The Vale of the Sage (DM Cayzle) Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 12:29:54 AM
A half hour more of walking through overgrown hills brings the party to a small valley. The trail you are on enters the valley between two hills. The valley itself is roundish, about a half a mile across. The floor of the valley is covered with cropped meadow and huge flat low flowers. The flowers are ten feet in diameter but do not rise more than two feet off the ground. Here and there across the valley you see some sheep grazing.
At the center of the valley a single huge tree grows. If you can beat a Know Nature DC of 20, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {The tree is a Whistal Tree, common only on Centaur Island to the far west. It is the tallest tree in the Wold.}
Around the base of the tree is a palisade or wood wall of some sort, it seems.
I assume you are all ducking down as you peer into the valley ... since you also see giant bees here and there buzzing from flower to flower, and a number of ants off in the distance.
Renik d20+3=10 d20+14=21 Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 8:28:12 AM
Peering down into the valley from behind cover, Renik nods in agreement. "Good plan, Arien, that works for me. I'll be an ant."
Stopping to think for a moment he continues "Though don't think any visual disguise is going to get us past real ants if we get close. They are likely to be able to smell us, aren't they?"
Thinking about what he has just said he adds "Monthor, not a word about Feng or we'll steal your boots and force you to wear fluffy bunny carpet slippers."
He looks at the others and says "Arien's plan has merit to me. How about we disguise ourselves, attempt to avoid the real ants and see if we can just walk on in there?"
He peers down into the valley again, trying to work out if such a plan is feasible (Int 10). He also examines the area for hidden dangers or potential sources of danger (Spot 21).
Draax Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 8:48:11 AM
Draax ducks down to peer into the valley with the others. "The Veil spell is a good idea if we can stay away from any of the insects. If I remember right from playing with bugs as a child, insects identify each other by smell, touch, sound, and movement patterns. Even disguised as insects the other bugs will know we do not belong, but it might get us pass the humanoids."
Sarigar and Black Paws d20+16=32 d20+10=25 d20+11=14 Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 3:20:20 PM
The brothers watch the movement in the valley. Insects have always been mostly beneath their notice, but these large ones are rather interesting. Do they have a pattern? Do they have some kind of den? They don't seem to travel in packs, but still work together in some way. (Int check 14, to determine a pattern and/or answer their internal questions by watching them).
And then there is that tree. It's probably one of the biggest trees they've ever seen, but it's different from the other trees they know (Knowledge: Nature 32/25, but they've never been to the taur isles, let alone centaur isle). Seems kind of odd that such a large and obviously different tree should be here.
The idea of being something they are not doesn't sit well with the brothers. Sure, Sarigar allowed himself to be made into a grig, but even then, it didn't feel right. And now, the potential of being an ant <shiver>. Despite their reservations, fighting their way through the valley isn't likely to work, so taking on the illusion may be the best option.
Monthor Wednesday November 23rd, 2005 3:26:29 PM
The Dwarf keeps pace with the others and looks out for any signs of trouble.
" Me'll do whatever you girls think is best. Me wouldn't mind slicing an ant or two but me wants to get to Serge even worst. Youse also assuming that those bugs would come after us. If me keeps me axe lite, they may stay away from the fire."
Tratain Thursday November 24th, 2005 1:31:55 AM
Tratain says "I'm not sure how much good a Veil Spell will be, I think alot of the creatures down there may rely on senses other than sight to tell things apart. Unless we want to Disguise ourselves as a party of all elves, and try to bluff our way in saying the Fae King sent us."
Honey Tree (DM Cayzle) Thursday November 24th, 2005 8:36:04 AM
While the party discusses tactics, Sarigar sees something:
Sarigar, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {There are giant bees buzzing around that big tree. There are also many scattered across the valley floor, going from huge flower to flower, then to the tree. Of the ants there is not so much to be seen -- mostly just near the palisade.}
Arien (Mage Armor) Thursday November 24th, 2005 10:40:12 AM
"The spell changes not only our appearance but also us feel and smell just like the creatures that we are imitating. The spell also makes it easier to look like a specific person, such as that orc we passed. I could also make a few of us look like the Bees if they have a method of flying. I myself can cast the fly spell, either on myself or another. As I recall a couple of others also have the ability to fly."
Renik Thursday November 24th, 2005 11:24:47 AM
"That settles it then" nods Renik. "If we can beat their sense of smell the Veil spell disguising us as ants or bees has to be the way to go. I'd rather pretend to be an ally than pretend to be a victim. I'll stick with being an ant, myself. As I can only fly once a day I'd rather keep the ability until I really need to use it.
Also, we know those bees can deliver a nasty sting; how are we set for poison antidotes? Spells that can cure venom?"
Monthor Thursday November 24th, 2005 4:05:17 PM
" No antidotes here. Me have one potion of cure blindness and deafness, but nothing for poison. "
" And ant is good for me too. Although me's prefer to be an uncle..... "
Draax Thursday November 24th, 2005 7:43:19 PM
"Disguised as ants will work for me as long as we do not come in contact with other ants. If I remember correctly ants can tell if other ants are outsiders and they usually attack them. We might be able to look, smell, and move like ants but if we are not recognized as part of the other ants' colony they will attack us or at least identify us as intruders."
Sarigar and Black Paws Thursday November 24th, 2005 10:42:23 PM "That tree is the bee's den. Looks like they're gathering from the flowers and bringing it there. Dunno if that's where we need to go though. Ain't many ants though, except near that wall thing."
"Run and jump is all I've got for spells. Maybe tomorrow, the Mother can give me something for stings, but dunno since I've never asked before."
After his comments, the brothers cringe slightly, waiting for the spell to go off.
Feng Friday November 25th, 2005 2:01:55 PM
"I never thought I would say this but I miss the old days. Dealing with insects and this growth of nature is just too strange. As for poison, I'll have to trust the divine protection bestowed upon me by the gods to fight off the effects."
Discussions (DM Cayzle) Friday November 25th, 2005 5:40:11 PM
The party continues to plan.
[OOC: As soon as you all are ready, just say the word, and we'll be off. Until then, chat as much as you need to. Feel free to post several times a day if it will better communications.]
Monthor Friday November 25th, 2005 7:10:07 PM
ooc> Read DM's response as... "Get off your butts and make a decision already!!!! "
:: Monthor's done discussing and says ::
" Can we go yet? "
:: However, what he's really thinking is... ::
{ What would happen if I used my sovereign glue to stick Feng's bum cheeks together?.....}
Arien (Mage Armor) Saturday November 26th, 2005 2:01:36 PM
"Well then if everyone is ready I shall cast the spell to make all of us save Feng to look like ants and he will be our orcish leader person." Assuming there is no dissent Arien will then cast the spell.
Renik Saturday November 26th, 2005 6:36:26 PM
Renik nods his agreement, unsheathing his swords.
Draax Saturday November 26th, 2005 7:40:45 PM
Draax gathers with the others and waits for the transformation.
Tratain Sunday November 27th, 2005 5:36:30 PM
Tratain stands with the others waiting for the spell to be cast, and then travels with the others towords the Tree.
Approaching the Hill (DM Cayzle) Monday November 28th, 2005 10:42:59 PM
Arien casts his spell, and the party seems to be a group of giant ants with an orc along for the ride.
The party sets out across the valley floor, through a meadow of short grasses and huge wide flowers that grow close to the ground.
As you get closer, you see that the "palisade" is actually a wall of bramble, small trees, and tangled vines.
You all can see clearly an opening in the trunk of the huge tree, into and out of which fly large bees.
It is clear that this entire area is cultivated -- after a fashion. Does the group stay on the windy paths that run through the valley, or stray from them?
Arien (Mage Armor) Tuesday November 29th, 2005 1:28:07 AM
Arien stays with the group, taking care to stay on the paths. They could see the bees and the ants but who knows what else might be lurking off the path.
Renik d20+14=20 d20+14=29 Tuesday November 29th, 2005 6:19:00 AM
Renik sticks to the path, senses alert to danger. This is a risky strategem, but he can think of no better way to sneak into the compound than this.
(Spot 20, Listen 29)
Sarigar and Black Paws Tuesday November 29th, 2005 11:39:31 AM
The brothers stick to the path, but try to lead the others around any other ants. It's likely that of all the bugs around here, the ants are most likely to be able to pick up on the deception.
Otherwise, they pretty much keep with the others, leading them to the tree and what awaits them all inside.
Draax Tuesday November 29th, 2005 6:06:02 PM
Draax stays on the path with the others.
Feng Tuesday November 29th, 2005 7:18:16 PM
Feng stops a safe distance away. The hive of large bees makes him rather nervous since he found out how bad normal bees could be when he was a kid. Giant bees are that much worse.
"We have to go in there?"
Monthor Tuesday November 29th, 2005 9:41:38 PM
Monthor sticks to the path.
" Hummm, what purty flowers."
The Ant (DM Cayzle) Tuesday November 29th, 2005 10:47:43 PM
Coming toward the party on the path is a small ant. You all are disguised as large soldier ants; this is a smaller worker ant, about 5 feet long.
It is about 60 feet away from you, and within a round will be close enough to kiss.
Tratain Wednesday November 30th, 2005 6:34:51 PM
Tratain walks with the others, He see's the Ant comming forward and hopes that Ariens Magic conceals thier True nature from teh Ants senses. Though if Renik decides that they should abondon the path he will follow.
Feng Wednesday November 30th, 2005 7:55:27 PM
Feng readies his great axe just in case things go bad. Perhaps if they can kill it quickly no alarm will be sounded.
Monthor Wednesday November 30th, 2005 8:51:24 PM
Monthor, for once, behaves and stays quiet. He'll follow the others.
Draax Wednesday November 30th, 2005 10:54:43 PM
Draax get a little nervous when he sees the ant coming towards them. He does not see anyway around the confrontation unless the group leaves the trail. Killing the thing quickly would probably be the group's best choice, but even that is taking a big risk. He wishes the group would have done that mental link thing they did awhile back, at least then they could formulate their actions without talking.
Renik Thursday December 1st, 2005 3:11:06 AM
The rogue sees the worker ant approaching and hopes Arien's magic will fool it. He has both swords drawn, just in case.
The Ant turns and runs (DM Cayzle) Thursday December 1st, 2005 7:39:15 AM
The ant gets within 20 feet, then waves its antennae. It turns and heads back towards the bramble-wall. It is now 50 feet away from you. Do you let it go?
Sarigar and Black Paws Thursday December 1st, 2005 11:03:13 AM
The brothers press on as if nothing special has happened. If the magic's gonna work, it's gonna work. If they kill the ant, it's definitely gonna prove that they aren't what they're pretending to be. Best to just act like nothing's out of the ordinary.
Arien (Mage Armor) Thursday December 1st, 2005 12:28:16 PM
Arien lets the worker go, as he recalls the Soldier class ants were more important anyway so the worker would most likely leave them alone. Arien moves with the party as they press on.
Renik Thursday December 1st, 2005 5:31:45 PM
Renik sees the ant turn and flee them; that is likely as not a bad sign. Perhaps it has realised their scent is alien somehow, and has gone to warn others. But, he figures, if they race after it and hack it to bits that will warn the others for sure. At least this way there's a chance the bluff has succeeded. And if not... well, they'll get a little bit further before the blood starts flowing.
Monthor Thursday December 1st, 2005 8:11:30 PM
{ Poop. We're screwed now. } The dwarf THINKS to himself. He then shrugs his shoulders and keep following the others.
Draax Thursday December 1st, 2005 10:03:30 PM
As he watches the ant run, Draax fights with himself to not let out the moan that almost escaped his lips. He would like to take a shot at the creature, but because he does not know if a few arrows could kill it he decides not to take the chance. He continues on with the others hoping that the group could get inside before the alarm is sounded.
Tratain Thursday December 1st, 2005 11:39:14 PM
Tratain stays with the Others, ready to cast Mass Bears Endurence on the group if it becomes obvious that an alarm is being sounded.
Moving on up (DM Cayzle) Friday December 2nd, 2005 12:06:30 AM
When you entered the vale, the Tree surrounded by the palisade was about 1,200 feet away, at the center of the valley. Right now, at the start of this round, you are about 600 feet away. The ant is 50 feet closer to the Tree than you.
This round you follow at your party speed of 20. That puts you 560 feet from the tree at the end of a double move. The ant is now 450 feet from the tree, having moved 100 feet this round to your 40.
At this rate, you have about 4 rounds before the ant reaches the palisade. In that time you can cover 160 feet and be 400 feet from the tree, if you like.
Or, of course, you can make other actions.
Sarigar and Black Paws Friday December 2nd, 2005 11:20:07 AM
Seeing no reason to rush, the brothers lead the others at a good clip (about 40 feet a round) trying to match the normal speed of the ants they've seen but not so fast that members of the pack will fall behind.
Every so often, they move a little bit ahead, stop, look around as if checking the area for something, then move on again. They try to mimic the behavior they've seen in the giants ants they've seen here and on the way here.
Feng Friday December 2nd, 2005 11:37:32 AM
Feng can only pray that things will go well. There was no way to catch the fast moving ant. Even by shedding their disguises they still might not catch it. So he takes a deep breath and waits.
Renik Friday December 2nd, 2005 12:15:03 PM
The rogue continues to head for the tree in disguise. It occurs to him now, rather too late, just how useful a few Charm Monster spells would be right about now.
Monthor Friday December 2nd, 2005 10:31:05 PM
Monthor follows the other. However, he is concerned that the ant has just told the tree... maybe another treant?... that the party aren't real ants. Monthor stays on his guard and watches out for trouble from the tree and the little ant next to it.
Draax Saturday December 3rd, 2005 4:49:13 AM
Draax continues with the others, he wonders how the inside of the tree is arranged and how far the ant needs to go before it can alert others.
Arien (Mage Armor) Saturday December 3rd, 2005 11:48:51 AM
Arien moves along with the others as well. Hoping that the illusion hadn't been pierced he examines the area for any vantage points should combat break out.
Almost there (DM Cayzle) Saturday December 3rd, 2005 4:10:14 PM
Four rounds go by, and the ant reaches the palisade and passes through a break in the grown bramble wall. You have another 10 rounds of hustling to get there.
Renik d20+14=20 d20+14=27 Sunday December 4th, 2005 6:21:08 PM
Voicing a silent plea to Wardd the rogue keeps on, waiting for any sign of alarm in the enemy camp (Spot 20, Listen 27).
Monthor Sunday December 4th, 2005 7:12:00 PM
The dwarf keep his mouth shut and walks on. He is very conscious that battle may be emminent and he is ready to defend himself and his comrades.
Draax Sunday December 4th, 2005 9:34:38 PM
Draax continues to be anxious as the group moves closer.
Arien (Mage Armor) Monday December 5th, 2005 1:32:29 AM
Arien also continues to hustle towards the palisade.
Sarigar and Black Paws Monday December 5th, 2005 10:17:31 AM
The brothers note the tension in the others and do their best to ease them. Their pace and demeanor is surprisingly relaxed. They keep up their immitation of the ants they've witnessed recently, but their movements and where they often look are very nonchalant. Rigidness and tension are likely to be sensed by the other insects and by staying as relazed as possible will hopefully make them all look like they belong here.
Tratain Monday December 5th, 2005 4:46:47 PM
Tratain keeps pace with the others, ready to cast his spell if they come under attack or it becomes obvious that an alarm has been raised and a defense is being prepared.
Feng Monday December 5th, 2005 4:50:27 PM
It seems that they are all in agreement. Feng keeps quite and moves along with the others.
Approach to the Tree (DM Cayzle) Tuesday December 6th, 2005 9:55:54 AM
The party walks in ant guise up towards the great Tree. Recall that Feng is the one in orc guise.
The tree is surrounded, you see clearly now, by a "palisade" that has been grown out of trees, bramble, and throny briars. It is very thick and practically impassible. You deduce that there must be a wide open space inside the brambles under the tree. The tree itself is huge -- dozens of feet in diameter, hundreds high.
There is a break in the palisade, which you are approaching, about 20 feet wide. You can see that the bramble wall is about 20 feet thick and 20 feet high. You are headed for the break, or gate, if that's what it is.
You see several odd portals in the main trunk -- they look grown, rather than cut or eaten. Giant bees fly in and out of these.
At the gate, you see a single orc, wearing an odd helmet. As you approach, the orc shouts in common when you are about 40 feet from the gate, "Halt! Who are you, and why are you here!"
If you make a Spot DC20 check, then Highlight to display spoiler: {You see that his helmet is very tight and close fitting. It has two huge bug-eyes on it where the visor would be.}
If you make a separate Spot DC30 check, then Highlight to display spoiler: {You notice two of the trees that are standing in the bramble wall seem to be watching you, one on each side of the gate.}
(Map to come tomorrow afternoon I hope.)
Draax d20+7=15 Tuesday December 6th, 2005 6:34:24 PM
The first thing that jumps into Draax's mind when the orc speaks is 'Oh no! The jig up'. He stops himself from attacking the orc, when he remembers that Feng is disguised as an orc and the guard must be talking to him.
Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158, AC24/21) d20+17=34 d20+17=26 Wednesday December 7th, 2005 10:25:57 AM
As the brothers approach the orc at the gate, they stop when he orders them to halt and Feng give some indication that they should (they are supposed to be "his ants" after all). They scan the area and Sarigar is able to pick out the trees near the gate. He gives the others a subtle head nod toward each of them, but remains silent.
The brothers will split apart slightly to allow Feng to move up should he desire to do so, but also move to more defensible positions (circling the wagons as it were).
Renik d20+14=22 d20+24=29 d6+7=11 5d6(2+4+5+4+3)=18 Wednesday December 7th, 2005 10:29:43 AM
Renik, his swords drawn, waits to see how Feng plays the subterfuge card. He notes the challenging orc's unusual headgear, but that is all he sees (Spot 22).
It is starting to look as if they are going to have to fight their way in. He gets ready to spring into action if they come under atack (Readied action: activate Flight, move and attack nearest foe, hits AC 29 for 29 HP).
Monthor d100=78 Wednesday December 7th, 2005 2:09:15 PM
Monthor stays silent and awaits to see what happens. The dwarf turns and looks to spot if anyone is trying to circle them.
ooc: disregard the percentile role
The Scene (DM Cayzle) Wednesday December 7th, 2005 5:03:13 PM
As you wait for Feng's response, you look around with veteran eyes. What if a fight breaks out?
Feng d20=17 Wednesday December 7th, 2005 7:13:03 PM
Seeing another orc wasn't something that he expected. His people didn't really venture out away from the clans. "My name is Feng. I'm a simple traveler trying to find my way. I'm rather lost at the moment. I'm glad that I ran into another orc." Feng replies in orc.
Arien (Mage Armor) d20+9=22 Wednesday December 7th, 2005 7:30:01 PM
Arien notes the odd shaped helmet as he looks around. When Feng replies he cringes slightly and waits for the guard's response.
Draax Wednesday December 7th, 2005 8:14:49 PM
Having no idea what Feng replied to the orc, Draax waits to see how the orc responds to whatever Feng said.
The Jolly Orc (DM Cayzle) Thursday December 8th, 2005 6:02:22 AM
The orc pauses for a long moment, and then breaks into laughter. In common, he says, between guffaws, "You're a simple traveler ... trying to find your way!" He begins to get a hold of himself. "Oh, that's a good one. Ah, oh, You're rather lost! Oh-ho."
"You have amused me. But seriously, you are here at the head of a party of ants ... HERE, of all places. Now, tell me who sent you and deliver your message."
"No, wait! It was Korbo, wasn't it? This is exactly his style. What a jokester. Well, fun's fun. Let's get to business. Tell me what you came here to say."
Renik Thursday December 8th, 2005 7:48:16 AM
The rogue grinds his teeth in frustration as the guard's reply reveals what Feng had said. Is the big dope trying to get them caught? He has half a mind to fly towards the guard and slit his throat, and half a mind to do the same to Feng. In the event he does nothing, contenting himself with silently cursing insects, orcs, paladins and any combination thereof.
(Same readied action as lst round)
Monthor Thursday December 8th, 2005 8:08:55 AM
Monthor, who understands orc, shakes his head. He thinks to himself, having learned to keep his mouth shut... { Travelers? How many orcs does he know that travel the country side with a bunch of giant ants in tow? }. { That's it! Me gluing his enormous 1/2 orcish bumm to his saddle. } Monthor grips his axe a little tighter and awaits to see what happens next.
Feng Thursday December 8th, 2005 9:57:06 AM
ooc: It wasn't my idea to make the honest paladin the normal one. Lying is rather difficult for him as you can imagine.
"Korbo thought you might get a laugh out of that. As for buisness I've got more workers for you."
ooc2: btw there was no plan to get inside. Just leave Feng as an orc and disguise everybody else as ants. I'm suprised that I wasn't attacked right away.
Monthor add on ooc to Feng Thursday December 8th, 2005 10:05:44 AM
ooc All this is "in character" bud. Monthor is still shame red from his 'mistakes'. While "you" and "I" may know better our characters don't always. We all post "in character" right?
Tratain Thursday December 8th, 2005 11:03:30 AM
Tratain, not being able to understand what is being said still waits ready to cast his spell if it looks like they are going to be attacked.
Arien (Mage Armor) Thursday December 8th, 2005 12:29:37 PM
Arien watches the Orc's reaction, ready to cast a spell the moment things turned hostile.
Draax Thursday December 8th, 2005 9:01:27 PM
Draax continues to wait, he wonders how Feng knew to start the conversation off with a joke. He figures it must be a thing that orcs do.
Feng Tries His Hand at Con Artistry (DM Cayzle) d20+4=10 d20+4=6 Friday December 9th, 2005 1:08:12 AM
Feng tries to bluff his way through the encounter with the orc. For the first time, in gods-know-how-long, the paladin tries trickery over his usual direct approach.
[OOC: We're talking Feng's untrained Bluff vs the orc's untrained Sense Motive, as it turns out. Feng's story is only barely credible (Bluff 10), but the orc is more than unusually gullible (Sense Motive 6).]
[OOC: Feng, please accept a role-play XP award of 300 xp for stretching so well with this exchange.]
The orc smiles. "Presents! I love presents! What do these do? They don't look special. Last I heard, Korbo was working on explosions ... these don't blow up, do they? No, don't tell me -- it is more fun to experiment on them."
The orc gestures. "Come in, come in! Come on over here and step into this cage. You'll be safe in there."
He leads you into the compound. You see two big holes in the ground that ants climb in and out of. He leads you around the back of the tree, where a small building leans against the trunk, and a 20x20x10 foot cage stands. The cage has a lock on the door. The orc opens the cage and motions you on in.
Just then the orc's eyes focus on something that is not there. He makes a shooing motion and shouts, "Go away! Go away!" Then he motions you into the cage. "Quick, before they attack! Stupid things! I'm not sure that they are more trouble than they are worth. What was I thinking when I made them?"
If you make a spot check vs DC5, then Highlight to display spoiler: {You see several large lumpish slug-like creatures that are 15 feet long over next to the bramble wall in the back. A few giant bees and ants are tending them, and ... suckling?}
If you make a SEARCH check vs DC10, then please Highlight to display spoiler: {You note that the lock on the cage is crude and rusty.}
If you make a spot check vs DC25, then please Highlight to display spoiler: {You get the idea that the orc is motioning at a flying invisible thing is about to dive bomb the group.}
If you make a spot check vs DC45, then please Highlight to display spoiler: {You sense several invisible flying things are in the area, most by the giant 15-foot long slugs.}
Monthor d20-2=11 d20+1=18 Friday December 9th, 2005 11:07:58 AM
ooc> Spot 11, Search 18
Monthor says nothing and follows Feng. He does notice.
{ A little to much joy juice that one has had. } Monthor thinks to himself.
Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158, AC24/21) Friday December 9th, 2005 12:02:16 PM
The brothers follow Feng into the hive, though when they see the cage, they become noticable uneasy. Sarigar's been locked in a cage once, he despised it to the core. Voluntarily entering one will not be likely.
ooc: sorry for missing yesterday, Time-Warner had a major system crash and all cable internet (personal and business) in the town were offline pretty much all day.
DM Cayzle OOC Friday December 9th, 2005 3:47:33 PM
Just a bit of clarification, fellows. There is a HUGE tree, and around it there is a bramble wall. The bramble surrounds the tree like a fortified wall might surround a tower. You are in the "courtyard" -- you have not entered the tree, and you have not gone underground. Looking up, you can see the sun and sky through the branches and leaves of the Tree. The cage is on the far side of the tree from the gate. Got it?
Arien (Mage Armor) d20+9=14 d20+12=28 d20+9=20 Friday December 9th, 2005 5:08:23 PM
Arien looks at the strange slug creatures with some puzzlement before the Orc leads them to the cage. Noticing the poor condition of the lock Arien fails to notice any gestures made by the Orc.
(Spot: 14, Search: 28)
Renik d20+14=18 d20+10=21 Friday December 9th, 2005 5:35:53 PM
Renik takes his lead from Feng. He notices the rusty lock on the cage and the weird suckling slug things, and is so disgusted by what he sees he fails to spot anything else of note (Spot 18, Search 21).
He will enter the cage if Feng guides his 'ants' in that direction.
Feng d20=13 d20=10 Friday December 9th, 2005 6:17:57 PM
Feng stops when he sees the rusted lock. Not that he was going to voluntarily lock himself up. Now when there was something very strange with their orc host. His hands hold his large double axe tightly as he stretches his divine senses to feel for evil.
ooc: spot check 13, search check 10. Feng is also detecting evil
Draax d20+5=12 d20+7=22 Saturday December 10th, 2005 7:50:03 PM
Draax sees the slug-like creatures and notices the rusty lock on the cage. (spot 22, search 12). He begins to enter the cage, but stops when Feng stops. Not sure why they stopped, he waits to see if anything happens.
Tratain d20+11=17 d20=8 d20+11=27 d20+11=18 Sunday December 11th, 2005 10:39:16 PM
Tratain sticks with the group, and goes where Feng Directs. He does notice the slug creatures and keeps an eye on them, as well as the invisible flying creatures.
OOC: My internet Connections been kinda off and on lately, not sure what the problem is, definitly on my cable company's side though.
Monthor ooc> Tuesday December 13th, 2005 9:38:49 PM
Is there a break during the holidays? I'll be away from the 23rd to the 28th without pc connection. Anyone hear anything from Cayzle?
Evil for sure (DM Cayzle) Tuesday December 13th, 2005 11:20:08 PM
[OOC: I sincerely apologize, friends. Everyone in my household is sick except me, which makes me nurse and nanny. Plus work suddenly came down on me like a brick wall. With the double whammy, I've been crushed.
However, I am posting now and will post between 7 pm and midnight Wold time tonite daily through Saturday. That will be the five posts for this week.
I will be online and posting every day this holidays. If you are going away, fear not. Attendance will not be so strict as usual at the end of December. And if anyone wants to do MORE Wolding around the holiday, check out the Giggling Ghost.
Thanks for being understanding!]
Feng senses evil in the orc, without doubt. Not great evil, but some. The insects that are in range are not evil.
The orc seems to get impatient. "Fear not, lowly one! I'll send you back to your master unharmed. Go into the cage so that my invisible bees do not sting you! The cage door will be unlocked, so long as the ants you are bringing do not wander out."
He seems impatient.
Suddenly it seems like you go deaf. Then, just as suddenly, your hearing returns. As if a zone of silence had engulfed you and then moved off.
Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158, AC24/21) Wednesday December 14th, 2005 10:42:19 AM
The brothers wait for Feng to make some gesture to get in the <shiver> cage. Sarigar deliberately bumps the door of the cage as he enters to attempt to knock the chain away, making it even more likely that it will not be able to be locked.
Black Paws is even more reluctant to enter the cage. Even with Sarigar trying to reassure him telepathically, he really doesn't want to get in there. So much so, it's obvious he's getting aggitated enough that he might soon attack someone (most likely the orc).
Renik Wednesday December 14th, 2005 10:54:23 AM
The rogue waits, doing his best dumb ant impression, for their herder to lead them to the cage.
Though he has always been a fan of the sneaky route he does begin to wonder whether in this instance they wouldn't have done better letting Arien blow everything up with fireballs.
Feng AC 23, HP 125 Wednesday December 14th, 2005 5:29:23 PM
"Somehow I doubt the cage will remain unlocked. The evil within your soul taints the words you speak. Your invisible bees you say? Then I guess that means you are in charge of this entire place."
Monthor (Temp. bless, temp hp 120, AC 22, 23 vs the orc) Wednesday December 14th, 2005 6:04:43 PM
{ Oh poop!!!} Monthor thinks to himself.
{ The gig , she be up me say. }
And with that, Monthor moves into position to to strikes at the orc should it make any offensive moves towards Feng.
ooc> The 23 AC includes the dodge bonus assigned vs the orc
The Boss in charge of this entire place (DM Cayzle) Wednesday December 14th, 2005 8:02:35 PM
The orc pauses for a moment. It is impossible to read his expression under the all-covering helmet with the strange, bug-eye visor. But the pause is pregnant, and you sense the gears turning in his head.
"Well, it seems clear that you are not from my colleague, after all."
"Yes, I'm 'in charge,' so to speak. Do you want to tell me what it is you want here? Really? I'm a reasonable fellow, and I'd like to hear a good story. Perhaps we can come to an accommodation."
Draax Wednesday December 14th, 2005 9:10:16 PM
Seeing things are not going as well as they hoped, Draax still has to admit that the group has gotten further than he would have thought without being challenged. Draax stands ready but does not make any aggressive moves because he is wary about the so-called invisible bees. Not sure what he should do, the half-elf continues to wait and lets someone else make the first move; whether it be friend or foe.
Arien (Mage Armor) Wednesday December 14th, 2005 9:11:10 PM
"Well," Arien thinks, "At least we got in the compound before things went sour." Arien waits for the moment though, perhaps they could get some information out of this orc before they had to blast him and his bugs.
Renik Thursday December 15th, 2005 4:39:28 AM
Renik the giant ant meanders about aimlessly as ants do, antennae twitching. Let's just see, thinks the rogue to himself, where I can end up.
He aims to get around the back of the orc, close enough to unleash a torrent of blows should things take a turn for the worse. Now, if only Feng can keep this fellow talking a while longer without revealing that his "ants" are really his fellow warriors...
Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158, AC24/21) d20+16=34 d20+16=33 Thursday December 15th, 2005 11:06:03 AM
With their extra sensitive noses, the brothers have the best chance of spotting and fighting the invisible bees that have been spoken of. Even they know that the conversation with the orc seems to be turning away from the pack's advantage.
They immediately begin scanning the area, opening their senses (Spot 34/33) to any sign of the bees and prepare themselves for potential attacks (readied action to attack any target they smell within 5 ft, Scent allows pinpoint detection within 5 feet)
Feng Thursday December 15th, 2005 5:47:42 PM
"My tale is not short though you may wish to hear it all. The Fae King I have met and his words I have heard." Feng replies.
Monthor Thursday December 15th, 2005 9:41:09 PM
And.... the dwarf watches and readies himself to kick some orc ham.
Name Dropping (DM Cayzle) Friday December 16th, 2005 12:35:44 AM
Arien, Monthor, and Draax are poised on the edge of attack. So far the orc shows no sign of aggression.
Sarigar is alert to unseen foes. He senses a flying thing about 20 to 30 feet away as it flies overhead. A little while later, another one. The same one? A second? Hard to say.
Renik wanders around to prepare to flank. The orc does not seem to mind, if he even notices.
Feng drops a name -- the Fey King -- and waits to see its effect.
The orc says, "The Fey King? What words did he say to you? And more to the point, again, why are you here?" His demeanor has shifted to the serious.
Arien (Mage Armor) Friday December 16th, 2005 2:40:01 AM
Arien wonders a moment if he should dismiss the illusion but waits. If the situation did turn hostile the surprise might make a crucial difference.
Renik d20+14=17 d20+3=21 Friday December 16th, 2005 6:17:20 AM
Renik, his twin blades poised to dice the orc into bite-sized chunks, holds as Feng keeps the creature talking. One wrong word now and battle will surely commence.
(OOC: Readied action if the orc turns on the party: full attack on the orc)
As Feng speaks Renik scans the area for any sign of other inhabitants (Spot 17) and tries to tell if the orc is stalling, distrustful or genuine (Sense Motive 21).
Feng Friday December 16th, 2005 8:31:01 AM
"I guess the real question is what do you think he said? Why do you think I am here?"
monthor Friday December 16th, 2005 10:37:57 AM
And.... the dwarf watches and readies himself to kick some orc ham.
Sarigar and Black Paws (CV158, AC24/21) d20+3=19 d20+16=21 d20+16=25 Friday December 16th, 2005 11:00:25 AM
Sarigar begins climbing (Climb 19) up the side of the cage to get some height. The invisible bees seem to be staying quite high most of the time, so maybe the top of the cage will get him close enough should the need arise.
Once up there, he will again open his senses (Spot 21)to the possible threats and be ready to pounce if need be (readied action to attack if anything should attack at him).
Black Paws wanders around outside the cage, eyes, ears and nose open to threats a little closer to the ground (Spot 25) and readies himself for a possible fight.
Draax Friday December 16th, 2005 7:04:46 PM
Draax starts to become impatient, not because it is taking too long but because he has no idea how an idle ant is supposed to act. He sees the others begin to move around but he stays in place waiting to see what happens.
Jockeying for position (DM Cayzle) Saturday December 17th, 2005 6:14:08 AM
The orc scowls at Feng's non-answer. "Come now! You have intruded on me. You have lied about who you are. You have tricked your way into my home. All I ask is that you tell me who you are and why you have come. Failing that, I will simply ask you to leave."
Renik, concentrating on the orc, notes with wonder that there is no clasp or hinge or weld on the orc's chitinous helmet. Renik senses that the orc is both annoyed and stalling.
Arien wonders about the Veil spell. The orc has interacted with the party to such an extent that he has earned himself a saving throw, or more than one. Has he saved? Has he pierced the illusion? Certainly, in a fight, those who attack the party (or who are attacked by the party) will also make saves to see through the disguises.
Sarigar ponders ways to attack invisible bees, and climbs the cage to get a better vantage. [OOC: Philip, remind me -- does Sarigar have scent too, or just Black Paws? If Sarigar can smell them coming, then he could certainly ready an action to attack as an invisible bee comes near. You'd still have the 50% miss chance, but you might get that blow in before the bee attacked.]
The Brothers take note that there is some activity -- ants moving? on the far side of the tree, almost entirely out of line of sight. See below for map and notes.
Monthor and Draax remain alert. Tratain somewhat less so. [OOC: Where do you want to be? Monthor has said that he is ready to attack the orc, so I tend to put him just south and next to the orc.]
Here is a large-scale map. With a caveat that locations may be off by five or ten feet due to eyestrain, note the following:
The 20x20x10 feet high cage is at AR-25. Sarigar is on top of the cage. The orc is at AR-26. Feng is at AQ-26. Renik is at AS-26. The rest of the group are nearby -- all within 30 feet. Four giant slug-creatures are along the back wall, row 13, AL-AX. There are several ants and several (visible) bees around there.
Tratain Saturday December 17th, 2005 10:26:08 AM
Tratain standing close to Feng readies himself incase it should come to an attack. He waits for Fengs response.
Renik d20+14=26 d20+14=29 Sunday December 18th, 2005 5:02:05 PM
The rogue holds his breath, awaiting Feng's words and the orc-thing's response. His blades remain poised to strike (OOC: same readied action)
His instincts tell him to strike now, to cut this creature down. Surely it is merely stalling them, setting them up for some sort of devastating attack. He glances about nervously, trying to make out the invisible creatures he is sure surround them (Spot 26).
But something stays his hand. Curiosity perhaps? An unwillingness to kill mercilessly without being certain his target deserves death? Uncertainty as to whether this orc creature truly is the sage he claims to be? Whatever emotions are at work within the young warrior's mind they leave him anxious and uncertain.
As he waits he speculates that if that helmet has no clasp, could it actually be the creature's head? He tries to get a better view to confirm his suspicions (Spot 29).
Feng AC 23, HP 125 d20+19=32 d20+14=28 d20+9=28 d12+37=38 2d6(1+5)=6 d12+37=44 2d6(4+4)=8 d12+37=49 2d6(4+4)=8 Monday December 19th, 2005 10:04:53 AM
Feng's calm demeanor vanishes in the face of evil. "My name is Feng, that is true. I have not lied to you. I simply used your own assumption to gain entry. I am a paladin. A warrior in service to all that is good and righteous in the wold. Nothing else should concern you because now you meet your end." Feng says with the utmost conviction. His knuckles whiten around the shaft of his new holy great axe. With tremendous strength granted by his orc heritage Feng quickly brings the axe into the evil creature before him.
ooc: power attack -7 to hit/ +14 damage. smite evil on all three attacks. 1st attack hit ac 32 for 44, 2nd attack hit ac 28 for 52, 3rd attack hit ac 28 for 57.
Renik (2nd post): AC 28, HP 85 d20+19=31 6d6(4+3+6+6+5+4)+7=35 d20+14=29 6d6(6+4+1+1+5+4)+7=28 d20+9=10 d20+17=32 8d6(3+1+6+2+1+3+6+1)+3=26 d20+12=21 8d6(6+5+5+2+2+4+3+1)+3=31 Monday December 19th, 2005 11:16:54 AM
(OOC: I guess that qualifies as grounds for the readied action to kick in!)
Seeing the half orc strike Renik follows suit, though regretting the fact that they know so little of their foe.
AC 31 for 35 HP AC 29 for 28 HP AC 10: nat 1 AC 32 for 26 HP AC 21 for 31 HP
Sorry, add 2 to all ACs due to flanking!
Arien (Mage Armor) Monday December 19th, 2005 5:11:52 PM
"Well that answers that question I suppose." Arien mutters when Feng and then Renik leap to attack. Arien casts Greater Invisibility on himself and then moves forward towards the battle.
Draax AC 25, HP 133 (Blind-Fight) d20+7=20 Monday December 19th, 2005 7:30:24 PM
Draax arms himself with his sword and readies his shield as he easily guessed what Feng's words would lead to. He moves to cover Feng's back against the invisible flying creatures (spot 20).
Monthor (AC 23 vs Orcs. Temp Bless, temp hit points 120) d20+28=36 d20+23=30 d20+18=20 d10=7 d6=1 d10=6 d6=4 d10=9 d6=6 Monday December 19th, 2005 7:31:26 PM
Aaaaaaaand Monthor swings at the orc...
ooc> Monthor swings 3 times. He gets a +1 bonus to hit because of the bless, +1 vs orcs, +2 flanking, for a total bonus for 28 on the first attack, 23 on the second and 18 on the third.
1st attack - To hit= 36, damage, 22 2nd attack - to hot= 30, damage, 24 3rd attack- to hit= 20, damage, 29
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