the other members of the Crimson Shields.

Niobe will remain ready to defend against any plant creature that decide to try and attack the Ghost. Mending will just have to wait. She sighs.

Then the spells and arrows start flying...

"Hey! Whoa! Stop that! Do you realize that those three are - ironically enough - three extra sets of hands to defend the kids from those people eating plants?! We'll keep a close eye on them until the plant threat is over."

'Not exactly the best bit of diplomacy...' she thinks to herself.

Lang (ac 21; hp 50/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47) 
Tuesday July 26th, 2005 11:11:00 PM
Lang never takes his eyes off Jonas. Lang barely hears what anyone is saying around him, as he remains focused on Jonas, his actions and the half-truths he spews. He is aware of the new group's plea for peace, but ignores it. He is only slightly aware of the halfling's rant and her and Peerimus's subsequent disappearance behind the wall of thorns. He only knows that Jonas will not escape the Shields this time.

"Jonas I am right here. I am not hiding. Why you don't you come out from behind these innocent bystanders and meet your death like a man. Or am I going to have to chase you down and kill you like a rabid animal. I do not wish to harm these people who have come to the Giggling Ghost to escape the plant monstrosities. But you and your 2 friends I will harm."

To no one in particular, but in response to all the 'reasons' why Lang should stop from killing Jonas and his lackeys.

"Who are you to come in here and dictate what should and shouldn't be done? These 3 have murdered orphaned children and the woman who cared for them. And then burnt down their home. The owner of this establishment is a benefactor of the Crimson Shields and of the orphans. He does not want these criminals inside his building armed and dangerous. They do not know and follow law. At the first opportunity to advance themselves they will. Even if it means killing you, us or the children we guard here. If they do not submit to being disarmed and bound, then they die. Knowing them like I do, I know they would run when they realized it was the Shields inside the Giggling Ghost. Having them escape is unacceptable to me. 'Persuading' them to stay with some arrows was acceptable."

Lang does not see a clear shot past the new group and does not want to hurt them with an errant shot. He stows his longbow in his quiver. He and Sunshine move towards Jonas, drawing his 2 shortswords as he moves, preparing to strike him. Lang takes the spot of the departed Peerimus (O11) and Sunshine falls in next to him (P11).

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours; probably just about 2 ½ hours left)

Arrows used 29.

Lang (cont.) 
Tuesday July 26th, 2005 11:16:24 PM
Lang's tone of voice is "matter of fact" not anger.

Ilsidur (AC25, 72/107 hp) 
Tuesday July 26th, 2005 11:22:46 PM
After listening to what the Crimson Shields have to say, Ilsidur turns to the three rogues and asks, "So, explain yourself. Did you, in fact, burn down this orphanage and kill the ones that they say? If not, why were you prisoners of the city? Getting through the street made strange bedfellows of us, but now you need to give yourselves back up again. Drop your weapons, and submit to be bound, or we will have to assume that you are as evil as the Shields say, and act accordingly."

Ilsidur stows his waraxe and shield, and swings off his backpack, getting ready to remove his rope.

Tionel 
Wednesday July 27th, 2005 6:32:41 AM
"Like I said, capturing these fellows, locking them up in a room, that's stupid!! They're trained thieves and backstabbers! They'll wiggle their way out of ropes, slit your throat, and ours, and laugh at us. In fact, while they're free they'll do anything to stay that way. That's what they said to us...that they'd do anything to get their way. It's not three more hands that are going to help us... at the first sign of weakness, they'll backstab us." Tionel sighs.
"But if you want to take it on your own risk, lock them up in a room upstairs, we have plenty. I'm only doing this because Florin says so...and I'm trusting he's right this time."
Tionel glares at Peerimus. He really doesn't like the druid... who has that whole confidence thing going that Tionel never did. "I'm going to go check on the children. If you fellows have any sorts of dolls, toys, or treats, I'd like to ask that you give them to us for the children."
With that he heads towards the closets. He's getting some blankets and pillows from Happy's supplies to bring down to the children...


Sly Foxx(AC19 82/82) & Luke (AC21 ??/65hp) 
Wednesday July 27th, 2005 7:08:44 AM
As Sly hold on to Luke, he yells at every one, "NOW! STOP! THIS! Bikkering, amd use your heads. I don't know how badly Luke is hurt, But I do know he was poisoned in his fight with a plante.
This Barbarian Dog fights by our side and I would not want to lose a very good set of fangs!. Now! came any one help him?" Sly said with a little bit of temper in his voice and fire in his eyes.

Sly's Spells

Lvl o - Detect Magic p Detect Poison = Ray of Frostx1

Lvl 1 - True Strike - Chill Touch - Magic Misslesx2

Lvl 2 - Spider Climb - Bull Strenth

Lvl 3 Despell Magic

Belkior (AC 21; HP 38/40)  d20+18=34
Wednesday July 27th, 2005 7:20:30 AM
The halfling cleric has no idea what has just transpired. He's seen his companions, those that he has faced down horrors both within and without the Floating City, immediately turn on three of the newcomers. Whatever happened, these assaults on an orphanage and killing of the children, must have occurred before Belkior joined with the Crimson Shields.

While his loyalties lie with his fellow Shields, he doesn't want to see anymore deaths today. "Guys, listen to Florin! Surely we can hold these three until we can turn them back over to the guards. We don't need any more blood on the floor of the Ghost today!

"Get them to disarm, lock them up someplace with a guard. Do that, please."

With that, Belkior goes over to tend to the large dog that came in with the newcomers. Before approaching too close, he speaks to the one known as Sly, Belkior introduces himself.

"I'm Belkior Orvisson, a Healer of Alemi. May I examine your companion?"

If permission is granted, Belkior will move up to Luke who towers above the halfling. "You say that he is poisoned?" Belkior examines Luke and tends to his wounds.
Heal = 34, for next poison save

Position
n9


Wynn [AC=19; 42/46 HP] (Sub JohnP) 
Wednesday July 27th, 2005 7:25:29 AM
Wynn remains beside Xenia, backing her up and preparing to take on the Anvil Hearts. He well remembers what happened when they last crossed paths. He loosens his longsword in it's sheath and tries to surreptitiously wipe his hand to ensure a tight grip.

The Rogues (DMiT JohnP)  d20+5=19
Wednesday July 27th, 2005 7:40:15 AM
Caught between the Crimson Shields and the rampaging plant things outside, the Anvil Hearts are in a tight place.

Ever the follower, Roach looks between Specialty and Jonas. Whatever they do, he'll be right behind them.

Specialty glances behind her, trying to gauge her chances of making the stairs. Not good, especially with that druid throwing up a wall of thorns. She sidles closer to Jonas, trying to keep more of the Children of Chaos between her and the Shields.
Position = n12

Jonas listens, trying to gauge the sentiments of both the Shields and his newfound companions. He doesn't like the way that this is going. "Too many variables, too many witnesses," he thinks. Still, he doesn't feel any need to explain his actions here. And, at least, the proprietor of the Ghost hasn't poked their nose in yet.
Sense Motive = 19

Speaking mainly to the Shields, especially their leader, "We have no fight with you, now. If you want to disarm us, do so, but it'll take some swords from your defense of this building." With that, Jonas moves to remove his sword belt and rapier, looking to hand it to one of the Children. He motions to Specialty to do the same.



Firn'gaer 
Wednesday July 27th, 2005 8:04:36 AM
Seeing hostilities coming to an unforeseen end, Firn'gaer will collect weapons from Jonas and Specialty keeping both sword belts over one shoulder. "I wouldn't wait on the guard they've pulled back to the upper levels. They're barricaded and just holding back the plants." He says to the halfling.

"We need to decide what to do next." He says to the rest of the CoC. "Lorbius and Celine have vanished, inconveniently. That leaves us with no guide to the lower levels." He says moving off towards the wall of thorns, H13.

"Sly bring Luke. Ilsidur or Peerimus can tend to him over here." He says as the halfling cleric moves in to aid. He takes out his blanket and places it down for Sly to put Luke on. "This will keep him comfortable Sly until he recovers."

Status
Current HP -- 44/50

Active Spells
extended mage armor -- 20 hours
extended elf sight -- 137 minutes
extended see invisibility -- 137 minutes
neutralize poison (potion) -- 45.8 minutes
telepathic bond (Peerimus) -- 46.8 minutes

Lesser Extend Rod -- 1/3 uses left.

Prepared Spells
0 -- detect magic, light, prestidigitation, read magic

1 -- elf sight*, magic missile x2**, ray of enfeeblement x2, shield

2 -- extended mage armor*, knock, mirror image, scorching ray*, see invisibility*

3 -- deep slumber, dispel magic, fly, lightning bolt

4 -- black tentacles*, dimension door*, empowered scorching ray, polymorph

5 -- heightened resilient sphere*, heightened slow*, telekinesis*

* -- Spells cast

Physical description -- Firn'gaer is a tall lanky man, 6'6" and 173 pound, with icy blue eyes with dark brown hair that is starting to turn silver. His face is chiseled and he wears a beard short and well trimmed. His clothes are not expensive, but well kept. He wears a full robe and a hooded cloak.


Syr (60/62 AC19/18) 
Wednesday July 27th, 2005 10:50:36 AM
Seeing the opportunity to break the tension and keep both parties from fighting he moves to the criminals. Grabbing his rope, he turns Jonas and leads him to the northwest corner of the Inn, "Lang's right, no back rooms for you. We want you in plain sight for all to watch."

As he is tying the man's hands and legs he snarls to Jonas, "Less swords would be better than teaming with the likes of you. Besides, we've already doubled our strength from where we were an hour ago. We must be doing something right."

DM George Crossover battle round 2  d20+19=36 2d4(2+4)+13=19
Wednesday July 27th, 2005 9:17:49 PM
Angus with a snarl shoots 3 magic missiles at the rogue Speciality Johnnson inflicting 11 points of damage. He expresses some concerns at Florin for letting them go in the first place.

Florin asserts his leadership roll and calls for the rogues to surrender and tells his comrades to call down.

Peerimus calls upon his druid ability and walks right through the wall like it wasn't even there. He sees a large dire bear rearing up to his hind legs at Peerimus's intrusion. Peerimus hears the spell the halfling. It is a powerful summoning spell.

Yorrick whines at his friend leaving him where he can't follow. He shuffles over to the and whines some more. He is clearly worried for his friend.

Xenia pulls out her bow and tries to aim it at the rogues she so dispises but can't get a clear shot and refrains from shooting.

Savin escorts the woman away from the actions while looking at the wall. He sees that it extends clear up to the top of the ceiling. No way to jump over it. She seems grateful to get out of the line of fire. "Who are you people?" She asks plainitively.

Niobe is perplexed by all the confusion and shouting. She adds her voice to those calling for reason and calm.

Lang stows his bow and pulls his shortswords and he and his dog advance threateningly. He adds his voice to those calling for the rogues to set down their arms or die.

Ilsidur puts his weapons away and pulls out some ropes while calling for the rogues to anwer the charges leveled against them.

Tionel realizes that all the closets containing blankets and pillows are upstairs. The stairs up are blocked by the thorn wall so he just heads over to check on the kids. He can finish the check next round.

Sly once again calls for aid for Luke. Luke snores calmly on.

Belkior moves over to examine Luke and sees where he was infected with the wortling poison.
As he bends over, Luke's eyes pop open and his tongue darts out giving the halfling a sticky kiss. He closes his eyes and goes back to playing poisoned. (OOC Al tells me that Luke wasn't poisoned so he his going along with whatever Sly is trying to pull)

Wynn waits and watches

Jonas decides to surrender and takes off his swordbelt holding it up for someone to take. He signals to the others but they don't surrender this round.

Firn'gaer collects only Jonas sword this round. Specialty doesn't give hers up yet. He calls out to Belkior offering a blanket. He is clearly fooled by the sneaky hound.

Syr grabs Jonas by the arm and starts to lead him away. Jonas goes but gruffly pulls out of Syr's grip and Syr has to herd him over towards his destination.

*********************************************

Rosana casts a spell but nothing seems to come of it this round.

Brundy sees Peerimus pop through the wall and seems slightly surprised. He roars his rage and the whole inn seems to shake at the noise. He slaps at the offending druid with one paw easily hitting him and does 19 points of damage.
Since Peerimus speaks with animals, the roar was translated to "Leave us alone!" but he might have been able to figure that out on his own.

Reference This Map

Sly Foxx(AC 19 85/85hp) & Luke(Ac 21 ??/65hp) 
Thursday July 28th, 2005 7:41:34 AM
Luke Suprises Balkior whith a kiss of thank you. Sly pick up Luke, tells Balkior to follow them to the blanket.
When they arrive at the blanket, Sly puts Luke down on it, Sly gets to his feet (he knows that the play acting will not fool the Wizard or a healer), The blade Singer tell the both of them the trouth "Luke and I was hoping to stop this little spat about the Convices Rouges. They fought well while they were with us.
So Luke and I came up with this plan of him being poison, Now he like being an actor and will keep it up untill he is called to fight. Isn't that right Luke?"

Luke lying there, opens one eye "Yep!"

Sly look at them both, "Now how do we stop this needless blood shed?"

Tionel 
Thursday July 28th, 2005 7:53:02 AM
Tionel actually does not just go to check on the kids, he instead heads upstairs to get all the supplies from the second floor. This round, he continues getting all the items necessary from a closet; in fact, he goes about it messily, since who needs prudence in this case? He pulls ot a handful of blankets and grabs an armful of pillows; as many as he can grab in his current form.

Sorry but the way upstairs is being blocked by the thorn wall, an angry bear, and a druid. Are you walking through the thorn wall? Did you see the map? I am having Al post it on the board.

DM George information 
Thursday July 28th, 2005 8:27:01 AM
Hey folks, it isn't clear on the map, but the way up the stairs (leading to the floor above) is on the north part of the stairs. Blocked by the wall of thorns.

The way down the stairs, to the cellar where the kids, Happy, and the rescued merchant are is to the south of the staircase heading down.

Please remember that the building is tilted 45 degrees towards the front door. Thick rose vines cover the floor and basically everything else. Running, and charging are tough and a dex check of 15 will be needed to accomplish it.

Also please post your position on the map, otherwise I will place you where I think you are and you might not like where that is.

Peerimus [AC 26 HP 54/73] and Yorrick [AC 19 HP 73/73]  d20+17=29
Thursday July 28th, 2005 9:41:33 AM
Peerimus instinctively ducks low and puts his shield up as the great bear smacks him. Hard! Bouncing off the Thorn wall, he steps left and his quick mind tells him everyone in the ghost is in trouble and so is he if he remains here. Then there was the hum of Magic missiles followed by the grunt of pain from Specialty Johnson.

First order of business was to back out through the thorn wall and away from the dire bear. [to I/15]
"My brothers, we have a severe problem appearing shortly. The halfling is calling of Father's aid."

Peerimus gives Yorrick a "gonna get rough look" and continues to move to P/13 with Yorrick going to Q/13.

"Florin either get control of your men or I will"
To FirngaerHighlight to display spoiler: {Damned cowards! Who's throwing magic Missiles at Johnson? Halfing is summoning powerful help and these idiots want to carry on a vendetta. I'm one attack from leaving them to their fate and let Father take them}

Level 0:
Detect magic, Mending, Read Magic, Create water, Guidance, Purify Food and Drink

Level 1:
Jump, *Longstrider, CLW, Endure Elements, *Speak with Animals

Level 2:
*Extended Produce Flame, Animal Tance, Reduce Animal, *Barkskin, Cat's Grace

Level 3:
*CMW, *Greater Magic Fang, Nuetralize Poison, *Summon Nature's Ally III

Level 4:
*Dispel Magic, *Anti-Plant Shell, *CSW

Level 5:
*Animal Growth, *Wall of Thorns

Active spells: Peerimus only
Longstrider 9 hours +10 Speed
Greater Magic Fang +1 all attacks 9 hours
Barkskin 191.7 minutes +4 AC
Speak with Animals 35 Rounds

Xenia (AC 20 HP 34/35) 
Thursday July 28th, 2005 10:50:41 AM
Sounds o' roaring and hitting. All kinds o' folks saying all kinds o' different things that don't jive together at all. Everyone running 'round doing different stuff. Bears and dogs and Stars knows what!!! It's like ... Chaos in here!

Just for sure things've got this All-Hell-Breaking-Loose sorta feel.

First one way, then another, Xenia swings from one quadrant to the next to cover the full field of vision around her. Wynn, Florin, Belkior, the dark rogue sidles a short hop to the east to place herself within the triangle of their protection.

"I'm here, Wynn. Got your back." Xenia whispers.

Then, "Hey, you might wanna do like your boss and drop that sword, you roguy bint" the girl rogue spits the blonde Anvil Heart's own words back at her, an echo from a battle months past. "If you don't wanna get another one like that from Angus that is."

Rolls and Actions
Ready Action: Shoot Specialty Johnson if she attacks.

Position and Movement
5 foot step to M8

Savin (HP 85/95) (Sub/Al)  d20+13=30
Thursday July 28th, 2005 11:14:01 AM
Savin spares a brief smile for the unfortunate young lady.

"Who we are is a long story. For now, just think of us as your protectors. If things get rough, run for the stairs. I'm sorry, for now, I have to tend to protecting."

Moving swiftly across the room, the monk steps outside the door searching for windows through which he might bypass the wall of thorns inside.

"What kind of 'Father's aid' are we talking, Peerimus?" he calls back inside. "Anyone have any ideas on how we might get past the thorns? Best to deal with the root of the problem."

Rolls and Actions
Spot 30 for window, break in wall, weak place in wall, anything that might get through.

Position and Movement
Woman is at L1
Savin is at C12

Question
Any Windows?

Belkior (AC 21; HP 38/40) Bless  d20+6=15
Thursday July 28th, 2005 12:06:59 PM
The halfling cleric has a grimace of distaste on his face underneath the coating of dog slobber. He immediately tries to wipe his face clean, not making any effort to disguise what he is doing.

Belkior hears the chanting coming from behind the wall of thorns but doesn't recognize the spell.
Spellcraft = 15, only good for a 0-level spell

"Could one of you dispel those thorns? Woudl that work?" If we were still flying, I'd say that we could go outside and fly into an upstairs window, then come down the stairs."

The halfling cleric steps back beside Xenia, then prepares to bolster his companions during the potential fight. He intones a prayer to Alemi requesting that his companions be blessed.

Then, he readies his mace for the coming fight.

Position
n8

Actions
Various free actions
Free = 5' shift
Standard = cast Bless
Move = draw weapon

Items
Pearl of Power = used today
Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds = 18 charges remaining
Wand of Cure Light Wounds = 45 charges remaining

Wielding
Left = buckler, holding Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds
Right = light mace

Active Effects
Bless = +1 morale on attacks & saves vs. fear, 60 rounds

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink*, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless*(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast

Note: Target is caster & all allies. If possible, would be sharing this with the Children but not the rogues.


Wynn [AC=19; 42/46 HP] (Sub JohnP) 
Thursday July 28th, 2005 12:16:36 PM
Wynn continues to observe the events in the Ghost, ready at an instant to protect his companions. Leaning to Xenia he whispers, "And I've got yours. Remember, always keep an eye on those Hearts, whatever else happens."

As a though comes to him, Wynn calls out to his companions. "If you're tying those rogues up, make sure the bindings are good and tight."

Wynn moves over towards the half-orc, preparing to take him and bind him also. He keeps his weapon drawn as he approaches, however.

Position
p12

The Rogues (DMiT JohnP) 
Thursday July 28th, 2005 12:22:44 PM
Jonas submits to the rough handling of Syr. As he is moved away, he snaps a command to Specialty, "Give up your weapon!"

Once seated in the northwest corner of the inn, Jonas looks around at any nearby windows and doors. "I'm not looking to escape," he states if Syr notes it, "Just looking to see how well you've boarded the place up." Then he wriggles to find a comfortable position and settles in to watch the Shields in action.

Specialty looks around at the adventurers around her. With a sneer on her face, she moves to remove her swordbelt and shortsword. Holding it out, she allows whoever to take. "Doesn't matter, it's not my good one," she mutters while watching Wynn approach.

Roach is trying hard to keep up with the events in the room. Seeing his boss and Specialty submit, he lifts his hands. "Dropped my axe outside, I did. Gots no other weapons."


Syr (60/62 AC19/18) e1  d20+1=15
Thursday July 28th, 2005 12:24:34 PM
Syr roughly herds Jonas into the corner and commences to tying his hands and feet (Rope Use 15). Looking back over his shoulder he calls, "Lang, Florin, wanna bring those other two over here?"

Angus Mage Armor AC 14 HP 21/25 
Thursday July 28th, 2005 1:04:48 PM
Angus looks very dissapointed that Speciatly Johnson put down her sword. "I have something special for you." Angus adds looking at the rouges and takes out several scrolls. "Tie them real tight Syr, you know how sneaky assassin's can be." Angus attempts encouragement. "We can not let them slip through our fingers again. Who know they may even slit the throats of their new found friends here." and Angus scans the Children of Chaos.

Angus keeps an one eye on the big bear in front of the wall of thorns and the wall itself as he did not like the roar that came from behind it or the squeal of pain.

Angus thinks to himself how sane Tionel seems in druid terms as his recent sampling of druids is disturbing.

Niobe (50/73HP, 19AC) 
Thursday July 28th, 2005 5:08:22 PM
Niobe immediately corrects Angus on the issue of friendship.

"We are not their friends. You obviously have not bothered to notice that the plants have the distinct advantage of numbers. We were merely increasing our odds of survival," Niobe speaks in a dry, matter of fact tone (not hostile, but not polite for the moment either). Niobe looks directly at Angus as she addresses him, her arms are crossed and she does not look too pleased.

"The Crone did not bother to give us an update on socio-political matters before dumping us in the middel of this Gods forsaken place," Niobe is beginning to sound just a tad bit annoyed with being associated with one side or another of this feud. Time is wasting and the fae king problem isn't solving itself is Niobe's particular concern.

((The map isn't legible for me. Is there any way to enlarge it?))

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:60 
Thursday July 28th, 2005 6:00:06 PM
Florin moves to help escourt the half-orc over and speaks to him clearly, "You will be joining your boss. Be good and don't fight back."

Florin looks to Angus and the others who openly might attack the Heart's again and speaks this tine with abit of tempor in his tone, "STOW IT NOW! We have a big problems all around us and stop making more for us. Right now lets look to survive and not make another fight till we're atleast safe. Anymore attacks at this time on the Hearts and whoever does it will answer to me personally, point blank and period! now get your head in the current situation, we have a battle coming from the sounds." Florin growls now since his temper is building, "My adopted daughter is downstairs and it would be great if you killed these guys and girl JUST to have some creature appear while your doing it and kill her or any of you."

Florin now readies his weapons more as he gets the half-orc over to Jonas and looks to Jonas, "I'm keeping a reign on my friends and you keep doing the same."

Florin glances to Xenia and speaks more calmly now, "Xenia, check their ropes real quick, I would figure your really good with knots and such."

Lang (ac 21; hp 50/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47) 
Thursday July 28th, 2005 6:25:21 PM
Lang helps Syr & Florin move Jonas, Specialty and Roach by prodding them in the back with his short swords (try to move them into the same square as Jonas; H5). He then helps secure the 3 criminals. He does not rush the process of securing them. He makes sure they are tied up securely.

If any of the 3 resist, Lang will smack them with the flat side of his swords (non-lethal). If any try to escape, Lang and Sunshine will attack.

Lang H6
Sunshine G6

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours; probably just about 2 1/4 hours left)

Arrows used 29.

OOC - Info on Use Rope:
1. Bind a Character: When you bind another character with a rope, any Escape Artist check that the bound character makes is opposed by your Use Rope check. You get a +10 bonus on this check because it is easier to bind someone than to escape from bonds. You don't even make your Use Rope check until someone tries to escape.
2. Binding a character takes 1 minute.
3. A silk rope gives you a +2 circumstance bonus on Use Rope checks. If you cast an animate rope spell on a rope, you get a +2 circumstance bonus on any Use Rope checks you make when using that rope. These bonuses stack.

DM George "First Blood! combat round 3  d20+13=18 d20+13=29 d20+7=23 d6+7=8 d6+7=11 d8+3=7 d20+13=30 d20+13=18 d20+7=12 d6+7=11 d20+13=14 d20+13=28 d20+7=23 d6+7=11 d20+13=33 d20+13=16 d20+13=33 d20+13=29 d20+7=8 d6+7=9 d6+7=8 d6+7=10
Thursday July 28th, 2005 9:25:50 PM
Sly reveals to Belkior hers and Lukes devious plan to bring the groups together.

Tionel, in his search for blankets, heads back across the room towards the thorn wall and the stairs up towards
guest rooms and linen closets.

Peerimus, after taking the blow to the head, decides to move out of the area and brings Yorrick with him. Though the bear
could have easily taken an AOO, Brundy didn't.

Xenia keeps her bow out and ready, looking for an excuse to shoot Specialty Johnson.

Savin darts to the door and looks around. He doesn't notice any plant creatures but does look up and sees a window. It is already broken and the climb looks easy. Only 20' up and lots of vines to grip.

Belkior casts bless. Since it says all Allies, you can include the CoC and not the rogues. The only person who doesn't benefit from it is Savin, who just moved out of its range.

Wynn moves closer to Roach the half-orc. Weapons are drawn and he is ready.

The rogues all submit. Roach holds his hands up, showing his defenseless state. Specialty Johnson, moves over toward her boss with a resigned expression on her face. Jonas submits to being tied up but this process will take a while.

Syr pushes Jonas into the corner and starts to tie him up. This takes a full 10 rounds to do and you are on round 1. Remember we are in combat rounds right now.

Angus, shoots of some nasty comments and starts digging around his pack pulling out some scrolls.

Niobe is impatient with the situation. She waits and watches.

Florin tries to keep the peace and starts escorting Specialty Johnson over towards the corner.

Lang moves over to help tie up the rogues but can't do it yet as they haven't gotten there yet. Sunshine goes with him.

Ilsidur and Firn'gaer both remain strangely quiet and don't do much this round.

****************************************

4 dire lions appear around the room

One appears near Angus and attacks him in a full attack with both claws and a bite. It hits with all 3 attacks. The lion does 25 points of damage, rendering the tall mage unconscious and bleeding at the lion's paws. It roars a victory roar tail lashing. Angus is at -4. If no one cures you, please roll a 10% to stabilize next round.

The second appears behind Xenia but only hits once with a claw. It rakes down her pack doing 11 points of damage to the thief.

The third appears by Ilsidur and attacks him 3 times as well. It only hits once with a massive paw but inflicts 11 points of damage upon the dwarf.

The last and final dire lion appears next to Firn'gaer and lashes out with 2 devestating claw attacks. 2 potential critical hits. One is a critical hit but the second is a normal hit. Firn'gaer takes 27 points of damage from the huge lion. The bite attack missed.

More chanting can be heard from behind the wall of thorns and growls from Brundy can be heard. Peerimus recognizes another summoning spell.

Please list your locations on the map. Sorry Niobe, don't know how to enlarge it. I can send it to you directly via email. That might help. Please list all spells cast on you and your ac and hps please.

A Map For Those Who Can't Open The Attachment

Ilsidur (AC25, 61/107 hp)  d20+14=21 d20+9=23 d10+5=7 d10+5=8 d6=4 d6=6
Thursday July 28th, 2005 11:01:08 PM
Ilsildur shouts out, "What is going on! Who is summoning these creatures! Is that halfling with you, Shields?"

The dwarf swings back at the huge lion with his flaming waraxe. [OOC: Hit AC21 for 7 + 4 fire damage, then hit AC23 for 8 + 6 fire damage.]

Niobe (50/73HP, 19AC)  d20+12=28
Friday July 29th, 2005 5:49:43 AM
Niobe tumbles past the dire lion, and making ready to flank it (assist Firn'gaer) she draws her rapier.
(tumble 28; success. See pg 84 PHB 3.5)

((The e-mail helped a lot George, thank you. I presume that Niobe does not get any attack this round, so I have not posted any attack rolls.))

How far did you travel? If you didn't move farther than 30' then you can get an attack. Drawing your weapon doesn't take your action. Not as long as you have +1 on your base attack which I assume you do. Please mark your position on the map.

Xenia (AC 20 HP 23/35)  d20+16=26 d20+6=16 d6=6 3d6(6+4+6)=16
Friday July 29th, 2005 7:33:22 AM
*SHOCK*

Razor pain draws a sharp inhale, and then steals the breath from the "O" of the girl rogue's mouth. Instinctively, she tumbles away from danger, rising to see that the group, both groups, are surrounded.

From the corner of her eye, Xenia makes a note of everyone's position. (Poor Angus.) The other girl tumbles too and draws a rapier. Perfect position. Great for distraction.

The dark rogue slips past the guy with the dog, past Jonas and Specialty, she tucks in next to Tionel where she turns and fires into the exposed flank of the really nasty lion.

Rolls and Actions
Tumble 26
Hit L3 AC17 (-4 firing into Melee. oop. It's 17 with Bless.)
Damage 22 (6+16 Sneak) /Kent has ruled Sneak with a bow as long as within 30 feet and flanking position.

Position and Movement
Tumble to M9
Move to N13
I'm assuming that Niobe moves to I12 to flank vs Firn'gaer.

Active Effects
Bless Duration 60 rounds from Round 2

Belkior (AC 21; HP 38/40) Bless  d20+6=7
Friday July 29th, 2005 7:45:11 AM
OOC to Everyone - Don't forget the Bless spell on your attacks

OOC to George - there ate two "F" characters on the map for both Florin and Firn'gaer. You've also got two "J" for Jonas symbols since it looks liek one didn't get removed.

The halfling cleric cries out, "Yipes!" as he swings reflexively at the lion which suddenly appeared in front of him. His swing goes wildly astray and almost clips Xenia.

Belkior jumps back and sheathes his weapon. "Better leave the fighting to the professionals", he thinks.

In response to Ilsidur's words, Belkior shouts out "Us? We thought that she was with you!".

Position
n9

Actions
Standard = attack L2, hit Ac 7 (natural 1)
Free = 5' shift
Move = sheathe mace

Items
Pearl of Power = used today
Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds = 18 charges remaining
Wand of Cure Light Wounds = 45 charges remaining

Wielding
Left = buckler, holding Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds
Right = empty

Active Effects
Bless = +1 morale on attacks & saves vs. fear, 59 rounds

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink*, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless*(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast



Tionel (AC 14, hp 44/44) 
Friday July 29th, 2005 7:46:30 AM
Tionel feels tired out and useless. But they have to continue on. He focuses on one of the dire liions, the one that just attacked Angus. He forces his will down on it... "Stop!" He calls out loud, firmly, and a bit desparately.

(Casting Hold Animal on that Dire Lion, DC 16 Will save for it to resist)

Spell list:
0: Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Cure Minor Wounds, Know Direction, Purify Food and Water.
1: Pass Without Trace (used up), Entangle, Charm Animals, Speak W/Animals (used up).
2: Barkskin (used up), Bull's Strength (used up), Lesser Restoration, Hold Animal (casting this round).
3: Diminish Plantsx3. (all used up))


Sly Foxx (Ac 19 82/82hp) & Luke (Ac21 65/65hp)  d20+10=30 d20+8=28 d20+8=26 d6+4=9 d6+4=8
Friday July 29th, 2005 7:57:36 AM
Sly shout out "That's not our Magic!".
He will step in frount of Ilsidur, taking one step forward (Pushing Ilsidur back one space)at the same time arms himself with his +2 magic sword & shield. He now faces the lion4, he yell at Luke "Let's go to work Now! Luke!"
Sly starts to chant and mumble some magic Elven words (Next round he will use Dispel Magic L3 on all the lions)

Luke jumps up(crit) and will attack the lion4(Attack Ac28 crit & Ac26(this dog is better than sly) Damages 9+8=17hp).

Sly Spells

Lvl 0 - Detect Magic - Detect Pioson - Ray of Frost

Lvl 1 - True Strike - Chill Touch - Magic MisselsX2

Lvl 2 - Spider Climb - Bull Strenth

Lvl 3 - Dispel Magic

OOC: Sly will be at G/10!where Ilsidor was, Luke will be either next to Sly or atP/11 in the lion face))

Wynn [AC=19; 42/46 HP] Bless (Sub JohnP)  d20+9=28 d20+9=29 2d8(5+3)+8=16 d20+4=23 d20+4=8 d8+4=6
Friday July 29th, 2005 8:06:04 AM
Wynn steps in towards the lion that has suddenly appeared in front of him. He sees that Xenia has been injured by another lion but he can't get to her to assist.

Seeing the dark rogue in danger inspires his attack on the creature since he carves deeply into it on both swings.

Still, he has enough presence of mind to bark a command at Specialty. "Don't even thnk of running off, you!"

Position
p11

Actions
Free = 5' step
Full = full attack

Attacks
Attack 1 = hits AC 28 (potential critical, confirmed) for 16 damage
Attack 2 = hits AC 23 (potential critical, missed) for 6 damage



Angus Mage Armor HP -4 (Dying)  d100=75
Friday July 29th, 2005 8:12:41 AM
Angus sees the lion appear next to him and mouths "Just great" as the huge animal tears into his flesh. The room spins as blackness over takes him (failed stabilization roll). Angus mumbles something before passing out "Do not let the Roug......"

The Rogues (DMiT JohnP)  d20+11=28 d6+2=8 2d6(1+4)=5
Friday July 29th, 2005 8:20:09 AM
Jonas sits on the floor watching the battle unfold around him. He isn't too concerned ... yet. These heroes will protect him, especially if he is defenseless. He speaks to Syr, "What are you going to do? Keep tying me, or go aid your friends?" As he speaks, Jonas keeps an eye on both Firn'gaer, who is holding his rapier, and the Shields.

Specialty stands there, seeing the battle unfold. She snaps back to Wynn, "I don't take orders from you, child-lover!". Since no one moved to take her shortswrod, she pulls it from the sheath as she moves towards the lion to her north. She drives her shortsword into the flank of the lion.
Position = L13
Attack = AC28, 13 damage

Roach stands there, thinking very hard about what to do. Neither Jonas nor Specialty is telling him what to do and there's all those nasty Shields standing around with weapons. So he just stands there.



Firn'gaer - Troll; AC 22  d20+19=24
Friday July 29th, 2005 8:57:33 AM
Firn'gaer is struck hard by the summoned lion. "That's it I'm done. I survive I'm out of here." Says one very pissed off wizard.

Casting defensively [Concentration DC24] the wizard polymorphs to a troll.

Looking back at the lion, "I'm going to rend your flesh, beast!

Status
Current HP -- 67/90

Active Spells
extended mage armor -- 20 hours
extended elf sight -- 137 minutes
extended see invisibility -- 137 minutes
neutralize poison (potion) -- 45.6 minutes
telepathic bond (Peerimus) -- 46.6 minutes
polymorph -- 10 minutes

Lesser Extend Rod -- 1/3 uses left.

Prepared Spells
0 -- detect magic, light, prestidigitation, read magic

1 -- elf sight*, magic missile x2**, ray of enfeeblement x2, shield

2 -- extended mage armor*, knock, mirror image, scorching ray*, see invisibility*

3 -- deep slumber, dispel magic, fly, lightning bolt

4 -- black tentacles*, dimension door*, empowered scorching ray, polymorph*

5 -- heightened resilient sphere*, heightened slow*, telekinesis*

* -- Spells cast


Peerimus [Bear AC 19 HP 93/93] and Yorrick [AC 19 HP 73/73]  d20+17=24 d20+15=19 d8+9=16 d8+19=23
Friday July 29th, 2005 10:10:46 AM
"She is bringing in more help. Ilsidur Firngaer, remember it is still just a spell. Do either of you have your Dispel Magic's left?"

Peerimus feels a bit for the downed man, but right now he can not do much about it, a lion blocks his path and pretty much everyone else's.

"Naj'Aha" Peerimus gives Yorrick the go to help thier dwarven brother and the great bear moves in on the lion on Ilsidur.
(claw Hit AC 19 dmg 16 Grapple 23 Lion gets 27)
Yorrick moves to q/11

Peerimus then shifts to a bear himself and moves straight south 15 and west 20 to skirt L4's reach and stop at S/9

Level 0:
Detect magic, Mending, Read Magic, Create water, Guidance, Purify Food and Drink

Level 1:
Jump, *Longstrider, CLW, Endure Elements, *Speak with Animals

Level 2:
*Extended Produce Flame, Animal Tance, Reduce Animal, *Barkskin, Cat's Grace

Level 3:
*CMW, *Greater Magic Fang, Nuetralize Poison, *Summon Nature's Ally III

Level 4:
*Dispel Magic, *Anti-Plant Shell, *CSW

Level 5:
*Animal Growth, *Wall of Thorns

Active spells: Peerimus only
Longstrider 9 hours +10 Speed
Greater Magic Fang +1 all attacks 9 hours
Barkskin 191.6 minutes +4 AC
Speak with Animals 34 Rounds
DM George onlyHighlight to display spoiler: {the following is pure friendly help:
Summon natures ally: all the creatures have to be within 30' of each other normally. also the distance between L1 and the halfling druid makes her 20th level you know. spell range 25'+5/2 levels. We're all gonna die. lol}

Thanks for the friendly advice and under normal circumstances you would be right. Normally you only get 1d3 for a summoning and behold 4 creatures are here. Isn't nature going wild great! Oh and I doubt all of you are gonna die...some maybe but the rogues should survive... George

true I figured she just burned a higher slot for the 4. Thank goodness the rogues will make it through. I'm sure the shields will be ever greatful lol

Savin (HP 85/95) (Sub/Al)  d20+12=26 d20+10=12
Friday July 29th, 2005 11:54:25 AM
"I see an open window," Savin calls back through the door. "I'm going up. There must be a way to get to those stairs from the second floor."

"Er, Peerimus," he says just before ascending, "when I get there, I'll probably need a bit of help. I'll try and knock the halfling unconscious, but someone is going to have to keep her ... friend occupied."

"I'll call out when I've made it over." Then Savin begins his climb.

Rolls and Actions
Climb 26 (+5 to DC for Accelerated Climb /Half Speed instead of Quarter Speed. DC20?)
Listen 12 (To guide his way to the stairs. Maybe takes a wrong turn or two. Eeesh.)

Position and Movement
Woman is at O1
Savin is Upstairs somewhere
Movement 40 feet to cover the 20-foot climb to the window. 80 more feet left to make his way to the stairs.

Lang (ac 21; hp 50/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+6=24 d20+13=26 d6+3=9 d20+7=16 d6+5=7 d20+3=9
Friday July 29th, 2005 12:38:04 PM
Lang glances over towards Jonas to make sure he isn't planning on escaping during the confusion of the battle (spot 24).

Lang & Sunshine then quickly move towards lion #2 and attack it. Lang scores a nice hit to the beast. Sunshine bites into its leg and tries to trip the beast to the ground, but does not have the leverage to overcome the creature's greater size and weight.

Lang hit AC 29 w/Bless & Flanking; damage 9.
Sunshine hit AC 19 w/Bless & Flanking; damage 7.
Sunshine trip attempt 10 w/Bless (lion 25; Take 10 + 7 for strength, +4 for stability and +4 for size).

Lang L5.
Sunshine K5.

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours; probably just about 2 1/4 hours left)

Arrows used 29.

Syr (60/62 AC19/18) Bless L5, charging  d20+8=14 d20+13=33 d20+13=23 d10+4=13 d10+4=7
Friday July 29th, 2005 1:06:53 PM
Syr takes an agonizing look at Jonas before rushing to help the group he tosses a weak growl over his shoulder, "You stay put!" (Intimidate 14).

Seeing Angus drop immediately under the lions onslaught he charges to keep it distracted (Attack crit and 23, damage 20 pts). "Belkior when you get a second see to Angus?"

Niobe (addendum)  d20+13=17 d8+3=6
Friday July 29th, 2005 5:09:47 PM
Niobe only tumbled cirka 15ft (would have to roll a 30 or better to tumble the full 30ft).

Niobe attacks dire lion L3 (position I11, I think!)(Hits AC 17, dmg 6).

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:60  d20+13=27 d20+8=22 d8+5=12 d8+5=10
Friday July 29th, 2005 9:10:27 PM
Florin growls to himself, "Great, one man down." Florin glances to everyone and then at the Jonas, "Remember, keep a reign on your people Jonas."

Florin will rush off to aid the nearest person who has a lion attacking them and speaks to Syr quickly, "Syr, if this goes bad we may have to inlist their aid. There are 8 of us and 3 of them plus the new people here. Let's keep that in mind if it comes to that and we have to keep in mind those kids down stairs, everyones mind is getting out of here alive right now, not killing innocents or anything else really."

If Florin can reach anyone to attack a dire lion he will. (Can hit AC:27/22 Damage:12/10)

DM George crossover combat round 4  Save d20+7=20 Firn d20+13=27 d20+13=23 d20+7=27 d20+7=16 d20+17=20 d6+7=11 d6+7=10 d8+3=7 d20+13=22 d6+7=8 Fl d20+13=29 d20+13=25 d20+7=23 d6+7=10 d6+7=9 d8+3=8 d20+21=28 d6+3=8 d20=5 d20=10 Xenia d20+12=22 d20+12=19 2d6(2+4)+4=10 d20+12=18 d20+12=29 2d6(2+5)+4=11
Saturday July 30th, 2005 12:35:34 AM
Ilsidur swings hard and true hitting L4 twice and cause serious wounds.

Niobe tumbles away from one threat and towards another. She slices L3 for 6 points of damage.

Xenia also tumbles away, comes to her feet, levels her bow and shoots L3 with devastating effects. Her arrow sinks deep into the lions flank causing a roar of pain and a look of confusion. (ooc sorry Al, put your movement and damage into my notes but forgot to write you up.
See what happens when you delay my Catacomb deliveries! ;-) )

Belkior swings and misses and prudently shifts away.

Tionel casts his hold monster but the dire lion seems to shake it off (will save 20)

Sly tries to cut in front of Ilsidur but isn't successful. He pulls his weapons and starts thinking of a spell he wants to cast next round. (ooc Ceil please see my email)
Luke flanks Ilsidur and bites L4 with a nasty bite, causes a roar of pain.

Wynn moves in hitting L4 twice. His final thrust causes a moan of pain from the beast and it slumps over unconscious.

The rogues: Jonas watches the battle with interest, looking for an opportunity. Roach decides to stand and watch stupidity or fear planting his feet. SJ actually decides to help and attack L3. Sorry it wasn't a flank attack. She attacked the front of the creature. (Sorry if map is a little hard to figure out. Sometimes tough to tell which direction the creature is facing.)

Firn'gaer insulted that he was attacked by such a smelly beast, casts defensively and turns himself into a troll.

I had Yorrick move north and attack L3 since L4 was already dead. Yorrick sinks his claws into the L3 with satisfying results.
Peerimus changes into bear form and moves to the center of the room, preparing to attack next round.

Savin nimbly climbs the wall, pulls himself through a window and sees the bodies of wortlings scattered about a room. He sees the door and moves across the room and through it. A look to the right shows the end of the hallway. To the left is a hallway which should lead to the stairs eventually. The monk starts moving up the hallway. He sees a T at the end of the hallway going left and right. He passes a door on his right which leads to another room.

Lang and Sunshine both move forward and engage L2. Both hit, wounding the lion.

Syr wants to charge but can't (ooc need to roll a dex check to run or charge dc 15. Doesn't really matter since you rolled a crit hit, but remember next time please)
Syr deals a nasty blow to the beast.

Florin turns and strikes L2 twice, almost killing the beast. Somehow it stays on its feet but it is in horrible shape.

Angus feels blackness wash over him. Blood still streams from his body and he takes another point of damage. "What is that light up ahead?"
*******************************************

L3 roars its defiance at Firn'gaer in troll shape and lashes out with a full attack at the mage turned troll. He hits 3 times. The bite was almost a critical hit but missed follow up roll. The lion tries to grab on with his bite but can't seem to get a hold. (ooc rolled a 3 which automatically fails) Still Firn'gaer is badly mauled and takes a total of 28 points of damage 11, 10 and 7 from the bite

L1 leaves Angus's bleeding corpse and attacks Peerimus in bear shape. Peerimus feels the dagger sharp claws rack into his arm for 8 points of damage.

L2 , almost at death's door, lashes out with a full attack on Florin. He also hits 3 times. When he bites, he is successful in grabbing Florin's shoulder with his teeth (took 10 +14=24, lion attack +21 and got a 28) doing another 8 points of damage with a hind leg rake attack. Florin is savaged for a total of 35 points of damage.

Xenia is punched out of nowhere taking 10 points of damage. She feels a second blow buzz by her hair but it misses. When she turns to face her foe, nothing is there.

Ilsidur also is attacked twice and hit once for 11 points of damage. When he looks to see his foe, he is baffled to see no-one.

More chanting can be heard from behind the wall of thorns.

A Map For Those Who Can't Open The Attachment - CHANGED TO NEW MAP

Peerimus [Bear AC 19 HP 84/93] and Yorrick [AC 19 HP 73/73]  d20+11=14 d20+11=30 d20+6=24 d8+14=17 2d6(3+3)+10=16 d20+20=39 d20+16=36 d20+16=30 d20+16=22 d20+11=15 2d8(8+3)+18=29 d8+9=11 2d6(4+5)+4=13 d20+20=37
Saturday July 30th, 2005 10:23:24 AM
Peerimus gives a thundering roar, his blood boiling with the enhanced power of Father and smashes into the lion. (attack L1 PA -5 Hit AC 14/30 Bite 24 Dmg 17 and 16 total 33, Grapple 33 Lion 27 got him my defensive grapple is 30)Peerimus connects solidly with a claw and wrestles the lion into his crushing graap to be mauled.

Yorrick continues to assail the Lion on Firngaer (Hit AC 36 crit 30/22 Bite 15 Dmg 29/11 Bite 13 total 53 Grapple 37 Yorrick's Def grapple 30) His massive claws shread the golden hide to the bone and pulls the lion into Yorrick's death-like grip.

Level 0:
Detect magic, Mending, Read Magic, Create water, Guidance, Purify Food and Drink

Level 1:
Jump, *Longstrider, CLW, Endure Elements, *Speak with Animals

Level 2:
*Extended Produce Flame, Animal Tance, Reduce Animal, *Barkskin, Cat's Grace

Level 3:
*CMW, *Greater Magic Fang, Nuetralize Poison, *Summon Nature's Ally III

Level 4:
*Dispel Magic, *Anti-Plant Shell, *CSW

Level 5:
*Animal Growth, *Wall of Thorns

Active spells: Peerimus only
Longstrider 9 hours +10 Speed
Greater Magic Fang +1 all attacks 9 hours
Barkskin 191.5 minutes +4 AC
Speak with Animals 33 Rounds

Peerimus and Yorrick Bless +1 Hit


Xenia (AC 20 HP 13/35) - Preliminary/Not a full post  d20+17=33 d20+12=15
Saturday July 30th, 2005 10:24:35 AM
The dark girl reels from the devastating injuries from the last two blows. Blood pounds in her ears, her body screaming in protest to the pain. Still, Xenia draws in her focus and peers through the lenses perched on her nose, searching for some sign of where the invisible thing that hit her might be.

Note
It would be nice to have the results of this before I make my full post.

Rolls and Actions
Spot 33 to Pinpoint Location of Invisible Creature(s) DC = 20 + Creatures' Hide roll. Pg 295 DMG
Listen 15 to Pinpoint Location of Invisible Creature(s) DC = 20 + Creatures' Hide roll. Pg 295 DMG

Position and Movement
NA

Active Effects
Bless Duration 60 rounds from Round 2

Xenia can sense something large in squares 012/13. She can see a shimmering and feel puffs of air blowing on her face.

Firn'gaer -- Troll; AC 26  d20+23=40
Saturday July 30th, 2005 11:39:36 AM
Firn'gaer reels at the incredible luck of the lion. Were it not for the enhance durability of the troll, the wizard would be dead. He is also greatful for the great bear that the lion is rended.

Taking advantage of the assistance, Firn'gaer casts a defensive spell to allow his life to, hopefully, last though this encounter. An opaque shield forms and then vanishes in front of the wizard. [Shield Spell]

[Combat Casting DC40]

Status
Current HP -- 39/90

Active Spells
extended mage armor -- 20 hours
extended elf sight -- 137 minutes
extended see invisibility -- 137 minutes
neutralize poison (potion) -- 45.5 minutes
telepathic bond (Peerimus) -- 46.5 minutes
polymorph -- 9.9 minutes
shield -- 10 minutes

Lesser Extend Rod -- 1/3 uses left.

Prepared Spells
0 -- detect magic, light, prestidigitation, read magic

1 -- elf sight*, magic missile x2**, ray of enfeeblement x2, shield*

2 -- extended mage armor*, knock, mirror image, scorching ray*, see invisibility*

3 -- deep slumber, dispel magic, fly, lightning bolt

4 -- black tentacles*, dimension door*, empowered scorching ray, polymorph*

5 -- heightened resilient sphere*, heightened slow*, telekinesis*

* -- Spells cast


Xenia (AC 20 HP 13/35)  d20+16=29
Saturday July 30th, 2005 12:54:43 PM
"Wynn! Ti'nel! It's right between the three of us. Something invisible!"

Action happens fast. The two bears munch pretty hard on two of the lions. Yeah bears! (Gotta get me one o' them.)

The rogue's thin legs propel her backwards away from the invisible threat. She rolls. The presence, it felt big, so she keeps rolling. Right past that blonde bint, Specialty Johnson, to tuck herself behind the big bear.

If ever there was a time to use her emergency Seals, now is it. Xenia tags one of the round circles running down the outside of her thigh. It breaks, flooding the area with a fear effect. The girl rogue draws a potion and watches to see what effect the seal will have.

Question
Any chance we can get a status on these critters so we don't have to keep going back and doing the math on them?

Rolls and Actions
Tumble 29
Tag Seal: Free Action (Effects Area from K8 to K20/E14 to Q14. I'm thinking that it should at least effect the invisible thing that attacked Xenia and the Brundy behind the Thorn Barrier. Might also get the invisible thing that hit Ilsidur.)
Draw Potion CMW

Position and Movement
K14

Active Effects
Bless Duration 60 rounds from Round 2

Seal
Boo Berry(This is a Green Seal/Expires 09/05): (Calls upon the anguish and terror aspect): Break as a standard action. All enemies within a 30' radius must make a save at DC 19 or they must flee as if affected by the fear spell. (Note: I'm not sure of the duration. Looks like a Min of 7 rounds. It's Mikey's Seal. Maybe he could clarify.)

Savin (HP 85/95) (Sub/Al)  d20+12=15
Saturday July 30th, 2005 1:34:37 PM
The T at the end of the hallway. Left or Right. Savin ignores the room, and continues down the hall to the inevitable decision. Hopefully, the stairs will be in plain sight. If not ... The monk closes his eyes as he moves down the hall. Which direction are the sounds coming from?

Then, there's the big question ... What to do with the bear when you arrive?

Rolls and Actions
Listen 15 (Heyzus Krispies! Only marginally better than before.)

Position and Movement
Woman is at O1
Savin is Upstairs somewhere
Double Movement 120 feet


Belkior (AC 21; HP 38/40) Bless 
Saturday July 30th, 2005 10:43:26 PM
The halfling cleric decides to dash towards his fallen comrade. Taking care to avoid the recently summoned lions, Belkior moves almost to Angus's fallen form.

Position
p4

Actions
Double move, following path of n9-o8-o7-o6-o5-p4

Items
Pearl of Power = used today
Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds = 18 charges remaining
Wand of Cure Light Wounds = 45 charges remaining

Wielding
Left = buckler, holding Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds
Right = empty

Active Effects
Bless = +1 morale on attacks & saves vs. fear, 59 rounds

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink*, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless*(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast


The Rogues (DMiT JohnP)  d20+11=12 d20+11=20 d20+6=16 d6+2=6 d6+2=3
Saturday July 30th, 2005 10:57:55 PM
Jonas continues to watch, seeing how the Shields work in combat now that they are more experienced. The floor isn't very comfortable so he stands to get a better view.

Roach decides to move over and stand beside his boss.
Position = f3

Specialty wants nothing to do with these invisible things behind her so she follows in the wake of the dark rogue. Or tries to, as she stumbles while trying to tumble past. So she stands her ground and pokes at the lion again.
First Attack = AC 20, 6 pts
Second attack = AC 16, 3 pts



Wynn [AC=19; 42/46 HP] Bless (Sub JohnP)  d20+6=7 d20+9=13 d100=5 d8+3=5
Saturday July 30th, 2005 11:08:13 PM
Wynn can't tell anything about the presence of any invisible creatures. Hopefully the dog can tell where the thing is.
Spot = 7, natural 1

Taking a cue from his beloved, he swings his sword through the area between where she was standing and himself.
Attack 1 = AC 13, 5% on miss chance, 5 damage

"Blast! I can't do anything about this thing!


Niobe (50/73HP, 19AC)  d20+13=31 d20+13=16 d20+13=24 d6+3=6 d6+3=7
Sunday July 31st, 2005 2:44:23 AM
Niobe attacks the dire lion (L3) again; provided it isn't already dead by now!

(Hits AC 31 (possible crit), AC 16, dmg 6; Hits AC 24, dmg 7. Not rolling any backstab attempts until I know if Niobe is at the head or rear of the beast.)

Lang (ac 21; hp 50/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+1=18 d20+11=22 d20+11=16 d20+6=17 d20+6=12 d6+3=6 d6+3=9 d6+3=5 d20+7=24 d6+5=6
Sunday July 31st, 2005 3:36:00 PM
Lang notices Jonas standing up. He hopes that he will not have to leave the battle to chase Jonas down if he tries to escape (spot 18; -5 for being distracted by the battle).

Lang & Sunshine continue their furious assault on the lion (#2). Lang is a blur as his short swords stab into the creature, drawing blood three times. Sunshine once again bites into the lion's leg, but this time does not try to trip the beast.

Lang hit AC's 23, 17, 18 & 13 w/Bless damage 6, 9 & 5 (total 20).
Sunshine hit AC 25 w/Bless; damage 6.

Lang surveys the battle, noticing that the front door is unguarded, both to warn of new threats and to keep the criminals from escaping. If the Lion is dead, Lang & Sunshine then move 5' closer to the door.

OOC: George if the lion dies after Lang & Sunshine's first attack (total damage 6+6 = 12), then they will move action 40' towards the door.

Lang k5 (or F8).
Sunshine j5 (or E9).

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours; probably just about 2 1/4 hours left)

Arrows used 29.

Syr (60/62 AC19/18) Bless L5 
Sunday July 31st, 2005 4:37:06 PM
Admiring the teamwork of the of Lang and his dog, he joins them

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:25/60  d20+13=29 d20+8=11 d8+5=12 d8+5=9
Sunday July 31st, 2005 5:22:24 PM
Florin winces as the lion even though it is critically injured takes a very good stab or bite rather at him. Florin feels his blood pouring running from his wounds and armor and quickly brings his sword around for a double slash once more. He is satisfied with the first swing but the second is probably to off to find it's mark.

(Can hit AC:29/11 Damage:12/9)

Florin takes a moment to call out to Belkior or any other healers of the two parties, "Depending how how rough things continue to get I might need some help over here. This lion has quite a nasty bite when on death's doorstep."

(OOC:George, Ajax would of been around for 6 hrs so just wondering, is Ajax still around or has it been to long. Depending I will make a post for him.)

Tionel (AC 14, hp 44/44)  d20+5=7 d100=70
Sunday July 31st, 2005 9:42:27 PM
Tionel draws his sword and listens for the monster that is apparently quite nearby. If he can narrow it down, he takes a stab.
(Listen 7, if it has 50% concealment than he missed anyways)

Sly Foxx & Luke 
Monday August 1st, 2005 6:38:07 AM
OOC Sly wonders as to when his pakage will arrive from the Catacumbs>>

If you survive this battle, you will see your packages. Won't be during the battle. George

Both George and Rich have been waiting weeks for theirs. If it makes you feel any better, Ceil. --Al

Angus Mage ARmor AC 14, Hp -5  d100=4
Monday August 1st, 2005 9:18:26 AM
Angus is still onconcious, but as the lion left him it rolled him over and helped apply pressure to one of his wounds (stabilized).

Angus sees a light in the distance, warm and beconing, but it is not getting any closer.

OOC - Belkior to Syr 
Monday August 1st, 2005 9:02:44 PM
Syr

For the DFR Tap 2, please send me your character sheet and post on that board.

petherick@personainternet.com
jpetheri@cyberbeach.net (if the above bounces)


DM George Crossover round 5  d20+9=29 d20+9=16 d20+9=18 d20+3=15 d6+7=9 d20+5=24 d6+2=5 Il d20+10=30 d20+10=26 d20+10=24 2d6(4+5)+4=13 2d6(3+5)+4=12 d20+4=18 d20+4=24 d20+2=19 d20+3=20
Monday August 1st, 2005 10:57:02 PM
Peerimus smashes into the dire bear inflicting deep and nasty wounds. He grapples the beast and pulls him into his might grip.

Xenia tumbles away activating her fear seal.

Yorrick to is very successful in ripping into his lion and easly kills it snapping the lions neck. If fades from view.

Firn'gaer casts a shield spell on himself and looks around sees a 2 large creatures. It is very tough for him to make out features but only sees a vague outline. He realizes that whatever they are, they are naturally invisible. They look like roiling air.

Savin comes to the end of his stairway and pauses for a second to look around. To his left at the end of the next hallway are stairs down.
He is able to make it to the top of the stair and sees a long set of stairs heading down. They are steeply tilted and vine covered. DC 15 to climb down.

Belkior winds his way to P4 towards Angus.

Roach moves to F3 while Jonas watches. Since SJ doesn't have a lion to fight, she moves over towards her companions as well. Both Roach and SJ felt the effects of Xenia's fear spell but were able to fight off its effects.

Wynn swings and misses. Frustration is evident on his face.

Niobe is about to stab the lion only to watch it fade from view. She is at a lost what to do next. (You can always give me an alternate set of instruction on what you might want to do.)

Lang thrusts his swords into the dire lion sending it back to whereever they came from. Sunshine teeth gnash onto empty air as the lion fades away.

Syr moves forward and is able to front kick Peerimus' lion once doing 8 points of damage to the creature. Its grunts are muffled in Peerimus's fur.

Florin is grateful that the dire lion is dead and calls out to his friends for some healing. He then remembers Ajax who he sent home to heal his wounds from the earlier battle and calls
his mount to his side.

Tionel slashes with his scimitar and is amazed to feel it bite into something. He hears a moan of pain and does 5 points of damage to the foe.(ooc I rolled to hit for you. Might not be as nice next time.)

Angus stabalizes

Sly starts daydreaming where his magic items are and he and Luke don't do anything this round.

Ilsidur is stunned by the blows and his mind goes blank as the invisible creature hits him.

*****************************************

OOC nice grapple Peerimus. Saved you three hits this round.

The last dire lion tries to fight back against the bear that has such a vicious hold on him. It only manages one claw hit doing 9 points of damage to the druid in bear form.

Ilsidur finds himself hit hard, real hard, an force smashes him in the chest doing 25 points of damage. (ooc got critical hit and hit with it). Another blow smashes into his armor but the armor just turns it.

Tionel hears a strange gurgle and a moan fear. The creature he hit then seems to disappear. Tionel gets an AOO, but has a 50% change to miss.

Firn'gaer also gets an AOO as the creature flies over head towards and out the door.

More chanting can be heard from behind the wall but at least nothing appeared this round. Wonder what spell she cast last round?

A Map For Those Who Can't Open The Attachment

Florin Jadenth-AC:19_HP:25/60 
Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 12:53:51 AM
Florin is glad to see his trusty mount and whispers to his friend, "Defend friend."

Florin takes the moment to look at those around him fighting for their lives and takes a moment to pull a CLW potion from his belt pouch inless someone gets to him first to heal him.

(I believe it takes a round to get the potion out to use? If not then he will drink it and George or I can roll the healing it does.)

It will take your movement action to get the potion and your standard action to drink it. You can roll the healing.

Syr (60/62 AC19/18) Bless q6  d20+11=26 d20+11=24 d20+6=17 d10+4=8 d10+4=6 d10+4=7
Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 4:39:33 AM
Syr looks for opportunities as the two animals are locked together in a violent embrace. Seeing an opening, he darts in to land several blows (attack 26,24,17 dam 8,6,7) on the lion.

Concerned about the repetive chanting, "Can anyone with a blade get through that darn wall?"

Firn'gaer -- Troll; AC 26  d20+10=27 d6+6=10 d20+22=36 d20+10=25
Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 7:33:23 AM
[OoA: AC 27, damage 10]
[Spellcraft DC36 - to know what the druid is casting.]

Firn'gaer takes a passing swipe at the elemental? as it leaves. The wizard turns his attention towards the wall of thorns and the crazy druid behind it.

DM - Firn'gaer casts a Dispel Magic. If he can see the druid through the wall- he will move if he needs to- he will use it as a counterspell. If he cannot see the druid he will target the wall of thorns with the dispel.

[Dispel Magic - 25, 14th level caster]

Status
Current HP -- 39/90

Active Spells
extended mage armor -- 20 hours
extended elf sight -- 137 minutes
extended see invisibility -- 137 minutes
neutralize poison (potion) -- 45.4 minutes
telepathic bond (Peerimus) -- 46.4 minutes
polymorph -- 9.8 minutes
shield -- 9.9 minutes

Lesser Extend Rod -- 1/3 uses left.

Prepared Spells
0 -- detect magic, light, prestidigitation, read magic

1 -- elf sight*, magic missile x2**, ray of enfeeblement x2, shield*

2 -- extended mage armor*, knock, mirror image, scorching ray*, see invisibility*

3 -- deep slumber, dispel magic*, fly, lightning bolt

4 -- black tentacles*, dimension door*, empowered scorching ray, polymorph*

5 -- heightened resilient sphere*, heightened slow*, telekinesis*

* -- Spells cast

Belkior (AC 21; HP 38/40) Bless  3d8(1+1+4)+7=13 d8=7 d8=1 d8=5
Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 7:42:27 AM
The halfling cleric moves to the fallen body of his companion, Angus. Standing beside the fallen mage, Belkior intones the words of a prayer to Alemi and casts Cure Serious Wounds on Angus. The mage feels a rush of vitality as he is healed for a total of 23 hitpoints.

"Up and at 'em, friend! There's a druid gone raving mad in the inn!"

Then, Belkior reaches into his pouch for a thunderstone.

Position
q4

Actions
Free = 5' step
Standard = Cast Cure Serious Wounds using Searing Light, for 23 hitpoints
Move = retrieve thunderstone from pouch

Items
Pearl of Power = used today
Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds = 18 charges remaining
Wand of Cure Light Wounds = 45 charges remaining

Wielding
Left = buckler, holding Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds
Right = thunderstone

Active Effects
Bless = +1 morale on attacks & saves vs. fear, 58 rounds

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink*, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless*(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light* (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast



Sly Foxx (AC19 82/82hp) & Luke (Ac 21 65/65hp)  d100=69
Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 8:29:58 AM
OOC 69% effective means Sly cast the spell of Dispell Magic.

Sly cast dispell magic.

Luke IS BY Sly's Side.

Ceil, I don't know what to do with this post? You rolled a spell failure check? Did you fail? You say you are casting a dispel magic. On what? The area? The wall of thorns, as a counter spell? What? I am not trying to pick on you but I need more to work with.

Wynn [AC=19; 42/46 HP] Bless (Sub JohnP) 
Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 8:57:52 AM
With the invisible creatures apparently gone, Wynn runs up to the wall of thorns and begins trying to hew his way through it. The thorns are quite springy and resist the edge of his sword.

"These things are tough! I think that it will take too long to get through this way!"

Position = n16
Hacking at m17


The Rogues (DMiT JohnP) 
Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 9:06:01 AM
The three rogues stand together, watching the Shields in action. If anyone looks over, they would see Jonas and Specialty with their heads together. Specialty has moved closer to Jonas (position e3)

Listen DC 27 for Lang:
Highlight to display spoiler: {Jonas says, while watching the Shields, "They've improved, haven't they?"

Specialty replies, "They have. And there's more of them now, too."

Jonas continues, "And it looks like they still have those children clinging to their coat tails. Where are the brats?"}



Niobe 
Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 11:36:14 AM
((George: Any chances of using those attacks against the wall of thorns? - Assuming that a magical wall of thorns can be hit and damaged of course! Other than that there isn't anything Niobe can do since you have not stated any action or check which could be made to attempt to "see" any of the invisible attackers...))

Niobe will use the attacks from the previous round to attack any enemy the closest to her current position - up to an including the halfling druidess and her bear - if they can even be reached.

Xenia (AC 20 HP 26/35)  2d8(5+6)+2=13 d20+17=21 d20+12=21
Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 12:09:19 PM
Xenia glances around the room, green eyes cat wide. Looks safe enough. But you never know.

She downs the potion and it makes her feel much better. Stepping between the big furry bear and the troll, she draws another vial.

Rolls and Actions
Drink Potion CMW, Heal 13hp
Spot 21 to Pinpoint Location of Invisible Creature(s) DC = 20 + Creatures' Hide roll. Pg 295 DMG
Listen 21 to Pinpoint Location of Invisible Creature(s) DC = 20 + Creatures' Hide roll. Pg 295 DMG
Move Five Feet
Draw Potion Shield of Faith

Position and Movement
L13

Active Effects
Bless Duration 60 rounds from Round 2

Seal
Boo Berry(This is a Green Seal/Expires 09/05): (Calls upon the anguish and terror aspect): Break as a standard action. All enemies within a 30' radius must make a save at DC 19 or they must flee as if affected by the fear spell. (Note: I'm not sure of the duration. Looks like a Min of 7 rounds. It's Mikey's Seal. Maybe he could clarify.)

Savin (HP 85/95) (Sub/Al)  d20+24=42 d20+1=2
Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 12:33:45 PM
"Peerimus," Savin calls from the top of the stairs, "I'm here! I could sure use your help on the other side of this Thorn Barrier."

With a deep breath, Savin speaks the command word that activates his magic cloak. Then, without further thought, he jumps down the stairs. Taking several steps at a time, the monk makes the trip in a series of easy hops, trailing just the tip of his finger along the wall to slow his fall.

"Ma'am! Ma'am, we're not here to hurt you. We don't want to hurt you. But you don't want to do this either. Believe me. You're causing pain and injury to innocent people. Please, hear my words and reconsider your actions. Please."

His own voice sounds wrong to the monk. Too much pleading. Not enough sincerity. Need more practice with this.

Rolls and Actions
Not bothering with the climb. Rely on Slow Fall to retain control.
Jump Down 42 (If necessary)
Diplomacy 2 (Ouch. Nat 1)

Position and Movement
Woman is at O1
Savin L20

Active Effects
Displacement (50% Miss Chance)

Cloak of Displacement 17/18

Angus Mage Armor AC 14 Hp 18/25 
Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 12:45:16 PM
Angus's eyes open and he yells ....ouges leave." finishing a previous thought.

Angus looks at Belkior "Thanks friend, I REALLY needed that. Now go and save the next soul."

Angus picks up his scrolls and stands as he surveys the scene and does not like it one bit, and he keeps a close watch on the Evil Rouges. Angus mouths to them " I see you."

Tionel (AC 14, hp 44/44)  d100=81
Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 1:57:05 PM
(I thought the lion was invisible? With a 50% miss chance, I rolled high, which meant a miss last round, hence I missed, I thought? In any case, on the attack of opportunity, Tionel again takes a swing, and misses this time. 81 on my miss chance, so it's missed).

The thing gurgles and begins to move away, and Tionel takes a tentative swing at it, only to catch air. The thin elf looks about, then moves to the southern wall of the inn and begins skirting lalong the side, trying to get to the basement stairs... (I'll head to V9 then skirt along the edge to V4) He's still holding his thin sword protectively, even though his wrists ache. He stumbles over towards the basement stairs, near Angus and Belkior.
"We gotta fortify the basement door, just in case this becomes a no-win situation..." he says to Angus and Belkior.

Hmmm guess it is how you look at it. I look at it as if you roll a 1-50 on the 100 sided die you miss. Still you have to roll to hit first. You roll to hit and then if you think you hit, roll the 100 sided die. So you need to roll to hit for this round.

Peerimus [AC 26 HP 46/73] and Yorrick [AC 19 HP 73/73]  d20+17=26 d20+12=26 d20+12=29 d20+7=10 d8+9=12 d8+9=14 d20+20=36
Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 4:07:03 PM
IF/Then post

If Syr took out the lion:
Peerimus casts Cats Grace on himself and shifts to human. "I'll be along shortly Savin."

"Yorrick, Ama'Aijay Fira Ta'." [Yorrick defend Firngaer handle animal 26]

If Syr took out the Lion and Firngaer's dispel magic worked on the Wall:
Peerimus moves next to Yorrick and cast Cat's Grace, sharing it with his friend. "Savin shall need all our strength my friend. It is to us to control the great bear." [N,O/15,16]

If Syr did not take out the Lion:
Peerimus tears and rips at the wounded lion with fang and claw (-4 to hit in Grapple Hit AC 26/29 Bite 10 Dmg 12+14=26 Grapple 36 def grapple 30)
Yorrick remains where he is and puts his nose to the air in case other creatures may be about.

Level 0:
Detect magic, Mending, Read Magic, Create water, Guidance, Purify Food and Drink

Level 1:
Jump, *Longstrider, CLW, Endure Elements, *Speak with Animals

Level 2:
*Extended Produce Flame, Animal Tance, Reduce Animal, *Barkskin, Cat's Grace

Level 3:
*CMW, *Greater Magic Fang, Nuetralize Poison, *Summon Nature's Ally III

Level 4:
*Dispel Magic, *Anti-Plant Shell, *CSW

Level 5:
*Animal Growth, *Wall of Thorns

Active spells: Peerimus only
Longstrider 9 hours +10 Speed
Greater Magic Fang +1 all attacks 9 hours
Barkskin 191.4 minutes +4 AC
Speak with Animals 32 Rounds

Peerimus and Yorrick Bless +1 Hit

I used the attack an opponent grapple option at -4 to hit instead of using grapple attack to inflict damage. my odds were better.


Lang (ac 21; hp 50/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+6=18 d20+6=23 d20+6=11
Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 8:00:38 PM
With no immediate enemies to attack with his swords, Lang scrutinizes the Giggling Ghost for ideas on his next course of action. He sees one badly injured lion and no sign of the invisible attackers that attacked some of the people in the pub. He also notices that the three Anvil Hearts have managed to re-group. Lastly, he observes the healing power of Belkior as Angus rises from the ground, a little unsteady, but alive.

Spot 18
Listen 23

Lang still has concerns about the front entrance being unguarded. He and Sunshine quickly move over to the doorway and take position with their backs to the wall and facing into the Giggling Ghost. While moving, Lang sheathes his shortswords and draws his longbow. Lang risks taking his eyes of the interior of the Giggling Ghost to scan outside the doorway (spot 11).

OOC -- Lang will keep his short swords out if an enemy appears within 30' or so from him as he moves to the doorway.

Actions:
Move action - Move to front door and draw longbow.
Move action - Sheathe shortswords.

Position:
Lang E9.
Sunshine F9.

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours; probably just about 2 1/4 hours left)

Arrows used 29.

DM George  Brundy save d20+9=22 d8+3=10 d20+10=24 2d6(4+5)+4=13 Ilsidur d20+10=12 d20+10=30 d20+10=19 2d6(3+2)+4=9 d3+1=2 d20+10=26 d20+10=22 2d6(3+2)+2=7 2d6(1+3)+2=6 d20+10=20 d20+10=28 2d6(3+5)+2=10 2d6(1+5)+2=8 d20+19=34 d100=73 d100=37 15d6(3+6+5+4+3+6+6+2+1+2+3+6+3+5+6)=61
Tuesday August 2nd, 2005 11:26:09 PM
Florin takes a moment to whisper to his dearest friend and mount while pulling out a potion and drinking it down. Floirn gets 10 hitpoints back

Syr darts in and with a flurry of blows attacks the dire lion. With his final blow he is successful in killing the beasts and has the satisfaction of seeing the last dire lion fade away.

Firn'gaer swipes his claw and feels the satisfaction of hitting something. He doesn't believe it was an elemental. Didn't look like an elemental but it was flying. He hears the druid chanting and he recognizes somekind of summoning spell but can't see her. The thorn wall is too thick. He casts his spell at the wall of thorns. The wall of thorn almost seems to shimmer but doesn't dispel. (Needed a 26 sorry)

Belkior moves forward and casts a cure on Angus.

Wynn tries to move towards the wall but finds himself slammed from behind. Something invisible got an AOO on him and did 13 points of damage. He gets to the wall and starts hacking but really does no appreciable damage.

The rogues start to whisper together.

Niobe hacks on the wall and takes a good look around. She does almost nothing to the wall. (ooc you need to roll a spot check. Need a DC 20 or better to get some kind of fix on them. Of course, Ilsidur's head and body snapping back and forth might give you some idea where to look!)

Xenia drinks down a potion and pulls out another as she looks around. She too watches the dwarf's pummelling as he stands their not defending himself. Xenia has a pretty good idea where the invisible creature is.

Savin jumps down the stairway easily slowing his fall. He tries to reason with the halfling but then looks into her eyes. She is totally insane. She almost looks possessed.

Angus gathers up his scrolls and stands up. Still it is tough to tell who he is more upset with. He eyes the rogues almost evilly

Peerimus cast cats grace upon himself while telling Yorrick to defead

Lang and Sunshine move over to the door, leaving poor Ilsidur to his fate. He pulls out his bow.

Ilsidur waits hoping that the creature will tire himself out pounding on the tough dwarf.

*********************************************
Ilsidur almost takes another critical hit but it misses and only does 9 points of damage to the dwarf.

2 large fire elementals appear in the room. The first is next to Yorrick and attacks Peerimus's friend twice hitting both times. Yorrick takes 13 points of damage and must make 2 saves or catch on fire. reflex saves dc 17.

The next one appears next to the anvil hearts and it attacks roach. Roach is hit twice and takes 18 points of damage and also has to make a reflex save of 17 twice or catches on fire.

The druid sees the monk and cackles crazily. She chants another spell and Savin looks up to see a column of fire blazing straight down at his true postions. (ooc Flame strike 61 points of damage, none if saves reflex save dc 20 do to evasion. Cloak doesn't help this time.)

Brundy roars in rage as he sees Savin. He rumbles over and slashes a huge paw at the monk. He feels confident it will squash this intruder but somehow he misses! He never misses! (rolled for displacement cloak)

Before Brundy obscures the view, Savin did notice a stone floating around the druid's head.

A Map For Those Who Can't Open The Attachment

Florin Jadeth-AC:19-HP:35/60 
Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 2:30:30 AM
Florin feels alittle better with the healing he just got and looks around at the enemies and frowns when he sees the elementals and looks to his sword, "Dang, elementals are going to be abit more of a problem."

Florin whispers to Ajax, "Follow and guard me friend."

Florin will move towards the wall that surrounds the dcrazy druid, wanting to try and chop through to get to her since he doubts his sword would be much good against the fire elemental. (Florin is thinking, warped metal from over heating.)

Tionel (AC 14, hp 44/44) 
Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 5:55:15 AM
Tionel concentrates and falls into the shapechanging pattern once more... This time, he will become something more familiar, he thinks to himself, and since he summons them all the time, he becomes a brown bear. (Full round action)

Niobe (50/73HP, 19AC)  d20+13=26 d20+13=32 d20+13=15 d20+13=22 d6+3=7 d6+3=5
Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 7:15:21 AM
((Thank you George.))

Seeing it will take ages to hack apart the magical thornwall Niobe does indeed take a look around. She sees Ilsidur being shook like a ragdoll, and she sees some sort of diffuse wipsy, cloudy outline doing the shaking - or pounding...

To make matters worst the druidess hiding behind the wall seems to be going even battier and a fire elemental decides to show up.
(If there were radios and radiostations here they'd be playing that "bad day" song!)

Niobe turns her immediate attention to the fire elemental camped right on her doorstep, offense seeming to be the best defense for the moment.

(Hits AC 32 *possible crit*, Hits AC 15, dmg 7, Hits AC 22, dmg 5. Fire elemental? F1)

Niobe hears Savin trying to speak to the druid,
"forget diplomacy Savin, just tie her tongue in a knot and break all her fingers! She is calling on elementals now, in not too long we will all literally be toast!"

((For the sake of RP I am presuming that it is blantantly obvious that this is indeed a fire elemental.)) :)



Firn'gaer -- Troll; AC 26  d20+22=32 d20+10=16 d20+8=12 d20+8=18
Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 7:42:52 AM
"Fire elementals!?" The wizard says in surprise. Seeing Yorrick standing next to it and realizing the danger to the bear the wizard takes action.

"We'll handle this one." He says to Florin. "Either take that one," he says pointing to the other elemental, "Or help with that one." He points to the invisible creature.

He calls forth a scroll from his magical haversack (move action). Casting defensively (DC32) he reaches out and touches Yorrick (Touch AC16 if needed). Yorrick glows with a mystical shield that protects him from fire (resistance 20).

"Yorrick you should be able to handle the elemental on a even playing field." He says. "I'll be helping soon."

Peerimus Highlight to display spoiler: {I'll take care of Yorrick. He'll not fear the flames. I'll help Yorrick with this one.}

[Listen DC12, Spot DC18]

Status
Current HP -- 39/90

Scroll used (on Yorrick): resist energy (fire) 20 -- 70 minutes

Active Spells
extended mage armor -- 20 hours
extended elf sight -- 137 minutes
extended see invisibility -- 137 minutes
neutralize poison (potion) -- 45.3 minutes
telepathic bond (Peerimus) -- 46.3 minutes
polymorph -- 9.7 minutes
shield -- 9.8 minutes
resist energy (fire resist 20 on Yorrick) -- 70 minutes

Lesser Extend Rod -- 1/3 uses left.

Prepared Spells
0 -- detect magic, light, prestidigitation, read magic

1 -- elf sight*, magic missile x2**, ray of enfeeblement x2, shield*

2 -- extended mage armor*, knock, mirror image, scorching ray*, see invisibility*

3 -- deep slumber, dispel magic*, fly, lightning bolt

4 -- black tentacles*, dimension door*, empowered scorching ray, polymorph*

5 -- heightened resilient sphere*, heightened slow*, telekinesis*

* -- Spells cast

Sly Foxx and Luke 
Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 7:56:34 AM
Sly has prepared the 3rd Lelel wizard spell of Dispel Magic, He rolled a percentage die of D100 Sly got 69 HE MAKE the IT, the spell gors off.

Angus Mage Armor AC 14 HP 18/25: See Invisible  d20+14=25
Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 9:34:34 AM
Angus sees one of the new group cast a dispel magic spell (spellcraft 25), but what is he targeting. Angus decides to hold off on his dispell magic and cast his see invisiblity off the scroll. The scroll is party magic, but it seems like a good time to use it, since someone need to take care of the invisible creature. Angus calls out "I got the stalkers." and then thinks to himself, what did I just commit myself too!?

Angus scans the room, testing his new found sight.

Angus is please to see a fire elemental attacking the Rouges as it seems to be poetic justice.

Peerimus [AC 21 HP 66/73] and Yorrick [AC 19 HP 60/73]  d20+8=21 d20+16=30 d20+16=33 d20+11=15 d20+20=39 d8+9=14 d8+9=14
Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 10:01:11 AM
Peerimus sees the Fire Elementals and knows Yorrick could be in trouble, then Firngaers telepathic message comes through. To Firngaer Highlight to display spoiler: {Thank you my friend, I go to help Savin, but i fear with our resources already so depleted we are no match for a powerful druid and her companion. I will not be able to reason with him}
Peerimus moves to the wall and shifts to a brown bear once again [P/16] "The Fire can not hurt you anymore friend."

The elementals appear and attack, mighty Yorrick rises to this new challenge, a thundering roar shaking the room. The heat burns his fur and skin, but Yorrick is made of heartier stuff and the fire finds no place to catch hold during the brown bears sudden movements. [Reflex 21] His life long friend and companion gives words of assurance and his charge touches him and the bear feels the familiar tingle of magic. His powerful claws pound into the fire creature, followed closely by his bone crushing jaws.
[Claw AC 30/35 Bite AC 15 Dmg 14/14 Grapple 39 Def grapple 30]

You still have to take the slam damage from the elemental to Yorrick and roll his two reflex saves...see above post. The fire resistance will only go into effect now. Damage from before still counts. George

Xenia (AC 22 HP 26/35)  d20+16=21 d20+17=30 d20+12=15
Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 11:55:35 AM
WAH! FIRE! Fire, big time.

The dark rogue jumps as the big cuddly bear gets not so cuddly with the fire-thing. This is no place for a girl rogue to be in the middle of.

Sneaking around the bear, she tucks in near Wynn and Tionel. She scans the floor for that invisible thing before tipping back her head and downing the potion. A nice shield effect forms around her, and she gets set to put another arrow into something else.

Rolls and Actions
Tumble 21
Spot 30 to Pinpoint Location of Invisible Creature(s) DC = 20 + Creatures' Hide roll. Pg 295 DMG
Listen 15 to Pinpoint Location of Invisible Creature(s) DC = 20 + Creatures' Hide roll. Pg 295 DMG
Drink Potion Shield of Faith

Position and Movement
P15

Active Effects
Bless Duration 60 rounds from Round 2
Shield of Faith 10 rounds remaining

Seal
Boo Berry(This is a Green Seal/Expires 09/05): (Calls upon the anguish and terror aspect): Break as a standard action. All enemies within a 30' radius must make a save at DC 19 or they must flee as if affected by the fear spell. (Note: I'm not sure of the duration. Looks like a Min of 7 rounds. It's Mikey's Seal. Maybe he could clarify.)

Savin (HP 85/95) (Sub/Al)  d20+11=13 d20+11=31 d20+11=23 d10+4=9 d10+4=8
Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 12:07:48 PM
"Getting kind of tight in here, Peerimus," Savin calls out.

Savin moves to dive under the huge bear's legs. At the last moment, though, he misjudges the distance and knocks his shoulder against the solid bulk of the bear instead. The lapse in judgment opens him wide. In a desperate attempt to recoup the situation, Savin aims a stunning blow to the bear's tender nose. Let the pain keep it occupied for a while.

Rolls and Actions
Tumble 13 (ouch)
To Hit Brundy AC31 (Crit Confirm AC23) (Stunning Fist Fort DC18 or be stunned for one round)
Damage 9hp or 17hp

Position and Movement
Woman is at O1
Savin L20

Active Effects
Displacement (50% Miss Chance)

Cloak of Displacement 16/18

The Rogues (DMiT JohnP)  Roach d20+7=8 d20+7=22 d20-2=12 Specialty d20+6=24 d6+2=3 d20+1=8
Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 12:08:26 PM
Roach reels back from the strike of the fire elemental, staring at his sleeve that is on fire. Roach screams in pain and fright but manages to act. He drops to the floor and tries to roll away from the elemental.
Reflex = 8 (natural 1), 22 WIS check = 12
Actions = Drop (free, no AoO), crawl and crawl (two AoO)
Position = h2

Specialty makes a reflexive strike at the elemental but is attemtping to avoid being hit. Then she steps back, away from the heat of the monster.
Combat Expertise = -4 Atk / +4 AC
Attack 1 = AC24, 3 hps
Attack 2 = AC8
5' Step
Position = f2

Jonas wants no part of this elemental, especially since he is unarmed. He breaks from it and dashes for the stairs to the basement.
Action = Withdraw (no AoO)
Movement is sufficient to put him into basement



Belkior (AC 21; HP 38/40) Bless  d20+8=11
Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 12:30:41 PM
"Elementals now, too! Will this crazed druid ever run out of spells?"

The halfling cleric calls out to Alemi for some assistance. A glowing white warhammer springs into being and begins swinging at the nearest elemental. The hammer swings at the elemental, missing it.

After that, Belkior moves towards the door.

Position
o6

Actions
Standard = Cast Spirital Weapon at F2, hit AC 11
Move = to o6

Items
Pearl of Power = used today
Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds = 18 charges remaining
Wand of Cure Light Wounds = 45 charges remaining

Wielding
Left = buckler, holding Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds
Right = thunderstone

Active Effects
Bless = +1 morale on attacks & saves vs. fear, 57 rounds

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink*, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless*(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon* (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light* (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast



Lang (Matt C.) 
Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 4:10:33 PM
Can we see Brundy over the Wall of Thorns?

No thorns go to ceiling and they are 10' thick

Wynn [AC=19; 29/46 HP] Bless (Sub JohnP)  d20+2=3 d20+6=12 d20+9=22 d100=14
Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 9:30:42 PM
Wynn steps back, away from the wall of thorns that he can't touch.
Free = 5' shift to o15

He has a general idea where the invisible monster is because of the attack. He tries to listen to tell exactly where, but is distracted. And he can't see any sign of it, either.
Listen = 3, natural 1. Spot = 12

Still, he makes an attempt to locate the invisible threat. He swings his sword through the area behind him, in front of where he is now.
Melee touch attack = AC22, through squares p14 and p15, 14%



Lang (ac 21; hp 50/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+10=24 d20+10=26 d20+5=20 d8+2=10 d8+2=10 d8+2=6
Wednesday August 3rd, 2005 9:40:35 PM
Lang's only clear shot with his longbow, is at the Fire Elemental that is to his right about 20' away (FE #2). He also knows that 2 of the rogues are unarmed, so they will need some help to defeat the monster. Besides even the worst criminal shouldn't have to face these horrors unarmed.

He uses his full round to shoot three arrows into what appears to be the creature's back, but Lang is not so sure it is. Lang is happy with his shots as they all appeared to have struck the creature, but he is pretty sure that they did not damage the elemental fully.

Hit ac's 25, 27 & 21 w/ Bless; damage 5, 5 & 1 w/ damage reduction 5/-.

Lang and Sunshine hold their position by the door.

Actions:
Full Round Attack -- PBSrs with longbow

Position:
Lang E9.
Sunshine F9.

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours; probably just about 2 1/4 hours left)

Arrows used 29 +3 this round.

Syr (60/62 AC19/18) Bless f7 
Thursday August 4th, 2005 12:08:09 AM
Syr moves over to the doorway near the invisible creature attacking the rogues. He makes no attacks on any invisible creatures but just observes the action trying to get a fix.

DM George round 7  Sly d20+10=30 d20+10=14 2d6(2+4)+4=10 Yorrick d20+8=24 d20+8=14 2d6(6+6)=12 Savin d20+21=41 d20+21=34 d100=17 roach 2d6(2+4)=6 d20+10=28 2d6(3+2)+2=7 Sly's concentration d20+2=8 Ils d20+10=24 d20+10=23
Yorrick d20+6=9 d20+6=12 d20+10=16 Savin d20+12=25 d20+19=37 d20+19=34 d20+18=20 d100=89 d100=42 d4+10=14 d20+27=29
Thursday August 4th, 2005 12:31:35 AM
Florin moves to the wall adn quickly discovers the futility of trying to cut through the wall. It would take minutes and he doubts his friends, new and old, have that long. He looks at his trusty sword and wonders if it can take the heat? Ajax, his noble warhorse and steed, sedately follows at his side. He seems sedate but the horse his huffing through his nose and he seems agitated.

Tionel becomes a brown bear

Niobe thrust her sword into the creature and scores a hit, but is frustrated at her damage. The creature seems to have a natural toughness against weapons (damage reduction -5) Niobe's sword does no damage

Firn'gaer concerned for Yorrick castes a resist fire on the bear which will protect him from future fire damage but not the stuff he has taken so far.

Sly murmers a spell and casts a dispel magic on Ilsidur area trying to chase away whatever invisible creature is assualting the dwarf. She wants to cast it but as she starts murmering her spell she is hit (Invisible stalker AOO) and she takes 10 points of damage. Sly please make a concentration check to have the spell go off dc 23. (ooc to keep the game moving I rolled it for you and you missed it.) Sly's dispel magic fizzles.

Luke stands at Slys side and winces when she is struck. "What do you want me to do boss?"

Angus casts a see invisiblity from a scroll and scans the room. He sees one large mass of roiling air taking up grid area pq/9,10.

Peerimus moves to the wall and shifts into bear form.

Yorrick roars in pain as the last rounds blows slam into him and catches his fur on fire. He takes an extra 12 points of fire damage. Yorrick took a total of 25 points last round. Please reflect it in his hitpoints.

Yorrick feels the flames deaden as after Firn'gaer casts his spell. He makes a mental note to catch the mage a nice fish when this battle is over. He roars his rage and slams two claws into the fire elemental. The bear scores good hits but his claws don't seem to be as effective as normal. (damage reduction total of 18 points of damage) Yorrick does get a grip on the elemental, and is very happy for that spell!

Xenia tumbles away without problems but can't quite get where she wants to go since Tionel in bear form is taking up to much room. She sucks down her potion.

Savin tries to tumble away from the bear but fumbles badly and lands at the creature's feet. He kicks out stinging the bear but the bear retaliates with an AOO. Critical hit, and critical hit confirmed but luckily the cloak saved him. Brundy missed with the AOO.

Roach falls to the ground and tries to crawl away screaming in pain from being on fire. 6 points of fire damage. If the elemental could grin, he would and slams his AOO into the thief doing another 7 points of damage to the rogue.

Jonus being incredibly brave and smart bolts. He didn't get as far as he thought but is happy to be away from the inferno.

Specialty thrust and hits but her sword does no damage. She sees her boss run and looks down at Roaches burning body and wonders why she just did that.

Belkior moves and casts his spiritual hammer but misses with his swing.

Wynn wants to move but finds a brown bear where he wanted to move to. He slashes into the air but misses badly.

Lang shoots 3 arrows into the back of the elemental...at least he thinks it is the back doing 11 points of damage to the fire creature.

Ilsidur bleeding and bruised stands yet again waiting for his beating

********************************************

The invisible stalker pounds at Ilsidur twice but bounces off his armor.

The fire elemental swings twice at Yorrick but due to his bad postioning misses with both.

The second elemental roars in pain at the arrows and turns and quickly covers the distance to Lang and swings (he drew an AOO from Specialty. He missed Lang.

Brundy shakes off the stunning blow and decides to end this pesky human. He then swings twice and tries to bite once. Both claws would have hit but the cloak helps once again. Bite just misses on its own. Still he does 14 points of damage and tries to grapple. Rolled natural 2 which automatically misses.

The druid seems to be casting another summoning spell. You can hear her chanting.

A Map For Those Who Can't Open The Attachment

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:35/60  d20+2=7 d20+1=9 d20=18 d20=18 d20+5=18 d20+5=16 d20+1=5 d6+4=6 d6+4=9
Thursday August 4th, 2005 2:18:22 AM
Florin glances at where friends and new allies are tacking on the invisible creature and concentrates on trying to spot it (spot and listen:7/9 in order listed) however with all the noise going on around him and his friends in such danger he sees nothing or hears nothing to aid him in locating the invisible creature, "Anyone have some type of powder or something to mark those stupid invisible creatures with?"

Florin mentally tells Ajax considering their special bond to aid his friends against the invisible creatures also. (Spot and Listen checks for Ajax:18/18) If Ajax can possibly notice one of the nearest invisible creatures he will move and attack if possible. (Can hit hoof1 AC:18 Can hit hoof2 AC:16 Can hit Bite AC:5 Damage:6/9/miss)

You need a 20 spot or listen to have a chance of knowing where something is. Neither of you made it. Sure you don't want to try and attack a fire elemental?

Xenia - OoC 
Thursday August 4th, 2005 7:37:27 AM
Justin, Horses have Scent.
Scent (Ex): This special quality allows a creature to detect approaching enemies, sniff out hidden foes, and track by sense of smell. Creatures with the scent ability can identify familiar odors just as humans do familiar sights.

The creature can detect opponents within 30 feet by sense of smell. If the opponent is upwind, the range increases to 60 feet; if downwind, it drops to 15 feet. Strong scents, such as smoke or rotting garbage, can be detected at twice the ranges noted above. Overpowering scents, such as skunk musk or troglodyte stench, can be detected at triple normal range.

When a creature detects a scent, the exact location of the source is not revealed--only its presence somewhere within range. The creature can take a move action to note the direction of the scent.

Whenever the creature comes within 5 feet of the source, the creature pinpoints the source's location.

A creature with the Track feat and the scent ability can follow tracks by smell, making a Wisdom (or Survival) check to find or follow a track. The typical DC for a fresh trail is 10 (no matter what kind of surface holds the scent). This DC increases or decreases depending on how strong the quarry's odor is, the number of creatures, and the age of the trail. For each hour that the trail is cold, the DC increases by 2. The ability otherwise follows the rules for the Track feat. Creatures tracking by scent ignore the effects of surface conditions and poor visibility.


That means that Ajax still has a 50% miss chance against the Stalker, but he can detect the square it's in and attack using Scent.

BTW, this goes for Luke too, Ceil.

Firn'gaer -- Troll; AC 26, HP 39/90  d20+10=23 d20+10=30 d6+6=12 d6+6=9 2d6(5+2)+9=16 d20+5=17 d6+3=5
Thursday August 4th, 2005 8:12:49 AM
Seeing the invisible stalker give the others so much trouble makes a minor adjustment. Taking a 5-ft move to n11-m12. He takes two claw attacks at the stalker (troll's have 10-ft reach).

The stalker is taken by surprise as two large claws and a gapping maw strike out over the dwarf. The claws both grab hold and as if to add insult to injury, the troll wizard rends as he rips his clawed hands free.

[Claw #1 - AC 23, damage 12; Claw #2 - AC 30, damage 9; Bite - AC 17, damage 5; rend damage 16 = Total Damage 42]

Status
Current HP -- 39/90

Active Spells
extended mage armor -- 20 hours
extended elf sight -- 137 minutes
extended see invisibility -- 137 minutes
neutralize poison (potion) -- 45.2 minutes
telepathic bond (Peerimus) -- 46.2 minutes
polymorph -- 9.6 minutes
shield -- 9.7 minutes
resist energy (fire resist 20 on Yorrick) -- 69.9 minutes

Lesser Extend Rod -- 1/3 uses left.

Prepared Spells
0 -- detect magic, light, prestidigitation, read magic

1 -- elf sight*, magic missile x2**, ray of enfeeblement x2, shield*

2 -- extended mage armor*, knock, mirror image, scorching ray*, see invisibility*

3 -- deep slumber, dispel magic*, fly, lightning bolt

4 -- black tentacles*, dimension door*, empowered scorching ray, polymorph*

5 -- heightened resilient sphere*, heightened slow*, telekinesis*

* -- Spells cast


Angus Mage ARmor AC 14 HP 18/25  3d4(3+3+4)+3=13
Thursday August 4th, 2005 9:15:13 AM
Angus is concerned about Florin's inaction and yells to the Paladin. "Go and stick you sword into something you can see, like the elemental next to Lang, who is over by the door."

Angus brings his concentration back to the invisible air monster and lets loose three magic missiles (13 damage) at the rolling wall of air.

Angus screams to no one in particular. "Will someone push through the wall of Thorns or dispel it and kill the Druid! Please!"

Angus thinks to himself that the shields and this new group could not be fighting worse together and some are not even fighting at all! I seems that more creatures will be coming to join the fight against them, just great! Angus attempts to keep track of Jonas and the evil rouges, but there is so much going on.

Spell Slots Used:

0 level 0 of 6
1 level 6 of 8
2 level 4 of 6
3 level 2 of 4

Sly (AC 19 82/82hp) & Luke (Ac 21 65/65hp)  d20+5=22 d20+5=22 d20+5=18 d20+10=27 d20+5=17 d20+5=18 d20+4=22 d20+6=22
Thursday August 4th, 2005 9:47:20 AM
Sly answers Luke "We kick Butts, you have a better nose than Me. Track this thing!" Sly tell Ilsidur to move in back of him and to stay out of the way of his wind mill attact.(next round)

Luke "OK! Boss" puts his nose to the ground (P/9) and sniff - sniff until he bumps into some thing invisable. (He'll attack next round or graple this round AC 22 & AC 22)

OOC Sly's Consentration AC 22 - Listen AC22 - Spot AC 18.

Luke - Trackng (by scent) AC 27 - listens AC 17 - Spot AC 18

Savin (AC30, Dodge vs Bear AC31, HP 41/95) (Sub/Al)  d20+11=14 d20+11=20
Thursday August 4th, 2005 11:14:11 AM
Gray wisps of smoke rise from Savin's clothing. The pain is becoming unbearable and death looms near. Remaining boxed in here is death and failure.

Savin dives for the space under the bear again. The bear's legs move and shift, and Savin pulls back without making the attempt.

"PEERIMUS!!!"

Savin draws into a stance of complete defense. Live through the next few moments. Just live through the next few moments.

Rolls and Actions
Reflex 14 (Against Flamestrike two turns ago. Forgot to Roll reflex then. Sorry.)
Tumble 20 (Fail. DC is 25. Dude, ranks in Tumble rock.)
Total Defense AC becomes 30, 31 vs Brundy

Position and Movement
Woman is at O1
Savin L20

Active Effects
Displacement (50% Miss Chance)

Cloak of Displacement 15/18

QUESTION
George, did you use all of your Wholeness of Body?

Savin has used his wholeness of body feat...remember when you had that big plant eat him....this morning! Been a long day for Savin. Savin will only take 1/2 damage from the flamestrike as he has improved evasion.

Changed HP. Whew ... -Al

Tionel 
Thursday August 4th, 2005 11:24:23 AM
Tionel would go after the enemies...but in his mind, a larger danger presents itself as Jonas goes rushing into the basement. To the kids.
That murderer! He's going to ...he could...gotta protect them... Tionel turns his back on the battle and rushes towards the stairs going down and heads after Jonas.

Syr (60/62 AC19/18) bless, g7  d20+11=25 d20+11=12 d20+6=25 d10+4=10 d10+4=7
Thursday August 4th, 2005 12:00:42 PM
(OOC: I'm going to assume Syr's move took place last round)

He sees Jonas streak past him and ignores the criminal because there are no exits back there. As the fire blazes toward him and he steps quickly to the side. Fearing for his fists, he contemplates following Jonas but his concern for the fire's effect on the Inn and children takes over. He slams two fists in (attack 25,miss,25 damage 10,7).

Syr will need one reflex saves dc 17, or he catches on fire. Sly moved 50' which is fine but he would only get one attack.

Xenia (AC 22 HP 26/35)  d20+17=27 d20+12=25 d20+7=23 d100=4
Thursday August 4th, 2005 1:29:40 PM
Framblemation! This is not going good. How long can these things keep coming?

The wave in the air gives the invisible thing away. The swish of air.

"Ti'nel! You're gonna ... Watch out for ... " Blast and Framble!!!

Xenia tracks through the space that Tionel the Bear had just left. Desperately she aims an arrow at the shimmery space in hopes of putting an arrow into a vital spot before it can get a shot at Tionel. The aim looks good! But how can you count on something being where it's supposed to be when it's invisible?!?!?! The arrow zips through empty air and *thunks* into the wall beyond.

"Fark and Framble!" the dark rogue curses. "Hey you! Dwarf-guy!" she shouts. "Wake up and fight or you're gonna get kacked!"

Rolls and Actions
Spot 25 to Pinpoint Location of Invisible Creature(s) vs DC20
Listen 27 to Pinpoint Location of Invisible Creature(s) vs DC20
Hit AC23 (-4 Fire into Melee, +1 Bless)
50% Miss Chance = 4 (1-50 is miss)
Damage Missed

Position and Movement
Q14

Active Effects
Bless Duration 60 rounds from Round 2
Shield of Faith 9 rounds remaining

Seal
Boo Berry(This is a Green Seal/Expires 09/05): (Calls upon the anguish and terror aspect): Break as a standard action. All enemies within a 30' radius must make a save at DC 19 or they must flee as if affected by the fear spell. (Note: I'm not sure of the duration. Looks like a Min of 7 rounds. It's Mikey's Seal. Maybe he could clarify.)

The Rogues (DMiT JohnP)  d20+10=21 d6+2=5
Thursday August 4th, 2005 2:14:40 PM
Specialty swings at the fire elemental as it moves away from her. She hits it, but barely enough for it to notice. She then follows Jonas towards the basement.
AoO = hit AC 21, 5 damage

Roach stops rolling on the floor and gets to his feet. There aren't any weapons available, so follows his boss as well.

Jonas continues towards the basement.


Belkior (AC 21; HP 38/40) Bless  d20+8=20 d8+2=9 d20+5=15 d20+6=15
Thursday August 4th, 2005 3:08:14 PM
The halfling cleric's spiritual weapon connects with the elemental, inflicting a sound blow to what should be its head.

Belkior can't identify where the invisible monster is, so he can't contribute to the struggle against it. He steps closer to Syrdeth and casts a spell on him, fortifying him for the continuing battle.

"We've got to get to that druid, somehow! Anyone got any ideas? Spellcasters, target the druid ... the thornwall won't block your spells!"

Position
p7

Actions
Spirital Weapon = hit AC 20, 9 damage (bypasses DR)
Free = 5' step to p7
Standard = cast Bear's Endurance on Syrdeth
Move = stow thunderstone

Items
Pearl of Power = used today
Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds = 18 charges remaining
Wand of Cure Light Wounds = 45 charges remaining

Wielding
Left = buckler, holding Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds
Right = empty

Active Effects
Bless = +1 morale on attacks & saves vs. fear, 56 rounds
Spiritual Weapon = 5 rounds
Bear's Endurance (Syrdeth) = +4 Constitution, 6 minutes (60 rds)

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink*, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless*(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance*, Bull's Strength, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon* (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light* (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast



Xenia (AC 22 HP 26/35) /2nd Illegal Post 
Thursday August 4th, 2005 3:47:13 PM
"That's right, Belkie!"

"Hey, Ti'nel," the dark girl calls, "can't you just walk through the thorns? That other druid guy did it!"

Peerimus [AC 21 HP 66/73] and Yorrick [AC 19 HP 48/73]  d20+19=24 d20+19=39 d20+19=20 d8+9=10 d8+9=16
Thursday August 4th, 2005 5:24:45 PM
Yorrick continues mauling the elemental. [Grapple 24/39/20 Dmg 10/16]

George: I had rolled one of the reflex saves, [reflex 21] in Yorricks part of the post, but admit I did forget one. Is the extra 12 for a single failed save or both?

Peerimus moves north into the thorn wall and useing it for some cover, goes to the far wall and then cuts in to the Druid arriving at E/19

It was for the single save. Rolled max damage. Sorry :-(

Level 0:
Detect magic, Mending, Read Magic, Create water, Guidance, Purify Food and Drink

Level 1:
Jump, *Longstrider, CLW, Endure Elements, *Speak with Animals

Level 2:
*Extended Produce Flame, Animal Tance, Reduce Animal, *Barkskin, Cat's Grace

Level 3:
*CMW, *Greater Magic Fang, Nuetralize Poison, *Summon Nature's Ally III

Level 4:
*Dispel Magic, *Anti-Plant Shell, *CSW

Level 5:
*Animal Growth, *Wall of Thorns

Active spells: Peerimus only
Longstrider 9 hours +10 Speed
Greater Magic Fang +1 all attacks 9 hours
Barkskin 191.4 minutes +4 AC
Speak with Animals 32 Rounds

Peerimus and Yorrick Bless +1 Hit


Lang (ac 21; hp 50/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+13=22 d6+3=9
Thursday August 4th, 2005 7:10:59 PM
With the elemental right in his face, Lang knows he cannot get off any clean shots with his bow. He quickly drops his longbow and draws his 2 shortswords. With a quick thrust of his right hand he stabs the fire elemental, but he is slightly frustrated as the creature seems to resist the swords full effect.

Hit ac 23 w/ Bless; damage 4 w/ damage reduction 5/-.

Lang directs Sunshine to 5' move behind him and gives him the command to "Defend".

Lang yells, "I could use some help over here."

Actions:
Free action - Drop longbow in E10
Move action - Draw shortswords
Standard action - Attack with shortsword
Free action - Direct Sunshine into E10 to defend.

Position:
Lang E9.
Sunshine E10.

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours; probably just about 2 1/4 hours left)

Arrows used 32.

Ilsidur (AC25, 32/107)  2d8(5+2)+10=17
Thursday August 4th, 2005 9:05:39 PM
Ilsidur snaps out of his reverie, and moves 5' to the northwest, putting Sly between him and the invisible attacker. He casts a healing spell on himself. [OOC: Cast cure moderate wounds for 17 hp of healing.]

Wynn [AC=19; 29/46 HP] Bless (Sub JohnP) 
Thursday August 4th, 2005 9:56:40 PM
Wynn concludes that there is little that he can manage to directly fight the druid and her summoned creatures.

So he stays where he is against the thorn wall and he begins to sing. Despite composing on the fly, it's not too bad a song.

Oh, stomp that druid,
Smack that bear!
Where, oh where,
Should we go?
I don't know.
I don't know.

Chase the flame,
Hit the air,
Smack that bear!
Where, oh where
Should we go?
Ti will know,
Ti does know!

Smack the druid,
Climb the wall,
Please don't fall.
Where, oh where
Should we go?
Flor' will know,
Flor' does know!

And it continues in this manner for the rest of the round.

While continuing to sing, Wynn sheathes his sword to get a free hand.

Inspire Courage = +1 to saves vs. charm and fear, +1 to attack & damage



DM George crossover round 8  d20+19=37 2d4(2+1)+10=13 Brundy d20+19=22 d20+19=22 d20+18=28 FE 1 d20+6=15 d20+6=17 Lang d20+10=19 d20+10=29 2d6(6+4)+2=12 2d6(1+6)+2=9 d20=4 d20=2 Luke d20+8=26 d20+8=13 d20+8=14 d20+10=17 d4+1=5 florin d20+8=22 d20+8=16 d20+8=9 d20+10=25 d4+1=4 4d6(4+2+3+4)+3=16 3d6(4+6+3)=13 2d6(6+2)=8 d6=6
Thursday August 4th, 2005 10:46:20 PM
Florin and Ajax both are unable to find any invisible foes. The paladin looks and listens but otherwise takes no other actions.

Firn'gaer, in troll form, rips into the invisible stalker doing great amounts of damage to the airy beast.

Angus fires off magic missiles and they strike heavily into the stalker as well. It arches its back and collapses to the ground and fades away. Angus shouts in triumph as the beast fades away.

Sly looks for an invisible creature that is no longer there. Luke sniffs the air and peers about as well, but neither can sense anything.

Savin is getting desperate. Where are the others? Where are his companions? Have they abandoned him? Will he soon be in front of Gargul explaining his life? He tries to delay his doom but fighting totally defensively praying for rescue.

Tionel, like a top, spins into a different direction and races towards the kids. So intense is his hatred for the Anvil Hearts, he leaves his friends and companions to fight on alone.

Syr bolts to Lang's defense and slams a fist into the fire creature. (ooc he only gets one attack since he moved more than 5')

Xenia shouts for Tionel to watch out for the invisible beast, not yet realizing the creature is gone. She shoots her bow buy hits nothing.

Jonus sees the bear cut him off from his goal of the basement and stops moving that direction. He looks around to see where he wants to go next.

Roach puts himself out and staggers after his boss. He has felt much better before.

Specialty also moves after her boss, catching quickly up. Hmmm Angus has 3 thieves right behind him....interesting

Belkior has his hammer pound into the fire elemental fighting Yorrick scoring a solid hit.
He goes to lay hands on Syr only to find the quick monk streaking away to help Lang. (ooc, I won't make you use up a spell, if you want you can move farther forward and cure Ilsidur, Sly or Luke or cast another spell. Just do a quick post to let me know.)

Peerimus glides through the thorn wall coming out near Brundy and Savin and moves over to threaten the druid. He draws an Aoo from Brundy as he leaves the threaten square and is raked by a claw which inflicts 13 points of damage. Brundy decides he would rather save his grapple for the measly human who is some how still alive.

Peerimus sees a small druid steeped in power. Her eyes are bloodshot and tears are streaming down them. He also notices a small stone orbiting her head.

Lang drops his bow and pulls out his swords, (free action by the way since you have a +1 on your base to hit) and thrusts scoring a minor hit. He quickly calls out for assistance, feeling the elemental is beyond his prowness. For some reason Sunshine doesn't want to bite a creature made up of fire and just protects Lang's backside.

Ilsidur snaps out of it feeling the Invisible Stalker fade away. He cures himself.

Wynn starts to sing a nice little ditty. The others start tapping their foot and swaying with the music. Their hearts are lightened and they are inspired!

********************************************
Brundy swings twice with his mighty claws and tries to bite the elusive little man. He out right misses all three times! (ooc can't believe I missed! Two natural 3's. Savin just might get through this.

Yorricks grapple pays dividends again and his elemental misses with both attacks.

Lang isn't as lucky as Savin or Yorrick and is hit twice. He takes 21 points of damage and must make to reflex saves dc 17 or take 2d6 points of extra fire dam per hit.

Two more pops in the air reveal two strange looking creatures. The have stout bodies made of stone, and three thin arms ending in sharp claws, but the body is dominated by a huge mouth on the top of its head filled with sharp teeth.

The first attacks Luke trying to claw him and bite him. He only hits with one claw which does
5 points of damage.

The second one attacks Florin and hits once with a claw doing 4 points of damage but then lands a vicious bite doing 16 points of damage. Florin yelps as the teeth dig into his flesh.

Rosa's eyes go wide as Peerimus closes on her and she darts away to L20. Peerimus gets an AOO. She turns and casts an ice storm centered on F16. Peerimus, Florin, Ajax, Niobe, and the fire elemental take 13 blungeoning damage and 8 cold damage. No save. The fire elemental fades away. Florin is also hammered to the ground and goes unconcious. He is at -6.

A Map For Those Who Can't Open The Attachment

DM George supplimental post 
Friday August 5th, 2005 8:27:50 AM
Belkior scouted to map position M9 and cured Ilsidur 12 points

Angus Mage ARmor AC 14 Hp 18/25, See Invisible  3d4(4+2+3)+3=12
Friday August 5th, 2005 8:31:29 AM
Angus gives an inward sigh of relief and thinks to himself, good luck to the the new druid on the other side of the wall of thorns; we needed that badly. Angus yells out to Tionel more encouragment "Tionel, follow our new good buddy through the thorns or summon some animals to help him!"

Angus takes his time to aim an empowered magic missile spell at the fire elemental fighting lang and Syr. Three larger than normal missiles streak toward and strike the ball of fire (damage 12 +50% = 18 damge total).

Angus is equally happy to see the dwarven punching bag back in the fight.

Angus is glad the ice storm did not land on him, but is very concerned when Florin does not rise. "Belkior, Florin look like he is in need of your services." Angus adds excitedly.

Angus takes a 5 foot step to Q5 if none of the new summoned creatures will get an AoO on him. I am unsure of where the new stone creatures are on the map???????

Spell Slots used

0 level 0 of 6
1 level 6 of 8
2 level 4 of 6
3 level 3 of 4

Savin (AC24, Dodge vs Bear AC25, HP 41/95) (Sub/Al)  d20+11=13 d20+11=23 d10+4=8
Friday August 5th, 2005 8:34:44 AM
"LADY!!! We don't want to hurt you. But if you force us, we will!"

Savin eyes the bear. Like trying to punch through a solid wall of flesh. But at the same time, rolling under him is a risk, a huge risk.

One more time.

Savin's nerve fails. A silent curse nearly escapes the monk's lips, and he channels all of his frustration into a strike on the bear.

"No luck here, Peerimus. But I'll keep the bear busy!"

Rolls and Actions
Tumble 13 (Fail. DC is 25.)
Hit Brundy AC23, Damage 8hp (Stunning Fist, Fort vs DC18 or be stunned for one round.)

Position and Movement
Woman is at O1
Savin L20

Active Effects
Displacement (50% Miss Chance)

Cloak of Displacement 14/18
Stunning Fist 8/10

QUESTION
What is Brundy's AC?

Peerimus [AC 21 HP 31/73] and Yorrick [AC 19 HP 48/73]  d20+17=30 d8+9=17 d20+20=38 d20+20=34
Friday August 5th, 2005 9:11:02 AM
The claw from the great bear rips fur and draws blood, but the wound is not to grevious nor unexpected. Peerimus closes on his prey, but then a spark of pleading catches his eye and his mind changes to recatalog prey to victim. As the other druid moves, Peerimus swipes at her, she would simply have to abide the pain. [hit AC 29 dmg 17; Grapple 38] Peerimus secures the druid in his grip.

Note to George sorry about makin a mess here but she would be grapple and in the ice storm effects if she continues that course of action. Plus she would need to win a grapple check to cast it.

If she still manages:
The ice storm slams into the area obscuring vision and hindering movement. the pain elicited from the ice shards again is not serious, but the wounds are beginning to accumulate.

Peerimus maintains his hold on the smaller druid [Grapple 34] and retreats back through the Thorn wall with her. Peerimus can move 35' as half move with the druid.

Yorrick, now without an opponent looks about for Peerimus and easily identifies the roar on the other side of the Thorn Wall and returns the call.

Level 0:
Detect magic, Mending, Read Magic, Create water, Guidance, Purify Food and Drink

Level 1:
Jump, *Longstrider, CLW, Endure Elements, *Speak with Animals

Level 2:
*Extended Produce Flame, Animal Tance, Reduce Animal, *Barkskin, *Cat's Grace

Level 3:
*CMW, *Greater Magic Fang, Nuetralize Poison, *Summon Nature's Ally III

Level 4:
*Dispel Magic, *Anti-Plant Shell, *CSW

Level 5:
*Animal Growth, *Wall of Thorns

Active spells: Peerimus only
Longstrider 9 hours +10 Speed
Greater Magic Fang +1 all attacks 9 hours
Barkskin 191.2 minutes +4 AC
Speak with Animals 30 Rounds
Cat's Grace +4 Dex 9.6 minutes

Peerimus and Yorrick Bless +1 Hit
Inspire courage +1 hit/damage

Need to know where Peerimus is planning on going? Please post your position.

20' straight back to E/F 14/15

Tionel 
Friday August 5th, 2005 10:25:08 AM
Perhaps Tionel is being somewhat cowardous or contempuous...but in his mind, saving the orphans from the evil that is Jonas is more important than fighting the petty elementals or whatnot that are upstairs.
So it is that when this round, he changes back to Tionel form. He wishes he didn't have to, but a sudden bad feeling struck him. Then he draws his sword and warningly says, "Jonas...come back up here. Now."

NPC Woman (Al) 
Friday August 5th, 2005 10:47:22 AM
Standing frozen up until now, eyes wide as monsters from other planes come and go across the floor, the woman draws together all of her courage and darts out onto the floor, pulling a chair to herself. Holding the improvised weapon before her, she backs slowly again toward the stairs.

The voices of small children had drifted up to her ears from below. And if these children needed protection, how better to repay her rescue, her life's debt, than to come to the aide of others.

Firn'gaer - Troll; AC 26, HP 39/90  d20+8=25 d20+8=19 d20+8=23 4d6(5+1+3+6)=15 4d6(5+1+5+1)=12
Friday August 5th, 2005 10:47:52 AM
"More elemental creatures." The troll-form wizard say as more elementals appear. Seeing Florin fall from the icestorm and the air creature standing near, Firn'gaer decides to work there, first.

Calling his arcane power, through gesture and words, his right arm is bathed in flame. As he completes his incantation, two rays of flame fire out at the creature.

[empowered scorching ray -- Touch AC 19, 23; damage 1.5x15=22, 1.5x12=18; Total 40 points of fire damage.]

[Spot DC25]

Status
Current HP -- 39/90

Active Spells
extended mage armor -- 20 hours
extended elf sight -- 137 minutes
extended see invisibility -- 137 minutes
neutralize poison (potion) -- 45.1 minutes
telepathic bond (Peerimus) -- 46.1 minutes
polymorph -- 9.5 minutes
shield -- 9.6 minutes
resist energy (fire resist 20 on Yorrick) -- 69.8 minutes

Lesser Extend Rod -- 1/3 uses left.

Prepared Spells
0 -- detect magic, light, prestidigitation, read magic

1 -- elf sight*, magic missile x2**, ray of enfeeblement x2, shield*

2 -- extended mage armor*, knock, mirror image, scorching ray*, see invisibility*

3 -- deep slumber, dispel magic*, fly, lightning bolt

4 -- black tentacles*, dimension door*, empowered scorching ray*, polymorph*

5 -- heightened resilient sphere*, heightened slow*, telekinesis*

* -- Spells cast


Xenia (AC 22 HP 26/35) 
Friday August 5th, 2005 11:57:34 AM
These guys are slinging around some real power.

The girl rogue feels a little cowed in their presence.

Florin's body lies so still next to his horse. Gotta get to 'im!

Xenia darts fearlessly between the troll and the bear. With the weird mouth creature right up ahead, she pulls a potion from her haversack.

Rolls and Actions
Move, Draw Potion.

Position and Movement
K13

Active Effects
Bless Duration 60 rounds from Round 2
Shield of Faith 8 rounds remaining

Seal
Boo Berry(This is a Green Seal/Expires 09/05): (Calls upon the anguish and terror aspect): Break as a standard action. All enemies within a 30' radius must make a save at DC 19 or they must flee as if affected by the fear spell. (Note: I'm not sure of the duration. Looks like a Min of 7 rounds. It's Mikey's Seal. Maybe he could clarify.)

DM George supplimental  d20+17=35
Friday August 5th, 2005 12:28:20 PM
The halfling had the components in hand or easy reach. dust and spit are easy to find in this tilted city. I rolled her concentration check and she made it so the ice storm goes off. She is still grappled however.

Wynn [AC=19; 29/46 HP] Bless, Inspire Courage(Sub JohnP) 
Friday August 5th, 2005 1:18:08 PM
Wynn continues to sing, his silly lyrics heartening the Shields and Children. Possibly even making them laugh.

Oh, stomp that druid,
Smack that bear!
Where, oh where,
Should we go?
I don't know.
I don't know.

Watch the rogues,
Dodge the stone,
Leave me 'lone!
Where, oh where
Should we go?
Belk will know,
Belk does know!

Heal our chief,
Get him up,
Don't let up.
Where, oh where
Should we go?
Syr will know,
Syr does know!

While singing, Wynn fishes into his pack for a healing wand.

Nice post!



The Rogues 
Friday August 5th, 2005 1:25:03 PM
All three of the rogues stop in their tracks, blocked by the druid in bear form.

Jonas retorts to Tionel, "What do you mean? We're still on this floor with all of you."

Roach stands behind Jonas, his normaly bully-boy manner not being particularly useful in intimidating the people here. He waits for Jonas to provide directions while holding his burned arm carefully at his side.

Specialty glances about, keeping a cautious eye out for any more summoned creatures.

Jonas continues, "Exactly what have you hidden in the basement? Something that you don't want these other heroes to know about?"


Belkior (AC 21; HP 38/40) Bless , Inspire Courage  d20+8=13 2d8(3+1)+7=11 d8=4
Friday August 5th, 2005 1:34:17 PM
The halfling cleric directs his spiritual weapon at the remaining fire elemental, but cannot connect.

Belkior steps away from the newly summoned elemental, then casts a healing spell on Ilsidur. The dwarven cleric is healed for 14 hitpoints.

Position
L10

Actions
Movement = re-target Spiritual Weapon
Spirital Weapon = hit AC 13
Free = 5' step to L10
Standard = cast Cure Moderate on Ilsidur, using Bull's Strength

Items
Pearl of Power = used today
Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds = 17 charges remaining
Wand of Cure Light Wounds = 45 charges remaining

Wielding
Left = buckler, holding Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds
Right = empty

Active Effects
Bless = +1 morale on attacks & saves vs. fear, 55 rounds
Spiritual Weapon = 4 rounds

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink*, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless*(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength*, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon* (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light* (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast



Lang (ac 21; hp 38/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+10=25 d20+11=17 d20+11=30 d20+6=14 d20+6=18 d6+3=7 d6+3=6 d6+3=6
Saturday August 6th, 2005 9:52:42 AM
Lang takes a solid smack from the Fire Elemental and twists away from contact with the creature so that his clothing does not catch on fire (reflex save 25).

Lang lashes out with his short swords scoring another round of solid hits that the creature somehow resists from taking the full effects of his sword thrusts.

Hit ac 18, 31, 15 & 19 w/ Bless and Inspire Courage; damage 3, 2 & 2 w/ damage reduction 5/- and Inspire Courage.

Actions:
Full round action - Attack with shortswords

Position:
Lang E9.
Sunshine should be in E10.

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours; probably just about 2 1/4 hours left)

Arrows used 32.

Niobe (50/73HP, 19AC)  d20+13=25 d8+5=7
Saturday August 6th, 2005 3:13:57 PM
Niobe sees Florin go down, having been overcome by his wounds (Spot 25). She moves over to him taking out her wand of CLW from its forearmsheath as she moves. She touches the healingwand to Florin.
(Heals Florin 7HP, he should be at least stabile now).

((So far as I can see from the map Niobe has a clear path to Florin, and for the sake of keeping everyone alive I will write this post the way I have.))

Eunice, doens't Niobe have to roll to see if the wand works?

Niobe (addendum) 
Saturday August 6th, 2005 3:17:41 PM
FYI: Niobe is taking a 5ft step to get to Florin, according to map distance she can do this.

Sly Foxx (AC 19 82hp/82hp) & Luke (Ac 21 65/65hp)  d100=49 d100=49 d20+18=36 d20+18=32 d8+8=16 d8+8=12 d20+8=22 d6+8=14
Sunday August 7th, 2005 11:35:02 AM
As Sly's weapon does not hit any monster, Sly will try again, But some thing with claws just rip the pants off his body, Quickly Sly turn (with his sword in hand)slices at what ever it is doung the pants ripping?) Attack Ac36 crit & Ac32 - Damages 16+12=28hp.) Sly cannot believe his eyes at what he just hit, and that was only one swing of his blade.(Sly in at O/9 Just facing the monster at N/8)

Luke (who thinke that His Master is hurt, (Luke is at O/8 and attaking monster at N/8) Attack AC22 - Damages 14hp)

OOC: I roll a percent die, one for Sly 49% made it and one for Luke 49% he made it too.

Now Sly feels a breeze coming from some where?

good post Ceil, Sly wasn't hit last round but Luke was. He took 5 points of damage from a the strange creatures claw

Syr (60/62 AC19/18) G7, Bless, Inspire  d20+12=32 d20+12=22 d20+12=29 d20+12=15 d20+6=16 d20+12=17 d20+12=30 2d10(2+7)+8=17 d10+4=10 d10+4=13 d20+13=30 d20+13=31 d20+13=24
Sunday August 7th, 2005 8:30:46 PM
Beaming at the fact that Wyn included him in a song, he faces the elemental without fear. Proud to be a member of this group he strikes at the elemental with a shout, "SHIELDS!"

With blinding speed in his hands he pummels the creature, avoiding the searing flames with speedy jabs, (attack crit,confirm,29,17,19 (OOC Assumed flank bonus)damage 17,10,13 (w/reduction=25points), made all reflex saves). Hearing Tionel and Jonas he calls out, "Hold firm, I'm coming." Rather than immediately turning, he waits to see the impact of his blows on the flaming thing.

DM George Crossover battle at the Giggling Ghost round 9  d100=83 Niobe d20+8=19 d20+8=25 d20+8=11 d20+10=30 d20+10=20 d4+1=2 d4+1=5 4d6(4+3+2+4)+3=16 4d6(4+2+6+1)+3=16 Luke d20+8=11 d20+8=26 d20+8=11 d20+10=11 d4+1=4 d20+6=14 d20+19=34 2d4(3+2)+12=17 d20+23=34
Sunday August 7th, 2005 11:16:14 PM
Angus shoots his magic missiles, Lang chops away and finally with Syr's pummelling the Fire Elemental falls and fades away. (nice teamwork)

Sly and Luke bite into thier strange looking creature but feel that their blows weren't as effective as they should have been. Still they have the satisfaction of causing the creature pain! (Xorn's have damage reduction 5/bludgeoning)

Peerimus scoops up the druid digging his bear claws into her flesh and drawing blood. He retreats into the wall of thorns where he assumes he is safe.

Xenia and Niobe rush towards Florin with healing magic. Niobe arrives first and uses her wand. Florin is cured 7 points which brings him to 0 hps this round. He is stablized but still unconcious. Ajax stands over his charge in shock that his charge is down and does nothing.

The Anvil hearts blocked by Tionel, in bear form, stop their movement and ask caustic questions.

Wynn keeps singing and inspiring while pulling out his own curing magic.

Belkior cures the dwarf Ilsidur and Ilsidur just sits there enjoying the sensation. He was feeling pretty low not to long ago.

Tionel reverts back to human form and looks to the north and realizes that the rogues haven't made it downstairs yet. Will he answer their questions about the treasure downstairs?

The npc women holding a chair heads towards the rogues looking ready to defend herself from any assailant.

Firn'gaer shoots forth deadly rays of fire which bathe the creature in a fire storm. When they stop, Firn'gaer is stunned. They had absolutely no effect on the creature.

Savin tries to hit the dire bear but misses. Needs to hit ac 27

Sunshine sees a man on a warhorse riding towards the Giggling Ghost. He will be there next round. He looks like he has seen some battle.

******************************************

Niobe is to intent on curing the young paladin and isn't ready for the attack on her. She is hit twice with claws and then recieves a truly horrible bite. (hit critical hit) Nobe takes a total of 39 points of damage.

The creature by Luke isn't nearly as effective.
He only hits the dog once for 4 points of damage.

Brundy sees his mistriss carried off and reacts with a roar. He turns and moves after Peerimus and swings at him inside the wall.
(Savin gets an AOO)
He hits and does 17 points of damage and grapples Peerimus pulling him out of the wall.
Peerimus gets a normal 20 + 10 = 30 for grapple. Didn't give any minuses for holding the halfling. Also gave Peerimus +10 on his armor class for being in the wall but Brundy hit anyway.

The druid compounds Peerimus's problems by changing into a brown bear herself.

Savin sees a pile of 3 bears rolling around snarling, clawing, and grappling with each other.

A Map For Those Who Can't Open The Attachment

Jaeden Ohm (AC 25, HP 61/97)  d20+8=13 d20+2=15 d20+8=21
Monday August 8th, 2005 1:04:24 AM
Heavy footsteps ring against the stone of the street outside but are drowned out, to all but the most astute listener, by the overpowering sounds of combat. In a matter of seconds the footsteps halt and a broad, six foot figure appears Silhouetted in the inn's front door [hustle 60' to D11]. To any who bother to let their gaze linger long enough to adjust, the broadness of the figure makes itself out to be a silvery suit of full plate framed by a dark robe, perhaps a dark shade of red. Facial features are difficult to discern but the mans head seems to be shaved. In his hands, held relaxed in a guard position, is a massive greatsword.

The armored man stands balanced, head cocked and eyes relaxed, taking in the scene before him [spot 13, listen 15, sense motive 21].

Rolls and Actions
Spot 13
Listen 15
Sense Motive 21

Position and Movement
Tactical Hustle to D11 - 60'
Dalek left sleeping up the street

Active Effects
none

OOC: Hello everyone :D Still getting used to Wold style posting so if there's anything I'm missing please let me know.

Tionel (AC 14, hp 44/44) 
Monday August 8th, 2005 3:28:59 AM
"Treasure? Are you crazy!? The kids are down there, and I'm not going to let you or her or your stupid pack anywhere near them! Now go up those stairs and get out of our hair, and I might let these guys let you live!"
Tionel stands guard, and if any of those three tries to force their way past him, he will take a swing at them. (Readied action: attack, +4 to hit, 1d8+1 damage)

Angus Mage Armor AC 14, HP 18/25, See Inviso  3d6(5+3+6)+3=17 3d4(4+3+2)+3=12
Monday August 8th, 2005 8:30:08 AM
Angus movers over to K4 to get a better view of Florin and the earth creature waiting to eat him. As Florin passes by the women with the chair and Tionel and calls out. "Nice work. I will watch the child killer now. Tionel see if you can save the brave druid and monk that went after the insane druid behind the wall of thorns."

Angus then turns his attention back to the earth creature by Florin. Angus thinks to himself, The troll wizards fire had no effect, better try something different. Angus unleashes a magic missile on the earth creature. Three normal sized missiles slam into the earthe creature (12 damage).

Angus looks around and yells "Hey dwarf, or anyone, can you walk through the wall of thorns and save those at great risk!"

Xenia (Total Defense AC 28, Dodge vs Xorn2 AC29, HP 26/35) 
Monday August 8th, 2005 8:39:21 AM
"Wynn?!?"

The girl rogue takes a quick look around to place the bard on the map of her mind. In the process, her eye rolls across the half-elf guy with the dog. He's got his pants down!!! The reflexes of etiquette. Her eyes look away.

Then they look back. Geez, some guys really like combat.

"We gotta get Florin up and outta there! I'll try and distract it!"

"HEY! YOU! UGLY!!! OVER HERE!" The dark red-headed girl pulls her mace as she glides across the floor. "HEY! TRY ME! YOU FRAMBLE UGLY SON OF SLUG DROPPINGS!"

Then another new guy shows up, framed in the light of the door. Who's side is this one on? Gotta bet. Gotta take a chance on it.

"Hey you!" the dark rogue shouts to the big tin can in the doorway. "Give us a hand, will you? Hit this thing. Or the one over there."

Rolls and Actions
Drop Bow. Move, Drawing light mace. Total Defense.

Position and Movement
H12

Active Effects
Bless Duration 60 rounds from Round 2
Shield of Faith 7 rounds remaining

Seal
Boo Berry(This is a Green Seal/Expires 09/05): (Calls upon the anguish and terror aspect): Break as a standard action. All enemies within a 30' radius must make a save at DC 19 or they must flee as if affected by the fear spell. (Note: I'm not sure of the duration. Looks like a Min of 7 rounds. It's Mikey's Seal. Maybe he could clarify.)

Peerimus [AC 21 HP 14/73] and Yorrick [AC 19 HP 39/73]  d20+20=24 d20+9=23
Monday August 8th, 2005 9:40:10 AM
Peerimus tries to get all the way through the wall, but all paths are blocked on the other side, so he stops. Then Brundy arrives, as the druid knew he would and the wallwill not stop him. The dire bears great claws tear into the wall and into Peerimus. Muscle and tendons are ripped and shredded in its wake and Peerimus feels himself pulled into the more powerful bears grasp. I knew it would be by Fathers hands

Peerimus lets out a roar, not of pain or defiance, but love to his own dear friend Yorrick. Highlight to display spoiler: {I am sorry my friend, but i must leave you. I ask you stay with the wizard you now protect.}

to FirngaerHighlight to display spoiler: {I failed, but Savin is should be able to escape here. Take care of Yorrick}

Peerimus first tries a desperate attempt to break free, [grapple 24] but that is as he knew, useless. There is nothing left to do, he reverts to human and shouts. "Savin get out of here, they are far beyond anything The Shields or Chaos can do. Get the children and get out!

Yorrick hears his friend, but does not recognize the tone of voice. Something is terribly wrong and Yorrick will not stand idly by. With bellow of fury he blasts full force into the wall. [Str check 23 failed] But the wall is too dense and tangled and the bear is thwarted. [Yorrick take 8 dmg from the attempt]

Savin (AC24, Dodge vs Brundy AC25, HP 41/95) (Sub/Al)  d20+11=3 d10+4=14 d20+11=24 d20+15=33
Monday August 8th, 2005 11:29:37 AM
As the wall of bear pulls away, Savin takes a punch at the retreating form. He feels a solid strike against hard meaty ribs even as he wonders what draws the bear away.

The monk finds out soon enough, and it is not good.

"Nope. Sorry Peerimus. We don't leave anyone behind."

"HEY! WE NEED HELP IN HERE! ILSIDUR!"

Savin's mind races across the tableau of the vulnerable Peerimus in Human form standing before the figures of the two bears. Then an earlier thought returns to him.

"Hang on, Peerimus. If this doesn't work, we'll both be leaving the Wold together."

Then the monk is all action. Shuffling quickly across the floor in small balanced steps, Savin dives under the claws of the Druid-Bear. Rolling to his feet, he snatches at the stone swirling about the bear's head.

Rolls and Actions
AoO vs Brundy Hit AC31, Damage 15hp (forgot Inspire Courage.)
Tumble 24
Disarm 33 (To snatch the Ioun Stone. Improved Disarm vs an attack roll by the druid, I assume.)

Position and Movement
Woman is Downstairs
Savin E19

Active Effects
Displacement (50% Miss Chance)

Cloak of Displacement 13/18
Stunning Fist 8/10

NPC Woman (Al) 
Monday August 8th, 2005 11:49:50 AM
The woman, battered, clothing torn, inches her way around the half-orc to place herself at the top of the stairs. She holds the chair in front of her, all four legs pointed out.

"Go ahead," she says to the man who had moments before been a bear. "I heard the voices of those kids. I'll guard the stairs. If anyone makes a move to go down, I'll scream."

Position
N2

Firn'gaer - Troll; AC 26, HP 39/90 
Monday August 8th, 2005 11:56:06 AM
Damn! Goes through Firn'gaer's mind as he hears Peerimus' words. What to do...

Peerimus Highlight to display spoiler: {I'll be there as quick as I can...}

He calls forth a scroll from his haversack (move action). "Ilsidur your coming with me." He says to the dwarf as he finishes the spell and reaches to touch Ilsidur. (Teleport will take me and 225 pounds. If the dwarf is more than he won't go, but Firn'gaer will. Or if he doesn't want to he makes a Will save DC17 to not go.)

They appear in the H19-I20 zone.

Peerimus Highlight to display spoiler: {...I'm behind the wall. See what I can do to this bear.}

Status
Current HP -- 39/90

Active Spells
extended mage armor -- 20 hours
extended elf sight -- 137 minutes
extended see invisibility -- 137 minutes
neutralize poison (potion) -- 45 minutes
telepathic bond (Peerimus) -- 46 minutes
polymorph -- 9.4 minutes
shield -- 9.5 minutes
resist energy (fire resist 20 on Yorrick) -- 69.7 minutes

Lesser Extend Rod -- 1/3 uses left.

Prepared Spells
0 -- detect magic, light, prestidigitation, read magic

1 -- elf sight*, magic missile x2**, ray of enfeeblement x2, shield*

2 -- extended mage armor*, knock, mirror image, scorching ray*, see invisibility*

3 -- deep slumber, dispel magic*, fly, lightning bolt

4 -- black tentacles*, dimension door*, empowered scorching ray*, polymorph*

5 -- heightened resilient sphere*, heightened slow*, telekinesis*

* -- Spells cast

The Rogues (DMiT JohnP) 
Monday August 8th, 2005 12:19:25 PM
"Okay! So that's what you were all trying to hide, those noisy brats that you've been protecting," Jonas answers. "Nothing else, no valuables that you've looted from the inn, here?"

Looking from Tionel to the woman and back, Jonas steps back into the area bounded by the walls and the stairs. As he does so, he motions both Roach and Specialty back.

Both of those rogues follow Jonas, while still watching the battler in the rest of the common room.



Belkior (AC 21; HP 38/40) Bless , Inspire Courage  d20+8=20
Monday August 8th, 2005 12:31:42 PM
The halfling cleric redirects his spiritual weapon again, targeting the summoned creature that savaged Florin.

Belkior then moves closer to his fallen comrade. As he does so, he calls out to the figure standing in the doorway. "If you're a friend, get in here and start hitting these things." After taking a moment to see hwo the figure is dressed, Belkior continues. "Or force your way in to deal with the druid and her companion."

Position
j12

Actions
Movement = re-target Spiritual Weapon
Spirital Weapon = hit AC 20
Movement = to j12

Items
Pearl of Power = used today
Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds = 17 charges remaining
Wand of Cure Light Wounds = 45 charges remaining

Wielding
Left = buckler, holding Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds
Right = empty

Active Effects
Bless = +1 morale on attacks & saves vs. fear, 54 rounds
Spiritual Weapon = 3 rounds

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink*, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless*(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength*, Owl's Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon* (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light* (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast



Niobe (11(17)/73HP, 19AC)  d20+12=22 d8+5=6
Monday August 8th, 2005 5:00:02 PM
((George please post the AC hits and dmg for each PC (or for mine at least!) I have no way of double checking your stats when you do not do this. Also because your map is truly illegible I thought that was Xenia (also marked X!!) standing there...))

Niobe needs glasses since she obviously cannot see the difference between a monster and a (half?)elf...

Hopefully she succeeds in tumbling away (as far as she can away from the creature) and then applies her CLw wand to herself (heals self 6). Niobe presumes that the monster will not attack an already "fallen" "foe".

(tumble 22)

From here on out Niobe will only be concentrating on getting herself into a better health condition as far as is possible considering the circumstances. She feels that she is too close to Gargul's doorstep to be comfortable with that!



Wynn [AC=19; 36/46 HP] Bless, Inspire Courage  d8+1=7 d20+11=17
Monday August 8th, 2005 5:42:09 PM
Wynn taps himself with the wand in his hand and is buoyed by the warmth of the healing powers that flow through it [CLW=7 HP]. When Xenia calls out he looks her way and begins moving towards her, careful to not get within range of any foes while doing so [Tumble if necessary = 17].

"On the way" the bard calls out.

Position: H14?

Spells in Effect: Bless, Inspire Courage (5 rounds remain)

PS! Thanks John, you did a great, and I mean Great! job of posting Wynn.



Sly Foxx (AC 19 82/82hp) & Luke (AC21 65/65)  d100=60 d100=87 d20+18=22 d20+13=29 d8+8=13 d8+8=10 d20+8=19 d20+8=17 d6+8=13
Monday August 8th, 2005 6:55:10 PM
ooc; Percenages Sly Foxx 50%, Luke 87%.

Sly (o/9(with his pants rips in them) Will Attack Monster(at n/8) Attack Ac 22 & AC 39 - Damages 13+10+=23hp)) "RIP My Pants Will You! Take thia and that!"

Luke (O/8)Will attack The Monster( At N/8) Attack AC19 & AC17 Damages? 13hp)) "GRRR! snap GRRR! bite!"

Matt C. 
Monday August 8th, 2005 7:27:02 PM
George,

I may not get to post tonight. If I don't, Lang will pick up his bow and stare at the new guy.

Matt

Syr (60/62 AC19/18) Bless, Inspire 
Monday August 8th, 2005 8:46:37 PM
How about we move back to the corner where I can keep an eye on you?

Syr (60/62 AC19/18) q4, Bless, Inspire  d20+12=23
Monday August 8th, 2005 8:51:58 PM
Syr moves quickly back to rejoin Angus near the stairs, "How about we return to the corner where I can keep an eye on you? Oh, and drop those last two weapons please?" He growls (Intmidate 23) menacingly at the trio of rogues.

(OOC: I really dislike my new mouse)

Ilsidur (AC25, 46/107)  d20+14=30 d10+5=14 d6=1
Monday August 8th, 2005 9:49:31 PM
Ilsidur, using his boots to move quickly, runs to Ni to engage the creature at Oh. He swings his battleaxe, trying to chop into the strange creature [OOC: I think X2 is a xorn, right? Can you include the foes in your map key?] [OOC: Ilsidur hits AC30 for 14 hp damage, and another 1 hp fire damage.]

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:0/60  d20+5=20 d20+5=17 d6+4=8 d6+4=5
Tuesday August 9th, 2005 1:07:16 AM
Florin sees a bright light ahead of him and wonders if it will become closer but suddenly a slight warming feeling goes through him as he is healed alittle and he sees the light begin to fade back farther from him.

Ajax raises up in defense of his master and slams both paws in at the xorn that is closes to him. (Can hit AC:20/17 Damage:8/5)

Tionel 
Tuesday August 9th, 2005 3:40:27 AM
Tionel is VERY happy that Syr is here. "Yeah, you dirty Trash Scum," he bites at them, angrily. "Damned babykillers..."
He looks to the battle still somewhat going on and feels useless. He no longer has any curing whatsoever, having spent all of his potions and his wand on the orphans and the battles. The only spells he has left are useless ones, and too weak to summon anything worth mentioning. And he's not a great fighter. So, even as he's glad for Syr to come over, he realizes he has nothing he can do better than watch the three. Once they've been disarmed, he tells Syr, "Okay, I'll watch them. You go back and help the others.

Sly Foxx (AC 19 82/82hp) & Luke (AC 21 65/65hp)  d100=18 d100=85 d20+18=23 d20+13=16 d8+8=16 d8+8=16 d20+8=27 d6+5=9
Tuesday August 9th, 2005 7:21:26 AM
OOC: Sly Misses his percentage roll(18%), But Luke makes his (85%)

Sly is slighly distracted by a stranger at the stair well, but will attack again (Attack Ac 23 & AC 16 - damages (I think Sly Misses but just in case 16+16=32hp))
OOC; Sly is at O/9 attacking monster at N/8.

Luke attack again (Attacks AC 27 - Damages 9hp)
OOC; Luke is at O/8 attacking monster at N/8.

DM George Giggling ghost crossover event! round 10  d8+3=9 Luke d20+8=14 d20+8=25 d20+8=28 d20+8=16 d20+10=30 d20+10=26 d4+1=5 d4+1=5 4d6(6+6+2+3)=17 4d6(6+5+4+6)=21
Savin d20+19=26 d20+18=32 d100=83 d100=31 d100=86 2d4(2+4)+12=18 2d4(2+3)+12=17 d20+19=32 d20+27=31 d100=7
Tuesday August 9th, 2005 8:50:33 PM
Jaeden Ohm stalks to the door and sees bodies of purple orcs, shambling mounds, wrecked furniture and lots of people engaged in combat to two stone looking creatures with three arms and lots of teeth! To his left a wall of thorns is spread out from floor to ceiling and more combat can be heard behind it. Sounds like crazy wild beasts behind there!

Tionel keeps his vigil, protecting the children and the staircase.

Angus shifts for a better line of sight and shoots one of his few precious remaining spells, striking the Xorn2

Xenia moves forward in a defensive gesture and bravely tries to lure the xorn from her friends.

Peerimus struggles unsuccessfully against the the dire bear Brundy and sees his life flash before his eyes. He reverts to human form and starts saying goodbye to his dearest friends.

Yorrick tries to come to his aid but is thwarted by the wall of thorns

Savin darts forward and tumbling to avoid Brundy's AOO and snatches the circling rock from the air. He has seen these things before. It is some kind of Ioun stone.

The npc women retreats with her chair back towards the corner. She is looking a little wide eyed wondering what kind of horror will be appearing next. This is the last time she visits her mother in law at the home!

Firn'gaer tries to bring Ilsidur with him but the dwarf will have nothing of it. He teleports to the otherside of a wall and stares at the huge pile of bears wrestling around.

Belkior slams his hammer into x2 causing it pain. He yells at the stranger at the door to pitch in and fight.

Niobe tumbles away and heals herself

Wynn seeing Niobe move toward him completes the distance to her and cures himself with his wand.

The rogues all move away and regroup planning something.

OOC (Sorry Ceil I didn't post yesterday. Bad DM! I am taking your first post and disregarding your second.)

Sly hits her xorn (x1) twice but again notices her weapons don't seem to be as effective. Still she wounds the creature.

Luke also snaps the xorn who so wants to bite him back for minor damage.

Syr moves to the toward the corner and backs up Tionel.

Ajaz and Ilsidur work together and stab and stomp the Xorn by Florin (X2) driving it to the ground and finishing it off. It fades away.

Lang picks up his bow and watches the new human closely while Sunshine growls at the stranger!

*****************************************

Luke's luck finally runs out as the Xorn lashes into him twice with claws (one was almost a critical hit) and once with a bite. (It was a critical hit!)Luke screams in pain as the teeth crunch into him, almost cutting him in half!
between this round and the last 2 rounds Luke has taken 57 points of damage!

Brundy roars in rage as the puny human again tries to attack his mistress and dearest friend. Since the other bear reverts back to a human, he decides to attack the little pain in the hide human.

He roars in frustration as only one claw hit seems to hit the monk. He was positive that he hit with the other paw and his bite but the monk just wasn't there! (ooc speaking as a character, Savin really just loves his cloak!)
The dire bear tries to grapple the monk and just pulls him into his deadly embrace. He will squeeze the stuffing out of him next round!
Savin gets a 29 on his grapple taking 10.

The druid reverts back to human form and stares in dismay at her friend hugging Savin to death.
Why was the human attacking her? What is going on? She calls out, "Brundy! let him go! He is our friend! Why are you attacking him!"

Peerimus and Firn'gaer notice her eyes seem clearer but they have a puzzled expression about them.

A Map For Those Who Can't Open The Attachment

Savin (AC20, Dodge vs Brundy AC24, HP 41/95) (Sub/Al)  d20+19=31 d20+14=32
Tuesday August 9th, 2005 9:21:51 PM
Savin struggles in vein to escape from the mighty grip of the bear. He heaves and twists, but the limbs of the bear might as well be bands of iron.

"LADY! CALL HIM OFF!" the monk cries out in desperation. "CALL HIM OFF! SEE THIS? SEE THIS?!? YOU HAD THIS GOING AROUND YOUR HEAD!" Savin fights to make the stone in his fist visible. "I THINK IT WAS AFFECTING YOUR MIND! DO YOU REMEMBER?!? PLEASE REMEMBER!"

Rolls and Actions
Grapple 31 (Fail. To Escape)
Grapple 32 (Fail. To Escape)

Position and Movement
Woman is at Top of Stairs
Savin In the Arms of Fate.

Active Effects
Displacement (50% Miss Chance)

Cloak of Displacement 12/18
Stunning Fist 8/10

Wynn [AC=19; 36/46 HP]  d20+3=9 d20+6=24
Tuesday August 9th, 2005 11:42:34 PM
This is craziness! thinks Wynn as he tries to take in the chaotic whirl of activity. The upturned tables and chairs. The chopped heaps of plant material. The crazy band of mercenairies.

The thorn wall blocks his way and he turns 'round to survey the room, looking for the Anvil Hearts and their leader, Specialty Johnson (Search=9) but he is distracted by the petite half-elf with dark brown hair and a deep decoltage. "Well hello there beautiful!" he says addressing Niobe (Diplomacy=24) The charismatic bard is oblivious to the splatters of blood and plant material covering his clothes, and the fact that he still holds a wand in one hand, his long sword in the other.

Position M16 (no change)

Jaeden Ohm (AC 25, HP 61/97)  d20=20 d20=1 2d6(6+3)+11=20
Wednesday August 10th, 2005 1:48:36 AM

Completing his scan of the inn the newcomer comes to a descision and springs into action. He hustles towards the last of the creatures [move from d11 to m8 - 60'] and with his full strength behind his blow cleaves into the thing from behind [hit ac 41, crit threat ac 22, dmg 20 w/o the crit*].

Rolls and Actions
attack roll 20, hits ac 41 w/ flanking bonus
crit roll 1, crit his ac 22 (not sure if auto fail matters for the crit roll)
damage 20 w/o crit... if crit applies dmg = 29

Position and Movement
move 60' from d11 to m8

Active Effects
none

to move 60' and make an attack your character would have to perfrom the charge special attack. Normally this wouldn't be a problem but since the floor is tilted 45 degrees and thick rose vines cover the floor, I am requiring a dexterity check dc 15. If you don't make it, you cover the distance but don't make the attack this round.

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:0/60 
Wednesday August 10th, 2005 2:30:10 AM
Florin lays still on the floor in his uncouncious state and awaits his fate in the darkness of his mind. For moments he sees, Jella, Mort, the other Shield's and his parents and then lastly Domi flash in his mind.

Xenia (AC 22, HP 26/35)  d20+12=30 d8+1=9
Wednesday August 10th, 2005 7:10:33 AM
The dark rogue's ears are very sensitive. And they pick up the darnedest things in the midst of combat. Her knuckles crack as her grip turns white around the haft of her mace. Her drow-dusky face scrunches into a severe look of discontent.

Still, in the same way she avoids looking at the guy with his pants down. The dark girl also avoids looking in Wynn's direction. Wynn and the other half-elven girl. There are not many more directions left in the room at which she can look.

"Thanks!" she says to the dwarf-guy as he and Ajax beat down the mouth-and-eye thing. Odd, though, that there is not a trace of thanks in her voice. Not really any at all. Anger yes. Lots of suppressed anger. "Thanks, a lot!" Nope. No thanks there.

There's lots of stuff happening behind the wall of thorns. And it still sounds bad. But Xenia doesn't look like she's hearing any of it.

"Will you move?" she brushes by Ajax, and kneels at Florin's side in a swift violent move. "Here, take this," she says pouring the contents of a vial into his mouth. Once again, the words don't quite come out the way you'd think they should.

Rolls and Actions
Listen 30 (I hear you ... )
Potion CLW Heal Florin 9hp

Position and Movement
G13

Active Effects
Bless Duration 60 rounds from Round 2
Shield of Faith 6 rounds remaining
Inspire Courage (Duration ?)

Seal
Boo Berry(This is a Green Seal/Expires 09/05): (Calls upon the anguish and terror aspect): Break as a standard action. All enemies within a 30' radius must make a save at DC 19 or they must flee as if affected by the fear spell. (Note: I'm not sure of the duration. Looks like a Min of 7 rounds. It's Mikey's Seal. Maybe he could clarify.)

Sly Foxx (A MALE)(AC19 82/82hp) & Luke (AC19 16/74hp)  d100=55 d100=96 d20+19=38 d20+18=35 d20+13=31 d8+8=13 d8+8=11 d8+8=15 d20+12=29 d6+12=16
Wednesday August 10th, 2005 7:12:00 AM
OOC Sly Made his percentage Roll of 55% and Luke made his percentage role of 96%.

Sly hears Luke Yelp in pane, He knows the his pal is hurt, he goes into his (wind mill) attack again, (Attack Ac38 Crit. & Ac35) he spins while holding HIS shield (to Block) then hit the monster again (Attack Ac31 - Damages 13+11+15=39hp)

Luke Yelps in pain, he is mad, he is so mad that he is now in a rage, He attacks as the Barbarian that he is, With jaws open and dripping with salava, He pots all in to this attack (Attact Ac29 - Damages 16hp.)

OOC: Luke is fighting like a Barbarian Fighter, he get's a -2 in AC, +6 in his hit points, +4 in his attack on the monster and a +4 in damages to the monster's hp. But he can only do this once per day and today is it. (LOL)

Belkior (AC 21; HP 38/40) Bless , Inspire Courage  2d8(4+5)+7=16
Wednesday August 10th, 2005 7:14:42 AM
The halfling cleric moves to stand beside the fallen body of his companion Florin. Once there, Belkior mutters a prayer to Alemi and channels the deity's healing energies into the fallen paladin.
Cure Moderate Wounds = 16 hitpoints

His spiritual weapon hangs motionless beside him, waiting. Belkior waits, hoping that the seemingly recovered druid will call off her summoned creatures as well as her companion bear.

"Has she come to her senses?"

Position
h14

Actions
Move = to h14
Standard = cast Cure Moderate Wounds, using Owl's Wisdom, for 16 hitpoints

Items
Pearl of Power = used today
Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds = 17 charges remaining
Wand of Cure Light Wounds = 45 charges remaining

Wielding
Left = buckler, holding Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds
Right = empty

Active Effects
Bless = +1 morale on attacks & saves vs. fear, 53 rounds
Spiritual Weapon = 2 rounds
Inspire Courage = 4 rounds

Memorized Spells
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Purify Food & Drink*, Read Magic, Resistance
1 - Bless*(2), Sanctuary(2) (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength*, Owl's Wisdom*, Spiritual Weapon* (D - Aid)
3 - Dispel Magic*, Prayer*, Searing Light* (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast


The Rogues  d20+10=24
Wednesday August 10th, 2005 7:28:34 AM
The three rogues bid their time, glaring at Angus, Syr and Tionel.

Jonas retorts to Syr, "Don't try to intimidate me, you snivelling hero. You wouldn't even attempt that if I wasn't disarmed."
Level check = 24, vs. Syr's Intimidate = 23

The other two rogues waver slightly, but bolstered by their leader, Specialty doesn't move to drop her weapon.

Angus Mage Armor AC 14, HP 18/25, See Inviso  d20+14=24 d20+7=25
Wednesday August 10th, 2005 9:06:18 AM
Angus watches the troll wizard teleport (spellcraft check) and the dwarf resist it. "Very nice." Angus exclaims to himself as he is thinking what a rockhead the dwarf is to resist helping his friend.

Angus will turn and glare over at the rouges "Syr, I think it is time to tie up the trash. I got you covered." Angus will ready action magic missile.

Angus will smile at the woman holding the chair and being as charming as possible "My lady, you have done wonderful. Your bravery is tremendous, but please step away from the child killers. My friends and I will take care of the situation." (Diplomacy 25)

NPC Woman (Al) 
Wednesday August 10th, 2005 9:51:07 AM
The chair lowers. The woman's eyes turn to Angus and the lose their edge of desperate fury. Her shoulders sag, and her body begins to tremble. If not for the chair to hold her up, it seems certain that she would crumple to the floor.

"What happened." Her voice is haunted. "What in Alemi's name happened? What happened to the city? Where did all the monsters come from?"

Position
N2

Firn'gaer - Troll; AC26, HP 39/90  d20+24=36 d20+6=22 d6+5=11
Wednesday August 10th, 2005 11:24:28 AM
[Combat Casting DC36]

The bear releases Peerimus, the human, and takes a swing at Savin at the same time the Druid woman comes out of some strange trance. Firn'gaer is neither amused nor trusting at this point. But to hurt the bear, that's another matter know how Yorrick has been these days.

Deciding on an offensive, but non-damaging spell Firn'gaer casts and a jet black ray fires from his out-stretched finger-tip towards the furry giant. The ray striking the bear drains the strength, or a lot of it, from Brundy.

"Peerimus back this way." He says his claws out in front. "You animal is unharmed. I just took a little fight out of it, is all, only for a time."

[Spell -- Ray of Enfeeblement; Touch AC22, -11 penalty to Strength.]

Status
Current HP -- 39/90

Active Spells
extended mage armor -- 20 hours
extended elf sight -- 136 minutes
extended see invisibility -- 136 minutes
neutralize poison (potion) -- 44.9 minutes
telepathic bond (Peerimus) -- 45.9 minutes
polymorph -- 9.3 minutes
shield -- 9.4 minutes
resist energy (fire resist 20 on Yorrick) -- 69.6 minutes
ray of enfeeblement -- 10 minutes

Lesser Extend Rod -- 1/3 uses left.

Prepared Spells
0 -- detect magic, light, prestidigitation, read magic

1 -- elf sight*, magic missile x2**, ray of enfeeblement x2*, shield*

2 -- extended mage armor*, knock, mirror image, scorching ray*, see invisibility*

3 -- deep slumber, dispel magic*, fly, lightning bolt

4 -- black tentacles*, dimension door*, empowered scorching ray*, polymorph*

5 -- heightened resilient sphere*, heightened slow*, telekinesis*

* -- Spells cast

Peerimus [AC 21 HP 34/73] and Yorrick [AC 19 HP 39/73]  3d8(6+3+6)+5=20 d20+17=21
Wednesday August 10th, 2005 1:49:21 PM
Peerimus moves to H17 and draws a wand as he does so. A small touch and many of his recent wounds mend themselves. [CMW wand 20] Reiterating Savin and Firngaer, he addresses his fellow druid. "A stone was clouding your vision sister, and your heart. The fighting you still hear beyond the wall is by your hand, calling upon Father Wold to help you. You must calm Brundy."

Peerimus then calls through to the wall to Yorrick to calm his own friend [Handle Animal 21] The druid also silently thanks Mother for watching over her son and to ask forgiveness for his lack of trust.

Level 0:
Detect magic, Mending, Read Magic, Create water, Guidance, Purify Food and Drink

Level 1:
Jump, *Longstrider, CLW, Endure Elements, *Speak with Animals

Level 2:
*Extended Produce Flame, Animal Tance, Reduce Animal, *Barkskin, *Cat's Grace

Level 3:
*CMW, *Greater Magic Fang, Nuetralize Poison, *Summon Nature's Ally III

Level 4:
*Dispel Magic, *Anti-Plant Shell, *CSW

Level 5:
*Animal Growth, *Wall of Thorns

Active spells: Peerimus only
Longstrider 9 hours +10 Speed
Greater Magic Fang +1 all attacks 9 hours
Barkskin 191.0 minutes +4 AC
Speak with Animals 28 Rounds
Cat's Grace +4 Dex 9.4 minutes

Peerimus and Yorrick Bless +1 Hit
Inspire courage +1 hit/damage


Niobe (25/73HP, 19AC)  d8+5=8 d20+8=26
Wednesday August 10th, 2005 6:41:31 PM
Niobe will just have to continue to heal herself until she is either healed at least halfway to healthy, or until whatever attacked her last (monster X) is dead and she can resume healing Florin til he is in the least conscious.

(heals herself 8hp)

Upon hearing Wynn addressing her so pleasantly she looks up into Wynn's face from her kneeling position, and smiles most charmingly.

Niobe is actually surprised to have "almost run into" Wynn after her hasty retreat. She hadn't expected anyone to be nearby and still standing after this nightmare of a day so far!

The comely half-elven rogue/ranger also doesn't miss the fact that once again her choice of clothing style has had some positive effect.
However Niobe doesn't exacly look like her usual neat and clean self what with the plant sap from earlier and her own blood splattered liberally...

((*chuckles* Enjoy the view Wynn!)) ;)

Niobe (still smiling charmingly) gracefully holds out her hand to Wynn hoping he'll help her up on her feet. The fact that he has a sword in one hand and a wand in the other doesn't deter her from appealing to Wynn's obvious gentlemanly nature.

¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨

Once she is standing; swaying just slightly at the moment but standing none the less, she will be quick to introduce herself.

"Niobe. I am sorry to say that I didn't catch your name..."

Niobe doesn't look about the room immediately she is focued on Wynn.

(Diplomacy 26)

((I have no idea what to roll since persuasion isn't an option, so I'll try Diplomacy.))



Syr (60/62 AC23/22) Bless,Inspire, defensive 
Wednesday August 10th, 2005 7:19:31 PM
The elf looks at the rogues and sighs heavily, "You are correct, if you had a weapon, I would have the perfect excuse to beat your head in. NOW DROP THE WEAPONS!" Syr drops into a fighting crouch and glares at Speciality, "I took you once and I'll do it again.... please ....try me?"

Wynn [AC=19; 36/46 HP]  d8+1=7 d8+1=9 d8+1=5
Wednesday August 10th, 2005 8:47:53 PM
Wynn takes a moment to appreciate the fine contrast between the tiny female's pale skin and the v-cut neckline of her dark form fitting tunic. Slowly he lifts his eyes to meet her green ones. "What did you say your name was?" he asks distractedly having missed her introduction.

"Name's Wynn," he says in a melodic tenor as he sheaths his sword, "Wynn Brightsong". The bard reaches out his free hand to steady the newcomer. Waving the hand holding the wand in an arc, he continues, "and these are the Crimson Shields." Still holding Niobe's hand in his, he gestures over to the trio confronting the Anvil Hearts, "that's Tional, Angus, and Syr over there," then gesturing near the front door, "Lang and Sunshine", waving towards the knocked out paladin, "and over there, that's Florin unconcsious on the ground, Belkior, and um, Xenia."

Standing about 6 inches taller than the female, the bard's height and weight speak to his human ancestry, however his refined features and elongated ears give away his elven blood. A short, well-well trimmed beard surrounds his mouth and covers his chin.

Noticing the blood and rent clothing, Wynn blanches. "You're hurt!" he cries, before going to work with his wand.*

If not in combat rounds, Wynn taps Niobe 3 times and cures 21 pts. dmg.

Lang (ac 21; hp 38/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+6=13 d20+6=11 d20+8=22 d8+2=5 d8+2=9
Wednesday August 10th, 2005 10:13:47 PM
Lang takes a moment to scan the battle scene as he stands near the Giggling Ghost's front doors. He hears the aggression in Jonas's voice and sees the defiance in Specialty as Tionel and Syr attempt to have the rogues submit to capture again. He also takes note as the human moves forward to attack the strange looking creature (Spot 13 & Listen 11).

A friend ... they have been far and few between Lang thinks.

If the creature is still standing, Lang will shoot it with his bow. He notes that this creature also is resistant to his piercing weapons.

Hit ac 24 w/ Bless and Inspire Courage; damage 1 & 5 w/ damage reduction 5/bludgeoning and Inspire Courage.

Lang and Sunshine then move closer to the rogues to support the Shields in that area.

Actions:
Standard Action - PBS Manyshot
Move action - move about 40' closer to the rogues

Position:
Lang K5.
Sunshine L5.

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours; probably just about 2 1/4 hours left)

Arrows used 32 +2 this round.

DM George End of combat!!!!!  d20+3=17
Wednesday August 10th, 2005 10:22:05 PM
Between Sly's attack and the charging attack of the new stranger, the last xorn is cut down and fades away. (Rolled for Jaeden dex roll)

Niobe and Wynn get a chance to know each other better and Wynn adds to his charm by healing the pretty lady a few times.

Brundy hit by Firn'gaers ray staggers and lets Savin go from his deadly. Savin staggers away wiping nervous sweat from his forehead.

Angus and Syr turn upon the Anvil Hearts and snarl at them, which the Anvil Hearts return. So much for common enemies.

Rosana will look at Firn'gaer and then Peerimus. "I am not sure what is happening, but if you attack my friend and companion again, you will find I can be a terrible foe!"

She will go over to Brundy and start murmering comforting words settling the dire bear down. She will look up at Peerimus and ask, "What are you talking about. I have had the Ioun stone for over a year. It isn't effecting my mind! In fact, I want it back right now. Will someone tell me what it going on!" She is standing with her legs spread apart and her hands on her small hips glaring at the 3 on her side of the wall of thorns.

She then looks down at herself and back up with concern in her eyes. She glances around and tears fill her eyes. "I didn't hurt anyone did I?"



Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:25/60 
Thursday August 11th, 2005 1:38:13 AM
(OOC:George you didn't make note of Florin' being healed but if I counted right between Xenia and Belkior it was 25 points all together.)

Florin groans abit as he is finally pulled out of the darkness he thought would be his new home and looks up at Xenia, even knows she looks angry he smiles to her and trys sitting up, "For a second there I thought you were a angel, all though a angry one I figured from not helping more then I did. Thank you Xenia, I owe you one. I was so close to death's door step it wasn't funny." Florin if Xenia doesn't pull her hand away, gives her hand a gentle squeeze and even knows he knows that her alignment she thinks clashes with his he speaks gently to her, "I owe you a life debt now you know. One this is all over and we all are safe I owe you atleast a nice meal or something."

Florin figures any minute Xenia will most likely blow her top at him since she is usually alittle firecracker (couldn't resist Al, sorry), but right then Belkior hits him with more healing and he feels more of the aches and pains of his muscles fading away and the wounds he received, "Thanks Belkior. I'm feeling quite abit better now. You have to remind me when we get out of this to get you your ring like ours, your deffeintly a official "Shield" no doubt on that."

Florin smiles to Belkior, not knowing how the little guy will take his comment but hoping he takes it good. (Don't know if you know or not Belkior but all the Shield's have a silver ring that Florin had designed to mark the group as the Shield's)

Florin now looks to everyone as he stays sitting on the floor for a moment, not really realizing how nice the place looks even in it's destroyed state but now it does look alot better since he came close to not seeing nothing again, "People need to speak up, we need to see about bandaging, healing if possible and then plans. Hey druid lady, since your feeling better and not trying to kill us can you tell us anything about out there? The druids, anything? we need to plan out next move."

Florin glances to Xenia and the others now since Xenia is the closes and motions to the Anvil Hearts and whispers, "I know we all hate those guys but being sewer rats they probably know more ways out of this city then us, you know, trying to avoid guards, notice of people and such so we may have to let one of them guide us, tied of course."

Florin sighs abit since he knows the primary concern is the children and first finding out what is going on for sure.

Justin, I bolted up from bed at 12 am last night remembering that I forgot to mention you. I didn't have the strength to get out of bed and you beat me to it this morning. sorry...nice post anyway! George

Jaeden Ohm 
Thursday August 11th, 2005 2:46:38 AM

The newcomer, though undoubtedly full of questions, remains quiet and alert. He takes a step back and shifts his gaze from [5' step to what was l8 on the last combat map] cluster of beings to cluster of beings. Again he seems relaxed but something in the way he stands suggests readiness [readied action full attack]. He notes the tension between three of the four people to his right and the rest of the people in the room, the confused tones from beyond the growth of thorny brambles, and the appearant ease with which a few of the people have brushed off the seemingly near disaster. Despite his best efforts it's clear that he isn't quite sure what to make of this situation and that he is not happy about being surrounded by unknowns in what was first a hostile and now a very strange environment.

Sly Foxx and Luke 
Thursday August 11th, 2005 8:07:52 AM
Sly takes a deep breath, really look at the Stranger for the first time. The young Half-elf (with strawberry blond hair) extends his hand in friend ship to Jaeden, Thankyou for your help, stranger! My name is Sly Foxx, I'm one of the Children of Chaos." Sly will take off his glove on his right hand, to show his tattoo in his plam, "We, Chosen! all have tattoo in our palm or on top of our hand."
This Half-elf seem to be taller than the other half-elves you susally meet. the odd thing about this one is that Sly Pantaloon are rip to shreds,
"And this is Luke, my companion and friend!" Sly now knells to see to Luke wounds, "you are hurt I'll try to get you some help!"

The Stranger starts to introduce himself, when the image of Sly and Luke starts to waver (like as if you are looking through a wall of water. then in the next moment. Sly and his dog Luke disapear from view.


Xenia (AC 22, HP 26/35) 
Thursday August 11th, 2005 8:36:01 AM
"Um, yeah, sure, Florin." Xenia's reply is miles away and way down in the grumps. The flame headed girl darts an eye to Wynn and the 'bimbo' to the big wall of thorns behind them that has gone a lot quieter. "Yeah. Sure, sure, Florin. Whatever you say. Alright?!?!?" Flame head looks about to blow up again. And at the wrong person.

"Well hello there beautiful!" she mimic's Wynn's voice under her breath.

Then she closes her eyes, a decidedly unhappy look on her face. She draws a deep breath. And when she opens her eyes, she says, "I'm sorry, Florin. For snapping at you. I'm ... Look, I gotta ... We'll just do what you say. 'Kay?"

"Hey you," she calls out to the guy with the dog, the guy falling clean out of his pants. Xenia pulls a blanket out of her haversack. But before she can toss it to him ... He disappears.

Huh? What?

Xenia looks around for other attackers. More invisible guys. The kids!

"I'm gonna check on the kids!" she shouts, and sprints for the stairs to the basement.

Tionel 
Thursday August 11th, 2005 9:00:10 AM
Looks like introductions are going about again for some reason. Tionel sighs and turns to the other people in the room, and bows gracefully. "Tionel Galadonel," he announces himself. "Syr, watch these fellows a minute..."
He walks over to the distraught lady next to Angus. "Druid of the Alder... that's what you are, is it not? The City is fallen to forces of nature, plant giants and orc-imitation plantlings. They are too numerous to know; mass chaos broke out. That, and earthquakes and other devastation has left our city a warground. We took refuge here with a number of children, hoping that in these walls we might build ourselves safety. It has been only a day or so since this madness started...And I'm afraid, you were enchanted to be a part of it." He looks at her and his expression softens. "The call of the wold, which I experience as a druid as well, can be very strong. Do not hate yourself for falling under its spell... it is at a height that it has never been, since the elf-song."


NPC Woman (Al) 
Thursday August 11th, 2005 9:38:20 AM
The battered woman looks at the elf who introduces himself as Tionel Galadonel.

"Druid? Me? No, my name is Hilary Froam. I ... I was visiting my in-laws. I thought that someone ... should check on them. With all of the roses growing up everywhere and the strange things happening all over the city."

"Orc broke into the room. Purple orcs. I ... maybe I fainted. The next thing I knew, I woke up with the man who climbed the side of the building."

The woman looks confused. She sits down in the chair as the exotic half-elf runs down the stairs.

[You've got this woman mixed up with the druid behind the wall of thorns, Mikey. This one is a Commoner NPC. -Al]

[ I is dumb! -Mikey.]

Peerimus [AC 21 HP 34/73] and Yorrick [AC 19 HP 61/73]  3d8(7+8+2)+5=22 d20+17=22
Thursday August 11th, 2005 9:42:10 AM
Peerimus pauses a momnet to assemble in his mind his reply as Rosana talks to Brundy. To Firngaer Highlight to display spoiler: {You are on this side until the wall fades I'm afraid. I and Yorrick are going to will watch over the others.}

"Daughter Rosana, until the stone left your posession you were quite intent on killing all of us. You should not have the stone in your possession now."

"Savin do not give it back." With that, Peerimus moves back through the wall to Yorrick and touches him with the wand. [heal 22] "Nah'ja A'amovas" [Handle animal 22]

Peerimus can already see tensions mounting again and a scowl crosses his face, ignorance. He moves with Yorrick to Jonas, Specialty, Syr and the others.

As he passes Florin, "Your city is under attack from the woods on the shore. The great trees have grappled its spires and pull the city closer with each passing moment. Mother seems to have decided its continued existance is to conclude and from what I have seen of some of the inhabitants, I can understand why she feels that way."

As Peerimus and Yorrick gets to Jonas and the Anvil Hearts, and Syr and Tional, "You two groups, different corners."


Angus Mage Armor AC 14, HP 18/25 See Inviso 
Thursday August 11th, 2005 10:12:07 AM
Angus shrugs off Perrimus's comments. "I am not letting the Child killers out of my sight. You can go to what ever corner you want, just Please stay out of our way in this matter."

Angus looks to Syr and Lang. "Lang, Syr, will you two tie up this scum, and tightly. Tionel and I will back you up."

Angus turns back to Peerimus once the rouges are being bound. "Nice job with the druid, some of your group actually fought very well together, that wall of thorns was tough. You were very inspiring leading your group. I take it the new warriors is with your group, just late to the party." Angus says very nonchalantly."

Angus hold out his hand to Peerimus "Angus Deminoff of the Chrimson Shields, protectors of children and those in need." Angus smiles broadly at the druid.

Savin (AC24, Dodge vs Brundy AC25, HP 41/95) (Sub/Al) 
Thursday August 11th, 2005 10:40:07 AM
With a great deal of relief, Savin slips from the clutches of the bear. Sliding up next to Firn'gaer in his troll form, the monk nods to Peerimus before he passes through the thorns. Savin gives a command, and his form slips a few paces to the left as the displacement effect ends.

"No offense, Ma'am. But why don't I just hold onto your stone for you. Until things calm down a bit more. I have it right here, and I'll be glad to return it to you later."

"I hope I didn't hurt your friend." Savin winces at his own wounds.

Active Effects
None

Cloak of Displacement 12/18
Stunning Fist 8/10

The Rogues (DMiT JohnP) 
Thursday August 11th, 2005 1:39:00 PM
The three rogues listen to the words and directions of the druid, backed up his large bear companion.

Jonas looks back and forth between the druid and the three members of the Shields. "Sure, whatever you say," he replies. He motions to Specialty and Roach and the three move to the northwest corner of the Giggling Ghost.

Jaeden Ohm (second illegal post) 
Thursday August 11th, 2005 1:45:05 PM

The newcomers eyes lock on the hand of Sly as the Half Elf bares his mark and proclaims it to be the mark of the children of chaos. The tip of his sword drops to hover just above the ground but he does not stow the massive blade.

Now that things are calmer and he is no longer backlit by the door his features are more clear. His facial structure is strong and solid, overall not a bad looking man at all. His face suggests a naturally calm and reflective manner, a trait made even clearer by his completely relaxed stance. As first seemed to be the case, his head is indeed shaven, a short stubble having grow to give his head a darker cast. The robe framing his armor is now clearly crimson.

"I think this riddle is about to be solved... at least in part..." He strips off his own right gauntlet, a charcol colored accessory in stark contrast with his silvery mail, and shows his own tattoo. "I am Jaeden Ohm and I too, it seems, have been branded with this mark. Although I have to say it was not by choice and I do not understand its implications. If as you say..."

Before he can complete his statement Sly wavers and vanishes, leaving Jaeden once again at loss...

Belkior (AC 21; HP 38/40) Bless , Inspire Courage  d20+18=34
Thursday August 11th, 2005 1:50:18 PM
The halfling cleric starts tending the wounded, attempting to prioritize his efforts. He quickly makes a mental list of who needs healing the most. Of course, if the two parties can stay secure here there won't be any need for immediate magical healing.
Heal = 34

He is absorbed in his work, delivering a running monologue as he looks at wounds.

"Oooh, Florin. That's a nasty cut you have there."

"Wynn, are you fevered? I can see any reason for you to be flushed like this. Were you hit by anything that might be poisonous?"

"Xenia, it's difficult to tell with your colouring but you seemed flushed as well."

As he moves to the members of the Children, he makes some introductions. "Belkior Orvisson, Healer of Alemi. Glad to have you here while that druid was afflicted. Are you sure that she's okay now? Why doesn't someone ask her to get rid of the thornwall?"



Lang (ac 21; hp 38/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+6=16
Thursday August 11th, 2005 8:05:13 PM
Lang silently follows the wise words of his friend Angus and trails behind the rogues as they move back to the northwest corner. He and Sunshine will take position about 10' away from the three, facing them, with the front door to his and Sunshine's backs.

OOC -- I am assuming they are back up in the E1/2 and F1/2 area. Lang and Sunshine will be in the E3/4 and F3/4 area.

If Syr follows them over:

"Syr, go ahead an tie them up. I will stand watch and make sure they do not try to escape or attack you. Make sure Specialty has dropped her sword before approaching them"

If Syr does not follow them over:

Lang will stand watch with his short swords out. He hopes Jonas tries something foolish.

"Jonas it will be good to hand you back over to the authorities after your brief fling with freedom. While you sit there, you can think about ending up back in that unpleasant jail cell. But then again, maybe the Floating City is on its deathbed and there will be no one to hand you over to," Lang says optimistically.

Actions:
Move and stand ready to strike at the criminals (Spot 16).

Position:
Lang 10' away from Jonas, short swords ready and waiting.
Sunshine next to Lang.

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours; probably just about 2 1/4 hours left)

Arrows used 32.

Firn'gaer - Troll 
Thursday August 11th, 2005 8:27:00 PM
Firn'gaer is almost stunned into doing something he shouldn't. "Terrible foe...Terrible foe! Druid drop your wall and look on the damage you've caused. Many are badly wounded by you and your summons. Allow me to speak frankly, were it not for this wall you and your bear would most likely be dead as well as many others including many children hiding in the basement. My wound are a result of your summons. So forgive my caution in weakening your bear, but had you seen the damage wrought I think you would agree with my course of action."

"If you would be so kind, dismiss your spell please. I have no wish to be here confined with you more than I must. As for the stone, for the time being, it will remain in our hands. Do not be alarmed it will be given back once the situation calms." Firn'gaer steps slightly back towards the stairs in case and remain tense should things go sour.

Peerimus Highlight to display spoiler: {Make the others aware that things are not yet calm. If you hear a loud boom, please get in here as soom as possible. And chastise the Shields for the lack of action.}

[Readied action -- Lightning Bolt spell if combat should start again.]

Status
Current HP -- 39/90

Active Spells
extended mage armor -- 20 hours
extended elf sight -- 136 minutes
extended see invisibility -- 136 minutes
neutralize poison (potion) -- 44.8 minutes
telepathic bond (Peerimus) -- 45.8 minutes
polymorph -- 9.2 minutes
shield -- 9.3 minutes
resist energy (fire resist 20 on Yorrick) -- 69.5 minutes
ray of enfeeblement -- 9.9 minutes

Lesser Extend Rod -- 1/3 uses left.

Prepared Spells
0 -- detect magic, light, prestidigitation, read magic

1 -- elf sight*, magic missile x2**, ray of enfeeblement x2*, shield*

2 -- extended mage armor*, knock, mirror image, scorching ray*, see invisibility*

3 -- deep slumber, dispel magic*, fly, lightning bolt

4 -- black tentacles*, dimension door*, empowered scorching ray*, polymorph*

5 -- heightened resilient sphere*, heightened slow*, telekinesis*

* -- Spells cast


Syr (60/62 AC19/18) 
Thursday August 11th, 2005 8:34:33 PM
Syr looks up at the man ordering him around and immediately dismisses him with a flick of his hand, "You, go play with your pet! You know nothing of their history or you do and you support their actions." Turning to Angus, "Stay here by the stairs and make sure he doesn't go down the stairs, I don't trust this Peerimus around the children."

Following the rogue trio he continues, "You will surrender your weapons, this is your last chance. Don't .... and I'll try not to hurt you too much." He grins at the trio with enthusiasm for his task.

(OOC: George, Prepare to go back into combat rounds but only subdual damage this time. *grin*)

DM George  4d8(5+4+2+8)+15=34
Thursday August 11th, 2005 9:41:19 PM
The tensions heighten between the Anvil Hearts and the Crimson Shields. The Crimson Shields almost seem to be itching for a fight. They taunt the Anvil Hearts trying to provoke them. The snap at the Children of Chaos for trying to settle everything down. The Children almost have to wonder if the same influences that pushed the Druid Rosanna into her fit of insanity might be effecting the Crimson Shields?

Florin is up and feeling much better. Healing magic is flowing and hormones are raging as the green head of jealousy grips Xenia. Xenia darts downstairs and checks on the kids. She finds them huddled with Happy and the merchant rescued earlier. They seem scared but fine. Jella asks, "Is Daddy OK?"

On the other side of the wall of thorns, Firn'gaer takes a hard stance with Rosanna and it seems to work. She looks downcast for a moment and then nods. She strides over to the mage and says, "You have my apologies. I am sorry if I hurt anyone."

She starts casting another spell which at first alarms Firn'gaer but he quickly realizes it is healing magic. She releases it and Firn'gaer is returned to full health. All of his wounds are gone. He hasn't felt this good in a long time! (Rosanna casts the spell heal.)

She walks over to Savin and casts a spell on him curing him 34 points of damage.

She glances at the wall and dispels it with a wave of her tiny hand. She strides out looking around her. She sighs when she sees the wounds and Belkior running around healing everyone.

She turns back to Firn'gaer and smiles. "You were right when you said that the magic was driving me insane but you grabbed the wrong magic item."

She calls out to the group, "Please may I have your attention. My name is Rosanna. I think you may have already figured it out but I am a druid. I sit on the Circle of Aldur. I want to apologize for my earlier actions and give an explaination. If any were hurt, I am truly sorry."

She holds up a large 12 sided piece of wood. Each side has a mystical symbol on it. Any spell user in the room can sense the power radiating from this artifact. "This artifact is called the Knot of Druis. He was a druid who lived many years ago....." She shakes her head and continues, " The history of it really doesn't matter right now. Know that with the disturbance in the Floating City, The Council of Aldur, intrusted its keeping with me. Normally this wouldn't be a problem, but with Mother and Father Nature quarrelling, it became to strong for me to control for a few moments.

I offer its use to each of you in this room. Its nature can be capricious, but usually beneficial. It will only work once for each of you. You must decide quickly if you want to try it. I must leave this place quickly. As you can see, I can be dangerous to be around. Who would like a chance to try its magic?"

OOC please state if your character will like to roll the item. If you do, then roll a 12 sided die. I will post the results next post. Don't be surprised if the numbers come up the same, but different results occur!

Sly and Luke don't phaze out. Ceil did that without consulting either Al or myself. Since Al will be taking over the DM posts for this game on Monday, I will run Sly and Luke until Ceil returns. She is moving into a new home and won't be able to post for a couple of days.

Savin  d12=2
Thursday August 11th, 2005 9:45:40 PM
Savin walks up to Rosanna and opens his hand to take the artifact. When he has it in hand, he squats and rolls the item. He waits to see what will happen and wonders what his master would say about taking such a risk.

Savin rolls a 2.

Angus Mage Armor AC 14, HP 18/25 See Inviso  d20+7=10 d20+14=20 d20+3=6 d12=1
Thursday August 11th, 2005 10:57:35 PM
Angus's ears perk up when he hears the word "artifact". He elbows his way to the front and examines the artifact (with his eyes) as Savin takes it from the Druid and rolls it on the ground.

Knowledge Arcana 10
Spellcraft 20
Spot 6

Assuming no ill effects happen to Savin, Angus picks up the artifact and gives it a toss.

Artifact roll 1.

Hmmm a 1 he thinks as he waits patiently for the effects of the Artifact.

Ilsidur  d12=5
Thursday August 11th, 2005 11:37:34 PM
Ilsidur also moves forward to examine the item. Never having handled nature in the past, he is curious as to the nature of this piece of wood. "I will chance its powers as well," he says.

[OOC: D12 roll is a 5.]

Wynn  d12=11
Thursday August 11th, 2005 11:42:41 PM
Wynn continues to steady Niobe as she recovers from her injuries. His attention to the beautiful woman is finally interrupted by the description of the artifact and the offer of it's use. Wynn's first inclination is to refuse the opportunity, however when Angus steps forward and tries his luck the bard rethinks. "Will you be alright for a moment?" he asks. Wynn reaches out and accepts the Knot from Rosanna. He studies it for a moment before activating it. [Artifact roll = 11]

Florin Jadeth-AC:19_HP:25/60  d12=12
Friday August 12th, 2005 12:39:18 AM
Florin looks to Xenia and tries cetching her hand for a moment when she firsts gets ready to leave, "It's okay Xenia, I was actually hoping you would blow off some steam and who better then me. I mean you did say in the GG once that we clashed." Florin watches Xenia go for a few moments and shakes his head as he sighs abit to himself and turns to watch the going ons of the others.

Hearing Peerimus's comment Florin looks to him, "Not all are bad here Peerimus, the others will just have to learn if they live that long. Nature can be as forgiving at times. I personally can only do as much as I can and my primary concern is keeping the Shield's alive and now helping keep you all alive too, however I see you and your friends are much more powerful then us we still have a common goal at the moment."

Florin looks to the druidess when she speaks up and approaches slowly, "An tell me Rosanna, could the artifact cause us to go nuts also? I would not like to have to fight my friends or they to have to kill me. If you say it is atleast remotely safe then I will try my hand at it."

Florin slides his sword back in it's sheath and sighs at how dirty and leaf covered from the floor, etc his armor is amd brushes at it once, "Lots of cleaning to do later I see. Dang armor doesn't even look blueish anymore."

(Artifact roll:12 Florin will roll the artifact since his friends are and also as long as Rosanna doesn't say it is going to kill or make them go nuts.)

Jaeden Ohm (HP 61/97)  d12=10
Friday August 12th, 2005 2:06:21 AM

Jaeden gives his head a shake and raises his now uncovered hand to his temple as he re-focusses on Sly... "Wha.. I could have sworn... my wits must be a bit addled from my journey here..." He collects himself and continues, "Thank you for your kindness Sly. I am a bit banged up but for now it seems there are others needing more immediate attention.

Rosanna announces herself and gives the group her offer...

Jaeden looks around at the others in the room, wondering which of them carry the brand proclaiming them "Children of Chaos". His musing is cut short as one after the next the rooms inhabitants step forward to roll the wooden artifact. He chuckles softly and shrugs his shoulders, "Considering the events of the past hour it seems like fate has a plan for me..."

He too walks towards the artifact, a frown forming on his face as if to say "I'm not really sure how I feel about that..."

Reaching the artifact he gives it a toss [d12 = 10]

The task now done he stands and looks around the room while holding up his tattooed had for all to see. "Which of you are thus marked? And what can you tell me of it's meaning?"

Niobe (46/73HP, 19AC)  d20+4=8 d20+13=24 d20+4=11 d12=9 d20+8=10 d20+13=32 d8+5=12
Friday August 12th, 2005 4:29:18 AM
"Niobe," she answers, "I am pleased to meet you Wynn."

Niobe nods once, "I'll be alright for now. Thank you for healing me."

Niobe also took the liberty to look Wynn over, and certainly liked what she saw. Niobe is glad Savin was on the other side of that wall of thorns.

She doesn't catch Wynn's hesitancy when he mentioned Xenia's name, as far as she can tell Xenia is just a comrade (sense motive 4).

Niobe just manages to see Xenia darting a very angry glance her way (spot 24, sense motive 11) but fails to read the signals properly. Xenia is obviously angry at someone, but why??

((LOL Al!! Bimbo!))

Once Wynn leaves Niobe takes a look at her more or less mangled clothing... 'I need to change clothing. This won't last for much longer.'

Niobe is happy to see that Florin didn't expire, so she was correct in assuming that the creature would most likely not attack someone who looked dead.

Niobe will certainly check out the artifact (rolled 9). After all it seems that the Children are always dealing with some mystical item or other! She will approach the druidess and inspect the articfact much the same way Savin did.

Niobe smiles carefully at Savin as she looks to see what injuries he sustained on the other side of the erstwhile wall of thorns. (heal 10, spot 32)

"You must have worked wonders getting her to stop sending those critters. But it looks like her bear thought you were dinner Savin!" Niobe grins slightly, though she is making light of it she is happy that Savin is not dead or severely injured.

If there is time Niobe will use her CLW wand to heal Savin a little. (Heals 12hp Savin)

((We actually had an electrical storm (these things are rare in Norway) last night so I had no possiblity of posting. I am sorry.))



Tionel 
Friday August 12th, 2005 7:01:57 AM
Tionel sighs...his eyes obviously glazed over by lack of sense. He ponders trying to use the same speech on the Druid, the proper target, but figures the effect by now to be less than what he would wish to reach for. Instead, he just goes over to investigate her along ith the others.

Xenia  d12=7
Friday August 12th, 2005 7:35:05 AM
"Hi, Lil Punkin. You're Daddy'll be just fine." Xenia kneels next to the Florin's daughter. She puts a comforting caress to the child's fine dark hair. The rogue's eye runs over the heads of the other children huddled in the cellar. A dagger of anguish stabs at her heart.

So many dead. Life can be so cruel, and to the very very innocent.

A flood of relief rushes through her as she spots a mop of blonde hair, and she rushes to Kyria. "Oh, little sweetheart, I was so worried 'bout you." She presses a kiss to her adopted friend's forehead. "You are so brave." The girl rogue draws back and ruffles Kyria's towhead.

"You are all so brave," she says standing and addressing the orphans. "There are still some bad men upstairs, 'kay? So I wancha to all stay down here for a bit longer. We'll bring you all upstairs when they're gone."

She speaks to Happy in a quieter voice. "The Hearts are still upstairs," she says, "we gotta find some way or someone to send 'em back." She looks away. "Or maybe we need to take care of them another way."

"Keep the kids down here, huh? For now. We'll send someone down to spell you. I'll try and run down some food."

"Ok! Play quiet down here. And listen to Happy now, 'kay? I'll be back in a bit."

The dark rogue heads back up the stairs. With each step the weight of the problems lying just above gain in poundage. The Hearts. These new and more powerful guys crammed in with them now. And Wynn.

The drow-colored girl emerges from the cellar to find Florin talking to the druid-guy. Syr, Lang and Angus are dealing with the Hearts in the corner.

"Jella's alright, Florin," she tells the paladin. "She asked after her Daddy." A kinda sorta smile breaks on the rogue's lips.

"Hi," she gives Peerimus a little wave of the hand thing by way of introduction. The wave is colored by a slight wince at a twinge from the wound remaining on her back, "I'm Xenia. Nice bear ya got."

"Um," Xenia begins with a little hesitance. She hooks a thumb in Niobe's direction, "is, uh ... is Cleavage Girl with you? You're moving on after this, right? I mean, um, not like I want you to go or anything. It's just ... I mean ... Um, what's with the wood block?"

Xenia picks it up, and turns it over in her hands. When she releases it, the Artifact comes up 7.

The Rogues (DMiT JohnP)  Roach d12=8 Specialty d12=2 d20+2=5 Jonas d12=7 d20+2=11
Friday August 12th, 2005 8:14:29 AM
Ignoring the glares of the Shields, Jonas moves towards the formerly crazy druidess. "Since you invited us to take part, we'd like to use the artifact."

He whispers to both Roach and Specialty as the three move forward. Jonas turns and stares at Angus and Syr as the other two rogues step forward.

Roach grasps the wooden block in his big hands. "Hmm, I don't feel nothing. Have I got wings now, Spec?"
d12 = 8

Specialty steps in and takes the Knot from Roach. "Not so that we can see, Roach. Let me take a look at this thing."
d12 = 2, Appraise = 5

Finally, after staring down the Shields while furtively watching the effects of the Knot on his underlings, Jonas moves to grasp it.
d12 = 7, Appraise = 11



Belkior (AC 21; HP 38/40) Bless , Inspire Courage  d12=11 d12=11
Friday August 12th, 2005 8:43:15 AM
After tending to his companions, Belkior will step forward to Rosanna. Nodding to his fellow halfling, Belkior will introduce himself.

"Belkior Orvisson, Healer of Alemi. Are you well, now? How did removing the magic of the Ioun stone halt the effects of the Knot? Or was it you shifting form that ended its effects?"

"You're offering all of us this magic when you admit that it drove you mad. Why exactly should we accept your offer?"

Belkior will stand back and watch as everyone else uses the artifact. He keeps a running tally in his head of the effects, trying to classify them as beneficial, harmful or neutral if he can't tell or decide.

Finally, once everyone else from the two adventuring parties and the Anvil Hearts has used it, he will decide whether to do so himself. He's a careful halfling and he doesn't want to do something that can't be reversed.

OOC - Two IF statements here:
- IF the risk of harmful effects is less than 1 in 10, Belkior will do so.
- IF only certain faces of the artifact result in harmful effects, he will use the Knot and use his only Hero Point to either re-roll or adjust his roll result, if a bad result comes up.

d12 = 11, even if spend a Hero Point to re-roll <bleh!>



Peerimus [AC 28 HP 59/73] and Yorrick [AC 19 HP 61/73]  3d8(6+7+7)+5=25 d12=2 d12=6
Friday August 12th, 2005 1:09:42 PM
Peerimus nods to Florin's words, "but some are at the edge of the crevice."

Peerimus feels his heart sink slightly and looks at Syr and shakes his head. "You poor man." he says softly. "So blinded and consumed by hatred and revenge that you let friends around you fight and bleed while you idly stood by because of the past. What is more powerful to kill an evil being or to turn that being to a tool of rightousness? Your heart has been extinguished Syr, the evil has already one. Your body simply has not been told. As you say I and my friends do not know thier history. This is true, but we have witnessed your actions and read your future quite well. You have used deadly force without provocation. Endangered innocents by use of that force and when the hoped response from the 'Hearts' did not manifest itself, you attacked again trying to cretae a larger conflict so you could further justify bloodshed. You have verbally attempted to pursuade them to violence and shown contempt, disrespect and insult those that very well may have saved your life and that of those you would call friend. So no, I will not idly stand by while these people are murdered by you or any other. Disarming them is quite sufficient, as known crimminals. But I see the black in your heart sir and I will not allow them to be tied, thus making it almost impossible for me to prevent you from thier slaughter."

Looking to the three, "You will disarm again for now please."

Xenia comes up the stairs and Peerimus nods to her. "I am Peerimus and he is no more mine than Florin is yours. His name is Yorrick and I do not know what you mean. She wields no cleaving weapon, but yes she is a friend as well and I am not sure how long we are to be here."

Peerimus will tap himself with his wand again as he stnads between the unarmed rogues and any 'Shield' in the area.

Peerimus will ask to see the die and will put it in Yorricks hand todrop and then roll it himself. [Yorrick rolls 2 Peerimus rolls 6]

Speaking for all to hear, "My friends perhaps we can find some rest and recover our strength and tomorrow take the children to safety before we continue with our own matters!"

Level 0:
Detect magic, Mending, Read Magic, Create water, Guidance, Purify Food and Drink

Level 1:
Jump, *Longstrider, CLW, Endure Elements, *Speak with Animals

Level 2:
*Extended Produce Flame, Animal Tance, Reduce Animal, *Barkskin, *Cat's Grace

Level 3:
*CMW, *Greater Magic Fang, Nuetralize Poison, *Summon Nature's Ally III

Level 4:
*Dispel Magic, *Anti-Plant Shell, *CSW

Level 5:
*Animal Growth, *Wall of Thorns

Active spells: Peerimus only
Longstrider 9 hours +10 Speed
Greater Magic Fang +1 all attacks 9 hours
Barkskin 190.9 minutes +4 AC
Speak with Animals 27 Rounds
Cat's Grace +4 Dex 9.3 minutes


Sly  d12=7
Friday August 12th, 2005 2:53:06 PM
The handsome young man laughs as he takes his turn with the artifact. He spins it and waits for some kind of reaction. Rolled 7

Luke smells it and decides not to roll. Something smells out of balance to him.

Syr (60/62 AC19/18) Bless  d20+12=24 d20+12=25 d20+7=17 d10+4=11 d10+4=13 d10+4=5
Friday August 12th, 2005 3:36:26 PM
The normally succinct elf wastes a sigh on Peerimus before continuing calmly, "Consumed or not, I feel just in my cause. You suggest that I compromise my principles for the sake of what? The fact that they fought beside you to save their own skins? How short is your memory? I left my position guarding them just moments ago to come to your group's aid. Meanwhile, they struck and then fled from the elemental. I would rather die than be saved by such as these. They ignore your calls to disarm, they ignore all calls to peacefully lay down their weapons."

Looking past the man into nothing he recalls, "Alone amoung this group, I lived at the orphanage and can truely say to these, 'You killed my mother.' Can you point to YOUR mother's killer in this room? If that reason does not warrant my actions then so be it. If revenge were my cause, I would slay them on the spot. As it is, I only ask for their weapons."

"If their actions today demonstrate to the authorities that a reduction in their sentence is earned, then so be it. As things stand now, I WILL subdue them and restrain them and will not be stopped."

As Specialty Johnson moves past him, the monk strikes out pulling his punches but connecting several times, (Attack 24,25,17 Subdual damage 11,13,5).

(OOC: grin, did you expect anything different?)

I have no problem with your actions. You will not be able to stop SJ from rolling the artifact, but you will get to go up and punch her several times. Do you want to roll the artifact? You need to decide now. After tonight, the opportunity will be gone.

Firn'gaer - Troll  d12=12
Friday August 12th, 2005 4:30:40 PM
"Thank you for the healing." The wizard says. He waits as she lowers the wall and along with her steps into the rest of the Inn.

"Strike out again at risk to your life." He says as Syr takes cheap shots at the assassins. "You are not jury nor executioner and if you persist in trying to be you will deal with me. I will not tolerate any more violence of any kind in here and it will be dealt with in very severly. Am I being very clear. No comments from any who stood idly by while the creatures did their damage." His eyes scan to the members of the Shield that felt it more urgent to stand and guard the assassins instead of dealing with the greater threat at the time. His eyes will also scan the assassins. "Of you three there will be not hostilities or retributions of any kind. You are aware of our abilites. It would be wise to not be on the receiving end of them."

After his rant, he pauses. "Who are you?" He says to the large armored fellow standing in the room.

Status
Current HP -- 90/90

Active Spells
extended mage armor -- 20 hours
extended elf sight -- 136 minutes
extended see invisibility -- 136 minutes
neutralize poison (potion) -- 44.8 minutes
telepathic bond (Peerimus) -- 45.8 minutes
polymorph -- 9.2 minutes
shield -- 9.3 minutes
resist energy (fire resist 20 on Yorrick) -- 69.5 minutes
ray of enfeeblement -- 9.9 minutes

Lesser Extend Rod -- 1/3 uses left.

Prepared Spells
0 -- detect magic, light, prestidigitation, read magic

1 -- elf sight*, magic missile x2**, ray of enfeeblement x2*, shield*

2 -- extended mage armor*, knock, mirror image, scorching ray*, see invisibility*

3 -- deep slumber, dispel magic*, fly, lightning bolt

4 -- black tentacles*, dimension door*, empowered scorching ray*, polymorph*

5 -- heightened resilient sphere*, heightened slow*, telekinesis*

* -- Spells cast

Firn'gaer will also let fate play his hand.

d12 - 12


Niobe (responding reaction to Xenia and Peerimus' chat)  d20+4=10
Friday August 12th, 2005 5:36:42 PM
(Incedentally Niobe wasn't exactly thrilled that Wynn decided he had better things to do, but she knows that such is life!)

Niobe howls with laughter at Xenia's epitet for her and Peerimus' subsequent misunderstanding of it.

Wiping tears of laughter from her eyes she tells Peerimus, "she is referring to my pretty, shapely figure and the fact that I don't exactly hide it Peerimus, not my feat of arms."
(Still no luck figuring Xenia's bug out! Sense Motive 10.)

(Appearently Xenia has a somewhat "boyish" figure??? (judging from the repose description mind!))

To Xenia:
"Yes, dear I am with them. Also as far as I know we don't plan on making any permanent residence here, but are of course more then willing to give you all any aid we can."

((I am sorry, I just could resist making this response. I hope no one is offended!))

Tionel (revision)  d12=1
Friday August 12th, 2005 5:39:32 PM
(as you can tell from the state and time of my last post, I made it under duress...aka, half-asleep, and stuff. I'm going to revise Tionel's actions.)
"An artifact of the Wold...? And random, too? But hopefully beneficial... Why not." He gives it a roll. (1... I dunno if that's good or bad.)
He listens to the words of Syr and tears come to his eyes. That's right.. Syr was raised in the city, he's one of the original orphans. "If anyone's got the right to decide what to do, it's Syr...I stand by what he says." Tionel says.


Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) 
Friday August 12th, 2005 6:06:03 PM
Xenia's green eyes are cool in the face of the bimbo's laughter. The exposive flame head, this time, just stands quietly where she is. Even in the face of all of these guys trying to order them around, the dark rogue flies off no handle.

"No," she replies. "It's not a'cause of your figure. If you understand what the word means, it's cause you got your boobs hangin' out."

Lang (ac 21; hp 38/55) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d12=12 d12=7
Friday August 12th, 2005 9:22:59 PM
Lang & Sunshine follow the criminals over to where the groups and the druid are gathering. He hears her offer and finds it quite perplexing that everyone will jump so quickly at her offer. He also hears the other groups' admonishment over the Shields handling of the 3 rogues. He stays near Jonas, ready for anything.

"Peerimus and Firn'gaer, if you do not like the way we are handling these 3 convicts, then feel free to leave the Giggling Ghost. No one is keeping or asking you to stay. You do not own this establishment nor do you have the right to command us what to do. You talk of being driven by hatred and revenge and you are wrong. Justice for the weak is what drives us. And I cannot think of anyone weaker than a bunch of orphans and an old lady. These three and their gang the Anvil Hearts preyed on weakness until they ran into the Shields who persevered until they were arrested. That is why we will not let them walk free, especially in here where there are orphans downstairs."

"If it wasn't for those arrogant elves we wouldn't be having this conversation. They talked about "saving the Wold", but I bet there are thousands of non-elves in the Floating City who were better off before the elves meddled in things better left alone. I do not even want to think about my family. I pray they are safe and that I can get back to them some time soon to find out."

"If you do not like what the Shields are doing with the criminals then gather your belongings and go. If you are concerned over their fate then take them with you. But if the Shields find out that they do not end up back in jail, we will hold you responsible."

Showing unity with his fellow Shields, Lang and Sunshine if possible, roll the artifact.

Lang 12
Sunshine 7

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours; probably just about 2 1/4 hours left)

Arrows used 32.

Syr  d12=5
Friday August 12th, 2005 9:34:13 PM
Realizing that he may be missing out on somthing vastly more important, the elf furiously turns to the Circle Druid and hurls the wooden object (5). Without looking at the artifact he glares at the ignorant troll before he resumes his stalking of the rogues.

Wynn - Illegal 2nd Post  d20+6=18
Friday August 12th, 2005 11:00:03 PM
Upon finishing his try with the artifact, the bard considers going over to intercede between Peerimus and Syr when Xenia blurts out her indictment of Niobe.

"Xenia!!" he replies in shock, "that is hardly the way to treat those who have fought beside us". Wynn turns to Niobe "Please, excuse my friend, she is distraught over all that has transpired here today. Many of the orphans who perished were known to her" [Diplomacy=18]

Florin Jadenth-AC:19-HP:35/60 
Saturday August 13th, 2005 12:02:20 AM
Florin looks to Xenia when she comments what she does to Niobe and he moves over to her and whispers to her as close as he can get anyway so it will hopefully stay pretty close to just between them, "Xenia, please calm down. Now this might sound funny coming from me considering my feelings for you at one time but right here in the GG sometime back Wynn was being flirted with and him back with a lady thief I believe her name was Fiddle and he came back to you. Your jealousy or whatever may be warranted but you have excepted Wynn for the way he is and this is how he is, you know that."

Florin looks to Niobe and nods to her as a friend, "I'm sure no offense was meant here m'lady."

Florin now addresses the other problem and walks over to Syr and speaks up to him and the others fighting, "Okay, I'm tired of the fighting. Syr, I trust you with my life as well as anyone here and I should hope you do me. Now as a friend and the leader I simply say you get along now. Disarm but do not attack, no provoking and so on."

Florin now looks to the others and picks Firn'gaer, "Sir, if you don't like my friend's actions then I simply state you and your friends watch these guys then. I don't like some of the tones being given off here either. We don't need no more fighting right now however I don't see where anyone has the right to march into a city and start stating their way or no way. If you were born and raised here, if you had spilled the blood with my friends, if you had seen or known what they know then I would say fine. You want these people kept safe you and the Children watch them, if they get away and kill anyone like those children down stairs or so then trust me I will make sure word gets to all of you of those actions and you can live with the guilt. I do not agree with all my friend's actions, however I do agree with Syr's wishes of being careful considering these three's reputation."

Florin glances to Peerimus, seeing him as the most level headed so far, "I do not think anything I told your friend there is over stepping my bounds Peerimus. Either way you all decide what you wish. You guard them and everything or you except our way of watching them. We want no problems from you but do ask you understand why we're so cautious. I also do understand these people could, possibly helped us but if even you, a follower of mother Wold as you call her could not expect us to trust them. Asking to do so is really going far. Would you trust someone to have your back who has killed children and a old kindly woman who one of my friend's considered a mother for all his life? Switch places with him and see the other side. Now as I said, I want no problems with the Children and do not wish ANYMORE fighting so right here we decide, you all watch them or we do it our way." Florin glances at his group that was argueing again, "ONLY disarm and tie if thats whats said. I swear on my honor as a defender of Domi's will if you kill one of these people while they are tied up and in cold blood then I personally will turn you into the guards. Remember, I am bound by oath to defend the weak, uphold the laws of this city and of my order. You selected me as leader and should of known selecting a leader who is a paladin of Domi that "I" have standards and would run this group with the standards I been given too."

(OOC:Richard, no offense in my post bud. I just am playing Florin and I hope people understand Florin's point of view, let alone his trying to keep the peace.)

Dm George Pre-rolling  Angus d6=5 Tionel d6=1 Lang d100=01 3d6(3+6+5)+6=20 3d6(6+3+2)+4=15 3d6(4+6+2)+4=18 Florin d100=19 3d6(6+5+5)+2=18 3d6(5+6+3)+4=18 3d6(6+5+6)=17 Firn'gaer d100=31 3d6(2+6+1)=9 3d6(4+6+6)+2=18 3d6(4+6+4)+4=18
Saturday August 13th, 2005 12:09:20 AM
As each person or animal in the room makes a decision to try the fates, they individually step up, take the ancient piece of wood and roll it on the floor. Once the decision is made, nothing can stop the action. It is as if that person is stepping between seconds in time and has the universe to themselves.

Between those seconds, threats are made, conversation engaged in and even combat started. Syr darts forward and pummels Specialty Johnson to the ground, but not before she takes her chance at the artifact.

Once the last person has taken their toss, everyone quickly forgets about anything but the artifact. The Knot of Druis rises up into the air and starts to slowly spin, quickly picking up speed. Golden rays dart out from its twelve surfaces and lance into the characters who dared to roll.

Savin instinctually tries to dodge away but the beam easily hits him. He throws up his hands but feels a warm sensation entering his body. He feels his muscles expanding, and growing stronger. He feels energy course through him and it feels great. Savin a gets +1 permanent increase to his strength score.

Angus is also hit with a beam but he is sickened by it. He feels confused and afraid. Before he slumps to his knees holding his head, he realizes that nature can be capricious and cruel. Then that understanding seems to slip away. Angus permanently loses one wisdom point.

Ilsidur is struck in the head by a beam. Questions that baffled him, suddenly seem simple. He looks around the Wold with a new understanding. Ilsidur gets +1 to intelligence.

Wynn is also hit with a golden ray and screams in pain. If any could look, they would see the bard writhing on the ground moaning in pain. His body is mutating before their eyes. Wynn grows gills on his neck behind his ears. His hands and feet become webbed. He has been turned into an amphibian comfortable both in and out of water. Wynn will get a +5 on all his swim rolls and can breath under water.

Florin is hit and screams a soundless scream. He feels the life energy sap from his body and that tunnel he glimpsed before comes rushing towards him. He dives through it and sees a whirlwind of color and feels a blast of all the emotions. He feels himself rushing back through the tunnel and finds himself standing next to his old body. His old body is there only for a moment and then it fades away leaving behind all of his equipment and belongings.

Florin gazes down at his new body and sees a sleek and naked male form. He touches his face and discovers pointed ears. Florin is now an elf. Florin's new body is very healthy and strong. Strength 18, Dexterity 18, and Constitution 17. Please add any level adjustments you made to those numbers to that.

Jaeden Ohm is struck by a golden beam and he feels another presense in his mind. It feels loving and caring. He quickly realizes that he is now bonded with his warhorse Dalek. Dalek will have all the characteristics as a paladin's warhorse of the same level except it is permanently on this plane and cannot be called for.

Niobe has a ray strike her arm and she feels a burning sensation there. When she looks, she is adorned with yet another tattoo. (ooc this will act just like a second level Brahmah's tattoo of darkness, but isn't a Brahmah's tattoo.)

Tionel is struck by a beam and feels his body drained of energy. His muscles weaken and shrivel. He gets a permanent -1 on strength.

Xenia is hit with a ray and she feels more self confident. She is able to talk and influence people better. She feels more beautiful and alluring. Permanent +1 on charisma

Each of the rogues are struck by beams. Roach has no apparent effect. Jonus also looks better looking and Specialty's body looks more muscular.

Belkior screams out in pain as a beam hits his legs. When he looks down, his legs are changing. His thighs grow in strength and power. The hinge of his knee changes and he finds himself balancing on paws very similar to a large cat. Grey fur covers his legs. Belkior gets +10 to his base movement and +5 on all his jumping rolls.

Peerimus is struck by a beam and his understanding of nature around him seems to increase. He seems to have a better feel of all around him and is content in those feelings.
Permanent +1 on wisdom.

Yorrick growls as the beam strikes him in his massive chest. He too feels his muscles growing and becoming more powerful. Permanent +1 on his strength.

Sly is hit by a beam and also feels more confident. He just knows the ladies will even find him more irresistible now. He can't wait to see himself in a mirror now. Permanent +1 on charisma.

Firn'gaer is struck and finds himself in agony. He collapses to the floor and dies only to be reborn once again. He to finds himself standing next to his old body, but he is much closer to the ground. He examines his male nude body and finds it short and somewhat stocky. He quickly discovers that he is a gnome now. His new numbers are Strength 9, Dexterity 18, and Constitution 18. Like Florin, his intelligence wisdom and charisma stay the same. As he looks on in shock, his old body fades away leaving his equipment.

Lang also is struck by a deadly beam and finds himself rushing towards that white light.
He too feels the tumble of emotions and agony as he is reborn. When he examines his new body, he is shocked and falls to his knees tears rushing to his eyes. He feels his face which is totally covered in hair. He looks down and sees a massively muscular body. Lang is reborn as a bugbear. His old body also fades away, leaving behind his equipment.
Lang's new numbers are 20 strength, 15 dexterity and Constitution of 18

Sunshine takes the artifact in his mouth and spits it out. He too is hit with a ray and suddenly his coat looks sleeker and his eyes more clear. +1 on charisma for Sunshine!

Syr takes a quick second from his stalking and pummeling to the ground of his adversaries to roll the artifact and when he is struck by a beam his understanding of the world also becomes greater. He better understands some of those puzzles Belkior is always talking about. Permanent +1 to intelligence.

Rosanna looks around at the changes with concern and hope. As three of the characters actually die and are reborn, she winces. "The fates are fickle today." She gathers up the Knot of Druis and strides over to Savin, plucking her ioun stone from his stunned hand, as he looks around at the sudden changes. "I hope you find the changes satisfactory. I again apologize for any pain I have caused. I must get away. I don't feel confident in my sanity to be around you. May you all find peace and understanding with nature's blessings." She places a hand on Brundy and murmers a unheard word and both vanish from sight.

OOC...I know some of the characters have had major changes to them and some got the short end of the stick but when you gamble sometimes you don't come out ahead. I am hoping you all take these changes to heart and enjoy role-playing them. Sometimes a little adversity makes the character much more interesting.

Al will be taking over as your DM starting on Monday. I have really enjoyed Dming the crossover of the two groups. DM George


Jaeden Ohm and Dalek 
Saturday August 13th, 2005 3:55:26 AM

Jaeden's eyes narrow slightly as he trys to puzzle out whats going on and wonders why he's getting little to no response despite the Half-Elfs proclamation of the tattoo being so significant...

He is marginally relieved when someone addresses him but once again, for perhaps the 6th time today, is completely shocked to see the inquiry coming from a troll moving from the area previously concealed by the brambles. Doing his best to take in the strange scene he begins to respond but is interrupted by the rise of the Knot of Druis and it's subsequent bombardment of golden rays.

He watches as bodies change and people die before him, only to be reborn instants later in a different form. Then, for a brief instant a look of terror flashes across his face. Almost immediately the look changes to one of wonder and the armored man turns and trots out the inn door, back the direction he came from.

***
Jaeden Outside the Inn
***
Highlight to display spoiler: {Jaeden runs up the street to where his companion Dalek still lies on the ground. The horse has awaked from the sleeping poison (big assumption here...) of the purple orcs but is still groggy. Reaching the horse the warrior kneels down and strokes the beasts neck and head. 'Its alright my friend' he sends through the newly developed link, 'everything will be alright'. Eventually he gets the horse to its feet, where he gives a few more moments to adjust. Jaeden gives Dalek another pat and leads him back to the inn. Remember the presense of another horse already inside he shrugs and leads his own indoors.}

***
After a few minutes
***

Once again Jaeden appears through the inn's door, this time leading a magnificant black stallion into the room. Stopping just inside the door he pauses and waits until everyone else sorts themselves out.

Angus Mage Armor AC 14, HP 18/25 See Inviso 
Saturday August 13th, 2005 11:49:33 AM
Angus, for a change, has no response to what has just occurred to him and the rest of the people in the room.

Trying to come to grips with his own loss, he has no room for comfort for the people who appear to have lost more.

OOC - Do the other people know that Florin, Lang and Firn'gaer have been changed into new bodies?

Depends on their interpretation. There wasn't a big sign saying "Reincarnation Here!"
Still it shouldn't be to hard to figure out something magical has happened.

Firn'gaer - Human to Troll to Gnome to ? 
Saturday August 13th, 2005 7:06:52 PM
Firn'gaer body wracks with pain as he is struck with one of the golden rays. The spells that protected him over the last hours suddenly cease, or better discribed by those that witness the event are absorbed into his human body fuel for the transformation. Skin goes pale and colorless almost instantly as the arcane energies merge with his body. Dropping to the floor as if his body had no structure the once living mage lies dead on the floor. Only for a moment.

Soon a mist begins to form on the floor near his body. Particles of light descend on his lifeless body. Each light absorbing into it until it glows with an unearthly light from within. This light continues to grow and grow until those watching no longer see a body but a glowing mist.

Flickering lights dance within the mist and for several minutes these dance in patterns of light known only to lights themselves.

Slowly the pattern begin to slow. The flashes become less vibrant. Slower and slower, dimmer and duller until the mist pulls back into the earth itself leaving only a small child lying curled up on the floor. Next to him is a scattered pile of items all which are Firn'gaer's belingings.

The child begins to stir. "Ohhh...", there is a slight moan, "What happened...what was...that...blacked...out...ohhh..."

The child stands, naked, unaware of his surrounds. "Rufus!" The child cries in panick. "Where are you!?".

I'm here. What happened...I don't like this place anymore. You changed.

"What do you mean?" The child speaks to a small rodent that climbs out from Firn'gaer's belongings. "I've changed...wait. Those are mine...naked..."

The small child now standing turns to others and it is obvious now as you look on that this is no child, but a gnome.

"What is going on?" He says scanning about the room looking for other signs of what might have happened. "I was hit by a golden ray and now I'm naked and a gnome." He says with both fear and anger in his voice.

He hears Rosanna's comment, and begins to grasp with has happened. The realization doesn't make him feel any better.

"I want to go back to the cold. I don't care for this place anymore." He grabs his larger belongings and moves to a private location to get covered up.


Xenia 
Saturday August 13th, 2005 9:31:36 PM
"I got nothing to say to you," Xenia turns on Wynn, "Mister Flirty Wynn Brightsong! Nothin' more. Ever again, you understand!" She shouts. "Well, hello there, Beautiful," she mimics the bard again. "Now what's that? I ask you, huh? What is that?"

"I'm sorry, Florin. I'm sorry, but I've had enough. I've just had enough. It's like it's every adventuring group we meet, you know!"

"Look, I mean, I'm sorry," Xenia spins again on a dime, now facing the new girl. Um, what's her name? Niobe. "None of this is your fault. I shouldn't oughta have called you Cleavage Girl. I'm really sorry, um, Niobe. I was ... "

Then lights spin out of the wooden number jiggy-thingy. Xenia feels the stab of warm velvet pierce her body. The feeling, it tickles her mind, and her heart. And when it leaves ... She doesn't feel much different than before.

And the room is chaos. The rogue barely registers as the halfling druid and her enormous companion make their way out the front door.

Florin is the closest. And he falls down like he's dead. Cries come from the other guys, but, above them all is Wynn's. Xenia propels herself across the room. And the next thing she knows, she's on her knees at his side. His mouth's moving funny and there's fleshy stuff growing on his hands and neck.

"Oh Stars, Wynn. Oh Stars!" She pulls him onto her lap, his head cradled in her arms.

"Belkie! We need a cure here! Wynn's been diseased!"

Peerimus [AC 28 HP 59/73] and Yorrick [AC 19 HP 61/73] 
Saturday August 13th, 2005 11:54:39 PM
Peerimus listens to what Syr is saying, but it is obvious that as Syr starts to speak of the past he becomes a bit irritated, though he does attempt to hide it. Before really able to respnd Specialty Johnson starts by and Syr attacks him. The mans hands are a blur of motion and the druid merely shakes his head, "Truly sad."

Firgaer's thundrous voice catches him a bit off guard, they had been using thought to communicate and Peerimus had almost forgotten the formidible form teh wizard now possessed. Holding a hand up as if to stay him the druid shakes his head. To FirngaerThey will not hear you. They are too rooted in the past with these three.

Peerimus turns a regarding eye to Tionel, but says nothing in reply. Lang comes over and and his proximity quickly gains the mans attention. The rant at first means little to Peerimus, more of the same, just a differnt voice. Yes Peerimus feels quite correct in his judgement of the self proclaimed justice seekers. Perhaps Florin will be able to help them, perhaps he will fall with them. Personally Peerimus hopes for the former. Then however, Lang starts on the elves and the awakening and that he feels does require a response, even though he almost surely knows it was said in ignorance just to ellict one. Peerimus will oblige him. "Lang, is it? Before you condem an entire race and vault onto you justice horse to put them all to the sword for the great wrongs you apparently feel they have wrought you may wish to reconsider. It was never said all the noble races would prosper in the rebirth, it was never even hinted at. Mother and Father have merely stretched forth thier will again to the Wold and the natural abundance which shelters you and permits your continuing life has responded to it. The Wold is a far bigger place than this city and you nor I nor anyone else in this room or even this city can sit in judgement over thier actions as none of us know the full extent of the consequences of those actions. Currently no I most definately object to how you 'handle' the prisoners, for your actions are showing you to be no better than they. As far as leaving, i am quite sure we will be soon enough. They", pointing to the rogues, "have free will and may join us or remain here with you as they see fit."

to Florin "I will have to ask you a bit of patience with Firngaer, it has been a rough few days, as I assume with your fellow 'Shields'. I understand your caution, I am not asking you to trust them, but I am very skepticle of them waking up tomorrow if bound and watched over by most in your company sir paladin. You give your oath on domi though and that I know will be sufficient. Consider for my part this matter resolved and I pray your faith is well placed, but also fear for it."

The die is cast and the rays rip through all who participated. Peerimus feels Yorrick surge next to him and he again thanks Mother for her touch upon her sons shoulder.

The druid will move to Firngaer's side as he recovers. He has witnessed the rebirth before as a child and knows the next few moments can be terribly lonesome. Something the already nerve frayed wizard does not need at this point. he says nothing but puts a reassuing hand on the now gnome, helps him gather his things and move off to the side of the room. The others will have to deal with everything else for a few moments.

Level 0:
Detect magic, Mending, Read Magic, Create water, Guidance, Purify Food and Drink

Level 1:
Jump, *Longstrider, CLW, Endure Elements, *Speak with Animals

Level 2:
*Extended Produce Flame, Animal Tance, Reduce Animal, *Barkskin, *Cat's Grace

Level 3:
*CMW, *Greater Magic Fang, Nuetralize Poison, *Summon Nature's Ally III

Level 4:
*Dispel Magic, *Anti-Plant Shell, *CSW

Level 5:
*Animal Growth, *Wall of Thorns

Active spells: Peerimus only
Longstrider 9 hours +10 Speed
Greater Magic Fang +1 all attacks 9 hours
Barkskin 190.8 minutes +4 AC
Speak with Animals 26 Rounds
Cat's Grace +4 Dex 9.2 minutes

Savin 
Sunday August 14th, 2005 11:12:53 AM
Savin feels his body shudder and change. He stands tall and surveys his new form and smiles well pleased by the change. Inwardly focused, he doesn't immediately see the changes going on around him.

He looks on in shock as three of the bodies collapse and new ones form over them. He grimaces when he sees the bugbear form over the one called Lang. He thinks, "Here is a change that will be tough to accept. Will it twist the poor soul to dark deeds, or will his friends and family be able to look past the outer form and see the good within?"

Savin will head over to Lang and put a hand on his now tall shoulder. "Are you alright?"

Niobe 
Sunday August 14th, 2005 4:03:15 PM
Niobe was about the make a dismissive motion to Xenia and explain that the apology is not really warrented when the artifact works its dubious magic.

Suddenly people are dying? and being spontaneously reborn - into bodies not quite their own??

Niobe instinctively rubs her sore arm before taking a quick glance at it. She can't miss the new tattoo and briefly wonders if this one will get her into "as much trouble" as the last one? (trouble being relative)

Since she was looking in Florin's general direction she sees him be reborn an Elf - and without a thread on.... that could be embarrassing for the paladin! But what catches and holds her attention is Firn'gaer.

Niobe's heart verily skips a beat as the formally very tall Firn'gaer is reborn a gnome.
Her jaw drops for a second,
"By the Gods! Firn'gaer is that you? Are you alright?"

After staring at Firn'gaer's new form for several more heartbeats Niobe looks everyone over and sees changes that could be considered disturbing. This cannot be altogether good...
Her eyes narrow and darken dangerously as she looks over at the druidess.

"You forgot to mention the possibility that the thing might be cursed..." Niobe hisses angrily at Roseanna, "what have you done?" Niobe motions around the room with an angry sweep of her hand.

(Niobe isn't exactly threatening Roseanna - she is just very upset. Not understanding what just happend can do that.)

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Naturally Niobe doesn't get a chance to reply to Xenia regarding her words. Too many wierd things are occuring all at once. She will have to talk with her later.

Niobe (addendum) 
Sunday August 14th, 2005 4:07:33 PM
(The formulation might sound confusing, so I will try and clearify. Niobe is dismissing Xenia's words (more or less kind of saying "that's OK, don't worry about it"), Niobe is NOT dismissing Xenia as unimportant or anything like that!)

Lang & Sunshine 
Sunday August 14th, 2005 4:48:18 PM
Lang rolls the artifact and all else is lost to him as its power overtakes him and everyone else who spun the piece of wood. His anger towards the Children of Chaos and towards the rogues disappears as the golden beams strike him down. He slumps to the ground from the power of the artifact. Lang feels his life ebbing out of his body. He hopes Sunshine and the Shields have not had the same consequence from their roll.

Lang awakens on the cold floor of the Giggling Ghost, hearing in the background shouts of concern and astonishment. He is thankful to be alive, but wondering how all his clothing and belongings were removed from his body. Slowly he gets up, internally taking census for any injuries, finding no new ones since the battle. He looks around for the Shields and sees most of them, but Florin.

"Where is Florin?" he asks.

My voice, why does it sound different? Why does my body feel stronger, taller and not quite as limber? Lang sees his belongings in a pile next to him and he reaches down for his short swords, aware that he is quite vulnerable to attack from Jonas or anyone else. That is when he sees his hands. In mid reach he stops, as if struck by a spell.

For quite a long while he stands there, still, just staring at the clawed hands that are attached to muscular, very hairy arms that are a part of his body. His new body. Lang looks around and sees the concern on some of the faces that are looking at him. He looks towards Sunshine and sees hesitancy in Sunshine's demeanor. Lang realizes his physical body is not the same and hopes it is not permanent.

"What am I? What I have I been changed in to?" Lang says softly.

He quickly casts Speak with Animals and calls Sunshine to his side. "It is me boy." The link that bonds them holds true and Sunshine runs to him, wagging his tail in recognition.

Unaware of anything else he kneels at Sunshine's side, holding onto him as is his life depended on it. He knows that no matter how this change falls out, Sunshine will always stand by him.

Belkior 
Sunday August 14th, 2005 4:51:12 PM
"Ahhhh!"

The halfling cleric has things to worry about himself. He falls to the floor and rolls about in agony. His legs are reshaping themselves, twisting and bending in ways that a halfling's legs were never meant to.

"Oooh, oooh," Belkior moans, trying to control his pain. Clutching his boots, he struggles to remove them from his transformed feet.

"Can someone ...." and Belkior pauses to control the pain, "... help me get my boots off?"

The Rogues (DMiT JohnP) 
Sunday August 14th, 2005 5:04:57 PM
Jonas staggers as the beam strikes him. He had been watching as the beams struck everyone in the room who had used the artifact, taking his time and choosing what to say.

He directs his words mainly to Peerimus since the druid seems the most sympathetic, but speaks to all of the Children. Pointing downwards at the unconcious form of Specialty, "See what justice," and the words drip with as much sarcasm as he can muster, "we can expect from those who call themselves the Shields? We stood beside you coming down from the upper level, fighting with Lorbius and helping you get here. We arrived and I surrendered my weapon, as demanded by these Shields. Since then, there has been nothing but threats from them."

The leader of the rogues pauses for effect, and tries to measure the effect of his words on the two groups. "I will accept your offer and leave with you. I expect that Roach here, and Specialty will too ... once she recovers from being sucker punched by that one," as he gestures towards Syr.

Having said that, he will move towards the newly created gnome and request the return of his rapier.

Roach follows the conversation and then moves with Jonas.

Specialty moans slightly, and is beginning to stir on the ground.

Ilsidur 
Sunday August 14th, 2005 7:12:50 PM
Ilsidur calls out, "Hold on you three. You were prisoners before you joined with us, and just because you ran with us into the inn doesn't absolve you of whatever you were incarcerated for. You still need to answer to the authorities. However, the Children can speak on your behalf about your recent actions. But, you are not going anywhere."

"As for you Shields, what power has made you judges, jury and excecutioners? These three will be returned to the authorities, and they can decide what future or continuing punishment is deserved."

Wynn 
Sunday August 14th, 2005 11:07:51 PM
The bard writhes in pain as the changes come over him. He clutches his head and neck. "Aaargh", Wynn muffles his cry.

The pain subsides as Xenia cradles him in her arms. Only when he sees his hands does he begin to understand the nature of what has happened. "Nooooo!!!"

Sly and Luke (Sub George) 
Monday August 15th, 2005 8:40:42 AM
Sly raises himself up preening with his new found confidence. That confidence wains away when he sees the bodies of some fading away, and the mutations of the others.

Sly rushes over to Firn'gaer with concern on his face but can only stand helplessly by as others render assistance.

He walks over to the elf that was Florin and looks deeply into his eyes, looking for the soul that he once knew if only briefly. "Are you OK?"

Luke doesn't know what to make of all this. He is only glad he didn't roll the artifact. He might have sprouted wings or something!

Tionel 
Monday August 15th, 2005 12:51:52 PM
((This post is to make up for Tionel staying outta the argument a bit))

Tionel is hit by the ray and feels his entire body drained. He examines himself and feels somewhat angry, but then looks at the others. Particularly Lang and Wynn. A bugbear and...fishman? He comes over and scientifically studies Wynn while Xenia cries over him. "He'll be okay, Xenia. He's just got...gills now, looks like. He's still just as human. Err, half-elf."
He hopes his words will sink, and adds, just for the half-elf girl, "The rest of his life, people will be judging him based on his looks. It will be as bad as if he were...half-drow? Maybe you'll understand."
And he hopes she does. 'Cause that boy just lost the chance to pick up a lot of girls. Being a mutant will do that to you.

Now he turns his attention to the three rogues. None of them changed, of course. Too bad. There is no justice in luck, he reminds himself. And he's beginning to feel that there's no good in following the rules either. He turns his attention back to Peerimus and considers his words, yet again.

As the others go through their private changes, Tionel motions aside the druid and speaks to him softly.
"Perhaps, ---Peerimus is your name?---Perhaps I understand what you say. It is advice I give all the time to others.. to live and let live. I understand that is your intention; not to interfere, not to interject...not even to judge. I am a druid, and I usually follow such a noble cause as well. The affairs of mankind should be left to his own destiny, I feel, and I'm sure you feel as well. Each man is his own judge, and we can only do our best to follow our own course of lives...
"And until now, I did not realize how such an attitude, combined with the ability to give advice, could make oneself such a complete ass. I only say this to you, because I used to think like you. I still do think like you. I was happy to let the Trash Gang rot in the jails for the lowlifes that they are, in just punishment for their sins, and no skin off my nose.
"You say that all past actions are excusable. I question that. Is it excusable to kill a child under any circumstances? How about a few? How many does it take before one crosses a line? Does it have to be in cold blood, done in anger, done as revenge? Where do you draw the line, fellow druid, on your impartiality towards the laws of man? If you saw men slaughtering elf babies, or faeries for fun, or any forest denizens in similar slaughter as they'd inflicted upon us, would you turn a similar blind eye? Or does your love for nature thoroughly separate you from a love for mankind?
"As for your own advice... Turning these people to the light side, as you put it? Yet you would walk away the next instant. If you were truly honest in your words, you would not be able to do that, sir. You would take responsibility for them right now, and spend the rest of your life cultivating them away from an 'Evil Path'. Would you do such a thing for all villains you meet? No, you would turn them in to the local authorities, and expect justice to be meted out. If you cannot follow your own advice, you shouldn't give it.
"And finally, you talk of them not showing their evil nature.. Consider that one, Jonas. He is a manipulator of men. He has chosen to lead them along this course at every turn, even to this point, and he has chosen what decisions to make for the three of them. And their decision right now is to manipulate you. You are a tool, to him. If he could, he would use you to kill us, to kill everyone who opposed you. He has no morality, and all his regards for the consequences are whta he can get away with. Realize this now, Peerimus, and recognize that you are able to step outside of what he predicts for you.
"You see, I am a druid, and I may not be as powerful as you. But I am very disappointed in you. If it takes your kind of attitude to become such as you, I would rather give up being a follower of the Wold. I cannot think that the Wold would permit children to die, and I cannot think that it would want its servants to become such utter asses. And if you want to see who I mean, go downstairs. There are dozens of children there. They can attest to the Trash Gang's guilt. Out of the mouth of babes they can be accused. I ask you again, what greater damnation can be evoked, then that they murdered children?"

Syr 
Monday August 15th, 2005 2:53:17 PM
Syr kneels down and quickly binds Specialty Johnson (OOC: not in combat rounds, correct?). He also takes her nearby sword and slips it into her belt. Satisfied that two of the three rogues are disarmed and one immobilized, he listens to Florin, "Aye, I will not attack Roach but watching them leave with these folks is unacceptable. One I can guarantee will be staying behind." He kneels lightly on the rogues' back, pinning her to the floor.

Seeing Tionel speaking quietly with Peerimus he raises his voice, "Tionel, I think I've already proven that it's useless. It obvious these folk have no love for children or even slightest amount concern. Even right now, they are quite prepared to abandon the orphans. Frankly, I say good riddance." With heavy sarcasm in his voice he addresses Peerimus, "Please... run out on the orphans, they've gotten used to it, that's why they are orphans."

He pivots in place to the newcomer with the horse, "You are more than welcome to join us or you can join those who call themselves 'Children' yet embrace child murderers and abandon true children. Yes, you may question my actions but it should be obvious to all who in this room is on the side of good."

[That is correct. Not in combat rounds. --Al]

Firn'gaer 
Monday August 15th, 2005 3:33:16 PM
The new gnome begins to put his things on again on the stair. Quite fed up with the situation and the actions of the Shield, Firn'gaer feels the need to reiterate his previous comment.

"I've had enough of the ignorant comments." He says. "You have got to the be the dumbest bunch I've had the unfortunate luck of encountering." He says again standing on the lowest step. "We walk in, you attack them." He points to the rogues. "What if they had been with us. All of you would be dead. Where would that leave your children."

"You look like you barely held you own in here against the plants. We wandered the city to get here with minor difficulty. The summon monsters started to appear we dealt with them while most of you stood around the rogues to make sure they didn't do anything. That protected your children. Now knowing all this, you still taught us into confrontation." He say looking at Syr. "It's not that we don't like children, we don't like you. Call us baby-killers again and your luck might run out."

(Hope no one takes any of this personal. High-strung wizard in a tense situation.)

Niobe 
Monday August 15th, 2005 6:55:07 PM
Speaking to Syr in particular:
"You seem to have misunderstood us. We do not abandon anyone in need; in particular not children. Nor are we advocating letting anyone just walk off. We are saying that even those three; no matter what they have done, must be judged by the proper authorities in an official trial."

Niobe is on the verge of looking resigned. Even after all the terrible things that have just happend here, there is still a major hang up over the Anvil Hearts future fate.

Speaking to "everyone" in general:
"We do not know what deeds you have done or what status you have in this city, but you seem clearly emotionally unsuitable to carry out a trial against those three; nor do you seem to be official members of the local judicial system. Without a trial by whatever Courts are recognized in this city no punishment should be carried out as of yet."

"Instead of arguing why don't you give us an objective, logical reasons for letting you handle this instead of the Courts?"

Niobe certainly hopes that calm, unpersonal reasoning and arguements of logic will kick in and the emotional side will be toned down for a brief while. The orphans will not reap any benefit from fighting between the Children and the Shields.

((OBS! Niobe is using the plural form of you, not the single form.))

Niobe (addendum) 
Monday August 15th, 2005 6:58:04 PM
By the way, Niobe deliberately does not add any comment about Syr seemingly not being on the side of good in lieu of his most recent actions, but it was on the tip of her tongue!

Florin Jadenth 
Monday August 15th, 2005 8:19:26 PM
(OMG! I figured something bad would happen to Florin but never expected this, heck of a twist and some character work to do LOL.)

Florin screams when he is pulled into the light he seen earlier and can't believe his luck and what about Jella, the Shields and everyone else he trusts and things he has yet to do.

When he finds himself standing in the GG again at first he breathes a sigh of relief and is about to even cheer when he sees his previous body and then it disappear which causes a reaction for sure, "Ohhh good lord Domi, what has happened."

Right then the druidess speaks and leaves and suddenly it feels very drafty in the GG and Florin notices he is naked so quickly grabs his large steel shield which Domi's symbol up, "Ohh great, this is perfect....dear lord, females please atleast turn your back while some of us rearm and equip....I mean a paladin of Domi would atleast keep the decency to do that for you." Florin is blushing deeply and is holding the shield with all his might infronto f his private parts while waiting for atleast the girls to turn so he can rearm and equipme, glad that the buckles on his armor should adjust the armor to his size.

Thinking Florin calls out, "Shields, sound off, everyone here and okay? speak up now."

Florin glances to Peerimus and the others of that group argueing again and frowns, "I said no fighting from either side dang it. Peerimus, have your men and lady check to themselves to make sure their okay. From the looks we might have some "interesting" dilemas."

Florin now looks back down at himself, "Good gods and goddesses, how am I going to explain this to Jella or if I happen to return home my parents. A elf where a human use to be...well, atleast no more broken teacups maybe."

It's Been a Long Day - Both Groups (DM/Al) 
Monday August 15th, 2005 8:40:32 PM
There's a hush in the wake of Rosanna's departure. Not one so much of literal quiet, the groans and screams of those gripped by shock or pain still cut the air of the spacious main room of the Giggling Ghost. The hush is the unexplainable, intangible, mystic calm after the storm. So much more than quiet.

It's been a long day.

Outside the battered doorway, through which the giant Brundy had just recently shown his tail, the light reveals it's waning. Later in the afternoon, by the quality of the light.

Of the two groups, the Crimson Shields are hit the hardest by the transformations of the Knot of Drusis. They struggle in the grip of their changes while they try to keep the Anvil Hearts from escaping.

The Children of Chaos are left with their objective reached. More mysteries have been thrown in their path. But for now, they have nothing to do but wait. And waiting can be the most difficult thing to do.

Words fill the hush. Harsh words. Words of panic. Some words are a call to reason. Most ears do not hear the words, rather, they only hear the voices behind the words, and these voices carry the colors of this very long day.

There is a crack of wood, a movements in the foundation, or perhaps some trick of gravity, and the voices of both groups is interrupted by a roll and ting as a bottle, released from its secure moorings comes loose and rolls across a tilted table to bounce down the vine covered incline of the floor and smash against the far wall. It leaves behind a dark spot of wine and some broken glass. It is a reminder of how treacherous the tilt of this city has become. It is a reminder of what has come before, to bring each group to this place where they face each other today.

[OoC: Note that today's post is actually a series of four. Please read all of them.]


It's Been a Long Day - Children of Chaos (DM/Al) 
Monday August 15th, 2005 8:41:18 PM
Up since early dawn, the Children of Chaos have been in near continual combat ever since the first rays of the simulated sun. It has been a grueling battle down through the many levels of this tier city. They have reached their goal. But where have Lord Lorbius and Lady Celine gone? What could have drawn them away so abruptly? This is the place of meeting, there is no doubt about it. The sign outside depicts a laughing spirit. And who is the man here to whom Lorbius wished to speak? Could it be one of these Crimson Shields?

Who also is this mysterious armored stranger standing in the doorway with the jet black mount? Did Sly Foxx say that he also bore the tattoo? If the crone, Lady Watcher, is to be understood, this means that he too has the power within him. A power passed from generation to generation. A power that each member of this group shares. But how did he come here? And what might his coming mean?

So many questions. But for now, the group needs draw itself back together. The transformations wrought by the Knot of Drusis have been a shock. And there is also the conflict brought on by the presence of the three prisoners, the Anvil Hearts. The conflict brings a mounting tension that must be resolved.

This group local to the city, the Crimson Shields, they are caustic and disrespectful. And yet, the are clearly driven by a pain the depths of which may not be plumbed by any but one with their unique experience. Is it possible that life could have warped this small group of men and women, turning them into unreasoning killers? Or is, there, perhaps, something missing or overlooked? Something that might be gleaned from the listening ear? The watching eye? That, rather than the governing hand.

Is this the time for even the merest intimation of force, threats, or bombast? Is it true, perhaps, that those who truly know the use of power seek not to use it?

It's Been a Long Day - Crimson Shields (DM/Al) 
Monday August 15th, 2005 8:42:41 PM
Two days for the Crimson Shields. Two days since the first encounter with the purple orcs in the Crying Woods. The desperate all-night race down the river, only to find the tower of the Great Float in the grips of mighty vines, thick as cables, pulling at the city. Then the race to save the orphans. The death of Gordo. So much death. So little rest.

And now this new group arrives. They call themselves the Children of Chaos, and they bring with them the arch-villains the Anvil Hearts. Their superior strength is clear. Clear too is the fact that they impose their will on something that they clearly do not understand. Do they not understand how devastating the escape of these three would be? There is no telling what resources they still possess on Trash Level. And if vengeance is a dish best tasted cold, then Jonas has dined many an evening on cool slabs of roasted beef. How can these Children of Chaos support villains as vile and soulless as the Anvil Hearts have proven themselves to be? Could they be so deaf and blind?

Could they?

Or is it possible that hatred burns so brightly within the Crimson Shields that it outshines the justice and lawfulness of their intents? How else could the Children of Chaos not see that the Crimson Shields of Hope want no more than the rightful justice of the law? The lash of Jancassis can turn it's barbs upon the wielder. Vengeance is a two edged sword, cutting into the soul of both the avenger as well as those who have vengeance visited upon them. Perhaps they do not hear because the words of the Crimson Shields are spat from bitter mouths. All that is left to hear is the anger.

Hope. The Crimson Shields of Hope. Hope shines bright when things are at their most dark. Hope bears within its heart, the faith that justice will be done and that strength will banish the demons of hate. Hope holds the vision to see what is most important in life, and to preserve it, to ensure that the light of justice and virtue continues into the future.

How can the orphans down below be helped by struggling against this new group? The orphans, the hope for the future. Did these Children of Chaos not say that they came down from the Levels above? Perhaps they have a way to the docks? They seem to know about the vines outside. Maybe they know where everyone has escaped to as well. What sense is there in opposing them? What faith is there without relying in their sense of justice?

Get Happy - Both Groups (DM/Al) 
Monday August 15th, 2005 8:43:08 PM
From down below, the sound of young voices lifted song drifts up the cellar stairs. The tune is an old folk ditty from many years ago. Above the voices of children is that of a younger woman. There is laughter in her tune.

"I left the children with Daphne." Footsteps on the stairs. A bald head and full face graced with bountiful jowls appears from the darkness below. The corners of this man's eyes are creased with laugh lines, though today this face does not laugh. "She finally decided to bring herself bac ... "

Silence, as the man surveys the tableau of wreckage and ruin.

"Florin? Is that you?" The crest on the armor is House Jadenth. But this elf ...

The man's expression becomes a brief scowl as his eyes pass over the three Anvil Hearts, but he says nothing, and the look on his face is disappeared with the consummate skill of a master at prestidigitation.

"Greetings, and welcome to the Giggling Ghost," he says to the newcomers. His voice carries a weary note of irony. "My name is ... Happy, and I'm the proprietor of this mess."

"A gnome popped in downstairs and left some packages." He opens his arms. "I believe they're for you."

"Savin?" The man reads the tag and holds out a small box. When opened, a glittering light flies from within. "Where put tattoo?" the light asks.

"Firn'gaer?" A long wrapped package.

"Sly Foxx?" A big oblong box, heavy, and tightly bound.

"And, Peerimus?" Another tightly bound box of weight.

Happy looks around, staring out into the street past Jaeden Ohm and Dalek. "No more?" he asks. "I hope you don't mind if I ask your help in cleaning my place up in exchange for bed and board?"

"Though, I'm not sure when I'll next be having any other customers."

Peerimus [AC 28 HP 59/73] and Yorrick [AC 19 HP 61/73] 
Monday August 15th, 2005 8:43:35 PM
Peerimus takes in what Tionel says but shakes his head slightly, "Brother, I consider the matter of the rogues closed and repeating myself to help you and the rest understand what I have said is becoming a tiring exercise. I did not say actions are excusable, but forgivable. Is this easy? By no means. Florin has given his word and that is more than sufficient for me. Your friend Lang made the suggestion of them coming with us when we departed, I merely accepted the offer. I never mentioned the prisoners were to go free, they understand this. There are no actions they can take that will lessen thier sentence by the authorities of this city, as stated by Lord Loribus himself and will not go against his edict in any way. You insult me and our fellows by your suggestion that I would idly stand by and allow children to be harmed. You also incorrectly associate mercy with weakness and a lack of determination and for this I am disappointed in you. You also mistake the current situation of abuse and threat for death in the guise of revenge that I will not idly stand by and watch for one of initial confrontation in the defense of life or the pursuit of what is right. What I have heard is neither of these. What I have heard is blind hatred and desire for revenge written in blood."

"I believe what you say of Jonas and his desire of manipulation and to attempt to use myself and friends to his own gain. As to a greater damnation it is where you and I differ, where I see evil as evil and you see greater evils by deed. Do I believe the acts of these and thier clan to be evil, I do most assuredly. Do I believe the souls to be evil beyond hope of retribution? No, I do not. That may change, it may not. Nor do I believe it should be my personal lifes work to attempt reformation of them. I attempt to pass wisdom to others and thereby allow for the creation of a better Wold for all. In this matter I have merely been passing the wisdom that revenge and the desire to spill the blood of one's enemies no matter the cost is folly and leads down the path to darkness. I leave you with that and hope you will at least consider it before dismissing me and call I hear from Mother, just as I will consider more on what you have said." With that Peerimus turns a much darker cast to Syr.

"I, and indeed all of us, have been exemplary in our patience with your insults. That patience has reached its end in your regard. Do not try them again."

Angus Mage Armor, See Inviso Hp 18/25 
Monday August 15th, 2005 9:34:31 PM
Angus shakes his head, unable to clear it and speaks out. "More acursed druid magic we will have to undo! Tionel, I certainly like your city druid magic better." Angus is still clearly realing and then he hear Perrimus's foul insulting words.

Angus stands to his full height of 6 feet and points at Peerimus. "You presume too much. Lang asked you to leave the Giggling Ghost, not to take the child killers with you. Your group is obviously stronger, but you are not taking the assassin with you. How often do you use your superior skills to attempt to intimidate? Do you have a cause or do you just wander aimlessly? We choose to protect those less fortunate and not threaten them. You know nothing of this city as you are forgeiners here. I hope you never have to learn what it is like to get your hand dirty and have to bury children."

Angus throws out a warning as he watches the new big warrior comparing tatoos. "Jadeon beware of who you throw you lot with. If you like we can alway use a good sword to protect those weaker than themselves."

Angus catches his breath and looks at the drastic changes to the Crimson Shields. "Why?" is all else Angus can say.

Angus takes out his rusty dagger and moves over toward Specialty Johnson.

Ilsidur 
Monday August 15th, 2005 9:47:44 PM
Ilsidur greets the proprietor, "Pleased to meet you Happy. I am Ilsidur Wayfinder, and we are called the Children of Chaos. And it seems that we have a very chaotic situation on our hands. The city is being pulled over by huge magical vines. Druids and their animal companions are going crazy. And these people, who call themselves the Shields of Hope, are planning on executing these three prisoners. Any thing that you could tell us to help us understand the situation would be very helpful."

Then the dwarf starts to make his way awkwardly around the room, trying to straighten things out. He can't quite figure out how to get the tables and chairs to stand on the floor, however.

Jaeden Ohm & Dalek 
Monday August 15th, 2005 9:50:44 PM
***
Before the Entrance of Happy
***

In repsonse to Syr's offer and proclamation of righteousness the armored man shrugs.

"Since I've arrived not much has been obvious." He once again holds up his tattooed hand. "I only know that I've been marked, and it seems like this man at least can tell me something of what the tattoo means." he says as he indicates Sly.

For now he stands quietly with his horse, figuring there is enough going on without adding his own demands for answers.

***
After Happy's Entrance
***

As the proprietor finishes the armored man says softly to his horse, "Keep watch for us Dalek, I will see to your needs shortly." With that he secures his sword to his back and advances towards Happy, hand outstretched. "Good day to you sir, I for one would be willing to help you with this mess. Perhaps a simple task will help everyone relax."

He begins gathering debris and piling it by the door. Coming to a bulky piece he calls out to Sly for a hand.

***
If Sly helps him
***

"Thanks. And thank you for your earlier welcome. It's been difficult to find out whats going on. So what can you tell me about this tattoo we share?"

Jaeden ooc 
Monday August 15th, 2005 9:54:49 PM
bah... two posts from the time I started typing til the time I submitted.

Lang (ac 22; hp 50/67) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47) 
Monday August 15th, 2005 9:55:01 PM
Lang gathers his clothing and armor and puts it back on. After a few adjustments to the buckles on his armor he is able to get fully dressed. Everything is a little snug perhaps, but does not restrict his movement. This body is bigger than his old one, probably a good foot, maybe more.

He picks up his longbow and gives it a pull and almost snaps it in half. Got to be careful, he thinks, also much stronger than before. He stows it in his quiver.

He picks up his shortswords and tests them with a few swings. Whoa, this is not good. Way to slow and not as accurate as before. These muscles are getting in the way of my quickness. Where are those gloves? He puts on his magic gloves and swings again. Ahhh, better now the speed is back, but the accuracy is still off. Perhaps bashing through an opponents defense with his new strength instead of darting in and out with finesse will work better. He sheathes his swords and straps them to his sides.

All the while he is getting dressed and re-equiping himself, he takes in the conversation and actions around him. Knowing his current physical status limits him, Lang stands close to the Shields and waits to hear what their leader says.

Hopefully these Children of Chaos will leave, preferably without Jonas and his 2 thugs.

Jaeden Ohm (Illegal second post) 
Monday August 15th, 2005 10:00:53 PM

While helping tidy up the warrior responds to Angus. "Please understand my position. About two years ago this mark simply appeared on the back of my hand. Since then I have travelled around seeking answers, to no end. Now, one moment I am walking along a woodland path and the next I'm waking up in a tilting city being attacked by plants and strange looking orcs while not being able to clear my head of the remnants of voices I don't recognize." He sighs and bents over to pick up another piece of debris. As he stands he continues "As far as I'm concerned I'm not here to pick groups, I'm here to get answers."

Xenia (AC 22, HP 26/35) 
Monday August 15th, 2005 10:16:39 PM
"Gills?" Xenia watches as Tionel stands to go talk to the other druid-guy. Poor Wynn.

Xenia doffs her gloves and runs a finger over the bard's forehead. As an experiment, she touches the flap of one of his new gills, hoping, just hoping that he doesn't scream. It's soft and flutters.

Gills and webbed fingers ...

The conversation begins to heat up behind her.

"Wynn?" the rogue whispers. "Wynn, you ok? I mean, you hear it, Wynn? You hear what's going on? I mean, I'm all for throwing the Hearts back in jail. But, you know, I think things are getting a little out a hand."

The rogue worries her full lower lip as some of the Shields get more and more mouthy.

"Can you say something to them, Wynn? You think you can do that?"

"I think ... I think they're gonna get themselves killed."

Wynn 
Monday August 15th, 2005 11:45:52 PM
"Gills?" the bard's spirits sink lower. "By the gods, what ill have I done to warrant this? As if these abominations for hands were not enough..." Wynn reels under the mental anguish of what he has become. He senses Xenia's presence and the turmoil around him.

With Xenia's help he rises and draws his sword. Slowly and deliberately he places himself between Peerimus and Angus. He sweeps the room, making eye contact with each of the Crimson Shields. "There has already been too much bloodshed here. Those beyond this room have already judged the Anvil Hearts and they have been sentenced accordingly. I will trust these 'Children of Chaos' to return Jonas and his ilk to those authorities."

Turning to Peerimus, he continues "Do not judge us so easily. If it were not for the leniency granted by one of our own in days past, the Anvil Hearts would not have lived to destroy the orphanage. No, do not judge us so easily, not when the gods have so clearly judged us already". The bard's voice is flat as he speaks his mind.

Wynn turns the sword clumsily in his webbed hands and presents the weapon hilt first to Angus. With one hand still on the blade the bard holds the point to his own abdomen. "If there is to be blood shed, it will be mine. Will you take it friend? Are you that sure of what is right?" Wynn steps forward, the blade trapped between his torso and Angus' hands.

Florin Jadenth 
Monday August 15th, 2005 11:48:23 PM
(OOC:Quick question since I was going to work on my charactersheet sometime tomorrow. Since Florin is a elf, does he loose the extra feat he HAD as a human and the extra skill points he had? I figure he gains the elven traits I just want to know the whole run down. Moreless is he the same as before, just now a elf with new strength, dexterity and con? also does those stats given include the bonuses and penalties or do we have to add them in yet? Just making sure and thanks DM. :) .)

Florin frowns as he looks around and slips on atleast his basic pants and tunic of royal blue before speaking, "THATS IT!! All this crap going on and all we can do is argue. I'm sick of it.....look at all of us will you. We have people who have went through drastic changes, people who have gained or lost abilities or powers...we all are very tired, some injured and such.....this stops now!"

Florin looks to Syr and Angus, "I'm keeping the peace now. Happy is up here and no one is with the kids. You two go down and check on them and cool off. You take a good look at those kids and the hope they need. Right now that hope of living is everything not our grudges. This isn't asking either, as leader I say get down there and spend sometime with them, food and drinks will be sent down shortly."

Florin now looks to Peerimus, "Good sir, I handle my men and you handle yours. Calm him now please."

Florin looks to the other Shields, "We don't want the Heart's excaping and this group doesn't trust us much either so this is how it stands AS OF NOW. We tie and if we must we lock the Heart's in a room of their own. However one member of both our groups will be standing guard over them...The two people, one from each group will be someone who has a cool and level head about this matter."

Florin glances back to Peerimus, "If it's not asking to much sir we will probably hang around with you till those three and returned to the guards or whatever, however as of now I too considering this matter handled and over. I don't mean to sound high strung or anything but this bickering has gone far enough. If we must I say we set everyone to a task to keep them busy. Maybe some people getting food, etc. Mean while I think the Heart's should be taken care of. Locking them in a room while tied might seem bad to you but if we both have a man or woman there to see to them then surely that will be okay with you. I suggest a room with no or boarded up windows. I don't want them wiggling out of their ropes and fleeing."

Florin looks to angus also since he is probably not hiding his dagger actions and speaks clearly to him also, "Whatever your plans Angus forget it. Sheath it and go downstairs now." Florin sets his jaw and even in his elven form now he doesn't look happy.

[For a guideline on reworking your character sheeet, look up the Reincarnate spell on Page 270 of the PHB. --Al]

Florin Jadenth 
Monday August 15th, 2005 11:54:14 PM
(OOC:LOL, we posted at almost the same time Wynn. Maybe our combined posts will help clear the situation. :) .)

Tionel 
Tuesday August 16th, 2005 1:36:47 AM
Tionel glares at the other druid, outraged that the man is not listening to him, is in fact not listening to himself. "Like I said, an ass! Peerimus, the whole thing I said that I did not like about you was that you dispense wisdom, then leave! And you admit it in your own words! You say, and I quote you,
'Nor do I believe it should be my personal lifes work to attempt reformation of them. I attempt to pass wisdom to others and thereby allow for the creation of a better Wold for all. In this matter I have merely been passing the wisdom that revenge and the desire to spill the blood of one's enemies no matter the cost is folly and leads down the path to darkness.'
"Like I said... an ass! You give wisdom to others, but then leave. You say we should follow the laws of this city...what is it you call yourselves, Children of Chaos? Whose laws do you follow? Your own, no doubt! And then, you leave the area, happy to leave the mess of actually cleaning up to everyone else.
"Like Angus says, WE live here. We are part of the Floating City. We care for these orphans... we have raised them for years now. We have seen attacks upon them, we have protected them, we have DONE things for these kids. They are our family. What have you done? What will you do??
"As to the quality of mercy, listen to this, 'brother'. You know not our past. Let me explain, and listen closely.

"The Anvil Hearts leader sent a message to us. Jonas. He said, we had stolen his turtle. We had not. He wanted us to do a favor for him, one we saw no harm in doing; cleaning up some fungus that was hurting lower level inhabitants. He threatened to kill the Orphans if we did not do what he said. Even though we would do this task willingly, he threatened their lives. That was the first sign of his evil.
"We took care of the problem by an exchange of favors; we would fetch a druid's artifact if the druids would clean up the moss. As we came to the cave, we discovered Specialty Johnson and a dozen of her thugs, ready for a fight, waiting...for us we thought. So we attacked.
"I say we, but I am careful to say this: I pulled the group back from the fight. I said, 'Stop this violence.' I withheld our hand, and I commanded our group to not slay any of them. Maybe we had attacked the thieves by accident; we thought they were to ambush us, but maybe they weren't. Johnson, for her part, said she would not seek vengeance, and left with the remaining thieves.
"When we came back with the druid artifact, the Orphanage was on fire. Jonas, having received Johnson, decided we had attacked him. So he murdered orphans, following through with his original threat.
"Where do I go from there...? We hunted the Anvil Hearts without much success, and we tried to hide in ambush for them, only to be surprised by the hearts in a counter-ambush. But we turned the tide and managed to defeat them yet again. The watch showed up, and arrested all... we were freed, and the anvil hearts gang imprisoned, and that is the end of the story.
"So, the point of this is: I HAD granted them freedom. I stress that this was my own fault; the rest of the group was for killing them. I was the one who said, no, that we should let them go, it was a mistake. And then they killed the orphans as a result of my actions. As a result of my mercy.
"That is the entire story, brother. And if you say one more word of wisdom, and yet follow it with a 'I must be off', then I will devise a very humorous ditty about you that will outlive your reputation and outtravel your adventures, and all the land will know you as what you really are.

"No, I will make a productive suggestion, here. Children of Chaos, that is what you call yourselves. Give to Happy here, a neutral party for sure, a good sum out of the great riches that you must save. Say, five thousand gold each. I know you can afford that, for I have given an equal amount to the children in my time. I am not threatening you, or begging you even. Just asking you to prove your worth, before all the gods that you hold dear. You say that you are heroes, and demand justice. Act charitably, then."

Belkior 
Tuesday August 16th, 2005 9:47:39 AM
The halfling cleric listens to all that is being said by both the Children of Chaos and the Crimson Shields. It's new information to Belkior, part of the Shield's history before he joined them. It's surprising to hear the depth of feeling that some of his companions hold for the Anvil Hearts.

Having listened and considered, Belkior speaks from where he sits on the floor. "Wynn and Florin are right, the rest of you. Whatever Jonas and the others did, and I don't doubt your words, they were sentenced by the Floating City. Any punishment has been, or should be determined by the City."

The halfling pauses and rubs the cramped muscles of his thighs. "If you take justice into your own hands, without authority from Temple or City, you're stooping to the level of their crimes. Killing Jonas, and especially the unconcious woman, will make you no better than they are."

Belkior squirms, trying to get used to his new legs. "Would you trust the Children to return Jonas and the others to the custody of the City Guard? Or some of us could do it, maybe Florin and I."

"Now, can someone help me get my boots off?"

The Rogues (DMiT JohnP) 
Tuesday August 16th, 2005 9:57:39 AM
Jonas kneels to tend to the unconcious Specialty who is just beginning to awaken from Syr's strikes.

Continuing to speak to Peerimus, "You see what we can expect if you leave us with them? Even now, despite your words that one," gesturing towards Angus, "approaches to do violence."

"You hear only one side, from them. His words," pointing to Tionel, "describe what happened. How they stole our transport, and then attacked Specialty here. The fire ... it happened, that is true. But it wasn't me. Yes, the watch decided in their favour but there are reasons for that, too."

"We fought beside you, coming down from above. These ones, they'd rather threaten unarmed men and women than support you."

Pausing for emphasis, "Do what you think is right."

Roach has been standing by. "Umm, what he said, ya."

Angus (second illegal Post) 
Tuesday August 16th, 2005 2:02:11 PM
Angus looks Wynn in the eye "I lack the physical strenght to kill you cleanly. I know you new form is difficult to handle, but please consider other options. It is worth living. We will find a way to reverse the Shields curse." Angus bends close and whispers "Think of Xenia."

Angus passes Wynn and gives him his sword back and call out to Florin in elf form. "Florin, I do not trust your mind in its current elf state. I belive you are in shock from your change. Look at how the change has effected Wynn. Please get a hold of yourself, and put some cloths on before Belkior has to make you a cold remedy."

Peerimus [AC 28 HP 59/73] and Yorrick [AC 19 HP 61/73]  d3=1 d3=3
Tuesday August 16th, 2005 4:33:05 PM
Peerimus acknowlegdes Happy, "A Pleasure good sir and we would be happy to lend assistance where we may."

As Florin speaks up Peerimu answers, "I will do what I can, though perhaps a bit of labor would do the 'Hearts' just as much good. Tionel, if you will excuse me then."

Peerimus starts to step by when Jonas begins talking. "The discussion is over Jonas, become useful and assist in cleaing up."

The druid moves to an area where some plant creatures obviously were destroyed and starts dragging them towards the door. Looking towards Jaeden, If you don't mind assisting I can tell you what I know of the Chaos mark. I have worn it for almost 18 years and for the last 3 have begun to understand it."

"You see my friend, we are blessed and cursed simoultaneously. The tattoo's hold great power and can focus your inner strength, though I admit I do not know how to control it. We stand against the mighty chaos that seeks to unleash itself upon the Wold and remake it. I am Peerimus Son of Father and this is Yorrick, my guide and strength. The others are Ilsidur the dwarf, a cleric and fighter. Sly the elf, a Bladesinger and Luke, a unique creature onto himself. There is Savin, a monk quick of hand and mind and our lovely Niobe, from Dirt City I beleive. Last but not least is Firngaer, Wizard of Hook City. Our curse is that we and now you can not go home again. Nor can you make a home. The Chaos bell and the Crones pull us where we are needed that we might oppose the forces of Chaos. Not 2 days ago we were on the Southern Continent in a frozen wasteland the natives called The Ice Vein, over 10,000 miles away. Today and maybe tomorrow we are here and then." Peerimus shrugs his shoulders and gives a content smile. It is obvious he has made peace with this life and finds the gifts and joys the Wold has to offer where he may.

When the catacombs delivery arrives, he thanks the man and opens the chest. Extracting an amulet he drapes it around Yorricks head, "There my frined, this will keep you safer as we travel."
Peerimus then pulls out two ion stones which take up orbits at 1 and 3 feet. Then he dons his leather armor.


Savin 
Tuesday August 16th, 2005 5:41:01 PM
Savin strips off his shirt revealing a sculpted chest and bulging muscles everywhere. He also shows the intricate tattoos that mark him as with the curse/blessing of being a Child of Chaos.

He points to his chest and says, "Place the tattoo here. He then puts on his new equipment that he purchased and stows his potions in his haversack.

He then calmly walks over to Syr and looks down at him, menance in his eyes. "First off I am an orphan. I know the pain of losing your parents and not having their gentle hand to help raise you Luckily I was placed in a monastery with kind and gentle people who trained me to heal and help others.

Secondly everyone in this group has taken honorable wounds in the defense of innocents. We have braved vampires, golems, and even a red dragon helping the innocent. We wish we had a home, a place to settle down, little ones to raise, but we don't. We are pushed about like pawns on a chestboard. The fates' playthings. Even though we face this bitter life, everyone one of my companions keeps their morale high and the spirits strong. We do this through the good deeds we do."

He points at Syr, "I believe your a good man at heart. I believe that these three have wronged you. I believe this wrong has clouded your eyes and some of your companions eyes (he glances meaningfully at Angus.) and filled your hearts with blinding hate. So here is my final words to you. Tie them up, keep them secure, but if you attack them again or mistreat them, by Domi, whom I revere, I will see how well your training compares to mine!"

Jaeden Ohm (yet another illegal post) 
Tuesday August 16th, 2005 6:19:43 PM

At Peerimus' request for help and offer of information Jaeden happily obliges. With a grunt he helps lift one end of a particularly large stalk and with the Druids aid drags it towards his quickly growing, and somewhat unstable pile.

"So you're telling me that I'm being forced into service by someone unknown to me and against Chaos itself...?" He swallows heavily and tries to digest the enormity of this information. He tries to proceed calmly in light of Peerimus' relaxed acceptance of the matter. "Who are these crones? Do we know where they are from or what they represent? Do they have a goal in mind beyond simply 'stopping chaos'?" He tilts his head in thought for a moment, "And if as you say these crones send the 'Children of Chaos' to battle the forces of chaos, does that mean that it is that force that is behind the troubles this city faces?"

Once they drop their burden near the existing pile of debris Jaeden stops to consider the 'mark of chaos' he now bears. "You mentioned that a power is contained in the tattoo. Yet aside from being stolen away and deposited here in this city gone wild I've felt nothing. Is there anything else you can tell me about the tattoo specifically?"

ooc: sorry for all the illegal posts everyone... just trying to get up to speed. Promise I'll slow down once I've got a handle on everything.


Syr 
Tuesday August 16th, 2005 7:14:21 PM
With a twinkle of his new found intelligence in his eye he turns to the other group. Backing down he faces as many of the Children as possible and looks each in the eye, "You are right, I apologize. I may have misjudged you by assuming Peerimus spoke for all. I believe his exact words were 'They have free will and may join us or remain here with you as they see fit.' To me that implies two things: the first is that you are leaving immediately with no care for the children and two that these rogues may FREELY join you with no thought for turning them over to the proper authorities. It's good to see that you do not all share his lack of ethics."

Turning to Jonas he smiles in pity, "Surrendering your weapon was actually a very impressive move and caused me to reconsider my emotions toward you. Maybe you did learn something in prison. However, I really don't think today is the day to test that. That being said, you will agree that your partners never voluntarily gave up their swords despite being asked by the Shields and the Children?" Flexing his hands and looking down at them, "Jonas, you've faced me before and know that I am a person of action. If repeated requests are ignored, I WILL take matters into these hands. I know my own faults and being indecisive is not one of them. There comes a time when talking is useless and action is required. Their lack of compliance warranted a response. All here will note that I held back and struck to subdue rather than kill." Gesturing at the trussed rogue, "I have only one path to follow where the three of you are concerned and that is returning you to the authorities." With an introspective look he continues, "I freely admit that I solve things by the most direct means but be careful. Don't think I haven't noticed how you've played the Children with the 'we've spilled blood with you, look how mean they are to us' line. It's good to see several of them see it also."

His obvious respect for the monk shows and he is touched by Savin's plea, "Thank you for your words... umm... just one thing? Wasn't 'tying them up' what I was just doing?" He grins a bit wildly, "Now, I've promised no more attacks but can I just point out a small item?" He nods his head at Roach, "Doesn't that one STILL possess a weapon AND neither he nor Jonas appear to be ready to be bound?" He smile widens a bit further wondering if the monk will back up his own words.

Winking once to Florin to show that he's much calmer now he gives Angus a gentle nudge toward the halfling, "Let's go roomie, while Peerimus may have lower morals that some of the women that you see, the rest of the Children have given us no reason to disbelieve them. I trust the rest of the group to keep him in line. Besides Florin knows there will be consequences if we ever meet these Hearts again. Let us put our trust in him. His body may have changed (for the better) but it's still his heart and mind under that armor."

Crouching down by Belkior, "Angus, use that dagger on his other foot." He gently takes his own dagger and begins to work on the boot's stitching until the foot is freed, "As much as you have come to my aid, it's the least I can do." Once in the open he touches the foot tenderly, "What is it? Does it hurt? That could be awkward to explain but at least you aren't seven feet tall and unbelievably hairy." His spirits returned a bit, he hides a smirk as he glances at Lang practicing with his weapons.

(OOC: I really hope no one is taking offense, Syr is a bit headstrong and has WAY too much history with these rogues.)

Niobe  d20+13=15 d20+13=31
Tuesday August 16th, 2005 7:41:21 PM
(46/73HP)

"Sky Hook Peerimus, I am from Hook City not Dirt City; not that it matters here," Niobe adds off-handishly in a low voice as she makes her way over to Belkior.

"Brace yourself," Niobe tells Belkior as she begins help him get his boots off.

Once she has pulled off the halfling's boots she hands them back to him.

Niobe will help put the Ghost back to rights (as much as can be!) as Happy asked; however she will pay for room and board (even if it is just floor space).
Niobe will in fact carefully consider Tionel's monetary compensation suggestion though she personally doesn't believe he has any right to make that suggestion to them.

Niobe decides to not immediately step between any brewing fights; it could all simply be male posturing for all she knows!

Eventually Niobe will go outside and look up and down the street for any signs of the ortlings. If they decide to show up it will be one heck of a hard fight and she isn't all that certain that all of the Shields will be up to that fight; they are in too much (justifiable) turmoil at the moment. It will be 5 minutes or so until she re-enters the inn.

(Spot 15 up the street; the direction the C og C did not come. Spot 31 down the street; the direction they came from after being attacked by ortlings et al.)



Angus ( More illegal posting) 
Tuesday August 16th, 2005 7:44:23 PM
Angus mellow a bit, but still glowers at the rouge. Angus agrees with Syr. "Lets help Belkior."

Angus whispers to Syr. " I am unsure if the changed ones are still right in the head and I am positive that some that did not change definately are not." Angus smiles at Syr.

Niobe (correction of action if necessary?) 
Tuesday August 16th, 2005 7:49:18 PM
(If Syr and Angus help out Belkior then Niobe will not interfere, however I was writing my post when Syr must have been writing his.) :)

(Also if I do not remember incorrectly Niobe did indeed suggest assisting the Shields with helping to protect the children (though she didn't specifically mention any kids) before the druidess went haywire. This was when she also mentioned have the Hearts help out too - a decidedly unpopular suggestion.)

Firn'gaer 
Tuesday August 16th, 2005 8:31:47 PM
"Well my ill-fated companion," says the gnome wizard, "It's not quite that simple. The Destroyer will come. If we are not prepared everything else won't matter."

"From what Peerimus has seen, to save the city, the vines pulling on the tower must be stopped. We were heading down there when Lorbius and Celine diverted us here. They're gone and we have need of a guide."

The little wizard heads upstairs. "If everyone will excuse me. I have preparations to make." He moves upstairs and finds a stable spot in a hall or room.

Peerimus and Yorrick 
Tuesday August 16th, 2005 8:40:45 PM
Peerimus turns over his shoulder, Syr You were warned. My infintite patiance has come full circle as the infinite beyond curves and comes back to itself. You will now apologize, but not before I do respond to you and any others that seem to be having issues of understanding. Never before have I witnessed such raw stupidity and need to misunderstand simple and common words. I will repeat them a single time and I will talk more slowly so that your patheitc intellect might have the glimmer of hope at grasping them."

Peerimus continues striding towards Syr, "not more than 30 seconds ago Lang said 'If you do not like what the Shields are doing with the criminals then gather your belongings and go. If you are concerned over their fate then take them with you. But if the Shields find out that they do not end up back in jail, we will hold you responsible.' Did this not sink through your remarkabley thick skull. Of course not you are deaf as wella dumb, merely waiting your turn to speak, heedless of those about you."

Not 10 seconds after Lang proclaimed that if we wished, we could take the anvil hearts with us, I expressed not only the concern for the childrens safety but actually a means in which they could all be rescued from this doomed city. My companions and I could transport them away from here, but you did not hear that as well. For then you could not thump your chest and show how wondrous and bnevolent you are. You are a glory seeker, a showoff and demand personal recoginition for your deeds."

"You question my ethics, morals my very person. You seem wondrously happy at telling all about the great history and question our beliefs and steadfastness, while you know nothing of our past. You do not deserve to know for you are nothing but spittle upon the cheek of a madman."

"Repeatedly I have made it clear the intentions to return the prisoners to prison, but in deaf stupidity you refuse to hear it. Only a child thinks that when mention of leaving is made that it is immediate, and even that was made clear to all those with more intellect than a stone, but you appear to have missed that as well. Yes i will leaving, we all will, it is part of our curse and grand destiny to leave. We have no choice in the matter. When the Chaos Bell chimes we will leave. None of us have the great luxury that you do, harboring hate, needing recognition and striding about like a peacock at our own great deeds and self sacrifice."

Peerimus arrives directly in front of Syr with this last part. "And now to the point at hand, You have one moment to apologize" with the last words Peerimus shifts to a massive grey and silver kodiak, looking down at the man and waits.

Yorrick knows the tension and moves in to a spot next to the finally angered man.


Savin illegal post  d20+4=7 d20+4=12
Tuesday August 16th, 2005 9:28:02 PM
Savin turns and faces Peerimus. He holds up both hands and says, "My friend. Enough. You are letting pride get in the way of your wisdom. I know you better that that. It is obvious this folk, have battled each other in the past, and hatred clouds their wisdom. We don't possess that hatred, so it is up to us to see clearly for all. Please stand down.

Brother Syr is backing down and letting reason prevail. Would you flame the fires of discord again. We have all seen to much battle lately to start another over an apology. Count it as a miscommunication and move on. Go see to Firn'gaer. He has had a shock and needs support. You have grown the closest to him since he has joined our company. Go see to your friend. I will handle matters here."

Savin turns to the rogues and says, "I am glad you are being reasonable. Please put your hands behind your backs and I willtie you gently. If you are innocent, then you will get your chance to explain in front of the magestrate. If you resist, then I will assume that these Crimson Shields are speaking truthfully and your trying to turn us against each other. That won't be successful."

Savin will tie the rogues up. (Not his best skill. Rolled a 7 for Jonus and 12 for Roach)

Face Off (DM/Al) 
Tuesday August 16th, 2005 9:28:28 PM
Anger and insult still flares. The Crimson Shields may be a younger group, but there is great pride in them. And passion.

Calmer voices speak out. Calmer heads begin the process of clearing and rebuilding. But with a wary eye to a situation still explosive.

Happy listens quietly to Ilsidur. "Thank you, Ilsidur Wayfinder," he replies, "I've heard some of this from the Shields. They're a good group. Though I admit, that I'm a bit partial when it comes to them. They live just around the corner, and they saved our Daphne from the witches in the Crying Woods." His gaze drops to the ground and his face becomes hard.

"The whole thing with the orphanage ... it was more than a tragedy. I'm not saying who did it and who didn't. But those who did, and there were men spotted, would deserve execution in my book. You should have been here. The whole level filled with black smoke. It was like night. It could have been the whole level burnt to the ground. We could all be dead. Whoever it was ... " Happy shakes his head.

Happy greets the armored fighter, Jaeden. He and Sly begin gathering up debris and placing it just outside the broken doorway. It an be easily hauled away here. And a ululating cry from a far section of the Level remind the two that the pile of debris may provide some defensive protection against further attack as well. As they work, Peerimus introduces the rest of the group and highlights the life the group leads. Are these the answers that he needs, though? If there is a grand chaos to defeat, is this thing here? In this place? And how are they expected to go about this?

Jonas once more speaks out on behalf of his Anvil Hearts. This time he professes their innocence in the firing of the orphanage.

Angus, draws a seldom used blade, his intent threatening in it's uncertainty. Wynn interposes his body and stops the sorcerer. Yet is unable to sway his heart.

Tionel proposes ... charity. Not an unusual thing from him, as he has given so much money himself. And yet, what an unusual thing to suddenly ask of others? Is this a new calling?

Florin presents a concrete plan, fair and even handed. It is something Peerimus recognizes, as he recognizes the machinations of Jonas and the Anvil Hearts. But fair and even handed is possibly not what Angus is looking for.

It is Syrdeth Redbow who, in the end, draws Angus from his blade. The monk stands by the law, and they both take their knives to Belkior's boots rather than Specialty's flesh. Yet a bitter tang still lingers in the air. Syr's words cut sharper than his knife and most of his blade finds Peerimus' flesh. A stab at one who's back is turned.

Peerimus turns in anger, bitter words fall from his lips as well. Finally, he takes the form of a bear, towering over the elven monk. Yorrick, loyal to the end, joins him.

This cannot help but draw the attention of Lang, working his new body with old familiar weapons. Niobe lifts an eyebrow at the scene of male posturing. She looks into the street. Nothing moves for now. Perhaps it would be best to remain, in case the men get into something stupid. This may be more serious than she had thought.

Belkior, free of the confining boots stands on uncertain legs, the conflict just above him.

The stairs stand at a dangerous angle, and Firn'gaer stands at the bottom, temporarily stymied by the climb as well as drawn by the conflict. (DC15 to free climb. DC0 to use the knotted rope.)

Sly Foxx and Jaeden Ohm cease their gathering. Dalek, standing by the door, pricks up his ears. Tionel, and Xenia by Wynn's side are drawn to the conflict. Ilsidur turns from his conversation with Happy. Savin steps in with a voice of reason. Angus rises to his feet, Florin, unarmored next to him.

"STOP!!! YOU WILL STOP THIS AT ONCE! BOTH OF YOU!" Happy strides across the room, and though full in the paunch, he stands a goodly ways above six feet tall. "THIS IS MY PLACE OF BUSINESS! IT IS MY HOME! AND I WILL NOT HAVE THIS HAPPEN HERE! DO YOU UNDERSTAND? BOTH OF YOU?" Happy steps between the two, turning first to Peerimus.

"I will have your animals in my place. They're innocent. They don't know better. But you do. You use that form as a weapon, and I won't have you doing it in my place. Not unless it is in defense. You hear?"

"And you, Syr, I'm ashamed. I am actually ashamed. I can't make you do anything. I won't make you do anything. Nothing that you yourself don't want to do. I have too much respect for you to do that. But by Domi, I would hope that you would give this man his apology. Not because I ask. And not because he asks. But because you have a good heart, and, regardless of what you think of this man and his actions, you know it's the right thing to do."

The proprietor of the Giggling Ghost steps back. A look rests within his eyes, rides in the set of his jaw, a look of more than anger, more than determination, more even than a power of will. It is the look of a man who is the master of his home, a man who is a king within his domain.

"Well, gentlemen? What shall it be?"

Ilsidur 
Tuesday August 16th, 2005 10:54:27 PM
Ilsidur watches as the conflict plays out. Happy can settle things, he hopes. After cleaning up a bit, he makes his way to the stairs down to look in on the orphans, making sure that they are all in good health.

A thankful Jaeden  d20+2=9 d20+8=25 d20+6=14 d20+5=6
Tuesday August 16th, 2005 11:51:03 PM

So too does Jaeden stand back from the conflict, thankful that Happy has intervened. The man is smart enough to know that the best thing for him to do is ignore the proceedings, thus making it easier for all involved to back down.

He turns back to his cleaning, starting with some smaller pieces while the others are preoccupied. Each time he gets to his pile he makes sure to check in all directions [listen 9 spot 25].

Dalek continues to keep a look out [listen 14 spot 6].

Peerimus and Yorrick 
Wednesday August 17th, 2005 12:00:15 AM
With a small bear grunt the druid steps back from Syr and shifts again. Holding his hand slightly up, "No Happy it is I who should apologize. There is no excuse for my outburst, it shall not happen again."

Looking towards Yorrick,"Neyja A'avuaeh, Let us find some rest my friend with Firngaer. Tomorrow is will be here soon enough."

Peerimus moves to the stairs and shifts back to a bear and climbs up. [take 10 Climb for 19 check] Yorrick almost seems to nod and with a double grunt follows him up. [take 10 climb 19]

Florin Jadenth 
Wednesday August 17th, 2005 12:21:20 AM
Florin had put on his tunic, pants and boots before now goes about adjusting the buckles on his armor and packing them up since he plans to get rest tonight before putting the armor back on, "Thank you for stopping them Happy. It seems my words are unaffective as most of the time. The group asked for a leader, voted but yet either do not trust me enough or just do not like my decisions."

Florin straps his swordbelt on for now and then goes about helping move some of the mess from the GG, enjoying the work however even in his new body as this gives him a chance to see how well this new form will work. He is quite amazed at how agile he is now though and how certain efforts that were quite hard to pull off before are now much easier.

Before too late though he will speak to Happy, "Happy, we need some food and water for the kids and everyone. Can you see if anyone here has the ability to help with cooking and I will head down to check on the kids." On his way down to check on the kids and Jella for sure and explain why he is a elf now he calls over to Sur, "Friend Syr, would you like to join me? Anyone else is welcome too. Lang, you better not come down yet, we need to see about breaking the kids into the sight slowly and not scare them, no offense friend."

Florin smiles saddly to Lang and moves over to pay his large arm before heading down, calling out at the bottom of the stairs and hoping his voice is similiar enough to get Jella's attention, "Jella, you okay? come here please. All you other kids okay too? speak up everyone. Food will be coming soon."

(OOC:I figure a few hours will pass in the clean up period, etc.)

Niobe  d20+10=19 d20+13=20 d20+13=29
Wednesday August 17th, 2005 1:28:52 AM
(46/73HP)

Niobe is actually unsettled by the lack of movement (plant or otherwise) on the streets. This could very possibly be the proverbial quiet before the storm...

She walks back into the inn, finds as private a corner as she can and finally changes her clothing.
'There. Now to start keeping watch; the others really need the sleep.'

Since she only needs approximately 2 hours of sleep to be rested she doesn't ask any of the other Children of Chaos to help post watch. She'll more than likely manage to get a little sleep later on.
Niobe will sit and mend her clothing as she keeps watch (probably limited vision?) out onto the streets; and with frequent intervalls keeping an eye on the 3 prisoners.
Whether or not the Shields decide to post a watch remains to be seen.

(Watch rolls (primarily for noises outside of the Ghost!) Listen 19, Spot 20, SPot 29)

Syr 
Wednesday August 17th, 2005 7:12:27 AM
Hiding a knowing grin he responds to the big druid, "You really don't get me but it's okay."

Standing up straight, his not so towering 4'10" seems tiny next to the druid, "Apologize? Well yes, I admit that the loose morals comment was unwarranted and a parting shot that was unnecessary. For that I do apologize."

The elf can't meet Happy's eyes after his outburst but then smiles shyly, "umm Happy, I hate to say it but I don't think this will be a place of business until the floor gets leveled again. Lemme go downstairs for a minute and I'll be back to help clean up. If I have enough energy to quarrel with the bear guy, I have enough to help clean up."

Stung by Florin's accusations he comments on the way to the stairs, "Hey now, you asked me to stand down and I did!"

Wynn 
Wednesday August 17th, 2005 8:22:14 AM
Wynn returns his sword to it's sheath convinced that Angus and the others will provoke no more hostility with this new group of adventurers. The fate of Jonas, Specialty and Roach are of no concern to the bard as he walks dejectedly towards a quiet corner of the room.

Barely able to look at his mutated hands, the half elf turns one of the few undamaged tables upright and lays out his wand of healing. He reaches into his vest and retrieves a well balanced dagger, it's edge finely honed by hundreds of patient strokes of the whetstone.

Wynn positions the point of the dagger at the base of the webbing between two of his fingers and with a steady hand slices the new flesh and skin with a single cut. The pain is intense, but no sound escapes his lips. With the blade repositioned, a second cut excises the flap of webbed flesh from between his fingers.

Wynn drops the bloody knife and holds his wand CLW against his mutilated hand. The powerful healing relieves the physical pain almost immediately, but the bards anguish is obvious as fresh webbing forms between his bloody fingers.

Belkior 
Wednesday August 17th, 2005 9:41:47 AM
The halfling cleric rubs his lower legs and feet, glad to heve them released from his boots. Looking at his mutated limbs, Belkior mutters to himself. "Why, why me? How am I to get changed back to way a halfling is meant to be?"

Standing, he stands and totters briefly. The sloping floor of the Giggling Ghost isn't the best place for this, but he gradually gains confidence in his legs. Still, his armour binds slightly and he probably will have to purchase specially tailored pants.

Standing, Belkior moves over to the corner of the inn where Wynn stands. It pains him to see the half-elf mutilate himself, then apply the healing magic.

"Wynn, Wynn ... hold on there," and Belkior reaches out to pat the leg of his taller companion. "You and I both, not to mention Florin and Lang, we were changed by this magic. Maybe we can find a way to reverse these mutations." Belkior seems to be speaking as much to convince himself as to aid Wynn. "The Circle of Alder might know, since it was a druidic artifact. Or my temple, since Alemi provides healing magics. I'm sure that we can find some way to reverse this."

"What do you say? Think that we can find some way to reverse this?"

Angus  d20+7=21
Wednesday August 17th, 2005 10:15:15 AM
Angus laughs at Happy's words. "You are a wise one Happy. We are here for the long run and will help you clean up and get your Inn back up and running."

Angus looks to Syr "Lets concentrate on taking care of those afflicted with the Druids curse and not worry about pompous manners."

Angus calls to Florin "I will go see the kids as they do not know you in your new form. We will have to see if we can get you, Lang, Belkior, and Wynn changed back as soon as possible. We do not know how the curse will effect you in the long term. Remember we do not if you are even done changing or mutating." As Angus looks to Belkior and Wynn.

Angus looks back to Florin. "I think you should be the one to stand guard over the Anvil Hearts as you are the one that wants most to keep intact of all The Shields." Angus heads off to check on the kids, taking out his silver flute as he goes (perform 21). A light hearted tune can be heard desending the steps to the basement.

Xenia (AC 22, HP 26/35) 
Wednesday August 17th, 2005 11:47:04 AM
The girl rogue is about to burst. What with all this stuff going on, and them all about to get into another fight, and poor Wynn being the way he is. Or the way he's got to being that is.

STARS!

"WYNN!" Eyes wide with horror, the rogue rushes to Wynn's side as drops of his own blood fall to the floor. "Don't, Wynn. Don't. Don't hurt yourself. Please. Your poor hands. Your poor bleeding hands."

Tears well from Xenia's eyes as her hands fumble, trying to separate the bard from his blade.

"It'll be alright. Belkie, tell him it'll be alright. It'll be alright, Wynn." Salt tears mix with drops of blood. Xenia lifts one of his hands and presses it to her cheek. "'Cause you are who you are. It's not what you look like. It's what you got inside. It's the things you do. It's the things you say." Xenia places a kiss against the webbing between thumb and forefinger. "It's why I fell in love with you."

"Don't hurt yourself anymore. Please. Please, Wynn."

Tionel 
Wednesday August 17th, 2005 1:33:57 PM
Tionel ponders Wynn, but to himself, he knows it's a situation that the man must learn to accept. If he truly is a man... Tionel doesn't figure Wynn's mature or capable enough to, yet, but on the whole, decides silently to himself this might be a good learning thing, for him and for Xenia.
He turns his regards to the other group tiredly. He decides to go from each person, with his request, but also to try to get over the feelings of angst between them. Not Peerimus, who doesn't listen to him, or Firngaer, who has only shown that he doesn't like them for their attitude. Perhaps the others, though...
First he relaxes a bit, changing his clothes and taking a few moments to pull himself together. Then he approaches Niobe first.
"My lady Niobe," he approaches Niobe. "May I offer you a drink? At the very least, this happened in a bar... Happy, some ale from that keg there." Tionel puts a silver on the table, and smiles bemusedly as Happy reverts to automatic bartender behavior, filling a mug for both him and the lady.
"My apologies about all this prevaricating and conflict. If I may divert your attention from it for a second, I ask you a simple question, m'lady, do you or any of your companions like to sing? It is something which binds many of us in the group. Angus is an excellent flute player, really quite formidable. Wynn is a bard of some skill. Me, I perchance can carry a tune with some luck as well... Will you allow me to give a demonstration? Here..."
And Tionel sings for all present a nice little pleasant ditty...
(I'll post it in a bit..)

Sly and Luke (Sub George) 
Wednesday August 17th, 2005 3:23:13 PM
Sly seems to be a little quiet as he takes in the arguments, the apologies, the adjustments to new bodies and mutations. He is grateful that his roll of the artifact turned out as well as it did.

He wonders at the mutations he sees and thinks to himself. "Are they truly bad things?"

He decides to go up to Wynn and squats next to him. He places his hands on his arm and smiles hopefully at him. "I understand you are in shock now but think of the possiblities. You can never drown. I bet those web hands will make you swim extra fast. You live in a city floating on a huge lake. This might be a blessing in disquise. Look to the possiblities, not the liabilities."

He smiles at Xenia and continues. "Looks like this pretty lady doesn't mind them, your friends will accept it...who els matters?"

Niobe  d20+6=19
Wednesday August 17th, 2005 6:43:02 PM
Niobe turns to face Tionel as he addresses her. After he offers her a drink she motions for him to take a seat in one of the chairs nearby if he wants to.

"A drink and music actually sounds wonderful right now. Unfortunately I sing about as well as an alley cat, but Savin is really skilled."

Niobe grins, "You really don't have to call me Lady, Niobe will be fine."

She manages to avoid shrugging when the subject of the arguements come up.
"Tionel, you don't have to apologize. We are all weary and agitated by all the odd occurences and the invasion going on, so regarding our recent unfortunate conflict; it is all just a misunderstanding. We are just as guilty; our "people skills" are a bit rusty."

"I hope we can work together and that there are no permanent hard feelings."

Niobe darts a very brief glance to where Wynn and Xenia are sitting as Tionel sings, she hopes that all goes well with them; and thus will be keeping her distance just in case. It is certainly more than clear to her now why Xenia treated her the way she did.

The half-elven rogue will allow herself to relax and take the time to enjoy the music.

Also if Tionel is sitting (or standing) close enough to her she will secretly take a gold from her money pouch and slip it into his money pouch (while he is busy singing of course); with a huge amount of luck Tionel will be none the wiser. (Attempting to pull off a reverse Sleight of Hand here! Rolled a 19.) :)
It is of course very gentlemanly to pay for her drink as well, but his silver will be better spent taking care of the orphans needs. If she is able to pull this off then she might just be getting good at being moderately sneaky!

Niobe (grammatics ++) 
Wednesday August 17th, 2005 6:49:26 PM
((The "we" and "our" are references to the Children of Chaos as a whole, not as individuals. So what she means to say is that the C of C were just as guilty of prevaricating and conflict as anyone here! Niobe's attempt at a reverse sleight of hand trick is against the DC 20 (hence the huge amount of luck needed!); see pages 81-82 PHB 3.5.))

Lang (ac 22; hp 50/67) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+6=19 d20+6=16 d20+6=17 d20+6=25
Wednesday August 17th, 2005 8:40:59 PM
Lang hopes his fellow Shields can accept his new body until they can figure out how to change it back. He may be a Bugbear, but Wynn's and Belkior's changes may be more cumbersome than his in the long run.

Lang, knowing that he cannot change his body back to what it was at this moment, decides to put his new muscles to work. He starts hauling dead bodies out of the Giggling Ghost. Once that is done he will start sorting out the furniture, if at all possible with the way the building is tilted.

Everytime he ventures outside he will look up and down the street for signs of life, plant or human.

Spot checks 19, 16, 17 & 25.

He stations Sunshine in the doorway to act as lookout. "Sunshine guard."

The Afternoon (DM/Al) 
Wednesday August 17th, 2005 9:20:57 PM
The Wold breathes out. Tensions are banished in pockets, like the night lights of a city as they wink out here and there in the face of the dawn.

"Use this table, please." A jumble of tables and chairs, has piled against the downward wall of the slant. Though built to withstand the wear put on them, by the tavern crowd, with the inclusion of the influx of powerful adventuring groups, still, much of the heavy wooden furniture is broken, chairs cracked and tables shattered by their own great weight as they were thrown across the room.

Happy pulls a table from the pile, "it's still serviceable, but it won't last long with this split in the grain. Cut the legs down on one side so that it will stand level. I'll lay some food out on it. There's a hammer and nails behind the bar. You can nail some stops on the floor to keep it from sliding."

Slowly the floor clears of clutter and bodies. Slowly the Giggling Ghost returns to use.

Dalek, Niobe, and the dog Sunshine watch the street as clean up progresses inside. Oddly, the ranger/rogue from the Southern Continent is the only one with an eye on the Anvil Hearts. At one point Jaeden and Lang emerge with armloads of debris. They pause for a break and all five happen to glance up Dagger Point to the west. Hundreds of feet away at the corner, up the street through which the Children of Chaos had run and fought, an enormous mound of green, a hillock, slides northward and passes out of sight. Niobe recognizes it as a Tendriculos. The ranger/rogue recalls that when they had arrived at this inn, the doorway had been barricaded. Not an unreasonable precaution.

Peerimus and Firn'gaer make for the upper floor, surely the place for guest rooms. Happy confirms their suspicion.

"Left at the top of the stairs and all the way to the end of the hallway!" he calls after the pair as they climb to the landing above. "There are four rooms. The best in the house. You may have to clean up a bit. And if the plumbing is still working, there are baths. I'm not sure how much water you can get in the tubs with the slant, though."

Wynn Brightsong appears particularly distraught by his transformation. He attempts his own cure, drawing blood. Belkior, Xenia, and Sly Foxx of the foreign group all try to comfort him. Can this be so bad? Or ... are there ways to reverse the magic?

A troop of Shields follow the dwarf from the new group down to see to the orphans. The woman rescued by the Children of Chaos also meekly follows behind. Suddenly a head pops out of the wall, the head and shoulders of an attractive dark haired woman. The wall behind her shows through her body. She smiles at the group on the stairs.

"Happy?!? Is everything alright? I heard you shouting!"

"It's alright, Daphne!" the proprietor calls back. "Just encouraging the troops."

Daphne giggles. "Hello," she greets the bunch, "nice to meet y ... " She turns her head with an odd look. "Florin? That is you. hum hum-de-dum." The ghost turns in a circle in time to Angus' music. "That's a different look for you. Not bad. Just different. Hello. My name's Daphne," she introduces herself to Ilsidur.

"Oh, by the way, Florin, Jella's been asking for you. She just won't stay put and I've had to ask that nice man that said Syr pulled off of the street to keep her here, because she certainly won't listen to me."

Just then there's a crash and the startled cry of a male voice from down the stairs. A little dark haired girl comes limping as quickly as she can around the corner.

"Daddy?!?" Little Jella looks at the crowd on the stairs and does not find the person she expects to see. "Daddy?"

Sometimes change is hardest on the young. Despite their resilience, they seem the least accepting. What can one do but give them one's love, and hope that they will return it with trust?

Down below, Ilsidur finds many injured children worse off than Jella. Some of these children have lacerations. Many bear the bruises and broken bones of severe falls. One small boy lies unconscious. Blood bubbles from the corner of one nostril. It is clear that a rib has punctured one of his lungs.

Tionel takes up ambassadorial duties, approaching Niobe and striking up a conversation. He sings as the music of Angus's flute drifts up from the Cellar.

Late afternoon passes, and the light wanes. Happy puts out plates of cold beef and chicken. Loaves of bread, hard on the outside, but soft and flavorful in the middle. Cheeses, both smoked and spiced with a bite. Green stalks of celery, broccoli, and the white caps of mushrooms. He adds a bowl of bruised peaches, sweet and full of juice.

From a drawer, Happy removes some torches, glowing with everburning light. Placing them in sconces along the wall, he illuminates the room. Soon it will be dark. Soon it will be night.


Wynn 
Wednesday August 17th, 2005 10:57:28 PM
"I hope you are right Belkior, for my attempt at reversal has failed miserably." The bard raises his bloodied hand in mute evidence to his observations.

When Xenia rushes forward the bard's first reaction is to withdraw his deformed hand from hers so that she might not see it, but her insistence pays off and he does not withdraw. "It's ok Xenia" he replies, not really knowing what to say.

Things are not ok, but the bard keeps his worries that these changes are but the beginnings of an even greater change to himself. He takes little solice in Sly's suggestion that there may be some good in all of this.

Jaeden - Nighty night 
Wednesday August 17th, 2005 11:20:04 PM

While eating Jaeden reiterates his earlier questions to Peerimus. "So Peerimus we didn't get to finish our earlier conversation. Who are these crones you mentioned? Do we know where they are from or what they represent? Do they have a goal in mind beyond simply 'stopping chaos'?" He tilts his head in thought for a moment, "And if as you say these crones send the 'Children of Chaos' to battle the forces of chaos, does that mean that it is that force that is behind the troubles this city faces?"

He listens to the Druids answers and probes for any additional information he or the others might have, no matter how small and seemingly insignificant.

Sometime after dinner he rises to take care of Dalek. He strips the horse of gear and brushes him down. "Anything for Dalek here Happy?" He moves the horse away from the entry way and sets out the food for him (from his pack if Happy has nothing). With his Dalek now cared for he moves back to the front door and the pile of debris just beside it.

"Unless anyone minds I'm going to block off this doorway. An hours extra work between now and morning will allow me to rest much easier. Happy you ok with this?"

Once his work is finished Jaeden moves to an area near Dalek and strips his armor, taking care to clean and make minor repairs as necessary. His armor he stows between the horse and himself. His sword too sees some care before he lies within upon his bedroll. The magnificant sword beside him almost matching his six foot height.

"If anyone needs me to take a watch wake me up when I'm needed." Nothing more is heard from the warrior aside from the measured breathing of sleep.

Florin Jadenth 
Wednesday August 17th, 2005 11:37:47 PM
Florin greets Daphne and chuckles abt as he nods, "Yeah, this body is going to take alot of getting use to. Not that it's overly bad so."

Florin almost winces when Jella comes running up and he is at a loss on how to approach her on this whole matter. After a few moments and finally a deep breath he moves foreward and kneels, knowing his normal clothes themself should look familiar to Jella, let alone the equipment of his near him, "Jella, please calm down and listen." Florin ponders how to continue and decides to go for the straight approach like he would normally do, "A druidess was here with a special magic item that did some very...well...different things to some of us. Please try and trust me Jella, you know me alot better then anyone after all the time we have spent together. Come here so I can look at you. Are you okay? nothing really badly brokem or anything?"

Florin waits patiently for any reaction from Jella and glances Daphne and Syr's direction, whispers over to Syr, "Syr my friend, you knew Jella and have that little ear joke with her so try and help me out please...she has to trust you also atleast alittle."

Niobe  d20+13=30
Thursday August 18th, 2005 3:01:49 AM
Niobe watches the tendriculos moving down the street. She watches to see if it is showing any behaviour indicating some sort of tracking ability, or if it's movement are purely random. Niobe also looks to see if there are other plants creatures coming and ortlings.
(Spot 30)

"There is a tendriculos coming. There are still too many of us that are injured from previous fights, so I cannot really recommend fighting it," Niobe call into the others from the doorway (where she rapidly moved to upon immediately spotting the plant), "We need to barricade all doors and windows well."

Niobe thinks back at what the tendriculos were capable of. She doesn't remember much, the info must not have stuck due to the high stress situation.

[To any of the Shields within earshot]
"Have you fought any tendriculos, shamblers or ortlings earlier?"

Niobe peers up and down the streets looking for those dreaded puprle orcs; she even looks up at the roofs just in case. She visibly shudders as she "remembers" that most of her injuries were due to ortlings.

((I checked the game 4 board for info on the plants but I just couldn't find it. Were the Tendriculos the plants with teeth?))

[Um ... yup. ^_^ Hehehe. Plants with teeth. -- Al]

Tionel 
Thursday August 18th, 2005 6:03:51 AM
Tionel tries to soothe feelings, but he's also just very tired. He finds himself nodding off. When he hears others talking of preparing, he says, "I will continue my job of securing the basement, and sleep down there with the children tonight. But I fear other than that, I am useless... I am entirely out of magics, all my items I've ever gained are gone. I am not a good swordsman, especially now that I'm weakened by that artifact...
"Basically, I suggest that in any battle, I will be a hindrance rather than a help. I'm very pathetic, I must admit."
The elf looks very happy to be very pathetic and useless, at least, to admit that, so that he can withdraw from the fighting. To the Children of Chaos, this might seem like cowardice...to the Shields it's because they know that he just never has liked fighting or bloodshed.

Xenia (AC 22, HP 26/35) 
Thursday August 18th, 2005 8:33:54 AM
Xenia's green eyes lift to Wynn's of blue. He's worried. And he's 'fraid. And lots of other things. And it squeezes at the girl rogue's heart. All the anger of moments ago is gone. (Well not completely. Girls remember.)

She grabs Wynn's hand, holding fast to the tough membrane.

"C'mon." Pulling the bard behind her, Xenia heads for the stairs.

"We'll be right back to help, Happy. We gotta go talk to a guy. We're off to see the Wizard."

"That guy, what's-his-name, he's a wizard, Wynn." Hand over hand, she uses the knotted rope to pull herself up the stairs. "I mean, he's got problems of his own right now. But I bet he's working on it. And I bet fixin' his problem is prob'ly not too different from fixin' yours and Belkie's and Langs. I mean, even if he can't do it himself, least we can find out maybe how to do it. Or where to look. Or even what it's called."

"It's a start, huh?"

Down the hall, the girl rogue knocks at the door.

"Mister Wizard? Mister Wizard?" Um, er, what was that name. Sumpin to do with plants. Ferns ... "Um ... Mister Firn'gaer" Xenia opens the door and steps in. "Please, er, pardon us. I mean, I know how wizards need their rest and privacy for like study and magics and the like, but I was hoping, I mean, we were hoping, you know, that you might, like, be able to help us."

"I mean, you can see, like yourself, that my friends, well, they got turned into different things. Things that they don't necessarily want to be turned into. And, I figured, as you were a wizard and all, that maybe, I mean, you know, just maybe, you might be able to help us."

Angus  d20+7=18 d20+14=31 d20+7=24
Thursday August 18th, 2005 8:45:59 AM
Angus continues to play his flute (perform 18)in the basement for the kids and to calm himself. Angus thinks "What are we to do to reverse these curses from the druids?" (spellcraft 31 and Acane knowledge 24)

Angus comes over to the new elven Florin and slaps the much smaller man on the back "Buck up man, we should be able to get you changed back." Angus then looks to Jella "We will try to get your Daddy fixed as soon as we can, he got a bad dose of magic"

Angus goes back up stairs to find Wynn "Wynn, it appears that most of us were cursed by the druid magic. THe Druid claimed to be a membre of the Circle of Alder. I think our first course of action after the security of the orphans will be to track them and for consultation on these curses. Any thoughts? Other options are various forms of polymorph I can reseach with the proper time..."



Peerimus and Yorrick  d20+13=29
Thursday August 18th, 2005 12:39:48 PM
Peerimus does his best to answer Jaeden's questions to help him grasp with what it means to be a Champion of Chaos. "Let me start good man by saying the word in of itself misleads. Chaos is a brand placed by man, in a broader sence we are heralds to change in all forms. Before the Bell brought us here one of the crones, 'The Watcher' gave us indirect insight to what has, is and will transpire. I have spent a great amount of time with these revelations and will try to convey them."

"Chaos is power and Order is purpose. We, and now you are called to prevent these two ideals from becoming one. There exists an Avatar of Chaos, 'the Destroyer' and he is marshalling himself and gathering his power to enter th Wold. We are to speed his entrance and thereby deprive him of gathering all that he desires before entering the Wold. In this way, another age of Anarchy will be prevented."

"There exists 5 signs or articles of power. we have one of these and are now firmly on the path to recover the other 4. The Watcher gave to us a poem.

The Vision is to Find Him
Chaos Bane to Bind Him
The Circle Knows the Way, and
The Chime will call him to his Fate
Then when at last, you have him Slain
The Shroud will Offer Up his Soul


"Before the Bell tolled she bid us ask anything we wished, and you should also have those answers Jaeden."

"Savin asked of the tattoos.
The tattoos are not power. They contain only enough power to find you, and to choose. They feel. They perceive. They may even speak with the voice you all share. But they have little in them of power themselves."

"Firn'gaer asked about the power itself.

The power has many names in the tongues of man. This is because man rarely has the vision to see beyond the smaller part that is before him to the larger whole beyond. Chaos, Entropy, Destruction, Creation, Birth, Death, Decay, Inspiration, Love, Hate. They are all manifestations. The power is the force behind all Change. It is us and we are it."

"It has always existed. And yet, as the cosmic winds sweep the voids of existence, there come times when Chaos grows together. It collects and builds. Those who would use it to their own ends feel the power, and are drawn. Those like this Mage. Chaos will gather. Then, at it's peak it will rise in the form of an Avatar, the unstoppable Destructor who will bring about an age of wild and helpless Anarchy."

"As such times rise, as they begin, there have always been the Eternal Champions. They have a special bond with Chaos. It knows them. For as they are its bane, they are its salvation as well. All peoples hold a connection to Chaos. Some more than others. The Artist. The Revolutionary. The Madman. The Murderer. Through their greater strength of will, many mold Chaos through tools of Law. The Eternal Champions come from those with the strongest of connections. It has always been so. Ever they have come together to raise the Destructor before it's time. And through their perseverance, they dispel it, sending it back to the Everall. As such, Eternal Champions, the power has always been yours to use."

"Not all have succeeded. Many ages have been Anarchy when the Eternal Champions have met defeat. Many ages too, have been reigned by ridged tyrannies of law as the Champions in their pride or zeal destroy the Avatar rather than resurrect it. For, surely, two more names for Chaos are Compassion and Freedom. Without a balance between Chaos and Law, Good and Evil become indistinguishable."

"Ilsidur Wayfinder was tasked."

"You have been long with the Champions. Even through the loss of your god, your faith has remained. In your perseverance, you have shown strength of character. Will you hold the center and provide the balance between Chaos and Law?"

"I hope this assists you and that you are still able to sleep this night."

Peerimus now does retire upstairs, an eye over his shoulder to those who question him, now have a greater piece of the puzzle, perhaps it may help them as well. The druid and bear locate Firn'gaer and if needed he pulls a second bed or what is left of one to the same room. "No one should be alone in this city, especially as darkness falls. The plants do not need rest as you and I and with the artifical environment I do not know if they will realize it is even dark."

Peerimus will spend a few moments looking out the window at the streets below. [Spot 29]

The door then opens and he turns towards it, "Xenia, do come in. Please. If I may add something to your diliberations. Wynn and the others have been instantly reincarnated through a powerful artifact. Something that normally requires the creature to already be dead. I unfortunately can add no more actual knowledge, beyond this." Peerimus then essentially get out of everyone's way, "If you will excuse me, I am going to check the security of this floor so you may have some privacy, assuming you don't mind Yorrick."

The great bear has already decided on a section of floor and has laid claim to it as his.

Firn'gaer  d20-1=17 d20+22=36
Thursday August 18th, 2005 12:59:32 PM
[Climb check DC17]

The wizard has found a quiet spot to clear his mind and focus on what needs to be done. He's changed. It is a strange situation for so long to have looked down at others only to find oneself now looking up. Very strange indeed.

"I would have to agree." He says and nodds to Peerimus as he leaves. "Myself and the others that have undergone more than a cosmetic change. I am a gnome. The other is a bugbear. Only the most powerful mortal magics can reverse this change." He says rubbing his gnome beard as he did when he was human. "As far as the minor changes, and I mean in comparision to myself and the bugbear, I don't think there is a simple way of reversing the magic. It may not be as difficult as reversing the reincarnation, but still not simple."

"These days test our resolve. I am using this to test my own. Give myself a clearer measure of myself. I would suggest that the others do the same. And when everything has settled, then I would look to reverse, should I chose, this form."

[Spellcraft DC36]
[If space & tiime permitting, he will begin to scribe one of the spells into his book. Not sure which one yet.]


Syr 
Thursday August 18th, 2005 3:24:19 PM
Syr bends down to the small girl, "Don't worry little one, Florin is a bit changed. Personally, I think it's improvement. See? Look at his new ears, they match mine. We use them to slice through the wind when we run." He grins at her revealing the jest.

Syr looks Florin up and down, "By the way, I like the look but you may want to tighten those straps." He gives the new elf a thumbs up.

Seeing the merchant he gasps, "I forgot all about you in the action!" Shaking the man's hand vigorously, "You gave it a good run before succumbing to their poison. I'm Syr and that ill- fitting armored elf is Florin. What's your name?"

Belkior  d20+7=20 d20+18=37
Thursday August 18th, 2005 3:31:43 PM
After commiserating with Wynn, the halfling cleric returns to his tending of the injured in the two parties.

"The children," Belkior suddenly thinks. "I remember treating some of them before, but I should see how they are doing."

The small cleric makes his way to the basement stairs. "Hmm, these new legs are more nimble and quick. Let's try this." After studying the way forward, he leaps down to the basement level, avoiding the stairs. "Hey, that was easy!"
Jump = 20, untrained

Once down in the basement, he takes his time examining the children. When he finds the most sorely injured child, the one with the punctured lung, he removes his Wand of Cure Light Wounds from his haversack and heals the child.

After doing that, he prepares to set up a small centre of healing, trying to help the children and his companions recuperate overnight. As he does so, he removes some rations from his pack and shares them about with anyone who hasn't had food come down from the kitchens.
Long term care, Heal = 37

Before settling down for the night, he offers his healing services to any who are also in the basement.

The Rogues (DMiT JohnP)  d20+6=26 d20+14=32 d20+9=14 d20+8=27
Thursday August 18th, 2005 3:51:25 PM
The three rogues sit against the wall of the lower floor of the Giggling Ghost. Specialty shakes her head, continuing to be bothered by ringing sensation even after awakening from the beating administered by the elven monk.

Jonas looks about, counting the people present. The female rogue is upstairs, and most of the rest of the Shields are downstairs. There are only the ranger and his dog, plus the despondent bard and the mage has just returned. Most of the Children have also moved off elsewhere. Of course, most are preoccupied with fortifying the front of the Inn.

Jonas stands and motions for the other two rogues to get up. They make their way back to the kitchens, probably looking for some food since none of the Children or Shields thought to feed them. Jonas remembers the Ghost from a previous visit when he had a chance to scout the exits.
Knowledge Local = 26, natural 20

As they move, the three rogues are trying not to make any noise to disturb the two groups. Specialty is still wobbly on her feet.
Move Silent rolls: Jonas = 32, Specialty = 14, Roach = 27



Savin  d20+13=26 d20+9=29 d20+10=27
Thursday August 18th, 2005 4:25:40 PM
Savin sits watching the commotion and notices the rogues starting to get up. He will come silently to his feet and glide up behind them.

"Please sit back down!" he will bark in a stern voice. "We can't have any foolishness from you three. I am just to tired for it." Savin will call Sly over and ask, "Can you and Luke check their bindings and watch over them while I start to get some food prepared?" With Sly's nod Savin will retire to the kitchen but suddenly thinks better of it.

He will dart down the stairs and look over the children. He will select 3 of the older and non hurt ones and recruit them to help him. He will set them to chopping carrots and peeling potatos while telling interesting stories and juggling vegatables.

Soon laughter will be heard from the kitchen hopefully attracting even more children, diverting them from their woes and making them smile.

Amazingly through all the chaos, an incredibly delicious stew is made and fluffy bisquits just seem to appear. The Crimson Shield's if they take the time to notice, see a totally different side to Savin. He isn't only a efficient killing machine.

spot check 26
cooking profession check natural 20 (29)
perform check 27

Sly and Luke  d20+1=3 d20+1=3 d20+1=21
Thursday August 18th, 2005 4:32:25 PM
Sly will hear Savin's request and move over to check the rogues bindings, "I am not very good with knot but Luke and I will keep and eye on them.

Sly checks Roach and Specialty J. first and the ropes seem fine to him, but Jonus's are getting lose and he tightens them effectively.

"Please sit down and wait for Savin's cooking. You won't be disappointed in what you get. He has a special touch."

Sly will give a conspiritial look around and ask, "So how do you break out of prison?"

Luke will settle down with his head between his paws and watch the rogues. He growls, "Stay put and no funny business!"

Rope use Roach 3
Rope use Spec, J. 3
Rope use Jonus 21 natural 20)

Lang (ac 22; hp 50/67) & Sunshine (ac 19; hp 47/47)  d20+6=13 d20+6=22 d20+5=12 d20+5=20 d20=17
Thursday August 18th, 2005 9:30:16 PM
Lang continues to haul out debris and sort out the furniture. His new muscles are well suited for the task. While working he notices the cooking smells coming from the kitchen. What is weird to Lang is how soon he noticed the smells from the time that Savin and Happy went into the kitchen. He breathes/smells in deeply. Wow, he thinks, a lot of smells are apparent to him. Could this be part of his transformation into a Bugbear?

He takes a break to get some food that Happy and Savin have provided. He mumbles thanks and moves back towards the front door to eat in silence with Sunshine. Once done with the meal it appears that people are starting to settle in for some rest. Lost in his thoughts about his new body, he stays by the front door with Sunshine to guard.

Lang and Sunshine are resting comfortable when he notices something amiss (spot and listen numbers --10 for distracted).

Lang spot 3
Lang listen 12
Sunshine spot 2
Sunshine listen 10
Lang scent 17

Sitting there by the front door, watching for movement outside, his sharpened nose picks up the smells of people moving from behind him within the Giggling Ghost (might be a stretch here, but trying to role play new character). Knowing that everyone is settling down he turns and sees the rogues in what looks like an attempt to escape. Before Lang can really react Savin jumps down their throats and orders them back to their spots. Lang is fascinated that his sense of smell alerted him before his senses of sight and hearing did. He wonders how this ability will help his tracking skills.

Lang approaches the rogues to support Savin if they attempt anything violent. After Sly checks the ropes, Lang goes up to Jonas and breathes in his smell. Now I do not think he can ever escape me.

Night Fall (DM/Al) 
Thursday August 18th, 2005 9:44:26 PM
The bard of the Crimson Shields smiles, but cannot shake the idea that the transformations to his body are possibly part of a progressive mutation, something that may take him to further from his natural form to results unknown. In fact, he is not alone in thinking the effects of the Knot of Drusis a curse. The thought runs through the minds of many of the Shields. It comes out in their mutterings.

Xenia feels the pain from her friends and comrades. Leading the way, she heads upstairs to ask the help of the powerful adventuring group that has made it's way to the Giggling Ghost. Peerimus knows of the Reincarnation spell. It is druidic, and is a thing not entirely out of realm of his own powers to perform. He attributes the changes to such a thing.

Firn'gaer distinguishes between the more broadly encompassing changes that have happened to himself, Lang and Florin, and the changes of smaller scope that have happened to Wynn and Belkior. He speaks of powerful magics that might counter these effects. Inside, both he, and Angus contemplating the same question below, ponder whether the powerful Wishing spells or the divine Miracles called by priests might reverse the changes wrought by the druidic artifact. Angus, in fact, proposes a visit to the Circle of Alder in their mansion on Gold Level.

After the small delegation from the Crimson Shields takes their leave, the wizard ponders his options. There is much to be studied. It is one of the annoying aspects of adventuring that so many interesting things are thrown one's way, but as it is happening, there is no time to properly study them! Even with the ring he wears to sustain his body, there would not be enough time to both gain the rest he needs for a full day's complement of spells *and* to scribe one of the very interesting new scrolls to his spellbook. It must be one or the other. Such a vexation.

==

Jaeden Ohm, plunged into a confusing morass of conflict and mystery, asks further questions about the crones. In reply, Peerimus gives him answers that wander to the depths of the essential nature of conflict within the universe and the soul of all beings. The words of Lady Watcher explore the nature of Chaos in every being, and what life would be without it. Such are the things at stake. The cosmic balance of all things. Jaeden Ohm finishes the barricading of the door and finds his rest on the hard slanted tavern floor. There will be much to think about. Much that may fill his mind through both waking and sleep for some time to come.

==

A detailed map of the Giggling Ghost within his head, Jonas rises quietly to his feet. Ignoring the table of cold food, he and the other two Anvil Hearts make their way to the kitchen.

Only to find Savin arrive to provide for them. And to provide against their escape. Lang too scents the possibility and turns to provide support. The ranger begins to experience, in a real and visceral sense, what he has only before seen in his loyal friend and companion: the sense of smell.

Leaving the Hearts in the capable hands of Sly and the magical dog Luke, Savin gathers a crew of cooks serving up a delicious hot savory stew with warm biscuits to supplement the cold fare of the Giggling Ghost.

==

Down below in the Cellar, a wide-eyed Jella stares at the elf as he speaks to her in a familiar voice. The dark haired child looks up at first Uncle Angus and then Uncle Syrdeth as they say things about magic and changing. Her small hand reaches out. Little fingers touch an ear, tracing their way up to the pointed tip.

"Daddy!" Little Jella buries her face in Florin's chest, her arms cling to him. "My leg hurts."

A man comes around the corner. The merchant that Syr had rescued in the street. "I'm sorry, once she hears the voices she was so set on seeing who they belonged to." The man looks chagrined. "She caught me off balance."

"Dadun Polix," he returns, Syrdeth's grip. "I'm not usually in on the Float. I came in from Plateau City on the teleporter for some business. I wonder what's happening at home?"

==

Belkior begins tending to the orphans. Tionel rearranges the room to provide comfortable sleeping arrangement for the night. They would surely have to spend the night down here, and the children could not be expected to sleep on wine kegs.

Belkior brings out a healing wand and touches the boy with the punctured lung. The blood at his nose ceases it's bubble. The boy's chest rises and falls with a more regular rhythm. Moving about the room on quiet cat feet, the healer of Alemi tends to the wounded, finding that most of the work is setting broken bones. Young bodies heal. Given time and rest.

==

As darkness descends outside, various members from both groups watch the streets with care. Lang replies that he has never encountered a plant creature like the one that had passed by in the distance. Though his hatred of plant creatures and knowledge of nature surely tell him what this thing was. Shamblers and the orcs, but nothing of that size.

The Tendriculos does not reappear. The door is barricaded. Peerimus looks out into the street from the second story. There is no movement. Distant cries from the darkness speak to the presence of things on the streets of Fence Level, but none makes its way past the inn. Where are the hordes? Perhaps that is a question best left unanswered.

Fence Level of Floating City, usually lit at night with the evening commerce of inns and taverns. Tonight the level is wreathed in darkness. The boarded windows of the common room at the Giggling Ghost jealously hold the light from the street outside. From the second floor, only the eyes of elf, gnome, and bugbear see the cobblestones below. Peerimus and Firn'gaer find the beds in the suite large and exceptionally comfortable. The clean white linen sheets had been places before the tilting of the city and the invasion from the Crying Woods only waiting for the next guest. Yorrick settles on the thick plush carpet.

Niobe stands watch on the second floor.

Night has come to the leaning city in the middle of Turtle Lake.

Wynn Brightsong 
Thursday August 18th, 2005 10:30:54 PM
The troubled bard follows Xenia and listens to the counsel of Firn'gaer and Angus but takes little heart from their words. As night falls, Wynn finds an unoccupied corner of the Giggling Ghost where he and Xenia can rest. He makes the rogue as comfortable as possible before spending a few quiet moments writing in his journal. If necessary the bard casts light on a nail protruding from the wall above his head. By this illumination he sets his jumbled thoughts to paper.

Florin Jadenth 
Thursday August 18th, 2005 11:35:49 PM
Florin hugs Jella tightly and when he hears about her leg he reaches down gently to touch her leg and calls on his powers of healing, healing her of 4 points of damage in hopes it might help her feel better and then he smiles to her, "Better now?"

Florin glances to the others before pulling out his bedroll and blanket and gently eases Jella into the bedroll and tucking the blanket around her, "Try to get some rest Jella, we all will be watching over you tonight and sleep will do you good."

Florin takes this time to udjust the straps on his armor and also moves over to Angus first, "Thanks for your comments back their Angus. I was worried Jella might freak out." Florin hives him an gentle slap to the shoulder.

After this he moves to see Wynn, noticing him in a corner and slowly pulls up a chair to sit before speaking, "Wynn, I know this is a bad question but you okay?" Florin looks to Wynn with genuine worry before continueing, "I understand some of your pain, I mean I never expected to be a elf...we will have to see about looking into having those who want to be cured but for now take some heart in the fact that you have your friends, you have Xenia there who loves you. I don't know how much comfort it is to you but I see the man who has fought beside us and who I trust, not the gills or such. For now people will have to except you and you know we always will because no matter what you are Wynn, a friend and a traveling companion to us all and also a fellow Shield." Florin stands and moves away from Wynn, hoping the man doesn't not blow up or get mad at him trying to make Wynn feel better.

The next person he approaches is Lang. As he gets close he stops and looks him over, "This might not come across as the most sensitive Lang but is it hard being like that? I mean, it must be much different then being your old self." Florin steps closer and smiles gently to his friend, "I don't like repeating talks and I don't know if it would help anyway but your a friend Lang to all us Shields and a person we trust alot. Never think that just because you look different now that we won't trust you my friend. If we find our positions unchangeable and if we truely wish to be changed then people will just have to come to know you like we do. I don't personally know but I can bet it will be hard but we will all be there for you and the others here who have had changes."

Florin sighs now and moves to the wall and sits against it, looking to Jella and wondering what his parents would say now if they seen him like this. A small smile comes acorss his lips as he figures they would want to be rid of him in seconds. Florin slowly takes off the ring he got from his parents with their house symbol on it and rolls it in his hand as he speaks low and to himself, "Well, this body is really nice, more agile then my old one and just as strong. Ohh well."

Florin after while will get himself some food and make his last rounds to people. Speaking to Belkior and then speaking to the ones who had no visual changes really. He tells those who have had no visual changes that they will most likely need to support those who have been changed, that getting use to the new forms or even just getting by till they can be cured will be rough on some.

To Belkior he pats the halfling on the should, "I'm sorry about your legs Belkior. If you need anything then please let me know and we will do our best to get you cured as soon as we can of course only if you want it by then." He smiles to the halfling, "Anyway, as I told Lang and Wynn, your still Belkior and still someone I trust no matter so do not feel as a outcast or anything for your part of the group and have our support."

Florin lastly walks to Syr and pats the man on the shoulder that he has began to trust even more since Nralin had left the group. Syr had started to become even more of a friend since then and he was proud of this since it was nice to know someone in the group had his back as much as he watched the groups, "Thanks for your help with Jella Syr. I owe you one friend. I was quite worried of how she would react to my new look. Looks like I have alot to learn if I stay in this form. More of the history of the elves, more of their traditions, etc. Atleast I have other elves to help me along the way." Florin smiles and nods to the man, "Thank you yet again though Syr. Comrade in arms and friend."

Feeling like he gave everyone as much support as he can and not really expecting anyone to really speak much to him otherwise Florin moves to rest beside Jella, so hopefully she will feel safe and also speaks up to everyone, "Please wake me in alittle while and I'll take a watch. Lang should help keep a eye on the rogues over there and their animal companions would probably help out alot too." Florin also looks to Happy, "Happy, you know the place the best since it's your place so it might be a good idea to make sure all exits are taken care of for now. Someone here will surely help you before cetching some sleep, including me."

Jaeden Ohm 
Thursday August 18th, 2005 11:58:53 PM
Not a peep is heard from the seemingly sleeping Jaeden Ohm.

Highlight to display spoiler: {While he seems to be asleep, it will be a couple hours still before he actually falls asleep. A bit too much to think about for an instant slumber.}

Syr 
Friday August 19th, 2005 11:40:05 AM
Shaking Dadun's hand he repeats it, "Dadun? Good to meet you, what kind of business are you in? I imagine Plateau city is somewhat like this city, plants everywhere and nowhere safe. Anyway, I'd suggest staying here until we know more. It smells like there is food upstairs if you are hungry?"

He has the presence to look down and mumble to to Florin, "umm yeah, you may want to ask Tionel about those kind of things. I don't know any of that kind of stuff. The orphange wasn't real big on elven history." Looking hopeful, "Make we can learn it together?"

Seeing Florin going about consoling those that are changed, the elf takes a different approach. Looking over at Belkior as he drops down the stairs, "Hey halfling... with your lower half a bit changed... does that make ya a 'quarterling'?" He asks with a hidden grin.



The Rogues (DMiT JohnP)  Specialty d20+3=21 Roach d20+3=20 Jonas d20+3=13
Friday August 19th, 2005 1:19:19 PM
Te three rogues sit huddled together, bound in ropes and waiting for their captors to do something.

Quietly, each of the rogues tries to slip their bonds. Specialty and Roach each manage to loosen the ropes and move into a more comfortable. Jonas, however, finds that the bladesinger managed to tie a very firm improvised knot.
Escape Artist: Specialty - 21, vs. DC 13; Roach - 21 vs. DC 13; Jonas - 13 vs. DC 31


Belkior 
Friday August 19th, 2005 1:25:40 PM
The halfling cleric prepares to spend the night with the children in the basement of the inn, tending to their hurts and fears.

Before he does so, he again offers his healing spells to the party. "I can offer two Cure Moderate Wounds spells, and three Cure Light Wounds spells, for any who need them."

After making the offer, he sits and begins tending to his legs. He has found that the short, glossy fur covering his legs tends to gather dust and other unwanted waste as he moves about. His fingers prove to be poor for the task and he's not about to start licking himself like he has seen cats do.


Peerimus and Yorrick 
Friday August 19th, 2005 1:50:20 PM
Yorrick is quick to fall asleep and Peerimus is confident that nothing will be entering the second floor directly so he too falls intoa deeper sleep.

Xenia (AC 22, HP 26/35) 
Friday August 19th, 2005 3:54:25 PM
Xenia curls up next to Wynn and closes her eyes. From beneath her long lashes, she watches as he writes. She watches the thoughtful intensity of his eyes, the expressive curve of his lips, the soft pulsing wave of the new gills.

Every part of him is beautiful.

What is she gonna do? Is being so hung up on this guy a good thing? What in all the Stars and Planets is she gonna do?

Savin 
Friday August 19th, 2005 10:01:07 PM
Savin stretches and yawns as he cleans the last pot. He heads out into the common room and tries to find a comfortable place. He sits with his back against the wall and starts to snooze, exhaustion from the day finally taking its toll.

Sly and Luke (Sub George) 
Friday August 19th, 2005 10:03:56 PM
Sly watches the 3 rogues and says to Luke, "I am beat. I am gonna get some sleep. Watch over our friends."

Luke says, "Right boss." and settles down next to Luke and puts his head between his paws facing towards the 3 Anvil Hearts.

In Dreams We See the Turning of the Wheel (DM/Al) 
Friday August 19th, 2005 10:10:38 PM
Quiet comes to the Giggling Ghost. Most sink down into restful sleep. Others keep watch. Some tend to needs personal and private. An occasional shape moves through the street outside, all pass by without heed to the inn or it's occupants. First one moon, and then the next rise up into the sky. They shine down from above. So real. So much like the true vision outside.

And, as the moons rise, the night falls, settling like a fog in the mountains, lowering atop all, blanketing the city in vaporous tendrils of dream. The arms of dream lure even those on watch. All slip into a doze. Only the children are spared.

... vision is to find ... bane will bind ... the circle knows ...


In the air above circle diaphanous shapes ... and eye ... a fist ... a wiggling lump of flesh, a tongue. Eye, fist and tongue circle above. A tiny light, the point of a pin, blossoms and grows, becomes a vision. A worn bronze medallion or pendant or amulet, it sways with motion, hanging on a worn cord of braided leather. It nestles in a field of pale orange. It jostles against this background as the vision moves.

...they are here ...


In the lonely distance is a darkness. The sound of dripping water echoes through the lightless black.

...they are here ...


... ind them eternal champions. find find find find ...

bRIghT LIghhhhhT NNNNNNoisssssse OF uNsPEEEEE-EE-EE-EE-kaBLe *P*A*I*N*

The treble moons of the Fey King stamp their mark upon the dream. Visions of the day's horrors return three fold. Giant hillocks with teeth. Slashing claws of silent foes dripping slow purple sap. The thud of bodies as they strike the ground snapping bone, crushing skull. The moons open like eyes. They grin like mouths.

SCREAMS

The Clash of ARMS

a JUMBLE of voiCES!!!!

And then ... a stillness. And the void births a vision.

The cloven hoofed Fey monarch Ebyron's smile is both indulgent and condescending. However, his handsome eyes cannot hide his awareness of the true odds.

"All this time," he begins, "I knew you'd cling to that crown. My dear Queen, did you think I would not anticipate this? Did you entertain the foolish notion that I would come meekly? Be your puppet?"

The satyr king gives a sharp stamp of a hoof. Nearby branches veer away fearfully, only to return, swooning, as he stretches wide his arms.

"See the power I have! See nature's love for me! You have neither the right, nor the strength to deny me!"

Ebyron turns slowly, his arms still outstretched, his fingers beckoning. Energy gathers at those fingertips - a wisp of flame, a tiny cloud of sand; drops of moisture and the tiniest, perfect little whirlwind. With such small gestures, the entirety of the Wold comes to rest - no wind, no rain, no fire, no tremors of the earth. The elements gather around their king, cloaking him in mist.

"You want me tame and compliant, my Queen?" comes his voice through the billowing cloud. "Then first, you must catch me."

The blast comes without warning, bringing with it a power that only Maab could withstand. Across continents, dwindling fires burst again to life, seas and lakes thrash, the earth shakes, and howling winds tear at all in their path. Fragments, each a mote of Fey light, an essence of Ebyron, burst from the cloud. Each piece of the Fey King is carried away by the elements.

In moments, it is over. But not before the Queen acts. Swiftly she gathers light into tiny, dazzling stars.

"Show me," she commands. On the heels of the fragments of Ebyron, the stars hurtle outward.

"You can't hide," she whispers. "Not from me. Now, show them. Let your own power betray you."

It takes seconds for each pin point of light to find its charge, to track it to the place at which it lands, and mark that spot in its the core of its memory. Once done, the motes of light withdraw, fly up into the air and converge ... on Plateau City.

Within the walls of the Cathedral of Light the Room of Artifacts suddenly bursts into life. Great risk was taken and noble lives given up to return Ebyron's orb to this place from a time gone by. Colors and shapes reflect on the walls as the Fey King's own power swells and grows outward, to betray him. The Orb becomes the great disc of the Wold and on it land the motes of light flickering here and there, scattered across the Land and marking the places where each piece of Ebyron has gone to ground.

Back in the Valley, the Fey Queen Maab uncurls her fingers and looks down into the palm of her hand. Three small acorns lie there, all three inscribed with a unique rune - REFORM, SLEEP, DIE.

"The choice you should have made, will now be left to others," she says, her voice tainted with a raw sadness. "Let the runes find those who will decide your fate. I have done all that I can. I can do no more."

The three acorns fall listlessly from her hand and from the Valley, they land onto Ebyron's Orb still stretched in the disc of the Wold. And it is the Wold that swallows them. And it is the Wold that spreads their power, to the far reaches, where the fragments of the Fey King hide.


The scent of morning, fresh, cool and clean is the harbinger of the new day. Light streams in the second story windows, and slips through cracks in the boards downstairs. As each member of the Crimson Shields awakes, they find next to them a green leafed sapling, standing no more than three feet high. Next to each of the waking Children of Chaos the slim supple branches hang heavy under the weight of their burden. Each plucks the fruit that grows thereon, three acorns. And on each acorn is writ a rune. On one is etched REFORM. On another, SLEEP. And on the third, the rune for DIE. Those are the choices. Choices given to the Chosen.

But how will they exercise this choice? What are they tasked to do? For now this remains a mystery to be answered only with time.

[[OoC: You now have all weekend to role-play reactions. Feel free to break the one post per day rule. Post as many times as you wish in response to each other, or simply in response.

Note, that even though the beginning of the dream sequence was specifically for the Children of Chaos, the Crimson Shields, all animals classified as magic beasts, the Anvil Hearts, the Merchant, and the rescued woman all experienced it as well. The only ones with the acorns presented to them, however, are the group members proper.]]

OoC DM Note (DM/Al) 
Saturday August 20th, 2005 7:31:40 AM
Also:

Spellcasters who prepare, I need a spell list for this new day, please.

Also, don't forget to heal for a night's rest. 1hp per night per level.

DM George clarification 
Saturday August 20th, 2005 1:52:56 PM
OOC Making sure that the Crimson Shields understand that they too have acorns. Three each with the runes on them, "Reform, Sleep or Die."

Savin 91/95 hps 
Saturday August 20th, 2005 1:58:53 PM
Savin wakes feeling much better. He stretches his arms yawning wondering at his strange dreams when his hand brushes a sapling. He jerks his hand away in surprise and then notices the 3 acorns with the runes on them. He plucks off each nut and looks closely at them.

He stands up and looks over the scene, wondering if the rogues vanished into the night and almost hoping they did.

He looks down at his acorns and says to whoever is awake, "3 days ago, we were battling insane wizards in the Ice Vein, 2 days ago we are fighting were creatures, yesterday we are fighting plant monsters ranging from normal sized to swallow you in a gulp and now it looks like we are going to be fighting Father Nature himself. Damn those crones!"

Jaeden Ohm (hp 71/97) 
Saturday August 20th, 2005 5:26:09 PM
Jaeden wakes to the sound of Savins voice. The memories of yesterday flash through his head in an instant, pushing him into full awareness faster then is pleasant. The sight of the fruit-bearing sapling at his side brings the fading images of the dream crashing back to the forefront of his minds eye. He listens very closely to the monk's words as he too plucks each of the three acorns and places then in a pouch at his belt.

"There is too much that is new to me for me to offer my own interpretation of the dream we apparently shared. But if you are right about who that man was, what makes you think we must fight him?" As he continues he clears away his bedding and begins a short routine of slow movements, designed to ease the body into wakefulness and keep it limber.

"I'm am far from well versed in these matters, but common sense tells me there is a problem here. I've always heard that nature is about balance. If there are two faces of nature, father and mother, then how can we defeat one and preserve that balance?" Jaeden's voice grows more confident in the line of thought as he continues. "Think about it, if the trouble now is due to one face of nature growing out of balance with the other, then if we defeat that face, it will leave an imbalance in the other direction. A situation not necessarily and better than what we now face."

He chuckles as a thought occurs to him. "And I have my doubts that we could defeat such an adversary anyway."

The warrior's articulation is surprising given his obvious focus on melee training. Clearly he is educated, and from there it's a small leap to figure that there was wealth in his upbringing. For a moment his thoughts drift away from the conversation and he sends a tendril of warmth to Dalek, the telepathic equivalent to a smile.

"Considering what Peerimus said last night, I'm forced wonder what is the role of chaos here? Is it the power of this gathered chaos attracting the 'Father'? Will he in a sense become an avatar for this destructive force? I suppose it doesn't matter." He pauses, in his routine and in his speech and pulls the acorns from his belt pouch. "The only thing I can figure from the dream is that we need to visit this collection of artifacts housed in a cathedral. There we are supposed to face this Ebyron and choose one of the paths these acorns represent. Again considering Peerimus' words, I'm guessing that DIE is not the choice we should make."

He shrugs, replaces the trio of acorns in his pouch and continues his morning routine...


Xenia (AC 22, HP 32/35) 
Saturday August 20th, 2005 8:00:02 PM
Long red eye-lashes flutter in the early morning sunlight. Xenia knuckles a sleepy eye. Mornings are usually easy for the rogue. The last few, however, have been hard.

She rises up on one arm, and with a face that reflects the turmoil within her heart, she softly touches the face of the bard lying beside her. The nut laden saplings, one each for Wynn and herself, draw from the rogue a dubious sideways look. Leaving the acorns on their little tree, she rises on cat feet and pads to the bath. Cold water she splashes on her dark skin. With extra care she cleans the wound still in her side. Then she dons her clothing - three days old - and the dark mithril armor that drapes light over her slim form.

In the kitchen, she finds the fixings for kaffe, and brews four carafes. Outside, in the common room, the rogue wraps her fingers around a warm mug and watches two of the "other" guys from afar. Bits of dream roll through her head. She retreats back into the kitchen. And when she returns, Xenia bears a large tray with steaming mugs of kaffe and a plate of muffins, days old, but still sweet with tough chewy sugar tops.

"Hi," she says to the guy with the horse and to the monk guy who cooked last night. "My name's Xenia."

The slim dark red-headed girl, pulls up a chair and, with her own mug in hand, draws her legs up and sits cross-legged. She blows steam from the kaffe and takes a sip. Then she takes a small pinch of muffin and tastes the sweetness before she speaks.

"The, um, dream. That was you guys, right? I mean, not the stuff about the Fairy King and all. We got that from long back. Back from the meeting of the elves."

"I mean the eye and the fist and the tongue thing, right? That was you guys, right?" She takes another sip of kaffe. "Weird-oh. I mean, sorry, but I hope you know what the stuff means, 'cause I sure don't." Another piece of muffin. Xenia watches small motes of dust dance in shafts of morning light. "Dream said that something was here. And said you were to find it. I mean, does that mean Floating City here?"

"I mean, does that mean, like, that you're staying?"

Tionel 
Saturday August 20th, 2005 8:35:25 PM
Waking up from the dream, Tionel feels a shiver go through him. The first thing he does is grab his journal, in his pack, and pull out feather and ink and begin to scritch madly away. After a while, as the dream does not fade and its basis are put to pen, he relaxes and begins wondering instead. More contemplative now, he draws a picture of the satyr, and of the fae queen, and picks up the acorns and draws a picture of them as well.
[i] What we have been given I suspect is a vision into the working-ons behind the clouds, of the fae court itself. I feel compelled to wonder, who is Queen Mab, and who is King Ebyron, and why is this choice presented to us? The choice of his survival? That is what the acorns seem to say. And why is it given to me? I have of late always made the wrong decisions... Not one thing I have done seems to be right. I let the druidess in, and she went berserk, it seems now...perhaps others helped cause it, but me, with all my pondering and worrying, I never help. [-i] Tionel wipes a tear from his eyes and realizes how foolish he seems...crying and whining in paper. But as he looks at his journal, he can't help but feel it is truth as well. [i] I will avoid asking questions, stating my opinions, giving my words of advice this time. Let the others decide...Tionel Galadonel will reserve his judgement. Only when everyone else has done their action, will I do mine, and I will do what I wish, what I feel is right... [-i]
Tionel shuts his little book and checks up on his components. He feels incredibly refreshed. He goes upstairs to ask Happy if he can make some tea with some herbs he was given by those elves in the jungles of the Floating City area.

(Tionel's spell list:)
0: Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Cure Minor Wounds, Know Direction, Purify Food and Water.
1: Pass Without Trace, Entangle, Charm Animals, Speak W/Animals.
2: Barkskin, Bull's Strength, Lesser Restoration, Hold Animal.
3: Neutralize Poison, Diminish Plants, Dominate Animal.

PS:
(Dear DM: Has my Tan Bag of Tricks arrived yet? I ordered it in May 23rd (Catacombs Transaction #433). Also, is there enough time to make a catacombs trip to get a cure light wounds wand over the weekend?)

we will say yes on your bag of tricks...you could go to the catacombs if you dare. You would have to travel to the Floating Cities branch of the catacombs. Might be a few plants in the way

Wynn 
Saturday August 20th, 2005 8:41:35 PM
The bard wakes when Xenia stirs and finds his open journal lying across his lap. He wonders if Xenia read any of it's contents and then shrugs off the thought. It is only when the small sapling catches his eye that he recalls the dream and realizes that once again a choice will be required.

Wynn pockets the three acorns, puts his journal away and rises to inspect the bonds holding the three Anvil Hearts.

Peerimus and Yorrick 
Saturday August 20th, 2005 10:14:18 PM
The druid has trouble waking in the unatural enviroment he sleeps in. The window does not open to outside but to a figment of it and it does not sit well with him. Taking a piece of white soft clay he makes a line from forehead to nose tip and then two fingers bands across his right cheek. Peerimus then relaxes and opens himself.

Spell list
Level 0:
Detect magic, Mending x4, Read Magic, Create water

Level 1:
Pass w/o a Trace, Longstrider, CLW, Produce Flame x2, jump

Level 2:
Reduce Animal, Barkskin x2, Cats Grace. Restoration Lesser

Level 3:
CMW, Greater Magic Fang, Stone Shape, Spike Growth

Level 4:
Anti Plant Shell, Cure Serious Wounds, Flame Strike, Ice Storm

Level 5:
Animal Growth, Wall of Fire, Stone Skin


Soon enough his meditations are through and he wakes Yorrick. Firn'gaer would be finishing about the same time and while they have some privacy still he speaks, "One of the other pieces is most definately here and fairly close by. Do you think we could use the device to try and locate it? It would also seem the stolen amulet by Seline's brother is precisely what we must find and I have the feeling getting it and leaving this city are going to be two entirely different tasks."

Peerimus blows air, "This city, I know you are a man of civilization, but" he gives a fake shudder, "It is not for me. Though," and now his eyes gaze about the massive overgrowth, "It does feel a bit like home."

Peerimus will chat with the wizard a bit, but soon enough stands, "Our day awaits us my friend as do the others downstairs."

Peerimus and Yorrick make their way to the common room and the druid immediately locates the large table used last night with the split. Touching the table he whispers Inoutay [Cast Mending to repair it] Looking at Yorrick, "Stay here and I will see if I can find us some food."

Ilsidur 
Saturday August 20th, 2005 10:33:35 PM
The cleric retreats to a quiet space and communes with the Gods of the Wold. Recharged, he makes a circuit of the Giggling Ghost, examining the barricades and other assorted security measures before checking on the 3 captive rogues.

Firn'gaer 
Sunday August 21st, 2005 11:16:09 AM
To confirm Peerimus' suspicions, "That we knew when we were sent here. What concerns me is this choice we have. If the Fey King is responsible for the natural world being the way it is. The occurances have coincided with his awakening. I would suspect that what choice is made would have direct consequences to the natural world."

Prepared Spells
0 -- detect magic, flare, light, touch of fatigue

1 -- alarm, magic missile x2, ray of enfeeblement x2, shield

2 -- extended mage armor, knock, mirror image, scorching ray, see invisibility, web

3 -- dispel magic, empowered magic missile x2, slow x2

4 -- black tentacles x2, dimension door, polymorph

5 -- empowered fireball, overland flight, wall of force


Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47)  d20+6=24 d20+6=24
Sunday August 21st, 2005 12:07:28 PM
Lang awakens from the dream filled night near the front door where he was keeping guard. Thankfully, nothing tried to enter the Giggling Ghost through the debris filled doorway during the night. He gets up and stretches, easing some of the kinks from sleeping on the hard floor, all the while thinking of the soft forest floors that he has slept on in the past. Sunshine, already awake, comes to Lang and whines softly.

"Ok boy. Let's go outside and see what's going on."

Lang looks out the front of the building for any activity (spot 24/28 for favorite enemy plant). If the coast is clear, they will go outside so Sunshine can relieve himself. While outside, Lang takes a look up and down the street, hoping to see Floating City people and not Plants (spot 24/28). But then again maybe a few plant wouldn't be bad. It would give him a chance to test his new body.

Back inside, Lang takes Sunshine's armor out of his backpack. He adjusts the buckles and straps so that it isn't as tight around Sunshine's recent growth spurt. Calling Sunshine to his side, Lang puts Sunshine's armor on him.

Lang finally eyes the sapling next to him with the 3 acorns. He has a good idea of the one he will chose, but grabs all 3 and puts them in his front pouch-belt.

Lang then studies for his 2 spells and they then join the group for breakfast. Once back with the group he seeks out Florin.

"Florin, I know the Shields will see me for my true self as I see you for your true self in your new body. This new body is different, but it is geared towards my Ranger training. It moves quieter than my old body, I can smell things the way an animal smells things, I can now see in the dark and it is a lot stronger although not as agile. I catch myself enjoying the new abilities I now possess, and that is what frightens me."

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider

Arrows used 32.

Angus HP 24/25 
Sunday August 21st, 2005 4:09:45 PM
Angus wakes up refreshed, but puzzled by the dream, and also worried. Again the elves are seeming to be causing problems. It is most likly more crazy druids in league with the bigoted elves. Angus makes a mental note not to attend any meetings that he is not allowed a vote.

Angus stands and brushes himself off and goes over to Florin, who is in fact now an elf??? "Florin, how can we assure the safety of the kids? I suggest we get more information on our surroundings. We may have to leave the city. We have almost 50 mouths to feed and shelter in these uncertain times."

Angus scratches his blond stubble. When was the lasat time he had a bath and a shave? Too long he thins to himself. "We must also take the Anvil Hearts to the proper authorities, unless you let me execute them now." Angus pulls his rusty dagger for only the third time since he has owned it.

Belkior 
Sunday August 21st, 2005 9:12:30 PM
The halfling cleric rises from his sunrise devotions to Alemi. He turns and looks at the sapling he grew up beside his sleeping place in the basement, then looks around at the injured children and the other members of the Shields. He reaches out and plucks a single acorn from the tree.

Then Belkior looks down at his legs, and thinks on what has happened to his companions. Reluctantly he stretches out his hand a second time and plucks another acorn.

Belkior searches out his companions.

He finds Angus and Florin together. After hearing Angus' words, he counsels. "As I said before, we have not been deputized by the City to carry out any punishments upon the Anvil Hearts. We should turn them over to the authorities and not become vigilantes ourselves."

To the others, he counsels this same message of restraint. "All of this happened before I joined you. I don't doubt any of what you have said, but you should not take the law into your hands."

"As for that dream, it's definitely a portent of things to come. The eruption of nature in the past several days is definitely tied to the Fae King's rise. It seems that each of us will be given a chance to decide his fate. I thought that I knew which way I would vote, but now I'm hoping that the power of the Fae King may be a way to reverse what has happened to Florin, Wynn, Lang and myself."


The Rogues (DMiT JohnP) 
Sunday August 21st, 2005 9:18:37 PM
The three rogues sit quietly where they were left the night before. Jonas and Specialty converse quietly while Roach is sleeping.

Anyone who gets close enough may hear the whispered conversation. "This dream certainly portends something for the Float and the rest of the Wold." "That's true, but what will it mean for us?" "We didn't get a chance to choose the fate of the Fae King, but these heroes did. Whatever they choose, it will probably be bad for folks like us." "Think that there's a way to turn to our benefit?" "Depends, do you think everyone in the City received the dream? Or only those close to groups like these?" "You got a point there, there's always a market for information, even stuff like what was in the dream."

When anyone approaches, the rogues turn quiet. Knowing that they cannot sway the Shields, they make no effort to endear themselves. The Children are a different matter, especially the druid.



Peerimus and Yorrick 
Sunday August 21st, 2005 10:49:17 PM
Peerimus returns from the kitchen with a bit of food and an empty partially cracked water barrel. This too he casts mending on, turning it as strong as when first made and the Peerimus summons a small but intense rain, filling the barrel with 20 gallons of water. Spell craft 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { mending and create water}

Peerimus fills a bolw for Yorrick and a mug for himself. "Fresh water for any who want it, I brought some extra bowls for our other animal friends as well."

After a light meal, Peerimus seeks out Happy, "I was wondering if you know Lord Loribus or Lady Seline in more than a 'they come in occassionally' sort of way. You see after finding the Baracks level over run with none of the Float soldiers still alive, we pushed on to this level and specifically the Lord wanted to come here to talk with someone he knew. I was wondering if that may be you."

The big bear drowns his thirst and begins on the hard bread and chees wheels Peerius put on the table near him. Sitting back on his rear his casually gazes about the slanted and partially destroyed inn.

Spell list
Level 0:
Detect magic, Mending x2, Read Magic

Level 1:
Pass w/o a Trace, Longstrider, CLW, Produce Flame x2, Jump

Level 2:
Reduce Animal, Barkskin x2, Cats Grace. Restoration Lesser

Level 3:
CMW, Greater Magic Fang, Stone Shape, Spike Growth

Level 4:
Anti Plant Shell, Cure Serious Wounds, Flame Strike, Ice Storm

Level 5:
Animal Growth, Wall of Fire, Stone Skin

Sly and Luke (sub George) 
Monday August 22nd, 2005 7:26:45 AM
Sly wakes and stretches working out the kinks from sleeping on vines all night. He checks on the prisoners making sure they are still there and then heads off to the privy for a quick visit. Stopping by the kitchen, he gathers up some bread and cheese and drops some off to the Anvil Hearts. Loosing their bonds so they can eat.

"Savin, lets take these 3 to the privy or things might get messy around here. Angus you should come along as well so none escape. Then after they eat, they can be retied."

He will look sternly at the 3 rogues, "Please don't do anything stupid. I would like to get through one day without killing someone."

A thought flashes across the rogues mind, and he asks, "So did anyone dream about gods and trees last night?"

Firn'gaer 
Monday August 22nd, 2005 11:14:58 AM
After hearing some of the conversation going on in the tavern, Firn'gaer will approach Angus. "How serious are you in leaving the city with the children?" He says to the sorcerer. "If your serious, we may be able to help you." He says.

[Knowledge - Local DC29 for settlements around the lake.]

Status
Hit Points -- 70

Prepared Spells
0 -- detect magic, flare, light, touch of fatigue

1 -- alarm, magic missile x2*, ray of enfeeblement x2, shield

2 -- extended mage armor, knock, mirror image, scorching ray, see invisibility, web

3 -- dispel magic, empowered magic missile x2, slow x2

4 -- black tentacles x2, dimension door, polymorph

5 -- empowered fireball, overland flight, wall of force

* - Spells Cast

[Note: Put Magic Missile in Ring of Counterspells]

Niobe 
Monday August 22nd, 2005 1:14:49 PM
(56/73HP)

Niobe must have been so relieved to see the plant creatures leave that she didn't even notice that she went upstairs or even fell asleep!

She wakes up after a nasty nightmare, and with three acorns now in her possession. What to do??

Jaeden Ohm (hp 71/97) 
Monday August 22nd, 2005 2:52:42 PM
When Xenia brings her brew to the table Jaeden again ceases his routine and moves to join her at the table.

"Thank you lady," He accepts one of the offered drinks and a muffin, "and good morning".

He takes a mouthful of muffin and chews it slowly, staring at his mug of kaffe. Conscious of the fact that this Xenia is hoping for some answers from him he gives a small shrug of his shoulders.

"I admit I'm at a loss. Somethings of course were straight forward but the symbolism escapes me. As does any full understanding."

He continues to work on his muffin and kaffe as more of the two groups waken and meet downstairs. At the sight of Peerimus Jaeden looks hopeful.

"Morning." He says with a nod. With a gesture he indicates the new plant growth all around. "I'm going to assume that you shared the dread as well. Any ideas on what exactly it means and what needs to be done?"

Jaeden (hp 71/97) 
Monday August 22nd, 2005 2:58:44 PM
Jaeden pauses in his breakfast when Lang awakens and begins pulling apart the barricade to get outside.

"uh... you likely know this place better then I do, but don't you think we should leave the barricade up until everyone is around and prepared?"

He pinches his own undershirt, pulling it a couple of inches from his body, before gesturing to his collection of armor for emphasis.

ooc: Lang I think the windows are all boarded up. If I'm correct you wouldn't be able to see what, if anything, is outside.

OoC (DM/Al) 
Monday August 22nd, 2005 3:28:56 PM
Jaeden is correct. All of the windows on the ground floor are boarded up. Some light leaks in, but that is all.

The windws on the second floor are still unblocked.

Xenia 
Monday August 22nd, 2005 3:42:58 PM
"You guys must lead a mysterious life," the girl rogue says to the guy with the horse. She finishes off the rest of her muffin. "You just linked up with them, huh?"

From the corner of her eye, she catches Wynn as he comes down the stairs.

"Good luck," she says, and stands, walking across the slanted floor to the bard. Lifting up on tiptoes, Xenia gives the bard a peck on the cheek. "Morning."

"Did you see the little tree with the acorns on it? I guess they're for us."

"I better go get mine," she says without looking him in the eyes. Using the rope, she climbs hand over hand to the top of the stairs. Then she is gone.

Angus Illegal Post 
Monday August 22nd, 2005 4:24:20 PM
Angus responds to the Chaos wizard. "I think we have to consider taking the childern out of the city. As you have experienced, it is none to safe. We will have a meeting this morning to discuss it."

Angus yawns and then continues "That was a neat trick with the Teleport spell. It was nice to see a bit of team work on your side. By all appearances I think you saved us all."

Angus looks around and then asks conspiritorally "You guy are truely a powerful group. Do you have any spare magic you can give those of us that are less well off, skill wise. Especially anything that will help protect 50 kids or give them shelter?"

Firn'gaer (illegal second) 
Monday August 22nd, 2005 5:04:04 PM
Thinking of the fight with Meznock and hearing Angus' comment. "The Teleport, that I wish I had more of." He says. "That was to be a last resort and now that is gone who knows when I'll have chance to come by another."

"I don't know about powerful, but I have spent the last 15 years studying the Art." He says to the sorcerer. "Well talk it over. If you want to do it let us know." With that he walks away ignoring the last question.

Friends From Above - A Reunion and a Continuation (DM/Al) 
Monday August 22nd, 2005 8:12:58 PM
The dreams of the night before carry overwhelming implications. Most especially for these two groups who have only experienced what might be the periphery of the Fey King's wakening, the lashings at the edge of the storm.

And there is the added confusion from the initial portion of the dream. Certainly, the Children of Chaos are familiar with crones of the Gateway Downs, the Eye of Lady Watch, and the Steel Fist of Lady Justice. But how bewildering for the Crimson Shields. And to have one dream interrupted by another. How could they not be pardoned for failing to understand?

Both groups waken and begin a morning routine. Lang dismantles the barricade, stepping into the street. Were there people about, there would be no telling how they would react to a bugbear in their midst. The street, however, is clear. In the distance the faint crash of masonry as it tumbles to the street drifts to the ranger's ears. There is still movement out there. Who knows of what sort.

Last night's dream aside, the Crimson Shields have two priorities, to safeguard the orphans, and to ensure that the Anvil Hearts are returned to the arms of justice. Firn'gaer considers last night's suggestion that the orphans be taken outside the city. From what he knows of this area, that would be an act of sheer desperation. Turtle Lake is completely surrounded by the Crying Woods. And the Crying Woods is notoriously hostile to all civilizations the wizard is familiar with. There was talk, before he left for Hook City, of the settlement of Perimon established on the lake shore. But the fate of the settlement had been in doubt. Nothing had been heard from them for far too long.

The Children of Chaos await the two nobles from Gold Level. This was the meeting place. Peerimus broaches Happy on the subject. But before the innkeeper can reply, Sunshine barks from the doorway to the inn, a warning that something approaches.

They come from the direction of the Central Stairs. One is tall and broad at the shoulders. He stands over seven feet tall in his light elven chain. His skin is brown, tanned by the sun. An outdoorsman, a ranger by the look of him. Another, is slight only by comparison, she stands a trifle taller than the new armored fighter, Jaeden Ohm. Her mane of tawny orange-gold hair is accented by her regal robes. They are accompanied by a third. Though smaller than the first man, what he lacks in height, he makes up in girth. The third of the trio bears the same dark hair and complexion of the first, the same bones of the face. And yet, whereas the first man is slim of hip, this one presents himself as a wall, a barrel of solid muscle.

"Hallo, the Giggling Ghost," from a respectful distance, the first man hails. "Lorbius of House Ursidae and party, approaching the front!"

"Milord!" Happy begins pulling the remaining bits of the barricade from the doorway. "Lady Celine! And Lord Bael. The Giggling Ghost is honored by your presence."

The trio move through the door and into the common room. Lorbius and Celine acknowledge the Children of Chaos with looks, nods and brief smiles.

"Happy," Lady Celine's smile is beatific, "it is always a pleasure to attend the Giggling Ghost."

"Such as it is, Milady," Happy replies, "with things the way they are now, I am afraid I have little to offer the noble houses of Floating City. And ... not to be presumptuous, Milady, but ... things being what they are. We were hoping from news from the other Levels. We have been unable to move from here for over a day."

As Lady Celine engages Happy in conversation, Lorbius sweeps his eye across the room. His gaze stops on Lang. The man sniffs the air. Then the turns to Florin. And continues on to Firn'gaer. "You ... are not what you appear to be," he says simply. "You," he indicates Firn'gaer, "were the tall one."

"Lorbius!" the third man exclaims, "you have drawn us up here away from our search. Time does not wait upon ... "

"Cousin Bael!" The tall noble from Gold Level whirls upon the other, his voice booms with command. And, for the first time, the dark circles under his eyes become apparent. The same pale tired look marks all three of their faces. It is doubtful whether any of them got any sleep at all last night. Lady Celine is silent. She stares into the middle distance, back to both of the men. To the Children of Chaos it is apparent there is a tension here that was not present yesterday.

Lord Lorbius draws a deep breath before continuing. "You are correct, Bael. Though, as heir to the captainship of House Ursidae, I ask you to stand by my wisdom and allow me measure by which I might conduct this matter in a way that will bring satisfaction to all." Lord Lorbius turns his eyes to Celine's back. "Will you allow me this, Cousin Bael?"

There is a moment of silence. Then the stout man nods in ascent.

"Very well then. Happy, we come for your good counsel. That, and to reunite with our friends of the day before. Friends," Lord Lorbius takes in the Children of Chaos, "time is of an essence. Are you still willing to throw in your lot with ours?"

"Lorbius," Bael breaks in again.

"Please, Bael. Trust in my reason. I am fully aware of what is at stake. It is for that reason that I ask these people for help. It is more than instinct. Though instinct tells me that they are worthy of trust."

"Are you ready to leave?" Lorbius calls out to the Children of Chaos. Lorbius touches Bael upon the shoulder. With his head he indicates the three Anvil Hearts. Lord Bael nods his understanding. "I will take them with me," he replies.

Then in a quiet voice Lorbius addresses the master of the Giggling Ghost, "Happy, I trust you with discretion. It has always been your province. We must know, without further question, the location of the group known as the Cat and Mouse gang. Can you tell us this?"

Happy shakes his head, "I'm sorry, Milord. I know that they're rumored to frequent Thug Road. But I can't tell you much more beyond that. And even so, little has been said about them for some time. It's as though they've pulled away from the action for a while."

Lady Celine, meanwhile turns to Florin, newly in Elf form. "Good day, Sir," she begins, "I cannot help but notice that you wear the crest of House Jadenth. From, perhaps a little known line of Elven blood?" Her eyes take in the ring on Florin's hand, the ruby shield embossed with the white dove. Her green eyes move from hand to hand, noting the same ring shared by all of the Crimson Shields. Are you, perchance the group championed by Lady Firiona?"

Savin 
Monday August 22nd, 2005 10:19:51 PM
Savin, the young monk, even looks more muscular to Lord Lubruis and Lady Celine. "Sir of course we stand behind our plegde to enter the lower levels with you. Still I must inform you of another matter.

It seems we all shared a dream last night. It seems we have been tapped by the greater powers to confront the Ebyron or at least some part of him. It seems we are to make a choice."

Savin will show him his acorns and continue, "I don't know how we are to confront such a powerful creature of nature, but I guess we don't have much choice in the matter. I only bring this up because I think this might be of more importance to the Wold. Still we don't know where to start looking for this creature, so we might as well come with you for now."

Sly and Luke 
Monday August 22nd, 2005 10:24:21 PM
Luke bounds towards the Lady Celine and jumps up and puts both paws on her shoulders and gives her a big lick on the cheek. He smiles a sort of doggy smile and says, "I am so glad your back. Things have been a little crazy here."

Sly is appalled at Luke's behavior and rushes over blushing. "My lady, I am sorry! I don't know what has gotten into him. We have run into one of your contemporaries. A druid on the Circle of Alder named Rosanna. She allowed us to use a powerful artifact called the Knot of Druis. It is what effected the changes in some of the people around here." He points at Lang and says, "That is a new form for him. He seems to be taking it well. I can't imagine being that hairy!"

Angus Hp 24/25 
Monday August 22nd, 2005 10:30:48 PM
Angus takes note of the Lady and her inquiry. Angus bows to the Lady Celine before beinging. "Yes we are friends of Lady Firiona. Is the lady well? These are trying times. Lady Firiona is such a generous soul. It is a pity that the orphanage that she helped fund and organize was mostly destroyed in the plant attack."

Angus turns to Lord Lorbis "Beware of the Thug road as it is very dangerous. We have run into the likes of child killers down there." Angus turns and indicates the Anvil Hearts. "We have recently recaptured the ones that burned the original orphanage down. They took the liberty of escaping in the plant attack. We are attempting to right that wrong, one way or another." Angus changes topics and again faces lady Celine. "You seem to be of the city, do you know where we can shelter 50 orphans during this seige?"



Florin Jadenth 
Monday August 22nd, 2005 11:37:17 PM
Florin when he wakes puts on his armor and adjusts the straps so it fits his new body. Once that is done he glances to the small tree and the three acrons. Remembering the dream he frowns and slowly takes the three, not sure what they mean yet but guessing he will find out in time.

Once Angus approaches him he nods and smiles, "We'll have to check out the city or atleast get abit of info about what is going on out there if we're lucky maybe someone will just happen to wander on in."

When lady Celine and the man she is with arrives he keeps a eye on them for alittle bit. He doesn't want to take no chances right away with these two just incase and specially when he is not use to this new form of his. However once the lady speaks to him and shows signs of knowing his family crest he nods to her, "Yes kind lady, we are the Crimson Shield's of Hope and I am from house Jadenth or I guess still am considering the drastic change I have went through. As you may of guess, I was not always a elf."

Florin bows low after speaking, "An now, how may we help you out? and what info might you beable to give us about the outside, as was commented on. We have children needing looked too."

Wynn Brightsong  d20+1=19 d20+8=24
Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 12:54:49 AM
Confident that the ropes that bind the Anvil Hearts are holding, Wynn collects a mug of brew from the tray set out by Xenia. Finding a place in the shadows, he leans against the slanted walls and watches the new guy make up to the half-drow. Good luck is right, he thinks ruefully, and then watches as the lithe female shimmies up the rope to the floor above.

Catching his reflection in the dark glass of a boarded up window, the half elf takes grim satisfaction in the fact that his hair, now nearly to his shoulders, hides the respiratory slits on his neck that run from behind his ears to just below his jaw. He studies his digits, now connected by a fold of skin, hating the appearance of the unwelcome mutation.

Wynn's absorption in his own thoughts is interrupted by the appearance of the three nobles. Silently he takes in the dynamics of the interaction. The tall one...obviously the leader, and the brawny shorter one...cousin to the leader...friend or adversary? (Sense Motive=19) Appraising eyes consider the regal female with the orange-gold hair. If her eyes meet his, Wynn will acknowledge her with an incline of the head, the grim set of his lips, relaxing into a brief smile. (Diplomacy=24)


Jaeden (hp 71/97) 
Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 1:49:59 AM
The second Lorbius inquires as to their state of readiness Jaeden realizes that no, he is not ready. He sets down his empty mug and moves to his gear. With the ease of familiarity he repacks Dalek and begins to buckle on each piece of armor in turn. While he prepares he pays close attention to the goings on of the others.

With mental shrug he sends his thoughts to Dalek, "Looks like we'll just have to go along for the ride for now. Perhaps things will become clearer soon..."

Niobe (56/73HP)  d20+13=15 d20+13=16
Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 2:55:50 AM
Niobe tries to get done with her morning rituals as fast as she can. The acorns and that dream bothers her somewhat, now their "simple" quest to retrieve one artifact is getting more and more complex.

Eventually she will join everyone else downstairs after looking out the second story window for signs of the plant creatures. (spot 15, spot 16)

Niobe will most likely ealk in in the middle of some discussion or other.

Lorbius wants them to come with him which seems to mean leaving the Shields and the children behind. The Children of Chaos don't have any magic to spare it seems and she doesn't fancy leaving anyone "stranded" without any assistance to be had. Perhaps one of the noble houses (Lorbius' or Celine's) can shelter the children or get them out of the city?

"Wait a minute, before we go haring off anywhere; the orphans the Shields are guardians for need to be taken somewhere safe. Is there anyway we can get that taken care of first?"

Niobe looks questioningly from Lord Lorbius to Lady Celine. Cousin Bael she hasn't met yet, so she temporarily "overlooks" him.



Firn'gaer 
Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 7:35:45 AM
"Yes, I was effected by the druid's artifact." He says acknowledging Lorbius comments to him. He then continues to the lord, "We are ready to proceed at your command."

Firn'gaer hearing that two of the Hearts are coming collects weapons and moves to untie them. Taking out a short sword he once wielded as a dagger, the wizard unbinds the two that are to accompany them. "Here's your chance to return a little back to the communities you've taken from for so long." He says to the rogues.

Status
Hit Points -- 70

Prepared Spells
0 -- detect magic, flare, light, touch of fatigue

1 -- alarm, magic missile x2*, ray of enfeeblement x2, shield

2 -- extended mage armor, knock, mirror image, scorching ray, see invisibility, web

3 -- dispel magic, empowered magic missile x2, slow x2

4 -- black tentacles x2, dimension door, polymorph

5 -- empowered fireball, overland flight, wall of force

* -- Spells Cast

Xenia (HP 32/35)  d20+3=16
Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 8:34:09 AM
"Reform." "Sleep." "Die."

Xenia plucks each acorn from the tree and stashes them in a pouch. Heck of a choice. Which one to choose? Last time she voted with Wynn. Her eyes turn back toward the place where she knows he is, downstairs in the common room. What to do. So many choices. How can life have so many choices? Is this what it is to grow up?

Does it ever stop?

The dark rogue returns, scampering down the knotted rope.

New people. Rich people.

Wynn sits across the room. In the dark. On his face is a dark brooding that she'd not seen before. It wrenches at her heart to see him this way. Padding softly across the room, Xenia seats herself next to the bard. Taking his arm, she pulls in close, sharing her warmth with his. Her eyes watch and her ears listen as the story unfolds before her.

Lorbius. Celine. Bael. House Ursidae. In her mind, the rogue tries to place the names in the scheme of things in Floating City. (Knowledge Local 16)

Peerimus and Yorrick 
Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 9:45:07 AM
Peerimus stands when he hears Loribus's voice and collects Yorrick and a bit more food from the table. The Lord's arrival will shortly dictate thier exit. Tionel and the others will simply have to forgive him for leaving as he knew he would have to. Peerimus and Yorrick are at the door by the time the nobles enter. A tilt of the head, "Lord Loribus, Lady Celine it is good to see you quite whole still."

He takes in the interaction a long night for them as well. Patience runs a thin line this day.

Peerimus nods to the lord's question, "We are ready, but we have come to another situation as Niobe and Savin have said. Over 50 souls in this structure need safe haven. It would appear from your condition that the Ghost is more secure and safe than any other location you know of."

Peerimus turns to regard the Shields, "The children and three adults you protect here are very likely in one of the safer locations we could get them to." With a glance to Lord Loribus, "Unless activity has strangely turned elsewhere."

Peerimus moves to Florin, "You and the Shields might be in need of these, I unfortunately have no more." Peerimus hands Florin 6 potions and an oil. (3) Cure Light Wounds 1d8+1, (3)Cure Moderate Wounds 2d8+3 and an Oil Of Greater magic Weapon +3


Belkior 
Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 12:05:41 PM
The halfling cleric turns to look at the three people who have walked into the Giggling Ghost. Belkior moves to stand with his companions Wynn and Xenia. The changes recently wrought on the bard and himself have led to a deeper comradeship. While Florin and Lang seem to have accepted their changes, the Healer of Alemi does nto appreciate being turned into a part-animal.

After listening to his companions questions of the trio, he adds to the clamor of questions. "Has the assault by the jungle ended? How were you able to safely venture here? What has happened on other levels of the City." Unconciously, Belkior fingers the soft fur on his thigh while he speaks.

Hearing Peerimus' offer, he replies to the druid. "If none of my companions are interested, I would hold the healing potions for them."


The Rogues (DMiT JohnP) 
Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 12:09:49 PM
The three rogues watch the interaction between Lorbius, Bael and Celine with the heroes who have restrained them. As much as they dislike the idea of imprisonment, it's a better prospect than summary execution offered by some members of the Crimson Shields.

When Lord Bael mentions that he will take only two of the rogues, both Specialty and Roach look to Jonas. Neither want to be the only one left to the tender mercies of Angus.


OoC (DM/Al) 
Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 12:13:00 PM
Didn't realize I had said "Two" Anvil Hearts. I meant all Three.

Tionel  d20+10=18
Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 2:29:42 PM
Tionel nods to the Lady Celine. "We are her champions. Can you tell us any news of her, of the other lords...? Is there any sort of news on what is happening to the city? We were hoping that the Underlord could move it back to where it was, near the Plateau City... To escape this area, which has gone mad. Or at least, to right it upwards and make it level. Please...we have been locked here, protecting these orphans, while these plants have been rampaging this city mercilessly."
(Diplomacy 18)

Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47)  d20+6=9 d20+6=23
Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 8:35:31 PM
OOC - "Dismantle" may not be exactly what Lang did to make a path to the outside.

After the three people move into the Giggling Ghost, Lang moves to the doorway and takes a quick look around (spot 9/13). He then proceeds to pile the debris back in the doorway, remaking the barricade.

After he is done, Lang stands near the doorway and listens in on the conversation, gently scratching Sunshine's ears (listen 23). He remains quiet, as his appearance will probably not help matters.

Lang takes a small interest in the tall human, as this human is almost as tall as Lang's new form.

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider

Arrows used 32.

Problems, Solutions, And what of Jaeden? (DM/Al) 
Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 9:07:13 PM
Lord Lorbius nods at the acknowledgements of those who would follow him. He arches a dark brow, however, when Jaeden Ohm begins preparations to depart.

"Many pardons," he says approaching the fighter and his horse, "but we have sound reasons for taking with us, only those who accompanied this morning, the ones who call themselves The Children of Chaos. We are grateful for your bravery and good will. But for reasons beyond mere danger, I request that you remain behind."

Lady Celine laughs, and attempts to fend Luke's large paws from her shoulders. "You, Sir, are a most unusual dog." She turns to Angus, "I am Celine of House Stizein. You have the orphans with you?" she asks. Her eyes go wide, and she looks about for signs of the children. Then her face drops with the dawning realization that they have a mission which must soon take them away. Celine turns to Lorbius, and Wynn Brightsong, his eyes on the interaction between the three, immediately recognizes that the connection between Lorbius and Celine is more intimate than their initial body language had immediately suggested. Lord Bael, though the look on his face suggests nothing but loyalty to his cousin and house Ursidae, exhibits a discontent. Celine, too, though she appeals to Lorbius to intercede on behalf of the orphans, holds back as well. Despite the bonds of love and loyalty, there is some essential disagreement that keeps these three at arm's length from one another.

Xenia knows through the rumor mill, that Celine of the noble House of Stizein, and Lorbius of the noble House of Ursidae were at one time betrothed. There came a break between the two houses, a scandal over a stolen artifact, and the wedding was called off.

Niobe adds her appeal to the words that Celine has spoken only with her eyes.

Lorbius looks about the room at the various faces that implore aide for those in need.

"Bael, you are ascending to the upper levels with the three prisoners." It is a statement couched as a question. "Invoke the name of House Ursidae.
Have them send a contingent of the guard to this place. If they have none to spare, ask my father to send some of Ursidae's personal troops."

"And remember, you will report what you have seen to Malneth of House Stizein."

"Lorbius!"

"NO, Bael!" The Lord turns on his cousin. "We have no time to debate this. It is NOT debatable. You know in your heart that it is the best thing to
do. It is time to put aside our disputes. If the houses do not stand together, then they will fall. You know this. This is not a matter of the honor of our house. It is a matter of the survival of all of our houses."

The two cousins stand, eyes locked in a test of wills. Then Bael nods. "I will report to Malneth of Stizein." The Ursidae turns and walks to where the Anvil Hearts cluster. He stand before them, a wall of flesh. "You three will be coming with me." That is all that he says.

Celine moves to Lorbius' side. She touches his arm. (Listen DC15 to catch the following: Highlight to display spoiler: {"Thank you, my love," Celine whispers. "Thief though he may be, Tarleth is still my brother."})

"Thank you, Bael," Lorbius rumbles in his deep and resonant voice. "The orphans would be best to stay here until the Guard arrives. As Master Peerimus has said, this is one of the more sound structures within Floating City. It is the Teucri construction that has kept the structure secure while buildings around it have collapsed."

"We have just come from the Trash Level. The numbers of plants has decreased since yesterday. Bael has said that there is a Dragon group outside the city walls battling the incursion of Orc Worts. They have attempted to contact the Underlord, but progress is slow." He turns to those who have requested information on the streets outside. "When we descended yesterday, Barracks Level was a shambles. The Guard had only just driven off an attack through the use of a risky and destructive tactic. I am assuming that the level is now secure, but there is no guarantee. Merchant Level appeared in better condition. Though we fought plant creatures at the entrance of the Central Stairs there as well. The entrance to Gold Level had not yet been breached when we left yesterday morning. The troops from several noble houses had set up a barricade at the entrance to the Central Stairs. I would think that moving about is still as yet, unwise."

Lady Celine returns Wynn's smile, and then returns to address the two groups. "I will speak to Lady Firiona with regards to a place for the orphans. Perhaps a collection can be taken from all of the noble houses once the city is again secure. Yet be aware that the city has been dealt a severe blow. Reconstruction will be necessary throughout, with resources stretched to their limits. We will try to be advocates for the children, but we can only do so much."

"Pardon the interuption, Milord." Happy bows. "Angus is correct. The Thug Road area is dangerous. Maybe not as much now. That is to say, if the plants have withdrawn. But it is still a warren of many many small streets. Even one familiar with the ways of Trash Level might not find what they are looking for. It could take many days to search the area. How will you succeed?"


Ilsidur 
Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 9:07:52 PM
Ilsidur wakes and communes with the Woldian powers. He commits his new spells. [OOC: I am away from home, so I will need to send you the spell list by the end of the week.] "Once we are certain that the children are in good hands, we will join you, Lord Lorbius."

Wynn Brightsong 
Wednesday August 24th, 2005 1:09:07 AM
The safety of the orphans. That is first and foremost the job with which the Crimson Shields have been charged. Wynn accepts that. Still...

Emerging from the shadows, the bard threads his way through the detritus of piled broken furniture. As he passes Belkior, he places a steadying hand on the half-thing's shoulder, unsure how secure his friend is on his new cat feet. "Lorbius, sir," he says aloud, as he moves forward, hailing the obvious leader, "a word, please, before you go."

Recognizing that there is not much time, Wynn gets to the point. "I am concerned about the druid, Rosanna. She has in her possession an artefact she called the Knot of Druis. Any who manipulated this artefact were..." the bard hesitates, running his hand through his hair. Realizing what he has done, he drops his hand behind his back, before continuing. "As I was saying, any who touched the artefact were changed." Wynn looks for signs of support from his party, and continues. "From her behaviour here, I fear she is under the control of the artefact. It will be chaos if she is allowed to spread its strange magic further."


Jaeden Ohm 
Wednesday August 24th, 2005 1:27:04 AM

"Lord Lobius." Jaeden begins with an incline of his head. He holds up his hand for the Noble to see. "If your needs require the Children of Chaos that seems to include me." He shrugs and glances around at the other children for verification.

Niobe 
Wednesday August 24th, 2005 4:14:20 AM
Niobe will wait before adding anything new to the conversation. She has a feeling that the accusation that the Children of Chaos will be abandoning the orphans will become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Angus 24/25 HP  d20+1=4
Wednesday August 24th, 2005 7:18:24 AM
Angus looks again to Celine and back to Wynn "Lady Celine, do any of you know of the artifact or the druid who wielded it as my friend Wynn has explained. Many of here were changed in ways we do not wish to remain, some sutle and some not so." Angus looks from Lang to Belkior to Florin and finally to Wynn.

Angus continues "Regarding the childrens, Lady Celine, you are very generous. I may not have understood correctly, are we to wait for escort for orphans and the criminals up to the gold level? If so, I wish to come along to make the transition easier for all involved."

Angus is shocked when the gnome goes to release the Anvil Hearts. "What are you doing! These are trained assassins, if they are not bound they will escape as soon as you turn your back. I must strongly protest this foolish action!" Angus wonders to himself if the Children of Chaos will ever learn, and silently wishes the nobles the best of luck working with them.

Angus (listen 4) does not hear any of the nobles whispered conversation as he is in shock at the release of the Anvil Hearts.

Savin 
Wednesday August 24th, 2005 7:22:40 AM
Savin will step forward for the newcomer and say, "Yes the fates have marked this man Jaeden Ohm as a Child of Chaos. He has been in touch with the Crones, he has been marked as one of us, and he will travel with us until he deems it time to depart."

Savin knows they must leave, so he walks over to Angus and Florin. He says, "It looks like the Fates are pulling us into a different direction. We must go on with our quest and you must stay and protect the children. Once we are done, I will try and visit to see how the Crimson Shields are making out. For now, take this as a gift to help rebuild the children's new home once this confusion is over.

He smiles and adds, "At least it looks like the Anvil Hearts are heading back to prison. I don't think they are gonna wanna tangle with that fellow over there. He looks none to pleasant when happy, don't think I want to see him mad."

Savin hands Syr a small sack. It is heavy and when looked into, you will see it has 500 gps in it.



Firn'gaer 
Wednesday August 24th, 2005 7:48:07 AM
Angus protests Firn'gaer actions as he goes to untie the prisoners and then Lorbius says they're to be returned to the guard, Firn'gaer holds on his current course. His is, though, quite fed up with the sorcerer's prattling.

"I thought they were arsonist?" The gnome says to Angus. "From what was said from Happy and Tionel, I was under the impression that they were jailed for setting the orphanage on fire or at least arrested because you said so. If there was enough actual proof that they were responsible for the near destruction of an entire level, I think their punishment would have been a little more sever than jail." He says again wanting to put the Ghost and the entire city behind him; now having a bad taste to him. "I was wondering about your relationship. You hate them so deeply and I wondered why, but I think I have it, or at least a theory. You blame yourself for the deaths of the orphans. If you hadn't attack the rogues in that cave, the orphans might be alive. You blame them, but really you blame yourself. That is why you want to kill them, isn't it."

Firn'gaer moves over to the rest of the Children leaving the Anvil Hearts still bound. He does nodd to Jaeden on conformation of his inquiry about being one of them. "It'll be good to have some more muscle along." He says.

Status
Hit Points -- 70

Prepared Spells
0 -- detect magic, flare, light, touch of fatigue

1 -- alarm, magic missile x2*, ray of enfeeblement x2, shield

2 -- extended mage armor, knock, mirror image, scorching ray, see invisibility, web

3 -- dispel magic, empowered magic missile x2, slow x2

4 -- black tentacles x2, dimension door, polymorph

5 -- empowered fireball, overland flight, wall of force

* -- Spells Cast

Peerimus and Yorrick  d20+6=23
Wednesday August 24th, 2005 9:15:18 AM
Peerimus listens to the beginings of what would ever remain a point of contention between them. The Anvil Hearts, A small group of insignificant rogues. It is amazing the damage they have caused that will out live us all

The druid over hears Celine [listen 23], but see no reason to unintentionally invade on concerns that are private between the two. Instead he moves and puts a hand on Firngear's shoulder as he leaves the rogues. "There is no need to start that discussion again, our fate pulls us elsewhere like it or not."

To Happy's question of the lower levels, the druid appears to have an answer but holds his tongue. He will speak if need be, he has no desire to be lost in this city's 'Trash' level. Nothing about the thought is remotely pleasant.

Spell list
Level 0:
Detect magic, Mending x2, Read Magic

Level 1:
Pass w/o a Trace, Longstrider, CLW, Produce Flame x2, Jump

Level 2:
Reduce Animal, Barkskin x2, Cats Grace. Restoration Lesser

Level 3:
CMW, Greater Magic Fang, Stone Shape, Spike Growth

Level 4:
Anti Plant Shell, Cure Serious Wounds, Flame Strike, Ice Storm

Level 5:
Animal Growth, Wall of Fire, Stone Skin


Xenia (HP 32/35) 
Wednesday August 24th, 2005 9:55:27 AM
Poor Wynn. Xenia remains behind in the shadows as the bard steps forward to speak with the noble guy from Gold Level. He seems so ... not himself. But, at the same time that his distress tears at her heart, it also makes her love him all the more.

Love is such a weird thing.

Xenia rises from her seat and quietly skirts the edge of the discussion. She makes her way to the only other girl around, the one from the other group, Niobe.

"Um, you know, I'm really sorry. I mean, about yesterday. I mean, I know you said it was no biggie, but, I feel bad about it. Wynn and me ... well, I guess I just get kinda crazy when it comes to Wynn."

"Um ... looks like you're gonna be leaving. I mean, you guys need anything? Food and stuff. We don't have much. And you guys have been so great, giving us magic and donating money to, like, the orphans. If there's anything we can maybe give you guys ... "

Xenia's quiet for a moment. She fidgets something clearly on her mind. Finally, she asks Niobe the question that's been crying to be asked.

"Um, Niobe, uh, do you know, maybe, um, like, where I can get one of those bras that push up your boobies and make them look bigger?"

Belkior 
Wednesday August 24th, 2005 3:05:57 PM
The halfling cleric listens to what the nobles from Gold Level had to say about their trip down, and then up from Trash Level.

It sounds like the streets are safer but not yet completely free of the plant creatures. And the Floating City is still tilted but, at least, has not tilted closer to the tipping point.

Belkior moves closer to his fellows in the Crimson Shields. "So, the Lady Celine will speak to Firiona about an orhanage. I'm afraid that our children downstairs will not be the only orphans in the city, once the final tally is taken."

"What are we to do in the meantime? How are we to protect the children until the City gets back on an even keel? So to speak, that is." Belkior chuckles a little bit at his jest. "We're going to need to find food and shelter for them until the plant things are driven from the City and shipments can start again."

The interjection from Happy catches his attention. "Florin, do some of the Shields know their way about Trash Level? I mean, if we didn't have to protect the children."


The Rogues (DMiT JohnP) 
Wednesday August 24th, 2005 3:12:16 PM
The three rogues look up together as Bael Ursidae moves to stand over them. Specialty and Jonas seem to be appraising the noble, both his character and his equipment. Roach sizes him up and immediately decides that challenging him would be a mistake.

Specialty speaks first, before Jonas can. "Are you going to loosen our bonds for the trip, or are we going to have to climb without our hands?" The rogues are still tied tightly, after all the checking and re-checking that they were subjected to.

Jonas' ears seem to perk when he overhears the words of Happy. Addressing Lady Celine, the leader of the Anvil Hearts offers, "My Lady, if I may presume. My companions and I are well acquainted with Trash Level and could serve as guides, if you wish. Consider it as part of our service to the City."


All We Can Do (DM/Al) 
Wednesday August 24th, 2005 8:08:02 PM
Lorbius listens to the various concerns, needs, and competing interests. His first response is to Jaeden Ohm.

"You will leave with this group when they return whence they came?" He nods. "I do not claim to know in what way you are bound, but my instinct
tells me that you are trustworthy. Your sword and wit are welcome."

"Bael, how soon before you could have a contingent of troops to this place?" Lorbius quickly and decisively moves to the next problem at hand.

The stout lord rubs a hand against the stubble that covers his lower jaw. "If the way is mostly clear, and If the troops come from Barracks Level ...
half a day. If I have to send the troops down from Gold, then evening at best."

With that, Lorbius turns back to the Crimson Shields. "Will that do? Can you hold out until then? With a contingent of troops you will have runners,
and communication with the outside. With communication, you may be able to establish a line of supply. I say, 'May'. There is no telling what shape the rest of the city is in."

"Bael will return up level, taking the prisoners with him. He will send back troops. Until then, you must hold out and protect your young charges."

"We would not leave you were it not imperative that we go. Please, believe me in this."

"My father has spoken of the Crimson Shields." This from Lady Celine. She smiles warmly. "From what he has said, you are well up to the task. Please, take on this burden with the knowledge that in doing so, you safeguard not only the lives of these children, but the stability of the city itself."

"We know as well, of Rosanna of Alder House and her role as protector of the Knot of Drusis." Lorbius standing next to Celine, raises an eyebrow. A
thing that he did not know. "She has ever been a conscientious guardian." A thin line of concern divides Lady Celine's creamy brow. "From what we
know, the artifact does not control. It was entrusted to Rosanna to keep it from the control of those who would abuse it. If she done you harm through
the use of the artifact, then I can only surmise it was due to the influence of the same forces that have sent the Crying Woods against us."

"I am sorry that I can offer no more comfort than that. Please believe me, when I tell you that we would offer more if we could. But even we, with the
resources at our command, can only do so much."

"Well, we'd best be moving." Bael says pulling the bound Anvil Hearts to their feet. "The sooner we're off, the sooner we can get troops out and down to this level."

"Believe me," Bael says to Angus, "I can travel much faster alone than with company. Even with these three millstones." He quickly examines the bonds.
"And please, don't take me for a fool." This to the Anvil Hearts. " It is a mistake that can be exceptionally fatal. There will be little climbing save up the gentle ramp of the Central Stairs. You're going back to Gaol, and if you play straight by me, I'll fight like a demon for your right to arrive there safe and sound."

"Come. Let us off." With a gentle shove, the lord sends the Anvil Hearts in the direction of the front door. Bael pauses for a moment by Celine.

"With no disrespect Lady Celine, we do what we must." Bael's eyes turn to Lorbius. "And if some must die for the greater good of all, then so be it. I trust you, Cousin, to do what is right. Put the good of House Ursidae before ... before all else, eh?"

There is the metallic song of a shortsword leaving it's sheath. An explosive slap as Lord Bael whacks the flat against the side of his boot. "Let us off!" The stout Lord calls out again, and then he disappears through the front door, herding the Anvil Hearts before him.

Lorbius and Celine watch the Ursidae leave with the three prisoners. There is a silence between them, a weight of duty, a weight of decisions.

"We must leave," Lorbius announces. "Before the day grows older. If this lair will be difficult to find, then we must spend as much of the daylight as we have in search, for night on Trash Level is dark as a cave. Stars do not shine through at night."

"We are ... I am, so terribly sorry to abandon you in this time of need," Lady Celine apologizes to the Crimson Shields. "Take heart in that we have faith in you. And in this time of need for all, we know that you will bear out and shine brightly within the encroaching darkness."

Both Lord and Lady of two noble houses, step to the doorway and look to the Children of Chaos, awaiting their readiness.

[[OoC: Farewells tomorrow, then Friday, Children of Chaos go back to their own board. And please pardon me for posting a few hours earlier than usual. I have a dinner to attend tonight. --Al]]

Angus 
Wednesday August 24th, 2005 8:21:38 PM
Angus is moved by lady Celine's kind words. "Thank you Lady as you are most kind. I wish you luck on you mission. Just beware of the trash level as it is filled with many an unsavory type, especially for a lady such as your self."

Angus feels confident that the Anvil Hearts are in good hands of Bael and call out to them. "Jonas, Please try to escape. Please."



Florin Jadenth 
Wednesday August 24th, 2005 9:30:21 PM
)OOC:Your earlier post caught me off guard but it's cool Al.)

Florin takes the potions and oil offered by Peerimus and hands the potions of healing over to Belkior, "here Belkior, I think you would be best to hold on to these as our healer." He gives Belkior and pat on the back to show the healer comment was a compliment, "hmm, this potion should be given to someone without a magical weapon since I already have one."

Florin bows to Peerimus, "I thank you Peerimus and we all no matter what feelings were shared in the past wish you all well and godspeed in your travels."



Sly and Luke 
Wednesday August 24th, 2005 10:48:54 PM
Sly keeps quiet but he is happy to see the Anvil Hearts go. He knows the type. They are a slippery crew and he could tell they were trying to play one group against the other and somewhat succeeding.

Sly gathers up his equipment checking to see if he weapons are sharp and in proper shape. He says to Luke, "I can't believe you almost knocked down that sweet woman. What were you thinking?"

Luke replies, "I like the way she smells. Now that Lord Lubruis. Something smells funny about him. I can't put my paw on it but watch him closely."

Savin 
Wednesday August 24th, 2005 10:55:07 PM
Savin will make the rounds of the Crimson Shields and shake their hands. He will make a small speech. "If we are all still alive after the city is put to rights and the Crones haven't whisked us to the Sargrass Plains or something, lets meet here and have a meal and find out how we all survived this time of turmoil. I am sure there will be some interesting stories.

We didn't see each other at our bests but I would like the chance to get to know all of you better. Let us meet under more favorable conditions and I will be glad to make you a feast with some real ingredients."

Savin will move over towards the Lady Celine and say, "I am ready to go."

Wynn Brightsong 
Wednesday August 24th, 2005 11:37:25 PM
Wynn isn't convinced by Lady Celine's explanation, but says no more about the druid and her artefact. "We will hold this place until reinforcements arrive," he adds.

The bard then retreats to the shadowy corner from which he had emerged. Crossing his arms over his chest, he leans against the slanting wall and watches the Children as they depart.



Lang & Sunshine 
Wednesday August 24th, 2005 11:59:04 PM
Lang is glad to see the Anvil Hearts leave. Hopefully the large man is able to get them back to jail uneventfully.

Lang agrees with the plan to guard the children until the guardsmen arrive. He says his goodbyes to the Children of Chaos and wishes them luck in all their endeavors.

"Savin, I look forward to that meal."

Lang watches them leave and once again fixes the barricade.

"Florin, what's our game plan on keeping the children safe until help arrives?"

Jaeden Ohm (hp 71/97)  d20+8=11 d20+2=18 d20+5=13 d20+6=17
Thursday August 25th, 2005 1:56:18 AM
Jaeden nods in response to the Lords welcome. "If my arrival here is any indication then yes, I'll likely be leaving with them when the time comes."

Turning to Angus, "Know that I haven't made a choice. It seems that fate has it's own plan for me... Perhaps someday our paths will cross again."

And to Xenia, "My thanks for the drink this morning." She too gets a nod from the once again armored Human.

He takes the few steps needed to reach his horse, puts on his gauntlets and with a wave to Happy proceeds outside.

"I'll keep an eye on the street while the rest finish getting ready."

Just outside the Inns doorway he mounts Dalek and keeps watch. [Jaeden spot 11, listen 18 / Dalek spot 13, listen 17]

*****
OOC question:
Is Jaeden the only CoC with a mount?
*****

[Yup. You're the only one. Though not the only one with an Animal Friend. -- Al ]

The Rogues (DMiT JohnP) 
Thursday August 25th, 2005 10:04:43 AM
The three rogues are pulled to their feet by Bael Lorbius. The noble immediately checks their bonds and begins herding them out of the Ghost.

Hearing Angus' words, Jonas turns and glares at the mage. Jonas looks as if he would speak, but Bael gestures with his shortsword and Jonas thinks better of it. Still, that glare seemed to promise a future encounter.


Belkior 
Thursday August 25th, 2005 10:12:59 AM
The halfling cleric makes his farewells of the Children of Chaos.

When the mage Peerimus approaches, Belkior will thank him. "I will use the potions as you intended, to keep us fit enough to protect the orphans downstairs."

The small cleric shakes the hand of Savin and replies to the monk, "Go with Alemi. I would like to meet again, under less strained circumstances."

After the parting words, the Healer of Alemi returns to the basement. His companions will look to supplies and security. The Healer's place is here with the injured children, tending to their wounds and fears. Maybe Wynn can come back down and cheer the children with a song.

Belkior bustles about, checking the bandages that he applied the previous day. He has almost completely exhausted the supplies from his kits and will need to resupply ... once the City returns to normal, or as close it gets. Maybe Happy has some old sheets that could be used instead?


Peerimus and Yorrick  d20+13=25 d20+17=22 d20+21=28
Thursday August 25th, 2005 11:41:14 AM
Peerimus nods to Lord Loribus, "I believe we are all ready." With that he lays a hand upon Yorrick "Iertuahay" [Casts Greater Magic Fang]

"Florin." The druid clasps his hands together elbows out at chest level and nods. "Thanks is not required. You are a good man Florin and your prayers are welcome. I will ask Mother to keep a watchful eye for you and your charges."

Stepping into the street, he looks about with a keen eye for hidden dangers that may have entered the area. [Spot 25, Know Nature 22, Survival 28]

Spell list
Level 0:
Detect magic, Mending x2, Read Magic

Level 1:
Pass w/o a Trace, Longstrider, CLW, Produce Flame x2, Jump

Level 2:
Reduce Animal, Barkskin x2, Cats Grace. Restoration Lesser

Level 3:
CMW, *Greater Magic Fang, Stone Shape, Spike Growth

Level 4:
Anti Plant Shell, Cure Serious Wounds, Flame Strike, Ice Storm

Level 5:
Animal Growth, Wall of Fire, Stone Skin

Active Spells Peerimus and Yorrick:
Greater Magic fang duration 10 hours


Firn'gaer 
Thursday August 25th, 2005 4:19:00 PM
"Yes we are ready." He says. He prepares by casting some "prep" spells before heading out.

He does put down some rations on a table, three days worth. "My magic sustains me." Is all he says.

He does stop and say to the Shields, "I appologize for my behavior. It is unbecoming a member of a Star Mage. I hope that when this is behind us we many have a chance to start new." With that he flies towards the door.

Status
Hit Points -- 70

Active Spells
Overland Flight -- 10 hours
Extended Mage Armor -- 20 hours

Prepared Spells
0 -- detect magic, flare, light, touch of fatigue

1 -- alarm, magic missile x2*, ray of enfeeblement x2, shield

2 -- extended mage armor*, knock, mirror image, scorching ray, see invisibility, web

3 -- dispel magic, empowered magic missile x2, slow x2

4 -- black tentacles x2, dimension door, polymorph

5 -- empowered fireball, overland flight*, wall of force

* -- Spells Cast

Tionel 
Thursday August 25th, 2005 4:44:21 PM
Tionel will shake the hand of Savin politely, recognizing it for what it is; a diplomatic way of saying goodbye. After that, Tionel sighs and admits privately, to Syr, "I'm kinda glad to see these guys go. To be honest, most of them get on my nerves. That Druid Peerimus..." he just waves his hands, frustratedly, not wanting to go through that whole thing again. He smiles, looking at Xenia talking to the lady, "At least she's getting over that... What do you think, Syr, of that group in all?"

Niobe 
Thursday August 25th, 2005 7:41:25 PM
Niobe grins.
"Don't worry about it Xenia. I don't hold your reaction towards me against you at all - it's water under the bridge."

At the question of undergarments she replies, "the Catacombs have everything try there. Also you could try the same thing I do. The tailoring of your clothes can work miracles since it will fit your figure better - baggy clothes are only good for working in."
(At the "working in" comment Niobe winks at Xenia; surely Xenia has at least a passing familiarity with the lifting lay!)

"I am sorry that we cannot help you escort the orphans somewhere safer but it appears that the nobilty think we have better things to do..."

Finally Niobe addresses both Xenia and Wynn,

"You two take care of each other, and the best of luck to you both."

Niobe hands Xenia 4 CLW potions (to be split as Xenia chooses).

Niobe is ready to leave whenever the rest of the group is ready to leave.

Xenia (HP 32/35) 
Thursday August 25th, 2005 8:14:40 PM
Xenia sputters her thanks at Niobe's gift of lifesaving potions.

"I'll ... I'll try that. The Catacombs. Thanks, Niobe. Thank you." Xenia waves as the other group leaves.

"Good luck."

"We'll be here."

"Bye ... "

When the others have left, Xenia returns to Wynn's side. In her hands she clutches the four vials.

"She was pretty," the rogue says as though to no one in particular.

"And she had pretty good taste too."

"She liked you."

"And she said we should take care of each other." Xenia fidgets a bit. As though for lack of anything else, she holds one of the vials out to the bard. "I think she was right."

"I'm here. If you need me."

"Maybe we oughta close the door back up."

Separate Ways (DM/Al) 
Thursday August 25th, 2005 8:21:07 PM
"May the Gods watch over you," Lady Celine raises a hand in farewell. A staunch look of approval in the eyes of Lord Lorbius is his only goodbye. The pair turn and exit through the battered doorway.

The Children of Chaos and the Crimson Shields say their goodbye's. Times have been hard. Things have been rocky and stressful, and the few hours that the two groups have shared have been less than cordial. And yet, as they part, some express the hope that things might be different. Time providing, the two groups, the Crimson Shields and the Children of Chaos will meet again under skies more blue.

The Crimson Shields settle in to care for the orphans, and to see to the defense of the Giggling Ghost.

The Children of Chaos make their way down Dagger Point, back toward the intersection at Crook Street with the Central Stairs just to the south. The street, littered with the rubble of crushed and tumbled buildings, is clear. Nothing moves. Jaeden and Dalek hear nothing. Wait! The distant sound of collapsing masonry. A weakness in some far structure? Or does something still rove the silent streets? Peerimus takes in the rose vines, so ubiquitous now that one fails, almost, to register their presence. His knowledge of such things tells him that the budding vines are as healthy as they were the day before.

Such is the morning of the day on which the two groups part. Quiet, with little to tell what might lie in store for anyone.

[OoC: And so the Children of Chaos leave the Crimson Shields board. If time provides later, some of them might be back as promised. For now, however, Kids of Kaos, please begin posting on your regular board. There is a DM post waiting for you there.

Crimson Shields, it has been a pleasure. But, then again, I have the pleasure of playing with you every day. Tomorrow, I will return control of our game to DM George. And may Domi have Mercy on Our Souls. --Al ]

Florin Jadenth 
Friday August 26th, 2005 1:44:46 AM
Florin stretches abit now that everyone has left and he looks to everyone as he thinks and nods, "Well, lets see to this place real quick first. The door can be boarded up again for the moment. Happy I don't like those stairs right now, we do not need a possible fight on two fronts if something comes along. Any ideas on how to keep it covered with something? Happy, if we moved dressers and such out of the rooms to block the hallway would you mind?"

Florin looks to the group also, thinking over the abilities and skills of each person before nodding, "Ok, most of us are front row fighters here so to keep it simple I would say our magic users should be covering the stairs and all fighters should be watchful of any monsters if we get attacked and be ready to fall back to aid them."

Florin moves over and pats angus and Tionel both on the arm, knowing how these two actually prefer little manual labor and smiles, "Friends I need a favor of you two, while me, Lang and Syr see to the dressers or blocking those stairs or hallways some how, how about you two look in on the kids and make sure everyone is doing okay. Cheer them up and let them know that help should be coming soon."

Florin also goes rigid as a thought hits him, "Ohh by Domi's hammer....Belkior, the kids....did you check the kids for any sign of that plant infection...you know, the plant in the brain? We have no idea if any of those creatures could of possibly spread it and I don't think any of us want walking green kids." Florin is clearly being cautious of this matter, killing plant infected kids is a horrible thought and summons even worse images.

Angus 24/25 HP  d20+8=24
Friday August 26th, 2005 8:52:02 AM
Angus breaths a big sigh of relief as he inwardly argrees with Tionel. THe Chaos people are a powerful and arrogant group but also generous. It would be better to meet them again under different circumstances.

Angus looks around the battered Inn and announces "I guess we wait for the guard to come." Thinking of the Chaos peoples generousity. "I think Belkior should hold most of the healing potions, but we should pass some around to those that can administer to the fighters, like me, Tionel, and Xenia. No need to keep all of our eggs in one basket."

Angus finds a nice spot to sit down and rest and watch everyone clean the GG. Angus pulls out his flute and begins to play again (perform 24). Hopefully the kids will come up at the sound of the music.

Belkior 
Friday August 26th, 2005 10:40:43 AM
The halfling cleric listens to Florin's question about checking for infection. "No, Florin, I did not check the children for infection. Of course, we didn't see any of the green-tinged people that spread the infection yesterday, did we. Still, I will get on that right after I check each member of the Shields. Starting with you, Florin."

Belkior starts humming to himself as he prepares to perform the examinations. Whatever else is happening, providing medical care and healing is something that the halfling Healer of Alemi is happy to do. It centres him, letting him concentrate on simple, concrete matters that he can control.

(DM Info - Belkior has a +18 for Heal checks, so taking 10 or 20 should be sufficient for any diagnosis checks.)

As he works, Belkior will keep speaking to his patients. Partly trying to cheer people up, but mostly to determine how they are withstanding the strain.

"Florin, take it easy for the next while until you get used to the new body. It's taller and probably not as stable as your former body."

"Wynn, have you noticed any dryness or discomfort with your new form? I've never treated a water-breather before, so I have no idea if this will make you more or less susceptible to poisons or disease."

"Xenia, I happened to overhear your conversation with the woman from the Children. Why would you want to be bigger, up there? Wouldn't it upset your balance? And give you back pain? Maybe you should just purchase a shirt with a permanent illusion. For a little extra, you can get one that stands up to touch as well as sight."

"Angus, have you ever spoken to anyone about the anger you have for the Anvil Hearts? It's not healthy to keep it bottled up inside. And, maybe, you've made Jonas really dislike you, so keep an eye out after this is all over."

"Lang ... does it tickle when I do this? I've noticed increased sensitivity on my legs, since the change."

"Sunshine, how are you? No, no, no ... don't sniff me like that."

"Syr ... can you hear me? Are you still lost in thought?"

"Tionel ... umm, can I ask something? How would you suggest I keep the fur on my legs clean? I've noticed that I get lint and other things in it, not to mention what happened when I sat on some jam or something? I mean, you know about how animals keep themselves clean, right?"

"Happy ... I won't ask, you've probably gotten tired of that question. How long do you think your foodstores will hold out?"



Xenia (HP 35/35)  d8+1=8
Friday August 26th, 2005 3:50:37 PM
Xenia gives Belkior a look that says, like, sssssssshhhh ... tell everybody will ya.

She gets down close to the halfling and whispers. "I don't reeeeeaaaallllly want bigger boobies, you know." With everyone working, the rogue eyes the furniture and the stairs, looking at what they would need to do in order to block the access up there.

"But I was thinking," she continues to the Belkior, "how guys, you know, like the cleavage-look. I buy an outfit with some neck-line. And, well, you know, sump'in for support underneath too. It's more ... well ... more shapely, huh? Kinda sexy."

For some reason it's just easier to talk about these kinds of things with halfings. One of the small mysteries of life.

"Hey, Florin! You really think it's a good idea to close off the second floor? I mean, that's our only lookout right now. We could maybe board up all the windows 'cept for one. How's that, huh?"

"Anyway, I'm gonna try that," the rogue continues her conversation with Belkior. With a thumb, she pushes the stopper off the top of one of Niobe's potions. Her eyes flit to Wynn for the briefest of moments before drinking down the almond tasting stuff. The look says a lot. "I mean, hey, I gotta do something, you know."

Rolls and Actions
CLW Heal Xenia 8hp

Wynn  d20+6=21 d20+6=11
Saturday August 27th, 2005 11:45:46 PM
Wynn watches from the shadows as the various adventurers and nobles leave the giggling ghost. Reluctantly he submits to Belkior's examination but pulls away when the cleric tries to examine his gills. "I'm fine" he tells the halfling in a flat voice.

Uncomfortable with all of the attention, the bard retreats to the basement to assist Angus with the children. He will minister to the wounded [Heal=21]and try to comfort any of the more frightened children, however, he is unable to completely hide the darkness and inner turmoil that has crept over him [Diplomacy=11]. Wynn tries a song but cannot find a very cheerful one.

Keep your eyes open and prick up your ears-
Rehearse your loudest cry
There's folks out there who would do you harm
So I'll sing you no lullaby
There's a lock on the window, there's a chain on the door;
a big dog in the hall
But there's dragons and beasties out there in the night
to snatch you if you fall.

So come out fighting with your rattle in hand
Thrust and parry. Light
a match to catch the devil's eye,. Bring
a cross of fire to the fight.

And let no sleep bring false relief
from the tension of the fray.
Come wake the dead with the scream of life.
Do battle with ghosts at play.



Tionel 
Sunday August 28th, 2005 4:44:17 AM
The thin elf smiles, always glad to help the orphans. "Okay, Florin." He starts grabbing more blankets and such. The safest place may be in the basement, but that doesn't mean that they can't go about replacing the sheets and such.
"What a wonderful coincidence you asked me that question, Belkior. Let me tell you, most animals don't remove stains through such simple ways, but humans and elves have discovered wonderful ways of removing those hideous things. Here, just take off your coat, now, you need a washing bucket and you take a bit of this powder, you put it on there. It's a certain elven extract of oil, guaranteed to remove the most difficult part, and you follow that up with a bit of lard if necessary, and thoroughly rub with water..." Tionel keeps on blathering, for about a half hour, on the wonderful merits of medieval laundering.
But he can't help but hear Belkior's conversation with Xenia. He chuckles and draws the girl aside afterwards. "In my opinion, what you need isn't more up here, Xenia. Your elven side makes you willowy, slim, and skinny; most humans that you may seek to emulate will quickly age and get fattier in those certain areas that you seem intent on amplifying. That's why most elven maidens prefer a look that is slender and graceful. You must be less the plump, cheerful, bosomy barmaid, and more the elegant, sweeping, forest nymph." He proceeds to give her some fashion tips, like accentuating her elvish eyes with some paint up there and a slight trimming of the eyebrow. Or, to add alure to her ears, maybe some nice slim silver earrings, small indents instead of heavy hanging ones, and for her forehead a slim circlet to pull her hair back...
As to the rest of her body, he immediately decides that her current gear is entirely inappropriate. "You simply must see this curious little one named Tinsheeanshibutt...The best at making silk fabrics and clothes in all the city."

Thunder and Lightning


DM George "House Keeping" 
Sunday August 28th, 2005 10:23:41 PM
The Crimson Shield's seem happy to see the other other adventurers leave. They seemed to be powerful allies but to set in their ways and to domineering to appeal to the Shields.

The settle in to wait for relief from the city guard but an hour passes by without any sign from them.

Happy, after taking an inventory, reports that they will only have enough fresh food supplies to last another day. After that he will still be able to make bread, and have some pickled and preserved goods but the fare will get boring quick. He is also concerned about fresh water. He has plenty of beer, wine and spirits but clean water will run low quickly. He looks at Belkior with an upraised eyebrow and asks, "I am assuming you can create food and water if necessary."

He also blushes and stammers, "We need to come up with a plan to deal with all these kids urine and poop. I doubt my privy cleaners will be coming anytime soon and things are gonna start backing up! You have a lot of kids down there!"

Please post if anyone is on watch, where they are watching from, and if we are on any rotating basis.

Lang & Sunshine 
Sunday August 28th, 2005 10:27:41 PM
Lang & Sunshine pretty much keep to themselves. If there is any physical activity Lang does his fair share, if not more.

He stands patiently while Belkior examines him, even though he knows he is quite healthy. He kneels down as he now towers over the Halfling by quite a lot.

Lang & Sunshine (cont.) 
Sunday August 28th, 2005 10:37:22 PM
Lang spends most of his time by the front door making sure the barricade is kept secure.

He makes a few small openings in the boarded windows, on either side of the doorway, so that he can spy out onto the street.

If possible Lang will make other small openings in the boarded up windows on other sides of the Giggling Ghost (on the same level).

Also during this time he practices his skills and abilities, trying to become used to his new body.

Xenia 
Sunday August 28th, 2005 11:15:58 PM
"Ya wanna remove stains ... " Xenia fishes around in her haversack. "Here." The rogue holds out a stick. "The spell's called Prestigiditation. I bought this to practice with. I'd probably just waste the thing now, but Wynn can use it. Or Angus. It cleans stuff. Does other stuff too."

She hands Belkior the wand. "I just don't wanna see you be licking your legs with your tongue."

It's kind of a funny thing to say. But the rogue doesn't feel in a very funny mood. Oh, her ears perk up a bit when Tionel begins to describe the make up and earrings. Gets her mind thinking.

"Thanks," she says, hugging the elf a little bit. "Maybe, if we're all still here ... if anything's still here when this is all over, I'll look up you Tin-sheenee-butt. Maybe get sump'in ... sump'in nice."

Wynn's song drifts up the stairs. It sounds so sad to her ears.

She drifts slowly down the stairs and peeks around the corner. Just watching for a bit.

"Hey!" she says, pulling a smile up from a box of spares kept just for this sorta thing. "Wanna help me take care of the upstairs?" she calls out to the bard. "Gotta watch the street. That and board up some of the windows."

"Could be kinda lonely up there. Sure be nice to have a handsome guy around. I'd try the hammer and nails myself, but I can't figure out how to put the nails into the hammer."

Belkior 
Monday August 29th, 2005 8:29:40 AM
The halfling cleric looks back and forth at the suggestions from his companions. "I .. uh ... was looking for ways to keep my legs clean. I was thinking more of combs and brushes, but a spell would work, too."

When Happy mentions magically created food and drink, Belkior nods enthusiastically. "Yes, yes ... I had planned on doing that. Do you have enough containers to hold water for everyone?"

Pausing to finger his chin, the halfling continues. "Exactly how many children are downstairs? I can make enough food and water for 18 people, would that be enough for all of us and the children?" Belkior includes Happy in his gesture.

Belkior shares Happy's concern about sanitation. "Most unhealthy, if we don't do something about that. Hmmm, what could we do? What did the refuse haulers do with it, before? I'm guessing that the urine went to the tanners, but the rest? Did that go into the lake?"

Belkior thinks for a bit before speaking to Happy. "Do you have any barrels or containers that you don't want to keep? Instead of using the building out behind the Ghost, we could use a barrel or something, you know, get soemone handy to put a seat on top of it. Then either one of the people who can cast fire spells can burn it, or we can simply roll the barrel out to the side street and let it roll downhill away from the Ghost."

Spells
0 (DC 14) - Create Water, Mending (2), Purify Food & Drink (2)
1 (DC 15) - Bless (2), Sanctuary, Shield of Faith (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 (DC 16) - Delay Poison, Spiritual Weapon (2), Summon Monster 2 (D - Aid)
3 (DC 17) - Create Food & Water (2), Prayer (D - Cure Serious Wounds)

Angus 24/25 HP  d20+8=26
Monday August 29th, 2005 9:06:09 AM
Angus waits patiently for the guard and attempts to keep the kid entertained and out of trouble. Angus stays as far away from actual work as possible, getting as much rest as possible. (perfom 26)

Tionel 
Monday August 29th, 2005 12:13:13 PM
Poop duty...great. Tionel ponders changing shape to a form which has no sense of smell so that he can handle it. But try as he may, he can't think of any creatures that happen to be so and possess hands at the same time. Maybe the bugbear can do it, he thinks to himself.
Then the halfling chirps in. "Great idea, Belkior! Get on it!" And Tionel leaves before the halfling can respond, thus having successfully shirked work. He whistles a happy tune as he gets some buckets and shovels and such for the poor halfling and whoever else (but himself) he can employ in that.

Wynn  d20+6=20 d20+2=20
Monday August 29th, 2005 7:23:54 PM
Wynn finishes his song before heading upstairs in answer to Xenia's call.

And let no sleep bring false relief
from the tension of the fray.
Come wake the dead with the scream of life.
Do battle with ghosts at play.

Gather your toys at the call-to-arms
and swing your big bear down
Upon our necks when we come to set
you sleeping safe and sound.

It's as well we tell you no lie
to chase the face that cries ~
And little birds can't fly
so keep an open eye.
Its as well we tell you no lie
so I'll sing you no lullaby.


The bard gives a wane smile to the children before climbing the stairs. When he arrives he scouts the upper floors and scans the streets for activity from whatever vantages he can find. [Spot=20, Listen=20]


DM George 
Monday August 29th, 2005 10:19:48 PM
The group continues to clean up the area, including any bodies that still might be in the common room and in the bedrooms upstairs.

Lang is able to open up a small viewing area in one of the windows but only has a limited view of the street. He can't see up or down the street very well.

Xenia and Wynn, after he finishes his rather sad and depressing song, take watch upstair in the front left bedroom.

Tionel and Belkior go on waste and food patrol and have no problems finding some empty barrels for both the water and the waste disposal.

Some of the children, including Jella, who wants to see her Daddy, (35 survivors) climb up the stairs when they hear the coast is clear. One named Bill enters the common room and sees Lang in his new form and starts screaming. "The monsters are back! Help the monsters are back! Kill it! Don't let it get me!" He bolts down the stairs and jumps into Angus's arms quivering and moaning in fear.

Florin Jadenth 
Tuesday August 30th, 2005 12:27:03 AM
Florin nods and claps belkior on the shoulder as a thanks and then goes about helping with the GG stuff while thinking over plans or things that can be done.

When the kids come up he quickly moves over to take Jella's hand and then looks to the other kids, "Wait everyone." Florin glances back to Lang and smiles abit, trying to cheer him up abit, "Some of us have had some changes happen. You all remember Lang, our ranger friend?"

Florin kneels down to gently pick up Jella, "Lang was changed into a bugbear but he is still nice and the same decent Lang who would and has helped protect you."

Thinking Florin looks to Jella and whispers to her, "Jella, you remember Lang right? One of my friends and a very good friend to all of you also. Lang was changed like your daddy was and we need to help him fit in more. Will you help me with this?"

Florin smiles to Jella and whispers to her if she shows no fear of helping him out, "Ok, Lang is still as gentle as he always was, please come over with me and show the other kids that Lang is a good guy yet and won't hurt them, please?"

Belkior 
Tuesday August 30th, 2005 7:14:09 AM
The halfling cleric will go into the kitchen area with Happy. "Where would you like the food placed? And let's get those barrels placed."

Once the water barrels are in place, Belkior will look around for some chalk or similar marking implement. Then he writes, in large block letters, "WATER ONLY" on the barrels. "I really, really don't want to get the barrels mixed up."

After a moment of reflection and prayer, Belkior will petition Alemi for food and water for the group of children and adults sheltering in the Giggling Ghost. After invoking the spell a second time, both water barrels are full and there are two heaping mounds of food on the table.

Reaching out experimentally, the halfling tries a piece of the food. "Blehh ... no taste whatsoever. Maybe you can do something with it, Happy. Or maybe one of the spellcasters can flavour it."

After ensuring a food supply, Belkior will go to inspect the impromptu lavatory. It meets his expectations.

His sanitary inspection complete, Belkior will return to tending the wounds of the children. Seeing how Lang's appearance alarmed little Billy, Belkior will move to cover his legs. With everything else that has happened, he doesn't want any of the children to be afraid of their healer because of his altered legs.

Moving over to Florin, Belkior will whisper to the paladin. After motioning for the newly taller elf to bend down, of course. "Florin, the children are probably feeling cooped up down here in the basement. Do you think that it would be possible to take small groups of them upstairs for a change of scenery? Maybe even outside, if it's safe. Some of the older ones might like to help, either with Happy in the kitchen or moving broken furniture."



Angus 24./25 HP 
Tuesday August 30th, 2005 8:46:21 AM
Angus consoles Bill. "It is ok. Many of us were cursed in the last fight with an evil druid. Not a nice druid like Tionel our friend. Land was turned into a monster along with Florin, who is now an elf. You may also notice that your friend Wynn and Belkior have also been changed. Some of the rest of us were changed in ways that are not visible, but it hurt none the less. We are still here to take care of you and your friends. Everything will be fine."

Angus thinks to himself that the guard can not get here fast enough......

Xenia 
Tuesday August 30th, 2005 12:12:03 PM
Growing up Drow dark. Wishing you were not who you are. Normal. Just like the other kids.

Bow in her lap, Xenia sits by the window, next to Wynn. Her eyes move up and down the street. But her body, her body knows it is with him. Her body feels his body through the magnetic feel of attraction. So many thoughts and feelings. About him. About herself. Still, she says nothing. Giving him the gift of silence, while filling his void with her presence. Content to share what she knows through an osmotic communication born of her faith in his sensitivity and intuition.

Being there. It's what it's all about.

Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=19
Tuesday August 30th, 2005 8:58:45 PM
Lang knows that he cannot help with the children accepting his new form. He must rely on his friends. Hopefully they will be able to make the children understand that he is a friend and not an enemy. That he is just Lang in a new form.

To make himself less imposing, Lang sits down on the floor near the front door. He leans against the wall and calls Sunshine to his side. Perhaps the older children will remember Sunshine and his master Lang and will understand that magic has changed him. If the older kids will come near him then possibly the younger ones will follow, Lang thinks.

He keeps an ear on any noises from outside (19/23).

Wynn  d20+6=9 d20+2=15
Tuesday August 30th, 2005 9:25:12 PM
Wynn sits quietly next to Xenia and takes in the goings on around him. The children's fear of Lang weighs heavily on him. Will they fear him too? Or will they simply ridicule him?

The bard does his best to clear his mind of what troubles him. He looks over at Xenia as she looks out to the street and reminds himself that she has not abandoned him. When she returns his gaze he looks away, embarassed at his own weakness.

DM George Visitation 
Tuesday August 30th, 2005 9:45:02 PM
Jella looks at Angus and says, "That was Lang? He is all hairy." She climbs out of the mages lap and reclimbs the stairs. She tentatively makes her way over to the slumped ranger and stares at him with a puzzled frown on her tiny face. She hesitantly raises a hand and gently strokes a hairy arm. "uncle lang?" she queries in a small voice.

She looks deep into his eyes and recognition dawns. A huge smile crosses her face and she throws herself into the stunned ranger's arms. "Wow your the biggest teddy bear I have ever seen!" She squeezes the ranger and somehow the little girl seems to squeeze tears to the stoic ranger's eyes.

Meanwhile upstairs....

Xenia is to busy staring puppydog like at Wynn so misses it but Wynn notices the strange occurrance on the street. At first he hears it... a slow flapping sound but soon a wonderful apparation appears. It is a huge bird. Its wings are huge. They almost stretch across the entire road as the bird flies down the street. It lands in front of the Giggling Ghost. It's head is magestic, its feathers the color of fire. In fact it looks like the bird is on fire!

Xenia sees Wynn staring and her eyes follow his gaze down and her mouth drops open. It is beautiful.

Wynn murmurs under his breath, awe in his voice, "Phoenix"

Wynn hears in a voice in his head and sees the noble creature looking up at him, "My aren't you the smart one. Are you gonna open the door or do I need to kick it in?" Wynn recognizes that the creature is talking to him, but also hears the humor in his voice. Though the voice is only in his head.

Wynn  d20+5=21
Wednesday August 31st, 2005 8:02:04 AM
"But your a myth, I mean I've heard tales and read stories, but..."

It takes a moment but the reality of the situation sinks in and Wynn calls down to the others.

"Shields, you aren't going to believe this, but there is a real Phoenix out in the street and it wants to come in! I think we should open the door. Every Phoenix I've ever heard told of has carried an important message [Bardic Knowledge = 21]"

Wynn grabs Xenia by the arm, "C'mon Xenia, this is amazing, I mean who ever gets to talk to a Phoenix".


Angus 24/25 HP 
Wednesday August 31st, 2005 9:20:53 AM
Angus follows Jella up to see the Bugbear and is amazed at her reaction. Kids can handle anything, now their parents may be another story entirely, not to mention shopkeeper or guards.....

Angus sees the bright light in front of the GG and comments to Lang. "You go check it out and I will get the kids down stairs again. You never know." Angus looks around to see what kids are on the main level and yells. "Ok kids time for games down in the celler. Last one down is a rotten egg." Angus makes sure all the kids get downstairs.

Xenia - OoC 
Wednesday August 31st, 2005 9:42:57 AM
Can anyone else hear the Phoenix in their heads? Or is it speaking exclusively to Wynn?

that comment was directed at Wynn only...George

Xenia  d20+17=19 d20+12=22
Wednesday August 31st, 2005 11:56:27 AM
Huh? What?

Xenia stares down into the street at the flaming bird. The rogue barely has enough time to grab up her bow before following behind Wynn, her hand in his. She tries to catch a better look at the bird and the street around it before she's pulled away.

"Phoenix. That's a good thing. Right, Wynn?" she asks as they hustle back along the corridor to the stairs.

"C'mon kids, lets go back down," she rounds up any of the kids that have made it to the second floor on the way.

With a worried look she turns to the street as though looking through the walls at the burning bird, the Phoenix, outside. Big animals. The girl rogue has had enough of big animals for a while.

Rolls and Actions
Spot 19
Listen 22

Belkior 
Wednesday August 31st, 2005 12:01:45 PM
The halfling cleric continues with his tending to the injured, oblivious to anything happening outside the inn.

The children have become more accustomed to the changes in Belkior's legs. Probably, in light of the changes to Florin and Lang, a halfling with furry legs wouldn't be too shocking. And, truth be told, the halfling is enjoying the increased pace that he can walk at. And those annoying human height stairs aren't quite so annoying any longer. Fortunately, no one has made any cracks about "hairy halfling feet".


Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47)  d20+6=21 d20+6=13
Wednesday August 31st, 2005 2:09:28 PM
"Yes Jella it is me. Some strange magic has changed me into this big, hairy monster-like thing, but I am still me on the inside. I am still the same guy with the nice doggie. And of course I will be your big, teddy bear", Lang says with watery eyes.

Lang hears some activity outside the Giggling Ghost, but is not exactly sure of what he hears as it sounds like wings beating (listen 21/25).

"Jella, why don't you run along with uncle Angus back downstairs with the other children while your dad and your aunts and uncles see what is going on outside. It is probably just some townsfolk, but we better make sure before we let them in."

Lang takes a quick look through the opening he made and quite easily sees some of the large bird outside (spot 13/17). He moves towards the barricade and will help if they decide to take it down.

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider

Arrows used 32.

Tionel 
Wednesday August 31st, 2005 2:24:11 PM
Tionel smiles at the scene of Lang being accepted. He comes over and puts a hand on his friend's shoulder, and scratches Sunshine behind the ears. "I'm sure things will be all right."
The appearance of the phoenix is somewhat startling...but Tionel takes it in stride as yet another of the amazing events to occur. This one, he can possibly deal with.
He swings the door open after pushing a few things out of the way, and with a swish of his hat, invites the Phoenix in. "Please, noble sir, we did not expect any more visitors this day, except of the vegetative variety." Now, mind you, Tionel did not hear the phoenix speak in his mind, nor does he know why the phoenix is there. All he knows is, this is one powerful authority of nature, and it's best to treat it like one. Just seeing the magnificent plumage is a marvel enough. Tionel can't help but admire its' fashion sense.

Florin Jadenth 
Wednesday August 31st, 2005 3:05:35 PM
Florin smiles seeing Jella except Lang and moves over to gently touch Jella's shoulder, "Jella, please do as my friends have said and go down stairs for the moment please. Yu can come back up in alittle bit I promise." Florin also gives Lang and gentle smiles, "Feel alittle better my friend?" Florin smiles more and gives the large man a gentle nudge before looking to the doorway area.

Florin blinks when the news of a phoenix at the front door of the GG is called out and he moves over to check it out also while motioning to Lang, "Well, guess we should open the door. I doubt that it's a enemy in disguise or someone is going through alot of trouble to look impressive."

Florin smiles and holds his helmet in his hand now as he awaits the new visitor to enter the GG once the baracade is moved. Once the phoenix is inside he bows low to it and smiles, "Greetings noble phoenix, or maybe I should call you a fire lord. I mean no offense but a book I once read called your kind as such." Florin looks around at the Shields and smiles again deciding on introductions, "I am Florin Jadenth, a simple paladin of Domi and leader of the Shields of Hope. These are my friends." Florin allows the others to introduce themselves as to not insult anyone.

After introductions are done Florin speaks once more, "I do not mean to be rude sir, but what blessing has brought you here? We as you can tell do not get messages or information from such magestic creatures as yourself and it is a honor none the less to just see one of your kind since I have like probably everyone here, only ready about your kind. I believe it said Domi forged a armor or weapon with the help of a phoenix once but I can't remember the complete details right now."



DM George "Surprise!" 
Wednesday August 31st, 2005 7:24:48 PM
The doorway is opened and the bright colored bird stalks into the room. His wise eyes peer around taking in the scene. He seems to notice every detail.

All, including the children and people downstairs hear in their heads, Thank you for letting me in. It took courage to let such an unknown into your safe dwelling during such difficult times. I commend you on your courage and stout hearts.

I have come to you in peace. I have come to you in harmony. I have come to you with an open heart. My name is Elbyron. Some of you might refer to me as the Fay King.

The phoenix looks quickly around at the quickly tensing muscles and the hands slapping on hilts. Please hear me out. I have no intentions on harming you my children. I have come only to talk.

Wynn 
Wednesday August 31st, 2005 7:50:07 PM
"Everyone take it easy" the bard calls out. "In all of the tales I have heard told, and all of the songs I've heard sung, never was there a Phoenix that did not bode well."

Wynn purposefully moves between the giant bird and the rest of the party. "Let us hear what Elbyron has to tell".

Xenia 
Wednesday August 31st, 2005 9:03:38 PM
Mindful of the fire elementals from the day before, Xenia looks out from half way behind Wynn.

The dream comes back to her as well, and she reaches into her pouch.

"You come to talk about these, right?" She holds the three acorns out in the palm of her hand. Each is carved with a single rune.

Florin Jadenth 
Thursday September 1st, 2005 1:20:25 AM
Florin frowns some and shakes his head, "So you come to us in a form that would get us to lower our guard moreless. Or is it that your true form is to nasty for us to bare wittness too? I'm sorry for speaking so plainly by I have heard quite enough of you in our dreams and such...now what do you wish? speak so we may decide on the best course of action."

Florin stands listening but true to his natural caution his hand rests on the handle of his sword, ready to fight if it comes to it, however wise or unwise that course may be.

(George: I will have Florin's updated CS out to you later today or hope to. When I went in to check my email I notieced yahoo bounced the email back to me with a error message. Sorry.)

Belkior 
Thursday September 1st, 2005 8:15:47 AM
Hearing the voice of the Fae King, the halfling cleric looks around at the children. It's evident that all of them have also had this visitation. The children's reactions range from surprise to fear.

Someone will have to stay with the children to keep them safe and secure during this visit. Right now, with Happy in the kitchen preparing food, it looks like Belkior will be staying downstairs.

After all, the halfling has only slight doubts about how he would vote. He reaches down and feels the soft fur covering his legs, thinking on how this change came to be. He also thinks of all the citizens of the Floating City left homeless, or worse, because of the influence of this being. As he moves to console the frightened children, he can't help but think that any future orphanage will need to be bigger. Possibly much bigger.


Angus 24.25 HP 
Thursday September 1st, 2005 9:54:40 AM
Upon hear the Fey King's name spoken Angus too looks back to the kids. Angus then remembers the dream and takes out his three acorns and arranges them in his hand: REFORM, DIE, SLEEP. Which to choose? Lets hear what the fire bird has to say.

Tionel 
Thursday September 1st, 2005 11:59:45 AM
"How can you be the fae king?" is the first question that pops out of Tionel's mouth. He doesn't add a suspicion that immediately arrises, but it's obvious in his face. Still, the phoenix is a beautiful creature, and Tionel can't help but admire its feathers, tilting his head slightly as he watches the fire play along them.


Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47) 
Thursday September 1st, 2005 10:13:17 PM
Lang waits to hear what the bird/fae king has to say. He also wonders why the king came to them in this shape. But then again, what is the true form of the fae king?

DM George "We are just having a discussion." 
Thursday September 1st, 2005 11:06:47 PM
The phoenix looks at Florin with his piercing eyes and all hear thundering in their heads, "You think you could keep me out with a mere door! I can summon hurricanes, tornados and tidal waves and you think you can keep me out with a mere door. Ah such arrogance."

Elbyron, in phoenix form, paces back and forth and you almost think you hear counting in your head. Everyone still hears the broadcast, but it is less powerful. No, I didn't come here for battle.... though you seem to wish it! I came to talk to you.

Your group though weaker and less skilled than many, are heroes of the land. The gods and the forces of power see something in you. You have been given a choice. The choice is very important to me but also to many of you. You have been given a choice that will effect all life on the Wold. Many of you personally will be effected and possibly weakened if you choice wrong. Do you want to hear more or do you wish to draw your weapons and sling your spells?


Elbyron stops and waits to hear your answer.

Xenia 
Friday September 2nd, 2005 7:51:33 AM
Xenia tries to clamp her hands over her ears as the voice explodes in her head. Kind of hard to do with a bow in one hand and three acorns in the other. Not that it would have done any good either.

"WHAS A MATTER WITH YOU?!?!?!" the flame headed rogue shouts, despite the overwhelming nature of the Fey King, lord of nature, commander of elements, etc, etc, etc ...

"We *look* like we're ready to attack you? Noooooo! SO STOP IT WITH YOUR SHOUTING ALREADY!!!!!!"

"You wanna talk, then talk. There's no one here stoppin' you from that. But I'll tell ya, from what I heard of all the bad things that happened these past few weeks, it's all a'cause of *you* waking up."

"Now, maybe that's your fault, and maybe it's not. But now that I met you for up front and in person, I think you're something of a *jerk*."

"And I tell ya, 'cause of that, I got half a mind to give you *this*." And she rolls one of the acorns up between her thumb and forefinger, thrusting it forward so that he can see. On the acorn is the rune that says DIE.

"So you talk. You talk and I'll listen. But maybe you oughta try and be civil and watch what you say, huh?"

Tionel 
Friday September 2nd, 2005 1:14:32 PM
"Xenia! Show some civility! The first rule of manners is, that you always show them, even when others do not," Tionel automatically chides the half-elf. Then he chuckles. "Now, then, sir. Please, go on and tell us what this choice is. We will keep an open mind, trust me."

Angus 24/25 HP 
Friday September 2nd, 2005 1:50:18 PM
Angus is impressed with the Pheonix's telepathy and wonders if it works both ways. Angus andmires the birds plumage and thinks "May I have one of your feathers, they are so impressive."

Angus is still holding out his three acorns and their potential use is also in the back of his mind..

George 
Friday September 2nd, 2005 1:50:31 PM
OOC Would anyone like to play Syr during this encounter? It seems he is having some computer problems. If not, I will have to remove him from the game.

I'll do it, George. If no one else wants to. I'm accustomed to playing monks.

Can you send me a character sheet? -- Al

Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) 
Friday September 2nd, 2005 3:24:00 PM
Xenia lowers her eyes under Tionel's admonition.

"Yeah. Sure. Sorry." She gives a little curtsy, defiance still smoldering in her eyes.

Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47) 
Friday September 2nd, 2005 3:36:51 PM
He is not doing himself any favors by calling us "weaker and less skilled", Lang thinks. He calls us arrogant, but conveniently points out the power he can wield.

"It is not a door, but a barricade. And we did not construct it to keep out the high and mighty Fae King. It is meant to keep out lowly plant creatures."

"If you came here to talk then start talking. You have a lot of convincing to do to most of us that the nature upheaval we have witnessed in the past few days has been beneficial to any of the humanoid types within these walls."

"As a matter of fact you have helped me eliminate one of my choices."

With that said, Lang retrieves the Sleep acorn, drops it to the ground and crushes it under his boot.

Syr (Sub/Al) 
Friday September 2nd, 2005 5:16:02 PM
Looking at the three acorns resting in his palm, Syrdeth Redbow answers as though returning from a far away place.

"You said we may be effected. Personally. Maybe weakened. Go ahead. I'm listening."

Wynn 
Friday September 2nd, 2005 8:58:37 PM
The bard waits patiently for the Phoenix to explain the choice before them

Florin Jadenth 
Friday September 2nd, 2005 10:02:59 PM
Florin frowns at the Fae King's comments he first makes in his head and speaks clearly and quite cold, "I said nothing of the door, I said you cme in a form that would gets us to lower our guard...we heard how evil or whatever your suppose to be and I go off of that till proven otherwise...so far you have done a poor job of proving anything I heard as wrong. Get my drift? An I have no weapon out yet but face it, king or no king I will defend my friends, myself and the word of my Lord Domi."

Florin leaves his hand on his sword and takes a deep breath, "Now continue, I'm listening if you want to provide answers or even try to prove your nothing we have heard."

DM George 
Friday September 2nd, 2005 11:43:08 PM
Elbyron looks around at the Shields and you hear a mental sigh in you heads. Where to start? The first thing I must explain is I am not evil. Nature can be cruel but isn't evil.
When a hawk strikes the rabbit, the rabbit might think the hawk evil, but it isn't.

When the river floods the plains and the farmers lose a crop, is it evil? The farmer doesn't think about the nutrients entering the soil but only about his lost income and how he will feed his family.

When lightning strikes a tree and starts a wild fire, many living creatures and plants lose their lives, but is the lightning bolt or the fire evil? No I think not.

I was asleep for thousands of years. When I was awoken, my powers exploded over the natural world. I didn't plan for this to happen, it was just a result of my being awakened. I regret that it happened but I was powerless to prevent it.

Now on to the real question. Many of the sentient races are feeling resentment towards me. They want me gone, banished forever or outright killed, but do you realize the cost to you?"

The phoenix suddenly shifts his shape and a handsome elf is standing in front of you. He says in a clear voice, "If I am killed, then nature itself would be weakened." He looks directly at Tionel and says, "You have enjoyed increased powers Druid since my awakening. If I die, you can expect your powers to be severly curtailed. The fairie world would shrink and be less able to defend itself from the spread of civilization. Sprites, nymphs, treants could all disappear."

He glances towards Syr and Xenia and continues, "Elves, of all the sentient noble races, are the most closely allied to the faire kind. They too would be affected. How I am not sure. Maybe they wouldn't live as long, or not be able to see in the dark as well. What it will be, I don't know but I am sure of the fact they would be diminished.

Cities would grow in strength and power. They would spread over the land, without regard to the natural balance. Eventually they will destroy it. It might not be in your time or even your great grandchild's time, but I am sure that time would come.

If I am allowed to remain awake, I promise the opposite. The elves would remain the strong race they are today. Perhaps even stronger with me watching over them. The spread of civilization, will still commence but not to the ruin of the natural order."

He again glances at Lang and Tionel and continues, "Those who follow nature will be rewarded with the increased powers they are seeing now. Their animal companions will stay strong, their ablility to affect nature will stay as it is now."

The elf again reshapes itself into the phoenix and everyone hears in there minds again, "I can be a force of stablization in this Wold but I won't allow myself to be destroyed. If you feel you have to vote that way, I will have to try and stop you. I can't allow my precious children to be exploited, poisoned and eventually destroyed. So what will it be, life for all? or death for the natural order?"

Xenia 
Saturday September 3rd, 2005 6:01:05 PM
Xenia opens her mouth to speak.

Then she closes it.

Again, she starts to speak. And then, once more, she stops.

In this short span of mere seconds, myriad thoughts tumble and swirl through the rogue's head as she thinks upon Elbyron's arguments.

"Alright. So we do need, like, nature and stuff. For food and all kinds of stuff. But you look around yourself. You see the way we're standing, 'cause the floor is tipped? You see all this stuff broken, and all the people hurt? That's way too out of control. Way way!"

"You say it's not your fault. You can't control it. Well yeah. Who can control the weather, huh? So, what's to say we don't get more of this if we let you go on like you have. More of this, oops, I can't control it stuff?"

"And, if you can control it now, why don't you start fixing things? Get your stupid vines to set the city back even like. Make trees that, like, grow furniture or sumptin. And make the Crying Woods back off! We got folks who died here, you know! You know!?!"

Xenia wipes tears of anger from her cheek with the backs of her hands. She sniffs a few times and draws a few breaths before continuing.

"You wanna make things better, then fine. You make things better. But I tell you what I see now. I see that instead of going out and helping folks, you're coming here and yelling at us. Instead of trying to make things right, you're here talking to us about power and fighting and stuff. Just goes to show me where your head is wrong in all this."

Xenia sniffs. She straightens up a bit and walks around to stand beside Wynn, to look the Phoenix Elbyron in the eye.

"It's not too late, though. You know. You wanna start making things right. Lot of folks could use help. Could change a lot of folks' minds. 'S up to you."

Angus 24/25 HP  d20+14=23 d20+7=21
Sunday September 4th, 2005 4:42:45 PM
Angus thinks to himself, More cities, less out of control nature, and the elves reigned in, not a bad prospect.

Angus speaks aloud. "This time all races get a vote and not just the elves. For all the elves glory and wisdom they did not see this calamity coming. Look at the devastation."

Angus looks to Tionel. "I hope you do not hold it against me, but I will not vote to keep this calamity going, even at the expense of your new found powers."

Angus looks to the shields "It may be time to vote our acorns, does anyone have an idea how the nuts work?" (spellcraft 23, knowledge acrane 21)

Wynn  d20+6=24
Sunday September 4th, 2005 6:36:22 PM
Wynn addresses the Phoenix with as much diplomacy as he can muster[Diplomacy=24].

"My pretty friend makes an interesting point. An outstretched hand of assistance would go a long way toward winning our trust and our sympathy. Is there no way you can show us your good intent. Is there no way to put right what has been torn asunder?"

Syr is back! 
Monday September 5th, 2005 3:53:38 AM
A look of puzzlement comes over his face, "Rabbits, farms, and rivers? You do know this elf has lived in the City all of his life, right? I can't really relate with that. I agree with the dark elf here, show me the benefit and we are more likely to vote your way."

"We took our chances with Nature's whimsy a short while ago and didn't come out too bad." With a grimace at the hulking figure of the bugbear, "Well... with a few exceptions."

"Now you say nature has gone wild, why not just take a little catnap until it calms down a bit? Seems to me that would work for everyone. I can understand waking up and feeling grumpy. After all, I do live with Angus..."

Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47) 
Monday September 5th, 2005 10:36:54 AM
"What you are saying doesn't totally make sense. You talk about a hawk killing a rabbit, lightning striking a tree and other things in a similar vein. These things are, for the most part, totally random events and without any intelligent thought processes. They are acts of nature or a part of the food chain. What we are seeing here in the Floating City is not natural. There is an intelligent being or beings controlling the attempted destruction of this city. Where is the natural order in this attack? And why are you letting it happen?"

"You also talk about being powerless to prevent what happened upon your awakening. That it was just your powers exploding, I am assuming before you could gain control of them once awakened. Well, you are awake now and you just told us that you could summon hurricanes, tornadoes and tidal waves to blast down our feeble attempt at a barricade. Why aren't you using your powers to stop the unnatural event that is happening here in the Floating City? I have seen women and children, untrained in fighting, do more to try and stop this unnatural occurrence than you have. Many of your elf children have died and are probably dying as we speak. Why aren't you doing anything to stop it?"

"One other thing I would like to know before I make my decision is what is happening in other parts of the Wold? How many of these unnatural power explosions have happened and how are they affecting the intelligent beings of the Wold?"

Tionel 
Monday September 5th, 2005 4:13:48 PM
"I disagree, Lang. These are not coordinated, intelligent attacks, at least in the way that you refer to an elf or other being with some degree of planning and cooperation. The orclets and the shambling creatures are simply plants about as smart as any animal. They are rampaging about, attacking for food, but not for destruction. They are not evil, just beastial." Tionel ponders some more. "But other awful events happen all the time as a result of nature. Hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, famine, disease... All of them seemingly random and horrible to the people of the time. Yet in the long run, weren't they also somewhat necessary? If a river swells as a result of too much rain, shouldn't it not be contained or not be depended upon?
"The way you people speak, you wish for nature to be tamed, like a garden. Remember the crying woods? That is the natural condition of this area. It was bestial and unfit for civilization before the fae king. There were problems with it before he was brought back.
"Humans are always attempting to raze forests, harvest crops, and pound nature into submission. When the lands are tilled into flatness, floods come, and they cry. They build walls around their cities to protect themselves from the outside, then suffer plague and famine, or prey upon each other like animals. Where I'm going with this is simple... this city was not supposed to be here. But when it came here, it came to an area of unfriendly vegetation. Perhaps attack was inevitable. I certainly see the fae king's point... without nature having done this, do you not think that the people of the floating city would have spread over the Crying Woods, cut down the trees for lumber, colonized it, probably eventually exiled the elves?
"But unlike others, I'm not interested in a quid pro quo. Yes, my powers have increased, but I have never depended upon power or sought control over others. I have always been of the opinion that people should adapt to nature, not the other way around, and that civilizations, the cities themselves, are natural." Tionel considers and rubs his fingers over the back of his wrist contemplatively. "I wonder one question. Cannot the cities become one with nature? Elven cities are often founded midst the trees. Can we bring that to the floating city, can we use the power of nature to bring majesty and save it from destruction? That above all else would make me happy...if man and nature could coexist, and not from man being master, but from both being symbiotic."

Florin Jadenth 
Monday September 5th, 2005 6:06:27 PM
Florin closes his eyes and thinks to himself as he crossesh is arms and takes in all this and everything he has come to know and hold dead in his life, "I'll agree, nature is not a force that can be just said is good or evil. We just live with it like we do most things, rather it is good one day or bad the next."

Florin opens his eyes and looks to the Fae King and motions around the room, "Plant creatures attacked this city though, vines currently are trying to topple it over into the water. If what you say is true and this is the reaction to your awakening then why not stop it? You want us to side for you then we need some type of show that your not pulling the wool over our eyes....I mean what if we allow you to live only to have the city jerked over? I have no problem with you for say, I go by those I have heard things from. I have heard their comments and their resolve on the matter, now where is yours? where is your proof of your words? I'm a paladin of Domi good sir which means I defend people and my lord. Show me your deserving of our help, our understanding."

DM George "Haggling 
Monday September 5th, 2005 9:33:16 PM
The Phoenix looks from to all the members present in the room and nods his head. "Yes I have the power to restore this city or at least free it from the grip of the Crying Jungle. Understand though, as the Gods have granted each of you free will, nature to some extent has it as well.

Areas like the area you call the Crying Jungle have a rudimentary intelligence. Nothing like yours but there none the less. It, for reasons of its own, hates the civilized world and will always defend its borders from them. I can free the city, but don't have the ability to stop the attacks. To many creatures are involved. I can enhance those creatures or surpress them somewhat but not control them, just like Domi doesn't entirely control you." Elbyron points a claw a Florin.

Elbyron then gazes at Lang, "The expansion of nature's influence is Woldwide. You here are caught in a more difficult struggle, because of the Crying Wood's previous power, prejudices, and unfortunate location of the city. Some areas are doing quite well, harvests are bountiful, fishing catches are large and game is plentiful. Again in other areas, nature can be cruel. Storms are stronger, volcanos are born and so on. You are seeing an overall strengthening of nature. Of course things will even out somewhat now the initial flush of my pent up powers is spent. If you vote to keep me alive and concious, then I intend to use my power to help the natural Wold. I want to make it easier for all the noble races to live in nature and hope to turn them away from exploiting its bounty but conserving it and nuturing it for the betterment of all. Remember you are part of nature yourselves"

He gazes at all the participants and goes on."So what is it going to be? Will you vote to put me to sleep or death, and leave the city to finish its struggles against the Crying Jungle? Or will you vote for life and work with me to retore the city, help preserve nature and make the wold you live in a more balanced and joyious place?

Xenia 
Monday September 5th, 2005 10:01:51 PM
Xenia rolls up her metaphoric sleeves and puts on her hard-bargaining face.

"Alright. You ask us what it's gonna be. Alright, I'll tell you what it's gonna be. How's about a definite maybe?"

"You say you can do this, and you say you *can't* do that. 'Kay, well I say you haven't done nothing yet. I'm still standing here one leg higher than another. We still got children downstairs with no home. We all still got three acorns that say you can still DIE."

"Nothin' threatening or any of that, mind you. This is just business. Like my Da always said, 'All business begins with a basis of Trust.' Well, right now, we ain't got much of a basis. "

"Keep in mind, we seen you too. We seen what you can do. Trees loving you and afraid of you at the same time. You sending wind all the way around the Wold. That's big stuff. We seen it in a dream. Just so you know, 'kay?"

"So, now that we got that out of the way, and we're seeing eye to eye, whacha gonna do to make things right? I mean, you know we gotta see it before we can let these things go, right? There are too many folks relying on us to make things good for us to make a mistake right now. I hope you can see that. We need something done. We gotta see it and feel it and see the folks happy before we can choose."

"So, whacha gonna do? And when are you gonna start?"

Angus HP 24/25 
Tuesday September 6th, 2005 12:00:39 AM
Angus waits for Xenia to finish then adds. "We have an acorn that says Reform, yet you only mention sleep or death, do you not wish to reform?" Angus looks to the acorn that says die and speaks to the red bird again. "In legend it is said that the Pheniox can not be killed, how will you die then if we choose that path?"

Belkior 
Tuesday September 6th, 2005 9:45:24 AM
The halfling cleric continues to minister to the children in the basement. He's torn, however. He doesn't trust the avatar, so keeping the children away from him is the safest course. Belkior wouldn't put it past the Fae King to use the children as hostages to the group's decision. However, if the debate between the Shields and Eberyon flares into violence, he will need to be close to support his companions. So he is standing at the foot of the stairs, both to block any curious child from going up to look at the avatar, and ready to support his companions. From there, he manages to overhear Angus' question about the Reform option.

Syr 
Tuesday September 6th, 2005 1:13:34 PM
Syr stands back and watches, unconvinced by the bird's story and wondering what reform will imply to elves. Whispering to Angus, "Hmm legend implies it can be killed, it just won't stay dead?"

Wynn 
Tuesday September 6th, 2005 8:21:21 PM
The bard considers the words of the avatar as well as those of his companions. "A symbol then" he looks to the Phoenix. "Show us that you can control the power that has been unleashed. Call off the vines that threaten to topple the city and you will convince me and many others."

Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47) 
Tuesday September 6th, 2005 8:58:50 PM
"Tionel I disagree. Where in the animal kingdom do you see at least 3 and probably 4 different creatures working in effort towards one goal? We have seen 3 different plant creatures, the Orclets, Shambling Mounds and Tendriculous all working together and not fighting each other. On top of that a plant creature is using its vines to try and topple the city. This is an intelligent attack above and beyond any animal's intelligence."

"So once again I say this is an unnatural attack. If you are kept in power what actions will you take to see that events like this are not going to happen?"

Florin Jadenth 
Tuesday September 6th, 2005 9:37:58 PM
Florin crosses his arms once again and liks the others awaits some actions on the Fae King's part to prove his sincereity in his words. Florin isn't going to be easily swayed on this deal here.

DM George "Haggling round 2" 
Tuesday September 6th, 2005 10:26:01 PM
The phoenix blurs in shape and suddenly becomes a handsome man standing in front of the group. He is tall and broad of shoulder and has incredibly wise looking eyes.

He looks at the bugbear and says in clear common, "I intend to use my powers to strengthen the natural order. Those that care about the preservation of nature and her creatures will be called my friend. Those who only seek to exploit the natural world will be my enemy.

Let me try to explain, every creature is part of the lifecycle of this plane of existance. From the blade of grass to the hunting tiger, from the ant crawling on the leaves to the farmer dwelling in his village, all have a place in the plane.

I am against the perversion of nature. Mages who warp my creatures and change their basic design will receive my ire. Clerics who raise undead armies to scourge the land deserve my wrath. Societies who plunder nature without regard or thought to all the life in the area will be declared miscreants and suffer my displeasure."

He looks at the Lang and says, "Beware your pride. Who is to say who is more important. The noble races have to much self regard. Only the elves truly feel the land and understand how to live with it. Most believe it is something to be conquered and exploited. If you choice life, I will use my powers to try and help the other races better understand how to live in accord with all creatures. Yes you must live, you must eat, you must grow crops and hunt but you don't have to butcher the land for greed and exploitation."

Elbyron looks at Wynn who is asking for a demonstration and nods his head. He closes his eyes and spreads his hands palm up. He starts to shine with a light nimbus which surrounds him. Everyone jumps as they feel slithering at their feet and hear much crackling on the ceilings above them. The children in the basement cry out and point as all the rose branches start slithering away. Soon every floor, wall and ceiling in the Giggling Ghost is free of vines.

Elbyron opens his eyes and smiles, "There, I have proven my ablility to effect change in this city. I can and will release the other vines holding the city when you choose the acorn that says reform." He smiles an strange little smile and finishes with, "Besides I doubt you want the city totally released now anyway."

Xenia 
Tuesday September 6th, 2005 11:27:41 PM
"Nice trick." Xenia's mouth is pulled down at one corner in a look of dry assessment. "Nice trick. But, you didn't *help* anyone."

"I'm not sure you understand," the dark rogue shakes her head, and her pony tail waggles behind, "we know you can do it. We don't need a demonstration. We know you *can* do a lot of things. But we're not interested in what you can do. We're interested in what you will do."

"What we don't know is what you're willing to do to help folks. Are you willing to use your power to ease the city back to being upright? And do it so you don't hurt anyone inside?"

"Right now, I see someone who doesn't care much about anyone else but himself. All you're talking about is what you want. Oh, 'I will do this for nature. And nature will be that to me. These people will be my enemies. And those people will be my friends.'"

"Well, let me tell you, what your talking about doesn't sound much different than the things we got right now. Only diff is, if you live, you get to dole out to those you like, and you get to womp on those you don't. Ok. You got ideals. And that's fine. Ideals are good. And your ideals ain't bad ideals either."

"But you got no compassion."

"What I see is you here, bargaining for your life. You're in this fix because you're powers went a little splooey. Ok, that's not your fault. But, instead of getting out there with all of your powers and trying to make it good, trying to help people. You're here, bargaining with a bunch of folks with some acorns."

Xenia shakes her head.

"Can't you see how stupid that is? Can't you see it? So, maybe you can't move the city with folks inside. Maybe it would be too rough. Well, help us get the folks out. Help us get these kids to some place safe. Then you can get the city straightened up some how. And I'll tell you ... I'll tell ya, if you do that, you won't even *need* to bargain with a small group of weaker and less skilled heroes. That's a'cause you'll have so many people who love you that it won't matter!

"Don't you see it?" she says. "Doncha see it?"

Tionel 
Wednesday September 7th, 2005 5:53:17 AM
"Xenia..." Tionel sighs and rubs the tips of his fingers through his forehead. "Pardon me dear, calm down. What you want, it seems, is that this problem never occured, that the acorns would not be given to us. Obviously, the situation, the dream we were given, must be explained to us, and he must be allowed to plead his case. On the other hand, you are right when you ask that he do this, but for a different reason than you state." Tionel turns to Lang. "As to that, well, the orclets are part of the one larger creature. Perhaps they are bound in certain degrees, but if so, they seem all of one mind. Do you remember the Crying Forest? It, too, was of one mind. The nastiness that most of it was came from that, not from any sort of separate intelligence. Again, I suspect it is not the plants themselves which do this, but a malevolent spirit beyond them."
Then he regards the phoenix/elflord. "Let me explain, and please, pardon me for being so long-winded and clumsy with words.
"What she's saying, sir, is that you got us into this mess, you should get us out. That is, you should use your powers to halt problems you create. You should be respected not for your power and nature, but for your deeds and actions. Now, I agree to a degree, but I think that's a far more human idea than one you're used to, so I think it's good for a half-elf to explain it to you. You're probably used to being respected in your time, and where did this respect come from? Being a Lord, which comes from birth, or your powers, which I'm sure were not learned with great difficulty but granted as a blessing by the Wold. That is the ancient way; respect for power, power given by one's being, good and evil being part of one's composition. Unicorns always are good and lords of the forest, why? They are born that way, and given their powers as lords because that is their position.
"What she's asking, my lord, is that you prove your position, not that you accept it. Use your powers wisely, and we will see you as the lord that you are. Perhaps that is why a less-powerful, less-influential group such as we were chosen to judge you." He looks to the others and quickly explains his last sentence, not as pandering to the Fae King's words, but honesty; "I may not be as great a druid as Peerimus, and perhaps the others in our group are not as impressive as those Children of Chaos were. The other groups out there, perhaps they can judge you because of their power or their natures.
"We don't think we're better than everyone else, my lord. We may be surrounded by rich nobles, but we Shields side with the orphans at heart. We live by them, and they are our family. The powers we have we do not use to secure wealth, prestige, or further power for ourselves, but for the defense of the powerless. While those other adventurers seem to fight for bigger ideals like good and evil, we fight simply for the hope that these children represent, the hope of a brighter future.
"Now, that doesn't make us better than everyone else. Why, I'm sure that we slay far fewer dragons and get rid of less outright evils than other groups. But which would you prefer; an axe that bleeds with goblin blood or a seed planted with care?
"That said, what we want you to do is simple. Be the lord that you promise to be. And be a Crafter, a creator of life. Now, do we have to make the choices immediately, or can we decide later? I suggest for my friends, who wish to see, as I said, the deeds that you do."

Angus 24/25 HP 
Wednesday September 7th, 2005 9:31:07 AM
Angus is intrigued by the shapechanger. "That is a start, but only a start." as Angus looks at the retreating vines. "We seem to have influence, being the bearers of the acorns. many of us were recently curese by natures magic. Can you remove the curses? That may buy favor."

Angus fingers his acorns and seems to consider options. "If we choose reform, what will stop the vines form overtaking the this city or any city again?" Angus taps his chin with an acorn while clearly talking to himself. "Reform means nature is strong, Die means nature is weak and sleep is the status quo of maybe a week ago. Choices, Choices. It seems we finally have a vote that counts."

Belkior 
Wednesday September 7th, 2005 10:45:32 AM
From what he can hear from the basement, the halfling cleric feels that his companions are asking the correct questions.

"A strengthened nature isn't to my liking", thinks Belkior. "Sure, maybe people will heal faster and what not. But diseases and vermin will probably just strike that much harder when they occur."

The halfling cleric looks around at the children in the basement, and thinks on what has happened to himself and his companions. "Somehow, I don't think choosing "Sleep" will turn the clock back. We'll still be like this, they'll stil be injured, and many others like them will still be orphans. Sure, the forest will go back to what it was before, but is that enough? Alemi is the God of Healing, so it isn''t really for me to judge. What would a follower of Pantheon decide? Is putting nature and the Fey King back to what they were enough to correct what has happened?"

Belkior absently strokes his leg as he thinks. "What would a weakened nature mean? We have Eberyon's word for what would occur, but can we trust him. Maybe nature's cycle would turn more slowly, or swing less wildly. It certainly isn't what Eberyon wants, so he probably won't present it accurately."

The halfling has an insight, suddenly as he thinks about his god. He calls out to his companions, "Guys! Remember this - Eberyon only has power over nature, not life itself! That's the domain of a deity, who may not be involved in this question!"

Syr 
Wednesday September 7th, 2005 2:49:49 PM
The elf watches Tionel with a new appreciation. Nodding with his speech, he thinks to himself, 'wow, when he gets long winded he really makes alot of sense...'

Looking over his shoulder he asks Lang quietly, "Is our only fear that the Wold will turn into one giant version of the Crying Woods? That place was nature unchecked and defintely unfriendly to any outsiders. Seems to me the decision would be an easy one."

He weighs the acorns in his hands and looks closely at the 'die' one contemplating the choice.

DM George 
Wednesday September 7th, 2005 8:40:40 PM
OOC...Folks I am gonna hold off posting tonight. Two reasons, I am looking for more posts from you and also waiting on some answers from the PTB on other groups in the Big Float

Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47) 
Wednesday September 7th, 2005 8:42:50 PM
"Yes Syr, it is my fear that nature will organize like man and other humanoids and run over the Wold. At least humanoids are intelligent and will be resisted by other humanoids from destroying everything. Yes, there will be areas of devastation, but others will be kept as natural as can be."

"I do not feel the same way about nature. There is very limited intelligence among plant and animal life. The basic needs of food, shelter and sleep drive most of them. What is going to keep them in check?"

Lang waits to hear more from the ever changing Fey King.

Wynn 
Wednesday September 7th, 2005 9:45:52 PM
The bard watches in wonderment as the avatar exercises his power and the vines withdraw from the ghost. "I may have had reservations before, but you have convinced me that your intentions are good."

Wynn looks to the rest of the party "I have seen the greed and disrespect of men like Perimon who treat the elves of the Crying Woods as 'specimens' and I have also experienced the sentient forest of the Culverwood and know that while it protects itself from intrusion it is not evil. I believe the same is true for Sabara, and that with guidance she will find a way to coexist with us, and us with her."

Wynn reaches into his belt pouch and finds the acorn marked 'ATONE' which he offers to the avatar. "You have my vote."

DM George 
Thursday September 8th, 2005 1:22:38 PM
Wynn makes his choice and holds up his acorn. If flares with light and quickly winks out. The other acorns turn to dust and blow away on the breeze.

Elbyron bows to the bard and murmers "My thanks to you good sir."

He listens to Xenia's speech and the comments that the others make and shifts yet again. Now the form of a large treant stands in front of the group. He says in a raspy wooden voice, "Young Lady, (he is looking a Xenia) you say I have no compassion. That is a false statement. It is a matter of perspective. If yow were in a burning room and only had the ablity to save either a baby human child or a skunk, which would you choose? No need to retort, I know the answer. You would choose the human child. Your instincts would drive you to that decision. You place more value on your own species. The difference from you and I is I place the same value on the skunk and the child. Both are part of nature. Both are equal in my eyes."

The treant's eyes scan everyone and he continues, "Some of you want me to prove myself. Some of you want me to cause your hurts and pain to go away. Others accuse me of being cold and only self-aware. When I awoke, huge pent up powers were released. I didn't direct those powers, they were just absorbed by the natural wold. Parts of the natural wold florished and provided extra bounty to all. In others, the power corrupted them and they used their new abilities to strike back at those they perceived to be persecuting them. Yet others just used the newly gained strength, to become better hunters to substain themselves.

You question the future. If I am allowed to live, my power and influence will be moderated from what you are seeing now. Nature will be strengthen. Those closest to nature will feel it more than others, but the natural wold won't become a force of retribution.

I will not buy your votes. You must choose following the wisdom in your hearts. If I could just buy your votes, then you wouldn't be worthy of the choice the Gods have given you."

Xenia 
Thursday September 8th, 2005 3:22:24 PM
"I can buy that." Xenia raises her thin arms and walks fearlessly in front of the treant. (Eearlessly, or, perhaps, foolishly.) "I can buy the perspective stuff. Everything is a matter of perspective. But what your saying then, is that you don't value us as much."

She looks up and stares the treant straight in the eye.

"Isn't that right? So why should we care about you? You tell me that, huh? We've had nature plenty before you came. Seems to me that nature was doing just fine."

"Anybody here think nature was having trouble before we woke this guy up?" Xenia turns and presents the question to her companions.

"And who said I wanted you to make the hurt go away. I didn't, Ti'nel," she turns on the druid before returning to Elbyron. "But it shows how much you're willing to do for others. It shows where your perspective is. You place more value on standing here and talking to us, than you place on helping us out. When you won't even walk us through the city to make sure these kids are safe, it shows me that except for these acorns you could just as well do without us. We could be walking and talking at the same time, but you don't. Tells me that what you value is yourself."

"Well, I say we need you just as much as you need us, and that is not at all. I say phooey to you." She takes the acorn with the rune for ATONE, and she tosses it over her shoulder. "In my perspective, nature was doing just fine before you came. The only question I gotta ask myself is do I hate you enough to want you to die?"

Xenia looks down at the two remaining acorns in her hand.

"You know," her voice drifts up from her contemplation, "in a lot of ways, you're right. It's where you place, like, value. In a way, I value myself more than I value you. And I'm not going to waste any of my energy on hating you. You can just go back to the way you were."

Xenia picks up the acorn that says SLEEP.

"Go back where you came from," she says.

Florin Jadenth 
Thursday September 8th, 2005 5:40:17 PM
Florin sighs and has been silent all this time as he ponders this whole ordeal, what to do, what to do...

After while Florin shakes his head, "Hmm, won't buy our vote but yet say you will fight us if we don't choose your way. That makes alot of sense. If we say you live you leave in peace, die you fight us to the death and I suppose if we say sleep you fight too."

Florin shakes his head again and looks to Xenia and the others, "I won't fight you inless forced, I won't kill him inless it comes to I have too. I vote sleep for the moment since him remaining alive might just mean we end up floating in the lake here after we give him what he wants. He sleeps or dies and we fight nature just like we have been already from the way I see it."

I am assuming you are voting though your comment "for the moment" has me slightly baffled. Once you vote, you vote.

Belkior 
Thursday September 8th, 2005 9:46:03 PM
The halfling cleric listens to the words of the Fae King's avatar and his companions. He agrees with Xenia's assessment.

"Kids, stay here while I go upstairs, please," Belkior instructs the children.

The halfling leaps up the stairs with his new legs. He moves to join his companions and address the avatar. "You say that you're not here to buy our votes, yet why are you here if not to do that?"

Pausing to finger his robes, Belkior's hands stray into the symbol of Alemi. "You say that you value a human life and the life of an animal equally. I have no argument with that, I even agree with it. But preserving life isn't your province, nor your concern. Except for your own life, it seems. Life is the domain of my Lord Alemi, not yours."

"By your statements, it would be more accurate to say that the value you place on the lives of the infant and the skunk is nothing. To you, the human and the skunk are faceless figure of no value in the overall course of nature. Faced with the decision of sparing or killing the human infant or the skunk, you wouldn't care what happens. Live or die, human or skunk, it doesn't matter to nature what happens."

"I've dedicated my life to preserving life. Nothing that has happened since your awakening has gone towards that goal. It's certain that nature was strengthened, but at a terrible to the lives of the creatures and plants. Will the Crying Woods ever recover from what your awakening has caused, regardless of whether you live or die?"

"Life will go on, whether nature is strengthened or weakened. But life will be more sure, more certain if your power is reined in. That's why I'm voting this way."

The halfling extends his small hand with the acorn marked "DIE" towards the avatar.


Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47) 
Thursday September 8th, 2005 10:15:52 PM
Lang sees his companions start to cast their votes and quickly asks his final questions.

"I have two more questions I would like you to answer before I cast my vote on your fate."

"The first question concerns your awakening. You were asleep and awakened by the decision, for the most part, of the elves. How did you come about being asleep in the first place?"

"My second question concerns the vote the Crimson Shields have been selected to make. Is our group the only group deciding your fate?"

Lang stands patiently waiting for his answers. If the fey king does not answer then Lang will make his decision.

Angus 
Thursday September 8th, 2005 10:20:14 PM
Angus was ready to pick his acorn, but is interested in the questions Lang has posed. He takes his hand out of his pocket and leaves the acorn he had selected remaining in there.

Angus wonders what will happen to the Shields if the majority vote is death.

Syr 
Friday September 9th, 2005 2:47:32 AM
Syr takes the 'sleep' acorn in his right hand and holds it up to his eyes just looking at it. The other two he keeps in his left. From his posture, it's obvious which way his vote is leaning but he awaits the final word of Eberyon before casting any of the acorns aside.

Tionel 
Friday September 9th, 2005 2:36:39 PM
Tionel sighs and turns his thoughts inward. On one hand, he really wants to see where this guy will go with his magic, what he will do, if he will help others, and he obviously cares for life. But looking at his friends, he can't help but remember the last time he expected the best in people... it led to the burning down of the orphanage. If he lets loose the fae king, he'd be responsible for it, and what if that resulted in something he was sad about? Tionel picks out the SLEEP acorn, even though he was the one who seemed to advocate the fae king's ressurection the most.


DM George 
Saturday September 10th, 2005 10:06:44 PM
Xenia stands forward and makes her choice of sleep and her acorn flares and burns up in her hand. Her other acorns turn to dust, those Wold altering choices forever gone.

Belkior, the halfling of peace and love, surprising chooses death for the Fey King and the King winces with his choice.

Florin stands forward and also chooses sleep, thinking the middle ground is the way to go.

Tionel, after some agonizing moments of indecision, also chooses sleep. He choice seems to stun the Fey King as he thought he had the young druid's vote sewn up.

Lang, stand for and asks his questions and the other nondecided wait for his answers before making a decision.

The treant shifts form once again and returns to the phoenix form that he started with. The group hears in their heads, Back when the Wold was young, I controlled and shaped nature but realized that I alone was unsufficient to the task. I was the father but there was no mother. Nature needed a balance and I created an equal. She was to be my wife and queen. Her name is Maab. I believe you saw her in your dream. A dream she sent you. A dream she is using as a tool to sway you!

You can hear the spite in Elbyron's voice but also you almost hear the Pheonix sigh in your heads and he goes on, "Back when the Wold was young we were just experimenting with the creatures that should populate it. I became fond of some of my creations. Your long lost ancestors, less developed than you now, but still the forerunners of the noble races. They convinced me to act unwisely. I created some creatures that were out of balance. Really trolls aren't that bad but Maab disagreed. She, together with the Jericko decided I needed a rest. They might have been right because the long sleep has helped me realize that I need to take less of a hand in shaping the wold but use my powers to gentle it for all its inhabitants.

The Phoenix, yet agains shifts forms and huge lion stands in his place. Golden mane lines his head and he sits on powerful paws. Easily 10' tall he looks at the ranger who asked his questions. Again the Fey Kings voice rings in their heads. No you aren't the only group to be given this responsiblity. You are one of the chosen few though. You might recognize some of the others. The group who fought with you earlier has been given the responsibility as has the group you know as the Platinum Dragons. Why Maab singled you out, I don't know.

The huge lion lays down and rests his massive head between his paws. He looks at Angus, Lang, and Syr and says plaintively, "Please, I know you don't have reason to favor me. My awakening has caused much upheaval. Believe me when I tell you it was a by product of my awakening and not a concious choice. I only want to help nuture the Wold. I have been asleep for thousands of years and have paid my penance for any past transgressions. I will only work towards the betterment of all."

Xenia 
Saturday September 10th, 2005 10:29:24 PM
Words, words, words.

"Why aren't you work for the betterment of all right now?" Xenia asks quietly. "It doesn't take much." She shakes her head, slow and sad. "But I don't see you doin' nothing at all."

"Some folks don't learn, you know. It's like they can't. It's like, well, it's in their nature. To do the same thing over and over and over again. Each time, they say they're sorry. And they really are. Really. It's so sad. Next time, they just go back and do it again."

The thin rogue folds her arms across her chest. Like she's cold. She shakes her head. "It's so sad."

Her eyes, cast down to the floor, slide to the corners for a glimpse of Wynn. They had sung together to bring this into being. And now look at it. She gives an involuntary shiver. Look at things now. What in the Wold is going to happen now?

Wynn 
Sunday September 11th, 2005 1:17:56 PM
The bard shakes his head and wonders if there is anything he can say that will lift the cloud of hate and anger from his companions. "I had hoped that my vote might sway some of your opinions towards life and atonement. The death and destruction wrought by nature on this city are not entirely of Ebyron's making. The Crying Woods and Sabara fought this city before the awakening. Lord Perminon was already encroaching on Elvenguard and Prionel had already been taken prisoner. What redemption might we expect from Perimon?"

Finally Wynn recalls the forest guardian that they had killed in the tree temple and the overpowering feeling of remorse he had felt. "Have we not ourselves made war on the forest? Florin, did you not feel the same sorrow as I when you fell upon the creature that guarded the bowl in the tree temple. Is it possible that we are as much to blame as Ebyron."



Angus 
Sunday September 11th, 2005 4:50:17 PM
Angus hears the answers from Elbyron and it does not change his choice of acorns. Nature has not been kind to him or the shields recently and he does not think that will change with the Fey King in charge.

Once again he reaches into his pocket and grabs an acorn. He removes his hand and displays his choice to Elbyron. it is the acorn with death on it.

Tionel 
Sunday September 11th, 2005 7:42:16 PM
((Errr... Sorry if you interpreted that I chose the sleep acorn, I was just sorta in character pondering it. Like, weighing it in my hand. Actually hadn't made up my choice yet.))

Then please make it. tough to tell pondering from action in some of these posts.


Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47) 
Sunday September 11th, 2005 8:43:13 PM
Lang himself sighs, mostly in frustration. He hears what Elbyron says, but it is all one sided. Elbyron's side.

He truly wants to believe what Elbyron says. That the future will be better. But all Lang knows is that the Wold has changed and changed dramatically with his arrival. All Lang has to do is look down at his new form and see the power that nature is displaying right now.

Lang has to go with his gut. Before Elbyron was revived the Wold was more balanced. There were places that man ruled, places that natured ruled and places that both ruled. Now it is just nature that is ruling, and ruling strong and hard against anyone in its path.

The future Elbyron talks about is not one that Lang wants to think about. It is one of Elbyron's favorites and of nature being strong. Stronger than it should be. He thinks of the Floating City and wonders if it will ever be the same.

Lang looks at Sunshine and can see the difference in nature's power since Elbyron's arrival. Sunshine is bigger, but also more tempermental. Lang wants Sunshine back the way he was. His trusted companion who follow Lang without question.

All this thinking is giving Lang a headache. He reaches into his pouchbelt and withdraws the death acorn. The acorn he new he was going to pick since he saw them on the sapling next to him.

Syr 
Monday September 12th, 2005 2:46:32 AM
The elf looks at the shifter with sorrow and resignation in his eyes, "I'm sorry but if I chose the sleep acorn then someday down the road, another group like ours will watch another orphange collapse. I'm tired and I just want it to end."

That said he switches acorns and chooses 'death'.

Tionel 
Monday September 12th, 2005 3:55:43 PM
Fingering the sleep acorn, Tionel looks at the others and can't help but feel their negative responses and criticism is pretty well on. But deep inside, past all that worry and self-doubt, Tionel optimistically hopes that things will go right by choosing a happy choice. A choice not of punishment, but of hope. He chooses the ATONE acorn and lets its choice flow out.


Florin Jadenth 
Monday September 12th, 2005 9:32:49 PM
Florin looks o the others and also Wynn as he speaks directly to him about the forest temple guardian and sighs gently at the thought, "Is hard to forget something like that Wynn, I would of gave my life for all of you in that tree that day and seen the guardian doing much more damage then we were ready for. I do feel bad for the loss of such a beautiful place, however in another thought it was worth it for the bowl was suppose to of gotten rid of the white flowers around the Float, however ues it does raise the question did we have something to do with this also, also did not only we but did those who first set foot on the shore to make that town, were they partly to cause...to many if's for me to cast a death sentence on the Fey King."

Florin looks to the others and sighs softly, "I do not try to sway votes but this is my reasons, my thoughts and this is why I can not just tell the fey king to die. However I thought him sleeping for awhile, till the day atleast all that has been done is possible righted. If nothing else if the Fey king lives maybe he can learn from this, figure a way to help the Wold more...I was once a human and not this elf from a human point a view and most other races we are a seeing is believing type of people so if he showed us some reason to believe in him more then more of you would vote for him to live or sleep."

Florin looks down at the acorn that has the rune of sleep on it yet and nods, "The orphanage was burned because "I" let the remaining anvil hearts survive and leave...a choice made do to my faith and my beliefs but your choices here at this moment also makes me wonder...after that event or even now, if you had the choice to cast one of these acorns at me, would you of chose death? maybe jail time, or my pentence I try to uphold even now. Every man, every creature, every god even has the right to make pentence for things they have done, rather voluntary or not. This is a weight I carry even to this day and I see it sometime in all your comments at times, reminders or jabs at me."

Florin looks to the Fey King for a moment and sighs, "If your punishment or whatever you want to call it is death from the majority of us then I beg you as a man of honor and defender of Domi that you think of all the killing already done by your power being released. You have control of what you do and even in death your actions can speak volumes. You have also made it sound like rather you kill us or not, once the decision is made it is made. If your so powerful then you think on all these things too, try to see from our point of view, try to see all the destruction happening, all the death that has been caused and truely think on how your last moments if it comes to that should be made. If you decide to fight yet then we shall do so and maybe your or our death's depending will be one remembered for a long time but also as I said, remember all the destruction already done....you have some here that would most likely even see your name goes into the pages of history remembered for what happens here. You also must decide, just like we just did, how will you be remembered."

Florin now sigh and goes silent, leaving his speech there and also half wondering why he even said any of that. It was words he had thought a few times through this and through previous things that have happened.

DM George 
Monday September 12th, 2005 10:26:38 PM
The votes are cast, and the chosen acorn's flare while the others turn to dust. The decision has been made.

The Fey King blurs from form to form...deer, fox, tree, bush, humming bird, elf, satyr, treant...soon shifting so fast that the forms are impossible to tell. He becomes fainter and fainter and a whisper can be heard in each character's ear.

You desired to see my power, let me show you your possiblities...

Each of you receives a different vision, but all the visions occur at the same time.

Wynn sees himself several years older, standing in front of his home, hugging Xenia from behind, watching their children play in a fountain on the gold level. They have 3 beautiful children and all seems well.

Xenia sees herself delivering a baby. The pain is excrutiating. The midwife seems concerned and desperate. The baby is turned the wrong way!
Where are those clerics?

Belkior sees himself working in a field hospital. He is desperately trying to save a child who was slashed with a cruel sword. His spells are exhausted and the child is dying in front of his eyes. He knows this war was fought over food. There is much famine and sufferring across the Wold.

Florin is leading Ajax across a long cobbled courtyard. He is concerned because Ajax is thin and underfed. He keeps walking and walking but all he sees is stone and mortar.

Tionel sees himself in the future as a powerful druid. His control of the natural order is immense and 100s of people flock to him to hear his wisdom.

Syr, sees himself as old and withered. His once muscular form is wasted and tired. His speed is gone and his hair grey. He looks upon a bleak and wasted Wold and wonders where he went wrong.

Angus sees himself in a pub showing off for a petty girl. He has grown powerful and stern but a pretty face can still turn his head. He launches a fireball out the window to impress her with his powers, but as it explodes, a figure is lite within its impact. Angus knows the face. It is his baby sister Marget. He watches in torment as the flames consume her flesh.

Lang sees himself bending over Sunshine holding his faithful hound to his bugbear chest. A huge gash has almost cut the dog in half. He is dead, his blood spilled out across the ground. Lang knows that this was done because he wasn't accepted in his current form as a bugbear. Nature is now distrusted and all "Monsters" must die. Sunshine died fighting for his beloved master.

When the characters eyes snap back to the present, the avatar is gone and the Wold seems very quiet.



Wynn 
Tuesday September 13th, 2005 8:08:45 AM
The bard watches as the avatar flickers out of sight. He steals an awkward glance at Xenia following his vision, wondering what her thoughts are on the matter. Wynn had never really thought much about settling down and had certainly not thought about raising children...

Xenia 
Tuesday September 13th, 2005 8:47:11 AM
Xenia's back arches, and she draws in a shuddering breath. Her eyes well with tears from a pain beyond the simple pain.

With a swift turn, she grabs up a nearby chair and heaves it in the direction of the door. The sturdy piece of furniture doesn't make it far, but instead, crashes loudly to the floor, breaking the silence, to skid for a few feet and stop.

"Serves you right!!! I shoulda voted you DEAD!!!"

"That's what I mean!" she rants. "It's spite! Sure it's real and it's true. But he showed that on purpose! You BASTARD!!!"

The thin girl doubles over and holds her middle, her womb. For a moment, her lip trembles, then her green eyes steel.

"It's what you do with the choices you're given. There's lots a things that aren't your fault. But when you're given a choice, what you do with it is what makes you that person you are."

Xenia straightens, and brings her breath under control.

"Well he just proved who he is. Didn't he?"



Belkior 
Tuesday September 13th, 2005 12:24:41 PM
The halfling cleric starts with the vision of him tending to someone injured in a war over food. Belkior thinks to himself, "So, this is what letting Eberyon stay in the Wold would come to. Nature run rampant, causing feast and famine in turn. Making people fight one another for food. It's better that Eberyon die and Nature be held in check."

A suddne though comes to the Healer of Alemi and he hustles back downstairs. Did the Fae King inflict the same twisted visions on the children? If so, he wants to be available to sooth their fears.


Tionel 
Tuesday September 13th, 2005 12:53:22 PM
At the sound of the others' hysterics, Tionel frowns. His vision was good...well, weird, definitely. People flocking to him... I don't want to be famous, except maybe as a singer, he thinks to himself. Who said I was ever wise? And I prefer the company of an alehouse to that of a forest... Oh, I just don't understand this whole thing, he quietly admits to himself, and decides to forget about it.
"Xenia, calm down a little," he smiles and puts a soothing hand on her. "Whatever that was, I don't think it was at all true."

Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) 
Tuesday September 13th, 2005 1:05:59 PM
The rogue's lips are compressed in anger.

"I don't either," she replies. "But it was mean. It was just mean."

Syr 
Tuesday September 13th, 2005 4:15:07 PM
Syr shuts his eyes tightly trying to block the vision from his mind. Picturing his aged fragile body, he wonders if that was what the Fey King meant by Elves would be changing...

Shaking the tired feeling off, he turns to the others. "I wonder when we find out how the others voted and what impact it has on us."

He shrugs the feelings of age off and turns to Florin, "Hey, what next? The city seems tilted but stable for the moment. Action or rest?"

Angus 
Tuesday September 13th, 2005 8:50:28 PM
Angus shudders at the vision that the Fey King shows him. He hopes it is just another ploy by Elbyron and not a reality that will happen in the future.

Either way Angus's mood stays somber.

Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47) 
Tuesday September 13th, 2005 9:50:33 PM
Lang comes out of the vision with tears in his eyes. He cannot believe that his choice will lead to Sunshine's death.

He quickly wipes the tears from his eyes and vows to not let his future end up that way.

Aftermath


DM George 
Tuesday September 13th, 2005 10:51:03 PM
The group is shaken and upset by their individual visions. Was it a fortelling of the future? Will this happen to them? Was Elbyron just being spiteful or trying to explain what would happen if the powers of nature waned or waxed according to the individual choices.

Still they are all alive and seemed to have survived these momentous times. It seems like it is over but the city is still tilted, the children ,as well as the Crimson Shields, are homeless. Where will they go next and what will they do?

OOC Everyone receives 4,000 experience points.
Bonuses for great roleplay, 250 to Xenia and Florin. Everyone gets 1 hero point. (remember you get 30 experience points x your level for each hero point bonus)

I will be taking nominations from you on extra hero points until Friday of this week. You can nominate yourselves but I want an explaination on all hero point nominations. Please email me with them.

Start working on those character sheets. I want them updated by next Monday.

Xenia  d20+18=34 d20+13=16
Wednesday September 14th, 2005 11:23:17 AM
Nothing happens.

No earth shaking. No magic changing of ... well ... of anything.

Xenia walks over to the chair, her posture bent slightly at the waist. She pulls it back to it's feet, and makes sure it's not going to slide before sitting gingerly on the edge. Her eyes close and she doubles forward. The memory of the pain and the threat to the life that was within her is still far too close to be pushed away.

With a few deep breaths, she bids a silent, tearful goodbye to the baby who never was, before rising again to her feet.

"So we wait?" The rogue's words are both question and statement.

She walks slowly across the floor to the doorway and peers both up the street and down. Her eyes and ears are open to danger, but then they catch the sky.

"Maybe that's it," she says over her shoulder. Her eyes rise to the ceiling of Fence Level and the magic image of the sky. "Maybe that means there won't be no more plants."

Rolls and Actions
Spot 34
Listen 13


Tionel 
Wednesday September 14th, 2005 1:13:58 PM
"Well, we can only get set in so much. Fortify and such. Those hero guys said they were off to do stuff, so I'm imagining they'll get the city righted somehow. I think it's up to us to watch after the orphans and maybe clear a few plants off this level."
Tionel ponders...how far is it to the docks? Could a trip be made there in a short amount of time? "We'll have to do some scouting inevitably. See if they'll attack on sight."

Belkior 
Wednesday September 14th, 2005 3:44:24 PM
The halfling cleric is with the children in the basement. It seems that the Fae King only threatened those who had decided his fate, probably because the children were beneath his notice.

Belkior decides that it is a good time to re-check any bandages, splints and dressings. Everything is fine with his smaller patients, nothing that time and rest will not heal. The resilience of children amazes the Healer. He and his fellow clerics can invoke healing magics from their deities. Yes, ultimately, a few nights rest and good food would provide the same healing for these children. Perhaps there's a way that a Healer could accelerate the body's natural healing ability?

Belkior eventually returns upstairs to his companions. Hearing the end of the conversation about what the party should be doing, he pauses and considers. "Well, myself, I should stay here with the children, particularly the injured. Maybe we could bring small groups upstairs and outside again to provide some exercise and light? Some of you might want to scout the area around here, though, to sse if any danger is lurking close by."


George (OOC) 
Wednesday September 14th, 2005 6:50:59 PM
Sounds like Scott is going to be out of circulation for about a week. Anyone want to play his character?



Syrdeth (Sub/Al) 
Wednesday September 14th, 2005 9:18:28 PM
"Why don't I go," the elf volunteers. "I can stay to the shadows. And I think I can pretty much outpace anything out there."

"I'll be down to the docks and back in no time. Anything else you want me to take a look at while I'm out there?"

[I'll do it, George. I have a fairly recent character sheet.]

Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47)  d20+6=12
Wednesday September 14th, 2005 9:26:00 PM
Lang moves over with Xenia to look out onto the street. He looks to see how far the vines have retreated from the Giggling Ghost (spot 12/16).

Lang listens as the conversation turns towards scouting out the area.

"Sunshine and I will go scouting. We can move quickly and quietly when we want to."

Looking at the Crimson Shields, Lang assesses their scouting strengths and weaknesses.

"Perhaps Syr with his speed and Xenia with her wn scouting skills can go with us. A smaller group would probably be best."

Angus 
Wednesday September 14th, 2005 9:28:47 PM
"I am not very good at scouting", Angus says. "I can make someone invisible for a short time though."

"I can stay here and help Belkior with the children. I can entertain them with my flute."



DM George 
Wednesday September 14th, 2005 9:55:00 PM
The group gets ready to go out exploring wondering if the city has been deserted of monsters and it is safe to make a run for it.

Lang looks out of a crack in a window and sees the vines still cover the streets and climbing the walls of the Giggling Ghost. They have only retreated from the interior of the Giggling Ghost.

The merchant, who was saved from the wortling's earlier, comes up from the basement and stands listening to the debate. (OOC I can't find the merchant's name so I will rename him now. Please forgive the unprofessionalism if anyone remembers his original name.)

He will clear his throat trying to get the attention of the group and when he has it, will say, "Excuse me, but why are you trying to head towards the dock area? With the tilt of the city, that area will either be underwater or way above water. Why don't you try to see if the teleport gates are still operating? You can take the kids to the Plateau City. It has to be safer than it is here. I am from there and would be glad to help shelter the children until a better alternative can be arranged. At least there isn't a crazy jungle trying to eat you there."

Wynn 
Wednesday September 14th, 2005 10:45:02 PM
"I don't think we should be bringing the children anywhere" the bard counters. "We know nothing about the state of affairs in Plateau City and Bael of the House Ursidea has promised re-inforcements. Things are quiet here for the moment and I see no immediate reason to leave."

Wynn keeps a careful eye on Xenia, wondering what troubled her so about the vision. It was a good vision wasn't it? Was living on the Gold Level an insult to her past? Or was it the thought of children? Did she see more than he of the children? Did they suffer the same mutations as himself? Was that what upset her so? The bard conceals his hands awkwardly and moves towards the door to view the situation.


Xenia 
Thursday September 15th, 2005 11:21:30 AM
Xenia turns back toward the inside of the Giggling Ghost, one hand upon the broken frame of the door.

"Maybe we could plan that for tomorrow," she suggests. "I mean, we should know whether anyone's coming by then or not. We could spend today scouting the streets to see how safe they'd be. Maybe packing up supplies we'd need for the trip."

"I mean, well, it's only up to, what, Gold Level, right? But we'll have all those kids to keep safe and all."

Xenia reaches out to Wynn as he walks over to the door. She lays her hand against his arm.

He's hiding his hands. What terrible things did Elbyron make him see? Does she dare tell him about her vision? Who's child was it? Nobody's child. A lie. But what would Wynn think? Maybe it was his fault?

"You feeling ok?" she finally asks at last. Only that. Nothing more.

Tionel 
Thursday September 15th, 2005 1:01:43 PM
"Excellent idea, good sir! Well, we do want to find some way out of here... but who knows what's on the other side? I was more interested in tiny steps. Outside, the next buildings, if there's people who need help... Then, if there's not, we can go to the gates. I'm sorry you were attacked in our city, sir." Tionel turns his attention to the others. "Although normally I wouldn't think of going, you guys might need me to identify the plants we come across, if they're deadly or not..."

Florin Jadenth 
Thursday September 15th, 2005 1:20:44 PM
(OOC:Sorry for going AWOL for awhile George. We had some nasty storms the day before and I couldn't get the comp soon enough for posting yesterday. *is hard with 3 people wanting to use the comp sometimes*.)

Florin looks to everyone and sighs as he thinks over the vision he had, whispering abit, "Thank god Ajax stays on another plain most of the time."

Florin thinks over the current situation and sighs, weren't those noble guys suppose to send some people here or something....what was keeping them...did all this with the fey king only take such a short time really and just seem like forever?

Florin shakes his head and looks to Angus, "I don't like the idea of using up spells already but we need to know if we can get to the docks or something quickly. Someone should go out invisible or two if you can do it Angus."

Florin looks to the group as a whole and thinks over everything before pulling Xenia and Lang to the side or trying to pull the big guy Lang to the side, "You two are probably our swiftest moving pair with the exception of Wynn. I would like you two to go scout, invisible both of you if possible."

Florin glances to Xenia and steps in closer to her to speak to her without others hearing, "Are you okay Xenia? This is a trial on us all and what you were shown must of been rough, like it was on most of us." A flash of the vision flashes in his mind and he shakes his head quickly as a tear forms for Ajax, "I'm sending you and Lang if you agree and not you and Wynn because I don't want you worrying about him if anything happens."

Florin thinks and also pulls out a single thunderstone and hands it over to Xenia, "I don't know how far away we will beable to hear it but if you or Lang get into trouble, try using this as a signal."

Syr (Sub/Al) 
Thursday September 15th, 2005 2:20:16 PM
"Hey!" the elven monk exclaims. "What about me, Florin?"

"I'm twice as fast as either of them. And much less trouble than she is too." Syr throws Xenia a wink. "Hey, Angus, turn me invisible, and I'll be there and back in two shakes."

Belkior 
Thursday September 15th, 2005 3:44:41 PM
The halfling cleric listens to his companions planning the scouting expedition. The idea of making the scouts invisible seems like a prudent decision.

"What about communications? How are the scouts going to summon us if they encounter something that endangers them?"

Belkior begins pacing while he thinks. "What about Antitoxins? I have some left, still. Maybe the scouts should take some in case they run into the purple orc things."

When the scouts have been selected, he walks up to the pair. "Whatever you do, remember that we've already had too many wounded. Don't get into anything that endangers you. Come back here, instead. Or summon us, somehow. Or both ... that way we could be prepared if something follows you back here."



Syr 2nd Illegal Post (Sub/Al) 
Thursday September 15th, 2005 3:59:02 PM
"That's just it, Belkior. A scouting expedition is for just that. Scouting. The idea is to see what's there and return to tell about it."

"And, if you see something that's dangerous, a good scout's job, is to avoid it. Not to call in the troops, but to run away."

Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47) 
Thursday September 15th, 2005 9:46:24 PM
"No fighting on this scouting trip unless absolutely necessary. It will be a quick run around the immediate to see what is going on. If we are going to move quickly then it should by Syr, Sunshine and I. I have a spell that will make me move faster than any of the plant creatures we have met."

"Perhaps Syr and I can move quickly towards the docks, bypassing any scouting around the Giggling Ghost. We will use our speed to our advantage."

"This will free up Xenia to do a slower, stealthier scouting around this area. If she needs help she will be close to you guys. Syr, Sunshine and I should be able to outrun any foe and get back here."

"What do you think Florin? Is this a better scouting strategy?"

Angus 
Thursday September 15th, 2005 9:51:46 PM
Angus listens to the scouting plans by the Crimson Shields. He pipes in on his spells.

"My invisibility spell only lasts for 7 minutes. Not a long time, but will let you get out a fair ways and return if there are foes in the immediate area."

"If not, then you are on your own once the spell runs out."

DM George 
Thursday September 15th, 2005 10:00:39 PM
The group talks and starts to plan a course of action. They are just coming to a concensus when a unsteady banging begins at the front door. When the sound is investigated, the group will see 2 dirty and tattered guardsmen. One looks to be wearing the uniform of an officer, while the other seems to be a noncom.

They are glancing over their shoulders and start pounding again. "Let us in! In the name of Domi please let us in!"

Belkior  d20+18=29 d20+5=11
Friday September 16th, 2005 8:02:45 AM
The halfling cleric is just responding to Xenia, "Sorry, Xenia, if I worry too much. I just wanted you to be careful out there. I'm too accustomed, I think, to careful deliberation and preparation ... and I'm not used to being able to outrun things."

When teh guardsmen pound on the door, Belkior makes a quick look at them to gauge their injuries. Heal = 29

"What is it? What are you fleeing from?" The Healer tries to look past the two guardsmen to see what might be pursuing them. Spot = 11



Xenia 
Friday September 16th, 2005 11:39:28 AM
"Hey, it's the soldiers," Xenia beams at Wynn. She begins unblocking the door, then stops.

"But why are there only two of them?"

Tionel 
Friday September 16th, 2005 1:27:08 PM
Tionel immediately starts pulling the barrier to the side, enough so that they can enter, one at a time. "Any more coming?"

Wynn  d20+9=15 d20+4=24 d20+4=7 d8+3=8
Friday September 16th, 2005 5:26:12 PM
Wynn relaxes as Xenia asks if he is OK. "Sure, I'm okay, how about you? You seemed pretty angry."

The bard was about to suggest that two groups go scouting, one local and the other to the docks and elsewhere when the re-inforcements show up. Their tattered clothing and agitated demeanour suggests that danger still lurks in the city. Wynn draws his sword and readies to defend the doorway should anything other than the two guards try to enter.

[Readied action - atk hits AC 15 and AC 24 (failed to confirm critical) for 8 HP]


Syr (Sub/Al)  d20+8=18
Friday September 16th, 2005 11:16:00 PM
"They look like they've seen some action," Syr adds. "We can't leave them out there."

He begins unblocking the door, ready to lash out should this be a ruse.

Florin Jadenth  d20+2=20
Saturday September 17th, 2005 12:41:46 AM
Florin half chuckles to himself as he thinks that the way this place gets visitors it's almost like the GG is open for buisness again and he looks to those unblocking the door, "Well, lets hope these guys are atleast part of the guards that were to be sent here to give us a hand."

Florin will also move to help move the stuff from the door if there is enough room or need for his help also.

Once the guards are inside Florin looks over each (spot:20) before speaking to them and also if they don't show any signs of being hostile, "Greetings, what brings you here? Are you part or all the guards that was to be sent here? Also you look like something has been chasing you, whats going on?" Florin waits patiently for answers as he ponders things also.

Looking to Syr he nods and motions towards him and Lang, "After we get some answers a depending on what these two have to say you two can scout for us. Sorry to Syr, for some reason your abilities slipped my mind. I keep thinking of your fighting skills more then your stealth, I'll keep it in mind in the future my friend." Florin gives Syr a nod and a smiles to let him know he honestly didn't mean to forget him in this matter.

DM George "Tales of Woe" 
Saturday September 17th, 2005 2:18:42 PM
The bloody and torn guards stumble through the gate and upon closer inspection, both look very young. The officer is only in his late teens and holds the lowest rank in the guards. The non-com is slightly older but doesn't look to be shaving for very long either.

The officer falls to his knees in both exhaustion and grief. Tears spring to his eyes as he looks up at the Crimson Shields. He finally croaks out, "My name is Ensign Buckle. My squad and I were assigned to come up here and lead you and the children you are protecting to safety. We were assualted almost the entire way here. Silent orcs who feed their captives to monsterous huge trees. Giant plants that seem to come out of no where and attack. Even a shambling mound attacked and killed one of my men.

There were 10 of us and we are all that is left. It was horrible. Most of the creatures seem to be heading towards the dock area. That is where we came from."

Xenia 
Saturday September 17th, 2005 8:46:32 PM
"He didn't have to show that stuff to us," Xenia replies. "Someday, Wynn ... " Xenia hesitates. "Someday I wanna have kids. Maybe the idea scares you. But I know that I want to have children. Someday."

Xenia touches her lower belly. "In my mind, I could feel the baby. It was turned round the wrong way. The midwife was saying that, but I could tell already. You hear that happens sometimes. But it's a different thing to feel it yourself."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to load that up on you. Thanks for listening." Xenia doesn't even notice when the two guards enter. They're just there all of the sudden. She wakes from the vision a second time to the words from the guards. The crushing realization that this is their rescue is no more than an interesting counterpoint.

"Alright," the rogue says in a flat voice, two or three levels too calm, "so, more than ever, we need to scout the level. Find out where we can and can't go. Maybe there's food out there. Water."

"How are the levels above?" This directed at the guards. "The guys that left this morning said something about Gold Level being ok. Is that true?"

Belkior  d20+18=36
Sunday September 18th, 2005 3:15:50 PM
The halfling cleric will rush forward from where he had been standing to tend to the injured men.

After taking a moment to tend to them, he is able to determine if they have been afflicted by any of the plants. Especially the one that turned it's victims into green zombies.
Heal = 36

"Well, you two seem to be okay. How long did it take you to get up here from the dock level? Did you see any sign of survivors on this level?"

To no one in particular, Belkior relates the tale of his vision. "Eberyon showed me something very much like this. I was tending to an child injured in a battle or fight over food ... presumably because of nature run riot, causing feast and famine. If anything, it confirmed that I made the correct choice when I voted."

Wynn 
Sunday September 18th, 2005 6:32:59 PM
The bard winces as Xenia lets out her vision and the pain and anguish it caused her. "Now is probably not a good time to tell her just how many children she might be having" he thinks to himself.

Once the surviving members of the guard patrol are safely inside he adds his own questions to those of the others; "What of the cell blocks? Are the prisoners still there? There was an old elf named Prionel. Is he safe?"

Tionel 
Sunday September 18th, 2005 6:50:56 PM
The elf takes a very sympathetic tact. "You poor fellows... Eight of your fellow companions, lost? I'm so sorry to hear of it." He leads them in, patting them on the backs. "First, let Belkior check your wounds. Happy, do you have any extra garments for these soldiers? At the very least, let me offer you some water and some ale." As he speaks he seats them down at a table. He begins helping them take off their shoes and armor, asking them about how many they saw, what about the docks is so important, if they've heard any rumors about the town... "Do you know how far the teleport pad is? Is it opposite of the docks? That might be the safest place to bring the children, do you think? Are there other groups in need of aid? WHat about those guys, the Children of Chaos, have you heard of them?"
Tionel tries to simultaneously relax and draw out as much information as he can from them.


Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47)  d20+6=14
Sunday September 18th, 2005 8:37:07 PM
Lang rushes through the opening they made in the barricade, drawing his shortswords as he moves. He quickly looks around the street to see if the two guardsmen were being followed (spot 14/18).

If there isn't any creature(s) moving outside, Lang will retreat into the Giggling Ghost and re-construct the barricade. If creatures are present, Lang will warn his fellow shields and wait outside for further instruction from Florin.

Angus 
Sunday September 18th, 2005 8:41:15 PM
Angus is happy to see reinforcements arrive to the Giggling Ghost. He is dismayed to hear that 8 guardsmen most likely lost their lives trying to get to the inn.

"Do you think any more guardsmen will come here?" he asks the two soldiers.

"Have the guards started a counter-attack to push the creatures out of the city? Is there any action to get the city upright again?"

Many more questions come to mind, but Angus waits to here answers to his questions and the questions from his fellow shields before he asks them.

Florin Jadenth 
Monday September 19th, 2005 9:38:03 PM
Florin takes a deep breath while thinking over the news delivered by the guards that have made it to them and closes his eyes, thinking over this carefully before speaking to the guatd's, "Okay, please calm down, I'm sorry for your loss but right now we must pull together to survive or try to survive. Right now we are all safe here for the moment anyway so my first question is this sirs. The monsters are flocking to the docks, are they trying to reinforce the docks with their numbers or leave themselves?"

Florin looks to the others and sighs, "Are only real choice if this city is okay is to get them to a higher level where they might beable to be protected easier."

Florin looks to the guards and thinks again before speaking, "The docks are a different story. You all can't stay split up down on the docks if possible. They need to seal off as many road ways and such as possible and fighting in smaller areas where less enemies can get to them at one time. Flaming arrows and such should be used to combat the plant creatures, drive them back to the water if you can. Any fires caused down there should beable to be contained easier with the water being right there."

Florin sighs and looks to his friends and shakes his head, "This cities best hope is to really rally the people, arm those they can. There is no better time in the whole Wold to fight or learn then when your home is under attack. If the people really love this city, if they really love their homes then there is no other choice if the guard themselves can do it alone."

Florin looks to the guard's and kneels down by the closest one, "Listen, this is very important, there must be survivors stationed some place. People had to of went to the guard for protection, where did you base them at? We really have to rally the people to help in this matter."

Florin stands and moves to Syr also, placing a hand on the man's shoulders and speaks to him gently, "If all the monsters are going to the docks then we have a chance if this is handled right. I must know how the situation down there is personally but I also need to get these kids to the upper levels."

Florin looks to the staurway and smiles some as he whispers to himself, "A paladin is born for war and the battlefield." Florin nods and looks back to Syr, "If we can get rid of the enemy then that leaves the vines pulling the place and puts us that one step closer to having these kids safe. I plan to use ajax if possible to get to the docks."

(OOC:Not trying to split the party up at the moment George. Hope you understand this post is all.)

Syr (Sub/Al) 
Monday September 19th, 2005 9:53:38 PM
Recalling the words of the merchant, Syrdeth asks the battered guards, "We heard that the docks were underwater. Is that true? Maybe they're swimming out."

"No, that can't be true. Didn't we have to climb up to get to the docks when we got back from the Crying Woods?"

The monk shakes his head.

"I think you're right, Florin. We need to go up. I'll scout the way between here and Barracks level with Lang. If all of the plant creatures are headed for the docks, then the way might be clear."

Wynn 
Tuesday September 20th, 2005 7:21:16 AM
"Whoa there Syr...If all the plant creatures are leaving Floating City, then we must be quite safe right where we are. The only reason to go out is to provide assistance to others. If that is our intent we would be better off with a larger group that can do battle." Wynn looks over to Florin, "Well, what mission do we pursue?"

DM George 
Tuesday September 20th, 2005 7:58:15 AM
OOC Hey folks, sorry for the delay. I have a new job and it is gonna take a few weeks to get used to the schedule. Please bear with me.

The soldiers are bombarded with questions and the officer breaks down weeping. The sergeant puts a hand on his shoulder and tries to comfort him and says to the group, "He lost both parents in this disaster. He is a good lad but no one expects to have to go through something like this."

He takes a serious tone and says, "You have many questions and I will try to answer them but I am not sure if you will like the answers. Most of the city is destroyed. The tilting of the city has caused most of the newer buildings to fall. That alone is disaster enough but then the monsters from that dark evil jungle attacked.

Thousands have been killed and most of the city has been evacuated to the shore. Now we are in a constant running battle with the jungle. Thousands of those purple devils have carried off our citizens and soldiers. They are feeding them to giant trees whom seem to be growing the purple devils.

We are holding with the aid of some powerful adventures. The Platinum Dragons I believe they are called. Without them, things would be much worse.

The lower levels aren't flooded but the docks are now worthless due to the tilt of the City. People and these damn plants can climb in and out but forget cargo. I think the plants are leaving the city and heading back outside because that is where most of the people are.

If I were you, I would head up not down. If your going down, I will be staying right here."



Xenia  d20+3=23
Tuesday September 20th, 2005 11:03:57 AM
The need to sit down. It's all so overwhelming, and Xenia just feels the need to sit down. Running away. That's another feeling. To run away and leave it all behind. Go someplace else and start again. This place is so broken.

"Up," she says at last. "Even if we don't bring the kids there, we gotta see how things are. It's where supplies would come. They'd have to come through the Teleporter."

"I mean, we can stay and help out. Rebuild and stuff. But this is no place for the kids. We gotta find out what's up there. It might be a pretty dangerous trip. But it's that or wait here till we starve or run out of water. If there's a way out, we owe it to the kids to find it."

"But ... we can't take the kids up there on a chance. And we can't leave them here."

Rolls and Actions
Knowledge Local 23 (Nat 20 /To pinpoint the location of the Teleporter.)

OoC
This is a tough one. I think it would be in our best interest to see what's up there, to see if things are alright in Plateau City beyond the Teleport Pad. But, on the other hand, we can't take the kids on such a potentially dangerous mission until we know for sure. That necessitates splitting the party.

Belkior 
Tuesday September 20th, 2005 1:57:47 PM
The halfling cleric empathizes with the guard officer. Too many changes, too many people dead, too much of everthing. Belkior pushes his hair back from his forehead and thinks on how his mentors treated something like this. The problem is, should he be treating the guard or himself?

"You're right, Xenia. I could keep on making food for everyone for as long as Alemi answers my prayers. But I can't do anything to keep them safe."

"How long would it take for a couple people to scout the route up to the higher level?"


Angus 
Tuesday September 20th, 2005 5:08:08 PM
Angus listens to everyone and adds his two copper pieces worth. "I think we have to think of a more permanent solution for the orphans, maybe not their final home, but a place to stay while the Floating City is made right, if it can be. What does everyone say to giving the teleportation gate a whirl?"



Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47) 
Tuesday September 20th, 2005 11:29:30 PM
Lang and Sunshine are up for anything, but it would probably be best to stay here in the Giggling Ghost with the children.

"Perhaps a scouting party to the upper level is what we ned to do."

DM George 
Tuesday September 20th, 2005 11:42:17 PM
Happy, carrying some food and drinks for the guardsmen, hears the conversation and says, "I can watch the children while you go scout. I am sure these fine gentlemen will help me, since it sounds to dangerous for them to venture forth by themselves."

The sergeant hears this and says, "Yes we will stay here." His eyes dart to his weeping officer and he continues, "Yes we have had a hard time of it lately. Staying and guarding some children will give us some purpose."

The merchant pipes in, "I am also willing to stay and help, or I can come if you are planning to go through the gates, I will go with you. Not that I am not enjoying your fair city but I might be able to introduce you to the right people in the Plateau City."

Happy pipes in, "If you are going, and are going to go through the gates, then can I give you a list of supplies? We are running short here and if I am to reopen for business, I will need some things."

ooc hint hint If you split the party, things get rough on your DM. Your DM is stressed enough lately with his new job. Your DM then gets cranky and decides the best way to solve the problem is to kill off one half of the party to make his life easier. Course don't let me influence you into anything. ;-)

Wynn  d20+7=9 d20+5=22
Wednesday September 21st, 2005 12:14:20 AM
Wynn frowns. "Plateau City?" he says aloud, racking his brains for knowlege of this place from old tales (Knowledge History=9) or maybe it is close to the Floating City? A sister city? (Knowledge Local=22) "Are we going to abandon the Float?" he asks finally, a look of utter confusion on his face, "and leave the orphans behind?"

DM George 
Wednesday September 21st, 2005 8:44:49 AM
OOC Hey folks, Need those updated character sheets! Have only received 4 of them so far. Xenia, Belkior, Wynn, and Florin. I know Jim/Angus has been away but now he is back! Let's get them in.

I have only received one vote for additional hero points. Need those also or no additional hero points!

Xenia 
Wednesday September 21st, 2005 10:21:36 AM
With supreme trust in Happy, Xenia shrugs on her haversack.

"We'll come back for them, Wynn. When we know the way is safe enough. Shouldn't take but a few hours to go up, even as far as Gold Level. There should be folks up there that can tell us if Plateau City is safe or not. Least, you'd think there'd be folks there."

"We can be back before dinner. What do you say?"

Question
Did I get anything back on the Knowledge Local for the location of the Teleport Pad?

Note
I found the Merchant's name, George: Dadun Polix

Syr (Sub/Al) 
Wednesday September 21st, 2005 10:33:08 AM
"It could be dangerous on the way up," Syr says to the merchant, "but if they know your face at the Teleport Pad that could go a long way toward getting things going."

Syr looks out the door, both up and down the street.

"Are you sure you'll be alright here, Happy?" he asks.

Sorry, forgot to post for Syr yesterday.

Tionel 
Wednesday September 21st, 2005 12:23:26 PM
"We can't leave the orphans..." Tionel says, starting a long worried speech. Then he stops, and looks over the others. He glances back downstairs. He takes a long, slow breath. "I'm sure they'll be all right," he says, definitely to himself, and without much conviction. "This is not an easy choice... I say we leave it up to Florin."

((hey, George, what's your email addy again? Also, right now, I'm still on that extra computer, I still don't have access to my character sheet...))

Belkior 
Wednesday September 21st, 2005 12:36:02 PM
The halfling cleric looks up at the proprietor of the Ghost. "You're sure that the children will be okay with just you and the two guards? What happens if the plants attack? Or if people like the Anvil Hearts want to come in? Can you board up the Inn securely enough?" Realizing that he's beginning to sound like a broken record, Belkior trails off.

"An expedition to the upper levels, then through the teleportal to ... Plateau City. Hmm, what should I take?," Belkior muses to himself. "No healer's kits left, and I'm getting low on other supplies. Oh well, maybe I'll have to improvise."

"Happy, please look after the children. If you want, I can write down some instructions about their medical care. Would you like that?" Belkior turns and asks the two guards, "Do either of you have any medical training? Several of the children are injured and need care, so can you look after them?"

Above it all, Belkior wonders if he made the correct requests when he prayed to Alemi this morning.



Angus HP 24/25 
Wednesday September 21st, 2005 7:09:29 PM
Angus ponders Xenia's words. "Do you really think we can get back by dinner time the way our luck has been lately. We are not leaving alot of protection for the kids." Angus looks around the GG and its damage. "Lets scout a bit to see what the plant situation is before we head out. Lets say the quick and sneaky ones of our group go out for a 30 minute scout prior to us leaving."


Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47) 
Wednesday September 21st, 2005 9:25:56 PM
"My vote is to do a short scouting mission around the Giggling Ghost and towards the access point to the upper levels (what do you use to get up levels? Stairs? Rampways?)."

"Otherwise I think we need most of the group to stay near and guard the children. Unless we decide to move them all at once."

"It has been over 8 hours since the the attack, and it has not gotten worse. The leaning has not increased and enemy creatures have been absent for quite some time. It may be best to stay holed up here and ride it out."

DM George 
Wednesday September 21st, 2005 10:36:46 PM
The group ponders and waffles on which way to go. Should they go up and see if they can get the children out of the Floating City. Should they go check out the dock area. Is the Giggling Ghost safe to leave the kids behind? Should all go scouting or just a few?

What the group knows about teleportation pads is that they are large. Enough food and other raw materials have to be shipped to the city. Since the city used to have a population of over 50,000 people, it stands to reason that the gates are at least large enough to drive a wagon through.

What the group doesn't know is if they will be able to activate the gates once they get to them. Will there be a keeper to help them? Only way to know is to go look.

OOC Folks I would like a concensus or Florin as leader needs to step up and make a decision by tomorrow. Need to know which way you are going so I can plan.

My email is jasjen577@aol.com

Wynn 
Wednesday September 21st, 2005 11:28:35 PM
"Okay Xenia. I'll follow you." Wynn checks his weapons, then hoists his pack making preparations to depart.

Angus  d20+8=14
Wednesday September 21st, 2005 11:31:20 PM
Angus rolls his eyes since no one is taking action. " I am staying with the kids until we find out what is outside." Angus goes over to Xenia and Syr and touches each one, turning them invisible. "Go see what is out and about, you have seven minutes do not waste it."

Angus looks over at the big ugly smelly Bugbear and thinks that we will have to start carrying water just to keep him clean. Angus moves over to Lang. "Hey now bigger buy, we will need a front line fighter to protect us softer types. I know you are normally stealthy, but hang back and protect our skins again until Xenia and Syr return."

Angus looks to Wynn and Tionel "You two can to make some music. Any catchy verses about stomping plants?" Angus begins to play his flute (perform 14). Not his best effort, but he is also attempting to get the kids to sing with Wynn and Tionel.

Florin Jadenth 
Wednesday September 21st, 2005 11:32:47 PM
Florin listens to the comments made by his friends before finally speaking up and nodding, "Okay, this is how it is everyone. We all are going out to scout to the upper level, if we can make it all te way up then we will."

Florin looks to Happy and the two guards and steps over to them, "I know this is a big job really considering but we will need you to protect the kids and my daughter is down there too so please do your very best."

Florin smiles to Happy, "Get a list of the suplies you need and we will see to that if we make it all the way and we will also see if we might beable to get some more help down here, atleast a couple more men."

Florin looks to the group and sighs as he stretches, "Looks like we are heading out Shields. Get your stuff ready to move out. I know some of you wanted to move quick and silent but we move together instead. However I refuse to leave this city by any means for the moment. This is my home, where my roots are and my home is in danger. I owe the temple of Domi and this city enough to make sure it is atleast half way okay before I leave it. We all do I think."

Florin moves over to Wynn and speaks to him, leaning in close to keep it between the two of them, "Hey buddy like to do me a small favor? You have the talent of lifting spirits, how about a small song or something as we prepare to leave, it may help the guards lighten up some."



Belkior 
Thursday September 22nd, 2005 11:40:50 AM
The halfling cleric looks back and forth between Angus and Florin, then to where he thinks Xenia and Syr are standing.

Belkior asks, "So, are we all going together? With Xenia and Syr out front looking for trouble before it finds us?"

The halfling Healer shoulders his HHHaversack and moves over to Happy. "Here. I've written instructions for care of all the children and I've left what supplies I had left. This should cover any thing that might happen. But, you've looked after travellers so you should be okay." Belkior hands the proprietor of the Ghost a neatly written list on both sides of a piece of parchment.

"If we're going, let's go and get back as soon as possible. We don't want to be wasting any time. But don't rush and miss anything, you two," says Belkior to the empty air.



Tionel 
Thursday September 22nd, 2005 12:36:28 PM
"Excellent. I'll go get stuff ready. We'll be back, with some help. It's also a rescue mission guys; anybody who needs help along the way, we gather. Right, Florin?"
At the request for a song appropriate to evil plants, Tionel becomes speechless. An idea forms in his head instantly, inspiration for a whole musical act, nay, a play! Poor Wynn would do the starring role, as the best singer Tionel knew. He'd be a young orphan who worked at a small flower shop with the very pretty Xenia, but the business was floundering, as was his ability with girls. One day, he found a most unusual plant that brought in a great business, but as he had to keep on feeding it blood, it became evil... Brilliant.
But no time for it right now. What would the hit song be from that musical? Tionel could almost hear it in his mind...

They may offer you fortune and fame
Love and money and instant acclaim
But whatever they offer you
Don't feed the plants

They may offer you lots of cheap thrills
Fancy condos in Beverly Hills
But whatever they offer you
Don't feed the plants

Look out! Here comes Xenia Two!
Look out!

XENIA II
Here I come for you!

COMPANY
Hold your hat and hang on to your soul
Something's coming to eat the world whole
If we fight it we've still got a chance
But whatever they offer you
Though they're slopping the trough for you
Please, whatever they offer you
Don't feed the plants

Xenia II:"
We'll have tomorrow

COMPANY
Don't feed the plants!
Don't feed the plants.

(I also wanted to go with Genesis's Day of the Triffids' Lyrics, but they're a bit druggie-related).



Syr (Sub/Al)  d20=5 d20=6 d20=14
Thursday September 22nd, 2005 12:56:20 PM
Syr can barely control his irritation. Fortunately he's no longer visible to show it.

"I'll make a quick run to the Central Pillar," Syr announces from empty air. "I'll be heading down Dagger Point to Crook Street and then to the Pillar. Simple, no frills. I'll be right back."

There's the receding sound of the elven monk's feet as he leaves the Ghost, and he's gone.

Rolls and Actions
Hustle/Double Move to Central Pillar and back.
I'm working with an old 6th level Sheet.
Speed, I think is at least 50, so that's 100 feet per 6 seconds.

Move Silently 5 (Just the base roll. DM, pls add modifier.)
Spot 6 (Just the base roll. DM, pls add modifier.)
Listen 14 (Just the base roll. DM, pls add modifier.)

OoC: Here's the map of Fence Level. The Giggling Ghost is number 65. You can see the route Syr is describing.
Fence Level

Xenia  d20+15=32 d20+18=27 d20+13=30
Thursday September 22nd, 2005 1:33:19 PM
"You're AudryTwo late, Ti'nel," Xenia's voice comes from very near the location Syr's voice had come from moments ago. "I think I already heard that song someplace."

"I'm gonna take it slower and make sure there's nothing hiding on us along the way. Just going down some hundred two hundred feet or so. I'll be back."

Then she goes silent. Whether she's there or not ... is a really good question.

Rolls and Actions
Move Silently 32
Spot 27
Listen 30

Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47)  d20+12=17 d20+16=34 d20+12=16 d20+6=25 d20+6=10 d20+12=15
Thursday September 22nd, 2005 9:00:52 PM
"Sunshine stay!" Lang commands his trusty companion (handle animal roll if needed 17).

Lang slips out through the opening in the barricade and stealthily makes his way up the street towards Crook Street. He will follow Syr and Xenia's path ending up at the intersection of Dagger Point and Crook Street.

He looks for a nice hiding spot that will let him look up and down Dagger Point and down Crook Street. He looks and listens, ready to support Xenia and Syr with his bow, if anything happens.

Rolls (with only my plusses added in; no subtractions):
Move Silently 34
Hide 16
Spot 25/29
Listen 10/14
Tracking 15/19


DM George Scouts 
Thursday September 22nd, 2005 9:34:42 PM
Florin issues command but the group as individuals decide differently and two scouts range out first with a big smelly bugbear backing them up.

Syr tries to move quickly but is having difficulty as the city is on such an angle and vines are everywhere triping him up. He finds he can burst forward but can't substain any kind of continured hustle without falling.

Xenia moves more slowly looking for hidden monsters and assassin vines. She picks her way over the rough terrain and is happy to see Lang coming out to back her up.

Though Syr moves farther, both scouts find the same thing. The streets, that they covered, are full of rubble and dangerous in their own rights. Rocks, timber, and debris litter the area making the going dangerous.

It is strange to see this much debris, but no bodies anywhere. It looks like the dead were taken and the plants for now have moved on. The roads seem clear of monsters but taking the children through them will be difficult.

(OOC Not rolling it now for time sake but both Xenia and Syr feel that they would have trouble picking their way through debris and under battle conditions things would even be worse.)

Both scouts arrive back at the Giggling Ghost without incident. Both have received scratches, bumps and bruises from walking over the tough terrain but nothing really serious. (Each lose 1 hp)


Xenia (HP 41/42) 
Thursday September 22nd, 2005 10:18:28 PM
Xenia drops down onto the floor near Wynn's feet.

"I didn't think it was going to be so bad out there," she says. "And I just went down to the corner. There's stuff all over the place. You can't walk."

"We'll never get a bunch of injured kids through that stuff? Not without losing some of them. It's just not gonna work. We might as well hunker down here and try and wait it out. We can maybe send out foraging parties. Bring back food and water. Hold out till folks start coming back."

Angus 28/29 HP  d20+2=6
Thursday September 22nd, 2005 11:28:12 PM
Angus, concern on his face, is happy to see all the shields return, but is less pleased with the news. "Xenia, I take it is your recommondation that we do not leave the children on their own?"

Angus looks into everyone face before asking "Does anyone have an estimate on how long it will take a scavaging party to reach the teleportation gates, go to Plateau City and return with food? I am concern that our local forageing will not be fruitfull. I have live in the Floating city for a few years, but know nothing of the gates (K. Local 6) and how they work."

Angus calls Happy over. "Happy how much food and water do you have left? How long can this rag tag group hold out? I also think we owe you big time for all the help so far. Thanks my friend."

Belkior 
Friday September 23rd, 2005 7:25:41 AM
The halfling cleric anxiously waits for the return of the scouts. "When will they be back? How will we know if they're okay? What if a plant attacked them? They could be lying injured somewhere ... at least Lang and Sunshine could probably find them."

When the two scouts return, Belkior will go over to their sides to examine their wounds. "Just cuts and scratches, right? You weren't attacked by anything out there, were you?"

Belkior listens to the debate about food supplies for the children, Happy and the guards. "I can make more of the food and water, like I did before. That should help hold you for a while, if you don't have enough already."

"Happy, please tell me if you need me to create and preserve food to last for two days?"

Spells
0 - DC 14 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Mending, Purify Food & Drink (2)
1- DC 15 - Bless(2), Sanctuary, Shield of Faith (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - DC 16 - Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Delay Poison, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - DC 17 - Create Food & Water(2), Prayer (D - Cure Serious Wounds)

Tionel 
Friday September 23rd, 2005 1:34:39 PM
Tionel smiles at Xenia's reaction and bows to her appreciatively. Or at least, where she might be. Wait, is she over there? He has no clue, really. He waits patiently for the scouts to come back, meanwhile humming to himself. He checks on the orphans and sees if everyone's okay, and entertains them a little with a story about a beautiful pirate captain with a cursed treasure or something.
When the scouts return, he's just finishing up the story, and heads back upstairs after a few more seconds with the kids.
"If it wasn't so bad, perhaps we should move out with the orphans..." Tionel cautiously suggests, but looks to Florin. He, at least of the group, has relinquished responsibility for the decision-making to Florin in this case. Though it's obvious that he cares a lot for the kids.


Lang (ac 22; hp 55/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47) 
Friday September 23rd, 2005 6:26:10 PM
OOC - I really doubt that Bugbears smell that much as they have the scent ability.

OOC #2 - If I see the merchant's rapier (I think that was his weapon), I will pick it up and bring it back to him.

Lang makes his way back into the Giggling Ghost with the other scouts. Movement in his larger body was quite difficult. He wonders how the children will get through all the debris while the city is tilted. But then again maybe their smaller bodies will hinder them less.

"It may be best to stay here at least for another day and see what happens. It was very quiet out there, no movement at all. Perhaps the plants have left for good and the people in charge of the city will start to restore order."

"I think a bigger concern of ours, other than food, is if all the plants have left the Floating City, why is it still tilted? We need to assess whether it will be toppled over completely. If we think that is a possibility then we need to mobilize and get out of here as quickly as possible."

"If we decide to move, we need defense plans if we are attacked. Perhaps Happy can help us pick a route to the teleport pads that goes by large, old construction buildings that we can retreat the children into if we are attacked."

"We may want to think this route out anyway even if we decide to stay an hold out. We could slowly move the children from building to building over the course of the next few days."

Spells:
Speak with Animals
Longstrider

Arrows used 32.

Florin Jadenth 
Friday September 23rd, 2005 9:13:16 PM
Florin thinks over what is said and sighs when the scouts have returned to deliver info to them. Florin is abit less happy that his commands were not listened too but he says nothing on it, giving up on that line of actions.

Florin sighs again and speaks up to Xenia and Syr, "How hard would it be for Ajax to go? He is pretty sure footed and everything. We really need supplies here now and waiting for it really isn't a option. If we get attacked in a weakened state then we will be looking at a possible loss."

(OOC:George, what would Florin beable to decide from the info given also? what chances would he beable to figure on Ajax making it up there? I don't mind you making the rolls if any checks are needed for the knowledge.)

Wynn  d20+6=12 d20+2=21
Saturday September 24th, 2005 4:33:20 PM
Following Xenia's departure without him, the bard climbs to the upper windows of the Giggling Ghost and maintains a watch from above. [Spot=12, Listen=21]. Wynn spends some of the time cleaning and sharpening his weapons, and part of the time writing in his journal.

Wynn stays where he is when the scouting party returns and listens to the conversation from his lofty perch.

Syr (-1 hp, Sub/Al) 
Saturday September 24th, 2005 5:06:55 PM
"Anyone could go, Florin," Syr replies. "We could all go. But it's not going to be as quick as we had thought before."

The monk stands at the door, looking out and shaking his head.

"You could send Ajax up to Gold Level, but what is he going to do when he gets there? Stamp one for Yes and two for No? Can he tell you what he sees up there?"

"I'm sorry, Florin, but I don't know what sort of connection you have to that magic horse of yours. One thing's for sure, though. It's not the same city we had before out there. We might as well treat things as though we were in the middle of the Crying Woods. I think that means, if we plan to leave the Level, we prepare for a longer expedition."

"We might be able to move the kids little by little, just the way Lang has it laid out. But, without knowing what's really out there, we don't know whether we're endangering them unnecessarily. There might be nothing left up there. And if that's the case, we'd have to bring the kids all the way back."

"What's the situation, Belkior?" Syr asks as the halfling examines his cuts and scrapes. "How fit are they for some hard traveling?"

DM George "The debate continues" 
Sunday September 25th, 2005 4:40:15 PM
OOC...Belkior can create food for only one day. After that, the food rots. He is 6th level so he can create enough food and water to substain 18 normal people. I will double that when we are considering the children, which means he can feed up to 36 orphans. I believe we had around 40 orhpans before the wortlings started carrying some off, so we will say, there are 34 left. You also need to feed the merchant, and Happy plus yourselves. Call it the equivilant of 28 people.

Happy does have some supplies left, but his supply of fresh water is exhausted. He does still have beer, wine and spirits...not the best drinks for kids. He has enough foodstuffs to last another week, mainly in flour and ingrediants to makes breads and rolls etc. All of his fresh meats, vegatables and other perishables are gone.

Ajax would have great difficulty navigating the vines and the tilt of the city. When he gets to the ramps, it will be even harder as you will most likely have to climb. Still he can be summoned to you at anytime.

Matt, your arguements about bugbears makes no sense at all. Just because you can smell better doesn't mean your personal oder is better. Dogs smell much better than people but the first thing they smell is each others behinds and an unbathed dog can plainly reek.

Back in character:

The group debates which direction to go. To stay holed up or to try and venture forth. Belkior can report that after all the administrations, the kids are in pretty good shape. The are physically capable of making the trip, but some of the younger ones will have to be helped along.

The watchers of the streets don't see much movement out there and haven't seen a wortling in a while. Could have something called them off?



Xenia (AC 20 HP 34/35) 
Monday September 26th, 2005 4:25:51 PM
Xenia sits with her back to the wall, her mind awash with possibilities.

"You think it might work to move the kids little by little, Lang?" she asks. "We could plan short scouting runs to set up the next rest stop, then move there and hunker down, huh?"

"But, could we protect them on the move? I mean, even losing just one of them ... " Xenia draws her knees up and wraps her arms around them. "Hearing them drop out the window."

"What do you think, Florin?" she asks. "Should we risk it?"

Belkior 
Monday September 26th, 2005 9:52:39 PM
The halfling cleric waits until it has been decided what the party, and everyone else, is doing. No point making a full days worth of food if they're simply going to have to carry it.

"Florin, Xenia's suggestion makes sense. Send the scouts out to find a place that we can spend the night that's within a couple hours travel. Then move everyone there and prepare for the night. Even if it takes a couple days to reach our destination, it would probably be safer than pushing too hard or quickly and having any stragglers."

"I should, I hope, be able to keep everyone relatively healthy doing it that way. And keep us supplied with food, too."

Turning to Happy, Belkior confirms the state of his supplies. "So, you only have imperishables like flour and porridges. And beer, wine and spirits. Well, since there's probably no fresh water anywhere in the city, beer will probably be the safest thing for everyone to drink. The spirits, unfortunately, might have some use for treating wounds or setting things on fire."

"I can make enough food every day to feed everyone. It won't be the tastiest food, but it will keep us alive. The food provided by Alemi normally lasts only one day, but I can preserve it with the grace of Alemi, too."

OOC: Misread the description of "Create Food and Water". Belkior can preserve the food for an additional 24 hours by casting "Purify Food and Drink" when the food would normally spoil.



Florin Jadenth  d20+2=22
Monday September 26th, 2005 10:02:58 PM
Florin sighs and shakes his head at this whole mess and looks to the others before speaking his mind quite plainly now as this situation is getting to him, "Till we know whats up we can't move the kids, that is not a option till we know it's safe. There safe here for the moment and moving them could put them in danger which could end up getting us all killed."

Florin motions to Lang, "Lang, move that stuff from the door for a moment please my friend."

Once the door is unbarcaded Florin moves out of the door and looks to Lang and even motions Syr over, "Keep the group together, watch over them and keep this place safe. We need supplies and we need to know whats going on up there and I'm tired of waiting any longer. I'm not stealthy but my blade is sharp and like all weapons always hungry for battle. Anyway, I will not give orders for help when they might go ignored. I'll scout and that means the risk is only to myself. If I can get food I will be back with it."

Florin leaves that as it and begins heading to go up into the city. Taking it slow as to watch his footing and doing his best to not take any unnecessary chances that might injure himself to bad or cause problems do to his heavy armor.

(Spot:22)

(OOC:George, Florin is heading out no matter to try and get supplies. List the rolls or anything you need and I will post them.)

Wynn 
Monday September 26th, 2005 10:39:06 PM
The bard watches Florin leave the Ghost on his own and can only shake his head.

Lang, Angus & Sunshine  d20+6=18 d20+6=23
Monday September 26th, 2005 11:41:22 PM
OOC - I think Jim wanted me to post for him today as he is traveling.

Lang does not replace the barricade per Florin's instruction. He and Sunshine move outside the barricade after Florin leaves and watches his progress. He will listen for Florin if Florin tries to contact hime (listen 18/22 & spot 23/27).

Angus thinks about stopping Florin, but decides against it. Perhaps it is best if 1 from their group risks everything to see what is out there than everyone risking it. He prays that Florin comes back safely.

Angus says, "I think we should prepare the children for travel. The buddy systems is a good place to start." If he gets no disagreement, Angus goes downstairs and starts to pair off the older children with the younger children, teaching them the buddy systems as he goes along.

OOC - Did Lang find the merchant's weapon?

Syr (Sub/Al) 
Tuesday September 27th, 2005 1:02:16 AM
"And if he meets a shambling mound, he's going to die," Syr says. But still, he lets Florin go.

"Who comes up with these ideas?" Syr aims a punch at one of the walls and pulls up short, just the width of a sheet of paper short. "I should go with him. I'm going to go with him. He'll get himself killed otherwise."

Syr takes off out the door, easily catching up with Florin. He says nothing. He just smiles and walks along by the paladin's side.

DM George "Brave Warriors" 
Tuesday September 27th, 2005 10:47:38 AM
Florin loses his patience and heads out to look for supplies. Syr knowing that it is to easy to fall victim alone, decides to support his comrade and runs after him. Soon they are lost from view turning a corner.

ooc What is your destination? Are you going up level looking for the teleportation gate? Are you heading to the docks looking for food there? Need some input.

The other Crimson Shields stay behind and pray for their companion's safe return, wondering if they will ever see the two warriors again. Still the children need protection and someone has to bring them to the potty, wipe their noses, and keep their chins clean.

The Shield's wonder if this is to be their new lot in life. They have bound themselves to these children and possibly the hundreds more new orphans this disaster created. Have the Gods chosen them to put down their swords, give up there magic and permantantly take care of the little ones. Or do the fates still want them to be heroes? Why did they get a choice in the fate of the Fey King if they were only meant to be nursemaids.

Xenia (34/35) 
Tuesday September 27th, 2005 11:22:57 AM
Xenia finds Wynn.

"How you doing?" she asks, touching his arm lightly. Her eyes search his face for traces of the sadness and distress left by his change.

"You know ... I'm not sure about ... well, paladins. They just don't seem to, well, think much before they go off and do stuff. You know what I mean?" She sighs.

"Wynn," her hand tightens on his arm, "I'm here for you," she says, "if you need me. I'm here. Please don't push me away. I'm here for you."

With that, she releases him and heads downstairs to see to preparations for moving the kids.

"Hey, Angus," her voice sounds tired, "if we're going to take several days, I figure the kids should carry some of their own stuff. We can make small bedrolls, and they can carry a few things inside them. We can use some blankets, roll 'em up and tie the ends with rope to close 'em off and make a shoulder strap too. Maybe we can even cut some of the blankets to a smaller size."

"And they should wear coats if they have them. It may not be cold, but it'll give them a little protection from bumps and scrapes."

"Each of them should have their own cup or something to hold water in. A fork, a spoon, and a knife. A little sack would be nice too. For foraging."

"Good thing we're at an inn. Poor Happy."

Xenia pulls a piece of paper and a pen from her haversack and begins making a list.

"Anything else you can think of?"

Tionel 
Tuesday September 27th, 2005 12:46:00 PM
Tionel sighs and voices some of those things people might be thinking, even as he sits watching guard. "If we anchor ourselves here, unable to move the kids, we'll never get the kids out of here. And if we never get the kids out of here, we're just waiting for a rescue mission. I don't think any of us thinks there's going to be a rescue mission. It's up to us to get them out of here. Now Florin knows that, heaven knows why he went to get supplies. I think it's that self-righteous paladin 'I'll take the dangerous spot so the rest of you can be safe' thing. Oh, well. Say, Angus, want to play some cards?"


Florin Jadenth 
Tuesday September 27th, 2005 5:42:23 PM
Florin moves along with Syr and nods to the man, saying little else right now as his mind is mainly on getting food back to the GG and also finding out how the rest of the way up to the top levels of the Float are.

After a short distance he speaks to Syr and if nothing else happens to take his mind from this all, "If the way up is cleared enough we can get food back to the group and the kids and will know if taking the kids up to the top levels will be even worth the risk. We might even beable to find alittle bit more help to get them there and such. Maybe the teleporter out of the city would be good for atleast the kids and then we can look seriously into what we can do for the city. For now I guess getting there would be the best place to keep my or our thoughts."

(OOC:Florin is planning to head to the upper levels, hoping to find food and also scout out the place on the way or atleast the path he takes to find out how hard it will be for the kids to make it all the distance.)

Wynn  d20+6=22 d20+2=17
Tuesday September 27th, 2005 7:12:21 PM
The bard gives Xenia a reassuring squeeze on the arm. "I'll be alright Xenia. I hate this deformity and I'm not sure I'll really ever accept it, but I'll be ok. Right now I'm more concerned about Florin. Do you think he's alright?" Wynn taps his temple with his finger. "I mean do you think that druid knot has affected him? I just don't understand his going off on his own."

Wynn maintains his watch on the street [Spot=22, Listen=17] and puts his mind to the problem of moving the children. "If they cannot make it through the debris then we either need to remove the debris or move the children above it. I wish we had a friendly dragon at our disposal!"

Belkior 
Tuesday September 27th, 2005 9:56:14 PM
The halfling cleric looks about, realizing that two of his companions have headed out to scout. "Ahhh, I really hope that Florin and Syr make it out and back without harm. I mean, they can heal and protect themselves, but it's not the same without us to back them up."

Belkior moves towards Xenia and Wynn, coughing politely as he nears them. "Your ideas are pretty good, Xenia. I'll get back downstairs and check on the condition of the children. Maybe I can them started on preparing to move. I'm a bit more experienced, you know, with being small."


Angus 
Tuesday September 27th, 2005 10:18:46 PM
"Good ideas Xenia. Getting the kids gear for a 'hike' is a nice plan. If it takes a while to move, having each of them supplied with some basic camping gear will help. How are we going to carry the water?"

"I'll go downstairs with Belkior and send up a few of the older kids to help gather the supplies we need from the upper levels of the inn."

Angus heads downstairs with Belkior.

Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=9 d20+6=26
Tuesday September 27th, 2005 11:06:30 PM
Lang & Sunshine remain by the opening in the doorway keeping and eye and ear out for Florin and Syr. Or anything else that moves on the street.

Spot 9/13
Listen 26/30 (natural 20)



DM George 
Tuesday September 27th, 2005 11:10:26 PM
OOC trying to get back on schedule.

Florin and Syr travel to the northwest column and with some difficutly and rough going make it to the entrance. The stairs leading up towards the upper levels are vine covered and look to be tough to climb.

Upon inspection the two adventurers realize that they will need ropes and other equipment to get the children up the stairs safely. The adults and even the older children (over 7) should be able to scramble up but the younger might fall to easily.

The streets seem strangly deserted of all life both plant and animal. It looks like moving the children would be safe enough from external attack.

Florin and Syr please make a listen check dc 15

The others start rounding up kits for individual children. Happy donates soiled linens and napkins for the project. Each child gets one with which they can make a travel kit. Each gets a wooden bowl and a wooden spoon.

The watch also reveal the streets to be mainly quiet...almost to quiet.

Syr  d20+4=8
Wednesday September 28th, 2005 6:47:25 AM
As they pick their way amoung the rubble he calls out to Florin, "Hey Bossman, not that I'm complaining but let's make this fast. Some of the worst things seem to happen when we split the group up. I almost died fighting the Hearts the last time we were separated." Mumbling almost to himself, "Of course, Angus and his little darts of light wasn't quite as effective as the thunderbolts he is tossing now." Louder for Florin to hear "Heck, look at Xenia, she lives away from the group and is now dealing with this 'love' thing all the time. Bad things happen when we keep families apart." The elf politely ignores the fact that Florin too lived apart from the group.

Stumbling on some of the broken rubble, Syr hears nothing other than the crunch of the rocks under his feet (listen 9).

Xenia (34/35) 
Wednesday September 28th, 2005 11:56:24 AM
Xenia lays out a square of old linen flat on the floor. She places a wooden bowl next to a wooden spoon in the center of the cloth.

"You see, you take the two opposite corners of your bundle, and you tie 'em together, like this. Then you take the other corners, and you bring them up and tie them together too, and there you go, you've got a bundle. You can put lots of stuff in them."

"Everyone pair up and get together your bundles. If your buddy is having trouble, give 'em a hand. After that, we're gonna forage right here in the Ghost. I want you to find yourself a walking stick. Something not too big, but it's gotta be stout enough too, 'kay?"

"We're not gonna use these to fight. I want you all to understand this right off. If there's danger, you're gonna run. 'Kay? But a walking stick will help you with balance. And sometimes you need to poke at something that you don't wanna touch. Or sometimes you need just that little bit more reach than you have with your arms. That's what it's for."

"Alright, everyone? Let's go to it."

[OoC: Any results on that previous Knowledge Local roll? It would be nice to know where the Teleporter is. Or at least where we think it is.]

Tionel 
Wednesday September 28th, 2005 12:08:40 PM
Tionel helps the kids get their items together. He is happy to care for each particular kid, naming two dozen and seeming to know much about them, wat they want, and so on.

"When Florin gets back, if it's safe, we're getting out of here with you kids, going to Plateau City through the transporter. What do you think?"

Belkior 
Wednesday September 28th, 2005 12:27:36 PM
The halfling cleric checks the last of his patients, seeing how the period of rest has allowed them to heal. Overall, he's satisfied by the improvements that time and nature have provided.

Once Xenia and tionel start preparing the children for the move, Belkior will start organizing the airs of children. Like the other Shields, Belkior has learned enough the children to know who are siblings, who are fruends and who the loners are. "Like Xenia said, w've all got to help one another with this trip. I'm smaller than several of you, and way older, so you're going to need to help me. too."

With that, Belkior appoints some "helpers" who will carry the little odds and ends that the Healer has accumulated. "And I'm going to need all of my helpers to stick close to me. I'm small, you know, so I'm going to need help getting over and around some of the obstacles. And I need the things that I've given you to carry, so stick close for that reason too."

One the children are busy, Belkior will move over to Xenia. "I was thinking that persuading the children to help me, and keep close to me, would work better than ordering them to do so."


Florin Jadenth  d20+2=7 d20+3=5
Wednesday September 28th, 2005 3:43:27 PM
Florin nods as he listens to Syr and motions to the stairs for the moment and speaks up, "These stairs are going to cause a problem. I know you want to get back fast but lets see if we can deal with this first."

Florin pulls his backpack off and begins undoing the straps and pulls off his 50ft of hemp rope and smiles, "Is always nice to go prepared. Lets see if we can rig something to help get the kids up and us of course and then we can head back. Or go up and take a quick look before heading back, deal?"

(listen:7 spot:5)

Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=25 d20+6=16
Wednesday September 28th, 2005 11:22:40 PM
Lang and Sunshine maintain their vigil by the barricade. Lang is a little concerned by the lack of movement and sound out on the street. He thought that people would be moving about, now that it appears the plant monsters have left the area. He hopes that there are some survivors in this area besides the group in the Giggling Ghost.

Spot 25/29
Listen 16/20

"It is very strange outside. There should be survivors coming out of there hiding places by now, looking for the authorities. It has been a long time since a plant monster has been around. Where are they?" Lang says back towards the group.

Angus 
Wednesday September 28th, 2005 11:28:03 PM
Angus moves downstairs with Belkior and helps him organize the children.

"Everybody make sure they know who there buddy is. When we leave the Giggling Ghost you need to make sure you stick with your buddy at all times."

Angus moves back upstairs to find Happy.

"Happy, will you be coming with us when we leave? Is it possible for Daphne to leave the Ghost and scout for us? Is she bound here?"

"Xenia, when we leave we should group off the children to each adult. There are 8 of us, plus the 2 guards, the woman (is she still with us?) and possibly Happy and the merchant. That means each adult can try to keep an eye on 3 to 4 kids so that none get separated from the group."

Wynn 
Wednesday September 28th, 2005 11:35:11 PM
The bard moves through the children rounded up by Belkior and Angus. He will individually pull some of the biggest kids aside and have a little talk with them about looking out for the littler ones. "You're not to go looking for trouble, now," he counsels, then lowering his voice so that just the older kid can hear he continues, "but if someone or something was to come at you or the littler ones," Wynn looks the kid in the eyes, all seriousness, "look around for a big stick, an old board or piece of fence, and start swinging."

Coming up to Angus, he places a hand on the his shoulder. "Good job organizing the kids. Five or six squads would be good. Just like adventuring parties, eh?" Seeing the webbing between his splayed fingers, the bard withdraws his hand from his friend's shoulder. "Yeah, good job, Angus," he repeats, then moves on to talk to another of the older kids.

DM George 
Thursday September 29th, 2005 7:56:59 AM
OOC. Yes even I forgot about the woman. Thanks for the reminder.

The group back at the Giggling Ghost are preparing and organizing the children for their upcoming adventure.

The merchant is talking to the stray woman the Children of Chaos rescued and brought to the Giggling Ghost. They seem to be having an animated conversation and both come up to Angus and volunteer this information. The Merchant says, "I have been through the teleport gate on numerous occassions. It is more of a portal, tall enough and wide enough to drive a large wagon through. It is located on the Goldlevel in a warehouse like building. Wagons enter through the north end and leave through the south end. It is on the corner of Emerald Cross and Platinum Pass."

The woman refugee pipes in, "I have heard that the gates operates only in the mornings. It has one way traffic going from the Plateau City to the Big Float from 6am to 9 am and then reverses and goes the oppostite way from 9:30 to 12 noon."

Lang is concerned about the lack of surviviors in the city. Could have most of the city been evacuated or are most people just holed up waiting for rescue. Then Lang breaths a sigh of relief when he does see some movement on the street. A large tiger pads past the Giggling Ghost, moving off in the direction that Florin and Syr travelled to. Is it hunting them?

Meanwhile...Florin and Syr don't seem to hear anything this time around and concentrate on getting a rope set up the stair case. Someone will need to carry it up? Who will it be? Normally the climb would have a climb rate of 10. If you are going to carry the rope, please make a dc check of 15.

Please make a spot and listen check again.

Xenia (34/35) 
Thursday September 29th, 2005 11:14:44 AM
Xenia silently rolls her eyes as Wynn gives instructions to fight rather than run. Still, she says nothing to contradict him. Instead, rather, the rogue hunkers down for a moment, pulling her arms comfortably onto her knees and watches as he works with the kids.

The corners of the rogue's dark lips tug into a smile as she sees the way they listen to him. The looks in their eyes as they take his instruction. Finally, with a sigh, a blend of different shades of emotions, she rises and gathers together one of the groups of younger kids.

"Alright, guys! We're gonna do some training, 'Kay? We're gonna do some balance training and some rope climbing training. Things are pretty wrecked out there, and we're all gonna have to walk carefully. It's a different place out there than you're used to, and if you slip and fall, you could hurt yourself pretty bad."

"So, we're gonna practice here in the Ghost, walking across the floor. Try to keep one hand on things as you go, alright? Then next we're gonna practice climbing up the knotted rope on the stairs, 'kay?"

As the groups of kids run through their training, Xenia notes the ones that have a knack for things, and those that do not. Always a good idea to know who might be the ones to need help.

Tionel 
Thursday September 29th, 2005 3:41:44 PM
"Hmmm. Then we'll want to get there just around the time they switch. If, after all, there's anybody come here to give aid, we could use their help, and if not, we want to get through that portal as quick as possible," Tionel comments to the two. When Florin gets back, he gives their leader that information as quickly as possible (if that's before next post, which doesn't seem likely).
Tionel notices Xenia getting the kids together and training them and pats her shoulder with approval. Then he hears a word he hasn't thought of in a while... Daphne!
"Daphne, are you here, dear?" He hopes she is. She'd make an excellent scout... but, wait. "Can you leave the giggling ghost? I thought you were bound here..."
Tionel ponders how the group will go out... all in a big line? In little clumps? As one massed group? If he were an animal, how would he attack... probably nip at the strays, like wolves. Or all-out attack if a monster. He comments upon this to Angus and Syr, worriedly. "This will be like a gravy train to any real predators out there. There'll be two types of attacks; darting quick ones and the head-on assaults. The head-on assaults we should probably flee from, while one or two of the older ones hold the big assaulters off. It's the other ones I'm worried about. Hit and run attackers, who keep the fighters busy and go after the kids. I might use a lot of my spells as distracting mini-meals. But for these hit and run attacks, we can't flee, we have to tighten up into a group. So, we should prepare for that."


DM George 
Thursday September 29th, 2005 10:13:09 PM
OOC OK I know I posted early this morning istead of late last night but only 2 posts today? What happened? Not gonna be able to post tomorrow morning as I have an early meeting.

Lang & Sunshine 
Thursday September 29th, 2005 10:16:22 PM
Lang moves away from the opening towards Belkior and Xenia.

"Which of the children are the most injured? I can carry at least 1 and probably a 2nd if there are children that shouldn't walk. They will need to get acquainted with my new form before we leave."

Angus  d20=17
Thursday September 29th, 2005 10:22:01 PM
As the mood gets a little serious in the Giggling Ghost, Angus decides some light music might ease some of the tension that is building as the group prepares to move.

Perform 17 without bonuses.

Angus's has his own concerns about leaving with his own physically challenged body.

Wynn 
Thursday September 29th, 2005 10:43:09 PM
We will just have to fend them off as best we can my friend" the bard responds to Tionel's concerns. "We'll fight a defensive rear guard action as the others lead the kids from danger. The trick is to not let yourself get surrounded."

Wynn watches appreciatively as Xenia runs the kids through their paces.

Florin Jadenth  d20+3=6 d20+2=3
Thursday September 29th, 2005 11:01:18 PM
(OOC:Sorry for not posting earlier George, I fell abit begind.)

Florin glances about wondering if there might be a solid spot where he could maybe fire a arrow with the rope attached to get it up there quicker and safer for the both of them. (spot:6) Clearly though he doesn't notice a spot he can hit or is to distracted and even worse he can't seem to hear anything at the moment as he concentrates.

Florin glances to Syr and motions, "If you happen to notice a spot I can try tieing the rope to a arrow and firing it up if not then maybe it would be better for you to take it up while I guard. My heavy armor and all mainly." Florin shrugs and waits for Syr's opinion.

Syr  d20+4=18 d20+8=13 d20+9=19
Friday September 30th, 2005 2:28:08 AM
Looking over at the paladin he says, "Shh! I think I hear something?" (listen 18) He peers all around looking for what is making the noise (spot 13).

Assuming the sound is nothing that require immediate attention, Syr takes the rope and climbs up (climb 19). Once at a secure spot he ties down the rope and drops to the ground.

Motioning to Florin, he says, "Let's go get the kids and get out of this place?"

DM George 
Friday September 30th, 2005 7:15:41 AM
Syr cocks his head and listens to the wind and hears a squeaky call for help. "Help me! Please help me. Can anyone hear me! I am in here." The noise seems to be coming from a partially collapsed building down the street. Then the pleas turn to shrieks as it yells, "No! Get away! Help! Get away from me!"

Meanwhile back at the Giggling Ghost the children are entertained, drilled and planning goes on.

Belkior 
Friday September 30th, 2005 7:41:00 AM
The halfling cleric spends more time with the children that he has "adopted" as assistants. Since it appears that everyone else has decided to instruct the children, he begins some classes on rudimentary medical care.

"Wally, say that Frado here has cut himself. How do you treat that?"

The eager child pipes up, "I take a cloth, like this." And he demonstrates by folding it into a ragged square. "Press it down on the wound, like this." And he demonstrates on Frado. "Then, if Frado can, get him to press down on it while I wrap it with another cloth. Then I get him to you. Right?"

Belkior beams at his student. "That's exactly it. I've studied for a long time on this, so I can heal or cure Frado. But someone else may need to look after him before I can get there."

The Healer looks around at his students, smiling at all of them. Maybe, just maybe, one or two of these students may choose to follow him in the Healer's path. Belkior had never previously considered having students, teaching someone to succeed him. It's a good feeling, in the midst of the horror that the coming of the Fey King has caused.

OOC - I normally post either late, or this time. I was training all day yesterday, so couldn't get on this board, and then was busy running errands last night. And making the DM post in DFR2.

Xenia (41/42)  d20+16=25
Friday September 30th, 2005 1:42:25 PM
"How to fall down is as important as how to stay standing up. Sometimes you fall. And you gotta learn now to do it so you don't hurt yourself so much."

"So, we're all gonna practice falling backwards. The worst thing you can do is to freeze up 'cause you're afraid. When you're all stiff, you can't move and roll with it. So this is practice so that you won't be 'fraid. 'Kay?"

"When you fall, you wanna curl and protect your head. Watch this now." Xenia drops slowly backwards, and as she falls, the rogue tucks into a ball and rolls, just short of a backwards summersault. (Tumble 25)

"Alright. Lets practice that."

While the kids practice in pairs, Xenia drifts over to the door and looks out. In her mind, she wonders how Florin and Syr are making out. Not a likely choice for scouts, she thinks and once again, to herself, questions Florin's judgment.

"I think they're all pretty good, Lang," she says, for a moment, herself somewhat startled when presented close up with his appearance as a bugbear. "Though I think you might want to take some of that old linen and try and rig some sort of sling from it. I'm thinking mostly of some of the climbing. Some of the young ones might have trouble with that and need to be carried up."

"One thing for sure, these kids are gonna be ready for bed come tonight."

"That's good. 'Cause they're gonna need all the rest they can get for tomorrow."

Tionel 
Sunday October 2nd, 2005 2:48:04 PM
Tionel's teachings to the kids:
"Now, remember, this is going to be very important when you grow up. Okay, three of a kind beats two pairs, and a straight always beats a flush. Everyone always forgets that. Now, the difference between Gargul's Grab'em and Straight, No Chaser is quite simple..."

(When a DM can't post, I usually wait till after his post before posting, I figure otherwise it breaks the two/day posting rule)

Lang  d20=11 d20+6=19 d20+6=21
Sunday October 2nd, 2005 8:58:00 PM
Lang takes Xenia's advice and hunts around for some sheets and stuff to make a sling that he can put an injured child into if need be.

He asks the women if she has any sewing experience or any experience with carrying baby's around. Perhaps she can help him with its construction.

Sling 11.

After that he moves back towards the opening and takes a look around.

Spot 19/23
Listen 21/25

Wynn  d20+6=10 d20+2=10
Sunday October 2nd, 2005 10:05:09 PM
Wynn returns to his position at the window and keeps a watch for Syr and Florin. [Spot=10, Listen=10]

DM George 
Sunday October 2nd, 2005 10:15:06 PM
The group at the Giggling Ghost continue to drill the children and try to get them organized for their journey. It seems to be going well for a while but suddenly disenergrates into confusion. Several of the children need to go to the bathroom at the same time. Others just wander off and start playing.
Two have seized broken chair legs and start mock sword fighing until one whacks the others on the arm and both start crying. Yet another falls down chasing after another and skins her knee and start to cry.

Jilla comes up to Angus and asks, "Where is my Daddy? I want to see my Daddy!" She breaks out into tears. "Please let me see my Daddy..."

Wynn resumes his post and sees nothing of interest but does hear a loud roar from the direction that the tiger trotted towards.

Lang gets practical advice from the woman, who says, " I am not married but had many younger siblings. Fold it this way. She smiles at him and continues,"Be careful of them grabbing your fur if you carry the kids. Their hands can be amazingly strong and that is a lot of chest hair to lose."

Syr and Florin also hear it but it is much closer to them and sounds like it is coming from the direction they heard the voice earlier.

Syr  d20+8=26
Monday October 3rd, 2005 4:09:41 AM
Hopping down from his rope tying the elf turns to Florin, "Hey chief, while I was up there I heard someone yelling... I'm betting there is someone over there in trouble. I say we go take a look at yell for help if we need it?"

Syr listens more carefully trying to determine how many distinct creatures there are before following Floring (listen 26).

Xenia (34/35) 
Monday October 3rd, 2005 9:41:26 AM
"Grrrrr ... "

"Hey, um, Belkior, Tionel, Angus," she calls out. "We need to come up with some sort of schedule for these kids. They need to eat in squads, play in squads, go to the bathroom in squads, forage in squads. Like that. Could you come up with a schedule for that?"

"Please," she asks before turning her attention to ... other things. "Give me those." Somehow that particular stern look just comes natural, when Xenia takes the sticks from the hands of the two boys fighting. Maybe it comes natural to all women faced with situations of motherhood.

"You're not gonna get out of here by fighting each other," she lectures.

"LISTEN UP EVERYBODY!!" Xenia shouts. The slim rogue jumps up on a tabletop and holds her arms up into the air. "TOMORROW WE'RE GONNA LEAVE HERE, AND THIS IS SERIOUS BUSINESS!"

"All kinds of bad stuff could happen out there. It's good to learn to fight. And it's good to learn to run. But you gotta remember, out there, if you're fighting, and you get hit, you got not time to cry. You gotta keep fighting. If you're running away out there, and you fall, you got no time to cry. You gotta scramble to get back up and run."

"You don't do that, and you're gonna die. Some of you saw your friends when the purple orcs clawed them and threw them outta the windows. They're dead. Is that scary? Does that make you scared? Good. 'Cause being a little bit scared is gonna help keep you alive. Running and fighting is gonna help keep you alive too. But you wanna know what's gonna help you the most? You know what's gonna keep you the safest?"

"Paying attention. That's what's gonna keep you alive. Paying attention and working together. You can't just be thinking about yourselves here, alright. We gotta work together. And we gotta help each other. It's important."

Inside, Xenia sighs. What's she talking about anyway? They can barely manage to work together themselves. She climbs down off of the table.

"Angus, can you make sure that each squad has a leader, and that leader knows that he's responsible for talking to us when they have a problem? Maybe talk over with Belkie and Tionel to pick the ones who are best. I don't want them trying to pick their own."

"Lang, I know you've been trying to get the kids so they're not so scared of you, but maybe we can use that now. Could you watch the kids and give 'em a little discipline? At least keep 'em out of trouble."

"Everything alright up there, Wynn?" she shouts. Her eyes to the door and the street outside, wondering what could be taking Florin and Syr so long? She looks at little Jella calling for her daddy and wonders what sort of crazy stuff are they could be getting themselves into.

Angus 
Monday October 3rd, 2005 10:09:22 AM
Angus bends down to look Jella in the face. "Your Daddy left for a little bit, he went to look for a new home for all of us. He will be back soon." Angus adds reassuringly.

Angus listens to Xenia and adds "Xenia, lets break the kids down into groups by age or as close as we can approximate. Also, lets set up groups of Shields guarding particular goups of kids. Any suggestions?" Angus finishs asking all of the Shields in attendance.

Wynn 
Monday October 3rd, 2005 5:16:11 PM
The bard startles at the sound of the roar and calls out to those still in the Ghost. "Something roared from the direction that our scouts were last headed. I'm going out to make sure they are all right, who is coming with me." Wynn has clearly had it with the squabbling and truculent orphans and it can be heard in his voice.

With or without an answer from his companions, the bard steps from the upper story window and floats gently to the ground.

Florin Jadenth  d20+1=11 d20+1=20 d20+1=12
Monday October 3rd, 2005 10:01:19 PM
Florin looks to Sur and nods as he looks to the rope and sighs, "Well, looks like a climb for me then too and we go looking. Maybe we can give a hand to whoever it is before heading back to the GG."

Florin grabs the rope after Syr makes his way up and will try climbing in his armor and all as he goes to help the person trapped also. (I hope I read right and the sound was coming from up where the rope was tied. I made three climb checks and added in the climb check, armor penalty and all. Climb:11,20, 12.)

Belkior 
Monday October 3rd, 2005 10:07:46 PM
The halfling cleric bounces up and down to get the attention of the children he ahd been instructing in the rudiments of medical care. "Frado, Wally ... look here." Xenia's shout helped in gettting their attention.

"Xenia will be organizing all of you into squads. I want one of you to be with each group."

Belkior then movss over to the rogue. "Would you like one of the children that I've started training in medical care in each squad."


DM George  d20=1
Monday October 3rd, 2005 10:22:40 PM
Xenia tries to get stern with the children and gives them a little speech about being scared. Unfortunately it backfires and the children don't react well to the reminder of their "brother and sister orphans" being thrown out of windows and killed.

Several of the younger ones (5-7) just sit and wail in place, while some of the older ones 8-10 run off and try to find a place to cry in private.

The refugee woman comes up to Xenia with a stern look on her face, grabs her arm and pulls her aside forcefully. She says sarcastically, "I know you are a hero and could kill me with a flick of your sword but if you ever purposely remind these children of the horrors they already experienced, the death of their friends or try to frighten them again! I will....." She doesn't complete the sentence but stomps away, grabs a little girl and tries to stop her tears.

Meanwhile...Syr and Florin decide to investigate the cries for help and the nearby roar. (It is on the same level as the GG so you don't have to climb the rope)

They move quickly to a half destroyed house and hear, "Stay away from me! Oh by Alemi, Can someone help! Help!" They also her a low and staady growl coming from ruin.

Wynn lowers himself to the ground and starts to move towards the direction he heard the growl.

Xenia (HP 41/42)  d20+1=18
Monday October 3rd, 2005 10:51:10 PM
Xenia catches the woman by the arm and pulls her to the side.

"Listen you," she starts in, "these kids have to get over this. And fast. If they don't, they're going to die. If they cry now, all the better. They need to do it now, 'cause if they do it out there, they're gonna get themselves, and maybe one of us, killed."

"Now get this through your head, I love 'em or I wouldn't be here. And you know what not understanding that in the first place is gonna get you?" Xenia puts her nose right up close to the woman's. "You know what I'm gonna do to you for saying what you did? I'm gonna put you in charge of morale. That's right. You get to keep the kids happy and focused, while we try and keep them alive."

"If you need anything, you ask. 'Cause this is no blow off job. This is important. These kids need to hang together on the way up, or they're gonna wind up hurting themselves."

"'Kay? Got it?"

Xenia rolls her eyes as Wynn goes running off. Men!

Rolls and Actions
Intimidate 18

Tionel 
Tuesday October 4th, 2005 7:31:32 AM
"Xenia..." Tionel joins the two women offside, and puts a checking arm on the hot-headed half-blood. "Calm down. The woman's right...these are kids. You can't teach them how to fight, or avoid damage, or anything like that. I'm not asking you to treat them like you were treated, if this is how you grew up, I'm asking you to treat them the way they should be treated. Freely. Kids are kids, and they should remain that way, until they grow up. It's our job to protect and guard them. Now, I know you want them to live, but teaching them to fight is not the way, not right now. Please. What you said may be a good speech for young boys become soldiers, but these kids don't have to grow up. Tomorrow, they'll be kids still." Tionel sighs, realizing he could talk on and on, chiding the rogue for treating the kids like... a dwarven parent. "Ah, don't worry about it. You're doing your best, dear, and we love you for it. Ma'am," he turns to the woman, "I'll take that job of morale for now, 'cause really the orphans are our concern, not yours."

Tionel goes about with the kids who started crying, the ones who are most troubled at first, and draws them into a bit of normalcy for the kids. It becomes arts and crafts time for a while, as Tionel supplies some dozens of sheets of paper (ripped out of an extra book he has) and an inkpot or so, and allows the kids to make little art designs. He tries to encourage them to make "happy designs", and shows them a method of folding the paper in half so as to make new double-sided drawings...

Wynn  d20+2=17 d20+6=9 d20+11=29
Tuesday October 4th, 2005 7:48:05 AM
Wynn sets off in the direction of the roar he had heard earlier and strains his ears for further sounds of the beast or of Florin or Syr[Listen=17]. The bard moves as quickly as possible through the debris, picking the clearest paths and nimbly dancing over larger piles of rubble as needed [Tumble=29]. It is only while on even ground that he can afford to scan his surroundings for danger [Spot=9] and he resolves to simply keep moving rather than stop and allow himself to be targetted.

Angus 
Tuesday October 4th, 2005 8:31:03 AM
Angus notices the ladies heated interplay and interjects "Ladies please. We have all had a rough day and all each of us wants to do is do what is best for the kids." Angus looks to Xenia and remarks "We also have to get all of the Shields in one place. This running off stuff is going to get our people hurt."

Somewhat exasperated Angus calls out to those still in the GG "Can anyone draw me a map of the the shortest way to get to the teleportation platforms. Then maybe we can scout a route and get the kids to saftey." Angus is looking in particular to Happy for direction.

Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) 
Tuesday October 4th, 2005 9:24:49 AM
Xenia rounds on Tionel. Her voice is a quiet hiss.

"You shut up, Ti'nel. You just shut up. That's the problem with this whole group, you know. We got zero unity. Everyone goin' off and doing their own thing. Contr'dicting each other."

"You haven't been out there, Ti'nel. I got hurt just walkin' down the street. That's all. Just walkin' down the street. With the balance I got, I got hurt. You wanna bring these kids out into that and get them to safety? I say that after they get someplace safe, they can go back to being kids. That's what, Ti'nel? One? Two days? But until that time, we do our best to get them to someplace safe. Even if that means they can't be kids for a while. Otherwise, some of them will never live the next few days to even be able to be a kid again."

"You wanna go ahead and teach 'em to play cards and whatever framble matter like that, you go ahead. But if even one of those kids dies, you can tell yourself that it's *you* that killed them. Alright?"

The next few words are punctuated as the rogue stabs her finger into the druid's chest. "It was *you*. *What*. *Killed 'em*."

Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47)  d20+6=23 d20+6=18
Tuesday October 4th, 2005 1:57:05 PM
Lang thanks the woman for help with the sling. He stores it in his backpack, hoping he will not have to use it.

Lang knows it is not wise to get in the middle of 2 women fighting, so he remains near the opening.

He also knows that his current form will not help with settling down the children.

He remains near the barricade keeping watch.

Spot 23/27
Listen 18/22

Syr  d20+5=7
Tuesday October 4th, 2005 7:21:28 PM
Speeding up to an easy jog through the rubble(doh, dex check 7 if it was needed) he moves toward the sound, "Someone needs help." Cocking his head to the side, "It sounds like there is only one growl. Quick, you make the call, we bail that person out now or you go help her while I run for the others?"

Belkior 
Tuesday October 4th, 2005 8:39:00 PM
The halfling cleric is at a loss. All of his training in healing and curing people han't really prepared him for this. Certainly, Belkior has dealt with grieving relatives of patients who were beyond saving. But there are so many children, all of whom may have lost someone.

And he has lately spent too much time with adventurers, people who intentionally put themselves in harms way. Facing death and injury on such a scale may well be beyond the ability of the children to cope.

Obviously, Xenia and the woman haev too very different approaches to dealing with loss. Belkior's inclination is closer to Xenia, given what happened to his family when he was young. He faced what had happened, but maybe that was because he was a child and too young to fully realize anything beyond loss.

Regardless, he also isn't about to step between the two women. Especially since each of them outweighs and outreaches him.

Looking around, Belkior notes where his pupils have moved to. He goes over to Wally because that boy had seemed to be one of his better students. "Wally ... missing people who have died is natural. And it's not going to be something that disappears overmight. Even today, I still sometimes dream of my parents and family. But what I did was harness those feelings, and I made it part of my reasons for doing what I do. Do you think that you could manage something like that? Working to prevent other children from experiencing what you jsut have?"

DM George 
Tuesday October 4th, 2005 10:09:35 PM
OOC. This is only for the Giggling Ghost part of the turn. Waiting on Justin/Florin to post before I can respond to that half.

Xenia blasts Kay and Tionel comes to her defense and in turn get blasted by the young woman. The others wisely decide to stay out of the brewing conflict and go out of their way to look busy.

Angus asks Happy to draw a map to the site of the teleportation gates and Happy is happy to oblige. He draws a map but says, "Go up the Northwest tower and come out on the Gold level. Normally you would encounter a guard, but not sure if you still will. Go down Kings Way until you come to Silver Street. Head south on it until you reach Emerald Pass. Head left. A street heading for the central column is there. Can't remember the name but it is to the north. The gate is located in a warehouse at the corner."

Kay looks at Xenia and her look softens. "Yes I think we have a different mothering style. Still I can see your concern for the children is genuine. Of course I will help in trying to keep the children safe. Please forgive my anger. I don't know where my own children are or even if they are still alive. I am so worried." Tears start forming in the woman's eyes as she turns and hurries away.

Those on watch don't recognize anything dangerous but hear another roar off in the distance. The roar almost sounds angry.

Xenia (HP 41/42)  d20+13=14
Tuesday October 4th, 2005 10:48:23 PM
Xenia almost slaps her forehead again. They just don't get it. It's not Mothering. It's survival. The floor is tilted so you can't hardly walk, and they still don't get it.

"Look," Xenia catches up to the woman and puts a hand on her shoulder, "you're probably better than I am at the mothering thing. That's why it's best if you're in charge of that. 'Kay? That way we can concentrate on the surviving part of this. We need to get these kids out of here. It's not safe for them here."

"I can see that keeping them focused is gonna be harder and harder. I think the faster we move the better. Can you help us keep them happy, till we can get them out of here," Xenia asks the woman. "Please, you look like you'd be good at it."

"Tionel, can you turn into a bird or something, and fly out real quick to see if Florin, Syr ... " *sigh* " ... or Wynn need any help?"

"What's a minimum force we need here to keep the kids safe, just in case they need help out there?"

Rolls and Actions
Listen 14 (Nat 1. Don't hear no lions, tigers or bears.)


Florin Jadenth  d20+3=23 d20+2=6
Tuesday October 4th, 2005 11:37:45 PM
(OOC:Sorry george, I feel behind today.)

Florin looks to Syr and motions towards the destroyed building, "We start now. Who knows how long the person has been under there. Anyway, others might of heard the growl, friend or enemy anyway."

Florin moves to help move some of the debrie and look for the person trapped. He also takes a moment to stab his sword into a broken peice of wood so it's near at hand while he does this, also making sure the wood is laying atleast haveway flat and not attached to anything that my cause more of the building to fall apart.

(Spot:23 Listen:6, don't know if I need other checks.)

Tionel 
Wednesday October 5th, 2005 5:47:17 AM
Tionel sighs, as Xenia jabs her fingers into his chest. He stares at her for a few seconds, and his expression is just blank, mirrorless. He seems to be thinking.
He stares at the half-elf a few moments longer, then speaks slowly. "Right. You are concerned about the kids safety, but you express that concern in the strangest way. You want me to feel concerned, guilty, and so on, until I overlook the fact that they're just kids? To make them grow up for a while, just to get over this situation?
"How we treat people, what we really are, comes to the forefront under extreme circumstances. When you're rich and well-fed, it's easy to give money to the poor, but when you're barely scraggling along doing so is a sign of a good heart. A brute is a warrior who slays with passion, but a hero is a man who faces his fears. Similarly, a child is a child, and forcing them to act differently can only hurt them." Tionel ponders the source of the roar. "It is too far to go to, better to prepare for it to come here..." He goes over to the front door and peers through a crack, looking into the streets beyond it.

Over his shoulder, he says back to Xenia, "I love these children, but I know they are just children and need time to grow up and enjoy life before they must settle down to become serious. Don't threaten me with their lives, saying I'm responsible. I could as easily say that if Wynn dies, it is your fault." Tionel makes sure that these last words in particular sound just hard enough to make the half-elf feel the anger that he feels. (Also that there's enough space between him and Xenia that she can't slap or punch him without having to run across the room.)

"But I won't say that, for we know it's not true."

DM George Supplimental 
Wednesday October 5th, 2005 7:49:16 AM
Florin and Syr tie the rope and prepare it for later use and then decide to investigate the sounds they hear. As they move towards the noise, threading their way through the rubble, they see movement to their left.

The quickly spin to face the danger but relax when they see Wynn picking his way towards them.
United together, they move towards the sound and enter a half destroyed building. Before them, they see a striped and very large tiger. It almost seems to be toying with something in front of it, swiping at it like a cat does a mouse.

When the trio enters, the tiger turns in a crouch facing them, a low growl coming from the back of its throat. As it turns the group can see a well dressed gnome whose legs seem to be trapped under some rubble. He has a walking stick in hand which he was using to try and defend himself.

Angus  d20+2=16
Wednesday October 5th, 2005 1:12:31 PM
Angus barely hears the roar in the distance, over all of the kids noise. Angus hopes his friends stay far away from trouble as we have enough already.

Angus heartily thanks Happy for the map and directions. "This will be most helpful. Maybe after the latest scouting trip we can take the show on the road and find the kids safer accomodations in Plateau City. We have imposed upon your generosity for far too long. Thanks again for all you have done for us and the kids."

Angus looks to Lang's new hairy form and remakes "Did Syr say how long he would be gone and if he would signal us if he got in trouble?"

Wynn [AC=19; HP=52/52]  d20+9=11 d20+11=24 d6=5
Wednesday October 5th, 2005 5:09:16 PM
If Wynn is within 15 feet of the tiger he will draw his sword and attempt to draw the tigers attention away from the pinned gnome by attacking it [Hit AC=11]. Otherwise he will unshoulder his bow and let loose a single arrow from where he stands [Hit AC=24 for 5 HP].

"Stay still and we'll draw the beast off" Wynn calls out to the gnome.

In either case the bard will attempt to Dodge any reprisals from the cat [Effective AC=20].



Florin Jadenth-AC:20-HP:60/60  d20+12=14 d20+7=26 d20+7=19 d8+5=8 d8+5=11 d8+5=8
Wednesday October 5th, 2005 8:10:32 PM
Florin nods to Wynn when he sees the man coming to join them and speaks quickly to him, "Nice to see you Wynn and thanks for coming to give us a hand. Everythign is safe back at the GG I pray and you didn't come with bad news."

Florin entering the building sees the tiger and sighs as he looks to his two companions and speaks quickly while readying his sword and shield to make his attack, "Is a shame actually to have to kill such a proud and noble beast."

Florin moves in also since Wynn already attacked and takes a double swing with his mithril longsword, watching the runes spelling it's name glow along the blade as he does.

(Can hit AC:12/26(crit:19) Damage:8/11(crit:8)

Belkior 
Wednesday October 5th, 2005 8:32:48 PM
The halfling cleric looks about at his companions, the children and the others here at the Giggling Ghost. Belkior thinks to himself, "I should check on those two guards, see how they're doing. That younger one didn't look too well."

Then he moves off to do just that. If one or more of the children want to accompany him, he will welcome their interest.

As he does so, he can't help but overhear the discussion between Xenia and Kay, the woman brought to the Ghost by the Children of Chaos.


DM George 
Wednesday October 5th, 2005 10:31:19 PM
At the Giggling Ghost:

Xenia tries to make amends with Kay and Kay smiles wanly at her and is about to say something when Tionel breaks in and gives Xenia the benefit of his thinking.

Belkior checks on the soldiers and finds them sleeping exhausted in the corner. They to seem to have been on alert and fighting for days.

Angus talks to Lang but Lang doesn't answer, but just looks at the cracks in the barricade.

The children seem to have calmed down or at least stopped crying. One pulls on Xenia's arm and when Xenia looks, her heart leaps to her throat. The deepest, bluest, and most innocent eyes look back at her. "It is going to be OK Xenia. My parents are watching over me and keeping me safe. They can watch all of us. They can watch over you too if you want?"

Out in the city:

Wynn leaps forward drawing his sword and swings at the tiger missing. Florin also swings hitting with a critical and gashing the tigers shoulder with a nasty hit. Syr hangs bag obviously surprised at the actions of the others or just shocked in seeing a tiger out in the city.

The tiger stung by the sword stroke decides there is easier prey elsewhere and withdraws, bounding out a hole in the wall and is quickly lost to sight.

The gnome looks up relief evident in his eyes. "Thank you for coming. You saved my life. I think that big kitty was gonna have me for a snack. Why he would want to eat such a stringy meal? Ack what bad taste. Can you good fellows get this beam off my legs please. I would be most grateful. Does one of you have a drop of water you can spare. Its been a while since any has passed my lips."



Xenia (41/42 HP) 
Wednesday October 5th, 2005 10:41:23 PM
Xenia throws her hands up in the air. Things have pushed past any attempt at hiding the party's divisive nature from the kids.

"Ti'nel, you got no brains! Lots of hard, no brains. I don't care what you feel. But if feeling guilty makes you wake up and start doing something to help get these kids to safety, then I'll push you in that direction if I can. You're playing cards and babbling nonsense about kids being kids. We're in a place that's trying to kill all of us. It's already killed some of the kids, and we got dead bodies to show for it. If they get a little scared, I think that's not necessarily a bad idea. BECAUSE. WE. ARE. IN. A. SCARY. PLACE!

And what are you trying to do? What are you trying to protect them from? Me!"

"Wake up, Ti'nel! If Wynn dies, it will be my fault. At least part. 'Cause I won't have been there to help him. 'Cause we're stronger together than we are apart. But the big difference is that Wynn can protect himself. Look at these kids around you. They can't. They can't protect themselves. So yes! You're responsible for them. I'm responsible for them. We're all responsible for each other. And if you don't want them to die, you'd better get your head on straight and do something about it."

Xenia shakes her head. With a quick dip, she reaches down and lifts the child, hugging the child fiercely to her. "I know, Sweetheart. I know."

"Alright kids," she calls out, "gather together. Sounds like we got a tiger outside. We need to go back down into the basement again."

Wynn  d20+6=17
Wednesday October 5th, 2005 11:27:37 PM
The bard sheathes his longsword, searches for a suitably long and stout piece of debris, and does his best to use it as a lever to raise the beam that pins the gnome to the ground. [Str=17; took a +4 for using a lever].

The half-elf grunts under the exertion as he tries to lift the beam just enough to allow Syr or Florin to pull the gnome free.

Syr  d20+4=17
Thursday October 6th, 2005 8:58:02 AM
Syr moves next to Wynn and helps with the heavy lifting (Str 17), "Ok, Flo pull him out?" Once the gnome is clear, he drops the beam and looks at the cane bearing figure, "Pardon sir, I'm Syr, the lever wielder over there is Wynn and finally this is Florin. Have you been trapped here all this time?" Reaching into his pouch, he pulls out a flask of water and offers it to the gnome. Looking to Florin, "We should get back to the others now.

Tionel  d20+5=23 d20+5=13
Thursday October 6th, 2005 3:44:55 PM
Perhaps the elf takes the words personally, or perhaps they make no difference. Tionel doesn't display his emotions outwards, and instead watches the way outside and waits to see if a tiger or something comes out. (Spot 23, listen 13)

DM George 
Thursday October 6th, 2005 9:21:44 PM
The gnome screams in pain as Florin pulls him out. It looks like the gnome's leg is broken and he is holding his right arm in a cradled postion. The wrist is very swollen and also might be broken or at least severely sprained.

He gasps, "Please find my water skins. They are extremely important. They might be able to save the city."

He answers Sly as he takes the water, "Not sure how long I have camped out here. Over a day at least. Long enough to get a powerful thirst and my stomach has a herd of guard dogs in it growling the way it is. I was trying to hide from some of the more serious plant monsters when the stupid roof fell in on me. Lucky you came along when you did."

Back at the Giggling Ghost, most of the group is quiet as they contemplate the harsh words going back and forth between Tionel and Xenia. The stress seems to be affecting everyone.

Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47)  d20+6=26 d20+6=12
Thursday October 6th, 2005 9:32:00 PM
Lang strains his ears, pretty sure that he heard something out there in the direction his companions went.

"Quiet down, I think I hear someone shouting in pain or anger."

Listen 26/30 (natural 20)
Spot 12/16

Lang turns his head a little bit and strains to hear more noise and figure out what it means.

Florin Jadenth  d20+7=23
Thursday October 6th, 2005 10:44:38 PM
Florin nods to the man and looks to Syr and Wynn, "Can you too search for the mans water skins he asked for. I will look to his wounds."

Florin leans down, inspecting the man's leg and doing his best to ease the pain in both with his mhealing kit and skills. He also pulls out a CLW potion and hands it to the man, "You would feel better if you drink this too sir."

(Heal DC:23)

Florin looks to Wynn and Syr again and nods, "As soon as we find this man's stuff we'll move out to the others and then see about getting everyone up to the higher levels."

Xenia (HP 41/42) 
Thursday October 6th, 2005 10:44:49 PM
Xenia hefts the child up onto her hip. "Alright, if something's coming, then we're all going downstairs."

"C'mon kids. Tomorrow, we're going to find you a way to Plateau City."

[OoC: Front door is blocked, right?]

Yes the door is blocked and guarded by a big smelly Bugbear. ;-)

Belkior 
Thursday October 6th, 2005 11:04:55 PM
The halfling cleric has left the soldiers to sleep. He moves to assist Xenia with getting the children organized to move. Belkior pays particular attention to the group of "students" that he has adopted.


Wynn 
Thursday October 6th, 2005 11:29:31 PM
Wynn waits until Florin has pulled the man free before letting the beam back down. "Thanks Syr, that was heavier than expected."

Wynn spends the next several minutes searching the debris for the man's waterskins [Take 20=23]. "What is so special about these waterskins that they might save a city" the bard asks the gnome as he moves a large piece of debris to look beneath it.



Angus  d20+2=13
Thursday October 6th, 2005 11:59:57 PM
Angus moves over towards Lang and asks him what he heard.

He looks out into the street with Lang (spot 13).

Syr  d20+8=18
Friday October 7th, 2005 9:26:16 AM
Syr nods at the gnome and begins looking around for the waterskins he mentioned. HE nods at Wynn's comment, "Yeah, I fail to see how some water will right the city?"

Tionel  d20+5=21 d20+5=21
Friday October 7th, 2005 2:10:22 PM
Tionel nods his head, listening. "Well, there was a tiger out there, but it's gone now... I think the others are close by, coming back." He presses his ears to the board and peers through a window. "At least the door's shuttered and all the areas blocked..."
(Spot 21, listen 21)

DM George  d8+3=5
Friday October 7th, 2005 10:15:04 PM
The gnome gratefully takes the potion and swigs it down. A bit of color comes back to his cheeks but he definitely seems banged up and in need of more curing.

"I don't suspose you kind gentlemen could help me get to the Giggling Ghost? I hear there is a band of brave adventurers there. I have a proposition for them."

Wynn pulls off a sheet of plaster and sees to very large water skins filled to bursting. When the gnome sees them a burst of breath is expelled as he sighs, "Thanks be to Alemi. I still have a chance. Please you must get me to the Giggling Ghost."

Back at the Ghost:

All seems quiet as the group waits for their missing comrades to come back. Kay seems to be organizing a couple of games for the children that seem to be survivior related. Freeze...walking while holding hands... and finally big kids giving little kids piggy back rides.

Lang does hear a distant roar but things seem to go quiet again.

Wynn 
Saturday October 8th, 2005 9:17:55 AM
Wynn gingerly removes the two waterskins from the rubble, making sure they do not get torn by any sharp objects as he retrieves them.

"I'll carry these if you and Florin can help our friend here" he looks for some acknowledgement from Syr before shouldering the two waterskins.

As they make their way towards the Ghost, Wynn will press the gnome for more information about the contents of the waterskins as well as the gnome's name.

Xenia (HP 41/42) 
Saturday October 8th, 2005 2:05:50 PM
Xenia smiles as she watches the children at play. Coming up behind Kay, she places her hands on the woman's shoulders.

"I bet you're a good mom," she whispers in the woman's ear.

Then the girl rogue goes off to check the bundles and provisions for the trip out.

Belkior 
Saturday October 8th, 2005 8:56:26 PM
The halfling cleric decides that first aid supplies may be needed. From what he has seen of the City, sticks and other items for splints should be easy to find. But bandages might be difficult to find. So Belkior asks Happy if he can turn old linens into bandages.

Once the proprietor of the Ghost assents, Belkior will set his group of students to making bandages. Some of the children display rather more enthusiasm for tearing things apart that others, but he doesn't doesn't do anything to stop them.


Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47) 
Sunday October 9th, 2005 12:37:24 PM
Lang moves over to Belkior when he hears him ask Happy for linens for bandages.

"Belkior I have an almost full healer's kit (9 uses left) if you want it for your supplies. Belkior, please make sure that Happy gives you clean linens for your bandages."

Lang checks all his weapons for damage and prepares for moving and battle. He also checks Sunshine's armor and makes sure it is not chafing him.

OOC: George was I able to retrieve the merchant's weapon from the street?

sorry matt, you couldn't find it. Maybe someone stole it!

Angus  d20+9=23
Sunday October 9th, 2005 9:46:20 PM
Angus pulls out his flute and begins to play. hopefuly it will pas the time more quickly until the rest of the group gets back.

Perform 23.

Florin Jadenth 
Monday October 10th, 2005 3:19:03 AM
Florin nods to the gnome and speaks to him as he stands, "Well good sir, you have already found three of them. That one there who first jumped in to help you is Wynn, quite good with a blade and I would say his silver tongue is also helpful. The other one there who is good with his fists is Syr, also a fellow friend and trusted companion. My name is Florin, leader of the group you might know as the Crimson Shield."

Florin looks to the gnime and nods, "Now before we go into details lets get you to the GG. Walking from the looks for you is out of the question so I can carry you on my back if you like?"

If the gnome decides being carried like Florin said is okay then Florin will hand his backpack to Syr as to safe his bow and arrows mainly from damage.

Florin glances to Wynn, "As we go I like you near me since those water skins are so important, also is nice to know someone who is good with a blade has my back." Florin smiles to Wynn with respect for the man's fighting ability and thanks for coming to help. Florin then looks to Syr and smiles to him also, "Umm, I know my backpack gives abit of weight but can you be ahead just abit to give us warning of any problems that we might run into? Your eyes are sharp and your feet as quick as your hands." Florin nods to Syr to let him know we should head off now and he smiles, glad to have Syr with him right now also, such trusted and worthy companions are hard to find and Florin is deffinetly proud of being among this group.

Tionel 
Monday October 10th, 2005 5:16:34 AM
Tionel finds himself staring outside, and humming to Angus' tune. He relaxes and winces only if Angus chooses to be actually practicing and not simply playing.
"I miss it..the peace and music, the love and light. Do you think the city will ever go back to normal, Angus?"

Syr 
Monday October 10th, 2005 5:13:48 PM
With a wry grin at Wynn, he comments, "'trusted companion'? Do I look like a pet dog or something? Geez, I'd almost prefer Jonas' description of me." Grinning at Florin, he holds his hands out. Taking the pack with an overexaggerated sniff, he proceeds the group out the door with his nose high in the air.

DM George 
Monday October 10th, 2005 11:35:36 PM
After much struggling and gasps of pain from the gnome, the group makes it back to the Giggling Ghost. Lang wanted to know the password but after much hammering on the door, he finally let the group in.

The gnome sits on the ground and looks at Wynn, "Please be carefull with those skins and don't drink anything from them. It would make you very sick or possibly even kill you."

The gnome looks around and smiles, "If anyone could get me a drink, something stiff, I would call you friend for life. You never get bet up this bad in the labratory."

He looks around the group and says, "My name is Pekash Tribldown. My friends call me Pek. I am an alchemist by trade and I believe I have found a way to free the city. I found this very disagreeable fellow escorting 3 prisoners and asked for his aid and he sent me here. Never did catch his name but those prisoners looked frightened. He said there was a band of hero types holed up in the Giggling Ghost. I was trying to get here when I had my mishap. So are you interested in freeing the city from these accursed vines?"

He looks around hopefully.

Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47) 
Monday October 10th, 2005 11:43:53 PM
"Little man I will do anything you ask if it means that these plants will suffer and that I may be able to slay a few more of the plant creatures. The children in this building have suffered terribly these past days and it will be my pleasure to help rid the Floating City of the plants."

"What do you need us to do?"

Sunshine sense Lang's emotions and barks his approval.

Angus 
Monday October 10th, 2005 11:46:03 PM
Angus reaches into his supplies and gets his bottle of wine. Moving towards the gnome, Angus offers it to him.

"Here ya go. Here is some fine wine for your drinking pleasure."

Angus chuckles at Lang's zeal towards destroying the evil plant creatures.

Xenia 
Tuesday October 11th, 2005 10:06:49 AM
"Hi," Xenia waves a little greeting. "Xenia. Nice to meecha." The rogue's smile is thinner than usual, a touch toward the grim. She eyes the skins that Wynn has lugged back, and the lore of at least two generations of rogues picks key words from the gnome's introduction.

"Poison, huh? For the vines. 'S a good idea. But, like my Da says, poison's a blade with lots of little edges. Make sure you don't cut what you don't want to."

With no more than that brief comment, she turns to other matters. The cast of her dark face turns even more to the grim, and her mouth sets into a thin line of determination.

"Florin," moving up along side of the paladin, she whispers quietly to him, "I need to talk to you. And it's probs better to do this in private."

Syr 
Tuesday October 11th, 2005 7:18:15 PM
Once back at the Inn, Syr takes the opportunity to go check on the kids. Sitting and resting near them seems to ease his tension as he relaxes against the wall.

DM George 
Tuesday October 11th, 2005 8:38:14 PM
Pek will look take a long look at Lang and draw back slightly, "Ahhh thank you. Never knew your kind were so civically inclined. Most the time your kind would be taking advantage of this kind of situation to find a good meal. Typically a tender virgin or two. You will have to tell me your story when we get more time."

He glances back to the others and continues, "I was looking for body guards before I had a building fall in on me. Now I need someone to either take my place or heal my broken extremities." The gnome visibly winces as he shifts positions. "I need to get up to the open air level, find a way to get down the side of the city and squirt the contents of those wine skins on the vines attached to the city. If someone can squirt the other at the same time all the better."

He smiles a big smile, "I have a feeling, I will attract some attention after the first squirt. That will be a good thing since every creepy crawlie in that blasted jungle is trying to eat the citizens of this city on the shore. Huge maneating trees seem to be the worse. They seem to be breeding the nasty orc like things that are in turn feeding anything that has a pulse and moves to their vile hosts." Pek suddenly has watery eyes as he seems to relive some horrible memory.

He snaps back to attention and says, "I wish I could make more of this stuff but ran out of ingredients. Would like to squirt some down the maw of those devils but I think the wiser course is to free the city and try to get it out away from the shore."

He looks back at Lang and says, "Still want to come? We are seriously gonna piss off that jungle."

Florin Jadenth 
Tuesday October 11th, 2005 9:53:41 PM
Florin chuckles at Syr's comment and after they reach the GG he moves up to him and gives him a nudge, "back there when we saved the little fella here I didn't mean what I said as it sounded of course, no offense to you."

Florin moves into the GG with the others and motions to Belkior, "Hey Belkior, can you look at this man here for us? It seems he ran into some pretty nasty trouble which Syr, Wynn and I helped him from."

When Xenia approaches him and speaks about talking in private Florin lifts a brow in question since this is the first time Xenia has wished to speak to him as such but simply shrugs and nods, "Sure, lady's first and I'll follow to where you think it might be more private."

Xenia (HP 41/42) 
Tuesday October 11th, 2005 11:23:41 PM
Xenia leads the way into the kitchen.

"Florin Jadenth," she begins, planting her hands on her hips, "do you have even the first idea of what it is to lead a group? Do you know what the mostest important thing the group relies on you for when you're leader? It's not your bravery. It's not your morals. It's for you to make decisions!!!" The rogue throws up her hands. "That's what leadership is about. It's not about courage or glory or anything like that. It's about getting people to do stuff. It's leading. And if you go off by yourself, does it even occur to you that you leave the group without someone to lead?"

"You leave us all here, your daughter, everyone, and you run off. And when you run off, everyone just goes and does whatever they want!"

"That's not gonna work, Florin. It's just not."

Wynn  d20+2=15
Wednesday October 12th, 2005 12:56:39 AM
Physically and mentally worn down, Wynn still manages a grin at Syr's antics.

The half elf follows behind the gnome, carrying the precious water skins as the monk leads the way back to the Giggling Ghost and the paladin takes the rear guard. After setting the skins down near the alchemist, the bard listens with interest to what Pek has to say. Understanding their importance, he remains on guard over the gnome and the skins.

The half elf winces when he hears Xenia's raised vioice coming from the kitchen. (Listen=15)

Wynn gestures for Belkior to come over and have a look at the gnome, then faces the little man. "I am willing to carry this poison and apply it to the vines, if it will free the city."

Tionel 
Wednesday October 12th, 2005 2:32:34 AM
The elf returns from a quick trip to the lavatory to see the newcomer. He introduces himself, "Greetings, I am Tionel Galadonel. We're the Crimson Shields...oh, I see you've already met most of us." After finding out the guy's quest, and his intentions, Tionel ponders... "Pek... Hmmm. Here, have some wine. Happy, can you whip up a meal for this poor fellow? You must have been through a bit."
After the fellow has relaxed, Tionel comments, "Now, before we all set off to destroy the vile plants, I don't think this is a great idea at all. What you're talkinga bout is pouring poison and vile toxics into the underside of this city, directly onto the plants, and then where, into the waters of our surroundings. Now, I know these plants might be both fearsome and dangerous, but to me, this sounds like it has the potential to be very harmful to our city. You could poison the water we drink from, or perhaps drive these plants into a frenzy. Mutate them somehow. I can't be sure of the effects. Harmful at the least you say.
"Now, I know we want to strike out at the enemy, the plants, to free our city from them. But I'm afraid I can't condone the sort of plan you seem to have, sir. But I do agree, it is a good idea. Now, I have a few suggestions on a better plan, if you will allow me. Perhaps if we could use contact or quick-acting, quick-dissolving toxics. If, for example, the poisons you used would go away once they contacted the water. I'm afraid I don't know the alchemical term for that. But in any case, you see what my worries are. If you can prove to me that these poisons you plan on using will not have a long-term effect on the Floating City's environs or hurt the land itself, then I will agree to your plan, as these plants DO have to be dealt with. You don't burn down a forest in order to get rid of a dangerous boar."
Tionel makes sure he sounds somewhat strict, but also open to ideas and information. Also that the newcomer feels relaxed. "Belkior, can you help our guest? He appears wounded a little..."

Syr 
Wednesday October 12th, 2005 7:34:11 PM
Syr barks playfully once at Florin and enters the Ghost with a smile on his face. Syr sets the bags down carefully and joins the others near Pek. At Wynn's volunteering, "Slow down , you might want to save the climbing and such for your more agile fiancee... umm girlfriend... what do you call her anyway?"

Belkior 
Wednesday October 12th, 2005 8:30:05 PM
The halfling cleric rushes over to the injured gnome brought into the Giggling Ghost by Syr, Florin and Wynn.

"Excuse me," asks Belkior. "May I examine your leg? To determine how injured you are, and the best course of treatment, of course."

When the gnome nods assent, Belkior will bend over Pek's leg. Once he has diagnosed the extent of the gnomes injuries, Belkior will intone a prayer to Alemi and send healing magic into the gnome.

"There, that should be good as new. It might be a bit tender, but you should be able to use it just fine."

{OOC - I missed posting yesterday. There wasn't a DM post when I last checked, then didn't get a chance to post until now.)

Florin Jadenth 
Wednesday October 12th, 2005 9:10:07 PM
Florin shakes his head and looks at Xenia a moment before stepping up close and looking her in the eyes in a dead stare, "Listen here miss Xenia, I gave orders that we all head to the upper level to scout leaving the two guards, Happy and the kids here till we find out how safe it is and get a better idea of everything ALL the way up. My orders went ignored even by you, you and a couple others just left with the rest of us here, not giving us a clue or anything you all were leaving till it was to late. So my advice is not council me on my leadership skills and start listening to them yourself as well as some of the others here."

Florin looks to Xenia again and speaks clearly, "You all voted me leader, if you don't want to follow my orders then I quite simply will resign and you all can go doing what you wish like WE have been from the beginning."

Florin now walks out of the kitchen leaving Xenia there before she can say anything else and also looks to each person who might of heard his and Xenia's coversation and might also have something to say about it, daring them to bad mouth or say something against what he said.

Florin looks to everyone, "We have a rope set up at the stairs to help get everyone up the stairs. You should thank Syr for getting it up there. Now we should head out soon and get these kids moving too. The kids to young to get up the rope on their own should be tied securely and pulled up. This may take some time but it should work okay."

Florin looks to Happy and speaks to him, "Happy and I don't like asking you to leave the GG but would you like to come with us or see if someone will be willing to send supplies back to you? We could probably leave the guards here to help protect the place in our absence."

Florin now looks to the others and by now Xenia should of reentered the room so he speaks up loud enough for all to hear, "Now, if anyone has a problem with my idea then speak your mind but we are not acting alone. If you don't like me acting alone then neither are you. I expect opinions and if you have nothing against my plan then we act together. This however is the final time I say this. If I issue orders and no one objects then we should act on it, if it comes about that anyone acts or the majority of the group acts alone then I resign leadership position and we all can go about what you think will work best. Some of you look at my actions under a magnifying glass but when the boots on the other foot it's fine so put simply think before acting, if you think some other course of action or so is better then state it and we can simply pull a group opinion."

Florin walks to the side of the room and leans against the wall now and looks to Happy once more, "Happy, you happen to have some elven wine around here? I wouldn't mind having a small drink just to wet my whistle."

Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) 
Wednesday October 12th, 2005 9:59:21 PM
Xenia wanders back in from the kitchen. She leans against the already leaning doorframe, crossing one leg over an ankle and folding her thin arms across her small breasts. Quietly, she listens to Florin lay out how-it's-gonna-be.

When he's through she catches his eye. She winks and gives him a thumbs up. Her lips move silently forming exaggerated speach. And to those who bother, the words are: Highlight to display spoiler: {"Don't give up. Never. Give. Up."}

DM George 
Wednesday October 12th, 2005 10:45:38 PM
Florin and Xenia exchange some heated words and the young leader finally stands up for himself. Will the others show him the respect he deserves or will another step forward to take his place and assume his burdens.

Pek looks at Tionel like he grew a second head. Then the healing magic flows into him from Belkior, who notices he has both a broken leg and a broken wrist. (It took a cure serious and a cure moderate to get him healthy.)

He thanks Belkior and then whirls on Tionel his face red, his eyes piercing. "Enviromentally correct! Do you have any idea what is going on out there? Thousands are dying and your concerned about poisoning the water. This city has lost at least 10,000 of its citizens and more are dying every minute. I don't care what you think. I will go alone if I need to but we can't waste any more time or lives!"

OOC I will not be around tomorrow or have access to a computer. Please post normally and roleplay what you want to do. I will post on Friday and Saturday to make up. Thanks George

Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47) 
Wednesday October 12th, 2005 11:24:51 PM
Lang hears Florin's orders and moves over towards the doorway. Once there he starts to take apart the barricade, enough to let people through.

"Florin, are we moving the children or going with the Gnome to try and get the city upright? Or are we going to do both?"

"Happy do you want me to put the barricade back together once every is outside?"

"Ok rugrats, which ones of you are assigned to come with Sunshine and I. Hopefully you can keep me out of trouble" Lang says to the children with a playful laugh.

Angus 
Wednesday October 12th, 2005 11:29:25 PM
"How quickly do you think the plants will react to your water? How much danger will there be?"

Angus has some concerns about moving the children towards the area where the gnome's magic will be applied.

Xenia (HP 41/42) 
Thursday October 13th, 2005 8:27:58 AM
The dark rogue strolls into the midst of the group.

"Well, if I heard right, Pek here wants to do this thing on Open Level. We need to take the kids to the Teleport Pad on Gold Level. Gold Level is on the way to Open Level. Why can't we do both?"

"But you know," Xenia turns in a half circle to present to everyone, "I think Tionel's right. My Da says there's nothing more dangerous than a uncareful poisoner. Dangerous to himself and to everyone. I mean," she turns to the gnome, "you sure you thought this out? We've seen those vines from the outside. Do you have any idea how big they are? And you wanna squirt that stuff on 'em? I mean, look at what you got? Three bags, that's all."

"What's the dose? What's the effect of dose on size?" This girl looks like she's heard a bit about poisons.

"Usual delivery ain't squirting unless you wanna kill everything around, friend or enemy. That's your poison mist or gas. For more targeted poisoning, you got darts or arrows. You also got blades and pins of some kind. If this is a contact poison, we might think of painting it on the vines. But I gotta ask you," she eyes the bags again, "you sure that's gonna be enough?"

"Oh, and until we get the kids safely off, keep those things away from them, huh?"

Syr 
Thursday October 13th, 2005 4:43:54 PM
Aware that he is one of those that sometimes has his own agenda, he hangs in head in apology and gives the paladin a weak smile to reassure him. He peers at Florin curiously, wondering if the changed paladin took off purposely just to set up this confrontation. Muttering to himself quietly, "It looks like those changes have a more subtle effect than anticipated."

Moving over to the bags, he picks them up once more, preparing to leave the Ghost. "Whatever we do, I'm ready." Calling out to Florin, "Hey bossman, if you don't mind, I'll keep this stuff in the rear and as far away from the kids as possible?"

Florin Jadenth 
Thursday October 13th, 2005 7:48:36 PM
Florin looks to the gnome and the others asking questions and shrugs before speaking up once more, "Okay everyone, why not find out more details on this once we get that far. First priority if to get these kids safe."

Florin looks to Pek and speaks to him, "We will look into helping you more one the kids are safe if you don't mind sir. Helping them as was said is on the way to where you need to go so it all should work out."

Florin looks to Syr also and nods, "I agree Syr. Becareful yourself also, I don't want you green looking or so from poison." Florin gives the man a wink to let him know he was joking.

Floring looks to everyone and speaks up so everyone hears him clearly, "Okay everyone, lets get ready to head out." Florin looks to Xenia mainly, "Better get the kids up here and lets get them all ready to leave. I also would like you and Lang to take point Xenia just incase. You two should beable to give us warning enough and fall back to the group."

Florin lastly moves over to Lang while he waits for the others to get the kids and such, "Lang my friend I need to speak to you for a moment about the stairs we will need to go up. Me and Syr have a rope hanging there and ready for use but some of the kids will need pulled up the stairs. I hate to say it this way but your new body has alot of power behind it from what I have seen so I will need your help pulling the kids up to the top of the stairs. I figure Xenia would be one of the best to help tie the knot for the kids to be pulled up and she would surely be the best climbing I would expect."

Florin sighs and looks to Tionel, Angus, Belkior and Wynn, "All of us will hang back by the kids as we move to the upper levels. I know moving as a mass might be bad but I think it will be safer. Xenia and Lang will be out ahead of us alittle ways to keep a eye for trouble. Syr will be taking up the rear alittle father back from the kids as to keep the poison safe. I expect Pek will want to hang back with Syr since the poisons are his. I know this goes without question but we need to watch the kids, help them out since the going will be rough."

Florin kneels down by Belkior and looks to him and Tionel now, "I hate to say it but you two and I will have a even more difficult job. We all have some experience with healing except Belkior who has made a life of it. We need to watch the kids even more careful and keep them up and going if anything happens. I expect we all seen enough death of children for our life time."

Florin sighs and wonders if he covered everything. He knows though no matter how well he tries to plan that something may happen to cause his plans to go to ruin and he sighs even more since he not only has the people of the group he calls his friends and also his family but his daughter is among thee children he has to safe and get to safty.

Belkior 
Thursday October 13th, 2005 10:00:31 PM
The halfling cleric looks directly back at Florin. "I will be able to perform most of the healing required, Florin, either through my own abilities or using some of the magic items that I have."

Belkior looks away from the paladin and casts his eyes over the group of children. "If we go slowly and keep within their limits, we should have no problem. Will you listen when I, or anyone else, tells you that the children need to rest? I understand that there won't always be good or safe places to rest, but when we find some we should make an effort to rest. And let me and my helpers tend any small injuries before they get worse."

Addressing the entire group now, "And, if any of you should happen to find any healing supplies, let me know. I'm down to improvised bandages and splints."

(OOC - DM George - I've roleplayed that Belkior has used up the contents of his two Healer's Kits. Would there be opportunity to purchase replacements in the Catacombs and "find" them in a shattered building as we travel?)

Don't bother going to the catacombs, if you want to roleplay trying to find some supplies, then roleplay it. Course it is gonna be tough with the conditions.
Spells
0 - DC 14 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Mending, Purify Food & Drink (2)
1- DC 15 - Bless(2), Sanctuary, Shield of Faith (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - DC 16 - Bear's Endurance*, Bull's Strength, Delay Poison, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - DC 17 - Create Food & Water(2), Prayer (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast



Tionel 
Thursday October 13th, 2005 11:19:49 PM
"Yes, let's take things as they come..." Tionel agrees with Florin. "Are all the adults coming? Happy, you staying? I know the merchant and this gnome are coming, is the lady comign as well?
"And once we get there, will we be coming back? Well, let's take things in their own time, as they come..."

Tionel heads upstairs to gather his stuff and all the things he thinks they'll be needing. He sighs as he realizes that all their apartments' effects are left back there...perhaps gone forever. Including his spare wardrobe. Six pairs of the most difficult to find boots...lost!

Xenia (HP 41/42) 
Friday October 14th, 2005 1:39:28 PM
Xenia flashes Florin the thumbs up again.

"Um, 'Xept for the climb stuff, Florin. I mean, I got some technique. But need more arm strength, if you know what I mean."

Still waiting for a reply from the, like, way rash gnome, the rogue taps, the woman on the shoulder.

"Tionel's got a good idea, you should go with us, you know, Xenia says quietly, "I mean, we could get you off to Plateau City too. It's gotta be safer than it is here. 'Sides, I mean, well, not to put this on you or anything, but we need someone to go through to the other side with the kids. Looks like we're gonna have to stay and see to getting the city righted back up."

"You look like you're good with the kids, Kay. It'd really help. I mean, if you're willing."

Wynn 
Friday October 14th, 2005 8:45:42 PM
Wynn listens to the commentary about poisons and the danger they may pose and weighs the benefits against what he has heard. "I will assist you Pek. It seems worth the risk, even if we only kill one or two of the vines, the hold on the city may be weakened enough to break free." The bard casts his eyes towards Xenia, worried that he may have angered her. "It's just like perfume" he winks, "the more you put on the better it works!"

Wynn volunteers to take up a position near the middle of the troop of children when Florin lays out his plan of action. "This way I can easily get to those who need the most help", he explains.

DM George 
Friday October 14th, 2005 11:01:10 PM
The group readies themselves to go and the children pack up their packs as Xenia taught them.

Kay looks at Xenia and says, "I am terrified to go with you but still I will. You must promise to keep me safe. I am not a really brave person. I am no hero like you."

Happy declines the offer but the two soldiers pick themselves up and come over, ready to brave the outside world again. The young officer asks,"So your going to the Plateau City. If we go, do you think that could be considered desertion of duty?"

Pek smiles at the questions and concerns of the Shields. He seems to calm down once they start packing up and says, "I have gotten a rash from it before but no more. I wouldn't drink it. I think we have enough to loosen or break 4 to 5 vines. I am hoping that will be enough to free the city. The rest or residue should fall into the lake and the water will dilute it enough to cause no harm.

He grins at Angus's question, "This stuff is like acid to plants. Should eat through pretty quick. I am planning on patenting it once the war is over. Should be great for weeds."



Tionel 
Saturday October 15th, 2005 1:56:34 PM
Tionel looks at Pek and frowns a bit at his words. The guy sounds convinced, and his explanation has soothed most of Tionel's main fears, but still.. "Well, as long as you say that it's more of an acid thing, and will dissolve in the water. Since you're the only experienced alchemist here, we'll take your word on that. I'd hate to be responsible for hurting the lake. But if it does work," Tionel blinks and smiles, "then it will be a great thing you have done, Pek. We, and the rest of the city, will be thankful for helping us in the time of crisis." Tionel keeps hold of that bright mood and goes over to Happy.
"Happy, since we're leaving, I think we must thank you for being a most gracious host. You helped save the children...and weathered us from the attack. Oh, we helped you in return, but it was only your hospitality and friendship that made your hospice a defendable base for us. Thank you, my friend."


Florin Jadenth 
Saturday October 15th, 2005 8:54:18 PM
Florin looks to the guard, he wasn't exactly expecting them to want to go also but shrugs not saying anything other then turning to happy and holding out his hand to him, "As Tionel said, thank you for your help Happy. We will see about getting supplies sent to you and some help if we can find it my friend. Good luck."

Florin looks to the guards and shrugs again, "I don't know if it would be desertion or not. From what you said you were not given any real specific orders so I would think not as long as your willing to help see these kids to safty also."

Florin waiting for the kids to get all the way ready also sees if Happy minds if he takes a bottle or two of wine or such with him, Florin even offers a few gold to Happy for the bottles of wine and stows them in his backpack, wrapped in his blacket wanting them just incase they are needed for a few various things.

Once everyone is ready Florin heads out, waiting for everyone to group up like commented on and also nods to Wynn, "Just let us know if you notice any kid who is having trouble Wynn. Belkior might be best since he has more healing training. I know it sounds like I'm harping but you know. Also if you will keep Jella near you, if fighting breaks out and she is near me she might try following and that might get her hurt or worse."

Belkior 
Saturday October 15th, 2005 10:53:03 PM
The halfling cleric shoulders his HHHaversack and prepares to leave the Giggling Ghost. Before he does, he ensures that his group of children are also ready to leave. Belkior's somewhat bothersome - checking straps, ensuring that no one is overloaded and reminding the children to have their shoes tied.

"Florin, we're all ready to go here. Maybe a slow pace, at the start, to let people get used to the climbing?"


Xenia (HP 41/42)  d20+17=22 d20+13=28 d20+15=25
Sunday October 16th, 2005 10:16:34 AM
hehe ... Heroes ... Xenia takes Kay's hands in hers.

"Kay, I'll take common sense and a watchful eye over brave any day. The way I see it, if you aren't 'fraid they you aren't paying attention. I mean, Fear is the way the Wold tells you sump'in's dangerous, right? It's saying, 'Look out. You better watch this close and take it smart or you're gonna get hurt.' So, I figure a little fear isn't a totally bad thing."

"And, you know, we're just a bunch of folks just like you. We got special skills that help us out. But, I mean, look at you, Kay. Look at the way you got with the kids. Keeping them together and moving, keeping their minds on this thing is gonna be important. That's a special skill that we really need right now. You're gonna help save their lives, eh." Xenia grins and tips her head to one side, looking the woman in the eyes. "Doesn't that make you a hero too?"

Xenia pulls her rope down off of the crazy tilted stairs of the Giggling Ghost. Other than that, everything she needs is in the haversack on her back. There is a twinge of loss as she coils the rope in her hands. All of their things in the apartments. The little silver bell that she won at the Winter party. The beautifully carved ten-foot pole that Wynn gave her. The apartments. The garden. Everything destroyed. The dark rogue pushes these thoughts aside and shoves the coil of rope into her haversack.

She gives the big man a hug. "Thanks for taking us in, Happy. And the kids. Seems we always bring this stuff down on you, and then we leave. Now we're leaving again." Words cannot express the mixed well of gratitude and apology. You could repeat the same words over and over and over again and it still wouldn't be enough. Xenia steps away. "You take care now. Don't you dare go and, like, die or sump'tin like that. I ... I ... You just don't, Happy. 'Kay?" The girl rogue tears herself away, heading for the door.

On the way, she stops by Wynn. Her hand reaches out. Her fingers touch his strong right arm. She finds a place of calm in his strength.

"You be careful with that plant poison stuff, alright?" she says, her green eyes meeting his of blue. "I'm still not sure this gnome guy knows what he's doing." Reaching up on her toes, Xenia brushes Wynn's cheek with her lips, before moving silently out into the tilted street full of rubble, scouting 90 feet ahead of the main group behind.

Rolls and Actions
Spot 22
Listen 28
Move Silently 25


Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47) 
Sunday October 16th, 2005 9:14:17 PM
"Florin I will happy to use my new found strength to help all the children up this rope ladder. Let's hope that is the only difficulty we encounter on this trek."

Lang moves over to Belkior and hands him his healer's kit. Somehow he doesn't think he will have any chance to use it if people get injured.

"Here you go Belkior. You will probably be able to use this better than I can if people start getting injured."

OOC - Belkior it has 9 uses left.

Lang moves over to Happy and thanks him for his hospitality and generousity.

Lang moves back to the doorway and waits there until everyone is ready to go. Once Xenia leaves the Giggling Ghost to scout ahead, Lang casts Longstrider upon himself.

"Sunshine heel," Lang commands his companion.

With a metallic ring, Lang draws his two short swords and leaves the Giggling Ghost. He takes up position between the main group and Xenia, who is scouting ahead.

Spells:
Speak with Animals (not cast)
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours)

Angus (ac 14; hp 29/29) 
Sunday October 16th, 2005 9:34:35 PM
Once it is apparant that the group is almost ready to leave the Giggling Ghost, Angus moves off to a corner to prepare.

He casts the spells Mage Armor and Message upon himself. As it is a new spell for him he will test it with his comrades.

He will Message to them "I have a new spell at my command. It lets me quietly talk to you from a distance. I can also hear your reply. You may whisper or use your normal voice to reply to me. The spell lasts for 70 minutes"

Angus points at his 7 companions and sends his message.

Angus stations himself amongst the children so that he can support them with his magic as needed.

Active Spells:
Message (duration 70 minutes)
Mage Armor (duration 7 hours)

Spells (Used/Total):
0 - 1/6
1st - 1/8
2nd - 0/7
3rd - 0/5

DM George 
Sunday October 16th, 2005 10:15:38 PM
The group organizes and departs the Giggling Ghost. The trek is difficult and many of the children have to be lifted over vines or picked back up from falling.

It takes around an hour to trek over to the pillar where the rope was left for the climb. Kay is helpful with the children and so are the two soldiers, each carrying a little one a piece.

It should be quicker but the children severely slow you down as they are constantly needing help up the incline and over the rubble in the street. Many a bump and bruise are collected and the group needs to stop to stem scrapes and tears.

Finally the first way point is reached and the rope is still in place for the climb.

OOC Marching order is needed and a plan to get the kids up the rope would be helpful.

Xenia (HP 41/42)  d20+5=13 d20+17=33 d20+13=26 d20+14=21
Sunday October 16th, 2005 11:15:19 PM
Xenia foregoes her climber's kit and scampers quickly up the rope. At the top of the rope, she draws her blade and finds a place to hide.

"I'll whisper down if I see anything," she subvocalizes over Angus' Message spell. "Can you send someone up here to back me up? We'll also need someone on this end to keep the children rounded up. Send up at least two before you start sending the kids."

Hunkering down in her hiding place, the dark rogue keeps an eye peeled for danger.

Rolls and Actions
Climb 13 (Accelerated for half speed.)
Spot 33
Listen 26
Hide 21

Wynn [AC=19, HP=52] 
Monday October 17th, 2005 12:21:48 AM
Wynn shakes his head when Florin asks him to keep Jella close. "She'll be no safer with me than with you Florin, for if there is combat I'll be in the thick of it too."

When they arrive at the rope the bard looks at the children dubiously. "Do you really think they can climb this? Why don't I give my ring to Lang, and he can climb up with several kids at a time. If he falls he will simply float down without risk of injury."

Angus AC 14, mage armor and Message 
Monday October 17th, 2005 12:46:27 PM
Angus looks at the rope and then the multitude of kids. "This is going to take awhile. I suggest we send up Wynn and Lang. They can haul me up for support. Xenia and I can keep the watch as the children are brought up. Lang and Wynn can pull them up in turn."

Angus sudders at the thought of all the physical labor that must be done by his companions.

Angus looks to Xenia and whispers "Do you want to take a few moments to scout the area while we get the others ready?"



Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47)  d20+6=8 d20+6=14 d20+6=21 d20+3=5
Monday October 17th, 2005 6:54:38 PM
Lang keeps eyes on Xenia and ears on the group behind him as they move towards the Gold level.

Spot 8/12
Listen 14/18

Lang sheathes his shortswords and contemplates the climb in front of him. After Xenia whispers down her message, Lang will wait a few moments before he climbs up to her.

"Florin, I will climb up and see how difficult it is for me. Perhaps I will be able to carry some of the kids on my back and climb."

Lang climbs up the rope, with Sunshine trying to following him, but does not make it.

Lang climb 21; no rope or other modifiers.
Sunshine 5; no other modifiers.

OOC - If the climb is ramp-like instead of stairs then maybe we can tie a rope to a large plank/door and I can haul the kids up a handful at a time.

OOC - George can you give us a description of the climb. Such as the angle it is at. Is it a ramp or are there steps? Is the tilt long ways or side ways? Etc.

Belkior 
Monday October 17th, 2005 10:33:20 PM
The halfling cleric stays near the middle of the group of children. Belkior hopes to be close enough to any of the children to help any who need medical care, and to support his companions if required.

When they reach the rope, Belkior looks at how steep the stairs are and thinks for a moment. "Lang's suggestion sounds pretty good. Send him up, help the smaller ones up then we can shepherd the larger children who may be able to climb for themselves. We're going to need people at both ends to protect the children, however."

DM George 
Monday October 17th, 2005 11:45:16 PM
OOC. (notice posting is getting a little scant. Lets try and post everyone.)

The group looks up at a wide circular staircase that spirals up. In the center of the staircase is a smooth pillar forming the interior wall. This is one of the four pillars that supports the city and the stones seem seamless. The outer wall also is smooth to the touch and would be very difficult to climb. Difficult to climb that is if they weren't totally covered in vines. The area seems to be well lite with several continual light spells, but shadows are cast as vines grow over them making the place look a little creepy.

Since the city is tilted 45 degrees, part of the climb will be very difficult and parts extremely easy. Really nothing to climb except the vines and any ropes you might raise during the difficult. Walking up the walls during the easy. Each roof level is around 45' tall and the floor between levels is around 15' thick for a total of 180' to get to the gold level.

Their is no way the majority of the children can make it. To much upper body strength is required. Overall climb check of 10 to make the entire climb.

As the group looks around, they are relieved to see the streets are quiet. Pek speaks up, "We need to keep moving."

Xenia climbs the ropes without difficulty but starts to tire before she gets to the top. She finds a place to plant her feet and rest as she looks around. She quickly realizes that the kids aren't going to be able to make this climb.

Climb rolls:

DC 10 needed, if you roll under that by 4, you get stuck. If you roll under a 6 you fall. The climb going at 1/4 speed, normal climbing speed, will take 1 minute 20 seconds or 12 combat rounds. Everyone needs to make a strength check of dc 10 or they will tire during the climb and need to rest. If this happens a second climb roll will have to be made with the same DC check.

Jella takes one look at the staircase up and backs away, "No way am I climbing that. I bet their are spiders up there." Most of the children seem to share her concerns.

Angus: Mage Armor & Message 
Tuesday October 18th, 2005 12:35:51 AM
Angus sees that Lang made it to the top no problem. "Excellent Job big guy. Send down an rope and we can tie off Sunshine and then me and the Wynn. Then you and Wynn can get to work on pulling up the kids. Looks like fun."

Angus waits for Lang to toss down a rope before suggesting that someone tie it securely to Sunshine, since Angus has little skill in this area, even though his father did try to teach him.

While waiting for Sunshine to be pulled up Angus goes over to Pek and leans on a wall next to him. "So great inventor of plant killing juice, what happens to the city when all of the vines snap? How fast will your potions work? As in do we have time to tie down to something solid." Angus adds nonchalantly.

Tionel  d20+6=8 d20+7=10
Tuesday October 18th, 2005 3:12:16 AM
Looking at the sideways staircase, Tionel can't help but realize again how far the City has tilted. "Mother Wold..."

He runs a hand through his long hair, wondering faintly where his hat has gone. Long lost in a fight somewhere, no doubt. No time to think about that, though. Privately, he relates to Syr, "You really think we can pull them up all that distance in a makeshift cart? I'm not sure I can even climb it. I know I can fly it, though. Hmmm. If only we could all fly up there. I'll fly and keep watch on the middle level, so that nobody gets attacked mid-way without at least some notice."
So saying, Tionel changes to an eagle. He's not exactly the most graceful flyer yet, but soon he's catching flight and soaring.
(From what I understand, the three levels we're climbing, I'll keep watch around the second level. In eagle form, I rolled a Listen of 8 and a spot (+8 from eagle form in daytime) of 18.)


Xenia (HP 41/42) 
Tuesday October 18th, 2005 7:52:38 AM
"Hey, guys," Xenia whispers down, "I got a couple of ideas if we wanna do this and protect the kids too. First, we take this in stages. There are some places here where we could collect the kids and then start another leg up. We set up a rope from one stage to the next and pull them up."

"Another idea is to splice together one big long rope and do the whole thing from Fence Level to Gold Level."

"The first way would be slower. And we'd have a crowd of kids in a tight packed area where we couldn't run. But, I think it would be safer for falling. The second idea would be quicker. But it would also be more dangerous in a lot of ways. It's a longer pull for each bunch of kids we bring up. If some of them don't like heights there's more time to panic. And that would be more rope, which would make the weight heavier. And that's a much longer way to fall too."

"What do you think, Florin?"

Florin Jadenth 
Tuesday October 18th, 2005 10:38:23 AM
Florin looks to Xenia as she speaks and nods, thinking before speaking, "I ay we go with your first idea Xenia. Lets get to work on this people so we can keep moving and everyone keep an eye on getting fatigued and such while we work."

Florin moves over to Jella and kneels and looks to her and the other kids and smiles, "I know your worried everyone but please listen to me. We're trying to get you to safty and trust me we all are looking out for you. To get you safely where you all will be okay we have to continue. We need you to be brave too and help us out. We might be your heros in many ways but all of you are like ours. Just being out here at your age and such is being so brave and strong of all of you. This is a form of being brave that even we have to hold in high reguard and respect."

Florin lays a hand on Jella's shoulder and whispers in her ear, "Your a brave girl Jella and make me so proud and I bet Mort is just beaming right now with pride. We both know you can do this darling, you just have to try for us."

Syr 
Tuesday October 18th, 2005 1:56:15 PM
Before Tionel leaves he replies, "hmm, a cart might be too heavy for us but it does give me an idea. Think our little rogue could make multiple harnesses and we could pull 2-3 kids up at a time? Heck with Lang's size, he could do it by himself almost."

He continues to linger near the rear of the group with the plant poison carried carefully.

Belkior 
Tuesday October 18th, 2005 9:06:42 PM
The halfling cleric prepares to make the ascent with his charges. Listening to the debate about how to get the children up to the top level, Belkior comes up with an idea. He moves over to Florin and the rest of the Shields.

"I know that we don't like to do it, but maybe we'll have to split the party up. Send two or three people to the top to secure the upper end and keep the same number back here to protect this end. The two best climbers can go up with several children roped between them. It's going to mean several trips for them, but that might be the best way to get all the children up there."

"What do all of you think?"

Spells
0 - DC 14 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Mending, Purify Food & Drink (2)
1- DC 15 - Bless(2), Sanctuary, Shield of Faith (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - DC 16 - Bear's Endurance*, Bull's Strength, Delay Poison, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - DC 17 - Create Food & Water(2), Prayer (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast


Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47)  d20+6=8 d20+6=7
Tuesday October 18th, 2005 9:22:05 PM
Lang stands with the group waiting to use his new found muscle to help the children up the tilted stairway.

He takes a look around to see if anything is approaching, but is way to distracted witht he task at hand to see or hear anything.

Spot 8/12
Listen 7/11

Spells:
Speak with Animals (not cast)
Longstrider (cast; duration 3 hours)

DM George Jr, Mountain Climbers Associations 
Tuesday October 18th, 2005 10:08:34 PM
The group is able to after much diligence, a few close calls and lots of sweat either able to climb to the gold level or haul those up who are unable.

You step out into the Gold level and see less distruction. Evidence of battle can be seen her as well as the group starts moving through the streets following the map and directs of Pek.

You find yourselves in fron of a large stone buiding. It is warehouse in size. It seems to have 2 large sliding doors on either side of the gate but all is quiet.

Wynn 
Wednesday October 19th, 2005 12:18:14 AM
The bard seeks out a place next to Miss Next. "Xenisa?" he asks. "You've been up here before, right? Recognize this place?"

Xenia (HP 41/42)  d20+17=30 d20+13=20
Wednesday October 19th, 2005 9:15:48 PM
Xenia rubs her sore forearms.

"Well, um, yeah. This is how I got to Floating City, Wynn. But, you know, I didn't hang around here much after I got in. I mean, lots to see, you know."

The rogue wanders around to the side of the building. "And it looks really different with no people around. Weird."

"Lets see if we can find another way in."

Rolls and Actions
Spot 30 (For another way in.)
Listen 20 (Listen for People.)

Syr 
Wednesday October 19th, 2005 9:17:12 PM
Concerned at the evidence he is seeing, he calls ahead to Florin, "I guess it does pay to be rich, I doubt many of these folks lost their homes likes us and the orphanage. Pick up the pace up there, I don't want to be caught in the open?"

Belkior 
Wednesday October 19th, 2005 10:14:13 PM
The halfling cleric sighs and rubs his aching back. Too much climbing for someone so small, Belkior thinks.

He takes the opportunity to check as many of the Shields, the children and the others with them to determine if any were injured during the climb. Those that were injured get as much first aid as Belkior can manage, given the circumstances.


Florin Jadenth  d20+3=19
Wednesday October 19th, 2005 10:17:56 PM
Florin looks around as they move, specially since it is so quiet and sighs when he wonders how many of these people even survived. Florin stretches abit to check his tired muscles before looking to everyone, "How's the kids and everyone else doing? I know we're trying to hurry along but if we need this might be a good time to find a safe place to rest before moving on."

(spot:19)

Tionel  d20+15=32
Thursday October 20th, 2005 12:42:59 AM
(The Wold site would not load for me last night, sorry I didn't post.)
The eagle does a once over from high above of the building, peering at it from a distance as he flies about it. (Spot 32) Then, Tionel the eagle flies up a little and takes a perch on our group's friendly bugbear's shoulder. He cleans a bit of fluff out of his feathers. Then he hops into the air and settles into the comfortable elven form.
"Sorry... Dunno why but I felt like staying a bird a bit there. Most comfortable."
(If he saw anything he will report it to the others)

Angus: Mage armor and message 
Thursday October 20th, 2005 1:15:02 PM
Angus is relieved when Lang hoists him up as he did not trust himself to climb and did not want to work up a sweat. "Thanks for the lift big guy." Angus says as he pats lang on his furry shoulder.

Angus waits for Pek to catch up and hopefully answer is question about the vines and the tower

Syr 
Thursday October 20th, 2005 6:51:52 PM
Walking up beside Tionel, "I still think that is the greatest magic that I've seen. Do you feel like you or the beast when you use their form?"

Looking thoughtful, "You know if you had Angus' message ability while you were in animal form, there'd be no real need to switch back, right?"

DM George 
Thursday October 20th, 2005 9:18:07 PM
The group comes together and figures out a plan. Several members head up first, secure ropes and keep the area safe. Others then start hauling up the children halfway up the climb. Once they are all up the process starts again even more frantically as the group is worried about ambush and how vulnerable the chidren are in this exposed position.

Lang is called upon for his brute strength and he works tirelessly hauling ropes. Everyone joins in and finally the task is done. Hours have passed but the group has gotten everyone up to the Gold level safely.

As the group peaks out the entrance to the tower they see much less devastation than they did below. It seems the ancient builders had a much larger hand in the construction of this level and many more of the buildings survived. Still vines cover everything.

Pek talkes to Angus, "I am an alchemist, not an engineer but I assume it will get very rocky as the city settles back into the lake. Lets get these kids to the teleportation gate and safety. Then we can go on and free this city." Pek points down the street heading south. "I believe the gates are down that way."

Belkior 
Thursday October 20th, 2005 9:37:41 PM
The halfling cleric looks about at the devastation caused by the jungle's attack. The worst part is the lack of people on the streets. The last time that Belkior was on this level, on his way to or from the Temple of Alemi, the streets were teeming with people.

"Creepy, isn't it?," Belkior whispers to Wynn and Xenia. "Nobody on the streets. It's like everyone but us has left the City. And we're on our way out, too."

Belkior takes advantage of the break to check more people for injuries. When he gets to Lang, he asks the ranger if magical aid would be desired. "I should have thought of this before. I could have enhanced your strength to make the task of lifting the children easier. Would you like me to ask for Bull's Strength for you?"

Spells
0 - DC 14 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Mending, Purify Food & Drink (2)
1- DC 15 - Bless(2), Sanctuary, Shield of Faith (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - DC 16 - Bear's Endurance*, Bull's Strength, Delay Poison, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - DC 17 - Create Food & Water(2), Prayer (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast



Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47)  d20+6=13 d20+6=14
Thursday October 20th, 2005 10:20:45 PM
Lang stretches his muscles and tries to rub out the kinks in his back from all the lifting. It feels good to be active and proactive in what happens to them.

Lang draws his shortswords and he and Susnhine move out in front of the group as it moves towards the teleportation building.

Spot 13/17
Listen 14/18

Spells:
Speak with Animals (not cast)
Longstrider (cast, not active)

Wynn  d20+6=17 d20+2=15
Thursday October 20th, 2005 10:26:03 PM
"Wait one moment Pek. We must first ensure the children are safely away, then we will assist you in dealing with the vines."

Wynn maintains a position halfway down the column of children on the flank and watches for danger [Spot=17, Listen=15]

Xenia (HP 41/42)  d20+15=23 d20+18=33 d20+13=25
Thursday October 20th, 2005 11:29:49 PM
"Yeah. Real spooks, Belkie. I'm really surprised the Goldies took off. You'd think they'd really hang on here."

"Hey, Florin, you think you're folks are gone too?"

Xenia nods at Wynn's insistence that they get the kids to safety. That's gotta be first. What's wrong with that gnome guy anyway?

She takes up point again, slinking silently through the streets of Gold Level to the place where her memory tells her the Teleport pad should be. Inside, she wonders if Baronell is still around, riding his cloud above the rooftops.

Rolls and Actions
Move Silently 23
Spot 33
Listen 25

Florin Jadenth  d20+3=19 d20+2=12
Friday October 21st, 2005 12:00:23 AM
Florin looks about and shakes his head but just hopes the place looks so abandoned because most people are somewhere safe.

Hearing Xenia's comment he glances to her and thinks over this all abit, "I do not know. The grounds would of been guarded decenty I would imagine but with the resistence we had it is hard telling." Florin frowns abit as he is caught between abit of worry and not sure if he really cares, he knows they are his parents and his agreement with them but he also still holds alot of anger towards them.

Florin quickly shrugs off his own thoughts and nods as the gnome points the direction out, "Yes, lets hurry along and get these kids to safty. After their safe and then the city we all can really worry about other things." Florin quickly moves off in the direction where the gates and teleporter awaits them, keeping a eye and ear out as well as possible.

(spot:19 listen:12)

DM George "Confusion" 
Friday October 21st, 2005 8:12:28 AM
OOC Sorry guys, Having the Wold go down for that day screwed me and my time line up. Please take it from my last post and ignore the one earlier. Again sorry for any confusion.

Belkior 
Friday October 21st, 2005 11:01:25 AM
The halfling cleric continues to minister to his flock.

{OOC - Starting night shifts tonight. I will post in the mornings (probably) or late afternoon when I'm awake again (possibly).)

Angus: mage armor and message  d20+9=16
Friday October 21st, 2005 1:29:15 PM
Angus likes the idea of getting the kids to saftey first before taking on the plants.

Angus sticks to the center of the group and tries to entertain the kids on the way with his flute (perform 16)

When he gets a chance, Angus will corner Pek once again. "Hi Pek. If you are an alchemist by trade, what other concotions do you have that may be helpful. Also did your lab survive the recent problems?"

Tionel  d20+7=19 d20+8=14
Friday October 21st, 2005 3:01:36 PM
Tionel looks to his friend elf and responds, "You know, that's the strangest thing of it. When I become a creature, I really feel like the creature. I even think like him, for a while. So far, when I do it, I even don't like changing back... well, until I get some acorns tucked away, or I've had my fill of worms... Weird, huh?"

Before Angus can start playing, Tionel approaches him. "Don't play here... I'm afraid the plants might hear. Though that raises a good question. Plants don't have ears, do they? Yet, they always seem to appreciate good music.. Maybe we can befriend them with your music, even, at some point." He laughs at that little joke.

Tionel takes up a position on the right side of the kids, and is very careful to watch the sides and houses, listening for anything coming. (Spot 19, listen 14)

Syr 
Saturday October 22nd, 2005 1:47:19 PM
To the druid, "You better be changing back, do we need to tie a string around one of your claws to remind you?"

Syr trudges along near the rear of the group, "You know, this deserted city is kinda suprising. I really would have thought some thieves would be around just for looting if nothing else. Those plants must have done a thorough job." He shivers at the thought of what must have happened to those that stayed.

DM George 
Saturday October 22nd, 2005 2:43:39 PM
Syr's speech comes to a close and he is quickly answered by the city. Xenia gasps in dismay and a child screams and points. When the others follow her finger, they see a horrible sight. Citizens of the Big Float seem to be coming towards them. Something is wrong with the way they are moving though. Their gate is unnatural. It is half limp and half walk. Their arms are outstretched and their faces are slack. Only their eyes seem alive. The are alive with hate.

When the group takes a second look, they see that the skin of the people has a greenish tinge. A quick look around identifies many foes coming out of allies, climbing out of windows, and shuffling out of doorways. Pity turns to horror as the numbers reveal themselves. Hundreds of citizens must have been infected by spores and turned into this state of living death.

It quickly becomes obvious that the group would be overwhelmed if they choose combat. The children would be killed and the city not saved. The merchant scoops up a toddler and yells, "Quickly we must get to the gateway. It is our only chance. Run! Run for your lives!"
He quickly follows his own advice and holding the girl starts running down the street towards a warehouse.

Xenia (HP 41/42)  d20=16 d20+18=27 d20+13=20
Saturday October 22nd, 2005 3:04:56 PM
"Greenies!" Xenia shouts the warning.

"Stars!!! It's, like, everyone. I mean, *everyone*!!!" The dark rogue scoops up two of the smallest children.

"Time to run, Kids! You remember the drill. Move fast. But don't move blind. Stay calm. Just keep moving!"

"Kyria?!!!" As she follows the Merchant, Xenia looks desperately around for the little blonde girl.

Rolls and Actions
STR 16
Spot 27
Listen 20

Florin Jadenth 
Saturday October 22nd, 2005 7:58:10 PM
Florin glances up to Tionel and speaks quickly to the man, "Tionel if you have some spell to slow them down like I believe the spell was called entangle or something. Can you cast in your bird form?"

Florin looks to the kids and yells out, "Run to the exit now kids! Do not look back and just run, try not to run over anyone else and if you can help anyone who falls."

Florin runs towards the way out now also, thinking things over in his head, knowing he stands no choice but to run, "Everyone make to the exit now."

(OOC:George, if the movement of the greenies is slow enough then Florin will try stopping and using whats left of his lamp oil and the alcohol he picked up from the GG to make atleast a small wall of flames to block the greenies or maybe slow them down.)

Florin calls to the gnome, "trust me little friend, if you have anything flamable or such that maybe of some use then it would be quite nice right now."

Wynn  d20+9=12
Saturday October 22nd, 2005 10:35:21 PM
The bard draws his longsword at the sound of the child's scream and he turns to where she is pointing. "Hurry children" he says as he marshals them along from the side. "Keep going, no matter what!" The bard prepares to defend the column of children if necessary.

Held action Hit AC=12 (miss) if any of the diseased citizens reaches the party.

Lang & Sunshine 
Sunday October 23rd, 2005 10:37:23 PM
Lang hears the scream of "Greenies" and scans the area and sees them approching from all side. Lang goes to draw his bow, but thinks twice about as all the hair on his new body stands on end in excitement of battle. Lang draws his short swords instead. "Sunshine defend" Lang calls to his trusty friend.

Langs sees that the situation is hopeless and calls to Xenia "Get the Kids to saftey. I will talke rear guard." Lang is itching for a fight with the plants, but that will have to wait for another time as he and Sunshine cover the retreat of the Shields and kids.

Angus: Mage Armor and Message 
Sunday October 23rd, 2005 10:41:15 PM
Angus is greatly concerned for his own skin and his friends at the arrival of all of the greenies. "Time to go Pek." As Angus graps his elbow and stears him toward the teleportation gates. "Unless you have something to take care of this plant horde in your little gab of tricks."

Angus takes a look over there big group and yells out "Lets get moving people. Kids it time to move it on the double. Come and keep up with me." Angus turns and moves off and keeps encouraging the kids to make the best speed.

Belkior 
Sunday October 23rd, 2005 11:46:19 PM
The halfling cleric's head whips around when the child screams. More of the diseased, created by the jungle, come to attack anyone who is still whole.

Belkior turns to his charges. "Quick! Stay with Xenia and Angus! No time to wait!".

The Healer tries to move the children along, keeping pace with the slowest and urging the faster along. With his mutated legs he could easily outpace the children but he wants to remain between them and the threat.

Suddenly, Belkior thinks of something. "Hey! Someone run ahead to check that the warehouse is safe!"


Syr 
Monday October 24th, 2005 2:41:05 AM
Syr curses once, "I HAD to ask..." Moving up beside Pek, he steadies the poison while running and winces thinking of the deadly poison bouncing against his chest. "I know we probably shouldn't waste the weed killer on these things but if you see an opportunity for the greater good... Let me know and I'll disperse it?" Knowing that his cargo is more important, the elf looks on as the others assume his normal position as the rear guard.


DM George 
Monday October 24th, 2005 6:29:58 PM
The group chides and hurries the orphans along, in some cases picking up the slower ones. Florin combines any oil with any alcohal he has and causes a low wall of flames to spread out on their flank to slow down the zombies citizens from that direction. Still more are coming from all directions quickly and the situation looks bleak.

The group after around 20 seconds of hustling get to the doors of the warehouse. The merchant slides the door open and starts waving children through. Once everyone is through, he slides it shut but with a look of dismay says, "This door isn't designed for defense. We won't be able to keep them out for long."

The group's quick action buys them several melee rounds headstart on the zombies but they are all still shambling forward.

A quick inspection of the interior of the warehouse shows a large mainly empty room. It its center are two wide and tall arches. (OOC Think Stonehenge) You can easily see through both of them but the one on the left seems to be shimmering. Almost like you see heat in the air over a fire.

Pek says, "I don't see the operator. They must have abandoned this place or been consumed buy the spores. It looks like we are in luck. The gate connecting the Big Float to the Plateau City is operational."

Please everyone make a spot check dc 20


Belkior  d20+5=25
Monday October 24th, 2005 8:12:20 PM
The halfling cleric looks around the interior of the warehouse, peering into the corners and shadows. Belkior had suggested scoutign the building before entering, but this examination may be just as useful.
Spot = 25

"Okay, let's get the children ready to go through the teleportal."

Belkior calls his group of children over for a pep talk.

"Children, we've done really well so far, getting up the stairs and into here without anyone being injured. You've been a great help to me, keeping everyone well."

"Now, we're going to send all of you through the portal but I'm going to be staying back to make sure you get through. I think you know why," Belkior says as he gestures towards the entrance of the building. "Stay together and pay attention to whoever does go through with you. Above all, look after each other."

Spells
0 - DC 14 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Mending, Purify Food & Drink (2)
1- DC 15 - Bless(2), Sanctuary, Shield of Faith (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - DC 16 - Bear's Endurance*, Bull's Strength, Delay Poison, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - DC 17 - Create Food & Water(2), Prayer (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast


Xenia (HP 41/42)  d20+18=32 d20+3=9
Monday October 24th, 2005 9:57:50 PM
Xenia hugs both of the children before setting them down on the ground before the simmering gate.

"Wait here kids. With the others around the portal," she says. The dark rogue eyes the big empty room. "Anybody know how this thing works?"

"Kay," she calls to the woman, "you all set to go through? Where's the controls to this thing? Everyone set to go through?"

She walks by Florin, and almost casually whispers as she passes. "I'm not sure I like this, Florin. How sure are we that this thing goes to Plateau City? I mean, it's not like we have much choice. But ... framblation, without someone controlling the thing, it could go anywhere."

"Ohhhh." Xenia stalks off. Hands on hips she plants herself in front of the shimmering portal. Head tipped to the side, the rogue tries for a glimpse of what's on the other side.

Rolls and Actions
Spot 32
Knowledge Local 9 (I think this means, that Xenia has nothing but the vaguest idea how this thing works.)

Wynn  d20+6=18 d20+8=18
Monday October 24th, 2005 10:24:20 PM
Wynn ushers the last of the children into the warehouse and helps close and secure the doors when everyone is in. A quick glance around reveals nothing more than the portals and the room full of children [spot=18]. When Xenia starts fussing over the portal Wynn tries to calm her down. "I've been through one of these to get here from the Red Hills. When they shimmer like that they are active, and you simply walk through. I don't think anyone has to be at the controls." [Bardic Knowledge=18]. "We may want to think about closing it down from the other side when we get there to prevent any of the diseased from getting through."

Tionel (Sub/Al)  d20+7=24
Tuesday October 25th, 2005 3:30:50 PM
Coming in on the right side of the group of orphans, Tionel carefully looks about for more of the infected people. (Spot 24)

"Isn't the Temple of Alemi on Gold Level too? I wonder whether something happened to them? They know how to cure this green disease. I hope we won't be bringing anything to Plateau City with us."

Florin Jadenth 
Tuesday October 25th, 2005 3:38:27 PM
Florin looks to everyone and then the warehouse person before sighing deeply and motioning to the shimmering gate like object, "We have no choice but to go no matter what. We all go for staying here is a death trap."

Florin looks to the warehouse man and nods to him, "Your coming too, I won't let anyone just stay here to die and those things will get in soon."

Florin pulls his sword, glancing to the Woldian runes spelling out Glimmer and looks to everyone, "Start in, I will go through last. No argueing either, I'm the leader and in charge of seeing you all through safely. If they break through I will do my best to hold them off till each of you are through and will follow once each of you are safe."

Florin expecting Jella to argue looks to Syr and nods to his friend, whispering as silently as possible and in elven, "Take her to safty Syr my friend. I'll follow soon and keep her safe for me."

Angus  d20+2=13
Tuesday October 25th, 2005 4:48:39 PM
Angus scans the room for a way to operate the gate (spot 13) but is too distracted by the greenies on his tail to make an effective search. Angus starts counting the kids to make sure they all made it and starts to reassure them that things will soon be better.

Angus looks to Florin and calming says "Watch your words as there is no need to scare the kids. A bit of confidence may be the order of the day."

Lang and Sunshine  d20+8=24
Tuesday October 25th, 2005 4:51:23 PM
Lang and Sunshine are the last in the warehouse and he glares at the plant creatures as the doors close. "Another time." Lang whispers under his breath.

"We have the door. Defend Sunshine" and Lang plants himself 10 feet from the door, but scans the room (spot 24) for more plant creatures or anything interesting.

Syr 
Tuesday October 25th, 2005 7:39:10 PM
Syr looks blankly as Florin whispers in Elven. He shrugs helplessly to show he doesn't understand then sees Florin's look at Jella and gets the idea. Placing a hand on her small shoulders to guide her through he joins the others on the trek.

DM George 
Tuesday October 25th, 2005 9:57:54 PM
The group gathers the children and slams the warehouse door shut and several stand guard while some prepare for the zombies to make an appearance.

Belkior, Xenia and several others spot a stained portion of the floor. Upon closer inspection they realize it is a bloodtrail. It doesn't take a skilled tracker to see that someone was killed and their body dragged through another set of warehouse doors on the other side of the building. In the middle of the bloodtrail they see, a wand with a jewel at the end of it.

Xenia quickly glances back at the portal where see noticed a slot that looks conviently like a key hole.

The children jump and several cry when they hear a loud slamming sound. It sounds like several bodies have slammed into the warehouse door which they group originally came through. Moaning and pounding soon follow at the zombies start trying to force the door.

Xenia (HP 41/42)  d20+13=31
Tuesday October 25th, 2005 10:23:59 PM
What if this Gate thing doesn't go to Plateau City?!?!? What if Plateau City is full of plant monsters too?!?!?

*BANG* Another slam against the door. There's really not much choice.

Cool. Cool, Xenia. Take things cool. Don't spook the kids. You'll just get them hurt.

Her heart beats a trip hammer in her chest, but the dark rogue steps quickly to the wand in the middle of the blood trail.

"Florin," she whispers, terse with intensity, "we gotta talk about this leadership thing when we have time. I think you have it all wrong."

Then the rogue is comparing the jewel in the wand to the keyhole. A match could mean this thing makes it work. Otherwise ... it's time to get out the picks and see about jimmying this thing.

Rolls and Actions
Open Lock 31

Belkior  d20+5=12
Wednesday October 26th, 2005 4:22:40 AM
The halfling cleric stands between his charges and the doorway. Belkior looks around the warehouse, attempting to see if there are other entrances that the zombies may use. If their brains haven't been fully consumed by the plants growing inside their skulls. And he's particularly worried about that blood-trail. But he's too worried to really concentrate on finding things.
Spot = 12

"Kids, remember what I said. Stay together. Look after each other. Follow the instructions of whoever goes through with you." It seems that belkior is reciting these things as much for his own benefit as for the children.

The Healer then takes a moment to rummage through his HHHaversack. He pulls forth three or four flasks and holds them out to the Shields.

"I still have some Antitoxin here. Who wants it in case we end up fighting those purple orc things again?"

Spells
0 - DC 14 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Mending, Purify Food & Drink (2)
1- DC 15 - Bless(2), Sanctuary, Shield of Faith (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - DC 16 - Bear's Endurance*, Bull's Strength, Delay Poison, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - DC 17 - Create Food & Water(2), Prayer (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast



Wynn 
Wednesday October 26th, 2005 8:08:20 AM
The bard scans the warehouse for items that might be used to bar the door and delay the intruders for just a little bit longer. If he finds anything he will start pushing it against the door and ask for his companions assistance at the task.

Angus: Mage Armor and message 
Wednesday October 26th, 2005 9:17:34 AM
Angus moves over to the gate and readies Lightning bolt. "Leave me a clear path to the door so I can fry as many as possible, if need be."

Angus notices that Xenia has the key. "Hey girl, lets see where you can take us. This frying pan is about to get much hotter."

Lang & Sunshine 
Wednesday October 26th, 2005 9:21:07 AM
Upon hearing Angus's warning, Lang moves himslef and Sunshine out of his line of sight and back toward the platform. Lang grips his short swords even tighter, still amazed at his his new found strenght. "Are we staying or going!??! We do not know who the gate works and it may take time to get through!" Lang barks out his question, still keeping his attention on the banging and the intact door (for now)."

Florin Jadenth 
Wednesday October 26th, 2005 1:24:04 PM
Florin looks back to Xenia and simply shakes his head, wishing he could get her to understand that he sees his leadership position as also meaning he must see each of his friends safe, no matter the cost.

Florin looks to Lang and then Angus, "If that wand Xenia has works you will go ahead of me. I expect no questions on this."

Florin also steps over to where Xenia found the blood trail and frowns, wondering if something is already in here with them. He whispers to Xenia in hush tones as to keep it between them, "If that works Xenia then get that thing fired and you all get moving. I don't like the idea of this blood here."

Florin thinks and looks to Lang, "If there are some crates or something in here we might beable to block this door more to slow these things down more." Florin is running low on ideas on how to slow these things down since he can't kill them all and he knows one man standing alone or even all them is not going to work.

(Scott: Sorry about the one post. I forgot Syr didn't know elven. My bad.)

Tionel (Sub/Al)  d20=16
Wednesday October 26th, 2005 5:10:28 PM
"Maybe there's some sort of spell involved." Tionel peers over Xenia's shoulder from behind. If that's a key, it looks a lot like a wand. He examines the wand with a trained eye.

Spellcraft 16 (Once again, no character sheet. Please add Tionel's Mod to this roll, DM.)

Syr 
Wednesday October 26th, 2005 6:26:54 PM
Perplexed, he approaches Tionel, "So.. the wand activates the gate? I thought wands all needed a word to be said?"

He hangs around the gate and the children, "That's it, everyone form a line." He nds down to their level to reassure each that everything wil be okay.

Wynn  d20+6=13
Wednesday October 26th, 2005 7:23:06 PM
The bard backs away from the outer door at Angus' dire warning and turns his attention to the door through which the blood trail leads. If that door is unlocked, Wynn will open it and have a look inside.[Spot=13]

DM George 
Wednesday October 26th, 2005 7:40:35 PM
The merchant will come up and inspect the wand. He will look into Xenia's eyes and say, "That is the key for our side of the gate." He points at the gate that isn't shimmering and continues. "Each city controls their side. Security against invasion. Typically only one gate is open at a time. Helps with wagon traffic, tolls and inspections. Right now the gate to the Plateau City is open. All we have to do is step through."

He pauses and glances at Pek, "The problem will be getting back. If no one is here to turn on the gate, then we won't be able to travel back. Not sure how you will administer the potion to the vines and free the city."

Pek overheres the conversation and a look of anxiety crosses his face. The gnome says, "We have to free the city! Send the children through. The authorities on the other side will take care of them. We need to get to the open air level. Who knows when someone will be around to activate the return gate?"

More and more hammering is hitting the doors. It doesn't look like the zombies are smart enough to just open the doors. Still the doors are rattling very hard and the wood is starting to splinter in places.

Belkior 
Wednesday October 26th, 2005 9:03:09 PM
The halfling cleric looks back and forth between the door, the teleportal and the groups of children clustered around the Shields.

"Florin! Let's start sending some children through with the guards, the merchant, Happy and Kay. They can keep the children together while we hold off the plant zombies!"

Belkior begins moving his cluster of children towards the portal, urging them along with hushed orders. When they get close, he finishes with, "Be brave, all of you. We'll be along soon to look after you."

With that, Belkior urges the first of his charges into the portal.

Spells
0 - DC 14 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Mending, Purify Food & Drink (2)
1- DC 15 - Bless(2), Sanctuary, Shield of Faith (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - DC 16 - Bear's Endurance*, Bull's Strength, Delay Poison, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - DC 17 - Create Food & Water(2), Prayer (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast



Xenia (HP 41/42) 
Wednesday October 26th, 2005 9:56:54 PM
Xenia jams the wand into her belt.

"Kay? Kay, here, take this." Xenia hands the woman a small sack with 500 gold pieces in it. "You take care of them, alright? When you get settled, send us a message at the Giggling Ghost. Wherever we set up after this is over, we'll get it."

The rogue throws her arms around Kay and takes her in a hug. "Take care of 'um. Please."

Then Xenia finds the little blonde girl she had befriended, it seems so very long ago.

"You mind Kay now, you her," Xenia looks down into the girl's blue eyes. "We'll see you guys again, alright? When things are all better again. And we'll go buy candy again. And you can pick out some for all your friends." She pulls the little girl into an embrace. "But until that time, you be good now, Kyria. I love you little Punkin."

With one last kiss to little Kyria's forehead, Xenia turns the girl to the gate and gives her a push to move her along. With a savage twist of her head, she tears herself away, running a gloved finger along her cheek to wipe something away.

"Wynn!" she calls after the bard. "Is there another way out that way? Someplace we could sneak out?"

Angus: Mage Armor and Message  d20+2=7
Thursday October 27th, 2005 5:35:10 PM
Angus frown when he hears the merchant and Pek discuss sending the kids through without any Shields. "Well it may have to happen that way." Angus grumbles to himself.

Angus scans the warehouse looking for a way to climb (spot 7)or a way aout but is distracted by the zombies banging on the door.

Lang and Sunshine 
Thursday October 27th, 2005 5:55:41 PM
Lang takes another step back from the door and yells behind him. "Get the kids to safety!"

Lang checks the door to see how long it might hold and yells again. "What are we doing people, the greenies will not wait forever." Secretly Lang thinks to himself 'let them come...'



Syr 
Thursday October 27th, 2005 6:59:28 PM
Syr's eyes go wide at seeing 'small' sack with 500 gps. Thinking to himself, that looks heavy, it must weigh 50lbs or so....

Focusing back on the task at hand, "You know, that is a good point, What IF we are sending them into danger? we'll never know? Why not just activate our side of the gate and someone drop through and then immediately return. Whatever we do, we have to decide quickly. Heck, whoever goes could even summon help?"

Tionel (Sub/Al) 
Thursday October 27th, 2005 7:00:32 PM
Tionel scratches her head and shrugs as the Merchant confirms what he had suspected.

"Some things may look like wand, Syr," he replies, "but in this case, I guess it's a key."

"Follow the adults." Tionel stands on the other side of the children, helping to get them ready to go through.


DM George 
Thursday October 27th, 2005 9:17:58 PM
The group agonizes on which way to go. Should they send just the children through? Should they activate the other gate so they could return. Will they be sending hordes of greenies to the Plateau City after them?

Only Xenia seems to have made up her mind. She starts saying goodbye to her friends. At her goodbye, Kay seems to find strength. She grabs the hands of two little ones and looks back at the others. "Remember how we practiced? Everyone join hands." As the chain is forming, the brave women leads the children forward into the gate. Just before she disappears, she looks into Xenia's eyes and says, "Don't be a hero. These kids need more than one mother."

Then she is gone and the children quickly follow her in. The two soldiers looking relieved and a little apprehensive march to the gate. "As the city watch, it is our responsibility to watch over our citizens. We will keep them safe."

Lastly the merchant strides forward, "I will remember you. I owe you. I will find a home for the orphans. I will take care of them. Look for me at my Master's business office. His name is Piska Tallif." He words echo as he is swallowed up by the gate.

As the children were hurrying through the gates, the hammering grew in intensiity, power and noise. As the merchant steps through, the door buckles in and collapses. A sea of Greenies are on the other side and they look hungry.

The other side of the warehouse is still quiet. The door stands closed but empty of threat. Well no threat, minus the bloodtrail.

Xenia (HP 41/42) 
Thursday October 27th, 2005 10:22:23 PM
Xenia's bottom lip quivers ever so slightly as the last child walks through to what she hopes is a better life.

And then Green Hell bursts through the door.

"ALRIGHT! LEADER TIME, FLORIN!!! What we gonna do here! We can run for Plateau City and have them close the gate behind us! We can jink out the backdoor! Or we can stand and fight the sea of Greenies! ANY OTHER OPTIONS?!?!?"

"Hurry up and decide! Cause if we stay, I gotta shut down this Gate!!!"

Wynn  d20+2=17
Thursday October 27th, 2005 10:58:15 PM
Wynn tries the door again. The one through which the blood trail leads. "Xenia, come give this door a try. It won't open for me," he calls out. For good measure, he digs his shoulder in and tries to force the door. (Strength Check=17)



Angus: mage Armor and Message  7d6(3+2+5+6+2+2+3)=23 d20+2=15
Thursday October 27th, 2005 11:52:10 PM
Angus calls to Xenia. "Try to close the gate and lets get out of here. Is there a way out of here?!?"

There is a crack of thunder as Angus lets loose a bolt of lightning (DC 19 23 or 12 damage). Angus will make sure he does nto get any friendlies and gets the maximum of greenies, but still leaves himself time to retreat.

Angus will fall back looking for an escape route (spot 15)

OOC: George can we have a map. I do not understand the lay out. What door is closed?

Lang and Sunshine 
Thursday October 27th, 2005 11:56:03 PM
Lang sees that there are just too many plants even for him "We must fall back! does this place have a back door?"

Lang and Sunshine move back from the splintered door. Lang and Sunshine each reflexly duck when the lightning bolt goes off.

Tionel (Sub/Al)  d3=2
Friday October 28th, 2005 9:44:59 AM
"Do we want to hurt them?" Tionel calls out on the heels of Angus' blast of lightening. "They're people just like us. They can be cured." Tionel struggles to think of something that could stop the Greenies without killing them. But it's so hard to come up with anything.

Instead, Tionel retreats and begins a spell to call on some help.

(Cast Summon Nature's Ally III Burn a 3rd Level Spell. I'm working without a CS. Assuming Tionel is a 7th level Druid. Next round, two Hippogriffs appear in locations strategic to blocking the progress of the Greenies, and they attack.)

Syr (62/62 AC19/18) 
Friday October 28th, 2005 7:37:13 PM
Syr barks quickly at Xenia, "Calm down woman, remember what the merchant said? Maybe I'm misinterpeting but we can only open and shut the gate coming FROM Plateau city. We have no control over the the one leaving. Therefore nothing for us to shut down."

Looking over at the strangely quiet Florin he steps up sticking out his chest and says in a commanding voice, "Here is what we are gonna do: The kids are safe or at least their fate is decided, no sense worrying about them now. The guards will have warned the folks at Plateau City. I'm guessing they will leave this gate open until the first greenie comes through."

Pausing for a hurried breath, "That will be our last option for escape. The priority now is righting this ship and saving any people left on OUR city."

Syr looks over to Pek, "What did you say would happen if we applied the poison, although not too much, to these green things? Would it cure or kill?" He hands the pouches back to the Alchemist. "I think I'm going to need all my mobility. Also, you got anything in that bag of tricks that will help our situation?"

Looking at the group, "We gotta bust outta here." Glancing over at the muttering druid, "I THINK Tionel is getting us some help so we have a short time. Belkie, hop over in the middle of everyone and see if you can cast a spell that will either protect everyone from that disease or help us in battle? After that, everyone head for the closed door. Hopefully, we aren't jumping out of the pan but I'd rather chance the unknown than fight the greenies. Lang and Florin, you hang in the back. If we do need to aboutface then summon your charger and the two of you try to clear and path and break through the greenies with your size."

Turning to the frantic Xenia, "You and Wynn up front, if Tionel buys us enough time, I want to know what's on the other side of that bloody door before going through. Lang, can you and Sunshine cover Pek? Everyone else in the middle. LET'S MOVE PEOPLE!"



Belkior (AC 22; HP 40) - Bless 
Friday October 28th, 2005 9:13:34 PM
The halfling cleric decides to bolster his companions strength and resistance to fear. Belkior calls on his connection to Alemi and casts Bless. When he does so, his Pearl of Power flares briefly.

Then Belkior moves to close up with his companions. As he does so, he wields his mace.

"Whatever we do, let's stick together! Nobody running off by themselves where we can't protect each other!"

Active Effects
Bless - +1 Attack & vs. Fear, 60 rounds

Items
Pearl of Power - used today

Spells
0 - DC 14 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Mending, Purify Food & Drink (2)
1- DC 15 - Bless(2), Sanctuary, Shield of Faith (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - DC 16 - Bear's Endurance*, Bull's Strength, Delay Poison, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - DC 17 - Create Food & Water(2), Prayer (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast



Florin Jadenth 
Friday October 28th, 2005 11:58:54 PM
(OOC:Sorry for not posting sooner people. We got our new computer here and we been setting it up. I really didn't expect it to have as many things to fine tune and tweak with before having it ready. Heck we had trouble getting into the Wold at first because Norton was blocking it.)

Florin looks to the gate, the greenies and the back of the area where th blood trail goes and can't help but think that trouble is waiting back there somewhere. He takes a deep breath and looks to Syr when he steps up and gives orders, nodding to Syr before pointing to the blood trail, "Lets hope what caused that isn't something big and mean or alot of them then."

Florin stays silent now but keeps his sword ready and is glad he has kept it out this whole time. He doesn't like the thought of all those greenies behind him and maybe something infront of him.

Xenia (HP 41/42) 
Saturday October 29th, 2005 6:10:25 PM
"You just calm your own self down, Syrdeth Redbow," Xenia fires back. "He said each city controls their side, he didn't say it couldn't be shut down from this side. That would be stupid. Why build something that could only be shut down from one side?"

"And I'm not gonna let even one of those Greenies through this gate. It's not just the Greenies. It's the spores. You wanna count on them knowing about the spores on the other side? You wanna let one of those plant things bust outta the back of that one Greenie's head and start the whole thing going over in Plateau City. Forget you!"

"Gate's coming down! Too late! We're staying!" The rogue jams the wand into the keyhole, before running off to join Wynn. Fram, hope this works.

DM George 
Saturday October 29th, 2005 11:08:45 PM
The doors fall and the greenies start pushing into the room. Angus's lightning reaches out and downs many of the plant zombies. At least 20 fall to the stroke but 3 times that number seems ready to take the fallen's place.

Belkior casts a bless and everyone feels momentarily better and feels like the can fight more efficiently.

Tionel also casts a spell and summons two hippogriffs which will appear next round.

Lang also decides to retreat moving towards the closed door.

Xenia tries to stick the wand into the active gate and realizes that it doesn't fit. She fiddles for a few seconds and quickly realizes that she can't turn off the gate from this side.

As she backs away in anger the active gate makes a strange buzzing sound and seems to go dead. Xenia doesn't think she had anything to do with it but isn't totally sure.

Syr steps forward and assumes a leadership role. He asks Pek if the plant poison can be used on the Greenies. Pek replies, "It might work but we can't do it. We barely have enough right now to free the city. We can't use it all now

Florin concurs in Syr's orders and starts moving to the still closed doors.

Wynn makes it to the door and throws a bolt that is keeping the door closed.

Pek outright runs towards the doors in a straight spring. He starts pushing them open as after Wynn unlocks it.

The doors swing open to reveal another street. Vines cover the street but no monsters are currently in sight.

Xenia (HP 41/42)  d20+11=21 d20+18=32 d20+13=22
Sunday October 30th, 2005 2:57:11 PM
"Gates Closed!" Xenia calls out so all can hear. "We're gone!"

Tearing across the floor, the rogue hits the door and gives the street a good look.

"I'll take point again. Who's gonna back me up?"

"Which way, Pek?" she asks, and then heads off in that direction, creeping at an accelerated speed from cover to cover.

Rolls and Actions
Spot 32
Listen 22
Hide 21 (-5 For Full Range of Movement)

Wynn  d20+6=8 d20+2=17
Monday October 31st, 2005 12:26:15 AM
"Right behind you Xenia" Wynn calls out as he follows Xenia into the streets. [Spot=8, Listen=17]

Angus: Mage Armor and Message 
Monday October 31st, 2005 10:02:23 AM
Angus does not like that his lightning bolt did not stop the onslaught. "Time to leave." Angus turns tail and runs for the door, following everyne else.

Lang & Sunshine  d20+8=19
Monday October 31st, 2005 10:06:53 AM
Lang sees that he will be overwhelmed if he stays to cut down the green filth, much that he wants too. It is better to live to uproot more of the scum later.

"Sunshine Heel." Lang barks and the big bugbear retreats with the rest of the shields. Lang keeps rear guard and slams the door closes when everyone is out. Lang also looks for a way to bar or secure the door (spot 19).

Syr 
Monday October 31st, 2005 3:35:52 PM
Syr raises an eyebrow at Xenia and watches as she fiddles with the gate without commenting. As it shuts down, he turns away and quickly catches the others near the door. Staying behind Pek, he jogs along easily keeping his eyes moving looking for any signs of trouble.

He winks once at Florin and gives the elf a quick smile to reassure the paladin that everything is fine.

Belkior (AC 22; HP 40) - Bless  d20+5=23
Monday October 31st, 2005 8:57:50 PM
The halfling cleric runs out into the street with his companions. Keep up, keep up, Belkior thinks to himself. At least his mutation is good for something.

Spot = 23

Active Effects
Bless - +1 Attack & vs. Fear, 59 rounds

Items
Pearl of Power - used today

Spells
0 - DC 14 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Mending, Purify Food & Drink (2)
1- DC 15 - Bless(2), Sanctuary, Shield of Faith (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - DC 16 - Bear's Endurance*, Bull's Strength, Delay Poison, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - DC 17 - Create Food & Water(2), Prayer (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast


Florin Jadenth 
Monday October 31st, 2005 10:02:40 PM
Florin moves after the others and glances back over his shoulder now and then before sighing and hoping Jella and the others are okay on the otherside of the portal. He keeps his Glimmer his trustly sword in hand though knowing it will be needed if anything happens.

(Hate to ask this but can someone send me a copy of Florin's CS? My new computer has a CD burner and such but no disk drive for disks which is where Florin's CS is on.)

DM George 
Monday October 31st, 2005 10:36:31 PM
The doors open and the group spills onto the street. Looking back they can see the plant zombies giving chase but the mutation has slowed them and the best they can manage is a shamble.

Pek leads the group towards one of the southern pillars away from the zombies, and the greenies are quickly lost from sight. Besides the occassionaly stumble, the group has no problems getting to their destination.

The climb is difficult, but through the previous teamwork, the Crimson Shields have mastered climbing through the tough sections of the pillar. It goes much faster when you aren't pulling up a group of orphans.

The group enters the open level and a blue sky greets them. Spotted clouds dot the horizon but it is a beautiful day. Then they noise hits them. As the group moves towards the tilt, the vista opens up. They can see first hand the refugee camp planted on the shoreline. Thousands of people are camped there, hiding behind quickly erected fortifications. Still the numbers seem low. It looks like thousands more have died.

As the group nears the edge, they see huge vines attached to the city, straining against it. The vines are as thick as 100 year old oak trees and they stretch away into the jungle.

Tionel 
Monday October 31st, 2005 11:06:35 PM
(Back from vacation... thank you, Al, for taking over for me)
"Looks like we're here. And now, we poison the vines. I guess. Look at how few people there are left..." Tionel gazes across the shoreline mournfully. "Let me try a little spell, then I'll start summoning creatures, since no doubt, we'll be needing them as soon as you drop the poison."

Tionel casts Diminish Plants as soon as the alchemist applies his poison, hoping to combine the effects to deal a devastating blow to the plants. (Centers it as far down into the base of the vines as possible)

Wynn [AC=19; HP=52] 
Monday October 31st, 2005 11:56:43 PM
"I will volunteer to make my way to the other side with one of the skins of poison" volunteers the bard. "I can run down the vine and if Tionel could fly along side we could make sure that the poison is delivered to where the vines are anchored on the other side."

Wynn looks down at the lake, "If I should fall, my ring will make the decent easy and I will at least find out if any of this is of benefit." The half elf sweeps his hair from his neck, exposing the as yet untested gills.

If the others agree, Wynn will down a potion of Cat's Grace, shoulder one of the skins of poison, and climb up onto the vine.

Xenia (HP 41/42)  d20+18=35 d20+13=21 d20+11=23
Tuesday November 1st, 2005 8:18:05 AM
Never been up so high in her life. You could just slide right down the tilt of the Wold and fall into the lake below.

Xenia shakes off the notion with a quick blink of her eyes. She draws the shortbow, eyes scanning the Open Level for danger.

Then a thought strikes her.

"Um, Wynn? Guys?" She holds the weapon up for all to see, the curved piece of carved wood strung with animal gut. "Ever see a what happens when a bow string snaps?" The rogue points at the gargantuan vines. "Be careful, Wynn. If there looks like there's any tesion on the vines, you don't go out there. The vine could whip. I mean. Maybe." Xenia's green eyes are filled with worry and doubt.

"Whatever happens. Be ready." Then she goes back to her scouting position as the group works their way toward the vines.

Rolls and Actions
Spot 35
Listen 21
Hide 23 (-5 for full range of movement)

Angus: Mage Armor & Message 
Tuesday November 1st, 2005 8:46:42 AM
Angus admires the view, but it is sobering to see the refugee camp on the defensive.

Following Xenia's train of thought. "I am less worried about the vine snapping back as to what will happen to the city when we release the pressure. It could be devestating."

Angus looks to Pek. "How long will the poison take to effect the vines? Do we have time to seek cover, as I do not want to be catapulted off the roof." Angus absentmindly pats the pouch carrying his flying potion.

Belkior (AC 22; HP 40) - Bless  d20+5=9
Tuesday November 1st, 2005 1:38:36 PM
The halfling cleric stands in the middle of the Shields, ready to aid any of his companions.

Belkior speaks to his companions, "I can cast Bull's Strength to help anyone climbing. Otherwise, I'll keep an eye out for any trouble heading our way."

Unfortunately, Belkior is too distracted by the tilt of the City to notice much.
Spot = 9

OOC - I'm not certain how much time has passed, or even if the Bless spell is still up.

Active Effects
Bless - +1 Attack & vs. Fear, 6 minutes from the escape from the warehouse

Items
Pearl of Power - used today

Spells
0 - DC 14 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Mending, Purify Food & Drink (2)
1- DC 15 - Bless(2), Sanctuary, Shield of Faith (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - DC 16 - Bear's Endurance*, Bull's Strength, Delay Poison, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - DC 17 - Create Food & Water(2), Prayer (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast


DM George 
Tuesday November 1st, 2005 3:40:29 PM
OOC Figure that it took 30 minutes to get to the open air level.

Florin Jadenth 
Tuesday November 1st, 2005 6:49:37 PM
(OOC:George and Al, thank you for sending me a copy of Florin's CS.)

Florin looks to the others and takes in a deep breath since this has been quite aways to go in his heavy armor and with all the vines making it uneasy also.

Looking out over the vines Florin thinks and nods, "It your show now Pek, if you think Wynn should go across with the poison then he's willing to go from the sounds, if you prefer to go and us take care of this end then okay also."

Florin glances back the way they came and sighs before looking towards Syr and speaking to him, "Syr, it might be a good idea to find a place we can hold up or something if we aren't done before those things cetchup finally."

Syr 
Tuesday November 1st, 2005 6:52:08 PM
Assessing the situation, "Hey Pek, do we have to apply the poison to the base or will doing it here affect the whole... plant? Is it even one plant? Tionel, do you know if all of these vines are from one plant or many?"

"Good point Xenia, do ya think we should tie ourselves down first?"

Xenia (HP 41/42) (2nd Illegal Post) 
Tuesday November 1st, 2005 7:37:20 PM
The dark rogue thinks about the situation for a bit.

"Dunno, Syr. Only time I ever been in something like this was when the City began to tip in the first place. I mean, you got the ground movin' around right. But, you also got things flying through the air. I think being tied down would be a bad thing. Good way to get crushed."

"Hate to say it. But looks to me like the best way out if things go really bad sounds like straight down. I mean, jump and hope the water is soft. I hope I'm wrong. The place used to float right? Around the lake. You ever heard that? I mean, you figure something that moves around like that has got some magic that keeps it from moving too fast and shaking everything around, huh?"

"I hope."

Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=9 d20+6=22
Tuesday November 1st, 2005 9:57:21 PM
Lang & Sunshine wait to see what happens when the acid hits the vines. He hopes the pain is intense to whatever controls the vines. The joy that will bring to him is unmeasureable.

Listen 9/13
Spot 22/26

DM George 
Tuesday November 1st, 2005 10:09:39 PM
Pek looks at his wine skins and then at his volunteers. He scans out the shoreline and then relooks at his volunteers. He clears his throat and says, "I think this might be a rough ride but I am worried about interference from the junlge if we do it slowly. If we hit the four biggest vines all at once, then we stand a better chance. I have a fly potion that I brewed for the occassion. I plan on taking it and administering the poison from the air. Can any of you also fly? Levitate? I expect the poison to work quickly, but it could take up to a minute or longer for the vines to give way."

He smiles and hands Wynn a skin. "I need two more volunteers."

Syr 
Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 1:42:27 AM
Stepping forward, "I'm ground bound but I'll volunteer if need be?" The elf smiles at his own rhyme. He looks over at Angus and Tionel, the two that he knows can get off the ground.

Tionel  d20+10=21
Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 6:30:12 AM
"As you have seen, I can fly in animal form. But I have a few spells that may be more effective, especially since they are druid spells, that can affect these plants. And animals I can summon. But only in human form, I'm afraid," Tionel tells the alchemist. "As far as the plants... hrmm..."
Tionel scans the plants, trying to figure out if they all belong to one single source, or if they are indeed many separate individuals. (Knowledge: Nature 21)


Belkior (AC 22; HP 40) 
Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 7:37:21 AM
The halfling cleric nervously looks around at both the vines and the tile of the city.

"Ahhh ... those of us who aren't flying or administering the poison should probably get somewhere safe. Or maybe rope down."

Glancing at Florin, Belkior continues. "Just a suggestion, of course."

Continuing to look around, Belkior thinks of something else. "Ahhh ... it's too bad that we can't warn the entire City that there might be a whole lot of shaking going on, real soon."

"Before all of you head over the side, can I invoke a Prayer to Alemi to aid you in your efforts?"

Items
Pearl of Power - used today

Spells
0 - DC 14 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Mending, Purify Food & Drink (2)
1- DC 15 - Bless(2), Sanctuary, Shield of Faith (D - Cure Light Wounds)
2 - DC 16 - Bear's Endurance*, Bull's Strength, Delay Poison, Spiritual Weapon (D - Aid)
3 - DC 17 - Create Food & Water(2), Prayer (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast


Wynn [AC=21, HP=52]  d20+8=19 d20+8=21 d20+8=17 d20+8=27 d20+8=13 d20+8=20 d20+8=16 d20+8=13 d20+8=25
Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 7:38:18 AM
The bard takes the waterskin with it's toxic liquid, consumes his vial of Cat's Grace and begins his journey down the length of the vine. [Balance Rolls of 19, 21, 17, 27, 13, 20, 16, 13, 25 - moving half my speed would let me get over 100 feet down the vine in 9 turns]. He looks back over his shoulder "an equal portion to the base of each of 4 vines, right?" he calls back.

DM George Illegal post 
Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 8:22:34 AM
Pek looks at Wynn and says, "No you only need to put it on the vines that are attached to this end. Who knows whats on the other. The base of these things must be monsterous and I don't think we have enough toxin."

Angus: Mage Armor and Message 
Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 10:07:09 AM
Angus pulls out one of his scrolls (fly) and announces "I am ready. How are we going to apply the toxin and is it dangerous to us?"

Angus looks to the other shields. "We may want to take a few moments to warn any souls that are not infected with the plant disease that the city may experience some turbulence shortly. Time to find shelter or get out of town and quick."

Xenia (41/42) 
Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 10:30:01 AM
Xenia worries her lower lip at the prospect of what they are about to do. The energies they may unleash just seem so ... way beyond them. Like kids playing around with a necklace of fireballs.

"Hey, um, do you really think we should be doing this?" she asks, now the full realization of the enormity of what that they are about to do rolls over her like a wave. "I mean, has anybody talked to anybody? What if, maybe, what if, like, the Overlord's got plans for bringing the City up herself? I mean, what if we wreck stuff by doing this?"

"I mean, all we got is the word of this one gnome guy who wants to test out his plant-poison-acid-stuff. No offense, Pek."

Down below on the distant strip of beach, the folks continue their fight to survive against the Crying Woods.

Oh fram.

"Oh fram ... " she says out loud. "Those folks down there need someplace to go. And quick. Lets do it."

The Seal!

"Hey Belkie. I just remembered. I got one of those Seals. You know the one you used when we were fighting the Purple Orcs? The one that made us all Fly? If this stuff works, and the city starts to go. Up or Down, you never know. I can hit the Seal and we can scram outta whatever happens."

The rogue pictures all the angles in her head.

"You know, I think if we want that to work, we all need to be upon on the wall with the guys doing the plant poisoning. Lets do it."

Xenia climbs up near the vine down which Wynn has walked. She stands ready to slap the Seal in the case the City should break into violent motion.

Wynn [Illegal Post] 
Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 6:13:10 PM
"So where do you want this applied?" Wynn asks with a perplexed look. "I thought you said we had to attack both ends of a vine to make it release the city.'

Lang & Sunshine  d20+6=18 d20+6=20
Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 7:31:50 PM
"Should we assist in the destruction of the vines by attacking the area that gets the acid with swords or axes? Or is the stuff strong enough to do the job itself?"

Lang looks for a place nearby where he can get some protection if the gnome's stuff works.

Listen 18/22
Spot 20/24

Florin Jadenth 
Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 9:57:09 PM
Florin looks to the others and nods as he thinks this over, "Okay, we really need to find some place safe so lets get going on this. If we have enough rope we'll work our way down if not then we find someplace safe here or even better maybe be going to that shore over there that way what happens to the float won't drowned us for sure."

DM George "Anybody ever play catapult? 
Wednesday November 2nd, 2005 10:54:00 PM
Xenia steps forward and shows Florin the seal. She explains it is of flying and it will effect the entire party. She has it held as a ready action in case the party needs it.

Some think of trying to warn the city of what they are going to try and do. They quickly realize that there is no practical way to accomplsh this. Do they go door to door in a city that housees 50,000 citizens. They realize they have to hope for the best.

Angus quaffs his flying potion, takes up a wine skin and goes to the directed vine.

Pek tells Wynn that he should attack the vine attached to the city and not worry about the other end. "I have heard that these might be attached to some really big trees. The Platinum Dragons took on a couple and had trouble. I want nothing to do with them, if the Dragons had trouble.

Pek also drinks down a potion and chooses a vine to administer his poison to. He floats over to it and prepares himelf.

Syr scrambles to the edge and gets above another vine. He prepares his wine skin.

Wynn is perched on a vine itself with his skin ready.

Pek says, "Everyone start on the count of three. One...Two...Three!" The 4 wineskin holders start pouring the contents of their skins all at the same time. The vines smoke and hiss. I primorial scream of pain and outrage comes from the jungle. It is deafening in in strength. From this range it is loud, the citizens on the beach must have been knocked over by its intensity.

As this is happening, Florin looks over and sees around 20 greenies trying to sneak up on them. He pulls his sword and shouts a warning.

One of the vines snaps or does it let go? It happens to fast to tell. The other 3 either release or snap as well. A huge tearing noise can be heard as lesser vines take the weight and fail. The city snaps free from the jungles embrace and starts quickly rocking back towards the lake direction like a pendulum.

Wynn is flung into the air and starts falling towards the water.

Xenia wisely activates her seal and all of the group finds themselves lifting off the ground as the city moves away. Xenia is glad she did because they all see the greenies, and anything else not tied down and many things that were, are flung off the top of the city hundreds of yards away into the lake.

The group feels a huge feeling of satisfaction. The have freed the city! Yes they can hear the crashing of walls as more buildings tumble, and debris is flung around, but they freed the city!
That satisfaction is short lived though as the city starts rushing back towards them. Everyone needs to make a Dexterity check of 10. Ohterwise the city will hit you. When a city hits you it, stings. If you fail, take 7d10 points of damage. If you make it, you were able to fly above the city and totally avoid the damage.

OOC I realize that I pushed this post a little but this module has taken to long. Want to get it finished up and get us moving forward.

Tionel  d20+2=18
Thursday November 3rd, 2005 5:39:44 AM
The main thought that goes through Tionel's head as he floats blissfully up into the air is a sense of serenity, satisfaction as the vines snap and the city is righted up. This suddenly turns into a sense of vertigo, which makes him queasy, and then into a sense of outright terror.

Woah!
Nothing is scarier than seeing the ground rush up to you. Usually it's you rushing towards it, not the other way around. Tionel barely grasps the laws of physics in time to push himself with a gasp straight up, barely avoiding the tip of the city.

"Everyone okay?" he looks around plaintively, somewhat panicked...and looks at where the vines came from, worried about something emerging.

Belkior (AC 22; HP 40)  d20+2=13
Thursday November 3rd, 2005 7:49:54 AM
The halfling cleric feels the floating feeling that comes with a Fly spell as he was being tumbled across the cobblestones on this level. He manages to right himself and weave around the chimney that was rushing towards him. It would have swatted Belkior like a small ball, throwing him far towards the jungle.

"I'm okay here, Tionel. But we better go check on everyone else."

Belkior then prepares to assist any of his companions who were unable to get out of the way of the swaying buildings.


Wynn  d20+8=13
Thursday November 3rd, 2005 7:50:47 AM
Fascinated by the visceral reaction from the jungle, and unused to the feeling of flight, Wynn narrowly dodges the onrushing towers of the city as it swings forward [Dex =13]

Angus: Mage Armor/Message/Flying  d20=10
Thursday November 3rd, 2005 8:00:46 AM
Angus is statisfied with the results of his handiwork and almost gets smashed by the city as it rocks backwards. Angus flys higher and listens as the cities internal building crumbles.

Angus calls out to the shields. "Wait till the City settles before landing. I hope everyone was carrying their woldly possesions, cause I think we will be hard pressed to find anything in the rubble now."

Xenia (HP 41/42)  d20+5=21
Thursday November 3rd, 2005 8:15:39 AM
*snik* the seal breaks as Xenia feels the wall roll beneath her, and her hand slaps at one of the many disks on her outer thigh. The rogue lets the momentum of the city turn her into a mid-air summersault. End over end. The basin of Open Level leaving behind her. The slow motion whipping of the vines as they fall away, breaking apart in places from their own massive weight. The shore. The woods. The sky. The City receding. The vines. The shore. The woods. The sky. The City ... overshooting it's place and ...

The girl rogue grabs control of her aimless tumble. Straighten. Orient. Fly. Quickly, she climbs up and out, and feels a surge of air buffet her as Floating City swings by below with its return momentum. (Reflex 21)

Bank and turn. Xenia notes the outer limit of the City's swing, and then dives back around into the midst of her companions.

"Everyone alright?"

Florin Jadenth  d20+4=10
Thursday November 3rd, 2005 10:09:55 AM
Florin is happy when he sees the city freed but quickly turns to alittle panic when the city jerks back towards him. He does his best to quickly get out of the way and is happy to just make it and not get hit by the city itself.

Florin looks to the others, "Well, that was interesting to say the least. Is everyone okay? call out if your injured."

Syr (Sub/Al)  d20+5=11
Thursday November 3rd, 2005 11:19:36 AM
Syr, holding the empty wineskin, feels the ground tremble beneath him. Not good. He stands ready to jump off the edge and slow his fall for as long as possible before having to dive off into the water.

Suddenly, he feels his feet lift off the ground. The ground zips away, leaving Syr floating in the air. The elven monk marvels at the sight of the vines as they fall away to the lake below. He marvels so long, in fact, that he almost misses the mass of the city as it comes swinging back toward him.

Flatten quickly. Syr feels unyielding stone pass dangerously close to his back.

"Checking in. I'm alright, Florin," he replies. "I think. That was close." (Dex 11)

"Where to now?"

Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47)  d20+3=17 d20+6=10 d20+6=12
Thursday November 3rd, 2005 7:44:39 PM
Lang watches as the group applies the poison to the vines. He is amazed at the quickness that the stuff works. He is even more amazed by the pain or anger he hears from the Crying Woods.

His amazement is short lived as the violent rocking motion threatens to throw him off the Floating City. He feels the power of the magic seal course through his body.

Reaching down Lang picks up Sunshine and flies away from the Flotaing City as it rocks back towards them (Dex check 17).

He looks towards the beach to see if anything decides to retaliate for the damage they have done.

Spot 10/14
Listen 12/16

Spells:
Speak with Animals (not cast)
Longstrider (cast, not active)

DM George  7d10(3+9+5+8+7+1+3)=36
Thursday November 3rd, 2005 9:21:02 PM
Most of the Crimson Shields quickly soar into the sky gaining enough height to avoid the city's backlash as it settles back into the lake. Angus doesn't get the required height but successfully dodges past the open level's buildings.

Florin isn't so lucky. He flies up and up but just can't get out of the way and he is hit by the top of one of the buildings. It smashes into him and flips him summersaulting through the air. He is finally able to get control of himself but feels like one giant bruise. He takes 36 points of damage. (OOC Sorry Justin, but Florin is in 1/2 plate, which doesn't allow any dexterity modifiers. You rolled a 6.

The city rocks back and forth several more times but each sway is less dramatic than the one before. The group winces as they hear debris falling and buildings collapsing inside the city but are relieved when they think that most of the population is inside the city. They are brought out of their thoughts to hear thousands of voices cheering them from the shore. When they look they see people on the beach jumping, waving, and pointing in their direction.

Syr expresses a question that all have to pause and think about, "What now?" Where will the group go to now? Will they head to the Plateau City to find out about the orphans? Will they try to dig out their home to find lost belongings? Will they head to the beach and join the battle against the jungle? Can the city now be moved out into the lake?

OOC Guys, need a direction you want to go to make the next module. Please discuss it over the next couple of days and then come to a concensus by Monday. I am not writing this one due to time constraints and won't be able to improvise as much.

Wynn 
Thursday November 3rd, 2005 11:09:44 PM
Wynn looks about to see that all of his companions are safe before letting out a relieved breath. "Perhaps Lorbius and the Lady Celine have had some success with the Underlord and they can move the city. Let's see if we can find Prionel and return him to the jungle to join his folk. Maybe they can calm the Crying Woods."



Florin Jadenth 
Friday November 4th, 2005 12:12:00 AM
(OOC:sorry George, I forgot about the armor penalties. Didn't load up my sheet to get hitpoints but will post them next post just incase we run into more combat.)

Florin glances overh is armor and is thankful that it's magical and probably has less damage then he does. He'll have to check it out more later. He does his best to listen to his friends while working out the pain of being hit by a whole city.

After many moments Florin speaks up, able to finally calm the aching, "You have a good idea Wynn. Listen everyone, we better check on what Wynn commented on I think and go from there. It might be a good idea to get the stuff from your appartment so we are ready to travel and get a better idea of what we lost and such. I don't think we'll beable to replace anything to soon considering all this and we didn't really fight nothing with money or anything. However I would like to comment that we don't know what problems where the kids went to is going through so we might want to check on them also when we can.:

Florin moves over towards Xenia, wincing as the bruises give him some trouble and places a hand on the rogue's shoulder before speaking to her, "Good job on the seal Xenia. You probably just saved alot of our lives."

(OOC:Probably should put this in email but anyway. I personally think once we find out about the stuff at the apartment and check on the Float and all we should head off to see the kids and make sure their safe. Right now alot of clean up and fixing will be going on at the Float mainly once everything gets calmed down and it will give our character's time to see stuff beyond the Float since Florin atleast has never been out of the Float farther then the crying woods anyway.)

Tionel 
Friday November 4th, 2005 4:38:54 AM
"I agree with Florin. Our first priority is to return to make sure people are okay. Once we've made sure that the orphans are okay, it might be a good thing to start thinking about coming back to the jungle. For all we know, the elves might need help... they certainly seem to know the most about nature and dealing with Sabara. But first, we should clean up home a bit."


Belkior  3d8(4+4+2)+7=17 2d8(2+1)+7=10 d8=4 d8+5=7
Friday November 4th, 2005 7:21:31 AM
The halfling cleric moves over to Florin with a look of concern on his face.

"Florin, can you hear me? How many fingers am I holding up?"

Belkior holds up two fingers.

"Let me look at your eyes, please. Any headaches? Ringing in the ears ... after you take off your helm, that is. Ahhh ... nausea, anything like that?"

Belkior then pauses to call upon the healing powers granted him by Alemi. After doing so three times, Florin is completely healed.

While he has been healing, Belkior has been listening to the discussion.

"I agree with you, Florin, and Tionel. From what you told us, the apartment is probably gone but if anyone left anything there it may be possible to find it in the rubble."

"After that, we should check on the orphans in Plateau City. If the teleporter is working, of course. We should probably decide if they will come back here, and when."

"Doing something about Prionel and the Forest woudl probably be next on the list. Especially if the City moves again."

Spells Cast
Cure Serious Wounds = 17 hps (use Create Food & Water)
Cure Moderate Wounds = 13 hps (use Spiritual Weapon)
Cure Light Wounds = 7 hps

Items
Pearl of Power - used today

Spells
0 - DC 14 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Mending, Purify Food & Drink (2)
1- DC 15 - Bless(2), Sanctuary, Shield of Faith (D - Cure Light Wounds*)
2 - DC 16 - Bear's Endurance*, Bull's Strength, Delay Poison, Spiritual Weapon* (D - Aid)
3 - DC 17 - Create Food & Water*(2), Prayer (D - Cure Serious Wounds*)
* = cast


Xenia (41/42) 
Friday November 4th, 2005 10:28:15 AM
Xenia zips down toward the bowl of the Open Level. At speed, she makes a pass over the surface before executing a banking turn and speeding back up to the others.

"Well, if we're gonna check out the city, might be best to do it now while we can still fly. It's faster. And I bet there's lotta stuff down on the streets blocking the way. We got ten minutes."

The dark girl sighs and casts her green eyes back toward the city.

"Though, you know, I dunno how good folks are gonna be that stayed in there. That's a lot of shaking up."

"OH STARS!!! Happy! Happy was in there! Fram and fram framble!" She jets away, arms at her side, shooting toward the nearest stairwell like an arrow in flight.

Angus: Amge Armor/message/Flying 
Friday November 4th, 2005 1:11:29 PM
Once Angus sees that Florin survies his contact with the building he calls all of the Shields together. "Lets see if we can render aid to those that that to experience the rocking of the City." Seeing Xenia take off, Angus comments to no one in particular "That girls got the right idea."

Angus flys off down into the depths of the city attempting to catch up to Xenia. Once reaching Xenia Angus comments "After we do all we can hear, we need to check on the kids and make sure they are looked after."

Syr (Sub/Al) 
Friday November 4th, 2005 4:58:26 PM
Syr nods to Florin. "We should recover the money we've been saving for Resurrection. I don't think it would be difficult to dig down to the secret hiding place."

The monk suppresses the urge to roll his eyes as Xenia takes off ahead of the group.

"I think she's right though. You'd have to be pretty tough or pretty lucky to survive inside the city with it swinging around like it just did. Maybe both tough and lucky. I don't know if we're going to find Prionel still alive."

DM George 
Friday November 4th, 2005 5:10:21 PM
OOC Please give me a list of everything you will be trying to recover from the apartment.

Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47) 
Saturday November 5th, 2005 12:11:57 AM
Lang moves with the rest of the group as they fly towards the Giggling Ghost. He agrees that the group should recover its money after it checks on Happy at the inn. Perhaps they will be able to help other people as they move towards their old apartment.

OOC - Items to recover:
Gold - 1,034
Silver - 35
CP - 7
Spare Arrows - 180
Large Steel Shield w/Tiger Emblem

All items except shield are in a chest in my room. The shield was on the wall by my bed and chest.

Spells:
Speak with Animals (not cast)
Longstrider (cast, not active)

Wynn 
Sunday November 6th, 2005 5:56:19 PM
Before the bard can further argue for the freeing of Prionel he finds himself chasing after Xenia as she makes her way to whatever is left of the apartment. The flying quickly becomes second nature as he swoops through the narrow streets. Exhilarated by the feeling, Wynn streaks through larger openings in the ruined buildings, trying to outpace the others on the way to the apartments. "Wahoo!!"

[OOC Wynn has nothing left at the apartment other than a winter blanket]

Devastation

Aftermath

Devastation


DM George 
Sunday November 6th, 2005 9:16:00 PM
The group with light hearts swoop down into the city, enjoying the sense of freedom and ease of movement. They plunge down the pillar, following the circling staircase til the get to their level. Once they come out to Fence Level, they pull up short, almost ramming into the person in front of them. The scene in front of them is awesome in its devastation.

Any building that wasn't Teucri built has collapsed and the rubble strewn about like a 3 year old playing with blocks. The Crimson Shields fly on to the Giggling Ghost and find to their relief that it is still standing. However they find the tavern deserted and don't see Happy there.

After a quick inspection and several calls they head back to where they think their old apartment was. The whole block has been destroyed and tossed about. They do see several mangled bodies of wortlings and a couple shambling mounds. They also see a lion's paw pertruding from underneath a pile of rubble.

The land at the supposed spot just as the magic from the seal wears out.

Tionel 
Monday November 7th, 2005 12:35:28 AM
(All I want from the apartment is my two front teeth...er, I mean, the gold that Tionel had stored there, and his four complete wardrobes. He's actually had to wear the same clothes for the last adventure! (washed several times, but the same nonetheless!) )

Tionel looks over the devastation and feels... well, devastated. Loafing about, he kicks a rock, then notices something. He brushes a bit of rocks off of it and sighs, seeing it's a discarded doll, barely fist sized. Probably left by some kid or something. How sad.

"You think the city will ever go back to normal? Six levels, all of them like this...and so many gone. ... Why'd this have to happen, anyways? Is it... What reason would the Gods have to do this? But... but, it seems like the gods weren't even involved, that the wold itself did this. Is it just natural, to destroy the city such as this? Why couldn't someone channel the nature, why did we have to fight it?" Tionel stops, realizing his questions are meaningless. "I guess it doesn't matter. The point is, we've gotta deal with this. I suppose it's our job to find the guards and help restore order.. But, you know, I really don't care for that about now. I kinda like your suggestion from earlier, about going to the woods and seeing how the elves are doing. Something important could be happening there."



Xenia (HP 41/42)  d20+16=24
Monday November 7th, 2005 8:25:37 AM
"Happy? Happy? HA-PEEEEEE?!?!?" Xenia calls out in the empty shell of the Giggling Ghost. Nobody. But there's so much stuff thrown around. He could be under it. Maybe. Deep within, Xenia hopes not.

"Daphne?" The rogue's eyes dart about for the ghost that the inn is named for. "Daphne? You here?" Who knows where ghosts go? But you can't kill them. Can you?

After she and her companions determine that Happy is not in the ghost (dead or alive), Xenia flies through the devastation toward the apartments, as though she is in a daze. All this. People. Buildings. Streets. All wrecked. She feels small and powerless. Drained of hope. From deep within, she feels the tears of despair welling up inside her, threatening to overcome her with the desire for nothing more than to throw herself into the rubble and cry.

The sight of the apartments helps. Carefully taking the lenses from her nose, she dons a pair of goggles. So begins the search, sifting through the rubble.

"Something important is happening everywhere, Tionel." Xenia's voice carries a weariness beyond her years. "Maybe we should try and track down Prionel anyway. If he ... even if he didn't make it, I think Prillana might want to have the body for burial. It might even make Sabra ... happier."

After the last bricks of the apartments are sifted through, Xenia walks across the remains of the street to the plot of ground on which were buried Momma Flaust and the orphans who died in the fire were buried, the site of the old orphanage. Just real quietly, she sits. Not doing anything. Nothing in particular. By how still she is, you might even thing she were praying.

Rolls and Actions
Search 24

Angus: Mage Armor & Mesage 
Monday November 7th, 2005 8:32:06 AM
Angus enjoyed the flying and comments mostly to himself " I will definatley have to take spells that give flight int he near future. That was too fun and usefull."

Angus looks at the destruction and is glad that he is carrying his possessions having spent most of his gold on magic not too long ago, including the fun flying scroll.

Angus joins Xenia in searching for Happy and Daphne as he will be of no help moving rubble. "HAPPY! DAPHNE!" Angus calls repeatedly.

Angus goes to see Florin "Should we go search for your sister and parents? What type of constuction were their homes?"

Belkior 
Monday November 7th, 2005 10:57:26 AM
The halfling cleric looks around Fence Level at the devastation caused by the jungle's assault on the City. When the seal's magic ends, Belkior settles gently to the ground.

Climbing to the top of a nearby mound of rubbles, Belkior looks at the ruins of the group's apartment. He didn't have anything here himself, but he can sympathize with those who did. He takes the opportunity to look for other survivors.

Belkior thinks to himself, "Now's not the time to mourn what was lost, now's when we help those left behind.". He starts looking for survivors and, if he finds any, treating their injuries.


Syr (Sub/Al)  d20+4=23
Monday November 7th, 2005 12:06:33 PM
Syr paces the dimensions of their former home.

"I think the secret compartment was over here," he calls out to anyone interested. He helps with the search, moving heavy objects and aiding Xenia as she combs through things. (Aid Another Search 23. +2 to Xenia's search.)


Wynn  d20+3=17
Monday November 7th, 2005 9:21:48 PM
Wynn helps Xenia and Syr sift through the rubble, hoping that all they will find are their belongings. The bard has seen enough death. [Aid Xenia 17]

Florin Jadenth  d20+2=19 d20+2=5 d20+3=8
Monday November 7th, 2005 10:29:41 PM
Florin flies after the others and does his best to keep up but finds the flying thing different all though fun at the same time.

At the GG Florin doesh is best to look around the place before they head off, worried about Happy and Daphne. <search:19>

At the apartments Florin does his best to help the others in the search also. <search:5 spot:8> but finds himself to distracted to really help out a whole lot or maybe because he didn't stay here that often.

At Angus's question he turns to look to Angus and sighs gently, having tried to not think of it, "My sister would of been at the temple of Flower so I can only guess she is or was safe there. My parents place was pretty sound, made of stone mainly instead of wood inless they were outside or so. I also know they kept a good number of guards on duty as they didn't trust people and also it shows off their power moreless anyway."

DM George 
Monday November 7th, 2005 10:30:31 PM
The group starts moving bricks, stones and lumber in their search for their belongings. The day wears on as they get organized and start working as a team, moving more an more rumble.

After much diligent searching, Xenia gives a cry of satisfaction. She has uncovered a chest. It is the ressurection fund. Lang's money soon shows up but many of the personal items that tied them to the past seem just to be gone.

Tionel finds some of his clothes but they are torn, dirty and ruined. Lang finally digs up his arrows but they were all broken when hit by a beam. His shield has a large dent where a stone bounced off it but looks like it could be repaired. Xenia finds her pole, a gift from Wynn last year, but her other items are gone.

Nothing else is found after this search.

The city seems to give a little jerk and then another one. Could it be moving?

Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47) 
Monday November 7th, 2005 11:37:22 PM
Lang gathers up his money, thankful that they found it because it may be needed in the near future.

He looks at the broken arrows and wonders if he should take some of the arrow heads with him so he can craft some new arrows if he has the time and finds the other supplies needed.

OOC - George, Lang has Craft-bowmaking. In this skill it does not really talk about arrow making. Can Lang do it? If he can, what will he need to do to create arrows (thus taking arrow heads if need be)?

He also takes the shield it may come in handy also.

Spells:
Speak with Animals (not cast)
Longstrider (cast, not active)

Wynn 
Tuesday November 8th, 2005 7:56:20 AM
Satisfied that they have recovered all that can be, the bard once again voices his opinion about Prionel.

"We have done all that we can down here. We are neither carpenters nor masons. The people on the beach need our help and that may best be provided with the freeing of Prionel. The return of the elf to his home may help to calm Sabara. We must seek his release from Perimon. If Perimon resists we might seek the assistance of Lord Bael, Lorbius or the Lady Celine in changing his mind."

Syr (Sub/Al) 
Tuesday November 8th, 2005 11:17:07 AM
With relief, Syr takes the box of gold from Xenia. Events of late have raised the spectre of death, and this was the group's insurance against it.

"That sounds good to me," Syr says to the half-elven bard. "We need to go back up to Gold Level anyway to see if the orphans got off safely."

Before leaving, Syr joins Xenia across the street. He bows his head and pays his respects to the only mother he's ever known.

(I'm assuming that you're back tomorrow, Scott. This will be my last post for Syr.)

Xenia (HP 41/42) 
Tuesday November 8th, 2005 11:31:37 AM
Xenia rises from the graves and re-crosses the street. Without a word, she wraps her arms around Wynn and just holds him for a moment of comfort.

"'Kay. A'right. Sounds good to me too." She looks back in the direction of the Giggling Ghost as it stands amid the rubble. "Might as well. Maybe Happy will turn up later."

"But before we go ... " Xenia firms up her lip and draws her brows down into a very serious look. "I'm sorry, Florin, but I can't follow you as leader anymore. I mean, you're terribly brave and all, but I think that works against you. A leader's gotta be there to lead, and by sacrificing yourself all the time, you're taking that leadership away. It just don't work."

"I'm sorry. I really am. And you can have the rings and stuff back, if you want. I mean, in a lotta ways, you're the heart of the group. But I think the group needs a head. I'd rather have someone who'll stand at the center and make things more, you know, organized. Maybe Angus or Belkie."

"Sorry, Florin, I really am."

Belkior 
Tuesday November 8th, 2005 12:43:51 PM
The halfling cleric helps moves pieces of rubble while his companions are digging through the ruins of their apartment. Belkior also keeps muttering comments to himself and barking cautions to the Shields.

"Lift with your legs, Lang. I know that you're strong, but don't strain your back."

"Watch out for nails and splinters, Xenia."

"Watch out! This slab that I'm on is wobbly and it might slide."

The physical labour is refreshing, a break from the worry and tension of the past several days. Most of all, Belkior is relieved that there are no wounded to treat, nor any bodies to inter. When he pauses to wipe his brow, Belkior marvels at how silent Fence Level is. No other people, at least as far as they've seen. It's going to take a long, long time to heal the Floating City, Belkior thinks.


Angus  d20+9=17
Tuesday November 8th, 2005 3:55:16 PM
Angus is happy that most of the groups items were recovered from the rubble. Angus is content to watch the others work and play his flute (perform 17).

Angus is shocked at Xenia's comments to Florin, not that he disagreed, and even more intrigued when she recommends him as a possible leader. Angus can not suppress a smile at the compliment. Angus rubs his chin in contemplation. "Xenia thank you for the support. It might be interesting to get a new prospective on the group. No offense Florin, you did a great job and are still an intregral part of the Crimson Shields. The leadship role seemed to be weighing heavily on you recently, especially now that you are a father too. It might be time to give you a reak for awhile."

Angus gets in the middle of the group. "We have to decide a direction for the group in addition to supporting a new leader. Per Xenia's suggestion, we should vote on a new leader and then discuss our next move or moves for the Crimson Shields. Lets take care of the leadership role first. If you will have me I will take the mantle of leader."

Florin Jadenth  d20+2=4 d20+3=23
Tuesday November 8th, 2005 6:33:01 PM
Florin is thankful the group finds atleast some of their stuff usable but that quickly changes when Xenia steps forward and speaks her mind. Florin shakes his head at what she says, having never really lost his cool or anything with the group or their opinions, "Xenia as leader I put all your lives before my own. It is my job as leader to make sure each of you make it back safe and sound and the leader assumes most of the risks, pains of failure and shares the success. Example I chose to let some anvil hearts live and leave and they burned down the orphange. I been bareing the blunt of the decision from myself and some of the group sense. We put them behind bars and we all shared the glory of it. They excaped and showed up and some people turn their glares on me like I would let them go without a word."

Florin shakes his head and looks to everyone before sliding his ring off and tossing it to Belkior, "Your a true Shield Belkior and worthy of the ring and your spot in the group. I'll except my postion back and buy my ring when it seems I have earned mine again."

Florin turns and whispers, "Come Ajax, I need you my friend." When Ajax appears Florin saddles up and speaks once clearly before moving to go to the docks, "Choose your leader and go free Prionel, I'll see if I can find a boat to get to the shore and see whats going on there." With that said Florin gives Ajax a small snap of the reigns and takes off for the docks area.

(Spot:4 Listen:23)

DM George 
Tuesday November 8th, 2005 9:22:54 PM
The group is successful in digging up some of their belongings, and then Xenia drops her bombshell. Angus quickly steps forward to assume the leadership role, but the issue is still in doubt.

Florin steps up in dismay and throws his ring to Belkior. Is he quitting the Shields or just making a statement? Still it seems wrong to let the group go on a possibly dangerous mission without him at their sides.

Ajax, perhaps wiser than his Master, won't budge no matter how much the paladin prods him. He looks back reproachfully almost to say, "No you have to deal with this now."

OOC Before I let Florin/Justin make any rash decisions, I want to hear everyones reaction to this change in leadership. I need everyone to post a reaction to it before my next post. Even if you need to post several times, I want this to get worked out.

Belkior  d20+2=22
Tuesday November 8th, 2005 9:51:39 PM
The halfling cleric snatches Florin's ring from the air with a quick movement.
DEX check = 22

Then he jumps down to catch up with the paladin as Ajax plants his hooves and refuses to move. Belkior clutches his stirrup and looks up at Florin.

"Florin! Take your ring back!"

"I don't want to join the group this way!"

When Florin looks down, Belkior will continue. "I don't know what Xenia intended, but it surely wasn't to force you out. It's ... it's ... it's just," and Belkior gestures at the ruins of the apartment.

"It's that the past is gone, the Float is really hurting and we ... I'm saying that because I consider myself part of the Shields ... need to decide what we want to do. And we need to have some consistent direction once we've made that decision."

"That's all. The past ... it's gone. We need to put things behind us, heal and move onward. Maybe we need to be here to help the Floating City heal and grow. Maybe we need to do something else."

"Florin, please stay and help us move ahead."


Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47) 
Tuesday November 8th, 2005 11:58:19 PM
Lang steps forward and joins the small one in blocking Ajax, with Florin on him from leaving.

"Florin, you say, quote '... as leader I put all your lives before my own. It is my job as leader to make sure each of you make it back safe and sound and the leader assumes most of the risks, pains of failure and shares the success.' end quote."

"There you are wrong. As leader it is your job to lead the Crimson Shields. Why do you think generals all stay behind the lines leading and not in the midst of combat (and are given Colt 45's instead of machine guns)? You cannot lead if you are dead or separated from the group. As leader it is your job to direct the group towards its goals and beliefs, even if it comes back to haunt us."

"Unfortunately, another part of being leader is to put 'lesser' members of the group at risk of injury or death. I accept this fact and I would imagine the rest of the group accepts this fact also. I have been fighting most of my life. Rarely have I been the one deciding my actions."

"Florin, no one doubts your courage, passion and dedication to the Crimson Shields. No one doubts the fact that you are a Crimson Shield. Do not leave the group, your sword arm is needed by us & the orphans."

Spells:
Speak with Animals (not cast)
Longstrider (cast, not active)

Wynn Brightsong  d20+6=17
Wednesday November 9th, 2005 12:55:00 AM
Wynn follows the dark Xenia and stands behind her, placing one hand on her back. He knew what it cost the rogue to speak out like this. He had witnessed her affection for the big human, and didn't doubt she still cared, in a way, for the big oaf. The bard studies the paladin (Sense Motive=17) and wonders if the man isn't secretly relieved to be rid of the burden that is the mantle of leadership?

"Lang speaks true!" he calls out. "Come Florin! Stand beside me in the front line of the Crimson Shields of Hope and none shall get past us!"

Angus or Belkior, it did not matter to Wynn who was called leader.

Xenia (HP 41/42) 
Wednesday November 9th, 2005 8:22:43 AM
"Florin Jadenth! You stay right where you are! Don't you go. Don't go anywhere, you hear. Or I'm gonna cry." Too late. The rogue's green eyes flutter and a glistening track rolls down the side of her nose.

"You're the Heart of the group. Don't you understand? You're the moral leader no matter what title you have. And it's just by being you. We look up to you for justice and honor. We know you've taken on the burden of the orphans on yourself. And we look up to you for your selflessness. That's not gonna stop. We'll still look up to you. 'Cause you don't change who you are."

"But those are the big things. And we need someone to take care of the little minute to minute things. And you're wrong about the risks. A leader knows the risks, but he can't assume the biggest part of them, 'cause if he died, he'd be taking the leadership with him. Like Lang says. It's, like, delegating authority. And putting others at risk. We need someone in the middle to direct things. Someone who won't be getting himself hurt and maybe killed."

The rogue sniffs, and draws the back of her hand across her cheek.

"Don't leave."

Tionel 
Wednesday November 9th, 2005 12:18:29 PM
Tionel returns from a little bathroom break and hears the discussion about Florin leaving a bit late. He frowns and runs a hand through his hair. Personally, he's never particularly felt that Florin was doing a bad job, though the guy did take matters into his own hand, and split the group... okay, Tionel revises himself, he guessed that he saw Xenia's point. But the guy was trying, wasn't he?
But leadership seems important to the others. Tionel refrains from voicing any opinions of his own. But as the others call after Florin, he's about to chide them for calling back and pausing the obviously pained paladin, but he holds himself, thinking that it probably won't help matters to disagree with the others over something so trivial.
Instead, in the midst of this, Tionel is just seen shuffling to the side, and pondering.

Angus 
Wednesday November 9th, 2005 1:16:18 PM
Angus lets everyone say their peace and then he takes a turn at convincing Florin to stay. "Florin the Shields need you, heaven fordib we did not have any moral guidance. Some of us need it more than others." Angus's voice seems to indicate himself. "We do not want to break up the group. We all work well together. We just want to try a new prespective, thats all. Stay and be our moral compass and help us Shield those who can not protect themselves."

Florin Jadenth 
Wednesday November 9th, 2005 3:28:30 PM
Florin takes a deep breath and stay seated on his horse, patting its neck gently before looking to the group and shaking his head before looking to each in turn.

After taking many moments to think over everything he finally speaks, looking to each person yet, "Leader or not my codes, personal or otherwise will never change. There are things worth risking ones life for and you ALL are more of a family then I have ever had. I want each of you too see the next day, learn the life experiences to come and will risk my life in circumstances to make sure that happens." Florin looks to Xenia for a moment and then the group again, "I did back in the cave area what I thought was right, I could not let you kill the anvil hearts then because they were beaten, unable to defend themselves and disarmed. Killing them would of been murder. I regret what it caused and I adopted Jella because I wanted to give her a life but also because I was personally having moral problems then. She gave me the courage to continue on and make sure my mistake never happens again and also knowing she is set as best I can in the Wold. Some of you questioned me adopting Jella and said it was wrong, it split my loyalties. I do not question who you are, your goals, your dreams, how you act, I except you for who and what you are. I do not ask you to change, even things I think should change I do not ask because that is you. You say some choices I make, some personal codes and edicts I hold should be changed."

Florin shakes his head and pats Ajax's neck again, "You will always be my family no matter what, no matter how great the distance. But i won't change my ideals, my dreams and my ways. I do not see this as the end of the problem either. Sooner or later something would happen and I would risk my life in defense of all of yours, it is my way and I see hard feelings the only reaction to it in the future. No rifts will be formed because of me. You are all strong and together you can fight and defeat any foe. That is my belief, that is what I see."

Florin looks to Belkior, "You my friend have gained your spot in the Shields. You are not replacing my but actually earned your spot." Florin looks to Lang, "My sword will be missed I know but I believe you all will survive, you all are survivors." Florin looks to everyone else, "My heart goes with all of you, and my lord watches over you also. I believe he does not act on his own but acts through all of us. If you belive in a god, if you truely do then he is in you and works through you."

Florin looks to Ajax and speaks to him through their bonded link, "Ajax, it is time."

(OOC:I'll reply more depending on other posts.)

Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) 
Wednesday November 9th, 2005 4:55:51 PM
Xenia blinks through the tears and frowns a bit in puzzlement.

"Florin, no one's asking you to change. Are you listening to me? Have you heard anything I've said? We need someone of you're strong moral character. I didn't say anything about makin' you change."

Turning away, she buries her face in Wynn's chest.

Florin Jadenth 
Wednesday November 9th, 2005 6:12:08 PM
Florin looks to Xenia and shakes his head and speaks to her, "No Xenia, you have not asked me to change directly and yet I feel you have unspokenly. If the way I act, if the way I see things and go about things is going to become a issue each time then I have two choices, change or leave before anything bad happens."

Wynn 
Wednesday November 9th, 2005 7:21:48 PM
The bard looks over top Xenia's head and frown's slightly. "Follow your destiny then, paladin, but before you go, know this," the bard gently moves Xenia to one side and steps forward, "word and deed are all that we are. When you infer otherwise you make an unfair assumption."

"Sad it would be to part company in such trying times. Stay on yet a while, till we quit this floating wreck," Wynn looks behind him for concensus, "or a more worthy quest claims your heart."



Angus Illegal second post 
Wednesday November 9th, 2005 7:43:48 PM
Angus is somewhat shocked by the suddeness of Florin's actions. "Wynn speaks well. Remember that we are all tied together. You are from the Float as are many of us and now some of the rest of us call this place home. Help us get the Float on the right track. More importantly, I do not think that the Shields can leave the orphans and you have adopted one, Jella. Help us make sure the orphans are safe and cared for. You helped us on this path of protection for those weaker than us, help us finish the task or a least get those we are helping on more stable footing."

Belkior (2nd Illegal Post) 
Wednesday November 9th, 2005 9:31:04 PM
The halfling cleric looks around at his fellows. This is so sudden, so close on the heels of the destruction of the Floating City.

"Florin ... listen to what everyone is saying. We don't want you to go. We need you to be the moral compass of the Shields."

Belkior tugs on the stirrups of the saddle on Ajax' back. "Florin ... stay with us and help keep us on course."


DM George 
Wednesday November 9th, 2005 10:57:55 PM
As the party pleads, cajols, and talks to the Florin they are all startled by a ***POOF*** sound. Everyone turns to the sound, hands on weapons, others bringing components to bear, while others think of slipping into the shadows.

All pause when they see the strange figure in front of them. It is an elderly man in rich green velvet robes. A tall conical hat is seated upon his brow overlooking a stern expression. He studies the group for a few seconds and then gingerly steps over to Florin. Ignoring all the others, he says, "My name is Master Vinic. I am the chief wizard in the employ of my master Brenden Von Otten. He has sent me here to the dusty place to fetch you. You were of service to one of his servants and my master always rewards valor and kindness.

I have grievious word of your daughter. She has become ill with some wasting disease. She is actually turning green. She is calling for you and I have been sent to fetch you."

The mage takes another look around, sniffs and says, "The building in the city is atrocious. If they only used proper planning this disaster wouldn't have happened! You will be able to find your friend in the Plateau City at the home of my master." The old cranky mage then reaches forth a hand and both he and Florin vanish.

OOC Justin has decided to retire Florin. No worries, his feeling aren't hurt. He just thought that this was as far as he could effectively play him and has decided to retire. He will be rolling up a new character and rejoin the group in the near future.

Angus  d20+7=21
Thursday November 10th, 2005 11:28:46 AM
Angus is stunned by the suddeness of everything. "Florin. Jella. The kids. Wasting disease." Angus's mouth hangs open and it takes him a few moments to get his thoughts together.

"We need to get back to the Plateau City and check up on the kids, we can not have them turn into Greenies! It seems that the Float is moving and I assume away from shore, which is good." Angus thinks hard about what he knows of the Platau City (Knowlege Local 21). "I believe the Plateau City is many days travel from this lake, but we must confirm that. We need to find out if we can get the teleport gate to operate or find someone that can signal Plateau city so that they can open their companion gate. I suggest we go by the prison on the way back to the teleport gates, so that we can check on Prionel. Time is of the essesence for the orphans!"

Angus prepares to leave the dusty ruins of their apartment, but waits for everyone.

Xenia (HP 41/42) 
Thursday November 10th, 2005 12:45:33 PM
Huh? What? Huh?

Xenia blinks and wipes another tear from her face. She turns and looks up at Wynn. Life is so dramatic here. Maybe it would be better to just find a little cottage someplace settle down, have a couple of kids. *sigh*

"Stars! You're right, Angus. We sent the spores through to Plateau City! This is terrible! They could get all over the city! Plateau City's big. I mean, Big! Holy framble farming frogs. I left the wand in the keyhole thingee. Lets go."

Belkior  d20+18=25
Thursday November 10th, 2005 1:31:18 PM
The halfling cleric's attention is captured by the description of the illness that has befallen Jella. The description doesn't really sound like what affected the zombies, but it might be.
Heal = 25

"We don't know how the disease is spread, Xenia. But it's best to consider that it might be person to person. Or maybe some dust or vapour from the jungle."

Belkior thinks on it for a bit and starts fingering the edge of his tunic. "I know that that there are many devotees of Alemi there, even a cathedral. But they might not have seen this disease before. Even if all we do it alert them, it would be some benefit."

"And, if we go by the prison, Prionel may know something about the disease too. Especially if it did come from the jungle."



Tionel 
Thursday November 10th, 2005 2:41:49 PM
Tionel bites his lips slightly as Florin talks of preventing the group. "Hate to break this to you, Florin, but it wasn't really you who stopped the rest of the group, it was me. I mean, I held back everyone from killing the guys. You may have backed me up, but don't think you're the only person whose morals occasionally are challenged. This whole nature-revival thing has me...well... blown away, would be the best thing I can use to describe it. I mean, why should I worship the wold, if it creates such horrors for the people I care for...?"
Tionel sighs, running a hand through his hair. He really does look quite unhappy for a second.
Then the man appears and Florin leaves. Tionel looks down as yet another innocent is impacted by nature. "That's it!" he suddenly bursts out, and with an angry tug at his neck, rips off his necklace of holly and throws it to the side. "...I don't think I can do this anymore..."

(If we're changing the group around, now might be a good time to drop Tionel as well. It's not that I don't like playing the guy, nor that he clashes with the group or anything. It's really just that I see his personal faith having been too shaken up to continue to worship nature, and to protect the people. Tionel really is surprised at all the adventuring he has done, and now that the city has collapsed, I don't think he'd want to adventure anymore. He'd probably want to return to 'Civilization', and try becoming a bard. I'm presenting this to the group, because I think now would be a good time to switch the group dynamics around a bit.)

DM George 
Thursday November 10th, 2005 10:35:08 PM
OOC OK, I am willing to listen to any changes anyone wants to make on their characters. This needs to be worked out by Monday. Then the grace period is over. Since I will be gone all Saturday, I recommend you get on it.

I will not allow any of the chances from the artifact of Druis to be changed. Sorry Lang your stuck. I want this stuff taken off this board and emailed to me.

Mikey, please email with any thoughts you might have.

Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47) 
Thursday November 10th, 2005 10:45:27 PM
Lang stands in shock with the suddenness of Florin's departure. He wonders if the Shields will ever see Florin again.

Lang turns towards the group and looks them over one by one, judging them on their leadership capabilities. He chuckles to himself, wondering if any of them would let a "bugbear" lead them.

Lang looks at Angus, who appears to be accepting Xenia's choice of him at being leader of the Shields. Not a bad choice, he thinks. Angus is already used to standing in the middle of the group and ordering everyone around.

"Angus, do you think we should stop back at the Giggling Ghost and leave a message for Happy letting him know our plans for the near future?"

Spells:
Speak with Animals (not cast)
Longstrider (cast, not active)

DM George 
Thursday November 10th, 2005 10:52:42 PM
Florin suddenly departs and the others digest the information. They realize that the orphans might be sick. Should they rush off to their aid? Will the healers of the Plateau City know what to do? Should they look up Prionel. Where is he being held? Are the prisons even still standing?

Which way are you going?

Wynn 
Friday November 11th, 2005 7:24:33 AM
"As much as we have all sworn to protect Mama Faust's children, there is little for us to do there. Florin will bring knowledge of the disease and the clerics of Plateau City will be as able to deal with this as the clerics of the Floating City. We have a larger responsibility to the people of this city who fight for their lives on the beach. We must return Prionel to the Crying Woods and calm the jungle. In all the confusion, only the Crimson Shields of Hope may know of Prionel's significance." Wynn voices his opinion to the group and then looks to Belkior and Angus for direction.

Xenia (HP 41/42) 
Friday November 11th, 2005 8:42:57 AM
In her mind, Xenia is already half way to the Central Pillar and up the ramp. In her mind. At Wynn's words, she abruptly puts on the brakes.

Trust Florin. Trust in Florin.

"Yeah. Alright," she says, half to herself. Still, she sucks in one side of her dark lower lip and worries it with her teeth before she speaks. "Yeah. I think Wynn's right. Florin can take care of it."

"But I'll tell you what, why don't we just forget about Perimon, huh? I mean, I didn't get a good look at the prison, but look around. There's no one here. We might as well just head off to the prison ourselves and see if he's alright. I mean, he could be hurt, right? I mean, look at everything around you. It's pretty shaken up. Imagine being inside of it all. By the time we track down Perimon and get permission, Prionel could be dead."

"And, you know, if the door to his cell just happens to be open ... Well, who could blame him for walking out, huh? I think the biggest problem might be convincing him to go. Remember last time? He went with them not us. Didn't want to go with us back to the woods."

Xenia shrugs her slim shoulders. "Maybe he's changed his mind."

Belkior 
Friday November 11th, 2005 8:45:11 AM
The halfling cleric listens to Wynn's words and considers them. "You're correct, Wynn. Florin has seen enough of the disease to provide warning to Plateau City and describe what must be done. And Plateau City has more healers who may not be needed as much as we are here."

Belkior looks around at the group. "So, as Angus said, let's go up to see what has happened to the prisons and Prionel. From what Pek said, the Dragons were defending the beach and having a difficult time of it. We may not be able to add much to the defence but somehow calming the jungle with Prionel's aid would be possible for us."

The Healer of Alemi moves up beside Angus. "Ready when you are. Let's get going - we need to get the Float on the road to recovery."

Belkior tightens the straps on his HHHaversack and prepares to start walking and climbing. He is still fingering the edge of his tunic, but not so quickly or obviously as he was.



Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) 
Friday November 11th, 2005 10:41:45 AM
"Hey, um, anyone see where the little guy got himself to, by the way?" Xenia frowns and looks around. Not that she's going to find him down here, but thought translates to movement, and before you know it, you're looking around before you realize that you're not gonna find anything. "Pek, I mean? When the city came swinging back he just, kinda sorta disappeared. Hope he didn't get hurt or nothin'."

She looks around again, then tips her head to one side as though listening for something.

"Hey, anyone here get the feeling that we're moving?"

Angus 
Friday November 11th, 2005 11:37:09 AM
Angus considers everyones suggestions. "I think we have alot to do here people. Xenia great suggestion about Happy. Happy has been a good friend to the shields and we should leave word with him. The GG is just down the block so we can stop there before we leave."

Taking hold of Xenia before she runs off. "We must recover the jewled key and keep it safe for return it to the gatekeeper of the gate. The gatekeepers can then let us through to Plateau City." Looking to Wynn "I agree, and as I suggested previously, we must check on Prionel on our way to the teleport gates to recover the key and find the gatekeepers. If we can not teleport to Plateau City our decision is easy; we escort Prionel back to the Jungle on our way to Plateau City to check on the orphans. That is unless the group thinks that Florin can handle it on his own? I suggest we plan a visit to Plateau City in the near future either way to say high to Florin and check on the kids." Angus looks to each group memeber before continuing "Lets me scribe a quick note for Happy before we head to the upper levels again.

Angus writes Happy a note telling that they are going to check on Prionel and the orphans in Plateau City and help who they can in the the Floating city on the way. Angus signs it. Your Friends always the Crimson Shields.

DM George 
Friday November 11th, 2005 4:52:43 PM
ooc Sorry for the early post but going away for the weekend and need to get it done.

As the group decides upon their direction they all troop back to the Giggling Ghost....again. Angus starts writing a note and looks up with pleasure when Happy walks back into the bar. The barkeep smiles when he sees his regulars and greets them, "Glad to see that you survived the shaking of the city." He takes a closer look and asks, "Where is your friend Florin? Is he OK?"

He goes on to describe his adventures during the release of the city. He was down at the docks with the Children of Chaos. They all got dunked but everyone was well. They were going up to the Gold Level themselves to report into the Lords and to check on some prisoner.

He confirms Xenia's suspicions that the city is moving. They are heading out deeper into the Lake. He finishes with, "Glad to see that the Underlord survived this disaster."

Xenia (HP 41/42) 
Saturday November 12th, 2005 11:56:32 AM
"Happy!" Xenia throws her arms around the girth of the large innkeeper. "I thought you were maybe, you know ... Maybe under ... I dunno, well, sorta ... I'm so glad you're here!"

She kinda retreats to the background. Standing next to Wynn, she watches as the others tell Happy about Florin, the kids, the teleport gate, and releasing the city.

Children of Chaos, huh? They're still around. And headed up to Gold to ...

"Hey, uh, Happy." Xenia tries not to look at Wynn as she thinks of Niobe. "What prisoner were the Children of Chaos goin' up there to check on?"

... and speaking of that ... Stars!!! Another thought comes to the girl rogue, bouncing from one disconnected thought to another through the web of their loosely connected tangents.

"How fast are we moving, Happy? I mean, guys, if we want to get Prionel back to the woods we maybe better act fast. Before we're too far away that is. Fram!" She slaps her forehead. "Where we gonna get a boat?"

Angus 
Saturday November 12th, 2005 2:47:08 PM
Angus puts away his parchment and rises to shake the innkeepers hand. "Good to see you alive and well. Looks like there is a bit of cleaning up to do in the neighborhood." Angus surveys the scene of devestation with his eyes.

Upon hearing Happy's report, Angus thinks to hims, so the arrogant chaos children survived there encounter, well that must be good for the city, lets hope so.

Angus focuses back on Happy "Xenia is right, Prionel, if he survived wanted to be returned to the Crying Jungle. Prionel is the prisoner that the Kids of Chaos are speaking of, I believe. We were going to go check on Prionel on our way to the teleportation gates. We were sucessful in sending the orphans to the Floating city and we beleive Florin is there now also. We want to go check up on them. Happy do you know who the keepers of the teleportations gates are and where we may find them. You mentioned that the gates are how you got your supplies. The City will need plenty more supplies soon and we want to hitch a ride to Plateau City to check on the arrangements for the Orphans. Our worst case senario is to walk, ride or boat to Plateau city if the gates do not operate. If the gates are not an option, do you know the fastest way to Plateau city by old fashion means?" Angus waits expentantly and hopeful of Happy's information.

Angus looks around "Happy where is Daphne? I am sure her fan club president needs to give a weekly report." Angus smiles at Xenia.

Wynn 
Sunday November 13th, 2005 4:18:04 PM
"I venture that Prionel is not alone if he is still in prison. The Children of Chaos may be checking on anyone." Wynn replies to Angus. "Prionel is our responsibility, regardless of the interests of the Children of Chaos. We brought him here and we promised to return him."

Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47) 
Sunday November 13th, 2005 7:31:17 PM
Lang is glad that Happy is safe. It doesn't sound to promising for the Shields though when it comes to releasing Prionel.

Lang waits for the group to leave the Giggling Ghost.

Spells:
Speak with Animals (not cast)
Longstrider (cast, not active)



Tionel 
Sunday November 13th, 2005 10:17:46 PM
"I'm glad Happy is safe." Tionel considers something. "Guys, if you're going into the forest... I think I'm headed back to town. To the real town," he explains. "I'll make sure Happy is safe and then I think I might stay with the people here, help them rebuild, or maybe go to the other side of the portal."


Wynn 
Monday November 14th, 2005 7:42:03 AM
"Does this mean you are leaving the Crimson Shields Tionel?" The bard's face betrays the emotions that run through him, first the surprise that yet another shield has chosen to leave, secondly the sense of betrayal that others would so easily abandon the group, and finally the realization that each must make his own life. Wynn offers the man his arm in friendship. "It has been an honour..."`

Belkior 
Monday November 14th, 2005 8:19:28 AM
The halfling cleric considers what Happy has reported.

"Angus, we don't know that it's Prionel that the Children of Chaos are interested in. It might be, but it's more likely related to whatever they did down on Dock Level."

Belkior continues on, addressing the entire group. "But going up there to check on him is still good to do. I mean, he left the village with us, so we're probably the ones who will be responsible for his safety in the eyes of the village. And, from what they told, in the eyes of Sabara, too."

When Tionel mentions separating from the group, Belkior turns to him. "Did we misunderstand you, Tionel? Are you planning to give up adventuring?"

Privately, Belkior is beginning to feel some self-doubt. I joined the Shields, and now one or maybe two of them are leaving. Was it me? And some of them are looking to me for leadership now. I don't know if I can do that."

Xenia (HP 41/42) 
Monday November 14th, 2005 8:21:33 AM
Sharp ears pick up the conversation between Tionel and Wynn. Xenia can't help but recall the time that Tionel left her and Angus at that bar. At that time, she had kinda liked him. In that way. Life has disappointments like that. At that time, she didn't know whether to cry or to scream out her anger at him. But you learn from stuff like that. Now, at this new desertion, the girl rogue's only reaction is a grim pursing of her lips, a small but expressive commentary on ... well ... people.

But what about herself. What would it take to make her leave? She looks at the devastation all around. And she looks at Wynn. Would he leave with her? Then she remembers the oath he gave to Bralin. An oath. For the first time, Xenia gets the glimmer of an inkling of what it means to make a real promise. Just how hard things can get.

The thought puts her in awe. And it makes her afraid. She stands closer to Wynn, feeling the warmth from his side.

Syr 
Monday November 14th, 2005 6:12:19 PM
Syr reacts with shock and surprise at Tionel's announcement. "Are you sure? I mean... won't you reconsider? First Gordo dies then you Florin leave?"

Syr lapses into a strange quiet as he begins to feel lonely and abandoned.

(OOC: wierd, I'm missing more posts, hopefully this one shows, I just switched to Mozilla's Firefox, anyone think that could be the issue?)

[ I doubt it's Firefox. I've been using Firefox for the better part of one year and never hand problems, Scott. -- Al ]

DM George "Departures and Arrivals 
Monday November 14th, 2005 6:17:48 PM
Happy looks at Angus and then looks down at his shoes. "Your gonna need at least one pair of those, maybe two. The Plateau City is thousands of miles away. We used to be closer but several years ago, the whole Floating City moved. Your best bet is trying to use the teleportation gate. Besides your right, we are going to need them to work again soon. Without supplies, this city is going to die."

Tionel having a crisis of faith decides to leave the group for now. He wants to stay behind and help the city get back on its feet. (OOC This is Mikey's decision. He will be starting a new character soon. Since no one else came to me with any requests, the window of opportunity in now officially closed.)

Tionel walks out of the Giggling Ghost and seems to be headed to the dock area.

After some discussion, the remaining Crimson Shields head back to the Gold level and towards the prison. They aren't happy with the lose of their friends but can only hope that they will be happy in their new lifes.

After much walking the group gets up to the Gold Level without to much trouble. The damage is less up here but still extensive. The head towards the main administrative buildings hoping that is where they would keep a political prisoner. Since the main prisons where they keep the common criminals are on the lowers levels, they are hoping they are guessing right.

The main courthouse of this level is still standing. Their are 2 guards who are in front of it. They are sort of surprised to see you come walking up. You have seen almost zero street traffic. The city is still essentially deserted.

Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47)  d20+6=10 d20+6=15
Monday November 14th, 2005 9:32:25 PM
Lang moves toward the back of the group with Sunshine. He slouches as best as his 7+ foot body can and tries not to draw attention to himself. He doesn't want to disrupt any talking with the guards due to his new form.

He does remain alert though for anything or anybody.

Spot 10/14
Listen 15/19

Spells:
Speak with Animals (not cast)
Longstrider (cast, not active)

Angus  d20+6=13
Monday November 14th, 2005 9:46:24 PM
Angus moves to the front of the group after they have approached the two guards.

"Excuse me good sirs. Could you direct us to your supervisor. We have some questions concerning some prisoners that were held on the lower levels and would like to find out the status of their imprisonment."

Diplomacy 13

Xenia (HP 41/42) 
Monday November 14th, 2005 10:15:37 PM
Xenia keeps a look out as the group once again moves through the streets of Gold Level. No hordes of Greenies this time. Her eyes wander over the facades of the houses. The same houses that she cased but a few weeks ago. The time she met Baronall. Looks like everyone's gone now. Maybe these mansions wouldn't be as tough to crack with all the people gone.

Hmmmm ...

The thoughts buzz along in her head as they all come up on the main courthouse. The reaction of the guards confirms her suspicions. None expects anyone to be here now. They think the place is deserted. hehe There could be piles of loot, just underneath the rubble.

The rogue looks up at the courthouse and wonders how many people are actually inside.


Wynn 
Tuesday November 15th, 2005 1:42:11 AM
Wynn slows his pace, and lets the others pass him by on their way to the Gold Level, falling in beside the transformed ranger. He remains in quiet thought as he strides through the streets beside his friend.

Belkior 
Tuesday November 15th, 2005 1:54:40 PM
The halfling cleric easily keeps pace with his companions, thanks to his mutated cat legs. Ugly though they may be, but at least he can move faster now.

Belkior looks around at his companions. With Florin gone, who will be the spokesman for the group? Which one of them would be best for approaching the guards?

Angus interrupts Belkior's musings with his question to the guards. Seeing that one of his companions has come forward, Belkior will remain in the background trying to keep his legs covered from obvious view.


DM George 
Tuesday November 15th, 2005 8:28:35 PM
The guards look at Angus and their eyes go wide as they see Lang. They seem to swallow real big and level their spears point in Lang's direction.

"Is he your prisoner?" one stammers. The other one yells, "Help Help their are more monsters out here!"

In response to his yells, a double set of doors flies open and a slim elf dressed in fine platemail strides out. He is wearing two swords at his belt and has piercing blue eyes. He takes in the scene at a glance and says in light but stern voice, "What is your business here? Why do you bring a monster to the council chambers? Why is it still armed? Who are you people?"

As he asks these questions, another six guardsmen scramble out of the building and back him up.

Angus  d20+6=22
Tuesday November 15th, 2005 9:06:46 PM
Angus makes sure he is positioned between the Crimson Shields and the guardsman. He focuses his attention on the leader that has come out of the building.

"Sir, he is not our prisoner. He is our comrade. Unfortunately, he has been cursed by a Druid artifact and transformed into the creature you see standing before you."

"Plus, if I remember correctly, the Floating City was not attacked by goblinoid creatures. It was attacked by plant creatures. We have been fighting to free the City and not once were we attacked by creatures other than Plant creatures. Your attention towards my friend as a particpant in the attack against the Floating City is misplaced."

"We are the Crimson Shields. We have come here to check on some prisoners that escaped during the chaos recently to make sure they were safely returned to their cells. They were Anvil Hearts and their names were Jonas, Specialty Johnson and a half-orc whose name escapes me."

"We are also here to find out about the well-being of an elf that was discussing the recent events with some of the authorities of the Floating City. He is an elf and his name is Prionel and we are concerned for his safety as he was on the lower levels and he is an elderly gentlemen. Have you any information on his whereabouts?"

Diplomacy - 22

OOC- I think I got all the info and names correct.
OOC - Where did Pek go?

Xenia (HP 41/42) 
Tuesday November 15th, 2005 9:38:22 PM
From just behind Wynn and Lang, Xenia rolls her eyes. What a brain trust this guys is. If the *monster* wanted to gut you, he'd have his sword out wouldn't he now, Sir Knightly Stroll.

"What kinda fighting guy can't tell when someone's dangerous and someone's not," she whispers to the two. "All the really good guards musta been killed by the plant monsters and stuff."

Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47) 
Tuesday November 15th, 2005 10:45:11 PM
Lang stands in the back with his arms crossed across his chest, away from his swords. He tries not to laugh at Xenia's remark, but a small smile crosses his lips.

He answers her right back, "Maybe they are infected. Do they look green?"

Otherwise, he remains silent, letting Angus speak for him.

Spells:
Speak with Animals (not cast)
Longstrider (cast, not active)

Belkior 
Wednesday November 16th, 2005 10:21:51 AM
The halfling cleric tries to move behind his taller companions, seeing the reception that Lang has received. Belkior has no idea how the guards would react to the sight of his legs but he doesn't want to find out.

Until things calm down, Belkior isn't going to be speaking to any guards that react as these did. Others might find Xenia's remarks funny, but she isn't the one with cat's legs.


Xenia (2nd Illegal Post)  d20+18=37 d20+13=21
Wednesday November 16th, 2005 12:53:27 PM
Green. That's a silly idea too.

But the suspicion behind it is not. Who knows what sorta upside-down stuff can happen when things are so messed like they are now. Prisoners could escape their cells, kill the guards and put on their equipment. They could take over. Could happen. Sure.

Xenia turns a hard eye on the guards. Especially Plate-Mail-Elf-Boy. She sizes up the fit between these guards and their equipment, looking to see if it looks like it belongs to them, or if it looks like it mighta been someone else's up until the recent past.

Rolls and Actions
Spot 37
Listen 21 (for any whispering going on.)

Syr  d20+10=18
Wednesday November 16th, 2005 2:47:10 PM
The elf moves to stand by Lang and reaches up to pat the bugbear on the back. "'tis okay, you'll get alot of that now... ". He glares at the guard daring him to say another word about Lang, (Intimidate 18)

Wynn  d20+10=23
Wednesday November 16th, 2005 7:41:55 PM
Wynn clears his throat to get the elf's attention before proceeding. "I understand your misgivings, for an armed bugbear is easily mistaken for a foe unless otherwise introduced. We are the Crimson Shields and have recently assisted in freeing the city from the vines. Lord Lorbius, Lady Celine and Lord Bael count us as friends and it is Lord Bael who would have escorted the prisoners Jonas and Specialty Johnson to their confinement." [Diplomacy 23]

DM George 
Wednesday November 16th, 2005 10:36:23 PM
The elf looks at Angus absorbing his words and then almost seems to glide over to Lang. You realize how short he seems as he walks up to the large bugbear ranger. He looks into Lang's eyes, and then up and down. "Well beast, these others seem to think your something special. Cursed they say. Sounds like you might have run across the Knot of Druis. It has been known to do things like this."

The elf looks over at Belkior taking in his legs. "I am assuming you took a turn as well? You humans are so impetuous. Halflings even more so."

He looks back at the Bugbear, "So can you speak or has your throat been sealed. I am inclined to believe the story. Things have been so insane around here lately. What is one man turned into a bugbear? Still I don't envy you. Not everyone is as understanding as I am." He seems to be waiting for Lang to say something.

He glances over at Wynn and says, "My aren't you the name dropper. Still if they are your friends, then you can't be all bad. Powerful Lords and Ladies all. I haven't heard of your these thieves but I must admit, I really don't care. Whatever their crimes, horrible as they might be, the city has worse problems.

I have heard of this Prionel. He isn't here. He was in the care of Lord Perimon. I haven't seen him lately, but I doubt he would leave an important prisoner unguarded. Most likely he is on the beach or teleported away to some safer local.

He sudden stops, staring hard at Wynn. "I see you tempted fate as well. Not a bad thing to have. You can visit my brethern of the sea. Useful to have in a city that floats in a giant lake."

He smiles and looks at the group and continues, "I am sure you have had some interesting adventures. That your even alive speaks well of your prowness or good luck. Still I have many duties to perform. Stay out of trouble." He starts to head back into the building.

Xenia (HP 41/42) 
Thursday November 17th, 2005 10:31:28 AM
Deep frown for the way Mister High Horse is talking. Deep frown.

"Hey," Xenia calls after Plate Mail Boy when he turns to leave, "you're an elf. Let me ask you, did you sing? I don't remember seeing you at the meeting. But, there were a lotta folks there. I coulda missed you."

"Whaddaya think of all the singing, and what come of it?" she asks.


Belkior 
Thursday November 17th, 2005 11:20:33 AM
The halfling cleric moves out from behind his companions now that the guard has recognized his deformity.

Speaking for the group as a whole, Belkior calls out to the elf. "You recognized our changes as the work of the Knot of Druis, so you obviously know of it. Where can we get any information on reversing what has happened to us?"

After a polite pause for the guard to respond, Belkior speaks quietly to his companions. "Ahhh ... the Anvil Hearts are like bad pennies - they'll always turn up. Probably when we least want them to."

"Does anyone know where Perimon's house was? Or where he would take a prisoner? That's probably the first step in finding Prionel."


Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47) 
Thursday November 17th, 2005 1:14:01 PM
Lang stares down at the elf, not flinching one bit under the elf's examination.

"Yes, I can tell by your actions how understanding a man you are," Lang says with as much sarcasm as he can.

"What makes you think I was human before I was changed into this form?" Lang questions the elf.

Before the elf can even answer, Lang turns his back on him and starts walking away with Sunshine following him.

Spells:
Speak with Animals (not cast)
Longstrider (cast, not active)

Syr 
Thursday November 17th, 2005 4:13:47 PM
Perturbed by their abrupt dismissal, " 'Knot of Drius' I'm guessing we want to ask the Circle about that?"

He turns to leave with Lang, "Geezz, the whole world turned upside down and you'd think he be greatful just to see some friendly faces..."

DM George 
Thursday November 17th, 2005 9:23:42 PM
The elf in the platemail looks bemused as Lang storms off. He shrugs his shoulders as he continues in but stops as Xenia poses her question. His shoulders slump and he murmers in a low voice, "Yes I sang. Many elves did. Many elves are sorry they did. I know I am." He disappears back into the building and the six guardsmen follow him, leaving the original two on duty.

One stands forward and with a stern voice says to Xenia, "You should be more polite to the Captain. He is regretting his choice on this Fey King. His entire family has been wiped out. His two girls killed when their house collapsed. His wife carried off and fed to a tree or so I am told. Why don't you just move on? These prisoners you seek aren't here. Who knows if they are even still alive. I hear 4 out of 10 are dead. If they were in the city when it snapped its bonds, they are most likely dead."

Angus 
Thursday November 17th, 2005 9:25:40 PM
Angus thinks over the elf's responses. He assumes that is all the information they will get from him. Before the comments fom both sides makes someone do something stupid, Angus turns arounds and leaves the area.

"Come on Shields, there is nothing more we can do here that will be productive."

Wynn 
Thursday November 17th, 2005 9:34:50 PM
The bard's dissapointment over the Captain's demeanor is quickly changed when he hears of his suffering. The deaths attributed to the freeing of the city is also not lost on the half-elf. "Please, pass on our condolences to your captain. His losses like so many others were grievous and must be difficult to bear. If he requires our service he should but ask for the Crimson Shields." Wynn bows ever so slightly before turning to leave.

Xenia (HP 41/42) 
Thursday November 17th, 2005 10:13:19 PM
Xenia draws inside herself. Her face is still hard, but she says nothing. The dark girl stares off into the middle distance, and makes no movement to give away what she might be feeling, the thoughts that might be going through her head.

But, as Wynn turns to go, she takes his arm, and hugs it fiercely to her, as the group makes their way back out into the midst of the shattered city.

Angus (cont.) 
Thursday November 17th, 2005 11:06:01 PM
Angus turns back to face the guards when he hears the guardsman rebuke Xenia for the Shields comments.

"We have all lost someone in this tragedy. Some don't even know if they have lost someone as we do not know what has happened in other parts of the Wold."

"The elf at least had the choice to keep this devastation from happening. Many of the innocents that have been killed had no choice. His choice should not blind him from his duty or from people who are trying to help the Floating City and its citizens."

"Who is going to pick up the pieces from the elves folly?" Angus asks rhetorically.

Once again, Angus turns around and leaves.

Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47) 
Thursday November 17th, 2005 11:18:09 PM
Lang and Sunshine continue to walk away from the building and the guardsman. He tries to remember where Perimon lives or where he may be keeping Prionel, but is too angered to think straight.

Everyone is worried about themselves. No one is thinking of the greater picture of getting the city back in order. What are these guards doing here? Doing nothing, while people suffer on the lower levels and probably on this level.

All this does is make Lang angrier. Sunshine whimpers, sensing Lang's rage.

Idly he strokes his shortswords, wondering if it might be time for the Shields to 'persuade' Perimon to release Prionel into their care.

Xenia (HP 41/42) - 2nd Illegal  d20+18=32 d20+16=35
Friday November 18th, 2005 10:03:04 AM
Xenia turns swiftly, her face under a dark cloud. Her lips are pursed in a thin line, and the muscles at the delicate curve of her jaw jump with tension.

"Don't you start with elves, Angus," she whispers in a soft hiss. "Just you don't. Alright?"

Again, she hugs Wynn's arm before letting go and stalking off up the street and out of sight. The rogue wades into the nearby rubble. This is Gold Level. Maybe there's some good stuff here. At least looking through things might take her mind off of being so upset-ish.

Rolls and Actions
Spot 32 (Looking for cash, magic items, etc ... )
Search 35

Syr 
Friday November 18th, 2005 8:52:26 PM
Syr thinks back to the phrase '4 in 10'. By that logic, their group fared well except for the departures of two of their eldest memmbers. Then the images of children dropping from the window and Florin trying to catch them spring up. Tears almost come and he turns to Angus, "Right now, after all we've been through, I could care less about Prionel, elves, or the city. Look at everything around us, where do we start to recover..." Quiet for a while a thought springs up, "Hey, what do you guys think of using the resurrection fund to build a new house? We gotta start somewhere, right?"

Wynn 
Friday November 18th, 2005 8:58:48 PM
The bard shakes his head as Angus cannot forgoe the last word and sends his not so subtle barb the way of the captain. Xenia is quick to react and Wynn is left wondering if Xenia's choice for leader has the diplomacy and tact required to keep the group together.

"Come Angus, there is nothing to be gained here. They simply protect their captain who clearly has earned their respect." Wynn gently tugs the mage away from the guardpost and tries to get him moving after Lang and Xenia. "This is not a time for finding fault my friend" he speaks softly. "There are Crimson Shields who have contributed to these troubles as well, and if you desire to lead them...us, then look forward and lead on, for looking back you will only find remorse."



Belkior 
Friday November 18th, 2005 10:11:56 PM
The halfling cleric follows along in the wake of the group. Belkior is thinking about all the losses here in Floating City ... people most of all, buildings, friendships ... and much more.


DM George 
Friday November 18th, 2005 11:08:49 PM
The group heads away each with their own thoughts. Each is thinking about the terrible mess the city is in. The lives lost. Some count themselves lucky. Others seem to be giving in to dispair. The over riding question is "What should we do now?"

As the group wanders somewhat aimlessly, Lang hears a voice. It is very faint and sounds muffled. He tilts one of his hairy ears, (yes they can move independently now) and tries to locate the source. He heads towards a large building that has collapsed. The muffled calls seem louder now and closer.

Lang looks around, Could their be surviviors underneath all that rubble?

Angus 
Friday November 18th, 2005 11:27:52 PM
Angus holds most of his thoughts to himself at Xenia's words "We can save the debate on voting rights for another time. Lets move on. If Prionel is not here, maybe we can find word of what happened to him on our way to the teleportation gates. Everyone keep your eyes and ears open and lets talk to as many people as we can to find out what has become of Prionel and Perrimon."

Angus's perks up when Syr mentions the resurection fund. "I agree that the resurection fund could be put to better use. I feel that most of the funds are actually yours Syr as you have been putting into the fund the longest. We may not want to spend it all on a house, but it is a good idea to get some people employed in the city. We may also want to visit the Catacombs with the new funds once we get to Plateau city. The orphans may need some help also. Lets hear your suggestion on the topic of how best to use the funds?"

Angus starts off toward the teleportation gates.

Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47)  d20+6=15 d20+6=11 d20+6=10
Sunday November 20th, 2005 10:16:09 AM
Lang's anger at the confrontation with the guardsmen dissipates rather quickly when he hears cries from the rubble of a nearby building.

Moving quickly over to the building, Lang calls out, "Is somebody in there? Can you hear me?"

Lang listens for an answer, all the while looking at the pile to see where to start lifting off rocks to get below if there are people trapped.

Listen 15
Spot 11
Search 10

OOC -- How close am I to the guardsman? Can they hear the cries.

Spells:
Speak with Animals (not cast)
Longstrider (cast, not active)

Xenia (HP 41/42)  d20+13=19 d20+13=32 d20+16=33
Sunday November 20th, 2005 10:40:45 AM
Frangimaginable!

Xenia looks up from the crumbled building into which she's scavenging. What's Lang on about? There's good stuff in here. There's gotta be. They can't have taken everything!

"Fripping frog's ears," the rogue swears under her breath. With an angry toss, she throws the stick with which she's been probing the rubble up and over a wall. Then with her ten-foot pole over one shoulder, she picks her way over to join Lang.

"Someone in there?" she asks rhetorically, before she begins searching herself.

Rolls and Actions
Listen 19
Spot 32
Search 33

From inside the rubble... (Player Mikey) 
Sunday November 20th, 2005 12:46:19 PM
From inside the rubble of the collapsed building, a faint sound of tumbling rocks and crumbling brick can be heard. A soft sound, like the echo of splashed water, can be heard from within. Then, hearing your own cries, it picks up.
"Could you please help us out, kind people?" A clear soprano cries, audible when one presses one's ears to the rocks. It sounds slightly strained, as though someone in pain or struggling.

Wynn  d20+2=14 d20+4=23
Sunday November 20th, 2005 4:55:09 PM
Wynn joins Lang and Xenia in the search through the rubble, carefully picking pieces off the pile and heaving them well out of the way. [Str=14, Dex=23]

Syr 
Monday November 21st, 2005 10:12:38 AM
Still rather dazed from the sudden group departure's Syr doesn't react at all when the rest of the group begins digging. Instead, he is embroiled in a struggle of his own and stares mindlessly as the others are working.


Belkior  d20+6=23 d20+18=25
Monday November 21st, 2005 11:40:19 AM
The halfling cleric lightly springs towards the pile of rubble, mindful of not dislodging any rocks.

One there, he also tries to listen for the voice. Pointing downwards and to one side, Belkior says "I think that the person is over there. Better be careful lifting things off ... you don't want to dislodge anything and crush them."
Listen = 23

Leaving the initial lifting and carrying to the larger and stronger members of the party, Belkior works at moving the debris further away from the spot. He's trying to keep a clear work area for this companions.

Once the person is visible, Belkior will crawl in and diagnose their condition and apply a healing spell if needed.
Heal = 25

Once the person is visible,

Famina (Mikey's second posting)  d20+4=21 d20+4=13
Monday November 21st, 2005 12:38:23 PM
It takes a few minutes, and heavier rocks are moved. There's the sound of more rock shifting, and Belkior's advice is well-spoken. Carefully, moving the rocks out, eventually the voice gives out an ebullient gasp of joy as it sees sunlight. A second later, a beam laden with rocks that looks to weigh about half a ton is lifted, and tugged to the side with a collossal effort of strength.
The first thing you see of her is the rough leather gloves with small metal spikes on it, reaching up to the sides of the rocks to easily grab a purchase. Then the other hand comes out, similarly mailed, but with an impressive shield attached to the arm. A proud lion's face snarls out from it, its mouth wide open to display many steel teeth. Other than her gloves and her shield, the rest of her arms wear no armor at all, and are noticeably muscled. It takes almost no effort to pull the rest of herself out.
She pulls herself up to stand overwhelmingly before you at a nearly six and a half feet tall. Her whole body is muscled, and much of it is visible, revealing sleek curves and an impressive physique. There is, of course, her armor, a shirt almost molded to her body's shape by dwarven craftsmanship. It is gleaming silver, which you realize is adamantine, the most precious and hardest of metals. Several metal pieces fletch out, forming deadly warnings to those who would attempt to do anything so much as try to grab her. She wears rugged fur high shorts and low boots which, like her armor and her gauntlets, leaves most of her limbs free for movement.
Even her face seems to match that of a statue's, with strong features and a hawkish nose. Her eyes are clear blue, and her hair like flaxen wheat, pouring down her back to her shoulders. On top of her head is a small round helmet, with a small horse's tail going back and two large horns sticking to either side.
"My name is Famina, and my thanks go to you. When that building collapsed, we managed to get under a structural beam. We have been trapped under there for what must be a day now."
While speaking, others come out of the hole; inhabitants of the city that appear quite thankful at being released, and clueless as to what has happened since the plants appeared.
"Tell me, are the plants gone now? You," she says, looking amongst the Crimson Shields, "look as though you are not members of the guard, but are armed nonetheless. Are you irregulars of some sort, come to fight the plants?"

Angus (second post) 
Monday November 21st, 2005 12:52:08 PM
Angus abandons the trek to the teleportation gates while the rescue is in progress and is very interested to she what emerges from the rubble. "Belkior check her to make sure she is not injured or have any other malidies." Angus hopes that belkior get the message about checking for plant sickness.

Angus asks Famina. "You said we are there more of you buried under the rubble?" Once the issue of more survivors is addressed Angus answers Famina question. "Irregulars, I guess you could call us that. We have been battling the plants for the last day or so, but our major effort was to find saftey for a large group of orphans, who we were on our way to check on. We are a mix and matched group who have taken it upon ourselves to help this group of orphans and any that seem in need of assistance. Where do you hail from Famina and what might be your particular talents?" Angus asks, very curious about Famina's outfit and size.



Xenia (2nd Illegal Post)  d20+2=17
Monday November 21st, 2005 3:50:44 PM
"Hiya, Famina." The dark half-elven girl gives a little hand wave thing by way of greeting. She gives Angus a sidelong glance. (Sense Motive 17) What's the sense in not telling her 'bout the spores? The rogue gives a mental shrug.

"The plant monsters look to be pretty much gone. The ones that were left sorta got smashed when the city took a swing, if you know what I mean."

"Yeah," Xenia considers where these folks must have been when the vines cut loose, "I bet you do know what I mean."

"So, whacha doing up here on Gold Level? And what's this place your all buried in, huh? I mean, what was here before it got wrecked? Some rich guy's home?"

Ashlan Sinclair 
Monday November 21st, 2005 5:52:17 PM
(OOC:Sorry for not posting sooner. I would guess that Ashlan would of been in the same area as Famina.)

Once the rubble is moved away and Famina and some of the other people who were in the rubble come out a average height man walks out slowly, each step causing a junggle from the spurs he wears. His clothing from head to toe is a simple dark black and silver trimmed tunic with a jacket that looked to be made from leather or some other stiff fabric, he pants were also black to match his boots with the silver colored spurs on them. At his waist hanging from his belt was a small silver chain with a silver symbol of Jancassis on it. The man wore a a kukri and a longsword at either hip and a dark cloak made the rest of his outfit.

The man motioned a gauntleted hand at the group before him, "Hmmm, I don't like oweing a debt to anyone but it seems you all came along at just the right time." Ashlan watches each person carefully before speaking his line of work always warranted caution, "My names Ashlan Sinclair, who may I ask are you all who just saved us?"

Wynn 
Monday November 21st, 2005 9:44:02 PM
The bard reacts in a flash, drawing his longsword and placing it against the throat of Jancassis' servant. "Careful everyone" the bard calls out over his shoulder, "this one wears the sign of the drow god."

Xenia (3rd Illegal) 
Monday November 21st, 2005 10:13:30 PM
Steel sings as Xenia's rapier leaps from it's sheath. She aims much lower than Wynn.

"Down on the ground, Drow lover." The dark girl's lip is curled into a snarl of hatred. "On the ground, and spread 'em or you lose 'em."

DM George 
Monday November 21st, 2005 11:32:05 PM
Several people are pulled out of the wreckage, many are hurt and weak from lack of food and water. It seems that the building used to be a tavern or inn of some sort and collapsed with the first tilting of the city many several days ago. The surviviors were caught in a small pocket. They had some small provisions but not much. When the city was freed, the rest of the building collapse but slid some of the rubble away.

Two of the surviviors are obvious adventurers. Neither originally hails from the Big Float. They recently arrived before all the troubles through the teleportation gates as guards for a prospereous merchant. They doubt they still have a job.

Obviously the group quickly realizes that one of these adventurers follows a dark goddess and take steps to protect themselves. Ashlan is a little surprised that he is receiving this reception. Still Jancassis isn't always received well.

Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47)  d20+6=8
Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 12:07:09 AM
Lang doesn't have quite the same reaction to the man as Xenia and Wynn do. He waits to see how the man reacts to the accusations from Xenia and Wynn.

Lang tries to gauge the other people who were rescued for their reaction.

Spot 8

Spells:
Speak with Animals (not cast)
Longstrider (cast, not active)

Angus  d20+2=21
Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 8:32:13 AM
Angus is surprised by Wynn and Xenia's reaction. "Whoa! Lets settle down people. We are in rescue mode. Xenia and Wynn tell me what you know of this Drow God?" Angus tries to wrack his brain for information on this evil god (Knowledge Religion 21). Angus looks at Wynn and Xenia again "Can those who follow the dark god be trusted?"

Angus goes and alerts the guard and wants to get their opinion.

Xenia (HP 41/42) 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 10:05:27 AM
"She's a Drow god, Angus," Xenia replies with a deep seated hatred, "you need to know more than that?"

"Usstan telanthus harl!" Xenia commands in her book learned drow. The keen tip of her blade drives the point home more clearly than words.

Belkior  d20+8=12 d20+2=5
Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 10:17:48 AM
The halfling cleric ercognizes the symbol about the waist of the human but not much else.
Knowledge Religion = 12

"Hold up! Hold up!," Belkiro cries to his companions and he moves to place himself between the rescued victims and the Shields. "We don't know anything about them, besides that he carries the symbol of Jancassis. Let him explain, please!"

While trying to mollify both groups, and failing badly, Belkiro looks up ... way up ... at the woman that they've pulled from the debris.
Diplomacy = 5

Syr  d20+16=32
Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 12:04:48 PM
The elf wakes from his depressed musings to come join the others and the newcomers.

He looks at Xenia in surprise at her quick reaction to things drow. Thinking to himself that there must be more of the story there he resolves to ask later.

Jumping into the middle, "Woah now! Didn't you learn enough from my poor example in the Ghost as to when you shouldn't jump to conclusions? Besides, I seem to recall another drow that we heard out before judging." (Diplomacy 32) He looks at Xenia pointedly.

With piercing eyes he seems to size up what it would cost take to take down Ashlan. "Why don't we ask ... Famina... is it... about his character? Granted she is probably biased but still let's hear them out."

Famina 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 1:22:36 PM
Famina gives Syr a grateful smile, for she had just been about to step forward to come to the man's defense. And now, she doesn't need to be so rude.
"Please, sirs, and lady, this one is not a drow, though if he does worship a drow goddess I did not know of it, because to be honest I am not entirely familiar with the customs and habits of those beyond my homeland. Instead, I base my opinions upon actions, and this one, during the avalanche of the implosion, drew not selfishly to himself, but shouldered the burden of protecting others." She nods to the survivors. "Many of them, you see, had been wounded when the building collapsed,a nd some were of a more serious nature. He used his spells to bind their wounds. And not to harm them. We all slept in his presence. If he had wished it, he could have destroyed us.. in fact, we all knew that with so many of us underground we were more likely to die faster. One person by himself could have survived far longer. You see what devious plot my words indicate could arise in a man with evil cunning? Now, I ask you, are those the actions of a man with a black heart?" With that said, Famina gives Ashlan a shoulder thump of comradery.

DM George I don't mind some free thinking and role playing but he didn't do any spells. Please be careful on what you say without the proper knowledge. Ashlan isn't a spell user.

Ashlan Sinclair 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 8:17:51 PM
Ashlan looks to everyone and their reaction and takes it all in stride and only gives Wynn and Xenia a flicker of interest when they pull their weapons. His own hands stay a small distance from his own also and after each person speaks he speaks up finally, his eyes darting to Xenia's eyes first and leveling there for moments before moving to Wynn's, "Interesting welcome and I advise sheath it or I will be forced to react in kind and since I didn't come out with weapons ready or such I think it's not asking much and none the less there is no money in us fighting and not worth my time in that case."

Ashlan awaits the reactions before looking to the group as a whole thats before him, "Money drives me, point blank and period. However I also serve vengence on those I believe deserve it or have it coming. My blades work for those two things other then protecting my own neck, any threat against either of those things will cause my blades to act and I hold no time for words in explanation in that case. This is my way as a prefessional mercenary."

Ashlan depending on people's reactions now moves to the side and pulls out his harmonica and begins playing a small tune on it while the others do what they need. (if i can i will just take 10 on this action)

DM George 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 8:59:26 PM
The tension mounts and then lessens as this new man pulls out a harmonica and plays a tune. The two newcomers decide to join you for now as they take in the new situation in the city. The group heads back to the teleportation gates.

They arrive to find a group now at the warehouse. Most are soldiers but 2 seem to be cut from a different cloth. One looks to be a mage while the other seems to be a merchant.
The key they found earlier has been removed and put into the other gate. It now is humming but the first gate still seems closed.

The guards see you moving towards them and tense. They stare hard at you and hands stray to their weapons, but they don't pull them. The mage notices and sees you. He studies you for a moment as well and then starts striding towards you. "Hello, Good to see some other living souls in these parts. Are you from the beach?" the mage inquires. He looks young. No older than 25 years of age but seems to have an experience eye that denotes a professional at his job.

Wynn 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 9:22:14 PM
The bard backs away from the mercenary and sheathes his weapon. "We are called the Crimson Shields of Hope", Wynn emphasizes the last word for affect. "I doubt you will find travelling with us very profitable, nor will you find assistance here in exacting your revenge. The need for vengence has already sundered this companionship and turned a once noble paladin into a lesser man. I'll have no part in it."

Wynn keeps his distance from Jancassis' man during the rest of the trip to the teleportation gate.

"Angus, what about those on the beach? Are they not deserving of our efforts. Should we not search farther for Prionel?"


Xenia (HP 41/42) 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 9:55:47 PM
Xenia does not sheathe her blade. Instead, she steps back to Wynn's side.

"G'wan then, your free. Get outta my sight. Whadda we want with a Drow loving hate monster 'round here anyway? Go! Shoo!"

"Freak," the dark girl mutters under her breath.

Ashlan Sinclair 
Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 12:02:12 AM
Ashlan looks to Xenia along the way and shakes his head as they make their way to the teleporting gate. He moves up beside her all though at a distance yet and speaks up, "Dear lady your tongue cuts like a vorpal sword however I would ask you be more careful in speaking so freely. Looking to a god for guidance at times does not make me a drow lover or hater. I serve no god, just look to one that covers some of my beliefs. i don't ask you like it or except it, however I don't want to fight you and we can leave it as that." He shrugs again and before falling back again says one last thing, "Judge one by their actions and you seen no actions from me yet."

Ashlan also glances to Wynn and thinks a moment, "Profit is as you look at it also. I work for what seems good at the time. Enough to buy food and drink, enough to live off of for some time, such as that. An the vengence part, I ask no one to help me on that. My mentor died in prison. I seen enough hate and anger there to last me a life time and hate people that cause such problems. I make the process simple, I see such things happening I deal with it." Ashlan shrugs and once again offers his hand to Wynn, "Anyway, the name is Ashlan Sinclair. A simple human traveling mercenary. I had pondered possibly joining a group a few times since jobs are getting tougher solo but maybe it's not such a wise idea if all people judge so quickly. However you seem to see alittle more in a person then others I guess."

Ashlan once they reach the teleporter gate stops with a clink of his spurs and thinks over the place they lead or what little he remembers, to many towns and to much traveling lays behind and ahead of him to keep places in memory. His only hopes is his reputation won't proceed him or he will be remembered for helping those the law could not or would not.

Ashlan thinks of his outfit abit and ponders changing it to something else since this is the outfit people will remember but decides otherwise as he glances to the other Shields. Feeling Lang might be the best one to, he moves over by Lang and stays over by him, a small distance once again but feeling maybe the large bugbear might be more friendly then others have been thus far, "I don't usually talk this much but since you seem more like a quiet and more friendly person, greetings and nice dog you have there." Ashlan holds his hand out to Lang, "As I said to the others, the name is Ashlan Sinclair. Before I continue if you prefer I'll move away also, seems red over there would prefer I stayed buried. Shame you risk your neck for some people against some plants, get buried with them and then rescued just to be hated. First the line or work and not the god I look to for guidance." Ashlan sighs, "ohh well, gotten use to being alone since parents left when i was born and the man who taught me about being a mercenary was murdered in prison, shouldn't change I suppose." Ashlan looks to Lang figuring the man might understand some since he is a bugbear in a world of people who most likely don't except him. Ashlan however was different and looked past what a person was and to their personality and how they reacted and acted.

Angus 
Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 12:03:52 AM
Angus is glad that tempers have been reduced to a low boil as he wants to move on. Angus thinks to himself, we have so much to do.

Angus looks to the two newcommers. "Ashlan and Famina, you are welcome to tag along for now. My friend Wynn is correct, in that this has not been a profitable group lately and it became too big a strain on two of our number. We go to check on one of them now. As I said you can come along, but you must earn our trust and carry your own weight or we will have to part company."

Angus turns to Wynn. "I agree that Prionel is important, but the guard did say that the Kids of Chaos were also looking after him. I realize that it is our responsiblity, but so are the orphans. We dumped the kids in a foreign city and are not sure that Florin has caught up with them yet. Lets check on the kids, resupply and then get back hear and try to find Prionel and help our adopted city."

Angus then strides over to the young mage. "Angus Deminoff of the Chrimson Shields." Angus offers his hand. "How goes the battle? We are not from the beach, but have been battling by the Giggling Ghost and on the open air level. At least the city is free of the vines. How does the guard and under and overlords plan to bring this great city back to its splendor and repopulate it?"

Angus will wait for his reply and then add. "We are looking to make a quick journey to Plateau City to check on some orphans we sent through. We do want to come back. How can we arrange that? Also, have you heard word on the Ancient elf, Prionel, that is a guest of Perrimon. We had pledged to escort him back to the Crying Woods. Prionel was escorted to Perrimon just before nature went crazy and attacked the Float."

Xenia (2nd Illegal Post) 
Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 8:52:22 AM
"Judge by actions!" Xenia explodes. "Look Mister Poison Goddess, you just said that money drives you point blank and period."

"Money drives me, point blank and period," she mimics.

"You see this ring?" She holds up her hand, displaying the ring that Florin had given each member of the group. "This was given to us by a guy who shaped who we are. He was dedicated to helping others. See the dove? That stands for peace. See the shield? That's 'cause we protect folks."

"And we don't get any money for it! Got it? So pike off!"

"Angus, are you out of your mind?" she hisses. "Look, Leather Lady looks harmless enough. But this guy comes on all Profit and Vengeance, then he backs off when he finds out we're the good guys. Doesn't that sound funny to you? I mean, Jancassis is an EVIL god, for Star's sake."

Belkior  d20+8=23
Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 9:13:57 AM
The halfling cleric listens to the exchange between Xenia and the man that they found under the collapsed building. Belkior has had the opportunity to think about what he was taught about the followers of Jancassis.
Knowledge Religion = 23

"Angus, Xenia speaks the truth. Jancassis is a God of Testing and most of her followers are evil. Not all, mind you, but most of them. And she is the preferred Goddess of the drow, although no one really knows why."

Turning to the rogue, Belkior continues. "Xenia, like I said, not all the followers of Jancassis are evil. Some manage to somehow reconcile their beliefs with doing acts of good. But none openly worship their deity ... especially the good ones."

Looking now to the newcomer, the halfling Healer looks up at him. "Which is it? How do you openly worship Jancassis and say that you do good? Xenia has the right of it ... we've been working to protect and better the lot of the people of Floating City. Not for money, but because it's the right thing to do."

When they get to the teleporter, Belkior will allow Angus to do the talking.


Famina 
Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 1:03:13 PM
((Whoops! I made a big mistake in that last post, and took way too many liberties. Sigh. Guys, I think my attempts to make a good intro kinda overstepped their bounds..my apologies to all, especially since I messed up the character of Sinclair totally. Looks like he's gotten the right impression off tho.))
Famina is glad to accompany the others, and now that she hears more about this Jancassis, she's not sure she likes him. She eyes the bugbear and smiles slightly.
"Understand my words to be good-intentioned; If one such as you has been accepted by a group of what seems to be good-hearted heroes, perhaps you can allow at least time to see the true nature of this one to shine through." The tall myrmidon considers something, then says to the group, "I have been asking questions about why the plants are attacking the city, and many blame the elves for some sort of magic they have done. I remember the dream, well, a glimpse of it, and everything seemed to go wrong since then. Was this Prionel for the rebirth of that being? You say he's from the Crying Woods? I thought that they were uninhabited..."
Obviously, there is much for Famina to learn before she can contribute much to the group's knowledge.

Angus (second Illegal post) 
Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 5:06:57 PM
Angus looks to Xenia and gives his half of the exchange. "Hey, you and I were given a chance in this group. I on one hand am gratfull for everyone trust in us. We can do the same to them and we are seriously down in fighting capacity. Xenia your point is taken, but lets give them a try, keep our eyes open. They can consider it a probationary period and they stand no watches until they have earned our trust, and this group does not give its trust easy."

Angus again turns to the new commers and pronounes "Are you up to the task of earning our trust? How can you better our group and our causes of helping those that need assistance? We are out for profit, but not at all costs, so be ready to keep yourselves under control. It seems that you two are interested in testing, well consider this your first test. Answer well."

Angus crosses his arms over his chest and waits for responses from Famina and Ashlan.

Syr 
Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 5:32:00 PM
Syr watches the interchange without interferring although he does gravitate toward Xenia. Sizing Ashlan up, it appears the man can defend himself if need be. Whispering to Angus, "Right now, we could do with some of his money oriented attitude. We need a new place and who knows how the orphans are faring?"

Answering the newcomer, "You have the right of it, we elves are to blame." He sighs sadly. "As near as I can tell, we allowed nature to run amok and this is the consequence." He waves a hand all around him before continuing. "Prionel is a leader of the elves from the Woods that was taken into custody after we delivered him to the city. We were just hoping to find out what has happened to him."

Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47) 
Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 9:43:39 PM
Lang shakes the man's hand when he offers it to him. He sizes the man up and down, trying to discern anything more about the man called Ashlan.

In a neutral voice, Lang says, "You may stand as close or as far away as you want. I did not help rescue the lot of you just to get in a fight over what god you may or may not worship. There are bigger problems to worry about right now."

"My name is Lang and this is my faithful companion Sunshine. I also have been a mercenary most of my life. If you plan on tagging along with us, I hope you are good with your weapons because trouble always seems to find us."

With that Lang turns his attention back towards the gate and the people guarding it.

Spells:
Speak with Animals (not cast)
Longstrider (cast, not active)

Wynn 
Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 10:33:46 PM
The bard bites his tongue when Angus the 'mercenary' their company. He has to choke back an angrier response when the spindly mage insinuates that Tionel and Florin left due to lack of profit.

Wynn retreates to the back of the group, away from Ashalan and resolves to keep a very careful eye on him.

"I don't know Xenia" he whispers. "The tall one looks fine to me, but this other one smells of trouble."

DM George 
Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 10:36:18 PM
The young mage listens to Angus and says, "I don't know the plans for the city. I think they are just trying to get some distance from the shoreline for now. Then they need to get the population off the beach and back to the city. Gonna be tough as the city is still attacking but the soldiers will manage I suppose. I do know that we have opened our side of the gate. Only the gatekeepers from the Plateau City can open theirs. I hope they do it soon. Food is very scarce and without some shipments coming in soon, the population is gonna be very hungry."

The gate that leads to the Big Float suddenly flares and a man steps through. He has a wand out and seems very tense. His eyes dart here and their and when he sees the livery of the soldiers, he seems to relax. He walks forward with a smile on his face and claps the young mage on the shoulder. "Carn, it is good to see you again lad." His glance takes in the view out the warehouse door and his smile fades. "I see you have been through some hard times. Is this side secure? We have a wagon train of goods waiting on our side but we have been afraid to send them through."

The mage then looks at the Crimson Shields and his frown deepens. "Ahhh you realize that there is a bugbear over there right?"

The group senses many eyes on them. It seems like someone is watching them from afar.

Syr  d20+5=15
Thursday November 24th, 2005 3:40:12 AM
Smiling at the man stepping through the gate, he turns on the charm (charisma 15) ad gestures casually at Lang, "It's okay. He's with us and we are the ones to shut down the gates in the first place when they were threatened by the plant people."

With a slight frown, "By chance, do you have an update on an orphanage of children that was sent through?"

Wynn 
Thursday November 24th, 2005 7:41:30 PM
Wynn smiles wryly at the gate traveller, "Bugbears are the least of my worries friend." The bard gives Lang a hearty thump on the back before continuing. "Yes, tell us what you know of a group of orphans sent through the gate just yesterday. Are they safe? Did a man named Florin find his way to them?"

Belkior  d20+6=20
Thursday November 24th, 2005 8:44:09 PM
The halfling cleric looks around, wondering where people might be watching from. If it is a spell, Belkior is unable to determine what it might be.
Spellcraft = 20

Belkior crowds close, waiting for the answer to Syr's and Wynn's questions.

Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47)  d20+6=16 d20+6=8
Thursday November 24th, 2005 10:14:18 PM
Lang glances at the man who questions why there is a Bugbear amongst the people standing near the gate.

Before he can respond, he gets the sensation that someone or something is watching them. The sensation is confirmed when the hair on Sunshine's back rises and he emits a low growl.

"Someone or something is out there and it is watching us."

He quickly draws his shortswords and scans the area for hostiles.

Spot 16
Listen 8

Spells:
Speak with Animals (not cast)
Longstrider (cast, not active)

Xenia (HP 41/42) 
Thursday November 24th, 2005 10:57:06 PM
Xenia nods in reply to Wynn. She walks cautiously away, keeping one eye on, Jancassius Boy.

"It's as secure as it's gonna get for a while," the rogue answers the mage guy. "Why don't you have them send the wagon through? Though I don't know if the folks that the supplies are bound for are still gonna be alive. Looks betcha like a lot of folks were killed when the city let go. That is, along with most of the monsters that were hangin' round."

She peers through the gate, looking once again to see to the other side.

"I think, Lang," she says, "that the eyes that you feel on you are probs coming from the other side of the gate. Folks over there looking through, ya think?"

Angus  d20+9=17 d20+7=17
Friday November 25th, 2005 1:33:49 PM
Angus is glad to see the gate open and watches it workings carefully (arcane Knowledge 17) with interest, attempting to determine how it works. When the wizard mentions the Bugbear he also lends his voice to lang's defense. "Good sir, we have had difficult times recently and several of us were effected by a powerful druid magic. The bugbear that stands before you was a human yesterday, he himself is just getting used to his new form, unless you have an suggestions on how to change him back?"

After the wizard answers, Angus steps closer to him with his hand outstreched. "My name in Angus Deminoff, and I am part of a group call the Crimson Shields. We sent the 50 or so orphans through yesterday, as we were is great peril at the time. As our charming friend, Syr, indicated, we are very curious on their safe keeping. We believe one of our number is now also in your fine city, Florin a Paladin of some note. Do you know if Florin and the orphans have meet up? Also may we have safe passage into the Plateau city to check on our charge and to reequip ourselves for the coming struggles of righting the Floating City?" Angus brushes dust of his fine cloak while listening to the wizard. (Diplomancy 17).

When the Wizard is done speaking Angus will turn to Carn. "Do you have any word on Prionel or Perrimon?"


Famina 
Friday November 25th, 2005 1:47:10 PM
Famina smiles to the guard and decides to address him (And the unseen eyes) herself, attempting to lend credence to the Crimson Shields' words. She steps forward and pats the mage on the shoulder in what she hopes is a comforting way. "Do not worry, sir, it seems like with us around the gate will be guarded. Our enemy is not man, remember, but plant...and it seems like the plants are finally gone. But in case they aren't," she draws her sword and lets it point to the air, "my sword will stand in defense of this gate, as well as these companions, I am sure."
Normally, it would be a somewhat ridiculous thing to do, to draw one's sword to make a point. But somehow, with Famina at least, it seems natural. Perhaps it's because her eyes actually do hold firm, and she genuinely believes in what she says.


DM George 
Friday November 25th, 2005 9:23:18 PM
The merchant/mage and the young mage Carn take all of the information in as several of the Crimson Shields talk to them. Both step back and look wary when Lang draws his weapons. They see him scanning the area and realize what is bothering him. "No worries my bugbear friend. Friendlies from the Plateau City are scrying us making sure that this side is secure."

The merchant/mage then turns to Angus and answers, "Yes I heard that a group of young refugees came through the gate the other day. Master Von Otten took care of the toll and I hear that he is housing them quite comfortably. I am sorry but that is all I know."

He looks around and says mainly to himself, "I guess the area is secure enough." He takes out two flags and starts signaling with them in the air. After a few moments, the second gate leading to the Plateau City starts humming and activates. Almost simultaneoulsy a team of horses appear in the second gate, then a second team. They are pulling a large wagon. Several of the soldiers rush up with scroll to take inventory. Though times are still tense, they seem to be getting back to normal.

Ashlan Sinclair 
Saturday November 26th, 2005 1:46:04 AM
(OOC:George, Ashlan would of taken some jobs since becoming a true mercenary so if you don't mind I will expand on his storyline here if you don't mind to show alittle of what he has done.)

Ashlan watches the things going on and otherwise has went silent deciding to let things sit for now. He does reach down and unhook the chain with the symbol from his belt and pockets it so it is not showing, thinking that if the thing has caused this much trouble then it might be a good idea to keep it more hidden from site. Beyond this though he moves to the side and just leans against the wall before pulling out his harmonica, tapping it in his palm before looking to Belkior, speaking strictly to him, "Well friend you asked so I shall say, my allegiance to vengence extends only as far as I see fit. In the town just beyond that gate you stand near there is a couple which had two sons. One was murdered and I heard about it shortly after entering the city. After hearing the law there would do nothing about it since the man who did it left the city and since the couple weren't able to handle it themselves, I hunted the man down."

Ashlan pops the harmonica on his palm again and looks to Belkior, "Shame he would not come in to the city to stand for trial but I gave him the option. However when he pulled his weapon and attacked that option went out and be judged by me came in." Ashlan looks to the harmonica as if it's a dear friend and then pockets it again, "I left a few cities with people that needed help for a murder or some wrong was caused against them and I worked for vengence and justice for them. I might be looked down on by most, making a profit off of someone else pain but even though I make a profit frm it I usually bring a sense of closure to those I do it for and sometimes I do not charge at all since sometimes the murder or such crime is so bad it hits a nerve."

Ashlan glances to Belkior and shrugs, "An if you don't believe me on what I said then ask one of the Plateau guards. I'm sure one of them will remember the murder of a young man, around 13. Dragged into a ally area and killed for alittle less then 20 gold a few months ago. The kids murderer was brought in dead 4 days later by me."

Lang (ac 22; hp 56/67) & Sunshine (ac 22; hp 47/47) 
Saturday November 26th, 2005 1:39:17 PM
Lang sheathes his shortswords once he realizes there is no immediate danger. He nods his head slightly towards the young mage for explaining the watching sensation.

"Well Angus what do you suggest we do? The children appear to be safe for now. Do we go through the gate to see them or head to the Crying Woods and have some fun slaying plants?"

Spells:
Speak with Animals (not cast)
Longstrider (cast, not active)

Wynn 
Saturday November 26th, 2005 2:46:24 PM
"Belkior" the bard taps the cleric lightly on the shoulder. "Is it possible that you or one of your clerical bretheren could determine the location of our friend Prionel through some form of divination?"

Angus 
Saturday November 26th, 2005 6:44:17 PM
At Lang's inquiry Angus responds. "The orphans have been gone for one day. Lets make sure they have long term lodging taken care of. We can go and take care of them and then reequip ourselves and return for Prionel."

Angus looks to the merchant mage. "You mentioned a toll, How much is it per person and can we get a volume discount?" Angus smiles.

Before addressing the Shields Angus turns to Carn again. "Any word on Prionel or Perrimon?" (THird time asking??? Or are they ignoring me??)

Angus turns to the remaining Shields. "Lets put it to a vote before we go chack on our small charges. Do these two new comers join us on a probationary basis? I vote yea on both counts, but they stand no watches and we keep a close eye on them, at least until they can prove their worth. We are a bit short now and could use the manpower."



Xenia (HP 41/42) 
Sunday November 27th, 2005 10:15:44 AM
"That's a pretty good idea, Wynn," Xenia agrees, her hand tucked into the crook of his arm. "Temple of Alemi is on Gold Level too. Right, Belkie? Shouldn't take too long to run down there and see how they're doing. And maybe we could find someone to, like, detect evil on these two guys following us."

"Angus Deminof," she continues, turning but slightly from Wynn's side, "why do you keep talking 'bout these two joining us? I mean, we're here at the Teleport Gate already. We saved them from being buried. They can go now, right? I haven't heard either one of them say they want to follow us around. And they sure as Fram haven't explained to us why."

"If you remember way back, I came down to the Ghost to see Daphne. When it turns out she got herself nabbed by a bunch of witches, I just had to go along to rescue her."

"Wynn, came searching for Bralin. Belkie was sent by the Temple of Alemi. I mean, they both look like loose foot loner types. Why do they want to follow us like puppies and be on probation? I wanna hear. 'Cause either we trust 'em, or we don't. I mean, it ain't smart to keep a scorpion around when you don't got time to watch it. And it looks like we're gonna be plenty busy. We don't even have a place to live right now."

"So, what is it, you too? You're here now. You're free. No one's holding you. We don't expect anyone to pay us for rescuing them. You gonna leave? Or are you gonna tell us why you wanna go around with us?"

Angus (second Post) 
Sunday November 27th, 2005 11:30:15 AM
Angus throws up his hands. "Ok, you win Xenia. These two will have nothing to do with the Crimson Shields unless they give us a real good reason. Mind you Xenia, we are way below what I consisder full strenght and a little recruitment is not a bad idea. I see no reason for you or me to be in the front lines in any future conflict. I like eight much better than six, but from this point one I will not make the case for them. These two must convince us and soon before we check on the orphans."

Angus turns to the newcomers. "Convince us of your worth or we must part company. We will vote on it before we step through the gate."

Angus waits for their response, but takes an impatient step towards the gate.

Ashlan Sinclair 
Sunday November 27th, 2005 12:04:53 PM
Ashlan looks to Angus and then reaches up rubbing his chin slowly as he glances to the others and then finally shrugs deciding why not inless the fiery red head decides to try a scewer him, "Well, if I follow you I have chance of making some money do I not? Rather you all work for money or not meaning. An from the looks of things I do not think making some money would hurt any of you. "

Ashlan steps foreward and holds out his hand to Angus, "As long as my money making attitude doesn't cause problems and we can keep who I look to for some guidance to ourselves. I won't mention Jancassis or show the symbol and all. Ashlan looks to Angus and then to mainly the ones who argued about how he is, "Also one small other thing. There is no money in letting people die when on a job or just out and about. If we get into the thick of it I will watch your back and I hope I will get the same. I'm not a loose sword but I refuse to risk my life in defense of someone if I know they won't do the same, hence why I never joined a group in the past and been a loner."

Ashlan thinks and smiles abit to himself, "Put simply I think if you wish us to trust and earn your trust then you should do the same since neither of us know each other. Not meaning to be harsh but just saying we atleast stay on common ground." Ashlan glances about and moves over towards anyone that just came from Plateau City and speaks to him, "Hello sir, I'm sorry for bothering you but I was hoping for some info. Recently in your city a man was murdered and the person who killed the person escaped. I was wondering how the family is doing since the murderer was brought in dead." Ashlan leans his head to the side alittle, curious and hoping the family is doing okay after the few weeks he had been gone.

Xenia (2nd Illegal) 
Sunday November 27th, 2005 3:29:19 PM
Xenia slaps a palm to her forehead.

"Angus, I din say nothing about proving themselves. I asked why they wanted to hang around with us. Doesn't it sound even the least bit suspicious to you that Jancassius Boy here suddenly wants to become a Crimson Shield. I already said that we don't make money from it. Now look what he's saying. Either he doesn't listen so good or he's playing us."

"It smells. The whole deal smells. And you want to bring them in because we need a couple of sword arms? For what? We becoming mercenaries now? You see us going out and acting rear-guard action against the Crying Woods while the city folk pull out? I don't get your thinking here, Angus. Talk to me. I see the group losing itself. You're picking just anybody up off the street. Might as well have Specialty Johnson join the group. At least we know what she's like. I don't know what we're here for anymore. And I'll tell you, if it weren't for Wynn, I'd be gone. I got friends to look for."

She holds up the ring again.

"These Crimson Shields mean anything anymore?"

Angus (Third Post) 
Sunday November 27th, 2005 4:47:42 PM
Angus listens to Ashlan and the looks to Xenia. "I am about to step through the gate and check on the orphans and Florin. That is what the Shields mean to me, protecting those weaker than us. Those that we have pledged to support."

Angus looks to Ashlan "We are out to support ourselves and those that we choose to lend our support to. If you can live with that then we will take you with us and see how you fit in. You have my initial vote of support."

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