DM Kathy Wednesday January 11th, 2006 1:13:30 AM
Cautiously, you approach the house. There is no reply to Any's call.
Arminas and Bralin survey the surroundings. The house is well-made, and shows every sign of being inhabited. The tidy flowerboxes in the front have been tended recently. The roof is sound, and no grass grows on the little path leading to the door. There are a few outbuildings scattered at a distance, but they, too appear deserted.
Harvest enters the house and finds herself in a tidy front room smelling faintly of lavender. A low fire burns in the fireplace grate, and someone's knitting has been placed neatly in a basket between two large, comfortable-looking chairs. But there is nobody here.
Lorth readies himself in case of trouble, and Andrath goes around back. He notices that the back door is ajar, and sees tracks headed away from the house.
Lorth Wednesday January 11th, 2006 7:37:48 AM
When his friends enter the house Lorth dismounts and gathers up the reins of all his friends mounts, lest they wander off. He's sure Darkfire would just love to run off and explore. He quickly scans the area for a tree or post to hitch them to.
Harvest d20+13=15 d20+13=18 Wednesday January 11th, 2006 9:58:54 AM
The sleeve of her worn robe slides back up her arm as Harvest waves to her companions from the front door.
"There is no one here," she calls out. "And yet, a fire still burns in the hearth. Someone must be nearby."
"I will explore the house further to see that nothing is amiss," she announces before ducking back in. Moving from room to room, she makes her way to the back of the house.
Rolls and Actions Spot 15 Listen 18
Day's Spells Level Zero 3: Guidance, Detect Magic, Mend Level One 3 + 1 DC16: Domain: Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless
Arminas (Lyle Posting) d20=5 d20+10=17 Wednesday January 11th, 2006 10:00:45 AM
Upon finding the house empty, Arminas proceeds out the back door where he finds Andrath looking at some tracks. He stoops down to see how long ago the tracks were made (2nd roll with modifier Spot 17-don't know Rangers DC for track sorry). Rising, he calls to Ewan. When the great bird arrives, he asks Ewan to scan the area for people, or (Gods forbidding)any bodies.
Arminas has felt lately as if someone else were dictating what he would do. The time has come to take charge of his own actions. He matches thought to deed, and states,
"While Ewan looks from above, I will see what I can discover below."
He then proceeds to study the tracks, first to determine who has left them, then to find that individual.
OOC Kelly--I posted today not knowing if you would be back in time. I didn't kill him--yet.
Any Wednesday January 11th, 2006 10:09:42 AM
Any notices Lorth gather the reins of the horses, and says,
"You need not fear for Moonshadow. He will not leave that spot without me, save only to preserve his own life, and e'en then, he would return when he was able."
He then moves into the house with Harvest and Arminas. While Arminas goes out the back door, and Harvest moves to investigate the rest of the house, Any looks around at the room they first entered. When he hears Arminas outside declare his intentions of tracking the residents of the house, he steps out also saying,
"It would not be wise to follow tracks alone. I will come with you, and tho' I cannot track as well as you, at least I will provide an extra set of eyes to watch your back."
So saying, he quickly retrieves his bow and quiver, and prepares to follow Arminas.
Bralin Wednesday January 11th, 2006 10:39:01 AM
The dwarf paces about, working the flow of blood back into his legs.
He wonders why his companions are scuttling about in search of some shepherd who likely is performing his daily labors, but says nothing.
If Andrath calls, he heads 'round the house. Otherwise, Bralin stays put with Lorth.
Andrath d20+13=18 d20+17=36 Wednesday January 11th, 2006 8:42:39 PM
Andrath waits out back as Arminas joins him. "These look like tracks to me, but you are definitely the specialist. Can you tell if there is just the one set, and if they were running or merely walking?"
Then he pokes his head into the house and calls out, "Can anyone see a sign of a struggle?" He moves into the house, and looks around for anything out of place. This is more his style, he thinks to himself. [OOC: Search 18, Spot 36]
DM Kathy Thursday January 12th, 2006 1:23:32 AM Lorth gathers up the reins of the horses and looks around for something to tie them to. There are several bushes in the area, but no trees that you can see. There is the house itself, and what appears to be a water trough off to one side of the house. Perhaps there's something there that the reins can be tied to.
Bralin stays near Lorth, and tries to work out some of the kinks from the journey.
Harvest begins going through the rooms in the house. Moving through the front room, you find yourself in the kitchen. A small fire burns here as well, and there is a half-eaten bowl of porriage on the table. Near it, a chair lies on the floor, as if whoever got out of it was in a hurry. The back door, as Andrath has already noticed, is ajar.
A doorway off the kitchen leads to a small, tidy bedchamber. Steep stairs lead from the kitchen to more space above. [Harvest, do you climb the stairs?]
Andrath moves into the house through the back door, and immediately notices the half-eaten bowl of porriage and the overturned chair. There is no sign of a struggle as such, but the person who had been sitting in the chair clearly left in a hurry.
Arminas can tell that the tracks are quite fresh, probably made earlier today. There are two sets, but he can't discern more than that. He begins following the tracks. Any accompanies him, advising caution.
Lorth Thursday January 12th, 2006 7:53:03 AM
Lorth walks over to the water trough, horses in tow. He lets them drink if they want while he searches for something to hitch them to.
Any d20+5=25 d20+4=11 Thursday January 12th, 2006 9:43:38 AM
Any walks along behind Arminas, not wanting to spoil any tracks that are present. He carefully watches the trail and the area around, looking for clues as to what has happened here (Search 25, spot 11). He keeps his bow ready, and watches Arminas, trying to pick up some of the tracking skills the Ranger has learned.
Harvest d20+13=22 d20+13=22 Thursday January 12th, 2006 9:45:48 AM
"Perhaps they ran away from us, Andrath Silverhand." Harvest Moon raises a hand to rub her head in puzzlement. Her fingers brush the short stubble of hair at the back of her head. "This does not appear to be a place, though, that would hold a fear of strangers."
She rights the chair, pushing it in neatly to the table.
Harvest glances briefly into the bedroom before turning to the stairs.
"I will climb to the second floor, Andrath Silverhand," she announces before ascending the stairs. "Perhaps," she calls over her shoulder, "there is a window from which more of the countryside maybe be seen."
Question How many pillows on the bed?
Rolls and Actions Spot 22 Listen 22
Day's Spells Level Zero 3: Guidance, Detect Magic, Mend Level One 3 + 1 DC16: Domain: Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless
Bralin Thursday January 12th, 2006 11:39:39 AM
The dwarf wordlessly accompanies the paladin. He glances about, taking in the scenery, while absentmindedly scratching at his whisker covered chin.
Arminas d20+10=21 d20+10=24 d20+10=13 d20+13=24 Thursday January 12th, 2006 1:00:36 PM
Arminas carefully looks at the tracks as he follows them (track 21). He looks up, and scans the area in front (spot 24), and tries to listen for any sound (listen 13).
He motions for Any to be quiet as they move forward.
Rolls track 21 spot 24 listen 13 move silently 24
Andrath Thursday January 12th, 2006 9:26:04 PM
Andrath watches as Arminas and Any head off after the tracks. "Be careful, and don't head off too far. I think that Harvest is going to check upstairs, and then we can all join up with you."
DM Kathy Friday January 13th, 2006 1:29:09 AM Lorth walks to the trough, and, with a little searching, finds an iron ring set into one end. It seems a good place to tie the animals. There is a little water left in the trough.
Bralin accompanies Lorth, looking about him. If it weren't for the nagging sense that something isn't right, this would be a peaceful pastoral scene. Birds twitter in the bushes, and the breeze plays gently with the window curtains at the front of the house. Pansies nod from the window boxes.
With Any beside him, Arminas continues to follow the tracks. They lead through a fenced pasture at the back of the house, toward a field beyond it. The two of you are now about 100 feet from the house.
Back at the house, Harvest notes that the bed in the bedroom has two pillows. She climbs the stairs to the loft and finds another sleeping room tucked under the eaves. Here is another tidy bed, a trunk, and a chest of drawers. A tiny window looks out toward the pasture in the back, and you can see Any and Arminas making their way across it.
Andrath stays on the ground floor and calls out to the trackers, advising caution.
Lorth Friday January 13th, 2006 9:16:34 AM
Lorth waits for the rest of his friends to come out of the house and give a report. He tries to keep an eye on Any and Arminas.
Any d20+5=13 d20+4=12 d20+8=27 d20+2=19 Friday January 13th, 2006 9:57:43 AM
Any takes the directions from Arminas, and glides along beside him, keeping an eye open for anything out of the ordinary (Search 13, spot 12, move silently 27). He hears the admonishment of Andrath, and acknowledges his suggestion with a look and a nod, then he too concentrates on listening for sounds which might aid them in their search (listen 19).
Something about this entire situation does not seem right to Any. Either the people from the house left chasing something, or someone, or they left fleeing that motivating cause. The signs of abrupt departure were everywhere.
Any moves closer to Arminas, and whispers in a voice which is barely a breath,
"Were they running, and from or to what?"
Harvest d20+13=24 d20+13=18 Friday January 13th, 2006 10:26:07 AM "There is another bedroom upstairs," the brown girl calls out. "It appears that there may have been three people living here, Andrath Silverhand."
Harvest Moon leaves the private things of the house's occupants as they are. Instead, she goes to the window. From the height of the 2nd story, she looks out over the landscape a far around as she can see.
Questions Is the window large enough to climb through? Is it Glass? Is there a way to open it? Or, is it a shutter affair and open already?
Rolls and Actions Spot 24 Listen 18
Day's Spells Level Zero 3: Guidance, Detect Magic, Mend Level One 3 + 1 DC16: Domain: Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless
Bralin Friday January 13th, 2006 10:58:03 AM
Bralin frowns. His comrades were correct to investigate. Something is amiss. More information is required.
"Be the third a child?" he calls up to Harvest.
The dwarf circle the house to join Andrath. "How many do they follow?" he asks the rogue, while pointing a chin towards Any and Arminas.
Harvest Friday January 13th, 2006 11:06:37 AM
Harvest turns as the words of Bralin Stoneminder drift up from below. Her eyes scan the room for incidentals.
Question Are there any toys in evidence? Any clothing? Any thing that might indicate whether the bedroom is used by a male or female? Or is the room so neatly clean that nothing further might be gleaned from it?
Arminas d20+10=13 Friday January 13th, 2006 2:16:17 PM
Arminas looks toward the field beyond the fenced pasture. He slowly follows the tracks towards the field. In response to Any's inquiry, he carefully examines the tracks.
Questions What can I tell about who made the tracks? Size of person? Were they running or walking? What is growing in the field? How far to trees or other type of cover?
Andrath d20+13=14 Sunday January 15th, 2006 6:16:49 PM
Andrath moves into the house, carefully looking around, but not noticing anything new. [OOC: natural 1 rolled for the search.]
DM Kathy Sunday January 15th, 2006 10:31:11 PM
Responding to Andrath's shout, Any and Arminas stop where they are to look and listen. You find the atmosphere eerie, but you don't see or hear any specific signs of danger. You note that the field ahead of you seems to be growing hay. There are no trees in the area, although there are several bushes scattered about. The closest of these is about 20 feet from you. It wouldn't really provide cover, but it might be a place to hide. There are several other bushes in the area as well.
[OOC: Are you stopped, or do you continue moving forward?]
Arminas can see more than one set of tracks, but he can't tell much more than that. [OOC: your intial Survival roll wasn't high enough to tell you much more than the basics.]
Bralin's question prompts Harvest to take another look around the loft room. You see no toys or childrens' possessions. All of the clothing seems to be put away. You note that the bedcover is woven with a colorful flower design. From the window, you can see the hay field directly behind the pasture, and a few more fields in the distance, although you cannot tell what grows in them. You also see several bushes and, of course, your companions. The window has no glass, but closes with shutters. It is too small to fit through.
Lorth Monday January 16th, 2006 8:24:05 AM
Lorth waits with the horses. He tries to listen to what his friends are discussing.
Harvest Monday January 16th, 2006 9:53:43 AM "I do not think so, Bralin Stoneminder," Harvest Moon calls out of the small open window. "The room is very neat and well kept. Perhaps the room of a young woman."
The small brown girl spares a moment to admire the pastoral view before putting her back to it and once again taking in the room. In her mind she pictures another girl who wakes every day to the neat little room, the smell of the new day, and the sun streaming in through the tiny window.
Harvest Moon's jaw tightens with a twinge of envy. Then, with a small sigh, she leaves the window to join Arminas Calaelen and Anthos Westar in their search of the ground at the back of the house.
Question How high is the ceiling on the 2nd floor? Any other windows, or just this one?
Day's Spells Level Zero 3: Guidance, Detect Magic, Mend Level One 3 + 1 DC16: Domain: Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless
Bralin Monday January 16th, 2006 10:58:53 AM
The dwarf nods in acknowledgement of Harvest's words. His theory of parents rushing to rescue a child is incorrect. There is but one way to solve this mystery.
Bralin looks at Andrath. "We must find these people," he states. Should Andrath confirm his proposition, the dwarf will trot after Arminas and Any (mindful to stay behind the tracking elves).
Any d20+5=17 d20+4=7 d20+2=11 Monday January 16th, 2006 12:17:04 PM
Any continues to keep an eye on the surrounding territory, looking for clues as to what has happened here (Search 17, Spot 7, Listen 11). He follows along with Arminas as they continue, but as he sees the others start to follow too, he stops and says,
"Bring the horses! If our search proves fruitless here, we can just proceed from where we stop. It's probably a better idea to stay together anyway, just keep the horses back a little bit so they don't spoil our search."
Arminas d20+10=26 d20+10=17 Monday January 16th, 2006 2:21:06 PM
Seeing that everyone seems intent on joining him, Arminas goes about carefully searching the ground and the area about him. He takes a careful look at the bushes to see if anyone is hiding in them. He holds his bow handy, as there is a general feeling of anxiety. Once he is sure it is safe, he continues to follow the tracks.
Rolls Spot (looking at bushes) 26 Listen 17
Andrath Monday January 16th, 2006 8:06:51 PM
"All right, we can follow the tracks for a little while. But, if nothing new comes to light, we need to get back on the trail of the envoy. Arminas, lead on."
DM Kathy Monday January 16th, 2006 11:37:11 PM Harvest finds that the second-floor ceiling varies in height, sloping with the peaked roof. In the center it is about eight feet high.
Andrath, Any, and Bralin are keen to follow the tracks, and Any suggests bringing the horses along, just in case.
Arminas studies the bushes carefully, but sees no sign of a hidden enemy. He listens, but hears no sounds that shouldn't be there.
Lorth Tuesday January 17th, 2006 7:47:30 AM
Lorth mounts Tobiasz while holding the other horses reins in his hand. He then catches up to his friends, bringing there mounts.
Arminas d20+10=21 d20+10=27 d20+10=28 Tuesday January 17th, 2006 10:31:05 AM
"Yes Andrath, I agree, we should not get distracted. Give me just a few minutes to check these tracks, and if I don't find someone then we can go. I was hoping these people could tell us some answers about those we seek."
Arminas then goes about following the tracks, until he loses them or the group is ready to leave.
Roll Survival 21 (not sure if you wanted another roll, but just in case) Spot 27 Listen 28
Harvest d20+13=29 d20+13=14 Tuesday January 17th, 2006 11:12:27 AM
At the back of the house, her companions appear largely engaged in a search for the people who live in the house. Emerging from the back door, Harvest takes a look around at the pleasant open land from a ground level perspective.
"Maybe they ran away because they are afraid of us?" she suggests.
The brown girl cups her hands around her mouth and calls out into the empty landscape.
"We mean you no harm. We would only ask of you a few questions about a party that may have passed this way five days ago." She stands a moment in thought.
"We may be able to help. If you have reason to fear those who come to your house. We already have a task that we must accomplish. But if it is within our power, we will do what we can."
Rolls and Actions Spot 29 Listen 14 (Nat 1)
Day's Spells Level Zero 3: Guidance, Detect Magic, Mend Level One 3 + 1 DC16: Domain: Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless
Any d20+2=4 d20+4=12 d20+5=20 Tuesday January 17th, 2006 12:17:49 PM
Any doesn't know very much about tracking, but something still does not seem right. However, if they don't find these people soon, he agrees that they should just move on with their mission.
"Let's give it 10 minutes, if we haven't learned anything by then, then we should just continue on."
He is still watching for anything out of the ordinary (listen 4, spot 12 , search 20).
Bralin d20+4=23 d20+5=10 Tuesday January 17th, 2006 3:15:26 PM
Having caught up with Arminas and Any, Bralin stands a few paces behind them.
Out of habit, he scans the terrain. [Listen 23, Spot 10]
DM Kathy Wednesday January 18th, 2006 12:56:59 AM Lorth and Bralin move to the back of the house to join the others. Harvest comes out of the house to join them. She calls out, but hears only birdsong in reply.
Arminas, having had a moment to study the tracks, realizes that there are two sets--a smaller, lighter person walking, and a larger, heavier person running.
You all begin to follow the tracks through the pasture, then through the field. The hay is high, and it rustles about you as you move. It makes it difficult to see or hear anything.
Nevertheless, as you reach the edge of the field, Arminas sees something that doesn't look right. There appear to be places where the earth has been freshly turned--but it isn't plowing season, and they are outside of the field.
Harvest sees the turned earth too--and she also sees a splotch of color on the other side of it. It looks like a discarded piece of clothing, or perhaps a person lying very still.
Lorth Wednesday January 18th, 2006 9:36:46 AM
Lorth again rides Tobiasz while leading the other horses, he attempts to keep up with his friends but behind them.
Harvest d20+13=25 d20+13=27 d20+8=23 Wednesday January 18th, 2006 10:57:54 AM
The thick cuff of her sleeve falls back as Harvest raises her hand and then points to call attention to the mounds of turned earth, and the unusual color beyond.
"We wish to do no more than ask some simple questions," she repeats in a softer voice.
With no desire to frighten, Harvest approaches on quiet feet, hoping against all hope that what lies just beyond is not the dead or injured body of one of the people from the house.
Rolls and Actions Spot 25 Listen 24 Move Silently 23
Day's Spells Level Zero 3: Guidance, Detect Magic, Mend Level One 3 + 1 DC16: Domain: Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless
Arminas d20+10=29 d20+10=18 Wednesday January 18th, 2006 11:02:21 AM
"There are two sets of tracks. The smaller one was walking, and the larger person was running. I can't tell yet who was in front. I need to find overlapping tracks."
Arminas looks to find who was following who.
When they get to the turned earth, he adds:
"Someone has disturbed the earth here. Perhaps someone or something is buried. Bralin, do you carry digging tools? ........... Why do I ask, I just assume dwarves like to dig, that's all."
Rolls Listen 29 Spot 18
Any d20+4=16 Wednesday January 18th, 2006 12:16:36 PM
Any listens to Arminas, annd wonders if this ground is disturbed enough to be a burial plot, or if it is just churned up from some struggle. When Harvest draws his attention to what she sees, he to moves to see what is lying upon the ground ahead. He looks around to see if there are any immediate threats (spot 16), then holsters his bow and draws his sword as he approaches the find.
"What do you see Harvest?"
OOC Can I see around well, or is the brush too heavy? Any might want to switch weapons from bow to sword as he approaches, as long as he doesn't think someone is hiding just out of sight.
Bralin Wednesday January 18th, 2006 3:21:32 PM
The dwarf looks around at the turned earth while dropping his pack to the ground. He does, in fact, possess a shovel. And Arminas' idea has merit, albeit for other reasons.
Bralin keeps his eyes roving over the turned spots as he digs around in his pack and pulls out his shovel.
Mayhap, as Arminas suggests, someone was buried. Mayhap, as Any suggests, there was combat.
Its the third possibility that's got the warrior moving with the deliberate, careful motion of a man expecting combat to erupt at any moment.
"'Ware a burrowing creature," he warns his comrades.
Andrath Thursday January 19th, 2006 12:02:28 AM
Andrath stands with the rest of the party, waiting to see what comes from the examination of the cloth, and the fresh digging.
DM Kathy Thursday January 19th, 2006 1:16:00 AM
You approach the turned earth cautiously, hoping for more clues. As you get closer, Bralin calls out to warn of burrowing creatures.
And truer words were never spoken, for just as you approach the ground begins to rumble and shake. A huge segmented insect emerges from the ground in a burst of rock and dirt. A tough chitonous brown shell covers its entire body, and its slender legs end in sharp claws. Glistening black eyes peer out from above powerful mandibles.
Before you can react, a second beast erupts, then a third. All three are facing you, and all three seem ready for a meal. If you hadn't been approaching so carefully, you might have been attacked before you even knew what was coming. As it is, the beasts moved just a hair too soon, and you have the chance to strike back.
[OOC: I am sending a map. If you do not get it, please let me know.]
Lorth Thursday January 19th, 2006 7:28:36 AM
At the sight of the creatures Lorth drops the reins of the horses he has been leading and draws his sword and readies his shield.
Any (20 AC, 20/20 HP) d20+7=12 d6+2=4 Thursday January 19th, 2006 10:03:05 AM
Any has just turned to investigate the cloth which Harvest has seen when three creatures burst from the ground ahead! He immediately begins to sing (Inspire courage +1 to will save, +1 to hit), and draws and fires his bow at the creature nearest him (A2, hit AC12 for 4 HP DAM--probably not). He will then drop his bow and switch weapons (Draw sword and dagger next round). His song sounds throughout the area,
"Demons from the depths, Our courage they will try, Show them your sword's edge, And from us they will fly!
Our arms are strong and bright, Our spirit tried and true, Together we will conquer, And share the vic'try too!"
Arminas (AC 22, HP 33/33) d20+9=10 d20+9=21 d8+4=6 Thursday January 19th, 2006 10:53:17 AM
Arminas raises his bow and lets two arrows fly at A1. The first misses, but the second arrow flys more true.
"Bralin is right! Lorth, can you not rush to the front? I am in need of your aid."
Attack (inspire courage bonus added below) 1st arrow Hit AC 11 2nd arrow Hit AC 22 Damage 6
Harvest (AC18, HP34/34) d20+6=21 d6+1=4 d20+13=21 d20+13=25 Thursday January 19th, 2006 12:30:01 PM
A frown clouds the brown girl's face. There would be no speaking to these giant ants. And yet, there may be people in need of help just beyond. Harvest Moon strains for a glimpse of the colored object. With her ears, she listens for sounds that might indicate more digging.
Harvest reaches into the pouch of the haversack behind her, and her hand closes upon the smooth sides of a wooden wand. Her voice rings in the air as she points the wand and cries out the trigger word. A dark coruscating ray springs forth to drain away the strength from one of the enormous ants.
Rolls and Actions Touch Attack vs A1 AC21, STR Damage 4 STR Spot 21 Listen 25
Day's Spells Level Zero 3: Guidance, Detect Magic, Mend Level One 3 + 1 DC16: Domain: Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless
Bralin (AC 21, 52/52, Inspired, Divine Favor) Thursday January 19th, 2006 1:55:05 PM
Bralin doesn't say anything. Bralin just moves.
Dropping the shovel, the dwarven warrior draws out his axe as he steps past Harvest and Andrath toward one of the creatures (A1).
Stopping some 15' short of the creature, he barks out one guttural syllable, invoking the tattoo on his arm [Brahmah Tattoo - Divine Favor].
Bralin awaits the creature's attack.
Inspire courage +1 to will save, +1 to hit Divine Favor 1/10: +1 to hit, +1 dam
Andrath (AC25, 37/37 hp, shielded 10 rounds remaining) Thursday January 19th, 2006 9:54:08 PM
[OOC: Your map is great, Kathy. Very easy to read. Can I suggest that you put a grid on the map as well? Maybe the numbers 1-30 going across the top, and the letters A-Z going down the left side? That way, we can state to which square exactly we are moving.]
Andrath starts as the huge insects rise up from the dirt. He takes a breath and speaks the word that causes a shield spell to spring up in front of him. He moves directly to engage A1, drawing his long sword as he moves.
DM Kathy d20+5=19 d20+7=12 Friday January 20th, 2006 1:39:45 AM Lorth drops the reins and readies his sword and shield.
Any's single shot skitters off the insect's shell. He begins singing to inspire his companions.
Arminas's first shot is also deflected by the creature's shell, but his second one hits true.
Harvest listens, but can hear no sign of more creatures. She retrieves a wand and fires a greenish ray at the same creature Arminas wounded. The ray strikes, and the giant insect seems to wilt a little.
Bralin clanks forward until he is in front of the wounded and weakened insect. He activates his tattoo, and stands ready for the creature to approach.
Andrath shields himself, then he also moves to engage the wounded creature, drawing his sword as he does so.
The weakened, wounded insect [A1] bites at Andrath. Its powerful mandibles close on him, but can't overcome his armor and magical protection.
Meanwhile, another of the creatures [A2] comes after Any. It snaps at him, but Any is able to dodge the bite.
The third creature [A3] burrows back into the ground and disappears from sight.
Where the creatures first emerged, you can now see areas of tumbled and torn-up soil, with glimpses of the burrow beneath. The areas look quite unstable.
[Map to follow via email.]
Harvest (AC18, HP34/34) d20+6=25 d20+13=28 d20+13=27 d20+10=19 Friday January 20th, 2006 8:30:58 AM
How is it that ants grow so large? They must be new to the area, else the people from the house would have fled long ago.
These thoughts roll through Harvest Moon's head as she strains once more to catch a glimpse of the bit of color that she had seen before. Her arm shoots out with the wand again, and again the ray lances forward to strike.
Then she rushes across the ground, robes fluttering around her. Diving into a summersault, she rolls under the jaws of the Ant-thing and comes up upon the other side.
"Anthos Westar, I will attempt to distract it" she shouts. And even with the large and deadly ant creature before her, Harvest listens for the digging sounds of the one who may possibly coming from behind ... and underground.
Rolls and Actions Touch Attack vs A2 AC26, STR Damage 4 STR Spot 28 (Still looking for that colored thing Harvest saw earlier. Listen 27 (for the approach of A3) Tumble 19
Movement and Position Tumble at 1/2 speed to Just south of A2 on the western half. Flanking bonus for Any if he shifts 5 feet north. And Arminas if he shifts 5 feet Northeast.
Day's Spells Level Zero 3: Guidance, Detect Magic, Mend Level One 3 + 1 DC16: Domain: Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless
Bralin (AC 19, 52/52, Inspired, Divine Favor, Charging, pwr atk[2]) d20+12=24 d10+8=17 Friday January 20th, 2006 9:01:29 AM
Bralin launches himself at the wounded creature attacking Andrath [A1], bursting across the intervening space while bringing his axe whistling overhead.
Dwarf, axe, and insect meet with a resounding crash.
[Atk ac 24 for 17 hp damage]
Inspire courage +1 to will save, +1 to hit Divine Favor 2/10: +1 to hit, +1 dam Charge: +2 to hit, -2 AC Pwr attack: +2 dam, -2 to hit
Arminas (AC 22, HP 33/33) d20+7=16 d20+7=17 d8+4=5 d8+4=6 Friday January 20th, 2006 11:10:05 AM
Arminas decides that he needs to finish the creature he wounded (A1), and again lets two arrows fly its direction. The tough shell seems difficult to pierce.
"Harvest, these creatures may be the Ankheg. If so beware the acid."
Attack Hit AC 16 Damage 5 (just in case) Hit AC 17 Damage 6 (just in case)
Any (20AC, 20/20 HP) d20+8=13 d20+8=21 d8+4=7 d8+3=5 Friday January 20th, 2006 11:54:06 AM
Any dodges away from the bite of the ant abomination (the Gi-Ant), and his weapons flash out to the attack. Hearing Arminas' warning about acid, he warily watches the creatures, preparing to dive away from the liquid if it comes. If only his shield were not upon Moonshadow!
His voice continues to sound around the battle area, encouraging his companions to resist these creatures.
"Tho' our foes persist, Our strength to try, They press our list, We will not fly. Now gather in Our fight to win, And carry the day, Come what may."
He tries to move as he fights to maneuver around to the south of the creature, attempting to draw its' attention away from where Harvest has rolled, giving her an opportunity to strike it unhindered.
Any (Supplemental post) Friday January 20th, 2006 2:47:03 PM
OOC forgot to post my attacks
Attacks: Hit AC 13 for 7 HP Hit AC 21 for 5 HP
Spells:
Inspire Courage +1 to hit, +1 Will save
Andrath (AC25, 37/37 hp, shielded 9 rds remaining) d20+7=15 d20+7=8 d8+5=7 d6=2 Sunday January 22nd, 2006 11:32:18 PM
[OOC: If A1 is still alive...] Summoning the fire onto his longsword blade, and the ice onto his shortsword, Andrath swings at the huge insect in front of him. [OOC: Hit AC 15 with the longsword, for 7 plus 2 fire damage.]
[OOC: If A1 is already down...] Andrath moves to engage the second insect creature that is still above ground, swinging with his longsword. [OOC: Hit AC17, for the 7 plus 2 points of fire damage.]
DM Kathy 4d4(4+3+1+2)=10 d20+7=10 d20+7=18 2d6(2+2)+7=11 d4=2 Monday January 23rd, 2006 12:14:35 AM Harvest can still see the splotch of color quite clearly. It's on the other side of the Ankhegs [at O4 on the map], and it appears to be the unmoving form of a person. Harvest hits the second beast with a jolt from the wand, then tumbles to a position near it. She strains her ears, and seems to hear the third beast burrowing under the party.
Bralin charges the wounded creature, striking it for a lot of damage. The insect remains on its disgusting feet, however.
Arminas sends two arrows flying, but both skip of the hard shell of the giant bug.
Continuing to sing, Any shifts to the south of the second creature. He strikes at it twice, and his second blow does some damage. Now both creatures are wounded, the first one badly.
Andrath tries to finish off the first creature, but cannot penetrate the tough outer shell. The giant insect is sill up and fighting.
Clearly on its last legs, the first creature rears back and spits a line of acid, right at the dwarf who did him so much damage. Bralin, take 10 points acid damage (Reflex save DC 14 for half damage).
The second creature makes a grab for Any, but misses.
The third creature erupts from the ground right next to Lorth! It makes a grab, not for the paladin, but for the horse he is riding. [Hit AC 18 for 11 points damage plus 2 points acid damage. If that hit, the horse must beat a Grapple check of 22 or be grappled.]
[Map to follow.]
Harvest (AC18, HP34/34) d20+6=11 d6+1=4 Monday January 23rd, 2006 8:22:41 AM "You! Go Right! I! Go Left!" Harvest Moon's voice is high with tension. Her eyes flick again to the unmoving form on the ground beyond Bralin Stoneminder and Andrath Silverhand. They must quickly convince these ... Ahn-keg creatures to flee.
The sound of unturned earth! From behind! A quick snap turn of the head. The wand points, a trigger word, and again the dark ray strikes out, this time at the creature attacking Paladin Lorth's horse.
"Please Anthos Westar," the brown girl's voice is calmer, only the breathy and staggered quality of her words speak to the stress of combat. "Please move right. I will move left. We will encircle the Ahn-keg."
Rolls and Actions Touch Attack vs A3 AC12, STR Damage 4 STR (Touch 12 with Inspire Courage)
Movement and Position 5-foot step to J11
Day's Spells Level Zero 3: Guidance, Detect Magic, Mend Level One 3 + 1 DC16: Domain: Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless
Question What program are you using to create the maps, Kathy? Sorry, the New and Improved maps.
Bralin (AC 21, 47/52, Inspired, Divine Favor) d20+3=22 d20+12=32 d20+12=21 d10+6=12 d10+6=14 d10+6=13 Monday January 23rd, 2006 8:25:28 AM
Hearing Arminas' words about acid, Bralin shifts to bring his shield in line with the insect's mouth. And just in time, as the stream of acid strikes the dull black shield square on. A bit splashes the dwarf, but not nearly as badly as might have been. [Reflex 22]
Having blocked most of the attack, the warrior retaliates with another massive blow. [atk A1: NAT 20!, crit threat ac21 - 12 hp damage - 39 hp if critical]
Inspire courage +1 to will save, +1 to hit Divine Favor 3/10: +1 to hit, +1 dam
Lorth AC: 19 HP: 58, Tobiasz AC: 18, HP 42 d20+11=20 d20+11=31 d20+10=18 d8+5=7 d20+8=12 d20+8=11 Monday January 23rd, 2006 8:33:18 AM
(Sorry I missed a post, computer problems)
Lorth sees the insect burst from the ground and instinctively rears Tobiasz up to dodge its attack. (Mounted Combat Check: 20) The insect's jaws barely miss Tobiasz's legs. As Tobiasz regains his footing Lorth Slashes out with is longsword. (Control warhorse Ride Check: 31, Hit AC: 18 DM: 7)
Urged on by Lorth, Tobiasz attacks with his hooves. (Hit AC: 12, 11)
Arminas (AC 22, HP 33/33) d20+7=12 d20+7=27 d20+7=9 d8+4=8 Monday January 23rd, 2006 11:01:00 AM
Bralin has done well against the creature. With a smile of satisfaction that his warning may have saved the dwarf against the acid, Arminas turns toward the second creature.
Arminas sees that he has a clear shot at the creature attacking Any and Harvest, and he lets two arrows fly. The first arrow clatters off the creature, but the second strike solidly and sinks deep. Unfortunately, the vital organs are difficult to hit on such creatures.
Attacks 1st arrow Hit AC 12 2nd arrow Hit AC 27 (perfect 20), critical check miss, Damage 8
Any (20 AC, 20/20 HP) d20+8=27 d20+8=26 d8+3=7 d4+2=6 Monday January 23rd, 2006 5:22:50 PM
Any acknowledges Harvests directions with a nod, as he dodges away from the bite of the creature. His weapons flash out again as he takes a 5' step (right and up to M11), both his sword and dagger strike true this time, slashing into the thorax area of the beast.
His song changes to a darker tune as the battle continues.
"Their blood will flow, By sword and bow, Our shields stand bright, Through day and night. Our foes will flee, Past brook and tree, Our eyes are bright, With Vict'ries light!"
Attacks: Hit AC 27 for 7 HP DAM Hit AC 26 for 6 HP DAM
Spells: Inspire courage +1 to hit, +1 Will save
Harvest - OoC Monday January 23rd, 2006 6:05:37 PM
Isn't that first strike a crit, Lyle? Don't forget the +2 from flanking. Harvest really wants to get over to save that downed person in the dirt there. She thinks that it might be a child. And it's such a tragedy to die at a young age.
Andrath (AC25, 37/37 hp, shielded 8 rounds remaining) d20+11=22 d8+5=7 d6=2 2d6(4+6)=10 Monday January 23rd, 2006 9:18:55 PM
Figuring that Bralin has finished off the first insect, Andrath moves to help Lorth. He moves back [OOC: to P14], into a flanking position on the emerging insect, and stabs with his longsword. [OOC: Hitting AC22, for 7 hp, plus 2 points of fire damage, plus 10 points of sneak attack damage, for a total of 19 hp.]
DM Kathy d20+5=7 4d4(3+3+2+1)=9 Tuesday January 24th, 2006 12:49:49 AM Harvest uses the wand again, this time striking the third insect with the sickly-looking ray. She calls instructions (or rather, suggestions) to her teammates as she steps to flank the second of the beasts.
Bralin deals the first creature a mighty blow, cracking its carapace clean in half and sending a nasty, brownish ichor flying everywhere. The Ankheg falls to earth, squashed flat like one of its smaller cousins under a bootheel.
Lorth controls his mount to avoid the grasp of the third insect, then strikes out with his sword. The blow connects, and does damage. His steed also attacks, but to no effect.
Arminas turns and looses two arrows at the second creature. The first misses, but the second penetrates.
Any five-foots to flank the second creature with Harvest and lands two good, solid blows, still singing.
Andrath moves to flank the third beast with Lorth, and manages to stab it in a vital area.
Both of the remaining creatures are looking decidedly the worse for wear, but they still have some fight left in them. The second creature makes a grab for Harvest, but misses badly. The third one rears back and spits a line of acid at Lorth and Tobiasz. Each of them take 9 points of damage (Reflex save DC 14 for half).
Lorth AC: 19 HP: 53/58, Tobiasz AC: 18, HP 42 d20+5=24 d20+6=19 d20+11=27 d20+10=21 d8+5=7 d20+8=16 d20+8=21 d6+4=9 d6+4=9 Tuesday January 24th, 2006 9:09:53 AM
Lorth rears Tobiasz again when he sees the acid stream coming towards them. He manages to get mostly out of the way but takes some splash damage for his efforts. (Reflex Lorth: 24, Tobiasz: 19 No damage improved evasion)
Again he and Tobiasz attack... (Lorth, Control warhorse: 27, Hit AC: 21+2 Flanking DM: 7) (Tobiasz, Hit AC: 16+2, 21+2 flanking DM: 9, 9)
Bralin (AC 19, 47/52, Inspired, Divine Favor, Charging) d20+14=20 d10+6=14 Tuesday January 24th, 2006 9:19:58 AM
Bralin wheels about, slinging bug guts off helm and axe. Two foes remain. Lorth needs little help, so the dwarf instead thunders toward A2, axe high.
Reaching the bug, he slams his axe down 'pon its body. [atk ac 20 for 14 hp damage]
Inspire courage +1 to will save, +1 to hit Divine Favor 4/10: +1 to hit, +1 dam Charge: +2 to hit, -2 AC
Harvest (AC18, HP34/34) d20+5=9 Tuesday January 24th, 2006 11:24:35 AM
The thunk of an axe against chitin carapace announces the arrival of Bralin Stoneminder. But even before confirming whether the strange and curious ant-like ahn-keg stands or falls, Harvest Moon sprints away.
What injuries might these large and savage looking creatures have inflicted upon the figure lying upon the ground?!?
Heedless of her own safety, the small brown girl scoots across the grass in her flapping robes to reach the fallen body. On her knees, Harvest blinks and stares, unsure of how to proceed. Where to begin first? Then, bringing her hands together in the sign of Alemi, she touches the hem of the god with her soul.
Alive or dead, the figure upon the ground receives the healing hand of the god of comfort, scourge of pain. Alive or dead his balm eases the way.
Rolls and Actions Heal 9 (To determine status) Burn Mend to Heal 1hp with Cure Minor Wounds.
Movement and Position N5 If Ankheg is not yet down, then AC is 22 vs an AoO. Mobility.
Day's Spells Level Zero 3: Guidance, Detect Magic, *Mend Level One 3 + 1 DC16: Domain: Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless
Any (20 AC, 20/20 HP) d20+10=22 d20+10=12 d8+3=11 d4+2=4 Tuesday January 24th, 2006 11:48:16 AM
Any is joined by Bralin, attacking the Anhkeg from the side. He swings sword and dagger, attempting to end this creatures share of the battle. He stops his singing, but all can feel the surge of support his song brings still within the clearing.
"Lorth! How do you fare?"
The question rings across to the Paladin. When Any is free, he will turn to give what aid he can to finish the last creature.
OOC if both Anhkegs drop, Any will follow Harvest to see about the previous victims.
Spells: Inspire courage +1 to hit, +1 to Will save Duration 5 more rounds
Attacks: +1 Inspire courage, +2 flanking Hit AC 22 for 11 HP DAM Hit AC 12 for 4 HP DAM
Arminas (AC 22, HP 33/33) d20+7=20 d20+7=21 d8+4=7 d8+4=8 d8+4=8 Tuesday January 24th, 2006 12:16:21 PM
Arminas puts two more arrows into the Ankheg (A2) as Bralin moves toward it. Both arrows sink deep into the creature.
Attacks 1st arrow Hit AC 20 7 HP damage 2nd arrow Hit AC 21 8 HP damage
Andrath (AC25, 37/37 hp, shielded 7 rounds remaining) d20+9=13 d20+9=24 d6+3=6 d6=2 2d6(3+4)=7 Wednesday January 25th, 2006 12:46:27 AM
Andrath continues to chop at the insect beast between him and Lorth. His longsword swings wide, but his shortsword bites into the creature. [OOC: Hit AC 24 for 6 plus 2 cold plus 7 sneak attack damage for a total of 15 hp damage.]
DM Kathy Wednesday January 25th, 2006 1:07:49 AM Lorth strikes the third creature with his sword. Tobiasz adds a hoof, but it is unnecessary. The big insect goes down.
Bralin polishes off the second creature in spectacular fashion. The dwarf is now generously splattered with the innards of his foes.
Arminas and Andrath add arrows and a sword thrust, just to be on the safe side. All the insects are now thoroughly dead.
Harvest and Any rush to the aid of the fallen figure. It is a young girl, no more than twenty. She is still breathing, and Harvest's spell heals her a little. She does not awaken, however.
Lorth Wednesday January 25th, 2006 7:51:07 AM
"The insect is down.", Lorth replies to Any's query. Lorth looks to see Harvest administering to the fallen girl, he knows she is in the best care so he moves off to round up the other horses, hopefully they haven't wandered far.
Harvest (AC18, HP34/34) d20+13=30 d20+13=15 Wednesday January 25th, 2006 9:51:31 AM
The girl is very near her own age. Harvest Moon, cradles the girl's head in her lap. From under her brown crest of hair, she looks up at Anthos Westar. She has seen it. The bard has stronger healing magic than she.
Harvest brushes a small hand across the girl's brow, the girl who must surely sleep in the tidy room under the roof of the house. But where are her parents? They must be somewhere about. Like a doe, startled by the snap of a twig, Harvest lifts her head and looks about the field.
"Where are her parents?" Harvest Moon wonders aloud and half to herself. "It does not bode well that she lies injured and her parents are nowhere to be seen. Could they have been taken under the ground?" the brown girl asks.
Rolls and Actions Spot 30 Listen 15
Day's Spells Level Zero 3: Guidance, Detect Magic, *Mend Level One 3 + 1 DC16: Domain: Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless
Any d20+5=6 d20+4=13 Wednesday January 25th, 2006 10:00:52 AM
Any can see that Harvest has the young girl in hand, but weren't there two sets of prints? He rises from her side and carefully looks around the area.
"Friend Arminas, there were 2 sets of tracks were there not? Help me see if we can find the other, perhaps they too are still alive."
If they find anyone, Any will administer what aid he can, otherwise, he returns to see how Harvest's patient is doing. He sings a little song as he goes, cleaning the ichor from his weapons and clothing, then turns to offer the same service to any who require it--first going to Bralin who seems to have accumulated the most of all present.
Spells: Inspire courage 4 rounds +1 to hit, +1 Will save Prestidigitation 1 hour
Search a natural 1! for a 6 Spot 13
Any (2nd illegal post) 2d8(5+7)+4=16 Wednesday January 25th, 2006 10:10:50 AM
OOC Al posted while I was entering my post. It would probably change what Any does. If he returns from his search to Harvest, and the girl is still unconcious, Any would offer to provide a healing spell prior to castng the prestidigitation. Supplemental post to change the order of his actions.
Any returns to Harvests side after searching only to find the young girl in Harvest's care still unconcious. He says,
"Harvest, would a healing spell aid in her recovery?"
Any begins to sing, casting (CMW 16)his spell of healing upon the young girl. He watches to see how she responds.
OOC Any then finshes his previously stated actions, provided this heals the girl completely
Arminas (AC 22, HP 33/33) d20+10=25 Wednesday January 25th, 2006 11:00:35 AM
Looking about, Arminas is very satisfied about the battle. His knowledge of the Ankheg perhaps saved Bralin from a nasty burst of acid to his face.
"Bralin friend, you should clean that acid off as quickly as possible. It has power to continue to burn, no doubt from some ancient magics these insects aquired."
Looking over to Harvest and the young woman, he replies: "Yes, there were two sets of tracks. The smaller ones look to have been made by the lady. I will try and find the other set."
Arminas then looks around, circling about the disturbed area looking for the larger track set.
Actions Survival check for tracking 25
Arminas - Kelly second illegal post Wednesday January 25th, 2006 11:01:52 AM
OOC: In circling about, I mean staying off the unstable ground and check to see if the man moved beyond this area.
Bralin d8+3=7 Wednesday January 25th, 2006 2:24:29 PM
Bralin nods at Arminas. A sound recommendation. He pulls out his waterskin and empties the contents on his shield to wash away any acidic residue.
A studied scan of the local area satisfies the warrior that no further combat is imminent. He buries his axehead in the ground a few times to clean the edge.
The rest of the ichor splattered across his shoulders and into his beard will just have to wait until a decent water source becomes available.
Bralin also wordlessly waves off Any, thinking the bard should hold his healing in reserve. He casts a healing spell on himself, curing his wounds. [CLW over Detect Evil - 7 hp healed]
DM Kathy Wednesday January 25th, 2006 11:24:07 PM Lorth moves to gather the horses. None of them have gone farther than the hay field, so the task is relatively easy. Darkfire has managed to get his reins tangled, but all the mounts are fine.
Bralin heals himself and cleans up as best he can. Arminas looks around for tracks, taking care to avoid the churned-up areas where the creatures emerged. Unfortunately, the tracks he was following are now so mixed up with the tracks of the beasts and the chaos of the battle that the trail is very difficult to follow.
Harvest cradles the young woman while Any casts a healing spell. The young woman stirs, blinks, then starts. "Father!" she cries. Looking frantically from Harvest to Any, she says, "Please! Please, you've got to help my father."
Lorth Thursday January 26th, 2006 7:39:03 AM
Lorth untangles Darkfire's reins and gathers up the rest of the horses. He then quickly heads back to where the girl is being tended by his friends.
Any Thursday January 26th, 2006 9:52:57 AM
Any faces the young girl,
"Calm yourself down, and try to tell us what has happened. All we know is that we found you here near these terrible creatures, and if they are to blame for the trouble your father is in, I fear there will be little hope for him. Come, tell us your story."
Any then stands nearby to listen to her tale. His weapons are out again, and he is alert and listening, while watching the area around for further signs of trouble.
Any (Supplemental) d20+4=22 Thursday January 26th, 2006 9:54:21 AM
OOC sorry forgot ny spot check roll
Spot 22
Bralin Thursday January 26th, 2006 10:52:50 AM
Overhearing Any's words, Bralin mentally shrugs. He agrees with the bard's assesment, but doubts this is the optimal time to deliver news of her sire's death to the girl.
Bralin notes he still has much too learn about interactions among people, and waits for further direction.
Arminas d20+10=26 d20+10=13 d20+10=22 Thursday January 26th, 2006 10:55:28 AM
Coming back to the group, Arminas seems very disappointed.
"I cannot find where the other tracks lead. They are lost in the turned ground. I am afraid he may have fallen or been taken into a tunnel."
Then, as he hears Any speak to the young lady, he adds:
"Any, there is always hope."
"My lady, we will look for him."
Arminas then takes his silken rope from his pack and ties one end around his waist.
"Any, will you tie this end to Moonshadow. I may fall into a tunnel."
Arminas then goes to where last he saw the mans tracks, and follows them forward. Peering into the ground where the tunnels come to the surface.
Actions Survival check for tracking 26 Spot 13 Listen 22
Harvest (AC18, HP34/34) Thursday January 26th, 2006 11:11:06 AM
Harvest Moon takes the girl by the elbow and helps her to her feet.
"We are here to help you." Speaking words of comfort, Harvest remains by the girl's side. "What is your name? I am Harvest Moon. This is Anthos Westar. That is Bralin Stoneminder, Arminas Calaelen, Andrath Silverhand, and Paladin Lorth Jeradosta who has gone to fetch our horses. We are called the Swords of Light."
Harvest considers, for a moment, the things that she had seen inside the house, before she asks the next question.
"Is your mother around as well?" she says at last. "We have not seen her either."
Day's Spells Level Zero 3: Guidance, Detect Magic, *Mend Level One 3 + 1 DC16: Domain: Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless
DM Kathy Friday January 27th, 2006 12:22:10 AM Any, Arminas, Bralin, and Harvest gather around the young woman as she speaks. "My name is Meg," she says. "Meg Thistleburr. One of those--those things grabbed me and was pulling me down. I fought, but I couldn't get away. Father must have heard me screaming. He came running, just as I was being pulled down the tunnel. He--he came down after me and he--" she shakes her head. "I'm not sure. He got me loose, somehow. I was pretty groggy by then. He pulled me out, put me here on the grass. Then--" the tears begin to flow again. "Then the thing grabbed him, and pulled him..." She points with a shaking finger at the first burrow. "There. Down there. Please. Please, you've got to see if he's all right."
Lorth comes up with the horses at that moment, and can hear the end of Meg's story.
Lorth Friday January 27th, 2006 9:07:14 AM
Lorth looks at the burrow then at the rest of his friends. He takes off his pack and rumages through it and produces a lantern and 50' of silk rope. "Well I'm not looking foward to this, but I'll do it.", he says. "I'm going to tie this rope around me so that if the tunnel colapses, you'll know where to dig me out." Lorth lights up his lantern and prepares to crawl into the burrow unless his companions have a better idea or someone else demands to go.
Harvest d20+13=22 Friday January 27th, 2006 10:16:10 AM
"First thing, I think, Meg Thistleburr," Harvest Moon takes the girl by the arm, "is to see to your safety. It is what your father would wish. Don't you think?" She steers Meg toward the party's mounts and away from the burrow and the area of turned up earth. "This is Fyrda. She is very gentle. And that is Darkfire, and Carrots, and Tobiaz who is a friend of Paladin Lorth. They need a place of safety, just as you do, while we search for your father underground."
"Can you take them to as safe place for us? Then, go into the house. Lock the doors. Watch from the window upstairs if you wish. Please allow us to seek your father. We will be able to do it much easier if we know that you are safe."
Harvest smiles, and looks into the girl's eyes. "Do you understand? Please."
As Harvest returns to the party, her eyes scan the area for other entrances, other burrows. (Spot 22)
"Perhaps," she suggests in a voice pitch to include only her companions, "it would be better if Bralin Stoneminder were to enter the burrow. Dwarves can see in complete darkness, can they not, Bralin Stoneminder?" She tips her head to the side as though questioning her own knowledge. "Do you also have a sense for the underground?" she asks.
From her pack, she removes another coil of silk rope, should they need more length. Also, she brings forth a plain wooden rod.
"The magic from this wand will allow speaking over a distance. If the tunnel is unobstructed, one need speak no louder than a whisper and you will be heard. But if you pass beyond one hundred and ten feet, or should the tunnel collapse, your words will not be able to reach me. But, if the trail of Meg Thistleburr's father leads further down than 100 feet, then, perhaps it would be best for all of us to go together. Don't you think?"
Rolls and Actions Spot 22 (for other burrows) When whoever is going in is ready, Cast Message on them from wand.
Day's Spells Level Zero 3: Guidance, Detect Magic, *Mend Level One 3 + 1 DC16: Domain: Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless
Arminas d20+10=22 Friday January 27th, 2006 11:37:10 AM
Arminas shrugs as Lorth takes out a rope and ties it around himself.
Elves seem to be so often ignored, is it any wonder that I try to make up for it a haughty attitude. Perhaps if they paid me heed, I could learn to be a friend. Oh well, duty above all.
Arminas unties his rope and quietly coils it and stores it in his pack. Perhaps his ears may still provide a clue that the others might miss.
Actions Listen 22
Bralin Friday January 27th, 2006 11:53:35 AM
Bralin nods at Harvest's words. "Ye are correct," he responds. But he looks to Andrath for confirmation of the plan, while adding his own idea.
"Lorth's steed should remain. Secure the rope to Tobiaz. He possesses both the strength and intelligence to pull out anyone trapped inside."
Any Friday January 27th, 2006 12:19:47 PM
Any turns to Harvest and says,
"If needed, I too can cast the message spell."
Then turning back to Arminas he speaks to him,
"Friend Arminas, I know of your courage, and that you were ready to descend, but I agree that Bralin is perhaps a better choice for this task. A dwarven perspective of the tunnels, their stability, size, and our ability to travel within them will be invaluable. Your skills above ground have helped us to this point, and I am sure that e're we return from this search, we shall all have contributed again in some way. We will all need to descend into the burrows to assist in this rescue. Do not begrudge Bralin the right to be first."
Any then turns again to the young girl,
"Please take Moonshadow with you also. We will bring your Father back to you if it is within our power, and if the fates and gods decree that we are not to return, take good care of all these animals, but pray that all will work out for the best."
Any then speaks to Moonshadow, and takes what gear he might need for this expedition from his saddlebow. He leaves his bow, but takes his shield, and makes sure he has water and rations. He leaves his cloak and staff, and removes his lantern from his pack.
When all is prepared, he looks to the others, and waits to see how things will progress.
Arminas (second illegal post) Friday January 27th, 2006 12:25:30 PM
With a puzzled look at Any, Arminas says:
"I have no problem with Bralin leading. I merely put my rope away."
Any - OOC Friday January 27th, 2006 4:48:09 PM
Any was not responding to Arminas' thought, only his actions. One moment he was ready to descend on his rope, the next simply putting the rope away.
Andrath Sunday January 29th, 2006 7:11:17 PM
Andrath watches as the party sorts out who is going where. He moves carefully over to the tunnel, and looks inside. [OOC: Kathy, how big is the tunnel? Can we all fit?]
"I don't think Bralin going down on his own is a good idea. As a group, we were able to make short work of these creatures. But alone, Bralin may run into more trouble than he can handle."
The elf calls down the tunnel, "Mr. Thistleburr, are you there?" Then he turns back to the party and says, "Bralin should go, and Arminas and I will go with him. We will travel the length of the rope, and if we haven't found anything yet, then the rest of you can join us; we can tug on the rope. That way, you can quickly run down to us if we run into trouble."
He takes his lantern from his pack and quickly lights it, as Bralin and the others fasten the rope.
DM Kathy Sunday January 29th, 2006 10:44:43 PM Harvest encourages Meg to return to the house, which she does, leading the mounts behind her. She dawdles along the way, though, and stops several times to look back over her shoulder at what you are doing.
Lorth and Arminas both have ropes ready, but Arminas puts his away again. Any and Andrath grab light sources and prepare to help their friends.
By common consent, Bralin is determined to be the logical choice to go in first; his darkvision will give him a distinct advantage down there. As he prepares for his descent, you all eye the burrow.
The creatures you fought were Large, so the burrow would be about 10 feet wide. You can tell, however, that the creature did not leave a neat, well-defined tunnel behind it. Much of the earth has collapsed back into the tunnel, and it appears that as it dug, the creature kicked dirt out behind it, almost re-filling the burrow as it went. In short, these creatures burrow to get from place to place, not to build passageways beneath the ground. You're not sure how far you can get down there, but you doubt you can get very far.
Lorth Monday January 30th, 2006 7:33:25 AM
Lorth keeps Tobiasz in the area snd ties the other end of Bralin's rope to his saddle. "I'm thinking that your going to be doing alot of crawling, perhaps you want to leave most of your belongings up here.", he says.
Any Monday January 30th, 2006 9:53:29 AM
Any asks,
"Do these creatures have a mound home similar to ants? If so, how many of these can we expect to encounter? If we are going to attack the mound eventually, would it be easier to find the mound itself? Maybe there is a permanent opening there which we can enter easier. Attacking a burrowing creature underground, where we cannot move freely, seems foolhardy at best. If these tunnels do not open up quickly, we should consider other options for our rescue attempt. Myself, I have no skills in tunnelling to match that of these creatures."
Any then considers the advice given by Andrath, and with some obvious regret, removes his lute from his back. Addressing Lorth he says,
"Would you tie this to your saddle bow?"
He then hands the Lute-case and all-to Lorth. He then turns and lights his lantern, preparing himself for whatever the group decides, his weapons in his hands.
Harvest Monday January 30th, 2006 10:36:23 AM
Harvest Moon nods and replaces the wand in her haversack. "Your magic is stronger, Anthos Westar," she replies, "providing for more people, for longer, over a greater distance. Please." The brown girl smiles and one of her small hands peeks from her large sleeves as she indicates that he should provide the Message spell.
"I will return, shortly."
"Meg Thistleburr?" Harvest calls out after the girl, hurrying after her for some last few questions before the girl closes herself into the protection of the house. "Please tell us more of how you came to be attacked. Are these Ahn-keg native to this area? Have you heard recently of such creatures attacking others in the area? Have neighbors mentioned strange goings on underground?"
Harvest takes a quick glance back at the preparations at the mouth of the burrow.
"You keep the house very well," the brown girl smiles at Meg. "It is very neat."
Question I take it that Harvest did not spot any other burrows last post?
Day's Spells Level Zero 3: Guidance, Detect Magic, *Mend Level One 3 + 1 DC16: Domain: Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless
Bralin Monday January 30th, 2006 11:11:06 AM
Stonefaced, the dwarf drops his pack to the ground and makes his preparations. He ties the rope around his waist. In his hands he holds his shovel. He also carries his axe on his back, and a dagger in his belt. Otherwise he has left his gear behind.
As he prepares, he glances at Any and Harvest, noting the tone and tenor of their questions. Bralin shakes his head and stops next to Andrath. "This is folly," he murmurs to the elf. "Thistleburr is consumed."
Having voiced his doubt, the warrior proceeds to carry on with this useless venture, and crawls into the burrow.
Arminas d20+10=18 d20+10=26 Monday January 30th, 2006 12:40:48 PM
Arminas sets his gear aside, taking his rope once more out of his pack. He ties one end around his waist and leaves the other end ready for someone to grab if needed. Two daggers tucked into his belt and a sword on his back, he looks about for anything to dig with.
"I am ready Bralin, I will follow you into the burrow."
In a low voice, so that Meg will not hear he adds:
"You are correct, he was likely killed by the Ankheg, or buried alive in the burrow. Chances of finding him alive is slim. Yet we should still look."
Action Spot 18 Listen 26
Any (2nd illegal post) Monday January 30th, 2006 12:41:55 PM
Any rethinks his preparations, and instead puts away his lantern. He takes a piece of string from his pack and then reaches down and picks up a small branch from the ground (About a two foot section). He begins to sing lightly and the branch takes on a brilliant glow. He then breaks off pieces of this branch, and hands them around to the others of the party, tying his own to the end of his string. He attaches his new light source to his left wrist, where he can hold it aloft.
"Keep your lanterns handy, this spell will only last for a little while, but will help preserve our oil in the meantime. I cannot renew it in this manner unless we can find another twig later."
"I can only unite four of us in my message spell, and I must be one of those. If Bralin is to lead, he must assuredly be one of those, and whomever is to bring up the rear must also be included. Who should be the fourth? Since Harvest carries the rod of healing, perhaps she should be the last. The others must arrange themselves to be near one of those effected to ensure communication."
Any will complete his spell in that manner. He begins to sing again, words of power tying the group together in a message spell.
Spells:
light 40 minutes message 40 minutes, range 140'
DM Kathy Monday January 30th, 2006 11:04:01 PM
On second thought, Lorth keeps his mount with him, and ties the rope to the steed's pommel. Any also makes preparations, safeguarding his precious lute and lighting his lantern. He wonders aloud about these creatures' habits.
Harvest notes only those burrows created by the creatures during the fight--that is, the three they initially emerged from and the additional one from where the third creature tunneled under you. She hurries after Meg and asks more questions.
Meg shakes her head. "I've never seen anything like them before," she replies. "There is a legend among the farm folk of these giant ant-things, but I've never met anyone who's actually seen one. We don't have many neighbors," she adds, gesturing to the lonely countryside around her, "and I haven't spoken to any of them recently. The last time I talked to anybody, though, I didn't hear anything about strange noises underground."
Bralin takes up rope, axe, dagger, and shovel, and prepares to descend. He's of the opinion, though, that this is a lost cause.
Arminas shares his opinion, but he, too, prepares for the descent, readying his own rope and keeping his weapons close to hand.
As his companions prepare, Any casts a Message spell.
Bralin crawls into the burrow, feeling the loose soil shift and bunch under his hands. Dry motes of soil puff into the air, giving the place an earthy smell and making Bralin want to sneeze. Tiny avalanches sliding down the burrow walls warn that the ground he travels is none too stable.
Your darkvision allows you to see a ways in front of you, and now that you are inside the burrow, you realize that there is some room to maneuver in here. True, there is a lot of loose earth, but you are considerably smaller than the ankhegs and can generally find a way over or around the shifting dirt and loose places. You need to go slowly, though.
Lorth Tuesday January 31st, 2006 7:21:15 AM
Lorth carefully ties Any's Lute to Tobiasz. He then plays the rope tied to Bralin out a bit at a time as he needs it.
Any Tuesday January 31st, 2006 9:50:56 AM
OOC- What happened to my "light" spell? Is breaking the stick afterwards not allowed?
Any waits, listening to Bralin by way of the message spell, to hear of the conditions of the tunnel. Then, with the others, he will proceed to follow Bralin. He has already voiced his opinion on the likelihood of finding the girl's father alive. He turns to Lorth,
"I suppose you can instruct Tobiaz in what you want him to do before you follow. Will you bring up the rear, or would you like me to?"
Harvest Tuesday January 31st, 2006 11:01:07 AM
"We will find your father." Harvest gives Megs hand a brave squeeze before the farm girl returns to the house. Then, the little brown monk sets her mouth into a line of determination and prepares to enter the tunnel with the others.
As Bralin Stoneminder disappears into the soft freshly turned earth, Harvest Moon shapes her hands into the symbol of Alemi, bringing a greater stride into her step. She has little in the way of possessions to divest herself of. So, directly, she enters the burrow on the heels of the dwarf.
Active Effects Longstrider (Duration 1 hour from entrance to tunnel)
Day's Spells Level Zero 3: Guidance, Detect Magic, *Mend Level One 3 + 1 DC16: Domain: *Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless
Arminas Tuesday January 31st, 2006 11:07:40 AM
Arminas prepares to enter the tunnel, and in response to Any's question of who is bringing up the rear, says:
"I think we are just going a short way down to look for the girl's father. Perhaps a couple should stay up here in case the tunnel collapses. I would love to have someone to dig us out in that case. If we find a large tunnel that we will explore for a time, we could signal you to come in. Once we find it is stable of course. Besides, our gear should be watched."
Arminas then descends down into the tunnel, hoping that someone takes his advice and stays topside.
Bralin Tuesday January 31st, 2006 5:02:42 PM
Bralin continues moving forward. He remians convinced Thistleburr is dead. However, he has been underground in some time, and finds he has missed it.
"The tunnel is passable," he reports. "I continue."
Andrath Tuesday January 31st, 2006 11:12:13 PM
Andrath waits up top with Lorth. "I guess since there was no answer, it is unlikely that anyone is alive down there," he says to the paladin.
DM Kathy Tuesday January 31st, 2006 11:15:05 PM Harvest and Arminas cautiously follow Bralin into the hole, while Lorth carefully lets out the rope.
[OOC: Sorry I missed the Light spell, Lyle. I'm going to say that you can break up the stick as you described, but that the light grows correspondingly dimmer as you do. Each of the party now has a stick that glows, but sheds little light. Great for finding each other; not so good to see by.]
Any passes out glowing sticks to everyone, then pauses to see who is going in next.
Bralin goes farther into the burrow. He's picking up the rhythm of the place now, glad to be underground again--even if it is just an earthen burrow rather than good stone.
You work your way over one loose pile of earth, and around another, and then you see what you'd kind of been expecting to see down here--the lifeless form of a human man.
Lorth Wednesday February 1st, 2006 7:10:37 AM
"I'm going to wait up here.", Lorth says to Any. "I doubt Bralin will be going far." Lorth continues to play out the rope and get ready to pull Bralin in, in case of emergency.
Any Wednesday February 1st, 2006 11:24:47 AM
OOC I need to post now, so I will make the assumption that Bralin will notify us, VIA the message spell, of finding the body.
Any is saddened, but not suprized when Bralin reports finding the body of the Thistleburr father. He speaks to Bralin, saying,
"Maybe we should bring out his body to give the young girl at least the satisfaction of a burial. If you were to tie your rope around him, Lorth and Tobiaz could bring him out most easily, and then we can proceed with our journey, unless anyone sees the need to do anything more?"
Any will then work from his position to follow up on this suggestion, clearing away an easier path for the body to follow.
Bralin d20=12 d20+4=21 Wednesday February 1st, 2006 11:42:30 AM
"I have found a body," Bralin reports upon seeing the form. The dwarf is rather surprised he found anything at all, and decides to tempt the gods and check if the figure is actually alive. [Heal check 16]
If the man lives, or Bralin cannot tell, he casts a healing spell to stabilize him. [Cure Minor Wounds over Read Magic] If the man is obviously dead, Bralin quietly relays that as well.
Bralin hears Any, but isn't about to trap himself in this dangerous place. Instead he simply clamps his powerful hands onto the man's arms, and calls out "Pull us out" [Strength check 21 to maintain his grip].
Arminas Wednesday February 1st, 2006 11:50:21 AM
Upon learning that the man has been found, Arminas decides he would really like to see the Sun again. When he hears Bralin say "Pull us out", Arminas hurries to get out of the tunnel before any of it collapses around him.
Hopefully, he clamers to the surface. Brushing the dirt from himself, he goes to collect his gear.
"These things seldom turn out for the good. I wonder why the Ankheg moved into this area?"
Harvest Wednesday February 1st, 2006 12:48:57 PM
All is darkness save for the tiny glow from Anthos Westar's sticks of light. Harvest holds hers high.
"I have found a body ... " The voice of Bralin Stoneminder. "Pull us out."
The brown girl's heart falls within her chest. Poor Meg. The pain of her own mother's death returns again from out of the dark free-range where memories live. So many people, so rudely parted, taken to Gargul's place.
Halfway up the tunnel, Harvest Moon finds that she has been wringing her hands.
Active Effects Longstrider (Duration 1 hour from entrance to tunnel)
Day's Spells Level Zero 3: Guidance, Detect Magic, *Mend Level One 3 + 1 DC16: Domain: *Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless
DM Kathy Thursday February 2nd, 2006 12:32:12 AM Bralin takes a closer look at the body, just to be sure. He's dead, all right. And there are bits missing. No Heal spell in the Wold is going to bring him back.
Bralin relays the sad news to his companions. Any suggests retrieving the body, and begins clearing a path to make that operation easier. He finds it slow going. Every time he pushes aside a pile of loose earth, it seems that more tumbles in from the sides or even the ceiling of the burrow. The entire thing is pretty unstable.
Arminas makes his way back to the surface, wondering about the Ankhegs. Where had they come from?
Harvest, too, begins heading out of the burrow, thinking of the young woman in the house. This is going to be hard on her.
Lorth stands by the rope and (presumably) begins pulling when Bralin requests it. It takes some doing, but you are able to get the body back to the surface.
In the light, the corpse looks bad. Chunks of flesh are missing, and the face is a mottled purple color.
In the adjoining fields, birds continue to sing. A bumblebee drones lazily past your group. The ordinary sounds contrast sharply with the gruesome sight before you.
Lorth Thursday February 2nd, 2006 7:44:13 AM
Lorth guides Tobiasz away from the burrow and pulls Bralin out. "We will have to take the child to her nearest relatives or bring her along.", Lorth says when he sees that Meg's father is dead, "It isn't safe to leave a child out here alone." Lorth unties Tobiasz and Bralin from his rope and puts it away.
Arminas - prepost Thursday February 2nd, 2006 11:41:23 AM
"Lorth, by elven standards she is a child. Yet she is human, and looks to be in her 20th year. Doesn't that make her a woman, and capable of making her own decisions. Harvest is not much older, at least she doesn't look any older."
Harvest Thursday February 2nd, 2006 12:22:27 PM
"I am less than 20 years of age, Arminas Calaelen. Seventeen, possibly eighteen." Harvest Moon's brown eyes rove like stunned and sleepy bees across the grassy landscape. "My mother ... she was ... simple ... and her counting ... "
Harvest draws in a deep breath. Then she slowly lets it out. One must remain strong when there are others who need you.
"Meg," Harvest begins, her voice firming as she speaks, "can care for herself, I think. And yet, there are times when it is best to have others around. The Wold does not always end at the limits of bodily well being."
Harvest turns and begins the long walk across the short distance to the door of the tidy little house.
"Meg Thistleburr spoke of neighbors. Perhaps she has friends or kin nearby. If she wishes, I will accompany her there and catch up with the rest of you."
Active Effects Longstrider (Duration 1 hour from entrance to tunnel)
Day's Spells Level Zero 3: Guidance, Detect Magic, *Mend Level One 3 + 1 DC16: Domain: *Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless
Bralin Thursday February 2nd, 2006 1:48:55 PM
Bralin is a mess. Bug ichor and dirt make for a cake-like consistency on his armor and face. Even the normally uncaring dwarf would admit he really needs to wash.
Now is not the time.
"We must return Thistleburr to the earth," he points out, referring the to dead man. "Mayhap his daughter has a preference?"
Bralin isn't about to ask her himself. He's well aware of both his appearance and his social limitations.
As to the question of what to do with the girl, the dwarf says nothing. She's perfectly capable of deciding for herself.
Arminas d20+10=16 Thursday February 2nd, 2006 2:15:04 PM
Upon Harvest's word of her age, Arminas adds:
"You are so young, yet you have done so much. I'm sure you will offer excellent advice and compassion to Meg. I realize it is a difficult time, but could you ask if she saw the people whom we seek?"
Arminas then gathers his gear, and brushes the dirt off as well as possible. Looking at Bralin, he give a strained smile.
He is even more filthy than usual, yet he is a dwarf. Perhaps it does not bother him.
Arminas then shudders, for no obvious reason.
"I'm going to seek the tracks of Remo and the men."
He hurries off, to check tracks near the front of the house.
Actions Survival for tracking 16
Any Thursday February 2nd, 2006 5:04:40 PM
Any too is saddened for the girl, and her loss.
"Let us use some of the loose dirt from the burrow to bury this man. No woman should have to see one they have loved in such a condition. Bralin, could we use your shovel to accomplish this task, I will help as I can with the edge of my shield, and when we are finished I can clean us both up with my still active spell of prestidigitation."
Any hopes that Bralin will accept his offer of cleaning this time. Something within the half-elf just cannot accept the state Bralin's clothes are in. Maybe it comes from his early childhood. His mother had been so meticulous in her appearance at all times, perhaps that has been passed on to Any.
After the burial is complete, any will clean his own clothing, and then those of Bralin if he accepts the offer.
When all is back in order, Any turns to the grave and begins to sing. There is no power in his words, but the emotion and feeling is evident.
"The Sun has passed through months and years, Has warmed our hearts, shone on our tears. We cannot change the night to day, Nor bring back the soul who is gone away.
Our friends have passed from this mortal realm, They take with them no crown or helm. We cannot change the night to day, Nor keep Lord Gargul and his kin at bay."
As he stops singing, Any quickly turns and moves to his horse.
"Let us be off. I will see what Arminas has found."
Andrath Thursday February 2nd, 2006 9:59:16 PM
"Wait one minute Any. Let's wrap the body in a blanket, and ask the young lady what she wants to do with him. Maybe her custom is to cremate the body, or maybe she will insist on touching him one last time to say goodbye. I don't think that we should make that determination for her."
"Harvest, can you go back to the house and get an old sheet or blanket, and ask the girl to join us in a few minutes?"
DM Kathy Thursday February 2nd, 2006 11:50:47 PM Lorth puts his gear away and suggests that the young woman in the house will need looking after. The others seem inclined to dispute him on that.
Bralin emerges from the burrow looking quite a mess, and not sure what to do about it.
Obviously, disposing of the body is a priority; the companions seem to agree that Meg shouldn't see her father looking like this. Any is all for burying the body, but Andrath suggests waiting. Perhaps the daughter would prefer a cremation.
Any performs a short lament and uses his Prestidigitation spell to clean himself and Bralin.
Harvest returns to the house to speak to Meg. You find the young woman hauling buckets of water from the well to the animal trough, where she has the horses tied up. Clearly, she is trying to keep busy. She looks up as you approach. "Father? Did you--?" Seeing the expression on your face, she stops. Her face crumples, and the tears begin to flow.
Arminas returns to the tracks of the envoy and his escort. He can clearly see the tracks as they move past the house and meadows, toward a nearby wood.
Lorth Friday February 3rd, 2006 9:35:12 AM
(OOC: thought she was younger)
Lorth helps with the body if he can, otherwise he tends the horses.
Harvest Friday February 3rd, 2006 10:52:35 AM " ... We cannot change the night to day ... "
Strains of Anthos Westar's song float across the sward from the direction of the churned and up-turned earth.
" ... Nor bring back the soul who is gone away ... "
The sting of tears comes to Harvest Moon's own eyes, called forth by Meg Thistleburr's sobs of grief.
"Meg? Thistleburr?" She enfolds the young woman in the solace of her embrace, and the two girls stand in a world apart, a world filled with nothing but the burning weight of loss and with each other.
"Meg Thistleburr?" Harvest gently strokes the woman's hair. "We ... we cannot remain here long. There is ... there is a man we follow. But I am loathed to leave you here. By yourself."
A crushing emptiness comes with the realization that this girl may indeed be here all alone, left with no one in this Wold now. A tear escapes and rolls down Harvest Moon's cheek, and she holds to Meg even tighter.
"What is your wish, Meg Thistleburr? We can take you to another place if you desire." Poor Meg Thistleburr. "Please tell me what it is that you desire."
Active Effects Longstrider (Duration 1 hour from entrance to tunnel)
Day's Spells Level Zero 3: Guidance, Detect Magic, *Mend Level One 3 + 1 DC16: Domain: *Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless
Arminas Friday February 3rd, 2006 11:22:41 AM
Arminas does not attend the funeral, but waits by the trail they have come to follow.
Looking about at the trees, his eyes follow the movement of a pair of birds. They seem content, somehow they have more joy than he has found lately in the world of men.
Any Friday February 3rd, 2006 11:35:39 AM
Any retrieves his lute, and prepares himself for the continuation of their journey. He restrains himself from approaching the two young women as they console each other. From what he has learned of Harvest, her story has echoes in the plight of Meg Thistleburr, and they share this time of grief together.
Rather than sing, and interrupt, Any finds a piece of wood from near the house, and begins to carve a small figure. If anyone draws near enough to see, it looks like a young women in prayer.
Bralin Sunday February 5th, 2006 3:25:02 PM
The dwarf nods to Any, simultaneously signalling both acceptance of, and gratitude for the spell that cleans his face and armor.
Otherwise, Bralin waits wordlessly.
DM Kathy Sunday February 5th, 2006 10:43:07 PM Arminas waits by the trail, idly watching a pair of songbirds. Your eyes drift toward the woods, where their trail leads, and you note more birds aloft there. Then you realize with a start that these are not songbirds, but carrion birds. Circling.
Bralin is glad to be cleaned up again, and nods his thanks to Any. Otherwise, he stays out of the way, waiting patiently.
Lorth goes to tend the horses. Meg had made a good start of this, but you are able to finish watering them, and check over their equipment.
Any retrieves his lute and, deciding to leave the women alone, picks up a bit of wood to do a little carving.
With an effort, Meg stops crying, scrubbing a hand over her teary face. "I want to thank you for your help," she tells Harvest. "All of you," she adds, glancing around at the others. "Had you not come along when you did, I'd likely have joined Father down in the---down there. In fact," she says, suddenly struck by an idea, "I'd like to give you something. Come with me."
She leads Harvest (and anyone else who decides to come along) into the house, to the bedroom on the first floor. Kneeling beside a trunk, she opens it and reaches inside. She pulls out an object wrapped in cloth and carefully unwraps it. Gleaming inside is a well-made throwing axe, which she holds out to you. "It was Great-Grandfather's," she explains. "It's magical. He was an adventurer of sorts, Great-Grandfather, but we're all farmers now." She gives you a sad smile. "Such a weapon should be in the hands of those who know how to weild it, and you did me a great service today. I'd like you to have it."
Lorth Monday February 6th, 2006 7:46:03 AM
If Lorth hears Meg's offer, he says "Thank you, but we require no payment." He then rounds up the horses and gets them ready to leave.
Harvest Monday February 6th, 2006 9:59:16 AM
"There was a man who helped to raise me," speaks Harvest Moon as she takes the weapon in both hands, accepting it from the other girl, "he was a fine and wise man." No comment is necessary as Paladin Lorth withdraws, presumably to tend to the horses. "His name was Pasix Mixmindor, and he was often fond of saying, 'Cherish the gift. But cherish more the gift giver.'"
"We will gladly carry the legacy of your great-grandfather, Meg Thistleburr, and I would hope that by doing so, we continue his work. And yet, beyond that, I am concerned for you. What is there that we can do to help you in this, your time of need?"
Active Effects Longstrider (Duration 1 hour from entrance to tunnel)
Day's Spells Level Zero 3: Guidance, Detect Magic, *Mend Level One 3 + 1 DC16: Domain: *Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless
Arminas Monday February 6th, 2006 11:10:00 AM
Arminas watches the vultures circle, cleaning up a kill. Many do not realize the importance of such a bird, yet all have a place in nature. When others come out, Arminas points up to the circling birds.
"Something has died over in the woods. From the number of vultures it is probably something large. We should investigate it, but it is probably a deer or a boar. Maybe even a horse, we should definitely find out."
With a whistle, Arminas calls his eagle friend to him. He gestures while saying arcane words, and soon Arminas is talking in the screeches and screams of an eagle.
"I have asked Ewan to fly over and investigate. If it is just a deer she will save us time. Soon she will return with news of what the vultures feed upon."
Day's Spell Speak with animals x 2 (both used now)
Any Monday February 6th, 2006 3:31:41 PM
Any takes note of the exchange with Meg Thistleburr. He has no need of the axe, nor does he have a desire to use it, but he can accept the sentiment with which it is given. If one of the others dain to use this weapon, they are welcome to it. If no one wishes to use it, perhaps the group can find someone to bestow it upon who will.
He continues to work on the carving untill Arminas points out the circling vultures. He has seen this large of a gathering of vultures only around the site of battles with robbers and brigands. Ewan will be able to check out the situation soon enough. In the meantime, his carving progresses.
Bralin Monday February 6th, 2006 4:52:33 PM
Bralin waits, arms folded across his chest. The dwarf is the very model of inertia, waiting patiently to be set into motion.
DM Kathy Monday February 6th, 2006 10:55:14 PM Lorth is inclined to refuse the offered reward, but Harvest seems to feel that accepting it is the right way to honor the fallen. She asks young Meg if the party can be of further service.
"I thank you for your concern," she says, "but I think I will be all right. I must see to the stock, then I believe I will walk to the neighbors' place. They will look after me, and I can figure out what to do with the farm." She sighs, looking around at the tidy farmhouse. "I'd like to keep it, if I can, but--" breaking off, she gives you a wan smile. "Go, join your friends," she says. "I'll be fine. And I shall never forget what you have done for me."
Outside, meanwhile, Any continues carving, while Bralin waits, a study in patience. Andrath, in contrast, paces furiously, clearly impatient to be off.
Arminas sends Ewan off to see what the carrion birds are so interested in. After a time, she comes back. "People," she reports. "And horses."
Arminas Monday February 6th, 2006 11:01:09 PM
Arminas talks with Ewan, with screechs and screams. He then rubs the feathers on the back of her head.
"She says that there are dead horses and people over there."
He points to the circling vultures.
"Perhaps our quest is almost over. We should check to see if it is Remo and the guards."
He then turns to Ewan, and with the voice of an eagle asks:
"Do you see any alive, save for the vultures? Is there a black pony among the dead?"
Lorth Tuesday February 7th, 2006 7:58:34 AM
Lorth mounts his horse and gets ready to investigate this new situation. He gives Harvest a disapproving look when she emerges with the axe, certainly it is not proper to receive a gift for helping someone in need. Could not of Meg sold or traded, this "magic" axe, in the future, if she was in dire straights? Perhaps the crops wilt and die some year. Certainly Lorth's friends are not in dire straights to take a peasants family treasure. Meg's heart may have been in the right place, but certainly her head wasn't. And on another hand, this family heirloom, axe, will probably not even be used by Lorth's friends, but will most likely wind up being sold to the catacombs for some item that they might want to have. And that is a damm shame. Certainly Meg's grandfather would rather she keep the axe or even sell it herself, to get something to make herself happy.
Harvest Tuesday February 7th, 2006 10:50:02 AM
Harvest Moon looks down at the wonderfully crafted weapon in her hands. She hesitates.
"I have nothing, Meg Thistleburr, that is so dear to me that I can give to you in return. But after we have discharged our task, I will return to see that you are well, and to aide you in any way that I can. If you are in need, of anything at all, please ask at the Pitchfork Council in Jarlwolf."
And still, the brown girl hesitates.
"I am new to Alemi," she says, her hands are wrapped tightly around the haft of the small hatchet, "and yet I have been told that he is a god of mercy, who lends his hand to those who suffer." Harvest Moon reaches up to touch the brow of the taller girl.
"May the blessings of Alemi be upon you. May he take your pain and turn it to health, and bounty of spirit. Be well, Meg Thistleburr," she says. "Until we meet again."
Then Harvest Moon hurries to join her companions. The small axe remains at her side, draped in the thick cuff of her sleeve, as she takes in the various activities of the others.
Active Effects Longstrider (Duration 1 hour from entrance to tunnel)
Day's Spells Level Zero 3: Guidance, Detect Magic, *Mend Level One 3 + 1 DC16: Domain: *Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless
Bralin Tuesday February 7th, 2006 11:30:16 AM
Bralin makes no comment regarding the axe. He has no judgement either way.
At Arminas' words, he moves to the burro and clambers back aboard. It is time to leave this place and seek out more answers.
Any Tuesday February 7th, 2006 12:13:50 PM
Any listens to Arminas' traslation of Ewan's report. It is as he had thought--a battle has been fought. Now it is only necessary to determine who won, who lost, and if this is the party they have been seeking.
His sentiments concerning the axe have not changed, he does not want it, but the girl has the right to give what is hers. She would probably be better off to keep it herself for protection, or to sell later.
"If we cannot help you further, we should probably be on our way. We need to investigate this new development. Evidently, there has been a battle nearby, we should discover, as Arminas has said if our quest is over. Even if many of the party has died, the ambassador may yet live, if this is his group."
Any then mounts Moonshadow,carefully placing his carving in his saddlebags, wrapping it in a piece of his old shirt.
OOC What time of day is it? Would we want to spend the night here, rather than in the woods?
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